Idyllwild Town Crier

In a letter dated June 30, the Riverside County Economic Development Agency (EDA) gave notice to Idyllwild Community Recreation Council (ICRC) outgoing Chairman John Simpson of its intention to terminate ICRC’s contract as recreation manager for County Service Agency (CSA) 36. The effective termination date will be July 31. In the letter, CSA Operations Manager Bill Brown told...

The July 4th Parade yesterday was great fun, as always — for most of us who watched — but part of the crowd was miserable. I speak of the dogs who were subjected to the heat, crowd and noise, but had no choice in the matter. As a part-timer with two dogs, I appreciate Idyllwild’s dog-friendly atmosphere, and I enjoy...

I’ve worked on some major developments, both nonprofit and profit. I have a keen sense of this neighborhood — who we are and what most of us want. And, I’ve lived in many beautiful and smartly planned towns, from Mill Valley to Malibu, Portland to Palos Verdes. In each example, the smart towns have one thing in common....

Last week, Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone (3rd District) proposed that Riverside and possibly several other counties split from California to form a new state. The state budget enacted and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown last week was the final straw in Stone’s exasperation with California’s state government, according to Verne Lauritzen, Stone’s chief of staff. “The state Legislature...

Is news so scarce that you need to cover a half of a page with a rambling piece of Glenn Beck boilerplate larded with inaccuracies, half-truths and contradictions? “Liberals have bought into the idea that people are fundamentally bad.” I thought the doctrine of Original Sin was a fundamental tenet of Christianity, something deeply embraced by conservatives. “The government did not...

Happy Birthday wishes to Ernie Maxwell. We’re only in the middle of celebrating Ernie Maxwell week. The county Board of Supervisors has designated the entire week, from Monday, July 4 through July 10 as Ernie Maxwell Week. The Town Crier is very happy and proud that Emax, our founder, is still revered throughout the county. Today, I’m resuming control of the column....

“Only in Idyllwild,” we hear the expression often. The fine shops and galleries, and the outstanding restaurants make Idyllwild a special place. The cordial residents and friendly atmosphere enhance the quality of life in this mountain town. Active community members and merchants make a concerted effort to attract the tourist dollars by organizing and supporting local activities. However, the spirit...