Valley News - March 17, 2023

Lawsuit led challenging California’s Transgender Sanctuary Bill

MURRIETA – Advocates for Faith and Freedom filed a lawsuit

Tuesday, March 7, challenging California Senate Bill 107 on behalf of Our Watch, a nonprofit organization in Murrieta, dedicated to protecting parental rights.

City Council rescinds its support for the Behavioral Health Recovery Village in Hemet

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Hemet City Council, after a contentious public hearing Feb. 21, rescinded its letter of support of Riverside University Health System’s $40 million grant application to build a 400-bed Behavioral Health Recovery Village in Hemet.

Caltrans responding to emergency road repairs during adverse weather conditions in the valleys

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The California Department of Transportation reports it will be responding to highway rain or snow or rock slides as quickly as possible and will be pre-positioning equipment at strategic locations in the valley as a result.

childhood education workforce gets boost through area nonpro t

Illegal reworks, street projects and tra c mast road signs subjects of Wildomar City Council meeting

signal street signs and approved a $1,000 fine for any illegal fireworks set off in the city. Other business included hearing monthly updates from the city’s planning department and on the General Plan, road construction and engineering from the public works department.

Matthew Bassi from the Planning Department said the staff continues its work on the 20232024 General Plan with the next discussion on March 30 by the Advisory Board on city circulation and mobility. The Advisory Board recently completed land uses that will be discussed at upcoming City Council meetings.

Bassi said, “We’ve had amazing public input on the land uses for the General Plan and are looking forward to more as the General

Soboba woman nds strength through skating

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Special to the Valley News

Tawshma Pachito was attracted to the rigorous contact sport of roller derby but didn’t realize that the biggest competition of her life would be going up against cancer. Her desire to return to the track has motivated her to keep up the fight.

The Soboba Tribal member, who lives in Eugene, Oregon, fell in love with the sport in 2009 when she went to watch a local roller derby bout of her home team, the Emerald City Roller Derby.

“I instantly fell in love with the game,” she said. “I loved how it was a game on skates because I grew up skating as a child. My mom was a hard-working single parent, and it was a cheap way for her to take me and my two brothers to have a fun family night.”

Although not living on the So-

boba Indian Reservation herself, she has many relatives who do live there such as her uncle Buster Mojado and her cousin Geneva Mojado.

“Tisha, Adela, Romel, Frenchie and Mia, are my Aunties,” Pachito, 45, said. “I keep in touch with as many as I can. We have a huge family and I got to know some of them more than others in my adult years. I love each and every one of them, though. I also have family ties to the Pauma Reservation through my father, Richard Allen Pachito.”

When she first got involved in the roller-skating contact sport of roller derby, she said it pulled out of her the excitement and confidence needed to give it all she had.

“It became my passion,” Pachito said. “That began my derby career and I soon not only played on my home team, The Church of Sk8tin,

see WILDOMAR, page A-4 see PACHITO, page A-5

Murrieta City Council learns Southern California is still in a water crisis despite recond rain and snow

Tony Ault Staff Writer

A Rancho California Water District presentation to the Murrieta City Council about the recent record breaking rain and snowfall, that is bringing California out of the drought, still warns the state is not out of the woods.

“We are not even close to it,”

Robert Grantham of Rancho California Water District said in his presentation to the council. “It’s been a great year and winter for me, ‘It’s raining.’ The precipitation has been phenomenal, and the increase in snow levels and an increase in our state reservoirs… But as much as I want to say ‘we are out of the woods,’ we are not even close to it.”

Grantham explained that all or most of the water received in California is from the Colorado River.

“And last year it was nearly dry,” he said. “Which (the Colorado River) is a critical supply for our infrastructure. We like Northern California water but here in Riverside, the Colorado River is our only supply of water. The Colorado River is under extreme stress.”

He said they now hope that Southern California can somehow tap into the now abundant Northern California water, but that is still only “a hope.”

He said the area has the nearby Diamond Valley Lake which is good, but limited. He explained the

steps RCWD and the other four surrounding water districts are doing to build up their own water supplies to overcome any droughts.

“We really work well together,” he said.

He praised the engagement that Murrieta and the other valley communities have done to help conserve the water in the years of the drought and their advocacy to conserve more. He said the districts are now working together in resource planning and investments for future water supplies. He pointed out that the communities have reduced their water use by nearly 50% in the last 15 or 20 years.

“That’s amazing,” he said.

“Thank you to the Murrieta community.”

He said the districts, however, can’t keep the water flowing themselves; they must rely on investment partnerships with the state and federal governments. He said to help the districts in Murrieta launched a program called “Temecula and Murrieta in Bloom,” with a recent $500,000 state and federal grant. It will help the communities find ways to plant the most drought tolerant plants and grasses. It will help bring in “My water tracker” to help people find water leaks in their properties.

He said the local water managers recently met with Gov. Gavin Newsom in Sacramento to apprise him of water needs in Southern California and received a “favor-

able ear.” He said hoped that some legislation proposed to help solve the water crisis in Southern California will help Sacramento “put its foot to the fire,” for good results.

“And we are in a water crisis,” Grantham said.

The council heard a presentation about the project called “Murrieta Through Time,” that will place eight permanent granite based obelisks with photos and text about the complete history of the city in Town Square Park. Cardboard mockups of what the large granite stones with litho photos and engraved text will look like when complete was shown to the council members. The Murrieta Through Time project the presenters from the Menifee Rotary Club won the praise of the members.

Ward Andrews, superintendent of the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, thanked the council for their support of the local schools that number 19 with 22,500 students and have 4,500 employees. He said most of the employees live within the city and surrounding areas and help in its economy as the city’s second largest employer.

The council in its regular business held a public hearing on the latest efforts to meet the newest requirements of California’s Senate Bill 1383 that now requires residents to separate their organic wastes from their regular trash bins and now drop them into the third container with the other green

waste. The net result of the state mandate goes into effect Saturday, April 1, and will result in all residents receiving an additional $2.79 rate increase on their monthly trash bills coming from Waste Management bringing their total bill to $28.54. Commercial and Industrial customers will not be charged the extra fee as they are already under another program.

The additional cost is considered a fee and not a tax increase, yet if still not paid will be placed on the annual property tax bill to be collected for the trash company and if not paid,can result in a lien placed on the property until paid.

In a public comment, former Murrieta Councilmember Warnie Enochs argued it was still a tax and should have been voted upon by the residents. He saw it as a violation of California Proposition 283 that the people wanted to have a vote on any tax increases.

Other public comments had several residents questioning what the extra costs will pay for learning it becomes an extra cost to transport the wastes to be separated in different locations.

The council, while seeing it necessary to approve the fee increase because it was an unfunded state mandate – one of many, voted to approve the increase by a 4 to 1 vote with Mayor Pro Tem Lori Stone voting no.

“I am extremely frustrated with the unfunded mandates that are

coming down from the state of California that are on the backs of the residents,” Stone said. “When do we stand up and say ‘enough is enough.’”

Councilmember Cindy Warren questioning the added cost for older adults who are on fixed incomes learned Waste Management has smaller lower cost bins available for them if they apply for them.

Councilmember Ron Holiday asked what can the state do if it refuses the mandate and learned from the city attorney it could end with a fine of $10,000 per day if it is not followed. He saw that as too costly for the city to pay, casting a yes vote.

Councilmember Jon Levell said he was concerned that putting the organic food waste with the green waste would bring pests to homes and apartments and would defeat the purpose of putting the two things together. He too said he was frustrated with the state mandate.

The council tabled a request by Stone for a legislative advocacy trip expenses of $1,100 to go to Sacramento until further discussion with the city’s current legislative analyst and advocate with more council members possibly going to the state capitol to voice their opinion on legislation being proposed. It will be revisited at the next regular meeting.

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

Temecula Historical Society’s March presentation to feature the Vail family

TEMECULA – Residents who have ever wondered who the Vails were and why their names are found at Vail Ranch or Vail Headquarters around Temecula are invited to attend the Temecula Valley Historical Society presentation at 6 p.m. Monday, March 27, when Bill Veale will dramatize the story of Walter Vail. Vail, who left home in New

Jersey at age 21 with $100 in his pocket, eventually purchased 87,500 acres of cattle-grazing land in the Temecula Valley as part of his real estate holdings in five states.

Veale, one of the historical society’s Notable Men and Women, will present the program live at the Little Temecula History Center, the red barn west of Kohls in

South Temecula. His presentation will also be live-streamed on the society’s Facebook page. For more information, contact Rebecca Marshall Farnbach at info@temeculahistory.org

Submitted by Temecula Valley Historical Society.

The Temecula Valley Historical Society will hear from Bill Veale about Walter Vail, seen here in his younger years.

Valley News/Temecula Valley Historical Society photo

Hemet City Council rescinds its support for the Behavioral Health Recovery Village in Hemet

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Hemet City Council, after a contentious public hearing Feb. 21, rescinded its letter of support of Riverside University Health System’s $40 million grant application to build a 400-bed Behavioral Health Recovery Village in Hemet.

Many Hemet residents, once learning it might be located in downtown Hemet, protested the project and showed up at the council meeting. The project was first introduced by RUHS to the city council in a special meeting called on March 4, 2022.

Riverside University Health Care System called on the Hemet City Council to provide a letter of support for their application for part of a $2.2 billion grant from the Department of Health Care Services Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program for the Recovery Village, which is more like a hospital. The university hospital provided a video presentation of what the Recovery Village would look like on county property located at Menlo Ave. and State St.

Following that meeting, the city council approved the request to send a letter of support for the project by a 4 to 1 vote with Council Member Linda Krupa voting no, according to a Hemet City Manager’s office report.

Between the initial council letter of approval sent to support the RUHS grant application in March 2022, more residents learned of the proposed location in Hemet and began voicing their displeasure at

the BHRV being built in the city. Council Member Jackie Peterson, at a Feb. 14 council meeting, who initially favored sending the letter of support, asked the council to place the matter on the agenda for a public hearing for a possible rescinding of the letter of approval at the Feb. 28 meeting.

The residents’ premise was, although a facility like this is needed, such a project at that location would bring even more people with mental health problems to the community in the area where the most homeless and mental health problems are already seen.

Among those objecting were Jim Lineberger, from Valley Community Pantry and Stacy Olson, while the majority of speakers during the public speaking portion of the meeting on the issue were either behavioral health workers at clinics or advocates for those needing mental health who sought to keep the city’s original Village support letter.

Lineberger said while he was strongly in favor of the BHRV center he said, “I am for the facility. But never once wanted it in this city.” He alleged the city was sneaking in the facility before bringing it into view of the public.

“There is no time to get a grant for $47 million in a few short weeks without telling people about it… We do need it, but not here.”

Olson said she was once a supporter of the facility, but, “It’s not the right location with all the homeless there already. We don’t want to be magnets for more homeless on Menlo Street.” She said there was no control of the homeless already there. She called

some of those there dangerous and others would make it even more dangerous. “I would not feel safe there,” she said.

On the other hand, many other residents took the podium to support the facility because there were few other mental health facilities nearby to service the community.

Heidi Gomez, an RUHS mental health advocate said the Village is really needed in Hemet. She said that Hemet is the second highest city for overdoses currently, many occurring among the homeless or veteran populations.

Ali Williams, a psychiatry specialist working in Hemet said, “I am excited” about the BHRV center. She argued, “We are not a dumping ground (for the homeless) in Hemet. It will be better here.”

Aaron Pratt, a military veteran who once was in prison, and is now a psychologist with a Master’s degree praised the mental and behavioral health workers in the community who helped him and strongly advocated for the BHRV coming into Hemet. “Build an ark to save these people,” Pratt said.

More than half a dozen other community residents also advocated to the city to bring the BHRV to Hemet.

Further supporting the BHRV was Ryan Miller, deputy director of RUHS Behavioral Health, who explained that the BHRV would include about 400 beds total, but those are assigned beds. There would be 111 beds in the temporary housing portion of the Village for families.

Dr. Michael Chang, a RUHS psychiatrist, told the council via

Dr. Ruiz presses SoCalGas for answers on

gas price hike

Calls on company to better prevent future increases for consumers

Washington, D.C. – On March 10, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) pressed the Southern California Gas Company for answers after a sudden increase in gas bills rocked consumers across Southern California this winter. In a letter to SoCalGas Chief Executive Officer Scott Drury, Ruiz called on the executive to provide information on the steps the company is taking to protect customers from future price increases.

“This price increase was a painful shock to many SoCalGas customers in my district. While prices have decreased in February and March, I have heard from many of my constituents about how January’s price increases continue to affect them,” Ruiz

wrote. “I am deeply concerned that January’s price increase remains a burden for many, especially those on a fixed income. I understand that many factors that caused the high prices are outside of SoCalGas’s control; however, any price increase must be justified and not the result of unfair business practices.”

In December 2022, SoCalGas announced on its website that customers would see a “shocking” price increase on their gas bills for January 2023. As a result, some families in Southern California saw an increase of up to 240% in their natural gas bill.

“My bill has more than doubled twice in the last two months, $293 to $528, even though I used less gas,” Benjamin, a constituent from

Beaumont, said. “It is financially breaking to the middle-class family.”

“Just opened our latest SoCalGas bill: 175% MORE than the same period last year. Please consider investigating this as price gouging,” David, a veteran from San Jacinto, said. “We’re in our late 70s and on a fixed retirement and will find it difficult to make ends meet if this continues.”

Now, as gas prices are decreasing, Ruiz is urging the company to find solutions that better protect consumers in the future. Full text of the letter can be found online at https://ruiz. house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/ ruiz.house.gov/files/evo-mediadocument/2023-03-10_letter_ socalgas-price-increase.pdf.

Zoom that there were a number or misstatements made in the public comments and wanted to make it clear the Behavioral Village would not have an emergency room but cater to families needing temporary housing, children, ongoing treatment to inpatients and outpatients, detoxification and other mental health help services. He said it was not a homeless shelter as some suggested. He said it would also serve as a transitional home for sober living residents who want help in finding jobs and permanent housing. Their stay would be from 3 to 6 months.He added the BHRV would be a boon to the Hemet community with 600 well-paying jobs.

Following Chang’s discussion, the open hearing on the matter was called with Council Member Peterson sharing a portion of the staff report on the BHRV, but making it short by saying, “There are a lot of good things about this center. We all agree we need help in the city, but the overwhelming thought of the people I talked to in the city of Hemet do not want it in the city limits where it’s proposed.” She noted there are available resources for the mentally ill in Hemet already, “but some don’t know about them. We need to publicize more about what is in Hemet.”

Council Member Karlee Meyer spoke, saying, “I think that we should bring this back to get the full information and the presentation before we vote on this tonight.” She continued, pointing a finger at Mayor Joe Males, and saying, “This is why you became the mayor and because governance means something, having integrity

WILDOMAR from page A-1

Plan is updated before the end of the year.”

Public Works Engineer Jason Farag said rain continues to be a problem as the current street improvements continue, but are progressing. In the past month, despite the rain events, some Palomar and Clinton Keith road improvements have been completed in the intersection with the curbs and sidewalks completed and graded waiting for paving, weather permitting. The Wildomar Trail work is progressing along with some road widening. He said the project hopefully will be completed by the end of March.

The roadwork in the Beazer Homes, Baxter Village and the Lennar Homes communities is nearing completion on Wildomar Trail, Elizabeth Street, Grand and McVicar, again with completion depending upon the weather.

The Bundy Canyon Project, according to Farag, is continuing with the paving operations moving to the south side lanes with Cherry Street and Oak Canyon Drive still closed at the Bundy Canyon intersection. Traffic is flowing better since some adjustments have been made by the contractor, especially at night. This week the new street lights, one located at Monte Vista, may be activated.

Chance Edmondson from the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District appeared before the council to report the Sedco Hills septic tank to sewer system project planned for the 750 homes in

means something, and representing everyone means something.”

Males retorted, “I know you are trying to shame me, but my constituents do not want it.” He then called on Krupa for her view.

Krupa, who was against the project earlier, said she recently met with about 80 people, all of whom objected to the BHRV being built at the location in Hemet.

She said she saw the county’s presentation of the Recovery Village and was “absolutely impressed on how they have designed it.” However, she said in reaching out to the community for their input she learned, “Everyone in my community is against this location. And nobody is going to build a $50 million structure so I can have my care in Hemet.” (She earlier referred to her battle with cancer and having treatments out of town.)

Further she explained Riverside County owns the property where the BHRV was planned in the city, “but it has been zoned and designed in our General Plan for a business park and affordable housing in that acreage. It would be a loss to the city’s economic engine.”

Males, in his opinion, said he heard from his constituents and, “It’s been their voice” against the BHRV.

He then called for the vote on the motion to rescind the city letter of support for the county’s BHRV in Hemet with Krupa, Peterson and himself voting for the rescinding of the original letter to the county. Meyer and Mayor Pro Tem Malcolm Lilienthal voted no on the letter being rescinded.

the district is awaiting additional consent from residents to begin the multi million project in the Wildomar and Lake Elsinore areas. He said thus far, 370 homeowners have opted to take advantage of the change over with another 86 in process. The project will allow the district contractors to change over the current septic system to the district’s sewer lines at no cost to the residents.

The project, Edmondson said, will need at least 70% or more of the residents to join the changeover. It is about 60% now. “It’s a chance of a lifetime” for the residents to have it done at no cost to them, he said. He urged the remaining residents to contact EVMWD or Western Water to opt in as soon as possible. Sedco Hills community residents have wanted this project for many years.

In order to attract more multifamily, boarding house and group home construction for lower income families in the city as the state now mandates, the council adopted changes in the current Zoning Ordinances for rule changes in the density allowed for the projects. Now more units are allowed on smaller land parcels.

The council, after further study of the current Riverside County illegal fireworks ordinance that allows $1,000 fines to be levied against the illegal fireworks users if cited, passed a similar ordinance. There were smaller fines or none at all for an illegal fireworks citation in Wildomar before, which were hard to enforce by the Sheriff’s Department and code enforcement.

5.28 APY* %

5.49

but also on the All-Star Travel Team for years. We played in tournaments all over the west coast and beyond. I went to Utah, Nevada, California, Washington and Florida. During the beginning of my skating, I looked around and again felt the familiar feeling like I had while growing up of not seeing a lot of Native skaters. I was one of two in my home league, I believe. So, my vision was, how amazing would it be to skate with an all-Native derby team?”

Pachito skated derby from 2009 to 2015, when she retired while pregnant with her daughter Tasia, now seven. She also has a son, Phoenix, who is 21. She always intended to return to the sport, believing she had what it took to make a solid skater, which requires being laser focused on your goals and pushing yourself to always get better while also helping other skaters improve.

“I’ve learned through the years that in skating and in life, that trust and leaders who have integrity and patience are important,” she said.

Team Indigenous Rising Roller Derby was born Aug. 15, 2017, and Pachito knew that her dream was within reach. TIR was invited to represent at the Roller Derby World Cup in February of 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

“I was home watching the game and rooting them on as they played against Jewish Roller Derby for the win,” she said. “I’ll never forget that feeling and seeing them all come out representing their nations’ flags and then using the platform of derby to speak on important Indigenous issues such as missing and murdered Indigenous women. I was in tears and said to myself that I wouldn’t stop until I made it on this team of incredible skaters, representing the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.”

Pachito knew deep down she would make a comeback to the sport when time permitted. But unfortunately, she got the horrible news in September 2017 that she had stage two ER-positive breast cancer. She also discovered she was BRCA1 positive, meaning she had a gene mutation that puts her at a higher risk for breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer.

“So, my comeback to derby got put to the back burner as I had to handle chemo and two major surgeries in 2018,” she said. “I reached out to Team Indigenous Rising in 2018 when I saw they were holding online tryouts, and introduced myself explaining how it is a dream of mine to skate with them. They offered me to skate with them that July at RollerCon in Las Vegas, a huge annual derby convention. As hard as it was, I had to pass because I had just had a double mastectomy and knew I needed more time to heal. I let them know they would be my driving force to heal and return strong and ready to skate again.”

Pachito returned to skating in 2019 and in her first three games back, she earned MVP, given by the opposing team: two for jamming and one for blocking.

“I came in focused and with one goal and that was to get strong again and be able to join Team Indigenous Rising. I got another shot in 2020 to try out again for TIR as they were taking on a few new skaters,” she said.

After sending all the requested items and then some, Pachito anxiously awaited the news of the lucky picks.

“To my disappointment I was not chosen and had to accept the news of my dream slipping out of my hands again,” she said. “As I pulled myself off the ground again and got through a few hard days, I had a shift of clarity that showed me I was not going to give up trying and that I had to put the work into myself to get better and stronger and try again.”

She said that “no” was the catalyst to become the best version of herself and eventually saved her life down the road.

“When one door closes, more open, and it’s through our life obstacles where we grow into the best version of ourselves,” she said.

About a month later, Pachito took a leap of faith and switched careers from being a medical assistant in the field of urology to becoming a financial adviser and her own boss.

“My life kept leveling up and I was all about personal development,” she said.

She made the decision to give up alcohol Jan. 1, 2021, after knowing it was holding her down from becoming the person God intended her to be.

“I then started my Red Road Wellbriety journey of self-healing,” she said. “That year was amazing, and it brought me to a place of enriched mental clarity, spirituality and overall wellbeing. As the world shut down around me along with roller derby from the COVID out-

break, I was happily on my journey

o f self-awareness and discovery becoming that hollow bone as we say in Wellbriety. As 2022 rolled in, life hit me with COVID for the second time. I thought I had healed completely when I started having pain when breathing in deeply.

With my cancer history, I went to get checked. Hearing the news that the cancer had returned after almost five years in remission and had now metastasized to my left lung and lymph nodes in my sternum area, I went numb as they told me it was stage four. I knew I was about to take on the scariest fight and had to be ready for anything.”

She had IV chemo treatments from May to September 2022. During the end of that treatment cycle, she felt she wanted to get stronger and start skating again in 2023 as it gave her something to work toward. She had some victories, but the tumor returned in November She started another form of chemo by pill, on for two weeks and off for one.

“So, as I was dealing with this cancer journey, the desire to return to skating was one of the driving forces to get well,” Pachito said. “I

was all along keeping tabs on TIR and seeing if they had come back from the pandemic and being shut down, as some leagues took longer to do so than others.”

As she was checking, she saw that TIR was offering online tryouts for their 2023 season and the deadline was that same night. She didn’t feel she was ready to skate yet but thought she could be if she worked hard at it.

“I prayed about it and knew this was my last shot at trying to get onto this team,” Pachito said. “So, I took action and got in touch with the team captain who was in Canada, and we were able to talk on the phone. I told her my whole story and she heard me. After that call she told me I was now on the team! I was beside myself with happiness and satisfaction.

I knew everything aligned for this to happen this time. And that because of that first ‘no,’ the Creator had to make it hard for me to see I had a lot of work to do on myself before getting what I really wanted. And it was through that ‘no’ that I grew and became the best version of myself. Creator always sees our obstacles and so I needed to do the work in order to be fully ready to take on the biggest fight of my life. We don’t get things when we want them, we get the things we really want when we are ready.”

Although still in the throes of her cancer battle, Pachito has high hopes that she can soon join her siblings, as they call their teammates, representing Soboba while skating under the name “PACHITO #541” with skaters from many other Indigenous nations.

“No matter what, I can say I didn’t give up on this dream and I forever will be proud of myself and happy to finally be a part of this team,” she

said. We have about 25-30 skaters and a lot of exciting tournaments and skating opportunities on the horizon, hopefully attending World Cup once again.”

The next tournament is in Scranton, Pennsylvania, at the end of March and RollerCon in Las Vegas in July, which Pachito hopes to be skating in. There is also a tournament scheduled for October in Denver. TIR is a travel team of experienced skaters that meets online for team meetings and then in person for the tournaments. They have a practice session or two together before game play and all skaters are also skating back home with their home leagues for practice. The team requests sponsorships for its travel during the season and they regularly host fundraisers for the team and

different charities.

“Learning that ‘never give up’ mindset from skating all these years has gotten me through some tough times,” Pachito said. “I will always respect this sport and all the amazing life lessons and memories made. I promise to represent the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians with integrity and pride. And for all the youth, I hope a takeaway will be to never give up on your dreams. To keep leveling up in life. And to honor your bodies and respect your sobriety. We only get one life here. So, make the most of it.”

To view Tawshma Pachito’s GoFundMe page, https://gofund. me/697eaaee. For more information on TIR, visit them at www. facebook.com/teamindigenousrollerderby or on Instagram.

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.

Tawshma Pachito is a tough competitor on the roller derby track and her tenacity is helping in her cancer fight off the track. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Team Indigenous Rising Roller Derby is made up of 25-30 Native women from throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

HOME & GARDEN

March 17 – 23, 2023

Managing a backyard bird habitat

For many nature enthusiasts, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing wildlife right in their own backyard. Providing several different types of food can be the first step to welcoming a variety of birds to one’s yard.

Bill Askenburg, a backyard birding enthusiast and maker of custom birdhouses, says he offers thistle seed to attract finches and chickadees. A nut and berry mix is set out for woodpeckers and a sunflower/safflower mix attracts cardinals, wrens, doves and blue jays.

A few different feeders placed at various heights or hung from branches on a property can attract an abundance of wildlife.

Feeding birds is one way to enjoy their company. Offering other

features can increase the chances that birds will nest and raise young in a backyard habitat.

Following are some ways to attract the types of feathered friends that will find local yards habitable.

A hands-off approach may work best. It’s easy to want to remove felled trees, tall grasses or old brush from the yard. However, these items could be the very spots certain birds deem worthy for their nests. The same can be said for abandoned nests from last season. Leave them in place and they may be reoccupied by other birds or taken apart for nesting material.

Tall trees will attract a number of birds that prefer nests in the high branches, such as jays and mourning doves.

Think about placing nesting

boxes around the yard. This will attract birds that prefer the protected cavities of small hollows for their nests. The boxes will compensate for lost habitats where these birds would normally nest. Water fountains and birdbaths that are frequently refreshed with clean water provide drinking and

bathing opportunities for birds.

Birds are hard-pressed to resist the gentle trickle of water.

Enhance a backyard habitat by choosing both native and orna-

mental plantings that provide seeds or berries for the birds one wishes to attract. These natural options can be used in conjunction with packaged seeds and berries as other food sources. Having a variety of food sources, nesting opportunities and hiding spots available will help ensure the greatest chance for wildlife taking up residence in one’s yard.

Cal Fire announces funding to provide shade and nature for schools and communities

SACRAMENTO – The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (Cal Fire) Urban and Community Forestry Program announced March 9 that the application period for the Green Schoolyard Grants program is now open.

In total, $117 million is available for educational and traditionally underserved communities throughout the state to help lessen the impacts of climate change and provide nature-based solutions where California’s next generation often needs it most.

Following public comment opportunities and stakeholder discussions last year, applicants are invited to apply by April 14. Specific details about the application process can be found by https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-wedo/natural-resource-management/ urban-and-community-forestry or contacting Cal Fire program contacts for more information.

ten not readily accessible in urban settings.”

This is the first time that Cal Fire has secured and made funding available for improving nature and tree canopy cover on California K-12 public school campuses and nonprofit childcare facilities. California has approximately 10,000 public schools, the majority of which have very little tree canopy cover and a high degree of impervious surfaces. This leaves children, who are already disproportionately impacted by extreme urban heat, in even unhealthier environments than the surrounding urban areas.

A lack of nature, exposure to extreme heat, and associated number of indoor-only days to avoid the heat do not only have negative effects on the physical activity and health of children, but to their mental health and wellbeing as well.

Spring is a great time to not only plant your garden, but to also ensure that it is water efficient!

As the cold weather leaves us and is replaced by warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, many families will spend the spring preparing their garden to look its best. But part of that effort should also be to make sure your space is using water responsibly and has the right equipment in place to do so.

Eastern Municipal Water District is the region’s largest water

provider and has a wide range of resources available through our award-winning Landscapes For Living program to help you transform your garden into one that will make your friends and neighbors envious.

The free program offers a variety of resources including: Weather-Based Irrigation

Controllers: EMWD will not only provide the irrigation controller that automatically adjusts watering times based on temperatures, but we will install it as well.

Metro Creative Graphics photo

Landscape Evaluations: Our trained professionals will perform this free service and advise you on ways you can stay Water Wise to save additional water and money.

Sample Landscape Plans: EMWD offers sample landscape plans to help inspire you to customize a functional and beautiful space at your home.

Two different grant options are available for interested communities, providing a full spectrum of resources for project management. These include options for planning grants to design and plan projects, and then implementation grants to make planning come to life.

“Extreme heat is more dangerous for the most vulnerable among us, including children,” California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said. “These grants will enable community-led efforts to protect California’s most heatvulnerable students by replacing asphalt in school yards with shade trees, plants, and gardens. Green schoolyards benefit kids’ physical and mental health, enable outdoor learning, and create habitat to help boost biodiversity.”

Rebate Opportunities: EMWD offers up to $3 per square foot to remove your existing front or

“Cal Fire is delighted to be able to offer this unprecedented amount of funding and support for schoolyard greening projects,” said Cal Fire’s State Urban Forester, Walter Passmore. “Schoolyard trees and greening provide shelter from extreme heat and the impacts of climate change, as well as access to nature-based learning that is of-

Green schoolyard grant projects include the planting of trees and other vegetation, converting pavement to green spaces, creating see LANDSCAPING, page B-8 see SHADE, page B-8

Valley News/Adobe Stock photos

EMWD offers programs to transform your garden into a beautiful and water efficient space

Spring cleaning pointers

Spring is a season of renewal. When the flowers are blooming and the trees are budding and the weather is pleasantly warm, people often feel inspired to make changes around their homes. Work may begin with culling belongings and organizing essentials.

There is debate regarding where the practice of “spring cleaning” originated. Some researchers link it to certain religious groups. It has long been an ancient Jewish custom to thoroughly clean a house in preparation for the springtime feast of Passover. The house is scoured to remove any yeast bread, or chametz, from the home. Similarly, members of the Greek Orthodox church celebrate “Clean Week,” which is a week of cleaning before Lent. In Iranian culture, families spend days cleaning prior to the Persian New Year, which begins on the spring equinox.

Spring cleaning also has some secular roots. For instance, in the 1800s, Londoners routinely cleared

their homes of grime and soot that accumulated over the winter.

Spring cleaning is still a ritual for many today. As people embark on their plans to tidy up, these tips can help them along.

Tackle one big task a day

Who hasn’t started one project only to be distracted into moving along to another room? This often occurs when people discover something out of place in one space and then move that item where it belongs, only to find a new cleaning task at hand in that space. Inefficiency can make you give up on spring cleaning prematurely. Agree to address one room/task a day. Keep a basket or box handy to store errant items until you move on to the next room.

Stock up on supplies

Prepare all of the cleaning supplies in advance. Put together a tool kit of sorts with the equipment you need, including mops, brooms, rags, cleansers and the like. Organization can keep you on course.

Please Consider Getting Involved!

Your donation TODAY will help feed hundreds of families in Greater Fallbrook TOMORROW!

For volunteer opportunities, please call at 760-728-7608 or register online.

ank you all so very much for your support and concern for our community in-need…your generosity and compassion is beyond philanthropic — it is pure LOVE!

Daily Distribution Hours: M-F 9:30am-12:30pm

Food Donations/Drop-Offs M-F 8:30am-12:30pm Sat 8am-11am

CA 92028 760.728.7608

Harness your strengths and weaknesses

Some people clean because they are stressed or angry, others do so to avoid other tasks. Keep personality in mind when establishing a cleaning schedule. For example, clean at night if you’re a night owl, or wait until you are feeling antsy before embarking on a “calm down cleaning.”

Tackle seasonal chores first

Some tasks need to get done to prepare for the spring and summer season. These may include cleaning the grill and sorting through outdoor furniture and decor. Spring cleaning may involve readying the pool for another year of use, or cleaning out rain gutters to prepare for spring storms. Tackle time-dependent tasks first and then move on to others that

Spring begins on March 20, sparking many people to start spring cleaning.

are less time-sensitive. Spread out the work

Some people like to devote full weekends to spring cleaning, but that can be overwhelming for others. Breaking down cleaning tasks

into 15- to 30-minute intervals each day can make the job more tolerable. Spring cleaning season has arrived, and certain tips can make the job more efficient and manageable.

Krieger & Stewart given RCWD well design contract

Joe Naiman Writer

Krieger & Stewart Inc., will design two of Rancho California Water District’s Upper Valle de Los Caballos recharge and recovery facility wells.

The RCWD board approved the contract with Krieger & Stewart, which is headquartered in Riverside, on a 7-0 vote March 9. The contract will be for $838,400, and Krieger & Stewart will provide design, bid phase and construction support services for the drilling, equipping and construction of Well No. 174 and Well No. 175.

The Upper Valle de Los Caballos recharge and recovery facility is located in the 42100 block of Winchester Road. Four new production wells along with monitoring wells are planned as part of the district’s UVDC Optimization Program. The four new wells are expected to increase recovery capacity at the UVDC by at least 5,000 acre-feet per year.

A 7-0 RCWD board vote Jan. 12 awarded Southwest Pump & Drilling a $1,361,399 construction contract to drill and construct Well No. 172 and Monitoring Well No. 512. Well No. 173 is in the design phase. On Nov. 8 RCWD staff issued a request for proposals for final design, bid phase

and construction support services for Well No. 174 and Well No. 175.

The deadline for the design proposals was Jan. 12, and two proposals were received. The California Government Code requires professional services agreements to be awarded based on demonstrated competence and the professional qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services required rather than on the lowest price, but Krieger & Stewart had both the highest-ranked proposal and the lowest bid. Hazen & Sawyer, which is headquartered in New York but has a regional headquarters in Los Angeles and offices in Irvine and San Diego, submitted a bid of $913,934.

The scope of work includes preparation of contract documents including plans and specifications for all civil site work design for the graded well pads and access roads, preparation of contract documents for well drilling and all related hydrogeologic services, preparation of contract documents for well equipping (including pumping equipment, mechanical, conveyance piping, and electrical, instrumentation and controls), hydrogeologic field inspection and construction support services during the drilling of both wells, and full engineering support services during the bidding and construction phases. The

decision of the staff review panel to recommend Krieger & Stewart was based on the identification of specific project challenges and discussion of how they will be addressed, projectspecific items to be incorporated in the special provisions such as environmental mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements, and the company’s successful completion of previous similar RCWD projects.

The Krieger & Stewart proposal also included a project schedule. Well No. 175 will be designed first with final design for the graded pad and access anticipated to be complete by April, final design for the well drilling expected by July, and final design for well equipping planned for July 2024. Construction for the graded pad and access is expected to occur between August and October, the well drilling construction schedule is from November to May 2024, and the well equipping construction has a timeline of October 2024 to May 2025. Well drilling design for Well No. 174 will take place from March 2024 to June 2024 with construction planned between November 2024 and May 2025. The design for the equipping of Well No. 174 has a timeline of June 2025 and July 2025 with construction expected from October 2025 to May 2026.

RAIN, WIND, AND FIRE...

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

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

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

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

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

Dramatic Arts Mammoth Players prep for international festival

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

Thespians from the Western Center Academy’s award-winning theater arts program are preparing for the upcoming spring production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at the end of March in Hemet and a performance at Scotland’s Fringe Festival in August.

The American High School Theatre Festival reaches out to recognized programs throughout North America to perform at the acclaimed Fringe Festival, which is the largest performing arts festival in the world. Students from Hemet’s WCA will spend 11 days overseas, enjoying the culture, history and arts of London and Edinburgh.

This is theater teacher Joshua Brady’s fourth year at WCA, where he previously taught English classes to many of his current theater students. They are all members of the International Thespian Society, a high school honor society for theater. “Our kids are proud thespians and strive to earn Honors, National Honors and International Honors,” Brady said. ITS hosts its own annual festival, however, Brady prefers to take his performers to the Drama Teachers Association of Southern California’s Shakespeare festival, which happens about the same time.

“We have competed in festivals sponsored by DTASC and California Educational Theatre Association,” he said. “We have won quite a few awards. In 2021, we won first place for best original work by CETA in a competition that spanned California. Since 2020, we have taken three first place finishes at DTASC events, as well as 16 trophies (2nd-5th) and a number of honorable mentions (6th-10th).”

Although the Dramatic Arts Mammoth Players have about 70 students on their roster across three high school level classes, only 10 performers and four creative workers will be traveling abroad. The

production they will be sharing on the international stage is “Gulls,” a modern take on Chekhov’s “The Seagull.”

“We know that the Fringe is famous for debuting work, so we decided to do an original adaptation of a classic. Even before I arrived, WCA had a tradition of doing classics,” Brady said. “I wanted to rework a classic from the viewpoint of our cast. The advanced theatre class chose to rewrite ‘The Seagull’ by Anton Chekhov after looking at a number of plays. As a company, we agreed that we could do the best job resetting it in a high school. We spent months improvising scenes based on the original. Those improvs became the basis of our show.”

“Gulls” addresses the issue of suicide and students were given suicide prevention and awareness training through the Riverside County Office of Education and Riverside University Health System Behavioral Health prior to starting to work on the play. All agree that it helped them approach the theme with a mature attitude and allowed them to develop their characters more fully as a result.

Brady said input from all the students was included in the script as they shared ideas online and then improvised as a cast, freely switching parts. Brady would note the changes to the script and take the work back to the group to be revised based on their suggestions. The truly collaborative project was first performed in December and hopes are to remount it in Hemet this summer before taking it to the Fringe, www.edfringe.com. They have considered changing some of the wording as they prepare it for an international audience.

Brady said a panel of three staff helped to cast the play, rating the students’ improvisation-based auditions. He said, “Because we wrote the script as a cast, we took the top 10 scores without considering parts for a play that had not been written. Once the play was written, I chose the parts working

with the student stage managers.”

Members of the ensemble show are seniors Fallon Arave, Dara Bailey, Ashley Leon and Roxie Pilapil; juniors Ayman Al Jarjis, Cayman Crayton and Hannah Jindra; and sophomores Samantha “Sammi” Hoggan, Kyra Hortman and Jordan Israelson. The following stage managers and technical workers were selected based on past work: senior Bella Eskin, stage manager; juniors Logan Fogle, lights, and Parker Wharton, sound; and sophomore Abigail Brady, assistant stage manager/ props.

Most of the thespians live in Hemet, have attended Western Center Academy since sixth grade and have been in theater since their freshman year so they are looking forward to sharing this experience with their longtime classmates.

Fallon, 18, has the role of Chad in Gulls and describes him as a soccer player who is “very loud and pretty stupid” but is so carefree. Fallon has traveled throughout the United States as a competitor in equestrian events but this is her first time leaving the country. “I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of cool Scottish things and sharing the experience with my besties,” she said.

Dara, 17, said her Gulls’ character of Alex is that of the very complicated older sister to Constantine, “She’s put together on the surface but deep down, she struggles.” Dara is looking forward to seeing all the other productions that groups will be presenting at the festival and “seeing everyone’s take on a classic, like what we did.”

Ayman, 17, said his role of Tray shows how much one person can make a difference in someone’s life. “As a small cast play, we modernized every single character,” he said. Ayman said he would consider continuing acting in television or movies, but his other passions are computer science and medicine.

Cayman, 16, said the show definitely raises awareness about mental health and although she plays a quiet character in Mavis, she feels she cares most deeply for what Constantine is going through. “I’m looking forward to being able to bond with my friends in a place that’s just for us,” Cayman said of the upcoming trip.

Hannah, 16, plays Mrs. Sorin in Gulls. “She’s a teacher trying to do her best but she doesn’t have the skill set to deal with a serious issue like this,” she said. Hannah said the audiences at all her past plays have been family- and friends-based so she is interested in receiving audience feedback at Fringe, which is included as part of the festival. She loves theater and English and plans to teach both in the future.

Sammi, 15, of Idyllwild, said that although her role is not a huge character, it is such a small production that everybody plays a super important role in the powerful show. “I expect to experience some culture shock (in Europe) to some extent because we are just your average California high school kids,” she said.

Kyra, 15, of Murrieta, plays the “nerdy” Simon who is obsessed with Star Wars and online debates but feels the humor of her character offers the perfect balance for this show. She said it has been one of her favorite roles to play. “I love the entire cast and crew and just look forward to hanging out with all of them,” Kyra said.

Jordan, 15, plays the troubled Constantine and said the role is more difficult than any she has played before. “We try to show how depression doesn’t look the same for everyone and how to recognize the signs,” she said. Jordan is excited to see Scottish castles and hopes to see men wearing kilts.

Bella, 17, of San Jacinto, has done a little bit of acting but fell in love with the technical side of theater. As stage manager, she is

anxious to be in a whole new environment and see how tech works in a different place. “This will be one last big experience with all my friends before going out of state to go to college,” she said.

Parker, 16, will be working the sound when the cast takes the stage in Scotland. He joined theater tech last year and has enjoyed learning how to handle lights, sound and other behind-the-scenes tasks. “I know it sounds crazy but I’m looking forward to trying haggis; I like trying new foods,” he said. Parker has some family roots in Scotland and wants to do some sightseeing while he is there.

Abigail, 16, of Menifee, said her role as assistant stage manager for Gulls gives her the opportunity to connect with actors in a new way. “I prefer acting, but being able to grow in a different way is something I feel I need as a person,” she said. Abigail wants to explore the accents she knows she will encounter at the festival from all the different students, as well as all the cool musical instruments that are native to the area.

For the time being, these students have been busy rehearsing for their upcoming production of Brady’s favorite Shakespearean comedy, “Twelfth Night,” as performed by hair bands. “My favorite show is always the current one,” he said. “Our goal with this play was to make Shakespeare fun and accessible. I think we are going to do that as we blend the Bard with a touch of Bon Jovi.”

Brady himself got an early start on stage, doing theater in elementary school and his first community show while in fifth grade.

“I would go between school and community shows before deciding to stick with my school,” he said. “I majored in theatre in college, where I bounced around between playwriting, acting and directing. Looking for a place to start our family, my wife and I moved to see MAMMOTH, page B-7

DigiFest Temecula 2023 levels up with this year’s Hollywood lineup

Chelsey Romano

Special to Valley News

Spring is around the corner and so is DigiFest 2023. What is DigiFest? It is a digital-media festival and competition that celebrates all digital-art mediums. This creative festival honors short films and videos, web series, animation, gaming, graphic design, music videos, digital art, photography and more.

DigiFest takes place on April 21, 22 and 23 at JDS Studios in Temecula and brings together various media forms that share original stories, diverse perspectives, and rich emotional journeys through the collaboration of digital mediums.

Opening night, Friday, April 21, includes a Blue Carpet Event with hors d’oeuvres. Opening ceremonies are emceed by comedian Andrew Norelli with special guest speakers ABC’s Big Sky’s Ryan O’Nan and actress and advocate

Eileen Grubba. Sammy Listoe will kick off the after party with live entertainment.

Saturday, April 22, consists of a meet-and-greet panel of awardwinning directors and cinematographers Narseen Alkhateeb, Alex Bram, Pryde Pierce and Chris Nolan. That presentation will be followed by a panel of two top industry-professional voice actors: Bob Bergen, who voices Porky Pig, and Candi Milo, who famously voices Dexter from Dexter’s Laboratory. Saturday will also include a podcaster and influencer panel consisting of experts from across the country. The evening wraps up with film, video and animation festival competition screenings, all of which are vying for Digi Awards.

The three-day extravaganza concludes on Sunday, April 23, with workshops. First up is Adobe Certified Trainer David Creamer, who will share all the inside tips

of the Premiere editing platform. Award-winning composer Bryon Fry will provide a Music Arrangement Workshop. Then attendees will learn how to create their own podcast/TV show with Diane Forster from the acclaimed awardwinning show, “I Have Today.”

The festival wraps with its Awards Celebration at Temecula City Hall Conference Center. Headlining the ceremonies is Adrian Paul from the Highlander Series and Honorable California State Treasurer Fiona Ma giving an address on arts and economics. The celebration also features live entertainment from Lee Coulter who will perform into the after-hours. The festival and celebration culminate with the Digi Awards Ceremony. Festival competition participants enter DigiFest both domestically and globally by submitting their creative digital content. Submissions are critiqued by an industry

professional judging panel and the winners of each category are awarded with a Digi Award, an Honorable Mention or a People’s Choice Award. Moreover, this festival cultivates creativity, showcasing all mediums of the arts, bringing education and network opportunities for those seeking to enter the industry. Those interested in any digital art medium as a creator or enjoyer, this is exactly where you want to be.

DigiFest Temecula has been a staple in the Temecula region for seven years and was founded with passion by JDS Creative Academy Co-Founder and Executive Director Diane Strand. JDS Creative Academy, the host of DigiFest Temecula is a nonprofit organization that provides a place to learn about industry advancements, how to pursue a career in the industry, and how to incorporate digital arts into the economic culture.

JDS Creative Academy reinvented what the City of Temecula recognized as the International Temecula Film and Music Festival into what is now referred to as DigiFest Temecula, which is a vehicle for the community and region to come together and experience digital media in many creative and artistic forms.

Tickets went on sale on March 1 and are expected to sell out for the in-person experience. There is also a virtual ticket option available. DigiFest Temecula takes place at JDS Studios and the Temecula Conference Center in Temecula. Tickets can be purchased for individual event access or for the entire three-day event with an “all access” ticket/pass at www.DigiFestTemecula.org. For more information on all things #JDSFamily check out https://jdscreativeacademy.org or call 951-296-6715.

The cast and crew of December’s production of “Gulls” at the Western Center Academy in Hemet. The majority of these students will be taking the show to Europe this summer. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Sammi Hoggan is Donnie, Roxie Pilapil is Paula and Dara Bailey is Alex in the Mammoth Players’ production of “Gulls,” which they will perform in Scotland this summer.

Jordan Israelson as Constantine and Dara Bailey as Alex in December’s production of “Gulls” 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 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.temecula theater.org. For information call 866-653-8696.

March 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.temecula theater.org. For information call 866-653-8696.

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

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 24 – 6-9 p.m. Murrieta

Alternative Recreation Program for adults 18+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities holding a “Fun Science Party” at Murrieta Community Center, 41810 Juniper Street, Murrieta. $2 per participant. Contact 951304-7275.

March 25 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Multicultural event at Menifee’s Central Park. 30268 Civic Center Dr., Menifee. An event that promotes cultural awareness and engagement! This family friendly event will exhibit cultural diversity and traditional heritages.

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.

April 4 – 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. For information, please contact Miller Jones Mortuary at 951-672-0777 or visit www.cityofmenifee.us/ wallthatheals.

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, 951672-6777 or businesslicensing@ cityofmenifee.us

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 those who don’t qualify for food assistance programs. Call 800-510-2020 for help.

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

March 17 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 vari-

ous tasks. For more information, please contact Miller Jones Mortuary at 951-672-0777 or visit www. cityofmenifee.us/wallthatheals

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

March 18 - 4:30-9:30 p.m.

Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Stevie Ray Vaughan at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. 42051 Main St., Temecula. Tickets at the box office.

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 luncheon presenting speakers Jessica Tapia, teacher on faith in schools and Matthew Dobler, Riverside Republican Party chairman at the Wilson Creek Winery, 35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula. See tvrwomen.org or call 703-859-1865. Reservations are required.

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

March 21 – 5-8 p.m. Rancho Christian Church Open House at Rancho Christian School, 31300 Rancho Community Way, Temecula. RSVP needed.

March 22 – 6 p.m. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will present Attorney David Shore who will speak on SSI and SSDI benefits and their definition of what a disability is, whether mental or physical, that keeps a person out of work for at least a year. It will be held at the Assistance League of Temecula headquarters, 28720 Via Montezuma, Temecula.

March 22 – 9-10 a.m. Hemet San Jacinto Business Network meeting at J&M Family Restaurant, 1271 S. State St. A group

dedicated to creating a networking group of business professionals and small business owners whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business leads.

March 23 – 4 to 7 p.m. Jurupa Valley Resource Center grand opening, 8300 Limonite Ave., Jurupa. A Reach Out Communities event. For more information, 909-245-1156.

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 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/military-carepackages

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.

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 833349-2054.

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

Learn how to dance, Scandinavian style

TEMECULA – Jane and Norman Kindig, members of the Swedish Folk Dance Club of Los Angeles, will be guests of the Sons of Norway Vinland Lodge No. 6-159 in Temecula Saturday, April

1. They will be teaching popular Scandinavian folk dances for an afternoon of frolic and fun.

The dance class will take place at noon at the Heritage Mobile

Clubhouse, 31130 S. General Kearney Road, in Temecula. The cost is $10 per person and includes lunch. For more information and reservations, call Christine Taylor at 760-650-6281 or email Berit Funnemark at tiretb57@hotmail. com

Submitted by Sons of Norway Vinland Lodge No. 6-159.

Early childhood education workforce gets boost through area nonprofit

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

Family Service Association held a special event Friday, March 3, at its Hemet Child Development Center to announce the launching of an innovative workforce development program designed to increase the number of low-income children that can be served at its centers. The program will also provide meaningful opportunities for local residents to build careers in early childhood education.

The pilot initiative is funded by The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of California, which pledged $25,000 to support the cost of fees and tuition for students to receive their licenses in early childhood education. The center receives funding from federal, state and local governments, First 5, private foundations and through philanthropic donations, such as the ones made by Molina and Bolton.

“During a meeting with MolinaCares Accord, the philanthropic arm of Molina Healthcare, FSA discussed the challenges we are having with staffing our child development centers and an interest in launching a workforce development program,”

Cheryl-Marie Hansberger, CEO of Family Service Association, said. “Molina stepped up with a $25,000 donation.”

Ruthy Argumedo, associate vice president of community engagement at Molina Healthcare of California, said, “Molina is honored to collaborate with Family Service Association and improve the health and well-being of families in our region. The program we are launching today will provide meaningful and stable early education jobs, while expanding access to much-needed child care services.”

In addition to the investment by

Molina, The Bolton Foundation is awarding the nonprofit organization $10,000 to support its critical services provided for families and children.

“We are thrilled to support FSA’s efforts, which align closely with our mission, and have been impressed with FSA’s breadth, both in terms of the comprehensive services they offer to children and older adults and their reach across Riverside and San Bernardino counties,” Steve Brockmeyer, the West Region president at the Bolton Insurance Company and a member of the board of directors for IMA, Bolton’s parent company, said.

“FSA is grateful for these generous donations and our ongoing partnerships with The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation and Bolton,” Hansberger said. “We look forward to celebrating a model partnership between our region’s government, private and nonprofit partners to collectively address our region’s early childhood education services.”

Guests at the check presentation ceremony were welcomed by Keena Chandler-Coleman, director of the Hemet center. She said FSA is one of the largest nonprofits in the Inland Empire and one of the largest non-government employers.

“Our motto is compelling: Family Strength Is Community Strength,” she said.

Chandler-Coleman began working for the agency about 10 years ago, starting as a classroom assistant.

“I have 16 years of experience providing quality care for children,” she said. “I enjoy advocating for my children, families and teachers.

It is my passion to serve my community.”

Among the many dignitaries attending the event was state Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, represent-

ing the 23rd Senate District in California.

“As a former teacher and a working mother, I myself understand how important quality education is for our children and how important childcare services are to our region’s economic stability,” Ochoa Bogh said. She said that while some of the center’s child care programs are funded through the state of California, the most effective solutions aren’t provided by the government alone.

“Nonprofits, like FSA, are important partners, especially when it comes to understanding the unique needs of local families. And this is why I selected Family Service Association as my 2022 nonprofit of the year,” Ochoa Bogh said. “Today, I would like to specifically thank both Bolton Insurance and

The MolinaCares Accord for hearing FSA’s needs and springing into action. They put their money where their heart is by funding innovation solutions, like the one we will introduce today.”

Cameron Smyth, vice president of government affairs for Molina Healthcare, said when Molina learned of the challenges FSA has faced staffing its child development centers, they were compelled to help.

“If we want to improve the future health outcomes of our young children, it’s important that we launch programs like these to address the disparities in access to early childhood education,” Smyth said, adding that the partnership also supports community members with jobs and education opportunities. FSA

emony by thanking every organization that has stepped up to assist them.

“I can’t underscore enough the importance of private giving to the long-term health of a nonprofit,” Demers said. “While our government agencies generously fund nonprofits, the funding is not often enough to meet all of an agency’s operational needs and it’s rarely flexible enough to launch an innovative program like the one we are announcing today.”

With that, a group of children who benefit from the services offered at FSA’s Hemet Child Development Center, enthusiastically sang Raffi’s, “The More We Get Together (the happier we’ll be).”

According to an FSA news release, “the pandemic disrupted

board Chair Dave Demers ended the check presentation cer-

The MolinaCares Accord pledges $25,000 Friday, March 3, to the Family Service Association workforce development program with from left, state Assemblymember Corey Jackson and Janet McDonald behind David Demers, Ruthy Argumedo, Jane Adams, Cameron Smyth, Cheryl-Marie Hansberger and state Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh.

Children who attend classes at Family Service Association’s Hemet Child Development Center interact with guests during their performance at a check presentation ceremony.

The Bolton Foundation pledges $10,000 to assist Family Service Association with training qualified child care workers who will enable them to serve more children at its 10 centers with from left, Jeanie DeLaura, Brandon Burroughs, Janet McDonald, Jane Adams, David Demers, Steve Brockmeyer and Cheryl-Marie Hansberger.

Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photo

Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photo

Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photo see NONPROFIT, page B-7

NONPROFIT from page B-6

nearly all facets of the early childhood education sector. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the childcare sector lost almost 80,000 employees, or about 7.5% of its workforce, due to the pandemic. Like many organizations, FSA has found it overwhelmingly difficult to locate skilled candidates to fill vacancies at its child development centers, despite strong demands for services in the region. Sadly, a shortage of qualified staff directly impacts local families who are already struggling to keep up with the high cost of housing and runaway inflation rates.”

“Parents and guardians need access to quality child care to build strong economic foundations for their families,” Hansberger said. “As one of the largest childcare providers in Riverside County, we feel a strong obligation to push through these challenges as we know families and local employers count on us for economic recovery.”

Hansberger said that FSA was founded in 1953 by the Junior League and local faith-based organizations in the city of Riverside, who had growing concerns when they saw the deterioration of local military families in the early 1950s. The Hemet center opened in 2006 and currently 106 families receive care there. In addition, FSA serves

over 13,000 community members each year.

In addition to early childhood education, the nonprofit also offers trauma-informed mental health services, obtainable senior housing, support for home-bound individuals, safe senior/community centers, child abuse prevention education and nutritious meals for older adults.

Hansberger said the child care services and senior nutrition services are the most utilized programs.

FSA provides quality care for more than 700 infants and young children each day throughout its 10 child development centers in Riverside County, and with appropriate staffing FSA has the facilities to serve 500 additional children.

FSA’s centers are in high-need areas and give working parents or those pursuing education, who qualify, with access to either low- or no-cost quality care for infants to preschoolers. Most caregivers with children enrolled at FSA centers are employed and require two incomes to support their family.

As a part of the workforce development program, participants will be hired to work at Family Service Association while pursuing the college courses needed to achieve state level certification as a classroom assistant or associate teacher. With this increased staffing, FSA will expand enrollment for infants and toddlers at its centers.

FSA also operates centers in Cabazon, Highgrove and Rubidoux plus three in Moreno Valley and three in Riverside. To learn more about the Workforce Development Program or to volunteer at one of FSA’s Child Development Centers, call 951-6861096. For more information about FSA, visit http://www.fsaca.org

MAMMOTH from page B-4

Hemet in 2006.” He prefers shows that cross genres but if he had to choose just one, it would be comedy. “I like plays that tackle serious issues, but I hate to spend an hour without laughing a bit,” Brady said. “The greatest playwright, Shakespeare, managed to infuse Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and King Lear with quite a few laughs. The play we are taking to Scotland actually goes between comedy and drama quite a bit. Our December audiences laughed more than they cried, but

we had quite a bit of tears.”

“Twelfth Night” will be presented March 23, 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. at the Western Center Academy piazza, 2345 Searl Parkway, Hemet. Student tickets are $5 online or $10 at the door and adult admission is $12 online or $15 at the door.

For more information on the Dramatic Arts Mammoth Players, to purchase tickets or merchandise and/or to donate to their traveling expenses, please visit www.onthestage.tickets/ show/western-center-academy/ 62e85150824ce10e1504300f

(DTC).

Budding scientists enjoy learning at a Family Service Association child development center.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Ashley Leon is Trina in “Gulls,” a modern adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull.” Valley News/Courtesy photo

Pacific Hydrotech given EMWD contract for SJVRWF rehabilitation

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District board approved a contract with Pacific Hydrotech Corporation for three San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility rehabilitation projects.

The board’s 5-0 vote Wednesday, March 1, approved a $25,505,826

construction contract with Pacific Hydrotech, which is headquartered in Perris. Support tasks resulted in the board action also approving a $1,491,625 contract with MWH

Constructors, Inc., a contract for $889,091 with Carollo Engineers, a $247,070 contract with Kennedy/ Jenks Consultants, a contract for $176,560 with Converse Con-

LANDSCAPING from page B-1 back yard grass and replace it with drought-tolerant landscaping that uses less water and is more sustainable.

“Our Landscapes for Living

SHADE from page B-1

drought-tolerant natural areas on school grounds, and other activities that help connect children to nature while improving the immediate environment for students and improving accessibility to nature and nature-based learning.

Projects are intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve

sultants, and a $135,200 contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. The board action authorized additional appropriations of $33,272,898, which brings the estimated cost of the project to $35,284,428. EMWD staff combined three separate design packages into a single contract to obtain economies of scale and to facilitate project management and efficient plant operation. The construction work will consist of the San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility Plant 1 rehabilitation, the San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility centrate equalization and the San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility Digester No. 2 rehabilitation.

program offers a wide range of resources and rebates that can help customers become much more efficient while maintaining a beautiful space,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule said. “We encourage everyone to take part in the program

functionality of urban forests, arrest the decline of urban forest resources, address climate change resilience, improve the quality of the environment in urban areas and for underserved communities, and optimize benefits to school children and surrounding urban residents.

For more information on Cal

Fire’s Green Schoolyard Grant

Plant 1 was constructed in the mid-1960s and was taken off-line in 2013 following the completion of San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility Plant 2 Expansion Project. Eastern’s Groundwater Reliability Plus Program to improve the quality and yield of water from the San Jacinto groundwater basin includes the Purified Water Replenishment Project which will include recharge ponds, an advanced recycled water treatment facility, a blending station and conveyance infrastructure. The Purified Water Replenishment Project along with growth in the area will require Plant 1 to be returned to active service. The rehabilitation of Plant 1 will include rehabilitation of the

and transform their garden into a welcoming and water-saving space this spring.”

For more information or to apply for rebates and devices, please visit landscapesforliving. emwd.org.

and Urban and Community Grant Programs, visit https://www.fire. ca.gov/what-we-do/grants/urbanand-community-forestry-grants where there are links to the Green Schoolyard Grants webinar, the grants webinar Q&A, and the following videos in English and Spanish.

Submitted by Cal Fire.

aeration basins which are currently off-line, decommissioning of the primary and secondary clarifiers, construction of a new pump station to convey flows to Plant 2, a flow meter structure, an aeration basin splitter box, a return activated sludge flow meter area and new buried pipelines to convey the process flows.

The San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility dewaters digested biosolids during limited daytime hours. Centrate is currently returned to the secondary process without equalization or control, which impacts and impairs nutrient treatment and removal. Equalization and control of centrate return will improve the treatment plant’s operational flexibility and allow for better control of disinfection chemistry. The centrate equalization work will include construction of a new centrate transfer pump station, repurposing the existing sludge transfer building as the new centrate return pump station, converting the existing Digester No. 2 to the new centrate equalization tank, constructing a new chemical feed system and new buried pipelines to convey process flows to the facilities and structures.

A condition assessment of Digester No. 2 indicated the need for significant structural rehabilitation to repurpose the digester into a centrate equalization tank. The work will include structural rehabilitation of loose material,

guardrail modifications and coating of the exterior and of piping, equipment and other items.

The construction contract was advertised for bid Dec. 12. The engineer’s estimate for the construction contract was $22,018,227 although increased labor and materials costs caused all three bids to exceed that amount significantly. The Pacific Hydrotech bid of $25,505,826 was the lowest. GSE Construction Company Inc. of Livermore submitted a bid of $27,396,300. Garney Pacific Inc., which is based in Murrieta, had the other bid which was $32,533,926. Pacific Hydrotech has previously performed work for Eastern which has met EMWD standards.

MWH Constructors, whose office is in Corona, will provide construction management services. Carollo, Kennedy/Jenks and HDR will provide support services during construction. Carollo, which is headquartered in San Diego, performed the final design for the Plant 1 rehabilitation. Kennedy/Jenks, which is based in San Francisco and has offices in San Diego and Murrieta, provided the engineering design for the centrate equalization project. HDR is based in San Diego and provided the Digester No. 2 rehabilitation design. Converse Consultants, whose office is in Redlands, will provide geotechnical services and concrete inspection and testing services. EMWD general manager Joe Mouawad was given the authority to award contracts for suppliers administratively.

The contract with Pacific Hydrotech Corporation stipulates a duration is 720 calendar days from the notice to proceed. Substantial completion of the project is expected by March 2025.

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

PRICE IMPROVEMENT

Offered at $289,000

Flavin unleashes barrage of birdies on cold and wet final day and wins at Soboba Springs

Derryl Trujillo

Sports Writer

SAN JACINTO – Patrick Flavin’s experience playing under winter conditions in the Midwest at Ohio University and growing up in Illinois paid off in droves on Friday, March 10, at Soboba Springs Golf Course in the ASHER Tour’s Soboba Classic.

Flavin, a member of the Korn Ferry tour using this week’s event to stay sharp during a layoff between events of a month and a half, posted a third round of 64 with eight birdies and no bogeys in a steady drizzle which became light rain to win by five shots on Friday afternoon. It’s his first professional win in approximately four years and he earns $18,000 for the victory.

Tied with Moreno Valley’s Michael Herrera after 36 holes, Flavin went down the 18th fairway on his opening tee shot and cashed in on a well struck mid-iron shot for birdie to take a one-shot lead after one hole. Flavin made four straight birdies from three through seven with a combination of lethal ball striking and a warm putter to

Great Oak tests top-ranked Rams, league softball bout ends in a draw

JP Raineri Sports Editor

If you are a fan and follow the Murrieta Mesa softball team on Game Changer, which is the official sports-based scoring app for high school baseball and softball teams, then the Rams leave no secrets out. Their entire lineup highlights the names of their players and the schools they are committed to in college. Not a bad flex for the program that was ranked No. 1 out of the gate in the Cal-Hi Sports State softball rankings two weeks ago. With an opening non league 7-2 win over Centennial, a 4-0 shutout against Vista Murrieta, and a commanding 18-4 win over Chaparral last week, the Rams welcomed Great Oak (0-4-1) this week, before heading out to the Dave Kops Memorial Tournament of Champions in Arizona for the weekend. While the ladies of Murrieta Mesa expect to be tested in Arizona, Great Oak also wanted in on the testing action this past Wednesday. The Wolfpack shared the league title with Murrieta Mesa

last season, so this was definitely the game to be at for local softball fans.

Tony Romero, who is in his 12th season as the head coach for Murrieta Mesa, has seen the program literally climb from the bottom to the top and had told the media last week that while the ranking was nice, it means nothing until there is something to play for at the end of the season. The 2017 season was a big year for the Rams who won a CIF Southern Section Division 3 championship that year, then won their first league championship in 2018, adding two more along the way, but that was then, and they are playing for the now.

Murrieta Mesa (7-1-1), who have been a powerhouse in Division 1 since 2018, return seven starters from last year’s team, and added an astounding coach in Wendy Allen-Hauser, who works with the pitchers. Allen-Hauser, who played collegiately at Ohio State and Arizona, graduated from Moreno Valley High School in 2000 and was one of the top

Soboba Classic champion Patrick Flavin watches a shot in Friday’s final round at Soboba Springs Golf Course, March 10.

Moreno Valley’s Michael Herrera follows a tee shot on Friday afternoon at Soboba Springs Golf Course in ASHER Tour competition.

Cameron Sisk tees off in third round action of the ASHER Tour’s Soboba Classic.

Murrieta’s Josh Anderson watches a shot during Friday’s final round of the ASHER Tour Soboba Classic, March 10.

Valley News/Andrez Imaging photos see GOLF, page C-2

Murrieta Mesa’s Mikaylah Jones (39) gets welcomed to the plate after hitting a game-tying home run in the bottom of the seventh inning against Great Oak Wednesday, March 8. Valley News/Andrez Imaging see SOFTBALL, page C-3

Vista Murrieta track and field hosts Saddle Up Invitational

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

MURRIETA – The Saddle Up Invitational, which is one of the top local track and field preseason events, took place at Vista Murrieta High School Saturday, March 11. The event was rescheduled from Saturday, Feb. 28, due to the rain, which could not be escaped again this past weekend.

This year’s event included athletes from the following schools in the Valley News coverage area: Ambassador League – Linfield Christian; Ivy League – Elsinore, Orange Vista, Rancho Verde; Southwestern League – Chaparral, Murrieta Mesa, Murrieta Valley, Temecula Valley, Vista Murrieta; Sunbelt League – Paloma Valley, Temescal Canyon.

Top performances by area athletes and teams included:

Vista Murrieta pole vaulters Aspen Fears (13’) and Katie Rodriquez (12’) placing first and second in the pole vault. Fears failed short of setting the school record, failing on three tries to break the record.

Vista Murrieta boys swept the 110m hurdles with first place going to Arthur Celestine 15.37, second place Levi Vela 15.39, and third place Julian Moore 15.58. Arthur Celestine also placed first in the 300m hurdles with a time of 41.09.

Levi Vela placed second in the 300m hurdles with a time of 41.49.

Vista Murrieta’s Alyssa Alumbres performed exceptionally well setting a season record in the long jump with a mark of 19’4.5” and finished second in the 200m dash with a time of 25.52.

Orange Vista’s Kailah McKenzie placed first in the girls high jump clearing 5’2” and also won the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.56. Paloma Valley’s Jason Deal placed first in the 400m run with

a time of 49.32 (personal best) and finished second in the 100-yard and 200-yard dash races with times of 10.73 and 21.54 respectively. Article contributions made by Action Captures Media Group. The results were compiled from the events official time keeper’s website, www.finishedresults. trackscoreboard.com.

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

Perris boxer hits Toyota Arena for secondround knockout

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

ONTARIO – At Toyota Arena in Ontario Saturday, March 4, Perris boxer Albert Gonzalez got to fight in a featherweight bout, in front of thousands of fans awaiting the main event fight. He did not disappoint. Gonzalez fought Joseph Cruz in what was supposed to be a six-round bout. Instead, Gonzalez scored a second-round knockout, raising his stock as a professional fighter. Gonzalez, who trains out of United Boxing in Moreno Valley, is a definite up-and-coming prospect sporting a 4-0 record.

In the Main Event, former WBA Super bantamweight champion and WBC No. 1 ranked Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa, 241-1 (18), #125.8, of Weslaco, TX, defeated WBC No. 2 ranked Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, 24-1 (16), #126, of Bohol, Philippines and Valencia, CA, over 12 rounds, for the vacant WBC Interim World Featherweight title.

In the first two rounds Figueroa kept switching from southpaw and back to orthodox, pressing Magsayo.

In the third through fifth rounds Figueroa had Magsayo against the ropes as both were landing punches.

In the seventh round referee Thomas

Taylor warned Magsayo for holding.

In the eighth round Taylor took a point from Magsayo for holding while Figueroa suffered a cut on his left eyelid. In the tenth round Figueroa continued a body attack, hurting Magsayo throughout the round. In the eleventh round, again Magsayo was deducted a point by referee Taylor for holding. At the bell, both were throwing punches. In the twelfth and final round, Figueroa had Magsayo in trouble with a solid body attack with both landing punches at the bell. Scores were 117-109 twice and 118-108. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com

go out in five under par 31. He would lead by two shots at the turn.

“Growing up in the Midwest I probably developed a higher tolerance for playing in inclement weather than most folks and that experience definitely proved helpful today,” Flavin said. “This is a well-run tour with quality fields on quality courses and I’m so happy I got this opportunity because it’s hard to find places to play during this break. I had a lot of fun getting to know these guys and hanging out with them off the course too.”

Herrera made a 30-foot bomb on the par four 10th hole from just in front of the green and used a stellar approach shot at 11 to make back-to-back birdies, pulling even with Flavin. On 12, both Herrera and Flavin gave themselves good opportunities for birdie but only Flavin cashed in, once again giving himself a one-shot lead. A hole later, Herrera made his only mistake of a stellar week when a mis-struck approach shot spun all the way down the front slope guarding the 13th green and into a penalty area. He’d make a double bogey, fall three behind and trail by five after 54 holes. Flavin made back-to-back birdies at 17 and 18 to give himself the eventual winning margin.

Herrera was the overnight coleader after an opening round 60 (the new course record) and

even par 72. “I gained a lot of confidence this week and am really happy with where my game is at. For most of the day I was right there except for one bad swing,” Herrera said. “I’m playing here in a Mackenzie Tour (what used to be known as PGA Tour Canada) qualifying tournament next month and it’s a good feeling to know I can take it low on the same course where that tournament will be held.”

The final round commenced, and our leaders got through 12 holes before a heavy downpour created ponding on the greens which forced head official and tour owner Michael O’Leary’s hand. “We were doing fine and thought

we’d get it in before that steady downpour got us,” O’Leary said.

“Once you start getting casual water accumulating on greens it’s not a tough call at all from an officiating perspective and we told the guys we’d make every effort to get them all the way through 72 holes. We were probably two or so hours from getting there.”

Murrieta’s Josh Anderson finished in a T44 after rounds of 72-70-73=215 (-1). The ASHER Tour will be at the Golf Club of Fallbrook for the Fallbrook Open from Monday, March 13 through Wednesday, March 15.

Derryl Trujillo can be reached by email at socaltrekkie@gmail. com

GOLF from page C-1

Soboba Classic champion Patrick Flavin with the $18,000 winner’s check. Valley News/Derryl Trujillo photo

Vista Murrieta’s Katie Rodriquez placed second in the pole vault with a vault clearing 12’ 0” at the Saddle Up Invitational Saturday, March 11.

Vista Murrieta’s Alyssa Alumbres and Kaila Robinson placed second and third in the girls 200m dash at the Saddle Up Invitational Saturday, March 11.

Orange Vista’s Kailah Mackenzie placed first in the high jump clearing 5’2” Saturday, March 11, at Vista Murrieta High School.

Orange Vista’s Mercy Ehiemere (4) and Murrieta Mesa’s Brooklynn Bright finished first and second in the girls 400m run

Murrieta Mesa’s Chase Eisenhauer, Paloma Valley’s Jason Deal, and Murrieta Mesa’s Hans Soriano run the boys 100m dash.

Vista Murrieta’s Levi Vela, left, and Arthur Celestine (headband) posted times of 15.39 and 15.37 respectively in the boys 110m hurdles, placing first and second in the race.

Valley News/Action Captures Media Group photos

Albert Gonzalez (blue trunks) and Joseph Cruz exchange punches during their featherweight bout that Gonzalez won with a second-round knockout at the Toyota Arena in Ontario Saturday, March 4. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group photos

Albert Gonzalez (blue trunks) defeated Joseph Cruz by a second-round knockout at the Toyota Arena in Ontario Saturday, March 4.

Ladouceur sings national anthem, plays in Sockers alumni game with Basso and Bowers

Joe Naiman

Sports Writer

SAN DIEGO – Temecula

resident Carlos Basso and Murrieta

residents Sean Bowers and Jacques Ladouceur played in the San Diego Sockers’ alumni game Saturday, March 4, at Pechanga Arena. This was known as the San Diego Sports Arena when those three played for the Sockers. Ladouceur also sang the national anthem prior to the Major Arena Soccer League game between the current Sockers and the Dallas Sidekicks.

“The national anthem means a lot to me,” Ladouceur said. “It’s something that’s very important to me, and that’s what makes it so easy to sing for me.”

Ladouceur, 63, was born in Haiti. He moved to New York City when he was 10 and became an American citizen when he was 18. When Ladouceur was 16, one of his older brothers joined the Marine Corps. Ladouceur began his professional soccer career in Greece. After three seasons in the Greek league, former Greece national team coach Alkis Panagoulias, who had become the United States national team coach, recommended Ladouceur for the U.S. national team.

“I always get goosebumps when I hear the national anthem,” Ladouceur said. “I can’t relate to people who don’t feel that way.”

Following a tournament in Los Angeles, Sockers coach Ron Newman approached Ladouceur about playing for the Sockers. Ladouceur played for the Sockers from years 1984-1985 to 19911992, and the team won seven league championships during that time. He moved to Murrieta in 2002 and is currently coaching the newly formed California Football Academy club in Orange County.

“Singing is just something fun for me. I sang in the shower for a long time and started realizing maybe I might want to do this,” Ladouceur said. He joined an informal group which met monthly. “I looked around to see how I could improve my voice. Over the years it’s gotten better,” he said.

Jon Greene is the Sockers’ manager for community engagement, communications and creative services. Melissa Mahan is the Sockers’ director of game day operations. Mahan normally handles the national anthem singers, but Greene is the liaison between the team and the

players in Southern California during her time. Her daughter, Lily Hauser, and junior shortstop Madi Lardizabal, a transfer from Chino Hills, are two of the newest faces to the Rams lineup.

As a pitcher, Lily Hauser, a freshman, came into a tight game against Great Oak Wednesday, March 8, after Caylea RainsCampbell (committed to Xavier Louisiana) got into some unusual trouble early in the game. Trailing 2-0 until the bottom of the seventh inning, the Rams never gave up, and the energy was off the charts from both sides. Until that point, Great Oak’s Miali Gauchino was having her way with Murrieta Mesa, shutting them down on offense, and picking up both runs, plating Samantha Young in two of her three at-bats on the day.

With her pitch count increasing, and daylight diminishing, Gauchino let up a leadoff double in the bottom of the seventh to Iowa State commit Victoria Prado, which sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Gauchino would get a strike out in the next at-bat, bringing Mikaylah Jones to the plate, who took a vicious hack with her first swing, a foul ball. Her next swing would be the one that took the wind out of Great Oak’s sails, sending a shot

alumni.

Thompson Usiyan played with Ladouceur on the 1991-1992 Sockers and was also on the 1993 team. Usiyan passed away in August 2021. The possibility of Ladouceur singing the national anthem at a Sockers game was discussed during Usiyan’s celebration of life.

“It just somehow came up,” Greene said. “We jumped on it.”

The Sockers’ 2021-2022 alumni game was also on the first Saturday of March, but a national anthem singer had already been booked.

Ladouceur was asked if he could sing it for the Sockers’ first playoff game, and he accepted that offer.

“This year we had plenty of time to actually schedule it,” he said.

The Sockers won 10 league championships between 1981-1982 and 1991-1992 with the Sidekicks winning the other during that 11year period. San Diego defeated Dallas in the finals to win the 1991-1992 Major Soccer League (which had been the Major Indoor Soccer League) championship, and after the MISL/MSL folded, the Sidekicks and Sockers joined the newly formed Continental Indoor Soccer League, and the Sidekicks defeated the Sockers in the 1993 CISL finals.

Sockers vs. Sidekicks

When the two teams played each other March 4, the Sockers began the game with a 14-2 record which led all Major Arena Soccer League teams, while the Sidekicks had not won any of their previous 15 games in the 2022-2023 season.

“We dominated from the first goal,” Bowers, who played on the 1991-1992, 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and 2009-2010 Sockers teams and became the Sockers’ general manager in 2016, said.

The Sockers held a 4-0 lead at the end of the first period and took eight shots on goal that quarter while not allowing the Sidekicks any shots on goal. San Diego had a 6-0 lead before the Sidekicks scored nine minutes into the second quarter. After the score became 8-1, the Sockers rested starters and focused on possession rather than scoring. The score was 8-2 when the alumni players took the field during halftime.

Approximately 20 former Sockers players participated in this year’s alumni game. “It’s a good chance for different generations of players to get together,” Bowers, 54, said. Raised in San Diego, he began following the Sockers as a

fan. He has lived in Murrieta since 2003.

The Sockers’ first league championship was in the North American Soccer League, which had both an indoor season and an outdoor season. After the 19811982 season the Sockers remained outdoors in the NASL but played in the MISL for 1982-1983, so this year is the 40th anniversary of the Sockers’ first MISL championship. Bowers, who graduated from Mira Mesa High School in 1986, was a freshman in 1982-1983 and on the Marauders’ varsity soccer team.

“I was a fan of the Sockers, and it’s coming full circle now,” Bowers said.

Another league title?

When Bowers took over as the team’s general manager, his goal was to obtain another league title for the Sockers, who had won 14 championships at the time but none in the previous three seasons. The Sockers lost in the MASL conference finals in each of Bowers’ first three seasons as the team’s general manager and the coronavirus outbreak canceled the 2019-2020 playoffs. The 20202021 MASL season gave the Sockers their 15th championship, and the Sockers also won the 20212022 MASL championship.

“Now we’ve won back-to-back,” Bowers said. “Bringing back memories.”

Basso, Bowers and Ladouceur were all on Team White during the alumni game which featured Team White versus Team Yellow. Team Yellow obtained a 5-1 victory.

“We thought the white team

was going to end up winning, but the yellow team scored so many incredible goals,” Basso said.

“It’s not really about winning or losing, it’s about being connected,” Bowers said.

“The game is always fun,” Ladouceur said. “It’s always good to see the guys.”

Alumni connection

Ladouceur noted that the alumni game connects younger fans with the team’s heritage. “It’s a good thing for the fans to see,” he said. “I always enjoy meeting new kids and new people that come to the game.”

Basso, 58, was born and raised in Brazil and came to the United States when he was 20. In 1986 he signed a developmental contract with the Sockers and was on their reserve team, although he didn’t play with the primary team during his first stint with the Sockers. He

played for the Milwaukee Wave and the Tulsa Ambush before becoming a member of the Sockers in 1993. Basso moved from San Diego to Temecula in 2000.

“It’s always nice to see all the old teammates,” he said. “This is an event that we get to see friends and talk about what we’re now doing.”

Basso currently coaches teams for the Temecula-based City SC soccer club. More than 50 players and family members from City SC attended the March 4 MASL and alumni games.

The Sockers and Sidekicks returned to play for the second half of the MASL game which ended as a 10-5 Sockers victory. “It’s just keeping everybody on the same page,” Bowers said.

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

over the fence, tying the game at two runs apiece.

After a fly out by Taelyn Holley, Murrieta Mesa’s Jazzy Burns (Ohio State commit) drilled a base hit to center field, giving the Rams some added life, but that would be it as Gauchino would get Oregon State commit Paige Bambarger to go down looking for the final out. Hauser, who came in to pitch in the fifth inning, toed the rubber again in extra innings. With the first batter grounding out and Gauchino on her way to drawing a walk with a 3-1 count, the umpires called the game due to darkness, and this game would end in a tie.

“Head Coach Ornelas said that it

was determined to be a tie, so that is the final score,” Great Oak Athletic Director Herschel Ramirez said.

No further comments have been made by either team as to what could happen down the road with the standings, should a tie end up messing up the chance for either team to win a league title. For now, it’s a draw. Great Oak remains winless on the season and the Rams packed up their vans on Thursday, and headed for Bullhead City, Ariz.

Murrieta Mesa reached the title game of the 26th annual Tournament of Champions last season, falling 3-1 to Villa Park, which was the No. 1-ranked team in the nation at that time. The tournament showcases 60-70 of the top teams from around the country and was started by the late Dave Kips in 1996 as a school fundraiser while he was Athletic Director at Mohave High School. Over the past 27 years the tournament has become one of the most prestigious tournaments on the west coast.

The 2023 Dave Kops Tournament of Champions took place Thursday, March 9, through Saturday, March 11, and while the Rams came swinging out of the gate with a 7-1 win over El Toro (Lake Forest, CA) and a 10-0 win over Douglas (Minden, NV), they would get sent to the consolation bracket when they lost 1-0 to Pacifica High School of Garden Grove. Murrieta Mesa wrapped up the weekend with wins over Orange Lutheran, 6-5,

Former Sockers pose after the alumni game Saturday, March 4. Jacques Ladouceur is on the left.

Valley News/Eddie Trujillo photos

Sean Bowers and the granddaughter of former Sockers player Martin Donnelly defend against Cha Cha Namdar.

SOFTBALL from page C-1

Great Oak’s Miali Gauchino recorded 14 strikeouts against Murrieta Mesa in their Southwestern League matchup Wednesday, March 8.

Clemson commit Madi Lardizabal (8) lays the tag down on Great Oak’s Sophia Tomeo after she was caught stealing in the top of the fifth inning of their recent Southwestern League matchup. Valley News/Andrez Imaging photos

and Villa Park, 9-1. Norco won this year’s tournament, defeating Los Alamitos 13-8. This week Murrieta Mesa will take on Murrieta Valley and Temecula Valley in league games, but mark your calendars for Monday, March 20, at Murrieta Mesa. That’s when a rescheduled showdown will take place against Beaumont, who have Texas-bound

pitcher Cambria Salmon ready to take on the Rams. Salmon was the 2022 IE Varsity Player of the Year. Great Oak will face Temescal Canyon in a non league bout this week, as well as Vista Murrieta in Southwestern League action. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com

Samantha Young comes in to score against Murrieta Mesa early in the game.

Freshman pitcher Lily Hauser toeing the rubber for Murrieta Mesa in their recent bout against Great Oak.

Temecula Valley students honored in February

hard time overcoming anxiety she felt while participating in band, especially if she had to perform a solo as a first-chair flautist. She said playing the flute has been her greatest passion and her greatest fear so it was not easy for her to play publicly. “What I learned is to never give up,” Grace said. During a Christmas concert, she prayed to the Lord to help her with her performance and said it turned out to be the best one she has ever done. “I’ve never forgotten what God taught me through this challenge: to never give into my fears, and I can confidently say this has inspired me. Trust in the Lord and persevere under pressure.”

Diego Regalado Diego Regalado started as a senior at Rancho Vista High School, an alternative learning environment that is part of the Joan Sparkman Educational Campus. He excels at soccer and his academics improved greatly since transferring to Rancho Vista.

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program, recognizing and inspiring academic excellence since 1993, held its most recent recognition breakfast on Feb. 9 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Road. Sally Myers, founder of the nonprofit program, welcomed everyone and shared the mission of the local high school recognition program which sets the criteria for the incredible students who are chosen.

She said college or trade school bound seniors are honored for their character, their love of learning and their willingness to participate in numerous activities such as campus events, athletics and community service as well as how they have persevered through challenging life circumstances. They accomplish all this in a setting that honors God, country, community, family and free enterprise.

Backpacks filled with gifts, 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 are Chaparral High School’s Collin Crilly, Great Oak’s Annie Hu, Linfield Christian’s Grace Gonzales, Rancho Vista’s

Diego Regalado, Saint Jeanne De Lestonnac’s Kendall Kelledy, Susan H. Nelson’s Alexis Ritenour and Temecula Valley High School’s Megan K. Thamer.

Collin Crilly

Chaparral High School Assistant

Principal Lloyd Dunn introduced Collin Crilly as an awesome role model on campus who has excelled on the boys’ water polo and swim teams. Collin said the pandemic posed a challenge for him because he was not used to being cooped up for months at a time. “But it made me choose between baseball, a sport I grew up playing, and water polo,” he said. Collin has earned his Eagle Scout ranking, is a member of the National Honor Society and has helped keep the girls’ water polo team stats for the past three years. He also had a life-altering experience last May shortly before one of his meets where he had to use all his Boy Scout skills as well as his lifeguard training when a woman nearby had a medical emergency. “Without hesitation, I ran over and began life-saving measures. This is a story and moment I will keep with me for the rest of my life and it taught me a very important lesson – when you or someone else is caught in a trial, the best thing to do is to rely on the things you’ve learned and use them to get where you want to go or help someone in need.” He plans to attend college in Utah where he will study mechanical engineering and then aerospace engineering. His nominating counselor, Tina May, described Collin as “our hometown hero.”

Annie Hu

Great Oak High School Assistant Principal Amber Lane recalls

meeting Annie Hu as a competitive mathlete and describes her as a fierce mathematician who is also a classically trained clarinetist. She is part of the school’s drumline and has been involved with many research projects before transferring to Great Oak in her junior year. Annie said one of the main aspects of research that appeals to her is the fact that there is no complete certainty. “Every endeavor becomes a journey of grappling in the dark,” she said. “You could go one direction and fail and have to retrace your steps. And the process may be exhausting but the light at the end of the tunnel is what makes research worthwhile and even enjoyable.” Annie said it took her awhile to realize that grappling in the dark is not just a scenario that plays out on paper but can happen in real life as well. “When I first transferred to Great Oak, I didn’t know a quick formula to get back on my feet but I immersed myself immediately in the school’s community and clubs and realized, like in research, sometimes things fall into place,” she said, adding that what matters is to try new things, trust the process of learning and readjusting, if and when it’s needed. “I’ve come to appreciate diverse intelligences; everyone has a trait, a talent or a passion that I can learn from and I’m grateful for the many times I’ve been humbled to realize this.”

Grace Gonzales

The entire faculty at Linfield Christian School has a voice in choosing the Student of the Month and for February it was Grace Gonzales, who has plans to attend medical school and become a surgeon. Grace said she had a

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned and will take with me to college is that the only person that can make me put in the work to get what I want is me. I’m the one who is to decide if it’s now or never and I’ve decided that it’s now.” He plans to attend college in North Carolina where he will be a goalkeeper on the school’s soccer team while studying horticulture, the art or practice of garden cultivation and management and botany, the scientific study of plants to further his knowledge about the earth.

Kendall Kelledy

Kendall Kelledy has been a three-sport athlete and is the current ASB president at Saint Jeanne De Lestonnac High School. She rides horses competitively and plans to study equine veterinary and potentially equine sports medicine when she goes to college.

“A significant life lesson I’ve learned at St. Jeanne’s is how to set goals and how to put in the hard work to get what you want. The school’s president, Sister Ernestine Velarde, said she is proud of all the high school students at St. Jeanne’s who have adapted to creative learning spaces since the nearly 30-year-old campus has only had a high school component for the past four years or so. A new building is expected to be completed in August but students such as Kendall have had to work with the existing campus which did not offer them traditional classrooms and other buildings to exclusively serve the high school population. Flexibility was key to their success.

Alexis Ritenour

Susan H. Nelson High School, also part of the Joan Sparkman Educational Campus, chose Alexis Ritenour due to her outstanding academics. Principal David

Murrieta Valley Chamber honors students in February

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program held its most recent recognition breakfast

Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Road. Mary Walters, assistant superintendent of the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, served as master of ceremonies and introduced Sally Myers, who founded the first of four area Student of the Month programs more than 30 years ago. Myers explained that the nonprofit’s purpose is to celebrate and honor outstanding students who make a significant difference in their school and community. Its mission is to provide a local high school recognition program which will acknowledge college and trade school bound seniors for their character, their love of learning and their commitment to academics in addition to their participation in athletics, school activities, community service or the ability to overcome difficult life circumstances in a setting that honors God, country, family, community and free enterprise. Backpacks filled with gifts, certificates of recognition and 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 are Murrieta Canyon Academy’s Diego Buenrostro, Murrieta Mesa High School’s Felipe Herrera, Murrieta Valley High’s Sarah Davis, Oak Grove Center’s Seyedeharmita “Armita” Barzanji, Springs Charter School’s Nicole Hudson and Vista Murrieta High School’s Xavier Chua.

Diego Buenrostro

Murrieta Canyon Academy

Principal Matt Bean explained that Diego Buenrostro only had 60 high school credits when he enrolled at the school in his junior year. These were patched together from four different high schools he had attended. Bean said the academy’s goal is to give students an individualized educational opportunity, and it worked well with Buenrostro.

“I always hung with the wrong crowd and made the wrong choices,” he said. He plans to pursue acting to fulfill his inner passion and to channel his energy. Buenrostro moved to Texas from San Diego to live with his mother and try to right what he describes as the disruptive and disrespectful behaviors that he instigated at school. His mother died in September 2020, within a month of moving in with her, so he returned to San Diego before moving to Murrieta.

“I was acting out worse than before,” he said. “I would take bad drugs and make stupid decisions;

I got fired from my job. The only person who cared about me was my dad, and I felt I’d let him down.”

Eventually, he learned that the faculty and administration at MCA cared about him too and never gave up on him. The genuine interest they showed gave him hope and a reason to turn his life around.

Felipe Herrera

Murrieta Mesa High School singled out Felipe Herrera to be honored in February. Principal Scott Richards said the Student of the Month program is about

Schlottman said Alexis carries the highest GPA in the entire school. The musical artist plays the guitar and wants to be a singer/ songwriter. A challenge she had to overcome was the depression she suffered after the sudden death of her father in the summer of her sophomore year. “I never intended on switching to Susan Nelson; I always planned to continue at Temecula Valley and graduate alongside my twin sister,” Alexis said. But losing her father absolutely rocked her world. “My whole life, goals, plans and future 180ed and I had no idea what I was going to do with myself,” she said. The once straight-A student said she could not continue attending a traditional high school due to her severe depression. She said switching to Susan H. Nelson was the best decision she could have made and it allowed her to start finding comfort through music.

“From all this, I’ve learned that even when the unimaginable happens and life punches you right in the face, you will always find a way to get through and adapt to your situation.” She hopes to create music that helps people who are just like her get through similar situations as she pursues a degree in music and an eventual career in the music industry.

Megan K. Thamer

Temecula Valley High School

Principal Donna Lione said Megan K. Thamer has a 4.5 GPA and is a four-year member of the Air Force JROTC program, holding several leadership roles. Her first choice for college is the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis where she plans to study aerospace engineering. Megan’s end goal is to be commissioned as a Marine aviator in either fighter jets or following in the footsteps of her grandfather and flying helicopters. She is also a four-year member of varsity girls’ cross country and has already completed eight half marathons. Megan said she was able to go from being introverted to being the involved person she wanted to be by getting involved in JROTC. She quoted American writer William Arthur Ward: “We can choose to throw stones, to stumble on them, to climb over them, or to build with them.” Lt.Col. Michael P. Good, who nominated Megan, said she has stepped up to numerous challenges and has already received the J-100 AFJROTC Character-inLeadership Scholarship, which provides cadets with a four-year full ride scholarship. For more information, please contact Program Chair Amber Poncy at 951-676-5090 or http:// temecula.org/student-of-themonth

so much more than excelling in the academic realm and that is precisely why Herrera was chosen.

He does not have any Advanced Placement or dual enrollment classes on his transcript and has only been a Murrieta Mesa student for one year.

“But his grit and perseverance has been an inspiration to many,” Richards said. “He came to us by way of Colombia. Although he spoke no English, he never gave up on learning to communicate with others.” Herrera is a member of the varsity soccer team and played

football for the school.

He shared a quote, “When God gives you a new beginning, it starts with an ending.”

Herrera said he fell in love with the sport of football because he felt welcomed by the teammates that treated him as family. He also said he learned something important from sports.

“There is no easy way,” he said. “There is only hard work, late nights, early mornings, practice, repetition, study, toil, frustration and discipline. That’s why I love it see HONORS, page C-5

Recipients of the Temecula Valley Student of the Month award for February. From left, Grace Gonzales, Megan K. Thamer, Diego Regalado, Alexis Ritenour, Kendall Kelledy, Collin Crilly and Annie Hu. Valley News/John P. Hess photo

Recipients of the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month award for February are, from left, Xavier Chua, Nicole Hudson, Diego Buenrostro, Seyedeharmita “Armita” Barzanji, Felipe Herrera and Sarah Davis.

Valley News/KC Photography

Heart-healthy foods to add to your diet

regarding specific changes that can address any pre-existing issues they may have. But it never hurts to consider heart-healthy foods, and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adding these heart-healthy foods to your shopping list.

Fruits and vegetables

Variety is the spice of life, and the good news is that an assortment of fruits and vegetables promote heart health. That means individuals can eat a heart-healthy diet without eating the same foods every day. The ODPHP notes that fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits and vegetables can all promote a healthy heart.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adding these heart-healthy foods to your shopping list.

A healthy diet can help people lower their risk for various conditions, including heart disease.

That’s a significant benefit, as the World Health Organization estimates that 32% of deaths across the globe can be attributed to

Valley News/Metro Creative Graphics photo

cardiovascular disease, which is an umbrella term used to refer to a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Individuals who want to change their diets are urged to speak with their physicians for insight

• Fresh vegetables: Tomatoes, cabbage and carrots

• Fresh fruits: Apples, oranges, bananas, pears and peaches

• Leafy greens: Spinach, Romaine lettuce and kale

• Canned vegetables: Look for low-sodium canned veggies

• Frozen vegetables: Look for products without added butter or sauces

• Canned, frozen or dried fruit: Look for varieties with no added sugars

Dairy

The ODPHP recommends fatfree or low-fat dairy. Such products include:

• Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk

• Fat-free or low-fat plain yogurt

• Fat-free or low-fat cheese or cottage cheese

• Soy milk with added calcium, vitamin A and vitamin D

Whole grains

Various products may be promoted as “whole grain,” but the ODPHP notes that whole wheat or another whole grain should be listed first in the ingredient list. Products that are 100% whole grain also should be chosen over the alternatives.

• Whole-grain bread, bagels, English muffins and tortillas

• Whole-grain hot or cold breakfast cereals with no added sugar, such as oatmeal or shredded wheat

• Whole grains like brown or wild rice, quinoa or oats

• Whole-wheat or whole-grain pasta and couscous

Proteins

it easier to enjoy different flavors and dishes.

• Seafood, such as fish and shellfish

• Poultry: Chicken or turkey breast without skin, or lean ground chicken or turkey (at least 93% lean)

• Lean meats: Pork shoulder, beef sirloin or lean ground beef (at least 93% lean)

• Beans, peas and lentils: Black beans and chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

• Eggs

• Unsalted nuts, seeds and nut butters, such as almond or peanut butter

• Tofu

Healthy fats and oils

When cooking with fat and oil, cooks are urged to replace saturated fat with healthier unsaturated fats.

• Avoid cooking with butter and instead cook with oil, including canola, corn, olive, peanut, safflower, soybean or sunflower oils

• Choose oil-based salad dressings, such as balsamic vinaigrette or Italian, instead of creamy dressings like ranch

A heart-healthy diet is full of flavor and can help people reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease. and it’s become part of me.

“I will always remember that big dreams require healthy habits and healthy habits require selfdiscipline. That is why I don’t want to stop here,” he said.

He plans to attend college on a sports scholarship and possibly serve in the military.

Sarah Davis

Murrieta Valley Principal Ryan

Tukua introduced Sarah Davis as a humble leader. She boasts a 4.4 GPA, has been a member of Mock Trial, National Honor Society, International Baccalaureate program, California Scholarship Federation, the Grow Up Club, the Dirty Wheels Club and is president of the book club. She has been riding a dirt bike since she was four years old and has been competing since she was five. She currently rides a Husky 150. She’s a member of the varsity softball team and women’s ensemble. She has been in Marine Corps Junior ROTC all four years and currently serves as the commanding officer.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that sometimes you need to do it for yourself rather than others,” Davis said.

Her Junior ROTC instructor, David Huckobey, said Davis is the highest-ranking officer and has held many different leadership positions, excelling at every one of them. She served as a unit leader during the pandemic when all classes were held via Zoom. She engaged and motivated her fellow cadets effectively.

Huckobey told Davis, “Thank you for the education you provided to us as educators.”

She plans to major in English literature and minor in graphic design or software development. She said she hopes to develop video games and write the storylines for them.

Seyedeharmita “Armita”

Barzanji Oak Grove Center selected Armita Barzanji as its outstanding student because of her quiet leadership.

“She shows up in powerful ways,” Principal Tammy Wilson said.

Barzanji is a member of the basketball team and the Interact Club, carries a 4.3 GPA and works with the Culinary Creations program in Old Town Temecula.

“As a freshman, I was working my butt off and stressing myself out,” Barzanji said.

During the COVID-19 shutdowns she said she had to come to terms with her own struggles and her academics suffered. She said she learned to take good risks, such as joining the all-boys basketball team and seeing that as a great opportunity.

“I still have my setbacks, but I finished my last high school class yesterday,” Barzanji said.

She plans to pursue a career as a child forensic psychologist.

Nicole Hudson Springs Charter School Principal Shirley Jones said Nicole Hudson, who is enrolled in their Journey home school/high school option, has worked hard to overcome her anxiety and depression. She plans to major in psychology and has a passion for others. Hudson said she has always loved to create and since the age of five she would use rhymes and illustrations to make little books she would share with her family.

“I eventually brought this hobby to life,” she said. “My greatest contribution to my community is my book ‘Wear Your Crown,’ a story that encourages young children to embrace their curly hair and be confident in who they are.”

She said one of the countless life lessons she has learned that resonates with her is that good things take time.

Xavier Chua Vista Murrieta High School Principal Celeste Scallion said Xavier Chua is ranked 12 in his class of 830 seniors with a 4.33 GPA. His teachers said he remains incredibly humble while completing every task to the highest quality and is a great example to all the Broncos on campus. He is in the marching

band and wind ensemble and is a cadet in the Air Force Junior ROTC program. A life lesson Xavier said he has learned in his four years at Vista Murrieta is to “find your own style and your own color” and that he does not have to be the loudest one in the room to be heard.

“Leadership is not always just the title, but the actions that you do with it,” Chua said. “Leadership doesn’t have to be just because you are the leader but because you want to do something for the community.

“Leading doesn’t have to be just in the front; you don’t have to be the top of the pack. How about leading behind the pack and supporting others so they can grow and become individual leaders themselves, which is what I try to do.”

He plans to major in computer science.

For more information or to participate in the program, contact LouEllen Ficke at 951-415-2250 or Sally Myers at 951-775-0520.

Heart-healthy proteins can add variety to a diet, which can make

HONORS from page C-4

Highway Update

Caltrans responding to emergency road repairs during adverse weather conditions in the valleys

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The California Department of Transportation reports it will be responding to highway rain or snow or rock slides as quickly as possible and will be pre-positioning equipment at strategic locations in the valley as a result.

The department asks the public to limit nonessential travel during the peak of storms in affected areas, and to be extremely cautious if travel is necessary. This includes not driving around safety barriers, road closure signs or through flooded areas. As little as one foot of water can sweep a car off the road.

“Caltrans’ priority is the safety

www.myvalleynews.com

Serving the communities of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Menifee, Sun City, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, San Jacinto, and Anza weekly.

of the traveling public and affected communities. We have mobilized all resources and are working with state and local partners to get ready for more severe storms,” Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said. “Please stay off the roads if you can, and always stay alert during difficult conditions.”

When California experienced storms in January and February, Caltrans activated its district emergency operation centers and mobilized more than 4,000 crew members to respond to hundreds of incidents statewide in 12-hour work shifts around the clock.

San Jacinto Caltrans work continues on the $4 million safety project to construct a median concrete barrier and rumble strips on State Route 79 near San Jacinto. Weather and temperature dependent, the construction times are Monday through Friday, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Current work will take place in the median behind the k-rails. Crews will perform trench paving operations. Work may include sawcutting, breaking existing asphalt and excavating for the installation of a new drainage pipe. CHP will be onsite to assist with traffic safety. The traffic reconfiguration will remain in place throughout the construction to enable all lanes to remain open throughout the

project. There will be occasional intermittent lane closures during evenings for construction staging purposes.

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

Crews continue with digging, set up and installation of foundations for signal posts. Temporary pedestrian access will be provided as soon as weather conditions allow. Use caution in and around the construction zone. Hours of operation and potential impacts to commuters and pedestrians will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lake Elsinore Caltrans continues work on State Route 74 in Riverside County from the Riverside and Orange county border to Monte Vista Street just west of Lake Elsinore. Crews will perform rebar forming, pouring, excavation and barrier work in various locations throughout the project zone, weather permitting.

There will be daytime one-way closures as contractors perform

work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The closures will run from The Candy Store at 34950 CA-74 to the Orange County line. Signage indicating closure zones will be placed ahead of the work area. A flagging operation will assist in traffic control.

The closure locations are subject to change. Drivers may experience long waits and delays due to construction operations. Wait for the designated flagging operation to guide you through the closure zone. CHP will be on location and citing any offenders. For up-to-date information and to sign up for commuter alerts, please go to the website https:// sr-74-ortega-highway-widening. constantcontactsites.com

Banning Caltrans continues work on a $2 million project to rehabilitate existing planting, landscaping, upgrade of irrigation facilities to current water efficient technology and provide erosion control on Interstate 10 at 8th Street in the City of Banning.

Crews continue working on landscaping and irrigation facilities in and near the I-10 from .25 miles west of 8th St. to South San Gorgonio Ave. Weather may affect the work schedule through March 17 from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Shoulder and ramp

closures on the westbound I-10 at 8th St. and the westbound I-10 SR-243 at 8th St. on and off ramps. Other ramps and shoulders may be intermittently closed, throughout the duration of the project, to ensure the safety of the crew. Caltrans urges motorists to use caution and watch for signage alerting motorists of upcoming construction locations, and remember to reduce your speed in and surrounding the work zone. Palm Springs Caltrans continues work on a $5.5 million project to construct and upgrade curb ramps to ADA standards and modify signal and lighting systems on State Route 111 in Palm Springs, weather permitting.

Crews continue work at various locations on SR-111 from Lawrence Crossley Road to West Gateway Drive. A minimum of one lane will be open in each direction at all times through Friday, March 17: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Daily north and southbound directions on Gene Autry Trail (SR-111) from E. Waverly Drive to Chia Road’s lane 3 will be closed. Eastbound direction on E. Vista Chino (SR111) from N. Palm Canyon Dr. to Gene Autry Trail’s lane 2 will be closed. Northbound direction on N. Palm Canyon Dr. (SR-111) from W. Vista Chino Road to Rocket Club Road lane 2 will also close.

Lawsuit filed challenging California’s Transgender Sanctuary Bill

MURRIETA – Advocates for Faith and Freedom filed a lawsuit

Tuesday, March 7, challenging California Senate Bill 107 on behalf of Our Watch, a nonprofit organization in Murrieta, dedicated to protecting parental rights. This bill, otherwise known as the Transgender Sanctuary Bill, allows children to flee from other states to obtain irreversible medical procedures, puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.

The bill denies parents the right to access their child’s medical information as it relates to “genderaffirming health care” or “gender-

to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com or by fax to (760) 723-9606. All correspondence must be dated, signed and include the writer’s full address and phone number in order to be considered for publication. All letters are submitted to editing to fit the the publication’s format.

Back Issues Available: A limited number of previous issues of Valley News and Anza Valley Outlook (prior to current week) are available for $1.50 each, plus $1.00 postage and handling ($2.50 total cost). Call (760) 723-7319 to order.

affirming mental health care” and allows California courts to take emergency jurisdiction over a child seeking gender-affirming care. “SB 107 is a dangerous piece of legislation that strips the right of parents to direct the care and upbringing of their child,” Mariah Gondeiro, legal counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom, said. “Parents, not the government, are best suited to decide whether their child should undergo lifealtering drugs and surgeries that will impair their ability to become a parent later in life.”

“One of my top priorities has been the preservation of parental rights, and I believe SB 107 is a dangerous, irresponsible law that is an assault on those rights,”

Tim Thompson, president of Our Watch and pastor of 412 Temecula Valley, said.

“As someone who has been harmed by these policies, it is imperative that we challenge SB 107 because it will allow vulnerable children from other states to undergo life-altering and harmful surgeries and drugs,”

Chloe Cole said.

The lawsuit alleged that SB 107

violates the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and the Full Faith and Credit Clause, as it was passed in direct hostility to the laws of conservative states like Alabama and Texas. Plaintiff seeks to enjoin SB 107 and declare it unconstitutional.

Advocates for Faith & Freedom is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to protecting constitutional and religious liberty in the courts. For more information, visit http:// www.faith-freedom.com.

Submitted by Advocates for Faith & Freedom.

Students vindicated in San Diego public school vaccine mandate religious discrimination lawsuit

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Unified School District Board of Trustees has been barred from ever implementing the discriminatory vaccine mandate it passed in September 2021. Thomas More Society attorneys moved Monday, March 6, to dismiss a federal lawsuit in which they represented students and families unlawfully treated with prejudice by the school district because of their religious beliefs. The federal lawsuit, explained by Paul Jonna, Thomas More Society Special Counsel and partner at LiMandri & Jonna LLP, can now be dismissed following a final determination by the California Supreme Court affirming lower state court decisions that the mandate was unconstitutional and illegal.

“This is indeed a victory,” Jonna said. “One that demonstrates the efficacy of judicial power to uphold the laws of the land.”

Jonna explained how, in September 2021, the San Diego Unified School District Board of Trustees passed a requirement that all students over the age of 16 must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend classes in person. The board expressly stated that no students with religious objections to a COVID-19 vaccination would

be accommodated.

Thomas More Society attorneys filed a federal lawsuit in October 2021 on behalf of a Scripps Ranch High School student athlete and her parents, and the case grew to include several student families within the school district.

As a result of strong pushback that the school district received about the blatantly discriminatory COVID-19 vaccination mandate, the board repeatedly delayed the mandate enforcement date. Due to this “pause” in implementing the unconstitutional policy, both the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court declined to grant emergency judicial relief to the students and families. However, 11 of the judges on the Ninth Circuit issued dissents to that prudential refusal, making it clear that they understood that the San Diego Unified School District Board’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate was unconstitutional.

“Because the court’s denial was without prejudice, the door remained open for ongoing legal proceeding and the seeking of a new injunction should the school board go ahead and implement the paused mandate,” Thomas More Society Special Counsel Jeffrey

Trissell said.

Trissell was among the Thomas More Society attorneys joining Jonna in defending the San Diego families.

Concurrently, as the federal judges were dissenting, California courts were addressing the discriminatory mandate, striking it down as illegal.

The California Supreme Court affirmed lower court decisions, Feb. 22, making clear that the San Diego Unified School District may never lift the pause it had placed on its COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

“This California Supreme Court has ensured that the rights of these students and families will be honored in this matter,” Jonna said.

“Thus making it possible for the Thomas More Society to dismiss this federal lawsuit, closing the book on this chapter of the San Diego’s public schools’ outrageous disregard for the constitutional rights of its stakeholders – the families that pay the taxes that foot the bill for the schools they operate and administrate.”

Read the motion to voluntarily dismiss appeal, which was filed Monday, March 6, in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit by Thomas

More Society attorneys in John Doe, et al. v. San Diego Unified School District, et al. at https:// thomasmoresociety.org/wpcontent/uploads/2023/03/Dkt.8_Motion-to-Voluntarily-DismissAppeal.pdf.

Read more about the Thomas More Society’s work to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed rights of these students and families, in the face of unwarranted religious discrimination by a public school entity at https:// thomasmoresociety.org/case/johndoe-et-al-v-san-diego-unifiedschool-district-et-al/.

The Thomas More Society is a national not-for-profit law firm dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, religious liberty and election integrity. Headquartered in Chicago and with offices across the country, the Thomas More Society fosters support for these causes by providing high quality pro bono legal services from local trial courts all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. For more information, visit http:// thomasmoresociety.org.

Submitted by Thomas More Society.

Anza Valley Outlook and Valley News

Published weekly Mail to Corporate Office 111 W. Alvarado St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (951) 763-5510

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Border Patrol rescues infant from suspected child trafficker

SAN CLEMENTE – Border Patrol agents assigned to the San Clemente Border Patrol Station Checkpoint prevented a suspected incident of child trafficking Friday, March 3.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. when agents referred a vehicle containing a man and an infant to the secondary inspection area. Agents conducted an immigration inspection and questioned the

driver. The driver said he picked up the infant in Otay Mesa and did not know the child’s name or where he was taking the child.

Child Protective Services was contacted and took custody of the child. The case has been turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.

“Due to the vigilance of our agents, we were able to prevent this child from being trafficked and

potentially exploited,” San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke said.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from the nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at 619-498-9900.

U.S. Customs and Border

Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control and protection of the nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

Submitted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Report illegal dumping in Anza

Diane Sieker

Staff Writer

Annika Knöppel was making her daily morning commute from her home near Reed Valley to downtown Anza Thursday, March 9, when she saw a pile of trash on the side of the road near the intersection of Reed Valley Road and Wilson Valley

Road. She stopped to take a quick photo, meaning to post to social media in an attempt to shame the perpetrators into coming back and collecting their mess.

When she reached the intersection of Wilson Valley Road and State Hwy. 371, she could not believe her eyes. There, propped up against a bright yellow “No Dumping” sign, was a mattress

with a message. “Adopt a bedbug, take me home,” was spray painted in neat print on the mattress.

“Can you believe the irony in that they would lean that mattress up against a ‘No Dumping’ sign,” she said. “They have quite a sense of humor.”

Illegal dumping is and has been an issue, especially in the unincorporated areas within

Sheriff ’s deputies discover firearm during traffic stop

Riverside County. Illegal dumping is the dumping of any waste such as oil, furniture, appliances, trash, litter, construction materials or landscaping cuttings upon any public right-of-way, county or private property, without consent of the owner.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors defines illegal dumping as the willful or

Anza Valley Outlook/Annika Knöppel photo intentional depositing, dropping, dumping, placing or throwing of any waste matter onto that portion of public or private property located within the unincorporated area of the County and which is not expressly designated by the County for the purpose of disposal of waste matter.

see DUMPING, page D-4

Anza’s annual Community Easter Egg Hunt to be held April 8

Children run searching for hidden Easter eggs at the Community Easter Egg Hunt in Minor Park in 2022.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo James said.

Sheriff’s deputies conduct a traffic stop in Anza and locate a firearm inside the automobile Monday, March 6. Anza Valley Outlook/Dixie Fletcher photo

in the unincorporated town of Anza. During the traffic stop, deputies located a firearm inside the vehicle.

According to Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Sergeant Wenndy BritoGonzalez, the driver was arrested on weapons charges and the passenger was released from the location.

Writer

Vendors, game booths, crafts, food and treats are all part of the fun.

shopping center located on Highway 371 and Contreras Road

The Hemet Sheriff Station is committed to the safety of the

residents they serve.

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

If you suspect criminal activity see FIREARM, page D-3

More than 30 civic groups, businesses and churches will come together to present Anza’s annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at the Lions Club of Anza Valley’s Minor Field gymkhana arena off Kirby Road Saturday, April 8. The yearly free event will be held from noon until 4 p.m.

Children will enjoy prizes, fun and games, with egg hunts organized by age. Last year, 10,000 plastic prize-filled eggs were discovered by the eager hunters. The Easter Bunny is expected to make his appearance during the festivities.

“This will be another amazing event this year,” organizer Christi

Last year, the Easter egg hunt was held at Minor Park in downtown Anza. The organizations that planned the event this year agreed on a change of venue and selected the gymkhana field at 39551 Kirby Road.

“I’m pleased to announce that it’s the usual suspects helping out again this year,” James said.

The Lions Club of Anza Valley, Anza Community Hall, Anza Civic Improvement League, Living Hope Church, Valley Gospel, Anza Valley Christian Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of see EASTER, page D-2

Illegal dumpers leave a humorous message on an old mattress discarded right by a “No Dumping” sign in Aguanga.

Diane Sieker Staff

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 “Hamilton-Museum-and-RanchFoundation.”

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 – 10:30-11t: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 951-763-4226.

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 951-551-2826.

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 951-7631111.

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 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.

We always appreciate any and all donations from you directly or through our participating Community Rewards Program!

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 951-282-4267.

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

EASTER from page D-1

Latter-day Saints, 4-H Club, Hamilton High School, Hamilton Elementary School, About That Horse You Rode in On and many more are pitching in to make this another memorable event.

“Take Easter eggs, mix in cool vendors, include a dash of Easter egg hunts, a big old grip of prizes and what do you get?” organizer Stacy Kuhns asked. “A fantastic Easter event for the kids. Come out and have a great day with us. And volunteering is very appreciated. It takes a village to make these great events happen.”

Vendor spaces are $25. For vendor forms or to volunteer, please contact Stacy Kuhns at stacykuhns@aol.com

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

Anza Valley resident shares unique ice photos

Staff Writer

Rebecca Perez Stewart is known for her gentle nature, friendly demeanor and her selling of specialty handmade soaps sourced from around the country online and at events and swap meets. But few know of her talent and eye for photography. The recent storms that pounded the Anza Valley with powerful winds, snow and frigid temperatures also resulted in a beautiful icy landscape that Perez Stewart found irresistible.

“It was a gorgeous morning,” she said. “Ice belongs in pictures. I found these interesting frozen creations in my backyard and had to run to get my phone.”

She snapped several pictures, posting them to social media.

“I grew up around cameras. Our home had a black-and-white darkroom when I was a child,”

she explained. “Our dad always had us busy, and photography was my middle brother Rick Perez’s hobby. Being around this art form influenced me.”

Perez Stewart signed up for photojournalism classes in high school and worked in her brother’s photo studio, called Aztec Studios, in Elsinore.

“I have continued this hobby to the present,” she said. “What I love about taking photos is the organic presentation when that shot appears and I catch the shot at that second; I captured that moment.”

With her phone camera at the ready, Perez Stewart is always prepared to catch the next interesting subject that comes her way.

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

in your area, please contact the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at 951791-3400. Crimes can also be reported through the We-Tip

Crime Reporting Hotline at 909987-5005 or on the web at https:// wetip.com.

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

Diane Sieker

Tiny air bubbles are frozen within this piece of ice photographed by Rebecca Perez Stewart. The sun shines through a thin slice of ice as Rebecca Perez Stewart holds it to snap a picture. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photos

Sunlight reflects off wire mesh behind the ice, warping it into colorful undulating shapes in this photo by Rebecca Perez Stewart.

[Left] A suspect is placed under arrest after a firearm is discovered in the person’s vehicle after a traffic stop in Anza Monday, March 6. Anza Valley Outlook/Dixie Fletcher photo

FIREARM from page D-1

DUMPING from page D-1

There have even been reports for years of disreputable junk haulers receiving payment from clients to load, remove and legally dump trash in the landfill or at a county-approved transfer station, but instead drop the garbage on roadsides, truck trails and vacant lots. If caught, these people can be arrested and charged and their vehicle seized and impounded for 30 days.

Riverside County Ordinance

840 states that any vehicle used to illegally dump waste matter in violation of the Code or other applicable state law is declared a nuisance. As a result, all such nuisance vehicles would be abated through seizure and impoundment procedures as provided by law.

Additionally, any person who owns, leases, borrows, possesses, maintains or uses any vehicle for any of the purposes or acts set forth in Ord. 840 is responsible for creating a nuisance.

Illegal dumping is a problem throughout Riverside County and both the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources and the Riverside County Code Enforcement teams are committed to protecting residents’ health and safety.

According to the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources, they address illegal dumping cleanup with the Illegal dumping Mop uP And Cleanup Team. The Department explains that the IMPACT program was developed in 2002 to address illegal dumping on non-maintained roads in Riverside County. In

2010, the Department of Waste Resources expanded its illegal dumping cleanup efforts to include all county roads. The IMPACT program is very successful and at the end of 2013 crews have removed over 16,500 tons of trash and 22,500 waste tires. The tonnage and tires have come from

large dump sites throughout the county and disposing of the waste properly has been the main goal. The program has been very cost effective, as millions of dollars are saved each year by utilizing prison labor, keeping the Department cost at only $560,000 annually. Illegal dump sites negatively

affect the environment, property values and public safety. If you suspect illegal dumping in Riverside County unincorporated areas, please contact Riverside County Code Enforcement at 951-955-2004 or 760-393-3344 or report to the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources

Doctors around the world say it’s time to stop the shots

Jennifer Margulis and Joe Wang

The Epoch Times

Recently, “COVID-19” and “Fauci” have been trending on Twitter. And when you click on those hashtags, you don’t get regurgitated government messaging.

Instead, you get declarations such as this one from Dr. Eli David, which has been viewed 1.2 million times: “Fauci was wrong about lockdowns, masks, double-masks, Remdesivir, vaccine, boosters, and virus origin. Was Fauci right about anything? Give me a single thing about Covid which Fauci got right …”

Tired of half-truths

It’s becoming increasingly clear from social media and elsewhere that people are tired of being lied to by government health authorities. They’re beginning to realize that these agencies don’t have their best interests in mind.

I stopped to chat with an older couple enjoying the sun last week. They had set up two folding chairs by the water so they could watch the passersby and look at the shimmering Atlantic Ocean.

“You just have to enjoy every second,” the wife said. “My husband has dementia. It’s been hard. You don’t know when you’re going to go. My best friend called me sobbing two weeks ago. They found her 46-year-old son dead in his bed. No one knows why.”

“Do you know if he was vaccinated?” I asked in the gentlest tone I could muster. “I know that may sound like a strange question but … we are seeing myocarditis and pericarditis in young men post-vaccination; the Florida surgeon general no longer recommends mRNA vaccines for young men; and at least some of these sudden unexplained deaths may be due to that.”

I didn’t know that,” she said. “But I’m sure he was vaccinated. I’ve done so many at this point,

I’m radioactive!”

“We’ve had, what, five?” she said, turning to her husband. “It’s getting ridiculous. We still got COVID, twice. We’re not doing any more.”

Deaths continue

There has been a surge in sudden, unexplained, age-inappropriate deaths in at least 30 countries in the industrialized world.

In Ireland, so many people died in January that funerals had to be postponed, according to local news.

Ed Dowd, in his new book, “‘Cause Unknown’: The Epidemic of Sudden Deaths in 2021 and 2022,” argues that the sudden deaths in young people in industrialized countries are due to mRNA vaccines.

Dowd shows that the number of excess deaths in America attributed to COVID-19 in 2020 was actually much lower than the huge spike in sudden deaths that began in 2021 after the COVID-19 vaccines started being widely distributed.

Importantly, most of the 2021 deaths, which occurred mostly in people aged 18 to 64, weren’t attributed to COVID.

“From February 2021 to March 2022, millennials experienced the equivalent of a Vietnam war, with more than 60,000 excess deaths,” Dowd wrote. He is an expert in following and anticipating trends and a founding partner of a global investment company, Phinance Technologies.

“The Vietnam war took 12 years to kill the same number of healthy young people we’ve just seen die in 12 months.”

Swine Flu vaccine program halted after 3 deaths

On Oct. 13, 1976, the New York Times ran a story about the swine flu vaccine.

The headline read: “Swine Flu Program Is Halted In 9 States As 3 Die After Shots.”

As of Feb. 24, 34,576 deaths have been reported to the Centers

at 800-870-6600 or use the RivCoMobile App.

To read Riverside County Ordinance 840 in its entirety, visit www.rivcocob.org/ords/800/840. htm.

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

All deaths from all vaccines reported to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System by year from 1990 to 2023.

for Disease Control and Prevention via the government’s Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System, which is known for its underreporting (pdf), after COVID-19 shots.

With deaths reported for all vaccines combined, the number jumped from 420 deaths in 2020 (before COVID vaccination) to 22,278 deaths in 2021 (with COVID vaccination), a 5,304 percent increase. Brave doctors around the world speaking out With the mounting evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine is doing more harm than good, doctors and health experts around the world, many of whom are risking losing their jobs, are now speaking out against continuing to give mRNA injections.

Especially problematic, they say, is giving mRNA vaccines to young people, for whom COVID-19 is usually a mild, easily overcome viral infection.

In May of 2020, we wrote our first article on evidence-based science-forward researchers and clinicians who have spoken out against propa ganda posing as science: “May the Force Be With Them: Scientists Fight Back.”

Since then, we have continued to document and report on a global phenomenon: Conscientious doctors and medical scientists who follow the facts say that mRNA vaccinations do more harm than good and that it’s time to stop the harm.

Japanese cardiovascular surgeon says halt the boosters Dr. Kenj i Yamamoto, a cardiovascular surgeon in Japan, argu ed that giving any further COVID-19 vaccines is simply too dangerous.

“As a safety measure, further booster vaccinations should be discontinued,” Yamamoto wrote

in a peer-reviewed letter published in the journal Virology. He has seen lethal cases of vaccineinduced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia.

He and his colleagues have found that the vaccines have led some patients to marked immune dysfunction. Some have died from antibiotic-resistant infections, which deaths Yamamoto attributed to vaccine-induced immune problems.

“To date, when comparing the advantages and disadvantages of mRNA vaccines, vaccination has been commonly recommended. As the COVID-19 pandemic becomes better controlled, vaccine sequelae are likely to become more apparent,” he wrote.

“It has been hypothesized that there will be an increase in cardiovascular diseases, especially acute coronary syndromes, caused by the spike proteins in genetic vaccines. Besides the risk of infections owing to lowered immune functions, there is a possible risk of unknown organ damage caused by the vaccine that has remained hidden without apparent clinical presentations, mainly in the circulatory system.”

British Cardiologist Speaks Out Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a British cardiolog ist who has been staunchly in favor of vaccines for his entire medical career, initially defended the COVID-19 vaccine program.

In fact, he was among the first to get them.

But after spending countless hours researching the vaccines and carefully reviewing all the available scientific data, Malhotra no longer recommends them.

He now believes that these vaccines are causing “unprecedented harms,” as he explained in a recent interview.

(screenshot/OpenVAERS.com)

Moreover, he has published several peer-reviewed articles explaining the data. “Re-analysis of randomized controlled trials using the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology suggests a greater risk of serious adverse events from the vaccines than being hospitalized from COVID-19,” Malhotra wrote.

Australian cardiologist calls to stop the shots

Dr. Ross Walker, a cardiologist based in Sydney, Australia, has seen about 70 cases of vaccineinduced heart problems following mRNA vaccines in his practice alone.

He now believes that the mRNA vaccines are “very proinflammatory,” and that these vaccines should never have been mandated.

In his patients, the heart problems—which include palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath—have been lasting for up to half a year following vaccination, he said.

“We don’t need to use mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna,” Walker told Daily Mail Australia.

A virologist and immunologist speaks out

Yuhong Dong is a medical doctor who writes for The Epoch Times and has more than twenty years of experience in virological and immunological research.

For her doctorate from Beijing University in China, Dong specialized in infectious diseases. From 2010 to 2017, she was the senior medical scientifi c expert and pharmacovigilance leader at Novartis Headquarters in Switzerland. During that time, she won four company awards.

“There is ample evidence, based on preclinical and clinical studies, demonstrating that these see OPINION, page D-6

Illegally dropped garbage litters Reed Valley Road in the Aguanga area.

Anza Valley Outlook/Annika Knöppel photo

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

Partnering with Jesus brings rest

its cowboy logic that when you are yoking animals together, you should always partner two of the same kind.

It makes it much easier to plow a field if you yoke two oxen together instead of an ox and a Shetland pony. You need a team that’s on the same team.

Zachary Elliott Special to Valley News

In many rural parts of the world, animals are still used to plow fields and carry heavy burdens. And

Now, you might not be a farmer in Indonesia, so using oxen to plow anything might seem very foreign to you. But in Jesus’ day, it was well understood. And he used this knowledge to help teach us a powerful spiritual truth.

He said, “Come to me, all of you

who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew

11:28-30)

You should first notice that Jesus tells you to come to him and put on his yoke. Coming to Jesus with the heavy burdens of your life should always be your first step. Too often, we yoke ourselves to worldly things.

As a result, the animal (money,

sin, greed, unforgiveness, etc.)

plowing next to us doesn’t look anything like Jesus. This makes life more challenging than it needs to be, and the rest we desire becomes a pipe dream.

What Jesus is asking you to do is partner with him and learn from him. When was the last time you let Jesus be your teacher? If you’re not yoked with Jesus, there is no “rest for your soul.”

Jesus took the burdens of your sin with him on the cross. He carried what you could not carry, your sin and shame, so you can find the rest your soul has been

After two historic US bank failures, here’s what comes next

Christopher Rugaber and Ken Sweet Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two large banks that cater to the tech industry have collapsed after a bank run, government agencies are taking emergency measures to backstop the financial system, and President Joe Biden is reassuring Americans that the money they have in banks is safe.

It’s all eerily reminiscent of the financial meltdown that began with the bursting of the housing bubble 15 years ago. Yet the initial pace this time around seems even faster.

Over the last three days, the U.S. seized the two financial institutions after a bank run on Silicon Valley Bank, based in Santa Clara, California. It was the largest bank failure since Washington Mutual went under in 2008.

How did we get here? And will the steps the government unveiled over the weekend be enough?

Here are some questions and answers about what has happened and why it matters:

Why did Silicon Valley Bank fail?

Silicon Valley Bank had already been hit hard by a rough patch for technology companies in recent months and the Federal Reserve’s aggressive plan to increase interest rates to combat inflation compounded its problems.

The bank held billions of dollars worth of Treasuries and other bonds, which is typical for most banks as they are considered safe investments. However, the value of previously issued bonds has begun to fall because they pay lower interest rates than comparable bonds issued in today’s higher interest rate environment.

That’s usually not an issue either because bonds are considered long term investments and banks are not required to book declining values until they are sold. Such bonds are not sold for a loss unless there is an emergency and the bank needs cash.

Silicon Valley, the bank that collapsed Friday, had an emergency. Its customers were largely startups and other techcentric companies that needed more cash over the past year, so they began withdrawing their deposits. That forced the bank to sell a chunk of its bonds at a steep loss, and the pace of those withdrawals accelerated as word spread, effectively rendering Silicon Valley Bank insolvent.

What did the government do Sunday?

The Federal Reserve, the U.S. Treasury Department, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation decided to guarantee all deposits at Silicon Valley Bank, as well as at New York’s Signature Bank, which was seized on Sunday. Critically, they agreed to guarantee all deposits, above and beyond the limit on insured deposits of $250,000.

Many of Silicon Valley’s startup tech customers and venture capitalists had far more than $250,000 at the bank. As a result, as much as 90% of Silicon Valley’s deposits were uninsured. Without the government’s decision to backstop them all, many companies would have lost funds needed to meet payroll, pay bills, and keep the lights on.

The goal of the expanded guarantees is to avert bank runs — where customers rush to remove their money — by establishing the Fed’s commitment to protecting the deposits of businesses and individuals and calming nerves after a harrowing few days.

Also late Sunday, the Federal Reserve initiated a broad emergency lending program intended to shore up confidence in the nation’s financial system. Banks will be allowed to borrow money straight from the Fed in order to cover any potential rush of customer withdrawals without being forced into the type of money-losing bond sales that would threaten their financial stability. Such fire sales are what caused Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse.

If all works as planned, the emergency lending program may not actually have to lend much money. Rather, it will reassure the public that the Fed will cover their deposits and that it is willing to lend big to do so. There is no cap on the amount that banks can borrow, other than their ability to provide collateral.

How is the program intended to work?

Unlike its more byzantine efforts to rescue the banking system during the financial crisis of 200708, the Fed’s approach this time is relatively straightforward. It has set up a new lending facility with the bureaucratic moniker, “Bank Term Funding Program.”

The program will provide loans to banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions for up to a year. The banks are being asked to post Treasuries and other government-backed bonds as collateral.

The Fed is being generous in its terms: It will charge a relatively low interest rate — just 0.1 percentage points higher than market rates — and it will lend against the face value of the bonds, rather than the market value. Lending against the face value of bonds is a key provision that will allow banks to borrow more money because the value of those bonds, at least on paper, has fallen as interest rates have moved higher.

As of the end of last year U.S. banks held Treasuries and other securities with about $620 billion of unrealized losses, according to the FDIC. That means they would take huge losses if forced to sell those securities to cover a rush of withdrawals.

How did the banks end up with such big losses?

Ironically, a big chunk of that $620 billion in unrealized losses can be tied to the Federal Reserve’s own interest-rate policies over the past year. In its fight to cool the economy and bring down inflation, the Fed has rapidly pushed up its benchmark interest rate from nearly zero to about 4.6%. That

has indirectly lifted the yield, or interest paid, on a range of government bonds, particularly two-year Treasuries, which topped 5% until the end of last week.

When new bonds arrive with higher interest rates, it makes existing bonds with lower yields much less valuable if they must be sold. Banks are not forced to recognize such losses on their books until they sell those assets, which Silicon Valley was forced to do.

How important are the government guarantees?

They’re very important. Legally, the FDIC is required to pursue the cheapest route when winding down a bank. In the case of Silicon Valley or Signature, that would have meant sticking to rules on the books, meaning that only the first $250,000 in depositors’ accounts would be covered.

Going beyond the $250,000 cap required a decision that the failure of the two banks posed a “systemic risk.” The Fed’s six-member board unanimously reached that conclusion. The FDIC and the Treasury Secretary went along with the decision as well.

Will these programs spend taxpayer dollars?

The U.S. says that guaranteeing the deposits won’t require any taxpayer funds. Instead, any losses from the FDIC’s insurance fund would be replenished by a levying

Moody’s places six US banks on review for downgrade

Naveen Athrappully

The Epoch Times

Credit ratings agency Moody’s has put six U.S. banks on review for downgrade, including First Republic Bank, which is one of the largest in the country—a decision that follows the collapse of two banks over the weekend.

In addition to First Republic, the banks under Moody’s downgrade review include Comerica Inc, UMB Financial Corp., Zions Bancorp., Western Alliance Bancorp., and Intrust Financial Corp. The decision by the agency comes after the downfall of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank, triggering worries about the health of the American banking sector.

On Mar. 13, Moody’s announced it was placing “all long-term ratings and assessments” of First Republic Bank on review for downgrade. First Republic is the fourteenth largest bank in the United States.

Moody’s pointed out that the share of First Republic’s deposits above the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) insurance threshold is “material,” thereby making the institution’s fund profile “more sensitive” to

rapid and large withdrawals by depositors.

“If it were to face higher-thananticipated deposit outflows and liquidity backstops proved insufficient, the bank could need to sell assets, thus crystalizing unrealized losses on its AFS [available for sale] or HTM [heldto-maturity] securities, which as of December 2022 represented 37.7 percent of its common equity tier 1 capital,” Moody’s said.

“Such crystallization of losses, if it were to happen, could materially weigh on the bank’s profitability and capital, which at the same date were modest compared to peers.”

Banking sector hit hard

The current banking crisis kicked off on Mar. 10 when Santa Clara-based Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) failed. With more than $200 billion in assets, SVB’s collapse is the second-largest bank failure in the history of the country.

On Mar. 12, U.S. regulators announced they were intervening to shut down Signature Bank, which is the third-largest bank failure in American history. On Monday, Moody’s downgraded the debt ratings of Signature Bank into junk territory.

A man stands outside First Republic Bank in downtown San Francisco.

(Lear Zhou/The Epoch Times) banks, as seen in the stock market on Monday.

Shares of San Francisco-based First Republic fell by more than 60 percent. Phoenix-based Western Alliance Bancorp saw its shares fall by over 47 percent. These were the two worst-performing banking stocks for the day. Zions fell by almost 26 percent, while Comerica declined by over 27 percent.

Stock trading on each of these four banks was halted and resumed multiple times throughout the day. In addition, shares of other banks, including East West Bancorp,

looking for through him.

It doesn’t mean that all your life problems will magically go away. But it means you can face life’s complex parts with Jesus by your side. He will teach you how to deal with them as you rest in him and let him do the heavy lifting.

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

Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp., Customers Bancorp, PacWest Bancorp, fell for the day, with many of them hitting their respective circuit breakers due to sharp price declines.

FDIC guarantees

Regulators have announced that the FDIC will guarantee all deposits at SVB and Signature Bank. The FDIC usually guarantees deposits of only up to $250,000. But

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that no specific uppervalue limit exists for guarantees announced for depositors of the

an additional fee on banks.

Yet Krishna Guha, an analyst with the investment bank Evercore ISI, said that political opponents will argue that the higher FDIC fees will “ultimately fall on small banks and Main Street business.” That, in theory, could cost consumers and businesses in the long run.

Will it all work?

Guha and other analysts say that the government’s response is expansive and should stabilize the banking system, though share prices for medium-sized banks, similar to Silicon Valley and Signature, plunged Monday.

“We think the double-barreled bazooka should be enough to quell potential runs at other regional banks and restore relative stability in the days ahead,” Guha wrote in a note to clients.

Paul Ashworth, an economist at Capital Economics, said the Fed’s lending program means banks should be able to “ride out the storm.”

“These are strong moves,” he said.

Yet Ashworth also added a note of caution: “Rationally, this should be enough to stop any contagion from spreading and taking down more banks ... but contagion has always been more about irrational fear, so we would stress that there is no guarantee this will work.”

two banks by the FDIC.

The move has attracted criticism from GOP 2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who blamed such decisions on “crony capitalism and fear-mongering” in a tweet on Mar. 13.

“By selectively changing the rules after the fact for SVB, the U.S. government now incentivizes greater risk-taking by banks and depositors in the future, teaching large depositors at smaller banks that they can simply throw money at risky banks without diversifying or conducting diligence,” Ramaswamy said.

“Smaller banks like SVB lobbied for years for looser risk limits by arguing that their failures would not create systemic risk and thus would not merit special intervention by the U.S. government, but Secretary Yellen’s announcement reveals that argument to be a farce. Very disappointing.”

The Federal Reserve has announced that it will investigate the failure of SVB, including any supervisory or regulatory failings. The review will be overseen by Michael Barr, the Fed’s vice chair for supervision, and is expected to make its findings public by May 1.

SVB Bank on Tasman Drive in Santa Clara, California; at the time this photo was taken, it was home to the headquarters of Silicon Valley Bank. Photographed by user Coolcaesar on September 4, 2022.

Valley News/WikiCommons user Coolcaesar photo

Letter to the California Public Utilities Commission

The notion that the Southern California Gas Company is seeking to raise rates by 13% borders on gross malfeasance and criminal conspiracy.

Yet most of my ire is not directed at SoCalGas but rather toward government institutions like the inept California Public Utilities Commission, the vacuous California governor and much of the Byzantine California State Legislature.

Yes … we can all indeed thank the political swamp that is Sacramento for our ever increasing natural gas, energy and fuel prices. Ever the political demagogue, Gov. Gavin Newsom is demanding a federal investigation into high natural gas prices. The “pretty boy” Left Coast governor needs only to look into a vanity mirror to find his prime culprit responsible for our state’s soaring natural gas prices. Even on the very best of days, our state climate and energy policies are plainly schizophrenic and always creating much more harm than good. Bureaucrats in agencies like the CPUC, the state

OPINION from page D-4

COVID-19 vaccines do not protect people against SARSCoV-2 infection, but incur serious adverse events including abnormal blood clots, cardiovascular events, strokes, sudden death, immune disorders, neurological injuries, and reproductive events,” Dong told The Epoch Times via email.

“At the general population level, the risks weigh high over the benefits. We should take a decent but rational decision to stop the COVID-19 vaccine program immediately.”

The solution to building strong immunity to survive viral infections, Dong said, isn’t mRNA technology.

Instead, she wrote, we need to teach people “how to preserve or bolster their divine-endowed natural immunity and change their detrimental lifestyles and mindsets.”

‘Should be summarily stopped’

Dr. Bose Ravenel, a retired pediatrician based in North Carolina who spent 31 years in private practice, 11 years as an academic pediatrician, and six years practicing integrative pediatric medicine, said, “The COVID-19 vaccine program should be summarily stopped because signals for adverse effects, including death, are unprecedented,”

Ravenel told The Epoch Times that he has clocked more than 4,500 hours studying SARS-

legislature and even the governor’s office really need to go back and study some basic concepts about the economic principles of supply and demand.

As long as arrogant and closeminded California bureaucrats, like yourselves, continue to throttle the energy industry with excessive regulations, higher and higher taxes and user fees, denial of permits, with even more red tape on top of that, then natural gas prices will continue to surge.

In the meantime, I urge the CPUC and the rest of California’s state bureaucracies to stop the dogmatic resistance to natural gas and just for once consider that there is a moral case for the use of fossil fuels.

So, due to personal economics

I am against raising the price of natural gas here in California. But even more so, I am ardently against bureaucracies like the CPUC throttling the natural gas industry thereby creating havoc and economic distortion to the energy supplies. Your policies, and those of most of California’s elected state politicians, directly

CoV-2 and the vaccines.

“The risk of death or serious illness from current COVID strains is statistically low, effective ambulatory treatment is available, and the absolute risk reduction from the vaccines is 0.5 to 1.6 percent—that’s very low,” he said.

“These mRNA vaccines fail to achieve the foundational function of a vaccine of stopping infection or transmission to others.”

‘Belongs in the dustbin of history’

Dr. Thomas Redwood has been an emergency room physician for more than 30 years. He was an ER physician within the Wellstar and Piedmont health care systems in Atlanta until his privileges were terminated for not complying with COVID-19 vaccine mandates; he now practices in Alabama.

“We should end the COVID vaccine program, full stop,” Redwood told The Epoch Times. “What was touted as safe and effective is neither.”

Redwood also said he’s surprised that the medical community is still defending—and even promoting— these vaccines.

“Any other vaccine with a similar adverse event profile has been pulled from the market,” he said. “The vaccine’s inability to prevent infection and therefore transmission further highlights why this experimental drug belongs in the dustbin of history.”

Cardio-Toxic

result in supply shortages of natural gas which in turn fail to meet the demands of Californians. I find it reprehensible on your part.

The late U.S. president and former California Gov. Ronald Reagan’s witty observation seems especially fitting to this situation bedeviling Californians.

“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it,” he said.

The California State Government, with its maze of top-heavy agencies and obscure commissions, totally exemplifies that timeless quote by “The Great Communicator.”

The CPUC is apparently economically illiterate. Dire predictions about self-inflicted energy shortages in California have been made years ago. It’s time for you all to finally wake up and get a clue.

Rick Reiss Temecula resident

Hearts and Souls, said the spike protein is a known cardio-toxin.

“It is now known to function as a cardio-toxin,” Milhoan wrote in an email.

According to Milhoan, knowingly having our bodies produce a cardio-toxin with the hope that it will help protect us against a respiratory virus with a very low infection-fatality rate makes no sense.

After this health assault, we all need to heal

Dr. Cammy Benton, a family physician in private practice in Huntersville, North Carolina, said she was skeptical of the COVID-19 vaccine program from early on.

“The science from the beginning simply did not meet criteria for approval for use,” Benton told The Epoch Times.

“Ongoing data confirms that the vaccine failed on its promises and has caused significant harms, not only on a physical level but on a psychosocial level on a global scale,” she said.

“We need to heal on all levels after this assault on our freedoms and our health.”

Dr. Kirk

A. Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist and the medical director of a nonprofit called For

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here. Reprinted with permission of the Epoch Times. Copyright 2023.

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Paradise is honored to support Animal Friends of the Valley's new low cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinic.

President/Owner of Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac, Terry Gilmore and his wife Cindy Gilmore, made a generous donation to help build Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) new low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinic. This generous donation was made in memory of their dog Bentley. What a better way to leave a legacy in Bentley’s honor.

Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac has matched their donation. Paradise has been continuous supporters of AFV since the beginning in 1987.

“In memory of our Golden Retriever, Bentley, Cindy and I wanted to support Animal Friends of the Valley both personally and from our business, Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac,” says Terry Gilmore.

Each year, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce honors exceptional businesses, service/charitable organizations, and individuals. Awards will be presented at this event with the title of Business, Service/Charitable, Valley Young Professional, Ambassador and Citizen of the Year.

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Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac is honored to have been nominated for Platinum Business of the Year.

Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac proudly supports our LOCAL HEALTHCARE WORKERS!

To show gratitude and in appreciation of their hard work, Paradise provided In-N-Out Trucks to the Inland Valley, Rancho Springs, and Temecula Valley Hospitals.

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