Covered California is offering a special enrollment opportunity for consumers who did not know or understand there was a tax penalty for being uninsured in 2014 or who learned they may face the tax penalty for 2015. “For the first time, health care and taxes now are linked arm in arm,” Covered California Executive Director…
State Sen. Jeff Stone and the Murrieta Valley Chamber of Commerce invite the public to attend the grand opening ceremony for the senator’s new Southwest office from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 12. The office is located at 25186 Hancock Avenue, Suite 320, in Murrieta and serves residents of Southwest Riverside County. “It is…
Last week, U.S. Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA 36) and Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO 2) announced the introduction of H.R. 1009 to target disaster relief funds to victims of wildfire so the communities are ensured they have access to the same resources as victims of other natural disasters. The proposed legislation is slightly different than…
The Hemet Unified School District is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the governing board from Area 3 in the Hemet area. Idyllwild, Mountain Center and Pine Cove all are in Area 1. Trustee Dr. Lisa DeForest resigned Feb. 11. She was re-elected to the board in November 2012. The period of service for…
San Bernardino National Forest recreation managers are seeking public comments on their proposals for the 2014 and 2015 State of California Off-Highway Vehicle grant program. The state requires public comments to submitted from Tuesday, March 3, through Monday, April 6. The state uses a three-step application process to allow public comment and feedback before final…
Saturday, June 6 is the date set for the annual running of the Idyllwild 5k/10k Race and Fitness Walk. “We’re just a bit behind schedule but everything will be ready by race day,” said Matt Kraemer, Idyllwild School principal and race committee member. Bill Whitman, publicity coordinator for the committee, said there has been a…
The ban on using plastic bags in California has a reprieve, at least until November 2016. Last week, officials for the state’s Secretary of State office confirmed that opponents of the plastic bag ban gathered enough signatures to secure a place on the November 2016 general election ballot for a referendum on the continued use…
Recent motorcycle fatalities on mountain roads, two within six days, underscore an ongoing problem of irresponsible motorcyclists riding winding roads at unsafe speeds. Three fatalities and nine incidents in less than four months (from Oct. 5, 2014 to Feb. 21, 2015) represent a significant increase over previous years. In 2012, there were 18 motorcycle collisions…
This is the perfect time of year to spot black oaks that may be harboring Goldspotted oak borers. Oaks with brown leaves still on the branches should be inspected, according to the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council. Here is an oak with retained leaves throughout the branchy canopy. A team composed of Ron Perry, Eliott Taylor and Doris Lombard spotted this tree during their morning drive-by windshield survey.
Rick Rickman, author, documentarian and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, will judge the upcoming Art Alliance of Idyllwild Eye of the Artist art show and fundraising auction on Saturday, March 7. Rickman won the Pulitzer for team coverage of the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles. Working for the Orange County Register, Rickman shared the award with…
