Editor’s note: The Nov. 12 Idyllwild Fire Protection District Commission was the last regular meeting for Commissioner Dr. Charles “Chip” Schelly, who chose not to seek re-election. His term ends noon Friday, Dec. 6. At the meeting, he offered some advice, based on his experience since being elected in 2009. The following is a summary…

At about 3:40 P.M. on Friday afternoon, a male pedestrian was struck by a large truck while walking on Highway 243 near Ridgeview Dr. The victim suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Idyllwild Fire to Desert Regional Medical Center. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

The recently enacted $150 state fire protection fee will not be implemented for several months; nevertheless, it is already attracting considerable opposition that is starting to take shape in multiple forums — the voters, the Legislature and, eventually, the courts. The first formal action was the submission of a proposed referendum to eliminate the fee….

Southern California’s bighorn sheep population is flourishing. The census of bighorn sheep was conducted in November. This was one of the largest counts in recent years, according to Kevin Brennan, wildlife biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The survey was conducted over several days. Helicopters flew over the bighorn sheep’s habitat from…