

Washington sworn in as new county supervisor
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The cost of water may increase and local water districts may have no role in the change. The California Assembly’s Appropriations Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 623 last week, which would establish the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund. SB 623 authorizes a monthly 95¢ tax on drinking water. That’s for customers with…
Last week, Covered California announced its rates for health insurance for 2016. Statewide the average increase was 4 percent, slightly lower than the 4.2 percent increase for 2015. In the Inland Empire region, which is Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the average increase will be only 1 percent. The lowest-priced bronze plan will increase 3.3…
On Dec. 24, Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff (left) announced the appointment of Hemet Station Capt. Lyndon “Ray” Wood as the new chief deputy with oversight of the agency’s Eastern Field Operations, which includes the Colorado River, Thermal and Palm Desert stations, as well as the Special Enforcement Bureau (SWAT), Hazardous Device Team (HDT) and Aviation Unit. Wood has led the Hemet Station since December 2013. His replacement has not been announced.
Last month, Riverside County agricultural officials warned residents to protect their animals from virulent Newcastle disease. Last week, they announced that a confirmed case of virulent Newcastle disease was found in northwest Riverside County on June 30. The disease affects birds, and can cause serious illness or death in an entire chicken flock in a…
Last month, Covered California announced its rates for health insurance in 2017 with some health plans intending to expand into new areas this year. This will provide more competition for state health insurance consumers. The statewide weighted average change will be 13.2 percent, up from 4 percent in 2016 and 4.2 percent in 2015. Inland…
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…