Valley News - May 5, 2023

Courts & Crimes

Man guilty of killing three boys after ‘doorbell ditch’ prank

City News Service

Special to Valley News

Sentencing is set for July 14 for a Temescal Valley man convicted of ramming a car occupied by six teenagers, causing the vehicle to crash and kill half of the boys, after the teens had played “doorbell ditch” at the defendant’s house.

see page C-6

Business

Resolution upholds judge’s decision to revoke conditional use permit for e Bank

TEMECULA – Temecula City

Council adopted a resolution the week of Monday, April 24, upholding the decision by an administrative law judge for the office of administrative hearings to revoke a conditional use permit held by The Bank restaurant, 28645 Old Town Front Street. The Temecula Planning Commission also confirmed the decision of the independent administrative law judge Wednesday, Feb. 15, revoking The Bank’s conditional use permit that previously allowed for live entertainment and distilled spirits.

see page B-7

Home & Garden

EMWD relaxes drought water use regulations

PERRIS – Eastern Municipal Water District announced it is moving into Stage 1 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan Wednesday, April 19, after record-setting rain and snowfall throughout the state this winter helped reverse California’s historic drought conditions.

see page C-5

INDEX

Anza Valley Outlook D-1

Business B-7

Business Directory B-7

Calendar of Events B-5

Classi eds C-6

Courts & Crimes C-6

Education B-1

Entertainment B-3

Health C-4

Home & Garden C-5

Local A-1

Opinion............................D-5

Real Estate B-8 Regional News C-6 Sports C-1

Area high school teams ready for postseason grind

Temecula’s DigiFest returns for its seventh year

Ava Sarnowski

Valley News Intern

DigiFest Temecula is hosted by JDS Creative Academy, and is comprised of five events that are held over three days. The festivities are intended to inspire, educate and connect creative individuals. Having completed its 7th year on April 23, DigiFest is considered a staple in Riverside County, and intends to keep growing as an event and competition.

The event was created by Diane Strand, JDS Studios’ executive producer. She is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, speaker, and the co-founder of the nonprofit JDS Creative Academy. Across her entire career, she has been involved in A-List shows including General Hospital, Friends and Veronica’s Closet. She has also worked with clients like Abbott Vascular, the city of Temecula, Cal State San Marcos and United Healthcare Services.

Earth Day provides education and fun at Soboba

With more than 40 vendors offering Earth Day crafts, resources and earth-saving tips, over 600 visitors to Soboba’s 17th annual Earth Day celebration on April 20 were given much to think about. Organized by the Soboba Tribal Environmental Department, STED Environmental Director Christian Aceves said, “We extended our reach in the region and found a lot of people who are dedicated to the community and wanted to share their resources.”

Some of the youngest Earth dwellers, students from the Soboba Tribal Preschool, made musical instruments from recycled materials and paraded through the Soboba Sports Complex outdoor area where the event was held.

Teacher Ponie Mojado said the children fashioned tambourines from two paper plates sealed with pinto beans inside and then colored

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News

Thania Villano, left, and Cheyanna Perez with the Soboba Casino Resort marketing team offer a fun, earth-themed craft for visitors to Soboba’s Earth Day celebration, April 20. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photo see SOBOBA, page A-6

Voice actors Candi Milo and Bob Bergen speak during the Voice Actors Panel with DigiFest Chair Lynn Cohen, center, bringing them wine on stage. Valley News/JDS Creative Academy photo see DIGIFEST, page A-4

Murrieta Mesa, with their 14-0-1 undefeated Southwestern League record as three-peat champions, are the fifth ranked team in Division 1 and will be home for their opening round playoff game Thursday, May 4. See story & photos starting on C-1. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

LECC honors municipal clerks and approves Good Neighbor Policy

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

Mayor Natasha Johnson presented Lake Elsinore City Clerk Candice Alvarez and her team with a proclamation that proclaims the week of April 30-May 6 as “Municipal Clerks Week” in the City of Lake Elsinore. “They are the heartbeat of our city,” Johnson said. “They’re the connection, the communication and the consistency that keeps us all in line, so we appreciate them.”

In part, the proclamation stated that the Office of the Municipal Clerk is a time honored and vital part of local government that exists throughout the world and provides the professional link between citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels. Municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all.

Johnson thanked Alvarez and her team for upholding that commitment because “in order to have

a good City, you have to have a good City Clerk’s office, so we are incredibly grateful; congratulations on your week.” As a resident of Lake Elsinore, Alvarez said she is thankful for the support she receives from the city council in providing as much transparency as possible to the citizens.

Being a good neighbor

A business item regarding the approval to implement the Good Neighbor Policy for Warehousing, Logistics, and Distribution Uses began with a staff report presented

by the city’s Interim Assistant Community Development Director Damaris Abraham, on behalf of Planning Department staff, toward the end of the meeting and generated much discussion.

She shared the evolution of this policy which began with a memorandum to City Manager Jason Simpson by Council Member Robert “Bob” Magee, dated June 28, 2022. It outlined a proposed Good Neighbor Policy to address issues regarding large warehouse/ logistics centers potentially being built near sensitive receptors. At the July 26, 2022 City Council meeting a subcommittee was established that included Magee and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Manos to work with City staff in developing appropriate policies and standards.

The item was continued from the Feb. 14 and March 28 City Council meetings to allow more time for the subcommittee to meet with and get feedback from the business community, and for the public to provide input.

The policy applies to warehousing, logistics and distribution land uses with buildings that are 250,000 square feet in size or larger. It will ensure that projects will be designed and operated in order to mitigate negative impacts on the environment and sensitive receptors, such as homes, parks and schools. The policy also seeks to preserve and advance the city council’s vision in the City’s General Plan and Dream Extreme 2040 Plan.

These land uses are not currently defined in the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code and are not identified as either a permitted or a conditionally permitted use. Title 17, or zoning, of the LEMC would need to be amended to include definitions. This policy was designed to put some parameters in place to protect sensitive receptors.

Agnes Williams was one resident who took to the podium during public comments to share that while reading the policy and all its modifications during the past several months, she feels the endgame is the health, welfare and safety of those sensitive receptors and finds the policy, procedures and processes will help all residents.

Manos thanked Magee for initiating the plan and having the foresight to recognize that the expectations, goals and safeguards to the business community and residents needed to be put in writing. “Without adopting this policy, there is no protection,” Manos said. “Our goal is to provide safeguards to residents and fairness to developers.”

Magee stressed that it has taken 10 months to get to this point and that those who own property in Lake Elsinore currently have no safeguards from mega warehouses being built in their neighborhoods.

“The goal of this policy is clearly to send a message to the builders, ‘don’t build these monsters near our homes but if you must, we are going to demand setbacks starting at 1,000 feet, noise standards, hours of operation restrictions, and a much-enhanced architectural design and landscape design’ but never would we allow these closer than 300 feet,” Magee said. “For nearly two decades, the City and the Chamber have been selling a lifestyle that never included a mega warehouse in anyone’s backyard. This policy is meant to reflect our responsibility to protect that promise that we made when we were inviting people to come invest here.”

The resolution, adopting Council Policy No. 400-16 establishing a Good Neighbor Policy for warehousing, logistics and distribution uses within the City of Lake Elsinore was approved unanimously 4-0, with Council Member Brian Tisdale being absent.

Mosquito season coming

At the beginning of the meeting, a presentation on ways residents can protect themselves from mosquitos following recent rain events was provided by the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District’s new District Manager Mark Breidenbaugh. For those bothered by mosquito bites, he said there is scientific evidence to support the fact that some people are more attractive to mosquitos than others and the best way to avoid them altogether is to eliminate standing water on your property and encourage neighbors to do the same. Also, avoid times when

mosquitos are active, which is generally in the evening and wear a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registered repellant such as DEET. For more information or to report potential mosquito breeding sources, visit www.northwestmvcd.org or call 951-340-9792.

First quarter fire stats

The City of Lake Elsinore Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire first quarter report was given by Division Chief Lonny Olson who reported they responded to 1,635 calls for service, with the majority being for medical service. This included 394 responses with the new Medic Squad 10 apparatus at the Elsinore station.

Olson shared the first quarter Fire Marshal statistics and welcomed Traci Williams as the new Fire Marshal. Total reviews were 69, total annual inspections were 49 and total inspections (which included weed abatement and special events permits/inspections) numbered 109. The amount of time to complete all reviews and inspections in a timely manner exceeded goals set.

With wildfire season looming, Olson reminded residents to get ready. It is known that 95% of wildfires in California are caused by people. It’s important to use powered outdoor equipment only before 10 a.m. and never when it is windy or excessively hot due to sparks. For more information, www.readyforwildfire.org

Other business City Council Consent Calendar items 4-12 were approved unanimously 4-0 as were four Successor Agency Consent Calendar items.

A Public Hearing on the Master Drainage Plan Update included a presentation by Joseph Caldwell with Albert A. Webb Associates before requesting the City Council adopt the updated plan and fee schedule. He summarized the extensive study that concluded that the City of Lake Elsinore has experienced serious flooding problems in the past and as it continues to urbanize, the risk of flood damage is expected to increase unless flood protection and drainage facilities identified in the report are constructed in an orderly manner. The proposed MDP lends itself to staged construction as funds become available and offers a comprehensive long-term plan to provide stormwater facilities that are necessary to protect life and property from flood hazards in the city. A motion to adopt the resolution was made by Manos, seconded by Magee and approved unanimously.

The second Public Hearing was to consider a planning application for an Evergreen Commercial Development Project to develop a new 57,254sq.ft. commercial center on an 8.863-acre site at the southeast corner of Cambern and Central avenues. Abraham, on behalf of Planning Department staff, presented the staff report.

The proposed retail center would be built in two phases but would eventually consist of an anchor grocery store, two quickserve drive-thru restaurants, a gas station with a convenience store, a drive-thru car wash and 369 parking spaces to accommodate customers.

Abraham noted that on April 4, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the project with a 4-0 vote. She also noted that staff was recommending adoption of 12 separate resolutions that would cover approval of all aspects of the commercial project.

In comments/questions to the applicant, who was represented by Karen Levitt Ortiz, Magee questioned the need for yet another car wash in the area that is already saturated with them. Manos was concerned about building a fourth gas station within the same block.

Council Member Timothy “Tim” Sheridan said, “I suppose that while you can make the argument that we don’t need another gas station or car wash, that’s up to the companies. We’ll let the capitalism process work itself out. I support this project.” The resolutions were then adopted with a 4-0 vote.

The next regular meeting of the Lake Elsinore City Council and Successor Agency is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. For more information, www.lakeelsinore.org.

MUSD breaks ground on a future elementary school

MENIFEE – Menifee Union

School District held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, April 18, to mark the beginning of construction for Elementary School 15, located in the area of Scott Road and Mira Road.

Among those in attendance were members of the Governing Board of Education, members of the Measure Q Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee, Mayor Bill Zimmerman, Councilmember Lesa Sobek, Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin and a representative of state Sen. Ochoa Bogh. The attendees celebrated the occasion by taking part in a traditional shovel ceremony.

The site for the new school holds historical significance as it is located just northeast of the former Leon Mine, a gold and silver mine that operated from the 1800s until 1953. The groundbreaking ceremony paid tribute to the area’s history and celebrated

the new chapter in education for the community. The project is valued at $54.5 million.

“In the building of Elementary School 15, we are honored to provide the community with a beautiful facility that will set the stage for the growth and development of hundreds of elementary school children each year,” Superintendent Jennifer Root said.

As the city continues to grow, so does the Menifee Union School District, with a projected growth of over 300 students each year.

Elementary School 15 will support Menifee’s growing community, especially to the east and north, of housing developments under construction now and for the future.

“As we break ground on this new school, we are also breaking new ground in education,” board President Morgan Singleton said.

“This school will be a state-of-

Lake Elsinore events on the horizon

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

At the most recent Lake Elsinore City Council meeting of April 25, details were shared about some of the community events that can be enjoyed in and around town. City Council Member Timothy “Tim” Sheridan announced that the free Main Street Eats food festival and concert series starts this month. The Community Services Department is collaborating with Made Local Market to bring this new event to Historic Main Street from 5 to 9 p.m. each Saturday this month. Street closures of Main Street between Heald and Limited will remain in place from 1 to 10:30 p.m. on May 6, 13, 20 and 27. Those expected to appear during the concert series are Hy Jinx, Rock Zone, Sam Cary, and Gino and The Lone Gunmen.

The Lake Elsinore Storm will continue to offer “The Show” baseball experience at its Saturday home games this season which take place May 6 and 20; June 3 and

17; July 1, 15 and 22; Aug. 12, 19; and Sept. 2. Along with pre-game entertainment, live performances, free parking in Lot C and free food through the middle of the first inning, ticket holders can enjoy a family-friendly in-game experience. Tickets can be purchased at www.stormbaseball.com.

On Saturday, May 20, a Water Safety Event is scheduled at Yarborough Park, 419 N. Poe St., from 1-3 p.m. It will provide education for parents and children on water safety and give attendees an opportunity to interact with local first responders. For more information, 951-245-0442.

City Council Member Robert

“Bob” Magee, an avid animal lover, reminded everyone about this year’s Pet Walk on May 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. at The Diamond Stadium levee. Free admission to the 1.5 scenic walk is open to humans with any type of pet that is required to be leashed. Vendors and raffles will be available at the site. For more information, 951-245-0442.

the-art facility, equipped with innovative technology and designed to foster incredible learning, exploration and imagination.”

Board President Morgan Singleton of Menifee Union School District shares remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony for Elementary School 15 at Scott Road and Mira Road. Valley News/Menifee Union School District photo

The construction of Elementary School 15 is a significant milestone for Menifee, and it is expected to be completed by

August 2024. Submitted by Menifee Union School District.

Queens of Cobbler make a deal on national television

what he continues to do.

Starting slowly, Jordan and his mother attended Farmer’s markets and found great success for their products. Soon, the family enlisted the help of Jordan’s other aunt, Valeria Hill, and his older brother JD and decided to establish a brickand-mortar store in San Jacinto.

Jordan continues to work full time, while the other family members work part-time. Currently, shop hours have been reduced while the family is pursuing wholesale opportunities and implementing shipping operations. They are now set up and ready to ship online and will be adjusting that service as needed.

Diane

A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

When sisters Valeria Hill and Verdie Dennis attended a taping of the popular television game show “Let’s Make A Deal,” Dennis said she was excited to be chosen as an on-air contestant. When interviewed as to who she was and what she did, she pitched her family’s Queens of Cobbler business in San Jacinto.

Dennis shared a family-sized cobbler with host Wayne Brady and said she was thrilled that he enjoyed it. Due to contestant restrictions, the family cannot comment on their appearance, other than to share that the episode is scheduled to air Thursday, May 11, at 9 a.m. on CBS.

Dennis said the experience was amazing.

“Everyone we came into contact with, from the producers and the staff welcoming you and working backstage, to Wayne, Tiffany and Jonathan, treated us with such kindness,” she said. “I had heard people say Wayne was one of the nicest guys in Hollywood and I could see why. If you’ve ever considered appearing on a game show I would say, go for it.”

Queens of Cobbler officially opened its local shop in December 2021, but its history and reputation for great-tasting cobblers goes way back. Verdie and her husband opened a restaurant in Phoenix in 2002, and her cobblers gained a strong following, selling out every day. By 2004, a second restaurant was opened at Sky Harbor Airport where the cobblers would sell out daily.

“After almost 10 years in the business, my parents decided to close the restaurants, but my mother and aunts continued to supply cob-

blers for some local restaurants,”

Dennis’ son, Jordan Dennis, said.

“Growing up in a kitchen, I’ve always had the desire to own my restaurants like my parents did. So, fast forward to 2017, my mother and I had been living in California for a few years and I’m still pestering her about taking another shot in the food industry. She is reluctant but entertains the idea, so the desire never really left.”

Then in July 2019, Verdie was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, which devastated the family and put many things on the back burner But Verdie’s entrepreneurial spirit prevailed, and she proposed the idea to Jordan of starting a business that featured only their popular cobblers.

Jordan saw it as an opportunity to get to work with his family and represent a product he really believed in, while getting back into the food industry. He began helping with the baking, packing, selling and delivering of items in the community during this time.

“In March of 2020, the week after my mother successfully beat cancer and had her last treatment of radiation, the world was shut down to quarantine because of COVID-19,”

Jordan said. “Like everyone else, we halted the business due to health concerns for us and our valued customers. We didn’t do anything with the business as we both still worked full-time jobs elsewhere. Then, in July of 2020, my Aunt Vicki (his mother’s identical twin sister) was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

The following month, Jordan’s employer was forced to cut costs and as a result, he was laid off from his job at a university. Since there was an anticipation of Jordan losing his job, he had already told his family that if he did, he would work full-time with the business, which is

“The business has been very exciting since opening the doors,” Jordan said. “It is a wonderful feeling to be able to share a recipe so close to us with the community and see their response to it. Since opening we have had to take a step back from the weekly markets, but our joy is connecting with the community, shaking hands with the supporters, and receiving new and returning customers.”

He said their steadiest customers are those that purchase a cobbler to take to a personal event such as a birthday party, family gathering or holiday celebration. With a large variety of flavors to choose from, he said it is hard to pinpoint a popular favorite.

“We started off with the peach and the mixed berry since my mother and aunt Vicki have been making those for years,” Jordan said. “The flavors that followed are something we sat down and discussed first, just tossing around ideas. From there, we practice preparing it. We’ll experiment with a few different ways to prepare it and judge which is best. Inspiration can also come from suggestions via friends, family and customers.”

Despite the name, cobblers are not the only sweet selection that can be purchased.

“We sell sweet potato pies, and we also make a variation of dump cake flavors, the most popular being pineapple-cherry with cream cheese frosting,” Jordan said. “We also make a layered banana pudding that is actually a best seller.”

He said the cobblers are traditional cobblers but what makes them special are the homemade flavors.

“It is not overly sweet. It is perfectly buttered, and the crust is light and flaky. It is hard to find a cobbler with the perfect mixture of all three,” Jordan said. “We also keep our peaches a bit firmer than usual, so they are not mushy or too soft. Not to mention that our larger sizes include a bottom crust which is not too traditional but makes for the

Local Doctor Helps Legally Blind to See Again!

Dr. Richard Shuldiner helps macular degeneration sufferers with reading, driving, TV, and maintaining independence.

Pete T., an 83 year-old retired engineer from Palm Springs thought that his driving days were over. “I could not read the street signs soon enough and it made me nervous.”

Helen T. retired teacher, 74, from San Diego wanted to be able to read and write more easily. She wanted to see her grandchildren singing in the church choir. But she thought those days were over when she was diagnosed with macular degeneration. Neither of these patients knew that a low vision optometrist could help with some of those issues.

“Bioptic telescopic glasses can be used to see signs further down the road,” said Dr. Richard Shuldiner, Low Vision Optometrist and Founder of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS).

“This can allow some people with conditions like macular degeneration to continue driving.”

“Amazing!” said Pete. “I can read the street signs and even see the television better!”

Lee K, 71, of Anaheim called on the advice of a friend. “I wanted to be able to keep driving and do the fun things in life. One of those fun things is baseball. I can see those close plays again,” said the patient.

Bioptic telescopic glasses were prescribed to read signs and see traffic lights farther away. As one patient put it, ‘’These telescopic glasses not only allow me to read signs from a farther distance, but make driving much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close; definitely worth the cost. I don’t know why I waited two years to do this.”

Macular degeneration is the most common

eye disease amongst the senior population. As many as 25% of those over 65 have some degree of degeneration. The macula is one small part of the entire retina, but it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp images. “Our job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning visually,” said Dr. Shuldiner. “Whether it’s driving, reading, watching television, or seeing faces, we work with whatever is on the persons ‘wish list.”’ Low Vision glasses start at around $600. It is a small price to pay for the hours of enjoyment you can have with better vision and more independence.

For more information and a FREE telephone consultation to determine if you are a candidate for our services, call: TOLL FREE: 888-610-2020

Low vision glasses can help for reading, writing, watching TV, playing card games and more! www.LowVisionCare.com

blend of fruit, juice and crust.”

He said it typically takes two hours total to make a cobbler, split between cooking the fruit filling for about an hour, followed by building the cobbler itself and letting it bake for another hour.

“It was tricky for me at first, but I am confident now thanks to my mom teaching me so well,” Jordan

said.

Queens of Cobbler encouraged preorders to ensure customers get the exact product they want, when they want it.

For more information, contact 951-306-2393, http://www.queensofcobbler.com, queensofcobbler@ g mail.com or on Instagram @ Queensofcobbler.

DIGIFEST from page A-1

Her passion for workforce development in the arts led her to write two approved curriculums for video production. One is a Title 17 program that is designed for adults with developmental disabilities. The other is a California State approved apprenticeship program for college graduates. These programs provide hands-on training, paid supported internship opportunities, and are designed to help students gain employment in video production, post production and acting.

Strand’s efforts have launched more than 100 video and acting careers in the mainstream entertainment and video production industry. She aims to continuously provide H.O.P.E, helping one person everyday, as she says, DigiFest was originally recognized as the International Film and Music Festival, but has since been reinvented by JDS Creative Academy. Those in attendance at the festival get to experience digital media in varying forms, learn how to pursue a career in the industry, and how to incorporate digital arts into the economic culture.

“DigiFest celebrates multimedia’s unique power to bring together several media forms that share original stories, diverse perspectives, and rich emotional journeys through collaborating digital mediums,” Strand said.

According to Strand, 2023’s DigiFest was their biggest festival to date. She expressed her excitement in finally being back in-person, following the pandemic. They previously had a virtual option for international competition entries, but no local virtual viewers this year Tickets were sold out for events occurring on April 22 and 23.

Each of the judges are industry professionals within their field. They range from award-winning

directors, content creators, musicians, photographers, and writers from mainstream shows on ABC, HBO, Disney and Netflix. Guests who appeared included Ryan O’Nan and Eileen Grubba. Featured on the directors’ panel were Alex Bram, Pryde Pierce, Rachel Nee-Hall and Chris Nolan. Appearing for the voice actor panel were Bob Bergen and Candi Milo.

This year’s DigiFest had a podcaster and influencer panel from across the country, and a presentation on artificial intelligence, which was followed by the competition evening screenings. On Sunday, workshop day, they had an Adobe certified trainer and award winning music composer, Bryon Fry, alongside television host Diane Forster. They held a workshop on how one creates their own television show.

The awards celebration featured Adrian Paul and Honorable California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma. Over 97 entries were submitted this year. Ten Digi awards, 22 Honorable Mentions, People’s Choice awards and Special Standout Achievements in acting, writing and growth, were all bestowed upon contestants. The weekend also featured entertainment from Lee Coulter, Sean O’Brien and Sammy Listoe’s band.

Plans for next year’s DigiFest will begin in September, while the competition submissions will open in October. The categories are open for K-12 or higher education students and professionals. Submissions can range from videos and films, music or music videos, podcasts, animation, graphic design, photography, virtual reality and scripting. For more details, visit digifesttemecula.org.

Ava Sarnowski can be reached by email at valleystaff@reedermedia.com.

Veronica K. driving with bioptic telescope glasses.

JDS Creative Academy board, from left to right, Johanna Lack, Lynn Cohen, Stephen Ochs, the honorable California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Scott Strand, and Diane Strand.

Valeria Hill, left, from Queens of Cobbler in San Jacinto and her sister Verdie Dennis take one of their popular treats to a taping of the “Let’s Make A Deal” television game show. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Business owners and sisters Vicki Hill, left, Verdie Hill Dennis and Valeria Hill, right, pose for a photo at Queens of Cobbler in San Jacinto. best

Valley News/JDS Creative Academy photo

them. Some of the students, who range in age from two through kindergarten, cleverly filled plastic eggs with pinto beans and then placed the eggs between two plastic spoons. After taping the handles together, it formed a rattle. Still others made rattles from empty toilet paper tubes filled with beans and taped up on both ends.

Shaking their instruments to “I Love My Planet (The Earth Song)” that they learned in class, proud parents videotaped and photographed the budding musicians who learned an important lesson about recycling.

Aceves said this was definitely his favorite part of the whole event.

“Getting the youth involved is always an achievement because they are the next generation that will play a pivotal part in environmental stewardship,” he said.

Students at Noli Indian School, which serves sixth through twelfth grades, used their science class time to create posters that matched this year’s Earth Day theme of “Invest in Our Planet.” Each visitor at the event was given a voting dot upon check-in to place in front of their choice for favorite poster.

Noli science teachers Jay Dagostino and Sabrina Sobel tied the project into their lesson plans on Ecology. “I liked the creative art mixed with science and community involvement,” Dagostino said. Aceves said the class that created the winning poster will be treated to a pizza party, courtesy of STED. The second-place class will receive an ice-cream party.

Junior Nataly Lemus worked with two other classmates to create the “Help Save the Earth” poster that stresses reduce, reuse and recycle.

“We collaborated on the whole design and then I put it together,” she said. Nataly made tree “leaves” out of pieces of green plastic soda bottles.

Seniors Sienna Goff and Bella Resvaloso, along with sophomore Jacklyn Ramirez, created their poster during chemistry class. Their artfully crafted message offered ways to help save the earth – use less water, plant more trees and stop pollution. The Earth was shown as green and vital on one side where nature was key and the other half as brown and polluted where factories and poor air quality prevailed. Their poster earned them second place.

Sixth-grade students pointed out that if we don’t invest in our planet now, we might not have one to live on 20 years from now. They wrote, “If we don’t protect our environment and animals, future generations won’t be able to enjoy it.” A list of possible solutions included carpooling, planting more plants, turning off lights when not in a room and using cooling and heating systems less.

Another poster read, “Investing in our planet is important for our future because without our planet, there is no future. A healthy planet isn’t an option, it’s a necessity.”

Members of the Soboba Foundation, Tribal Council and Tribal Executive Offices are looking ahead to summer’s outdoor activities and provided water pool toys and kites to guests. Marketing team associates from Soboba Casino Resort had a fun watercolor craft for all ages. The younger artists were impressed with the “magic” that took place when Cheyanna Perez sprayed water on the paper plate they colored with blue and green markers to create a muted “earthy” masterpiece.

There was information on electric cars and solar energy. GRID Alternatives and ONYX Power shared details about the current solar backup project they have at Soboba. Current Home focuses on residential solar projects and offered games for the children who attended.

Jonathan Reinig, the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority Reserve Manager, and Jonathan Marin with Riverside County Transportation Commission tag teamed discussions about land and wildlife habitat conservation.

“We have 146 species in Western Riverside County and 34 are considered threatened or endangered,” Reinig said.

Climate Science Alliance and Inland Empire Waterkeeper nonprofits have programs geared toward youths and showed them how they could get involved. River KATS (Kids Activism Through Science) is a program that offers workshops and field trips to teach children firsthand about our watershed.

The Soboba Fire Department had a booth where they shared the importance of signing up for wildfire alerts and things that can be done to mitigate damage to homes and other property as fire season approaches. There were also plastic firefighter helmets in pink or black for the children as well as crayons, a coloring puzzle and more.

The Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians gave a demonstration of a

do-it-yourself water filter and representatives from the Sierra Club, Master Gardeners, the Forest Service Volunteer Association and other agencies shared hints on protecting wildlife, preserving resources and investing in our planet.

Southern California Edison Community Crew members Torrie Brandon and Jose Soto, who work with vegetation management, were passing out potted plant starters for those that wanted them while also sharing the important job SCE does in making sure trees are kept trimmed away from power lines. To learn which tree species are utility friendly, contact safetrees@sce.com before planting.

Trequitta Jennings and other members of the SCE Community

Outreach Team gave away resiliency kits, explained ways to be energy efficient and how to sign up for the service that sends out alerts regarding power outages and other informative messages. To sign up, visit sce.com/ outagealerts

Hosea Jones and Taylor Hart with CalFresh talked to guests about eating healthy by growing fruits and vegetables, such as celery.

The Cultural Resource Department’s cultural garden is going strong and members shared fresh produce from the Soboba Indian Reservation garden. Other department representatives shared the importance of pollinators to help bees. They offered pollinator kits to plant the types of flowers enjoyed by bees,

bee-shaped bookmarks and a list of the native plants at the reservation that bees like: black sage, brittlebush, buckwheat, chia, cottonwood, elderberry, sagebrush, sycamore, white sage and yerba santa.

They shared that we should invest in our planet with native plants, those that occur naturally in a region in which they evolved. They are the ecological basis upon which all life depends. To learn more about the native plant species in your region, visit https://calscape.org. They further explained the benefits of native plants, such as promoting biodiversity by providing shelter and food for wildlife, supporting pollinators, reducing the carbon footprint while minimizing pollution as they require little to no maintenance, saving water since native plants are able to sustain themselves and controlling erosion due to their strong, deep and varying root lengths.

Mike Perez with the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources shared the many ways people can learn how to recycle and be more eco-friendly. Free in-person and virtual classes about composting, sustainable landscaping and zero waste are just a few that are available through www.rcwaste.org

“We teach people how to keep

things out of the trash that don’t belong there,” Perez said. He started out as a volunteer in 2017 and is now Volunteer Services Coordinator.

“We also offer the longest-running composting class (since 1996) and the biggest one is the state.”

With the help of more than 10 volunteers, although they are always recruiting more, Perez said they work with schools and attend many community events, such as this one, to help educate others on the importance of recycling and how to do it properly.

Guests were also treated to a raffle ticket for some great prizes, a free cup of Kona Ice and a meal ticket for the In-n-Out food truck.

Aceves said the most beneficial thing the average person can do today to make a great impact in the future is to adopt sustainable practices. This can include carpooling, recycling, limiting single use plastic, reducing water use and many more.

“Adopting sustainable practices into your everyday life may not seem like a great impact but over time these practices really add up,” he said. “The environment rarely changes overnight; it’s the small changes over time that often make the biggest impact.”

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.

Jonathan Reinig, the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority Reserve Manager, left, and Jonathan Marin with RCTC, show some samples of animal tracks and pelts that are commonly found at protected habitats within Western Riverside County. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

Earth-themed artwork is created by visitors to the Soboba Casino Resort’s booth at the Soboba Earth Day celebration.

Titan Engineering & Technology Academy graduates its first four-year students

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

This June will see the first graduating class of students who have completed four years with the Temescal Canyon Titan Engineering & Technology Academy that was created in the 2019-2020 school year. Although the Lake Elsinore high school has offered an engineering program for about 15 years, which many students benefited from, this year marks the first official class of engineering academy graduates.

The academy is the pet project of Robert Parks, who is teaching for his 20th year at Temescal Canyon. He said the engineering academy students take four years of specialized math and science classes where they are cohorted in those classes with very specific teachers.

“They also take three years of engineering courses, one year of computer science and robotics and one year of Health and Workplace Safety,” Parks said. “These are all official academy classes where the teachers collaborate on projects and curriculum. We are also adding Technical Reading and Writing next year.”

His wife, Kathy Parks, teaches the Health and Workplace Safety class, where students learn all the curriculum they would receive in the school’s traditional health courses. In addition to that, they

learn workplace safety, professionalism and earn a 10-hour OSHA safety certification.

Parks said that Kathy has been a huge resource and supporter of the academy since its inception.

“We also have great support and input from our science and math teachers,” he said. “Diana Gillam, who teaches our computer science courses, has also been a big contributor. Our strongest supporter at the district office is Brian Deis, who is the director of secondary education. Brian has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help make this program successful. Our site admin has always been very supportive and encouraging as well.”

When Parks first began teaching engineering courses at Temescal Canyon, the department had few tools and very old equipment.

“Thanks to a lot of hard work, determination and support from the district we have capitalized on a lot of grant funding from the state, federal and private levels,” he said. “The Gene Haas Foundation has contributed $125,000 over the past six years directly to the engineering program and academy. We also make use of the Carl V. Perkins federal grant each year and several different state CTE grants. These grants have allowed us to put together the labs and curriculum our students take advantage of.”

Parks said the curriculum and lab that is available to academy students is extremely rare at the high school level. “Our engineering lab rivals those you would see at universities,” he said. “We have cutting edge industrial equipment such as Haas CNC milling machines, a bank of 3D printers, a Flow Mach 100 CNC water jet and a host of other tools at their disposal.”

Due to the caliber of courses, academy students graduate with up to 11 units of college credit for engineering courses through the school’s partnership with Norco College. They also earn professional certifications in SolidWorks CAD design, MasterCAM CNC programming, OSHA safety, Haas CNC Milling Machine Operations and can also earn coding certifications.

“The academy builds a real sense of family and support for the students, too,” Parks said. “The students in the academy know they have a team of teachers and staff that are always available to them. Our students and staff build some fantastic relationships. Those relationships help push our students to achieve their goals and challenge them to push themselves.”

Each year, 64 incoming freshmen are accepted into the program through an application process. They are divided equally into two cohorts: advanced studies or college prep. Parks said the difference being the math and science classes taken. “We specifically look at applicants’ math and science grades, as well as behavior and interest in engineering,” he said.

Kathy Parks is also the advisor for the school’s Society of Women Engineers & Scientists Club. This club is open to all female students interested in STEM careers, not just academy students. The girls have guest speakers, go on field trips where they meet STEM college students and professionals. They also have a pen pal program where they work with Andrea Rowe’s third grade class at Rice Canyon Elementary. That program culminates in a STEM Day where

Titan Engineering & Technology Academy students work in the Temescal Canyon High School lab for all their engineering courses.

Valley News/Courtesy photos

Titan Engineering & Technology Academy Director Robert Parks with a donation from the Gene Haas Foundation, which helps fund the academy. The foundation has donated over $125,000 to the program.

Titan Engineering & Technology Academy students take many field trips to augment their studies at Temescal Canyon High School in Lake Elsinore.

Titan Academy students Rayce Anderson and Ben Aguire with their CO2 drag race car. An annual competition challenges students to design, build and race a balsa wood car using engineering techniques taught during the academy.

Class of 2020 engineering student Chris Baldwin operating one of the Haas CNC milling machines available at the academy’s lab. Baldwin is currently studying mechanical engineering at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Temescal Canyon High School engineering students visit Space X in 2017. These are some of the Titans who helped build the engineering program into the current academy. see ACADEMY, page B-2

Wonder and curiosity greet children and adults at the Inland Empire Science Festival

Tony Ault Staff Writer

For the younger children it was a day of wonder. For the older children it was a day of acute curiosity at the annual Inland Empire Science Festival held at the Western Science Center in Hemet Saturday, April 29.

Paleontologists, archeologists and other scientists were on hand to answer questions about the animals and people that once roamed e arth. Lending to the answers were replicas of Ice Age Mastodon fossils, human skulls and other prehistoric artifacts presented by the University of California Riverside, Woodbury University and the Claremont Schools.

Children dug up plastic prehistoric animal bones and other items in boxes of dirt. Live rattlesnakes in specimen boxes could be seen safely, and boas found in California and South America were handled and wrapped around visitors’ arms and hands if they were brave enough, presented by Loma Linda University.

Alton Dooley, executive director of the Western Science Center, said the festival was in partnership with Hemet Unified School District whose students were allowed to visit the museum and festival activities free with their parents that day. WSC museum members were also granted free admission. Greeting visitors were members of the HUSD Wellness Community Outreach Center that help students and their parents succeed.

“We love presenting the Inland Empire Science Festival which we host every spring here at the museum,” Dooley said. “We have different science-related organizations from all over the region set up for the day and talk about the things that they do. There are paleontologists and archaeologists from all kinds of different groups. We have biology departments from colleges here…more than 20 different organizations.”

The colleges and universities represented at the festival included University of California Riverside, the Claremont Colleges, Loma Linda University, Mt. San Jacinto College, Woodbury University and Cal State University with many professors and scientists answering questions from visitors. Other smaller public classes like Kids for Code, the Cogstone Paleontologist Program and Bee Rooted for the study of bees were also on hand to share information.

U.S Forest Service volunteers from the San Bernardino National Forest and the National Park Service from Joshua Tree National Park talked about the parks and fossils and artifacts being found in their areas. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association members were also in attendance. Southern Cali-

fornia Edison shared their efforts t o protect the land while Wildlands Conservancy representatives talked about the preservation of the Oak Glen Reserve known for its apple harvests. Waste Management provided details about their recycling programs and Eastern Municipal Water District talked about saving freshwater supplies. A California Air Resources Board scientist talked about their new headquarters, the Mary D. Nichols Campus, dedicated to clearing California skies and fighting climate change. A donation of $9 from those visiting the WSC museum saw many of the paleontological and Native American displays, the Ice Age Big Max mastodon fossil found during the Diamond Valley Dam excavation, and other prehistoric fossils

Mt. San Jacinto College receives recognition for equity

SAN JACINTO – Mt. San Jacinto College earned recognition from The Campaign for College Opportunity for excelling in equitable course placement for Black and African American students. MSJC is being honored for its efforts in supporting students to enroll and succeed in transferlevel math and/or English courses consistent with landmark placement policy Assembly Bill 705 t hat was championed by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and signed into law in 2017.

the girls travel to RCE, meet their pen pals in person and work with the third graders on specific STEM projects.

“Kathy and I spend four years with these academy students. We are obviously in class together, but we go on lots of field trips together that allow us to get more involved with our students. We tour colleges and visit STEM businesses,” Parks said. “SWES also allows Kathy to really bond with the girls in the club as well. While I probably have the most contact with the students in the academy, they also build great relationships

MSJC, one of 55 community colleges to receive one of the various awards from The Campaign for College Opportunity, earned recognition for its Equity Designation for Black Transfer-Level English Enrollment. Colleges earning this distinction are recognized for supporting 100% of Black students to enroll directly into transfer-level English. MSJC and the other colleges receiving an award will be recognized at the second annual Excellence in Placement ceremony in May.

with other teachers in the program. The important thing is that all of them have at least one teacher on campus whom they feel is a mentor and supporter for them.”

Although his official title is Titan Engineering & Technology Academy director, Parks describes himself as “just a teacher who has chosen to put a lot of extra time and effort into something I believe in.”

Parks’ interest in engineering started long before he began teaching the subject. “I grew up working in my dad’s shop where we restored hot rods and jeeps. I also raced motorcycles and was taught to work on my own bikes,”

“The success of our Black and African American students is a priority,” Roger Schultz, Ph.D., superintendent and president of MSJC, said. “Starting in 2019, MSJC became a leader in the state with its Equity Pledge, and soon after a Call to Action that demonstrates our commitment to develop and implement strategies and practices that support Black and African American students. Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are a guiding principle at our institution and this

he said. “I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. While at Cal Poly I was involved in the Baja SAE and Formula SAE race teams, where I learned a tremendous amount. After graduating, I worked for several motorcycle race teams as well as a few different off-road race teams.”

Parks said the academy’s current focus is on ensuring that its students are equipped as best as possible for college and career when they graduate, just like the 64 that will do so next month. For more information, http://tiny.cc/ tchsengineering or robert.parks@ leusd.k12.ca.us

Children watch a volunteer from the Loma Linda University life science department hold a huge nonpoisonous Boa Constrictor around his neck while others stare at live poisonous rattlesnakes safely displayed inside plastic enclosures at the Inland Empire Science Festival at the WSC in Hemet. and interactive offerings for children about the many life sciences. Docents and student volunteers from the Western Center Academy and MSJC answered questions at the museum. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday 10

recognition is a testament to our commitment to reduce barriers caused by systemic racism.”

Before AB 705, the vast majority of incoming community college students were being placed into remedial math and English courses that ultimately discouraged and derailed students on their college journeys. Over a decade of research has shown that students’ likelihood of earning a degree decreases when they start college in remedial courses.

Rebecca Teague, MSJC’s interim vice president of student services who also oversees DEIA initiatives and grants, said she is optimistic that this is just the beginning of eradicating disproportionate impacts for the highest priority students.

“We are incredibly proud that our Black and African American students are experiencing a transformational shift in their ability to access and be successful in our transfer-level courses as a result of our intentional efforts to disrupt institutional practices that were previously identified as barriers,” Teague said. “We

a.m to 5 p.m. Ticket sales end at 4 p.m. The museum, at 2345 Searl Parkway in Hemet, is closed on Mondays. See westernsciencecenter.org for more information. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.

are humbled by this award but ultimately inspired to do more to achieve the goals established in our Strategic Equity Plan and serve our students.”

“As we celebrate the record number of California community colleges that are placing students in transfer-level courses, we must remember that equity and success for all students, particularly Black and Latinx students, must be at the forefront of our efforts,” Michele Siqueiros, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity, said. “These colleges are leading the way in providing equitable access to higher education and ensuring that we break down barriers to student success.”

Equitable placement practices have proven to be highly consequential for increasing access to transfer-level coursework, maximizing student success and closing racial/ethnic equity gaps. By starting in transfer-level English, completion rates have tripled for Black students and more than doubled for Latinx.

Submitted by Mt. San Jacinto College.

The two Barrera children Sandra, 6, and Regina, 4, are fascinated by the explanation of a dinosaur fossil shown by a Wildland Conservancy volunteer from the Oak Ridge Reserve at the Inland Empire Science Festival held at the Western Science Center in Hemet on April 29.

A Southern California Edison Company employee gives away a plant that is more fire resistant to wildland fires than others at the Inland Empire Science Festival. SCE is working to better protect wildlands under their power lines in case of a fire.

Valley News/Tony Ault photos

WSC volunteer Naomi Ayala shows off plushes of Big Max the Mastodon sold at the WSC Museum depicting the actual fossil of the huge Ice Age Mastodon on display in the Museum among other prehistoric fossil displays at the Inland Empire Science Festival.

Children use brushes, like archaeologists might, to find hidden small plastic human and fossil relics in the dirt at the Applied Earthworks booth at the Inland Empire Science Festival on April 29.

ACADEMY from page B-1

TNEF Summer Concert Series debuts once again at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve pavilion

and Kris Kristofferson will make their appearance on Saturday, July 8, an opportunity for fans to dress country.

The mood changes on July 15 with Private Eyes, the premiere Hall & Oates tribute band, that will bring out their very best in the era’s pop and rock music. The duo is new to the SRP stage this year and will bring a unique program for fans.

Then on July 22 Motown doowop, soul and R&B will lend a harmony to the outdoors and bring back memories for many with their “Endless Love” for each other, a favorite in previous years TNEF Summer Concert Series. There is room for dancing in front of the stage for those in a romantic mood. It is music that will never die.

Beach Boys conclusion

The Nature Education Foundation will begin its Summer Concert Series on June 24. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Tony Ault

The Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau announced the highly anticipated Live Plateau Art Show and Summer Concert Series with six top tribute bands and a gala Opening Night Art Show beginning June 24 at the plateau Visitor Center and outdoor stage.

The TNEF shows will feature some of the best tribute bands for Elton John, The Highwayman, Hall & Oates, Motown/ Soul/R&B, The Beach Boys and The Bee Gees with tickets now on sale online at PlateauConcertsAndArt.org. Ticket costs range from $44 for TNEF members to $55 for the general public. VIP tickets are also available. Tickets available at www.the-nef.org. No tickets are sold at the event.

Net proceeds will benefit the nonprofit TNEF at the Plateau and its education programs including third grade student trips to the plateau with Riverside County Parks and Open Space District Santa Rosa Plateau Park interpreters, docents and teachers. It offers many other educational opportunities with its purpose to provide young people a learning pathway leading toward a life of environmental stewardship especially with today’s climate change.

Opening night special

Opening night of the Summer Concert Series on June 24 will include a nature art show and sale by local and internationally known artists and a special performance from the Temecula Academy of Ballet Arts at the Visitors Center at 39400 Clinton Keith Road in Murrieta. The opening night show is a special event with tickets for

the art show and the performance that evening starting at $108 for TNEF members and $135 for the general public. Tickets are limited so order early.

The Elton John tribute group will begin the actual Summer Concert Series season on Saturday, July 1. Ticket holders are reminded that performances are held outdoors in front of the recently rebuilt stage pavilion, and to bring their own lawn chairs and appropriate clothing as the evenings become cooler. Wine and beer will be available for adults as well as soft drinks.There will be sponsor booths available for information and TNEF memberships that provide benefits at the plateau and events.

The Highwayman, with his many country-western “Outlaw” subgenre songs of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson

It’s time to remember those beautiful summer days on California beaches on July 29 when the Beach Boys tribute band brings it to the SRP pavilion, the number one tribute band in the US. No boogie boards and longboards permitted for this performance, but those brightly-colored beach shirts and straw hats will be a comfort in the hot summer temperatures on the plateau.

And wrapping up the TNEF Summer Concert Series will be Bee Gees Gold, playing the music of the legendary Bee Gees, on August 5, keeping everyone “Stayin’ Alive” with any “Night Fever” one might face in the hot August nights. Disco becomes popular once more on the pavilion as the bell-bottomed performers dance and sing.

Buy tickets at www.the-nef.org or at the event’s website, www. plateauconcertsandart.org.

TNEF hopes everyone will not miss a beat this summer as the Summer Concert Series delights all in the beautiful outdoor Santa

Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve.

It will be a time never to forget. It will also be a time to celebrate the great outdoors and to honor the efforts of all those dedicated to preserving their environment for future generations. Season tickets are available at $112 for TNEF members and $140 general admission tickets.

The Foundation serves as a funder and environmental education program development resource, to support educators, school districts, youth agencies and other nonprofits with the goal of creating educational experiences that will shape the development of a young citizen toward a life of environmental stewardship.

The Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental project-based learning program. Students actively become aware, explore and address environmental challenges while building skills in teamwork and communication, research, data collection and analysis, community engagement and reflection. The Foundation’s programs enable and require students to delve deeply into a range of academic content while investigating environmental issues affecting the natural world in their own backyard. Programs and projects are fun, full of adventure and provided at no cost to students.

The Foundation serves youth in grades 3-12 throughout 10 Southwest Riverside County school districts and also provides scholarships for graduating seniors who are pursuing a field of study in the environmental sciences. See www.the-nef.org. Call the office at 951-319-2998. Contact information: Ginger Greaves. 909-732-2209 or execdirector@ srpnef.org

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

Pala Casino Spa Resort presents Chris Young, Midland, and Pedro Fernandez on Cinco de Mayo weekend

PALA – Pala Casino Spa Resort

will kick off their annual Summer Concert Series on Cinco de Mayo weekend with performances from Chris Young Friday, May 5; Midland Saturday, May 6, and Pedro Fernandez Sunday, May 7. Performances will start at 8 p.m. and will be held in the recently remodeled outdoor Starlight Theater. Tickets are on sale now at the Pala Box Office, http://www. palacasino.com or http://www. etix.com. These shows are part of a lineup of headliner and tribute concerts that will be held at the Events Center and Starlight Theater.

Multi-platinum RCA Records

Nashville global entertainer Chris Young has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments, including membership in the iconic Grand Ole Opry, over 5 billion on-demand streams, 13 million singles sold, 13 career No. 1 singles, 24 R.I.A.A. Gold/ Platinum/Multi-Platinum certified projects and numerous ACM, AMA, CMA and Grammy nominations. These accomplishments and more landed him in the Top 20

of Billboard’s top country artists of the decade. With a hit-packed set that highlights his multiple chart-toppers – including “Losing Sleep,” “Sober Saturday Night,” “Think of You,” “I’m Comin’ Over” and “Famous Friends” – the Grammy and ACM nominated vocalist has played to over 400,000 fans in three countries.

Hailing from Dripping Springs, Texas, lead vocalist Mark Wystrach fronts Midland’s rich sound

that is rounded out with lead guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson and bass player/vocalist Cameron Duddy. Their critically acclaimed sophomore album “Let It Roll” earned the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Top Country Album Sales c hart upon release. The album was a follow-up to the critically acclaimed, gold-certified debut album, “On The Rocks.” Launched in 2017 with rave reviews, “On The Rocks” was declared “the year’s best country album” by The Washington Post. Their twice platinum-certified chart-topping debut

“Drinkin’ Problem” earned the band their first Grammy Awards nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Duo/ Group Performance. Midland was also named New Vocal Group of the Year at the 2018 ACM Awards. The prolific Pedro Fernández is a charting, multiple Latin Grammy-winning ranchera and mariachi singer, actor, songwriter and television host. While he began his career as a pre-teen prodigy, he has become a pop culture superstar who remains one of Mexico’s most enduring cultural treasures.

His sweet, emotive high baritone voice has become a national trademark. He has released more than three dozen albums – including the Grammy-winning “Yo No Fuí” –starred in seven telenovelas, and more than 25 films.

Tickets are on sale now, with no service charge, at the Pala Box Office, http://www.palacasino.com and 877-946-7252. Tickets are also available at http://www.etix. com and 800-514-3849. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Submitted by Pala Casino Spa Resort.

Lamb’s Fellowship Car & Bike Show to come to Lake Elsinore May 13

Love the sound of hot rod headers or a motorcycle’s roar? The upcoming Lamb’s Fellowship Car and Bike Show, 21901 Railroad Canyon Road, Saturday, May 13, will provide many opportunities in Lake Elsinore.

The car and bike show will also support the church’s summer children’s Bible school, youth recreation programs in and around Lake Elsinore and local community events. It is one of the largest car shows in the community. The

show’s theme is “Help Us Help Kids.”

Along with featuring classic, custom, muscle, cars on displays and tricked out motorcycles, the show this year will feature a “kids workshop,” a fun zone zoo, vendors of every type, food trucks, live music, raffle drawings, prizes and certificates and trophies for the show cars and motorcycles.

The church fellowship invited the whole community to attend. Admission is free, but car spaces sell out quickly. Show car and motorcycle owners are urged to register early for an early dis -

count. For more information and registration, call 951-544-3339 or 951-471-3807 or email info@ lambscarshow.com

Check-in time is from 7-9 a.m., and the show will begin at 10 a.m.

Early sponsors and vendors include Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, Kelly Speed Shop, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Sunstate Equipment Co., City of Lake Elsinore Dream Expreme, Vertical Doors Inc. and Anderson Chevrolet of Lake Elsinore.

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

Staff Writer

Multiple Latin Grammy-winning musician Pedro Fernández will perform Sunday, May 7, at Pala Casino Spa Resort.

Country artist Chris Young kicks off Pala’s Summer Concert Series Friday, May 5. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Tony Ault Staff Writer

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

May 4 – 4-5 p.m. Raptor Rap at the Murrieta Public Library, 8 Town Square, Murrieta. Talk about raptors past and present that roamed the land.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

May 4 and 18 – 5-9 p.m. Murrieta Market Nights in downtown Murrieta. Many local and neighboring vendors and foods.

May 5 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Temecula Community Services Leisure summer and fall activities have begun throughout the city.

May 5 – 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 at 951-672-6777 or businesslicensing@cityofmenifee.

us May 5 to May 21 – Temecula

Valley Museum reprises “Through Darkness to Light: Photographs

Along the Underground Railroad” at the Temecula Valley Museum, 28314 Mercedes St. The photos recall the time between 1830 and 1865 at the end of the Civil War when clandestine groups of American settlers helped fleeing slaves from the south find freedom in the north.

May 6-7 – The “Ramona” Outdoor Play will be performed May 6-7. A classic love story of life in early California during the 1850s, Ramona authentically depicts the cultural diversity of emerging settlers and native peoples at the Ramona Bowl and Museum, 27400 Ramona Bowl Road in Hemet. Tickets are $18-$44. For more information, call 951-658-3111 or email Ramona@Ramonabowl.com

May 19-21 – 4 p.m. Temecula

Balloon & Wine Festival begins at Lake Skinner, 701 Warren Road, Winchester. Entertainment with Brad Paisley, REO Speedwagon and Scotty McCleery. Tickets

start at $60 with VIP Tickets available. Call 951-234-5559 or see tvbwf.com. Balloon rides and other events.

May 23 – 8:30-9:30 a.m. Coffee with the City of Murrieta.at the Murrieta Innovation Center, 26442 Beckman Court. Call 951677-7916, ext. 3.

May 27 – 6:30- a.m. A Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day Observance Concert with Maestro John Mario leading the Temecula Valley Symphony at the Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main St., Old Town Temecula. Free family friendly event. Lawn chairs and blankets recommended.

May 27 – 8 a.m Memorial Day

Flags are placed on every grave to honor our military heroes by Honoring Our Fallen at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, 22495 Van Buren Blvd.

May 27 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Birth Choice of Hemet Car and Motorcycle Show at the 412 Church, 1450 W. 7th St., San Jacinto. $35 car registration 951-240-3006.

May 29 – 8 a.m. Murrieta Memorial Day Observance Ceremony at the Town Square Park & Amphitheater. See the Murrieta Veterans Memorial.

May 29 – 11 a.m. Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride with West Coast Thunder and concert at the Lake Elsinore Storm Diamond, 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore. Tickets $35. Visit registration. westcoastthunder.com

May 29 – 8 a.m. Memorial Day 5K, 10K and Kids 1K Run at Diamond Valley Lake, 1901 Angler Lake Road, Hemet to honor those who have fought for our freedoms. Register at https://bit.ly/runmemorialday2023

May 29 – 7 a.m.Menifee Memorial Day 5K at Central Park, 30268 Civic Plaza Drive. $35 registration. See CASE@finishresults.com or call 585-636-7777.

ONGOING – Riverside Transportation Commission is offering Park and Ride lots to connect with carpools, vanpools and transit systems in Beaumont at 600 E. Sixth Street, in San Jacinto at 501 S. San Jacinto Avenue and in Temecula at

Grace Presbyterian Church, 31143 Nicolas Road, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but not on weekends.

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

ONGOING - Line Dancing classes from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Lake Elsinore/ Wildomar Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail, Wildomar (across from the Animal Shelter). Lessons are $5.00 with a D.J. and proceeds go the Elks Lodge. The dances are from beginning to intermediate. Have fun and exercise at the same time. Contact Joyce Hohenadl 951-674-2159.

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 800-5102020 for help.

ONGOING – 7 a.m. to 3:30

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

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

ONGOING – Temecula’s Farmers Markets are offered in Old Town Temecula Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, 4100 Main Street in Temecula; at Promenade Temecula, 40640 Winchester Road, outside JCPenney every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Vail Headquarters, 32115 Tem-

ecula Parkway, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Riverside County Public Health orders, the farmers markets will be restricted to agriculture products only. Follow the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market on Facebook to stay updated. No pets allowed.

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

May 5 – Temecula’s 13th annual Health & Community Resource Fair Vendor Applications and Guidelines are now available! Seeking vendors in the fields of health and wellness that can provide free health screenings, community resources, emergency preparedness, public safety awareness and more. The fair will be held on Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Temecula Civic Center and Town Square, 41000 Main Street. For more information, please call 951-694-6464.

May 5 – The California State Fair Home Wine Competition invites people seeking to showcase their winemaking skills and receive professional feedback join the home winemaking contest. To enter, contact State@calexpo.com The fair will be held in Sacramento, July 14-30, at 1600 Exposition Blvd.

May 5 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dorland Mountain Arts Associated Artists exhibit at the Dorland Community Arts Center, 36701 Highway 79/S. Temecula Parkway in Temecula.

May 20 – Launch Pointe Recreation Destination, Lake Elsinore presents the third annual KJVR Foundation’s Benefit Bash fundraiser for student athletes and to honor Kennedie June Von Ryan at 32040 Riverside Dr., Lake Elsinore. Tickets and information at www.KJVRFoundation.com

ONGOING – Want to help deployed American troops remotely? Help shop for the most needed items without leaving home as 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-care-packages

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

ONGOING – 10-11:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Newsroom poet moved by memories and voices lifted amid a spectacular setting

of my favorite places on Earth, the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library.

The view is spectacular, the art is incredible and Ron Roberts – a five-time mayor of Temecula who almost single-handedly won the state funds needed to build that amazing facility – was a dear friend.

Ron was a legendary public servant who died a tragic death several years ago after a fall left him with severe head injuries. His memorial service at Rancho Community Church nearly filled that sprawling sanctuary. The words spoken there fell far short of marking the measure of the man.

To me, that library is akin to holy ground. I visit it whenever I can.

she kicked off the nearly two-hour event. “I’m excited about hearing them. We’re forming a poetry community here in Temecula.”

One poet drew upon the death of her dear aunt two years ago.

Written the day of the woman’s death, Rya Melanson, a 15-yearold Temecula Valley High School sophomore, described her aunt as “ … the most beautiful star in the galaxy …”

I have a split personality when it comes to the word – part poet and part storyteller. I read the dictionary for fun as a child. Being a reporter satisfied my inquisitiveness, and spinning sentences became my muse. Poems often come to me in the night, and for those I credit the Almighty.

cuddle her as daylight turned into dusk and then darkness. In my note, I told Margaret she is missed by many, and that love is a miracle that defies the miles.

I wake in the dark and the cold.

Kitty in my arms like a hand in a glove. Let’s lay a while together friend. i’ll pray. You purr. Amen.

Tim O’Leary

Special to Valley News

It isn’t often that a newsroom poet gets to share his ragged doggerel with his contemporaries. And

Valley News/Courtesy photo

it isn’t often that 20 people get to share their wonder, pain, promise, praise and purpose. Thus, on April 27, myself and a batch of my fellow balladeers shared our love of the word at one

A recent stopover there led to my discovery of a notice for Poetry Night, an event in which Jeannie Young and her husband Les were seeking poets to read a selection or two of their offerings. In the end, Jeannie shepherded us to the lectern, where we delved into our lives and the victories and defeats, crackpots and calamities that befall us all. About 60 people, some standing, joined the fun.

The event coincided with National Poetry Month and National Library Week. Its genesis was “Poetry with Purpose,” which raised money for nonprofit causes.

“There are some really talented poets here tonight,” Jeannie said as

My first offering at Poetry Night consisted of a scribble I wrote for Margaret, my wife of nearly 22 years, soon after she sent me an email from the dementia care facility that had become her permanent home a month earlier.

I was the spousal caregiver to this beautiful, talented woman for eight years of our marriage. She now lives in the Boston area near her large, loving family. On Dec.

6 she wrote: “It would be such a gift if you would consider writing a poem to distant Margaret, your wife.”

The following words came to me. In my note back to Margaret, I reminded her how our cherished black cat, Shadow, would often

Poetry Night progressed amid enthusiastic applause for the array of voices, feelings, experiences and cultures. Enough time remained to allow eight of us to read a second poem. I picked one of my first poems, which I penned when I was about 16 and confused about the world and my place in it. Thunder mountain. Lightning river. And i’m right between the two. Thunder mountain. Lightning river.

Jeannie closed out the night with words of gratitude for the feelings we all had shared. “I feel inspired to go home and write something meaningful,” she said. “Thank you so much. This was so much fun.”

Temecula to host Tribute To Heroes: Memorial Day Observance Concert with Temecula Valley Symphony

TEMECULA – In commemoration of Memorial Day, Temecula’s Community Services Department will host the patriotic-themed concert, A Tribute To Heroes: Memorial Day Observance performed by the Temecula Valley Symphony Saturday, May 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main Street. Remember to bring

lawn chairs, blankets and loved ones to the free, family-friendly concert.

Under the musical direction of Maestro John Mario, this annual military and patriotic-themed concert will include musical works by John Williams and John Phillip Sousa. Other featured selections on the program include Aaron Co-

pland’s “Hoe Down” and Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings.” The Temecula Valley Symphony is a 60-member community orchestra that has become a regional organization attracting professional and volunteer musicians throughout Southern California.

“Temecula’s Tribute To Heroes Concert honors all our fallen

heroes as well as former and current service members,” Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank said. “Join us as we thank and pay respect to all military branches and the brave service people who have made personal sacrifices that continue to protect our collective freedom. This free, family-friendly event is one that is very special, and

we are looking forward to seeing you here.”

Keep updated on all upcoming Temecula Community Services events, activities and programs, by visiting http://TemeculaCA.gov/ TCSD and following @TemeculaParksandRec on social media. Submitted by city of Temecula.

Tim O’Leary

Temecula Council resolution upholds judge’s decision to revoke CUP for The Bank

TEMECULA – Temecula City

Council adopted a resolution the week of Monday, April 24, upholding the decision by an administrative law judge for the office of administrative hearings to revoke a conditional use permit held by The Bank restaurant, 28645 Old Town Front Street. The Temecula Planning Commission also confirmed the decision of the independent administrative law judge Wednesday, Feb. 15, revoking The Bank’s conditional use permit that previously allowed for live entertainment and

distilled spirits. After numerous citations and civil penalties were issued to The Bank over the course of 17 months for violating the provisions of their conditional use permit, the matter was heard before the administrative law judge Aug. 31, 2022, and Sept. 1, 2022.

Based on evidence presented by all parties, the administrative law judge found that The Bank frequently and continuously violated their conditions of approval for its conditional use permit by operat-

ing beyond approved business hours permitted by the conditional use permit; by selling alcohol beyond approved business hours permitted by the conditional use permit; by providing live entertainment and music that exceeded the requirements of the conditional use permit such as a DJ with amplified noise pointed toward the street and creating excessive noise exceeding decibels permitted by the conditional use permit and the Temecula Municipal Code. Additionally, the Temecula

Sheriff’s Department and Code Enforcement established that The Bank had become a “disorderly house” in violation of their conditional use permit, and in violation of state law and local ordinances. It included assaults, threats made by The Bank’s security officers to an undercover investigator, excessive noise, public intoxication, overserving of alcohol to patrons and other disturbances.

The city of Temecula is committed to protecting the health, safety and general welfare of its

community and to ensuring that the charm of Old Town Temecula continues to be a safe, family friendly destination. It is the first conditional use permit in the history of the city to be revoked. The Bank will be able to continue its operations as a restaurant, without the added conditional uses that previously included live entertainment and distilled spirits. Records of all proceedings can be found at http://TemeculaCA.gov/agendas. Submitted by city of Temecula.

Los Jilbertos Taco Shop selected as Menifee’s April Business Spotlight

MENIFEE – The city of Menifee announced Los Jilbertos Taco Shop as the April Business Spotlight, a program that is a part of the Economic Development Department’s B3 Building Better Businesses program.

Known for its super nachos, loaded carne asada fries, classic huevos rancheros and chile relleno burrito, Los Jilbertos became a community favorite.

In search of a new location in the Inland Empire, Los Jilbertos’ owners chose Menifee because of its thriving business community as well as its robust commercial and residential development. In 2022, Los Jilbertos Taco Shop opened for business in the McCall Plaza, 27511 McCall Blvd., serving the Menifee community with additional locations in neighboring cities such as Murrieta, Lake Elsinore and Temecula.

Its presence in the city goes beyond the kitchen to prioritizing giving back to the communities it serves. The taco shop regularly assists local schools and actively participates in Menifee programs, including the Menifee Passport and the Menifee Taco Trail. Los Jilbertos participated in the Me

nifee Passport program in the holiday season of 2022 by offering a discount to encourage supporting local and community involvement of residents and visitors alike. Its ongoing participation in the Menifee Taco Trail also champions supporting local businesses while exploring the city’s offerings.

To view their Business Spotlight video online, visit https://youtu.be/ LitRIpg0w5k.

The Menifee Business Spotlight is a free business recognition program to create awareness for the variety of local businesses and their contributions to the Menifee community. Chosen applicants, who are nominated by the community, are honored during a special presentation at a city council meeting and receive a free 30-second professional video developed by the Economic Development Department showcased on the city’s business website.

The Menifee Business Spotlight is part of the Economic Development Department’s B3 Building Better Businesses program, which aims to showcase local businesses that go above and beyond the call of business, foster pride in Menifee’s thriving business com-

Los Jilbertos Taco Shop, which was selected as Menifee’s Business Spotlight for April, regularly assists local schools and actively participates in Menifee programs. Valley News/Courtesy photo munity and promote diversity in Menifee’s local economy.

Nominations are encouraged to recognize businesses in Menifee that contribute to the betterment of

the Menifee community. For an application, visit http://www.cityofmenifee.us/BusinessSpotlight.

For more information on the Business Spotlight program, or

other resources available to Menifee businesses, contact the Economic Development Department at econdev@cityofmenifee.us Submitted by city of Menifee.

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce has partnered with leading experts in economic development to provide a comprehensive look into the current and upcoming economic development of the region. This event will cover the current state of our regional economy and its future impact on Southwest Riverside County. Offering crucial information and strategic planning for 2023 and beyond, this educational event is sure to give attendees much-needed insight into their financial futures. This event is sponsored

by Loma Linda University Medical Center- Murrieta and the Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors and will be held on Thursday, June 15 at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road in Temecula, from 7-10 a.m. All members of the public are invited to attend this informative presentation to gain insight into the local area’s near future.

Local City development updates, economic data, ongoing impacts, trends and predictions will be delivered by Rob Moran, Deputy Di-

rector, Riverside County Office of Economic Development; Connie Stopher, Executive Director, Economic Development Collation; Scott Wilson, President/CEO, Visit Temecula Valley; Todd Parton, Director of Economic Development, City of Lake Elsinore; Gina Gonzalez, Director of Economic Development, City of Menifee; James Wurtz, Business Development Program Manager, City of Murrieta; Patrick Ellis, President/CEO, Murrieta-Wildomar Chamber of Commerce; and Christine Damko, Director of Economic

Development, City of Temecula. Reservations are $60 per attendee (for TVCC Members), $80 per non-member attendee, $650 per corporate table of 10 (for TVCC Members) or $850 for non-members. Registration and sponsorship opportunities can be found online at https://bit.ly/41J26HF. For more information, please visit www. temecula.org or call 951-676-5090.

About Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit orga-

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Southwest Regional Economic Forecast set to provide crucial insights into the ‘future development of the valley’

Review of all things Real Estate: What the ‘experts’ are saying now about the economy and real estate

Chief Economist Doug Duncan said in a statement.

While Fannie Mae’s ESR Group updates its forecasts for home sales, mortgage originations and mortgage rates on a monthly basis, projections for national home price appreciation are revised quarterly.

rates is central to our expectation that the recession will be modest,” Duncan said. The rapid response of would-be homebuyers to periodic declines in mortgage rates “gives us additional confidence in our use of the word ‘modest,’” Duncan said.

With the economy still looking likely to enter a recession, economists at Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association expect mortgage rates will continue to decline from 2022 peaks.

Bob

Hillery CR Properties

Strong homebuyer demand is providing more support for home prices than economists at Fannie Mae expected at the beginning of the year, but forecasters at the mortgage giant expect tight for-sale inventory will keep sales “subdued” for the rest of the year.

In their latest monthly forecast, economists with Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group said they expect the Federal Reserve to implement a final 25-basis rate hike in May and then bring rates back down by the end of the year as the economy enters a “modest recession.”

“The economic slowdown has resumed, whether the end result is a modest recession or simply a soft landing remains unanswered, although we continue to expect the former when we first made our 2023 recession call,” Fannie Mae

In January, home prices were looking soft to Fannie Mae economists, who forecast that national home prices would drop 4.2% on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of 2023. The theory was that last year’s abrupt runup in mortgage rates and dramatic home price gains during the pandemic would create affordability challenges for many would-be homebuyers.

While that’s still the case in many markets – regional Zillow Home Price Indices show some metros have already experienced nearly 10% home price declines since the summer of 2022 – homebuyer demand has proven resilient, particularly when mortgage rates dip.

The latest Fannie Mae forecast is that home prices will be stickier on the way down, with national home price appreciation declining by 1.2% on an annual basis during the fourth quarter and peaking at -2.6% during the second quarter of 2024.

“The greater-than-expected resilience of the housing sector to the affordability pressures of higher home prices and mortgage

In an April 17 forecast, MBA economists said they expect rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages to average 5.5% by the fourth quarter of this year, and drop below 5% in the third quarter of next year.

Fannie Mae forecasters aren’t quite as optimistic about the pace of declines and don’t expect rates to dip below 5% anytime soon, saying Federal Reserve policymakers are still analyzing what the impact of recent bank failures and tighter lending conditions will be on inflation.

“Given continued persistence in core inflation in recent months, we expect that there will remain an increasingly restrictive monetary policy path in the near term,” Fannie Mae economists said in commentary accompanying their latest forecast. “It’s only a question of how many additional rate hikes occur versus how much lending conditions tighten further due to banking pressures.”

Fannie Mae economists think the Fed will raise the short-term federal funds rate one more time in May, before reversing course lowering the benchmark rate by 25 basis points in the final three months of the year if there is a recession and weakening labor market. If a recession doesn’t happen and inflation doesn’t cool, there’s “the possibility of another jump in mortgage rates,” Fannie Mae forecasters warned.

With February data showing stronger than expected homebuyer demand, Fannie Mae economists upgraded their forecast for home sales for the rest of the year. But even if the new 2023 forecast of 4.2 million existing home sales comes in as projected, that would be the slowest annual pace since 2010.

New listings were down 20%

in March compared to a year ago, a trend that’s thought to be driven largely by the “lock-in effect,” which discourages many homeowners from moving because they don’t want to give up their existing, lower mortgage rates. “…while we anticipate the recent modest pullback in mortgage rates following the banking turmoil in March to put more energy into the spring homebuying season, the total volume of sales is likely to remain subdued,” Fannie Mae forecasters said. “Beyond the lack of inventory and the lock-in effect, affordability constraints remain.”

It’s interesting to me that the “experts” don’t fully agree though looking at the same data, but the consensus “seems” to be recession towards the end of this year or early next year…or maybe not…

Things to avoid before applying for a mortgage

CALIFORNIA – Planning to buy a home? The key is to prepare and maintain excellent financial health. And we’re not just talking about the

Right Home - Right Price

One’s credit score is one of the most important factors that lenders use to determine their eligibility for a mortgage.

Making big purchases

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If you just bought a car or did advance shopping for furnishings, this will take a big hit on your credit record and debt-to-income ratio and could hurt your mortgage application. Avoid making any credit splurges at all costs if you’re planning to buy a home soon.

Switching jobs

This is because lenders like to see stability in your employment history. It’s best to wait after you have secured the mortgage before making any bold career changes.

Ruining your credit score

A credit score is precious. Know your credit score: Your credit score is one of the most important factors that lenders use to determine your eligibility for a mortgage. Before you apply, make sure you know your credit score and take steps to improve it if necessary.

The following might mess up your credit score: Applying for new credit, closing accounts, making late payments. Making large deposits Lenders might see large oneoff deposits as red flags. They will usually require additional documentation for these instances. Generally, lenders like a consistent pattern of income and spending.

Skipping pre-approval

Before you start looking at homes, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a better idea of how much you can afford to spend and will also show sellers that you are a serious buyer. Work with a reputable lender who is transparent about their fees and rates and will be willing to answer any questions you have about the mortgage process. Contact us for a lender referral.

If you’re all set and interested in being qualified to purchase a home right now, please feel free to contact the agents at Broadpoint Properties.

This article first appeared on Broadpoint Properties’ website, https://servingsandiegocounty. com.

Submitted by Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo, broker associate, who can be reached at 760-532-1057, elisabeth@ehlentulo.com or www.ehlentulo.com. CalBRE #01904564

May 5 – 11, 2023

SPRING SPORTS PLAYOFF EDITION

Area high school teams ready for postseason grind

JP

Raineri and Derryl Trujillo

Sports Writers

LOS ALAMITOS – The 20222023 school year is quickly coming to an end, but not before high school spring sports teams get to continue in the postseason. The spring season consists of track and field, tennis, lacrosse, beach volleyball, boys golf (separate from this article), swimming, and baseball and softball, as teams now get the opportunity to play through the end of the month, in order to be the last team standing. The downfall is you can’t lose. For those that have been in this position before, it’s not the time to let the pressure take over. In fact, the pressure was to get to this point, now it’s time to show out.

The hunt for an elusive CIF Southern Section title begins this week as the Southern Section offices have now released all the pairings for each sport. Starting with softball, the playoffs will commence Tuesday, May 2, with wildcard games and Thursday, May 4, with opening round games.

Softball Playoffs (All games are scheduled for 3:15 p.m. start times, unless otherwise noted.)

Two teams from the Valley News coverage area earned top five rankings in their respective divisions and both will open with home games. Murrieta Mesa, Southwestern League champions for a third consecutive year, finished the year ranked fifth and will open the playoffs at home on Thursday against the winner of a wildcard game between Corona Centennial and South Hills.

Also ranked in their division’s top five is Liberty after winning the Mountain Pass League championship in their first year in a league. The Bison are ranked fifth in the final CIF-SS division five coaches’ poll and will open the playoffs on Thursday against the winner of a wildcard game between Ontario Christian and Shadow Hills at home.

In total, 16 teams qualified for the CIF-SS Ford Softball Championships. Among that

number are both of last year’s finalists in Linfield Christian and Elsinore. The Lions were runnersup in Ambassador League play to Aquinas and will open the Division 5 playoffs against Kaiser (Fontana) in a wildcard game on Tuesday. After a second straight league title, Elsinore will open the Division 4 playoffs on Thursday at home against Santa Fe.

Here is a list of the softball league champions from our area: Southwestern - Murrieta Mesa; Mountain Pass - Liberty; Sunbelt - Elsinore; South Valley - Santa Rosa Academy.

Tuesday, May 2: Wildcards

Division 3: Hemet at Diamond Bar.

Division 5: Twentynine Palms at San Jacinto Valley Academy, Ontario Christian at Shadow Hills and Kaiser at Linfield Christian

Thursday, May 4: Round One.

Division 1: South Hills/Corona Centennial wildcard winner at Murrieta Mesa.

Division 2: Vista Murrieta at Don Lugo, Great Oak at Arcadia (moved to 5/3).

Division 4: Paloma Valley at Chino, Fullerton at San Jacinto, Santa Fe at Elsinore.

Division 5: Ontario Christian/

Shadow Hills wildcard winner at Liberty, Kaiser/Linfield Christian wildcard winner at Santa Rosa Academy.

Division 6: Nuview Bridge at Bloomington, Loara/St. Joseph’s Lakewood wildcard winner at Hamilton.

Division 7: Santa Ana Valley at California Lutheran, Public Safety Academy at Tahquitz.

Second round games are on Tuesday, May 9, with the quarterfinals on Thursday, May 11, and semifinals on Saturday, May 13. Championship games are set for Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, at Irvine’s Deanna Manning Stadium.

Baseball Playoffs (All games are scheduled for 3:15 p.m. start times, unless otherwise noted.)

The playoffs began earlier this week with wildcard games Tuesday and Wednesday; and firstround games getting underway Thursday and Friday. Only one local team got a seeded bid, which comes as quite a surprise with Linfield Christian soaking up the success of their 20-7 season as the Ambassador League runner-up. The Lions take the No. 4 seed in Division 4 and will face Hemet in

Liberty’s ace Andi Clabough helped her softball team win a 2023 Mountain Pass League title and will enter the playoffs ranked fifth in Division 5. They’ll open the playoffs at home against either Shadow Hills or Ontario Christian on Thursday, May 4. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

their first matchup.

League champions from the area consisted of: Back-to-back Southwestern League title holders Vista Murrieta, who will await the winner of a wildcard game between Lakewood and Burroughs to see who they open against in Division 2; Elsinore, who won the Sunbelt League; Tahquitz, the Mountain Pass League winners; as well as Cornerstone Christian (Wildomar), who won the Majestic League; and Lakeside, who won the Inland Valley League.

A total of 254 teams qualified for the seven divisional singleelimination tournaments with the championship finals slated for Friday and Saturday, May 19-20 at Blair Field in Long Beach. Dates/Divisions/Times at that site are still TBA. All games, with the exception of championship games, are scheduled to begin at 3:15 p.m. unless otherwise noted. All championship games from Blair Field will be streamed live by The NFHS Network and Bally Sports.

Division 1

First round - Thursday, May 4 No local teams

Division 2 Wildcard round - Wednesday, May 3

D: Monrovia at Great Oak

First round - Friday, May 5

Temecula Valley at Capistrano Valley Christian Vista Murrieta vs Wildcard “C” winner

Paloma Valley at Tesoro

Division 3

First round - Thursday, May 4

Temescal Canyon at Edison

Serra at Tahquitz

Division 4

First round - Friday, May 5 Burbank at Elsinore Chaparral at Adelanto

Valley View at Citrus Hill

Hemet at Linfield Christian

Division 5

First round - Thursday, May 4 Liberty at Colton

Division 6

First round - Friday, May 5 Wildcard “G” winner G at Lakeside

Temecula Prep at Hesperia

Christian Orange Vista at Riverside Prep

Division 7

Wildcard round - Wednesday, May 3

J: Santa Rosa Academy at Palm Valley P: Hamilton at Loma Linda Academy

First round - Thursday, May 4 Winner G at Cornerstone Chr.

Winner H at Nuview Bridge

Lacrosse Playoffs

The Murrieta Mesa girls lacrosse team hasn’t lost a Southwestern League match in the past three seasons, garnishing a 30-0 record in league play, and have earned the No. 1 seed as the CIF Southern Section released its playoff pairings this past Saturday morning.

Murrieta Mesa is the top-seeded team in the Division 2 girls bracket. The Rams (17-1) also received a first-round bye and will host Yorba Linda (10-5) or Valencia (6-9) in a second-round match Friday.

Senior Willis Lacy, pictured here making a play, and the Vista Murrieta Broncos, who won the Southwestern League title for the second consecutive year, will open their potential postseason run with a home game Friday, May 5. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

The Linfield Christian boys lacrosse team went a perfect 20-0 this past season and will face Long Beach Poly this week as the Division 3 playoffs get underway. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Murrieta Mesa’s girls lacrosse team finished their 2023 campaign with their third straight undefeated Southwestern League season as they get ready for the Division 2 playoffs. Valley News/Courtesy photo

see SPRING, page C-2

Linfield Christian took the No. 4 seed as the Ambassador League runner-up and will face Hemet in their first matchup this week of the Division 4 baseball playoffs. Valley News/Courtesy photo

SPRING from page C-1

Murrieta Mesa was the Division 2 runner-up last season.

The Chaparral girls team was the only other Inland squad to receive a Top 4 seeding. The Pumas (12-5) are the No. 2 seed in the Division 3 bracket but will travel to Dana Hills (10-6) for a first-round match (Wednesday, May 3) after finishing third in the Southwestern League standings.

League champions from the area also include Temecula Valley (boys; Southwestern League), who went undefeated in league play, and Linfield Christian in the Ivy League with their overall undefeated season at 20-0. The six divisional (three girls, three boys) tournament championships started Monday, May 1 with the girls wildcard rounds (in affected divisions), followed by the boys wildcard games and first-round (Division 1) on Tuesday, May 2. All championship games will be played at host school sites with boys and girls finals being

AnzA VAlley

OUTLOOK

played at Downey High School on Friday and Saturday, May 1213. Divisions/dates/times to be determined.

Boys Lacrosse Playoffs

(Matches scheduled for 3:15 p.m.

Dates, sites and times subject to change.)

Division 2

Thursday’s first-round matches: San Juan Hills at Temecula Valley, Great Oak at Saugus, San Clemente at Vista Murrieta.

Division 3

Thursday’s first-round match: Long Beach Poly at Linfield Christian.

Girls Lacrosse Playoffs

(Matches scheduled for 3:15 p.m. Dates, sites and times subject to change.)

Division 2

Wednesday’s first-round match: JSerra at Vista Murrieta.

Friday’s second-round matches: Yorba Linda or Valencia at Murrieta Mesa.

Division 3

Monday’s wildcard matches: Northwood at Paloma Valley.

Wednesday’s first-round matches: Heritage at Tesoro, Chaparral at Dana Hills.

Girls Beach Volleyball Playoffs

The girls beach volleyball playoffs, in its inaugural championship season, began this week with wildcard contests at designated host sites Tuesday and first round matches in the two divisional single-elimination tournaments conducted at designated host sites on Thursday. While the sport is just gaining momentum in the area, there is no immediate local representation in the tournament, which begins with 67 schools looking to claim divisional crowns. The tournaments will conclude Saturday, May 6 at Long Beach City College.

Boys Volleyball Playoffs

Second round matches took place Saturday, April 29, with only one of the three local teams that played advancing to the quarterfinal round this week. After taking down Elsinore in the first round of the Division 3 playoffs, Vista Murrieta defeated Oak Park, 3-1 (25-13, 25-20, ,2325, 25-20) in round two and will next face El Segundo, on the road Wednesday, May 3, which will be updated online. In Division 5, Temescal Canyon fell to Samueli Academy in three straight sets 2518, 25-23, 25-22 and in Division 6, Hawthorne MSA defeated San Jacinto Valley Academy in three straight as well, 25-17, 25-19. 25-22.

The quarterfinal round is set for Wednesday, May 3, after this article goes to print, and semifinals action will get underway Saturday, May 6. Championship matches will be either at Cerritos College or designated venues on Saturday, May 13.

AnzA VAlley

OUTLOOK

Boys Tennis Playoffs Tennis is always one of the hardest sports to keep up with, but along with brackets coming out earlier this week, the one other major thing we do know is that the Great Oak Wolfpack won this year’s Southwestern League title and have done so 10 years in a row now, stemming back to 2014. They also won in 2006, 2007 and 2009, so it’s no doubt they are looking to have a deep run in the playoffs, which hasn’t come easy in recent years. Ian McGowan won the Singles title again this year and is the first Great Oak tennis player to win consecutive Southwestern League titles.

McGowan defeated Temecula Valley’s Michael Masarani while Eric Rutz-Robbins and Tanner Stock were the Doubles runnersup after they fell to Murrieta Valley’s Owen Pearson and Aidan Hever 6-2, 6-4. All six moved on as CIF Individual Qualifiers. Competition between the 185 postseason entries, including 11 from inside our coverage area, will get underway with wildcard round matches in select divisions having taken place earlier this week on Tuesday. All preliminary-round matches were served up at designated host sites as of Wednesday. The single-elimination tournament will conclude Friday, May 12, at The Claremont Club.

Area teams competing include:

Division 2: Great Oak (12-8-1) vs. Alta Loma (15-4); Temecula Valley (12-4) at Redlands (15-0).

Division 3: Murrieta Valley (10-

3) vs. Heritage (14-4). Division 5: Citrus Hill (8-2) vs.

Paloma Valley (11-5); Orange Vista (9-5) vs. Wildcard “J” winner; Hemet (9-5-1) vs. Wildcard “N” winner. Wildcard matchups also include Liberty (Mountain Pass, No. 2) vs. Chaffey (Mt. Baldy, No. 3); Elsinore (Inland Valley, No. 3) at Workman (Montview, No. 2); and West Valley (Mountain Pass ,No. 3) at Indio (Desert Valley, No. 3).

Swimming and Diving

Another tough to follow sport in the postseason is Swimming and Diving, but those brackets can be found online at www.faculty. polytechnic.org/cifss. As for the Southwestern League, Coach Jenn Beach shared the following info:

On Thursday, April 13, Murrieta Valley visited our Rams swimmers in a league match. For boys it was a nail biter where each race counted and in the end our Mesa Boys were victorious with 91-79 win; this means boys varsity is still undefeated in league dual meets and if they were able to win their dual meet against Temecula Valley they are poised to be the 2023 Champions after the finals the last week of April (Details came in after this article went to print, but can be found online).

Also, a big highlight of the meet on the girls side was senior Sonja Aarsvold breaking a team record by a little over six seconds in the 500 Freestyle. The previous record was held by Libby Gilbert (currently swimming at Ohio State) who set the record in 2019.

Individual highlights:

Girls 200 Medley A Relay (senior Emilee Elizondo, senior Kiersten Maag, senior Sonja Aarsvold and junior Madison Parker) placed first – CIF Consideration Cut.

Boys 200 Medley Relays swept the event with A Relay (sophomore Landon Spencer, junior Ty Schneider, senior Alex Pena and freshman Jonathan Streeter) placed first-CIF Consideration Cut; and B Relay (freshman Matthew Streeter, freshman Andrew Yang, senior Jeremiah Ramirez and junior Connor Wright) came in second.

Ty Schneider: First in the 200 Freestyle and CIF Consideration Cut. First in 500 Freestyle and CIF Consideration.

Sonja Aarsvold: First in 50 freestyle and CIF Automatic Cut. First in 500 Freestyle (School

Record) and CIF Automatic.

Senior Milad Haghighi: First in 50 Freestyle and first in the 100 Freestyle.

Emilee Elizondo: First in 100 Butterfly and CIF Consideration Cut. First in 100 Backstroke and CIF Consideration Cut.

Jonathan Streeter: First in 100 Butterfly.

Girls 200 Freestyle A Relay (Emilee Elizondo, Madison Parker, senior Melanie Arellano and Sonja Aarsvold) placed first.

Alex Pena: First in 100 Breaststroke and CIF Consideration.

Boys 400 Freestyle A Relay (Jonathan Streeter, Alex Pena, sophomore Sebastian Pena and Ty Schneider) placed first and CIF Consideration Cut.

Track and Field

The CIF Southern Section Track and Field League Finals took place last week at various tracks throughout the region, with the highly touted Southwestern League finals taking place at

Great Oak High School where the Wolfpack boys team won the title. Great Oak was led by strong performances in the 1600m and 3200m distance races and took the top seven spots in the 1600 with Gabriel Rodriguez finishing first with a time of 4:17.14. Carson Lynch won the 3200 with a time of 10:28.03. The top three spots were taken by Great Oak (159 points), Vista Murrieta (155 points) and Murrieta Mesa (114 points).

The Vista Murrieta girls team ran away with the team title on their side of the track, with 225 points. The Broncos performed well in both the field events and the track events. One of the top highlights of the day was Vista Murrieta pole vaulter Aspen Fears attempting to break the Riverside County record. She would fall short of achieving the top mark but won the league title with a vault of 12 feet, 10 inches. Murrieta Valley’s Madisyn Negro placed second with a vault of 12 feet, 4

Great Oak head tennis coach Ray Fisher takes a proud selfie with Eric Rutz-Robbins and Tanner Stock, who were the Southwestern League Doubles runners-up this season. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Orange Vista’s Mercy Ehiemere (4) and Murrieta Mesa’s Brooklyn Bright racing against each other in the 400m run earlier this season at Vista Murrieta High School both qualified for the CIF-SS postseason. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Great Oak’s Nick Pogue launches a discus at the Southwestern League finals last week. Valley News/Time Stood Still Photography

TRACK from page C-2

inches. Murrieta Mesa’s Brooklyn Bright was a top performer on foot, winning the 400 and 200 with times of 56.74 and 25.24, respectively. The top three team spots were taken by Vista Murrieta with 225 points, Murrieta Valley with 83 points and Great Oak with 68 points.

In the Ambassador League, Linfield Christian’s Drew Taylor captured three individual titles as he swept the boys hurdling events (16.74 in the 110, 43.71 in the 300) and won the high jump (5-8).

Top performances from the Ivy League, Inland Valley League and Sunbelt League (Raincross) Finals include Heritage runner Terrence Whaley winning the 110m hurdles with a time of 15.02 and finishing second in the 300m hurdles with a time of 40.53. Elsinore’s Dajeauna Williams had jumps of 39’10” and Crystal Steier 34’5” finished 1-2 in the triple jump. Also, finishing with success, Orange Vista’s Kailah McKenzie placed first in the 100m hurdles timed at 14.35, 20’8” in the long jump, and 5’4” in the high jump. She also ran a leg on Orange Vista’s winning 1600 relay (4:00.65). Rancho

Christian’s Mariah Hughes placed first in three events she competed in: the 100 hurdles 17.49 high jump 4’10” and shot put 32’1.”

Paloma Valley’s Jason Deal took 100m and 200m honors with times of 10.48 and 21.33 while teammate Aaron Young swept the hurdles with times of 15.20 in the 110m and 40.04 in the 300m. Temescal

Canyon’s Megan Crum won the girls 1600m (5:13.96) and 3200m (11:35.23). Her teammate Victoria Redd swept the titles in the girls throws (35-2.5 in the shot put, 110-4 in the discus).

Top performances of the Mountain Pass League Final include Liberty’s Nevaeh Moala

finishing first in the 100m hurdles and 300m hurdles with times of 17.89 seconds and 49.34 seconds.

The boys hurdlers also had success with Paul Ortega winning the 110m race with a time of 15.76 seconds and Eddie Smith, second at 15.84 seconds. Smith also won the 300m hurdles in 42.14 seconds.

The official team results aren’t posted, however with Liberty placing or winning in almost every event, they will be big-time contenders moving forward.

Top performers from local schools that qualified in Division

1 for the CIF-SS prelims Saturday, May 6, at Trabuco Hills High School include:

Boys 4x100m

Seeding, No. 2- Murrieta Mesa

‘A’ - 41.74 seconds – 1. Green, Elijah (12); 2. Bright, William Isaiah (10); 3. Soriano, Hans (12); 4. Eisenhauer, Chase (12);

5. Baskerville, Elijah (12).

Girls 1600m

Seeding, No. 3 - Lieberman, Sofia - Murrieta Valley - 4:59.02.

Girls 100m Hurdles

1. McKenzie, Kailah (12)Orange Vista.

Boys 110m Hurdles

3. Green, Elijah (12) - Murrieta Mesa - 14.53.

4. Bright, William Isaiah (10)Murrieta Mesa - 14.69.

Girls 400m Dash

3. Ehiemere, Mercy (12)Orange Vista - 55.82.

6. Bright, Brooklynn (11)Murrieta Mesa - 56.74.

Girls 100m Dash

1. Anyansi, Taylor (10)Murrieta Valley - 11.92.

Boys 100m Dash

4. Deal, Jason (12) - Paloma Valley - 10.48.

Girls 800m Run

3. Holloway, Fiona (11) - Vista Murrieta - 2:17.86.

Boys 800m Run

2. Johnson, Tarron (12) - Vista Murrieta - 1:53.6.

in 2024-2025

Valley News/Time Stood Still Photography

Chaparral’s Southwestern League champion, Leland Godfrey, set a new PR and school record of 55’8 in shot put and was runner-up in discus with a throw of 46’10.

Boys 200m Dash

4. Deal, Jason (12) - Paloma Valley - 21.33.

Girls 3200M Run

1. Avina, Arielle (9) - Murrieta Valley.

Boys 3200m Run

4. Brown, Westin (10) - Great Oak - 9:14.39. Boys 4x400m Run

3. Heritage ‘A’ - 3:22.15 seconds – 1. LaMothe, Elijah (10); 2. Duregger, Jacob (10); 3. SaffordMiles, Isaiah (11); 4. Serrato, Carlos (12); 5. Whaley, Terrence (10); 6. Luboya, Roland (10). Girls High Jump

2. Smith, Emoree (11) - Vista Murrieta, 5-04.

2. Mckenzie, Kailah (12)Orange Vista, 5-04. Girls Pole Vault

1. Fears, Aspen (11) - Vista Murrieta - 12-10.

3. Negro, Madisyn (12)Murrieta Valley - 12-04.

5. Rodriguez, Katie (12) - Vista Murrieta - 11-10.

Girls Long Jump

1. Mckenzie, Kailah (12)Orange Vista - 20-08.

5. Alumbres, Alyssa (11) - Vista Murrieta - 18-03.

Girls Triple Jump

2. Williams, Dajeauna (12)Elsinore - 39-10.

Boys High Jump

1. Williamson, Bryson (12)Vista Murrieta - 6-04.

Boys Pole Vault

2. Pepito, Austin (12) - Great Oak - 15-07.

Boys Long Jump

5. Nwafor, Obi (12) - Vista

Murrieta - 22-02.50.

Boys Triple Jump

1. Nwafor, Obi (12) - Vista Murrieta - 45-10.25.

5. Smith, Devyn (12) – Elsinore - 44-00.00.

7. Saenz, Joseph (12) - Murrieta Valley - 43-08.00.

8. Robinson, Andrew (11)Great Oak - 43-07.50. Boys Shot Put

3. Godfrey, Leland (12)Chaparral - 55-08.75.

5. Epps, Jayden (11) - Paloma Valley - 51-09.

If there are any changes in times, dates, or sites please email either Derryl at socaltrekkie@gmail.com or JP at sports@reedermedia.com with corrected information. Track and Field contributions made by Action Captures Media Group.

Citrus Belt Athletic Directors meeting changes leagues for area schools starting

“We feel like this move will make travel better for us in the long run,” Elsinore athletic director Don Nicholson said via email. “Mountain Pass League schools are closer to us and the trips will not require us to use the 60/215 connection. Also, because we are going to play the same school on the same day we can put multiple teams on the same bus, taking some pressure off our transportation staff.”

For every school or league happy with a change, there is someone displeased.

Derryl Trujillo

Sports Writer

LAKE ELSINORE – It might still be the school year 2022-2023 but on Monday, April 24, at Rancho Mirage High School the Citrus Belt Area Athletic Directors Association met to sort out new leagues for 2024-2026.

There were not a lot of changes to affect the valley but the proposal

submitted by Lakeside High School which prevailed does have one big change.

Two of Lake Elsinore Unified School District’s three high schools will have new leagues as a result of this proposal. Elsinore and Temescal Canyon were reassigned to the Mountain Pass League after spending this current cycle as members of the Raincross Conference.

“It’s a sad day for Hemet/San Jacinto area teams,” West Valley volleyball coach Shaun Pulsipher said via social media. “A group of coaches from Tahquitz, West Valley and San Jacinto got together and talked about the news and we don’t see how this helps our schools or student-athletes at all. It takes us back to when Hemet and Beaumont were in the Pass and we were all competing for third place in most sports.” They’ll replace Liberty (Menifee) and Perris who were moved into the Raincross Conference. Also joining the Raincross Conference will be three Riverside area schools in Arlington, Citrus Hill and Hillcrest.

“We are thankful to the Mountain Pass League for allowing us to start our school and develop our

Pyper resigns as Lions girls basketball coach

Derryl Trujillo

Sports Writer

TEMECULA – The year was 2019 and Linfield Christian’s girls basketball team had just won a CIF-SS title during the month of February. Shortly after the season ended, head coach Derrick O’Neil resigned and the school elevated assistant coach Harmony Pyper to the position.

Pyper guided the Lions to three winning seasons in four years with a CIF-SS quarterfinal appearance in 2021 during a season moved to spring because of COVID-19 related issues. The Lions also won this season’s Ambassador League sportsmanship award.

However, late Thursday night, April 27, in an Instagram post, Pyper announced that she was resigning as Linfield Christian’s head coach.

She leaves with an overall record of 44-44 but was just 1931 in Ambassador League play. In

programs in their league,” Bison

athletic director Scott Moore said. “I care about all of my programs being able to compete for league titles and playoff berths and feel moving to the Raincross Conference will give us that opportunity. Our athletes should not have to worry about lopsided outcomes of games so we can save money on transportation. It might create more work to track where our teams are going or who is coming here but in the end it’s about the student-athletes, not us adults.”

As a result of the meeting, here are the new look leagues. Once again these are effective with the 2024-2025 school year.

Mountain Pass: San Jacinto, Tahquitz, Hemet West Valley, Elsinore and Temescal Canyon Raincross Conference: Canyon Springs, Hemet, Heritage, JW

North, Lakeside, Moreno Valley, Orange Vista, Paloma Valley, Rancho Verde, Riverside Poly, Valley View, Vista Del Lago, Rancho Christian, Arlington, Liberty, Perris, Citrus Hill and Hillcrest

Remember that in the Raincross Conference there are three leagues and a school is placed into a league based on success in each sport. Its leagues are the Ivy, Sunbelt and Inland Valley (listed in order of difficulty).

In addition, it was announced that the newly formed Big West Conference (football only) will remain for the upcoming cycle. This conference combines the Southwestern and Big VIII Leagues into two leagues of six based on competitive equity for just football. Derryl Trujillo can be reached at socaltrekkie@gmail.com

Liberty softball players in action during a game earlier this year. After opening as members of the Mountain Pass League, the Bison were assigned to the Raincross Conference starting with the school year 2024-2025. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Temescal Canyon football players in action during a game last fall. The Titans were placed into the Mountain Pass League for school years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 after Monday’s Citrus Belt Athletic Directors meeting at Rancho Mirage High School. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Linfield Christian girls basketball coach Harmony Pyper, pictured here with her team on Senior Night this past season, announced her resignation this past week. Valley News/Courtesy photo addition, three former players are currently playing at the college level in Sydney Moran (Biola), Skylar Little (Mt. SAC) and Devyn Cope (Whitworth). Kendall Schmottlach,

a graduating senior this year, is also signed to play for NAIA school Ottawa University in Arizona. Derryl Trujillo can be reached at socaltrekkie@gmail.com

Blood drive will save many lives and honor one

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to the Valley News

Ellen Tichy watched her daughter Cassi lose her battle to Ewing sarcoma on May 20, 2018. On the fifth anniversary of that loss, Tichy is hosting a blood drive in San Jacinto to help others in need while honoring her daughter’s memory and bringing awareness to the need for more childhood cancer research.

On Saturday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., a LifeStream bloodmobile will be parked at the San Jacinto Stater Bros. market, 1537 S. San Jacinto Ave., to receive life-saving donations.

Tichy, of Hemet, works closely with LifeStream to host monthly blood drives in the community. It helps the blood bank replenish their blood supply which is experiencing a critical shortage. She is hoping to have at least 50 donors at this upcoming event, “ten for every year of this heartbreaking separation” from her daughter.

“I look forward to giving blood because I know I’m helping others,” Tichy said, who tries to donate every 56 days, the allotted time frame set by LifeStream. “When Cassi needed 50-plus units of platelets and blood (during her

treatments) I always wondered who had been generous enough to donate.”

Tichy is encouraging donors to wear yellow, Cassi’s favorite color, to honor her memory. She said that while her daughter is not physically here, “her spirit of light and love continues to shine ever so brightly.”

While walk-ins are always welcome, Tichy is requesting that potential donors make an appointment as soon as possible so their wait time can be minimized and she can better organize the event. To make an appointment, visit lstream.org/sanjacinto and mention code REPLCT21 to donate blood in honor of Cassi.

In recent years, Tichy has partnered with Wings for Ewing Sarcoma, a nonprofit started by a young ballerina with the disease, and her mother, Sandra.

Chiara Valle, of New York, was diagnosed in 2018 and has been out of treatment for about four years but still has regular screenings. Her cancer had not metastasized as was the case with Cassi.

“This charity will also benefit from any blood donations on May 20,” Tichy said. In March, thanks to the efforts by Tichy and generous blood donors, LifeStream was able to present a $2,500 check

Ellen Tichy, holding flowers, at a LifeStream blood drive on New Year’s Eve 2020, which would have been her daughter’s 21st birthday.

to the Wings for Ewing Sarcoma nonprofit.

Tichy said Cassi was diagnosed with the rare childhood bone cancer when she was 15 and spent 32 months fighting it. She has kept her daughter’s memory alive through advocacy for more research and awareness campaigns that will help others stricken with the disease. And also by hosting regular blood drives as a way to give the gift of life to others.

LifeStream’s website states, “Blood donations are urgently needed now to protect lifesaving treatments in your community.”

It also shares information such as the fact that one donation can help multiple patients because following collection, red blood cells, plasma and platelets are separated, stored and distributed separately.

Platelets are especially in need by cancer patients and must be used within five days of collection, a reason why new donations are

Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photo

The Coach’s Couch Emotional and verbal abuse, part 1

he’s never hit me!” she blurted out, somehow finding solace in her own response. Jane* was a victim of abuse, but not physical. If you looked to find bruises or scars, they were there… but not visible to the naked eye. You see her abuse, she carried on the inside, and it was invisible to everyone else…except her. Jane was a victim of emotional and verbal abuse.

According to Mentalhealth.net

49.23% of women in the United States suffered emotional and verbal abuse last year and those statistics are climbing. But before we tackle such topics as what is passive- aggressive behavior, what is brainwashing, setting boundaries, gaslighting and much more, let us define what emotional and verbal abuse really is.

Emotional abuse is any ongoing, negative behavior used to control or hurt another person. It can show up as consistent indifference or continual belittling of character, but always crushing our self-confidence or wearing away our sense of worth.

Verbal abuse is the systematic, ongoing use of harmful words, attempting to control or dominate another person. While caustically “cutting” away at the person’s selfesteem, using degrading words that entail accusing, bullying, yelling, ridiculing, and lies.

You may (or may not) realize that you are a victim of both types of abuse. Most of the time, you cannot have one without the other. There are several reasons this might be hard (at first) to determine. You blame yourself for the other person’s (partner, friend, family member, coworker etc.) behavior.

Maybe you said or did something wrong, to elicit their response. It is your fault, so you deserve the way they treat you. From intimidation, indoctrination, degrading and labeling, you begin to doubt yourself, then dismiss your own feelings as being irrational.

Please explore with me now, as we meet three bright, accomplished women who, though different in many respects, shared the trauma of emotional and verbal abuse.

Let me tell you first, about Malinda*, a woman who by all standards, was very accomplished, well-liked, loved by her family and friends and owned her own home. Malinda eventually fell in love and got married. Her husband was an attorney, who was a partner in a prestigious law firm, graduating from a big five college. She worked part-time in an office and attended a local community college.

At first, she thought she had “hit the lottery.” He would send her

10% of the population eligible to donate blood actually does so.

In preparation for donating, eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids. Bring a photo ID with proof of age. Donors under the age of 17 must bring a signed LifeStream parental consent form. To learn more about blood donations, visit www.lstream. org or call 800-879-4484. For more information, www. wingsforewingsarcoma.org and #shinebrightcassi.

Cassi Tichy died in 2018 from Ewing sarcoma, a rare childhood cancer. Valley News/Courtesy photo continuously needed. While no one wants to be in the position of needing blood to maintain health, to battle disease or to recover from injury, the site states that 1 in 4 people, at some point, will require a blood transfusion. Yet currently, less than

flowers just because it was Monday, ran her bath water and complimented her on everything from cooking to the way she dressed.

All Malinda’s girlfriends were envious…until things started to change…At first, it was very subtle. He commented that she looked like she was gaining a little weight, maybe they should hire a housekeeper because it looked like she needed help. Then he upped his game. He remarked that the garage was so full of her “stuff” he wondered if she had “hoarding” issues, or was incapable of having his dinner on the table promptly at 5 p.m.?

Slowly, his tone started to change when he wanted her to do something he requested. If she did not comply right way, he would start to “badger” or “shame” her into doing it, raising his voice. This was followed by name calling and profanity. When she tried to tell him that she was sorry, he would just call her stupid or other derogatory names. Always, after making her cry…the next day she would receive flowers, which made her doubt her own sanity.

Another victim of emotional and verbal abuse was Lori,* a mother who came to see me who was “terrified” of her grown daughter. Any time they were together, the daughter would constantly ridicule her, inferring she was getting old, her way of doing things stupid and her help useless. Micromanaging everything she did while in her presence, my client constantly was walking on eggshells and fearful. The result of this relationship was severe stress and depression.

Our third victim is Debra*, a sales and marketing manager for a large corporate hotel. Divorced and raising a five-year-old child on her own, she set the bar high for herself. Beautiful, outgoing and intelligent, she had it all…and that made her a “triple” threat to four other women who were co-workers. This “click” tried to undermine anything she said or did at work. In staff meetings they would all sit together, roll their eyes when she spoke, finding fault with every idea she came up with. Continually, condescending and rude, it finally reached a point where she cried every day, hated going to work, and started medicating herself.

All three women were victims of emotional and verbal abuse, but each was “served-up” differently. In part two of this topic next week, we will discuss the tools needed to equip yourself (or someone you know) to go from victim to victor!

*All names used in this article are fictitious.

A self-portrait created by the late talented artist Cassi Tichy, who was named for the constellation Cassiopeia. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Heidi Simmons

Certified Life Coach

She sat there facing me, twisting tissue in her hands, her sobs were silent, her tears unstoppable. “But

EMWD relaxes drought water use regulations

PERRIS – Eastern Municipal Water District announced it is moving into Stage 1 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan Wednesday, April 19, after record-setting rain and snowfall throughout the state this winter helped reverse California’s historic drought conditions.

EMWD had been in Stage 3a of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan since November 2021. In Stage 3a, EMWD suspended variances for filling swimming pools and establishing new landscaping and asked customers for a voluntary 25% reduction in water use.

In Stage 1, EMWD customers will be asked to continue with a voluntary reduction in water use of 10%.

At no time during the recent historic drought were residential water budgets reduced.

“We want to thank our customers for their proactive commitment to

water use efficiency and doing their part to help stretch our state’s water supplies during these unprecedented times,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule said. “EMWD customers have for more than a generation been leaders in using water efficiently, and we have no doubt they will continue to embrace that lifestyle choice many have adopted years ago.”

After the driest three-year stretch on record resulted in record-low reservoir levels, the winter of 2022-2023 brought more than a dozen atmospheric river storms that blanketed the state in rain and snow. The result is a record snowpack and the state lifting emergency drought declarations for most areas.

EMWD said it avoided imposing cuts to water budgets because it was proactive in investing in a diverse water supply portfolio. Investments in recycled water, local groundwater

and groundwater desalination, were critical toward ensuring water supply reliability during periods of reduced rain and snowfall.

EMWD’s commercial, industrial and institutional customers will still see reduced outdoor water budgets for areas with nonfunctional turf.

EMWD is supportive of long-term state efforts to prohibit the irrigation of ornamental turf with drinking water. Nonfunctional turf is grass that provides no active recreational benefit, such as areas in front of shopping centers or in median landscaping.

EMWD is also encouraging customers to continue investing in replacing their grass with climateappropriate landscaping and water efficient devices, such as weatherbased irrigation controllers, through its Landscapes for Living program, http://landscapesforliving.emwd.

MWD to investigate Colorado River delivery alternatives

Joe Naiman Writer

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California obtains water from the Colorado River Aqueduct which transports water from Parker to Lake Mathews and from the State Water Project which brings water from Oroville to Lake Skinner. Each State Water Project contractor has an allocation, but a percentage of that SWP allocation based on supply availability is determined annually by the state Department of Water Resources.

The Colorado River Aqueduct is not currently subject to allocation, but much of MWD’s service area does not have access to CRA supply. The MWD board meeting Tuesday, April 11, authorized an amendment to an existing agreement with Brown and Caldwell to investigate potential modifications to MWD’s existing east-west conveyance and distribution system. Brown and Caldwell, which is headquartered in Irvine, will be paid an additional $475,000 for the study.

Last year MWD staff began studying alternatives to increase the flexibility of MWD’s existing conveyance and distribution system to enable deliveries of alternative water supplies to the MWD member

agencies dependent on State Water Project supply. A professional services contract with a low enough value to be issued under the MWD general manager’s authority was initiated to accelerate the early work on the study. The progress now allows detailed investigations to take place. MWD’s Colorado River Aqueduct distribution system was originally constructed in the 1930s and took advantage of topography to allow gravity to move water through the system. While much of MWD’s service area can access both CRA and SWP supply, some portions of the MWD system have limited or no access to CRA water and other stored supplies due to limitations inherent within the current system configuration. An east-west conveyance solution will provide additional connectivity of the current SWP-dependent areas to CRA supplies and existing storage such as Diamond Valley Lake. The east-west conveyance studies will develop and evaluate multiple options to improve the western areas’ ability to access supply from the CRA, Diamond Valley Lake, MWD’s indirect potable reuse program, and other regional sources. Options for improved east-west conveyance may include

MWD authorizes treatment surcharge credit for WMWD

Joe Naiman

Writer

A maintenance shutdown which took longer than expected has forced the Western Municipal Water District to purchase treated water at a higher price, so the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will be providing Western with a credit for the treatment surcharge.

The MWD board approved a credit of up to $200,000 during the board’s Thursday, April 13, meeting. The $200,000 is a maximum estimate, and the actual credit will be dependent on the schedule for completing the repairs to the distribution system.

Currently six CWA pipelines carry water along the San Diego Aqueduct from MWD’s Robert A. Skinner Water Treatment Plant in Temecula. Pipelines 1, 2, and 4 convey treated water while Pipelines 3, 5 and 6 deliver untreated supply. Pipeline 6 currently carries untreated water for seven miles from Lake Skinner to Anza Road and De Portola Road; the southern portion which would serve San Diego County is not expected to be needed in the near future so that part of the project has been deferred. The Western Municipal Water District purchases untreated water from MWD which is conveyed through Pipeline 5.

The Western Municipal Water District is a wholesale agency as well as a retail agency and provides retail water sales of MWD supply to the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and to the Rancho California Water District. Pipeline 5 includes Service Connection WR34, which Western uses for delivery to the Rancho California Water District. Rancho Water uses that supply to meet its legal requirement to discharge flows to Murrieta Creek, which meets a Cooperative Water Resource Management Agreement between Rancho Water and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and meets discharges required by the watermaster in the Santa Margarita Watershed adjudication.

MMD has been delivering water to San Diego County since 1947. The San Diego Aqueduct conveys water to a delivery point six miles

south of the Riverside County line, which allowed MWD and the San Diego County Water Authority to provide equal contributions for the connection between MWD’s Colorado River Aqueduct and the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside.

The SDCWA has an annual Aqueduct Operating Plan which is used as a planning element to optimize the delivery, treatment, and storage of water in the CWA’s service area by facilitating coordination and communication among the CWA, CWA member agencies and MWD.

The Aqueduct Operating Plan includes a summary of scheduled shutdowns or outages which impact delivery of treated or untreated water, pump station operating schedules and member agency major maintenance information.

The CWA planned a shutdown for Pipeline 5, so MWD utilized that shutdown period to inspect and make minor repairs to the two Red Mountain Pressure Control Structure sleeve valves. The inspection revealed that the two sleeve valves had extensive deterioration and needed to be refurbished completely. That work took significantly longer than MWD initially anticipated, and MWD was not able to deliver water to Western through Pipeline 5. The shutdown period, which was originally from Oct. 16 to Nov. 9, was extended until March 10 while MWD refurbished and reinstalled one of the sleeve valves and fabricated a new bulkhead to take the place of the other sleeve valve temporarily. Western and Rancho Water had both prepared themselves for the planned shutdown. The four-month extension of the shutdown resulted in MWD asking Western to take treated water deliveries from Pipeline 4. It required Western to incur the cost of MWD’s treatment surcharge.

The potential $200,000 credit is the maximum authorized amount. The current estimate is $173,632.12 with the actual amount to be determined once financial information is finalized and reconciled. Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com

expansion of the planned Sepulveda and Venice pump stations, expansion of the Greg Avenue Pump Station in the GlendaleBurbank area, construction of new east-west conveyance pipelines, improvements to existing pipelines or a combination of those possibilities. The detailed investigations will include in-depth studies to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of options identified in the preliminary investigation.

Near-term activities will be conducted with a hybrid effort of consultant and MWD staff who

will conduct hydraulic analyses, participate in analysis of project options, review consultant work, facilitate meetings between member agencies and the consultant, and perform overall project management. During the study MWD staff will also coordinate with member agencies through a series of workshops. MWD staff will update the board on the progress of the work and provide a recommended course of action following the completion of the study. The Brown and Caldwell activities will include conceptual

“EMWD will continue to invest in local water supply projects and support statewide infrastructure investments and policies that will further prepare us all for the extreme weather cycles that we will face.”

Submitted by Eastern Municipal Water District.

Historic winter storms have provided much needed relief to California’s water supplies. Valley News/Courtesy photo org/ “Our customers have supported the necessary infrastructure investments in local water supply projects, such as our industryleading recycled water program and the expansion of our groundwater desalination facilities,” Paule said.

level alternative development and evaluations, development of evaluation criteria, mitigation strategies for pressure and flow impacts to existing MWD pipelines, facility siting investigations including right of way requirements, coordination with local power providers, development of conceptual cost estimates and preparation of workshops with member agencies to collaborate on project development.

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

Caltrans urges drivers to please ‘Be Work Zone Alert’

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Caltrans dignitaries, employees, families and friends recently gathered at the State Capitol for a Workers Memorial to honor the memory of 191 roadway workers who have died in the line of duty since 1921 with an emphasis for travelers to drive safely through work zones.

Ali Shabazz and Quanda McGadney, two Caltrans employees who tragically lost their lives while working in 2022, were commemorated at the event.

McGadney, a 51-year-old Caltrans landscape maintenance worker from Vallejo, was killed after being struck by an impaired, hit-and-run driver on the morning of June 3, 2022, while working along Interstate 80 near Vacaville. She is survived by her daughter, Nairobi, and her sisters, Priscilla Stevenson and Candice McGadney.

Shabazz, a Caltrans civil engineer from Fresno, was killed on duty after his vehicle was struck late on the night of August 7, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Nia, and their eight children.

Caltrans reminds southwest Riverside drivers to “Be Work Zone Alert” and “Move Over” when they see flashing amber lights ahead, or slow down if not safe to change lanes.

Caltrans

Caltrans is continuing work on a $5.5 million project to construct and

upgrade curb ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act standards and modify signal and lighting systems on State Route 111 in Palm Springs. 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.

Caltrans also continues work 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. Monday through Friday, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., crews will be working on asphalt removal on the shoulders, layout and preparation for replacement and installation of guardrail and vegetation control throughout the construction zone. Use caution. Other work will take place in the center median behind the k-rail. CHP will be on site to assist with traffic safety.

Caltrans is still working on Hemet’s $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 ADA standards at the intersection of E. Latham Ave. and SR-79. Crews continue excavating, removing and pouring concrete. Temporary pedestrian access will be provided as field conditions allow. Use caution in and around the construction zone. Hours of

operation and potential impacts to commuters and pedestrians will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In Banning, Caltrans is working 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. Crews continue working on landscaping and irrigation facilities in and near the I-10 from .25 miles west of 8th Street to South San Gorgonio Ave. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Menifee

Menifee’s Holland Road Capital Improvement Project is performing work between Hanover Lane and Antelope Road that will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to last 17 months. There will also be alternating lane closures on the I-215 freeway from Newport Road to Scott Road during the week of Monday, May 1 with one lane remaining open as work is being completed. For additional information and to sign up for project updates, please visit www. hollandoverpass.com.

In other projects, there will be work on Valley Blvd. between McCall Blvd. and Ridgemoor Street as the developer of Cimarron Ridge continues installing underground improvements in the area. Valley Blvd. will be subject to lane closures during this work and

traffic delays should be expected in the area through mid-May.

Menifee Road Capital Improvement Project paving work between Holland Road and Camino Cristal is now in progress. Paving and striping work is expected to be completed soon.

Southern California Edison is trenching new power lines along Menifee Road, from Newport to Holland roads. Work is currently active during daytime and nighttime hours at the intersection. Traffic control will be in place during project work. Message boards containing contact information for the project will also be placed in the project area. Work in this area is expected to continue through the end of April.

McCall Square Traffic Signal median and landscape improvements continue at McCall Boulevard and Ranch Road as part of the project. The construction schedule for this project has been extended and is now expected to be fully completed by June 30.

Intermittent traffic control will remain in place for the duration of the project.

SoCal Gas Company continues the installation of new pipeline infrastructure in the vicinity of Evans Road and Lazy Creek Road. Lane closures will remain in place for the next several months to support the project. The company has completed work on Matthews Road. Traffic control has been removed and the road is now open

COURTS & CRIMES

in all directions.

For questions on the project/ construction updates listed, please contact Philip Southard, Public Information and Legislative Affairs Officer, at 951-746-0654 or at psouthard@cityofmenifee.us

RCTC

RCTC submitted six applications last month to request $24 million from federal funding sources for a collection of passenger rail and highway projects. The projects are designed to help improve mobility options for residents in Riverside County and the region.

Three funding requests are for Coachella Valley Rail, the proposed 144-mile passenger rail corridor between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley, with stops in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. This oncein-a-generation project is critically important for the Inland Southern California region, which faces heavy traffic congestion daily.

RCTC is requesting Congressionally Directed Spending funding totaling $5 million each from U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla and a Community Project Funding request for $5 million from U.S. Representative Ken Calvert, for a total of $15 million. This will help fund in-depth engineering and environmental studies that must be completed to advance the project.

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

Felon convicted of killing girlfriend, fleeing to Vegas with young son

City News Service

Special to Valley News

A convicted felon who fatally shot his girlfriend and then fled to Las Vegas with his and the victim’s 2-year-old son is now facing a state prison sentence of 50 years to life.

A Murrieta jury on Thursday, April 27, convicted Celestine John Stoot Jr. 44, of Lake Elsinore of the July 2021 slaying of 43-year-old Natasha Denise Barlow of San Jacinto.

After deliberating less than a day, jurors found Stoot guilty of first-degree murder, child cruelty, being a convicted felon in possession of a loaded firearm and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

The verdicts were returned to Riverside County Superior Court Judge Timothy Freer Thursday afternoon, April 27. He scheduled the defendant’s sentencing for

June 2 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta.

Stoot is being held without bail at the Byrd Detention Center.

According to a trial brief filed by the District Attorney’s Office, Stoot and Barlow were living together at his residence in the 17600 block of Hayes Avenue, along with several of her young children from a prior relationship and their son, also named Celestine, but commonly called “C.J.”

On July 4, 2021, Stoot and Barlow attended a Fourth of July party at a friend’s house, where the couple got into an argument stemming from what the defendant considered her disrespectful attitude, mainly “talking back to him” when he told her to do something, the brief said.

The conflict escalated before Stoot and Barlow went to bed, leading to a physical confrontation, during which he struck her

over the head with a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol, court papers said.

After hitting her several times, the defendant shot her through the neck, and she died on the bedroom floor. The bullet went through a wall into the children’s room, but none were injured, according to the brief. Stoot fled the residence with C.J. but later returned after his cousin, identified in court papers as “D.J.,” picked him up in Perris. The defendant retrieved belongings from his house, after which his cousin allowed him to take her vehicle, dropping her at a residence in Moreno Valley before heading with his son to Las Vegas. During the predawn hours of July 5, sheriff’s deputies received a report — the person who made the call wasn’t identified in court documents — that Barlow had been fatally shot, and investigators

went to the house, immediately identifying Stoot as the shooter.

A statewide Amber Alert was issued, asking the public to be on the lookout for the felon and child and providing a description of the car he was driving.

Authorities captured Stoot with his son in Las Vegas the following afternoon. The fugitive was taken into custody and C.J., who was unharmed, was placed in the care of loved ones.

Detectives interviewed Stoot, who gave them different versions of what transpired, including that Barlow had become enraged during their quarrel, grabbing the .45-caliber handgun from a bedroom table.

“(The defendant said) Natasha ... pointed it at him and said, ‘I’m tired of your (expletive),’” according to the brief. “He was able to remove the firearm from her grasp, but in doing so, he

Man guilty of killing three boys after ‘doorbell ditch’ prank

City News Service

Special to Valley News

Sentencing is set for July 14 for a Temescal Valley man convicted of ramming a car occupied by six teenagers, causing the vehicle to crash and kill half of the boys, after the teens had played “doorbell ditch” at the defendant’s house.

A jury on Friday, April 28, found 45-year-old Anurag Chandra guilty of three counts of firstdegree murder and three counts of attempted murder, The PressEnterprise reported. He faces

life in prison without parole for causing the deaths of Daniel Hawkins, Jacob Ivascu and Drake Ruiz, all 16, on Jan. 19, 2020. Ivascu was from Riverside; the other two were from Corona. Friends and relatives crowded into the courtroom at the Riverside County Hall of Justice to hear the verdicts, The Press-Enterprise reported.

“Tough verdict,” defense attorney David Wohl said. “There is a lot of passion behind this case and sometimes it plays into the verdict.”

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A 13-year-old boy, 14-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man, who was at the wheel of the car that was struck, suffered moderate to major injuries in the crash and were treated at Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar. They have since recovered to varying degrees.

According to California Highway Patrol investigators and prosecutors, the boys were having a Sunday night sleepover at one of their homes and decided to try a “doorbell ditch” prank in the neighborhood, on Modjeska

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Celestine John Stoot Jr. Valley News/Riverside Co. Sherif’s Dept. photo accidentally pulled the trigger and shot her. He said he did not call for help because he was scared.”

The defendant has prior convictions for gun assault, domestic violence, possession of drugs for sale and witness intimidation.

Summit Road in the Temescal Valley, just south of Corona.

Shortly after 10 p.m., five of them piled into a Toyota Prius parked on Modjeska Summit, while another went to Chandra’s residence and rang the bell several times, investigators said. The youth then ran to the Prius, which raced away from the location.

According to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Chandra “chased after the Prius in his 2019 Infinity Q50.” CHP Officer Juan Quintero said the defendant bore down on the

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Prius at high speed along Temescal Canyon Road, approaching Squaw Mountain Road. The lawman alleged that the defendant rammed the Prius, causing it to spin out of control and slam into a tree on the side of the road.

Family members told reporters that the boys were fleeing out of fear and were trying to avoid a confrontation with Chandra. There was no prior dispute between the teens and the defendant, according to prosecutors. Witnesses followed Chandra back to his residence and alerted CHP officers, who arrested him roughly four hours after the collision.

Chandra testified that he thought the person at his door was a sex offender who had come to assault him, his wife and twin 16-year-old daughters, according to The PressEnterprise. He said he drove after the teens hoping to express his anger, but not harm them.

Chandra further testified that he only collided with the car because it suddenly braked.

However, jury foreman Terry Sherrill said the panel was put off by Chandra’s demeanor during his testimony.

“He absolutely did not put us in a remorseful mindset,” Sherrill said, according to the newspaper. “He didn’t seem to care about the well-being of the kids at all. ... Just his demeanor throughout the trial, and he didn’t show any form of remorse or emotion until he was talking about his money.”

CHP presents Every 15 Minutes impaired driving program at Hamilton High School

First responders work the staged accident scene at the Every 15 Minutes program presentation held April 27.

Diane Sieker Staff Writer The California Highway Patrol and Hamilton High School students presented a DUI prevention program

Thursday, April 27, that closed a portion of the road in front of the Anza school for a few hours in an effort to show the life-altering impacts of drunk and otherwise impaired driving.

“This two-day program involves a very graphic, simulated fatal traffic crash with a drunk driver and the life-changing aftermath of those involved in the crash,” CHP Public Information Officer

from the San Gorgonio Pass Area Jason Montez said in a statement to City News Service Inc. last week.

“The purpose of the program is to provide an accurate picture of an alcohol-related fatal crash involving

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo teens, the results of the crash, and the effect of the crash from the perspective of all parties involved.” The collision was role-played

see PROGRAM, page D-4

Local family survives serious hit and run accident, suspect still at large

Diane Sieker

Staff Writer

An Anza family of four was injured in a serious rollover collision and watched the other party flee the scene. The other driver is believed to still be on the run, according to law enforcement.

The California Highway Patrol responded to a hit and run crash on SR-371 at Kirby Road, Saturday, April 22.

“A white male adult in his 50s or 60s, with bald hair on the top, with light brown hair on the sides, approximately 5’ 8”, with a scruffy beard was driving a primer gray Chevrolet pickup northbound Kirby Road approaching the intersection with SR-371,” Jason Montez, Public Information Officer with the CHP San Gorgonio Pass Area office, said in a statement.

According to Montez, a 36-year-

old female adult from Anza was driving a black Dodge Ram 1500 pickup eastbound on SR-371. As the Dodge was proceeding through the intersection, the driver of the Chevrolet ran the stop sign and crashed into her truck.

“The driver of the Chevrolet then fled the scene in the pickup until it became disabled,” Montez said. “The right front passenger remained with the truck and remained on scene until a good Samaritan helped him push the vehicle out of the road and provided the passenger with a ride to town. The good Samaritan was unaware a hit and run had occurred. The passenger later contacted CHP.” In the Dodge, the driver, the right front passenger and a minor child in the left rear sustained minor injuries and were transported by AMR to a local hospital.

see ACCIDENT, page D-5

Hamilton’s Bobcat softball team undefeated league champs

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Hamilton High School Lady Bobcat Softball team is ending a victorious season as undefeated California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section league champs.

“We’re extremely proud of this team and how they’ve worked to improve over the course of the season,” coach Nicolas Yeomans said. The girls will play additional

games in the coming weeks, he added.

“These girls are having an amazing year,” Christi James said. “We are so proud of every single one of these great athletes.”

The softball team includes Makaela Kanouse, Milinda Rayas, Haylie Alvarez, Faith Aanestad, Catarina Acevedo, Jessenya Garbani, Genesis Andrade, Yaretzy Gil, Ashlynn Rozzo,

see SOFTBALL, page D-3

The family’s Dodge truck rolls several times during a hit and run collision and stops upright in Anza Saturday, April 22.

Hamilton High School Bobcat softball player Deanna Bailey slams the ball in a home game against the California School for the Deaf, Monday, April 17.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

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 offi ce, 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.

Friends of Anza Valley Community Library – Anza Valley Community Library is located at Hamilton High School,

57430 Mitchell Road. The library is open to the public, but not during school hours. Hours are 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Monday through Wednesday.

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

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

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

Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings

Fit after 50 – 10:30-11t: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 951-751-1462 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 951-7634226.

Bereaved Parents of the USA – The Aguanga-Anza Chapter of BPUSA will hold its meetings at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 49109

Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-5512826. Free Mobile Health Clinic Open every third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is needed. Uninsured may only be seen in the Anza Community Hall’s parking lot or inside the hall.

Medication Assistance

and Treatment for Opioid Dependence – Get treatment for heroin addiction. Transportation to the clinic is provided. For more information, contact Borrego Health’s Anza Community Health Center, 58581 Route 371, in Anza. For more information, call 951763-4759.

Food ministries

F.U.N. Group weekly food ministry – Deliveries arrive noon Thursdays at the Anza Community Hall. To order a paid box and help feed those who can’t afford to pay, drop off payment and cash donations by Thursday at 1:30 p.m., to ERA Excel Realty, 56070 Highway 371, in Anza. Pay inside or drop off during the day in the red box outside. To drop it off, put name and request on an envelope with payment inside. A $30 box has about $100 worth of food and feeds six people. Half boxes are available for $15. Food is delivered once a week to those who cannot find a ride. For more information, call Bill Donahue at 951-288-0903.

Living Hope Christian

Fellowship Community Dinner

1 p.m. Dinners are held the last Sunday of the month at the Anza Community Hall. All are welcome. Donations of time, money, etc. are always welcome.

Food for the Faithful – 8 a.m. The food bank hands out food the last Friday of the month until the food is gone. The clothes closet will be open too. Emergency food handed out as needed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. FFF is a non-denominational nonprofit. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-763-5636.

Bible Studies

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

first Saturday of the month, and breakfast is served. All are welcome to fellowship together at the “Tribal Hall” below the casino in Anza. For more information, call Nella Heredia at 951-763-0856.

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

Anza RV Clubhouse – 7 p.m., the second Wednesday of the Month, Pastor Kevin officiates at 41560 Terwilliger Road in Anza.

Monthly Christian Men’s Breakfast – 9 a.m. Breakfast takes place the fourth Saturday of each month and rotates to different locations. Contact Jeff Crawley at 951-763-1257 for more information.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church – 10 a.m.

Weekly Wednesday Bible study takes place at 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Call 951-763-4226 for more information.

Valley Gospel Chapel – 7

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

Anza First Southern Baptist Church - Begin your week with Sunday School for all ages at 9 a.m., followed by Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. On Sunday nights, the church has prayer on the 1st and 4th Sundays from 6-7 p.m. and Bible study on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays from 6-8 p.m. On Monday evenings, from 6-8 p.m., the youth group (6th to 12th grade) meets for games and Bible study.

Anza Baptist Church also offers Men’s and Women’s Ministries, a Homeschool Support Group, Summer Vacation Bible School, and Senior’s Ministry. The church office is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road in Anza. For more information, contact the church at 951-763-4937 or visit www. anzabaptistchurch.com

Clubs Anza Valley VFW Post 1873

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

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

Anza Valley Artists Meetings – 1 p.m. Meetings are the third Saturday of each month at various locations. Share art, ideas and participate in shows. Guest speakers are always needed. For more information, call president Rosie Grindle at 951-928-1248. Find helpful art tips at http://www. facebook.com/AnzaValleyArtists/

Anza Quilter’s Club – 9:30 a.m. to noon. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, in Anza.

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

Boy Scouts Troop 319 – Cub Scouts meet 6 p.m. every Tuesday, and Boy Scouts meet 7 p.m. every Wednesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Contreras Road, south of state Route 371, in Anza. For more information, call Richard Hotchkiss at 951-551-3154.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anza Community Hall – 7 p.m. General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Memberships cost $20 per person or $35 per business, and both get one vote. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets. Voting members receive discounts off hall rentals, swap meet booths and save on propane gas from Ferrellgas. Mail membership to:

Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. Swap meet held each Saturday of the month, weather permitting, early morning to 1 p.m. Vendors wanted. For more information, call 951-2824267.

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

What to know about living in rattlesnake country

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Rattlesnake sightings and interactions have been on the increase since warm weather has arrived in the Anza Valley. As temperatures increase, so do the reptiles’ activity levels, as they emerge to hunt after a winter with no food or water.

So far this season there have been dozens of reported rattler sightings and it’s up to us to be alert for unintended contact.

The winter rains have resulted in a population explosion of the snakes’ preferred prey, small rodents like mice, rats and ground squirrels. To hunt, a rattlesnake utilizes heat-sensing organs on each side of its face, called loreal pits, that help it locate prey. Snake species that have these organs are called pit vipers, a group that includes rattlesnakes, water moccasins and copperheads.

Unlike other pit vipers, rattlers have dead skin “buttons” on the end of their tails that form a rattle that makes a hissing noise when the snake vibrates it in fear, warning or anger. They can warn against contact, or not. Sometimes a rattler does not rattle at all and may strike nonetheless.

Rattlesnakes are also potently venomous, however, bites to humans are not all that common. But when a bite occurs, the results can be devastating.

The venom damages tissue and affects the circulatory system by destroying skin tissues and blood cells and by causing internal hemorrhaging. Scarring, bruising, localized pain, massive swelling, discoloration and blood degeneration as well as nausea and vomiting can occur. Without prompt treatment, or if someone has a major allergic reaction to the venom, a rattlesnake bite can be fatal to humans.

The California Poison Control Center records about 800 bites each year statewide, with one to two deaths, according to the state Department of Fish and Game. Rattlesnakes give birth to live young and are therefore considered ovoviviparous. This means that females produce eggs and retain them inside their body until the eggs hatch, at which time she will give birth to fully developed baby snakes.

Ovoviviparous reproduction means a higher survival rate for the offspring, as the creatures do not have their defenseless eggs eaten by predators.

There are several species of rattlesnakes in Southern California, including the Speckled, Crotalus mitchellii, Red Diamond, Crotalus ruber and Southern Pacific, Crotalus oreganus helleri, rattlesnakes. All are venomous.

If you suddenly find yourself in the company of a rattlesnake, remain calm so you can think clearly. Slowly move away from the reptile and keep your distance. The snake will not chase you, they simply want to be left alone.

Sometimes they give warning as to their location. When frightened, rattlesnakes rattle or buzz as a warning to you not to step on them and to stay away. If you hear one before you see it, stay still until you see the snake or know exactly where it is. Move slowly away from it.

The California Department

of Fish and Wildlife offers the following advice: Be alert. Like all reptiles, rattlesnakes are sensitive to the ambient temperature and will adjust their behavior accordingly. After a cold or cool night, they will attempt to raise their body temperature by basking in the sun mid-morning. To prevent overheating during hot days of spring and summer, they will become more active at dawn, dusk or night. Wear sturdy boots and loosefitting long pants. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through brushy, wild areas. Startled rattlesnakes may not rattle before striking defensively. When hiking, stick to well-used trails. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.

Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see. Step on logs and rocks, never over them and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood. Check

out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use.

Never grab sticks or branches while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim.

Be careful when stepping over doorsteps as well. Snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side.

Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency.

Do not handle a freshly killed snake, as it can still inject venom.

Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone.

Leash your dog when hiking in snake country. Dogs are at increased risk of being bitten due to holding their nose to the ground while investigating the outdoors. Speak to your veterinarian about canine rattlesnake vaccines and what to do if your pet is bitten. There are also rattlesnake aversion training courses for dogs.

To discourage rattlers from

SOFTBALL from page D-1

Marilu Rios, Deanna Bailey, Lilly Maestas, Victoria Chacon, Rebecca James, Jiannaa Esparza and Kaitlyn Barreto.

To see statistics and schedules,

your property, eliminate their food source. Keep animal feed and trash contained to keep rodents away, and clear brush that may be used by small animals as shelter.

There are many myths involving these interesting snakes. It is not true that juveniles are more venomous than adults. There is no published data to suggest that baby rattlers inject more venom or that they lack control of how much venom they expend.

Additionally, non venomous gopher snakes have not crossbred with rattlesnakes, as some people claim. They are separate species and cannot interbreed.

Be snake smart, be snake informed and be snake safe this summer.

If you need a snake removed, call Riverside County Animal Services at 951-358-7387 or local people that specialize in snake relocation services.

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

please visit www.maxpreps.com/ ca/anza/hamilton-bobcats/softball/ stats.

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

This Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake, Crotalus pyrrhus, shelters itself in the rocks off a truck trail. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Hamilton High School Bobcat softball player Becca James means business at a home game against the California School for the Deaf, Monday, April 17.

Pitcher Kaitlyn Barreto sends another pitch at a home game against the California School for the Deaf.

Catcher Ashlyn Rozzo is ready for the pitch at a home game at Hamilton High School, April 17.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

by the high school students posing as drivers and injured passengers. CHP officers conducted a realistic fatal crash investigation in front of the school, as Cal Fire, AMR and others worked to rescue and recover the “victims.”

During the simulation, students witnessed an on-scene trauma triage, crash victim extrication, a DUI investigation, CHP helicopter transport and hospital treatment, followed by a funeral-themed assembly at the school on Friday, Montez said.

The Every 15 Minutes program is dramatic and emotional, with the goal being to impress on 11th and 12th graders that the choices they make involving alcohol and drugs can influence many others around them.

The production was named Every 15 Minutes when it was created in 2000. At that time the chilling statistics revealed that every 15 minutes someone was impacted by an impaired driver. But thanks to education and programs like this, the numbers now reflect that every 53 minutes someone in the country is killed or injured by a drunken driver. While still tragic, it does indicate that education is working.

The students know the statistics. It has been hammered into their heads since elementary school. But many teenagers think it will never happen to them. The Every 15 Minutes program sets out to change that perspective in a very impressive way. The teens experience firsthand how their actions can affect the lives of so many people.

Selected students participated in acting out the intense automobile crash caused by drunk driving, while their peers watched the events unfold.

The staged car wreck was chillingly realistic down to the “blood” smeared down the sides of the vehicles and dripping onto the ground. Broken glass littered the ground. Two cars lay mangled in a high-impact, explosive collision. Car parts were scattered all over the scene. Groans of pain emitted from the vehicles.

Then there were the victims. Unconscious, bleeding, whimpering, dead. Except one – the drunk driver, portrayed by Joshua Montiel. He paced back and forth, crying for his dead and injured friends. A call to 911 was played for all to hear.

Real CHP units hastened to assess the accident. EMTs and Cal Fire arrived within minutes. An ambulance came moments later, sirens blaring. The cars were sliced open by the Jaws of Life and dead and critically injured were gently extricated. A CHP helicopter whisked away one victim to an area hospital.

The coroner’s hearse came to collect the remaining bodies.

While these events were unfolding, Living Dead students dressed in black hooded robes held gravestones close to their chests. They stood by in silent testimony of the persons killed in a mere couple of hours, one every 15 minutes, due to drunk and impaired drivers.

Montiel, in his character as the impaired driver, was given a field sobriety test by a CHP officer. He failed miserably. He was handcuffed, read his rights and inserted into a CHP cruiser for a trip to the county jail.

All of the crash and related scenes were videotaped, edited and condensed into an emotional and heartbreaking message. This

video was shown at an assembly the following day.

“All of the students involved did an amazing job and gave this project the seriousness it deserves,” organizer Randi Torres said. “If they helped only one person make the right decision to not drink and drive, they have done their job. We are very proud of the program and above all we are proud of our students.”

Students in the production were Joshua Montiel, Stephanie Martinez Anaya, Jay Rodriguez, Rain Steward, Jessenya Garbani, Sale Faleono and Makaela Kanouse. Students that played the Living Dead were Tobby Kounlabout, Ashlyn Rozzo, Katrynn Reynolds, Kami Murdock, Nevaeh Aiello, America Hodges, Breanna Fredberg, Kelly Rodriguez, Marilu Rio, Chase Rosson and Gabriel Garcia.

Alejandros Perez Rosas, Montiel, Karelyn Blackmore, Yaretzi Gil, Damian Gutierrez, Gwen Van Zile and Alex Velasquez also took part in the dramatic portrayal.

Special thanks to the CHP, Cal Fire, Props AV, Riverside County Coroner’s Office, Anza Valley Towing, AMR, Miller Jones Mortuary, Anza Citizens Patrol, Selena Stafford, ERA Realty, Anza Thimble Club, HOPE and to Kim Szymanski and Berlin Guzman who spoke at the assembly.

Funding for this program is

provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Administration.

For more information on the Every 15 Minutes program, please visit www.chp.ca.gov/programsservices/programs/youth-programs/ every-15-minutes

To view the Hamilton High School Every 15 Minutes video, click https://youtu.be/xw_PDme0PAM City News Service Inc. contributed to this report.

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

A student portraying an accident victim bleeds on the hood of a vehicle struck by a impaired driver at the Every 15 Minutes DUI awareness program held at Hamilton High School on Thursday, April 27.

Death and the Living Dead oversee rescue and recovery at the Every 15 Minutes DUI awareness program held at Hamilton High School. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

A body bleeds on the roadway at the Every 15 Minutes program held at Hamilton High School.

A Cal Fire crew cuts a car open to free the injured occupants at the Every 15 Minutes staged accident scene.

A student plays her part at a driving under the influence awareness presentation at Hamilton High School.

A CHP pilot awaits a critically injured victim to be delivered by ambulance to the helicopter at the Every 15 Minutes impaired driving awareness program held at Hamilton High School.

During a presentation of the Every 15 Minutes DUI awareness program, a CHP officer arrests the “drunk driver” after he fails a sobriety test.

The helicopter departs the landing area at the Every 15 Minutes impaired driving awareness program held at Hamilton High School on Thursday, April 27.

During the staged Every 15 Minutes program an “accident victim” is loaded into the helicopter for transport to a local hospital.

ACCIDENT from page D-1

A minor child in the right rear seat also sustained minor injuries but due to the nature of the injuries, was airlifted to an area hospital.

“Due to the injuries, this is a felony hit and run. The crash is still under investigation,” Montez said.

That same afternoon, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department K9 handlers deployed K9 bloodhound Caroline in a search for the suspect. She was unable to locate him that day, however.

Both Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and CHP are actively searching for the suspect as of press time.

“I want to thank all of the bystanders that rushed to help us and get us out,” Kristine Caperon, driver of the Dodge, said. “I don’t know them personally but they were all angels in my eyes. I also want to thank Joanne Salazar and Kimberly Nieto for being my voice in the hospital and helping me connect with my kids because they had us separated.”

As news of the incident exploded onto social media, community activist Christi James organized a GoFundMe page and a meal chain to assist the family.

Father Jose Ruiz, daughter Elizabeth Ruiz and Kristine Caperon were released Saturday evening. Son Damian Gutierrez

was released Sunday evening.

“We are very sore and bruised,” Caperon said. “But we are all alive and well, no broken bones.”

The search for the suspect is ongoing, with tips from the public coming into law enforcement as to his possible whereabouts.

“I just can’t imagine going through what they’ve all gone through,” James said. “Not only the thought of family members being hurt, but how you’re going to get through the upcoming weeks and months with household bills, medical bills and doctors’ appointments. And the town has stepped up to help. People stepped in right away and covered meals for two weeks. They shared the GoFundMe fundraiser and they donated. They could still use more financial support; it’s going to be a long road.”

For donations to the family, please visit https://gofund. me/4fa24028

If you have any information in this case, 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

County Sheriff’s Department K9 handlers followed K9 bloodhound Caroline in a search for the hit and run suspect Saturday, April 22. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

OPINION

Editor’s Note: Opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Valley News & Anza Valley Outlook staff. We invite opinions on all sides of an issue. If you have an opinion, please send it as an e-mail to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com, or fax us at (760) 723-9606. Maximum word count 500. All letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number. The Valley News & Anza Valley Outlook reserves the right to edit letters as necessary to fit the publication’s format.

Transhumanism, AI, Singularity - How far is too far?

Julie Reeder Publisher

Life as we know it is changing, probably more quickly than any time in history. That is just a hunch, based on how quickly technology is advancing and how culturally we seem to be more distracted by controversies and entertainment on our phones and less concerned and informed about important issues that actually have great consequences to our culture, future, and our very existence. We don’t want to be “political” or “religious” so ignorance is bliss as to how corrupt our national political system, agencies and leaders are. We suspect something isn’t right and we are uninformed about things like regulatory capture (industry controlling and funding government agencies that used to be objective and for the public good) which actually brings harm to our people. We were tested during COVID and found to be willing to give up our freedom of speech out of fear of being exposed to “disinformation,” as well as other Constitutional freedoms. We are fighting for medical

freedom over our own bodies and our doctors are losing their licenses for having educated, yet differing, politically incorrect opinions from what the state and federal government have mandated as truth. Now the US is considering giving away our freedom to the World Health Organization when another “pandemic” happens. We would all be under the governance and control of the WHO, whose leader was placed in his position by China and is not even a medical doctor. Regardless of who the leader is or who put him in the position, we should be in control of our own country with people who we vote into office, because at the root it’s always about control. And very often the end justifies the means.

As things move quickly and leaders from the President and Congress, to the WHO and the World Economic Forum scramble to control people, how much easier would it be in a world where we are all transhuman?

Soon the fight may extend past freedom of speech and personal medical freedom into transhumanism, artificial intelligence (AI), and singularity.

These are hot complex topics that have been at the forefront of scientific and philosophical discussions for decades, but more so right now. The idea of using technology to enhance human abilities and create intelligent machines has both advantages and dangers. Have you ever heard of Human 2.0? Some believe it is the next phase of evolution, where we create machines that are more intelligent than we are. Elon Musk has repeatedly warned against AI, as he invests in it, that it could literally

end our civilization and humanity.

Advantages of Transhumanism and AI

Transhumanism is the belief that humans can and should use technology to enhance their physical, intellectual, and emotional capabilities. This philosophy promotes the use of genetic engineering, cybernetics, and other technologies to improve human lives. One of the primary advantages of transhumanism is the potential for increased lifespan and improved health. By using technology to enhance the human body, scientists could potentially eliminate many of the diseases and conditions that shorten human lifespans.

Similarly, the development of AI has the potential to revolutionize virtually every aspect of our lives.

AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that humans would not be able to detect. This technology can be used to improve healthcare, education, and many other industries. For example, AI-powered healthcare could help doctors diagnose and treat diseases more accurately and efficiently, potentially saving countless lives.

Dangers of Transhumanism and AI

However, there are also many dangers. One of the most significant risks is that the development of these technologies could exacerbate existing social inequalities. For example, if only wealthy individuals have access to life-extending technologies, it could widen the gap between the rich and poor. Similarly, if AI-powered systems are primarily used by corporations and governments, it could lead to further concentration of power and

decreased accountability.

There are also concerns about the potential for AI to become too intelligent and out of control. This scenario, known as “superintelligence,” is often portrayed in science fiction as a catastrophic event that could lead to the extinction of humanity. While many experts believe that this outcome is unlikely, there is still a significant risk that AI could be used to carry out harmful actions, intentionally or unintentionally.

It makes me think of the Matrix movies where almost all the humans are hooked up to a pod living in a dream reality while serving as batteries for the matrix. Civilization and humanity are destroyed when humans no longer have the freedom to be human. To make decisions, to love, to travel, to experience our world, to serve and work for each other rather than a centralized power, and when we lose the ability to have a soul. It’s one thing we believe separates us from machines and animals. We have a soul. We are creative, spiritual beings and sometimes unpredictable.

Futurist Ray Kurzweil, author of the book Age of Spiritual Machines, predicted in 1999 that machines with human-level intelligence would be available from affordable computing devices within a couple of decades, revolutionizing most aspects of life. He says nanotechnology will augment our bodies and cure cancer even as humans connect to computers via direct neural interfaces or live full-time in virtual reality. Kurzweil predicts the machines “will appear to have their own free will” and even “spiritual experiences”. He says humans will essentially live forever as humanity

and its machinery become one and the same. He predicts that intelligence will expand outward from earth until it grows powerful enough to influence the fate of the universe. goes on to say, that “Singularity” will represent the culmination of the merger of our biological thinking and existence with our technology, resulting in a world that is still human, but that transcends our biological roots. There is disagreement on whether computers will one day be conscious.

Others believe that transhumanism, AI, singularity, and Human 2.0 are the dreams and inventions of wealthy men who want to find a way to cheat death, live forever and be their own God. It’s also feared that while there could be some advantages, people may also be able to be controlled by the internet, electricity or other means.

How far is too far? We already have the knowledge of the world at our fingertips on our mobile devices. We already have the ability to have technology aid our hearing, eyesight, movement, etc. Neurolink takes things even further. We have to consider how far can we go before we are someone or something else entirely? And how easily can we be controlled? How compliant will we become by choice? What would be the implications to our society and our freedoms? What does it mean to be human?

There are complex issues that need to be researched and debated. People would do well to unhook from the matrix, ask questions, and be cautious of who is in control as we shape our technological future.

The wreckage of the family’s pickup awaits a tow to Valley Auto in Anza. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Witnesses assist the injured in a hit and run collision in Anza Saturday, April 22. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Newly released accident victim Damian Gutierrez chats with first responders at the Every 15 Minutes event at Hamilton High School Thursday, April 27. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Riverside

SUMMONS (Family Law) FILED: 7/9/2021

CASE NUMBER: FLRI2104690

NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: HINA FAYYAZ KHAN

You have been sued. Read the information below.

PETITIONER’S NAME IS: TAMUR MASTAFA

You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call or court appearance will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs.

For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association.

NOTICE-RESTRAINING ORDERS

ARE BELOW: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgement is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

The name and address of the court:

Riverside Family Law Courthouse

4175 Main Street Riverside, CA 92501

The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney is:

Swati Desi 213825 / Angel Camino

296054 Desai Camino APC

4887 E. La Palma Ave., Suite 708 Anaheim CA 92807 714-637-1712

Date: 7/9/2021

Clerk, by: T. Tucker, Deputy

STANDARD FAMILY LAW

RESTRAINING ORDERS

Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from:

1. removing the minor children of the parties from the state or applying for a new or replacement passport for those minor children without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court;

2. cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor children;

3. transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasicommunity, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life; and

4. creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated, notice of the change must be filed and served on the other party.

You must notify each other of any proposed extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However, you may use community property, quasi-community, or your own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs.

NOTICE—ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE

HEALTH INSURANCE: Do you or someone in your household need affordable health insurance? If so, you

should apply for Covered California.

Covered California can help reduce the cost you pay towards high quality affordable health care. For more information, visit www.coveredca.com.

Or call Covered California at 1-800300-1506.

WARNING—IMPORTANT

INFORMATION

California law provides that, for purposes of division of property upon dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership or upon legal separation, property acquired by the parties during marriage or domestic partnership in joint form is presumed to be community property. If either party to this action should die before the jointly held community property is divided, the language in the deed that characterized how title is held (i.e. joint tenancy, tenants in common, or community property) will be controlling, and not the community property presumption. You should consult your attorney, if you want the community property presumption to be written into the recorded title to the property.

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION

Case Number: FLRI2104690

PETITIONER: Tamur Mastafa

RESPONDENT: Hina Fayyaz Khan

1. LEGAL RELATIONSHIP:

a. We are married.

2. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS:

a. Petitioner has been a resident of this state for at least six months and of this county for at least three months immediately preceding the filing of this Petition.

3. STATISTICAL FACTS (1) Date of marriage: 3/11/2009 (2) Date of separation: 2017

(3) Time from date of marriage to date of separation: 8 years

4. MINOR CHILDREN

The minor children are:

b. Child’s name: Mehak Khan

Birthdate: 7/1/2013

Age: 7

Petitioner requests that the court make the following orders:

5. LEGAL GROUNDS

a. Divorce of the marriage or domestic partnership based on irreconcilable differences.

6. CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION (PARENTING TIME)

a. Legal custody of children to Joint

b. Physical custody of child to Joint

c. Child visitation(parenting time) to be granted to Petitioner, Respondent As requested in Attachment 6c(1)

7. CHILD SUPPORT

a. If there are minor children born to or adopted by Petitioner and Respondent before or during this marriage or domestic partnership, the court will make orders for the support of the children upon request and submission of financial forms by the requesting party.

b. An earnings assignment may be issued without further notice.

c. Any party required to pay support must pay interest on overdue amounts at the “legal” rate, which is currently 10 percent.

8. SPOUSAL OR DOMESTIC PARTNER SUPPORT

a. Spousal or domestic partner support payable to Petitioner

b. Terminate (end) the court’s ability to award support to Respondent

9. SEPARATE PROPERTY

b. Confirm as separate property the assets and debts in Attachment 9b

10. COMMUNITY AND QUASICOMMUNITY PROPERTY

b. Determine rights to community and quasi-community assets and debts. All such assets and debts are listed in Attachment 10b.

11. OTHER REQUESTS

a. Attorney’s fees and costs payable by Respondent

12. I HAVE READ THE RESTRAINING ORDERS AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY APPLY TO ME WHEN THIS PETITION IS FILED.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date July 9, 2021 Tamur Mastafa

Date July 9, 2021 Swati Desai

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Read Legal Steps for a Divorce or Legal Separation (form FL-107-INFO)

and visit “Families Change” at www. familieschange.ca.gov – an online guide for parents and children going through divorce or separation.

NOTICE: You may redact (black out) social security numbers from any written material filed with the court in this case other than a form used to collect child, spousal or partner support.

NOTICE–CANCELLATION OF RIGHTS: Dissolution or legal separation may automatically cancel the rights of a domestic partner or spouse under the other domestic partner’s or spouse’s will, trust, retirement plan, power of attorney, pay-on-death bank account, survivorship rights to any property owned in joint tenancy, and any other similar thing. It does not automatically cancel the right of a domestic partner or spouse as beneficiary of the other partner’s or spouse’s life insurance policy. You should review these matters, as well as any credit cards, other credit accounts, insurance policies, retirement plans, and credit reports, to determine whether they should be changed or whether you should take any other actions. Some changes may require the agreement of your partner or spouse or a court order.

Attachment 9b to Petition

SEPARATE PROPERTY ASSETS AND OBLIGATIONS

ITEM:

1. All items acquired by gift, bequest, devise, or inheritance.

CONFIRM TO: PETITIONER

2. All item acquired prior to marriage and after date of separation.

CONFIRM TO: PETITIONER

3. PETITIONER respectfully requests that HE be granted leave to amend HIS PETITION to set forth the exact nature and extent of said additional separate property and debts when the same has been ascertained.

CONFIRM TO: PETITIONER

Attachment 10b to Petition

COMMUNITY PROPERTY ASSETS AND OBLIGATIONS

ITEM:

1. One half interest in the community savings accounts of the parties

2. One half interest in the community checking accounts of the parties

3. One half interest in the community the pension/profit sharing or retirement plans of the parties.

4. Any and all community debts and obligations in joint names and/or individual names.

5. PETITIONER is informed and believes and based on said information and belief alleges there is additional real and personal community and/or quasi-community property assets and debts of the parties the exact nature and extent of which is unknown to HIM at the present time PETITIONER respectfully requests that HE be granted leave to amend HIS PETITION to set forth the exact nature and extent of said additional community and quasicommunity property assets and debts when the same has been ascertained.

AMENDED DECLARATION UNDER UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (UCCJEA)

Case Number: FLRI2104690

Hina Fayyaz Khan

1. I am a party to this proceeding to determine custody of a child.

3. There are One (1) minor children who are subject to this proceeding, as follows:

CA

NOTICE OF DECLARANT: You have a continuing duty to inform this court if you obtain any information about a custody proceeding in California court or any other court concerning a child subject to this proceeding.

NOTICE OF DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENT

Case Number: FLRI2104690

Case Name: MASTAFA & KHAN The above entitled case is assigned to Department F402, currently assigned to Commissioner Wendy Harris for all purposes.

This case has been assigned to the Commissioner, sitting as Judge Pro Tempore, whose appointment as Commissioner is in accordance with Article Six, Section Twenty-two of the Constitution of this state, and who has been appointed as a Temporary Judge pursuant to an order of the court under the authority of Article Six, Section Twenty-one of the Constitution and Section 259 of the Code of Civil Procedure of this State.

Within ten (10) days of the date of any party’s first appearance, that party must file a Non-stipulation if he or she does not stipulate to the hearing of pretrial, and all subsequent post-trial law and motion matters by the assigned commissioner. Failure to file such notice within ten (10) days of the party’s first appearance shall be deemed an acceptance of the assignment.

It shall be the policy of this Court that if either party files a Notice of Nonstipulation to the assigned Family Law Court Commissioner to serve as Judge Pro Tempore for any proceeding, all preliminary matters will be heard by the Commissioner pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 259€, with findings and conclusions to be reported to the designated Family Law Judge for approval.

Any disqualification pursuant to C.C.P. Section 170.6, subdivision (2), shall be filed in accordance with that section.

Petitioner (or moving party) is hereby noticed at this time and is required to serve all other parties with notice forthwith.

The court encourages parties to resolve their case through informal dispute resolution instead of court hearings and trial. One option is private mediation with an experienced family law attorney. For information, visit the court’s website at www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/adr/ famlaw_privatemediation.shtml.

Interpreter services are available upon request. If you need an interpreter, please complete and submit the online Interpreter Request Form (https:// riverside.courts.ca.gov/Divisions/ InterpreterInfo/ri-in007.pdf) or contact the clerk’s office and verbally request an interpreter. All requests must be made in advance with as much notice as possible, and prior to the hearing date in order to secure an interpreter. Assistive listening systems, computerassisted real time captioning, or sign language interpreter services are available upon request if at least 5 days notice is provided. Contact the Office of the ADA Coordinator by calling (951) 777-3023 or TDD (951) 777-3769 between 8 am and 4:30 pm or by emailing ADA@riverside.courts.

ca.gov to request an accommodation.

A Request for Accommodations by Persons With Disabilities and Order (form MC-410) must be submitted when requesting and accommodation. (Civil Code section 54.8)

Dated: 07/20/2021

W. Samuel Hamrick Jr., Court Executive Officer/Clerk of Court

FAMILY LAW CASE MANAGEMENT

ORDER

TAMUR MASTAFA and HINA FAYYAZ

2017 Child’s residence: Moreno Valley, CA Person child lived with: Tamur Mastafa and Hina Fayyaz Khan

Address: same as minor

Relationship: Parents

4. Do you have information about, or have you participated as a party or as a witness or in some other capacity in another court case or custody or visitation proceeding, in California or elsewhere, concerning a childe subject to this proceeding? No

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date: 07/23/2021 Tamur Mastafa

TRUSTEE NOTICE

TRUSTEE NOTICE Roger Alan Hickman (Deceased)

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 any persons having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the above named, late of Heath Cross, Cheddleton Heath Road, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 7DX, who died on 03/02/2023, are required to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned on or before 06/07/2023, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to the claims and interests of which they have had notice.

BOWCOCK AND PURSAILL LLP, 54 St. Edward Street, Leek, Staffordshire, GB, ST13 5DJ Published May 5, 2023

e-mail address, or telephone number. (Form MC-040),

B. NOTICE TO THE PETITIONER

– YOU MUST DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. Serve the petition and case management order on the Respondent, and file proof of service within sixty (60) days after the petition is filed.

2. Serve your preliminary declaration of financial disclosure (Forms FL-142 & FL-150) within sixty (60) days after the petition is filed, and file the Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141)

3. If the Respondent does not file a response within thirty (30) days after the service of the petition, you must file a request for entry of default (Form FL165).

4. After filing the request for entry of default, you must file additional paperwork to get a default judgement and finish your case with sixty (60) days. Workshops are available to help you complete your final paperwork. Go to: www.riverside.courts.ca.gov

C. NOTICE TO THE RESPONDENT – YOU MUST DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. Complete your response (Form FL120) and serve it on the Petitioner. Then file your response and the proof of service with thirty (30) days after you are served with the petition.

2. Serve your preliminary declaration of financial disclosure (Forms FL142 & FL-150) within sixty (60) days after you file your response, and file the Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141).

3. If you do not file a response with thirty (30) days a default may be taken against you and prevent you from participating in this case.

D. OPPORTUNITIES TO RESOLVE YOUR CASE WITHOUT GOING TO COURT:

1. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): ADR is a voluntary process where the parties work with a neutral mediator to try to resolve their disputes without court hearings or a trial. Mediators help the parties work out voluntary agreements that promote individual and common interests through understanding and cooperation. For more information go to: www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/adr/ famlaw_privatemediation

2. Collaborative Law: Involves a team approach where the parties agree to cooperate with one or more attorneys, advisors, such as accountants, appraisers, and child custody professionals, or any other person to resolve their differences and develop positive communication skills for future contact. Through the collaborative law practice parties reach voluntary agreements on all of the issues in their case without court hearings or trial. For more information go to: www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp/collaborativelaw.pdf.

E. IF YOU NEED COURT ORDERS:

1. File a Request for Order (FL-300) with the court, serve it on the other party and file the proof of service.

2. Meet and Discuss Issues Before the Hearing:

Unless there is a court order involving domestic violence in your case, before any hearing on a Request for Order, you and the other party must meet, discuss, and try to settle all of the issues raised in the request for order. If you reach an agreement on all issues you must file a Stipulation Re: Hearing Resolution, Local Form RI-FL010, as soon as possible.

3. Financial Issues:

If your hearing involves financial issues, such as child support, spousal support, or attorneys’ fees, you must complete, file, and serve on the other party a current and accurate Income and Expense Declaration (Form FL150), including copies of your current paystubs for the last two months. If you need help, please visit the Family Law Facilitator. For more information go to: www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp/fl_facilitators.

KHAN CASE NUMBER: FLRI2104690

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 5.83 the court makes the following

Case Management Order:

A. NOTICE TO BOTH PARTIES

1. You should finish your case within 18 months after the petition is filed.

2. If your case is not finished within 18 months, you will be noticed to attend a hearing in order for the court to review the status of our case and determine what steps are needed to finish the case.

3. You must notify the court in writing if you change your mailing address,

F. SANCTIONS: If you do not comply with this case management order you could be subject to sanctions, which may include but are not limited to payment of costs and fees incurred by the other party, court costs, restrictions on what evidence can be presented at any hearing or trial, and/or dismissal of your case. IT IS SO ORDERED

Dated: