Vol. 80, No. 21 edition of the Idyllwild Town Crier
State budget $12 billion in hole, Medi-Cal cuts targeted
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his revised proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, which starts July 1. The Legislature is to enact a budget for the new fiscal year by June 15.
However, the budget projections have dramatically turned negative in the four months since his initially proposal in January, which was essentially a balanced budget with a modest $363 surplus.
The current budget projects an $11.9 million deficit, despite the Governor’s and the legislature’s fiscal actions in the past year.
The total budget of $321.9 billion. The General Fund portion is $226.4 billion, $6.8 billion less than FY 24-25. At the end of the fiscal year, the State is expecting a reserve balance of $15.7 billion.
The cause of this change is President Donald Trump, Newsom asserted.
“California is under assault. The President is reckless assaulting these growth engines,” Newsom said in his presentation. “He has created a climate of deep uncertainty.”
The changing decisions on new tariffs was the prime example of how Trump’s actions are negatively affecting the economy, such as the stock market, and consequently the State’s revenue projections.
Newsom described this as the “Trump slump,” which is creating disproportionate impacts on California, starting with the State’s ports of entry. Tourism is another area where significant decreases are already being incurred. State finance estimated that tourism fell 11 percent just in March.
“We’ve been preparing for this chal-
lenging budget year for quite some time, which has been made even more difficult by an openly hostile federal administration that’s coming for many of the policies and programs that make California great,” said Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) and Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Chair Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) in a press release the following the Governor’s presentation.
“The Senate will be presenting its version of the budget in the weeks to come, but one thing you can take to the bank today, is that we will never stop fighting for those who most need someone in their corner. We remain focused and prepared to protect the people and progress we’ve made over the years. Tough decisions are needed to deliver a balanced and on time budget, but no matter the obstacles, we’re going to deliver for the people of the Golden State,” the Senate leaders promised.
In January, the Department of Finance estimated a significant revenue growth of $7.9 billion, which did occur through April. Now the estimate is for significant decreases in revenue during the next year.
More than half of the decrease ($10 billion) will be seen in capital gains tax revenue. Other economic losses include less personal and corporate income tax revenue.
Revenue projections will remain unstable through summer. The January wildfires in Los Angeles County resulted in postponing their tax returns until October. A quarter of California’s population is affected by this grace period.
While the revenue projections are
See Medi-Cal , page A4
State approves State Farm interim rate increases
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
On Tuesday, May 13, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara approved several emergency rate requests sought by State Farm Insurance. The approval came after Administrative Law Judge Karl-Frederic Seligman recommended that Lara adopt the rate increases pending the department’s consideration of a larger rate request the insurer sought last year due to its weak financial condition.
The new rates will increase 17 % for non-tenant homeowners, 15 % for tenants (renters), 15 % for tenants (condominium unit owners), and 38 % for rental dwellings. The original request for nontenant homeowners was 21.8 %.
In March, Lara had provisionally approved these emergency rate requests subject to an administrative law judge review and decision.
In his conclusion to the rate review, Seligman stated, “. . . the Proposed Interim Rate Stipulation, taken as a whole, is fundamentally fair, adequate, and reasonable.”
His preliminary findings were that State Farm Insurance is “. . . experiencing extraordinary financial distress, coupled with surplus depletion that threatens ongoing business operations.”
Earlier this month, State Farm said it had already paid $3.51 billion for more than 12,692 submitted claims from the January Los Angeles county fires.
The new rates are interim. The Department of Insurance must still hold and
See State Farm, page A2
Idyllwild Indivisible brings positive activism to Idyllwild
By Mary Rider Contributor
After the 2016 Presidential election there was an immediate national grassroots effort to resist the Trump Administration’s policies like the deportation and separation of immigrant families. Two Obama congressional staffers created Indivisible.org to educate citizens on how to influence their local, state, and federal representatives. The focus of their effort was to provide citizen activists and organizers with training and tools to lessen or prevent damage to our people, our country, the Constitution, and the rule of law. In 2017, after the publication of the “Indivisible
Guide,” a grassroots response led to the formation of Indivisible groups across the United States. Idyllwild Indivisible was among 5,000 local groups that registered in 2017. There are many Indivisible groups or other like-minded efforts in California and active Indivisible groups in all fifty states. The movement has continued to expand, and participation has grown more robust in Idyllwild and elsewhere due to the uncertainty and fear sparked by the elimination of Federal programs and policies that affect the well-being of ordinary people.
In February 2017, Idyllwild Indivisible had its first community meeting at the Rainbow Inn, led by Janice Murasko. Attendees agreed to become a local chapter of the National organization and developed the following mission statement, Idyllwild Indivisible is a concerned group of locals dedicated to the advancement of sustainable economic, environ-
mental, and social justice.
The first meeting was held in the Royal Pines community room. The group decided to have monthly meetings to address relevant topics of concern. Elaine Bacher agreed to contact and schedule speakers, including a political journalist, union leaders, immigration lawyers, candidates for local, state, and federal positions, and political office holders and their staff. The topics they covered included environmental issues, immigration policies, voter registration training, and candidates’ political platforms. She also found a variety of meeting sites at St Hughes Church, Town Hall, Buckhorn Camp, and Idyllwild Library.
Beyond the monthly meetings, Idyllwild Indivisible members collected clothing and necessities for migrant families being detained or separated from
See Individible, page A2
Holiday closings
Hill businesses and institutions, normally open, that will be closed Monday, May 26, to observe Memorial Day, are:
• Area post offices
• Fern Valley Water District
• Hemet Unified School District
• Idyllwild Library
• Idyllwild Pharmacy
• Idyllwild Town Crier office
• Idyllwild Water District
• Pine Cove Water District
• PNC Bank
• Riverside County offices
• U.S. Forest Service
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
At their May 20 meeting, the County Board of Supervisors approved the use of $75,000 for the Idyllwild Community Center. District 4 Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, and Board Chair, made the request, which was approved.
The funding comes from the County’s Unincorporated Communities Initiative. In his request to his colleagues, Perez said the funds would be used to complete the build out of the ICC. The funding will help provide for a large meeting room/ great room, a commercial kitchen for indoor and outdoor dining opportunities, a spacious new deck overlooking the amphitheater, permanent outdoor-accessible restrooms for the playground and amphitheater, and a ticket office for events.
The UCI is a focused coordinated effort to improve the infrastructure and services provided to the residents of unincorporated communities. The UCI receives authorized General Fund/Net County Cost (NCC) monies from the County during the annual budget and quarterly budget revision process.
Based on many community meetings, in June 2023, County staff recommended an initial funding level of $10 million. Each supervisorial district was allocated 20 percent, $2.5 million for each Supervisor’s use within their unincorporated communities.
complete hearings for State Farm’s original rate increases. These were initiated in June and July 2024. That request was for a 30 % homeowner policy increase, 41.8 % for renters and condominium owners, and 38 % increase for rental buildings.
If the results of the full rate hearing find the interim rates are excessive, State Farm will have to make refunds to policy holders.
As part of the order, State Farm has agreed to cease the cancelation of blocks of homeowner and tenant policies through the end of 2025.
Also State Farm’s parent company, State Farm Mutual, will advance $400 million under a surplus note, which State Farm must eventually repay.
One purpose of the full-rate hearing will be to fully explore State Farm’s financial condition, Seligman recommended.
In his press release, Lara expressed gratitude for the ALJ decision and ordered its implementation.
“I am balancing all the facts. Protecting all State Farm customers and the integrity of our insurance market is an urgent matter,” he said in his press release. “Let me be clear: We are in a statewide insurance crisis, affecting millions of Californians. Taking this on requires tough decisions. This is not a game. This is not a media-driven moment for some to exploit — this impacts people I am committed to protecting.”
On Wednesday, at an insurance conference, Lara shared, “The decision was a tough one. We either allow for these increases to ensure that we keep State Farm customers covered or else they lose their coverage and end up in the FAIR plan further exacerbating the insurer of last resort.”
State Farm also was pleased with the outcome. “Today’s emergency interim rate approval by the Commissioner is a critical first step for State Farm General’s ability to continue serving our California customers. SFG still must continue building sufficient capital for the future. “ However, Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit, consumer watchdog, primarily of the California insurance markets, disagreed with both the ALJ ruling and Lara’s concurrence.
“[The] decision forcing consumers to pay now but allowing State Farm to wait months before having to show its math is a great disappointment for consumers,” said Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog, in their press release. “Voter-approved Proposition 103 says a rate hike shouldn’t come before the rate justification, but that’s what happened here. State Farm policyholders, many of whom are struggling to get their claims paid by the company after the Los Angeles fires, are now facing double-digit rate hikes,”
The ALJ hearing was held April 8 through 10 in Sacramento.
Indivisble
each other. Border Kindness, another grassroots group, delivered the supplies to refugees at the border until that was not allowed.
After four years of conducting protest rallies and marches, Biden’s election in 2020 enabled Idyllwild Indivisible to focus on supporting Democratic candidates at the local, state and federal level. Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, marked the beginning of the monthly Idyllwild Indivisible protests. The first one occurred in mid-January when nine Idyllwild residents participated in a nation-wide rally/march to commemorate the January 2017 Women’s March. Starting in March, the number of participants at Idyllwild Indivisible rally/marches increased to 150-200 per event.
Since Idyllwild does not have a public space for citizens to gather, the group relies on business owners and nonprofit organizations willing to offer a gathering place. Currently, a short rally occurs in the garden area across from Idyllwild Fire Station, before participants march through town and hold posters along the highway. The purpose of these monthly demonstrations is to exhibit public courage against policies that have a negative impact on the daily lives of ordinary people. Food prices are rising while discretionary spending is falling, public services like healthcare, social security, libraries and schools are threatened, and individual freedoms are eroding. The presence of activist citizens represents the new political leadership required during a time of uncertainty and chaos.
After the 2024 election, many other grassroots organizations were formed. The website, mobilize.us lists the rallies, demonstrations, workshops, online training, and other nationwide efforts being offered to educate and inspire more citizens to defend the well-being and freedom of each other and the country. The underlying goal is to change the hearts and minds of 90 million Americans who did not vote in November 2024.`
Office on Aging workshop “flips the script” on aging
By David Jerome Correspondent
The Riverside County Office On Aging, in conjunction with the Friends of the Idyllwild Library and Idy Elders and Others, held a workshop at the Library on Thursday May 8.
Office On Aging staff were on hand to explain programs to local elders and hand out gift bags including water bottles and emergency flash lights. Those who had signed up early were presented with free internet-ready tablets, “to connect older individuals with technology,” according to Rene Sanchez, Supervising Program Specialist.
“We’re doing this in celebration of Older Americans Month, May. We are celebrating the contributions of older adults in our community and across the nation. The theme this year is ‘Flip the Script on Aging,’ so we’re challenging folks to flip their perceptions on the aging process.” One of the activities was a board where visitors could post notes naming positive aspects of aging and things they enjoy in their community.
Sanchez described the Office on Aging as a “hidden gem” among the County’s over 50 departments. The Office’s programs are not “mass produced,” but are individually tailored to seniors, putting them in touch with “over 20 programs and services” that are available in the county “ranging from nutrition, transportation, care management, and care-giver assistance and training.”
Sanchez, asked about the gaps in this coverage in isolated communities like Idyllwild, said “we definitely try to provide services for as many communities as possible or find local vendors that we would be able to partner with to help deliver services.”
Beth Severance was one attendee who had a positive experience. Severance said she had visited the Office on Aging’s website and found it “mind-boggling,” but found answers at the workshop. “When I showed up at the library community room they had everything that had been listed on my worksheet and more. They handed out free tablets with free Internet. Also a free cell phone with free cell service.”
Severance was able to sit down with a representative of the office, who not only helped her understand the website, but offered concrete assistance. “They took my only outstanding bill, propane, to pay it. They are in the process, as we speak, of arranging cell service & internet service at my home. Currently I’m in a dead zone;
no services. They discussed food stamps (CalFresh), and Medi-Medi. (Medi-Medi combines Medicare and Medi-Cal into one program.) I had no idea what I was eligible for. The event was on Thursday. On Friday a representative called me to arrange s face-to-face meeting at our library on Wednesday.”
Severance also noted that Supervisor V Manuel Perez visited the workshop and “hob-knobbed” with the Office on Aging staff and “Idy folks that showed up.”
For more information on programs available visit: rcaging.org or call (877) 932-4100
Idyllwild Weather
Attendees answer the question “What do you like about Idyllwild?” at Office on Aging workshop
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME
IWD board reviews budget and capital improvement plan
By David Jerome Correspondent
The directors of the Idyllwild Water District held a Saturday morning budget and capital improvement workshop this week. The session included a review of financial, production and sales figures going back over ten years, as well as last year’s aggressive spending, and the more modest plans for next year.
The wastewater plant rehabilitation project is still over the horizon, although board members heard that a second attempt at grant funding is underway. The first try used census figures for the greater Idyllwild area, including Fern Valley and Pine Cove. This time the figures will cover only IWD sewer customers in the hope that this will present a community that qualifies.
A look at production figures showed an increase by about 14% since 2014, from 10,960,420 cubic feet to 12,508,527 in the last year. There was a decrease during the pandemic in 2021, and a rebound in growth afterwards. The workshop did not include any board action, but prepared the directors for the coming meetings. President Charles Schelly requested that one item be added to the agenda for the regular meeting scheduled for May 21; a review and discussion of the district’s five and ten year capital improvement plans. Schelly will be traveling in June, and so the May meeting will be the last over which he will preside until July.
CEO Hosny Shouman presented financials. The “aggressive” spending of the last year included six big items totaling $2,150,724: Preparation for the replacement of the Strawberry Creek diversion project ($106,781); Completion of the Jameson raw water pipeline ($773,391); Re-coating of water tanks ($197,500); Completion of the construction of an essentially new lower office building to rehabilitate the rotting converted garage which was uninhabitable for sever-
al years ($127,000, on top of $328,000 the year before); Purchasing two new trucks ($133,924); Purchase of a house as an investment and to accommodate staff and visitors ($758,576), and the replacement of two inverters for the solar power system at Foster Lake ($52,750.)
This coming year, Shouman says he plans to “take it easy” on spending. The only large project in the projections is the completion of the Strawberry Creek Diversion. The district’s $3 million in reserves are tapped during years with high spending, like the last one, and replenished the next. The district has no debt or interest payments.
One capital project that was discussed recently was not on the budget, but has been downgraded from replacement to repair. The shop at Foster Lake, a metal hanger bought surplus from the Air Force in 1976, now leaks on rainy days, as the rubber washers around the screws that attach the roofing panels have decayed. The idea of replacing it entirely was examined, but General Manager Bill Rojas told the board that he had met with a roofing contractor who told him he could overlay the existing roof with another layer of metal that would not leak.
After the workshop, board members and staff, with their families, gathered for lunch at the Foster Lake shop. The public was invited, and although a few ratepayers reportedly RSVP-ed, none attended. Former Interim GM Curt Sauer and his wife were there, along with Randy Little, formerly of Joshua Tree National Park, and his wife. Little was one of the consultants that Sauer brought to IWD to help get the district’s operations in order when he was hired in 2024. Sauer said he is presently enjoying his third and final retirement, working in his rose garden.
Pine Cove Water District sees big rise in monitoring well, reviews budget
By David Jerome Correspondent
Pine Cove Water District’s General Manager Jeremy Potter reported at their May meeting that the district’s static monitoring well rose by 48.85 feet last month, to 27.28 feet below ground, a number which drew exclamations of surprise from the board. Potter said this was the highest single month rise he had seen and was probably due to the fast early
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melt of spring snows. This time last year the well was almost 50 feet lower.
Potter reported that he has received three new meters from Zenner to continue the pilot program for their mesh technology transmitters. The promised antennas from Fenix, the successor company to SET, have not arrived.
Office manager Jennifer Hayes reported that the district has received a refund of over $6,000 from gWorks, the successor to their previous billing software vendor, UBmax. Two months ago, Hayes noted that after PCWD accepted the bid from gWorks the company did not honor their agreement and had not begun the conversion process, leading her to send a letter expressing the district’s interest in litigation. Last month Hayes said that a new company had been hired, Current Software, and they had conducted the transition smoothly, even reducing the contracted onboarding fees.
The board reviewed the draft budget for the coming financial year. The draft for this year is $1,326,000, an increase of 2% over last year. Potter said that the district is “done” buying land after the purchase of the lot between Franklin and the highway, and there is no longer an item for this on the budget. Those reserves will go towards equipment under the ten-year plan. This includes buying another generator this year, and two more in the future. He also said he would like to buy an air compressor trailer. Potter said the district’s newest hire has completed his probation. The new employee brought experience from working with Huntington Beach Water and Sewer, Potter noted, adding that working in a small district like PCWD requires broader skills. The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, June 11, at 10 a.m., and will include a public hearing on standby rates for unimproved lots.
Idyllwild Water District staff and their families, past and present, line up with mem-
bers of the board of directors and their families, after Saturday’s lunch at IWD’s Foster Lake facility.
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME
Lake Hemet bald eagles new offspring banded for study
According to a press release from Friends of the Desert Mountains, Lake Hemet’s adult breeding pair of bald eagles successfully hatched two offspring this year, and on Wednesday, April 30, the juvenile birds were banded for tracking and further studying by Peter Bloom of Bloom Biological.
The banding is part of ongoing conservation and recovery efforts for Southern California’s Bald Eagle population, conducted by Friends of the Desert Mountains (Friends) in cooperation with the US Forest Service/San Bernardino National Forest (USFS.) Bald Eagles, once critically endangered, were removed from the U.S. Endangered and Threatened Species List in 2007. They remain protected under federal laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which prohibit killing, harming, or possessing them.
US Forest Service Volunteer Robin Roberts watches the birds and alerted USFS staff that the eaglets had hatched, and when they were old enough for banding. “About four to five weeks is the optimum time for banding,” according to Bloom. ”The young birds still are docile and do not yet have flight feathers.” Bloom noted that although the birds were too young to determine gender, the two juveniles seem very healthy.
The banding process requires removing the birds from their nest briefly. Bloom contracts with expert tree climber Ryan Krammes to slowly ascend to the nest site. Once there, each bird is lowered down the tree, secured in a soft-sided carrier, to Bloom’s waiting arms. “Having their chicks banded for the last 10 years, the parent eagles are somewhat acclimated to the process,” said Bloom. The adults leave the nest, but remain close keeping a watchful eye. The banding process takes less than an hour and the juveniles are returned to their nest.
While on the forest floor, one at a time the birds are banded on each leg with and ID number for tracking. Additionally, a small amount of blood was drawn from each bird for testing, allowing biologists to assess the effects of human activities like development, pollution, and climate change on their populations and habitats. Says Bloom, “Unfortunately, we are seeing an uptick of toxins in our medium to large birds of prey again.”
As flu season ends, death strikes County teen
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
This winter was a high severity influenza season for all age groups (children, adults, older adults). But that has passed. The virus’s presence is waning according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In its May 10 report, the CDC said, “Seasonal influenza (flu) activity is low and declining.” No new influenza cases were reported that week.
Nevertheless, tragedy still occurred in Riverside County. A Coachella Valley teen died from a flu-related illness – the first pediatric death of the 2024-2025 flu season in Riverside County, according to Riverside University Health System.
“The death is a tragic reminder of the danger that influenza and other vaccine-preventable diseases can pose, even for individuals who are generally healthy,” said Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky, Public Health Officer for Riverside County in the press release announcing the death. “We must remain vigilant and proactive in reducing the spread of infectious diseases through vaccination and hygiene practices.”
There have been 227 child (0 to 17 years) deaths (including the Coachella Valley teen) due to flu this season. Twenty-six of these have occurred in California. Nationwide this is the greatest number of pediatric deaths since 2023-24 when 207 children died from flu related sickness. It is also the greatest number of child flu related deaths in 15 years.
According to the CDC, “among children who were eligible for influenza vaccination and with known vaccine status, 90% of reported pediatric deaths have occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated against influenza.”
“Getting the seasonal flu vaccine remains one of the best ways to protect both children and adults from influenza. . .,” Chevinsky said. “Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we’ve ever had to protect our communities from preventable illness and helps us stay healthy so we can keep doing the activities we enjoy.”
Influenza season generally runs from October to April. Vaccinations for flu and other illnesses are available at medical offices and pharmacies, and through RUHS - Public Health’s vaccine clinics
Next month, Monday, June 16 and June 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., two clinics offering vaccines will be in Hemet. Both will be at Carol’s Kitchen, on 530 S. Buena Vista.
For more information, visit www.ruhealth.org/ publichealth.
Medi-Cal
continued from B4
significantly lower because of anticipated economic changes, the May Revision does not incorporate any effect of actual federal cuts that are currently under consideration in Congress.
But falling revenue is not the only cause of the expanding budget deficit. The State’s Medi-Cal program is growing much faster than expected, according to Newsom.
About one-third of State residents receive benefits from the program, which provides health care for low-income residents.
From 2014-15 to 2024-25, Medi-Cal General Fund costs have more than doubled to $37.6 billion. Since 2019-20, Medi-Cal caseload has grown nearly 25 percent to 15 million in 2024-25, according to the Department of Finance’s data.
Medi-Cal’s growing costs required a revenue infusion this spring. A $3.4 billion loan was provided in March and in April, the Governor signed legislation appropriating another $2.8 billion for Medi-Cal to ensure coverage of enrollees through June.
Consequently, Newsom is proposing several changes to the program, which should save about $5 billion this year and another $9.8 billion through FY 2829.
One cause of the growing costs is the unexpected enrollment after the State opened Medi-Cal to undocumented residents. This budget proposes to limit this opportunity.
“We’re not cutting, is just a cap,” Newsom stressed in his presentation. The program will be frozen at the current limit, particularly for people without documentation of legal residency.
In addition, the State will now impose a $100 monthly premium to Medi-Cal participants 19 years or older, which would be effective Jan. 1, 2027.
“Democrats’ bad accounting has brought Medi-Cal to the breaking point, making it harder for patients to get in to see a doctor,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (District 3). “We owe it to Californians — and to the vulnerable people who depend on this program — to make sure Medi-Cal is meeting their needs.”
Other changes include reducing long-term care and dental benefits. An asset test, which had recently been eliminated, will be re-applied. According to the
State’s population continues to recover and grow
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California’s population is continuing to grow since its decline during the COVID epidemic. As of Jan. 1, 2025, the State’s population was 39,529,101, according to the California Department of Finance.
The increase of 108,438 people is the second consecutive calendar year in which California’s population has grown. That growth is 50 % greater than the 2024 increase. The current total is now only 9,000 residents less than the 2020 state population of 39,538,000.
State data indicates growth in elementary and middle school enrollment. The elderly, 65 years or older, comprise 16.8 % of the state residents. While immigration has grown during this period, natural growth, more births than deaths, has contributed nearly another 115,000 young people.
“People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream, where rights are protected and people are respected. As the fourth largest economy in the world — from the Inland Empire to the Bay Area — regions throughout California are growing, strengthening local communities and boosting our state’s future,” Newsom said in his press release. “We’ll continue to cut tape, invest in people, and seek real results from government to ensure we build on this momentum – all of which are at risk with the extreme and uncertain tariffs.”
Riverside County grew only 4,600 (.2 %), from 2,491,037 to 2,495,640. It was one of 37 counties that incurred population growth and remains the fourth largest county in the State. In 2024 it led the growth of the 10 largest counties in California. Population growth rates ranged from a high of 2.88 % in Lassen County to a low of -1.58 % in Mono County. Riverside City remains the largest city in the County, although its population of 320,337 fell 1,200 residents.
Building on the second year of population growth, California leads the way in tourism spending, and was just announced as the fourth largest economy, moving up from fifth, in the world by the International Monetary Fund. California is also home to the most Fortune 500 companies and most Inc. 5000 companies, according to the press release.
Department of Finance, the removal of the asset test contributed to a 40 percent growth in senior citizen enrollment.
“I strongly oppose the proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and the Governor’s new proposal to scale back the state’s commitment to give health care to our undocumented residents as a result of those federal cuts,” said Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley). “At a time when over 14 million Californians depend on Medi-Cal, including half of all patients in Santa Clara County’s public hospitals, these cuts pose an unacceptable threat to public health, equity, and fiscal stability,”
In addition, a cap in overtime for the in-home supportive services program will be applied. Staff will be limited to 50 hours of overtime weekly. This includes both the time to provide service as well as travel.
Newsom, also, proposes cutting funding for weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic.
One major shift in funding will be the use of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds to pay a portion of the Cal Fire’s budget. For this year, Newsom proposes to use $1.5 billion of GGRF for the State’s fire protection. He noted, the burning forests are a large contributor of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
However, Cal Fire will not receive $31 million for a new training center. It is exploring alternatives that meet the same training capacity goals through a combination of expanding and upgrading existing training facilities and utilizing newly identified long-term lease opportunities to minimize delays in training output.
Despite these reductions, Newsom was proud that educational funding would remain relatively constant. Some programs such as transitional kindergarten will be fully expanded this year, he said. The literacy program will be expanded as well as full funding for school meals for all, and free access to expanded school day and school year enrichment and academic support for thousands of students.
Military retirees will benefit from a change in tax law. “In a tough budget year, we will make an attempt to exempt up to $20,000 of military retirement benefits from state taxes,” the Governor announced.
Finally, Newsom said the May budget revision will include many recommendations to address the homelessness problem throughout the state. Mainly these will be efforts to increase housing supply and thus reduce costs for middle and low-income families. These will include proposals to accelerate urban housing, lessen California Environmental Quality Act regulations, and a homeless agency.
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Eaglets back in the nest with their legs banded PHOTO BY R.KRAMMES
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 Garden -
Facilitator: 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-
DR IDYLLWILD
Sheriff’s log
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls
IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 05-20-2025 21:11
PM 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIR-
CLE DR IDYLLWILD
• VANDALISM 05-19-2025 14:51
PM 5300 *** BLOCK PINE CREST
AV IDYLLWILD
• ATTEMPT WARRANT SER-
VICE 05-18-2025 19:19 PM AD-
DRESS WITHHELD IDYLLWILD
WARRANT
• NOISE COMPLAINT 05-17-
2025 11:43 AM 5500 *** BLOCK
DARYLL RD IDYLLWILD
• CHECK THE WELFARE 05-172025 11:29 AM 2600 *** BLOCK
DELANO DR IDYLLWILD
• TRESPASSING 05-17-2025
07:36 AM 5400 *** BLOCK
NORTH CIRCLE DR IDYLLWILD
• PUBLIC DISTURBANCE 05-17-
2025 00:48 AM 5400 *** BLOCK PINE CREST AV IDYLLWILD
2025 11:14 AM 2500 *** BLOCK ALDERWOOD ST IDYLLWILD
• SUSPICIOUS CIRCUM-
STANCE 05-12-2025 02:41 AM
5400 *** BLOCK PINE CREST AV IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 05-11-2025 20:00
PM 5400 *** BLOCK MARIAN VIEW DR IDYLLWILD
• ALARM CALL 05-11-2025 08:23
AM 5400 *** BLOCK ROCKDALE
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GARNER VALLERY
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.
NONE
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For a complete list of all events in Idyllwild, check out: idyllwildtowncrier.com/events
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Idyllwild Arts Academy violinist Abigail Regua receives Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist award
By David Jerome Correspondent
Abigail Regua, a graduating senior at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, was recently selected for a $10,000 Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist award. The scholarship was awarded to 21 students this year, from among 200 applicants nationwide, and is integrated into NPR’s From the Top program. Applicants become “fellows” of the program, which showcases young classical musicians.
Born in Boston, Regua has lived in Washington DC, the Congo, China, and the Philippines, and will attend the University of California, Berkeley in the fall. She intends to double-major in Music and Molecular and Cell Biology.
Regua described the process behind the Jack Kent Cooke Award and NPR’s From the Top. “Being a fellow means you are playing on the show and being interviewed. You are put into a cohort, you have zoom meetings with other students and mentors. The meetings focus on different topics; the recording process, aspects of audio engineering, being a classical musician today, building connections. There are also master classes.”
Before coming to Idyllwild, Regua lived for three years in the Philippines, and before that, China. But her introduction to the violin occurred when she was five years old and living in Africa.
“My mom worked in public health, in the Congo, where I was living with her. Some neighbors were moving, and had a 1/2 size violin. They knew my mom had a kid who was interested in music, and offered her the violin. At first she was cautious; that would mean lessons, which were expensive, and she was a single mom.” Abigail’s mother decided to foster her daughter’s interest. “I started with a random teacher in Kinshasa. I did not learn much. We moved back to the US when I was seven, that’s when I really got started.”
In the small town in Massachusetts where they were living, Abigails’ mother first found a young gigging musician, who was often traveling. “When I was nine, I joined a Saturday music program at Tufts, where my mom also worked.”
Abigail was attracted to the chamber music program, but needed to catch up. “I was struggling, they said ‘she needs proper lessons.’ They recommended (the man who became) my childhood teacher, Emil Altschuler. He was a great teacher, he went to Juilliard and Yale. I did orchestra, I kept taking lessons from Emil, semi-pri-
Little Sluggers Continue to Impress, Coaches Highlight their Star Players
BY JOHNNY WILSON ICC SPORTS DIRECTOR
Tee-Ball League
The home team on the Main Field last Wednesday May 14 was the Mini Bears (sponsored by Beard-ABear) taking on the Super Sonics (sponsored by Dutch Design & Landscaping) in the third week Tee-Ball League. These young players have shown tremendous improvement as the infielders are working together to get the batters out at first base. Although several outs were successfully made, the batters remain on base to run the bases, as we do not keep track of score in this league.
We do, however, keep track of who is contributing to the team on offense, defense, and with their positive good attitudes and team play.
This week Super Sonics coach Cammi Chapman chose Aesop Iyaman and Lyra Campolong as her “players of the week” for their teamwork with infield plays and excellent batting skills. They worked well together to get several of the Mini Bears out at first base. Well done, Aesop and Lyra!
In the Outer Field it was the Tee-Rexes (sponsored by Wild Imaginations) hosting the Wildlings (sponsored by Idyllwild Dental) in the second Tee-Ball bout last week. In a back-and-forth matchup between both teams, the Wildlings were making plays in the infield against the hard-hitting Tee-Rexes. Then the roles reversed. And after two action-packed innings, it was a foreseeable tied See Sports, page B6
vate for a year, then private for about five years. When I moved to China, I kept having him as a teacher, until 8th grade,” the lessons continuing online, through FaceTime or Zoom.
In China her education continued. “I auditioned for Tianjin Juilliard, it is a campus that now grants degrees.” She had hoped to be accepted for the orchestra, but instead got into the public education program, Saturday lessons. “I was 12 or 13, I was surprised I passed the prescreen round. I thought my teacher was great.”
The opportunity to join an orchestra came on a trip to the capital. “One time I went to get my violin fixed in Beijing. I was walking down a street that was mainly instrument stores. We stumbled across this luthier, and while they were repairing my violin they suggested I audition for Bejing Taiyang, China’s first youth orchestra. The conductor was Xiong Da Jiang.”
Her technique improved to the point that she was scheduled to play as the soloist in Mozart’s Violin Concerto #3, but the concert was canceled due to the onset of the covid pandemic. Abigail and her mother moved to
the Philippines to be close to family. There she began auditioning for arts high schools, which led to Idyllwild Arts.
Regua is fluent in both Mandarin and Tagalog, and feels she has benefited from her immersion in different cultures. “I am very fortunate that I got to experience that at a young age. Moving to the Philippines brought me closer to my heritage. Moving to China made my world view less centered on being American. People asked me ‘what about communism?’ A country isn’t necessarily just their political system. China has over 5,000 years of fascinating history, it has such a beautiful language. I celebrated the holidays; Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn festival, Dragon Boat festival. I was thinking about applying to schools there. My mom still works there. I think a lot of the time people from the US or the west think these are poor, developing countries, that have failing governments, but they are rapidly progressing. I am very grateful to my mother for being able to show me the world, literally.”
After all this, it may come as a surprise that Abigail has other pursuits besides music. She has been participating in STEM classes since an early age, including robotics. “It was tough to choose between university and conservatory. In a perfect world, where I didn’t have to worry about money, I would have gone straight to conservatory. I am someone who likes to be well rounded. I have always taken the sciences very seriously. After I visited Berkeley I thought, ‘this is the place for me.’
“For now I am declaring a double major. We’ll see where I end up for graduate studies. For a very long time I thought ‘I am going to go to a music school,’ but sometimes the unexpected happens. I got a lot of scholarships and grants for UCB, that definitely played into the decision.”
A press release describes the Jack Kent Cooke awards: “Since the program’s establishment in 2005, over $4 million has been granted to 429 remarkable young artists striving to attain excellence in music despite financial barriers. The award is used to help offset the often prohibitively expensive costs of studying classical music at a high level, offering these driven musicians a better chance of succeeding in a highly competitive art form.”
Abigail Regua will appear in show 469 of NPR’s From the Top.
by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol.
eet Pirate Pierre. He’ll be stuck on this island for the next few months until another ship arrives to rescue him. It’s a great time to know the di erence between WANTS and NEEDS
A NEED is something you must have in order to survive. You need water, food, shelter, clothing and sometimes medicines.
A WANT is something you would like to have, but can live without. A computer, cellphone, television and a bike are wants, not needs.
When his ship began to sink, Pirate Pierre had to act quickly to grab things he would NEED on the island rather than things he might WANT
Have a friend give you each type of word to fill in the blanks. Then read the story aloud! Pierre’s ship sank after someone put a lot of _______ inside one of the cannons.
How did he do? Circle the things he will NEED on the island. Cross out the things he might WANT that won’t really help him.
Standards Link: Economics: Understand the difference between basic survival and nonessential items.
It’s going to be six months until the next pirate ship visits Pierre’s island. He made a map of the island.
Circle the places on Pierre’s map that will provide NEEDS. Cross out places that provide WANTS.
Standards Link: Economics: Differentiate between wants and needs.
needs sh! How many can you nd
Sometimes it’s
Circle the foods here that you think are a need. Show your choices to a family member. Do they agree?
Look through the newspaper ads for something that you want. Divide the price of that item by 12. There are 12 months in a year, so how much would you
Look through today’s newspaper for five examples of things you need to survive. Then find five things you want Wants and Needs in the Newspaper
Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards,
and
Pierre swam to the shore of a very strange island. It was covered with ______________ _____________ , so he knew he’d have plenty to eat.
Instead of coconuts, ________ grew on the trees. And to catch fish, he used ____________ ___________ for bait!
He built a little hut out of __________ that he found on the _______ . It protected him when rain began to _______ from the sky.
Pierre was eager to _________ home. He made a tall tower of _____________ to catch the attention of passing ships. It worked! The captain of a _______ ________ saw the tower and Pierre was rescued! Standards Link: Grammar: Understand and use nouns, adjectives and verbs correctly.
The verb survive means to be able to remain alive.
The food delivery helped the family to survive the flood. This week’s word:
Try to use the word survive in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family.
List three things you NEED in your life and three things you WANT. Write a paragraph explaining your choices.
41, No. 25
Help Pierre catch a crab for dinner!
Live Music
Photographers Hyang Lim Lee and Chun Park at the Idyllwild Library. PHOTO BY DAVID JEROM
Vendors at St Hugh's Arbor Day Festival included Julie Roy, The Zoom Queen of the Alpaca industry.
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROM
Memorial Day Weekend Yard SaleTreasureMap
1Big sale 54111 Linger Ln Fri/Sat 9 to 4 Sun 2 to 4 Framed art, posters collectibles, Costco outdoor table and 6 chairs, A large CATIO, quilt fabric and supplies, small furniture, vintage wood desk, kitchen and household items, clothing and more-plus a FREE area with books and treasures.
2Estate Sale. Garage full of tools and equipment; household items and jewelry; 14’ aluminum fishing boat; lots of misc. 7 am to 2 pm Fri, Sat. 5/23-24. 54555 Memory Lane (off Saunders Meadow Rd.)
3Yard Sale Sat/Sun 5/24 and 5/25 8am-12pm 26800 Meadow Glen Dr. Bikes, Music Gear, Music Toys 4 kids, Telescope, Housewares, Goodies Galore!
454205 Strawberry Valley Drive. FRI. 5/23, 8 am–3 pm.
We’re back & we always sell out on day one! Vintage and MCM Items available, household, kitchen & unique items, and items from our Vintage Store in Rancho Mirage. This is the yard sale you don’t want to miss! NO early birds!
5Yard Sale close to town! 54640 Marian View Dr. Sat-Mon, 5/24-26, 8am-5pm. Men’s and women’s clothing, holiday decorations, bicycles, patio furniture/umbrella, games (electronic and board) household items (kitchenware, bedding, etc.) queen bed w/mattress topper, more.
6Yard Sale 26190 Hemstreet Place. Motorcycle ramps, scaffolding, tools and other items all in good condition and priced to sell. Fri. and Sat. 5/23-24 after 7am.
7Idyllwild’s StopLight annual Memorial Day sale! 10-50% off throughout the store. Way too much to list! Fri Sat Sun Mon, 10-6. 25965 Highway 243
8Uttermost Yard Sale at Idyllwild Bible Church, 25860 Highway 243/Pinecrest Ave. Thurs.-Fri. 5/22-23, 7am7pm, Sat. 5/24, 7am-2pm.
9Garage Sale 25495 Palomar Rd. Cookbooks, art, furniture, catering equipment and much more. Fri, Sat, Sun 5/23-35, 8am-3pm. No early birds.
10Yard Sale Friday and Saturday May 23-24, 8 am to noon-ish. 25455 Palomar Rd. All kinds of stuff! Good Quality! Come See!
11Huge moving sale! Quality from every room & garage! 9am-2pm Sat/Sun. Beds, chairs, lamps, tableware,, kitchen, bar stools, décor, bedding, art, huge book collection, cookbooks, bookshelves, stunning canopy bed, picnic tables, bathtub, outdoor furniture & more! 25270 Cougar Rd.
12YARD SALE Thurs. May 22– Sun. May 25; 8-5 pm. Holiday items, furniture, collectibles, including dolls. Women’s and children’s clothes. Lots of movies and CDs. Origami, costume jewelry, scentsy items and lots of other items! 25628 Big Pine, off Hwy 243 and Cedar Glen.
13Estate sale. Hunting trophies/taxidermy; vintage clothing, games, books, other various household items including original Tupperware; furniture; paintings. 10-3 Sat, 10-1 Sun, no early birds. 25461 Shadow Oaks Dr, cross street Golden Leaf Trail.
14Moving. Family garage sale. Furniture, tools, clothing, kitchen, patio furniture, 54935 Strong Dr. Friday and Saturday, 9am-2pm. No early birds.
15Grasons Estate Sale 25229 Fern Valley Road Fri-Sat, May 23-24, 8:30am-1:00pm Native jewelry, Kachina dolls, Pottery: Baur, Hull, Fiesta. Antiques and collectibles, furniture, tools, kitchen utensils. We accept cash, credit, debit.
16Estate Sale Fri/Sat 8am to 4pm, Sun 8am-1pm. 54385 Pine Crest Ave.
17Garage Sale! Check it out! 55021 San Jacinto Rd. Sat/Sun 9am-2pm. Household, kitchen, clothes, so much stuff!
18Estate Reduction Sale Garner Valley, Thurs, Fri. Sat 7am-3pm. 59494 Hop Patch Spring Rd. Follow the signs on Highway 74.
19Yard Sale, moving. Fri-Sat, 5/23-24, 7am. 53125 Overlook Dr. Snowblower, tools, 100amp lithium battery, drywall sander, beds, chairs, dining tables, TV cabinet and lots more.
20Huge Yard Sale 53026 McKinney Lane Saturday 5/24 8am-3pm Tools, clothing, 1990 Dodge D100 Treasures of all kinds!
21Yard Sale Fri-Sat 5/23,24, 9am-2pm 25865 Shady View Dr. Furniture, art, household.
22Yard Sale Sat-Sun, May 24-25, 9am-5pm. 54520 South Circle Dr. Tools, furniture, bedding, collectibles
23Yard Sale 25262 Deer Path Rd, Pine Cove, May 24-25, Sat-Sun, 8am-4pm. Estate Sale, contents of beautiful home. Beautiful chandelier, grand piano, curve screen TV, large screen TV, linens, cookware, stereo, fax machine, high-end bedroom furn., everything must go. 24BEST YARD SALE EVER is back. Fri, Sat, Sun, 5/2325, 8-4, no early birds. Bikes, tools, art and everything I can drag out except the cat. 24820 Marion Ridge Dr, Pine Cove, just up from the Fire Station.
25Yard Sale 8am-1pm, Fri-Sat May 23-24. Lots of treasures, collectibles, clothing, Home Brew/Kombucha equipment. 25601 Scenic Dr. (off South Circle) Come up and enjoy the sweet cool air & spring colors!
26Garage Sale 53270 Hillsdale St. at Scenic Dr.: FriSat-Sun 9am-4pm: Outdoor Recreation, Sound Systems, decor. New & gently used Men’s/Women’s/Children’s fashions. ORGANIZED, GREAT DEALS!!
Students of the Week
This week we would like to celebrate our 7th graders with the highest GPA.
Congratulations to:
Maverick Marshall
Polina Rasskazova
Noah Reeves
Gaige Schnalzer
We are so proud of you. Great job Mountain Lions!!
Creature Corner
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats celebrated Bella's adoption and Noella, ARF's newest member of its feline community.
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats celebrated Bella's adoption and Noella, ARF's newest member of its feline community.
Pepper: Those itty bitty kittens are getting awfully cute!
Harley: They truly are. They're now playing with each other, under the loving eyes of their mother.
Marlowe: I've heard ARF visitors say how enjoyable it is to visit with them. I bet they'll be snatched up in no time.
Harley: ARF will begin accepting applications and deposits on the little sweeties until they're ready to go in about 4 weeks.
Noelle: I'm told there are three female and two male.
Harley: And now everyone here is getting ready for the big Memorial Day yard sale.
Noelle: Anyone who has a dog or cat should stop by. There is so much for their beloved fur babies.
Marlowe: But don't forget those larger pet birds, like parrots, as ARF also has a couple of large houses (a.k.a. cages) perfect for them.
Noelle: I've seen the yard sale stash, and it includes beds, toys, cat trees, carriers, leashes, collars, dog ramps, and harnesses, to name just some of it.
Marlowe: And there will also be “human” goods, including towels and blankets.
Noelle: The sale will be held on May 23, 24, and 25, from 9 til 3.
Pepper: What I especially like is that every single penny from this sale will go right to us!
Past Tense
75 years ago - 1950
The Town Crier, which first saw the light of day in the Maxwells’ attic, moved into the rock building at Fern Valley Corners.
70 years ago - 1955
Dispensing mountain hospitality with all modern conveniences was the new Singingwood Motel, which opened the prior week, on the Banning highway a half mile from the village.
65 years ago - 1960
Don and June Mulford, who covered almost 2,500 miles on horseback from the Mexican border to Canada, showed a movie at Town Hall of their five-month trek as a fund-raiser for the Chamber of Commerce.
60 years ago - 1965
The first comprehensive
to-Santa Rosa mountain area, “Guidebook to the Sunset Ranges of Southern California,” by Russ Leadabrand, went on sale.
55 years ago - 1970 Pine Cove County Park was formally dedicated as a unit of the Riverside County Parks system.
50 years ago - 1975
Despite rain, more than 2,000 people attended the fourth-annual Idyllwild Bluegrass Festival.
45 years ago - 1980
The San Jacinto Mountain Area Water Study Agency was considering a $3 million sewer project. It would use 55,000 feet of pipeline if installed.
40 years ago - 1985
The Restaurant Gastrognome was selected as an award-winning restaurant by the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association.
35 years ago - 1990
The Rotary Club prepared for its annual Memorial Day Apfel Pfann Kuchen pancake breakfast. The recipe was kept in a safe-deposit box and would be removed and hand-carried
event so the batter could be prepared. It would then be immediately sequestered until the next year.
30 years ago - 1995
Hakuyu Taizan Maezumi, Roshi, founder of the Zen Mountain Center in 1983, died at the age of 64. Roshi was internationally noted for his influence as a Zen master, particularly on the practice in the United States.
25 years ago - 2000
Idyllwild Garden Club board members visited Reva Ballreich’s lilac garden to view the new single blue lilac she developed and named “Idyllwild.”
20 years ago - 2005
The Hill was losing the cardboard recycling site at Community Lumber because Waste Management Inc. decided not to supply a bin for the site any longer.
15 years ago - 2010
Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce Directors Mimi Lamp and Richmond Blake presented Chamber President Ken Carlson with a 30day notice of intent to expel him from Chamber membership during the Chamber’s monthly meeting on
11 year ago - 2014
A 46-year-old male sustained moderate injuries, including a fractured left leg, after falling about 50 feet while rock climbing Monday afternoon. Cal Fire hoisted the patient into Helicopter 301, which transported the rescued hiker to Keenwild Forest Service Station where American Medical Response then transported him to a nearby hospital.
10 year ago - 2015 Paws for Rhythm and Brews, the first Animal Rescue Friends of Idyllwild beer festival, was held Saturday, June 6, at the Idyllwild Nature Center.
5 year ago - 2020
Co-publisher Jack Clark encouraged people to buy local to help save the community during the COVID-19 shutdown.
1 year ago - 2024
As of Sunday, May 19, Caltrans construction on the Route 74 bridge at Strawberry Creek shifted to the westbound lane as crews completed the eastbound abutments and continued
Noelle: I think you mean the money will benefit ARF dogs and cats, right?
Pepper: But of course!
This week's Creature Corner is sponsored by Lois Shepard. Would you like to be a sponsor? Please let us know! Be sure to keep up with the animal antics of Days of our Nine Lives each week. And please stop in to say hello to the entire adoptable cast at the ARF House, 26890 Hwy 243. ARF is open Saturdays 10-3, Sundays 10-2, and during the week by appointment. Please call 951-659-1122.
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game in the end. Wildlings coach Mel Norman named Brooks Adams and June Hilgris as this week’s “players of the week” for the Wildlings. Here is Coach Mel Norman after the game:
“Brooks is all around a great team player. His sportsmanship is recognized through his power hits and focus on the game. He played shortstop and had great defense against the Tee-Rexes. June is always ready to play. This week she wore her lucky hip scarf that jingled and covered first base. The ball came her way and she was on-point getting an out against the Tee-Rexes.”
The next Tee-Ball games are scheduled for Wednesdays May 21st, May 28th, and June 4th at 5:00pm at the Idyllwild School.
Minor League
The home team last week was the Muckdogs (sponsored by Pure Bean) who were still looking for their first W against the Padres (sponsored by Black Mountain Coffee) and they were ready for it.
The Muckdogs held them scoreless in the first inning with great defensive plays by Hunter Adams, Jack Bratten, and the rest of the infielders. They managed to score two runs with Annebelle Ridge getting on base with a lead-off single and scoring a run. After one inning, the score was 2-0 for the Muckdogs.
The Padres answered back hitting their 5-run maximum in the second innings, however the Muckdogs were not going to give up that easily. Their second inning was their best yet with RBI singles by Theo Freund (who also scored a run), Walter Staff, Milo Sinclair, and a 2-RBI double by Charlie Dewese. The Muckdogs were on-fire behind the plate in the second inning! After hitting their 5-run max, they still had the lead 7-5.
And into the final inning we go, where there is a limitless number of runs allowed. The Padres took advantage of this and brought in 6 runs to get ahead by 4. And unfortunately for the Muckdogs, the Padres got three quick outs to end the game before any runs could be scored by the Muckdogs in the last inning. Final score: Padres 11, Muckdogs 7.
It was a heart-breaking defeat as the Muckdogs
played their best game of the season yet, as they had the lead throughout most of the innings. Nevertheless, coach Carl Dewese is proud of his team and had this to say his young stars: “For this week, I’d like to highlight Jack Bratten and how great he’s been doing at hitting. He has also been making some great plays at third throwing it all the way to Hunter Adams who’s been making some great catches. I’d also like to highlight Maddix Compton who is always asking the right questions to make sure he understands where the play is going, and what he should be doing when he gets the ball. Lastly I’d like to say something about our team as a whole and how we keep putting pressure on the Padres to have to come back in the last inning.”
If the Muckdogs continue to play like they did last week, it will only be a matter of time until they celebrate a victory. The next game between these two Minor League teams will be Thursday May 22nd at 4:45pm.
Major League
It was a rather abnormal week for the Major League teams in terms of rosters, as there were many school activities that the coaches had to navigate around; like Tuesday’s “Open House” at Idyllwild School, and the fact that most of the eight-graders were gone on their end-of-the-year field trip to Catalina last week.
Nevertheless the show must go on, and the coaches from all three teams shined a bright light on some of their rising stars.
Like Coach Nick Fernandes from the Blue Crew (sponsored by Adams Electric) after last Tuesday’s May 13th game against the Mambas (sponsored by Fairway Foods Market): “Our ‘player of the game’ is River
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Fernandes. He pitched a complete game shutout, had a single, a grand slam homerun, drove in 5 RBI’s, and scored 2 runs in the 16 to 0 win.”
Yep, that is not a typo. The score was close all game long (2-0 heading into the final inning) until the batting power of the Blue Crew scored 14 runs in the final inning! Final score: Blue Crew 16, Mambas 0.
Pitcher Luke Olivier for the Mambas had a decent game on Tuesday (before getting substituted) and an even better game Thursday May 15th where he struck out 7 batters on the OG Glitter Sparkles (sponsored by Kenyon Electric). Mambas coach Nick Gillot shines the spotlight on another one of his young stars when asked about his “players of the week”: “Makai Githaiga for the Mambas. He had a two-run homer and great plays in the infield.”
Despite great pitching by Luke and excellent batting by Makai, the Mambas fell short of a victory again Thursday, but that didn’t seem to faze them as their attitudes, team pride, and heads were held high despite the losses.
Gillot merits a round of applause for persevering to keep his team spirit up no matter what the scoreboard shows. This team is developing ‘tough skin’which is exactly what is needed during the final week of playoffs in June. Final score: Mambas 3, OG Glitter Sparkles 11. Tamara Bratten, assistant coach for the OG Glitter Sparkles, shines a light on one very special player who rose above the competition while a lot of his teammates were gone to Catalina. He filled in where needed and had one heck of a game all around:
Noah Klauck’s hitting was on fire for Thursday’s game: a double and a grand slam. 6 RBIs in total!”
Noah’s double was actually a “ground-rule double” where the ball was hit deep into left field, bounced once, and hopped over the fence. Amazing for a kid his age. Bratten continues, “He closed the game with a stellar performance on the mound. [He struck out the final three batters to end the game]. Noah always has a great attitude; the Glitter Sparkles are lucky to have him.” Well done, Noah!
The next Major League games are Wednesday May 21st (OG Glitter Sparkles vs Blue Crew) and Thursday May 22nd (Mambas vs Blue Crew), both at 6:00pm.
CURRENT STANDINGS
March
You
June
Meeting new associates can be awkward, even if you’re in a
positive phase right now. Best advice: Make them feel comfortable, and you’ll soon forget your own discomfort.
It’s a good time for you social Lions to blow-dry your manes, polish your claws, and look like the Fabulous Felines you are as you make new friends and influence the influential!
Expectations run especially high this week, and you should feel confident in your abilities to take advantage of what might be offered. Meanwhile, a colleague has some advice you might find helpful. A recent flurry of activity leaves you in need of a little breathing space, and you’d be wise to take
December
January
Noah Klauck had a grand slam, a gound rule double, 6 RBI’s, and struck out three batters in last Thursday’s game. He is the OG Glitter Sparkles’ Player of the Week.
Aesop Iyaman (Player of the Week) batting for the Super Sonics.
