LOCAL BRIEFS: DEC 13, 2025
Uploaded in the Dec. 13, 2025 issue.
Affordable housing in Bishop?
The California Strategic Growth Council approved $26.46 million in grant funding to Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. (VHB) and the City of Bishop for the Silver Peaks housing development this week.
Silver Peaks will bring 60 new affordable homes for families at 30%, 50%, and 60% AMI, along with a community center, Head Start childcare space, ADA-adaptable units, and energy-efficient features—creating a safe, modern, and connected community for Bishop residents.
The award also invests in citywide mobility and sustainability improvements, including 2.28 miles of new bikeways, upgraded bus stops, 1,200 feet of accessible walkways, and expanded anti-displacement services, supporting Bishop’s long-term commitment to equitable and sustainable growth.
“The City of Bishop is thrilled to see this project moving forward,” said Stephen Muchovej, Bishop Mayor. “This award brings unprecedented investment in affordable homes, safe transportation options, and community-serving infrastructure. Silver Peaks will serve families for generations and strengthen our commitment to creating a thriving, inclusive Bishop.”
Quit trashing the dump
All Inyo County-operated landfills have started enforcing the Untarped Load Fee for vehicles arriving with untarped loads that contain blowing or unsecured trash.
To reduce roadside litter and improve safety and cleanliness at landfill sites, a $10 fee will be added to any load that is not properly tarped or secured. This policy applies to all residential and commercial customers.
The county is asking everyone to do their part by securing their loads before traveling to the landfill. Unsecured trash not only creates a mess but also poses hazards to other drivers and the environment.
Customers are encouraged to use tarps, nets, or other appropriate coverings to prevent debris from scaping during transport. Loads that are fully enclosed or properly secured will not be subject to the fee.
Now will you fix the roads?
The Inyo County Road Department recently purchased about $1.7 million worth of heavy equipmentand other vehicles. The equipment was purchased from Coastline Equipment Company of Las Vegas, Volvo Construction Equipment, and various companies in Bakersfield.
The list of new goodies:
* $166,379.71 for a John Deere 320 P-Tier Backhoe Loader;
* $458,511.70 for a John Deere 672 P-Tier Motor Grader with 6WD;
* $298,146.74 for a John Deere 624 P-Tier Wheel Loader;
* $235,304.45 for an RPM Tech RPM 220 Snow Blower;
* $90,979.09, for a Volvo Asphalt Roller;
* $217,114.85 for a 2025 Freightliner Ten Ton Dump Truck;
* $84,950.71 for a Caterpillar Fork Lift;
* $234,156.20 for a 2025 Ford F550 Regular Cab 4×4 Crane Truck;
* $46,250.80 for a 2025 Ford Ranger (R4H) XLT 4WD SuperCrew Truck.
The new rigs replace older, outdated machines and comply with California Air Resources Board laws and requirements, staff said. Payment will come from dedicated Road Department funds, not the General Fund.
Surplus vehicles and equipment will be auctioned off to reduce total costs.
Lee Vining’s very own Parcel
At his town hall Wednesday night, Supervisor Paul McFarland announced the County has been developing plans for a housing project on County-owned land near the Lee Vining Community Center.
The County’s housing ad hoc committee conducted a housing yield study to assess what could potentially be built on the site.
“We drew up a whole bunch of different scenarios — from triplexes to duplexes to manufactured homes to tiny homes,” McFarland said.
The developer and the County plan to present their findings at a community meeting in Lee Vining in February.
“I’m really viewing that February meeting as a red light or a green light,” he said. “Do we want to go forward with this? Because it’s one of the few places we’ll be able to make fast progress.”
The golden brick road
McFarland also announced Wednesday that the Caltrans Lee Vining Pavement Rehabilitation Project went out to bid for $7 million more than expected.
The project aims to revitalize the stretch of U.S. 395 running through Lee Vining to make it more walkable, and construction is slated to begin Spring 2026. Caltrans plans to implement a “road diet,” reducing the roadway to three lanes and adding pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
The project was estimated at roughly $26 million, but the recent bid came in at around $33 million.
“A little bit of a disconnect there,” McFarland said. “We’re working to figure out what to do.”
Bell ringers wanted
The Salvation Army is looking for bell ringers for shifts at the Mammoth Vons on December 12, 13, 19 & 20. If you can help, please contact Greg Jennison at 760.935.4343.
Crom is running
On December 4, 2025, District Attorney Dana Crom announced her intention to run for Inyo County Superior Court Judge. She is running on a platform of transparency.
Crom has been practicing for 35 years. With a background in criminal and civil law, Crom’s career centers on a collaborative approach to justice, working closely with law enforcement, victims, and families.
“My decision to run comes at a time when our community rightfully deserves a justice system with strong leadership, experience and accountability,” Crom said in a statement.
As her campaign continues, Crom plans to host community forums and outreach events throughout Inyo County.
SCE forks over lunch money
Much-needed relief is coming to local food resources in Inyo County this winter thanks to a grant from Southern California Edison (SCE).
The $20,000 was initially granted to the Eastern Sierra Foundation in response to the government shutdown that delayed CalFresh (food stamp) benefits to 2,087 Inyo County residents and their families.
When CalFresh benefits resumed at the end of the shutdown on November 12, SCE allowed Eastern Sierra Foundation to pivot and re-distribute the money to local foods banks and other organizations instead. According to Supervisor Griffiths, the following entities will be receiving a portion of the SCE grant to bolster their food reserves and support their general efforts to provide food security to local families: St. Vincent de Paul, Eastside Student Center, United Methodist Social Services Soup Kitchen, Owens Valley Growers for food banking in Independence and Lone Pine, Inyo-Mono Community Advocates for Community Action (IMACA)
The latter donation, Supervisor Griffiths said, will enable IMACA to resume food commodity distributions to Southeast Inyo communities like Shoshone, Tecopa, and Charleston View.
