
Photo by Becky Clark
Sheriff’s K9 training in Idyllwild
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Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies brought several bloodhounds to Idyllwild last Wednesday for training exercises. Deputy Robert Ochoa poses with his charge, Windy, 15 months, who was certified at age 7 months. Ochoa said the bloodhounds will be training more in Idyllwild because of the cooler temperatures.

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…
Public urged to stay informed, reach out for assistance As the public woke to the rain and wind brought by Tropical Storm Hilary, Riverside County officials are reminding residents that services are in place and resources are available to those in need. “The County has coordinated a robust response to the storm with its local partners,…
At the Idyllwild Fire Protection District’s commission meeting last week, Fire Chief Patrick Reitz said the Riverside County Registrar of Voters has accepted the IWD’s proposed parcel fee increase. It will be included on the November presidential election ballot as Measure W. Commissioner Nancy Layton, chair of the Education and Dissemination Committee, reported that a…
The California Highway Patrol mounted a coordinated aerial and patrol car surveillance of Highways 243 and 74, targeting motorcyclists last weekend. The operation was in response to a recent uptick in serious injury and fatality motorcycle collisions on mountain roadways. Coordinating the operation on Sunday was CHP Lt. Brian Gonzalez from the San Gorgonio Pass…
Only 19 retailer and 50 cultivation permits will be issued this year Riverside County will see a change in the profile of licensed businesses in its unincorporated areas. A limited number of cannabis cultivation, commercial cannabis retail sales and microbusiness permits will be issued after “interested parties” complete a preregistration process, and then complete a request for proposal. …
Bill Baker, left, accepts the Citizen of the Year honor from Mike Esnard, president of the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council, who said to Baker …