Lake Elsinore City Council members give lake and poppy updates

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

Mayor Natasha Johnson shared the latest “Poppy Watch” details at the Feb. 14 Lake Elsinore City Council meeting and Council Member Robert Magee reported that the lake officially reopened for recreational activities on Feb. 10.

A presentation of CalFire 2022 fourth quarter statistics from Division Chief Lonny Olson started the meeting. There were 1,829 total calls for service with an average response time of 4.8 minutes. His report included some year-end numbers as well, stating that there were 6,993 total calls for service in 2022 with an average 4.9 minute response time, which is an improvement over 2021 when it was 5.1 minutes. Olson cited the new Medic Squad at downtown Station No. 10 as making a tremendous difference as it responded to 1,345 of the total service calls, reducing the number of calls needing to be answered by the other three stations that serve the community.

Olson presented the fourth quarter and annual Lake Elsinore Fire Marshal Report statistics which conducted a total of 362 reviews and 3,984 inspections for the year. He said goals for turnaround times continue to be exceeded. Automatic Aid Statistics show that Canyon Lake assisted Lake Elsinore 48 times in 2022 and Lake Elsinore units responded into Canyon Lake 96 times.

CalFire’s Public Safety message focused on home heating safety tips. The public is reminded to be aware of where patio heaters are placed, turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep, make sure fireplaces have a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room and never leave any fire unattended.

Members of the Social Work Action Group provided a homeless outreach update that included se veral success stories. SWAG searches out and finds the most vulnerable that are living on the streets and “work to rebuild the individual’s self-worth and desire to obtain a basic right we all deserve, a safe place to live.” For more information, visit theswag.org.

City Council Consent Calendar items

3-13 were ultimately approved unanimously as were Successor Agency Consent Calendar items 14-19. Public Hearing items No. 20 and No. 21, regarding resolution adoptions for annexation proceedings, were approved 5-0 after the waiving of any staff reports.

Warehousing item held

Business Item No. 22, “Good Neighbor Policy” for Warehousing, Logistics and Distribution Uses, was calendared to the March 28 meeting to give residents and the development community more time to provide input about the policy. Magee said that he and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Manos were on the subcommittee that crafted the policy and were satisfied with the verbiage. However, after the agenda was published there were some comments from people who said they were not consulted or given ample time to provide input.

Magee said that from the time the policy was written in July until now, no comments or recommendations were received.

“ Today was that day to hear input and we have nobody (here) so I’m not sure how high on everyone’s radar this is,” Magee said. “Right now, we have defined mega warehouses as anything over 250,000 square feet. Right now as we stand today, we have no place in our town that would allow that without a change to our General Plan or an amendment to an existing Specific Plan. However, the goal of this policy was to set a higher bar when a project of this size is successfully submitted.”

He pointed out that the policy they are looking to have approved would only apply to those developers wishing to build a mega warehouse near “sensitive receptors,” not in industrial areas. Magee then motioned to have the matter calendared to the March 28 City Council meeting to give anyone interested in the matter yet additional time to ask questions and get answers before it is voted on. The motion was seconded by Manos and approved 5-0.

During final comments, Council Member Timothy Sheridan shared an update about Canyon Hills Sports Park closures due to renovations being done to improve the overall appeal and field quality for youth teams and to draw additional youth sports organizations to Lake Elsinore. Closures include football and soccer fields, basketball courts, picnic shelters and the playground between the football and soccer fields. Still open are the splash pad and playground near it, restrooms, dog parks, the open grass area at the front of the park and the parking lot nearest the splash pad.

Magee announced that Lake Elsinore will soon be stocked with 48,000 hybrid striped bass, funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. He also announced a March 11 Sports Car Club of America event at Diamond Stadium, the SCCA Starting Line Driver School. For more information, www.sdrscca.com.

Walker Canyon closed Johnson announced the completion of the Lakeshore Drive sidewalk project that runs in front of Stater Bros from Del Taco to the Boost Mobile building. She then reminded everyone that the City is still on “Poppy Watch,” working in a unified approach with partner agencies to keep the roads clear and safe. Walker Canyon Trail is closed to all visitors, which includes residents. The Walker Canyon Road access at Lake Street is closed. Parking areas in and around Walker Canyon are closed for anyone hoping to glimpse a poppy super bloom. Johnson reminded everyone that no parking is allowed on freeways, including on and off ramps. RSO will be citing and towing vehicles that are illegally parked. “We appreciate your poppy patience,” she said.

Johnson closed the meeting in memory of Dep. Brian Haney of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department who resided in Lake Elsinore and died in a Railroad Canyon Road traffic accident on Feb. 9. Sheridan offered his condolences as Haney was one of his constituents, residing in the Canyon Hills area.

“It’s Valentine’s Day and I would love to end on a very sweet message to go home and love on your family members and we’re reminded to do so because we just lost one of our residents,” Johnson said. “None of us wants to continue to close our meetings in honor of any loss of life. It’s been quite difficult for this community. Not only was this gentleman a great community member, he was a new father with a one-month-old child and was returning from his first day back to work. We are devastated and our hearts are broken for his family, the community and his law enforcement family. We are going to close in his honor and I will say, especially on a day like this, tomorrow is not guaranteed, life is super precious, go home and love on your loved ones and with that we will close this evening.” the year with preseason, regular season and playoffs.

The next regular meeting of the Lake Elsinore City Council and Successor Agency is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. For more information, www.lakeelsinore.org.

He is grateful that his family is able to join him in France often.

Wife DaiseJanay Burton, six-yearold son Joseph Charles Lee Burton and three-year-old daughter Loovi No$uun Burton usually stay for a half or full season.

“They’re with me right now,” he said. “But then the kids start to miss being back home and also the family misses the kids, so they return to Soboba; nothing beats the rez life.”

Burton started playing sports at the age of four, being coached and mentored by his mother Dondi Silvas, his grandfather Charles “BBop” Silvas, aunts and uncles. He played basketball at West Valley High School in Hemet where he was four-time MVP, four-time All Sun Belt league champion, and CIF Champion 2008. He continued on to Oregon State University with a full ride basketball scholarship, known as the first Native American in OSU history to receive a basketball scholarship.

At OSU, he was acknowledged as the first non-guard to record 1000+ points, 700+ rebounds and 300+ assists. While at OSU he visited the White House and met President Barack Obama on several occasions. He also worked closely with Coach Robinson to introduce the N7 games to OSU basketball in honor of indigenous culture, moreover, becoming an ambassador for Nike N7.

“It was a great honor that Sam McCracken, another inducted Hall of Famer, started N7 and came to me while I was at OSU and wanted to have a game there,” Burton said. “Knowing I was Native, he thought it would be a great opportunity and I’m always there to spread awareness and honor my culture. It was great to have a game in honor of Natives.”

Upon graduating from OSU in 2013, Joseph continued his professional basketball career overseas starting in Denmark playing for Aalborg Vikings. In the past nine years Joseph has played professional basketball in the Netherlands, Japan, Finland and France.

While playing in the French LNB league he has competed at Pro A and Pro B level, being awarded MVP in 2016 and runner-up in 2017.

Burton said there is no language barrier playing in other countries because they have a superb education system where students learn English in elementary school.

When he is able to return to Soboba, Burton stays busy with his Hunwut Clothing line, which he launched in 2019. Hunwut means Bear in Luiseño, his native language. He also gets involved with youth sports. Most recently, he assisted with a basketball camp at the Soboba Sports Complex.

“I would like to hold an annual basketball camp in honor of my grandpa, Charles “B-Bop” Silvas, who was a legend in the valley,” Burton said. Silvas started coaching frosh/soph football at San Jacinto High School, his alma mater, in 1978 and also coached boys and girls basketball and softball teams there. Silvas was one of the first inductees into the high school’s Edward Hyatt Athletic Hall of Fame. He also coached women’s basketball at Mt. San Jacinto College for two years and helped coach West Valley High School boys basketball from 2006 to 2009.

When Burton took a year off from playing, he volunteered to assist West Valley High School Head Coach Kristopher Brooks with the boys basketball team.

“Kris was my classmate and one of my teammates in high school,” Burton recalled. “We won the CIF title in 2008 together. He told me I could volunteer as an assistant coach because I bring a lot to the game and the coaching staff.”

Burton said that opportunity helped him see the game from the coaching standpoint which was very helpful since coaching is something he wants to do when he is done playing the game. He said some of the players he helped coach still write to him and he said it’s tough being so far away. “I still give them tips and drills. You have a bond once you have been with these kids for the basketball season. It’s great to see them growing in their skills, but when I get back, it’s the summer and that’s where the work happens.”

When working with young players, Burton said the best thing they can bring to the game is to be “coachable” and stick to the basics. “They need to keep the same mindset of ‘I’m going to get better today.’ Also it’s a different type of ball now, but I still tell them they all start with basic skills,” he said.

When he was young, Burton played baseball, soccer, flag football, basketball and volleyball in high school. Although really good in baseball and basketball, it was difficult to balance travel ball for both sports so he chose to focus on basketball.

“Also, when I got hit in the side with a baseball I said ‘okay, chuck the bat and pass me a basketball,’” he laughingly said. “But really, my family was a sports family, and the main sport was basketball, so I loved it from the very first time I saw a game.”

For more information, www. naiahf.org and www.hunwutclothing.com.

Spring is just around the corner and our area looks absolutely beautiful. We have some new listings and more coming up very soon...and there just may be that perfect dream home for you among them! If you are considering buying or selling, we will assess your individual situation with you. I am confident we will find you your perfect match within your perfect timeline! Come on in...Let’s Chat.

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(French Valley) Parkway Phase II is the largest Capital Improvement Project the City of Temecula Valley has seen, all rolled up, close to $138 million. It has been in the pipeline and planned for over 20 years.”

Many years ago when the concept was first introduced with Caltrans and Adams was still a city analyst, he recalled, “We had to break up the project in three phases. We already did Phase I 10 years ago. This is Phase II with about a three-mile improvement to I-15 North with new lanes and a flyover to the I-215 that will relieve the congestion we experience today.”

According to the Temecula Public Works Department, the huge project will add 2 to 3 lanes to Northbound I-15 from Winchester Road to the I-15/I-215 junction, constructing a concrete barrier to separate freeway traffic from collector/distributor roads, widening bridges at Santa Gertrudis Creek and Warm Springs Creek and construct 10 retaining walls and one new bridge.

Adams explained, “Cities are not usually in the business of building projects of this size. We are fortunate we have had leadership in it for over two decades.” He praised all the government agencies, the city public works personnel, and others who are helping bring the project to fruition.

Guest speaker at the groundbreaking event was U.S. House of Representative Ken Calvert (CA-41) who said, “What a day it is, not only for Temecula but all of Riverside County. Getting to this point today has been a jour- ney, years in the making, a major undertaking. It took a team effort.

It took a lot of folks over the years to make this happen.” He praised the city staff and the Parkway team for making it possible to obtain a federal grant of $50 million to move the project forward in 2019.

“There was a tremendous amount of synergy to make this happen,” Calvert said.

The project will be the southern gateway to Riverside County that will be vital to the area’s economic development, he concluded.

Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank, who made the introductions at the groundbreaking ceremony, said the French Valley Parkway Phase III will cost another $150 million and include a bridge at the same location where the groundbreaking ceremony took place in a field at Date Street and Ynez Road.

The French Valley Parkway Phase II should be completed in 18 to 24 months, according to Patrick Thomas, Temecula Public Works Director. He said, “Its a multiphased project that has been in the works for over 20 years…When the project was conceived 20 years ago it was initially envisioned as a simple freeway overcrossing with onramps and offramps at Date Street and Cherry Street, and as you can seen it’s morphed way more than that over time.” He said they thought it would cost about $60 to $70 million for the interchange and has grown into a major freeway improvement, “and there is still more to come after this.”

He said the current project will construct two miles of improvements along northbound I-15 at Winchester Road and the I-15,

I-215 split. It will eliminate the weaving and moving between Winchester Road and the split which causes the backup on the I-15 northbound in the afternoons. He explained there will be barriers to separate the freeways earlier and a flyover bridge entrance to the I-215. He noted there will be other auxiliary lane projects coming to the freeways and a “Smart Freeway” project, providing electronic guidance for getting on and off the freeways.

Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington congratulated the city for its achievement in making a freeway project that will benefit the entire region. He said, “Let’s get this show on the road.”

The $138 million French Valley Parkway Phase II project came from Federal Highway Funds, developers in the city, the city’s General Fund, Western Riverside County Government TUMF (Regional highways) funds, reimbursements and Measures A and

5. When completed, the project owner will still be the City of Temecula, until it is turned over to Caltrans. The project designer is T.Y. Lin International. The construction contractor will be FlatIron West Inc. The Construction Manager is TBD with oversight by Caltrans.

More than 100 other Temecula dignitaries and city officials, Riverside County, the State of California, and the federal government attended the unusually chilly groundbreaking day, but they were warmed by doughnuts, other treats and hot coffee provided by Espresso Chauffeur.

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.

Peripheral Neuropathy Breakthrough!

“My feet feel like they’re on re.” “Each step feels like I’m walking through wet paint.”

“I live in constant fear that I’ll fall.” “I can’t sleep, my hands and feet tingle all night.”

What do all of these people have in common? ey su er from peripheral neuropathy. It’s estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States have peripheral neuropathy. Unfortunately this gure may be signi cantly higher as the disease is o en misdiagnosed because of its wide array of symptoms.

Sarika Connor, L.Ac, of Soma Acupuncture & Wellness in Temecula shares this belief. “I’ve been treating neuropathy, in all its various forms, for about a decade now and so o en my patients come to me because of the symptoms, not because of a diagnosis. ey see me on television, or read the testimonial of another patient and say to themselves ‘hey, I feel the same thing’.”

Frankie M. of Murrieta testi ed to this. “I remember my husband driving me to my consultation and I saw a woman running just outside our neighborhood. I was so envious - I just kept thinking ‘I would give anything just to walk again’. My primary care doctor told me my troubles with pain and balance were just symptoms of old age and gave me a prescription. I was so depressed.”

Fortunately Frankie would eventually see Sarika on the local news talking about similar symptoms and how she o ers a real solution at Soma Acupuncture. “I just knew I had to see her. She was my last hope.” ey’ve been everywhere else. ey’ve been told there’s no hope. ey’ve been told ‘it’s just part of getting older’.” shares Amanda, a Patient Care Technician at Soma Acupuncture. “It just breaks my heart but I know how much we can help people like Frankie so I’m always so happy when they walk through our door.” ose diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy o en face a very grim reality; Western medicine declares that there is no solution while most alternative therapies carry large price tags and o er little to no resolve. Which is why Sarika and the sta at Soma Acupuncture pride themselves on being ‘the last resort with the best results.’

“Almost all of our patients come to us with a story similar to Frankie’s.

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves and this damage is commonly caused by lack of blood ow in the hands and feet. A lack of blood ow results in a lack of nutrients; the nerves then begin to degenerate and die which causes pain ranging from discomfort to debilitation. Because neuropathy is a degenerative condition, once those nerves begin to deteriorate they will continue to do so until they are completely expired, leaving those su ering with crippling balance issues. “In this case, the absence of pain is not necessarily a good thing,” shares Sarika. “ is usually indicates that your nerves are hanging on by a fragile thread.”

So how exactly is Sarika able to reverse the e ects of this degenerative disease? “Acupuncture has been used to increase blood ow for thousands of years which helps to get the necessary nutrients to the a ected nerves. But the real magic happens when I integrate ATP Resonance Bio erapy™. is is tech that was originally developed by NASA to expedite recovering and healing.”

“I just can’t say enough about Soma Acupuncture,” Frankie shared through tears of joy. “My husband and I moved here 3 years ago and he’s gone hiking almost every day. I always stayed home because of the pain and discomfort. Yesterday I walked the trail with him! And next week we’re starting ballroom dancing lessons. I am truly living life these days.”

“According to Frankie’s test results, she has seen a 74% improvement in pain and functionality, which is on par with a majority of our patients.” shares Amanda. “But more important than those test results is the joy she’s expressed being here and hearing about all the amazing things she’s able to do because she feels great!”

By seamlessly blending the ancient science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions Sarika has achieved a 90% success rate in reversing the e ects of neuropathy. She starts each patient with an initial consultation during which a sensory exam is performed. “ is not only aids in making a proper diagnosis but it helps to de ne just how much nerve damage has occurred” tells the practitioner. “ is is important because if a patient has su ered more than 95% damage, there is little that I can do to help them. I’m familiar with the medical miracle but I know my limits as a practitioner and the limits of my medicine.”

When it comes to treating peripheral neuropathy, regardless of its origin, early detection greatly improves your chances of a full recovery.

If you or someone you love are su ering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling or ‘pins and needles’ or you’ve recently been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options. ere is hope.

Call (951) 597–0488 to schedule an initial consultation or visit SomaAcuWellness.com to read more incredible success stories.

SRPNEF offering education grants for grades 6-12

Tony Ault

Staff Writer

The Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundation (SRPNEF) announced the opening of its annual Nature Education Small Grant Program to support programs and projects for youth in grades 6-12. Middle and high school teachers, nonprofit or agency environmental and outdoor education providers work with middle and high school students in Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Menifee, Perris, Hemet/San Jacinto looking for these grants. The deadline to submit the grant requests is May 1.

Corona-Norco, Murrieta and Temecula communities are also invited to submit grant requests.

New or existing programs or projects focused on nature, environmental and science education, and climate literacy activities that foster the development of “champions of the environment” will be given first consideration. Grants can range from $500 to $5,000.

Awardees will be required to present their funded project/program before the SRPNEF Board of Directors, members and various sponsors and donors.

The program is funded and made possible by support from the Pechanga Development Corporation and the Woman’s Club of Temecula Valley. SRPNEF will administer the grant process, selection, and the grant awards. Awards will be announced in June 2023.

E ligible projects include collaborative projects or programs with classrooms, school districts, no n-profits, private and charter schools; programs or projects that demonstrate STEM, NGSS or EEI alignment; Field trips, after school, or weekend projects; community gardens, sustainability or conservation activities; project-based staff support and in-class supplies; and projects or activities conducted on or for the benefit of the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, which will require approval by State, Fish & Wildlife Department and RivCo Parks prior to funding.

Conference fees or political or religious initiatives will not be funded.

Information on how to apply, program eligibility, criteria and the application form can be found at www.srpnef.org/grants-scholarships-2/ . Submit the completed application to info@srpnef.org or mail to SRPNEF GRANTS, P. O. Box 941, Murrieta, CA 92564.

For further questions or information, contact Marianne Lancaster, Education Program Manager, at marianne@srpnef.org.