Recent motorcycle fatalities on mountain roads, two within six days, underscore an ongoing problem of irresponsible motorcyclists riding winding roads at unsafe speeds. Three fatalities and nine incidents in less than four months (from Oct. 5, 2014 to Feb. 21, 2015) represent a significant increase over previous years. In 2012, there were 18 motorcycle collisions…
This is the perfect time of year to spot black oaks that may be harboring Goldspotted oak borers. Oaks with brown leaves still on the branches should be inspected, according to the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council. Here is an oak with retained leaves throughout the branchy canopy. A team composed of Ron Perry, Eliott Taylor and Doris Lombard spotted this tree during their morning drive-by windshield survey.
Idyllwild resident actor and Town Crier columnist Conor O’Farrell has landed a major role in a new TV pilot, “Silence of Games.” He plays alongside Bre Blair and Demetrius Grosse as a corrupt lieutenant governor planning to make a run for Congress. O’Farrell has had many lead and co-starring roles throughout his 35-year career, including…
Fire log The Idyllwild Fire Station responded to the following calls, Wednesday to Monday, Feb. 25 to March 2. Idyllwild • Feb. 25 — Service call, North Circle Dr., 7:03 a.m. • Feb. 25 — Trash or rubbish fire, contained, Dickenson Rd., 6:03 p.m. • Feb. 26 — Medical aid, in station, 9:20 a.m., one…
Sean Lande and Teresa Garcia-Lande are proud to announce the arrival of their son, Keenan Wallace Garcia Lande. Keenan weighed 6.157 pounds at birth and was 21-1/2 inches long. He was welcomed by older brothers Jacob and Jimmy Lande, and sister Kaysa Garcia.
On Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Jerry Brown appointed Chuck Washington, Temecula city councilman and mayor pro tem, to fill the vacant 3rd District seat on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Washington, 62, is expected to take his seat on the Board at its Tuesday meeting, March 10, according to Raymond Smith, the county’s public information…
Caltrans will begin construction on April 15 of a $2.5 million project to replace a 1930s-era bridge over Hurkey Creek on Highway 74 in Garner Valley. During construction of the bridge, slated to take 195 working days, according to Caltrans District 8 Public Information Officer Joy Sepulveda, one lane of traffic will be open at…
Needed rain and snow fell on the Hill this weekend, but the several days of intermittent precipitation did not relieve the drought. Snow — winter’s normal gift to the mountains — did arrive and was visible everywhere, although depths varied considerably. Between 5,300- and 5,500-foot elevations, temperatures were substantially cold enough to bring considerable snow…
The Idyllwild Fire Protection District is the proud owner of two new ambulances, which were purchased last Wednesday through a General Services Administration auction and picked up Friday. Both were acquired for slightly less than $45,000 each. Although Fire Chief Patrick Reitz and the district’s Finance Committee have discussed replacing the district’s two ambulances, an…
A large branch fell across Hemstreet around 7:50 p.m. Sunday night. Wet, heavy snow caused the branch to snap, landing on a black sedan and arching the power lines and causing power to go out in the area. Idyllwild Fire responded to the incident to block the road from traffic while awaiting for SCE to arrive.
