Community Spirit Award
Please
The polls have been closed for a week. The preliminary and most final results are known for many races. But many ballots remain to be counted.
As of 6 p.m., Saturday, the Riverside County Registrar of Voters reported that 732,722 ballots had been counted, which represents 53.4% of registered voters in the County.
However, another 225,000 ballots are still uncounted. Nearly 80% are mail-in ballots and counting has begun for these. The remaining ballots are “conditional voter registration” ballots and will require more time to verify any questions about the voter.
If all the uncounted ballots are accepted, the turnout for the 2024 Presidential Election will be 70%. For the last Presidential election in 2020, turnout in Riverside County was 81.8 %.
Statewide the turnout is 54.7% based solely on the number of ballots counted. There are still several million uncounted ballots throughout California. Projected total statewide turnout for this election would be 73%. For the 2020 election, 80.7% of California’s registered voters cast a ballot.
National Donald Trump has been elected to a second term and Vice President Kamala Harris has conceded. However, Harris, with 58.2 % of the vote, captured California’s 54 Electoral College votes.
Riverside County favored Trump and was not the only state county that did. But Trump barely won the County. He garnered 49.2% of its ballots and Harris received 48.4 %
State
Adam Schiff, a Democrat, has defeated former Dodger Steve Garvey, the Republican candidate, to be the new California Senator. Schiff’s lead is nearly 2 million votes, 58.3% of the total. Garvey has only 41,7% of the vote, but 51.7 % of the Riverside County vote.
Schiff also has a commanding lead in the election to complete the unexpired term of former Senator Dianne Feinstein. Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed EMILY’s List President Laphonza Butler to fill the seat until the election of a successor.
Congressional
As of Saturday evening, incumbent Republican Ken Calvert has about a 7,900 vote lead over challenger Will Rollins for California’s 41st Congressional seat. His lead has been growing since the polls closed. Calvert has 51.4 % of the
vote, about 290,000 votes have been counted. In their 2022 race, a total of 235,000 votes were cast. In 2022, he won with 52.4% of the vote.
Former Hill Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz is winning re-election to his House seat.
State Assembly
In the hugely close 2022 race between Republican victor Gregg Wallis and his Democratic opponent Christy Holstege for the State Assembly District 47 seat, Holstege holds a very narrow lead.
At 6 p.m., Nov. 10, her lead over Wallis was 283 votes. She had the lead in the immediate days following the 2022 election, but Wallis eventually won by a total of 85 votes.
Riverside County voters supported Holstege, giving her 53.3 % of the vote and a 9,600 vote advantage. But San Bernardino voters, representing about 20% of the district, were overwhelming in favor of Wallis. He received 62.6% of their vote and a 9,350 vote advantage.
In the 36th Assembly seat race, Republican Jeff Gonzalez has a 2,350 vote lead over Democrat Jose “Joey” Acuna. This District includes portions of Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial counties. The Riverside County voters gave Gonzalez a 3,750 lead. Acuna’s strength was in Imperial County.
Local In the Idyllwild Water District election, there were four candidates for three seats. As of Saturday night, challenger Jessica Priefer has garnered 617 votes, far ahead of the other three candidates, all of whom are incumbents.
“I am very humbled and surprised and proud,” Priefer said. “I want to hear from the people. What changes do they really want?”
Board President Dr. Charles “Chip” Schelly is second with 438 votes.
Surprisingly, former Director Steve Kunkle, who resigned in October and vowed no interest in returning to the IWD Board, lead Board Vice President Peter Szabadi. Kun-
Idyllwild celebrates Veterans Day on November 11
PHOTO BY JOEL FEINGOLD
Jessica Priefer FILE PHOTO
2024 EMax award nominees
By Suzanne Avalon Editor
The Town Crier announces the 2024 Ernie Maxwell Community Spirit Award nominees. They are Donna Elliot and Neil Jenkins, Pete and Suzy Capparelli, and Reba Coulter.
Please keep the following in mind when you vote: The individual(s) should have demonstrated a tangible, perhaps physical, effect on the community. The honor is given to an individual or group who represents EMax’s spirit of community and volunteerism. Prior awardees took actions that created a spark sufficient to bring others into the fray just as Maxwell did with his activities involving the environment.
Ballots need to be submitted by 4p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. To help you decide who to vote for, we compiled all the amazing things that were written about each nominee, in the EMax spirit, of course.
Donna Elliot and Neil Jenkins
has helped students with their tile design and painting. 2025 will be his 9th year of hanging the students’ art. What a legacy for the school’s alumni to visit and be proud of what they added to the school’s history. Donna finds grant funding for this and other school projects, such as the 3 painted deer in front of the school and a Cougar sculpture, the school’s mascot, all designed and painted by the school’s students.
They have run 8 Art Walk & Wine Tasting events that bring visitors and business to the town. They generously donate their art to any Silent Auction events and have curated the art for venues around town with the aim of promoting fellow artists. Idyllwild was once listed as one of the “best small art towns in America.” Donna and Neil still think it is.
Pete and Suzy Capparelli
Community Spirit Award
Please fill out and return to the Town Crier office, mail to P.O. Box 157, Idyllwild, CA 92549 or stop by our office at 54440 N. Cricle #F, by 4 p.m. Friday, November 22.
Please select one (one entry per person):
Donna Elliott and Neil Jenkins
Pete and Suzy Capparelli
Reba Coulter
Donna Elliot was introduced to Idyllwild in the early 70’s when she joined the Sierra Club’s Rock-Climbing Section. Even though her wanderlust took her to many places around the world, most years she returned to Idyllwild to climb and hike. After she met Neil on a mountain in Wales, it wasn’t surprising that she shared her love of Idyllwild with him in the late 90’s. They purchased the house on Franklin Drive in 1999, but over the years lived in Singapore, the UK, Hong Kong and Dubai. Most vacations, though, they would visit Idyllwild to climb and hike. In 2011, they retired and moved into it their home.
Joining the Art Alliance of Idyllwild (AAI) in 2013 proved to be their pivotal connection to the community. They volunteered with art events and even painted one of the deer sculptures, Rocky, in the first herd gathering event. Rocky III is situated in front of La Casita. Over the years, Donna became AAI’s President and served in as its leader for 8 years. Neil is the current AAI Treasurer. As their legacy, they organized two further herd gatherings to increase the herd from 21 painted deer to over 60, including 2 coyotes. They sought grant funding and introduced the Christmas Gift Art Kit Giveaway, now in its 4th year. During Covid, Donna rallied artists for a community art project entitled “I made this for you” and art was given away to help cheer up people in town. Grant funding also served to provide yearly art scholarships at Idyllwild Arts Academy’s Summer Program. The AAI’s definition of Art was extended to include dance, music, theater and film making. Both have orchestrated grants to many of the local non-profits and support for individuals to further their passion for the Arts. Over the years, they organized or helped organize art classes for home-schooled students, together with artist workshops and unique art events that included the entire community, such as the Imagery of Words event, the Call of the Wyld Music Festival and Artists Studio Tour.
Donna and Neil are also members of the Idyllwild School smARTS Committee where they volunteer as artists and helpers for the many art classes at the school. They also help with the bi-annual students’ art exhibition. Neil leads the 8th Grade Legacy Tile Project and
Pete and Suzy have been active in the mountain communities in various capacities. Pete served as the President of the Idyllwild Board of Realtors, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chair of CSA 36, President of the Idyllwild Community Fund, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Idyllwild Arts Academy. He has also volunteered extensively in other ways as well, including for twenty years with the Idyllwild Jazz Festival and an advisor for many years with the Idyllwild Community Center.
Throughout her time in Idyllwild, Suzy has served as president of the Associates of Idyllwild Arts, secretary of CSA 36, a Trustee of Idyllwild Arts, Chair of the Idyllwild Jaxx Festival’s French Quarter, member and secretary of the Idyllwild Community Board, a member of Soroptimists of Idyllwild, and a proud singer with Local Color for 20+ years.
Pete and Suzy are truly friends of Idyllwild in every sense of the word, even sharing their home to those in need when required.
Reba Coulter
Thirty-five years ago, a transplanted West Virginian working in Orange County bought a vacation home in Idyllwild and chose to retire here twenty years later. Now in her eighties, she toils full-time to provide Idyllwild Forest Folk free shuttle service. Also impressive is her active participation throughout the years in twelve local nonprofits, serving as a Governing Board member and officer in five of them. After two decades, her contributions have had an enduring and positive impact on the mountain community.
Reba Coulter has achieved her most recent sought-after goal —the purchase of a brand-new, wheelchair equipped van for Forest Folk to provide free transportation for elderly, disabled, and veterans in the local region. After three unsuccessful attempts, she was awarded a $100,000 grant from Riverside County to purchase a new vehicle.
In 2011, Forest Folk became a 501(c)3 organization with the mission of “Enhancing life’s journey for seniors in the Idyllwild, California, mountain communities.” When the town’s Chamber of Commerce decided to disband, they donated their van to the Art Alliance. As its treasurer, Reba requested Forest Folk assume ownership of the van after the Art Alliance decided the
Ernie Maxwell and his wife Betty founded the Town Crier in 1946. Until his death in 1996, Ernie was a leader in the community on conservation, art and education, among many causes. He would have been 113 years old on July 7, 2024.
cost of vehicle insurance was too high.
In 2015, Reba, with help from Sue Harper, wrote a grant to subsidize the first public shuttle service on the hill. Through fire threat evacuations, highway closures, and a pandemic, Reba’s leadership skills and determination have enabled Forest Folk to maintain free shuttle service for nine years.
Her vision for expanding the range and value of Forest Folk’s service to the community has never wavered, and with the assistance from the FF Board of Directors, there are plans to increase collaboration with local 501(c)3 organizations, expand the number of drop off & pick up sites in town, and offer more community events to encourage increased ridership.
The San Jacinto mountains on a beautiful Sunday morning.
PHOTO BY JOEL FEINGOLD
Mountain Disaster Preparedness Expo educates for collective and individual preparation
By David Jerome Correspondent
Mountain Disaster Preparedness (MDP) held a Preparedness EXPO in Town Hall on Thursday November 7. The theme of the event was “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst...are you ready?” MDP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that organizes our community to prepare for and respond to all forms of disaster.
Attendees were invited to visit each of seven stations, meet volunteers from MDP and learn about different aspects of the group’s activities and what they themselves could do to be better prepared. Those who visited all the stations and had their cards signed at each were eligible for a drawing with a gift card as the prize.
The first station was manned by Jon Brown, who offered an overview of MDP. Brown also operates the organization’s webpage. He explained that if you still have access to the internet, agencies like CalFire provide a wealth of carefully vetted information, which locals can supplement with more specific local posts by visiting their website, mdpidyllwild.org. The landing page has links to their normal updates and emergency Facebook pages, in addition to links and phone numbers for local governmental agencies. One of these is Alert RivCo, where you can sign up for cell phone alerts targeted to your neighborhood on the hill (https:// rivcoready.org/AlertRivCo.)
The next station provided a familiarization with the contents of a first aid kit, and a chance to purchase one. Volunteers Gigi Kramer and Sarah Robins demonstrated basic techniques for making slings and wrapping sprains and other injuries. They explained that the local Disaster Aid Stations not only have first aid supplies, but also notebooks that explain how to use them, written in easy-to -understand language. MDP keeps a cadre of doctors and nurses, practicing and retired who can be called upon during emergencies. They are always looking for volunteers with medical skills.
At the third stop, Woody Henderson provided a virtual tour of a Disaster Aid Station (DAS.) Photos showed the contents inside one of these nine cargo containers scattered around the Hill. A map of their locations is available in the front of your Idyllwild Phone Book, if you don’t have one stop by the Town Crier office. There is also a map in front of the Post Office.
On display was one of the new, larger reflective signs that will be going up on the DASs, making them unmissable. Henderson also spoke of MDP’s project to add solar power to the stations. The idea is to provide charging for the emergency radios that are in each station. The first station is complete, and as the budget allows, the others will follow.
The DASs are also collection point for residents and visitors in an emergency, a good place to arrange to meet up, and a place where MPD commanders and medical volunteers will be found.
The fourth table displayed the contents of a home emergency supply barrel. At the DAS table, residents were reminded that the station “is not a substitute for your personal preparedness needs.” Volunteer Maggie DiZinnio showed just how much preparedness could fit inside a 35-gallon trash barrel. The first aid kit and other supplies needed if one was to be forced out of the house in pajamas (warm clothes, a pair of work boots well broken in, tools like a hammer and pry bar, flashlights, etc.) go on top. Under that goes food and water, then blankets and sleeping bag, and at the bottom the personal items you might need in a longer emergency. The demonstration kit included cooking supplies like a mess kit and “canned heat,” plates and plastic cutlery, toiletries including toilet paper, bleach for disinfecting water, and an am/fm weather band radio with a crank recharger.
The most important thing, DiZinnio said, was to personalize your barrel. If you need medication, ask your doctor for an extra bottle. If you have pets, add food and other things they might need, like a muzzle and leash. The barrel should be in a protected place where it would be accessible even if your home is not, perhaps an exterior closet or outbuilding. She also reminded attendees that kits like this allow you to help neighbors, even if your own home is relatively unscathed after an incident.
The fifth table introduced the CERT program, the Community Emergency Response Team. These volunteers receive training that allows them to assist first responders directly during an emergency. Connie Benson and Tracy Philippi were there with handbooks explaining the training and the kinds of tools that team members have on hand. Benson noted that much of that training happens with Idyllwild Fire Protection District staff. Team members meet once a month for two hours at IFPD, and Benson expressed gratitude for the use of
their facilities and the training they receive when firefighters are available. Last month, she said, the training dealt with “cribbing,” the technique of freeing a survivor from under heavy wreckage using pry bars and blocks to build a support by stages.
CERT members also meet regularly at the DASs to become familiar with the contents. They tell residents in an emergency to first make sure you are safe, then check on family and neighbors, then venture out and help the community where you are needed. The training, Johnson said, also helps team members to stay calm, and spread the sense of calm to others.
Next in the tour was a table focused on kids. There were coloring books and other materials to familiarize young people with the concepts of preparedness. One of the books included a place for local emergency phone numbers, and age-appropriate explanations of the dangers of scenarios like fire, earthquake, thunderstorms, flooding and heavy snow fall. The book also had advice for adults on how to create an emergency plan and how to quiz and drill children to make them comfortable with the steps they should take, including reunification if the family becomes separated.
The last table introduced MDPs radio team. Robert Hewitt, Director of Radio Communications, explained
that his job is to keep the system updated and in good operating order. Radio allows team members to gather and disseminate information even if cell phones are out of service. MDP has 34 radio-operating members and two repeaters (in upper Pine Cove) that allow the handheld radios to reach each other and the outside world. The operators participate in weekly call-ins to practice their networking skills.
If you missed the Expo, MDP’s website is a permanent virtual Expo where you can learn about preparedness, volunteering and the other ways you can support them, and subscribe to their newsletter: mdpidyllwild. org
Above: Mike Feyder shows
at the MDP Expo at Town Hall.
Left: Robert Hewitt
“ASK SPIRITUAL WORKOUT”
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 do I trust other people when I am so used to being betrayed? It seems like I don’t even notice it in the moment and find out later that my friends weren’t being nice to me. How can I distinguish when to trust and when not to?
Dear Reader:
If you are used to being betrayed (and I would love to know what your definition of betrayed is), the first place to look — true of any chronic circumstance — is at the belief or the family of beliefs you have about your Self, others, friendships, etc. that are adding up to the experience of being betrayed. Completely guessing, of course, but it could be something like “I’m not good enough; I’m not popular enough” or more in the realm of “I can’t trust people; people always betray me.” It matters not which came first — the belief(s) or the betrayal. What matters now is breaking the pattern of being “used to being betrayed.” Beyond, that, however, there is an extremely important dynamic at play here and that is your focus is on “them” because the gold will be in learning to trust your Self. When, in the course of living consciously, we focus more and more and more upon our own inspiration/guidance/gut/intuition by growing our “listen to inspiration” muscle, we see that there is far less need to trust other people and far more satisfaction in trusting ourselves to the point, as you say, that we can distinguish when to trust and when not to. I’d also jump on intending for better friends, but that’s just me.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
I love my husband but resent that he has to pay so much alimony to his ex. I knew this was the situation when we married but it still eats at me and then I feel guilty. Can you help?
Dear Reader:
Yes! First off, remember that guilt and resentment and what is “eating at you” fall into a certain category of beliefs you are harboring and ruminating upon. If they were true, they wouldn’t feel so awful so it would be helpful to write them out and re-evaluate them one by one (everyday Spiritual Workout practice). It will also be helpful to go back to the answer you provided when you said, “I knew this was the situation when we married.” You knew it and still you chose to get married. You knew it and you decided that, on balance, it would be worth it. So, what were you choosing? What was it that outweighed the alimony? Choices abound and it’s empowering, in a situation like yours, to re-visit the choice(s) you made. Most everyone I know who has engaged this practice finds that re-choosing a time or two or dozens of times is sometimes necessary. This action/ stance, as you will see, puts you back in the driver’s seat, back into the empowerment that comes with taking responsibility for your life, all of which will make guilt and resentment — victimhood — melt away.
• 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 editor@towncrier.com.
County offers 6-month report on Short-Term Rental program
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, the Riverside County Department of Planning issued a public notice announcing that the application process for Tier 2, Short Term Rental certificates was open for Idyllwild and the Wine Country. The two-page application is available online (https://planning.rctlma.org/sites/g/files/aldnop416/ files/2024-11/Riverside%20County%20STR%20 Tier%202%20Application.pdf) and must be submitted online by midnight, Sunday, Dec. 1. Tier 1 certificates were awarded last spring. These went to STR owners who had been paying the Transient Occupancy Tax between Sept. 13, 2021, and Sept. 13, 2022 but did not have a certificate.
Ordinance 927.2, “Regulating Short-Term Rentals” established a cap or limit of 500 STRs in Idyllwild (including Pine Cove). At that time, 462 STR certificates
had been issued for this area, which allowed the County Planning Department to issue an additional 38. Although 51 operators submitted applications for Tier 1 eligibility, 34 certificates were issued.
Since the cap is 500, 23 more certificates may be issued pursuant to Tier 2 requirements. If any certificate owner has given up their certificate, there may be more than 4 certificates to award.
If applicants and the current certificates exceed the 500 cap, a lottery will be held to award the new certificates. The total number of STR certificates on the Hill may not exceed 500.
Section 7 and 11 of Ordinance 927.2 establish the eligibility criteria for a STR certificate. Among the requirements and limitations, in Idyllwild, STRs must be separated, at least, 150 feet.
In addition, the announcement states, “No Owner or Owner Entity shall hold more than two (2) ShortTerm Rental Certificates simultaneously.”
Leaking propane truck leads to evacuations in Pine Cove
By David Jerome Correspondent
A leak from a propane delivery truck in Pine Cove on Saturday, November 2, resulted in evacuation and shelter in place orders for residents on two streets. An evacuation center was set up in the office of Pine Cove Water District.
CalFire Public Information Officer Maggie Cline De La Rosa provided these details: The leak was reported around 9:30 a.m. on the 53100 block of Mountain View Drive. The first engine on scene reported a 3,000-gallon commercial propane truck with a large leak. According to the operator of the truck, there were 300 gallons in the tank at the time of the leak. An evacuation order was issued for 16 houses on Mountain View Drive, and a shelter in place order for residents on Walters Drive. The leak was caused by a cracked pipe. Fire fighters were able to stop the leak, but did not determine the cause of the crack.
PCWD board president Robert Hewitt, who is a retired LA County Fire Battalion Chief and volunteer with Mountain Disaster Preparedness, explained the district’s involvement in the response to the incident. “Early on in the incident, PCWD’s facility was identified as an evacuation center. We had 11 total evacuees for more than six hours. We took care of them and made them some coffee. I and the CalFire PIO gave regular updates as to how the mitigation was going until residents were allowed to return to their homes.”
Cline De La Rosa offered advice for those who smell leaking gas. “If anyone suspects a propane or gas leak, do not attempt to fix it yourself as the fumes can be flammable. Always call 911 for assistance. Evacuate any structure where there is a suspected leak and wait for further instructions from the Fire Department. For outside leaks, weather plays a part in the dissipation of the gas, which means the gas or additive can linger in the area for a while, even after the cleanup has been completed.”
Idyllwild Fire Protection District has in the past stated that locals should first call 911 then also call IFPD (6592153), as 911 calls go through a routing process and sometimes IFPD can get there first.
Newsom Calls Special Session to Prepare for Federal Policy Clash
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Less than 36 hours after the polls closed on the Presidential Election and less than 24 hours after Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the race to former President Donald Trump, on Thursday, Nov. 7, Gov. Gavin Newsom called a Special Session of the State’s Legislature to convene on Dec. 2. Its purpose is to prepare against the presumed new Federal attacks on multiple California’s policies and laws.
Newsom is asking the Legislature to approve additional funding for the State’s Department of Justice and other agencies that will allow them to “. . . immediately file affirmative litigation challenging actions taken by the incoming Trump administration.”
The funding will also help to defend the State’s policies from anticipated litigation or enforcement actions filed against the State.
“The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won’t sit idle,” Newsom said in his press release announcing the Special Session. “California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond. We are prepared to fight in the courts, and we will do everything necessary to en-
sure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive.”
One day later, on Nov. 8, President-elect Trump responded forcefully on Truth Social. “Governor Gavin Newsom is trying to KILL our Nation’s beautiful California. For the first time ever, more people are leaving than are coming in. He is using the term ‘Trump-Proof’ as a way of stopping all of the GREAT things that can be done to ‘Make California Great Again,’. . . “
The policies which Newsom fears will be targets of the new Trump Administration include reproductive freedom, such as access to medication abortion.
The State’s clean energy plan, including the requirement that 100 % of new car sales in California to be zero emission vehicles by 2035, is another potential target. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had approved waivers for the State to pursue this goal.
In his post, Trump commented, “They are making it impossible to build a reasonably priced car. . . “
Deportation and family separations are also vulnerable.
Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes may also be in jeopardy, Newsom
fears.
“We know to take Trump at his word when he says he’ll roll back environmental protections, go after our immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, attack our civil rights, and restrict access to essential reproductive care,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta in his press release about the Special Session. “Which means, we won’t be flat-footed come January. You can be sure that as California Attorney General, if Trump attacks your rights: I’ll be there. . . California DOJ did it before and we’ll do it again. “
Neither the Assembly nor State Senate leaders have expressed objection to the Special Session. “Voters sent a clear message this election, and we need to lean-in and listen,” said Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister). “But we also must be prepared to defend California values, no matter the challenges ahead, so it makes sense to consider the Governor’s proposal.”
In response to Newsom’s calling a special session of the Legislature to ‘Trump-proof’ California, Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher issued the following statement, “This special session is a shameless political stunt. The only ‘problem’ it will solve is Gavin
See Special Session, page B6
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to IDYLLWILD TOWN CRIER, P.O. Box 157, Idyllwild, CA
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, Nov 13
• 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, Nov 14
• 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,
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, Nov 15
• 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, Nov 16
• 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.
Bomb threat delays vote counting
By JP Crumrine CorresPondent
On Friday morning, Nov. 8, someone sent a message indicating the presence of a bomb in the office of the County’s Registrar of Voters. This office is in Moreno Valley.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was immediately notified, and the building was swiftly evacuated. The evacuation, which included both the public and staff, was completed in less than five minutes, according to Elizabeth Florer, public information officer for the Registrar of Voters.
After a thorough search the Sheriff’s bomb squad found no explosives in or near the Office.
Ballot processing stopped on Friday and resumed Saturday, Nov. 9, as originally planned. Staff are continuing work Monday, Nov. 11 when the next update of counted ballots is expected.
“The County of Riverside Registrar of Voters remains committed to the safety of the public and our staff. We continue to prioritize transparency and encourage the public to observe all processes as we ensure a fair, accurate, and transparent election,” Florer said in her email to the Town Crier.
• 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, Nov 17
• 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, Nov 18
• Fit After 50, noon-1 p.m. Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St.
• Codependents Anon, 6 p.m. Zoom. Call Mary, 951-6344048.
Sheriff’s log
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls
IDYLLWILD
• Nov. 01 — Check the welfare, 7:41 p.m. 2600 Block Lake Ln. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 02 — Hazard, 1:12 p.m. 2600 Block St Hwy 243. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 03 — Unknown trouble, 6:52 a.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 03 — Battery, 7:58 a.m. 25000 block of Hwy. 243. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 03 — Unknown trouble, 7:58 a.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 03 — Public disturbance, 2:44 p.m. 54000 block of Village Center Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 04 — Child neglect,
Tuesday, Nov 19
• 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, Nov 20
• Rotary International of
11:06 a.m. Address withheld. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 04 — Danger to self/ other, 9:12 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 04 — Danger to self/ other, 9:14 p.m. 54000 block of Village Center Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 04 — Alarm call, 10:23 p.m. 2500 block of Fernleaf Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 05 — Danger to self/ other, 6:43 p.m. 5500 Block Dickenson Rd. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 06 — Attempt warrant service, 10:51 p.m. Address withheld. Warrant.
• Nov. 07 — Area check, 7:51 p.m. 5500 Block S. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 08 — Battery, 11:57 p.m. 2600 Block St Hwy 243. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 08 — Suspicious person, 11:59 p.m. 54000 block
Idyllwild meeting, 7:30 a.m.
American Legion Post 800, 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.
of S. Circle Dr. Arrest made.
• Nov. 09 — Noise complaint, 11:05 p.m. 2500 block of Tahquitz Rd. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 09 — Noise complaint, 11:41 p.m. 2500 block of Tahquitz Rd. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 10 — Trespassing, 9:04 a.m. N. Circle Dr. Handled by deputy.
PINE COVE
• Nov. 05 — Alarm call, 12:30 p.m. 5200 Block Overlook Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 08 — Alarm call, 7:49 a.m. 25000 block of Hwy. 243. Handled by deputy.
PINE MEADOWS
• Nov. 07 — Fraud, 2:15 p.m. 5900 Block E St Hwy 74. Report taken.
Town Crier Membership Application:
• 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.
POPPET FLATS
• Oct. 31 — Follow-up, 8:40 p.m. Address withheld. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 07 — Lost cellphone, 2:23 p.m. 4600 Block Poppet Flats Rd. Handled by deputy.
• Nov. 10 — Narcotics, 11:00 p.m. Address undefined. Handled by deputy.
SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST
• Nov. 09 — Suicide threat, 5:15 p.m. Address withheld. Handled by deputy.
TWIN PINES
• Nov. 11 — Check the welfare, 6:49 p.m. 1600 Block Valley Hi Dr. Handled by deputy.
• Subscriptions to both printed and online issues of the Town Crier.
• Nice-looking “Idyllwild Town Crier Member” car-window decals, which we very much hope you will display so as to encourage others to join us.
• Recognition of your Membership in the Town Crier, unless you request anonymity.
• Occasional offers, 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 benefit 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. Subscribe online with PayPal
Party and prepare with Perez
By David Jerome Correspondent
Supervisor V. Manuel Perez’s office is planning an Idyllwild Community Block Party in downtown Idyllwild on Friday November 15, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Park Lane between Idy Park and the Fort will be closed off, and county and local agencies and nonprofits will have popups. There will be live music and refreshments.
Darin Schemmer from Supervisor Perez’ Communications Team, explained that the event will include a dozen agencies, both local and county, and is also geared towards raising awareness of emergency response preparedness. He named the Idyllwild Fire Protection District as among the first responders that will be there to answer questions and provide resources to help locals be “prepared and proactive.”
Among county agencies, Schemmer listed the Sheriff’s Office, Regional Parks and Open Space, Code Enforcement, Public Social Services, University Health Care System Public Health, the Office on Aging, Veterans Services, Animal Services, and the Office of Economic Development, which runs the library and our CSAs (Community Service Areas.)
Schemmer said that community groups are reaching out and the list is growing. “We want to make it a one stop place” where residents can learn
about county services and preparedness and have fun. “People can walk around and listen to music and get refreshments.” Schemmer added that
this event was unique to Idyllwild, an answer to citizen interest raised by the Cranston fire. “Natural disasters happen, we want to get prepared.”
Visitors to Oakwood Village will note a new shop at the very end of the parking area, the tiny building that is home to Jeffrey Parish’s “Artifacts.” He calls the place “my personality in a box,” and the carefully curated mix of curiosities from around the world and his own creations is the fruit of over 20 years in retail. It is all “merchandise that I love, use, and believe in, (and) gives me great joy to share with others.”
Parish makes soaps and candles, as well as jewelry and ceramics. The soaps address a variety of specific needs, from moisturizing for everyday use to exfoliating or activated charcoal for occasional treatments. He is “very picky” about the candles; expect fragrances, but he doesn’t like “candles that smell like food.”
The shop is something of a curiosity cabinet, even offering a book on starting your own curiosity cabinet. Parish loves the opportunities the changing seasons bring to reimagine the shop, so expect frequent makeovers, with the constant being a mix of the spiritual and humorous.
In Idyllwild, Parish became part of the community of ceramic artists using the studio space at Mountain Pottery, a place “that nurtures my creative soul... creating pottery, and to my surprise, selling as fast as I produce.” Some of his jewelry designs include ceramic elements, semi-precious stones, and even squirrel paws.
Parish just turned 59 and moved here this year after a long stay in San Diego. He calls himself the quintessential stereotype: “I have done hair, had a flower shop, done interior design, and up until 2019 designed clothing and shoes. In 1998 I opened a shop in San Diego with a run of 21 years. It was the absolute love of my life. So, for me, it was a natural decision to open a shop in my new home of Idyllwild.”
Parish said he knew Idyllwild was his home the first time he visited, last year, but he is no stranger to mountain life. “I grew up in the mountains of Colorado and, in my opinion, that connection never truly leaves us… I decided in January 2024 that Idyllwild was the change I needed. I bought a house, packed up my San Diego life and made the change this past March. It has proven to be the best thing for me. This place has an indescribable magic. The people and community are like nowhere else.”
Jeffrey Parish, owner of Artifacts
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME
By David Jerome Correspondent
Reading is powerful! If you read 20 minutes a day just for the fun of it, you would read about 1.8 million words in year! That amount of reading gives kids an edge in school. The newspaper offers great ways to play games that help you read more. A subscription to a newspaper brings reading opportunities to your doorstep every day!
Word Game
Valuable Headlines
The number code below assigns a value to every letter of the alphabet. Figure out the “value” of a headline in the newspaper. Then see if you can find another headline with a higher value.
Can you find the letters that spell the word SUBSCRIPTION on one page of the newspaper? Circle each letter then connect the letters in the order that spells S-U-B-S-C-R-I-P-T-I-O-N. Color in the design made by the lines.
Just for Laughs
Save a few days’ worth of your favorite comic strip. At your holiday gathering, have family members help you put on a show by acting out the comic strips for family and friends.
Work with a family member to put the parts of this story in the correct order.
Rockstar Reader
Daliyah Marie Arana is a regular at her local Gainesville, Ga. library. Recently she completed theGeorgia1,000BooksB4 KindergartenProgram,which challengeskidstoread1,000 booksbeforetheirfirstdayof kindergarten.
Her story caught the attention of Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress.
librarian and wants to help children learn to read at a young age.
Daliyah visited the biggest library in the world to shadow Hayden as “librarian for the day.” She has dreams of one day being a
Before and After
Look at a photograph in the newspaper. Discuss with a
after?
© 2024 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol.
Daliyah with Carla Hayden at the Library of Congress.
• New ads placed at the beginning of the month only
• Minimum insertion: 1 month
•
•
•
The Royal Pains, John King, George Padilla and Eric Rankin perform at Middle Ridge Winery.
PHOTO BY PETER SZABADI
10 Reasons to Adopt
By Janice Murasko Animal Rescue Friends (ARF)
So, you, or a friend of yours, still isn’t sure pet adoption is the way to go. Your friends at ARF brainstormed for you a list of reasons why you, or your hesitant friend, should adopt a pet. They are:
1. Companionship- You’ll have a friend who will always be there when you are in need. Your friend will be waiting at the door for you, even when you’ve been gone only five minutes. Your bed will never be empty.
2. Unconditional Love- You’ll never be criticized for what you do, how much you weigh, or what your hair looks like. Bad breath? No problem!
3. Therapy- You’ll always be heard and won’t have to tolerate unwanted advice.
4. Bed warmer- Your toes will be warm.
5. Sense of purpose? Bored? Not certain why you’re even on this planet? A pet is wholly dependent upon you and your love. Your days will take on a new meaning.
6. Exercise- You’ll get walking, and odds are you’ll finally meet your neighbors!
7. Vacuum cleaner- No more crumbs on the floor, and your back will be saved.
8. You’ll feel good- When you adopt, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve saved a precious life.
9. Security System- You’ll know when the UPS guy has arrived and when an unwanted visitor is at the door.
10. Alarm clock- No more regrets about sleeping away a beautiful day!
If we haven’t convinced you (or your friend), then listen to medical professionals who say that owning a pet can result in reduced blood pressure and cholesterol, fewer visits to the doctor, even an increase in physical activity and exercise. Owning a pet can also improve our emotional and mental well-being- reduce anxiety levels, fight depression, enhance family life and childhood development.
Please remember that there are MANY local places to adopt your new family member. Somewhere out there is a pet who wants to choose you!
For Rent
Cozy, romantic furnished cabin. Full kitchen, 1 bed, 1 bath, private deck, close to town and Idyllwild Arts. $1200, good credit score a must. Perfect for creative and artistic people., Recharge your body and soul. (619) 777-0670
Aurelius, Meditations
For Rent
$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. 951-6599505.
BARTENDER
Sandlin (951) 659-3528
2 bdrm/1 bath/attachedgarage. Newly painted,inside and out. New carpet-ing/flooring. New centralheating. Nice fenced backyard. $2000/ month plusdeposit (utilities not in-cluded.) References pre-ferred.Call Lori (951) 203-3731
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 homeinstead.com/ hemetca or call (951) 929-1050
The Idyllwild Town Crier wants you! We are looking for outside advertising sales, commission only. It's a great gig to get out there and find new advertising for Idyllwild's only legitimate newspaper. Get on board with us and see great results! Contact: Suzanne@ towncrier.com.
The following job
general to identify the job
and duties that may be assigned. It is not
describe all of the duties an employee assigned to this classification may be required
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 951659-3112 by December 1, 2024. Full job description available in the office or online at PCWD.org
•
•
•
•
•
George Padilla of The Royal Pains on drums at Middle Ridge Winery
PHOTO BY PETER SZABADI
The Idyllwild Community Church Thrift Store's new building on the day of their Grand Opening, November 9
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME
Students of the Week
Mr. Mike VanZee, our 6-8 grade Social Studies teacher, has chosen the following students:
Jax Sleme is a kind and hardworking young man. He shows up everyday with a smile on his face, a positive attitude, and a desire to do well. He is well liked by his peers and he is a pleasure to have in class.
Victoria Solorio is a young lady who likes to take charge and get things done. She is a friend to all and a natural leader. She is a motivated student and an example for others to emulate. I appreciate her work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond when helping others. PHOTO COURTESY OF IDYLLWILD SCHOOL
Past Tense Creature Corner
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats celebrated the adoption of 5 puppies and hope for happy endings for the remaining four.
Pepper: Did everyone enjoy bingo at Town Hall last Saturday?
Harley: I heard that it was very enjoyable, and the Rotary Club will host another every month after December.
Jackie: But is there more news on the adoption front?
Harley: Yes! Another puppy found its forever home last weekend, so now there are two males and one female. And of course, we still have kittens and cats.
Rowan: We just need animal-loving humans to stop by and meet us all.
Marlowe: And they may make appointments to meet the puppies.
Rowan: You know, dog guardians need to know that dogs need more than just food, water, and belly rubs.
Harley: Right! Just as we cats need to exercise our brains, so do dogs. Mental stimulation provides us an outlet for our innate behaviors and problem-solving abilities.
Rowan: Right! Also, dogs need time to sniff! On walks, a dog smells the “pee mail” and then answers it with his own. They learn so much about other dogs through their noses when on walks.
Pepper: They also enjoy social time. They are especially bonded with humans, and in general need a good two hours of time with their people each day.
Marlowe: And just as most humans require, both dogs and cats need their own special “places.” Ideally, this would mean a family pet should have a choice of safe, quiet spots designated for them. Even they need to escape and relax on their own at times.
Jackie: And I've heard that consistency is important to a dog. They need a routine for feeding, walks, and companionship.
Rowan: And we all need consistency from our humans when it comes to training and rules. All humans should be on the same page when letting us know what is acceptable and what is not, otherwise it is just too confusing!
This week's Creature Corner is sponsored by ??? Heads up! If you called ARF last month, offering to sponsor, please call again. We need more info! 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.
75 years ago - 1949
Work was progressing on the first building of the Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts, with Clarence Bischof as contractor.
70 years ago - 1954
The first rain of the season finally arrived on Nov. 11.
65 years ago - 1959
The mysterious X Disease, which attacked ponderosa pines, was spreading rapidly in the San Bernardino Mountains but had not been spotted in local pines.
60 years ago - 1964
A major snow storm dumped 20 inches on Idyllwild.
55 years ago - 1969
The County Planning Department voiced opposition to a 2,200acre housing development in Garner Valley proposed by the J.P. Edmondson Co. of Fort Lauderdale.
50 years ago - 1974
Jack Garner announced his proposal to build a 200-acre recreational vehicle park with 200 campsites on Baldy Mountain.
45 years ago - 1979
Idyllwild local Theresa (McCaughey) Teel was born at home in Fern Valley. Her father, Jerry, delivered her, overseen by Idyllwild Fire Department personnel, including Jim Manietta.
40 years ago - 1984
The Idyllwild Precision Shopping Cart Drill Team was busy practicing for its upcoming appearance in the 8th Occasional Doodah Parade in Pasadena.
35 years ago - 1989
The U.S. Forest Service bought 398 acres of property at the top of Baldy Mountain.
30 years ago - 1994
The San Jacinto fault line was shaking up Hill residents as two earthquakes hit in two days, both centered a few miles southwest of Idyllwild.
25 years ago - 1999
Two Idyllwild Arts students, Svetlana Tsoneva and Simeon Simeonov, flew to Boston to tape shows for a new Public Radio International show entitled “From the Top.” Svetlana and Simeon, both violinists, were chosen from a na-
tional talent search and were two of only three musicians from California selected.
20 years ago - 2004
The American Legion Post 800 held its annual Veterans Day ceremony.
15 years ago - 2009
Festival Director Steve Savage was casting Idyllwild as a leading player in the upcoming Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema 2010, debuting Jan. 11, 2010 in Idyllwild at the Rustic Theatre.
11 year ago - 2013
The U.S. Forest Service announced a one-year closure of portions of the San Jacinto Ranger District. The closed areas were severely damaged from the Mountain Fire that summer.
10 years ago - 2014
5 years ago - 2019
A Veterans Day event at Town Hall featured veterans from the War Horse Creek program sharing personal stories. The program, which connects veterans with rescued mustangs, provides emotional healing opportunities, helping veterans reconnect and manage trauma
1 year ago - 2023
A recently installed crosswalk on Highway 243 in Idyllwild has raised visibility concerns among residents. The lack of signage and poor visibility from certain angles may pose a risk to pedestrians, prompting calls for improved safety measures.
California’s Proposition 47 was passed, reducing certain nonviolent and nonserious felonies to misdemeanors, with the aim of reducing prison overcrowding. Local officials were cautious about the measure’s impact on public safety and firefighting resources
Idyllwild Town Crier November 14, 1996 FILE PHOTO
Votes Counted continued from A1
kle has 341 votes and Szabadi has 286 votes.
On Friday, Nov. 8, in a text message to the Town Crier, Kunkle reaffirmed his intention to decline the election results.
If he does decline a new position on the Board, Elisabeth Florer, of the County’s Registrar of Voters Office, said in an email that the Board will have to declare a vacancy. By law, it has 60 days to fill the vacancy, from the announcement of it.
Schelly said that the Board has been advised to wait until January to declare the vacancy, which means the appointment of the fifth director would be delayed until February or March. This appointment would be for two years. Then, an election would be held to fill the remaining two years of the term Propositions
There were 10 different propositions on the November ballot. As of early Wednesday evening, California’s Secretary of State is reporting that six have more “Yes” votes than “No” and four are likely to fail.
Propositions 2 and 4, bond measures for schools and environmental projects, Prop 3, the constitutional right to marriage, Prop 34, restricts spending of prescription revenues, Prop 35, permanent funding for medi-cal, and Prop 36, increased sentencing for certain drug and theft crimes, have received more “Yes” than “No.” Of the six being approved, all but Prop 34, which addresses spending of prescription revenues, are leading by more than 57%. “Yes” on Prop 34 currently has just 51% of the votes.
Currently trailing approval are Props 5, bonds for affordable housing and infrastructure, Prop 6, eliminates forcing inmates to work, Prop 32, raises minimum wage, and Prop 33, local government residential rent control. Of these four, the closest race is for Prop 32, minimum wage, which has 51.5% against and 48.5% in favor. Of the other three, all have garnered more than 54% opposed.
Riverside County voters had the same opinions of the ten propositions. They favored Props 2, 3, 4, 34, 35, and 36; while opposing Props 5, 6, 32, and 33.
Nearly three-quarters of the County’s voters supported Prop 36, slightly more than the statewide support of 70%. Nearly 55% of County voters, opposed the minimum wage increase, Prop 32.
Special Session continued from A4
Newsom’s insecurity that not enough people are paying attention to him. There will not be a single policy implemented in this special session that couldn’t be addressed when the Legislature reconvenes in January.”
And Senate Republican leader Brian Jones (San Diego) commented, “This is immature and divisive. Our nation needs collaboration and unity, not politicians stunting for a headline. He’s following in the footsteps of former Democrat California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who sued Trump and his administration over 100 times, costing Californians millions.”
In his Social Truth posting, Trump did attack several other State policies, “. . . the unchecked and unbalanced homeless catastrophe, & the cost of EVERYTHING, in particular ‘groceries,’ IS OUT OF CONTROL. Also, as an ‘AGENT’ for the United States of America on Voting & Elections, I
will be DEMANDING THAT VOTER I.D., AND PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP, ARE A NECESSARY PART AND COMPONENT OF THE VOTING PROCESS!”
In September, Newsom signed Senate Bill 1174, which prohibits local governments from requiring voter identification at polling sites. To register proof is still necessary.
However, the California ACLU is supportive of Newsom’s step and prepared to use their own litigative resources if the Trump Administration takes actions which the ACLU abridges individual rights.
“We have diligently prepared for this outcome and remain resolute in our defense of California values by protecting immigrant families, defending the right to protest, reducing incarceration, criminalization, and police abuse, bolstering resources for unhoused people, and guaranteeing equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community,” said David Trujillo, executive director of the ACLU California Action, in a press release
The Town Crier’s 46th annual
Snow Guessing Contest
An Idyllwild Tradition
Vote for the rst measurable snowfall a er November 17th, even if we have snow before!
Participating Businesses
FERRO
La Casita
Raven Hill Bagels
Idyllwild Pharmacy
Gastrognome
Leanna’s Idyll Awhile Middle Ridge Winery Fairway Market
Idyllwild Town Crier
http://www.IdyllwildTownCrier.com/membership-signup/
hurting for a long time to come.
Be more sensitive to the emotions of loved ones who might feel left out while you’re stalking a new opportunity. Be sure to make it up to them this weekend. A nice surprise could be waiting. The gregarious Virgo rarely has a problem making new friends. But repairing frayed relationships doesn’t come easily. Still, if it’s what you want to do, you’ll find a way. Good luck!
A misunderstanding with a partner or spouse needs to be worked out before it turns into something really nasty. Forget about your pride