The Gold-spotted Oak Borer (GSOB) remains a nemesis to Hill residents. Despite a decade of efforts, the GSOB is still active and killing oak trees on the Hill. “The infestation is still widespread, attacking most of the oaks,” said, Callie Squires, operations manager for the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council (MCFSC). “There has been no…
The massive snowfall from the late February and early March storms spared the Hill from the damage 7, 8 or 10 feet of snow can cause. But last week’s rainstorms, another atmospheric river, poured on the Hill. By Saturday evening, March 11, the National Weather Service (NWS) recorded 2.34 inches of rain at the Pine…
Wednesday evening, March 1, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported that another 17 inches of snow fell on the Hill. This is in addition to the 12 to 24 inches from two previous storms just a week before. Total snowfall for Idyllwild was reported as 34 inches and 49 inches, slightly more than 4 feet,…
Two weeks ago, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that he was opening an investigation to determine whether the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing. While he did not mention any specific incidents, he did refer to “… concerning levels of in-custody deaths, troubling allegations of excessive…
On Oct. 25, 2022, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors agreed to impose a moratorium on issuing new certificates for short-term rentals (STRs) in the Idyllwild, Pine Cove and Wine Country areas of Riverside County. The moratorium on issuing new certificates was to last until Sept. 9, 2023. Before the moratorium deadline, the county has…
Thursday, Feb. 23, California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta announced the Department of Justice (DOJ) is opening an investigation to determine whether the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing. “Unfortunately, today’s announcement is necessary because that trust between Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves…
Rain and snow did pummel the Hill last week. It was significant, about an inch of rain and more than a foot a snow, but significantly less than the initial forecast. Nevertheless, it continued the progress in relieving drought conditions and augmenting fuel moisture. Like a house guest who overstays their visit, the rain and…
Mysteries, thrillers, psychological dramas are not limited to the printed page. Early in its history, Hollywood was producing and distributing mystery films such as “The Thin Man” or darker, “39 Steps,” for the public. And this genre continues into the 21st century. Next week, the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (IIFC) will offer several of…
The fears that the drenching January 2023 rains would be followed by no precipitation the rest of winter and early spring as happened in 2022 have not occurred. Some rain and snow fell on the mountain in early February along with record cold temperatures. The National Weather Service’s San Diego office has reported that winter…
Idyllwild Librarian Shannon Ng has moved up in the Riverside County Public Library System (RCPLS). Although her Dewey Decimal System number remains the same, she is now one of three deputy directors, though “Interim” precedes her current title. In early February, she was balancing her two positions, but on Friday, Feb. 10, RCPLS told her…
