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
Suspect arrested on numerous weapons charges
On Tuesday, July 9, deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station responded to a residence in Lake Arrowhead in reference to a firearm being stolen. The investigation revealed Charles Vogleman, a convicted felon who is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms,...
DUI arrests and collisions down sharply over holiday weekend
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer The number of driving under the influence of alcohol and or drugs (DUI) arrests and traffic collisions during the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) four-day maximum enforcement period (MEP) during this year’s 4th of July holiday...
Hesperia man arrested for grand theft in Crestline
Deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Station received a report of financial theft from a victim who hired Ruben Concepcion for residential construction work in the 500 block of Dorn Drive in Crestline. Concepcion operated his business under the name Dreamscapes Full...
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. This week there are no new releases from the mountain area or Highland.
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.
CHP Maximum Enforcement turns minimum
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer The California Highway Patrol’s annual Christmas and New Year’s weekend Maximum Enforcement Periods (MEP) yielded minimal results this year, said CHP Public Information Officer Devin Julien- Rohman. He speculated that extreme...
Mountain Communities
Books for sale!
If you are in need of a good read, look no further this weekend than the libraries in Crestline and Lake Arrowhead. At the Crestline library, the sale began on May 18 and continues through this Saturday, May 23 during library hours. Buy one book and get another at...
Spring tea at Leisure Shores
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crest Forest Senior Citizens Club held a spring tea for mothers and their families on Saturday afternoon, May 10, with a spring garden theme. The freshly painted Lakeside Room (thanks to Rebuilding Together Mountain...
Rotarians invite the community to place ‘service above self”
By JULIANNE HOMOKAY Special to the Alpine Mountaineer In an age when more and more of life is happening online, when more people are finding reasons not to leave their homes and the nonprofit fundraising model is becoming a hashtag and a text message, there are...
Entertainment
Mountain Events
Crestline opens new playground at Lake Gregory
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Crestline held a grand opening of the newest attraction at Lake Gregory Regional Park, their new “destination playground,” which has already attracted great interest and approval from the children in town. They were crawling,...
Music & Entertainment
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...
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
Highlanders win double-header
BY RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crestline Highlanders of the SoCal Vintage Base Ball League have been having a great season. Although not undefeated as in the past two seasons, they are in third place as they enter the playoffs with a positive potential...
Wrestlers learn from a pro
It may be the start of football season – and wrestling season doesn’t start until November – but Rim wrestlers are training every day of the week that ends in “Y.” This past week, the head coach of the only NCAA D1 wrestling team in Southern California – California...
The mountain’s own Olympian
The Alpine Mountaineer proudly presents a new weekly column on the mountain’s most storied and successful athletic endeavor – Rim wrestling. This sport has touched the lives of many local boys and girls. Some excelled and some didn’t, but all gained life lessons...
Food
Dining Above the Clouds
By Dr. Ginger Gabriel - Special to The Alpine Mountaineer Hortencia’s at the Cliffhanger is inarguably most famous for its spectacular views. From the structure’s beginning in 1927, this location was destined to become a historical landmark. First it was a garage/gas...
Oscar’s Mexican Grill now open in Valley of Enchantment
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY - Senior Writer “Oh my gosh,” I thought to myself as I entered Oscar’s Mexican Grill, next door to Magic 7 Market in Valley of Enchantment on the evening of Saturday, April 15. Someone obviously had a great sense of humor when they painted OMG on...
Bringing farm-fresh produce to local tables
By Mary-Justine Lanyon (Photos by Mary-Justine Lanyon) First there was Arrowhead Farms Direct – a program through which Alexander Vallejos and Holly Walker distributed farm-fresh produce to local residents. When Vallejos shared with Bev Eskew at Spade &...
Outdoor Adventures
LET’S GO HIKING – Deep Creek Trail
Where: North of Lake Arrowhead Length: 4-mile round trip Elevation gain: 377 feet Challenge: easy to semi-difficult The trailhead for one of our mountain’s more remote routes is situated at the northern end of Highway 173. Beyond the Caltrans barricade, the...
LET’S GO HIKING – Grass Valley Lake
Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 3-mile round trip Elevation gain: 112 feet Challenge: easy to moderate Its neighbor to the east is nearly 57 times larger. Quite obviously, then, Lake Arrowhead is a much more prominent destination. Still, Grass Valley Lake is definitely...
LET’S GO HIKING – V.O.E. Trail/Seely Road
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Crestline Length: 2.6-mile round trip Elevation gain: 322 feet Challenge: moderate to momentarily difficult One of the western San Bernardino Mountains’ more obscure hikes is in the same neighborhood as what could...
Education
‘Don’t Stop Believing’ – The Message to Our Graduands
By Mary-Justine Lanyon A gasp went up from the audience at this year’s scholarship night when Principal Brian Keaney announced the numbers. Sixty-nine graduands were awarded 160 scholarships totaling $107,000. “You have opened doors for these students,” Keaney...
Arts & Culture
Auxiliary members enjoy lunch, music
By Mary-Justine Lanyon At the annual Arrowhead Arts Association Auxiliary membership luncheon, the members enjoyed a meal catered by RB’s Steakhouse and then were entertained by the pianist brother-and-sister team of Aleric and Bo Herzog. President Michelle...
Business
Insights on retirement and tax advantages for small businesses
By Elise Gray Special to the Alpine Mountaineer In response to a recent law that requires all businesses operating in California to facilitate a retirement savings option for their employees, the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an...
Health
It’s rattlesnake season
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer The Southern Pacific rattlesnake, the most commonly encountered poisonous snake in the San Bernardino Mountains, is potentially more dangerous than its desert cousin, the Mojave Green. This startling revelation was made by Dr....
Obituaries
Vincent Paul Miller III – November 29, 1983 – March 4, 2024
Vincent Paul Miller III, known affectionately as Vinny, passed away unexpectedly at home in Arrowbear on March 24 at the age of 40. Born on November 29, 1983, in Pittsburgh, Penn., Vinny brought joy, laughter and a unique sense of humor to all who knew him. Vinny was...

























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