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County plans park and road work on the Hill
Board of Supervisors unanimously approved funding proposals from both the Regional Parks and Open Space District (RPOSD) and the county’s Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA). The request from both agencies included projects on the Hill during the next fiscal year (July 2023 through June 2024).
Parks
RPOSD requested approval to...
Perez offers own comments on STRs at listening session
Wednesday, May 24, Riverside County 4th District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez held his third recent listening session at Town Hall as he and the community become acquainted with each other. It was the second one dedicated to Idyllwild’s short-term rental (STR) situation and the amendment of Ordinance 927.1. As before, Planning Director John Hildebrand and members of...
A PCT hiker’s wilderness foray
By Holly Parsons, aka DispatchCorrespondent
For two hours Dispatch waited for Sunflower at the base of Devils Slide that fateful night. She learned from lingering hikers that a group of Europeans were camped above and took solace that he was safe and too exhausted to descend despite his call...
Native American Arts Festival starts June 18
Idyllwild Arts Foundation presents its annual Native American Arts Festival (NAAF) Week at the Idyllwild Arts campus from Sunday to Friday, June 18 to 23. The weeklong event, which has run each summer for over two decades, is designed to enhance and enrich the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program with Native American arts-based programming, including an invitational exhibition,...
IWD sets rate increase public meetings
In its May 17 meeting, the Idyllwild Water District’s (IWD) slimmed down board of directors approved two assessment fees, returned the district to a water conservation Stage 1, heard the latest on its building rehabilitation, and announced several special meetings or workshops to be held before the next regular meeting currently planned for June 21.
Four Idyllwilders missing
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, a family from Idyllwild has been missing since early May.
From left, Mayra Perez Posadas, 33, and her three daughters, Amayrany Perez Romero, 15, Kaylie Perez Romero, 12, and an unnamed 5-year-old, are missing.PHOTOS COURTESY OF RSO
Mayra Perez Posadas, 33, and her...
Losing candidate files lawsuit against Riverside County
In November, former Riverside County Auditor-Controller Paul Angulo lost his bid for reelection to Ben Benoit. On April 24, Angulo filed a $1.480 million claim against the county as a result of its certification of Benoit winning the election.
Angulo argues that the state requires a county auditor-controller to have “… certain experience and...
Six county areas subject to fire season closure
Several areas within Riverside County have been closed to public access because of high potential fire danger. At its May 25 meeting, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved County Fire Chief Bill Weiser’s recommendation to close six areas — North Mountain and Indian Canyon, Whitewater Canyon, Ramona Bowl (closed daily noon to sunrise), Bautista Canyon, Steel...
IFPD workshop on Mutual Aid and fire prevention
The Idyllwild Fire Protection District (IFPD) Board of Commissioners held a special meeting Tuesday, May 16. Henry Sawicki, a former commissioner who lost reelection, will assume the seat Cristina Reitz recently vacated.
Although announced as a policy workshop for the board, the majority of time was taken by presentations from IFPD Chief Mark LaMont...
Grand jury concerned about time for offload of emergency patients at hospitals
When a medical emergency occurs outside a hospital, the time it takes for first responders to transport the individual to a hospital for care is critical. And the care received during this period has been the focus of recent attention.
Both a grand jury and the Riverside County Board of Supervisors are concerned about...
Art’s Corner
Whenever the occasion arises for a live music concert here in the various set locations in Idyllwild, hope issues forth for a glorious outpouring of sound which, given the opportunity, should be able to roll down the mountain ridges with the fluid ease of the many creeks and rivulets now in evidence. Thus, Monday, May 15 evening’s...
Memorial Day Weekend Yard Sales
Use the treasure map below to plan your yard sale adventure.The number at the end of each yard sale listing correspondsto the location number on the map.
YARD SALE Thurs. May 25 – Sun. May 28; 8-5 pm. Holiday items, furniture, collectibles, including dolls. Women’s...
Perez listens to public speak out on STRs
Editor’s note: This article is continued from last week’s A1 story about Riverside County 4th District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez’s May 1 Town Hall meeting regarding short-term rentals (STRs).
Perez and the STR committee are attempting to develop recommendations for changes to the county’s STR ordinance. A current moratorium on new STRs in the...
Perez’s next STR meeting May 24
Riverside County 4th District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez has scheduled the next meeting in Idyllwild for short-term rental (STR) policy from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at Town Hall. At the May 1 listening session on STR policy in Idyllwild, Perez announced he would like to return to the community to meet again in three...
Enough evidence to hold Solis Delgado ‘to answer’
Local restaurateur Luis Solis Delgado, 44, of Idyllwild, went before the Riverside County Superior Court last Friday for his preliminary hearing.
Luis Solis DelgadoPHOTO COURTESY RSO
According to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, “This is not a trial — but it is a hearing at which the judge determines...
Reappearance of an El Niño may bring a very wet winter
The Hill has just passed through a very wet winter. One which has almost entirely eliminated drought conditions throughout the state. It is not too early to begin to think about what the atmospheric and oceanic environments will deliver in winter 2023-24.
Last month, the National Weather Service’s (NWS)...
Paint n Sip is back
The Associates of Idyllwild Arts Foundation (IAF) have brought back Paint n Sip, a fundraiser. Based on the success of the event in October of last year, Pinots’ Palette will host another painting party at the Delano House in Idyllwild from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday June 3. Pinots’ Palette is the innovator and leader in the...
Court pushing through on local business owner’s arrest
Local restaurateur Luis Solis Delgado, 44, of Idyllwild, was arraigned in Riverside County Superior Court Tuesday, May 2. The Southwest Detention Center had set bail at $4 million but the district attorney’s (DA) office recommended $1 million and later filed for an increase to $5 million. Judge Timothy F. Freer approved this request. Solis Delgado remains in...
STR Committee meets with Perez and the public
Monday, May 1, the Local Short-Term Rental (STR) Committee held a public Town Hall meeting with County 4th District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. On the stage with Perez were Planning Director John Hildebrand and local STR Committee members Joel Feingold, Woody Henderson, Jon Brown, Anna Duitruk, Mark Dean and Jane Oliver. Members of the Sheriff’s department and...
County sells land to Pine Cove Water
Pine Cove Water District (PCWD) will grow by 18 acres in the next month.
At its May 2 meeting, during its function as the board for the Regional Park and Open Space District, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved the sale of surplus land from the county Parks Department to PCWD.
Spring wildfire threat lower than normal
The outlook for the 2023 summer fire season continues to be cautious but better than 2022. Winter’s rain and snow have greatly improved fuel moisture content. Last week’s cool weather and modest precipitation also delayed the drying of fuels, especially at the higher elevations of the San Jacinto Mountains.
South Ops June fire...
Paul Carman talks about taking students to jazz fest
The Town Crier had the opportunity to catch up with Idyllwild Arts Academy (IAA) Jazz Faculty member Paul Carman this week. He and his students recently returned from one of the high points of their year, the trip to the Reno Jazz Festival. This tradition for jazz educators across the West is now in its 61st year,...
Local business owner arrested on child sex charges
Local restaurateur Luis SolisDelgado, 44, of Idyllwild was arrested Thursday, April 27, on Acacia Avenue in Hemet and booked on five felony charges — one count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age and four counts of sodomy with a child under 10.
Christy Holstege challenges Assemblyman to rematch
The next election for California’s Assembly seats is the 2024 Presidential Election. Last week, nearly 18 months before the election and about a year before the primaries, Christy Holstege, Palm Springs council member, has announced her challenge to Greg Wallis, the current Assembly District 47 (AD) incumbent.
In 2022,...
May weather will look similar to March — wet and cool
The relatively balmy April temperatures and sunshine replaced the dismal and turbulent March weather. The beginning of May brings another change, almost a second act. Cool weather began to return Monday. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts its continuation, along with some precipitation, until the end of the week and recently described the current Southern California weather...
Art’s Corner
The ending of a calendar period is a somewhat somber occasion, whether it be that of a year, a month or a season; it signals a place for some type of reflection, both for the time just past and the prospects for coming events. Thus it is with the divisions of an academic year; with the disciplines...
No Brown Act violations; much controversy over rates
The Idyllwild Water District (IWD) Board of Directors covered a great deal of ground at its Wednesday, April 19, meeting. Here are some of the highlights:
Brown Act
The Town Crier reported on two potential Brown Act violations that occurred at the special March 29 meeting. The first was that the...
Perez wants noise ordinance reviewed and revised
At its April 18 meeting, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved the request from 4th District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez to have the Planning Department staff review the current Noise Ordinance (847) for possible amendments.
Perez noted that since summer 2022 when Code Enforcement implemented its Special Enforcement Team, primarily on weekends and...
Susan Zahn, latest acting San Jacinto district ranger
Susan Zahn is the current acting district ranger for the San Jacinto Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF). She began her tour about eight weeks ago and expects it to end by late June. Zahn is the latest in a series of “acting district rangers” since Julie Hall left for the Inyo National Forest...
Palm Desert gallery featuring IAA exhibition
Idyllwild Arts Academy (IAA) debuts its spring 2023 off-site student exhibition with a reception from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 5, at Melissa Morgan Fine Art Gallery, 73-660 El Paseo, Palm Desert, a prestigious contemporary gallery in the heart of El Paseo
The IAA Visual Arts students are excited to show their work...
Christina Reitz bids farewell
Christina Reitz, a true Idyllwild ambassador, is in her final week as an Idyllwild resident. From the counter of the Idyllwild Post Office, Christina has brought smiles and aid to so many. In evenings and weekends, she has worked just as hard to bring pleasure and happiness to her community and its visitors.
Now...
Perez plans community discussion of STRs and policies
Short-term rentals (STR) will be the topic of a community meeting from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, May 1, at Town Hall. Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez wants to hear more from the Hill communities about this issue and invites those interested in sharing their opinion to come and participate.
As he promised...
How state and county are handling potholes
Highway and road potholes are one of the fallouts of the major precipitation all over Southern California this winter, including in the San Jacinto Mountains. State highways 74 and 243, as well as Riverside County roads, are more difficult to drive under the circumstances, especially in more trafficked areas.
Caltrans handles the state highways....
Very wet winter brings low spring wildfire threats
The outlook for the 2023 summer fire season has benefited greatly from the wet and snowy winter.
None of the major fire units are currently predicting a serious and dangerous fire season for Southern California. Fire will always be a threat; but this year, particularly during spring, the likelihood of a major fire is...
Another IWD Brown Act violation may have occurred
Idyllwild Water District directors may have violated the Brown Act (the California open meetings law) in the March 29 special meeting by voting on the rate study for both water and sewer under discussion and not action items.
“Procedural error. We will have to correct that at the next meeting. We should have directed...
Forest open, road closure order expires June 30
On March 18, the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) announced the closing of most of its internal Forest System Roads. The closures would expire June 30 and were the result of … “Significant winter storms in February and March 2023 have resulted in extreme snowfall on the higher elevation terrain of the forest and continuing rains/snow...
IWD may have violated Brown Act in rate votes
Last week’s Idyllwild Water District (IWD) Board of Directors vote for new rates in a special meeting occurred in apparent violation of the Ralph M. Brown Act, the state’s open meeting law.
The vote was taken under the title “Discussion Items,” whereas in order to vote, the item should fall under IWD’s “Action Items.”
Local man convicted for fatal collision
A 32-year-old Idyllwild resident was convicted for two felony charges stemming from a fatal traffic collision in 2020.
Victor Javier Sanchez was convicted for a total of 3 years and 8 months in state prison on felony charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and reckless driving causing bodily injury. Probbation was denied.
Art Department offers much — for nonartists, too
This week, the Crier met Marla Sparks, proprietor of Art Department, which shares with Mountain Pottery the newly remodeled building at the corner of Pine Crest Avenue and Maranatha Drive, one of local developer Shane Stewart’s projects. Together, the two businesses make up a “creative corner” where locals and visitors alike will find the unexpected, an essential...
IWD votes to increase rates 8% and 13% each year
The Idyllwild Water District (IWD) Board of Directors voted for new rates last Wednesday following a third water rate study presentation in a special meeting.
Bartle Wells Associates’ Michael DeGroot gave the final presentation before public review to the board in public session. For water rates, he provided statistics on an 8% increase in...
Ambulance contract under county scrutiny
For the first time since 2015, when Riverside County awarded the emergency ambulance service contract to American Medical Response (AMR), the county’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency has denied AMR’s request to extend the contract’s expiration date.
Each year, AMR submits an annual report that EMS uses to review compliance with the contract and...
Easter events on the mountain
Easter traditions return this weekend with the annual egg hunt and services dedicated to Christian religious resurrection beliefs.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, the Idyllwild Community Center (ICC) and Riverside County Parks are hosting an Easter egg hunt at the Idyllwild County Park regardless of snow, said...
From science teacher to potter, Helen Hixon at Mountain Pottery
Helen Hixon is the proprietor of Mountain Pottery. Locals may have noticed that the shop and studio moved from upper North Circle to the newly refurbished building next to Forest Lumber and Idyllwild Laundry Service in May of last year. Hixon seems happy in her new surroundings: “I loved the old space with its forest setting and...
Moving forward on public restrooms
The Idyllwild Historic Preservation District (IHPD) Local Review Board (LRB) held a special meeting Thursday, March 23, at the Idyllwild Library. The main item on the agenda was consideration of the county’s proposal for a new public restroom, to be placed along North Circle Drive at Mile High Plaza.
Present were board President Terry...
State to study possible consolidation of Thomas Mountain and Lake Hemet districts
Thomas Mountain Mutual Water Association (TMMWA), in Garner Valley, and the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District (LHMWD) are working with the Small Community Technical Assistance of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to evaluate the merits of a possible consolidation.
The technical assistance review will require at least a year or more, according...
March winds and rain refuse to allow the ‘lamb’ to appear
“In like a lion and out like a lamb” is the common adage describing March weather, but in 2023 the lamb version has remained hidden.
Another atmospheric river passed over the Hill last week bringing strong winds as well as wet weather. More than a dozen have moved over California this winter and, at...
Idyllwild film fest announces winners
The winners of the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema 2023, held March 7 to March 11, are:
Director Gary and Producer/Executive Producer Larry Lane accepting the Archer Award (Best of Festival) for “Still Working 9 to 5” Sunday, March 11, at Town Hall.PHOTO BY PETER SZABADI
Animation: “Davey’s Lullaby”
Steele to play this week in Florida
Coming off a fine tie-for-fifth finish in Mexico in his very first LIV event followed by a tie for second place in his second event at Tucson two weeks ago, Brendan Steele will tee it up again Friday on the Crooked Cat course at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Orlando, Florida.
Nature Center’s new ranger: Sonny Waldron
The Idyllwild Nature Center has a new ranger, Sonny Waldron. His most recent assignment was at Lake Skinner, where he served for over five years. He is certified by the National Association for Interpretation as an interpretative guide (IG), and is also trained and certified in First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, CPR/AED, Basic Water Rescue, Aquatic Facility...
Perez’s first meeting with the Hill focuses on STRs
Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez held a public meeting at Town Hall Monday night, March 13. U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz had planned to attend but was unable. Perez and his staff were joined by a handful of uniformed sheriff’s officers, including a resident officer, and an equal number sporting Emergency Management Department colors. Other agencies with...
County holds small meetings on possible STR changes
The discussion, debate and controversy over short-term rentals (STRs), especially in the Idyllwild and Pine Cove neighborhoods and the Wine Country, continues and will resurface this fall.
Riverside County’s contractor, Deckard Technologies of San Diego, began sending letters to owners and managers of STRs throughout the county. That was just the beginning of efforts...
County EMD collecting storm damage data
The Riverside County Emergency Management Department (EMD) wants to know whether your home or business was damaged due to any of the 2023 storms.
If your home or business was damaged or incurred losses during recent storms, visit https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/587b6684c0dd430e83a5f5f380368941.
This is an online form where you can describe the damages, the...
Plenty of rain in 2023 and more coming
Daylight saving time is here and the calendar says spring has arrived. But on the Hill, despite some milder temperatures, the winter precipitation has lingered and is expected to continue to dampen early spring.
Last week, the Hill received another 2 to 4 inches of rain. The March 15 storm dropped 2.24 inches on...
Maruca brings enrichment to Idyllwild through nonprofit
Anna Maruca is the founder of Creative Connections, a local nonprofit providing enrichment classes and activities for youth and seniors. The group is now offering almost a dozen programs that range from science to language, arts, crafts and play. All programs are free or low cost, and scholarships are available.
Maruca’s own experience with...
Steele T2 at Tucson
Coming off a fine T5 finish in Mexico in his very first LIV event, Brendan Steele tied for the win at the Gallery Golf Club course outside Tucson, Arizona, last week after three days of regulation play. Then, following a four-way playoff, he finished tied for second, earning $1,558,333 in official prize money.
The...
Supervisors approve construction contract for public restrooms
At its March 7 meeting, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the contract and added costs for construction of public restrooms in Idyllwild. These facilities will be compliant with the Americans with Disability Act.
The 210-square-foot facility will be along North Circle Drive in front of the Mile Hi Plaza and is...
Fire Safe Council plans community event for Gold-spotted Oak Borer
The Gold-spotted Oak Borer (GSOB) remains a nemesis to Hill residents. Despite a decade of efforts, the GSOB is still active and killing oak trees on the Hill.
“The infestation is still widespread, attacking most of the oaks,” said, Callie Squires, operations manager for the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council (MCFSC). “There has been...
PCWD returns to Stage 1 water conservation
At the Pine Cove Water District (PCWD) directors’ Wednesday, March 8, meeting, General Manager Jeremy Potter told the board PCWD is returning to Stage 1 water conservation Saturday, April 1, from Stage 2 following recent heavy precipitation.
Potter said production was at 2,461,990 gallons, up from around 14% over last year. Static Well #10...
Lots of rain and maybe more in the future
The massive snowfall from the late February and early March storms spared the Hill from the damage 7, 8 or 10 feet of snow can cause.
But last week’s rainstorms, another atmospheric river, poured on the Hill. By Saturday evening, March 11, the National Weather Service (NWS) recorded 2.34 inches of rain at the...
Woman’s home destroyed by tree during storm
Following recent storms, a woman and her brother were unhoused when a snow-laden tree crushed their trailer. Carla Becker of Royal Pines Estates told the Crier about her introduction to one of the dangers of mountain living.
The neighbor’s trailer broke the fall of the tree.PHOTO BY CARLA BECKER
CB:...
Academy senior advances to The Music Center’s semifinals
On Feb. 28, The Music Center in Los Angeles announced 112 of Southern California’s semifinalists in The Music Center’s 35th-annual Spotlight program, a free, nationally acclaimed performing arts competition, scholarship and artistic development program for teens. This year, more than 1,300 teens, representing more than 245 schools, 170 cities and eight counties, auditioned for the prestigious program.
Steele to compete in Tuscon
For those who missed it, Brendan Steele is now competing in the LIV Golf League, no longer on the PGA Tour. Coming off a fine T5 finish at Mayakoba, Mexico, in his first LIV event, the native Idyllwilder will tee it up again this week, March 17 to 19, on The Gallery Golf Club course outside Tucson,...
How Brian Parnell’s unique venue, AudioWild, took root
Editor’s note: This is part two of this story. Part one ran last week.
TC: It was time for another stage. That is this place, AudioWild?
BP: That is kind of this. I’m the last original member of Throw the Goat, since the end of 2018. There really wasn’t a whole...
San Jacintos receive massive amounts of snow
Wednesday evening, March 1, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported that another 17 inches of snow fell on the Hill. This is in addition to the 12 to 24 inches from two previous storms just a week before.
Total snowfall for Idyllwild was reported as 34 inches and 49...
Before Bonta, ACLU sought investigation of sheriff’s office
Two weeks ago, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that he was opening an investigation to determine whether the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing.
While he did not mention any specific incidents, he did refer to “… concerning levels of in-custody deaths, troubling allegations of...
San Bernardino National Forest temporarily closed for public safety
Editor’s note: The following is from an SBNF press release. The release did not say how this order would be enforced.
To better provide public and community safety due to the recent extreme weather the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) of the U.S. Forest Service announced a temporary closure of all forest lands, including...
County cracking down on unpermitted STRs
On Oct. 25, 2022, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors agreed to impose a moratorium on issuing new certificates for short-term rentals (STRs) in the Idyllwild, Pine Cove and Wine Country areas of Riverside County. The moratorium on issuing new certificates was to last until Sept. 9, 2023.
Before the moratorium deadline, the county...
How Brian Parnell’s unique venue, AudioWild, took root
Brian Parnell has taken a circuitous journey to end up an Idyllwilder. Like so many of us, a chance taken paid off in the satisfaction that comes from being part of a community that supports self-expression. Readers with an ear for the pulse of 21st century rock know him as one of the founders of Throw the...
Attorney General to investigate county sheriff’s office
Thursday, Feb. 23, California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta announced the Department of Justice (DOJ) is opening an investigation to determine whether the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
“Unfortunately, today’s announcement is...
Multiple snowstorms bury the San Jacintos
Rain and snow did pummel the Hill last week. It was significant, about an inch of rain and more than a foot a snow, but significantly less than the initial forecast. Nevertheless, it continued the progress in relieving drought conditions and augmenting fuel moisture.
Like a house guest who...
‘Bläckfisk,’ locally produced, premieres at film fest
Mysteries, thrillers, psychological dramas are not limited to the printed page. Early in its history, Hollywood was producing and distributing mystery films such as “The Thin Man” or darker, “39 Steps,” for the public. And this genre continues into the 21st century. Next week, the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (IIFC) will offer several of these.
Bella Lewitzky film featured at Idyllwild festival
A new film biography of dancer and choreographer Bella Lewitzky, “Bella,” will be included in this year’s Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (IIFC) scheduled to be screened at 6 p.m. Friday, March 10, in Town Hall. Lewitzky was a giant of modern dance, founding dance programs at both ISOMATA (now Idyllwild Arts Academy ) and CalArts. The...
More rain and snow likely coming soon
The fears that the drenching January 2023 rains would be followed by no precipitation the rest of winter and early spring as happened in 2022 have not occurred.
Some rain and snow fell on the mountain in early February along with record cold temperatures.
The National Weather Service’s San Diego office...
Local librarian moves up in system; goodbye, Shannon
Idyllwild Librarian Shannon Ng has moved up in the Riverside County Public Library System (RCPLS). Although her Dewey Decimal System number remains the same, she is now one of three deputy directors, though “Interim” precedes her current title.
Shannon Ng at her desk in Idyllwild in 2015.FILE PHOTO
In early...
Steele moves to LIV Golf League
Brendan Steele is shifting from the PGA Tour to the LIV Golf League, the native Idyllwilder informed the Town Crier Sunday evening. Brendan withdrew from the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational tournament before teeing off last Thursday. The LIV Golf League is financed by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia.
Stephen Savage — film maker and Idyllwild lover
Hollywood has used Idyllwild as a movie setting for decades. For example, in 1961, Elvis Presley’s “Kid Galahad” walked Idyllwild’s streets and rode around Garner Valley’s ranches. Before expanding to “50” or more in the 21st century, “Shades of Gray” was shot here in 1997. Throughout the first two decades of this century, the Hill has been...
Black History Month concert this Saturday
Dr. Marshall Hawkins, founder of the Idyllwild Arts Jazz Department, and Dr. Daniel Bassin, Idyllwild Arts director of orchestras, are giving a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Lowman Concert Hall in honor of Black History Month.
The concert features an 18-piece guest jazz orchestra along with jazz and classical music...
Meet Supervisor V. Manuel Perez Feb. 21
Riverside County 4th District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez will be at the Town Hall from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, to meet and talk with Hill residents who are now part of his supervisorial district.
Having spent many summers at Pathfinder Ranch, Perez is familiar with the Hill. Now he would like...
Travis Mason, acting district ranger, on local projects
Travis Mason is the acting district ranger for the San Jacinto Ranger District (SJRD). He began his tour Jan. 3 and is the latest in a series of “acting district rangers” since Julie Hall left for the Inyo National Forest a year ago.
Mason has spent much of his U.S. Forest Service career (more...
Idyllwild Film Festival a month away
The Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (IIFC) returns to town and the Rustic Theatre Tuesday, March 7, and continues for six more days, until the evening of Sunday, March 12. And once again, more than 100 films from a dozen countries will be available for viewing.
The 14th IIFC returns with live film screenings...
New poetry society has first event Saturday
The Idyllwild Poetry Society, a new organization “formed with the purpose of promoting poetry and the literary arts in the Idyllwild community,” will hold its first event this weekend at the new Recht Gallery. The event will include readings by three poets: Annalise Oatmen, Anthony Q Mack and Eszter Takács. The reading will be followed by a...
Forest Service will begin pile burns and eventually broader prescribed burns
According to the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF), Garner Valley is the site of pile burning in the next few weeks.
The San Bernardino National Forest conducting a prescribed burn Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the Mountain Center area.PHOTO BY JOEL FEINGOLD
The wet weather has delayed the planned burns, which...
More cases dismissed, court explains
Last week, the Town Crier reported on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors asking the county executive and its legal staff to develop recommendations to cope with the dramatic dismissal of criminal cases before they could come to trial.
The Riverside County Superior Court issued some comments about the situation last week. District Attorney...
Joshua Tree man sentenced in fatality
A Joshua Tree man was sentenced to two years in prison for a fatality that occurred in 2021 on Highway 243.
On Jan. 31, Nathan Daniel McConnell, 40, pleaded guilty to gross vehicle manslaughter and reckless driving causing serious injury on May 9, 2021.
McConnell was driving northbound on Highway 243,...
Senior visual arts show at Idyllwild Arts
The Idyllwild Arts Academy Visual Arts Department held an opening for the first of the winter semester’s three senior shows last Friday. The theme, “Solitude,” drew varied and surprising responses from the artists. Works expressed the positive and negative aspects of solitude; peace and freedom to dream, but also mortality, vulnerability and disability. Eight seniors were included...
Palm to Pines Golf Association update
Jim CrandallPalms to Pines Golf Association handicap chair
Idyllwild’s Palms to Pines Golf Association played its regular monthly tournament at Menifee Lakes Country Club on the Palms Course Friday, Jan. 20. It was a nice, sunny winter’s day and the course was in pretty good shape.
In the A-flight tourney,...
Steele to play in Phoenix Open
Brendan Steele will tee it up this week in the $20-million Waste Management Phoenix Open on the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course in Scottsdale, Arizona. Through Thunderbirds Charities, this tournament raised more than $10.5 million for local charities last year alone.
The native Idyllwilder has enjoyed considerable success in this event, having played it in...
MDP donates AEDs to ICC
The nonprofit Mountain Disaster Preparedness (MDP) has donated two automated external defibrillator (AED) units to the Idyllwild Community Center (ICC) for placement at Idyllwild Town Hall and Butterfield Amphitheater.
From left, Idyllwild Community Center (ICC) board member Rajiv Panchal, ICC Secretary Terry Shirley, Mountain Disaster Preparedness Medical Director Gigi Kramer and ICC President...
N. Circle speed limit will be enforced with radar
While the speed limit on North Circle Drive has been 25 mph for years, enforcement now will be stronger.
The Riverside County Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed to set radar enforceable speed limits on 13 county roadways, of which N. Circle Dr. is one. The range of speed limits is 25 to 60 mph...
Supervisors want more superior court judges
The judicial system is a critical and vital component of government. Public safety requires more than police simply arresting people accused of a crime — whether criminal or civil. The defendants must either admit the deed or must stand trial. A judge oversees the trial and often sets the penalty if the defendant is found guilty.
Forest Service spending to reduce wildfire threat – Local share uncertain currently
On Jan. 19, Tom Vilsack, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, announced the allocation of nearly half a billion dollars to reduce wildfire risks in and near national forests landscapes in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
“It is no longer a matter of if a wildfire will threaten many western...
Meeting the new Head of School Jason Hallowbard
Idyllwild Arts Academy (IAA) has announced the hiring of new Head of School Jason Hallowbard, presently vice provost for Academic and Artistic Education at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. He will take over from present Head of School Craig Sellers this summer.
Jason Hallowbard, new head of school at Idyllwild Arts.PHOTO...
Some, but not all, new laws for 2023
The last session of the California Legislature ended in September and Gov. Gavin Newsom had the option to sign into law more than 1,160 bills the Legislature had passed.
By Oct. 2, he had signed 997 and vetoed 163. Below is a brief summary of the new laws that Californians will have in 2023.
Christmas day caroling
From left, Marisa Quintanilla Griffeth, Melanie Rose Prince and Rebecca Wiergowski Christmas caroling in town on Christmas day.PHOTO BY JOEL FEINGOLD
Reducing wildfire risk around home should help with fire insurance rates
Wildfire is a risk all Hill homeowners and residents must live with and accept. Living in the San Jacinto Mountains means knowing that there is a chance our home, our valuables, our keepsakes and possessions may be lost to a fire.
Fire insurance is often available, not to protect us from the wildfire threat,...
German tourist murderer recommended for parole
On Wednesday, Dec. 14, a state hearing panel recommended parole for Thongxay Nilakout, the now 46-year-old man convicted of the murder of a German tourist near Idyllwild in 1994. The recommendation must still go to the full Board of Parole Hearings, who have up to 120 days for review. If it approves parole, Gov. Gavin Newsom then...
Idyllwild golfers in regional Tournament of Club Champions
Jim CrandallPPGA Correspondent
Two Idyllwild golfers, Paul Cozens and Chris Kramer, members of the local Palms to Pines Golf Association, rose above the rest throughout the 2021-22 season to become club champions and qualify for the Southern California Golf Association’s (SCGA) Tournament of Club Champions (TCC) this past December.
The SCGA’s...