I often get asked, “How did you do during the fire?” and I usually say… “Which fire?” Yes, we have a history of fire on our mountain. In fact, it’s the number one “Act of God” that we fear. Most of you have felt the effect with the cost of your homeowners insurance. But just to remind you how important it is to be prepared, I thought I would review a few of the more devastating fires to our mountain. Here is a link to the Cal-Fire page on what YOU can do to be prepared.

I have lived in Idyllwild for 30 years now, and I have had to evacuate 3 times during those 30 years. The first time was in 1996 for the Bee Canyon Fire. It came up the mountain from the Hemet side and got to within half a mile of Idyllwild. It burned 9,580 acres but not a single structure in Idyllwild. The headline of the Town Crier on the 4th of July 1996 was “We’re Still Here”. The parade that year was nothing but Fire Trucks from all different places that had helped save our town. It was awesome! The fire had been started by someone target shooting.

The Mountain Fire in 2013 started in Mountain Center from faulty electrical on a resident’s pool equipment. It burned 27,581 acres, and yes, we were evacuated for nearly a week until it was under control. It destroyed 43 structures, including 7 homes, but not a single structure in the town of Idyllwild. It burned down the ridges over Garner Valley and even came up over Tahquitz Peak and scorched the Look-out structure at Tahquitz Peak. The cost to battle the blaze cost $25.8 Million. The Mountain Fire is pictured above.

The Cranston Fire in July 2018 started down near the Cranston Ranger station near Hemet and came up the hill. It was started by Arson and that arsonist is serving out 12 years in prison. It burned 13,139 acres and 12 structures were destroyed. It cost 22.6 million to battle. We were evacuated again for this fire and some of those 12 structures were homes on the edge of Idyllwild.

The most emotionally devastating fire to our community was definitely the Esperanza Fire in October of 2006. It starts down near Cabazon and moved up the mountain. It burned 40,200 acres and 34 homes were destroyed, none in Idyllwild. We were not evacuated for this fire, but 5 of our own; the entire crew of Engine 57 including Captain Mark Loutzenheiser, whose wife Maria still resides in Idyllwild, were killed defending houses in the path of this fire. This loss affected the entire community and still does today.

It is so important to do what you can to prepare your property to avoid the hazards of fire, and also to make a plan in case you are called at a moments notice to evacuate the hill. The AM Radio station WINKI Channel 1610 will give you updates if we are ever in a situation you need to be aware of.

Thursday July 17th
Yarn Club
Idyllwild Library
10am – 12 Noon

Thursday-Friday July 17th & 18th

Fun at the Library Summer Activities
Idyllwild Library
12:00 noon – 1:30 pm

Join us Tuesdays thru Fridays for daily fun.  Bring a lunch and come do a fun activity!  Each day will have a different activity.

Thursday July 17th
Fireside Book Club
“Running with Sherman”
Idyllwildl Library
2:00 pm

Gifted storyteller, Christopher McDougall, tells of his adventures with his adopted donkey, Sherman. Rescued from an animal hoarder, the challenge of rehabilitation was more than Chris bargained for, until he found a program that would also heal Sherman’s soul.

Thursday July 17th
End of the Innocence
A Salute to the Songwriters
7:00 pm – 8:30

Opening Groups 6 pm – 6:55
Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the ground.
Bring a picnic dinner or buy hot dogs at the food stand.

Saturday July 19th
Garden Club Class
“Building Hummingbird Perches”
Community Garden
Corner of Alderwood & North Circle
9 am – 10 am

Join Helen Hixon today to learn more about these fascinating pollinators. You’ll get to build a hummingbird perch as well to add beauty and a resting spot for your helpful friends.

Saturday July 19th
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure Movie
Rustic Theatre
3:00 pm
Cancer Research Fun-Raiser

Join us for the 3pm screening followed by 80’s Trivia presented by Tim Parks and Lupita Marquecho inside the movie theatre. This is part of the Cancer Research Back to the 80’s Fun-Raiser. Tickets are $15/person at the Box Office. Seating is first come first seated.

Saturday July 19th
Back to the 80’s
Dance Party
6 pm – 10 pm
Cancer Research Fun-Raiser

Sundays
Farmer’s Market
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
9am – 2pm

Monday July 21st – Thursday July 24th
Vacation Bible School
Kids Ages 3 – 6th Grade
FREE
Idyllwild Bible Church
54400 Pine Crest Ave
5:30 – 8:00 pm

If you’re a Vacation Bible School fan, registration is open for Sunmer 2025! And if you’re unfamiliar with VBS, come check it out! The kids always have a blast! Between songs, crafts, snacks, and playful character building activities it’s a great way for them to get out and seize this beautiful Summer! 

This fun summer program will be held for FREE at Idyllwild Bible Church July 21st-24th 5:30-8:00.

Wednesday July 23rd
“The Joy of Music”
with Craig Newton
Idyllwild Library
11:00 am

Idyllwild celebrates the achievements of our juvenile readers with a musical program and an awards party. Craig Newton brings us a music extravaganza by playing 10 different instruments in a fun inclusive event. Following the program will be a Summer Reading Adventure awards party for top readers.

Wednesday July 23rd
Faces & Places Reading Group
“Tanzania”
Idyllwild Library
2:00 pm

Let’s explore eastern Africa. Tanzania is home to the Serengeti National Park and also Mount Kilimanjaro. You are welcome to read any book on any related subject or research any viable source, including watching a DVD or documentary. Some items will be available at front desk. All are welcome to our adult book club.

Saturday July 26th
Ecological Speaker
“Challenge of Invasive Species”
Idyllwild Nature Center
25225 Hwy. 243
11:00 am

Saturday August 16th
Butterfly Daze
Idyllwild Nature Center
25225 Hwy. 243

Body & Soul

Click Here for a list of Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, Meditation & Hypnosis in Idyllwild.

Emergency Radio Station

In Idyllwild, have a portable radio with batteries available and tune into WNKI AM 1610 Radio station for Emergency announcements in Idyllwild.

Delivery in Idyllwild

Bear Necessities Delivered
Groceries/Restaurant Food/Mail/Pharmacy/Etc.
Call or Text: (951) 512-0800
Available 7 Days a Week
Monday – Friday 11 am – 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday 8 am – 8 pm
Deliver to Idyllwild, Pine Cove & Mountain Center.

The New Bathrooms are OPEN!
Next door to the Idyllwild Gardens Nursery – Across the street from the Rustic Theatre.
Open Daily 9am – 5pm

Thank you to Shane & Ashley Stewart for donating the land for these bathrooms and to Stephanie Yost with ICC for her persistence with the County of Riverside to FINALLY get us public bathrooms. Thank you to the County of Riverside and Supervisor Manuel Perez for making this happen. It’s been a LONG time coming! Bathrooms will be locked at night.

Hotel Information
Upcoming Weekends
www.IdyLodging.com

All events, venues & programs run by
Idyllwild Community Center

Fridays
Yoga for Seniors
Town Hall
25925 Cedar St.
10:45 am – 11:45 am

Fit after 50
Free Exercise Class
Town Hall

Mondays
12-pm – 1pm

Tue/Wed/Thur
10am – 11am

Fridays
12-pm – 1pm

Mondays
Tai Chi Class
Free!
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
10:30 am – 11:30 am

FEEDING AMERICA
First Tuesday of each month.

The Visitor Center is now open between the public bathrooms and Idyllwild Gardens on Saturdays & Sundays from 10am – 4pm.

If you would like to volunteer to talk to visitors, help them find their way and point them in the direction of “A Good Time” please contact me at hello@GoodMorningIdyllwild.com.