Bianco sued for wearing Sheriff’s uniform while campaigning ..PAGE A2
Potential new laws awaiting Governor’s signature ..PAGE A2
Idyllwild Water nears completion of Strawberry Creek Diversion replacement ..PAGE A3
Idyllwild Community Fund awards
$34,000 to local nonprofits ..PAGE B1
..PAGE B5
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
Last week, the Governors of California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington announced their jointly agreed to winter vaccine recommendations. These are for the 2025–26 COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines.
These states are recommending the updated Covid shot for more people than the recent recommendation from Secretary of Human and Health Service, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
On Friday, Sept. 19, the reconstituted Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unanimously voted on a more restrictive approach to coronavirus vaccines. They now recommend that everyone consult a clinician before getting a shot.
While a proposal to require a prescription for the vaccine failed, the shift creates a complication for Americans who for years were able to get a free shot without having to justify it.
This new policy revokes the panel’s past recommendations for all Americans ages 6 months and older to receive annual coronavirus shots.
Earlier in the week, these four states recommended the current Covid 19 vaccine for all children between 6 and 23 months, and all children from 2 to 18 years who may have a risk factor, such as cancer, cerebrovascular disease, chronic liver or kidney disease, among others.
They also recommend it for all women planning on a pregnancy or who are already pregnant.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that patients receive an updated Covid-19 vaccine or “booster” at any point during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when lactating.
The guidance notes that data show that the Covid-19 vaccines are particularly effective at reducing morbidity from Covid-19 complications in pregnant patients and their infants as measured by emergency department or urgent care encounters.
For adults, California and its partner states recommend all individuals over 65 years take the vaccine and all under 65 if they have a risk factor, such as noted above.
The alliance also recommended people get vaccinated if they are in close contact with other people who have risk factors. It was also recommended all children who have never been vaccinated against Covid-19 get a shot.
In essence, the health agencies of these states recommends that everyone 6 months and older who wants the Covid vaccine can get one. Under Kennedy, the CDC no longer recommends the Covid vaccine for healthy pregnant women and says healthy children should only receive it in consultation with a doctor.
The Food and Drug Administration, which falls under Kennedy’s purview, now requires adults 65 and younger and otherwise healthy — who report no underlying health issues — to consult with a healthcare provider before getting the Covid vaccine
According to a July KFF, nonpartisan health research organization, “Most of the public (59 percent) say they will either ‘definitely not’ or ‘probably not’ get the Covid-19 vaccine this fall – including about six in ten Republicans who say they will ‘definitely not’ get the vaccine.”
But 40 percent say they will “probably” or “definitely” get the vaccine. Older Americans and Democrats are much more likely to report that they will get the COVID-19 vac-
cine.
“With most of the public reporting that they will not get a COVID-19 vaccine this fall, few are worried about the availability of the vaccine or whether it will be covered by insurance,” the report added.
As of Sept. 13, the CDPH reported, “COVID-19 activity is now slowing across CA.”
The WCHA also recommended that every resident 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine this fall and that R.S.V. vaccines be given to infants under 8 months and adults over 75, as well as to others with certain risk factors.
The CDC has not taken major actions to change recommendations around flu vaccines nor has it opined about the R.S.V. vaccines.
“CDPH’s recommended vaccines will continue to be covered by health care insurers regulated by the State of California and can be received at your local pharmacy, from your health care provider, or through other authorized vaccine providers at no cost,” according to its website (www.cdph. ca.gov/Programs/OPA/ Pages/NR25-011.aspx).
At the beginning of the month, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced they were creating the new West Coast Health Alliance. Their purpose is to ensure residents remain protected by science, not politics. The alliance represents a unified regional response to the Trump Administration’s reduced reliance on the CDC’s credibility and scientific integrity.
But recent CDC leadership changes, reduced transparency, and the
By David Jerome Correspondent
Flash flooding from the September 18 storm created a debris-filled river of mud that ran through a Franklin Drive property that Sascha Breuer and Julie Ann Steiger call “A Human Sanctuary.” They were a few days short of the first anniversary of their “therapeutic healing space” when a river of mud washed away what it had taken “a year of love, stewardship, and hard work” to create.
They now have a much deeper understanding of the hydrology of their neighborhood. An employee with the County TLMA told them that their yard was at the confluence of several sources, including drainage from the highway, and much of Pine Cove.
Lost was a finished landscape, plants, fencing, stones, and five tons of gravel. Fencing had just been completed three weeks before the storm.
By Monday, the parking area was cleared, they had removed most of the debris, and had a presentable yard by mountain standards, although there were still several feet of new soil in the culvert where the flood had entered. Truckloads of debris went to the dump. The cleanup took five people three days. They were thankful that Dave Bradish of Wild Imagination donated labor, taking care of some of the heavy lifting. They are still hoping for help in the form of a backhoe or other earthmoving machine.
The work lifted the sadness of the destruction, Sascha said “it was depressing” to see so much work washed away. But Julia said it was “amazing” to see the “literal outpouring” of help from friends and neighbors. “People offered to feed us, they left messages, asked if they could come over, gave emotional support, hugs, they brought presents for my daughter.”
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
In a primary race with multiple candidates, it is common for one with less name recognition to hurl comments at the leader in order to gain greater attention and try to improve their chances of winning a squeaky race.
So one might expect one of the Republican gubernatorial candidates to fling a barb or two at Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, currently the front runner for the Republican 2026 gubernatorial nomination.
However, two weeks ago, Democratic candidate, Stephen Cloobeck, filed a lawsuit claiming Bianco is “… abusing his position as the Sheriff of Riverside County and violating California law in connection with his campaign for governor of the State of California.”
Specifically, Cloobeck argues that Bianco is violating California Government Code Section 3206 when he wears his uniform during political activities such as campaigning or fund raising.
Section 3206 states “No officer or employee of a local agency shall participate in political activities of any kind while in uniform.”
The first instance of this violation, according to the litigation, was Bianco’s campaign announcement on February 17. Cloobeck includes several photos of Bianco campaigning at different events while wearing a uniform or clothing identifying him as Riverside County Sherriff.
“The frequency and constancy of Sheriff Bianco wearing his Riverside County Sheriff’s uniform demonstrates that his campaign wardrobe choice is not accidental, but rather a continuing and deliberate effort by Sheriff Bianco and others to abuse his current position as an officer or employee of Riverside County for his own personal political advantage, including over other gubernatorial candidates,” the lawsuit alleges.
“No one is above the law, we expect our elected officials to comply with the law they are responsible for enforcing, and we will hold them accountable when they fail to do so,” wrote Craig Marcus, Cloobeck’s attorney in the filing, in an email to the Town Crier.
Cloobeck says in the filed papers that he addressed this issue with Bianco in June during a joint interview, but his notice was ignored and consequently he has filed an official lawsuit against Bianco’s use of his position as a political campaign advertisement.
His lawsuit asks for both a judicial declaration as well as injunctive relief to prohibit Bianco from wearing his Riverside County Sheriff’s uniform, or any portion thereof, while engaged in any political activities during the remainder of the gubernatorial campaign. Cloobeck wants the court to order Bianco not wear his uniform during political events where he is making campaign speeches, conducting interviews in which he references his gubernatorial campaign; posting images or videos on social media of himself while referencing his gubernatorial campaign; or posting images on his campaign website of him in uniform.
Nick Mirman, a spokesperson for Bianco, told Politico’s “California Playbook” on Sept. 5, “If Democrat Stephen Cloobeck thinks that Stephen Cloobeck can increase his name ID and Democratic bonafides by using lawfare against the Bianco campaign, then Stephen Cloobeck is sorely mistaken.”
Earlier this year, Cloobeck also filed a lawsuit against his Democratic political rival, Antonio Villaraigosa, for describing himself as a “problem solver.”
The California Primary for the 2026 Gubernatorial race will be June 2, 2026.
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
The latest Legislative session ended Friday, September 12. Again, legislators were busy. They passed more than 1,300 bills in the last few weeks. All are awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature or veto.
Among these bills are potential new laws on school nutrition, healthy meals for kids, the cannabis excise tax, wildfire recovery funding, cap and trade, Uber and Lyft drivers and cat declawing. Ultra processed food in schools
Assembly bill 1264, a first-in-the-nation legislation, would phase out harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals in California. The bill directs the State Department of Public Health to adopt regulations to define ultra-processed foods and restrict their use in school foods by June 1, 2028.
By July 1, 2029, schools should begin to phase out restricted and ultra-processed foods. These are foods where research shows the ingredients are associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity and behavioral issues among other health harms. Then in 2032, vendors would be prohibited from offering restricted school foods and ultra processed foods to a school.
“Our public schools should not be serving students harmful ultra-processed foods filled with dangerous chemical additives,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), the author of AB 1264, in a press release after the Assembly passed the bill. “In California, Democrats and Republicans are joining forces to prioritize the health and safety of our children and we are proud to be leading the nation with a bipartisan, science-based approach. We are excited that California farmers are joining our movement, and we look forward to working closely with them to ensure that schools are serving our students the healthy, nutritious meals they need and deserve.”
Healthy kids meals from chain restaurants.
Senate Bill 764 will require restaurants that sell children’s meals to offer at least one children’s meal that meets specified minimum nutrition standards. The legislation will require the meal contain no more than 550 calories and it must include at least two servings of specified types and quantities of food.
These healthy meals will be identified by a special symbol on their menus.
“I am deeply committed to ensuring that all children in California have access to healthy meals that support their growth and development,” Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), author of the bill, said in the bill’s analysis. “As a physician, I’ve seen the alarming impact of poor nutrition on children’s health, and as a mother, I know how challenging it can be to find healthy options when dining out.”
Cannabis tax
The sales tax on cannabis increased from 15 percent to 19 percent on July 1. AB 564 would return the rate to 15 percent on Oct. 1. It would remain unchanged until a review by June 30, 2028.
This bill would also require the Department of Cannabis Control, to report on the current and future effect of the Cannabis Tax Law on the regulated cannabis market and recommends options for changes to the Cannabis Tax Law by October 1, 2027,
“If we continue to pile on more taxes and fees onto our struggling small cannabis businesses, California’s cannabis culture is under serious threat of extinction,” said Assemblymember Matt Haney (D San Francisco). “Instead, we should be looking at how we can support this industry which has barely been given a chance to survive after legalization. If we want to support our cannabis industry that drives millions of visitors to California every year, adding more costs makes absolutely no sense.”
Uber and Lyft drivers
AB 1340 would allow Uber and Lyft drivers to form unions. According to the press release from the bill’s sponsor, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, (D-Oakland), the bill will “create an opportunity for the largest organizing effort in a generation by enabling rideshare drivers to have a voice in the future of their industry, and provides a historic pathway for California’s more than 800,000 rideshare drivers to have the choice to join a union and negotiate for better wages, benefits, and protections.”
“This is a massive win for Californians whether they are behind the wheel or riding in the back seat,” Wicks said in the press release. “Hundreds of thousands of hardworking women and men, many of them immigrants, seniors, people working two or three jobs to make ends meet, now have a seat at the table in the fight for fairer wages and better working conditions. And their passengers hailing a ride to the grocery store, school, or to a doctor’s appointment will see the fares for those rides decrease.
“This is a historic agreement between workers and business that only California could deliver, Gov. Newsom said in a press release. “Labor and industry sat down together, worked through their differences, and
found common ground that will empower hundreds of thousands of drivers while making rideshare more affordable for millions of ‘Californians’. . ..”
Wildfire recovery fund
Senate bill 254 would boost the state’s wildfire liability fund, which is paid for by the big three utility companies’ shareholders and customers. Ratepayers would contribute half of the money and utility shareholders contribute the other half.
The fund, which pays victims of wildfires caused by utility infrastructure, is running low from claims created from this January’s Eaton Fire. The July 2025 Annual Report stated that the total assets as of January 1 were $12 billion.
The proposal is aimed at stabilizing utilities’ finances and limiting shareholder losses. The $18 billion boost over 10 years would be split equally between shareholders and ratepayers, who contribute to the fund through a charge on their bills.
Customers of the three utilities are already responsible for contributing $10.5 billion to the original fund through a surcharge of about $3 on their monthly bills.
If approved by the governor, this bill will extend this surcharge through 2045, 10 years beyond its current expiration, and cost customers $9 billion more.
There are also several other provisions of this bill. Other parts of the deal boost oil drilling or expand energy markets, and the bill contains the more progressive of this year’s energy proposals that reflect Democrats’ desire to lower prices by regulating utilities.
Cap and Trade AB 1207, which Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D, Thousand Oaks), and SB 840, which Sen. Monique Limón, (D, Santa Barbara), respectively reauthorize the state’s landmark cap-and-trade climate program.
Cap and trade is a process to regulate greenhouse gas emissions — those responsible for climate change –through a charge on the producers of these gases. The state sets a strict cap on those emissions and hands out a limited supply of permits. Companies that cut their pollution enough can sell excess permits, creating a market incentive to address climate change.
Although the program was set to expire in 2030, proponents of reauthorization argued that buyers of these credits — industry polluters — needed certainty that the program would continue to exist to keep bringing in revenues needed to fund the state’s transition to clean energy.
This reauthorization makes slight changes to how the California Air Resources Board distributes free “allowances” — or pollution permits — to various types of greenhouse gas emitters. But the bill leaves most potential future policy changes up to the air board.
The bill lacked bipartisan support. Local Assemblyman Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Bermuda Dunes) issued the following statement after passage of the AB 1207.
“We all want to make life more affordable for Californians while protecting our environment. AB 1207 extended the cap-and-trade program, but we lacked clear data on how it will impact costs for everyday families. I requested an affordability analysis from the Legislative Analyst’s Office. They informed me that the bill’s complexity and the tight timeline prevented a full assessment.
“Without understanding its costs, this bill risks raising prices for essentials like food and fuel. Californians deserve transparent, responsible policies,” Wallis said in his explanation for opposing this bill.
“Good policy isn’t made in secret,” said Wallis said in an earlier and separate release. “Californians deserve public input on decisions that will shape our state for decades — we are at our best when we work together, not in silos.”
Declawing cats
The legislature, with bipartisan support, also passed AB 867 which will largely ban declawing cats.
Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Milpitas) sponsored the bill. It bans the practice of declawing cats unless a veterinarian deems it medically necessary to protect the animal’s health. Declawing is already prohibited in multiple California cities, according to Lee’s office, including in West Hollywood, and the bill expands the ban statewide.
“Mutilating healthy cats for human convenience is cruel and inhumane,” said Lee. “Cat declawing is a permanent disfiguring surgery that’s equivalent to removing a person’s fingers at the top knuckle, and this barbaric procedure causes lifelong pain.”
Clouds and showers midweek give way to a sunnier weekend. Highs range from the low-70s to mid-80s with overnight lows in the upper50s to low-60s. Thunderstorms are possible Wednesday through Friday before warmer, drier weather returns early next week.
By JP Crumrine Correspondent
At their Sept. 18 meeting, the directors of the Fern Valley Water District discussed the District’s water production and officially changed the starting of its regular Board meetings.
Despite the warm summer, water production for the July-August billing period declined slightly more than a million gallons from the same period in 2024. However the 8.6 million gallons produced was 1.1 million gallons more than the May-June period.
For the first 8 months of 2025, FVWD produced 24.8 million gallons, which was 1.2 million gallons (or 5 percent) more than the same period in 2025.
In his monthly status report to the Board, General Manager Victor Jimenez noted that streamflow was tapering off and groundwater as a source was a quarter of the August production (about the same as July) but contributing significantly more compared to the 6% in June.
The greater dependency upon groundwater was pointed out by Director Jon Brown, who mentioned the $3,000 Edison bill. Jimenez replied that it takes more electricity to pump water from the wells than to divert from the streams.
“The creeks are no longer supplying enough water. In August we augmented supply with water from wells 13 and 14 for the last month and half,” Jimenez explained. He also stressed that the district has timers on the well pumps in order to avoid usage during peak electric rate periods.
Brown also noted that the percent of unaccounted for water was 17.5, about the same as the previous billing period, and asked about why it was remaining higher than normal.
Jimenez believes that a large amount of this difference is attributable to the meters not reading correctly. Nevertheless, he has scheduled the California Rural Water Association to perform a leak detection evaluation this week.
“Either we will rule out leaks or discover something that was unrecognized,” he said. “But meter accuracy has been found to be a common problem for water districts. Last month we had 15 dead or blank meters.”
The technology for reading water meters has changed quite rapidly in the past five years. Staff no longer has to walk the street and find a meter to read. The common process now is to simply drive past and a measure will be transmitted to equipment in the vehicle. But it is advancing to the point that data can be transmitted directly from the meter to a computer in the office.
While reducing reading time, the technology is fragile and susceptible to failure, Jimenez stressed. Not only FVWD, but many other water districts suffer from the same problem. He is working with the manufacturer to improve the situation.
In his report, Jimenez provided the status of the office renovation, “The project was delayed a bit due to the threat of rain and vacations of several employees. The installation of the wall and ceiling insulation was delayed because we didn’t want it to get damaged by rain, being that the roof is not water-tight yet.”
He expects the exterior work can be completed in the next month and then he will focus on the interior.
The Board unanimously (4-0, with the absence of Director Dan DeVoy) to change the starting time of regular Board meetings to 9:15 a.m. from the previous start time of 9 a.m. The Board’s scheduled meeting is the third Thursday of each month
Steiger, Group Practice Manager, said they were about to start a course on Eco Resiliency and “the universe provided a lesson in applied resiliency. I feel more connected and less afraid than I did before the flood. I can see the beauty of the community coming together.”
Stieger underlined that their story should be part of “a wider necessary conversation around prevention and resiliency as a small rural community. We have a very unique and interesting position on this as we are educators around post disaster resiliency, changing environmental threats. Our organization, A Human Sanctuary, is a trauma therapy practice first and foremost. but we specialize in supporting people who feel overwhelmed about the future, environmental and societal stressors, or are struggling to cope with the profound changes we are seeing in the world.
“I have been noting the psychological and physical stages throughout this experience, and it is actually very positive to see how the community can become stronger through these adversities - what we call post traumatic growth.”
They had a deadline, with a therapist scheduled to use their “Tree House” Wednesday. Plans include a food forest and a children’s garden. They are also working with engineers to plan a protective barrier for future flooding, an expensive undertaking.
Sascha mentioned that he had just joined Mountain Disaster Preparedness and felt strengthened and supported by the experience. He thought their Neighbors Helping Neighbors project, getting neighborhoods connected and prepared to look out for one another in emergencies, was an important piece of community-building.
Go fundme: Cleanup and Repair a Human Sanctuary After Flood Damage
By David Jerome Correspondent
The September meeting of the Director of Idyllwild Water District began on a somber note, as President Charles Schelly announced that, at the request of Director Mitch Davis, they would observe a moment of silence to observe the “terrible tragedy” of the shooting death of Charlie Kirk.
August water production was Water production at 9,421,651 gallons and loss at 6%.
The financials, in the second month of the financial year, are again better than projections. The water side of the District showed expenses at $136,458 and revenue of $206,684, and the sewer side expenses of$45,599 and income of $94,431. The total is 15% under budget.
Three bills from SCE, totaled $14,136, where the budget had allocated $18,166. Asked why electrical bills were thousands of dollars under budget, President Schelly explained that several factors went into the savings. He said that SCE recently changed their rate structure to include a larger base rate, which Schelly likened to IWDs meter charge. This was enacted partially to prevent owners of home solar systems from paying nothing or receiving payment from the utility, but it apparently benefited IWD. General Manager Bill Rojas added that the new blowers and pumps installed at the sewer plant, working in shifts 24/7, are more efficient than the older ones, and would be expected to lower consumption. Director Steve Olson offered that a slightly cooler end of summer reduced air conditioning costs in the office.
Schelly also clarified that the District’s billing issues with SCE have been resolved. In the past, bills were coming in an unpredictable time, complicating budgeting.
The largest check of the month was the first payment for the Strawberry Creek Diversion project: $489,640. This is the largest Capital Improvement project on this year’s budget. CFO Hosny Shouman explained that the second and final payment would be smaller, a base charge of $165,000 that might be higher depending on the amount of rock encountered during the contractor ELCO’s excavations.
GM Rojas showed photos of the newly-installed grating, and said he looked forward to the predicted downpour to see how much debris would be trapped.
The project is now complete except for a final overlay of asphalt where the trenches went under Fern Valley Road. Rojas said this is scheduled for October 8.
The roof replacement for the Foster Lake shop is well underway. New sheathing has been installed and a synthetic membrane laid down. During recent storms this proved to be enough to keep the rain out. They were waiting for the delivery of the actual metal roofing.
The letters notifying sewer customers of the upcoming Household Median Income Survey were mailed out, with the survey itself to follow in about two weeks. The survey is gathering data to support the District’s application for grants to fund the rehabilitation of its sewer plant, which has been in operation since 1970. If the median income of the sewer customers is under 80% of the statewide median, the District will be eligible for grant programs for “Disadvantaged Communities.”
Rojas reported that Chief Water Operator Brian Wilson had received his backflow tester’s certificate and had already completed tests on four customer devices, two commercial and two residential. The residential systems were protecting against backflow from fire sprinklers. The commercial devices included a church installing a water softener, and a restaurant. Restaurants often have multiple backflow prevention devices, including soda fountains. Carbonated water will corrode copper pipes if it enters a distribution system.
Schelly noted that the board had bought a gift certificate for Wilson to “hopefully take his wife out to dinner with.” The board approved a director’s fund and opened an account in March. They have the option of donating some or all of their stipend–$75 per meeting–to the fund for things like employee appreciation gifts. Next month the board will discuss some kind of employee appreciation dinner.
As we go to press, GM Rojas emailed regarding the September 18 rain: “The shop and diversion weathered the storm with no damage and no issues whatsoever. All in good shape.”
sidelining of long-trusted advisory bodies have impaired the agency’s capacity to prepare the nation for respiratory virus season and other public health challenges In the announcement of the Alliance, the governors said,” President Trump’s mass firing of CDC doctors and scientists — and his blatant politicization of the agency — is a direct assault on the health and safety of the American people. The CDC has become a political tool that increasingly peddles ideology instead of science, ideology that will lead to severe health consequences. California, Oregon, and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk.”
One day later, Hawaii’s Governor Joseph Green, M.D., asked to join the West Coast Health Alliance. In the press release, he stated, “As an island state, we understand how critical it is to protect our communities from preventable disease. By joining the West Coast Health Alliance, we’re giving Hawaii’s people the same consistent, evidence-based guidance they can trust to keep their families and neighbors safe. Using science as our guiding star, Hawaii had the highest vaccination rate and lowest mortality rate of virtually any other state or region across the globe.”
The WCHA will help safeguard scientific expertise by ensuring that public health policies in California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington are informed by trusted scientists, clinicians, and other public health leaders. Through this partnership, the three states will start coordinating health guidelines by aligning immunization recommendations informed by respected national medical organizations.
This is not the first issue these governors have expressed concern over the Administration’s health policy. In June, they condemned Kennedy’s removal of all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Also, after last week’s CDC decisions on childhood vaccinations, the Health Departments of the WCHA reaffirmed their support for these vaccines.
“The ACIP recommendations on measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine and proposed tabled recommendations on Hepatitis B limit patient choice and access to vaccines with disproportionate impact on children receiving immunizations through Vaccines for Children (VFC). No new safety or efficacy data were presented to form the basis of these recommendations.
“The [WCHA] affirms the pre-existing and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that parents have an option to choose whether their child receives separate (MMR + V) or combined (MMRV) vaccines for children less than 4 years of age.”
While each state will independently pursue strategies shaped by their unique laws, geographies, histories, and peoples, these shared principles will form the foundations of the Alliance.
The West Coast states are not alone forming a health care policy group. Ten Northeast states formed their own alliance this month. It is named the Northeast Public Health Collaborative and includes these states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. New York City, which has the largest municipal health department in the nation, has also aligned with the Collaborative.
“Science must continue to determine how we keep our state healthy, and that science says vaccines save lives and protect our communities,” said Delaware’s Governor Matt Meyer in a press release announcing their joining the NPHC. “We’re proud to join this regional public health collaborative to make sure science leads the development of all healthcare policy, so that every Delawarean can access safe public spaces, and the social contract we all sign to be a part of this great state can be upheld.”
Last week was busy with health care news. In Sacramento, Newsom signed Assembly Bill 144 which revises statewide requirements and guidance related to the provision of immunizations and the coverage and delivery of various preventive health care services.
It authorizes the CDPH to modify or supplement the baseline recommendations, taking into consideration guidance and recommendations from additional medical and scientific organizations.
After its signing, Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, said in a press release, “We want the people who live and work in our states to know that there is a strong public health, health care and scientific community that will continue to stand together to provide and use the data and evidence needed for them to make healthy choices, and we are here to protect our communities.”
The California Medical Association strongly supported AB 144. Its support was also based on a concern for insurance coverage if vaccine use as questioned. “Insurance coverage for vaccines in California depends on federal recommendations, which have long reflected the scientific consensus that vaccines are safe and effective at preventing disease. Casting doubt on the vaccine schedule jeopardizes decades of progress against preventable diseases, sows mistrust in physicians and forces doctors to spend even more time countering misinformation in the exam room.
Rezoning Approval
Dear editor:
WOW! I wish I could say that I’m shocked by the Board of Supervisors approval to rezone Bluebird hill, but I’m not. The almighty dollar usually wins out over common sense when politicians are involved. All of the community input that I read was against approval and for a variety of very good reasons. The supervisors state that this is not approval of the project, just the first step. But you know as well as I do that all of the additional approvals will probably follow. I’m not sure why the supervisors never listen to the comments of the people that actually live here. Maybe they just feel like they know better than us ‘mountain folk’. So, when (not if) fire sweeps through Idyllwild just like Paradise and Alta Dena, trapping many residents with no escape route, the survivors can put the blame squarely on the board of supervisors who continually vote to approve more and more construction to pack as many people as possible into our once idyllic and wild community. I really wish that the county would actually try to protect the only mountain resort community in all of Riverside County, but apparently not even our own supervisor will, as he encouraged the other supervisors to approve this. Very sad indeed!
Dave Hunt 4th generation Idyllwild Hillbilly
Contributed
by Stephanie
Yost, President, Idyllwild Community Center
The rekindled Idyllwild 5K and 10K races – which were held on Saturday, August 16 –continue to benefit our mountain communities. This year’s races included more than 340 runners of all ages.
In addition to having an incredible day of community spirit, determination, and fun, the Idyllwild Race Committee has donated the $8,000 race proceeds to the non-profit Idyllwild Community Center (ICC), to be used exclusively to benefit ICC’s Youth Sports programs.
ICC’s Youth Sports programs include AYSO soccer, baseball, and basketball. Fees charged by ICC to youth sports’ participants are used to cover the every-increasing costs of facilities rental, uniforms, and insurance. Coaches and referees/umpires are all local volunteers.
This very generous $8,000 donation will be used to help off-set these costs for our local families.
The 5K, 10K, and Kids’ Fun Run were an Idyllwild tradition for many years until Covid in 2020, which cancelled the event. The Idyllwild Race Committee, which is made up of local volunteers, brought back the wonderful tradition this year, with the intention of keeping it as an annual event to support various non-profit organizations on the Hill.
This year’s race was on a new route—dubbed the “Strong Course”—as part of it went up and down Strong Drive. The new course no longer crossed Highway 243, as it had in past years.
The very successful post-race awards ceremony was held at Idyllwild Town Hall, which is owned and operated by ICC. The awards ceremony occurred in conjunction with the annual pancake breakfast fundraiser sponsored by the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit.
This coordination of local non-profit organizations exemplifies the cooperative spirit of so many of our community groups, who often come together to benefit our mountain residents and visitors.
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By JP Crumrine Correspondent
In-custody deaths in Riverside County jails continued to fall in 2024. From a peak of 33 deaths in 2021, there were only 15 in-custody deaths in 2024, a decrease of 55 percent. The Report, “Riverside Lives Lost”, defined “in-custody death” as “the death of a person who is detained, under arrest, or is in the process of being arrested by a law enforcement agency.” In this report, the agency was the Riverside County Sherriff’s Department. These deaths can also occur in medical facilities while in law-enforcement custody.
Over the ten years from 2015 through 2024, 217 prisoners died in County jails or custody.
In-custody deaths were much lower in the three preceding years – 34 from 2012 through 2014. In 2015, deaths in-custody jumped to 19, but fell to previous levels until 2018, when 18 deaths were reported.
The next five years --from 2019 through 2023 –in-custody deaths in Riverside County jails rose to an average of 28 per year, The worst years were 2021 and 2022, when 33 and 32 deaths occurred.
Last year, these deaths fell below 18 for the first time since 2018. There were only 15 in-custody deaths reported in 2024.
The youngest prisoner to die in County custody was 18 years old. A total of 18 people under the age of 24 have died in County jails. The oldest person was 83 years, and 53 deaths were people age 55 years or older.
Between 2012 and 2024, nearly half of these deaths occurred before the individual was booked for any charges. The Report’s authors added, “…87% of the people who have died in the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Custody did so prior to the resolution of their case.”
Despite the recent decline, the number of deaths has drawn attention – both on a political and a personal level.
In February 2023, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced his office was opening an investigation to determine whether the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing.
“Unfortunately, [this] announcement is necessary because that trust between Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves is in peril. Amid concerning levels of in-custody deaths, troubling allegations of excessive force and misconduct. Too many families and communities in Riverside are hurting and looking for answers,” Bonta stated during the announcement of the investigation.
But no report has yet been released as a result of this study.
Earlier this summer, the County Board of Supervisors rejected Supervisor Jose Medina’s (1st District) proposal to establish an Ad Hoc committee to assess the merits of creating more permanent oversight of the County’s Sheriff’s Department.
At the end of August, the family of Steve de Leon Gonzalez, who was murdered in Riverside County jail while in custody, filed a lawsuit against the County.
The Report was prepared by a coalition of groups -- Care First California, Riverside Sheriff Accountability Coalition, and No More Deaths in Custody.
Peter Szabadi | Photography pszabadilaw@gmail.com Justin Holmes | Videographer justinpholmes@gmail.com Tobin Ale | Distribution Gannett Publishing rjthomas@gannett.com
jp@towncrier.com
By David Jerome Correspondent
Mara Schoner of Mountain Communities Mutual Aid provided an update for the dates of upcoming food box distributions through December. Schoner is co-founder–with Mark Yardas–of the Idyllwild Forest Health Project (idyforest.org), the parent organization of MCMA. These are the dates for the rest of the year:
Sept 25
Oct 9 & 23
Nov 6 & 13
Dec 4 & 11
Schoner also said that there may be a change of venue towards the end of the year. “We are currently at Camp Maranatha, although they will likely be renovating their dining hall in December, and we may have to move back to Latter Day Saints Church for one or both of the dates.” The dates for 2026 are in the works.
Those interested in receiving a food box or other products are instructed to visit MCMA’s website, mountainaid.net. The site allows users to add food preferences and order various household cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items. There are suggested donations for the
boxes and special order items, but no one is turned away.
The website is also the place to sign up to volunteer with MCMA, either at the food distribution or directly with neighbors in need. Their system sends text messages to a volunteer list when hands are needed, and forty to fifty people are involved, from driving the food up the hill, to preparing boxes and taking them to cars or delivering them to homes, and finally cleaning up and getting ready for the next time. Shifts are only a few hours long, and the volunteer experience is one of camaraderie, helping to “alleviate food insecurity for hundreds of San Jacinto Mountain residents while providing a deep sense of meaning and connection for volunteers.”
MCMA was one of the local 501(c) 3 organizations awarded grants this year by the Idyllwild Community Fund. To volunteer or singup for food boxes, visit mountainaid.net.
By David Jerome Correspondent
Moisture from the Tropical Storm Mario produced a deluge over the San Jacinto Mountains on Thursday, September 18. Jon King’s San Jacinto Trail report (sanjacjon.com) reported 1.49 inches in Idyllwild and 3.13 inches on San Jacinto Peak. Quick cloudbursts, rather than steady rain, led to devastating effects. Highway 243 was closed for some hours as debris made passage dangerous.
Idyllwild Water reported that their new weir around their Foster Lake facility, prevented washouts, and the new creek inlet performed well. Pine Cove Water’s Jeremy Potter shared video on social media of a well house washed off its foundation and other erosion. By Tuesday, he told the Town Crier that much of this had been repaired, the well house back in place and the washouts filled thanks to loads of fill from the County. They were then
helping customers with fill as needed.
Robert Hewitt shared with the Town Crier a screen shot from an app he keeps on his phone, My Lightning Tracker, that showed over 220 ground
strikes in an approximately three-by-nine-mile area around Pine Wood and Fuller Ridge during the peak of the storm. The Red circles are within 15 minutes, yellow 15-30 minutes.
Idyllwild Fire
• The Idyllwild Fire Protection District responded to these calls from Tuesday to Sunday, Sept. 9 to 14.
Sept. 9 – Assist. Crest
Sept. 10 – O/S Mech. Keen Camp
Sept. 10 – AMA. Saunders Meadow
Sept. 11 – FA. Lodge
Sept. 11 – TX HVMC. Indian Rock
Sept. 11 – Assist AMR. Hwy 243
Sept. 12 – AMA. Deer Foot
Sept. 12 – AMA. N Circle
Sheriff’s log
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls
=== IDYLLWILD ===
-- Wednesday September 10, 2025 -19:25:00 – TRESPASSING – 2600 *** BLOCK DELANO DR
15:21:00 – BATTERY – 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR
13:49:00 – VICIOUS DOG –2600 *** BLOCK DELANO DR
12:04:00 – ALARM CALL –5500 *** BLOCK DARYLL RD
11:05:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR
-- Thursday September 11, 2025 --
08:00:00 – NARCOTICS –2500 *** BLOCK CASSLER DR
-- Friday September 12, 2025 -18:43:00 – LOST HIKER –ADDRESS UNDEFINED
16:57:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
16:52:00 – PETTY THEFT – 5400 *** BLOCK NORTH CIRCLE DR
-- Saturday September 13, 2025 -18:57:00 – NOISE COMPLAINT – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243
16:48:00 – SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
-- Sunday September 14,
2025 -16:33:00 – VANDALISM –5400 *** BLOCK SOUTH CIRCLE DR
14:43:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – ADDRESS UNDEFINED
-- Monday September 15, 2025 -19:25:00 – MISSING CHILD – ADDRESS WITHHELD
19:01:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – 2600 *** BLOCK DELANO DR
18:36:00 – PUBLIC ASSIST – 2500 *** BLOCK HEMSTREET PL
17:54:00 – PUBLIC DISTURBANCE – 2500 *** BLOCK ST HWY 243 11:12:00 – SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE – 5400 *** BLOCK SOUTH CIRCLE DR
10:33:00 – PUBLIC ASSIST – 2500 *** BLOCK CASSLER DR
-- Tuesday September 16, 2025 -11:54:00 – AREA CHECK –5400 *** BLOCK VILLAGE CENTER DR 09:27:00 – FOLLOW-UP –ADDRESS WITHHELD
07:28:00 – AREA CHECK –2500 *** BLOCK CASSLER DR
=== PINE COVE ===
-- Tuesday September 09, 2025 -22:36:00 – NOISE COMPLAINT – 2400 *** BLOCK HIGHGROVE
-- Wednesday September 10, 2025 -17:06:00 – AREA CHECK – 5200 *** BLOCK OVERLOOK DR -- Monday September 15, 2025 -08:48:00 – ALARM CALL –5300 *** BLOCK FOREST LAKE DR
=== POPPET FLATS === -- Saturday September 13, 2025 -07:57:00 – CHECK THE WELFARE – 2200 *** BLOCK SOBOBA RD -- Tuesday September 16, 2025 -12:01:00 – NARCOTICS –1800 *** BLOCK ELLIS DR
=== SAN BERDO NAT FORS === -- Wednesday September 10, 2025 -00:30:00 – AREA CHECK –
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By David Jerome Correspondent
The Idyllwild Community Fund held their annual grant award ceremony at the new Idyllwild Community Center building on Thursday, September 18. ICF Board President Annie Weaver described as “the funnest night of ICF’s year,” as they honor and support the “people who make the town hum…who give time, energy, money, and more time to the things that matter.” This year the grants to local nonprofit organizations totaled $34,000.
The ICF started in 1995 with an anonymous donation of $10,000 to benefit the community, and have since granted over $400,000 to Idyllwild’s nonprofit organizations. Representatives of IECF were slated to attend but cancelled due to Monday’s stormy weather.
Weaver referred to the Inland Empire Community Fund as the “mothership” of local community funds like Idyllwild’s. The IECF website, iegives.org, notes that they have been in operation for 80 years, and distributed $242 million in total grants.
Weaver explained to the Town Crier that the IECF manages funds for various Community Funds like ICF, and each year tells them how much their endowment has earned. To this, the board may add any money in their operations account. ICF also gives money every year to Youth Grant Makers. Weaver said that the nation-wide program is designed for high school students, and Idyllwild School is the only middle school she knows of that participates. Students learn about the grant writing process, philanthropy, and how nonprofit organizations support people and communities. IECF provides matching funds for the program, $2,000 this year.
Paige McCampbell presented the first two grants, to ARF and War Horse Creek. Janice Murasko of ARF was there to accept, and took the opportunity to repeat ARF’s mantra: spay and neuter, spay and neuter, spay and neuter. Their award will be used to pay for spaying and neutering the pets of those unable to pay for it themselves. ARF has been receiving litters of kittens weekly, spaying or neutering, vaccinating, microchipping, and then finding homes for them. They would like to preempt some of this.
Amara Wilson of War Horse Creek noted that their Equine Therapy program has moved beyond serving veterans and first responders, helping those in need to “reconnect to their nervous system and the community” in a natural setting with others facing the same issues. The program also gives rescue mustangs and other equines including donkeys a second chance.
ICF Vice President Chris Singer-Perrault presented awards to the Idyllwild Area Historical Society and the Friends of the Idyllwild Library. Ed Warner, President of the IAHS said that the award had helped the society purchase a new display case, now home to their communications on the Hill display, opening up space for other exhibits like the one featuring items from their Ernie Maxwell collection. Warner asked the rhetorical question, why an organization dedicated to preserving the past should share the stage with those who save lives in the present, answering it “to know our past is to know our future.” He said that we choose to be apart from the big cities around us and place value in nature, art and music, and the desire to make sure that this place remains “our paradise.” To do this, Warner said, it helps to understand the challenges, struggles and squabbles that have prevented the kind of development that other mountain communities have seen.
Before presenting Lori DeMarco of Friends of the Library, Singer-Perrault spoke about “how great your library card is,” noting that that it provides access to Newsbank, which includes a searchable database of historic Town Crier newspapers, from 1948 to 2014. DeMarco said that their award would go towards children’s programs, including prizes for next year’s Summer Reading contest, snacks, craft supplies and STEM kits for science learning.
The next two awards went to Mountain Communities Mutual Aid and Soroptimist International. MCMA’s award was accepted by volunteer Regina Caron, who attributed the group’s survival to the many volunteers that show up at their twice-monthly food distribution, “helping solve food insecurity for hundreds of families,” and helping those in need directly through a neighbor-to-neighbor program, “building our resilient mountain community where all can flourish.”
Alex Cameron, president of Idyllwild’s chapter of Soroptimist International noted their support of
House of Hope, a women’s recovery center in Desert Hot Springs and the group’s aid to women in Idyllwild and surrounding communities, including a total of over $40,000 in products to the HELP Center to stock their Women’s cabinet. Cameron noted that the Soroptimist’s call to local groups to submit proposals brought in 23 applicants this year, where last year they only had nine. Idyllwild Community Center President Stephanie Yost noted that the audience was sitting on something purchased with their ICF grant; folding chairs. She hoped to soon have tables to go with them–for this event the tables were borrowed from Town Hall. Yost recited her now-familiar litany of ICC’s portfolio: Pickleball court, skate park, dog park, children’s playground, Butterfield Amphitheater and Town Hall; the many activities at Town Hall and the new Community Center building, including their Feeding America food distribution, farmers market, exercise classes, sports leagues for kids and adults and after-school and summer programs for children; and the seasonal events like the Halloween Carnaval, the Tree Lighting, and the Easter Egg Hunt.
Sarah Oates of the Idyllwild School PTO’s smARTS program, said that the arts help youngsters “be true to themselves.” Oates told the town Crier “We are using the grant money to pay for 2 busses to take the 6,7,and 8th graders to McCallum theatre for a live performance put on by 23 Skidoo and the Secret Society, called, Gotta Be Me. Promoting self confidence, and encouraging kids to not bow down to peer pressure, just be yourself. There will be about 120 kids with chaperones.”
Another group helping enrich the experience of Idyllwild School students, the School Booster Club, also received an award. The award will go towards the three big annual field trips planned for the upper grades: sixth grade to Joshua Tree, seventh to Astro Camp, and eighth to Catalina. The Boosters thanked Colleen Meyer of the HELP Center for helping them write the grant application.
The Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County Parks, the presenter pointed out, are known primarily as friends of the Idyllwild Nature Center, where they “champion local parks for locals and tourists,” educating and inspiring and “luring” them into nature. Nature Center Park Interpreter Allison Fedrick Said that the Friends had gotten her thinking about developing a more detailed interpretive trail around the Center.
Can you solve the mystery and gure out what animal I am? Use the clues at left to help you.
What kind of animal is this? Circle the word you think tells what kind of animal this is: Fish Reptile Amphibian Bird Mammal Answer these questions to help you decide:
Read each clue carefully. Find where each of the missing words belongs to complete the clue.
This animal is covered with more than 5,000 needle-sharp
It is a ______ animal found in the wild in Europe, Africa and Asia.
This animal has strong muscles that run along its ___________ from its head to its tail. When threatened, it uses these ____________ to roll into a tight ball, causing its spines to stick out.
This animal is nocturnal—active at night.
_________ evidence shows that these animals have been on the earth for about 15 million years. With their sharp quills, fur and _______ blood, they have changed very little over the centuries.
Now can you guess what kind of animal it is? Use the code to see if you got it right!
Now that you know what kind of animal I am, follow the maze. The letters on the correct path spell my name.
Which of these animals is a relative of mine? To nd out, do the math. The animal whose answer is an even number is a relative.
What do you think of the hypothesis (or guess) that some scientists have proposed based on these two observations?
The Mystery Animal sometimes makes a frothy saliva in its mouth and then licks its spines, spreading the saliva all over the spikes.
The Mystery Animal can eat some kinds of poisonous plants without harming itself.
Some scientists think the poison from the plants makes the Mystery Animal even more irritating to predators.
friend or family member
The Mystery Animal on today’s Kid Scoop page is related to porcupines.
The Mystery Animal is nocturnal, which means it: a. is active during the day. b. is active at night.
Today’s Mystery Animal lived 15 millions years ago.
The Mystery Animal eats
When the Mystery Animal is hungry, what will it eat? Unscramble the words below!
Look through today’s newspaper for five or more words that begin with the letter H Cut out these words and glue them onto a piece of paper in ABC order.
Link: Spelling: Arrange words in alphabetical order.
On which three continents does the Mystery Animal live?
With hundreds of topics, every Kid Scoop printable activity pack features six-to-seven pages of high-interest extra learning activities for home and school! Get your free sample today at:
The noun hypothesis means something assumed to be true for purposes of further study. HYPOTHESIS
Try to use the word hypothesis in a sentence today when talking with your
Mrs. Shana Van Zee, our 3rd grade teacher, has chosen the following students as Students of the Week.
Aitana Acosta Torres - She shows up to school every day ready to learn. She is polite, hardworking, and always well-prepared for the day ahead. I appreciate having her as part of our 3rd-grade class in Room 8. Matthew Mejia - He is invaluable to anyone in need in Room 8. He also shows up ready for the day ahead with a positive and light-hearted attitude. I enjoy his sense of humor and positive attitude. Great job you two, keep it up!
Last week in Days of Our Nine Lives, the ARF cats met the new ARF dog, Sirius.
Pepper: Last week it was raining cats and dogs, especially cats here at ARF!
Whiskers: You got that right, Pepper! Besides Sirius the dog, ARF has kittens galore.
Sirius: Lots of kittens, that's for sure.
Whiskers: Let's sneak into the kitten room to meet them, okay?
Sirius: (sneaking into the kittenry): Hi kids! I'm Sirius. Will you tell us about yourselves?
Lilac: I'm Lilac. My sisters and I, Juniper, Maple, Aspen, and Willow, are just about 6-months old. We really, really want forever homes!
Whiskers: Welcome to ARF! And who is the little, teeny one?
Cisco: Do you mean me? I'm Cisco, a boy, and I'm only 8-weeks old. Boy, do I want a forever home to grow old in.
Sirius: Gosh, you kids are so cute.
Pepper: I truly hope some folks come in to meet all of you this weekend. Rumor has it that a second litter of kittens will be arriving here at ARF also this week.
Sirius: I heard the same!
Pepper: Anyone in the market for a kitten or two should be able to find the perfect companion.
Sirius: We also have Sequoia, a beautiful young adult cat, ready for a home. Pepper: I heard that Sequoia would probably prefer to be the only cat in the home.
Sirius: I'm certain there is a home out there for each of you.
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.
75 years ago - 1950
Upon completion of the architectural drawings for the workshops and studios of the Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts, construction began.
70 years ago - 1955
After four years of planning for zoning despite continuous opposition, the County Planning Commission adopted a master plan for the mountain area, which eliminated some spot zones that had previously been allowed.
65 years ago - 1960
Fire commissioners passed the responsibility of fire hydrant testing to local water districts following disclosure that the Pacific Fire Underwriters Bureau was unable to perform the tests.
60 years ago - 1965
The first snow fell on the San Jacinto Mountains when an unannounced storm replaced the predicted Santa Ana winds.
55 years ago - 1970
A 10-year effort to transfer the Banning-Idyllwild Highway into the state system was a success. But before the state could accept the 29-mile route, $160,000 in repairs had to be made by Riverside County.
50 years ago - 1975
Following the Lake Hemet Burn and subsequent heavy rainstorms, mud and black ashes washed onto Highway 74 and created a $8,000 cleanup job in Garner Valley.
45 years ago - 1980
The Idyllwild Town Hall started featuring activities ranging from acrobatics to batik to chainsaw safety instruction.
40 years ago - 1985
Local resident and writer Gene Thompson, author of television scripts for shows such as the Groucho Marx and Lucille Ball programs, spoke about “The Form of Mystery, and the Mystery of Form” at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Library.
Post-game refreshments were a hit after the Steller Jay’s game on Saturday. Though no scores are kept in this AYSO soccer division, the Idyllwild team blew the competition away. Shown, left to right, are Steller Jays
Gina Drell, Ben Campbell and Margo Press and Red Tail Hawk team member Michael Drell, who joined his sister’s team for refreshments.
35 years ago - 1990
The Idyllwild Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners promoted with pay increases all seven of the district’s full-time firefighters.
30 years ago - 1995
With a new $6,450,000 federal grant in hand, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department pledged to increase sheriff’s patrols in the mountain area. “We will be able to reach a goal of one deputy per 1,000 residents in unincorporated areas,” said Sheriff Larry Smith.
25 years ago - 2000
Idyllwild bike riders were gearing up for the third-annual 24 Hours of Adrenalin Mountain Bike Team Relay Championships, called “the Woodstock of mountain biking.”
20 years ago - 2005
The Riverside County Office of Emergency Services had finally received a $148,875 federal grant to purchase a countywide, early-warning notification system.
15 years ago - 2010
A piece of Idyllwild history was lost in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Sept. 15. A fierce blaze destroyed a Pine Cove log cabin built by Charles
“Selden” Belden, the Idyllwild creator of the now highly collectible pinecraft furniture.
10 years ago - 2015
The Idyllwild Water District approved creating six reserve funds totaling a $5 million goal, adopted a fixed-asset policy, announced a $215,000 federal grant to rehabilitate wells, and reported water production at its lowest in more than a decade while narrowly avoiding a Stage 3 water emergency.
5 years ago - 2020 Thanks to the generous efforts of Tee Ness, president of Hawthorne Cat, and Greg Vena, director of sales and rentals at Hawthorne Cat, and an anonymous donor, Living Free Animal Sanctuary and War Horse Creek received a John Deere tractor and a 4-seater Polaris.
1 year ago - 2024
At the Library, locals heard from Democratic candidates Will Rollins and Christy Holstege, who highlighted their records, campaign priorities, and contrasts with Republican incumbents Ken Calvert and Greg Wallis, while urging strong voter turnout in the upcoming election.
By Johnny Wilson Director of Programs and Recreation, Idyllwild Community Center
The 2025 season of ICC Youth Soccer (AYSO Region 8027) is underway with the first series of games played last Friday September 19th at Top Field of Idyllwild School.
Last year the Idyllwild Community Center (ICC) partnered with the largest soccer youth soccer organization in the USA – the American Youth Soccer Organization, also known as AYSO, founded back in 1964 in Torrance, California.
Flashforward 60 years to 2024 and you will find its newest region: Idyllwild and the surrounding mountain communities, also known as “AYSO Region 8027”. Players come from Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Fern Valley, Mountain Center, Lake Hemet, and Garner Valley.
This year the 2025 ICC Youth Soccer league consists of 142 players, 23 volunteer coaches/assistant coaches, and 7 volunteer (AYSO-trained) referees throughout the three divisions: the “14U Division” (ages 11-14), the “10U Division” (ages 7-10), and the “6U Division” (ages 4-6). There are four teams in each division.
Last Friday at 4:45pm we saw the start of the 10U Division kick-off the season as the four teams took to the two soccer fields: Field A (closest to Saunders Meadow Rd) and Field B (closest to the baseball dugouts).
On Field A, the Kickin’ Cobras (sponsored by SoCal Renovations) took on the Ravens (sponsored by El Sereno), while simultaneously on Field B, the Huskies (sponsored by Ferro) battled the Stingrays (sponsored by Pines to Palms Electric).
The latter was a close match as the Stingrays struck first with a nice goal by Daniel Mejia that put them up 1-0 at halftime. But then it was Hunter Adams of the Huskies who seized the opportunity for the equalizing goal in the second half.
When the final whistle blew, it was a 1-1 tie between the Huskies and the Stingrays – a great start to a great season for both teams.
Meanwhile on Field A, the Kickin’ Cobras showcased some excellent defense and midfield plays, but it was not enough to stop the offense of the Ravens led by Epifanio Davila and Ryker Brown who contributed to the 2-0 win for the Ravens.
The 14U Division games followed right after as Shadow Force (sponsored by Fairway Market) took on Mountain Mayhem (sponsored by Adams Electric) on Field A.
On the adjacent Field B it was the Supernovas (sponsored by Schnalzer Electric) going against the Mountain Goats (sponsored by Idyllwild Backhoe).
The game on Field A was a rapid back-and-forth game with high-speed action continuing throughout both halves.
Kayson Adams of Mountain Mayhem scored a beautiful goal as his speed and ball control enabled him to juke his way passed the defenders and put the ball into the back of the net.
Jason Maldonaldo of Shadow Force has some fancy footwork of his own and nailed a laser-beam shot into the opponents’ goal. Unfortunately for them this lone goal wasn’t enough, as Mountain Mayhem scored two more goals to defeat Shadow Force with a final score of 3-1.
The other 14U game on Field B, between the Mountain Goats and the Supernovas, was a hard-fought defensive battle with both teams not ceding any goals throughout the entire time of play. When the dust settled the score was the same as when the match started: a nil-nil tie (0-0).
Coach Carolyn Gillot of the Supernovas complimented on some of her players for a well-played match: “Fletcher Gillot, in goal, took a hard one to the face, and saved us from a loss with the block. Gaige Schnalzer also showed really strong midfielder skills and helped keep our overwhelming possession throughout.
I’m very lucky this season to have a team with so many committed kids. The only challenge is having to rotate them in and out, since they all show up ready to play! I appreciate all the parents, and each and every player. Let’s go Supernovas!”
This Wednesday we will see the 6U Division (ages 4-6) kick-off their season on Wednesday September 24th – both games starting at 3:30pm.
We asked Coach Derek McDevitt of the Lightning Hawks (sponsored by Idyllwild Bunkhouse) what he thought about the upcoming 2025 season:
“The 6U division is already shaping up to be some-
and
alive! By becoming a
thing special. We’ve got 10 kids per roster, 4 teams overall, and 1 common goal in mind: have a blast out on the field!
This year, I have the honor of coaching several returning players, as well as a host of many new members to the team. Fellow coach Samantha Campolong and I are charged up and ready for our kids to take the field by storm. GO LIGHTNING HAWKS!!!”
The Lightning Hawks will take on Little Liverpool (sponsored by Pharos Athletic Club) on Field B for their season-opener, while on the adjacent Field A, it will be the Howling Coyotes (sponsored by Black Mountain Coffee) going against the Golden Eagles (sponsored by Dutch Design & Landscaping) in a well-anticipated opening match.
More soccer news coming next week (and the weeks following thereafter) here on “ICC Sports Update”. Stay tuned.
