Open enrollment for Covered California health insurance began Nov. 1 and continues through Jan. 31, 2016. To be eligible for coverage to begin on Jan. 1, you must apply by Dec. 15. If you apply later, your coverage will begin later, but as long as you meet the Jan. 31 enrollment deadline, you will avoid…

County Executive Jay Orr is “cautiously optimistic” about Riverside County’s current budget and financial direction, he told the Board of Supervisors in his “First Quarter Report.” In September, the supervisors approved a final budget for fiscal year 2014-15 (which began July 1) totaling $637.4 million. None of the projected problems, such as departmental deficits for…

To help Californians save more water this summer, the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Department of Technology and Save Our Water announced the launch of SaveWater.CA.Gov (no www. in front). The new mobile-optimized website will allow residents to report suspected leaks and water waste anywhere in the state from their smartphones, tablets or…

First time candidate John Graham, a recently retired teacher from the Hemet Unified School District, is seeking a seat on the governing board. His wife JoAnn and he own Mountain High Escrow in Idyllwild and Graham said he is hoping to be another voice for Idyllwild on the district board if elected (Bill Sanborn is…