
Photo by Becky Clark
Sheriff’s K9 training in Idyllwild
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Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies brought several bloodhounds to Idyllwild last Wednesday for training exercises. Deputy Robert Ochoa poses with his charge, Windy, 15 months, who was certified at age 7 months. Ochoa said the bloodhounds will be training more in Idyllwild because of the cooler temperatures.

This past summer’s forecast of a strong El Niño has been somewhat disappointing, perhaps, for Hill residents. While last year’s precipitation washed away the drought conditions, so far this water year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30), precipitation has been sparse and far less than average. For the first four months of the water year, the…
Mountain Disaster Preparedness has organized a community meeting to discuss the highway access to Idyllwild caused by the recent weather. The session will be 6 p.m. Monday, March 18. Mike Feyder, MDP president, is arranging a location to accommodate the public. But the time and date are set. Representatives of the California Department of Transportation…
The Pinyon Fire was fully controlled Saturday, March 16. However investigators reported that the charred remains of person was found in a burned vehicle near the fire site. The California Highway Patrol, with investigators from the Hemet station, the coroner’s office, and the Cal-Fire Arson Unit responded to the scene. Based on the condition of…
In response to a request from Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz, the Idyllwild Fire Protection District Auxiliary will temporarily suspend regular meetings until further notice. The Auxiliary is applying for nonprofit status with state and federal agencies involved and will revisit an Auxiliary meeting schedule when these issues are complete, according to Auxiliary member Nancy…
Residents of California’s 36th Congressional District who lost homes or businesses in the recent wildfires may be eligible for federal assistance. The office of Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Desert) is available to assist those affected by damage to homes or businesses with claims to the Small Business Administration. Also, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has…
Mt. San Jacinto State Park Superintendent Garratt Aitchison is leaving for another assignment at the end of February. Aitchison has been the local park sector superintendent for nearly five years and has had to endure and implement some of the department’s budget reductions. Next month, he will become district superintendent at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular…