The “Center of Idyllwild” mural on the side of The Fort facing Highway 243 has been restored to its original beauty under the direction of the Art Alliance of Idyllwild (AAI). According to AAI representatives, the mural had not had any restoration work since it was built in 1992. AAI member and artist Darcy Gerdes, left, presents a check for the completion of work, ahead of schedule, to artist J.R Darwin, second from left. Others present for the occasion are, from left, Gary Kuscher, AAI vice president, Reba Coulter, AAI treasurer, and Jan Bruner, AAI member and artist.

Steve Heller (right) joins Eduardo Santiago at the INK Book Gathering for the Idyllwild Author Series on Sunday afternoon. Heller talked about his writing and teaching life and discussed his book, “Lucky Kellerman,” which he wrote in 1987. He is currently writing a follow-up to that book, called “Return of the Ghost Killer.”