Since confirming the first oak tree infested with Goldspotted oak borers, another 20 oaks have been identified, according to Gregg Bratcher, Cal Fire unit forester on the Hill. While the apparent presence of the beetle is still far from the level of devastation it has inflicted in San Diego County, forest officials are still worried…

            Brandon McGlover (33), who was charged with starting the Cranson Fire in July 2018, has pleaded guilty.             McGlover pleaded guilty to two counts of arson, Penal code 451.5 (c), which is burning of a structure or forest land.             “In count one, which is the Cranston Fire, he admitted to an allegation of…

Caltrans awarded a $1.2 million Emergency Director’s Order to Griffith Construction Company last week as a result of the recent Silver Fire, which damaged portions of Highway 243 between Interstate 10 near Banning and the Twin Pines community north of Idyllwild. Griffith and the specialized subcontractors worked to repair the damaged guardrail so that the…