The April and spring to summer wildfire outlooks have been issued. The current dry spell raises the chances of possible wildfire in the Southern California mountains, according to all of the fire services. “There is also an increased risk in timber dominated fires across much of the mountainous areas during the summer months of 2025…
As promised in December, Riverside County announced efforts to gather greater citizen involvement in its budget preparation process. Beginning April 17, a series of local workshops will be held to explain the county’s budget process and to gather feedback from residents about county services and budget priorities as the County Executive begins preparation of the…
Measles have arrived in Riverside County. On April 3, the County Public Health agency reported that an adult county resident tested positive for measles. According to health officials with Riverside University Health System, this is the first confirmed case of measles in Riverside County since 2018. As of March 31, the California Department of Public Health reported…
On April 2, Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and former Attorney General of California, announced his candidacy for the position. “California is at a crossroads. From housing to healthcare, childcare to college, working families are facing an affordability crisis. The California Dream is slipping away. I’m running for Governor to…
Last week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order affecting voting regulations throughout the country. The first part will require documentary, government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship on its voter registration form issued by the Election Assistance Commission. This is intended to address the President’s long-standing opinion that many noncitizens are casting ballots in U.S. elections….
Last week, Cal Fire released the final set of its “Fire Hazard Severity Maps.” These maps depict the three fire hazard zones – Very High, High, and Moderate – for the eight Southern California counties, including Riverside. Idyllwild, Pine Cove, and Mountain Center are considered to be in a “Very High” Fire Hazard Severity Zone….
The release of Cal Fire’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps is a positive step, but not a specific benefit to the local fire departments, according to Idyllwild Fire Chief Mark LaMont. The maps have value for fire departments, insurers, and property owners, but are not sufficient to address the issues of preventing the devastation from…
The March 26 meeting of the Fern Valley Water District Board of Directors was quick and no major issues were apparent. The board met with four directors since former director Mike LaFata resigned after the February meeting. If interested in joining the Board, a letter of interest and resume should be submitted to the FVWD…
Last month, while the embers of the Palisades, Eaton and the other Los Angeles County wildfires were cooling, Senate President proTempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) and a bipartisan coalition introduced the “Fight for Firefighters Act.” This bill, Senate Bill 581, would convert all of Cal Fire’s seasonal firefighters to full-time staff. It is estimated that…
On Jan. 7, former President Joe Biden established two new national monuments in California, using his authority under the Antiquities Act. The Chuckwalla National Monument is in Riverside County just south of the Joshua Tree National Park. The Sáttítla Highlands National Monument is in northern California near the border with Oregon. On Friday, March 14,…
