

MCFSC conducts brush abatement in Twin Pines
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The Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council conducted fuel abatement in Twin Pines last week. Pino Tree Service did the clearing, including removal of large piles of brush, on the steep mountain side below the dome house foundation. This was the site deaths of the Forest Service firefighters during the Esperanza Fire in 2006. Photo by Jenny Kirchner

Ambulance and emergency medical service rates will increase in the Idyllwild Fire Protection District beginning July 1. At its May 26 meeting, IFPD commissioners unanimously approved a nearly 25-percent increase in the cost of an ambulance transport. In addition, the per-mile cost will spurt 18 percent. Fire Chief Patrick Reitz estimated that all of the…
Employees of the U.S. Forest Service — San Bernardino National Forest — welcomed Ellen Shaw Monday, Jan. 4 as the new acting forest supervisor. She is replacing Jody Noiron, who retired last week after nearly 38 years with the U.S. Forest Service. Shaw’s role in managing the forest and employees will continue into the spring…
This year, as the Idyllwild Arts Academy celebrates 80 years of arts education in Idyllwild, the Native American Arts program is offering a special season of lectures, an extension of the annual Kabootie Lectures into a four-month series. The first installment, in January, retold the story of Native American Arts on the campus from its…...
After three years of personnel and legal battles, the Idyllwild Fire Department finally terminated the employment of former Capt. James Reyes. A settlement was reached in June and July, and became official in late September. At the Sept. 26, Idyllwild Fire Protection District’s commission meeting, Chief Patrick Reitz announced the settlement with Reyes. Based on…
A trial start date in the case against Marcus Green has been set for Aug.17. Green, 53, of Thermal, was the driver of a car that went over the side of Highway 74 in May 2016 resulting in the death of a 5-month-old child. The Riverside County District Attorney’s office filed two felony charges —…
The Idyllwild Fire Protection District (IFPD) Board of Commissioners held a special meeting Tuesday, May 16. Henry Sawicki, a former commissioner who lost reelection, will assume the seat Cristina Reitz recently vacated. Although announced as a policy workshop for the board, the majority of time was taken by presentations from IFPD Chief Mark LaMont and…