The Fire Lookout Host Program, one of the six programs of the Southern California Mountains Foundation (formerly the National Forest Association), is recruiting volunteers to staff fire lookouts for the 2013 fire season. Lookout volunteers help to protect the forest and local mountains communities as well as the communities along the outside of the forest…
Despite numerous forecasts of a strong El Niño arriving this winter, sometimes the actual weather surprises us. For several weeks, the National Weather Service’s has forecast that there is a “… 95 percent chance El Niño will continue through the Northern Hemisphere winter 2015-16, gradually weakening through spring 2016.” Yet chances are not certainties. For…
Doug Lehar, father of deceased Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hiker Trevor Laher, has teamed up with two local businesses, a manufacturer of outdoor gear, and non-profit foundation to make it easier for PCT through-hikers approaching Idyllwild to make the trip safely. The local partners are Nomad Ventures, (the small chain of three Southern California retailers…
Two fires, one near and the other in San Diego County, affected Idyllwild last week. About noon Thursday, July 21, a wildland fire broke out in Anza. The Pony Fire burned nearly 35 acres, but was contained by 8:30 p.m. the same day, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. The fire was located near…
Thursday evening, about 6 p.m., a semi-truck carrying three passenger vehicles tipped on Highway 74 near mile post 89 (above Banning). The passenger vehicles being transported came off the truck and rolled over the side of the highway. Because of a fuel leak, Cal Fire/ Riverside county Fire Department sent a hazardous material support unit…
The Board of Idyllwild Water District elected new officers. Charles Schelly will remain as President and newly elected member Jessica Preifer will become Vice President. There is still a vacancy on the board, and applications will be accepted until February 14. Schelly reported after the meeting that two applications had been received. Public comments focused…
