News & Columns

Third Furlough Friday of November Closes Agencies (Update)
Impacts Many State Offices
By Michael P. Neufeld

Today is the third of three Furlough Fridays scheduled for November by order of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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A Taste for Literacy Tomorrow at San Moritz Lodge
Sponsored by the Friends of the Crestline Library
By Michael P. Neufeld

A Taste for Literacy, featuring over 20 mountain restaurants, will be held at the San Moritz Lodge tomorrow, November 21, starting at 5 p.m.
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Limited Suply of H1N1 Flu Vaccine Available at Hospital
Mountains Community Hospital
By Michael P. Neufeld

H1N1 Flu vaccine is available in limited supply at Mountains Community Hospital in Lake Arrowhead. Referrals required from primary care physicians to access the vaccine.
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Film Crews to Close 210 Freeway Tomorrow
Eastbound Freeway to be Completely Closed
By Michael P. Neufeld

Mountain residents planning on taking a trip on the 210 freeway, through Rialto and Fontana, on Saturday need to be aware that Classic Films, Inc. will be shooting a movie on the roadway.
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Help Project Santa Fill Its Bag of Toys
Donations of Gifts Sought for Needy Mountain Residents
By Michael P. Neufeld

Project Santa is hoping mountain residents will help make this coming holiday season the most wonderful time of the year for needy individuals.
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Running Springs Library Celebrates First Anniversary Today
Branch Located at 2677 Whispering Pines Drive
By Michael P. Neufeld

A special first anniversary celebration is planned for the Running Springs Branch Library today, November 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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Turkeys Donated by Supervisor Biane Assist Local Residents
Crestline Food Bank - Family Service Agency Distribution
By Michael P. Neufeld

Thanksgiving is going to be special for 125 families and individuals, thanks to the generosity of Second District Supervisor Paul Biane.
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Blood Donors Have Chance to Win a New Toyota Prius
Blood Drive Sunday at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
By W. Edward Clark

LifeStream will bring the Bloodmobile to the mountain communities to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Arrowhead Sunday, November 22.
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Coats and Gloves Being Collected by Rim Mountain Community Project (Update)
Donation Centers in Various Communities
By Michael P. Neufeld

Gently used or new coats, gloves and mittens are being collected by the Rim Mountain Community Project for distribution to area youngsters this winter season. Drop-off locations can be found in various mountain communities.
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Supervisors Hike Budget for District Attorney Probe (Update)
Sexual Harassment Allegations Subject of Investigation
By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino County Supervisors have added $75,000 to the budget, set aside to investigate sexual harassment charges against District Attorney Michael Ramos.
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Plea Bargain Accepted in Residential Arson Case
Victor Joseph Stassi Slated for December 18 Sentencing
By G.T. Houts

A Crestline man has entered a guilty plea to attempting arson relating to a July 21 incident in the 23000 block of Straight Way in Crestline.
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Kidnap Suspect Arraigned via Video
Billy Lee Hill Arrested by Twin Peaks Deputies
By G.T. Houts

A 23-year-old Crestline man has been arraigned via video from the West Valley Detention Center on kidnapping charges following an incident involving an unidentified female.
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Deerlick Home Center Adds Webcam
By Dave Henderson

RIMOFTHEWORLD.net and the Deerlick Home Center are pleased to announce a new webcam in Arrowbear on Highway 18.
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Unopposed Board Candidates Officially Appointed (Update)
Registrar of Voters Keri Verjil Certifies List
By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino County supervisors have appointed unopposed candidates to several local positions in lieu of election.
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Vacancy on the Fifth Floor - Mark Uffer Fired (Update)
Supervisors Dismiss County Administrative Officer
By Michael P. Neufeld

The office on the fifth floor of the County Government Center once occupied by Mark Uffer is vacant today. The county's top administrator was fired by supervisors on a 3-2 vote.
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Overheated Compressor Evacuates Stater Bros.
Firefighters Ventilate Building to Remove Smoke
By Michael P. Neufeld

Shortly after 9 a.m. today, November 18, the Stater Bros. market in Lake Arrowhead Village was evacuated after a compressor overheated.
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Heli-logging Operation Continues Near Crestline (Photo Update)
Fuel Reduction Project in Miller Canyon Area
By Michael P. Neufeld

For the next 10 days or so, heli-logging operations will continue as part of a fuel reduction project in the Miller Canyon area north of Crestline.
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Santa Needs Helpers for Thanksgiving Feast (Update)
San Moritz Lodge in Crestline on November 26
By Michael P. Neufeld

Additional helpers are needed so Santa can stage Santa's 10th Annual Thanksgiving Day Community Feast at the San Moritz Lodge in Crestline.
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Fifth Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Seeks Volunteers (Update)
Mountain Children's Christmas Fund Benefits
By Michael P. Neufeld

Additional volunteers are sought for the Fifth Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, to be held from noon to 3 p.m., at the Masonic Temple in Twin Peaks on Thursday, November 26.
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CHP Offers Winter Driving Tips
Be Prepared for Winter Conditions
By Michael P. Neufeld

Mountain roadways are subject to rain, sleet, snow, high winds and foggy conditions during the winter months. The California Highway Patrol reminds motorists to always be prepared for winter conditions.
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Library Beam Signing Attracts A Crowd (Photo Update)
Friends of the Crestline Library Event
By Michael P. Neufeld

About 400 residents of the Crestline area added their signatures on Saturday to one of the beams that will support the new 7,641-square-foot Crestline Library.
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Driver of Blue Jay Hit and Run Vehicle Sought by CHP
Red Chevrolet Dually Pick-Up Caught on Tape
By G.T. Houts

The California Highway Patrol is seeking information about the driver of a red Chevrolet 3500 dually pick-up truck involved in a hit and run accident on Wednesday, November 11.
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Bowling for Business: Going My Way?
In advertising and in life, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
By Kathy Bowling

Without strategic planning, measuring and goal-setting, no matter how much you invest in advertising, your efforts will be in vain. Remarkably, time and again, I meet with clients who have no rhyme or reason for the money they spend on advertising. In fact, many actually admit that they know they are throwing away their resources.

Comics: Super Siblings
Scifi Snuggie
By Patrick Scullin

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A Christmas Carol Now On Stage
CATS Presentation at Performing Arts Center
By Michael P. Neufeld

The Community Arts Theater Society of Big Bear Valley (CATS) is presenting an all new stage adaptation of A Christmas Carol at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center.
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Elderly Residents become Targets of Fraudulent Phone Calls
Public Health Department Does Not Solicit Personal Information
By Michael P. Neufeld

Some elderly residents in the San Bernardino Mountains have been receiving fraudulent phone calls from individuals stating they were representing the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health.
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Veterans Diploma Project Seeks Applicants
High School Diplomas to be Awarded
By Michael P. Neufeld

The Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project is seeking more applicants for a second graduation class in 2010.
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Natural Gas Leak Impacts Local Businesses
Gas Company Repairs Ruptured Line
By Michael P. Neufeld

A utility company crew ruptured a gas line on Fire Hall Loop in Twin Peaks about 10:15 a.m. Thursday while replacing a power pole. The incident caused several businesses along Highway 189 to vacate their premises while The Gas Company made emergency repairs.
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Mexican Drug Traffickers Grow Record Marijuana Crops
Agents Seize 4.5 Million Plants in 41 Counties
By G.T. Houts

State and local officials seized roughly 4.5 million marijuana plants during the just completed growing season with a wholesale value of $17.8 billion, according to records just released by the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP).
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Sugarloaf Woman Arraigned on Child Endangerment Charges (Update)
Deputies Find Three Unattended Juveniles in Locked Residence
By G.T. Houts

A 24-year-old Sugarloaf woman has been arraigned on three felony counts of child endangerment with bail set at $100,000.
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Old Fire Suspect Arraigned
By G.T. Houts

Just hours after being transferred from Salinas Valley State Prison, Old Fire suspect Rickie Lee Fowler, 28, has been arraigned on seven felony counts in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
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Highway 18 Reopens at Big Bear Dam (Update)
Roadway Cleared of Large Rock Fall Triggered by Blasting
By Michael P. Neufeld

Caltrans has reopened Highway 18, at the Big Bear Dam, following a blasting incident that deposited rock fall on the roadway.
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Blue Jay Crosswalk Enforcement Results in 15 Citations
Drivers must Yield Right-of-Way to Pedestrians
By Michael P. Neufeld

Fifteen citations were issued in Blue Jay this week by the California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for failure to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
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School District Maintenance Yard Burglarized
Investigation Continues Following Break-In
By G.T. Houts

San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a break-in at the Rim of the World Unified School District's Transportation and Maintenance facility.
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Rim Weather
By News Team

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Lake Williams Area Fire Destroys Home (Update 2)
No Injuries Reported
By Michael P. Neufeld

A single-family home burned in the Lake Williams area and was destroyed on Saturday, November 7.
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Comics: Super Siblings
By Patrick Scullin

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Bowling for Business: Logo Motion
How to brand your brand.
By Kathy Bowling

When it comes to people and business, for better or worse, branding happens. And it doesn't take much to get people to react to an organization's emblem. Take the controversial 2012 Olympic logo.
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Newcomer and Incumbents Elected to Water Board (Update 2)
Running Springs Mail Ballot Elections Easily Approved
By Michael P. Neufeld

Two incumbents and a newcomer have apparently been elected to the Running Springs Water District Board of Directors according to semi-official results.
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Tow Sweep Nets 34 Vehicles in Fawnskin Area
Problem Oriented Policing Activity Conducted
By Michael P. Neufeld

Deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff's Station, along with officials from San Bernardino County Code Enforcement, towed 34 vehicles, boats and trailers during the most recent Problem Oriented Policing Sweep.
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Jail Immigrant Identification Program Extended
Supervisors Tack on Three Years to ICE Screening Program
By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino County will continue to partner with the federal immigration authorities to identify illegal immigrants booked into County jails on criminal charges, so they can be deported to their home countries after serving their sentences.
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Supervisors ask Caltrans to Open Dialogue on Traffic Signal
Biane and Derry Urge Public Input into Highway 18 Light
By Michael P. Neufeld

Two San Bernardino County supervisors are urging Caltrans to seek public input before starting construction of a traffic signal on Highway 18 at Lake Gregory Drive.
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ALA Authorizes Renovation of Willow Creek Bridge
Trinity Construction of Rimforest Wins Bid
By Michael P. Neufeld

The Arrowhead Lake Association has just awarded a contract to Trinity Construction of Rimforest to renovate the Willow Creek Bridge near the Tavern Bay Beach Club in Lake Arrowhead.
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Traffic Accident Near Rim High
By News Staff Member

As many as eight injuries were reported in a five-car collision near Rim High School on Highway 18.
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San Bernardino National Forest Releases Motor Vehicle Use Map
New Map Available Free of Charge
By Michael P. Neufeld

The implementation of the new Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), in compliance with the U.S. Forest Service Travel Management Rule, has been announced by San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans.
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Supervisors Approve Tourism Promotion Funding
Transient Occupany Tax Funds to Chamber of Commerce
By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino County Supervisors have allocated $260,000 to local Chambers of Commerce to promote tourism and recreation, utilizing Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funds.
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BUSINESS: Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Tracks a New Owner
Warren Buffett Buys Second Largest Railroad in US
By Michael P. Neufeld

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) trains that make their way through the Cajon Pass are on track for new ownership.
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The Long Road to the Demolition of Camp Sophia
Contractor Wm. Kanayan Cuts Roadway Into Campground
By Michael P. Neufeld

The long road to demolishing the buildings at St. Sophia Camp is a step closer today after the contractor cut a roadway into the property.
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Mountains Community Hospital Out of Flu Vaccine (Update)
Watch RIMOFTHEWORLD.net For Next Offering
By Michael P. Neufeld

Mountains Community Hospital reports it was so overwhelmed by people wanting seasonal flu shots that they have run out of vaccine.
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Carbonell Sentenced for Killing Co-worker with Machete
Palmdale Man Gets 26 Years to Life
By G.T. Houts

Orlando Carbonell, 46, will serve 26 years to life after being found guilty a second time for killing his co-worker with a machete and leaving his body at Silverwood Lake.
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Guardrail Project on Highway 18 Continues Today (Photo Update)
Motorists Can Expect Slight Delays in the Cone Zone
By Michael P. Neufeld

The installation of guardrails at 11 different locations along Highway 18 continues this week. Slight delays are possible in the Cone Zone.
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Building and Safety Offices Observe Reduced Operating Hours
County Cost-cutting Effort Impacts Big Bear and Twin Peaks Facilities
By Michael P. Neufeld

Twin Peaks and Big Bear Building and Safety offices are now observing reduced operating hours as part of San Bernardino County's efforts to reduce costs.
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Ryan Hall Takes Fourth in New York Marathon
Second Place in USA Race
By Michael P. Neufeld

Ryan Hall finished fourth in the ING New York Marathon behind his training partner Meb Keflezighi who finished first.
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Additional Beneficial Carotenoids Found in California Avocados (Guacamole Recipe)
UCLA Research Advises Consumers to Nick and Peel Avocados
By Michael P. Neufeld

For years, San Bernardino Mountain residents were told to avoid the avocado because of its high caloric and fat content. But new research by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) researchers suggest consumers take a second look at avocados.
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Caltrans Projects to Utilize Recovery Act Funds
Allocations by the California Recovery Task Force
By Michael P. Neufeld

A Highway 330 project is among those funded by the California Recovery Task Force during a recent round of transportation funding.
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Pedestrian Killed While Walking on Freeway (Update)
Mira Loma Man Dies Near Devore
By Michael P. Neufeld

The San Bernardino County Coroner has released the name of the pedestrian killed while walking on the I-215 freeway Sunday morning — Robin John Morgon, 47, from Mira Loma.
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Hiker Rescued by Helicopter Near Cliffhanger Restaurant (Update 3)
Identified at 51-year-old Riverside Resident
By News Team

A San Bernardino Sheriff's Department helicopter rescued a slightly injured hiker Monday morning in a remote location below the old Cliffhanger Restaurant. He was identified as 51-year-old Allen Smith from Riverside.
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Bowling for Business: Target Practice
When it comes to advertising, you can't catch sharks in a fresh water lake.
By Kathy Bowling

This is a point I often make with Mountain Marketing Group clients. No matter how professional your logo, slick your brochure or dynamic your website, your advertising efforts will fail if they fail to reach the right target.
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Recruitment Underway for Paid Call Firefighters
Crest Forest Fire Protection District Seeks Applicants
By Michael P. Neufeld

Paid Call firefighters are being recruited by the Crest Forest Fire Protection District.
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County Approves Business Expansion Assistance Plan
Low-Interest Bonds to be Made Available in Recovery Zone
By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino County businesses wanting to expand, and public agencies planning major infrastructure improvements could save hundreds of thousands of dollars by tapping into more than $115 million in low-interest bonds authorized by the Board of Supervisors.
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President Obama Consoles Lake Arrowhead Family
DEA Agent Michael Weston Killed in Afghanistan
By Michael P. Neufeld

President Barack Obama was on hand this week at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to salute the 18 Americans who died in Afghanistan including — Michael E. Weston — the son of a Lake Arrowhead couple.
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Hit-And-Run Family Spokesperson Pleads for Help (Update)
Suman Rana Urges Witnesses to Come Forward
By Michael P. Neufeld

The family of 5-year-old Kushan Bhandari seeks closure as authorities try to identify the driver of a SUV that struck and killed the young boy on July 30. An enhanced video of the suspect vehicle has been released.
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Mad Science Night Offered Scientific Fun
Sponsored by Rim of the World High School Science Club
By Michael P. Neufeld

Students and their families were invited to explore science, in fun and educational ways, when the Rim High School Science Club presented Mad Science Night 3, October 29.
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H1N1 Flu Vaccine In Short Supply
County Awaits Additional Shipments
By Michael P. Neufeld

There continues to be a limited supply of H1N1 influenza vaccine in San Bernardino County, due to a delay in the national production and distribution process.
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Cause of Lower Fire Under Investigation (Update 2)
Wind-Swept Blaze Blackens Five Acres
By News Team

A suspicious fire blackened five acres just off Highway 18 at Lower Waterman Canyon Road before firefighters could knock down the wind-swept blaze.
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Perspective: Insurance Reality
By Richard Kuritz

Just before last Christmas, a valve failed, sending 35,604 gallons of water through a nearby house.
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Single-Vehicle Traffic Accident Claims Passenger
Big Bear City Woman Dies From Injuries
By Michael P. Neufeld

A 74-year-old passenger riding in a 1999 Ford Explorer — Barbara Lowe from Big Bear City — died from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 38.
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Motorcyclist Severely Injured in Big Bear Accident
Patient Flown to Loma Linda University Medical Center
By G.T. Houts

The Sheriff's Department's Major Accident Investigation Team is reviewing the events that led to severe injuries to a Big Bear City motorcyclist — James Dunigan, 25.
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Horror Film Festival Awards Announced (Update)
Films Submitted from Around the World
By Michael P. Neufeld

The Big Bear Horror Film Festival has announced the winners of several prestigious awards at the annual event held earlier this month.
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Weather: High Wind Warning and Fire Weather Watch (Update)
National Weather Service in San Diego
By News Team

The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a Fire Weather Watch in addition to the High Wind Warning.
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A Week That Changed Our Mountain
Remembering the Old Fire
By Dave Henderson

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Strong Winds and Cold Front Moving In
National Weather Service
By News Staff Member

A strong windstorm and cold front will move down the west coast tonight and Tuesday. Westerly winds ahead of the cold front will increase significantly during the day Tuesday.
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Signature Certification Starts in Recall of Assemblyman Adams (Update)
Registrar of Voters Offices in Two Counties Involved in Process
By Michael P. Neufeld

The next step in an attempt to recall Assemblyman Anthony Adams (R-Hesperia) has moved the effort closer to the ballot.
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Bowling for Business: I Saw it First on Facebook
7 Ways to put Facebook to Work for Your Business
By Kathy Bowling

If your business is not on Facebook, it should be. Your customers (and your competitors) are already there.
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H1N1 Influenza A Flu Death Toll Reaches 17 (Update)
Six New Fatalities Reported
By Michael P. Neufeld

There have now been 17 deaths related to the H1N1 flu virus reported by San Bernardino County health officials.
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Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treaters
Be Prepared for Witches and Goblins
By Michael P. Neufeld

As the mountain communities prepare for Halloween witches and goblins, local authorities offer safety tips for a safe celebration.
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Fire Restrictions Reduced in San Bernardino National Forest
Changes Effective Today
By Michael P. Neufeld

Smokey Bear reminds all of us to help prevent wildfires. But, Smokey does have a bit a good news for mountain residents. Fire restrictions are being reduced in the San Bernardino National Forest.
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Lake Arrowhead Pharmacist Arrested on Drug Charges
Ongoing Drug Trafficking Investigation
By G.T. Houts

The owner of a Lake Arrowhead pharmacy has been arrested as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
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Indictment Names Fowler As Old Fire Suspect (Update)
Sevens Counts Alleged in 10-Page Grand Jury Report
By Michael P. Neufeld

"This has been a long arduous process," San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos stated as he announced Old Fire suspect Rickie Lee Fowler, 28, had been indicted by a special criminal grand jury.
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