Rainbow Oaks going strong after anthem publicity

Rick Monroe Special to the Valley News

When NFL players took a knee during the National anthem in 2016, a tradition was born at Rainbow Oaks Restaurant.

Owners Duke and Jonell Maples, who remodeled and reopened the restaurant in 2009, decided to start playing the National anthem at noon, seven days a week.

“It was my way of waving my middle finger at the NFL,” said the retired Marine. The restaurant is filled with patriotic memorabilia and American flags. A Marine Corps flag flies under the American flag atop the restaurant and inside, it’s obvious the clientele has support for and by the military and law enforcement. The restaurant, located on the west side of I-15, is also frequented by bikers, especially on weekends.

The Maples sold the restaurant (but not the land) to Jeanene Paulino in December. Interviewed at the cashier’s stand last week, the new owner said she plans to continue all the same patriotic activities, including the national anthem.

The restaurant has been in national headlines and social media the past few weeks after a woman visited the restaurant and declared on TikTok that the restaurant’s activity was “the most dangerous situation I’ve ever been in.”

“Our country is in sad shape if the national anthem is anything but something to be proud about,”

Duke Maples countered at the restaurant last week just before the National anthem was played.

Paulino, the new owner, said she was the real estate broker who listed the business for sale before buying it herself in December. “It was difficult to find a buyer with the same heart as Duke and

Jonell,” she said. “I stand with what they’ve established here, and it mirrors my feelings.”

The Maples agreed to stay and help with the restaurant operation for a year as Paulino learns the business. “I don’t have time for real estate now,” she noted.

There’s been a steady increase in business from people supporting the patriotic restaurant. Patrons sang along during the national anthem last week and many cheered and clapped at the conclusion.

After 15 years owning the business, Duke Maples said he doesn’t have any other plans. “I love it here and don’t plan on going anywhere else,” he said.

The couple put their lives into the restaurant, from rebuilding the original restaurant established in 1946, to many, many long days of serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The restaurant is known for its large servings and for defying county orders and remaining open during Covid. “We were ‘rocking’ and proud of it,” said Jonell Maples.

The most descriptive word for the restaurant’s motif is “woodsy.” The walls are made of timber hauled away from slopes charred by the Rice and Poomacha fires. The bar is a beautiful slab of local cedar.

Interviewing patrons at three of the tables last week, it was evident people were there to support the business.

Bill and Cheryl Luedke from Temecula said they come often, especially Sundays after church if they can arrive in time for the national anthem.

“We saw it on MSN News, then Fox, and wanted to come with a friend today,” Cheryl said.

Jason and Amanda Beeman of

Rainbow Oaks restaurant owner Jeanene Paulino stands with patrons at her restaurant as they honor the playing of the national anthem. Perris said they have been to the restaurant about three times. They knew it was a patriotic establishment, but a year ago came for lunch and were surprised – pleasantly – when the music started, and everyone stood.

“We saw the opposition on TikTok and just felt it was the right thing to come to show support,” Jason Beeman said.

At a larger table in the back were seven friends who live in Fallbrook, Escondido, Vista and La Mirada. They explained that they get together for breakfast or lunch 2-3 times a month at various locations in San Diego County. They had visited Rainbow Café in the past, but Nancy Watt of Fallbrook said that when she saw the report on TV, she suggested a return trip. Like everyone in the restaurant, they each stood and proudly sang.

For fun, they call the group OPC, “old people club.”

Paulino said she has been encouraged by the show of support.

“There have been a very few people who have been nasty, but it doesn’t bother me. I really don’t care,” she said. “This is all about respect for freedom and the men and women who should be recognized, our law enforcement and military heroes.”

Ingram for Supervisor kickoff event draws

Nearly 300 Supporters

Debut event brings former mayor’s campaign fundraising to nearly $140,000

The campaign kickoff of Jonathan Ingram, candidate for Supervisor of Riverside County’s Third District, drew nearly 300 supporters on a cool evening to Murrieta’s Summerland Ranch Friday, May 5.

“Thanks to so many wonderful and generous supporters,” Ingram said. “The broad support of the community is humbling.” no doubt he will do a wonderful job as a great county supervisor,” Ashley said.. Morrell said, “I’ve known Jonathan for over a decade, and I appreciate what he has accomplished as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and small business owner. I have observed his political career throughout the years as a councilmember and mayor of the City of Murrieta, where he contributed to our community greatly and worked hard to keep our principles whole. He will do an excellent job for the citizens of Riverside County as our new supervisor.”

Ingram shared his campaign message of keeping taxes low, creating well-paying local jobs through a strong local economy, shortening commutes, reducing traffic and repairing our roads, and fully funding and supporting our sheriff and fire departments.

Trustee, Dale Qualm Trustee, Patricia Kelleher Cemetery Staff General

Cindi Beaudet Administrative Assistant, Cherry Santos Groundskeeper, Kyle Means, Groundskeeper, Alfredo Aguilar

Residents and community leaders, including former Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley, former state Senator Mike Morrell and nearly all of the Murrieta City Council showed their support at the kickoff event.

“Jonathan is a hard-working guy who gets things done. He is a very successful businessman, and with his public service experience, I have

“I understand the issues families face and will work tirelessly to find solutions for the residents of Riverside County,” Ingram pledged. “I will work to ensure open government is the rule, not the exception. With your continued support, our county’s best days are ahead of us.”

To learn more about Jonathan and stay informed on the latest news and events from the campaign trail, visit www.ingram4supervisor.com.