Rich-
I checked with the ranger station in Lone Pine for August permits . The whole month was full, but they told me that the whole month of September was open for all Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This is for day hikes only.
Phone number is 760-873-2483, 8AM to 5PM. Dial "zero" after the taped recording starts and you'll get a live ranger, otherwise you have to listen to the really long taped message. I got 2 permits immediately in case one gets rained out.