Idyllwild Town Crier

The Idyllwild Water District directors approved a $1.9 million budget (water and sewer programs), which includes a six percent water rate increase. Even with the rate increase, the district will use nearly $115,000 of its reserves to balance the budget. Without the rate increase, the overall loss would have approached $190,000. The water and sewer revenues do not equal the...

After a very tough 2012 school year, Hemet High parents have organized a summer, under-the-stars benefit concert. “Hope, Healing and a Brighter Future” takes place from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday June 29, at the Hemet High School Stadium. All proceeds from the “Brighter Future” Concert will create a scholarship fund to assist the eight students injured May 30 when...

For the first time, the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program will offer tuition discounts to full-time Idyllwild residents for selected classes …

We are not contemplating another rate increase. Yes, we are in the second year of our three-year program. Water sales only make up 20 percent of our total water income. Yes, we are talking with Stonewood. There are only 27 houses in the Stonewood area. Please come see us and get further proof and explanation, with a tour of...

Quiet Creek Gallery hosted the ICRC speaker series on Wednesday night with artist and guest speaker Rich Stergulz. The freelance artist shared his technique, especially with regards to portraiture. As he painted, he answered questions from the audience and demonstrated how he looks for the way light falls upon the face and the importance of half tones for depth and shape giving the illusion of 3D.

Hill fire stations responded to the following calls, Tuesday to Monday, June 19 to 25, 2012: Idyllwild Fire Department and Ambulance Report unavailable. Riverside County Fire, Pine Cove June 20 — Over-the-side traffic collision, Highway 243 and Poppet Flat Road, Poppet Flat. June 21 — Walk-in medical aid. June 23 — Medical aid, Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail. June 24 — Medical aid, Dark Canyon Trail. Riverside County...

Last week was tumultuous. On Wednesday, the County Service Area 38 Advisory Committee recommended that Supervisor Jeff Stone support the termination of the county’s ambulance service contract with Idyllwild Fire Protection District. On Friday, Stone, in Idyllwild for his monthly constituent meetings, said he couldn’t do that. He feels less than 12-minute response time is critical in many emergency cases. Consequently,...

In April, I wrote about being prepared for the large fires and potential evacuations. I said at the end of that article I would have more later on survival “in place” for major disasters. Also, last month I talked about changes at IFPD, such as the recruitment of a new fire chief. I will touch on both subjects in this column.