Valley News - January 6, 2023

Michelle Caceres Plant City Observer

For Plant City, Florida, resident Shannon Crosby, an email changed her life.

The 37-year-old had been searching for her biological father, Rainbow resident Patrick McCarthy, for over 33 years.

Rain doesn’t deter fun at Temecula New Year’s Eve celebrations

Inclement weather may affect area highway projects

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Inclement weather during the past week and possibly into this week has either slowed or closed certain road and freeway lanes as repairs are taking place by Caltrans, Riverside County Transportation Commission and local city Public Works departments.

Temecula City Council selects mayor, mayor pro tem

TEMECULA – During a regular meeting of the Temecula City Council, Mayor Pro Tem Zak Schwank was chosen unanimously by the council Tuesday, Dec. 13 to serve as mayor of Temecula for 2023.

SACRAMENTO – Beginning Jan. 1, Californians will benefit from newly created consumer protections as 11 new state laws, which were sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara this past legislative session, take effect. The new laws address climate change, expand health access and reproductive care, preserve health protections, protect against fraud and ensure public safety.

Mayor Zak Schwank was reelected by District 5 voters for a second term on the city council in November. He was first elected to serve on the city council in 2018, following two full terms as a Temecula Community Services Commissioner.

“It is truly an honor to serve Temecula and to be part of a team that places the safety, and a high quality of life for all of its residents, at the forefront,” Schwank said. “Our great city has enjoyed 33 wonderful years, and I am confident that 2023 will be another year of growth and progress in which we continue to build upon Temecula’s reputation as an exceptional place to live, work, and play.”

Schwank is an advocate of sustainable housing for all income levels, enhancing the city’s park

More than a person’s best friend

“Dogs can do more than just be man’s best friend,” believes Marine veteran Asia Duhamel. “Lotus saved my life.”

This isn’t a story of a dog rescuing someone from something like drowning, but Duhamel shared that she was in “a dark place” with PTSD, anxiety, panic and suicidal thoughts in the months prior to her discharge from the Marines in 2017.

That’s when she was introduced to Lotus, a German Shepherd that was recognized in December as the outstanding service dog in the 2022 AKC Awards for Canine Excellence. Awards were presented in five categories and the winners were presented in a documentary shown on ESPN and ABC.

“The idea behind the award is

amenities and recreation facilities, promoting the arts and celebrating culture and the city’s wide range of diversity to provide an inclusive and family-friendly city for all.

“Like all growing and thriving cities, Temecula has its challenges and acknowledging them means we can tackle and overcome them,” Schwank said. “Embracing challenges is a trigger for growth – economically, culturally and as a community – and I believe we as Temeculans have always risen to the challenges put in front of us and conquered them. I look forward to the achievements we all make together as a city.”

As mayor, Schwank will continue to focus his efforts on preserving and enhancing a safe and beautiful city for its residents as well as the tens of thousands of visitors that travel to Temecula every year. A staunch supporter of city mobility options, Schwank will also continue to enhance Temecula’s bike lane and trail system including safe bicycle lanes and

Karisa Buechler pushes Natahlia Vargas, 4, on the ice rink in front of the Temecula Civic Center on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. See more photos on page A-3. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Mayor Zak Schwank.

Rick Monroe

Special to the Valley News

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Asia Duhamel and her service dog Lotus work at the Canine Support Teams Inc. facility in Murrieta. Duhamel copes with PTSD from her time enlisted in the Marines with the help of Lotus who won the American Kennel Club’s 2022

Award for Canine Excellence in the service dog category. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Plant City, FL woman found her long-lost father thanks to Fallbrook PI

2023 brings new insurance protections for CA consumers and other laws

LOCAL

Lakeland streets, Santa Rosa Plateau allocated ARPA funding

Joe Naiman Writer

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, Dec. 13, included the allocation of $18,400,000 of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding for facilities in the First Supervisorial District.

The supervisors’ 4-0 vote, with Manuel Perez absent, allocated $11,300,000 to the county’s Transportation and Land Management Agency for eight sidewalk projects including Grand Avenue in Lakeland Village, $4,500,000 to

the county’s Facilities Management department for park and community center improvements in Lakeland Village as well as in Good Hope and Mead Valley, $1,750,000 for the county’s Office of Economic Development to fund streetlights along six corridors in the three communities, $750,000 to TLMA for a signalized crosswalk at Grand Avenue and Sangston Drive in Lakeland Village and $100,000 to the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District to provide Wi-Fi service to the Santa Rosa Plateau. The lead departments will

subsequently return to the county board of supervisors with actions to implement those projects.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 included $362 billion of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocations for eligible state, territorial, tribal and local governments. The funding addresses the public health emergency and economic impacts of the coronavirus epidemic and can be utilized for four eligible categories: mitigation of negative economic impacts, premium pay for eligible workers performing essential work, provision of govern-

ment services lost revenue would have eliminated and necessary infrastructure investments including water, sewer, and broadband. The county will receive $479,874,599 of that. The first installment of $239,937,299 was received in May 2021 and the second $239,937,299 installment was received on June 6, 2022. The funds must be committed by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent by Dec. 31, 2026.

The Oct. 4 county board of supervisors meeting approved allocations for the second funding installment. Each supervisorial district will be given $33 million

for infrastructure, housing and homelessness, workforce development, neighborhood revitalization, business revitalization, childcare facilities and nonprofit organizations. All of the projects approved Dec. 13 other than the Santa Rosa Plateau Wi-Fi access are in disproportionately impacted areas and are under the Neighborhood Revitalization ARPA funding category while the Santa Rosa Plateau Wi-Fi is under the tourism ARPA funding category.

Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

Christmas tree recycling highlights composting in Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY – The holiday season ends with plenty of returns, and a Christmas tree is no exception. Return that natural Christmas tree to the ground it grew in by dropping it off at a Riverside County landfill to be recycled into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Through the free Christmas tree drop-off program, natural trees collected at the Badlands landfill

will be chipped and combined with food waste and other organic waste to make compost or mulch.

Recycling organic material ensures that organic waste is diverted away from landfill burial, recycled and turned into a soil amendment.

Natural Christmas trees must be prepared for recycling by removing all decorations, lights, tinsel and tree stands. Flocked trees cannot be recycled through this

program and need to be cut up and placed in a regular trash container.

Other natural Christmas trees that are recycled at free drop-off sites or at the curb will be taken to local green-waste processors to be recycled into compost or mulch. Most trash haulers will collect Christmas trees curbside for two weeks after Christmas. Place the prepared tree next to or inside the green-waste container

on the regular pick-up day. Trees over four feet tall should be cut in half. Contact the waste hauler for more details.

For those without a curbside pickup program, several drop-off locations will accept up to three properly prepared residential Christmas trees for free through Saturday, Jan. 7, including Lua Wood Recycling, 18938 Mermack Ave., in Lake Elsinore; P.

John Recycling, 28700 Matthews Road, in Romoland; CR&R, 1706 Goetz Road, in Perris for CR&R customers only, and Riverside County Badlands Landfill, 31125 Ironwood Ave., in Moreno Valley.

For more information and locations, call the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources at 951-486-3200 or visit http://www. rcwaste.org/wasteguide/holiday.

Submitted by Riverside County.

EMWD to apply for San Jacinto Groundwater Basin management grant

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District will seek a state Department of Water Resources grant for groundwater management of the San Jacinto Groundwater Basin. A 5-0 EMWD board vote Wednesday, Dec. 21, adopted a resolution authorizing the filing of an application to DWR for Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program funding and designating an authorized representative to prepare the data and execute a funding agreement. Eastern is requesting approximately $17.2 million of grant funding to cover the cost of the proposed components.

multiple agencies. EMWD is the sole participant for the San Jacinto Groundwater Basin GSA. The GSA encompasses approximately 256 square miles and includes the cities of Menifee, Moreno Valley and Perris as well as the unincorporated areas of Lakeview, Nuevo and Winchester.

design and installation of monitoring wells along with improvements of groundwater monitoring equipment. The fourth component will update the hydrogeologic conceptual model and the San Jacinto flow model. The fifth component is data management system development.

off-street trail connections to complete a “loop” around the city for cyclists and pedestrians. As the outgoing chair of the Riverside Transit Agency, Schwank supports public transportation networks as just one of the efforts to reduce traffic in Temecula and the region.

The Temecula City Council also unanimously selected Council member James “Stew” Stewart to serve as mayor pro tem assuming mayoral duties in the event of Schwank’s absence. In addition, two new council members elected by the citizenry within their respective districts were sworn in to serve as council members. Newly elected Council member Curtis Brown is a 26-year fire service veteran currently employed as a

deputy director at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and is a former Temecula fire chief. Newly elected Council member Brenden Kalfus is a long time Temecula resident who grew up in Temecula and is currently employed as a firefighter and an arson investigator. Both were elected to serve a four-year term on the City Council through 2026. Stewart and Council member Jessica Alexander were appointed respectively as president and vice president for the 2023 Temecula Community Services District. Further 2023 council committee and board assignments are anticipated to occur during the first regular council meeting of 2023.

Submitted by city of Temecula.

In 2014, California adopted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. The intent of the law is to strengthen local groundwater. DWR designated basins throughout California as high, medium, low or very low priority. The SGMA required local agencies to form a Groundwater Sustainability Agency for high-priority and medium-priority basins by July 2017. The San Jacinto Groundwater Basin was designated as a high-priority basin.

A Groundwater Sustainability Agency may have a sole participant or can be a partnership of

The high-priority status requires the adoption of a groundwater sustainability plan by 2022 and implementation of that plan by 2042. The San Jacinto GSA has developed such a plan. Approximately 95% of the plan area is within Eastern’s jurisdiction while the remaining 5% of the plan area is under the jurisdiction of the federal government and not subject to SGMA regulations. The plan defines a course of action to achieve sustainable groundwater management within a 20-year period.

EMWD staff identified five components to implement the San Jacinto GSA plan. The first component is grant administration. The second component covers data gaps, groundwater-dependent ecosystems and domestic well assessments and will include on-ground groundwater-dependent ecosystem confirmation and assessment, domestic well investigation and lower pressure field investigations. The third component involves the

The SGMA also requires a GSA to submit annual reports to DWR. The annual report provides information on groundwater conditions and implementation of the groundwater sustainability plan during the prior water year. A water year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30. The plan itself will be periodically re-evaluated and refined if needed, and updates will be submitted to DWR every five years if not sooner.

In October, DWR issued solicitations for Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program applications. Approximately $200 million of competitive grants will be available.

The components will be subject to California Environmental Quality Act review. That documentation will be created once more information becomes available.

Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

County approves change orders for Clinton Keith Road extension

Joe Naiman Writer

The County of Riverside approved two change orders to the construction contract for the extension of Clinton Keith Road from Leon Road to State Route 79.

A 4-0 Riverside County Board of Supervisors vote Dec. 13, with Manuel Perez absent, approved the change orders to the contract with Security Paving Company Inc. The change orders will add $2,282,090 to the contract amount.

On Jan. 11 the county supervisors awarded Security Paving Company, which is headquartered in Westlake Village, the construction contract to extend Clinton Keith Road from Leon Road to State Route 79. The original contract was for $23,569,634. A separate Jan. 11 vote approved an agreement between the county and the City of Murrieta addressing Max Gilliss Boulevard roadway improvements which are part of the construction work.

Construction of Clinton Keith Road between Interstate 215 and

State Route 79 was separated into four phases to optimize available funds, although the county’s Transportation Department was able to combine two of the phases.

Phase 1, which was completed by the City of Murrieta in 2011, provided a six-lane road between Interstate 215 and Whitewood Road.

Phase 2 was a four-lane extension from Whitewood Road to Leon Road. Due to cost savings from favorable construction bids, Phase 4, which constructed two additional lanes and a median to bring Clinton Keith Road to its ultimate six-lane arterial highway configuration, was concurrent with Phase 2. Phase 2 and Phase 4 were completed in March 2020.

Phase 3 from Leon Road to State Route 79 is the final phase in the project. The work includes construction of a bridge over French Valley Creek, installation of traffic signals at the intersections of Clinton Keith Road and Leon Road and at Clinton Keith Road and Porth Road, a signal modification at the intersection of State Route 79 and Benton Road, and a double-arch

storm drain culvert and retaining wall system just south of Leon Road. The agreement with the City of Murrieta for the Max Gilliss Boulevard resurfacing includes a $86,580 deposit by the city which covers a 10% contingency along with the city’s estimated cost, and any funding not used will be returned to the city. The construction is expected to be complete during summer 2023.

The first change order is due to differing site conditions at the French Valley Creek bridge location. Unsuitable material and surface groundwater were encountered, preventing the construction of the bridge. To stabilize the area, unsuitable material will be excavated to a depth of five feet and replaced with three feet of three-inch rock, geogrid fabric, and two feet of aggregate base. That change order adds $850,000 to the contract.

The second change order is needed to stabilize the subgrade at the arch culvert of an unnamed creek due to high groundwater. To avoid construction delays associated with redesigning the arch culvert foundation system and obtaining a revised environmental permit for a dewatering operation, a deep soil mixing subgrade enhancement process will be performed to stabilize the subgrade. That work increased the contract amount by $1,432,090.

Mayor pro tem James “Stew” Stewart. Valley News/Courtesy photo

A Plant City, FL woman finds her long-lost father thanks to private investigator Tony Campbell

Father and daughter reflect on the first anniversary of their reunion

Michelle Caceres Plant City Observer

For Plant City, Florida, resident Shannon Crosby, an email changed her life.

The 37-year-old had been searching for her biological father, Rainbow resident Patrick McCarthy, for over 33 years.

Crosby, who was born in New Hampshire in 1985, had not seen her father since she was four years old. When she was still a baby, her parents, who never married, moved to Massachusetts to start over after her father lost his job. His mother took a desk job in Boston. His father, a master mechanic, also found work.

Lifelong happiness was not meant for the couple. His mother wanted to settle down and start a family. His father, a free spirit who wasn’t ready to give up his rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, wanted to do both. It all came to a crescendo in 1989 when her father stormed out of the house after her parents got into a fight, she said.

“I remember my mother taking me out of the house and her brother, who was a priest, came to pick us up, and then my father left,” she said.

Even though she was a young child, she cherishes a few episodic memories of happy times with her father. She remembers her father laughing and joking at a birthday party in a large field and a man taking pony rides. She remembers visiting her father’s friends in New Hampshire and riding a snowmobile, her father sitting behind her and holding her tightly as they rode through the woods.

Her mother eventually met a

man, got married and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida.

In addition to souvenirs, she began to receive letters, postcards and small trinkets from Florida where her father was living at the time. He sent a picture of himself sitting on top of his motorbike, his long, shaggy hair starting to turn gray. The cards and letters stopped for a while, but one day in 1994 she received another postcard from her father, who lived in San Diego.

“My mom always told me my dad was a wanderer,” Crosby said. When she and her mother moved to another house in St. Petersburg, Florida, the letters again stopped.

Time passed, as always, but she still had questions that only her father could answer. As soon as the internet was born, her mother bought a home computer, and she spent hours searching Yahoo for clues about her father. She created a MySpace account in hopes of connecting with him. She searched prison records and obituaries, Craigslist and genealogy websites.

“My dad was a ghost,” she said, jokingly.

What made an already difficult task worse was that she didn’t know her father’s exact age because he never gave anyone a clear answer and as a child he was in the foster care system and bouncing from place to place, making it almost impossible to find an extended family. .

Last year her mother found her baby book and inside, nestled next to her baby photos, was her family tree with her father’s name and actual date of birth, the name of her biological father, Thomas McCarthy and his biological mother, Virginia Shaghalion.

Armed with this new information, she started her search again. A search of her grandmother ’s name turned up a Massachusetts obituary that listed a few biological children. She wrote them all the letters and got a response from her great-aunt, but because they were placed in foster care at a young age, she had no information about her father. Even though she had discovered family members she didn’t know she had, it was another dead end.

Then an email in November 2021 changed everything.

In a twist of fate worthy of a

Hallmark original movie, it turns out that her father had hired Tony Campbell, of AC Investigations, a Fallbrook private detective, to look for her. Sitting in her car waiting for her husband to get out of Target, the email appeared with the subject “family.” When she opened it, she learned that the private detective had been hired by her father to find her and wanted to know if she would be interested in talking to him.

“I was in shock, but immediately thought it was a scam,” Crosby said.

When her husband got back to the car, she showed him the email and asked if it could be real. He searched the man’s name on Google and verified that it was a real private investigation firm, AC Investigations.

She called the investigator as soon as she got home. He sent her a photo of his father and she immediately knew he was the man she had spent the last three decades trying to find. She agreed to speak to her father and a phone call was scheduled for the next evening.

When he answered her call, she noticed his Boston accent which was still thick even after living in California for so many years. He shared his story. He had struggled with alcohol abuse throughout his life but had been sober for almost six years. He had traveled the country, been arrested for misconduct and lived in the Salvation Army.

“He told me he hadn’t reached out earlier because he was ashamed and embarrassed, but he didn’t know I wanted to talk to him,” she said.

Five years ago, while working in a shipyard, a boat fell on top of him, crushing his legs. As he stood alone in the dark for hours waiting for help to arrive, worried that he would die before he had a chance to know if she was OK. After his broken body was discovered by colleagues, he endured nearly two years of hospitalizations, surgeries and physiotherapy sessions.

He offered to pay Crosby and her husband to travel to California for a visit. She readily agreed, eager to meet her father in person. They made the trip in January and landed at the San Diego airport at 2 p.m. By the time they rented a car, checked into the hotel, freshened up and

grabbed a bite to eat, it was almost dark, but undeterred they decided to meet him in Rainbow. It was dark at this time, but they saw the lights of an ATV heading towards them. The car stopped, and she rolled down the window. One look at the man driving the vehicle, and she knew it was her father, Crosby said. He approached her window and reached out to hug her

“It was wild and crazy in the best possible way,” Crosby said.

Her father took them to his home, and they spent time learning about their lives. He told her that his plan was still to find her, but only after he did something to show for himself. He apologized for not getting his life back sooner. Crosby was friendly.

“I think he had to go through these tough things to be at a point

Correction

In the story “Liesemeyer

where he could make a change,” she said.

He showed her one of his most prized possessions, a boat he built in the 1990s but couldn’t part with and named Miss Shannon.

“I cried when I saw that,” she said.

It’s been a year since the couple met. Her dad still doesn’t use technology, but they talk on the phone a few times a week. She is making plans for another visit in January Campbell, the private detective, also remains in contact with Crosby.

“He tells me he deals with so many sad cases that don’t have a happy ending, and he wishes he could find another case like mine,” she said.

Reprinted with permission of the Plant City Observer.

leaves Menifee City Council after six years of service” from the 12/30 issue of the Valley News, we misnamed Ricky Estrada as Eric Estrada. Valley News apologizes for this error.

Shannon Crosby, seen 33 years ago, is pictured with her father, Rainbow resident Patrick McCarthy. Valley News/Courtesy photos

[Left] From left, Trinity Tribble, Trista Clarke and Madyson Tribble hold hands to stabilize themselves as they skate on the ice rink in Old Town Temecula on New Year’s Eve.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

TEMECULA NEW YEAR’S EVE from page A-1

[Right] Children jump into a large inflatable slide during the Temecula New Year’s Eve Grape Drop event.

[Below] Some people make an effort to not let the rain dampen their New Year’s Eve celebration as they search for fun and entertainment in Old Town Temecula.

Tony Campbell of AC Investigations

Soboba celebrates Christmas in parades, tree lightings

News

Christmas celebrations kicked off Friday, Dec. 2, when the Soboba Parks and Recreation Department hosted its fourth annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Light Parade at the Soboba Sports Complex. There were activities and fun for all ages with food and retail vendors, department booths and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

About 10 brightly decorated vehicles made their way to the event from The Oaks, honking and tossing candy treats to residents who lined the parade route. The top three vote getters, judged on complexity and creativity, received cash prizes. They were John McKay, Chris Vallez and Wayne Nelson.

An “ugly” sweater contest produced some adorable contestants in the youngest age category of 0-4 and for ages 5-7 and 8-11, prizes were given to the most festive and cutest. Christian Aceves, director at the Soboba Tribal Environmental Department, won in the 18+ category wearing a green sweatshirt embellished with recycled items, what else?

Tribal Administration and the Soboba Foundation were joined by Tribal Chair Isaiah Vivanco at their seasonally decorated station where visitors could pick up a take-home gingerbread house kit.

Soboba Tribal TANF offered a Letters to Santa station that included a mailbox with a direct delivery to the North Pole. The “official” letter gave children a place to explain something they did that was extra nice and some special Christmas wishes they had.

Before signing their name, they requested Santa give their favorite reindeer a big hug and kiss with a blank line for the reindeer’s name.

The annual Soboba Foundation and Soboba Casino Resort Joint Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber Holiday Mixer took place Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the SCR Event Center. It was the 14th year the joint mixer has taken place at various locations throughout the valley. Good cheer was spread throughout the room with seasonal decorations and dessert bars featuring everything from gingerbread men to snowflake cookies. The banquet buffet offered various food options for the approximately 300 guests.

The purpose of the holiday mixer is to share time with each other, meet new members and reconnect with familiar ones. It is also to show appreciation for the year-long membership that connects the community through business and individuals, according to the foundation.

Soboba Tribal Chair Isaiah Vivanco welcomed everyone on behalf of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and the Soboba Foundation and thanked them for

working as a community to support the local economy.

“I think it takes all of us to make this valley really excel,” he said.

Chamber Executive Director Cyndi Lemke said it is inspiring to see everyone come together to help others.

“We’re helping the youth in this valley, the seniors, and each other,” she said. “I really appreciate you and I feel so blessed to be a part of the Chamber of Commerce and I thank you all for being a part of the Chamber.”

Many gift baskets were donated by Chamber members and given away to guests during the traditional “raffle hour” portion of the Holiday Mixer event, which was led by Chamber Chair Andrew Vallejos.

Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas gave some closing remarks, saying she agreed with Vallejos’ comments that it’s all about getting together, laughing, having fun and having a good time.

Members of the Noli Indian School Drama Club presented “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” Thursday, Dec. 8, in the multipurpose room, next to the Soboba Tribal Preschool. The room

was filled with family members, teachers and staff who said they were delighted by the performances of Victoria Boisa, Alaina Espinoza, Tobi Chapparosa, Ani Hampton, Tamara Hurtado and Lyliana Procela. Students who worked the tech side of things were Edgar Gladin, Jonathan Gladin, Jane Hollingsworth, Christopher Lagunas and Anthony Pimental.

The production was directed

direction by Jay Dagostino.

The Polar Express made a stop at the Soboba Sports Complex in the afternoon Saturday, Dec. 10, for the annual Soboba Tribal Christmas Party. Dinner was served, raffle prizes were won by adults, and children received toys from Santa Claus.

It was a great community start for the Christmas season that found Soboba Tribal Members enjoying friends and family in their own ways Sunday, Dec. 25.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to the Valley

Wayne Nelson and his family have one of the winning entries in this year’s Soboba Light Parade Friday, Dec. 2. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

Gingerbread house building kits are given to visitors of Soboba’s fourth annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Light Parade by members of the Soboba Foundation and Tribal Administration.

by Noli staff members Lorin Alvarez and Genna Santini with technical

Soboba Tribal Environmental Department’s Christian Aceves and Michelle Kaliher explain the arts and crafts activities available at their booth.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with children at Soboba’s fourth annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Friday, Dec. 2.

Hemet/San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce Chair Andrew Vallejos, left, and Chamber Executive Director Cyndi Lemke welcome guests to the Holiday Mixer at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Guests at the Soboba Foundation and Soboba Casino Resort Joint Hemet/ San Jacinto Valley Chamber Holiday Mixer enjoy an array of sweet dessert treats at the annual event.

Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe the year of 2022 is gone. Our team has had some great accomplishments and realized goals this year. We hope you have too. If you are planning a move or investment in the coming year...we look forward to discussing the possibilities with you.

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Happy New

Ken’s Corner

Sharon’s Corner

DOGS from page A-1

that Lotus did her job – keeping me alive – in order to get me through the mess. Now, because of her, I’m able to train dogs and help other people with their dogs. Basically, like it’s her legacy.”

Lotus has the ability to “read” Duhamel’s emotions and nudge her to stop harmful habits.

“I was afraid of doing things by myself, even ordering food at a restaurant,” she said. “Having Lotus gives me security.”

The Fallbrook resident works as the lead trainer at a nonprofit organization called Canine Support Teams in Murrieta, training service dogs.

Duhamel grew up in a small town in Georgia. “I went through ROTC in high school and joined the Marine Corps because it was the hardest branch, and they have

the best uniforms. I wanted to do law enforcement after I got out of the military, using the GI bill for college, but didn’t think a police force would take me seriously because I’m 105 pounds and small.”

“I worked hard in the Marines and earned a black belt in Tae Kwan Do and worked out like six days a week. I was and still am pretty fit – but I was really fit back then – and I got myself prepared for boot camp. It was super easy physically for me and so that’s why I decided to join the military.

“I ended up being sent here to Camp Pendleton, which is where some of the bad things happened in my life.”

She explained that it’s difficult for female Marines. She had become a sergeant in her four-years of service, but the final year included help in the form of medications and counseling.

“The medications that the military and the VA will give you are horrible for you. I figured out something that works and now it’s just living day by day. I still go to therapy, but not intensive therapy like I used to, where it was like four days a week, eight hours each of those days for two months straight.

“I wanted to have a dog and I wanted her to have her fully trained by the time I got out. I went to a program and got Lotus – and actually I met my husband Jules there. It was nice because he had his service dog – a boxer named Moses. It was nice having someone who you know could relate to and understand where I was coming from.”

Duhamel wasn’t satisfied with the training methods of the initial program and was able to adopt Lotus out of it and decided to train the dog on her own.

“I finished her training then I went through Next Step Service Dogs, which is an incredible accredited program. She and I graduated through them and then we volunteered there. Then with COVID, I stopped.”

She applied and was accepted at several colleges before getting the job with Canine Support Teams as lead trainer for service dogs.

“It’s very demanding and part of it is going into prison teaching the

inmates,” Duhamel said. “I teach the puppy raisers and teach the clients when I get the dogs to place with them – so I’m there every step of the way. I use Lotus as a demo dog because sometimes when the clients are getting their dog, they don’t really know what the dogs are capable of doing.”

She said team training is two weeks with a lot of stress for people working with veterans, which is 80% of their work.

“I can see myself in many of them, where they get frustrated or emotional. I could see their anxiety when we go out to the mall to practice with the dogs in public. It’s something that you have to be sensitive about.”

“My whole life is now dogs. She was my first dog – so that’s cool – and to be selected was based mostly on our story.”

Duhamel self-nominated her dog, sending the AKC a photo of her dog and explaining why she should be considered.

“It was pretty neat to watch myself on TV,” she admitted. “It was kind of surreal. I was happy with what they did. They

interviewed my husband as well and the training coordinator who works here. They also showed Lotus doing some task work and some of her retrieval commands, and doing her alerts where she puts her chin on my lap and she pawed me whenever I do some anxious behaviors that she’s queued onto.”

“There’s no such thing as a complete cure for the trauma, but I’ve learned to manage it way better than I used to. I still go to therapy, but I feel almost normal.

I’m not as worried about panicking in public, so it’s it helped me start to go into public more often because I can trust bad things wouldn’t happen – because I’d recognize when I need to leave because Lotus responds so well to an anxiety attack or panic attack.

Duhamel has a 100% disability from the military. She likes Fallbrook because it’s close to the base, is quiet, and she can afford a house with a backyard.

She feels she is finally in a good place emotionally, thanks to Lotus.

Asia Duhamel trains Blossom to be a service dog as her own service dog Lotus patiently watches in the foreground at the Canine Support Teams Inc. facility in Murrieta. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Service dog Lotus is told to stay as Asia Duhamel walks a service dog in training.

Asia Duhamel pets her service dog Lotus who provides her with daily support for the effects of PTSD.

Asia Duhamel and her service dog Lotus, who aids her owner, are an example of the deep partnership that service dogs and their owners form through providing and receiving assistance.

EDUCATION

High school murals project showcases creativity and teamwork

As students returned to West Valley High School in Hemet from a long winter break, they were greeted by colorful murals throughout the campus. Thanks to the efforts of a handful of International Baccalaureate diploma students, led by project manager Eliana Parts Fragata, each department wing

is now easily identifiable for its subject matter.

The goal for the team of six seniors was not just to brighten up the hallways but to guide new students, especially incoming freshmen, to their classrooms throughout the school day. IB is a worldwide, college preparatory program that encourages students to become active, compassionate, lifelong learners.

IB prepares students for higher education through a series of classes in the 11th and 12th grades. The program interconnects the courses so that students learn course content while developing the attributes of an IB Learner Profile. Additionally, students broaden their knowledge and skills by completing the IB Core. One of the three core elements is setting and achieving goals in creativity,

activity and service. Students enhance their personal development by learning through experience in the three areas.

West Valley IB students launched the murals idea in October for their C.A.S. project as it met all the requirements of initiative, perseverance, collaboration, problem solving and decision making.

Each student chose to create a design for a specific subject and

was asked to put their personality into the design. Since Eliana’s favorite subject is mathematics, there was never a doubt she would choose that one. Others were Haley Blakley, the Arts; Nalani Estrella, History; Stephanie Fuentes, World Languages; Eduardo Gonzalez, English, and Dana Sorenson, Science.

San Jacinto Valley students honored in December

The Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month program held its most recent recognition breakfast at the newly refurbished Maze Stone at Soboba Springs Golf Course, Thursday, Dec. 15. Six local high school seniors were recognized and honored for their character, love of learning and commitment to academics in addition to their involvement in school and community activities and their ability to overcome difficult life challenges in a setting that honors God, America, family, community and free enterprise. Students are nominated by teachers or other school personnel for making a difference in their homes, schools and communities.

Program founder and event facilitator Karena Zermeno also represents one of the sponsors, Altura Credit Union. Backpacks filled with gifts, a Student of the Month award, certificates of recognition and much more were donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to the Valley News

Recipients of the Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month award for December are, from left, Jonathan Bartlett, Rebekah Becerra, A va Guerrero, Eliana Parts Fragata, Macayla Jones and Issabella Castaneda.

Valley News/Blake Booth Photography photo

A team of International Baccalaureate diploma students complete a mural project at West Valley High School in Hemet, including from left, Eliana Parts Fragata, Stephanie Fuentes, Haley Blakley, C.A.S. coordinator Jacob May, Nalani Estrella, Dana Sorenson and Eduardo Gonzalez. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Eliana Parts Fragata is project manager for the West Valley International Baccalaureate diploma students’ C.A.S. project.

West Valley High School students Eliana Parts Fragata, left, and Nalani Estrella line up the stencil before applying a white base coat of paint to a stucco wall.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

West Valley High School student Haley Blakley poses before the subject mural that reflects her design. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photo

Movie review: ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’

Bob Garver Special to the Valley News

We were first introduced to dashing animated feline Puss in Boots, played by Antonio Banderas, in “Shrek 2” all the way back in 2004. The character appeared in two more “Shrek” sequels before headlining his own self-titled movie in 2011. Now comes “The Last Wish,” a sequel that depends on audiences still caring about the character after more than a decade out of the limelight. The film’s disappointing box office over Christmas weekend – $17 million domestic, barely half of what the first solo film did on Halloween weekend in 2011 – indicates that he no longer has his former drawing power. But having seen the film, I say that he should.

The new film opens with a classic Puss in Boots adventure: Puss throws a party at the home of an uptight governor and saves a village from a rampaging cyclops. Things are going great until he gets killed. End of movie. Just kidding, he’s a cat; he has nine lives. Problem is, that was life No. 8. If he gets killed one more time, he’ll die. After a close call with an apparently bounty-hunting wolf, played by Wagner Moura, he decides to retire to the home of a cat hoarder, played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph. A life of pet food and litter boxes isn’t for him, and he’s further annoyed by an unsuccess-

ful therapy dog, played by Harvey Guillen, hiding out among the cats. He’s soon clued-in to a race to steal the mythical Wishing Star, which grants a single wish to whoever can get to it first. He can wish for his nine lives back. He could also wish for unlimited lives, but the point is – magical quest. It’s a magical quest where he has to drag along the clingy therapy dog, but a quest nonetheless.

Also in pursuit of the star are former lover and current rival Kitty Softpaws, played by Salma Hayek; pie magnate and magic collector Big Jack Horner, played by John Mulaney, and the Goldilocks and the Three Bears Crime Family, consisting of Goldilocks, played by Florence Pugh; Papa Bear, played by Ray Winstone; Mama Bear, played by Olivia Coleman, and Baby Bear, played by Samson Kayo. Goldilocks and the Three Bears have such a fun dynamic and chemistry that I’d like to see them get their own spinoff. Sadly that’s unlikely with this film’s underperformance, but what we get of them here is delightful. What we get of everyone here is delightful. The cast is filled with actors that are funny every time they open their mouths. It is especially true of Banderas, who exaggerates his voice so much that I was laughing even when he was delivering straight lines. The writing is funny too, with some endearingly dark humor. The high-

light of the film is a montage of Puss’s deaths, handled in a familyfriendly, “Haunted Mansion” sort of way. The therapy dog steals the show, with his unbridled positivity in the face of a lifetime of bullying. Real bullying isn’t funny, the character’s attitude in spite of bullying is. And it should go without saying in a movie about animated cats and dogs, but the film’s cuteness level is raging.

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” may not be the strongest of adventure movies. The characters’ motivations don’t always make sense as too many are frustratingly unambitious with their wishes; the story follows predictable beats of reluctant alliances, betrayals and forgiveness, and the animation has a weird habit of turning into a cheap 2-D style during action sequences. But it works just fine as a comedy, and a family comedy at that. By all means take the children and relatives to see it this holiday season. It’s implied that there’s a sequel with some familiar friends on the horizon, but this movie needs your business first.

Grade: B

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is rated PG for action/violence, rude humor/language and some scary moments. Its running time is 100 minutes.

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

To submit an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com, put “attention events” in the subject line.

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

Jan. 10 – 4:30-8 p.m Ballet Folklorico Classes for ages 3-17 are presented at the Kay Ceniceros Center, 29995 Evans Road, in Menifee. The cost is $35-$42. Contact cityofmenifee.us or call 951-7233880 for more information.

Jan. 20 – 3-5 p.m. Confidence Chill and Chat time for girls 5-10 years is held at Menifee Community Services Department West Annex, 29995 Evans Road, in Menifee. Girls learn how to decorate cookies, make friendship bracelets, fuse beads and other activities. The cost is $30 for residents and $35 for non-residents. Contact 951-723-3880 or visit http://hellomenifee.com.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Jan. 6-8 – 5-8 p.m. Pechanga Pow Wow will be held at Pechanga Resort and Casino parking lot, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, in Temecula. Enjoy fireworks Friday at 7 p.m.; grand entries Friday at 8 p.m, Saturday at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and invited drums: Black Otter, Cozad, High Noon, Indian Hill, Motown and Southern. For more information, visit Pow Wow Calendar at http:// PowWows.com.

Jan. 7 – 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Shop Temecula Farmers Market at Old Town Front Street and 6th Street in Temecula year round every Saturday for local produce and vendors.

Jan. 14 – 8-10 a.m. Menifee Moves Community Walk is held the second Saturday of each month at Spirit Park, 25507 Normandy Road, Menifee. Pets are welcome. For more information, contact 951-723-3880 or contractclasses@cityofmenifee.us

Jan. 15 – 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Junior Pickleball Classes are offered at La Ladera Park, 28629 La Ladera Road, in Menifee. The cost is $80 to $90. Learn the basics of playing pickleball and advance to adult games. For more information, visit http://hellomenifee.com Jan. 21 – 11:30 a.m. A New You New Years Fashion Show will be presented by the Lake Elsinore Women’s Club, 710 W. Graham Ave., in Lake Elsinore.

Jan. 21 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the Monthly Makers Markets at the Outlets, 17600 Collier Ave, in Lake Elsinore for food, fun, music and vibes. Child gift tickets are available.

Jan. 22 – 8 a.m.to 7 p.m. Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

will be held at the Temecula Valley Visitor Center, 28690 Mercedes St. Suite A, in Temecula. The event turns Temecula into a giant game board with a fun scavenger hunt adventures combined with the excitement of the “Amazing Race.” For more information, visit http:// visittemeculvalley.com.

Jan. 24 – 6-8 p.m. Attend Business Law and Tax Updates for 2023 at Temecula Valley Entrepreneur’s Exchange, 43200 Business Park Drive, in Temecula for a collection of events presented by The Law Offices of Rosenstein & Associates to educate the local business community on businessspecific legal matters.

Jan. 26-28 – 5-10 p.m. Help build a playground at Community First Church of God, 31371 CA-74, in Homeland with approximately 150 volunteers from Community First Church of God, Smile Generation and KABOOM! Work is available for volunteers of all levels of skill. Contact church at 951-926-1345.

Jan. 26 – 3:30-7 p.m. The All Chamber Mega Mixer will be held at the Storm Stadium, 500 Diamond Drive, in Lake Elsinore. The networking extravaganza is powered by local chambers. Come mix, mingle and connect. For more information, visit http://www. MurrietaChamber.org.

ONGOING – The city of Menifee offers in-city or out-of-city special event vendor applications online or at Menifee City Hall to apply for signature and other special events. Contact Menifee City Hall, 29844 Haun Road, 951-6726777, or online at businesslicensing@cityofmenifee.us

ONGOING – Riverside Transportation Commission is offering Park and Ride lots to connect with carpools, vanpools and transit systems in Beaumont at 600 E. Sixth Street, in San Jacinto at 501 S. San Jacinto Avenue and in Temecula at Grace Presbyterian Church, 31143 Nicolas Road, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but not on weekends.

ONGOING – Sun City Civic Association Monthly Square Dance sessions are held Sundays from 1:30-5 p.m. at 26850 Sun City Boulevard, in Sun City.

ONGOING – If you know a homebound older adult, resources in Menifee are available, including grab-and-go, cooked and frozen food for pickup. Courtesy Pantry items and meals delivered with no contact. Three days of emergency food can be delivered immediately or restaurant meal delivery for those who don’t qualify for food assistance programs. Call 800510-2020 for help.

ONGOING – The Riverside

County COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program is accepting online applications for business grants up to $10,000 at http://www.rivercobizhelp.org that can be used for employee retention, working capital, personal protective equipment purchases, rent or mortgage payments and paying vendor notices. Eligible businesses, including nonprofits, must be in Riverside County, with a minimum of one but less than 50 employees and operating for at least one year since March 1. For more information, call Riverside County Business and Community Services at 951-955-0493.

ONGOING – 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Temecula Winchester Swap Meet continues, 33280 Newport Road in Winchester. Saturdays and Sundays only. The small local swap meet is only 50 cents for entry, and anyone under age 10 is free admission. No dogs allowed.

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every Sunday, Murrieta Village Walk Farmers Market is at Village Walk Place in Murrieta. The Sunday morning farmers market at Village Walk Plaza is a place to buy fruits and veggies, gourmet food and crafts. Come to the center in the northwest corner of Kalmia/ Cal Oaks at the Interstate 215 exit in Murrieta.

ONGOING – Temecula’s Farmers Markets are offered in Old Town Temecula Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, 4100 Main Street in Temecula; at Promenade Temecula, 40640 Winchester Road, outside JCPenney every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Riverside County Public Health orders, the farmers markets will be restricted to agriculture products only. Follow the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market on Facebook to stay updated. No pets are allowed.

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

Jan. 6 – Save the date: Miller Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, in partnership with the city of Menifee and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1956, will bring the replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall to the city Tuesday, April 4, under escort and parade. Volunteers may be needed; contact Miller Jones Mortuary or cbollinger@cityofmenifee.us Jan. 12 – 4:30-6 p.m. Attend Mighty Me for Adults 18+ Performing arts and dance every

Thursday for adults with mental and physical disabilities. The program is free and is designed for all abilities and capabilities. It is located at the Menifee Community Services Department, 29995 Evans Road, in Menifee. Jan. 16 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Home Instead office serving Vista and Temecula will be distributing free new hearing aids to older adults with hearing impairments by visiting either Home Instead location Monday through Friday to pick up their hearing aid. For more information, contact Sarah Currinder at sarah.currinder@ fleishman.com or call 314-9744582.

Jan. 21 – 9:30 a.m. Menifee Valley Historical Association and Museum presents “Homesteading the San Jacinto Valley – a history of the Lambs family (Lambs Canyon) and their transition to Menifee in the 1950s.” Available on Facebook Live as well. Call 951-708-6842 or visit http://menifeehistory.com

ONGOING – Want to help deployed American troops remotely? Help shop for most needed items without leaving your home! This is an easy way to help support deployed men and women by purchasing items remotely and having them delivered to MilVet at designated drop-off locations for packing. All items on the list are special requests from deployed military men and women. MilVet is a nonprofit organization that holds monthly packaging events at different community locations in the area.. For drop-off locations and packaging locations visit http://www.milvet.org/militarycare-packages.

ONGOING – Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Meeting meets the third Monday of each month at the Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 6th Street, in Temecula from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, email gaugustin206@ gmail.com or join the meeting.

ONGOING– Sons of Norway/ Scandinavia meets at noon the first Saturday of every month, September to June, at the Heritage Mobile Park Clubhouse, 31130 S. General Kearny Road, in Temecula. A potluck lunch is followed by a cultural program and short business meeting. Please come and enjoy company with fellow Scandinavians. Call 951-309-1597 or 951-8491690 for more information.

ONGOING – Noon to 1 p.m. Attend Murrieta Wildomar Chamber of Commerce’s weekly business briefing via Zoom or watch live on Facebook every Wednesday. Registration required at https://bit.ly/MWCBizBriefing The chamber business briefing is

an opportunity to hear from city, county and business leaders about current and relevant business information.

ONGOING – Menifee Community Services offers online driver’s education courses for a $21.95 fee. The course includes animated driving scenarios, instructional videos, sample test, licensed instructor available to answer questions, DMV approved certificate of completion with all lectures and exams completed from home. Designed for students and does not include behind-the-wheel instruction or a California driver’s permit. Contact 951-723-3880 or visit the city of Menifee to register at http:// www.city of menifee.us.

ONGOING – 10 to 11:30 a.m. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center and The Elizabeth Hospice host a virtual support meeting for caregivers every second and fourth week of the month via Zoom. Get helpful tips and learn from others who are also dealing with similar challenges. For more information and to register, contact The Elizabeth Hospice Grief Support Services at 833-349-2054.

ONGOING – Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a free 12step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia, has meetings throughout the U.S. and the world. Contact 781932-6300, or for local meetings, call 925-321-0170 or visit http:// www.foodaddicts.org.

ONGOING – The Murrieta Garden Club meets each month at the Murrieta Community Center, 41810 Juniper St. Anyone who likes to garden or is interested in plants is welcome. Membership is $10 per year. Find more information about the monthly event or project on Facebook.

ONGOING – Temecula Valley Rose Society meets each month. For more information and new meeting dates and places, visit http://www.temeculavalleyrosesociety.org.

ONGOING – Menifee Toastmasters meets every Thursday at noon for one hour at a designated place to have fun, enhance speaking capabilities, gain self-confidence and improve social skills. For new dates, call 760-807-1323 or visit http://www.MenifeeToastmasters.org for more information.

ONGOING – Homeless veterans can receive free help by dialing 877-424-3838 for 24/7 access to the VA’s services for homeless, atrisk veterans. Chat is confidential for veterans and friends. See http:// www.va.gov/homeless.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Award-winning Art Off The Walls begins Jan. 6

TEMECULA ─ Begin the new year with art and culture at Art Off The Walls Friday, Jan. 6, from 5-8 p.m. at The Merc in Old Town Temecula.

The Temecula Community Services Department – Art & Culture Division hosts Art Off The Walls the first Friday of each month, showcasing art from a variety of artists exhibiting in multi-genre forms. In conjunction with this event, the city hosts a reception for featured artists with live music and refreshments in The Merc and outdoors at The Lot on Main, 42051 Main Street, in Temecula.

The Gallery at The Merc will feature “Passionate Voices” by Temecula artist Sydney Edmond, an award-winning artist and poet who has autism and apraxia. Her gallery presents people who are passionate about their culture, their arts, their politics and their humanity. These are all things that inspire her to paint, and she hopes will inspire her audience, she said.

The exhibit will be available for viewing from Wednesday, Jan. 4, through Sunday, Jan. 29. Come meet Edmond at the artist reception, while enjoying complimentary refreshments and live music by Dustin Jake Abraham in the cabaret space at The Merc.

After meeting Edmond at The Merc, take a walk through The Lot on Main, enjoy live music from Martin Stamper and find a variety of artists exhibiting in multi-genre forms. Visiting Art Off The Walls helps support the growing local arts community. These community gatherings provide opportunities for local artists to display their fine art and local entertainers to perform for guests and share their talents with Temecula’s residents and visitors.

Artists who are interested in participating in Art Off The Walls events in 2023 must complete and send a new application form with a new waiver. For more information on this event, exhibits and other

activities, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/741/Art-Off-the-Walls or call 951-694-6450.

Submitted by city of Temecula.

Sariah Lafourche named to MSOE dean’s list for fall quarter 2022

MILWAUKEE – Sariah Lafourche from Menifee was named to the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s dean’s list for the 2022 fall quarter. Lafourche is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Undergraduate students who have earned at least 30 credits and have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher out of 4.0 are on the dean’s list. Students who have maintained a 3.70 or higher receive “high honors.”

Milwaukee School of Engineering is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The

independent, nonprofit university has about 2,700 students and was founded in 1903.

MSOE offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, business and nursing. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors, and challenge them to go beyond what’s possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners

and value creators.

For more information, visit http://www.msoe.edu.

Submitted by Milwaukee School of Engineering.

SAGE Society to present a program on the Ramona Pageant

HEMET – Join the SAGE Society Tuesday, Jan. 10, for a presentation on the “Ramona” Pageant.

Lori VanArsdale will talk about the history of the “Ramona” Pageant, the Ramona Bowl Amphitheater and the author of “Ramona,” Helen Hunt Jackson. She also will present information on the 100-year anniversary celebrations for 2023.

The play, with a cast of nearly 400, is a parallel to “Romeo and Juliet” as it resembles the story of two star-crossed lovers challenging their conflicting families in order to be together, set against the ongoing pressures of settlers taking over the native land.

Over several generations, thousands of local residents have performed in “Ramona,” California’s official state outdoor play.

Van Arsdale was elected to the Hemet City Council in 1992 and served as council member and

mayor for 16 years. She was honored to receive awards by many public and private sector organizations including being named Woman of the Year twice by the California State Assembly and receiving Sen. Mike Morrell’s award for Woman of Distinction for the city of Hemet. She has served and chaired many regional, state and federal committees.

The free presentation will take place Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 1:30 p.m. for social time, 2 p.m. for the presentation at the Ramona Room behind Miller-Jones Mortuary, 1501 W. Florida Avenue, in Hemet. Parking can be found at the rear.

The SAGE Society of Hemet, which stands for Search for Adventure in Greater Education, provides a forum for people to engage in programs and activities of intellectual stimulation.

Submitted by SAGE Society.

Lori VanArsdale.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Works of art by Temecula artist Sydney Edmond will be exhibited Jan 4-29 at The Merc in Old Town Temecula. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Rose Care FUNdamentals for January 2023

Frank Brines, ARS Master Rosarian Special to Valley News

Happy New Year! Let’s hope for ideal rose growing weather for 2023. We finally got a December with the needed winter chill to help roses have a dormancy period.

This month I’m going to help you get ready for the major latewinter pruning you should do in late January to late February. (I’ll provide details on pruning in my February column.) To get you started before that, plan to attend the Temecula Valley Rose Society’s pruning demonstration Saturday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to noon at Rose Haven Heritage Garden, 30592 Jedediah Smith Road in Temecula, just a few blocks north of Temecula Parkway. Please bring clean, sharp, bypass pruners in good working condition, and be prepared to learn and to lend a hand pruning under experienced direction. This will be a great opportunity to get your questions answered, hone your skills and boost your confidence. You can also wish to check local newspapers and nursery websites for additional hands-on pruning classes.

Be patient about getting the itch to start pruning your rose bushes. As much as you’d like to have blooms as soon as possible, don’t jump the gun! Some gardeners think pruning in December or early January will give them a head start on flower production, but that’s risky. First, even if January brings exceptionally warm air temperatures, the soil will

still be quite cold, so the roots (and stems) will not be “revved up” for much active growth, your head start won’t amount to much. Second, and more importantly, if early pruning is followed by a hard frost you’ll probably lose the tender young growth and have to prune again. Will the remaining canes be long enough and have enough stored energy for vigorous spring growth? Will you have enough outwardfacing buds? Probably not. Simply stated, pruning too early will set back stem growth and flower production and ruin your chances of strong, well-formed plants.

I think you’ll be able to hold off after experiencing the recent storms that brought plenty of cold rain and near freezing nighttime temperatures to the Temecula Valley! This we ek’s weather forecast for the Temecula Valley and other inland valleys for the next two weeks is for chances of rain in most areas and lows in the low- to mid-40s, with an occasional high-30s. In the Temecula Valley, the last average frost date is March 31, so you’re probably safe pruning any time in February. Of course, it’s always a gamble. The best advice is to watch the weather!

Late-winter pruning resets the plants’ biological clock, acting as a wake-up call to begin a new life cycle. You can expect the first flush of blooms about 10 weeks after pruning. But this month get your tools ready! You need a good pair of sharp “bypass” hand pruners that fit comfortably in your hand. Bypass pruners have a sharp curved cutting

blade, which slices through the cane, and a dull curved non-cutting blade, which holds the cane in place during the cut. The sharp blade bypasses, or slides, over the dull curved blade. This is in contrast to pruners that have a sharp flat blade that comes to rest against a flat dull blade; toss those pruners out!

At a minimum, also have at least one pair of sturdy loppers handy. Each size has a maximum diameter it can cut efficiently. Using pruners or loppers that are too small on a too-large cane can damage both the tool and the cane. A hand saw with a narrow blade can also be handy if you have some older plants with large canes that may need to be removed. A “keyhole” saw works well for this.

Clean your tools, and keep them clean! Rubbing alcohol and cotton balls are ideal for cleaning cutting blades, before, during and after the job. This helps prevent disease transmission from plant to plant and you can use it as first aid on your own cuts, scratches and punctures! (On that note, a good pair of leather gloves are necessary with long sleeves or a separate pair of sleeves to protect our arms.) If a major cleaning is needed, use WD40 and 0000 steel wool; if necessary, disassemble and soak for 15–30 minutes, wipe clean and reassemble. Lubricate your tools with a light oil such as 3-in-1.

Be prepared for the after pruning task by buying copper fungicide dormant spray now. Dormant spraying roses will help ward off rust and mildew from roses in the coming

January and February are excellent months for planting new roses which are in garden centers now. Valley News/Adobe Stock photo

season. December and January are the best times of the year to apply dormant sprays.

January and February are excellent months for planting new roses which are in garden centers now. There are many sources: local nurseries (Armstrong’s and Walter Anderson) and reputable online retailers who specialize in roses. New stock will begin appearing in nurseries this month, and online suppliers usually ship in mid-January. (Does that tell you anything?) But be sure to shop early for the best selection and if you have access to it, be sure to consult your American Rose Society Buyer’s Guide (which you will receive with your annual ARS membership or renewal). Still, one can usually wait until March to plant and still expect the roots to form relationships with beneficial soil fungi and become showstoppers as early as May, well ahead of

the summer heat. Potted rose bushes are best for these late plantings. Roses offered for sale are rated by quality. You want only #1 roses as they are the surest guarantee of success, with all horticultural methods employed to provide satisfaction so don’t waste your time and money on anything lower. Higher quality plants have a higher chance of success, require less effort, and acclimate faster. Also, the cost of any rose is a very small fraction of what you will eventually invest in that plant over the years in water, fertilizer, pest control and effort, so why not start with a first-quality plant?

Roses may come to you bare root, potted or packaged. Bare root plants are just that, usually packed in wood chips to keep the roots damp and viable. They are slow to thrive and it’s best to get them

Parts Fragata said small signs are placed in front of subject hallways at the beginning of the school year for incoming freshmen, and she thought it would be a good idea to make something more permanent. Parts Fragata created a spreadsheet that included a budget with projected expenses for possible funding from Hemet Unified School District, who provided six cans of paint and stucco sealant, but the group was still about $170 short. The team participated in a cardboard boat race at the school’s pool and won second place and enough money to move forward with the project.

After designs were completed, mock-ups were shared with Principal Gerardo Zavala for permission. The students then met with the department chairs of each subject for approval of their artistic concepts. Nalani Estrella’s father, Eddie Es-

trella, is an artist and was shown the mock-ups so he could provide some direction to the students. Due to the time constraints and size of each mural, he suggested they use stencils for the project.

“He explained that to get started we needed to get the measurements of each hall so he could create a template on Adobe Photoshop,” Nalani Estrella said. “He then scanned and uploaded our designs and redesigned our concepts to a finished product. He compressed the files and emailed the drafts to me for our design revisions and approval before we received the final products. After he was done, my mom, Maggie Estrella, found a print shop, Arrow Printing (in San Jacinto). They were wonderful and worked pretty fast on delivering them to me. Once we got the printouts, my parents and I cut out the stencils and prepared them for painting.”

To optimize the paint purchases,

the team bought all primary colors and decided to create other colors through mixing, but Parts Fragata said that was the biggest unforeseen challenge.

“We decided to mix them ourselves, which took a long time to actually get the color we wanted, but we overcame it in the end,” she said.

Parts Fragata said while researching how to paint murals on stucco, they learned that it must be very clean. After cleaning the stucco, the team painted each section with a white base coat and sealant to prep the surface before applying the stencil and painting again. The team moved between the areas as a group to support one another, including literally, as they physically held the ladder for each other.

It took a little more than two days to complete the onsite project that began Monday, Dec. 19, the first day campus was closed for

winter break. The work was overseen by C.A.S. coordinator Jacob May who said he was pleased with the enthusiasm and progress of the student-driven project.

May has worked at West Valley for six years and said the IB program was implemented there about three years ago. He finds the program interesting for its holistic approach which includes C.A.S. projects that require students to plan, design and reflect on projects without hands-on guidance from instructors.

“What was lovely is that they were learning to become very independent with this project,” May said. “Eliana ran most of the delegation of labor but from what I was privy to, they first made designs (there were a few different iterations), found out how to get stencils made, got budget approval, bought paints and mixed them and gathered any remaining supplies.

“My favorite part was watching the students realize that they can plan something from start to finish and take that skill with them into life after school,” he said.

Parts Fragata said the best part of the project for her was seeing everyone get so excited when they took the first stencil down.

“I loved seeing the progress at the end of each day and seeing little bits of our personality in each mural,” she said.

Her math design consists of familiar symbols and equations familiar to any math student.

“We just want to make the murals look the best that they can,” she said. “We have a bunch of creative kids in this program.”

Blakley said she waited for all the others to choose their subjects but was pleased she got to represent The Arts. She takes college level arts classes such as dance and pottery and said she loves her ceramics class.

“I wanted to incorporate all different classes and went on Pinterest to get some good ideas,” she said.

Estrella saw her history mural as an opportunity to represent different cultures and people, including

“I enjoyed this project and think it will be very helpful to freshmen, who tend to get lost,” she said. “I love how the IB program brings everybody together and teaches us about teamwork. It’s good preparation for life beyond high school and I really value that about the IB program.”

Fuentes wanted to include many different foreign languages on her mural, not just the ones offered for study at West Valley.

“I decided to have heads facing each other saying hello in a variety of different languages,” she said. “It’s been a lot of fun working on this.”

Gonzalez said because Spanish was his first language, learning English was always something that was important to him. He said the group came together to create all the murals, but he put his personal stamp on the one for English.

“I wanted to put a couple of books on there to represent literature, but we chose the colors as a whole,” he said.

“I love science; I want to go into medicine,” Sorenson said. “I tried to incorporate a lot of different fields of science in my design. I had a little beaker for chemistry and a DNA symbol. I also love art, so it was cool that I got to combine two things I’m passionate about.”

Zavala said, “Our students did a great job. It’s exciting to see our students contribute to our school culture. Our staff and students will definitely appreciate their efforts.”

Parts Fragata said she is very happy with the end results, saying that all the murals “turned out amazing” and will definitely help West Valley students navigate the campus.

May said, “I think the project was a wonderful idea and addition to the school. In terms of outcome, I am very pleased with the quality and care the students put into it. They wanted to make something they would be proud of, and I believe they accomplished that goal.”

Native Americans and an important event in Latin American history featuring Simón Bolívar.

Eliana Parts Fragata, left and Haley Blakley apply a base coat of paint at West Valley High School, while teammate Nalani Estrella and helper Gage Dow hold their ladders steady. Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photo

Through my garden gate

Backyard fruit tree growing and care 101

Roger Boddaert Special to the Valley News

Southern California has one of the world’s best climates for growing and harvesting assorted fruits and veggies throughout the year With the global climate in a significant transition, we are heading into some new and creative times, and having your own source of food offers you an edge on what’s to come.

Backyard orchards can be productive year-round and allow you to have clean, nutritious fruits and veggies right out your backdoor. We have become dependent on and go to the grocery store, to gather an abundance of everything, prepare, eat and survive. But the availability and higher cost will become factors in the future that might change that convenience.

The Central California Valley has been known as the “bread basket” for America but is experiencing a three-year extreme drought and farms are suffering from that. Water is the most precious component of farming. I call it the staff of life.

Understanding how fruit trees, vines and herbaceous plants grow with their needs, likes and dislikes can make you the hero farmer for your family.

The length of the fruiting season can be maximized by planting fruit varieties with different ripening times and more extended harvesting throughout the year, but you must plan carefully

With limited space in new homes today with smaller lots, you must think outside the box about closer planting techniques. Perhaps planting three to four varieties of apples or peaches in one hole will give you space utilization. You can espalier fruit trees against a fence or wall and even plant a hedgerow of blueberries as alternative methods for growing plants in limited space.

Consider large pots or olive barrels if you live in an apartment. Note the dwarf Meyer lemon can provide more than two dozen

lemons ready to be harvested for the holidays.

If trees are to be kept small, it is possible to plant a significant number of trees in a given space, giving you more types of fruits and extending your fruit season. Most semi-dwarf rootstocks keep the trees smaller than large traditional orchard trees and require less water.

Most deciduous trees require winter pruning to stimulate new fruiting wood, removing damaged and diseased wood to allow good air circulation and sunlight into the tree’s canopy.

Pruning is most important in the first three years of new fruit trees because this is when the shape and size of the trees are established.

Light summer pruning will also keep the tree in shape with lower fruits to pick without needing tall ladders, which can be unsafe.

When pruning fruit trees, it is critical to have sharp pruners, loppers, saws and pole pruners. Disinfect all tools when moving from tree to tree so as not to infect other trees if a disease exists.

You can purchase either bareroot trees in January through February or more established plants in larger containers, which cost more.

Know your site, and make sure there is good soil drainage. Blend in some organic fertilizers as you fill the hole.

Plant the new trees high in the planting hole. Create an earthen berm around the hole to retain moisture.

Staking might be required to secure the trees in the first few years.

If you plant in a container, use potting soil with good drainage. Mulch is vital for newly planted trees, mulch beyond the soil berm. Monitor your watering carefully, don’t let the trees dry out. New bare-root trees might take two to three years before fruiting.

The following is a selection of fruit trees that can be grown to create your own edible food forest.

It is a partial list of trees and vines that can grow in San Diego county’s many plant weather zones: Almond,

apple, apricot, avocado, blackberry, boysenberry, cherry, currant, feijoa, dragon fruit, fig, grapefruit, grape, lemon, lime, loquat, nectarine, orange, kumquat, peach, pear, pecan, persimmon, plum, pomegranate, pomelo, prune, quince raspberry, strawberry guava and walnut. There are not too many locations worldwide with that broad spectrum, so say hallelujah for Southern California.

Do your homework, investigate your climate zone regarding the cold factor and the number of chilling hours needed to set the flowers and develop fruits on specific varieties of trees. These chill hours will vary, pending on the

ROSES from page B-4

early and plant immediately so they have the maximum amount of time to become established. (When you acquire a bare root rose, be sure to soak its roots in water for 24 hours, then plant promptly.) Packaged roses are the slowest to thrive as they have been drastically root pruned to fit into the plastic sleeves.

types, and remember, no pollinated spring flowers mean no summer fruits. Talk to a professional nursery person to get the right tree for the right place.

The chill hours are determined from 100 to 600 hours when you have a temperature of 45 degrees at night or below. It is key when selecting the proper tree types for your area.

I hope I have inspired you to grow healthy and nutritious fruit trees around your garden for organic and wholesome foods.

As your fruit trees mature with abundant yields, consider canning, making jams and preserves, and the art of dehydrating some of

Potted roses make the quickest and most successful transition to the garden, but they also tend to be more expensive and not as plentiful in selection, and I’ve detected that many nurseries will pot up bare root plants immediately upon arrival to stores so inspect those selections. But as I said, the initial cost will pale against what you put into the plant in the years to come.

those crops. We need to get back into home cooking involving the children, so they understand where foods come from.

An excellent little handbook is “How to Prune Fruit Trees and Roses” by R. Sanford Martin and expanded by Ken Andersen.

I used to sit on the board of directors for the Southern California Horticultural Society with Martin, and I learned so much when I shadowed him on pruning projects while living in the Los Angeles area many a moon ago.

Roger Boddaert, landscape designer, arborist and plantsman, can help you with your food forest, at 760-728-4297.

So, spend this month getting ready for “The Big Prune” and I will provide guidance on that allimportant annual task in the February column.

Visit www.temeculavalleyrosesociety.org for information on future programs and events in the garden. And spread the joy of roses!

RAIN, WIND, AND FIRE...

“The three menaces to any chimney, fireplace, or stove.”

Every year there are over twenty thousand chimney / fireplace related house fires in the US alone. Losses to homes as a result of chimney fires, leaks, and wind damage exceeds one hundred million dollars annually in the US.

CHIMNEY SWEEPS, INC., one of the leading chimney repair and maintenance companies, is here to help protect you and your home from losses due to structural damage and chimney fires.

Family owned and operated and having been in business for over 30 years, Chimney Sweeps Inc. is a fully licensed and insured chimney contracting company (License # 976438) and they are certified with the National Chimney Sweep Guild and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

For a limited time, readers of this paper will receive a special discount on a full chimney cleaning and safety inspection package with special attention given to chimney water intrusion points in preparation for the wet & rainy season.

The exotic Cherimoya has a delicious taste. Valley News/Roger Boddaert photos

Disinfecting pruning tools with alcohol from tree to tree is important to not spread disease.

Riverside University Health System – Medical Center appoints new chief medical officer

MORENO VALLEY – Riverside University Health System – Medical Center announced the appointment of Dr. Alexandra “Aleca” Clark as its new chief medical officer.

“I am honored to represent RUHS as incoming chief medical officer. RUHS consistently innovates and works hard to say ‘yes’ to our community’s need: this is who we are as an organization,” Clark said.

RUHS – Medical Center is a 439-bed teaching hospital with a verified Level 1 trauma center and Riverside County’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The hospital is the county’s safety net system, providing health care to uninsured residents and MediCal recipients. Clark becomes

top doctor at a time when RUHS – Medical Center, like other hospitals throughout the nation, is managing a surge in respiratoryrelated cases.

“Dr. Clark is an exceptional leader who has a heart for the community’s most vulnerable populations. We are proud and honored that she has accepted the position of chief medical officer at RUHS and look forward to her guidance and wisdom during these challenging times,” Jennifer Cruikshank, CEO of RUHS –Medical Center, said.

Clark joined RUHS in 2010 as chair of the pediatric department before taking a position as division chief of the department of pediatrics at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

The impact of reading on personal health

TEMECULA – Books transport people to different times, provide a sense of escapism and introduce readers to different schools of thought. Individuals may read for pleasure and/or to expand their intellectual horizons.

It’s important to note that reading also may help improve mental and physical health. With so much to gain from reading, now is a great time to embrace those book clubs, resolve to read more and explore how picking up a good book may be just what the doctor ordered.

Reduces stress

Immersing yourself in a story requires focus and concentration. According to researchers at the University of Sussex, it took just six minutes of reading for study participants to experience slower heart rates and reduced muscle tension.

Stress is one of the biggest threats to overall health, as the

stress hormone cortisol can lead to inflammation in the body that may impede the immune system, according to Piedmont Health. Finding ways to reduce stress, including through activities like reading, is a win for anyone who wants to improve their health.

Impacts longevity

According to the 2016 study, “A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity,” by Dr. Bavishi A, Slade, reading exerts its influence on longevity by strengthening the mind. Reading positively impacts the way the brain creates synapses, optimizing neurological function. It also e xpands vocabulary and helps with memory.

Changes the brain

A 2014 study published in Neuroreport determined reading involves a complex system of signaling and networking in the brain. As one’s ability to read matures, these networks become

to endure the loss of close friends moving away. She said these experiences helped her see how supportive her FFA family was.

stronger and more sophisticated. MRI scans found that brain connectivity increased throughout studied reading periods and for days afterward.

Increases empathy Through literary fiction, readers are exposed to the situations, feelings and beliefs of others. This can help a person develop a greater ability to empathize with others, according to Healthline.

Helps improve sleep Reading is an effective way to wind down and relax before going to bed. It can be a positive nighttime ritual, provided one reads a paper book or utilizes an e-reader that is not backlit, as bright lights from digital devices may hinder sleep quality. In fact, doctors at the Mayo Clinic often suggest reading as part of a regular sleep routine.

Reduces depressive feelings Individuals diagnosed with depression may feel isolated and estranged from other people.

and hope.

She returned to RUHS in spring 2022 as RUHS’s associate chief medical officer.

During the past few weeks, Clark has overseen the temporary expansion of RUHS – Medical Center’s PICU and pediatric beds and the creation of an intermediate PICU to accommodate the influx of pediatric patients hospitalized due to respiratory viruses.

During her previous years at RUHS, Clark supervised the hospital’s adoption of an Electronic Health Record system. This system has revolutionized care coordination for patients receiving health care from various components of the health system, including Public Health, Behavioral Health, the Medical Center and 13 Community Health

Centers, all located throughout Riverside County.

Clark graduated from University of California San Diego with a bachelor ’s degree. She graduated with honors from Albany Medical College before returning to Southern California to complete her pediatric residency at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Clark is currently a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academic Pediatric Association.

Dr. Arnold Tabuenca, the hospital’s former chief medical officer, will remain at RUHS as associate chief medical officer.

Submitted by Riverside University Health System.

teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

December’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District schools are Rebekah Becerra, Issabella Castaneda, Macayla Jones and Eliana Parts Fragata. San Jacinto Unified’s honorees for December are Jonathan Bartlett and Ava Guerrero.

Hemet Unified School District Rebekah Becerra was described by Principal Kimberly Romeril as “such a light at Hemet High with a magnetic personality and great smile.” Nominated by her agriculture teacher and National FFA Organization adviser all four years, Becerra was recognized for her strong leadership.

“Younger me would never have imagined how successful I would be in FFA, but younger me would also never have imagined the obstacles I’ve had to overcome to get here,” Becerra said.

Her parents divorced when she was 11 months old, and in second grade, she and her brother went to live in the high desert with their father for two years which was less than ideal, she said. She had to overcome her intense fear of public speaking in eighth grade, and in her sophomore year, she lost her two-day old sister. She also had

Becerra said her teachers kept her motivated and her future goal is to attend Louisiana State University and become an “ag teacher, so hopefully I can influence students like myself, just like they did for me.”

Tahquitz High School’s Issabella Castaneda was nominated by her English teacher Molly Otis for demonstrating “incredible strength” amid many obstacles.

“My family is everything to me,” Castaneda said. “My greatest contribution has been to keep God in our life throughout an excruciating challenge we will never truly get over.”

A year ago, she lost her mother to COVID-19, who was pregnant when she contracted the disease. As her health deteriorated during her hospitalization, an emergency C-section was performed to save the baby.

“Losing my mom at 16 years old has been the most unfathomable feeling I’ve ever experienced,” Castaneda said.

After her mother’s death and the hospitalization of her father, grandmother and baby brother, she lost all motivation to do anything and was failing all her classes because school meant nothing to her. She said God has been helping her by keeping his loving arms wide open which gives her purpose

Surrounded by medical workers in her family her entire life, including her nurse case manager mother, Castaneda saw firsthand how difficult it was and not a career path she wanted to pursue. It changed when one of the last conversations she had with her mother was about becoming an MRI technician.

“It’s a career where I can be that change and help for people,” she said. “I want to do it for myself, my community and my mom. The community was great after my mom died. They set up a GoFundMe page and started a food chain and diaper drive for us.”

She said the most significant life lesson she will take with her to college is to “cherish everyone around me and love them as if it’s the last day on earth because tomorrow is never promised. Show your love and be the light in someone’s life. Let there be more love than pain and hurt. Count your blessings and be grateful for everything.”

Her father said she really stepped up to the plate to become the glue in their family and told her, “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most beautiful and rarest of all, and you are that flower.”

Macayla Jones was Hamilton High’s choice for December whose nominating teacher said she is a very special student and he felt blessed to see her growth from last year to now. She plans to attend Paul Mitchell School for cosmetology.

“Makeup and hair are a passion of mine; I love doing my own but love helping others and seeing them thrive,” she said. “I love to work with my hands and be able to express myself creatively. I want to follow my passion while being able to explore my selfexpression.”

Jones said she has had struggles in life that she’s had to overcome, most notably the learning disorder of dyslexia. She said it made school difficult and her embarrassment led to low self-esteem.

An eighth-grade English teacher recognized she was struggling and taught her some skills to help and she is grateful for that.

West Valley High School singled out Eliana Parts Fragata for taking service to others to the next level and always leaving a space better than she found it. As an International Baccalaureate Diploma student, she recently led

Finding ways to reduce stress, including through activities like reading, is a win for anyone who wants to improve their health.

Books may reduce those feelings by helping a person temporarily escape their world into another. Also, books can serve as a common ground through which conversations over shared interests

her classmates in a murals project at the school.

“From a young age, I’ve always known that I wanted to change the world,” Parts Fragata said. “My childhood was rocky at times and I’ve had my fair share of challenges but today I’m not going to focus on them. I’m going to tell you about what I’m doing now and in the future.”

She plans to attend University of California San Diego where she plans to earn a double major in biomedical engineering and mathematics.

“I hope to revolutionize the face of medicine through technology and science and help people all over the world,” she said.

Her mother said she truly lives up to the meaning of her name, which is “God has answered,” and explained that her daughter always helps out others in any and every way she can.

San Jacinto Unified School

District

Jonathan Bartlett was chosen to be the senior honored from Mountain View High School this month. Principal Ken Swanson said the senior is involved in all school activities, from clubs to sports and has many great qualities and characteristics.

He was nominated by his counselor Justin Ryan, who said, “He is the first to volunteer for anything and everything. He is also extremely humble and a quiet helper in the best possible way, never seeking the spotlight.”

Bartlett credits Mountain View with teaching him well. Like most students at the non-traditional high school, he was behind on credits, missing all of his sophomore and half of his junior year.

“Traditional schools didn’t allow me to go at the pace I needed to and when the (pandemic) lockdown happened, I got into the habit of procrastinating and not focusing on schoolwork,” he said.

When he began attending Mountain View, Bartlett found his way into social environments which helped him get his work done. Thankful for the help he received at the school, he joined clubs as a way to give back. He is ASB secretary and a member of the School Site Council.

He plans to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation and have a military career. He also loves science with his favorite subjects being astronomy, chemis-

can begin with others. Reading has many positive health benefits, which is why resolving to read more can be beneficial.

try and physics and hopes he can eventually use some of his passion and knowledge to invent new things that will aid in the fields of medicine and energy solutions.

“My final goal in life is to bring as much happiness as I can all around the globe,” Bartlett said San Jacinto High’s Ava Guerrero was introduced by Principal Kristi Coulter as a “phenomenal young lady.” Head Cheer Coach and Education Specialist Jennifer Draw said Guerrero is an asset to the campus and the community with her positive attitude and dedication.

“As our (cheer) captain, I put a lot on her plate and she is an excellent scholar-athlete,” Draw said. “She is my go-to gal for everything, and I never hear her complain.”

Guerrero is a competitive dancer who spends at least four hours a day at her local dance studio four times a week, serves as ASB secretary and is varsity cheer captain. She feels her greatest contribution to her community is her time, because despite her busy schedule, she manages to attend every school event she can.

She has been accepted to her top three schools of choice but is still undecided. She plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in athletic training and be on the college’s dance team. Her career goal is to be a trainer for a professional sports organization.

“There have been times in my life when I wanted to quit everything I was involved in and leave but the most eye-opening chain of events was in October of 2019 when my dance teacher unfortunately passed away due to a deadly disease,” Guerrero said. “He had taught me everything I knew and was the reason I truly fell in love with dance. This loss inevitably led me to quitting what I most loved.”

Depression set in, her grades dropped and she was struggling mentally. But Guerrero said when she decided to continue with dance to honor her former teacher, she was able to turn things around. Her father said there are many words that can describe her, such as dedicated and organized, but it’s the many unselfish acts she does while taking care of others amid her very strict schedule that is most notable.

For more information, visit http://www.studentofthemonth. net.

Dr. Alexandra Clark has been appointed RUHS – Medical Center’s new chief medical officer. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Metro Creative Graphics photo STUDENTS from page B-1

EVMWD board selects Andy Morris as president

LAKE ELSINORE – Director

Andy Morris was appointed president at Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s Thursday board meeting after a 4-0 vote by the board. Morris has served on the board for over 12 years and has focused his efforts on ensuring fiscal responsibility, community engagement and customer service. It is his fourth year serving as president since he was elected in 2010.

“It’s an incredible honor to be asked to serve as president again this year,” Morris said. “Over the past few years, we have accomplished many goals to improve service and find sensible solutions to offset rising costs and expenses. I look forward to continuing this effort, along with my fellow

board members and the staff of EVMWD.”

Morris is a Wildomar resident and represents EVMWD’s Division 5, which includes sections of Wildomar and Murrieta east of Interstate 15. He serves on EVMWD’s water planning committee and as district representative for multiple organizations, including the Rancho California Water District Group, the city of Wildomar Group, the Farm Mutual Water Company, and ACWA JPIA and regularly attends meetings of the Murrieta City Council, the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month Program and the Wildomar City Council.

He also serves as the vice chair of the Santa Rosa Regional Re-

sources Authority and as a board member for the Meeks and Daley Water Company.

Other board officer positions announced at the meeting include Chance Edmondson of Division 3 as vice president, and Harvey Ryan of Division 2 as treasurer. Board officers serve a one-year term. The EVMWD board of directors regularly meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. Meetings are open to the general public and are currently accessible both in-person and online. For additional details, visit http://www.evmwd.com/agendas.

Submitted by Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.

Writer

Ardurra Group Inc. has been given the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District contract for management support of the district’s planned Capital Improvement Program projects.

A 4-0 EVMWD board vote Thursday, Dec. 22, with one vacant seat, approved a professional services agreement with Ardurra. The company, which is headquartered in Tampa, Florida and has an office in Temecula, will be given up to $2,556,697.10 without subsequent board action being required, and the board could approve a change in the scope of services which could increase that amount. The board action authorized total expenditures of $2,569,480.10 which will also cover $12,783.00 for overhead.

The district’s Capital Improvement Program focuses on system expansion and rehabilitation projects which will ensure reliable service to both existing and future customers. The current five-year capital budget consists of 84 projects totaling approximately $395 million, and during the next budget cycle that amount is expected to increase to approximately $654 million. That increase will be due to six new projects totaling more than $400 million, and all six are anticipated to be operational by the end of 2026.

The six new projects are the regional water reclamation facility expansion, the Diamond regional sewer lift station and dual force mains, Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant Phase I improvements, the septic-to-sewer conversion for Sedco Hills, the Highway 74 to Ethanac sewer extension and

the Lee Lake well project. Other projects in the capital plan include seismic and structural upgrades to the EVMWD administration building, the Zone 3300 Pipeline to the Skymeadows community, a 33-inch San Jacinto River Canyon transmission main, permanent chlorination and distributed control systems at the Railroad Canyon Water Reclamation Facility, Phase VI of the 1467 Zone improvements, reservoir demolition, replacement of the Skymeadows Suction Pipeline, relocating the chemical feed at the Back Basin Groundwater Treatment Plant, Pats Point Booster Station upgrades, rehabilitation of the Ortega Reservoir, rehabilitation of the Robards Lift Station, advanced metering infrastructure for the Temescal Valley Pipeline, Motor Control Center improvements and manhole rehabilitation.

EVMWD staff solicited proposals for project management support services, June 20, 2022. Ardurra submitted the only proposal before the July 25 deadline, and a review panel found that Ardurra was qualified to perform the work. Ardurra has extensive past experience with the district and has worked with EVMWD staff.

Ardurra will provide two fulltime staff members until the district can backfill the vacant Principal Engineer position along with as-needed specialized staff within both the supervisory data control and acquisition and construction areas. The contract with Ardurra is for two years with a potential one-year extension if the consultant services continue to be required.

Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

Naiman Writer

Powers Bros. Machine Inc. was awarded the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District contract for the Auld Valley Pump Station rehabilitation work.

The EVMWD board voted 4-0 Thursday, Dec. 22, with one vacancy, to award Powers Bros. Machine the contract for $252,026.39. The rehabilitation will improve electrical efficiency and flow capacity.

The Auld Valley Pump Station in the 24200 block of Hancock Avenue in Murrieta was originally constructed in 1991 and delivers imported water from the Auld Valley Pipeline connection into the water system. The pump station has four pumps, and each is rated at 4,400 gallons per minute.

During periods of high demand three or four pumps run simultaneously. Due to the size of the pumps and the nearly full-time operation, the Auld Valley Pump

Station is the district’s costliest pump station to operate. Routine efficiency testing performed in 2020 and 2021 by Southern California Edison indicated all four pumps were operating at reduced efficiency, which likely indicates excessive wear.

EVMWD staff worked with Southern California Edison and the Southern California Renewable Energy Network to explore potential grants or funding opportunities to offset the costs of rehabilitating all four pumps. The pump rehabilitation project meets SoCalREN Project Delivery Program criteria, so that program funded by the California Public Utilities Commission will provide money to offset the project cost.

SoCalREN and their energy consulting partner Lincus also performed a detailed analysis which indicated that rehabilitating the pumps and restoring them to the general industry standard of 70% efficiency would result in substantial operations and main-

tenance savings due to the reduction in power consumption. The calculated energy savings equates to a combined annual savings of $56,901 based on historical operations. Based on the projected combined annual savings the cost recovery time for the rehabilitation is anticipated to be five years.

A grant application was submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission and was approved by the CPUC July 19. The grant will fund $24,503.

A request for proposals for the rehabilitation was issued Sept. 14. Two bids were received. Powers Bros. Machine, which is based in Montebello, had the low bid of $252,026.39. Powers Bros. Machine Inc. has previously performed similar projects for the district and the work has satisfied EVWMD staff.

Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

Joe Naiman

Joe

Wildomar resident Andy Morris is selected president of Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Review of all things Real Estate

Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS. “In the second half of 2022, high home prices and fast-rising mortgage rates stalled market activity. As demand dries up and price expectations are re-set, home prices in most local markets will drop from their pandemic peaks.”

According to Taylor Marr, deputy chief economist at Redfin, continued high mortgage rates are likely to make the 2023 housing market the slowest since 2011.

The 2023 housing market

Andrea V. Brambila Inman News

The slowing housing market has some expecting a crash in 2023, but next year will likely be more humdrum; albeit still painful as the market continues to cool before an expected uptick in 2024.

Experts predict a more balanced market between homebuyers and sellers where home prices will either flatten, dip slightly or rise slightly while mortgage interest rates continue to decrease after a rapid rise this year and inventory bumps up marginally.

“The housing market has been running at a frenzied pace for the past two-and-a-half years,” said

“We expect home sales to sink to their lowest level in more than a decade in 2023 as high mortgage rates keep housing costs up and prevent people from moving; high homeowner equity and a resilient job market will stave off a wave of foreclosures.” Fannie Mae is expecting a “modest recession” in 2023 with a predicted negative 0.5% in GDP growth before the economy expands by 2.2% in 2024.

“The economy caught its breath in the second half of 2022, but that doesn’t change our expectation that it will run out of air in early 2023 via a mild recession,” said Doug Duncan, chief economist at Fannie Mae. “We expect housing to continue to slow, even though mortgage rates have come down recently. Home purchases remain unaffordable for many due to the rapid rise in rates over the last year and the fact that house prices remain elevated compared to prepandemic levels.

“Refinancing is not practical for

the vast majority of current mortgage holders.” Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com, anticipates that everyone in the housing market, sellers, buyers, and renters “may be underwhelmed” next year in what she called a “nobody’smarket,” friendly to neither buyers nor sellers.”

“The slowdown in home sales transactions that began as mortgage rates surged in 2022 is expected to continue, leading to a moderation in home price growth and tipping housing market balance away from sellers,” Hale said. “But with mortgage rates continuing to climb as the Fed navigates the economy to a “softish” landing, a moderation in home price growth will not be enough for the housing market to be a buyer’s bonanza. Home shoppers will enjoy advantages such as a growing number of homes for sale, but costs will remain high, challenging affordability at a time when overall budgets continue to be squeezed by inflation.”

After starting the year at 3.2%, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose higher than 7% in October for the first time in more than two decades. Experts differed on how much they expect the rate to fall in 2023. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, expects the rate to settle at 5.7% as the Federal Reserve slows the pace of rate hikes to control inflation.

Matthew Gardner, chief economist for Windermere, predicts

rates will stay above 6% percent until the fall of 2023 and then “dip into the high 5% range.” Sturtevant predicted the rate would fall to 6% by the end of 2023; much higher than in recent years but similar to the rate before the Great Recession. “Rising mortgage rates have been the main cause of the pullback in sales, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will end 2022 around 6.5% after surpassing 7% earlier this fall. Mortgage rates will fall in 2023, but they will not come down as quickly as they rose. Mortgage rates may have ended their steady upward rise but expect volatility in rates throughout the rest of the winter before they begin to ease.”

Marr anticipates that the rate will end 2023 at around 5.8%, averaging about 6.1% for the year. That will make buying a home slightly more affordable but much less affordable than last year. “Mortgage rates dipping from around 6.5% to 5.8% would save a homebuyer purchasing a $400,000 home about $150 on their monthly mortgage payment.”

“A homebuyer on a $2,500 monthly budget can afford a $383,750 home with a 6.5% rate; or a $406,250 home with a 5.8% rate. Mortgage payments for a typical U.S. home rose from needing 27% of median household income in January to 37% in October – far beyond the 30% threshold where housing becomes a financial burden.”

California offers property tax deferment for some homeowners

SACRAMENTO – With the rising cost of living in the Golden State and the lasting impacts of the pandemic, everyone knows someone who is struggling to make ends meet. The challenge can be greatest for retirees on a fixed income and people with a disability that prevents them from working. California offers property tax deferment for some of these vulnerable homeowners.

State Controller Betty T. Yee administers the Property Tax Postponement Program to allow homeowners who are older adults, blind or disabled to defer payment of residential property taxes. Applicants must meet income‚ equity and other requirements. These deferred taxes accrue simple interest at a rate of 5% a year and become due if the homeowner moves or sells the property, transfers title, refinances, dies, obtains a reverse mortgage or defaults on a senior lien. A lien will be placed on the property. For manufactured homes, a security agreement will be filed with the Department of Housing and Community Development. A lien or security agreement remains in effect until the account is paid in full.

PTP participants must reapply each year to demonstrate they continue to meet eligibility requirements. The application filing period for the 2022-2023 tax year runs Oct. 1, 2022, through Feb. 10, 2023. Funds are limited‚ and applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Last year alone, California homeowners postponed approximately $4.5 million in tax payments with the assistance of the state’s PTP program.

If you think you or someone you know could benefit from the PTP program, visit http://ptp.sco. ca.gov, call 800-952-5661 or email postponement@sco.ca.gov for more information.

Submitted by the office of California State Controller.

Lovely Home

Bob Hillery shares the following article this week:

A Year in Review: top 22 local sports moments from 2022

JP Raineri Sports Editor

C’est la vie 2022! It was a big year for our local sports athletes and trying to pick only 22 moments to recognize was no easy task. From buzzer-beaters to state championships and everything in between, records were broken and milestones were reached in what was another memorable year of sports memories. Every year-end comes with an opportunity to look back and reflect, so, in this edition of the Valley News, we came up with 22 of the year’s most unforgettable sports moments, which unfortunately does not include Mark Wahlberg visiting gyms in Temecula, even though that story was shared thousands of times over the internet. Thanks “Marky Mark!” No. 1 – Kelsie Whitmore of Temecula named USA Baseball’s Sportswoman of the Year

Our top story of 2022 goes by way of Temecula’s own Kelsie Whitmore who was named Sportswoman of the Year by USA Baseball this past December. Whitmore made her seventh career appearance for the Women’s National Baseball Team over the summer, but if you have been following her story, that’s just one of the many things she accomplished as a female baseball player. Along with her accomplishments with Team USA, Whitmore has shined with Cal State Fullerton softball, made news when she signed to play for the Sonoma Stompers, and did so again when she played for the Portland Pickles, both independent professional baseball teams. Whitmore made even more history this past spring by becoming the first female to play baseball in a league affiliated with Major League Baseball. She made her professional debut with the Staten Island FerryHawks in April, making 39 appearances in her rookie season of the Atlantic League.

Every move she made with the FerryHawks was a win for Whitmore. She first saw the field as a pinch runner, then started in the outfield, then started on the mound, recorded her first strike out, got a walk in one of her at-bats, and on Saturday, Sept. 3, the former Temecula Valley Golden Bear, recorded her first hit in a 7-4 loss to the Long Island Ducks. The hit not only sent the hometown fans to their feet, but girls all over America. Whitmore is quickly becoming the face of women’s baseball progress, and if you’re a fan, or knew her growing up, you know this is something she has been doing since she was a child. As a young ball player, she went through the ranks of the local youth baseball leagues, was an all-star, dominated at the travel ball and showcase level, and went on to play baseball at Temecula Valley High School before moving over to play softball in college.

Stay tuned in 2023 as she looks to hit the ground running toward her goal of getting to the next level.

No. 2 – Two area Olympic athletes compete in Beijing

In February, California sent more athletes to the 2022 Beijing Olympics than any other state in the United States. Thirty members of the 224-strong US squad for the Winter Olympics hailed from California. That list included snowboarding phenom Hailey Langland, who at one point hailed from Temecula, as well as former hockey gold medalist Cayla Barnes, who was raised just down the I-15 freeway in Eastvale. Langland, the lone American in the finals, finished 12th out of the 12 qualified riders, but fell twice in the final of women’s snowboard slopestyle. Barnes, and the U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team, dropped a 3-2 contest to Canada in the Gold Medal game to take home the silver.

No. 3 – Paloma Valley alum Orzech long snaps his way to Super Bowl championship

In February, Matthew Orzech, the long snapper for the Los Angeles Rams, is also a local native to the Menifee area and once played on the football and baseball fields at Paloma Valley High School. This past year, Orzech, and the Los Angeles Rams, won their first NFL Super Bowl title since the 1999 season, and their first representing Los Angeles since 1951.

No. 4 – Temecula Valley claims first-ever CIF State SoCal Regional Division 1 girls’ soccer title

In February, and then into March, the Temecula Valley girls’ soccer team not only won their fifth straight Southwestern League title, a CIF-SS Division 1 title and a CIF State Regional title, they ended the year with a 21-game win streak. This was the second time in the past five years that the program captured a regional title. Then, it was for a CIF SoCal Division 2 State title after winning a CIF Southern Section Division 2 title as well, which makes this year’s accomplishment of both titles coming in Division 1 that much sweeter. Head coach

Jennifer Guinn also received news towards the end of 2022 that helped put a bow on a magical year. After receiving the United Soccer Coaches award for the California State ‘Coach of the Year’ for large public schools this past August, she was named as the Spring Mountain West United Soccer Coaches’ large public school ‘Coach of the year’ for the West Region. Not only did Guinn get honored, but her assistant coach Laura Witz was named as the United Soccer Coaches West Regional ‘Assistant Coach of the Year’ for large public schools.

No. 5 – Murrieta’s Khalil Shakir selected by Buffalo Bills in 2022 NFL Draft

In April, Boise State graduate and four-star recruit in the 2018

recruiting class out of Vista Murrieta High School Khalil Shakir, a Murrieta native and two-time All-Mountain West FirstTeam honoree, was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills (No. 148 overall pick). Mid-season, with multiple injuries piling up at the receiver position for the Bills, Shakir was forced into starting action as the team’s No. 3 target in October against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shakir took full advantage of those missing players, becoming one of Josh Allen’s most targeted receivers with three catches on five targets. He also scored his firstever touchdown after he snatched a fluttering ball from Allen, bounced off a defender, and burst into the end zone.

No. 6 – Murrieta Mesa’s swim team has exciting season, ends with success

In May, The Murrieta Mesa boys’ swim team conquered the Division 2 championship this season, a year after sharing the runner-up spot. Justin Schneider, Ty Schneider and Eryk Elizondo came out on top in all three of the Division 2 events at the Marguerite Aquatics Complex in Mission Viejo. The Schneider brothers and Elizondo teamed up with Maximus Dillon to win the 200-yard medley relay in a school-record time of 1 minute, 32.38 seconds. They then set a new Division 2 meet record by winning the 200-freestyle relay in 1:24.32, which was 0.11 seconds faster than the mark set by Los Osos in 2014. The Rams did it one more time when the Schneiders, Elizondo and Alexander Yang prevailed in the 400-freestyle with a time of 3:07.77. Murrieta Mesa closed things out with 175 points for the program’s first section title. Other local male standouts included Temescal Canyon’s Connor Martilla and West Valley’s Gage Dow. Martilla brought home a title and won the Division 3 boys 200 individual medley.

No. 7 – Norman breaks record in rainy 400m clash at Prefontaine Classic

In May, Murrieta’s Michael Norman had one of his best standout performances of the year at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Ore. The 24-year-old former Vista Murrieta standout set a Diamond League 400m record of 43.60 to beat Grenada’s Kirani James (44.02) and Matthew Hudson-Smith, who broke the British record with 44.35.

In July, Norman also won double gold at the World Athletics Championships. In a careerdefining race, Norman pulled away from the field on the final straight to win gold as the two-time U.S. champion overtook threetime Olympic medalist and 2011 world champion Kirani James of Grenada (44.68) with about 80 meters to go, powering to a finish in 44.29 seconds.

Pictured here in April, 2022 with her family, as well as key decision makers from the Staten Island FerryHawks, Temecula’s Kelsie Whitmore signs to become the firstever female to play in the Atlantic League.

Cayla Barnes, who was raised in Eastvale, won the silver medal in 2022 with the U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team in Beijing.

Former Paloma Valley Wildcat and Super Bowl champion Matthew Orzech celebrates with his family after the Los Angeles Rams won the 2022 NFC Championship game vs. the San Francisco 49ers.

Valley News/Staten Island FerryHawks courtesy photo

Valley News/Courtesy photo Valley News/Courtesy photo

The Temecula Valley Lady Golden Bears defeated San Marcos 4-1 in the 2022 CIF State SoCal Regional Division 1 soccer finals. Valley News/David Canales photo

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir, a former Vista Murrieta standout, catches a 24-yard TD pass in 2022 for his first-ever career score.

Murrieta Mesa won the CIF Southern Section Division 2 swimming championships at the Marguerite Aquatics Complex in Mission Viejo in May of 2022.

Former Vista Murrieta and USC track star Michael Norman celebrates his 400m win at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Valley News/Buffalo Bills courtesy photo

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Runnerspace photo

In May, for the fifth time in program history, the Riverside City College baseball program won the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship. They did so against the Folsom Lake College Falcons, 10-8. It was the Tigers’ first title under the direction of Head Coach Rudy Arguelles and his coaching staff.

Additionally, it is the team’s first title in 15 years after breaking a 14-year drought from the state championship tournament. Players from the area that contributed this season to the State Title run include Casey Murray, a first-year utility player from Orange Vista; Rheego McIntosh, a first-year pitcher from Chaparral High School; Caleb Anderson, a first-year pitcher from Paloma Valley; and Isaiah Lopez, a first-year catcher from Great Oak, who red-shirted at Montana State, Billings last season. With a handful of local players as well, Palomar also advanced to the State Championship tournament, but ultimately fell to host Folsom in the loser’s bracket.

No. 9 – Temecula senior citizen wins 12th World Pole Art title in Italy

In May, Temecula resident Greta Pontarelli, a 71-year-old who does not let age keep her from following her dreams, captured her 12th world title at the Pole Art Italy World Championship. As a world champion, Pontarelli has graced the covers of numerous international magazines, performed on national and international television and has been featured with Miley Cyrus in her videos and ad campaigns.

Over the past few years Pontarelli has also been on American Ninja Warrior twice, where she holds the status of being the oldest person to attempt the course. Her mission is to use the stage as a platform to inspire others to unfold their gifts and to share them with the world.

No. 10 – Temecula’s Isaiah Mobley drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers in second round

In June, former Rancho Christian basketball standout, Isaiah Mobley, was selected as the No. 49 pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 2022 NBA draft. The former USC Trojan forward continues his family’s legacy at the next level. The 6-foot10-inch, 240-pound forward, is the third Mobley to play in the NBA.

Isaiah’s father, Eric Mobley, played three seasons in the NBA after he was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round (18th pick overall) of the 1994 NBA draft.

His brother Evan, a fellow USC Trojan, went third overall in the 2021 NBA Draft as a lottery pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers as well.

No. 11 – Former Linfield Christian football standout now

a USFL Champion

In July, the Birmingham Stallions won the inaugural United States Football League championship and former Linfield Christian football standout Lorenzo Burns was there for the whole ride as a leader on defense. Burns graduated from Linfield Christian school in 2016 and also ran track. After graduating, Burns played for and graduated from the University of Arizona. Burns also had a short stint in the NFL when the Jacksonville Jaguars claimed him off of waivers from the Arizona Cardinals in 2021. The former Temecula native signed with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent at the conclusion of the 2021 draft. Burns had two interceptions and nine tackles this past season and one tackle in the championship game for the Stallions. No. 12 – Temecula’s Kate Jacobsen named All-American by United Soccer

In July, the coalition of coaches from United Soccer announced the 2021-2022 High School All-Americans for states that conducted their championship season during the winter or spring, which included Kate Jacobsen, a 2022 graduate of Temecula Valley High School. Nicknamed “Jet Jet” Jacobsen, the newly crowned All-American was a starter for the Lady Golden Bears soccer team since she was a freshman. That year she was not only a standout goal scorer, but she also was named First Team All-Southwestern League. Jacobsen would be the first to receive that honor under Temecula Valley Head Coach Jennifer Guinn’s leadership.

No. 13– Temecula’s Haynie, part of BIP Global Challenge Championship in Croatia

In July, Chaparral graduate (2018) Julia Haynie, a senior at San Diego State, participated in the 17th Annual Global Challenge Volleyball Tournament and won a Brijuni Division championship (U23) in Croatia. Her team (Team BIP), composed of players from NCAA member institutions in divisions one or two, was led by former USC women’s volleyball coach Mick Haley.

No. 14 – Area players selected in MLB Draft

In July, two former local prep players, with major ties to the valley, were selected in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. Mikey Romero, who played at Vista Murrieta and Orange Lutheran High School (graduated 2022), was selected in the first round by the Boston Red Sox (No. 24 overall) and Christopher Paciolla, who played for Temecula Valley High School (graduated 2022),

AnzA VAlley

AnzA VAlley

Players from the Riverside City College baseball team celebrate winning the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship in May of 2022. Valley News/Courtesy photo 2022 from page C-1

No. 8 – RCC Tigers win CCCAA State Baseball Championship; Local talent helps secure program’s fifth title

Greta Pontarelli, a 71-year-old resident of Temecula, captured her 12th world title at the Pole Art Italy World Championships in 2022. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Temecula native and former Rancho Christian and USC men’s basketball standout Isaiah Mobley was selected as the No. 49 pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 2022 NBA draft.

Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Former Linfield Christian and University of Arizona standout Lorenzo Burns (22) played in the USFL Championship game in July of 2022 with the Birmingham Stallions. Valley News/Courtesy photo

2022 Temecula Valley graduate Kate Jacobsen was named an All-American by the coalition of coaches from United Soccer. Valley News/Time Stood Still Photography

Temecula native Julia Haynie shows off her volleyball Global Challenge Gold Medal in 2022. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Menifee’s Mikey Romero, who recently graduated from Orange Lutheran High School, signed with the Boston Red Sox after being selected in the first round of the 2022 MLB Amateur Draft.

2022 Temecula Valley High School graduate Christopher Paciolla signs a Major League Baseball contract with the Chicago Cubs at their west coast training grounds in Arizona.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Courtesy photo

was selected in the third round by the Chicago Cubs (No. 86 overall). After the 20-round draft concluded, many organizations continued to add college talent as undrafted free agents which included Ezra Farmer, OF, Tahquitz High School and Otto Kemp, 3B, Point Loma Nazarene, who both signed with the Philadelphia Phillies; Ian Koenig, RHP, Cabrillo Community College, and David Morgan, RHP, Hope International, who both signed with the San Diego Padres; and Caleb Farmer, 2017 Tahquitz High School grad that played, and set the home run record at Colorado Mesa last season, signed with the Washington Nationals. Caleb is the older brother of Ezra. No. 15– California League Champions crowned, Storm wins their first title in 11 years

In September, behind a handful of the San Diego Padres’ top prospects, their Single-A affiliate, Lake Elsinore Storm, won the club’s fourth ever league title with a 3-2 win over the Fresno Grizzlies. It would be the third as a Padres affiliate. The Storm, whose 77-55 record during the regular season was second only to the Grizzlies’ 83-49 mark, outscored their opponents 35-14 in completing their postseason sweep. The club reached the playoffs after winning the South Division first-half title, then let their hair down in the playoffs, going 4-0 after winning five consecutive games to close out the regular season. They disposed of the Inland Empire 66ers in two games before delivering the same fate to Fresno, who they beat seven times in eight meetings this year.

This past year also saw Lake Elsinore make history when fans were asked to produce a continuous 18-minute wave to beat the previous record of 17 minutes and 20 seconds, and for the first time in their long 28-year history, in front of a packed house, a no-hitter was thrown by pitchers Garrett Hawkins and Alan Mundo Friday, July 1.

No. 16 – Youth kickboxers compete in Abu Dhabi at IMMAF World Tournament

In August, a Pankration team of youth mixed martial arts competitors from Hernandez Kickboxing in Murrieta traveled to Abu Dhabi, where they competed at the 2022 IMMAF World Tournament. Pankration is an ancient martial art which mixes wrestling and boxing. The sport can be traced as far back as the second millennium BCE in the territory of ancient Greece. The team consisted of Lariah Gill, age 14, first place; Uriel Cruz, 14, second place; Zadkiel Cruz, 12, third place; Isabella Campos, 13, third place; Ethan Barrett, 15, third place; Elijah Gutierrez, 9, third place; Head Coach Richard Hernandez; and Assistant Coach Julio Cruz.

No. 17 – Local skydiver earns gold medal at National Championships In September, at the 2022 United States Parachute Association Nationals, there was tight competition for who would take home gold in the canopy formation skydiving events. The event took place at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois, with top skydivers from across the world coming together to compete in various disciplines. At the forefront was local Lake Elsinore elite skydiver Sean Jones, who led his team ‘Elsinore Too Wrapped Up’ to victory in canopy formation. Jones is no stranger to winning, having competed at the national level since 2008. He has won 13 gold medals, five silver medals and

four bronze medals throughout his career.

No. 18 – Lady Broncos’ magical journey ends one win short of 2nd CIF State volleyball title

After winning the Southwestern League and a CIF Southern Section title during their fall sports season, the Vista Murrieta High School girls’ volleyball class of 2023 are now among our area’s most decorated senior classes in recent history. Claire Little, Zoe Horner, Mikayla Marich, Skylar Darr, Mallory Villareal, Lauren Ly, Bridget Robarts and Dailin Leong were part of a class that won three consecutive Southwestern League championships along with a 2019 CIF-State title as freshmen and this year’s CIF-SS Division 2 championship. They will be mentioned in the same breath as Chaparral High School’s class of 2004 who made back-to-back CIF-SS finals appearances with a win in 2003; Calvary Murrieta High School’s class of 2008 that made three straight section title matches and won two from 20062008; Hemet High School class of 2013 that made four straight section finals and won three times, along with Linfield Christian High School’s class of 2019, which won back-to-back section titles after not having made the playoffs in nine previous seasons.

No. 19 – Wildomar teen helps USA Baseball 18U team claim gold over Panama

In November, the USA Baseball 18U National Team, which included Wildomar’s Vaughn Neckar, competed in the World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in La Paz and Los Cabos, Mexico. A junior in high school, Neckar, an LSU commit who plays for Vista Murrieta during the spring, has competed in past USA Baseball development programs, mainly as a pitcher. After completing a sweep of the Super Round, the United States was 7-0 in tournament play entering the gold medal game against Panama. While Neckar did not pitch in the gold medal game, he played a pivotal role in the games leading up to the final win, where an 11-1 victory over Panama saw Team USA win it all. It is the sixth consecutive WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier title for the 18U National Team, where the program has won gold at every tournament since 2009. The tournament win secured a spot in next summer’s XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Tainan, Taiwan, where they aim to defend their title after winning gold at the XXX WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in September.

No. 20 – Former TV football alumni Easton Gibbs named First Team All-Mountain West

In November, the Mountain West college football conference announced its 2022 All-Mountain West football teams and former

Temecula Valley football standout, and current Wyoming Cowboys linebacker Easton Gibbs earned a First Team selection. Gibbs, a high-profile candidate for the NFL draft in 2023, finished the 2022 regular season averaging 9.2 tackles per game to rank No. 3 in the Mountain West and No. 23 in the nation, making this the first All-Mountain West Conference honor of his career.

The Wyoming Cowboys, with Gibbs in tow, played in the firstever Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl against the Ohio Bobcats from the Mid-American Conference at the end of December at Arizona Stadium in Tucson. The result was a 30-27 win for Ohio. This year’s appearance was Wyoming’s 18th bowl appearance in history who are now 9-9 overall in bowl games. No. 21 – Great Oak boys’ win program’s seventh CIF State cross country title

In November, as well as December, some of the most successful programs in California prep cross country history added to their legacies, which included Great Oak, who knocked off San Clemente by a 67-80 margin to win the program’s seventh CIF State Division 1 boys’ championship. Senior Mark Cortes finished ninth in 15:23.5 for Great Oak, which won six straight titles from 20142019 and placed runner-up last year. The Wolfpack’s five-man split was 20 seconds as Cortes was followed by twin brother Ramses at 16th (15:32.67) and Gabriel Rodriguez (15:34) in 19th place. Rounding out Great Oak’s scoring were Nathan Lennox and Austin Elkins, 25th and 26th place in 15:43.24 and 15:43.65, respectively. Just one week after missing out on a CIF Southern Section title to San Clemente, the Wolfpack won their seventh boys state title and 15th overall in program history, but first in this decade and first under third-year head coach Tammy Draughon. It was also the eighth podium appearance for Great Oak. Following the CIF State meet, the Wolfpack earned an automatic berth in early December to the Nike Cross Nationals meet in Portland, Ore., where they placed sixth.

No. 22 – San Jacinto’s historic football season leads to numerous titles

In November, their third time wasn’t the charm, but their fourth time sure was. With a 42-15 victory over Orange High School, the San Jacinto Tigers won their program’s first-ever CIF Southern Section football title. San Jacinto, the current Division 6 champions, had suffered three losses in their previous title runs, the most recent coming in 2018 to Culver City with a 61-21 loss. The Tigers advanced to the Division 3AA CIF State Football Regionals in early December where they hosted the University City Centurions, the No. 1 seed out of the San Diego Section. Going into the game

the Tigers did not lose a game in almost three months, and the last time they did lose, it was by one point…a 28-27 loss to Beaumont in mid-September. Since that loss, San Jacinto won 11 straight games, which includes winning a Mountain Pass League title, a CIFSS Div. 6 title, and with their 49-45 win over the Centurions, a CIF State Division 3-AA Regional title.

The Tigers headed to Sacramento the next week to play Grant High School for the CIF 3-AA State Title but fell 36-34.

*The full versions of these sports stories can also be found online at http://www.myvalleynews.com.

We had so many contributing

writers in 2022, including many of our own readers, who helped with not only the pictures and stories in this issue, but so much more. As the sports editor, I want to send a heartfelt thank you out to those who contributed to the sports section, including our photographers David Canales, Andrez Imaging, Action Captures Media Group, Scott Padgett (Time Stood Still Photography), Rob Davis and writer Derryl Trujillo. I cannot wait to see what sports stories we can bring you all in 2023.

If you have a sports tip, JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com

With a 3-2 win over the Fresno Grizzlies in September of 2022, the Lake Elsinore Storm won their fourth ever California League Championship in team history. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Hernandez Kickboxing students Uriel Cruz (14), Zadkiel Cruz (12), Lariah Gill (14) and Isabella Campos (13), arrive for the first day of the 2022 IMMAF World Tournament. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Lake Elsinore elite skydiver Sean Jones, third from the right, led his team to victory in canopy formation at the 2022 United States Parachute Association Nationals at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois. Valley News/Courtesy photo

The Vista Murrieta girls’ volleyball team won the CIF Southern Section Division 2 title with a 3-1 win over Aliso Niguel at Cerritos College in November of 2022.

Team USA, with Wildomar’s Vaughn Neckar included, won the World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in La Paz and Los Cabos, Mexico.

In November of 2022 the Great Oak Wolfpack boys’ cross country team won their seventh boys state title and 15th overall in program history in Fresno.

Valley News/Runnerspace photo

Valley News/USA Baseball courtesy photo

Former Temecula Valley football standout and current Wyoming Cowboys linebacker Easton Gibbs was selected to the All-Mountain West First Team for the 2022 season. Valley News/Troy Babbitt-UW Media Athletics

Valley News/Butch Owens photo

Highway Update

Inclement weather may affect area highway projects

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Inclement weather during the past week and possibly into this week has either slowed or closed certain road and freeway lanes as repairs are taking place by Caltrans, Riverside County Transportation Commission and local city Public Works departments.

The recent rains, according to the California Department of Transportation, caused some emergency closures on some lane rehabilitation projects during the past week. One project is on Interstate 15 in San Bernardino County from Oak Hill Road in Hesperia to just south of Bear Valley Road in Victorville due to possible flooding that could hamper traffic to Las Vegas and other points east.

Caltrans warns motorists that more such closures could take place if the rainy weather pattern persists and to watch for work

trucks entering and exiting the project area. Caltrans advises to “please use caution and reduce your speeds in the construction zones.”

HEMET

Locally, Caltrans announced it will soon begin work on a $1.3 million safety project on State Route 79 in the City of Hemet. The project will modify and upgrade a traffic signal, reconstruct and upgrade sidewalks, curb ramps and driveways to current Americans with Disabilities Act standards at the intersection of E. Latham Avenue and SR-79.

The project was awarded to Crosstown Electrical and Data Inc. of Irwindale. Crews’ hours of operation and potential impacts to commuters and pedestrians may include: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Intermittent lane closures in each direction will take place daily and may change weekly; No full closures; Curbs being reconstructed to ADA

standards will affect pedestrian traffic. The project is expected to be complete in spring. Schedules can change.

SAN JACINTO

Caltrans is continuing work on the $4 million safety project to construct a median concrete barrier and rumble strips on State Route 79 near San Jacinto, weather permitting.

Work will be taking place Tuesday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. All work will take place in the median behind the k-rails. Crews will sawcut, break existing asphalt and excavate for the installation of a new drainage pipe.

CHP will be on site to assist with traffic safety. The traffic reconfiguration will remain in place throughout the construction to enable all lanes to remain open throughout the project. There will be occasional intermittent lane closures during evenings for construction staging.

PALM SPRINGS

Caltrans continues its work on a $5.5 million project to construct and upgrade curb ramps to ADA standards and modify signal and lighting systems on State Route 111 in Palm Springs, weather permitting.

Crews continue work at various locations on SR-111 from Lawrence Crossley Road to West Gateway Drive.through Jan. 7. There will be a permanent lane closure on southbound SR-111. Lane 3 will be closed with two lanes open from E. Vista Chino to District Center Drive.

MORENO VALLEY

The City of Moreno Valley, in partnership with Caltrans, is replacing the Moreno Beach Drive two-lane bridge with a seven-lane bridge and reconfiguring the north side of the interchange to allow easier access to and from State Route 60. Improvements will include a new westbound auxiliary lane, as well as a dedicated

southbound Moreno Beach Drive lane to westbound State Route 60 on-ramp.

WILDOMAR, MURRIETA and LAKE ELSINORE

Resurfacing work is continuing on Bundy Canyon Road from Menifee to Lake Elsinore with the widening work expected to finish by the end of the month. Some intersections with the highway may be temporarily closed as the work continues. Drive with care and watch for directional signs. All the work depends on weather conditions.

MENIFEE

In Menifee, Eastern Municipal Water District, Edison and Gas Company projects are continuing in Menifee with the Menifee City Council considering a possible temporary moratorium on some future street projects at their next city council meeting.

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

2023 brings new insurance protections for California consumers and other laws

SACRAMENTO – Beginning Jan. 1, Californians will benefit from newly created consumer protection as 11 new state laws, which were sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara this past legislative session, take effect. The new laws address climate change, expand health access and reproductive care, preserve health protections, protect against fraud and ensure public safety.

“Protecting consumers is my No. 1 priority,” Lara said. “Partnership with the Legislature and Gov. Newsom is essential to my department’s mission of bringing fairness for all in our oversight of the nation’s largest insurance market. I look forward to putting these 11 new laws into effect while taking further actions that benefit California consumers.”

New laws that start taking effect Sunday, Jan. 1, include Assembly Bill 2238, jointly written by Assemblymembers Luz Rivas, Eduardo Garcia and former Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, which directs the creation of a statewide extreme heat advance warning and ranking system based on climate and health impact information by the California Environmental Protection Agency, in coordination with the Department of Insurance and the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency program in the governor’s office of planning and research. It would be the nation’s first-ever extreme heat wave ranking system when it is finalized by Jan. 1, 2025.

Senate Bill 852, written by Sen. Bill Dodd, authorizes the creation of Climate Resilience Districts

statewide to help communities mitigate risk in advance of a disaster and promote recovery, a recommendation from the Department of Insurance’s firstever climate insurance report that would improve access to insurance for all, so that residents can better prepare themselves from increasing climate change-related threats. CivicWell was also a cosponsor to this measure.

Assembly Bill 2134, jointly written by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber and former Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, establishes the “Reproductive Health Equity Program” to make available grants to providers who offer reproductive and sexual health care free of cost to patients with low incomes and those who lack health care coverage for reproductive health services, including consumers who come to California from other states that have decreased access to abortion care services. The grants afforded under AB 2134 are in addition to $40 million appropriated in the enacted 2022-2023 State Budget to help cover these important health care services. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, NARAL Pro-Choice of California, Access Reproductive Justice, Essential Access Health and the National Health Law Program were also co-sponsors to this measure.

Assembly Bill 1823, written by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, aligns the definition of student blanket policies that are purchased by colleges and universities with the federal Affordable Care Act. This alignment is necessary to ensure state regulatory oversight

and that consumer protections under the ACA are also applicable to these student health policies sold through a university or college to their enrolled students, including Dreamers and refugee students.

Assembly Bill 2127, written by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, is a follow-up measure to Lara’s previously sponsored “Parent Healthcare Act” last year, that would clarify and strengthen notice requirements for Medicareeligible older adults who are seeking to be added as dependents to their adult child’s individual health insurance policy or health care service plan contract.

Assembly Bill 2568, written by former Assemblymember Ken Cooley, creates a ”safe harbor” by stating that an individual or firm providing insurance or related services to a state legal cannabis business does not commit a crime under California law solely for providing that insurance or related service.

Senate Bill 972, written by Sen. Lena Gonzalez, brings thousands of entrepreneurial sidewalk food vendors into a more equitable and well-regulated food economy by updating the “Safe Sidewalk Vending Act,” which Lara wrote in 2018 as a member of the California State Senate to end the criminalization of sidewalk vending. Inclusive Action for the City, Public Counsel, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Community Power Collective and the Western Center on Law and Poverty – all part of the California Street Vendor Campaign – were also co-sponsors to this measure.

Senate Bill 1040, written by

Jess Ranch Fish Hatchery to stock Lake Skinner with rainbow trout

The park district issued a request for quotes in November 2020 and received one bid. The Calaveras

Jess Ranch Fish Hatchery will once again be stocking rainbow trout in Lake Skinner.

The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District board members are the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, and on Dec. 13 the supervisors voted 4-0, with Manuel Perez absent, to award Jess Ranch Fish Hatchery the contract to stock live rainbow trout at Lake Skinner, Lake Cahuilla (in La Quinta) and Rancho Jurupa Regional Park.

Jess Ranch Fish Hatchery, which is based in Apple Valley, will be paid $6.25 per pound and the maximum total amount of the one-year contract is $103,125.

Approximately 5,500 pounds of trout will be stocked at each lake.

More than 45,000 anglers annually patronize the Riverside County Regional Park and OpenSpace District lakes. Prior to 2021, the district had contracted with Jess Ranch Fish Hatchery but in October 2020 Jess Ranch notified the park district that a bacterial outbreak which has plagued hatcheries throughout the state would render Jess Ranch unable to supply the park district’s rainbow trout needs.

Trout Farm Inc., bid was deemed responsive and responsible. In January 2021 the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District board awarded Calaveras

Trout Farm, which is based in the Merced County town of Snelling, the contract to stock rainbow trout in Lake Skinner, Lake Cahuilla and Rancho Jurupa Regional Park.

The contract with Calaveras

Trout Farm was for a one-year term but allowed for four additional one-year options without board approval. However, Calaveras

Trout Farm has been affected by drought conditions and is currently not able to provide trout. Jess Ranch Fish Hatchery is now able to provide rainbow trout, and as the only nearby company with that ability, a sole source contract rather than the competitive bidding process was used to select Jess Ranch.

The price for the fish will not exceed $6.25 per pound for the first year of the agreement. Increases of up to the Consumer Price Index amount will be permitted in subsequent years, contingent upon a written agreement. If Jess Ranch Fish Hatchery offers lower prices

to another governmental entity, that decrease will automatically extend to the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District.

Each lake will be stocked eight times annually beginning in midDecember and ending in late March. Additional orders may be placed for trophy fish used for a fishing derby or other special event. The regular fish orders will be a minimum of 825 pounds per delivery with the fish weight being calculated utilizing the sight displacement method. All fish will weigh at least 12 ounces, and the trophy fish will weigh between two and seven pounds.

The fish must be alive, in good physical condition, and free from disease and harmful pests. Jess Ranch Fish Hatchery shall remove all dead and dying fish from the load during delivery, and the weight of those fish will be deducted from the total weight on the weight statement. A district supervisor will oversee the unloading and inspection of the fish at each delivery location.

The schedule, which is subject to change, calls for Calendar Year 2023 deliveries to Lake Skinner on Jan. 4 and 18, Feb. 1 and 15 and March 1 and 15.

Sen. Susan Rubio, authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to order restitution from persons who sell insurance without the necessary license from the Department of Insurance, including “extended vehicle warranties” sold illegally through robocalls and misappropriation of consumers’ and businesses’ premiums, among other insurance scams.

Senate Bill 1242, written by the Senate Committee on Insurance, bolsters anti-insurance fraud ef forts essential to protecting consumers from unnecessary economic loss by further clarifying agent-broker anti-fraud education requirements as well as the process by which alleged fraud is reported to the Department of Insurance, in addition to other consumer protection proposals.

New laws that start taking effect in July 2023 include Assembly Bill 2205, written by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, requires health insurers and health plans offering coverage through Covered California to report annually to the Department of Insurance and the Department of Managed Health Care the total amount of abortion funds. The new law will require transparency and disclosure from health carriers to regulators regarding the amount of separate abortion premium payments that are being collected from policyholders and distributed as claims. As the state considers options available for payment of abortion services, the new law will help regulators and policymakers identify available funds to support abortion patients in California.

Planned Parenthood Affiliates

of California and the National Health Law Program were also co-sponsors of this measure.

Assembly Bill 2043, written by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer Sr., requires all bail fugitive recovery agents, commonly known as “bounty hunters,” to be licensed by the Department of Insurance to ensure that appropriate education and training requirements are met prior to licensure and that all applicants successfully pass fingerprintbased background checks, obtain an appointment from a licensed bail agent or surety insurer and maintain a minimum $1 million liability insurance policy so that harmed consumers have an avenue to collect damages.

In addition to these new laws, in October, Lara enforced the nation’s first wildfire safety regulation to help drive down the cost of insurance for Californians at risk of wildfires, further protecting vulnerable consumers across the state. Lara’s regulation is the first in the nation requiring insurance companies to provide discounts to consumers under the Safer from Wildfires framework created by the Department of Insurance in partnership with state emergency preparedness agencies. The regulation is now state law and enshrined in the California Code of Regulations. Under the new regulation, insurance companies are required to make new rate filings including wildfire safety discounts and comply with new transparency measures starting in April 2023.

Submitted by California Department of Insurance.

Riverside County seeks volunteers for 2023 homeless count

RIVERSIDE COUNTY –Riverside County is looking for volunteers to get involved with the annual Homeless Point-In-Time Count. The annual county helps agencies respond to homelessness. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for the annual survey of homeless adults and youth in cities and unincorporated communities throughout Riverside County.

More than 700 volunteers are needed for the 2023 count, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 25. Volunteers from communitybased organizations, churches and other groups will fan out across Riverside County’s 7,300-squaremile landscape alongside staff from the county and all 28 cities.

“To obtain an accurate count, we need participation from those who know their communities,” Laura Gonzalez, social services planner and PIT count coordinator, said. “Volunteers can sign up to survey individuals in their city of residence or another city of their choice. Volunteers will work with experienced providers to connect those in need to housing and social services.”

Last year, volunteers counted

1,980 unsheltered individuals. Of those, 558 or 28% requested followup services and were subsequently referred for supportive services.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development requires communities that receive funding from the Continuum of Care Program, such as Riverside County, to perform the count. The CoC funds provide support and services, including housing, to provide immediate and long-term solutions towards ending homelessness. HUD CoC funding has been combined with other federal and state funding such as No Place Like Home, CARES and American Rescue Plan Act funds to increase the total number of permanent supportive housing units by 300 units, or 40%, since 2019.

“Riverside County and the Continuum of Care have taken an aggressive approach to address homelessness across the region,” Karen Spiegel of Riverside County Board of Supervisors’s Second District, who is on the CoC’s board of governance, said. “The data gathered from the count informs

Joe Naiman Writer

Report finds FDA colluded with Alzheimer’s drug maker during approval process

James Lynch Daily Caller Reporter

A report by multiple House Committees found the U.S. Food and Drug Administration inappropriately colluded with drug company Biogen before approving its Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm.

The report was released after an 18-month investigation by the House Oversight and Energy and Commerce Committees into

the FDA’s decision to approve Aduhelm.

FDA officials and Biogen had at least 115 calls, 40 meetings and many email exchanges over the course of a year starting in July 2019, according to the committee report. These interactions were “atypical” and failed to follow the FDA’s documentation protocols, the report says.

The FDA and Biogen inappropriately collaborated on a briefing document for the

PCNS Advisory Committee that did not reflect differing views inside the agency, the report added. After nine months on the traditional approval pathway, the FDA abruptly changed course to an accelerated timeline to get Aduhelm approved, the report notes.

Biogen had canceled clinical trials in March 2019 because an independent report indicated Aduhelm was not effective, the report says. The FDA approval

gave Aduhelm for treatment on an ever broader population than Biogen studied in its clinical trials, the report continued.

Biogen initially set the price of Aduhelm at $56,000 and expected it to be a costly financial burden for Medicare patients, over 85% of the drug’s expected target population at the time of its launch, the report says.

The committees recommend the FDA ensure that interactions with drug companies are properly

recorded, establish a protocol for joint briefing documents and update its industry guidance for Alzheimer’s drugs for the agency to restore trust.

The committees also recommend for Biogen and other drug sponsors to communicate safety concerns to the FDA, and consider value assessments by outside experts when setting drug prices.

Study reports infection fatality rate of COVID-19 was 0.0003 percent at 0–19 years

Naveen Athrappully The Epoch Times

A study that looked into the age-stratified infection fatality rate (IFR) of COVID-19 among the non-elderly population has found that the rate was extremely low among young people.

“The median IFR was 0.0003 percent at 0–19 years, 0.002 percent at 20–29 years, 0.011 percent at 30–39 years, 0.035 percent at 40–49 years, 0.123 percent at 50–59 years, and 0.506 percent at 60–69 years,” the study conducted across 29 countries stated. “At a global level, prevaccination IFR may have been as low as 0.03 percent and 0.07 percent for 0–59 and 0–69-yearold people, respectively.”

The study aimed to accurately estimate the IFR of COVID-19 among non-elderly populations in the absence of vaccination or prior infection.

For every additional 10 years

in age, the IFR was observed to increase by roughly four times. After including data from nine more nations, the median IFR for 0–59 years came in at 0.025 to 0.032 percent and for 0–69 years was at 0.063 to 0.082 percent.

According to the study, the analysis suggests a “much lower” pre-vaccination IFR in the nonelderly population than had been suggested previously. The large differences found between nations were pegged to differences in factors like comorbidities.

Vaccination Dangers Among Youth

A recent study that analyzed children between the ages of 5 and 17 who had received Pfizer COVID-19 shots found an elevated risk of heart inflammation among children as young as 12 years old.

Myocarditis and pericarditis met the threshold for a safety signal for children aged between 12 and 17 following the second

and third doses. These heart conditions can cause long-term issues and even death.

“The signal detected for myocarditis/pericarditis is consistent with published peer-reviewed publications demonstrating an elevated risk of myocarditis/pericarditis following mRNA vaccines, especially among younger males aged 12-29 years,” the researchers said.

MIT researcher Stephanie Seneff had said that it was “outrageous” to give COVID-19 vaccines to young people as they have a “very, very low risk” of dying from the infection.

When looking at the potential harms of these vaccines for children, they don’t make “any sense,” she added. With repeated boosters, such treatment will be “devastating” in the long term.

Parents should do “absolutely everything they can” to avoid getting their children vaccinated

against COVID-19, the research scientist advised.

Vaccinating Children

Some countries have stopped their COVID-19 vaccine programs for children. In October, the Swedish Public Health authority ceased recommending vaccination for 12- to 17-year-olds except under special circumstances. The agency acknowledged that very few healthy children have been affected seriously by the virus.

“Overall, we see that the need for care as a result of COVID-19 has been low among children and young people during the pandemic, and has also decreased since the virus variant omicron began to spread,” Soren Andersson, head of a unit at the Public Health Authority, told broadcaster SVT at the time.

“In this phase of the pandemic, we do not see that there is a continued need for vaccination in this group.”

Meanwhile in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is pushing ahead with vaccinating children, allowing emergency clearance of vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for children as young as just six months old.

Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that it is the vaccinated population that made up most of the COVID-19 deaths in August.

During that month, 6,512 deaths were recorded, of which 58.6 percent were attributed to vaccinated or boosted individuals. Back in January, COVID-19 deaths among the vaccinated and boosted had only made up 41 percent of the total mortalities.

Naveen Athrappully is a news reporter covering business and world events.

Copyright The Epoch Times. Reprinted with permission of the Epoch Times.

CBP enforces Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection began detaining merchandise produced or manufactured by Jingde Trading Ltd., Rixin Foods Ltd. and Zhejiang Sunrise Garment Group Co. Ltd. at all U.S. ports of entry Monday, Dec. 5. The enforcement action is the result of a CBP investigation indicating that these companies use North Korean labor in their supply chains in violation of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.

CAATSA prohibits the entry of goods, wares and articles mined, produced or manufactured wholly or in party by North Korean nationals or North Korean citizens anywhere in the world, unless clear and convincing evidence is

provided that such goods were not made with convict labor, forced labor or indentured labor under penal sanctions. Pursuant to CAATSA, CBP will detain merchandise from these entities at all U.S. ports of entry unless there is clear and convincing evidence that forced labor was not present at any stage of the production process. Evidence must be provided within 30 days of notice of detention. If the importer fails to provide clear and convincing evidence within this timeframe, the merchandise may be subject to seizure and forfeiture.

“CBP is committed to keeping America’s supply chains free of goods produced with forced labor and to eliminating this

horrific practice,” AnnMarie R. Highsmith, executive assistant commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade, said. “North Korea’s forced labor system operates both domestically and internationally and supports the North Korean government’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, and it is also a major human rights violation. Legally and morally, we cannot allow these goods into our commerce.”

Any person or organization that has reason to believe merchandise in violation of CAATSA, or any merchandise produced with forced labor, is or is likely to be imported into the United States can report detailed allegations by contacting CBP through the e-Allegations

Online Trade Violations Reporting System at https://eallegations.cbp. gov/Home/Index2 or by calling 800-232-5378.

More information on sanctions directed at North Korea may be found on http://DHS.gov and http://CBP.gov. Questions on CBP’s enforcement actions and authorities under CAATSA may be directed to CBP at caatsa@ cbp.dhs.gov

Follow CBP Office of Trade on Twitter @CBPTradeGov. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control and protection of our nation’s borders, combining

COURTS & CRIMES

CHP officers conclude threeday anti-DUI crackdown

City News Service Special to the Valley News

The California Highway Patrol wraps up an end-of-year crackdown targeting drunken and drug-impaired drivers in Riverside County, along with other law enforcement agencies countywide on Jan. 1.

The CHP initiated its New Year’s “maximum enforcement period” on the evening of Friday, Dec. 30, when all available officers deployed to catch impaired motorists, speeders and other traffic violators.

Officers from the Riverside, Blythe, Indio, San Gorgonio Pass and Temecula CHP stations have been on Inland Empire freeways, highways and unincorporated roads, looking to identify and nab suspects.

“Every year, people’s lives are impacted forever by making the decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence,” CHP

Commissioner Amanda Ray said, encouraging motorists to take appropriate steps to avoid driving hazardously.

The 2021-2022 New Year’s MEP netted 495 arrests statewide, compared to 709 arrests during the 2020-2021 campaign, according to the CHP.

The agency said 29 people died in crashes investigated by the agency during last year’s campaign.

Data on the 2022-2023 effort will likely be released in the next few days.

The CHP’s crackdown has coincided with year-end anti-DUI campaigns involving the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and multiple municipal law enforcement agencies countywide.

Since mid-December, deputies and officers have been conducting saturation patrols and staffing sobriety checkpoints to catch intoxicated drivers. Operations wrapped up this week.

customs, immigration, border security and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

Submitted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Felon, two others charged with allegedly gunning down Perris man

A felon and two others accused of killing a 27-year-old Perris man on Christmas Eve were charged with murder and other offenses Thursday, Dec. 29.

Miguel Angel Villegas, 30, Andrik Avalos Villasenor, 20, and Kassandra Lepe, 21, all of Hemet, were arrested following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigation into the slaying Saturday of Rafael Morales in Perris.

Villegas and Villasenor were both arrested on Christmas, while Lepe was taken into custody Wednesday, Dec. 28.

Along with murder, Villegas and Villasenor are charged with robbery and burglary. Villegas is additionally charged with firearm assault and sentence-enhancing gun use allegations. Lepe is additionally charged with receiving stolen property.

The men were slated to make

a joint initial court appearance Thursday afternoon at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Lepe is scheduled to make a solo court appearance Friday at the same courthouse.

She and Villasenor are each being held on $1 million bail, Lepe at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, and Villasenor at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside. Villegas is being held without bail at the latter.

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Ed Baeza, about 11 p.m. Saturday, the trio were involved in an unspecified confrontation with Morales at a residence in the 300 block of West Seventh Street, near Perris Boulevard.

During the encounter, the victim was shot at least once in the upper body, Baeza said.

Witnesses called 911, and deputies and paramedics converged on the location within minutes, at which point Morales was pronounced dead at the scene.

Baeza said that Central Homicide Unit detectives quickly identified

Driver shot to death on 215 freeway in Moreno Valley

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

A driver was shot to death on the 215 Freeway in Moreno Valley, authorities said Sunday, Jan. 1.

The shooting happened on the southbound 215 Freeway at Cactus Avenue around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Responding CHP officers found a Jeep Grand Cherokee stopped

within the center median of the freeway and found a male driver with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His name was withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The suspect vehicle was

described as a black sedan, witnesses told CHP officers.

Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to call the CHP at 909-806-2400.

Villegas and Villasenor as two of the alleged assailants. Both were tracked to separate locations the following day and taken into custody without incident.

Lepe was identified later and arrested on East Florida Avenue in Hemet.

Neither Lepe nor Villasenor has documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County; however, Villegas has priors for assault resulting in great bodily injury, auto theft, driving under the influence of drugs and statutory rape, according to court records.

us where our services are needed most. It is so important that we all support the count, so that every person experiencing homelessness is identified.”

Training is required before the count. Volunteers must also have a smartphone or tablet to conduct the survey, be able to walk up to two hours and must be 18 or older.

Volunteers ages 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

The general point-in-time count is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 25, while the youth count is scheduled Wednesday, Jan. 25, through Friday, Jan. 27.

Interested participants can register at http://www.rivcohws. org/homeless-point-time-pit-count

Submitted by Riverside County.

City News Service Special to the Valley News

Anza Lions Gymkhana field vandalized

also

According

Baskets of Love make Christmas wishes come true in Anza

Staff Writer

Over 122 Anza children and their families were served at the Baskets of Love gift giveaway at the Little Red Schoolhouse Saturday, Dec. 17.

Michelle Aarvig’s Baskets of Love holiday gift project created and gave out 32 free baskets this year.

“These gifts send the message that people are never alone and

that others in the community care greatly about them,” Aarvig said.

Donations of cash, Walmart, GameStop and grocery store gift cards, toys, toiletries, canned goods and new blankets were included in the crafted baskets.

Since 2018, Aarvig has been making baskets of holiday presents as a community service. She called her project Baskets of Love and distributed many gifts to residents in need. The baskets featured new useful and

decorative items. Members of the community saved large baskets for her all year long to help out with the gifting project, while others donated items and cash to the cause.

Aarvig’s Baskets of Love are dispersed to deserving residents in the Anza Valley. Beginning in 2021, she joined forces with Christi James and the From the Heart Christian Women’s

Roadside memorial vandalized

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Lions Club of Anza Valley is offering a $600 reward for information leading to the

conviction of the person or persons responsible for vandalism and theft at the gymkhana field off of Kirby Road some time during the last week of December. Members of the community have

contributed to the reward fund.

to Lion Chris Skinner, sometime before Thursday, Dec. 29, the gymkhana field was vandalized.

“Our electric meter was destroyed and they attempted to remove it from the ground,” she said. “Any and all electric outlets and junctions have been destroyed and all wires cut. Somebody

An electrical pedestal is damaged at the Lions Club of Anza Valley’s gymkhana field some time during the last week of December.

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

could’ve been extremely hurt because the power was still hot.” The destruction renders the field inoperable due to no lights,

Diane Sieker

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Grieving mother Kim Szymanski discovered the roadside memorial dedicated to her late son and his friend had been vandalized Friday, Dec. 23.

A grieving mother’s roadside memorial is vandalized right before Christmas.

Szymanski’s son Jacob and Deborah Barksdale’s son Jon died in a single car accident at the site of the memorial.

Officials investigating the scene in Aguanga, June 13, 2017, found

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Recipients pick out their gifts during the Baskets of Love giveaway at the Little Red Schoolhouse Saturday, Dec. 17. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS

If you have an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com put “attention events” in the subject line. Readers should call ahead on some listed events for the latest updates.

Regular Happenings

ONGOING – Anza Electric Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers a free mobile food pantry the second Saturday of every month at the AEC office, 58470 Highway 371, from 10:3011:30 a.m. All are welcome. CalFresh application assistance and free community health services are also available. Bring your own reusable bags to take food home. Volunteers welcome. For more information, contact the AEC office at 951-763-4333.

Hamilton High School – Find out what is happening using Hamilton’s online calendar at http://www.hamiltonbobcats.net/

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK

apps/events/calendar/.

Hamilton Museum – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza. For more information, call 951-763-1350 or visit http:// www.hamiltonmuseum.org. Find them on Facebook at “HamiltonMuseum-and-Ranch-Foundation.”

Backcountry Horsemen Redshank Riders – Meeting monthly on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Locations change, so please contact Mike by email at stumblinl55@gmail.com or by calling (951) 760-9255.

Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings

Fit after 50 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Friday mornings at Anza Community Hall. Free. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. Call or text instructor Teresa Hoehn, at 951751-1462 for more information.

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting – 6 p.m. Every Tuesday at Shepherd Of The Valley Church, 56095 Pena Road, in Anza. Open participation.

help feed those who can’t afford to pay, drop off payment and cash donations by Thursday at 1:30 p.m., to ERA Excel Realty, 56070 Highway 371, in Anza. Pay inside or drop off during the day in the red box outside. To drop it off, put name and request on an envelope with payment inside. A $30 box has about $100 worth of food and feeds six people. Half boxes are available for $15. Food is delivered once a week to those who cannot find a ride. For more information, call Bill Donahue at 951-288-0903.

Living Hope Christian Fellowship Community Dinner 1 p.m. Dinners are held the last Sunday of the month at the Anza Community Hall. All are welcome. Donations of time, money, etc. are always welcome.

p.m. and Bible study on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays from 6-8 p.m. On Monday evenings, from 6-8 p.m., the youth group (6th to 12th grade) meets for games and Bible study. Anza Baptist Church also offers Men’s and Women’s Ministries, a Homeschool Support Group, Summer Vacation Bible School, and Senior’s Ministry. The church office is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road in Anza. For more information, contact the church at 951-763-4937 or visit www. anzabaptistchurch.com.

Clubs

Scouts meet at Lake Riverside Estates. For more information, call Ginny Kinser at 909-702-7902.

Civil Air Patrol – Squadron 59 is looking for new members of all ages. For more information, call squadron commander Maj. Dennis Sheehan from the Anza area at 951-403-4940. To learn more and see the club’s meeting schedule, visit http://www.squadron59.org.

Fire Explorer Program – 6 p.m. The program meets every second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at Fire Station 29 on state Route 371 in Anza. Call 951763-5611 for information.

Editorial STEPHANIE PARK, Copy Editor

J.P. RAINERI, Sports Editor SHANE GIBSON, Staff Photographer

Advertising Sales

Production KARINA RAMOS YOUNG, Art Director FOREST RHODES, Production Assistant SAMANTHA GORMAN, Graphic Artist Digital Services MARIO MORALES

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 391353, Anza, CA 92539 PHONE: (760) 723-7319 PHONE: (951) 763-5510 FAX: (760) 723-9606

Veterans’ Gathering Mondays 9-11 a.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 39075 Contreras Road, in Anza. Men and women veterans come to share and help each other deal with posttraumatic stress disorder and other difficulties. Call John Sheehan at 951-923-6153. If you need an advocate to help with VA benefits, call Ronnie Imel at 951-659-9884.

The Most Excellent Way –Christ-centered recovery program for all kinds of addiction meets Fridays from 7-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 8-10 a.m. Program is court approved; child care is provided. Transportation help is available. The group meets at 58050 Highway 371; the cross street is Kirby Road in Anza.

AA Men’s Meeting – 7 p.m. Meetings take place Thursdays at 39551 Kirby Road in Anza, south of Highway 371.

Alcoholics Anonymous – 8 p.m. Wednesday evenings at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, call 951763-4226.

Bereaved Parents of the USA – The Aguanga-Anza Chapter of BPUSA will hold its meetings at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 49109 Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-5512826.

Free Mobile Health Clinic Open every third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is needed. Uninsured may only be seen in the Anza Community Hall’s parking lot or inside the hall.

Medication Assistance and Treatment for Opioid Dependence – Get treatment for heroin addiction. Transportation to the clinic is provided. For more information, contact Borrego Health’s Anza Community Health Center, 58581 Route 371, in Anza. For more information, call 951763-4759.

Food ministries

F.U.N. Group weekly food ministry – Deliveries arrive noon Thursdays at the Anza Community Hall. To order a paid box and

Food for the Faithful – 8 a.m. The food bank hands out food the last Friday of the month until the food is gone. The clothes closet will be open too. Emergency food handed out as needed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. FFF is a non-denominational nonprofit. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-763-5636.

Bible Studies

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anza Sunday Sacrament is held 10 a.m.; Sunday School is 11 a.m. Priesthood/Relief Society meets noon; Wednesday Boy Scouts gathers 6 p.m. and Youth Night is 7 p.m. For more information, call Ruiz at 951-445-7180 or Nathan at 760-399-0727. The Wednesday Genealogy/Family History Class, 5-8 p.m., is open to the public at 39075 Contreras Road in Anza.

Native Lighthouse Fellowship 10 a.m. The group meets the first Saturday of the month, and breakfast is served. All are welcome to fellowship together at the “Tribal Hall” below the casino in Anza. For more information, call Nella Heredia at 951-7630856.

Living Hope Bible Study –8-10 a.m. Tuesdays at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 58050 Highway 371, in Anza. All are welcome. For more information, call Pastor Kevin at 951-763-1111.

Anza RV Clubhouse – 7 p.m., the second Wednesday of the Month, Pastor Kevin officiates at 41560 Terwilliger Road in Anza.

Monthly Christian Men’s Breakfast – 9 a.m. Breakfast takes place the fourth Saturday of each month and rotates to different locations. Contact Jeff Crawley at 951-763-1257 for more information.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church – 10 a.m. Weekly Wednesday Bible study takes place at 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Call 951-763-4226 for more information.

Valley Gospel Chapel – 7 a.m. Saturday Men’s Study meets weekly with breakfast usually served at 43275 Chapman Road in the Terwilliger area of Anza. For more information, call 951763-4622.

Anza First Southern Baptist Church - Begin your week with Sunday School for all ages at 9 a.m., followed by Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. On Sunday nights, the church has prayer on the 1st and 4th Sundays from 6-7

High Country Recreation Second Monday of the month attend committee meetings at ERA Excel Realty in Anza. For more information, call Albert Rodriguez at 951-492-1624 or Robyn Garrison at 805-312-0369.

HCR Bingo fundraisers –6:30-9:30 p.m. second and fourth Fridays at Anza Community Hall.

Anza Valley VFW Post 1873 Capt. John Francis Drivick III Post, the Ladies’ and Men’s Auxiliaries are located at 59011 Bailey Road in Anza. Mail P.O. Box 390433. Request monthly newsletter and or weekly menu by email at vfw1873anzaca@ gmail.com. For more information, call 951-763-4439 or visit http:// vfw1873.org.

High Country 4-H Club – 6:30 p.m. Meetings are on the third Wednesday of the month, except February, at Anza Community Hall. 4-H Club is for youth 5 to 19 years old offering a variety of projects. High Country 4-H Club is open to children living in the Anza, Aguanga and surrounding areas. For more information, call Allison Renck at 951-663-5452.

Anza Valley Artists Meetings – 1 p.m. Meetings are the third Saturday of each month at various locations. Share art, ideas and participate in shows. Guest speakers are always needed. For more information, call president Rosie Grindle at 951-928-1248. Find helpful art tips at http://www. facebook.com/AnzaValleyArtists/ Anza Quilter’s Club – 9:30 a.m. to noon. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, in Anza.

Anza Valley Lions Club – The Anza Valley Lions Club has been reinstated and is open to all men and women who want to work together for the betterment of the community. The group is working on securing a new venue for meetings. Meetings and events are posted on the Anza Lions Club of Anza Valley Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/LionsofAnzaValley. For more information, email president Greg Sandling at President. AnzaLions@gmail.com or Chris Skinner at Secretary.AnzaLions@ gmail.com

Boy Scouts Troop 319 – Cub Scouts meet 6 p.m. every Tuesday, and Boy Scouts meet 7 p.m. every Wednesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Contreras Road, south of state Route 371, in Anza. For more information, call Richard Hotchkiss at 951-551-3154.

Boys Scouts Troop 371 – Boy

Redshank Riders – 7 p.m. Backcountry horsemen meet at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Anza, the second Thursday of each month. Visit http://www. redshankriders.com or call Carol Schmuhl for membership information at 951-663-6763.

Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the first Thursday of the month at Valley Gospel Chapel, 43275 Chapman Road in Anza. The social hour is 11:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. Contact Carol Wright at 951-763-2884 for more information.

Organizations Terwilliger Community Association – 6 p.m. Second Monday of the month at VFW Post 1873, 59011 Bailey Road, in Anza. Potluck dinner open to all. For more information, call Tonie Ford at 951-763-4560.

From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries – Noon. Monthly luncheon and guest speaker are held the second Saturday of each month. The $5 charge covers lunch at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, in Anza. From the Heart helps the area’s neediest children and invites all women and men to join in their mission. Donate or help with the rummage sales twice a year to raise funds for the cause or other events. For more information, call president Christi James at 951-595-2400.

Anza Community Hall – 7 p.m. General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Memberships cost $20 per person or $35 per business, and both get one vote. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets. Voting members receive discounts off hall rentals, swap meet booths and save on propane gas from Ferrellgas. Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. Swap meet held each Saturday of the month, weather permitting, early morning to 1 p.m. Vendors wanted. For more information, call 951-2824267.

Anza Civic Improvement League – 9 a.m. meets the first Saturday of each month at the Little Red Schoolhouse. The league maintains Minor Park and Little Red School House, which are both available to rent for events. No government funds are allowed; the membership pays the bills – $10 a person, $18 family or $35 business membership. For more information, visit http:// www.anzacivic.org.

JULIE REEDER, Publisher MALINA GUGEL, Distribution

Winter gardens provide fresh vegetables despite cold temperatures

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Winter chills and inclement weather need not spell the end of gardening endeavors here in the Anza Valley. There are many vegetables that grow well this time of year and provide fresh and nutritious food with minimal effort.

Whether using an established garden area, soft or hard pots, raised beds or straw bale structures, planting in the winter can be very rewarding. Many vegetable varieties don’t need to be planted in a greenhouse to thrive.

Grangetto’s Farm and Garden Supply suggests artichokes, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chives, cilantro, collards, dill, fava beans, garlic, kale, lettuce, onions, parsley, parsnips, peas, radishes, spinach and Swiss chard for the cold planting season. That’s a lot of options.

First, determine your Hardiness Zone for the perfect vegetable/ climate matches. The National Gardening Association USDA Hardiness Zone Finder can be found online or in some gardening publications. This map divides North America into 11 separate planting zones. Each zone is 10 degrees warmer or colder in an average winter than the adjacent zone.

Zone maps help gardeners to compare their climates with the areas in which a particular plant is known to grow well.

freezers, refrigerators or water.

Anza Electric Cooperative crews cut power to the facility so repairs can be initialized safely.

“This is ridiculous and not fair for the kids and community,” Skinner said. “This will be a very expensive fix. Please help us find out who did this. If you know something, please say something.”

If you have information regarding this crime, please contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at 951-791-3400 or Non-Emergency Dispatch at 951-776-1099. Please refer to case number D223640019.

“You can remain anonymous. You can also contact any of the board members of the Lions Club. Remember, there’s a $600 reward in place,” Skinner added.

Donations for the extensive repairs are currently being accepted.

Checks may be made out to Lions Club of Anza Valley and mailed to P.O. Box 390389 Anza, CA 92539, or dropped at the Anza True Value, attention Paula

a winter-hardy plant, is ready to harvest.

With Southern California’s multitude of micro climates, zone determination can sometimes be more difficult than simply consulting the map. Connect with local nurseries, farmers and fellow gardening enthusiasts to get a better feel of what cold-hardy plants will do well in the Anza Valley. Much of what is experienced here is defined as Zone 8.

“Planting time in Zone 8 is now,” Scott Briles of High Country Nursery in Anza said.

However, growing in winter can

McQueary.

PayPal donations may be made to Secretary.AnzaLions@gmail. com

“Those people that are willing to donate time, materials and sweat equity, we will keep you updated on a date for the rebuilding project,” Skinner said. “Thank you so much for your continued support through this bump in the road.”

The goal of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is to keep all citizens safe while also improving the quality of life for those residing within the community. Criminal activity negatively impacts the community. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has a zerotolerance policy for these offenses.

If you suspect criminal activity in your area, please contact the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at 951791-3400.

Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, 909987-5005 or wetip.com.

Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

be difficult at certain elevations and micro climates, said Phil Noble of Sage Mountain Farms.

“We are planting onions, lettuce, kale, spinach, arugula, mizuna, lettuce, salad mix, mesclun mix, Swiss chard, cilantro and other miscellaneous greens,” Noble added. “Approach your planting project knowing that anything that you harvest should be considered a success. I always recommend that people grow something that they like first.”

Plant varieties that perform best

in cool weather also benefit from fewer insect predators and more natural rainfall.

Seeds can be planted starting in late autumn, but these will take longer to become established at this time of year due to shorter days and cooler temperatures. Many gardeners prefer to plant seedlings started indoors to get a headstart on growth.

Plants always do best in welldrained soil, no matter what time of year it is. Use fresh potting mix rather than reusing old dirt. This is

also a great time to add compost to beds and established garden areas.

Besides home-composted amendments, consider natural manures such as alpaca and rabbit. These manures will not harm the plants and do not have to be aged. Many farmers will gladly give it away for free. Poultry manure can be applied very sparingly if not composted.

“Summer puts soil fertility to the test,” Noble said. “Intensive plantings of warm-weather crops remove nutrients at a fast clip, and when plants hunger, you should be the first to know it’s feeding time. Replacing soil nutrients keeps plants happy right up to the harvest.”

Winter replenishing of nutrients is critical, especially if you are using the same garden area year round.

Even with cold-hardy plants, if a hard freeze is predicted, protect crops with row sheets to trap the heat and prevent potential damage. It is not recommended to use plastic sheets or cheap tarps as they may freeze and harm the plants.

Winter planting not only adds green to your yard or garden area, it provides wonderful fresh alternatives to buying produce at the market.

The National Gardening Association USDA Hardiness Zone Finder can be accessed at https://garden.org/nga/zipzone/ Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Did you know?

Committing to using time more wisely is a popular New Year’s resolution each year. Though millions of individuals can undoubtedly find various ways that they waste time each day, the most significant ways time is wasted by the average person may be somewhat beyond individuals’ control.

According to a 2022 survey commissioned by Duolingo and conducted by OnePoll, more than 50 percent of the 2,000 people surveyed indicated waiting on hold while on the phone is their biggest time waster. Other significant time vampires include standing in lines (45 percent) and sitting in traffic (44 percent). These time wasters

are so significant that those behind the poll estimated that the average person loses one month of their life every year doing nothing.

But all hope is not lost.

Individuals who want to cut down on all that wasted time can call customer service hotlines during off-peak hours (generally considered to be before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m.), shop online or during off-peak hours (grocery stores tend to be less busy in early mornings and on weeknights than weekend mornings and afternoons), and utilize public transportation to get to and from work so their commutes can be spent doing something productive and not sitting idly in traffic.

Chard,

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Vandals cut padlocks to gain access to storage areas at the Lions Club of Anza Valley’s gymkhana field some time during the last week of December. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Aarvig gifted 25 families at the

MEMORIAL from

that Jacob Szymanski, 26, and Jonathan Barksdale, 28, both of Anza, died before dawn, when their 2007 Mustang failed to negotiate a curve, struck a boulder and flipped. The car crossed into the opposing westbound lane and went off the north roadway edge. It struck the boulder about 25 feet off the roadway and overturned onto its roof on State Highway 371 near Barbara Trail.

A well-tended and decorated memorial dedicated to the young men was built near the crash site and is visible from the roadway.

According to a friend of Szymanski’s who drove by Thursday, Dec. 22 around 3 p.m., the memorials were intact.

festive event held at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Anza in 2021.

To contact Michelle Aarvig, please write to P.O. Box 390468, Anza, CA 92539.

“I came up the hill that night after 10 p.m. and the lights were out on Jacob’s cross, and it looked empty, Szymanski said. “That’s why I went by the next day to check it out.”

She said what she found was devastating.

“When I got there and found everything gone I just started screaming,” she said. “All the decorations, the tree and everything but the ribbon and lights. Some lights are out because the wire was cut. There was a hat by Jon’s cross. I don’t know if that hat belongs to the person that did this or not.”

Heartbroken, she made a post on social media seeking answers.

“This is the second time someone has taken things from

there,” she wrote. “I am trying to understand why. This is a memorial. Those boys died there and it is a place to go sometimes to be close to the last place they were alive. My friends and I decorate to do something beautiful for them because they deserve that, to honor and remember them because they are not here anymore. I feel broken and violated. It may not be personal but it sure feels that way.”

FAITH

Why is Jesus the greatest gift?

a Chucky blanket. Let’s just say they never made it to the shelf of my man cave.

Gifts are tricky because you never know if the person you’re giving the gift to will actually like it. That’s why UPS will handle an estimated 60 million returns this year. People just don’t know what the perfect gift is anymore.

There is actually only one person in the history of the world who gave the perfect gift. That’s God. He loved you so much that he gave you his son Jesus. And in all reality, Jesus is the greatest gift you will ever receive.

In case you doubt me, here are three reasons why Jesus is the greatest gift.

short of God’s glorious standard,” in Romans 3:23.

The Bible also said, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us,” in 1 John 1:8-10.

When you say you’re without sin, you’re really saying, “God, you’re wrong.” It is a problem because God is neither wrong nor capable of doing wrong.

Sin is the biggest problem you have in life. So, the question is, what’s the answer to your sin?

“They are awesome. The thoughtful and kind people far outweigh the evil and mean people,” Terressa Bentley Love wrote.

Community members are shaking their heads as to why anyone would have damaged the

roadside memorial during the holiday season.

“Jonny’s and Jacob’s spirits and love were shared with family and the community. Their spirits will never be gone. No one can take that. We will always honor them,” Deborah Barksdale said.

Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

What is the greatest gift you’ve ever received?

Over the years, I’ve received some pretty lame and hilarious gifts. This year, during our family white elephant gift party, I was the lucky recipient of two dolls and

In Jesus, your sins are forgiven.

There’s a thought floating around that people are inherently good. Which is actually contrary to what God says about us. He said, “Everyone has sinned; we all fall

The apostle Paul had this same question, but he also had the answer. He said, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ

our Lord,” in Romans 7:24-25.

Jesus is the greatest gift because “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace,” in Ephesians 1:7.

In Jesus, you have a reason for living.

People all over the world struggle with their purpose in life. Sin has a way of clouding it. But that’s what makes the forgiveness of your sins so amazing. Jesus doesn’t just forgive your sins and walk away. Instead, he gives you a full life.

Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may

have life, and have it to the full,” in John 10:7-10.

God gave you Jesus so you can have your sins forgiven and live a full life in him.

In Jesus, you have a home in heaven.

Your body is not going to live forever. Sorry to dash your dreams. But your spirit will.

This is precisely why we need God’s greatest gift, Jesus. Because of Jesus and his sacrifice for your sins on the cross, you are promised eternal life, not death.

Jesus said, “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” in John 3:13-16.

The ones who believe in Jesus as God’s greatest gift have their sins forgiven, a reason for living and a home in heaven.

Zachary Elliott is the lead pastor of Fusion Christian Church in Temecula. For more information, visit http://www. fusionchristianchurch.com, http:// www.encouragementtoday.tv or find them on Instagram.

Ministries to receive the names of deserving residents.

GIFTS from page D-1

Carefully wrapped gifts are organized during the Baskets of Love giveaway at the Little Red Schoolhouse Saturday, Dec. 17.

Soft new blankets are decorated with festive ribbons during the Baskets of Love giveaway at the Little Red Schoolhouse Saturday, Dec. 17. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Close friends Randi Torres and Bianca Bogner immediately went to work redecorating the memorial.

Zachary Elliott Special to the Valley News

The memorial is decorated by the Szymanski and Barksdale families for the holidays before being vandalized right before Christmas. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photos

Kim Szymanski’s friends redecorate the memorial after vandals steal the original decorations.

AnzA VAlley

OPINION

‘Special content’ coming for subscribers

Julie Reeder Publisher

I’m hopeful for 2023.

Court cases have vindicated the skepticism I had the last two years regarding government overreach.

Parents have fought back on school issues regarding their children and our business has survived like many did, despite the government shutdowns, etc. There’s reason for hope. My commitment is even

stronger to our readers to keep bringing timely, uncensored news stories and features relevant to you. We are going to step it up this year by presenting “special content” for our subscribers including the interviews we do on video so you can see more behind the scenes. One of my first public interviews this year will be with a psychiatrist who has had much success with healing people of serious psychiatric disorders like anxiety,

depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder through diet. This is breakthrough science, but the practice has been around for decades.

We also have interviews lined up with doctors related to lawsuits they are fighting with the state to stop interference with their free speech rights and the client/doctor relationship. There’s interviews relating to success in healing degenerative diseases, Sudden Death Syndrome, Jan. 6 defendant

interviews, homelessness, and many locals making a difference. Here’s to 2023 being a great year! Thank you and please continue to support your local journalists by subscribing at MyValleyNews.com/subscribe. Or VillageNews.com/subscribe

Note: I’ve had a lot of positive feedback on my series explaining CRT. We will resume with part 3 next week.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

The murder of Sheriff’s Deputy Isaiah Cordero was both heinous and a waste of the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer faithfully serving Riverside County.

While Deputy Cordero’s killer was subsequently shot and killed while evading police, there also must be accountability for the reckless judge who set loose a career criminal to further kill and create mayhem.

The judge in question, San Bernardino County Judge Cara

D. Hutson, must account to the family of Deputy Cordero, to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and to the people of Riverside County. What on earth compelled her to release this criminal, with a long and violent history, back into society?

Judge Hutson apparently showed no regard for the safety of the community when she approved this violent felon’s release. The tragic domino effect of Judge Hudson’s decision was both thoughtless and negligent.

Imagine an animal shelter director releasing vicious and rabid dogs onto the street, creating a direct public endangerment. That director could expect a swift firing and condemnation, among other likely sanctions. Yet this judge gets to withdraw to her chambers behind her black cloak of judicial anonymity.

The judge earns well over $210,000 per year in generous taxpayer funded salary and benefits, as per recent records. At a minimum she should pledge a

Fallbrook’s charms woo two talented wordsmiths

An appreciation

perspective on life changed “from the viewpoint of an alley rat to the viewpoint of a cultured person.”

Mr. Capra studied chemical engineering and was the only member of his family to receive a college degree. Yet he was also chronically unemployed, typically down on himself and often adrift amid swirls of depression.

our friendly village. He brought many a smile to a great many faces.

His love of Fallbrook, of course, included Mr. Frank Capra, Sgt. Pittenger and the rest of our community’s legend and lore. His love of history caused him to contemplate and write about much of what he heard, saw, sang, felt and tasted.

significant portion of her salary to the Cordero family. Then Judge Hutson should resign, in shame. Perhaps she could find some redemptive work by helping the victims and survivors of crimes,

Welcome to flight 2023

Hello, again, dear reader. I pray that only sweet water has filled your cups since the last time we supped.

Today we shall focus on Fallbrook’s second great man, Frank Capra, a war hero, movie maker and fierce local champion. Another day I will write about Fallbrook’s first great man, Medal of Honor recipient Union Sgt. William Pittenger.

It is Mr. Capra who brings us to the table today, although both men have, as we all must at our appointed times, sadly passed from this mortal coil.

The two men had much in common. They shared a fierce love of the spoken and written word and a rich reverence for the restful land that surrounds us all.

It’s a tucked-away community that is green in the spring and gold in the fall. It is anchored by a slowgrowing village of wise, wonderful people. It is framed by two rivers that flow from mountains and hills into the sea. Its winds are alternately soft, swift and strong. It is a land both coastal and inland. Many days here are laced by cool, morning mists and then followed by crackling afternoon heat.

And now comes me, the least of we three finger flickers. It is my hope that you will let me be your guide as I detail the lives of Mr. Capra and his beloved biographer, Gary Vix.

Mr. Capra was born in Italy in May 1897. With his parents and six older siblings, he emigrated to the U.S. six years later. He served in two World Wars, rising to the rank of colonel in the Army Signal Corps. Along the way, he reaped six medals that included the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the WWI and WWII Victory Medals.

He worked his way through high school and then college at the California Institute of Technology by working a string of oddball occupations that included hawking newspapers, playing the banjo, waiting on tables, cleaning power plant engines, selling books and working at a campus laundry.

As quoted by Wikipedia, Mr. Capra once wrote that his

He fast-talked his way into the fledgling film industry, and scored a $75 gig to direct a one-reel silent movie that was made by amateurs and filmed in two days. He parlayed that performance into such 1930s and ’40s writing and directing masterpieces as For the Love of Mike (1927), The Younger Generation (1929), It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), You Can’t Take It with You (1938) and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939).

The fabulous flick It Happened One Night was the first film to nab all five top Academy Awards. In all, Mr. Capra was nominated for six awards for directing films and he netted three directing Oscars. He served as the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1935 to 1939.

Mr. Capra died in September 1991 in La Quinta. He was buried in the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery.

But, of course, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) has become his shining star and it stands tall as my secondfavorite movie. It trails, just by a hair, of the masterwork Sergeant York , the 1941 classic that told the true story of Sgt. Alvin York and blended the talents of Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, Ward Bond, Noah Beery Jr. and Joan Leslie.

It is the amazingly upbeat, fictional movie that brings your humble narrator to Mr. Gary Vix, and his lifelong love affairs with the word, with Fallbrook and with Mr. Frank Capra.

Mr. Vix was born in Florida in 1943. His family bounced around California for many years until it landed in Fallbrook, where he enrolled in elementary school. He loved music and played the trombone in the Fallbrook High School Marching Band. His brother, Marlin, also played the trombone. They loved to perform polkas and other popular songs.

Gary Vix earned the title of drum major of his Fallbrook High School band prior to his 1961 graduation. He left Fallbrook to attend San Jose State University. After graduation, he became a band teacher, started a family and eventually moved back to his beloved Fallbrook, which became his final home.

He planted deep roots in his old/ new community. He became active in the Fallbrook High School Alumni Association. His favorite local stops included the hardware store and the Donut Pantry. His faded, yellow 1973 Ford Courier pickup was a familiar sight around

Perhaps his crowning glory was a 5,000-word piece titled “Is Fallbrook the Actual Bedford Falls?” It was printed in the 2022 edition of the greater Fallbrook area’s Sourcebook, an annual magazine published by Reeder Media Inc.

I know that the piece tapped into the hearts and minds of many Fallbrookians. We were all amazed that we learned so much about our native or adopted hometown in a see FALLBROOK, page D-6

We are prepared to take off into the New Year. Please make sure your positive attitude and gratitude are secured and locked in the upright position. All selfdestructive devices, including pity, anger, selfishness, pride and resentment, should be turned off at this time. All negativity, hurt and discouragement should be put away. Should you lose your positive attitude under pressure during this flight, reach up and pull down a prayer. Prayers will automatically be activated by faith.

Once your faith is activated, you can assist other passengers who are of little faith. There will be no baggage allowed on this flight. God, our captain, has cleared us for takeoff. Destination: greatness, prosperity and achievement. Wishing you a New Year filled with new hope, new joy and new opportunities.

Welcome to flight 2023 and expect God’s blessings.

Mike Stromsoe

Local Doctor Helps Legally Blind to See Again!

Dr. Richard Shuldiner helps macular degeneration sufferers with reading, driving, TV, and maintaining independence.

Pete T., an 83 year-old retired engineer from Palm Springs thought that his driving days were over. “I could not read the street signs soon enough and it made me nervous.”

Helen T. retired teacher, 74, from San Diego wanted to be able to read and write more easily. She wanted to see her grandchildren singing in the church choir. But she thought those days were over when she was diagnosed with macular degeneration. Neither of these patients knew that a low vision optometrist could help with some of those issues.

“Bioptic telescopic glasses can be used to see signs further down the road,” said Dr. Richard Shuldiner, Low Vision Optometrist and Founder of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS).

“This can allow some people with conditions like macular degeneration to continue driving.”

“Amazing!” said Pete. “I can read the street signs and even see the television better!”

Lee K, 71, of Anaheim called on the advice of a friend. “I wanted to be able to keep driving and do the fun things in life. One of those fun things is baseball. I can see those close plays again,” said the patient.

Bioptic telescopic glasses were prescribed to read signs and see traffic lights farther away. As one patient put it, ‘’These telescopic glasses not only allow me to read signs from a farther distance, but make driving much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close; definitely worth the cost. I don’t know why I waited two years to do this.”

Macular degeneration is the most common

eye disease amongst the senior population. As many as 25% of those over 65 have some degree of degeneration. The macula is one small part of the entire retina, but it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp images. “Our job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning visually,” said Dr. Shuldiner. “Whether it’s driving, reading, watching television, or seeing faces, we work with whatever is on the persons ‘wish list.”’

Low Vision glasses start at around $600. It is a small price to pay for the hours of enjoyment you can have with better vision and more independence.

For more information and a FREE telephone consultation to determine if you are a candidate for our services, call: TOLL FREE: 888-610-2020

Veronica

like the survivors of the career criminal she thoughtlessly released.

Sincerely, Rick Reiss Temecula

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Tim O’Leary

Special to Valley News

that

hearing.

December 23, 30, 2022; January 6, 13, 2023

CHANGE OF NAME

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CVCO 2204870

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS Petitioner: PATRICIA IGNACIA MEZA SOTO Filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: PATRICIA IGNACIA MEZA SOTO Proposed Name: PATTY ROUDERGUE

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 02/01/2023 Time: 8:00 AM Dept: C2

The address of the court: Corona Branch, 505 S. Buena Vista, Rm. 201, Corona, CA 92882 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Anza Valley Outlook Date: 12/14/2022

Signed: Tamara L. Wagner, Judge of the Superior Court LEGAL: 3761 PUBLISHED: December 23, 30, 2022; January 6, 13, 2023

SUMMONS

case. There may be a

information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp),

county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you

the

the

clerk for a

waiver form. If you do not file

on time, you may

default, and

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case Number: CVCO 2204871

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS Petitioner:

MARCELA DELFINA SOTO ROUDERGUE Filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name:

MARCELA DELFINA SOTO ROUDERGUE Proposed Name: MARCELA ROUDERGUE THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 02/01/2023 Time: 8:00 AM Dept: C2 The address of the court: Corona Branch, 505 S. Buena Vista, Rm. 201, Corona, CA 92882 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Anza Valley Outlook Date: 12/14/2022 Signed: Tamara L. Wagner, Judge of the Superior Court LEGAL: 3762 PUBLISHED: December 23, 30, 2022; January 6, 13, 2023

FALLBROOK from page D-5 to the community and its residents. There is no known Capra film titled “The Seneca Falls Story.” The film begins with none other than award-winning director Cecil B. DeMille providing the introduction.

single newspaper story. I, a hamhanded columnist who can barely write my way out of a wet paper bag, was intensely jealous that this Gary Vix guy had scooped me so thoroughly.

Sadly, Mr. Vix died suddenly on Sept. 21. He left behind his beloved wife, Susan Vix, an abundance of children, grandchildren and other kinfolk and, finally, his 1947 Ford Sportsman.

I leave you now with the words that Mr. Vix wrote to convince us all that Mr. Capra was writing about us when he told the story about how love conquers all adversity, all poverty, all tragedy and all evil.

Capra creating a fictional town named Bedford Falls was a brilliant marketing strategy. Bedford Falls, by not being any particular community, became practically any small town in America.

The year 1952 was a time in U.S. history when former Sen. Joe McCarthy led a witch hunt attempting to expose Communist activities, especially in the entertainment industry. Capra could be scrutinized under the magnifying glass held by McCarthy’s committee seeking out un-American Hollywood types.

It was well known that Capra was a patriot who loved the United States. However, his films occasionally projected a somewhat negative view of the system by exposing corruption in the political landscape, especially among U.S. government bureaucrats and politicians…

the case

money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

The name and address of the court is: Superior Court of the State of California, County of Riverside –Southwest Justice Center, 30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563

The subject real property as described in the complaint is in the unincorporated area of the County of Riverside, State of California, described as follows: Parcel 109, in the County of Riverside, state of California, as per map recorded in Book 34, page(s) 59 and 60 of record of surveys, in the office of the county recorder of said county, commonly known as 59063 Reynolds Way, Anza, CA 92539 A.P.N.: 575-210-011-0

The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney is George Granby, Attorney sbn 64143, 33175 Temecula Pkwy Suite A-130, Temecula, CA 92592, 310-927-9966.

DATE: 11/03/2022 Clerk, by P Kinkade Legal #3757 Published: December 23, 30, 2022; January 6, 13, 2023

to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 2-9-23 Time: 8:00 Dept: S101 The address of the court: Southwest Justice Center, 30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Anza Valley Outlook Date: DEC 20 2022 Signed: James F. Hodgkins, Judge of the Superior Court LEGAL: 3764 PUBLISHED: December 30, 2022; January 6, 13, 20, 2023

Almost every small town has a drugstore, hardware store, movie theater, school, church, etc. In order for an existing community to claim the title of the “Real Bedford Falls” requires some concrete and irrefutable evidence. Perhaps Fallbrook cannot claim the title of being the “Actual Bedford Falls” and neither can Seneca Falls [N.Y.] claim to be the “Real Bedford Falls.” However, only one of these two small towns can claim that Capra actually lived there.

Although lacking a New York state location and snowfall is such a rare event that photos of the white stuff reaching the ground appear as a front page spread in the local newspaper, much of Bedford Falls can be found in the DNA of the village of Fallbrook.

Another Capra film which provides fuel for the Bedford Falls/ Fallbrook relationship is a true story and a typical Capra format; the triumph of good over evil. The film is titled “The Fallbrook Story” which you can find on YouTube.

Capra’s name doesn’t appear anywhere in the film’s credits for obvious reasons. It’s the story of an average guy, a war veteran and his struggle to combat an evil foe.

Like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” G.I. Joe Edman, who actually represents the entire community of Fallbrook, is forced to resist the overreach of a Henry F. Potter type villain in the very real United States Attorney General James H. McGrath.

AG McGrath filed a suit and claimed that Fallbrook’s water, which the community had been using for around 100 years, actually belonged to the United States government. Fallbrook fought the U.S. government, retained their water rights and won.

The simple fact that Capra would create a motion picture titled “The Fallbrook Story” is in itself a testament to the affection and attachment he had

In the end, Democracy always prevails and the political system works, especially for the “little guy.” Capra films favored the average American instead of the large political machine which was gaining power during the Great Depression. Capra did not vote for Franklin Delano Roosevelt

… It has been written that Frank Capra didn’t think “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a Christmas film when it was released in 1946. That may be true. However, Capra himself soon realized the Christmas holiday season is when interest in the film and its message had the greatest resonance with viewers…

The Capras would invite family members to their Red Mountain Ranch home on Christmas Eve for dinner, then Uncle Frank would screen “It’s a Wonderful Life” in the home theater. The evening would conclude with everyone attending Midnight Mass at the local Catholic church. Back in the 1950s, Capra still owned the film rights to “It’s a Wonderful Life” making the availability of the film to any audience extremely limited. Bedford Falls is a fictional town. It is not any particular town and therefore it can be almost any town U.S.A. which is likely exactly the way Capra wanted it.

However, Fallbrook, California can claim the fact that Frank Capra lived here and a number of similarities actually exist connecting Fallbrook and Bedford Falls. Fallbrook can at least be considered the “Real West Coast Bedford Falls.” Frank Capra’s Red Mountain Ranch, the Ellis Hotel, James E. Potter, Reineman, real estate salesman, oak trees, his children, the Fallbrook town name and the film “The Fallbrook Story” all point to Fallbrook and its residents having at least some relationship to “It’s a Wonderful Life” and the fictional town of Bedford Falls. Could Fallbrook be a primary inspiration for the actual Bedford Falls? You decide.

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