MURRIETA – The city of Murrieta is hosting a free drop-off event Saturday, Jan. 28, between 8 a.m. and noon, in partnership with Waste Management. The community is invited to kick off the New Year with a fresh start by getting rid of extra bulky items and/or papers for shredding at Murrieta City Hall, 1 Town Square, in Murrieta
A woman was arrested Sunday, Jan. 15 on suspicion of parental child abduction in Menifee, authorities said.
The suspect in the fatal shooting of
Navarro was shot by one or more deputies and remained hospitalized in critical condition
Ault Staff WriterThe Riverside County Transportation Commission, in partnership with Caltrans, will start construction this month on a new freeway connection from eastbound 91 to northbound 71 in Corona, helping to improve safety, access, air quality and traffic flow for motorists and freight.
see DEPUTY, page A-6
Sarnowski Intern Writer
Temecula City Council has recently delegated specific proclamation duties to the Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion commission, or the “REDI” commission. After recognizing the abundance of proclamations annually, the city council began investigating a proclamation policy during Nov. 2021. The investigation began with the development of a public recognition policy, leading to the creation of an Ad Hoc subcommittee. This subcommittee reviewed the current rules regarding public recognition policies, and then consulted with other cities on how these matters should be handled. In May 2022, the council considered the recommendations made by the Ad Hoc subcommittee and provided feedback on the directions of a final policy. The council directed
MURRIETA – The Murrieta
City Council selected council members Lisa DeForest and Lori Stone to serve as mayor and mayor pro tempore, respectively, for 2023. The nominations and unanimous votes occurred during the Tuesday, Dec. 20, Murrieta City Council meeting. As is traditionally the practice, this process took place during the last regular city council meeting in December.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as mayor of the city of Murrieta,” DeForest said. “I am dedicated to serving and honoring the needs of the
A. Rhodes Special to Valley News
Mayor Natasha Johnson presided over the first Lake Elsinore City Council meeting of 2023 on Jan. 10. Utility company representatives took advantage of the oneminute public comment forum to share updates with the community as well as city officials.
Adam Eventov, Public Affairs Manager for SoCal Gas Co., said that residents can expect to see significant increases in their natural gas bills due to record-setting de mands and other factors. He recommended visiting the company’s website at socalgas.com to learn about assistance programs available to eligible customers as well as energy-saving tips that can help keep costs down.
Jeremy Goldman from SoCal Edison shared that the wildfire mitigation projects his company is performing will require planned power outages during installation. He assured residents that workers are doing their best to complete this project in a timely manner and it will be a huge help in the future during fire season.
City Council Consent Calendar items 2-26 were approved with Council Member Timothy Sheridan abstaining from item No. 26. Ma yor Pro Tem Steve Manos
moved to approve the slate which was seconded by Council Member Brian Tisdale. Seven items on the Successor Agency Consent Calendar were also approved with Agency Member Sheridan abstaining from item No. 32.
During public comments about non-agendized items where speakers could present for three minutes, a few took to the podium with complaints against the homeless population that hang around Elm Grove Beach and nearby neighborhoods.
During the City Council member comments portion of the meeting, residents were assured that the city will look into the stated issues and see what can be done to alleviate some of the problems.
Free sandbags available Tisdale announced that the Public Works department is offering free sandbags and sand to residents from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its utility yard, 521 N. Langstaff St. in anticipation of flooding from heavy rainfall in the area. He also noted that more emergency management resources could be found at rivcoready.org.
Sheridan, who is on the Riverside Transit Agency board of directors, shared the launch of RTA’s ondemand service called GoMicro in the Hemet and San Jacinto area. It allows users to schedule a pick up
from a nearby bus stop when it is needed rather than having to adhere to a pre-scheduled RTA route. For more information, 951-633-2629 or RiversideTransit.com/GoMicro
Council Member Robert Magee noted that consent calendar item No. 20, which was unanimously passed earlier, approves and authorizes the city manager to execute an agreement for professional services with HDR Engineering Inc. to provide a project study report-project development support for the Interstate 15 Nichols Road Interchange Improvement Project.
He explained that the city secured Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee to fund the project study report as well as the environmental study phase. Funding will allow the City to study improvement alternatives and environmental impacts. Magee said this phase is anticipated to be completed by fall, 2024. He added that TUMF allocation secured will also help fund the following phase, which is the preliminary assessment and environmental documentation.
Magee also reminded anglers that annual fishing licenses are valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 so it’s time to have it renewed at www. wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing to be ready for fishing in Lake Elsinore when it is reopened. Mayor
Johnson gave a Lake Watch update which indicates the lake remains closed for all recreation but recent rains have increased its level.
Johnson announced that volunteers are being sought for the 2023 Point-In-Time Count to be held Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 5:30 to 9:30 a.m. to provide a snapshot of current homelessness in Riverside
Valley
County. Volunteers can sign up at morethanacount.org. For more information, 951-358-3844 or RivCoPIT@rivco.org
The next regular meeting of the Lake Elsinore City Council and Successor Agency is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. For more information, www.lake-elsinore. org
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that Pride and inclusion proclamations be included in the final policy. It was prepared for a vote on the consent calendar and passed.
The purpose of this final policy is to ensure an “effective and efficient” process for both the consideration and conduct of various public recognitions by the city council. This policy has been broken down into different subject matters, such as Standard Certificate of Recognition, Proclamations, Pins and Medals, Community Leader Award of Distinction, Council Member Award of Recognition Upon Retirement, Wall of Honor, Memorial or Monument or Facility Naming, and miscellaneous.
In regards to the proclamation policy, they can be provided at the request of council members, residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. The city council approves of an annual list of proclamations. Unless three or more council members pull a proclamation from the list indicating exclusion, all proclamations will
be issued for presentation via mail or in person.
Many speakers spoke for and against this policy or wished that proclamations remain the same. Especially if it pertained to Pride month or months devoted to heritage recognition.
Mayor Pro Tem James “Stew” Stewart, said that Temecula’s inclusionary proclamations exclude people. By bringing one group up above the city, everyone else is excluded.
He said he does not have a problem with any of the inclusionary proclamations, but he does have a problem with using their platform to promote one group over another, especially at this level of government. Stewart indicated that he would love to see all of them made-just at the REDI commission.
Stewart believes that the REDI commission is the perfect venue for the city’s inclusionary proclamations and that groups being e xcluded can be found through that appropriate level. Stewart also claims that the city council level of government represents the entire city and everybody who lives there
and that they should not elevate a particular group above the rest.
Council member Brenden Kalfus noted that a lot of time is dedicated to these proclamations. He believes the city council’s purpose is to ensure roads are maintained, public safety is fully staffed, and work towards the beautification of Temecula. He recognizes that there are people who agree or disagree with certain proclamations, and states that the council is not making laws. They are against any form of discrimination, and he claims to support the rights of any individual. Council member Jessica Alexander briefly agreed with both Stewart and Kalfus.
Council member Curtis Brown, says that each one of the proclamations is about awareness, education, and the struggles that individuals or groups have had to get where they are. Brown affirmed the entire list unless a motion was made to add to it. He supported it the way it was.
Mayor Zak Schwank was appreciative of everyone’s thoughts, believing this was an important subject to discuss, especially with the new city council. He claims to understand the varying perspectives regarding Pride, including those who feel the council is elevating a certain group for things
that they do not agree with. He does not agree with it, nor view it as an elevation above one person. He remains supportive and re cognizes that many of these proclamations are being deemed controversial, even though they are not in many places.
“I would certainly not support sending this inclusionary list to the REDI commission. I think it needs to happen here,” he said.
Kalfus then voiced his concerns with the number of proclamations. He explains that the city council receives letters asking for more to be added, so many that it could reach 165. He says that the proclamations are meant to show the recognition of parties within the community. But he also fears they will become “convoluted and diluted,” and lose their intended purpose. He also elaborated that all proclamations moving to the REDI commission will still be handed out in the city chambers, by council members who wish to attend those proclamation presentations.
The city council agreed that should the vote pass, they will examine the proclamation list, with the possibility of moving the six relevant inclusionary policies, to the REDI commission.
Mayor Schwank motioned to approve of the policy, which was
then seconded by Brown. It passed unanimously, and the council went line by line through the list.
Director of Legislative Affairs, and City Clerk, Randi Johl, relayed to council members that this was their opportunity to add more proclamations to the list, so long as their suggestions were also consistent with state and federal. The list was approved as presented, but with exceptions.
African American history month, Women’s History month, Arab American heritage month, AsianAmerican and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander month, Pride month, Hispanic-Latino heritage month, Greek food festival month, Native American heritage month, and Jewish heritage month are now going to the REDI commission. The new proclamations being added to the city council’s list include the national first responders and fire prevention, senior day, and adoption month.
Alexander motioned to approve the altered list, which was seconded by Kalfus. Alexander, Stewart, and Kalfus, voted for it. Brown and Schwank voted against it. The vote passed, 3-2.
Ava Sarnowski can be reached by email at valleystaff@reedermedia.com.
During
join us in making a profound difference in the life of someone you’ve never met.
MilVet, a growing, awardwinning nonprofit which serves deployed American troops with monthly gift boxes put together by volunteers and provides other beneficial information to veterans and deployed service members’ families, announced its new goals for 2023.
The announcement came after the first deployed troop gift packaging event held this year at the C orporate Center in Wildomar Thursday, Jan. 12.
Raven Hilden, CEO of MilVet, praised the volunteers at the packaging event and the many others, including veterans and active duty service members, for providing those deployed service members a touch of home with the care packages each month. The packages contain items the deployed service members request including, nutrition, snacks and hygiene. They also include letters of support from those who pack the boxes each month.
Hilden said one of the newest events MilVet is sponsoring this
year is a special MilVet Junior group for children who meet every Friday at the French Valley Library to learn about being an American patriot and citizen and other special events, including a once-a-month civic project.
The last meeting MilVet Juniors learned how to properly fold an American flag and rehearsed the singing of the National Anthem. The MilVet Juniors led the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem for the 40-plus packaging volunteers who loudly applauded the children. Currently, MilVet Junior leader Heather Rickman said there are now 42 children involved in the program and more are welcome to join.
Hilden said, “MilVet has big news coming soon in 2023! An announcement will be made within the next week. MilVet continues to grow to serve more veterans and active-duty military members and their families. We are looking forward to continuing our monthly military care packaging program, emergency veteran assistance, MilVet Junior program and much more.
“We partner with Carry the Load
annually to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and Gold Star families. We will be hosting a rally from Riverside National Cemetery to the Riverside Fire Station. This will take place on May 11. More information will be available on our website soon www.milvet.org.”
MilVet was recently awarded the 2022 Nonprofit of the Year from the 67th California State Assembly, the 2022 Nonprofit of the Year by the Menifee Chamber of Commerce and in 2021 named the Nonprofit of the Year by Murrieta/ Wildomar Chamber of Commerce. MilVet was the 2022 Recipient of the Joan Sparkman Unity Award and a 2019 Leadership Impact Award recipient from the University of Phoenix who continues to help with the monthly care packaging.
Hilden continued, saying, “MilVet team members are the heart of the organization and the support of the community makes our vision and dedication to supporting our military possible.”
In 2022, there were 1,222 MilVet Military Care Packages shipped, totalling four tons, at a shipping cost of $17,623 that was paid
MENIFEE – The Menifee Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers that are violating the state’s hands-free cellphone law Monday, Jan. 23.
Under the law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while driving, and it includes talking, texting or using an app, even while stopped at a red light.
“Distracted driving is a real problem here in Menifee and is the
cause for so many accidents these days,” Interim Chief Chris Karrer said. “People seem to think that a cellphone is more important than driving safely. The truth is so many of our traffic collisions are caused by distracted drivers, and this can be prevented by simply staying off your cellphone.”
A cellphone violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense.
Drivers who have an important phone call or need to program directions must pull over to a safe
parking spot before using their cellphone. Before driving, silence the phone or put it somewhere out of reach.
community, leading with integrity, fairness, professionalism and confidence. I will strive to increase communication as we aspire to further the success of our amazing city. The best is yet to be.”
In addition to the selections, council updates related to the 2022 general municipal election also took place. Three council members were sworn in during the December meeting.
Council member Jon Levell was sworn in for District 1, which is located in the northern portion of
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway
Murrieta, west of Interstate 215. Council member Ron Holliday was sworn in as council member for District 2, in the northeast portion of Murrieta. Council member Cindy Warren was sworn in to represent District 5, in the southeast area of the city. She was originally appointed to fill an open seat on city council and was elected to continue serving in the 2022 election.
DeForest and Stone are currently serving their first term on the Murrieta City Council after being elected in 2020. To learn more about each of them, visit their city
Traffic Safety Administration. Submitted by Menifee Police Department.
council web pages.
The city of Murrieta has a fivemember city council and annually selects which city council members serve as mayor and mayor pro tem. To learn about the Murrieta City Council, including their council goals and contact information, please visit the city’s website. For updates on city council meeting dates and other Murrieta news, sign up for Murrieta’s eNewsletter, More Murrieta, and to get the latest Murrieta news delivered via email or text, sign up for Murrieta News Spotlights on the website.
Submitted by city of Murrieta.
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his death Friday during a 9 p.m. news conference outside Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar.
“I shouldn’t be here tonight having to do this again,” Bianco said.
“I’m devastated to tell of the loss of another of our deputy sheriffs who was killed in the line of duty today.”
The Riverside Sheriff’s Association called Calhoun’s death the loss of “another hero way too early in life.”
“Deputy Darnell Calhoun answered the call to serve, defend and protect our community. … Deputy Calhoun was a leader in community policing, believed in people and his ability to speak to the community with respect; meet them where they are in life; try to understand their needs; and work together to find solutions to the issues they were facing. To Darnell, being a police officer in San Diego and deputy in Riverside was about making the community a better and safer place for everyone.
“Our heart aches for the family, friends, and fellow deputies of Darnell Calhoun, and we ask everyone to take a moment to remember his selfless service.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued the following statement Saturday morning:
“Jennifer and I are heartbroken by the loss of Deputy Calhoun, a dedicated public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those he served with at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, who are mourning the painful loss of another deputy weeks ago. Deputy Calhoun died a hero and his bravery and selfless service will always be remembered.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta also offered his condolences.
“Deputy Darnell Calhoun represented the best of the California spirit — protecting and serving the public with valor,” Bonta said Saturday.
“On behalf of the nearly 6,000 men and women of the California Department of Justice, I extend our deepest condolences to Deputy Calhoun’s family, colleagues,
and the entire Riverside community. His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
Law enforcement agencies from throughout Southern California also offered their condolences.
“Our Partners @RSO have suffered another unimaginable loss,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna tweeted. “Dep Darnell Calhoun gave his life in the service of others. Sheriff Bianco, on Behalf of the @LASDHQ, I offer my sincerest condolences. My Family, agency, and @CountyofLA will hold you and @RSO in our hearts & prayers.
“To our brothers and sisters of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept., no words can express our deepest sorrow for the loss of Deputy Darnell Calhoun,” the Orange County Sheriff’s Department tweeted. “Our thoughts and prayers are for you, his family, and his friends. We will honor him, mourn him, and stand beside you in every way.”
“We mourn the loss of Deputy Darnell Calhoun who gave his life in the line of duty,” the California Highway Patrol tweeted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, and the entire law enforcement community. We are forever grateful for the sacrifices made by our officers to keep our communities safe.”
“The incident began around 4:20 p.m. Friday, when a dispatcher took a call and “in the background she heard voices and it sounded like a confrontation was occurring,” Bianco said.
Deputies were dispatched to the 18500 block of Hilldale Lane, just east of Grand Avenue, in the unincorporated community of Lakeland Village bordering Lake Elsinore.
“As Deputy Calhoun approached the residence, the suspect began shooting at him, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred. As an additional deputy arrived, the suspect engaged him with gunfire as well. The suspect was ultimately wounded and taken into custody,” the sheriff’s department said in a news release Saturday.
Authorities said the second deputy involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave according to department policy. The name of the involved
Nearby Lakeland Village Middle School, where students participating in an after-school program were still on campus, went on lockdown during the incident, witnesses said.
“The second deputy on the scene found Deputy Calhoun wounded in the street,” Bianco said. “A gunfight ensued with the suspect who was shot. The suspect was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital. He is currently in critical condition.”
Reports from the scene indicated the suspect may have also been taken Inland Valley Medical Center, but there was no immediate confirmation.
Sheriff’s officials said an investigator from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office will lead the investigation, aided by the sheriff’s Force Investigations Detail. Anyone with information about the incident was urged to contact DA Investigator Mario Moreno at 951-334-0407, mariomoreno@rivcoda.org, or Riverside County Sheriff’s Investigator Jarred Bishop at 951-955-1700.
Bianco described Calhoun as a “husband, a son and would have
been a dad,” adding that the slain deputy’s wife is pregnant.
He said there wasn’t one person who had a negative thing to say about Calhoun, who joined the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in February 2022 after spending two years with the San Diego Police Department.
“He was always so positive,” Bianco said.
The sheriff said Calhoun also has a “fantastic family”.
Members of the community write notes in support of Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Darnell Calhoun at the Calhoun Family Texas Barbecue in Murrieta. “I remember when he was sworn in,” Bianco said. “I hugged his mother and told her I would take care of him.
“We are sadly in a time when some people have no respect for other people and no respect for law enforcement. Those people
are willing to engage in gunfights with law enforcement over minor things.”
Late Friday, a procession of law enforcement officers escorted Calhoun’s body from Inland Valley Medical Center to the coroner’s office in Perris.
Funeral services are pending. As of presstime, a candlelight vigil was planned for Tuesday night. Photos and coverage can be found on myvalleynews.com.
The official fund set up to help the family can be found online at: https://helpahero.com/campaign/ deputy-darnell-calhoun
The shooting came 15 days after Deputy Isaiah Albert Cordero was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Jurupa Valley Dec. 29, which had been the first line-of-duty death of a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy in 15 years.
The Hemet City Council has unanimously selected Mark Prestwich, the former city manager of Palos Verdes Estates, Saint Helena and Nevada City, as its city manager.
The five-year agreement was approved Friday, Jan. 13 in open session. Prestwich’s first day on the job will be Feb. 21. “Mr. Prestwich stood out early in the process based on his broad local government experience, and his knowledge of and love for the city of Hemet,” Mayor Joe Males said.
“The council is looking forward to partnering with Mr. Prestwich and working together to enhance public safety, implement the adopted Strategic Plan, and continue to bring prosperity to the residents and businesses in our community.”
Prestwich has more than 25
years of municipal management experience, and has also held a variety of leadership positions for the cities of Sacramento, Napa and Long Beach.
He is the former president of the Municipal Management Association of Northern California.
Prestwich received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Cal State Fullerton after graduating from Hemet High School. He received his master’s degree in public administration from Cal State Long Beach.
“It has always been my dream to return to my hometown and serve the community that I have fond memories of,” Prestwich said. “I am very humbled and honored to work with such an aligned and dedicated City Council. I am also eager to meet the city team and work in partnership with the council to serve our residents and build Hemet’s future.”
Do you have a slope or hillside on your property where rainwater is causing erosion or do you have a landscape drainage problem?
With the heavy rains and downpours of the past few weeks, erosion of soil and slopes, as well as property damage, has come to the attention of homeowners in a significant way.
Understanding the terrain and lay of the land, soils and topography, and how it can affect you and your neighbor’s property, is essential.
Water management is an art and science that must be handled appropriately. Each property is unique and has its own personality regarding how rainfall can be beneficial or create an erosion problem.
Consider rain harvesting and install rain barrels to catch the water runoff from your roof. It has been estimated that 22 trillion gallons of rainwater will fall to the earth with these current storms. Catchment basins can be carved into a property to capture the rain runoff and store it, if you have space. And make sure you turn off your
The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians have been working with GRID Alternatives on two energy resilience projects and last month, project teams met with staff and Tribal Council members to demonstrate operations, provide updates and answer any questions.
Project teams on site at the Soboba Fire Station included GRID Alternatives’ Daniel Dumovich, director of strategic initiatives, and Nicole Bloom, project manager of strategic initiative, along with the Inland Empire chapter’s Executive Director Jaime Alonso; Invinity Energy Systems’ Jan Petrenko, regional manager of North America; California Energy Commission’s Sean Anayah, energy commission specialist and energy infrastructure integrity and sustainability agreement manager for Fire Station Microgrid, and Zoe Higgerson, utilities engineer of Energy Systems Research Branch agreement manager for MOR-
BUGs; ONYX Power operations manager Aaron Dyer and engineer Casey Reams and from University of California Riverside, Alfredo A. Martinez-Morales, managing director of research faculty for Southern California-Research Initiatives for Solar Energy and project scientist Miroslav Penchev.
Soboba Fire Chief Glenn Patterson said the solar panels and Invinity Energy Systems’ nonlithium battery backup have been installed at the station. He added that this solar and battery backup microgrid will not only offset energy costs but will provide power to the fire station and the Emergency Operations Center during an emergency or natural disaster ensuring emergency management personnel are able to continue to operate and serve the Soboba Indian Reservation.
GRID Alternatives was awarded a California Energy Commission grant for a microgrid community solar project and battery backup system on the reservation. The solar panels were installed on a carport used for employee and
visitor
With CEC EPIC Support, GRID Alternatives, ONYX Power and University of California Riverside are partnering with Tribal communities to demonstrate and deploy grid-independent, modular generation systems to enable California’s Tribal communities to provide power when the grid is down, as well as mobile off-grid resources for facilities throughout the year. The generators provide immediate, flexible and scalable relief to families who are impacted the most by wildfires and grid outages, without the pollution and hazards associated with small portable gas generators.
“We are excited to use innovative technologies to advance climate resiliency in Tribal communities in California,” Community Development & Tribal Program Manager Lisa Castilone said. “This project will provide essential power to the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Fire Station for the reservation, and the surrounding communities. This project will not only allow emergency services to continue during outages but will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate disasters that cause the outages in the first place.”
The Mobile Renewable Backup Generation, known as MORBUG, is for deployable community energy. Created by Casey Reams and Aaron R. Dyer of ONYX Power,
and dancers along with the Arias Troubadours. Van Arsdale said the Aris family with sons and grandsons still perform at the Ramona Bowl every year
In following years, famous actors and actresses came aboard to play Alessandro and Ramona, including Anne Archer in 1969, Jean Inness as Ramona alongside her husband Victor Jory as Alessandro from 1933 to 1937, Raquel Welch as Tejada and as Ramona in 1959 and Brent Howard as Alessandro from 1995 to 1996. The play made its debut in theaters in America in 1936 with stars Loretta Young and Don Ameche in the roles as Ramona and Alessandro.
before this year’s three weekend play April 22-23, April 29-30 and May 6-7, starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Ramona Bowl Amphitheater, 27400 Ramona Bowl Road, in Hemet. Gates open at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets are now available at the Bowl office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and online at http://www.RamonaBowl. com this year at reduced prices from $20 to $49. Shockley said all residents living the Hemet and San Jacinto Zip code areas can buy their tickets at the reduced price of $20. Buy tickets by calling 951-6583111. The tickets are nonrefundable, and children are admitted at the regular prices.
Ault Staff Writer
Little known facts about author Helen Hunt Jackson’s writing of the historical fiction novel “Ramona” were revealed Tuesday, Jan. 10, by Ramona Bowl Board’s Past President Lori VanArsdale at the SAGE – Search for Adventure in Greater Education – Society of Hemet lecture in Hemet.
VanArsdale, a Ramona Board member and former Hemet Mayor, was invited by the Sage Society to speak about the famous author and the resulting nationally known Ramona Pageant outdoor play presented each spring at the Ramona Bowl in Hemet.
VanArsdale talked about the author and the resulting play that was first performed in 1923, while surrounded by photos of author Jackson, the infamous alleged killer of Juan Diego, who was fictionally known as Alessandro in the Hunt novel, and past and present actors and actresses in the “Ramona” Outdoor Play.
Not well-known to many at the Sage Society, a group of literarily interested Hemet residents, Jackson was instrumental in the 1880s,
bringing to the nation’s awareness the plight of the Indians facing forced removal off their historic and reservation lands by western cowboys and ranchers in brutal land grabs. Jackson spent much of her later life writing about the Indians’ plight, including her novels, “Ramona,” “A Century of Dishonor,” a “Calendar of Sonnets” and other writings and pleas to Congress, such as the “Indian Reform Letter” to stop the mistreatment of Native Americans.
VanArsdale said Jackson spent from 1883 to 1884 writing “Ramona,” only a year before she died of cancer. The novel was based upon the tragic love of an Indian for a well-known Spanish family of aristocrats and his actual untimely death by the local rancher, Sam Temple, played by Jim Ferrar in the play who was acquitted for the alleged murder by a judge of that era.
VanArsdale said the 1924 play “Ramona” was first scripted by Garnet Holme who became the director of its first performance in the Ramona Bowl Amphitheater in April 1993 with actors Dorise Schukow as Ramona and Bruce Botteler as Alessandro and a mostly local cast with live animals, horses
During the talk, VanArsdale introduced Debra Dawn Shockey who played Ramona in 2008. Shockey is now the chair of the “Ramona” Outdoor Play’s Centennial Celebration Committee. She announced the play’s 100th anniversary will be celebrated
VanArsdale said the centennial committee planned to hold special events in the weeks before the play begins in the spring. Those events will be announced soon.
Meanwhile, the newly see RAMONA, page B-4
This little known literary writing, “A Century of Dishonor,” was written by author Helen Hunt Jackson and reached Congress about the mistreatment of the American Indian, but the book was given little attention at first, until it was read by the American public.
It’s a new year and new opportunities. JDS Studios ended 2022 on a high note with their annual Winter Showcase, produced by JDS Creative Academy and JDS Actors Studio. Now, they are focused and ready to kick off 2023 with a lineup of new classes and fantastic events.
From visual, performing and digital art classes to the annual acclaimed DigiFest Temecula, you’ll want to mark your calendars for all the exciting opportunities, entertainment and education fun that’s to come. JDS officials say get ready for a year of creativity and self-expression.
JDS Creative Academy is known for being a nonprofit organization that makes the arts accessible to all in the community. In 2023, the public can expect JDS Studios to bring it again with a great year of classes for students of all ages. Spring classes kick off Monday, Jan. 23, at 5 p.m. with script writing. Do you have a story rolling around in your head that would make a great movie and you need to get it out? JDSCA’s industry-professional writers can help you get started, and show you the pathway as you develop and create characters, dialogue, plot and subplot. The creative backstage production and design class begins Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 4:30 p.m., and it’s the place to be for artists and creatives. Bring your paintbrush and get ready to tune up those fine-art skills and learn sewing, costuming, as well as set, production and event design. Students will learn behindthe-scenes concepts that make up magical theatrical and television experiences.
Photography class returns Wednesdays, kicking off Jan. 25, at 5 p.m., taught by an indus-
try professional. This beginnerfriendly class covers photography, techniques and styles in an approachable way of learning new skills which include camera management, lighting and photoshop picture editing.
Musical theater class returns to the stage with auditions for “The Lion King” Thursday, Jan. 26, at 5 p.m. Professional musical director, Sheila Ryle, and awardwinning director, Scott Strand, will teach students everything from singing and dancing to acting and performing on stage in an adapted junior version of the Broadway musical. The performance will highlight the students’ accomplishments, taking place at the spring showcase in May. Enrollment is now open at http:// JDSCreativeAcademy.org
JDS Actors Studio is ready to break a leg in 2023. Acting classes returned Thursday, Jan. 5, with the adult class. The youth acting class is Mondays, at 5 p.m. for ages 7-11, and the teen acting class is held Tuesdays, at 5 p.m. for ages 12 -18. In exciting news, due to high demand, JDS Actors Studio is bringing back the little actors class for children ages 4-6.
Little actors can join in on the fun Mondays from 4-5 p.m., beginning Jan. 9.
Aspiring actors should also be on the lookout for “A Day of Acting” with A-list actor G. Anthony Jo seph Saturday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost of attendance is $100, and all proceeds will be donated to JDS Creative Academy.
The return of the industry showcase workshop takes place beginning Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. Actors will have the opportunity to show off their acting skills to SAG industry agents with the mentorship of executive producer, Diane Strand, and master-acting coach, Scott Strand.
Classes aren’t the only big thing coming to JDS Studios this year. JDS Creative Academy will host the March Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce evening mixer. All are invited to enjoy a night of networking and fun, at no cost to members.
JDS Creative Academy’s signature event also happens in the s pringtime; DigiFest Temecula returns for its seventh annual festival. DigiFest 2023 is ready to go big and will “Level Up Your Creativity!” Digital submissions are open to creative works in all mediums including podcasts, web design, photography, short film for narrative and documentary, digital fine art and music. New judging categories include acting and scriptwriting. The early-bird entry deadline is Monday, Jan. 23, and the final deadline is extended until Monday, March 6. All creative digital-art lovers can join the excitement, consisting of submissions, competitions, awards, networking, A-list industry speakers and more. Save the dates for April 21, 22 and 23. For additional information, visit http://DigiFestTemecula.org
JDS Studios believes in taking each new year as an opportunity to grow and give back to the community in new ways. Many more exciting things are coming, such as JDSCA’s Art Across California campaign, where they’ll provide an arts curriculum to after-school programs, nonprofit organizations and online to those that do not have the means of curating curriculum on their own. Make sure to keep an eye out for a new book f rom Scott and Diane Strand, co-founders of JDS Studios, on entrepreneurship. To stay up to date with all the upcoming fun, connect with the #JDSFamily on social media. Visit http://JDSCreativeAcademy.org and http:// JDSActorsStudio.com
TEMECULA – The city of Temecula, Community Services Department, Temecula Valley Unified School District and the Temecula Valley Museum announce a new Emerging Artist Mural in Sam Hicks Monument Park, 28300 Mercedes Street. This temporary public art piece honors Frederick Douglass. It was unveiled Wednesday, Jan. 11.
The Emerging Artist Mural Project seeks to support emerging artists by providing a space to showcase their craft. Artists paint a mural on varying topics, facilitated by Bigfoot Graphics. For the months of January and February, a mural of Frederick Douglass is showcased to represent Black History Month and the birthdate of Douglass.
The mural was created by 15-yearold artist Mya Hill, a Mission Vista Academy and Bigfoot Graphics art student. Hill was asked to create a mural in honor of Frederick Douglass and in support of the Temecula Valley Museum’s American Black History Month in February.
“I’m so honored to have me and my talents selected for this project,” Hill said. “Even with all the lovely help I received, completing it was a bit of a challenge. My favorite part of this mural is by far the bust of Frederick Douglass.”
Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in February 1817 or 1818 as Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, Frederick changed his surname and became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, becoming famous for his oratory skill and incisive antislavery writings. He was described by abolitionists as a living counterexample to slaveholders’ arguments that slaves lacked the intellectual capacity to function as independent American citizens. Northerners at the time found it hard to believe that such a great orator had once been a slave. In response to this disbelief, Douglass wrote his
first of three autobiographies.
“The city of Temecula is proud of this grass-roots mural program and our ability to celebrate important people and milestones in our country’s history,” Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank said. “That a 15-year-old student can beautifully capture the essence of this impressive human being, informing the public as to his greatness, is truly remarkable.”
Frederick Douglass spent years writing and editing an influential abolitionist newspaper, broke barriers for African Americans in government service, served as an international spokesman and statesman, was an influential proponent of the suffrage movement for both blacks and women and helped combat racial prejudice during the Reconstruction Era. Douglass considered photography an important tool in ending slavery and racism. He was among one of the most photographed persons of the 19th century, consciously using photography by looking directly into the camera, confronting the viewer with a stern look, to advance his political views.
Douglass’ legacy is one of international renown, as a social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman.
“Just as Frederick Douglass understood the power of photography to communicate his message, the city of Temecula understands the power of art to open hearts and minds,” James “Stew” Stewart, mayor pro tem and president of Temecula Community Services, said. “We are very proud to provide this mural program for emerging artists and community appreciation.”
The mural is displayed in Sam Hicks Monument Park. The museum will also celebrate American Black History Month through facts and free crafts in the museum’s Art and Education Room. For more information, call 951-694-6450.
Submitted by Temecula Valley Museum.
in Sam Hicks
Visit the Temecula Valley Museum at 28314 Mercedes Street for a free opportunity to learn about the centuries-old Japanese art of flower arranging on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to noon, on the second floor in the exhibit space.
Instructor Virginie Pesch and Professor Valeria Brinkers from the Sangetsu School will present and demonstrate two floral arrangements followed by a Q&A. Two signature Ikebana arrangements will be on display the same day in the exhibition room.
Brinkers has been practicing Ikebana for 30 years. She graduated from the Sangetsu School of Flower Arranging, Kado SangetsuRyu, as an instructor in June 1993.
The Sangetsu School of Flower Arranging was established on June
15, 1972, inspired by the flower arrangements of Mokichi Okada. The instructor follows Okada’s philosophy which gives guidance on how to make arrangements that retain their life forces and are an expression of nature.
This special event is in conjunction with the Cultural Connections: Temecula and Daisen Art Exchange exhibit. The last day to view this exhibit is Sunday, Jan. 22. Please call the museum to RSVP for this free event.
For more information, please visit TemeculaValleyMuseum.org/ events/ikebana or call 951-6946450. To learn more about ikebana visit ikebanalessons.com/sangetsu and follow @ikebanalessons1 on Instagram.
PROJECTS from page B-1
the portable RHINO technology generators can provide quiet and clean power anywhere. The system has already been used at recent events on the reservation and has shown promise as a viable alternative to commonly used gaspowered generators. Dyer said he was told by Soboba Public Works that one was recently used on a construction site, with success.
Many employees from Soboba’s Public Works Department were given a hands-on demonstration and explanation of how MORBUG and its solar blankets work a nd what to expect from their performance. That department, along with Soboba’s Emergency Services division, will oversee the storage and deployment of them. Ten units have already been delivered and are intended to be used much more for fun than for emergencies, although they can be used at residences if needed and requested. Being one of the first projects to utilize them, it is hoped that Soboba can offer a template for other Tribes to follow.
California’s Tribal communities are highly impacted by planned and unplanned power shut offs and grid outages due to their rural locations. Entire communi-
ties are often left without power, and many critical facilities are left inoperable. Not only can this greatly limit disaster response, but the dependence on gas generators exacerbates climate change and poses direct health and fire risks to the communities that depend on them. ONYX Power’s Rhino technology is quiet, emissionsfree, can be deployed in real-time, can expand in energy capacity, requires no lead time nor permitting, can power a home through a transfer switch like a generator and the batteries and inverter can be replaced or upgraded in the future. The battery units can be paired with rapidly deployable solar units.
“We can provide adaptive technologies that don’t depend on large investments in terms of infrastructure,” GRID Alternatives Inland Empire Executive Director Jaime Alonso said. “One of the biggest things we see in extremely rural areas is initial reluctance so education is a key component to our work in terms of showing what the value is and that really just takes relationship building and continuous engagement.”
He cited the long-term relationship GRID has with Soboba and is grateful the Tribe is progressive and open to new ideas.
core mission to advance economic environmental justice through renewable energy,” Alonso said.
Alfredo A. Martinez-Morales, from University of California Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering, is part of a fourmember team.
“The role of the university is to validate the performance of the technology,” he said. “These projects are intended to de-risk the technology, meaning to document, in the form of a case study, how well it performs and the benefits that are achieved through the project. So our job is to basically make sure the correct data has been collected and then analyze the data and draw certain conclusions based on the data as well as potentially make recommendations.”
Martinez-Morales said there is a combination of things that will be helpful to the end user, which is Soboba in this case, in showing how they can manage their system more efficiently but also it’s a product that is delivered to the CEC so that it becomes available to the public so all the facilities that may want to use this technology can see what went well, any opportunities
PALA – Pala Casino Spa Resort announced the new Pala Casino Express shuttle service. The round-trip luxury motorcoach service began operations Monday, Jan. 16, and will include pickups throughout San Diego County.
The departing locations include Carlsbad, Clairemont, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Escondido, Kearny Mesa, Linda Vista, Mira Mesa, National City, Oceanside, Otay Ranch area, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, San Diego Downtown, San Marcos and Vista.
The Pala Casino Express will offer morning and afternoon departures, operating five days per week, Monday through Friday. The service includes an approxi-
mate four-hour stay at Pala Casino Spa Resort.
To use the shuttle service, guests will only pay $20 per round-trip ticket. Pala Privileges Club members will also receive up to $60 in free slot play each trip.
For reservations and pick-up details, call 800-254-3423 or visit http://www.PalaCasinoExpress. com.
Pala Casino Spa Resort offers live entertainment both indoor and outdoor, with various shows coming up. Learn more about upcoming events and promotions at Pala Casino Spa Resort by visiting http://www.palacasino.com
Submitted by Pala Casino Spa Resort.
for improvements, etc.
“We are involved in all the meetings with different groups within the project and provide feedback as the project develops,” he said. “At this point, a lot has been focused on the construction phase.”
He said the project is going well and a major milestone is on the horizon.
“Once the system is fully constructed and commissioned, that’s a huge deal and I think we are getting very close to that now,” Martinez-Morales said.
GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color and its energy access work is powering off-grid communities across the globe. GRID’s vision: a successful transition to clean, renewable energy that includes everyone. GRID’s Tribal Program helps tribal communities become selfsustaining by providing resources to assist with their clean energy goals.
For more information, visit http://www.gridalternatives.org/ ie or 951-272-4743.
refurbished rotunda and relocated gift shop and museum are open daily. Visitors may view a large fresco wall painting of the play that was made many years ago. It is now considered a National Treasure.
Visitors are welcome at the Hemet SAGE Society lectures which are held in the Ramona Room behind Miller Jones Mortuary, 1501 W. Florida Ave., in Hemet each month. The events are free, and membership in the SAGE Society can be obtained with a $35 yearly donation. The SAGE Society is a group of adults who enjoy learning and discussing new ideas. The next lecture will be held Tuesday, Feb. 14, and feature Brittney Stoneburg, collections technician from the Western Science Center. For more information, call 951238-8569.
Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.
“Working with Tribal nations is something we see as essential to our mission. It lines up to our
MURRIETA – The City of Murrieta is hosting a free drop-off event Saturday, Jan. 28, between 8 a.m. and noon, in partnership with Waste Management. The community is invited to kick off the New Year with a fresh start by getting rid of extra bulky items and/or papers for shredding at Murrieta City
Hall, 1 Town Square, in Murrieta.
Examples of acceptable items are washers, dryers, electronic equipment, microwaves, air conditioners, computers, refrigerators, freezers, chairs, couches, tables, box springs, mattresses, barbecue, patio furniture, bundled branches and bagged green waste. Papers
for shredding can have staples in them.
Examples of items that will not be accepted include tires, latex, oil or paint, fluorescent light tubes, empty drums, batteries, motor parts of motor oil, pool chemicals, commercial or remodeling waste, transmission/brake fluid, weed
killers/herbicides, bleach, or tub cleaners, fertilizers, pesticides and rodent poisons, anti-freeze, solvents, gasoline and engines.
This event is exclusively for Murrieta residents and is free of charge. Identification will be required with a driver’s license, utility bill, etc. Follow the city on
social media or check the city’s website for updates and more details before the event. Call Waste Management with any questions on acceptable and non-acceptable items at 800-423-9986.
Submitted by city of Murrieta.
Straw tubing or wattles
It comes in rolls and looks like a curl of sausage filled with biodegradable straw. It must be staked down to hold it in place on slopes.
sheeting
This technique can be a short and quick fix in certain situations. Use a minimum of 6 millimeter plastic which should be held in place with sandbags along the margins to keep the winds from lifting it up.
Hydro-seeding Hydro-seeding can be a longerrange fix and should be employed before the rain arrives. A mixture of seed and organic slurry is sprayed onto barren soils, and when the seeds germinate, the seedlings send down their roots and aid in holding the ground in place to some degree. Various seed mixtures are available for this process.
Drainage pipe/culverts/catch basins
These are various catchment methods that can be installed to catch and divert the water under multiple conditions. It is more expensive but a long-range way to capture and disperse the runoff rainwater.
selection for erosion control
automatic watering system. The following are some erosion techniques to consider.
Sandbags Sandbags are commonly employed around the home and can be a quick fix, but if large amounts of mud start sliding from above, goodbye sandbags.
The plastic sheeting is about 3 feet wide and staked at the toe of the slope to retain some amounts of mud and debris.
Mat-jute netting is another landscape fabric pinned down to the soil with metal pins. This netting can be cut open in various spots to install plants with erosion control root systems.
One must have the proper knowledge and understanding of how plants can aid in erosion control, but it is only one method, along with some of the other above techniques.
Roger Boddaert, landscape designer and horticultural consultant, can be reached at 760728-4297.
“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 more people understand how the body works, the better they can approach and protect their health.
The truth of the matter is the body’s function is interrelated to both external and internal factors such as environmental, consumption, movement, medications, etc.
The healthiest approach is one from all angles, after taking into consideration what is best for a person’s body and working with a medical team they trust.
Dr. Jacqueline Wolf, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, offered insight into the human digestive system. Wolf is a gastroenterologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
Asking experts to pinpoint the most complex aspect of their specialty is a loaded question.
With Wolf’s vast experience, she said, “I would have to say, and people may disagree, but with the trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi in our gut, the gut microbiome (is) probably the most complex part of the gastrointestinal system.”
She also explained that at this moment in time, it is not well understood by experts. Research is underway in many facets of her specialty.
Bacteria, viruses and fungi “impact how we absorb our food, how we feel after we eat, and other interactions that we get, and may be important in impacting (conditions like) celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and the mucosal immune system.
“The microbiome consists of tiny organisms (bacteria, viruses, and other microbes) found in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the small and large intestine,” she said.
Wolf explained that these parts of the body secrete compounds that can impact mood, affect risk for cancer and overall feeling of well-being. The gut flora – another term for the microbiome – has a major impact on its human host; however, what the “ideal” gut flora for maximum health is not known.
Wolf started her career by “looking at how viruses cross the gastrointestinal tract and interact with the mucosal immune system which clearly has had a major importance in COVID.”
To this day, she said she feels the “understanding about why there is a difference in the intestinal conditions of men and women” and “what happens to the GI tract as (we) age” are under-represented in research and awareness. In addition, the impact the gut microbiome has on our general health, since it “also affects cardiac health, kidney health, brain health, changes with each new advance with research.”
While a bit of spotlight has been turned on it, Wolf said, “I think that is a major thing that … we are going to find out, is how that impacts our food usage and our health.”
No two people are alike, and I was curious how different genders were impacted by digestive issues, i.e. what is most prevalent?
One difference may be the way people are formed. Colonoscopies may be more difficult in women. One study concluded that gastroenterologists may find it takes more time to perform colonoscopies and encounter difficulties with female patients “because the colon may be longer and twisty,” compared to men.
Other contributing factors for this difference in ease of colonoscopy in men compared to women is that women may have scar tissue due to a condition called endometriosis, where the lining of the uterus is
muscles should relax, and then your pelvic floor should straighten and you should be able to push the stool out,” Wolf said.
What commonly happens?
“With many people, it tightens and the pelvic floor may not move at all, or it may move too much, and then (the stool) can’t come out,” Wolf said.
Working with a specialist in pelvic floor therapy, while said to be somewhat uncomfortable by some patients, can be helpful, according to Wolf.
Gallstones Gallstones are “much more common in women and can occur in about 8/100 women in pregnancy. Having gallstones does not necessarily mean that someone will need surgery. Surgery is done when there are symptoms due to the gallstones or abnormal gallbladder.”
Learning how the human
outside of the uterus and it can bleed like it does during the menstrual period and previous surgeries such as C-sections or hysterectomies.
It turns out the major player in the difference between GI tracts in men and women is hormones.
Wolf said, “The impact on the hormones on the GI tract are really important.”
Taking pregnancy into account, she said, “When we have really active hormones and then compare that situation to the post-menopausal time when they’re taken away, you can see what changes in the gut.”
Pregnancy comes with a whole host of changes for women, including constipation and acid reflux. Morning sickness and nausea that most pregnant women experience in at least the first trimester, are accompanied by “smell and taste changes.”
“We do know that hormones affect the gut microbiome and that the gut microbiome (the bacteria there) release compounds that are active in the brain,” Wolf said.
While not confirmed, she said it may be “change in the gut microbiome that affects the brain that affects the smell and taste.”
Rest assured it will improve after delivery of a baby, if constipation and heartburn were a new onset, she said.
“Most times your heartburn is gone as soon as you deliver the placenta,” Wolf said.
Complications are rare after delivery, she said in this regard, as “heartburn in pregnancy doesn’t usually cause ulcerations, Barrett’s Esophagus (or) more trouble swallowing. So the hormones must be protective for that.”
Take a look at the most common conditions and their impact on the different genders.
Colon cancer
“Colon cancer prevention is really important in both men and women … and more recently we are seeing the incidence of colon cancer, the time people get it, is getting younger and younger,” Wolf said.
She said that routine screening for colon cancer has been moved up to age 45, noting both men and women should get routine screening. If a doctor has not brought it up yet, remember, it’s each person’s health – inquire and take the next step to undergo screening.
Focusing on being on the “offense” of health matters, compared to “defense,” can greatly change the course of life and influx of stress. Interestingly enough for women in previous studies, “the onset of polyps and colon cancer was about eight years later than the onset in men.”
Wolf explained that the risk for
men is higher likely due to hormones. Populations at higher risk for colon cancer include individuals with “genetic predisposition to cancer, (as) sometimes there are different cancers that run with colon cancer … such as adenomatous polyposis syndromes, ovarian cancer or BRCA,” to name a few.
“African Americans [tend to] get colon cancer at a younger age,” Wolf said.
Barrett’s esophagus
Wolf explained that this condition is “where people have had acid reflux and then they get a change in the lining of their esophagus which predisposes them to esophageal cancer.”
Both Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer are more prevalent in men, she said.
Irritable bowel syndrome
In the United States, Wolf said irritable bowel syndrome “is about twice as common in women as in men, and it is associated with other things like endometriosis … and we think it may be related to an inflammatory cell called a mast cell, which is increased in both endometriosis and IBS.”
Once again, hormones come into play and impact the GI tract.
As Wolf explained, “About two weeks before women have their menstrual period, they often get more constipated, then they get their menstrual period and then they may get looser stools.”
She said many patients look forward to their menstrual cycle to have constipation relief.
As much as many would rather pass on the conversation, it’s time to talk constipation and diarrhea. I think it would be difficult to imagine that there are individuals who have not experienced these particular issues. For those who may be chronically dealing with either, it’s important to seek professional advice and actively treat it.
For constipation, Wolf said, it’s a multi-tiered approach.
“We’ll often start with fiber,”
she said.
Miralax, which is an over-thecounter medication, or if that doesn’t work, patients move on to one of the prescription medications, such as IBS; Amitiza, which is approved for women; Linzess, which is approved for men/women; Trulance, which is approved for women; IBS-D for diarrhea and Motegrity, which is only approved after others have failed.
Peppermint oil is a natural route that has evidently gained traction, according to Wolf.
“It actually has an effect on motility (mobility) in the gut” and when “compared to Bentyl (dicyclomine) … worked just as well as 40 milligrams, a day,” Wolf said.
Peppermint oil “also helps move the gas” and can aid with “abdominal cramping,” she said.
Wolf explained that it may increase reflux and make individuals urinate more, since it relaxes the muscle between the stomach and esophagus and in the bladder. Therefore, if someone has heartburn/ reflux issues, peppermint oil is likely not to be tolerated. They can also inquire at a pharmacy about a peppermint oil that is more of a solid, “that can deliver to the small bowel,” she said.
Another remedy that isn’t well studied yet is “DGL,” which stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice, which people have found beneficial, Wolf said.
IBS is complicated as it can present with constipation and/or diarrhea. Wolf said that Kate Scarlata’s website has great resources to individuals on the low FODMAP diet.
“What is really important, and people don’t realize, is when someone has constipation the issue may be getting the stool down or getting the stool out, or both,” she said.
A glance at the inner workings showed the movement and the difficulty.
“The function of the anus doesn’t work and then movement doesn’t work, so when you push to have a bowel movement, your anus and
Wolf said there is both a hereditary and ethnicity element to risk factors. “Native Americans and Mexican Americans have an increased (evidence of) risk for gallstones.”
“Most autoimmune conditions are more common in women, but there is one that’s more common in men, called primary sclerosing cholangitis, that you see in people with inflammatory bowel disease,” Wolf said.
In most studies, however, both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect both populations nearly equally.
“This is a whole system,” Wolf said. “It is not just the GI tract. You need to remember that the skin, the heart, the kidneys: everything is related.
“Everything goes into your gut that you eat or drink and it’s impacting you,” Wolf said.
It is a perfect time to review your daily habits, have frank discussions with doctors before starting on new medications and learn what options in food, exercise, etc. are available and within your budget to lead the healthiest life possible.
For more information, visit https://www.health.harvard.edu/ blog/diet-disease-and-the-microbiome-2021042122400
No content in this article should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Wolf recently retired from the editorial board of Harvard Health Publications and is a contributor to the Discovery Channel program “Mystery Diagnosis.” She is instrumental in Foodicine Health, a nonprofit organization focused on public education and advocacy regarding the importance of “Special Diets” that are prescribed for individuals with chronic illnesses or food allergies. Learn more at http:// www.Foodicinehealth.org
Shelby Ramsey is the author of the blog, http://thehonestmigraine. com, which also features interviews with patients and medical experts.
To submit an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@ reedermedia.com, put “attention events” in the subject line.
CHILDREN’S EVENTS
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 Jan. 24 – Noon to 4 p.m. Menifee Mustangs Track and Field opens sign-ups for youth 5-17 years at Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District’s Heritage Park, 2942829450 McCall Blvd., in Menifee. No previous experience is required for this free Valley-Wide program.
Jan. 21 – 9:30-11 a.m. Attend the Menifee History Program and learn about the history of Lambs Canyon, homesteading in the San Jacinto Valley and the transition to Menifee at the Antelope-Menifee Rural Center, 31850 Haun Road, in Menifee. Jan. 21 – 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. 21 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The
Temecula Valley Historical Society will be running the train and stagecoach rides every Sunday, weather permitting, at Vail Ranch Headquarters, 32127 Temecula Parkway, in Temecula.
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. 21 to March 3 – 2-4 p.m.
Dorland Arts Colony “Harmony 2023” artwork show presents Dorland artists at the Dorland Community Arts Center, Highway 79, in Temecula. Artworks will be for sale. Call 951-302-3837 or visit http:// www.dorlandartscolony.org
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. 23 – 6 p.m. Temecula Valley Historical Society presents Laura Zayats, president of the Temecula Valley Prospectors, to speak about and demonstrate techniques used
by miners in this area during the heyday of mining in the late 1800s at the Little Temecula History Center, which is the red barn at the corner of Redhawk Parkway and Wolf Store Road. It also be live-streamed on the Temecula Valley Historical Society’s Facebook page. Contact info@temeculahistory.org 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 business-specific 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 Jan. 27 – 6-10 p.m. The Starlight Bazaar opening night will be held
On Thursday, Jan. 12, the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District board of directors selected and swore in Jack Ferguson to serve as the Division 4 director in the EVMWD service area.
The vacant position, which encompasses areas of western Lake Elsinore and the Temescal Valley as well as the unincorporated communities of Horsethief Canyon and Alberhill, was previously held by Phil Williams, who died in November.
Ferguson is a Certified Public Accountant and a partner at Hughes Ferguson Grigg LLP Certified Public Accountants in the city of Lake Elsinore. He has served his communities in a variety of roles, including 16 years on the board of the Lake Elsinore Chamber of Commerce, a board member for Cops for Kids and a member of Lake Elsinore Rotary Club. Ferguson resides in the city of Lake Elsinore.
“We are pleased to have Mr. Fer-
guson join the EVMWD board of directors,” board president Andy Morris said. “His skills as a CPA and commitment to business and community development will be a great benefit to EVMWD and to our constituents.”
The Board meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at District headquarters, 31315 Chaney Street, Lake Elsinore.
Richard
and Associates Inc. was awarded the Eastern Municipal Water District contract for the design of the Ridgecrest Road tank in Winchester.
A 4-0 EMWD board vote Wednesday, Jan. 4, with Randy Record absent, approved a $911,100 contract with Richard Brady and Associates. The board action also approved a $248,394 contract with Helix Environmental Planning Inc. for environmental support, authorized EMWD staff to initiate negotiations for the acquisition of necessary projectspecific properties and easements and to open escrow and approved total additional appropriations of $1,545,100.
The Ridgecrest Road tank project is near the intersection of Domenigoni Parkway and Leon Road and is adjacent to the Conestoga development which was previously called Winchester Hills. The planned potable water storage tank would have an anticipated volume of up to 4 million gallons. The project will also include site improvements, an access road, approximately 3,200 feet of 24inch diameter transmission piping and associated improvements within the 1720 Winchester Hills Pressure Zone. The facilities will allow Eastern to maintain system pressurization and to provide emergency water storage in the event of a fire or an unplanned supply or facility outage.
In March 2020, Forestar Real
Estate Group granted Eastern an approximate 0.06-acre nonexclusive public service easement, and in March 2022, Forestar granted Eastern an approximate 0.11-acre parcel in fee. In March 2022, D.R. Horton Los Angeles Holding Company granted Eastern an approximate 4.907-acre parcel in fee for the purpose of tank and associated pipeline construction.
EMWD staff issued a request for proposals for preliminary and final design engineering services Sept. 12. Four firms responded by the Oct. 24 deadline. A selection panel ranked the proposals, and Richard Brady and Associates had the highest score. The scope of services includes project management, data gathering and analysis, a tank siting study, real property evaluation support, environmental support, field investigations, corrosion analysis, preliminary design refinement, permitting support, final design, preparation of contract plans and specifications and bidding support.
The Richard Brady and Associates proposal also includes the use of subcontractors to perform specific tasks. BMLA Inc. of Corona will provide landscape architecture services. Inland Foundation Engineering Inc. of San Jacinto will perform the geotechnical investigation. The Prizm Group, which is based in Corona, will provide surveying services. RF Yeager Engineering Inc. of El Cajon will be the corrosion analysis and design subcontractor. Underground Solutions Inc. of Escondido will handle potholing tasks. Valbridge
Property Advisors, which is in Fullerton, will conduct appraisals. West Yost, whose headquarters is in Lake Forest, will provide hydraulic modeling.
Helix Environmental Planning, which is based in La Mesa, was previously selected on a competitive basis to provide as-needed environmental services. EMWD staff solicited and negotiated a scope of work and fee with Helix.
The authorization for the district’s Real Property staff to conduct pre-purchase evaluations and due diligence for any required properties or easements and to open escrow does not authorize any acquisitions. Subsequent board action prior to the closing of escrow will be required if any property or easement purchases will be necessary.
The design phase is anticipated to be completed by September 2025, although the real property acquisition process may modify that schedule. The environmental documentation will be prepared and submitted for public review after enough of the design phase has been completed to identify the potential impacts.
The total budget also includes funding for staff time, permits, utility services fees and contingency. Eastern had previously budgeted $49,400 for the initial field survey, so the additional $1,545,100 brings the total authorized amount to $1,594,500.
Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.Valbridge Property Advisors, West Yost,
Joe Naiman WriterThe Eastern Municipal Water District board awarded HDR Engineering Inc. a contract for a planning study which will address the rehabilitation of Eastern’s regional water reclamation facilities.
The EMWD board voted 4-0 Wednesday, Jan. 4, with Randy Record absent, to authorize a contract with HDR for $842,640. The board action also authorized EMVD general manager Joe Mouawad or his designee to award other necessary contracts and agreements for the planning study and appropriated $927,000 to fund project costs through completion.
Eastern operates four regional water reclamation facilities. The San Jacinto Regional Water Reclamation Facility in the 700 block of North Sanderson Avenue has a capacity of 14 million gallons per day. The Temecula Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility in the 42500 block of Avenida Alvarado can process up to 23 million gallons per day. The Moreno Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility on Kitching Street has a 15 million gallons per day capacity. The Perris Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility is on Case Road and its capacity is 22 million gallons per day. Due to the age of the structures and equipment a high-level condition and operational assessment of all four facilities was deemed warranted to develop a strategy which would address possible rehabilitation and system improvements necessary to maintain reliable service at each
facility. Each facility will undergo a multi-disciplinary condition assessment to review the civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and chemical facilities and equipment. An operational assessment of the facilities will be conducted by interviewing EMWD operations staff members to evaluate the overall performance of the facilities and identify areas which would require further investigation. The findings will allow a programmed approach to be developed for each facility which will target facilities and equipment for rehabilitation and replacement within the shortterm, mid-term and long-term capital improvement program.
EMWD staff issued a request for proposals for the planning study Sept. 1, and five firms submitted responses before the Oct. 17 deadline. HDR, which is based in San Diego, was chosen as the preferred consultant due to the company’s understanding of the project, project approach, project team member qualifications and schedule. The HDR proposal also included an approach to process EMWD assets and develop a master database different EMWD departments will be able to use for information sharing and further analysis.
HDR proposed a fee of $842,640, which was reviewed by EMWD staff and determined to be commensurate with the proposed scope of services. The other $84,360 of appropriations will cover EMWD staff time.
Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY – The Riverside County Office of Economic Development announced the 2023 Riverside County Small Business Conference, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center to be held Friday, Feb. 17, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Marriott, 3400 Market Street, in downtown Riverside.
Entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start or grow their business will have an opportunity to attend this unique event. Attend one of 20+ sessions in the following tracks: Access to Capital, Marketing, International Trade and Contracting. Specific topics will range from lender spotlights, content marketing,
export development, workforce solutions, to state procurement and so much more.
“We anticipate the Riverside County Small Business Conference will inspire innovation opportunities and networking, in addition to providing many valuable resources to our small business community,” Suzanne Holland, director of Riverside County Office of Economic Development, said.
Space is limited. To attend, register at http://www.ociesbdc. org/rivco-con. The cost is $25 per person. Lunch will be provided during this full day conference. For more information, call 951955-0493.
Submitted by Riverside County.
Notice To Readers: California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.
transactions for individuals over age 55, severely disabled homeowners or victims of wildfires or other natural disasters.
The rules for these categories are generally favorable and should result in tax savings for qualifying homeowners by allowing the assessed value of their principal residence to be transferred to a replacement residence in any California county. Unlike the previous rules, this law provides significant benefit even if the replacement residence is more expensive than the principal residence that is being transferred. This is a significant change from the previous rule.
at the time of transfer exceeds the parent’s assessed value by $1 million or more, the child’s assessed value is the current value of the property less $1 million. Given California’s real estate values, it is easy to understand how current real estate values could easily exceed the $1 million threshold above mom and dad’s purchase price from years/decades ago.
or less than the value of the home that was sold. Now all counties in California participate and the replacement property can have a value greater than the former primary residence but keep the lower tax rate.
Joe Naman Writer
As the real estate market is in a quiet phase due to this time of year, I have been looking around for interesting subject matter to report in my weekly article and I came upon Proposition 19. Even though the real estate market isn’t a fastmoving train right now, a friend of mine is utilizing Proposition 19 after the passing of her mother so regardless of market activity, it is a salient subject.
I’ll hit the wavetops to create interest, but I am by no means an expert; my recommendation is to speak with the local assessor’s office and your trusted CPA if this article piques your interest.
Passed by the California voters, it took effect after Feb. 15, 2021, and dramatically changed the property tax rules exempting the following: Primary residence
Proposition 19 also revised the Parent-to-Child exemption to limit the types of transfers between parents and children that can be exempted from reassessment and the property tax benefit available.
First, only the transfer of the parent’s principal residence to the child where the property continues as the principal residence requirement qualifies. Second, provided the transfer meets the primary residence requirement, the child’s assessed value is determined based on whether the property’s value at the time of transfer is greater than $1 million.
If the value of the property at the time of the transfer exceeds the parent’s assessed value by less than $1 million, the child takes the parent’s assessed value and tax base. If the value of the property
As for the effects on homeowners’ property tax – age 55+, severely disabled homeowners, or victims of wildfires of other national disasters – before Proposition 19, homeowners aged 55+ had a one-time benefit to retain their existing assessed property tax base if they sold their home and purchased a home of equal or lesser value within the same county or in one of the nine counties that participated in Propositions 60/90.
Effective April 1, 2021, homeowners aged 55+, severely disabled homeowners or victims of wildfires or other natural disasters may receive a property tax benefit when purchasing a more expensive home anywhere in California – and do so up to three times. This is a significant expansion of the benefits of the previous rule.
What then are the big takeaways with Proposition 19? Previously there was a one-time tax base transfer possibility in select counties and the new replacement property value had to be equal to
Previously, transfers between parents and children were capped at $1 million or else there was the penalty of having to pay current market values for property taxation assessment since property taxes are a function of purchase price/change of ownership value assessment.
The net effect of that was parents who purchased years in the past were essentially held captive to their large homes that they didn’t need any more but, if they sold and downsized the property, taxes of current home values and the tax assessment would be prohibitive. Now, they can utilize tax-based transfers and/or transfers to children to use the home as their primary residence and keep the parents’ original low tax basis.
Okay, that’s a lot of technical “stuff,” but hopefully the value of Proposition 19 has resonated a bit which is important because property taxes in California are real in terms of real dollars, despite our 1% tax rate. Want to learn more? Do your own research on the internet then it’s time to talk with the tax assessor’s office and/ or your trusted CPA.
The Rancho California Water District awarded a construction contract to drill and construct two wells associated with the Upper Valle de Los Caballos recharge and recovery facility.
A 7-0 RCWD board vote Jan. 12 awarded Southwest Pump & Drilling the contract for the Coachella company’s bid amount of $1,361,399. The operation and minor alteration of existing facilities and mechanical equipment along with an expansion of existing use already covered in previous environmental documentation made the well construction categorically exempt from further California Environmental Quality Act review.
The Upper Valle de Los Caballos recharge and recovery facility is located in the 42100 block of Winchester Road. Well No. 172 is the first in a series of four new production wells planned as part of the district’s UVDC Optimization Program. The anticipated annual groundwater production from Well No. 172 is 1,200 acre-feet. The four planned wells also include Monitoring Well No. 512.
RCWD staff originally advertised the drilling and construction of the two wells along with a well pad to accommodate Well No. 172 as a single bid package. Only one bid was received, and the $2,594,450 amount significantly exceeded the project budget. The bid was rejected and the plans and specifications were revised to create a more competitive bidding environment.
RCWD staff advertised the well pad construction contract for bid on Oct. 24, 2022. Three bids were received with the $510,640 submitted by Miller Equipment Company Inc., being the lowest. A 7-0 RCWD board vote Dec. 7 awarded Miller Equipment Company, which is based in Lancaster, the well pad construction contract.
A request for bids to drill and construct the two wells was issued Nov. 3, 2022. Two companies responded by the Dec. 8 deadline. Southwest Pump & Drilling had the low bid while Best Drilling and Pump Inc., which is based in Colton, provided a bid requesting $1,383,276.
The well pad and well drilling and construction contracts thus total $1,872,039, which is $722,411 less than the rejected bid for the combined work. The construction contract does not include equipping Well No. 172, and a subsequent contract bid and award process will address that phase of the work.
at Vail Ranch Headquarters, 32127 Temecula Parkway, in Temecula with vendors, DJ, entertainment and more.
Jan. 28 – 8 a.m. to noon. Murrieta will host a free drop-off event in partnership with Waste Management. Residents can get rid of extra bulky items and/or papers for shredding at Murrieta City Hall, 1 Town Square Road. Acceptable items are appliances and furniture, bundled branches, and bagged green waste. Papers for shredding can have staples in them. No paints.
Jan. 19 – 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. 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
Jan. 21 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a classic car show at the grand opening for SoCal Prime Properties, 31571 Canyon Estates Drive, in Lake Elsinore with music, food, vendors, raffles and more. Families are welcome.
Jan. 26 – 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join Empowering Conversations with Anne and Jodi to build community with other women seeking connection, purpose and friendship at Hera Hub, 41765 Rider Way, in Temecula.
Thirty programs from as close as down a few blocks (Chaparral), to all the way from Nevada and Colorado, made their way to the area for the tournament this past weekend (Friday, Jan. 13, and Saturday, Jan. 14), which was won by Poway High School, one of the top programs in California.
Palm Desert, another top program ranked No. 1 in the CIF-SS Division 1 polls, took second.
Top 3 finishers, including local performances:
106 pounds
1st Place - Griffin Rial (Pine Creek) 15-1, So. over Abram Cline (Granite Hills) 14-3, Jr. (Dec 3-2)
3rd Place - Siraj Sidhu of Del Oro
113 pounds
1st Place - Ronnie Ramirez (Walnut) 29-1, So. over Edwin Sierra (Poway) 5-1, So. (Dec 5-1)
3rd Place - Carlo Arreola of Granite Hills
120 pounds
1st Place - Billy Townson (Poway) 6-0, So. over Jaxson Taber (Palm Desert) 23-3, Sr. (Dec 6-0)
3rd Place - RJ Jones of Poway
6th Place - Aidan Munoz of Temecula Valley Leo Maestas (Clovis West) 22-
7, So. over Munoz 19-7, Sr. (MD 10-0)
126 pounds
1st Place - Elias Navida (Poway) 6-0, Jr. over Jacob Perez (Monache) 29-4, So. (For.)
3rd Place - Bryce Luna of Saint Francis
7th Place - Justin Herrera (Chaparral) 26-6, Sr. over Armando Tamayo (Central) 2111, Sr. (Dec 6-2)
132 pounds
1st Place - Jalen Concepcion (Poway) 5-0, So. over Izaiah Padilla (Pueblo County) 24-3, Sr. (Fall 2:54)
3rd Place - Malikhi Espiritu (Temecula Valley) 23-6, Sr. over Emilio Medina (Camarillo) 19-9, Sr. (Dec 3-2)
138 pounds
1st Place - Paul Kelly (Poway) 6-0, Jr. over Tim Murabito (Los Gatos) 21-6, Jr. (MD 11-2)
3rd Place - Michael Folch of Calvary Chapel S.A.
145 pounds
1st Place - Andrew Barbosa (Palm Desert) 22-3, Jr. over Evan Manzo (Etiwanda) 31-7, Jr. (UTB 3-2)
JP Raineri Sports EditorTEMECULA – The 14th annual “Battle for the Belt” took place at Temecula Valley High School this past weekend, hosting wrestling powerhouses from all over the state. This tournament is one of the nation’s premier wrestling tournaments, which is in its first year of not being headed up by the Hall of Fame duo Arnold Alpert and Lyndon Campbell. Alpert and Campbell transformed Temecula Valley into one of the most consistent and successful programs in the region. Under their reigns, the program claimed 36 CIF Southern Section titles, four CIF Southern Masters team titles and finished Top 8 at the CIF State meet six times. The 38 section titles (two prior to Albert and Campbell) — 20 at the individual championships and 18 in the dual-meet format — is 11 more than any other program in Southern Section history. Now, the program has started a
new chapter as Alpert announced his retirement during the parade of champions at last year’s CIF State meet. Campbell also decided to step down from a leadership role with the program but remains on as an assistant.
Temecula Valley’s wrestling program is now in the hands of Coach Mario DeCaro, who is also getting help from his brother, Marco. Both the DeCaros are products of Temecula and wrestled for the high school program under Coach Campbell. Marco was also a California State placer and both the DeCaros wrestled at Cal State Fullerton.
Temecula Valley, currently ranked No. 8 in the CIF Division 1 coaches’ polls, held steady with another third-place finish at the 2023 “Battle for the Belt,” which is where they placed last year as well.
Only two Golden Bear wrestlers managed to find their way to the Top 3 podium, but they were well represented throughout the 14 different weight classes.
TEMECULA – The
lead after one quarter of play.
“Rancho Christian outscored Linfield 20-9 in the second quarter to take a 31-29 lead into the locker room at the half,” Canales said.
Christian boys’
program hosted a
tournament Saturday, Jan. 14, which featured 12 teams in six games. The event kicked off with a JV game between Rancho Christian and Temecula Valley High, which was then followed by varsity games between Woodcrest Christian and Temecula
The marquee matchup was of course the game between the Linfield Christian Lions (19-3) and the Rancho Christian Eagles (12-7).
According to Valley News photojournalist David Canales, the game lived up to the hype as Linfield Christian held a 20-11
The Eagles then dominated the third quarter by going up by 10 points on the Lions, and never looked back, winning 75-65 Kevin Patton Jr. was the leading scorer for Rancho Christian with 27 points, Linfield Christian s Mike McNair was the game s high
JP Raineri Sports Editor
It’s only been two years since Rob Gronkowski won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and though he retired for a second time, after the 2020-2021 season, the 33-year-old still manages a way to make it into our living room, almost every day. Whether it’s in a USAA commercial, as an analyst for FOX or hanging with Nick Cannon on The Masked Singer, retirement has always looked good on the four-time Super Bowl champion.
If you remember correctly, Gronk retired after the 2018 season, but he returned to play with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay in 2020. The close friends led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title that season, and even though he said in a recent press conference that he thought about returning a couple of times this season, he couldn’t make the commitment to play again. The Buccaneers (8-9) won the NFC South for the second straight year, but it’s no secret that Brady and the offense sorely miss their huge target of a tight end.
While the Bucs are on a mission to get back to the Super Bowl, Gronk has already punched his ticket to be on the football field, somewhat in the game, for Super
Bowl LVII. The four-time All-Pro tight end will attempt to make a field goal in Arizona on Feb. 12 during a live television commercial for FanDuel.
Anyone who places a Super Bowl bet of $5 or more on FanDuel will win a share of $10 million in free bets if Gronkowski makes the field goal. Those free bets will only be released if he can successfully hit a 25-yard field goal in front of the entire world during the third quarter of the Super Bowl.
The ad campaign is titled “Kick of Destiny” and was introduced with a 30-second spot this past Monday, during the NCAA Football National Championship game. This first-ever Super Bowl commercial will be more than just a television spot; it will create a moment that brings fans together to give them something to collectively cheer for. Which also means, anything can happen.
“Everyone knows that I love throwing myself into fun, love trying out new ideas,” Gronkowski told the media. “Obviously, I can catch a football…Why not try to kick a field goal? And on top of it, I was punt, pass and kick champion in the western New York region when I was growing up, as well. So, I love kicking field goals. I used to practice all the time. This is an opportunity to help my fans
out there to win $10 million in free bets, which is mind-blowing.”
Gronkowski made one field goal in his career, a 33-yarder in high school, but for this chip shot he called upon three-time All-Pro Adam Vinatieri to teach him the ways of the kicker. Vinatieri’s 599 career field goals are the most in NFL history.
“I’m not at the top of my game right now, but I actually have two training sessions coming up this week,” Gronkowski said. “I believe if you put your mind to anything, you can do anything. And I don’t want to disappoint America. ... I’m going to have to train, but I feel like I’m going to be able to pull it off. It’s like fourthand-1, game on the line. I like that pressure. I like the ball coming to me. And this is the same situation with the field goal.”
This is the first Super Bowl that will take place in a legal sports betting state, as it will be hosted in Arizona and according to NFL. com, kickers are 207/224 (92.4%) from between 20-29 yards this season entering Week 18.
Throughout the NFL playoffs, Gronkowski will be featured in a series of commercials, teasing his eventual super kick. The commercials will include a mock media day, training sessions and more, mimicking a normal Super
Bowl build-up. Here’s the kicker, pun intended. You can’t actually bet on the field goal itself. After reading the fine print, which seems to change daily due to this being the first-ever bet of this kind, here’s a look at how you can win though.
If you place a wager of $5 or more on the Super Bowl, you’ll be eligible to receive a proportional amount of up to $20 in free bets if Gronk sinks that mid-game kick. So, for instance, let’s say you bet $20 on the over. If Gronk sinks the 25-yard field goal, you’ll receive
$20 in free bets. If you bet $25 on that same over, you’ll only receive $20 in free bets, the max allotment available. Make sense? Good.
Other types of Super Bowl wagers are eligible. Say, for instance, you wager on the Jaguars to win the Super Bowl at their current odds of +4800, and they win…that wager will count toward this Gronkowski promotion. Happy betting sports fans, and good luck Gronk, America’s counting on you!
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com
WRESTLING from page C-1
3rd Place - Steve Caday of Calvary Chapel S.A.
152 pounds
1st Place - Laird Root (Poway) 6-0, Jr. over Miguel Estrada (Frontier) 11-1, Jr. (Dec 4-3)
3rd Place - Collin Guffey of Granite Hills
160 pounds
1st Place - Dillon Pile (Los Gatos) 21-5, So. over Angelo Posada (Poway) 5-1, So. (Dec 4-0)
3rd Place - Joe Anthony Perez (La Costa Canyon) 6-1, Sr. over Logan Alawneh (Temecula Valley) 7-2, Sr. (Fall 0:52)
8th Place - Aiden Platte of Paloma Valley Javier Sanchez (Steele Canyon) 19-8, over Platte 25-13, Sr. (Fall 1:39)
170 pounds
1st Place - Luke Condon (Poway) 5-0, Sr. over Maximillian McWilliams (Calvary Chapel S.A.) 26-4, Jr. (Fall 3:55)
3rd Place - David Alonso of Palm Desert
6th Place - Kameron Phillips of Temecula Valley Junior Bumanglag (Granite Hills) 5-2, So. over Phillips 5-3, Jr. (Inj. 0:00)
182 pounds
1st Place - Thomas Sandoval (Vacaville) 29-2, Jr. over Alex
at home.
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com
Munoz (Valencia) 27-5, Sr. (Dec 7-4)
3rd Place - Petar Bojicic of La Costa Canyon
6th Place - Daniel Diaz of Paloma Valley
Talha Bektas (Calvary Chapel S.A.) 20-6, Sr. over Diaz 22-7, Sr. (MD 13-0)
195 pounds
1st Place - Kainoa Acia (Del Oro) 20-3, Sr. over Matthew PorrasDiamond (Temecula Valley) 10-5, Sr. (Dec 3-1)
3rd Place - Daniel Gurovich of Camarillo
220 pounds
1st Place - Michael Murillo (Bakersfield) 16-1, Jr. over David Ozuna (Clovis West) 26-5, Sr. (Dec 5-0)
3rd Place - Adam Farha of Poway
7th Place - Vaughn Taylor (Chaparral) 27-7, Sr. over TJ Delgado (Redlands East Valley) 20-5, Jr. (Fall 1:30)
285 pounds
1st Place - Daniel Herrera (Palm Desert) 17-0, Jr. over Adam Stanley (Bakersfield) 16-5, So. (Fall 0:52)
3rd Place - Amir Farha of Poway
8th Place - John Phillips of Liberty Winchester Brandon Alcaraz (Birmingham) 25-8, Sr. over Phillips 22-9, So. (Fall 1:23)
The most recent CIF-SS dual
matchup against J.W. North (1110), Linfield takes on Woodcrest Christian (15-4), and Chaparral has two games this week in the Southwestern league against Great Oak (12-9) and away at Murrieta Valley (9-12).
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedemedia.com.
Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News
The Menifee Valley and Perris Valley Chambers of Commerce Student of the Month program, honoring local high school seniors, held its most recent recognition breakfast on Dec. 7 at the Perris Sizzler, 91 W. Nuevo Road.
Perris Union High School District Superintendent Grant Bennett served as emcee, filling in for Sally Myers, who founded the nonprofit.
He welcomed everyone to the community-supported program which honors high school seniors for their character, their love of learning and how these students juggle numerous activities such as campus events, athletics and/ or community service. It also commends them on how they have persevered through difficult life circumstances, all in a setting that honors God, their country, community, family and free enterprise.
Gift bags filled with certificates of recognition, gift cards to local merchants 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 challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.
December’s students of the month are Heritage High School’s Carlos Serrato, Paloma Valley High School’s Joseph Jara, Perris High School’s Ariana Garcia and Perris Lake High School’s Christopher Reed.
Carlos Serrato
Carlos Serrato was recognized as Heritage High School’s outstanding senior for December. Nominated by his Advanced Placement teacher Katrina McPhail, she said she has enjoyed seeing him mentor freshman as a LINK Crew leader at the school and described him as dedicated, mature and responsible. “He puts time and effort into his education, but he gives back to the school,” she said.
Carlos plans to attend UCLA to study microbiology and then go to medical school where he will eventually become a surgeon to “help people around me.” He said aside from his love of sports at
the school he has enjoyed his time as a LINK Crew member. “I love guiding freshmen and staying in touch with them in case they need anything,” Carlos said. “It’s good to know you can be part of the solution. My takeaway from my time at Heritage is to always have a smile with everything you do; don’t take everything so seriously.”
Joseph Jara
Joseph Jara was introduced by Heritage High School Principal Jennifer Thomasian who said he is ranked 25 in his class of 780 seniors. She got to know him when he served in the school’s counseling office where he interacts with parents, being polite, respectful and helpful. She said the biggest impact he made at the school was when he helped start an eSports program.
Joseph’s nominating teacher and eSports team advisor, Noah Conaway, described him as an extremely professional and respectful young man. He credits Joseph with the expansion of the eSports program throughout the entire district and into the city of Menifee.
“He has changed the culture of our campus and gave gamers a place to belong,” Conaway said.
“Not only is he a leader on campus but he’s a mentor to me and other staff members and motivates the other kids.”
Joseph said when pandemic restrictions shut down sports he was involved with, such as boys soccer, he started the eSports club as its president. During the COVID-19 shutdown, it had the highest membership of any club and grew into an abundant community.
“I feel my greatest contribution has been uniting so many kids on campus,” Joseph said, adding that he was grateful for the opportunity to create something that will exist long after he graduates. He plans to attend UC, Irvine to study computer science and will seek a career in the eSports industry in any way that he can continue to help support it.
Ariana Garcia
Ariana Garcia was singled out at Perris High School for taking advantage of many of the opportunities available to her at the high school. She was a member AVID, National Honor Society, ASB, and the FFA ag program where she is a former officer. She does the school announcements each morning and serves as a DJ
Recipients of the Menifee Valley/Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month award for December are, seated from left, Ariana Garcia, Joseph Jara and Carlos Serrato. Not pictured, Christopher Reed.
the program supporters, standing from left, are Juan Santos, Nancy Salazar, Grant Bennett, Bob Karwin, Michael Vargas, Lee Alfred, Jennifer Thomasian, Dalia Bahu and Lourdes Medrano.
at football games for ASB.
“I feel like music is one of the things that can actually tie people together and no matter what genre you listen to, you can always groove and have something to talk about,” Ariana said. “As a leader, I want to give equal opportunity to all students and help them feel welcome at school whether they are new or just trying to fit in.”
Ariana was nominated by ASB Director Ms. Osuna who said she is a perfect example of great leadership as she is reliable and dependable and always up for a challenge. Ariana said she thinks her greatest contribution is the spirit she brings to her campus. “I try to be as involved as I can with everything,” she said. “Being social has opened many doors for me.”
As a member of the Medical Assisting Program at Perris High School which is matriculated with Mt. San Jacinto College, Ariana will be a certified medical assistant when she graduates high school. “With the knowledge I have gained, I hope to continue my journey in the medical field where I plan on being a pediatrician or a travel
nurse,” she said.
Christopher Reed Christopher Reed was Perris Lake High School’s choice but was unable to attend the event. Principal Lee Alfred said he had been selected for his great personality that draws other students to him. “He is a beacon on campus,” Alfred said.
His nominating teacher said Christopher is selfless with a great attitude who makes a conscious effort to ensure other students in the class are understanding the material. Plans are to celebrate the senior at the school site and present him with the gifts and awards he received that morning.
Superintendent Bennett said with more than 11,000 students in the Perris Union High School District, it was great to hear about the four outstanding students of the month for December.
“We are happy with the quality of students we are able to produce each year,” he said, adding that if all graduates make one of three choices to either go to college, start a career or enlist in the military, then he’s done his job.
Volunteer ambassadors for the Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundation met for their first 2023 training session Saturday, Jan. 14 to learn about the nonprofit’s mission and goals for the new year.
The ambassadors and SRPNEF Board of Directors heard from Jane Block, the founder of Rivers and Land Conservancy. The group spurred the initial purchase of land on the Santa Rosa Plateau in the hills above Murrieta in the 1980s that has now become an almost 10,000-acre nature reserve. Today it is jointly managed and operated by California Fish and Wildlife, Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District and The Nature Conservancy.
Sylvan Meadows, next to the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, is also a part of the reserve but is designated for multi-use (horseback riding, bicycle riding and hiking). The multi-use trails on Sylvan Meadows have been closed for the past few weeks due to the rainy weather.
Currently, the Santa Rosa Plateau Visitor Center and the reserve’s many hiking trails still remain closed except for special events as a result of the Tenaja Fire several years ago. The reserve remains closed to allow the flora and fauna, including some endangered species, to recover, according to Rob Hicks, the RivCoParks interpreter attending the training session. He said hopefully the reserve will again be open soon, but no dates have been set.
The SRPNEF mission is to “educate and empower youth to appreciate, preserve and protect nature.” The trainees were challenged to provide a learning pathway to students and others leading toward a life of environmental stewardship. While SRPNEF has no authority in the reserve’s management, it provides a volunteer force to educate those who visit the plateau to preserve nature for future generations.
The Foundation provides free transportation for third grade students from local school districts to visit the reserve each year and hear from Hicks, teachers and docents about caring for and
preserving the land and animals around them. Seed scholarship funds are raised and presented to the Murrieta Unified School District for their distribution to senior students most interested in attending colleges and universities that teach about caring for nature and the environment. Classroom videos are also available for all grades.
Block, in her talk, explained how in the 1980s there was a growing interest in developing the plateau area by real estate companies and building a highway over to the coast. She and other parties, many who live in the vicinity of the reserve and were interested in saving the land on the plateau, took up the effort to raise $31 million to purchase the initial 3,000 acres of the plateau. Once purchased, it was turned over to The Nature Conservancy. The money came from many sources and was raised in only one year. “It was a miracle for sure,” Hicks said.
Block praised those attending the training session for continuing their efforts to preserve nature and the environment and teach children to do the same.
The Foundation, since it was first organized in 2003 to this year, reported it has served 120,000 students from ages 3-12, participated in 3,572 classroom presentations, served 10 school districts, awarded 30 seed scholarships, raised $3.8 million to support nature education, raised $826,000 for the RivCoParks third grade program and $290.000 to specifically support Visitor Center operations.
Most funds for SRPNEF are raised through memberships, special events, grants and individual donors.
The seed scholarship program is separate from regular SRPNEF with the donations raised independently, according to Austin Linsley, President of SRPNEF. The funds then are given to the school district for distribution. Students must apply for the environmental scholarships through their school district.
Ginger Greaves, executive director of the Foundation, one of only two paid employees, said she soon hopes the education programs offered by SRPNEF can soon be included in other school districts and in different grade levels.
MURRIETA – Local high school students are invited to join in the Rotary Club of Murrieta’s 2023 Four-Way Speech Contest or its Music Contest. Both contests offer an opportunity to capture prize monies at the local level and even more for the ones who are selected to move to Rotary District 5330 competitions.
Entry deadlines are Friday, Feb. 10, for the music contest and Wednesday, Feb. 15, for the fourway speech contest. The speech contest will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. The music contest will be held Wednesday, Feb. 22, starting at 6:30 p.m. The number
of participants for both contests is limited, so applying early is recommended.
The speech entry application and contest rules can be downloaded at http://www.murrietarotaryclub. org or requested by email at murrietarotary@gmail.org
The music contest application and rules are available by downloading from http://www. murrietarotaryclub.org or contacting Contest Chair Rob Haskins at 951-837-7373 or via email at Rotary@robhaskins.com
The Rotary Club of Murrieta is involved in many community and international activities and
programs, in cooperation with Rotary International, which has as its theme “Service Above Self.” Club meetings are held Mondays, excepting holidays, at noon at Richie’s Diner, 40651 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, in Murrieta. For information regarding the club or membership, visit http://www. murrietarotaryclub.org.
Submitted by Murrieta Rotary Club.
Just as Sally Myers often does, Bennett ended the breakfast by sharing a recording of “A Minute with Maxwell” by motivational speaker John Maxwell who gives a word for the day. This one was “gift,” which was very timely as the students were nearing their winter break for the holidays.
In part, Maxwell said, “We all like to receive gifts but a mature person enjoys gift giving more than gift receiving. I am grateful when I receive a gift but fulfilled when I give one. Being fulfilled is a little more special because that means I’ve done something good for someone else. So ask yourself, what gift can I give to add value and make a difference in someone’s life?”
Bennett said thinking about the outstanding students in the room that morning reminded him of the gifts they’ve given to their schools and communities and what gifts they will share with others in their chosen careers.
For more information on the program, please contact Sarah Rico at 951-943-6369, ext. 80103 or sarah.rico@puhsd.org
An effort to gain more SRPNEF memberships that include over 200 now, will soon be underway by the ambassadors and board. The memberships are nominal at $35 for individuals and up to being a Plateau Patron at $1,000 per year. The members’ purpose will be to “reconnect a generation of youth to nature who have grown up indoors and alarmingly isolated from nature.” There are many benefits to being a member with free access to plateau trails (when open) and discounts at fundraising entertainment events taking place in the summer and fall.
Membership applications can be obtained from the Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundation by writing P.O. Box 941, Murrieta, CA 92562-0941 or joining online using a credit card at www.srpnef.org
Sponsors and vendors for various SRPNEF fundraising events like the Summer Concert Series, Rooted in Nature Craft Brewfest, Cowboy Jubilee, art shows and other special events are available. Call 909-7322209.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com
RCTC/Caltrans crews to begin 91/71 Freeway connector construction work in coming weeks
mobility along one of our most congested areas countywide.”
The Riverside County Transportation Commission, in partnership with Caltrans, will start construction this month on a new freeway connection from eastbound 91 to northbound 71 in Corona, helping to improve safety, access, air quality and traffic flow for motorists and freight.Officials report the new interchange should be completed in 2025. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Jan. 19.
“Completing this project will provide welcome relief for our residents, especially those returning to Riverside County during afternoon hours on eastbound 91,” RCTC Chair Robert “Bob” Magee, councilmember for the City of Lake Elsinore, said.
“The project is another example of RCTC’s efforts to improve
The project will replace the existing single-lane loop connector with a new, two-lane, non-tolled, direct connector. To support access to the new connector, the project will add an eastbound 91 auxiliary lane next to the highway shoulder and realign the eastbound 91 Green River Road onramp to the south. Crews also will slightly realign southbound 71 to create space for the new connector.
The 71/91 Interchange now serves as a gateway between Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties and is a vital link for commuters and freight vehicles that travel along the 91 and 71.
Project funding is a combination of federal, state and local funds, with $58.1 million of the $137 million construction costs provided by California’s Road
Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, more commonly known as Senate Bill 1. A portion of the costs is funded by Measure A, the voter approved, half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County. The project is expected to create approximately 1,700 construction-related jobs, including contracts awarded to Riverside-based Skanska USA Civil West and Corona-based Falcon Engineering.
Motorists should watch for nighttime and weekend closures of lanes, ramps and connectors. To register for construction updates, visit rctc.org/71-91interchange or text 7191INTERCHANGE to 77222.
Hemet
a traffic signal, reconstruct and upgrade sidewalks, curb ramps and driveways to current Americans with Disabilities Act standards at the intersection of E. Latham Ave, and SR-79. The project was awarded to Crosstown Electrical and Data Inc. of Irwindale, Banning Caltrans continues work on a $2 million project to rehabilitate existing planting, landscaping and upgrade of irrigation facilities to current water efficient technology and provide erosion control on Interstate 10 at 8th Street in the City of Banning. Crews continue working on the landscaping and irrigation facilities in and near the I-10 from .25 miles west of 8th Street to South San Gorgonio Avenue. Weather may affect work schedules.
Palm Springs Caltrans also is working on a $5.5 million project to construct
Three supervisors sworn-in to newly drawn supervisorial districts
RIVERSIDE COUNTY –
During the first board meeting of 2023, three members of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors were sworn-in to new four-year terms, including firsttime Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez representing the newly redrawn Fifth District.
All supervisorial districts were redrawn during the 2021 redistricting process, with Districts 2, 4 and 5 going into effect in January 2023, following the 2022 election process.
Gutierrez was sworn in by Judge Jorge Hernandez, with his mother and father by his side. Gutierrez joins the county from the city of Moreno Valley, where he served as mayor for seven years. Gutierrez’s top priorities include homelessness, public safety and infrastructure.
“I look forward to continuing my focus on homelessness, including working collaboratively with departments and my colleagues on the board to move policies forward and approve funding for this effort,” Gutierrez said. “I look forward to this new journey and making this office work for the residents of the Fifth District.”
The new Fifth District includes the cities of Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Hemet, Moreno Valley and San Jacinto. District Five also encompasses the unincorporated communities of Cabazon, Cherry Valley, Lakeview and Nuevo, as well as parts of Valle Vista and Whitewater.
Supervisor Karen Spiegel was sworn-in to her second four-year term for the Second District and first swearing-in under the new district boundaries. The Second District now stretches from Jurupa Valley to Lake Elsinore. Spiegel was sworn in by retired state legislator Jeff Miller.
Plans for Spiegel’s next term include being a strong advocate for the county’s fair share in behavioral health and other outdated funding formulas that are based on Riverside County’s population from three decades ago.
“My voice is going to be louder these next few years on many issues, including local control, behavioral health, and supporting
our businesses,” Spiegel said. “I pick my battles, and these are three big ones I’m picking this year.”
Supervisor V. Manuel Perez also took his oath of office marking his third term as the Fourth District Supervisor. Performing the swearing-in installation was Pat Cooper, longtime county employee and deputy chief of staff for Perez. The new Fourth District is geographically the largest district in Riverside County, stretching from the San Jacinto Mountains to the Arizona border.
Perez said economic development, public safety, as well as health and human services are continued areas of focus for the county.
“One area that I will concentrate on is affordable housing,” Perez said. “We need to ensure that we have the right infrastructure so that people – no matter who they are or where they come from –have clean drinking water and access to housing. There are huge infrastructure needs in the Eastern Coachella Valley, and we have the right team to make improvements a reality.”
In addition, Ben J. Benoit was sworn-in to his first term as the countywide elected auditorcontroller. Benoit was sworn-in by his mother, Sheryl Benoit, with his sister by his side. Benoit was previously the Wildomar mayor and a councilmember for 12 years. Benoit is also the son of former supervisor John J. Benoit, who represented the Fourth District and died in 2016 during his term on the board.
Another milestone for today’s board meeting includes Kimberly Rector’s first board meeting in her new role as the clerk of the board. Rector is no stranger to board meetings. Before taking the helm, she worked for the clerk of the board’s office for approximately 27 years and most recently served as assistant clerk of the board.
In addition, Supervisor Kevin Jeffries and Supervisor Chuck Washington were voted in by their colleagues to serve as the 2023 board chair and 2023 vice chair, respectively.
Submitted by Riverside County.
Victorville
Also, Caltrans continues work to rehabilitate 59 miles of lane, ramps and drainage systems on Interstate 15 in San Bernardino County. The project spans from Oak Hill Road in Hesperia to just south of Bear Valley Road in Victorville. Crews continue excavation and paving operations, northbound and southbound.
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The committees include: Appropriations; Budget and Fiscal Review – Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation; Energy, Utilities and Communications; Government and Finance as vice chair; Governmental
Organization; Housing; Natural Resources and Water as vice chair; Transportation and Joint Legislative Audit.
“I am honored that Senate Leader Atkins has placed her confidence in my experience and knowledge by appointing me to committees covering a wide range of issues that are important and relevant to the communities in the 32nd Senate District,” Seyarto said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues and tackling the serious issues faced by our great state and district.”
State Sen. Kelly Seyarto is serving
his first term in the state Senate after serving two years in the State Assembly. He is a former mayor and council member for the city of Murrieta and was honored to serve numerous communities during a fire service career that spanned 35 years. He retired at the rank of battalion chief from the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 2015.
State Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, is appointed to nine state Senate committees for the 2023-2024 legislative session. Valley News/Courtesy photo
A woman was arrested Sunday, Jan. 15 on suspicion of parental child abduction in Menifee, authorities said.
The incident happened around 7:10 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14 when the Menifee Police Department received a call regarding a parental
abduction in violation of a child custody order.
Two children, a 6-year-old and an 8-year-old, were being placed in a relative’s car during a courtmandated supervised child custody exchange near the 29000 block of Antelope Road to be returned to their father when their mother allegedly entered the vehicle and fled the location in violation of the
SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa port of entry stopped a smuggling attempt after discovering two live toucans wrapped in stockings hidden inside a traveler’s purse.
The incident occurred at about 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 26, when a CBP officer encountered two travelers, a 35-year-old male and a 37-year-old female, in a 2015 Toyota Camry, applying for entry into the U.S. at the Otay Mesa vehicle lanes.
The CBP officer referred both travelers and the vehicle for further inspection. During the examination, a CBP agriculture specialist found two live birds, later identified as toucans, wrapped in stockings and concealed inside the traveler’s purse.
“Smuggling live animals, especially endangered species, is a serious offense and this
significant seizure demonstrates the lengths a smuggler will go for their own financial gain,” Jenifer De La O, director of CBP’s field operations in San Diego, said. “Our officers and agriculture specialists work hard every day to stop these horrible acts and protect our wildlife species for future generations to enjoy.”
CBP officers detained both travelers for the live birds smuggling attempt and turned them over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigators and Fish and Wildlife Services for further processing.
CBP officers seized the toucans and vehicle. The live toucans were placed in a secure and safe area. The live birds will remain in quarantine for veterinarian examination and proper placement.
Submitted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
On Monday, Jan. 16, at approximately 4 a.m. Alexia Rodriguez, 21, was driving a 2008 Dodge Charger southbound on the I-215 transition to southbound I-15 in Murrieta during moderate rain. She lost control of her vehicle, causing it to travel off of the west roadway edge of the transition road. The Dodge Charger collided into a metal pole and became engulfed in flames.
Two unidentified passengers, one male and one female, who were not wearing seat belts were ejected from the vehicle.
The California Highway Patrol, City of Murrieta Fire Department and AMR all responded to the collision scene. The fire department pronounced the unidentified ejected passengers deceased at the scene. A third passenger, a female, was located inside the vehicle and was also pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver suffered serious burns but was able to self-extricate herself from the burning vehicle.
Rodriguez was transported to Inland Valley Medical Center by AMR. CHP Officers responded to
Inland Valley Medical Center and determined that Rodriguez had been driving under the influence of alcohol and placed her under arrest. Due to the severity of her burns, she was subsequently airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Ultimately, Rodriguez was charged with Felony Gross Vehicular Manslaughter and Felony Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.
The CHP, Temecula Area, is conducting this traffic collision investigation. The CHP would like to encourage any witnesses who may have observed this collision, or may have any information regarding it, to contact CHP, Temecula Area at 951-506-2000.
The CHP would like to remind everyone to always designate a sober driver, always wear your seatbelt, and drive at a safe speed, especially when traveling in inclement weather.
Several accidents, including multi-vehicle accidents, had been reported that morning between 4 and 5 a.m. on I-15 between Temecula and Bonsall.
order, police said.
Family members were able to track the woman via her cell phone, and she was located near the area of the 215 and 60 freeways by deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The woman allegedly failed to yield when deputies attempted to conduct a vehicle stop and led them on a pursuit.
The suspect continued into the San Diego area, where officers from the Escondido Police Department took over the pursuit.
Authorities said she was able to evade officers, crossed the border and entered into Mexico.
Authorities notified U.S. Customs and Border Protection and she was detained by Customs officials when she tried to drive
back into the United States around 8 a.m. Sunday.
The children were found unharmed and were released to the father. Menifee police officers responded and took custody of the woman.
No further information was immediately available.
Comedian Andy Dick was arrested in Lake Elsinore Friday, Jan. 13, on suspicion of public intoxication and failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements connected to a previous conviction.
Dick, 57, of Hemet was taken into custody about 12:30 a.m. at O’Hara’s Rock & Roll Tavern in the 15700 block of Grand Avenue, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Dick was booked into the
Cois M. Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta, where he posted a $5,000 bond and was released a few hours later, according to jail records.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Pat Larson said patrol deputies were called to the bar after complaints of a patron “displaying signs of being under the influence of alcohol.”
Dick was detained without incident, after which deputies ran a records check, which indicated the suspect was “not up to date on his registration” under Penal Code section 290.
State law requires that registrants
keep authorities informed as to where they’re residing at all times.
Dick was convicted in Los Angeles County last year of sexual battery for groping an Uber driver. The offense stemmed from a complaint four years earlier.
It was unclear whether the comedian-actor was at the Lake Elsinore pub alone, or with others.
He has had a string of allegations with which he has contended over the last several years, the most recent involving an alleged theft of power tools in Santa Barbara, according to published reports.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY –
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Wednesday, Jan. 11, to enter into a partnership with Inland Empire Health Plan and Molina Healthcare to invest $35 million in housing and homeless programing and services. The allocation comes from the Housing and Homeless Incentive Program through the California Advancing and Innovating MediCal program. CalAIM is a longterm California Department of Health Care Services initiative to transform and strengthen Medi-Cal, offering Californians a more equitable, coordinated and person-centered approach to maximizing their health and life trajectory.
Health Plans can flow incentive funding to partners who are leading efforts on the ground. To that end, the Inland Empire Health Plan and Molina Healthcare of California have partnered with the County of Riverside Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions to provide significant investments in 10 IEHP investment activities and seven Molina investment activities that include housing, sheltering services, behavioral health services, provider capacity building and data activities.
The Riverside County Continuum of Care Committee has reviewed and strongly supports the Investment Plan submitted by IEHP and Molina. The HWS Department serves as the CoC Lead Agency and Administrative Entity for Riverside County and works alongside over 200 public,
private, nonprofit and faithbased organizations to coordinate responses to address homelessness across the region. These efforts include the implementation of a Five-Year Homeless Action Plan which represents the roadmap used by the County, partnering cities and provider agencies.
“This is an historic investment by IEHP and Molina to address the housing instability and homelessness crisis we face in Riverside County,” Karen Spiegel, Second District supervisor and IEHP board member, said. “This public private partnership is exactly the type of action that needs to be taken to address these issues in a holistic and integrated approach. I applaud our two health plans for working with our Housing and Workforce Department to create a sound and strategic investment plan to make meaningful change.”
“Housing is truly the cornerstone of health and well-being, making it imperative for IEHP to act in bold and innovative ways to support programs addressing homelessness and housing head-on,” Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP chief medical officer, said. “Through this partnership and our collaboration, we aim to place optimal care and vibrant health in reach for those in our community today and for generations to come.”
“With approximately 50% of the nation’s unsheltered population residing in California, homelessness is a pressing issue requiring a collaborative effort to address,” Abbie Totten, plan
president of Molina Healthcare of California, said. “Molina works daily to improve the health and lives of our California communities and we’re proud of this initiative with Riverside County and IEHP to support local unsheltered individuals and families.”
The California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal is a longterm California Department of Health Care Services initiative to transform and strengthen Medi-Cal, offering Californians a more equitable, coordinated and person-centered approach to maximizing their health and life trajectory. It includes launching Enhanced Care Management benefits and optional Community Supports. DHCS has developed several incentive programs to support CalAIM implementation, one of which is the Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program. HHIP is a voluntary incentive program that will allow health plans to earn incentive funds for making progress in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity and social determinants of health. Total incentive funds available are $1.288 billion one-time funds. Funding will be available through March 31, 2024. Funds flow from DHCS to Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans to reduce and prevent homelessness and ensure MCPs develop the necessary capacity and partnerships to connect their members to needed housing services.
Submitted by Riverside County.a $35 millionValley News/Adobe Stock photo
The Bank of Hemet is alerting their customers about scams designed to steal their personal
information and ultimately, their bank account funds.
The Anza Bank of Hemet branch is dedicated to reducing the risk of fraud for its customers. Flyers available at the bank are
warning residents of Healthcare Reimbursement Phishing in the area.
According to the Bank of Hemet, when people request a reimbursement from their
It can
Staff WriterWith the rains of winter having arrived in recent weeks, local local driving experts share some dirt road lore gleaned from years of experience and a lot of literally driving around on ice, mud, snow and sand.
When the unpaved roads are saturated with an inch or two of rain water they become slippery and sloppy. Veteran drivers say
try to drive in the middle of the road, move slowly and avoid jerky steering movements. In the event that the vehicle begins to slide, it is much less likely to end up in the ditch by traveling in the center of the roadway. This gives the driver room to counter the skid. If you find yourself sliding, steer in the direction of the slide to regain control of the vehicle. This technique becomes instinctive with practice.
If road conditions get really
difficult, cars may have a harder time than trucks or SUVs due to their lower ground clearance. Many cars are low to the ground with only inches between the vehicle and the road surface.
Places that appear muddy and deep, probably are. Never attempt to cross running water or deep puddles.
Just because you may have a 4x4 or all wheel drive vehicle,
healthcare provider, it may be completed through a third-party payment processor. These payment processors often offer direct deposit payments so the client can get reimbursed as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, cybercriminals can use social engineering to try to steal that reimbursement. In a recent scam, cybercriminals
see SCAM, page D-4
From burritos, tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas to chili verde, carnitas, menudo and so many other south-of-the-border favorites, La Cocina is very tasty. Always a
the
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.
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/ 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 951-751-1462 for more information.
Hall. To order a paid box and 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.
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 951403-4940. 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.
Narcotics Anonymous Meeting – 6 p.m. Every Tuesday at Shepherd Of The Valley Church, 56095 Pena Road, in Anza. Open participation.
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.
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.
J.P. RAINERI, Sports Editor SHANE GIBSON, Staff Photographer
TONY AULT, Staff Writer DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer JOE NAIMAN, Writer ROGER BODDAERT, Writer
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
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 951-7634226.
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
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 951-763-0856.
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
Clubs 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 951-7634439 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 Scouts meet at Lake Riverside
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 951663-6763.
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.
The Lions Club of Anza Valley announced it will hold its 86th Annual Student Speakers Contest Thursday, Feb. 16.
The much-anticipated event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Anza Community Hall.
The topic of the contest is “Social Media: Connects Us or Isolates Us?”
The competition is open to six selected students in grades 9-12 from all local schools, charter
schools and independent studies.
“The Lions Club of Anza Valley is proud to be hosting this contest,” club secretary Chris Skinner said. “If your student is enrolled at Hamilton High School, please speak to Mrs. Mohn-Brimhall, Mrs. K, or Mrs. Richards for more information.”
For students not enrolled at Hamilton, please email Chris Skinner at Secretary.AnzaLions@ gmail.com to enter the contest.
If there is more than one student from one school/organization, that school/organization may
choose its own winner to compete in the Lions Contest, according to the club.
“We cannot have more than six students competing in the clublevel contest,” Skinner added.
The Lions Club of Anza Valley’s winner will receive a $100 award and will have the opportunity to compete in the Lions District, Area, and Final contests for a chance to win a $10,000 scholarship.
Students entering the contest will prepare a talk to be as close as possible to, but not over, 10
minutes, nor less than five minutes delivery time. Contestants are allowed to use their notes at the club-level contest.
No watches, identifying badges or school uniforms, prompters, or props are allowed to be worn or used during the event.
For more information, please contact the teachers at Hamilton High School listed above or to reserve a student’s spot contact Chris Skinner at Secretary. AnzaLions@gmail.com
Students must be registered with Chris Skinner prior to the
contest to ensure no more than six contestants are enrolled.
“We are excited to hear the voices of the future,” Skinner said.
For more information regarding the Lions Club of Anza Valley, please email Greg Sandling at President.AnzaLions@gmail. com or visit www.facebook.com/ LionsofAnzaValley.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
restaurant was created by Oscar Bravo, with sons Oscar Jr. and David working alongside him. Staff members are to be friendly, professional and outgoing with their guests.
The reasonably priced and hearty meals include access to a flavorful salsa bar with hot and mild varieties, spicy carrots and sliced limes. Soft drinks, beer and Mexican beverages are available.
“This was a great place to stop and get your fill. They have good prices and large portions with tons of flavor. We’d highly recommend
it. Thank you from the party of 12 from Colorado,” Latasha Gallegos wrote in an online review last year.
Upon entering the restaurant, patrons are greeted by welcoming smiles and even good-natured banter from cooks and staff. The clean dining room is alive with the scents of garlic and sizzling meat on the grill.
Colorful local personalities may often be seen enjoying their favorite meals at La Cocina.
Special requests are accommodated, if possible. Breakfast items such as huevos rancheros and omelets are served all day. There are daily lunch and
dinner specials. Portions are large and satisfying.
“Their rice is the best,” a local guest said. “Actually, everything’s the best. I love this place.”
The popular restaurant is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., seven days a week.
La Cocina is located at 56400 CA-371 in downtown Anza. For more information, 951-763-5155 or www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100063737782862.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
you are still subject to the laws of physics and not invincible. Know your personal limits and the limits of your vehicle. Become familiar with all the options and how they operate.
The experts say if you find yourself getting stuck with a tire or tires spinning, stop. Don’t make it worse or dig yourself in further by keeping the tires in motion. Get out and assess the situation before attempting recovery. Additionally, most autos have only one driving wheel, so know your vehicle.
Being mired in mud, sand or snow is no fun, but you should attempt to help yourself before calling for assistance.
Try to rock the car or truck out. Keep the wheels straight, rock the car back and forth by switching between drive and reverse. When the tires start to spin, stop and change direction. If your car is equipped with a manual transmission, use second gear and reverse. With this method, you may be able to reach solid ground and be on your way again, even if you gain just inches with each rock.
You can also dig a path for each wheel, though this technique does not work well in mud. This cuts down on the resistance on each wheel as you try to maneuver out of sand or snow.
Add traction by spreading small rocks, twigs or even your floor mats in your tracks, especially near the driving wheels. Many off roaders carry sections of carpet for just this reason. There are also commercial traction devices that may be purchased and stowed in your car.
Bag the tires. “Air down!” say offroaders. Let out some of the air in the tires. It is suggested to deflate them to about 10 or 15 pounds of pressure. Carry a tire gauge in the glove box at all times. Bagged tires can flex and grab better than fully aired ones. Tires can be re-inflated when on solid ground.
Professional wrecker companies that AAA uses typically cannot risk their trucks and personnel in recoveries in slick and nasty locations. They cannot respond to some areas in the Anza Valley.
Know your neighbors with tractors. If you are hopelessly mired close to home, that neighbor with the high wheel based tractor may be willing and able to help pull you out.
Let’s not have any cars in ditches this winter. Keep these methods in mind when traveling the rural dirt or mud roads and stay safe.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.
On Jan. 12, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) introduced the Legal Workforce Act, H.R. 319, which preserves jobs for citizens and legal workers by requiring U.S. employers to check the work eligibility of all future hires through the E-Verify system.
“Like most Americans, I believe American jobs should only go to people legally authorized to work in our country,” said Rep. Calvert. “The Legal Workforce Act represents a crucial step toward fixing our broken immigration system. Until we have a mandatory workforce verification system –like E-Verify – in place, immigrants will have an incentive to come into our country through illegal means. We want and need immigrants to come to our nation to contribute to our economic success, but we must also remain a sovereign nation
SCAM from page D-1
sent phishing emails that appeared to be related to an active reimbursement request. The emails asked the victim to verify their request number and other identifying information to finish processing the request.
If you provide this information, says the Bank of Hemet, cybercriminals can use it to gain access to your account by verifying your identity. Then, they can update your direct deposit information to redirect payments to their own bank accounts.
governed by the rule of law.”
In 1996, Rep. Calvert authored the law that created the E-Verify program, the only tool available for employers to voluntarily check the legal work status of newly hired employees. Since then, Rep. Calvert has worked steadily over the years to expand E-Verify and pushed to make it mandatory.
E-Verify, operated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), checks the social security numbers of newly hired employees against Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security records to help ensure that they are eligible to work in the U.S. The program quickly confirms 99.8% of work-eligible employees and takes less than two minutes to use. Over one million American employers currently use E-Verify.
Follow these tips to stay safe from healthcare claim scams: Never click a link in an email that you aren’t expecting. Contact the payment processor directly by using a known phone number or email address.
Watch out for notifications that your account information, such as direct deposit information, has changed.
Always enable Multi-Factor Authentication on your accounts when available. MFA adds a layer of security by requiring that you provide additional verification to log in to your account.
my life. The problem is, I still love to play. It’s what drives me to look for ways to get better.
Unfortunately, I’ve often seen ads with teaching pros who try to convince me that they have “unlocked the secret” to playing better golf, and I’ve fallen for it.
I’ve purchased special clubs and swing apparatuses and watched countless videos. I am partly to blame for the golf industry being worth $84 billion last year alone. Now, I am a little better than terrible, but not much.
Even though I haven’t found the secret to better golf, I have found the secret to doing life better, and I didn’t have to buy into any gimmicks or gadgets.
Do you want to know what it is?
The secret to doing life better is loving God.
Now hold on to that thought
According to USCIS, 22 states require E-Verify for some or all employers.
Summary of the Legal Workforce Act: Repeals the Paper I-9 System Requirement - The Legal Workforce Act repeals the requirements of the current paperbased I-9 system and replaces it with a completely electronic work eligibility check, bringing the process into the 21st century. However, if an employer chooses to keep using the paper-based I-9 system they may do so.
Gradual Phase-In, phases in mandatory E-Verify participation for new hires in six month increments beginning on the date of enactment. Within six months of enactment, businesses having more than 10,000 employees are required to use E-Verify. Within 12
Additionally, the Bank of Hemet will never call you to request information received via text or pressure you to reset your online banking login password. Don’t trust caller ID, as it can be modified remotely by hackers to show the bank’s name.
Don’t provide your online banking login credentials, onetime password, account number or personal information by email or text or phone call. Use the bank’s published phone number to reach out and confirm that the request is legitimate. Don’t give information over the phone
months of enactment, businesses having 500 to 9,999 employees are required to use E-Verify. Eighteen months after enactment, businesses having 20 to 499 employees must use E-Verify. And 24 months after enactment, businesses having 1 to 19 employees must use E-Verify. Allows a one-time six-month extension of the initial phase in. It also requires that employees performing “agricultural labor or services” are subject to an E-Verify check within 30 months of the date of enactment.
The Strengthened Penalties bill raises penalties on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants in violation of the requirements of the bill. The bill also creates a penalty for individuals (employees or employers) who knowingly submit false information to the E-Verify system.
if you receive a call stating that a transaction is canceled, even if the caller claims to be from your financial institution. Once again, contact your bank using a published phone number to inquire about the transaction.
Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails or texts, or give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.
Scams are well thought out and deployed by criminals. Don’t be a victim. For more information, visit the Bank of Hemet online at www. bankofhemet.com.
The Bank of Hemet has a new
Safe Harbor grants employers safe harbor from prosecution if they use the E-Verify program in good faith, and through no fault of their own, receive an incorrect eligibility confirmation.
Ken Calvert, a lifelong resident of Riverside County and 17year small business owner in the restaurant and real estate industries, represents the 41st Congressional District of southern California, which includes the cities of Corona, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, La Quinta, Wildomar, Norco, Woodcrest, and Canyon Lake, and the communities of Calimesa, Nuevo, Cherry Valley, Homeland, Sage, Anza, and Idyllwild-Pine Cove.
name. Effective Tuesday, Jan. 17, the Bank of Hemet will be HCN Bank. Beginning on that date, all traffic to www.bankofhemet. com will be redirected to their new website, www.hcnbank.com. Should you have any questions regarding this upcoming change, please call client services at 951-766-4100 or visit one of their branches and speak to any employee.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
because here’s why.
Jesus said it was the most important thing you can ever do with your life.
He said, “The most important… is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” in Mark 12:28-30.
Do you know what you get if you take your heart, soul, and mind and put them together? You get every part of you with nothing left over. So what Jesus is saying is that if you want to do life better than you ever have, God must be the supreme center of your life and the focus of your life.
Loving God helps me to live a life of love toward others.
Let’s be honest. We do life better when we love each other,
right? Of course, it’s right.
It’s why Jesus said the second most important thing you can do with your life is to “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these,” in Mark 12:31.
Now look closely. First, we love God, and then we love others. Why is that?
If you want to get better at loving your spouse, friends, children and those who are hard to love, etc. – doing life better –you start by loving God.
When you love God more, he teaches you to love others and do life better.
But how do you love God more?
To love God, you have to get to know him more.
Like any relationship in life, if you want to grow closer to another person, you have to get to know
them. The same goes for God. The more you get to know him, the more you will love him and the more you will love others.
The relationship you have with God must be intentionally nurtured if it’s going to grow.
Now you can look for gimmicks, quick fixes or substances to make the pain of life go away. Or you can take a serious look at God’s secrets for doing life better than you ever have. The choice is yours.
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.
each person should be judged on the content of their character and not the color of their skin.
story/2021/03/25/state/californiaeducators-pass-controversialethnic-studies-curriculum/65666. html.
This is the third in a series on Critical Race Theory, Reprinted from Village and Valley News, Memorial Day week in 2021
Julie Reeder Publisher
As we celebrate Memorial Day and honor the memory of all our veterans who have given everything they have for this country, it’s important that we each continue to be diligent to protect our freedoms from within, not only for our children but also for those veterans and their children and grandchildren.
In review, as we have been looking at Critical Race Theory (CRT, “Theory,” “Ethnic Studies,” “Woke” or “Identity Politics”) the last couple of weeks, we have learned it is counter to Martin Luther King, Jr’s principle that
As in our pre-Civil War days, as well as the Jim Crow era, CRT divides and groups people according to their race, gender, etc. It then identifies them as “oppressed” or “oppressor” no matter who they are as an individual. It creates “victims” of people of color, no matter how educated, wealthy or successful they are. It judges white people as “oppressors” and “racists” no matter their upbringing or who they are as an individual.
Then it teaches students and people to be social justice warriors or activists. It builds walls and brings division. That is why a growing number of educated and influential people of color, in addition to parents, are speaking up against this ideology being pushed on our children and our culture.
In 2021 the California State Assembly passed a bill to make CRT (“ethnic studies”) a high school graduation requirement.
According to Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, originally the Legislative Jewish Caucus said it echoed the propaganda of the Nazi regime. There were over 100,000 comments including objections to the curriculum as it was created. See www.villagenews.com/
record revenues that contributed to last year’s $97 billion surplus have now subsided, and we are left with a projected $22.5 billion deficit, which could increase further, according to the Legislative Analyst Office.
Overspending with little accountability has become the status quo. It’s time to get serious about the real day-to-day issues affecting Californians and their families.
Here are some practical budget priorities that my colleagues and I have proposed to get our state back on track.
Kiley said, “Its undisguised purpose is to impose on students a particular worldview, rather than giving them the tools to construct one for themselves.” Then he points out that the curriculum is supposed to be about “equity,” but since being elected, every attempt he has made to fight for true educational equity has been snuffed out by the dominant special interest at the Capitol, whose business model is to keep children trapped in failing schools. That is why California ranks 49 out of 50 in educating poor students. We are the last to reopen our schools and he says, “This bill is a smokescreen for corrupt education policies that have produced the greatest inequity in the country.”
Rather than identity politics by group, our country was created on the radical idea of individual rights and then that the government would exist to protect those rights, rather than the people existing to serve an ever increasing and controlling government. Those rights included to live free, the pursuit of happiness, the ability to protect yourself and even enjoy property rights.
Our country had to fight a Revolutionary War 1775-1783
to separate from the control of a tyrannical King and then from 1861–1865 we fought the Civil War to end slavery. President Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address said our country was “conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
These words were delivered by Abraham Lincoln at the Dedication of the Cemetery at Gettysburg on Nov. 19, 1863
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
“Now we are engaged in a great Civil War, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
“But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow – this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note,
nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
On this Memorial Day, we should honor the sacrifices and remember the wars fought and those who lost their lives, remember the principles of equal rights and individual liberties for all. We do not need to dismantle what we have built. We do not need to teach our students racist ideologies. And in the places where true racism rears its ugly head, let us continue to fight it openly. Let us be diligent and courageous. Let us keep watch, be educated, active and involved in order to maintain the freedoms we still have. We owe that to our veterans, their families, children and grandchildren.
need to immediately invest in resources for year-round fire mitigation and fuel management projects.
Water Storage Despite record rainfall, we will never end the drought if we don’t address the need for water storage. Water infrastructure investments are long overdue and essential to providing our farmers and citizens with abundant, safe and clean water.
Education Schools and educators have endured the most challenging learning environments in recent history. We need to protect education funding and parents’ rights to choose where to enroll their children.
the way to ensure that the priorities of our 32nd Senate District are represented.
This
Like most medium-sized cities in Southern California, Lake Elsinore struggles with a small but persistent population of career urban outdoorsmen. While some might refer to them as homeless, underserved or unhoused, I prefer the career urban outdoorsmen moniker because it speaks to their life’s work. Theirs is an existence within our public parks and natural open spaces where they enjoy our valley’s beauty while defiling it with their waste. They spend their days panhandling, securing food, clothing and camping supplies, primarily from well-intentioned people who sadly only enable this ongoing behavior through their acts of charity. The urban outdoorsmen, having restocked for the day, return to their beachfront enclaves to celebrate a lifestyle most of us can’t understand.
Wildfire Prevention Wildfires have been consuming our state in an ever-growing number and magnitude of incidents. We
While there are truly those in need of support services such as job placement, mental health, substance abuse support and transitional housing, our city offers all of those pathways should an individual accept the help we literally bring right to their campsite. These taxpayer supported avenues out of hopelessness and into hope have been a growing part of our budget over the last 10 years. We offer a hand up not a handout and have been spending millions of dollars to do it.
But the career urban outdoorsmen have moved past simply occupying our public spaces. Now with the help of our failing criminal justice system they want us homeowners and taxpayers out of their lives and off “their” property. Case in point, in December 2022 a
Public Safety We need to ensure that law enforcement agencies have the resources needed to keep our communities safe as they continue to battle the fentanyl epidemic and the concerning rise of retail theft and violent crimes.
Jobs and Economy We need to pay down our $18 billion unemployment insurance debt instead of placing that burden on small businesses, which will bear the costs of repayment through higher taxes.
Californians deserve real results from their tax dollars.
This budget proposal will go through months of discussions and revisions until its finalization in June. I will work hard every step of
State Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, represents California’s 32nd Senate District, which includes the cities and communities of Aguanga, Anza, Borrego Springs, Canyon Lake, Chino Hills, Corona, El Sobrante, French Valley, Homeland, Idyllwild, Julian, La Cresta, Lake Elsinore, Lake Mathews, Lakeland Village, Menifee, Murrieta, Norco, Sage, Riverside, Temecula, Temescal Valley, Wildomar, Winchester, Woodcrest and Yorba Linda.
career urban outdoorsman and his partner – well known to law enforcement – stake their claim on Elm Grove Beach. It is a beautiful stretch of public property facing southwest with a view of Lake Elsinore in the foreground and the Ortega Mountains in the background. On this day in December, the urban outdoorsman, after verbally threatening a homeowner across the street from the park, entered the property and confronted the homeowner. As the threats continued to escalate, the homeowner was spit on and punched in the face. The assault was reported, and law enforcement acted.
But in California, this act will not keep an urban outdoorsman in jail. And so, the homeowner sought protection from the court, filing a temporary restraining
order to keep this individual away from him, his family and his neighbors. To rid his neighborhood of this menace, the homeowner next sought a permanent civil harassment restraining order, a legal pathway through our court system for citizens to protect themselves.
However, in this instance, the court sided with the aggressor and not the victim. Citing the fact that the individual in question was homeless, Riverside County Court Commissioner James Hodgkins denied the restraining order. Now the career urban outdoorsman can spend all day and all night on “his” beach, mocking the homeowners across the street.
The erosion of our criminal justice system has reached the point of the absurd. The first responsibility of government
is to protect its people. The city of Lake Elsinore takes this responsibility very seriously, and we are committed to fighting for the safety of our residents.
I ask you, Commissioner Hodgkins, to join the fight by reconsidering your action and issue a permanent restraining order against this career urban outdoorsman to protect the taxpayers, homeowners and tourists of Lake Elsinore so that we might resume the quiet enjoyment of Elm Grove Beach free from the hostile and violent acts of a dangerous individual who you have now emboldened by your decision.
Robert “Bob” Magee Lake Elsinore City Council Member
Dear Editor;
I thoroughly enjoyed your column. I’m 78 years old and have a calculator. From the start of the pandemic, I checked the stats on the virus every week. It was apparent to me, from the start, that COVID-19 was just the flu plus 10%. The really old and the compromised were in danger and those who had taken care of themselves, like my wife, sister, and myself could take Ergo, quarantine them, not the rest of us!!! Shut down the economy?
NEVER! I can’t believe Trump let that happen! From the beginning, it was apparent that young people were not in danger of dying. Ergo, don’t get them vaccinated! And
then they inflated the deaths. As you said, there’s a big difference between dying “with COVID” and “from COVID.” Ergo, the risk of dying was minimal. In December of 2022, 29% of all Americans have had COVID.
A lot of people (maybe another 25%) had it but didn’t know it or it wasn’t reported. Ergo again, three years later we have herd immunity!! We did all this not to save lives, but to prevent people from getting sick!
Julie, I like the topics you write about and I like your writing style.
Regards, Wheeler Hubbard Temecula
It was hard to miss the loaded headline regarding a convicted psychopathic killer titled Clemency Probe Fails to Exonerate Kevin Cooper (Press-Enterprise).
It just goes to show that this was intended as a politically motivated exoneration project and not as a search for objective truth. A better and more accurate headline should have read DNA Test Confirms Kevin Cooper’s Guilt, Again.
This recent probe further proves Cooper’s guilt to a degree of accuracy that more than meets the
standard of beyond a reasonable doubt. There is a better chance of you having the recent billion dollar MegaMillions ticket than of Kevin Cooper actually being innocent. Yet for decades, Californians have put up with the sound and fury emanating from left-wing Hollywood activists and from liberal mainstream media outlets promoting Cooper’s fantasy-world innocence.
Enough is enough. Kevin Cooper was an escaped fugitive prisoner who committed four heinous murders, while leaving another
child for dead. He was tried, convicted, and he should receive the sentence that is commensurate with his brutal crimes.
Americans of all stripes seek a return to normalcy for our criminal justice system. Left-wing social justice schemes only promote chaos, endanger the public, and deny justice to victims and survivors. Kevin Cooper merits the death penalty … he earned it.
Thank you for your time and consideration
Rick Reiss TemeculaSAN DIEGO (AP) — Relentless storms from a series of atmospheric rivers have saturated the steep mountains and bald hillsides scarred from wildfires along much of California’s long coastline, causing hundreds of landslides this month.
So far the debris has mostly blocked roads and highways and has not harmed communities as in 2018 when mudslides roared through Montecito, killing 23 people and wiping out 130 homes. But more rain is in the forecast, increasing the threat.
Experts say California has learned important lessons from the Montecito tragedy, and has more tools to pinpoint the hot spots and more basins and nets are in place to capture the falling debris before it hits homes. The recent storms are putting those efforts to the test as climate change produces more severe weather.
Why is California prone to mudslides?
California has relatively young mountains from a geology standpoint, meaning much of its steep terrain is still in motion and covered in loose rocks and soil that can be sloughed off easily, especially when the ground is wet, according to geologists.
Almost all of the state has received rainfall totals of 400% to 600% above average since Christmas, with some areas receiving as much as 30 inches of precipitation, causing massive flooding. The severe weather has killed at least 19 people since late December.
Since New Year’s Eve, the California Department of Conservation’s landslide mapping team has documented more than 300 landslides.
The state’s prolonged drought has made matters worse.
Dan Shugar, an associate professor of geoscience at the University of Calgary, said drought can have a counterintuitive effect when combined with the incredible rainfall California has seen in recent days.
“You’d think if the ground is dry it should be able to absorb a lot of water, but when ground becomes too dry, the permeability of the ground actually decreases,” he said. As water runs off the hardened soil, moving downward and picking up energy, it can begin carrying soil and debris away, he said.
Added to that, wildfires have left some hillsides with little to no vegetation to hold the soil in place. What are the most vulnerable areas?
The most vulnerable areas are hillsides that have burned in the past two to three years with communities below them, said Jeremy Lancaster, who leads the California Department of Conservation’s geological and landslide mapping team.
That includes areas that recently burned in Napa, Mariposa, and Monterey counties, he said.
In 2018, the deadly mudslides in Montecito occurred about a month after one of the largest fires in California’s history tore through the same area, charring 280,000 acres.
Montecito is sandwiched between the Santa Ynez mountains and the Pacific coast. On the fifth anniversary of that tragedy, the entire community was ordered
to evacuate on Jan. 9 as rains pummeled the area and debris blocked roads.
Lancaster warned that the threat of landslides will linger long after the rains have subsided as the water seeps 50 to 100 feet into the soil, dislodging things.
“They can occur weeks later, if not months,” he said.
What can be done to protect communities?
Lancaster said California has dramatically increased its efforts to identify hotspots since the Montecito mudslides. His department continually updates its map so local communities are aware and can make decisions, including whether to evacuate an entire community.
The state is also working on a system to better pinpoint how much rain might trigger a landslide.
Marten Geertsema, who studies natural hazards and terrain analysis at the University of Northern British Columbia, said agencies use a variety of tools to gauge the likelihood of landslides in a given area, including terrain maps and lidar – pulsed light from lasers to penetrate foliage to see the ground. Then they can watch for early warnings, such as changes over time in photos taken from the air, or from satellites, or in data from GPS monitoring stations, tilt meters and or other on-site instrumentation.
What is the most effective defense against mudslides?
One of the best ways to manage landslides is with debris basins –pits carved out of the landscape to catch material flowing downhill.
But basins, which can require a lot of land, can also disrupt the natural ecosystem and lead to beaches needing to be replenished by collecting sediment that flows out of the canyons, according to experts.
And they are costly, said Douglas Jerolmack, a professor of environmental science and mechanical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. And if old debris isn’t removed, they can be overwhelmed by new landslides or mudslides.
Some might also not be big enough to deal with future slides worsened by climate change, Jerolmack said.
After the 2018 mudslides hit Montecito, the Los Angeles Times reported that debris basins above the community were undersized and hadn’t been sufficiently emptied.
The tragedy galvanized the community, which raised millions to address the problem, said Patrick McElroy, a retired Santa Barbara fire chief who founded the nonprofit organization, The Project for Resilient Communities.
The organization hired an engineering company to map the canyons and installed debris nets. He said the recent storms put them to the test: One net measuring 25 feet tall filled nearly to capacity.
McElroy said he’s still haunted by memories from 2018 but feels better, knowing that the community might be safer now.
“I’m not over it yet. But to wake up, you know, the other day and see no injuries and no fatalities. I just can’t tell you how impressed I am,” he said of the nets.
The best solution for the Montecito and Santa Barbara area is to have both nets and debris basins, according to Larry Gurrola, the engineering geologist hired by the organization.
But nothing is cheap. Santa Barbara County’s spent $20 million on a new basin after 2018, while McElroy’s organization spent close to $2 million on installing the nets, which includes liability insurance and other fees. They
have a five-year permit for the nets, which will be removed if it is not renewed.
Gurrola said the alternative is more costly. With the recent storms, more than half of California’s 58 counties have
been declared disaster areas and repairing the damage may cost more than $1 billion.
“Most importantly these things protect the community and save lives,” he said.
Glass reported from Minneapolis.
A former CIA officer who signed an open letter attempting to discredit reports about Hunter Biden’s laptop ahead of the 2020 election admitted that most of what was discovered on the laptop is real.
Douglas Wise, a former CIA officer and Defense Intelligence Agency deputy director, signed an open letter in 2020 that the New York Post’s October 2020 report had “all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation.”
About 50 other former U.S. intelligence officials, including former CIA Director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, signed the document.
Over the past weekend, however, Wise conceded that most of what was found on the infamous laptop was real. Last year, the New York Times and Washington Post published articles making similar admissions.
“All of us figured that a significant portion of that content had to be real to make any Russian disinformation credible,” Wise told The Australian newspaper on Sunday. But Wise told the paper that he doesn’t regret signing the letter and said it is “no surprise” the emails were real.
“The letter said it had the earmarks of Russian deceit and we should consider that as a possibility,” Wise said. “It did not say Hunter Biden was a good guy, it didn’t say what he did was right and it wasn’t exculpatory, it was
just a cautionary letter.”
Wise, who has not responded to an Epoch Times request for comment, added that former New York Mayor and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani “had just been in Ukraine trying to dig up evidence on the Bidens and he met with a known Russian intelligence official. Russians or even illintended conservative elements could have planted stuff in there.”
In the Oct. 19, 2020, letter, the 51 former officials wrote that they “do not know if the emails, provided to the New York Post by President Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, are genuine or not and that we do not have evidence of Russian involvement.” Making an appeal to authority, they wrote that their “experience makes us deeply suspicious that the Russian
government played a significant role in this case.”
The officials then explained that “such an operation would be consistent with some of the key methods Russia has used in its now multi-year operation to interfere in our democracy—the hacking (via cyber operations) and the dumping of accurate information or the distribution of inaccurate or misinformation.” Others who signed the letter include former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and CIA chief of staff Jeremy Bash.
Background The letter was heavily referenced by corporate news outlets in the lead-up to the November 2020 election between then-President Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Before their second debate, a
former Hunter Biden associate, Tony Bobulinski, told news outlets that materials found on the younger Biden’s laptop were real and corroborated one nowinfamous message about Joe Biden being “the big guy” while referencing an alleged payout to Biden in connection to a Chinese energy conglomerate.
Biden, meanwhile, used the letter to deflect criticism about his son’s business dealings during the second debate. Around the same time, Twitter and Facebook also moved to suppress the New York Post’s initial Hunter Biden laptop story, and Twitter locked the paper out of its account for more than two weeks.
Two years after the laptop story
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