A major house fire occurred Sunday evening, Nov. 15, essentially destroying the house. At about 4:30 p.m., Idyllwild Fire Department received a dispatch alert about a house burning at 25435 Scenic Drive. When IFD arrived, the house was already “fully involved,” according to Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz. “Crews had some difficulty accessing the residence…

As the holidays approach, several local organizations continue to help locals help each other. There are at least three groups on the Hill that work to keep individuals and families well fed year-round. All depend on volunteers, who, by contributing regular or occasional shifts, keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive year-round. Mountain Community Mutual Aid…

In November, former Riverside County Auditor-Controller Paul Angulo lost his bid for reelection to Ben Benoit. On April 24, Angulo filed a $1.480 million claim against the county as a result of its certification of Benoit winning the election. Angulo argues that the state requires a county auditor-controller to have “… certain experience and formal…

A single vehicle went 100 feet over the side on Highway 243 north of Twin Pines sometime after 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. The crash ignited a fire in the same area as the 2006 Esperanza Fire. According to the CAL FIRE incident report, 11 engines and 53 firefighters responded and quickly extinguished the blaze…