Despite the rainstorms in November and December, 2015 appears to be becoming the fourth-consecutive drought year. However, the National Weather Service is still forecasting above-average rainfall for Southern California between February and April. Through the end of January, rainfall on the Hill is substantially below the long-term average rain through January of 14.2 inches. The…
At its final meeting Friday, Feb. 6, the Parks Forward Commission will review its final report and recommendations for the future management of the state park system. Collectively, the numerous recommendations will result in a fundamental transformation of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The commission recognizes that change requires planning and needs time;…
Last week was an opportunity for the Idyllwild Fire Protection District officials to review their current-year budget. During the first six months of 2014-15, IFPD’s expenditures exceeded its revenues by nearly $285,000. But thanks to a windfall of about $50,000 this year, the commission projected a $30,000 net income by June 30. The additional expected…
Riverside County public health officials have planned a countywide series of community forums to hear about residents’ health-related concerns and create a plan to address them. The meetings will begin this month in Perris and be held into April at locations from Temecula to Blythe. While no meeting has yet been scheduled on the Hill,…
State Sen. Jeff Stone (R-Riverside County) used the historic occasion of the introduction of his first bill as a senator to help fulfill promises made to the people of his district two decades ago during construction of Diamond Valley Lake. Last week, Stone introduced Senate Bill 143, which would allow body contact with the water…
Fire log The Idyllwild Fire Station responded to the following calls, Tuesday to Monday, Jan. 27 to Feb. 2. Anza • Jan. 30 — Medical aid, 12:41 p.m., one patient. Idyllwild • Jan. 27 — Medical aid, 4:17 p.m., one patient. • Jan. 29 — Medical aid, 2:06 p.m., one patient. • Jan. 30…
An unencrypted laptop computer reported missing from Riverside County Regional Medical Center in December might have contained the personal information of patients who received ophthalmology and dermatology services at the hospital between Jan. 26, 2012, and Nov. 26, 2014. RCRMC Chief Compliance Officer Jan Remm said the hospital immediately notified law enforcement and began a…
Patrick Barry, Art Alliance of Idyllwild member and volunteer, with extensive experience with other off-Hill nonprofits, cited communication difficulties with and lack of response from the current board as one of the major hurdles facing AAI members. Barry said he sent an email request to the board on Jan. 13, 10 days before the general…
Early in the morning of Friday, Jan. 30, a man and his son escaped a burning house in Idyllwild. While the entrance is on Marion View Drive, its location is about equally between Marion View and S. Circle drives. The fire caused power lines to fall on Marion View Drive, which was closed for several…
A settlement has been reached between the Hemet Unified School District and the Hemet Teachers Association. The mediated fact-finding process began Monday, Jan. 26. Two days later, late Wednesday afternoon, a proposed settlement was reached. HTA members ratified the tentative agreement Thursday evening. Nearly 95 percent of the HTA membership supported the agreement, which is…
