JANUARY 2024
Phelan Chamber of Commerce holds 2024 Installation Dinner. New Officers: President-Kathy Hoffman; Past President- Rebecca Kujawa; Vice President-Don Fish Jr; Secretary-Nikki Ewing; Director-Karie LaFever; Director-Robert Chacon, Treasurer-Faith Maldonado; Directory-Shanna Ward; and Honorary Mayor-Ashley Lam.
A snowy and rainy start for the New Year in the Tri-Community causing road closures.
Night time temperatures throughout the month in Wrightwood averaged in the low 20s-mid 30s. Phelan/Pinon Hills averaged in the low 30s-mid 40s. An earthquake magnitude of 4.2 in Lytle Creek was felt throughout the Tri-Community.
Jackie & Shadow, Big Bear’s resident eagles, return to their nest high in a Jeffery tree. By January two eggs were visible in the nest via a live Eagle cam
Fast thinking CR&R Environmental driver while doing his rounds in Wrightwood observed a fire in the cargo area of his truck. He drove away from Wrightwood and pulled over at Desert Front Road & Hwy 2 where it would be safe and called 911. Driver was ok, but truck was badly damaged.
Marcus Hernandez Snowline School Board President announces candidacy for District 1 Supervisor for 2024 elections.
FEBRUARY 2024
Serrano HS Performing Arts Department presents Mary Poppins, the Broadway musical in February & March to four a sold-out performances.
Brightline West all electric high speed rail receives $5.5 billion in funds for the 218 miles from Rancho to Vegas through private activity bonds by the Department of Transportation and a grand from the federal government.
Heritage Eagle students are excited to be part of the Chess Club and Spelling Bee. They spoke at SUJSD Board meeting.
Auditions open for local musicians grades K-12 for the 2024 Wrightwood’s Got Talent Kids Show held at The Wrightwood Place. Presented by Wrightwood Blues Society.
High Desert Riders holds a Valentine Play Day with Gymkhana classes, games, BBQ cooking and snacks.
Wrightwood Senior’s monthly luncheon was a Valentine themed event presented by Wrightwood CSD Parks & Recreation Dept.
MARCH 2024
Wrightwood receives three inches of snow and more blanketed the area later in March.
Tri-Community Kiwanis dedicated a new Community Little Library at the Heritage school in Phelan to Karen Frazer. She is one of the founders of the Tri-Community Kiwanis.
VFW Post 9415 announces winners of the 2024 Patriot’s Pen Essay contest. Contest is opened to 6th-8th grade students. First place winner was Analeah Quinn, Heritage school 7th grade student. Second place- Josephine Green, Pinon Mesa Middle school, 8th grade student. And third place- Bella Gonzales, Pinon Mesa Middle school, 8th grade student.
Wrightwood Parks & Recreation’s Kids Dance recital showcased kids 4-12 years old at the end of a 7 week program.
Wrightwood residents are concerned about the nightly visits from Mountain Lions. There were several pet attacks. Owners are advised to keep their pets safe especially at night.
Ken and Holly Anderson former Tri-Community residents and former owners of what is now Mills Hardware in Phelan are in Uganda on a two year missionary for their church. On time off from their work they hiked to Siki Falls in Mbale, Uganda.
Wrightwood Historical Society holds a March E-bike drawing to benefit the many educational programs focusing on Wrightwood.
The Tri-Community Kiwanis welcomes the community to a Mardi Gras Horse Derby. An evening of fun with stick horses and community members as Jockeys. Food, raffles and lot of fun.
An Open House was held at the old Pinon Hills Fire Station. A tour and discussion of potential uses for this former fire house was had.
Rain or Snow the Tri-Community’s Easter Egg Hunts were held. Wrightwood’s Easter eggs were hidden int the snow while Phelan Egg Hunt was a drive-thru due to rain and snow.
The Timberline Lions Easter breakfast took place as scheduled.
Once again Wrightwood Post Office was broke into on March 26th. Some mail and packages were taken. Pictures of three suspects were posted around town.
APRIL 2024
Snowline Schools partner with local organizations to present the 1st annual Community Resource Fair at Serrano High School to provide families with information, tools and resources in health, education, food/nutrition, mental health, abuse assistant & recovery, fitness, safety & more.
“An Afternoon of Music With Rodger and Friends” treat the community to an afternoon concert of classical, Broadway, swing, and jazz music led by Rodger Whitten who has been making music for over 50 years.
Serrano Future Farmers of America hold the delicious fundraiser. Drive-Thru Pulled Pork Dinners were smoked and prepared by the FFA Alumni and Supporters.
Sunset Community Little League and Wrightwood Little League holds opening day ceremonies to kick-off the season at Phelan Elementary school and Wrightwood Elementary School with a full day of activities and baseball games.
PPHCSD announces the Spring Events at the Phelan Community Park for all ages. Earth Day Contest, Women’s Self Defense Class, Kid’s Baking Class.
Libraries offer special programs along with regular monthly programs. Phelan Memorial Library offers Fill a Bag for $5 Book Sale fundraiser and a Family Paint Night. Wrightwood Library invites families to construct their Star for the “Wrightwood Library Walk of Fame”.
Wrightwood’s Got Talent 2024 Terry “Big T” Scholarship Live Talent Show held at the Wrightwood Place with eight young musicians ready to perform at the 7th annual event.
Rodeo Cafe in Pinon Hills, family owned and operated, opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 19th. Cafe has a Western motif which is also reflected in their menu offerings. The also offer specialty drinks in the bar.
The Wrightwood Community Arts Center and Gallery brings Art and Environmental Stewardship to Wrightwood Elementary with a special art class presented by local Artist Mary Duman. April’s Meet the Artist guest artist was Paul Samenfeld displayed his works made from recycled and found materials.
Serrano holds a College and Career Fair for 11th and 12th grades for the students to visit and talk with local vendors about their company’s opportunity for a career after graduation.
Wrightwood CSD meeting addresses issues with the Farmers Market’s use of the inside of community building, new Recreation coordinator to be announced, removal of porta-potties, and progress of on the Adaption Planning Grant Program.
PPHCSD dedicates new well, #15, to supply potable water to its district customers.
The Heritage Builders Club and Tri-Community Kiwanis hold an exclusive private dinner and the showing of “American Pastime” with proceeds to benefit the “Greatest Generation” a new Kiwanis/Builders program.
Eagle Scout Gavin Michael McClean, eighteen years old, home schooled senior completes his eagle scout project. He designed and built the shaded structure over the VFW Post 9415’s horseshoe pits.
MAY 2024
SHS Theatre Arts Department presents “The Play That Goes Wrong: High School Version” with four sold out performances at the Serrano PAC.
Big Band Bash returns to The Wrightwood Place for an evening of dining and great classic music from the 30s and 40s performed by the KupksSonic Dance Orchestra and hosted by the Wrightwood Property Owners Association.
More than 200 Snowline employees rally for competitive wages and improved benefits while walking on the side walk on Sheep Creek Road and over to the district office with hand made signs. Many certificated and classified Snowline Staff.
The Wrightwood House Ah Blues presents The Queen of Soul- Tribute to Aretha Franklin at the The Wrightwood Place with a Dinner and Concert. Vocal singers: Bonnie Bishop, Gina Graham, Bonnie Howard, Brittan Webster and Tequilla Wiliams, along with The Joe Ferraro Band.
Tri-Community 5K Fiesta Fundraiser began at Serrano HS track/football field and continues outside the school grounds and returning to the field. Presented by Tri-Community Kiwanis & Phelan Chamber to benefit Miss Phelan and Snowline Unified School District Senior Scholarships.
Mountain Hardware holds their 1st Springtime Fling with family events, kid’s bounce house, fresh popcorn, raffles, giveaways, and vendors.
The Wrightwood Fire Safe Council hosts the annual Wildfire & Disaster Awareness Day. Many local county agencies available to answer questions about their department along with demonstrations and fire safety information.
In Phelan at VFW #9415 and at the Wrightwood Memorial Park the veteran groups hold ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom with solemn ceremonies.
Tri-Community is busy with yard sales during Memorial weekend. With many locals and visitors searching for that special treasure.
Serrano HS Choir and Band present a memorable D-Day (80 years ago) Anniversary concert at the Serrano PAC.
The 77th San Bernardino County Fair begins for a week “Truck Loads of Fun”. Many in the Tri-Community participate in the contests, events, and live animal show and auction.
Wrightwood Chamber and Wrightwood Brew host the Wrightwood Spring Fling with live music, UTV Show and Shine, Cornhole Tournament, vendors and family fun.
Wrightwood Community Art Center holds an Open House. Artist displayed their works to share with the community. The B.O.B band provided the entertainment.
Skillet Cafe’s new owner, Chef Victor Bernal, brings new dishes to the menu. Serving Breakfast lunch & dinner with a Mexican flare.
Serrano CIF Athletes of the Year announced. Winners are Emmalee Escarzaga, a member of the Serrano Sideline Cheer Squad, the Traditional Competitive Cheer Team, and the STUNT Team and Odis Hamer, a member of Serrano Football Team and Track & Field Team.
PPHCSD Earth Day Art contest winners announced. Winners ranged from grades K-12th.
Snowline Board of Directors honors 18 retiring personnel for their 423 hours (collectively) of dedicated service in the Snowline Joint Unified School District.
Michelle Hannon, Master Gardener and Composter teaches 100 Phelan Elementary students about seeds and gardening, seed germination to transplanting.
JUNE 2024
The last day of the Snowline School District 2023-2024 school year ended on June 6, 2024.
Wrightwood’s Taste Of The Village showcased the variety of local merchants and what their business has to offer. Give-aways and samples were available.
Serrano Future Farmers of America hold their 40th Annual Awards Banquet recognizing the many students’ achievements throughout the year. The installation of the new 2024-25 SHS FFA Chapter Team.
Wrightwood’s Music in the Pines kicks off featuring The Big Fat Steve Band.
PPHCSD Summer programs begin with Movies in the Park and variety of summer classes for all ages.
Wrightwood Elementary School and Wrightwood Historical Society presents History in a Suitcase. Fourth graders shared artifacts and stories about their family’s history.
Pinon Hills Chamber holds SummerFest 2024 at Pinon Hills Elementary School with local artists, crafters, small business owners, live music, kids activities & displays.
Mountain High breaks ground for mountain bike trails after years of planning and approval from the Forest Service.
Heritage School teacher Todd Anton presents German Days to his students. Gavin Langley and Autumn Johnson were awarded a piece of the Berlin Wall and a signed poster by Todd Anton.
Phelan Farmers Market held at Phelan Community Park every Monday celebrates their 10 year anniversary with music, face painting, root beer floats, and cake.
Wrightwood Blues Society Center Stage performs an Aretha Franklin concert “RESPECT” along with a silent auction and a 50/50 chance.
Wrightwood CSD received a grant of $350,000 from the SBC Supervisors for much needed facilities improvements.
Wrightwood CSD welcomes new Park and Recreation Activity Director Camryn Ververs.
Sunset Community and Wrightwood Little Leagues moved on to the Little League All-Star Tournament.
Love Roots Yoga Shala celebrates 5 years of wellness in Wrightwood.
Golden State Water, services Wrightwood, has requested a rate increase over 3 years (2025-2027). The public meeting was held online.
Wrightwood Little League Girls 9-11 years claim the District 49 Championship title then advancing to the sectional tournament.
JULY 2024
Wrightwood’s 60th Mountaineer Days celebrates the 100th year since Wrightwood become a village. 100’s of people came to celebrate and enjoy a Hometown Parade, contests, games, eats, live music, arts and crafts & more.
Vista Fire breaks out in the Lytle Creek area on July 9th. Approximately 2,936 acres.
Summer music concerts held throughout the Tri-Community. Many local bands and singers performed.
Gayle & Company perform a Patsy Cline Tribute , a Center Stage Production at the Wrightwood Place.
Student Art Show featured at the Wrightwood Community Arts Center & Gallery.
Richard Stephen, a 18 year old Eagle Scout builds shade structure for Mojave Archers Club’s archery range in Phelan for his Eagle Scout project.
Sport Sim in Wrightwood organizes the first Night Bike Ride thru the Village with bikes and tires lit up. Great exercise.
Wrightwood CSD approves $16K for replacement of 224 memorial bricks at the Veterans Memorial Park that were damaged at a community event.
Phelan sees many road delays as the SBC Public Works begins a 5 week long chip seal project to prevent roads from aging and weathering. In the month prior crack seal was applied for this project.
Serrano Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheering teams head to Santa Barbara a four day Universal Cheer Association camp. Serrano junior varsity took home 1st place in both the cheer and camp routines. The varsity division took home 2nd place both cheer and camp routines, and 1st in overall spirit. It was a great learning experience for the teams.
AUGUST 2024
The 34th Angeles Crest 100 legendary marathon began at 5am in Wrightwood at the Community Building parking lot and finished at 3pm the next day 100 miles away in Alta Loma Park in Altadena.
Smokey Bear celebrates his 80th Birthday at the Big Pines Visitor Center hosted by the Volunteers of the National Forest with tours, kids activities, small gifts, and birthday cake.
Snowline Unified School District begins the 2024-25 school year on August 8th.
Johnson Fire in south Phelan on August 27th burns 72 acres. Threatens several homes. No injuries or homes were lost.
Red Barn Opry returns with a special celebration of Love and Remembrance with blue grass and country bands. David Cimino, Wrightwoodian and founder, decided the 2023 concert would the last due to rising costs. The community came together with donations to continue the Opry in 2024.
Wrightwood holds the annual Classic Car Show with over 200 vehicles dating from the 1920s to 1973. American made rods, customs, classics, coupes, muscle cars, trucks & special interest cars.
Deseree Audette joins the NewsPlus newspaper as the newest Reporter.
Naomi Hardison opens her new business which blends the practice of Chinese therapies of acupuncture cupping, Gua Sha, and herbal consultation in Wrightwood at Four Season Skin Co.
Ries Seba, 15 year old from Wrightwood won the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship in the Mini Sr division.
Michael Singer, Kristina MacKenzie and Kathryn Gare are new co-owners of Whole Life Soaps a plant based, natural skin care product made and sold in Wrightwood.
Tri-Community gathers at the Wrightwood Fire Safe Council meeting to hear a proposed action to restoring the area of the Sheep Fire from Angeles National Forest manager Matthew Bokach.
Wrightwood CSD is awarded a $350,000 grant as part of the Discretionary Fund Priorities Program. The WCSD must provide $87,500, a 25% match. The grant will be used to renovate the existing restroom and convert a nearby building expanding the restroom facility by 400 square feet.
Tri-Community businesses are struggling with rising crime. Many businesses have experienced break-ins resulting in inventory stolen, doors and windows shattered.
SEPTEMBER 2024
The Bridge Fire began September 8th. Started above Glendora in the San Gabriel Canyon (LA County) and spread to the San Bernardino County. The fire exploded, burning over 30,0000 acres in 6 hours causing evacuation orders for Mt Baldy, Wrightwood, Pinon Hills area. Wrightwood residents had less than an hours warning to evacuate. Wrightwood & Pinon Hills Post Offices, Snowline School District, roads in and out of Wrightwood, and the Angeles National Forest were all closed, mail was diverted to the Phelan Post Office. Mountain High Ski Resort was saved even though it was surrounded by flames. Grass Hollow Visitor Center was not so lucky it was completely destroyed along with Big Horn Mine and JPL Observatory. Three Wrightwood homes were destroyed along a few out buildings. It was fully contained on November 26, 2024 at 56,000 acres burned.
Due to the Bridge Fire the annual Senior Follies was cancelled. Mountain Hardware’s Appreciation Party was postponed.
The Miss Phelan Court is crowned at Baldy Elementary School. Miss Phelan: Kynzee McFann, Princess: Kaylie Clark. Teen Miss Phelan: Teagan Steele. Junior Miss Phelan: Irie Marquez. Princess: Angelina Genova & Duchess: Jennessy Espinoza. Little Miss Phelan: Cally Arnold. Petite Miss Phelan: Lolita Cardenas-Medel. Tiny Miss Phelan: Kaydence Lam.
Fire On The Mountain, a community fundraiser event to support victims and for the First Responders of the Bridge Fire who came from many states to protect Wrightwood during this crisis.
Attempted robbery at Wrightwood Fine Foods Grocery Store prompts quick police response and arrests of three young individuals were made with the help of local residents.
California Department of Insurance visited a Wrightwood CSD meeting to inform to the residents of avoiding fraud and dealing with claims after the Bridge Fire.
Snowline will receive two EV buses from grants with the help of Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District. Edison is providing six charging stations through another grant.
Two Snowline teachers were named San Bernardino Countywide Teachers of the Year. April Malocco from Baldy Mesa Elementary School and Carrie Walczynski from Serrano High School for going above and beyond for their students.
OCTOBER 2024
Tri-Community NewsPlus hosts Candidate Forum and Meet & Greet. Local candidates that participated were Corey LaFever and Jennifer Rader running for SJUSD area 2 for 1 seat. Rebecca Kujawa, Deborah Phillips, and Mary “Tree” Galey for PPHCSD Board for 2 seats. Martha McFauls, Richard J Christensen, Chad Michael Keel, Dan Gould, and Jill M. Carltonpayne for 2 WCSD positions.
The Tri-Community enjoys Fall Festivals and Halloween Haunts throughout the month. Hosted by local businesses and organizations, both our libraries, and residents.
Phelan’s Phamily Fun Days “Childhood Memories” kicks off with Phun Days Parade, Champagne Car Show, local organization booths, entertainment, contests, Fun Zone, and food vendors
Wrightwood’s Chili Cook-off and Salsa competition proved to be spicy event enjoyed by the great turnout.
Serrano FFA holds it’s Fall Pulled Pork Drive-thru dinner at Serrano HS bus area. Complete dinners for four or ala carte option were available to purchase online.
Annual Quarter Mania Auction Fundraiser hosted by the Tri-Community Kiwanis brought an evening of fun along with dinner.
Annual Phelan & Pinon Hills Seniors Craft and Bake sale was a success with many locals getting an early start on holiday gift shopping.
Mexico Lindo in Wrightwood celebrates 19 years of serving the community with delicious Mexican food & drink specials along with live music.
Mountain Hardware finally holds Customer Appreciation Party which was postponed due to September’s Bridge Fire. The party was well attended and brought the community together for visiting with friends and neighbors.
Rudi Koppen, owner of Wrightwood Carpets and Flooring celebrates 40 years of success.
Transition Habitat Conservancy Annual Fundraiser highlighted the efforts in Desert Conservation and honors Bridge Fire Emergency Responders.
NOVEMBER 2024
2024 election results for the Tri-Community were: Corey LaFever for Snowline Unified School District area 2., Deborah Phillips and Rebecca Kujawa for Phelan/Pinon Hills CSD Board. Martha McFauls and Richard J Christensen for Wrightwood CSD Board. And, Snowline JUSD Measure J passed with 58% for much needed improvements to district schools.
VFW Post 9415 and local Boy Scout Troop 351 join forces with their goal of retiring 2,000 flags.
A day long retirement ceremony was held every hour at the VFW Post 5415. The Scouts properly retired all the flags that had been collected.
Both Wrightwood and Phelan hold Veterans Day ceremonies. Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Park begins with the ringing of the Armistice Bell at 11am and continues with the laying of the wreath, presenting the Quilts of Valor, reading of the names of newest honor bricks, the changing of the flags. Phelan VFW ceremony began with Serrano Choir singing patriotic songs and the rising of the American Flag and POW Flag ceremony. Following with a potluck lunch.
The 30th annual Veterans Dinner to honor Veterans was held in the Serrano Gym. A medley of songs from each military branch along with presenting the flag of each branch. The Serrano Key Club and FFA served the meal and visit with the Veterans. Veterans received pins and written messages from younger students.
Annual Angel Tree Gift Drive begins. Sponsored by Phelan Chamber to help make Tri-Community children in need enjoy Christmas.
Big Pines Visitor Center reopens after being closed due to closure of the Angeles National Forest after the Bridge Fire.
The annual Our Lady of the Snows Pumpkin Bread fundraiser begins two weekends in November. Breads are baked by the church’s Women’s Council from a recipe acquired from monastery in Hollywood.
Wrightwood Mountain Holiday Celebration a two day annual event with the 23rd Annual Parade of Lights where anything that moves is decorated with lights, visit from Santa and breakfast with Santa, music, caroling, shops open late for holiday shoppers, Christmas boutiques & Craft Fairs.
The Wrightwood Trail Keepers planted 1000 daffodil bulbs for Spring blooming along the village trail. A new bench was dedicated along the trail donated by Ed Einboden.
Wrightwood CSD distributes fire wood to Wrightwood seniors for the winter months.
Serrano High School Diamondbacks advance to the CIF-Southern Section playoffs. In round one the Diamondbacks defeated Norte Vista Braves 28-21.
DECEMBER 2024
Snowline Social Workers’ Clothing Closet and food distributions offered to students and families made big difference in the families in need. Clothing Closet offers winter clothing and back to school clothing.
Studio K Dance Collective performs 2 shows of “Annie Kids” a classic musical story of little orphan Annie presented by a young cast of local children ages 7-15.
Transition Habitat received grant from the Conservation Lands Foundation to further community-based opportunities in 2025. THC will partner with Drawing Together to bring workshops to the Tri-Communty.
San Bernardino Sheriff Department unveiled new Wrightwood Tucker-Terra 2000 Sno-Cat. Wrightwood Elementary School named the Sno-Cat “Blizzard Wizard” which will be crucial in locating lost individuals, saving lives and responding to emergencies in deep snow during severe winter conditions.
Wrightwood Blues Society presents Christmas in the Woods Dinner Show, an annual Holiday Variety Show and Dinner.
The Tri-Community offered many events during December from Gift Wrapping Fundraisers, Musical performances, Holiday gatherings, and Light Shows.
Two newly elected WCSD Directors, Martha McFauls and Rick Christensen, were sworn in by Tamie Keen, General Manager of WCSD. Both Sadie Albers and Natalie Lopiccola terms ended December 2024.
The Snowline Board of Trustees holds the Annual Senior Citizen Christmas Program including dinner, entertainment, gift give-aways, and offered Snowline school bus rides to and from the event for the seniors.
The Wrightwood Trail Keepers decorated the village trail with luminaria lights, trees brightly glowing, and festive decorations for evening walks during the 2nd weekend in December. Christmas caroling around fire pits in front of the Wrightwood Fire Station were enjoyed.
The winner of Mountain Hardware’s Giant 7 foot Christmas Stocking was Landon Simpson, son of Dave Simpson from Wrightwood. Stocking is filled with games, toys and much more.
Santa Sunday fundraiser at Mountain High offered free tickets to 100+ skiers dressed in any Christmas related costumes. Proceeds to benefit CheerAllYear.net
New Years Eve parties were held in The Tavern at the Ranch Steakhouse in Phelan and also at the VFW #9415 in Phelan. Families were invited.
