County Service Area 38 (Pine Cove) has scheduled a special meeting for 3 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss authorization to pay for the repair and replacement of the deck on Riverside County Fire Department Station 23. CSA 38 meets at the boardroom of the Pine Cove Water District,…

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (Cal-36) was on the Hill Friday to discuss and advance his concerns about wildfires and his legislation (H.R. 1009) submitted last month. Ruiz met with officials from the three local fire departments — Idyllwild Fire, Riverside County and the U.S Forest Service staff from the San Jacinto Ranger District — as…

This is the perfect time of year to spot black oaks that may be harboring Goldspotted oak borers. Oaks with brown leaves still on the branches should be inspected, according to the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council. Here is an oak with retained leaves throughout the branchy canopy. A team composed of Ron Perry, Eliott Taylor and Doris Lombard spotted this tree during their morning drive-by windshield survey.