Countdown to Fishmas Day

Get your rods, reels, tackle box and waders out, because the Eastern Sierra Fishing Opener is April 28! Mammoth Lakes Tourism helping load up the town with deals and events, including the 50 days of Fishmas!

Friday, April 27, from 4-8 p.m. at the Village at Mammoth, stop by for Fishing Tips from Ronnie Kovach, as well as live music, Eastern Sierra Fishing Souvenirs, Mammoth Brewing Company beer and raffle tickets.

On Saturday, April 28, from 2-8 p.m. at the Village at Mammoth, take in a screening of the “Manzanar Fishing Club” movie, more live music, kids activities, MBC beer, food from the Lion’s Club and Rotary clubs, Eastern Sierra Fishing Souvenirs, kibbitz with fishing vendors and get in on raffle prizes given away every hour.

Both days’ raffle ticket sales will also enter you in a chance to win a 14′ Klamath Deluxe S boat complete with 8 hp Honda Marine outboard and EZ Loader trailer. Funds from raffle, beer and retail sales will help stocking of Alpers Trout in Eastern Sierra waters!

Buy raffle tickets in advance online at www.easternsierrafishing.org.

Get in on the “50 Days of Fishmas” competition, April 30-June 18, with fishing derbies and 50% off lodging, dining, gear, activities and flights.

Print your Eastern Sierra Fishing Passport at www.easternsierrafishing.org for FREE and catch all the savings.

You could win that Klamath Deluxe boat and a boat load of gear! Raffle tickets are $1 each or 15 for $10.

For more on fishing and other activites in Mammoth and the Eastern Sierra, visit www.visitmammoth.com and www.monocounty.org.

Cerro Coso Forums

As Cerro Coso Community College prepares for another year of state budget cuts, College President Jill Board, will hold two community forums at the Mammoth Lakes and Bishop campuses, to discuss the college’s current and future status.

The Mammoth Lakes Community Forum will be held Monday, April 23, from 6-7 p.m. in Room 215.

The Bishop Community Forum will be on Tuesday, April 24, from 6-7:30 p.m. in Room 176.

Both forums are open to the public, which is strongly encouraged to attend.

Manzanar Pilgrimage

If you’ve never been, be a part of history during the Annual Pilgramage to Manzanar National Historic on Saturday, April 28. A delegation of Japanese-Amreicans, dignitaries and members of the public return to the Manazar Internment Camp on U.S. 395 near Independence to pay tribute to the internees and Japanese American veterans who fought during WWII. Organized by Manzanar National Historic. Call 760 878-2932 or visit www.manzanarcommittee.org.

Rainbow Trout Festival 

Angler, bring your Opening Day catch to Bishop City Park on Saturdayt, April 28. Fish will be displayed beginning at 2 p.m. For each fish entered, receive one ticket to the HUGE RAFFLE! Prizes awarded at 7 p.m. and will include rod & reel combos, tackle, fishing apparel and gift certificates. There Live music, demonstrations, information booths & kids activities. “Just for Fun” prizes will also be awarded for biggest fish, best stringer, ugliest & most beautiful fish. Registration is FREE.For more info call 760.873.8405.

Mountain Light workshop

Mountain Light Gallery’s artist workshop series continues with a 3-day event featuring photographer and Galen Rowell protege Jerry Dodrill: “Spring in the Eastern Sierra: Fundamentals of Creative Landscape Photography,” Thursday, April 26 through Sunday, April 29. A discount is available to repeat participants, NANPA members, full-time photo-graphy teachers and full-time students!

Dodrill will de-mystify the fundamentals of creative, digital nature photography through lectures, fieldwork and critique in both a small group and individual format. Students will study light, motion and composition. Dodrill will share techniques to help pre-visualize, anticipate and capture best-case lighting conditions, plus how to set up an efficient post-production workflow.

Dodrill will lead two sunrise and two sunset field trips to locations in the Owens Valley, Eastern Sierra and the White Mountains, conditions permitting. Digital capture and projection fully supported. Due to lack of demand, there will be no film processing. “Film-only” participants are encouraged to bring 10 slides (35mm) of existing work for critique.

Info/registration: www.mountainlight.com or call 760.873.7700.