For over 20 years, smARTS has been delivering enriching arts education to students of the Idyllwild School. An all-volunteer, grant-funded program, they work with the school’s Parent Teacher Organization to bring professionals from many disciplines within the arts into the classroom. The program is a testament to what parents and others can accomplish locally with…
The January meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Idyllwild Fire Protection District included the election of officers, the promotions of five firefighters, and the first mention by Chief Mark LaMont of his plans for retirement and succession. At this first meeting of the year two commissioners, Henry Sawicki and Dennis Fogle, who were…
Food distribution volunteers and recipients share their stories The Idyllwild Forest Health Project was founded by Mark Yardas and Mara Schoner as a response to the threat that wildfire presents to our mountain communities. Its goal was to create a “circular economy around better fuels management and eco-system-based forest management.” The organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,…
Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in response to Avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as “Bird Flu.” This month, Riverside County health officials have confirmed its presence in the county. According to the Riverside University Health System, 23 cases have been identified and confirmed as testing positive for Bird flu….
Wood burning stoves are a popular option for heating Idyllwild homes. They provide an economical and sustainable option when understood and used properly, but they obligate users to a high level of responsibility. Kevin Holldber of Idyllwild Heating & Cooling shared some basic knowledge readers should have before firing one up. Holldber emphasized the sustainability…
California’s movement to improve air quality may begin to encounter friction and political smog. The effort to replace gasoline fueled vehicles with zero emission vehicles is not a priority of the new Administration. Shortly after taking his oath of office, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders which will change the Federal government’s actions toward…
On Friday, Jan. 23, President Donald Trump visited both western North Carolina, which Hurricane Helene ravaged in September, and the Pacific Palisades area in Los Angeles, which fire devastated this month. The California visit, while from a helicopter, was positive for Trump. Governor Gavin Newsom met the President at the airport. “We’re going to need…
On Jan. 23, Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills appropriating $2.5 billion to help fund the recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area after the devastation caused by multiple wildfires. The burning began Jan. 7. The Governor’s press release described the damage as hurricane-force fire storms. This was only 10 days after he made the…
It’s winter. It’s winter 2025. The COVID pandemic is past, the Bird Flu is still quite rare in humans, but it is flu season. But not just normal flu season, nationally hospitals and physicians are describing the 2025 virus season as a “Quad-demic.” Four separate viruses are spreading and becoming more prevalent. First there is…
Editor’s note: Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez is the new Chair of the Board of Supervisors. He represents the Fourth Supervisorial District, which includes Idyllwild, Pine Cove and Mountain Center. The following is an interview with Supervisor Perez since he assumed the chairmanship of the board. “It’s an honor to be able to serve…
