On Jan. 23, Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills appropriating $2.5 billion to help fund the recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area after the devastation caused by multiple wildfires. The burning began Jan. 7. The Governor’s press release described the damage as hurricane-force fire storms. This was only 10 days after he made the…
It’s winter. It’s winter 2025. The COVID pandemic is past, the Bird Flu is still quite rare in humans, but it is flu season. But not just normal flu season, nationally hospitals and physicians are describing the 2025 virus season as a “Quad-demic.” Four separate viruses are spreading and becoming more prevalent. First there is…
Editor’s note: Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez is the new Chair of the Board of Supervisors. He represents the Fourth Supervisorial District, which includes Idyllwild, Pine Cove and Mountain Center. The following is an interview with Supervisor Perez since he assumed the chairmanship of the board. “It’s an honor to be able to serve…
ICC Adult Volleyball The Idyllwild Brewpub (4-2) re-claimed their 2^(nd)-place standing as they made quick work of Idyllwild Garage (3-2) last Thursday by sweeping them in 3 straight games to win the match 3-0. Idyllwild Garage slides down to 3^(rd) place, tied with BBI Construction who both have a record of 3-2 (3 wins, 2…
Fire season never ends here. Outdoor abatement and indoor safety are year-round duties. Public Safety Power Shutoffs add another type of emergency to prepare for. Both local hardware stores, Village Hardware and Forest Lumber, are well stocked with the essentials. They have plenty of fire extinguishers, and smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Both also…
On Jan. 24, the U.S. Forest Service announced the closure of several campgrounds in the San Jacinto Ranger District. The three campgrounds to be closed, possibly for the entire year, will be the Black Mountain Group Campground, Dark Canyon Campground, and the Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground, according to Naomi Gordon, External and Legislative Affairs Officer for…
Fire extinguishers are an important type of safety equipment that should be in every home and are required in most businesses. They do not last forever and must be regularly inspected, maintained, or replaced. Some extinguishers, especially the least expensive ones, are disposable. Others are refillable. Maintenance and repair should only be done by trained…
The catastrophic wildfires that made this a month of extraordinary losses in the southland have brought attention to FEMA and its role in helping states respond to disaster. President Trump has suggested that there should be conditions on FEMA aid to California, but instead of building codes, fuel reduction projects or firefighting equipment, has mentioned…
Dear Spiritual Workout:I had a conflict with some friends earlier this year and I haven’t talked to them since but I keep thinking about it and being bothered by it. Do I let it go or try to fix the relationships? Dear Reader:That depends entirely upon what, exactly, is bothering you since the time of…
In coverage of the historic fires that destroyed neighborhoods in Los Angeles County this month, one area of concern has been water supply as it impacts firefighting. We spoke with representatives of our three local water districts about their readiness for fire and other emergencies. Pine Cove Water District’s board president Robert Hewitt wants locals…
