Idyllwild News

After listening to several residents oppose, object and question the departure of former Fire Chief Norm Walker, the Idyllwild Fire Protection District (IFPD) commission began the tedious and long process of investigating many options which might contribute to fiscal solvency. Interim Chief Mike Sherman several times referred to actions that would “stop the bleeding.” The commission is trying to apply triage and stabilize the organization before attempting any major surgery or miracle remedy.

Last week, Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit (RMRU) volunteers rescued two hikers lost at the 6,200-foot level east of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The hikers from the Vancouver, Canada area, both in their 40s, had set out from the desert floor on the Skyline Trail. Even with snow visible on the mountain’s upper reaches, the…

California Highway Patrol is seeking information on a hit-and-run collision that occurred in Idyllwild on Tuesday, Jan. 24. Ian Schoenleber, Idyllwild resident and Annual Fund Director at Idyllwild Arts, was westbound on Tollgate Road when a red Dodge Durango that had been stopped at a stop sign on Meadow Glen, pulled out directly in front…

Although not $1 of the controversial Fire Prevention fee has been collected, Gov. Jerry Brown has plans for spending $50 million from that fee this fiscal year and $84 million in fiscal 2012-13. This year, $50 million of funds will supplement the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) regular budget. Collections are…