In a news release shared by the California Highway Patrol, officers said that they were contacted by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office for reports of a missing man, Carlos McCowan of Winchester, at around 4:30 p.m. near Indian Creek Road in the Valle Vista area. 

“During the day, McCowan was riding on a quad with his 28-year-old son, who was riding a dirt bike,” CHP’s release said. “Towards the end of the day, his son returned to his truck, but the father did not return.”

A sheriff’s department helicopter was called to the area to assist with the search, and McCown was found a short time later “hunched over” the 2014 Honda TRX450R he was riding. Both RSO and CHP personnel responded to the area via off-road vehicles to investigate a possible crash, but they said that the quad was located with all of its wheels intact. 

They said that McCowan was wearing a helmet and off-road safety clothing when he was found, and that he “displayed no obvious crash injuries.”

Police said that McCowan’s cause of death is under investigation by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office. No further information was provided as the probe continues.

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The mountainside sanctuary, which is located in the idyllic town of Idyllwild, Calif., was owned by Parton, 79, and her late husband, Carl Dean, for decades before she decided to gift it to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California, which offloaded it in July 2024, according to records.

However, her ties to the petite property remain—a fact that the listing is quick to call attention to, describing the three-bedroom abode, which is now on the market for $768,000, as “Dolly Parton’s former Idyllwild retreat—a home as iconic as the legend herself.”

“If walls could sing, this charming three-story mountain retreat would be belting out a country classic,” the description continues, noting that “nearly everything inside remains just as Dolly left it.”

Indeed, the property is filled with many of the personal items and collectibles that sat in the dwelling when Dolly last occupied the home, having used it as an escape for many years—although several modern updates have been made in the eight months since it last changed hands.

The listing notes that the home has been outfitted with a new luxury shingle roof, while an electric vehicle charger was also installed in order to add another layer of convenience, particularly given the home’s rather remote location.

Still, the new owners have taken pains to ensure that Parton’s presence remains in every room, with the listing photos revealing that a tea set has been placed on the kitchen table, along with printed instructions addressed “to Dolly, from Steve,” which detail how to make the perfect brew.

“Merry Christmas—2002,” the note continues, before laying out a step-by-step guide for brewing up “tea—English style.”

The recipe first notes that the water “must be absolutely boiling” in order to properly infuse it, while the author advises that the tea be made with bottled water “such as Evian” because tap water contains too much chlorine and can change the taste of the tea.

Elsewhere in the home, various knickknacks, including framed art, collectible plates, and various pieces of china can be seen adorning wooden shelves that run throughout many of the wood-paneled rooms.

A signed photo of Parton in her youth hangs on one of the walls, while one of the bathrooms has been outfitted with a guitar-shaped toilet seat for an added homage to her musical career.

More from Realtor.com: The 8 March Madness Cities Hosting the NCAA Tournament

Multiple fireplaces can be found in the living spaces and in the primary bedroom, adding a cozy feel to the 1,800-square-foot property.

“Designed with midcentury chalet flair, the home features soaring wood-beamed ceilings, expansive windows, and a dramatic stone fireplace in a living room built around a massive granite boulder,” the listing notes.

“Dolly and her beloved mother were the last to occupy this home, leaving behind decor, collectibles, and furnishings, all included in the sale. Legend has it that the spacious loft was Dolly’s favorite place to write and play her music.”

Intriguingly, though the home now—quite literally—screams “Dolly Parton,” her ownership of the property remained a closely guarded secret for many years and was only brought to light when it was sold in July 2024.

According to property records, the cabin was originally built in 1996, before being sold for just $126,000 in December 1994, which is when Parton is believed to have purchased it.

It is a far cry from the expansive Tennessee estate where Parton and her late husband lived for many years, enjoying a sheltered and very private life away from the bright lights of the entertainment industry.

Together, the couple were fiercely protective of their privacy, with Dean—who died on March 3—opting to shy away from fame and publicity, even as his wife’s fame skyrocketed, having been by her side since she was a teenager.

The couple met on the day that Parton moved to Nashville, when she was just 18 years old—bumping into one another outside of the Wishy Washy Laundromat, according to the Associated Press.

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In a Tuesday ceremony, Reba Coulter was recognized as part of Riverside County’s commemoration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.

Supervisor Perez shared a news release detailing the award and his recollections of his first meeting with Coulter right after he became the supervisor for the Idyllwild area and discussed the Idyllwild Shuttle Service, which provides free transportation from the mountain to the Coachella Valley and Hemet for doctor’s appointments and other needed trips.

“I am very proud and honored to have Reba here, with us, because of who she is,” said Supervisor Perez. “I remember when I first met her, and she talked specifically about our seniors and the fact that they needed transportation. I know she is going to continue to do great work, and she is our 2025 Woman of the Year for the Fourth District!

“Reba Coulter has lived in Idyllwild for the past 22 years, where she has made a difference for seniors and other residents of the mountain communities, he said. Originally from West Virginia, she is the big sister of a big family, including a combined 13 teachers on both sides.

“I think that’s part of the reason she’s so giving,” he said.

Coulter moved to California, living in Orange County for 40 years, which included working in local government. She returned to college, earning her business administration degree and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

She retired to Idyllwild in 2003, after living there part-time since 1989, and became involved with the community.

“I love Idyllwild, I love living there, and I became involved with everything up there because it was my way of working into the community,” said Coulter. “I knew I would never feel at home if I didn’t learn the community. So that’s gradually, over the last 22 years, I feel very much involved in now. Thank you very much. I appreciate this, it’s totally a surprise.”

Ten years ago, she saw a need for elderly, disabled, and low-income residents to get off the mountain for various needs, so she began the Idyllwild Shuttle Service.

It started with anold shuttle bus that was donated from the Chamber of Commerce. Coulter announced they are getting a brand new van soon.

“We have kept it as a free service. Our grant focuses on elderly, disabled and low‑income. We don’t ask anybody’s level of income. If there is a seat available, they are welcome to ride,” stated Coulter.

Reba Coulter is also actively involved in the community as a member of the Radio Club of Idyllwild, the Rotary Club of Idyllwild, Idy Elders and Others, and the Idyllwild Garden Club. She has been a volunteer bookkeeper for the American Legion Post 800, and treasurer for the Art Alliance of Idyllwild, the Friends of San Jacinto Mountain County Parks, and Forest Folk, Inc.

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The magnitude 3.1 temblor struck just before midnight, at 11:55 p.m., with an epicenter near Idyllwild. No damage or injuries were reported in the temblor.

The quake was about 9 miles deep, about 6.2 miles from Idyllwild, 8 miles from Hemet, and 6.8 miles southeast of Valle Vista.

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The third edition of PS HomeBoys, Pride Under the Pines Pride Festival, is set to go live in two weeks on Saturday, October 7, 2023, in Idyllwild, CA, with non-stop electronic dance music and dancing from 12- 9 pm. The full day of fabulous entertainment will feature two musical headliners, hilarious comedians, and superstar drag divas who are all planning on rocking the outdoor stage. Last year’s event, which totaled over 1500 guests from across Southern California, enjoyed the picturesque city of Idyllwild and its rustic roots, fresh mountain air, and beautiful pine trees, among fellow LGBTQ+ family and friends of all ages.

Pride Under The Pines Event Hostess, the ever-amazing, drag superstar, Anita Rose shared, “I am so excited to be hosting this year’s event in beautiful Idyllwild and it’s going to be even bigger and better than ever! On behalf of our entire entourage of Dragtastic Divas- ALL of us are looking forward to coming together…under one sky… to show our support for one another while we demonstrate our pride at this beautiful venue. Not only will this event provide an inclusive space for our LGBTQ+ family to come together once again to show the love of our queer community but it will highlight how drag entertainers, and our trans brothers – sisters are truly beautiful artists!”

To kick off this year’s festivities Team Pride Under The Pines and the event’s host venue The Rustic Theatre are Inviting guests to a Free Welcome Soiree Hosted by actor Emrhys Cooper which will feature a collaboration with the brilliant minds behind Idyllwild Pictures & Tribute Studio. Welcome Soiree will be held in The Rustic Theatre’s lobby, theatre, and outdoor patio, on Friday, October 6th from 7-8 pm and will be followed by a Live taping from 8-9 pm of Pride & Prejudice docu-series, brought to you by Idyllwild Pictures with guest appearances by actor/writer Donal Brophy and award-winning queer filmmaker Billy Clift.

PS HomeBoys’ co-owners and event producers, Niels Kosman and Jeremy Taylor commented, “We can’t wait for this year’s event! Our team has been hard at work all year to deliver the third edition of Pride Under The Pines, which will outshine our previous events. With even more amazing performances and partnerships with queer celebrity actors and filmmakers, we guarantee that our guests will have an unforgettable LGBTQ+ pride festival experience with incredible live music, amazing performances, fantastic food, and comedic acts!”

Pride Under The Pines musical headliner International pop star and Multi-platinum Recording Artist DEV, who is best known for her US Billboard Hot 100 hit “Like A G6″ with Far East Movement ft. The Cataracs, whose performance will be sure to bring down the house with her unique style of “futuristic” and “electro-pop” hits and “pulsing beats”. The event’s second musical headliner is John Duff, who is poised to become the next gay pop star according to various media outlets. Known for his hit songs “Somebody’s Daughter” with Nellie Salisbury, and “High Heels”, the newest track from his highly-anticipated debut EP “Homo•Sapien”, John Duff is going to set the stage on fire with his sultry voice and raw sex appeal.

Delivering an amazing and unique blend of house-hip-hop-dance beats that will undoubtedly have guests dancing the day away is KGAY’s 106.5 Palm Springs’ very own DJ Galaxy, who is also one of the event sponsors. KGAY’s 106.5 Palm Springs host the Pride Under the Pines KGAY Party Bus alongside an entourage of Dragtastic Divas and the event Hostess Anita Rose. KGAY Party Bus tickets include pride festival general admission, a Round Trip Party Bus Ride From Palm Springs to Idyllwild + Interactive Movie pass at The Rustic Theatre to see the special screening of Behind the Candelabra at 6 pm.. Providing and Sponsoring Seltzers + Drinks for the KGAY Party Bus is Palm Springs’s favorite establishment PS Bottle Shop, which will also have a special pop-up bar during the event.

John Taylor, Morning Host from KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs, “As soon as we depart Palm Springs the party begins! Just a short trip over the mountains with live performances by Anita Rose with other drag superstars along the way – our KGAY Party Bus experience is almost as fun as the destination! Each of our guests is sure to feel instantly welcomed by PS HomeBoys & Team Pride Under The Pines, who work to create a space for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to come together, celebrate diversity, and embrace acceptance and inclusivity. So join me John Taylor on the Pride Under the Pines KGAY Party Bus and enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings with a lively celebration of love and equality you’ll never forget!”

Alongside the event’s live music, comedians Jason Stuart will perform alongside Shann Carr, who have both entertained audiences from the low desert to the high seas for decades and will round out the day while they keep guests laughing out loud with their hilarious comedic acts.

Guests looking to make a weekend adventure and visit Idyllwild’s inclusive community and charming ambiance are encouraged to book accommodations at Silver Pines Lodge or the Idyllwild Bunk House, the official hotel partners for Pride Under The Pines 2023. Both venues offer a variety of rooms and private cabins for the ultimate pride festival experience.

Stand Up. Speak Out and Rise Up!

Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.PrideUnderThePines.com or at the festival entry. Portions of ticket sales are donated to the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

General Admission Ticket: $15 per person and all ages are welcome to attend. ** Children accompanied by an adult and under 12 years of age are free.

General Admission Festival Ticket + Interactive Movie Pass: $40 per person and includes general festival admission plus Interactive Movie pass to the special screening at The Rustic Theatre. With an opening performance during the screening that includes a drag superstar cast from Oscars Palm Springs who will deliver special live performances.

General Admission + Bus + Interactive Movie Ticket: $100.00 per person General Festival Admission To Pride Under The Pines + Party Bus Ride (Round Trip From Palm Springs to Idyllwild) + Interactive Movie pass to the special screening at The Rustic Theatre. Interactive Movie Pass features a special screening at The Rustic Theatre with an opening performance during the screening that includes a drag superstar cast from Oscars Palm Springs who will deliver special live performances.

VIP Backstage Pass: $100.00 per person General Admission To Pride Under The Pines + Open Bar benefiting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter + Special Meet / Greet with Performing Artists!

VIP Backstage + Open Bar & Interactive Movie Ticket: $125.00 per person General Admission To Pride Under The Pines + Interactive Movie Ticket + Open Bar benefiting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter + Meet / Greet with Performing Artists! Plus the Interactive Movie pass features a special screening at The Rustic Theatre with an opening performance during the screening that includes a drag superstar cast from Oscars Palm Springs who will deliver special live performances.

The Ultimate VIP Backstage + Open Bar + Party Bus & Interactive Movie Ticket: $160.00 per person General Admission To Pride Under The Pines + Interactive Movie Ticket + Party Bus Ride (Round Trip From Palm Springs to Idyllwild) + Open Bar benefiting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter + Meet / Greet with Performing Artists! Plus the Interactive Movie pass features a special screening at The Rustic Theatre with an opening performance during the screening that includes a drag superstar cast from Oscars Palm Springs who will deliver special live performances.

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PS HomeBoys announce the second annual Pride Under The Pines Pride Festival planned for Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 12pm – 9pm in Idyllwild, CA. To bring desert heat to the cool gay heights with a full day of out-and-proud festivities including food, fun, artists and fabulous entertainment.

“Pride Under The Pines was created out of love for Idyllwild and a sense of community,” said PS HomeBoys event producers Niels Kosman and Jeremy Taylor who fell in love with Idyllwild’s Rustic Theatre and its owners Gail and Graham Sutherland, during a trip in 2020. Over cocktails the question was raised, ‘How come Idyllwild does not have a Gay Pride Festival?’ – ‘So, we decided to create one”.

Pride Under The Pines was also conceived as a response to the limitations brought about by COVID-19, as two gay entrepreneurs got together and said – we’re coming out: out into the open and up on the mountain for the first-ever Pride Under the Pines.

Gail and Graham Sutherland, Rustic Theatre owners shared “As the entertainment center of Idyllwild, our goal is to be diversified and all-inclusive so we are truly honored and excited to be a part of this special event”.

Saturday, October 1st, day-long festivities will be co-hosted by drag superstar Sabryna Williams and Transgender Singer & Songwriter Alexa Abraxas and feature electronic dance music with live trax spun by DJ Galaxy from K-Gay from Radio Station 106.5 Palm Springs. The festival’s special guest headliner is Thea Austin, best known for the wildly popular German Eurodance sensation “Rhythm is a Dancer”.

As a special celebration of the movie The Birdcage’s 25th Anniversary, The Rustic Theatre is hosting an Interactive Movie Screening on Oct 1st at 6:00 pm. The movie screening will feature an incredible drag superstar cast from Oscars Palm Springs.

Event organizers Niels and Jeremy, long-time fans of the movie and its prideful message shared; “Twenty-five years ago, gay marriage was not only illegal- it was banned in most states. But in 1996, when the movie first aired audiences flocked to see its lighthearted story. Where openly gay men were the heroes in a family and featured happy gay parents who were loving and caring, and committed to one another- all things we feel very strongly about”.

With the success of last year’s October 2021 inaugural event, which drew over 800 people to the town’s fresh mountain air and charming ambiance. Area businesses, restaurants and hotels were thrilled with the uptick in tourism and in the festival’s pride while they rallied to support the LGBTQ+ community within their desert town.

“We feel that many of our LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. With the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade and possibly that Obergefell vs. Hodges is under threat, we feel the need to defend our rights’ said Niels and Jeremy in a statement noting the importance of Pride Under The Pines and similar events that serve as a voice of the community and for defending those rights. ‘Elections are a month after Pride Under The Pines so putting our rights into the spotlight is vitally important. Pride is not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community but our all-inclusive event shows our love and support, with a message of inclusivity and diversity while helping to spread LGBTQ+ awareness”.

Pride Under The Pines, Pride Festival Tickets may be purchased in advance on the event website: www.PrideUnderThePines.com or at the festival entry.

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The Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (IIFC), which runs March 9-15, will open its 2020 schedule with the stunning feature drama “Song of Love,” from Beijing filmmaker Peng Jun. The movie, based on real events, takes place during the great famine which devastated China in 1959. Also on the opening day agenda is a stylish and beautiful retelling of Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights,” a joint UK and US production filmed in the British landscapes of Bronte’s classic novel. Both films, along with a full schedule of features, short films, and documentaries from 6 continents, will screen during the festival’s Official Opening Day, Tuesday, March 10, with Monday, March 9 being a soft opening spotlighting top animation entries. Festival executive producer Trinity Houston explains that 2020’s roster of films will once again place a great emphasis on short films and the artists who create them while remaining focused on new and original feature film work by some of the most visionary directors in the world of Independent Film. 2020 also marks the first year that a full 50% of the selected film directors, and over 60% of the producers, are women, which falls in line with IIFC’s dedication to diversity and inclusion, culminating from a decade long partnership with the Mary Austin Foundation, shining a light on women worldwide in the arts of directing, producing, and screenwriting. Native American filmmakers are also honored with the Summerhawk Native Film Awards, begun five years ago by festival director Stephen Savage and Irene Bedard (“Westworld”, “Longmire,” the voice of “Disney’s Pocahontas”), who is also a member of the IIFC Grand Jury. The IIFC Grand Jury consists of some of the Industry’s most well-recognized artists, including Anne Archer (“Fatal Attraction,” “Patriot Games”), Roger Taylor, the drummer and co-writer of legendary rock group Queen, who heads up the original motion picture score awards, Wolfgang Bodison (“A Few Good Men,” “CSI”), renowned actor Monte Markham (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Melrose Place”), Renowned cinematographer Juan Ruiz Anchia (“Glengarry, Glen Ross,” “At Close Range”), actress Erika Christensen (“Traffic,” “Parenthood”), and the aforementioned Ms. Bedard. The festival’s advisory board includes actress Sondra Currie (“The Hangover 1, 2, 3”, “The Fugitive”) and her husband, legendary television director Alan J. Levi (“NCIS,” “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”).

Idyllwild 2020 will spotlight over 100 films from around the globe in its week-long run, with the 11th Annual IDY Awards Ceremony taking place on Sunday, March 15. The festival takes place in Idyllwild, California, a beautiful mountain village atop Mt. San Jacinto, two hours east of Los Angeles known as the Jewel of Riverside County. Idyllwild 2020 will spotlight over 100 films from around the globe in its week-long run, with the 11th Annual IDY Awards Ceremony taking place on Sunday, March 15, at Golden Era Productions in Gilman Hot Springs, 30 minutes down the hill from Idyllwild, as the awards event is attended by 400-500 filmmakers and guests, and Idyllwild itself lacks a venue to hold that size a crowd. Golden Era Productions is also one of the festival’s sponsors, as is the Riverside County Film Commission. The films are screened at the Rustic Theatre and smaller venues in downtown Idyllwild. Both are historic landmark venues and have been hosting the festival since its inception. Called “The Greatest Little Film Festival On Earth” by the LA Weekly, and “A Mini Sundance” by the Hollywood Reporter,” Idyllwild is one of California’s fastest-growing film festivals, and has been in the eye of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a possible Oscar Qualifying film fest in the very near future.

Other notable films to watch for in the IIFC 2020 line up include:

• “Faith Based,” a parody of religious moras starring Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander and comedian Margaret Cho.

• Russian entry “Inner Fire” about a wayward drug dealer in the post-Soviet era.

• “Losing Lerato,” a South African thriller from director Sanele Zulu.

• “Los Angeles Anthology,” an episodic feature from American Filmmaker Emily Svensson,

• “Child Bride,” a heart-wrenching story reflecting the plight of young girls married off to much older men in middle eastern and now some western societies.

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Many in the San Jacinto Valley travel to Idyllwild to enjoy the nice weather, fun activities, and beautiful nature. For months, we have had to take major detours, either traveling through Palm Desert or Temecula to get to Idyllwild. With Independence Day now officially upon us, our weekend plans of celebration may need to be changed.  Recently opened only for Saturdays and Sundays a few weeks back, we have received some exciting news from Caltrans. Highway 74 will be open and available to use this weekend, exclusively for Independence weekend. 

The highway will be open for 20 hours a day, up until Sunday, July 7th, according to Caltrans spokeswoman Terri Kasinga. The road’s hours are from 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., as they have been ever since the original reopening. However, Caltrans has extended the weekend to include Thursday, July 4th, and Friday, July 5th, as well.  

All drivers who travel up the mountain will be escorted via a pilot-vehicle. Stopping and passing is prohibited. 
If you have never been to Idyllwild, it is a perfect place to spend your 4th of July, or any other future holiday or gathering. 

According to Idyllwild.com, “Idyllwild is nestled in the San Jacinto mountains. Set among tall pines, sweet smelling cedars and Legendary rocks. The town has kept its “small town” atmosphere. Locally owned shops and restaurants are all you will find here. Come and experience the peace and quiet of Idyllwild. If you are ready to get away from the traffic jams, or the noisy city life, this is the town for you. Idyllwild has perfect day hikes for the quick weekend hike, as well as the high country for the longer “overnight” hiking journeys.”

There are many different points of interest in Idyllwild. 

The Mount San Jacinto State Park offers many hiking trails with views of the desert terrain. The 22.88-square mile park is in the San Jacinto Mountains, with a great portion of it being a part of the San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Idyllwild Park features 202 acres of land that contain lakes for fishing, trails, shaded campsites, and a Nature Center. The Center consists of a museum that educates on local ecology and Cahuilla Native culture. 

Lastly, Suicide Rock is a 7,510ft-high granite outcrop that is popular among climbers for its 300 or so climbing routes. 
This 13.73-square mile area of land is sure to have plenty of memorable options for any occasion this summer. Be sure to take advantage of Highway 74 being opened this weekend, towards Idyllwild!  

The author of this story can be contacted at villalobos3fidel@gmail.com

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Andrew F. Kotyuk, CIMA* is CEO and Principal of Alpha Wealth Management LLC (951) 765-1200.

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