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
Safely driving on snowy roadways
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Winter finally arrived in the form of several inches of snow last weekend. Late January through March have historically been the heavier snow months for these mountains, when the most and deepest snows occur. You need to be ready....
San Bernardino County Public Works is winter ready
In anticipation of the upcoming winter weather – which arrived last weekend – the San Bernardino County Department of Public Works is strategically positioning equipment throughout the county. The department’s fleet is fully equipped with chains. The department is...
Where is the snowplow?
The first thing to remember here on the mountain is which agency is responsible for clearing the snow from which roads. Caltrans is responsible for the numbered highways: 18, 138, 173, 189. The other roads are the responsibility of the county and its Public Works...
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. Deputies safely resolve armed confrontation On Tuesday, June 23, at about 06:55 a.m., deputies from the Big...
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. This week there are no new releases from the mountain area or Highland.
Mountain Communities
Corks & Hops fills Crestline with the ‘Aloha Spirit’
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer Hawaii and luaus and the “Aloha culture” were the theme of the first Corks & Hops wine and beer tasting extravaganza of the season held in Crestline on June 6. Each tasting station tried to exhibit another element of...
Lake Gregory Yacht Club celebrates opening day
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer The Saturday, June 6 opening day ceremonies of the Lake Gregory Yacht Club, which was celebrating its 30th anniversary, took place on the eastern lakeshore of Lake Gregory in front of Leisure Shores. Following the winter...
Crestline home burns during Jamboree Days parade
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer On Saturday morning, July 4, a mid-morning fire began in the San Moritz area of Crestline as the the annual Jamboree Days parade was about to begin. The parade goers who lined Lake Drive noticed the black smoke arising from the...
Entertainment
Mountain Events
My Rebuilding Day
By Tim Clarke Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities As the sawdust has settled, sweat and sore muscles are a faint but rewarding memory, I take a moment to look back at Rebuilding Day 2026. For the first time since joining the board of Rebuilding Together...
Music & Entertainment
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...
Upcoming Events
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,...
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Sports
March Recreation Hero: Danny Satorius
For the past three years, Danny Satorius has been introducing mountain youth to the exciting and strategic world of chess through the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District. His dedication was on full display at the recent Mountain Youth Chess Festival, held...
Special Athletes Bring Home the Gold
The road to the 2026 Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) floorball championship began in December 2025 with practices every week in the Mark Richardson Hall at the Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church. On Saturday, Feb. 28, at The Rinks, a world-class...
Eagles softball keeps flying higher
Submitted by Lake Arrowhead Christian School Athletics The Lake Arrowhead Christian School (LACS) softball team has finished its winter season with the Lady Eagles showing improvement over the previous two campaigns. In 2023-24, Rachelle Casner was named head...
Food
Chili cook-off to warm your insides
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer January is the perfect time for chili. Start the year off right by getting together with friends and attending Leisure Shores’s annual chili cook-off at the Crest Forest Senior Citizens membership meeting at their clubhouse,...
Supper Club launches at LuluBelle’s
By ELISE GRAY Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Nestled along Pleasant Drive, LuluBelle’s Coffee House & Bakery has expanded its services into evening hours with the launch of its newest endeavor, Lucy’s Supper Club. Affectionately named after the owners’...
Congratulations to the winner!
Crestline resident Dawn Marie Diggle was recently the recipient of a free bacon cheeseburger and fries for correctly identifying Elvis Presley as the singer of “All Shook Up” in a contest published in the Alpine Mountaineer. Here she is at "The A" with her children...
Outdoor Adventures
LET’S GO HIKING — Green Valley Campground Road
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Green Valley Lake Length: 4.2 miles (round trip) Elevation gain: 384 feet Challenge: easy to moderate+ Let’s return to Green Valley Lake, which at 7,200 feet is our mountains’ highest community. Simply as a...
LET’S GO HIKING — Old Sawmill Road
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 3 miles (round trip) Elevation gain: 165 feet Challenge: easy to moderate We’re back at MacKay Park, overlooking Lake Arrowhead. As we’ve reported before, it’s a great launch point...
LET’S GO HIKING — Dogwood Campground
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Rimforest Length: 3.2-mile loop Elevation gain: 102 feet Difficulty: easy Campgrounds are for camping. Yes, but they’re also good for hiking. As a prime example, consider a 200-acre U.S. Forest Service...
Education
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...
Arts & Culture
First Fridays at The Lake House are back!
First Friday at The Lake House not only features the work of exceptional artists but also benefits local charities, who receive a portion of the proceeds. The first Friday event of the year will take place on July 3 as owners Robin and John Lyles celebrate their 17th...
Business
Local Flavor Meets Global Blends: Kuffel Canyon Coffee Opens in the Mountains
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer After more than two years of anticipation, Kuffel Canyon Coffee has officially opened its doors, bringing artisan coffee, specialty teas, and a welcoming community atmosphere to the mountain region. Located within the Kuffel...
Health
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...
Obituaries
BRUCE C. DANIELS: 1942–2025
Bruce Daniels, long-time mountain resident and community activist, passed away on May 5 after a month-long illness. Bruce spent his life dedicated to public service on and off the mountain. Bruce began his professional career in Washington, D.C., at the Department of...



























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