Vol. 80, No. 17 edition of the Idyllwild Town Crier
ICC Easter egg hunt returns to County Park
Tahquitz Pines offers second opportunity on Sunday
By David Jerome Correspondent
The Idyllwild Community Center’s free annual Easter Egg Hunt returned to the County Park after last year’s snow cancelation. The sun cooperated this time,and the meadow and parking area were dry enough. The Riverside County Parks and Open Space District provided the manpower to direct parking, a bounce house, and a children’s craft table, supervised by Allison Fedrick, the Park Interpreter at the Idyllwild Nature Center. ICC president Stephanie Yost kept the proceedings moving along smoothly. The Easter Bunny was there as advertised, with Alex Cameron providing Bunny Security to facilitate the photo ops.
Over 3,200 colorful plastic eggs with toys and candy inside were hidden in areas of the meadow set aside by age group, with the youngest egg hunters being under threeand the oldest ten. Forty of the eggs were marked as “prize eggs” and additional treasure was distributed at the cookie table, with cookies provided by Silver Pines and the Idyllwild Bunkhouse.
Idyllwild Community Center president Stephanie Yost reports that over 250 people attended the event, and noted that the preparations started at 8:30 a.m., when ICC board members and other volunteers, including four from the
Idyllwild Rotary Club, began the set-up and egg-hiding. This same group was in charge of cleaning at the end of the day.
Dedicated egg hunters had a second opportunity on Sunday, when Tahquitz Pines Resort hosted a hunt of their own on the lawn above The Peak Restaurant. Alister the squirrel provided photo ops, and kids had another chance to fill their baskets.
Vatican announces passing of Pope Francis
By David Jerome Correspondent
The passing of Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) was announced on the morning of Monday, April 21, in a declaration by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni. The pope was 88 years old and was elected 2013. Born in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he served as Archbishop of that city before being made a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He was the first pope from the new world.
“At 9.47 this morning, His Eminence Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced with sorrow the death of Pope Francis, with these words:
‘Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
‘At 7.35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was devoted to service to the Lord and His Church.
‘He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.
‘With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love the One and Triune God’.”
The Camerlengo is an official who oversees Vatican finances during the period when the papacy is vacant, and his responsibilities include formally determining and announcing a pope’s death, organizing the pope’s funeral, and prepares for the conclave that will choose a new pope.
Second Democratic candidate enters CD 41 race
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Activity for the 2026 Congressional Election for District 41, which is still 18 months in the future, continued last week.
Tim Myers, a lifelong Southern Californian and Grammy-nominated musician-turned-entrepreneur, announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in California’s 41st Congressional District.
In his press release, Myer wrote, “I was born and raised in Corona - where I scrubbed floors as a janitor at our church, poured coffee as a barista, and played in bands at night just to make ends meet. But I was able to achieve my dream because twenty years ago a poor kid from Corona could still make their dreams a reality in California. Sadly, that’s no longer true today.”
“As a founding member of the band OneRepublic, Myers toured the world and witnessed firsthand the challenges of working in an industry where the odds are stacked against artists, producers and creators. Determined to build a better system, he launched his own record company, helping hundreds of artists, workers, and producers succeed on a more level playing field,” according to the press release.
Myers is the second Democrat to enter the race hoping to confront incumbent Republican Congressman Ken Calvert. If he were to win, he previewed his thoughts about the race.
“Our community is being priced out of homeownership, groceries are more
expensive every week, and we’re constantly under threat from wildfires and rising crime,” said Myers. “Congressman Ken Calvert was first elected when I was in the second grade. How has he spent the last thirty years in Washington? He’s millions of dollars richer - and more Californians are being left behind. It’s time for a change.”
In 2022 and 2024, Calvert defeated Democratic challenger Will Rollins, who announced earlier this month that he was not prepared for a third challenge.
“My name won’t be on the ballot, but I have no doubt the momentum from our last two campaigns will carry into 2026,” Rollins said in an email to the Town Crier. “We won a lot of split-ticket voters in November. The ones I’ve heard from are pissed that Congress has been replaced by DOGE. Small business owners are angry that their costs are continuing to skyrocket. Veterans and their families are angry that the VA is being gutted. And seniors are worried that Medicare and Social Security are next.”
Children getting to cuddle with the Easter Bunny on Saturday at the Idyllwild Playground. PHOTO BY ALEX CAMERON
Tim Meyers
FILE PHOTO
A peaceful march was held on Saturday with residents and visitors marching through town.
PHOTO BY TOWN CRIER
AB 435 may restrict children and teens to rear car seats
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
California’s Assembly is considering Assembly Bill 435, which would change when and where 10–13-yearold children and smaller frame teens may sit in a moving vehicle.
It raises the minimum age for vehicle child passenger restraints from eight to 13 years old and replaces the current age and height exemption with a 5-Step test.
Beginning January 1, 2027, all children younger than 10 years would be required to use booster seats and all those under 13 would noty be allowed to sit in the front seat. Even teens may be restricted to the rear seat. Passengers in the front seat 13 to 16 years old would have to pass the 5-Step test.
Assembly Member Lori Wilson’s (AD 11) submitted her proposal in January. On March 25, the Assembly Transportation Committee voted to advance these new, more restrictive booster rules to the Assembly’s Appropriation Committee
Current law applies this restraint to children under 8 years, unless they are 4 feet 9 inches in height or taller. There is a fine for violating the current law --$20 for a first offense, and not more than $50 for a second offense. These would apply to the new law.
Wilson’s concern originated with a 2021 study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This reported child passenger traffic injuries and fatalities increased post-pandemic. Children aged eight to 12 had the highest incidence of fatalities compared to other age groups.
Traffic violation data from the California Highway Patrol identified that there is an increase in child restraint violations post 2020.
Wilson said in the Assembly Report, “As the second leading cause of unintended injury related deaths among children, motor vehicle crashes present a critical focus for safety improvements. Extending the required age for booster use and implementing straightforward testing can significantly enhance child safety.
“Research findings support these proposed changes, indicating that they can increase understanding among both parents and children about the benefits of updated laws,” she added. “Endorsed by the Strategic Highway Safety Plan Occupant Protection Committee, the 5-Step Test was designed to consider the varied internal dimensions of vehicles, which the previous height criterion cannot address adequately.”
If the child meets the 5-step Test, the requirement for rear seat and use of a child restraint system will not be applied.
The 5-step test assesses whether the passenger will be protected, in case of a crash, by the standard seat belt apparatus.
Before a child should be sitting in just a vehicle seat belt, he or she needs to meet the following five seat belt fit criteria. This is the 5-Step Seat Belt Test:
The first step is whether the shoulder belt crosses between the neck and shoulder and across mid chest. Too close to the neck may cause an irritation and the child might slip the belt behind their head.
Secondly, when sitting in the vehicle seat, their back should be against the vehicle seat. Nest the lap belt should ride on the upper thighs across the hip bones. If it lies across the abdomen, internal organs might be damaged in a crash.
Fourth, the knees should bend at the end of the seat. Fifth and finally, their feet must be flat on the floor.
Both the Automobile Club of Southern California and AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah favor this bill. In their letter, “The AAA Clubs support laws requiring infants and children under age 13 always ride in the back seat in appropriate restraints that are properly installed. Moreover, the degree of protection obtained by child restraints depends on correct use and fit. Accordingly, we have actively been working with the child passenger safety community to educate the public about what it means to ‘sit properly restrained.’”
Dan DeVoy new FVWD director
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
The April 17 meeting of the Fern Valley Water District Board of Directors was busy, productive and long – two hours!
The major piece of business was the selection of Dan DeVoy as the new director. He replaces Mike LaFata, who resigned in February.
DeVoy lives in El Centro and has a home in Fern Valley, which he and his family bought in 1980. His professional background is human relations management for several local agencies, including Imperial County. Most recently he retired from the Imperial Irrigation District after 16 years.
When asked why he is interested in the directorship, he replied, “I retired two years ago, and this is a strong reason to be here more often. I love being here and the community.”
His experience managing employee benefit plans drew the attention of the Board and was positive in his selection.
“I’d like to help and think I can give my experience,” he said and added that he also has experience working with elected boards.
The other candidate was Dawn Finlayson, a Fern Valley resident since 1998. She owns and manages Bliss Hair salon.
Finlayson has extensive service on organizational boards. For two years in the mid-2010s, she was a trustee on the Board of the Spiritual Center of Desert and then for three years served on her Homeowners’ Association in Palm Desert.
She has been interested in water issues for a long time, she told the Board.
“I’d love to represent the people here,” she told the Board. “It’s a hard job, but it shows commitment to the community.”
While DeVoy’s part-time status caught the attention of several Board members, Jon Brown commented, “He’s been part-time for 45 years and half of our people are part-time residents.”
Brown nominated DeVoy as the new director and the vote approving him as the next Board member was unanimous, 4-0. DeVoy replaces LaFata, who replaced Gary Erb in December 2023. The term for this seat ends in December, so DeVoy will have to stand for election to a four-year term in the next Election.
One of the Board’s other actions was to request the Riverside County Register of Voters to conduct a mail election in August. Besides DeVoy’s term ending quickly, Directors Robert Krieger and Brown have terms ending in December, too.
The Board also heard a presentation on the audit of its 2024 financial records from Jonathan Abadesco of C.J. Brown & Company, CPAs.
The audit report stated, “In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the District, as of June 30, 2024, and the respective changes in financial position and, where applicable, cash flows thereof for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”
Abadesco explained to the Board that is standard language for a clean audit. The auditors found no material weaknesses nor significant deficiencies, he added.
While net expenses grew more than its net income, overall total revenue, due to a surge in property tax revenue, exceeded costs again. In 2024, the District’s total net position increased by $279,000, to $10.2 million.
The Board also reviewed the Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget report. As of the end of March, expenses were $486,000 greater than revenue. This is largely attributable to capital costs for the acquisition of new vehicles and some pipeline work last fall. Also, the final property tax revenue payments are not received until April and May.
The office renovation work has begun, General Manager Victor Jimenez told the Board. So, the $150,000 budget for that project will be used this fiscal year. But last year when the budget was approved, the Board had anticipated a deficit this year and planned to use reserves to offset costs.
In his General Manager’s Report, Jimenez noted that stream water continues to supply the bulk of the District’s late winter and early spring water demand. In March, it provided 91% of the water compared to 2% in March 2023. He also explained the work has started on the project to improve the District’s maintenance facility.
The Board did agree to change the date of its next meeting to 9 a.m., on Thursday, May 29. It expects to review a draft of its FY 2025-26 budget at that time.
PCWD considers litigation against former billing software vendor, broadens experiment with electronic meters
By David Jerome Correspondent
At the April meeting of PCWD’s board, Officer Manager Jennifer Hayes clarified her comment about the district’s possible interest in initiating litigation against a software vendor.
Hayes explained that PCWD had used UbMax for many years for their billing and notification software. When UbMax was absorbed by GWorks, PCWD accepted the successor company’s bid to provide a new platform. However, according to Hayes, GWorks did not honor their agreement and never began transferring the district’s data to the new system.
A new vendor, Current Software, has been found, and Hayes said the company has been very responsive, even reducing the contracted onboarding fees due to the smooth transition. Customers are now paying their bills through the new portal. She continues to meet weekly with representatives of the new company, and customer requests are being integrated into the new service.
General Manager Jeremy Potter reported that usage is about 8% over the last few years. The district’s static measuring well began to rise—from recent precipitation— coming up about 5 inches to 76.13 feet.
Water loss was reported at 14%. Potter said a leak
on Sylvan Way may account for several months of losses. Prescribed burns in Pine Cove and a structure fire on Franklin may also have contributed, as hydrant water is not metered,and usage must be estimated. In the case of prescribed burns, Potter said that when the Forest Service notifies the district, a meter can be placed on a hydrant to track usage, and this week, a meter was moved to Acorn Lane to prepare for another prescribed burn.
Potter also provided an update on the ongoing effort to remedy the poor transmission of the new electronic meters. The meters, purchased last year from Smart Earth Technologies (SET) and now installed on most of the district’s services, cannot reach the office with their rmachine-cellular technology. A new system provided by Fenix, the successor to SET, uses a “mesh” network to send the data from one meter to the next until it is sent to the office.
A no-cost trial of the new system has been successful, and rather than take out the meters used in the trial to redeploy them in other dead spots, Fenix is sending more units to ensure that the system will work for even the most remote and sheltered locations.
The board also passed a resolution to continue standby fees at $30 per acre or portion thereof—an annual routine—and scheduled a public hearing to be included in their June 11 meeting. The next regular meeting is set for May 14.`
IWD board announces scholarships
Plans public tour in May ,Schelly addresses letter writer
By David Jerome Correspondent
The April meeting of the Idyllwild Water District board began with the awarding of prizes to the winners of the district’s Water Education Scholarship poster and essay contest, conducted in partnership with Idyllwild School. The winning posters and essays will be posted on the IDW website. The essay winners were Polina Rasskazova, first, and Quinnlyn Carpenter second. The poster winners were Maude Collins, first, and Valeria Ramirez Maldonado second. First-place prizes were $500, and second-place $250. Idyllwild School counselor Derrick Zimmerman noted that participation was greater than last year, and that school staff judged the essays.
General Manager Bill Rojas reported that water loss was at 5 %, a number that director Steve Olson called “awesome,” and board president Charles Schelly described as the “low end of very good.” Last month, the loss was reported at 3%, with the low number attributed to the repair of leaks misidentified as springs and better metering on wells.
Rojas reported that staff completed the repair of a leak on Strawberry Valley Drive When staff tried to turn the water off last month, the stem of a valve broke, and the work had to be delayed. Shutting off a larger area would require interrupting service to the Idyllwild School, and so the work was done during spring break.
Pine Cove Water provided essential collaboration for the repair; Rojas showed a photo of PCWD GM Jeremy Potter down in the ditch, and PCWD’s Maintenance Worker II Jensen Beri, who is certified as a welder, did the welding. As a result, the repair was done in a single day and at considerable savings over hiring a contractor. Other leaks on McKinney and Marion were repaired in one day, with “minimal” interruptions to service.
The contractor for the Strawberry Creek Diversion project, ELCO, has received the encroachment permit from the county, and is on track to start work in June.
Replacements for two of three inverters on the solar power system at Foster Lake have been ordered at a cost of $52 thousand, and should be installed in the coming month. Director Mitch Davis asked why the third inverter was not also being replaced; Rojas explained that it was still providing 95% power. CFO Hosny Shouman added that the vendor, Hot Purple Energy, has extended the warranty for the new units to 10 years.
Rojas reported that he has been working with Michael Sims of the California Rural Water Association on a source water protection plan for district. This will take about six months, he said. Sims was in Idyllwild last week and spent a day visiting well sites and evaluating the local watershed. The plan will be linked to the already completed plans of FVWD and PCWD.
Schelly addressed accusations in a letter to the editor, published by a local newsletter, which questioned IWD leadership decisions. He began by clarifying that, contrary to the letter’ assertion, IWD is not a Riverside County special district, does not submit a budget to the county, and does not receive any funding from them. Therefore, he said, the county will not write grants for free for IWD.
Addressing the letter’s mention of employee “issues” and “poor community relations,” Schelly asked GM Rojas about employee morale. Rojas said that during his tenure, which began in June of last year, there have been no complaints from employees, resignations, or firings, and that staff has been gaining the certifications that enable them to take on more responsibility. Rojas also said that IWD has good relations with FVWD, PCWD and IFPD, and that community relations have also improved. Rojas reported no new customer complaints in the last year, and said ratepayers have appreciated the district’s efforts to notify residents before
St.
flushing lines.
Schelly then addressed financial matters mentioned in the letter, asking CFO Shouman if the schedule of rate increases approved in 2023 were intended to fund the rehabilitation of the wastewater treatment plant, and Shouman answered that the increases were to maintain service and “put something towards capital improvement.” At the time, then-GM Leo Havener told the board and rate payers that a financially strong district was more likely to qualify for grants.
The Town Crier asked Schelly a few questions about another issue the letter touched on: the district’s recent purchase of a house to serve as short-term housing for staff and visitors, and as an investment. Schelly said that the Brown act allows a board several options for handling real estate transactions. They can appoint a committee, or hire an agent— IWD did both, appointing Directors Olson and Davis to the committee. “We authorized our agent to negotiate. We always contact our lawyer to make sure we are in compete compliance with all requirements. We were able to give the agent authority to negotiate the purchase.”
Schelly noted that the district intends to drill a well on the property, and that the house is close to the district’s “very productive” Oakwood well, and another private well, also very productive. After the meeting, Schelly texted that the directors present at the closed session for real estate negotiation were Olson, Davis, Harsha, and Schelly. —addressing another concern raised by the letter, as the property belonged to family of board member Jessica Preifer’s husband, and Priefer was thus not present during the sessions where the purchase was discussed.
Schelly asked that the agenda next month include a discussion of the purchase of a lighted message board sign for the district office. This could communicate weather information and other public notices, as the Idyllwild School’s sign does.
There will be a budget workshop at 10:00 a.m., May 17, 10 am at the IWD office. The board will meet and then take a tour of district facilities, ending with a picnic lunch at Foster Lake. The event is open to the public. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21
May public hearing for waste collection fee increase
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
At its April 15 meeting, the County Board of Supervisors set a public hearing for May 20 to consider increases in the waste collection rates throughout the County. The new rates will be effective July 1.
For Hill residents, the new waste collection rate will increase 58 cents, from $19.74 to $20.32.
Commercial rates will also increase. There is no single commercial rate. They vary based on several factors, such as the size of the bins and the frequency of service provided. These rates will also increase July 1
In his memorandum to the Board, Jeff Johnson, Director of Environmental Health, indicated that this rate adjustment was based on changes to several indexes: the consumer price index, the disposal tipping fee, the recycling processing fee and the organics processing fee.
Pursuant to the new Franchise Agreements approved in September 2024, each franchisee, including CRR Incorporated, which serves the Hill and manages the local transfer station, proposed and submitted their new rates before March 15 to the County for approval.
The County’s Department of Environmental Health and a third-party waste consultant reviewed all the calculations for the new rates
Dr. Chip Schelly awards the winners of the Water Education Scholarship poster and essay contest, conducted in partnership with Idyllwild School.
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME
“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 did a lot of work last year to get out of a job that was so stressful because of being overworked and underpaid. I was feeling like I was being taken advantage of, and I got really angry and resentful. The new job started out just fine and I was proud of myself for making the change but now it’s pretty much like where I was before. What am I doing wrong that I’m back in this spot again?
Dear Reader: When we find ourselves in situations that are not to our liking, especially situations that seem to repeat no matter what we do, the obvious first place to look for the root of the issue is at the family of beliefs one would have to have in order to create the unwanted, chronic experience. And “root” is the point. If you want the weeds out of your garden, cutting them off at the top won’t cut it. Cutting them off at the top is managing the problem, not solving it. It all looks good for a spell, then returns to needing more management, more cutting at the top. Again, and again. In our everyday lives, we might manage problems in all sorts of ways like powering through them or taking medication or avoiding them altogether, which is different from solving the problems, which is what SW practice is about. Pull the weeds up from the roots to rid yourself of the weeds in your garden and identify and change the beliefs you have to rid your Self of unwanted chronic experiences — be they bad relationships, not enough money, strife and struggle at large, or anything at all. Changing the beliefs we have that create unwanted experiences is actually quite easy to do. It takes effort, but it’s oh so doable.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
It looks like my husband has lied over the entirety of our four-year relationship. So, the trust has been broken and I’m looking for help with how to forgive and let go because I’m not sure I can.
Dear Reader:
Forgiveness is one of those subjects that seems to look very different through a Spiritual Workout lens. Nobody likes to be done wrong, of course. Yet when we believe that we create our own realities — consciously or otherwise — we take responsibility for what shows up. Even if it’s something unwanted and, often, especially then. It doesn’t mean we are responsible for what happens to us; it means we’re responsible for the fact that it showed up and how we respond to it. So, it starts with taking responsibility and then goes to how we believe that there’s a reason for everything/that there are no accidents. In this sense, things happen for us, not to us — a deep inquiry in itself. It then goes to our practice of no judgment, and it is actually letting go of our judgment(s) about what has happened that fuels forgiveness. When we let go of he’s untrustworthy, this is a tragedy, life is unfair — and the like — there’s actually nothing left to forgive.
• 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
Idyllwild Fire Board approves draft budget, water tender purchase
By By David Jerome Correspondent
The Board of Commissioners of Idyllwild Fire Protection District approved Chief Mark LaMont’s draft budget for the Financial Year 2025-2026 at their March meeting. The total draft budget, $3,975,249, is about 10.6% higher than last year.
IFPD’s budget is divided into three categories: General Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Services, and Mutual Aid. General Fire Protection is budgeted at $977,470, up about 9%, EMS $2,299,063, also about 16% higher, and Mutual Aid $798,716, also almost 16% higher.
EMS shows a loss year after year. Local ambulance runs from the mountain communities are much further, and more costly to provide, than national averages. Medical transport calls are billed to health insurance, mostly Medicare, which pays $108, or MediCal, which reimburses $84. This isfar below the $3,000 that LaMont estimates as the cost of a trip off-the-hill. This creates an estimated $1.2 million shortfall.
The one growing source of revenue has been Mutual Aid. In the present financial year,IFPD has invoiced over $4.1 million and has received $3.6 million, which is already well above the previous year’s total of $2.4 million. Yet the draft only figures for $1.7 million in mutu-
al aid revenue. These figures are below actual revenue because it is not a predictable source. LaMont says these funds should be going towards new equipment, not “holding up” the EMS program as they have been.
A draft budget may be approved and sent to the County and State, but the Board has until October to approve a final budget.
The Board also approved Chief LaMont’s request to purchase a water tender to replace a 1981 vehicle that was “out of service for mechanical reasons.” The replacement is a 2022 Ford F-750 with less than 6,000 miles on its odometer. The tender itself is $95,500, and the request adds $8,500 for additional equipment to “compliment” the tender, and other costs including delivery, to bring the estimated total to $110,500. The Chief’s request noted the importance of a water tender in areas where hydrants are sometimes more than 900 feet apart, and the desirability of a tender for Mutual Aid and Automatic Aid calls.
The request projected the cost to purchase and maintain the tender over a 12-year life at $552,500, and estimated “Billable use” for Mutual Aid calls at $774,144, a net income of $221,644.
Administration proposes to change protection of endangered species
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration jointly published a proposed change to their regulations for implementing the Endangered Species Act. They are proposing to limit the definition of “taking” a threatened or endangered species to the language in the original law. Section 3(19) reads, “The term ‘take’ means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.“
However, the FWS implementing regs expanded ”take” to prohibit actions that would damage or destroy an endangered or threatened species’ habitat.
The proposed change would eliminate this provision. The Federal Register notice says this is consistent with both the historical definition of “take” and Supreme Court decisions that limit executive agencies’ interpretation of laws to expand their scope.
In 1995, the FWS protection of habitat was upheld in a Supreme Court decision (Babbitt v. Sweet Home Chapter of Communities for a Great Oregon). In this 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that “harm” can be direct or indirect. Destruction or damaging a species habitat would be indirect harm.
However, in 2024, the Supreme Court, in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, overturned its previous rule deferring to executive agencies’ interpretation of laws. In this and a companion case, the Court assigned the determination of congressional ambiguity to the judicial branch, with executive agency expertise still to be considered.
Based on this decision, the FWS and NOAA are proposing to eliminate the protection of an endangered species habitat as part of its taking. They argue that the current rule is not the “single, best meaning of the stat-
MATTER OF FACT
Last week the Town Crier published a story about the activities of the Idyllwild Garden Club, but neglected to credit the author, Joanna V. Hill, who also took the photograph of Bob Greenamyer. We regret the error.
ue.” Consequently, the Federal Register notice proposes to rescind the current definition of “harm” and rely only on the law’s definition of “take.”
“Weakening the definition of harm would cut the heart out of the Endangered Species Act and be a death sentence for plants and animals on the brink of extinction,” said Noah Greenwald, codirector of endangered species at the Center for Biological Diversity in press release.
“Unless habitat destruction is prohibited, spotted owls, sea turtles, salmon and so many more animals and plants won’t have a chance,” Greenwald added. “Humanity’s survival depends on biodiversity and no one voted to fast-track extinction. This is a five-alarm fire.”
Other environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club, also strongly oppose this change.
“The Trump administration is trying to rewrite basic biology — like all of us, endangered species need a safe place to live,” said Earthjustice vice president of litigation for lands, wildlife, and oceans Drew Caputo. “This misguided new proposal threatens a half-century of progress in protecting and restoring endangered species. We are prepared to go to court to ensure that America doesn’t abandon its endangered wildlife.”
The complete Federal Register notice can be found at www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS–HQ–ES–2025–0034.
Comments may be submitted either electronically or by mail and are due by May 19.
If you chose to submit them electronically go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS–HQ–ES–2025–0034, which is the docket number for this rulemaking.
To submit by U.S. mail, address them to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–HQ–ES–2025–0034, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803.
Police
respond to shots fired call on Crestview
By David Jerome Correspondent
Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call on Crestview Drive at 4:49 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. According to the Sheriff’s Office Media Information Bureau the deputies “determined that a subject negligently discharged a firearm. Deputies searched the area and located the suspect, who was taken into custody without incident. No reported injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing.”
Residents reported on social media that a helicopter flew over the neighborhood, using a public address system to provide a description of the suspect.
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.
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
• Lovingkindness — Every Tuesday - ZOOM onlyMeditation Send lovingkind-
12:06 AM 5400 *** BLOCK PINE
Sheriff’s
log
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls
IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC ASSIST 04-21-2025
20:45 PM 2600 *** BLOCK DEL-
ANO DR IDYLLWILD
• ASSIST OTHER DEPART-
MENT 04-21-2025 18:34 PM AD-
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• ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT 04-21-2025 18:17 PM AD-
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• PUBLIC ASSIST 04-21-2025
16:24 PM ADDRESS UNDEFINED IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 04-202025 14:43 PM 5400 *** BLOCK PINE CREST AV IDYLLWILD
• FOLLOW-UP 04-20-2025
13:42 PM ADDRESS WITHHELD
IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 04-192025 22:23 PM 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243 IDYLLWILD
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
• Women’s Writing Group with fellow writers — Every Friday (in Hill House and on Zoom) - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
LEY RD IDYLLWILD
• ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT 04-16-2025 01:29 AM 2500 *** BLOCK RIM ROCK RD IDYLLWILD
• CHECK THE WELFARE 04-15-
2025 22:54 PM 2500 *** BLOCK
RIM ROCK RD IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 04-152025 16:35 PM 5300 *** BLOCK COUNTRY CLUB DR IDYLLWILD PINE COVE
• SHOTS FIRED 04-21-2025
15:35 PM 2300 *** BLOCK OAK LEAF LN PINE COVE
• CHECK THE WELFARE 04-21-
2025 08:42 AM 5200 *** BLOCK PINE COVE RD PINE COVE
• PUBLIC ASSIST 04-17-2025
For a complete list of all events in Idyllwild, check out: idyllwildtowncrier.com/events
Recovery Meetings
17:04 PM 2400 *** BLOCK MARION RIDGE DR PINE COVE
• ALARM CALL 04-17-2025 01:14 AM 2300 *** BLOCK OAK LEAF LN PINE COVE
• FRAUD 04-16-2025 11:29 AM 4600 *** BLOCK POPPET FLATS RD POPPET FLATS REPORT TAKEN
SAN BERDO NAT FORS • 911 CALL FROM BUSINESS 04-20-2025 04:44 AM 5600 *** BLOCK APPLE CANYON RD SAN BERDO NAT FORS • OFF ROAD VEHICLE 04-192025 22:46 PM 5100 *** BLOCK OLD MINE TRL SAN BERDO NAT FORS
• ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT 04-15-2025 21:42 PM 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.
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Second annual Arbor Day celebration at St. Hugh’s
By David Jerome Correspondent
St Hugh Episcopal Church will present its second annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 26th. The event will offer live music, craft activities for kids, a silent auction, a raffle, and food and drink. There will also be “nature-inspired education” at a booth from the Idyllwild Nature Center.
Music will be provided by wandering minstrels Morgan Brown and Carlos Reynosa, and two bands; Kaitlin and Patrick, and In the Pocket. Mary Knab, Bishop’s Warden at St Hugh’s, says that In the Pocket, is geared towards dancing, and the “labyrinth” makes a great dance floor. She added that “dancing is encouraged anytime at St Hughs.”
The silent auction will feature five nights in Puerto Vallarta, and artwork f’ Day and Fathers’ Day baskets, a kid’s basket, an “at the-beach-basket”, and a garden basket. It’s worth coming just for the raffle!” Proceeds will benefit St Hughs outreach programs.
Knab shared the story that inspired St Hugh’s Arbor Day Celebrations. “Many years ago, there was a gentleman who came up to Idyllwild, an artist who lived in Inglewood named Paul Duval. He fell in love with Idyllwild’s oldest tree, which grows on the grounds of St Hugh’s. He was worried about the paving of the parking lot, that it might harm the tree. He came up to paint a portrait of the tree in June of 2017, in case anything happened to it. He had not painted much for some time, but he wanted to do this. The painting was on display at Middle Ridge. Parishioners of St Hugh’s decided to buy it and donate it to the church. When Paul found out he wept. Paul has since passed, we have reached out to his family to invite them but have not been able to contact them. All of this is memorialized on the wall of the fellowship Hall.”
Arbor Day Celebration, Saturday April 26, from noon to 7 p.m., St Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church, 25525 Tahquitz Drive.
Starts Fri 25th April
Idyllwild Nature Center to receive new taxidermy collection from San Bernardino County Museum
By David Jerome Correspondent
The Idyllwild Nature Center will be hosting what Park Interpreter Allison Fedrick describes as “a small program with high hopes” on Sunday, April 27. “San Bernardino County Museum is coming up to do a presentation and gift the Nature Center with taxidermy birds that look a whole lot better” than the aging specimens currently on display.
The Nature Center houses many displays highlighting the plants, animals and people that shape our forest, and the taxidermy animals are among the most eye-catching items. “Our collection includes a range of taxidermy with a substantial display of bird specimens,” Fedrick said. “However, many of the pieces are looking quite tired, so when San Bernardino County Museum was willing to donate some taxidermy birds to our location, we were thrilled.” The Center has about 50 specimens, with the majority birds.
Some pieces in the collection are now 50 years old. “The Nature Center has been open since 1975, so some of this taxidermy goes back to these early days.
Gene Cardiff, one of the most renowned taxidermists in Southern California, has provided his exquisite work to both Riverside County and San Bernardino County.” Among the most dramatic works is one that shows
a great horned owl in mid-hunt. “The work must have been a challenge, but the result is memorable even for people who aren’t always intrigued by taxidermy. Dr. Mackenzie Kirchner-Smith, Curator of Biology at the San Bernardino County Museum and the featured speaker at the event, worked closely with Cardiff when organizing the museum’s taxidermy archive. Fedrick is especially pleased to see cooperation between the two counties. “Meeting with other museums and institutions has been a wonderful way to make California history, education, science, and conservation a group effort. When multiple experts are working together, they bring their different passions and strengths. We have seen that the events, which offer a chair at the table to many groups, end up making greater strides in progressing towards our goals to preserve culture, natural history, and our environment. The San Bernardino County Museum has been a leader in bringing organizations together, and we are grateful to be a part of their collaboration.”
San Bernardino County Museum presents new taxidermy to the Idyllwild Nature Center, April 27, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Idyllwild Nature Center, 25225 Highway 243
Volunteers gather at the Egg Hunt on Saturday
PHOTO
BY ERIC TRACY
ccording to a legend, a shepherd discovered magnets 4,000 years ago.
One day, the shepherd Magnes was walking in a region of Greece called Magnesia. He sat down and looked at his sandals.
He had metal nails in his sandals.
The sandals kept sticking to the rocks where he was walking.
The metal end of the shepherd’s hook also stuck to the rocks.
The rocks that stuck to metal were naturally occurring magnets called lodestones
Is the legend true?
Invisible Power: Magnetism
You can’t see the force that pulls certain kinds of metal towards a magnet. But it is a force in nature, like gravity is a natural force, that we can’t see. What do magnets attract? Metals such as iron, nickel and cobalt are attracted to magnets. Other materials such as aluminum, glass, plastic and wood aren’t attracted to magnets.
Do the math to see which of these items are attracted to magnets. If the answer is an even number, that means it’s magnetic.
Magnets Push and Pull
We usually think of magnetic force attracting options towards a magnet.
But magnets can also repel or push away objects. This is because magnets have a north pole and south pole
In short, opposite poles attract and the same poles repel
No one knows for sure. Some say the story took place in India instead of Greece. But finding rocks that could stick to sandals started some creative thinking and new inventions that have used magnets for thousands of years.
11 + 3 = Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.
Musical group 'In the Pocket' is joined by guests Monica Sierras and Mo Mullins to celebrate Cyn Grady's birthday on Saturday at Middle Ridge. PHOTO BY SUZANNE AVALON
Jac Jacaruso sings America the Beautiful to start off the rally and march on April 19th.
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME
Mountain Disaster Preparedness CERT group educates for personal and community safety
By David Jerome Correspondent
In March the Town Crier presented an interview with Mike Feyder, the president of Mountain Disaster Preparedness (MDP), the first in a series profiling the different working groups within MDP. This week we share a conversation with Ron Sabala, who is director of the group’s CERT program, the Community Emergency Response Team.
CERT groups help a community in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, Sabala explained. “First responders may be overwhelmed initially after an event. CERT bridges that gap.”
Sabala oversees the monthly training that FEMA mandates for CERT members. Idyllwild Fire Protection District is the sponsoring agency that allows MDP.s CERT group FEMA certification. “They proved training and facilities that allow us to be part of the program.” The basic training takes about 20 hours and is offered twice a year in Idyllwild. The county Emergency Management Department also conducts these classes at other locations in surrounding cities. Some of these classes are taught by medical professionals or first responders, and they follow a national curriculum. “The basic CERT program covers subjects including disaster preparation, fire safety and suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, CERT organization, disaster psychology, and terrorism.”
Sabala explains that the search and rescue is not the kind of high-country activity that groups like the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit do but may be as simple as knocking on doors and checking in on neighbors. “In an emergency, when first responders don’t have the manpower to get to everyone, CERT teams will go out. It can be as simple as seeing if there are any victims in houses, trapped by a bookcase that fell. They wouldn’t enter a house that is dangerous to the team. That is the number one rule, don’t become part of the problem or situation.”
Training in disaster psychology prepares team members to stay calm in an emergency and help calm
victims and bystanders. A unit on terrorism is even included to complete the training. “It’s not that we respond as an organization, but anyone may be caught up in that kind of situation.” Feyder points out that the training is focused on taking care of yourself, family, friends and neighbors. “Once all that is checked out, team members can go to and support the community.”
Sabala points out that the CERT training emphasizes personal responsibility. “One of main premises of the training is your personal disaster preparedness and education to prevent and mitigate. In any community, but especially in one like Idyllwild that can be isolated and prone to evacuation, you can be trapped in areas you can’t easily get out of. Everyone should have a minimum three days of disaster supplies. These must
Watch Out for Rattlesnakes!
By Allison Fedrick Park Interpreter, Idyllwild Nature Center
Spring is here, and the rattlesnakes are out! Rattlesnakes have awakened from their brumation and already have been spotted in a variety of locations throughout Idyllwild. Brumation is not a complete hibernation, but it does slow down their metabolic rates to help them live longer without food and rest more during the winter season. Now that the mountain temperatures have reached high 60s and low 70s, the rattlesnakes and the rest of the animals are becoming more active.
Rattlesnakes are very important to the environment. In fact, if we didn’t have these important predators controlling the rodent population, most likely people would struggle with more disease and greater challenges in growing crops, running
“I
how to sail my ship.”
— Louisa May Alcott
businesses, and keeping their homes safe and clean.
There are some important tips to remember when present in a forest that is also home to rattlesnakes. First, stay on the hiking paths when you are in our natural spaces. You choose to walk around at your own risk, so it is important to stay as safe as possible. Surprising a rattlesnake is just as scary for him/her as it is for us. Make sure to keep your pets and children on the path and near to you. Oftentimes, your little ones do not have the same concern when they see a rattlesnake. Do not lift up branch piles or climb rocks without great vigilance.
Secondly, let the snake be. Rattlesnakes usually have an initial instinct to remain in one place, and hopefully, blend into the ground in hopes of go-
ing unnoticed. If it is convenient to walk around them, give them about a four- or five-foot clearance walking in the opposite direction from their head. If it is not convenient, then walk the other direction for a while. They will feel the vibrations of you walking away and move off the path on their own. Lastly, do not kill or interact with a rattlesnake out in its environment. They are a valuable food source, and they are important to the ecosystem in general. We must control our fears and honor the code of respect for the wilderness. These animals are often taking greater care of us than we take care of them.
Once we follow these rules to the best of our ability, we greatly prevent the likelihood of being injured by a rattlesnake in the San Jacinto Mountain region. Have a wonderful time in the forest and stay safe.
be pre-positioned. You won’t have time to collect medicine, food, and water for daily survival. Your supplies should be in multiple locations. You may not be able to get to your house to get supplies. Maybe a box at work. Something in the trunk of your car. A trash can with tools and survival supplies can be kept in an outbuilding near your home “
Another basic preparation Sabala recommends is going to ricvoready.org to sign up for address-specific emergency notifications. He also pointed out that MDP’s website is also a source for timely, reliable local information during emergencies.
Sabala says that he sees two kinds of people at CERT training: “First, there are those who want to educate themselves to prepare their families. These you may not see after the courses finished, but we know that they can help themselves and their neighbors. The second group is those who want to be part of our team, to be activated to help first responders in the event of an emergency, to provide additional manpower as needed. Those are the ones we see at meetings, where they get additional training to reinforce what they learned initially.”
Ron works full time for the San Gorgonio Council of the Girl Scouts of the USA and has been site manager for Skyland Ranch since 2011. Before that, he worked for the L.A. Council. “Just prior to coming up I had taken CERT training through L.A. County Fire. I was a Forest Service Volunteer Ranger with Angeles National Forest for six years. When I came up here, I became involved with MDP. Mike Feyder asked me to help rebuild the CERT program.”
Next month we will talk with Robert Hewitt, MDP’s director of Radio Communications.
Sign up for alerts from the County Emergency Management Department at rivcoready.org. Visit MDP’s website at mdpidyllwild.org and follow their Facebook feed at facebook.com/MDP.Idyllwild. To learn more about MDP’s CERT program call Ron Sabala at (626) 484 6364.
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Ron Sabala, director of MDP's Community Emergency Response Team Photo courtesy Ron Sabala PHOTO COURTESY OF RON SABALA
Customers stand in line to purchase the goodies from Almost Heaven's pop-up sale on Saturday.
PHOTO BY SUZANNE AVALON
Students of the Week
Creature Corner
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats met new cats Carmel and Bella.
Pepper: I'm very happy for ARF's revolving door.
Harley: What revolving door? We have a revolving door?
Marlowe: Silly Harley! I think Pepper is referring to the adoption revolving door. The new cat Carmel has already been adopted!
Harley: Wow! That was fast. So of the new cats, just Bella remains, right?
Bella: Correct. I'm still here, but if folks come in to meet me, I doubt I'll be here for long.
Marlowe: You truly are a very sweet girl.
Bella: Thank you, Marlowe. But you know, this cattery has so many great cats. They just need the right person to come in.
Harley: On another note, this weather has been gorgeous. It makes an indoor cat want to explore the outdoors.
Bella: I get that! I'd love to feel the fresh air and smell the wonderful, spring aromas.
Harley: You do know that being outdoors can be very unsafe, right? You'd face cars, coyotes, bobcats, loose dogs, and much more.
Bella: Yes! But it is so frustrating. I want to appreciate the wonderful weather.
Marlowe: No need to be frustrated! ARF has a very safe, very comfortable cattio. You may enjoy everything that is outdoors, minus the dangers.
Bella: Such great news! Is this cattio something that any cat guardian can have?
Pepper: Of course! A regular window can have a small space attached on the outside. It is enclosed with a mesh-type fabric.
Marlowe: Or a larger cattio can be constructed if there is room. The ARF cattio is roughly 6 by 8 feet, and at least 6 feet tall. It is a favorite of ARF cats.
Bella: May local cat guardians stop by ARF to see it?
Harley: You bet they may!
This week's Creature Corner is sponsored by Lois Sheppard. 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.
Past Tense
75 years ago - 1950
Idyllwild residents performing in the Ramona pageant were Flo Wendelken as Margarita, Lee Dutton as Juan Canito and Boy Scout troup members as Indian dancers.
70 years ago - 1955
At the regular meeting of the Idyllwild Fire Protection District, commissioners set a tentative budget of $21,200 for the next fiscal year.
65 years ago - 1960
The public was invited to view the new U.S. Forest Service ranger station offices on Pine Crest Avenue.
The new 1,250-foot premises replaced a two-room, 460-square-foot station built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934.
60 years ago - 1965
The Idyllwild Property Owners Association ap-
proved a measure designed to restrict the use of house trailers for housing, except in trailer parks.
55 years ago - 1970 Opposition to a legislative proposal to acquire Garner Valley for public use was voiced at Town Hall by members of the newly formed Landowners Association of Riverside County.
50 years ago - 1975
Village Market was advertising oranges for 15 cents a pound, spinach for 19 cents a bunch, asparagus for 39 cents a pound and potatoes for 10 cents a pound.
45 years ago - 1980
A “Scenicbus” service by the Riverside Transit Agency began operations providing round-trip bus rides between Pine Cove/ Idyllwild and Hemet three days a week. One-way fare was $1.
40 years ago - 1985
A family of five and seven of their 10 Arabian horses were rescued by the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit after being stranded due to treacherous weather along the Desert Divide portion of the Pacific Crest Trail near Apache Peak. The family had been without food or
water for three days.
35 years ago - 1990
About 500 people turned out for Idyllwild’s first Earth Day celebration at Town Hall.
30 years ago - 1995
Dr. Charles “Chip” Schelly joined the staff at Idyllwild Chiropractic.
25 years ago - 2000
Sprint PCS abandoned its plans to build a 102-foot cell tower at Inspiration Point after Hill Municipal Advisory Council board member John Holt argued that the area’s zoning had a building height limitation of 40 feet.
20 years ago - 2005
The Idyllwild Water District voiced its objection to a recommendation made by a consultant for the San Jacinto Mountain Area Water Study Agency that Fern Valley Water District be allowed to divert more water from Tahquitz Creek and expand its water storage capacity.
15 years ago - 2010
Pine Cove Water District production was down dramatically in March 2010 compared to March 2009, 2,210,320 gallons compared
to 3,190,490 gallons in 2009, owing to home foreclosures and the economic downturn in general, according to General Manager Jerry Holldber’s report.
11 year ago - 2014
The U.S. Forest Service Vista Grande Hotshots, an elite, front-line firefighting crew, celebrated 40 years of service on the San Bernardino National Forest, San Jacinto Ranger District.
10 year ago - 2015
The former Art Alliance of Idyllwild board voted to dissolve, and attorney Adrian Adams was appointed interim administrator to oversee a new board election.
5 year ago - 2020
As of April 21, 2020, Idyllwild-Pine Cove remained at three confirmed COVID-19 cases while Riverside County reported nearly 3,000 cases, expanded testing, and cautiously eased some outdoor activity restrictions.
1 year ago - 2024 Leanna Lee celebrated five years of ownership at IdyllAwhile and unveiled a major kitchen expansion that allowed her to launch a full dinner menu.
Mrs. Claudia Posey, our Learning Improvement Site Support Specialist has chosen the following students.
Jairo Lopez Chavez
Jairo is a hard worker and has shown so much improvement in all of his academics this year. He is a leader amongst his peers, but still knows how to make learning fun. Jairo has done an excellent job this year displaying his mastery in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Selena Coyotl Macuil Selena is a model student. She works hard in each class and maintains a high GPA. Selena is kind to others and works collaboratively with all students. She is one of the gems of Idyllwild School and all of her teachers feel lucky to have her as a student.
Much has changed on the Hill since this photo was taken at the Pine Cove “post office” of locals getting their mail in the 1960s. FILE PHOTO
Idyllwild Trail Festival celebrates PCT hikers and the community
By David Jerome Correspondent
The 2nd annual Idyllwild Trail Festival will be held on Saturday, April 26, at Idyllwild Town Hall, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be a celebration both Pacific Crest Trail hikers that pass through Idyllwild, and of the town itself. The festival will feature demos of the latest outdoor products, representatives from manufacturers, , and a silent auction. Admission is free, with food and drink available for sale.
The festival is hosted by Nomad Ventures, a family-owned chain of three stores, with one in Idyllwild. Proceeds will go to benefit two nonprofit organizations, Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit (RMRU) and the Fowler O’Sullivan Foundation. RMRU is an all-volunteer search and rescue team that is often the first to hit local trails when hikers encounter trouble in our mountains. The Fowler O’Sullivan Foundation organizes searches for missing hikers and provides a support network for their families.
The foundation is also a partner in the Trevor Spikes project, along with Nomad Ventures and the equipment manufacturer, Kahtoola. Fletcher Damon, whose family owns Nomad Ventures, explained that the Trevor Spikes project helps hikers “get the right gear before that climb into Idyllwild.” The program is named after Trevor Lehar, who died on Apache Peak in 2020. He had ordered spikes and an ice axe, and they were waiting for him at the Idyllwild Post Office, but he never made it that far. The San Jacinto mountains are the first encounter northbound PCT hikers have with ice and snow, and the program allows PCT through-hikers to order spikes and ice axes online, receive a 20% discount, and have them delivered to the Paradise Valley Cafe at the intersection of Highways 74 and 371.
Fletcher said that last year’s inaugural event “was a strong start, getting a good amount of traction with the PCT crowd. We hope to build on that to celebrate both PCT hikers and the town of Idyllwild.”
Idyllwild Trail Festival, Idyllwild Town Hall, 25925 Cedar Street, Saturday April 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To find out more about the Trevor Spikes project or make an order, visit nomadventures.com, email support@ nomadventures.com, or call (951) 659-4853.
informed and help keep Idyllwild’s news alive! By becoming a Town Crier Member, you support independent, local
good idea to begin preparing for a career change that you’ve been thinking about for a while. Start to sharpen your skills and expand your background to be ready when it calls.
Bless the VIRGO skepticism that has kept you from falling into traps that others seem to rush into. But you might want to give a new possibility the benefit of the doubt, at least on a trial basis.
Traveling- and career-related energy is strong in your aspect. Perhaps your job will take you to someplace exotic, or you might be setting up meetings with potential clients or employers. Whatever it is, good
Subscriber Matt Loveland repping Idyllwild all the way from the Boston Marathon!
