Diane Oestreich

Kevin Hauser knows his way around apples—their history, the kinds that grow best in various climates, and how to grow them. He recommended his favorites, even though he joked “I have the taste buds of a 12-year-old” at his talk for the Rim of the World Historical Society at Skypark on July 15. His PowerPoint presentation was fast paced, factual, and a lot of fun. He lives in Riverside and brought apples to share from his own trees, but he is very familiar with mountain apple history and the personalities involved with it. “The one with the russets on it” (rough patches of brown or yellow color), “that's the Hudson's Golden Gem,” he explained about the apples he brought, “and the red one is a Japanese variety from the 1930s called Akane—”Not your average supermarket varieties.

There are two Shaunas and one Shawna in the Rim Forest Animal Hospital staff. A vet, a vet's assistant, and a receptionist are part of the staff of 12. Each staff member is pictured, with a personalized job description, on the hospital's website at

Proclaiming Awards Night at Rim High School to be “the very best night on this mountain” when hundreds of 1000s of dollars in scholarships are given to Rim of the World High School seniors, Marla Maganian said the second best night is having their scholarship winners present at a Republican Women's meeting and having them read their essays for the group—and giving them their scholarship money directly. The story of the Linda Ehe Memorial scholarship for $1500 was recounted. Linda was a past President of the Republican Women. When she passed, her husband Chris said, “Can we set up a scholarship fund in her name?” Every year he donates $1000-$1,500, and then the club tries to match that amount of money so that they have the amount to give to graduating seniors. This year they had $2,500, and so they had a $1500 first place winner and a second place $1,000 winner. The club decided to give checks directly to students to avoid colleges taking part of scholarship funds as they do with federal money.

by Diane Oestreich Updated of 10 Covers Major Projects, PFAS and Water Supply

by Diane Oestreich Updated of 7 with a Five-Generation Connection to Lake Arrowhead

The combined Lake Arrowhead and Crest Forest Municipal Advisory Committee meeting was held at San Moritz Lodge on August 4. Along with the usual presentations given by local officials and community representatives, presentations were given regarding resources for those in need of help with daily living and information for living with bears.

The eyes of visitors who turn from Highway 18 and drive down Highway 173 are drawn to Bella's Antiques. Owner Michelle Watkins is glad that she moved her store from Sky Forest to a more heavily trafficked location, attracting tourists from Los Angeles and San Diego, in addition to locals. The sign about the free maps is also a draw. Proximity to the sheriff, gas station, and fire station add convenience and security to the location.

by Diane Oestreich Updated of 30 Life on the Mountain

Rim of the World Unified School District Board of Trustees convened on August 20 to discuss staffing, technology updates, and facility maintenance. The meeting began with frustration expressed by attendees regarding the Rim Athletic Association (RAA) and its restrictions on parent-led booster clubs. They cited a lack of transparency in financial records and argued that the current system disempowers parents and reduces fundraising efficiency compared to previous years. A representative of Rim Teachers Association also addressed the board, noting a loss of trust and a lack of communication between the district and teachers.

Local Congressman Jay Obernolte came with his wife Heather from their Big Bear home to the August meeting of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Republican Women. His new aide Ryan Rundle,