This dead tree was about 250 years old. Last Wednesday, Southern California Edison’s contractor, Pino Tree Service, removed the tree after several hours of work by taking down sections to avoid danger to power lines along Tollgate Road. Riverside County Transportation assisted in traffic control and removed the remaining stump the following day because of its proximity to the road.
File photo.

The Idyllwild grinding facility will be closed Mondays from Dec. 5 through April 24, 2017.

Weekday operations will continue on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch). The facility will resume Monday operations on May 1, 2017.

The facility is located at the 5,000-foot marker, 1 mile south of the Idyllwild Transfer Station on Highway 243. The grinding facility accepts wood waste affected by the bark beetle. Prohibited waste includes household waste, appliances, e-waste, metals, tires and other hazardous, explosive and medical wastes. Customers who use the facility pay a per-ton rate on pre-paid accounts.

For more information, call the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources at 951-486-3200 or visit www.rcwaste.org.