
Photo courtesy Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Capt. Wood promoted
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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.

The Hemet Unified School District trustees approved the Second Interim Financial Report Tuesday night. However, it will be labeled as qualified since the future budget year 2013-14 does not meet criteria for adequate reserves. HUSD is more than half way through the current fiscal year 2011-12 and expects to have a $32.9 million surplus. But…
The Hathaway Fire, which started Sunday, June 9, could be seen from the San Jacinto Mountains. As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, the fire north of Banning had burned nearly 2,000 acres and was 25 percent contained. It was expected to be fully contained late Tuesday, June 25. Suppression costs have exceeded $800,000.
As of Friday, June 28, as the seasonal fire danger rises, forest officials are increasing fire use restrictions on the San Bernardino National Forest. This past winter the forest experienced less than average winter snow and rainfall as a result of the second year of a drought, and the seasonal outlook again expects a warmer…
Assemblyman Brian Jones, who represents the 71st District that includes Idyllwild and Anza, has begun his third term. California law restricts him to three terms. Last week, he announced his intent to seek the state Senate seat for the 38th District, which is largely in San Diego County. Jones has already assembled a campaign committee,…
Last week, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Chief John R. Hawkins received approval from the Riverside County Board Supervisors to close seven hiking areas throughout Riverside County. The closures will remain in effect until further notice in the following areas: Avery Canyon (Gibbel Road east of State Street in Hemet) North Mountain and Indian Canyon (San…
On Tuesday, April 23, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to participate in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation fire camp program for the period from Jan. 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017. During this period, the county will permit certain eligible county detention inmates to join the state’s fire crew,…