The Idyllwild Fire Protection District (IFPD) has asked Riverside County for a $450,000 loan. Technically, it might be considered an advance of $450,000 from the agency’s 2011-12 property taxes. It may take the county four to six weeks to review the request, according to Verne Lauritzen, 3rd District Supervisor Jeff Stone’s chief of staff. “The…
The Idyllwild Fire Protection District commission approved its final 2011-12 budget this week. The overall budget balances revenues and expenditures are set at $1,687,400 each. The final budget forecast increased revenue of $20,000 with a proposed ambulance rate increase, which Fire Chief Norm Walker will bring to the commission next month. Walker also reduced expenditures…
County executive officer resigns County Executive Bill Luna, 57, resigned effective Oct. 4. Luna had been Riverside County executive officer since July 2008. Ever since he took office, Luna has had to deal with balancing the county’s budget while its revenues continue to decline. “This letter confirms my statement in closed session on Sept. 13…
Yes, it was a wonderful Chamber of Commerce meeting last week. The atmosphere was professional and businesslike. The board members were united, but very open and looking to new ideas. Decisions were discussed and actions were made without long-winded speeches from a board member. And, best of all, the audience, concerned citizens and business owners,…
It was with increasing horror that I read of Backcountry 4×4’s desire to map trails in our San Jacinto Mountains; it’s no surprise that Jeep and Toyota are supporting them. I imagine the destruction to habitat and to aesthetics, plus the increase in noise pollution we already suffer from the brigades of motorcycles. It’s not…
As the mystery continues, and with so much money allegedly unaccounted for at IFPD, at what point does the audit clarify these issues or does the grand jury need to become involved? M. Farrell Idyllwild
There should be no mystery about the county’s budget problems. In spite of having a monopoly, the county must still abide by basic economics and by that I mean, “Does the county provide a desired service at a fair price?” For example, I have a customer whose deck, after 50 years, finally needs to be…
I am very alarmed that CAL FIRE could take over our fire services. CAL FIRE, which used to be called CDF (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is still the official name], is responsible for the huge Cedar Fire in San Diego [which occurred in October 2003]. When the idiot hiker lit a flare…
The mountain suits her style, as Lilly is a shepherd/husky mix. She has lots of good energy and, of course, her favorite pastime is being in the outdoors. This 8-year-young girl is gentle on the leash and loves to walk and ride in the car. She also loves to play in the snow. Pleasing her human is always on top of the list. Lilly can shake, sit, stay and loves children, cats and other dogs. Bring your leash, because this girl won’t last long.
The Idyllwild Community Recreation Council (ICRC) directors previewed new and familiar recreational offerings that promise some fall and winter excitement for Hill residents. They also voted to amend their bylaws, expanding eligibility for sitting on the board to include “residents of the Hill,” with “the Hill” being defined as Idyllwild, Fern Valley, Pine Cove, Stone…
