On March 18, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee met with the chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Tom Tidwell, to discuss the agency’s fiscal 2015-16 budget request. During the hearing, several questions were asked about how the Forest Service funds the cost of firefighting when it exceeds appropriate levels and other firefighting…
In my younger days, conversations with my mother centered around her health, and what she ate that day and recent days. I remember her drawing-out descriptions, such as “a little ham and some black-eyed peasssss.” Black-eyed peas regularly made the list — always topped with hot-pepper sauce … always. You can’t have black-eyed peas in…
I appreciate Chief Hawkins’ letter in the Idyllwild Town Crier on March 19, 2015. I have several concerns with the new fire abatement program. We’ve been waiting for these type of answers since June and public officials comments have been confusing. 1. Before trees and shrubs are cut down and trimmed for this law, I…
Re: One more major-injury motorcycle collision near Mountain Center. March 26, 2015: Question: Should Mr. Thibodeaux automatically lose his driver’s license for a period of time as a result of his crossing the double-yellow line on his motorcycle and colliding with the Nissan Pathfinder? If not, why not? Crossing the double-yellow line seems to be…
I wholeheartedly agree with Shanna Robb for the need to stay focused, but we disagree on “what” we should focus on. AAI needs to focus on: • Executing AAI’s mission. • Conducting enriching art events like the Eye of the Artist, upcoming Youth Art show and dozens more. • Meeting the needs of all AAI…
I am asking board members to write on various topics for this column. Doris Lombard has timely information and thoughts on maintaining defensible space. Here are her ideas and suggestions: The big lesson of the 2013 Mountain Fire is burned into my mind — a life-threatening, property-destroying fire can happen any time on our mountain….
On Monday, March 23, Monica Ruiz, wife of Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Desert), gave birth to twin daughters — Sky and Sage. Ruiz released the following statement that afternoon: “Monica and I welcomed two healthy and happy daughters into our family. Words can’t express the overwhelming joy we feel. We are both grateful to…
At its March 26 meeting, the Local Review Board of the Idyllwild Historic Preservation District discussed the possibility of employing the state’s Mills Act to encourage and gain more property owner participation in the protection of historic resources in Idyllwild. The Mills Act provides property tax relief in exchange for an equivalent investment in the…
Riverside County public health officials have planned an Idyllwild community forum to hear about residents’ health-related concerns and create a plan to address them, The meeting is from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at the Idyllwild Library. Participants will hear from county health officials about available programs and services, but the focus will…
Directors of Pine Cove Water District unanimously approved a rate increase effective, April 1. The District’s advanced minimum rate will increase $4 to a total of $57 per billing period and the water usage rates will increase 20 percent. Users will see the new minimum rate on their April bills later this month. PCWD issues…
