Sierra Wave

Eastern Sierra News - We're The News People

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Stephen Muchovej — City of Bishop City Council Candidate Interview

Stephen Muchovej sits down with Jason Brown of Sierra Wave Media and KSRW-FM for a conversation ahead of the upcoming City Council election.

We get to know Stephen a little better, talk about his background and experience, and ask him a few questions about issues facing the City of Bishop and its residents.

Watch the full interview and hear directly from Stephen Muchovej about his perspective on the future of Bishop.

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Bishop Unified School District Candidate Meet & Greet Mixer

* Slogan: Stronger Together for Bishop
* Motto: Students ★ Community ★ Brighter Tomorrows

* Description: Come meet the Bishop Unified School District Board of Education candidates, ask questions, and learn more about their vision for our schools and community.

Candidates:
* Joshua Nicholson
* Scott Gadea
* Claudia Moya Tanner
* Virgina Figueroa
* Tyler McManus

Event Details:
* 📅 Date: Wednesday, September 30
* ⏰ Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
* 📍 Location: Back Alley Bowl & Grill, 649 North Main St., Bishop, CA

Our Schools • Our Community • Our Future
Educate • Empower • Belong

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

#BlindFire

Sep 26 at 3:56 PM
Two additional type-1 restricted helicopters (for a total of four helicopters) and two additional type-3 air tankers (for a total of four air tankers) have been requested, per Air Attack.

Sep 26 at 3:40 PM
The fire is 20 acres burning in grass and brush at a moderate rate of spread. No structures are threatened and there is potential for 500 acres, per Air Attack.

Sep 26 at 3:14 PM
The fire is 5-6 acres, moving northeast and pushing into moderate fuels with potential for several hundred acres, per arriving unit

Miranda Schwegler
Regional Captain
Watch Duty App

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

We interview participants from the Toiyabe Walk for Life in Bishop, California, as they share their experiences, perspectives, and why bringing awareness to suicide prevention and mental health is so important to our Eastern Sierra communities. The Walk for Life brings people together with a shared message of hope, awareness, education, and support.

#ToiyabeWalkForLife #WalkForLife #BishopCA #EasternSierra #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #Hope #Healing #CommunitySupport #EndTheStigma #Awareness #Education #Support #ToiyabeIndianHealthProject #IndianCountry #NativeCommunities #EasternSierraCommunities #BishopCalifornia #SierraWaveMedia

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Mono County Board of Supervisors Adopts FY 2026-27 Final Budget

MONO COUNTY, CA (September 24, 2026) – The Mono County Board of Supervisors has officially adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Final Budget, approving a comprehensive plan that allocates resources to fund County operations and address key community priorities. The budget was adopted at the September 15, 2026 Board meeting.

The adopted budget totals $165,792,323 million in expenditures, a decrease of $7.8 million compared to FY 2025-26. These expenditures are balanced with $147,386,746 in revenues and $18,405,577 in fund balance. The General Fund, which supports day-to-day County services, totals $69,851,417, representing a $3,918,632 increase over the prior year. This increase is supported by an $11.1 million carryover from the previous fiscal year.

In addition to funding ongoing County operations, the Board has made strategic allocations to several emerging priorities, including establishing a Consumer Protection Division within the District Attorney’s Office, improving our community centers to support online meetings, providing support for daycare programs including Little Loopers in June Lake, and making Information Technology improvements to digitize County records and bolster security. The remaining fund balance has been set aside as contingency to provide fiscal flexibility and safeguard against potential federal funding reductions.

"This budget is a direct result of our dedication to responsible stewardship and meaningful collaboration," said Board of Supervisors Chair Jennifer Kreitz, District 1. "While keeping our core public services strong, we are actively directing resources toward key investments that will strengthen Mono County's resilience and support our community for years to come."

Finance Director Stephanie Trujillo commented, "Our adopted budget highlights Mono County's steadfast commitment to long-term financial health. By balancing immediate operational needs with strategic foresight, we've built a fiscal plan that protects essential local services while preparing us to navigate upcoming economic shifts."

The full budget and more information can be accessed here.

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https://t.co/08Qg93bNHr

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Aaron Schat — City of Bishop City Council Candidate Interview Aaron Schat sits down with Jason Brown of Sierra Wave Media and KSRW-FM for a conversation ahead of the upcoming City Council election.

We get to know Aaron a little better, talk about his background and experience, and ask him a few questions about issues facing the City of Bishop and its residents.

Watch the full interview and hear directly from Aaron Schat about his perspective on the future of Bishop.

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Tyler Beadle — City of Bishop City Council Candidate Interview

Tyler Beadle sits down with Jason Brown of Sierra Wave Media and KSRW-FM for a conversation ahead of the upcoming City Council election.

We get to know Tyler a little better, talk about his background and experience, and ask him a few questions about issues facing the City of Bishop and its residents.

Watch the full interview and hear directly from Tyler Beadle about his perspective on the future of Bishop.

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Karen Schwartz — City of Bishop City Council Candidate Interview

Incumbent City of Bishop Councilmember Karen Schwartz sits down with Jason Brown of Sierra Wave Media and KSRW-FM for a conversation ahead of the upcoming City Council election.

We get to know Karen a little better, talk about her background and experience, and ask her a few questions about issues facing the City of Bishop and its residents.

Watch the full interview and hear directly from Karen Schwartz about her perspective on the future of Bishop.

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Great news from Crowley Fish Foundation! CFF Advisor Chad Kasten was guiding Nico Pollero on the Upper Owens River when he caught (and released) one of the Desert Springs Trout Farm fish that motored up into the river! Nico fed it a white baby fat minnow pattern, dead drifting. This is so cool to see the 🐟 in the river, too. CFF can’t do this without their generous supporters. Stocking the lake has improved fishing on the Upper Owens River!!!

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Historic Southern Pacific steam locomotive #18 will be fired up and running in Independence, CA, for two exclusive photography sessions. Pre-registration and a $200 fee per session is required as space is limited. The evening session is on Oct. 16, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a morning session on Oct. 16, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. After those sessions conclude, the public can view and photograph the locomotive for Free. To register or for more information, email [email protected]

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

1st Annual Walk for Life Lone Pine, CA September 18, 2026

The purpose of the Walk for Life is to bring awareness and education to the subject of suicide in Indian Country.

Toiyabe Indian Health Project hopes that Walk for Life will unite our communities with the common goals of preventing suicide and ending the stigma that surrounds depression and other mental health disorders.

#WalkForLife #LonePine #LonePineCA #ToiyabeIndianHealthProject #SuicidePrevention #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealthAwareness #IndianCountry #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #CommunitySupport #HopeAndHealing #WalkForLife2026 #EasternSierra #InyoCounty

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

GEORGE JEFF III.  1975 – 2026

George Jeff III passed away peacefully on September 01, 2026 surrounded by his family. As a longtime resident of Bishop, California, he will be remembered as a blessing in the lives of those who knew him and he will be greatly missed.

A Cry Dance will be held for George at sundown on Friday September 18, 2026 at the Jeff Residence; 318 Winuba Lane, Bishop, CA 93514.

A Funeral Service will be held the following morning, Saturday September 19, 2026 at 10:00am at the Jeff Residence with a Graveside Service to follow at the Sunland Cemetery in Bishop, CA.

Following the Ceremonies, a Pot Luck will be held back at the Jeff Residence. Please join the family in continuing the Celebration of George’s life.

The Jeff family would like to thank everyone for their help, thoughts and prayers during this time.

For further information please contact Louella at [phone] or Cheryl at [phone]

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

1ST ANNUAL ADVENTURES IN READING FESTIVAL

📚 Main Event Details

* Date: Saturday, September 19
* Time: Noon – 4 PM
* Location: Bishop Elementary School
* Admission: $5 suggested donation per person
* Host: Bishop Elementary School PTCO

🎉 Activities & Highlights

* Scholastic Book Fair
* Face Painting
* Crafts
* Games
* Dress as Your Favorite Book Character! Costume Contest

🍔 Food Available for Purchase

* Hot Dogs
* Hamburgers
* Snacks (Chips)
* Drinks

✨ Theme & Inspiration Quotes

* Read • Explore • Dream • Belong
* Books, People, Ideas, Adventure, Everyone Belongs Here
* Big Books, Bright Ideas, Kinder Community
* Characters, Stories, Change the World
* Read More, Be More
* Good Books, Bright Futures
* Read, Learn, Grow Together

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Firefighters respond to a tractor trailer fire on SR-190.
For Immediate Release: September 15, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — The National Park Service urges commercial truck drivers to use caution when traveling State Route 190 through Death Valley National Park, particularly on the steep descent from Towne Pass.

A tractor-trailer caught fire on SR-190 at approximately 7:45 p.m. Sept. 9 after its brakes overheated while descending about 5,000 feet from Towne Pass. The eastbound driver quickly detached the tractor from the trailer, preventing a potential spill of emulsified asphalt. The tractor later became fully engulfed in flames.

The incident highlights a recurring safety concern on Towne Pass. Park records show eight tractor-trailer fires on this section of SR-190 in the past three years.

“Commercial truck drivers should know about the steep grade well before they reach Towne Pass,” said Abby Wines, deputy superintendent. “Drivers need to determine whether their vehicle and load are appropriate for this route and, if necessary, choose an alternate route.”

The park urges commercial drivers to properly maintain their vehicles, use appropriate braking techniques and understand the demands of their route before entering Death Valley National Park.

For current road conditions and travel information, visit Alerts & Conditions - Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

https://t.co/zujZbrVUZd

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

BISHOP CA -

The Bishop City Council voted Monday night to approve $40,000 for the California High School Rodeo Association to support the 2027 High School State finals in Bishop. The vote was 4-0 with Mayor Muchovje being absent.

National Director Joel Church of CHSRA spoke with the council, telling them how much the association loves coming to Bishop. These funds will help them continue coming to our beautiful town.

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Stacey Sharing with Jason: All the Fun and Exciting Things She’s Been Up To!

Stacey sits down with Jason to catch up and share all the fun, exciting, and interesting things she’s been up to lately! From new adventures and projects to the stories you won’t hear anywhere else, Stacey brings her usual energy and personality to the conversation.

It’s a chance to catch up, have a few laughs, and find out what Stacey has been up to!

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Jason Brown gets the opportunity to sit down virtually with Kelly Bearden to talk about the 10th Annual Capital Summit, happening Thursday, September 17th, in Mammoth Lakes, California. Kelly shares what attendees can expect from this year’s summit, why the event is important to the Eastern Sierra, and what opportunities it brings to local communities and businesses.

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

📷
Date: September 14, 2026
District: 9 - Bishop
Contact: Michael Lingberg
Phone: [phone]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lee Vining Pavement Rehabilitation Project to Begin Construction

What you need to know: The Lee Vining Pavement Rehabilitation Project will go into construction on Monday, September 28, in the town of Lee Vining, and drivers can expect delays.

LEE VINING — Construction on the approximately $30 million Lee Vining Pavement Rehabilitation Project will commence Monday, September 28 in and around the town of Lee Vining. This project will rehabilitate the pavement of U.S. 395 from State Route 120 W, through the town of Lee Vining, to Picnic Grounds Road. Scheduled over 320 working days, this project will redesign U.S. 395 in Lee Vining from a 5-lane highway to a 3-lane highway from just south of Lee Vining Avenue to just north of Lee Vining High School as a traffic-calming measure.

Other features and Complete Streets elements of the project include:

·    Addition of bicycle lanes within Lee Vining

·    Expansion of sidewalks up to 16 feet wide

·    Replacement, repair, and construction of new ADA-compliant curb ramps, driveways, crosswalks, and landscaping

·    New parallel parking in town

·    New water lines and sewer lines

Crews will begin the project by replacing the town’s water lines and sewers before wrapping up for a winter suspension later in October. For more information about this project, visit the Caltrans District 9 Projects page: Lee Vining Pavement Rehabilitation Project | Caltrans.

The project is tentatively scheduled to finish construction in the fall of 2028.

FUNDING INFORMATION: The Lee Vining Pavement Rehabilitation Project received $26.24 million in funding in August 2025 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) – also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Under IIJA, California will receive an estimated $41.9 billion over five years. IIJA provides significant funding to rebuild California’s transportation system, including support to improve roadways, bridges, freight projects, public transportation, infrastructure safety enhancements, and to increase infrastructure resiliency to the impacts of severe weather and climate change. For more information about IIJA, visit Building California: Transforming Infrastructure for a Better Future | Home.

The Lee Vining Pavement Rehabilitation Project received $3.52 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1. Find out how California is building for a better tomorrow by visiting https://t.co/7PhW3j5mv3.
Follow us for the latest information on Facebook (Caltrans9), X/Twitter (@Caltrans9), and Instagram (@Caltransd9), or email us at [email protected]. To assist in planning your commute, view live traffic conditions using QuickMap at https://t.co/AxKHYwoMee.

Travelers are asked to be attentive to workers on the highway, slow for the cone zone, and move over whenever possible to give additional clearance. Be Safe and Be Work Zone Alert!

To assist in planning your commute, view live traffic conditions using QuickMap at https://t.co/AxKHYwoMee or download the QuickMap App to your iOS or Android device.
For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (i.e., Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Angela Bates at [phone] or TTY 711.

[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Mono County Administrative Officer Sandra Moberly Earns Prestigious ICMA Credential

MONO COUNTY, Calif. (September 14, 2026) – Mono County Administrative Officer Sandra Moberly recently received the Credentialed Manager (CM) designation from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Moberly is one of more than 1,700 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.

The ICMA Credentialed Manager designation recognizes professional local government managers who have significant senior management experience, appropriate education, and a demonstrated commitment to high standards of integrity, lifelong learning, and professional development.

"On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I want to congratulate Sandra on earning this hard-earned credential," said Jennifer Kreitz, Chair of the Mono County Board of Supervisors. "Sandra brings tremendous experience, professionalism, and integrity to her role as County Administrative Officer. Her commitment to continued learning reflects the kind of leadership we value in Mono County. This designation is an important professional achievement and a testament to her dedication to public service and to the communities we serve."

"I'm honored to receive the ICMA Credentialed Manager designation and proud to join local government professionals across the country who are committed to excellence in public service," said Moberly. "Local government is constantly evolving, and I believe we have a responsibility as leaders to continue learning, challenging ourselves, and finding better ways to serve our communities. I'm grateful for the trust of the Board of Supervisors and for the talented Mono County employees I have the privilege of working alongside every day. Earning this designation reflects my commitment to them and to the residents and communities we serve."

Moberly has more than 25 years of local government experience and has served as Mono County Administrative Officer since August 2023. Before joining Mono County, she spent 17 years with the Town of Mammoth Lakes, including 10 years leading the Community and Economic Development Department. She began her local government career with the cities of Laguna Niguel and Huntington Beach.

Moberly holds a Master of Public Administration from Kent State University and a bachelor's degree in Environmental Analysis and Design from the University of California, Irvine. She is also a credentialed member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

About ICMA

ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, advances professional local government worldwide. The organization's mission is to advance professional local government through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics.

ICMA identifies leading practices to address the needs of local governments and professionals serving communities globally. The organization provides research, publications, data and information, peer assistance, training, and professional development to city, town, and county leaders and other local government professionals around the world.

For more information about the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program, visit https://t.co/AFF9oRwj1a.

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[Sierra Wave @sierrawave]

Get ready for a fun interview about an incredible local event! Join Nikki Rae Hart from the Inyo Adult Education Center and Jason Brown from Sierra Wave Media as they goof off, drop a few one liners, and share all the details about Around the World at Cerro Coso happening on September 15th.

Discover what’s in store for this amazing community cultural celebration—plus, learn how you can catch a FREE ride straight to the event courtesy of the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA)!