Local briefs
One on the phone, one in the trunk
According to the California Highway Patrol, on Tuesday, Jan. 19, a 14-year old driver and five juvenile passengers—one in the trunk—in a 2003 Buick Rendezous were eastbound on Bir Rd. on the Bishop Paiute Reservation. The driver was busy texting and failed to maneuver a corner and hit a boulder. The car rolled several times, coming to rest on its roof. The driver and passengers fled the area without contacting law enforcement. An hour later, CHP got wind of several juveniles admitting themselves to Northern Inyo Hospital’s Emergency Room.
CHP officers contacted the driver for possible driving under the influence and eventually arrested and charged the driver with three felonies; DUI, hit and run, and child endangerment. The names of the driver and passengers are not being released due to their age. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Even less parking at Whitney Portal
The Whitney Portal Road Reconstruction is planned for the 2016 season under a funding request from Inyo County. The road will be re-paved beginning just west of Lone Pine and ending just east of Whitney Portal.
“There is no way to complete this project without having a significant impact on visitors to the Whitney Portal area,” said Ed Armenta, Forest Supervisor. “The road has only one ingress/egress and the already limited parking will be much reduced. Accessing the area may be, at times, difficult and frustrating. Your planning and patience will help complete this very important project.”
Visitors have long used roadside parking as an overflow. During construction near Whitney Portal, this roadside parking will not be available. Construction delays will be up to three hours, twice a day. Visitors to Whitney Portal should anticipate that there may not be a parking space available. Visitors to Whitney Portal should consider carpooling, being dropped off by friends, or shuttle services available from the Lone Pine area.
Visitors who want to hike Mt. Whitney are strongly encouraged to enter the lottery since walk-in permits will not be issued when parking is unavailable. Please apply via www.recreation.gov.
