Voter turnout for election day, Nov. 4, underperformed The Field Poll prediction issued that morning of turnout for the 2014 general election. The Field Poll release predicted 8.2 million people would cast ballots in the election, but total turnout was slightly less than 6.4 million voters. Statewide turnout, 35.8 percent, was the lowest in more…

Periodically, the Town Crier has sought information from Hill propane suppliers regarding pricing and other matters. Some companies will talk to us, others won’t. Propane suppliers are private companies, not regulated by state public utility commissions in the way public utilities such as natural gas, electric and water are regulated. And because pricing is based…

Approves filling staff vacancies Fire abatement inspections began this month. This year, the Idyllwild Fire Protection District commission plans tougher response with property owners who fail to comply with abatement requirements. At the April 23 meeting, Acting Fire Chief Mark LaMont listed the state laws and county ordinances that provide authorization for fire districts to…

The Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council hosted another meeting last week to plan the 2014 Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The group’s goal is to have the new CWPP completed by this fall. Before it is finished, Mike Esnard, MCFSC president, plans at least one community meeting to discuss and garner public thoughts and recommendations. At…