Alpine Mountaineer News – Issue 07/23/2026
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
Coffee with a Cop a hit with community
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer Several dozen community members and visitors from throughout Southern California, along with about a dozen law enforcement personnel, descended upon Mountain Coffee Co. around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8. Mountain Coffee Co. is based in a specialized trailer on Highway 173 in
Mosquito and vector control program
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer Many people ask, “What is a vector?” A vector is any insect, rodent or animal of public health significance that can transmit diseases to humans. San Bernardino County’s Mosquito and Vector Control Program identifies, monitors and treats mosquito breeding sources to reduce the
Ask the realtor: Multiple offers — Why the highest offer doesn’t always win
You’ve found the perfect house, submitted your offer and then comes the call every buyer dreads: There are multiple offers. Now what? Multiple-offer situations are more common than many buyers realize. In fact, there’s an old real estate saying that, just when a home has lingered on the market long
San Bernardino Symphony Association receive two awards
The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) is proud to announce that the San Bernardino Symphony Association has been awarded its 2026 Community Impact Award and that Symphony board member emeritus Dean McVay has been awarded its 2026 MVP award. The awards will be formally presented at ACSO’s annual conference,
‘Mountain is #1 dumping ground for animals’
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Paula Anderson – a volunteer with the Mountains’ Humane Society – shared the news with the Women’s Club of Lake Arrowhead at their July 15 meeting. “The mountain area,” Anderson said, “is the #1 dumping ground for domestic animals.” The majority of those animals are young
Protecting your health during a wildfire
By Dr. Dinelli Monson Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual Plans of California A wildfire can change daily life quickly in Southern California when residents face smoky skies, reduced air quality and the possibility of evacuation during periods of elevated wildfire activity. While conditions may look different from
Those Were The Days: Movies come to Skyland – Part 3
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Historian The Skyland area of Crestline is almost unknown today. However, in the 1890s through the early days of the 20th century, Skyland was the center of camping and resort activity. Skyland is south of Crest Forest Drive, east of “Top Town” Crestline. The silent movie era
Estate Planning: Who gets the child if a parent dies?
Many families today include unmarried partners, blended families and stepparents who help raise children but are not their legal parents. While these families may function like any other loving household, the law may view the situation very differently if the child’s legal parent passes away. Consider Jane and Mark. They
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: The High Cost of Commodities
Have you noticed how cheap gasoline is, of late? Perhaps I will re-word that one. Gas isn’t exactly cheap. (That’s right, but I am, cheap that is). I must say, six or seven bucks a gallon surely ain’t cheap. However, I’ve seen at least one gas station in Crestline that
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. 18-year-old female falls off Big Bear Dam On Tuesday, July 14, at approximately 11:03 p.m., deputies from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to
High praise for their volunteers
In their latest newsletter, the Mountain Homeless Coalition had high praise for their volunteers who do everything from helping staff members with their caseloads to fostering puppies. In the most recent quarter, two staff members carried an average caseload of 55 client households. But they didn’t have to handle them
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Read The Flip Newspaper
Mountain Webcams
Mountain Weather
Guide To Disaster Assistance
Alpine Mountaineer News – Issue 07/23/2026
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
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
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
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
Coffee with a Cop a hit with community
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer Several dozen community members and visitors from throughout Southern California, along with about
Mosquito and vector control program
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer Many people ask, “What is a vector?” A vector is any insect, rodent
Ask the realtor: Multiple offers — Why the highest offer doesn’t always win
You’ve found the perfect house, submitted your offer and then comes the call every buyer dreads: There are multiple offers.
San Bernardino Symphony Association receive two awards
The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) is proud to announce that the San Bernardino Symphony Association has been awarded
‘Mountain is #1 dumping ground for animals’
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Paula Anderson – a volunteer with the Mountains’ Humane Society – shared the news with the
Protecting your health during a wildfire
By Dr. Dinelli Monson Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual Plans of California A wildfire can change daily
Those Were The Days: Movies come to Skyland – Part 3
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Historian The Skyland area of Crestline is almost unknown today. However, in the 1890s through the early
Estate Planning: Who gets the child if a parent dies?
Many families today include unmarried partners, blended families and stepparents who help raise children but are not their legal parents.
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: The High Cost of Commodities
Have you noticed how cheap gasoline is, of late? Perhaps I will re-word that one. Gas isn’t exactly cheap. (That’s
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
High praise for their volunteers
In their latest newsletter, the Mountain Homeless Coalition had high praise for their volunteers who do everything from helping staff
Science Club looks air pollution prevention
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crest Forest Senior Citizens Club at Leisure Shores in Crestline has many classes
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
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
Coffee with a Cop a hit with community
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer Several dozen community members and visitors from throughout Southern California, along with about a dozen law enforcement personnel, descended upon Mountain Coffee Co. around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8. Mountain Coffee Co. is based in a specialized trailer on Highway 173 in
Mosquito and vector control program
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer Many people ask, “What is a vector?” A vector is any insect, rodent or animal of public health significance that can transmit diseases to humans. San Bernardino County’s Mosquito and Vector Control Program identifies, monitors and treats mosquito breeding sources to reduce the
Ask the realtor: Multiple offers — Why the highest offer doesn’t always win
You’ve found the perfect house, submitted your offer and then comes the call every buyer dreads: There are multiple offers. Now what? Multiple-offer situations are more common than many buyers realize. In fact, there’s an old real estate saying that, just when a home has lingered on the market long
San Bernardino Symphony Association receive two awards
The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) is proud to announce that the San Bernardino Symphony Association has been awarded its 2026 Community Impact Award and that Symphony board member emeritus Dean McVay has been awarded its 2026 MVP award. The awards will be formally presented at ACSO’s annual conference,
‘Mountain is #1 dumping ground for animals’
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Paula Anderson – a volunteer with the Mountains’ Humane Society – shared the news with the Women’s Club of Lake Arrowhead at their July 15 meeting. “The mountain area,” Anderson said, “is the #1 dumping ground for domestic animals.” The majority of those animals are young
Protecting your health during a wildfire
By Dr. Dinelli Monson Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual Plans of California A wildfire can change daily life quickly in Southern California when residents face smoky skies, reduced air quality and the possibility of evacuation during periods of elevated wildfire activity. While conditions may look different from
Those Were The Days: Movies come to Skyland – Part 3
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Historian The Skyland area of Crestline is almost unknown today. However, in the 1890s through the early days of the 20th century, Skyland was the center of camping and resort activity. Skyland is south of Crest Forest Drive, east of “Top Town” Crestline. The silent movie era
Estate Planning: Who gets the child if a parent dies?
Many families today include unmarried partners, blended families and stepparents who help raise children but are not their legal parents. While these families may function like any other loving household, the law may view the situation very differently if the child’s legal parent passes away. Consider Jane and Mark. They
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: The High Cost of Commodities
Have you noticed how cheap gasoline is, of late? Perhaps I will re-word that one. Gas isn’t exactly cheap. (That’s right, but I am, cheap that is). I must say, six or seven bucks a gallon surely ain’t cheap. However, I’ve seen at least one gas station in Crestline that
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. 18-year-old female falls off Big Bear Dam On Tuesday, July 14, at approximately 11:03 p.m., deputies from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to
High praise for their volunteers
In their latest newsletter, the Mountain Homeless Coalition had high praise for their volunteers who do everything from helping staff members with their caseloads to fostering puppies. In the most recent quarter, two staff members carried an average caseload of 55 client households. But they didn’t have to handle them
Science Club looks air pollution prevention
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crest Forest Senior Citizens Club at Leisure Shores in Crestline has many classes and numerous programs to engage its members. One of the clubs is the Science Club, which researches many aspects of life through the perception of science. The members meet at
Financial Focus: The Real Meaning of Diversification in Investing
We’ve all heard the phrase: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” In the world of investing, it’s solid advice. Unfortunately, some people misinterpret this wisdom. They spread money across multiple financial institutions, working with several financial advisors. But this creates some drawbacks. You may be paying more in
Building Community Through Sports
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor In 1985, 115 veteran athletes gathered for the first National Veterans Golden Age Games. Last month, the largest group of veteran athletes ever – 1,338 – met in Tampa, Fla., for the 40th such games. Among those athletes were two mountain veterans: Armand LeSage of
MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL — Hospital to consider floating a bond
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Last March, Mountains Community Hospital surveyed a random sample of likely voters in the November 2026 election, asking them how likely they would be to vote for a bond measure to fund the repayment of MCH’s USDA loan. That loan is funding the construction at the
Honoring Mick Hill’s life
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The celebration of life for Michael (Mick) Hill attracted a standing room-only crowd of his friends, his fellow volunteers, working acquaintances and many people whose lives he touched in various ways. The service led by Pastor Bill Mellinger of the Crestline Baptist Church was
Ask the realtor: When insurance changes the value of a community
As we head into another fire season, one question keeps coming up from clients: “How expensive is fire insurance up here?” It’s a practical question, especially as insurance premiums have become a growing part of the monthly cost of homeownership. But surprisingly, almost nobody asks the question that may matter
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.
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...
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 patrol local OHV trails On Dec. 21, 2025, two deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station...
Mountain Communities
Treasure hunting on the mountain
By Mary-Justine Lanyon It’s an idea that grew out of the two Community Givebacks that Chad Logan organized. Logan learned about the incredible amount of surplus goods that are available each year. Why not, he thought, bring some of those goods to the mountain....
Cleaning up the community
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer The sun was shining as volunteers from all over the Crestline and Cedarpines Park communities came to the lake for Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 2. The volunteers met at the North Shore parking lot of Lake Gregory to...
Leisure Shores offers special May events
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer It’s May and many new activities are occurring at Leisure Shores Senior Center in Crestline. On May 1, the Crafternoon group made candles and suncatchers from dried flowers and votive candles. Every Friday they have art...
Entertainment
Mountain Events
Supporting the mountain’s young musicians
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor “Our mission is to bring music to the mountain,” Larry Zamora, the vice president of the Blue Jay Jazz Foundation told the Women’s Club of Lake Arrowhead at their May 20 meeting. “Our focus is on jazz,” he added, “but our mission...
Music & Entertainment
The Mountain Celebrates America’s 250th
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The mountain communities – from Crestline to Green Valley Lake – will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in style all weekend long. Crestline Jamboree Days this year, with its theme of...
Upcoming Events
Come enjoy wine on the deck
The UCLA Mountain Bruins invite you to their Wine on the Deck on May 22. What a great way to kick off Memorial Day weekend! This year the event will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at an estate in Cedar Ridge, Lake Arrowhead. The address will be sent to guests three...
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Sports
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...
Highlanders to play Riverside Smudgepots on July 27
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crestline Highlanders Vintage Base Ball team, who recently marched in Crestline’s Jamboree Days parade, pulling their trophies on a cart, is scheduled to play the Riverside Smudgepots at the Harich Field in Twin Peaks this...
Little Leaguers win all-star tournament
By Julianne Homokay Special to the Alpine Mountaineer On the night of June 26, the Mountains Little League (MLL) Junior Division won their district All-Star Tournament for the first time for any of the divisions since 2014, facing down Newmark Little League from the...
Food
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 &...
Crestline Café: A special diner where friends and family gather
By Mike Harris - Special to The Alpine Mountaineer (Photos by Mike Harris) I would venture to say that just about every small town across America has a special dining place where friends and family gather to enjoy a good meal, grab a cup of coffee, share stories and...
Outdoor Adventures
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...
LET’S GO HIKING – Old Sawmill Road
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 3.6-mile round trip Elevation gain: 165 feet Challenge: easy to moderate On a bluff overlooking Lake Arrowhead and Papoose Lake, MacKay Park is one of our area’s most accessible launching...
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
Rim High choir sings their way to success
The Rim of the World High School choir performed at the High Desert Festival at Silverado High School in Victorville on March 17. The choir received an Excellent rating in their performance, the equivalent of second place. They performed two pieces for two...
Business
38 years of pampering the mountain
By Mary-Justine Lanyon For 38 years, women – and men – on the mountain have looked their best, thanks to Christine Feldman. In 1987, Feldman purchased a salon in Lake Arrowhead Village, where she provided her hair styling services until 2005. She had purchased...
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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