Alpine Mountaineer News – Issue 07/30/2026
Give Us That Fighting Chance
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Mountain residents have heard it before from fire officials: Create defensible space around your home so we can protect and save your home. Members of the Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club heard it again from four fire officials who spoke at their July 22
The eagles’ lair is safe
The $10 million needed to save Moon Camp – where the beloved eagles Jackie and Shadow have their nest – has been raised. The Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) made the announcement on Friday, July 24. The 63 acres of undisturbed forested open space and shoreline used by Jackie
Jazz is just around the corner
The Blue Jay Jazz Festival will be taking place on Aug. 27, 28 and 29 with world-class jazz artists and resident musicians. Lake Arrowhead is home to some remarkable jazz musicians who work in Los Angeles, across the country and beyond. The festival will open on Thursday, Aug. 27 with critically acclaimed guitarist
In the Kitchen with Bev: Crab apples — Embrace the weird
By Bev Eskew Owner/Chef, Spade & Spatula-Ca. Gastropub Around this time of year, when the Halloween decorations slowly start to creep their way onto store shelves and signs of my favorite season stir butterflies of excitement in my belly still full of ceviche and watermelon, I start fantasizing about fall
Ask the realtor: Maybe bigger is better — Rethinking downsizing in retirement
There has long been an unwritten expectation that, as we grow older, we should grow smaller. Sell the family home. Purge the belongings. Make room for the next generation. Books, television shows and well-meaning friends all seem to suggest that downsizing is simply what responsible older adults do. While there
It was a fashionable evening
The highlight of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce mixer held at Pendleton on July 23 was the fashion show featuring Norma, Kris, Travis, Tom and Ken. Store manager Mike dressed each in the latest fashions from Pendleton. Executive Director Lori Butler announced the chamber now has nearly 300
Corks & Hops returns to Crestline
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Corks & Hops began as a monthly craft beer and wine tasting festival, presented by the Crestline Chamber of Commerce. The first known events took place in 2018, with dates on the first Saturdays of June, July, August, September and October. The format
Smokey Bear celebrates his birthday
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Mountain History Museum is helping Smokey Bear celebrate his 82nd birthday with a party on Saturday, Aug. 1. From noon to 3 p.m., Smokey will be welcoming all visitors and taking selfies and photos with the guests. There will be birthday cupcakes for
Run Through the Pines attracts over 500 runners
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Crestline’s 47th annual Run Through the Pines 5k and 10k races around the 2.7-mile perimeter of Lake Gregory on Saturday, Aug. 8 has already lured some 500 or more men, women and children, according to Rim of the World Recreation and Park District
Those Were The Days: Skyland, Crestline’s Oldest Vacation Area — Part 4
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Historian The Skyland area of Crestline was a popular place to camp since before the 1890s because of its cliff front location and wonderful views out to the ocean. When the Arrowhead Toll Road became the main route up the mountain, the Skyland Inn, established in 1903
Estate Planning: I already have a trust but want to change its name. What happens?
Many people create a living trust and later decide they would like to change its name. Perhaps they got married, divorced, purchased additional property or simply wanted a name that better reflects their family’s legacy. The good news is that changing the name of your trust is usually possible. However,
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: Summer Breeze
Well, we survived all the Fourth of July fireworks extravaganzas without burning down the mountain, so now it’s time to get on with the rest of summer in sunny Southern California. No matter whether you reside at the beach, the inland valleys or in the mountains, there’s that cool, refreshing
Fashion for the young and young at heart
By Mary-Justine Lanyon After visiting the mountain for years with her grandparents, Katie Hectus made the move to Lake Arrowhead full-time three years ago. Since she already had a retail shop in Long Beach, it only made sense for her to open a shop on the mountain. The Lake
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. Lake Arrowhead woman arrested in home remodeling fraud In October 2024, the victim signed a project agreement with the suspect, Victoria Rogers, 58 of Lake
Special athletes enjoy fun on the water
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Many days this summer the Rim Special Athletes (RSA) have been holding their summer program for their members at Peninsula Park on Lake Arrowhead. Fun is the focus as the “kids of RSA” range in age from 10 to adults. Each family brings their
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Guide To Disaster Assistance
Alpine Mountaineer News – Issue 07/30/2026
Give Us That Fighting Chance
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Mountain residents have heard it before from fire officials: Create defensible space around your home
The eagles’ lair is safe
The $10 million needed to save Moon Camp – where the beloved eagles Jackie and Shadow have their nest –
Jazz is just around the corner
The Blue Jay Jazz Festival will be taking place on Aug. 27, 28 and 29 with world-class jazz artists and resident
In the Kitchen with Bev: Crab apples — Embrace the weird
By Bev Eskew Owner/Chef, Spade & Spatula-Ca. Gastropub Around this time of year, when the Halloween decorations slowly start to
Ask the realtor: Maybe bigger is better — Rethinking downsizing in retirement
There has long been an unwritten expectation that, as we grow older, we should grow smaller. Sell the family home.
It was a fashionable evening
The highlight of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce mixer held at Pendleton on July 23 was the fashion
Corks & Hops returns to Crestline
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Corks & Hops began as a monthly craft beer and wine tasting festival,
Smokey Bear celebrates his birthday
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Mountain History Museum is helping Smokey Bear celebrate his 82nd birthday with a
Run Through the Pines attracts over 500 runners
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Crestline’s 47th annual Run Through the Pines 5k and 10k races around the
Those Were The Days: Skyland, Crestline’s Oldest Vacation Area — Part 4
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Historian The Skyland area of Crestline was a popular place to camp since before the 1890s because
Estate Planning: I already have a trust but want to change its name. What happens?
Many people create a living trust and later decide they would like to change its name. Perhaps they got married,
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: Summer Breeze
Well, we survived all the Fourth of July fireworks extravaganzas without burning down the mountain, so now it’s time to
Fashion for the young and young at heart
By Mary-Justine Lanyon After visiting the mountain for years with her grandparents, Katie Hectus made the move to Lake
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
Special athletes enjoy fun on the water
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Many days this summer the Rim Special Athletes (RSA) have been holding their summer
Come out and support the Crestline Highlanders
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crestline Highlanders – members of the SoCal Vintage Base Ball League – won
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
Give Us That Fighting Chance
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Editor Mountain residents have heard it before from fire officials: Create defensible space around your home so we can protect and save your home. Members of the Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club heard it again from four fire officials who spoke at their July 22
The eagles’ lair is safe
The $10 million needed to save Moon Camp – where the beloved eagles Jackie and Shadow have their nest – has been raised. The Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) made the announcement on Friday, July 24. The 63 acres of undisturbed forested open space and shoreline used by Jackie
Jazz is just around the corner
The Blue Jay Jazz Festival will be taking place on Aug. 27, 28 and 29 with world-class jazz artists and resident musicians. Lake Arrowhead is home to some remarkable jazz musicians who work in Los Angeles, across the country and beyond. The festival will open on Thursday, Aug. 27 with critically acclaimed guitarist
In the Kitchen with Bev: Crab apples — Embrace the weird
By Bev Eskew Owner/Chef, Spade & Spatula-Ca. Gastropub Around this time of year, when the Halloween decorations slowly start to creep their way onto store shelves and signs of my favorite season stir butterflies of excitement in my belly still full of ceviche and watermelon, I start fantasizing about fall
Ask the realtor: Maybe bigger is better — Rethinking downsizing in retirement
There has long been an unwritten expectation that, as we grow older, we should grow smaller. Sell the family home. Purge the belongings. Make room for the next generation. Books, television shows and well-meaning friends all seem to suggest that downsizing is simply what responsible older adults do. While there
It was a fashionable evening
The highlight of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce mixer held at Pendleton on July 23 was the fashion show featuring Norma, Kris, Travis, Tom and Ken. Store manager Mike dressed each in the latest fashions from Pendleton. Executive Director Lori Butler announced the chamber now has nearly 300
Corks & Hops returns to Crestline
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Corks & Hops began as a monthly craft beer and wine tasting festival, presented by the Crestline Chamber of Commerce. The first known events took place in 2018, with dates on the first Saturdays of June, July, August, September and October. The format
Smokey Bear celebrates his birthday
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Mountain History Museum is helping Smokey Bear celebrate his 82nd birthday with a party on Saturday, Aug. 1. From noon to 3 p.m., Smokey will be welcoming all visitors and taking selfies and photos with the guests. There will be birthday cupcakes for
Run Through the Pines attracts over 500 runners
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Crestline’s 47th annual Run Through the Pines 5k and 10k races around the 2.7-mile perimeter of Lake Gregory on Saturday, Aug. 8 has already lured some 500 or more men, women and children, according to Rim of the World Recreation and Park District
Those Were The Days: Skyland, Crestline’s Oldest Vacation Area — Part 4
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Historian The Skyland area of Crestline was a popular place to camp since before the 1890s because of its cliff front location and wonderful views out to the ocean. When the Arrowhead Toll Road became the main route up the mountain, the Skyland Inn, established in 1903
Estate Planning: I already have a trust but want to change its name. What happens?
Many people create a living trust and later decide they would like to change its name. Perhaps they got married, divorced, purchased additional property or simply wanted a name that better reflects their family’s legacy. The good news is that changing the name of your trust is usually possible. However,
Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: Summer Breeze
Well, we survived all the Fourth of July fireworks extravaganzas without burning down the mountain, so now it’s time to get on with the rest of summer in sunny Southern California. No matter whether you reside at the beach, the inland valleys or in the mountains, there’s that cool, refreshing
Fashion for the young and young at heart
By Mary-Justine Lanyon After visiting the mountain for years with her grandparents, Katie Hectus made the move to Lake Arrowhead full-time three years ago. Since she already had a retail shop in Long Beach, it only made sense for her to open a shop on the mountain. The Lake
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. Lake Arrowhead woman arrested in home remodeling fraud In October 2024, the victim signed a project agreement with the suspect, Victoria Rogers, 58 of Lake
Special athletes enjoy fun on the water
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Many days this summer the Rim Special Athletes (RSA) have been holding their summer program for their members at Peninsula Park on Lake Arrowhead. Fun is the focus as the “kids of RSA” range in age from 10 to adults. Each family brings their
Come out and support the Crestline Highlanders
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crestline Highlanders – members of the SoCal Vintage Base Ball League – won their first game of the 2026 season, defeating the Fullerton Fire Knockers, on July 18. They are looking forward to another successful season of play. The Highlanders swashbuckled the Fullerton
Financial Focus: Managing Risk at Different Stages of Life
As an investor, risk is always part of the journey – but how you manage it can depend on where you are in life. Early in your career, you can invest for growth and take on more risk, knowing you have time to recover from market downturns. In midlife, with
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
Mountain Emergency Updates
Stopping a fire in its tracks
On New Year’s Eve – Dec. 31, 2024 – a crew from Green Valley Lake Fire Station 95 was dispatched to what became known as the Creek Fire. Arriving first on the scene, the firefighters discovered a fire that was approximately 40 feet by 40 feet. It had spread from a...
Rash of fires destroys more homes
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer For the third time in three months, mountain area homes have fallen prey to the ravages of fire. The most recent incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 14 when a fire of unknown origin started in an attached garage of a...
Winter safety tips from SoCalGas
SoCalGas has issued the following maintenance and safety tips for gas meters during cold weather: Your natural gas meter is designed and tested to work safely in various climate conditions. SoCalGas performs routine inspections on natural gas meters for our...
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. Adult human bone found during site survey On Wednesday, May 27, at 10:16 a.m., deputies from the Highland...
FAIR Plan rates going up 29.1% in late 2026
California’s home insurance of last resort, the FAIR Plan, is raising rates 29.1% for certain homeowners starting Oct. 15. Rates will be highest for those in high-risk, fire-prone areas. With many homeowners and businesses across the state unable to find coverage in...
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
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,...
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
‘Allowing themselves to be coached’
Coach John Stianson and the eight seniors who are on the Rim High soccer team visited the Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club on March 4. Stianson shared that the team had suffered 78 losses before achieving their first win in five seasons this year. “We had a great start...
Rim Special Olympians bring home the silver
Special Olympics Rim of the World athletes hit the court on Saturday, Jan. 31 at The Rinks in Irvine for the Orange County regional floorball competition. They gave it their all while families, fans and supporters packed the bleachers to cheer on every goal and great...
‘You are stronger than you feel’
By Mary-Justine Lanyon That’s what Coach Abby of Lake Arrowhead Jiu Jitsu told the girls who are part of Every Girl Counts, the program Soroptimists International of Rim of the World offers to girls at Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School. Coach Abby and...
Food
Fox in the Woods Catering
By Cady Price Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Tina Fox moved from Orange County to the mountain community in 2004 with her husband, Bob, and their two daughters, Ali and Sam, shortly before starting her own local catering company. Tina had previously worked for...
FRESH PRODUCE AND MORE AT THE MOUNTAINS’ FARMERS MARKET
Food tops the list at the Twin Peaks farmers market By Mary-Justine Lanyon A visitor to the farmers market in Twin Peaks, located in the parking lot of the Masonic Lodge on Highway 189, is immediately struck by the beauty of the produce. ...
LET’S DINE OUT – Bringing the world to the mountain
By Mary-Justine Lanyon Steve “El Jefe” Gomez hails from Miami, Fla., but his culinary adventures have taken him all over the world. He is combining his passion for cooking with what he learned in his travels at El Jefe’s Little Kitchen. The food truck – which he had...
Outdoor Adventures
LET’S GO HIKING — MacKay Park and North Shore Campground
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 3.1-mile loop Elevation gain: 195 feet Challenge: easy to moderate One of our favorite multi-surface hikes pairs MacKay Park with the North Shore Campground. When it comes to public...
LET’S GO HIKING — Arrowhead Ridge
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 2.3 miles (round trip) Elevation gain: 248 feet Challenge: easy to moderate It’s the crown jewel of the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust. Arrowhead Ridge was once a high-end...
LET’S GO HIKING — Arrowbear Lake
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: East of Running Springs Length: 1.8 miles (double loop) Elevation gain: 291 feet Challenge: easy to moderate You may be surprised to learn that, strictly speaking, Arrowbear Lake isn’t a lake. Instead,...
Education
‘We made a promise’
While at the Rotary International Convention in Taipei in June, Rotarians had big decisions to make: Which breakout sessions should they attend? Topics range from the basics of Rotary’s Annual Fund to mentoring young leaders, from using technology to enhance learning...
Arts & Culture
Local soprano opens AAA’s chamber music series with an afternoon of opera arias
By JULIANNE HOMOKAY Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Coming off the heels of pianist John Reith’s successful concert at St. Richard’s Episcopal Church last month, soprano and Arrowhead Arts Association board member Kirsten Ashley Wiest is producing another...
Business
Financial Focus: Five questions that could change how you see retirement
Retirement is about more than saving. It's also about knowing what you're saving for. If you're within five to ten years of retirement, now is the time to start building a plan around the life you want. Ask yourself these five questions to help shape your retirement...
Health
Tips to help you stay safe this summer
By Dr. Damanpreet Jamarai Chief Medical Officer UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of California Summer brings long days, family vacations, afternoons by the pool and more time outside. But, as temperatures rise and families head to the water, it’s also...
Obituaries
Remembering Helga Batman-Koplin
By Lisa Cook Mountain Arts Network Beloved mountain artist Helga Batman-Koplin passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Close to a year ago, Helga suffered a debilitating stroke and was confined to a bed with some paralysis. She was a favorite with the staff at her...



























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