Alpine Mountaineer News – Issue 07/30/2026
Give Us That Fighting Chance
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Mountain residents have heard it before from fire officials: Create defensible space around your home so we can protect and save your home. Members of the Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club heard it again from four fire officials who spoke at their July 22
The eagles’ lair is safe
The $10 million needed to save Moon Camp – where the beloved eagles Jackie and Shadow have their nest – has been raised. The Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) made the announcement on Friday, July 24. The 63 acres of undisturbed forested open space and shoreline used by Jackie
Jazz is just around the corner
The Blue Jay Jazz Festival will be taking place on Aug. 27, 28 and 29 with world-class jazz artists and resident musicians. Lake Arrowhead is home to some remarkable jazz musicians who work in Los Angeles, across the country and beyond. The festival will open on Thursday, Aug. 27 with critically acclaimed guitarist
In the Kitchen with Bev: Crab apples — Embrace the weird
By Bev Eskew Owner/Chef, Spade & Spatula-Ca. Gastropub Around this time of year, when the Halloween decorations slowly start to creep their way onto store shelves and signs of my favorite season stir butterflies of excitement in my belly still full of ceviche and watermelon, I start fantasizing about fall
Ask the realtor: Maybe bigger is better — Rethinking downsizing in retirement
There has long been an unwritten expectation that, as we grow older, we should grow smaller. Sell the family home. Purge the belongings. Make room for the next generation. Books, television shows and well-meaning friends all seem to suggest that downsizing is simply what responsible older adults do. While there
It was a fashionable evening
The highlight of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce mixer held at Pendleton on July 23 was the fashion show featuring Norma, Kris, Travis, Tom and Ken. Store manager Mike dressed each in the latest fashions from Pendleton. Executive Director Lori Butler announced the chamber now has nearly 300
Corks & Hops returns to Crestline
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Corks & Hops began as a monthly craft beer and wine tasting festival, presented by the Crestline Chamber of Commerce. The first known events took place in 2018, with dates on the first Saturdays of June, July, August, September and October. The format
Smokey Bear celebrates his birthday
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Mountain History Museum is helping Smokey Bear celebrate his 82nd birthday with a party on Saturday, Aug. 1. From noon to 3 p.m., Smokey will be welcoming all visitors and taking selfies and photos with the guests. There will be birthday cupcakes for
Run Through the Pines attracts over 500 runners
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Crestline’s 47th annual Run Through the Pines 5k and 10k races around the 2.7-mile perimeter of Lake Gregory on Saturday, Aug. 8 has already lured some 500 or more men, women and children, according to Rim of the World Recreation and Park District
Those Were The Days: Skyland, Crestline’s Oldest Vacation Area — Part 4
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Historian The Skyland area of Crestline was a popular place to camp since before the 1890s because of its cliff front location and wonderful views out to the ocean. When the Arrowhead Toll Road became the main route up the mountain, the Skyland Inn, established in 1903
Estate Planning: I already have a trust but want to change its name. What happens?
Many people create a living trust and later decide they would like to change its name. Perhaps they got married, divorced, purchased additional property or simply wanted a name that better reflects their family’s legacy. The good news is that changing the name of your trust is usually possible. However,
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: Summer Breeze
Well, we survived all the Fourth of July fireworks extravaganzas without burning down the mountain, so now it’s time to get on with the rest of summer in sunny Southern California. No matter whether you reside at the beach, the inland valleys or in the mountains, there’s that cool, refreshing
Fashion for the young and young at heart
By Mary-Justine Lanyon After visiting the mountain for years with her grandparents, Katie Hectus made the move to Lake Arrowhead full-time three years ago. Since she already had a retail shop in Long Beach, it only made sense for her to open a shop on the mountain. The Lake
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
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. Lake Arrowhead woman arrested in home remodeling fraud In October 2024, the victim signed a project agreement with the suspect, Victoria Rogers, 58 of Lake
Special athletes enjoy fun on the water
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Many days this summer the Rim Special Athletes (RSA) have been holding their summer program for their members at Peninsula Park on Lake Arrowhead. Fun is the focus as the “kids of RSA” range in age from 10 to adults. Each family brings their
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Alpine Mountaineer News – Issue 07/30/2026
Give Us That Fighting Chance
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Mountain residents have heard it before from fire officials: Create defensible space around your home
The eagles’ lair is safe
The $10 million needed to save Moon Camp – where the beloved eagles Jackie and Shadow have their nest –
Jazz is just around the corner
The Blue Jay Jazz Festival will be taking place on Aug. 27, 28 and 29 with world-class jazz artists and resident
In the Kitchen with Bev: Crab apples — Embrace the weird
By Bev Eskew Owner/Chef, Spade & Spatula-Ca. Gastropub Around this time of year, when the Halloween decorations slowly start to
Ask the realtor: Maybe bigger is better — Rethinking downsizing in retirement
There has long been an unwritten expectation that, as we grow older, we should grow smaller. Sell the family home.
It was a fashionable evening
The highlight of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce mixer held at Pendleton on July 23 was the fashion
Corks & Hops returns to Crestline
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Corks & Hops began as a monthly craft beer and wine tasting festival,
Smokey Bear celebrates his birthday
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Mountain History Museum is helping Smokey Bear celebrate his 82nd birthday with a
Run Through the Pines attracts over 500 runners
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Crestline’s 47th annual Run Through the Pines 5k and 10k races around the
Those Were The Days: Skyland, Crestline’s Oldest Vacation Area — Part 4
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Historian The Skyland area of Crestline was a popular place to camp since before the 1890s because
Estate Planning: I already have a trust but want to change its name. What happens?
Many people create a living trust and later decide they would like to change its name. Perhaps they got married,
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: Summer Breeze
Well, we survived all the Fourth of July fireworks extravaganzas without burning down the mountain, so now it’s time to
Fashion for the young and young at heart
By Mary-Justine Lanyon After visiting the mountain for years with her grandparents, Katie Hectus made the move to Lake
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.
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
Special athletes enjoy fun on the water
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Many days this summer the Rim Special Athletes (RSA) have been holding their summer
Come out and support the Crestline Highlanders
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crestline Highlanders – members of the SoCal Vintage Base Ball League – won
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
Give Us That Fighting Chance
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Mountain residents have heard it before from fire officials: Create defensible space around your home so we can protect and save your home. Members of the Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club heard it again from four fire officials who spoke at their July 22
The eagles’ lair is safe
The $10 million needed to save Moon Camp – where the beloved eagles Jackie and Shadow have their nest – has been raised. The Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) made the announcement on Friday, July 24. The 63 acres of undisturbed forested open space and shoreline used by Jackie
Jazz is just around the corner
The Blue Jay Jazz Festival will be taking place on Aug. 27, 28 and 29 with world-class jazz artists and resident musicians. Lake Arrowhead is home to some remarkable jazz musicians who work in Los Angeles, across the country and beyond. The festival will open on Thursday, Aug. 27 with critically acclaimed guitarist
In the Kitchen with Bev: Crab apples — Embrace the weird
By Bev Eskew Owner/Chef, Spade & Spatula-Ca. Gastropub Around this time of year, when the Halloween decorations slowly start to creep their way onto store shelves and signs of my favorite season stir butterflies of excitement in my belly still full of ceviche and watermelon, I start fantasizing about fall
Ask the realtor: Maybe bigger is better — Rethinking downsizing in retirement
There has long been an unwritten expectation that, as we grow older, we should grow smaller. Sell the family home. Purge the belongings. Make room for the next generation. Books, television shows and well-meaning friends all seem to suggest that downsizing is simply what responsible older adults do. While there
It was a fashionable evening
The highlight of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce mixer held at Pendleton on July 23 was the fashion show featuring Norma, Kris, Travis, Tom and Ken. Store manager Mike dressed each in the latest fashions from Pendleton. Executive Director Lori Butler announced the chamber now has nearly 300
Corks & Hops returns to Crestline
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Corks & Hops began as a monthly craft beer and wine tasting festival, presented by the Crestline Chamber of Commerce. The first known events took place in 2018, with dates on the first Saturdays of June, July, August, September and October. The format
Smokey Bear celebrates his birthday
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Mountain History Museum is helping Smokey Bear celebrate his 82nd birthday with a party on Saturday, Aug. 1. From noon to 3 p.m., Smokey will be welcoming all visitors and taking selfies and photos with the guests. There will be birthday cupcakes for
Run Through the Pines attracts over 500 runners
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Crestline’s 47th annual Run Through the Pines 5k and 10k races around the 2.7-mile perimeter of Lake Gregory on Saturday, Aug. 8 has already lured some 500 or more men, women and children, according to Rim of the World Recreation and Park District
Those Were The Days: Skyland, Crestline’s Oldest Vacation Area — Part 4
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Historian The Skyland area of Crestline was a popular place to camp since before the 1890s because of its cliff front location and wonderful views out to the ocean. When the Arrowhead Toll Road became the main route up the mountain, the Skyland Inn, established in 1903
Estate Planning: I already have a trust but want to change its name. What happens?
Many people create a living trust and later decide they would like to change its name. Perhaps they got married, divorced, purchased additional property or simply wanted a name that better reflects their family’s legacy. The good news is that changing the name of your trust is usually possible. However,
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: Summer Breeze
Well, we survived all the Fourth of July fireworks extravaganzas without burning down the mountain, so now it’s time to get on with the rest of summer in sunny Southern California. No matter whether you reside at the beach, the inland valleys or in the mountains, there’s that cool, refreshing
Fashion for the young and young at heart
By Mary-Justine Lanyon After visiting the mountain for years with her grandparents, Katie Hectus made the move to Lake Arrowhead full-time three years ago. Since she already had a retail shop in Long Beach, it only made sense for her to open a shop on the mountain. The Lake
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
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. Lake Arrowhead woman arrested in home remodeling fraud In October 2024, the victim signed a project agreement with the suspect, Victoria Rogers, 58 of Lake
Special athletes enjoy fun on the water
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Many days this summer the Rim Special Athletes (RSA) have been holding their summer program for their members at Peninsula Park on Lake Arrowhead. Fun is the focus as the “kids of RSA” range in age from 10 to adults. Each family brings their
Come out and support the Crestline Highlanders
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crestline Highlanders – members of the SoCal Vintage Base Ball League – won their first game of the 2026 season, defeating the Fullerton Fire Knockers, on July 18. They are looking forward to another successful season of play. The Highlanders swashbuckled the Fullerton
Financial Focus: Managing Risk at Different Stages of Life
As an investor, risk is always part of the journey – but how you manage it can depend on where you are in life. Early in your career, you can invest for growth and take on more risk, knowing you have time to recover from market downturns. In midlife, with
Lake Arrowhead Woman Arrested in Home Remodeling Fraud.
Entered By: SBSD – Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department Entered On: Thursday July 23rd, 2026 :: 09:33 p.m. PDT Advisory: Lake Arrowhead Woman Arrested in Home Remodeling Fraud; Detectives Seek Additional Victims DATE/TIME: July 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., INCIDENT: PC 532(a) – Theft by False Pretense PC 481- Grand Ihett
A Vision to Bring the Arts to Life
BY JULIANNE HOMOKAY Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Anyone who has been on the mountain long enough to remember the old Quonset hut at 23955 Lake Drive in Crestline surely has been wondering about the transformation the building has been undergoing. Enter Jonathan Thompson, the CEO and director of
Rec and Park proposes parcel tax increase
By Mary-Justine Lanyon The parcel tax that helps fund local parks and recreation services through the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District was set at $10 in 1983. It was increased to $22 by voters in 2011. At the July 13 meeting of the Rec and Park
Get your eyes examined – at no cost
Next week, on Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28, folks age 5 and up will be able to get free eye exams and glasses at Mountains Community Health. Dr. Gregory Smith and Dr. Ana Chang-Smith will be bringing the VSP Eyes of Hope mobile clinic to the hospital. VSP
Mountain Emergency Updates
CHP sobriety checkpoint nets one DUI arrest
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer One motorist was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and 20 DUI evaluations were conducted during the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) DUI checkpoint, located...
Getting help as a Fire Risk Reduction Community
Submitted by Laura Dyberg Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council It has come to our attention that some insurance companies are not recognizing the Fire Risk Reduction Community list for discount or rating purposes. We reached out to Senator Ochoa Bogh's office and her staff...
MPH teacher arrested for alleged sex crimes
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Jack Daymond Allen, 62, of Lake Arrowhead, a teacher currently on leave from Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School in Lake Arrowhead, was arrested and taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies on July 24 and booked at the sheriff’s...
Government
Rim High students join nationwide protest
On Jan. 30, 100 students from Rim of the World High School joined a nationwide protest against recent deaths that resulted from immigration enforcement. Students across the country have reported stress and fear seeing families, friends and neighborhoods terrorized by...
Mountain MACs hold a joint meeting
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crest Forest and Lake Arrowhead Municipal Advisory Councils held a joint meeting at the San Moritz Lodge on Feb. 3. County Supervisor Dawn Rowe’s area representative Robin Bull spoke on the recently designated First...
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. Deputies seize firearms, drugs in Crestline – Four arrested On Jan. 13, deputies from the Twin Peaks...
Mountain Communities
Last week to nominate a Citizen of the Year
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer This is the last week to nominate those outstanding Crestline residents who have shown themselves to be a positive contribution to the community and deserve to be the Citizen of the Year for 2026. Anyone can nominate a...
Corks & Hops returning to Crestline
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer Presented by the Crestline Chamber of Commerce, the ever-popular Corks & Hops craft beer and wine monthly festival is returning to Crestline for its eighth year. Since its beginning in 2018, it heralds a new year of fun,...
Camp Commerce welcomes L.A. Chamber
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Camp Commerce on Highway 173 in Lake Arrowhead hosted the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce’s May mixer. During the evening of delicious barbecue sliders and s’mores around the fire, the chamber members got to...
Entertainment
Mountain Events
Market at Lake Gregory opens at Leisure Shores
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Friday night market and live concert series at Lake Gregory began for this summer, last Friday June 12 in the Leisure Shores parking lot on the eastern shore of Lake Gregory. The market is open from 4 to 8 p.m. with...
Music & Entertainment
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
BIG BEAR Big Bear Theatre Project: On Golden Pond, June 18-28. 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. ...
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Sports
Two collegiate wrestlers employ their skills to fend off a grizzly bear
How many wrestlers does it take to fend off an angry grizzly bear? Well, apparently only two middleweight wrestlers. Brady Lowry and Kendall Cummings found themselves in an unscheduled wrestling match while they were hiking in the Wyoming wilderness. The two were...
Girls wrestling: The nation’s fastest-growing high school sport
It’s no longer a secret – girls can wrestle! It’s also not a secret that, in many cases, prior to the early teen years, girls are even better wrestlers than boys because they are capable of better body control and, in general, focus on executing technique more...
Crestline Highlanders fall in playoff game
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer After two consecutive years of holding the SoCal Vintage Base Ball League championship title, the Crestline Highlanders lost to the Temecula Dear Bros. by a score of 504 in a hard-fought game in extreme heat. Since Perris beat the...
Food
LET’S DINE OUT – The Villager Coffee Shop
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer When a restaurant that’s earned a community’s faithful patronage and enduring affection closes its doors, a sense of loss and period of mourning ensue. Such was the case with Bill’s Villager in Blue Jay, which...
Traveling the world via the kitchen
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Participants in the Kitchen & International Tasting Tour – sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead and held on Oct. 7 – traveled the world without leaving the five fabulous host kitchens. It was Scandinavia at Lorna Polley’s...
Come share the flavors of the world
This Saturday, Oct. 7, the Lake Arrowhead Kitchen and International Tasting Tour returns after a COVID-induced hiatus. The tour is sponsored this year by the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead with the philosophy of international peace and understanding of other cultures....
Outdoor Adventures
LET’S GO HIKING – Will Abell Memorial Trail
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 5.2 miles Elevation gain: 483 feet Challenge: moderate to semi-difficult One of the most hikable and likable routes in our area has been expanded. Thanks to the visionary management of the...
LET’S GO HIKING – Arrowbear Lake
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: East of Running Springs Length: 2 miles Elevation gain: 114 feet Challenge: easy to moderate Small Is Beautiful was a popular and influential book published in 1973. Its title could apply to Arrowbear Lake, so...
LET’S GO HIKING – Pacific Crest Trail
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Silverwood Lake Length: 5.2-mile round trip (partial transit) Elevation gain: 87 feet (return leg) Challenge: easy It’s one the longest and most well-known trails in the United States. The Pacific Crest Trail...
Education
RIM OF THE WORLD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT – Saying farewell to decades of experience
By Mary-Justine Lanyon There was a festive atmosphere at the June 4 meeting of the Rim of the World Unified School District board of trustees. The occasion? A celebration of the retirement of 12 district employees. Their total service to the Rim district is 275...
Arts & Culture
Rim of the World High School’s Wind Ensemble wins Gold rating at Forum Music Festival
Rim High’s Wind Ensemble participated in a Forum Music Festival last Saturday, April 18th, achieving a Gold rating. This is a first-place ranking that Forum Music indicates that the musicians are among the top 10% in the United States. Forum Music Festivals provide...
Business
Business Expo a Resounding Success
The Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce celebrated a major milestone on Nov. 18 with its first-ever Business Expo, an event that exceeded expectations, energized local entrepreneurs and brought the mountain community together in a big way. Lori Butler, the...
Health
All mountain communities invited to Mountain Health & Resource Fair
By JULIANNE HOMOKAY Special to the Alpine Mountaineer All but the most privileged among us can have trouble accessing affordable health care. Even with insurance, deductibles can be so intimidating that many avoid seeking the care they need. Several nonprofit...
Obituaries
Remembering REX ARNCE JACKSON – July 5, 1952 to January 21, 2024
Rex “left us way too young.” He was only 71 when cancer took him from this earth life. He was born in 1952 to Liz and Earl Jackson. He attended Jurupa Unified schools and graduated from Rubidoux High in 1971. Rex was immediately drafted by the Cincinnati Reds baseball...


























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