Marine shares memories of WWII, landing on Iwo Jima, A-8
VALLEY
Knee Deep in the Hoopla, B-5
Smith sought after by college football recruits, B-11
A
Section
NEWS
April 10 – 16, 2015
www.myvalleynews.com
Local
County approves funding agreement with LESJWA for watershed programs
Volume 15, Issue 15
Mayor Ramos welcomes all Murrieta residents to State of the City address
Joe Naiman Writer The Riverside County Board of Supervisors, who also serve as the board of the county’s Flood Control and Water Conservation District, approved an agreement with the Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watershed Authority to provide implementation and administration of watershed programs for Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, and the San Jacinto River. see page A-8
Entertainment
Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival adds music acts TEMECULA - Catching the country wave sweeping the U.S. music industry, the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival will feature two days of country music on the Main Stage sponsored by Pechanga Resort & Casino. see page A-14
Sports
Pumas take Lions Tournament
Murrieta Valley High School USMC JROTC present the colors at the start of the Murrieta State of the City address at the Murrieta City Hall on March 31. Shane Gibson photo
Ashley Ludwig Staff Writer It was standing room only for Murrieta Mayor Harry Ramos at his State of the City address held at City Hall on the evening of March 31. With words, pictures, and emotional presentations, Ramos showed how he is making a differ-
ence for Murrieta, not by raising up his own deeds, but by applauding citizens who are helping to make the city a better place to live. A slideshow that included pictures of his wife and two young children started the presentation. Hailing originally from the Bronx in New York, the former Marine decided that Murrieta was a place
he could be sure his family would be safe when he was deployed. With emphasis on safety, quality schools, location, and home prices, Ramos declared that Murrieta has each of the elements that make up a great quality of life. Murrieta is the ninth safest city in the nation, but even more important than that, it is affordable to live here with a
see RAMOS, page A-8
Lake Elsinore waters stocked, ready for anglers Daniel Lane Multimedia Journalist
JP Raineri Sports Editor Spring break meant extra reps for the Chaparral Puma’s Baseball Team as they set out to test themselves in the San Diego Lion’s Tournament last week.
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID FALLBROOK, CA PERMIT #499
see page B-12
VALLEY NEWS
median home price of $362,000. “Safety counts,” Ramos said, “but being able to afford to live in a safe community is even more important.” Other quality of life discussion points included expedited business tracks and assistance by the city.
Golden State Bait, Inc. of Merced, Calif. delivered more than 1,100 pounds of live fish to Lake Elsinore. Nicole Dailey photo
Your chances of having a successful day fishing on Southern California’s largest natural freshwater lake increased greatly with the first fish stocking in nearly two years. More than a half-ton of channel catfish and largemouth bass were delivered to Lake Elsinore around noon on Friday, April 3, according to Lake Elsinore Director of Community Services Johnathan Skinner. “We got a little over 1,100 pounds of fish delivered (and) we did the stocking at La Laguna at the boat launch,” he said. “We haven’t done a fish stocking in about two years and it is something that we want to do annually based on the water quality.” Golden State Bait, INC. brought the $7,500 fishy delivery in from
see LAKE, page A-3
Faithful gather to take part in the 29th annual Cross Walk in Temecula on Good Friday Ashley Ludwig Staff Writer Good Friday in Temecula was observed by a gathering of people, many who carried crosses, to commemorate Jesus Christ’s walk to Calvary, where he was crucified. According to event organizers, nearly 1,500 people gathered in the Temeku Cinemas parking lot, some bearing crosses they carried by hand, others with large wooden crosses carried over their shoulder, to journey together in an outward procession of their faith. Organized by Student Venture in the Temecula Valley, this event has not lost steam in the 29 years
see WALK, page A-7
Shane Gibson photo
A worshiper walks with a cross over his shoulder during the 29th annual Good Friday Cross Walk.