Motorcycle Chase Suspect Posted Video
May 16, 2008

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Insurmountable Agony
May 13, 2008

In story after story the news becomes numbing. On Saturday, a powerful cyclone, the same things we call hurricanes here, slammed into Myanmar. A friend of mine, who works for a Burmese refuge relief program, quickly had to switch focus as they desperately tried to get aid into the beleaguered and paranoid country. Monday, he got an email from aid workers in the region. Attached were photos of swaths of debris strewn with bodies and rivers filled with corpses — mostly children.

How To Escape A Cult
May 5, 2008

Many of you have probably faced this. A friend or coworker suddenly takes an increased interest in you and your goals and dreams. He or she begins to sound like your biggest supporter. After a few weeks or months of being supportive they hit you with the line, "I think you have an amazing future ahead of you. I think you just need to get the motivation and focus to step into it. I went to this training and it literally changed my life. It was by far one of the top three experiences of my life. And, I think it would be perfect for you to check out."

Arrowhead Fire Video (Update 1)
April 29, 2008

Raw video from the Arrowhead Fire
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Bank Of America Is Unethical
April 29, 2008

Go ahead. Sue me, Bank of America. You're unethical. However, I'm certain there is a bank criticism fee I'm going to have to pay.
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The Wounds Of Silence
April 25, 2008

Today is the National Day of Silence. It seems a bit counter-intuitive to try to bring attention to something by being silent. But, that's exactly what nearly half of a million middle school, high school, and college students are doing. The National Day of Silence was started in 1996 by University of Virginia student Maria Pulzetti as a grassroots effort to bring "attention to the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies", according to event organizers from the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and the United States Student Association.

RIMOFTHEWORLD.net Video Contest
April 23, 2008

On Saturday, April 19, 2008, RIMOFTHEWORLD.net gathered 25 entries for an online video contest. Now is your turn to vote on what video you would like to see on RIMOFTHEWORLD.net
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Armchair Lawyers In The Information Age
April 17, 2008

Well, another day in cyberland yields more angry emails and threats. It's amazing how utterly uniformed people are on the law and technology. In the latest spate of emails, RIMOFTHEWORLD.net is being threatened to be sued if we don't remove any references to a certain person. Well, let me let you read it for yourself...

Special Weather Statement
A Late Season Storm System To Move Across Southwest California Wednesday And Thursday
April 1, 2008

A developing low pressure system, currently located about 1000 miles offshore, is forecast to track due east across Southern California Wednesday through Thursday.
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Late Season Storm To Bring Low Snow Levels
March 13, 2008

Despite recent dry weather and warm temperatures, a quick moving Alaskan storm will set the stage for a cold weekend. A deepening marine layer will bring fog and drizzle to the coastal slopes late tonight through Friday. With a cold front passage on Friday and the approaching storm system, temperatures will cool dramatically and winds will increase.

3.9 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Fontana (Update)
Aftershocks Follow Quakes
March 9, 2008

A 3.9 magnitude earthquake, centered near the 210 and 15 Freeways in Fontana, struck at 1:22 AM PST. A 3.1 magnitude aftershock rattled 2 minutes later, according to the US Geological Survey. The quakes were barely felt in the mountain communities, according to witnesses. An additional aftershock struck at 3:03 a.m.

Static
March 4, 2008

When I was about ten, I was fascinated with radio and television. Not for the content as much as the wonder of discovery.
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A Culture Of Hate
February 26, 2008

Two weeks ago today, 15-year-old Larry King was shot to death while sitting in the computer lab early that morning at E. O. Green School in Oxnard, CA.
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Sliding Off The Mountain
February 14, 2008

It was one of those horrible nights. You know the kind. When the fog is so think, you can't see your speedometer. I was making my way back from the RIMOFTHEWORLD.net office past Heaps Peak and the Arboretum.
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Hacking Attempts; Threats of Violence Against ROTW
February 10, 2008

In the past week there has been almost three dozen attempts by an individual using hacking services to create bogus RIMOFTHEWORLD.net accounts. Each account was quickly canceled and only two harmless posts were made.
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When God Says, 'No'
February 8, 2008

First of all, I'd like to thank all of you for your kind words, your supportive words, and your challenging words regarding my last blog. It is so good to be part of such a diverse and caring community.
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Winter Storm to Bring Wind, Rain and Mountain Snow Sunday
Special Weather Statement From The National Weather Service
February 2, 2008

A strong upper level low will move south along California this weekend. This storm will bring rain and mountain snow to Southern California Sunday. Moisture is limited with this fast moving system and rainfall amounts wont be anywhere near last weekends storm.
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Faith or Foolishness
January 31, 2008

Today has been a whirlwind of tectonic life evaluation. It's funny how we see the world from a single perspective, confident that what we feel, what we sense, what we believe is so fundamentally real — only, in a moment, to have a lifequake of sorts, that radically undermines our understanding.
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Negotiating With Myself
January 24, 2008

I'm currently flying at 33,000 feet somewhere over the Midwest, returning from a few days soul-searching. I spent a considerable amount of time evaluating some career choices and some opportunities that may lead me to New York. One opportunity will allow me to lend my talents as part of an enthusiastic and motivated team. The connection was almost instant with their manager. And, as I met the members of their team, I increasingly felt that this was the place for me.

All I Do Is Mumble
January 15, 2008

All I do now is mumble. It's funny how we put things off, things we know that there'll be a positive outcome, but the process seems uncomfortable or expensive or inconvenient. So, last week, after decades of delay, I got a retainer to close a small gap in my front teeth. I'm told to wear it all of the time except when I'm eating.

An Open Letter To My Friends
January 14, 2008

The past two years of my life have been plagued by upheaval — my father's death in 2005, struggling with my faith and orientation, my mother's death in 2007, and the fires — as well as the constant draining financially and emotionally of a house that is worth less than I owe on it, and continues to have needs. Through all of this, I've been driven to grow RIMOFTHEWORLD.net — and in the last few months, Dave Henderson and our incredible news team has stepped to the plate to assume much of the day-to-day operations. But, still, the bills from the site continue and my credit card debt gradually increases trying to keep the site online.

What's Wrong With San Bernardino
December 20, 2007

I suppose a whole book could be written on the subject, but I would like to focus on one aspect of the beautiful city that laps at our foothills. Of many of the cities its size in California, San Bernardino seems to be one of the most self-contradictory. The city council focuses on grand development schemes, while parts of the city deteriorate into mini-Fallujahs of highly concentrated crime pockets.

Snow Falls Above 4000 Feet; Windy Weather
December 20, 2007

A cold front brought a final burst of precipitation and cold air to the mountains late Thursday evening. Snow fell as low as 4,000 feet along Highway 18, causing some slushy patches. More significant slush was accumulating above 4,600 feet as temperatures plunged to near freezing.
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Warmer Storm Brought Mostly Rain
December 7, 2007

A Pacific Storm dragged a band of heavy precipitation through the region overnight resulting in some minor flooding and debris slides. Rainfall amounts overnight ranged from 0.67 inches near Angelus Oaks to 2.68 inches to the east of Waterman Canyon. Warm air preceding the storm system raised the snow levels to above 8,000 feet with rain falling on all of the mountain highways.

Storm To Bring Flooding Potential And Heavy Snow
December 6, 2007

A strong winter storm will bring heavy rain and higher elevation snow to the San Bernardino County Mountains Thursday night through Monday. Forecasters seem to now have a solid handle on the storm system. While earlier forecasters anticipated a weaker storm, the latest forecasts have been trending for a stronger, wetter, and warmer storm initially, followed by a cold arctic air mass.

Are We To Blame?
December 6, 2007

As of this writing, eight people have been killed and five people have been injured — two critically, by a suicidal teenager in a Nebraska shopping mall.
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Life In You
November 6, 2007

Sometimes, in the quiet times, the numbness of the past month begins to wear away, and feelings of loss expose themselves in words.
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Red Flag Warning Saturday And Sunday
November 2, 2007

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 3 am PDT Saturday to 8 pm PST Sunday.
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County Support for Mountain Residents Returning Home
November 2, 2007

To inspire hope and provide a symbol of re-growth and beauty, potted flowers were delivered to each home that was damaged or destroyed in the Grass Valley and Slide fires in the San Bernardino Mountains. The pots include a flowering plant in full bloom, an American flag and a support card reading, "Our heartfelt support is with each of you during this difficult time." The support cards are signed from "County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors, Office of Emergency Services, and all County Employees." The County wants the flowerpots to show the care and concern all San Bernardino County officials and employees feel for the wildfire evacuees.

Running Springs Chamber To Host Resource Fair
November 2, 2007

The Running Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will host an "After the Fire Resource Fair" on Sunday, November 4, 2007 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Hootman Senior Center in Running Springs.
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FEMA Denial Letter: Not the Last Word
November 1, 2007

Californians who have applied for disaster assistance and receive a letter saying their application is denied because of insurance: Don't be alarmed. Denial letters are automatically generated and sent to applicants who need to supply additional information so the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can continue to process their applications.

Fire Weather Watch Late Friday Through Saturday
October 31, 2007

Humidities will fall below 10 percent in some mountain and valley locations Saturday. There is a chance that the humidities will remain below 10 percent for up to 10 hours.
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Clarification: Full Return For Some Areas Not Until Thursday
October 30, 2007

Authorities would like to clarify the access restrictions still in place. For residents east of Sky Forest, access to homes prior to Thursday is for residents who have damaged or destroyed homes only. Full access for other residents will begin on Thursday.
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Townhall Style Meeting Thursday For Lake Arrowhead
October 29, 2007

A town hall meeting being conducted by the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce and Rebuilding Mountain Hearts & Lives will be held at the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa at 27984 Highway 189 in Lake Arrowhead on Thursday, November 1, 2007.
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Rebuilding Mountain Hearts And Lives Reaches Out
October 29, 2007

Rebuilding Mountain Hearts & Lives, a non-profit organization formed after the Old Fire in 2003 and dedicated to mountain recovery efforts has taken a pivotal role in providing recovery support for our communities.
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Public Health Advises Safe Food Practices
October 28, 2007

Press Release From San Bernardino County Environmental Health ServicesResidents returning to their homes in the mountains are receiving a handy re-entry kit with safety information, resource contacts, and materials. The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Services (EHS) is distributing helpful tips to protect health related to food safety, waste disposal, and contact with wildlife.

Refuse Bins for Spoiled Food and Garbage
October 2007 Fires Assistance
October 28, 2007

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The Phone Call
October 18, 2007

It's the phone call everyone dreads. It was 4:35 AM Thursday morning, a week ago today. I heard the buzzing of my cell phone vibrating on my nightstand. From a deep sleep I fumbled for it. It was my brother from New Jersey calling. I picked up the phone.
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Snow And Rain Showers Developing
October 5, 2007

Snow and rain showers, with a few weak thunderstorms, have developed over the mountains, in response to a weak cold front moving through the region. Showers and thunderstorms are possible through 7 PM. The snow level is expected to be between 5,500 and 6,500 feet.
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Fog And Drizzle To Return
October 4, 2007

layer tonight bringing fog, drizzle, and light rain to the mountains after midnight. The fog and drizzle will continue through Friday morning. Skies should clear late Friday afternoon with drier, breezy weather for the weekend. With low humidity and breezy conditions for the weekend, a Fire Weather Watch may be needed for Saturday.

Test Event
October 4, 2007

Test Event
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Event Two
October 4, 2007

Event Two
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Weather: Cool Autumn Weekend
September 28, 2007

A weak low-pressure system and a trailing cold front will continue our cool damp weather through Saturday, brining in the marine layer and fog and drizzle up to 5,500 feet. Cool and breezy conditions with partly cloudy skies will dominate the weather above 5,500 feet today. The marine layer may burn off slightly this afternoon, but will redevelop this evening, with patchy fog likely below 5,500 feet after sunset. The fog and drizzle will increase overnight, creating difficult driving conditions due to poor visibility.

Storm Whimpers Into Region
September 22, 2007

The much anticipated "strong" storm moved into the mountains last night with a gentle rain and higher-than-expected snow levels. As of 9:30 am much of what was falling was rain, except for some brief periods of snow in the few thunderstorms. The snow level was around 8,000 feet.
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Latest Radar
September 21, 2007

View the latest radar loop for the Inland Empire.
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Storm Still Forecasted For Region (Update 1)
September 21, 2007

A storm system that is nearly stationary off the coast of Southern California will gradually move eastward tonight and Saturday. As of 9 AM, radar showed the leading edge of the shower activity off of the coast near the Channel Islands. There has been very little eastward progression of the showers. In fact, the latest satellite imagery still suggests that the storm is drifting westward.

Bizarre Storm Ready To Move Into Region
September 20, 2007

A strong storm is poised to bring heavy rain, high elevation snow, gusty winds, fog, drizzle, thunderstorms, hail, and possible tornadoes to Southern California. This sort of thing happens every year. But, just not in September. While temperatures across the mountains today are expected to be in the 30s and 40s, most areas of the country will see balmy late summer weather.

Supervisor: Federal Court Case May Cause Crime Wave in County
September 19, 2007

Catch and release doesn't only apply to fishing. Overcrowding at state and county prisons have meant that this policy has been in place for a number of years. In 2005, Sheriff Gary Penrod was forced to release every prisoner held in the San Bernardino County Jails who was being held on under $500,000 bail or face a costly federal court battle.

Powerful "Winter" Storm For Late Summer
September 19, 2007

A very unusual and unseasonable storm will bring rain, winds, and possible severe weather to the mountains Thursday through Saturday. Preceding the storm, fog and drizzle and be expected during the overnight and morning hours. Periods of rain, snow, winds, and thunderstorms will begin late on Thursday through Saturday.

Storm Could Strand Motorists; Delay Highway Opening
September 18, 2007

Caltrans concerns about the roads may come sooner than expected. Especially, if an unseasonable cold storm materializes as forecasted.
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Winds Could Hinder Fire Containment Efforts
September 18, 2007

Firefighters are taking advantage of the slower progress of the fire before a renewed period of gusty winds elevate concerns on Wednesday and Thursday. With the flames licking at Highway 18 through the Arctic Circle and near Windy Point on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, gusty winds could send embers ahead of the fire and renew the risk of spot fires.

Developing Story: The Evolution Of The Fire
Butler 2 Fire Timeline
September 15, 2007

The Butler 2 Fire was first reported around 1:25 pm Friday afternoon about 3 miles west of Fawnskin. With a strong southerly wind, the fire quickly progressed into the canopy of drought-stricken Ponderosa and Jeffrey Pines in the rugged terrain between the infamous "Arctic Circle" of Highway 18 and the Holcomb Valley.

Scott Straley - September 12, 2007
Through The Eyes Of A Dog
September 12, 2007

I'm sitting here looking at a sleeping little 18-pound mutt who's had as traumatic day as anyone could imagine. Only a few hours earlier, a co-worker of mine stopped her car in the number two lane of the 10 Freeway in San Bernardino and scooped up this poor little pup.
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Blog: Scott Straley - September 7, 2007
Response To Yesterday's Blog
September 7, 2007

I'd like to thank everyone for the comments regarding the blog. I knew this was a controversial issue when I approached it, but I think there are some fine lines here that the media has glossed over. Below are some responses to some of the comments and questions. And, I know, with a subject like this, we are bound to disagree on some of the issues here. I respect each reader's opinion and value your feedback.

Blog: Scott Straley - September 6, 2007
Political Correctness Meets Hate And Ignorance
September 6, 2007

The events of the past weeks have made me think about how we handle tolerance and ignorance. We were shown two different sides of the same coin. Despite the cowards that hide behind the newspaper editorials or shout anonymous epitaphs from passing vehicles, there is a considerable amount of outward racial acceptance. However, changing the hearts and minds of people who grew up in a culture of hate may take generations — even for the most enlightened people. We all suffer from the near-instinctive reactions to people who are different from ourselves handed down from our parents and grandparents. And, subtly we pass those diluted prejudices on to the next generation.

Driver Flees Waters Drive Accident
August 31, 2007

An apparently drunk and speeding driver, according to witnesses, lost control of his vehicle on Waters Drive just to the east of Crest Forest Drive in Cedarpines Park shortly before 7 PM Thursday evening. Witnesses state that the male driver of the vehicle turned left onto Waters Drive from Crest Forest Drive and nearly struck a pedestrian. Because of the vehicle's speed and the recently graveled road surface, the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck the side of a hill, flipping the vehicle.

Aurigid Meteor Shower To Peak Saturday Morning
August 31, 2007

On Saturday morning, the Earth will pass through an area of dust particles ejected from the Comet Kiess over 2,000 years ago. In the past, the Aurigid Meteor Shower has produced a colorful meteor shower, but NASA scientists are not overly optimistic for a dazzling show Saturday.
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Overnight Thunderstorms Douse Some; Worry Others
August 30, 2007

A poorly forecasted weather disturbance moved through Southern California last night producing a round of rare nocturnal thunderstorms. While the National Weather Service was slow to acknowledge the storms — not forecasting them until over an hour after rain began in the mountains, local amateur forecasters the Ontario Weather Service tracked the weather disturbance on Wednesday, and forecast additional showers and thunderstorms today.

Nighttime Showers And Thunderstorms
August 29, 2007

An easterly wave bringing tropical moisture out of Mexico has triggered an area of showers and thunderstorms over parts of Southern California. At 11 PM, National Weather Service Radar showed a band of showers and thunderstorms stretching from near San Diego northward into eastern Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The showers and thunderstorms were moving northward into the mountain areas.

RIMOFTHEWORLD.net Gives Back
Press Release
August 28, 2007

Beginning in September, RIMOFTHEWORLD.net will give back at least 10% of all advertising and web services sales and affiliate fees to select local charities. In coming months RIMOFTHEWORLD.net members who have been active during the previous month, will be able to help select the charity of their choice for the upcoming month.

Local Teen Dies In Fatal Accident (Update 2)
August 27, 2007

A fatal car accident occurred Sunday night along Highway 18 in Skyforest leaving one teen dead and another injured.
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Attempted Murder In Crestline; Suspect At Large (Update 2)
August 27, 2007

Authorities are searching for a suspect in an attempted murder that occurred on August 15 at 560 Forest Shade Drive in Crestline. The suspect, Cory Christopher Davis, 20, of Crestline is described as a 6 foot tall, 230 pound, white male. Davis is known to have contacts in Crestline and Hesperia. He should be considered armed and dangerous, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Flash Flood Watch Until 8 PM This Evening
August 25, 2007

The Flash Flood Watch continues for a portion of Southwest California, including the following areas, Apple and Lucerne Valleys, Coachella Valley, Riverside County mountains, San Bernardino County mountains, the Inland Empire, San Diego County deserts, San Diego County mountains and San Diego County valleys until 8 pm PDT this evening.

Thunderstorms Bring Rain, Hail To Mountain Areas
August 25, 2007

Monsoonal moisture enhanced by the remnants of former Atlantic Hurricane Dean, have brought showers and thunderstorms to the mountains today. Storms have developed over the Big Bear area. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch, for the potential for flooding and rock or mud slides, through 8 PM tonight. There have been no reports of flooding or rock or mud slides.

RIMOFTHEWORLD.net Expands Local News Team
August 15, 2007

RIMOFTHEWORLD.net is proud to announce the expansion of its local news coverage team. Along with the extensive RIMOFTHEWORLD.net discussion boards, alerts team, and columns, RIMOFTHEWORLD.net News will now provided Daily News Briefs and more frequent news stories on local matters.
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Crest Forest Family Service Agency receives funding
Press Release From Supervisor Paul Biane
August 15, 2007

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved a contract with the Crest Forest Family Service Agency that will provide the agency with $222,932 in federal grant money to expand, improve and maintain its outreach facility.
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Blog: Scott Straley - July 3, 2007
July 3, 2007

I just got off the phone with an old friend I hadn't spoken with in nearly eight years. I've spent much of the past six months finding old friends and catching up. I think a lot of the same motivation that has led me to write this blog series is behind this sense to stop running from myself and to face my life.

Blog: Scott Straley - June 26, 2007
June 26, 2007

It was 1984. I was in the process of making that awkward transition from junior high school to high school. It was also the year that Michael Jackson's hair caught on fire while filming a Pepsi commercial, the Apple Macintosh was introduced, the space shuttle Discovery was first launched, Reagan defeated Mondale in the presidential election, the Ethiopian famine began, and crack was first introduced on American streets. Of course, as a 14-year-old, the world and the news still seemed distant from the New Jersey suburbia I found myself.

Blog: Scott Straley - June 19, 2007
June 18, 2007

Through this blog, I'd like to take a few moments to step out from behind the quite neutral editor role for the site, and share some of my life's journeys. I hope that some part of what I share can help those who are hurting, can encourage those who feel lost, and can nurture those who are learning. I know everyone will have different beliefs, morals, opinions, ambitions, and goals, and my hope is certainly not to offend or alienate anyone. This is my community, and you all have grown to become my friends.

Blog: Save The Cheese Doodle, Save The World (Scott Straley)
May 7, 2007

As recently as a year ago, I was at a press conference, and I mentioned to someone there that I was from RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. And they said, "What? You're not from a newspaper?" I said, "No, we're only online." And then someone else chimed in with their explanation, "Oh, you're that blog site."
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