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
Twin Peaks man arrested on suspicion of murder
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer A man was found dead on Tuesday, May 14, in the Lake Arrowhead community and a suspect was arrested on suspicion of murder, authorities said. Deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station responded to a home in the 28000 block of...
Motorcycle accident results in fatal injuries
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer An accident involving a motorcyclist in the upbound lanes of Highway 18 south of Panorama Point around 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, resulted in the death of the rider, who reportedly overturned after striking a guardrail. The...
One fatality reported in Devil’s Canyon airplane crash
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer The crash of a twin-engine Gulfstream AC 95 aircraft in the vicinity of Devil’s Canyon east of the Cajon Pass around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 resulted in the death of a male adult, according to an FAA (Federal Aviation...
Government
Joint MAC meeting addresses local concerns
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Reporter Once a year the Lake Arrowhead and Crest Forest Municipal Advisory Councils (MAC) meet together to hear the issues that affect the other area. On Dec. 2, they met at the San Moritz Lodge in Crestline and heard from...
Sheriff warns scams and fraud are running rampant
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Representatives from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station came to the Crest Forest senior center on Wednesday, Nov. 19 to warn the public about the recent epidemic of scams and other fraudulent activity spreading throughout the...
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
It’s locals day at SkyPark
If you have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to go to SkyPark at Santa’s Village, that time has come. Friday, May 8 is locals day at the adventure park. Mountain residents with proof of residency from Crestline to Big Bear will be admitted free of charge on...
It’s farmers market time!
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Rim’s original certified farmers market – established in Running Springs in 2012 – will celebrate its 2026 opening day on Saturday, April 25. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., folks can peruse a variety of vendors from fresh produce to...
Jamboree Days grand marshals announced
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer With the warm weather here, can summer and Jamboree Days be far behind? Plans by the Crestline Chamber of Commerce are already underway to make this 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence one of...
Entertainment
Mountain Events
Corks & Hops returning to Crestline
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer Presented by the Crestline Chamber of Commerce, the ever-popular Corks & Hops craft beer and wine monthly festival is returning to Crestline for its eighth year. Since its beginning in 2018, it heralds a new year of fun,...
Music & Entertainment
Jay Grafton Vickers: July 28, 1944 – June 20, 2026
Jay Grafton Vickers, age 81, of Lake Arrowhead, California, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Jay was born on July 28, 1944, in Upland, California, to James Edmund Vickers and Ellen Vickers. He spent his childhood in...
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
Celebrating senior athletes
By Diane Zhang Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Time flies by when you’re having fun – the Rim High varsity girls soccer team knows that feeling well. “For me, soccer has always been a kind of escape. I’m motivated by my teammates and the idea of leaving behind...
Lady Eagles volleyball win division
Submitted by Lake Arrowhead Christian School Athletics Office The 2023 Lake Arrowhead Christian School fall volleyball season has come to an end, but the Eagles’ middle school girls’ team has much to celebrate. The girls went 13-1 to win the Northern Division...
Crestline Chamber to display Vintage Base Ball’s trophy
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crestline Chamber of Commerce is not slowing down just because summer is over and the winter season is approaching. They have a full season of activities approaching, beginning with their election of new officers. The...
Food
Original Cottage restaurant closes its doors
Original Cottage restaurant closes its doors Iconic Rimforest restaurant to reopen under new ownership in January By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer After eight years of owning and operating The Original Cottage restaurant in Rimforest, Sandra DeLeon has accepted an...
Rocky’s Roadhouse: the go-to place for grinders
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer The next time you have a yearning for a sandwich or grinder that can’t be beat, do yourself a favor and head on over to Rocky’s Roadhouse Gourmet Deli & Restaurant in Running Springs. In business since 2004, when Dennis O’Keefe...
Come for the food – stay for the show
The funky, industrial decor at Spade & Spatula. Naum will greet you at the door or behind the bar. Mom had the sumptuous BBQ burger and a basket of hand-cut fries that was almost bigger than she is. The vegan avocado tacos and a glass of California chardonnay....
Outdoor Adventures
LET’S GO HIKING – North Shore Trail
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 2.6-mile round trip Elevation gain: 772 feet (return leg) Difficulty: easy (descent), semi-difficult (ascent) The official name of this route is the North Shore National...
LET’S GO HIKING – Green Valley Lake
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: East of Running Springs Length: 2.5-mile double loop Elevation gain: none Challenge: easy Let’s range a little farther than usual this week to visit Green Valley Lake. Situated at 7,200 feet, it’s...
LET’S GO HIKING – Dogwood Campground
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Rimforest Length: 3.3-mile round trip Elevation gain: 102 feet Difficulty: easy Covering some 200 acres and comprising 94 campsites, the Dogwood Campground is one of the largest in the San Bernardino...
Education
Free fraud & scam prevention workshop coming to Lake Arrowhead
The Gathering Place, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead, will host a free Fraud & Scam Prevention and Awareness Workshop for adults on Saturday, June 6, at the Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m....
Arts & Culture
Bringing the best out of student musicians
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor 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 — Five moves for young investors
If you’re just starting out in your career and thinking about investing for your future, what should you know? Consider these tips: Take advantage of your opportunities. Even while addressing your other concerns, such as loan payments, you may well have space in your...
Health
Rotary reaches out to support local hospital
Mountains Community Hospital is grateful to the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise and the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead for their donations of $4,000 each in support of the MCH Foundation. These contributions will go directly toward the purchase of a...
Obituaries
Remembering Art Arciniega October 11, 1947 – February 3, 2024
Arthur John Arciniega of Running Springs passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2024, while surrounded by family, after a hard-fought battle with leukemia. He was 76 years old. Art was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a passion for outdoor...





























Recent Comments