Sonora Pass has reopened for the summer season.

The pass is at 9,623 feet on Highway 109. It is the state’s second highest highway pass after Tioga Pass on Highway 120 at 9,943 feet.

Tioga Pass remains closed.

Caltrans District 10 crews are preparing to conduct significant repair work on Highway 4 across Ebbetts pass at 8,730 feet. Work will start May 10. The work must be completed to allow safe travel. The pass is scheduled to open before the Memorial Day weekend.

The opening of Sonora Pass will allow direct access to Highway 395 as well as Bridgeport, Lee Vinning, and Mammoth Lake where 71 of 150 ski trails at Mammoth Lake Ski Resort are still open.

Blowing dust poses potential

health concern Valley-wide

SALDIA — Strong northwesterly winds may cause blowing dust throughout the Valley into the weekend, prompting local air pollution officials to issue a health caution through Saturday, May 8 for the San Joaquin Valley.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District advises winds will be particularly gusty beginning Friday into Saturday. The District recommends that residents use caution and avoid exposure to blowing dust caused by windy conditions.

The gusty winds often cause localized blowing dust in areas where soils are exceptionally dry—creating unhealthy concentrations of particulate matter 10 microns and smaller (PM10). Exposure to particulate pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections.

Where conditions warrant, people with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure. Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion, depending on their local conditions.

For more information, visit www.valleyair.org or call a District office in Fresno (559-230-6000), Modesto (209-557-6400) or Bakersfield (661-392-5500).

STOCKTON — Lincoln Center merchants are conducting a job fair on Monday, May 10, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Among those hiring are Artesian Natural Foods, Chico’s Devon’s Jewelers. Elevate Skincare & Spa, Flair Boutique, Gymstars Gymnastics, La Mesa, Leanfeast, Market Tavern, Midgley’s Public House, Nekter Juice Bar, Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar, Parkwoods Cleaners, Payter’s Grill, Podesto’s Market Deli & Bakery, Prime table Steakhouse, and Theadora Boutique.

More details can be found at lincolncentershops.com,