Idyllwild Town Crier

I moved to Idyllwild on July 9 and was privileged to sit in on the County Service Area 36 meetings July 14 and 27, at which recreation was discussed. Locals say they brought out “the best and worst of Idyllwild,” but they were a learning laboratory for me. Since Idyllwild seems to be home to both appetizing restaurants and...

After reading the letters to the editor and coverage of the recent events in Idyllwild, I had to wonder to myself what had happened to the town I have known and loved for over 30 years. The town I know is a town where we can disagree about politics, religion, the fire department, water district or one of many other...

Idyllwild Fire Protection District (IFPD) underfunding, added to fees for CAL FIRE protection areas, Brown’s chopping the “Super Tanker” — all these mean something for Idyllwilders. Up here, fire is everything and sometimes the only thing. Why do I say that? Not because we worry about flames consuming our houses — we do — but that is the disaster after...

I am hesitant to even write this letter, with the affection both my husband (since his Boy Scout days!) and I have had for Idyllwild. It was quite apparent at last week’s County Service Area 36 special meeting that the discontent and feeling of loss about employment and control came close to being raucous and uncivil. How can this “village”...

As I sit here playing my dobro, anxiously awaiting the opening of the new park where I can play chess under the pines and sit on a bench and chew the fat with my old friends, it occurred to me that a great deal of silliness has gone on in our community since I last wrote a letter to...

First off, I would like to state that in over 30 years on the Hill, I have been hesitant to respond to delusional letters to the editor. I feel compelled at this time to speak up in response to Norm Cassen’s letter in which he makes disparaging remarks about John Simpson. In all of my interactions with John, I...

In published in the July 28 issue of the Town Crier, Norm Cassen wrote that John Simpson, former president of the Idyllwild Community Recreation Council (ICRC), was guilty of a conflict of interest over the possible building of the new community center because stood to gain financially by having a gym and a heated swimming pool near...

Last week, you published a letter to the editor that included one man’s opinion that John Simpson of the Rainbow Inn was driven by a profit motive for his work on the Idyllwild Community Recreation Council (ICRC). All who know Mr. Simpson and the Rainbow Inn are aware that they have made immeasurable contributions of time and funds to...

In 1969, Jack Garner sold land in Garner Valley to a development company. Not wasting any time, like Idyllwild Community Recreation Council (ICRC), they cut down all the heirloom trees and sold them for lumber. They submitted the plans for zoning change to the Riverside Planning Commission. They knew that few Garner Valley residents would resist. The plans were...

Perhaps I should be less critical of specific town residents given their filthy mouths? Hmm. Bill Brown and Jeff Stone took control of a failing recreation program, it’s that simple. ICRC refused and refuses to purchase liability insurance while transporting children, and refused to provide liability and property insurance when repeatedly told to do so. Talk about a breach of...