Columns

Tax Tips: Tax myths

With the tax code approaching the size of the Encyclopedia Britannica, it’s little wonder there are many misconceptions and erroneous beliefs regarding tax regulations. Many people feel that when making charitable deductions, as long as they have their cancelled checks or credit card receipt they’re covered. Nowadays, however, the IRS requires substantiation from the charity…

Past Tense: Feb. 9, 2012

Past Tense: Feb. 9, 2012

55 years ago – 1957 US Marines from Camp Pendleton moved into the Dark Canyon-Pine Flats area to begin a series of winter maneuver operations in the snow. 50 years ago – 1962 Noble Aller, of Idyllwild, Hemet Unified School Sistrict trustee, accepted appointment as the combined districts’ spokesman on the area school unification committee….

Past Tense: Feb. 2, 2012

65 years ago – 1947 The highlight of the week was Mike and Dorothy Michelsen opening their long awaited Fern Valley Market. The opening took place after 12 months of all sorts of delays and problems, according to the couple. “Alpine” is the market’s name. 60 years ago – 1952 Two couples from Los Angeles…

Fire and Forest: A system that lasts …

We at the council are looking for a fire safe future that endures. In more popular terms, we seek a sustainable future, one that involves successful community action that can easily continue for generations, providing both fire safety and a healthy forest. We think this is possible. Perhaps our biggest problem is how fire prevention…

Sustainability: Lighting the way to sustainability and savings …

Idyllwild Arts Academy (IAA) has substantial outside lighting requirements for visibility and safety. Students, faculty and visitors are often out in darker hours, going to and from dorms and the dining hall, the library and various art studios, or attending on-campus performances and recitals. To assure these needs, IAA has an annual utility bill totaling more than a half million dollars. Consequently, the school has a strong incentive to undertake a sustainability program. So, outside lighting is one of many areas we have been looking at. Plus, many of us have outside lighting needs at home.