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“Fallen Monarch”: A picture of a fallen tree in Mariposa on Sept. 15, 1911.
“Fallen Monarch”: A picture of a fallen tree in Mariposa on Sept. 15, 1911.
A photo of visitors in Yosemite taken in the early 1900s and compiled by photographer Arnold Genthe into a collection of “Views of Yosemite.”
A photo of visitors in Yosemite taken in the early 1900s and compiled by photographer Arnold Genthe into a collection of “Views of Yosemite.”
A stereograph of Yosemite Falls from Watkins’ Pacific Coast store on Montgomery St. The store did made-to-order views of any part of the state or coast.
A stereograph of Yosemite Falls from Watkins’ Pacific Coast store on Montgomery St. The store did made-to-order views of any part of the state or coast.
A view of Yosemite taken by photographer Arnold Genthe between 1903-06.
A view of Yosemite taken by photographer Arnold Genthe between 1903-06.
A photo of visitors in Yosemite taken in the early 1900s and compiled by photographer Arnold Genthe.
A photo of visitors in Yosemite taken in the early 1900s and compiled by photographer Arnold Genthe.
A Washington woman arrested at Yosemite National Park after rangers inquired about a sign reading “Gas for Ass” displayed in van window now faces drug charges.
Federal prosecutors in California say Melissa Johnston was questioned in June by National Park Service rangers concerned about the sign.
Apparently, the rangers’ believed the sign displayed in the Dodge Caravan “indicated a solicitation of good or services” and was therefore “a violation in the park.” Johnston said the sign was a joke and was told to stow it.
According to charging papers, rangers were prepared to move on when they learned the van had been reported stolen. Additional rangers arrived and arrested Johnston, who is alleged to have told them she was responsible for the van.
A search of the van later uncovered syringes and a small amount of methamphetamine, according to charging papers. Investigators claim to have found several drug pipes as well.
Johnston was arrested Monday in Tacoma, her listed city of residence. She has since been released on bond and is expected to make an initial plea to drug possession and illegal camping charges in coming days.
Allegations related to conduct on federal property, including national parks, are prosecuted in federal court.
A look at the history behind the National Parks system of the United States.
Seattlepi.com reporter Levi Pulkkinen can be reached at 206-448-8348 or levipulkkinen@seattlepi.com. Follow Levi on Twitter at twitter.com/levipulk.
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