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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Read The Flip Newspaper
Mountain Webcams
Mountain Weather
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
Line Fire arson suspect pleads not guilty
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer Line Fire arson suspect Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco, entered a plea of not guilty at his San Bernardino County Superior Court video arraignment hearing, which was done from jail on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Halstenberg reportedly...
Line Fire suspect accused of setting more fires
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer A Norco resident arrested for igniting the Line Fire on Thursday, Sept. 5 was due in court on Friday, Sept. 13. Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, was charged with nine felony crimes on Thursday, Sept. 12. If convicted on all nine counts,...
Line Fire grows to 27,974 acres – Running Springs, Arrowbear under mandatory evacuation
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer A small wildfire in the hills above the city of Highland, first reported at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, had grown to 7,200 acres with no containment by Saturday afternoon, Sept. 7. The blaze, which had its start in the vicinity of...
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 patrol trails in Silverwood Lake and Lake Arrowhead to educate riders and enforce OHV laws On March...
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. Three arrested on narcotics and identity theft charges Deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station served...
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. Victim beaten and robbed of money On Wednesday, March 11, at 7:57 a.m., Highland deputies took a report of...
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
Highlander vintage base ball returns
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer The former Southern California Vintage Base Ball League (SCVBB) champions, the Crestline Highlanders, who are sponsored by the Crestline Chamber of Commerce, will play their second game of the regular season on Harich Field in...
Game of Skate instills skating skills
By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY Senior Writer The Game of Sk8 held on Saturday, June 7 at the Crestline skate park gave youngsters and teens an opportunity to hone their skateboarding skills but also emphasized the importance of honesty and good sportsmanship. Seventeen...
The races are on at Rim Nordic
If you love cross-country mountain biking, come join the races at Rim Nordic Ski Area, across from Snow Valley, this summer. Races will take place on June 22, July 13, July 27 and Aug. 10. There are events for beginner riders, sport, expert and pro levels as well as...
Food
Let’s Dine Out – Cedar Glen Malt Shop
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer If you have an appetite for nostalgia, one of the best places to satisfy it is at the Cedar Glen Malt Shop. Step inside and take a look around. Images of classic cars from 60 and 70 years ago adorn the booths and compose...
Let’s Dine Out – Victoria’s Family Restaurant
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer You won’t find a more-focused, harder-working restaurateur in the mountains than Iris Hernandez. That’s a bold claim. Here’s why it’s credible: Since opening Victoria’s Family Restaurant in Arrowbear Lake shortly after...
Bin 189 takes Sunday brunch to the next level Saxophonist King P adds to ambiance
By Julianne Homokay Special to the Alpine Mountaineer For a few years now, Bin 189 at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa has been one of the classiest joints on the mountain. Since the advent of the latest general manager, Paul Medawar (profiled in the Alpine Mountaineer...
Outdoor Adventures
LET’S GO HIKING – Exploration Trail: Lower
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Running Springs/Arrowbear Length: 4.6 miles (round trip) Elevation gain: 732 feet Challenge: moderate to semi-difficult Here’s another hiking destination with a long name: Children’s Forest Exploration Trail. In...
LET’S GO HIKING – Heart Rock Trail
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Crestline Length: 2 miles (round trip) Elevation gain: 275 feet (return leg) Challenge: easy to moderate What is it that attracts so many hikers to the Heart Rock Trail? It’s certainly not prominent signage. The...
LET’S GO HIKING – North Shore Trail
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: Lake Arrowhead Length: 3.25 miles (round trip or optional route) Elevation gain: 772 feet (return leg) Difficulty: easy (descent), moderate to semi-difficult (ascent) Let’s talk about expectations...
Education
Class of 2026 celebrates Rim’s 70th commencement
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Rim of the World High School held their 70th commencement of students at the Townsend Memorial football field at the high school in warm, sunny weather with a slight breeze, making it nice for both the graduates sitting in...
Arts & Culture
Jazz Comes Home to Stay
By Mary-Justine Lanyon That the music department at Rim of the World High School produces exceptional musicians was evident at Jazz Comes Home, the Blue Jay Jazz Foundation fundraiser held at the San Moritz Lodge on Sunday, May 3. All three bands who...
Business
Sparky Sparks appointed MCH Foundation president
The Mountains Community Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan “Sparky” Sparks as the new president of the Foundation’s board of directors. Sparks succeeds Peter Venturini, who joined the board in 2017 and served as president beginning in...
Health
Recognizing the importance of healthcare close to home
By Mary-Justine Lanyon “This is a celebration of you!” That is how Kim McGuire, the executive director of the Mountains Community Hospital Foundation, opened this year’s Summit Circle brunch. Included in her welcome were donors to the Foundation, Foundation...
Obituaries
Michael William Fuller
Michael William Fuller, 76, passed away on October 11, 2024. The 38-year resident of Crestline passed peacefully as soon as he was surrounded by his entire family. A proud veteran of the US Marine Corps and loyal husband of nearly 51 years, Michael was as tough as...



























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