No doubt that the torrential Valentine’s Day rainstorm caused significant damage to local highways, roads and structures. But this winter’s weather terror was not limited to rain. The unusually low temperatures and their duration caused many water pipes to crack or break. Depending on the flow through pipes, these leaks created significant monetary loss for…
Mark DeAntonio, 53, of Pine Cove, who missed several scheduled court appearances in January and February, appeared in court March 12. A felony settlement conference was set for April 16. DeAntonio was charged in June with negligently discharging a firearm. He had several hearings in January regarding his attorney’s request for a mental health diversion….
At 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, Jean Douglas, 64, of Yucaipa, was driving a black 2014 Chevy Captiva eastbound on Highway 371, 5 feet west of Highway 74. At the same time, Teresa Turner, 56, of Mountain Center, was driving a black 2014 Toyota Rav 4 in the same direction. Douglas was stopped at the…
Idyllwild Fire Here are some of the calls Idyllwild Fire responded to recently. • March 14 — Public assist, 4 p.m. Trees & debris across the bridge. Not causing safety issues at this time. • March 17 — Medical aid, 2:29 p.m. Keenwild Helibase. • March 18 — Medical aid, 3:04 a.m. Royal Pines Trailer…
Photos by JP Crumrine Following a press conference at the Cranston Station in Valle Vista the media was invited to tour Highway 74 as work was underway to repair storm damage following the Valentine’s Day storm.
Caltrans will have escort vehicles available Caltrans announced Monday evening that Highway 74 will be opened, with an escort pilot vehicle, for several hours each day within four to six weeks. Several hundred people attended the community meeting, which the Mountain Disaster Preparedness group organized, while several hundred watched it as a live stream or later…
The closures of Highway 74 from Mountain Center to Hemet and Highway 243 north to Banning have created burdens for Idyllwild residents. Local high school students and school personnel have shuttles to and from Hemet available, but these leave at 5 a.m. Local businesses have multiple problems. First, much fewer visitors and tourists are coming…
Work to repair, restore, and make Highway 74 safer between Valle Vista and Mountain Center continued Wednesday, March 12. Nearly a month after the devastating rain in February, the portion of Hwy. 74 that was washed out (near mile post 51) is being repaired. As shown below, most of the excavation has ended at this…
Nearly one month after torrential rainfall caused major flooding and mud flow to areas of Lake Hemet Campground, RV campground site renters face uncertain futures. Additional rains could cause further flooding and campground renters’ rights may be limited. Lake Hemet and the campground are owned by the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District headquartered in Hemet….
Spring, according to the calendar, is still a week away. But the rain and snow in the past five weeks have sprung the local springs. Runoff continues to flow down many streets, often through yards and under or into homes. Last week, less than an inch of rain was recorded at the Forest Service’s Keenwild…
