For many, the palm tree symbolizes Southern California. But for any who are from colder climes, seeing outsized Christmas snowflake decorations hanging next to palm trees is not the Currier and Ives Christmas that has become enshrined in the U.S. as the “perfect” Christmas. For this writer, it has always been a stretch to feel…

Donald Godbey of Hemet was “very impressed” to meet the “talking hairy beast” that staffed the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce booth at this year’s Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival. The Idyll-Beast, a.k.a. David Jerome, hosted the Idyllwild booth for the entire Date Festival, which set record breaking attendance marks this year. The Idyllwild Chamber Booth was virtually near pandemonium with the availability of the popular Visitor Guides and multiple photo-ops for families and school groups with Idyll-Beast, according to Jerome. “Idyllwild is the only resort community represented at the fair this year,” the Beast reported.