Homeland Security labels Riverside County as “Sanctuary County”
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
On April 28, President Donald Trump signed another Executive Order – 14287. This one, “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens,” required the publication of a list of states and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. These are deemed sanctuary jurisdictions.
The list was published on May 29 and removed on June 1. The original list included both Riverside and San Bernardino counties. It included 46 other California counties, and both Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta objected to the list.
In response to calling Riverside County a “sanctuary jurisdiction”, Brooke Federico, the County’s Director of Communications, said in an email, “The County of Riverside is not a sanctuary county. On February 4, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution proclaiming the County to be a vibrant, compassionate, and welcoming county for all law-abiding immigrants and refugees.”
In a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Legal Affairs Secretary, David Sapp, stated that a Federal Court case has upheld California’s law limiting law enforcement coordination with federal im-
See Homeland, page A4
Board provides more funds for new early warning system
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
The Board of Supervisors approved additional funding for the Mountain’s emergency early warning system, formally known as the San Jacinto Mountain Region Outdoor Alert and Warning Project.
This step provided $850,000 for continuing work on the system. Slightly more than half the funding ($450,000) was from the County’s General Fund. Since the mountain area, including highways 74 and 243 span three districts, those supervisors also contributed to the project’s funding.
Using the Unincorporated Communities Initiative, Supervisor Chuck Washington (3rd District) provided $60,000, V. Manuel Perez (4th District) provided $309,000, the largest amount, and Yxstian Gutierrez (5th District) gave $31,000. Each provided funding from their portion of the UCI.
ICC’s New Building Ready for Dedication
By Stephanie Yost President,
The Idyllwild Community Center (ICC) new community center building project next to the Idyllwild Community Playground, which has been in the works for more than twenty years, has finally been completed. The public dedication ceremony is Friday, June 20th, at 11:30 am. Everyone is welcome!
The dedication ceremony will be attended by Riverside County District 3 Supervisor Chuck Washington and Riverside County District 4 Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. Prior to January 1, 2024, our mountain communities were part of District 3, although we are now part of District 4.
Supervisor Washington provided significant financial support for this project over the course of many years, and recently Supervisor Perez provided additional funding as well. Needless to say, on behalf of the residents and visitors to our mountain communities, ICC is very grateful to both Supervisors for their strong support of this project.
As a reminder, the original building plans from years ago called for a much larger two-story building that would
“This is another step towards fully funding the project,” said Shane Reichardt, public information officer with the County Emergency Management Department.
The project was initiated in 2023 when the EMD received a planning grant for $380,000 from California Fire Safe Council Wildfire Evacuation Planning and Development Grant Program.
EMD is still seeking several different grant sources to fund the remaining portions of the project, Reichardt added.
In the memorandum to the board, EMD described the system’s purpose and intent.
“This system will provide people with early, real-time, and vital information on how they can protect themselves from imminent dangers and hazards identified in the County of Riverside Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
have cost many more millions of dollars than ICC had access to. In 2020, in coordination with Riverside County and HUD, ICC scaled back its building plans to something more readily achievable, and importantly, more financially sustainable by a small mountain community like ours.
The current building was designed by local architect Erik Marcussen of Ground Floor Design.
A portion of the initial community funds raised prior to 2020 were used to pay for the new architecture plans, required building permits and environmental studies, fencing surrounding the Butterfield Amphitheater, an additional ten rows of Amphitheater seating, the Amphitheater’s mixing platform, and completion of its backstage area.
Unfortunately, due to COVID slowdowns at the county Planning Department to review and approve the new building plans, the current construction project was unable to commence for another two years.
Plan. This system will have the ability to be activated using Riverside County’s alert and warning system or from one of its local sites by a partnering public safety organization. This system will use Geographic Information System (GIS) software to determine the location of a fire/hazard, vulnerable populations, best evacuation routes, and staging locations.”
The planning stage has been a collaboration between EMD, the Idyllwild Fire Department and local Mile-High Radio Club. They have worked together to identify good and useful sites for the system’s towers to ensure coverage through the Hill areas.
This system will also integrate with and expand upon the existing WNKI 1610 AM radio station. The coverage will be broader than WNKI’s current capability, Reichardt stressed.
Idyllwild Community Center See ICC,
The new Idyllwild Community Center PHOTO COURTESY OF ICC
Reba Coulter and Monica McBride in the Forest Folk Shuttle Van, connecting the Earth Fair at Town Hall to the Hoedown at Living Free
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME
Wildfire chances growing; precipitation decreasing
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
The odds of a possible large forest fire in Southern California during the summer have slightly increased in the past month, according to Cal Fire’s Southern Operations Predictive Services unit.
“There is a greater chance for timber dominated fires during the summer of 2025 compared to 2024 and 2023,” said the South Ops June Report.
Last week, the National Weather Service advised, “Below average precipitation and above normal temperatures expected through the summer.”
Rainfall has been sparse in the past eight months. The Idyllwild Fire Department’s weather apparatus has collected 7.7 inches of rain since January 1. Between Oct. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, only .05 inches of rain was recorded.
Neither the Forest Service’s Keenwild Station nor Pine Cove received much more rain. Since the beginning of 2025, the Keenwild site has totaled 8.5 inches of rain and Pine Cove recorded 7.4 inches in the same period.
The long-term average annual rain is 25.7 inches, which means the rainfall through the end of May has been about 30 % of normal on the Hill. Last week, less
than one-fifth of an inch of rain fell on the Hill. However, this paltry amount did exceed the previous rainfall high of .07 inches for June 4, set in 1999.
The next four months are not typically very wet, except for Hurricane Hillary’s visit in August 2023.
As a result of the parsimonious rainfall, the Hill and many areas of Riverside County are already designated as extreme drought conditions. The South Ops Report also noted that the Forest Service data indicates that dead fuel moisture levels have fallen below normal, too.
On June 3, the NWS issued a “Drought Information Statement for far Southwestern California.” In the report, the NWS warned “extreme (historical) dry fuel moisture and critical wildfire danger.”
Compounding the shortage of precipitation is that the grass crop in the lower elevation of the mountain has been plentiful this spring. As it dries and dies, it creates potential fuel for fires that can expand.
“There is an abnormally large grass load during the early summer months across lower lying and coastal elevations,” according to Cal Fire.
Temperatures have already set records for the end of May. In Idyllwild, Saturday May 30, the recorded 92 degrees exceeded the previous high of 90 degrees set in 2002. Nighttime highs were also set May 30 and May 31.
Idyllwild Weather
FVWD has board vacancy! Any interest?
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Interest in serving on the Fern Valley Water District Board of Directors seems to be waning. As of Thursday evening, June 5, there are only two candidates for three seats. Director Jon Brown, whose term expires in December, has filed his candidacy papers and will be on the ballot for another four-year term.
Also on the ballot will be Don DeVoy, who was recently selected to replace Mike LaFata. The term for this seat also expires in December. The problem is that Director Robert Krieger, whose term also expires in December, resigned effective June 1. His resignation extended the filing period for potential candidates for the vacant director’s seat.
However, as of the extended filing deadline of June 4, no new candidates have filed.
The vote-by-mail election is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 26.
If the current board appoints a replacement for Krieger between now and December, their term would still expire in December.
Either that person or another could be appointed to fill that vacancy, but only for two years. They are required to stand for election at the next available regular election which will be August 2027.
PCWD’s ‘s Kaley Chapman and Jennifer Hayes had free Pine Cove water at the Earth Fair Ana Ancheta leads Local Color at the Earth Fair, June 7
The Louie Bluies: Marshall Hawkins, Joey Latimer and Don Reed at the Earth Fair
PHOTOS BY DAVID JEROME
Idyllwild Arts Academy student headed to New York City for National High School Musical Theater Competition
By David Jerome Correspondent
On June 1, members of the Idyllwild Arts Academy’s Dramatic Arts department production of Into the Woods participated in the Lucie Arnaz Awards competition in Rancho Mirage. Now, a “very proud” department chair, Denis Stryjewski, has announced that cast member Emma Davis was honored as being one of the top three female vocalists in this year’s competition, and Elliot Burns won the highest award and will be going to New York City to compete in the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the “Jimmys.”
Burns and Davis were joined in an ensemble piece by fellow cast members Leah Scott, Zoe Lazar, Anthony Yencarelli, and accompanist Jeff Bell. Stryjewski described the reception from the audience at Rancho Mirage High School as “thunderous,” adding that IAA was one of six schools invited to present ensemble pieces.
The event brought together casts from 25 Southern California high schools, and the Arnaz Awards are part of a national network of local competitions that send their most promising talents to the Jimmys. These awards are sometimes called “Tonys for Teenagers,” and are named after impresario James Nederlander.
Each year, the Arnaz awards send two performers to the Jimmys. Winners participate in a week of workshops and rehearsals at the Juilliard School before competing at the Minkskoff Theatre on Broadway. This year’s competition is scheduled for June 23.
In 2023, IAA student Omar Andre Real went to the Jimmy’s for his title-role performance in Bat Boy. He was a finalist and was selected by his peers for the “Spirit of the Jimmys” award.
ICC finally broke ground on this project in August 2022. Work on the project was then significantly delayed throughout the “snowmaggeden” winter of 20222023, and the monthly rains Idyllwild experienced in much of 2023 until April 2024.
And of course, over that time frame, building and labor costs have gone up…and up…and up.
With the recent addition of County funds, as well as additional significant private donations and private loans, ICC has been able to complete the building’s interior and outside deck very quickly. Local general contractor Shane Stewart was willing and able to immediately complete the project; his contract included a donated 5% discount on all project expenses and labor.
Although the building itself is completed, ICC remains focused on raising the final funds to complete the project, which includes purchasing indoor and outdoor tables and chairs, kitchen equipment, cleaning and maintenance equipment, etc. Donations in any amount can be made via ICC’s website (www.idyllwildcommunitycenter.org) by clicking on the Donations link at the top right of the website’s homepage.
The new building includes a great room, commercial kitchen, indoor restroom, ticket office, business office, storage, and outdoor decking overlooking the Butterfield Amphitheater. Additionally, the building provides exterior accessible restrooms for use by Idyllwild Community Playground users, thereby eliminating the need for the current porta-potties.
The new building offers a large meeting room/ great room, a commercial kitchen for indoor and outdoor dining opportunities, a ticket office for amphitheater events, a spacious new deck overlooking the amphitheater, and permanent outdoor accessible restrooms for the playground and amphitheater (that will be locked every night).
The new community center building will be used for some of ICC’s regularly scheduled recreation programs, in addition to being available as a public meeting space and rentable for private events. ICC is also looking into possible food service options during Amphitheater concerts and events.
Currently, all of ICC’s year-round programs are based at the Idyllwild Town Hall, which is inadequate for the many programs, services, and events needed to support our residents and visitors. The new building will provide a much-needed additional space to complement and enhance ICC’s services to the mountain communities for many years to come.
Life Tribute: Dennis Carl Gerdes
It is with profound sadness that we announce that our father, Dennis Carl Gerdes, 74, passed away on April 10, 2025, after a courageous battle with Inclusion Body Myositis.
Born in Orange, California to Warren and Lois Ann Gerdes, he was a loving son, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose welcoming spirit reached many.
Dennis grew up in Orange County, where he developed a strong work ethic through early jobs, including working with his father in custom fiberglass. A lover of motorcycles, hot rods, and surfing, he met and married his soulmate, Darcy, in 1971.
Together, they started their family in Orange Park Acres, where they welcomed their daughters, Carrie in 1975 and Melissa in 1978.The family later relocated to Norco, CA, where they raised their girls, and eventually moved to the peaceful mountains of Idyllwild, CA, where Dennis continued to grow his successful construction business, DG Services.
Adventurous and full of life, Dennis enjoyed camping, racing stockcars, sailing, and participating in Baja 1000 and Bonneville Salt Flats events. He supported his daughters’ sports and Darcy’s art shows with equal enthusiasm, always bringing joy and energy to those around him.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Darcy; daughters Carrie Nichols and Melissa Whitehead and their families; Mark Nichols, Andrew Nichols, Nathan Nichols, Kelsey Greene (Andrew’s fiancée), and their son, Dennis’s first great-grandson, Finnlee Nichols. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Paul Whitehead, and his grandchildren, Olive Whitehead and Axel Whitehead. His sisters, Patty Blaisdell and Karen Kirkpatrick, and her husband Roger, as well as his sister-inlaw Barbara Holland, and many nieces and nephews also survive him. He is proceeded by in death by his Father and Mother, Patty’s husband, David Blaisdell, Karen’s ex-husband Dan Lundgren, his sister-in-law Susan Lewis and his sister-in-law Barbara’s husband Robert Holland along with grandparents, aunts and uncles. Dennis’s warmth, humor, and generosity will leave a lasting legacy to all that knew him.
His Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 1–5 PM at Middle Ridge Winery, Idyllwild, CA.
Donations are welcomed for Myositis awareness and research: www.hopkinsmyositis.org or www.myositis.org
ICC continued from A3
Cast members of Into the Woods perform at the Lucy Arnaz Awards PHOTOS COURTESY OF IDYLLWILD ARTS
IAA students Elliot Burns and Emma Davis with their Arnaz Awards
“ASK SPIRITUAL WORKOUT”
By Steven Morrison, M.A.
• Editor’s Note: Spiritual Workout is a practice of these 15 concepts: Be Compassionate • Beliefs Matter • Be Present • Choices Abound • Everything Is Energy • Have an Attitude of Gratitude • Intentions Matter • Judgments Separate Us • Listen to Inspiration • Mind & Body Are Connected • Take Responsibility • The Law of Attraction Is Always On • We Are All Connected • We Are Here for a Reason • We Belong to the Planet, Not the Planet to Us. More at spiritualworkout. com.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
I am currently in a family battle with our high school junior. He and his father and I all agree that college is right for him and friends of mine say I’m lucky that he wants to go and that he already knows what he wants to study. But I’m his mom and I believe I know him better than anyone maybe even better than he knows himself and I just don’t see good things for him if he pursues what he wants to study. Dad’s on his side, but I control the purse strings. It’s all a big mess and I wonder what SW would say?
Dear Reader:
SW would say that this particular big mess is a big mess because you, objectively speaking, nothing personal, are operating from judgment — your ideas about what’s right and wrong, good and bad for another person — which is always a recipe for disaster. The basis of SW practice, remember, is the notion that we are eternal, spiritual beings in bodies, born on purpose for a purpose. It’s a practice of listening to our inspiration/ intuition/gut/guidance — our hearts — instead of our heads. In this manner, the guidance we receive as children from our parents and families and communities and such should be guidance that encourages us to be who we are, and which points us in those directions. When guidance from parents is other than that, it interrupts the very “soul plan” that every one of us creates before we are born. SW would say that a strong career desire of a 16-year-old is evidence of such a plan, which is why interrupting it will never go well.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
I am struggling with my boyfriend’s jealousy. We’ve been together for a few years and he says it’s healthy and makes our relationship stronger because of how much he cares, but I’m not so sure. He is often suspicious and monitors me and I feel constricted, unseen, and unheard. I’ve always pictured being married to him but the jealousy is making me question that and I don’t have a Plan B.
Dear Reader:
I, in turn, am struggling with the notion of “healthy jealousy” so it’s possible I’m missing something altogether. That said, monitoring another’s movements and actions is, generally speaking, the behavior of one who struggles with things such as feelings of inadequacy and fear of abandonment. These are his issues, which are all but guaranteed to get worse if they are not addressed head-on — by him. As for your Plan B, perhaps it’s really a continuation of your Plan A. In other words, I’m assuming that if you’ve come this far there is desire in you to be in a happy, healthy, committed intimate partnership. Hold fast to that intention and how you want to experience being in such a relationship. Keep the focus on your Self, who you are, and what you want and measure what shows up against that. If current Boyfriend does not or cannot, keep the Plan A relationship intention, let go of him, and see what shows up next.
• Dear Reader
Send your questions to dearspiritualworkout@ spiritualworkout.com. (Confidentiality assured.) When you’re ready for more, find cutting-edge counseling Spiritual Workout-style for $50/month at spiritualworkout.com
Idyllwild Divided
Dear editor:
Idyllwild has long been a place of quiet refuge, where nature, art, and community came before politics. Lately, the town feels increasingly pulled into the orbit of national identity politics. Whether it’s Idyllwild Indivisible events or MAGA paraphernalia waving from porches, we’re seeing less trust, more tribalism, and a shrinking middle ground.
The internet has accelerated this shift. We’re constantly exposed to each other’s views and allegiances, often without context or conversation. Social media rewards outrage, not nuance. It’s trained us to broadcast rather than listen, to label rather than understand.
This dynamic doesn’t just alter our social fabric, it
Opinion: A Parade for the People
By Mary Rider Contributor
Two conflicting events will happen this Saturday, June 14, 2025. A military parade in Washington, DC will celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250-year history and a President’s 79th birthday. The ceremony will cost taxpayers at least 45 million dollars, including cleanup and repair to roads damaged by 88 armored vehicles.
At the same time, citizens will gather in fifty states to proclaim, “No Kings Day.” The marchers and sign-holders will celebrate 250 years of our imperfect democracy and its history of uprisings over who deserves “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The event will not cost taxpayers a dime.
Idyllwild is one of hundreds of dots representing “No Kings Day” events. This nation-wide level of participation and belief in human rights for all is a testament to “We the People.” It reflects the humanity and resilience of ordinary citizens determined to defend democracy.
The Art Department, a local business in town, will provide space for a rally at noon before participants march through the village and then hold signs along the highway. It will inspire hope—and maybe even courage—for those still on the sidelines. After all, why would any American want to be ruled by a King with a mighty army?
Homeland continued from B4
migration enforcement activities. He specifically quoted the case “does not directly conflict with any obligations that the [Immigration and Nationality Act] or other federal statutes impose on state or local governments.”
In response to the notice that the list could be updated or modified, Sapp requested Noem remove California and its jurisdictions from the list. In Riverside County, three cities -- Cathedral City, Coachella and Palm Springs—were also included on the list.
The National Sheriff’s Association took umbrage at the list publication and accused the U.S. Department of Homeland Security of compiling and publishing a list of alleged non-compliant Sheriffs in a manner that lacks transparency and accountability.
“This list was created without any input, criteria of compliance, or a mechanism for how to object to the designation. Sheriffs nationwide have no way to know what they must do or not do to avoid this arbitrary label,” said Sheriff Kieran Donahue (Canyon County, Idaho), and President of the National Sheriffs’ Association, on May 31, two days after the initial posting.
“The completion and publication of this list has not only violated the core principles of trust, cooperation, and partnership with fellow law enforcement, but it also has the potential to strain the relationship between Sheriffs and the White House administration,” he continued. “. . . This decision by DHS could create a vacu-
risks alienating the very visitors who sustain our economy. Tourists don’t come here to navigate ideological territory; they come for tranquility, charm, and a break from the polarization that defines so much of American life.
Worse, this kind of politics discourages independent thought. It suggests that if we align with one side, we must embrace every policy it puts forward, and reject anything from the other, no matter the merits. Those of us who live here should be able to talk about fire safety, local development, or community funding without filtering those issues through a red-or-blue lens. We don’t need more flags or slogans. We need conversations. We must remember that civic engagement means evaluating each issue on its own terms, not swallowing party platforms whole. Let’s protect Idyllwild as a place where community matters more than party.
Ruven Klausner
Idyllwild Resident
um of trust that may take years to overcome. DHS has done a terrible disservice to President Trump and the Sheriffs of this country.”
Since its removal from the DHS website, no reason or further information has been provided. However, the original notice stated, “. . . the list can be reviewed and changed at any time and will be updated regularly. No one should act on this information without conducting their own evaluation of the information.”
The initial press release identifying the areas disrupting immigration enforcement said, “Sanctuary jurisdictions including cities, counties, and states that are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities. Sanctuary cities protect dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in peril.”
Each jurisdiction was to receive formal notification of its non-compliance with Federal law. They were to revise the inappropriate policies and “renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal alien.”
Late on May 30, Gov. Newsom posted the following on X, formerly Twitter, “This list is another gimmick — even the Trump Administration has admitted California law doesn’t block the federal government from doing its job. Most immigrants are hardworking taxpayers and part of American families. When they feel safe reporting crimes, we’re all safer.”
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.
A map of planned “No Kings” demonstrations PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY RIDER
Demonstrators set out at Idyllwild Indivisble’s April 5 “Hands Off” event
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME
Mountain Disaster Preparedness presents rattlesnake awareness
By David Jerome Correspondent
Over fifty locals attended a lecture at Idyllwild Fire Protection District to learn more about rattle snakes and their bites. The talk was given by Dr Richard Yocum, director of Mountain Disaster Preparedness (MDP) Core Medical Group.
MDP Board Member Marsha Kennedy introduced Yocum and reported that the group’s monthly meetings are open to the public, and a schedule of topics will be posted in the glass box in front of the post office and on their website, mdpidyllwild.org. Over the next five months a series of “bite sized” presentations are planned to introduce community members to elements of preparedness in easily digestible form.
Yocum admitted he was not a snake expert, but as a physician and certified Wilderness First Responder, he was able to provide an overview of local snakes, bite avoidance, and treatment. This is the season, Yocum underlined, when the snakes are active, and he noted that reports of snakes on local trails have been picking up in recent weeks. Rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal, but may lead to neurological damage, organ damage, and tissue damage leading to loss of a finger, toe or limb.
Although rattle snakes are the only venomous snakes found in our local mountains, Yocum briefly touched on the many other local snakes, including the colorful but harmless California mountain king snake. With its red, black and yellow bands it resembles the poisonous coral snake, but the neighboring red and black bands distinguish it. “Red on black, friend to Jack.” Coral snakes are found in Arizona, New Mexico, and the Gulf states, but not in California.
Yocum identified our local rattlers as mostly Southern Pacific rattlesnakes, with other species like Northern Pacific and Mojave as possibilities. Identification is made difficult by the variety of colors these snakes exhibit. Although they may be clearly marked with the “diamond back” pattern, our local snakes tend to darker brown, almost black. A member of the audience shared the widely held theory that in cooler environments darker rattlers have an advantage in absorbing heat. Ambush predators, their patterning is effective camouflage, and hikers need to keep an eye out to spot them. Look for a triangular or diamond shaped head, larger than the neck, and of course the rattle “buttons” on the tail. Rattlers tend to be large, thick bodied snakes, but juveniles bite too. Yocum dismissed as a myth the idea that baby snakes are more dangerous because they are unable to control their venom. Bigger snakes have more venom, but babies can bite within minutes of hatching.
Yocum said that he stays away from all snakes and recommends giving them plenty of room. The sound of a rattlesnake rattle is easily recognized, but Yocum pointed out that snakes may strike without rattling.
Yocum turned to snake avoidance. He recommended thick boots, long, loose fitting pants, and even thick gaiters. Snakes are one of many reasons why hikers are advised to stay on well-marked trails. Always be alert and aware of your situation. Snakes like places that are hard to see into: wood or rock piles, tall grass and brush. “Look before you put your hand anywhere.” This also applies to feet. Check your sleeping bag before getting into it.
Yocum touched on home and yard care to reduce the chance of encountering rattlesnakes: keeping grass and other vegetation cut short, clearing limbs and branches to keep the ground visible, and removing debris piles and old stumps. Flat sheets, like plywood, should be stored upright and off the ground. Many of us have firewood piles, and these, with their inevitable rodents, are favorites of snakes and should be approached with care. A crawl space full of rodents is another attraction for snakes.
Yocum handed out a sheet of snake bite dos and don’ts. The old-fashioned snake bite kits, with a blade for cutting into the bite and a suction cup supposed to suck venom out, “belong in a museum.” This is no longer considered good practice, and Yocum said it makes the wound worse, and is unlikely to remove the venom. Instead, doctors recommend getting a patient to a medical facility where they can receive treatment including antivenom.
Do:
• Remain calm yourself and keep the patient calm. Increased heart rate can accelerate the effects of venom.
• Keep everyone away from the snake to avoid more bites.
• Make an evacuation plan to get the victim to medical help as fast as possible. Think before you act. This may mean walking, carrying a victim, calling for medical transport, or driving. A bite victim should not drive.
• Call 911. IFPD recommends also calling their number also, (951) 659-2153. In addition to evacuation, this will alert medical personnel to the need for antivenom.
• Remove jewelry or restrictive clothing that could restrict blood flow if swelling occurs. These can be very difficult to remove after swelling.
• Cover the bite area with a loose clean dressing. Do not wrap tightly.
• Take a photo of the snake if this can be done safely and without slowing the evacuation.
• Mark the edge of the swelling with a pen and write the time next to it every 30 minutes.
• Monitor and record symptoms and signs.
Do Not:
• Attempt to kill or capture the snake.
• Cut the bite area or try to suck the venom out.
• Apply a tourniquet.
• Apply ice or heat.
• Take any drugs including aspirin or NSAIDs like Motrin, Advil, ibuprofen etc.
• Consume alcohol or caffeine.
Yocum’s discussion of treatment for snake bites brought up an interesting fact about local rattlers and commercially prepared antivenom: Snake venom falls into two categories, hemotoxins that damage blood and tissue, and neurotoxins that disrupt nerve signals. Most Southern Pacific rattlesnakes use hemotoxins, but our local variety has developed neurotoxins. They have this in common with Mojave rattlesnakes. This means that antivenom is not an exact match for our local snakes but is still the only effective treatment.
Symptoms include immediate pain; redness and swelling; bruising; tingling or burning; local bleeding, swelling, and necrosis (tissue death.) Systemic symptoms include faintness or dizziness; nausea, cramps or vomiting; slurred speech; swollen tongue and lips; shortness of breath; weakness up to paralysis; and even cardiac arrest.
If bitten “time is tissue. Act urgently, calmly and decisively.” Get the patient to the hospital as soon as possible. “Don’t wait for symptoms.” Many bites are “dry,” meaning little or no venom is injected, but you should always assume there is venom. Snakes take time to make venom and can’t afford to waste it.
Antivenom, Yocum explained, is an expensive treatment. The drug itself may cost between $1,300 and over $3,000 per patient, and the total treatment may range from $10,000 to $200,000, he said. The initial dose may be four to six vials, with two additional vials every six hours, “easily ten to twenty vials.” This, Yocum said, is “another reason not to get bitten.”
For dogs, cats and horses there is a rattle snake vaccine, but its license has recently expired according to widespread reporting. Animals can receive antivenom, but, as several community members sadly noted, their prognosis is not good.
Rattle snake avoidance classes for dogs, on the other hand, are widely available and reportedly effective. The dogs learn to identify rattlers by sight, sound and smell, and stay away. The training is often a single day, with recommended refresher courses every two years.
Yocum shared an amusing bit of advice: two substances believed to increase the chance of a snake bite are alcohol and testosterone. Men are more likely to be bitten, and alcohol often plays a part. Friends don’t let friends drink and play with snakes.
Yocum also recommended a mobile phone app, snakebite911, developed by one of the makers of antivenom. It provides an education about venomous snakes, and, according to the website, “can help you track the process of an envenomation” as well as giving dos and don’ts. Learn more at https://crofab.com/crofab-resources/snakebite911
Reserves will be used to balance 25-26 budget
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, the County’s executive office released its draft Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, totaling $10 billion. On Monday June 9, the Board of Supervisors held hearings on the budget. These may extend until June 10 if necessary. The Board hopes to approve the final budget at its June 24 session.
The $10 billion total County budget is $407 million, or 4.2 %, greater than FY 24-25. Of the total, only $1.3 billion is considered discretionary funding. This is a $95 million increase.
To balance the proposed budget, the County will need to use $73 million of reserves. In his letter conveying the budget to the Board, County Executive Jeff Van Wagenen said, “Reserves are projected at year end at more than $655 million, an increase of over $400 million in less than a decade. These reserves reflect strategic planning and careful management, preparing us to weather future storms and seize opportunities as they arise.”
As the Board begins to review the requests from the various County departments, the proposed budget includes several funding opportunities to give them some discretion: $20 million in contingency reserves for emergency Board action, $12.5 million for the Unincorporated Communities Initiatives, and $20 million in Augmentation funds at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors during the budget hearings.
The recommended total budget provides funding to the following service areas: $2.8 billion for health services, $2.3 billion for public safety, $2.0 billion for human services and $1.2 billion for public works.
Among some of the specific proposals included in the draft budget were replacing aging fire stations and developing a Public Safety Training Hub, which will be a state-of-the-art facility for first responders,
“This year, we engaged residents in new ways to provide input in the county budget process,” said Board Chair Supervisor V. Manuel Perez (4th District) in the press release announcing the budget’s availability. “Thank you to all my supervisor colleagues for holding a community meeting in each district. I hope we continue to see this level of community participation and appreciate the conversations with residents as they shared their concerns and care for our communities.”
“We understand that fiscal discipline today creates possibilities for tomorrow. In practice, this means carefully evaluating new positions, prioritizing mission-critical hiring, managing vacancies strategically, and continuing to actively seek efficiencies across all operations,” Van Wagenen said in closing his cover letter to the Board.
County adopts “No-kill” policy for Animal Services
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
The Hill’s County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and colleague Yxstian Gutierrez (District 5) submitted and got unanimous support for a resolution moving Riverside County towards a “no-kill” policy for its Animal Services Department.
The Resolution states, “Riverside County commits to becoming a no-kill community in which we strive to save every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved and where 90% of the companion animals that enter its facilities leave alive.”
“This resolution took us a while to get here, to get to this space of a county coming together and understanding the gravity of the issue,” said Supervisor Perez in his press release. “There is a lot of work to be done, and that requires resources. I do feel strongly that we will need a larger budget when it comes to animal services in order for us to meet the demands, the concerns, the needs, of our pets and communities as well as the family members, the community members, the advocates.”
“No-kill”, page A6
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On the Town
Dining, Arts & Entertainment
IDYLLWILD, CA
Native American Arts Festival returns to Idyllwild Arts Academy
By David Jerome Correspondent
The Idyllwild Arts Academy is once more inviting the public to their free Native American Arts Festival, from Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20. Summer programs focused on Native American arts have been a part of campus life since 1940’s but the modern festival, now led by Executive Director Shaliyah Ben (Diné) offers week of films and performances, exhibitions, lectures and even food tasting.
This year’s festival headliner three-time U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Mvskoke), who will present a staged reading of their latest play, featuring last year’s headline artist, Jazz trumpetist Delbert Anderson (Diné).
The Academy opened their Native American Arts Center in 2022, integrating Native American studies into their year-round program, and establishing Idyllwild Arts as a leader in supporting Indigenous artistic expression and cultural affirmation.
The events begin Monday at 7 p.m. at the Parks Exhibition Center, with invitational exhibition Renegades of Art, curated by Pamela Peters (Diné). The four artists featured will showcase works that convey the strength and cultural resilience of tribal nations via murals, mixed media, and tribal presence. A reception with Native foods taste testing to follow at 7:45pm.
The popular Michael Kabotie Lecture Series will feature famed poet & performer Kinsale Drake (Diné), N8iV Beauty cosmetics line creator and host of PBS/ FNX series This is Indian Country Ruth Ann Thorn (Luiseño), and Yup’ik song and dance with Ossie Kairaiuak from the Inuit-soul band PAMYUA.
This year’s Festival will also feature a screening of the documentary Indian Alley, written & directed by Pamela Peters (Diné).
The week will conclude with “Welcoming Home the Birds,” honoring the relationship the Cahuilla and Serrano have with their traditional homelands. This family-friendly event commences at 5 p.m. with a Native artist marketplace, hands-on activities for all ages, and a lineup of Native song and dance. Bird Singing kicks off at 7: 45 pm. Idyllwild Arts respectfully acknowledges the Qawishpa Cahuillangnah (also known as Cahuilla Band of Indians) on whose land the Idyllwild Arts community dwells.
Native American Arts Festival Week, June 16-20, Idyllwild Arts Academy, 52500 Temecula Rd. For more information visit https://idyllwildarts.org/nativeamericanarts/
Idyllwild Area Historical Society offers
Untold Tales of Our Town
By David Jerome Correspondent
The Idyllwild Area Historical Society will be holding a free special event at their Museum on Wednesday, June 18th, with the theme “Untold Tales of Our Town. “Museum Archivist Bob Greenamyer explained that “ more than untold, it might be forgotten, or unknown because our population is always changing, new arrivals probably aren’t as aware of the history as much as longtime residents.” Greenamyer noted the event is “not a fund raiser, more of a ‘friend raiser,’ a chance for people to experience their museum and all that it has to offer and hopefully become members.”
For those who already know the IAHS Museum this will be a chance to check out several new exhibits; one on Ernie Maxwell, another on communication on the hill, from hand-cranked phones to cell towers and WNKI (1610 AM, our travelers’ info and emergency notification station.) “We have also relocated several exhibits; it will have a different look.” The museum’s original 1920s kitchen is also a work in progress, “We are adding more detail, more artifacts, making it a more complete example.” If you want to go back in time, this is the place to do it.
The Museum’s archives will also be open that night, “a once-a-year opportunity. The archives are the repository of thousands of items relevant to Idyllwild history,
more than the museum could ever exhibit.” Greenamyer, who oversees the archives, has put together an exhibit showing how they work. “When we get an item, how it goes from temporary custody to being a full-fledged part of the museum’s collection, in 12 steps.” These steps go from intake to accession, when it becomes a permanent part of the collection.
There will be live music, a variety of wines, snacks and deserts, with seating outside in the museum garden where guests can enjoy the music in the twilight.
To encourage membership there will be a table in front of post office on June 11 and 16, from 1p.m.-6p.m.
“Anyone who becomes member then, or on the date of the event, may win a secret prize (first 35), and will get entered into a prize drawing for two nights at Hidden Lodge, which was part of the filming of Elvis’ Kid Galahad. It’s been updated, it’s a lovely place, and will accommodate a large family, locals may invite off-the hill relatives for a special stay.”
Existing members can also get a ticket or tickets (depending on membership status) for drawing at the Post Office or at the event. Supply of surprise gifts is limited.Please RSVP to allow volunteers to prepare enough wine and food. RSVP online at: idyllwildhistory.org, or by email at: info@idyllwildhistory.org.
Untold Tales of Our Town, Museum and Archive open house, Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum, 54470 North Circle Dr., Wednesday, June 18, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Free.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF IDYLLWILD ARTS
The flag of the United States of America has red and white stripes and white stars on a blue background.
The first flag was sewn by hand by a seamstress in Philadelphia in the year 1777. Some say that New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson came up with the idea for how the flag should look, and Betsy Ross made it.
The flag was approved by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. Americans celebrate that day as Flag Day each year.
Only one of these ags is the real American ag. Can you nd it? Have an adult check your answer.
Can you bring these spools of thread to Betsy Ross? Look through the newspaper for five words that explain ways your dad, grandfather, favorite uncle or a friend is special to you. Put these words in
ABC Dad
Are you looking for a special way to say “Happy Father’s Day?” Make your dad a flag all his own! It’s simple!
Make a list of words that describe your dad.
Choose the three best words from your list. Find or draw pictures that represent the words you have chosen. Cut out the pictures and arrange them on a letter-sized piece of paper to look like a flag.
Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.
An Ad for Dad
© 2025 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 41, No. 28
OG Glitter Sparkles climb playoff ladder to win the Major League Championship; Padres win the Minor League
By Johnny Wilson Icc Sports Director Major League Playoffs
Wednesday June 4th (Semi-finals)
The #3 seed Mambas (sponsored by Fairway Foods Market) took on the #2 seed OG Glitter Sparkles (sponsored by Kenyon Electric) in the semi-finals game last Wednesday June 4th. The winner of this would advance to the championship game against the #1 seed Blue Crew (sponsored by Adams Electric.)
The Mambas had just defeated the OG Glitter Sparkles the previous week by a score of 8-1 … could they do it again in this playoffs match and be the ones to advance?
The first inning was a high scoring inning for both teams. Patient batting by Makayla Smith, Fletcher Gillot, and Makai Githaiga of the Mambas got them on base and took a 3-0 lead.
Then the OG Glitter Sparkles did the same as they were smart at the plate and got several runs in. After one inning the OG Glitter Sparkles were up 5-3.
The second inning was a stout defensive battle. OG Glitter Sparkles pitcher Noah Klauck struck several batters out, and Mambas pitcher Luke Olivier did his part on defense: he struck one batter out, caught a pop fly, and threw a grounder to first baseman Jamison Gillot for a quick three outs – after two innings, the score was still 5-3.
Noah Klauck kept “mowing ‘em down” as his strikeouts kept the Mambas scoreless in the third (he would end the game with 7 K’s).
Then, with a runner on first, Noah Klauck was up to bat for the OG Glitter Sparkles. Here comes the pitch – WHACK! – the ball goes flying into the outfield as both runners round the bases into home. Another home run for Noah Klauck! After three innings, the score was now 8-3.
The Mambas, holding on to their playoffs hopes, had one final chance at bat and were not going to give up that easily. They were quick to load up the bases, but also quick to get two outs.
The Mambas went into “rally mode” and managed to get one run in, then two runs in, then three, (the score was now 8-6 with the bases loaded for the Mambas), and then … the third out. Game over.
The OG Glitter Sparkles would play in the championship game the next day, while the Mambas went home with 3rd-place trophies.
Hats-off to the Mambas and their coaching staff of Nick Gillot (head coach), Carolyn Gillot, Michael Smith, and Joe Leemhuis – the players on this team had the most improvement of any team this season. Great job, coaches!
Final Score: Mambas 6, OG Glitter Sparkles 8.
Thursday June 5th (Championship Game)
The stage was set for the final game of the ICC Major League last Thursday as the #1 seed home team Blue Crew hosted the OG Glitter Sparkles in the final championship matchup.
The OG Glitter Sparkles were up to bat first with Katherine Rodriguez Cruz leading it off. She swung at the first pitch -WHACK! – she sent the ball flying into deep right field – one bounce and over the fence it went for a ground rule double! The crowd went wild.
The next set of batters did not fare well against Blue Crew pitcher River Fernandes who struck out three batters in a row and held the OG Glitter Sparkles scoreless in the first inning, despite Katherine’s double.
The OG Glitter Sparkles were without their starting pitcher Miles Sechrest for this game and would need to implement a new strategy. The Blue Crew took advantage by earning their bases with smart batting by Dakota Bock, Carter Marich, and Averi Fernandes. Af-
ter several walks and a few RBI’s, the Blue Crew had a commanding 5-0 lead after the first inning.
Then it was Elinore (Ellie) Kenyon up to bat for the OG Glitter Sparkles in the second inning – WHACK! –she sent a high fly ball into the right field corner – FAIR BALL – she sprinted past first and second base for a triple!
Ellie would run to home for the score and the Blue Crew would match the one run for the inning with great batting by Will Archer, Caleb Marich, and Ruby Adams. After two innings, the score was 6-1 in favor of the Blue Crew.
The third inning was the start of the OG “Glitter Magic”. No matter how many runs they were down by, all season long, the OG Glitter Sparkles kept positive attitudes and high hopes by cheering on their teammates no matter what the score was. They had the loudest (and most decorated) dugout of all the teams this year.
Meadow Griffin got on base, Wyatt Scalvini got on base, Lily Davila got on base, Noah Klauck hit a 2-RBI double, and just like that, the Glitter Sparkles were only trailing by one run. The gap was narrowing and the momentum was all Glitter Sparkles.
Pitcher Noah Klauck and the infielders managed to keep the Blue Crew from scoring in the third inning. After three innings the score was 6-5 in favor of the Blue Crew.
And into the final inning we went, where the 5-run maximum rule does not apply.
The OG Glitter Sparkles did not let off the gas in terms of batting – Chloe Quinntyn and Elayna Lavy get on base. Chance Griffin sends one flying and loads up the bases. Then it was Solar Iyaman who batted in the game-tying RBI; the score of now even 6-6.
A walk with the bases loaded gave the OG Glitter Sparkles a one-run lead, then it was Bruce Bratten with the bases loaded who smashed the ball passed the infielders for a 3-RBI double. A couple of batters later, it
was Silas Zimmerman who slammed a 3-run homerun. The OG Glitter Sparkles were on a roll!
Things were happening fast in the final inning, and after the “Glitter Magic” was over and the dust had settled, the score was 13-6 in favor of the OG Glitter Sparkles.
The Blue Crew were stunned. After two outs in the Blue Crew’s final at-bat, pitcher Noah Klauck threw a zinger – STRIKE THREE! Game over.
The OG Glitter Sparkles, who were down 6-1 in the second inning, kept the Blue Crew scoreless for the rest of the game while batting in 12 unanswered runs in the final two innings. They never lost hope and kept on believing in themselves—and that made all the difference. What a game, what a comeback.
Congratulations to the OG Glitter Sparkles (1st place) and to the Blue Crew (2nd place).
And also a big thank you to all the coaches: Nick and Jennifer Fernandes for the Blue Crew; David Kenyon and Tamara Bratten for the OG Glitter Sparkles, as well as all who helped make this a fun and safe season for all our young ball players.
Final score: OG Glitter Sparkles 13, Blue Crew 6. Minor League – June 5th (Championship Game)
The Padres (sponsored by Black Mountain Coffee) were the #1 seed and hosted the #2 seed Muckdogs (sponsored by Pure Bean) in last Thursday’s championship game. The Muckdogs had previously defeated the Padres 14-12 the last time they faced-off and had high hopes going into the final game.
Annabelle Ridge of the Muckdogs is probably the most consistent lead-off batter in the league – she always gets on base and is always the first to score with her consistent base hits and swift base-running. The Muckdogs struck first and took a 2-0 lead.
The Padres are the 2025 ICC Minor League champions.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ICC See Sports, page B5
Then it was the Padres turn to bat. One can tell that this team had made several extra trips to the batting cages: base hit by Aspyn Beri, base hit by Harper Ballou, base hit by Layne Ohall, base hit by Logan Bayer and on and on. The first 8 batters in the Padres’ line-up all had a base hit in the first inning. Amazing..
The Padres hit their 5-run maximum for the first inning and took the lead 5-2.
Aimee O’Brien had a base hit to start the second inning. Then Hunter Adams hit a beautiful high arcing fly ball towards right field… but third-baseman Cooper Jones was there to make a solid catch. The crowd went wild.
Then Cooper realized that the baserunner had run to second base and was quickly running back to first, so he drills the ball to first baseman Brody Beneke who makes the catch and gets the runner out – a double play by the Padres!
Then the base hits continued for the Padres: a base hit by Epifanio Davila, a base hit by Nohemi Rodriguez, and double by Kamila Wilson, a home run by Cooper Jones, and on and on until they hit their 5-run max. After two innings the Padres’ lead grew to 10-2.
The Muckdogs’ famous “second-inning surge”
Creature Corner
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats met the new litter of five kittens.
Pepper: Although this last weekend seemed fairly quiet, this coming weekend will be busy with Living Free's Hoedown on Saturday.
Harley: What a fun way for that great animal welfare organization to open its doors and welcome the community.
Marlowe: Everyone will enjoy great music and fun times.
Harley: Have all of you met the litter of kittens and the beautiful mother cat?
Noelle: Well, if you haven't met them, you will now! Here they come.
Odie: (entering the room, followed by five kittens)
Hello beautiful felines. I'm Otis, the mother of these five beautiful babies.
Noelle: Look at those sweet little faces! I hear they're all named after US Presidents.
Odie: They are! Please meet Monroe, Tyler, Harrison, Madison, and McKinley. We have here three girls, and of course two boys.
Harley: Wow. They are beautiful and so very playful.
Noelle: A kitten will really liven a household.
Marlowe: And two kittens will keep each other busy.
Noelle: Sometimes it's easier to have two kittens as opposed to one. They are very good with each other.
Pepper: May forever families take them home now?
Odie: Not quite yet. They're just five weeks old, and they need to wait until their eighth week to leave the litter. BUT interested parties may meet them, complete an application, and leave a deposit.
Odie: I hope people understand that they may now meet the kittens and submit a deposit and application to hold one for their home.
This week's Creature Corner is sponsored by Janey Mason. 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.
came one inning late and became a “third inning surge” as batters like Courtney Duke, Theo Freund, Ruby O’Brien, Maddix Compton, Walter Staff, Charlie Dewese, and Jack Bratten all managed to contribute to the 5 RBI’s they needed to close out the inning with their 5-run max. The margin was now narrowing as the Muckdogs trailed 10-7. Still in the game.
But the Padres were not letting up at the plate –Ryker Brown was solid as well as teammate Brody Beneke who both had deep hits into the outfield. Brielle Olivier had a base hit and so did Luke Smith. Another 5-run maximum hit in the third inning.
The Muckdogs came into the game with high hopes and had a great rally in the third inning, but the batting power of the Padres, paired with great defense, was too much to handle. The Padres got the three outs they needed to end the game and did not need their final at-bat, as they batted last.
The Padres are the 2025 ICC Minor League champions!
Congratulations to both teams for a great season. And thank you to coaches Carl Dewese and Elaina Duke of the Muckdogs, as well as coach Felipe Davila, Charitty Whittamore, and Jensen Beri of the Padres. Great job, coaches!
Final score: Muckdogs 7, Padres 15.
Tee-Ball League
In a crazy turn of events, as the Super Sonics (sponsored by Dutch Design & Landscaping) took on the Mini Bears (sponsored by Beard-A-Bear) in the Outer Field – while the Wildlings (sponsored by Idyllwild Dental) were simultaneously playing against the Tee-Rexes (sponsored by Wild Imaginations) on the Main Field – both games ended in a tie, which thus created a four-way tie for first place…
All four teams are the 2025 ICC Tee-Ball champions!
Great season to all of our young players – and also a big thanks to all the coaches, assistant coaches, and parents who helped manage one of the toughest leagues on the Hill (it’s not easy managing a team full of 4–6-yearolds!)
Great job to Coach Mel Norman of the Wildlings, Coach Derek McDevitt of the Tee-Rexes, Coach Cammi Chapman and Coach Joe Leemhuis of the Super Sonics, and Coach Cory Lavy of the Mini Bears for your grace, patience, and leadership – thank you tee-ball coaches for a great season.
Hope to see you all next year for another exciting season of ICC Youth Baseball!
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The OG Glitter Sparkles are the 2025 ICC Major League champions.
Front row (left to right): Chloe Quinntyn Meadow Griffin Katherine Rodriguez-Cruz Elinore Kenyon Elayna Lavy, and Lily Davila
Middle row (left to right): Solar Iyaman Chance Griffin Noah Klauck Silas Zimmerman Wyatt Scalvini, and Bruce Bratten.
Back row (left to right): head coach David Kenyon, assistant coach Tamara Bratten, and assistant coach Felipe Davila
OG Glitter Sparkles and Blue Crew shake hands after a thrilling championship game.
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Smokey Bear and Forest Service colleagues at the Hoedown
LIne dancing at the Living Free Hoedown
PHOTOS BY DAVID JEROME
Judy Taylor shows some of the rope moves from her Wild West show at Living Free's Hoedown