Summer Concert Series
Fire on McCall Park Road confined to 1.4 acres
By David Jerome Correspondent
Free Summer Concert Series features USMC Band
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No El Niño nor La Niña on horizon, wildfire chances remain above normal
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Attorney General concludes investigation of 2022 shooting
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EPA action may nullify State’s greenhouse gas regulations
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A fire broke out in Mountain Center on Friday, August 8. Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire PIO Maggie Cline De La Rosa reported that firefighters responded at 2:18 p.m. to a reported vehicle fire in the 28300 block of McCall Park Road. The first arriving engine reported one vehicle fully involved in fire that had spread to vegetation. The fire was approximately ¼ acre with a slow to moderate rate of spread, and firefighters requested the balance of a vegetation fire response. The forward rate of spread was stopped at 2:48PM, and a total of 1.4 acres was burned.
Tim Peay, a resident who lives adjacent to the property where the fire started, said that “about ten engines” showed up, but added that resident Noah Whitney was the first on the scene, using his own equipment to get water on the fire and prevent it from spreading. Peay, who is a housebound veteran on full disability, added that he fled on foot with his oxygen tank, and had to wait several hours in smoky conditions before he was able to return home.
Noah Whitney confirmed that he had been able to respond to the fire. “It’s a good thing we had a 500-gallon tank truck, pump, and 500 feet of hose.” He explained that his family’s Pacific Slope Tree Company often works on remote areas, and the Forest Service and Cal Fire require them to have this equipment. They also are protecting their own family. “We own acres of brush here in Mountain Center. It seems prudent to be prepared. Thankfully, this stayed small.”
On Sunday, the charred remains of a car by the side of the road looked to be the point of origin of the fire. A crew with moving vans were removing furniture and shade structures, apparently brought in for an event, from the property across the road from the car.
Rosa Fire reaches neartotal containment
By David Jerome Correspondent
The Rosa Fire broke out on the afternoon of Monday, August 4, just east of Santa Rosa Road. By that evening it had grown to 1,200 acres, and seven zones were under evacuation orders in an area that included Ribbonwood, Pinyon Pines, and Alpine Village. Highway 74 was closed to through traffic until Saturday, with residents in evacuation warning zones allowed in with ID.
The fire grew to 1,690 acres by Wednesday, moving east. By Thursday night Cal Fire reported 25% containment, by Saturday 80%, and 98% on Tuesday, August 12. Two structures were listed as destroyed.
Cal Fire reported that, at its peak, over a thousand personnel were involved in the response to the fire. Thursday through Friday, 118 engines, 16 tenders, 22 hand crews and 18 dozers worked the fire, assisted by “numerous” aerial assets.
High temperatures during the week reached over 100F, with humidity sometimes below 10%. Cal Fire’s Wednesday morning report included the note that “(t)here is no recorded history of major fire activity in this area.”
The cause of the fire was listed as under investigation.
Major repaving project begins on Highway 243
By David Jerome Correspondent
A major repaving project is beginning on Highway 243. The project will completely “mill and overlay” the surface from Banning to Mountain Center over the next 15 months.
Cal Trans’ press release says the project will be funded by $16.9 million from SB1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, and will include shoulder paving, guardrail enhancements, drainage culvert improvements, access to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and other upgrades.
Robert Tsai, construction PIO for the project (1J450 SR-243) told us what drivers can expect. “For traffic control, there will be lane closures with flagging operations for duration of project. Expect delays as traffic control will be located at various locations. Approximate flagging wait times per side are expected to be 15 min.
“The operation hours are Monday – Friday from 8am to 4pm. Night and weekend work may occasionally be required from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for weeknights and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for weekends.
“The estimated timeline of project is August 2025 to October 2026. All work is weather and material dependent.”
The first two sections where work will begin are just above Mountain Center and near Lake Fulmor. Drivers can already see the bright orange “Environmentally Sensitive Area” fencing along the shoulder where the work will be done.
Cal Trans has a link to sign up for weekly updates on the project: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/fv6U7zM
A scorched car appeared to be the origin of the McCall Fire PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME
No El Niño nor La Niña on horizon, wildfire chances remain above normal
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
The risk of summer of wildfires remains above normal for most of Southern California.
The chance of much precipitation remains low and higher than average temperatures are forecast through the fall. Both conditions raise the chance of wildfires, according to Cal Fire’s Southern Operations Predictive Services unit.
Last week’s Rosa Fire, east of Anza, demonstrated the combustible nature of the local environment.
Already this year, there has been 13.8 percent more wildfires than the same period in 2024. But the big difference is the amount of acreage burned in these fires. According to Cal Fire’s data, through the end of July, 221,000 acres have burned. That is more than 2.6 times the acreage burned in 2024 and it is 75 percent greater than the five-year average of burned acreage.
Drought conditions in California have been unchanged for a month. Slightly less than two-thirds of the State are in some stage of drought. Six percent, including much of the Hill neighborhoods, are in extreme or exceptional conditions.
None of the Hill weather stations have reported
any rainfall in the past month.
Dead fuel moisture continues to decrease with the lack of precipitation as well as live fuel moisture. So Ops reported, “The live fuel moisture continues to gradually decrease and is now mostly between 60% and 85%, which is a little below normal for this time of year.”
Although the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center still considers this to be a neutral weather pattern compared to El Niño or La Niña patterns, precipitation has been sparse.
These conditions are expected to continue through October when the weather may shift slightly more towards La Niña; but neutral conditions may return next winter.
Consequently, for late summer and early fall, the South Ops forecast is “Warm and dry conditions will bring an above normal chance for large fire to Southern California from the mountains westward, which is the area most prone to offshore winds.”
Idyllwild Weather
Idyllwild Family Gifts a Bench to the Nature Center
Contributed By Allison Fedrick Idyllwild Nature Center Park Interpreter
Lane Igoudin and Jonathan Clark, part-time residents of Idyllwild since 2007, donated a much-needed bench to the Idyllwild Nature Center. The bench is made by Idyllwild carpenter, Aron James, from a locally felled sequoia and incense cedar.
“Our kids spent much of their childhood here, and no summer or winter was complete without the walks, hikes, and activities at the Idyllwild Nature Center. Their first volunteering experiences took place there as well. Now that they are adults, we decided as a family to do something special for the place we love so much,” says Lane.
An English professor at Los Angeles City College, he recounted his family’s time up on the Hill, including at the Idyllwild Nature Center, in his recently published memoir A Family, Maybe.
His daughter Marianna adds, “The center has taught me to appreciate the beauty and importance of the Native American culture and our environment, and I feel honored that my family’s bench now sits along the trail, offering others a place to rest and enjoy the same peace this park has given me.”
Allison Fedrick, the Idyllwild Nature Center’s Site Supervisor, would like to thank the Clark-Igoudin family for their generous donation. “The bench is beautiful and was a vital replacement. We are grateful to know that the Idyllwild Nature Center is a place families visit year after year. We hope to remain such a place for all families of today and the future.”
There are a few other broken benches at the Nature Center. If there are other families who might be interested in donating and dedicating a bench, then please contact Allison Fedrick at the Nature Center.
Heat Safety Tips
• Shift activities to cooler hours: Morning or evening (before 10 AM or after 5 PM) is safest to avoid peak heat.
• Wear sun-smart clothing: Choose lightweight, loose, and light-colored fabrics that reflect heat.
• Hydrate continuously, not just when thirsty. Add electrolytes if you’ll be active outdoors.
• Protect against UV: Use sunscreen, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses, especially during outdoor recreation.
• Plan activities wisely: For hikes or strenuous tasks, aim to finish well before midday heat intensifies.
Map courtesy of Cal Fire’s Southern Operations Predictive Services Unit
Clark-Igoudin family at Nature Center bench.
PHOTO BY ALLISON FEDRICK
EPA action may nullify State’s greenhouse gas regulations
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
On July 29, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to rescind the legal basis for many environmental regulations, especially those involving electric vehicles and ending sales of gas-powered vehicles in the future.
Since 2009, the “Endangerment Finding” was the foundation for EPA’s regulations controlling greenhouse gas emissions. In that decision (‘‘Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Finding for Greenhouse Gases Under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act,’’ 74 FR 66496 (Dec. 15, 2009)), the EPA argued that it had authority to regulate GHG emissions. This is the basis for the subsequent regulations affecting domestic emissions from new motor vehicles and engines based on global climate change concerns rather than simply air pollution that endangers public health or welfare through local or regional exposure.
Since the 2009 Endangerment Finding was issued, many have stated that the American people and auto manufacturing have suffered from significant uncertainties and massive costs related to general regulations of GHG from vehicles and trucks, EPA now stated.
Zeldin’s announcement and the Aug. 1 Federal Register notice propose to rescind all GHG emission standards for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles and engines under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act.
According to the EPA press release, the EPA no longer believes that we have the statutory authority and record basis required to maintain this novel and transformative regulatory program. EPA noted recent court, including the U.S. Supreme Court, decisions as well as a Department of Energy report which argued, “Attribution of climate change or extreme weather events to human CO2 emissions is challenged by natural climate variability, data limitations, and inherent model deficiencies.”
“With this proposal, the Trump EPA is proposing to end sixteen years of uncertainty for automakers and American consumers,” Zeldin said in his press release. “. . . We heard loud and clear the concern that EPA’s GHG emissions standards themselves, not carbon dioxide which the Finding never assessed independently, was the real threat to Americans’ livelihoods.”
EPA maintains that as a result of these proposed changes, engine and vehicle manufacturers would no longer have any future obligations for the measurement, control, and reporting of GHG emissions for any highway engine and vehicle, including model years manufactured prior to this proposal.
However, EPA intends to retain, without modification, regulations necessary for criteria pollutant and air toxic measurement and standards, Corporate Average Fuel Economy testing, and associated fuel economy labeling requirements, according to the press statement.
This follows EPA’s actions in June to weaken regulation of GHG from power plants including their other hazardous emissions, such as mercury, arsenic and lead.
Sign near Cedar Glen points wrong way
By David Jerome Correspondent
Regina Caron shared a photo of a sign on 243 approaching Cedar Glen from Idyllwild. The reflective diamond shows a T intersection, but with the side street coming from the right instead of left.
Cal Trans Public Information Officer Eric Dionne confirmed that the sign is Cal Trans’ responsibility, and said he had brought it to the attention of the Area Supervisor.
A similar situation occurred when a new stop sign was installed at South Circle where it meets Tahquitz on one side and Marion View on the other. The signs facing both directions misidentified the cross streets. It was rectified.
Reaction to the announcement brought out both positive and negative comments. The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board call it “Liberation Day.”
The American Trucking Association was happy with the proposal.
“. . . This electric-truck mandate put the trucking industry on a path to economic ruin and would have crippled our supply chain, disrupted deliveries, and raised prices for American families and businesses,” said Chris Spear, President and CEO of the ATA. “Moreover, it kicked innovation to the curb by discarding available technologies that can further drive down emissions at a fraction of the cost. . . The trucking industry supports cleaner, more efficient technologies, but we need policies rooted in real-world conditions.”
The Sierra Club expressed an opposing view.
“As if any doubt remained, the Trump Administration has formalized climate denial as the official policy of the United States government,” said Acting Executive Director Loren Blackford in a public statement. “If approved, rescinding the endangerment finding would strike a decisive blow to the EPA’s authority to limit deadly greenhouse gas emissions and protect our people and our planet from the very worst of the climate crisis. Nearly every single day we see increased incidents of extreme weather, record heatwaves, deadly floods and droughts all threatening our lives and communities—all of which are the undeniable result of greenhouse gas emissions.
David Doniger of the Natural Resources Defense Council said the following in a panel discussion earlier this month. “. . . [T]oday’s cars emit one-half as much climate-changing pollution as cars made in 2008. We’ve made a lot of progress. But now Zeldin is attempting, against the science, to revoke the determination this stuff is dangerous, and knock the legs out from under his own legal authority to curb the pollution. He would repeal all of those standards for carbon pollution from vehicles, from power plants and other industries.”
The Federal Register notice says public comments will be accepted for 45 days and there will also be a virtual public hearing on Aug. 19 and 20, which may be extended to Aug. 21. For details on the public hearing or submitting written comments see the accompanying note.
To view documents supporting this proposed rulemaking as well as comments submitted, please go to regulations.gov and access the rule under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194.
How to attend the public hearing remotely and how to submit comments to the EPA
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
EPA instructions on how to register to listen to or speak at the public hearing and how to submit written comments on the proposal to rescind the Endangerment Finding:
Registration for the Aug. 19 public hearing
EPA plans to hold a virtual public hearing for this proposed rule, Reconsideration of 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards. The hearing is scheduled for August 19 and August 20. An additional session may be held on August 21, if necessary to accommodate the number of testifiers that sign up to testify.
Pre-registration is now open.
Public hearing registration will be open through the last day of the hearing, however, EPA asks that you pre-register by August 12 if you intend to testify or are requesting special accommodations. To the extent possible, EPA will work to accommodate late requests. All attendees (including those who will not be presenting verbal testimony) must register. Please submit a separate registration form for each person attending the hearing. More information on how to join the hearing will be sent to the email address that you provide for registration.
To register, please send an email to EPA-MobileSource-Hearings@epa.gov.
How to submit written comments to EPA
Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to the docket for this rule through September 15, 2025. There are several ways to provide written comments on the proposal, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194:
Federal eRule making Portal for this proposal: click on the “Comment” box under the proposed rule document, which is the first document listed under the “browse comments” tab.
Email: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov. Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194 in the subject line of the message.
Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center, OAR, Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460.
Hand Delivery or Courier (by scheduled appointment only): EPA Docket Center, WJC West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. The Docket Center’s hours of operation are 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday (except federal holidays).
EXPLORES THE INTIMATE LIVES OF 4 COLORFUL CHARACTERS... HOW THE LIMINAL SPACE BETWEEN ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS REVEALS WHAT’S HIDDEN. -HOLLY PARSONS, POET, WRITER
to think that a sister's visit and a little New Year's celebration could lead to such a confluence of revelations and emotions. I was mesmerized. - larry kawano, scientist
AND HIGHLY
AND
AT ITS BEST. - DONNA ELLIOT, ART ALLIANCE OF IDYLLWILD FORMER PRESIDENT
PHOTO BY REGINA CARON
“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 husband is 60 and was planning to work for another five years in the same job he’s had for close to 40 years. Because of some changes in his industry and the economy, his five remaining years will not happen. He has been home and “retired” for a few months now and I fear for our future. He is depressed, gaining weight, and not interested in much of anything. We’re young with time to enjoy this part of our lives even if it’s coming sooner than we thought and I wonder what can I do to help him and us?
Dear Reader:
What’s going to help your husband more than anything, I dare say, is a reorientation away from his identity as the person who did the job he did and toward a more true identity of himself as, what we typically say here in Spiritual Workout world, an eternal, spiritual, soul living life as him and experiencing himself in all manner of ways: worker; husband; son; friend; etc. Those who embrace this perspective have a much easier time letting go of certain experiences (e.g., the experience of working at the same job for 40 years; the experience of being married; the experience of having a parent; etc). It is almost definitely his identification as the worker/employee/supervisor/boss that he was that has him in such a state now that that identity is gone. This won’t likely be an overnight shift, but it’s a shift in perspective that, if he can adjust himself to, will change everything…for both of you.
Dear Spiritual Workout:
There’s this guy I like who goes to the same college. Our social circles overlap so we see each other somewhat regularly and when we do he always smiles and is nice to me, but I can’t really tell if he likes me the same way. We also had one class together last semester and it’s pretty much the same. He says hi and smiles but I just can’t tell and so my question is how can you tell if someone you’re interested in is interested in you?
Dear Reader:
I’m going to approach this from, perhaps, a surprising perspective. Needless to say, I have no idea how this guy feels toward you and wouldn’t hazard a guess. What I know for sure, though, is that it will help you tremendously as you navigate the world of romance and love to shift the focus from him — or any other — to you. In other words, you likely have some thoughts and ideas about how you would like to experience your Self in relationship. For example, thoughts and ideas like I want to be seen and heard; I want to feel treasured and adored; I want to explore my sexuality; I want to feel connected whether we’re together or not. When you cultivate and inhabit these thoughts and ideas, you measure who shows up, like this seemingly nice guy, against YOUR ideals. Then it’s not so much whether or not he likes you but whether or not he matches who you are.
• 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
STAFF
David Jerome | Editor david@towncrier.com
Mike Ferro | Designer mike@towncrier.com
JP Crumrine | Correspondent jp@towncrier.com
Peter Szabadi | Photography pszabadilaw@gmail.com
FIRMS
Justin Holmes | Videographer justinpholmes@gmail.com
Tobin Ale | Distribution Gannett Publishing rjthomas@gannett.com
Being a good dog parent
Contributed By Janice Murasko Director of Operations, Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends, ARF KPA-CPT PPG Dog Gone Safe certified
Being a good dog parent involves much more than providing a place to sleep and some kibble. A good dog parent is fair, takes time to teach his/her dog, works to communicate with him, and is consistent in dog-human interactions. A good dog parent is also her dog’s advocate.
In order to get started on the right foot as a good dog parent, one must understand dogs. Understanding a few simple facts about your canine can go a long way.
1) Dogs are amoral. They do not understand right from wrong, but rather they understand safe from unsafe.
2) Dogs are opportunistic and self-centered. What’s in it for them?
3) Dogs are social.
4) Dogs are very capable of learning from their actions, and they do.
5) Dogs explore with their mouths.
How to use these facts to a dog parent’s advantage? First of all, be fair. Remember that dogs are amoral and that they don’t do things to “get back” at their people. They are incapable of doing so! They are constantly learning, and their learning includes exploring the world with their mouths. They take advantage of opportunities when they can.
Help the dog learn! Be a good teacher. Punishing a dog for something is not nearly as effective as teaching her what you want her to do. Guide her into making good decisions, therefore guiding her to succeed. Communicate clearly with Fido. Use positive reinforcement when you catch him doing desirable behaviors. Let him know what you want him to do, not what you don’t want. When you catch him in an undesirable act, interrupt the behavior and help him understand what it is you want him to do instead.
Inconsistency not only confuses a dog, but it can cause fear and anxiety, and this can lead to behavioral problems. When you give Fido a bite of your sandwich at lunch but then punish him for begging at the table during dinner, you are sending mixed messages. A good parent should set household rules and stick to them. If the rule is Fido may not jump on people, make
sure the rule is applied by all family members and guests. Remember, the dog wants attention when she jumps, so yelling at her, kneeing her, grabbing her is giving exactly what she wantsattention. A dog should receive no attention, positive or negative, to avoid reinforcing the behavior. And finally, be your dog’s advocate. A dog who feels safe is a happier, more welcomed dog. Avoid putting your dog in str
Everything You Need to Know for the 2025
Idyllwild 5K/10K
The Idyllwild 5K/10K Team
Contributed
We’re just days away from the annual Idyllwild 5K/10K, and excitement is building for race day on Saturday, August 16. Whether you’re running the 5K, 10K, Kids’ Fun Run or cheering from the sidelines, here’s all the information you’ll need for a smooth and fun event.
Race Day Schedule Saturday, August 16
• Check-in & Packet Pickup: 6:00–7:00 a.m. at Idy Park, 54380 N. Circle Dr., Idyllwild-Pine Cove
• 5K Start: 7:30 a.m.
• 10K Start: 8:15 a.m.
• Kids’ Fun Run: 9:30 a.m.
• Awards Ceremony: Approximately 10:30 a.m. during the Pancake Breakfast at Town Hall
Runners are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking, packet pickup, and getting to the start line.
Note: We recommend doing early check-in on Friday afternoon.
Location & Parking
Start/Finish: Idy Park, 54380 N. Circle Dr., Idyllwild-Pine Cove, across from the totem pole.
Primary Parking: Idyllwild Community Center, 26184 Banning-Idyllwild Panoramic Hwy (across from the Mobil gas station)
Street Parking: Available in surrounding areas — please be mindful of driveways.
To secure a spot, plan to arrive by 6:00 a.m.
Packet Pickup
Location: Idy Park, 54380 N. Circle Dr., across from the totem Pole
• Early Pickup: Friday, August 15, 5:00–7:00 p.m. Recommended
• Race Morning: Saturday, August 16, 6:00–7:00 a.m.
Bring a photo ID or confirmation email to pick up your packet.
Course Information
• Both courses wind through scenic Idyllwild streets with rolling elevation changes.
• The 10K is two loops of the 5K route.
• Water Stations: Located at the start/finish line and halfway point.
Safety & Rules
• Headphones are allowed, but keep volume low for safety.
• Strollers are permitted in the 5K only and must start at the back.
• Leashed dogs are welcome.
• Watch for uneven surfaces and follow all volunteer instructions.
• First Aid: Available at the start/finish area.
• Please respect the environment and leave no trace.
Post-Race Fun
The Awards Ceremony will be held at the Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit at Idyllwild Town Hall, 25925 Cedar St. Breakfast Cost: $10/adult, $5/child.
(Note: The breakfast is a separate fundraiser run by RMRU.)
Weather & What to Bring
Expect a sunny, clear day with a high near 80°F. Bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a light layer for cool mountain morning temperatures.
Stay Connected
Follow race updates and share your photos: Instagram/Facebook: @IdyllwildRace Hashtag: #Idyllwild5k10k
See you at the start line!
The Idyllwild 5K/10K Team
Sheriff’s log
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls === IDYLLWILD ===
-- Wednesday August 06, 2025 -19:31:00 – SUICIDE THREAT –ADDRESS WITHHELD
16:41:00 – AREA CHECK – 5400 *** BLOCK PINE CREST AV
16:04:00 – PETTY THEFT – 2500 *** BLOCK CASSLER DR
-- Thursday August 07, 2025 -19:09:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – 5400 *** BLOCK VILLAGE CENTER DR
18:45:00 – FOLLOW-UP – ADDRESS WITHHELD
18:30:00 – FOLLOW-UP – ADDRESS WITHHELD
13:22:00 – TRESPASSING – 5300 *** BLOCK MIDDLE RIDGE DR
11:19:00 – HARRASSING PHONE CALLS – ADDRESS WITHHELD
09:50:00 – EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION – ADDRESS WITHHELD
-- Friday August 08, 2025 -21:02:00 – NOISE COMPLAINT –2500 *** BLOCK FERN VALLEY RD
19:43:00 – NOISE COMPLAINT –ADDRESS UNDEFINED
19:27:00 – DANGER TO SELF/ OTHER – 5400 *** BLOCK RIDGEVIEW DR
18:39:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
16:48:00 – HARRASSING PHONE CALLS – ADDRESS WITHHELD
16:48:00 – HARRASSING PHONE CALLS – ADDRESS WITHHELD
09:14:00 – LOST PROPERTY –5400 *** BLOCK PINE CREST AV 01:09:00 – ALARM CALL – 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH RIDGE DR 00:32:00 – UNKNOWN TROUBLE – 5300 *** BLOCK MEADOW DR
-- Saturday August 09, 2025 --
21:50:00 – CHECK THE WELFARE – 5400 *** BLOCK PINE CREST AV
19:58:00 – NOISE COMPLAINT –2500 *** BLOCK TAHQUITZ DR 19:37:00 – CIVIL DISPUTE – 2500 *** BLOCK SENECA DR
-- Sunday August 10, 2025 -22:35:00 – PUBLIC INTOXICATION – 2500 *** BLOCK CEDAR ST
18:03:00 – ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT – 5300 *** BLOCK TOLL GATE RD
16:32:00 – FOLLOW-UP – ADDRESS WITHHELD 15:18:00 – CHECK THE WELFARE – 2500 *** BLOCK CEDAR ST 13:08:00 – CHECK THE WELFARE – 5300 *** BLOCK MEADOW DR
00:55:00 – ALARM CALL – 2400 *** BLOCK ROBLE DR
-- Monday August 11, 2025 -18:04:00 – RUNAWAY CHILD –5400 *** BLOCK PINE CREST AV
14:34:00 – ALARM CALL – 5400 *** BLOCK RIVER DR
14:19:00 – PETTY THEFT – 5400 *** BLOCK SOUTH CIRCLE DR
07:43:00 – PUBLIC ASSIST –2500 *** BLOCK CEDAR ST
06:23:00 – ALARM CALL – 5400 *** BLOCK VILLAGE CENTER DR
=== PINE COVE ===
-- Sunday July 27, 2025 -22:38:00 – SUSPICIOUS PERSON – 5200 *** BLOCK GREEN CRAIG DR
-- Monday July 28, 2025 -02:14:00 – SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE – 2300 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
-- Tuesday July 29, 2025 -23:14:00 – AREA CHECK – 2500 *** BLOCK FRANKLIN DR 18:18:00 – ASSIST OTHER DEPARTMENT – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
-- Wednesday July 30, 2025 -14:45:00 – BATTERY – 2500 *** BLOCK FRANKLIN DR
-- Thursday July 31, 2025 -21:32:00 – ALARM CALL – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
-- Friday August 01, 2025 -16:41:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – 5300 *** BLOCK MOUNTAIN VIEW DR
-- Saturday August 02, 2025 -21:06:00 – ALARM CALL – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
-- Sunday August 03, 2025 -23:59:00 – SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE – 5200 *** BLOCK PINE RIDGE RD
-- Wednesday August 06, 2025 -21:06:00 – ALARM CALL – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
-- Thursday August 07, 2025 -20:39:00 – ALARM CALL – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
-- Friday August 08, 2025 -21:12:00 – ALARM CALL – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
-- Sunday August 10, 2025 -22:35:00 – ALARM CALL – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
10:17:00 – ALARM CALL – 2400 *** BLOCK MARION RIDGE DR 00:14:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – 5300 *** BLOCK ROCKMERE DR
-- Monday August 11, 2025 -23:52:00 – ALARM CALL – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
21:57:00 – ALARM CALL – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243 === POPPET FLATS ===
-- Tuesday July 29, 2025 -23:08:00 – SHOTS FIRED – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
01:30:00 – SHOTS FIRED – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
-- Wednesday July 30, 2025 -12:11:00 – SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
-- Thursday July 31, 2025 -21:19:00 – NOISE COMPLAINT –
ADDRESS UNDEFINED 21:10:00 – BARKING DOG – 4500 *** BLOCK PARTRIDGE ST
-- Friday August 01, 2025 -18:48:00 – MISCELLANEOUS CRIMINAL – 1800 *** BLOCK FOX DR
17:11:00 – MISCELLANEOUS CRIMINAL – 1800 *** BLOCK FOX DR
-- Saturday August 02, 2025 -20:25:00 – DANGER TO SELF/ OTHER – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
-- Monday August 04, 2025 -10:32:00
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PLEASE NOTE: The Town Crier is NOT an official “nonprofit organization.” (For practical reasons involving the likelihood of local factional efforts to dominate a nonprofit’s board so as to gain editorial control of the paper, it could not be.) Therefore, your Membership contributions are NOT tax deductable. Members have no ownership or voting interest in the Town Crier. And we know our Members appreciate that we cannot allow the fact of their Memberships to influence or control the paper’s ongoing editorial policies and decisions.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
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• Occasional offers, special to our Members, from local businesses.
• And most important and valuable of all: You will receive the satisfaction and pleasure of knowing that you are doing your part to support a real newspaper on our Hill for the benefit of our entire community.
Send completed form to Idyllwild Town Crier, P.O. Box 157, Idyllwild, CA 92549.
Checks may be made payable to “Idyllwild Town Crier.” | Contact us at 951-659-2145 or membership@towncrier.com.
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Town Crier • 54440 N Circle Dr. #F • 659-2145
Deadline: Noon Monday, Aug. 18, 2024
• Classified ad runs in the Aug. 21st & 28th editions
• You get 9 brightly colored signs (including six large arrows) to direct people to your house.
• Ad will also appear on the Town Crier’s website for 2 weeks (www.idyllwildtowncrier.com)
Attorney General concludes investigation of 2022 shooting
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
On Friday, Aug. 1, the State’s Attorney General’s Office released a report on the Investigation into the 2022 death of Jay Jackson. A Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy shot Jackson in the parking lot of an O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Moreno Valley.
The DOJ investigators concluded there was insufficient evidence to support any criminal charge against the deputy.
“Based on the investigation and review of evidence, along with the applicable statutes, legal principles, and subsequent analysis, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of Deputy [Robert] Carrasco. As such, no further action will be taken in this case,” the Report concluded.
On July 22, 2022, several RCSD deputies, including Robert Carrasco, responded to a 911 call of an armed subject entering a retail store and declaring he had a gun and was going to kill someone. This person was Jackson. According to the Report, Jackson, 49 years old, threatened to shoot someone, but said, “. . . , I’ll try not to do any innocent people.”
The Deputies were able to confront Jackson in the parking lot. Several times they asked him to drop his weapon and raise his hands. He did not follow instructions and told one deputy he had a gun. He was warned he could be shot.
Jackson told deputies he had a gun and said, “I’m not going to listen,” “just kill me,” and “you’re gonna kill me” at various points.
When he charged the deputy he pulled a shiny metallic object from his pocket. As he charged, the deputy fired one shot from his shotgun, hitting Jackson in the chest. Subsequently the metal object was found to be a metallic shaving razor handle.
Emergency medical services were summoned, but after arriving at the hospital, Jackson succumbed to the gunshot wounds.
On Sept. 30, 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 1506. This legislation requires the DOJ to investigate all incidents of an officer-involved shooting resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state.
Over the course of the investigation, DOJ agents interviewed involved deputies and civilian witnesses,
and received and reviewed extensive investigation materials, including: law enforcement and civilian video recordings, 3-D FARO scans, photographs of the crime scene (ground and aerial) and of the autopsy, communications evidence (dispatch records and 911 call recordings), physical evidence (shell casing, shaving handle used by Mr. Jackson, shotgun used by Deputy Carrasco), and autopsy and toxicology reports.
DOJ investigates and reviews, for potential criminal liability, all such incidents covered under AB 1506. Where criminal charges are not appropriate, DOJ is required to prepare and make public a written report.
The Report describes the situation, the DOJ analysis of the law enforcement actions, and an explanation of why it was determined that criminal charges were not appropriate.
The DOJ authors did offer five recommendations as a result of the incident.
First, RCSD should modify its standard to require officers to use de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention tactics, and other alternatives to force when feasible.
Currently, the RCSO Standards Manual refers to de-escalation but does not require that deputies employ it. State law affirmatively requires de-escalation when feasible, according to the Report.
The second recommendation wants RCSD to establish a single officer in charge at these types of situations. The review of this incident indicated that all three deputies addressed Jackson. DOJ recommends that RCSO incorporate policies to ensure that the deputies involved in a critical incident clearly communicate with a subject through a single deputy and improve training consistent with the recommendations herein.
The third recommendation addressed the type of shotgun shells loaded in the firearm. If different types of ammunition are going to be permitted, then the type of shell being used should be documented. Additionally, RCSO should provide training on this policy.
More training on when activation of the body worn cameras is appropriate was the fourth recommendation. Two deputies did not activate their cameras until well into the incident.
The final and fifth recommendation urged the RCSD to consider acquiring digital in-car video systems for its patrol units. These would complement the deputies’ body worn cameras
Idyllwild Garden Club:
Contributed By Helen Strahan
The Idyllwild Garden Club has been around for close to 70, yes, seventy years here on the mountain. And thanks to a very dedicated group of Beautification Volunteers, it takes:
13 gallons of water – 3x a week to keep the Idyllwild Welcome Sign looking beautiful to all visitors and locals alike as they drive into town.
2 gallons of water – 2x a week to keep the barrels at the new ICC Building flowering and happy at the entrance of the building.
2 gallons of water – 3x a week to keep the hanging baskets at the Public Restrooms happy in the sunshine. With water provided at the Town Hall – 2x a week the two barrels are groomed and watered to welcome those attending the many activities at the Town Hall. The purple deer likes it too.
1x a month, a dedicated group of volunteers, snip, dig and rake at the Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum. Lots of work goes into making that property a jewel of the town.
1x a month, a dedicated group of volunteers pull weeds, rake leaves and maintain the plant signs at both the Pollinator and Native Gardens at the Idyllwild Nature Center. What a showcase of local plants for all to see.
4x a month, the two planted areas at the Idyllwild Library are watered and maintained. At the beginning of the Spring, weeds are pulled, wood chips are spread and areas swept clean by yet another group of dedicated volunteers. Book readers love when the lilacs are in bloom.
That’s a lot of work done by many hard working, volunteers who not only enjoy what they do, but that we Beautify Idyllwild One Project at a Time.
We would love for you to join our fun and interesting group of members and who knows, you too could be part of our next beautification project. So, the next time you’re wandering about town, look for the signs that say: Maintained by the Idyllwild Garden Club and know what it takes to beautify our town.
The IDYLLWILD GARDEN CLUB meets the first Wednesday of each month, April through December at 12:30 at the Idyllwild Nature Center conference room. Upcoming Pot Luck luncheons will be in October and December.
3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Riverside, Idyllwild Town Crier.
Date:
GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES
Idyllwild Garden Club Governing Board Member
Free Summer Concert Series features USMC Band tonight, Big Band Staff and Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. next week
By David Jerome Correspondent
The free Idyllwild Summer Concert Series continues tonight, Thursday August 14, when the Butterfield Amphitheater welcomes back the United States Marine Corps 1st Marine Division Brass Band. There will be no opening act that night, but the music still begins at 6:00 p.m. Series founder and producer Ken Dahleen is a Marine Band alumnus, and has been known to get out from behind the mixing desk when the Marines come to town.
In past years, the Corps has sent up its 18-piece jazz ensemble from San Diego and its Combat Center Band from Twentynine Palms, as well as the Division 1 Concert Band. The Brass Band, known as the “Old Breed Brass Band,” blends jazz improvisation and dance music, pop songs and original compositions.
Dahleen has pointed out that the USMC has been an annual visitor to Idyllwild since well before he began the present Summer Concert Series
On the 21st another big band, Dahleen’s own Big Band Staff, will take the stage. The Band Staff will play a set drawn from Dahleen’s extensive library of classic arrangements before being joined by Alfredo Miller, who will present his tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. Miller’s bio features two Los Angeles Drama Logue
Summer Concerts
• Linda McCaughin & Phil Strong
• Sandlin Refrigeration
• David and Colleen Pascale Sanford & Brenda Moreno
• Idyllwild Rotary Charitable Fund Babz and David Cutter
• Harry & Cosmo Perrogato
• Tiffany Raridon / Idyllwild Properties
• Linda & Manny Rider
• Augusta Communities / Idyllwild Trailer Park
• Residents of Idyllwild Trailer Park Robin & Bill Rhoads
• Roland Gaebert
• Bob & Gisela Stearns
awards and four NAACP theatre awards. He has appeared on numerous television shows and commercials, including Spin City, Law and Order, and General Hospital. He has toured nationally with numerous “Rat Pack” revues in addition to his solo shows. He has performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York and sung with the Vienna Symphony in Austria.
Each year series producer Ken Dahleen brings the best working tribute artists from the region to Idyllwild for unforgettable summer evenings of music, and invites favorites of our local music scene to get the crowds warmed up. This is the Series 26th year, and the concerts
• Idyllwild Pizza Company Idyllwild Town Crier
• Stephanie Yost at Idyllwild Mountain Properties Pete and Suzy Capparelli
• Garrett Capune & Harmeet Chana Idyllwild Vacation Rental Owners
have had the Butterfield Amphitheater for a home since 2019.
The Summer Concert Series is free and open to all, supported entirely by donations from the community. This year’s budget for nine concerts is $49,275, with $45,291 already raised. Contributions, checks payable to “Idyllwild Summer concert Org” may be sent to PO Box 1542, Idyllwild CA 92549, or call (760)413-4638.
USMC Division 1 Brass Band, Thursday August 14, Big Band Staff with Alfredo Miller, tribute to Sammy Davis Jr, music begins at 6 p.m. Butterfield Amphitheater, 54201 Ridgeview Drive.
his
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Work with a partner at home to complete the following dandy Dollars and Cents Challenges!
Name:
Name of Learning Buddy:
1. Look through the newspaper for five or more numbers that represent money. Cut these out and glue them on the box below in order from smallest to largest:
2. Give each letter of the alphabet a money value starting with A = 1¢ B = 2¢ C = 3¢. Continue until you get to Z, which equals 26¢. Using these letter values, add up the “value” of each word in the headlines on the front page of the newspaper.
Which word is the “most expensive?” Cut it out and glue it here:
Word Value: $___________
Which is the “least expensive”? Cut it out and glue it here:
Word Value: $___________
3. Look at the sports news. Find and circle ten or more numbers. Calculate the sum and the average of these numbers.
Look through the newspaper to find examples of things people NEED to survive. Then find examples of things you WANT but don’t need. Cut them out and glue them onto a poster showing Needs and Wants
This week’s word:
The noun profit means the amount of money made by a business that is more than the amount put in at the start.
After spending $1 on supplies, Franco made $11 at his carwash. His profit was therefore $10.
Try to use the word profit in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.
Grow Money
How could you turn one dollar into ten dollars or more?
Franco’s friends, Sara and Andrew, had some ideas on what he should do.
© 2025 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel,
Butterfly Daze at Nature Center to feature larger aviary, more species
By David Jerome Correspondent
The Idyllwild Nature Center will be hosting their annual Butterfly Daze event this Saturday, August 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free, and will include–in addition to a walk-in butterfly aviary–nature walks, lectures, arts and crafts for kids. There will also be vendors with various goods and food.
The event is sponsored the Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District and staffed by the Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County Parks.
Nature Center Park Interpreter Allison Fedrick explained the role of butterflies in our ecosystem: “Butterflies are an essential creature in the world’s environment. They are invertebrates, which means that rather than existing with a skeleton on the inside, their body is created with an exoskeleton (a keratin structure on the outside). These fragile insects are important to our ecosystem because they are pollinators. They transfer pollen from the male part of the plant to the female part of the plant in order to complete the fertilization process. Without pollinators, plants would struggle to bear fruit, seeds, and new plants. Butterflies often live a very short life, but in that time, they do a lot of work to keep our plants reproducing.”
Fedrick also noted that this year’s event will be bigger than past years. “A butterfly rancher, Flutterby Ranch, will bring four or five different Southern California Species. They are a well-established company, I saw them at the San Bernardino County museum for an event. They will bring a much larger aviary than we had in previous years. They will give a conservation talk covering the vulnerable population of monarch butterflies. We’re a little bit high up here for Monarchs, but they do come through.” The Nature Center maintains a pollinator garden and so is usually a good place to find butterflies. Visitors who enter the aviary will be given a swab with nectar to attract the colorful insects. “It should be a fun day for any family that comes.”
Live music will be provided by Sandii Castleberry. There will also be a special outdoor Idyllwild Library Butterfly Daze Storytime with Ms Luanne at the Nature Center, at 10:30 a.m.
Butterfly Daze at the Idyllwild Nature Center, Saturday August 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 25225 Highway 243.
ICC latest beneficiary of Rotary Club’s Town Hall Bingo night
By David Jerome Correspondent
The Idyllwild Rotary Club has been holding monthly Bingo events at Town Hall to benefit local causes and organizations. This month the beneficiary was the Idyllwild Community Center. Rotarians Bill Kenworthy and Barbra Larsh welcomed players and handed out cards. They say the games have been drawing about 60 players, which was about right for the Saturday, August 9 game.
ICC president Stephanie Yost, who is also a Rotarian, was calling the numbers. Steve Olson was selling pizza by the slice, donated by Ferro. The games started last September, and have gone on each month (except December and January) supporting a different local cause. Coming up will be the Idyllwild Scholarship Fund on September 6, the Summer Concert Series on October 4, and Forest Folk–operators of our free shuttle vans– on November 8.
Mountain Paws hosts puppy adoption event with ARF
By David Jerome Correspondent
Saturday August 9 Mountain Paws hosted a puppy adoption event with Animal Rescue Friends of Idyllwild. ARF president Janice Murasko was there to take care of the formalities, and another volunteer covered the “paperwork” that is inevitable when five puppies spend the morning in a corral. Murasko said the puppies were one day short of nine weeks old, and the mother was “mostly” Labrador, while the father’s breed was unknown, but appeared to have some pit bull. The puppies will have their spaying or neutering scheduled when they are adopted.
Idyllwild resident Noah Stroder was immersing himself in puppies in the corral while Grandmother, Lisa Darby, who took in the pregnant mother dog, looked on. There were eight puppies in the litter, but three were adopted the week before.
The adoption events have been a Mountain Paws tradition, one that the pet boutiques new owners, David and Diane DeMarco, have continued. Murasko said the DeMarcos are “wonderful” and “go above and beyond,” helping the volunteers stay hydrated, setting out a fan, and helping to get to word out.
Murasko reports that two puppies were adopted during the event, named Oreo and Chocolate Milk.
“We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.”
—Kurt Vonnegut
Property Management. Fernando Alvarez. 20 years exp. in Idyllwild. Caretaking, vacation rental mgmt., housekeeping, painting, maintenance & repairs. Excellent refs. Phone (760) 285-7651 Email: fernandoalvarez1@ me.com
Rake, haul, we do it all! Just give us a call! (951) 867-2938 Firewood also
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Sale 1987 Suzuki Samurai JX, tin top. All stock and very original. No upgrades or modifications. Factory ac, low miles on rebuilt engine. $9,900 obo. Peter, 619-985-2056, Keystone Laredo fifth wheel, 2009, 27ft., Q bed, Wood Cabinets, Good condition. Currently in Thousand Trails Park, Idyllwild. Nice little getaway trailer. Asking $5000 OBO. Call 202425-5412 for pix and info.
PHOTO BY DAVID JEROME
Western Tiger Swallowtail PHOTO BY ALLISON FEDRICK
75 years ago - 1950
Trail improvements, the stringing of a phone line from Tahquitz Peak to Round Valley, campsite maintenance and the building of a well were just some of the projects underway at the Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
70 years ago - 1955
High up on the wooded slopes of Strawberry Valley, a new subdivision was opened in upper Fern Valley by the Idyllwild Mountain Park Company.
65 years ago - 1960
Paving the way for the tramway agency to finance an aerial lift from the desert to Long Valley, a new contract between the San Jacinto Winter Park Authority and the California Department of Natural Resources was signed in Sacramento.
60 years ago - 1965
Almost 100 Model A Fords from all parts of Southern California came to the annual campout of Ford owners in Idyllwild.
55 years ago - 1970
For the first time in its 20-year history, the ISOMATA campus offered classes after its summer session ended, beginning a high school program that has lasted to this day.
Creature Corner
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats talked about the puppy adopta-thon.
Pepper: So, we have some adoptions to celebrate. We are now down to 3 puppies, all male, as the others have been adopted.
Marlowe: I heard that the really nice part is that the adopters have kept in contact with ARF, sharing photos of the pups in their new forever homes.
Pepper: Which puppies are left?
Rowan: Moonlight, Chocolate, and Dot. They are all so cute!
Pepper: The other news is that 2 of the 4 kittens have been adopted.
Marlowe: In addition to the 2 kittens still looking for forever homes, there is a second litter getting ready to go.
Pepper: Right! If any human wants a breath of youth brought into the home, ARF has it. Kittens, puppies abound.
Marlowe: What are the important things for a potential adopter to consider?
Rowan: Well, since it's summer and the weather is, uh, toasty, any dog or cat will need a place to escape the heat.
Pepper: Of course, and I hope cat guardians recognize the signs of overheated cats.
Rowan: I do! If a guardian's cat is any of these, it could be serious...
• Lethargy or weakness
• Panting or rapid breathing
• Drooling
• Red or pale gums
• Elevated heart rate
• Vomiting or staggering Dot: Cat guardians should probably remember to create “cool zones” for their furry felines, along with encouraging hydration, limiting exhausting activity, and grooming regularly.
Moonlight: What would grooming have to do with keeping the cat cool?
50 years ago - 1975
The Lake Hemet Fire started in the grass at the south edge of the lake. Despite efforts of ground crews, the flames reached Thomas Mountain. The fire was the second major blaze in these mountains in less than 12 months.
45 years ago - 1980
A program was created to prevent overuse of Devil’s Slide Trail in the San Jacinto Wilderness; only 20 hiking permits would be issued in one day.
40 years ago - 1985
Nearly 200 acres of “prime property” crossed by Deer Springs Trail was purchased by the State of California and would be turned over to the State Parks Dsepartment.
Rowan: Brushing helps remove loose fur and reduces shedding, which can help the cat stay cooler. Pepper: Ahhh, makes sense.
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.
35 years ago - 1990
A San Diego couple, Joe and Sylvia Cordileone, climbed Tahquitz Rock to exchange wedding vows. Ten of their 25 wedding guests made it to the top to witness the event.
30 years ago - 1995
Representatives from both the Hemet Unified School District and the teachers’ union said progress had been made in contract negotiations, but the two sides remained far apart on a possible pay raise for district teachers.
25 years ago - 2000
Before children returned to school, the first stage of a construction project at Idyllwild School was underway when an excavator knocked down two classrooms and the library.
20 years ago - 2005
To the community’s great shock, Alexis Echavar-
AYSO Youth Soccer
By Johnny Wilson ICC Sports Director
It was a great time Saturday August 9th at Idyllwild School for “AYSO Soccer Fun Day!”
AYSO representatives Andy Price and crew came up from Torrance (L.A. County) to host a fun-filled day of mini soccer tournaments and brought up an “inflatable soccer field” which was popular with the younger kids.
ICC Sports Director Johnny Wilson and wife Halie Wilson were accepting donations for sandwiches, snacks, and drinks during the fundraising event for new soccer uniforms.
“The event was a great success – even though it was a hot day, kids and parents came in numbers to show their support for our upcoming local soccer league,” said Wilson. He adds, “the kids looked great last year in professional uniforms – but they did cost quite a bit more. With the overwhelming positive feedback we had last year, we will continue to provide this type of quality uniforms moving forward. The sponsors also loved seeing their local business name on the backs of the jerseys – bold, sharp, and professional. It’s a win-win for all.”
The 2025 season of ICC-AYSO Youth Soccer (Idyllwild is the new AYSO Region 8027) will be starting
ria, a promising Idyllwild Arts’ film student and a community service volunteer in Thailand, died unexpectedly.
15 years ago - 2010
Early morning flames engulfed the home of Michael and Barbara Hynes on Foster Lake Road. It was completely destroyed.
11 year ago - 2014
Many mountain yellow-legged tadpoles released the previous summer in two local creeks survived the winter, but the drought and disease appeared to have taken a toll on the surviving population.
10 year ago - 2015
Living Free, a sanctuary for abandoned cats and dogs, expanded its mission in 2020 to include caring for rescued wild mustangs, beginning with Liberty Belle, while
continuing to increase adoptions, build new facilities, and promote community-supported animal welfare initiatives.
5 year ago - 2020 Veteran educator Storme Freeman joined Idyllwild School to teach in place of the recently retired Diana Kirkham, bringing 35 years of teaching experience and a commitment to fostering positive, engaging learning environments despite the challenges of online instruction during COVID-19.
1 year ago - 2024
Idyllwild Laundry Service, under new ownership by Randy and Rosa Montes, upgraded its equipment, expanded services, and began adding a self-service dog washing station alongside plans for a lounge area, expanded vending, and pick-up and delivery options.
at the end of the month and will go through mid-October. The cost is $59.00 per player for the season.
Volunteer coaches and referees will get a nice discount if they have kids enrolling for the season ($29.00 per player). The registration fees include team uniforms: custom jerseys, soccer shorts, and uniform-matching soccer socks.
For more information and to register for the 2025 soccer season, go to www.idyllwildcommunitycenter.org
Churches & Spiritual Centers DirectoryIdyllwildof
Chris Mitchell's farewell party at Taryn's Place
PHOTO BY PETER SZABADI
KIC Construction wins 2025 ICC adult softball champiohship
By Johnny Wilson Icc Sports Director
ICC ADULT SOFTBALL
The final four teams (#4 BBI Construction vs #1 Pharos Athletic Club and #3 Santa Rosa vs #2 KIC Construction) of the ICC Adult Softball league were ready for the semi-finals at Idyllwild School’s Top Field last Monday August 4th… until the Rosa Fire broke out off of Highway 74 near the Santa Rosa Reservation.
The Monday semi-finals games were postponed to Tuesday August 5th.
Unfortunately the fire grew larger by Tuesday and the #3 ranked team Santa Rosa had to end their season short in order to deal with evacuations as the threat from the Rosa Fire was looming in their near vicinity.
With no time remaining in the season (as the Idyllwild School year was to start back up the following Monday August 11th), Santa Rosa had no choice but to forfeit their semi-finals game which gave KIC Construction a free pass to the championships.
Pharos Athletic Club, having not yet lost a game the entire season, added another victory to their undefeated winning-streak by vanquishing over BBI Construction in the semi-finals and would go on to face KIC Construction in Game 1 of the World Series the following day.
The last time these two teams went head-to-head was on July 16th in the regular season when Pharos A.C. won over KIC Construction by a score of 6-4, which was KIC’s only loss the entire season.
The ICC Adult Softball World Series is a “best of three” series where the first team to win two games would be crowned league champions.
Game 1 was played on Wednesday August 6th. Game 2 (and Game 3 if needed) were scheduled for Friday August 8th.
Game 1 was a back-and-forth nailbiter with KIC taking the early lead in the first inning, then Pharos A.C. took control of the game in the second inning by jumping ahead two runs, only for KIC to get back on top
by two runs in the third inning. Although runs were coming in from both teams, KIC managed to retain the lead by a mere couple of runs… until the final inning.
KIC was ahead 14-12 lead heading into the final 7th inning, where they notched one more run to make it 1512 at the top of the final inning. Pharos A.C. had their final at-bat coming up and needed three runs to tie, however … they scored four runs for the come-from-behind win in the final inning!
Game 1 final score: KIC Construction 15, Pharos Athletic Club 16.
Pharos A.C. won Game 1 and would need just one more victory on Friday’s August 8th matchup to secure the championship.
KIC, however, had different plans when the two teams battled it out again in Game 2. They stepped up their game and gave it all they got. In the end, it was a decisive victory for KIC as they took the W in Game 2.
Game 2 final score: Pharos Athletic Club 2, KIC Construction 9.
The series was now tied 1-1 and a ‘Game 3’ had to be played immediately following the Game 2 in order to determine this year’s champions.
Pharos A.C., after losing its first game of the season, was not going to let the championship trophy slip away from them that easy. KIC on the other hand, just defeated the undefeated … could they do it again?
Both teams were determined and focused, as they both needed just one win to claim their place on the 35-year-old Adult Softball championship trophy.
After 7 innings, the score was tied.
The final game of the season was going into overtime with as many extra innings needed to produce a winner.
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In overtime, KIC Construction did not let up and kept the runs coming in. They also were somehow able to stop Pharos A.C. from catching up as they got the three outs they need to win the game - and become the 2025 ICC Adult Softball champions!
Game 3 final score: KIC Construction 8, Pharos Athletic Club 4.
KIC Construction wins the series 2-1. What a season!
This is the second year in a row that KIC Construction has won the championship, and the held the trophy up high in 2024 as well.
Can KIC do it again next year and “three-peat” or will Pharos Athletic Club come back to put their name on the trophy? And what about the new team from Santa Rosa – would they have taken it all the way if they didn’t have to cede their semi-finals game because of the Rosa Fire?
All these questions will have to be answered next year when the 2026 season of ICC Adult Softball gets underway.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the league, thank you to all the coaches, and a special thank you to our umpires Brennen Priefer, Steve Olson, and John Stamper – this would not have been such a successful season without everyone’s countless hours and generous contributions to the league.
So, what is next for ICC sports?
We have Adult Volleyball coming up in November and Adult Basketball starting in January, but first…
The 2025 season of ICC-AYSO Youth Soccer will soon be getting underway!
Go to www.idyllwildcommunitycenter.org to register and for more information about our local sports.
