Alpine Mountaineer News – Issue 07/09/2026
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
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 coaching youth sports after long
Lake Gregory Yacht Club celebrates opening day
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer The Saturday, June 6 opening day ceremonies of the Lake Gregory Yacht Club, which was celebrating its 30th anniversary, took place on the eastern lakeshore of Lake Gregory in front of Leisure Shores. Following the winter closure of the yacht club, this year’s
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Alpine Mountaineer News – Issue 07/16/2026
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…
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
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.
Library seeks English tutors
The Lake Arrowhead library is currently seeking tutors for their adult literacy program. This free program provides adults the opportunity
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.
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
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,
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.
Lake Gregory Yacht Club celebrates opening day
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer The Saturday, June 6 opening day ceremonies of the Lake Gregory Yacht Club,
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
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
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 coaching youth sports after long
Lake Gregory Yacht Club celebrates opening day
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer The Saturday, June 6 opening day ceremonies of the Lake Gregory Yacht Club, which was celebrating its 30th anniversary, took place on the eastern lakeshore of Lake Gregory in front of Leisure Shores. Following the winter closure of the yacht club, this year’s
Ask the realtor: Why open houses are more important than ever for California homebuyers
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home but aren’t quite ready to commit to a real estate agent, there’s good news: Open houses have become one of the easiest and least stressful ways to begin your search. For years, open houses attracted plenty of “lookie-loos” – people who were
Those Were The Days: Skyland Heights—the destination to beat valley heat
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Historian The current Top Town area was not the first area where early visitors to the mountains chose to stay. The Skyland area is the oldest and highest part of Crestline. There is evidence from metates near the springs that even the indigenous people choose it
Estate Planning: Trust administration vs. probate in California—Understanding the difference
When a loved one passes away, families are often faced with the task of settling the decedent’s affairs and transferring assets to beneficiaries. In California, this process generally occurs through either trust administration or probate. While both serve the purpose of transferring assets after death, they differ significantly in cost,
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: Armstrong
Last Saturday’s July 4th fireworks extravaganza in the sky, above Lake Gregory, marked the 57th anniversary of the first manned moon landing. I remember it like it was yesterday. Ground control to Major Tom. Commencing countdown, engines on. Check ignition and may God’s love be with you. Ten, nine, eight
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 Craft Fair: Every Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., weather permitting, in the US Bank parking lot on North
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
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...
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...
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
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:...
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
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...
Lady Eagles complete winning season
Submitted by Lake Arrowhead Christian School Athletics The Lake Arrowhead Christian School girls’ basketball team finished a fantastic spring season, compiling an overall record of seven wins and three losses in the Mountain Valley Christian School League...
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
‘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...
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
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...
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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