

Hemet-Ryan displays firefighting aircraft
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On Friday, Oct. 14, CAL FIRE invited the media to the Hemet-Ryan Air Attack base. Many of the air attack vehicles were available for photographs and touring. At left is a Bell Helicopter with a 360-gallon capacity and its bucket (on right), which can scoop another 324 gallons.


Last week, Insurance Commissioner Richardo Lara released his plan toexpand homeowner fire insurance to areas threatened by high or very highrisk of wildfires. “Californians in every corner of our state are frustrated with outdatedregulations and desperate for change,” said Lara in his June 12statement. “Whether you live in the Sierra or the foothills, along thecoast…
Early Saturday morning, a rare “blood moon” lunar eclipse occurred and was visible for only 5 minutes — one of the shortest of the century.
The Riverside County Department of Public Health sent four public health workers — Kevin Meconis, James Atkins, Martin Baxter and Anne Accurso — to the Idyllwild Library Tuesday night, April 14, to discuss health and other social needs with Hill residents. Twenty-two local residents attended and expressed concerns and suggestions in addition to asking questions….
Hill voters have an independent streak. While it may appear that voters from Pine Cove through Garner Valley have similar opinions as the rest of Riverside County, closer examination reveals significant differences. The similarities are that about 42 percent of the county voters and Hill voters cast Republican presidential primary ballots. Locally and countywide, candidate…
Last week, both Lowder and Sanborn talked about the trend toward increasing class sizes as a result of less money to hire teachers. “I don’t expect class size to go back [to 20 students per teacher] anytime soon,” Sanborn lamented.
State Sen. Bill Emmerson (R-23) has tendered his resignation effective Dec. 1, admitting to losing passion for the job. Emmerson had previously represented the Hill in the state Senate until last November’s elections implemented the 2010 redistricting. Idyllwild and other Hill communities are now within the 28th Senate District, but elections for even-numbered districts will be November 2014. Nevertheless, since his election to represent the new 23rd district, Emmerson said he…