The drought, now in its fourth year, is creating severe and dangerous threats to the Hill’s native trees — pines and oaks. But other dangers also are threatening the local forest. Residents are familiar with the damage bark beetles bring, especially during droughts. The bark beetle is actually a native pest, but during droughts when…

Support for owners injured from winter storms and road closures Riverside County continues to offer help to Idyllwild residents and businesses harmed from the February rains and resulting highway closures. Through the Small Business Administration, the county has arranged a series of three seminars on small business development. All of the seminars will be from…

After seven long and grueling months, countless hours of searching by family, law enforcement and volunteers, handing out flyers, and missed birthdays and holidays, the family of Rosario Garcia can now have closure. Garcia’s remains were located 500 feet from her vehicle Jan. 24 by the Fowler-O’Sullivan Foundation with the help of Western States Aerial…

Following a fairly short Fern Valley Water District (FVWD) Board of Directors meeting Friday where Director Kevin Scott (calling in from Germany) was attending for the first time, the directors held a special meeting to interview three candidates for Walt Bonneau Jr.’s vacant seat. Scott replaced Richard Schnetzer. Both Bonneau and Schnetzer sold their Fern…