El Capitan is back in headlines as safety and conservation tie to climbers and park actions; iconic Yosemite granite, 3,000 ft climb.
A federal judge has ruled that Shannon “SJ” Joslin must follow the Civil Service Reform Act process after being fired from a Park Service job. Joslin, who is nonbinary, helped hang a transgender pride flag on El Capitan in May 2025. The termination, issued in August 2025, alleges conduct violations related to the protest. A final determination is due in August 2026, and a new Yosemite rule bans banners larger than 15 square feet in wilderness areas.