City / County News

Californians reduced their water use by 26.1 percent in April compared with April 2013, earning praise from state water officials for again exceeding the state’s water reduction goals. But that praise came with a warning: the drought is not over, and water suppliers will again face restrictions if they don’t …

Chino Hills is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on its planning commission. The vacancy was created when Karen Bristow, who was appointed to the city’s first planning commission in 1992, announced she is stepping down because she’s leaving the area, according to a statement on the city’s website. Mayor …

The South Coast Air Quality Management District is asking the federal government to adopt tougher standards regulating tailpipe emissions produced by large trucks. The district joined 10 other state and local air quality agencies in calling for an ultra-low nitrogen oxide exhaust emissions standard that would be 10 times stronger …

Hemet’s Measure E is a proposed one percent sales tax that would pay for more police, firefighters and paramedics. Proponents say the extra manpower is needed because the city’s crime rate is going up, but critics say the tax could hurt the city’s economy. Hemet voters will decide tomorrow whether they …

Riverside has announced it’s dropping its lawsuit that challenged the State Water Resources Control Board’s emergency drought regulations. City officials took that action after the board agreed to allow all water suppliers to establish their own conservation goals based on local needs and anticipated demands, according to a statement released …

Apple Valley has assumed ownership of Hilltop House, a city landmark that was built during the 1950s by two local developers. The town council on Wednesday closed escrow on the property, paying $360,000 for the structure on Bass Hill that was once used as a conference center but has been …