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
Brush fire briefly threatens mountain communities
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Firefighters had their hands full on Sunday, June 16 when a five-acre brush fire was reported near Cajon Boulevard and Keenbrook Road in the Cajon Pass at the same time as a swift-moving brushfire that broke out near Hesperia on...
Annual fire hazard abatement inspections to begin in mountains
n mid-June, the Code Enforcement Fire Hazard Abatement Team will begin their annual defensible space inspections in the mountain communities of Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Valley of Enchantment, Cedarpines Park, Rimforest, Twin Peaks, Green Valley Lake, Arrowbear,...
Are you prepared for a disaster?
Are you interested in learning how to prepare and help your family and neighbors in the event of a disaster or other major event? With earthquakes and El Niño looming over our heads, can you spare a couple of weekends? If you want to help but don't know where to go,...
Government
New California laws you should know about – Part 1
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Major new California laws effective for 2026 mostly focus on employment and labor, data privacy, housing, education, introducing a higher statewide minimum wage, new employee notice requirements and restrictions on certain...
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.
LAKE ARROWHEAD COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT — Changes at the helm of the water district
By Mary-Justine Lanyon When Catherine Cerri, who has served as the general manager of the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District (LACSD) for the past several years, announced her upcoming retirement, the district went into action, seeking a new GM. They...
Mountain Communities
Keeping folks warm, safe and dry
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor And Rhea-Frances Tetley Staff writer It was a day full of weather surprises: fog, rain, snow and some sun. Despite the forecast, Rebuilding Day 2026 went on as planned. This year Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities had chosen three...
Running Springs farmers market celebrates 15th season
The Running Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the successful opening of the 2026 season of the Running Springs Farmers Market & Artisan Faire, which welcomed shoppers on Saturday, April 26 for its 15th season. The market will continue every...
Honoring a kind and loving soul
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Cynthia Siemens Willman was passionate about the earth and loved hiking and exploring new trails. It was on such a hike that she lost her life last year. To honor and remember her, members of her Rotary Club – the Mountain Sunrise Rotary...
Entertainment
Mountain Events
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...
Music & Entertainment
Celebrating young musicians
By Mary-Justine Lanyon It was standing room only in the multipurpose room at Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School. The occasion was the school’s spring concert. As Charlotte Ford, the MPH music director, welcomed family and friends to the concert, she...
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 complete winter season of activities
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Rim Special Athletes (RSA) finished another winter season with their Veterans Ski and Ride Clinic at Snow Valley. The veterans came from the VA Health and Rehabilitation Program in San Diego to learn to ski, gain confidence in their...
Highlanders win Central Coast Expo
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Vintage Base Ball Clubs from the Southern California League and the San Francisco Bay area traveled to San Luis Obispo on March 16 and 17 for two days of exhibition matches on the Central Coast. This year's Coast Classic featured...
Highlanders barnstorming to San Luis Obispo
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crestline Highlanders – the two-time, back-to-back champions of the Southern California Vintage Base Ball League – are going on a barnstorming baseball tour to the central coast of California to play Northern California teams....
Food
Mountain Cravings
Customers rewarded as Mountain Cravings celebrates anniversary By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Takeout food can be both delicious and healthy, especially at Mountain Cravings restaurant in Top Town Crestline, where they feature smoothies, juices, shakes, burgers,...
RB’s Steakhouse
WHAT’S COOKIN’ banner 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...
El Pajaro Azul – where everything is fresh and delicious
Even if you can’t pronounce the Spanish, you can see the blue bird and join families in some good Mexican food. Managers of El Pajaro Azul, David and Edemira, explaining how this is a family business and how coworkers and customers are made to feel like family....
Outdoor Adventures
LET’S GO HIKING – Arrowhead Ridge
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 2.6-mile round trip Elevation gain: 344 feet Challenge: easy to moderate We’re back at Arrowhead Ridge, which “Let’s Go Hiking” visited in early September. The focus then was...
LET’S GO HIKING – Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Twin Peaks Length: 2-mile round trip Elevation gain: 358 feet Challenge: easy to moderate Turning 90 years old is a significant accomplishment and compelling reason to celebrate. That’s what the...
LET’S GO HIKING – MacKay Park and N.S. Campground
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 2.1-mile loop Elevation gain: 155 feet Challenge: easy As you’ve probably noticed, our “Let’s Go Hiking” forays aren’t always along area trails, though most of them are. This...
Education
The Music of the Night Called
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Rim of the World Educational Foundation had put out the call for folks to attend their Phantom’s Masquerade Ball and the community responded. Most guests arrived at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa sporting masks; there...
Arts & Culture
Bringing the best out of student musicians
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Music students at Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School and Rim of the World High School had the unique opportunity on Friday, Jan. 30 to work with the members of the Southern California Brass Quintet in a series of workshops. Under the...
Business
Financial Focus — Don’t lose track of financial accounts
Consider this: About one in seven people has unclaimed cash or property, totaling billions of dollars, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. People lose track of their money for a variety of reasons. They change jobs and forget...
Health
MCH on the Road to Becoming Seismic Compliant
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Mountains Community Hospital is celebrating its 75th anniversary of serving the healthcare needs of the mountain community this year. Built in 1951, some parts of the hospital date back to those initial days. The hospital, Chief...
Obituaries
Remembering Cate Arciniega May 4, 1948 – February 4, 2024
Cathy Lee “Cate” Arciniega of Crestline, peacefully joined her Heavenly Father by natural causes on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the age of 75. Cate was an exceptionally kind and loving friend, mother and grandmother. Her passions included her faith, family, Lakers...





























Recent Comments