Archive for Community

FREE Wood Chips for your Garden

As a Pine Cove resident, you are welcome to our offer of FREE Wood Chip for your Garden.
Our wood chips are from local wood and kept as clean from twigs and leaves as possible.

We have an abundance of wood chips at our Dutch Flats location that you can help yourself to. Please bring your own materials to gather or shovel and haul the wood chips away. If you need a larger load call the office and we can deliver a dump truck load for a delivery charge.
Our regular rate for delivery is $125 but we are having a SPECIAL FOR DECEMBER where you can get a delivery for ONLY $100. Our deliveries are around 9 cubic yards and you just need to indicate where to leave the pile.
If you are planning on gathering a large amount of wood chips on your own, please check in with us at the office first, as we want to be sure there is enough for everyone.

We still have a small amount of compost if you would like that as well. Same pick up or delivery situation; help yourself to the pile at Dutch Flats or call for a delivery at $125 a load.

Pine Cove Water District hours M-F 9am – 12pm, 1 pm-4pm
951-659-2675 or email info@pcwd.org

Winterizing with wood chips to try to prevent the roots from freezing. Looking forward to more growth next Spring.

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Compost, Conservation, Garden, gardening, Mulch, Water Conservation, Wood chips

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First Snow on the hill

Welcome to winter!
We’ve had our first snowfall and man was it a doozy.

One of the main things I see that causes me pause is people driving around with snow / ice on the top of their vehicles. Although not illegal in California it could be potentially dangerous.
While you might think that clearing the snow /ice is just for your visibility, there is quite a hazard to leaving snow on the top.

Leaving snow on top of your vehicle could result in bits falling forward onto the windshield causing low visibility but it can also fall backwards onto cars and pedestrians behind you causing “ice missiles”, in which sheets or blocks of snow and ice fly off roofs or windshields of cars and trucks, endangering those in vehicles behind them. Ice missiles can distract drivers and cause them to swerve into other cars. And they can crack windshields, and sometimes cause injuries — even deaths.

How To Remove Snow From The Roof Of Your Car

Aside from parking your car under a covered awning or inside a garage, you’ve basically got 2 options:

  1. Keep the snow & ice from building on your car’s windshield and roof in the first place using a windshield snow cover.
  2. Remove the snow & ice from your windshield and car roof before you drive using a long-handled snow brush or snow broom that is lightweight and safe to use on vehicles.

My friend thinks placing a heavy-duty tarp over the roof of your car that you simply tug off in the morning (pulling all the snow off your vehicle in the process) is also a great idea. I agree! They happen to make something similar: a car top roof cover & windshield cover.

Information taken from https://weather.thefuntimesguide.com/snow-broom-for-car/

Stay safe friends!

Posted in: Community, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Snow, Winter

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STUFF YOUR BROKER DIDN’T TELL YOU ABOUT MOUNTAIN LIFE

The Pine Cove Water District does not forgive water bills. Please remember to shut off your customer valve before leaving the mountain. If you’ve already left and forgot, give us a call and we will send someone out to shut off for a $15 fee during regular business hours. $15 is better than paying for busted pipes!

The following write up was taken directly from Idyllwild Snow on Facebook.

Welcome to your mountain home! You’re excited to leave the city behind and embark on your new permanent mountain vacation. Here’s what to expect when living among the peaks.

SURVIVING WINTER
You visited for a couple of weeks each year, so you probably don’t know this: Winter—serious, blizzard-having, school-canceling, live-animals-freezing-solid, Donner-Party winter—starts on Halloween and ends on Memorial Day. It’s fun at first. Then it’s not.

Chances are very high that your Escalade’s windshield will get cracked by mid-December. Most mountain communities use chunks of gravel instead of salt to grit icy roads. Don’t bother getting it repaired. It’s a badge of honor that marks you as a local. The cowboy hat will give you away, though.
Snowplow drivers don’t care. Your Expedition will not be able to get over the 14-foot-high snow drift they leave at the end of your driveway. Your snowblower will be useless. Pace yourself while shoveling it and try not to fall off the top. Don’t dump the snow back in the street. This just makes the plow drivers angry.

Snow drifts are beautiful until they block your furnace exhaust pipe. Don’t be that (potentially dead) guy.

Assume all water, dark patches, or suspicious shadows on the road are black ice.

“Mud season” is mid-March through mid-May and is the reason many people don’t make it through a full year of mountain living.

AVOIDING NATURE
All that nature you craved as a city-dweller will eat you if given the chance, especially the mountain lions. You don’t need to go looking for it: Nature will visit you in your backyard, and, if you leave a door unlocked, your kitchen.

At night, those reflective round circles by the side of the road are the eyes of deer or some other animal waiting to leap into your vehicle’s path. When you see an “animal crossing” sign on the road, believe it.

BREATHING
At 7,000 feet, the air has 16% effective oxygen content, compared with 21% at sea level, which makes your new home great for developing aerobic fitness—eventually. But first, you’ll have a couple months when you’ll have to stop halfway through chewing a piece of steak to catch your breath.
Due to the extremely low humidity, your skin will visibly age five years for every year you live in the mountains. Even your eyeballs will dry out. Drink more water than you thought possible. Invest in effective skin care.
On the plus side, your hair will dry very quickly when you get out of the shower, and mildewed towels and stale crackers will be a thing of the past.
Lack of oxygen means the sun is incredibly strong. You’ll sunburn in the time it takes to walk from your estate to your mailbox. Wear sunscreen all the time. Even at night.

RUNNING ERRANDS
Here, there is no “popping out” to the hardware store. Everything you want to do is at least an hour’s drive away and involves traversing at least one mountain pass or major river crossing.

Roads are frequently and suddenly closed for landslides, blizzards, washed-out bridges, avalanches, migrating herds, and really bad car accidents (see black ice/animals, above), so always have a Plan B route home. Plan B may involve a kayak.

Keep tire chains in the car, even in summer. Pack your trunk like you might spend the night, possibly two, in your vehicle. You eventually will.

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Frozen Pipes, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Winter

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VOTE

Please note that there will be NO voting at the Pine Cove Water District this year. While we apologize for the inconvenience, we want to make sure you know you have multiple days to be able to safely vote in Idyllwild.

Don’t rely on the postal mail this late in the game. Bring your ballot to your county clerk by hand or vote in person.

There is currently an official drop box at the Idyllwild Library through 8pm on Election Day as well as early voting services starting Saturday 10/31/2020 through Election Day.

You can utilize the FREE Shuttle Service through Forest Folk. Check their webpage for more information, their Facebook page or call them at 951-426-9688 on the day you need a ride.

I’ve also heard rumor that Douglas Fresh with Pearl Car Service is offering FREE rides to the library in order to be able to vote. He can be contacted by phone/text at 951-223-5812, on their webpage, or Facebook page.

The following information is taken from vote411.org.
You can also get information from voteinfo.net.

Early Voting Site and Drop Box

Idyllwild County Library Meeting Room
54401 Village Center Drive
Idyllwild, CA 92549

EARLY VOTE SITE DATES: 10/31/2020 to 11/02/2020
EARLY VOTE SITE HOURS: Oct 31 – Nov 2: 9am – 5pm; Election Day: 7am – 8pm
EARLY VOTE/SITE VOTER SERVICES: early vote

DROP OFF LOCATION HOURS: Oct 5 – Nov 2; Mon – Fri: 10am – 3pm; Election Day: 7am – 8pm
DROP OFF LOCATION DATES: 10/05/2020 to 11/03/2020
DROP OFF LOCATION VOTER SERVICES: drop off

Once you’ve voted, you can track your ballot by going to Where’sMyBallot?.

Posted in: Around the District, Community, From the Office

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Are you ready to VOTE?

Please note that there will be NO voting at the Pine Cove Water District this year. While we apologize for the inconvenience, we want to make sure you know you have multiple days to be able to safely vote in Idyllwild.

If you are planning on MAILING your ballot in, please consider using the mailbox outside of the Water District. The more this box is used for regular mailing, the more we are proving that we need to keep it here.

There is currently an official drop box at the Idyllwild Library through 8pm on Election Day as well as early voting services starting Saturday 10/31/2020 through Election Day.

I’ve also heard rumor that Douglas Fresh with Pearl Car Service is offering FREE rides to the library in order to be able to vote. He can be contacted by phone/text at 951-223-5812, on their webpage, or Facebook page.

The following information is taken from vote411.org.
You can also get information from voteinfo.net.

Early Voting Site and Drop Box

Idyllwild County Library Meeting Room
54401 Village Center Drive
Idyllwild, CA 92549

EARLY VOTE SITE DATES: 10/31/2020 to 11/02/2020
EARLY VOTE SITE HOURS: Oct 31 – Nov 2: 9am – 5pm; Election Day: 7am – 8pm
EARLY VOTE/SITE VOTER SERVICES: early vote

DROP OFF LOCATION HOURS: Oct 5 – Nov 2; Mon – Fri: 10am – 3pm; Election Day: 7am – 8pm
DROP OFF LOCATION DATES: 10/05/2020 to 11/03/2020
DROP OFF LOCATION VOTER SERVICES: drop off

Once you’ve voted, you can track your ballot by going to Where’sMyBallot?.

Posted in: Around the District, Community

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Limited Grant Funds Available

Additional resources on the hill include funds from the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council, to make sure properties in Idyllwild have defensible space around their homes. Funds are brought to you by Riverside County Non-Profit Assistance Fund with special thanks to Inland Empire Community Foundation and the County of Riverside.

Website: http://mcfsc.org/
Phone: 951-659-6208
Facebook (most up to date information): https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/Mountain-Communities-Fire-Safe-Council-104249930945752/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcfiresafecouncil/?hl=en

They currently have two grants available:
1) General fuels reduction (abatement) programs, available year-round
2) IECF Non-Profit Assistance Fund, one time grant with extremely limited funds available for those that qualify

The limited funds round of fire abatement funding is being reserved for those who need it most in this unprecedented time: our low income, elderly and/or disable full-time residents.

Must meet requirements. Please call MCFSC for more details and to complete an application: 951-659-6208

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Fire Abatement, Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council

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Are you Prepared? (Part 2)

In addition to the Basic Emergency Evacuation Kit mentioned in last week’s post, here are more items that can be added based on your individual needs.

Additional Emergency Supplies:

  • Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, etc.
  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
  • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Maintaining Your Kit:
After assembling your kit, remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

  • Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
  • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
  • Replace expired items as needed
  • Re-think your needs every 6-months to a year and update your kit as needs change

Kit Storage Locations:
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for your home, work, and vehicles.

  • Home: Keep in a designated place and have it ready in case you need to leave quickly. Make sure all family members know where it is.
  • Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should at least include food, water, medications, comfortable walking shoes in a “grab and go” case.
  • Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car

As mentioned before:
Talk to your family and friends, make a plan!  Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going. If you have pets or seniors to consider, plan ahead for them as well and have specific prepared go bags. If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time… ask a friend or a neighbor if you can ride off the hill with them if needed. If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times.  If the power goes out, the stations may not be able to pump gas unless they have a generator and even then they may only be able to take cash payments.


Remember, in case of an emergency the number one priority is safety first. Proper advanced preparations can ease the stress of evacuation and help you make sure all the necessities are not left behind or forgotten.

You can get more detailed information at https://www.ready.gov/kit

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Emergencies, Fire

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Are you prepared?

Fire and quake season is upon us. Do you have an Emergency Plan to help you and your loved ones evacuate easily? It is a good idea to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car or to grab and go box that will be easily accessible for you and your family.

Build a basic Emergency Evacuation Kit Including:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
  • Non-perishable food (at least 3 days supply)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Bottled water
  • Prescription medications and copies of the prescription
  • Battery operated or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter potential contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (in case of a shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes / baby wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone and chargers
  • First-aid kit
  • Cash
  • Copies of important documents (driver’s license/ID, SS card, proof of residency, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc.)
  • Extra change of clothes and bedding
  • Pre-pack non-replaceable, personal items like photo albums that you can quickly move to a vehicle if you are instructed to evacuate

Talk to your family and friends, make a plan!  Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going. If you have pets or seniors to consider, plan ahead for them as well and have specific prepared go bags. If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time… ask a friend or a neighbor if you can ride off the hill with them if needed. If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times.  If the power goes out, the stations may not be able to pump gas unless they have a generator and even then they may only be able to take cash payments.

Remember, in case of an emergency the number one priority is safety first. Proper advanced preparations can ease the stress of evacuation and help you make sure all the necessities are not left behind or forgotten.

You can get more detailed information at https://www.ready.gov/kit

Posted in: Around the District, Community, Emergencies, Fire

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Another hot weekend ahead

Have you seen the weather reports for this coming weekend? It’s going to be a hot one.
I’m seeing reports of 85-90 degrees in the Mountains, 104-103 Inland, and up to 117 in the Desert.

When to be concerned about heat illness
If you’re unable to keep yourself cool, you may develop the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which, if left untreated, can turn into heatstroke — a serious medical emergency that can lead to organ damage or death without immediate attention.

When temperatures are high, such as during a heat wave, you may also want to check in more frequently on young children under the age of four, as well as older people above the age of 65, because they are more susceptible to heat-related illness.

Where is our Monsoon?!?!?
According to The Weather Channel (weather.com);
The monsoon in the Southwest has been generally inactive so far this year, which has led to an expansion of drought and record heat in the region.

The upper-level setup has not been ideal for ample rainfall to drench the Southwest or for heat relief to arrive this season, which lasts from June 15 through Sept. 30.

The monsoon usually brings relief from the scorching summer heat. However, with a generally absent monsoon, excessive heat can persist.

Several daily record highs and record warm lows are anticipated later this week and into the weekend from western Texas into Southern California.

What can you do to keep cool?
Last week, we wrote about 10 ways to beat the heat according to Lifehacker.com; here are some more ideas for the upcoming hot weekend.

5 best ways to stay cool according to Insider.com:

1. Keep out sunlight. Close the curtains or blinds, use shutters, shades, or awnings, apply high-reflectivity window film.

2. Utilize fans properly. Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms so be sure to turn them off when you leave the room. Window fans or portable fans are best used when the air outside is cooler than the air inside.

3. Drink lots of water. Your body needs water to effectively deal with hot temperatures. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty! Getting bored with water? Add frozen berries, grapes, or melon chunks to sparkling water to switch things up.

4. Use cold washcloths. The Mayo Clinic recommends placing a cold, damp cloth on your pulse points – such as the back of your neck, under your armpits, on your wrists, or groin.

5. Eat cool foods and avoid alcohol. Put your quaran-tini down and drink something with no alcohol since too much alcohol can cause your body to actually lose water. Food suggestions include salads, watermelon, mint, and ironically enough – hot peppers.

I hope these suggestions help. Stay cool Idyllwild.

Posted in: Community, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Weather, Weekend

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Beat the heat.

Although this coming weekend is not looking like it’s going as hot as last weekend, it still looks like a nice comfortable warm one.

One of the many benefits of living on the hill is the lower temperatures due to the lush trees surrounding our town.
Trees provide an evaporative cooling effect that can decrease local air temperatures by several degrees Fahrenheit.

When the temperatures do rise again; here are the Top 10 Ways to Beat the Heat according to lifehacker.com.

10. Drink More Water
Seems like a no-brainer. Staying hydrated helps with so many things. When you’re sweating a lot, drinking enough water becomes even more important. Of course water isn’t your only option for hydration but with the quality water that the Pine Cove Water District supplies, why would you want anything else?!

9. Keep Excessive Sweat at Bay
Thankfully we don’t have some of the high humidity on the hill that some other places get as it can be the worst part of the heat. You can get the sweating under control with a few tricks, like applying antiperspirant at night and wearing breathable clothing materials, such as cotton.

8. Make a DIY Air Conditioner
Running the AC can get expensive so why not make your own? There are plenty of options to choose from if you do an internet search.

7. Optimize Your Fans
Did you know that if you face your box fan out, rather than in at night, your room will stay cooler and you might be able to sleep more comfortably?
If you have a ceiling fan, run it counter-clockwise (the “summer” higher-speed setting) for optimum cooling.

6. Keep Your Food Cool and Avoid Using the Oven
This is a great time to pull out that slow cooker you hid away after winter. You can make a whole meal without adding too much heat to your kitchen. There are rice cookers that also have a steamer tray that can serve the same purpose. Cold soups and salads are a great option too; pasta salad, bean salad, gatzpacho, cold shredded chicken on a bed of lettuce. Get creative and see what you can come up with.

5. Exercise Comfortably, Even in the Heat
If you enjoy exercising, you don’t have to stop just because it’s hot. Switch it up to water sports, avoid the sun at it’s strongest time (usually afternoon), and exercising in short bursts.

4. Optimize Your Windows (and black out curtains)
Close windows and use insulated drapes to keep the sun out during the day and open them at night when the sun is down. You can also hang a damp towel in front of the window to cool the air flowing into your home and open opposing windows or windows on the top and bottom floors for maximum air flow.

3. Cool Your Car Down Quickly
Prior to getting on the road, roll down one window and open and close the opposite door a few times to cool the car down.

2. Stay Cool While You Sleep
Cool your head with a special pillow like the Chillow, sleep on top of a wet sheet, or do some research online for other cool sleeping strategies.

1. Know Your Body’s Best Cooling Points
There are points on your body that react best to cooling. For me, it’s the back of my neck, for some, it could be your wrists or top of the head. By applying ice cubes or an ice pack wrapped in a towel (or any other cold object) to these pulse points, you’ll cool down more quickly and effectively.

What other tactics can you suggest for keeping cool?

Posted in: Community, Weather, Weekend

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