When someone with Medicare finds his or her way to my office phone, it’s often because of a complicated and snarly issue that’s going to take time to fix. However, it’s sometimes a Medicare beneficiary who found my number somewhere and called for some basic help in understanding their coverage. I love those calls…

Although the table for directors was virtually empty, the Idyllwild Water District’s conference room was full of customers concerned about the district’s rate hike proposal. Ironically, more former directors — John Cook, Mike Frietas and Vic Sirkin — were present than current board members. The IWD board has one vacancy, and directors Dr. Charles “Chip”…