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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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
Rash of accidents on Highway 18 slows traffic flow
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer On the evening of Sept. 21, a fatal incident occurred on State Route 18 south of the Cliffhanger restaurant, prompting a significant response from local authorities. According to initial reports, a male individual was found lying in...
The time is now – get your chimney cleaned
Chimney fires are a common cause of house fires in the United States, with more than 25,000 reported annually. These fires can cause more than $125 million in property damage and can lead to deaths and injuries. What causes chimney fires? The most common causes are...
Residents urged to stay vigilant as Line Fire nears containment
By Elise Gray Special to the Alpine Mountaineer At a community meeting held on the evening of Sept. 14 at the Hootman Center in Running Springs, local officials and fire authorities provided updates on the ongoing Line Fire, which began in Highland on Sept. 6. They...
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. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and Highland Police focus on the dangers of distracted driving On...
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,...
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. Deceased man found in roadway in Wonder Valley On Friday, April 10, 2026, at 9:48 a.m., a citizen was...
Mountain Communities
Sip and Soiree fun at San Moritz Lodge
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The San Moritz Lodge was swinging on June 6 with a fantastic evening of dancing and classic music by such artists as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Dion, Frankie Valle, performed by Michael Gonzales and Aidan...
LACS launches middle school track program
Submitted by Lake Arrowhead Christian School Athletics Although small in size, Lake Arrowhead Christian School made a big imprint in its first middle school track season. Coach Renee Wetzel led a team of 10 Eagles into competition against 29 other schools (and...
Kites fill skies over San Moritz Meadow
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer The free kite festival held at Lake Gregory’s San Moritz Meadow on the last day of May was a complete success as families came out to fly kites in the breeze, next to Lake Gregory’s shore. The sun was out, the weather was warming...
Entertainment
Mountain Events
Garden tour teased all the senses
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Arrowhead Arts Association held their annual garden tour on June 27, a beautiful sunny, summer day in Lake Arrowhead. All the smells, views, colors, design and textures of the gardens touched the five senses during the...
Music & Entertainment
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. BLUE JAY...
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Sports
Pickleball courts dedicated at MacKay Park
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the new pickleball courts at MacKay Park was an exciting morning with the new courts, which bring the number to five, on the bluff overlooking Lake Arrowhead. Arron Speer...
It’s another ‘W’ for the Crestline Highlanders
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The Crestline Highlanders of the Southern California Vintage Base Ball League held their third game of the season facing off against the Dear Bros of Temecula. They played at Harich Field in Twin Peaks, which is known in the...
Rim Special Athletes enjoy ride on a fireboat
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Rim Special Athletes (RSA) offers adults and children with a wide range of disabilities an opportunity to engage in individual sports activities year-round. During their summer sports sessions, they offer lake activities at...
Food
Let’s Dine Out – LouEddie’s Pizza
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer The weather is a predictable and, frankly, the default topic of conversation. But let’s indulge it for a moment and factor in a prominent mountain resident: Louise “Lou” York. She’s not in the least intimidated by our...
Let’s Dine Out – Crestline Café
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer There’s something noteworthy about March 10. Could it be tied to the start of daylight saving time? Yes, though that’s actually quite mundane – an annual “spring forward” formality. For Amber Crubaugh, at least, this...
Let’s Dine – Out Old Country Coffee Shop
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer It’s yet another “from there to here” success story. “There” in this case is Zacatecas, Mexico, while “here” is the western San Bernardino Mountains. Luis Antonio Garcia moved to Running Springs in 1985 and has been a...
Outdoor Adventures
LET’S GO HIKING – Ponderosa Trail
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Rimforest/Twin Peaks Length: 1.6-mile loop (including spur) Elevation gain: 146 feet (from lowest point) Difficulty: easy to moderate Pardon the cliché, please, but “Better late than never.” Winter made a...
LET’S GO HIKING – Jim and Kathie Sims Trail
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Running Springs Length: 3.2 miles (round trip) Elevation gain: 610 feet Challenge: moderate to semi-difficult Way back in the 1960s, there was a sixth-grade teacher at what was then Running Springs Elementary...
LET’S GO HIKING – Lake Gregory Trail
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Crestline Length: 2.6-mile loop Elevation gain: 24 feet Challenge: easy The scenic shoreline pathway around Lake Gregory offers one of the mountains’ most enjoyable strolls. Because it’s wide and mostly...
Education
‘Peace is not a destination – it’s a daily practice’ – Taipei Part 2
At the center of each Rotary International Convention are the general sessions where thousands of Rotarians from around the world gather to hear speakers, enjoy some entertainment and, most importantly, meet one another and share ideas. The opening general session of...
Arts & Culture
Students display patriotism in their artwork
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer When the VFW Auxiliary 9624 announced its Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest, two students at Rim of the World High School answered the call. The artwork could have been either 2-D paintings and drawings or 3-D...
Business
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...
Health
The numbers are in…
…and they are impressive! At the recent Health & Resource Fair, there were three dentists, four dental hygienists, four dental assistants, an ortho assistant, a nurse practitioner and a mobile vision clinic Of the three dentists, Dr. Theodory practices at Redlands...
Obituaries
Remembering Bill Miller . December 13, 1940 – December 3, 2024
William (Bill) H. Miller Jr. was born on December 13, 1940, in Easton, Pa. He grew up in that area until he joined the Navy in March 1959. There he served on three different ships including the U.S.S. Midway. During his time in the Navy, Bill was married to Leslee;...




























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