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
Check Outage Status
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
Working to lessen the fire danger
By Mary-Justine Lanyon When Shane Massoud, the government relations manager for Southern California Edison, spoke to the Inland Empire Fire Safe Alliance, he brought with him a vital message. “The company has been dedicated,” Massoud said, “particularly in the last...
Deputies track down ‘unwanted subject’
On June 20, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m., deputies were dispatched on a call of an unwanted subject outside of a residence located on the 22700 block of Ponderosa Drive in Crestline. The male left from the residence prior to deputy arrival. Deputies...
Head-on collision results in major injuries
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer A head-on collision on Highway 330 at Live Oak Road around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18 resulted in major injuries to two motorists, one of whom, according to authorities, is an unidentified male in his 20s, who was subsequently...
Government
New California laws you should know about – Part 2
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer As pointed out in Part 1 of this two-part series, California legislators sent hundreds of bills proposing new laws to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, 794 of which the governor gave his approval to by signing them into law. Some of...
Sheriff’s Log
Theft suspect apprehended — Stolen property recovered On Monday, Dec. 22, at 3:17 p.m., deputies from the Highland Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a theft from a local business. A male subject entered the business, removed a computer valued at approximately...
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
Rotary: the hinge that turns commitment into action
“I’m going to take you on a journey – where polio has been, where it has brought us and how you can help finish the job.” That’s what Johrita Solari told members of the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead at their April 28 meeting. Solari – a past district governor, Rotary...
It wasn’t a typical Bingo evening
By Mary-Justine Lanyon The Masonic Lodge in Twin Peaks was filled with cries of “Wine-O” as Soroptimist International of Rim of the World held their Wine-O Bingo fundraiser on April 24. Richard Pomerantz pulled corks marked with letters and wine varietals. As he...
Bringing Smiles to People’s Faces
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Have you ever seen someone sprint to the dentist’s chair? That’s just what I observed in Bullet Tree Village in Belize while there with HAFDRA (Humanitarian Aid for Development and Relief Agency) earlier this month. Last year’s medical...
Entertainment
Mountain Events
The fish were biting
The 36th annual Arrowhead Lake Association fishing derby took place on Saturday, May 23 at the ALA marina. There were 111 anglers who participated in the adult trout, adult bass and youth trout categories. “The weather was great and the marina was packed,” said Sharon...
Music & Entertainment
Garden tour teased all the senses
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Arrowhead Arts Association held their annual garden tour on June 27, a beautiful sunny, summer day in Lake Arrowhead. All the smells, views, colors, design and textures of the gardens touched the five senses during the...
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. ...
Subscribe to Alpine
Mountaineering News
Get Unlimited access
to all content
Subscribe to Get
started for free
Sports
Special athletes enjoy summer activities
Rim Special Athletes (RSA) recently sponsored a free day at SkyPark at Santa’s Village for about 50 of their members and their families for a delicious lunch and play day. RSA’s summer programs begin in July with fun at Lake Arrowhead, including swimming at the lake...
Young anglers brave the cold
By Mary-Justine Lanyon It was a cold and extremely windy morning at Tavern Bay when nearly 150 young anglers participated in the recent Arrowhead Lake Association Junior Trout Rodeo. The event kicked off with a pancake and sausage breakfast. “Chef Wayne Austin and his...
Special Olympic athletes bring home medals
Athletes from Special Olympics Rim Mountain Communities recently competed in two events. First, they competed with hundreds of other athletes on April 13 at the spring games in Murrieta. The mountain’s two teams brought home silver and bronze medals in the bocce...
Food
RoadHouse Pizza on the road again
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY - Senior Writer As part of our ongoing series of restaurant visitations, The Alpine Mountaineer paid a visit on Friday, April 7 to the recently reopened RoadHouse Pizza Restaurant, located at 565 Forest Shade Road, just around the corner from...
Osorio Brother’s Restaurant celebrates grand opening
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer The long-awaited grand opening of Osorio Brother’s Restaurant (formerly the Original Cottage) located at 26545 Highway 18 in the heart of Rimforest lured some 50 persons on Monday, March 27. “Pretty good for a new business that no...
RB’s Steakhouse
WHAT’S COOKIN’ RB’s Steakhouse a favorite with locals By DOUGLAS W MOTLEY Senior Writer Tucked away in the back corner of Oak Terrace, just off of Hook Creek Road in Cedar Glen, resides RB’s Steakhouse, well-known and revered by locals, as well as mountain visitors...
Outdoor Adventures
Exploring the Great Outdoors: The Alpine Mountaineer’s Guide to Local Hiking Trails
The San Bernardino Mountains, a majestic natural wonder, offer a sanctuary for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Alpine Mountaineer is dedicated to guiding you through the sprawling beauty of this landscape, revealing trails that cater to every preference and skill...
LET’S GO HIKING – Sequoia Trail: Part 2
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Heaps Peak Arboretum Length: .8-mile loop Elevation gain: 122 feet (from mid-trail) Challenge: easy Signaling a break for winter, this will be the last “Let’s Go Hiking” offering until spring 2024....
LET’S GO HIKING – Rouse Ranch Road
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 4-mile round trip Elevation gain: 272 feet Challenge: easy to moderate As fall gives way to winter (the solstice is Dec. 21), more and more of our area’s trails become...
Education
RIM OF THE WORLD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT — Incident at VOE handled with professionalism
By Mary-Justine Lanyon An emotional Kimberlee Shefts – the parent of three children at Valley of Enchantment Elementary School – told the trustees at their May 18 meeting that “incredible professionalism was shown by the school staff” during an incident that...
Arts & Culture
Jazz Comes Home
Join in the fun as Blue Jay Jazz Foundation presents Jazz Comes Home on Sunday, May 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the San Moritz Lodge in Crestline. Spotlighting professional local artists and featuring Rim High alumni, this show will showcase The Groovin’ Greg Solman Group,...
Business
Financial Focus — Time for some financial spring cleaning
Spring is here – which means it’s once again time to wash the windows, organize your cabinets and steam your carpets. This year, in addition to tidying up around your house, why not also consider some financial spring cleaning? Here are some suggestions to consider:...
Health
Americans are getting sick more often and earlier in life
By Patty Starr, President & CEO, Health Action Council and Craig Kurtzweil, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual Employer health benefits costs are rising faster than inflation and wage growth, putting continued...
Obituaries
Celebrating Cheryl Moxley-Harrison
The celebration of life for Cheryl Moxley-Harrison, who passed away on January 29, 2024, will be held this Saturday, April 27, at SkyPark at Santa’s Village from 10 a.m. to noon.



























Recent Comments