Crews rescued a hiker who had fallen in the wilderness last Thursday.

Sgt. Joel D. Wilson of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reported that at 10:37 a.m. Thursday, March 30, Cabazon Station deputies responded to Black Mountain Trail and Highway 243 regarding a hiker stranded in the Mt. San Jacinto Wilderness area.

The hiker was identified as Robert Duncan, 33, of Los Banos in Merced County. Duncan reported he had slipped and fallen, and did not believe he could continue.

Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, National Forest Service Rangers, Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, Riverside County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit and the California Highway Patrol Aviation Unit were summoned to assist in the rescue.

Riverside County Aviation Unit was able to locate Duncan, although neither the Riverside County Aviation Unit nor CHP Aviation Unit were able to hoist Duncan out due to high winds.

RMRU was able to respond to Duncan’s location and hike him out to safety. Duncan did not suffer any injuries and did not require medical attention.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind hiking enthusiasts to carry proper equipment for any outdoor excursions. Proper preparation includes a well-thought-out travel plan shared with friends and family, as well as familiarity with common hiking equipment, such as GPS, maps and compasses.

RMRU offers several helpful, lifesaving tips at its website (www.rmru.org).

Arrested in July 2015, Frank Gutierrez pleaded guilty to two felonies and two misdemeanor charges and admitted to several prior convictions. Judge Ronald Taylor has scheduled sentencing for May 5.

Gutierrez of Idyllwild was arrested when Riverside City police, in cooperation with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, arrested Lisa Marie Brown, 40, of Riverside, for hit and run, vehicular manslaughter and possession for sales of methamphetamine. The arrests were made in Idyllwild.

Gutierrez, 67, was charged for various drug-related felonies and prior convictions. His arrest appeared to be a byproduct of Brown’s arrest, who later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in state prison.

On March 30, the court and prosecution were ready to proceed to a jury trial for Gutierrez. But his counsel had filed a motion to suppress some evidence, which he claimed was illegally obtained.

The court agreed to exclude a rifle. And the prosecution moved to dismiss the charge of receiving stolen property.

Gutierrez then pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm and marijuana.

Until sentencing, Gutierrez remains in the custody of the Riverside County Sheriff.

Sunday afternoon at about 4, Cal Fire firefighters responded to an emergency call concerning an injured dirt biker near Thomas Mountain.

With assistance from the San Bernardino National Forest’s San Jacinto Ranger District firefighters, the responders located the biker in a remote area. Cal Fire Helicopter 301 was
summoned to hoist the individual out of the area.
The copter crew transported the victim, with moderate injuries, to a local hospital. He was not identified.

The growth of business activity in Idyllwild, and investments business owners are making to improve their marketability, show confidence in the promise of Idyllwild’s economic climate.

New Village Market owner Jay McCormack and family are close to completing a complete makeover of the long-established Idyllwild grocery outlet. The new floor and new shelving are in. Most gratifying to shoppers taking a fresh look at the market, the shelves are jam-packed with competitively priced items, including a line of organic products called Natural Directions. Catering to Idyllwild pet owners, McCormack has stocked a broad mix of pet food, including high-end products not otherwise available on the Hill. “We’ll continue to tweak pricing to offer the best value to customers,” said McCormack.

McCormack and son Scott, daughter-in-law Sarah and daughter Tanya have moved with speed and efficiency to redefine Village Market. Still to come before a late May/June grand opening are: an expanded deli, full line of produce, fresh meat with an in-house butcher and a total revamp of the in-market restaurant offering eat-in and take-out service.

Also betting on Idyllwild’s sustained business growth are Paul and Katie White. Their successful coffee, baked goods and eatery — Idyllwild Bake Shop & Brew — will soon expand to include a separate brew location. “We’re calling it the Back Room, with a cool speakeasy vibe and beer on tap,” said Paul. Grand opening is set for Saturday, June 3. The Back Room is located farther back in the iconic Village Lane site and is part of what is intended to be a revival of the quaint lane of shops.

Rick Martinez is a week or so away from showcasing his new Idyllwild Town Real Estate office on North Circle in the former Hub Cyclery location. Martinez and crew have installed new flooring, and are busy hanging art to enhance the dual function of realty office/gallery. Martinez has already hired two new agents, expanding yet again the number of real estate agents in Idyllwild.

Stuart and Alicia Eberhardt have leased the former Arriba Restaurant property that adjoins their Country Club Smoke Shop, a medical marijuana dispensary. Preliminary plans are to open a new comfort food restaurant called the 243 Bar & Grill. No opening date has been set.

Closing are Violetta Villacorta’s the Sage & the Butterfly in Village Lane, Terri French’s Let It Shine Gallery on North Circle (she will continue business operation from her home) and Kay Realty because of the passing of owner Kay Jennison.

Not closing, despite rumors to the contrary, is Ken Dahleen’s Uncle B’s Smokin’ Bar-b-que. “We’re doing well,” said Dahleen. Still operating, despite street talk to the contrary, is the Spiritual Living Center. “We’re still here and trying to renegotiate our lease,” said Phyllis Brown.

Idyllwild is in the process of gentrification — with the recent opening of Ferro and the Idyllwild BrewPub, the planned groundbreaking for the Idyllwild Community Center’s amphitheater, the first phase of four phases of construction on the new recreation landmark, and the sizzling real estate market in which inventory is down and homes are on the market for days or weeks instead of months.

The business activity presages continued interest in Idyllwild from off-Hill visitors and investors, which augers well for ongoing health of Idyllwild businesses.