‘Evening Under the Oaks’ attracts hundreds and raises thousands, B-1
Local athlete Su’a Cravens selected 53rd overall in the NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, B-10
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May 6 – 12, 2016
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Eight arrested in illegal grow stings
Volume 16, Issue 19
State of the City: Temecula’s economy continues to climb
Kim Harris MANAGING EDITOR
Eight people were arrested by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Marijuana Enforcement Team last week as the crime fighting agency continues its efforts to eradicate illegal marijuana grows throughout unincorporated areas of the county. see page A-3
Local
Combat Vets: Temecula Vet Center is there to help! Tony Ault STAFF WRITER
The Temecula Vet center is there to seek out veterans undergoing life readjustment challenges after their military combat experience. “We don’t want to give you a hand out, we want to give you a hand up,” said Samuel G. Mack, retired U.S. Army Colonel and the director of the center. see page A-4
Local
Water Summit examines Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake Tony Ault WRITER
Although Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake’s water quality has improved in recent years with less fish kills and algae outbreaks the continuing drought poses a threat to their continued improvements, according to officials at the LESJWA Water Summit April 27 in Lake Elsinore.
The Great Oak High School “Spirit of Great Oak” band performs for guests attending the 2016 Temecula State of the City Address at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Shane Gibson photo
Tim O’Leary STAFF WRITER
Few discouraging words were heard at Temecula’s annual assessment of its economy, employment, quality of life and future prospects. “We love good news in Temecula and we have a lot of it,” Mayor Mike Naggar proclaimed during
his State of the City presentation April 28 at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. The upbeat talk attracted a capacity crowd of business, government and nonprofit leaders. The California Legislature, and its tendency to siphon funds from cities and counties when revenues are tight, was cited as the chief challenge blocking Temecula’s
quest for perfection. Naggar led his audience in a group grumble after he cited a $32 million state funding cut that will slow progress on a massive bridge and widening project aimed at taming a traffic knot that often tangles Interstate 15 in the city. The message was similar to the one delivered last year when
Councilman Jeff Comerchero was mayor. Comerchero cited a dramatic upturn since the recession gripped the region, state and nation five years earlier. Naggar echoed that theme by stating that business is booming, unemployment in the city has
see TEMECULA, page A-6
Moms behind the spotlight Taste of Temecula Valley help children shine in showcases fundraising print, onstage and screen fun in April
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see page A-7
Posing together, Frankie and Sarah Assuma showcased their brother and sister “look” in Old Town Temecula. Wendy Horton Photography photo
Pechanga’s world-renowned Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Jacques Granet provided an assortment of sweet and beautiful desserts for the annual Taste of Temecula Valley. Paul Bandong photo
Ashley Ludwig STAFF WRITER
Ashley Ludwig STAFF WRITER
The agent calls, an audition opened up. Grab the children, drive two hours, wait for a brief casting call, then make the long trek home. For many southwest Riverside mothers, it’s a familiar story. Traveling to and from Los Angeles is just another activity, an-
other opportunity for their children to succeed, and even start savings accounts toward college. Balancing family, friends, and school is key as they guide their young actor’s or model’s career in the public eye. Shawna Sarnowski, a local Temecula photographer, is mother to Ava, 14-year-old actress, model
see MOMS, page A-8
Taste of Temecula Valley, the annual fundraiser for the Temecula Educators Foundation, returned to Old Town for a weekend of food, friendship and fun April 29-30. “We had the most diverse group of vendors we’ve ever had this year,” Barbara Burkett, communi-
cations director of TEF said. “Some of our Temecula Valley wineries are participating for the first time. It was a real treat for all.” The white peaked roof tents were set up around the city hall fountain and town square park, showcasing food and beverage vendors from across Temecula and Murrieta. The
see TASTE, page A-5