News & Columns

TV Auction Offers a Chance to Watch the Stars Come Out (Update 2)
Mountain Sunrise Rotary Event is Today
By Michael P. Neufeld

Today's 19th Annual Mountain Sunrise Rotary TV Auction is offering bidders a chance to watch the stars come out at the 2010 Lake Arrowhead Film Festival.
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Thanksgiving Trimmings Needed by Crestline Food Bank
Food Drive Today at Goodwins Market
By Michael P. Neufeld

Members of the Family Service Agency (FSA) of San Bernardino's Crestline Food Bank will be in front of Goodwin's Market of Quality today, November 7, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to collect items for Thanksgiving food baskets.
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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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Spaghetti Dinner Benefit Tomorrow for RIM for Wrestlers
Team Prepares for 2009-10 Season
By Michael P. Neufeld

The Rim High Boosters Club is cooking up a big spaghetti dinner tomorrow, November 8, to benefit the Wrestling squad as they prepare for the 2009-10 season.
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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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Caltrans Pavement Rehabilitation Project Starts Monday
Higway 18 Between Running Springs and Lakeview Point
By Michael P. Neufeld

Caltrans is scheduled to begin a 30-day pavement rehabilitation project between the junction of Highway 18 and Highway 330 and Lakeview Point (near Snow Valley Resort) at 8 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
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The Narrows to be Closed Monday for Winter Maintenance
Highway 18 between Lake Gregory Drive and Highway 138
By Michael P. Neufeld

The three-mile stretch of Highway 18 known as "The Narrows" will be closed to through traffic Monday, November 9, due to Caltrans winter maintenance.
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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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H1N1 Flu Myths and Reality - Topic of Free Seminar
Incorrect Information Can Be Hazardous to Your Health
By Michael P. Neufeld

The myths and realities of this year's flu season will be the topic of an informative seminar on Friday, November 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the Mountains Community Hospital Conference Room featuring Dr. r. John I-Young Pi.
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Sugarloaf Woman Faces Child Endangerment Charge
Deputies Find Three Unattended Juveniles in Locked Residence
By G.T. Houts

A report of unsupervised juveniles screaming inside a residence in the 100 block of San Bernardino Avenue in Sugarloaf brought a response from deputies at the Big Bear Sheriff's Station. Eventually the call led to the arrest of a 24-year-old woman on child endangerment charges.
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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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Camp Cedar Falls Murder Suspect Held On Million Dollar Bail (Update 4)
Enters Plea of Not Guilty to All Charges
By G.T. Houts

The 30-year-old man accused of shooting and killing a 60-year-old maid at Camp Cedar Falls in the Angelus Oaks area is being held on $1 million bail.
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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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Fawnskin Designated A Firewise USA Community
Presentation From CALFIRE Set for November 9
By Michael P. Neufeld

CALFIRE will be on hand Monday, November 9, at the meeting of the North Shore Improvement Association to present a 2009 Firewise USA Community Award.
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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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Names of County Firefighters Added to Memorial (Update)
Vance Roland Tomaselli, Edward Wise Keen and Vance Caswell
By Michael P. Neufeld

The names of three San Bernardino County firefighters — Vance Roland Tomaselli, Vance Caswell and Edward Wise Keen — have been added to the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento.
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Pete Gwaltney Named Airport General Manger
Big Bear Airport District Hires Colorado Aviator
By Michael P. Neufeld

A Colorado aviator — James "Pete" Gwaltney has been hired as general manager of the Big Bear Airport. Gwaltney's first day on the job will be Monday, November 2.
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Station Fire Murder Investigation Continues
Fire Officially Declared Contained
By Michael P. Neufeld

Homicide detectives continue to follow-up on leads relating to the arsonist that started the Station Fire that claimed the lives of two firefighters.
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Bowling for Business: Click it Good
How to use pay per click, banner ads and email marketing to sell widgets
By Kathy Bowling

Whatever their reasons for associating my writing with an intense desire to lose weight, promoters advertise on websites, search engines and blogs because they know that, despite all of the buzz about free advertising with social networking, in the final analysis, it still makes sense to ante up for business leads.

Americorps Applicants Hit the Trail
Recruited by San Bernardino National Forest Association
By Michael P. Neufeld

The overwhelming number of applicants for the new Americorps program, offered by the San Bernardino National Forest Association, forced organizers to drastically change the orientation and application process.
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County Improves Property Assessment Appeals Process
Rights and Options of Taxpayers Explained In Detail
By Michael P. Neufeld

Several new tools are at the disposal of mountain residents when filing appeals of property tax assessments.
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Adoption of Wild Burros to Follow Round-Up
Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service Proposal
By Michael P. Neufeld

A round-up of wild burros in Big Bear Valley is being planned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Each of the burros will be available for adoption.
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Judge Dismisses Extortion Charge (Update 13)
Three Trials of Former Deputy Ended in Mistrials
By G.T. Houts

Judge Duke Rouse has dismissed the extortion count against former San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy John Thomas Laurent, 31.
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Competency Hearing of Former Most Wanted Suspect Postponed
Criminal Proceedings Suspended Against Thomas Joseph Murphy
By G.T. Houts

A mental competency hearing to confirm the filing by the medical commission Thomas Joseph Murphy, 41, has been delayed until Friday, October 30.
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Supervisors Grant Santa Fee Waiver for Thanksgiving Feast
November 26 at San Moritz Lodge in Crestline
By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino County Supervisors have waived the reservation fee and use fee at San Moritz Lodge so volunteers can stage Santa's 10th Annual Thanksgiving Day Community Feast.
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Fifth Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Set for Masonic Temple
Mountain Children's Christmas Fund Benefits
By Michael P. Neufeld

The menu is set—roasted turkey, homemade stuffing, fresh cooked mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, fruit salad and pumpkin pie—for the Fifth Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, to be held from noon to 3 p.m., at the Masonic Temple in Twin Peaks Thursday, November 26.
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Free Clean Energy Job Training for Local Residents
San Bernardino Community College Receives State Grant
By Michael P. Neufeld

Over $800,000 in funding granted to San Bernardino Community College District's (SBCCD) Economic Development & Corporate Training Division will provide free job training to over 200 local residents.
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Legislature Restores Funds for Domestic Violence Programs
Sent to Governor Schwarzenegger for His Signature
By Michael P. Neufeld

If Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs SB 13xxx approved by the legislature meeting in special session, it will bring good news to DOVES and other domestic violence programs.
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Five Bills Authored by Assemblyman Paul Cook Now Law
PART TWO: New Legislation Approved
By Michael P. Neufeld

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed five bills authored by Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) including his prohibition of sex offenders operating ice cream trucks.
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Perspective: THE SEVEN COSTLY DISEASES OF RENOVATION
By Richard Kuritz

Despite of, and perhaps because of the crummy economy, many homeowners will be renovating their homes. To their success, and that of their contractors, I offer this treatise.
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Desmond Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty (Update)
Next Court Appearance October 22
By Michael P. Neufeld

Tony Lopez Perez, 35, from Redondo Beach has entered a not guilty plea in the alleged murder of Cori Daye Desmond.
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Governor Signs Mia's Law by Assemblyman Anthony Adams
PART ONE: New Legislation Approved
By Michael P. Neufeld

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed Mia's Law, introduced by Assemblyman Anthony Adams, that relates to child safety requirements for small day care centers.
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Governor Signs Hundreds of Pieces of Legislation
Bills Create Harvey Milk Day and Blueberry Commision
By Michael P. Neufeld

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed hundreds of pieces of legislation ranging from the creation of Harvey Milk Day and the Blueberry Commission to recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states.
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Non-profit Groups to Purchase Turkeys for Needy Residents
Funds Obtained by County Supervisor Paul Biane
By Michael P. Neufeld

Second District Supervisor Paul Biane's request for $5,000 to purchase turkeys for non-profit groups that will provide free meals to needy residents on Thanksgiving has been approved.
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Bowling for Business: Lurk Alive
How to go from passive lurker to active online contributor
By Kathy Bowling

Since so few people on the Internet create original content, consider the opportunity to shape the business or non-profit landscape if you have the courage to get off the bench. If you're game, here are some simple steps to take you from lurker/spectator to industry thought-leader.
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Full Control of Sheep Fire Declared
Demobilization of Personnel and Equipment Underway
By Michael P. Neufeld

The residents of Wrightwood and the Lytle Creek areas probably didn't pay too much attention to the announcement that the Sheep Fire was fully contained.
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Deer Lodge Cabin Destroyed (Update)
Forty Firefighters Dose Blaze
By News Team

A two-story cabin along a dirt road in Deer Lodge Park has been destroyed by fire. The fire was contained by 40 firefighters from various agencies.
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Arrest Made in Death of Cori Daye Desmond
Tony Lopez Perez Held Without Bail
By Michael P. Neufeld

A 35-year-old man, Tony Lopez Perez, has been booked on suspicion of killing Cori Daye Desmond and dumping her body near Highway 330 in Running Springs last February 16.
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Purchasing Firewood: Let the Buyer Beware!
County Weights and Mesaures Protects Consumers
By Michael P. Neufeld

The chilly weather the past few days has increased demand for firewood, as consumers try to reduce their heating costs, and San Bernardino County doesn't want customers to get burned when they're buying firewood.
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Shake Roof Contributes to Damage of Big Bear Lake Home
City and County Ordinances Require Replacement of Wood Roofs
By Michael P. Neufeld

A shake roof contributed to the spread of a residential structure fire this week in the 42600 block of Cougar Road in Big Bear Lake.
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All Aboard for Train to Big Bear
Feasibility Study Funding On Track
By Michael P. Neufeld

Funding for a feasibility study related to a possible rail line to Big Bear from Los Angeles is on track, following action by the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG).
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High Tech Device Spots 59 Stolen Cars
Automated License Plate Readers Used in San Bernardino
By G.T. Houts

Four camera equipped police cars in San Bernardino are being used to spot stolen vehicles and the high tech device being utilized has identified 59 such vehicles.
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Sheep Firefighters Targeted For Supplies
SOCK IT TO THE FIRE FIGHTERS!
By Peg H

So, it all started out on Monday of this week. I was having an IM (instant messaging) discussion late in the evening with a cohort in crime, known to the RIMOFTHEW0RLD.net (ROTW) world as Flytylady (aka Fly) who gave me the old elbow in the ribs about doing something for our Fire Fighters who are working on the Sheep Fire.

Sheep Fire Incident Command Post Visited by RIMOFTHEWORLD.net
Glen Helen Park Hosts the Busy Firefighters
By Peg H

RIMOFTHEWORLD.net has a unique opportunity to say thank you to our heroic Sheep Fire firefighters.
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Road Closures in Place in Sheep Fire Area
Front Country Ranger District Closures
By Michael P. Neufeld

Due to fire activity, and to protect public health and safety, effective immediately, Forest officials are implementing fire area and forest access road closures in the Sheep Fire area on the Front Country Ranger District.
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DUI Suspect Faces Murder Charges
Pre-Preliminary Hearing Today in Superior Court
By G.T. Houts

A pre-preliminary hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. today, October 8, in San Bernardino County Superior Court for the driver of a 1995 Saturn that was involved in a double fatality accident in February 2008.
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US-Egypt Cyber 'Phishing' Ring Involves County Residents
FBI Announces Arrests in Operation Phish Phry
By G.T. Houts

Several San Bernardino County and Inland Empire residents have been arrested in what the FBI is calling the largest number of defendants ever charged in a cyber crime case.
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