Valley News - March 10, 2023

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Much of California free of drought

Much of the California coastal areas are now free from drought, as well as Central California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and foothills for the first time since January 2020, according to U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) statistics.

see page C-6

California Senate Republicans secure tax filing deadline

extension

SACRAMENTO – Senate

Minority Leader Brian W. Jones, R-San Diego; Sen. Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, and members of the California Senate Republican Caucus delivered a letter Thursday, March 2, to the California Franchise Tax Board requesting the state agency to extend its tax filing deadline from May 16 to Oct. 16 to mirror the change made recently by the IRS. Shortly thereafter, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the deadline has been extended.

see page B-6

LECC hears year-end public safety report

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

After the Lake Elsinore City Council meeting Tuesday, Feb. 28, was called to order, police Capt. James Rayls presented the 2022 annual public safety report. Total calls for service were 48,447 in 2022 and 48,122 in 2021. Total arrests by the patrol division were 1,787 in 2022 and 1,810 in 2021. The investigations bureau handled 204 total cases in 2022, with 176 closed and the others carried over to 2023. The investigations led to 48 arrests. The Special Enforcement Team conducted 150 special operations, made 807 arrests and seized 7,000 pounds of drugs, 51 firearms and 325 pounds of fireworks.

see page A-2

Anza Valley Outlook D-1

Business B-6

Business Directory B-6

Calendar of Events B-2

Classifieds B-8

Education C-5 Entertainment B-3

Health B-4

& Garden C-4

Night of Black Excellence observed in Hemet

Temecula man arrested in connection with deaths of two missing people

Valley News staff

Riverside County Sheriff’s investigators on March 2, located the remains of two people believed to be Angel Ponce, a 31-year-old male from Escondido, and Danielle Ricker, a 31-year-old female from Temecula. The remains were found near the area of East Benton and Sage roads in the unincorporated area of Hemet, according to a sheriff’s press release.

On Feb. 18, Ponce was reported missing by family members. Then, on Feb. 23, Ricker was also reported missing. Both Ponce and Ricker lived at the same residence in Temecula and the evidence suggested they were deceased.

On Feb. 26, at 4 p.m., investigators from the Central Homicide Unit responded to the Southwest Sheriff’s Station where they learned of a report of two missing people who were presumed deceased.

The following day investigators served a search warrant at the home of David Alan Floyd in the 34000 block of Galleron Street in Temecula. Floyd was arrested and booked into jail for his alleged involvement in the murders of Ponce and Ricker.

see ARREST, page A-2

Paloma Valley High School teacher arrested for statutory rape

Valley News staff

A Paloma Valley High School NJROTC teacher, Billy Singfield, age 55, was placed under arrest March 4, for felony unlawful sex intercourse or statutory rape. Singfield was booked into custody at the Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta. His bail was set at $10,000, according to court records.

An investigation was launched

March 3, after the Perris Union High School District administration advised a School Resource Officer of a potentially inappropri-

ate relationship between a student and a teacher at Paloma Valley High School. The relationship was described as boyfriend and girlfriend. School administrators indicated they immediately placed the suspected teacher on administrative leave, according to a Menifee Police Department press release.

The Menifee Police Department discovered this same student and teacher were involved in a Dec. 6, 2022 call for service. On that date Menifee Police officers and detectives investigated the report of a Paloma Valley High School

teacher frequently texting a student during off-school hours. MPD detectives discovered the teacher and student had texted each other during off-school hours, but no evidence was located to substantiate criminal behavior.

MPD detectives interviewed the involved student, family members and witnesses to the alleged relationship. The interviews revealed that an intimate relationship existed between the student and the teacher, dating back to 2022. The teacher was identified by police as

see TEACHER, page A-4

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Menifee’s updated 5-year Strategic Plan adopted by the City Council

Tony Ault Staff Writer

After months of community meetings, workshops, surveys and business discussions, the Menifee City Council adopted the plans for the growing city in the next five years that puts an emphasis on better community communications and transparency. The updated 2023 to 2028 fiscal year Menifee Strategic Plan was approved March 1 by the full city council.

Menifee having, “A safe and attractive community. A livable and economically prosperous community, responsive and transparent community government, accessible and unconnected community.”

The council and staff indicated they will work to implement those goals to provide better public safety, land use, facilities, infrastructure, community outreach and workforce.

Both past and present city council members worked to update Menifee’s future plans considering it has grown now to over 106,000

residents and is looking at building out at 150,000 in the next 10 years.

Approving the plan was Mayor Bill Zimmerman, Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin, Ricky Estrada, Lesa Sobek and Dean Deines. Termed out former City Councilmember Matthew Liesemeyer, after eight years on the council and five years on the Menifee Planning Commission, also worked to update the new 2023 to 2028 Strategic Plan. He was present when the Menifee’s first Strategic Plan went into effect in 2018. Estrada, who was voted in to take outgoing Liesemeyer’s District 2

seat, asked if in the new plans’ performance expectations there could be more placed in the plan to learn how the residents feel about the council and staff’s progress in meeting the goals and an “outlet to see how the residents view themselves.” He was assured by the revised plans’ presenter, Assistant to the City Manager Rebekah Kramer, that that will be better explained in the updated strategic plan.

Kramer, in presenting the updated plan, took time to review each

see PLAN, page A-2

David Alan Floyd was arrested on suspicion of killing Angel Ponce and Danielle Ricker on Feb. 27, 2023. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Nalaisha Burnett, left, is presented with the Breaking Barriers Award by Black Voices of the Valley Executive Director Stephanie Bruce Saturday, Feb. 25. See story and more photos on page B-1. Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photos

Paloma Valley High School NJROTC teacher, Billy Singfield in 2017.

Six local high school seniors are awarded scholarships at the second annual Night of Black Excellence in Hemet.

Julie Reeder Publisher

Menifee Rotary’s annual Mayor’s Charity Gala black-tie event raises money for local charities

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Rotary Club of Menifee brought together some of the most notable people in the valley to provide financial help and hope to many nonprofit organizations in Menifee and surrounding cities March 3 at the Mayor’s Charity Gala.

The black-tie event came at the same time as the 60th anniversary of Rotary International and was held at Menifee’s Fairfield Inn on Civic Center Drive, with Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman and Menifee Union School District Superintendent Jennifer Root from the Rotary Club presiding. Menifee City Council’s Ma yor Pro Tem Bob Karwin acted as the emcee for the evening program.

The event included fine food and music, a silent auction with many valuable gift baskets, a raffle for local wines, a “headsor-tails” drawing for a trip to the Academy of Magical Arts, and video presentations, including one for a high school student attending a Rotary leadership conference.

Root said, “This is our annual fundraiser for the year. We get

donations from our community, and we auction them off in a silent auction and that money is used to support the underserved youth and adults in the community of Menifee. We look at the need in the community. We support the Boys & Girls Club and domestic violence shelters in the area. We award citizenship awards and also send students to Rotary Youth Leadership, a three-day conference for high school juniors. We have the tried and true fundraising that we have, but we are also looking for new opportunities out there.”

Zimmerman explained why the event is called the Menifee Mayor’s Charity Gala. “They called it the Mayor’s Ball but I asked them if they would change it to the Mayor’s Charity Gala so people could realize it’s a fundraiser for a good cause, and I’m not really the one in charge of it.”

He said Rotary, with its motto, ‘Service Above Self,’ raises money to not only help local causes but also overseas. They donate money to churches in South America and Africa, and have installed flooring in schools that had dirt floors. Money being raised that night benefits all types of underprivileged people.

Zimmerman added, “I am so proud of Menifee’s Rotary Club for tonight’s event here. It turned

out to be such a beautiful evening here at the Fairfield Inn and they have decorated it so beautifully.

I’m grateful and hope it’s a real success.”

Karwin, a Rotary member, introduced many of the evening’s guests including a representative of State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Senator Kelly Seyarto, Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington, Menifee Councilmembers Lesa Sobek and Dean Deines, city council members from surrounding cities, school officials and many other community leaders. He made a special announcement, thanking the many major sponsors of the event including Brookfield Homes, a top sponsor.

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

Lake Elsinore City Council hears year-end public safety report

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

After the Lake Elsinore City Council meeting Tuesday, Feb. 28, was called to order, police Capt. James Rayls presented the 2022 annual public safety report. Total calls for service were 48,447 in 2022 and 48,122 in 2021. Total arrests by the patrol division were 1,787 in 2022 and 1,810 in 2021. The investigations bureau handled 204 total cases in 2022, with 176 closed and the others carried over to 2023. The investigations led to 48 arrests. The Special Enforcement Team conducted 150 special operations, made 807 arrests and

ARREST from page A-1

Floyd was suspected as the result of a prior incident with Ricker in 2021. Floyd was charged with battery on a spouse/partner with Ricker in a Nov. 5, 2021 incident. Floyd’s battery charge was dismissed on Feb 8, with an agreement to enroll in a domestic

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seized 7,000 pounds of drugs, 51 firearms and 325 pounds of fireworks.

As part of the department’s homeless outreach efforts, 48 operations were conducted, 320 contacts were made and 125 tons of trash was disposed of with the help of Code Enforcement and the City, Rayls said. The Lake Patrol had 478 calls for service in 2022, made 184 inspections, conducted 84 rescues and issued 89 citations. The traffic team issued 4,134 citations and made 146 DUI arrests. Total traffic collisions were 496 in 2021 and 485 in 2022. Property crimes were 1,752 in 2021 and 1,807 in 2022 with auto theft and

violence program and he was found guilty of a reduced misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace. Floyd received a 36-month probation sentence with a promise to not have any contact with Ricker and to pay her restitution.

According to court records, Floyd’s arraignment is on March 14.

arson numbers greatly reduced. Violent crimes were 184 in 2021 and 139 in 2022 with zero homicides either year.

“I want to recognize our sheriff’s captain tonight,” Councilmember Robert “Bob” Magee said. “Despite some of the rhetoric that you hear from time to time, according to his stats, almost every category went down last year from 2021. We have to attribute that to his leadership and to the great people that we have working out of the sheriff’s station. And to Measure Z and the increased investment we’ve been able to make in our public safety services.”

City Council Consent Calendar

No other information has been released as to a motive or the way they were believed to have been killed or where they were believed to have been killed. This is an active investigation and anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Deanne of the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.

items No. 2-15 were approved unanimously, 4-0, with Councilmember Brian Tisdale absent. Successor Agency Consent Calendar items 16-19 were also approved 4-0.

A public hearing regarding the updated master drainage plan and fee schedule was continued to the Tuesday, April 11, meeting after a motion by Magee and a second by Mayor Pro Tem Steve Manos.

City council member comments included a reminder by Manos about the upcoming Bunny Trunk Hop Wednesday, April 1, from noon to 3 p.m. at Downtown Main Street. The free event will include food, amusements and pictures

PLAN from page A-1

of the city’s still to be completed projects outlined in the former strategic plan that showed nearly 75% of the original 196 project tasks have been finished in the city since 2018.

Each of the tasks completed and those now underway were shown during the video portion of the presentation that is now available on the city’s website in the March 1 meeting video.

Most of those projects were not questioned by the council since they were discussed at length in earlier council workshops and meetings.

However, Karwin questioned that in the plans for the Wayfinding and Signage Program what would happen to the Menifee Lakes Community signage that is now in disrepair. City Manager Armando Villa told Karwin that all the wayfinding and signage signs in the city are now being studied to improve them and that particular signage is in the plan.

Zimmerman wanted the staff to keep the council apprised of the remaining 25% of the implemented plans and when they are to be done or completed. Kramer said the council would be continually apprised of the progress and any needs will be shown in the CIP budget requests in the coming years.

Nothing will be forgotten. We will finish out those projects that we

with the Easter Bunny. For more information, contact mveliz@ Lake-Elsinore.org

Mayor Natasha Johnson mentioned that all proceeds from the upcoming annual Cops For Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament, May 5, in Corona will go to the families of Darnell Calhoun and Brian Haney, officers who recently lost their lives in Lake Elsinore. For more information, visit http:// www.copsforkidsinc.org/events. The next regular meeting of the Lake Elsinore City Council and Successor Agency is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m. For more information, visit http:// www.lake-elsinore.org.

have committed to,” Kramer said. Sobek wanted to clarify that many of those projects that were not completed were added during the last five years. She wanted to have it understood that those projected added projects, if taken out of the study, would show a higher completion of the planned projects. Kramer responded that Sobek was correct and that actually 74 projects were added to the list in that time.

The council approved 10 consent calendar items with only one bringing discussion. The discussion led by Sobek on item 10.7 centered around an agreement with CivilPros to design the Bell Mountain Middle School Pedestrian Project for $68,941. It was adopted with an understanding the project design was needed before its actual construction. It will include new LED lighted pedestrian crossing signs on La Piedra Street from Murrieta to Antelope roads, a lane reduction and other pedestrian safety features along the well-traveled school, library and college entrance road. Sobek said the project is badly needed.

In another consent calendar item, the council made the final adoption of the city’s own Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Earlier in the meeting, the Women’s Relief Society President from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LaPiedra Ward, gave words of inspiration.

Menifee Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin, acting as the Menifee Rotary Club sponsored Mayor’s Charity Gala emcee, introduces the guests at the March 3 black-tie fundraiser in Menifee’s Fairfield Inn. Valley News/Tony Ault photos

Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman with Mayor’s Charity Gala guests Jennifer Wentz and Dan Aultman celebrate the occasion at the Fairfield Inn.

Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman shakes hands with former Murrieta Mayor Jonathan Ingram during the Menifee Rotary Club’s annual gala March 3.

Mary Phillips Senior Center temporarily closes for renovations

LOCAL

Haun Road Archaeological Site to be conveyed to Pechanga Tribe

Joe Naiman Writer

Once the escrow closes, the Haun Road Archaeological Site in Menifee will be owned by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians.

Valley Archaeological Site. The property is near the intersection of Haun Road and Scott Road west of Interstate 215.

TEMECULA – The Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 Sixth Street, is preparing for some muchneeded renovations and facility enhancements. The MPSC will be temporarily closed to the public while undergoing renovations set to begin in early April 2023.

MPSC renovations will include renewal of the building facade, roof replacement, upgraded interior lighting, improvements to the library, Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades and a newly added outdoor shuffleboard court. These repairs and renovations are quite extensive, and the facility is not scheduled to re-open until the completion of the renovations in early fall 2023.

MPSC essential services like Daily Nutrition Program, Transportation Program, AARP Tax Aide and the Cool Center will be moved to the Temecula Community Center, 28816 Pujol Street, while other programs will be put on hold until the MPSC reopens in the fall 2023.

The city’s inclusion and special needs programs like High Hopes, Supporting Kids Involving Parents and Youth Advisory Council will also be held at the TCC unless otherwise stated.

For more information, call 951694-6464 and stay tuned for more information by following @TemeculaParksAndRec on social media.

Submitted by Mary Phillips Senior Center.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors members are also the board of the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District, and on Feb. 28 the county supervisors acting as the park district board voted 4-0, with Manuel Perez absent, to approve an agreement for the purchase and sale of real property between the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District and the Pechanga Tribe. Approximately 35.5 acres of vacant land on Haun Road north of Scott Road will be purchased for $1,000,000.

The Haun Road Archaeological Site is also sometimes called Ringing Rock or the Menifee

The reason the property has historically been known as Ringing Rock is due to the ceremonial rock located at the site. Archaeologists have known about the rock since the early 20th century. Later in the century archaeologists recognized the significance of the site as a village site complete with burials, bedrock mortars and rock art.

When the area was slated for development in the late 1980s the county’s parks department worked with the Riverside County Board of Supervisors to acquire two parcels, which were purchased in 1990 for a total of $1.295 million. A third parcel was added to the park property later in the 1990s.

From the start of the process the parks department worked with the Pechanga Tribe to ensure proper care for the site. Since the

early 1990s the Pechanga Tribe has managed the site to protect the cultural resources on the property. In the mid-1990s the parks department entered into a management agreement with Pechanga, and since then a Tribal member has lived at the property as a caretaker. The property was never dedicated for park or open space purposes.

In April 2022, the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District declared the three parcels to be surplus property. County and park district staff worked with the Pechanga tribe on a purchase and sale agreement. Because no construction or additional use will occur as a result of the sale, the action to approve the sale was found to be categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review.

The funds acquired through the sale of the property will be used for cultural and interpretive resources under the park district’s care.

Murrieta Public Library extends checkout time to three weeks

MURRIETA – The Murrieta Public Library announced that they are extending the materials checkout time to three weeks. As part of February’s National Library

Lovers’ Month, the Murrieta Public Library wanted to show its love for patrons with the service extension. The change will be ongoing for items checked out now and

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.”

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

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.’

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.

in the future. Library patrons can check out up to 30 items, including books, instruments, museum passes and more.

In addition, February was the Library’s Food for Fines month, and until Tuesday, Feb. 28, the Murrieta Public Library removed $1.50 of overdue fines up to $15 for each non-perishable, nutritious, pre-packaged food item donated. Suggested food items for donation included baby food, canned soup, canned fruit, oatmeal, pasta, peanut butter, shelf-stable milk and cereal, among other non-perishable foods. All donated items were given to the Murrieta United Methodist Church Food Pantry.

“The Murrieta Public Library is passionate about providing excellent service and educational opportunities to our residents and visitors. We don’t want the item checkout period to discourage anyone from utilizing the incredible variety of books and materials available at the library. We hope this extended time to return items will make using the Murrieta Public Library even more beneficial for our community,” Melvin Racelis, manager of the Murrieta Public Library, said.

To learn more about the wide variety of resources and engaging programming available for all ages at the Murrieta Public Library, visit http://www.MurrietaCA.gov/ Library.

Submitted by city of Murrieta.

TEACHER from page A-1

55-year-old Billy Singfield.

MPD Detectives obtained a search warrant for Singfield’s residence and electronic devices. The search warrant was served in the early morning hours of March 4. The search warrant revealed additional evidence of the inappropriate relationship.

According to a bio online, Chief Warrant Officer Singfield retired from the Marines after 30 years of service in December 2015. His personal awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 2 gold stars in lieu of third award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal along with various unit and campaign awards.

He is a graduate of Chaminade University of Honolulu, Hawaii and earned teaching credentials for Hawaii and California.

The investigation is ongoing. MPD Detectives believe this is an isolated incident and there were no other children involved. If anyone has information related to this incident, they are encouraged to call the Menifee Police Department Detective Bureau at

March 10 – 16, 2023

Night of Black Excellence observed in Hemet

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

The Harlem Renaissance was an intellectual and cultural revival of African American music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater, politics and scholarship during the 1920s and 1930s. It was also the theme for the second annual Night of Black Excellence awards ceremony presented by Black Voices of the Valley, a nonprofit organization that endeavors to serve the black communities within the community.

Held Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Creative Touch Event Hall in Downtown Hemet, the evening of music, guest speakers and countless awards made for an entertaining evening for more than 100 guests who attended. An elegant atmosphere prevailed throughout the venue’s decorations and the attendees who showed the true spirit of the night through period attire.

Live music by singer Sheila Diggs and jazz saxophonist Earl Vault set a soulful mood as guests arrived at the four-hour celebration dressed to the nines.

Diggs began singing at age 11 and has continued while holding a career in firefighting and working in the medical field. She has won various singing competitions and has released a CD. She is the worship leader at Light of Hope Community Church in Hemet. Vault, a full-time musician in San Diego, started playing the saxophone at 10 years old. He has played with The Manhattans, toured with Ike Turner and worked with Barry White.

Retired Master Sgt. Lester Fountain of the U.S. Marine Corps served as master of ceremonies and shared humor and factual details with the audience. Stephanie Bruce, executive director of BVOV, welcomed everyone and said much of Black history is not taught in the schools, so “it’s important that we continue to educate ourselves.”

In that respect, she explained that printed cards at each dinner table told the biography of influential Black men and women such as Langston Hughes, one of the earliest innovators of the literary art form called jazz poetry that helped shape the Harlem Renaissance era. His work “Dreams,” reads in part, “if dreams die, life is a brokenwinged bird that cannot fly.”

Guest speaker Delores Chatmon was the first Black Commissioner for the city of Hemet. In her role, she helped to implement many low-income programs that assist residents with housing, utilities and job placement. She left her commissioner position during the coronavirus pandemic to devote herself full time to the House of Prayer ministry.

“I want to be able to go without limitations,” she said. “I want to work with not just Black people but Hispanics as well. I want to know what is going on in our community that we can help fix.”

Chatmon shared a blessing before guests were treated to a serving of either carved ribeye with garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli or salmon Wellington with sides of rice pilaf and asparagus, all prepared and served by Chef Dior’s Creations. Then the awards ceremony began.

This year’s Breaking Barriers Award was earned by San Jacinto Unified School Board member Nalaisha Burnett for being the first Black woman to serve as a board trustee. The former teacher, community volunteer and smallbusiness owner was elected to the school board in 2022, serving Trustee Area No. 5.

Bruce introduced her by saying, “It’s individuals like this that lead the way, pave the way, for others like us to get on board and start building a community of excellence.” Burnett said she wanted to be more involved in her community but did not set out to get into politics.

“Education is a passion I have,” she said. “I believe that education is something everybody can have.

You can learn anything, whether formally or informally. We have an opportunity to allow kids and the community to see what we can do; we don’t have to sit back and be passive or inactive. It’s an honor (to be in this role) but it’s also a big responsibility. I’m a mama bear for all the kids in our district. Education and knowledge are so powerful. There is so much at our fingertips. Knowledge can take you anywhere in life and anyone can access that power.”

Six students were awarded scholarships for their accomplishments while balancing classes, family jobs and more with wisdom and maturity. Two high school seniors, chosen for their perseverance, each received a $500 Stellar scholarship.

They were Cailah Miller-Thomas and Kaitlyn Turner. Four students were each awarded a $1,000 Academic Leadership scholarship.

They are Davian McGee, Brooklyn McGruder, David Myers and Anyk Tatum. Students also received certificates of recognition from local, regional and state officials.

The Honorable Judge Belinda A. Handy was the next guest speaker, and she challenged the young people in the room to learn about the court system and how they can pursue careers in the justice field.

She was elected as a commissioner by the Superior Court of Riverside County in 2016. Handy’s assignments have included family law, domestic violence, civil harassment, Assembly Bill 1058/child support, adoptions, traffic and small claims cases. Before serving on the bench, she served as a public defender and practiced civil and criminal law in Los Angeles and surrounding counties for 15 years.

Handy has made numerous judicial ethics presentations at New Judge Orientation and is a qualifying ethics instructor for the Center for Judicial Education and Resources. She serves as outreach co-chair for her Riverside County Moreno Valley court’s Committee to Eliminate Bias and Promote Equal Justice.

“Always do your best; not to please other people, not because you’re putting on airs for others, but do it for yourself because you never know who’s watching,” Handy said. “You can make a difference in people’s lives.”

Black Excellence It Takes a Village awards were presented to six community leaders on behalf of Black Voices of the Valley. Those honored were Larry Butler, Black Fatherhood; Vaughn Gray Jr., Cut Me Up Barbershop; Shereen Johnson, West Valley High School; Darnae Lawson, San Jacinto Fitness Ambassador; Michael McClure, City Net and the Watkins family, We Got Handles Academy.

Keynote speaker John Thompson Sr. is the co-founder, with Trudy Coleman, of Juneteenth America Inc., a nonprofit formed in 1996 with a mission to promote, educate and bring awareness of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Additionally, Thompson, a U.S. Navy veteran, has been involved in a variety of community organizations and initiatives, including serving as president of the Pomona Valley NAACP.

“Our family is our temple, our compassion is our salvation,” Thompson said. “Try to be a little more compassionate with your children, with your community, with the good guys and the bad guys. We have to incorporate that into who we are.”

Bruce said Black Voices of the Valley is fortunate to have a strong board of directors that can all reach out and develop the organization’s membership in many different directions. She is joined by Assistant Director Kevin Saunders, Treasurer Delesia Silva, Secretary Virgestine Nickerson, Education Chair Nalaisha Burnett and Technology Chair Robert Cauthorn.

For more information, visit http:// blackvoicesofthevalley.org , 916969-2232 or stephaniebrucebvovboard@gmail.com

Black Voices of the Valley Board members with guests, from left, Robert Cauthorn, Nalaisha Burnett, Delesia Silva, Kevin Saunders, John Thompson, Trudy Coleman, Stephanie Bruce and Virgestine Nickerson. Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photos

The Honorable Judge Belinda A. Handy is one of the guest speakers at the second annual Night of Black Excellence, hosted by Black Voices of the Valley.

Night of Black Excellence emcee Lester Fountain, left, has a laugh with community leader honoree Larry Butler at the second annual event in Hemet.

Earl Vault plays jazzy versions of some favorite tunes on his saxophone.

Guest speaker Delores Chatmon shares her story at the second annual Night of Black Excellence.

Saxophonist Earl Vault serenades dancers at the Black Voices of Valley sponsored event in Hemet.

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

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

March 10, 11, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 – 7:30 p.m. The Spongebob Musical at the Old Town Temecula Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula. Tickets at the box office or online at tickets.temeculatheater.org. For information call 866-653-8696.

March 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 –2 p.m. The Spongebob Musical at the Old Town Temecula Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula. Tickets at the box office or online at tickets.temeculatheater.org. For information call 866-653-8696.

March 13 – 4:30 p.m. Dog Tales

for children ages 3 to 12. Read to a certified therapy dog. Bring a book or choose a library book. Space is limited, please arrive early. Murrieta Public Library Community Room, 8 Town Square, Murrieta.

Every Monday in March.

March 23 – 4 p.m. Art Studio at the Murrieta Public Library Community Room Room and Garden, 8 Town Square, Murrieta. Designed to help your child embrace their inner artist. Geared towards elementary-aged children.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

those who don’t qualify for food assistance programs. Call 800510-2020 for help.

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

from each ticket will go to the nonprofit that helps deployed servicemembers and their families. Visit squidgamestemecula.com and click on ‘Play in the Squid Games’ to sign up. Remember to enter code MILVET and a portion of your ticket will be donated.

military men and women. MilVet is a nonprofit organization that holds monthly packaging events at different community locations in the area.. For drop-off locations and packaging locations visit www.milvet.org/militarycare-packages

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

Serving

City, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, San Jacinto, and Anza weekly.

March 10 – 6 p.m. The 19th annual Black History Month Essay Contest Awards Ceremony will be held at The Center for Spiritual Living, 40450 Stetson Ave., in Hemet. For more information, contact Mary Morse at marymorse@humanrelationscouncil. com or 951-634-4048.

March 10 – 6-9 p.m. Murrieta

Alternative Recreation Program for adults 18+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Theme is “Crazy Hair Night.” Murrieta Community Center, 41810 Juniper Street, Murrieta. $2 per participant. Contact 951-304-7275. Next program on March 24, 6-9 p.m.

Theme is “Fun Science Party.”

March 11 – 1-2:30 p.m. 1885

Murrieta History Walking Tours presented by the KEA Mill at Clay Avenue in Murrieta. Led by Murrieta Historical Society President Jeffery Harmon. Walk the streets of the original Murrieta town site.

March 16 – 5-9 p.m. Murrieta Market Nights at Downtown Murrieta. Family-friendly fun, music, food and shopping from local vendors.

March 18 – 2 p.m. Wildlife

Appreciation Day presentation at Menifee’s Central Park, 30268 Civic Plaza Drive, Menifee.

March 30 – 3:30-6:30 p.m. Art Show at the Hemet Public Library. Join us in celebrating the work of Exceed Program participants from the “Art In the Park” sessions at the Hemet Public Library, located at 300 E. Latham St.

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

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

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

ONGOING – If you know a homebound older adult, resources in Menifee are available, including grab-and-go, cooked and frozen food for pickup. Courtesy Pantry items and meals delivered with no contact. Three days of emergency food can be delivered immediately or restaurant meal delivery for

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

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

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

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

March 10 to April 4 – Menifee needs volunteers for The Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall coming to the Miller Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary in partnership with the city of Menifee and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1956. The two-thirds size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall will arrive in the city Tuesday, April 4, under escort and parade. Volunteers are needed for various tasks. For more information, please contact Miller Jones Mortuary at 951-672-0777 or visit www.cityofmenifee.us/ wallthatheals

March 11 – 8 a.m. The Squid Games Live coming to Murrieta Mesa High School, 24802 Monroe Ave. Murrieta. Must be 18 or older to participate but there will be a kids zone and many games with a large cash prize to the winner. Entrance fee is $69. Use MilVet promo code and $49

March 13 - 6 p.m. Hemet Heritage Foundation program on the Ramona Pageant. Dennis Anderson, Ramona’s Artistic Director, will give an update on the 100th anniversary production of ‘Ramona.’ In addition, he will give an historical overview of all the play directors since 1923, including the only woman director. Includes a special screening of ‘Loving Rebel,’ a documentary on Helen Hunt Jackson, author of the original Ramona novel. Several cast members will be in costume. Takes place at the Historic Hemet Theatre, 216 E. Florida Ave. in Hemet. Free parking and admission.

ONGOING– Sons of Norway/ Scandinavia meets at noon the first Saturday of every month, September to June, at the Heritage Mobile Park Clubhouse, 31130 S. General Kearny Road, in Temecula. A potluck lunch is

Anza Valley Outlook and Valley News

Published weekly Mail to Corporate Office 111 W. Alvarado St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (951) 763-5510 FAX (760) 723-9606 Corporate Office: (760) 723-7319

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March 14 - 1:30 p.m. for social time, 2 p.m. for presentation. SAGE Society presentation on Hemet’s Railroads & Depots Through Three Centuries. SAGE Society member Bob Chaparro will share the histories of the current and past Hemet depots, the influence of the several railroads on the growth and development of the city, and how the city’s history might have been different. Presentation at the Ramona Room behind Miller-Jones Mortuary. 1501 W. Florida Ave. in Hemet. For more info, call 951-265-2482

March 16 – 11 a.m. Healthy Menifee Programs at the North Annex Facility in Menifee at 29995 Evans Road.

March 18 – Noon to 4 p.m. STAT horse sanctuary presents a St. Patrick’s Day gala and fundraiser at 31530 Scott Road in Menifee. $25 donation with a drink and raffle ticket. Family fun with a kid zone, music, a lecture and other activities.

March 21 – 11 a.m. Temecula

Valley Republican Women presenting speakers Jessica Tapia, teacher on faith in schools and Matthew Dobler, Riverside Republican Party chairman during the luncheon at the Wilson Creek Winery, 35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula. RSVP by March 14 at tvrwomen.org, email rsvy@ tvrw.org or call 703-859-1865 and leave a voicemail. Luncheon cost reservation required early.

March 21– 6 p.m. Murrieta City Council meeting. Watch in person or online. Details at murrietaca. gov/agenda

March 22 – 5:30-7 p.m. Hemet

San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce Mixer at Ramona Bowl Courtyard, 27400 Ramona Bowl Road, Hemet. Celebrating Ramona Play’s 100th anniversary. Cast cowboys and Indians present. For information and play reservations call 951-658-3111. The Ramona play runs for three weekends, starting April 22.

April 8 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hemet

Woman’s Club is sponsoring the Car Seat Safety Clinic with the California Highway Patrol. Get car seats inspected and learn how to properly install them at this free event, taking place at the Hemet Valley Mall parking lot. 2204 W. Florida Ave, next to Polly’s Pies.

ONGOING – Want to help deployed American troops remotely? Help shop for most needed items without leaving your home! This is an easy way to help support deployed men and women by purchasing items remotely and having them delivered to MilVet at designated drop-off locations for packing. All items on the list are special requests from deployed

ONGOING – Noon to 1 p.m. Attend Murrieta Wildomar Chamber of Commerce’s weekly business briefing via Zoom or watch live on Facebook every Wednesday. Registration required at https://bit.ly/MWCBizBriefing The chamber business briefing is an opportunity to hear from city, county and business leaders about current and relevant business information.

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

ONGOING – 10 to 11:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chaparral High School sells out annual dance production shows

summer

The Chaparral High School Dance Program held its annual dance production with three sold out shows on Wednesday, March 1, through Friday, March 3. The dance production is a show for students to showcase their talent and creativity in the arts to family

Bingo benefits Soboba Tribal Preschool

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Special to the Valley News

Thanks to hundreds of funloving supporters, students at the Soboba Tribal Preschool will take a trip to Disneyland to celebrate the end of the current school year.

A family Bingo Night fundraiser was held Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Soboba Sports Complex to raise funds for the trip. More than 330 players paid $10 for a spaghetti dinner and two bingo cards that each offered four different games for a chance to win some cool prizes.

It was determined that about $7,500 needed to be raised to make

and friends.

The show featured the CHS Varsity and JV dance teams along with solo and duet performances. In a special surprise announcement, it was revealed that Chaparral High School will be constructing a new gymnasium starting in the

the trip a reality as the school plans to cover the admission price for each of its 60+ students and an adult family member to accompany them, according to the school. The Bingo Night raised $7,359 and after adding that to monies raised from a few earlier and smaller fundraisers, the children are going to Disneyland. Soboba Tribal Preschool Office Manager Amber Lopez said the plan for the year-end trip is to offer scheduled meet-up places and times during the day where the kids can gather with their classmates and teachers for group activities. It will be purely voluntary, but preschool staff believe

the families will enjoy meeting up with familiar faces throughout the day. Students are also allowed to bring along siblings and others at their own cost, so it promises to be a fun-filled family excursion for all.

“This is the first trip that we have taken since the COVID outbreak in 2020,” Donovan Post, principal of Noli Indian School, said.

He said the preschool staff came up with the idea for this fundraiser at one of their meetings.

“Everyone thought it would go over well, but we had no idea how well it would do,” he said. “It

and to be completed in 2024. The new gym will include a dance room for the dance department with hopes of improving the competitiveness of the CHS dance program and becoming one of the best in the valley.

Alexis Baumgartner and Yuri Gonzalez perform “Light without Dark.”

CHS Varsity dance team performs “Give it to me.”

The JV Dance team strikes a pose at the end of their routine. Valley News/David Canales photos

Sierra Vivanco, left, and Amber Lopez oversee Bingo Night as Harold Arres looks at his choice of prizes for having won a game at the Wednesday, Feb. 22, fundraiser. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photo

see BINGO, page B-4

SAFE Family Justice Centers, Domenigoni Ranch diabetes event, Rotary Club of Menifee given CID funding

Joe Naiman

Writer

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, Feb. 28, included approval of Community Improvement Designation funding for SAFE Family Justice Centers, the Domenigoni Ranch Charity Ride for Diabetes and the Rotary Club of Menifee.

The county supervisors voted 4-0, Feb. 28, with Manuel Perez

absent, to allocate $5,000 for SAFE Family Justice Centers, $2,500 to Diabetes Camping and Educational Services Inc. and $1,500 to the Rotary Club of Menifee.

Community Improvement Designation grants can be allocated to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, county departments or other organizations with programs which serve the social needs of the county’s population. Each county supervisor recommends the al -

location of CID funding from his or her district budget, although a majority of the county board of supervisors is needed to approve that recommendation. Supervisor Chuck Washington recommended the District 3 allocations.

SAFE Family Justice Centers is a nonprofit with locations in Temecula, Murrieta, Riverside and Indio. Victims of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking receive services which

include crisis intervention, safety planning and legal assistance.

SAFE Family Justice Centers has an annual fundraiser, and the CID money will be used to subsidize the expenses of that event.

Diabetes Camping and Educational Services organizes the Domenigoni Ranch Charity Ride for Diabetes which is a fundraiser to pay for research, education and camp for children with diabetes. The CID grant will help cover costs

Five ways to help protect your health during spring travel

Dr. Amit Arwindekar, Medical Director UnitedHealthcare Global

With spring break coming up soon, many California residents may be planning a getaway to visit with family and friends in other parts of the country or to explore an international destination.

While spring-time travel can be a chance to reconnect with loved ones or visit someplace new, it can also present challenges. Any

number of factors can lead to packed airports, and bad weather can cause annoying delays and cancellations. What’s more, nearly one in 10 international passengers end up requiring medical attention while traveling abroad. It all highlights the importance of pre-travel preparation.

To help minimize potential stress and reduce the risk of health-related issues while away from home, here are five tips to think about:

Anticipate potential health is-

sues. Consider a wellness checkup with a primary care doctor before departure to talk about travel plans, including the possible need for vaccinations. Packing a portable health kit may also prove helpful, so consider including items such as anti-inflammatory pain relievers, first-aid supplies, earplugs, sunscreen and sunburn relief, motion-sickness remedies and insect repellents. Refill medications . Before any trip, it is a good idea to refill medications and pack extra doses in case of travel delays. Some pharmacies may have limited hours during peak holidays, which could make a refill more difficult. When traveling by airplane, always pack medication in carry-on luggage to help ensure access. For international travel, be sure to check prescription drug restrictions for each country to help avoid the risk of medications being confiscated

BINGO from page B-3 really blows all expectations out of the water. The support from the Tribe was amazing; not only on the night by showing up, but also with the donations to make the night such a success.”

Lopez, who also served as bingo caller, said they planned for about 300 guests but welcomed at least 30 more who purchased tickets at the door on the night of the event.

upon arrival.

Reduce jet lag. People taking to the air can face the possibility of jet lag. To help avoid this, get lots of rest before a trip, and drink plenty of water before, during and after flights to reduce the dehydrating effects of cabin air. Then, make a point to get plenty of sunlight during the day, which can help to reset the body’s internal clock and promote better rest at night. Proper sleep can help strengthen the immune system, better regulate appetite and aid in recovery from injury.

Stay active. Studies have shown that exercise is a great choice for helping to reduce stress and improve mood. Incorporating physical activity into sightseeing is one strategy for staying active, as many places offer walking or bike tours that can be relatively affordable, informative and fun. Using a fitness app may also help, providing

Helping to organize and facilitate the fundraiser, in addition to Post and Lopez, were Sierra Vivanco, Lenora “Ponie” Mojado, Amanda Vallin, Julissa Garcia, Ana Garcia and Laura Aldrete. Post said Jacob Rivera and Arturo Horta, who cooked all the food, did an “amazing job” for the event.

“We also had the Family Services Department helping us out with Alicia Golchuk, Desiree Salazar and Jayson Latimer,” Lopez said.

She added that the biggest challenge was strategizing on how to run the games efficiently and the best layout for all the raffle items.

“Tara Placencia, grandmother of (preschool students) Liam and Lelani Grant, was a great help with giving us ideas on how they run their fundraiser events.”

Guests could purchase additional bingo cards as well as colorful daubers to mark off the numbers. There were also more than 30 items available to win for the price of a $1 raffle ticket. Collection bags were put in front of items such as an air fryer and a vintage

of the charity ride. The Rotary Club of Menifee promotes education, ethical conduct, career mentoring and humanitarian service. The CID funding will support fundraising efforts for the Rotary chapter’s programs and projects throughout the city of Menifee which focus on seniors and youth.

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

access to thousands of workouts, from high-intensity interval training to yoga, and meditation too. Get protection. Prior to traveling, take time to review your health insurance plan and confirm what it covers. Some health plans only offer network access to local health care professionals, and most insurance policies, including original Medicare, do not extend overseas or across the border. For additional protection abroad, travel medical plans may cover the cost of medical care and offer additional services. These may include foreign-language translation, directions to appropriate facilities or help with evacuation to other facilities and coordinated care with local health providers. Whether traveling for work or leisure, considering these tips can help avoid health issues, promote well-being and protect against unexpected complications.

record player as well as book and game collections that were popular with parents of young children in attendance. A silent auction offered one bidder a one-night stay at the Soboba Casino Resort Hotel that included a $100 voucher for slot play, a $200 dining credit and a free round of golf at the Soboba Springs Golf Course.

Students were encouraged to sell tickets to family and friends in the weeks leading up to the event and the top fundraisers were rewarded for their efforts with Disney character plush toys. Joseph Bentiste was tops with more than 44 tickets sold in advance and several at the door. His family also donated four raffle items. Right after him was Lelani Grant, who sold more than 30 tickets and extra at the door. Her family donated 20 raffle items.

“The highlight of the night was to see the fun everyone was having,” Lopez said. “It was also nice to see the community come together to support our young people. We are all truly grateful.”

More than 330 enthusiastic bingo players fill the Soboba Sports Complex to support the Soboba Tribal Preschool fundraiser for an endof-year Disneyland trip. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

Kathy Lopez’s donated raffle prize has something for everyone: a warm blanket, a plush Husky dog and her beautiful handmade beaded jewelry.

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Hemet San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce to hold Ramona Pageant gala in Hemet’s Ramona Bowl

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Hemet & San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the nationally recognized Ramona Pageant Wednesday, March 22. The chamber’s monthly mixer will come alive with cowboys and Indians in the newly renovated Ramona Courtyard. The cowboys, from the play, will be serving up pulled pork sliders and other fixings. The actors who play Ramona and Alessandro will be in attendance as well as the Red Tail Spirit Singers and Dancers and other cast members.

The chamber mixer will also commemorate that in the early

1920s that the chamber was responsible for the beginning of the Ramona Pageant. In 1921, Berdette Raynor, J.O. Percival and attorney Irwin Farrar as officers of the chamber played a role in the chamber’s decision to approve the staging of an outdoor play. “Ramona” was inspired by the 1884 novel by Helen Hunt Jackson that helped change the view of the American people about the treatment of Native American Tribes. The play was first held over the weekend, April 13-15, 1923. It marked the beginning of a new community effort which has continued to this day.

Raynor wrote a series of articles that ran in the Hemet News in April 1930.

“It seemed to me that if Hemet… could put on some outdoor performance that would draw a large number of people to our valley at least once a year, it would be a fine thing for the chamber of commerce to do, and a good thing for our communities,” he said. “To accomplish this end, nothing presented itself as favorably, to my mind, as the Ramona story.”

The script for the Pageant was adapted by Garnet Holme from Hunt Jackson’s novel.

In her novel, Hunt Jackson was trying to right the many wrongs perpetrated against Native American Tribes throughout the country.

“People will read a novel when they will not read serious books,” she said about her novel.

“Ramona” became an instant bestseller throughout the country. Hunt Jackson visited the San Jacinto area and spent time at Soboba and with other tribes throughout the region documenting the wrongs being perpetrated on the Indians.

In the early 1880s, Hunt Jackson emerged as one of America’s leading advocates for Indian rights. She called for changes in the government’s Indian policies, writing “A Century of Dishonor” in 1881 which was her first book on the subject. She delivered it to every senator and representative in Washington D.C. in hopes that they would do something; instead, they hired her to do a report on the Mission Tribes in California.

Hunt Jackson submitted that report to the government with a substantial list of recommendations to help the Mission Tribes’ conditions. When they did very little, she decided to write her books to appeal directly to the public.

This year, the Ramona Pageant is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. It is the longest running outdoor play in the U.S. It is also California’s Official Outdoor Play.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://ramonabowl.com . The pageant runs for three weekends, starting Saturday, April 22.

Tony Ault can be contacted by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa features Easter brunch and invites wine lovers to its Blessing of the Vines

TEMECULA – Ushering in the coming spring season, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa invites visitors and those who want to experience all Temecula Valley has to offer to two springtime events at its winery resort. On Easter Sunday, April 9, the culinary team at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant will present a buffet brunch feast for the senses, created for the whole family.

South Coast will celebrate its appreciation for its unique wine country terroir and salutes all who contribute to the winery’s successes and ongoing kudos – with its annual Blessing of the Vines evening party and ceremony Sunday, April 23. The event features food and wine pairings, the blessing, live band entertainment by Fear of Phobias and an exclusive event-only unreleased wine case savings.

The Easter Buffet at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant takes place Sunday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The California cuisine Easter Buffet Brunch presents stations serving a variety of classic dishes and celebration specials that will be added to please families and their friends with the season’s finest ingredients. The omelet station is filled with choices to design a custom creation, including diced

ham, chorizo, mixed peppers, onions, spinach, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, mushrooms, cheddar, Swiss and pico de gallo. The seafood station features delectable shrimp, mussels, clams, snow crab claws and sauces. The carving table offers seasonal carved-toorder meats and main entrees with the freshest vegetable accompaniments. The spring holiday feast ends with sweets and special treats for everyone.

The Easter Buffet is $75 for adults and half price for children five to 13, plus tax and gratuity. Children four and younger are free. Reservations are required at OpenTable by visiting https:// www.southcoastwinery.com/dining/vineyard-rose or by calling 888-362-4879. On Easter, The Vineyard Rose Restaurant will serve its regular breakfast menu from 8-9 a.m. and regular dinner menu from 5:30-9 p.m.

The South Coast Winery Blessing of the Vines takes place Sunday, April 23, from 5-8 p.m. in the Courtyard. To show their gratitude to the fertile land in the Temecula Valley, every year the Carter Family, South Coast Winery and their colleagues celebrate their good fortune to produce fine, award-winning wines and invite neighbors and destination visitors

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa will offer many April events to celebrate spring. to its Blessing of the Vines event. This April’s celebration includes nine food and wine pairings, two dessert wine pairings and a sparkling toast to the vines and all the people who work at the vineyard. The Blessing will take place in the vines, followed by speeches from the Carter family and head

Valley News/Courtesy photo

winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores. Live music by local band Fear of Phobias will be performed. An exclusive unreleased wine will be available for purchase for event goers only. A cash bar will be available during the event to serve beer and wine.

General admission is $110, wine

club member admission is $95, service and gratuity inclusive. The event is for those 21 years or older. Tickets available in the online store at https://www.southcoastwinery.com/activities/blessing.

Submitted by South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.

California Senate Republicans secure tax filing deadline extension

SACRAMENTO – Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones, R-San Diego; Sen. Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, and members of the California Senate Republican Caucus delivered a letter Thursday, March 2, to the California Franchise Tax Board requesting the state agency to extend its tax filing deadline from May 16 to Oct. 16

to mirror the change made recently by the IRS. Shortly thereafter, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the deadline has been extended. Traditionally, the filing deadline for federal and state tax returns is April 15. Because of the storms that negatively impacted so many Californians in December 2022, both the IRS and FTB extended

their filing deadlines to May 16.

Because of ongoing winter storms, the IRS has now extended the filing deadline to Oct. 16 for individuals and businesses in 44 California counties, which includes every major population area in California.

“Many residents have been severely impacted during these

storms that hit California over the past few months,” Jones said. “I’m pleased to hear that Gov. Newsom agrees with this commonsense extension and that the FTB listened to our calls to mirror the state tax filing deadline with the federal tax deadline. Today’s actions will help impacted Californians and create less confusion for tax filers.”

“It makes sense for California to conform with the extended federal deadline, especially for those needing more time due to the recent winter storms,” Niello said.

Submitted by California Senate Republicans.

CONTRACTORS

MICHAEL B. Mc

468-4467

SPEC Services to design EMWD communications towers

Joe Naiman

Writer

SPEC Services was awarded the Eastern Municipal Water District contract to design three new EMWD communications towers.

Eastern’s board voted 5-0 Wednesday, March 1m to approve the contact with SPEC Services, which is based in Fountain Valley. The contract is for $198,900, and the EMWD board authorized total appropriations of $259,000 which will also cover internal labor costs along with a $20,000 contingency.

The EMWD business telecommunication network provides service for data, phones, cameras and security systems. The network is accessible from water reclamation facilities, water production facilities and other remote facilities including the customer service call center. Bandwidth needs and reliance on network connectivity for the business network and for security and access control systems have increased in recent years. A fully redundant telecommunication network architecture would improve system reliability and capacity.

The three new towers will allow for an upgraded and secure communications network. The plans are to construct 40 foot tall monopoles at the Rancho Glen Oaks Tank site in the 39900 block of Esplendida Way in Temecula and at the Mission II Tank site in the 41200 block of Polly Butte Road in Hemet along with a 120 foot tall lattice tower at the Moreno Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility on Kitching Street.

A request for proposals for the design was issued Friday, Jan. 13. Two responses were received by the Thursday, Feb. 2, deadline.

SPEC Services was recommended as the preferred consultant based on the company’s detailed understanding of the project, project approach, qualifications of the project team and schedule. SPEC Services has previously performed

work for Eastern including a 40-foot tower at the Pala Lift Station. EMWD staff determined the proposed fee amount of $198,900 to be commensurate with the proposed scope of services.

The SPEC Services project management work will include monthly project meetings, coordination of design review meetings, development of construction cost estimates, monthly progress updates, coordination of required workshops for safety and operation, a quality assurance and quality control program and change management as needed.

The electrical and communication system evaluation and data gathering task will involve gathering and studying existing drawings for the facility, conducting a meeting with EMWD staff to obtain an understanding of electrical and communication requirements, identification of project stakeholders, development of a communication plan, field reviews of each site to compare the existing layout drawings against the actual installation, development of a preliminary plan, identification of possible layout alternatives including cost estimates and completion of the electrical system evaluation.

A geotechnical consultant will evaluate the site-specific subsurface conditions, determine appropriate geologic and geotechnical design parameters, and provide recommendations for site improvements. The geotechnical reports will include subsurface investigation, sample collection, laboratory testing, data reduction, geotechnical analysis and recommendations. Based on the geotechnical reports SPEC will provide engineering, design, equipment supply and field technical supervision for the required antenna towers and monopoles and coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration.

SPEC will develop a preliminary design report which documents safety, geotechnical reports, land

Chambers

June 29

surveys, electrical requirements, abandonment and demolition of existing facilities, a budgetarylevel construction cost estimate, design drawings for towers and foundations, right of way and easement coordination, coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, preliminary design calculations, supplemental specifications as required, a construction cost estimate and a project construction schedule. SPEC will also conduct two workshops for safety analysis, prepare the contract documents, attend construction pre-bid meetings as required and provide technical support and respond to bidder questions during the bid period.

The design work will begin in March and is expected to be complete within six months.

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

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce, after hosting an earlier Mega Mixer at Storm Stadium in Lake Elsinore, is hard at work planning for its summer Mega Mixer Thursday, June 29, at the Mt. San Jacinto College Temecula Campus. The Mega Mixers bring all of the Southwestern Riverside County Chambers of Commerce together for a social and informational event for businessmen, industrialists, developers, educators and more. Tables are available for participants to distribute food samples, prize contests, raffles, games and other offerings to the hundreds attending. Chambers can share their paid and nonprofit services, foods, entertainment venues, educational opportunities and company successes. Southwest Riverside chambers expected to attend include Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Moreno

Valley, Murrieta/Wildomar, Norco, Perris, San Jacinto and Temecula.

This summer, the chambers from Bonsall, Canyon Lake, Corona, Escondido and Fallbrook in northern San Diego were also invited. Sp onsorship opportunities are available as well with a Diamond sponsorship at $2,000 or a Gold sponsorship at $1,000 that includes tables and other amenities.

The event will be held from 3:30-7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, on the second floor of the MSJC Temecula campus at 41888 Motor Car Parkway, Building B. The cost is $250 for members and $500 for nonmembers.

Registration for available tables can be made online at https://bit.ly/ megamixerjune23 or call 951-6777916 or http://murrietachamber. org. No table sharing is permitted. Must be paid in advance. Follow the chamber on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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

EMWD establishes Maravilla Estates CFD

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District established a community facilities district for the planned Maravilla Estates development in San Jacinto.

A 5-0 EWMD board vote

Wednesday, March 1, adopted a resolution to establish the CFD. Because the area is within the boundaries of a previously formed CFD, that CFD was dissolved. The board action also certified the results of the election to form the CFD, adopted an ordinance authorizing the levy of a special tax and authorized the CFD to incur up to $7,000,000 of bonded indebtedness.

Maravilla Estates is south of

Seventh Street, east of Ramona Expressway, north of Esplanade Avenue and west of the Soboba Indian Reservation. San Jac 55 LLC currently owns the land which totals approximately 21.73 acres and plans to have 166 single-family homes constructed.

A community facilities district includes a special tax – sometimes known as mello-roos taxes due to the state legislators who authored the option for services on new development to be funded by an annual assessment – to fund the services and/or infrastructure. A Joint Communities Facilities Agreement stipulates the collection and distribution process for the taxes. If the one percent property tax is not sufficient to pay for maintenance,

fire protection and other services, a CFD may be formed for those services and that CFD would be perpetual. A CFD may also pay for infrastructure including capacity fees which are charged to developers to cover the new development’s share of existing infrastructure, and that assessment ends when the bonds are paid off. The CFD may also pay for the reimbursement to government agencies for their staff time and other expenses to form the CFD, the cost to issue bonds and the annual costs to administer the CFD. An assessment must be approved by a majority of property owners, although a developer who owns a property before it is subdivided may cast the sole vote in favor of a CFD which will be

Mud, water and damage – Now what?

Special

Though the heavy rains have subsided, more rain is in the forecast. However, danger could be lurking around the corner with mudflow and erosion problems. Make sure you are prepared!

If you find your home and property damaged, you may be wondering, “How do I get this put back together?”

If recent rains flooded your home, or you’ve noticed movement in retaining walls, house cracking/shifting, slopes seem to

be moving, wind damage, power failures, etc., these issues can pose serious dangers. Structural and interior damage, live power lines, mold and open areas of your house can all put you at risk. If damage is severe enough, you may need to leave your house until you are able to evaluate the damage.

Consider going to an emergency shelter, staying with friends or family, or staying at a hotel until you’re able to get an inspector to your home. Take a few days’ worth of clothing and supplies, if possible, but prioritize safety above collecting your possessions. Noth-

OPEN FRI 3/10 2-4pm 2115 Flame Tree, Hemet

ing is worth being injured or killed. Things are replaceable, however, your life isn’t!

Check with your insurance company and find out what your policy covers. They may provide someone to inspect your home for safety hazards, or you may need to hire someone (make sure they are licensed and qualified), but in either case, you should have your home checked for hazards before you return.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a variety of assistance to victims of storm damage. If a local, state or

binding upon subsequent property owners. San Jac 55 LLC submitted a petition to the water and sewer district requesting the establishment of a CFD. The CFD will finance EMWD facilities and facility costs in lieu of fees. The improvements include the construction, purchase, modification, expansion, improvement or rehabilitation of water and sewer facilities including the acquisition of capacity in the sewer system and/or water system along with all appurtenances and appurtenant work including the cost of engineering, planning, designing, materials testing, coordination, construction staking, construction management and supervision for such improvements and any other

federally declared disaster is announced, you may be eligible to get help with temporary housing, repairs, meals for your family and filing insurance claims. Contact the FEMA branch in your area.

Once your home is safe, document the damage that has been done by the storm as soon as possible, particularly if your homeowner’s insurance only covers certain types of damage. Take photos of the damage, and be sure to document any potential problems, such as structural or interior damage, mold, crumbling drywall or exposed power lines. It’s a good

expense incidental to the construction, acquisition, modification, expansion or rehabilitation of the improvements.

A previous Maravilla Estates CFD was formed in January 2016 when Maravilla Partners II LLC owned the land. No bonds were issued for the previous CFD although special taxes were collected from fiscal years 2016-2017 through 2021-2022. The special taxes which have been collected will be used towards the new CFD. The tax for the Maravilla Estates CFD will not be levied after fiscal year 2066‐2067 and may end sooner if the debt is paid off earlier.

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

idea to have pictures on file of the normal state of your house.

When documenting damage, danger still may be imminent. Ground movement, pipes breaking, electrical lines and unstable structures can cause injury even after the storm. Use caution. Do not touch any power lines. If you smell gas, leave the area ASAP. Wear sturdy boots, gloves and a hardhat.

More storms are forecasted to hit following the recent rainfall. Remember; if you’re concerned about a storm that hasn’t hit yet, take photos both before and after the storm.

Many homeowner’s insurance policies won’t cover flood damage, so if your home has flooded, contact your flood insurance company instead. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might be stuck paying for the damage yourself. You can contact a disaster clean-up company to come in and evaluate your home and begin the post-flood clean-up process.

Cozy Home

OPEN FRI 3/10 11:30am-1pm & SAT 3/11 10am-12pm 44725 State Hwy 74 #96, Hemet

This immaculate 55+ manufactured home is ready for its new owner. 1 bedroom 1 bath, enclosed patio with bonus room. Appliances and some furniture are included. Great place to retire. Don’t miss out.

Offered at $1,200,000

Large Residential Lot

Over a quarter acre flat residential corner lot, Owner will carry, FHA or VA financing available through Academy Mortgage for allin-one loan for wood frame construction or manufactured home. Close to shopping; and shopping with easy access out of town perfect for commuting. Please call city planning dept to verify permissible uses of APN 434124012.

Offered at $149,999

Offered at $35,000

Reduced Price

This 4.19 acre is waiting for you to buy, it is a 1976 Mobile Home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms 1536 square feet, this property is located in a residential area, and this is a great place to adventure on your motorcycles, and get your RV to go camping.

Offered at $100,000

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

to Valley News

March 10 – 16, 2023

Eagles teams’ historic basketball seasons come to an end

Tia Barefield, pictured here against Bonita Vista in the semifinals, scored 21 points two days earlier for Rancho Christian, drilling seven 3-pointers in the first round of the SoCal Regional Division 2 CIF State tournament Thursday, March 2.

Raineri

JP

Sports Editor

TEMECULA — If Barefield wasn’t already a household name in the area for basketball, it surely is after the last week of games played by both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams at Rancho Christian School.

The boys’ team, who won their first round SoCal Regional

Division 1 CIF State game

Tuesday, Feb. 28, is headed by a Barefield, and the girls’ team was led through their first round of the SoCal Regional Division 2 CIF State tournament that same night, by a Barefield as well.

Let’s start with the latter. With both teams playing at home, in opening round action, Tia Barefield, daughter of Coach Ray, showed off her downtown skills

Division 2 CIF State tournament Saturday,

4. late in the game, which kicked the Lady Eagles into gear after struggling on offense early in their matchup against Crenshaw High School (20-8).

No. 4 seeded Rancho Christian (26-6) only led 25-20 at halftime, made 8 of 29 shots and had zero 3-pointers. They also had to deal with early foul trouble to two of their top players, Aaliyah Stanton and Jada Tiggett. It would be Shaylynn De Yager who would help carry the offense while Stanton and Tiggett battled through their foul troubles.

De Yager scored 12 of her 19 points before halftime and finished the evening with 19 points. It was halfway through the third quarter,

though, that Tia Barefield would take matters into her own hands when she told the media that she wanted to get up as many good shots as she could.

“My confidence grew with every shot I made,” Barefield, who scored all 21 of her points in the second half, said.

Before Barefield sank the game’s first 3-pointer with 5:33 in the third quarter, both were collectively 0 for 19 from downtown. Barefield sank four more long-range shots during the final three minutes of third period as the Eagles extended the lead to 54-32. She would drain six consecutive 3-pointers at one point, going from the third to fourth quarter and made a seventh

later in the quarter to help the Eagles secure a 75-52 win. Stanton would come back and score 13 of her 19 points after halftime. Tiggett had seven points and a game-high 17 rebounds. She also had four blocked shots in the first quarter of the game.

The Rancho Christian girls’ team would score 50 points in the second half, helping them advance their cause as they hosted and beat No. 5-seeded Hart (29-4) in a second-round game Thursday, March 2. That 74-65 win got the Lady Eagles to the semifinal game, where they would travel to take on Bonita Vista in a thriller

Hemet

girls

avenge CIF-SS

championship loss, beat Crean Lutheran for State soccer title

Raineri

JP

Sports Editor

The Hemet girls’ soccer team advanced to the CIF State SoCal Division 4 Regional championships this past Saturday, and squared off against the same opponent they faced in CIF Southern Section championship match they played one week prior, the Crean Lutheran Saints. The Bulldogs were one of four teams from Southern California to do so, which included the Carter and Ramona girls’ soccer teams and the San Gorgonio boys’ soccer team.

While No. 5 seeded Hemet (19-3-3) suffered a 1-0 loss to Crean Lutheran in the Southern Section Division 5 championship Saturday, Feb. 25, they were hungry to get back on the field to prove they were the better team. In the Regional playoffs, the

Bulldogs took out Monte Vista of Spring Valley 3-1, and would score three goals in the second half to knock off top seeded El Rancho of Pico Rivera, 4-1. The two wins got them the rematch they worked so hard for, and they did not disappoint.

Putting an exclamation point on their season, Hemet defeated the No. 3 seeded Saints 2-0, and they did so on the road, a feat that they did not accomplish the first time they met.

The roster for Hemet, with position and grade, is: Iraima Ramos GK (9), Janett Vazquez F (11), Jordynn Carlisle D (10), Bridget Arnold F (12), Presley Searl M (12), Tyariz Hernandez M (11), Makenna O’Neal D (12), Natalie Arnold D (12), Olivia Uribe M (12), Melissa Tenorio M (11), Priscilla Ramirez F (10),

see BASKETBALL, page C-2 see SOCCER, page C-3

Aaliyah Stanton (1) makes a drive to the basket against Bonita Vista in the semifinal round of the SoCal Regional

March

a

win over Crean Lutheran Saturday, March 4, the Hemet Bulldogs claimed the CIF State SoCal Regional title, avenging a CIF-SS championship loss to the Saints a week prior.

Rancho Christian’s Julia Wilson dribbles down court against Bonita Vista in the semifinal round of the SoCal Regional Division 2 CIF State tournament Saturday, March 4.

Rancho Christian’s Kevin Patton Jr. finished with 16 points and seven rebounds against Carlsbad in the first round of their SoCal Regional Division 1 CIF State game Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Valley News/Time Stood Still Photography photos Valley News/Courtesy photo

Local student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

Student-athletes from around the area took part in National Letter of Intent signing day ceremonies last month, being recognized for committing to play sports and further their education at the next level. The National Signing Day period is Nov. 9, 2022, for all D1 and D2 sports outside of football or basketball, and the signing period continues through Aug. 1.

Wednesday, April 12, is the final ceremony of the high school year that most schools will use to commemorate their 2022 studentathletes.

National Signing Day for many sports, especially in Division I, has become a celebrated event. These ceremonies are held so a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent with an NCAA, NCCAA or NAIA college, committing in writing to attend that school in exchange for a commitment from the school to receive financial aid and scholarships.

Technically, student-athletes do not need to sign their National Letters of Intent on the first day of their designated signing period, but many do. Below are updated signing

that literally came down to the final seconds. Unfortunately, the outcome would not go Rancho Christians way as their historic season came to an end with a 70-69 loss. But, with a league title, and CIF Southern Section championship under their belt, that isn’t a bad way to go out

The Rancho Christian’s boys’ team was firing on all cylinders out of the gate in their 89-72 victory over Carlsbad in first-round action of their Division 1 CIF State SoCal regional opener. The Eagles made 10 of 13 shots in the opening quarter and went on a 20-5 run to jump out to a double-digit lead, and never looked back. Senior guard Kollen Murphy was on fire for Rancho Christian (24-10), scoring a team-high 28 points, making 10 of his 12 shots from the floor.

Carlsbad (24-7) put up a fight though, collectively they made ten 3-pointers in the game as Jake Hall dropped 31 points for the

dates for each sport for studentathletes signing in 2022-2023 for 2023-2024 enrollment.

D1 Basketball (early period):

Nov. 9, 2022 - Nov. 16, 2022

D1 Basketball (regular period): April 12, 2023 - May 17, 2023

D1 Football (early period): Dec. 21, 2022 - Dec. 23, 2022

D1 and D2 Football (mid-year JC transfer): Dec. 21, 2022 - Jan. 15, 2023

D1 and D2 Football (regular period): Feb. 1, 2023 - D1: April 1, 2023; D2: Aug. 1, 2023

All other D1 and D2 sports: Nov. 9, 2022 - Aug. 1, 2023

Because athletic scholarships are not given at the Division 3 level, athletes don’t have an NLI to sign, but they can sign a “non-binding standardized celebratory form.” It can be signed by a prospect after the prospect has been accepted to a Division 3 institution.

Insider tip: Student-athletes can sign a National Letter Intent after the last signing period ends, but it is rare that there will be any roster spots left.

Here is a look at the colleges and universities to which many local student-athletes will be taking their talents, as reported by school athletic directors.

Lancers, getting the visiting team within six points midway through the third quarter.

Rancho Christian had five players score in double digits for the win, which included Murphy, as well Kevin Patton Jr., who finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, Rodney Brown (13 points and 10 rebounds), Bailey Chambers (13 points) and Martin Gumwel, who added 12 points.

Rancho Christian, the No. 7 seed in the Division 1 regional, then traveled to face the No. 2-seeded

Bishop Montgomery Knights (27-4) on Thursday, March 2. The Knights defeated No. 15 seeded Torrey Pines 81-53 in their firstround matchup. The championship quest for the Eagles, who not only won an Ivy League title, but also a CIF-SS Division 2A title this past season, ended at the hands of the second-seeded Knights.

CHAPARRAL

Zack Burrow, Baseball, Lubbock

Christian

Jacob Chapman, Baseball, Oregon Institute of Technology

Makayla De La Rosa, Softball, Alliance

Cedric Jefferson, Football, Montana State

Bella Rittenberg, Women’s Volleyball, Penn Yesenia Ruiz, cheer, Hawaii

Pacific

Mia Scranton, Women’s Soccer, California Baptist

Izaiah Souriolle, Football, UC Davis

Robbie Stebbing, Football, Colorado State-Pueblo

Caron Tyler, Football, Valparaiso

CHRISTIAN

CORNERSTONE

Jaiden Chavez, Football, Arizona

Christian

HERITAGE

Joshua Martinez, Baseball, Cal State Northridge

Cassidy Shaw, Softball, Princeton Tara Skinner, Softball, Hawaii Hilo

Makenna Suarez, Women’s Soccer, Florida National Tyler Suttles, Softball, North Carolina Central Jacob VanRensburg, Men’s Swimming, Concordia-Irvine

LINFIELD CHRSTIAN

Jonathan Aguilera, Football, Concordia-Ann Arbor

MURRIETA MESA

Sonja Aarsvold, Women’s Swimming, Cincinnati

Kaitlyn Dibble, Women’s Lacrosse, Lee University

Emilee Elizondo, Women’s Swimming, Biola

Tucker Murphy, Football, Western New Mexico

Aubree Painter, Women’s

Lacrosse, Lincoln Memorial

Liz Wang, Women’s Lacrosse, Carroll University

VISTA MURRIETA

Leilani Abalos, Women’s Swimming, Army

Stephen Acosta, Football, Benedictine College

Sakha Arianto, Men’s Lacrosse, West Coast University

Hudson Castillo, Baseball, Northwest Nazarene

Skylar Darr, Women’s Volleyball, North Dakota

Penelope Foote, Softball, Lane College

Alyssa Herrera, Softball, UC, Berkeley

Zoe Horner, Women’s Volleyball, Trevecca Nazarene

Giselle Hovey, Cheer, Hawaii Pacific

Landon Klug, Men’s Lacrosse, Northwest Nazarene

Willis Lacy, Baseball, Westmont

Jake Ledford, Baseball, La Verne

Claire Little, Women’s Volleyball, BYU

Brooke Lopez, Softball, William Woods

Niyla McFadden, Softball, Alabama

A&M

Roman Meyer, Baseball, Long Beach State

Taralyn Ollison, Softball, Southern Utah

Lucas Pirko, Baseball, California

Baptist

Nate Prinkey, Baseball, North Georgia

Katie Rodriguez, Women’s Track and Field, Northeastern

Sophia Romero, Softball, Boise State

Allyjane Salgana, Stunt Cheer, Concordia-Irvine

Lauren Schwartz, Women’s Soccer, Westmont

Taylour Spencer, Softball, Oregon Mason Tracey, Men’s Soccer, Northwest Nazarene

Grant Wayne, Football, Air Force

If you know of a student-athlete that is playing at the next level and did not get recognized in the paper this week, send more information to sports@reedermedia.com

Bishop Montgomery

off the No.

Eagles

Vista Murrieta’s Giselle Hovey is all smiles after signing her National Letter of Intent to attend Hawaii Pacific where she will compete in cheer this next year.

Lacrosse players from Murrieta Mesa help celebrate their seniors that signed National Letters of Intent during a ceremony held at the school last month. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Vista Murrieta’s Alyssa Herrera smiles after signing her National Letter of Intent to attend University of California, Berkeley where she will compete in softball next year.

Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Vista Murrieta’s Landon Klug signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Northwest Nazarene where he will compete in Lacrosse after graduation this year.

Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

held

7 seed Rancho Christian

68-60 in their secondround matchup of the CIF SoCal

Senior guard Kollen Murphy scored a team-high 28 points against Carlsbad in first round action of the SoCal Regional Division 1 CIF State playoffs Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Rancho Christian’s Martin Gumwel dunks the ball against Carlsbad in their first round SoCal Regional Division 1 CIF State playoffs game Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Valley News/Time Stood Still Photography photos Regional Division 1 playoffs. The Eagles would get within seven points with 2:56 left in the game, but the Knights pushed their lead to 62-50 on a Christian Jones dunk and two free throws by Kelcy

Phipps, which all but took the wind out the room. Rancho Christian did make a late rally, but Bishop Montgomery put the game away with their impeccable free throw shooting.

Kevin Patton Jr. led Rancho Christian with 27 points in their final game of the season. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com

BASKETBALL from page C-1

Area wrestlers continue to shine at State meet in Bakersfield

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

BAKERSFIELD – There is a talented group of local male and female wrestlers excelling at the CIF State championship meet at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield. Doing exceptionally well, representing the area, are the females. While the event took place two weekends ago, we have broken each day up so as to not group all their successes in one article. Last week we covered the quarterfinal round, and now, it’s time to highlight those that advanced to the semifinals, and next week, the focus will be on State champions, and podium placers.

Lakeside’s Jillian Wells, the No. 8 seed in the bracket, continued to be a force to be reckoned with in the 101-pound weight class. Wells pulled off one of the biggest upsets when she scored a 9-3 victory over top-seeded Avy Perez of Birmingham (Van Nuys). Her advancement ensured she would face unseeded Katherine Hernandez of Bell Gardens in the semifinal round.

In the 235-pound weight class, Liberty’s unseeded Anna Bozanic is making a big name for herself, competing as one of the lone freshmen representing the area. Bozanic took down the bracket’s top seed in the opening round and went on to pin her next three opponents. The new face from the area’s newest high school, Bozanic

A referee looks in as two male wrestlers compete at the CIF State championship meet at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield late last month.

Valley News/CIF State, Joe Bergman photos advanced to face No. 5-seeded Destiny Marquez of Marina in the semis. Marquez pinned Bozanic at the Master Meet a week before.

Paloma Valley’s Karissa

Turnwall, the bracket’s No. 2 seed, advanced to the semifinals in the girls 111-pound bracket with a 3-2 decision over Eden Hernandez of San Clemente. Turnwall’s next time up would be when she had to face No. 3 seed Kylee Golz of Trabuco Hills in the semifinals. She lost to Golz earlier this season at the Dick Morris Memorial Girls Tournament.

Temescal Canyon’s Cara Cheng, who was not seeded going into the tournament, had a 2-1 decision over Arianna McPike of Millbrae

Mills to advance to the semifinals of the girls 137-pound bracket. Cheng advanced to face No. 5 seed Valerie Glenn of Gilroy in the semifinals.

A handful of other area wrestlers found some life when they were bracketed on the consolation side of things. These wrestlers needed a win in their first consolation match on the final day to find a spot on the podium. Along with the consolation quarterfinal matches, the following list shows which local wrestlers competed for Saturday’s championship semifinal round.

Boys Consolation

Quarterfinals

120: No. 13 Aidan Munoz

(Temecula Valley) vs. No. 7 Billy Townson (Poway)

126: No. 8 Ryan Lobato (Lakeside) vs. No. 11 Isaac Herrera (Del Oro)

138: No. 7 Justin Wells (Lakeside) vs. Jayson Victoria (Granada) Girls Consolation

Quarterfinals

101: No. 7 Olivia Lopez (Hamilton) vs. Nathalie Erazo (Marina)

121: No. 5 Makayla Correa (Paloma Valley) vs. Skylar Whitley (Harvard-Westlake)

131: No. 8 Addison Ellis (Orange Vista) vs. Britny Morales (Foothill)

Girls Championship

Rancho Christian baseball off to good start under Ybarra

Semifinals

101: No. 8 Jillian Wells (Lakeside) vs. Katherine Hernandez (Bell Gardens)

111: No. 2 Karissa Turnwall (Paloma Valley) vs. No. 3 Kylee Golz (Trabuco Hills)

137: Cara Cheng (Temescal Canyon) vs. No. 5 Valerie Glenn (Gilroy)

235: Anna Bozanic (Liberty) vs. No. 5 Destiny Marquez (Marina)

All postseason brackets and updates can be found by going to the top of the CIF Southern Section website at www.cifstate.org. Please email sports@reedermedia.com if there are any changes in times, dates and/or sites.

JP Raineri Sports Editor

The Rancho Christian baseball team is off to a good start under new head coach Tracey Ybarra. With their 10-6 win over Nuview Bridge Tuesday, Feb. 21, the Eagles are 2-1 going into this week.

Against the Knights, Rancho Christian’s offense was led by senior Cole Rozenko who went 4 for 4 on the day with 4 RBIs. Rozenko, who recently committed to play at the University of La Verne, also picked up the win on the bump for the Eagles with his three innings of mid-game work. He had three strikeouts, two walks and gave up one earned run.

“Our team is looking very

competitive this season, and it has a lot to do with the players buying into what I’m trying to do over here, which includes making a postseason run,” Ybarra said. “We started in winter ball doing extracurricular activities like a three game World Series, a Thanksgiving football game, and the boys hanging out with each other on campus. They go to school sporting events and sit together, and I’m seeing their bond grow tighter as the season progresses. That part is really starting to show up on the field.”

Other contributors from Rancho Christian, against Nuview Bridge, included Kevin Bender (Sr): 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored, Will Ramos (Sr): 2 for 4, Kayson Kobayashi (Fr): 2 for 3,

and Gavin Roth (Sr) who had 3 runs scored and 4 stolen bases. Johnny Campuzano went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored to lead Nuview Bridge (1-2) on offense while Toby Olague got the loss on the mound. Obviously basketball is huge over here, added Ybarra. “I thought, why can’t baseball be that big too? Slowly but surely, people are talking about what’s going on over here,” Ybarra said. L akeside leads the standings

in the Inland Valley League. The Lancers are 1-0 in league and 4-1 overall after beating Murrieta Mesa (1-2) this past Saturday. Rancho Verde (4-3, 0-1), Vista del Lago (0-1) and Rancho Christian (2-1) round out the remaining teams.

“With seven freshmen on our squad, five of whom are starters, we are an incredibly young team,” Ybarra said. “So, the future looks bright. We have only one rule in

Spring sports scoreboard, Week ending March 4

Here is a look at some of the most recent scores from matches and games in high school sports taking place over the last week in the area.

Baseball Paloma Valley (3-2-1) – 3

Temescal Canyon (2-5) – 2

WP: Elijah Karney

LP: Jonathan Reece

PV: Jaylen Adams (So) – 2 for 3, RS; Phillip Wolhar (Sr) – 1 for 2, RBI; Joey Davis (Jr) – 1 for 4, RBI

TC: Gannon Gonzales (So) – 2 for 3, RS; Jonathan Reece (So) – 2 for 3, RS

SOCCER from page C-1

Katelyn

Softball Murrieta Valley (3-5, 1-0) – 11

Chaparral (2-3, 0-1) – 1

L: Trista Clarke

CHS: Kiera Beierly – 1 for 2, RBI, 2B No stats posted for MVHS

Murrieta Mesa (2-0, 1-0) – 4

Vista Murrieta (4-1, 0-1) – 0

WP: Caylea Rains-Campbell

LP: T. Spencer

MMHS: Jasmyn “Jazzy” Burns – 2 for 3, 2 RBI, HR

VMHS: L Gonzales – 3 for 3

Aquinas (11-1) – 9

Linfield Christian (1-1) – 8

WP: A. Valenzuela (Jr)

AHS: Savanna Estrada (Fr) – 3 for 4, 3 RBI, 2B, HR

LCS: No stats entered Boys’ Lacrosse Chaparral (2-3-1) – 15

Linfield Christian (5-0) – 19

POG: Jacob Washburn (Sr) 5 goals, 1 assist, 6 points

LCS: Dylan Cane (Jr) 6 goals, 1 assist, 7 points; Kallen Gwin (So) 5 goals, 3 assists, 8 points

Girls’ Lacrosse

Murrieta Mesa (4-0) – 17, Mater

Dei (1-1) – 10

MM: Elizabeth Wang (Sr) – 6 goals; Sophia Tresvan (Sr) – 5 goals

Boys’ Golf

Linfield Christian – 206, Temecula Valley – 219

Leader: Luke Bohmer (LCS)+1 (37)

Don’t see your team’s score?

Photos and sports scores/stats can be submitted to sports@ reedermedia.com Be smart.

this program, ‘do the right thing.’ Everything that encompasses that one rule is what we stand by. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for these players. We’re just getting started.”

The Eagles have not had a league game yet but will face Lakeside this week as they start IVL play.

JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com

JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com

Fans cheer on their favorite wrestlers at the CIF State championship meet at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield late last month.

Rathbone F (10), Izabella Davis D (10), Stephanie Cabello M (11), Kennedy Estanislao M (12), Denise Cortes M (11), Allyson Jamisola M (10) and Reece Powers GK (10). Coaches: Craig Dwinnell and Steve Strutz. (As listed on MaxPreps, and the CIF State program guide.)

Rancho Christian’s Cole Rozenko (8) slides to avoid the tag in a recent preseason game against Nuview Bridge.

Head coach Tracy Ybarra talks with his players during a recent home game at the Rancho Christian baseball field.

A Linfield Christian pitcher deals against Aquinas in a recent softball game. Valley News/Courtesy photo

NFPA

and

State Farm

announce

May 6 as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

QUINCY, Mass. – The National Fire Protection Association and State Farm announce that Wildfire Community Preparedness Day will be held Saturday, May 6. The national campaign, which began in 2014, provides an opportunity for groups and individuals who live in wildfire-prone areas to come together on a single day to complete projects that can help make their homes and communities safer from wildfire. This year, the campaign is focused on what residents can do to help their home survive a wildfire. Years of scientific research support the prescription of removing fuel sources from the area around the home – known as the “home ignition zone” – and is a key component to making a home safe from embers and radiant heat from wildfires. Simple, low-cost home improvement projects such as clearing dead leaves, debris and pine needles from roofs and gutters, keeping

lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches, removing anything stored underneath decks or porches that could burn, and other similar actions are being actively supported by NFPA and State Farm on Preparedness Day and can be easily undertaken by the majority of homeowners.

“The threat of wildfire is becoming increasingly prevalent and dangerous, posing greater risks to people and property than ever before,” Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy, said. “In preparation for a future with more wildfire activity, homeowners need to understand their role and take action in reducing wildfire risk. We encourage people to use and share NFPA’s wildfire safety resources with others in their community to not only make a difference in safety on Preparedness Day, but all through the year as well.”

According to the National

Large Selection of Roses

Interagency Fire Center, some 71.8 million properties in the U.S. are at some level of risk from wildfire. This number is predicted to grow by 11% over the next 30 years. In the past five years wildfires have destroyed nearly 63,000 structures, the majority of which were homes. That number is poised to grow as increased wildfire activity encounters the substantial number of homes and communities located in wildfire-prone areas. For more information about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, project ideas and free resources to download and share, including a Preparedness Day toolkit, visit http://wildfireprepday.org

For more information, visit the NFPA at http://www.nfpa.org Submitted by National Fire Protection Association.

Free garden info expo & plant swap at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library

Readying your garden for spring?

Whether you are new to gardening or an experienced horticulturist, the Temecula library has a program for those interested. Stop by the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road, on Thursday, March 23, from 6-7:30 p.m. for a free Garden Info Expo & Plant Swap. With the experts from the Temecula Native Plant Society, the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources, the Riverside County Master Gardeners and more, residents can get answers to all their questions on everything from prepping the seedlings to composting and growing your favorite flowers.

Guidance and careful step-bystep instructions for beginners or

those more advanced gardeners will be covered in the workshop, along with tips on how to take delicate care for the plants to grow and bloom. Attendees are encouraged to bring healthy potted plants or cuttings with them to swap with their neighbors. The event will be a collaborative and informative event for all those who share a love for nature, gardening and those who want to be ready for the warm spring Southern California Superbloom. Sponsored by the Friends of the Temecula Libraries. No registration is required. Open to ages 18 and over.

For a full list of programs and offerings at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/Library.

SoCalGas announces $10M to support those impacted by regional gas market prices

LOS ANGELES – Southern California Gas Co. announced $10 million in shareholder funding to help customers with bill assistance and to bolster community resources for those who may be struggling financially.

The company committed $5 million in shareholder funding to the Gas Assistance Fund, a program administered by the United Way that provides income-qualified customers with one-time grants to help pay their natural gas bills. The contribution is the largest in the fund’s 40-year history and will help the United Way expand access to the program to thousands of additional Southern Californians this winter.

SoCalGas also announced it will contribute $4 million from its donor advised fund to relaunch its popular Fueling Our Communities program, a collaboration with local food banks and nonprofits that has provided free meals and groceries to thousands of Californians facing food insecurity since 2020.

In addition, SoCalGas will contribute $1 million in aid from its donor advised fund to small restaurant owners through the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, a fund that was started in 2021 to help small restaurants with improvements, upgrades, employee retention and to manage debt, losses and rising costs.

“This winter’s unprecedented natural gas prices, on top of already high inflation, have been

a real hardship for many Southern Californians, especially our most vulnerable, our seniors, and people facing difficult circumstances,” Scott Drury, CEO of SoCalGas, said. “Thanks to the incredible work of the United Way, and the network of tireless, nonprofit leaders who support our work in the community, we will be able to help many more of our neighbors, families, and small businesses in cities and towns across Southern California this winter.”

“These contributions will provide much-needed relief for some of our most vulnerable residents at a time when cold temperatures make it harder to turn down the heat,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said. “As we learn more about the West Coast market conditions that led to unusually high bills, proactive partnerships like this one are addressing the immediate very real needs of our community. I continue looking forward to what soon may be a return to more normal natural gas prices.”

SoCalGas’s latest contribution to the Gas Assistance Fund will help the United Way expand income eligibility for the program and increase the grant amount available to each qualified customer from $100 to up to $400 for the remainder of the 2023 program. Additionally, income-eligible older adults who are 55+ and those facing certain financial hardships may be eligible for extra grant funding.

“Over the last four decades, the Gas Assistance Fund has helped hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Californians who face difficult choices during cold months between staying warm and other basic necessities like food and medicine,” Elise Buik, president and CEO at United Way of Greater Los Angeles, said. “This historic contribution will help the United Way dramatically expand our reach and allow thousands of individuals, older adults, and families across our region to remain healthy and housed this winter.”

The Fueling our Communities Program began in 2020 as a collaboration between SoCalGas and five regional nonprofits to provide free meals to individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the program’s first summer, SoCalGas and its partners provided more than 140,000 meals to 40,000 individuals from underserved communities across Southern California. With its latest $4 million contribution, SoCalGas aims to significantly expand the Fueling our Communities program via new and existing partnerships with food banks and nonprofits with a focus on serving families and seniors in need.

The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund was started in 2021 to help small restaurants with improvements, upgrades, employee retention and to manage debt, losses and rising costs. SoCalGas has supported the fund since its inception.

“What started as a lifeline to restaurants during the pandemic has grown into a robust fund to assist small restaurants with grants to strengthen their businesses and invest in their people,” Alycia Harshfield, executive director of the California Restaurant Foundation, said.

“SoCalGas’ incredible generosity, commitment, and leadership has a lasting positive ripple effect, and we are proud to partner with them again to make such a meaningful impact.”

After a significant drop in February from January’s unprecedented natural gas commodity prices, market prices

for March 2023 usage are currently forecasted to be significantly lower than February’s prices. In addition, the restoration of service to an outof-state pipeline, which has been offline for two years, is expected to increase supply capacity to the Southwest. Consistent with regulatory requirements, SoCalGas will file March core procurement prices with the California Public Utilities Commission at the end of February.

The core procurement rate reflects the price SoCalGas pays for natural gas for residential and business customers. That rate changes each month. SoCalGas does not set the price for natural gas. Instead, natural gas prices are determined by national and regional markets. SoCalGas buys natural gas in those markets on behalf of residential and small business customers, and the cost of buying that gas is billed to those customers with no markup.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, many factors have contributed to higher natural gas commodity prices: widespread, below-normal temperatures on much of the West Coast, including Washington and Oregon; high natural gas demand for heating by customers in areas with below normal temperatures; reduced natural gas supplies to the West Coast from Canada and the Rocky Mountains; reduced interstate pipeline capacity to the West Coast because of pipeline maintenance activities in West Texas – the out of state pipeline mentioned earlier in this news release and low natural gas storage levels on the West Coast.

According to the EIA, the U.S. set a natural gas consumption daily record Dec. 23, 2022, further exacerbating supply and demand challenges.

Several experts discussed these market conditions at a California Public Utilities Commission public hearing earlier this month. Video of that proceeding is available at https:// www.cpuc.ca.gov/

In light of unprecedented market conditions, the California Public Utilities Commission voted earlier this month to accelerate the California Climate Credit. As a result, SoCalGas customers will receive a credit of $50.77 in their February or March bill, depending on their billing cycle.

In addition, SoCalGas continues to encourage customers to take advantage of programs and services that can help manage usage and save costs.

Eligible customers may sign up for a Level Pay Plan, for example, which averages their annual natural gas use and costs over 12 months. There are also financial assistance programs for eligible customers who are experiencing hardships.

SoCalGas’ free Ways to Save tool may also help customers with energy savings options through a personalized savings plan that offers a household energy analysis, customized energy-efficiency recommendations, bill comparisons, and energy usage comparisons that could help save on natural gas bills. Customers can also sign up for weekly Bill Tracker Alerts to monitor natural gas consumption, take steps to reduce usage, and avoid bill surprises.

Customers can visit http:// socalgas.com/ManageHigherBills for more information on the factors that lead to higher bills and ways we can help.

Submitted by Southern California Gas Company.

Hemet, San Jacinto Valley schools honor students in February

Diane A. Rhodes Special to the Valley News

The Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month program held its Feb. 16 recognition breakfast at the Maze Stone at Soboba Springs Golf Course. Seven local high school seniors were recognized and honored for their character, love of learning and commitment to academics in addition to their involvement in school and community activities and their ability to overcome difficult life challenges. And they do it all in a setting that honors God, America, family, community and free enterprise. Students are nominated by teachers or other school personnel for making a difference in their homes, schools and communities.

An opening prayer was offered by Jeff Johnson, pastor of San Jacinto Assembly of God, who reminded everyone that February is a month of celebrations with Black History Month, Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day, “but today is to celebrate our students.”

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

February’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District schools are DavidEmiliano Delgado Bazaldua, Aiden Featherstone, Erik Pomares, Jazmine Lou Riveral and Hazel Joi Taclay. San Jacinto Unified’s honorees for February are Christina Mehlman and Michelle Rodriguez. Hemet Unified School District Tahquitz High School selected

David-Emiliano Delgado Bazaldua, saying he is multidimensional and a standout soccer player. He is known to be a role model for younger players at the school. He has faced challenges, including his mother’s cancer diagnosis this past November. In June 2022, she broke her knee and was immobilized for three months. During summer 2020, she was hospitalized for two months with COVID-19 and on the brink of life and death. He said he felt lucky to still have his “strong beautiful mother with us,” adding that what they went through affected every aspect of his life and has taken a toll on his family. He took the initiative to figure out how he could invest in himself and his family and through association with positive people, self-help books and online influencers, he found his motivation.

“By doing this, my mind, body and soul have become potent and I look at myself now and I’m healthy and positive-minded,” he said. “I’m a power-washing business owner and a varsity soccer athlete. This has also helped me set up a clear goal for the future.”

He plans to study business, economics and finance and open a digital technology business.

“I love creating new things and finding ways to innovate,” Delgado Bazaldua said. “I know I have to stay positive and strong.”

He reminded everyone to take time to say “I love you” to their loved ones.

“I want to inspire everybody to realize that we don’t have much time here,” he said. “We can only do so much, and time is our enemy.

“But with the time we have here, I know there’s a difference I can make so the only choice is to go forward, keep pushing and to not give up and to find motivation to stay disciplined,” Delgado Bazaldua said.

Hamilton High School’s top choice this month was Aiden Featherstone. Principal Jeff Franks said although he was sidelined by an injury during his first year of varsity football, he stayed on to

cheer on his teammates.

His nominating teacher Keith Gwyn said, “Aiden is a two-sport athlete and is indicative of what we as teachers hope to see in all of our students. He is inquisitive, hardworking, dedicated and motivated. I am positive Aiden will continue to set the standard as he moves forward in life.”

Featherstone loves learning about and playing sports.

“Sports have pushed me to learn and be a better person and to never give up on anything,” he said.

As a freshman, he said he had a hard time with reading in front of people because he wasn’t confident in his reading skills.

“I struggled with writing as well, but my teachers gave me extra time to do my work and helped me with writing and other assignments,” Featherstone said. “Now, as a senior, I’m way more comfortable with reading and writing.”

He plans to study fire science

in college and aspires to be a firefighter. His father said, “It takes a tribe to raise these good kids.”

He thanked everyone for their support for his son and all the students being honored.

Hemet High School singled out Erik Pomares for his honesty, humility, leadership and genuine love for people. He is a member of the Young Black Scholars, PLUS Leadership program and ASB.

His nominating teacher, Lindsay Brown said, “I know that one day he will change the world; he has already changed so many lives at Hemet High School.”

Pomares said his parents divorced in 2013 and it was a rough time for him and his two younger sisters. Being a nurse, their mother worked long hours, and she said she had to lean on her son a lot during that time. During the coronavirus pandemic, his family dealt with the loss of two

of his aunts, his cousin who was the same age as Pomares and his grandfather, who played a huge role model in his life, he said. Learning how precious life can be, Pomares said his little sister was his biggest role model because she encouraged him to help family and others.

“She was there for me when I needed it most,” he said.

In his junior year, Pomares earned straight As, started the Young Black Scholars group and served as its president and joined all the clubs he could in his senior year. He plans to attend college and then serve in the U.S. Army Reserves.

“What I hope to give back to this community is a place where students like me who have big dreams but come from such a rough childhood could now have that dream come true because

see STUDENTS, page C-6

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Recipients of the Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month award for February are, from left, Christina Mehlman, Michelle Rodriguez, David-Emiliano Delgado Bazaldua, Jazmine Riveral, Erik Pomares, Hazel Joi Taclay and Aiden Featherstone.

Valley News/Blake Booth Photography

Highway Update

Record snowfall closes mountain roads, strands dozens with Caltrans, CHP on scene

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Record breaking snowfall last week brought the California Highway Patrol to closing many of the surrounding mountain highways while Caltrans crews worked feverishly to clear the highways.

The snowfall that was seen as low as in suburban Hemet, Menifee, Murrieta and Temecula also created highway traffic hazards not usually occurring in the valleys. Some of the record-breaking heavy snow was up to the rooftops of homes in Big Bear, Wrightwood and Arrowhead, causing their occupants to call for help through the week as food and other supplies were running low.

The heavy snowfall brought many of the Caltrans crews to halt their work on local state highways

and freeways to lend a hand to the stranded mountain residents and clear the highways. A snow avalanche was seen atop Mt. San Jacinto by many in the Palm Springs area.

Weather continued to play a role in slowing many of the local highway repairs and improvements during the past week.

In Menifee, work continues on its highways including some new Southern California Edison work on Menifee Road from Holland to Newport roads that will trench for new power lines along the roadways during the day and night. Lane closures will be in effect during the construction. Message boards containing contact information for the project will also be placed in the project area. Work in this area is expected to continue through the

middle of April.

The city’s Holland Road Overpass Capital Improvement Project is underway between Hanover and Antelope roads that will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to last 18 months.

For additional information and to sign-up for project updates, visit www.hollandoverpass.com.

The city’s Capital Improvement Project on Menifee Road between Holland Road and Camino Cristal is currently in active construction. Work has begun on the medians and is expected to continue through mid-March. Traffic control will be in place during construction, but travel will be open in all directions. Mediacom has completed utility installation work within the roadway on Cherry Hills Boulevard between Bradley Road and Sun City

Much of California free of drought

Julie Reeder Publisher

Much of the California coastal areas are now free from drought, as well as Central California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and foothills for the first time since January 2020, according to U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) statistics.

California went from being entrenched in a multi-year extreme drought in Oct. 2022 to having one of the deepest snowpacks on planet Earth in March 2023, Tweeted Colin McCarthy @US_ Stormwatch.

A series of Pacific low pressure and frontal systems moved across the western contiguous U.S. and dropped copious amounts of rain and snow across the West, especially over the Sierra and coastal ranges and Rocky Mountains.

Wetter-than-normal conditions were widespread across the rest of the West, causing drought or abnormal dryness to be reduced in intensity where it was wet across much of California, according to US Drought Monitor (USDM).

It was noted in a recent Rancho California Water District YouTube update on the recent weather and the drought. “The (rainfall) percentages are good and helpful to see, but there are two things here: the consistancy and the frequency,” Rich Ottotini, director of water operations, said. “We would like see this in a longer period of time.

STUDENTS from page C-5

I care about putting smiles on everybody’s faces,” Pomares said. “I want to be an inspiration to all those students.”

West Valley High School’s choice for February was Jazmine Lou Riveral, who is the commanding officer of 137 cadets in the school’s Navy junior ROTC program. She plans to enlist in the U.S. Navy after graduation. Her nominating teacher, retired Chief Warrant Officer Alfonza A. Walton, reminded everyone that junior ROTC is not a recruiting program and offers no pathway to military service unless it is decided on by the student.

“We teach leadership skills to be great citizens,” he said.

Walton said Lt. Commander Lou Riveral has acquired many outstanding attributes during the four years she has been in the junior ROTC program. She has devoted 500 hours to community service as part of the program and said it is her way of giving back to her community. Her father is deployed a lot and with five children in the family, Lou Riveral has a bigger responsibility at home. It’s a lot of team effort and having multiple responsibilities has taught

We like to see the percentages go up in the area. If this is the trend. it’s really great.... But take this with caution. The recovery must be more than one year.”

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports, “Much of the western contiguous U.S. has suffered from episodes of drought since 1999.

The most recent drought episode has lasted up to 3 years. The lack of precipitation was accompanied by excessive heat, which increased evapotranspiration and further dried soils. The prolonged drought lowered groundwater and reservoir levels.

“The Pacific weather systems of this week and last week added to copious precipitation that has been received from atmospheric rivers since December 2022, especially over California and states to the east. The coastal mountain ranges, Sierra Nevada, and central to southern Rockies received 2 inches or more of precipitation this week, with totals exceeding 5 inches in parts of California. The heavy rains this week resulted in widespread flash flooding in parts of California. Some interior parts of the West had half an inch or more of precipitation, but favored rainshadow areas received less than a fourth of an inch.

“According to SNOTEL observations, 4 feet or more of new snow fell across the Sierra Nevada range this week. The SNOTEL station at Css Lab in Nevada County, California,

her time management, a lot of patience and how to tackle tasks in a given timeframe.

“The life lessons I’ve gained in JROTC of not giving up when the road gets tough have enabled me to overcome any obstacles,” Lou Riveral said.

While enlisted, she hopes to earn her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“My parents laid the foundation for me to build my dream,” she said.

West Valley Principal Gerardo Zavala thanked all the students for “demonstrating to all of us that it is possible to remain positive through adversity and tragedy and keep a positive outlook on life.”

Alessandro High School’s Hazel Joi Taclay was introduced by Principal Matthew Centofranchi who said that all his students face adversity in one form or another and that it has been a joy to have Hazel on campus and rewarding to see her get on track for a successful graduation. Nominating teacher and adviser James Nuce said her middle name fits in very well with her attitude on life.

“She’s focused on her future; she knows exactly what she wants to do and she knows how to get there,” Nuce said.

reported 78 inches of new snow, bringing the total snow depth to 178 inches as of February 28. (The SNOwpackTELemetryNetwork is an automated system of snowpack and related climate sensors operated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture in the Western United States)

“The rain has improved California soil moisture and streamflow levels, while the snow has increased mountain snowpack to much above-normal levels. Most California reservoirs have refilled with water levels near or above average, but groundwater levels remain low and may take months to recover. Abnormal dryness and moderate to severe drought were lessened across much of California to reflect the abovenormal precipitation of recent months, above-normal snowpack, and improved reservoir levels.”

Rainfall totals this year vs. annual averages Fallbrook and Bonsall rainfall totals so far this year are nearly 17 inches, which is 3 inches above average and twice as much rain as in the last two years.

Lake Elsinore has received 19 inches so far this year and that is double their average rainfall total.

Temecula total this year, so far is about 17 inches and their annual rainfall average is about 12.49”.

Murrieta’s total so far this year is 18.86” and the average is 12.88”.

Hemet has received 14.21” this

“In my freshman year I focused on anything but education,” Taclay said. She said the COVID-19 pandemic felt like a forever summer break that gave her more reasons not to focus on school. In her sophomore year, she became pregnant. She transferred to a different comprehensive school during hybrid learning but said she was still not motivated to learn. After failing two years of high school, she knew Alessandro High, an alternative continuation high school, was her last chance to turn things around. She started her junior year there with five credits but soon became the student she always aimed to be.

“It just took some courage and a very firm motive and at this point I had gained a very strong trait of ambition,” Taclay said. “I now believe if you really want something you’ll do everything you need to do to get it. The teachers at Alessandro really care about their students’ wellbeing and future.”

She felt encouraged and supported at Alessandro and only needs 20 more credits to graduate.

“I’m a fulltime mother and student with a minor job,” Taclay said. “I’m still with the boy who watched me grow from an arrogant brat to a young woman who’s on the right track.”

San Jacinto Unified School District

San Jacinto High School chose to honor Christina Mehlman for her courage and willingness to make it her mission to provide hope for others. She is described as being generous, patient, kind, faithful and committed. Nominating teacher Mayra Aldana said she has seen very few people have such a balanced perspective on life. Mehlman said she first met Aldana in her junior year Math III class.

Boulevard. Asphalt repairs will be scheduled in the upcoming weeks.

Traffic control will be in place during the active project phases.

Traffic signal improvement work at Garbani and Menifee roads continues. Temporary traffic control is expected to remain in place as necessary through the middle of April.

Work continues on the traffic signal and median at McCall Boulevard and Ranch Road as part of the McCall Square project. The construction schedule for this project has been extended and is now expected to continue through April. Traffic control will remain in place for the duration of the project.

The city has completed work in the Lazy Creek neighborhood. Work in the area of Sun City Boulevard has also been completed. Traffic

control has been removed from this area. SoCal Gas Company will continue the installation of new pipeline infrastructure in the vicinity of Evans and Lazy Creek roads. Lane closures will remain in place for the next several months to support the project. SoCal Gas work also is occurring at Matthews Road. That road will be closed at Menifee Road during daytime hours. The line improvement work is expected to continue through mid-March. Traffic control will be in place during active construction. For questions on the project/ construction updates listed, please contact Philip Southard, Public Information and Legislative Affairs Officer, at 951-746-0654 or at psouthard@cityofmenifee.us

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

Map Courtesy of Droughtmonitor.unl.edu and NOAA/NCEI

year and the average rainfall is 12.17”

San Jacinto has received 21.14” this year and their average rainfall is 9.33”.

Menifee is reporting it had 18.86” this year, and the average rainfall is listed at 11.11”.

Anza has received 14.37” this year and the average rainfall is 11.12”.

Measurements collected from Weathercurrents.com and ggweather.com

Santa Margarita River levels https:// www.cnrfc. noaa.gov/obsRiver_

“At the time, I was personally struggling with the loss of my mother six months before the school year started,” Mehlman said. “She showed me love, kindness, respect and for that I will forever be grateful to have you in my life. She became like a second mom to me. Everyone deserves a support system. After losing my mother unexpectedly, I jumped into a mothering role for my siblings. People ask me why and I said it’s something that needed to be done so I stepped up and did it. I’m sure every student here today has a passion or a dream and on that I commend you all.”

Mehlman plans to attend California Baptist University to study psychology.

Mountain Heights Academy’s Michelle Rodriguez was nominated by her independent study teacher Gabrielle Henderson who said her student was always motivated and on task while balancing all the things going on in her personal life. Rodriguez said she has two older sisters she helps wherever and however she can. She plans to study microbiology before attending medical school with the goal of becoming a forensic pathologist.

“I’ve always been amazed at how the human body works and I want to help families understand why loved ones are no longer here,” Rodriguez said. “Helping people to understand this is very important to me because of my own personal experiences.”

In December 2018, her mother was detained at a checkpoint near the Mexican border and was eventually deported back to her home country.

“My mom encouraged me to keep on studying in the United States even though she knew this separation would be a great challenge to us both,” she said.

hc.php?id=YDRC1&scale=1 Feb 25 and Mar 1, 2023, NOAA shows that the Santa Margarita River reached levels of over 9 ft. 11 ft. is considered flood stage.

“Although we have aboveaverage rainfall this year and potential record-breaking snowfall in the Sierras, our water supply also depends on the Colorado River, which is experiencing a decadeslong drought, so it is still important to conserve water where possible” said Jack Bebee, general manager of the Fallbrook Public Utility District.

“This was very difficult for my dad as well for now he had to support two homes, but he was our rock.”

Unfortunately, their father died in a traffic accident Dec. 3, 2020.

“Everything turned into a blur,” Rodriguez said.

Enrolling in the online program offered through Mountain Heights Academy allowed her to continue studying at an American school while living with her mother in Mexico.

“Hard work really does pay off,” she said. “I promise to use my skills to give back to society and to this community.”

Closing remarks

Zermeno asked all the honored students to stand and be applauded once more.

“You all possess something that not many students out there have and that’s the ability to overcome, to thrive and to be leaders,” she told them. “You could have easily said, ‘This is too much; I can’t,’ but you believed in yourselves and said, ‘I can.’”

Nereyda Gonzalez, director of secondary education for Hemet Unified School District, spoke next.

“What I have learned from the kids today, and what I needed a reminder of, was that it doesn’t matter about your falls or bumps,” Gonzalez said. “It’s your response that you can control, so thank you for reminding me of that.”

David Pyle, superintendent of San Jacinto Unified School District, closed the event.

“Challenges build character and the amount of character that you all have at this stage of your life is probably beyond the vast majority of the adults in this room,” Pyle said.

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

It may be painful to think about your funeral, but it doesn’t have to be painful to pay for it.

This map of California shows that we are currently in a drought level 2 which encourages voluntary conservation.

Lake Riverside Estates residents lead snow adventure to Thomas Mountain

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Tina Roberts photographs Adi Nahsohn’s Jeep in deep snow drifts during their Thomas Mountain snow adventure Saturday, Feb. 25. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo and Don Roberts and Adi Nahsohn. Accomplished off roaders, the trio accepted the challenge to lead several Jeeps up to the higher

The storm system that pushed through Southern California Thursday, Feb. 23 into Tuesday,

Feb. 28, produced periodically intense wind, rain and snowfall combined with below-average freezing temperatures. Several feet of fresh snow fell in the higher elevations, with Anza

and Aguanga reporting between 4 and 12 inches of the white snow. The dangerous weather conditions prompted the California Highway Patrol to enforce snow chain requirements to reduce the risks of

KOYT radio asking for donations to repair damaged sign

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

KOYT 97.1 FM Anza

Community Broadcasting, Anza’s local nonprofit all-volunteer radio station, is asking for donations to help repair their sign that was damaged by the recent winter storms.

“Well, Mother Nature has been quite brutal lately,” KOYT board vice president Liese Carney said. “Sadly, our KOYT sign that’s directly across from NAPA Auto Parts on 371 has been damaged from the recent storms. We would like to repair the sign, repaint the frame and restore the artwork.”

The sign, designed and painted by local Western artist Susan Eyer-Anderson, was erected in 2016. At the time, Eyer-Anderson was known as the Phantom Artist of Anza, creating and installing colorful signs secretly around the area.

“In 2016, when Susan’s beautifully painted mural street sign markers were popping up all over Anza, we at KOYT decided we wanted to have this mystery artist paint one for the radio station. We reached out via Facebook, made contact with her and had one commissioned. We then found a location and were able to get permission by the property owner to install the large sign,” Carney explained.

A price and size for the sign was agreed upon, and after a few weeks it was completed. Eyer-Anderson even offered to bring help to

motorists becoming stranded and blocking the two-lane mountain corridors. But snow never canceled a good trail ride in a jeep for Lake Riverside Estates’ residents Tina

March fiddleneck bloom toxic to horses

The KOYT sign on Hwy. 371 in downtown Anza is damaged from recent storms. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo install it. The sign was erected and announced the radio station with the image of a howling coyote for the past seven years. But in almost a decade, wind, sun, rain and snow has taken its toll

on the plywood sign. The recent storms that pummeled Anza last month finally ripped off one half of the sign and threw it to the ground.

ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Regular Happenings

ONGOING – Anza Electric

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

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

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

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

Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings

Fit after 50 – 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Tuesday and Friday mornings at Anza Community Hall. Free. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. Call or text instructor Teresa Hoehn, at 951751-1462 for more information.

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

Veterans’ Gathering Mondays

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

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

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

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

Bereaved Parents of the USA

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

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

Medication Assistance and Treatment for Opioid Dependence – Get treatment for heroin addiction. Transportation to the clinic is provided. For more information, contact Borrego Health’s Anza Community Health

Center, 58581 Route 371, in Anza. For more information, call 951763-4759.

Food ministries

F.U.N. Group weekly food ministry – Deliveries arrive noon Thursdays at the Anza Community Hall. To order a paid box and 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. Food for the Faithful – 8 a.m. The food bank hands out food the last Friday of the month until the food is gone. The clothes closet will be open too. Emergency food handed out as needed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. FFF is a non-denominational nonprofit. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-763-5636.

Bible Studies

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

Native Lighthouse Fellowship

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

Living Hope Bible Study

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

Anza RV Clubhouse – 7 p.m., the second Wednesday of the Month, Pastor Kevin officiates at 41560 Terwilliger Road in Anza. Monthly Christian Men’s Breakfast – 9 a.m. Breakfast takes place the fourth Saturday of each month and rotates to different locations. Contact Jeff Crawley at 951-763-1257 for more information.

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

Valley Gospel Chapel – 7

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

Anza First Southern Baptist Church - Begin your week with Sunday School for all ages at 9 a.m., followed by Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. On Sunday nights, the church has prayer on the 1st and 4th Sundays from 6-7 p.m. and Bible study on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays from 6-8 p.m. On Monday evenings, from 6-8 p.m., the youth group (6th to 12th grade) meets for games and Bible study. Anza Baptist Church also offers Men’s and Women’s Ministries, a Homeschool Support Group, Summer Vacation Bible School, and Senior’s Ministry. The church office is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road in Anza. For more information, contact the church at 951-763-4937 or visit www. anzabaptistchurch.com.

Clubs Anza Valley VFW Post 1873

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

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

Anza Valley Artists Meetings

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

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

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

MOUNTAIN from page D-1

altitudes of Thomas Mountain to experience snowy conditions and drifts several feet deep on Saturday, Feb. 25.

The four-wheeling enthusiasts were treated to an untravelled trail of new snow as they made their way up the 6S13 Thomas Mountain trail, a 16 mile route with beautiful views of Garner Valley, Anza Valley, the San Jacinto Mountains and Cahuilla Mountain.

“We had a snow day road trip to Thomas Mountain,” Tina Roberts said. “We couldn’t make it to the top campground and had to turn around while perched on the side of the mountain, slipping and sliding. We didn’t get stuck but a Jeep Gladiator in front of us got stuck twice, then Adi got stuck

Hotchkiss at 951-551-3154.

Boys Scouts Troop 371 – Boy Scouts meet at Lake Riverside Estates. For more information, call Ginny Kinser at 909-702-7902.

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

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

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

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

Organizations

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

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

Anza Community Hall – 7 p.m.

General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Memberships cost $20 per person or $35 per business, and both get one vote. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets.

Voting members receive discounts off hall rentals, swap meet booths and save on propane gas from Ferrellgas. Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. Swap meet held each Saturday of the month, weather permitting, early morning to 1 p.m. Vendors wanted. For more information, call 951-2824267.

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

when we turned around. The snow was very deep.”

Conditions became difficult for even the most seasoned drivers in the group. The call was made to turn around as the storm blasted the mountainside.

“We started out on the Hemet Lake side of the trail,” Adi Nahsohn said. “We reached about 6,200 feet of elevation before we had to turn around. There was no way to safely continue. The summit is at the 6,500 foot mark. We were so close, but as always, safety first.”

The group carefully descended the trail, plowing through snow drifts four feet deep. This was an adventure none of the participants said they would ever forget.

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

Spring into Daylight Saving Time Sunday, March 12

“Spring forward, fall back,” is the phrase that urges us to remember which way to set our watches and clocks, if they do not do it themselves. Chronological devices are set one hour forward in the spring, springing forward to lose an hour, and back one hour when DST ends in the fall, falling back to regain that hour.

Automotive clock changes can be so complicated that motorists simply do time calculations in their heads, rather than try to spring or fall back. No matter what, for half the year, the car clock will be correct.

Daylight Saving Time in California will begin at 2 a.m. Pacific Standard Time Sunday, March 12.

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Satirized by Benjamin Franklin, cursed by sleepy students and anticipated by those who look forward to later evenings, love it or hate it, Daylight Saving Time will spring into our lives this month.

Daylight Saving Time in California begins at 2 a.m. Pacific Standard Time Sunday, March

12 and will end at 2 a.m. Pacific Standard Time Sunday, Nov. 5. Daylight Saving Time, or DST, is the practice of setting clocks forward one hour from standard time during the summer months, and back again in autumn, in order to make better use of natural daylight. Now, with smartphones, smart houses and computers, clocks are programmed to do this chore themselves without being prompted.

Inventor, writer and politician Benjamin Franklin first proposed a loose concept of DST in 1784. In a letter to the editor of the Journal of Paris, titled “An Economical Project for Diminishing the Cost of Light,” Franklin jokingly suggested that Parisians could conserve candle usage by getting people out of bed earlier to use more morning sunlight. This clever satire proposed taxing window shutters, rationing candles, and waking the public by ringing church bells and firing cannons at sunrise.

Franklin also published the proverb “early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

The United States adopted DST in 1918 and it was widely used in America and Europe during the 1970s as a result of that decade’s energy crisis.

According to Wikipedia, a 2017 meta-analysis of 44 studies found that DST leads to electricity

savings of 0.34% during the days when DST applies. It furthermore found that electricity savings are more significant for countries farther away from the equator, while southern regions actually use more electricity because of DST. This may mean that changing the time may conserve electricity in some countries, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, but be wasteful in other places, such as Mexico, the southern United States, and northern Africa. The savings in electricity may also be offset by extra use of other types of energy, such as heating fuel.

DST is generally not observed near the equator, where sunrise and sunset times do not vary enough to justify it.

In many countries, fire safety officials prompt citizens to use the two annual clock shifts as reminders to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Authorities also suggest reviewing and practicing fire and disaster plans, inspecting properties, checking for hazardous materials and reprogramming thermostats.

The Florida, Washington, California and Oregon legislatures have all passed bills to enact permanent DST, but the laws require Congressional approval in order for this to take effect. Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island have also introduced similar proposals.

Although 26 states have considered making DST permanent, unless Congress

Living Free Animal Sanctuary dog of the week: Meet Han

Han is a fun-loving and silly

5-year old male American Staffordshire Terrier mix. He is very goofy, which makes you forget that he is no longer a puppy. Despite this, his long legs and athletic build make him quite graceful. He enjoys going on walks and running around, exploring the dog park. Han has been learning to keep all four paws on the ground when meeting people, and will benefit from an experienced adopter that will continue his training.

Han is ready to find his forever home, and will make a great hiking

companion or running partner, or simply a constant companion to take on your adventures.

Living Free is a nonprofit animal sanctuary whose primary mission is to rescue dogs and cats whose time is up at public shelters. Living Free Animal Sanctuary is located on 155 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild. A diamond in the rough, the property is home to a kennelin-the-round, Give Life Park, catteries and protected open-air “catios,” breathtaking scenery and wide open fields for the wild mustangs and rescued burros to

FIDDLENECK from page D-1 black seeds called nutlets.

Amsinckia intermedia, the Common Fiddleneck, or Intermediate Fiddleneck is a common annual herb species in the Boraginaceae family, the Borage or Forget-me-not family of plants.

However, some varieties of fiddlenecks can be a problem in crop fields, orchards and pastures. In fact, the seeds can be toxic to livestock when ingested in large amounts.

Poisonings most often occur when livestock eat grain or feed contaminated with fiddleneck seeds.

Cattle and horses are most sensitive to fiddleneck poisoning, while pigs and chickens are less sensitive, and sheep, goats and turkeys are the least sensitive.

These plants can be found in disturbed or open grasslands, fields and roadsides. Of the many Amsinckia species in California, many are regarded as weeds.

Cotyledons, the seed leaves, are shaped like the letter Y with tiny blisters and fine hairs. Early leaves are longer than they are wide and have coarse, sharp hairs. Fully grown fiddlenecks can reach four feet in height.

The distinctive spiked flower heads curl like the neck of a fiddle and the yellow, funnel-shaped, fivelobed flowers attach on one side of the spike. The flowers vary from yellow-orange and orange, to dark yellow. At maturity, the four-lobed fruit breaks into four gray, brown or

DONATIONS from page D-1

“Over the years we have touched it up and added our new frequency location of 97.1 FM, as the original sign had the old numbers on it. We even had some ladies in town touch up the artwork three years ago,” Carney said. “We are going to repair and repaint it and put some UV clear sealant on it after we get it looking better and reinforced the best we can.”

KOYT and their fans and listeners are hoping to get the sign redone soon. Offers to

Insects such as Painted Lady butterflies and Alfalfa Looper moths depend on the flowers for food.

Fiddleneck poisoning in horses can be an issue. These plants contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic in large amounts when eaten.

Although the plant is common, poisonings are quite rare because the weeds do not taste good to livestock.

“Fiddleneck is indeed toxic to equines but like most animals, they will only eat it if they’re starving,” fourth generation horseman and author Cezanne Ryerson-Jodka said. “Most will leave it alone. They’re not stupid. They have survived thousands of years without us mothering them along.”

In the uncommon instances of horses that develop symptoms of poisoning, the animals usually suffer irreversible liver damage. However, if caught early, management techniques may improve and extend the animal’s life.

Symptoms of fiddleneck poisoning include aimless wandering, blindness, head pressing, circling, swollen legs, seizures, dermatitis, jaundice, weakness, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, photosensitivity and weight loss. Although an animal may develop symptoms from one large serving of fiddleneck seeds, in most cases this happens over

help are,coming in, with EyerAnderson herself presenting a possible solution.

“You know, I think I may have a good quality photo of this artwork that may be able to be printed onto a thin metal sign, like a road sign,” Eyer-Anderson. “I can find out.”

The mission of the Anza Community Broadcasting KOYT

97.1LPFM radio is to provide an inclusive public broadcasting forum to educate, inform and entertain the local community and the general public. For more information about

run free. It is open by appointment. For dog adoptions, call 951-321-9982, for cat adoptions, call 951-491-1898, and for all other inquiries, call 951- 659-4687.

To book a tour, visit www.living-free.org/ visit-us. Living Free is located at 54250 Keen Camp Road in Mountain Center.

many feedings. In most horses, the signs of liver damage take several months after exposure to develop.

A veterinarian will gather as much information regarding the amount of plant material that was eaten and how long it has been since it was ingested by the horse. Standard blood tests, including a complete blood count and biochemistry profile, are used to evaluate if any infections are present as well as establishing the levels of liver and kidney enzymes found in the blood. These tests are likely to show high levels of liver metabolites and enzymes.

The veterinarian will also recommend an ultrasound of the abdomen to see the current shape and size of the liver, and a biopsy of the tissues will help to identify the fibroids indicative of liver damage due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and to estimate the progression of the disease.

The vet may perform a gastric irrigation procedure to remove as much of the toxic material from the digestive system as possible. It is also common to administer activated charcoal in fiddleneck poisonings, to prevent any further absorption of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids into the bloodstream.

Unfortunately, by the time symptoms have become apparent, irreversible liver damage has already occurred. Intravenous fluids may be administered to prevent dehydration and combinations of

the radio station, call 951-7635698, email info@koyt971.org or visit them at www.facebook.com/ koyt97.1 or https://koyt971.org.

Anyone who would like to offer help with donated paint, labor, cash or any other type of donation can contact Errine Roscoe or Liese Carney at 951-763 KOYT or 214-717 2535. Liese Carney may also be reached at liesecarney@ gmail.com

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

changes federal law, states cannot implement this, they can only opt out of DST, not standard time. Since 2015, more than 200 Daylight Saving Time bills and resolutions have been introduced in almost every state across the US, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. However, none have received congressional approval to abolish the time change. For this to happen, Congress first has to pass a federal law allowing states to observe DST year-round.

In Florida, the Sunshine Protection Act bill was passed on to Congress in March, 2018, eliminating the practice of resetting the clocks twice a year. The bill is still awaiting approval at the federal level.

In November 2018, California voters approved Proposition 7, to allow Californians to be on year-round DST. Specifically, Prop. 7 was passed to permit the state legislature to vote to adopt Daylight Saving Time year-round with congressional approval, which has not yet been granted. California was one of 14 states to introduce legislation for permanent Daylight Saving Time in 2018.

Politically motivated or not, it takes a week or two to get used to the time change, but in the end we all adjust and forget about it, until the time comes to fall back. Then the process starts all over again.

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

electrolytes and sugars given to adjust for imbalances that may have developed.

Although the damage to the liver is not curable, it can sometimes be moderated by switching to a lowprotein diet with added vitamins and potassium. Medications to reduce the amount of ammonia in the gut can also be helpful in slowing the progression of the disease. However, most animals are not able to recover from fiddleneck poisoning. In cases showing extreme symptoms, veterinarians

recommend euthanasia in order to prevent prolonged suffering.

Veteran horsemen advise mowing down fiddlenecks that sprout up in horse arenas, pastures and common areas. While fiddleneck flowers signal the coming of spring, they also present a threat to horses that equestrians need to familiarize themselves with and do what they can to avoid.

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

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photos

What does it mean to be a child of God?

with only one car without air conditioning, while the other might have two cars, a truck and a boat they never use. One grew up going to church, while the other never attended.

Even though generations might change, what it means to be a child of God has never changed.

So, what does it mean to be called a child of God? Although there are many things from the Bible I could talk about, I’m just going to point out three.

Zachary Elliott

Special to the Valley News

Our culture likes to name generations. You have the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z and Generation Alpha.

As a child of a specific generation, you were raised in a different culture than the one preceding you. For example, one grew up without indoor plumbing, while the other might have three indoor bathrooms. One grew up

A child of God believes in and receives Jesus as their savior.

The Bible said that Jesus “came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of

the Father’s one and only Son,” in John 1:11-14. When you come to faith in Jesus, you are born again into a new life. The old life is gone, and a new life begins.

A child of God leaves sin behind and walks in obedience to Jesus.

God’s children are called to leave their sinful lives behind and follow Jesus. The Bible said, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is

not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister,” in 1 John 3:7-10.

I know what you’re asking:

“What if I sin? Does that mean I’m a child of the devil?” The answer to that is no. There is a big difference between someone living a sinful lifestyle and a child of God who falls short. If you do fall short and sin, when you repent, Jesus forgives.

The Bible said, “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world,” in 1 John 2:1-3.

A child of God is a royal member of his family.

In God’s master plan of love for you, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own

Former abortion doctor to speak at ‘Inspiring Hope’ Gala

FALLBROOK – Hope Clinic for Women will host its 18th annual “Inspiring Hope” Gala, Friday, March 17, at 6 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 1405 E. Fallbrook St. This year’s speaker, former abortionist Dr. Anthony Levatino, will share his unique perspective about why a physician who has been trained to give life would take it away.

Levatino will discuss what it was like to perform abortions and the toll it took on his family until a personal tragedy occurred. Before his involvement in the pro-life movement, Levatino performed over 1,200 both first and second-trimester abortions

Dr. Anthony Levatino, a former abortionist, will speak at the 18th annual “Inspiring Hope” Gala, Friday, March 17. Valley News/Courtesy photo

as part of his OB-GYN practice in upstate New York.

He pulls back the veil of confidentiality about family relationships and the consequences of abortion on the families of the physicians who perform them stating that “The tragedy of abortion has a ripple effect which reaches far beyond the woman and her unborn child and touches the hearts and souls of everyone, including the physicians and families.” Levatino has testified about the dangers of abortion before Congress. “Inspiring Hope” is HCW’s most important fundraiser of the

year where guests can provide a one-time gift or offer a pledge to support them monthly the night of the Gala. The fundraising goal this year is $100,000 where funds raised will strengthen HCW’s ability to deliver more medical and pregnancy services to more women, more days of the week.

HCW appreciates sponsorships for the Gala allowing all funds raised the night of the Gala to go directly to Clinic operations caring for HCW’s young families, and in 2023 new Fatherhood programming complimenting the excellent no cost women’s program that has benefited the Fallbrook community for over

Valley and Village News are celebrating 25-years!

cities, new developments, parks, shopping, hotels, schools, sports teams, Police Departments, new City Halls, etc. It’s been very exciting. We’ve also seen our share of controversies on city councils and in schools, some wild weather, and we even came through a pandemic!

We have been privileged to document local history and be right there with you.

Wow! We have seen a lot of changes over 25 years! New

Have you ever thought about how important it is to have local independent media? A printed newspaper is even better because it can’t be altered or changed over time. It’s permanent and for transparency, or accountability or history, it’s the best!

We are thankful for our subscribers, advertisers and supporters who have made it possible for us to do what we love for 25 years. It’s our passion to cover the great things being accomplished in our communities, as well as the controversies, breaking news and celebrations. It would mean so much to us if you aren’t a subscriber, if you would show your support by subscribing so that we can not only continue, but grow. If you have a business, we would love to talk with you about reaching our readers. If you are part of an organization, we offer fundraising options that are very generous. We are launching a Spanish

Open letter to the Temecula City Council

This commentary regards multiple topics so let’s go directly to the points.

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the governor is scheduled to end the COVID-19 State of Emergency for California. If the city of Temecula still has an Emergency Resolution in effect due to the Wuhan China originated COVID-19 virus lableak caused pandemic, then now is the time to retire or vacate this emergency resolution. Our city needs a return to normalcy and an end to this indefinite and seemingly forever state of emergency.

Just as a point of order, it has become very apparent that past references to this lab-created pandemic as the “China Virus” actually have a lot of truth. The tyrannical Chinese Communists have earned this distinction. Let them bear the burden of this truth

with no apologies on America’s part.

Next, in regards to Item 12, it is imperative for the council to stand up for local control of city zoning and to push back against the Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 10 power grab by Sacramento. Much like a totalitarian politburo, the governor and legislature are seizing local control and centralizing that power in Sacramento. City councils have become little more than rubber stamps for Sacramento’s edicts.

The council should also emulate cities like San Marcos, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Margarita and many others by supporting the BrandHuang-Mendoza Tripartisan Land Use Initiative. Please do not waiver to Sacramento by falling for their planned and promoted accessory dwelling units. Sacramento’s power grab

family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son,” in Ephesians 1:4-6.

The good news is that through faith in Jesus, you have been adopted into God’s eternal family. It makes you a child of the King of Kings, with all the rights and privileges of royalty.

The Bible said, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory,” in Romans 8:16-18.

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.

23 years.

Guests will enjoy a sit-down dinner at the event that is catered by Trupiano’s Italian Bistro and dessert by Bakin’ it Up. Gala sponsors of $500 or more may host eight complimentary guests at their reserved tables.

The Gala is free to all, but registration is required. HCW anticipates seats to go quickly so HCW asked that guests register early online at https:// www.hopefallbrook.com/GetInvolved/Events, by mail or by calling Melinda Zimmerman at 760-728-4105, ext 11.

Submitted by Hope Clinic for Women.

newspaper and a nonprofit to support a paid internship program and career mentoring. It’s something we’ve done over the years and really enjoy. Both of those are important to our community.

In addition, we are planning some subscriber-only events and forums that I think you will find interesting and helpful.

Our subscribers and regular readers are more educated than the average person because of the information available each week and daily on our website. We presently have hundreds of thousands of stories archived with photos that you would have access to 24/7.

Take a look at MyValleynews. com! Do some searches! Sign up for the newsletter! Check out our great photos! You probably know someone who is in the paper. Hundreds of thousands of people read our award-winning news. We invite you to join us! We offer you hundreds of hours of work for only $5 per month for unlimited access. If you can’t afford that right now, call us and we will sign you up anyway. Skip any censorship and give yourself direct access to everything that is happening around town! We are here for you. MyValleyNews.com/subscribe

is a dystopian attempt at bad urban planning that utilizes a cookie-cutter approach to all of California’s geographically and culturally diverse cities and communities. If anything, this politburo-like approach to urban planning is in reality anti-diversity. Their scheme seeks top-down conformity of communities that are as different as the desert is to the mountains and as different as a beach community is to our wine country.

Lastly, in regards to Business Item 14 concerning a ballot measure to establish city council term limits, this should indeed move forward to the voters. Yet there also seems to be the need to properly define what constitutes a city council term of office. If a vacancy occurs and is filled by a council appointee to fulfill say a

remaining 44 months in office, should this 44 months count as a full term? Or should an even shorter term of office of say twoyears minus one day be considered as a partial term that qualifies the member to three more full terms? These potential wrinkles need to be addressed.

If it has not already been considered, then the council needs to further deliberate. Otherwise a council member, in theory, could serve a less than four year partial term then be elected and re-elected to end up serving 14, 15 or close to 16 years in office.

Thank you for your time and attention. Godspeed to the Chinese people.

Rick Reiss Temecula resident

Julie Reeder Publisher

Any one of these categories would be worth supporting. We hear weekly how important our work is, but we can’t do it without the support of our community.