A two-story home in Running Springs was destroyed by fire Wednesday morning. (Photo by Kelly Pajak)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Running Springs, CA – Firefighters responding to a house fire in the 2400 block of Springs Drive in Running Springs were advised power lines were down and that the home contained live ammunition. Dispatched units arrived shortly after 9:15 a.m. May 22 and discovered the two-story residence had flames coming from the roof.

(Photo by Kelly Pajak)

Running Springs Fire reported the fire was knocked down at 10:09 a.m. Utility companies, according to scanner reports, were requested to respond to the downed power lines and to deal with a gas meter that had been burnt over.

An investigator was requested to the scene, according to additional scanner reports. A host of fire agencies responded to the fire, including U.S. Forest Service, CalFire and San Bernardino County Fire.

Scanner information also included a report a 12-year-old patient was being transported. The injuries to the patient were not disclosed.

(Photo by Kelly Pajak)

  (376)

A contract has been agreed upon by the Crest Forest Fire Protection District, with San Bernardino County Fire, to provide fire suppression and emergency medical services. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Crestline, CA – After several delays to iron out details, directors of the Crest Forest Fire Protection District have voted 4-1 to sign an All-Risk Community Emergency Response contract with San Bernardino County Fire. Director Ken Nelsen cast the lone dissenting vote. Pending approval by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, the contract is expected to become effective Saturday, July 13.

The contract calls for County Fire to provide fire management services, fire protection, emergency medical, and other rescue services, fire prevention services, forest fire fuels reduction and related community disaster preparedness and other related services.

REACTION TO APPROVAL

Following the vote, members of Crest Forest Fire Professional Firefighter’s IAFF Local 4105 applauded and the handful of local residents in the audience were given an opportunity to speak. None took advantage of the invitation but each member of the board did comment on their action.

PUNCH RINGHOFER: “This has been a long hard road. We have done the best we could under the circumstances.”

CHUCK GIBBS: “This is the only option we had. I think it’s in the best interest of Crest Forest Fire.”

ROBERT GOSS: “A lot of dedication by everybody to get to this point.”

KEN NELSEN: “I hope it works. We need to get the community involved to make it work. I don’t believe it’s better for the community.”

LESLIE DODGE-TAYLOR: “This is a new day. I’d like to see it work. None of us took the decision lightly. My prayer is to go forward together to make it work.”

NEXT STEPS

On May 15, LAFCO received the proposed contract and it was reviewed by commissioners.

“The Commission determined that the contract was exempt, so the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and the Crest Forest Fire Protection District can proceed to complete the process and sign the agreements,” LAFCO Executive Officer Kathleen Rollings-McDonald told ROTWNEWS in an E-mail. The exemption had been requested by San Bernardino County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig.

Even with Crest Forest Fire’s directors approving the contract, it must also be approved by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors before it can become effective.

“We’ll get it on the agenda for approval as soon as possible,” San Bernardino County Fire’s Mountain Division Chief Jim Johnstone told ROTWNEWS. “We don’t anticipate any problems.”

RELATED  AGENDA ITEM

Directors unanimously approved the transitional amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Crest Forest Fire Professional Firefighter’s IAFF Local 4105.

  (92)

Most Wanted fugitive  Daniel Ryan Johnson, 31, from Crestline is now in custody at the Adelanto Detention Center.  (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – Wednesday, May 22 – 12:16 p.m.

Twin Peaks, CA – Most Wanted fugitive — Daniel Ryan Johnson, 31 — is now in custody at the Adelanto Detention Center where he is being held without bail.

Additional details will be announced shortly.

ORIGINAL STORY

Twin Peaks, CA – Daniel Ryan Johnson, 31, is the mountain’s newest Most Wanted fugitive. The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station wants the Crestline resident for a no-bail probation violation warrant issued March 1.

MOST WANTED Daniel Ryan Johnson

Detective Scott Thies indicates in  a media release that Johnson is currently on supervised probation for being in possession of stolen property, as a result of Assembly Bill 109 (Public Safety Realignment).

In November 2011, Judge Michael Dest sentenced Johnson to one year and four months in state prison for receiving stolen property and being in possession of a controlled substance.

Johnson also entered a guilty plea to the burglary of the Mountain Communities Recycling Center in Crestline in July 2012 and was sentenced to 16 months in county jail and charged a court assessment fee of $70.

As part of Governor Jerry Brown’s Prison Realignment Plan — under Proposition 109 — offenders with non-violent, non-sexual and non-serious convictions will serve reduced sentences in county jails and place some offenders on supervision through San Bernardino County Probation, as the state complies with a U. S. Supreme Court decision requiring a reduction in California’s prison population by 30,000 inmates.

NOTIFY AUTHORITIES

Individuals with information related to Johnson’s whereabouts are encouraged to call the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600. Anonymous callers should dial the We-TIP hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (800-782-7463).

  (883)

Supervisor Janice Rutherford is looking for two registered voters in the Crestline communities to serve on the Crest Forest Municipal Advisory Council (MAC). (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Crestline, CA – The resignations of Derek Leistra and Bob Yeomans have left the Crest Forest Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) with two openings.

Bob Yeomans and Derek Leistra have resigned from the Crest Forest MAC. (Photo by Michael P, Neufeld)

Leistra, owner of LakeView Realty, notified Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford,, in a letter dated May 17, that he would be moving off the hill and will no longer be a resident of Crestline.

“I will still be doing business in Crestline as LakeView Realty,” Leistra told ROTWNEWS, “but to serve on the MAC you must reside in the Crestline communities. I was willing to continue my service but unfortunately, I would no longer qualify.” Leistra is president of the Rim O’ the World Association of Realtors.

Yeomans, owner of Constructio0n Investment Group, Inc., a general construction and property maintenance firm, indicated to Supervisor Rutherford that an illness in his family was the reason for his resignation. Yeomans is a former president of the Crestline-Lake Gregory Chamber of Commerce.

“I just won’t have time to continue serving,” Yeomans told ROTWNEWS.

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED

Supervisor Rutherford is now accepting applications from residents interested in serving their community on the MAC.

Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford (File Photo)

“The Crest Forest MAC,” Rutherford stated in a media advisory, “provides a great forum where residents can learn about and discuss issues that are important to them and their neighbors. Council-members need to be attentive listeners, who are interested in supporting and enhancing their community.”

Call (909) 387-4833 for an application or visit SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY CLERK OF THE BOARD and click on “Boards, Commissions, Committees and Applications” under the “forms” tab to apply.

CREST FOREST MAC

The Crest Forest Municipal Advisory Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Crestline Sanitation District Headquarters located at 24516 Lake Drive in Crestline.

MAC members must be registered voters who are full-time residents of the community. They serve four-year terms and do not receive compensation for their service. (111)

Ken and Nancy Camarella will be in front of the stage lights on June 1, when they are honored at the 29th Annual Arrowhead Arts Association’s Gala. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Lake Arrowhead, CA -Ken and Nancy Camarella are used to being behind stage, volunteering for the Arrowhead Arts Association. So when the stage lights come up on June 1, at the organization’s 29th Annual Gala, the spotlight will focus on the long standing members of the Arrowhead Arts Association. The event — starting at 6 p.m. at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa — will include dinner, silent auction, and entertainment by the popular Ronnie Jayne Music and Entertainment, Ken’s sister-in-law.

Ronnie Jayne is a one-gal band (singer/pianist/entertainer) with a memorized repertoire of over 3,500 songs — from jazz and 50′s to 90′s to rock/pop to current adult contemporary favorites.

THE CAMARELLAS

Nancy and Ken Camarella (Contributed Photo)

The Camarellas have been very active and supportive of the Arrowhead Arts Association for over fifteen years.

Ken, a former music teacher, is currently a member of the AAA Board of Directors and has served as President and Treasurer. Nancy is an active member or the AAA Auxiliary.

Together, the Camarellas have chaired many Arrowhead Arts events and each year they organize the Fall Classical Music Festival, bringing Philharmonic Orchestra performances to the mountain communities.

ARROWHEAD ARTS ASSOCIATION

Arrowhead Arts Association — founded in 1985 — funds programs that bring the “magic of music to the mountains.”

Under AAA’s Youth Enrichment Programs, the Arrowhead Arts Association developed and funded the Early Childhood Music Program for all Rim of the World Unified School District elementary students, from Kindergarten through third grade, Introduction to the Orchestra for all third grade students, and Performances in the Schools (assemblies by professional musicians and educators). The AAA sponsored Strings Program provides instruction for fourth and fifth grade students, as well as after school enrichment programs for middle and high school students. The Association also supports private music lessons, instrument rental, college scholarships for music and dance students and scholarships to the renowned Arrowbear Summer Music Camp.

In addition, AAA sponsors several concerts for all generations each year, including symphonies, choirs, and the very popular Summer Music Festival at ALA’s Tavern Bay Beach Club. The Summer Music Festival headlines Hotel California (July 11), The John Stanley King Band (July 18) and The Big Band Theory (July 25).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Call (909) 337-4296 for reservations and additional information. Seating is limited. (65)

The identity of the body of a female found a short distance from where Karen Dalman, 59, disappeared will now be determined by dental X-rays, according to an update from the Coroner.  (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – Tuesday, May 21 – 1:17 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – The San Bernardino County Corner’s office is backtracking a bit on identifying the body of a female found about 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, a short distance from where Karen Dalman, 59, from Big Bear City, disappeared near Crystal Mountain.

A deputy coroner had told ROTWNEWS the family had been notified that the remains were Dalman’s.

On May 21, the Coroner’s website explained, “the Coroner is waiting on dental X-rays to positively identify the decedent.”

ROTWNEWS continues to follow the case and will pass along updates as they become available.

UPDATE – Monday, May 20 – 1:21 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – The San Bernardino County Coroner has informed ROTWNEWS the body found in the Baldwin Lake area has been positively identified as Karen Dalman, 59, of Big Bear City.

The cause of death is pending, according to the Coroner’s office.

UPDATE – Saturday, May 18 – 5:40 p.m.

Baldwin Lake, CA – Units searching the Pacific Coast Trail are reporting that a body has been located. Air Rescue 7 has been called in to transport the coroner in and assist with the recovery.

At this time there is no confirmation on the identity of the individual found, all Search and Rescue Teams are currently being asked to hold at their vehicles and remain on standby, per scanner transmissions. Updates will be posted as they become available.

UPDATE – Saturday, May 18 – 8:45 a.m.

Baldwin Lake, CA – Search teams returned this morning to resume the search for Big Bear City resident Karen Dalman in Big Bear Valley near Baldwin Lake.

Dalman, 59, has been missing in the Crystal Mountain area since Tuesday, May 14, while hiking with Bruce Jackson. 56, from Erwin Lake. Jackson reported Dalman missing Thursday morning, indicating he wandered lost in the area for two days. He was treated for dehydration.

Jackson indicated the two became separated when his pit bull got loose and the two tried to find the animal.

The pit bull belonging to Jackson was located in the Cactus Flats area on Friday. In addition, searchers reportedly located Dalman’s purse.

ORIGINAL STORY

Baldwin Lake, CA – A land and air search for a missing 59-year-old Big Bear City woman is underway in Big Bear Valley near Baldwin Lake. The woman — identified by authorities as Karen Dalman –  apparently became lost while hiking near Crystal Mountain (Forest Service Road 2N02) .

Karen Dalman (Contributed Photo)

Dalman was last seen about 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 14. She had been hiking in the area of the Eye of God with 56-year-old Bruce Jackson, according to a media release issued by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station. Dalman and Jackson reportedly became separated when Jackson’s dog  — described as a white pit bull with dark stripes and a white and black face — got away and was running in the area.

REPORTED MISSING

At about 7 a.m. May  16, Jackson reported Dalman missing telling authorities he had been lost in the area since Tuesday after not being able to find the dog or Dalman.

Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies were told by Jackson that he had found his way back to his vehicle Thursday morning and returned to his Erwin Lake residence. Paramedics were summoned to Jackson’s residence at 8:07 a.m. where he was treated for dehydration, according to the information released to the media.

SEARCH BEGINS

Deputies conducted the initial search and then summoned Search & Rescue squads who began a ground search assisted by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Aviation. That effort began about 9 a.m. and is ongoing and now includes two teams of Sheriff’s Department Posse members on horseback.

Residents in the area have been asked to report any information about the missing woman to the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

HIKER’S DESCRIPTION

Dalman is described by authorities as being a white female adult, 5′ 2″ tall, weighing about 125 pounds with blond hair and hazel eyes.

She was last seen wearing a light colored top, tan capri pants and sneakers. Dalman is reported to have medical issues and difficulties walking.

  (2044)

Mountains Community Hospital’s new digital mammography machine provides a product which gets to the radiologist, more efficiently. The with quality images improve the turnaround time, allowing for excellent results. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Lake Arrowhead, CA – Screening mammograms play a central role in the early detection of breast cancer, capturing images electronically. Radiologists are able to view and manipulate images using a computer screen. And digital mammography is an even more effective screening tool in diagnosing women with breast cancer.

That’s why the addition of a digital mammography machine, at Mountains Community Hospital in Lake Arrowhead, is such an important tool, especially for women with dense breasts, and women who have not yet gone through menopause.

GRAND OPENING

The new digital mammography machine will be introduced during an open house at Mountains Community Hospital from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21.

The public is invited to attend and learn more about the equipment located in the Mammography Suite, which includes new flooring, painting and cabinets. In addition, the adjoining room — formerly used to hold processing equipment — has been renovated into a space for patients to change clothes and relax before the procedure.

EARLY DETECTION

MCH Radiology Technician Lark Schaffer (Photo by Mountains Community Hospital)

“As a breast cancer survivor, with thirty years of experience as a mammographer, I know the importance of early detection and treatment,” according to MCH Radiology Technician Lark Schaffer. “Mammography can detect breast cancer five years before a lump can be felt.”

Schaffer indicated in a media release that digital mammography provides superior image acquisition, processing, display, interpretation, communication of the results to health professionals and the ability to archive the digital images.

Digital technology provides a product which gets to the radiologist more efficiently, with quality images, improving the turnaround time with excellent results.

“Both my sisters were diagnosed with breast cancer through mammography before they were thirty-five,” states mountain resident Alan Smith. “They were both treated with chemotherapy and surgery. The treatments were aggressive but they are alive and well today. After my sisters were diagnosed, my mother discovered a lump in her breast but she would not go to a doctor. She died a painful death at age 63.”

MAMMO-GRANT PROGRAM

In 2005, the local women’s group, Soroptimist International of Lake Arrowhead, in conjunction with MCH, began the Mammo-Grant Program to offer free mammograms to qualifying residents of our mountain communities.

The joint program has provided almost 270 free mammograms to local women in need. The Mammo-Grant Program is providing a valuable service to the under-served women of our local communities. For these women, the screenings are potentially life-saving tests.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information or to schedule an appointment call (909) 336-3651, extension 3130.

Additional information is available at the new MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL website.

  (250)

The House of Representatives has passed the Federal Stolen Valor Act of 2013 co-authored by Congressman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley-8). The vote was 390-3. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley-8), co-sponsor of the revised Federal Stolen Valor Act of 2013, reports the House of Representatives has voted to pass H.R. 258,  by a 390 –3 vote. This legislation holds accountable those who try to benefit from false claims of military awards such as the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Purple Heart.

Last year, the United States Supreme Court struck down the original Stolen Valor Act of 2005, declaring the law was in violation of the First Amendment. The law made it a federal misdemeanor to represent oneself falsely as having received U.S. military decorations or medals. The Court determined that simply lying about one’s military service and accomplishments qualifies as protected speech under the constitution.

The 2013 legislation, introduced by Representative Joe Heck (R-Nevada), resolves the constitutional issues by requiring a so-called “intent to defraud” provision – meaning the violator had the intention of obtaining money, property, and other tangible benefit as the result of a false claim.

During his tenure as a State Assemblyman, Cook authored California’s state Stolen Valor Act, which was signed into law. Cook’s state law included an “intent to defraud” provision and has not been challenged in court.

LONG OVERDUE LAW

“This law is long overdue,” Cook stated in a media release. “It’s a continuation of the important work we did at the state level when I was Chairman of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee. The new law ensures that we protect and honor veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made. When people make false claims of military rank and heroism, it does a tremendous disservice, not only to our vets, but to the public. I’m extremely glad the bill passed the House and am optimistic that it is on the path to becoming law.”

“It is fitting for the House to pass this bill a few days prior to Memorial Day,” Representative Heck said. “The awards, and the men and women who have earned them, in some cases posthumously, are worthy of the utmost respect and sanctity. Benefiting from lying about receiving one of these awards is an affront to all who have worn the uniform and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I hope that the Senate will follow the lead of this overwhelming bipartisan vote and pass the Stolen Valor Act.”

Cook, who represents the mountain communities, is a member of the House Armed Services, Veterans’ Affairs, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired as a Colonel after 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal, with Valor Device (“V” Device) and two Purple Hearts for actions in combat. (83)

The Native Plant Sale at Heaps Peak Arboretum begins at 9 a.m, on Saturday, May 25. (File Photo by Michael P. Neufeld)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Heaps Peak – Great deals are available May 25 on native plants and shrubs at the Heaps Peak Arboretum Plant Sale but you’d better come early!

The Rim of the World Interpretative Association (ROWIA) is staging their Annual Spring Plant Sale starting at 9 a.m. at the Heaps Peak Arboretum on Highway 18 between Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs.

You can choose among a variety of native plants, shrubs, and a limited supply of dogwood. Wise shoppers will come early for the best selection. The list of available plants includes yarrow, western redbud, clematis, wild strawberry, goldenrod, penstemon, current, sage, elderberry, and snowberry.

Proceeds from the sale directly benefit the Arboretum.

VISIT THE ARBORETUM

When you’ve completed your shopping, take a few minutes to enjoy the Heaps Peak Arboretum. Experience the gardens, “animal tracks trail,” and mini-gift booth.

The Arboretum is open 365 days a year and there is no admission fee.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, visit HEAP PEAK ARBORETUM online or call Elaine at (909) 867-7187. (203)

Veterans can adopted a cat or dog for free, at county animal shelters on May 25, under the San Bernardino County “Pets To Vets” program. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Big Bear City, CA – The Big Bear and Devore Animal Shelters are pairing veterans and homeless pets on Memorial Day weekend, and both benefit. The “Pets To Vets” program — under the auspices of San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control (ACC) — recognizes U.S. veterans with free dog and cat adoptions.

The “Pets To Vets” outreach is part of the county’s ongoing effort to place homeless pets with loving families. On Saturday, May 25, ACC will place up to 100 dogs or cats, free of charge, to qualified U.S. military veterans. There is a limit of 2 adoptions per qualified veteran.

(Photo by Wikimedia Commons)

The “Animals aRe First Fund” (ARFF), a local non-profit charitable organization that assists stray animals in San Bernardino County, will be paying for the vaccination, adoption and the spay or neuter fees for the first 100 adoptions made to qualified military veterans at either of the two San Bernardino County operated animal shelters.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to match pets that need homes with deserving military veterans who would appreciate companionship,” Brian Cronin, Chief of San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control, stated in a press release

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Participation in the “Pets To Vets” program is simple. Veterans need to provide one form of valid military identification. Valid identification includes a Veterans Identification Card, VA Health Card, Department of Defense/Uniformed Services ID Card, Disabled American Veterans Life Member ID Card, American Legion ID Card, DD-214 form, a Disabled Veteran California State Park and Recreation Pass, or a letter from the San Bernardino County Office of Veterans Affairs.

ADOPTION LOCATIONS

Animals can be adopted from the following San Bernardino County shelters: The Devore Animal Shelter, located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino, (909) 386-9820 or the Big Bear Animal Shelter, located at 42080 Northshore Drive, Big Bear City, (909) 866-4943.

On Saturday, May 25, both shelters are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information about the “Pets To Vets” program, please call San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control at 1-800-472-5609.

  (135)