Electric vehicle comments spark Lake Elsinore City Council meeting

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

The regular meeting of the Lake Elsinore City Council and Successor Agency on March 14 was brief and brisk as consent calendar items 1-9 were passed unanimously, as were Successor Agency Consent

Calendar items 10-12.

As always, the meeting ended with city council member comments and Brian Tisdale used the opportunity to share what he learned at the most recent annual meeting of the California Association of Councils of Governments. He sits on its board, representing the Western Riverside County Council of Governments. He said that at the Riverside Convention Center meeting, there was much conversation about electric vehicles and what is going to happen in 2035 when there will be no more gas vehicles allowed in California.

Tisdale encouraged anyone who is concerned about this issue to act now to voice their opposition by writing to their assembly members, senators, governor and anyone else who might listen because he said the state is simply not ready for this. He said, “The people that are going to be impacted the most by this are the poor and there’s no real resolution for that.”

The ramifications of deciding to go completely green with electric vehicles have not been fully explored. Tisdale went on to say that the state plans to study this year how to close gas stations. “I don’t know what that’s going to do for our tourism industry when folks drive in (from other states),” he said. “I don’t know what it’s going to do for our military and other federal employees because most of the time they’re exempt from state rules so it’s going to be interesting.

I don’t think the people up in Sacramento care or even understand.”

Those interested in tracking all bills that are looked at by local governments can visit www.calcog.org.

Council Member Robert “Bob” Magee agreed with Tisdale, stating, “The infrastructure definitely needs some work. We are not ready for an all-electric fleet of vehicles.”

On the subject of the building of mega warehouses, Magee said he and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Manos recently met with some representatives from the development community at a meeting sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the City’s proposed “Good Neighbor Policy.” He said it “outlines the requirements the City Council would like to see, should developers seek to build mega warehouses near single family dwellings and other sensitive receptors.” Magee said they would like more input from homeowners and reminded everyone that the item, which was continued from a prior city council meeting, has been agendized for March 28 when it will be put up for a vote. “If people come here to speak, we will take their comments,” Magee said.

“We need your comments; whether you’re a builder, a property owner or a renter, we need to hear from you about what you think about mega warehouses in our valley.” Magee then reported that someone had stolen a 10,000-pound equipment trailer that Sports Car Club of America’s San Diego chapter parked at the Storm stadium parking lot in preparation for an upcoming event there on March 24 and 25. “This organization is run by volunteers, people who sacrifice in order to enjoy their hobby,” Magee said. Anyone who sees the trailer is at the restaurant. John Norman Sr., current SJUSD board president, has a long history with San Jacinto High School and its sports department. He congratulated Galliano for his outstanding season. “To be a coach nowadays is a very difficult thing because you’re working with a very culturally diverse group of young people,” Norman said. “You’ve got to be able to motivate these athletes in order for them to succeed and do a good job. And since Aric has been at San Jacinto, the players know that he truly cares about them, and they play to the highest level that they can because of that.” Galliano said, “Being recognized is both an honor and a privilege, but I am most proud of the kids.”

Valentin Sanchez was recognized for his work at Estudillo Elementary by its Principal Keri Wales. “I’ve always been impressed with his ability to handle multiple tasks, emergency situations that arise, and how well he interacts with his coworkers and our students,” she said. “He’s always a pleasure to work with and he’s always looking for ways to help. He goes above and beyond for all of us.” Sanchez worked throughout the district with Facilities & Operations before going to Estudillo about two years ago. He was also voted by the district as Classified Employee of the Year. Wales said, “He’s a true team player, a great worker and a great leader to our students.”

Lt. Jeremy Harding of the San Jacinto Sheriff’s station said that all sergeants at the station got together to nominate who they felt was most deserving of this recognition and Dept. Postle was chosen. Throughout 2022, he worked the graveyard shift and Harding said, “Because of deputies like him who keep the city safe at night, we can rest easy knowing things are being handled.” Harding noted Postle’s impressive record of responding to 922 calls for service in 2022 and leading the way in DUI arrests at 40-plus. He was Field Training Officer for new deputies “and did a phenomenal job.”

Riverside County Fire Department Division Chief Dan Olson said San Jacinto Battalion Chief Tovar has been with the department since 1998 and has lived in the city for 33 years. Olson said, “He navigated, through leadership and commitment, our firefighters through the COVID time when our staffing levels were critical. His ability to mentor was a huge success. I’m proud to have him as one of my chiefs, one of my colleagues, one of my partners and I consider him a friend.”

Andrew Vallejos, sponsorship coordinator for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, works closely with Dondi Silvas and the entire Soboba Foundation team. He said Silvas has served on the Foundation board for 10 years and has been its president for the past four. Silvas said, “I am truly honored for being selected as Rotary Club’s recipient on behalf of the Soboba Foundation. We are a board of seven that work together, giving back to our community. I am very humbled to be recognized for the asked to notify the sheriff’s department and share any information with the group at info@sdrscca. com. Magee said the organization plans to borrow equipment from the Los Angeles chapter to enable them to host their event at Diamond Stadium as planned.

Manos echoed Magee’s comments about the subject of mega warehouses. “I think this city has done a fairly good job of communicating to the business community and to the development community when we want a certain standard,” he said.

Mayor Natasha Johnson shared that the City Council as a whole wrote a letter of support for Senate Bill 602, which was introduced by Bob Archuleta. It is an act to amend Section 602 of the Penal Code, relating to trespass, basically allowing non-trespass letters from owners of businesses and homes to have their requests on file for three years rather than just one and to be able to submit them electronically. “This will allow law enforcement to properly do their job and enforce the law,” Johnson said, adding that the bill is set to be heard on April 11. “We asked our colleagues up and down the corridor in Riverside County to band together and out of 16 cities, we got 16 yesses, so along with four of the five county supervisors, we all sent letters of support. I think together we can do some big things.” years of dedication I have served on the Soboba Foundation and I’m eternally grateful to have had this opportunity.” Vallejos and Silvas were joined at the event by Soboba Foundation Vice President Catherine “Cat” Modesto, Secretary Antonia Briones-Venegas, Treasurer Julie Arrietta-Parcero and Member-at-Large Daniel Valdez, who is also Tribal Council Treasurer.

City Manager Jason Simpson reported that Pulte Homes has been asked to post a 35 MPH speed limit sign on Nichols Road, where construction is taking place.

There was one Public Hearing item earlier in the meeting which was a request for approval of a tentative tract map to subdivide a 2.14-acre parcel into one lot for condominium purposes and to subdivide an industrial building currently under construction into six condominium units. A short presentation by Kevin Beery on behalf of the planning division provided some background on the project, noting that on Feb. 21, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted 3-0 recommending city council approval. After the presentation, a motion was made by Tisdale to approve which was seconded by Manos. It was passed unanimously, 5-0.

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

Record said San Jacinto Unified School District students have long benefitted from the generosity of the Soboba Foundation and pointed out that Silvas was a graduate of San Jacinto High. As was Kevin Walker, who Record introduced next. Aside from being a third generation owner of Arrow Printing, Walker was deeply involved with the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit which was founded by his father, Walt Walker. Record noted that Kevin is always generous with his time and printing skills while working with many local organizations and businesses. Walker said, “I am reaping the benefits of what my grandfather started, and my dad worked at, and I’m grateful that I can continue their legacy.

San Jacinto is my home and always has been. I’m thankful for all the people who are customers, but it’s the relationships I’ve been able to build with those in this community throughout the years that have been the most fulfilling to me.”

Craig Shultz, immediate past president of SJ Rotary, introduced Willis by saying that once her name was put forth to the voting members, there was no further discussion. “Debra is a special member of our small but mighty club,” he said. “We do a lot of charity work and most of that work is led by Debra.” Shultz said she organizes the club’s many food, clothing and book drives. A longtime and tireless volunteer, Willis is always willing to step in and step up when and where needed and serves as Community Service Chairperson. She said, “I love working with the community and touching different aspects of it, from veterans to seniors and children.” Willis herself is a Marine Corps veteran and her late husband was a career Marine, serving 21 years. “When I joined Rotary in 2012, I was trying to find my way living in the valley,” Willis said. “My husband had just passed away so I had no family out here. I was working for Hilton and our jobs were outsourced so I was feeling kind of lost. I just want to thank everybody here because they took me in and we became not just fellow Rotarians but we became family. I’m just so humbled to receive this award.”

Willis was joined at the event by her longtime friend and fellow Rotarian Stacy Fifield, who is a member of the Indio chapter. The two met when both were serving their chapters as president in 2016. Willis, the mother of three, was also joined by one of her daughters, who is a teacher at Monte Vista Middle School in San Jacinto.

Rotary International’s mission is to “provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.”

The San Jacinto Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at Emilio’s Restaurant, 2340 S. San Jacinto Ave. Guests are always welcome. For more information, visit www.SanJacintoRotary. org or www.Rotary.com or call Dr. James Roeder at 951-306-0970.