Fresno's Christopher Doty and Brandon Aliso of Visalia were among 36 cadets who graduated from the California Game Warden Academy last week in Paradise.

Nineteen members of the graduating class were sponsored warden cadets and will begin field training immediately. The other 17 paid their way through the academy hoping to be hired by the Department of Fish and Game.

Doty will patrol the Chowchilla area, while Aliso has been assigned to Santa Ynez, according to Capt. Nathaniel Arnold of the DFG's Central Enforcement District.

Often working alone and in remote areas, game wardens make more than 295,000 annual contacts and issue more than 15,000 citations. They also recommend recreational activities and serve as educators to the public by speaking to schools and service groups.

Nancy Foley, chief of the DFG's Law Enforcement Division, presided over the graduation ceremony. Foley retired the following day after a 25-year career.

Events

Tour de Fresno

When: Sept. 22

Where: Start/finish at California Home for the Aged (6720 E. Kings Canyon)

There's still a month to train for this fourth annual charity ride that benefits several local charitable organizations.

Five rides are offered, ranging from a 103-mile century with nearly 3,500 feet of foothill climbing to a leisurely 18-mile pedal through Fowler and Sunnyside. More than 700 cyclists participated last year.

Go to tourdefresno.com for details. Register online at signmeup.com.

News & notes

• According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, hunter participation numbers rose 9% to 13.7 million nationwide over the past five years following years of decline. Hunters spent a total of $34 million on trips, equipment and licenses.
• The first part of dove hunting season is Sept. 1-15, and Herb Bauer Sporting Goods still has a few openings for its Aug. 25-26 hunter safety classes. Fees are $20. Details: (559) 435-8600.
• Four of the West's top ski resorts are offering a single season pass. The resorts include Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows in California, Alta in Utah, Aspen/Snowmass in Colorado and Jackson Hole in Wyoming. The Mountain Collective Pass will cost $349 and includes two free days at each of the four resorts.
• The annual Buck Rock Lookout open house, barbecue and "blessing of the rock" ceremony is Sept. 2 in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free but requires a $20 entry fee into Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Details: buckrock.org.