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AAI stages successful Art Walk and Wine Tasting

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The Art Alliance of Idyllwild staged its highly anticipated Art Walk and Wine Tasting event Saturday, Oct. 10. The 18th edition of this successful event was sold out by noon on event day. More than 1,000 wine glasses were sold prior to the event.

“The maximum number of tickets available this year was set at 1,200 to avoid running out of wine and to allow us to plan accordingly,” said AAI President Shanna Robb. “Because most tickets were pre-purchased, the “will call” lines ran smoothly and attendees could take advantage of the all-day activities around town.” AAI estimates the event drew 3,000 tourists to Idyllwild.

Preliminary results for this fundraising event were impressive: revenue of $29,995.02, expenses of $8,990.29 and net proceeds of $21,004.73.

AAI announced, “The impact that the $20,000 will make in the lives of our youth is why the Art Alliance of Idyllwild continues to build momentum. Our mission is clear and because of the thousands of people drawn to Idyllwild by this annual event, we are in a unique position to keep art accessible to the next generation of artists.”

Proceeds are intended to fund art scholarships for local youth. Robb said, “A final statement with the breakdown will be made via a press release once it is voted upon by the AAI Board of Directors. Preliminary recommendations for scholarships and grants were presented to the board during our Oct. 24 board meeting. Because not all board members were present, a final vote was not made at that time. The public and media will receive a fully transparent breakdown once a vote is finalized.”

Robb said the board appreciated the enormous public support for this event and the mission of AAI to educate young artists. “The feedback received via email and online has been overwhelmingly positive and gives us reason to look for additional ways to make a difference in our community.” Robb noted local merchants were happy with sales on the weekend. “I had my best day in 19 years of business,” said Phyllis Brown, owner of Prairie Dove Boutique. “I think they did a wonderful job organizing it so people had time to visit galleries and go to stores.”

Rain pummels the mountains

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The Hill has received more rain and for longer periods than Monday night but the 0.76 inches that fell in Pine Cove was the most throughout Southern California, according to the National Weather Service.

Idyllwild received about 0.64 inches, which was the eighth greatest amount that night. Vista Grande followed with 0.63 inches, whereas the U.S. Forest Service’s Keenwild Ranger Station recorded just 0.44 inches.

On Monday night at about 7:45 p.m., Highway 243 between Vista Grande and Banning was closed because of a rockslide. The road was re-opened at about 9:30 p.m., according to Joy Schneider of Cal Trans.

Since the rain year began July 1, Keenwild has recorded more than 6 inches of rain, Idyllwild more than 7.5 inches and Pine Cove has received almost 7.5 inches.

The long-term average rainfall through October is 3.4 inches and through November the average has been 5.8 inches.

IFPD may seek property tax increase

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Whatever the current financial situation of the Idyllwild Fire Protection District, the commission is confident there are sufficient funds to continue to cover its payroll through December when its first property tax receipt arrives.

Commission President Jerry Buchanan established a committee composed of commissioners Rhonda Andrewson and Nancy Layton to prepare a strategic plan for the future, and Finance Committee Chair Layton said her committee will be prepared to share the details of a possible tax increase at its November meeting.

“I see the two pieces merging,” Buchanan said. “It’s all part of the same process.” While the Finance Committee will look at options for more revenue, the Planning Committee will ensure the feasibility of potential projects that staff is recommending.”

“The two issues are co-dependent. The tax measure will consider a group of pieces important to the district,” Layton added.

As Layton explained, the absence of current financial reports was due to concerns about the accuracy of some of the data. Also, the committee and Fire Chief Patrick Reitz are considering re-assigning some of the financial workload from consultant Rob Dennis to the administrative assistant. Depending on the time needed to perform this work, this may reduce costs for the bookkeeping contract, Layton added. This change would compliment the committee’s decision to purchase new accounting software.

Despite lack of an accurate status report, both Layton and Buchanan were confident that cash flow for the remainder of the fall would be sufficient, especially to cover additional salary costs incurred because of IFPD crews going to multiple fires in Northern California as part of the agency’s mutual-aid commitment. However, reserves will be needed to help bridge the low-revenue period until more funds are available, Layton confirmed.

“I just checked the cash flow. It’s not wonderful, but not scary and we’re not at a nervous point,” Layton said and added that the ambulance revenue was a significant contributor to cash flow until the reimbursements are received.

Buchanan also added that Dennis advised him that cash flow was sufficient.

The commission also reviewed two policies. The district policy on check processing and the number of required signatures was re-approved without any changes.

The second addressed how IFPD would investigate allegations of fraud. After some review and discussion, Buchanan tabled it until the insurer could look at some of the language regarding the role of its general counsel.

Two ordinances also were reviewed and will be revised. Among the questions regarding current ordinance 471 about false alarms was whether a mandatory annual fire-alarm inspection should be imposed. Currently, according to Capt. Jack Peckham, the plans for alarm systems, which signal third parties, are reviewed before installation and only inspected before approval for operations.

Staff also will review the fees and fines associated with fire alarms and false alarms at the commission’s request.

The fire abatement ordinance also was reviewed and may be revised. Andrewson argued that before any property within the fire district changes ownership, a fire abatement inspection should be conducted and the existing owner should complete the abatement recommendations before the property closes and transfers.

“Why aren’t there mandatory abatement inspections on property when it is sold?” she asked her colleagues. “All property in escrow should meet the district’s compliance requirements.”

Transactions that involve realtors from off the Hill or private sales might slip through an ordinance that restrictive, according to Peckham.

Layton asked the staff to review compliance to the “written rule versus common sense.” Peckham replied and affirmed that there is “… a difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law.”

PHOTOS: How Idyllwild does Halloween

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All photos by Cheryl Basye

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Ruiz campaign stockpiles cash

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Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz, less than halfway through his second term, continues to receive substantial campaign contributions. Through the end of September, Ruiz had nearly $1.3 million in cash this year. During the period from July 1 to Sept. 30, he raised $415,000.

At this point two years ago, Ruiz had raised $1.1 million for his first re-election campaign. He went on to raise a total of $3.4 million for his race.

Although two challengers, including Indio Mayor Lupe Ramos Watson and Kirk Thompson have announced intentions to challenge Ruiz in 2016, neither had filed any campaign financing reports as of Sept. 30.

During this quarter, Ruiz’s campaign has expended almost $130,000 and he has more than $1.3 million cash available, including carry over funds from the last campaign.

As of the end of September 2015, contributions were about even from individuals and organizations, such as political action committees.

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Photos: Last week in Idyllwild: October 29, 2015

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William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” was the first theater production of Idyllwild Arts’ 2015-16 season. The production was before a full house Friday and also staged Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Photo by Jenny Kirchner
William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” was the first theater production of Idyllwild Arts’ 2015-16 season. The production was before a full house Friday and also staged Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
Photo by Jenny Kirchner

 

Stop signs were added at the north end of the construction on Highway 243, across the street from Arriba Mexican Restaurant. The stop signs were added by Caltrans after a car exiting the Idyllwild Trailer Park was nearly hit by a car coming through the one way north lane on Highway 243. Now all cars will have to stop at the end of the barricade before proceeding north on 243 or Maranatha or turning right onto Upper Pine Crest. Photo by Marshall Smith
Stop signs were added at the north end of the construction on Highway 243, across the street from Arriba Mexican Restaurant. The stop signs were added by Caltrans after a car exiting the Idyllwild Trailer Park was nearly hit by a car coming through the one way north lane on Highway 243. Now all cars will have to stop at the end of the barricade before proceeding north on 243 or Maranatha or turning right onto Upper Pine Crest.
Photo by Marshall Smith

 

New members of the Art Alliance of Idyllwild, Michael Newberry and Lynn Ryan, enjoy themselves during the Mingle at Café Aroma on Thursday. Photo by John Drake
New members of the Art Alliance of Idyllwild, Michael Newberry and Lynn Ryan, enjoy themselves during the Mingle at Café Aroma on Thursday.
Photo by John Drake

 

Brewing equipment from Portland Kettle Works Pub has begun to be delivered to the Idyllwild Brew Pub. Don Put, its brewer, is helping to unload the vats and kettles. Brewing and opening is still months in the future.Photo by JP Crumrine
Brewing equipment from Portland Kettle Works Pub has begun to be delivered to the Idyllwild Brew Pub. Don Put, its brewer, is helping to unload the vats and kettles. Brewing and opening is still months in the future. Photo by JP Crumrine

 

Chance Vladika of Idyllwild, a sophomore at Hamilton High School, warms up with teammates before Friday’s football game against Sherman Indian Braves of Riverside. Hamilton won 42-0 in their homecoming game and are currently 4-4 for the season. Chance is a sophomore starting on Hamilton’s defensive line. Photo by Mike Vladika
Chance Vladika of Idyllwild, a sophomore at Hamilton High School, warms up with teammates before Friday’s football game against Sherman Indian Braves of Riverside. Hamilton won 42-0 in their homecoming game and are currently 4-4 for the season. Chance is a sophomore starting on Hamilton’s defensive line.
Photo by Mike Vladika

 

Idyllwild’s Micah Hitchcock, far left, was among the leaders for Hemet High School during the Mt. San Jacinto Invitational race this weekend. Unfortunately, a hamstring problem prevented Micah from finishing this race. A junior at HHS, Micah has been having a very good season with first place finishes and always in the top five. Photo by Jessica Priefer
Idyllwild’s Micah Hitchcock, far left, was among the leaders for Hemet High School during the Mt. San Jacinto Invitational race this weekend. Unfortunately, a hamstring problem prevented Micah from finishing this race. A junior at HHS, Micah has been having a very good season with first place finishes and always in the top five.
Photo by Jessica Priefer

 

In Saturday’s Pac West Conference Championship, Idyllwild’s Jayden Emerson of California Baptist University finished 13th in the 8-kilometer race with a time of 25:29:99. This was the team’s fifth straight conference championship. A freshman, Emerson earned all-conference second team honors.Photo by Jessica Priefer
In Saturday’s Pac West Conference Championship, Idyllwild’s Jayden Emerson of California Baptist University finished 13th in the 8-kilometer race with a time of 25:29:99. This was the team’s fifth straight conference championship. A freshman, Emerson earned all-conference second team honors. Photo by Jessica Priefer

 

Students, faculty, staff and the Idyllwild community came out to support the ”Craft in America” visual art reception at Parks Exhibition Center at Idyllwild Arts. Photo by Jenny Kirchner
Students, faculty, staff and the Idyllwild community came out to support the ”Craft in America” visual art reception at Parks Exhibition Center at Idyllwild Arts.
Photo by Jenny Kirchner

 

The Second Annual Howl & Yowl, a benefit for the animals at Living Free Animal Sanctuary, was a hit. Here the mush dogs take a rest and bring in quite a crowd after showing off their Saturday. Photo by Jenny Kirchner
The Second Annual Howl & Yowl, a benefit for the animals at Living Free Animal Sanctuary, was a hit. Here the mush dogs take a rest and bring in quite a crowd after showing off their Saturday. Photo by Jenny Kirchner

 

Ouch! Shannon Johnston receives her flu vaccine from Dr. Ken Browning during the Idyllwild Heath Fair, which was held at Browning’s office, Fern Creek Medical Center, and sponsored by the Idyllwild HELP Center. Photo by JP Crumrine
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Shannon Johnston receives her flu vaccine from Dr. Ken Browning during the Idyllwild Heath Fair, which was held at Browning’s office, Fern Creek Medical Center, and sponsored by the Idyllwild HELP Center.
Photo by JP Crumrine

Readers Write: Sac Bee story …

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Editor:

I was very pleased to see the story about Idyllwild, Mayor Max and Mitzi by Sam McManis of the Sac Bee. The story captures the essence of the town where I have spent many summers and seasons playing and hiking.

I’d like to comment while I have the chance on the out-of-control, tacky advertising in the form of flags and the unsightly billboard of real estate postings at intersections and plastered on businesses.

Oversaturation of signs and flags truly detracts from the beauty of the town and drive up to Humber Park.  Idyllwild’s Mayor Max should do something about this visual intrusion. Woof.

I appreciate your editor for continuing her pointed stories about the fire district and issues with accountability, in general, of public servants and taxpayer monies. It takes courage to point out potentially cozy, beneficial relationships and stay true and ethical. Arf.
Nancy Wallace Lungren

Sacramento

Obituary: Ted Cummings 1937-2015

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Ted Cummings passed away from a short battle with pneumonia in his home Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, in Idyllwild at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Kim (David) Friedricks, and grandchildren Natalie and Jimmy; son Scott (Dinora) Cummings, and two grandchildren Franchesca and Theodore; and son Ward Cummings.

Ted was born Aug. 21, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri. His strong commitment to service led Ted to join the Navy without ever having seen an ocean. After serving four years, Ted attended the University of Kansas.

In 1960, Ted married Joyce, a year after saving her from both a blizzard and a boating mishap. After moving to California, Ted began his career as an aerospace engineer. Over a long and storied career, Ted would contribute to big name projects such as “The Man on the Moon Mission” and Reagan’s Star Wars.

Although Ted’s career was extremely successful, his number-one priority was always his wife, family and friends. His children and grandchildren often referred to him as Dr. Doolittle because of his love and caring of all living things.

Ted was a man of many interests. In particular, he loved bonsai cultivation, woodworking and community involvement. This dedication to his community was a persistent and important part of his life.

You are invited to join Ted’s wife, Joyce, and their family at Buckhorn Camp, Highway 243, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, for a celebration of Ted’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Idyllwild Fire Protection District, P.O. Box 656, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

Obituary Joseph La Mar Gudmundson 1938-2015

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Joe, 77, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. He was born in Mentone on Feb. 10, 1938. Joe grew up in Beaumont and lived in Riverside and Idyllwild. He was an Idyllwild resident for 21 years before moving back to Riverside earlier this year.

Joe was in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1963, and was a member of the band. He received a college degree in accounting from UCLA in order to obtain his CPA license. He worked at the IRS for 30-plus years and after retiring, continued providing audit advice and preparation of tax returns for family, friends and clients.

He was a member of the Idyllwild Rotary Club for 20 years and AA for 27 years, practicing its transitions in all aspects of his life. He enjoyed tax preparation, reading, camping, travel and his French horn, which he played in high school, the Air Force and several local concerts for 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Leann Gudmundson, of 31 years of Riverside; children Danny Gudmundson of San Francisco, Debbie Gudmundson of Oakland and Denise (Jeff) Benedict of Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren Kevin, Katie and Maddie; sister Lois Organ of Hemet; brother Marvin Gudmundson of Hemet; brother Crandall Gudmundson of Huntington Beach; stepchildren Betsy Jo Parson (Charlie) Parson of Klickitat, Washington, and Barbara Jean Mills-DuBois of Riverside; step-grandchildren Chad, Leo, Robbie and Gabriella of Riverside, Tiffany of Oregon and Chantel of Washington; and great-grandchildren Jocelynn, Paxton and Allison.

There will be a service in his memory at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Saddleback Chapel, 220 E. Main Street, Tustin. For more information, call Saddleback Chapel at 714-544-1450 or visit www.saddlebackchapel.com.

Corrected property tax bill mailed to CSA 36 residents

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In our Thursday, Oct. 15 edition, we reported that property tax bills mailed to Idyllwild residents of County Service Area 36 contained a significant error — a billing for $35 for streetlights in CSA 27 which is in Cherry Valley. That error had come to our attention on Friday, Oct. 9. We began contacting county officials on that Friday.

On Tuesday morning, Oct. 13, Jon Christensen, Riverside County assistant tax collector, called to say his office was now aware of the mistake and would mail a corrected tax bill.

The corrected tax bills, containing a $35 line item for street lights and recreation in CSA 36, began arriving in Hill mailboxes on Friday. Oct. 23.

First payments for property tax bills are due on or before Thursday, Dec. 10.

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