Our Commitment to the Community Has helped make us the Longest Continuing Law Firm in Eastern Madera County
Gary T. Blate, ESQ.
David A. Linn, ESQ. D
Community Service Past president Eastern Madera Country Bar Assoc.
Community Service Chairman Oakhurst Park Committee since 1984
Former Site Council Member, Oak Creek Intermediate School
Eastern Madera County Man of the Year, 1989
Yosemite National Junior Basketball League
Chairman Oakhurst Ch Community Fund, Inc
Yosemite High School Varsity Basketball Coach Coach of Division III Girls CIF Champions
Past President Eastern Madera County Chamber of Commerce
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Co-Chairman YHS Bond Committee Measure B
Past President Sierra Rotary Education Purdue University (B.S. 1970) California State University (M.B.A., 1986) Pepperdine University (J.D., 1976)
Professional Affiliations United States Army, Vietnam Veteran, 1972 Author, Western State Law Review, Spring 1988 President of Eastern Madera County Bar Association, 1996 Judge Pro-Tem Sierra Judicial District
Professional Affiliations Judge Pro-Tem Madera Superior Court Member Eastern Madera County (President 1991) Bar Association; State Bar of California; Federal Circuit Bar Association Community Representative for Congressman George Radanovich Member of Congressman Jeff Denham’s Military Academy Selection Committee Commander U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran, retired reserve Member State Republican Central Committee
Education B.A. - UCLA, 1974 J.D. Western State University, 1978 Personal Married to Lori Blate Special Education Teacher at Yosemite High School Children – Mac, Jennifer, Karras & Lucas
Personal Married to Betty Linn, publisher of the Sierra Star Newspaper
CIVIL & BUSINESS LITIGATION
General Legal Practice ~ Estate Planning ~ Real Estate No Charge For personal Injury Consultation
LINN & BLATE
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Yosemite Bank Building, Suite 101 • 40061 Hwy 49, Oakhurst
559-683-7333 Oakhurst
•
209-966-7333 Mariposa
Photo/ Brian Wilhite
This is a Sierra Star publication created and produced for the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, 40637 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644 Phone: (559) 683-7766 Fax: (559) 395-0903 Website: www.OakhurstChamber.com Email: chamber@OakhurstChamber.com Copyright 2012 Sierra Star Publisher: Betty Linn 49165 Crane Valley Road (426), Oakhurst, CA 93644 Phone: (559) 683-4464 blinn@sierrastar.com www.sierrastar.com Ad Sales: Sierra Star Cover Art: Judy De Rosa’s Creativity Circle, judyderosa.com Historical photos courtesy of Sierra Historic Sites Association Other photography courtesy of Brian Wilhite and the Sierra Star Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this directory. The Chamber and the Sierra Star assume no responsibility for misinformation. Contact the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce with additions or corrections. 2012 | www.oakhurstchamber.com | OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA
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Welcome Y
OAKHURST AREA C H A M B E R
O F
ou could say folks who live in Eastern Madera County are lucky. We’re just 45 minutes from a metropolitan area, yet we live a peaceful, bucolic rural lifestyle here at the base of the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Thanks to Mother Nature’s special attention, the fishing is great, the crosscountry skiing and snowmobiling is inviting and the hiking trails entice year round. The southern gate to Yosemite National Park is our back door. Tourism, retail and communications companies mean jobs, and plenty of them. So, while Yosemite National Park provides employment for many local residents, far more thrive off of the businesses that serve tourists drawn to the park. More than 1.5 million visitors pass through here annually — many headed to Yosemite, the rest itching to
A Message from the 2011 Chamber President This has been an amazing year — however, it went by too quickly. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to be of service for the Chamber as the 2011 president. During these past few months, I have come to realize that the chamber is like a large family. We truly care for all of our members and do everything in our power to enhance the vitality of our business community so that each member may prosper. I have a deep appreciation for all of you. Angelo Pizelo 2011 Chamber President
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From the
C O M M E R C E
Photo/ Brian Wilhite
start their drive up Highway 49 to visit famous old gold mining towns such as Mariposa, Sonora, Sutter Creek and Nevada City. Our history is rich thanks to American Indian tribes like the Chukchansi, Mono and Miwok who discovered this land before European settlers landed on the East Coast. Their love for this spot transcended cultures; today everyone who chooses to cross paths here — whether for a day or a lifetime — keeps a sense of wonder for our slice of the world in their
hearts. Yes, we are 12 separate communities, each with its own personality and direction. But we all unite as Americans, Californians and dreamers who believe wholeheartedly in our future. On second thought, we’re not lucky. We’re blessed.
A Message from the 2012 Chamber President Dear Chamber Members, I want to first thank you for your membership in the Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce and let you know how excited I am to be a part of such a vibrant and active organization. Leadership is a key factor to the success of any business or organization in our community. Successful leaders encourage and challenge those around them to grow and develop both personally and professionally. The year 2012 is expected to be challenging. It may well be. However challenging, know that your 2012 Chamber Board of Directors comprises a unique group of individuals ready to meet any challenge and keep our Chamber moving in a forward, dynamic motion. The Chamber’s board and staff are dedicated to serving the business community through a wide variety of programs and services, which include Business Open Houses, networking business and legislative luncheons, sponsoring town hall meetings, and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new businesses, and marketing assistance and business membership recruitment, which is the life blood of any prospering community. Another very exciting piece of information — Oakhurst turns 100 on Feb. 28, 2012. Join in the festivities as we celebrate Oakhurst’s 100th Year Anniversary. There will be several Chamber and community events happening throughout the year as we unfold the history behind this community we know today as Oakhurst. We invite you to visit our website for information about business news, services and the community calendar of events at www.OakhurstChamber.com. We are looking forward to great things. Janet Stanovich 2012 Chamber President
OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA | www.oakhurstchamber.com | 2012
TABLE OF
Contents Welcome From the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce ....4 About the Chamber ....................6 About the Area ........................10 Top Things to See & Do .........12 Location & Transportation........14 Residential Living.....................16 Entertainment & Recreation ....19 Shopping & Dining...................23 Education ...............................25 Healthcare ..............................30 Worship ...................................31 Government .............................36 Business & Industry ...............39 Membership Directory ............42 Buyer’s Guide ..........................47 Index of Advertisers .................55 2012 | www.oakhurstchamber.com | OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA
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About
the
CHAMBER Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce 40637 Highway 41 Oakhurst, CA 93644 Phone: 559-683-7766 Fax: 559-395-0905 Email: chamber@OakhurstChamber.com Website: www.OakhurstChamber.com
Office Staff
Operations Manager .....................................................Darin J. Soukup, Ph.D. Marketing Representative .........................................................Erin Capuchino Receptionist and Administrative Assistant ................Michaela Gutierrez The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce is governed by 15 members of the Board of Directors with the Executive Committee consisting of the President, President Elect, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Director.
Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce Interesting Statistics
Members......................................................................................................350 plus Newsletters (email & print) ..........................................3,000 plus per month Directories ...............................................................................5,000 plus per year Maps .......................................................................................3,000 plus per year Website .........................................................More than 3 million hits per year Correspondence — Mail ..................................500 plus mailings per month Correspondence — Email .............................................1,500 plus per month Correspondence — Telephone .................300 plus phone calls per month Visitors .....................................................................................3,000 plus per year
Our Mission Statement
“To promote and support the economic vitality while honoring and preserving the unique lifestyles of our Mountain Communities.” The Oakhurst Area Chamber has more than 350 members. We serve the Mountain Communities of Ahwahnee, Bass Lake, Coarsegold, Nipinnawasee, North Fork, Oakhurst, O’Neals, Raymond, Wishon and Yosemite National Park, and we welcome you to our beautiful communities. We publish the Eastern Madera County Map & Companion Guide; a tourist information map; Things to See and Do DVD and our Membership Business Directory & Community Profile, which includes member business listings; individual information; area statistics and informa-
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OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA | www.oakhurstchamber.com | 2012
Photo/ Brian Wilhite
tion on shopping, real estate, lodging, dining, activities, museums, schools, government agencies, health care and more. This publication will be one you want to keep, use and share. We ask you to please use it first when you are looking for goods and services in our area. Our Chamber of Commerce members strive to bring top-quality products and services to our mountain area residents and guests. They are committed to the Oakhurst Area Chamber and to the community. They are devoted to you; please show your devotion to them ... Shop Locally. Chamber Services Make Membership Worthwhile. Every member wants to know ... What’s in it for ME?
Direct Benefits
Internet — Free listing on the Chamber’s webpage (advertising, branding and link opportunities also available). Membership Directory — Free listing in the Chamber’s membership directory. Referral Service — In response to inquiries, only Chamber member’s names are referred. Hundreds of referrals are given every day. Newsletter — Your business receives a monthly Chamber newsletter through the Sierra Star, which is delivered to more than 4,000 members and others. We also have a bimonthly electronic newsletter delivered to your email, keeping you informed on local issues and activities. Publicity and Exposure — Newsletter, brochure and business card distribution in our lobby, daily e-blasts, banner ads on our website, presence in the DVD and on maps, free page on our website, ribbon cuttings, committees, and events. Membership Database — Access to more than 350 members. Broadcast e-blasts — For your business to other Chamber members. Advocacy — On behalf of your business at local, state and federal levels. Discounts — Every advertising opportunity the Chamber hosts offers a member discount. Display — The Chamber offers your business the opportunity to
display brochures and business cards in our lobby. Hosting Opportunities — Host a Business Open House or sponsor other special events and activities. Tax Deduction — Chamber membership is 90 percent deductible as a necessary business expense. Community Action — Make a difference as part of a committee (choose to be involved).
Did You Know... We coordinate business involvement in education through partnerships and other related school-to-career activities. We sponsor the Oakhurst Home and Garden Show (May). We sponsor the Wood Carvers Rendezvous (Spring). We sponsor the Oakhurst Chocolate & Wine Festival (October). We sponsor the Yosemite International Jazz Festival (Fall) We sponsor shopping and bus tours. We conduct ribbon cuttings, grand openings, ground-breaking ceremonies, business open houses and anniversary
celebrations. We arrange meetings with legislators. We assist businesses with resource information. We host State of the County and Town Hall meetings. We provide assistance with international trade needs.
But Most of All... We answer the needs of our members and the community. We respond to hundreds of requests for relocation information. We work with the County on Economic Development for our region. We distribute demographic information about our area and the county. We continue a dialogue with elected officials, to ensure that the pro-business agenda is being followed. We respond to thousands of questions ranging from requests for phone numbers to how to start a business.
Group changes name The Oakhurst Businessmen’s Association, at a meeting in February, 1959, voted to change the name of the organization to the Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce. Articles of incorporation for the group were drawn up by Madera County District Attorney Lester Gendron, according to a story in the Feb. 26, 1959 Sierra Star. The group also agreed to limit the voting membership to business people. Basis for this action, it was pointed out, was to clarify the group’s status as a non-social organization in order to remove the possibilities of functional conflict with social groups operating in the area. The new chapter decided to sponsor a sign, displaying the names of civic groups and meeting dates, to be placed near the south entrance to Oakhurst. Election of new officers took place the week of Feb. 12 1959, with John Morehouse named president; Frank Hansen, first vice president; Jack Street, second vice president; Ralph Walton, treasurer; Harriet Stewart, secretary; Grace Peasgood, recorder; Jess Love and Virgil Clarke, trustees.
Troy Richards
Jennifer Riggs
Branch Operations Manager
Linda Lawrence
AT T O R N E Y S
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A Trusted Name in the Community Linda Baker
Kym Wallis
April Apr il Leanos
Happily serving and supporting the mountain communities for more than 20 years
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J
Early settlers interested in permanent settlement
opened by a man named Balleau. ohn Robert Nichols has been given credit for being the first Soon after Tom Alien became the area’s first postmaster, and Anglo settler in the Fresno Flats area, arriving here in 1858. with the opening of his post office, the official name of Fresno Flats Located near the head of the Fresno River, white ash trees was given to the settlement. abounded. Since most mountain meadows were known as flats, the In 1874, the California Lumber spot became known as Fresno Company and later its successor, Flats, drawing upon the Spanish the Madera Flume and Trading word for ash trees, but it wouldn’t Company, began its flume approxicarry that name forever. mately eight miles from Fresno Over the next few years, Nichols Flats. Then in 1876, the wagon road was joined by other settlers; those from Madera to Yosemite was who were interested in starting a completed. Soon, serving the needs permanent settlement as opposed of travelers became the town’s to the fly-by-night mining camps chief industry. that proliferated in the mountains A Chinese family that moved to at that time. Fresno Flats in 1876 were also Another early settler was John some of the area’s earliest inhabitBeasore. There are accounts of him ants. Ah Ling built and managed a wandering into the area along the Chinese store supplying whiskey Fresno River in 1856 and deciding and groceries. Most of the Chinese to settle there. He bought a small lived along the banks of China cabin from a prospector for $800, Fresno Flats (Road 425B) in 1910 from the Timberline Creek. Of the others who followed, made friends with the American one opened a store and the rest Indians and married one of the panned for gold. As gold panning young women. proved worthless, the entire group moved away. Soon settlers were raising hogs and sheep and planting orchards In 1878, Laramore and Phillips operated a general merchandise at Fresno Flats. Within a short time, the lumber industry would store. give the fledgling village a jump-start, and then tourism would The first school in the county was at Fresno Flats. Attendance in take over to lay the permanent foundation for what it was to 1895 was 25 and 30 students a day. become. The population was about 200, but the people passing through This is not to say gold was never important to the economy of seemed to be rowdy and gave the place a reputation as a wild the area. By 1880, one of the best-developed quartz mines in the town. area, the Enterprise Mine, was located near Fresno Flats. In that By 1880, Fresno Flats could boast two stores, two hotels, a year, the operation employed 40 men and produced gold ore worth blacksmith shop, a skating rink, three saloons, and a dance hall. between $7,000 to $8,000 every month. This factor notwithstandThe town maintained its existence in spite of the fact the new road ing, lumber, stock raising and tourism remained the mainstay of from Raymond to Yosemite took some of the tourist trade. As the Fresno Flats. 19th century gave way to the 20th, it remained a sleepy little In 1868, the first school in what is now Madera County opened near Fresno Flats. J. Beasore, George Sharpton and Tom Winkleman village on the route to Yosemite. Today Fresno Flats exists as Oakhurst, and the name is not the shared the work and expense. It was a one-room, log cabin affair, only thing that has changed. Tourism has resumed its rightful spot located on the road to Crane Valley (Bass Lake). The first teacher at the heart of the community. Today, as one rides past the Talking was Hiram Cornet. In 1871, it was moved closer to town, and in Bear on Highway 41, there is no indication the town was ever 1874, a brand-new building was constructed, built on land owned anything but prosperous or that it was ever known as Fresno Flats. by Robert Nichols. — Bill Coate By 1873, Fresno Flats was ready for its first store, which was
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Persistent woman behind name change to Oakhurst
t was almost 100 years ago that a newcomer to Fresno Flats decided to forever change the history of the gold mining-era town by giving it a new name — that name was Oakhurst. The post office and John E. DeLong originally established the name as Fresno Flats on Aug. 18, 1873. The name remained for the next 39 years, until one infamous train robbery began a string of events that would eventually change the town’s name. On May 22, 1885, a stagecoach was held up at gunpoint on its way to Yosemite National Park. No one was injured, but soon after Charley Meyers and Willie Prescott were taken into custody for the crime. Mattie Fhy, a seventh-grader at the time of the town’s name change, wrote an account in 1966 of the events that lead to the change. She said newspapers all over the country had a front page story on the robbery and for more than three months, the young men occupied a cell in the Fresno County jail. Then, for lack of evidence, three mistrials and the county not wanting to waste more money, the two alleged stagecoach robbers were released. Class of 1934-35, Oakhurst School, aka Fresno School Prescott’s and Meyers’ reputation as stagecoach robbers followed them wherever they went so they decided to leave the area. Meyers and his wife moved to Portland, Ore. until his wife (Prescott’s sister) divorced him. He moved to Seattle where he remarried in 1899. Meyers remarried and he and his new wife, Kitty Wittle, moved back to Fresno Flats after his father died and he was left the family land. Fhy’s account said Meyers returned was received with mixed emotions. Some believed, “innocent until proven guilty.” Others, “where there is smoke there’s bound to be fire.” No matter what people believed, the area was still known as the home of Charley Meyers, stagecoach robber. And whenever the name “Fresno Flats” was mentioned, someone remembered “Oh, yes, that’s where the fellow lived who robbed the stage.” Wittle didn’t like the negative association between her husband’s name and Fresno Flats, so she decided to do something
At far left: Construction of the Oakhurst Community Center. Left: The Little Church is moved. about it — and she would do everything within her power to succeed. Wittle was a member of a club called “The Fresno Flats Women’s Club,” of which Fhy was secretary. Every two weeks they met in the hotel “parlor.” They sponsored dances in Maj. Damell’s Hall and with the funds kept the Little Church on the Hill in repairs, inside and out. One day she mentioned her plan of changing the name of the town from Fresno Flats to Oakhurst and the club meeting disrupted in anger when the “old timers” — people who had helped build the town — objected to the proposed name change. For months, the battle raged, Fhy wrote. The old pioneer residents stood firm — no change. Fhy wrote that someone suggested the English translation — Ash Meadow. But the changers wanted Oakhurst. Even the youngsters got into the act, dubbing it “Oh, Cursed.” Wittle and her newcomer friends were persistent. They silently passed around a petition for a name change until they got enough signatures to send the petition to postal authorities. Since the name Oakhurst hadn’t been used, the post office basically said, “Why not?” according to Roger Mitchell, archivist for Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park Research Library. Affective Feb. 28, 1912, Fresno Flats officially became Oakhurst. Many residents didn’t even know of the change until they were alerted by the post office that they now resided in a town named Oakhurst. Editor’s Note: Historical information was derived from “Perilous Trails, Dangerous Men,” by William B. Secrest; documents from Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park Research Library; Sierra Star historical articles; Madera County 100 Years ... Looking Forward, Oakhurst General Merchandise. P.C. Nelson Madera Newspapers, (and P.O. later) around 1930 . Inc., 1993; and research and interviews by Sierra Star reporter Tiffany Tuell.
2012 | www.oakhurstchamber.com | OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA
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ABOUT
Ahwahnee
The Area
Like many towns in the region, Ahwahnee began when settlers arrived to find their gold nuggets. Instead, they struck pay dirt in the fertile fields and began growing fruits and vegetables to sell to the mining camps ringing the area. When the railroad line to Raymond came through Ahwahnee, even President Theodore Roosevelt stopped to lunch here on his way to marvel at Yosemite. Newspaper stories reported every detail, including the fact the innkeeper told him to wash his hands in a tin bucket out back before eating. She may have been one of the first citizens to complain about an error in the press. It was her best china basin, thank you! Ahwahnee was also home to a tuberculosis sanitarium built at the turn of the century in hopes those suffering from the disease would benefit from the area's purer air quality. Later, it flourished as a home for boys. Today, Ahwahnee is a peaceful, small community with a population of approximately 3,280 who strive to keep the rural atmosphere. It is home to The Wassama Roundhouse, built by Miwok Indians, one of a few authentic roundhouses left in California. A new regional park is being created in Ahwahnee. This 240-plus-acre park will feature nature walking trails, horse trails and equine center, a pentaque court, a natural history display, picnic tables and more. It is slated to open to the public in 2012.
Bass Lake
You could call Bass Lake a planned community: it sprang up in 1895, when state officials created the Bass Lake Reservoir as part of Central California’s first hydroelectric generating project. Bass Lake, with a population of more than 2,500, is now a natural retreat with all types of water sports and fishing opportunities, thanks to the United States Forest Service Recreation Area that surrounds the lake. Entrepreneurs have rolled out the red carpet to visitors with a smorgasbord of dining and lodging options, including camping and day-use areas. Residents consider themselves the county hosts: they hold the region’s only Fourth of July fireworks display and an annual fishing derby the first weekend in May. And every Friday night in the summer, people flock here to enjoy jazz concerts under the stars.
Coarsegold
This unusual name reflects the fact that a group of Texan miners discovered gold in the nearby creek in the early 1850s. They named their settlement Coarse Gold Gulch (they later renamed their abode Texas Flat, but the name didn't have staying power among Californians). Coarsegold produced the first deep lode mine in the region, but time revealed that wasn't the area's true wealth. Cattle, sheep and hogs headed for Stockton became the treasure as ranching became the way of life in the latter half of the 19th century. That's why Coarsegold, population 11,236, is still known for its
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OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA | www.oakhurstchamber.com | 2012
Photos/ Brian Wilhite
Oakhurst Community Park large ranches. In fact, native ranchers still hold huge cattle drives to the cooler high country every summer. Visitors can learn more about Coarsegold's colorful heritage at the Coarsegold Historic Village. The Village is also a great place to shop. It is full of small unique shops selling of one-of-a-kind treasures.
Fish Camp
In 1881, Albert Philip filed a timber claim called Fish Camp, an odd name for what became a busy logging center and cattle range. Its citizens knew how to have a good time. By 1883, Fish Camp was the home of the then-famous Summerdale Hotel, a general store, a saloon, a post office and a barn where dances were held every day of the week. Hospitality continues to run deep through this community of just a few hundred residents. Because it's only two miles from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, tourists stream through here, making this a hub for everything outdoors, including hiking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and tobogganing. Fish Camp boasts two large hotels and several bed and breakfast facilities. In the summer, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers daily rides through the Sierra nation Forest in vintage steam locomotives. The “Logger” (as it is affectionately referred to) is not to be missed. It is great fun for the entire family and the panoramic views of the Sierra will take your breath away.
Nipinnawasee
Nipinnawasee, an American Indian site whose name means "home of the deer," is one of the newest communities in Eastern Madera. It began as a Michigan transplant’s homestead stake in 1908. The U.S. government established a post office here by 1912. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in 1961 when a fire consumed the entire town in just 15 minutes. Nipinnawasee proper was never rebuilt, although people continue to live in the area for the incredible views of the Sierra. Most residents “commute” into Oakhurst, just 15 minutes away.
North Fork
North Fork owes its accidental birth to Milton Brown, an ambitious businessman who saw Willow Creek’s north fork as the perfect place to drop off sheep and cattle on their journey to higher summer pastures. Roads and lumber mills followed the traffic, giving North Fork a reputation in the milling industry until the Natural Forest discontinued timber harvesting a few years ago. Today, its 3,371 residents are deep into plans for the town’s promising future as a historic tourist site. It’s already a gateway to the Sierra National Forest, the Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway and the Scenic Route to Yosemite (as well as being located in the exact center of California), so adding a mill site to tour will only add strength to the area’s tourism base. A majority of the population are Mono Indians, whose museum displays beautiful Mono Indian basketry as part of a peek at this town’s past. The Mono Indian basketry has long been touted as some of the most beautiful and intricate American Indian basketry in the United States.
Oakhurst (a.k.a. Fresno Flats)
Fresno Flats has the distinction of not stemming from a gold mining town. It began quite deliberately as a community with homes, schools and churches to provide stability for the miners, lumberjacks, cattlemen and farmers finding this area in the 1850s. The name “Fresno Flats” alludes to the Spanish word for ash trees (“fresno”). From the get-go, Fresno Flats thrived. In 1893, it boasted a hotel, a restaurant, a saloon, a Chinese store, a Chinese laundry, a post office, a stage stop, a livery stable and a blacksmith. But the railroad line to Raymond skipped Fresno Flats, and later Highway 140 also left the town in the dust as tourists sought the fastest and most direct path to Yosemite. When the Madera Sugar Pine Mill closed early in the Depression, the few hundred people left seemed destined to abandon the area, making it a true ghost town. However, Highway 41 was completed by the end of the decade to draw visitors from the San Joaquin Valley — and it ran right through dying Fresno Flats. After the revival, the town renamed itself Oakhurst. Today, 13,969 people call the Oakhurst area home — small enough to retain that close community atmosphere, large enough to support modern industries and retail. Oakhurst entices tourists to this region year round with affordable hotels, a great variety of restaurants, museums, art galleries, two beautiful golf courses and lots of shopping. Oakhurst also enjoys being part of a region that has the highest number of artists per capita of area in the United States. Art galleries, antique shopping, wine trials, the Chukchansi resorts, live theater, a cineplex, a children’s museum, several additional museums, historical tours, gold panning, hiking, biking, horse riding, bowling, photography, dancing, hunting, fishing, golfing, swimming, skiing, dining, arcades, baseball games, festivals, concerts and car shows keep this town hopping. There is always something wonderful to see and do.
O’Neals
Charles O’Neal came to California in 1857, first to manage the Santa Rita Ranch for cattle baron Henry Hildreth and then for “California’s
Photo/ Brian Wilhite
The Fresno Flats Historical Park School House. Cattle King,” Henry Miller. The O’Neal family eventually used its wages to buy the Gilmore-Mace Ranch in Spring Valley, California, which he turned into a town named after himself. It turned out to be a popular theme — in 1903 Harmon Bigelow ran a phone line from his house to his mother-in-law’s home and launched the Bigelow Telephone Company. He also operated the Bigelow Stage Line, serving Sugar Pine, Bass Lake and North Fork. Cattle ranches remain the story for the 4,441 people living in O’Neals region, joined by well-known ranching names like Bissett, McDougald, Ellis and Brown. Bigelow’s Telephone Company, is now called Ponderosa Telephone Company. There is an up-and-comer in O’Neals. One of the best wineries in Madera, Westbrook Wine Farm, is located here, and you can tour this beautiful winery by calling ahead.
Raymond
Raymond was a tent city that sprung up when floods threatened the Fresno River in the winters of 1885-1886. Simultaneously, A.H. Washburn, owner of the Yosemite Stage and Turnpike Company and of the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite, convinced the Southern Pacific Railroad to build an alternate route to Wawona. One of the new railroad’s stops was at this tent city, so officials named it after Israel Ward Raymond. Local legend has it that traffic was so heavy through this town, the local inn had to serve wildcat one evening when it ran out of beef. People soon nicknamed the town Wildcat Station. But in the present, Raymond is known more for its granite quarries and ranching opportunities than its gourmet fare. In fact, the granite from this area was used to help rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fires. Raymond currently supports a population of about 1,390 residents. 2012 | www.oakhurstchamber.com | OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA
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Zach Griffin, 6, casts his line into Bass Lake under the watchful eye of his mother and fishing instructor, Rebekah Jensen.
1. Play at Bass Lake. 2. Pack a picnic for Falls Beach. 3. Hike along beautiful Lewis Creek. 4. Visit the giant sequoias in Nelder Grove. 5. Fish on one of the many lakes or streams. 6. Spend the day on the Madera Vintner Wine Trails. 7. Learn candle making at Fresno Flats Museum. 8. Enjoy hiking many of the beautiful trails of the Sierra. 9. Be a cowboy for an afternoon or the day; experience the Sierra on horseback. Go horseback riding. 10. Go kayaking on Bass Lake. 11. Enjoy a winter sport; try snowmobiling on a heated snowmobile. 12. Springtime is one of the most beautiful times in the Sierra. Take a drive and enjoy your own wildflower tour. 13. Take an art tour of our famous art galleries in Oakhurst. 14. Visit Oakhurst Community Park. 15. Listen to jazz on the lake every Friday at the Pines Resort in Bass Lake. 16. Try your luck; go gold panning.
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Photo/ Brian Wilhite
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• FREE Continental Breakfast • FREE High speed Wireless Internet Access • FREE Cable TV/HBO • In-Room Coffee/Mini Fridge/Microwave • OUTDOOR Swimming Pool/Seasonal • Bass Lake 8 Miles/Casino-10 Miles
Skiing at Badger.
CCONSORTIUM OF SOUTHERN YOSEMITE MUSEUMS •E •M •I •R APTURE
17. Kick up some dirt. Go dirt biking on Miami Trails. 18. Try the skill of fly fishing on one of our many trout streams 19. Visit Gabby, the giant gold miner at the Broken Bit. 20. Step back in time. Drive a Model T into into Yosemite or the Sierra. 21. Let someone else do the driving for you. View the Sierra and Yosemite in a luxury coach, a rugged jeep or a stretch limo. 22. Family fun awaits you at Sierra Lanes Bowling and Arcades. 23. Don’t miss the latest releases while you’re on vacation. You can still “go to the movies.” 24. Art Gallery — Gallery Row, North Fork Community. 25. Take in a good old-fashioned melodrama at the Golden Chain Theatre. 26. Watch talented young people perform at the Squirrel Cage Theatre. 27. Are you a golfer? There are two great golf courses to play; 9-hole at Rivercreek and 18-hole at Sierra Meadows Ranch Golf Resort. 28. Feeling lucky? Go play at the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino in Coarsegold. 29. You will find lots of antique shops, collectible and thrift stores to find those secret treasures you have been looking for. 30. Visit a shooting range. 31. Take a sleigh ride. 32. Go ice-skating. 33. Dine at a five-star restaurant, Erna’s Elderberry House. 34. Take a stroll along the Riverwalk. 35. Visit the Talking Bear. He will teach you more about the area. 36. Locate all of the wooden carved bears throughout Oakhurst. 37. Go skateboarding at the Harry Baker Boys and Girls Club Skate Park. 38. Travel 100 miles to see some of the breathtaking views of the Southern Sierra on the Scenic Byway. 39. Try the world-famous hamburgers at The Forks Restaurant in Bass Lake. 40. Jet-skiing at Bass Lake. 41. Try water skiing at Bass Lake. 42. Visit an Alpaca farm. 43. Pick your own berries at Sweetwater Berry Farms. 44. Go ghost hunting at the historic (and haunted) Sierra Sky Ranch. 45. Visit a park station. 46. Take a motorcycle ride on historic Highway 49. 47. Go rock climbing at Southern Yosemite Rock Climbing. 48. Too much too soon? Try the rock climbing wall at Tenaya Lodge. 49. Participate in an authentic American Indian drumming circle. 50. Visit a local farmer’s market.
XPLORE
ARVEL
NVESTIGATE
www.southernyosemitemusums.org
EMINISCE
Find Real Gold Plus, fantastic gem and mineral specimens. at the
California State Mining & Mineral Museum at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds 30 minutes north of Oakhurst on Hwy 49
209-742-7625
Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park Daily: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Phone: 559-683-6570 49777 School Road
EST. 1894 Open most weekdays during normal business hours Completely Restored Beautiful Stained Glass Windows Replicated from Original Glass Fragments.
Oakhill Cemetery - Hwy 41 Oakhurst For Info: Madera Cemetery Office P.O. Box 477, Madera, CA 93639
Raymond Museum: The Charles Miller House • Built in 1886 • Listed on the California Registry of Historic Places • Learn the of secret of why between 1886 and 1946 “all roads led to Raymond”
Annual POW WOW 1st weekend in August
www.southernyosemitemuseums.org/rm
1790 Ballroom Slippers The Corset Display Civil War Memorabilia Men’s & Children’s Sections & Much More!
Fostering an Awareness of History and Appreciation of Vintage Fashion
Golfing at Sierra Meadows Golf Course in Ahwahnee.
Museum: 559-658-6999 40680 Hwy 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
www.kingvintagemuseum.org
2012 | www.oakhurstchamber.com | OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA
K32702
Tours available by appointment for individuals, groups, clubs and schools
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O Photo/ Brian Wilhite
akhurst is located at the intersection of Highway 41 (a major corridor to Yosemite) and Highway 49 (the southern end of the Golden Chain Highway). We are conveniently located just a few miles outside of the southern entrance to Yosemite. Eastern Madera, North Fork to be exact, is the geographical center of California, which means it is convenient to get here from anywhere in the state. Once you’re here, you will find that transportation becomes part of the experience of discovering the Sierra. Why not try adding one or more of the following to your list?
Visit
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OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA | www.oakhurstchamber.com | 2012
K32406
40282 Highway 41, Ste. 6 Highway 41, Ste. 6 Just40282 up from DiCicco’s Restaurant
K32889
Open Tue - Fri 10 am - 7 pm Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Horseback riding Rock climbing Cross-country skiing RVing Water skiing 4-wheeling Boating Jet-skiing Steam-driven railroad Whitewater rafting Golf carts Motocross
OAKHURST LOCATOR MAP
Hiking Biking Guided bus tours Snowmobiling Model T Fords (You can rent them for your trip into Yosemite.) And, of course, casual relaxing drives through some of the most scenic byways you can imagine
Phone Numbers Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce
559-683-7766
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
559-683-4636
Road Conditions
800-427-7623
Fresno Airport
800-244-2359
Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL
Drive times From Oakhurst (the largest community in the area) mileage and drive times to major cities: Bakersfield
155 miles
2.5 hours
45 miles
50 minutes
Las Vegas
438 miles
7 hours
Los Angeles
275 miles
4.5 hours
Madera
45 miles
1 hour
Merced
67 miles
1.25 hours
Monterey
195 miles
3 hours
Sacramento
170 miles
3 hours
San Diego
380 miles
6 hours
San Francisco
213 miles
4 hours
San Jose
180 miles
3 hours
San Luis Obispo
155 miles
3 hours
Santa Barbara
282 miles
5 hours
Fresno
K32423
K32414
Lifse i at! r G e
See why we are considered to be the best assisted living in the land!
Medication Assistance Exercise Programs Excellent Dining Help with Bathing and Dressing Super Fun Activities Transportation to and from Doctors Physician Recommended Long Term Health Care Insurance Accepted
SIERRA ESTATES ASSISTED LIVING Located in Coarsegold
559-642-2022
coarsegoldassisted.com
License #207203949
2012 | www.oakhurstchamber.com | OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA
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than Fresno — a pleasant surprise when living on the outskirts of America’s most popular national park.
Area Demographics
W
ith Yosemite’s Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Valley as a backyard, residents in Eastern Madera County obviously want to take advantage of the topography and views when building their dream homes. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics, Eastern Madera County’s population grew 35 percent between 2000 and 2010. Madera County’s population grew 23 percent between 2000 and 2010. Madera County has more than 43,300 households with an average of three people per home. A healthy 64 percent of our residents do own homes, compared to California’s 56 percent overall. At the same time, our housing and land costs are significantly lower
MADERA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
a place to provide the weary Traveler a safe haven, a warm fire, rest and a bit of nourishment so that the traveler may live to cherish another day.
TOM WHEELER
16
DISTRICT 5
K32689
SUPERVISOR GOVERNMENT CENTER 200 WEST FOURTH ST. MADERA, CA 93637 PHONE: (559) 662-6050 FAX: (559) 673-3302 RESIDENCE: (559) 877-2222 CELL: (559) 232-8915 TOMWHEELER@MADERACOUNTY.COM
OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA | www.oakhurstchamber.com | 2012
A Victorian Flair In-room Spas or fireplaces available Uptown, near restaurants & entertainment
www.houndstoothinn.com
42071 Highway 41, Oakhurst
K32464
One of Fresno Flats’ first homes built in 1854 by John Robert Nichols, the “Flats” first settler. The home was located where Oakhurst’s Rite Aid is today. Photo by Betty Wimer.
As all who have ever tried have found out, it is very difficult to find demographic and other community statistical data that is specific to Eastern Madera County. And since the mountains of Madera County have very different characteristics than the Valley, data collected for Madera County often is not suitable to describe and project trends and conditions found in the mountains. We have done our best to provide the regional statistics. The area within three miles of the intersection of Highway 41 and Highway 49 just about covers all of Oakhurst — lower Crane Valley Road, to the Goldside subdivision on Highway 49, and Deadwood summit to the Bass Lake turnoff (Highway 41 at Road 222). A five-mile radius brings the communities of Coarsegold and Cedar Valley into the picture. The nine-mile radius includes Fish Camp to the north, the Mariposa County line on the west, Bass Lake to the east and Indian Lakes Estates to the south. The 20-mile radius edges into Yosemite West to the north, North Fork and Mammoth Pool Reservoir to the east, south to Millers Corner, and west to downtown Mariposa. Many businesses include their customer base within this 20-mile radius.
California Demographics Total Population
37,253,956
Average Household Size
2.90
Median Age
35.2
Average Family Size
3.45
Madera County Demographics Total Population:
150,865
Average Household Size
3.28
Median Age
33.0
Average Family Size
3.63
Oakhurst Demographics
13,969
Average Household Size
2.35
Median Age
51.0
Average Family Size
2.78
Coarsegold Demographics Total Population
K32448
Total Population
11,236
Average Household Size
2.49
Median Age
49.8
Average Family Size
2.82
Eastern Madera County Population Trends 1970
1980
1990
2000
5,853
12,505
29,578
32,879
2010 33,769
Commuting to Work Transportation Mode
Percentage
Drive alone
72.2%
Car pool
13.2%
Public transportation
0.1%
Walked only
1.1%
Other means
1.9%
Worked at home
6.5%
Travel Time to Work Travel Time
Percentage
Less than 10 minutes/work at home
21.39%
10-29 Minutes
41.24%
30-59 Minutes
23.91%
60-89 Minutes
10.02%
90 + Minutes
3.44%
Ave. travel time (minutes)
26.08
2012 | www.oakhurstchamber.com | OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA
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I
The early days of Oakhurst
n the early part of this century, the community of Oakhurst survived because of the logging industry and travelers to Yosemite. However, when the Sugar Pine Mill closed in 1931, the town was down to four families and only six children in school. One person who moved here in the 1930s said there were about 50 people in Oakhurst then. During the 1930s most of the men in the area either worked for the Forest Service or on the highway. Typically, a man would help build Highway 41 during the winter months and work for the Forest Service in the summer. People who lived in the Raymond and Ahwahnee areas talk about the Oakhurst of the 1930s and ’40s as a place where there was nothing but a store or two. In 1930, Oakhurst General Merchandise P.C. Nelson was Oakhurst’s one and only store. It was later owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Lee Berdell and part of the building was occupied by the post office. Population figures for the area are guesstimates generally, but have been listed as: 1948, between 200 and 500; 1957, 973; 1961, 2,100; 1970, all of Eastern Madera County, 5,852; 1980, all of Eastern Madera County, 12,505; 1990, all of Eastern Madera County, 19,546. Oakhurst was estimated to have about 13,000 people in 1990. As travel to Yosemite increased, and as areas of Eastern Madera County, especially Bass Lake, became important tourist destinations, Oakhurst grew. Lumber played an important part in the area’s growth until the last mill, American Forest Products, located where the Vons shopping center is today, closed in 1981. In 1960, the Sierra Star noted that Oakhurst was fast becoming the Chinchilla Capital of the World. Chinchilla fur had come into wide demand and Oakhurst’s climate was considered to be right for producing the best in these light furs. In 1960 it was estimated that Oakhurst would produce 10,000 skins and that number would double by 1965. The chinchilla industry declined as local breeders retired.
2000 of the Hottest Slots 50 of your favorite Table Games Over 400 Luxury Hotel Rooms 7 Award Winning Restaurants Full Service Spa Exciting Entertainment
— Madera County - 100 Years ... Looking Forward, Madera Newspapers, Inc., 1993
CHUKCHANSI G OL D R E SORT & C ASINO
A bridge over Fresno River on Crane Valley Road (426).
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OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA | www.oakhurstchamber.com | 2012
1-866-7-WIN-WIN (946-946) www.ChukchansiGold.com
ENTERTAINMENT&
Recreation I
t goes without saying that Yosemite National Park will forever be the greatest recreational draw for visitors and residents alike. But as spectacular as the scenery is, it alone is only part of the experience of the Sierra. California is the land of plenty, and nowhere is it more truthful than here. Oakhurst and the surrounding areas are rich in American Indian culture, California Gold Rush pioneers, farmers, ranchers, cowboys, lumberjacks and artisans. It is an unusual combination, but it just goes to show the diversity of the region. We have been reinvented many times over through the years, and that is why we can honestly say we have something for everyone. We cater to our guests — from five-star accommodations and dining — to picnics under blue skies along a creek to singing around a campfire under the stars. Here is a peek at a handful of the entertainment and recreational opportunities in Eastern Madera County.
EVENTS Powwows The Chukchansi and Mono American Indian tribes still living in the area continue to hold many gatherings, native dances and powwows. Both tribes demonstrate and
Paint • Hardware • Lawn & Garden Power Equipment Housewares • Appliances A Bryant Family Company since 1994
683-7117 683-7117
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K32408
Hwy 49 in Oakhurst, next to Kaiser Permanente
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19
teach basket weaving. Look for examples of this fine artwork for sale in many local shops.
Bass Lake’s Annual Fireworks Show OK, you’ve seen fireworks. You’ve seen awesome displays over the Statue of Liberty in New York City. You’ve witnessed the skies washed in color across the globe to ring in the year 2000. You’ve anticipated the techno-wizardry of the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies. But if you haven’t relaxed on a boat and seen fireworks light up the night and reflected in the clear waters of Bass Lake, you can’t say you’ve truly enjoyed fireworks. There’s only one word for our version: breathtaking!
Antique and Collectibles Show
The Coarsegold Antique and Collectibles Show, held twice each year (Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends), is a treasure-hunters dream come true. Enjoy live entertainment and tractor displays while you shop for antiques, collectibles, one-of-a-kind items, crafts and commercial goods. Then rest up in the food court or beer garden, because you will still want to try your hand at gold panning, since it is right there in the Coarsegold Historic Village.
North Fork Loggers Jamboree Take a step back in time to experience the timber trades. This great event features a variety of interesting logging competitions. Held Fourth of July weekend, it is a sure hit for the entire family.
Oakhurst Home and Garden Show Be sure you make time for the Oakhurst Home and Garden Show in
the beautiful Oakhurst Community Park. From home and garden displays, a car show, arts and crafts, home improvement demonstrations, and food, there is truly something for everyone!
Oakhurst Fall Chocolate and Wine Festival What could be better than to spend a beautiful autumn day surrounded by colorful fall foliage while tasting chocolate, food and wine? In our humble opinion...there is nothing better. The food is prepared by local restaurants, the wines are all California grown, and the chocolate comes from all over the world (’cause let’s face it, all chocolate is wonderful). When you need a moment to savor, try your hand at pumpkin carving, sit and listen to live music, play games with the kids, and shop for unique holiday gifts and crafts to take home to your friends.
Yosemite International Jazz Festival
The hills will be alive with music! Small, intimate venues dotted throughout Coarsegold, Oakhurst and Bass Lake give everyone the opportunities to enjoy the hidden treasures of the Sierra.
MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS Fresno Flats Historical Park
Fresno Flats Historical Park recaptures the flavor of 19th-century life in this secluded part of California. The pioneers who settled here mainly came to build their lives and raise their families, so they planned from the start to earn their living as farmers, merchants and by using the rich natural resources of the mountains.
Golden Chain Realty 40047 Hwy 41 • P.O. Box 933 Oakhurst, California 93644 Serving The Entire Mountain Area Since 1977
A Place Like No Other.
EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
(559) 683-7183 (800) 350-7183 E-mail: c21gcr@sti.net www.c21goldenchain.com License #00951373
Paula Christenson pchris93644@yahoo.com
Jackie Brown ywoof@yahoo.com
Barbara Lehmann blehmann@sti.net
“Your Trust is Our Goal” 20
50552 ROAD 632 OAKHURST, CA, 93644 SIERRASKYRANCH.COM
OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA | www.oakhurstchamber.com | 2012
(559) 683-8040
K32861
Macy Maginn macy@sti.net
Geoff Riley oriles@sti.net
K32719
Diane Jines Broker/Owner c21gcr@sti.net
Saloon • Pool Wireless Internet Pet Friendly Weddings Family Reunions Corporate Retreats
Both of the two restored homes that comprise the museum have been designated as Points of Historical Interest by the State of California. Historians call attention to the unique construction styles restored by the volunteers of the Sierra Historic Sites Association — designs no longer in use anywhere else in the state. Tour a pair of one-room schools, two 19th century jails and several other farm buildings in the historical park. The museum complex is open from dawn to dusk for self-guided tours of the grounds, picnic areas and restrooms are available. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Guided tours of the grounds and buildings are available from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Reservations for group tours may be made by calling (559) 683-6570.
King Vintage Museum Allan King and his late wife, Barbara, collected vintage clothing for more than 20 years. For years, the King family held fashion shows to gather the funds necessary to open the Museum. The main feature exhibit changes every season. Visit the Victorian room and see ballroom slippers that date back to 1790, a Corset Display and dresses of the 1800s. Other exhibits include a Civil War sword, Civil War discharge papers and military uniforms. The bridal collection includes wedding dresses from 1940 to the 1990s. The children's display includes shoes, clothing, dolls and books of the 19th and 20th century. The shelves on the walls are lined with a fantastic hat collection of cloches, bonnets, cartwheels, mourning bonnets and much more dating back to the Victorian times through the 1960s.
Children’s Museum of the Sierra Located in Oakhurst, 24 miles south of the entrance to Yosemite National Park, is the latest “fascination station.” The 4,000-square-foot museum is packed with a variety of activities to occupy the hands and minds of young people of all ages. Open year round, the Children’s Museum of the Sierra offers young people the opportunity to explore, imagine, create, make choices and learn by doing. This museum has become a popular place for children, teachers, parents and older citizens. It is also becoming a popular destination for many vacation itineraries!
represented here: Chukchansi, Miwok and Mono. This area is the end of the gold chain —the gold highway “49” should end in this region. There was much logging, mining, homesteading and cattle ranching done by the "white man" who came to the area in the mid-1800s. The museum has attempted to show the visitor the area in terms of days gone by. There are three buildings: a “packed adobe” that was a way station for horse-drawn freight wagons more than 100 years ago, a school for the Chukchansi Indian children, and a barn (the main museum of artifacts) made of wood that came down the flume in the early 1900s. The Coarsegold Historical Society has produced a book, As We Were Told, which is the history of the area told by 102 of its settlers. The history dates to the early 1900s.
Museums and Historic Parks
Fresno Flats Historical Park .....................................................559-683-6570 Children’s Museum of the Sierra...........................................559-658-5656 Sierra Mono Indian Museum .................................................559-877-2115 King Vintage Museum ..............................................................559-658-6999 Coarsegold Historic Museum .................................................559-642-4448 Coarsegold Historic Village .....................................................559-683-3900
RECREATION Car Tours
Step back in time for an unforgettable and romantic vacation experience. Take a Model “T” Ford for a drive into the Sierra National Forest, around Bass Lake, or into Yosemite National Park for the day. You will be given instructions on how to drive your Model “T” Ford and then it's yours for the entire tour.
Railroad
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a restoration of the old narrow gauge Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company Railroad. A section of the original rail bed has been reconstructed using the same techniques used at the turn of the century. Two vintage Shay steam locomotives have been brought in from the Westside Lumber Company and restored to provide authentic motive power for the trains.
Water Sports
The Sierra Mono Museum is located in North Fork. The Mono Indians are known for their beautiful basket weaving, and the museum houses a collection of some of their best!
Bass Lake has it all. Do you have a “need for speed”? Then bring your speed boat on up to the lake. If you want a slow relaxing tour of the lake, jump on one of the cruising party barges, or take a boat out and anchor it up by the dam for some great trout and bass fishing. Jet ski, water ski, swim, fish. It is all allowed, because there is plenty of room for everyone.
Coarsegold Historic Museum
Mountain Biking
Sierra Mono Museum
Coarsegold Historic Museum is located in a historically rich area of eastern Madera County. Three separate tribes of American Indians are
Keeping Mountain Area Smiles Healthy
• Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramic Tile • Natural Stone • Hardwood • Laminates • Kelly Moore Paint • Window Coverings • Decking
Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry Orthodontics
featuring Invisalign
K32718
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Michael Horasanian, D.D.S.
559-683-4691
39735 Evergreen Drive • Oakhurst www.oakhurstdentalcenter.com 2012 | www.oakhurstchamber.com | OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA
K32699
Serving Our Community For Over 30 Years
Mountain biking on trails ranging from easy to challenging is yours on a vast network of trails, fire roads and old railroad grades in the
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area. Mountain bikers can ride for hours and never see a soul.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a major sport in the Bass Lake area. The Sierra Nevada Mountains surrounding the Pines Resort are a world class climbing destination.
Horseback Riding
Yosemite Trails has been serving visitors from around the world for more than 35 years. No matter what your riding experience, there's a horse for you. Enjoy a one or two hour trail ride through the forest, past lush meadows and along meandering streams or longer rides exploring the Giant Sequoias in Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove. Enjoy their “Chuck-Wagon Jamboree” too.
Golf
Great facilities for playing golf surround us: Rivercreek and Sierra Meadows Ranch are just minute away in Ahwahnee. And when you have played those two, complete the circuit and travel on up into Yosemite and play at the Wawona Golf Course.
Golf Courses
River Creek Golf Course ..........................................................559-683-5600 Sierra Meadows Golf Course ..................................................559-642-1340
RV & Camping
High Sierra....................................................................................559-683-7662 Elks Lodge ....................................................................................559-683-2717 Yosemite South ..........................................................................559-683-7855 Campgrounds .........................................................................1-877-444-6777
Ski Resort
Badger Pass...................................................................................209-372-1114
Water Sports
Miller’s Landing ..........................................................................559-642-3633 Bass Lake Water Sports & Marina .........................................559-642-3200
Horseback Riding
Yosemite Trails ...........................................................................559-683-7611
Area Points of Interest
Yosemite National Park Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway ....................................559-877-7779 Bass Lake ......................................................................................559-642-3121 Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad ...............................................559-683-7273 Wasuma Roundhouse ..............................................................559-683-8194
CULTURE Theater
Melodrama is a long-time fixture at Oakhurst’s Golden Chain Theatre. Quality melodramas throughout the summer season have audiences booing and hissing their way through hilarious old-time theatre.
Live Entertainment
Take your pick. You can enjoy jazz at the Pizza Factory, reggae at the Queen’s Inn Wine Bar or top-name concerts at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. Get your rest. You'll need it for full days of sight-seeing, playing, dining and enjoying great live entertainment.
HOSPITALITY
Visitors to Oakhurst, whether it is on business or for pleasure, are in for a comfortable night’s rest through one of the community's
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OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA | www.oakhurstchamber.com | 2012
Event List
Coarsegold Rodeo www.thecoarsegoldrodeo.com 559-683-1952 Chocolate & Wine Festival www.oakhurstchamber.com 559-683-7766 Loggers Jamboree 559-877-7700 Home & Garden Show www.oakhurstchamber.com 559-683-7766 Coarsegold Antique & Collectibles Show www.coarsegoldhistoricvillage. com 559-683-3900 Tarantula Festival www.coarsegoldhistoricvillage. com 559-683-3900
Film Festival www.southernyosemite.com 800-443-0268 SPCA Animal Fair 559-642-6611 Run for the Gold Classic Car & Oldies Show 559-683-3783 Bass Lake's 4th of July Boat Parade & Fireworks Display www.basslakechamber.com 559-642-3676 Heritage Days www.fresnoflatsmuseum.org 559-683-6570 Indian Fair Days & Pow Wow 559-877-2115 Bass Lake Fishing Derby www.basslakechamber.com 559-642-3676 Raymond Family Days Parade 559-689-3341
Events Calendar January 1.............................................................New Year's Day First weekend of May ....................................Coarsegold Rodeo First weekend of May ............................Bass Lake Fishing Derby Third weekend of May ......Bass Lake Classic Wooden Boat Show Third weekend of May .............Oakhurst Home and Garden Show Memorial Day weekend ....................Coarsegold Peddlers Market Memorial Day weekend .................Bass Lake Memorial Day BBQ First weekend of June ...........................North Fork Sidewalk Sale First weekend of June ........Bass Lake Under the Stars Car Show Last weekend of June ......................Bass Lake Arts & Crafts Fair 4th of July ............................Bass Lake's Annual Fireworks Show 4th of July .......................Weekend North Fork Loggers Jamboree Labor Day weekend ..........................Coarsegold Peddlers Market First weekend of October .....Bass Lake Fall Festival and Craft Fair Second weekend of October .................................Sierra Art Trails Second weekend of October ...Oakhurst Chocolate & Wine Festival Thanksgiving weekend ...........Bass Lake Tree Lighting Ceremony First two weekends in December........Christmas in the Mountains
exceptional choices in accommodations. Charming bed and breakfast inns provide a homey feel to every stay, complete with private rooms and delicious morning cuisine. Budget hotels and motels are great for those looking to save some money, while luxury hotels pamper to every need. Oakhurst is also home to quaint boutique hotels and expansive recreational resorts for those who enjoy the natural side of the area. No matter where you stay, the warm hospitality and excellent customer service is second to none. For a listing of Oakhurst lodging options, visit the Chamber's website at www.oakhurstchamber.com.
SHOPPING &
Dining
O
Photo/ Brian Wilhite
Phase I, Environmental Site Assessment Residential / Commercial Well Tests Full Site Assessment / Remediation Stormwater Pollution Prevention Concrete Cutting / Trenching / Paving
Contractor’s License #838818 Insured / Bonded P.O. Box 229 Bass Lake, CA. 93604-0229
Cell (559) 760-2347 Phone (559) 641-7320 cindysherschy@sti.net www.herschyenviro.com
40179 Enterprise Drive #G Oakhurst, CA 93644 (559)
658-2300
— Brakes, Alignments, A/C, Fluid Flushes & More — 2012 | www.oakhurstchamber.com | OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA
K32635 35
• • • • •
the United States. The number of art galleries reflects the statistic. From Coarsegold to Fish Camp to Nipinnawasee to North Fork, art galleries and studios are everywhere. In fact, you’ll need an entire day to appreciate the renowned and talented artists of the Southern Sierra. A day of perusing through the area’s retail offerings can certainly work up an appetite. Whenever that hunger strikes — at breakfast, lunch, dinner or late at night — Oakhurst’s restaurants are ready to serve. Classic American favorites and delicious gourmet fares are fused with flavorful ethnic dishes for the adventurous eater. Environments are just as diverse, with family-friendly joints sitting side by side with finer dining establishments. And for the person on the go, Oakhurst is spotted with fast-fix restaurants and cafes ready to serve without delay. From the casual dining experience to picnics to epicurean elegance and from east to west, your taste buds will say yum!
erSchy Environmental, Inc. K32715
H
akhurst supports two major shopping centers that provide the necessities as well as luxuries. One center is anchored by Raley’s Superstore, Dollar Tree, Me-N-Eds Pizzeria and the Met Too Cinema; the other by Vons Supermarket, CVS Pharmacy, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Blockbuster Video, Round Table Pizza, Radio Shack, Sierra Tel Business Center, and Sportsmen’s Den. Many other merchants provide the color and excitement to a true shopping trip. All along Highway 41, entrepreneurs offer the remarkable and eclectic gifts, from Coarsegold’s Historic Village to the quaint shops in The Pines Village at Bass Lake and North Fork. The beauty of the area draws artists to the region. Ansel Adams was among the first, but our art galleries abound with talent like world-renowned artists Steven Stavast, Mark Gudmundsen and David Ashcraft, just to name a few. Anyone who enjoys shopping for hidden treasures will love shopping here. Eastern Madera County is full of interesting little shopping areas with two or three unique boutiques in each one. Antique shops and thrift stores abound for the true treasure hunter. The Southern Sierra, from Mariposa to the Redwoods, boasts the highest number of artists per capita of any other region in
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Blue Heron Restaurant
30250 Yosemite Springs Parkway, Coarsegold Phone: 559-658-7466 www.yloa.org
Branding Iron Steakhouse 50552 Road 632, Oakhurst Phone: 559-683-8040 www.sierraskyranch.com
Burger King
40240 Highway 41, Oakhurst Phone: 559-642-4433
Casa Velasco Mexican Restaurant
49271 Golden Oak Loop, Oakhurst Phone: 559-683-8000
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
711 Lucky Lane, Coarsegold Phone: 1-866-7-WIN-WIN (946-946) www.chukchansigold.com
Crab Cakes Restaurant
40278 Stagecoach #7, Oakhurst Phone: 559-641-7667 www.crabcakes-sweetdreams.com
Di Cicco’s Italian
40282 Highway 41, Suite 9, Oakhurst Phone: 559-641-5588
Ducey’s on the Lake
54432 Road 432, Bass Lake Phone: 559-642-3121 www.basslake.com
El Cid Mexican Restaurant 41939 Highway 41, Oakhurst Phone: 559-683-6668 www.elcidmexicancuisine.com
Erna’s Elderberry House Restaurant 48688 Victoria Lane, Oakhurst Phone: 559-683-6800 www.chateausureau.com
Jack in the Box
40070 Highway 49, Oakhurst Phone: 559-658-6061 Website: www.jackinthebox.com
Jamba Juice
40208 Highway 41, Oakhurst Phone: 559-658-8555 www.jambajuice.com
Photo/ Brian Wilhite
McDonald’s Restaurant 40112 Highway 41, Oakhurst Phone: 559-683-3344 www.mcdonalds.com
Ol’ Kettle Restaurant 40650 Hwy 41, Oakhurst Phone: 559-683-7505 www.olkettle.com
Pizza Factory, Inc.
40120 Highway 41, Oakhurst Phone: 559-683-2700 www.pizzafactory.com
River Creek Golf Course & Restaurant 41 709 Road 600, Ahwahnee Phone: 559-683-5600 www.rivercreekgc.com
Round Table Pizza
40359 Hwy 41, Oakhurst Phone: 559-642-4642
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite 1122 Hwy 41, Fish Camp Phone: 559-692-8900 Website: www.tenayalodge.com
Time For Tea
40282 Highway 41, #11, Oakhurst Phone: 559-683-4535
Yosemite Gateway Restaurant
40530 Highway 41, Oakhurst Phone: 559 683-2378 www.yosemitegatewayinn.com
Woody's New Orlean West
40291 Junction Drive Ste 103, Oakhurst Phone: 559-683-4414 www.wix.com/woodysneworleans/ west
K32409
40034 Highway 49, Suite D, Oakhurst Phone: 559-683-7472 www.roundtablepizza.com
Sugar Pine Take & Bake Pizza
A Bryant Family Company Since 1986
Hardware • Lumber • Building Materials
559-683-7655 40509 Hwy 41 • Oakhurst
Shop Where The Professionals Shop!
Business Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7-5 • Sat. 8-4 • Sun. 9-2 www.truevaluehomecenter.com
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OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA | www.oakhurstchamber.com | 2012
Education
Public School Systems
Bass Lake Joint Union School District Office 40096 Indian Springs Road Oakhurst, CA 93644 (559) 642-1555 http://www.basslakeschooldistrict.com Chawanakee Unified School District Office 33030 Road 228 North Fork, CA 93643 (559) 877-6209 http://www.chawanakee.k12.ca.us Raymond-Knowles Union Elementary Schools District Office 31828 Road 600 Raymond, CA 93653 (559) 689-3336 http://www.rkusd.k12.ca.us Yosemite Unified School District Office 50200 Road 427 Oakhurst, CA 93644 (559) 683-8801 http://www.yosemiteusd.com Coarsegold Elementary School (559) 683-4842 Evergreen High School (559) 683-8801 Foothill High School (559) 658-8616 Fresno Flats Day School (559)-642-1578
Glacier High School (559) 642-1422 Manzanita Community Day School (559) 877-6209 Ext 215 Meadowbrook Community Day School (559) 683-3533 Minarets High School (559) 868-8689
Your Partners in Pet Care
Full Day Yosemite Tours Private and Group Tours Hiking Tours Charters Wedding Shuttles
For more information inf ti call all 800-585-0565 www.discoveryosemite.com
K32533 K32533
Tours of Yosemite and more… Dog • Cat • Bird • Fish Small Pet • Horse Outdoor Friends • Livestock Reptile/Amphibian
If we don’t have it; we can get it – FAST! Locally owned and operated
Oakhurst Feed & Pet Supply 559-683-7977
K32601
Ahwahnee High School (559) 683-8801 Bass Lake Elementary School (559) 642-1560 Campbell High Community Day School (559) 683-8801 Chawanakee Academy (559) 868-4200
40119 Enterprise Drive • Oakhurst • www.OakhurstFeed.com
2012 | www.oakhurstchamber.com | OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA
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Mountain Home Charter School Phone: 559-642-1422 Mountain Oaks High School (559) 877-4440 Mountain View High School (559) 683-8801 North Fork Digital Middle School (559) 877-2215 North Fork Elementary (559) 877-2215 O'Neals Digital Middle School (559) 868-3343 Oak Creek Intermediate School (559) 642-1570 Oakhurst Elementary (559) 642-1580 Raymond Granite High School (559) 689-3490 Raymond-Knowles Elementary School (559) 689-3336 Rivergold Elementary School (559) 658-7566 Spring Valley Elementary (559) 868-3343 Wasuma Elementary School (559) 642-1585
Wawona Elementary (209) 375-6383 Yosemite Adult High School (559) 683-8801 YCEC: Yosemite Community Education Center (559) 683-8801 ext. 366 Yosemite Falls Education Center (559) 658-7373 Yosemite High School (559) 683-4667
Special, Private & Preschools
Gateway Christian School (559) 683-6557 Heartland Opportunity Center for Developmentally Disabled Adults (559) 683-7623 Indian Springs Children’s Center (559) 683-7654 Joyful Noise Preschool (559) 673-8663 Oakhurst Christian School (559) 683-7020 Sand Castles Preschool Daycare (559) 658-7320 Sierra Children’s Center (559) 642-1591
Summit Christian High School (209) 658-8700
Higher Education
State Center Community College, Oakhurst Center P.O. Box 1910, Oakhurst, CA 93644 (559) 683-3940 Emerson Institute P.O. Box 2313, Oakhurst, CA 93644 (559) 642-4616
Adult Education
Chawanakee Adult Education (559) 868-4200 Yosemite Joint Unified School District 5020 Road 427, Oakhurst, CA 93644 (559) 683-8801
Congratulations Oakhurst
Community Involvement, Support & Pride Past, Present & Future ~ Ron and Sherry Colgate
Doug Dearing,
Vice President, Oakhurst and Coarsegold Branch Manager
Remember When...
Supporting Our Community is What We Do Best. w w w. y o s e m i t e b a n k . c o m
THE COMMUNITY BANK SERVING THE SIERRA
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OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA | www.oakhurstchamber.com | 2012
K32694
When it comes to choosing a bank, choose the one that banks on the community... Yosemite Bank.
Ann & Fred Topham, with their sons Randy (L) and Bryan (R) celebrate the Grand Opening of Top Drugs in 1959.
Congratulations Oakhurst!
K32701
Thank you for welcoming our family and providing us with 35 years of opportunities.
Celebrating Oakhurst And Growing With The Community
D
1895-Sunset Telephone Company installed a telephone line from Merced to Mariposa.
Deer caused early day dispute
1908-Raymond Telephone Company was organized by the late Archibald C. Shaw.
octor Lewis Leach, Madera County’s first physician, must have thought he had heard it all when he was called to treat Nicholas Frates for a gunshot wound in 1889. When he inquired as to what was behind Frates’ shooting at the hands of two Indians in Fresno Flats, the good doctor was flabbergasted. It wasn’t the result of inter-cultural rivalry. It all started over an orphaned fawn. We don’t know who found the fawn first, but two American Indians who worked for Pete Ireberry herding sheep had possession of it on Sept. 1, 1889. That’s when Nick Frates’ brother came to claim it. Not only did he not get the fawn — he died in the attempt. The two Indian sheepherders weren’t about to let anyone get their deer, no matter what the cost. When word got back to Nicholas Frates that the Indians had shot and killed his brother, he made a beeline for the Ireberry ranch house. Unlike his brother, he wasn’t after the fawn; he wanted revenge. As he approached the front porch, Ireberry stepped out and pointed a shotgun at Frates. Before he could fire, however, Nicholas put a slug in Ireberry’s shoulder. That would have ended the matter then and there if the two Indians had not stepped to the plate. Suspecting trouble when they saw Nicholas riding in their direction, they each hid at opposite corners of the house. When Nicholas shot their employer, both of the sheepherders returned the fire. One bullet hit Frates in the hand and the other in the arm. Nicholas was lucky that he didn’t kill Ireberry. If the rancher had not been conscious, his Indian employees would have finished Frates off. Instead, they heeded the admonitions of their boss and let Frates live. Soon Deputy Constable Doolittle arrived and took all four men to Fresno. The two wounded men were taken to Doctor Leach’s office, and the two Indians were taken to jail, charged with the murder of Nicholas Frates’ brother. Once Ireberry was patched up, he was released and returned to the hills. Frates, on the other hand, was kept in custody at the county hospital on a charge of assault to commit murder. The Indians were sent to prison, and Frates served his sentence in the county jail. As for Ireberry, he went home to tend his sheep and feed his fawn. After all, if he had not allowed the animal to be fenced up on his ranch in the first place, hostilities would never have broken out.
1944-The Raymond system was purchased from Shaw in 1944 by Harry and Marie Baker. 1950-The company was purchased from Harry and Marie by their son Harry, Jr., the current President and Chairman of the Board. 1952-Three digit dialing was installed to handle the growth in Oakhurst and Bass Lake. 1953-The name was changed from Raymond Telephone Company to Sierra Telephone Company and The Mariposa County Telephone Company was added as a sister company. 1961-Everyone had dial telephones. Direct Long Distance Dialing is a reality! Crank Telephones go the way of the dinosaurs. 1977-Sierra Telephone added operators to provide local Directory Assistance. 1984-Sierra Tel Business Systems was formed to install and service business telephone systems. 1996-Sierra Tel Business Center opened its doors providing printing, shipping, office supplies and computer repair services. 1996-Sierra Tel Internet was established. K32432
— Bill Coate
1997-Sierra Tel Long Distance provided the convenience of one monthly bill. 2002-Sierra Tel Internet started offering DSL high speed internet. The Network Operations Center was expanded by 4,000 square feet to accommodate the rapid growth.
Photo/ Brian Wilhite
A view of Bass Lake.
Congratulations Oakhurst from your friends at 2012 | www.oakhurstchamber.com | OAKHURST AREA, CALIFORNIA
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