“Facts are stubborn things,” as John Adams said, and a very stubborn thing over the last two decades has been how much we have spent on putting out forest fires. Not surprisingly, wildfire protection costs have risen substantially. A recent paper from Headwaters Economics puts the federal annual-average fire suppression cost during the 1990s at…
Saving for retirement has never been more important. The Social Security system is being placed under increasing strain as people live longer and the baby boomer generation retires. Federal deficits should increase as the costs of Social Security and Medicare skyrocket and now the Affordable Care Act is added to the federal budget. This is…
When the power when out all over the mountain last Friday, Jack and I left the office for the wine bar so I could sit and update the situation on our website for our readers. During last summer’s fires, social media played a big role as an information source for people to ask questions and…
65 years ago – 1949 With the help of a slide rule, Larry Smith estimated he had removed 8 tons of snow from his roof. 60 years ago – 1954 The snow pack in Tahquitz Valley, the survey team found, measured only 28 inches in depth. 55 years ago – 1959 Planes and…
Two dogs were found near Lake Fulmor. Call ARF 951-659-1122. Lucy in the sky with diamonds … in her eye. She is a shiny, small black Lab-mix about 1 to 2 years old. This smart little girl has already learned the doggy door, and basic commands such as sit, stay and shake. She loves to…
Editor: I read “Snakes arrive early at local animal sanctuary” with concern when the groundskeeper stated he has sprayed Round-up© and will need to make a large batch to control the weeds this winter. In the past two years, Spain and Denmark have confirmed the hazardous chemical in Round-up© has contaminated their ground water. There…
One of the bills I encourage you to vote for on the June ballot will amend the state Constitution to incorporate the California Public Records Act. Though that act is currently state law, government officials constantly challenge it because the act is yet another rule requiring them to be open and honest with public taxpayers…
Editor: Olympics. I have been enjoying the games and the excitement and am amazed at how close winning a run or a slide or any one of the events can be. And I think of Lauren Salter who is an Olympic hopeful right here in our midst. She’s one of us, a home-town girl and…
One of the best ways I’ve found to get myself outside and enjoying nature is to take up a new outdoor skill. While some people can just adopt a new activity without investing much learning time, most of us need some coaching. That’s why I recommend learning your new skill from a true expert in…
65 years ago – 1949 There were heated arguments at the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce meeting regarding whether the Chamber acted properly in endorsing plans for a cocktail bar at the Idyllwild Inn. 60 years ago – 1954 During the opening weekend of Idyllwild Market, owner Joe Darnell rigged up an alarm set to…
