The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is leading the legal opposition to the state’s Fire Prevention Fee. The State Board of Equalization has begun replying to the fee’s challenges. In response to one local resident’s challenge and claim for refund the Board wrote, “the [Board of Equalization] will hold in abeyance any collection activity on this…

Cal Fire (the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), in cooperation with California State Parks, will be conducting a prescribed burn consisting of brush and slash piles in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park off Highway 243 in the Stone Creek area. The project began Tuesday, Jan. 31, and will continue for the next…

Edwina Scott, executive director of the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council, outlined the second FSC Firemen’s Muster. The tentative date is April 28 and its goal is to bring the community’s attention to fire season and, particularly, the impending inspections, which will start in May. This year’s program has expanded upon the 2011 event. Participating…

Starting this week, the first 25 people to purchase a 2012 calendar at the Town Crier office will receive a pair of tickets, worth $16, to the 66th Annual Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio running from Friday, Feb.17 through Sunday, Feb. 26. Featured entertainment includes American Music Awards Best New Artist,…