The decade long scourge of Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB) continues todamage and to kill oak trees on the Hill. Despite multiple efforts toeradicate this nemesis, its destruction is still present. Callie Squires, executive director for the Mountain Communities FireSafe Council (MCFSC), has announced that funding is available either tospray threatened and damaged trees or to…

Visitors planning to travel to the San Jacinto Mountains should be prepared for winter conditions. Nearly a foot has fallen this week, with more coming Thursday. Conditions can change quickly, and freeze/thaw cycles mean black ice even when the highway has been plowed. Chains may be required at any time. Snow play is not allowed…

nificant events other than the usual weekly meetings, book clubs and spiritual events followed by Labor Day weekend barbecues, music and art shows. But before the three-day weekend was completely over, at 3:37 p.m. Monday, Labor Day, a wildfire was reported in Valle Vista, an unincorporated area outside of Hemet just below the mountains on…

At the Idyllwild Water District last week, the directors approved expanding the salary schedule from 10 to 14 steps. No other action was taken, but General Manager Tom Lynch and the board did discuss water conditions. At the July meeting, the board had approved this salary action for just the wastewater supervisor’s position. At this…