Mammoth Lakes Town e-News: October 7, 2022
California’s Best Kept Secret – Fall in Mammoth Lakes!
Fall in Mammoth Lakes is one of California’s best-kept secrets. The natural awesomeness of the Eastern Sierra gets painted gold, crimson and orange and provides a backdrop for any adventure whether hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking or floating on a lake waiting for a bite. In these warm days and cool nights, explore the wonders of Fall colors with the help of some friendly advice from Mammoth Lakes Tourism. The changing of the seasons sees some closures, such as Reds Meadow, but with the coming of winter, some BIG openings are just around the corner. The community also celebrated new Trail Connectors in the Lakes Basin and a $2.7M road and multi-use path rehabilitation project. Enjoy this month’s Town e-News!
Reds Meadow Road Scheduled to Close October 11
The Inyo National Forest and Devils Postpile National Monument announce that Reds Meadow Road at Minaret Vista will be closed for the season on Tuesday, October 11. The roadways within the Lakes Basin and the upper portion of Old Mammoth Road will remain open until weather conditions change. Starting October 1, tree felling began along Reds Meadow Road in preparation for upcoming road construction scheduled to begin in 2023. Expect periodic delays during this work, with waiting times of up to 30 minutes. Beginning October 11, no overnight parking will be allowed in the Reds Meadow Valley, and all vehicles must be cleared of the area by Monday night, October 10 at 11:59 p.m. Additionally, the road will not be plowed during or after winter storms. Reds Meadow Road has historically closed sometime between October 15 and the end of October due to winter storms. While the road is closed, all traffic including those on foot will be prohibited. Visitors may still access destinations within Reds Meadow and the Lakes Basin by utilizing existing trail networks, but must also be aware there are no services in the area. The Reds Meadow Reconstruction Project, which will continue into 2024, will provide major safety and traffic improvements, made possible through a Federal Lands Access Program grant received by the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
Town Has Pre-Engineered and Approved Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) Ready To Go!
The intent of the approved ADU designs is to make housing more affordable by greatly reducing the cost of design work for building plans. The designs are pre-engineered to conform to both structural and non-structural building code requirements, in addition to Energy Code compliance documents. There is a total of five designs that range from 440 square feet to 1,000 square feet and are comprised of (2) two bedroom units, (2) one bedroom units, and (1) studio unit. The users of these plans will need to provide separate documents, such as a site plan, rooftop solar PV plans, and residential fire sprinkler plans (if needed). The plans are now available to the public and are located on the Town’s Building Division’s website. There is also a checklist to assist applicants with building permit submittals and related requirements. Anyone interested in these designs are encouraged to contact the Building Division at (760) 965-3635.
Eastern Sierra Climate & Communities Resilience Project Communication Survey
The Whitebark Institute is working on a multi-year project to address the threat of wildfires in Mammoth Lakes and surrounding areas through forest management, fuels reduction, stakeholder coordination, and outreach and education. To better communicate these important and potentially life-saving efforts, the institute is seeking the community’s input by completing a communication survey. If you want to participate in the raffle for a $20 certificate, you can leave your email at the end of the survey. Click here to complete the survey.
Town Council Election November 8
A Municipal Election will be held in the Town of Mammoth Lakes on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 for the purpose of electing three members to the Town Council. The term of office for each seat is four years. Councilmembers are paid $735 per month. There are six candidates running for the three spots on the Town Council. The candidates are Elizabeth “Betsy” Truax, John Wentworth, Chris Bubser, Seth Guthrie, Amanda Rice, and Cleland Hoff.
Town Meetings and Community Event Calendar
- October 13: Oktoberfest Celebration
- October 15: Bike Rodeo
- October 20: Mammoth Trails Meeting – Sherwins Trails & 10th Anniversary Party
- November 1: Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
- November 1: Mammoth Lakes Recreation Board Meeting
- November 3: Business Excellence Awards
- November 11: Mammoth Mountain Opening Day!
- November 25: Mammoth Ice Rink Opening Day – FREE Skate Night!
- Visit the Town’s website for meeting agenda’s and to watch the meeting’s live or view the Mammoth Lakes Events Calendar.
- Meetings held in Suite Z (Council Chambers, Minaret Village Mall) unless noted.
Stay Informed with Town News Delivered to Your Inbox or Phone!
The Town manages several informative and timely e-newsletters and public service announcements to increase community awareness and comprehension of Town activities, programs, projects, and services. Please click here to opt-in – its fast and easy, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter @TownofMammoth and through our local media partners.
Parks and Recreation News!
- The Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre and PLAYHOUSE 395 present “The Marvelous Wonderettes Dream On” playing at the Edison Theatre from October 12-16. Click here for information and tickets.
- The super popular Bike Rodeo is back on Saturday, October 15 from 10am-1pm at the Whitmore Recreation Area. Join us for a fun-filled morning of biking, races, and bike safety for all ages! Registration is only $5.00/child. Click here for information and to register.
- Registration for winter programing OPENS on Monday October 24. Winter programming includes all the activities we run from November – February including: Ice skating Lessons, Gymnastics, Hot Shots Basketball, Cooking class, and potentially more.
Mammoth Ice Rink to Reopen November 25
The Town will be re-opening the outdoor ice rink located next to the library for Thanksgiving on Friday, November 25, 2022 (subject to weather). This will ensure that our community of ice skaters, figure skaters and curlers, and our many winter visitors looking to skate outdoors under lights, along with our expanding local youth/adult hockey programs will be able to enjoy professionally maintained and refrigerated outdoor ice this winter. Please visit www.Mammothicerink.com to view the updated winter schedule, rates and session times.
Community Recreation Center (CRC) Update
This week, the final curbs and gutters are being installed on the Mobility Hub, the labor-intensive interior insulation work moved towards the west end of the structure, the flat ends of the building are being installed, and the bus shelter on Old Mammoth Road is ready for the masons, windows and roofing. Crews are still moving around the ceiling installing the insulation and progress can be seen installing the membrane on the ends of the structure. The center membrane panels have been stretched and tensioned, that also includes the white interior membrane panels. Significant progress has been made on the bus shelter on Old Mammoth Road with the masons scheduled in the coming weeks to install the natural rock on the base of the shelter. Look for weekly #crcupdates on the Town’s Facebook page. Temporary park closure: For the duration of construction for the new Community Recreation Center, the Mammoth Creek Park playground, restrooms and parking lot will be CLOSED to the public.
Park, Facilities and Trails Update
Please click here to view the status of our parks, facilities, MUP’, sidewalks and Shady Rest DiscGolfPark. Please respect our parks and facilities by taking care of your trash, pick-up after your pet and keep your dog on a leash. Thank you!
Work for the Town of Mammoth Lakes
The Town is looking for a variety of temporary seasonal and full-time employees to join our dedicated team. Competitive salary and benefits package plus the opportunity to live, work, and play in the beautiful Eastern Sierra! Apply onlinetoday!
Halloween in The Trails
Stop by the Mammoth Lakes Police Department’s trailer in The Trails on Halloween. Meet our Officers, Support Staff, and Explorers who will be giving out some great imprinted items and loads of candy! We look forward to seeing all your costumes at this wonderful community event!
MLPD Pink Patches
Since 1985, October has been recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One in eight women will be diagnosed with this disease each year. In honor of everyone this disease affects and to raise awareness, Officers will be wearing a special edition pink patch and badge on their uniforms. If you are interested in owning one of these patches, they are for sale at the station for $10.00 cash, Venmo, or by check payable to “MLPOA” (Mammoth Lakes Police Officer’s Association). Proceeds from the sales will benefit a local cancer charity.
Benton Crossing Landfill to Close December 31, 2022
The Benton Crossing Landfill will officially be closing to the public at the end of the year, with Saturday, December 31, 2022 marking the last day of operation. Beginning Monday, January 2, 2023, all Benton Crossing Landfill customers will be directed to the Pumice Valley Landfill and Transfer Station (Pumice Valley Landfill). All other local solid waste facilities and services will remain available. The Pumice Valley Landfill is located approximately five miles east of U.S. 395 on Hwy 120 East. Landfill operations are overseen by Mono County Solid Waste; this includes burial of Construction and Demolition waste, as well as the processing of Clean Wood Waste which is beneficially re-used on site.
Mono County Public Health Launches Covid-19 Test-To-Treat Program
Effective this October, Mono County Public Health will be taking over all COVID-19 testing in Mono County and launching a COVID-19 Test-to-Treat program. At COVID-19 Test-to-Treat clinics, individuals can get tested, be seen by a health care provider, and receive a prescription for medication – all in one location. Public Health Test-To-Treat Clinics: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Mono County Civic Center (1290 Tavern Road; Mammoth Lakes) from 11am – 1pm (Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome). Click here for additional information and to review the schedule.
Please Leash Your Dog!
It is unlawful for any dog owner to allow their dog to run at large within the Town of Mammoth Lakes Municipal Boundary. The Eastern Sierra offers an incredible outdoor playground for dog owners to play and walk with your dog(s) off-leash. The Town is moving forward with plans for a dog park with construction expected to commence in the fall of 2023. Thank you for your commitment in keeping Mammoth Lakes safe and beautiful for all to enjoy! Learn more about Dog Resources, Licensing, Education and Enforcement.
The Bear Beat!
Calls to respond for bear issues are down 19% in 2022 versus 2021, year-to-date. Thank you to the Community and our Wildlife Officers for continuing to educate and protect the bears of Mammoth Lakes! Check out this month’s MLPD Bear Beat.
News from the Inyo!
Stay up to date with news, events, and activities on the Inyo National Forest and Mammoth Ranger District.
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(From Town of Mammoth Lakes)
