Last week, the State’s Legislative Analyst’s Office released its review of the Governor’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The LAO generally agreed with the Governor’s economic forecasts for the next fiscal year, however, the report expressed more concerned about future budget conditions. In summary, the LAO concurred that the proposed budget is “roughly balanced.”…
The Board of Idyllwild Water District elected new officers. Charles Schelly will remain as President and newly elected member Jessica Preifer will become Vice President. There is still a vacancy on the board, and applications will be accepted until February 14. Schelly reported after the meeting that two applications had been received. Public comments focused…
At their Jan. 16 meeting, the board of the Fern Valley Water District elected new officers for 2025. Vice President Kevin Scott is the new Board President. He succeeds Director Jon Brown, who served as President for two years. Director Chrissie Teeling is the new Vice President. She had been serving as the Secretary/Treasurer. Director…
On Jan. 10, the Biden Administration contributed to California’s plans and efforts to replace gasoline powered vehicles – cars and light trucks – with zero emission vehicles. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration awarded $122.8 million in grants to the State and several local cities to continue building out electric vehicle charging and…
‘Strictly Elvis UK” bills itself as “the UK’s largest Elvis fan organization.” The group is “Dedicated solely to keeping the legend of Elvis Presley alive and sharing his legacy with fans not only here in the UK but across the globe.” This week, founder David Wade brought 38 fans from overseas to the Idyllwild Area…
A lively crowd filled Speakeasy Bookmarket on Saturday night, January 18, to hear local author A. Rae Dunlap read from her new novel, The Resurrectionist. The book is a mixture of historical fiction, true crime, action and romance, but Dunlap likes to think of it as a coming-of-age saga. It is set in Edinburgh, Scotland,…
Dear Spiritual Workout: I’m noticing my town is getting more and more politically divisive. How do I live in harmony among those whose beliefs are totally opposite of mine? Dear Reader: Your town? Our town? This town? Every town? Years ago, I had something I called Spiritual Workout for Politics & Current Events. Then I…
Cal Trans has provided an update on work to repair the many potholes on Highway 74 between Pinyon Pines and Palm Desert. Eric Dionne, Chief of Media and Public Affairs for CalTrans District 8, provided these details. Two “Emergency District Orders” for repairs on Highway 74 began Monday, January 13. The orders cover 9 highway…
In a Monday, January 13 letter, Idyllwild Fire Protection District Chief Mark LaMont provided an update on staffing and the district’s role in fighting this week’s catastrophic fires in LA county. On the evening of Tuesday, January 7, Idyllwild Fire responded to many calls of downed trees blocking roads and highways in Idyllwild and across…
Last week, record low rainfall since summer was reported and forecasts for a major change in these conditions are not present. On Dec. 31, Cal Fire’s South Operations Outlook for the next three months stated, “Above normal significant fire potential has been added to the South Coast for January, and this potential will remain until…
