The U.S. Forest Service has extended the State Forestry Grant to Riverside County, Gregg Bratcher, Cal Fire unit forester for Riverside County, announced last week. The grant was scheduled to expire Sept. 30, but Cal Fire requested a one-year extension. About $450,000 will be available for fire protection on the Hill during the next year….

While production at Fern Valley Water District fell nearly 8 percent during the first six months of 2015, General Manager Steve Erler expressed surprise that the level of the district’s wells continues to fall. He reported that the level for all the wells was lower in July. The observational well (outside the office) dropped nearly…

Both Idyllwild and Pine Cove water districts are holding an election for members of their board of directors. This is a vote-by-mail election. IWD has five candidates for three seats. The incumbents are Jim Billman, Dean Lattin and Warren Monroe. The challengers are Steven Kunkle and June Rockwell. PCWD has three candidates for two seats….