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Suzanne Avalon
Publisher/Head of Advertising
The vacant position on the Idyllwild Water District (IWD) board was
filled last week. At its Feb. 27 meeting, the Riverside County Board of
Supervisors approved the appointment of R. Mitchell Davis to the IWD
board.
The seat has been vacant for nearly a year. Last March, former director
Gene Schneider announced his intention to resign from the board. His
resignation letter was received April 5, according to former General
Manager Leo Havener.
At a special meeting June 7, 2023, the IWD board had two applicants —
Davis and Jessica Priefer — willing to fill Schneider’s vacancy. The
board split, two directors for each and two opposed to the other. Since
the board could not agree to a replacement (it has 60 days to make the
choice), the decision went to the county supervisors, who also did not
make a choice.
The IWD board did not request that the vacancy be included on the
November 2023 ballot. But it did ask the registrar of voters to include
it on the March 5 Presidential Primary Ballot.
During the nomination period, only Davis filed candidacy papers.
Consequently, with only one person qualifying for the election, the
Registrar’s Office did not need to include this race on the actual March
5 ballot. Last week, the registrar sent a request to the board of
supervisors to appoint Davis since he was the only qualified person to
file papers for the election.
Tuesday, Feb. 27, the board unanimously approved Davis’s appointment.
Though he graduated from San Marcos High School, he attended 19
different schools from primary grades through high school as a
consequence of his father being in the military.
He married Denise, his high school sweetheart, 47 years ago. They have
two sons.
His family has a water industry background. Both his father and
grandfather were in water operations. In fact, after high school, while
visiting his father, who was working at Rancho Santa Fe Water, Davis
became fascinated with the treatment plant operations. Subsequently, he
began taking classes, enjoyed it and passed all his state examinations.
After graduation, he started working and retired at Yuima Water
District, which is in the Pauma Valley of San Diego County. It is
primarily an agricultural district with 350 customers.
In 2019, when he was preparing for retirement, Mitch and Denise wanted
to move from Pauma Valley. They had been visiting the Hill for more than
20 years to camp and enjoy the mountains.
Nearly 50 years ago, his first trip to the Hill was similar to many
other ultimate residents — with the Boy Scouts.
“We came so often to visit,” he said, “we decided to live here instead.”
After settling into their new home, his water background continued to
resurface. Since 2019, he has been attending IWD board meetings and
asking questions about its operation and management.
When asked what he saw as IWD’s priorities, he deferred his response. “I
can’t do anything until I know its strengths and weaknesses. I’ll hold
off,” he replied.
However, at the November IWD meeting, he did raise some questions about
the status of fire hydrants and their repair.
“At Yuima, I often did fire hydrant maintenance. We fixed them within a
week or week and half,” he related. “There is no excuse to be out of
service for more than a month.”
Then he added, “I guess I still think operationally instead of
politically.”
He also declined to state an opinion about future rate increases.
However, he noted that having read Idyllwild’s Rate Study, he believed
IWD’s strategy for annual increases over a five-year period is
preferable to Yuima’s policy of several small incremental increases each
year.
Employee salaries were another topic on which he had some general
comments. He noted that at Yuima, the salaries and benefits were based
on employee longevity. When he retired, there were five employees with a
combined 110 years of experience, but he noted that the longest service
at IWD was nine years.
He felt the salaries, work environment and other issues may be affecting
staff tenure.
When questioned about possible reasons for the IWD water production to
be growing each year since 2019, while the other local districts do not
reflect a similar pattern, he attributed it to temporary usage from the
number of tourists and short-term rental units in the district.
But he does favor stronger conservation policies, such as for low-flush
toilets and low-flow shower heads and faucets at house sinks.
Schneider’s term began December 2022 and was to end in December 2026.
Since more than two years are left in the term, there will be an
election to fill the final two years.
Davis has already committed to seeking election to the half-term and
then full-term. “When I applied for the position last April, I told the
board that I was doing this for the long haul,” he affirmed.
“I’m a nuts-and-bolts guy,” he said describing his objectives. “Really,
all I want to do is pass on some knowledge. It’s like a water fountain —
you can drink out of it or ignore it.”
The outlook for a relatively lower-level wildfire season this year is
very positive. Cooler temperatures and more precipitation are
responsible for the reduced chance of major fires this spring.
The National Interagency Fire Center’s Predictive Services unit
projects, “The potential for significant fires will be near normal
across the entire region through April. The lower elevations will likely
see a below normal threat for significant fire in May, then most of the
region will likely see a below normal threat for significant fire in
June.”
Precipitation this winter has significantly raised the moisture level of
dry and dead fuels throughout California, according to Cal Fire’s
Southern Operations Unit. Live fuel moisture also has begun to rise. At
the lower elevations, grass will begin to sprout soon and continue into
June.
“Expect curing of fine fuels over the lower elevations to start in April
and be almost entirely cured by the beginning of May. However, expect
greenness in the brush into at least early summer,” South Ops said in
its Feb. 29 report.
The region has no drought conditions, either.
While Northern California and the coastal areas in the south have been
inundated with rainfall, and now snowfall, precipitation on the Hill has
not been as great as the winter of 2023. But it approaches neither
dryness nor drought conditions.
As of Saturday, precipitation since Jan. 1 has been about 12 inches,
which is close to half of the historical average for 12 months.
In early February, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction
Center (CPC) reported that the current El Niño conditions are weakening.
While they may persist through April, a neutral period is expected to be
present in May and June. By summer, there is a 55% chance that La Niña
conditions will arrive.
This transition will continue to bring damp, if not wet, weather to
Southern California through spring, thus continuing to reduce the
chances of any large wildfire activity. Currently, the CPC forecasts
about equal chances that precipitation will be either above or below
normal for Southern California through the end of summer.
South Ops concluded with the following summary, “Precipitation will
likely be above normal through June and temperatures and Santa Ana wind
events will likely be below normal through June.”
To judge from the attendance at last Tuesday evening’s presentation of
the concert honoring the achievements of Idyllwild’s own guitarist and
luthier extraordinaire David Pelham, the event served as both a
celebratory and devotional function. Under the sponsorship of the
Friends of the Idyllwild Library, the attraction was equally a stimulus
to the curious as well as the knowing. The proceedings started with a
short prelude by Mr. Pelham himself in his capacity as event
co-coordinator, welcoming all comers with a short introductory
statement, to be followed by his commentaries on all performers,
instruments and the works to be performed. For not only were four
distinguished guitarists present, but also four guitars from Mr.
Pelham’s workshop to provide the proper acoustic reception throughout
the library’s Community Room.
Starting with another short introduction by co-coordinator Ernesto Alé,
with give-and-take from Mr. Pelham as well, the musical portion of the
event began with the playing of three nature-inspired pieces: “Ashes and
Tears” (a reflection of the Mountain Fire’s aftermath), plus “Winter
Palindrome” and “On Tahquitz” all evoked a concentrated spirit unique to
the Idyllwild area, in a miniaturized canvas where all elements blend
with sonic subtlety of observation — a “listening through” of each
combination of seventh and ninth chords, specifying natural
formulations. This was followed by Jack McBroom’s realizations of a day
on the Hill — “Amanecer,” “Windy Morning” and “Atardecer,” giving forth
the full spectrum of emotion (and motion) from sunrise to sunset.
The more difficult task was then effected by guitarist Lawrence Spector,
whose interpretations of Mr. Pelham’s “Elegy” and the award-winning
“Hymn for the Earth” were noteworthy in the context of contrast with the
earlier programmed pieces, presenting a further contemplative aspect of
the concert.
Finally, with the help of David Jerome’s masterful stylings of five
short pieces (including an unannounced guitar study), the endpoint was
reached with appropriate vigor (for “White Water”) and balanced
reflection (for the concluding “Meditation”). This listener was
particularly impressed with the various approaches of the four scheduled
players, with the interspersed comments from the maestro himself, who on
this occasion overcame his issues with hand and finger neuropathy enough
so that he could present his own “Lullaby for Logan” with his individual
touch of true personal simplicity.
In all, a stunning display of talent, from the standpoints of both
instructor/provider and his disciples as well, with those in the
audience certainly more than appreciative of a well-designed and
thought-out presentation.
Riverside County CEO Jeff Van Wagenen delivered good news during his
presentation of the midyear review of Riverside County’s fiscal year
(FY) 2023-24 budget last week.
During his budget report at the Feb. 27 board of supervisors meeting, he
reported that revenues for the current FY are expected to be about $60
million greater than when the budget was adopted last year.
Last June, the board adopted a FY 2023-24 budget that anticipated $1.143
billion in revenue and now Van Wagenen’s financial staff is projecting
total revenues to be about $1.2 billion.
The two largest increases are property tax revenue and interest on the
county’s cash. Also, motor vehicle taxes and former Redevelopment Agency
Residual Assets contributed about $15 million more.
The Proposition 172 sales tax revenue for public safety is “not as rosy
as the others,” Wagenen alerted the board. Fortunately, reserves were
already adopted during the budget proceedings in case a decline were to
occur. Next year and future budgets, he believes the Prop 172 funding
will recover slightly.
The county’s contingency fund, which was $20 million at the beginning of
this FY, remains at $15.7 million.
Consequently, reserves at the end of the FY are now also projected to
increase from $555 million in the adopted budget to $677 million in the
midyear projections.
“This is a significant increase. Much better than what we had certainly,
any time in the past 12 to 15 years,” he shared. “We’re still shy of the
government finance officer’s target for best practices of two months of
operating expenses. We’re closer now.”
Addressing future years, Van Wagenen warned that revenues are now
expected to flatten in future FYs.
“We’re not seeing a decline or significant decline in revenues,” he told
the board. “Bad times have not arrived and they may never arrive, but we
have to prepare. The significant growth we’ve seen over the past three
years is absolutely slowing.”
Although four months remain in this FY, county agencies already are
beginning to make plans for FY 2024-25.
Van Wagenen advised the board of potential pressures on the next few
budgets. He mentioned six specifically, including the state deficit,
which is growing, and the ability of the federal government to
appropriate funds.
More specifically, he noted that the county’s labor costs are going to
increase. “That’s salaries, that’s benefits and that’s pension costs,”
he stated.
The county has recently agreed to several new employee contracts — the
Deputy District Attorneys Association and the Service Employees
International Union. An agreement with the Laborers’ International Union
of North America is being negotiated. Next year, the county will meet
with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Association, Van Wagenen said.
There will be insurance premium increases as well as general cost growth
such as for gasoline.
“Because of the growth of our communities, there’s a need for new
programs and projects,” he added. County departments have already
suggested more than 160 new initiatives and 175 capital improvement
projects for FY 2024-25.
“The is significant pressure coming to bear on departments to continue
to provide services and meet the needs of our communities,” he
concluded.
The board’s budget hearings for the FY 2024-25 are planned for June 10
and 11, and the budget is expected to be adopted at the June 25 meeting.
Friday, Feb. 16, dozens of Idyllwild (AAI) members gathered at Harvey House for the annual Meeting and Mingle. Everyone who attended brought a dish to share with their fellow artists and friends.
Monica Sierras performed on her ukulele while everyone ate, sipped wine and enjoyed the atmosphere.
Emily Burton took home the Artist of the Year award. Burton’s jewelry designs won numerous ribbons at the 2023 judged art shows AAI held.
Ron Myer had the special honor of taking home the Volunteer of the Year award. Myer helped with many of the events held last year and was always a pleasure to be around.
Riverside County Fire/Cal Fire log
The Riverside County Fire Department/Cal Fire responded to these recent dispatches from Monday to Sunday, Sept. 11 to 17.
Pine Cove
Pine Cove
• Feb. 20 — Inside gas odor, 8:23 a.m.
• Feb. 22 — Structure fire, false alarm, 2:16 p.m.
• Feb. 23 — Seizures, 3:58 p.m.
• Feb. 25 — Structure fire, false alarm, 6:42 a.m.
Garner Valley
• Feb. 21 — Fainting, 8:13 p.m.
• Feb. 22 — Breathing problems, 5:52 a.m.
• Feb. 22 — Stroke, 8:47 a.m.
• Feb. 22 — Structure fire, false alarm, 2:16 p.m.
• Feb. 23 — Traffic crash, 4:19 p.m.
• Feb. 25 — Structure fire, false alarm.
• Feb. 25 — Traumatic injuries, 9:42 a.m.
Pinyon
• Feb. 23 — Sick person, 12:57 p.m.
• Feb. 25 — Fainting, 10:19 a.m.
Sheriff’s log
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls Monday to Sunday, Sept. 11 to 17.
Idyllwild
• Feb. 19 — Illegal dumping, 11:22 a.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 19 — Burglary, 10:23 p.m. 26000 block of Delano Dr. Unfounded.
• Feb. 20 — Trespassing, 11:19 a.m. 53000 block of Double View Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 21 — Trespassing, 4:03 p.m. 25000 block of Fern Valley Rd. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 21 — Vandalism, 11:33 p.m. 26000 block of Hwy. 243. Report taken.
• Feb. 22 — Child neglect, 12:11 p.m. Address withheld. Unfounded.
• Feb. 22 — Alarm call, 12:35 p.m. 25000 block of Indian Rock Rd. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 22 — Danger to self/other, 1:02 p.m. Address undefined. Report taken.
• Feb. 23 — Suspicious circumstance, 1:09 a.m. 54000 block of S. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 23 — Suspicious person, 9:01 a.m. 53000 block of Idyllbrook Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 23 — Check the welfare, 1:37 p.m. 26000 block of Delano Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 23 — Trespassing, 8:17 p.m. 55000 block of Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 23 — 911 call, 10:02 p.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 24 — Noise complaint, 12:36 a.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 24 — Open door, 4:30 p.m. 54000 block of Village Center Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 25 — Public disturbance, 12:01 a.m. 55000 block of S. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 25 — Public disturbance, 2:30 a.m. 54000 block of Riverside County Playground Rd. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 25 — Public assist, 12:59 p.m. 26000 block of Meadow Glen Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 25 — Area check, 7:20 p.m. 53000 block of Hillsdale St. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 26 — Alarm call, 6:51 a.m. 54000 block of Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.
Pine Cove
• Feb. 20 — Alarm call, 5:03 a.m. 52000 block of Sylvan Wy. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 21 — Trespassing, 11:28 a.m. 25000 block of Marion Ridge Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 22 — Area check, 12:29 a.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 25 — Trespassing, 12:13 p.m. 23000 block of Pine Needles Ln. Handled by deputy.
Garner Valley
Pine Meadows
• Feb. 24 — Alarm call, 11:02 a.m. 37000 block of Gold Shot Creek Rd. Handled by deputy.
Poppet Flats
• Feb. 20 — Public disturbance, 9:40 p.m. 18000 block of Deer Trl. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 23 — Vandalism, 11:53 a.m. 45000 block of Big Horn St. Report taken.
San Bernardino
National Forest
• Feb. 23 — Assist other department, 9:25 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• Feb. 24 — Silent alarm, 9:29 p.m. Address withheld. Handled by deputy.
Pleased and concerned over new IWD GM
Dear editor:
I was very pleased to read that the Idyllwild Water District (IWD) interim general manager (GM) talked about the importance of teamwork and team-building. I truly hope that means working with our current IWD team and not trying to solve problems by hiring and firing. It is a true test of leadership to be able to take a group of people with differences and build a team that works well together.
I was also pleased that the interim GM recognized the issue of septic seepage possibly contaminating our underground water supply. I have been “shouting from the rooftops” for years regarding this to the county board of supervisors and the IWD Board of Directors only to fall on deaf ears. I just hope you all realize that the main problem is overpopulation and massive visitation, not the need for an expanded sewer system.
Finally, I hoped that because the interim GM had no water certifications, he would display excellent administrative skills. Unfortunately, the February agenda is filled with formatting and spelling errors. The January minutes don’t even show the director votes that were cast. I truly hope that this is not a sign of things to come.
David Hunt
4th Generation Idyllwild Hillbilly
High school seniors who resided in the Idyllwild School attendance area with a parent or guardian for three or more years during kindergarten through eighth grade, and for two of the four high school years, and have at least a 2.5 GPA, may apply for an Idyllwild Scholarship.
It doesn’t matter the high school they attend in the Hemet Unified School District, home schoolers also are eligible if they plan to further their education in some way, college or vocational.
The Idyllwild Scholarship Fund also acknowledges gap years. Last year, it awarded a total of $30,000 to six Idyllwild seniors. Recipients were Geneva Dagnall, Ryan Lawrence, Ethan Teeguarden, Michael Stroud, Zach Russo and Layton Teeguarden.
Applications are available online at www.idyllwildscholarshipfund.org. They may be printed or filled out online. Packets are due by 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 10. Online applications are due by 11:59 p.m. that day.
The fund accepts tax-deductible donations of any amount. Mail to Idyllwild Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 778, Idyllwild, CA 92549.
Riverside County voters will be able to cast their ballot for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election at one of 17 vote centers in Riverside County that opened Saturday, Feb. 24. Another 131 vote centers will open Saturday, March 2.
At any of these voter centers, residents may vote in-person or return their completed vote-by-mail ballot. Voters are not assigned to a specific location and may cast their ballot at any available vote center.
A list of vote centers is found at https://voteinfo.net/sites/g/files/aldnop371/files/2024-01/March2024%20Vote%20Center%20Locations_ENG.pdf
Eligible residents may also register to vote, update their registration or change their political party at a vote center.
Also, any registered voter may opt to mark a paper ballot or use a touch screen, which is an accessible voting unit available at all vote centers. The voter then casts their ballot into the ballot box or scans their ballot into a ballot scanner.
For voters who wish to return their vote-by-mail ballots at a drop box location, the Registrar of Voters has 106 official ballot drop-off locations throughout the county. Drop boxes have been available since Feb. 5 and will remain so through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
