

Semi stuck attempting to make u-turn
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A large semi-truck attempted to make a U-turn around 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at the Forest Service Cranston Guard Station in Valle Vista. When the driver got stuck in the sand, blocking both lanes of Highway 74, traffic was diverted through the Cranston parking lot as a tow truck worked about an hour to free the large semi. Photo by Jenny Kirchner

Last week, Riverside County Judge Becky Dugan continued the trial and appeal until March 2012 for Christopher V. Hillman, 48, of Hesperia, brother-in-law of convicted arsonist Raymond Lee Oyler. In July 2010, Hillman had been found guilty of seven counts of attempting to influence a juror during the Oyler trial. At Hillman’s August 2010 sentencing…
On March 1, Governor Gavin Newsom signed another Executive Order to help fight wildfires and to reduce the damage they might cause. The latest proclamation declares a State of Emergency throughout the State due to the threats of more wildfire. As a consequence of this potential threat, Newsom ordered the suspension of the California Environmental…
The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for portions of Riverside County. The advisory was issued at 3 p.m. and covers the three-hour period until 6 p.m. Tuesday. Heavy rain and thunderstorms may occur along Highway 243 from Banning to Idyllwild and Interstate 10 between Beaumont and Cabazon. The storm may cause minor flooding…
Riverside County Fire, Law and Code Enforcement officials remind residents and visitors that fireworks are illegal in most of Riverside County, meaning that no one may sell, purchase, transport, store or use fireworks in the county. The cities of Blythe, Coachella, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Indio are the only cities that may sell…
Members of the 2015 Lilac Festival Committee take a break after planting 50 lilacs at the Idyllwild Inn on Saturday.
In other races of local interest, incumbent Democrat Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz retained his Congressional District 36 seat despite the Republican wave throughout the country. He defeated Republican challenger Assemblyman Brian Nestande by about 9,500 votes out of the 126,000 cast in this race. From the initial vote-by-mail posted results Tuesday evening through Saturday’s totals,…