The Predictive Services unit of Cal Fire’s Southern Operations (Ops) does not expect a bad summer fire season. The June outlook released last week anticipates below normal fire activity through September, especially in lower elevations. The coastal May Gloom, along with the wet winter, has contributed to a lower threat of wildfires through June and…
Fulfilling his promise during the presentation of the May revision of his fiscal year (FY) 2023-24 budget, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his proposals to reform the permitting and project review process in California. On May 19, one week later, he signed an Executive Order (EO) while touring the site of a future solar farm in…
Living on the Hill and working from home is close to paradise. Living on the Hill and commuting to work on the I-10 or state highways 74 and 79 is not fun and often stressful. Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D) has submitted a bill that could help alleviate some of the county’s commuting conundrums. Garner Valley,…
Senate Bill (SB) 584, which has passed the California Senate, would impose a 15% tax on the rental price for a short-term rental (STR). After its passage, Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), who introduced the bill, said in a press release, “The vote today signals the legislative interest in advancing a conversation about what role…
Board of Supervisors unanimously approved funding proposals from both the Regional Parks and Open Space District (RPOSD) and the county’s Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA). The request from both agencies included projects on the Hill during the next fiscal year (July 2023 through June 2024). Parks RPOSD requested approval to use $11.8 million the…
In its May 17 meeting, the Idyllwild Water District’s (IWD) slimmed down board of directors approved two assessment fees, returned the district to a water conservation Stage 1, heard the latest on its building rehabilitation, and announced several special meetings or workshops to be held before the next regular meeting currently planned for June 21….
In November, former Riverside County Auditor-Controller Paul Angulo lost his bid for reelection to Ben Benoit. On April 24, Angulo filed a $1.480 million claim against the county as a result of its certification of Benoit winning the election. Angulo argues that the state requires a county auditor-controller to have “… certain experience and formal…
Several areas within Riverside County have been closed to public access because of high potential fire danger. At its May 25 meeting, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved County Fire Chief Bill Weiser’s recommendation to close six areas — North Mountain and Indian Canyon, Whitewater Canyon, Ramona Bowl (closed daily noon to sunrise), Bautista…
When a medical emergency occurs outside a hospital, the time it takes for first responders to transport the individual to a hospital for care is critical. And the care received during this period has been the focus of recent attention. Both a grand jury and the Riverside County Board of Supervisors are concerned about emergency…
The Hill has just passed through a very wet winter. One which has almost entirely eliminated drought conditions throughout the state. It is not too early to begin to think about what the atmospheric and oceanic environments will deliver in winter 2023-24. Last month, the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Climate Prediction Center stated, “… a…
