The Riverside County Board of Supervisors is being asked to support Assembly Bill 203, which would extend the 30-day payment deadline for the State Fire Prevention Fee to 60 days. The sponsor, Assemblyman Jay Obernolte (R-Big Bear Lake), argues that many people who must pay the fee live in rural areas and are on limited…
The California Fish and Game Commission approved regulations to begin implementing Assembly Bill 711, banning using lead ammunition for any hunting purposes anywhere in the state by July 1, 2019. AB 711 was enacted in 2013 and requires the commission to begin its implementation by July 1, 2015. Earlier this month, the commission approved the…
The California measles outbreak that began in December 2014 is over, Dr. Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health and state health officer, announced Friday, April 17. However Senate Bill 277, which would eliminate the personal-belief exemption currently allowing parents to opt their child out of vaccines, encountered significant opposition last week…
The new Banning Justice Center will open to the public Monday, May 4. The new courthouse is located at 311 E. Ramsey Street. It will house four trial courtrooms, one large traffic and small claims courtroom, one large arraignment courtroom, in-custody holding cells, jury assembly space, a staff training room, clerks’ offices, public-service windows, judicial…
The Riverside County Department of Public Health sent four public health workers — Kevin Meconis, James Atkins, Martin Baxter and Anne Accurso — to the Idyllwild Library Tuesday night, April 14, to discuss health and other social needs with Hill residents. Twenty-two local residents attended and expressed concerns and suggestions in addition to asking questions….
On Monday, a state appellate court affirmed a lower-court ruling regarding how water rates must be determined. The decision said, “The trial court did not err in ruling that Proposition 218 requires public water agencies to calculate the actual costs of providing water at various levels of usage.” The 4th District Court of Appeal did…
Riverside County 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington has begun his campaign for a full term. Appointed last month to replace Jeff Stone, who was elected to the state Senate last fall, Washington’s current term expires December 2016. The other candidate is Murrieta Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Randon Lane. He was first elected to the…
The role of tiered water rates to encourage water conservation is in jeopardy. Later this month or next, a California Court of Appeal will issue a decision that could eliminate or severely limit the use of rates based solely on the volume of use. In August 2013, an Orange County Superior Court ruled that “[the…
While fire officials remind Southern California residents that “Fire Season” is a 12-month period, nevertheless, spring typically escorts in a greater awareness of wildfire threats. Already this year, Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service are preparing for whatever may occur. Riverside County Fire Mountain Division Chief Bill Weiser said transitional staffing begins next week….
Assemblyman Brian Jones, who represents the 71st District that includes Idyllwild and Anza, has begun his third term. California law restricts him to three terms. Last week, he announced his intent to seek the state Senate seat for the 38th District, which is largely in San Diego County. Jones has already assembled a campaign committee,…
