Editor: A lie is a lie, a contradiction is a contradiction and a false statement is false. Confusion and doubt surrounds the new fire-abatement policies only because of the statements by MCFSC, its president and public officials. Here’s a few: The money we’ll pay? Idyllwild Fire Chief Reitz mentions the cost for additional inspection personnel…
When snow is as scarce as it’s been for the past 20 months, long-time Hill residents begin to pine for those old-time storms, “when we had real snow here.” Never mind that Idyllwild has never had enough snow to support even a minimal ski resort. And there have been recurring droughts throughout history, such as…
I start by wishing you a Happy New Year and diving right into a favorite subject, as all of you who have read this column over the years — even before I retired in 2009 — know very well: open government. How does a public board have discussions about something as important as a tax…
By Jeff Smith Pine Cove During the morning commute of Oct. 26, 2006, I came upon fleeing people towing horse trailers, one on a bicycle and, yes, on foot. No smoke or flame was immediately visible. Within minutes that all changed. Driver situational awareness was critical. The Esperanza Fire was making a run at Poppet…
Readers of the Town Crier will know there have been letters critical of the new code committee and of the role the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council had in bringing it about. The letters either state or imply that both groups are up to no good. I think it is fair to say the formation…
Q. Every wash day I have to spend time emptying my husband’s pants pockets. He keeps stuffing his left hip pocket with bits of paper — receipts, ticket stubs, etc. Do you do this? -Shirley, Palm Desert A. No, I do not. I stuff bits of paper in my right hip pocket. My left hip…
Editor: I can’t let last week’s issue go by without letting you know how much I enjoyed it. In fact, I thought it was one of the best issues you’ve ever published and I read almost every article. I commend you for what I hope will become a new series, “Health on the Hill,” with…
I don’t drink coffee. I love the aroma but not the taste, heat and jitters it produces. So it takes me a bit more time to get my feet moving in the morning. After catching up on news, what I do try every morning are three online crossword puzzles — sometimes with a cup of…
Well, it’s that time of year folk; the time where you are either happy to be around loved ones or sad you are by yourself. For those of us in the latter category, I have good news for you. Sad songs can make you happy. (The operating word here is “can.”) Seems counter intuitive. doesn’t…
Editor: December 25: What does this day mean to you? Spending time with family? Sharing a wonderful dinner? Exchanging gifts with them? Planning months ahead whose house to celebrate at? Do you love all the smells? It is amazing what this day brings to each of us and the memories we have. Getting ready for…
