All sorts of things were being preprocessed in anticipation of Feb. 18 scheduled “PianoFest” performances, both on the ground and in the skies. When considered as a whole — the dry and cold air present that evening, plus the morning’s occultation of Mars by the Moon (and other portentous events) — the situation presented itself…

Last week, during its reception at the Red Kettle, the Idyllwild Community Fund announced the organizations to whom it has awarded grants for 2018. This year the grant awards totaled more than $15,000. The largest check went to the Idyllwild School smARTs program. The $3,250 will enable the program to purchase more art supplies. The…