Local briefs
Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserve finds new Director
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the UCSB Natural Reserve system announced the selection of Dr. Carol Blanchette as the new Director of the Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserve, effective April 18, 2016, following a nationwide search.
Dr. Blanchette received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Notre Dame and a Ph.D. in Ecology from Oregon State University. She has over 20 years of experience coordinating and implementing field-based ecological research programs. Dr. Blanchette is currently an Associate Research Biologist at the Marine Science Institute at UCSB.
Dr. Blanchette, her husband Steve Morando, and their daughter Neko are serious eastern Sierra enthusiasts who own a home in Swall Meadows that was lost in the February, 2015 Round fire.
Dr. Blanchette succeeds Dan Dawson who will retire from the Directorship on July 1, 2016, after 38 years of service to the University of California
Salvation Army Thrift Store closes
The Salvation Army announced today that its thrift store in Bishop will close effective Saturday, January 23. The thrift store, located at 1180 N. Main Street in Bishop, has been operated by The Salvation Army Bishop Corps for several years. Although local support of the store has been good, its has not been able to profit enough and the decision was made to close it.
Lt. Cathie McCulley of The Salvation Army Bishop Corps said that “Despite the thrift store closure, we remain committed to providing social service assistance, worship and fellowship offerings to the community of Bishop, and its surrounding area … If we are able to acquire a new building that can meet our space needs, we would revisit the idea of re-opening the store.”
Bob Gardner announces candidacy for Mono County Board
June Lake resident Bob Gardner announced on Monday that he is running for the Third District seat on the Mono County Board of Supervisors in the June 7, 2016 election. “Being on the Board of Supervisors is a chance to give back to a region that has been special to me for many decades,” he said. “I have seen Mono County grow and change over the years. I now want to be part of ensuring it will continue to be one of the finest counties in California, and a great place to live, work, and play.”
