Although attendance was less than normal, firefighters at the Mountain Area Safety taskforce meeting were alert and wary.   August is the middle of fire season and the extremely high daytime temperatures and dry days pose significant warnings for these public safety officials. Just as the meeting began, firefighters’ cell phones, blackberries and iPads all…

The Rosa Fire has remained at 1,690 acres but was 40% contained, according to Cal Fire’s 12:41 p.m. Friday August 8 Incident update. Four zones were still under evacuation orders and five under warnings. Assigned resources included: 118 engines, 22 hand crews, 16 tenders 18 doers, 2 helicopters and 1082 personnel, in addition to “numerous”…

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey got underway in Riverside County on Aug. 30. The program monitors the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population. Public health officials, legislators and physicians use the information to develop effective health policies and programs.

Were the posted signs demanding resignations of three Idyllwild Water District directors and a new general manager the reason chaos has arrived at the district’s door step? From Monday to Friday, Tom Lynch, the general manager, Jim Billman, the president of the board of directors and Mike Freitas, a board director, all submitted their resignations….

The next general manager of the Fern Valley Water District will be Victor Jimenez, who currently works for the City of El Monte. He was the unanimous choice of the board and will begin in early April. FVWD received 15 applications for the position, and the General Manager Selection Committee, composed of directors Trischa Clark…