School truancy rates remain stubbornly high
..PAGE A2
Tour to feature modern and historic local architectural treasures
..PAGE A3
IFPD and County continue dispatch Memorandum Of Understanding
..PAGE A3
Anza’s Hamilton Ranch Founders’ Day Celebration includes open call for Bluegrass and Country jam session
..PAGE A6
..PAGE B5
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed lawsuits against Southern California Edison for both the 2025 Eaton Fire and the September 2022 Fairview Fire. The Fairview Fire occurred in Valle Vista and Hemet. It threatened Mountain Center and Idyllwild. But fire crews and Rouse Ridge were able to keep it south of Highway 74.
Before it was controlled, two people perished, three, including two firefighters, were injured, many structures, including 30 single family homes, were destroyed or damaged. Ultimately, the fire burned 28,300 acres, much of which was San Bernardino National Forest land.
Shortly after, SCE did acknowledge circuit activity in the area at the time of ignition. In June 2024, the California Public Utilities Commission cited SCE.
In its Report, the CPUC stated, “. . .The Incident originated between two SCE Poles on a privately owned property. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Report concluded that the cause of the fire was contact and arcing between one of SCE’s East electrical line conductor1 and a messenger cable owned by Frontier Communications due to insufficient clearance between the distribution conductor and the messenger cable...”
There is other litigation over this fire, but the DOJ is seeking $37 million in damages for the Fairview Fire, including $20 million for suppression costs, and another $40 million for the Eaton fire.
“Our thoughts are with the community affected by the Fairview Fire. We are reviewing the lawsuit and will respond through the appropriate legal channels,” said Jeff Monford, spokesman, Southern California Edison
“The lawsuits filed today allege a troubling pattern of negligence resulting in death, destruction, and tens of millions of federal taxpayer dollars spent to clean up one utility company’s mistakes,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli in the press release announcing the litigation. “We hope that today’s filings are the first step in causing the beginnings of a culture change at Southern California Edison, one that will make it a responsible, conscientious company that helps – not harms – our community. Hardworking Californians should not pick up the tab for Edison’s negligence.”
“We continue our work to reduce the likelihood of our equipment starting a wildfire,” Monford stated. “Southern California Edison is committed to wildfire mitigation through grid hardening, situational awareness and enhanced operational practices.”
The Eaton fire caused 21 deaths and burned thousands of acres in the Angeles National Forest and more than 10,000 homes and other structures.
“The Eaton Fire was heartbreaking. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, we will review this lawsuit and respond through the appropriate legal channels,” Monford stressed.
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
During the Covid pandemic, school attendance decreased dramatically and has not yet returned to precovid levels. Hemet Unified School District’s chronic absenteeism–defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason–was 33.4 percent in 2024, according to the District’s website. This is nearly double the 17.2 percent rate in 2019.
For Idyllwild School, the pattern is similar but the level of absenteeism is about half. In 2024, the School’s absenteeism was 17.3 percent about half the 2022 rate of 33.3 percent but still about 50 percent greater than the 11.6 percent rate in 2019.
For 2024, Nationwide school absenteeism was 23.5 percent compared to a 20.4 percent in California. Both declined from 2023.
On Aug. 19, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, also a candidate for the Democratic Gubernatorial nomination in 2026, announced that California is on track and committed to reduce chronic absenteeism by 50 percent over five years. The State is releasing new guidance to improve student attendance statewide, developed in partnership with Attendance Works and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence.
“Due to historic investments in student supports and family engagement, California has cut TK–12 chronic absenteeism levels by one-third, from 30 percent in 2022 to 20 percent in 2024. We are on track and committed to reduce chronic absence by 50 percent over five years,” Thurmond said. “Our Community Schools
approach is working: When we address the needs of the whole family, our students are able to show up to school.”
California was not alone with an absentee rate greater than 20 percent. Only eleven states had rates less than 20 percent. Alabama had the lowest rate, with only 14.8 percent absenteeism. Idaho was next with a 15 percent rate. The highest rate was 43.4 percent in Alaska.
Nevertheless nationally, statewide, and locally, absenteeism remains higher than historic levels and family income levels do not seem to affect attendance. In Hemet, chronic absenteeism reached 50 percent for students considered homeless. American Indian students also had a 50 percent absenteeism rate. Except for Asian students, all races of students exceed 30 percent.
However, the English learners did limit absenteeism to 26.8 percent.
Since State financial support to local school districts is based on attendance, not simply enrollment, local finances have been affected by the recent climb in absenteeism.
The authors of the report made two general comments. Avoiding chastisement for incomplete assignments has declined as a reason for missing school. Today, “It’s boring” is more frequently cited.
This is enabled with modern technology which makes it easier to skip school but still see assignments or complete homework online.
Despite the higher absenteeism in recent years, the graduation rate has remained relatively constant in HUSD. It was 88.3 percent in 2019 and 90.4 percent in 2024 according to State data.
English and mathematics test scores have been relatively stable in the past five years.
Mostly sunny and seasonable conditions this week, with highs in the low 70s to low 80s and cooler nights in the upper 40s to mid-50s. Breezy and cooler Wednesday, then warming into the weekend with plenty of sunshine and dry air.
By David Jerome Correspondent
The Idyllwild Nature Center hosted two practitioners of the ancient art of falconry–hunting with raptors–on Saturday September 6. Nature Center Park Interpreter Allison Fedrick thanked the Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County Parks for sustaining the Center’s popular speaker series by, among other things, providing honorariums for guest speakers.
FSJMCP volunteer Steven Sutton introduced the falconers as new residents of Idyllwild, “animal lovers, and wildlife biologists.” The two met when they took their written test to be licensed to practice falconry and keep raptors.
Derrick Thrasher introduced himself as a wildlife biologist and ornithologist who has studied population genetics of birds in Australia, and has also worked on human DNA sequencing. He said that, while raising other birds, he dreamed of practicing falconry.
Jamie Lessie said she had “always been obsessed with birds and always wanted to be a falconer.” She completed the study and testing necessary while “stuck at home” during Covid. Lessie noted that being a falconer is “more a lifestyle than a hobby, it is a daily commitment.”
Each brought one of their hunting birds with them. Thrasher brought an American Kestrel, the smallest North American hawk, and Lessie a Harris’s hawk. Thrasher explained that his kestrel Panchi, now two years old, was rescued when the palm tree harboring its nest was cut down. Panchi and her two siblings came into a bird rescue program and imprinted on humans. The kestrel, a female, weighs 115 grams (around 4 ounces), while males weigh a little less. The bird presently has “the run” of Thrasher’s office and living room and “loves people.”
Lessie brought Rue, a Harris’s hawk that was bred in captivity. The Harris’s hawk, she explained, is the only raptor that naturally hunts in a pack, and “understand(s) team work by instinct.” This, she said, makes them easier to train.
Lessie and Thrasher explained the process of training the birds to hunt, and how this is also used to prepare birds to be returned to the wild. The training be-
gins in an enclosure, as the birds are introduced to their prey animals. The birds instinctively cover, or “mantle” their prey to keep it to themselves, but learn to relinquish their quarry with offered food, which is easier to eat than a fresh kill.
A raptor’s training includes learning to perch on a falconer’s leather glove and learning to respond to a whistle or call. The glove is important, as a raptor’s talons are sharp, and their muscles strong. Lessie noted that a red-tailed hawk may exert 250 pounds per square inch. A falconer occasionally has to “patch some holes” after a training session.
In the beginning the birds fly with a light-weight leash attached to a weighted spool called a “creance.” Once they are used to flying within a 50-foot radius, they are fitted with a GPS transmitter and allowed to fly free. The birds will still return at the soud of a whistle or the sight of a “lure” with a meal attached.
The training of a falconer is also rigorous. After taking their test, the novice is an “Apprentice” for two years. During this time, they are sponsored by a more advanced falconer, and work with a juvenile, wildtrapped raptor, bird and human learning to hunt as a team. Thrasher pointed out that in the wild, 80% of juveniles never make it through their first year; many are taken by predators while still in the nest, and many others starve before they learn to hunt. At the end of the wild-trapped bird’s time in training, they are released into the wild.
After two years a falconer enters the “General” class, and is allowed to keep up to three birds. After five years they become “Masters,” and may keep more.
Lessie said that birds like her hawk, raised in captivity, tend to accept people and dogs more readily and are more predictable Thrasher said he believes that hunting with raptors is more ethical than hunting with a bow and arrow or firearm, and more “sporting,” giving the quarry animal better chances to escape. The kestrel is rarely used for hunting because of the danger from larger wild raptors. It’s prey includes mice and other rodents, lizards, insects, and small birds. A falconer can work with a bird to give it confidence to pursue larger prey, including, for the kestrel, the invasive European starling.
Lessie said that she hunts quail and rabbits with her hawk The falconer’s job includes “humanely dispatching” injured prey with a spike. She said that Rue knows
By David Jerome Correspondent
The Idyllwild Area Historical Society will host their annual Home Tour this Saturday, September 13. This is the Society’s most important fundraising event of the year, and a rare chance to tour some of Idyllwild’s most interesting homes.
IAHS President Ed Warner provided a preview of the five unique homes that will be open that day. He noted at a recent IAHS meeting that several of the properties are “expansive,” and there is even more to see than usual. Be sure to wear safe and comfortable shoes, as many of the homes include stairs and rough footing outside.
Two of the homes are the work of local architect David Lillieholm. In the first “his signature walls of windows welcome the clear sunlit days and starry nights, providing sweeping views of mountains and valleys.” The other features “a spectacular and unusual eastern view of monolithic Tahquitz Rock through windows rising 30-feet, and an oversize fireplace that still isn’t able to dwarf a beloved grandmother’s antique andirons…”
The lodge that served as a location for Elvis Presley’s Kid Galahad is also among this year’s homes. It was built in 1947, one of several attempts to build ski lodges to compete with Big Bear. It still has the original long wooden bar and dance floor. Legend has it that it served as a “speakeasy” during Idyllwild’s long post-prohibition period as a “dry” town.
Several of the homes showcase the creativity and pursuits of their occupants. One has a greenhouse where the resident horticulturist tends rare and beautiful plants, another an entry garden of stone-fruit trees. One features rail stiles made form twisted Manzanita branches, another a “tiny” bathroom transformed by a trompe L’oeil mural. Some of the residents are art collectors, others artists themselves. Online ticket sales are closed as of Wednesday night, September 10, and tickets are only available at the Will Call Booth next to the Harmony Monument on Village Center Drive Saturday Morning 9/13, the day of the event.
that squirrels are “off limits” as they may bite the toes off an attacking hawk. Falconers who wish to hunt squirrels equip their birds with protective gear, “squirrel chaps.”
Thrasher spoke about raptors’ extraordinary binocular vision. Their eyes not only have depth perception and resolution beyond those of humans, but can see well into the ultra-violet range, allowing the birds to detect urine trails from mammals.
A Harris’s hawk, Thrasher said, may live five to nine years in the wild, but in captivity it may live to be 20. The birds, we heard, are not affectionate animals, but have a more “transactional” relationship with their handlers. Panchi, having imprinted on humans, seems to treat her falconer as a member of her own species, and will throw up her wings and jump around in greeting. Anyone trying to rescue a bird should think first. Often a juvenile bird hopping around has a parent nearby. If you do wish to rescue an injured bird, contact a Park Ranger or the Nature Center to find an expert.
“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:
I’ve been experiencing being completely overwhelmed with what seems like one awful thing after another after another showing up and knocking me off my game. And these aren’t little things. In fact, they are actually very major things affecting me and people close to me and I’m overwhelmed because even without any of this “extra” stuff, it’s hard enough for me to keep my head down and live intentionally and create the life I want to live. Right now, it’s like one step forward and five steps back and I’m doubting if I’ll ever get to where I want to be so I would like to know what you’d say about how to deal right now.
Dear Reader:
The first thing I’d say is I can personally relate to all manner of “stuff piling on at inopportune times” and, trust me, so can countless Spiritual Workouters. It tends to happen. And, for sure, there are some perspectives from this practice that might help you starting with the notion that all that matters from here is how you respond to what’s happening.
In this manner and in no particular order, it’s also helpful to keep in mind that whatever is happening in your life in this moment…has already been created. It’s done. Thus, being present, accepting it as it is, offering it no resistance, and going from there, will serve you well. It’s also critically important to look very closely at any and all meaning you’re making, now, of what’s happening…and choose wisely. Some examples of what this might mean to you might be: I’m not getting anywhere; this is so unfair; my intentions aren’t manifesting; I won’t be able to support myself; the world is conspiring against me; this shouldn’t be happening; I’m running out of time. Some other examples might be: I’m right where I’m supposed to be; there’s more for me to do; I’ll figure it out; I still want what I want. We’re talking about how beliefs matter because they create experience and you can see here that there are different experiences to choose; different experiences, essentially, to sign up for.
Finally, I appreciate that you are already on a path of living more intentionally. For sure, keeping your intentions shiny and clear and continuing to cultivate them by investing every bit of your precious time and energy that is not needed for the five steps back stuff… still matters. And I sincerely hope this helps.
•
Editor’s note: Ask Spiritual Workshop will be on hiatus as Steven is planning some travel.
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
At its Sept. 9 meeting, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved its new dispatch agreement with the Idyllwild Fire Protection District.
The Riverside County Fire Department provides all dispatch services for fire and rescue emergencies and routine operations for the IFPD.
This cooperative agreement is effective for three years, from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. The previous agreement expired on June 30 and had been in effect for four years, beginning July 1, 2021.
The annual cost is estimated to be $85,300 for Fiscal year 2025-26, a slight increase from the $79,000 annual cost of the prior agreement.
The cost may vary in future fiscal years because of changes to the number of calls or to the cost of dispatch and communication services, according to the agreement.
“Our dispatch agreement with the County was signed on our side back on July 1, 2025,” IFPD Chief Mark LaMont said in a text to the Town Crier. “Our legal counsel reviewed the document . . . the agreement was basically the same as our previous agreement. . . In my discussions with the County, they agreed to continue providing uninterrupted dispatch service to IFPD under the previous agreement until the new agreement was completed.”
IFPD has been contracting with the County for dispatch and communication services since 2001.
By David Jerome Correspondent
Idyllwild Indivisible is planning a meeting on Wednesday, September 17, at 5:30pm at the Idyllwild Library. There will be two guest speakers; civil rights trial attorney and community organizer Meagan Beaman Jacinto, and candidate for congress Abel Chavez
Idyllwild Indivisible facilitator Elaine Bachman says that Beaman Jacinto will speak about the current state of affairs for immigrants. Bachman describes Chavez as “a very progressive candidate, who is running against Ken Calvert for congress.”
Beaman Jacinto’s bio includes a term on the Coachella City Council, where she successfully worked for initiatives on farmworker hazard pay, prohibitions on private detention facilities and no-cause housing evictions, a city racial equity task force, and a reconsideration of public safety investments.
Bacher also notes that Idyllwild Indivisible is still seeking donations for immigrants. “We are still collecting food, cereal, beans, rice, corn tortillas, tuna and canned chicken and hygiene products for TODEC to deliver the items to the immigrants in need.” TODEC (Training Occupational Development Educating Communities) is an immigrants’ Advocacy group active for 40 years in the Coachella Valley.
“Stellar” evening to support local nonprofits and deserving kids
Press Release
The Idyllwild Rotary Club and AstroCamp invite the public to experience the awe of night time skies of the San Jacinto mountains at “Dinner Under the Stars,” an al-fresco fine dining experience on Saturday, September 13, 2025, on the forested grounds of AstroCamp. Proceeds benefit the Idyllwild Rotary Charitable Fund, which helps local nonprofits with funds to carry out their projects, and AstroCamp’s Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, that gives deserving kids the chance to attend summer camp. Guests will enjoy an elegant four-course Italian dinner, live music, can browse and enter over 15 unique raffle prizes and experiences from a skydive to a weekend Idyllwild retreat and nearly everything in between. The night ends with telescope viewing, guided by AstroCamp instuctors, at one of two on-campus observatories.
“I’m really happy to be part of organizing such a unique event that shows off the beauty of Idyllwild and just how cool our nighttime sky is especially seen through a multitude of instruments,” said Brian Straka, AstroCamp Director, Idyllwild Rotarian, and co-organizer of the event. “Every ticket sold directly funds projects that visitors and locals can appreciate and use that makes Idyllwild a go-to vacation destination for So-Cal residents,” said Rosa Montes the co-organizer of the event and long-time Idyllwild resident and business owner.
Tickets are $125 for dinner, one drink, and one raffle ticket or $175 to add a pre-dinner zipline & axe-throwing adventure. Additional beverages and raffle entries will be available for purchase at check-in. The event welcomes ages 12 and up. With capacity limited to 100 guests early reservations are encouraged. Tickets: Secure seats online at https://idyllwildrotary.com/dinner-under-the-stars. AstroCamp 26800 Saunders Meadow Rd.
STAFF CONTRACTED FIRMS WHEN TO REACH US
David Jerome | Editor david@towncrier.com
Mike Ferro | Designer mike@towncrier.com
JP Crumrine | Correspondent jp@towncrier.com
Peter Szabadi | Photography pszabadilaw@gmail.com
Justin Holmes | Videographer justinpholmes@gmail.com
Tobin Ale | Distribution Gannett Publishing rjthomas@gannett.com
Press Release
Home fires claim seven lives every day, but together we can help change that. The American Red Cross and community partners are offering free smoke alarm installations and home fire safety information in your community! We will be installing in your neighborhood by appointment: Saturday, October 4 9:30am-12:00pm.
Keep your family safe from home fires! We will be visiting homes by request on Saturday, October 4 to test existing alarms, install new 10-year alarms where needed, and provide fire safety education.
To register for a smoke alarm appointment, visit www.SoundTheAlarm.org/ SoCal or call (714) 481-5334. The deadline to register: Wednesday, September 24 at 12:00pm.
To volunteer to help with this program, adults over 18 may register at www.tinyurl.com/STAIdyllwild2025
Idyllwild Fire
The Idyllwild Fire Protection District responded to these calls from Sunday to Saturday, Aug. 25 to 31.
Sept. 1 – EMS. STA 621
Sept. 1 – EMS. STA 621
Sept 1 – PSA. STA 621
• Sept. 1 – PSA. STA 621 Sept.
Sept. 4 – EMS. John Muir
Sheriff’s log The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls
IDYLLWILD === -- Tuesday August 26, 2025 -19:37:00 – ALARM CALL – 5500 *** BLOCK FOREST HAVEN DR 13:58:00 – CIVIL DISPUTE – 5400 *** BLOCK PINE CREST AV 11:31:00 – TRESPASSING – 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR -- Wednesday August 27, 2025 -09:52:00 – TRESPASSING – 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR 08:41:00 – VICIOUS DOG – 2600 *** BLOCK DELANO DR 07:09:00 – PROWLER – 5400 *** BLOCK SOUTH CIRCLE DR
-- Thursday August 28, 2025 -23:36:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
-- Friday August 29, 2025 -17:36:00 – CHECK THE WELFARE – 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR 14:17:00 – DISORIENTED SUBJECT – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243 12:40:00 – ALARM CALL – 5500 *** BLOCK FOREST HAVEN DR 12:23:00 – VICIOUS DOG – 5200 *** BLOCK IDYLLMONT RD 10:34:00 – ALARM CALL – 5500 *** BLOCK FOREST HAVEN DR
-- Saturday August 30, 2025 -14:46:00 – ANIMAL ABUSE – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
07:43:00 – HARRASSING PHONE CALLS – ADDRESS WITHHELD
-- Sunday August 31, 2025 -19:17:00 – HARRASSING PHONE CALLS – ADDRESS WITHHELD
16:14:00 – MISCELLANEOUS CRIMINAL – 2500 *** BLOCK TAHQUITZ DR
13:17:00 – ANIMAL ABUSE – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
10:34:00 – CHECK THE WELFARE – 5300 *** BLOCK TOLL GATE RD
-- Monday September 01, 2025 -18:57:00 – NOISE COMPLAINT –2500 *** BLOCK TAHQUITZ RD
10:30:00 – ALARM CALL – 5200 *** BLOCK IDYLLMONT RD
00:42:00 – SUSPICIOUS PERSON –5400 *** BLOCK VILLAGE VIEW DR
-- Tuesday September 02, 2025 -20:37:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – 5400 *** BLOCK RIDGEVIEW DR 18:52:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – 2600 *** BLOCK DELANO DR
-- Wednesday September 03, 2025 -17:44:00 – AREA CHECK – 5400 *** BLOCK MARIAN VIEW DR
13:14:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – 5400 *** BLOCK JAMESON RD 04:47:00 – ALARM CALL – 5400 *** BLOCK PINE CREST AV
-- Thursday September 04, 2025 -20:00:00 – INCORRIGABLE MINOR – ADDRESS WITHHELD
-- Friday September 05, 2025 -22:27:00 – NOISE COMPLAINT –2500 *** BLOCK FERN VALLEY RD
-- Sunday September 07, 2025 -23:55:00 – HARRASSING PHONE CALLS – ADDRESS WITHHELD
12:36:00 – ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT – 5400 *** BLOCK STRAWBERRY VALLEY DR
-- Monday September 08, 2025 -08:48:00 – ALARM CALL – 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR 00:48:00 – ALARM CALL – 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR
-- Tuesday September 09, 2025 -16:19:00 – BATTERY – 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR 16:12:00 – AREA CHECK – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
=== PINE COVE ===
-- Wednesday August 27, 2025 -08:40:00 – VANDALISM – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
-- Thursday August 28, 2025 -12:53:00 – VEHICLE CODE VIOLATION – 5200 *** BLOCK PINE COVE RD
-- Saturday August 30, 2025 -22:50:00 – UNLAWFUL ENTRY –2500 *** BLOCK MARION RIDGE DR 13:39:00 – ALARM CALL – 5300 *** BLOCK MOUNTAIN VIEW DR
-- Sunday August 31, 2025 -00:16:00 – NOISE COMPLAINT –2500 *** BLOCK CASCADE DR
-- Monday September 01, 2025 -23:59:00 – NOISE COMPLAINT –ADDRESS UNDEFINED 22:57:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
-- Thursday September 04, 2025 -19:52:00 – OVERDOSE – 2500 *** BLOCK BIG PINE ST
-- Friday September 05, 2025 -15:47:00 – PUBLIC ASSIST – 2400 *** BLOCK LOGAN CREEK RD
-- Saturday September 06, 2025 -17:41:00 – PARKING VIOLATION –2500 *** BLOCK SHADOW OAKS DR
NAME(S): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MAILING ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________ CITY: ___________________ STATE: _______
ZIP: ___________________
TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): ______________________________________________________________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________________
I (We) want to keep the Town Crier as a real newspaper for the benefit of our community, as follows: Angels: Other amount unlimited above $1,000 annually – $___________ Heroes: $1,000 annually – $_______ Patrons: $500+ annually – $_______ Sponsors: $250+ annually – $_______ Sustaining Readers: $100+ annually – $_______ All Memberships may be paid for by the month, if you wish, by using a pre-submitted credit card, debit card. with the addition of a 3% fee. Contact the Town Crier office to make arrangements. 951-659-2145.
PLEASE NOTE: The Town Crier is NOT an official “nonprofit organization.” (For practical reasons involving the likelihood of local factional efforts to dominate a nonprofit’s board so as to gain editorial control of the paper, it could not be.) Therefore, your Membership contributions are NOT tax deductable. Members have no ownership or voting interest in the Town Crier. And we know our Members appreciate that we cannot allow the fact of their Memberships to influence or control the paper’s ongoing editorial policies and decisions.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
• Subscriptions to both printed and online issues of the Town Crier.
• Nice-looking “Idyllwild Town Crier Member” car-window decals, which we very much hope you will display so as to encourage others to join us.
• Recognition of your Membership in the Town Crier, unless you request anonymity.
• Occasional 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.
By David Jerome Correspondent
The Hamilton Museum in Anza will be hosting their annual Founders’ Day Celebration on Saturday September 13. The organizers are calling for musicians to join in for an “Old Timey, Bluegrass, Old Country, and Country Gospel pickers, fiddlers, singers” jam session.” The Hamilton Ranch is one of Anza’s most historic sites, the first property in the valley to be homesteaded in 1909. The event will also include food booths and other vendors, games and contests.
The jam session is being organized by Barrie Abbott along with an “old time fiddler,” who have been trying to organize this kind of event here on the mountain for some time. “We had a small group getting together for awhile including a mandolin player from Idyllwild. Members of the Bluegrass groups from Temecula and the Desert are planning to attend...should be a fun event.”
Hamilton Museum Founders’ Day Celebration, Saturday, September 13, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., jam session starts at 11:00a.m. 39991 Contreras Rd. Anza, Ca. 92539 for more info contact barrie.cvranch@gmail.com or fiddlerjoanna@gmail.com
Press Release
Starting Wednesday, September 17, at 7 a.m., Grandfathers For Golf, the nonprofit charity that teaches kids to golf for free, is going to be holding weekly fundraiser golf outings at Golden Era Golf Course in San Jacinto. The cost to play is $25, which includes 18 holes of golf and a golf cart. The clubhouse will be open, and the coffee will be hot!
registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) Registrant Signature: AARON GLASSER Secretary Statement filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 08/15/2025 FILE NO.: R-202510125 NOTICE — IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION OF 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publication of notice pursuant to this section shall be once a week for four successive weeks. Four publications in a newspaper regularly published once a week or oftener, with at least 5 days intervening between the respective publication dates not counting such publication dates,
Golden Era will be closed during the month of October for reseeding, but the Wednesday golf outings will resume in November and run indefinitely.
For more information, and to book a tee time, contact Grandfathers for Golf at 1 (951) 604-1312, or Linda Greilich at Golden Era, (323) 834-4421.
This is a great way to enjoy the game of golf while supporting the free program for the kids. The Grandfathers program, which has been active in the Hemet/San Jacinto area for decades, holds teaching sessions all year long. Kids get free a free set of golf clubs along with hats and shirts and personalized instruction.
TO SECTION OF 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publication of notice pursuant to this section shall be once a week for four successive weeks. Four publications in a newspaper regularly published once a week or oftener, with at least 5 days intervening between the respective publication dates not counting such publication dates, are sufficient. The period of notice commences with the first day of publication and terminates at the end of the twenty-eighth day, including therein the first day. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. PETER ALDANA, County Clerk Pub. TC: September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is/are doing business as COACHELLA VALLEY GROWN FARMS & NURSERY, CV GROWN FARMS & NURSERY, COACHELLA VALLEY GROWN VINEYARDS, CV GROWN VINEYARDS, COACHELLA VALLEY GROWN PRODUCE, CV GROWN PRODUCE, COACHELLA VALLEY GROWN FLOWERS, CV GROWN FLOWERS, COACHELLA VALLEY GROWN FARMS, CV GROWN FARMS, COACHELLA VALLEY GROWN NURSERY, CV GROWN NURSERY, CVGROWN.COM, CVGROWN, 88790 72ND AVENUE, THERMAL, CA 92274. RIVERSIDE COUNTY. Mailing address: PO BOX 215, THERMAL, CA 92274 COSTNER LLC PO BOX 215 THERMAL, CA 92274 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability company. State of LLC: CA.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
The following fictitious business name JEFF MILLER AND ASSOCIATES, 37080 PALMDALE RD., RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270, COUNTY: RIVERSIDE, has been abandoned by the following persons: MILLER AND RONZELLO ASSOCIATES, INC.
37080 PALMDALE RD., RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270.
This business is conducted by a Corporation. State of Corporation: CA. The fictitious business names referred to above were filed in Riverside County on 10/01/2020.
I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.)
Signed:
JEFFREY I. MILLER
VICE PRESIDENT Statement filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 08/18/2025. FILE NO.: R-202010116
Pub. TC: August 28, September 4, 11, 18, 2025. CVPS2505565 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, 3255 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
1. Petitioner: JOSE ARMANDO
MIRELES-DURAZNO filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
a. Present name: JOSE ARMANDO
MIRELES-DURAZNO changed to Proposed name: JOSE ARMANDO MIRELES.
2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to
By David Jerome Correspondent
Idyllwild School Parent Teacher Organization’s smARTS program is starting another year of enrichment activities for Idyllwild School students. Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Oates provided an update. “SmARTS will be starting the 24th of this month with three sessions. It will be for TK (Transition Kindergarten) through fifth grade primarily, and the goal to have our smARTS Artists sprinkled in with the middle school art elective class that’s provided.”
Although most of the smARTS activities are conducted at school by volunteer artist/teachers, there will also be at least one field trip. “I have arranged for the middle school kids to see a performance at McCallum Theatre on October 21. McCallum has a field trip series they provide for local schools. They give you quite a few options to choose from and with my middle school granddaughters help, we chose, Gotta be Me! by Skidoo and the Secret Agency. It’s a positive message to kids about being themselves, through music and dance.” This outing was funded by a grant from the Idyllwild
Community Fund, which will pay for the expense of taking two busloads of students back and forth.
Other smARTS programs allow graduating students to leave a mark on the school.
“Smarts also provides two legacy programs. One is for the fifth graders going into middle school. It’s a picket project. Each child in the fifth grade designs what means a lot to them or is important to them at this stage in their life and they draw it on a picket, paint it with their name and the date, and after everybody’s done the smARTS program volunteers seal each picket, and then put them up on the fences throughout the campus. The other legacy program is a tile project for the eighth graders that are going to be graduating into high school. They design a mural with the help of Neil Jenkins and then help him paint the tiles to create the mural which is then outlined with each one of the students personal designed tile. The tiles are then fired at Mountain Pottery with the help of Helen Hickson and when they’re finished, they’re brought back to the school and the smARTS volunteers cement the mural to one of the walls within the campus on the side of a building or a post. We’ve had many former students come back to school to show their kids what they did when they were
either in fifth grade or eighth grade. It’s pretty special event for them.”
The program needs both artist volunteers and assistants. “If you have a love for the arts and for children, this volunteer program is for you. We’re always looking for volunteers to share their knowledge and enrich themselves and the kids. We need artists and each artist needs a helper, who helps the artists prepare for the class, and to set up in the classroom and help the kids. Your commitment can be once a week, every other week, or once a month.
In addition to these volunteers, Oates acknowledges the essential support the program receives from the inside and outside the school system. “We have strong support from the school district, the current administration, the Art Alliance, and Helen from Mountain Pottery and our community.”
Oates adds a reminder of why the program is worthwhile. “Art has many facets and anything that we can expose our kids to in the arts is a plus.”
Those interested in volunteering for the smArts program should come to the school office and leave their contact information.
Encouragement is free! It never costs us anything to say a few encouraging words to a friend, a classmate, a family member or even a pet!
Encouragement lifts someone’s spirits when they are feeling down. It can also help someone reach a goal. Can you think of a time when someone encouraged you? Can you think of a time when you encouraged someone?
Je tried really hard to win the race but came in third place. What would you say to encourage Je ?
General Manager. Housekeeping to include vacuuming, dusting, windows, plant care, etc. Must be able to cover office hours when needed. Good driving record. Willingness to attend trainings and seminars, as needed. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and filing systems; computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and WordPress); ability to effectively organize work; self-motivated; deal tactfully and courteously with others within and outside the District. PAY RATE: Negotiable D.O.E. Deadline for applications/resumes is 10/10/2025
CONTACT:Jennifer Hayes ‑ Office Manager Pine Cove Water District 951 659 2675
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats celebrated lots of adoptions.
Pepper: I guess everyone is recovering from a busy Friday at ARF's Middle Ridge fundraiser.
Whiskers: They are, but they're also quite satisfied. Necessary funds were raised.
Pepper: And speaking of recovering, I'm happy to say that we easily survived the summer months, and now autumn is sneaking up.
Whiskers: Right! The weather is teasing us, but I like it.
Pepper: Soon people will begin staying indoors more of the day as the thermometer drops some.
Whiskers: What a great time to have a cat or kitten in the house to keep everyone company.
Pepper: You're right, Whiskers. In addition to the litter of kittens already at ARF, a new kitten and a new young adult cat have joined the ranks. We will be able to meet and introduce them next week.
Whiskers: I know we've shared safety tips for summer and winter. Are there any we should be aware of for the fall?
Pepper: There are! I just read that as temperatures dip, snakes prepare for hibernation, increasing the possibility of bites to those unlucky pets who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet parents should know what kinds of venomous snakes may be lurking in their environment—and where those snakes are most likely to be found—so pets can be kept out of those areas.
Whiskers: That seems to make sense.
Pepper: And how about this? Fall is mushroom season, and even though the vast majority of mushrooms have little or not toxicity, 1% are high toxic and life-threatening to dogs. Since it is difficult for most people to recognize the difference between them, the best thing to do is to keep dogs away from any mushrooms and any place they might grow.
Whiskers: One other thing to remember is that many people, on a self-imposed schedule, change not only batteries in their smoke detectors but also change the coolant in their cars. Ethylene-glycol based coolants are toxic to animals. People should consider switching to propylene-glycol based coolants, which are less toxic, and they should immediately mop up any spills or splashes.
Pepper: So I'm guessing it isn't that difficult to “autumn proof” your home for your pets!
This week's Creature Corner is sponsored by Lois Shepard. 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.
55 years ago 1970
30 years ago 1995
75 years ago 1950
A new attraction at the Labor Day carnival was Zeke’s hayride. A team of six horses pulled the wagon and took children on free rides.
70 years ago 1955
After a cool summer, September arrived with a blazing 96 degrees.
65 years ago 1960
Joe and Leona McGaugh sold the Idyllwild Dairy to Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Casey, who had purchased Hidden Lodge earlier in the year.
60 years ago 1965
The U.S. Forest Service estimated that there were 48,000 visitors to the Hill area over the Labor Day weekend. Campers were chilly when the nighttime temperature dropped to 28 degrees.
More than 1,000 music lovers were on hand at the rededication, after 18 years of disuse, of the Atwater Kent Bowl at ISOMATA (now Idyllwild Arts Academy) that took place at the ninth-annual ISOMATA music festival.
50 years ago 1975
Thunder, lightning and showers occurred five days in a row, leaving 1.03 inches of moisture.
45 years ago 1980
Possible annexation of the Dutch Flat area into the area covered by County Service Area 36 was being studied.
40 years ago 1985
It was announced that the proposed $11 million Idyllwild-area sewer project would be ready to go out for construction bids in the spring.
35 years ago 1990
Three portable classrooms would soon be arriving at Idyllwild School to make a separate complex for middle-school children.
Lake Hemet hosted the Great American Duck Race, where almost 6,000 rubber ducks, wearing molded dark glasses, “swam” to raise funds for the Hemet Valley Dolphins Swim Team.
25 years ago 2000
A weekly bus service from Idyllwild to Hemet got off to a rocky start. The first pick-up was over an hour late and once the bus made it down the Hill, it made only one stop at the mall instead of making all the promised stops along Florida Avenue.
20 years ago 2005
Jeri Sue Haney, manager of Guaranty Bank (now BBVA Compass) convened a well-attended town meeting to create a community-wide Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
15 years ago 2010
In an attempt to raise funds for the organization, the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce entered the auction market. Local merchants donated merchandise or gift certificates that the Chamber made available to the public through eBay.
11 years ago 2014
Steven Taylor Rutherford, 49, of Banning, plead-
ed guilty to 10 felony counts of arson and was sentenced to 45 years in prison. Several of the fires were along Highway 243 in the Poppet Flats and Mt. Edna areas.
10 years ago 2015
Three locals were cited for illegally building trails in the San Jacinto Ranger District, causing habitat damage and fire/erosion hazards and prompting officials to urge reporting of illegal use.
5 year ago 2020
The Idyllwild Community Center announced the completion of major renovations to Town Hall, preserving historic features while adding upgrades such as a new outdoor stage, theater improvements, expanded childcare and kitchen facilities, and modern heating and cooling, with plans for a community rededication once COVID-19 restrictions lift
1 year ago 2024
Forest Folk hosted a meeting with the Riverside County Office on Aging to outline service gaps for Idyllwild seniors and explore launching a county-funded meal program, while spotlighting the local shuttle and access to resources
By David Jerome Correspondent
On September 5 2025 Idyllwild Arts students joined a national school walk out event to call attention to the issue of gun violence in the US. This movement was started by Students Demand Action, a network of 900 groups at high schools and colleges nationwide. Many schools in Southern California took part in the event.
Idyllwild Arts student organizers wrote the Town Crier to describe the walkout. “The school was invited to wear red on Friday and walk out of class at 12:00pm and gather in the Holmes Amphitheatre… After speeches were made orange and red bracelets were handed out to the crowd and the attendees were invited to sign posters with questions such as - Why did you participate in this walkout? What makes you feel safe at school? What makes you feel unsafe at school? The turnout was great with an estimate of 100 people attending, including staff!”
Speeches drew attention to the recent shooting at Annunciation Catholic school in Minneapolis. One pointed out that it was “the 44th school shooting in the US this year and was the fourth deadly shooting in Minneapolis in less than 24 hours,” and added that “Firearms are the number one killer of children in America. Not illness, not car accidents, but guns.” Another spoke of their faith in response to the familiar call for “thoughts and prayers.” “I am catholic. I believe in God. I believe in the healing power that religion and faith can bring to an individual. But I do not believe in the weaponizing of prayer to justify the harmful use of firearms.”
A third questioned the priorities of adults who are more concerned with ideas they find dangerous than with weapons. “Books are getting banned in our schools before guns are getting banned. That is the pathetic reality we are living in. You ban a tool of education before banning a tool of death.”
March
April
