The Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council still has money available to help local property owners abate the land around structures, according to Executive Director Edwina Scott. The grant funds will disappear on July 1 unless Scott can obtain approval to extend the grant beyond the end of the fiscal year (June 30). Although it has…

After listening to several residents oppose, object and question the departure of former Fire Chief Norm Walker, the Idyllwild Fire Protection District (IFPD) commission began the tedious and long process of investigating many options which might contribute to fiscal solvency. Interim Chief Mike Sherman several times referred to actions that would “stop the bleeding.” The commission is trying to apply triage and stabilize the organization before attempting any major surgery or miracle remedy.