Grand Jury: Inmate’s death due to inadequate booking procedures
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, the Riverside County Grand Jury issued a report on an in-custody homicide in the County jail system last fall.
The Report identified several faults and failings in the procedures during the September booking and processing of a person arrested and taken to Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside to be jailed.
“The effective use of an inmate classification system can ensure the safety of staff, the inmates, and the public,” the Grand Jury stressed. But the Grand Jury did not feel that this booking – both procedures and staff attention -- met those standards. These mistakes lead to an interaction between the arrestee and another prisoner, who suffered fatal injuries.
Among the errors which the Grand Jury noted was the use of the arrestee’s alias and failure to use fingerprinting system which would have revealed his actual name, prior record and dangerous behavior.
If this had been done, he would not have been assigned to Site-B and would have been given a higher violence classification – 5 rather than 3.
“An inmate’s true identify is a critical piece of information in the classification process,” the Grand Jury said and noted that the Livescan fingerprint report will provide this. However, the Sheriff’s Office said there were delays in receiving this information back.
By being wrongly booked, he was classified as a medium danger for jail housing. This enabled him to be eligible to go to the County’s Site-B, where inmates are offered training and education. This includes training for printing, engraving, culinary arts, landscaping, welding and even a barista program.
While using Site-B’s less restrictive activities, this inmate encountered and apparently assaulted another inmate with a deadly weapon. The victim was transported to a hospital but eventually died from these injuries.
The Grand Jury Report did not identify either inmate. However, the Sheriff’s Department released a press release on Sept. 13, 2024, that stated, “. . . On September 7, 2024, the victim, Steve Gonzalez, a 36-year-old resident of Moreno Valley, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. [Scott] Lowder [a 55-year-old] remains in custody pending murder charges.”
“Although the subject inmate was arrested for ‘making criminal threats and brandishing a firearm’, his rating classification assessment form indicated ‘non-vi-
olent,’” according to the Grand Jury review.
The problem was the system, including software, that takes eye scans and fingerprints did not identify the inmate’s real name and identity. The Sheriff’s Office told the Grand Jury that there is a history of the system failing or note working correctly.
Two systems did not share information, consequently, the inmate was processed as non-violent, according to his alias.
The Report also says that aspects of the booking system are 30 years old. The county has approved money for upgrades, and the Sheriff’s Department is talking with vendors, the report says.
But electronic fingerprinting, use of biometrics and computerized criminal history databases have been developed to avoid these kinds of errors or tricks, according to the Grand Jury.
The Report concluded, “. . . subject inmate would not have been eligible for enrollment at Site-B had he been correctly identified and if the classification staff at Site B had verified the inmate’s profile.”
The overall Report made nine recommendations, including installation of validation for the Livescan reports, provision of mandatory training for Sheriff staff responsible for enrollment to Site-B and annual recertification for staff responsible for booking and classification procedures.
The Grand Jury is expecting responses from both the Sheriff’s Department and the Board of Supervisors.
In addition, the State Attorney General’s investigation into multiple in-custody deaths in the County’s jail system over the past several years is continuing.
Arts Academy production of Into the Woods to compete in Lucie Arnaz Awards
By David Jerome Correspondent
Michael Slocum, President of the Associates of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation, shared news this week from the Theater Arts Department. The cast of their production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods have been nominated and will compete in the Lucie Arnaz Awards Competition in Rancho Mirage on June 1. The production was nominated in two categories, Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Musical.
The Arnaz awards, (named after the actress/singer daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz), are one of a network of local awards programs across the country for high school musical theater performance. The winners go to New York City for the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the “Jimmys.” These awards are sometimes called “Tonys for Teenagers” and are named after impresario James Nederlander.
Slocum pointed out that IAA has sent students to New York before for the Jimmys: in 2023, Andre Real won the “Spirit of the Jimmys” award.
Dramatic Arts Chair Denis McCourt Stryjewski invites supporters of IAA and musical theater enthusiasts to attend the competition. It will be Sunday, June 1 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 at the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center at Rancho Mirage High School, 31001 Rattler Road, Rancho Mirage. Admission is free.
Emergency preparation workshop brings together local organizations and CORE, with focus on elders and special needs residents
By David Jerome Correspondent
The May 21 Town Hall workshop on emergency preparedness had a special focus on elders and those with impaired mobility. The workshop was presented by members of Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) in partnership with Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council (MCFSC), Mountain Disaster Preparedness (MDP), Idy Elders and Others, and Forest Folk. CORE is a global humanitarian organization that began to work in California during the pandemic. They have since begun to help prepare communities for wildfire, starting in Siskyou county. Everyone, the speakers emphasized, needs to prepare for emergencies with their own unique needs and situation in See Emergency, page A4
Students of the Week …PAGE B5
Ribbon cutting for the new owner of the Green Thing, Hector
PHOTO
Congress says gas fueled vehicles stay, no rush for zero emissions
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
The car and truck replaced the horse and buggy and wagon. Electric vehicles are supposed to replace gasoline powered vehicles. This evolutionary step is intended to reduce air pollution; but not yet, says the Trump Administration.
In two separate actions last week, Congressional Republicans took actions to slow the trend from gas vehicles to electric. In their opinion, these rules are too costly and impractical. They prevent buyers from making their choice on the type of vehicle which they wish to own.
The U.S. Senate approved a motion to revoke California’s regulations that would gradually end the sale of new gas-powered vehicles in the state by 2035.
By Thursday evening, both Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have said California will file litigation opposing the legality of this action. And on Friday, they announced a coalition of 11 states to advance clean air actions.
“This Senate vote is illegal. Republicans went around their own parliamentarian to defy decades of precedent,” Newsom said in his press release. “We won’t stand by as Trump Republicans make America smoggy again — undoing work that goes back to the days of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan — all while ceding our economic future to China. We’re going to fight this unconstitutional attack on California in court.”
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 and the State has used this waiver procedure frequently.
In December, EPA approved the state’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulations. The ACC II sets the state for the number of zero emission vehicles to increase annually until 2035, when the sale of new gas fueled vehicles will be prohibited. At that time, 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.
Often other states follow California’s lead, so far 11 states have adopted rules consistent with California’s waiver. This represents about 40 percent of the car market.
However, using a seldom invoked rule, the Senate voted to revoke the state’s zero emissions rule. The Congressional Review Act 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.
However, the legality of the Senate’s action in this particular case has been questioned twice in the past two months, both the General 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.
“The weaponization of the Congressional Review Act to attack California’s waivers is just another part of the continuous, partisan campaign against California’s efforts to protect the public and the planet from harmful pollution,” Bonta said in the press release. “As we have said before, this reckless misuse of the Congressional Review Act is unlawful, and California will not stand idly by. We need to hold the line on strong emissions standards and keep the waivers in place, and we will sue to defend California’s waivers.”
The Senate vote was 51-44. On May 1, the House voted 246-164 to pass a resolution rejecting California’s ACC II rules. These go to President Donald Trump for signature.
“Today, the Senate voted to end California’s EV mandate and send my joint resolution of disapproval under the CRA to President Trump’s desk,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).
“The Biden administration and Congressional Democrats tried to block the will of the American people from this attempt by extreme unelected California and Biden EPA bureaucrats to ban gas-powered cars throughout the country, but Congress has now spoken and soundly rejected this rule,” Capito, chair of the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee, said in her release announcing the vote outcome. “The impact of the California’s waiver would have been felt across the country, harming multiple sectors of our economy and costing hundreds of thousands of jobs in the process.”
Nearly 2.2 million ZEV have been sold in California. In the first quarter of 2025, the sales were about
100,000 or 23 percent of total vehicle sales in the State. Greenhouse gas emissions have fallen 20 percent since 2000, according to Newsom.
The second action was the House passage of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”, which made many changes to the current tax system. The House bill ends the $7,500 tax credit for buying or leasing an electric vehicle. It also imposes an annual $250 fee on electric vehicles to compensate for lost revenue from gasoline taxes.
The bill also reduces subsidies for battery manufacturing and money for charging stations that Congress passed during the Biden administration.
However not all California politicians objected to the Senate’s action.
“The Senate just staged an intervention. Let’s be honest, California needed it,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (AD 3). “Newsom’s gas car ban was never about the planet. It was about control. You like your car? Too bad. Can’t afford a new one? Sucks for you. Grid overloaded? Not his problem. This wasn’t climate policy. It was punishment for not living like an activist. The rest of the country finally said no thanks. California doesn’t get to hijack the car market with one guy’s ego trip.”
On Friday, in a joint statement with 10 other governors, Newsom announced the formation of the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition — led by the U.S. Climate Alliance. The coalition’s purpose is to develop collective solutions that make cleaner vehicles more affordable and accessible to all Americans who want them. Their efforts will focus on a transition to cleaner and more affordable cars, support for the U.S. automotive manufacturers and workers, and preservation of states’ clean air authority, according to the press release.
“The federal government and Congress are putting polluters over people and creating needless chaos for consumers and the market, but our commitment to safeguarding Americans’ fundamental right to clean air is resolute,” Newsom and the 10 other Governors said in their statement. “As we consider next steps for our clean vehicle programs, our states will engage stakeholders and industry to provide the regulatory certainty needed while redoubling our efforts to build a cleaner and healthier future.”
The following states are part of the Affordable Clean Car coalition: California, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
Location:
Delano House, Corner of Idyllbrook Drive and Delano, Idyllwild
Join our social hour at 2 pm with wine and appetizers
Class goes from 3 to 5 pm
All art materials and supplies included $55 per person
Tickets on sale at associatesofiaf.org
Saturday May 31st, 2025 At 7:30
Dirait-on American Classic 4 songs from Aaron Copland Di Lasso, Handel , Bartok, Brahms
Idyllwild Water approves budget, considers purchase of electronic sign
By David Jerome Correspondent
The May 21 meeting of the Idyllwild Water District included the approval of the annual budget. The board also began to discuss the purchase of an electronic sign that would display public notices.
General Manager Bill Rojas reported that the excavation and encroachment permits for the Strawberry Creek Diversion project have been issued by the county, and the contractor, ELCO, will be ready to begin work July 1.
Like the other local water districts, IWD is responding to new state guidelines for cross-connection control, hardware to prevent back flow into the distribution system. Rojas said he is working with a specialist to guide him in compliance. The requirements include having an employee certified and licensed as a cross-connection specialist, and Chief Water Operator Brian Wilson is now enrolled in the training program ahead of the July 1 deadline. Director Mitch Davis offered to help, saying that he has the certification and has “many times” performed the hazard evaluation. Rojas invited him to meet with him and discuss this.
The district is moving forward with a second Median Household Income study in the attempt to qualify for grant funding to rehabilitate the wastewater treatment plant. Rojas said he is working with the California Rural Water authority to compile a study using only sewer customers. The state must approve the study on their own timeline before packets can be mailed out to customers. CFO Hosny Shouman clarified that the focus will be on full-time residents with local mailing addresses among the 587 addresses with sewer connections.
Leaks were fixed at Lake and Marian View, Tollgate, and North Circle at the Theater. There was also a sewer line job completed that day on Alderwood, repairing pipe that was cracked and allowed inflow and infiltration during rains.
The directors began to discuss the purchase of a lighted sign for the district office, to “enhance the district’s ability to communicate important and timely information to the public in a clear, visible, and consistent manner.” Rojas recommended a system that is hardwired and less prone to hacking. Director Jessica Priefer noted that modern lighting downtown has in the past
caused complaints, and that any lighted sign must “look right” and “fit with the building.”
Board President Charles Schelly, who asked that discussion of the sign be included on the agenda, said that he thought the sign should go on the roof, be protected by an overhang, and be about 3 feet by 4 feet. Office Manager Tyla Wheeler reported that such signs have a wide price range depending on size, resolution and ease of programming. Schelly suggested a price ceiling of five to eight thousand dollars and instructed staff to come up with candidate systems.
The board approved the budget for the coming financial year. They had discussed it in detail at their May 17 workshop. It predicts revenue for the water side of $2,554,432, and expenses of $2,256,015 plus $60,000 for post-employment benefits, for a margin of $299,417. The sewer side plans for income of $1,253,347 and expenses of $751,270 for a margin of $482,077. Capital improvements are planned for $850,000 for the water side, ($638 thousand for the Strawberry Creek Diversion) and $125,000 for the sewer side. This will lead to a $193,506 deficit to be taken from the district’s $3 million reserve fund.
One peculiar detail was spotted by director Steve Olson: sewer base rates will rise by 13%, but revenue is only forecast to increase by 8%. CFO Shouman explained that there has been a reduction in EDUs (Equivalent Dwelling Units) due to some businesses being closed. Customers are charged by the number of fixtures, and so reconfiguring a business may reduce their base charge.
The projected capital improvement expenditures, $975 thousand, are less than half of last year’s $2,308,057. Last year’s aggressive spending included the completion of the Jameson Pipeline, the rehabilitation of the long-uninhabitable lower office building, the purchase of two trucks, the purchase of a house as in investment and as lodging for staff and visitors, the coating of two water tanks, and the purchase of two new solar inverters.
The meeting also included a pro-forma public hearing to consider and approve stands by fees for water and sewer rates.
The next meeting is scheduled for June 18.
DEAR IDYLLWILD COMMUNITY,
On May 23rd, we bade farewell to the Class of 2025. The students of Idyllwild Arts Academy earn a High School Diploma as well as a certificate of completion in the arts. The expectation established for these students far exceeded the requirements of a traditional high school and they worked diligently to meet the demands of the Academy’s co-curricular unique program. They now leave us as citizen artists, spreading across the globe to take gap years or attend some of the best colleges, conservatories and universities in the United States and abroad.
A time-honored tradition is to grant awards to students of all grades at the conclusion of each academic year. These students are outstanding scholars, artists. and citizens. Below is a list of the 2025 award recipients.
We are proud of all of our students and applaud the growth and accomplishments they achieved this year. Our graduates now join thousands of Idyllwild Arts Academy alumni who are sharing their talents to make a difference around the world.
In gratitude,
Life Tribute: Harriet Thompson
Harriet Thompson, 93 sadly passed away on Thursday May 8th, 2025. She was born on January 4th, 1932 in Attleboro Massachusetts and lived in Idyllwild, California. Harriet was a retired RN.
She was a loving and devoted wife of the late Frank Thompson, retired USN, and cherished mother to 8 children: Raymond Gray (deceased), Gary Gray (wife Pam), Bradley Gray (wife Tamara), Kristeen Bandelin, (deceased) (husband Wade), Scott Gray (deceased) (wife Emily), Mark Gray (wife Elsa), Todd Gray and Roberta Helvey (husband Tom).
She was a beloved grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin. She was a devoted friend, mentor and caretaker to many. Her kindness and wisdom touched the lives of all who knew and loved her.
Harriet was a long time devoted member. of Shiloh Christian Ministries Idyllwild, Ca.
She will be deeply missed by her family and friends and all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of Harriet’s Life will be held at Calvary Chapel, Mountain Center, California, on June 28th 2025, at 11:00am. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in Harriets memory.
RICHARD H. MACNEAL AWARD
Ruslan Khromin
VALEDICTORIAN
Elizabeth Cathleen Henderson Mullaly
OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Elizabeth Cathleen Henderson Mullaly
OUTSTANDING CLASS SCHOLARS
Chloe Speakman - 9th Grade Scholar
Rachel Hua - 10th Grade Scholar
Aster Byrd - 11th Grade Scholar
Freyja Rogenes - 12th Grade Scholar
OUTSTANDING ARTS DEPARTMENT AWARDS
Adin Jacob Joseph - Dance
Julia “Jay” Atanacio - Dramatic Arts
SeoYun Park - Fashion
Jess River Powers - Film & Digital Media
Tain Jo Savanty Half - InterArts
Elizabeth Cathleen Henderson Mullaly - Music
Mina Son - Visual Arts
JON AND LILLIAN LOVELACE OUTSTANDING ARTIST
Robert Nael - Music
Pamela Jordan President, Idyllwild Arts Foundation
“ASK SPIRITUAL WORKOUT”
By Steven Morrison, M.A.
• Editor’s Note: Spiritual Workout is a practice of these 15 concepts: Be Compassionate • Beliefs Matter • Be Present • Choices Abound • Everything Is Energy • Have an Attitude of Gratitude • Intentions Matter • Judgments Separate Us • Listen to Inspiration • Mind & Body Are Connected • Take Responsibility • The Law of Attraction Is Always On • We Are All Connected • We Are Here for a Reason • We Belong to the Planet, Not the Planet to Us. More at spiritualworkout. com.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
My boyfriend and I are probably going to get married but there is a glitch that may be developing between us. I received a lead on a new job, something that is way better than what I have because it’s more interesting and more about what I really love to do but the pay is not as good. My boyfriend is not supportive of my taking this kind of job but it’s pretty much my dream job being delivered to me and I’m torn about what to do. I don’t want to lose him but I also don’t want to just work for money and I’m confused about what to do.
Dear Reader:
If you are truly confused, I promise you that shiny, clear intentions will pull you out of confusion every time. Intentions are guides that remind of us where we’re going, not where we’ve been; of what we want, not of what we don’t want and “I don’t want to just work for money” is the seed of an intention. But I hear a profoundly problematic issue of compassion inside your question. When we are being compassionate, we champion the lives and experiences of others, especially the ones we profess to love. It is not a loving act to deprive anyone of pursuing their passion(s). As spiritual beings, here on purpose for a purpose, this is the imperative: to follow our hearts. I’d think twice about spending my life with someone who believes it’s OK to curtail my enthusiasm — for anything. But that’s just me.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
I am starting to feel overcome with stress and anxiety. I know it’s something we all deal with and I’m not alone in this. But it’s getting worse and I can’t seem to relax because of intrusive thoughts and fear. Do you have any words of wisdom about this?
Dear Reader:
Indeed yes and I’m going to answer in very general terms because you’ve given me the opportunity to remind readers that “stress and anxiety” are not conditions that are rained down upon any or all of us, willy-nilly. Rather, they are byproducts of certain ways of thinking and certain ways of believing. We see evidence of this when we see people who don’t seem to suffer stress and anxiety at all. If we look at them and think, well, “I’m not like that” or “their life is so easy” or “anxiety is just part of life,” we will continue to forever experience stress and anxiety. Thus, as always, cultivating whatever the opposite is for you (e.g., peace and calm) would be essential. And it would be extremely helpful to learn about using E.F.T./tapping. It’s a highly effective tool that costs nothing and really helps to re-wire your system so that “intrusive thoughts” ultimately don’t intrude. It addresses issues of stress and anxiety on a physical level which is where the re-wiring takes place such that a default of stress and anxiety becomes a default of what you’d prefer like peace and calm. It can be done with some practice and commitment. Like anything.
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
FVWD election candidacy deadline June 4
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
The election for the Fern Valley Water District Board of Directors will be Aug. 26. This is a vote by mail election.
The District has two directors, Jon Brown and Robert Krieger, whose terms expire in December.
Also on the ballot will be Don DeVoy, who was recently selected to replace Mike LaFata. The term for this seat expires in December 2027, but DeVoy must stand
Emergency continued from B4
mind. This includes both a “go bag” and a “stay box.” An emergency may require you to leave your home in a moment, or to shelter in place for many days. These needs are both universal and personal.
Go bag lists are available on the internet, but generally they should include:
•A backup supply of any medication you need, as well as a prescription for more.
•ID and important documents: the deed to your house, your insurance policy, mail that proves your address (Idyllwild mail does not always do this!)
•Back up power pack, batteries, chargers
•Hearing and vision aids
•Pet/service animal supplies including food, leash, blanket. Your animals need their own mini-go bag.
•A simple first aid kit.
•Toiletries like hand sanitizer, toothpaste and brush, even toilet paper.
•Any daily vitamins or other supplements you take.
•Cash, as ATMs may not operate during a power failure.
•Extra shirt and pants, change of socks and underwear.
•A book. You may spend a lot of time waiting.
Think about your own daily routines and how you could sustain them away from home. Think of what would make you more comfortable during an unexpected trip. Keep all this near your door or in your car.
The stay box should prepare you for days without power, or possibly even water.
•Water: The figure give at the workshop was three gallons per person per day, to allow for cooking and washing. This is a lot of water.
•Food should be chosen for long shelf life but also for quality nutrition and high protein.
• A radio is an essential, and hand-crank models are often suggested.
•Flashlights and lanterns, with batteries. (Southern California Edison offers rebates on rechargeable powerpacks, some include solar panels. (marketplace.sce. com.)
Nina Kneirim, CORE’s California Area Manager, turned the conversation to the possibilities that are open to those who prepare: they are in a position to help others. She stressed the importance of communication with neighbors and friends, and noting who might need help. She told her own story of having prepared for an evacuation, and being able, once the warning had been given, to knock on the door of a neighbor who was mobility impaired, and whose family lived far away. There was no answer, but after she had checked in with a few other neighbors, she came back to at least leave a message on the door for fire fighters or sheriffs. The neighbor did answer the door this time, and arrangements were made for their evacuation. Knowing which neighbors may need help can save a life. Having your own go bag ready will give you the time to be a good neighbor. “This is what we mean by community.”
The tips: sign up for alerts
Plan to protect your property, as much abatement and hardening as you can.
Pack your go bag
Build your stay box
Help friends and neighbors
If these things are familiar to more members of the community, evacuations will be more orderly. “If you receive a warning, take it seriously. It is best to evacuate at warning….this makes the job of first responders easier.”
Mountain Disaster Preparedness President Mike Feyder noted that this has been their message for almost 40 years. Their program focuses on preparing yourself to be able to care for those close to you first, and the wider community if you are able. He noted that those of us
for election for the final two years.
Nominations must be submitted to the County’s Registrar of Voters Office by May 30.
However, Krieger has announced his resignation, effective June 1. When an incumbent chooses not to seek reelection, the law extends the period to submit declaration of candidacy by another five days. So potential FVWD candidates have until 5 p.m., June 4 to file the necessary papers.
who have lived here more than five years have experienced evacuations and shelter in place situations. “We know each other… we’ve all been through fire and flood.”
Feyder emphasized that as an “island in the sky” we are not only more prone to evacuation or shelter in place emergencies, but we are also more likely to be on our own. MDP is not funded by state of federal government, it is entirely local and all volunteers. Many of MDP’s members are elders. Membership is free, and even the training to enter their Community Emergency Response Team, available on the hill every year, is only 16 hours.
Feyder noted that MDPs Radio group, with handheld radio distributed among members and repeaters above Pine Cove on solar or generator power, are an important tool to keep the community in touch during power failures and cell outages.
MDP’s Disaster Aid Stations are another resource Feyder wants residents to know about. They serve as command centers and congregation points in emergencies. They do not have food or water, but do have first aid supplies, radios, search and rescue tools, lights and power sources. There you will also find reliable information. If you still have internet, MDP will post updates on their Facebook page.
Those with special needs, like mobility impairment, may also leave information about themselves in a sealed envelope in their nearest DAS, which will only be opened in the event of an emergency, allowing team members to know who might need help. “Because we are a small village, it is unlikely much aid will come from outside.” Feyder’s message in response is one of solidarity: “power to seniors in Idyllwild!”
Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council Executive Director Callie Squires thanked Forest Folk, CORE, MDP for their presentations, and Idyllwild Community Center for the use of Town Hall. Squires briefly explained the hazard created as human development has moved into the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) in places like Idyllwild. A map showed that over the last century fires have burned up to the edge of our communities on three sides, but the forest inside our valley has been mostly untouched. This, she said, is due to the fuel breaks created by the Forest Service, CalFire and Idyllwild Fire Protection District, separately and in cooperation. Private organizations and homeowners also have played a part, and Squires highlighted the role of the Idyllwild Arts Academy’s firebreak in protecting Idyllwild during the Cranston fire. Squires noted that approximately 1,700 piles of fuel from these breaks are awaiting burning as summer approaches.
MCFSC continues to offer no-cost removal of trees affected by the golden spotted oak borer, especially heavily infested “amplifier” trees, but their prophylactic program of spraying oaks with barrier insecticide has been paused due to a halt in grant funding.
Squires listed five sources for information about fire, including evacuation alerts:
•Watch Duty gives immediate notification of fires county wide and distinguishes prescribed burns from wildfires. Download at watchduty.org
•Genasys Protect is an app for your cell phone that tells you what evacuation zone you are in and the status of incidents that may affect you. Sign up at: protect.genasys.com.
•Rivcoready.org is the county’s portal that allows you to sign up for address-specific evacuations warnings and orders, even if you are away from home.
•Alertcalifornia.org gives you access to more than 1,144 live webcams.
•WNKI 1610 AM, our local traveler’s and emergency alert radio station. This will soon be reaching most of the mountain plateau.
For more information about MDP: mdpidyllwild. org or (310) 251-2926
For help with abatement including GSOB trees, visit MCFSC.org or (951) 659-6208.
POSTMASTER Send address changes to IDYLLWILD TOWN CRIER, P.O. Box 157, Idyllwild, CA 92549. All contents of the Idyllwild Town Crier are copyrighted by the Idyllwild Town Crier. The IDYLLWILD TOWN CRIER (USPS 635260) is published weekly by AVALON MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING, LLC, PUBLISHER, P.O. Box 157, 54440 N. Circle Dr. Unit F, Idyllwild, CA 92549. Standard postage paid at Idyllwild, CA. Send subscription and change of address requests to the above address. Please allow up to two weeks for requests to take effect.
Idyllwild Master Chorale begins 50th season with Spring Concert
By David Jerome Correspondent
Dwight “Buzz” Holmes and the Idyllwild Master Chorale will present their spring concert on Saturday May 31 at Lowman Hall. The concert takes its title from Handel’s sweetly flowing “Music, Spread Thy Voice Around,” from his Old Testament oratorio Solomon. Spring’s exuberance is echoed in a delightful and varied program, from the renaissance to the 20th century. Love songs, songs about music, and folk songs abound.
The group traces its genesis to Robert Evans Holmes’ 1975 performance with 16 local singers of Saint Saen’s Christmas Oratorio. This led to a performance with orchestra of Handel’s The Messiah, and the formation of a permanent vocal ensemble that became known well beyond our little valley. Buzz says the winter concert will celebrate the Chorale’s 50th anniversary in style.
Orlando di Lasso’s high-renaissance love song “Mon Coeur Se Recommande à Vous” (“I Give to You All Of My Heart) speaks across the centuries, still fresh with ease and grace. From the romantic period the program will include two of Brahms Gypsy Songs (Zigeunerlieder) and an aria by a contemporary of Brahms, French composer Clément Philibert Léo Delibes’ “Flower Duet.” Bela Bartok’s Three Hungarian Folk Songs are among his more traditional settings, lively and natural. Homes notes they “capture a folk flavor, very expressive, and so are the gypsy songs.”
Morten Lauridsen’s Diriat is a modern classic on a text by Rilke, beloved by choirs and audiences. Holmes studied with Lauridsen at USC Thornton School of Music. “(Wife) Julie and I met in his music theory class.”
Four songs by Aaron Copland, include a spiritual, a love song, the humorous “I Bought Me a Cat,” and the rollicking “Ching-A-Ring Chaw.” The program will be rounded out with highlights from Lerner and Loewe’s romantic fantasy Brigadoon.
“I encourage everyone to come to our eclectic gateway to summer. The program covers eras from the renaissance to today. The Flower duet alongside Aaron Copland, Handel to Brigadoon. There are some wonderful guest stars: Dimyana Pelev and Justin Holmes, they will sing some duets. Linda Wallace and Fredda Koupal doing the flower duet.”
The Idyllwild Master Chorale presents their Spring Concert, “Music, Spread Thy Voice Around,” Saturday, May 31st 7:30 pm William M. Lowman Hall
Tickets available online at IdyllwildMasterChorale.org or at the door, $25, Seniors $20, Students $10.
County residents offer opinions on County budget priorities
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
At the May 20 Board of Supervisors meeting, County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen provided a report and analysis of the results of the County’s budget survey. Its purpose was to elicit greater citizen involvement in the Riverside County budget preparation process.
The survey was available from Dec 11, 2024, until it closed on March 31. Nearly 24,000 people did respond, including 13 under the age of 18 and 80 from outside the County.
In his written comments to the Board, Van Wagenen stressed, “The goal was to make our budget process more inclusive and responsive to the needs of our diverse communities, helping to guide decisions that will impact the future of our communities. By engaging the community earlier in the budget planning process, we can ensure that we address the needs and priorities of our residents.”
The University of California, Riverside, School of Public Policy provided the analysis of the data.
By a wide margin, the top priorities for all respondents were public safety, health, human services and public works. Public safety was chosen or mentioned by 65 percent of the respondents. This category included issues such as physical safety and security, emergency response services, and justice-involved programs. More than 60 percent of the residents from each supervisorial district thought it should be the County’s top priority.
Among the districts there was some variation. It was most favored in Districts 2 and 3, where nearly 70 percent of residents selected it as a priority. In District 4, 60 percent also saw it as a priority, but 72 percent of this District included health (which encompassed public health, healthcare clinics and mental health) as a priority.
The other two favored priorities – human services and public works – were selected by half to three-fifths of residents in all five districts.
Respondents were next asked which were their top five initiatives. Examples included more law enforcement, fire stations, disease detection and parks and libraries.
The highest ranked initiative was improved road maintenance. More than 60 percent of all county residents chose it number one. However, only 55 percent of District 4 residents included it among their top five initiatives. Here the more frequent choice was affordable housing. This was also the favorite for District 1 residents.
The other three of the five favorite initiatives were social assistance programs, law enforcement officers and mental health services.
The next question asked about the need for utility or public works projects in their community. Again, the overwhelming recommendation was paved roads. Countywide and in each district, more than half of respondents felt that this was the most important work to be done.
Street lighting and bandwidth followed. The remaining important initiatives were electric, sidewalks, water, parks and sewer.
The fourth question inquired about other import-
ant service providers which are needed in their community. Examples of these choices included shopping centers, gym and fitness centers, medical and healthcare providers, and office buildings.
The responses to this question were more varied. None of the options garnered 50 percent countywide. The top choices, which were themselves varied, were healthcare and medical providers, community centers and grocery stores. Nearly half (49 percent) of District 4 respondents did choose healthcare and medical providers. This was the largest proportion of any district.
Community centers, grocery stores and childcare centers were each mentioned by about one-third of District 4 respondents.
The final question asked respondents how the County budget should be distributed across all the service categories. “The results show a fairly clear pattern, with respondents’ average results suggesting a bit more than one-fifth of the County’s budget be spent on ‘RUHS Health and Hospital Services’ and ‘Public Safety’, a bit less than one-fifth on ‘Human Services’ and ‘Public Works and Community Services’, roughly onetenth of the budget on ‘Fiscal Management and Administration’, and the final tenth on ‘Internal Services’,” wrote the report’s authors.
UCR also conducted a qualitative analysis which focused on themes and key words. As a result of this effort, the study leaders, Dr. Mark Long, the Dean of the School of Public Policy, working with Miriam Fadel and Joshua Mendoza, two graduate students in the Master of Public Policy program offered the following assessments.
With respect to individual district Level needs, Districts 1, 3, 4 and 5 had high densities of concerns regarding roads, street lighting, and sidewalk infrastructure and maintenance.
In the rural and unincorporated areas of District 3, there were many concerns related to other infrastructure issues (such as., water, sidewalks, and bandwidth or internet).
Districts 1 and 4 expressed notable feedback for bridges and easily flooded roads.
Among the nearly 24,000 respondents, 978 responded to the Spanish language version. These respondents showed a disproportionate need for community meetings in Spanish, called for increased access to bilingual materials and translation services, and expressed concerns for basic needs (e.g., clinics, parks, childcare), indicating possible structural exclusion.
UCR also offered several policy recommendations. Among their many recommendations, examples included expanded access to low-cost grocery options and mobile markets in underserved neighborhoods, expanded telehealth access and public education on available county services, open bilingual urgent care and mental health clinics in areas with high unmet need, and improved coordination with public works for responsive pothole, lighting, and drainage repairs.
Van Wagenen will discuss the five community meetings and the budget survey analysis further in his FY 2025-26 budget presentation to the Board on June 9.
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From Army Intel to Art Deco: Pete Holzman’s Journey in Craft
By David Jerome Correspondent
Pete Holzman has been making custom furniture in Idyllwild for over 25 years. Born in Cincinnati, he enlisted in the army out of high school and served in Army Intelligence in Vietnam. There he became interested in photography as a process with creative possibilities. After the service he looked at colleges with photography programs, but did not find a program he could afford. He entered University of Cincinnati and got a B.S. in Graphic Design in 1979. After graduation he worked in graphic design and had his own company in Orange County for 25 years. He says he moved up here to get away from the corporate world.
What started as a hobby became a profession. Instead of seeking new clients for graphic design he put his energy into his shop, and this has kept him going for 25 of the 30 years he has been in Idyllwild. Like many who create a dream job for themselves, he also picked up a side job, in his case as a home inspector.
As a wood worker he is mostly self-taught, with a few classes in wood turning (more for gifts like vases) and marquetry. Marquetry—mosaics of thin veneer inlaid into surfaces—embellishes much of his work now, with often colorful illustrations. “It’s tedious but a lot of fun.” When a project calls for it, he works in metal also.
All his work is on commission. He usually has two projects going at once, one nearing completion, the other just getting started. The work comes by word of mouth, and having his shop on South Circle just off the highway helps. The commissions tend to be very specific. He often visits a client’s home to look at how a piece will fit into their space and compliment the client’s existing furniture and decor, “what I can relate it to,” themes and expressive elements. “My motto is ‘life’s too short for boring furniture.’”
One of his first commissions was “basically a whole home; king-size bed, side tables, dresser, two offices, bookcases and cabinets, a hall tree, a couple of smaller things.” Other commissions have followed that pattern. He says that although he likes to introduce rustic or “cowboy” elements, he loves art deco and art nouveau and incorporates those styles, and their fine craftsmanship into his designs.
“I tell people, custom furniture is expensive and takes a fair amount of time, but every time you see the
piece you love it.” He compares that love to the joy he felt every time he got behind the wheel of his old Alfa Romeo.
“And custom furniture is an easy way to change your environment. You don’t have to buy a new house or renovate.” Among his favorite clients are those “who are as interested in the process as in the thing itself; size materials, finish.”
Pete loves the process of hand work, and the wonder of creating something, of bringing an idea into existence. His shop is a meld of the old and new. “I love working with hand tools, but I wouldn’t kick my CNC machine out of the shop. They are all just tools, they just do what you tell them to.”
“Being up here in Idyllwild, it’s the perfect place for this.” If you make the rounds of local nightspots, you have seen Holzman’s work. “I designed and made the bar and back bar at Ferro and Cafe Aroma, and the circular tasting tables at Middleridge, using a lot of patinated copper.”
Pete credits his wife Sue with helping him find creative solutions. “She has been a huge support, a lot of
good input when I’m stuck and need advice or ideas. She always approaches things from a different and interesting angle.” He also name-checked his friend and helper, Henry Sawicki.
Now approaching 76, Holzman has no thought of retirement. “I don’t plan on slowing down any time soon. I’d like to do it another ten years.” If he did retire, he muses, he’d probably just end up making furniture anyway.
www.noboringfurniture.com Holzman Custom Furniture, 54095 South Circle Dr.
Pete in the shop
PHOTO BY ALEX WATSON
Glass and carved wood side table
PHOTO BY PETE HOLZMAN
Dining table and chairs, cherry wood and steel photo
Chest
In 1980, a search began for an artist to design a special monument to honor the members of the military who died fighting in the Vietnam War. A contest was announced, and artists from coast to coast sent in designs.
Maya Lin’s Unique Memorial Design
A memorial ______________ by a young college student named Maya Lin was chosen. Her design was _________ any other memorial in America. And at first, many people didn’t like it because it looked so _____________.
Maya Lin’s design was two long black granite _________ that formed a V shape. On the shiny and smooth __________ of the wall are the __________ of more than 58,000 soldiers who died or went missing in the Vietnam War.
In the United States, the last Monday in May every year is Memorial Day. It’s a special day for us to remember those who died while serving our nation in the military and keeping us safe.
A Powerful Monument
and
and
With crayons and paper, make rubbings of di erent surfaces around your home. Place the paper over the surface, and use the side of the crayon to make each rubbing.
In 1984, a statue called Three Servicemen was added near the wall. The metal statue was designed by Frederick Hart and honors those who fought and returned from the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam Women’s Memorial, added in 1993, is a sculpture of three servicewomen caring for a wounded soldier. Artist Glenna Goodacre said that the soldier in the sculpture is saved by these brave women.
Read About Maya Lin
Learn more about the artist who created the Vietnam War memorial.
Read about her curiosity about light and lines and how that led to her famous, groundbreaking sculpture.
Visit your local library to find this book. Your friendly librarian can help!
AMERICA ARTIST BRAVE CRAYONS GRANITE HONOR LOVED MAY NAMES PAPER SENT SHINY STUDENT VISIT WALL
© 2025 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 41 No. 26
Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines
By Jeanne Walker Harvey
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial opened in 1982. Visitors to the monument soon realized how powerful
special Maya Lin’s design was,
each year about 5 million people
Photos: National Park Service
Live Music
Baseball Weather Arrives, Suspenseful Finish In The Minor League
By Johnny Wilson ICC Sports Director
Finally, the winter temperatures seemed to have left the Hill as warmer sunnier days have settled in – finally we have baseball weather.
Last week’s temperatures were getting hotter and so has the competition throughout the three leagues of ICC Youth Baseball.
Here are the highlights from last week, starting with our youngest sluggers in the Tee-Ball League (ages 4-6).
Tee-Ball League
It was a beautiful day at Idyllwild School last Wednesday as the four teams took to the two fields at Top Field of Idyllwild School.
In the Outer Field it was the Mini Bears (sponsored by Beard-A-Bear) taking on the Wildlings (sponsored by Idyllwild Dental), while simultaneously at the neighboring Main Field, it was the Super Sonics (sponsored by Dutch Design & Landscaping) going against the Tee-Rexes (sponsored by Wild Imaginations).
The weather was sweet and so was the batting action from home plate; many young sluggers launched rockets from the tee as the hustling ballplayers made some tremendous plays in the infield.
Tee-Rexes coach Derek McDevitt had this to say after some action-packed innings in last Wednesday’s game: “Bella Martin started off strong on defense as our pitcher. She did a tremendous job fielding several ground balls and even threw a few of them to first base. With her ability to hit decisive balls off the tee, Bella is shaping up to be an all-around star player.
“Maisie McMahon played her last game of the season with us. She showed amazing focus both at the tee and on third base! Maisie has brought joy and excitement to the team all season long; we’ll miss you, Maisie!”
Coach Mel Norman of the Wildlings highlighted some of her key players: “Liam Gillot has shown incredible growth this season! He came out ready to play, hitting the ball with confidence and even tagging out players for some exciting outs. His positive attitude and great sportsmanship made him a standout teammate. Way to go, Liam!
“Scarlett Norman discovered a new love for T-Ball this season and came ready to play and compete every game. She became a force in the outfield, stopping the balls with skill and determination. One of her highlights? Hitting a home run and racking up major points for her team! Awesome job, Scarlett!”
Minor League
If one were to name a “Game of the Week” from all of last week’s games, it would no doubt be the Minor League game that occurred last Thursday May 22nd between the Muckdogs (sponsored by Pure Bean) and the Padres (sponsored by Black Mountain Coffee).
The Padres were the home team in this game and would bat last. The Muckdogs, hungry for a win, were the visiting team and were to bat first.
It was not a great start for the Muckdogs as the Padres were making nice plays in the infield and got three outs before the Muckdogs could score a run.
The Padres showed their tremendous batting skills – solid hitting by Logan Bayer, Harper Ballou, Epifanio Davila, and Luke Smith (just to name a few) got the Padres top 5-0 in the first inning.
Then came the Muckdogs and their “second-inning surge”. We saw this the previous week, and it happened again last week – a second inning rally by the Muckdogs. After superb base hits and swift base-running by rising star players like Annabelle Ridge, Courtney Duke, Milo Sinclair, and Aimee and Ruby O’Brien (who all each had at least one RBI in the game), the Muckdogs evened the score at 5-5 in the blink of an eye.
The Padres, caught off guard a little by the Muckdogs’ steam-rolling momentum (and tied for a game after leading by 5), were now up to bat. However solid defense by the Muckdogs disrupted the Padres consistent ability to score. The excellent teamwork in the infield got runners out at first, second and third base; they held the
Padres to just one run. After two innings the score was 6-5 in favor of the Padres.
The Muckdogs were not finished showcasing their batting skills. All players seemed to have tremendously improved since the previous game just one week ago. It seemed that everyone wearing a red Muckdogs shirt were connecting with the ball and getting on base. After great hits and baserunning players like Maddix Compton, Jack Bratten, and Hunter Adams, the Muckdogs added 5 more runs in the third inning to give the Muckdogs the lead 10-6.
But then it was the Padres who found their footing in the third inning and saw great hits and runs scored by Ryker Brown, Brody Beneke, and Brielle Olivier who helped get their mojo back - and the lead - with a score of 11-10 in favor of the Padres. And into the final inning we went. With all this back-and-forth shift of momentum and lead changes, it could be anybody’s game.
The Muckdogs batted first and had a nice performance getting 3 runs in. Then the Padres got the three outs they needed to bring them up to the plate one final time. The lead was now in favor of the Muckdogs 13-11 going into the bottom of the final inning.
The Padres were quick to get batters on base. With some swift running paired with a trickle of single base hits – they had tied the score 13-13 and loaded up the bases - just in time for one of their strongest batters to step up to the plate: Cooper Jones, who already one homerun previously in the game.
On the third pitch – WHACK! - Jones sends a high fly ball into centerfield. The ball hits the ground before the outfielder picks it up, and by then, it was too late. The Padres runner had just crossed home plate. Cooper Jones hits the game-winning RBI double to win the game.
Final score: Muckdogs 13, Padres 14.
Great effort by the Muckdogs; their coach Carl Dewese could not be prouder of his team. Here is Coach Dewese after the game: “The ‘players of the week’ for me are Maddix Compton for his consistent hitting, and I also want to point out the work that Jack Bratten and Hunter Adams were doing between 3rd base and shortstop to keep the game close by making the outs we needed. In general, I want to call out our team and the effort we keep putting in. Every game has come down to the last inning, we are going to get one!”
The Padres have some great batters, but one talented player stood out to Coach Felipe Davila this week: “Aspyn Beri, what an improved player!! Her line drive got her a base hit. What a tremendous improvement! I couldn’t be more pleased with her dedication to the game, and her desire to play!”
Hats off to both teams, what an incredible game. The next time these two teams face-off (Tuesday May 27th at 4:45pm), be sure not to forget the popcorn!
Major League In the Major League, it was the Blue Crew (sponsored by Adams Electric) taking on the OG Glitter Sparkles (sponsored by Kenyon Electric) in last Tuesday’s matchup.
After one inning we saw a tied score of 4-4 with Ruby Adams contributing for the Blue Crew by hitting a 2-RBI single early in the game.
Great pitching in the early innings by River Fernandes of the Blue Crew and Noah Klauck of the Sparkles who each struck out several opponents.
But it was the OG Glitter Sparkles ‘most valuable weapon’ on defense that can attributed to them keeping the score down: the pitching of Miles Sechrest.
The Blue Crew scored one additional run in the second and only two in the final inning.
Meanwhile, the batting power of the OG Glitter Sparkles kept the runs flowing in consistently with great efforts by Katherine Rodriguez Cruz, Bruce Bratten, and Eleanor Kenyon – keeping their teammates hyped up with positive encouragement.
Final score: Blue Crew 7, OG Glitter Sparkles 14.
The Thursday game May 22nd saw an unfortunate forfeit by the Mambas (sponsored by Fairway Foods Market) as many of their players were on a 5th
grade field trip at Pathfinder Ranch. They took the opportunity to work on various aspects of the game. Here is assistant coach Carolyn Gillot: “The Mambas had a team-building week which included batting cages and two great practices. Everyone showed huge improvements behind the plate and on the field.”
The Blue Crew gained a win from the forfeit, keeping it close in the Major League standings:
— Victor Hugo
“Liam Gillot has shown incredible growth this season! He came ready to play, hitting the ball with confidence and even tagging out players for some exciting outs. His positive attitude and great sportsmanship made him a standout teammate. Way to go, Liam!
Scarlett Norman discovered a new love for T-ball this season and came ready to play and compete every game. She became a force in the outfield, stopping the balls with skill and determination. One of her highlights? Hitting a home run and racking up major points for her team! Awesome job, Scarlett!”
“He who opens a school door, closes a prison.”
The Padres’ Player of the Week is Aspyn Beri PHOTO COURTESY OF ICC
Students of the Week
Creature Corner
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats took a peek at the new litter of kittens.
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: Whew! Volunteers were busy today at ARF, staffing the annual Memorial Day Yard Sale.
Harley: It was busy! I think just about anything anyone needed for a pet was there.
Marlowe: Can you believe summer is so very close? This weather has been so pleasant. I hope summer isn't too hot.
Harley: And since Mothers' Day has come and gone, folks are cleaning and fine-tuning their decks and yards.
Noelle: Of course there are houseplants that are dangerous for dogs and cats, but what about in the yard?
Harley: Oh boy, are there ever dangerous plants in the yard! For starters, one of the most dangerous is the foxtail weed.
Noelle: Did you know a foxtail is shaped like the tail of a fox, the tip has seeds arranged in spikey clusters with backward-facing barbs. The spikes and barbs allow for one-way burrowing, which is bad news for dogs.
Marlowe: And I was told that foxtails can attach to any part of your dog’s body and start the burrowing process. They can begin their journey in the eyes, eyelids, ears, nostrils, mouth, and spaces between toes.
Harley: In some cases, foxtails can burrow through the skin, finding their way into the spine or chest and belly cavities. Once inside, the foxtail continues to burrow, bringing bacteria and dirt along with it.
Noelle: Wow! That sounds terrible. What about cats?
Marlowe: Cats can become victims as well.
Noelle: How does a pet guardian know if a foxtail has found its way into their dog or cat?
Pepper: Humans should look for respiratory issues such as sneezing, coughing or trouble breathing (if the pet inhaled the foxtail), wounds or abscesses if the foxtail entered through the skin, repeatedly licking or scratching a specific area of their body, discharge from eyes, nose, or ears, shaking their head or digging at the ears (if a foxtail is stuck inside), and severe swelling and redness of an eye (if a foxtail gets stuck under the eyelid).
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.
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 guide to the San Jacinto-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 by the bank’s guard to the
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
Monday, May 17.
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 upgrades.
Churches & Spiritual Centers
Harley
Noelle
Idyllwild School would like to congratulate this year's Valedictorian Ethan Caster
And Salutatorian Ruby Adams We are so proud of both of you!
Three Idyllwild Realtors at Palm Springs Life Top Agent Reception
Mountain Disaster Preparedness radio group: keeping the community connected in emergencies
By David Jerome Correspondent
In March the Town Crier began a series of interviews with the directors of the various groups within Mountain Disaster Preparedness, the local nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing our communities for emergencies, and helping first responders in times of widespread need. This week we talked to Robert Hewitt, director of MDP’s Radio Communications group.
Hewitt explained that MDP’s system consists of handheld radios that are distributed to members and serve to keep the group in touch when cell phones fail. “MDP has invested a considerable amount of time and money to ensure that a reliable communications system exists.” There is an inventory of units “ready to be assigned to new volunteers.” These radios are easy to use and require little training. The system includes two repeaters that “provide very good coverage to most of our mountain communities.”
The MDP system is separate from amateur or “ham” radios, although some members may also use that system to reach the wider world, and other may monitor public safety radio channels to “stay informed and aware of rapidly developing emergency incidents that may impact our mountain communities, such as wildfires.”
This all depends on community involvement. Anyone can join MDP. Although many members have training in fields like medicine or firefighting, most do not. The Community Emergency Response Team training is available and recommended, but membership does not require it. Many members join just to better prepare their own families or workplaces. Only those who can take care of themselves can then go out to help their neighbors.
Like many local groups, MDP saw membership decline during the pandemic, and is working to bring more locals into the fold. Hewitt says he’s “really proud of the progress MDP has made in recent months reaching out to the community.”
Hewitt opened one of MDP’s Disaster Aid Stations to show the contents: emergency supplies including first aid materials, radios, search and rescue equipment and lighting and power units. The Pine Cove station is the first to use a solar power system with deep cycle
batteries to keep the radio system working even during prolonged power outages. Other Stations have generators. The Aid Stations also serve as congregation points to reunite with family and get accurate information about a developing situation. Maps of their locations are posted outside the Post Office, and in the Town Crier Phone Book. They are getting better signage one by one, and the old alphabet system to designate them is being replaced with more descriptive neighborhood names. Hewitt is a retired firefighter, starting with the US Forest Service, and then LA County Fire. He and his wife Janice Murasko discovered Idyllwild one summer. “We wanted to go camping up in Big Sur, when the western half of the country seemed to be on fire. We
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had to cancel the trip. She had heard of this place called Idyllwild. We found a cabin up in Pine Cove and we fell in love. We bought a house, then a bigger house, both in Pine Cove. That was 21 years ago.
The morning we spoke, Hewitt was monitoring radio traffic from fires in the Banning/Beaumont area, and the other side of the San Bernardino Forest. “It’s early, but not for the new reality. I don’t even say ‘fire season’ anymore.”
Next month we will talk to Richard Yocum, director of MDP’s Core Medical group.
Meetings of MDP are the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Idyllwild Library. Learn more at https:// mdpidyllwild.org.
March 21 – April 19
April 20 – May 20
Lots of possibilities begin to open up by midweek. Some seem more appealing than others, but wait for more facts to emerge later on before you consider which to choose. Bravo to the determined Bovine! While others might give up, you continue to search for answers. Expect your Taurean tenacity to begin paying off by week’s end. You might want to consider stepping back from the task at hand for a while. This could
June 22 – July 22
July 23 – August 22
August 23 – September 22
September 23 – October 22
October 23 – November 21
November 22 – December 21
December 22 – January 19 A workplace goal that suddenly seems out of reach is no problem for the sure-footed Goat, who moves steadily forward despite any obstacles placed in their way.
January 20 – February 18
Uncertainty
Robert Hewitt with radio inside Pine Cove DAS
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME