Mountaineer Progress

By Vicky Rinek

 On Sunday, Sept. 8, at 2:40 p.m., Angeles National Forest firefighters responded to a reported wildfire in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument (southwest of Wrightwood) in the East Fork area by Cattle Canyon named Bridge Fire.
The fire, fueled by high solid winds, scorching temperatures over 106º, and low humidity, is spreading rapidly in the extremely steep terrain. The easterly direction of the fire and the wind’s direction are carrying ash into Wrightwood, posing a potential threat to the area.
As of Tuesday, the fire is estimated at 3100 acres. Aircraft and firefighters are on the scene, with a total of 250 resources. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has issued an evacuation order for the East Fork and the adjacent river community.
Additional firefighting crews from Delta Hotshots and Texas Canyon Hotshots as flames moved into Cattle Canyon, prompting a two-alarm response, ordering the closure of East Fork Road at Highway  39 and the entirety of Glendora Mountain Road and Glendora Ridge Road.  
Multiple agencies, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department, California  Highway Patrol, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, are working in unison alongside forest resources. Their coordinated efforts, as shared in a post on X, formerly Twitter, by officials with the Angeles National Forest, are launching aggressive attacks from the air and with ground resources, providing a comprehensive response to the wildfire.  
As of now, no structures are threatened, the fire is at zero containment, and it is under investigation. “We are committed to keeping you informed and will continue to update you on any developments, ensuring you stay connected and aware of the situation.” said officials.

Snowline JUSD Policy for Cell Phones, and Search and Seizure for illegal drugs or weapons.

By Vicky Rinek

At the August 27 Board meeting, the Board of Trustees discussed item 5 of the agenda: the Policy on banning mobile communication devices on campus and the search and seizure procedures.
The two adoptions were presented to the Board for their consideration and approval.
Relating to communication devices, the Board was asked to approve CSBA policy.
Second item: To adopt the CSBA policy and administrative regulation for search and seizure.

Complete arrticle  CLICK HERE

A Vegetation fire was reported at 6:35 pm on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, near Johnson and Snowline Road, Phelan.
CAL FIRE and San Bernardino County Fire swiftly responded to reports of a vegetation fire near the intersection of Johnson Road and Snow Line Drive. Units arrived to find 5 acres of light fuel running off the foothills south of Mesquite Street onto the desert floor under typical afternoon wind.
Large columns of smoke were visible. An aircraft water tanker was called out within an hour. The first arriving firefighters immediately engaged the blaze while setting up ahead of it to provide structure defense to homes along Snow Line Drive and Johnson Road. Thanks to a concerted effort by ground crews supported by aircraft, the forward rate of spread was successfully stopped at 7:30 pm.
Crews remained on the scene overnight to extend and improve containment lines and continue mop-up objectives.
Sheep Creek at 138 remained closed. At 8:44, the fire was 67.3 acres and 10% contained.
Authorities reported that within 90 minutes of the initial report, the fire had expanded to 72 acres, highlighting the rapid spread rate and the challenges the firefighters faced in containing the blaze.
 San Bernardino County Fire Protection District officials said flames were burning through “medium” fuels at a moderate to rapid rate of spread. About 90 minutes later, firefighters halted the fire.
No evacuations were ordered as a result of the fire. No structure damage or injuries were reported, ensuring the community’s safety.
“Due to a concerted effort by ground crews supported by aircraft, the forward rate of spread was stopped at 7:30 pm,” San Bernardino County Fire Protection District officials said in a written statement.
Firefighters were expected to remain on-site throughout the night, ensuring the flames were snuffed out.

By Tim Graydon

In a show of appreciation for our military at Snowline Stadium, the Diamondbacks had a grid-iron battle with the Patriot High Warriors, securing a 35-14 victory for the home team Thursday night, 8/29/2024.
   With the field in pristine condition and the temperature a comfortable 75 degrees, the Serrano High Diamondbacks would choose to receive the first kick-off. After a Diamondback fumble, the Patriot High Warriors were set up in a good field position to post the first score. Unable to convert, the Warriors were forced to punt to Serrano. The first period would end scoreless on this beautiful summer evening in Phelan, CA.
   The second quarter started with a 57-yard Diamondback touchdown run by Issiah Romo, making up for his earlier fumble in the first quarter. Eduardo Cendejas kicked in the extra point, giving Serrano a 7-0 lead. Issiah Romo took the pigskin down to Patriot’s eleven-yard line with another strong carry, allowing running back Trevor McSween to slip into the end zone from ten yards out. A point after by Cendejas gave the Diamondbacks a 14-0 lead to end the first half.
The Patriots received the ball and were forced to punt after three possessions. This left the Diamondbacks with great field position, setting up a series of successful passes to Jamal Larry and Cade LaFever. Trevor McSween carried the ball in for the third Serrano touchdown of the night, bringing the score to Serrano-21, Patriot-0.
The Warriors answered back with a drive deep into Serrano territory and a 9-yard rush into the end zone by the Patriot’s Josiah Felix. A successful conversion put the scoreboard at 21-7 entering the fourth quarter. Issiah Romo, with two touchdowns already, fired a third touchdown pass to Jamal Larry who carried it into the end zone to bring the score to 28-7, Serrano.
After an interception by the Warriors, Josiah Felix scored again for the Warriors. Issiah Romo chalked up another TD after a Diamondback interception with 5:05 remaining on the clock to bring the final score of Serrano Diamondbacks 35, Patriot Warriors 14.
After the game, the Head Coach of the Serrano Diamondbacks said this about his opponents: “The Warriors are a tough team. We knew they could make a comeback. We held them to fourteen points. They are a tough team!”  The Diamondbacks will proceed undefeated (2-0) to Yucca Valley High next Friday, 9/6/2024, at 7p.m.
Patriot Warriors Head Coach Chris Fowler had a similar opinion of the Diamondbacks. He said, “This is a good experience for us. Serrano is always a tough team. Last time we played them, they came from behind to win by eight points.”
Military Appreciation Night was well received, with the colossal talent and showmanship of the Serrano marching band, Serrano Cheer, and the Cadet Corps color guard performing before, during halftime, and after the game. From the homemade kettle corn and Serrano Merchandise trailer to the foot-stomping fan appreciation, the Serrano Booster Club and fans made for an exciting night of high school football.
Thanks to those fans and the Pizza Factory for supporting our military and fighting for these freedoms.

By Vicky Rinek

Dave Cimino’s MAD MUSIC did it again. The Red Barn Opry was an incredible experience for everyone attending the 16th concert. The flawless professional production by Hall of Fame drummer Dave Cimino, hosted by property owner John Wilkens “Wilkins Village,” took months to prepare.
The music of four feature bands created an evening of Bluegrass, Country, and soft rock in this small corner, Wilkins Village.
Music started the concert with Bonnie belting out country tunes and warming up the evening with her beautiful instrument, her voice.
Returning was the Blue Eyed Coyote Band, featuring Loyal White on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Jamie Loveless on Fender Strat lead guitar, and Dave Cimino on tab cage box and a 1970s suitcase! for percussion.
The High D Boys are a Victorville-based outfit comprising Dan Reyes on guitar and vocals, Phil Clevenger on washtub bass, trombone, sousaphone, and vocals, and Mike Kelly on guitar, banjo, and vocals.
The Winslow band kicked it with “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash and “Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “I Feel Lucky,” followed by numerous country favorites.
The army of volunteers works behind the scenes to make this all possible. Thanks to the hard-working RBO ladies, Ashley Cron, Stephanie Ludlow, and Tina King, with free popcorn, drinks, and barbeque hotdogs.
People enjoyed the music; there was the barbecue, cooking up 300 hotdogs, plenty of soda and water, and cornbread muffins. The popcorn machine kept running all night. This evening’s entertainment was all brought to you by contributions from the community.
Tina King and Allison Cooper gathered up their volunteers to prepare the food. Hours before the show, Tina, with Ashley Cron and a crew including Iene Hershkowitz, Jill Carterpayne, James Ogborn, Daunte Cron, Ben Hamelton, and Ben Guichard, set up their easy-up, BBQ, and buckets of ice, all in preparation for free hot dogs, baked beans, an assortment of cool beverages, and cornbread baked by Vicky Rinek made for a perfect picnic.
The Red Barn was packed, the outside area was overflowing with beach chairs, and the street was closed in both directions. Outside Radio broadcasters DJ Becca Edge and Allen Anthony set up a booth to broadcast online radio stations. KJAY Epic Radio interviewed guests and played Red Barn Opry on their radio station.
The Blue-Eyed Coyotes and the Honey Buckets continued the concert with great music.
The Mattson band came on stage to close the evening, performing various country music, bringing out the crowd to the dance floor, and hopping to the beats of the live music.  
As the evening concert ended, the last hotdogs were handed out, the popcorn machine turned off, and  Dave thanked everyone for their outstanding performances and for all the support from the numerous contributions from local businesses and individuals that brought this all together.
David thanked everyone for coming out, all the performers for an outstanding event, and the Wilkins for allowing RBO to utilize their property.
Dave said he was done. After much soul-searching, Dave decided this was his last production. But with enough people, we could convince him to do it again. Even with the 40-plus volunteers, the exhausted Dave wonders if he can do it again.

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