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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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
Only you can prevent a chimney fire
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Smoky Bear’s familiar warning is a reminder that there is a lot that you can do to prevent a devastating chimney fire from ruining your day and laying waste to your home. Now that winter has arrived, most homes need a little extra...
Breaking News – Crestline man wanted for domestic violence
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer A slew of sheriff’s deputies and CHP officers were dispatched to the Top Town area of Crestline around 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, in response to multiple reports of a man brandishing a gun in the vicinity of Crest Forest and Fern...
Preventing frozen pipes
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Last week’s snowstorm, though not overwhelming, may be a precursor to what’s coming our way this winter. This is a good time to prepare for what may be coming by winterizing your home, especially if you are going to be away from the...
Government
Sheriff’s Log
Editor’s note: As the sheriff’s department is no longer providing their log of calls, the Alpine Mountaineer is compiling Nixle press releases for our readers. This week there are no new releases from the mountain area or Highland.
Sheriff’s Log
Editor’s note: As the sheriff’s department is no longer providing their log of calls, the Alpine Mountaineer is compiling Nixle press releases for our readers. Man arrested after failing to yield On Monday, Oct. 20, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Deputy E. Burgess...
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. Driver and passenger in speeding vehicle die in traffic collision On Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 1:45...
Mountain Communities
Town hall in Running Springs paves the way for civic involvement
By JULIANNE HOMOKAY Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Is this a familiar refrain in your house? “People are afraid to talk about their political standings,” said Diana Lee, the sheer force of nature behind the town hall meeting in Running Springs on Sunday,...
A Local Legend, lost: A tribute to Taylor Cole
By Katie Carlin Our friend, Taylor Cole, a resident of Crestline, California, was killed on Easter Sunday. According to police reports, he was riding his motorcycle on Highway 138 when an unidentified driver illegally crossed into his lane and struck him head on. As...
Corks & Hops on the horizon
By Rhea-Frances Tetley At the same time that the Crestline Chamber of Commerce is starting to make their plans for this year’s Jamboree Days, they are also setting their sights on Corks & Hops. The summer season of Corks & Hops will kick off on June 6....
Entertainment
Mountain Events
The Maltese Falcon is coming to the Tudor House
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Heisler Theater Company’s spring show, The Maltese Falcon, is adapted directly from the 1930 novel by Dashiell Hammett by the playwrights at Heisler Theater. The story has many twists and turns, but the basic story is...
Music & Entertainment
Bingo fun is back on the patio
By Mary-Justine Lanyon The cries of “Bingo” came from not one but two women named Priscilla at the Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club’s Bingo evening on June 23. The event, held at the Lake Arrowhead Pizza Deli in Lake Arrowhead Village, raised funds...
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
BLUE JAY Craft Fair: Every Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., weather permitting, in the US Bank parking lot on North Bay Road at Hwy 189, next to Grocery Outlet. Interested new vendors should talk with Chuck at the event. CRESTLINE Trout Derby: April 18, 7 a.m.-1:30...
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Sports
Three vintage base ball double-headers slated for Harich Field
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY - Staff Writer The Southern California Vintage Base Ball League Champions, the Crestline Highlanders, played their local opening day of the 2023 SCVBB League season, matched up against the gentlemen from La Verne, the Lordsburg Trolleymen, last...
Rim Special Athletes enjoy summer fun at Lake Arrowhead
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY - Staff Writer Rim Special Athletes (RSA), a program designed to give children and adults with special needs an opportunity to engage in individual sporting activities, is in full swing during their summer program at Lake Arrowhead for their...
Game of Skate honors Daunte Symonette
By Douglas W. Motley - Senior Writer Last Saturday’s Game of Skate held from 12-noon to 3 p.m. at the Crestline Skate Park was dedicated to the memory of then 16-year-old Daunte Symonette, who tragically passed away on May 7, 2021, from fentanyl poisoning. This event...
Food
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Outdoor Adventures
LET’S GO HIKING Running Springs
SIMS1: The Jim and Kathie Sims Trail is a study in contrasts. The initial segments are well maintained and neatly marked with logs and limbs. Elsewhere, though, the pathway becomes indistinct, potentially leading hikers off-trail. Here the route’s first major fork...
LET’S GO HIKING Metate Trail
By TIM WILCOX - Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 2 miles (round trip) Elevation gain: 50 feet (return leg) Challenge: easy Near the northwestern end of Highway 173, on the far outskirts of Lake Arrowhead, is a little-known...
LET’S GO HIKING – Heart Rock Trail
By TIM WILCOX - Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Crestline Length: 2.4 miles (round trip) Elevation gain: 230 feet (return leg) Challenge: easy to moderate Heart Rock may be the most well-known trail in the western San Bernardino Mountains – particularly for...
Education
A sweet end to a year of service
On Monday, May 4, members of the four EarlyAct Clubs at Valley of Enchantment Elementary School enjoyed pizza and ice cream sundaes as a way to celebrate their year of service. The Crestline-Lake Gregory Rotary Club sponsors the clubs in the second, third, fourth and...
Arts & Culture
Mountain students earn third place in Rotary Art for Peace contest
Two students from the Mountain Communities Boys & Girls Club proudly earned third place in the 2026 Rotary Art for Peace contest at the district level, receiving recognition at an awards ceremony held at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum on...
Business
Financial Focus — Key decisions for retired couples
Once you and your spouse retire, you’ll have some decisions to make, decisions that could affect your quality of life in your retirement years. What are these choices? Here a few of the most important ones: How much should you withdraw from your retirement accounts?...
Health
An observation about the VA disability investigation
By Mike Brewer Special to the Alpine Mountaineer With a lifelong bent for objectivity and back story truth, I would like to offer some perspective on the Veterans Administration fraud investigations. These are tumultuous times and the myriad of lobbyists and message...
Obituaries
Jerome (Jerry) Carl Faragalli November 20, 1951 – November 22, 2023
Jerry Faragalli, 72, passed away on Nov. 22, 2023. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and proud grandfather. Jerry was born on Nov. 20, 1951, in Philadelphia, Penn., to George N. and Ethel B. Faragalli. He grew up in a bustling household with three other...























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