Assemblyman Voepel close Last week, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association announced its 2017 Legislative Report Card grades. Two local officials received very high grades. State Sen. Jeff Stone (R-28 District) earned a 100 percent rating from HJTA. Assemblyman Randy Voepel (R-71 District) received a 98.4 percent rating. Stone was one of only 10 legislators —…
Courtesy California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists In the days and weeks following a high-profile tragedy, violent confrontations, mass shootings, or natural disasters, news stories may cause stress and anxiety for the younger audience. It is normal for adults and kids to feel anxious after a devastating event, but there are ways to help…
Editor’s note: In preparation for Assemblyman Randy Voepel “Listening Tour” stop in Idyllwild, the local Indivisibles prepared these questions: 1. Because we live in the mountains, we are very concerned about climate change, the environment, and our air quality. You voted “No” on AB 617 which would establish regulations to improve California’s air quality. Additionally,…
She plans to unseat Rep. Raul Ruiz In October, Kimberlin Brown Pelzer announced her intent to challenge Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, representative of California’s 36th House District, which includes the Hill communities. Pelzer, who works in daytime television (soap opera) and owns several businesses, essentially began her political career at the 2016 Republican Convention. She…
Several Republicans competing in June primary A second Republican has announced his intent to challenge Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. Dan Ball, former news anchor at desert television stations, wants to unseat Ruiz with a page from Ruiz’s script when he upset incumbent Mary Bono Mack in 2012. “[Ruiz’s] voting record is right down the line…
Joshua Tree is one that is targeted The National Park Service is proposing to establish peak-season entrance fees for the 17 most-visited parks. A public comment period, which ends Nov. 23, is now open. In Southern California, the fee for one vehicle to enter Joshua Tree National Park between Jan. 1 and May 31 will…
Below normal rainfall? To be sure, Halloween is next week and Thanksgiving is coming quickly. But the National Weather Service’s winter 2017-18 forecast is not supposed to be an “April Fool’s Joke.” According to the NWS, “La Niña potentially emerging for the second year in a row as the biggest wildcard in how this year’s…
Editor’s note: Three men have announced their candidacy for Riverside County Sheriff in the 2018 election. Challenging incumbent Stan Sniff are Riverside County Lt. Chad Bianco and Hemet City Police Chief Dave Brown. The Town Crier will interview each candidate before the June primary, when the top two vote getters will move to the November…
Neil Cooper, 42, of Idyllwild, failed to appear for his Trial Readiness Conference on Oct. 17. Consequently, Judge Kelly Hansen issued a bench warrant for Cooper and set bail at $350,000. He was arrested in January for threatening great bodily harm on an individual and attempting to prevent or dissuade this person who might be…
But beach smoking ban vetoed The most recent California legislative session ended Sept. 30. California legislators were busy during the final weeks and passed hundreds of bills. Governor Jerry Brown has had several weeks to decided whether he will sign a bill into a new law or veto it. Below are several bills, which he…
