By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
The naming of Crestline’s Citizen of the Year is an annual highlight of Jamboree Days, the community’s celebration of the Fourth of July, which this year will begin with fireworks over Lake Gregory on Friday, July 3, and continue with a parade through town on Saturday, July 4 and the festival celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary in town all day.
Local residents submitted 22 nominations to the Crestline Chamber of Commerce by the deadline of June 7. “We are excited to have so many great candidates with outstanding credentials to choose from,” said Louis Boehle, chamber president.
The winner will ride in the Jamboree Days parade, which starts at 10 a.m. in Top Town and winds its way down Fern to Lake Drive to its conclusion at Lake Gregory Drive, inspired by this year’s theme, “Purple Mountains Majesty.” The chamber board plans to announce its selection for Citizen of the Year on June 29. Here are the nominees:
Patrick Acuña
Patrick Acuña, the driving force of New Hope Botanicals in the Alpine Mall, is a dedicated business owner, community member and father of four. He won the accolades of his nominators for his strong, consistent work ethic, exceptional business sense, generosity and commitment to others.
Michael Patrick Brewer
Michael Patrick Brewer is the chaplain of the Victor Valley Marine Corps League, Crestline Division. He is committed to helping all veterans who have served in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Gulf War and other conflicts. Michael is serving this year as one of Jamboree Days’ four parade grand marshals.
Ron Chalfant
“We would all be in big trouble up here if it was not for Ron Chalfant at Lake Gregory Weather,” said a nominator of the weather guru behind lakegregoryweather.com. “Ron selflessly brings the imperative weather information to us all.” A self-trained meteorologist, Ron’s Rim weather forecasts are spot-on, often far superior to other weather services for this area.
Molly Collins
A noted local artist, muralist and teacher, Molly Collins has been a devoted part of the Crestline community since 2004. Through Molly’s Art Gallery & Studio, she has created a welcoming space that exhibits, encourages and celebrates local artists. Collins offers children’s and adult art classes, fairy tea parties, glow paint nights, art-in-nature walks and healing art experiences.
James Fryman
James Fryman has faithfully picked up trash on the roads of the Rim community for over a decade. He genuinely cares about his community. James also volunteers his time at a church near his home.
Joey Hauss
Joey Hauss has made a positive impact on the mountains through leadership, mentorship and service. As founder of Lake Arrowhead Jiu Jitsu, Joey has built more than a martial arts academy, he has created a safe, welcoming community space where kids, teens, parents, first responders and adults grow in confidence, discipline, health and connection.
Mick Hill
Mick Hill grew up in Crestline. A local contractor, civic leader and philanthropist, Mick served as president of the Crestline Chamber of Commerce, built the smoker for the community’s Thanksgiving dinners and bought the Alpine Mountaineer newspaper to save it from closing. The community was devastated to learn Mick perished in a plane crash in Tulare County in May 2026. While Mick was honored in 2021 as Crestline’s Jamboree Days parade grand marshal and 2017 Citizen of the Year, the chamber is pleased to note his repeat nomination this year.
Jessica Johnson
Jessica Johnson, owner of Crestline Antiques & More, moved to Crestline five years ago with her family. With her business now thriving, she has been able to volunteer her time for fundraisers and community events such as Holidays in the Pines. With her knowledge of antiques and her warm, welcoming personality, she draws people into her store, which is an extension of herself.
Carol Kinzel
Much of the work Carol Kinzel does for the environmental health of the San Bernardino National Forest is behind the scenes. She was the founder and operator of the former Lake Gregory Education Nature Center in the San Moritz Lodge and is past president of the Rim of the World Interpretive Association, which helps maintain Heaps Peak Arboretum. Carol is an active member of the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust, San Gorgonio Chapter of the Sierra Club and Rim of the World Trails Alliance.
Richard Krumwiede
Richard Krumwiede has improved the cultural and physical landscape of Crestline. A UC Davis-certified winemaker and landscape architect, Krumwiede launched Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery in 2007 with his wife, Elizabeth. In 2025, the Krumwiedes served as grand marshals of the Jamboree Days parade.
Mary-Justine Lanyon
Mary-Justine Lanyon, editor of the Alpine Mountaineer, is nominated this year by the nonprofit HADRA, Humanitarian Aid for Development and Relief Agency, which praises her as “an exceptional volunteer.” Lanyon helped HADRA serve the Crestline community through its free dental sealant and screening programs at Valley of Enchantment (VOE) Elementary School, guiding students and other volunteers. Lanyon also serves on the board of the Rim Educational Foundation and is a past president of the Crestline-Lake Gregory Rotary Club. She is particularly proud of her Rotary Club work with the Early Act program at VOE Elementary School.
William ‘Bill’ Mellinger
William “Bill” Mellinger is pastor of Crestline’s First Baptist Church, but he shares his good works across the community. He is past president and assistant governor of Crestline-Lake Gregory Rotary, chair of the Lake Gregory Community Advisory Committee, board member of Rim of the World School District and jack-of-all-trades for Higher Grounds Coffee Shop.
Allen Mairs
Informally known as “Santa,” Allen Mairs has grown his flowing white beard and taken on the persona of the Man in Red during the holiday season for the past several years. Last December, he and his wife, Eileen, as Mrs. Claus collaborated at Foxhound Studios with Vicki Vargas to offer free photos with Santa. Allen recently saw a need and purchased a TV for the lobby of the Crest Forest Senior Club.
Crystal Morse
Crystal Morse, who works for Mick Hill Enterprises, has made it her mission to help the community the best she can. Between working full time and running a household of six, she still makes time to support Crestline, including problem-solving and devoting her energy to Crestline Chamber of Commerce events.
Travis Paternostro
Travis Paternostro does an excellent job of hosting karaoke and trivia nights at the Bear Claw Saloon. He also has expanded his business influence in the community beyond his Crestline Jerky Co. store to include his newest endeavor, the Crestline Emporium.
Michelle Peachie
Among other exceptional contributions to the Crestline community, Michelle Peachie has selflessly organized baby showers, food and blanket drives and holiday gift donations for families in need, often helping people she barely knows. She is a frequent volunteer, providing support to the homeless and actively sharing with community resources online anyone in need.
Craig Phillips
During the 2023 storms known locally as “Snowmageddon” when eight feet of snow blanketed the rim, Craig Phillips hiked miles through deep snowdrifts carrying much-needed food and medicine to the residences of stranded people. He routinely shows up as a good neighbor for anyone calling Lake Gregory Church in need of help.
Alicia Slingo-Aguilar
As Wine Club manager at Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery, Alicia Slingo-Aguilar goes above and beyond to ensure every member feels valued and like an extended family member. Her hard work and passion create a welcoming community that keeps people connected to the winery and to Crestline.
Beth Tobin
Beth Tobin has helped many of her fellow citizens in the community. Beth’s nominator explains that Beth goes above and beyond to assist others. She is caring and does her best to lend a hand to whoever is in need.
Vicki Vargas
A tireless volunteer, Vicki Vargas supports individuals and local nonprofits with her efforts on behalf of the Crest Forest Senior Center, Crestline Chamber of Commerce, Crestline Connect and other organizations. Her community spirit was out front when she built a miniature holiday wonderland for visitors to enjoy at Foxhound during Holidays in the Pines as they waited for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Michelle Vega
Michelle Vega has been a valuable neighbor to this community for many years. She stood in long, icy lines to secure essential supplies for her neighbors during Snowmageddon. She continues to help her neighbors with delivery/car services when they need food, their mail or even a ride. She is a valuable asset to Crestline, always willing to volunteer at events and quietly donating to many mountain charities.
Ken Williams
Ken Williams is the founder of the Mountain Wrestling Federation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping underprivileged children attend summer camp while creating positive, family-friendly entertainment and community involvement. Ken has spent countless hours building creative organizations like MWF, the Tudor House and the San Marzano Lounge that bring people together through theatrical wrestling, outreach, fundraising and events.
“The recognition of Citizen of the Year allows us to honor one of our residents for how much they give back to our special Rim community and help make it such a wonderful place to live,” said Dirk Rinker, Jamboree Days chairman for the event host, the Crestline Chamber of Commerce.
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