Rick Barker, much-loved Idyllwild author and community volunteer, served on the Idyllwild Community Center board and was an advocate for the Idyllwild Dog Park, now under ICC management. Preston Sparks, local actor, craftsman and community volunteer, recently installed a memorial bench he created to honor Barker, who died this year on Jan. 20. Sparks said…

Riverside County’s newest and fifth water park — the Drop Zone — opens Saturday, May 24, in Perris. The 12-acre, $25 million project started last summer just east of Interstate 215. The pools hold nearly 1.1 million gallons of water. There are admission fees. The facility offers swim lessons on weekdays and Saturdays throughout the…