Cal Fire adds second C-130 tanker
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the State has acquired its second C-130 air tanker and it will be ready for use this fire season. The first C-130 was acquired last year. California is the only state to own, operate, and deploy a C-130 airtanker for wildfire suppression. Ultimately, the State plans to have seven C-130s as part of its wildfire defense.
The first C-130 became a critical part of the fight against the major conflagration in Los Angeles County in January. Since it went into operation, the tanker has flown 90 missions responding to 36 fires
and dropping 253,702 gallons of retardant, according to the Governor’s press release.
“The largest aerial firefighting force in the world is getting even bigger. Thanks to our champions in Congress – Senator Padilla, Representative Calvert, and the late, great Senator Feinstein –California’s second C-130 airtanker is ready to take flight, just in time ahead of peak fire season.” Newsom said in his press release.
In 2023, former President Joe Biden signed the legislation officially transferring ownership of the seven C-130H aircraft to the state. Cal Fire is responsible for retrofitting the aircraft for wildfire suppression operations.
Cal Fire’s aviation fleet is
positioned to reach even the most remote areas of the state in 20 minutes or less. This rapid response is essential to containing wildfires early and safeguarding lives, property, and natural resources across the state.
The C-130 needs a three-person crew and has the capability to carry 4,000 gallons of long-term fire retardant.
Other equipment in the Cal Fires aviation fleet includes Grumman airtankers, several helicopter models and tactical aircraft which are strategically located at 14 air tanker bases throughout California and 10 helitack bases. Aircraft can reach the most remote State Responsibility Area fires in approxi-
mately 20 minutes, with the goal of keeping 95% of fires at 10 acres or less. CAL FIRE’s fleet of more than 60 fixed and rotary wing aircraft make it the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the world.
“The C-130 Hercules aircraft that have been transferred from the federal government to CAL FIRE are game changing additions to our wildfire response aviation arsenal,” said Congressman Ken Calvert (CD 41 R) in the press release. “Our bipartisan efforts to secure the C-130s are an important step in better protecting Californians from dangerous wildfires. I look forward to all seven of the C-130s being operational and deployed across California in the near future.”
Collision on 74 sends two to hospital
By David Jerome Correspondent
A collision on Highway 74 east of Morris Ranch Road sent both drivers to the hospital on Sunday, April 27. According to officer Johnathon Torres of the CHP, at approximately 1:48 p.m. a 2001 Nissan Maxima driven by a 25 year-old male from Hemet was driving eastbound when it was passed by a 2024 Jeep Wran-
gler, also eastbound, driven by a 46 yearold male from Idyllwild. As the Jeep reentered the lane, it struck the Nissan, resulting in both vehicles losing control and colliding with the guardrail. Both parties sustained moderate to major injuries and were transported to local hospitals. The driver of the Nissan was later arrested under suspicion of DUI. CalFire reported on X that one driver had to be “extricated” and was transported by helicopter.
By David Jerome Correspondent
Raj and Anji Panchal, owners of Silver Pines Lodge and the Idyllwild Bunkhouse, have developed a special relationship with the Pacific Crest Trail hikers that leave the trail for a few days of comfort. Along with their innkeepers they have gone the extra miles to build and maintain a connection to this special demographic. As Raj explains, it is a strategy born of adversity.
See Panchal, page B6
Dan DeVoy joins FVWD Board
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Dan DeVoy, an Imperial County resident with property in Fern Valley, is the newest Fern Valley Water District director. DeVoy, 66, is retired and lives in El Centro. His career was in personnel management and much of the time with local governmental agencies. After 17 years, he retired from the Imperial Irrigation District.
He is a native Californian. At age 9, his parents moved from Orange County to El Centro. DeVoy has both his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business Administration from California State Polytechnic University.
He married his high school sweetheart, and they have a son, who now lives in Oregon. Eventually, DeVoy and his wife divorced, but “we remain close friends,” he said.
FVWD was incorporated in January 1958. Those FVWD leaders chose a form of incorporation called a “State Water District.” FVWD is not a state agency, it is local but organized under a different law than County water districts, such as Idyllwild and Pine Cove Water Districts. The important difference is the definition of the District’s voters. In FVWD, only property owners may vote for directors or District measures. In IWD or
FVWD, page A2
PCWD, the constituents are all residents of the District, even renters.
While DeVoy may not be a Fern Valley resident, he and his family have owned property and a home in Fern Valley for nearly 45 years. He visits regularly, mostly in the summer, he stressed.
His attention was drawn to the vacant director position by a long-time friend, with whom he grew up in El Centro. That is Ward Simmons, an attorney with Best, Best and Krieger, the FVWD counsel.
During his career in personnel management, DeVoy loved the variety of issues and their breadth. “There was never a dull moment and frequently a lot of humor,” he shared.
Besides a full-time career, DeVoy has devoted years to other community organizations. He has served on both the Imperial Valley College Foundation and the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, which he believes will help him “get up to speed in a hurry.”
Given his career in public agencies and work with these community groups, DeVoy thinks, “I’ve learned to be a team player and working with boards. We need productive moments to get things accomplished. I’ve learned to work with managers, staff, and directors.”
“I’ll bring a deep understanding of how to be productive,” he added. “I don’t have an agenda, rather I’ll strive for what’s right for the district.”
In that respect, he stressed that he would work to ensure the Fern Valley rate payers are getting good, quality and professional service for their costs. “The rates should be reasonable and reflect the cost to produce and maintain the water supply,” he emphasized.
In his opinion, smaller and more frequent rate increases are easier for customers to accept than the larger and periodic increases.
DeVoy replaces former director Mike LaFata, who resigned in February. LaFata replaced former Director
Gary Erb in December 2023. Erb’s four-year term began December 2021. The term for this seat ends in December 2025, so DeVoy officially has only eight months left on his term as director.
When asked if he was prepared to stand for election to a four-year term in the August Election, he replied, “Absolutely, I thought about it before I applied. I’m making the commitment to be in Fern Valley at the meetings and to do the job; otherwise, I wouldn’t have applied.”
“I am excited to be selected and happy to be part of the board and organization,” he said in conclusion.
Second Republican seeks Governor nomination
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
A second Republican has entered the race for his Party’s 2026 gubernatorial nomination.
On April 21, Steve Hilton, former host of Fox News’ “The Next Revolution,” announced his candidacy for the position.
“It’s time to make California Golden Again. We need some balance here after 15 years of Democrat one-party rule. Positive, practical policies that actually help people, not ideological crusades. It’s why I am running for governor of California,” he said in his announcement on X, formerly Twitter.
Hilton’s parents left Hungary during the Communist takeover and moved to England, where Hilton was born. He graduated from Oxford University and got involved in conservative politics early.
He worked for former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. After starting and running a business, he worked on the campaign of former Prime Minister David Cameron and served as a senior advisor.
After moving to California in 2012, he taught at Stanford University, started a business, wrote books, hosted the TV show, “The Next Revolution with Steve Hilton” and podcasts, “California Rebel Base.”
“I think the most important thing, if you actually want to make change happen, is to have the right ideas as well as the courage, conviction and consistency to follow through. Today in California, we have bad ideas, poorly executed. That has to change,” he wrote on his website, stevehiltonforgovernor.com. “In everything I’ve worked on and argued for, there has been a clear, consistent idea: to put power in people’s hands.”
Hilton’s goals, according to his website, are to reduce taxes for workers, end the bureaucratic war on business, restore the California Dream of a single-family home for every family, and ensure that 100% of students meet state math and English standards.
Other Republicans have endorsed Hilton. Congressman Kevin Kiley (R 3rd) and Lanchee Chan, an academic who ran for State Controller in 2022, both posted statements on X.
Chuckwalla National Monument fate still unknown
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
The Public Domain, an independent environmental news desk, obtained a copy of the Department of the Interior’s “FY 2026-2030 Strategic Plan Draft Framework.” The document is clearly labeled as “Draft”.
But the eventual implementation of this plan may be the vehicle in which the recently created Chuckwalla National Monument in Riverside County just south of the Joshua Tree National Park is modified or even rescinded.
The Monument was established on Jan 7 by former President Joe Biden using his authority under the Antiquities Act. Only two months later, on March 14, it was initially believed that President Donald Trump may have rescinded its designations.
According to many media outlets, including the New York Times and Washington Post, a White House fact sheet, “President Donald J. Trump Rescinds Additional Harmful Biden Executive Actions,” released in the evening of March 14, included the following statement, “In the order the president said he was ‘Terminating proclamations declaring nearly a million acres constitute (sic) new national monuments that lock up vast amounts of land from economic development and energy production’.”
However, on Saturday, March 15, this sentence was no longer in the Fact Sheet and no explanation has been given from the White House on whether these two National Monuments will be terminated.
But the Washington Post learned last week that “Interior Department aides are looking at whether to scale back at least six national monuments, these individuals said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because no final decisions had been made.” The Chuckwalla is one of the six monuments which may be changed.
“He’s a man of tremendous intellect and who cares deeply about fixing the problems that face the State of California,” Chen said in his endorsement.
To be the Republican gubernatorial nominee next fall, Hilton will have to beat Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who announced his candidacy in February.
Bianco has also garnered legislative support. Congressmen Ken Calvert and Dan Issa endorsed him early. Local Assemblyman Gregg Wallis supports Bianco as well as 12 other Republican Assembly members. Forty-one California County Sheriffs have already endorsed Bianco, too.
Bianco stressed that he is the only Republican candidate to win an office in this Democratic State. Hilton has never run for office in California.
The last Republican to be elected governor in California was Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.
California’s gubernatorial primary is June 2, 2026.
The Draft Strategic Plan stresses in many places the need to use the public lands as “national assets.” This will be accomplished through increasing “coal, oil and gas production.”
Leasing needs to be simplified and the lands available for production increased. Including opening new lands, the Draft Plan states. The Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks will assess the monuments and “right-size” them.
One possible performance measure of reaching these objectives is the increase in revenue from leasing Interior lands
Although this is still a draft plan, the Interior Department is not pleased that the media have obtained this document before its official release. But it should be stressed that the Plan addresses a multitude of issues besides oil and gas leasing.
For examples, there will be efforts to “clean up abandoned coal mines, orphaned wells and offshore wells; open new lands for use; sound forest management; and manage wildland fire risks.” Managing invasive species is another objective.
But there will be efforts to delist endangered species that have recovered.
Dan DeVoy
FILE PHOTO
Steve Hilton speaking to supporters after announcing his candidacy for the 2026 Republican nomination for California’s governorship. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE HILTON FOR GOVERNOR
Brandon Riker launches early bid for 41st Congressional District
By David Jerome Correspondent
Brandon Riker, who has announced his candidacy as a Democrat for the 41st Congressional District seat occupied by Ken Calvert, held a campaign launch event at Town Hall on Sunday, April 27.
Flavia Colgan introduced him, noting his “tireless” work at the beginning of what promises to be a long campaign: 35 listening events and 200 individual meetings so far.
Riker has a Master of Science degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He said that, if elected, he will be the only representative with an economics degree.
Riker addressed issues included protecting Medicaid and Title 1 funding for schools, rescinding cuts to VA staff, and reducing the cost of housing by increasing stock, cutting regulations and making rent tax-deductible. He proposed creating a federal catastrophic home insurance program that would include fire, flood, hurricane, and earthquake, with the goal of keeping people in their homes. He also said he is in favor of banning the trading of individual stocks by members of congress.
Asked about the most challenging experience in his career, Riker cited
his work on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, saying he was the youngest paid staffer. He said that while Obama’s victory “seems inevitable in hindsight, ” in that contested primary he made many phone calls from a park bench to people who did not want to meet him. He says he worked 100-hour, 7 day weeks, getting told “no” over and over. “I know how to do that, and I know how to pace myself.”
Several times, Riker referred to the early start of his campaign, and the 2026 elections themselves, as a “season of planting, not a season of harvest,” and spoke of the “hard work of change to reach the goal of winning back the House of Representatives in 2026 by a large margin,” as well as the Senate and presidency in 2028.
One attendee asked about Riker’s chances against Calvert, given that Will Rollins seemed to be a “great candidate’ and lost twice, last time after Elon Musk used a PAC to mount a $1.6 million advertising campaign during the final weeks before the election. Riker answered that he began knocking on doors for Democratic candidates when he was 16. “We know today what they (Calvert’s campaign) are going to say,” he said. “We have to go door to door…and counter with ideas.”
Idyllwild Nature Center accepts donation of taxidermy birds from San Bernardino County Museum
By David Jerome Correspondent
A team from the San Bernardino County Museum visited the Idyllwild Nature Center on Sunday, April 27 to donate a collection of taxidermy birds. Some of the specimens will replace displays that have been in the Nature Center since its opening, fifty years ago. The largest bird among the donations was a Cooper’s Hawk. Nature Center Park Interpreter Allison Fedrick introduced the visitors and gave thanks to the Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County Parks for their continued support of the Center.
Biology Curator Mackenzie Kirchner was accompanied by Collections Manager Joceline Jaramillo and Registrar Sara Mercado. (A registrar is responsible for tracking every specimen or artifact that enters or leaves a museum’s collection.) Kirchner gave a brief history of the San Bernardino County Museum, noting its start with the formation of an association in 1952, its opening to the public in 1957, and its donation to the County in 1961. It was moved to its present location in Redlands in 1974 and now has a branch museum in Apple Valley as well as the stewardship of several historic structures and two cemeteries.
The museum has over 3 million objects in its collections, but as in most museums, only 2 to 5% of those items are ever put on display, with the remainder preserved for research. The collection is in the pro-
cess of being digitally cataloged, and much of the 7,000 hours yearly of work by assistants and volunteers is going towards this huge effort. Meanwhile, the museum staff is seeking better homes for duplicate specimens, such as the birds donated to the Nature Center.
Birds and their eggs are among the major collections at the Museum. According to Kirchner, their egg collection is the fifth largest in the world, and the third largest in the United States, with between 100,000 and 150,000 eggs. The eggs and birds— both skins and taxidermy—were among the Museum’s founding collections, and were collected by Wilson C. Hanna (18831982.) Hanna, according to a 1976 article in the San Bernardino Sun, worked 60 years for the California Portland Cement Company, belonged to many ornithological societies, and in his retirement spent much of his time in the Museum’s “bird room.” The taxidermy was done
by Gene
Hanna’s egg collection, because of the age of many of the specimens, was used in the landmark studies that demonstrated DDT’s role in thinning bird shells, a threat that endangered many bird species, especially raptors.
Kirchner also mentioned that two of the Museum’s largest taxidermy specimens— a polar bear and a moose—are once again on display. Fedrick commented on the value of this kind of cross-county cooperation. “Building a relationship with a local museum that has such a wonderful collection is something we treasure here,” she said.
Idyllwild Nature Center, 25225 Highway 243, open Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed on holidays.
Cardiff, who worked with Hanna and also served as Museum Curator.
Joceline Jaramillo Sara Mercado and Mackenzie Kirchner at the Nature Center with a Cooper’s hawk.
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME
Brandon Riker at Town Hall
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:
My issue is procrastination. I notice it mostly with my small business. I have proposals to send that I haven’t sent. It makes no sense because proposals are how I get new business. I have invoices to send that I haven’t sent which makes no sense because I need the income. The worst part is this is my usual pattern. It means I always, always have something hanging over me and I’d like to break the pattern but have no idea how or if I even can. I wonder if SW has anything to say about this that I haven’t heard a hundred times?
Dear Reader: I wonder, too! As I was reading what you wrote, a singular idea pervaded my psyche, and it may or may not be one you’ve heard before. I’m thinking about the idea/teaching that we humans don’t ever do anything that we don’t believe serves us in some way. This is the kind of question/inquiry that can produce a level of insight that could go any number of ways. Many people, sensing something deep, run away and continue their experience of constant procrastination. Others, really endeavoring to break free of a chronic dynamic that has them feeling all manner of not-good, take the inquiry to heart. They often discover some below-the-surface fear or belief that makes the procrastination make sense and they go from there.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud but I think I take much better care of my pets than I do of myself. Is that a thing?
Dear Reader: Apparently so. I have no idea what you’re saying about caring more for your pets than you do for your Self, so I’ll take a stab and do what we shouldn’t do…assume. I assume you are thinking that one way or another, you could be taking better care of your Self and that’s what I’d pounce upon if we were in conversation. What do you mean by that? What does it look like? What aren’t you doing for you that you sometimes think about possibly doing? These questions are precursors to setting a shiny, clear intention for your Self, foot on the gas as it were. We know that the act of thinking about what’s wanted will almost always surface any and all thoughts/ideas/beliefs we have about why what we’re wanting may not be possible. Then we’re down to the basics of everyday SW practice: remain super, ultra clear about what’s wanted and change any beliefs we have (that we have every right to have) that do not comport with that. Average normal.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
What do you say to people who complain about their lives but don’t ever do the things they should do to change?
Dear Reader:
“Those people” don’t usually come to me, but I know what you mean. It’s hard to see people we care about live smaller lives than we judge they could/ should live and that’s the point: it’s our judgment. So, there’s nothing to be said to “them,” rather we remind ourselves not to judge.
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
Legislation proposes to study safety of Hwy 74
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, the Hill’s Assembly representatives and colleagues, Greg Wallis (R-Bermuda Dunes) and Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio), introduced legislation asking the State to assess the safety of State Highway 74.
Assembly Bill 1145, which has been referred to the Chamber’s Transportation Committee, requires the State’s Department of Transportation to conduct a study of highway safety of the state highway system. This specifically includes Hwy 74 and is to be completed by December 31, 2027. A hearing on AB 1145 was scheduled for April 28.
Both Assemblymen acknowledge the dangers on Hwy 74, especially where it descends to Palm Desert and becomes a narrow twisting mountain highway. This portion, in particular, has become increasingly dangerous due to heavy semi-truck traffic and worsening road conditions, according to their press release.
The bill is specifically named in memory of Tristin Bourgeois, a beloved father, son, husband and native of Anza. In November 2024, he tragically lost his life on Hwy 74 at the age of 27, according to the press release.
Bourgeois was driving his pickup truck on Highway 74 when a big rig was traveling “downbound” that fall morning when it lost control and overturned. It crashed into Bourgeois’s Chevrolet Silverado traveling in the opposite direction and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Highway 74 has claimed too many lives, and the loss of Tristin Bourgeois is a heartbreaking call to action. As representatives of the communities that rely on this road, Assemblyman Gonzalez and I are committed to ensuring it becomes safer for all who travel it,” Wallis said in the press release. “AB 1145, Tristin’s Bill, will provide the critical data we need to address the dangers of heavy truck traffic, poor road conditions, and inadequate enforcement. This is about saving lives and honoring Tristin’s memory with meaningful change.”
This legislation seeks to address long-standing concerns over large commercial trucks using Hwy 74, which was never engineered for high-volume or heavyload traffic.
The bill would require the study to collect specified data, disaggregated by state highway, over the preceding 10 years, as provided, and to develop recommendations to improve highway safety on the state highway system.
The types of data to be collected and analyzed include the following: the number of accidents, including fatal and nonfatal accidents; the number of 911 calls related to tire blowouts due to potholes and otherwise poor road conditions; the number of incidents involving truck tractors; the number and types of citations issued for violations of the Vehicle Code, including, but not limited to, weight-limit violations; the number of injuries and fatalities; the number of instances in which an accident was caused by brake failure; and more.
“For those of us in the Coachella Valley and mountain communities, the dangers of Hwy 74 are nothing new. The tragic death of Tristin Bourgeois is a painful reminder that we must act now. His life mattered—and we owe it to him, his family, and every driver on this road to demand answers and real change,” Gonzalez said in the press release.
Bourgeois’ family have expressed their feelings about the proposed legislation. “Our family wants the public to understand how deeply this study of Highway 74 means to us. We are speaking out in hopes of saving lives and sparing other families from experiencing the kind of unimaginable loss we have endured.
“This is personal for us—our surviving child still drives that same road every day, as does Tristin’s daughter. It’s a daily reminder of the risk that remains. The time for change is now. We believe that if this legislation had been introduced and safety improvements made years ago, Tristin would still be with us today,” said Danielle Ellington and Samuel Bourgeois, parents of Tristin.
Matter of Fact
There were two errors in our story about Pine Cove Water District last week. The story said that “usage” was down 8% from March of last year. Usage was not mentioned in the GM’s report, production was down 20%, attributed to fewer leaks from freezing.
The second error was in the name of the company providing new “Mesh” transmitter electronic meters for a free trial: it is Zenner, not Fenix. Fenix, the successor to the company that sold PCWD the present meters
(Smart Earth Technologies) is, however, also sending their own new units to be tested. We regret the confusion.
Our April 24 edition included a photo of the Idyllwild “Hands Off” march on March 19. We neglected to mention that the group that sponsored and organized the event was Idyllwild Indivisible.
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-
• ILLEGAL LODGING 04-23-
Sheriff’s log
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls
IDYLLWILD
• ASSIST OTHER DEPART-
MENT 04-29-2025 15:51 PM 5300
*** BLOCK CIRCLE VIEW DR
IDYLLWILD
• UNKNOWN TROUBLE 04-292025 12:27 AM ADDRESS UNDEFINED IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 04-29-2025 09:27
AM 5500 *** BLOCK HOWLAND RD IDYLLWILD
• ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT 04-28-2025 11:54 AM 2500
*** BLOCK ALDERWOOD ST
IDYLLWILD
• MISCELLANEOUS CRIMINAL 04-27-2025 14:20 PM 5400
*** BLOCK PINE CREST AV IDYLLWILD
• MISCELLANEOUS CRIMI-
NAL 04-27-2025 14:20 PM 5400
*** BLOCK PINE CREST AV
IDYLLWILD
• CIVIL DISPUTE 04-26-2025 20:08 PM 5300 *** BLOCK MAR-
IAN VIEW DR IDYLLWILD
• AREA CHECK 04-26-2025 10:35 AM 1600 *** BLOCK S HARGRAVE ST OLD BANN IDYLLWILD
• GRAND THEFT 04-26-2025 09:43 AM 5400 *** BLOCK LINGER LN IDYLLWILD
• DANGER TO SELF/OTHER 04-25-2025 21:34 PM 2600 *** BLOCK DELANO DR IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 04-252025 20:19 PM 2600 *** BLOCK DELANO DR IDYLLWILD
• ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT
04-25-2025 19:51 PM 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR IDYLLWILD
• MISCELLANEOUS CRIMINAL 04-24-2025 14:43 PM 5300 *** BLOCK IDYLLBROOK DR IDYLLWILD REPORT TAKEN
• SUSPICIOUS PERSON 04-242025 11:47 AM 5400 *** BLOCK PARK LN IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 04-23-
2025 21:48 PM ADDRESS UNDEFINED IDYLLWILD
• FIREWORKS 04-23-2025 21:17
PM ADDRESS UNDEFINED
IDYLLWILD
2025 16:26 PM 5200 *** BLOCK
IDYLLMONT RD IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 04-23-2025 03:10
AM 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIR-
CLE DR IDYLLWILD
• SUSPICIOUS PERSON 04-23-
2025 00:23 AM 2500 *** BLOCK
ST HWY 243 IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 04-22-2025 22:48
PM 5200 *** BLOCK IDYLLMONT
RD IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 04-22-2025 17:26
PM 5500 *** BLOCK HUMBER
RD IDYLLWILD
• CHECK THE WELFARE 04-22-
2025 15:51 PM 5400 *** BLOCK
NORTH CIRCLE DR IDYLLWILD
• CIVIL DISPUTE 04-22-2025
15:05 PM 5300 *** BLOCK MAR-
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
• Women’s Writing Group with fellow writers — Every Friday (in Hill House and on Zoom) - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
IAN VIEW DR IDYLLWILD
PINE COVE
• ALARM CALL 04-28-2025 02:41
AM 2300 *** BLOCK OAK LEAF
LN PINE COVE
• SUSPICIOUS PERSON 04-24-
2025 17:07 PM 2400 *** BLOCK ROCKY POINT RD PINE COVE
• CHECK THE WELFARE 04-24-
2025 14:15 PM 2500 *** BLOCK EAGLE NEST CT PINE COVE
• CHECK THE WELFARE 04-23-
2025 19:34 PM 5200 *** BLOCK PINE COVE RD PINE COVE REPORT TAKEN
• PUBLIC ASSIST 04-22-2025
20:11 PM 2300 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243 PINE COVE
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 04-222025 12:15 AM 5200 *** BLOCK
For a complete list of all events in Idyllwild, check out: idyllwildtowncrier.com/events
Recovery Meetings
PINE COVE RD PINE COVE
GARNER VALLERY NONE POPPET FLATS
• CHECK THE WELFARE 04-26-
2025 19:09 PM 1800 *** BLOCK CRYER DR POPPET FLATS
• CHECK THE WELFARE 04-24-
2025 11:12 AM 1800 *** BLOCK CRYER DR POPPET FLATS
• DANGER TO SELF/OTHER
04-22-2025 06:33 AM 4500 ***
BLOCK BIG HORN ST POPPET FLATS REPORT TAKEN
• DANGER TO SELF/OTHER
04-22-2025 06:33 AM 4500 ***
BLOCK BIG HORN ST POPPET FLATS REPORT TAKEN
SAN BERDO NAT FORS
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 04-27-
Town Crier Membership Application:
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On the Town
Dining, Arts & Entertainment
Film historian shares Kid Galahad research
By David Jerome Correspondent
Graham Hill, a retired film historian who worked for several major studios, visited Idyllwild last week, bringing with him a monograph he wrote that touches on the filming of Kid Galahad. He gave a copy to Idyllwild Area Historical Museum archivist Bob Greenamyer, and while he was in Idyllwild, sat down for a conversation about film history, Kid Galahad, and Robert Relyea, a filmmaker who worked as Unit Production Manager on that film.
Hill worked as a historian for 20th Century Fox, and before that Universal, off and on from 1976 until 2015. He was born in 1954 in England, and is the third generation of his family to work in the film business. His uncle was Assistant Manager at MGM’s Borehamwood studio, outside London, and his grandfather was a prop manager when Alfred Hitchcock was still an art director. Graham began watching films when he was six or seven years old. His attention lasted until the final credits had rolled—where he first saw Robert Relyea’s name.
Hill finally met Relyea in 2009, interviewing him for Cinema Retro magazine, and soon becoming a close friend. Relyea had a long career, starting as a crew member in 1955 on Never So Few, and finishing as President of Production at MGM/United Artists from 1997 to 2001. He was assistant director of Jailhouse Rock, John Wayne hired him as Assistant Director for The Alamo, and was also Assistant Director for The Magnificent Seven, West Side Story and The Great Escape. On that film Relyea “doubled” for Steve McQueen in a flying sequence that sent him to the hospital. He produced Bullitt, and oversaw production for four of the James Bond films.
Setting the scene for Elvis coming to Idyllwild, Hill explains that it was Relyea who “sold producers David Wesibart, Walter Mirisch and United Artists on the idea of having Idyllwild double for the Catskills,” where the script had the young boxer training.
Hill’s monograph includes a few other tidbits for Kid Galahad fans. The plan was to film in Idyllwild for eight weeks, but snow drove the production back to lo-
Starts Fri May 2nd
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cations closer to Hollywood, including Franklin Canyon Park. Elvis was easy to work with and an early riser, but Gig Young, who played the boxing promoter and innkeeper, was, according to Relyea, a “devout alcoholic,” had to be searched for, and was “constantly trying to out-macho” Charles Bronson, who played Elvis’ trainer. When crew members, knowing that Elvis was training in karate, asked him to split a board, he did it easily, but when Bronson tried the same stunt he badly injured his
hand. The film crew—and Elvis and his “Memphis Mafia”—were unimpressed with Idyllwild’s night life, the monograph calling it a “dry town” in 1961.
Hill also mentions that Relyea attempted to have part of The Great Escape filmed in Garner Vally, but the Screen Extras Guild objected to hiring locals as extras, and the decision was made to film entirely in Germany.
Relyea passed away in 2013, but not before publishing an autobiography, Not So Quiet on the Set, in 2008.
Front page photo of the Town Crier from Nov 10, 1961
Teachers Care
Teachers
Board Boo-Boos
Shopping Trip
© 2025 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 41, No. 22
Live Music
Julian Johnson and Danny Oberbeck delighted the crowd with their Irish tunes at Taryn’s Place on Monday night.
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Bryan Duncan of Kahtoola Spikes at Trail Festival PHOTOS BY DAVID JEROME Shani McCullough of RMRU with crampons at the Trail Festival
State Park Aide Jose Martinez and Interepreter Nick Gardino at Trail Festival Tory Bridges of Black Diamond hefts an ice axe at the Trail Festival
Students of the Week
Ms. Lumilda Ruiz, our Elementary Educational Specialist, has chosen the following students:
Paizlee White
Paizlee has blossomed beautifully this year, showing incredible growth both in her learning and in how she connects with others. She consistently puts her best effort into everything she does. Her kindness shines through in the kindness she shows with her classmates, and she demonstrates tremendous respect for all the adults around her. It's also amazing to see her open to seeking help and her love for learning new concepts in math.
Zacchaeus Gatt
Zacc has shown remarkable dedication this year in tackling his tasks with great effort. His friendly nature shines through in his kind and respectful interactions with both his classmates and the adults around him. It's wonderful to see his genuine interest for learning, particularly in Math and reading books.
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
Ernie Maxwell was completing the 1950 U.S. Census report for this area.
70 years ago - 1955
Although disappointed by the actions of both the County Board of Supervisors and the state Legislature who supported building the Palm Springs Tramway, the Citizens Group announced it would continue its fight to preserve the back-country wilderness.
65 years ago - 1960
Despite snow and cold weather, the fourth-annual Bear Festival attracted the largest crowd in its history. Barbara Allert took first in the Pauline Bunyon chainsaw contest.
60 years ago - 1965
Concert pianist William Lescher gave a solo recital at ISOMATA (now Idyllwild Arts) to raise funds for the Idyllwild Youth Symphony’s Scandinavian Tour. Admission was $1.
55 years ago - 1970
The town was in an uproar about a series of letters being circulated in the community accusing property owners and real estate agents of renting to “hippies and drug pushers.”
50 years ago - 1975
The Town Crier published the following: “Desert Sun students will gladly deliver horse manure which has piled up on campus.” The fee for this service was $5.
45 years ago - 1980
A proposal to stage a mammoth rock festival in the Anza-Aguanga area met the vigorous opposition of more than 275 mountain citizens who gathered at the Anza Community Hall and formed an anti-festival committee to oppose all future proposals for rock festivals in the area.
40 years ago - 1985
The fountain in Eleanor Park, constructed in the early 1960s, was razed because insurance company officials had declared it a hazard. The fountain had not operated for several years.
35 years ago - 1990
In preparation for installing the plaque naming donors and describing the new Tree Monument, retired U.S. Forest Service engineer
Frank Gorzny began building a stone wall around the then-town monument.
30 years ago - 1995
During the first phase of improving Idyllwild School’s playground, 48 Jeffrey and Ponderosa pines were removed and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection targeted another 12 for removal.
25 years ago - 2000
The Hemet Unified School District Board of Governors voted unanimously to revoke the charter of Idyllwild Charter High School effective July 1. The board said the school was out of compliance because it opened in September 1999 without credentialed teachers and because all adults involved in the school did not have fingerprints on file with Riverside County.
20 years ago - 2005
Idyllwild Water District broke ground for its solar project.
15 years ago - 2010
Idyllwild Water District directors discussed the need for a 6-percent increase in water rates and language to impose a 6-percent rate increase for each of the following four years.
11 year ago - 2014 American Legion Post 800
played host to five service veterans hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as part of Warrior Hike “Walk Off the War,” a wilderness recreational therapy program designed to help vets transition from combat to civilian life.
10 year ago - 2015
The Art Alliance of Idyllwild filled all 11 board seats without holding a ballot, as the number of candidates matched the number of open positions. This uncontested election follows the resignation of the previous board and marks a fresh start for the organization.
5 year ago - 2020
The President of the Big Cedar Glen Property Owners Association, expressed concern that visitors were ignoring stay-at-home orders and potentially bringing COVID-19 into the Idyllwild community. She supported monitoring and reporting unfamiliar vehicles and individuals in the neighborhood to local authorities.
1 year ago - 2024
Leslea Meyerhoff and her son Josh just returned from an epic adventure to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal where they carried the Town Crier with them.
Leslea Meyerhoff and her son Josh at Everest Base Camp from the Town Crier May 02, 2024
FILE PHOTO
“We are very PCT-hiker friendly. From mid-March to the end of May they are the biggest source of income for both of our properties. We always appreciate that and make sure they are always taken care of. The hiker community is a niche, and everybody has their opinions—and their opinions are taken very seriously. The good news and the bad news spread very fast. They have an app called FarOut, that helps them detect where they are on the trails, as well as lodging, shopping restaurants, and entertainment. Every PCT hiker uses that app, it is always good to be well spoken of.”
The Panchals bought the Bunkhouse first. During the pandemic, Raj saw occupancy decline. “In 2020, when Covid happened, I was not concentrating a lot on PCT hikers we were a little ways from town. I never marketed it that way. One day I got a lightbulb moment: ‘I have a van, let me drive to Paradise Valley Café and try to hustle a few hikers there.’ I used to drive to Paradise Valley almost every day. I would offer a free ride— ‘come stay with us.’ I hustled, and by the grace of God I got a lot of people at the Bunkhouse. Every time I’d get at least one or two, sometimes a van full. The hiker community started putting me on FarOut. I’m still reaping those benefits.”
The Panchals and their innkeepers still offer their guests rides and have gotten to know the local “trail angels” and people who can also offer rides to and from trailheads.
They offer laundry service, “for a few dollars,” putting a grocery bag of laundry into one of their machines when there is time. Like all good innkeepers they are ready to direct guests to local shopping, restaurants and entertainment. They also keep “hiker boxes” on both properties, “Silver Pines has one of the largest in Idyllwild. Things they don’t want they leave, things they need they take.”
They also offer discounts to PCT hikers. “All PCT hikers get a PCT hiker discount if they book directly with us.” The offer does not apply for third-party websites that take commissions.
For more information visit or call: silverpineslodge. com (951) 659-4335, and idyllwildbunkhouse.com. (951) 659-2201.
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