Crestline is Stepping UP!

Big shout-out to Jessica from Crestline Antiques and More for stepping up to be a location for our Help Our Neighbors  food and can drive.  

Members, if you want a drop-off location (need willing establishment) in your area please email us and together we can make it happen.

HELP our Neighbors

What a morning! Thank you to everyone who donated and a special thank you to Bev at @spadeandspatula for hosting our food drive and joining us in supporting our community this holiday season.

As families, seniors, and veterans receive their CalFresh benefits, our food drive is helping fill the gaps and ensure everyone has what they need.

We collected 197 items today! Let’s keep the momentum going — we have one more week to go. Drop off your donations during regular business hours at @spadeandspatula and help make sure no mountain resident goes without.

Let’s come together, share what we can, and make sure no one goes hungry this season. Every little bit makes a difference!

Mountain Collective presents CA-23 Democratic Candidate Forum

The Mountain Collective is a group of residents from across our mountain communities working to inform, connect, and empower voters.
Please join us for a discussion with the Democratic candidates for Congressional District 23 as they share their priorities, visions, and plans for our region. This forum will provide voters with a clear sense of where each candidate stands on key issues that affect our district communities.

Date: November 17, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Online (Zoom link provided after RSVP)
RSVP here: http://bit.ly/47GjS3b

Donation box art by: Kathleen G

Thank you Kathleen
 for lending your creativity and generous spirit to making the Operation Provider donation boxes. When I called for help, you didn’t hesitate — you simply said yes and brought your artistic touch and heart to the project. Your willingness to give your time and talent made such a difference, and I’m deeply grateful.

Prop 50 WE WON!

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Texas thought it could steal congressional seats while we just sat back and watched. But California overwhelmingly voted yes on Prop 50 because fair 2026 midterm elections matter to all of us. Take a moment to celebrate, then get ready to keep fighting as 2026 is just around the corner

Thank you to everyone who came out to vote, canvass, phonebank, work the polls and write postcards. Together we can do it!  Together we are stronger! 

Shout out to Karina, Bridger and Terri for representing MBDC in canvassing everywhere! Picture below.

We have reached 1,000 followers!

Thank you for standing with us as we register voters, welcome new Democrats, and create space for open dialogue about the issues that shape our community. Let’s keep the momentum going! Share our posts!  Help us get the word out! Zuleyma V

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mountainbearsdems

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/mountainbeardems

Running Springs Farmers Market and Artisan Faire

“… Nestled in the scenic mountain town of Running Springs, this market blends fresh, local produce with unique handmade crafts. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot to connect with vendors and fellow shoppers while exploring some truly special goods.”  

We occupy the second space from the Whispering Springs entrance to the farmers market, and our Mountain Bears sign is visible from Whispering Springs Drive.  Our next-door neighbor, Coventina Coffee, occupies the first space from that entrance. The coffee drinks served by Coventina are made to order, and customers waiting for their drinks frequently chat with us and/or read the story boards and signs we display on the grid racks Sabro provides. Those grid racks greatly enhance the appearance of our booth. Thank you, Sabro and Marquita Foster for the use of the racks, for storing and bringing to the market all the things we set up there, and for working with us at the booth.

We are now completing what has been a successful Farmers Market for us. Few people registered to vote in this off-election year, but the many people, both vendors and visitors, who thanked us for being at the market remind us of how important it is to be visible and available. Our presence, our sign, and our story boards promote the Democratic Party, our values, and our Mountain Bears Democratic Club. We tell Democrats at the market how important it is to vote – even in mid-term and local elections. And we give people information and literature about our club, upcoming events, and issues such as proposition 50.

Thank you to: Diane Grady for being so dependable, Larry Fehrenbach for helping us break down our booth at the end of the day, Henry Flowers for helping us set up and working at our booth, Chris Heyn for working at our booth, and Cathy Clemens of the R.S. Chamber of Commerce for making the farmers market such a pleasant experience for all.  

By Stephen M

Fantastic October Meeting

Wow, what an amazing meeting!  Record breaking 46 in attendance.  

Father Gary was very forthcoming and embraced the idea that love is the way.  He spoke about how the philosophy “The end justifies the means” in history and in the works of God “never ends well”.  Loving everyone and helping others is the true calling of God. Father Gary also asked for support with The Mountain Homeless Coalition, below is more information.

Holiday, spoke about our “Big Tent”.  Everyone has different reasons for joining MBDC, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of love, pursuit of happiness….but what brings us all together is the one common thread…..we love our COUNTRY…we love our DEMOCRACY…..we love our FREEDOM!  Together under this big tent we must respect our differences and join together for the common goal.

Although this was our last regular meeting we have a great line-up for winter 2025.  All welcome…jump in anytime.

  • Running Springs Farmers market- last day 11/1
  • Can and gift card drive- November
  • Demsgiving potluck party- 11/16 
  • Holiday in the Pines- Saturdays in December
  • 2026 Strategy meeting- 12/2
  • Magic in the Mountains Blue Jay Parade- 12/6

Crestline No Kings Protest *Made the paper!

https://www.mountain-news.com/news/no-kings-protests-held-in-crestline/article_b41508aa-a41f-408a-8f73-804b24dddc1a.html

Please note the local paper Alpine Mountaineer did NOT cover this story. If this concerns you please let them know.

Crestline — Thousands of demonstrators participated in “No Kings” protests across the United States on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with nearly a dozen gatherings reported in San Bernardino County. Two took place in the San Bernardino Mountains, including one in Crestline.

From approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., protesters assembled at the intersection of Lake Gregory Drive and Lake Drive, carrying signs and chanting slogans. While the exact attendance has not been confirmed, estimates from witnesses placed the crowd at between 200 and 300 participants.

Protesters wore a range of attire, from American flag-themed clothing to inflatable animal costumes, a trend that has been seen in previous demonstrations nationwide.

The “No Kings” protests were organized in response to recent federal policies and executive actions under President Donald Trump, particularly concerning immigration enforcement. Demonstrations were reported in multiple states, though fears of widespread unrest did not materialize this time.

The Crestline protest remained peaceful throughout. Participants waved signs and flags as passing drivers honked in support or opposition. A small group of counter-protesters was also present, holding pro-Trump and Charlie Kirk flags. No visible law enforcement presence was observed, and no incidents were reported.

The use of inflatable costumes at protests reportedly began in Portland, Oregon, during immigration-related demonstrations. The approach has been described by organizers as a way to draw attention, reduce tension, and add a nonviolent element of humor to protests.

Saturday’s Crestline gathering concluded without incident, marking a peaceful demonstration in contrast to earlier “No Kings” protests held earlier this year that had been followed by unrest in some cities.

Mountain News Article and photos by Vincent Plant.  Oct 22, 2025

This past weekend, our members joined millions of others in No Kings protests across California — standing shoulder to shoulder with communities demanding accountability, justice, and the protection of our democracy. 

Here in our mountain towns, the movement showed its strength. Crestline saw over 200 people gather across from Goodwin’s. Big Bear followed with an incredible turnout of more than 600 attendees. 

Even as a few agitators tried to stir up tension, our side kept the peace, proving that strength comes from standing together with purpose.

The Mountain Bears Democratic Club is proud of every member who showed up, organized, and stood in solidarity. This movement is about more than one protest — it’s a reminder that when we come together, our small towns have a big voice in shaping the future of California and our nation.

A special thank you to PUMA for organizing the Crestline No Kings protest. 

Thank You Nancy!

In the Mountain Bear Club, her spirit shines bright,
A beacon of kindness, a guiding light.
With wisdom and warmth, she gives all she can,
The heart of our circle, dear Nancy Manning.

She registers voters with tireless grace,
Believing each voice has a rightful place.
A “goddess” of ballots, of justice, of choice,
Lifting democracy with her steadfast voice.

At parades she’s the driver, with banners held high,
Waving with pride as our colors fly.
At the front desk she greets with a welcoming tone,
Making each visitor feel right at home.

On election days, she works through it all,
Smiling with patience, answering the call.
Kind and devoted, both gentle and wise,
A friend and a treasure in all of our eyes.

So here’s to Nancy, who gives from the start,
A true civic hero with a generous heart.
For every good deed and each joyful embrace,
The Mountain Bear Club is a brighter place.