During the January Public Service Power Shutoffs, Southern California Edison encouraged customers to take advantage of their rebate programs. One program offers customers in high fire hazard areas up to $150 for the purchase of battery power packs, and $250 for generators. This reporter took them up on the offer and bought a 288-watt-hour battery…
Editor’s Note: in our Feb. 27 edition, we reported on the status of Raymond Lee Oyler’s appeals of his March 2009 arson and murder convictions. He was found guilty of arson, igniting the Esperanza Fire in October 2006. The jury also found him guilty of the murder of five U,S. Forest Service firefighters who died…
On March 1, Governor Gavin Newsom signed another Executive Order to help fight wildfires and to reduce the damage they might cause. The latest proclamation declares a State of Emergency throughout the State due to the threats of more wildfire. As a consequence of this potential threat, Newsom ordered the suspension of the California Environmental…
The Peak at Tahquitz Pines has a new Restaurant Manager, Matt Eker. Eker says he has managed fine dining restaurants in the San Diego area for over 20 years and now lives in Hemet. Asked what kind of changes he may bring, he said there would be a new menu within a month and has…
Young readers have a new way to earn a visit to In-N-Out Burger while broadening their horizons. The Idyllwild Library is participating in the Riverside County Library System’s “In-N-Out Cover to Cover Book Club” program. Young readers, ages 4-12, may sign up and receive credits for reading books tailored to their age group. Those who…
On Feb. 24, local Assemblyman Greg Wallis introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 37 to honor three Cal Fire firefighters, Cal Fire Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Cal Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez and helicopter pilot Tony Sousa, who all died in a 2023 helicopter crash. Bischof was an Idyllwild native. Joining Wallis in developing and introducing ACR 37…
Friends of The Idyllwild Library hosted Cahuilla and Serrano elder and ceremonial leader Kim Marcus for a sharing on February 25th. Kim is an enrolled member of the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians. The word Cahuilla means master or powerful ones. As ceremonial leader, Kim preserves ancient rituals, and customs, and together with his…
In January, less than three years since joining the Fern Valley Water District Board of Directors in June 2022, Kevin Scott was elected Board President. Scott, 36, grew up in Orange County and is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton. He and his wife, Nadia, lived in Orange County until 2020. Both are avid…
A retired first responder, who served ten years in the San Jacinto Ranger District, has released a memoir of her career in firefighting and law enforcement. It touches on many events that have affected our community, and her path in two male-dominated fields. Deborah Wutzke has chosen the pen-name Deborah Wedoneit, for “We done it.”…
Last week, the State’s Assembly Republicans introduced an array of legislation to address the cost of gasoline and utility rates and to provide much-needed relief to working families. Local Assemblyman Gregg Wallis is the author of several bills in the package. “For years, Californians have been struggling under the weight of high taxes and skyrocketing…
