Idyllwild News

A vibrant collection of plastic bottles in an outdoor recycling setup, showcasing environmental awareness.

May public hearing for waste collection fee increase

At its April 15 meeting, the County Board of Supervisors set a public hearing for May 20 to consider increases in the waste collection rates throughout the County. The new rates will be effective July 1. For Hill residents, the new waste collection rate will increase 58 cents, from $19.74 to $20.32. Commercial rates will…

A lone woman explores a serene forest trail in Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California.

Idyllwild Trail Festival celebrates PCT hikers and the community

The 2nd annual Idyllwild Trail Festival will be held on Saturday, April 26, at Idyllwild Town Hall, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be a celebration both Pacific Crest Trail hikers that pass through Idyllwild, and of the town itself. The festival will feature demos of the latest outdoor products, representatives from manufacturers,…

Idyllwild Nature Center to receive new taxidermy collection from San Bernardino County Museum

Idyllwild Nature Center to receive new taxidermy collection from San Bernardino County Museum

The Idyllwild Nature Center will be hosting what Park Interpreter Allison Fedrick describes as “a small program with high hopes” on Sunday, April 27. “San Bernardino County Museum is coming up to do a presentation and gift the Nature Center with taxidermy birds that look a whole lot better” than the aging specimens currently on…

Beware of rattlesnakes sign posted in a grassy area, cautioning travelers.

Watch Out for Rattlesnakes!

Spring is here, and the rattlesnakes are out! Rattlesnakes have awakened from their brumation and already have been spotted in a variety of locations throughout Idyllwild. Brumation is not a complete hibernation, but it does slow down their metabolic rates to help them live longer without food and rest more during the winter season. Now…

PCWD considers litigation against former billing software vendor, broadens experiment with electronic meters

PCWD considers litigation against former billing software vendor, broadens experiment with electronic meters

At the April meeting of PCWD’s board, Officer Manager Jennifer Hayes clarified her comment about the district’s possible interest in initiating litigation against a software vendor. Hayes explained that PCWD had used UbMax for many years for their billing and notification software. When UbMax was absorbed by GWorks, PCWD accepted the successor company’s bid to…

IWD board announces scholarships, plans public tour in May. Schelly addresses letter writer

IWD board announces scholarships, plans public tour in May. Schelly addresses letter writer

The April meeting of the Idyllwild Water District board began with the awarding of prizes to the winners of the district’s Water Education Scholarship poster and essay contest, conducted in partnership with Idyllwild School. The winning posters and essays will be posted on the IDW website. The essay winners were Polina Rasskazova, first, and Quinnlyn…

A fire truck parked inside a station's garage, showcasing emergency preparedness.

Idyllwild Fire Board approves draft budget, water tender purchase

The Board of Commissioners of Idyllwild Fire Protection District approved Chief Mark LaMont’s draft budget for the Financial Year 2025-2026 at their March meeting. The total draft budget, $3,975,249, is about 10.6% higher than last year. IFPD’s budget is divided into three categories: General Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Services, and Mutual Aid. General Fire Protection…

Administration proposes to change protection of endangered species

Administration proposes to change protection of endangered species

Last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration jointly published a proposed change to their regulations for implementing the Endangered Species Act. They are proposing to limit the definition of “taking” a threatened or endangered species to the language in the original law. Section 3(19) reads, “The term…