WNKI AM 1610 resumes broadcasting
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Parks District plans hazardous fuels removal at Idyllwild Park
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Hemet High takes top honors at Riverside County Math Competion, team includes two Idyllwild students
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ByHeart infant formula products recalled
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Get ready: 2026 will be busy year for political campaigns
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Desert Sun classmates gather for revival of A Local Tale
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By JP Crumrine Correspondent
When it comes to California, neither President Donald Trump nor the Justice Department are willing to apply states rights to California’s laws, policies, or actions.
While a vast majority of California voters (nearly two-thirds) voted “yes” on Proposition 50. This changes the boundaries of California’s current 52 Congressional seats. The intent was to reduce the number of Republican Congressman in the 120th Congress which convenes in January 2027.
Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed and supported the proposition after Trump convinced Texas gov. Greg Abbot to re-district his states Congressional District to provide more Republicans during the 2026 mid-term elections. It is not unusual for the President’s party to lose seats in the mid-terms.
On November 13, the Federal Department of Justice joined the lawsuit filed by the state Republican party the day after Prop 50 passed. California Assemblymember David Tangipa (R) is the lead plaintiff.
The Federal filing begins, “Race cannot be used as a proxy to advance political interests, but that is precisely what the California General Assembly did with Proposition 50—the recent ballot initiative that junked California’s pre-existing electoral map in favor of a rush-job rejiggering of California’s congressional district lines.”
This is the argument that initial suit made. The plaintiffs argue that Prop 50 violates the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution. It uses race data to determine the district boundaries.
It replaces Congressional seats drawn by an independent State commission with a gerrymandered map of districts to increase the number of Democratic Congressmen in the next House.
“We welcome the support of the Department of Justice. Our lawsuit raises significant civil rights issues that warrant their participation,” said Mike Columbo, the plaintiffs’ attorney, after the DOJ announcement. “We remain hopeful that this case will protect millions of Californians whose constitutional rights the California legislature violated with Proposition 50’s congressional district map.”
“California’s redistricting scheme is a brazen power grab that tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi in the DOJ press release announcing the action. “Governor Newsom’s attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not stand.”
“The end result is a map that manipulates district lines in the name of bolstering the voting power of Hispanic Californians because of their race. Our Constitution does not tolerate this racial gerrymander,” the Federal filing states.
The DOJ requests that the District Court issue an injunction prohibiting the State from implementing or using Prop 50’s congressional district map in any future elections, including, without limitation, the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon has been recused from this case since her former law firm, Dhillon Law Group, of Newport Beach, filed the original lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on November 5.
Contributed
Fairway Foods Market is celebrating 60 years in business this year, with 43 years serving the mountain communities from the same location in the Strawberry Creek Plaza shopping center. Founded by Jim Ziemkowski in 1965, the Fairway store in Idyllwild opened in March of 1982. The store has remained in the family through two generations, with Jim’s daughter “Di” managing it for over 30 years. Fairway has withstood earthquakes, fires, pandemics, floods and severe snowstorms.
As part of the celebration, the market is rolling out a new customer loyalty program for local residents. The program will offer discounts, giveaways and special promotions, beginning November 18.
“This is one way that we can give back to the community and show our gratitude for the support and continued patronage for our local customers through all these years. We truly care for our Idyllwild family.” Says Jim’s daughter, store co-owner Donna Palmer.
Initially the program will consist of an introductory promotion that gives a 10% discount off purchases of $50 or more, excluding lottery and tobacco products.
Juan Patlan, Fairway’s general manager added, “many of our local customers that have shopped with us for years are like family. At Fairway we believe in family helping family and we thought that some additional savings on groceries would be a good way to accomplish this right now.”
The program’s administrator, Andrew Martinez, states that the store plans to roll out a more robust program in the future, but wanted to make sure they had something in place that customers can take advantage of through the holiday season. “We’ll also be seeking customer feedback as we move forward with the program’s development and see where that takes us down the road. Customers should also be on the lookout for special offers & giveaways via our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.”
Residents of the mountain communities of Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Mountain Center and Garner Valley are all eligible for the program. All customers will have to do is show a valid id, utility bill or other official document showing a local address in order to participate. In exchange, customers will be given a loyalty card to show at the check stands, where the discount will be applied to their grocery bill over $50.
By David Jerome Correspondent
Members of Mile High Radio Club notified us early Friday morning, November 14, that Radio WNKI 1610 AM is again broadcasting after a silence of about 6 weeks. The station is licensed to Idyllwild Fire Protection District but had been operated by members of MHRC under the supervision of IFPD, according to an agreement signed by the previous IFPD Chief, Patrick Reitz, in 2014.
WNKI, as of Friday November 14, is broadcasting messages including warnings cautioning drivers about two projects on Highway 243: the CalTrans mill and overlay which includes drainage and guardrails, and IFPD’s Idyllwild Right of Way project reducing fuel vegetation along the highway and other major roads. Another segment features Deputy Fire Marshall James LaMont’s warnings on fireplace safety.
IFPD Chief Mark LaMont took issue with last week’s headline about a “rift” between MHRC and IFPD. “I do not feel that there is a “rift” between MHRC and IFPD. There was a disagreement about the requirements to be a volunteer in any capacity with IFPD. MHRC has chosen not to meet all the requirements.”
LaMont also clarified that WNKI, in his words, was never “down” or off the air. “WNKI is an EMERGENCY Radio Broadcast Frequency which is operated on 1610am within our area by the Idyllwild Fire Protection District Staff. There is no regulation nor rule stating that “something” or “anything” must be broadcast on that frequency at all times. Therefore, the IFPD makes determinations as to necessary content and broadcast of information on that emergency radio frequency. From time to time no broadcasting on that frequency may occur which in no way should imply that WNKI is not operable or down.”
The Chief added that IFPD continues to care for and improve the station. “The IFPD has recently made sig-
nificant improvements to our broadcast capabilities on WNKI 578 1610 a.m. which include its relocation to our communications site as well as all new lightning protections, a new antenna and new ground plane which allows for much better broadcast capability and reception.”
Communication between IFPD and MHRC broke down in 2021. A letter from present IFPD Chief Mark LaMont outlining new requirements for MHRC members wishing to access WNKI equipment in a non-public area of the fire station was never received by the club, according to board members. In September of this year, IFPD and MHRC exchanged letters ending the working relationship and laying out a timeline for the removal of MHRC property from the station, and according to MHRC the locks on the radio room were changed.
WNKI’s function is to provide travelers with information about road conditions, and timely and reliable information during emergencies including evacuations. Its reach has been limited by our terrain, but funding has been secured for a “ribbon network” of small transmitters to allow travelers to pick up the station from Pinyon Pines to Poppet flats. The Strategic Plan, approved in 2015, called for transmitters to be installed at Ranger Peak (about 2 miles southeast of Diamond Zen Center) and CalFire Stations 23 (Pine Cove), 53 (Garner Valley), and 30 (Pinyon).
CORRECTION: Our November 13 story about WNKI included a paragraph that was missing one word, which we have added in bold face. We regret the error.
…Tell said that the request for members’ background information came on November 11, 2024 along with the mention of a “Standard Operating Guidelines” for access to all the work spaces within the Fire Station; the MHRC requested a copy of such document for club review. To date the MHRC has yet to receive a copy of said document. “We had always had 24/7 access before that.”
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
At their Nov. 19 meeting, the Board of Supervisors has been asked to approve a $300,000 contract to reduce hazardous fuels at the Idyllwild Regional Park and Valley Hi Oak Reserve.
The work will remove hazardous trees and vegetation to reduce fire hazard at both locations. The overall project goal is to reduce fire risk while preserving a diverse age class of trees, maintaining a healthy native plant understory, controlling spread of invasive plants, conserving important wildlife habitats, and maintaining healthy, mature trees.
The plan is the work to be completed by March 15, 2026.
The Request for Proposals was issued Sept. 24 and the response due by Oct. 15. The Agency accepted the lowest bid from United Tree & Environmental, Inc., Colton, for the amount of $299,950.
The Open Space District requested that the Board approve an amount of $799,950 in case of problems and hurdles during the work. The higher amount would be available in case potential unforeseen conditions and terrain-related challenges unique to the Idyllwild Regional Park project area occur during the fuels removal.
“This proactive approach ensures that adequate funding is available to address any site-specific complexities without causing delays or requiring future contract amendments,” the District told the Board.
The District plans a meeting at the Idyllwild Nature Center to discuss the project and answer questions from residents whose homes are adjacent to the areas slated for work. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19 at 6:00 p.m.
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
This past weekend was wet. Several inches of rain fell on the Hill, but fortunately not like February 2019 when more than 8 inches fell in hours, or even the 6 inches or more on the San Bernardino Mountains.
And the Monday forecast expects more precipitation this week. Through Wednesday, the National Weather Service said a second system Tuesday and into Wednesday will bring “. . . widespread rain and mountain snowfall for areas above 5,000 feet. . . A third system may bring additional by late Thursday or Friday. . . “
In fact, the NWS expects some snow Monday night into Tuesday afternoon. After this week, longer term, for the next month, the NWS is forecasting normal temperatures and precipitation for Southern California.
The current La Niña is expected to remain weak, according to the NWS Climate Prediction Center and continue through early winter. Consequently, winter and early spring may be warmer and drier than normal.
Despite the precipitation, which has certainly diminished drought conditions, temperature records were still being set in the past two weeks.
From Friday, November 14 through Monday morning, November 17, Idyllwild Fire Department recorded slightly more than 1.5 inches of rain. This brought the annual rainfall since January 1 to 12 inches, of which more than a third has fallen since September 1.
Keenwild Ranger Station recorded about 1.8 inches of rain this weekend and Pine Cove had nearly 2.5 inches of rain, for a total of 13.6 since the beginning of the year.
While the weekend rainfall did not set any local records, nearby in Palm Springs, San Jacinto, and San Diego, their totals did set records for November 15.
On the Hill, the 25-year average rainfall from January through November is 19 inches, and 22 inches for the year.
Through November 11, before this weekend’s precipitation, nearly 50 percent of California was free of any drought conditions. And there were no areas of extreme or exceptional drought. November 2024 was the last time this occurred.
All of San Diego County and about half of Riverside (the western portion) were considered in level 2, Severe Drought. (Editor’s note: the five levels of drought are: D0, abnormally dry; D1, moderate drought; D2, severe drought; D3 extreme drought, D4 exceptional drought.)
But not just precipitation has affected the Mountain. From November 9 through November 11, Idyllwild set record high temperatures. On November 9, it reached 83 degrees, 5 degrees more than the previous high set in 1980. It was 79 degrees the next day, tying the 1956 record. On November 11, it reached 78 degrees tying the 1976 record.
Then on November 14, the overnight temperature fell only to 50 degrees, which tied the record of the highest overnight temperature since 1970. The next night’s high of 45 degrees beat the 2017 high of 43 degrees for the day’s lowest temperature.
“Well, next week is looking pretty wet as well across all of California! There is considerable uncertainty surrounding the details, and another heavy rain event cannot be ruled out in Southern California (at
least light to moderate additional rain is quite likely). It currently looks like two distinct systems (both faster-moving than this weekend’s sluggish low) will swing through, bringing quick bursts of rain/wind and some isolated thunderstorms. Both of these do look somewhat colder than the present storm–. . . and so I would expect better mountain snow accumulations at lower elevations with these subsequent systems later in the week,” wrote Dr. Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with joint appointments as a climate scientist within the California Institute for Water Resources within University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA, and a research partner at the National Science Foundation’s National Center for Atmospheric Research, in his “Weather West” posting on November 14.
By David Jerome Correspondent
A group of friends with Idyllwild roots gathered at the Rustic Theater on Saturday night, November 15, for a screening of a movie that most of them had helped make more than 40 years ago. The film was the first fulllength project of Brian Benson, who has gone on to bigger and better things. The film’s editor, Steve Jensen, recently took the old super 8 project and breathed new life into it.
The film, A Local Tale, used friends and family in the way that teenage projects often do. The friends were mostly drawn from Desert Sun School’s classes of 1980-83. With over 20 cast members, it would be hard to name them all, but the adults included Judy Jensen and Olivia Redwine.
Benson, at the screening, kept on telling the audience how “stupid” the film was, and the screening was private out of an abundance of delicacy in the face of his desire to suppress this piece of juvenilia. Benson, whose adult work is thoroughly campy, may have been overplaying this a bit.
The film is a time capsule of Idyllwild in 1983, which looks much more ancient now than any of us remembered it. The tale is one of senseless mayhem and bloodshed: a pair of careless hunters shoot one of a band of shack-dwelling hillbilly teenagers. The slain teen’s friends exact their revenge, and then go on to kill and be killed, one by one, until only one character (the wonderful Dana Wilkie) is left alive.
It was only after a day or two that I realized that the victims of the marauding teens were all tourists of one stripe or another: hunters, backpackers, tent campers, RV campers, guests at an inn. So there was a message after all. The movie is not particularly gory, although there was plenty of fake blood. The jump scares were not, several of us agreed, very scary. The delight was in staring into the faces of these old classmates as they were long ago, and to see Idyllwild as teenagers of that time saw it.
In the lead up to the event, there was talk about a terrible review, in the Town Crier, of the film’s 1983 debut at Town Hall. It turned out there was no such review. The film was only mentioned, a long cut line under a photo of the responsible parties, and to the filmmakers, who imagined they had created a masterpiece, this failure to recognize genius was incomprehensible. Benson got a lot more press when he returned in 1994 to film his first commercially released project, an anthology of three stories called “Tales from the Ackermansion. (Disclosure: Although I did not appear in this film, I was part of Desert Sun’s class of 1980 and knew almost everyone in it.)
By David Jerome Correspondent
Friends and family of Marge Muir celebrated her 94th birthday at Ferro’s restaurant on Thursday, November 13. Muir was born on Friday the thirteenth in 1931, but has had, and brought to those around her, much good luck. “Living in Idyllwild has been a real blessing. It’s a good place to be.” She reassured the Town Crier that she is “not disappearing and not getting old.”
On the way into the restaurant Muir was on the phone with one of her great, great grandchildren. “Every time the phone rings it has been somebody wanting to wish me a happy birthday!”
Always thinking of others, and especially the young, Muir noted that living up here is a bit hard for youngsters, with friends and high school sports so far away. She noted that her kids all participated in Hemet High sports. She also underlined that she had educated each generation on the importance of loving nature, and the mountain we share.
Last year, during the Pine Cove Property Owner’s Association Holiday Party at Town Hall, Muir told the Town Crier how she first came here. Her uncle Phillip Memoli was a Pine Cove resident, having come to the Hill in 1946 to be part of Max and Bee Krones’ ISOMATA music faculty. Memoli had worked for the MGM orchestra, and was a soloist on the soundtrack for the Wizard of Oz.
Memoli was a founding member of the Pine Cove Property Owners Association, an organization Marge and husband Bob joined when they bought property there in 1956 and moved in full time the next year. The women of PCPOA formed a group called “the Pine Needles,” who hatched the idea and raised money to get the Pine Cove Volunteer Fire Department going. Marge herself was a “fireman and paramedic,” and Bob became chief, the realization of a childhood dream. PCPOA was also instrumental in getting the county and CalFire to take over operations later. “The first CalFire station on the hill.”
On her way out of this month’s meeting of the Idyllwild Association of Realtors, Muir - who still keeps an office - told us that she has been over 50 years in Real Estate; she became an agent in ‘74, and a realtor five years later.
On Tuesday, November 25th, Bliss Hair Salon & Spa will open its doors for a special day of giving. From 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., stylists Dawn Finlayson and Jayden Gallardo will be offering haircuts by donation — with every dollar raised going directly to the Idyllwild Help Center.
This simple act of kindness is meant to lift spirits and support neighbors in need as the holiday season begins. “The Help Center is the heart of this mountain,” Dawn shared. “They show up for our community every day, and this is our way of showing up for them.”
All are welcome to stop by — no appointment or minimum donation required. Anyone who would like a haircut but may not have funds is invited to come and enjoy one, free of charge. Those who simply wish to contribute can drop by with a monetary donation, big or small, and it will be gratefully accepted on behalf of the Help Center.
Community Haircut Fundraiser — Tuesday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Bliss Hair Salon & Spa, 54425 North Circle Dr. All donations benefit the Idyllwild Help Center. Walk in or text (951) 659-3296.
By David Jerome Correspondent
Town Hall will echo with the sound of ping pong this when the Idyllwild Community Center hosts their fall tournament. ICC Recreation and Program Director Johnny Wilson added the competition to the roster of Town Hall events last year. “Our quarterly ping pong tournament is one of the first recreational events I implemented when I became director of programs and recreation for ICC two years ago. I’d heard many people claim to be “the best ping pong player on the Hill” so I decided to form a casual ping pong tournament and let the paddles speak for themselves.”
A busy schedule at Town Hall put the Tournament on hold this summer, but the tables are coming back out. “We are glad to be picking it back up with the Fall 2025 tournament!”
Wilson promises a laid-back, fun tournament with music playing over the in-house sound system, and snacks and refreshments available for purchase. “For this tournament we lowered the age to 13, so all teenagers are welcomed!”
And there will be prizes. “As far as first, second, and third place prizes, I ask the local businesses to donate a little something in exchange for their names to be announced as one of our tournament sponsors, plus they get two song requests which get played during the tournament. Aside from local business prizes, the main prize for the top three players is that you get your name etched into our ICC Ping Pong Tournament Winners plaque.”
The first place winners already on the plaque are Gregg Olson, Steve Olson, Derek McDevitt (three-time champion), and Woody Henderson. “Who will be the next ping pong champion? We will find out soon!”
ICC Fall Ping Pong Tournament: ages 13 and up, $10 entry fee, Saturday, November 22, sign up at 1:15 p.m., tournament 2-4 p.m, Idyllwild Town Hall 25925 Cedar St. For more information email: info@idyllwildcommunitycenter.org
Classifieds get results
Whether you’re selling a car, looking to hire, or advertising a service — the Town Crier classifieds help you reach your local market. Submit yours today: 951‑659‑2145 or towncrier.com
“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow just as well.”
— Mark Twain
30’ Fifth Wheel for Rent in Pinyon Pines.. Electricity and water included. $650 per month. Call (760) 6366313
BARTENDER Available for weddings, parties, gatherings of all kinds. 33 yrs experience. Reasonable rates. Regina Caron 951-315-1887.
FIREWOOD Seasoned
Pine $350/cord; Hard/Soft Mix $400/cord; All Hard $435/cord; Eucalyptus
$525 Delivery Included (909)800-1352
Earlier this month we asked readers to send us photos of Dore Capitani’s work. We have received a handful of submissions, and repeat the call. If you have any of his work, or just have photos you would like to share, send them to: david@towncrier.com. Capitani was a capable welder and if you wish to share photos of his utilitarian projects, those are also welcome. Please include the name of the photograher. Depending on the pace of submissions this could end up in print in December, or towards spring.
Bargain hunting pet people are invited to Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends’ Yard Sale, Saturday November 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They have a collection of dog beds (especially extra large), cat trees, pet carriers (especially extra large), and dog ramps and stairs. If you need a pet to go with these items, animals are available at ARF for adoption every weekend. ARF, 26890 Highway 243
Support comes from a surprising source.
Your problem-solving talents shine as you move to cool down heated emotions. You also inspire trust in all parties when you act with careful consideration of their feelings.
A long-delayed commitment begins to look better to you. But there’s still a crucial fact or two that you need to know about it. Meanwhile, a health problem needs to be taken care of.
Don’t waste time trying to learn why someone you relied on is wavering in their support of your stand on a workplace issue. Move on with the help of more steadfast allies.
Relationships enter a brighter period, both at home and in the workplace. Prospects also look good for single LEOs and LEOnas, who can expect a welcome visit from Cupid.
Those mixed signals that were complicating your life are giving way now to clear, definitive guidelines. This makes it easier for you to weigh your options and make decisions.
Ask your partner for an explanation of what seems to be a sign of strain in your relationship. The sooner you understand the problem, the sooner you can both act to resolve it.
A new challenge in the workplace holds an exciting promise for the future. But be aware of the fact that you haven’t been told about all the demands you might have to meet. Your financial picture brightens as you get into sorting out realistic goals from those that are not reachable at this time. “Caution” remains your fiscal watchword.
