Stephen Patrick Medlock, 53, a transient, charged with arson for starting the 2013 Silver Fire, had his Oct. 18 felony settlement conference moved to Nov. 30. Medlock’s defense counsel, Skip Field, requested the continuance and the prosecution concurred. Since Medlock’s March 21 preliminary hearing, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has amended the original formal…

Bear carvings in Idyllwild are abundant; their images establish an enduring fascination with these affectionate mountain charmers who exude an abundance of strength, confidence and leadership. The San Jacinto Mountains, once generously populated with black bears coexisting with native tribes, are a testimony to the frontier spirit embodied by early Idyllwild settlers and are, for…

Neil Cooper, 42, of Idyllwild, pleaded guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges for issuing criminal threats and willful resistance. Judge John Monterosso sentenced Cooper to 360 days in the custody of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Cooper was given credit for serving 180 days. The remainder is to be served in a work-release program to…