The Idyllwild Water District (IWD) held a pair of “Town Hall” meetings at its boardroom to discuss proposed water and sewer rates on May 30 and 31. The board has voted to approve a five-year plan for rate hikes that could lead to a cumulative 85% increase on sewer bills and a cumulative 27% hike…

Rainfall in a high fire-hazard area is precious. Since July 1, the beginning of the 2013-14 rain year, Idyllwild (at the Keenwild Fire Station in Mountain Center) has received about 5.2 inches of rain — 50 percent greater than normal through October. Pine Cove has received about 4.8 inches of rain and 2 inches of…

The Idyllwild grinding facility will be closed Mondays from Dec. 5 through April 24, 2017. Weekday operations will continue on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch). The facility will resume Monday operations on May 1, 2017. The facility is located at the 5,000-foot marker, 1…

Idyllwild Water District residents have a choice of five candidates for the three director seats up for election in the August mail-in ballot election. Running for re-election are President Jim Billman and directors Warren Monroe and Dean Lattin, who is in his first election. The two challengers are Steven Kunkle and June Rockwell. Ballots must…

The Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council has received Federal Emergency Management Agency authority to begin its cedar shake shingle roof replacement project, according to Executive Director Edwina Scott. Work will begin over the next few weeks and homeowners may receive 75 percent of the replacement cost. Scott can be reached at 951-659-6208.