Last week, Cal Fire released the final set of its “Fire Hazard Severity Maps.” These maps depict the three fire hazard zones – Very High, High, and Moderate – for the eight Southern California counties, including Riverside. Idyllwild, Pine Cove, and Mountain Center are considered to be in a “Very High” Fire Hazard Severity Zone….
Patricia Carratello, a former Idyllwild resident since 1980 and a teacher at Idyllwild School from 1991 to 2012, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, March 20, at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio, at age 74. She was enveloped in love by her devoted husband, John, their three children, Dominick and Anthony Carratello and…
Mountain Community Fire Safe Council (MCFSC), the nonprofit organization that helps local property-owners plan and pay for home fire abatement, was among the stakeholders reporting at the March meeting of the Mountain Area Safety Taskforce. Executive Director Callie Squires provided an update on older grants that are wrapping up, and new grants and applications. MCFSC’s…
[ This article “The Year of the Undefeated” is written in a two-part series. Find “Part 1” here. ] ICC Adult Basketball Last week we witnessed history being made in our local adult volleyball league. This week we turn our focus on to the other popular sports league played during the winter months: ICC Adult…
The March 12 Mountain Area Safety Taskforce (MAST) meeting included a report from Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RSO) on their activities in local mountain communities. Sergeant Frank James, one of two supervisors for the mountain communities, said that there are always two deputies on duty, with a supervisor present during the day shift. There is…
The release of Cal Fire’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps is a positive step, but not a specific benefit to the local fire departments, according to Idyllwild Fire Chief Mark LaMont. The maps have value for fire departments, insurers, and property owners, but are not sufficient to address the issues of preventing the devastation from…
The March 26 meeting of the Fern Valley Water District Board of Directors was quick and no major issues were apparent. The board met with four directors since former director Mike LaFata resigned after the February meeting. If interested in joining the Board, a letter of interest and resume should be submitted to the FVWD…
The Idyllwild Community Center (ICC) building project next to the Idyllwild Community Playground, which has been in the works for more than twenty years, is finally near completion. Except for a few final “punch list” items remaining under the HUD building contract, ICC’s combined CDBG grant through HUD, as well as additional Riverside County grants,…
After a brief hiatus, the beloved Idyllwild Race is making its return on Saturday, August 16, bringing back the community spirit with three exciting events for all ages and abilities. Runners and walkers alike can choose from a 5K Run/Walk at 7:30 a.m., a 10K Run at 8:15 a.m., or the Kids Fun Run at…
In Idyllwild, we have a beautiful balance of interconnected ecosystems. Animals and plant life blend together to keep the mountain thriving. Nonetheless, when one aspect of the forest is failing, its impact on the rest of the environment is significant. The California Mule Deer is one such animal that must be protected and maintained properly….
