The Town Crier staff is working on the 2012 Homes and Land Improvement edition, which comes out on March 8. Different this year, we’re asking readers to send in their questions for local service providers. The best questions will be answered in an informative “Ask the Experts” feature. Questions can range from landscaping to roofing,…

This advisory is in effect through Tuesday morning. SCAQMD will issue an update if additional information becomes available. A wildfire, named the Cranston Fire, is burning to the east of Hemet in Riverside County within the San Bernardino National Forest. The burn area was last reported at 13,139 acres with 57 percent containment. Southerly winds…

San Bernardino National Forest officials are seeking public comments on proposed changes to two standard amenity recreation fee areas — Black Mountain and Thomas Mountain — within the San Jacinto Ranger District, and six other areas within the SBNF — the Arrowhead, Barton Flats, Big Bear North, Big Bear South, Falls and Lytle Creek. Within…

While the state suspended the controversial State Fire Prevention Fee, the Howard Jarvis Tax Association is continuing its litigation over the legality of the fee. In August, when the Legislature approved Gov. Jerry Brown’s package of programs to improve air pollution throughout California, a suspension of collecting the fee until Jan. 1, 2031, was included….