Dia Abrams’ Bonita Vista Ranch goes on the market
By David Jerome Correspondent
The largest property belonging to missing Mountain Center resident Dia Abrams has been listed for sale by the court appointed trustee, Richard Munro. The 117-acre Bonita Vista Ranch is listed at $3.7 million. Abrams has been missing since June 6, 2020, and will be declared legally dead if still missing on June 6 of this year.
The listing, which appeared on April 24, describes the ranch as an “Eden like paradise” and notes that the main house, over 4,000 square feet, has four bedroom suites. It also mentions the pool, outdoor kitchen, barbecue area, two additional cabins, barns for horses, and a lighted equestrian arena. Water comes from a “year-round creek” which feeds a large pond, and four wells that fill eight 5,000-gallon tanks.
Abram’s other two properties were sold in 2024: a house on Tool Box Springs Road for $830,000, and the 15-acre Sky High Ranch, at the other end of Bonita Vista Road, for $360,000.
If Abrams does not reappear by June 6, and if her May 2020 trust is not inval-
idated, the proceeds of her estate will be divided, with 50% going to her two adult children, Crisara and Clinton, and 50% going to Keith Harper, the man named as trustee in a trust filed weeks before her disappearance. Harper claims to have been Dia’s fiancé. He was removed as trustee in 2023 and evicted from Abrams’ Bonita Vista Ranch, finally leaving the property in late January of 2024.
Harper is asking the court for nearly half a million dollars for reimbursement of “loans” and his “work” as trustee while he was living at the ranch. David Gotfredson of CBS 8 has reported that, at a February hearing, Judge Russell Velasquez “indicated he was not inclined to grant” Harper’s petition. At that hearing Harper’s third attorney asked to be relieved from the case.
There is $300,000 in reward money for information leading to “the verified discovery of Dia Kenshalo Abrams’ presence and/or location, dead or alive,” or to “information leading to the arrest and conviction (after any appeals) of any person or persons who are held responsible for Dia Kenshalo Abrams’ disappearance and/or death.” For more information visit diatips.org or call 1(833)DIA-TIPS.
County plans participation in Hwy 74 safety study
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez announced that the County’s Department of Transportation would partner with the California Department of Transportation to study safety on Highway 74.
In April, the Hill’s Assembly representatives, and colleagues, Greg Wallis (R-Bermuda Dunes) and Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio), introduced Assembly Bill 1145, which directs the State to conduct a study of safety on 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.
The study will be coordinated between the County and Caltrans, and take in analysis from trucking industries, affected businesses, community groups and the public. The timeframe to complete this study is approximately nine to 12 months, including time for Caltrans to review and comment.
Hwy 74 is a state highway, and this segment is maintained by Caltrans. While the state has jurisdiction of the highway and its maintenance. When considering restrictions, Caltrans respects the recommendations of local authorities, in this case, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.
“This is a very important issue. We are talking about life and death,” Perez said in his press release announcing the County’s role. “For me, this is also personal. My brother was in an accident as well, but fortunately for our family he survived. Nonetheless, the trauma from that accident had a major impact on our entire family. That is why my heart goes out to the Bourgeois family and it’s time we address Highway 74.”
In January, Caltrans completed the Grind and Pave Emergency project to remove and replace damaged asphalt pavement. Caltrans is planning an over $50 million project, the SR-74 Mill and Overlay Project, to rehabilitate a 47-mile stretch of pavement with additional improvements. That project is scheduled to start in 2028, according to Perez’s press release.
Free household hazardous waste collection event this Saturday
The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources has scheduled a free household hazardous-waste collection event Saturday, May 10, in Idyllwild. The collection is open to all Riverside County residents.
The department provides an opportunity for Riverside County residents to keep hazardous waste out of the county landfills and ensure it is properly managed. The event will accept residentially generated household hazardous waste from Riverside County residents only. Waste from businesses or non-profits will not be accepted.
visions, computers, VCRs and telephones.
Limit the amount of waste transported to no more than 15 gallons, or 125 pounds maximum per vehicle. Individual containers should be no larger than five gallons nor weigh more than 50 pounds.
The collection will not accept explosives, radioactive material, ammunition, asbestos, compressed-gas cylinders over 40 pounds, or infectious or medical waste other than sharps.
SEE SPORTS ON PAGE B4
Typical waste includes used motor oil, paint, antifreeze, household and automotive batteries, pesticides, cleaning products, sharps (needles/syringes or lancets) in a sharps container, unused medication (except controlled substances), fluorescent lamps, and electronic waste such as tele-
The event is subject to cancellation during inclement weather or for other hazardous conditions as determined by the county. The event is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the County Road Yard, 25780 Johnson Road. For more information, contact the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources at (951) 486-3200 or (800) 304-2226, or visit www. rcwaste.org/hhw
Front row from left to right: Aspyn Bari, Luke Smith, Nohemi Rodriguez Brielle Olivier Harper Ballou Kamila Wilson, and Brody Beneke. Back row from left to right: Cooper Jones Logan Bayer Ryker Brown, and Epifanio Davila
“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:
What does Spiritual Workout have to say about dealing with difficult people? For some reason it seems like there are a bunch of them in my life all of a sudden and it’s kind of unsettling. Dear Reader.
Here’s a distillation of four specific SW ways to look at the challenge of “difficult people” in our lives. First, if it’s the kind of difficult person who really gets under your skin wherein you find your Self thinking about an interaction days after it happened, continually replaying it, it’s probably because they are doing something awful that you do, too (possibly in a different way). This may be hard to take, but it will make that difficult person not difficult at all if you are willing to see that they are some kind of mirror of yourself. If it’s the kind of difficult person who is in your life and not going anywhere — like a family member — another SW way to look at at such a person would be through the lens of “we are here for a reason.” It’s not an accident that you’re having this experience with that other. So asking who you have to be or what muscle you might need to grow or develop in order to find peace in the dynamic with them begins to show you just why “that difficulty” is in your life. Another solid SW approach to dealing with difficult people is through the lens of choice: I don’t like this person, but I choose to have them in my life for this or that reason. Choices abound and you can continue making that choice or you can make another one. Finally, there’s the lens of judgment. In other words, could your label of “difficult” be the actual problem?
Dear Spiritual Workout:
My question is about “grief work.” What is it? I’ve been told I should do it but I think if I start crying I’ll never stop Dear Reader.
And, with that, you’ve said a mouthful. First, “grief work” is no different from any other kind of “work” we do and that’s from someone who has written a book about and promotes “grief work” in his practice. That you’ve “been told” you should do some and that you believe you’ll “never stop” crying if you do implies what is likely a moderate to high level of not-yet-processed grief — the word we use to describe how we process loss. “Grief work,” then, is the process of processing not-yet-processed experiences of loss. The belief you have that you will never stop crying if you engage this process is an extremely common one. It’s also a fear and we shy away from making decisions about anything when they are rooted in fear. Meanwhile, the crying always stops. It will need to have its way with you; the emotions you’ve been resisting haven’t gone anywhere, they just need to be acknowledged and allowed, not resisted. A lot goes in to why this is the case, but I assure you, the crying always stops when the material is processed.
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
County seeks comments on mental and behavioral health programs
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, Riverside County invited residents to several public meetings in order to provide feedback and learn about the annual update to the County’s Mental Health Services Act Plan.
Community members may ask questions, share input and help shape the county’s behavioral health policies either in-person or virtually at these scheduled public forums and hearings, according to the County’s press release.
These are the dates and locations of the next two in-person public forums and hearings:
May 8, Thursday, Mid-County Region at the Valley Wide Recreation Park, 901 W. Esplanade Ave., San Jacinto; and May 15, Friday, Western Region at Fairmount Park, 2601 Fairmount Blvd., Riverside.
The first forum and hearing were held May 1 in Palm Desert.
Forums will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and offer a chance to interact one-on-one with representatives from each component of the MHSA in a more personal setting. Hearings, held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the same location, provide a formal space for community members to share public comment and ensure their voices are part of the official planning process, according to the press release.
“Listening to our residents is not just important, it’s the heart of how we build stronger, healthier communities,” said Riverside County Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez in the press release. “Each voice mat-
ters, and these forums are a powerful way for our community to come together and shape the future of behavioral health services that truly reflect local values and needs.”
The MHSA has been a fundamental support for behavioral health initiatives since 2004. It authorizes a 1% tax on annual personal incomes over $1 million, which is used to pay for services for individuals with serious behavioral health challenges and supports prevention, early intervention, infrastructure and workforce training.
This year, the Behavioral Health Services Act replaces the MHSA, which was approved in 2004. The BHSA places a priority on funding services for people with the most significant mental health needs. In addition, it adds treatment of substance use disorders, expanding housing interventions, and increasing the behavioral health workforce to these efforts, according to the State’s Department of Health Care Services.
As this transition begins to occur, the County wants to ensure that residents have an opportunity to express their views about the new priorities.
“Riverside County thrives when residents are active in the growth of local behavioral health services,” said Dr. Matthew Chang, Director of RUHS-Behavioral Health. “Public input helps us provide responsive, effective and accessible behavioral health care tailored to our community’s needs.”
All feedback collected through forums and hearings will be integrated into the MHSA Plan annual update submitted to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and the California Department of Health Care Services.
Congress may terminate California’s zero emission vehicle goals
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
California’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulations are under jeopardy in the U.S. Congress. Last week, the House of Representatives voted to revoke the Environmental Protection Agency’s waiver which has allowed California to end the sale of new gasoline powered vehicles by 2035.
The ACC II requires the number of zero emission vehicles to increase annually until 2035, when all new vehicles for sale in California must be zero-emission. Possession of a gas vehicle will not be banned. The California Air Resources Board adopted this regulation in 2022.
The 1967 Clean Air Act grants California authority to “…to set its own separate and stricter-than-federal vehicle emissions regulations to address the extraordinary circumstances of population, climate and topography that generated the worst air in the nation.”
The CAA still requires EPA to issue a waiver of California’s rules from the Federal rules, which the EPA did in December. Often other states follow California’s lead, so far 17 states have adopted rules consistent with California’s waiver.
However, Congressional Republicans plan to use the Congressional Review Act to repeal these waivers. This is consistent with President Donald Trump’s campaign pledge in a speech, on Oct. 24 in Saginaw, Michigan. Trump promised, ““When I’m president, no state in America will be permitted to ban gas powered cars or trucks, and I guarantee it - no way.”
The CRA authorizes Congress to review rules of general applicability within 60 days of the rules effective date. If a majority of both houses approve the resolution, the rule is repealed.
On May 1, the House voted 246-164 to pass a resolution rejecting California’s ACC II rules. If the Senate agrees, the rule will be repealed.
However, the legality of this action has been questioned twice in the past two months, both the Gener-
al Accounting Office and the Senate’s Parliamentarian have said these rules do not fall under the CRA’s oversight.
In early March, the GAO reaffirmed its 2023 legal decision that the Advanced Clean Car Program Waiver Notice was not a rule under CRA and should not be considered under this law.
In April, the Senate Parliamentarian concurred with the GAO opinion.
“In passing the Clean Air Act on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, Congress explicitly granted California the ability to set more stringent vehicle emissions standards to protect public health from California’s unique air quality challenges,” said California Senator Alex Padilla in press release after the Parliamentarian’s opinion was released. “I am pleased that the Senate parliamentarian upheld decades of precedent and confirmed that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the Congressional Review Act.
Following the House of Representatives’ vote, Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement: ““Trump Republicans are hellbent on making California smoggy again. Clean air didn’t used to be political. In fact, we can thank Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon for our decades-old authority to clean our air.”
And California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed his opinion in a separate press release, ““The Congressional Review Act was designed to provide a mechanism for congressional oversight of new rules by federal agencies – not for partisan attacks on duly-adopted state laws. Not only would the misuse of the CRA undermine the integrity of our democratic process, but it would also be unlawful. For more than 50 years, California has exercised its right under the federal Clean Air Act to pursue solutions that address the persistent air pollution challenges that our state faces. Reducing emissions is essential to the prosperity, health, and wellbeing of California and its families.”
Whether the Senate will accept these opinions is not known.
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-
2025 19:15 PM 2500 *** BLOCK
Sheriff’s log
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls
IDYLLWILD
• HAZARD 05-05-2025 10:20
AM ADDRESS UNDEFINED
IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 05-052025 00:01 AM 5300 *** BLOCK
MARIAN VIEW DR IDYLLWILD
• NOISE COMPLAINT 05-032025 22:10 PM 2500 *** BLOCK
ST HWY 243 IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC ASSIST 05-03-2025 11:20 AM 5500 *** BLOCK
SOUTH CIRCLE DR IDYLLWILD
• SUSPICIOUS PERSON 05-03-
2025 09:40 AM 5300 *** BLOCK
MIDDLE RIDGE DR IDYLLWILD
• NOISE COMPLAINT 05-022025 23:14 PM 2600 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243 IDYLLWILD
• TRESPASSING 05-02-2025 17:46 PM 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC ASSIST 05-02-2025 16:10 PM 2600 *** BLOCK SAUNDERS MEADOW RD IDYLLWILD
• CHECK THE WELFARE 05-02-
2025 13:52 PM 5300 *** BLOCK COUNTRY CLUB DR IDYLLWILD
• CHECK THE WELFARE 05-022025 13:52 PM 5300 *** BLOCK
COUNTRY CLUB DR IDYLLWILD
• FOLLOW-UP 05-01-2025
16:07 PM ADDRESS WITHHELD IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 05-01-2025 15:33 PM 2400 *** BLOCK UPPER RIM ROCK RD IDYLLWILD
• ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON 05-01-2025 11:02 AM 5500 *** BLOCK SOUTH CIRCLE DR IDYLLWILD UNFOUNDED
• CHECK THE WELFARE 04-30-
ST HWY 243 IDYLLWILD
• HARRASSING PHONE CALLS
04-30-2025 17:20 PM ADDRESS
WITHHELD IDYLLWILD
• GRAND THEFT 04-30-2025
16:11 PM 2500 *** BLOCK
CASSLER DR IDYLLWILD REPORT TAKEN
• PUBLIC ASSIST 04-30-2025
09:08 AM 5300 *** BLOCK
IDYLLBROOK DR IDYLLWILD
PINE COVE
• NOISE COMPLAINT 05-05-
2025 21:22 PM 5200 *** BLOCK
PINE COVE RD PINE COVE
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.
• ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT
04-30-2025 20:51 PM 5200 ***
BLOCK GREEN CRAIG DR PINE COVE
• ALARM CALL 04-30-2025 00:31 AM 2400 *** BLOCK SHERMAN
DR PINE COVE
GARNER VALLERY NONE
POPPET FLATS
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 05-02-
2025 18:43 PM 2200 *** BLOCK
SOBOBA RD POPPET FLATS
• SUICIDE THREAT 05-01-2025 18:30 PM ADDRESS WITHHELD
For a complete list of all events in Idyllwild, check out: idyllwildtowncrier.com/events
Recovery Meetings
POPPET FLATS
• ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT
04-30-2025 12:12 AM 4500 *** BLOCK COYOTE ST POPPET
FLATS
• SUICIDE THREAT 04-30-2025
10:45 AM ADDRESS WITHHELD
POPPET FLATS
SAN BERDO NAT FORS
• 911 HANGUP FROM CELLPHONE 05-04-2025 12:00 AM
4700 *** BLOCK E ST HWY 74
SAN BERDO NAT FORS
• NOISE COMPLAINT 05-032025 00:54 AM ADDRESS UNDE-
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE VIOL 05-01-2025 18:49 PM 6100 *** BLOCK E ST HWY 74 SAN BERDO NAT FORS
• PARKING VIOLATION 04-302025 17:09 PM ADDRESS UNDEFINED SAN BERDO NAT FORS REPORT TAKEN
• BURGLARY 04-30-2025 15:36 PM 5600 *** BLOCK E ST HWY
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The Venus ytrap is a meat-eating, or carnivorous, plant. It is also quite lovely. That is why its name includes Venus. That is the name of the Roman goddess of love and beauty. But don’t worry – a Venus ytrap won’t eat you. Mostly they eat bugs. They especially love mosquitoes and ies.
Jaws of Doom True or False Quiz
Make a guess about which of these statements are true and which are false. Then read the scientist’s notes about the Venus ytrap to check your answers.
Venus ytraps have teeth. 1.
only
Venus flytraps have little spikes around the leaves. But they are not teeth. They don’t chew. The plant uses digestive juices, much like those in your stomach, to eat insects.
Quick! Help this y escape the Venus ytrap’s grip!
Cause and Effect
When something happens, there is usually something that caused it to happen. The cause comes rst, the e ect second. Here are some examples:
When the hairs on the inside of a Venus ytrap’s leaves are touched, the plant snaps shut.
Cause: touch the hairs
E ect: plant snaps leaves closed
If a little rock is put inside the mouth-like leaves of a Venus ytrap, the leaves will snap shut. After about 12 hours, the leaves will open so the rock can drop out because it is something the plant can’t eat.
Which part of the above is the “cause?”
Venus ytraps eat anything that falls into their
keep bugs
Dangers?
Venus flytraps get much of their nutrition from the bugs they eat, but they also need water, sun and soil to survive.
How many ies can you nd on this page?
Snapping Up a Meal
Digestion of real food takes five to 12 days, after which the trap reopens. The insect's exoskeleton blows away in the wind or is washed away by rain.
Number the pictures in order.
If something not edible falls into a Venus flytrap, it will close up and try to digest it. But after about 12 hours, it will open its leaves and let the fake food fall out.
Venus ytraps aren’t dangerous to people, but people are endangering them. Venus ytraps are only found growing wild in one small area of the planet – in the grassy wetlands, or bogs, around Cape Fear, North Carolina. This area has just the right climate, amount of water and soil conditions.
Today the plant is threatened in the wild. The draining of bogs for farming and the building of shopping centers and houses has reduced the plant’s habitat and numbers. Less than 5% of the plants are left.
Sweet nectar around the edges of the Venus ytrap’s open leaves attract insects. As a bug moves across the surface drinking up this treat, it touches small, sensitive bristles on the Venus ytrap. These trigger hairs tell the plant when a possible meal has arrived. Then the plant’s “jaws” close very quickly, trapping the insect inside. The long cilia, hairs along the leaf edges, act like prison bars, preventing the insect from escaping. Several days later, after the insect has been digested, the leaves open and what’s left of the insect body blows away.
Before & After
Which part is the “e ect?”
Look through the newspaper for an article that interests you. Can you nd one e ect and what caused it?
Cause:
Flytrap is a compound word, made by combining two smaller words: y and trap. Look at the pictures below. Draw a line between two pictures to make a compound word. Then write the word.
Newsy Timeline
Select
Look at a photograph in the newspaper.
© 2025 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 41, No. 23
Venus ytraps
need bugs to survive. 2. Venus ytraps help
out of your house. 4. Its “mouth” shuts in under one second. 5.
mouth-like leaves. 3.
Thrills, Spills, and Comebacks: ICC Youth Baseball Launches 2025 Season
By Johnny Wilson ICC Sports Director
Spring training is over and now begins the 2025 season of ICC Youth Baseball, as the opening games of the Minor League (ages 7-9) and Major League (ages 1014) took place last week. The tee-ball league’s (ages 4-6) opening games will be on Wednesday May 7th.
This year there are 98 players registered, 16 coaches and assistant coaches, 4 umpires, and 9 sponsors.
League Team Name Coach/Assistant Sponsor
T-Ball Tee-Rexes Derek McDevitt Wild Imaginations
T-Ball Mini Bears Cory and Elayna Lavy Beard-A-Bear
T-Ball Wildlings Mel Norman Idyllwild Dental
T-Ball Super Sonics Cammi Chapman/Joe Leemhuis Dutch Design & Landscaping
Minor Padres Felipe Davila/Charity Whittmore
Black Mountain Coffee
Minor Muckdogs Carl Dewese / Elaina Duke Pure Bean
Major Blue Crew Nick and Jennifer Fernandes Adams Electric
Major Mambas Nick and Carolyn Gillot
Fairway Foods Market
Major OG Glitter Sparkles David Kenyon/Tamara Bratten Kenyon Electric
Here are the highlights from the regular season’s opening games.
Minor League: Opening Game (May 1, 2025)
The Muckdogs (sponsored by Pure Bean) and the Padres (sponsored by Black Mountain Coffee) squared off last Thursday and each had an electrifying first inning as the score was tied 5-5 heading into the second inning.
The Muckdogs held the Padres to 4 runs in the second inning and scored 5 runs to give themselves a slight 1-run lead when after two innings. The score was now 10-9 in favor of the home team, the Muckdogs.
But the third and final inning saw the batting power of the Padres as they managed to score 8 runs in their final at-bat to make the score 17-10 in favor of the Padres.
The Muckdogs had some fire-power of their own, but their momentum was stopped short after 2 runs as the Padres got the three outs they needed to end the game. Final score: Padres 17, Muckdogs 12.
Coach Carl Dewese of the Muckdogs had some positive words to say after the game: “I want to point out Aimee’s [O’Brien] amazing game. She set the tone for our team with a leadoff single and had an awesome play in the outfield, sacrificing her body by letting the ball hit her arm to stop it – that held the runner to a single [base hit] instead of what would have for sure been multiple bases.
I also want to make sure Hunter [Adams] gets a shoutout for his defensive game – he gave us a chance by getting multiple players out and holding the Padres to 4 runs in the 2nd, giving us a chance in the 3rd [inning].”
The Padres and Muckdogs will face-off again at 4:45pm Thursday May 8th at Top Field of the Idyllwild School.
Major League: Opening Game (May 1st, 2025)
In the 10–14-year-old Major League, it was the Blue Crew (sponsored by Adams Electric) taking on the Mambas (sponsored by Fairway Food Market) for the season-opening game at Idyllwild School.
The Blue Crew showcased great pitching by William Archer and solid defense by the infielders – especially Ruby Adams at first base – as they had a “1-2-3 inning” where no batters got on base.
The Mambas had some solid defensive plays of their own as they kept the score close (tied 1-1) about halfway through the game.
The Blue Crew got some serious momentum going with smart at-bats and a couple of base hits, jumping ahead 6-1.
We were at the top of the final inning; the first two outs came fast for the Blue Crew, however the third out (to end the game) did not come so easy.
The Mambas were in a “never give up” mode which earned them 6 runs (and the lead!) in the final inning. With a score of 7-6 in favor of the Mambas, it was now their turn to get three outs and end the game while they had the lead.
The Blue Crew, however, had other plans. They also had smart batters who got on base, one way or another. After they loaded the bases, the Blue Crew got the 2 runs they needed to gain the lead and win the game. Final score: Mambas 7, Blue Crew 8.
What a way to open the 2025 season of ICC Youth Baseball!
tend to write it.”
— Winston Churchill
•
•
•
•
•
The Muckdogs (red) and the Padres (brown) shake hands after their season-opening game last Tuesday
PHOTOS BY JOHNNY WILSON
The Idyllwild School ASB were present with snacks and refreshments for sale." (From left to right: Chloe Kenyon, Evelyn Teel, Kinsey Kretsinger, and Mike Van Zee
75 years ago - 1950
and
65 years ago - 1960
Kindergarten and firstgrade students from Idyllwild School journeyed to the Hemet ranch of Dr. Clinton C. Emmerson to discover what goes on in a barnyard.
60 years ago - 1965
The Town Crier reported that the county’s administrative officer was asked to attempt to provide “no shooting” signs that would not get shot at.
70 years ago - 1955
A two-man snowshoe party from the U.S. Forest Service hiked to Tahquitz Valley on Tuesday to measure the pack on the course. They found an average 6-inch depth, containing 39.1-percent moisture, all of it fresh snow.
55 years ago - 1970
The winner of the Chamber of Commerce’s slogan contest for Idyllwild was Tom Adamson. He suggested, “Idyllwild — Hi in the sky but just nearby.”
50 years ago - 1975
Sensitive seismic measur-
Creature Corner
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats discussed the health benefits of having a cat in the family.
Pepper: Another celebration!
Harley: Okay. I'm always up for a celebration. What are we celebrating?
Marlowe: I heard that Bella was adopted. Yay!
Harley: Oh, that's right! I also heard that. I'm happy for her.
Pepper: And to fill that vacancy, we have another new ARF cat. Here she comes!
Noelle: (entering the room) Hello fellow felines! I'm Noelle, and I'm happy to be here.
Harley: Welcome, Noelle. What can you tell us about yourself?
Noelle: Well, not to seem conceited, but according to many, I'm very pretty.
Marlowe: I don't think it's conceited if it's true, and you really are very pretty.
Noelle: Thank you. I'm a little more than a year old, and if you ask any human, you'll learn that I am super friendly and affectionate.
Marlowe: That is a very good selling point! So you'd like to cuddle up with your human?
Noelle: You bet I would! Just a as any one of us, I'd love to have a human, or whole family of humans, to give me love and attention.
Pepper: And it sounds as though you'd return the favor.
Noelle: Of course I would!
Harley: Then anyone who is interested in you should call ARF.
This week's Creature Corner is sponsored by Shane Hammond. 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.
• Classified ad runs in the May 15th & 22nd editions • You get 9 brightly colored signs (including six large arrows) to direct people to your house. • Ad will also appear on the Town Crier’s website for 2 weeks (www.idyllwildtowncrier.com)
ing devices were installed
below ground at Hamilton School to record movement along the San Jacinto earthquake fault.
45 years ago - 1980
USC-Idyllwild (which evolved into Idyllwild Arts Academy) was participating in the National Elderhostel Program for the first time. More than 100 hostelers — individuals ages 60 and older who traveled college campuses and took classes — participated in the sessions.
40 years ago - 1985
A glider fell 150 feet and landed in Lake Hemet. The pilot was uninjured.
35 years ago - 1990
Fern Valley Water District declared a Stage 2
water-shortage emergency and Pine Cove and Idyllwild water districts were expected to shortly follow.
30 years ago - 1995
Nearly 100 people attended a meeting in Anza regarding Hill ambulance service. Hemet Valley Ambulance planned to cease service and Riverside County was seeking a new provider for the Mountain Plateau areas.
25 years ago - 2000
Professional actor Conor O’Farrell played the character Fagin in the Idyllwild School production of “Oliver.” It was the first time an adult was cast in a play put on by the school.
20 years ago - 2005
A retirement party was thrown for Nancy Sarvela. She and husband Jack were founders of the Idyllwild HELP Center in 1992.
15 years ago - 2010
On April 29, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed S. 1684, the Senate’s version of “The Managing Arson Through Criminal History (MATCH) Act.”
11 year ago - 2014
Idyllwild School again was recognized as a California Distinguished School, as well as a Title 1 Academic Achievement Award School.
10 year ago - 2015
The Pacific Crest Trail Association advised hikers of a legal bypass route around a fire-damaged and closed
5 year ago - 2020
Idy’s Helping Hands adapted its services during the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to contactless deliveries of meals and care packages for local seniors and residents with disabilities.
1 year ago - 2024
The Town Crier did a featured, Speakeasy Bookmarket. The business evolved from two small independent bookshops into a vibrant cooperative space that now hosts literary events, supports indie publishers, and thrives on local community support in Idyllwild.
Churches & Spiritual Centers
Trout season opened
eager anglers stood shoulder to shoulder at Lake Fulmor.
section of the trail to improve safety and avoid walking alongside highspeed traffic.
IDYLLWILD TOWN CRIER, JUNE
Las Declaraciones Oficiales de Candidatura para las personas elegibles que deseen postularse para cualquiera de los cargos electivos están disponibles a partir del 5 de mayo de 2025 en la siguiente localización(es): Distrito de Agua de Fern Valley 55790 South Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA 92549 lunes – viernes,
March 21 – April 19
Untangling personal problems might take more time than the impatient Lamb expected. But it’s important to hang in there until all those knotty situations are straightened out.
April 20 – May 20
You still need to work out last-minute snags in your dealings with a rival. Hold your ground despite a perceived lack of support. Things should turn around before you know it.
June 22 – July 22
July 23 – August 22
It’s best not to delay preparing for an upcoming family event. The sooner you get things started, the better chance you have of finding potential problems and making needed changes.
The romantic Moon Child might be reluctant to see the reality behind an “ideal” situation. But by midweek, the practical Crab emerges to help clear away the moonbeams.
Although the Big Cat might be receptive to more “purr-suasion” to get you to agree to a workplace change, make sure that you can distinguish the fine line between facts and flattery.
August 23 – September 22
Your positive attitude in the workplace helps to get you noticed by the right people. Now go ahead and use some of this new self-confidence to help shore up a personal relationship.
September 23 – October 22
Although you might still have to work out some problems with a business partner, things go more smoothly on the home front. Meanwhile, an investment opportunity might need more study.
October 23 – November 21
Don’t be reluctant to act on your suspicions.
November 22 – December 21
December 22 – January 19
A friend or family member’s request might carry some hidden factors that could later create problems. Be sure you know all the facts before you make your decision.
January 20 – February 18
May 2025 — Week 2 February 19 – March 20
You might not be consciously fishing for compliments, but admit it -- won’t you feel great when your efforts are noticed? Accept the praise gracefully. You’ve earned it! May 21 – June 21
A setback in implementing a plan could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Use the downtime to rework your original concepts and see where changes could be made.
Sheet rock and painting inside the new Idyllwild Community Center
BY DAVID JEROME