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County budget deficit remains and growing

By
JP Crumrine
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0

The current-year Riverside County budget continues to show a deficit and preliminary indications are that the next fiscal-year budget, which starts July 1, will continue the shortfalls. The initial projected deficit is about $127 million, of which $65 million is just the Sheriff’s Department’s initial request.

While these deficits are offset from reserves, the county continues to spend more than it collects, and the difference appears to be growing.

“… [U]sing one-time funding will be unavoidable to close this fiscal year and cover the projected gap next fiscal year,” County Executive Officer Jay Orr wrote in his Third Quarter Budget Report. “I recognize this is unsustainable, and an ongoing solution will be necessary to bring the budget into structural balance.”

Public-safety agencies continue to expend greater than their budgets, but these deficits also continue to decline. For example, the Sheriff’s Department forecast a $46 million deficit when the fiscal year began and has reduced this projection to $29.7 million.

The District Attorney, Fire Department, Mental Health, Public Defender and Courts all reported they expect costs to exceed their budgets.

Implementing Proposition 47 has resulted in a greater workload for Mental Health to support inmates at Patton State Hospital. This will be a continuing responsibility, which might grow to nearly $3 million next fiscal year.

Among his current recommendations, Orr advocated ending the current county commitment of $1.5 million for the University of California, Riverside’s new medical school. This savings will help fund replacement and upgrades of equipment at the county’s Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley.

“The significant current-year financial challenges outlined above frame substantial challenges for the FY15-16 budget that cannot be minimized,” he concluded.

To help limit expenditures, Orr directed in April that his office review and approve purchasing services and supplies for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Orr’s report did contain some good news. Property tax estimates and redevelopment residual assets will provide a $10.1-million increase to revenues.

The growth in county costs will continue in fiscal 2015-16. “Next fiscal year, further labor increases go into effect, as well as pension obligations and internal service rate increases that will create additional financial strain for most departments,” Orr reported.

Nevertheless, Orr’s conclusion was positive, promising he would recommend a balanced 2015-16 budget in June, when he submits it to the board.

Journal from the James: Spring at the James …

By
Jennifer Gee and John Laundre
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A snow plant. Photo by John Laundré
A snow plant. Photo by John Laundré

It is that time of the year again, the time we typically call springtime. For those of you who follow the annual trip of the Earth around the Sun, you know that usually the beginning of spring is designated as the place in that trip where the tilt of the Earth is such that everywhere on the planet is an equal amount of day and night —  by our calendar around March 20 or 21.

Thus, spring also is called the vernal equinox (roughly meaning equal daylight and night). The vernal separates this time from the other time when this happens, marking the start of fall.

At right, a California quail chick. Photo by Dr. Jen Gee
A California quail chick.
Photo by Dr. Jen Gee
Quail’s nest.Photo by John Laundré
Quail’s nest. Photo by John Laundré

Once we pass that point of the trip, days begin to get longer than nights. How much so depends on how north we are of the equator.

We officially stay in springtime until the Earth reaches the point in its trip where we have the longest day — around June 20 or 21 — marking the beginning of summer, the summer solstice, and days begin to shorten again. So officially, we are in the middle of spring here in the San Jacintos.

Apart from the astronomy of it all, what does springtime signify biologically? As the days grow longer, we know temperatures will get warmer and the threat of frost will be gone, eventually. Nevertheless, here on the mountain, we know it can still freeze, so winter can still return and kill tender shoots and freeze young animals through most of the spring.

Pollen being released. Photo by John Laundré
Pollen being released.
Photo by John Laundré

However, as sure as the Earth’s trip around the Sun, things will get better. This has been an astronomical promise fulfilled since the Earth was formed. This makes spring the season of promise; the promise that better times are coming, summer is coming, a time when the living is easy with plenty of sunshine for the plants to grow and plenty of plants for the animals to eat. Spring becomes the time to prepare for that promise, for those good times.

Spring preparation is abounding at the James. In late March, we begin to see plants such as the snow plant cautiously start to poke their heads above ground. Ferns slowly extend their “fiddle head,” but not too much.

Young oak leaves. Photo by John Laundré
Young oak leaves.
Photo by John Laundré

As we get closer to that promised time and the threat of frost and snow diminishes, plants get bolder. Our oaks begin to extend their new leaves, reaching for that warming sun. The new growth of the pines stretches upward, bearing the beginnings of new cones, waiting for the rain of pollen that covers our world with a dusting of yellow. Everywhere, spring is the time for pollination, for starting those new seeds that will develop in the lazy days of summer.

Immature pine cones. Photo by John Laundré
Immature pine cones.
Photo by John Laundré

Animals also bide their time during the promise season according to their own seasonal clocks. For them, spring is the time when all animals’ fancies turn toward love. Early spring is the time to select mates, set up territories. As the season progresses, nests are to be built, eggs are to be laid and young embryos are to be developed in the warmth of the mother’s womb. All this is in preparation of having the new crop of young ready to take advantage of the abundance of summer to feed hungry mouths; to grow the next generation.

So, spring is the promise season, not only a promise for better weather but for what that better weather means — survival, growth and rebirth of the natural world on the San Jacintos.

Newly elected Art Alliance board to choose officers: Meeting open to all

By
Marshall Smith
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The Art Alliance of Idyllwild, essentially moribund since the April 15 resignation en masse of its former board, will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Town Hall to select new officers and relaunch the prestigious nonprofit. No directors from the previous board opted to be candidates for the new board.

Until officers are selected and the new board formally constituted, no business can be conducted nor can anyone speak for the organization other than Interim Director Adrian Adams. Adams, previously attorney for the former board, accepted the position of interim director in order to conduct the election of a new board. Because only 11 candidates presented themselves for the 11 available seats, the election was uncontested and no membership balloting was required.

Adams distributed the agenda for the May 16 meeting. It calls for introduction of new directors, with statements from the directors summarizing their experience and areas of expertise that could be of value to the board; selection of officers; selection of signers on AAI bank accounts; resignation of Interim Director and Administrator Adams; and consideration of a recommendation [from Adams] to amend existing AAI bylaws. Said Adams of existing AAI bylaws, “They need to be amended to bring them current with industry standards. Among the needed changes are: set number of directors [five or seven]; establish term limits; establish annual elections and protocols for conducting elections; create qualifications for directors; establish a process for removal of directors; add a provision for filling vacancies; and add a number of procedural provisions for how boards should function.”

Officers to be selected at the Saturday meeting are president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Adams’ office clarified that officers, once selected, could appoint chairpersons for any number of committees, but that only four officers will be elected on May 16.

According to Adams, nominations for all officers will be made at the meeting by new directors. Directors then vote by majority of those attending to elect new officers. Adams specified that there could be no director voting by proxy and that only attending directors could vote. He added that directors could attend by telephone if travel plans prohibited them from attending in person. “The board can nominate and elect directors who are not present [at the Saturday meeting],” said Adams. “If at a subsequent meeting one of the newly appointed officers declines, another can immediately be appointed.”

New directors are: Cate, Byron Ely, Darcy Gerdes, Terryann Halloran, Gerry High, Del Marcussen, Erin O’Neill, Shanna Robb, Veda Roubideaux, Peter Szabadi and Barry Zander.

Viewing the composition of the new board and their statements of qualification posted on the AAI website (www.artinidyllwild.org), AAI co-founder Chris Trout observed, “The varied background in this little town of ours is amazing. They [the new board] are committed and just need a little encouragement and support.”

Obituary: Clay Robert LaMont

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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Obituary
Clay Robert LaMont
1950-2015

Clay+LaMont+obitClay Robert LaMont, born Jan. 16, 1950, passed away peacefully among close friends and family on Monday, April 27, 2015.

A celebration of life will begin at noon Wednesday, May 20, and last throughout the day at Silver Pines Lodge in Idyllwild.

In lieu of flowers, Clay would have wanted donations made in his name, for continuing the research that made the last 15 years of his life possible: Celestia Higano, MD, FACP, c/o SCCA, 825 Eastlake Ave E., Mailstop G4-830, Seattle, WA 98109.

Don’t grieve for me, for now I am free,
I’m following the path God has laid, you see.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
If my parting has left a void,
then fill it with remembered joys —
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
oh yes, these things I, too, will miss.
My life has been full, I savored much,
good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief.
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee —
God wanted me now, he set me free.

Motorcycle incident and abandoned trailer removal on Highway 74

By
Marshall Smith
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On Wednesday, May 6, a motorcycle crash closed Highway 74 above the Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point for an hour in both directions. The incident occurred at about 4:25 p.m. when Bryce Militi, 29, of Palm Desert, was riding a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja eastbound on Highway 74, 4.2 miles west of Cahuilla Drive in Pinyon.

According to Indio California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Michael Radford, Militi had been observed passing vehicles by crossing the double-yellow line. Radford recounted that Militi made an unsafe turn and struck a guardrail causing him to be ejected from the motorcycle. Militi sustained minor injuries and was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center by Reach Helicopter. Radford noted the highway reopened for traffic at about 5:15 p.m.

In a different matter, San Gorgonio Pass CHP Public Information Officer Darren Meyer confirmed that a motor home, abandoned for more than a month on Highway 74 west of Santa Rosa Truck Trail, is in the process of being removed. The trailer, to the right of eastbound traffic in a narrow pullout, had been marked only by orange cones and could have posed some risk to distracted drivers given its size and proximity to the roadway.

Meyer confirmed that the delay in removal was because of an asbestos issue. “It’s not as if a tow company could just take it,” said Meyer. “Because of the asbestos, Caltrans had to figure out how to pay to have it removed to a landfill” and stripped of potentially hazardous material.

Meyer referred to scams from towing companies in which someone pays to have a vehicle or trailer removed, only to have the towing company dump it at night in a remote location.

“If anyone notices any suspicious activity, such as illegal dumping, contact CHP and try to get a license plate number or snap a picture of the activity,” said Meyer. He noted the cost of removing this derelict trailer, given the asbestos issue, could be significant.

In one other incident, Meyer reported a solo, non-injury vehicle crash at 5:40 p.m. Friday, May 8, on Highway 74, east of the intersection with Highway 371 in Garner Valley. There are no other details as of this writing.

PHOTOS: Last week in Idyllwild: May 14, 2015

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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The Li’l Critters “surf” to open their graduation at Town Hall Saturday morning. Photo by Jenny Kirchner
The Li’l Critters “surf” to open their graduation at Town Hall Saturday morning.
Photo by Jenny Kirchner
Proud parents and families take photos and video of their little graduates from Kathy Lewis’ Li’l Critters preschool at Town Hall Saturday morning. Photo by Jenny Kirchner
Proud parents and families take photos and video of their little graduates from Kathy Lewis’ Li’l Critters preschool at Town Hall Saturday morning. Photo by Jenny Kirchner
The Gals Women’s Group of Garner Valley held a pizza and beer party recently to honor our veterans. They raised nearly  $3,600 for the Support The Enlisted Project, a Southern California nonprofit that aids veterans and enlisted families. Dana Conklin (above) was one of several members of The Gals.  Photo courtesy Pam Potter
The Gals Women’s Group of Garner Valley held a pizza and beer party recently to honor our veterans. They raised nearly  $3,600 for the Support The Enlisted Project, a Southern California nonprofit that aids veterans and enlisted families. Dana Conklin (above) was one of several members of The Gals. 
Photo courtesy Pam Potter
Pookie remembered About 60 people attended the memorial service for the dog Pookie Mueller at Idyllwild Pines Saturday afternoon. Phyllis Mueller addresses the crowd. Pookie was a companion of Mayor Max and his deputies. Photo by Jenny Kirchner
Pookie remembered
About 60 people attended the memorial service for the dog Pookie Mueller at Idyllwild Pines Saturday afternoon. Phyllis Mueller addresses the crowd. Pookie was a companion of Mayor Max and his deputies.
Photo by Jenny Kirchner

Missing hiker found May 10

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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0

On Saturday evening, May 9, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Cabazon Station responded to the base of Black Mountain Trail and Highway 243 after receiving a call of a lost hiker.

Chiu Pan reported that her 18-year-old daughter, Betty Pan of Riverside, was on a three-day hike from Whitewater to the base of the Black Mountain Trail. Earlier Saturday, Chiu received a text message from Betty asking to be picked up at the base at 4:30 p.m.

Four hours later, Betty, a first-time hiker, had not arrived at the pick-up point. Chiu thought that Betty was prepared for the hike with plenty of food and supplies. But numerous phone calls to Betty’s cell phone went unanswered and attempts to ping her cell phone were unsuccessful as well.

Personnel from the Sheriff’s Department, Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, Riverside County Desert Search and Rescue Unit, U.S. Forest Service and the Sheriff’s Department Aviation Unit responded.

At about 8 a.m. Sunday, a member of the Forest Service located Betty walking along the trail about 1.5 miles from Highway 243 and safely escorted her to the base of the trail. Betty was in good spirits and uninjured, and refused medical treatment.

Creature Corner: May 14, 2015

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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0

Poppy has been adopted. Yea, for finding your forever home.

Catnis
Catnis

Introducing the survivors from Highway 243: Catnis, the Maltese, Peeta the brown and white, and Rue, the Chihuahua-mix (photo at bottom).

For days the community and animal control tried to capture these three from the highway. Patience from our Hill community finally won out. They are now safe and will have vet day Wednesday and diva day soon. Look for the full story in our next newsletter.

Peeta
Peeta

Catnis is a young female Maltese (we think). Peeta is a young male and a wonderful boy. Rue is a young female Chihuahua-mix. They are all very loving, good with other animals and absolutely thankful to sit in a human’s lap and be loved. Catnis and Peeta would love to be adopted together. They are clearly bonded as buddies.

Rue

Also available is a male Lab-mix who is good with children; and a young cattle dog-mix who is good with other dogs, but would love a forever human companion.

ARF has many animals on our website in assisted adoption, also.

ARF has many cats available for adoption or fostering. Go to www.arfidyllwild.weebly.com and click on Petfinder. There is also a link for Facebook. All pets are spayed, neutered and current on shots. ARF is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.

Creature Corner is sponsored this week by Spruce Moose.

Idyllwild Actors Theatre stages ‘Seminar’: Sexy, savvy and wickedly funny

By
Marshall Smith
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0
Cast of the Idyllwild Actors Theatre production of “Seminar:” Back row, from left, Celeste Oliva and Howard Shangraw; front row, from left, Jacob Teel, Meg Wolf and Mark Taylor.Photo courtesy Suzanne Avalon
Cast of the Idyllwild Actors Theatre production of “Seminar:” Back row, from left, Celeste Oliva and Howard Shangraw; front row, from left, Jacob Teel, Meg Wolf and Mark Taylor. Photo courtesy Suzanne Avalon14

For its first production under its new moniker, the Idyllwild Actors Theatre stages Pulitizer Prize-nominee Theresa Rebeck’s provocative comedy, “Seminar.”

Presented as a staged reading, with sets, costumes and props, “Seminar” stars IAT Artistic Director Howard Shangraw as Leonard, an internationally famous writer who mentors aspiring young novelists in private writing classes. Charging $5,000 to each student, Leonard employs reckless and unorthodox instructional techniques that motivate some and destroy others.

Directed by IAT founder and President Suzanne Avalon, “Seminar” has been described as a biting Broadway comedy in which innocence collides with experience, where alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored.

Featuring Meg Wolf, Mark Taylor, Jacob Teel and Celeste Oliva, “Seminar” promises a riveting and rocky ride with scintillating and salacious wordplay. “Leonard doesn’t hold back,” said Avalon. “It’s not what you want to hear as a student when you’re paying $5,000. It’s character driven and very funny. This is for mature audiences only. It’s fully staged. They just happen to be carrying scripts in their hands.”

“Seminar” plays at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, at the Rainbow Inn, 54420 S. Circle Drive in Idyllwild. There is a reception prior to curtain on both evenings at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, including the upcoming IAT season, visit www.idyllwildactorstheatre.com or call 951-692-9553.

Barry Weiss to appear at Soboba Casino

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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0

Barry Weiss, star of A&E’s hit TV shows “Storage Wars” and “Barry’d Treasure,” is bringing his trademark antics and wily witticisms to Soboba Casino to crown the champion of Barry’s Big Slot Tournament. Set to take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 14, Soboba club members will have the chance to meet Weiss personally in an exclusive meet and greet. All who attend will receive a free autographed picture of Weiss and a photo opportunity with the star himself.

Joining the club is free and easy. Anyone who is not a member can sign up at Soboba before the event and have their picture taken with one of TV’s hottest stars.

“Good times are worth more than good money,” said Weiss.

Soboba club members had the opportunity for both in Barry’s Big Slot Tournament. Starting in March, players could enter the tournament to win a share of $220,000 in cash and prizes. Now Weiss is joining in the fun by sending the winner home with a $50,000 grand prize on May 14.

Starting off in business with his brother Joey, Weiss first made his fortune selling fruits and vegetables to cruise lines. It was, however, his passion for antiques that led to his current career as a professional collector. His unique knowledge on everything from classic cars to vintage war relics, coupled with his eccentric personality, landed him on TV and quickly made him one of A&E’s biggest stars.

“We are delighted to have Barry Weiss join the Soboba family in this exciting club member tournament,” says Michael J. Broderick, Soboba Casino’s director of marketing. “Barry’s distinctive style and personality just adds to the excitement our players have experienced over the past two months and shows our guests that, at Soboba, it pays to play.”

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