Joel White won the Idyllwild Elementary School’s 2014-15 Spelling Championship Friday afternoon by correctly spelling “wicked.” White appeared indifferent, hands always in his pockets, and unenthusiastic, but he never hesitated or doubted his ability to spell any word. His toughest competition came from positive and composed fifth-grader Fiona McMullen. Joel correctly spelled “wicked” and his…
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors last week unanimously approved the amendments to its land use and zoning ordinance (348) regarding detached buildings. The amendments, which local Realtors and architects had recommended to the board, made an exception for property above 4,000 feet. “That portion of the ordinance that had previously allowed private garages to…
It is possible that a replacement for former 3rd District Superviser Jeff Stone may be appointed by the end of January, according to John Benoit, 4th District supervisor. Near the end of last week’s Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting, Benoit, who had stepped out, asked to speak. “I don’t normally leave during a board…
Amid a profusion of religious ceremony during the Christmas season, it may come as a surprise that throughout its first half-century, Idyllwild had not a single church. There was simply no population base to support a church organization. Despite its 1920s boom, the village remained a summer colony. The 1930 census lists barely three dozen…
Editor: We asked the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council Board of Directors some questions about the radical new fire-abatement laws being worked on at their last meeting. We are hoping for answers. Have you done a cost assessment? Have you analyzed the project to determine its total cost to this community? A large expense will…
Recently, as a board was wrapping up business for the year, I felt a deep appreciation for everyone at the table. They are all volunteers, donating their time and energy to make sure the organization is on the right track. They ensure that policies are consistent with the mission, and that budgets and balance sheets…
Thanksgiving is our family’s favorite holiday (at least for the adults; the kids prefer Christmas, of course.) The Side Dishes Squadron (ladies) chop, stir, bake and saute throughout the day while Jack and the Turkey Brigade (guys) fuss over the oven. The turkey is never cooperative, even when brined overnight. Fussing over its creeping temperature…
Editor: The Kool-Aid® consumed by IFPD personnel, its board, and the voter base of this community is sad. Recently, the 2014-15 grand jury held IFPD in violation of the Penal Code with a deadline to comply. IFPD’s response was not to comply by the deadline. The board president told the community he personally contacted the…
Jayden Emerson (center), Hemet High School senior, finished 22nd out of 194 runners at the California State Cross-country finals Saturday. Here is joined with his parents, Jessica and Brennen Priefer, after the race in which he set another Hemet record with a time of 15:40 …
Editor: It appears that HUSD lacks an understanding of the real mission of their schools. Since mid-October, I have been requesting copies of “Into The Wild” for my senior-level course. Finally, on Nov. 20, I received word that “the books had been shipped, but were ‘unable to be delivered’ and had been returned, refund issued.”…
