La Niña is expected to continue through 2022 and into 2023. The drought’s end is not in sight. Last week, state officials issued drastic limitations on water withdrawals from the San Joaquin watershed. But it is the middle of June and the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches. Our annual celebrations will offer some relief…

The Cranston Fire that began threatening Idyllwild a week ago today remains at 13, 139 acres and is now 89 percent contained. 889 personnel remain on scene. The evacuation order is lifted for Idyllwild and Pine Cove north of Lower Saunders Meadow Road. Access can be made from Banning on Highway 243. Access to Garner…

The Idyllwild Fire Protection District had a busy and tumultuous year. As expenses continued to outpace revenue, the commission explored a couple of options to grow its revenue.  Ultimately, neither the joint powers authority for San Jacinto nor Measure W succeeded. Both appeared to be headed for a win, but they both failed to gain…

Caltrans begins work on a $4.9 million project to install Zero Emissions Vehicle Charging Stations on I-10 near Banning, Blythe and Yucaipa, weather permitting. Completion date is tentatively May 1, 2024. Caltrans crews begin work at the east and westbound Whitewater rest areas, and the eastbound Wildwood rest area on the I-10. Regular hours of…