Riverside County residents with backyard chickens, and people with other birds, should take steps to protect the animals from virulent Newcastle disease, county agricultural officials urged last week. The disease has not been identified in Riverside County but recent outbreaks in Southern California demonstrate the need for precautions. “This disease is so virulent it could…

At its March 26 meeting, the county Board of Supervisor’s approved a “Roadmap for Public Safety.” This action preceded the board’s first budget hearings for fiscal 2013-14, which begins July 1, which were held Monday, April 1. Fifth District Supervisor Marion Ashley submitted the road map. The approval formally sets public safety as the county’s…

After more than 66,000 annual parcel inspections, the Riverside County Fire Department Hazard Reduction Office has issued about 9,500 Notices of Violation and Order to Abate to vacant-parcel owners within recurring targeted unincorporated areas in Riverside County. Supported by Riverside County Ordinance 695.4, those parcel owners that received a NOV are required to clear their…

To a nearly empty room in Hemet Monday night, Hemet Unified School District Supt. Dr. Barry Kayrell and Deputy Supt. LaFaye Platter discussed and explained the Local Control Funding Formula and the Local Control Accountability Plan. This was just one of several meetings throughout the district to involve parents, residents and other stakeholder groups in…