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Butterfly Daze expands at the Nature Center

By
Sally Hedberg
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0

If you love butterflies, you won’t want to miss the annual Butterfly Daze extravaganza, a two-day event at the Nature Center. Expanding Butterfly Daze to two days instead of one enables more families and friends to learn all about butterflies, and join the live monarchs as you step into the pavilion to feed the butterflies a piece of watermelon.

Local expert Bruce Watts will be giving two different talks about the magnificent variety of butterflies to be found in these mountains. Before entering the pavilion to walk amongst the butterflies, each person must name one fact they have learned at the festival. Many want to know how does the Nature Center collect the butterflies? Come to Butterfly Daze and find out.

The Nature Center also is recruiting volunteers to help with Butterfly Daze. A volunteer might help children with crafts or assist for short periods of time in the Butterfly Pavilion.

News of Record: July 28, 2016

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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Fire log

The Idyllwild Fire Station did not report responses for last week.

Sheriff’s log

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls Sunday to Saturday, July 17 to July 23.

Idyllwild

• July 17 — Alarm call, Humber Rd. Handled by deputy.

• July 18 — Alarm call, N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.

• July 18 — Alarm call, Wildwood Dr. Handled by deputy.

• July 18 — Vandalism, 26000 block of Hwy. 243. Unfounded.

• July 19 — Public assist, address undefined. Handled by deputy.

• July 19 — Follow-up, address withheld. Handled by deputy.

• July 19 — Public assist, 54000 block of Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.

• July 19 — Alarm call, 26000 block of Saunders Meadow Rd. Handled by deputy.

• July 19 — Alarm call, N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.

• July 19 — Noise complaint, 26000 block of Saunders Meadow Rd. Handled by deputy.

• July 20 — Public assist, 53000 block of Toll Gate Rd. Handled by deputy.

• July 21 — Narcotics, Meadow Dr. Handled by deputy.

• July 21 — Follow-up, address withheld. Handled by deputy.

• July 21 — Alarm call, 24000 block of Fern Valley Rd. Handled by deputy.

• July 22 — Alarm call,  N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.

• July 22 — Runaway child, 53000 block of Toll Gate Rd. Handled by deputy.

• July 22 — Noise complaint, 26000 block of Saunders Meadow Rd. Handled by deputy.

• July 22 — Noise complaint, 26000 block of Saunders Meadow Rd. Handled by deputy.

• July 23 — Suspicious person, 27000 block of Saunders Meadow Rd. Handled by deputy.

• July 23 — Incorrigible minor, address withheld. Handled by deputy.

Mountain Center

• July 17 — Assist other department, address undefined. Handled by deputy.

• July 18 — Shots fired, McCall Park Rd. Handled by deputy.

• July 18 — Burglary, Barbara Lee Dr. Handled by deputy.

• July 22 — Alarm call,  53000 block of E. Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.

Pine Cove

• July 19 — Harassing phone calls, address withheld. Handled by deputy.

• July 20 — Harassing phone calls, address withheld. Report taken.

• July 20 — Narcotics, address undefined. Handled by deputy.

• July 23 — Trespassing, Canyon Breeze Ln. Handled by deputy.

Pine Meadows

• July 23 — Suspect info, address withheld. Handled by deputy.

 

Poppet Flats

• July 17 — Vehicle burglary, 46000 block of Poppet Flats Rd. Report taken.

• July 19 — Follow-up, address withheld. Handled by deputy.

• July 20 — 911 call from business, 46000 block of Poppet Flats Rd. Handled by deputy.

• July 23 — Shots fired, address undefined. Handled by deputy.

San Bernardino

National Forest

• July 20 — Follow-up, address withheld. Handled by deputy.

• July 21 — Assist other department, Temecula Dr. Handled by deputy.

• July 22 — Petty theft, 56000 block of E. Hwy. 74. Unfounded.

• July 23 — Suspicious circumstance, 56000 block of Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.

Pipeline replacement and well rehab at IWD

By
Becky Clark
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1

At last Wednesday night’s Idyllwild Water District board meeting, the four directors present (President Jim Billman was absent) unanimously approved a sponsor’s agreement to provide $310,000 from capital reserves for water pipeline replacement. The agreement is between IWD and Riverside County. The county approved a grant of $155,000 of Community Development Block Grant Funds back in March toward the project.

In his general manager’s report, Tom Lynch said SPi has submitted the final draft of the recycled water project equipment’s design, and the next step is to prepare the engineer solicitation. He also is preparing the routing options for recycled water lines by meeting with various property owners over the next few weeks.

In financial news, the water fund for June came in close to budget while the sewer fund was in the negative of about $7,000.

Of the 12 positions on the district, three are vacant, including the sewer department chief operating officer and a sewer maintenance technician. That explains why wages and salaries for sewer were 53 percent lower than budget. However, general plant services were $24,324, $21,074 more than the budgeted number of $3,250, and engineering and consulting fees were $9,372, $8,622 over the budget of $740. Southern California Soil’s testing at the sewer plant cost $22,878.80.

Engineering and consulting of $9,372 is paid monthly to the California Rural Water Association to provide oversight of the sewer plant two days a week.

For the water fund, operating revenues came in at $98,757, almost 2 percent below the budget, yet the district managed to keep expenses down to $90,208, nearly 22 percent lower than budget for a total income in June of $8,549. The district is operating with one maintenance technician vacancy in the water department, which contributed to the income.

IWD’s water fund has current assets of nearly $8 million while the sewer fund has nearly $2.5 million.

Lynch reported that the district remains in Stage 2 Water Emergency with the Foster Lake level at 0 percent. The district has 14 wells available with 10 in use, five full-time and five part-time. And water consumption is up, he said.

Several wells are targeted for rehabilitation, he said, and several contractors have expressed interest in bidding on the project.

More than 1 million cubic feet was consumed in June compared to just over 850,000 cubic feet in May. On average, IWD produced 181 gallons per minute in June compared to 147 average in May. June water loss with four leaks was 5.14 percent compared to three leaks with 2.18 percent loss in May.

The directors had a long discussion about wages, salaries and benefits when Resolution 726 came up on the agenda. Director Steve Kunkle asked Vice President John Cook to break up the proposed salary schedule and personnel policy healthcare benefits into two separate issues. Cook agreed.

Lynch, Cook, Freitas and Financial Officer Hosny Shouman argued for a 14-step salary schedule vs. a 10-step schedule to entice candidates to fill the three positions unmanned. They believe that IWD is not attracting and retaining employees because the pay is too low, but if a candidate sees more potential for increased salary, they might apply and stay.

Kunkle disagreed saying there could be other ways to attract and keep employees, such as offering CalPers. After much discussion about the issue, Kunkle moved to give the sewer department chief operating officer position the 14-step increase and do a comprehensive study on the other positions later. The motion passed 3-1 with Freitas a nay vote.

As for medical benefits, the board approved an increase 3-0 with Kunkle abstaining since he receives those benefits as a former IWD employee. The increase to the district will be $9,600 annually.

Political Letters: A recommendation for Hillary

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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You have promised so many changes in your latest speech standing next to Bernie Sanders. How about you giving back to the poor people the amassed monies in the millions since you left the White House.

Remember, nobody takes anything with them when our time here is up.

Yes, you are very intelligent. Use it for all the people, not just for your own purpose and gratification to become president.

Look inside your heart. Can you be truthful to yourself ? What is really motivating yourself and why?

To lead a country, as president, is an overwhelming responsibility. Yes, I would welcome seeing a woman in the White House, but to me, you do and say anything to get where you want to go and what you want.

If you truly love this country more than yourself and want to make America great again — greater than your own ambitions — put the money where your mouth is. I will then give you the benefit of doubt.

My love is yours, America.

Gisela M. Stearns

Idyllwild

Clubs: Idyllwild Garden Club

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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0

The public is invited to join the Idyllwild Garden Club for a presentation by noted arborist Deborah Geisinger. She will discuss how to care for your trees, and how to identify and prevent problems, therefore ensuring that we are good stewards to one of our mountain’s most valuable gifts.

There will be time allowed for your questions. With more than 14 years of experience, Geisinger is an expert in maintaining and improving the health of trees and the environment, and has found this also improves the property values and landscapes of her clients.

The meeting starts at noon Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the Commmunity Presbyterian Church, lower level.

This is a potluck, so please bring a dish to share, if possible. Seating is limited, so please come early. Any questions? Contact Toni at 951-659-2907.

Readers Write: Kudos for coverage

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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0

Editor:

I don’t know how much credit the public will give you for being diligent on the Mountain Fire lawsuit but the timing indicates to me that someone at the necessary federal level was paying attention.

Well done, Jack. Well done, Becky.

William Protzmann

San Diego/Idyllwild

Readers Write: Water needs to be secure

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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0

Editor:

I am surprised at the Town Crier letters (especially a prior board member) saying how the Idyllwild Water District should allow tours of its facilities.  In this day and age of terrorism, water is to be protected with the utmost security.

I’m not saying our residents could be terrorists, but tours would give an opening to those who are and to vandals.  I’m sure there is a government agency that inspects water districts.

IWD needs to hold firm and do not allow tours by customers, but instead try to educate the ignorant.  Because “security” is the reason why no tours.

Merrie VonSeggern

Idyllwild

Readers Write: Opinions, not facts

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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0

Editor:

You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth. This is my own opinion.

Demand one water district on this mountain. If you pretend to care, just talk about it every few years. If you really care, demand it. It’s not hard to understand it. Paying three times for everything means you don’t care.

Yes, we want you to come to the meetings and demand this. If you don’t, you don’t care.

No one comes to the meeting so the only way you get your information is through the newspaper. One newspaper with one agenda: to sell papers.

Over the last 10 years, I don’t know how many times JP has told our board, “No one on this mountain conducts a better meeting.”

Maybe times are getting tough and money is the only thing that can keep a paper alive. Why is there only one paper? Because only one can survive.

So my point is, we need one water district and at least two newspapers. Anything less than that, then you’re paying too much money and only getting half the story.

Every time the newspaper makes a claim about what the water district does or says, it prints it for a couple of weeks and then it dies out never backing it up with facts, just opinions. All I can say is if you want to listen to one side, it’s your choice and in the end, you own the end results and have to live with it.

Now the people on the outside feeding the newspaper all have one thing in common: money. They don’t care about you, it’s what they need. Plain and simple.

I have been on this board for two reasons: to run the water district the best way possible, and to protect the employees and customers with fairness. Many  things have been done to do both and the only thing you are told is inaccurate facts. I am proud of everything I have done to help, would not change one thing and will continue to do the same.

For everyone else this is your Idyllwild. Know the facts, not someone’s opinion. If you know the truth and it isn’t right, change it. I am 100 percent behind you. If you know the truth and facts, then you can’t go wrong.

Michael Freitas

Idyllwild Water District director

Readers Write: Respect for IWD

By
Idyllwild Town Crier
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0

Editor:

What deeply frustrates me is to read numerous articles in our TC that are demeaning, unsubstantiated, therefore, untrue remarks and attacks related to our dedicated Idyllwild Water District.

Reference to unjustifiable comments that are either not true or highly misunderstood:

1) IWD has a full-time CFO when no other water district on the Hill has one because IWD is the largest water district and the most profitable. Also, because of the assistance of our CFO, it has been receiving numerous federal/state grant funding to facilitate continuing upgrades of the water system.

2) IWD currently is not providing “water meters” because it has all of its customers’ best interests in mind. By issuing additional or larger water meters, it could risk going into Stage 3 and would jeopardizes all of IWD customers to please a few. IWD is making every effort on its part to conserve our water during a long drought of five years. In the meantime, let’s back IWD efforts and stand together as a supportive community and ride this out together.

3) Unless you’re reviewing the minutes, you’ll not know that numerous of the “3-2” votes are often because our new board members are “undecided” and don’t yet understand what is best for IWD. So why in the heck would we want our knowledgable senior board members to resign and leave it to new board members who are not yet fully informed of our water conditions to make executive decisions for us?

4) The recycled waste water for IWD may be confusing for many of us and also it’s good to know a great deal of research has been done, and the federal and state government are working closely with this new program. We have a choice: Either we continue to lose valuable resources or we implement our generous grant funding to keep “our” water safely and productively on the Hill.

5) It would appear to be irresponsible management of time for IWD to create policy accommodating “individual” requests such as: personal tours of the waste treatment plant and information of past/present employees/board members available. Providing information is important, when proper utilization of time is equally so.

Come on Idyllwild community, and especially the TC, let’s stop the unverified criticism of IWD and the improper comments and behavior without all the facts and instead let’s get behind IWD and provide it the support and respect it deserves.

Dr. M. P. Wylie

Idyllwild

Editor’s note: Dr. Wylie is the wife of IWD President Jim Billman.

Out Loud: IWD meeting …

By
Becky Clark
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0

On the night of July 20, Jack and our granddaughter Evey’s 9th birthday, we did not get to spend the evening out to dinner with family as we have since she was about 3.

Instead, Jack and I attended the Idyllwild Water District board meeting because JP was on vacation.

A typical meeting sees about one or two people in attendance but this particular meeting attracted a large crowd for a water meeting on the Hill — about 25 to 30 people.

We have been reporting on the controversies this water district continues to generate since before last year’s election where two incumbents were unseated by two others, one a former employee.

We stayed for the whole meeting, and it became evident to me that  animosity toward the newcomers is not a joke.

One scene in particular, I think, grabbed everyone’s attention. During a discussion on upgrading the pipeline, June Rockwell, one of the newcomers, got up to use the restroom.

Vice President John Cook, filling in for the absent president, called for a vote. The other newcomer, Steve Kunkle, asked if he wasn’t going to wait for her to come back. Cook said, “No,” and the vote went 2-1 because Kunkle said he wouldn’t approve it because she wasn’t allowed to vote.

I don’t want to embarass June by saying this, but I’m in a meeting that goes on for two-and-a-half hours, I likely might need to relieve myself at least once. June came out just after the vote.

Was what he did illegal? Probably not. Was it mean-spirited? I’m not sure, but it came across that way. Whatever the reason for not waiting just another minute might just be plain rudeness on the part of Cook.

Becky Clark

Editor

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