On February 26, 2016, Administrative Law Judge Eric Sawyer issued his proposed decision in the matter of the accusation against James Reyes, former paramedic and captain with IFPD, who had been terminated by Chief Patrick Reitz in July 2014. Judge Sawyer found on the evidence that Chief Reitz “abused his discretion in deciding to terminate…
The finance committee of the Idyllwild Fire Protection District is still grappling with how big a tax measure should be and the source of the new funding. At its meeting last week, the committee discussed two separate revenue sources and committee alternate member Mark Lonsbury and Fire Capt. Mark LaMont discussed the cost and needed…
Former Riverside County 3rd District Supervisor Jim Venable died of cancer on Thursday, March 17. He was 79. Venable served as county supervisor, representing the 3rd district that includes Idyllwild, from 1996 to 2004. Prior to his election, Venable served as a Hemet City councilman. A pilot, Venable had long operated his family’s business, the…
At the end of February, Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz’s wildfire bill was passed in the House of Representatives. H.R. 1009 targets disaster-relief funds to victims of wildfire and their communities. He wanted to ensure they have access to the same resources as victims of other natural disasters. The funds will be available whether or not…
Idyllwild Water District General Manager Tom Lynch says an individual director has no right to request an item be placed on the agenda. This was in response to Director Steve Kunkle’s request to place the director’s compensation on the IWD agenda for last week. “A board member has no power to set the future agenda…
Idyllwild Water District directors last week approved a proposed memorandum of understanding with the Idyllwild Brewpub — a big step toward the eventual opening of a local craft brewery. Describing the MOU to the board, General Manager Tom Lynch said, “In many respects, the pre-treated material that will be released will be beneficial to the…
Editor: Our last refill with Suburban cost $2.90 per gal. And now they refuse to cooperate with the Town Crier? We’re done with them. Greg Matson Pine Cove
Editor: Each time my wife and I travel to our cabin in Idyllwild from our home in the desert, the pine trees, fresh air and magnificent mountain views refresh our senses and energy level. Likewise, we find joy and inspiration in the very active and professional arts scene on the Hill. The multitude of accomplished…
Editor: First, just a short question for Mr. Smith: Just where are you getting the information that Cal Fire already has a county contract in place to replace IFPD if their district is desolved? He complains of the price of IFPD, although at this time, every city in Riverside County faces the same problems and…
Raising a director’s compensation from $50 to $100 a meeting (including committee meetings) in 2013 hit a nerve. By voting out two Idyllwild Water District incumbents last November, the community obviously wasn’t thrilled with some of the past board’s actions. Because doubling sewer fees (and water revenues are going up while consumption is going down,…
