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
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. 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...
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 mountain OHV trails On March 8, 2026, two deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station...
Mountain Communities
Volunteers needed to make Jamboree Days an historic success
By Dr. Ginger Gabriel This year’s Jamboree Days celebration promises to be one of the biggest events in Crestline history, and organizers are seeking dozens of community members as volunteers to help make the event happen. As America marks its 250th birthday,...
Awards banquet honors community volunteers
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer For the past 24 years, the Rotary Club of Crestline-Lake Gregory has invited other mountain organizations to honor one of their own who has gone above and beyond. This year nine organizations paid homage to 19 people at the...
Lake Gregory opens for the summer season
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer Lake Gregory Regional Park Beach opened on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and will be open weekends until school is out, weather permitting. The Lake Gregory Company is offering new amenities this season including...
Entertainment
Mountain Events
Bingo fun is back on the patio
By Mary-Justine Lanyon The cries of “Bingo” came from not one but two women named Priscilla at the Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club’s Bingo evening on June 23. The event, held at the Lake Arrowhead Pizza Deli in Lake Arrowhead Village, raised funds...
Music & Entertainment
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...
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
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...
The time to sign up for Mountains Little League is now
By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY Staff Writer It may seem as if winter has just begun and that baseball season just ended with the Dodgers winning the World Series, but Mountains Little League is having their final baseball and softball signups on their website,...
Bringing boosters together as one
By Mary-Justine Lanyon At Rim of the World High School, there are 15 sports programs but there have been only five booster clubs. In their monthly meetings, the Rim High coaches had expressed the desire to explore the possibility of creating a schoolwide...
Food
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...
Let’s Dine Out – Lake Arrowhead Brewing Co.
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer This is Part 3 in a “Let’s Dine Out” series about local high school graduates who’ve worked hard and smart to become successful purveyors of hospitality in Lake Arrowhead. Travis and Megan Lanthier (Lan-theer) are...
Outdoor Adventures
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...
LET’S GO HIKING – Green Valley Lake
By TIM WILCOX Special to the Alpine Mountaineer Where: East of Running Springs Length: 2 miles Elevation gain: none Challenge: easy The three most well-known and popular trails in the western San Bernardino Mountains are Heart Rock in Crestline, Sequoia at Heaps Peak...
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
SB Symphony presents inaugural woodwinds chamber concert
The San Bernardino Symphony will present the inaugural concert of the first of its brand new ensemble groups, the San Bernardino Symphony Woodwinds Ensemble, on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium. “Chamber Music: Up...
Business
Keller Williams opens new office in Crestline
By Douglas W. Motley Senior Writer The Keller Williams Real Estate office in Crestline, at the corner of Lake Drive and Lake Gregory Drive, proudly held a Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony last week. It was attended by members of the Crestline Chamber of Commerce,...
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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