Vol. 79, No. 41 edition of the Idyllwild Town Crier by Idyllwild Town Crier

Joey Acuña seeking AD 36 seat

Gonzalez seeks AD 36

Wallis seeks re-election, déjà vu November 2022

IAA extends invitation to community for Indigenous Peoples Day events

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Local mystery author Jolie Tunnel inspired by Idyllwild history

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Electricity rebates appear on October bills

By JP Crumrine Correspondent

The second of two Climate Credits for customers will be on Southern California Edison’s October bill. This credit, just as April’s, is for $86.

This will be identified as either “CA Climate Credit” or “California Climate Credit” or “Small Business Climate Credit” on your bill.

Since 2014, California’s large investor-owned utility customers have been recipients of the Climate Credit. Customers do not have to do anything to receive the credit.

The amount of the credit depends on the utility provider and the market prices for the greenhouse emission allowances. For example, Pacific Gas and Electric customers will receive a $55.17 credit this month.

The California Climate Credit is funded by the state’s Greenhouse Gas Cap and Trade Program aiming to lower greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and other big industries. The program was created by the California Air Resources board and the credit is managed by the California Public Utilities Commission.

In 2006, the legislature enacted Assembly Bill 32, California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which authorized the Cap-and-Trade program to reduce air pollution in the State.

The Cap-and-Trade Program requires major air polluters, e.g., power plants, fuel suppliers, and greenhouse emitting large industrial facilities to “buy carbon pollution allowances from auctions managed by the California Air Resources Board.”

The revenue from the emission allowances is used either to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions or to help utility customers with the cost of their electric or natural gas bills. The latter is the California Climate Credit.

The overall intent is to reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions to 40 % below the 1990 levels by 2030. In 2017, former Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 398, which extended much of the goals and authorities of AB 32 until 2030.

Mobile homes, net energy metering customers or those who have solar and/or an electric vehicle will be eligible for the credit too. Solar power will not affect one’s eligibility or amount of credit. If one owns a second home, both are eligible.

Investor-owned utility customers receive a separate California Climate Credit on both their electric and natural gas bills. The amount of the credit depends on your specific utility and market prices for greenhouse gas emission allowances. Currently, all residential and qualifying small business electricity SCE customers receive the credit.

Since 2014, SCE customers have received a total of $806 in Climate Credits. During most of this period, the annual credit was between $60 and $80. In 2022, it jumped to $118 and was $142 last year.

More information about the CPUC Climate Credit can be found at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/natural-gas/greenhouse-gas-cap-andtrade-program/california-climate-credit.

More information about the Cap-and-Trade program can be found at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/natural-gas/greenhouse-gas-cap-andtrade-program.

Early Warning System plan completed; more funding requested

By JP Crumrine Correspondent

At their Oct. 1 meeting, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved additional funding for an Idyllwild and San Jacinto Mountains Emergency Outdoor Warning System and Travelers’ Information Stations.

The project was originally approved in September 2021. The first phase was planning. The initial amount appropriated for this phase was $88,000. In October 2022, the Board approved an additional $124,981 for planning.

At that time, Idyllwild Fire Chief Mark LaMont said, “They have taken a first step for what will be an absolute beneficial product for those living and visiting the Hill.”

Former Mile High Radio Club President and member, Bill Tell, who was very much involved in the conception of the project, was surprised at the length of the planning. “It’s troubling they’re taking this long, I don’t know why,” he commented.

Four years later, the staff report to the Board, requesting additional funding, indicates that the Phase 1 planning is complete. However, “Due to a delay in obtaining funding and receiving a portion of the anticipated total project costs, the scope of Phase 2 of the Project has been reduced to the procurement and installation of only the TIS [Traveler Information System] equipment.”

The initial Phase 2 was to have included purchase of the emergency warning equipment, too.

The County Facilities Management and Emergency Management Departments, who are responsible for the project, now believe there will be three to five more phases before it is fully operational.

At that time, they will seek a separate contract for its management.

The project was initially conceived ten years ago. In late 2014 during the revision of the original Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the public raised many questions about emergency communications. The Mile High Radio Club used that springboard to develop a strategic plan which proposed the development of this project, including its needs and benefits.

While Idyllwild’s local FM station, WNKI still broadcasts emergency messages and status reports, the mountainous terrain limits its service area.

This system does not replace WNKI, which the Idyllwild Fire Protection District manages, but will extend its coverage and capability north to Poppet Flats and south to Pinyon Pines – along the corridors of Highways 74 and 243.

IFPD will be moving the broadcast location to a new communication site near High Castle, according to LaMont.

Since the Federal Communication Commission licensed WNKI in 1987, many more people now reside throughout the Hill and visitation has become a year-round phenomenon as has fire season.

Friends & family of Delfino Guadalupe Lopez Fajardo, “Lupe”, held a vigil at IDY Park on Tuesday

PHOTO BY JOEL FEINGOLD

High temps returned setting more records

By JP Crumrine Correspondent

“This summer’s weather has been somewhat of a rollercoaster,” was the lead sentence in a weather story two weeks ago! Hang on, the temperatures on the Hill have passed the rollercoaster’s dip and returned to the top again.

From record highs in July and early September to record lows in the middle of September, October has invited the record highs to return.

On Sept. 30, the daytime temperature reached 94 degrees. One day later, Oct. 1, the daytime high was 98 degrees. Both were 5 degrees higher than the previous record for those days, set four years ago, in 2020.

Three days later, on Oct. 4, it reached 89 degrees in Idyllwild, the hottest on this day in 60 years. This was the first of three consecutive days resetting high temperatures recorded in 1964.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, the Hill temperature rose to 94 degrees, another record. The previous high for Oct. 5 was 89 degrees. On Sunday, the daytime high was 92 degrees surpassing the previous record of 89 degrees for Oct 6.

During the night of Oct. 1, the temperature dropped 33 degrees to 65. That was 11 degrees higher than the previous low of 54 degrees, which occurred in 2018.

The next night, Oct. 2, it cooled to 64 degrees, which again was 11 degrees higher than the previous low set in 2012.

And on the night of Oct. 4, the temperature was only 57 degrees, the warmest nighttime for this date since the 55 degree low in 1996.

On Monday, the National Weather Service forecast dropping temperatures during this week. But cooler does not mean fall chilly yet. The forecast predicted “. . . 10 to 15 degrees above average for those areas [portions of the mountains, deserts, and inland valleys] on Wednesday.

“We will yet again be on records watch today as hot temperatures continue across inland areas. . . Monday will be the last day where some places see daily record temperatures before a subtle cooling trend begins by Tuesday,” according to the NWS forecast.

Thursday may be warmer but expect this weekend to be cooler than the record setting days but still slightly above average, according to the NWS.

“Early October was historically hot,” said Daniel Swain, meteorologist and climate scientist at the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at the University of California, Los Angeles, in his Oct. 1 You Tube broadcast. “Very high temperature records in California in early Oct, that is not particularly unusual. . . Seeing the heat wave is not that unusual, it’s the magnitude that counts as well as the breadth and duration This is another remarkable record. . . really anomalously hot temperatures.”

While the heat has been horrendous on the Hill, Phoenix residents are suffering from weeks of record highs. Since summer began, Phoenix has recorded daytime temperatures greater than 110 degrees 67 times.

Locally, Palm Springs reached 117 degrees last week, Swain commented, “. . . as hot or hotter than any place in the U.S. in recorded history.”

“It feels like Augtober,” he added. “

This heat wave peaked continued through the weekend. The NWS had issued heat advisories for the Hill on both Saturday and Sunday.

By Monday, cooler and bearable temperatures returned. There were fewer records set, too. Alex Tardy, of the NWS San Diego office, forecasts a return to higher-than-average temperatures for this coming weekend and the middle of October. Swain also agreed that heat will return after the current cool down.

The precipitation forecast through December shows the chances of a normal rainfall in Southern California are below average.

10/9

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By JP Crumrine Correspondent

Prop 5 less “yes” for more bonds

Proposition 5 Proposition 5 lowers the approval level for local government bonds if their purpose is affordable housing for low- and middle-income residents, or for public infrastructure including roads, water, and fire protection bonds. Currently approval requires a “Yes” vote from, at least, two-thirds of the ballots cast. Prop 5 lowers approval to 55%.

Prop 5 does not authorize any specific borrowing. It simply lowers the approval level for local bond measures for the above purposes.

In addition, if approved, Prop 5 would require that these new bonds have specific accountability conditions, including a citizen’s oversight committee and annual independent financial and performance audits.

The third authorization in the measure allows local governments to assess property taxes above 1% to repay affordable housing and infrastructure bonds if approved by 55% of voters instead of current two-thirds approval requirement.

Fiscal Effect

The Legislative Analyst’s Office does not identify any specific direct financial cost to the State if Prop 5 is approved. But their analysis did estimate that an additional 20 % to 50 % of local bond measures would have passed if Prop 5’s lower voter approval had been in effect.

Consequently, more future local bond measures are likely to pass, and those costs will be assumed by the local jurisdictions where the measure applied.

“The amount of this increase is not clear. Based on recent trends, it could be at least a couple billion dollars over many years. . . These costs would be paid with higher property taxes,” according to the LAO’s analysis. Arguments in favor of approval

Those favoring passage of Prop 5 argue, “We have a massive shortage of affordable housing for low- and middle-income Californians. . . Prop. 5 gives local communities more tools to make housing more affordable.”

“Unlike statewide bond measures, Prop. 5 requires that projects funded by local taxpayers must benefit those taxpayers. It also grants more power to those communities that choose to use Prop. 5 to solve real problems,” they stressed.

Prop 5’s language requires oversight of bonds approved in the future. These include a clear list of the types of projects to be funded; a check and balance to prevent conflict-of-interest for local officials involved in the bonds; an independent citizens’ oversight committee and audits. Independent performance and financial audits of all spending that must be posted publicly and reviewed by the State Auditor.

The amendment received endorsements from the California Democratic Party, State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and California State Association of Counties. Arguments against Prop 5 approval

The opposition to Prop 5 argues that it will raise local government debt, unsustainable debt, and result in higher taxes.

“Prop. 5 was written to define ‘infrastructure’ so broadly that it can include just about anything the politicians and special interests want to fund on the backs of taxpayers,” they noted.

Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association wrote that the State legislators “want to use local taxpayers as a credit card to keep spending. They want you to pay for affordable housing and other ‘infrastructure’ projects with higher property taxes.”

The amendment is opposed by the California Association of Realtors, California Chamber of Commerce, California Taxpayer Association, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and National Federation of Independent Businesses.

Financial support

The “Yes on 5” Political Action Committee has collected $5.3 million between Jan. 1 and Sept. 21, 2024, and had $4.5 million in cash for the final month. Since that time, they have raised another $46,000.

The two largest contributions were $2.5 million from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Advocacy and the NPH Action Fund PAC. The California Professional Firefighters Ballot Issue Committee gave $100,000.

“Protect Prop 13, a project of Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, No on Prop 5” had collected slightly more than $800,000 from Jan. 1 through Sept. 21. With the aid of contributions prior to 2024, they had spent $1 million and still had $730,000 in cash.

Their largest contribution was $25,000 from the Western Electrical Contractors Association.

Current Poll results

Likely voters are split on Prop 5, according to the latest Public Policy Institute of California poll. Forty-nine percent of likely voters would vote “Yes”, and 50% would vote “No”. The Inland Empire was divided on similar percentages.

Of the 10 propositions, only 10 % of voters were most interested in Prop 5.

Democrats (70%) overwhelming supported it while only 14% of Republicans would vote “Yes.”

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Assembly approves gasoline fuel bill, Senate up next

By JP Crumrine Correspondent

The State Assembly passed two bills last week to address concerns about spiking oil and gas prices and overall fuel supply in California. Senate President pro Tempore Michael McGuire (D -North Coast) has now agreed to convene the Senate beginning Oct. 7.

Gov. Gavin Newsom had issued a proclamation Aug. 31 calling for the Special Session on Petroleum and Gasoline Supply. The Assembly held two days of informational hearings in the middle of September. At the end of the month, a day was spent debating nine separate bills focusing on this issue. Democrats had their bills and Republicans offered their bills. On Oct 1, two bills were passed the Assembly.

Although Newsom called for the Special Session on Aug. 31, McGuire did not immediately call the Senate back to session. He maintained that action could have been taken during the regular session, which ended Aug. 31.

Now that the Assembly has acted McGuire announced on Oct. 1 that “The Senate intends to work quickly and efficiently so that we can get Californians the relief they deserve at the pump, we appreciate the Assembly’s work on this issue, and we’ll be kicking off our legislative process on October 7. . . We’ll be ready to roll next week.”

After Senate hearings this week, a floor vote is tentatively scheduled for Friday, Oct. 11.

The Assembly passed Assembly Bill X2-1 on a 44-18 vote. This bill allows the state to require oil refiners to manage a minimum inventory of fuel to avoid supply shortages that create higher gasoline prices for consumers. It would also authorize the California Energy Commission to require refinery operators to plan for resupply during their maintenance outages.

The argument was that when refineries have unplanned maintenance or need to take a plant offline for a while, this reduces total State fuel supply. Consequently, spot market prices jump, which ultimately raises prices at the pump.

“I’m grateful to the Assembly for joining with me in our efforts to prevent gas price spikes and save Californians money at the pump,” Newsom said in the press release announcing the Assembly’s action.

AB-x2-1 also “. . . protects frontline communities by prohibiting the construction of additional storage, mandating that workforce safety is the primary consideration when establishing regulations, and reinstates the stakeholder advisory committee ensuring that industry, labor and environmental justice have a seat at the table,” according to Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas).

In a separate press release before the Assembly’s vote, the Governor’s Office shared the comments of several Stanford University economists on the Governor’s proposal.

“The California gasoline market does not function properly… In-state suppliers are highly concentrated, with five companies controlling a whopping 98 percent of the capacity to produce California-grade gas. With so much market power, the incentives to build up robust reserves are limited,” they noted in a Sacramento Bee story.

They also challenged the oil industry’s talking points that the proposal would require new infrastructure and drive prices in the West higher. “During a supply crunch, anything, the release of these inventories would put downward pressure on prices in California. If this additional supply would free up refinery capacity to serve Nevada and Arizona, also reducing prices in these markets.”

The 44-18 vote, with 17 members not voting, was not strictly along party lines. Several Democrats opposed it or abstained, including local Assemblywoman Sabrina Cerevantes (District 58) of Corona. They also had concerns about the effect of this legislation on prices and supply. There will be no immediate price adjustment.

“The facts are clear- when gas prices spike, it costs everyday Californians billions at the pump, while the oil industry profits. ABX2-1 will hold oil refineries accountable

and promote stability in the fuel market. Price-gouging at the pump should not be the norm,” said Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), who authored the bill.

In their press release, Assembly Republicans called the bill a “reckless proposal” and warned “[it] could increase prices and cause gas shortages.”

“Newsom’s scheme won’t do a damn thing to lower gas prices, and he knows it,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City). “As long as Democratic politicians refuse to stand up to the governor, costs at the pump are only going to increase.”

The State’s efforts to reduce air pollution by gradually eliminating the sale of gas-powered vehicles does have an impact on gasoline prices. The State leads the nation in the number of zero-emission vehicles on the roads.

Between 2000 to 2022, emissions fell by 20% while California’s gross domestic product increased by 78%, pointing to the effectiveness of the state’s climate change and air quality programs, according to a September press release from the California Air Resources Board.

The second bill AB x2-9, which passed 68-0 with 11 abstentions, mandates the CEC, in consultation with the CARB, to complete a review of increased ethanol fuel blend by summer 2025, This could provide for gasoline with 15% ethanol, which would be more affordable. It would also allow modifying the timing of when to blend summer gasoline.

On Oct. 7, the average cost of a gallon of gasoline in California was $4.68 compared to a $3.17 nationwide average. A year ago, the average cost of a gallon in of regular gas in the State was $5.83. Last week, in Riverside County, the average cost of a gallon was $4.43.

Crescent moon and Venus on the right

PHOTO BY JOEL FEINGOLD

WORKOUT”

“ASK SPIRITUAL

By Steven Morrison, M.A.

• Editor’s Note: Spiritual Workout is a practice of these 15 concepts: Be Compassionate • Beliefs Matter • Be Present • Choices Abound • Everything Is Energy • Have an Attitude of Gratitude • Intentions Matter • Judgments Separate Us • Listen to Inspiration • Mind & Body Are Connected • Take Responsibility • The Law of Attraction 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:

How can I stop constantly worrying about money? I know that worrying doesn’t help anything and sometimes things are pretty smooth and that’s when I worry that the other shoe will drop and then it does. It’s exhausting, but I don’t know how to not worry.

Dear Reader:

Knowing that the worry doesn’t help is a powerful place to start in and of itself. Weird as it may sound, I wonder if you can consider what it might be like to “worry” that there’s always enough. To “worry” about how easy money is. To “worry” about all the ways there are to share your wealth. To “worry” about whatever you WANT your money life to look like instead of precisely what you don’t want it to look like. Of course, now that I’ve got your attention, the way to stop worrying about money is to INTEND for the kind of money life you want to live. Worrying is the act of thinking and talking about and feeling things you don’t want. Intending is the act of thinking and talking about and feeling things you do want. Even if it’s the exact same activity. The other shoe drops because you expect it to, you know it will. Intending practice is knowing that what we want will be as certain as that shoe.

Dear Spiritual Workout:

I don’t think I’m wired for knowing how I feel. I’m in my 50’s and have made it this far with the basics: good, bad, happy, glad, like that. People often ask, my therapist certainly did, but I never seem to know. What’s my problem?

Dear Reader:

I’m pretty sure you don’t have a feeling problem because you’re a human being and if you’re drawing breath, the being part of the human being you are is all about feeling. I’d wager a lot that you have a vocabulary problem — and you’re not alone. Our culture minimizes and ridicules the very notion of feelings, but I digress. If we were together, I could list off a dozen different feelings and I guarantee you’d be able to tell me — yes or no — if you’re feeling any of them. It’s not the only way into solving this “problem,” but if you are looking for a fast, free way to be more in touch with what you’re feeling, search online for lists of human emotions and feelings and don’t settle for a dozen or two. Look for dozens and dozens and dozens and see what you’re increased vocabulary might to do assuage this “problem.”

Dear Spiritual Workout:

I’m in college and am studying a field that is my dream to work in. My girlfriend doesn’t want me to, though, because we’ll probably get married and she’s afraid I won’t earn as much as I could with some other careers. Should I give up my dream?

Dear Reader:

No. Never. Every one of us should be clear about what excites and energizes us and just do that. Oops, out of space (but there’s SO much more).

• Dear Reader

Please send issues and questions you’d like to see addressed in this column to dearspiritualworkout@spiritualworkout.com. (Confidentiality assured.) And please send your comments about the column itself to the editor@towncrier.com.

United For All

Dear editor:

As we approach November and the fateful decisions made at the ballot box, I hope Kurt Cobain’s words, “The duty of youth is to challenge cor-

ruption” is fulfilled. This election cycle must be decided by young people and informed, patriotic voters of any age.

Do we look to a future that serves all of us or do we choose a has been, convicted felon to determine the fate of our country? Do we re-elect a career politician who follows his party’s toxic, unproductive agenda? Do we fail to understand the damage our local school districts face if we allow a religious takeover of Riverside public-school boards?

Seven swing states will determine the fate of the future for voters in forty-three other states. One exception is a vote for Will Rollins to represent Riverside County in Congress. He’s young, articulate, and responsive to voters’ concerns. He’ll visit Idyllwild for the 6th time this week; his opponent’s half-page Town Crier advertisement is all he has to offer us.

On the County level, it’s critical to read the platform of the people seeking to serve in our school districts. Hemet Unified School District Board candidates include Faith Coalition members, eager to condemn Critical Race Theory, defund teacher pensions, and glorify God and family over the expertise and commitment of teachers and administrators. Be informed about the issues and vote for integrity, intelligence, and goodwill. For the young, it’s their future that’s at stake. For the rest of us, it’s our hope for the future.

Mary Rider Idyllwild

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Fake spiderwebs are creepy but bad for critters

By David Jerome Correspondent

Halloween decorations are going up all around us; jack o’lanterns, skeletons and other spooky figures provide delightfully macabre touches to our neighborhoods, but one increasingly common decoration has been targeted as dangerous to wildlife: artificial spiderwebs. The most common material is a type of polyester, similar to fiberglass or cotton in appearance, and social media this year is full of photos of various critters snared by the diaphanous sheets. Critics also point out that the material is not biodegradable and ends up in streams and animal nests, and chicks, and baby squirrels and other mammals can become entangled

The fake webbing is often placed over bushes and around windows and other places where birds land, and is a risk to birds and squirrels, as well flying insects, like moths and butterflies.

Fact checking gives credence to the warnings. Snopes.com quoted Kathryn Dudeck, the wildlife director at Georgia’s Chattahoochee Nature Center, who said the material “sticks to (birds’) feathers and then settles in between them, almost like Velcro.” Dudeck said that hummingbirds, songbirds, and even small

owls are susceptible.

Fox News Digital quoted Amber Schiltz, interim division administrator of the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission’s Fish & Wildlife Education Division: “Often, the creatures moving through the bushes or trees decorated with this material can get caught, resulting in the animals dying of injury, starvation or predation unless they are rescued and rehabilitated,” Schlitz also pointed out that Halloween falls in prime migration season, so the webs also snare migratory birds on their way south.

At the Idyllwild Nature Center this Saturday for a talk about bats, both speaker Stephen Sutton and Ranger Allison Fedrick confirmed that bats are also vulnerable to the webs. Fedrick added that owners of black cats should be extra sure to keep them inside during Halloween. Some individuals apparently think they are decorations and may snatch them.

The best advice, if you really want the look, is to use yarn and spin your own webs, or keep fake webbing indoors and reuse it next year. Inside the windows, passerby will still know your house is haunted, but critters will be safe. The webbing is not very realistic after all, and there are better ways to creep out your neighbors and passersby.

Digital driver’s license available in California

By JP Crumrine Correspondent

At the end of September, the California Department of Motor Vehicles announced a change that benefits drivers 70-years-old and older whose licenses expire in 2024 and beyond.

These drivers will no longer be required to take a written knowledge test. This change was effective October 1. New drivers or those new to California will still have to take the test.

“All drivers have been required to take a written test once they turn 70 as a policy requirement and not a requirement of law,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon in the press release announcing the policy change. “We are eliminating the written knowledge test for those without traffic violations on their record to improve customer service.”

However, a renewal will still necessitate a visit to the local DMV office. That is where the vision exam will occur, and a photo taken for the new license. It is recommended that an appointment be made for this

DMV visit.

Not all senior drivers will escape the test. Poor drivers, even those older than 70, will still be required to take the knowledge test. Poor drivers are those who meet the following criteria:

• Two or more accidents during the two years immediately preceding the expiration of the license.

• Three or more accidents during the three years immediately preceding the expiration of the license.

• A DUI suspension during the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license

• A violation point count greater than one within the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license.

If you need to take the test, DMV recommends choosing the online version. This will significantly reduce your time in the office.

Also available to test takers is the online DMV eLearning course.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, in 2022, California had 27.6 million drivers. Nearly 3.2 million were 70 years or older. Only 800,000 licensed drivers were under 20 years old.

POSTMASTER

Send address changes to IDYLLWILD TOWN CRIER, P.O. Box 157, Idyllwild, CA 92549. All contents of the Idyllwild Town Crier are copyrighted by the Idyllwild Town Crier.

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.

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

Wednesday, Oct 9

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

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

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

Thursday, Oct 10

• Emotions Anonymous, 5:00 pm Spirit Mountain Retreat, 25661 Oakwood St.

• Al-Anon, 6:30 pm Spirit Mountain Retreat, 25661 Oakwood St.

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

• AA discussion & birthdays,

Sheriff’s log

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls

IDYLLWILD

• Sept. 28 — Explosion, 8:20 p.m. 2500 block of Glen Rd. Handled by deputy.

• Sept. 29 — Suicide threat, 1:50 a.m. Address withheld. Handled by deputy.

• Sept. 29 — Alarm call, 1:35 p.m. 2400 Block Roble Dr. Handled by deputy.

• Sept. 30 — Unlawful entry, 3:18 p.m. 2500 block of Cassler

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, Oct 11

• 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, Oct 12

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

• Idyllwild Chess Club, noon-4 p.m. Idyllwild Library. Free lessons

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

Dr. Handled by deputy.

• Sept. 30 — Unlawful entry, 3:18 p.m. 2500 block of Cassler

Dr. Handled by deputy.

• Sept. 30 — Shots fired, 10:05 p.m. 53000 block of Meadow Dr. Handled by deputy.

• Sept. 30 — Burglary, 10:17 p.m. 54000 block of N. Ridge Dr. Unfounded.

• Sept. 30 — Shots fired, 10:05 p.m. 53000 block of Meadow Dr. Handled by deputy.

• Sept. 30 — Burglary, 10:17 p.m. 54000 block of N. Ridge Dr. Unfounded.

• Oct. 02 — Public assist, 3:35 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.

• Oct. 05 — Area check, 6:08 a.m. 54000 block of Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.

• AA, discussion, noon, St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, 25525 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, Oct 13

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, Oct 14

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

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

• Oct. 05 — Vandalism, 4:45 p.m. 54000 block of Riverside County Playground Rd. Report taken.

• Oct. 05 — Alarm call, 7:39 p.m. 2500 block of Cedar St.

Handled by deputy.

• Oct. 05 — Vandalism, 4:45 p.m. 54000 block of Riverside County Playground Rd. Report taken.

• Oct. 05 — Alarm call, 7:39 p.m. 2500 block of Cedar St. Handled by deputy.

• Oct. 07 — Reckless driving, 3:10 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.

• Oct. 07 — Check the welfare, 4:27 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.

• Oct. 07 — Reckless driving, 3:10 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.

• Oct. 07 — Check the welfare, 4:27 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.

• Sept. 30 — Unlawful entry, 3:18 p.m. 2500 block of Cassler

Tuesday, Oct 15

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

• Fit After 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, Oct 16

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

Dr. Handled by deputy.

• Sept. 30 — Unlawful entry, 3:18 p.m. 2500 block of Cassler Dr. Handled by deputy.

PINE COVE

• Oct. 02 — Animal abuse, 3:57 p.m. 2500 block of Franklin Dr. Handled by deputy.

• Oct. 07 — Public assist, 5:07 p.m. 2500 block of Franklin Dr. Handled by deputy.

PINE MEADOWS

• Oct. 03 — Suspicious vehicle, 6:38 a.m. 3600 Block Tool Box Spring Rd. Handled by deputy.

• Oct. 03 — Suspicious vehicle, 6:38 a.m. 3600 Block Tool Box

54360 Marian View Dr.

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

• Fit After 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.

Spring Rd. Handled by deputy.

• Oct. 03 — Suspicious vehicle, 6:38 a.m. 3600 Block Tool Box Spring Rd. Handled by deputy.

POPPET FLATS

• Oct. 04 — Check the welfare, 9:14 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.

SAN BERDO NAT FORS

• 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, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues.-Wed.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thurs-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. Thurs.-Mon. (Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day); Grinding Facility, 8 a.m.-noon & 1-4 p.m. Mon., Wed. & Fri.

• Oct. 03 — Danger to self/other, 4:23 a.m. 4700 Block E St Hwy 74. Report taken.

Town Crier Membership Application:

• Oct. 03 — Danger to self/other, 4:23 a.m. 4700 Block E St Hwy 74. Report taken.

• Oct. 05 — Assist other department, 6:23 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.

• Oct. 05 — Miscellaneous criminal, 6:34 p.m. 5100 Block Quail Dr. Handled by deputy.

• Oct. 05 — Assist other department, 6:23 p.m. Address undefined.

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By JP Crumrine Correspondent

Joey Acuña seeking AD 36 seat

Editor’s Note: The 2024 Presidential Election will be Tuesday, November 5. Besides the races for President and the U.S. Senate, to succeed Diane Feinstein, there are many local races which will determine who represents the Hill in the State Assembly and the U.S. Congress.

The Town Crier will be writing about the races for the U.S. Congressional District 41, California Assembly Districts 36 and 47, and the Idyllwild Water District.

The two candidates for the AD 36 seat are Democrat Joey Acuña and Republican Jeff Gonzalez.

Eduardo Garcia, the incumbent Assembly member for AD 36, announced in December 2023 that he would not seek reelection and would support the candidacy of Joey Acuña (Coachella City).

Assembly District 36 spans across three counties –Imperial, San Bernardino, and Riverside. Lake Hemet and all of Garner Valley to the west of Highway 74 and much of the southern portion of Garner Valley, Anza and Sage are included in AD 36. Going further west, it includes portions of Hemet and Winchester.

Although all of Imperial County is in AD 36, its 88,700 registered voters represent about one-third of the District’s total voters. Nearly 150,000 Riverside County residents are within AD 36, comprising 62 % of the District’s voters. The San Bernardino County portion is merely 1 % of the District.

Joey Acuña, 62 years, lives in Coachella City. He has worked in construction, education and is now in health care. At a local clinic, he does their data management, grant writing, and outreach. He also writes grants for one of the local tribes.

“I am very passionate about education,” he stated. “And I work in healthcare. This district is very rural and much of it is unincorporated status and needs a lot of help with infrastructure.”

Acuña has been involved in elected politics for more than 30 years. He is currently the President of the Coachella Valley Unified School District Board of Directors and is serving his fifth term. He was a member from 1992 until 2000 and elected again in 2014. Subsequently, he was re-elected in 2018 and 2022.

The gap was the result of seeking election to the State Assembly. He was the Democratic candidate in 2000 and 2002 but lost two close races. When he ran for the Assembly, he did not seek re-election to the CVUSD board.

In the March Primary for this seat, there were seven candidates – five Republicans and two Democrats. Acuña was the top Democrat, but Jeff Gonzalez, who won the Republican Primary, garnered 35% of the total Primary votes compared to Acuña’s 20%.

November will be different Acuña states. He points out that the Democratic Primary had five candidates.

Further, the total votes cast for the Democratic candidates were nearly 6% greater than the two Republicans earned.

“We’ll consolidate the Democrats and get some non-party preference voters, too,” he affirmed. “We’ll get the people out to vote. Everybody says the Republican won the primary, but sort of.”

Acuña discussed his views on several major issues, which he believes will aid his consolidation of the vote next month.

Homelessness needs to be addressed through housing and mental health programs, Acuña argues. But also acknowledges that Proposition 1 (approved in March) and a group of bills, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in September will do much to improve the availability of new housing.

“In our region, we need to streamline construction,” Acuña asserted. “A lot of our problems are our ability to build. Some of the local jurisdictions are doing things to make construction more attainable. Good planning helps, but you can’t grow a community without infrastructure.”

The Salton Sea environment and the lithium mining are unique to AD 36. While these two large projects are related in geography, they also involve separate issues. Acuña is aware that the mining would benefit everyone. “It’s another economic tool for the County,” he noted. “It’s a great benefit, but people have to do it right.”

Protecting the Salton Sea needs a viable plan, which Acuña laments has been long delayed. “The water levels are not coming back, we have to accept that,” he emphasized. We can improve it. But a local decision is needed -- involving locals, elected officials, and local tribes.”

Helping families with increasing costs is one of the issues on his platform. The State legislature has much influence over these issues. While he is not currently in the Assembly sitting at the table while special legislation on oil and gas prices and supplies is being debated, he is glad this is happening.

The gas pump price spikes frustrate him as much as it is a problem for the voters. “There are spikes for no apparent reason. We need some safeguards to keep prices stable,” he stressed.

The state budget gyrations are an issue for which he feels particularly prepared. His experiences serving on the CVUSD Board are only different in scale, not in the decision-making process. A lot of the COVID special funding is expiring and school districts must find ways to raise new revenue or to modify programs.

“I’m used to making decisions to do what’s right for the bigger goal and that means the economy and the State,” Acuña said. “I’m not shy about making tough decisions.”

Public safety is an issue every year in every campaign. Acuña supports Proposition 36 with qualifications. “I have no problem holding people accountable,” he affirmed and referred to some of his family in the retail industry.

However, there are valuable sections in Prop 47 and he does not want to abandon everything to gain some improvement. For example, he is less concerned about the value of stolen goods setting the line between a misdemeanor or felony charge than he is about the circumstances of the thief.

“What did they steal, how was it stolen, and how many times have they done this?” are important, he declared.

He noted it is difficult to campaign door-to-door in the Hill communities. But he knows and understands the unique issues here, such as wildfires and planning prevention and ensuring the roads, power lines, and other infrastructure are sturdy enough to withstand these natural emergencies.

One major issue that highlights Acuña’s care for his communities is his desire to obtain another community college for the area. One possibility is a campus from California State, San Bernardino. But he would also explore the possibility of a San Diego school opening a second campus here.

Campaign finances

He has no worry about getting contributions. While his fund had only $67,000 in cash as of Sept. 21. His expenses totaled more than $630,000 between July 1 and September and he had raised nearly $550,000 since July 1. Between Sept. 21 and Oct. 3, more than $165,000 has been donated to his campaign.

“We spend faster than we raise, but we’ll have whatever resources are needed,” Acuña said with assurance. “We will not lose the seat.”

Gonzalez seeks AD 36 seat

By JP Crumrine Correspondent

The Town Crier will be writing about the races for the U.S. Congressional District 41, California Assembly Districts 36 and 47, and the Idyllwild Water District.

The two candidates for the AD 36 seat are Democrat Joey Acuña and Republican Jeff Gonzalez.

Jeff Gonzalez, lives in Indio, and is seeking to become the new Assembly member for District 36. He is married with four children, including three from his wife’s previous marriage.

The incumbent Assembly member, Eduardo Garcia, announced in December that he would not seek re-election. Assembly District 36 spans three counties – Imperial, San Bernardino, and Riverside. Lake Hemet and all of Garner Valley to the west of Highway 74 and much of the southern portion of Garner Valley, Anza and Sage are included in AD 36. Going further west, it includes portions of Hemet and Winchester.

Gonzalez, 50 years old, retired from the Marines after serving 21 years. During his active duty, he was in a counter terrorism group. Among his assignments, he toured in Iraq and Afghanistan several times as well as Southeast Asia. After service, he became a pastor, now owns two small businesses and wants to continue to serve his community in the State Legislature.

In the March Primary, Gonzalez garnered the greatest number of votes of the seven candidates on the ballot. With 21,626 votes, he captured 35% of the total Primary vote. Acuña, the Democrat, received 19.9% or 12,262 votes.

Acuña argues that Gonzalez only had one Republican challenger in the Primary, and there were five candidates on the Democrat’s ballot.

For the November Election, Democrats have a nearly 3 to 2 advantage in registered voters. But there are slightly more than 20% of voters choosing no party preference.

The registration disparity has not discouraged Gonzalez. He is optimistic and emphasizes his attitude of putting the community first. “People over politics,” he said. “I will serve the needs of the community. That’s what resonates with the people.”

This run for elective office is not Gonzalez’s first effort. Prior to COVID, he sought the former AD 56 seat. In 2018, Gonzalez won the Republican primary but lost the general election to Garcia, who garnered two-thirds of the vote.

Healthcare is the number one issue for the District, according to Gonzalez. He stresses that it’s important to him too. He understands the community’s needs from the perspective of a parent and as an advocate. One of his sons has cerebral palsy, is non-verbal and little use of his hands and legs and needs 24-hour care.

“I have first-hand knowledge of the need for an advocate in Sacramento,” he stressed. “I have experienced the pain of Californians going through healthcare issues of today. I am willing to hear all parties for resolution and speak to numerous legislators for solutions.”

Mining the lithium reserves adjacent to the Salton Sea is an issue unique to AD 36. While he is excited about the potential lithium development in the area, he acknowledges the government’s need to be responsible while managing the development. While there will be jobs, there are also people whose safety should be guarded.

“We need to show respect for the earth, care for the sea, empathy for the community and consideration of the businesses and organization that want to extract this

ore,” Gonzalez added. “It should be done in a safe manner, working with the County and the cities.”

He highlighted the various issues – road construction, education, taxes, and housing-- that overlap with this development. Thus, there are multiple stakeholders who have to work together.

Housing will be another issue incorporated into the work at the Salton Sea, but this problem affects the entire district, in his opinion.

“Affordable housing for people to own,” he said beginning his discussion of this issue. “Young folks need housing as do working class families. We need to look at all the CEQA [California Environmental Quality Act] rules.”

Along with all housing, he observed that homelessness is a crisis that has overwhelmed the State.

“We need better education of the community on the nuances of homelessness. There’s the public safety realm, education, roads and affordable homes,” he said. “It’s a complex issue.”

Regarding the State budget issues, one area that Gonzalez feels could mitigate the deficit some is the number of buildings and land that that the State owns, does not use or occupy, and consequently does not need, he opined.

“Sell it or lease it out,” he suggested. “Empty is not a solution, and it costs the citizens.”

He urged less spending through making the state government smaller. The priorities should be public safety, education and affordability, he pronounced.

As he visits voters in Anza, Gonzalez sees the effects of the numerous wildfires, both current and past. And he wants to find a long-term solution. The bravery of firefighters – federal, state and local – is not enough, he said.

He favors more forest management. In addition, he recommends that the state acquire, instead of renting, more large aircraft to combat fires.

Campaign finances

The campaign has been costly and will continue to require contributions to stay even, he acknowledged. While his cash level on Sept 21 was $65,000, he has received another $53,000 since.

But he most proud of the fact that most of his campaign contributions have come from individuals. Twothirds of donors have given $1,000 or less.

“Democrats and Republicans believe in what I’ve been doing,” Gonzalez said in conclusion. “Working class families are giving $5 to $50. I have a group of ‘Democrats for Gonzalez’ that refuse to support Acuña. We’re reaching out to the whole community.”

Joey Acuña

Jeff Gonzalez

Wallis seeks re-election, déjà vu November 2022

By JP Crumrine Correspondent

The Town Crier will be writing about the races for the U.S. Congressional District 41, California Assembly Districts 36 and 47, and the Idyllwild Water District.

The two candidates seeking to represent AD 47 are incumbent Republican and Democrat challenger Christy Holstege (see the Oct. 3 issue to read the interview with Holstege).

California’s 47th Assembly District encompasses Idyllwild, Pine Cove and north. It also includes the desert cities and Yucaipa and Yucca Valley in San Bernardino County. Valle Vista, Beaumont, and Banning are on the western edge of the District.

Greg Wallis (Republican – Rancho Mirage) represents California’s 47th Assembly District. The Hill communities included in this District are Idyllwild, Pine Cove and north. It also encompasses the desert cities and Yucaipa and Yucca Valley in San Bernardino County. Valle Vista, Beaumont, and Banning are on the western side of the District.

Wallis was first elected in 2022. It was one of the closest races in decades. He defeated his Democratic challenger, Christy Holstege, by less than one percent of the vote, less than one-tenth of a percent. Wallis received 85 more votes than Holstege out of nearly 170,000 ballots casts.

This November, Wallis and Holstege are in a rematch. While Wallis is the incumbent, Democrats have a nearly 6% advantage in registered voters in the District.

“It was very close,” Wallis said. “In California we have election month, not election day. It was going back and forth for weeks as we kept looking at the counties’ updates” He admitted that it was only days before the final vote certification on Dec. 8, 2022, that he felt confident of victory.

When asked how he will retain the seat, Wallis replied, “That’s a valid question. I only won the last election by 85 votes. But the trend is toward the Republican positions.”

“And I believe good policy is good politics,” he continued. “For the last two years, I’ve been working for the entire District, making sure all voices are represented, not just a hyper-partisanship attitude.”

Stressing his bipartisan efforts, he noted that he was a member of the Legislature’s ‘Problem Solvers Caucus’.

“It’s bipartisan and bi-cameral,” he explained. “We focus on policy and work together. It’s my favorite.”

The major state issue is the budget. “Over the last ten years, it grown by more than $150 billion,” Wallis stated. “How many people tell you that government is doing a better job than ten years ago?”

He urges more legislative oversight of state pro-

grams. “It’s a spending problem, not a revenue issue.”

His example was the number of homeless people. In Sacramento, the success of these programs is often described in terms of how many people were added to the rolls. He argues that the metric should be how many people no longer need to be on the rolls.

Energy and housing, especially their costs, are the highest priorities for the District, Wallis opined and stressed that much of the housing costs are driven by legislative policies.

“Building in California versus any other state, is challenging. It’s more burdensome because of many environmental regulations such as CEQA [the California Environmental Quality Act],” he explained. “It delays building starts and the permitting process makes adds more time.”

All of California wants and deserves lean water and air, Wallis agreed. “But state policies are driving costs up. Zero free emission vehicles come with significant costs. And just look at your electric bill.”

The current special session on oil and gas prices and supplies disappoints him, also. Later the day of the interview, he returned to Sacramento for a vote on this legislation, which he opposed.

He was not prepared to support the proposed bill requiring refineries to keep fuel in storage in advance of maintenance shutdowns.

“This increases costs and does not increase supply,” he argued. “There is no pipeline bringing this fuel into California and we’re not drilling more.” He favors reducing the State gas tax.

Wallis supported the March Proposition 1 for homelessness and voted for many of the housing bills, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed this month. “While we still have to make it easier to build houses, there are mental health and drug treatment programs which need to be operating.”

“I voted on the floor in support of Prop 1,” he said proudly. “The status quo is not working and we need to address the mental health and homeless problems.”

Wallis pointed out that the number of mental health beds in California today is about 5,000. In 1950, there were nearly 30,000. Prop 1 is the right approach.

Regarding November’s Prop 36, he favors its approval. “One of the biggest things Prop 36 does hold people accountable for actions. He noted that many individuals, who are homeless and commit a petty crime, can refuse drug treatment rather than incarceration.

“Under Prop 47, it became less desirable for folks to seek treatment. There was no push to seek treatment,”

Wallis’s wife, Desiree, is a teacher so he knows directly the value of education. But he stresses that not every student needs or wants to go on to a four-year college. High school curriculum should also prepare students for the workplace and trades.

“We need more career technical education programs,” he stated. “Both options – career and college— are important. While algebra is valuable, many students would benefit from financial literacy,”

While Wallis has not authored any legislation with national spotlight, he has successfully several bills that Newsom signed last month. These include Assembly Bill 2186 which clarifies that vehicles involved in sideshows or exhibitions of speed in parking lots are subject to the same impoundment laws as those on roadways.

“I grew up in the 90s. These illegal sideshows aren’t just disruptive; they’re deadly,” he lamented. “This bill makes it clear that reckless behavior, whether on the road or in parking lots, will face serious consequences. Innocent people can get caught in the crossfire.”

Three other bills addressed speed contests, sideshows and street takeovers, and the removal and impoundment of vehicles.

With respect to short-term rental issues, he would defer to local jurisdictions to oversee and regulate this problem. “The government closest to the people would know the best decision,” he offered.

But he was adamant that more forest management is necessary to reduce the threats of wildfires. He recently had a tour of a forest in the Shasta area and recommended that every legislator should be required to see it.

“We were shown the difference between a healthy forest and on overgrown. The dead and dying trees were allowed. This only increases fire intensity and it then goes into the forest canopy and spreads, threatening homes,” he noted.

“California will benefit from more balance in the Legislature,” he concluded. “There is a supermajority here and that’s no different than a super Republican majority in Tennessee. It is not good in either state.

“It’s important that all voters’ views are represented at the table. No party has a monopoly on solutions. We need to work with all viewpoints and constituents,” he averred.

finances

Campaign

As of Sept. 24, Wallis’s re-election campaign fund had $546,000 in cash for the final month. Since Jan. 1, he had already spent $784,000. Since Sept. 24, nearly $175,000 more has been contributed to his campaign coffers.

PETER CHARLES DEMEO AKA PETER C. DEMEO CASE NO. PRIN2401042 TO ALL HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, CREDITORS, CONTINGENT CREDITORS, AND PERSONS WHO MAY OTHERWISE BE INTERESTED IN THE WILL OR ESTATE, OR BOTH OF PETER CHARLES DEMEO AKA PETER C. DEMEO. A PETITION FOR PROBATE HAS BEEN FILED BY SARAH VARBEL IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE REQUESTS THAT SARAH VARBEL BE APPOINTED AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE TO ADMINISTER THE ESTATE OF THE DECEDENT. THE PETITION REQUESTS AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER THE ESTATE UNDER THE INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT. (THIS AUTHORITY WILL ALLOW THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE TO TAKE MANY ACTIONS WITHOUT OBTAINING COURT APPROVAL. BEFORE TAKING CERTAIN VERY IMPORTANT ACTIONS, HOWEVER, THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE REQUIRED TO GIVE NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS UNLESS THEY HAVE WAIVED NOTICE OR CONSENTED TO THE PROPOSED ACTION.) THE INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITY WILL BE GRANTED UNLESS AN INTERESTED PERSON FILES AN OBJECTION TO THE PETITION AND SHOWS GOOD CAUSE WHY THE COURT SHOULD NOT GRANT THE AUTHORITY. A HEARING ON THE PETITION WILL BE HELD IN THIS COURT AS FOLLOWS: 10/08/24 AT 8:45AM

following person (persons) is (are) doing business as MOUNTAIN GATE TREATMENT CENTER, 6483 HUNTER ROAD, EASTVALE, CA 92880 RIVERSIDE COUNTY. Mailing Address: 1101 BRICKELL AVENUE, S-702, MIAMI, FL 33131. SHAHIDA K SYED ENTERPRISES LLC 6483 HUNTER ROAD, EASTVALE, CA 92280.

Greg Wallis

IAA extends invitation to community for Indigenous Peoples Day events

By David Jerome Correspondent

The Idyllwild Arts Academy has extended a special invitation to the community, welcoming all to the special events that will mark Indigenous Peoples Day, Monday, October 16. The free and family-friendly events will happen on campus during the day, and at Harvey House in the evening.

The on-campus events will include performances and demonstrations for the public, and a complimentary luncheon. During the public presentations there will be separate workshops for IAA students, who will be joined by students from Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, one of the nation’s last Indian Boarding Schools. The day will begin at 9:30 with introductory remarks by Michael Madrigal (Cahuilla,) President of the Board of Directors of the Native American Land Conservancy.

The headliner for this year is the Delbert Anderson Quartet. Trumpeter Delbert Anderson’s music blends the sounds of Diné (Navajo) traditional music with jazz, funk and hip hop. Like the other artists showcased, he also weaves storytelling into his work. There will also be a presentation by photographer Eugene Tapahe (Navajo.) Tapahe’s recent project, “Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project,” has taken the Ojibwe healing dance, in which the sound of jingles, shells or metal cones, represent prayers, around the world.

The morning presentations will be followed at noon by a complimentary Indigenous American luncheon (the native bread stand is always a crowd favorite) and a DJ set by IAA alum Kino Benally, (Diné) aka DJ Béeso.

In the afternoon there will be an open studio visit with Hopi glass artists Ramson Lomatewama and Ayen Talashoma, who both teach in the IA Summer Program. Guests will even have a chance to make their own glass flowers. The IA Indigenous Peoples Club will also be selling artwork to support their activities.

Olivia Webb, of the Academy’s Native American Arts Center, told us about the evening program at Harvey house, featuring the Delbert Anderson Quartet. “Something wonderful is going to happen at precisely 6:00 on the dot. We’re going to go live, a live broadcast on NPR, you will be able to hear a pin drop,

that kind of environment. It’s going to be very emotional, deeply meaningful to native people, especially Navajo (Diné) people. This is part of a special series, ‘The Long Walk:1674 Days,’ called ‘The 11th Note’ because Idyllwild is the 11th ‘note’ or stop in his series. He is traveling, stopping, having a moment of reflection with music. The public is welcome to come and be part of it.”

The work is a commemoration of the forced relocation of Diné people in 1864.

After the broadcast, things will lighten up, with appetizers by native chef Wendy Weston and non-alcoholic beverages. Randy Kemp (Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Euchee) will provide flute music as the evening transitions into a 7:30 performance by the Delbert Anderson Quartet, with a more jazz oriented musical set. Webb underlined the Academy’s appreciation for Harvey House: “They are wonderful,

they are giving us such valuable support. They are providing a platform.”

This will be the fourth year the Academy has honored the contributions made by Indigenous people in this way, and the fourth year that America has officially observed Indigenous Peoples Day, although it not yet a federally recognized holiday. Our state is among the 29 that have adopted the practice in some form, and in 2023 California Congresswoman Norma Torres introduced a bill to make it a federal holiday. Indigenous Peoples Day at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, Monday October 19, 52500 Temecula Road, 9:30 A.M to 4:00 P.M., and at Harvey House, 54420 South Circle Dr., 6:00 P.M. to 8:30. For more information and a complete schedule, visit https:// idyllwildarts.org/indigenous-peoples-day/

Grate the apple, potato and onion separately. Wash the grater before grating each of the foods. Put each grated food in a separate bowl.

Can you taste the difference between an apple, a potato and an onion? Believe it or not, it is difficult to taste the difference between a potato and an onion if you can’t smell it. Don’t believe me? Try my experiment!

Blindfold a friend or partner. Have your partner hold their nose tightly.

a small amount (about ¼ teaspoon) of one of the foods on your friend’s tongue. Tell your friend not to chew the food, but to roll it around their mouth. Ask your friend to guess which food is in their mouth.

Repeat with each of the foods. Be sure to have your friend rinse their mouth between tastings. Do three taste tests with each food item. Use the chart to keep track of the taste tests.

Replace the missing words.

The rst potato chips were a rare and ___________ treat, served only at special ______________.

That was because it took a long time to _______ potatoes by hand.

he “Keystone State” could also be called the Potato Chip State, since it’s known as the Chip Capital of the World! Dozens of snack food companies got their start in this state. Use the code to find out the name of this state.

Then in 1920, with the _____________ of the mechanical potato peeler, potato chips jumped from a special restaurant treat to a top-selling __________ food.

Today, Americans __________ more potato chips than any other people in the world. We eat about 1.85 billion pounds each _______. That’s an average of about 6.6 pounds per person!

With hundreds of topics, every Kid Scoop printable activity pack features six-to-seven pages of high-interest extra learning activities for home and school! Get your free sample today at:

One Potato, Two Potato . . .

Find examples of

and

number of

into groups on a chart.

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PHOTO BY SUZANNE AVALON

Local mystery author Jolie Tunnel inspired by Idyllwild history

By David Jerome Correspondent

Jolie Tunnel is among the many creative people who draw inspiration from our community and natural surroundings, and who find the pace of cabin life conductive to their process. Her Idyllwild Mystery Series promises “history, mystery and poppycock” as readers follow the adventures of protagonist Loveda Brown in turn-of-the-century Idyllwild. She describes herself as an “award winning and Amazon bestselling author, freelance writer, blogger and professional mom of five.” Tunnell’s engagement with the craft of writing and the wider community of readers and writers finds expression in blogs, podcasts, book fairs and other events. Her website includes author Q and As, prompts for book club discussions, and generous lists of her own recent reading favorites.

We asked about how history became important to her. “I’ve always been the keeper of my family trees. I love old photos and cake recipes written out in elegant handwriting, the lilting names of my ancestors and the grit they used to carve futures out of unknown worlds. I keep my great-grandmother’s sewing machine, her black velvet coat, and the stories she passed on to the next generations. But I always have more questions than answers. I always want to know ‘why?’ Research is one

ICC-AYSO Youth Soccer: Week 2

By Johnny Wilson ICC Director of Programs & Recreation

4-6 Division

The season continues to progress in the ICC-AYSO Youth Soccer league (AYSO Region 8027) as the 4-6 division players took the field last Friday. It was the Smokey Bears (sponsored by the Town Crier) going against Goal Patrol (sponsored by Idyllwild Bunkhouse) in a fast-paced matchup on Field B, refereed by Savannah Trinidad.

Simultaneously on Field A we saw Little Liverpool (sponsored by Pharos Athletic Club) take on the Mighty Bears (sponsored by Jazzercise) in a head-to-head matchup that saw many goals scored despite some great defensive plays. Referee Mel Norman was officiat-

of the best parts of my job! Truth is always stranger than fiction, and when you combine them just right, telling the tale is one amazing journey into the past…. And it brings me joy to give voices to characters inspired by the strong women in my family tree."

Tunnell explains the attraction of the period as a setting for the kind of story she wants to tell in her website’s Q and A section, noting that the second decade of the 20th century was when “technology caught up” with Idyllwild “in the form of automobiles and travelers.” Beyond the opening of the highway from Banning she notes other watershed events of the period: World War I, and women’s suffrage in California. The time was one of expanding horizons and encroaching development, and the older residents, both the indigenous people and the ‘49ers, struggled to cope.

Tunnell also sees the time as one of new possibilities. “In the 1910s world, where the frontier was no longer two-dimensional and measured with a line on a map but expanded underground into subways and overhead with airplanes, the sky really was the limit to imagination. Loveda Brown carries the spirit of the New Age into the Wild West. In a world full of pioneers, trailblazers, inventors, and travelers, all she really wants is a place to put down roots.” Much like today, people sought places to put down roots in an unstable world.

As to how she entered our story, she wrote: “My family has been coming up the Hill forever and it holds

ing this high-action game.

All the players played well, as cheers were heard from the coaches and parents spectating. Lots of positive words of encouragements for the young players. Some are really finding their footing, and some are finding the back of the net!

As recommended by AYSO, there are no winning or losing teams in the 4–6-year-old division – it’s all about fun, not winning.

It’s all for the kids!

In the 7-9 division and 10-14 division, however, the young players are learning how to compete and learning what good sportsmanship looks like.

Gameday 1 (the first series of opening games) was originally scheduled for Friday September 20th but had to be rescheduled due to thunderstorms.

The make-up games were played on Monday September 30th which coincidentally made the same teams play each other twice in the same week (only on different fields and different “home” and “away” teams.)

This was a good opportunity for the coaches to analyze the other team’s strategic approach on the first game Monday, then make the appropriate adjustments for the second match played Friday.

some of our best memories. Idyllwild holds a special place in our hearts. Digging into its history was instinctive and rewarding and I never ran out of ideas for plots, characters, or settings.” Readers will live through the fire that destroyed Walter Lindley’s Idyllwild Sanitorium, and meet familiar names like the Hannahs and the Keens. There are of course many fictional characters, but the feeling for this place is real. “The Idyllwild Mystery Series is a love letter to Idyllwild and readers will fall in love with the mountain as Loveda Brown makes it her forever home.” Jolie adds that her daughter comes to church camp here each summer, and the family has been here for floods and fires, and gazed up at the star filled skies, just like Loveda Brown. Follow Jolie on Facebook or Instagram at JolieTunnell.com, or visit and shop at the website by the same name. Books from the Idyllwild Mystery Series are also available for sale at the Idyllwild Historical Society Museum.

For Rent

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$500/month | 54141 Pine Crest AVE - Idyllwild, CA 925491 Beds | 1 Baths | 425 Sq. Ft. | 0.22 Acres | Yr. Built: 1975 Look no further: Do you need storage? Workshop? Studio space? Here it is! Online business? We have you covered; this open space is perfect for all your needs. Application needed, 12-month lease, credit check and proof of income require. 951659-9505.

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FIREWOOD - Get ready for winter! Pine $325/cord; Hard/Soft Mix $375/cord; All Hard $400/cord. (909) 8001352

Help Wanted Looking for compassionate Caregivers! Home Instead is hiring caregivers in Idyllwild and surrounding areas for a variety of shifts. We offer competitive pay, training, an annual bonus and 24hr support. Apply online at homestead.com/ hemetca or call (951) 929-1050

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The following job

general to identify the

and duties that may be assigned. It is not

to describe all of the duties an employee assigned to this classification may be required to perform. JOB SUMMARY: Performs a variety of skilled construction, service and repair functions involved in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water services; equipment; water tanks, pumps, and pipelines; and related work as required, under the supervision of the Field Foreman and/or General Manager. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Requires a working knowledge of the use and care of the tools, materials, and equipment used in the installation and repair of pipelines and water services; working knowledge of pipes, fittings, and related repair tasks; ability to operate a light truck, skip loader, pneumatic tools, and similar equipment; general working knowledge of water distribution system; ability to follow oral and written directions; knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices; physical strength and manual dexterity; good mechanical aptitude; ability to maintain harmonious working relations with others. MINIMUM

QUALIFICATIONS: SWRCB Grade 1 Treatment or Distribution Operator Certification, Valid California Driver’s License, Driving record acceptable to the District’s Insurer, High School diploma / G.E.D. equivalent, Live Scan/Fingerprinting, Satisfactory physical exam. PAY RATE/BENEFITS OFFERED: Annual salary range of $50,000-60,000 to start, CalPers Retirement after 1000 hours as a permanent employee, Health Insurance, 14 Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation after 1 year, Accrued Paid Sick days. Applications can be submitted to the Pine Cove Water District office at 24917 Marion Ridge Rd., mailed to PO Box 2296, emailed to Jennifer@pcwd.org, or faxed to 951-659-3112 by December 1, 2024. Full job description available in the office or online at PCWD.org

Epifanio Davila of the Wildcats (orange) lines up for a shot at the goal while goalkeeper Torin Puckett of the Yellowjackets (yellow) gets ready for another spectacular save.

PHOTO BY HALIE WILSON See Sports,

Students of the Week

Mrs. Lindsay Baldwin, our 6th grade math and science teacher, has chosen the following students: Kinsey Kretsinger- Kinsey (above) is a hard working student who cares about others. She excels in math and her critical thinking. Kinsey knows her strengths and uses them to better herself and those around her. She stands up for herself and is a positive example for others. Beau Dillon- Beau (below) is a dedicated 6th grader with a kind heart. He is a great leader to his peers and people enjoy being around him. Beau works hard and strives to be the best student he can be. He has strong conceptual math skills and can explain his thinking. Beau is a great person inside and out.

75 years ago - 1949

Past Tense Creature Corner

Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats tried their best at a pet quiz.

Pepper: The weather is starting to cool a bit. I hear next week will be even more “fall-ish.”

Eeyore: I think it's kind of nice. Worrying about fire all the time is stressful.

Jackie: But we aren't out of fire season, yet. Are we?

Harley: Sadly, we are not. Fire season is nearly yearround.

Katie: I hope all pet guardians are prepared for fire, for themselves AND for us pets!

Harley: Up here on the mountain, it is a necessity. Every pet guardian should have emergency packs for their pets. Packs that are easy to grab in an emergency, especially in an evacuation.

Rowan: What should be in the packs?

Jackie: Any medications for pets should be in the pack, enough for a week. Maybe guardians could rotate meds with those in the house to keep them current and fresh.

Rowan: And I'd think it would be helpful to have current medical records. They might need proof of vaccinations, for one.

Harley: I hope guardians also bring copies of the pet's microchip number and contact information for the microchip company.

Marlowe: And I would hope my guardians would have photos of me on their phones!

Katie: And how about food? Bags and cans of food can be in the pack along with anything else.

Eeyore: Bowls! Toys! They are also important.

Pepper: And the traveling situation is serious. Cats and smaller dogs might travel safely in a crate.

Harley: And dogs in harnesses may travel while securely and safely secured with a doggy seat belt.

Marlowe: And in the back seat! Air bags are bad news for pets when deployed.

Harley: Let's just hope we never have to use them!

This week's Creature Corner is sponsored by Deborah Nevelle. Would you like to be a sponsor? Please let us know! 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.

An early October snowfall left 3 inches of snow on the ground.

70 years ago - 1954

There was dancing every Saturday night at the Pine Cove Lodge.

65 years ago - 1959

A free “transocean telephone call” to Hawaii or Alaska would be offered to someone at the next Rotary meeting. The audience would listen in on loud speakers.

60 years ago - 1964

Cable television franchised by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors was being

offered on the Hill.

55 years ago - 1969

Volunteers were being sought to help the Forest Service repair the Scenic Trail before winter. Little or no regular maintenance had been done on the trail since being built 10 years previously.

50 years ago - 1974

A joint, all-out, seven-day-a-week fire patrol effort was initiated locally by the U.S. Forest Service and the California Division of Forestry. Members of the Fire Watch units would patrol on the ground and in the air every day until the close of fire season.

45 years ago - 1979

Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies again raided marijuana fields in Anza, seizing $10 million worth of pot and arresting 12 people. It was the latest in a series of raids that had begun in August.

40 years ago - 1984

Prices for some products offered at Fairway Supermarket: Bananas, 5 pounds for $1; carrots, 1 pound for 25 cents; and onions, 6 pounds for $1.

35 years ago - 1989

Larry Bischof, owner of Harmony Farms Nursery, was told by Riverside County Road Department officials that he had to give the county right-of-way on 15 feet of his land for future expansion of Highway 74 from a twolane to a four-lane highway.

30 years ago - 1994

About 150 people demonstrated along a stretch of Highway 243 to express their opposition to abortion.

25 years ago - 1999

20 years ago - 2004

About 40 volunteers, many of them kids, spent 20 hours raising the skate ramps for the Idyllwild Skate Park and the long-awaited skateboard park was opened.

15 years ago - 2009

Beginning Oct. 15, the Idyllwild Business Roundtable was to premiere “3rd Thursdays!” with participating Idyllwild merchants aiming to entice local shoppers by staying open until 8 p.m., offering special treats, giveaway gifts or entertainment, and donating a portion of each 3rd Thursday’s sale to a local nonprofit.

10 years ago - 2014

Radio club ends WNKI offer to Idyllwild Fire

Residents were stunned by the deaths of three young teachers from the Desert Sun Science Center’s Astrocamp. They were killed in a traffic collision while changing a flat tire on the Long Beach 710 Freeway.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IDYLLWILD SCHOOL

Jackie Kate

Co-chairmen of the 4th Annual Harvest Moon Food Festival are Greg Wolfe and Pam Sundling. Town Crier,

October 6th, 1988

7-9 Division

In an intense first match Monday between the Yellowjackets (sponsored by Wild Imaginations) and the Wildcats (sponsored by Black Mountain Coffee), both teams seemed to be equal in terms of skill and determination as the final score ended in a 2-2 tie.

However in their second matchup Friday, the Wildcats made some adjustments on the defensive side and kept the Yellowjackets from scoring while continuing their heavy attack on offense -they ended the game with a 3-0 victory.

Wildcats coach Felipe Davila had some positive comments last week: “What an amazing season so far. This week Epifanio Davila lead his team in scoring, with a combined 4 goals over his last few games. What an exciting time, we couldn’t be more proud of him. Go Wildcats!”

Yellowjackets coach Eric Kaufman names his Players of the Week: “Walter Staff played his heart out all week. Nonstop effort up and down the field! He set the tempo. Paloma Valenzuela – most improved by far – was aggressive, both attacking the ball and defending our goal.”

In the other 7-9 division match series last week it was the Dragons (sponsored by McAndrews Construction) going against Blue Lightning (sponsored by SoCal Renovations.)

The Dragons were thirsty for their first win of the season, and it certainly showed last Monday - they fought hard and never let off the throttle as the Dragons emerged victorious with a 4-2 win over Blue Lightning.

The Dragons aimed to repeat this performance on Friday however Blue Lightning had something different in mind.

After a high-octane, fast-paced, all-out attack backand-forth by both teams - when the dust settled, it was Blue Lightning who made the proper adjustments and found a way defeat the Dragons by a score of 5-3.

“Kennedy Hansen consistently scored goals. MVP for sure,” says Blue Lightning coach Jacob Teel.

Coach Carl Dewese of the Dragons nominates his Players of the Week: “Caleb Marich for his awesome sportsmanship and work ethic - and Abby Roman for her toughness. She took a hit to the face and came back later in the game after she cleaned up her bloody nose.”

10-14 Division

The Red Hawks (sponsored by Idyllwild Backhoe) took on the Pink Panthers (sponsored by Schnalzer Electric) on Monday and then again on Friday – both games and both teams showed great defensive skills as goals were hard to come by on either end of the field.

The Red Hawks however did find a way to put a couple of balls in the back of the net Monday as they

came out on top with a score of 2-0.

Then on Friday it was the Pink Panthers who made a stout defensive stop by allowing zero goals in, while squeezing in their only goal of the game: enough for a 1-0 victory over the Red Hawks.

Coach Derrick Zimmerman had some positive words about his team: “The Players of the Week for the Pink Panthers are Maya Smith, Tate Donovan, Kathy Rodriguez Cruz, and Angel Montoya Gil. Maya and Tate had their best performances of the season. Kathy was a key player for a clean sheet in game two. Angel found the back of the net to secure a win for the team.”

Coach Dan Aronson of the Red Hawks also had some great words for this players: “The Howell brothers George and Lawrence are creating quite a stir on the Red Hawks - for their scores and saves. George Howell as goalie and center defense stops all the goals from getting in, while Lawrence Howell finds his way in for at least a point or two a game.

When it comes to defense and keeping this ball out of the goal, there is Johnny Aronson. He’s got the size and speed along with a big foot for his team.”

In the adjacent field, it was the undefeated Creekers FC going against the Mountain Eagles who were still looking for their first win of the season Monday.

It was a very physical match between both teams, and in a surprise ending, it was the Mountain Eagles who defeated the undefeated with a score of 3-1.

Creekers FC was out for revenge and looking to even the series Friday, as they came out of the gates with two rapid goals in the first half. However the Mountain Eagles did not back down and scored two goals of their own to even out the score 2-2 in the second half.

Creekers FC was not done though, as they found the back of the net in the 21st minute of the second half to edge a slight lead. The Mountain Eagles were determined to score the equalizer, however time expired a little too soon.

When the final whistle blew, the score stood 3-2 for Creekers FC.

Coach Erin Staff of the Mountain Eagles had a lot of positive words to say about her players:

Jaxx Foye is a superb goalie, full of skill and enthusiasm. He has had some amazing saves during the course

of the season and always shows up bringing his all for the team.

Audrey Roman is a great example of good sportsmanship, always having a positive attitude every game, and is respectful of her team mates, the competition and her coaches. Her positivity is commendable and inspiring.

Jason Maldonado’s skill and strength is as impressive as it is rare, but he also stands out as a leader acting as team captain. He is an invaluable player helping his team score at every game.

STANDINGS

7-9 Division Win – Loss – Tie

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

10-14 Division Win – Loss – Tie

October 2024 — Week 2

March 21 – April 19

Your bold approach to a difficult situation turns a doubter into a supporter. Be aware, though, that you still need to dig for facts to build an even stronger case.

April 20 – May 20

Distractions continue to nibble at your available time. Turn them off and concentrate on setting your sights on your goal. Progress might be slow, but it is steady.

May 21 – June 21

An opportunity opens up in a new field. You might not feel that it’s for you, but check it out anyway. You could be surprised; you might be able to adjust to its requirements.

June 22 – July 22

A new work environment presents some difficult choices. Best advice: Be ready to defend your decisions while still keeping your mind open to suggested alternatives.

July 23 – August 22

Don’t let your Leonine pride continue to jeopardize a cherished relationship. You’ve already taken too long to make that apology. Do it now before it’s too late.

August 23 – September 22

A friend needs assistance but fears that you might want to know more than they are prepared to reveal. Provide help without probing into the situation.

September 23 – October 22

You face an important personal decision that could affect a family member. Have a full, frank, no-holds-barred discussion with them before you act.

October 23 – November 21

Take some time out to think over the choices that have suddenly emerged in your life. Don’t be rushed into making a decision until all the facts are known.

November 22 – December 21

Someone might be trying to gain your trust for their own advantage. Be wary: A seemingly friendly smile might be an exercise in teeth-baring.

December 22 – January 19

A situation that emerged earlier can no longer be ignored. You need to deal with it now so that it won’t interfere with more important considerations.

January 20 – February 18

A job situation presents some problems. Deal with them one by one, and they’ll soon vanish. Meanwhile, in your personal life, a Libra would like to know your intentions.

February 19 – March 20

Let your partner know how you feel about your stalled relationship. A delay will result in your swimming around in circles and going nowhere.

Mike Van Zee (center) and the Idyllwild School ASB run their snack booth on game days. Wildcats sponsor Chris Bayer (right) of Black Mountain Coffee treats his team to some well-earned goodies.

PHOTO BY HALIE WILSON