Krieghoff's volunteer work is just one example of how many Oakhurst residents strive to control their own destiny. Beautification is one goal. And for many, another goal is to declare Oakhurst a city, which would move its residents out from under the auspices of Madera County government. Oakhurst is nestled in a mountain valley south of Yosemite National Park and west of the Sierra National Forest and Bass Lake. But locals view their community as a collection of homes set back from winding mountain roads.
Houses line the Fresno River or sit amid oak and pine trees.
Undistracted by the bustle of the businesses and nearby traffic, deer graze before the backdrop of Yosemite's snow-capped peaks. I haven't found any place I'd rather be. But he realizes things are changing. When something's good, everybody wants a piece of it. He worries that Oakhurst could lose its identity as more businesses open to draw tourists heading to Yosemite, Others say that's already happening.