Reaction to the long-term consequences of the recent Mountain and Silver fires has varied. While all were uniformly glad that no lives were lost and the property damage limited, how the burnt areas will affect future fire threats and how those threats can be lessened is still being debated. The Mountain Fire was substantially larger…

Only the Idyllwild Fire Protection District will need an election in 2013 since four candidates are running for three seats. The only incumbent seeking re-election is IFPD Commission President Jeannine Charles-Stigall, who came in second in a field of six in her first race in 2009. The other three candidates also have had connections with…