FVWD Earns IWD Tanks and Approves New Budget
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
The June 20 meeting of the Fern Valley Water District Board of Directors was dominated by fnancial actions, such as approving the fscal year 2024-25 budget, a presentation from the district’s auditor, and a visit from Curt Sauer, Interim general manager at Idyllwild Water District and two of his staf.
Sauer has been with IWD since February. In his four and half months, he has helped IWD. On Thursday, June he came to the FVWD Board to express his gratitude for the help and assistance Victor Jimenez, FVWD general manager, has given to him and the IWD staf. He also provided a leter of appreciation.
“I am here with my staf to express my sincere appreciation for the support from Mr. Jimenez,” Sauer said to the Board. “He made it clear we could work together and went out of his way to make it happen.”
He also gave thanks to Jessica Priefer, the FVWD assistant general manager, and Jim Nuter, FVWD’s chief feld operator.
Sauer felt that both IWD and FVWD now have a frm and “ . . outstanding cooperative rapport.”
Afer that gracious beginning of the meeting, the Board then had a presentation from Jonathan Abadesco, C.J. Brown & Company CPAS, who managed the audit of FVWD’s 2023 fnancial data. He described the audit process and then concluded that in their assessment, FVWD had a clean opinion, in compliance with accounting principles.
“We found no material weakness or signifcant defciency,” he stated and added, “Overall Jessica Priefer and Victor Jimenez did a good job, we only made a few minor adjustments.”
Afer Abadesco’s audit summary, the Board approved four fnancial resolutions. Three were procedural and the fourth was approval of the FY 2024-25 budget, since the new fscal year begins July 1.
Director Chrissie Teeling had some questions about the vehicle purchases in the budget, but there was no discussion to remove these. Priefer did mention that the cost for the district’s worker’s compensation may be lower next fscal year than the current year.
The total budget will be $2.6 million, about $105,000 less than the approved FY 23-24 budget. Revenue from water sales and property taxes is projected to be $1.9 million, or $97,000 more than projected for this year. But less than the actual collections of $1.96 million. Nevertheless, the overall budget will produce a defcit of $670,000 and reserves will be $736,000 at the end of FY 24-25. This is about half of the current reserve level.
The operational portion of the budget will be $1.9 million, or nearly 75%. Employee salaries and social security will increase by about 6%. The largest and dominant portion of the operating budget is for employee benefts which will more than double to about $800,000.
The Board has decided to increase its payment to Cal Pers in order to lower the long-term assessment for pension costs. Cash invested in
the State’s Local Agency Investment Fund earns signifcantly less interest than what Cal Pers charges for unfunded pension costs. Consequently, the Board had decided to put $500,000 in this account to lower future expenses.
The capital budget includes funds for purchase of new vehicles for feld staf, a small pipeline project, and ofce expansion. The total capital budget plan is to invest $670,000, nearly half of the current year’s capital costs of $1.2 million.
The Board also discussed a leter from Dave Sandlin regarding the work to repair Tahquitz Shadows Road and FVWD’s participation. Since it is not a Riverside County road, the property owners along it, including FVWD, which needs it to access water storage tanks at its termination, are responsible for its maintenance.
Jon Brown, Board chair, recommended that Jimenez hold further discussions with Sandlin and, also, draf, and get signatures from the property owners along the road for how these and future costs will be assigned.
With respect to water supplies, Jimenez is quite satisfed with the current conditions and told the Board, “Things are going really good. The wells have recovered nicely.”
Groundwater production is 25% in May compared to 9% of the total in May 2023. That is largely due to the massive precipitation surge last winter.
Grand Jury Reviews 911 System
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
In April, the Riverside County Grand Jury reviewed the County’s 911 system. This was initiated as the result of some disruptions during last summer’s Hurricane Hilary. In the fall, other disSee 911, page A2
The trees in Idy Park were lit with white lights on Friday, July 5th for the first annual Light the Night. PHOTO BY MIKE FERRO
Residents and visitors enjoyed the celebration at Light the Night on Friday, July 5th. PHOTO BY PETER SZABADI
Heatwave Continues and Records Set
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
A week ago, it was July 4th. The holiday was celebrated throughout the nation despite a heatwave from coast to coast. And on the Hill, the celebration set a record – a temperature record. On July 4, the high temperature in Idyllwild was 98 degrees, exceeding the previous high of 97 set in 2007. And that was only the beginning. The next day, July 5, established another high temperature record, not only for that date, but tied the all-time high of 104 degrees. This temperature was felt on Sept. 6, 2020 and ten months later on June 16, 2021.
And the nightime temperature of 63 degrees broke the record for the highest minimum temperature on July 5, too. Sixty-two degrees was the record set 20 years ago in 2004. On Monday, July 8, another record was set. It was 101 degrees in Idyllwild, 4 degrees higher than the previous record for this date, set in 2002.
These high and record seting temperatures were not a surprise, the National Weather Service and other meteorologists began warnings as early as July 1. And it continued through the weekend, temperatures in the middle 90s, with litle relief expected next week.
On July 5, the NWS advised listeners that the mountains, including Idyllwild, were not salvation from this heat. “Don’t think you’ll be able to escape the heat by heading to the mountains this weekend...temps will still be well above normal up there! If you’ll be outside this weekend, try to limit any strenuous activity to the cooler parts of the day: the morning & late evening.
Alex Tardy, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the San Diego Ofce of the National Weather Service, said on his July 2 YouTube broadcast, “An excessive heatwave warning is through the weekend and should end 6 p.m. July 8. . . And not much relief next week.”
A huge high-pressure system has formed over the eastern Pacifc Ocean and is slowly moving east. The excessive temperatures are being fueled by this ridge that is parked over much of the West. It prevents the hot air near the ground from rising up into the higher and cooler atmosphere.
As Tardy noted, “This is usually [the path of] a storm track. Big heatwaves are usually from the desert or east.”
He stressed that the mountains were as vulnerable as the lower elevations to these high temperatures. He even predicted 104 degrees on July 5.
Independently, on July 1, Daniel Swain, meteorologist, and climate scientist at the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at the University of California, Los Angeles, alerted that there is “. . . going to be a long heatwave . . . exceptional heat and at least daily record highs. . . it will go on and on and on.” He thought it might continue for seven to ten days from the Southern California deserts to Mt. Shasta in the north.
On Sunday, he noted that the peak of the heatwave has been more intense than the early predictions. While the highs may relent, the overall heatwave will continue into this week. He also warned of the record overnight heat and its danger to health.
And as the heat dries fuels, the threat of wildfre increases.
“Fire danger for Idyllwild (and the entire State) remains high, the Cranston Fire scar is now 6 years old and fuels have grown back quite robustly,” said Idyllwild Fire Chief Mark LaMont. “We have worked hard with the US Forest Service to install and improve some much-needed fuel breaks (Strawberry, Westridge, Southridge, Thomas Mtn. and now the new fuel break at Bear Trap).”
Nevertheless, he encouraged all residents to take the time to abate their properties and to be fre safe.”
Then he stressed, “No outdoor fres, Idyllwild Fire has placed an outdoor fre ban beginning June 15. No charcoal or wood burning BBQs, only LP BBQs are allowed. No campfres.”
Earlier this week, Governor Gavin Newsom directed the Ofce of Emergency Services to activate its State Operations Center and move into Phase II of its Extreme Temperature Response Plan. This action ensures a 24/7, coordinated, whole-of-government response to the heatwave.
Excessive heat warnings and watches are in efect for much of California through the weekend and into next week.
The Emergency Management Department has established 70 cooling centers throughout the County. The Idyllwild Library, at 54401 Village Center Dr., is one of the cooling centers. It is available on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Of the Hill there are cooling centers at the Cathedral City and Valle Vista libraries and others in Hemet and Palm Springs.
For more information go to ready.ca.gov to fnd resources and tips to stay safe from extreme heat, and other natural disasters.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even when not thirsty; drink sports drinks (in moderation with water) to help replace electrolytes lost during exercise. Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and very cold drinks and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
ruptions, but not outages, were caused by copper thieves.
It was a brief report, whose purpose was to explain the history and operation of 911 calls within Riverside County and emphasize how to access it if a disruption occurs.
At its July 9, meeting the Board of Supervisors approved its response to the Grand Jury report and included the response submited in April from Sherif Chad Bianco.
Neither the Board nor the Sherif had major objections to the report. However, they did stress that the disruptions were limited to small geographic areas with a limited number of residents. Alternative means of access to 911 were always available.
If the County emergency center access is disrupted, “911” calls are automatically routed to the nearest California Highway Patrol ofce.
The County also stressed that during these problems, the Sherif’s Ofce along with the Emergency Management Department, Cal Fire and the Cal Offce of Emergency Services transmited many wireless emergency alert messages to cell phones from Cabazon to Blythe with alternative phone numbers for anyone experiencing trouble accessing 911.
Further, the County is “exploring additional campaigns and outreach websites or social media platforms “to communicate how to contact 911 if one part of the system fails.”
The Sherif’s Ofce website has information on
how to contact 911 if voice communication options are not working. The Sherif’s Ofce stresses, “Call if you can, TEXT if you can’t.”
One can contact 911 emergency centers using text functions if necessary. The Sherif explains that typing “911” in the “To:” line of text will access the center.
The website with more information is available at www.riversidesherif.org/772/911-Dispatch-Communications.
The 911 system originated in 1957, based on a recommendation from the National Association of Fire Chiefs. The frst calls occurred in 1968 and California’s system began emergency service in 1973. The State and County are already working on NextGen 911.
Funding for the 911 system comes from a 30 cent surcharge on monthly telephone bills.
Plenty of shade at Wild Idy & Ferro’s Beer garden, during this year’s 4th of July parade. Photo by Mike Ferro
Ten Propositions on November Ballot
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Editor’s note: Last week, the Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom agreed to ten ballot measures to be on the November ballot. Below is a summary of these measures. In September and October, prior to Election Day, Nov. 5, the Town Crier will write about each proposition in more detail.
Proposition 2
This bond measure would authorize the state to borrow $8.5 billion to modernize K-12 schools and $1.5 billion for community colleges. The authorized borrowing could total $10 billion.
The funding could be used to repair outdated school buildings and to upgrade libraries, heating and cooling systems and broadband internet.
Proposition 3
This is a State constitutional amendment. It would remove the language in the State’s Constitution that defnes marriage as between a man and woman. While federal law permanently enjoins the state from enforcing this constitutional provision, this measure would repeal this unenforceable restriction.
It replaces it with language that states the right to marry is a fundamental right, a broad “right to marry.”
Proposition 4
This bond measure would authorize the state to borrow $10 billion to fnance projects for safe drinking water, drought, flood, and water resilience, wildfre and forest resilience, coastal resilience, extreme heat mitigation, biodiversity and nature-based climate solutions, climate-smart, sustainable, and resilient farms, ranches, and working lands, park creation and outdoor access, and clean air programs.
Proposition 5
This is also a State constitutional amendment. Enactment would make it easier for local governments to approve bonds and tax measures that fund afordable housing and some public infrastructure. Prop 5 would lower the required vote threshold to approve those measures from a two-thirds supermajority to 55%.
Proposition 6
Another State constitutional amendment which would ban involuntary servitude and end mandatory work requirements for state prisoners. The proposed constitutional amendment is part of a reparations package for descendants of African Americans enslaved in the U.S.
Proposition 32
This measure extends the existing law of $15 minimum wage per hour for businesses with 26 or more employees, and $14.00 per hour for smaller businesses, until it reaches $18.00 per hour.
Proposition 33
This initiative would expand local governments’ authority to enact rent control on residential property. Current state law (the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995) generally prevents cities and counties from limiting the initial rental rate that landlords may charge to new tenants in all types of housing. This measure would repeal that state law and would prohibit the state from limiting the right of cities and counties to maintain, enact, or expand residential rent-control ordinances.
Proposition 34
This measure restricts spending by health care providers meeting specifed criteria. Certain health care providers will be required to spend 98% of revenues from federal discount prescription drug program on direct patient care. It will apply only to health care providers that spent more than $100 million in any ten-year period on anything other than direct patient care; and operated multifamily housing with over 500 high-severity health and safety violations. Noncompliance can result in revocation of health care licenses and tax-exempt status.
Proposition 35
This measure would permanently extend the existing tax on managed health care insurance plans, currently set to expire in 2026. This would provide permanent funding for Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid, which pays for health services for low-income residents.
Proposition 36
This initiative allows felony charges and increases sentences for certain drug and thef crimes such as possession of certain drugs, including fentanyl, and for thefs under $950. Currently both are only as misdemeanors—with two prior drug or two prior thef convictions, as applicable. There are also Increased sentences for other specifed drug and thef crimes. This modifes Prop 47, which was approved in 2014 and recategorized some low-level ofenses.
This initiative has the support of most law enforcement ofcials throughout the state, including Riverside County’s Sherif, Chad Bianco, and District Atorney Michael Hestrin.
JAZZ IN THE PINES
Retired Captain Leonard Purvis with the Mayors and Nolan and Norah Terry enjoy the fourth of July festivities
PHOTO BY JOEL FEINGOLD
SPIRITUAL WORKOUT”
“ASK
By Steven Morrison, M.A.
• Editor’s Note: Spiritual Workout is a practice of these 15 concepts: Be Compassionate • Beliefs Mater • Be Present • Choices Abound • Everything Is Energy • Have an Atitude of Gratitude • Intentions Mater • Judgments Separate Us • Listen to Inspiration • Mind & Body Are Connected • Take Responsibility • The Law of Atraction Is Always On • We Are All Connected • We Are Here for a Reason • We Belong to the Planet, Not the Planet to Us. More at spiritualworkout.com.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
I have a friend who is very negative and likes to challenge what I say with a “Debbie Downer” reply. How do I handle this?
So many directions to go in here, but I’d start with choices and intentions. First, what are you choosing by having a friend who is negative and doesn’t listen (I’ll assume Friend is soliciting what you’re ofering)? If you haven’t dumped the downer, reminding your Self about why you choose to have them in your life — and there are ofen all kinds of reasons — would put you back in control of your part of the dynamic. Friend is very negative, but I keep them around for this and that reason. Now, sorry not sorry, you can’t complain because you’ve made a conscious choice! Then there’s the larger question of the kinds of friends you want to have in general. Maybe it’s time for an intention for some new ones?
Dear Spiritual Workout:
I’m feeling so overwhelmed with so many fears these days — my own and those of others. How can I put these fears aside?
Puting fears “aside” is not good conscious practice. Where is “aside” anyway? Everything is energy and the energy of the fear will fester if it is not encouraged to move. Because of that bugger the law of atraction, most people would not purposely create more fear but that’s what “puting it aside” does. Beter practice would be to use the fear as a springboard into something that’s desired. For example, my fear of geting sick might compel me to create an intention for vibrant physical health. Now I’m thinking about being strong and healthy instead of being sick. Now I’m atracting what I want, not what I fear.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
I have the best problem ever: time, space, and funding to pursue what I want to do. But I have no idea what I want to do!
You’d be surprised by how ofen I hear this “complaint.” When people say they don’t know what they want, I usually ask if they have ten minutes. What almost always happens is that within two or three minutes we have identifed one or more things that they want to be, do, or have. What trips everyone up, though — to the point that they can’t even articulate a desire that is literally right there — is a family of beliefs they have about what is and isn’t possible. Sure, they might say, I want to be a dancer, but “it’s not realistic” or “it’s just too scary” or “it’s too late” or “nobody will accept me as that.” From here we focus on creating a dancer intention that feels good (foot on the gas) and get busy undoing those non-serving beliefs (foot of the brake). In time, it’s all gas and no brake and then someone is dancing in ways that delight.
Steven’s Note: Let’s communicate more directly! Starting now, please send your questions and comments to “dearspiritualworkout@spiritualworkout.com.” That includes any that pertain to previously published q’s and a’s.
•
•
Julia’s Trail Tales Part 3:
The Tramily
Big Bear mile-266 -> Aqua Dulce mile 454.5
By Holly Parsons Contributor
Julia is a 17-year-old PCT hiker from Seatle, Washington during the summer prior to her senior year in high school. I was her driver on several occasions in Idyllwild and found her thoughts refreshingly unvarnished, colorful and succinct. She is by far the youngest PCT hiker I’ve met. She agreed to provide her story hiking one of America’s most awe-inspiring and challenging trails… updating this column regularly.
What were your experiences on the hike from Big Bear mile 266 – to Wrightwood mile 342?
“I’m having a good time, it’s hard on my feet. So far, the heat and bugs are all manageable. I’m honestly having a blast + I formed an alliance with a tramily.”
“Before we get to that story, Kae [trail name Walmart] and I stayed at Kenney’s place in Big Bear then headed out. Still prety far from Wrightwood, we hiked right through deep creek hot springs – a nude hot spring. Walmart and I paddled around a litle and got cooled of. Afer spending the night camping outside the Joshua Inn, we ate a huge breakfast. This impacted hiking all day – learning curve moment.
I’d never eaten at a McDonalds before – and found it a touch disappointing. The nuggets I could leave behind, but the chocolate chip cookies, I liked.
It was here, at the McDonalds outside Wrightwood where we met Jailbait [Joe], Shirley (Jason) Produce (Etienne), Cold Snap (Erik), Sleeping Beauty and Cody. Together with Walmart and me, we united to become a trail family of eight.
The hike to Wrightwood was arduous. McDonalds was at 3068’ altitude. To get to Wrightwood we journeyed up to 8243’, before descending into town where we got a large cabin all together. Wrightwood was lovely…and we made it to the farmers market, my very favorite place. I spent $50 there on fruit, bubble tea, and hummus, I also got a charcuterie tray which was delicious. I spent way too much on that, don’t tell anyone.
My biggest challenge continues to be my feet. They hurt all night and especially in the early hours, so I’m not on a nightly sleep cycle. Most of my rest happens during our daily three-hour afernoon siesta – that’s when my feet re-set and I’m ready to go for the rest of the day. It’s weird.
Doing chores in our cabin in Wrightwood was blissfully straight forward compared to the problem solving involved on trail. In addition to doing all my laundry, I fnally got to a hairdresser. She spent two hours detangling, washing and re-braiding my curly hair. Three weeks with only rinses… it felt so good!
Oh! But I should tell you a bit about Wee Vill and Hikertown. We had a blast in Wee Vill, just eating and planning and talking all day. By now we were six, Shirley and Cold Snap took a break for various reasons and would re-join us in Tehachapi.
As we were leaving Wee Vill heading to Hikertown where the trail starts again, two cars stopped and offered us six a ride. A man in a car by himself, followed by his wife driving three kids in the next car. When his two girls saw that there was a girl in a throng of guy hikers, they FREAKED OUT and started chanting that they wanted to meet me.
The wife asked if I would ride with them, and it was the best, most adorable car ride ever. The kids were absolute angels — twin girls and a younger boy. The girls were just SO beyond excited that a girl was out hiking with all the boys. I told them all about my hike and asked about their school and everything going on in their lives.
I’m beyond grateful that I got to meet that family and got to seem like a cool (hopefully inspiring?) young woman to litle girls - made me happier than I ever imagined!
We regrouped with our tramily at Hikertown. Jailbait was wired from drinking two Baja Blasts and was itching to leave. But Martha, one of the owners of Hikertown, generously made conversation and made us all ice cream cones! Cody insisted on scooping them for her, which I thought was hilarious — he’s so polite. I was cracking up watching Jailbait get more and more antsy to leave. I think we were already almost two hours behind schedule. We used the facilities, applied
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.
sunscreen, took pictures, and set out. I think that day, including the seven-mile morning hike to Wee Vill, before we were to begin the Mohave Desert challenge — is my favorite day on trail so far.
What about your trek to Aqua Dulce mile 454.5Arriving in Acton we stayed at the RV campground – Walmart and I shared a TP which was very cool. We had a lovely meal and enjoyed a great conversation with the chef at the “Forty-Niners Saloon.”
About 10 miles outside of Aqua Dulce I found I had a serious blister – I decided to call Dr Dad. Afer considerable consultation I received specifc instructions to get to urgent care. I covered the blister with Neosporin and a band-aid, kept hiking, and it was better every day.
“For the next two nights we camped in the desert discussing our next adventure. How to make the diffcult 49-mile crossing through the Mohave Desert, eventually arriving in Tehachapi? Heat and water would be our biggest problems. We knew there is only one water spicket on the CA Aqueduct. Night hiking through the deepest hotest part of the desert, covering 41 miles in 24 hours, with each of the six of us carrying fve liters of water seemed the obvious decision and our greatest challenge. Fortunately we thought, moonlight was assured.”
Stay tuned for next week’s installment…
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The IDYLLWILD TOWN CRIER (USPS 635260) is published weekly by AVALON MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING, LLC, PUBLISHER, P.O. Box 157, 54440 N. Circle Dr. Unit F, Idyllwild, CA 92549. Standard postage paid at Idyllwild, CA. Send subscription and change of address requests to the above address. Please allow up to two weeks for requests to take effect.
From left: Julia, Walmart, Cody, Joe, Sleeping Beauty. Center: Jailbait
PHOTO BY MARTHA OF HIKERTOWN
Laundry day, Julia wearing her tent.
PHOTO BY WALMART
Editor’s note: Organizations, please read your listings carefully and email suzanne@towncrier.com with any changes.
Wednesday, July 10
• 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.
Thursday, July 11
• Fit Afer 50, 10-11 a.m. Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St.
• AA discussion & birthdays, noon. St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, 25525 Tahquitz Dr.
Sheriff’s log
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls
IDYLLWILD
• June 28 — Public disturbance, 9:01 a.m. 52000 block of Idyllmont Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 28 — Suspicious person, 10:30 a.m. 55000 block of Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.
• June 28 — Alarm call, 11:54 a.m. 55000 block of Encino Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 28 — Burglary, 3:24 p.m. 26000 block of Saddle Dr. Report taken.
• June 28 — Public disturbance, 5:20 p.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 28 — Trespassing, 9:58 p.m. 26000 block of Hwy. 243. Handled by deputy.
• June 29 — Public disturbance, 2:06 p.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 29 — Missing person, 7:16 p.m. 25000 block of Hwy. 243. Handled by deputy.
• June 30 — Suspicious cir-
• 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, July 12
• 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
• AA meeting, 5:30 p.m. Ark of Light, 54445 N. Circle Dr. (behind Idyllwild Acupuncture)
Saturday, July 13
• American Legion Post 800 meeting, 10 a.m. Post 800, 54360 Marian View 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 Tahquitz Dr.
• Dog Park Saturdays, 3-4 p.m. Rick Barker Dog Park, 26375
cumstance, 9:23 a.m. 54000 block of Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.
• June 30 — Missing person, 11:23 a.m. 25000 block of Hwy. 243. Report taken.
• June 30 — Civil dispute, 7:02 p.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• July 1 — Alarm call, 1:42 a.m. 54000 block of Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.
• July 1 — Suspicious vehicle, 8:43 a.m. 55000 block of Scenic Dr. Handled by deputy.
• July 1 — Vehicle theft, 11:13 a.m. 54000 block of Pine Crest Ave. Report taken.
• July 1 — Area check, 8 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• July 2 — Suspicious person, 1:32 a.m. 25000 block of Hemstreet Pl. Handled by deputy.
• July 2 — Burglary, 5:15 a.m. 26000 block of Hwy. 243. Report taken.
• July 2 — Follow-up, 7:26 a.m. Address withheld. Handled by deputy.
• July 2 — 911 call from business, 9:08 a.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• July 2 — Alarm call, 11:35 a.m. 54000 block of Adams
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, July 14
• 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, July 15
• Fit Afer 50, noon-1 p.m. Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St.
• Codependents Anon, 6 p.m. Zoom. Call Mary, 951-6344048.
Tuesday, July 16
• Riverside County Board of Supervisors, 9:30 a.m. Board Chambers, 4080 Lemon St., First Floor, Riverside.
Dr. Handled by deputy.
• July 2 — Public disturbance, 4:55 p.m. 26000 block of Delano Dr. Handled by deputy.
• July 4 — Alarm call, 8:01 a.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• July 4 — Animal abuse, 10:49 a.m. 54000 block of Ridgeview Dr. Handled by deputy.
• July 4 — Alarm call, 6:36 p.m. 26000 block of Pine Dell Rd. Handled by deputy.
• July 4 — Follow-up, 7:14 p.m. Address withheld. Handled by deputy.
• July 4 — Follow-up, 7:46 p.m. Address withheld. Handled by deputy.
• July 5 — Public disturbance, 12:29 a.m. 25000 block of Hwy. 243. Handled by deputy.
• July 5 — Suspicious person, 2:50 a.m. 54000 block of Village Center Dr. Handled by deputy.
• July 5 — Alarm call, 3:11 a.m. 54000 block of Marian View Dr. Handled by deputy.
• July 6 — Alarm call, 3:34 a.m. 54000 block of Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.
• July 6 — Vandalism, 3:16 p.m. 55000 block of San Jacinto Rd. Handled by dep-
• Fit Afer 50, 10-11 a.m. Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St.
• 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.
• 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, July 17
• 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.
uty.
• July 6 — Public assist, 5:13 p.m. 54000 block of Linger Ln. Handled by deputy.
• July 8 — Alarm call, 4:25 a.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• July 8 — Alarm call, 5:07 a.m. 26000 block of Hwy. 243. Handled by deputy.
MOUNTAIN CENTER
• July 6 — Public assist, 8:59 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
PINE COVE
• July 7 — Battery, 6:14 p.m. 25000 block of Wrightwood Dr. Handled by deputy.
PINE MEADOWS
• June 29 — Unknown trouble, 9:16 a.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• July 5 — Missing person, 10:14 a.m. 59000 block of Courtesy Dr. Unfounded.
• July 7 — Alarm call, 9:37 p.m. 37000 block of Gold Shot Creek Rd. Handled by deputy.
St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, 25525 Tahquitz Dr.
• Fit Afer 50, noon-1 p.m. Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St.
• 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.
• Idyllwild Help Center, 26330
POPPET FLATS
• July 4 — Area check, 8:55 p.m. 46000 block of Poppet Flats Rd. Handled by deputy.
• July 5 — Alarm call, 3:22 a.m. 46000 block of Poppet Flats Rd. Handled by deputy.
• July 5 — Public disturbance, 5:46 p.m. 46000 block of Poppet Flats Rd. Report taken.
SAN BERDO NAT FORS
• June 28 — Area check, 6:12 a.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 28 — Area check, 6:38 a.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 28 — Public disturbance, 3:23 p.m. 27000 block of Saunders Meadow Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 29 — 911 call, 1:36 p.m. 56000 block of E. Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.
• June 29 — Suicide threat, 3:04 p.m. Address withheld. Unfounded.
• June 29 — Assist other department, 3:12 p.m. 67000 block of Ribbonwood Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 30 — 911 call from business, 4:04 p.m. 56000 block of Apple Canyon Rd. Handled by deputy.
Town Crier Membership Application:
NAME(S): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hwy. 243, 10 a.m.-noon & 1-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri. 659-2110.
• Idyllwild Library, 54401 Village Center Dr., Strawberry Creek Plaza, 11 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.
• July 1 — 911 call from business, 4:43 p.m. 56000 block of Apple Canyon Rd. Handled by deputy.
• July 2 — 911 call from business, 6:01 p.m. 56000 block of Apple Canyon Rd. Handled by deputy.
• July 4 — Alarm call, 10:15 a.m. 61000 block of E. Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.
• July 4 — 911 call from business, 11:28 a.m. 58000 block of Apple Canyon Rd. Handled by deputy.
• July 5 — Public assist, 4:32 p.m. 58000 block of Apple Canyon Rd. Handled by deputy.
• July 6 — Vandalism, 5:31 a.m. 56000 block of E. Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.
• July 6 — Brandishing a weapon, 6:34 a.m. 51000 block of Quail Dr. Report taken.
• July 6 — Assist other department, 8:29 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• July 6 — Battery, 10:25 p.m. 56000 block of E. Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.
• July 7 — 911 call, 10:11 p.m. 22000 block of Eagles Nest Dr. Handled by deputy.
• July 8 — Alarm call, 12:19 a.m. 24000 block of Hwy. 243. 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 – $_______
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• Subscriptions to both printed and online issues of the Town Crier.
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• 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.
Golf
Idyllwild’s Palms to Pines Golf Association played its regular monthly tournament on the Menifee Lakes (Lakes Course) on Friday, June 21. The day was clear and warm and the course was in good shape. If you’re a golfer from Idyllwild or off the hill, and want to join the club, we welcome new members! Please see membership Info at the end of this story.
In the A-flight tourney, Henry Gutierrez and Dennis Chavez shot net 75s to tie for first place; Gary Brown and Dave Tilton shot net 77s to tie for third place, and Jim Crandall shot net 79 to round out the top five.
In the B-Flight, made up of golfers with handicap indexes of 19 or higher as of August, Pete Capparelli shot net 68 for first place; Lee Arnson shot net 76 for second; Chris Kramer shot net 78 for third; David Hiemenz shot net 80 for fourth, and Jim Sullivan shot net 82 for fifth.
The closest to the pin winners on the five par 3s were Pete Capparelli on #3; Jim Crandall on #8; Dennis Chavez on #13; and Henry Gutierrez on #17.
The top eight point finishers of the year in each division go into playoffs in August, September and October to determine the Club Champions. A member has to compete in at least five regular season tournaments in order to qualify for the playoffs. The champs goes on to play in the Southern California Tournament of Club Champions in December.
Palms to Pines Golf Association plays a tournament off the Hill once a month at a different golf course. The games are usually played on the third Friday of the month, but may be adjusted for holidays and such. Tournament fees range from about $50 to usually no more than $75, and the fees include green fees, tournament entry fees, golf cart and range balls. Guests usually pay $10 less, unless they want to compete for the closest to the pin contests on the par 3s.
The club is a member of the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) and is sanctioned to establish handicaps for members.
To join the club, simply go to the Palms to Pines Golf Club area on the SCGA membership portal. Here’s the link: https://membership.scga.org/start/join/?cid=724
Or for more information, contact Jim Crandall at jimidy3@gmail.com (951) 265-5732, or Pete Capparelli at pete@capparelli.com (951) 452-5552.
County School Trustee Censured
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
At its June 26 meeting, the County Board of Education censured trustee Bruce Dennis, whose 4th District includes Idyllwild and the Hill.
In April, Sandra Martinez Ortiz, an employee of the County’s Education Ofce for 20 years, and her atorneys alleged that Dennis sexually harassed Ortiz, discriminated against her because of her gender, and retaliated against her for addressing his behavior and denying his business expenses.
The Board had a private investigator review the complaint. Based on this review, actions were taken against Dennis, despite his plea of innocence and response that Ortiz misunderstood his actions.
At the County Board of Education meeting, on June 4, the Board created an Ad Hoc commitee to review and to propose any further action. Earlier in the meeting, his colleagues removed Dennis from his position as vice president of the Board. Both steps were unanimously approved, and Dennis abstained.
At the June 26 meeting, the Board took further and more stringent actions.
They formally censured Dennis. Later in the meeting, they removed him as the Riverside County representative of the California school Boards Association. Next, they voted to provide no more travel funding to Dennis.
A censure is considered a formal reprimand and creates distance between a public agency and its members’ actions or behavior. Unanimously, the Board formally censured Dennis due to the allegations, investigation, and fndings of a recent complaint.
The Censure statement said, “Trustee Dennis is hereby censured for personal violations of the Riverside County Board of Education Policies governing professional behavior.”
It also directed Dennis “not to engage in one-on-one discussions with any employee of the Board or the Offce of the County Superintendent of Schools and to limit his contact with the Superintendent.”
Dennis was appointed to the Board in 2011. He won his frst election, for re-election, a year later and has subsequently been re-elected in 2016, 2020, and in March this year.
Later in the meeting, the Board unanimously approved replacing Dennis as its representative to the California School Boards Association where he has served three terms. They also agreed to prohibit him from traveling or atending conferences as an ofcial representative of the County’s Board of Education.
Throughout this period, Dennis has denied the allegations, “There was no harassment. This is a personality diference between her and I.”
He shared these thoughts with the Town Crier, “While I respect and will follow the Board’s censure motion adopted today, I will remain on the board continuing to be a zealous advocate of the parents and students seeking beter educational opportunities for Riverside County.”
This is the ofcial statement from the Board. “The Riverside County Ofce of Education takes all maters involving Title IX complaints and sexual harassment seriously.
“The Riverside County Superintendent of Schools and the Division of Personnel Services immediately initiated an investigation when a complaint was received in April 2024 alleging misconduct by a member of the Riverside County Board of Education. Sustained allegations, within the scope of the Board policy, were addressed immediately. . .
“The Riverside County Ofce of Education is commited to providing a work environment free of unlawful harassment and discrimination to ensure that employees can successfully carry out the mission of the organization.”
Matter of Fact
Our coverage of congressional candidate Will Rollins’s campaign event at the Rustic Theater contained an error. We stated that his frst job out of high school was as an intern in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s gubernatorial campaign. Rollins was a full-time paid stafer doing press and advance work for the governor. We regret the error.
Bruce Dennis
New Acting Classes in Idyllwild
By David Jerome Correspondent
Sammy
Busby offers
acting classes at Hilltop Music and Acting Studio for adults and teens.
He is calling his enterprise
SHB Acting Studio, using his initials and making a nod to his training at New York City’s HB Studio with Uta Hagan, whose book A Challenge for the Actor will be the text for the classes.
The classes will culminate in a “scene night” with extracts from plays, complete with an afer-party.
The workshop will lay the groundwork for a mini outdoor theater festival at the end of summer.
“I want to give people, regardless of their level of acting experience, the opportunity to study the techniques of Uta Hagan. For anybody who has the dream of acting, even if it’s a dream they have hidden, to make it real. It’s all positive reinforcement here.”
He recalls emotional moments in his own training that he does not want his students to experience themselves. Busby has often been cast as a “heavy” in films and TV, but is gentle in real life, and the techniques he uses keep real life and acting in perspective.
Busby is a huge Tennessee Wiliams fan, and one of his goals is bringing the playwright’s work to audiences. “My favorite play of all times is A Streetcar Named Desire, it’s an absolute masterpiece.” Busby decided that the best
way to share Williams’ work would be to teach his plays, get people to act in his plays, and produce them. “Happily, as soon as I began puting this out there, Mary Morse of Spirit Mountain Retreat contacted me and said, ‘I have this wonderful outdoor space and I want to start doing plays.’“ An annual festival is in the works, starting this August, with plans for a major play and two oneacts. This quick move from private dream to shared project is “one of the great things about living in a small town. Not only is it easy to find people to help you, but there are also countless people who are so excited to help with set construction, lighting, sound, it’s a walk in the park compared to doing it in New York City.”
Busby is originally from “the southernmost tip of Alabama, Mobile.” His father acted in community theater there, and Sammy found himself acting in high school. He won an acting scholarship to Birmingham-Southern College. He tried for a few years to be a rock star, and in 1990 lef
the deep south for Washington D.C., where he worked with the animal rights organization, PETA. Eventually, he joined the thousands of struggling actors in New York City to follow his dream. He stayed eight years, took any role he could, and studied with Uta Hagan at HB Studio in the West Village, and George Loros at the Lee Strasberg Institute. Eventually, he realized that he could learn to act in New York, but to really work he would need to go to LA. On the West Coast, he began geting cast immediately. He has been there for over 20 years and continues to be cast in roles in film and on television, ofen as a gun-toting or bad guy. He is still auditioning. Like or follow SHB Acting Studio on Facebook. Contact Sammy Busby at (323) 810-9150. Hilltop Music and Acting Studio is in the Collective, 54440 North Circle Dr. Classes for adults are Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30p.m., and classes for teens are Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m.
Final Year of Jazz in the Pines Honors Dr. Marshall Hawkins with John Daversa’s Big Band
By David Jerome Correspondent
The 30th anniversary Jazz in the Pines Festival, billed as the final year, continues until July 13, but Saturday’s concert, with John Daversa and his Big Band, was presented as the headliner. This year’s festival celebrates the life and work of Idyllwild Arts Academy Jazz program and festival founder Dr. Marshall Hawkins, and the memory of guitarist Bob Boss.
Academy President Pamela Jordan, in her opening remarks, spoke of the academy’s statues as the nation’s premier boarding high school for music and the arts, its 300 students drawn from 30 countries and 22 states, the importance of the festival throughout the years as a fundraiser for scholarships, and of Hawkins as a friend that all had gathered to lif up and recognize.
Originally from LA, John Daversa now lives in Miami, where he is Chair of Studio Music and Jazz at the University of Miami Frost School of Music. His 2018 album American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Music of Freedom won three Grammys. Daversa has appeared in previous festivals with his big band and smaller ensemble, and has also been a key part of the Academy’s Summer Jazz Clinics for many years. The concert opened with a group from the clinic performing a piece they had composed together during the week, the kind of pressure-cooker collaboration that is fundamental to jazz. This integration of festival and clinic is the culmination of Hawkin’s vision.
The concert was a performance of Daversa’s 2016 album Kaleidescope Eyes: Music of the Beatles. More than arrangements, these were orchestral pieces derived from the familiar songs. Ofen long passages lead slowly into sections based on some detail of the originals. Litle inflections form the old recordings, details that go by in a flash but dwell on in our memories, are amplified and multiplied, taking on a life of their own. Beautiful and ethereal textures alternate with rich orchestration and propulsive solo sections.
Daversa’s 20-piece jazz orchestra had 4 trumpets with some doubling on flugelhorn, 4 trombones, 5 saxes doubling on flutes and clarinets, bass, guitar, drums and string quartet. Daversa himself conducted with spirit style and precision and took solos on trumpet and electronic valve instrument.
Several songs featured vocalist Maiya Sykes, a captivating performer with a voice that handles whispers to roars. Classically trained, she also studied with Nina Simone. Sykes made “Do You Want to Know a Secret” unforgetable.
For more information about Jazz in the Pines visit idyllwildarts.org/jazz-in-thepines.
Historians know that people found ways to have thrilling, high-speed rides long before the invention of the roller coaster. But the thing that people rode was not originally designed for playing around. It was designed to help people do hard, dangerous work.
Oh no! The end of this article has been torn of!
One of these early thrill rides was “Gravity Road” in the mountains of Pennsylvania. It was really mining carts designed to deliver coal from the mines down a steep mountainside to boats in a canal.
Use the Kid Scoop Wonderland Amusement Park map to fnd the letters for each of the code numbers to complete the mystery news story.
How? Just follow the Decoder Directions below for clues.
Figure out what mystery letter each number stands for by following the clues in order using the Kid Scoop Wonderland map.
From the Main Entrance Gate, go to the frst ride just north of the entrance. This mystery letter is the sixth letter of the second word of the ride’s name.
Head to the southwest corner of the park. The mystery letter is the one that’s frst in both words of this ride’s name. =
From that ride, head north to Tia’s Tacos. This mystery letter is the last letter of the ride’s name located just east of Tia’s.
From there, head east to Timber Games. This mystery letter is the third letter of the attraction north of Timber Games.
Now, head west. The mystery letter is the ffth letter in that spinning ride’s name.
Head north to Pizza Plaza. Then, head northeast to have a refreshing drink. The mystery letter is the frst letter of this stand’s name.
Go northwest and take the Sky Tram to the northeast corner of the park. Get a scoop at the spot just south of the tram station. The next mystery letter is the frst letter of the second word in this stand’s name.
Next, go west of
Go south to the shop. The mystery letter is the frst
Main Entrance Gate
Timber Games MegaMaze
Snack Shack
Haunted House Chicken
Ice Cream Corner
Souvenirs
Tram
Subs
© 2024 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jef Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 40,
Summer Concert Series Brings More Great Music to Idyllwild
By David Jerome Correspondent
Idyllwild’s free Summer Concert series continues its 25th anniversary season Thursday, July 11 with Sherry Williams and Friends, backed by an orchestra led by series founder Ken Dahleen. Next week, on the 18th, series veterans SouthBound and Company will bring their classic rock tribute, Double Shot. Sandii Castleberry and Lily McCabe will open that show.
Sherry Williams has been part of Idyllwild’s jazz experience for many years. She has graced the Summer Concert Series many times, as well as Jazz in the Pines and Master Chorale concerts. Her friends are fellow vocalists Nicolas Beard and Yve Evans. Beard, who she compares to Lou Rawls and Joe Williams, works out of San Jose. Evans, who lives in San Bernardino, always touches Idyllwild audiences with her soul, humor, and musicianship. They will be bringing their considerable talents and beloved, infectious chemistry to a mix of big band favorites and blues.
SouthBound and Company fields a number of different shows, all of which have appeared in the Summer Concert Series. They have tributes to Buddy Holly, Credence Clearwater Revival, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and their Double Shot Classic Rock, which we will hear at the Buterfield Amphitheater next week.
The Crier spoke with SouthBound and Company frontman Daryl Reed to hear about the band he is bringing up with him this summer. Their Classic Rock Double Shot has 5 members; 2 guitars, Bass, Drums, and keys. Daryl, on vocals and guitar, occasionally adds sax or harmonica. Michael Finn joins
him on guitar, Steve Gronki, on bass, Mike Hunter on drums, and Patrick Vargas on keys. Like all our visiting performers they look forward to our cooler temperatures. “We did a gig last Saturday in Palm Desert that was 108.”
This will be their fifh visit, and their second time at the Buterfield Amphitheater. Reed said he enjoyed the big stage and the catwalk he prowled last year. “We love playing up there in Idyllwild, the people are always super fun and engaging, it’s such a beautiful area to be able to play for. The Buterfield Amphitheater is just an awesome venue. That stage was killer, running out on that catwalk. I loved it. There’s gigs you remember, that one I really remember.”
Sandii Castleberry will be opening the show with Lily McCabe, performing songs from what she calls the “Great Americana Songbook;” KD Lang, Joni Mitchell, and Alison Kraus, to name a few. Expect to hear a litle bluegrass and blues as well.
Sandii says her first time on the Summer Concert roster was in 2004, when the concerts happened in San Jacinto State Park. In addition to celebrating several of her own birthdays on stage, she fondly recalls the time Lisa Haley of the Zydekats asked her and her friends to join them on stage.
This will be the second year with nine concerts. The series began with just four concerts in 2000 and five in 2001. The Summer Concerts are always free and open to all. They are supported entirely by donations, with this year’s budget for nine shows $49,000. Founder Dahleen told the audience at the July 4 season opening concert that the first series began when he and three friends all kicked in $500 each to get the ball rolling. He still begins each year on a wing and
For Rent
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. Services
�—John Quincy Adams
House for rent, 2 bd. 2 ba, with loft . 1100 square feet, Washer/Dryer. Semi/ Partially Furnished No pets. $1750 per month plus deposit. Call 951488-8482.
Lost and Found
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.
GREEN WOOD - Get ready for next winter! Hard Mix $345/ cord; Hard and Soft Mix $325/cord; Green Pine $285/cord. 909800-1352.
HANDYWORK Light electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, etc. I fix stuff. Reasonable rates. Regina Caron 915-315-1887.
BARTENDER Available for weddings, parties, gatherings of all kinds. 33 yrs experience. Reasonable rates. Regina Caron 951-315-1887.
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 951-260-7137.
“HELP! Start your own business, making and selling Facsuits. See Facsuit. com. Support@facsuit.com or 951 6590004 for details.”
a prayer, trusting the generosity of locals to get the bills paid. Donations can be made either at the concert when the “hat” is passed, or by sending a check, payable to “Idyllwild Summer Concert Org,” to PO Box 1542, Idyllwild CA 92549-1542. Or call (760)4134638.
Sherry Williams and Friends, 7 p.m. Thursday July 11, SouthBound and Company with Sandii Castleberry and Lily McCabe, Thursday July 18 at 6:05. Buterfield Amphitheater, 54201 Ridgeview Drive, access through the Idyllwild Community Center Playground Parking lot on Highway 243 just south of town.
951-315-8337 Ethan Allen solid oak pedestal dining room set with leaf. 44” round, 64” x 44” with leaf. Comes with table pads. Refinished in early american stain. 4 upholstered chairs. Excel. Condition. $299. Available to see 6/287/6. 619-990-5282.
75 years ago - 1949
A committee was chosen to supervise building the new Presbyterian Community Church next to the manse.
70 years ago - 1954
A 25-year-old Thermal man drowned while swimming in Lake Fulmor. He was the lake’s first victim.
65 years ago - 1959
The Chamber put on a hugely successful chuckwagon dinner outside Town Hall. It was reported that 462 people passed down the serving line.
60 years ago - 1964
Sixty residents petitioned county supervisors to set up a temporary animal shelter in Idyllwild.
Past Tense creature corner
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats and dogs shared the benefits of having a pet in the home.
Smokey: Eeyore told me he heard a human saying his dog didn’t need exercise in this hot weather. That can’t be right!
Pepper: Correct! Dogs and cats need exercise, even when the weather is very hot.
Stretch: I hope someone tells the dog guardian that swimming in safe water, and predawn or late evening walks are great for outdoor exercise.
55 years ago - 1969
Potential home buyers might have looked at the “real rustic,” fully furnished, two-bedroom cabin listed for sale in Pine Cove at $10,500.
50 years ago - 1974
Wilderness rangers packed in supplies and equipment for Larkette Lein, 21, spending her summer as the lookout atop Tahquitz Peak.
45 years ago - 1979
A 21-year-old climber plunged to his death while scaling the north face of Lily Rock.
40 years ago - 1984
The Town Crier summed up the weather year (ending June 30), calling it a “mixed bag.”
Whiskey: Give me a special pool made for dogs, or even a basic kiddie pool and I’m a happy camper.
Eeyore: One dog guardian said she takes her dog outside in the early morning or late evening and throws her a ball under a tree. Great exercise and not too hot!
Henri: How do you cats get exercise in this heat?
Pepper: It is generally a litle easier to exercise cats in summer because cats should be indoors, for starters.
Harley: And I know I get exercise indoors by hunting food hidden by my guardian. Sometimes she hides it in a paper bag. I have to wrestle with it to get to the kibble. It’s fun, and I get my exercise.
Whiskey: But I imagine it is ofen warm in the house.
Eeyore: If there is no air conditioning, it probably is. Maybe guardians could wait to play games with their pets in the morning or later evening when it’s cooler.
Smokey: I personally am not a fan of playing in water, but it does sound cooling.
Eeyore: Some cats like water, and I hope those who do are given the opportunity to splash around!
Harley: Who knows? Maybe the household dog and cat will play in water together!
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 10-2, and during the week by appointment. Please call 951-659-1122.
Even though the moisture total was average at 25.90 inches of rain, less than 5 inches of snowfall was recorded.
35 years ago - 1989
The owner of the dirt lot in the center of town leased it for use as a pay parking lot pending approval of plans to
build what would become “The Fort” on the lot.
30 years ago - 1994
A severe summer storm caused spectacular lightning strikes that started at least 14 fires. Most were small, but two were serious. The Palm Fire destroyed 14 structures in the Pinyon area and the Lake Hemet Fire caused the campground to be evacuated.
25 years ago - 1999
Idyllwild Arts Academy was celebrating its 50th Summer Program season.
20 years ago - 2004
A reception for an art exhibit honoring Idyllwild artist Dorothy “Dot”
Swain Lewis was held in the Krone Library at the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Lewis, a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II, exhibited her sculpture of a WASP.
15 years ago - 2009
In what promised to be the fi rst of several “public art” installations in Idyllwild, local sculptors Dore Capitani and Jan Jaspers-Fayer and friends installed “Girl Reading a Dickens Book” at the site of the previous Jonathan LaBenne Tree Monument on Village Center Drive. The six-color, powder-coated steel, two-dimensional, 8-foot sculpture was later moved to the new Idyllwild Library site
10 years ago - 2014
Lost hiker found but not before signal fire got out of control.
5 years ago - 2019
The Idyllwild Laser-light Show attracted another huge crowd to Idyllwild Park on the evening of July 4. The people came out to support the fun event and cheered on from the streets. Gary Kuscher, Chic Fojtik and Daystar Lasers International organized the amazing event.
1 years ago - 2023
Tom Hynes and Bob Boss performed for Idyllwild Arts’ Jazz in the Pines at Café Aroma on Thursday night.
Kitten a
Kitten b
The Idyll-Beast made a special appearance at the Fourth of July Parade
PHOTO BY PETER SZABADI
Some of the Idyllwild Fire Protection District equipment in 1961 at the old station that now houses Stoplight Antiques. Shown are Fire Chief Bill Bratton and Lloyd Wood. FILE PHOTO
LIVE MUSIC
Euphoria Brass Band played at FERRO on July 4th.
PHOTO BY PETER SZABADI
Matt Wilson tends the bar at The Collective on Saturday,
PHOTO BY MIKE FERRO