Rick Barker, much-loved Idyllwild author and community volunteer, served on the Idyllwild Community Center board and was an advocate for the Idyllwild Dog Park, now under ICC management. Preston Sparks, local actor, craftsman and community volunteer, recently installed a memorial bench he created to honor Barker, who died this year on Jan. 20. Sparks said…

When Chris and Melody Johnston thought to open a gallery and tasting room in Idyllwild, they thought the official permitting processes might take several months. They envisioned a gathering spot where patrons could relax, taste Middle Ridge wines, experience art from Idyllwild’s own and purchase wines to take home. Fifty-one weeks later, they received final…

The Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema wrapped year seven with a sold-out Awards Ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 10. “The Boatman,” a film about a coyote ferrying immigrants from Mexico to the U.S., took top honors: Best Feature; Best Director, Feature, Greg Morgan; Best Actor, Feature, Oscar Torre; and Best Screenplay, Feature, Greg Morgan. “Art Bastard,”…