Juan Arambul (center) was driving a large Waste Management truck around 2 p.m. Wednesday on Highway 243 near South Circle Drive. A rug that had been dumped into the truck accidentally covered the exhaust vent, causing it to begin to burn. Idyllwild Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the threat without damage to the truck.

Scenes from this year’s Idyllwild Parade filled the town with color, smiles, and community spirit. Photos by Peter Szabadi and Lynne Eodice capture the day’s highlights.

The Cranston Fire has cost several Riverside County departments close to $1 million, according to figures released this week to the Town Crier by the Emergency Management Department. “The current costs of $813,000 are approximate as the county is still in the recovery process and some departments may continue to accrue costs,” EMD Senior Public…