California law currently prohibits residents from disposing of household batteries in trash. The regulations are in place because household batteries contain components that could be harmful when decomposition occurs. For a list of places near Idyllwild where household batteries can be regularly recycled without charge, see www.call2recycle.org/locator or www.earth911.com. A more comprehensive free household hazardous…

The retirement of Dan Felix, the San Jacinto Ranger District fire manager at the end of April, created a domino effect within the local district, including the appointment of local Battalion Chief Freddie Espinoza as Felix’s replacement. Espinoza began his new responsibilities May 4. Last month, the Forest Service announced more changes in the local…

A draft proposal for treating oak trees infected with Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB) is developing on the San Bernardino National Forest. GSOB are invasive insects that cause oak trees to decline in health and vigor, eventually causing oak tree mortality in the local mountains. Gone unchecked, entire populations of oak trees can be lost, potentially…