Kim Marcus Shares Cahuilla Stories for Life
By Holly Parsons Contributor
Friends of The Idyllwild Library hosted Cahuilla and Serrano elder and ceremonial leader Kim Marcus for a sharing on February 25th. Kim is an enrolled member of the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians. The word Cahuilla means master or powerful ones. As ceremonial leader, Kim preserves ancient rituals, and customs, and together with his wife Barbara, from the Kalispel tribe, he also teaches the value of harvesting ancient foods for their nutritional value.
Kim was warmly greeted as were his ancestral stories and explanations of tribal world views. During his talk Kim passed around many ceremonial artifacts and tools, throwing sticks and arrow straighteners, ceremonial gourd rattles, a skirt made from palm frond leaves, baskets and pottery used for storage. “All are significant tools for Native life still in use today. To us they are living entities and represent the rhythms of life,” he said. In fact, Kim brought a quiver and two arrows to gift attendees as door prizes.
“Thank you for inviting me here. It’s important we sit together to talk and listen to each other, because although my road may be different than yours and I might be a little darker, I am still your brother.
“I just want to know how much time do I have? Back on the res. when we get together, we joke, it’s informal, we accept each other, things are approached lightly. We build a fire and there is no time; we talk until no one adds wood to the fire.
“My Serrano lineage originated from Twentynine Palms, once called Marra and my lineages are from Morongo and San Manuel. My uncle, Ernie Siva, is the only remaining Serrano speaker. When he passes away there will be no more fluent Serrano speakers, and the orthodox Serrano language will be extinct.”
“I was raised by my parents, and both my father Clarence Marcus, and my grandmother, Marcella Tortes spoke fluent Orthodox Cahuilla. There are only six or seven elders that speak Cahuilla. My grandfather Louis Marcus spoke fluent orthodox Serrano.”
See Kim Marcus, page B4
Wallis proposes to honor fallen Cal Fire firefighters
Resolution seeks to name highway in memory of fallen firefighters, including Idyllwild’s Josh Bischof
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
On Feb. 24, local Assemblyman Greg Wallis introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 37 to honor three Cal Fire firefighters, Cal Fire Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Cal Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez and helicopter pilot Tony Sousa, who all died in a 2023 helicopter crash. Bischof was an Idyllwild native.
“Assistant Chief Josh Bischof’s willingness to help others and legacy of service represents the best of the 63rd Assembly District.”
– Assemblyman Bill Essayli
Joining Wallis in developing and introducing ACR 37 were three of his colleagues, Assemblymembers James Gallagher, Dr. Corey Jackson and Bill Essayli who represent the districts in which each of these men resided.
This resolution designates the portion of State Route 10 from the Malki Road undercrossing to the East Cabazon Ramp overcrossing in the County of Riverside as the Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Captain Tim Rodriguez, and Pilot Tony Sousa Memorial Highway. It has been referred to the Assembly’s Transportation Committee.
The crash occurred while two helicopter crews were fighting the Broadway Wildland Fire near Cabazon on Aug. 2023. The Sikorsky S-64E helicopter was able to land safely, but the Bell 407 crashed, tragically taking the lives of three firefighters.
“Every day firefighters put their lives on the line to keep us safe and face obstacles many of us would find insurmountable. Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Captain Tim Rodriguez, and Pilot Tony Sousa spent their careers serving all Californians, and with this honor, we will always remember them” said Wallis in the press release announcing the introduction of ACR 37.
Bischof was 46 and began his firefighting career as a volunteer firefighter at Station 78. In 1998, he joined the San Bernardino National Forest Service Vista Grande Hotshots and a year later he began his Cal Fire career.
In 2011, after becoming a fire captain, he transferred to Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base in 2013 as a helitack captain on Helicopter 301. Three years later, Bischof was promoted to bat talion chief for a city and then returned as battalion chief of the base in 2020.
In 2023, he was promoted to assistant chief of Tactical Air Operations located at Cal Fire’s Southern Region Headquar ters. He also served as a member of Cal Fire’s Incident Manage ment Team 4 as an operations section chief.
Bischof was a Menifee resident, and his Assemblyman Bill Essayli shared this about him. “Assistant Chief Josh Bis chof was successful at everything he put his mind to. His love for firefighting, aviation and adventure showed in his life serv ing others. Overseeing multiple area of training within Cal Fire, Chief Bischof’s willingness to help others and legacy of service represents the best of the 63rd Assembly District.”
Capt. Rodriguez was 44 and pilot Tony Sousa was 55 when they died.
Kevin Scott, new FVWD Board President PAGE A2
March meeting of Pine Cove Property Owners association PAGE A2
Getting to know Mountain Disaster Preparedness PAGE A3
Governor seeks more public input on programs, actions and ideas PAGE A4
Low carbon fuel regs on hold, Republicans seek to repeal them PAGE A5
Retired first responder writes of life in law enforcement and firefighting PAGE B1
Kevin Scott, new FVWD Board President
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
In January, less than three years since joining the Fern Valley Water District Board of Directors in June 2022, Kevin Scott was elected Board President. Scott, 36, grew up in Orange County and is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton. He and his wife, Nadia, lived in Orange County until 2020.
Both are avid climbers – boulders, not rocks, he stressed. He has climbed both Suicide and Tahquitz, but he mostly seeks 15-to-20-foot boulders. So Black Mountain is a favorite recreation site for the Scotts.
In 2021, after driving the country in a camper van, the Scotts chose Idyllwild as their home.
“We decided to settle down long-term and chose Idyllwild,” Scott said. “We wanted the feeling of nature and climbing.” But it was not just the opportunity to scale rock and boulders, Idyllwild is also close to their Orange County roots, which is now convenient for their two children’s grandparents in Orange County.
Scott and his wife enjoy climbing very much. Before moving to Idyllwild, they frequently used climbing gyms. But here, there is no gym. Consequently, they have built a 10-foot climbing gym in their house.
In 2022, former director and Board President Richard Schnetzer resigned to move closer to family in northern California. This was only about a year after the Scotts moved to Fern Valley. The notice for applications attracted his attention.
“I figured it was a nice way to involved in the com-
March meeting of Pine Cove Property Owners association
By David Jerome Correspondent
The March meeting of Pine Cove Property Owners association included two guest speakers, Richard Yocum of Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, and Woody Henderson of Mountain Community Fire Safety Council. They shared a wealth of essential information about safety on the trail and at home.
Yocum, a retired physician, is President of RMRU. He shared some history of the organization, explained the group’s structure, displayed the gear they use, and talked about a sample of their missions. He also shared a list of trail safety tips.
RMRU is entirely staffed by volunteers, who must pay all their own expenses. They currently have 43 members, 36 field members and seven support members. The membership is scattered across the southland counties, and members often must drive two hours or more to arrive at a search location trail head. They are on call 24/7, and these calls usually come when the weather is stormy or hot, or when it is getting dark. They must leave whatever they are doing and be prepared to spend the night outdoors, in all types of terrain and weather. The group works throughout Riverside County and is also called to join searches further afield. On the day of Yocum’s presentation, team members were assisting in the fourth day of search for a missing man in Murrieta.
Volunteers receive training in human tracking, navigation, radio use, medical assesment, technical rope rescue, helicopter tactics, snow and ice, mission management, and trail familiarity. They also do what Yocum called “preventative search and rescue,” outreach to schools and clubs (like PCPOA) to provide information that helps in “keeping people from getting into trouble.”
The history lesson contrasted RMRU’s first vehicle, a donated Helms Bakery truck, with their current three vehicles, including their Sprinter communications van with large video displays and Starlink internet. Yocum noted that the County’s helicopters are also an improvement: modern dual engine aircraft allow a patient and rescuer to be winched up along with a litter and other equipment. This “rescue load” may be up to 600 pounds. The newer helicopters have lightened the load on RMRU: they formerly did about 60 missions every year but now respond to closer to 40. Over half of these missions are in the greater Idyllwild area.
munity and a good fit for me [because of his accounting experience],” he said. “There are a lot of ways to get involved, but few things are more important than the time commitment for me with a young family.”
The FVWD Board was still meeting online in June 2022. As the only applicant, Scott was the unanimous choice of that Board. In 2023, he was elected to a full four-year term, which will expire in December 2027.
Now after, two and a half years, he is serving his first year as Board President and expressed his gratitude and pleasure to have the opportunity.
“For our Board, the title of ‘President’ doesn’t offer more voting power,” he stated. “I’m not expected to have more experience or expertise. Board members have equal say in [governing] matters.”
When asked about his priorities for the year, he did not highlight specific issues. Instead, he focused on the culture of the Board. “Essentially, I want to maintain the good we have going,” he promised. “It’s a healthy and productive group. We’re getting the business and oversight done.”
“I’m happy with our management and water quality. They’ve done well,” he added. “The main priority is to keep oversight going to maintain those good results.”
Scott does not anticipate any major increase in FVWD’s water consumption. He noted, “The amount of available unbuilt land is limited. . . and as Vic [Jimenez, the FVWD General Manager] has said at meetings, we have never needed our full capacity. Even in droughts, we’ve had excess water.
“Even with the low precipitation in 2024 and 2025, the streams are still flowing good and the wells are
maintaining high levels,” Scott stressed.
He also felt there would be no immediate or urgent need to address water rates. While general inflation and the cost of equipment will continue to grow, the District will attend to the issue as part of its regular rate studies conducted every five years.
“We’re not operating at any significant loss, we’re not trying to make a profit, so it doesn’t indicate any drastic rate increase any time soon,” he stated.
FVWD currently has a vacant Board position and will advertise for applicants soon. “The role of the Director is to ensure the District has the right management, who is operating according to the policies and procedures the Board has put in place.”
Finally, Scott said he has no interest and has seen no interest in the community for any steps to consolidate the three local water districts. “There is no guarantee of economies of scale to justify this,” he concluded.
The work is “messy” and “inherently dangerous.” Often hikers have left trails and searchers must hike through dense brush. Team members are not immune to the dangers of the back country, and their mishaps are called “Incidents Within Incidents.” Yocum recounted that during one extended search six team members had to be transported for heat exhaustion. One was PCPOA member asked how RMRU knows where to look. Yocum explained that search and rescue crews need a place to start, usually the Place Last Seen (PLS) or Last Known Position (LKP.) This may be a car left at a trailhead, a tent left up, or coordinates from a 911 call or satellite beacon.
Yocum concluded with a list of recommendations for trail safety.
1. Don’t hike alone, unless you are very experienced.
2. Check the weather. Use the NOAA website, which allows you to “drop a pin” on the actual location you will hike. Check the weather the night before and again in the morning. High country weather changes quickly.
3. Be realistic about your own ability, and those of your companions. The goal is not your destination, it is getting home safely.
4. Leave plans and an itinerary with friends or family. Specify how long they should wait before alerting authorities.
5. Bring the “hiker’s ten essentials.” These include tools for navigation, sun protection, warmth, illumination, first aid, fire starting, repairs, food and hydration, and shelter. Read more at: nps.gov/articles/ 10essentials.htm
6. Bring a radio beacon. Yocum is an experienced hiker, and he always carries one.
7. f you must split up a group, never leave one member alone. Make a plan. How will you reunite?
8. f lost, stay where you are after using a phone or radio beacon. That is where rescuers will look. Stay near the route that you have left with others. The exception to this is if no one knows where you are, and you have skills to find your way out. Woody Henderson briefed the group on the activities of the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council. He emphasized actions that residents can take to make their
homes and yards fire resistant, also protecting neighbors and providing space for firefighters to work. Henderson noted that there are now three zones around structures, with a new “zero” zone in the first five feet. This zone is focused on intense fuel reduction to protect from embers. Best practice is gravel or pavers in the zero zone. This area includes rain gutters, keep them clear. Outdoor furniture and fencing should be nonflammable, and firewood should be stored in zone 2. Zone 1, out to 30 feet, is often called “Lean, Clean and Green,” with no dead plant matter, and good separation between shrubs and trees to prevent fuel ladders. Outbuildings and propane tanks also need 10 feet of clearance. In zone 3, extending to 100 feet, tree canopies should still be 10 feet apart. Grass should be no higher than four inches. To read more about defensible space zones, visit: readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/defensible-space.
A big part of MCFSC’s work is administering grants to help homeowners with abatement. Homeowners are invited to call and schedule an inspection. Trained inspectors will survey your land and create a plan. Some of the work you will be able to do yourself. For the heavy work, three licensed and insured contractors will bid. When the work is done, grants will pay 75% of the cost. They also provide a list of workers to do lighter abatement and tree work.
Henderson noted that MCFSC is presently waiting for a large payment from CalFire, and so inspections are on hold, but homeowners should still call and get their names on the list. He also said that the group has been meeting with CalFire representatives, asking them to restart home inspections in Pine Cove. There is a form to request this service, a LE100. They can be found at: readyforwildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dspace-inspection-Notice-le100a-1.16.24.pdf.
Henderson also said that MCFSC is presently pursuing grants for home hardening, things like metal roofs and double paned windows. Windows, and curtains or other flammable window treatments, are a major path for outdoor fires enter homes.
To learn more about RMRU, donate or volunteer, visit: RMRU.org. To learn more about MCFSC, donate, volunteer or get on the list for an inspection, visit mcfsc.org.
FVWD Board President Kevin Scott, with wife Nadia, and their daughters Anita, in his arms, and Vera. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN SCOTT
Richard Yokum
PHOTO BY WIOODY HENDERSON
Rescuers and injured hikers spend two nights on Tahquitz peak
By David Jerome Correspondent
Residents noted helicopter activity above Tahquitz Peak this weekend, as search and rescue teams worked for two days to extract a pair of hikers who had fallen while attempting a treacherous trail. Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Sergeant Wendy Brito-Gonzalez confirmed that on Saturday, March 1, at 3:07 p.m., their dispatch received a call from a hiker who indicated she and a friend had fallen while hiking near Tahquitz Peak. The friend’s leg was injured, and they could not get back on the trail. Unfavorable weather frustrated efforts from search and rescue units and helicopters to extract the hikers. The hikers, and the rescuers who remained
with them, spent the next two nights on the mountain. Richard Yocum, Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit President, spent 24 hours in the field from Saturday to Sunday. He said, “we were active all night, hiking in, receiving a gear drop by helo, searching for our subjects, setting up the lower and raise rope sys tems to actually reach our subjects, and then assess ing and managing the sub jects’ medical conditions after another searcher and I were lowered the 700 feet to their location.”
The hikers fell from the traverse trail between the PCT and Tahquitz Peak, and “slid 700 feet down a very steep slope of ice and boulders.” They were encountered by res cuers at 8,400 feet eleva tion. Yocum noted that many Search and Rescue
Getting to know Mountain Disaster Preparedness
By David Jerome Correspondent
teams from other counties assisted in the effort.
The weather finally allowed a safe helicopter extraction on Monday morning. RSO added that both hikers were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
In late February, Jon King’s San Jacinto Trail Report (SanJacJon.com) had this to say about the trail where the hikers lost their footing: “The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail from Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile
177 to Tahquitz Peak has a challenging and very lightly traveled posthole track to follow through the steeply angled icy snow These slopes comprise some of the most consequential terrain in winter in these moun-
tains, and this route is not recommended for most hikers at this time. Spikes (or even crampons) are strongly recommended, with at least hiking poles or preferably an ice axe (assuming adequate knowledge of how to use it).” It is not known what equipment the hikers had, or their level of knowledge.
First Mountain Area Safety Taskforce meeting of 2025 A chance to learn about community fire safety and evacuation plans
By David Jerome Correspondent
This week, we begin a series of interviews with members of Mountain Disaster Preparedness, the local all-volunteer nonprofit organization with the mission of providing education, planning, and training for residents in support of first responders during emergencies in our mountain communities. Membership is free, and ongoing training prepares members to be part of its several working groups. This week, MDP President Mike Feyder provides an overview of MDP and these groups.
MDP was founded in 1986 by a group Feyder describes as “forward thinkers who loved Idyllwild but also recognized the challenges of living in a remote area and the threats we face here.” Their mission, which the group continues today, was to “educate and prepare our community, and support our first responder agencies in the event of fire, earthquake, and weather related emergencies.”
MDP is an all-volunteer group with free membership. “Over the years, with the financial support of the community, we have built a unique infrastructure to support this mission and our residents. This infrastructure includes nine Disaster Aid Stations, a secure FCC licensed radio network, a vibrant Community Emergency Response Team, (CERT) and a Medical group.”
Like many local volunteer groups MDP experienced a decline in membership during the pandemic. “We need volunteers.” For Feyder, as for many of us, the recent fires in LA, and the history of fires on the hill, underline the gravity of the threat we all face in the greater Idyllwild area from wildfire, and the need for residents to get involved.
Over the coming months, members of the board of directors will give updates on the various working groups within the organization, the training their members undergo, and how they support MDP’s mission. We will hear from Ron Sabala, Director of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Richard Yocum of the Medical Group, Jon Brown of the Digital and Social Media group, and Robert Hewitt of the Radio group.
Board meetings, open to the public, are at 4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month, at the Idyllwild Library. Learn more, donate or sign up for MDP’s email newsletter at: mdpidyllwild.org.
The Mountain Area Safety Taskforce (MAST) will hold its first meeting of 2025 at the Idyllwild Nature Center on Wednesday, March 12. The event will bring together representatives of all the agencies, governmental and nonprofits, engaged in preventing and responding to wildfire in our community. These groups include CalFire and Idyllwild Fire, USFS, Riverside Sheriff’s Office, and Riverside County Emergency Management Department on the governmental side, and Mountain Community Fire Safe Council, Mile High Radio Club, and Mountain Disaster Preparedness on the nonprofit side. This is an opportunity to learn what these agencies are doing and learn what you can do to help prevent and prepare for wildfire.
MAST’s mission is “Helping to prevent catastrophic wildfires in Riverside County.” They coordinate fuels-reduction projects and produce a master plan for evacuation and defense of mountain communities during wildfires. This includes much information which is not public facing, regarding vulnerabilities and shelter-in-place areas.
During the pandemic, the meetings became virtual events, and last year marked the return of in-person public forums. For new residents they are the best way to get to know the special responsibilities that fall on those who live in Wildland Urban Interface zones, and
the roles of our various governmental and non-governmental organizations. For long-time residents they are a chance to get updates and bring questions.
The largest nonprofit working locally to help residents with abatement is Mountain Community Fire Safe Council. They will update the community on their efforts against the Golden Spotted Oak Borer, both preventing infection and removing dead and dying trees, and their administration of grants that help property owners take care of their abatement and create defensible space.
Previous meetings have featured the county’s Rivco Ready program, which sends address-targeted emergency messages to registered cell users (sign up at rivcoready.org.) The Firefighting organizations report on fuels reduction projects and incident responses. The Sheriff’s office will be there to address questions about evacuation warnings and orders.
If you have questions related to fire protection, emergency response, fuels reduction, or forest health that you would like addressed by one of the MAST agency cooperators, please submit them to Leighanne Calacuayo: Leighanne.Calacuayo@fire.ca.gov. This will enable the proper agencies to provide a fuller response.
Mountain Area Safety Taskforce Public Forum, Wednesday March 12, 11 a.m. Idyllwild Nature Center, 25225 Highway 243. MAST meetings are quarterly, and this year are scheduled for June 11, September 10 and December 10.
Traverse Trail west facing
PHOTO BY COURTESY OF ALEX COCHRAN, RMRU
Mike Feyder
“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 a freelance writer for more than two decades. I have also settled into a dynamic wherein I have a few regular, steady gigs that provide a comfortable lifestyle, which has been the case for many years. I’m growing weary of two of these, though, but am afraid to give them up in case I can’t replace them, so I’m feeling stuck. What says SW?
Dear Reader: SW says drop them! Why? Because they are a drag on your system and we are supposed to be following what excites us, what interests us, what lights us up — even if it’s only a little bit. Because it is never a good idea to make decisions from a place of fear. Because if you have grown weary of what you currently have, that implies you have a desire for something else. That’s an intention so go and cultivate that! Follow that interest, that intrigue, that desire. That’s an opportunity to focus on what’s coming, not on what’s going. Now, by placing your foot on the gas pedal of what’s desired, you’ll likely be shown a belief or a set of beliefs that could add up to your other foot on the brake — creating the experience of “stuck.” A common one that may apply to you as well is: these clients are the source of my income. There’s no crime in coming to believe that, but it doesn’t make it true. More accurately, they have been worthy vessels of income for you, but they are not the source of your income, Source is. And it has countless vessels at its disposal.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
I recently met someone who I really like. We’ve been on a few dates, but I’m afraid I’m going to mess things up and he won’t like me. How can I stop these intrusive thoughts?
Dear Reader:
Instead of struggling to stop the fear-based, relationship-crushing, intrusive thoughts, see if you can think, instead, about simply replacing them. That’s what intentions are for. It sounds like you have a desire to be in a relationship so think a ton about what that means to you. Think a ton about what it’s like/what it would be like to be in the ideal relationship for you. Conjure the feelings you want to feel on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Use past experience if you’ve had some but, either way, what matters is thinking and feeling in terms of what you want. And bring this energy to your next date! And the one(s) after that. This is about being aligned with what you want and measuring what shows up against that. Does it fit or does it not? If it does, great! Stay aligned with your intention and enjoy the ride. If it doesn’t or you’re not sure, continue to hold fast to what you want and remain open to what else shows up. We are talking about the difference between living intentionally, consciously, co-creating on purpose and living by default. Choices abound and you get to decide.
• Dear Reader
Send your questions to dearspiritualworkout@spiritualworkout.com. (Confidentiality assured.) When you’re ready for more, find cutting-edge counseling Spiritual Workout-style for $50/month at spiritualworkout.com
Governor seeks more public input on programs, actions and ideas
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
On Feb. 23, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of an innovative program, “Engaged California,” designed to obtain views and ideas from state residents that will improve state programs or create needed new programs.
Using technology, Newsom hopes to “bring Californians together to engage, interact, and share ideas to help shape government services and collectively create policy solutions.” Digital platforms will be used to support community conversations about important topics.
“Government works better when we build it together – and this means making it easier for everyone to be involved,” Newsom said in his press release. “After years of development, I am excited to launch this new pilot program to help create a town hall for the modern era – where Californians share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas geared toward finding real solutions. . .”
Engaged California is not a poll, a town hall nor a mimic of social media, according to the release.
“The launch of this program and our first deliberation will help us hear from the people we serve,” said California Office of Data and Innovation Director Jeffery Marino. “Far from just a technical tool, this is an innovative approach to foster greater collaboration and co-creation between the people of California and their government.”
The effort was a joint effort of the Government Operations Agency, the California Office of Data and Innovation and Carnegie California and other private and educational groups.
“Engaged California is a new tool the Office of Data and Innovation has been developing over the last two years that is intended to be a permanent feature of state government,” Nathan Gardels, Editor-in-Chief of Noema Magazine said in the press release. “Engaged California is a three-way tool that enables policymakers and administrators to listen to average citizens outside of election cycles and be responsive; it invites citizens to directly voice their concerns and proposals on an ongoing basis; and it is a platform that encourages and enables Californians from all walks of life to interact with each other to find common ground.”
The initial use of Engaged California will focus on the response to the Los Angeles firestorms. This pilot program is being launched now for survivors and the greater Los Angeles community.
Engaged California is found at https://engaged. ca.gov.
The People’s Marches Address the Need for Action
Dear Editor: Are there effective strategies to debunk doublespeak and doublethink? If you’ve read the Orwellian classic, 1984, you understand techniques of disenfranchisement are still in use today. Rather than react with apathy, depression, or denial by the assault on truth, we can write creatively in ways that will not only inform but also intrigue.
1984, published in 1949, has become a reality in the 21st century. Orwell’s visionary novel is the playbook for the Trump Administration. Thought and Language Police attempt to narrow the scope of our knowledge, movie directors and news pundits rewrite history, Hate Week occurs daily, growing numbers of people place their only hope on winning the lottery, and doublespeak guides off-the-cuff rhetoric. With this in mind, Americans should be wary of Big Brother’s motives.
In Dwight D. Eisenhower’s farewell address as president of the United States, he said, “In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence... The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.” Eisenhower’s warning gave people a glimpse of what was to come.
The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We’re not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power. What pure power means you will understand presently”. –– George Orwell, 1984
History is in the making now, that is, if history isn’t erased or rewritten by the powers that be. My suggestion is to research and learn, which may become more difficult as a multitude of lies overwhelm the truth. Citizens need to stay informed. Discuss, write, refine, publish, but most of all, do not give up. Let the pen be a sword and shield. Hopefully it is a power still within our grasp.
Myra Dutton Idyllwild
Have Something to Say? Share Your Voice!
The Idyllwild Town Crier welcomes your letters! Have an opinion, concern, or story to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor easily on our website.
Visit towncrier.com to submit your letter today. Your voice matters—let’s keep the conversation going!
Republicans offer package of bills, including income tax cuts
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, the State’s Assembly Republicans introduced an array of legislation to address the cost of gasoline and utility rates and to provide much-needed relief to working families. Local Assemblyman Gregg Wallis is the author of several bills in the package.
“For years, Californians have been struggling under the weight of high taxes and skyrocketing costs, all while Democrats in Sacramento refuse to offer real solutions,” Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (AD 3 East Nicolaus) said in the press release. “Our plan provides tangible relief and delivers the affordability that hardworking families deserve.”
The legislative package is composed of 13 separate bills and targets the rising costs of food, gas, housing, insurance, health care and utilities — key issues that have driven families and businesses out of the state, according to the Republicans’ interpretation of a study from the Legislative Analyst’s Office.
A major piece of this package is Assembly Bill 1219, which Wallis authored. This bill would expand the lower tax brackets and lower the tax rate by 1 percent for each bracket.
In the press conference, Wallis described AB 1219 as the largest tax cut in California’s history and the legislature’s opportunity to serve its constituents.
“Californians are struggling with the rising cost of living,” Wallis said in his press release. “Many families
are making tough financial decisions every day, and some are even leaving the state because they can’t afford to stay. AB 1219 will provide real relief, giving people more of their hard-earned money to support their families, invest in their futures, and strengthen our communities.”
AB 1219 combines the two lowest tax brackets into one with a ceiling of $8,650 and lowers the tax rate to 1 percent from 2 percent. For the four higher tax brackets, the tax rate is lowered by 1 percent. Thus, for all California tax payers of taxable income equal to or greater than $23,950, the tax rate will be 8.3 percent rather than the current rate of 9.3 percent.
The same adjustments are made for “Head of Household” taxpayers.
“California families don’t have reserves to fall back on — they have bills to pay and tough choices to make,” Wallis continued. “AB 1219 will make those choices a little easier.”
Wallis, along with Assemblymembers Joe Patterson (AD 5 Rocklin) and Gallagher, also introduced AB 12 which would “. . . void specified amendments to the Low-Carbon Fuel Standard regulations adopted by the state board on November 8, 2024.” (See story on page x,) Other bills in the package would require the State Public Utilities Commission to lower utility rates by 30 percent; Increases the renter’s tax credit to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers; and suspends gas tax and stops any further increases to the gas tax.
Send address changes to IDYLLWILD TOWN CRIER, P.O. Box 157,
LLC, PUBLISHER, P.O. Box 157, 54440 N. Circle Dr. Unit F, Idyllwild, CA 92549. Standard postage paid at Idyllwild, CA. Send subscription and change of address requests to the above address. Please allow up to two weeks for requests to take effect.
Idyllwild Community Center
Idyllwild Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
Tuesday, 03/4
Jazzercise
05:30 PM - Town Hall
Mah Jongg
08:00 PM - Idyllwild Library
Fit After 50
10:00 AM - Town Hall
Wednesday, 03/5
Jazzercise - 05:30 PMTown Hall
Jazzercise
08:30 AM - Town Hall Fit After 50
10:00 AM - Town Hall
Thursday, 03/6
Jazzercise
08:30 AM - Town Hall Fit After 50
10:00 AM - Town Hall
Friday, 03/7
Jazzercise
Single vehicle crash on 74 leads to DUI arrest
By David Jerome Correspondent
A single vehicle crash was reported at 6:06 pm Tuesday February 25 on Highway 74 near mile marker 55, above the Strawberry Creek bridge. According to CalFire Riverside’s X account, firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle on its side. A patient was helped out of the vehicle and refused further treatment.
CHP’s Johnathon Torres provided these details: a westbound 2002 Toyota Tundra, driven by a 65 year-old male from San Jacinto, veered into the hillside and overturned. The driver received minor injuries and was arrested by CHP for suspicion of DUI.
08:30 AM - Town Hall Fit After 50
12:00 PM - Town Hall
Saturday, 03/8
BINGO!
04:30 PM - Town Hall
Jazzercise
08:30 AM - Town Hall
Sunday, 03/9
Farmers Market
09:00 AM - Town Hall
Monday, 03/03
Jazzercise
05:30 PM - Town Hall
Jazzercise
08:30 AM - Town Hall Fit After 50
12:00 PM - Town Hall
Tuesday, 03/04
Feeding America Food Box Distribution
Spirit Mountain Retreat Gatherings
25661 Oakwood St, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
• Day of Mindfulness—3rd Monday of the monthZOOM only - Sharing, practice, silence and peace ($25 suggested donation) - 9:30 am - 3:00 pm Facilitator:
Mary Morse
• Net of Light Meeting
— Last Monday of each month - ZOOM only - Join the important work of the Great Council of the Grandmothers - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Facilitators: Beacon
Mary Morse
• Tai Chi for SeniorsEvery Tuesday 10:00 am to 11:00 am - Meditate through Movement - in the GardenFacilitator: Cathy Mauge
• Death Café — Everysecond Tuesday of the month - 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm - It won’t kill you to talk about death - Facilitators: Bronwyn Jones & Ari Simon
• SMR Book Club — Every second & fourth Tuesday of the month - 3:00 pm to 4:00
pm Facilitator: Mary Morse
ness to the world - 5:00 pm
- 5:30 pm
Self-Realization Every Tuesday (in Hill House or garden) - Fellowship Meditation 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
• Women Veterans with PTSD Every - other Tuesday at 6:00 pm - ZOOM only. - Support Group This is a private group and all women veterans are - welcome. Call 951-634-4048 for link information.
• Shaolin Qi Gong/Chicks with Sticks — Qi Gong and Stick Exercises - in the Garden - Sticks Wednesdays 11:00 am - Facilitator: Teresa Halliburton
• Emotions Anonymous 12 Step Group — Every Thursday in Hill House5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Al-Anon 12 Step Group — Every Thursday in Hill House - 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
For a complete list of all events in Idyllwild, check out: idyllwildtowncrier.com/events
10:30 AM - Town Hall Recovery Meetings
Sheriff’s log
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls
IDYLLWILD
• HAZARD 03-04-2025 07:19 AM 5400 *** BLOCK SOUTH CIRCLE DR IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 03-03-2025 18:19 PM 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR IDYLLWILD
• CIVIL DISPUTE 03-03-2025 18:08 PM 5300 *** BLOCK MARIAN VIEW DR IDYLLWILD
• ATTEMPT WARRANT SERVICE 03-03-2025 14:44 PM AD-
DRESS WITHHELD IDYLLWILD
WARRANT
• ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT
03-02-2025 18:41 PM 2600 *** BLOCK DELANO DR IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 03-02-2025 17:39 PM ADDRESS UNDEFINED
IDYLLWILD
• CHECK THE WELFARE 03-022025 10:47 AM 5500 *** BLOCK HOWLAND RD IDYLLWILD
• CIVIL DISPUTE 03-01-2025 20:36 PM 2600 *** BLOCK DELANO DR IDYLLWILD
• ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT 03-01-2025 10:07 AM 5300 *** BLOCK IDYLLBROOK DR IDYLLWILD
• ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT
• Lovingkindness — Every Tuesday - ZOOM onlyMeditation Send lovingkind-
02-28-2025 10:11 AM 2600 *** BLOCK SAUNDERS MEADOW
RD IDYLLWILD HEMET
• ALARM CALL 02-28-2025 05:05
AM 5400 *** BLOCK SOUTH CIR-
CLE DR IDYLLWILD
• UNKNOWN TROUBLE 02-28-
2025 02:21 AM 2600 *** BLOCK
IDYLLWILD HEMET
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 02-272025 21:49 PM 2500 *** BLOCK GLEN RD IDYLLWILD
• HARRASSING PHONE CALLS
02-27-2025 16:10 PM ADDRESS WITHHELD IDYLLWILD
• CIVIL DISPUTE 02-27-2025 15:47 PM 2700 *** BLOCK SAUNDERS MEADOW RD IDYLLWILD
• NARCOTICS 02-27-2025 11:23 AM ADDRESS UNDEFINED
IDYLLWILD ARREST MADE
• ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON 02-26-2025 19:58 PM 5400 ***
BLOCK LIVE OAK ST IDYLLWILD ARREST MADE
• Women’s Writing Group with fellow writers — Every Friday (in Hill House and on Zoom) - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 02-26-
2025 17:07 PM 2500 *** BLOCK
CASSLER DR IDYLLWILD
• UNLAWFUL ENTRY 02-26-
2025 15:37 PM 2500 *** BLOCK
CASSLER DR IDYLLWILD
• CHECK THE WELFARE 02-262025 14:32 PM ADDRESS UNDEFINED IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 02-26-2025 12:57 AM 5500 *** BLOCK FOREST HAVEN DR IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC ASSIST 02-25-2025 23:51 PM 5400 *** BLOCK PINE CREST AV IDYLLWILD
• MISCELLANEOUS CRIMINAL 02-25-2025 13:58 PM 2700 *** BLOCK SAUNDERS MEADOW RD IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 02-25-
2025 12:44 AM 2600 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243 IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 02-252025 12:09 AM 5500 *** BLOCK SOUTH CIRCLE DR IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 02-252025 10:46 AM 5300 *** BLOCK IDYLLBROOK DR IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 02-252025 09:23 AM 5500 *** BLOCK SOUTH CIRCLE DR IDYLLWILD
• HAZARD 02-24-2025 15:38
PM ADDRESS UNDEFINED IDYLLWILD
• PARKING VIOLATION 02-24-
2025 11:10 AM 5400 *** BLOCK RIDGEVIEW DR IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 02-24-2025 09:15 AM 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR IDYLLWILD
PINE COVE
• SHOTS FIRED 03-01-2025 18:18 PM 5200 *** BLOCK PINE COVE RD PINE COVE UNFOUNDED
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 02-272025 16:57 PM 5200 *** BLOCK LAUREL TRL PINE COVE
• CHECK THE WELFARE 02-272025 16:43 PM 5200 *** BLOCK
Low carbon fuel
regs on hold, Republicans seek to repeal them
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
On Feb. 20, the California Air Resources Board announced that the Office of Administrative Law had disapproved the proposed amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Regulation, which the CARB had approved in early November.
While the Board’s vote was 12-2, this was a controversial decision.
The OAL letter to the CARB indicated two reasons -- clarity and incorrect procedure – for its disapproval. The CARB staff said that it will resubmit the regulations after it reviews the detailed OAL disapproval reasons.
The intent of the changes is to speed up the reduction of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by creating incentives for the development of zero-emissions in California.
While there had been general approval and consensus on LDFS’s goal for more than a year after its initial draft proposal was released to the public, many Californians were concerned that these new rules would cause a significant increase in gasoline prices.
Before the CARB could resubmit its proposed rules, on Feb. 24 the Legislature’s Republicans introduced Assembly Bill 12, which would have repealed an update to the state’s LCFS rules.
They wanted an immediate vote on the bill, which would have required passage of measure to suspend the State Constitution’s legislative process. This was defeated along party lines. While losing the shortcut step, Republicans still submitted AB 12 to the Assembly’s Natural Resources Committee.
After the vote, local Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, District 36, said, “Californians continue to be burdened with the highest gas prices in the nation. It’s time we focus on lowering the cost of living, not adding to the financial strain.”
In September 2023, the CARB staff released a preliminary report about the proposed changes. They estimated that the new rule would increase fuel prices. “. . . [the proposed amendments] are projected to potentially increase the price of gasoline by an average of $0.37 per gallon, potentially increase the price of diesel by an average of $0.47 per gallon, and fossil jet fuel $0.35 per gallon,” the report stated. And further increases were pro-
jected through 2046.
However, in the fall of 2024, when the CARB was considering approval of the regulations, the final staff did not address a potential fuel price increase. In October, the CARB issued a separate report that stated there is no relationship between LCFS credit prices and fuel prices for gasoline.
“All climate action will have impacts to the cost of pollution sources, but the exact cost is unknown due to a variety of factors. For retail gas prices, there is nothing to prohibit fuel producers from passing on any costs for any regulation and what is ultimately passed on to consumers is determined by each company,” the CARB report concluded.
But in a separate an independent analysis, Dr. Danny Cullenward, senior fellow at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, at the University of Pennsylvania, concluded, “If LCFS credit prices reach their maximum allowed levels, as has occurred in the past, then retail gasoline price impacts could be $0.65 per gallon in the near term, $0.85 per gallon by 2030, and nearly $1.50 per gallon by 2035.”
Retired first responder writes of life in law enforcement and firefighting
By David Jerome Correspondent
A retired first responder, who served ten years in the San Jacinto Ranger District, has released a memoir of her career in firefighting and law enforcement. It touches on many events that have affected our community, and her path in two male-dominated fields. Deborah Wutzke has chosen the pen-name Deborah Wedoneit, for “We done it.” The book is called Life is What You Make it! Some Decide to Hold on Tight
The illustration on the cover of the book shows Wutzke in uniform, along with a firefighter in full “turnout gear,” riding a steam locomotive against a fiery landscape. “I told the artist that working for the Forest Service was like riding a runaway train. I never knew where I’d end up at the end of the day: Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Minnesota, Florida, everywhere in the US. They never sent me to Hawaii though.”
Wutzke traces the beginning of her dual interest in firefighting and law enforcement to a close call with wildfire when she was 12.
“I was at school, I remember the teachers were talking about a fire up in the foothills, in Corona. Then our parents came and picked us up. I remember my mother driving as fast as she could, to get back to the farm before we had to evacuate. We had horses, a cow, donkey, goats, chickens, peacocks. Turned out it didn’t happen, a west wind carried it away. I remember seeing the police and firefighters doing their job, I was so impressed, I thought ‘that’s what I want to do.’
Teachers and counselors tried to steer her into traditionally female occupations like teacher or secretary. Wutzke wanted something else. “I was always an adrenalin junky. I had two brothers; we used to ride motorcycles and horses. We challenged each other, for everything.
Wutzke joined the Police Explorers at 14, with the Corona Police Department. A visit to the station revealed the reality of being a trailblazer. “There was one lady, the first female police officer there, she didn’t seem happy. I thought ‘If I go this direction it’s meter maid or dispatcher.’ I wanted more. There was a fire station, Station 13 El Cerrito, in Corona, that had volunteers. I stopped being a Police Explorer and went into the Fire Explorer program. It was designed to get volunteers helping Engineers and Captains at county stations. I learned how to drive a fire truck, do the hydrau-
lic systems, do the firefighting part. That took care of my adrenalin rushes.”
“I tried out to be a firefighter with CalFire, but I didn’t pass the physical, the part where you have to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus, and climb a ladder with a fully charged hose. I chose to go into the Forest Service.” With the Forest Service Wutzke served in South OPS, the Southern California Geographic Coordination Center. “It does all the emergency movement of fire equipment throughout the southern half of the state. It controls the air tankers, engines, hand crews, and fire teams. When one agency has a big fire and they run out of resources, they go through CalFire or the Federal part. There are four different agencies in one office: CalFire, USFS, BLM, Office of Emergency Services. “
For the first few years Wutzke’s job was “overhead movement,” moving resources from one incident to another. “Later on, I controlled the aircraft: Tankers, helicopters, the lead planes that direct the air tankers, and the ‘mosquito fleet’ of smaller planes that transport the personnel.”
The job was demanding. “It took a lot of learning but gave me a good understanding of how long it takes the hand crews to get from one place to another, from one end of the state to another. That helped later on, when I got Division Supervisor qualification. If I was ordering a couple of strike teams, at least I knew how long it was going to take. If you have several fires going, it’s going to take longer, the resources will have to come from further away.
Wutzke kept on learning and taking on more responsibility. “I got to Captain status, Crew Supervisor, Strike Team Supervisor, Division Supervisor. I got called out to fires to act in that capacity and also educated the public in fire prevention.” The work was challenging. “That’s what I wanted, and I got it.”
She wasn’t finished learning and was still drawn to law enforcement as much as firefighting. “I became a fire investigator, assisted CalFire with fire investigations, and they assisted me, too. I got certified federally and through the state. In 1992 I went to the Federal Law Enforcement academy in Georgia (FLETC.) I passed and came back with certification for federal law enforcement.”
As a Park Ranger she served at stations throughout the San Bernardino Forest, ending with ten years in Idyllwild. “When I first transferred to Idyllwild there
was an open position for Law Enforcement. I thought it was just one big rock. Boy was I wrong, so many road systems, the lakes. It was a fun and challenging place to work.
In Idyllwild Wutzke participated in a lot of marijuana eradication. “The last year that I worked on the district, before the Esperanza Fire, we pulled 190 thousand plants from the district. A lot of work. It just trashes the National Forest.” The job had dangers all its own. “Booby traps, some were warning signals, but I’ve seen firearms set up, mostly up north.”
Wutzke thinks a lot about the fire hazard our region faces now. “Especially with this crazy climate change, what it’s doing to our weather. It’s only February.”
“The biggest thing I wanted people to see was what it’s like working as a first responder with the Forest Service. Rewarding.” Underpaid? “Both.”
Wutzke lives in Riverside now and cares for her mother. She misses Idyllwild. “I loved working in Idyllwild. I miss being able to travel up there, my uncle and my aunt, Sparky and Cindy Allert, are still up there. I miss reading the Town Crier at my aunt’s beauty salon.”
Life is What You Make It! by Deborah Wedoneit is available on Amazon.com
Author Deborah Wutzke
PHOTO BY DENNIS BROOKS
Dr. Jane Goodall was the rst person to study chimpanzees in the wild! She learned many new things about chimpanzees.
It All Started with Reading
Jane loved to read. Two books Jane read as a child led her to dream of going to Africa. What are the names of these books? Circle every other letter.
Look for these books in your local library and discover what young Jane found so interesting about them.
Naming the Animals
Before Jane, chimps were each given a number. Jane was different. She gave the chimps names based on their appearance or personalities. For example, she named the chimpanzee that first approached her David Greybeard because he had a gray chin.
Use the letters found on each correct path to discover the name Jane gave each chimpanzee.
Jane’s Discovery
Replace the missing words.
Jane was the first scientist to see chimpanzees make and use _________. Jane observed a chimp using a
… everybody laughed at me. Girls couldn’t dream of doing that.”
Jane kept dreaming. And then worked hard to make her dream come true.
Arriving in Africa
In July 1960, at the age of 26, Jane was finally able to travel to Africa. She got a job studying chimpanzees in the country highlighted on the map.
Use the code to discover the country’s name.
MyScavengerEnvironment Hunt
Look through the newspaper to find a picture or word: Of a tree or plant found in your community That describes the weather today Of a place where you can find nature in your community Of an animal you can find in your community
Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards,
© 2025 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 41, No. 14
Live Music
The Lily Rock Ramblers entertain the crowd at Taryn's Place.Jamie Guthrie, Ron Van Der Linden and Matt Drey PHOTO BY PETER SZABADI Part-time Pine Cove resident Mike Franich hanging out in Harbor City with friend
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE FRANICH
“My father was a Shaman; he could travel between worlds, but his mother was fearful that one day he would not travel back. So, she arranged for a couple shaman to remove his power, leaving only a little bit at my grandfather’s insistence. As my father’s life continued, the power left within him showed up in many ways. He could often be heard singing to the dragonflies by the water, and they would land on him,” Kim recollects.
Kim feels like when he sings his father’s song to the dragonflies, and one lands on him it means his spirit is in right relationship with himself, the animals, the land, its people and the universe. If none land and they fly away, then he must take inventory. Something is wrong. He knows there is work to do on himself.
“Since yesterday morning,” said Kim. "I’ve been performing ceremonial rituals and singing all night. Families of the deceased come to me and ask if I can officiate a wake ceremony that entails rituals and singing all night. The rite of passage ceremony for the dead is one of the most sacred rites for Cahuilla people. Our songs, rituals and ceremonies form the backbone of our spiritual practice and cultural identity.” said Kim.
“Singing is how we pray and so we are saying at death ‘travel, move on and rest in peace.’ In our creation story death came, and the Creator said ‘it’s okay – the world would get too full if there is no death. And besides, you come back to me.’ We sing, we ask the ancestors to carry each spirit up to Milky Way and it goes home. We know it’s a journey…our life doesn’t end,” he said.
“The Cahuilla Bird Songs are a cycle of songs that recite the creation and the journey or travels of the Cahuilla people. In the beginning of the bird songs we sing about: let’s get up “chem kwe’eqe neh” and “neh Chiyat “ with my bundle of feathers or headdress.”
“The Cahuilla are connected to the land throughout this region. Ownership was never a concept – we are caretakers of the land. We visit many places to gather power including here. San Jacinto mountain is “taqwish hemkii” home of taqwish and also “ayakiietch.”
“Suicide rock is is called “tekvet” hawks home. You’ve heard about the San Gorgonio mountains or “qwerrikietch” in Serrano and Seven Sisters Trail and Yuri east of San Bernardino, these are all places for us to gather power,” he said.
“We use the term medicine to mean many things. It can mean wisdom, power or insight, all of which are healing to us. We seek power from our ancestors, the universe, and earth to help us grow and be in right re-
lations to everything in this world. To us everything is alive, has purpose and deserves our gratitude and respect as we share this world. Love is the way of the Cahuilla,” said Kim.
“Shaman or 'puul' are our healers, guides, spiritual teachers, and medium between the people and the spiritual realm. Their wisdom is sought by the tribe throughout life, so our people remain valued. It’s how our community endures.”
“Shaman would travel great distances to the peak of this mountain where water would flow for about 10 feet and then go back into the Earth. They would sit for months meditating and calmly listening to the ripples of the water to learn the medicine taught by water and they would come back with special songs and nobody outside our tribe could sing them, because that was our power medicine. This is the way they learned to teach us how to flow in life in a sacred way.”
Kim stated, “Originally in the beginning of creation we were given great power by our creator and the whole world was a place of power. We were given spiritual laws of life and we lost a lot of power due to practicing different laws and different religions.”
In the video Kim showed, he sang songs and spoke about “Chexaya am” the Seven Sisters and their journey. “They lived on earth with us in the beginning of creation times. They grew their families on earth and decided they were going to leave this earth and they accessed their power and started building steps amongst the hills and mountains and started climbing to the heavens and became the stars or Seven Sisters. They were followed by a spiritual being “qweyexivis” tarantula,” he explained.
Kim also shared that drawings on rocks are their written language. His interpretation of the pictographs in Idyllwild was compelling. “In the pictures we talk about the constellations, the Milky Way and our worldview. The sideways figure eight is our eternity symbol. The image of Seven Sisters mountain shows the creator’s greatness. You will see coyotes, ancestors and holy ones in the pictographs. The Great Spirit is also depicted on a pictograph, the diamond images are very sacred to the Cahuilla’s.”
“Annually, all the young girls, boys and babies from tribes in the area traveled to Idyllwild. Upon arrival they were separated, and the elder women would educate and teach the girls what it is to be a woman. They were advised to be like “Elka Menyil” the beautiful moon maiden. She was our teacher about life, how to behave, how to treat the world, animals and plants, and how to treat each other.”
Kim said, “the elder men would take all the boys and instruct them what it is to be young men, and they would tell them stories, rituals of rights, customs and traditions, and they would explain the creation story.”
“And they would also initiate the babies. Right from when you are a baby, you are valued by community. This is how we honor each child. In later years, they would take a photograph of the ceremony, you were given a copy as proof of your belonging and value,” he added.
“We instruct the children and young men to be warriors for all that is good. You accept a life of courage because you know death doesn’t stop here. Life continues, we travel, we follow a path through the Milky Way.”
When asked how we can support the Cahuilla? Kim reminds us the collective trauma of colonization and ethnic cleansing is still with Indians. “Vote and support government funding for Indian education, health services, drug abuse treatment, diabetes and heart disease clinics.” Kim has been a proponent of Native American nutrition in Riverside and San Bernadino since 1980, founding the Commodities food program and as a counselor, therapist and Cahuilla language specialist. Formerly, Kim was Elder in Residence with California Indian Nations College and Cal State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Now semi-retired Kim currently resides on the Santa Rosa Reservation and teaches Cahuilla language to elementary students.
Make School Work Easier
1. Include your children in discussions and share what you are reading or writing with them.
Nothing is more important to children than being with their parents.
2.Play games that encourage math, reading, and writing with them:
• Dominoes - adding/subtracting
• Card game, “War” - number order
• Go Fish - using addition and subtraction cards
• Scrabble - spelling, reading, and vocabulary
• Boggle - spelling, reading, vocabulary
• Scattergories - vocabulary, writing, reading
• Blurt - vocabulary
(I’ve created my own variations of other well-known games to help students practice the skills that need sharpening).
3. Refrain from correcting their homework, if possible. Point out what they did well, whether it’s handwriting or how creative they are.
a) Redirect them to a similar activity that uses the same skills.
b) Afterward, ask the child to compare the latter with the previous work, so your child can take ownership and know that they are doing it all by themselves.
RESERVE TIME & SPACE AT THE HANGOUT
442-529-4423
PETSITTING, will visit your pets in your home. Walk your dogs, cuddle your cats, tweet with your birds. All critters welcome. Exp. with livestock too! Local refs. Barb, 951663-2480. reverenceforlife3@gmail.com Caring for your Idy pets since 2004.
1 mo. security deposit. $1200. Senior discount Available. Call (951) 330-1175 or lucymcc@ verizon.net.
2 Car Garage Available On Pine Crest. $500/ month (951) 818-1170
FIREWOOD - Get ready for winter! Pine $275/cord; Hard/Soft Mix $300/cord; All Hard $325/cord;Eucalyptus
$375. Delivery included (909) 800-1352
FIREWOOD Seasoned Pine $350/cord; Hard/Soft Mix $400/cord; All Hard $435/cord; Eucalyptus
$525 Delivery Included (909) 800-1352
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Kim Marcus
Kim Marcus speaks at the Idyllwild Library. PHOTO BY HOLLY PARSON
Door Prize winners at the evening with Kim Marcus Tracy Muir Nobuko Chris Tenson and Steve McElfresh
PHOTO BY HOLLY PARSONS
Students of the Week
This week we have Mrs. Joni Vanderwende and Mrs. Sue Coffer selecting our students of the week. They are both wonderful Instructional Aides at our school.
Jack Bratten
Mrs. VanderWende chooses 4th grader, Jack Bratten. Jack has demonstrated significant growth in behavior over the past couple of months. At the beginning of the year, he faced challenges following directions and managing emotions. However, Jack has shown remarkable improvement in these areas through consistent effort, guidance, and a positive attitude. One of the most notable changes has been the ability to use coping strategies to manage frustration and show kindness to peers. Jack has also become more responsible, and has been making a conscious effort to be a positive role model. Teachers and peers have noticed the positive changes, and Jack continues to strive for success in both behavior and academics. Overall, the growth that Jack has shown is commendable.
Tru Hartman
Mrs. Coffer has chosen 3rd grader Tru Hartman and says the following about him. Working with Tru,I have seen great growth in getting his work done on time. His quality of work has greatly improved, taking his time and making a great effort to do a good job, especially in his writing. I see his willingness to work with his table group, participating with group discussions, even helping when a fellow student needs help on their Chromebook, a sign of being a good leader. Tru is truly developing in becoming a good student. Keep up the good work and you will become a star student!
Creature Corner
Past Tense
75 years ago - 1950
Ernie Maxwell and Ralph Accardi, conducting the snow survey, got lost near Hidden Lake. But Maxwell declared, “Each year we get a little less lost.”
70 years ago - 1955
Under a franchise granted to W.E. Huffman, Star Route mail carrier between Hemet and Idyllwild, passengers were to be carried via mail truck. One-way fare was $1.
65 years ago - 1960
An experiment by the U.S. Forest Service to attack beetle-infested pines by spraying insecticide from a helicopter was conducted at Chimney Flat.
60 years ago - 1965
The County Board of Supervisors upheld the “No Shooting” ordinance. It became illegal to discharge a firearm within 300 yards of a
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats learned that one puppy, Rain, was still looking for his forever home..
Pepper: Oh boy! Have I got news for all of you.
Harley: I love news, especially good news.
Marlowe: I think most of us are here, so spill the beans.
Pepper: Two great adoptions! Rain the puppy has his forever home and our wonderful cat Eeyore has as well! Rowan: Oh my! That is such great news. I'm so happy. Pepper: And we have more reason to celebrate. We have kittens!!
Rowan: I thought I heard meowing.
Marlowe: I've met them, and they are so darned cute. Pepper: And they have fun names. There are three female, two male. Their names are Siena, Savannah, Cheyenne, Milan, and London.
Harley: I heard they are about 5 weeks old.
Rowan: They've just arrived at ARF and are getting acclimated.
Pepper: Anyone who wants to know more about them should call ARF.
Harley: They'll find homes quickly.
This week's Creature Corner is sponsored by Lola Davis. 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.
public road, highway or trail or within 1 mile of city limits.
55 years ago - 1970
More than 125 Idyllwild residents joined in the World Day of Prayer on March 6. An all-day prayer vigil was held at the Community Church. Queen of Angels Catholic Church held a special mass. A program and potluck was held at Town Hall.
50 years ago - 1975
It was announced that the Pacific Crest Trail, which was two-thirds built, would pass through the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains. The trail, which would be the nation’s longest, was scheduled for completion in 1980.
45 years ago - 1980
It was raining again to the dismay of Leonard Hale, general manager of the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District. Recent storms had badly eroded the granite below the auxiliary dam at Lake Hemet, threatening to cause a loss of an estimated 2.6 billion gallons of water.
40 years ago - 1985
A public hearing was held by the Riverside County Planning Department on a request to expand the Eleanor Park fast-food facility into a family-type restaurant. The applicant, Bill Hunt
of Idyllwild, was the operator of the Woodpecker’s Hut Git-N-Go Kitchen on the site.
35 years ago - 1990
Five hundred students from Idyllwild Elementary School planted 1,500 trees on the grounds of the Living Free Animal Sanctuary.
30 years ago - 1995
A team of Idyllwild School students were the first-place winners in The Science Olympiads regional contests. It was the first time Idyllwild School students had participated in the event, which was attended by more than 200 students representing 15 participating schools.
25 years ago - 2000
The Women’s Guild of the Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church gave a tribute to Grace Moore, who had recently retired after 15 years of running the church’s Thrift Shop. Funny thing though, Grace seems to have forgotten that and can still be found running around the Thrift Shop.
20 years ago - 2005
Idyllwild’s favorite poet, Stefi Chase, died at the age of 91. She had owned Idyllwild’s first bookstore, The Bookend. Her poetry was published by Strawberry Valley Press, then a Town Crier publishing company, and
by Idyllwild’s Stonehill Books.
15 years ago - 2010
Idyllwild resident actor Conor O’Farrell was featured in the 10-part miniseries, “The Pacific,” which aired on HBO.
11 year ago - 2014
Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed legislation to assist drought-affected communities and provide funding to better use local water supplies.
10 years ago - 2015
The annual Idyllwild 5k/10k Race and Fitness Walk set a date for Saturday, June 6, with a new committee ensuring the event continued to support physical education at Idyllwild School.
5 years ago - 2020
Idyllwild Arts issued a community update addressing COVID-19 concerns, outlining travel restrictions, new safety measures for campus visitors, and ongoing efforts to protect public health.
1 years ago - 2024 R. Mitchell Davis was appointed to the Idyllwild Water District board after nearly a year of vacancy, bringing decades of water industry experience and a commitment to long-term service and operational improvements.
The 10K run begins with a burst of racers. PHOTO BY JOHN DRAKE Town Crier, June 11, 2015 FILE PHOTO
ICC SPORTS UPDATE
By Johnny Wilson ICC Director or Programs and Recreation
Some say things tend to slow down during the winter in Idyllwild. That is true… unless you are part of ICC sports!
With high-action games on the volleyball courts at Buckhorn Camp, to buzzer-beaters on the basketball courts of Idyllwild School, to rapid-fire ping pong tournaments at Town Hall, and now with the latest sportacrobatics and power tumbling – there is something for all athletes during the winter time on the mountain.
Let’s dive into some highlights, starting with Adult Basketball.
Adult Basketball
We are about halfway through the 2025 season of ICC Adult Basketball and things are heating up on the court as there are three teams tied for second place.
When the draft occurred back in January it was evident that Palms to Pines Electric were going to be the team to beat – and so far no one has done so.
Led by captain Carl Dewese and supported with the talented cast of Toby Posey, Michael Smith, Sean O’Keeffe, and Chad Szopinski – Palms to Pines Electric are sitting comfortably at the top with a 6-0 record.
The Black Panthers came close to defeating them in Week 2 (they lost by 2 points) and are currently tied for second place along side with Bomb Squad and Green Hornets – all with a 3-3 record.
The Monsters started off the season hot by winning their first two games but took an unfortunate turn as they lost their captain Michael Mapel due to injury; they have been on a 4-game losing streak since.
With Brian Kretsinger now in the captain’s chair, it would be an ideal time for the Monsters (currently at 2-4) to turn things around this week in order to keep up with the pack, as the playoffs are only 3 weeks away.
ICC Adult Basketball Standings
Adult Volleyball
The current top two teams of the ICC Adult Volleyball League – Village Hardware and Idyllwild Brewpub – both notched another victory under their belts before the Presidents Week break. Village Hardware vanquished over Pino Tree Service and Idyllwild Brewpub handled business with Red Kettle – both in a clean 3-game sweep.
Red Kettle did earn their third win of the season by defeating Adams Electric 3 games to 1 and moved up one position in the standings.
Idyllwild Garage and BBI Construction were previously tied for third place, until they faced off with each other on Feb 11 – and once the dust settled it was Idyllwild Garage who won the match and secured the
informed and help keep Idyllwild’s
sole third place position, as BBI Construction drops to fourth.
After the Presidents Week break, BBI Construction went on a hot streak to win both their matches trying to catch up with their competitors. However both Idyllwild Garage and Village Hardware won their matches so the rankings stayed more or less the same.
It’s a close race for second place as Idyllwild Brewpub (7-3), Idyllwild Garage (6-3), and BBI Construction (6-4) are all just one game apart from each other.
Village Hardware continues on their road to glory as they have yet to lose a match, now with 8-straight victories on the season.
ICC Adult Volleyball Standings
ICC Ping Pong – 2025 Winter Tournament
Current reigning ICC Ping Pong champion Derek McDevitt (USA) made his return to the ping pong tables as he was seeking his third straight 1st place finish.
McDevitt won the Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 tournaments. His main competitor is Christer Raith (Sweden) who won 2nd place in the Fall 2024 tournament and was the only one to defeat McDevitt in a match.
New to the competition were part-timers father and son Nader and Arian (“Ari”) Mirhoseni from San Clemente, California.
This tournament was in a round-robin format where each competitor faces each other once, and the ones with the top-three best records go on to win their “bag of prizes” and have their names etched into history on the ICC Tournament Champions plaque.
After all the games were played over the course of two hours, it was no surprise that the top two finishers were once again Derek McDevitt (1st place with a 7-0 record) and Christer Raith (2nd place at 6-1).
The 3rd place finisher, however, was quite a surprise as the teenager from San Clemente Ari Mirhoseni fared well against the competition and took 3rd place with a 5-2 record (congrats, Ari!)
And a very special congratulations goes to Derek McDevitt for winning 3-straight ICC Ping Pong tournaments – way to go, Derek!
The next tournament will be the Spring 2025 Tournament – scheduled for May 4th, 2025.
Ping Pong winners, 1-Derek Mc Devitt, 2-Krister Raitt, 3, Arian Mirhosein
PHOTO BY PETER SZABADI