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
Road work to impact recreational opportunities
Road work on Keller Peak Road (Forest Service Road 1N96), which began on July 29, will restrict public access to the road on Monday through Friday through Sept. 20. The following sites will be impacted: Shady Cove Campground, yellow post sites off the road and Trail...
Woman robbed at Lake Arrowhead Village
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer A woman, whose identity is being withheld, was robbed and defrauded at Lake Arrowhead Village around 2 p.m. on Monday, July 15 by a suspect identified as Gabriel Perez. Authorities said Perez allegedly stole the woman’s purse and a...
Firearms located at Lake Arrowhead home of felon
On Thursday, July 11, at about 8:00 p.m., deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Station served a search warrant at the residence of Daniel James, 49, in the 500 block of East Victoria Court, Lake Arrowhead. James, a convicted felon, was believed to be in possession...
Government
LAKE ARROWHEAD COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT — Water district weathers heavy rain
By Mary-Justine Lanyon The news was good at the Jan. 27 meeting of the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District board of directors. Despite getting what they called a “substantial” amount of rain over the Christmas holiday, “things went smoothly,” said Field...
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. Arrest made in road rage case On Jan. 26 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Arrowhead CHP officers were...
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
Pianist offers his music to benefit Mountain Homeless Coalition
By JULIANNE HOMOKAY Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Concert pianist John Reith, who for years has been accompanying Sunday services at St. Richard’s Episcopal Church in Skyforest, will perform a concert at his church this Saturday, May 30, at 2 p.m. The...
Free fraud & scam prevention workshop coming to Lake Arrowhead
The Gathering Place, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead, will host a free Fraud & Scam Prevention and Awareness Workshop for adults on Saturday, June 6, at the Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m....
The artisans say, ‘Welcome!’
By Mary-Justine Lanyon For more than 30 years, the artisans of Green Valley Lake have invited guests to visit them in their studios. There, the guests will discover handcrafted treasures. These artisan studio tours take place on three weekends a year: Memorial...
Entertainment
Mountain Events
Sip and Soiree fun at San Moritz Lodge
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The San Moritz Lodge was swinging on June 6 with a fantastic evening of dancing and classic music by such artists as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Dion, Frankie Valle, performed by Michael Gonzales and Aidan...
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
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
World-class jiu jitsu comes to Lake Arrowhead Village
By Derek Johnson Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Recent visitors to Lake Arrowhead Village's waterfront side may have noticed something different going on at Victory Tae Kwon Do. Why are there now adults in there, pinning each other to the floor and apparently...
Cauliflower ear – a hazard of wrestling
Cauliflower ear…ever heard of it? No pun intended. Football players get shin splints, runners get hammer toe and wrestlers get cauliflower ear...at least the lucky ones do. Many non-wrestlers might see it and wince, but most wrestlers love a good set of cauliflower...
Special Olympic athletes bowl for the gold
Hundreds witnessed the pinnacle of determination, skill and sportsmanship of our Special Olympic athletes at the Special Olympics Southern California 2024 bowling championships on Aug. 17. Jeffery Kellems (right) brought home the gold and Phyllis Wiggins was awarded a...
Food
Cub Scouts selling popcorn this month
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer It is popcorn season for the Boy Scouts and Cub Scout Pack 264, which meets Mondays at the Presbyterian Church in Lake Arrowhead. They were out selling their popcorn flavors in front of Stater Bros. market last weekend....
Come for the food, stay for the music
By Mary-Justine Lanyon It’s been a long time coming but Misti and Jimmy Dixon will be opening their barbecue restaurant and country bar – Cadillac Cowboy – in Lake Arrowhead Village this weekend. The grand opening on Saturday, July 1 will be by ticket only. Then, on...
Goodbye Bear House – Hello Osorio Bros.
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Owners of the venerable Bear House Family Restaurant in Top Town Crestline announced last week that it will be closing its doors on Wednesday, May 31. This came as quite a shock, not only to its hard-working employees, but also to...
Outdoor Adventures
LET’S GO HIKING – Pilot Rock Trail: Part 2
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: North of Lake Arrowhead Length: 7-mile round trip (partial transit) Elevation gain: 512 feet (return leg) Challenge: easy to semi-difficult After a “prelude hike” last week, we’ve returned to this remote and...
LET’S GO HIKING – Pilot Rock Trail: Part 1
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: North of Lake Arrowhead Length: 4-mile round trip Elevation gain: 144 feet Challenge: easy to moderate The rocky and relatively remote area north of Lake Arrowhead is one of our mountains’ preeminent hiking...
LET’S GO HIKING – Green Valley Campground Trail
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Green Valley Lake Length: 3-mile round trip (partial transit) Elevation gain: 156 feet Challenge: easy to moderate (snowfields) We’re back in our mountains’ highest community, where last October we hiked around...
Education
Could There Have Been Life on Mars?
By Mary-Justine Lanyon The fourth- and fifth-graders at Charles Hoffman Elementary School were full of great questions. The occasion? A visit to the school by two guest speakers, one of whom had attended CHE. Paulina Ridland – the former CHE student and Rim...
Arts & Culture
Middle school bands score at festival
The Beginning Band (pictured), Advanced Band and strings class from Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School participated in a Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Festival at Redlands High School on March 12. The Advanced Band, said Music...
Business
In the market for a handmade gift?
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Are you in the market for a birthday gift for a friend? Have an upcoming wedding for which you need just the right thing? Want to get a head start on your holiday shopping? Look no further than the parking lot next to Grocery...
Health
News from our local nonprofits
Mountains Community Hospital: Parking and access changes during construction. The Hospital has begun the first phase of its improvement and expansion project, which will bring a series of changes to parking and campus access that will last through Fall 2028. While...
Obituaries
Remembering Sonja Miller-Kaplan
Sonja Miller-Kaplan was born on January 1, 1934, in Manhattan, NY. She passed away on May 2, 2024, in Running Springs, where she had lived since 1980. Sonja was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy C. Kaplan. She is survived by three siblings: her sister, Vera G....



























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