Even though the boulder that closed Highway 243 between Idyllwild and Pine Cove from Jan. 10 to 13 is gone — mashed into pebbles now — the effect of this incident still remains. And while the county encourages and pursues planning for possible disasters such as fires, earthquakes or El Niño, the boulder was deemed…

Even from its humble but enthusiastic beginnings, the Art Alliance of Idyllwild (AAI) aspired to offer the Idyllwild community something special and beautiful through art. Its founders, Chris Trout and Grace Songolo, wrestled with their idea of how to lay the foundation for a “member funded, nationally recognized association, that served as an attraction for…

The Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council has received Federal Emergency Management Agency authority to begin its cedar shake shingle roof replacement project, according to Executive Director Edwina Scott. Work will begin over the next few weeks and homeowners may receive 75 percent of the replacement cost. Scott can be reached at 951-659-6208.

By Tony McReynolds Maybe they think, “Hey, it’s the woods, nobody’s going to step in it.” Or, “Hey, it’ll decompose and help fertilize the ground.” Or, “Hey, bears go in the woods and nobody picks up their poop. What’s the difference?” The difference is their diet. Bears don’t eat commercial dog food (unless they’ve stumbled…