Contributing to the Idyllwild Fire District’s budget shortfall is the overpayment of health benefits for the past 16 months, according to Idyllwild Fire District Commissioner Jerry Buchanan. This financial mistake was unearthed in April after the Commission was advised that its budget deficit continued to expand. The department budget balance through March is a negative…

Last week, the State’s Legislative Analyst’s Office released its review of the Governor’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The LAO generally agreed with the Governor’s economic forecasts for the next fiscal year, however, the report expressed more concerned about future budget conditions. In summary, the LAO concurred that the proposed budget is “roughly balanced.”…

With recent rain across the southland, the San Bernardino National Forest officials reduced fire restrictions effective Wednesday, Dec. 5. As a result of lowering the fire restrictions, visitors may have wood and charcoal fires in agency-provided campfire rings at campgrounds, picnic areas and yellow post sites. Recreational target shooting is permitted within designated sites in…