1985 [PDF] - Yosemite

~ ,..~i,~:~L .~’~%.q:~,’;::i,’:~.,,,"~.~.~!,..% .%=~’- ,,~=:"’%:’.,~ ~i~i:~..,.’.’;..~: 5 .(~.;,.,":~,;.’~.~,;~..,:~~,. . -~.~ .~By Edward C. Hardy, PresidentPreservation ofThe Yosemite Park and Curry Co., supports the preservationof the scenic, aesthetic, and wildlife values of the Merced Riverand its South Fork. In this sense, we oppose the hydroelectricprojects currently proposed on the South Fork and at El Portalon the main stern of the Merced River.Our primary opposition to the South Fork project is that it wouldinundate significant lowland habitat that is important winter rangefor much of Yosemite’s deer herd and the lion population it supports.It would also eliminate miles of wild river with unique aquaticand riparian inhabitants. We also oppose the scenic intrusion ofthe reservoir which would be visible from Highway 41, a majoraccess road to Yosemite.We oppose the hydroelectric project at El Portal because itwould significantly reduce the flow of the Merced River and thebeautiful scenery on the approach to Yosemite through the MercedCanyon. To many visitors, the appeal of Yosemite is the spectacularbeauty of the rivers and waterfalls. The reduction of theflow of the Merced at the Park boundary by 650 cubic feet persecond and the construction of the facilities would seriously marthe beauty at the entrance to Yosemite.Our support for the protection of the tvlerced River system isconsistent with our prior support for Mono Lake, the Tuolumne,Merced River 1and wilderness status for most of Yosemite and much nearby NationalForest Land. The basis for the economy of Mariposa Countyand for our company is provided by the beauty and recreationalopportunities of Yosemite and the surrounding lands. Thus, webelieve that the area surrounding Yosemite should be protected ~,to the maximum extent possible within the mandate of multipleuse.While we believe that hydroelectric power is a good, clean 1renewable source of energy, we do not believe the benefits ofthe two proposed projects in terms of either electricity producedor economic benefits to the county, outweigh the negative scenic ~.and environmental effects on Yosemite’s natural beauty.We would, inc’.ead, propose two courses of action. First improve ~.the efficiency of existing dams and hydroelectric facilities withoutimpacting additional area, Secondly, we support conservation programs(such s PG&E’s ZIP Program) to reduce the wasteenergy by improving the efficiency of our homes and businesses.The most important developments in energy will be in reducingthe amount we use and not in damming prime wild and scenicrivers.I’m sure you’ll join me in our company’s position and supportfor the preservation of the Merced River.By Mary MoirAvoiding the Winter W Blu Blues iOur winter schedule often finds us enveloped by a sense ofambivalence. This wave of ambivalence often strikes us after along, busy season of service to our Park visitors, or as the colderdays of January and February approach us. Often the ambivalencesets in when our holiday season has passed and many ofus are tired from the holiday rush and, therefore, at our mostWe have seen great accomplishments in our world and right ~within our own backyard. We have seen cooperation in the suc- ~cess of the 3rd Vintner’s Holidays. We have seen enthusiasm ~surround the implementation of our new IBM front desk computer ~system, and we have seen compassion in the face of adversity,such as last year’s flooding and windstorms. I expecthat what wevulnerable points. Nevertheless, since we are dedicated to providingquality service and hospitality, then we must lift ourselves in our work, and regardless of the season, demonstrate this pride.really have seen are people who sincerely believe we have pride .~above these feelings of ambivalence. In our efforts to continuallyprovide quality guest service, we cannot let our ambivalence pervadeour sense of responsibility to our visitors.In this sense then our task becomes obvious. How do we remainresponsible for providing quality service? We can neverIn MemoriamThe former pastor of Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Fr. JamesA. Murphy, was fatally injured in an accident near his Fresno home ~Jbecome waiters who won’t serve, or drivers who won’t drive. We November 19, 1984. He was 67. Fr. Murphy was the second ofcannot marc h away from our responsibility when the season feels ten children, and came from Ireland in 1941 to study for the 1long. Whathen is the answer to our quest to remain responsibleand avoid ambivalence? see several approaches to our task.One is to instill a sense of pride in our work; a sense of pridein our responsibilities to the visitor. In any organization that servespriesthood.Among the many parishes he served, Yosemite was alwaysat the top of his list of favorites. He loved the beauty of YosemiteValley and walked the meadow paths daily. ~jthe public it’s "what’s up front that counts." It seems then, that He served the Yosemite Community from 1963 to 1965 and ,~once we help our pride surface, ther~ it is our pride that moves again in 1974 to 1982, when ill health necessitated his retirement. .~"up front" with the highest quality of guest service being the A funeral mass was held November 23 at St. John’s Cathedralresult. Our tasks should ~e to support this pride by encouraging and internment was in St. Peters Cemetery, Fresno.1those who do well, maintaining our enthusiasm, and continuallystriving to achieve our best.For the local people who remembered him, a memorial mass .~was held December 10 at the Yosemite Chapel.