Idyllwild Town Crier Staff Reporter Marshall Smith has garnered another honorable mention this year, this one for Best Sports Feature Story for “Todd Carpenter finishes first in under 50 in Race Across the West” that ran last year.
The award was from the National Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Editorial Contest in the Daily and Non-Daily Division circulation under 3,000.
The judge’s comment was, “Good to capture this man’s victory.”
I’ve got a really strange idea and here is how it happened. I read a news report about Ben Carson, our secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in which he was quoted as saying that poverty is a state of mind. I took that to mean that poor people are to blame for their own poverty. It was no surprise then, when I received my weekly email from TED that one of their talks caught my eye with the title: “Poverty isn’t a lack of character; it’s a lack of cash.” I encourage you to spend 18 minutes watching it.
Ideas sometimes have the ability to turn our worlds upside down. One of my favorite stories is about Ignaz Semmelweiss, a physician in Vienna, who just happened to notice that there was quite a difference in the incidence of childbed fever, an infection that develops after delivery, between two different obstetrical wards in a hospital. Patients cared for by midwives and even those delivering outside the hospital had a much lower infection and death rate than those attended by the doctors.
Semmelweiss caught the germ of an idea, even though this occurred in the days before anyone knew what germs really were. Doctors spent a lot of time dissecting cadavers, discovering new and important things about arteries, organs and so forth, but when summoned to evaluate a woman in labor, wiped their hands on their aprons and examined the unfortunate soul. Many of these women developed childbed fever and many of those died.
The poor pregnant women of Budapest even realized what was happening, if not why, and tried very hard not to be admitted to the doctors’ ward. Ignaz thought he would try something so he had the doctors wash their hands between the morgue and the labor room. Lo and behold, the death rate plummeted.
Leading physicians of Vienna apparently refused to believe such nonsense, because they, as the superior gentlemen they were, could not possibly be responsible for causing disease! It was, they believed, due to poverty and the general unseemliness of the obstetrical patients; in other words, they were losers.
It would take many years for Semmelweiss’ ideas to be accepted, though he didn’t help his cause by labeling those who rejected them murderers and, in general, being a little crazy. Ironically, he died in a mental hospital of an infection after being beaten, never to know the impact he would eventually have.
So, what if we now have ideas that are as wrong as the doctors in Vienna, counteracted by others such as what Semmelweiss proposed? Could such a modern, new idea be guaranteed basic income, as promoted by Rutger Bregman in his TED talk? Could it be that scarcity causes changing in our thinking? That poverty causes poor decisions rather than poor decisions causing poverty? Maybe you need to give a man a bunch of fish before he can even think about learning to fish.
I’ve never lived in a place where so many people are happy to live, where we feel so lucky just to be here. Could we share that feeling making our little town a site to research the effects of universal basic income on its poor citizens? It would take education, grants and lots of outside help. Would anyone else like to support me in trying?
Dr. Kluzak, an Idyllwild resident, is board certified in Anatomic Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology. He also is a freelance photographer for the Town Crier.
Dr. Kenneth Browning, physician-proprietor of Fern Creek Medical Center, spoke with the Town Crier recently to give the details behind his bizarre auto crash at our local transfer station on Monday morning, May 29. He hopes everyone can learn from it.
Browning related that he had just backed his car up to a dumpster — as we all have done. He braked to a full stop, intending to shift the car into park, put on the parking brake and exit the vehicle — again, as we all have done. But immediately upon braking to a stop, he received a cell phone call from his wife. She was asking him for a number — an account number or a password, or some such — and they had to ponder a while before Browning came up with the answer and transmitted the number to her. When the call with his wife ended, he existed his vehicle to go about emptying the trunk of his car — as we all have done.
Suddenly, he observed his car backing up, and he realized he hadn’t yet put it in park and set the parking brake. He rushed to reach in with his foot to step on the brake, but his foot slipped off the pedal and onto the accelerator. The car shot backwards, and the open door or door frame body-slammed him flat, face up on the pavement. The car hit the dumpster so hard it knocked the dumpster over onto its back. In the process, the rear of his car rode up the front of the dumpster and was lifted off the asphalt. The car came to rest, suspended on the now-vertical bottom edge of the upturned dumpster, with Browning underneath.
Browning said he looked up and thought, “I’m a dead man.” He was sure the car was about to come crashing down on him. But, with the help of bystanders, he got out from under the vehicle, which remained suspended.
Although he told the people there at the dump he thought he was “OK,” he learned later that was not the case. Both sides of his torso now have pain so bad, he said he feels like he’s “lost his center core.” He also sustained serious lacerations and scrapings to his extremities. Fortunately, he said, he’s feeling a bit better each day.
He notes that, in a strange way, it was lucky that the car shot back into the dumpster so fast. “If it had been going slower, it might have just shoved the dumpster back instead of knocking it over,” he said. Then the rear of the car would have dropped off the edge of the pavement, the front end of the car would have tipped up and then come crashing down on top of him. But with the dumpster knocked on its back, the edge of the dumpster’s sturdy bottom held his vehicle up, enabling him to escape a very serious injury or worse.
Browning feels the lesson to be learned is: We must beware of distractions in our busy world. When one does happen, after it’s over and you go back to what you were doing, take close stock of exactly what you were doing and where you were in the process when the distraction happened. In his case, he assumed he had already put his car in park and set the brake, but he hadn’t. That assumption could have cost him his life.
Of course, similar advice holds true regarding many more commonly encountered distractions: You’re driving, and your cell phone rings or tells you it just received a text message. Instead of fumbling to answer the call or scan the message while you’re driving, adopt a personal rule that you won’t even look at your phone until you’ve found a place to safely turn out and stop.
That simple practice could save lives, whether we’re the driver getting the call or we’re approaching a driver who is.
Editor’s note: Staff Reporter Marshall Smith writes on his personal relationship with former TC staffer James Larkin, who died last week at the young age of 39.
Can I see another’s woe,
And not be in sorrow too?
Can I see another’s grief,
And not seek for kind relief?
William Blake, Songs of Innocence
Family. Families of birth. Families of choice. Fathers, mothers, spouses, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, colleagues. Family.
Family is the cornerstone of our lives, the continuing bond that steadies us, grounds us and defines us.
James Larkin carefully and preciously carried his family, celebrated them and loved each day of being with them. He was defined by his family.
For James to die suddenly, without warning at age 39, is a tragedy that touches each of us. For with families of our own, we understand this wrenching loss and feel kindred grief.
The groundswell and outpouring of support for James and his family — Rachel, Opal and Jasper — shows the depth of love and respect they engendered. For, as a family, they glowed with positive light and creative energy that warmed the space around them and made daily life a little better for all of us.
James was part of the Town Crier family from 2004 until 2013. He scrupulously performed a variety of jobs — proofreader, typesetter, subscriptions — with rapier wit and sparkling intelligence. And, for me, he was a critical part of my transition into becoming a newspaper writer.
Each week he proofed my articles as I was struggling to learn the proper form for writing for a newspaper. Each week, after proofing my articles, he would give me a list of words he either believed I overused, used incorrectly or should not have used at all. I think he thought, at least at first, that I was not serious enough about my job or lacked the talent to perform it properly. Nevertheless, I saved each list and posted it on my bulletin board near my desk. Each week, I waited for the next list, which he never failed to provide.
Certainly there was genuine chastisement and instruction in each list, but there was also a degree of merry humor that became a bond between us. The lists helped smooth my way into a new work situation and reminded me how important each word is. And James’ lists made me think and made me laugh. They were carefully prepared, well-thought out and never frivolous. The days he gave me his lists were good days, days I looked forward to, and days I will remember.
By the way, James would not have approved of my using “rapier wit” or “sparkling intelligence.”
In the end, with James’ sudden death, words are just that — words, and no matter how heartfelt or well-intended, they are inadequate. His death, now at this time, is beyond one’s ability to understand. We are left wondering how this could happen and what we can do.
Love. Love is what we can do. We can come together in love to honor James and his young family. For, as family members and as a village, that is what we do. And it is what James would have wanted.
Visit www.youcaring.com/rachelwelch-839647/
donate/general to contribute to the James Larkin Memorial Fund.
Marshall Smith
Staff Reporter
By Marsha Kennedy
Idyllwild Snow Group
A couple months ago, the Snow Group conducted a straw poll among about a third of Idyllwild businesses regarding the effects of snow-play visitors. Almost 90 percent of those we spoke with said their experiences were negative, that this particular kind of tourist creates challenges while contributing little or nothing to the local economy. The Snow Group wondered if our merchants might have arrived at any solutions to snow-play visitor issues, or if we might have any solutions to offer them. We scheduled a meeting at the library on May 23 and invited about 60 businesses to attend.
Only eight people showed up, representing five businesses. A snack shop had increased sales, but due to food sales was prohibited from allowing use of their restroom and so sent people to The Fort’s. Any trash outside their shop was picked up by an employee.
A lodge reported increased bookings and increased trespassers in search of sledding slopes. A plant nursery’s location reduced problems, and so they only encountered snow visitor requests for restrooms, water and tools.
An inn had increased bookings along with illegal parking and traffic congestion issues. A realtor welcomed tourists to parking and restrooms, and received polite behavior and thank yous, an attitude in contrast to that of several other realtors who had spoken of the negative impact of the snow-play surge.
Can the Snow Group reduce the stress caused by snow-play visitors on our merchants? Based on the low turnout, we conclude there is currently not enough support for further action on our part. Although the Transient Occupancy Tax was mentioned by a business owner and discussed among the attendees, the Snow Group does not plan to further investigate those funds.
We realize also that the type of distress experienced by residents and by businesses differs. Snow-play visitors in residential areas trespass in private yards, park illegally, occasionally damage property or threaten residents, and hinder emergency response. These are law-breaking issues that can be addressed.
On the other hand, the problems experienced by merchants, with the exception of shoplifting, tend to be annoyances — the demand for restrooms, littering, traffic congestion and so on — rather than law-enforcement matters. Perhaps the immediate answer for local merchants lies in the comment of the realtor who attended our meeting, “Idyllwilders adapt.”
By the end of the meeting, however, some suggestions for residential areas had also been discussed. More about those next week. To find out more about the Snow Group, please visit our web site idysnowtalk.com or our Facebook page Idy Snow Talk.
Cal Fire/Riverside County firefighters responded to reports of a vegetation fire in the county area of Old Banning-Idyllwild Road and Mt. Edna Road at 4:18 p.m. Sunday, June 4.
The first arriving chief officer reported a ¼-acre vegetation fire burning at a slow rate of spread. The fire grew to 7 acres, but the forward rate of spread was stopped.
The Shirleon Fire was 50-percent contained by 5:50 p.m. and 100-percent contained at 8:31 p.m. Updates will be posted as information becomes available.
Cal Fire/San Bernardino County Fire, the California Highway Patrol, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and the US. Forest Service also assisted. Resources included 93 firefighters, one helitender, 13 engine companies, two air tankers, two fire crews, three water tenders and two bulldozers. Cause is unknown at this time.
According to the preliminary California Highway Patrol report, at 4:55 p.m. Sunday, June 4, John Gallegos, 52, of Rancho Mirage, was driving his blue 2014 Volkswagen eastbound on Franklin Drive, 30 feet east of Highway 243, when he made a right turn and ran into a fence.
Gallegos fled the scene and was eventually picked up by a CHP deputy. He was, at that time, believed to be under the influence and was booked into the Larry B. Smith Correctional Facility for leaving the scene of a crash and suspicion of being under the influence while operating a motor vehicle.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls Sunday to Saturday, May 28 to June 3.
Idyllwild
• May 28 — Burglary, Middle Ridge Dr. Handled by deputy.
• May 28 — Alarm call, 24000 block of Fern Valley Rd. Handled by deputy.
• May 29 — Barking dog, address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• May 29 — Alarm call, 54000 block of Marian View Dr. Handled by deputy.
• May 29 — Narcotics, 55000 block of S. Circle Dr. Report taken.
• May 29 — Alarm call, Maranatha Dr. Handled by deputy.
• May 29 — Alarm call, 24000 block of Fern Valley Rd. Handled by deputy.
• May 30 — Follow-up, address withheld. Handled by deputy.
• May 30 — Suspicious person, address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• May 30 — Alarm call, Humber Rd. Handled by deputy.
• May 30 — Alarm call, Roble Dr. Handled by deputy.
• May 31 — Alarm call, 24000 block of Fern Valley Rd. Handled by deputy.
• May 31 — Assist other department, Jameson Rd. Handled by deputy.
• May 31 — Alarm call, Idyllmont Rd. Handled by deputy.
• May 31 — Trespassing, Cedar St. Handled by deputy.
• May 31 — Alarm call, Maranatha Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 1 — Assault w/deadly weapon, Riverside County Playground Rd. Arrest made.
• June 1 — Public disturbance, Riverside County Playground Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 1 — Alarm call, Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.
• June 1 — 911 call, Pine Crest Ave. Handled by deputy.
• June 1 — Assist other department, Forest Dr. Handled by deputy.
• June 2 — Barking dog, address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 2 — Alarm call, 24000 block of Fern Valley Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 2 — 911 hangup from cellphone, address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 2 — Alarm call, Cassler Rd. Report taken.
• June 2 — Noise complaint, Pine Ave. Handled by deputy.
• June 2 — Three noise complaints, addresses undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 3 — Alarm call, Rim Rock Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 3 — Vandalism, Country Club Dr. Report taken.
• June 3 — Burglary, 53000 block of Double View Dr. Report taken.
• June 3 — Unattended death, address withheld. Report taken.
Mountain Center
• May 28 — Alarm call, McCall Park Rd. Handled by deputy.
Pine Cove
• May 31 — Barking dog, Laurel Trl. Handled by deputy.
• May 31 — Suicide threat, address withheld. Handled by deputy.
• June 3 — Noise complaint, 23000 block of Hwy. 243. Handled by deputy.
• June 3 — Noise complaint, Woodland Dr. Handled by deputy.
Pine Meadows/Garner Valley
• May 30 — Follow-up, address withheld. Handled by deputy.
• May 31 — Suspicious circumstance, Devils Ladder Rd. Handled by deputy.
• June 1 — Assault w/deadly weapon, Bunny Ln. Unfounded.
• June 2 — Trespassing, Hop Patch Spring Rd. Unfounded.
Poppet Flats
• May 28 — Unknown trouble, Horn St. Handled by deputy.
• May 30 — 911 hang up from cell phone, address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 3 — Miscellaneous criminal, address undefined. Report taken.
San Bernardino National Forest
• May 28 — Lost hiker, address undefined. Unfounded.
• May 28 — Trespassing, 28000 block of Saunders Meadow Rd. Handled by deputy.
• May 28 — Public disturbance, 56000 block of Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.
• May 28 — Lost hiker, address undefined. Report taken.
• May 29 — Grand theft, 56000 block of Hwy. 74. Report taken.
• May 29 — Trespassing, 28000 block of Saunders Meadow Rd. Handled by deputy.
• May 30 — Lost hiker, address undefined. Handled by deputy.
• June 2 — Vehicle theft, 56000 block of E. Hwy. 74. Report taken.
• June 2 — Narcotics, 47000 block of E. Hwy. 74. Handled by deputy.
• June 2 — Follow-up, address withheld. Handled by deputy.
• June 3 — Two alarm calls, 19000 block of Hwy. 243. Handled by deputy.
(Some of this story was taken from a Climate Science Alliance press release)
Climate Science Alliance South Coast Director Dr. Amber Pairis was among eight recipients honored nationally on May 8, for helping safeguard America’s valuable natural resources.
Pairis is a former Idyllwild resident. “I grew up in Idyllwild (age 5 and up) and lived there until I went to college in 1992,” she said. “Idyllwild will always be home and my family is still there so I am in Idyllwild often. I went to Idyllwild Elementary and graduated high school at Idyllwild Arts.”
For their outstanding work in raising awareness and helping the nation’s natural resources become more resilient to the impacts of a rapidly changing world, eight organizations and individuals were honored by their peers at the National Adaptation Forum as recipients of the Climate Adaption Leadership Award for Natural Resources. Recipients were selected from 27 nominations representing activities from individuals and federal, tribal, state, local and non-governmental organizations from around the country.
“Today we recognize individuals and agencies who are developing and using innovative methods to safeguard the nation’s living natural resources from a rapidly changing world,” said Kevin Hunting, chief deputy director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and co-chair of the Joint Implementation Working Group of the National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy. “Their leadership is a source of inspiration for additional efforts to advance climate-smart resource conservation and management with lasting positive impacts on the nation’s communities and economy.”
The description of why she won is: “Amber Pairis is committed to climate adaptation actions that promote natural resource conservation. She serves as Director of the Climate Science Alliance-South Coast, a partnership between California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Landscape Conservation Cooperative with 140 + partner agencies and organizations. In 2013, Amber was appointed by Governor Brown as the Assistant Secretary for Climate Change-California Natural Resources Agency to coordinate the State’s nature-based climate adaptation activities. Pairis was the Climate Change Advisor for CDFW and created the Climate Science Program, CDFW Climate College, Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency’s Climate Committee, and supported development of the National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy.”
The Climate Adaptation Leadership Award was established in 2016 to recognize outstanding leadership by individuals, organizations, businesses and agencies to support the resilience of America’s vital natural resources and the many people, businesses and communities that depend on them.
For more information about the 2017 Climate Adaptation Leadership Awards for Natural Resources, including the eight recipients, honorable mentions and all 27 nominees, visit the www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov/award.php. To view her work, visit www.ClimateScienceAlliance.org and www.climatekids.org.
Riverside County 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington recommended approval of the current five serving members of the County Service Area 38 Advisory Committee for new two-year terms.
Opal Hellweg, Washington’s legislative assistant, said the five — Jerry Holldber, Marge Muir, Lewis Padula, Robert Hewitt and Thom Wallace — will serve until June 30, 2019. Their appointment was on calendar for Board of Supervisor approval on Tuesday, June 6. Hellweg said the appointment should be pro-forma.
Hellweg also reported Holldber will be appointed to the Riverside County Emergency Medical Care Commission, with a term extending until June 30, 2020. It is the responsibility of the members of the committee to disseminate information from EMCC meetings to the organizations they represent. Holldber’s appointment was also on calendar for BOS approval on June 6.
The next CSA 38 meeting is at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14 at the Pine Cove Water District office.
