Supervisor V. Manuel Perez’s office is planning an Idyllwild Community Block Party in downtown Idyllwild on Friday November 15, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Park Lane between Idy Park and the Fort will be closed off, and county and local agencies and nonprofits will have popups. There will be live music and refreshments.

Darin Schemmer from Supervisor Perez’ Communications Team, explained that the event will include a dozen agencies, both local and county, and is also geared towards raising awareness of emergency response preparedness. He named the Idyllwild Fire Protection District as among the first responders that will be there to answer questions and provide resources to help locals be “prepared and proactive.”

Among county agencies, Schemmer listed the Sheriff’s Office, Regional Parks and Open Space, Code Enforcement, Public Social Services, University Health Care System Public Health, the Office on Aging, Veterans Services, Animal Services, and the Office of Economic Development, which runs the library and our CSAs (Community Service Areas.)

Schemmer said that community groups are reaching out and the list is growing. “We want to make it a one stop place” where residents can learn about county services and preparedness and have fun. “People can walk around and listen to music and get refreshments.” Schemmer added that this event was unique to Idyllwild, an answer to citizen interest raised by the Cranston fire. “Natural disasters happen, we want to get prepared.”