Alpine Mountaineer News – Issue 07/09/2026
Building Community Through Sports
By Mary-Justine Lanyon In 1985, 115 veteran athletes gathered for the first National Veterans Golden Age Games. Last month, the largest group of veteran athletes ever – 1,338 – met in Tampa, Fla., for the 40th such games. Among those athletes were two mountain veterans: Armand LeSage of Lake
MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL — Hospital to consider floating a bond
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Last March, Mountains Community Hospital surveyed a random sample of likely voters in the November 2026 election, asking them how likely they would be to vote for a bond measure to fund the repayment of MCH’s USDA loan. That loan is funding the construction at the
Honoring Mick Hill’s life
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The celebration of life for Michael (Mick) Hill attracted a standing room-only crowd of his friends, his fellow volunteers, working acquaintances and many people whose lives he touched in various ways. The service led by Pastor Bill Mellinger of the Crestline Baptist Church was
Ask the realtor: When insurance changes the value of a community
As we head into another fire season, one question keeps coming up from clients: “How expensive is fire insurance up here?” It’s a practical question, especially as insurance premiums have become a growing part of the monthly cost of homeownership. But surprisingly, almost nobody asks the question that may matter
Students visit the museum and Lake Gregory
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer On Tuesday, June 30, some 30 high school-age Project BLU (Black, Latino and Urban) students from San Bernardino toured the Mountain History Museum. BLU was founded in 2001 to address higher education challenges faced by Black and Brown families with limited income and
Why well-child visits matter before the start of school
By Rhonda L. Randall, D.O. Chief Medical Officer UnitedHealthcare, Employer & Individual As families prepare for the upcoming school year, many are focused on school supplies, schedules and getting back into routines. But one of the most important back-to-school steps happens before the first day of class: scheduling a
And the 2026 Grand Poobah is…
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Crestline’s Grand Poobah has been chosen for 2026 – Caleb Morgan, who was sponsored by the Rim of the World Sports Bar. This is a trifecta for the Sports Bar as last year’s 2025 Poobah was community volunteer Alan Mairs, and the year before,
Those Were The Days: Skyland Heights becomes a popular resort — Part 2, 1905-1911
People first came to camp at Skyland (on the peak, on the crest east of current day Crestline) during the lumbermill days beginning in the 1850s because of its beauty and views to the ocean. When the Arrowhead Toll Road opened in the 1890s, the beautiful views, breezes and “the
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: Commercials You Love to Hate
I find it annoying when TV networks advertise products I’m not interested in, such as to lower your life insurance costs. Like this dude named Johnathan who advertises every 10 minutes promoting life insurance for only $9.95 a month. A man says, “I’m over 50, what’s my price?” “Your price
Estate Planning: Will my heirs have to pay taxes on their inheritance?
One of the most common questions families ask when creating an estate plan is, “Will my heirs have to pay taxes on what they inherit?” Fortunately, for most Californians, the answer is no. California does not impose a state inheritance tax or a state estate tax. In most cases, beneficiaries
BIG BEAR Big Bear Theatre Project: Creating Worlds Playwright Festival, Aug. 13-16. tick,tick…BOOM!, Oct. 15-25. A Ghost Story, Dec. 17-20. Big Bear Performing Arts Center. Tickets and more information, bigbeartheatreproject.org. BLUE JAY Back-to-School Giveaway: Saturday, July 18, 10-11:30 a.m. Logan Construction, 27221 Highway 189, Blue Jay. Backpacks and school
Sheriff’s Log
Editor’s note: As the sheriff’s department is no longer providing their log of calls, the Alpine Mountaineer is compiling Nixle press releases for our readers. Man’s death in Highland being investigated On Saturday, July 4, at about 9:51 p.m., deputies from the Highland Station responded to a residence in the
‘We made a promise’
While at the Rotary International Convention in Taipei in June, Rotarians had big decisions to make: Which breakout sessions should they attend? Topics range from the basics of Rotary’s Annual Fund to mentoring young leaders, from using technology to enhance learning to responsible grant management. Because of Rotary’s focus on
My Rebuilding Day
By Tim Clarke Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities As the sawdust has settled, sweat and sore muscles are a faint but rewarding memory, I take a moment to look back at Rebuilding Day 2026. For the first time since joining the board of Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities nine years ago,
Financial Focus: The Hidden Danger of Investing Too Cautiously
One significant risk investors face isn’t losing money in a market dip: it’s failing to reach their long-term financial goals. Many people focus on avoiding short-term losses and invest too conservatively, which can limit growth over time and may impact your retirement security. A thoughtful approach starts with understanding three
Jamboree Days Thrilled Huge Crowds
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The 48th annual Jamboree Days festivities filled Crestline over the July 4th weekend, with thousands of visitors arriving to enjoy the annual fun. The community was celebrating both America’s 250th birthday and the 120th anniversary of the naming of Crestline in 1906. On Friday,…
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Alpine Mountaineer News – Issue 07/16/2026
Building Community Through Sports
By Mary-Justine Lanyon In 1985, 115 veteran athletes gathered for the first National Veterans Golden Age Games. Last month,
MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL — Hospital to consider floating a bond
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Last March, Mountains Community Hospital surveyed a random sample of likely voters in the November 2026
Honoring Mick Hill’s life
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The celebration of life for Michael (Mick) Hill attracted a standing room-only crowd of
Ask the realtor: When insurance changes the value of a community
As we head into another fire season, one question keeps coming up from clients: “How expensive is fire insurance up
Students visit the museum and Lake Gregory
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer On Tuesday, June 30, some 30 high school-age Project BLU (Black, Latino and
Why well-child visits matter before the start of school
By Rhonda L. Randall, D.O. Chief Medical Officer UnitedHealthcare, Employer & Individual As families prepare for the upcoming school
And the 2026 Grand Poobah is…
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Crestline’s Grand Poobah has been chosen for 2026 – Caleb Morgan, who was sponsored
Those Were The Days: Skyland Heights becomes a popular resort — Part 2, 1905-1911
People first came to camp at Skyland (on the peak, on the crest east of current day Crestline) during the
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: Commercials You Love to Hate
I find it annoying when TV networks advertise products I’m not interested in, such as to lower your life insurance
Estate Planning: Will my heirs have to pay taxes on their inheritance?
One of the most common questions families ask when creating an estate plan is, “Will my heirs have to pay
Sheriff’s Log
Editor’s note: As the sheriff’s department is no longer providing their log of calls, the Alpine Mountaineer is compiling Nixle
‘We made a promise’
While at the Rotary International Convention in Taipei in June, Rotarians had big decisions to make: Which breakout sessions should
My Rebuilding Day
By Tim Clarke Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities As the sawdust has settled, sweat and sore muscles are a faint
Financial Focus: The Hidden Danger of Investing Too Cautiously
One significant risk investors face isn’t losing money in a market dip: it’s failing to reach their long-term financial goals.
Jamboree Days Thrilled Huge Crowds
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The 48th annual Jamboree Days festivities filled Crestline over the July 4th weekend, with…
Check Outage Status
Read The Flip Newspaper
Mountain Webcams
Mountain Weather
Guide To Disaster Assistance
RIM READY Local Disaster Preparations
Check Outage Status
Read The Flip Newspaper
Mountain Webcams
Mountain Weather
Guide To Disaster Assistance
Building Community Through Sports
By Mary-Justine Lanyon In 1985, 115 veteran athletes gathered for the first National Veterans Golden Age Games. Last month, the largest group of veteran athletes ever – 1,338 – met in Tampa, Fla., for the 40th such games. Among those athletes were two mountain veterans: Armand LeSage of Lake
MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL — Hospital to consider floating a bond
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Last March, Mountains Community Hospital surveyed a random sample of likely voters in the November 2026 election, asking them how likely they would be to vote for a bond measure to fund the repayment of MCH’s USDA loan. That loan is funding the construction at the
Honoring Mick Hill’s life
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The celebration of life for Michael (Mick) Hill attracted a standing room-only crowd of his friends, his fellow volunteers, working acquaintances and many people whose lives he touched in various ways. The service led by Pastor Bill Mellinger of the Crestline Baptist Church was
Ask the realtor: When insurance changes the value of a community
As we head into another fire season, one question keeps coming up from clients: “How expensive is fire insurance up here?” It’s a practical question, especially as insurance premiums have become a growing part of the monthly cost of homeownership. But surprisingly, almost nobody asks the question that may matter
Students visit the museum and Lake Gregory
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer On Tuesday, June 30, some 30 high school-age Project BLU (Black, Latino and Urban) students from San Bernardino toured the Mountain History Museum. BLU was founded in 2001 to address higher education challenges faced by Black and Brown families with limited income and
Why well-child visits matter before the start of school
By Rhonda L. Randall, D.O. Chief Medical Officer UnitedHealthcare, Employer & Individual As families prepare for the upcoming school year, many are focused on school supplies, schedules and getting back into routines. But one of the most important back-to-school steps happens before the first day of class: scheduling a
And the 2026 Grand Poobah is…
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Crestline’s Grand Poobah has been chosen for 2026 – Caleb Morgan, who was sponsored by the Rim of the World Sports Bar. This is a trifecta for the Sports Bar as last year’s 2025 Poobah was community volunteer Alan Mairs, and the year before,
Those Were The Days: Skyland Heights becomes a popular resort — Part 2, 1905-1911
People first came to camp at Skyland (on the peak, on the crest east of current day Crestline) during the lumbermill days beginning in the 1850s because of its beauty and views to the ocean. When the Arrowhead Toll Road opened in the 1890s, the beautiful views, breezes and “the
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: Commercials You Love to Hate
I find it annoying when TV networks advertise products I’m not interested in, such as to lower your life insurance costs. Like this dude named Johnathan who advertises every 10 minutes promoting life insurance for only $9.95 a month. A man says, “I’m over 50, what’s my price?” “Your price
Estate Planning: Will my heirs have to pay taxes on their inheritance?
One of the most common questions families ask when creating an estate plan is, “Will my heirs have to pay taxes on what they inherit?” Fortunately, for most Californians, the answer is no. California does not impose a state inheritance tax or a state estate tax. In most cases, beneficiaries
BIG BEAR Big Bear Theatre Project: Creating Worlds Playwright Festival, Aug. 13-16. tick,tick…BOOM!, Oct. 15-25. A Ghost Story, Dec. 17-20. Big Bear Performing Arts Center. Tickets and more information, bigbeartheatreproject.org. BLUE JAY Back-to-School Giveaway: Saturday, July 18, 10-11:30 a.m. Logan Construction, 27221 Highway 189, Blue Jay. Backpacks and school
Sheriff’s Log
Editor’s note: As the sheriff’s department is no longer providing their log of calls, the Alpine Mountaineer is compiling Nixle press releases for our readers. Man’s death in Highland being investigated On Saturday, July 4, at about 9:51 p.m., deputies from the Highland Station responded to a residence in the
‘We made a promise’
While at the Rotary International Convention in Taipei in June, Rotarians had big decisions to make: Which breakout sessions should they attend? Topics range from the basics of Rotary’s Annual Fund to mentoring young leaders, from using technology to enhance learning to responsible grant management. Because of Rotary’s focus on
My Rebuilding Day
By Tim Clarke Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities As the sawdust has settled, sweat and sore muscles are a faint but rewarding memory, I take a moment to look back at Rebuilding Day 2026. For the first time since joining the board of Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities nine years ago,
Financial Focus: The Hidden Danger of Investing Too Cautiously
One significant risk investors face isn’t losing money in a market dip: it’s failing to reach their long-term financial goals. Many people focus on avoiding short-term losses and invest too conservatively, which can limit growth over time and may impact your retirement security. A thoughtful approach starts with understanding three
Jamboree Days Thrilled Huge Crowds
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The 48th annual Jamboree Days festivities filled Crestline over the July 4th weekend, with thousands of visitors arriving to enjoy the annual fun. The community was celebrating both America’s 250th birthday and the 120th anniversary of the naming of Crestline in 1906. On Friday,…
Celebrating the 4th and 100th
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Green Valley Lake used their annual parade on the Fourth of July as an opportunity to celebrate both the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the town’s centennial. Founder Harry McMullen was portrayed in the parade by Isaac Mraz, the parade’s
The skies were alive on the 4th
By Mary-Justine Lanyon The skies above Lake Arrowhead were filled with activity and bursts of color on July 4. Beginning at 11 a.m. and then continuing from 5 to 7:15 p.m., a variety of aircraft took to the skies, delighting those who looked up when they heard them coming.
Library seeks English tutors
The Lake Arrowhead library is currently seeking tutors for their adult literacy program. This free program provides adults the opportunity to improve their reading and writing of the English language on their own schedule and at their own pace. Anyone interested in helping others by tutoring is invited to apply
From Rim High to romance novels—Crestline native writes love letter to Jamboree Days
For Tara Geerlings Cummins, the magic of the mountain community where she grew up has always been something worth capturing. The Crestline native, who graduated from Rim of the World High School in 2010, is now a published author, bringing the familiar charm, traditions and heart of the San Bernardino
Corks & Hops fills Crestline with the ‘Aloha Spirit’
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer Hawaii and luaus and the “Aloha culture” were the theme of the first Corks & Hops wine and beer tasting extravaganza of the season held in Crestline on June 6. Each tasting station tried to exhibit another element of “Aloha.” Each month during
Tips to help you stay safe this summer
By Dr. Damanpreet Jamarai Chief Medical Officer UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of California Summer brings long days, family vacations, afternoons by the pool and more time outside. But, as temperatures rise and families head to the water, it’s also a time to be extra mindful about staying safe. From
Mountain Emergency Updates
Don’t let the new year go up in smoke
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer After the holidays, it’s time to take down the Christmas tree, pack up the lights and decorations and return your home’s decor back to the way it was. Unless you bought a potted live tree that you can plant in your yard, a cut,...
Vehicle plunges 100 feet off Highway 18
San Bernardino County Fire crews responded on July 19 to a report of a vehicle over the side of Highway 18 below Crestline. A passenger vehicle left the roadway at a turnout and plunged approximately 100 feet down steep mountain terrain, coming to rest on its side in...
Tragic Drowning Lake Arrowhead Reported by ALA
Dear Members, It is with deep sadness that I report a tragic incident that occurred earlier yesterday, July 8, in the North Bay area of Lake Arrowhead. According to reports, the incident involved an 18-year-old male who went underwater while swimming and did not...
Government
Sheriff’s Log
Editor’s note: As the sheriff’s department is no longer providing their log of calls, the Alpine Mountaineer is compiling Nixle press releases for our readers. Man's death in Highland being investigated On Saturday, July 4, at about 9:51 p.m., deputies from the...
OP-ED: Honoring the male figures in our families strengthens our communities
By Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh California State District 19 In the Inland Empire, we know what responsibility looks like. We see it in the fathers who leave before sunrise to work construction sites, warehouses, farms and small businesses. We see it in the men...
Sheriff’s Log
Editor’s note: As the sheriff’s department is no longer providing their log of calls, the Alpine Mountaineer is compiling Nixle press releases for our readers. This week there are no new releases from the mountain area or Highland.
Mountain Communities
And the 2026 Grand Poobah is…
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Crestline’s Grand Poobah has been chosen for 2026 – Caleb Morgan, who was sponsored by the Rim of the World Sports Bar. This is a trifecta for the Sports Bar as last year’s 2025 Poobah was community volunteer Alan Mairs, and...
Celebrating the 4th and 100th
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Green Valley Lake used their annual parade on the Fourth of July as an opportunity to celebrate both the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the town’s centennial. Founder Harry McMullen was portrayed...
The skies were alive on the 4th
By Mary-Justine Lanyon The skies above Lake Arrowhead were filled with activity and bursts of color on July 4. Beginning at 11 a.m. and then continuing from 5 to 7:15 p.m., a variety of aircraft took to the skies, delighting those who looked up when they heard...
Entertainment
Mountain Events
My Rebuilding Day
By Tim Clarke Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities As the sawdust has settled, sweat and sore muscles are a faint but rewarding memory, I take a moment to look back at Rebuilding Day 2026. For the first time since joining the board of Rebuilding Together...
Music & Entertainment
Upcoming Events
BIG BEAR Big Bear Theatre Project: Creating Worlds Playwright Festival, Aug. 13-16. tick,tick…BOOM!, Oct. 15-25. A Ghost Story, Dec. 17-20. Big Bear Performing Arts Center. Tickets and more information, bigbeartheatreproject.org. BLUE JAY Back-to-School Giveaway:...
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Sports
Building Community Through Sports
By Mary-Justine Lanyon In 1985, 115 veteran athletes gathered for the first National Veterans Golden Age Games. Last month, the largest group of veteran athletes ever – 1,338 – met in Tampa, Fla., for the 40th such games. Among those athletes were two mountain...
Game of Sk8 raises awareness about the dangers of fentanyl
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer The Game of Sk8 tournament began in 2007, originally as a combination of San Francisco, Vancouver and Barcelona styles of skateboarding competition. It is a game where skaters are challenged to do a trick and each skater tries...
LACS launches middle school track program
Submitted by Lake Arrowhead Christian School Athletics Although small in size, Lake Arrowhead Christian School made a big imprint in its first middle school track season. Coach Renee Wetzel led a team of 10 Eagles into competition against 29 other schools (and...
Food
In the Kitchen with Bev: The Humble Tomato
By Bev Eskew Owner/Chef, Spade & Spatula-Ca. Gastropub As a kid, born and raised in Southern California, my parents always had a backyard garden. I grew up in a multicultural and multilingual family with diverse food roots and all transplants from outside...
It’s farmers market time!
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Rim’s original certified farmers market – established in Running Springs in 2012 – will celebrate its 2026 opening day on Saturday, April 25. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., folks can peruse a variety of vendors from fresh produce to...
Children can get rewarded for reading
Mountain children: Prepare for a rewarding and delicious opportunity at your local San Bernardino County library. From Saturday, March 7 through Saturday, April 18, the library is partnering with In-N-Out Burger for the annual Cover-to-Cover Reading Program,...
Outdoor Adventures
Hume Campground eyes major growth
By MIKE HARRIS Special to the Alpine Mountaineer What has been to date a small Christian camp in Green Valley Lake serving around 300 campers at a time, would grow over the next 10 to 25 years to accommodate up to 3,000 campers and staff, and add several new...
Camp Paivika’s new plans to reach out into the community
By Mike Brewer Special to the Alpine Mountaineer We all know there are many hidden treasures on our mountain. Camp Paivika may hold a top spot for this accolade with their 78 years in the community, providing summer camp for disabled children and adults. Seven...
LET’S GO HIKING — Sequoia Trail: Encore
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Heaps Peak Arboretum Length: 0.8-mile loop Elevation gain: 122 feet (from mid-trail) Challenge: easy Nearly five months ago, when we last visited and wrote about the Sequoia Trail, winter had yet to...
Education
Students visit the museum and Lake Gregory
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer On Tuesday, June 30, some 30 high school-age Project BLU (Black, Latino and Urban) students from San Bernardino toured the Mountain History Museum. BLU was founded in 2001 to address higher education challenges faced by Black and...
Arts & Culture
First Fridays at The Lake House are back!
First Friday at The Lake House not only features the work of exceptional artists but also benefits local charities, who receive a portion of the proceeds. The first Friday event of the year will take place on July 3 as owners Robin and John Lyles celebrate their 17th...
Business
Financial Focus: Small habits help shape a stronger financial future
Financial security doesn’t have to come from a big break or a high salary. Wealth is often built through small habits repeated many times over. If you’re young and just getting started, time is your advantage. Begin now with these five small habits that can help build...
Health
MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL — Hospital to consider floating a bond
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Last March, Mountains Community Hospital surveyed a random sample of likely voters in the November 2026 election, asking them how likely they would be to vote for a bond measure to fund the repayment of MCH’s USDA loan. That loan is...
Obituaries
A Local Legend, lost: A tribute to Taylor Cole
By Katie Carlin Our friend, Taylor Cole, a resident of Crestline, California, was killed on Easter Sunday. According to police reports, he was riding his motorcycle on Highway 138 when an unidentified driver illegally crossed into his lane and struck him head on. As...



























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