The Predictive Services unit of Cal Fire’s Southern Operations (Ops) does not expect a bad summer fire season. The June outlook released last week anticipates below normal fire activity through September, especially in lower elevations. The coastal May Gloom, along with the wet winter, has contributed to a lower threat of wildfires through June and…
At Idyllwild Fire Protection District’s (IFPD) semimonthly commissioners’ meeting Tuesday, May 23, President Dan Messina reported that the new repeater site is up and running. Chief Mark LaMont added that licensing is complete and temporary equipment installed. Riverside County Sheriff and Fern Valley Water may be using the repeater. Other potential users include Hemet Police…
After deliberating since June 1, a Riverside County jury found a 58-year-old Thermal man guilty of a lesser crime in a case where the defendant was charged with murder in a traffic collision where his baby died on Highway 74 near Mile Post Marker 89. He has been incarcerated in the Robert Presley Detention Center…
Fulfilling his promise during the presentation of the May revision of his fiscal year (FY) 2023-24 budget, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his proposals to reform the permitting and project review process in California. On May 19, one week later, he signed an Executive Order (EO) while touring the site of a future solar farm in…
Living on the Hill and working from home is close to paradise. Living on the Hill and commuting to work on the I-10 or state highways 74 and 79 is not fun and often stressful. Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D) has submitted a bill that could help alleviate some of the county’s commuting conundrums. Garner Valley,…
In a grueling 36-hole qualifying day at Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles, Brendan Steele posted 33-35-32-34 – 134 to miss by one stroke outright qualifying for the U.S Open, which will be played next week at the Los Angeles Country Club. Instead, he is currently listed as the second alternative player, should two of…
By Holly ParsonsCorrespondent An unprecedented nature experience sums up the allure of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Each year between March and June, Idyllwild is the first major re-supply hub for migrating hikers from around the world. Beginning at the southern terminus (Mexican border), hikers journey north for 2,650 miles “beyond the pale,” into a…
Whatever the circumstances were involved in the delay of Idyllwild Master Chorale’s regular spring concert presentation to nearly two months after the Easter season were quickly mitigated by last Saturday night’s performance in Lowman Concert Hall and in the chorale’s subsequent follow-up on Sunday at St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church’s Labyrinth area. Artistic Director Dwight Holmes’s…
Senate Bill (SB) 584, which has passed the California Senate, would impose a 15% tax on the rental price for a short-term rental (STR). After its passage, Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), who introduced the bill, said in a press release, “The vote today signals the legislative interest in advancing a conversation about what role…
The Idyllwild Water District (IWD) held a pair of “Town Hall” meetings at its boardroom to discuss proposed water and sewer rates on May 30 and 31. The board has voted to approve a five-year plan for rate hikes that could lead to a cumulative 85% increase on sewer bills and a cumulative 27% hike…
