Vol. 70, No. 22 edition of the Idyllwild Town Crier

Assembly holds hearing on wildfre insurance progress

By JP Crumrine Correspondent

Reform of wildfre insurance has been a high priority for state officials – both executive and legislative – for more than a year. Although the Legislature could not reach any compromises last fall, both Gov. Gavin Newsom and Insurance Commissioner Richardo Lara moved forward with administrative and regulatory actions.

Lara’s goal for completing the changes necessary to improve the home insurance crisis in California is December 2024.

On May 15, Lara testifed before the Assembly Commitee on Insurance about these actions and noted some results have already been achieved. The Commitee chair, Assemblywoman Lisa Calderon (D –Whitier) directed her initial comment to Lara.

“You’ve been clear and upfront about your December 31, 2024, deadline to complete your strategy, but I must state, time is running out. It’s imperative that the insurance market stabilize now,” she stressed.

At the end of his press conference about the May revisions to the fscal year 2024-25 budget, Newsom announced that he planned to submit trailer bill language to accelerate the administrative actions. Lara already has expressed his agreement with Newsom.

While some public hearings are still scheduled and some rulemakings are not yet complete, Lara stated that insurance companies are already changing and modifying their insurance activities in California.

“But I can tell you that the conversations I’ve had with reinsurers around the world is that they’re leaning into California with these chang-

es,” he announced.

On May 14, Farmers Insurance announced that it will reopen several of its commercial coverage lines, including for homeowners’ associations, apartments, and condominiums in California, according to Lara. Farmers is California’s largest domiciled insurance company and second largest homeowners write, he added.

In his press release, Eric Coleman, president of Business Insurance for Farmers, said. “Farmers has operated in California for nearly a century, and while challenges remain, we are encouraged by the positive changes taking place in the state’s commercial insurance marketplace.”

“We have been consistent in our belief that a fundamental condition for ofering coverage is that rates need to reflect the risk exposure we are insuring. Fortunately, through constructive discussions with the CDI, we are now ready to take this step back into the market,” added Coleman.

Lara added that CDI has approved three of Farmers’ homeowners rate flings in the last year.

On May 10, CDI approved a homeowner’s rate increase for CSAA Insurance Exchange. Although CSAA insures in Northern California, Lara told the Commitee, “Earlier this year, my department approved a signifcant homeowners rate fling for Triple-A South, so it can continue to write homeowners policies throughout Southern California.”

In addition, Mercury Insurance Company is working with Tokio Marine to pick up the bulk of its personal homeowners insurance business. Mercury is another California-based company that has not stopped writing new homeowner’s policies.

“A diverse group of entities worked

Despite PCT hikers fear, County Health confrms no norovirus outbreak

By JP Crumrine Correspondent

Earlier this month, some Pacific Crest Trail hikers were concerned about the possibility of norovirus infecting other hikers going north. While some posted their fears on Facebook, others contacted the Town Crier. One wrote that the outbreak was between Idyllwild and Big Bear Lake.

No evidence of a norovirus outbreak in Riverside County or locally has been identified.

“Public Health has not had any confirmations of norovirus in Riverside County,” wrote Janet Zimmerman, Director of Marketing & Public Relations for the Riverside University Health System.

Further, Suzanne Avalon, owner and editor of the Town Crier, spoke to the local medical clinics, “They reported no patients coming in with norovirus symptoms. The pharmacy said no one came in needing any medication for norovirus symptoms, but that they had a number of hikers ask for the tablets that purify water.”

Idyllwild Fire Chief Mark LaMont also confirmed that the Fire Department had not received any call increase due to norovirus.

Last September, about 25 hikers in the State of Washington reported acute gastroenteritis. By the end of the month, there were sufficient reports of illness that the samples were taken from two hikers.

In early October, more samples were taken at a cabin available as a rest stop, the nearby ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines, and a stream used for drinking water.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued these conclusions after the testing and analysis. “Norovirus was not detected in any samples. No culture-based fecal indicators, E. coli, or human-specific fecal contamination were detected in any water source. All surface swabs inside the cabin and pit latrines tested positive for human-specific fecal contamination. Despite absence of detection of norovirus from environmental sampling, symptom profiles . . . all supported the conclusion that the outbreak was primarily caused by norovirus, and that exposure to contaminated surfaces within the cabin and VIP latrines likely amplified transmission.”

In the Spring of 2022, there was also an outbreak among rafters and backpackers in the backcountry of Grand Canyon National Park.

While these outbreaks may have occurred far from Idyllwild, County health officials did want to remind residents that summer is a time to be aware of and take protection from norovirus, especially when hiking and camping.

Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, can easily spread from infected people to others on camping and river rafting trips where thorough hand washing is difficult and clean water supplies can be limited.

RUHS provided the following tips to prevent infection and protect your health:

Wash hands frequently with biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from water sources. When soap is not available, use hand sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol. Be aware that alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Idyllwild Community Center presented a free concert on Sunday where the crowd enjoyed the music of YACHT ROCKER at the Butterfield Amphitheater. The event was sponsored by Compass of Idyllwild.

PHOTO BY PETER SZABADI

Idyllwild Community Church’s Single Moms Retreat gathered on Saturday. Left to right: Rosie Alvarado Adara Nichols, Amanda, Kristin Malden, Erica, Stacey, Liv Kellgren.

PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME

Idyllwild Community Church’s Single Moms Retreat gathered on Saturday. Left to right: Rosie Alvarado Adara Nichols, Amanda, Kristin Malden, Erica, Stacey, Liv Kellgren.

PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME

Single Moms Retreat gathered on Saturday. Left to right: Rosie Alvarado Adara , Amanda, Kristin Malden, Erica, Stacey, Liv Kellgren

PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME

Crooner Adam Glover entertains the crowd at Middle Ridge Winery over the busy weekend. PHOTO BY SUZANNE AVALON

Bum Roots Project played Saturday on the outside stage at The Rustic Theater.

PHOTO BY SUZANNE AVALON

Chef Gutierrez brings much experience to Te Peak

BY DAVID JEROME CORRESPONDENT

Memorial Day weekend marked the opening of Tahquitz Pines’ restaurant, the Peak, with a Santa Maria style BBQ buffet. For many locals it was their first look at the changes at what was always a church camp, but is now a resort destination with varied lodging options, event venues, and recreation facilities for guests and day-pass purchasers.

Friday was opening night for the Peak, and there we met Chef Amaro Gutierrez. He was executive chef for the last five years at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, which hosts Coachella Fest and Stagecoach. His work there put him in contact with many celebrity chefs. There and at Indian Ridge Country Club he got a sense of what a clubhouse can be, and says about the Peak, “it’s going to be a club house for the community.” It has two decks, one facing the entry and one in back, elevated and facing the forest. The restaurant and full bar are in a pine paneled dining room out of Idyllwild’s past. There is a large hall upstairs for ballroom dancing, karaoke,

small shows and banquets.

Amaro called the weekend “the beginning of the future” for the Peak, and the restaurant “the opportunity I’ve been waiting for my entire career, to come up here and partner with people who want to make things happen.” The full bar includes wines and a “killer” selection of whiskeys and scotches, “up to the 21-year marks.” “We’re going to have fun with this. This isn’t your standard sit down, same menu, one special a day. It’s going to be lot more fun.”

When he first looked at the existing dining hall, Amaro thought some of the cafeteria’s style would get in the way, but then began to think outside the

box, turning what might seem weaknesses at first into strengths. During the opening weekend, diners still picked up old-fashioned trays and went down a buffet line, but in the future table service will be the norm. The salad bar will stay, abut the chef has already rolled out a small dinner and lunch menu, and is dreaming of some BBQ specials, entrees like “Tomahawk” rib feasts, 18 oz bone-in ribeye steaks and more. The lunch menu includes sandwiches and lighter fair and dinner, starting at 3 p.m, includes bone in ribeye, skirt steak with an herb chimichurri, a “Kiss of Smoke” NY steak, steer steak with shiitake charred onion Demi glaze,

BY PETER SZABADI

and Norwiegan Salmon, also with a chimichurri. Expect the menu to change seasonally.

“On the day-to-day menu I might bring some things I’ve learned cooking with Argentinian chefs.” Amaro loves to cook outdoors, and the grills and smoker will stay for the season, appearing on the deck at the Peak and at events on the lawn and around the premises. He pointed out the selection available that weekend: eight meats and as many vegan options available on request. “This is my jam. It’s showtime baby.”

The Peak at Tahquitz Pines Retreat, 55252 South Circle Dr. Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

DEAR IDYLLWILD COMMUNITY,

On May 24th, we bade farewell to the extraordinary and resilient Class of 2024. These students entered high school in the height of the pandemic and were unable to participate in the rituals and rites of passage that mark their transition into young adulthood.

This year our student body was composed of 286 students who hailed from 35 countries. The requirements for Idyllwild Arts Academy students far exceed the requirements of a traditional high school. Our unique cocurricular program demands that students earn a High School Diploma as well as a certificate of completion in the arts. Due to the global pandemic our students had to meet these expectations with greater flexibility and more grit than any class before them. They now leave us as citizen artists, spreading across the globe to take gap years, begin professional careers, or attend some of the best conservatories and universities in the United States and abroad.

Rosalie McDonnell 1941-2024

Rosalie McDonnell passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024. She was 82 years old, and would have turned 83 on July 21. She visited Idyllwild several times to spend time with us and loved taking in the beautiful scenery of the town.

Rosalie loved nature, animals, singing at church, being a caregiver, and cooking. She is survived by her son Perry McDonnell and other family, who loved her very much, as well as her blended family who came into her life more recently. She was very accepting of everyone and made us feel like she was our mother and grandmother too.

Grandma Rosalie, we love you and miss you so much. We decided to do something different to celebrate your life and share this poem and prayer in your memory:

“Every moment of your life is like a picture you’ve never seen, and images that will never be seen again. So, enjoy your life and make every moment beautiful.” — Unknown

“May the love of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ bless and console us and gently wipe every tear from our eyes: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” A single tribute could never be enough. May your spirit soar in Heaven as you find peace.

Love Perry, Cecilia, Beck, Jackson, Ciera, and Bailey

A time-honored tradition is to grant awards to students of all grades who are outstanding scholars, artists and citizens. Below is a list of the 2024 award recipients. Students referenced with an * are residents of Idyllwild.

This year’s recipients were:

• Richard H. MacNeal Award - Devika Aggarwal Valedictorian - Emma Shah Hollenbeck

• Outstanding Citizenship Award - Julia Atanacio

• Jon and Lillian Lovelace Outstanding Artist - Omar Andre Real

• Outstanding 9th Grade Scholar - Stanislava Krylova Outstanding 10th Grade Scholar - Sophia Dillon*

• Outstanding 11th Grade Scholar - Elizabeth Henderson Mullaly

• Outstanding 12th Grade Scholars - Charlotte Kogelman* & Sofiya Mityurev

• Dance Outstanding Artist - Emma Shah Hollenbeck

• Dramatic Arts Outstanding Artist - Keira Mireille Bertram

• Fashion Outstanding Artist - Keiya Fujiwara

• Film & Digital Media Outstanding Artist - Arsenii Nevzorov InterArts Outstanding Artist - Remington L. Haring

• Music Outstanding Artist - Rentso Angelov Stavrev

• Visual Arts Outstanding Artist - Sung-Won “Lucy” Park

We are proud of all of our students and applaud the growth and accomplishments they achieved while in our care. They now join thousands of Idyllwild Arts Academy alumni who are sharing their talents to make a difference around the world. As they take their leave, we remind them of the mantra they heard every week during their time with us, “Remember who you are and what you stand for.”

In gratitude,

President, Idyllwild Arts Foundation

Chef Amaro Gutierrez

PHOTO

Ashley and Shane Stewart proudly welcome their guests to the opening of The Peak on Friday night.

How to get a letter published

The Town Crier welcomes letters reflecting all opinions.

• Letters should be concise and to the point.

• They should be no longer than 600 words.

• Letters must be typewritten, double-spaced and in upper/ lower case (not in all caps).

• Letters must be identifed with the author’s name, address and weekday phone number.

• The Town Crier will not publish “thank-you” letters, consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry.

• Political letters during election season cost 10 cents per

word but are not accepted the week before an election.

• We reserve the right to reject or edit letters for length, taste, clarity or frequency of submission.

• Only one letter per author within a 14-day period.

• Letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Town Crier staff.

• Letters may be submitted by e-mail to editor@towncrier. com and must include “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line.

• The deadline is 10 a.m. Monday.

Norovirus

Continued from A1

may be ineffective against norovirus.

Boil or chemically treat water if you are worried about norovirus. Most filters do not remove viruses but can be used effectively in combination with chemical disinfection against a broad range of pathogens.

Avoid sharing food. Do not eat out of the same food bag, share utensils or drink from other hikers’ water bottles.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

If you become sick with norovirus, drink plenty of fluids and wash your hands often. Seek medical treatment, especially if you become dehydrated or the illness lasts more than a few days. Avoid contaminating common areas and surfaces. Stay home or away from others for two days after symptoms stop.

If you are on the trail, make sure that you are disposing of your waste properly.

Continued from A1

together on this project with the common goal of providing coverage for California insurance consumers,” said Gabriel Tirador, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Mercury.

Lara’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy includes several components. Progress is being made on each and at diferent rates. The incorporation of catastrophic modeling into rate making is critical for insurers.

Currently California only allows historic fre costs to be used to assess rate increases. The companies want to use models that address future fres and their size and costs. In April, the CDI released a a proposal and requested public comment.

Lucy Wang, Special Counsel and Deputy Commissioner at the DOI, told the Commitee, “In California, we are very strong on our consumer protections and we are the only state mandating where if they use this risk mitigation tool, cat modeling, they also have to make that measuring commitment to right policies in our wildfre distressed areas.

“Modeling companies do not want to submit their models under Prop . 103 because it is subject to complete public transparency plus with the intervention process,” Wang added.

Kimberly Stone speaking for Consumer Watchdog and Intervener, said her client has “. . . urged the creation of a transparent catastrophe model to make sure that climate risk is incorporated into insurance rates in a way that is publicly accountable. . .”

“We’re very glad to hear support from the Commissioner for that idea and urge the building of a public model as soon as possible,” she added.

In June, a workshop is planned to discuss the efect of these models on rate applications. At that workshop, Lara said, “We are going to be identifying wildfre distressed areas where we expect insurance companies to write more policies.”

The other components of the SIS include incorporating the use of reinsurance into rate making, which Lara has said is important to the industry. Lara expects to release a proposed rulemaking on this in July. Reinsurance is a critical component of how insurance companies manage their risk, and allowing these costs to be included in rate flings will support greater insurance availability.

by Newsom, is improvement to the actual rate fling process. He noted in his May Revision presentation, that he planned to introduce Trailer Bill language to speed up this efort. Lara has already endorsed Newsom’s efforts. Both believe that legislation is a faster means of obtaining this change than a drawn-out regulatory process.

The rule fling change afects insurance companies as well as DOI. The insurers must submit a complete fle, then the State has 60 days to make a decision.

“So, in February, we hosted our workshop on the complete rate application, where we are for the frst time in 20 years, updating what it means to have a complete rate application,” Wang said. “So, there is clear direction. And that was done as a result of communications with insurance companies and our department as to what are the components needed.”

At this point Lara re-emphasized the need to reduce the time for approving this change. “This is why the trailer bill language we’re supporting and the Governor’s May Revise is critical because it holds all of us accountable. It says, insurance companies, you need to provide a complete rate fle. Department, you need to get done within 60 days.”

Another important component is strengthening, through modernization, the FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) Plan. Established in 1968, the FAIR Plan is a syndicated fre insurance pool comprised of all insurers licensed to conduct property or casualty business in California.

Transparency and accountability is the fnal component of the SIS.

In his conclusion, to the Assembly’s Commitee, Lara ofered, “These are signs of progress. However, we are not going to declare success prematurely, or be reactive to every insurance announcement or headline. We are all living in a time of uncertainty. I know that this is frustrating for anyone who is trying to buy or sell a home, or worried about whether they can even aford the insurance coverage they need as we face another fre season.

“Now we are facing the accumulated stress of decades of long-needed reforms and neglected decisions,” Lara emphasized.

During the hearing Assemblyman Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) questioned whether wildfre mitigation eforts will likely reduce insurance policy costs and what is the actual discount policy holders may receive.

would only save $42 to $75 a year for taking mitigation steps,” he specifcally posed to Lara. “I also have heard that multi-pane windows and no flammable structures within 30 feet of a home results in only a 0.1% discount for each.”

“Obviously, these policies difer from homeowner to homeowner. Cause all the residencies are are diferent,” Lara replied. “I can tell you that from what we’ve approved, and I can only give you the macro numbers. We’ve actually seen a 20% to 30% discount.”

He then stressed that mitigation work needs to generate a discount signifcant enough for the resident to make the investment in home hardening.

Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz), then raised the issue of policy bundling.

“I guess the other thing that we’re hearing about is that somebody had their home insurance bundled with their car insurance. Then they get the non-renewal, and then their car insurance goes up because it’s no longer bundled,” she said.

To which Lara agreed that is one of the most frequent questions his office receives. “. . . through our community meetings, which we’ve met with 150,000 people, if a company is no longer writing in a community, why are we leting them write auto insurance?”

However, the solution is not to simply prohibit this behavior. Lara noted that auto and fre insurance are two diferent lines of business.

“I don’t want to create unintended consequences. Where now we create a crisis on the auto part,” he said, explaining why this is a complex area to resolve.

John Norwood spoke on behalf of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of California and ofered several comments.

“As we look at the wildfre problem, I don’t think we can suppress or insure our way out of this issue,” he said to the Commitee. “[I] just came from an insurance conference where reinsurers are concerned that California’s still not spending enough money on fre resiliency. This is something that’s going to have to be done. It’s not one and done. It’s day in, day out every year. That money is going to have to be put up. There are some communities that have spent thousands, and that’s very positive, but it’s going to have to be an ongoing commitment.”

As the hearing ended afer Norwood spoke, the members are awaiting the trailer bill language that Newsom and Lara have promised on how to speed up the rate fling process. Insurance

Another critical component, which is being pushed

“Farmers Insurance, for example, estimated that the average policyholder in an area with high fre risk

effect.

The American Legion Post 800 had their annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Pictured are Gary Vail and Jim Nutter in the gun salute.

PHOTO BY SUZANNE AVALON

Idyllwild Rotary Club serves their pancake breakfast on Saturday at Town Hall.

PHOTO BY PETER SZABADI

Carlos Reynosa entertains the visitors at Art in the Park on Friday. PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME

Bill Niedzwiecki, American Legion 1st Vice Commander & Flag Officer, along with American Legion member Lathey Wampler, Jr., took time out of their busy schedules to re-stripe the parking spaces at the American Legion Post 800.

PHOTO BY HELEN STRAHAN

Editor’s note: Organizations, please read your listings carefully and email becky@ towncrier.com with any changes.

Editor’s note: Organizations, please read your listings carefully and email becky@ towncrier.com with any changes.

Wednesday, May 29

• Codependents Anon, noon. St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, 25525 Tahquitz Dr.

• Fit Afer 50, noon-1 p.m. Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St.

• Philosophy Discussion Club, 5 p.m. in the Spirit Mountain Retreat Hill House, 25661 Oakwood St

• Narcotics Anonymous, 6 p.m. Spirit Mountain Retreat, 25661 Oakwood St.

• Rotary International of Idyllwild meeting, 6 p.m. Silver Pines Lodge, 25955 Cedar St.

Thursday, May 30

• Fit Afer 50, 10-11 a.m. Town

Idyllwild Fire

The Idyllwild Fire Protection District responded to these calls from Monday to Sunday, May 20 to 26.

• May 20 — Walk-in public service assist.

• May 20 — Walk-in EMS.

• May 21 — Walk-in public service assist.

• May 21 — EMS. Glen Rd.

• May 21 — EMS. Pine Crest Ave.

• May 22 — EMS. Double View Dr.

• May 23 — Walk-in EMS.

• May 23 — EMS. North Circle Dr.

• May 24 — Smoke check. Westridge.

• May 24 — Ringing alarm. Idyllmont

• May 25 — Assault. Hillsdale.

• May 25 — EMS. Thousand Trails.

• May 25 — EMS. County Park.

• May 25 — Smoke check. Village Center Dr.

Hall, 25925 Cedar St.

• AA discussion & birthdays, noon. St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, 25525 Tahquitz Dr.

• Mountain Communities Mutual Aid food distribution, 1-2 p.m. Camp Maranatha, 54162 Maranatha Dr.

• Idyllwild Community Zen, 6 p.m. Text/call Valerie Velez at 951-392-6507 for information.

Friday, May 31

• Idy A’s (AA, NA, Alanon, CODA, etc.), noon. St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, 25525 Tahquitz Dr.

• Women’s Writing Group with fellow writers, 2-4 p.m. Spirit Mountain Retreat. Call 951-659-2523 for Zoom info

• AAA meeting, 5:30 p.m. Ark of Light, 54445 N. Circle Dr. (behind Idyllwild Acupuncture

Saturday, June 1

• American Legion Post 800 meeting, 10 a.m. Post 800, 54360 Marian View Dr.

Pine Cove Property Owners Association meeting, 10 a.m. Pine Cove Water District, 24917

Marion Ridge Dr.

• Healing Rooms, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shiloh Christian Ministries, 54295 Village Center Dr.

• AA, discussion, noon, St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, 25525

• May 25 — Gas odor. Pine Crest Ave.

• May 25 — Gas odor. Fir St.

• May 26 — Illegal campfre, Darryl.

• May 26 — EMS. Pine Crest Ave.

• May 26 — Vegetation fre, California Ave. Riverside County Fire/Cal Fire log The Riverside County Fire Department/Cal Fire responded to these calls from Monday to Sunday, May 20 to 26.

Pine Cove

• May 20 — Traffc crash, high mechanical, 12:23 p.m.

• May 23 — High angle rescue, 2:22 a.m.

• May 24 — Wildland fre, false alarm, 12:39 p.m.

• May 25 — Fainting, 1:36 p.m.

• May 26 — Traumatic injuries, 8:29 p.m.

• May 27 — Sick person, 12:01 p.m.

Tahquitz Dr.

• Dog Park Saturdays, 3-4 p.m.

Rick Barker Dog Park, 26375 Hwy. 243.

• Narcotics Anonymous, 3-4:30 p.m. Idyllwild Water District, 54255 Pine Crest Ave.

• AA happy hour & birthdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Behind Idyllwild Water District, 54255 Pine Crest Ave. (bring chair)

Sunday, June 2

• Peace Meditation Practice, 10 a.m. Tibetan Buddhist Dharma Center, 53191 Mountain View, Pine Cove.

• AA, discussion, noon, Idyllwild Water District, 25945 Hwy. 243.

• Mixed Nuts, 5:30-7 p.m., Spirit Mountain Retreat, 25661 Oakwood St.

Monday, June 3

• Fit Afer 50, noon-1 p.m. Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St.

• Codependents Anon, 6 p.m. Zoom. Call Mary, 951-6344048.

Tuesday, June 4

• Riverside County Board of Supervisors, 9:30 a.m. Board Chambers, 4080 Lemon St., First Floor, Riverside.

• Fit Afer 50, 10-11 a.m. Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St.

Garner Valley

• May 21 — Fainting, 9:41 a.m.

• May 22 — Chest pain, 12:18 a.m.

• May 23 — High angle rescue 2:22 a.m.

• May 24 — Wildland fre, false alarm, 12:39 p.m.

• May 25 — Sick person, 6:18 p.m.

• May 26 — Residential structure fre, 2:51 a.m.

• May 26 — Motorcycle crash on highway, 5:49 p.m.

• May 26 — Unknown medical, 9:29 p.m.

• May 27 — Unknown medical, 6:05 p.m.

Pinyon

• May 20 — Unconscioous/ fainting, 9:15 a.m.

• May 20 — Traffoc crash, high mechanical, 12:23 p.m.

• May 20 — Chest pain, 1:15 p.m.

• May 20 — Vegetation fre, 5:14 p.m.

• May 23 — High angle rescue, 2:22 a.m.

• Feeding America, 10 a.m.noon. Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St. Bring box for food. • Tai Chi for Seniors, 10 a.m. Spirit Mountain Retreat, 25661 Oakwood St. AA, noon. St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, 25525 Tahquitz Dr. Hemet Unifed School District organizational meeting, 3-4 p.m.; board meeting 5:30 -7:30 p.m. HUSD board room, 1791 W. Acacia Ave., Hemet.

• Lovingkindness Meditation Group, 5-5:30 p.m. Spirit Mountain Retreat, 25661 Oakwood St. Call 951-659-2523.

• Palms to Pines Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby, 6-6:50 p.m. https://zoom. us/j/4391478344

• Return to Yourself Virtual Support Group for Women Vets with PTSD, 6-7 p.m. Spirit Mountain Retreat

• Al-Anon, 7 p.m. Town Hall, 25925 Cedar Street.

Wednesday, June 5

• Rotary International of Idyllwild meeting, 7:30 a.m. American Legion Post 800, 54360 Marian View Dr.

• Grief Support Group, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Spirit Mountain Retreat, 25661 Oakwood St.

• Codependents Anon, noon. St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, 25525 Tahquitz Dr.

• May 25 — Vegetation fre, 12 p.m.

• May 25 — Traffc crash, high mechanical, 9:18 p.m.

Sheriff’s log

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls Monday to Sunday, May 20 to 26.

Idyllwild

• May 20 — Public assist, 1:31 p.m. 54000 block of Village Center Dr. Handled by deputy.

• May 21 — Alarm call, 10:19 a.m. 26000 block of Robin Dr. Handled by deputy.

• May 21 — Alarm call, 1:38 p.m. 54000 block of Chipmunk Dr. Handled by deputy.

• May 24 — Traffc collisionno details, 5:37 p.m. 24000 block of Forest Route 5 S 11. Handled by deputy.

• May 25 — 911 hangup from cellphone, 11:18 p.m. 54000 block of Village Center Dr. Handled by deputy.

• May 26 — Alarm call, 12:37 a.m. 54000 block of Tahquitz View Dr. Handled by deputy.

• Fit Afer 50, noon-1 p.m. Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St.

• Idyllwild Elders, 1-2 p.m. Idyllwild Library, 54401 Village Center Dr.

• Narcotics Anonymous, 6 p.m.

Spirit Mountain Retreat, 25661 Oakwood St.

Community service hours

• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (bark beetle issues), 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Mountain Resource Center, 25380 Franklin Dr., 659-3335.

• Idyllwild Area Historical Museum, 54470 N. Circle Dr., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri., Sat. & Sun. (Mon. holidays.) Group tours by appt. 659-2717.

• May 26 — Alarm call, 12:43 a.m. 55000 block of Encino Rd. Handled by deputy.

• May 25 — 911 hangup from cellphone, 11:18 p.m. 54000 block of Village Center Dr. Handled by deputy.

• May 26 — Alarm call, 12:37 a.m. 54000 block of Tahquitz View Dr. Handled by deputy.

• May 26 — Alarm call, 12:43 a.m. 55000 block of Encino Rd. Handled by deputy.

Mountain Center

• May 19 — Unknown trouble, 6:40 p.m. 52000 block of E. Hwy 74. Handled by deputy.

Pine Cove

• May 18 — Area check, 7:53 p.m. 52000 block of Sylvan Wy. Handled by deputy.

• May 18 — Noise complaint, 10:42 p.m. 52000 block of Pine Ridge Rd. Handled by deputy.

• May 25 — Alarm call, 8:51 a.m. 24000 block of Walters Dr. Handled by deputy.

• May 26 — Trespassing, 10:42 a.m. 23000 block of Hwy 243. Handled by deputy.

Garner Valley Pine Meadows

• May 20 — Lost property, 8:28 a.m. Address undefned. Report taken.

Town Crier Membership Application:

NAME(S): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

• Idyllwild Help Center, 26330 Hwy. 243, 10 a.m.-noon & 1-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri. 659-2110.

• Idyllwild Library, 54401 Village Center Dr., Strawberry Creek Plaza, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues.-Wed.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Turs-Sat., 659-2300.

• Idyllwild Nature Center, 25225 Hwy. 243, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Sun. 659-3850.

• Idyllwild Ranger Station, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.-Mon., 8 a.m.noon Tues.

• Idyllwild Transfer Station, 28100 Saunders Meadow Rd., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Turs.-Mon. (Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Tanksgiving and Christmas Day); Grinding Facility, 8 a.m.-noon & 1-4 p.m. Mon., Wed. & Fri.

• May 21 — Alarm call, 5:39 a.m. 59000 block of Hop Patch Spring Rd. Handled by deputy.

Poppet Flats

• May 23 — Attempt warrant service, 8:28 a.m. Address withheld. Warrant.

• May 27 — Unlawful entry, 12:52 p.m. 18000 block of Deer Trl. Unfounded.

• May 27 — Check the welfare, 9:22 p.m. 46000 block of Poppet Flats Rd. Handled by deputy.

San Bernardino National Forest

• May 23 — Burglary, 11:32 p.m. 46000 block of E Florida Ave. Unfounded.

• May 12 — Alarm call, 8:10 p.m. 23000 block of Oak Leaf Ln. Handled by deputy.

• May 15 — Unattended death, 5:12 a.m. Address withheld. Report taken.

• May 16 — Assist other department, 8:59 p.m. 25000 block of Coulter Dr. Handled by deputy.

• May 18 — Area check, 7:53 p.m. 52000 block of Sylvan Wy. Handled by deputy.

• May 18 — Noise complaint, 10:42 p.m. 52000 block of Pine Ridge Rd. Handled by deputy.

MAILING ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________ CITY: ___________________ STATE: _______

ZIP: ___________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): ______________________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________________

I (We) want to keep the Town Crier as a real newspaper for the beneft of our community, as follows: Angels: Other amount unlimited above $1,000 annually – $___________ Heroes: $1,000 annually – $_______ Patrons: $500+ annually – $_______ Sponsors: $250+ annually – $_______ Sustaining Readers: $100+ annually – $_______

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:

• Subscriptions to both printed and online issues of the Town Crier.

• Nice-looking “Idyllwild Town Crier Member” car-window decals, which we very much hope you will display so as to encourage others to join us.

• Recognition of your Membership in the Town Crier, unless you request anonymity.

• Occasional ofers, special to our Members, from local businesses.

• And most important and valuable of all: You will receive the satisfaction and pleasure of knowing that you are doing your part to support a real newspaper on our Hill for the beneft of our entire community.

Send completed form to Idyllwild Town Crier, P.O. Box 157, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

Checks may be made payable to “Idyllwild Town Crier.” | Contact us at 951-659-2145 or membership@towncrier.com.

Board approves salary increases for supervisors and other elected ofcials

By JP Crumrine Correspondent

At its May 21 meeting the County Board of Supervisors approved two ordinances which raise their salaries and those of the County’s other elected officials, e.g., the Sherif and the County Auditor. The vote was 4-1, with Supervisor Kevin Jefries (1st District) opposing both.

“For most of these elected officials, these ordinances were last addressed in 2014,” County Executive Officer, Jef Van Wagenen, wrote in his memorandum to the board. “. . . Human Resources determined that the compensation for elected officials has not kept pace with either the salaries paid to their subordinates or to similarly situated officials in surrounding counties.”

Supervisors’ salaries have been 80% of a California Superior Court judge since 1998. This year, a Riverside County Supervisor’s salary is $190,783. However, a supervisor’s chief of staf can earn $198,561.

Proposed Ordinance 780.4 would set the Riverside County Supervisor salary at 14% greater than a chief of staf may earn rather than the current rate of 80% of a superior court judge. Thus, the new salary for Riverside supervisors will become $226,359.49.

And this was Jefries’ point of opposition. Since judge’s salaries are set by the Legislature, tying the Supervisor’s salaries to Superior Court judges created separation between the Board members and seting their own salary. Since they are responsible for seting the pay range of their staf, going forward that decision will afect their own salaries.

“When tied to judges, my colleagues wanted an arm’s length of distance from the decision to whether the Board of Supervisors would enjoy a pay increase,” Jefries stated. “Tacking it to another outside entity was a way to avoid self-dealing and avoid granting our own

pay raise.”

While he was aware of the outcome of this recommendation, nevertheless, Jefries believes, “This is a terrible mistake and will not sit well with the taxpayers. I caution that there is a beter way to do this. And this is not the path I believe this Board should take.”

The salaries for the other elected officials have been unchanged for 10 years, since 2014. The one exception was the salary for the District Atorney, which was not changed in 2014. The Supervisors did increase it in 2018.

This was Supervisor Karen Speigel’s (2nd District) justifcation for voting “Yes”. While she said she agreed with Jefries’ points, she still felt that the justifcation for the increases for the elected executive officials was too strong to oppose.

“Afer 10 years, we have to raise their pay,” she acknowledged.

Board Chair Supervisor Chuck Washington (3rd District) described it as “. . . very awkward to vote on our pay.” However, he argued the Board must vote and approve county staf salaries, including agreement with labor unions and other employee associations. This is what they have do in this situation, also, despite the “optics.”

The salary diferences between the levels at neighboring counties and senior staf is a disparity, according to Van Wagenen.

Ordinance 781.16 would establish the elected official’s new salary and future salaries at 14% greater than their senior staf, e.g., Assistant County Auditor-Controller or Undersherif.

Both ordinances must be approved at two diferent meetings. The next Board of Supervisors meeting is June 4. If approved, the new supervisorial salaries are efective in 60 days. The new salaries for the other county officials will be efective in 30 days.

Karen Spiegel FILE PHOTO

Chuck Washington FILE PHOTO

By David Jerome Correspondent

Amy and Richard Hawley are the proprietors of Idyllwild’s only food truck, the cheerful and cheeky Dick’s Dogs. Amy sat down with the Crier to fill us in. “Both of us worked in the restaurant business up here, until with COVID, like many people, we were sent home for months. We wanted to think, ‘What would sustain us through another shutdown?’ Because of our background we were accepted among other restaurants, Ferro, Mile High, other neighbors.”

Their psychedelic gif shop, Wild Idy, opened in 2017, and Dick’s Dogs in 2020. They parked the truck at various locations around town before ending up in front of Wild Idy, on North Circle downtown. Amy said, “This has turned out best; the most visibility. As an added bonus, it helps drive foot traffic for Wild Idy. Shane [Stewart] has been gracious since our planning phase.”

Amy and Richard love food truck culture and are always on the prowl for new experiences and ideas. “We went to Seatle just to eat fish on the street. It was our daughter’s birthday, she wants to be a chef, she’s 14. She wanted to go. She’s into grunge music and food. It’s a great city to eat your way through.”

They take their food seriously, if not themselves. “It’s called ‘Dick’s Dogs’ because it’s funny, not because it’s just his. It’s the antithesis of Hooters or Tilted Kilt. So many mainstream corporations have branding that exploits women.” But Dick’s Dogs is no joke: “We take our food seriously. We make from scratch our sauces, chilis, pickles; all the rubs and seasonings here are made in house.”

Regular patrons have learned the ins and outs: “Local specials are not always on the menu; the Dad Burger is not on the menu, and always sells out. It’s a double smash burger. We were the first “smash” burger in Idyllwild. Cheddar cheese, thin slice of tomato, grilled onions on Brioche, the Dad sauce is like a Thousand Island with a kick. The paty is rolled into a ball, seared, then smashed with a press to be thin like a pancake, with crispy edges. “

Hot dogs are top of the menu, and Amy loves to talk about them. “The hotdog is kind of the quintessential American street food. Ours is all beef, though we do offer a vegan dog. We have anywhere from 13 to 20 available toppings, depending on what we’ve pickled or played with on any given week. We spent the first year geting our chili recipe down and setled on a Detroit-style chili sauce that we make from scratch. We also have a vegan version, also scratch made. We have a half dozen sauces we make here in house and are working on transitioning over to in-house ketchup and relish as well.”

Not content to “smash the patriarchy one hot dog at

Dick’s Dogs, Idyllwild’s permanent food truck

a time” they are always looking for new specialties. “We want to roll out fried chicken box meals for Thursday night summer concerts. We are working on Midwest and Southern-style side dishes, learning how to pickle and make buter and sour cream. We made a lot of tacos before we started Taco Tuesdays.” Taco Tuesdays feature “authentic and delicious salsas and marinades and a small but mighty taco menu that typically sells out on preorder, which is very exciting for us. We start taking orders on Saturday for Tuesday, and by Tuesday morning we are usually very close to sold out if not sold out completely. We feel a huge sense of pride knowing that we are being supported so enthusiastically on a local level.”

A food truck comes with challenges: “There’s very limited space on a food truck; things are limited and sell out quickly. Most restaurants have 250 cubic feet of dry storage, let alone refrigerated and frozen. We are 12 feet total.”

Food trucks must pass all the same inspections as conventional restaurants, and the Hawleys are proud of their “A” rating, recognition that they take cleanliness and good processing seriously. The regulation of trucks is not

like that for other mobile food service options. “An enclosed truck is different from the open carts you see on the street. They need a daily permit fee, and the bureaucratic process involved made it not a sustainable option for us. The property owner needs to pull a permit for vendors, ‘open air high risk vendors,’ that’s more for special events, so we went with an enclosed truck.”

The Hawleys are looking for more ways to be a part of the community. “We donate to everyone who approaches us.” They are always looking for community events to take their mobile food service to the people. “A dream of ours is to be a vendor at the big community events, particularly the concerts. We base our summer schedule around hanging out with the kids and friends. It’s a fleeting season, evenings in Idyllwild. We always tell people, ‘Come on a summer Thursday and get the real Idyllwild.’”

Dick’s Dogs is usually found at 54340 North Circle Dr. Hours are Thursday to Monday, “11-ish to when we sell out, usually around 4.” Tuesday is noon to 2 p.m., preorder recommended. Text (951) 282-1186.

for his vision, and for playing a vital role in helping to secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship support for deserving and talented young jazz musicians from around the world. This year’s 30th Anniversary Festival will be in memory of the late jazz

Amy & Richard Hawley at their food truck, Dick’s Dogs.

PHOTOS BY TOWN CRIER

Creating the shapes of animals, trees and faces using hand shadows is fun and sometimes challenging. You’ll need a dark room and a flashlight or small desk lamp. Then, try to create some of the hand shadows on this page. See if you can make your hand shadow puppets speak or move realistically. It takes some practice!

Match the hands to each of the animal shadows.

Can you create these shadow

Comical Shadows

Look in the newspaper comics and find a character you like. On a piece of construction paper, carefully draw the character’s outline. Cut out the shape and tape it to a popsicle stick. Use a flashlight to project its shadow on the wall and see if your friends and family members can recognize the character.

reindeer

elephant

© 2024 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jef Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 40, No. 26

Arts & Entertainment

CALENDAR

Arts & Entertainment Calendar listings are at the discretion of the editor. Email becky@ towncrier.com. Event charges may apply.

Wednesday, May 29

• Storytime “Butterflies” with Miss Susan, 11 a.m.noon Idyllwild Library.

Wednesday, May 22

Thursday, May 30

• Coed pickleball, 9 a.m. Idyllwild Pines Camp.

• “If,” 6-7:45 p.m. Rustic Theatre.

Saturday, June 1

Monday, May 27

Idyllwild Arts campus.

Monday, June 3

• Coed pickleball, 9 a.m. Idyllwild Pines Camp.

Tuesday, June 4

• Coed pickleball, 9 a.m. Idyllwild Pines Camp.

Idyllwild Pines Camp.

• Shaolin Qi Gong & Chicks with Sticks, 11 a.m.-noon & 4-5 p.m. Spirit Mountain Retreat.

Thursday, June 6

• Women’s pickleball, 9 a.m. Idyllwild Pines Camp.

Saturday, June 8

• Coed pickleball, 11 a.m. Idyllwild Pines Camp.

• Idyllwild Chess Club, noon-4 p.m. Idyllwild Library. (Beginners welcome; free lessons.)

Monday, June 10

• Shaolin Qi Gong & Chicks with Sticks, 11 a.m.-noon & 4-5 p.m. Spirit Mountain Retreat.

• Calligraphy, Sylvia Rountree, 10 a.m.-noon; Knit Wits, 1-3 p.m. Idyllwild Library.

Thursday, May 23

• Musician Spotlight Series (Erik Lingren; Jeff Hixon & Terry Jo), 5:30-8:30 p.m. Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery.

Friday, May 24

• Memorial Day weekend yard & garage sales. (See Classifeds, page B5.)

• Pottery wheel demonstrations with Dr. Arthur Tobias, 10-11 a.m. Mountain Pottery.

• Country, Folk & A Little Blues with Jamie & The Jents, 5:308:30 p.m. Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery.

Saturday, May 25

• Memorial Day weekend yard & garage sales. (See Classifeds, page B5.)

• Art Alliance of Idyllwild Life Figure Open Studio, 9 a.m.noon. 26409 Saunders Meadow Rd.

• Gardening class, 10 a.m.noon. Young Idyllwild’s Community Garden and Education Center.

• Wildfower Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Idyllwild Nature Center.

• Memorial Day weekend barbecue, 3-7 p.m.; DJ, 7 p.m. American Legion Post 800.

• Jason Lohrke as Neil Diamond, 4-7 p.m. Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery.

• Grand Opening, with music by Those Folks, 5-8 p.m. Idyllwild Gardens.

• Minute to Win It game night, 8 p.m.-closing American Legion Post 800.

Sunday, May 26

• Memorial Day weekend yard & garage sales. (See Classifeds, page B5.)

• Rotary Club’s Apfel Phan Küchen Breakfast, 8 a.m.-noonish. Town Hall.

• Wildfower Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Idyllwild Nature Center.

• Hot Flash & Men of Pause (minus Kathleen), (fusion bluegrass), 4-7 p.m. Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery.

• Memorial Day weekend yard & garage sales. (See Classifeds, page B5.)

• Idyllwild Chess Club, 3-6 p.m. Idyllwild Library. (Beginners welcome; free lessons.)

• Memorial Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. & luncheon after. American Legion Post 800.

Friday, May 31

• Coed pickleball, 9 a.m. Idyllwild Pines Camp.

Tuesday, May 28

• Mah-Jongg, 12:30-3:30 p.m.; Chess Club, 4-8 p.m. Idyllwild Library.

Thursday, May 30

• Bridge, 12:30 p.m. Creekstone Inn. If interested, show up or phone 951-659-4910.

• Musician Spotlight Series 5:30-8:30 p.m. Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery.

Friday, May 31

• Pottery wheel demonstrations with Dr. Arthur Tobias, 10-11 a.m. Mountain Pottery.

• Keith McCabe with Ken Carter & Eric Marcussen, 5:308:30 p.m. Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery.

Saturday, June 1

• Coed pickleball, 11 a.m. Idyllwild Pines Camp.

• Idyllwild Chess Club, noon-4 p.m. Idyllwild Library. (Beginners welcome; free lessons.)

• Idyllwild Master Chorale, “Spring Forth,” 7:30 p.m. Lowman Concet Hall,

• Mah Jongg, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Idyllwild Library.

Wednesday, June 5

• Storytime “Princess and the Pea” with Miss Diane, 11 a.m.-noon. Idyllwild Library.

• Coed pickleball, 9 a.m.

• Idyllwild Chess Club, 3-6 p.m. Idyllwild Library. (Beginners welcome; free lessons.)

Friday, June 7

• Women’s pickleball, 9 a.m. Idyllwild Pines Camp.

• Women’s pickleball, 9 a.m. Idyllwild Pines Camp.

Tuesday,June 11

• Mah Jongg, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Idyllwild Library. v

• Miles Thomas & Jac Jacaruso (pop & soft rock guitar), 4-7 p.m.; Idyllwild Storytellers, 7-9 p.m. Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery.

• Minute to Win It game night, 8 p.m.-closing American Legion Post 800.

• Plein Air workshop, Art Alliance artist Jessica Schiffman, TBA.

Sunday, June 2

• Plein Air workshop, Art Alliance artist Jessica Schiffman, TBA.

Monday, June 3

• Forest Folk Cribbage Group, 10 a.m.-noon; Children’s Story Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; “One Song at a Time,” Marc Black, 3-5 p.m. Idyllwild Library.

Tuesday, June 4

• Mah-Jongg, 12:30-3:30 p.m.; Chess Club, 4-8 p.m. Idyllwild Library.

sions

Sports

Community Center Sports

BY JOHNNY WILSON ICC DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS & RECREATION

Youth Baseball

It’s hard to believe that we are already in the seventh week of ICC Youth Baseball with the season coming to an end this week. All teams have been playing hard throughout all divisions – the teams that finish the regular season with the best record will earn homefield advantage in the final championship games this week.

Here is the schedule for the remaining games:

• 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 28: Astros vs Padres (Minor League – regular season game)

• 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 28: Blue Jays vs Red Hawks (Major League – regular season game)

• 4:45 p.m.Wednesday, May 29: Golden Eagles vs Manzanitas (T-Ball League – 3rd place game)

• 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 29: Wildlings vs IdyllBeasts (T-Ball championship game)

• 4:45 p.m. Thursday, May 30: Astros vs Padres (Minor League championship game)

• 5:45 p.m. Thursday, May 30: Blue Jays vs Red Hawks (Major League championship game)

Although the season seemed like it went by fast, we can see some major improvements with the players in all leagues. The Minor League teams have tremendously improved in their batting skills and infield plays, the Major League teams have excelled on the pitching mound and all aspects of defense, and the T-Ball players can hit the ball and run the bases in the correct order (now mostly without any help.) And there are some real sluggers in all divisions. Let’s run through the highlights from last week.

Wednesday, May 22: T-Ball

The first game was between the Wildlings and the Idyll-Beasts. Since both teams have already locked in the top two spots in their league and are looking to play against each other the final championship on May 29, the coaches decided to each forfeit the game (resulting in a tie) and invite the parents onto the field for a day of fun: It was parents vs. children.

The children, already primed from weeks of T-Ball, were off to an early start as they were eager to show off their batting skills. The parents were struggling at bat as the tee could only go as high as their knees, plus they were not too fast at running the bases. If anyone was keeping score ,it would have been a clear victory for the children but judging by the number of laughs on each side, I’d say both teams won that day. Great job, parents! Next game: the Championship Final at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday May 29.

The second game of the day was between the Golden Eagles and the Manzanitas, who would be playing each other in the 3rd place game this Wednesday. It was a back-and-forth battle but in the final inning it was the Golden Eagles who pulled ahead and won the game 1211.

Can they do it again this week and earn a 3rd-place finish, or are the Manzanitas going to upset the Eagles, win their first game of the season, and swoop into 3rd place last second? We will find out at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 29.

Thursday, May 23: Minor League

Out of the five games between the Padres (sponsored by Idyllwild Pharmacy) and the Astros (sponsored by AstroCamp), three of them have been decided by a sin-

gle run. And unfortunately for the Astros, all three of those games were in favor of the Padres. The Astros showed up last Thursday looking to turn the tables and gain some kind of momentum heading into the final week, as they still had yet to defeat their rivals. Good thing that this is baseball, where anything could happen.

The Astros were the home team this game and took the field looking sharp, focused and ready to break the Padres’ five-game winning streak. With great defense lead by Brody Beneke and the Astros infielders, they managed to keep the Padres sluggers at bay and were leading 4-2 at the conclusion of the first inning. But you can’t keep a beast caged for long.

The Padres went on one of their famous hitting streaks and brought in 7 runs in the second inning. Uriah Guy’s grand slam (a homerun with the bases loaded) accounted for 4 of those runs. The Padres would gain the lead 9-6 in the second inning.

With smart batting and great fielding, the Astros managed to keep the score close. The Astros were down 11-9 heading into their final at-bat. The Padres managed to get a couple of outs, while the Astros managed to get a couple of runners on base. Only one out for the Padres to win.

But wait! Who is coming up to the plate for the Astros? None other than “RBI-King” Caleb Marich Would the Padres get the last out and win the game? Or would something incredible happen for the Astros?

I’ll let Coach Megan Berg explain: “Caleb deserves a big shout out for another multiple-RBI game, and helping the Astros notch their first win with a 3-run homerun to win the game!”

The Astros would go on to defeat the Padres 12-11,

—Massimo

ba fully furnished house for rent. Wifi and Smart TV, new deck, paved driveway on a Cul de Sac. Washer/ Dryer, private yard, woodburning stove. Available June 1st.Good credit. $1750/mo. 1st and deposit. Phone John, 760594-4904

Firewood Blowout - You pick-up and save! HALF CORD Hard & Soft Mix $175. 909-800-1352.

Firewood Blowout - Seasoned Wood . Ash $475/ cord; Hard Mix $450/cord; Hard and Soft Mix $400/ cord. Buy 3 cords, save $10/cord. Delivery included. 909-800-1352.

GREEN WOOD - Get ready for next winter! Ash, $360/cord; Hard Mix $345/cord; Hard and Soft Mix $325/cord; Green Pine $285/cord. 909-800-1352.

HANDYWORK Light electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, etc. I fix stuff. Reasonable rates. Regina Caron 915-315-1887.

Handyman: Hi! I do hauling, DUMP RUNS , raking and cleaning yards, wooden fence and deck repair and maintenance. Ask about gutter cleanup. References. Call Scott 951260-7137.

BARTENDER Available for weddings, parties, gatherings of all kinds. 33 yrs experience. Reasonable rates. Regina Caron 951315-1887.

Meg’s Dog Walking, Cat Whispering , Drop Ins, House Sitting, Services, Senior/Special Needs Pets Too! Bonded /Insured, ARF/LivingFree Volunteer, Call for FREE “Meet n Greet” $20 OFF 1st Visit! 310-488-8989

LOST PET (Dog or Cat) Call ARF, 659-1122. Also, you may call Living Free Animal Sanctuary at 6594687 or Ramona Animal Haven at (951) 654-8002, 1230 S. State St., San Jacinto, CA 92583.

CRISISLINE, 683-0829 or 1 (800) 339-7233. Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV) provides information, counseling and shelter services for battered women and their children.

Idyllwild

Coach Carl Dewese (left) and his Golden Eagles shake hands with Coach Michael Maple (right) and his Manzanitas after another close T-Ball game. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHNNY WILSON. The Astros celebrate after a well-earned victory over the Padres.

Students of the Week

“Idyllwild School is pleased to announce our Valedictorian and Salutatorian from our promoting 8th grade class. Congratulations to Chloe Kenyon (Below) as our Salutatorian and Rocco Marshall (Above) as our Valedictorian We honor these two students and all of their hard work.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF IDYLLWILD SCHOOL

creature corner

Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats met five new kitens and new dog Sonny.

Smokey: Are we lucky, or what? The weather was perfect for the holiday weekend!

Pepper: It really was, and the ARF yard sale was a success.

Stretch: Any news on the adoption front?

Whiskey: No, sadly. Sales were good, but adoptions, not so much.

Eeyore: Now that the holiday weekend is finished, maybe some folks will be ready to welcome new kittens into their homes.

Pepper: Three of them are all ready to go, neutering, vaccinations, and all.

Henri: One is still a bit young to leave, but will soon be ready.

Stretch: Now that the weather is starting to act a bit more like summer, I hope pet guardians will rethink the way they walk their dogs.

Whiskey: That’s right. Our poor paws can easily be burned on hot pavement.

Henri: Did you know that when it is 77 degrees out, the pavement can reach 125 degrees?

Pepper: Holy catnip! That is super hot.

Eeyore: What is a dog guardian to do if he or she wants to take the dog for a walk?

Smokey: The dog should be walked when it’s cooler out, like in the morning or evening.

Henri: They should also make certain their dogs and cats have cool places to rest.

Stretch: And lots of water!

Eeyore: And your thoughts don’t even touch the serious situation of dogs lef in cars!

Whiskey: No kidding. A car can reach terrible, live threatening temps.

Henri: That’s correct. When it’s only 82 degrees out, within minutes the inside of a car can reach 109 degrees!

Stretch: What a terrible way to treat your best friend. Creature Corner is looking for sponsors! If you’d like to be a sponsor, please contact ARF. Be sure to keep up with the animal antics of Days of our Nine Lives each week. And please stop in to say hello to the entire adoptable cast at the ARF House, 26890 Hwy 243. ARF is open Saturdays 10-3, Sundays 102, and during the week by appointment. Please call 951-659-1122.

Past Tense

75 years ago - 1949

Although there was snow along the shoreline of Hidden Lake, the lake itself was bone dry. There was speculation that a sharp earthquake during the winter opened a crack and drained off the water.

70 years ago - 1954

Ana Mary Elliott headed an Izaak Walton League committee dedicated to keeping riding trails in town open as more streets were paved.

65 years ago - 1959

The county backed the Forest Service in opening the Thomas Mountain area for recreational use. The mountain had been closed to public entry since World War II, except during wet months.

60 years ago - 1964

The State Highway Commission adopted a freeway plan for Highway 74 from Cranston to Mountain Center calling

for a four-lane, 50 to 60 mph highway.

55 years ago - 1969

Hazel Cress, a civic leader in the Idyllwild community, died in Hemet. In addition to pioneering the Idyllwild Fire Protection District in 1946, she served with numerous service groups throughout the years.

50 years ago - 1974

Will Geer, “Grandpa” of the TV show “The Waltons,” performed Shakespeare at ISOMATA.

45 years ago - 1979

The Pine Cove Fire Department got a new fire truck. The 1979 quick-attack vehicle replaced the old army vehicle that was slow and inefficient.

40 years ago - 1984

It had been a very dry year so far: Only 4.75 inches of snow and 25.70 inches of rain had fallen.

35 years ago - 1989

LeRoy Smoot, Riverside County road commissioner, was adamant that the landmark tree in the middle of South Circle Drive must be cut down even though proponents of a move to carve the tree into a monument wanted it to remain in its original location.

30 years ago - 1994

A group of Hill residents thwarted the attempts of two Hemet teenagers to break into a car parked in the Hemet Federal Savings parking lot.

25 years ago - 1999

More than 100 people showed up for the Town Hall meeting on Y2K, sponsored by Mountain Disaster Preparedness and Coordinated Resource Management and Planning.

20 years ago - 2004

Idyllwild School cheerleaders performed their way into first place with a dance called “You Know” in the 2004 Jr. Miss Drill Team USA competition in Culver City.

15 years ago - 2009

The first Jimmy Campbell Memorial Softball Tournament took place at the Idyllwild field. Town Hall and Idyllwild School organized the tournament to raise money for the Campbell Kids Fund, for the four children of Jimmy Campbell, the late Town Hall director who died March 19 of an unexpected illness.

10 years ago - 2014

In preparation for the 2014 fire season, the U.S. Forest Service added four more aircraft to its

next-generation firefighting fleet, bringing the total number of aircraft to 21 large air-tankers and more than 100 helicopters. The new aircraft was to enter into service in the coming weeks and support more than 10,000 firefighters for the 2014 wildfire season.

5 years ago - 2019 Stephanie Yost was to become the next Idyllwild Community Center president. President Janice Lyle intended to end her tenure that summer. After the 20th-annual Idyllwild Summer Concert Series inaugurated the new amphitheater on July 11, Lyle was to return to the desert and end her daily commute of 50-plus miles.

1 year ago - 2023 Among the dozens of projects the county’s Transportation and Land Management Agency was to work on during FY 2023-24, was North and South Circle drives, from Village Center Drive around to Highway 243. They were to be resurfaced as well as Fern Valley Drive from South Circle Drive to Humber Park. The agency estimated the work would be completed October 2023. Total cost for resurfacing the three streets was projected to be $3 million.

Some of Idyllwild’s young ballplayers get a word or two of instruction from Coach Jerry Matthews (left) in May 1964. Team Idyllwild Squirrels shut out the Rotary-sponsored Hemet team 12-0. Mike Laurie was pitcher. FILE PHOTO

Biscuit

Muffin Bagel Donut

Sports

giving the Padres their first loss of the season. Berg continued, “Walter Staff is our player of the week. Walter has a great attitude and encourages his teammates. He is one of the most improved players over the season, and during our last game, he got a hit every time he went to bat.”

Could this be the momentum change the Astros needed heading into the final week?

The Astros may have just gained the confidence they were looking for, now that they know their rivals can be defeated. And now they know that in baseball, anything is possible.

Only one more game before the final championship game at 4:45 p.m. Thursday May 30. I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a close one.

Thursday, May 23: Major League

The series was tied heading into Game 6 between the Blue Jays (sponsored by Idyllwild Garage) and the Red Hawks (sponsored by SoCal Renovations) — both teams with 2 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie.

The Red Hawks came out swinging in the first inning with a 3-run homerun by Eli Giampa to make the score 3-0. Then, in terms of the score, not much happened until the final inning of the game.

In terms of fielding, pitching and overall defense, it was a stout stand-off between two groups of well-disciplined and talented ballplayers. You can tell that both teams are each led by an excellent coaching staff.

Then in the final inning, it was smart batting by Averi Fernandes, followed by a nicely hit double by Meadow Griffin, setting it up for Miles Sechrest to smash a 3-run homerun to extend the Red Hawks’ lead in the final inning.

Incidentally, it was Miles again — this time on the pitcher’s mound ‚ who closed it off with a strikeout and a scoreless inning.

The Red Hawks went on to win 6-0.

Can the Blue Jays even the series once again on Tuesday?

Who will gain homefield advantage for the final championship game being played at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, May 30?

One thing is for sure, Mike Van Zee and the Idyllwild School ASB will be there with snacks and refreshments while we all watch baseball history unfold this week on Idyllwild School’s Top Field. Play ball!

Major League Standings

Minor League Standings

T-ball Standings

Adult Coed Softball

Registrations are now open for ICC Adult Coed Softball. Deadline to register is Friday, June 7. Whether you are already on a team, looking to form a new team, or want to sign up individually and be placed on a team, all must sign-up at www.idyllwildcommunitycenter. org. Cost is $39 a player. Season runs eight weeks (starting with practices then mostly games) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, June 11 to July 31, at Idyllwild School Top Field. More dates could be added, depending on the number of players signed up.

http://www.IdyllwildTownCrier.com/membership-signup/

Educational aspects are strong this week for all Virgans -- especially for children, who will benefit from after-school classes in music, art or dance.

This is a favorable period for Librans to get started on making those long-overdue lifestyle changes involving health, fitness and relationship matters.

Things begin to settle down in the workplace. But personal situations take on new importance as a loved one shares a matter of great concern with you.

Romantic aspects are strong for senior Aquarians, who prove that getting older just means getting better at playing Cupid’s game. “Playmates” include Librans and Leos.

Above: Caleb Marich touches home plate after his game-winning 3-run homerun in the final inning.

Below: T-Ball League in action. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHNNY WILSON.