As a result of the massive damage from the wildfires in the Los Angeles basin, Gov. Gavin Newsom modified his directive to the Special Session of the Legislature which he initially called in November. He is now also asking the Legislature to appropriate $2.5 billion to help fund the recovery efforts in Los Angeles area…

Dr. David Pearson gave a talk at the Idyllwild Public Library on Tuesday, January 14, titled “Protecting Biodiversity: the Pantanal of Brazil.” The Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland, ten times the size of the Everglades, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pearson’s field of expertise is biotechnology, and although he has never…

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. The Chuckwalla National Monument…

Last week, the State’s Legislative Analyst’s Office released its review of the Governor’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The LAO generally agreed with the Governor’s economic forecasts for the next fiscal year, however, the report expressed more concerned about future budget conditions. In summary, the LAO concurred that the proposed budget is “roughly balanced.”…

The Board of Idyllwild Water District elected new officers. Charles Schelly will remain as President and newly elected member Jessica Preifer will become Vice President. There is still a vacancy on the board, and applications will be accepted until February 14. Schelly reported after the meeting that two applications had been received. Public comments focused…

At their Jan. 16 meeting, the board of the Fern Valley Water District elected new officers for 2025. Vice President Kevin Scott is the new Board President. He succeeds Director Jon Brown, who served as President for two years. Director Chrissie Teeling is the new Vice President. She had been serving as the Secretary/Treasurer. Director…

On Jan. 10, the Biden Administration contributed to California’s plans and efforts to replace gasoline powered vehicles – cars and light trucks – with zero emission vehicles. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration awarded $122.8 million in grants to the State and several local cities to continue building out electric vehicle charging and…