Brendan Steele produced a 1-under par 71 Saturday to hold in a tie for 16th going into Sunday's final round at the Travelers.
The native Idyllwilder is playing well, picking up strokes against the field in all categories from off-the-tee to putting. Saturday he drained three putts of 21, 24 and 38 feet for two birdies and an eagle.
B tees of this Sunday morning at 9:15 PDT.
Brendan Steele put together two good rounds so far this week at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut to go into weekend play with a 4-under-par 68-68 -- 136. He now stands tied for 17th, only four shots off the lead.
The Idyllwild native came out smoking Friday with three consecutive birdies at the 2nd through 4th holes, draining putts of 7, 29 and 15 feet to make it happen.
At the halfway point, Brendan has found 71 percent of the fairways with drives averaging 305 yards, the longest being a 354-yard boomer at the 18th hole on Friday.
B tees off today, Saturday at 9:15 a.m. PDT.
Jack can be reached at [email protected].
A contentious item on the Fern Valley Water District board’s action agenda last Friday was approved by a vote of three to one. At issue was an original proposal to adopt a 4/10 schedule for the district (four days a week, 10 hours a day, Monday through Thursday.
General Manager Victor Jimenez revised the original proposal, last discussed at the April board meeting, and removed the suggested closure of the district office on Friday — an item of concern to the board.
The board voted to approve Jimenez’s revised proposal, leaving the office open on Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the GM and office manager adjusting their work schedules to be able to cover Friday. One would work Monday to Thursday and the other Tuesday to Friday. Field operators would work 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. four days a week, also with alternating schedules of Monday to Thursday and Tuesday to Friday. Jimenez explained that larger-scale projects requiring both field operators would take place on Tuesday to Thursday.
“The longer workdays during summer months will help greatly toward completing larger projects in one day instead of stretching them over two days, necessitating shutting down, securing and then reopening the project to complete it the next day,” said Jimenez. Also, by alternating field personnel’s four-day schedules, Friday would still be covered as part of a regular workweek rather than as overtime.
President Jim Rees noted he liked Jimenez’s revised proposal better than the original but still questioned the productivity of 10-day schedules for field personnel. He was the only director to vote against the proposal.
Jimenez stressed that the 4/10 summer schedule is a pilot project for a discreet period of time, April to end of September. In October, the schedule returns to a regular five days a week.
Remaining action items approved unanimously were: approval of Teaman, Ramirez and Smith’s proposal for a 2017-18 audit; approval of Kristin Bloomer, Desert Water Agency, as a candidate for the California Special District Association; a resolution adopting local guidelines for implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; annually fixing the ongoing Saunders Meadow assessment charges for 2017-18; establishing a policy for investing district reserve funds; and adopting the 2017-18 budget.
The adopted budget includes $419,875 in capital improvements. Major allocations were $125,000 for first year of meter replacements and $195,000 for hydrant replacements systemwide. New smart meters are forecast to capture more low flow, enable monthly billing and perform data logging that will assist in explaining water usage to customers. Meter replacement work will be performed in house. Hydrant upgrades of 39 4-inch hydrants to 6-inch commercial grade will aid in fire protection.
Work also will be performed in-house, saving the district about $200,000. The board agreed to postpone a $35,000 office expansion project until next fiscal year.
In water business, Jimenez reported that district water production during the March and April billing period was 4.4 million gallons, which was 500,000 gallons less than the January and February period, and about 100,000 less than the same period in 2016. Total production since January has been 9.4 million gallons, the most since 2013 and about 1 million gallons more than the first four months of 2016. Jimenez suggested new meters will help the district with evaluating ongoing water loss. “With a program for testing all production meters, we’ll have a better idea where we are regarding water loss,” he said.
In his director’s report, Jimenez noted Tahquitz Creek production has decreased to about 412 gallons per minute in April and Strawberry Creek produced 260 gpm. Overall district water consumption has decreased by 25.8 percent from July 2016 and 6 percent from April 2017.
The board and GM discussed contracting with a firm to provide telemetry system monitoring of district equipment. Jimenez noted that a firm, which he will research, supplies the costly hardware, and the district would pay a monthly fee, avoiding any large capital outlay for equipment purchase.
Director Richard Schnetzer suggested the district consider holding a customer open house and tour of district facilities.
The next board meeting is scheduled at 9 a.m. Friday, July 21.
State legislators approved a fiscal year 2017-18 budget last Thursday, the deadline before they would have to forfeit their salaries. The budget follows closely the outlines of Gov. Jerry Brown’s May revision, but several major changes to the $125 billion budget were enacted, including a few items that do not directly affect state expenditures.
In announcing the agreement, Brown said in a press release, “This budget keeps California on a sound fiscal path and continues to support struggling families and make investments in our schools.”
Support for the budget was bipartisan, although Republicans expressed concerns about some portions of the budget. For example, Sen. Jeff Stone’s statement after its passage characterized the party’s mixed feelings.
“While there are some things to like in this budget, including adding to the state’s ‘Rainy Day Reserve’ and restoring the middle-class scholarships the governor had proposed cutting, overall the people of California deserve better.”
Then he added, “Once again, this year’s budget includes hefty pay raises for state workers. Meanwhile. Legislative Democrats have passed an onerous gas and car tax that will hurt the poor and working families. This new tax, signed by the same governor who vowed not to increase taxes without a vote of the people, is supposed to fix California’s crumbling roads.”
Among the budget bill’s highlights is the expansion of the earned income tax credit to help the self-employed and workers earning up to $22,300 a year, which could increase the take-home pay of 1 million more people in the state.
Funding for the state’s schools will increase $3.1 billion. Also, funding for higher education will expand capacity for California students and hold the University of California more accountable for implementing changes.
Funds from Proposition 56, which was approved in November and raises the tax on cigarettes, will be used to increase payments to doctors and dentists who see Medi-Cal enrollees. However, this provision is subject to both the Trump administration approving the provision and not reducing Medicaid payments to California.
As the governor has stressed since his election, the state must prepare for another economic downturn. This budget adds $1.8 million to the “Rainy Day Fund,” which brings its total to $8.5 billion. Also, the Legislature is going forward with the governor’s proposal to double the state’s CalPERS payment this year in order to lower future contributions.
Several non-budgetary issues also are included in the legislative package. These include modifications to the laws overseeing recall of elected officials. This was done in response to the effort to recall Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), who voted for the gasoline tax increases.
The recall papers seeking signature support suggest it would place repeal of the tax on the ballot, which his supporters argue is misleading.
Also, the state will abandon the Board of Equalization and create two new tax agencies, one which must be ready to operate on July 1. The new departments — one to collect taxes and the other to hear disputes from taxpayers — would report to the governor’s office instead of to an elected board.
State Controller Betty Yee, who is an ex officio member of the BOE, said in a release, “Without equivocation, the need to fundamentally overhaul the Board of Equalization is dire. The sweeping reform passed today takes the duties of BOE down to the studs and structurally remodels to ensure more consistent, fair, transparent, and efficient administration of California’s tax laws and appeals.”
A shallow earthquake jolted Idyllwild at 8:14 a.m. Sunday June 18. The quake was centered 5 miles south-southwest of Idyllwild at a depth of 9.3 miles.
This is the third “minor” earthquake to shake Idyllwild in 12 days, since Wednesday, June 7. Both earlier quakes were 3.2 magnitude, one the early morning of June 7, the second in the early morning of June 9. The first was 3.1 miles SSW of Cabazon and the second 8 miles south of Idyllwild.
The June 18 quake occurred in the same general area as the June 9 quake.
Marc Kassouf, full-time Idyllwild resident and owner of the Stay Idyllwild Group of inns (Quiet Creek Inn and Strawberry Creek Inn), has been elected to the governing board of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International. PAII is a national professional organization with more than 800 members representing inns, bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, vendors, associations and affiliates across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
Kassouf also is vice chair of the board for the California Association of Boutique and Breakfast Inns’ Governing Council, the professional trade organization for boutique hotels, B&Bs and inns in the state. As vice chair, he is in line to head up the CABBI council as chair in two years, and also will hold a board seat with parent trade organization the California Hotel and Lodging Association, one of the largest professional associations representing hotels, inns and lodging establishments in the world.
CABBI held it’s first-ever statewide governing council meeting in Idyllwild in April 2016, a two-day retreat event for roughly 15 council members, staff and executives. …
James Larkin’s memorial service is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 2, at the Rainbow Inn …
The Ordination Ceremony and celebration for the Rev. Helen Henderson of the Spiritual Living Center has been rescheduled for September 2017. Confirmation of the date and details will be forthcoming.
Brendan Steele carded a 6-under-par 71-69-69-73 — 282 last week in the 117th U.S. Open at Erin Hills, Wisconsin, to garner a tie for 13th place. This was his best finish in a PGA Tour major since the PGA Championship in 2015, when he tied for 12th. It also was his eighth top-20 finish on the PGA Tour this season.
The native Idyllwilder posted 22 birdies over the four rounds of the tournament — more birdies than any other player, including the tournament winner. Also, he added two eagles to tie for first in that category.
Brendan hit 75 percent of the fairways last week with drives averaging 310 yards. He found 67 percent of the greens in regulation and gained a whopping 7 strokes on the field putting for the tournament. He now stands 13th on the FedExCup list and has moved up to 52nd on the Official World Golf Ranking.
Brendan is off this week. Look for him next week in the $6.8 million Travelers Championship at the TPC River Highlands course in Cromwell, Connecticut. B’s Montreal Superfans, André Pilon and wife Pierrette Filion, will be in attendance and will be communicating with the Town Crier.
Shawn Gooch, 39, of Idyllwild, was arrested in October and in November pleaded guilty to the charge of inflicting corporal injury with a prior conviction within seven years. Sentencing was deferred until Gooch enrolled and completed a residential substance abuse treatment program.
Earlier this month, the Riverside County Probation Department reported to the Superior Court that Gooch had completed the program and sentencing could go forward.
On Friday, June 16, Judge Elaine Kiefer gave Gooch four years probation subject to meeting certain terms recommended by the Probation Department. No further jail time was imposed.
The conditions include attending and completing an outpatient substance abuse treatment program within six months of release. Also, he must attend a minimum of three substance abuse self-help and support group Narcotics and Alcohol anonymous meetings per week for the first 90 days after release. Proof of attendance must be provided to the Probation Department.
Other terms include payment of certain fines, as well as performing 20 hours of community service by November 2018 through the Alternative Sentencing Program. Also, Gooch must enroll in a 52-week domestic violence program and provide proof of enrollment to the court/probation by August of this year and completion by October 2018.
The incident occurred Sept. 30, 2016, and involved a woman. Gooch pleaded guilty in court on Nov. 22. The guilty plea included admission that he violated a court order to prevent domestic violence and was awaiting sentencing from a similar charge in May.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls Sunday to Saturday, June 11 to 17.
Idyllwild
• June 11 — Alarm call, 0:04 a.m. Seneca Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 11 — Found property, 2:23 p.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 12 — Alarm call, 8:49 p.m. Tahquitz View Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 12 — Danger to self/other, 8:58 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 12 — Alarm call, 10:06 p.m. Tahquitz View Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 12 — Vehicle code violation, 11:02 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 13 — Vandalism, 6:03 p.m. Delano Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 13 — Suicide threat, 11:23 p.m. Address withheld. Handled by deputy.
• June 13 — Alarm call, 11:44 p.m. Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.
• June 14 — 911 call, 7:11 a.m. Forest Haven Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 14 — Suicide threat, 7:37 a.m. Address withheld. Unfounded.
• June 14 — Alarm call, 10:14 a.m. 54000 block of Marian View Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 14 — Suspicious circumstance, 6:34 p.m. Riverside County Playground Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 15 — Alarm call, 9:17 a.m. Double View Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 15 — 911 call, 11:04 a.m. Indian Rock Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 15 — Public disturbance, 1:19 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 15 — Alarm call, 2:04 p.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 15 — Public disturbance, 3:17 p.m, Delano Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 15 — Suspicious circumstance, 6:50 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 16 — 911 call from business, 4:44 p.m. Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.
• June 16 — 911 call, 8:57 p.m. 53000 block of Tollgate Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 16 — 911 hangup from cellphone, 9:34 p.m. 53000 block of Tollgate Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 16 — Noise complaint, 11:36 p.m. Riverside County Playground Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 17 — Noise complaint, 7:38 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy
• June 17 — Barking dog, 10:28 p.m. Scenic Dr. Handled by deputy
Pine Cove
• June 12 — Barking dog, 3:39 a.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 15 — Grand theft, 2:02 p.m. Sylvan Wy. Handled by deputy.
• June 15 — Unknown trouble, 8:06 p.m. Walters Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 17 — Trespassing, 6:53 p.m. Schaffer Rd. Handled by deputy.
Pine Meadows/Garner Valley
• June 12 — Burglary, 7:41 p.m. Hop Patch Spring Rd. Unfounded.
Poppet Flats
• June 12 — Alarm call, 4:43 p.m. 46000 block of Poppet Flats Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 16 — 911 call from business, 6:56 p.m. 46000 block of Poppet Flats Rd. Handled by deputy.
San Bernardino
National Forest
• June 12 — Suspicious circumstance, 7:39 p.m. Apple Canyon Rd. Report taken.
• June 13 — Suspicious person, 6:11 p.m. E. Florida Ave. Handled by deputy.
• June 15 — Burglary, 8:32 a.m. 19000 block of Hwy. 243. Report taken.
• June 16 — Harassing phone calls, 12:25 a.m. Address withheld. Unfounded.
• June 16 — Suspicious circumstance, 2:33 p.m. 49000 block of E. Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.
• June 16 — 911 call from business, 2:40 p.m. 56000 block of E. Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.
• June 16 — Lost hiker, 6:20 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 16 — 911 call from business, 6:24 p.m. 56000 block of E. Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.
• June 17 — Battery, 1:56 a.m. 56000 block of Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.
• June 17 — Missing child, 8:33 p.m. Address withheld. Handled by deputy.
By Marsha Kennedy
Idyllwild Snow Group
Idyllwilders are, for the most part, an independent and resourceful sort. Residents have born the demands of snow-play visitors for many years. It’s just that in recent winters, the numbers have become so large and the behavior so undesirable that it’s time to rethink our responses. We win no prizes for silently enduring disrespect and abuse.
When there are trespassers on your property, call the sheriff’s office and report it. Here are four reasons why:
1) California’s “pure” comparative negligence standard for liability;
2) The potential for property damage;
3) The possibility that your yard will be littered or used as an outhouse;
4) The likelihood that a squeaky hinge will be oiled.
The squeaky hinge adage holds true because calls to the sheriff’s station are logged and, more importantly, counted. Few calls indicate few problems. On the other hand, a high-call volume with reports of trespassing, theft, threatening behavior and so on alerts the sheriff’s department of serious issues. This advice comes from Riverside County Sheriff’s Capt. Leonard Purvis.
If Idyllwilders build a call record that spikes during snow-play visitor events, it can affect future resource allocation. For everyone’s safety and well-being during snow events, we need sheriff’s deputies on the Hill helping us. To get more, call more.
In addition to 911, the sheriff’s non-emergency number is 951-776-1099.
The Snow Group appreciates the many who’ve expressed their support for our project. Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington recently contacted us by email with encouraging words: “Marsha, this is an amazing effort put forth that will benefit the entire Hill — thank you! I will share your info with my entire staff.”
To read more about the Snow Group or to leave comments, visit idysnowtalk.com and Idy Snow Talk on Facebook.
