On The Town

Mile High Café reopens after two years
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Mile High Café reopens after two years

The sign went up last week; Alpaca’s is once again the Mile High Café. Monday, Feb. 5 was the first day open under the new (old) name. After a well-earned, two-year break, Mile High founder Nam Park is “happy to come back.” Nam managed the restaurant for 14 years before “retiring” and leaving her son…

Eduardo Santiago returns to Idyllwild with IIFC film
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Eduardo Santiago returns to Idyllwild with IIFC film

One of the films nominated for Best Feature at this year’s Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (IIFC) is “Proof Sheet.” Aside from its artistic merits, (11 nominations), one unique aspect of this film is Eduardo Santiago, who co-wrote the screenplay with Richard Kilroy, is a former Idyllwild resident. He lived here in the 2010s, while…

15th Idyllwild film festival only a month away
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15th Idyllwild film festival only a month away

The Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (IIFC) returns to town at the Rustic Theatre Tuesday, March 5, and continues for five more days, until the evening of Sunday, March 10. And once again, 100 films from more than a dozen countries will be available for viewing. All film screenings will be live and shown at…

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IIFC may see major changes in 2025

The Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (IIFC) began in 2009. And the Town Crier reported, “With the critical linchpin of Rustic Theatre owner Shane Stewart’s cooperation, Idyllwild began preparing for a full-fledged film festival, the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema from Jan. 11 through 16, 2010. ‘The Rustic was key,’ said Festival Director Stephen Savage….

Idyllwild Arts holding Black History jazz concert
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Idyllwild Arts holding Black History jazz concert

In honor of Black History Month, Idyllwild Arts Academy (IAA) is holding its annual Black History jazz concert that is free and open to the public. It is from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, in the Lowman Concert Hall on campus. The event is the brainchild of IAA’s iconic Jazz Program founder Dr….

Longtime Idyllwild native is new recreation director

Longtime Idyllwild native is new recreation director

The Crier met with Idyllwild Community Center (ICC) President Stephanie Yost and ICC’s new Director of Recreation Johnny Wilson at his office next to Town Hall. He has been at his new post since Nov. 15, and spent several weeks shadowing the last director, Bridget Noer. His duties include all of ICC’s recreation portfolio: adult…

Sports
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Sports

Adult Volleyball The competition was hot once again inside Buckhorn Camp’s Peace Center last Tuesday (Jan. 16) as we witnessed Forest Lumber win their second game of the season by defeated the Red Kettle 3 games to 1. It was a well-rounded match and everyone played well. Tuesday’s other match was filled with excitement and…

Bill Sheppard having a release party for new album
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Bill Sheppard having a release party for new album

Local musician Bill Sheppard is enjoying some late-breaking acclaim for work he did more than 50 years ago. Back in the day, his band Stack was prominent in the Southern California area. Stack’s lone 1968 LP “Above All,” re-issued on CD, has been available internationally for 20 years. “They reissue it every time they run…

IFPD honors three retired volunteers

IFPD honors three retired volunteers

The Idyllwild Fire Protection District (IFPD) honored three former local paid call firefighters (PCF) at an appreciation ceremony at the station Thursday evening, Jan. 18, in the IFPD board room. The honorees are three longtime Idyllwild community members and business owners: Capt. Keith Smith (Harold K. Smith Construction Co.), who served for 40 years (1973-2013);…

Sports
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Sports

Adult Volleyball Local volleyball players braved the icy roads and cold temperatures to gather at Buckhorn Camp’s Peace Center where they resumed their 2023-24 season last week. Idyllwild Brewpub got things heated up really quick Tuesday night as they swept Forest Lumber 3-0. Then followed a firestorm by BBI Construction as they toppled the previously…