Alex S. Maclean

4 days ago | uniondemocrat.com | Alex MacLean |Alex S. Maclean

Officials from law enforcement, criminal justice and other government agencies in Tuolumne County and beyond came to a public forum Thursday night at Columbia College’s Dogwood Theater with a message for anyone from a marginalized group who’s concerned for their safety: We’re here for you. The free event was focused on addressing the topic of hate crimes in response to the Jan.

1 week ago | uniondemocrat.com | Alex MacLean |Alex S. Maclean

The future of the Rite Aid store in Sonora is uncertain following the drugstore chain’s latest bankruptcy filing Monday. A news release from the company stated that it plans to sell customer prescription files, inventory and other assets while going through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process over the next several months. During that time, stores and their pharmacies will reportedly remain open for business until they are either closed or sold to a new owner.

1 week ago | uniondemocrat.com | Alex MacLean |Alex S. Maclean

California tourism officials are warning of an anticipated drop in visitation to the Golden State this year, following two consecutive years of spending by travelers hitting all-time highs. The latest numbers come from Visit California’s annual report on the economic impacts from tourism in the state and a new forecast for future travel spending, both of which were released Monday to coincide with National Travel and Tourism Week that runs through Saturday.

1 week ago | uniondemocrat.com | Alex MacLean |Alex S. Maclean

Next week will be filled with activities leading up to the 66th Mother Lode Roundup, with a notable change for two annual favorites. This year’s Roundup Queen Coronation and Calcutta will be held Thursday in the ballroom at Black Oak Casino Resort Hotel in Tuolumne for the first time, as opposed to the traditional venue at the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse grounds.

2 weeks ago | uniondemocrat.com | Alex MacLean |Alex S. Maclean

The 66th annual Mother Lode Roundup Rodeo and Parade was saved Wednesday morning by a pair of intrepid young treasure hunters who found the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse’s contract with The Cowboy Channel. Aubrey and Layla Frankhauser, of Sonora, found the treasure box containing the contract shortly before 8 a.m. Wednesday buried off the side of Old Buchanan Mine Road about a quarter-mile behind the Forest Service gate across from the Riverside Day Use Area northeast of downtown Tuolumne.