Valley News - May 13, 2022

Grant to offer expanded CareA-Van services to Menifee seniors

Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Many of Menifee’s older adults, disabled or with very low incomes may soon see relief in their transportation worries with a $150,000 grant from the Riverside County Transportation Commission for a pilot program in the city’s underserved community.

EXCEED hosts Art in the Park event

Diane A. Rhodes

SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

The City of Hemet awarded a Community Development Block Grant to EXCEED to fund project activities such as the Art in the Park outing in April that attracted about 25 program participants.

Menifee Health Fair brings hundreds to Central Park

Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Hundreds of Menifee seniors took advantage of the annual Senior Expo & Health Fair at Central Park to gather information on programs especially designed for them in the community and throughout Riverside County, May 7.

Reality Rally returns to Old Town Temecula

The steps of Temecula City Hall were flooded with participants, volunteers and sponsors for the

Reality TV stars gather in Temecula as the Reality Rally event makes its return after two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo tendance were Temecula Mayor Matt Rahn, Mayor Pro Tem Zak Schwank and City Council Members Maryann Edwards and Jessica see REALITY, page A-4

2022 Reality Rally “Amazing Race” game Saturday, May 7. The final event of the three day “fun for funds” fundraiser was an occasion that not only celebrated Reality Rally’s 10th anniversary, but

also its return to Temecula since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Event founder Gillian Larson, was the first to address the crowd after check-in. Also in at-

Hemet man is looking to help students exchange life-altering experiences

Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

When Gary Oakley decided to become an area representative for International Student Exchange, he was thrilled to learn about all the great experiences that host families and students had from being part of the program. His role is to bring future placements together.

“It’s about making good matches,” the Hemet resident said. “I spent most of my career life bringing individuals who were looking for job training and/or work together with employers. You are doing the same thing with ISE. This plays to my strengths; it’s a perfect fit for me.”

Working remotely in recent years, like many others have been

see EXCHANGE, page A-6

California drought worsens as Metropolitan Water District imposes restrictions

photo

Drought conditions continue to worsen in California, according to the California Department of Water Resources’ most recent update.

Following the Tuesday, April 26, announcement by Metropolitan Water District declaring a water shortage and imposing water restrictions on six major water providers and the dozens of cities and local districts they supply, water providers must have plans to police their customers. If those providers fail to impose the restrictions, they could face fines of $2,000 for every extra acre-foot of water that exceeds their monthly allocation limits, starting in June, according to MWD. MWD customers in areas of Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties that rely mostly

see DROUGHT, page A-8

The U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday, May 5, shows Riverside County as being split between mostly severe drought with moderate drought in Temecula and the surrounding communities.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Gary Oakley, a new Area Representative for International Student Exchange, left, with ISE Program Manager Joey Banuelos and Regional Manager Mia Waller at Emilio’s in San Jacinto May 4. Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes

Kim Harris MANAGING EDITOR

Grant to offer expanded Care-A-Van services to Menifee seniors and underserved populations

Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Many of Menifee’s older adults, disabled or with very low incomes may soon see relief in their transportation worries with a $150,000 grant from the Riverside County Transportation Commission for a pilot program in the city’s underserved community.

The possibilities for the use of this grant was presented to the Menifee City Council at its Wednesday, May 4, regular meeting at city hall by RCTC’s Lorelle Moe-Luna, multimodal services director and Dennis Brooks, vice president AMMA Transit Planning.

The council for several months has been hearing about the difficulties many of its seniors are having in timely transportation to and from doctors appointments, grocery shopping and other community services. RCTC recently heard of the same dif ficulties and followed up with studies on the needs of these underserved residents, many in the Sun City, Romoland and Quail Valley communities.

The studies, according to Brooks, corroborated these findings and presented methods or

i deas on how the RCTC grant could be used. The study revealed that RTA has two bus routes –61 and 74 – in the areas, has Dial-A-Ride Plus, a trip mileage reimbursement program and CareA-Van transport that all could be expanded with this grant. However, some of those residents were unaware of the programs, getting to the locations too difficult, long delays between buses, found biking was too unsafe or still did not have the money to afford the transportation.

Brooks outlined three solutions to solving the problem by providing better mobility, an on-demand trip subsidy program or a senior center shopping shuttle.

The council after learning about the proposals saw the senior center shopping shuttle the best of the three. They liked the idea of using the $150,000 grant to subsidize the Care-A-Van program. The partnership between the city and Care-A-Van would provide free trips to the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center for nutrition and other programs, open a possible shopping route, scheduling group trips and open the door for further future funding through grants.

If the decision is approved by the council the city would work to

establish a mobility plan and seek a memorandum of understanding with Care-A-Van. It would also seek further awards for the program in the future.

Responding to Councilmember Bob Karwin’s question about how much it might cost the city to keep the program going, Brooks responded saying Care-A-Van has submitted a proposal for a special application to keep the program – Care-A-Van 5310 – operating with approximately $152,000 per year that would include the purchase of two vehicles just for the continuing program. Karwin is the city councilmember from District 4, including Sun City. If it went beyond the time of the grants, the city could decide to continue the program on its own with Measure A funds. If it went forward, the program would begin in the fall and continue for the next two years, according to Moe-Luna. During the two years, a mobility manager from RCTC would monitor the program and determine how well it works and if it should be continued.

Mayor Pro Tem Dean Deines was assured the program, if the ridership warranted it, it could go to other areas of the city in addition to Sun City.

Councilmember Les a Sobek learned from the community services department that the program would be combined with the services already offered to those underserved residents and reach out to other parts of the city.

Jonathan Nicks, Menifee director of community services, said his staff recommend the Care-A-Van program would be the best option since it would be much more costly for the city to go on its own for the transportation plan.

Sobek said she was very happy the program is progressing.

“It’s been so long even before Karwin got on council, and I know our Senior Advisory Committee has talked about this as our senior population has grown. I am glad to see we’re doing this,” Sobek said.

She said she favored the CareA-Van MOU.

After asking, Karwin learned that currently Care-A-Van asks older adults for a only donation to their rides, and if they don’t give a donation, they can still ride to their destination. It would continue under the new program.

A motion was made and the CareA-Van option was chosen with a 5-0 council vote.

In other business, the council approved using the Menifee Police

Department to furnish two Student Resource Officers to Heritage and Paloma ValleyHigh Schools, more for educating students than enforcement. Menifee’s newest high school, Liberty, is in the county area and does have SRO Officers from the Riverside County Sheriff.

The council approved an additional $77,390 to design and re locate a necessary Eastern Municipal Water District water pipeline under the Holland Road Overpass now under construction.

Two items were deleted from the city’s strategic plan in Capital Improvement Projects including work for windows and other accessories in the leased city hall a nd a change to the workforce facilities management proposal.

The council in its proclamations called up Betti Cadmus, public information officer of Menifee Unified Schools, who is soon to retire, as the outstanding citizen of the month for her long-time work helping in different city and school organizations. The council recognized it as Older Americans Month, Public Works Week, Economic Development Week and Building and Safety Month.

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

Infrastructure cultivates new growth in Riverside County’s Wine Country

TEMECULA – New growth is coming to Riverside County’s Wine Country. Speaking Friday morning, May 6, to the Murrieta-Temecula Group and local wine industry leaders, county Supervisor Chuck Washington announced more than $20 million in infrastructure improvements he is working to bring t o the area, which are expected to spur millions more in private development.

“What I am proposing will be Riverside County’s single largest investment in wine country to date,” Washington said. “This investment is a demonstration of my commitment to developing the local economy and cultivating Riverside County’s wine country into a premiere, world-class destination.”

In 2014, the county Board of Supervisors adopted the Wine Country Community Plan, which set out a vision to expand the number of wineries and encourage the development of hotels, restaurants and other recreational amenities. Development following the adoption of the plan has been slow due to a lack of infrastructure, specifically sewer. According to county

economic development staff, more than a dozen area projects remain stuck in the approval process due to a lack of sewer service.

Using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, Washington is working with Eastern Municipal Water District to fund two sewer projects in wine country totaling $19 million: an extension of the De Portola Sewer Line and the completion of the Rancho California Sewer Line Phase II. Washington is also working with the county parks district on a third, $1.5 million sewer project to improve the c ampgrounds at Lake Skinner. Once complete, these projects will allow the developments stalled in the approval process to proceed and expand the capacity for future development.

“Sewer service was a major barrier in the effort to facilitate further development in wine country,” Phil Paule, board president of EMWD, said. “Supervisor Washington’s decision to fund these projects will help accelerate construction that would have otherwise taken years to complete.”

These sewer projects are a con-

tinuation of the existing public investments happening in wine country. The county recently completed the first of five planned rounda bouts in the area and is working with local equestrian groups to improve and expand the area’s trail network. Washington also noted that the county is working to erect a new monument sign at the gateway of wine country These recent investments and the planned sewer improvements build momentum for the Temecula Valley Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District that the board of supervisors approved in December.

Menifee Police Department to conduct DUI patrols

Additional officers from the Menifee Police Department will be out on patrol from 7 p.m. May 16 to 3 a.m. May 17, looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Menifee Police Chief Pat Walsh said, “Menifee PD is committed to keeping Menifee safe and we have passion for enforcing impaired driving laws. I am aware of the damage drunken and high, drivers do to a community, families and themselves. I am proud of our officers who make these arrests and for their continued work in this

critical area, please drive sober Menifee.”

Menifee Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana use is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or tak-

ing medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home. Driving sober is your safest bet.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI will pay a stiff price: an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Submitted by Menifee Police Department.

The TVEIFD captures a portion of rising property tax revenues to fund infrastructure projects in wine country. Since tax increment grows with private development, the county’s investments will help enable new development and accelerate the pace at which the TVEIFD is able to fund additional infrastructure and beautification projects.

“On any given weekend, our area is bursting at the seams with visitors attending events and tasting wine,” Phil Baily, owner of Baily Winery and president of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, said. “Supervisor Washington sees the importance of building out our infrastructure to expand capacity to turn our wine country into an

economic powerhouse.”

Congress approved ARPA in March 2021 to help local governments recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19. Over the course of the pandemic, Riverside County lost nearly 17,000 tourismrelated jobs. These investments in wine country will help recover a portion of the lost jobs and set the stage for further job creation.

“As we work to rebuild from the devastating impacts of COVID,” Washington said. “It is important that we not only work to recover what was lost, but also that we work to build the foundations for a stronger, more resilient future.”

Submitted by Riverside County Executive Office.

San Jacinto Council receives good report in annual financial report submitted by auditors

The San Jacinto City Council heard the results of the U.S. and state required annual financial report and government auditing standards were completed with no negative findings reported.

The auditors, Rogers, Anderson, Malody and Scott, found the financial reports including the city’s overall expenditure and revenues were properly examined. A RAMS representative with Tom Prill, San Jacinto deputy city manager, explained the results of the required audit.

“In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fa irly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the city, as of June 30, 2021, and the respective changes in financial position and, where applicable, cash flows thereof for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America,” according to RAMS’ report.

The report concluded there were “no violations or possible violations of laws or regulations, or provisions of contracts or grant

agreements whose effects could be considered in the financial statements or as a basis for recording loss contingency, including acceptable budget laws and regulations.”

With the favorable report, the council applauded the work of the finance department and City Manager Rob Johnson for the financial statements submitted to the auditors.

The council approved the second reading of an ordinance extending an agreement with Southern California Edisons to transmit energy to the city and an agreement with the housing development builder DR Horton for police and fire protection in their housing developments and for infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation.

They adopted the fiscal year 2022 and 2023 Road Maintenance Account.

The council made a special presentation to representatives of Birth Choice, declaring it Birth Choice Month, and alluded to the favor of the council for the current possible Supreme Court ruling overturning the earlier Roe vs. Wade decision.

The complete audit information can be found in the city web page under the city council May 3, 2022, agenda packet 4.1.

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

Riverside County will expand the De Portola Sewer Line, seen in the map of South Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Riverside County will expand the Rancho California Sewer Line Phase II, seen in the map of North Temecula Valley Wine Country. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Educator believes words are wings to the chained spirit

his experiences. He tries to incorporate the same lessons into his role as a father.

“My son is 8. He is my world and every day with him is a chance at a relationship I never had,” he said. “I want him to know he’s strong and powerful and that his greatest strengths are designed to make others’ lives better.”

a few years at elementary schools and about six or seven years at middle schools. The last seven years have been at the high school level. He is a two-time nationally recognized top 10 Athletic Director Award recipient, author, poet and philanthropist and uses all these ways to champion his purpose in life, which is child activism. Had he not chosen the field of education, Broussard knows he would have worked with children in some capacity.

had control. He said he was always a hard worker and learned to persevere and control what he could control.

“Sports taught me a lot about life and how to handle tough situations. Good or bad, I thought the outcome would be decided by my choices and not others, so it was my safe haven,” he said. “I thought I would have coached longer but I moved over to Education Administration at the age of 30.”

Broussard’s passion for mentoring young people helped him realize the importance of social and emotional learning and that component is shared in his book for others to learn from.

John Broussard, assistant vice principal and athletic director of Murrieta Mesa High School, wrote “Letters from an Educator: The Child You Didn’t See,” a book about empathy in education, to inspire adults who serve young people. His own desire to be a mentor to youth, whether they are on a sports field or in a classroom, stems from his atypical upbringing that was his normal as he didn’t know anything else.

Born into a communal environment, he lived and attended school with a select group of children where athletics was an important part of their everyday life. His father, Eldridge J. Broussard Jr., was a former college basketball star who founded the Ecclesia Athletic Association in the Watts area of Los Angeles in 1975. It was described as an athletic training center for underprivileged innercity youth, but some critics called it a cult.

The EAA relocated to Oregon in 1987 and the following year 7-year-old John Broussard witnessed the death of his sister, who was 8 at the time. Three individuals who worked at the center were charged with murder in her fatal beating. All the children, including John and his three remaining siblings, were placed into foster care or reform schools.

“In life, the mess always comes before the message and the storm before the triumphant story,” Broussard, 41, said in describing his personal journey. “I think for many of us, our greatest pain turns into our greatest passion if we let it. We either shut it out and ignore our experiences or we embrace it fully and try to find ways to make sure certain things never happen again. For me I did the latter.”

He said his upbringing has made him passionate about improving the lives of other people, especially those who find themselves down and out.

“Helping hurt people really speaks to my heart. I understand their pain and want to show them a way out,” he said. “Everyone who knows me feels the intense drive I have for young people, but I’ve always protected the full details as to why. My older brother has said for years that I have more to offer but it will never be realized unless I come to terms with my past. He was right. With this book and the conference, both my past and my

future clashed.”

A lesson for educators

Broussard was a keynote speaker at the School Climate Conference in Temecula Wednesday, April 27, and although he admits to being nervous and anxious at first about being vulnerable while discussing his past, he found peace the day of the event and was pleased with the outcome.

“I wanted to speak for all those young people being impacted by childhood trauma. I found strength knowing for an hour I can be their voice and cry. They were heard. That makes me happy,” he said.

“It (the feedback was) overwhelmingly positive. Many people were standing by the end of it and clapping. It brought tears to my eyes because at the end of the day I was talking to a room full of difference makers and knowing they are taking that message back to campus meant a lot. I was speechless to learn afterwards that schools bought the book for every teacher at their sites.”

The fifth annual School Climate Conference, hosted by Protect Connect Educate Solutions, attracted more than 500 K-12 educators from throughout the country. Murrieta resident John Vandenburgh, president of PCE Solutions, said the conference provides educators a forum to learn about the latest trends, strategies and research impacting a safe school climate.

“The goal is for the educators to go back to their schools with some insight on how to effectively create a positive school climate for all students,” Vandenburgh said. “I evaluate the effectiveness of a speaker by how the audience reacts to them when their session is complete. John Broussard received a standing ovation when he was done. That says a lot! He did outstanding, and the audience let him know.”

Vandenburgh said he chose Broussard as a guest speaker because he felt he had a great story that needed to be shared and heard by other educators. More than 150 attendees stood in line to get an autographed copy of the book and meet the author, likely due to the impact of his speech.

Education and empathy merge Broussard, who has lived in Murrieta since 2009, has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. He began his teaching career in 2003 as a first-grade teacher and spent

“Young people are my passion,” he said. “In life, the thing that breaks us and gives us our greatest pains usually ends up being our vocational purpose in hopes of giving someone else the experience we were robbed of. That’s our chance to rewrite chapters of our past, however futile for us, but life changing for others. Even now I work with many different nonprofits in the community serving young people and foster children.”

Broussard said his foster care experience helped him relate to what some of his current students are facing, everything from abuse to neglect. In the book he also talks about the struggles faced by having to move around a lot.

“My stint in foster care was about a year or so. I also spent a small amount of time in a group home before I was placed back with my mother. Not sure any good came from foster care for me. It was a few different homes in that span and abuse took place in one of them,” he said. “Our experiences are all different. I discuss in the book the deep emotions that foster children must just tuck away in order to survive.”

Broussard said athletics was always an outlet for him as he was growing up and it was the one space where he felt like he

He started writing poetry in college as a form of therapy but eventually became intrigued by the art form and the ability to paint pictures with words. His philanthropic endeavors involve youth and his nonprofit Hope Service, on Instagram @hopeservice3030, has partnered with other nonprofits to better the lives of people in the community.

“Our nonprofit hosts a monthly spoken word poetry night (at Topspin Pizza & Pong in Temecula) called ‘Poetry with Purpose’ because we give 100% of the proceeds to a different nonprofit each month,” Broussard said. “We recently had Temecula Mayor Pro Tem Zak Schwank and Council Member Stew Stewart read poems about the city. When I spoke at the conference, I read four poems. It’s a large part of what I do.”

Educator turns author

He said he wants readers of his book to see others as themselves by identifying and sharing similar emotions.

“Even if our journeys are different, our emotions never are,” Broussard said. “My book is about self-introspection and selfdiscovery for the reader and guides them down the road of becoming their most empathetic self.”

But it isn’t just colleagues that Broussard hopes will learn from

“The book was written for people who I call child humanitarians, but I use the guise of education,” he said. “If you are someone who looks to improve the life and living conditions of young people, then this book is for you. In addition, I worked with a team of curriculum developers from across the country and we created a course to hopefully help readers truly discover and rediscover their best, most empathetic self.”

He chose the title “Letters from an Educator: The Child You Didn’t See” for multiple reasons. First, it is a call to action for all educators, challenging them to see the whole child, even the layers behind their behavior.

“In order to connect emotionally with the child, the person has to find similar emotional spaces that would aid such a journey,” Broussard said. “The title also points to my journey as a passionate educator who serves as a beacon for child humanitarianism. Many have seen me cry but few really know the history behind the passion; the title points to that.”

Broussard said that if readers only get one takeaway from reading his book, he hopes it will be that “although we live in a society that asks us to hide and tuck away past experiences, especially the painful ones, I want to challenge us all to embrace all of who we are in hopes of providing aid to someone else in a way that brings peace and reprieve to their storms. Better is always possible.”

For more information and to order his book, visit http://www. johnbroussard3030.com

Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

Murrieta Mesa educator John Broussard recently released the book, “Letters from an Educator: The Child You Didn’t See.”

I feel like I’m a lighthouse And everything around me is the dark sea I’m trying to get the vessels down there Up here right next to me

Author John Broussard shares a smile for the camera at his book signing at Pechanga Resort Casino. Valley News/Andrez Imaging photo

Excerpt from “Lighthouse” by John Broussard

Chaparral students protest leaked Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade leaked documents

REALITY from page A-1

Alexander. Riverside County 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington, with his grandchildren in tow, spoke highly of Reality Rally and Larson herself.

The American Patriot Music Project performed The Star-Spangled Banner. Each team and its designated reality star team member was announced and The Spirit of Great Oak High School band

also performed and was integrated into the kickoff of the race. In exchange for the yellow ticket stapled onto a team’s designated bag, a member of the band gave the team their first clue. This clue instructed teams to find Larson if they wanted their map of every checkpoint.

Among the 38 teams playing that day, three represented the City of Temecula, while the cities of Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar,

Perris and Menifee, also attempted to win top bragging rights for their respective cities.

Some other teams included Breast Friends, Birthday Besties, Headbanger’s Ball, The BlueFooted Boobies and Valley News sponsored Team Charlotte.

The competition came alive with a perpetual sense of friendliness and constant support. It was an occasion that offered a lot of flexibility for contestants. The folks running things from behind the scenes encouraged teams to enjoy the overall experience, but also to remember the reason for Reality Rally’s conception. They were all there for a cause and to compete in the name of those fighting against various cancers. The funds raised during the three-day event are given to Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center, an organization that provides support for cancer patients and their families.

Reality Rally presented teams with countless challenges spread across Old Town. These challenges often varied in difficulty but were still comprehensive enough so that any team member could participate. Team members could be guessing olive oil flavors at one moment then suddenly riding a mechanical bull. There was no shortage of creativity when it came to each challenge.

Between each checkpoint, characters from various franchises could also be seen walking around. When teams completed a challenge, they were given a ribbon that signified their participation. To beat the race, teams would have to collect every ribbon and rush back to the steps at city hall. When every ribbon was accounted for the team would be placed and congratulated for their contribution with bottled water and ripe bananas.

Daily Distribution Hours:

Coming in first place overall and defeating longtime Inter-City Challenge champions Lake Elsinore, was the team representing the City of Menifee, proudly carrying their trophy. Laughter was exchanged and hugs were shared aplenty as the race ended.

Gillian Larson, creator of the Reality Rally fundraising event for Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center speaks to event participants in front of Temecula City Hall, May 7. The Reality Rally event partners people who have been cast in reality TV shows with teams of community members that race around Old Town while completing challenges and games. Each team raises money for Michelle’s Place.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Reality Rally teams participate in karate game challenges in Old Town Temecula.

Jason White shoots a BB gun at targets at a Reality Rally game challenge in Old Town Temecula.

[Left] Amerie McGee, left, and Kristina Paleo walk a rope challenge during the Reality Rally fundraising event in Old Town Temecula.

[Right[ Amber Hargrove from the TV show Naked and Afraid rides a mechanical bull during a Reality Rally game challenge in Old Town Temecula.

[Left] Chaparral High School students make their way to the corner of Winchester and Nicolas roads Friday, May 6. Students protested the leaked documents showing the U.S. Supreme Court early majority decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Valley News/Madi Edwards photos

Holding their protest signs high, Chaparral High School students protest the leaked documents showing the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade at the corner of Winchester and Nicolas roads Friday, May 6.

[Right] A Chapparal High School student holds a protest sign while chanting during a protest outside the school regarding the leaked documents showing the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade Friday, May 6.

2574

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I would like to thank all of our past and future sellers and buyers for trusting in us and allowing us to negotiate the transaction for your property. That decision is not taken lightly, and we endeavor to provide a first class experience. It also appears our 2nd quarter will far surpass our first quarter in closed transactions. We owe it all to you!

In addition to staying at the forefront of marketing and negotiating strategies, it is important to be mindful of the status of our current market trends. We are consistently tracking sales, inventory and interest rates in our local market areas and as we see changes in the market, we implement the most effective forms of marketing based on those results. I truly love what I do, and look forward to helping more of you in the future. Give me a call and we can discuss your personalized plan.

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When COVID-19 started, I never would have guessed that the real estate market was going to take off like it did! Real estate was all but shut down, until we were declared “essential workers” and the hope of business returned. Not only did it return, but in Fallbrook especially, it flourished! We used to try and help buyers “Find Fallbrook”, but now Fallbrook has been found!

Our town is full of recent transplants, seeking out what we already know and love about Fallbrook! We have also seen our fair share of those leaving California as we have sold many of their homes this year - we wish them the best on their new endeavors! As for me - I am not leaving anytime soon! This is my home, the place I raised my children and grew up both professionally and spiritually from 35 - 54! My home and this town is our “family hub”, a place to dine, entertain, rejuvenate and relax, meet with friends, family and clients old and new. I make a concerted effort to support other local businesses and I am thankful for those who believed in our business model and services and supported it by listing for sale or buying homes in the Fallbrook, Bonsall and surrounding areas not only the the last 2 years but the last 20 years I have been working in real estate here! I am here to serve. I am active on the Board of Directors of the Fallbrook Music Society and the American Association of University Women. I have enjoyed leadership positions on other boards such as the National Charity League, Fallbrook branch over the years in Fallbrook. I love our town and I am available to help those in the market looking to buy, sell or who just want more information about the current market, their current home value or to discuss anything relevant to Fallbrook! Who you work with matters when you look at proven results!

Let’s Talk! – Sharon

Hope Clinic for Women

Safe confidential support for women. If you believe you might be pregnant and you’re not sure what to do next, we are here for you. All of our services are safe, confidential, and supportive, and at entirely no cost to you. We are here to help you figure out your next steps, wherever you’re at. For a pregnancy test or ultrasound appointment, call 760-728-4105, or email clinic@ hopefallbrook.com. We are here for you!

Suzie Hoover Darlene Osborn Ken Follis Sharon Robinson Larry LandesMaggie Landes

Via Del Robles, Fallbrook

A wine country surprise proposal

Temecula to host Memorial Day Observance featuring the Temecula Valley Symphony

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 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main Street. Please remember to bring your lawn chairs, blankets and loved ones to this free, familyfriendly concert.

Under the Musical Direction of

Maestro John Mario, the concert will focus on bold musical themes from famous patriotic marches by John Philip Sousa such as National Emblem March, Liberty Bell March and Stars and Stripes to symphonic boldness with Aaron Copland’s Fanfare to a Common Man and Haydn’s Symphony No. 88. Two selections will be specifically dedicated to America’s Heroes: Fanfare for Life which was composed by Vietnam Veteran Kimo Williams and A Soldier’s

Hymn by Soon Hee Newbold. The City of Temecula proudly honors fallen heroes as well as those who have served or are presently serving in all U.S. Armed Forces. For information on all upcoming Temecula Community Services Department events, activities and programs, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/TCSD and follow @ TemeculaParksandRec on social media for updates.

Submitted by the city of Temecula.

Pala Band of Mission Indians advocates for missing and murdered indigenous people

PALA – Robert Smith, chair of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, joined other tribal leaders Thursday, May 5, at the California State Assembly to support May 2022 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month.

“On behalf of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, we thank California Assemblyman James Ramos for helping to shed light on this terrible epidemic that is plaguing the indigenous population,” Smith said. “Bringing awareness to the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people throughout

California and the United States is an important step in the right direction.”

In 2016, 5,712 missing and murdered indigenous cases were reported to the National Crime Information Center. Homicide is the second to seventh leading cause of death for indigenous women, and indigenous women face murder rates 10 times higher than the national average.

“California has the largest population of American Indians, and the sixth-highest death rate of indigenous women in urban cities,”

Smith said. “We will continue to advocate for this vulnerable population and fight to bring them the justice they deserve.”

The Pala Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized tribe whose reservation is located along the Palomar Mountain range approximately 30 miles northeast of San Diego. The majority of the over 900 tribal members live on the 12,000-acre reservation, established for Cupeño and Luiseño Indians, who consider themselves to be one proud people – Pala.

doing, Oakley, 71, began looking for a way to supplement his fixed income while doing something he enjoyed that would benefit others.

“One of the things most important to me in life is to create opportunities for others to realize/ achieve their hopes and dreams as so many have done for me,” he said. “I also saw this as a win-win opportunity for exchange students and families in America and our local areas to learn about one another firsthand, as people.”

When he and his wife Cheryl travel, they like to learn about other people by becoming “locals” as it were. They engage with others in different settings to learn more about their history, culture and traditions.

“Students and host families brought together by ISE get to do just that on a much larger scale,” Oakley said.

Point of contact

He will be the ISE contact that works directly with the host family applicants to ensure all the Ts are crossed and Is are dotted and become familiar with the exchange students, working on matching hobbies and interests between the two.

“You can learn a great deal from the information ISE provides about

the student and their family. ISE has a great vetting process. This was another factor that drew me to them,” he said. “I look forward to playing a part in building and creating relationships between the exchange students, host families, the schools students attend and the communities where they will live. It will be very important to stay connected with them all.”

Recruitment is another important aspect of Oakley’s role as an Area Representative. He wants to share the fact these opportunities are available for those that aren’t aware. He knows there are many ways to accomplish this. From social media outlets, contacting local school districts and meeting with parent groups, to reaching out to community-based service organizations, he plans to utilize them all.

“I personally like being in front of people as opposed to social media but the one thing I know for sure is I need to do this without blinders. There is no one best way to bring students and families together,” he said.

Sharing program pluses Oakley invited ISE Regional Manager Mia Waller and Program Manager Joey Banuelos to give a presentation at a recent San Jacinto Rotary Club meeting and field questions from members. Banu-

elos, a California native now working at the nonprofit’s New York headquarters, explained J-1 visas, which is what all ISE students have are managed by the Department of State for the purpose of cultural enrichment and public diplomacy whereas F-1 visas, which are overseen by Homeland Security, are for students coming here on a strictly academic basis.

Waller, who is originally from Sweden but has lived in America for the past 25 years, and her family have hosted exchange students for many years and said her children have learned so much from them.

“Being a host family for an exchange student can bring a new perspective to your life,” she said. “Having someone from another country stay in your home can be a real eye-opener for kids and parents alike. You will become more aware of your community and more appreciative of your culture as you introduce it to somebody new. Another reason is that this experience will enrich your family, friends, school and community.”

Banuelos said students in the program, which was founded in 1982, give others a better picture of what America is all about once they return to their home countries, making them great ambassadors for the United States.

ISE is offering $300 to organizations who refer a successful placement of a high school exchange student with a host family in hopes of increasing the mutual understanding between different cultures and encouraging peaceful relationships around the world.

Waller, who said her ISE team has placed more than 60 exchange students in different parts of California for the upcoming school year, added that there is no shortage of students who are interested in coming to America to learn more about it. The database currently has close to 500 students seeking host families.

Current students

Four local students are ending their time of exchange, two that are attending Paloma Valley High School in Menifee, one from Spain

at Hemet’s Tahquitz High School and Kazimir Steinhagen from Germany who is at West Valley High School in Hemet.

Jon and Cheryl Schendel had hosted a student from Norway six years ago and had a great experience. When they learned that the original host family for Kazimir had to back out at the last minute and that the German student had been waiting two years for an exchange due to COVID restrictions, they stepped in to help.

“Kazimir has been a joy to have with us. He is smart, kind and respectful. He has a great sense of humor and makes friends everywhere he goes,” Cheryl Schendel said. “Every day when I get home from work, he opens the door for me as I approach the house; I am

ID in Hemet. Valley News/Courtesy photos

going to miss that.”

The Schendels have two grown children, a son that lives in Texas and a daughter in Winchester who has bonded with the exchange student, as have her three young children.

Kazimir, 17, said the only things he knew about California before his arrival last summer were the famous tourist spots. He has found going to the beach to be a highlight of his stay. At West Valley, he played soccer and was part of the Cheer Squad. The Berlin resident has more schooling to complete in Germany but hopes to return to America in the future.

When asked what he plans to share with family and friends when he gets back home, he said, “Everything! Living in the country-type setting, my new friends, everything.”

Future exchanges

The ISE program works in reverse as well. American students interested in traveling and studying abroad can apply for scholarships for a summer exchange, a semester or a full school year.

Waller said, “As an Area Representative you need to be caring and compassionate. Gary is both of those things and more. The local Representative will connect exchange students with volunteer host families in their community and it helps if you are active in the community like Gary is.”

For more information, contact Gary Oakley at 321-246-3556, gary.oakley101@gmail.com or pacifichorizons.iseusa.org

EXCHANGE from page A-1

Current ISE exchange student Kazimir Steinhagen from Germany shows off his West Valley High School

Volunteer host family Jon and Cheryl Schendel of Hemet celebrate Christmas with exchange student Kazimir Steinhagen during the 2021-2022 school year.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

A couple becomes engaged at Bella Vista Winery in Temecula’s wine country, Saturday, May 7. Coté Clark reacts as her boyfriend Jordan Hesson surprises her on one knee, with a ring and one question, “Will you marry me?” She said yes!

EXCEED hosts Art in the Park event with help from Hemet

The City of Hemet awarded a Community Development Block Grant to EXCEED, a nonprofit that has been providing services for adults with developmental disabilities since 1981, to fund project activities that meet one of three national objectives. EXCEED’s Art in the Park program qualified by meeting the objective of benefiting low- and moderate-income persons. It was one of nine nonprofit agencies serving residents of the city that received allocations for fiscal year 2021-2022.

Hemet City Council Member

Joe Males and Management Analyst Veronica Allen attended an Art in the Park outing in April that attracted about 25 program participants.

“It was lovely to see the EXCEED clients creating their art pieces. They were so intent on what they were working on and many were very proud of their creation. There were so many different interpretations of the art,” Allen said. “It is a wonderful program, and the city is very happy to be allocating CDBG funds to EXCEED.”

The voluntary activity supports the mission of the organization’s Community Integrated Services program that focuses on participation in meaningful community integrated activities that provide an avenue for individuals to contribute their unique gifts and talents to the local community.

“I like many things about this project but the most important aspects are that it helps our program participants foster their creativity, helps develop fine motor skills, promotes socialization and conversation and it is a safe activity in relation to COVID-19 because we are outdoors,” Sandra Aldridge, who oversees EXCEED’s Marketing & Resource Development, said.

Board of Directors President Richard Giese, who has attended Art in the Park events, said, “The program participants were able to show off some of their artistic skills. This outlet is great because it shows that their talents and skills can be limitless if given the opportunity to tap into them.”

The outings, held several times a month, also provide socialization opportunities for those that used to be together at the Work Training Center that was recently closed after federal Home & Community Based Services regulations required agencies to transition to more community-based services.

“We closed our Work Training Center program in March 2021 at both our Hemet and Perris facilities due to the Federal and State Home and Community Based Services mandate,” Aldridge explained. “The program participants transferred to our new Community Integrated Services or Exploration & Enrichment Services Programs, which operate in Hemet, Perris, Murrieta and Riverside.”

She said the agency’s supported Employment Program operates out of its Riverside office and currently has 110 program participants working in various employment positions throughout the Inland Empire, with some earning way above minimum wages.

“This program started in 1990 and we have one of our original placements still working at a Vons

store in Corona,” Aldridge said.

“EXCEED has assisted program participants with achieving their dream of employment at many local companies including Walmart, Amazon, Petco, Target, Lowe’s Regional Distribution Center, Phoenix Technologies and Clayton Homes. The average tenure of our program participants in their jobs is 8.1 years, far exceeding the national average.”

Lee Trisler has worked at EXCEED, formerly known as Valley Resource Center, for 38 years and has been its chief executive officer for 26 years. She said for the past two years the agency has been focused on new program development to prepare for the closure of its workshop programs.

“In addition to establishing new program services, we were challenged with developing new methods to engage with the persons we serve. Our staff adapted and embraced new service models to continue providing engagement, training and support,” Trisler said.

During the pandemic shutdowns of in-person facilities and services, Aldridge said the nonprofit was able to launch its tablet loan program, thanks to the City of Hemet and a Community Development Block Grant program specifically funding programs related to COVID-19.

“The tablet loan program has enabled our clients to stay connected to their EXCEED support team and their peers through classes and activities for the past two years.

Our Adult Developmental Center, Exploration & Enrichment Services and Community Integrated Services Programs have connected with our clients over hundreds of hours of Zoom classes, we had a drive-thru Spring Fling event with a virtual dance party, have delivered program supplies and even had two parades, where staff members drove past our program participants’ homes and celebrated with honks and signs.”

Aldridge said other projects like “Art in the Park” include more time spent accessing opportunities in the local communities.

“Our program participants volunteer at local nonprofits and do job exploration activities to define their interests, visit local points of interest and participate in everyday activities that they are interested in,” she said.

At the April 27 event at Mary Henley Park in Hemet, instructor Melinda Dean led the aspiring artists in a springtime painting of a pink pig with a floral background. Each canvas was filled with color after smocks were donned, brushes

were brought out and paint containers were opened.

Nancy Espensen, a Hemet artist who was teaching art at another nonprofit, has been hired as the art facilitator for future project dates. She said being entranced in an art project can provide such freedom and peace of mind and she’s looking forward to sharing her own style with the group and allowing them to experience the art process.

“Art unleashes the imagination and they will be participating in all different aspects of art where they can freely express themselves with no expectation or judgment; the journey is what it’s all about,”

Espensen said.

EXCEED: A Working Solution has a vision of creating “an environment where each client is valued as an individual and is provided the opportunity to reach his/her maximum potential.”

For more information on the nonprofit’s many programs, www. weexceed.org or 951-658-0000. For more information on the HCBS rule, www.dds.ca.gov/ initiatives/hcbs.

Diane A. Rhodes

SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

EXCEED program participants and staff work together creating take-home projects during an Art in the Park event April 27. Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photos

A great turnout for the April 27 Art in the Park event included, from left, EXCEED Group Supervisor Andrew Lozano, Hemet City Council Member Joe Males, EXCEED Marketing & Resource Development’s Sandra Aldridge and CEO Lee Trisler.

The last several Art in the Park projects led by Melinda Dean reflect some seasonal celebrations.

Program participants create their own paintings with encouragement from EXCEED program managers at the April 27 Art in the Park event.

DROUGHT from page A-1

on state water supplied through the district, including some parts of the city of Los Angeles. The affected areas are primarily urban and were offered one of two options under the unprecedented water restrictions, either limit outdoor watering to once a week or reduce total water use below a certain target.

The six affected water suppliers are Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District and Three Valleys Municipal Water District – all in Los Angeles County – and the Calleguas Municipal Water District in Ventura County and the Inland Empire Utilities Agency in San Bernardino County, CalMatters said.

The Metropolitan Water District uses water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project, a vast storage and delivery system, to supply 26 public water agencies that provide water to 19 million people, or 40% of the state’s population.

But record dry conditions have strained the system, lowering reservoir levels and the State Water Project, which gets its water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, has estimated it will be capable of delivering only about 5% of its usual allocation, for the second consecutive year.

January, February and March of this year were the driest three months in recorded state history in terms of rainfall and snowfall, district representative Rebecca Kimitch told The Associated Press recently.

Local impacts

While the mandatory restrictions do not affect Riverside County, local water districts, Eastern Municipal Water District, Rancho California Water District and Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District are also encouraging residents to increase their conservation efforts.

“The state of California continues to address the ramifications of the current long-term drought,” Carol Lee Gonzales-Brady, president of Rancho Water board, said recently in a news release submitted to Valley News. “The effects are now directly impacting communities north of Riverside County. Our community members are already very water conscious. However, to protect our precious natural resources, Rancho Water is encouraging customers to continue that trend as we navigate these drought conditions.

“Rancho Water continues to be in Stage 3b of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan,” the agency said. “This stage of the plan limits outdoor irrigation to overnight hours of 6-9 a.m. and requires the use of shutoff nozzles for hoses. In addition, water budgets for inefficient tiers are reduced for all customers.”

Rancho Water customers are encouraged to take advantage of the rebates and water saving tools that are available including MyWaterTracker for real-time water use updates, leak alerts and landscape audits. In addition, Rancho Water partners with Metropolitan Water District and WaterSense for rebates on water efficient products such as irrigation controllers, residential and commercial appliances and soil moisture systems.

For more information about Rancho Water’s response to the drought, visit http://RanchoWater. com/drought

“EMWD has proactively adopted industry-leading water budgets and invested in a diverse and sustainable local water supply portfolio,” EMWD board President Phil Paule said. “We’ve prepared for these types of cyclical water supply shortages.”

In November 2021, EMWD moved to Stage 3a of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which asks customers to eliminate water waste and suspended variances for establishing new landscape and filling swimming pools. The agency said that the new water restrictions won’t apply to its customers due to the agencies’ access to Colorado River water.

“As water supply conditions or state regulations evolve during the coming months, EMWD may be forced to ask more of its customers,” EMWD said in a news release issued Wednesday, April 27. “However, at this time, we are asking that our customers continue their longstanding commitment to using water efficiently and consider more efficient landscape options. By doing so, we can all fulfill our responsibility in helping California through this unprecedented drought.”

EMWD has a variety of resources, including its Landscapes for Living program, that can assist customers in becoming more efficient. EMWD also continues to encourage customers to replace turf with more sustainable landscaping, which MWD is supporting through its turf removal rebate program.

EVMWD said that water conservation is no longer an emergency response to drought.

“It is a way of life across California, where water is needed to support our growing economy and population and sustain us in longer and more severe dry periods that accompany climate change,” the agency said on its website, http:// www.evmwd.com

“Thanks to our customers’ watersaving efforts, we have been able to store more water than ever,” EVMWD said, adding that while its water supply is “robust” it was still important to conserve water.

“We cannot be certain if we are at the end of a short drought or facing the beginning of a long-term drought,” the agency said. “So, it’s up to each and every customer to stay committed to using water efficiently to ensure that our stored water will last as long as possible and keep our region ahead of the drought curve.”

EVMWD is encouraging its customers to be as efficient as possible with personal water use.

“From simple steps you can take like swapping out high-water using devices, to updating your yard to a water-wise landscape, everyone can be part of the water supply solution,” the agency said on its website. “Drought or not, conservation and water efficiency are a California way of life.”

Drought Monitor shows worsening data.

The U.S. Drought Monitor’s weekly report, dated Thursday, May 5, showed the entire state of California in at least a moderate drought. While the map showed no exceptional drought, the percentage of the area in extreme drought now sits at 40.51%, it remains less than what it was during the same week in 2021 The percentage of the state in severe drought now sits at 95.18%.

Reservoir levels hold steady.

The Metropolitan Water District said that the 2020 and 2021 water years had the least rainfall on record for two consecutive years. In addition, Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s main reservoir, reached its lowest point last year since it was filled in the 1970s.

As of the May 4 readings, Lake Castaic sits at 61% of total capacity, Diamond Valley Lake sits at 69% and Lake Casitas sits at 32%. Reservoirs to the north, while seeing some gains, such as Pine Flat Lake at 51%, San Luis Reservoir at 47%, Lake Oroville at 55% and Lake Shasta at 40%, still remain low.

California remains in a drought emergency.

All of California’s 58 counties remain under a drought emergency proclamation. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked people statewide to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by 15%, but so far residents have been slow to meet that goal.

For tips on saving water, visit http://www.saveourwater.com

Learn more about current drought conditions, the state’s response and informational resources available to the public at the state’s new drought preparedness website, https://drought.ca.gov

Kim Harris can be reached by email at valleyeditor@reedermedia.com.

Sack’s Thrift Avenue moves to San Jacinto

Diane

A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

After nearly 20 years of doing business in Perris, Sack’s Thrift Avenue has moved to San Jacinto. Operated by EXCEED, the store offers employment to many of the nonprofit’s program participants. The organization’s purpose is to provide advocacy, training and support services primarily to adults with developmental disabilities and to promote their independence.

Sandra Aldridge, who works on marketing and resource development, said, “Providing opportunities and inclusion is at the heart of what we do, and our local communities are our biggest source of support. “EXCEED is committed to supporting adults with disabilities to help them reach their maximum potential and this is only possible with the support of local businesses and nonprofits who choose to include adults with disabilities into their culture and daily lives.”

The 5,200-square foot space that houses the thrift store employs six full-time workers per day as part of its community-based employment program. Mickey Dougherty has been with EXCEED for almost 15 years and has been a store manager for the past eight.

“Seeing our employees develop into confident, personable individuals who are comfortable

with the public is so rewarding,”

she said. “They are being trained in many different roles within the store, from helping at the register area to offering customer service.”

EXCEED Board of Directors President Richard Giese said being able to offer a retail setting for job training is a tremendous opportunity for program participants since there is so much variety.

“New materials come in and they have to sort everything by type and resale value, then clean and price items, put them out on the floor and help market them, all in real-life situations,” he said. “This is different than a training center or workshop. They are learning marketable skills and getting paid while doing so.”

Cynthia Palmer, of Beaumont, has been with the program for 28 years and said she likes seeing batches of clothes come in that she sorts by type and size. She also likes going shopping when she gets her paycheck.

“Shopping and donating to the store help us provide employment training and opportunities along with a source of funding to help offset program costs,” Aldridge said.

Erin Healy, of Moreno Valley, has been working at Sack’s since 2010 and uses her earnings to pay bills or wherever else it’s needed. On a recent workday, she kept busy straightening up the store and mak-

ing sure all the clothes were visible to shoppers.

Giese has supported the nonprofit for the past 12 years and served as president for the past five. He feels that helping clients transition to independent living is something that should be applauded.

“I think adults with disabilities are marginalized in our society. I have great compassion for people and how they are treated and EXCEED does a great job,” he said. “Just because someone has developmental disabilities it doesn’t mean they are disabled.”

Some of the most requested items at the store are clothing, books, linens, non-upholstered furniture, DVDs, CDs, records, jewelry, housewares and seasonal items.

Dougherty said, “We’re clean, neat, organized and our prices are rock bottom. We just need more customers to keep our clients working.”

The store, at 790 S. South Street in San Jacinto, is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and accepts donations until 4 p.m. Donation pickups are now available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, 951654-4422, Instagram @sack’s_ thrift_avenue, Facebook @ sacksthriftavenuesanjacintoca or www.weexceed.org.

Bill allowing preteen vaccines without parental OK advances

A California measure that would allow children age 12 and up to be vaccinated without their parents’ consent, including against the coronavirus, cleared its first legislative hurdle Thursday, May 5. If the proposal becomes law, California would allow the youngest age group of any state to be vaccinated without parental permission.

Minors age 12 to 17 in California currently cannot be vaccinated without permission from their parents or guardians, unless the vaccine is specifically to prevent a sexually transmitted disease. California state law already allows people 12 and older to consent to the hepatitis B and human papillomavirus vaccines.

The bill that cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee would lift the parental requirement for that age group for any vaccine that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener said his bill “will empower teenagers to protect their own health by getting vaccinated,” but it was opposed by dozens of people who called into the committee hearing for well over an hour.

Wiener’s proposal is perhaps the most contentious measure remaining from Democratic lawmakers’ once-ambitious agenda, after several other proposals lost momentum as the winter pandemic wave eased – although cases are climbing again. State Sen. Richard Pan last month said he would delay consideration of his bill that would have blocked students from using the personal belief exemption to avoid the coronavirus vaccine. The same day, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration said it would postpone its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for schoolchildren until at least the summer of 2023. Pan also has stalled consider-

ation of his bill that would block pandemic response funds from law enforcement agencies that refuse to enforce public health orders.

And in March, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks withdrew her bill that would have forced all California businesses to require coronavirus vaccines for their employees.

Wiener said his vaccine bill “is not a revolutionary idea. It builds on long-standing existing California law about the age of consent for receiving health care.”

Those 12 and older currently can make decisions under certain circumstances, including for sexually transmitted diseases, abortions and birth control, along with substance abuse and mental health disorders, Wiener said.

Parental consent laws for vaccinations vary by state and region. Alabama allows such decisions for children starting at age 14, Oregon at 15 and Rhode Island and South Carolina at 16, Wiener said.

Philadelphia and Washington allow children age 11 and up to consent to their own COVID-19 vaccines, and in San Francisco the age is 12 and older.

“We know vaccines save lives,” Ani Chaglasian, an advocate with Teens for Vaccines, testified. “Because I did not have the authority to vaccinate myself, I lost my job, summer internship, and was unable to see my grandma when she was intubated.”

Arin Parsa said he founded Teens for Vaccines in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, during a measles outbreak. He urged lawmakers to pass the bill “so we can live without the fear of deadly diseases taking away our futures.”

But Nicole Pearson, an attorney with a practice advocating for civil and human rights, said the youthful advocates “don’t know those times that we stayed up with you, wondering if you were going to live because of some adverse reaction you had to a vaccine.”

“There are many solutions to this problem, and it is not removing the only people who have this

knowledge to help their children ... to make informed consent,” Pearson told the committee.

Matthew McReynolds, an attorney representing the Pacific Justice institute, a conservative legal defense organization, said providing students with true choice would be giving them “a choice to attend school with or without a vaccine. That’s informed consent, and that’s true choice.”

Children that young “simply do not have fully developed decisionmaking skills needed to weigh the risks and benefits and make a truly informed decision,” Sabrina Sandoval, a school psychologist who opposed the measure, said.

“Kids are going to be targeted and marketed to to get the vaccines,” opponent Dawn Richardson, director of advocacy for the National Vaccine Information Center, said.

Senators of both political parties questioned whether California’s legislation might be affected by a recent Washington, court ruling that the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act preempts state law on minors’ consent.

California legislative analysts disputed the ruling. Wiener and McReynolds agreed that the decision doesn’t constrain California, but McReynolds said it offers a roadmap to opponents for a similar legal challenge to Wiener’s bill.

Democrats on the committee generally said the benefits of a fully tested vaccine outweigh the risks, while Republican Sen. Brian Jones said he fears vaccine providers may not have children’s full medical history absent parents’ involvement.

The bill was approved by the 11-member committee on a 7-0 vote, with two members of each political party not voting, and now goes to the full Senate.

Other measures that are moving forward include one requiring school districts to develop COVID-19 testing plans and another addressing immunization information.

It may be painful to think about your funeral, but it doesn’t have to be painful to pay for it.

Cynthia Palmer stays busy sorting clothing donated to EXCEED’s Sack’s Thrift Avenue store in San Jacinto.

Erin Healey keeps the thrift store neat and organized on a regular basis. Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photos

and Veny Manuel of San Diego pose

a photo with their 1970 Maverick. The couple is joined by MaryAnne and Tony Zepeda from Temecula during the annual Rod Run in Old Town Temecula.

poses

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

May 13-May 23 – 5:30-7 p.m.

Each Monday, children from ages 12-16 can attend “Website Development Classes” at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Road, in Menifee. Cost is $100 for residents and $120 for nonresidents. For more information, call 951-723-3880 or email contractclasses@cityofmenifee. us

COMMUNITY EVENTS

May 14 – 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The eighth annual Lambs Fellowship Car and Bike Show will be held at the church grounds, 21901 Railroad Canyon Drive, in Lake Elsinore with more than 350 classic show cars, 150 motorcycles and featured iconic cars like the Batmobile and Knight Rider’s Kitt, food and entertainment.

May 17 – 9 a.m. Fitness experts will speak at the Murrieta Public Library, 8 Town Square, in Murrieta. Expert Kevin Duenas and his team of movement experts will speak on using biomechanics and applied kinesiology with fitness, post-rehab and athletic clients. APG Golf owner and Golf Pro at Bear Creek, Tony Greco, teaches golf to children and golfers who want to excel as well as PGA Tour Professionals. Contact Rita Nastri at 951-698-8640 or visit http:// www.murrietalibraryfriends.org.

May 18 – 5-8 p.m.MilVet invites those who support U.S. service members overseas to come and help assemble care packages for them at the Corporate Room, 34846 Monte Vista Drive, in Wildomar. A $20 suggested donation helps with shipping and supply costs. Reservations required. See http://www.milvet.org.militarycare-packages or call Raven at 951-902-9681.

May 18 – 3:30 p.m. Attend the grand opening ribbon cutting of the San Jacinto Community Garden at Salle Park, 180 Idyllwild Drive, in San Jacinto.

May 20 – 6-9 m. Vail Headquarters presents its Summer Concert Series every Friday evening at 32115 Temecula Parkway in Temecula. Come hear 20 or more local bands; bring a blanket and chairs. Food and drink will be available at restaurants.

May 21 – 2-8 p.m. War Horse at Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, in Temecula brings together the Temecula Fitness Community for demonstrations, vendors and music.

May 21 – Noon to 3 p.m. Mayor Max and deputies Mitzi and Mikey of Idyllwild will hold a ninth birthday party with free food, entertainment and a doggie boutique at Mountain Paws, 54380 N. Circle Drive, in Idyllwild. For more information, contact Phyllis at 949-525-0100.

May 21 – 5 a.m. The Boys & Girls Club’s first 5K run at the Lake Perris State Recreation Area, 17801 Lake Perris Drive, in Perris will benefit both Menifee and Perris Boys & Girls Clubs.

Registration for adults is $20, for children is $10 and for parking is $10. Race begins at 8 a.m.

May 30 – 10 a.m. The Menifee

Memorial Day Observance Ceremony will be held in Central Park, 30268 Civic Plaza Driver, in Menifee with speakers, vendors and special recognition events.

May 30 – 8 a.m. The Murrieta

Memorial Day Observance Ceremony will be held in Town Square Park in Murrieta with guest speakers and guests in remembrance of the lives lost in serving the nation.

June 18 – 4-7 p.m. Father’s Day Car Show will take place at California Oaks Park, 40600 California Oaks Road, in Murrieta.

ONGOING – 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, 951-672-6777, or online at businesslicensing@cityofmenifee.us.

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 Ave. 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 Blvd., Sun City.

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 800-510-2020 for help.

ONGOING – The Riverside County COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program is accepting online applications for business grants up to $10,000 at http://www.rivercobizhelp.org that can be used for employee retention, working capital, personal protective equipment purchases, rent or mortgage payments and paying vendor notices. Eligible businesses, including nonprofits, must be in Riverside County, with a minimum of one but less than 50 employees and operating for at least one year since March 1. For more information, call Riverside

County Business and Community Services at 951-955-0493.

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 St. in Temecula; at Promenade Temecula, 40640 Winchester Road, outside JC Penney every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula 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 are allowed.

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

May 14 – The Ramona Bowl Summer Youth Theater is seeking children for its production of Disney’s “Frozen.” Open to ages 5-18, registration is Saturday, May 14, at 8 a.m. in West Valley High School’s choir room, 3401 Mustang Way, in Hemet. A fee of $50 is due at time of registration. All participants will be in the production. For more information, visit http://www.ramonabowl. com or call 951-658-3111.

May 14 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Escondido High School Cougar Alumni presents a celebration marking the 75th anniversary of EHS. The Golden Reunion is being held at Escondido High School Wilson Stadium, Home of Chick Embrey Field, in Escondido. For more information and registration, visit the website at https://ehsgoldenreunion.org/.

May 14 – 2-4 p.m. Dorland Mountain Arts Colony will host a Friends of Dorland donor appreciation afternoon at the Colony, 36701 Highway 79 South, in Temecula. RSVP by emailing info@ DorlandArtsColony.org

May 17 – Noon. Sons of Norway Vinland Lodge will celebrate Norway’s Constitution Day at the

MSJC Orchestra kicks off 50th anniversary concert season

SAN JACINTO – The Mt. San Jacinto College Orchestra kicked off its 50th anniversary concert season Tuesday, May 10, with the world premiere of “Champion Lodgepole Pine,” a tone poem by MSJC French horn player Christine Richardson, and Beethoven’s First Symphony.

The spring 2022 concert was held in MSJC’s San Jacinto Theater, 1499 N. State St., in San Jacinto.

General admission tickets for the performances are $6. Tickets for seniors and veterans are $5; students pay $4.

For more information and tickets to upcoming events, contact the box office at 951-487-3790.

Anyone who needs a disabilityrelated accommodation can call 951-487-3305 or email dspssjc@ msjc.edu at least five days before the event.

Submitted by Mt. San Jacinto College.

WE BUILD YOUR BRAND

The Mt. San Jacinto College Orchestra kicked off its 50th anniversary concert season Tuesday, May 10, with the world premiere of “Champion Lodgepole Pine,” a tone poem by MSJC French horn player Christine Richardson, and Beethoven’s First Symphony. Valley News/Mt. San Jacinto College photo

Heritage Mobile Park Clubhouse, 31130 S. General Kearny Road, in Temecula with potluck luncheon and a cultural presentation on syttende mai, or Constitution Day. For more information, call 951-309-1579.

May 21 – 1-3 p.m. Dorland Mountain Arts Colony, 36701 Highway 79 South, in Temecula presents Table Manners Theater Readings. Call to let them know how many are coming at http:// www.dorlandartscolony.org.

ONGOING – Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Meeting meets the third Monday of each month at the Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 Sixth Street, in Temecula from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact gaugustin206@gmail.com

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. A potluck lunch is followed by a cultural program and short business meeting. Please come and enjoy company with fellow Scandinavians. Call 951-3091597 or 951-849-1690 for more information.

ONGOING – Noon to 1 p.m. Attend Murrieta Wildomar Chamber of Commerce’s weekly business briefing via Zoom or watch live on Facebook every Wednesday. Registration required at https://bit.ly/MWCBizBriefing

The chamber business briefing is an opportunity to hear from city, county and business leaders about current and relevant business information.

ONGOING – Menifee Community Services offers online driver’s education courses for a $21.95 fee. The course includes animated driving scenarios, instructional videos, sample test, 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-thewheel instruction or a California driver’s permit. Contact 951-7233880 or visit the city of Menifee to register at http://www.city of menifee.us.

ONGOING – 10 to 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 833349-2054.

ONGOING – Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a free 12step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia, has meetings throughout the U.S. and the world. Contact 781932-6300, or for local meetings, call 925-321-0170 or visit http:// www.foodaddicts.org.

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 http://www.temeculavalleyrosesociety.org.

ONGOING – Menifee Toastmasters meets every Thursday at noon for one hour at a designated place to have fun, enhance speaking capabilities, gain self-confidence and improve social skills. For new dates, call 760-807-1323 or visit http://www.MenifeeToastmasters.org for more information.

Crossword Puzzle

by Myles Mellor

Temescal Canyon students to perform ‘You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown’ in May

LAKE ELSINORE – Temescal

Canyon High School’s performing arts students for the first time since COVID-19 will present the play “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” in six performances beginning Thursday, May 12, at the school’s Performing Arts Center.

“This is the Temescal Canyon’s first musical in two years. With only three students in the show having ever performed in a TCHS production before, most of this diverse cast will be making their stage debut with this production,” Tara Abell, the production director, said in making the announcement. The original production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” won both the Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award when it was first presented Off Broadway in 1967. This adored musical was revived on Broadway

in 1999 as “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)” and ran for 149 performances at the Ambassador Theater with award-winning performances by Roger Bart and Kristin Chenoweth as Snoopy and Sally.

The Temescal High students presented this award winning play beginning Thursday, May 12 and will present it Friday, May 13; Saturday, May 14; Thursday, May 19; Friday, May 20; Saturday, May 21 with starting times at 7 p.m. The performances at $12 for adults and $8 for students will be at the Jeanie Corral Performing Arts Center at the high school, 28755 El Toro Road, in Lake Elsinore.

The cast will feature Is Adulaumea as Charlie Brown; Xion Gordon as Snoopy; Alexi Rodriguez as Lucy Van Pelt. Linus Van Pelt will be played by Daniel Hernandez.

Illasell Tan will play Sally Brown; Anderson Myers will perform as Schroeder; Sydney Manning will play the old blanket, and the little bird Woodstock will be played by Izabella Olague. Many other students will be working the lights, assisting with the vocals, operating the sound and spotlights. To attend, download the GoFan app or visit http://GoFan.com on your mobile device or from a computer for tickets, 8 a.m. to

Movie Review: ‘The Bad Guys’

film follows a group of supposedly unlikeable animals as they do bad, while they pretend to want to do good, then grapple with the decision whether or not to actually do good. Spoiler alert for this family movie: they do not unanimously decide to remain bad.

The leader is the Big Bad Wolf, played by Sam Rockwell; his best friend is Mr. Snake, played by Marc Maron; the rest of the team is Miss Tarantula, played by Awkwafina; Mr. Piranha, played by Anthony Ramos, and Mr. Shark, played by Craig Robinson. At the start of the movie, they lead a life of crime since no one is willing to give them a chance in life, what with the scariness and portrayals as villains and such. Seriously, the world is afraid of “these” animals?

Bob Garver

SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

The animated comedy “The Bad Guys” has been the No. 1 movie at the domestic box office for the past two weekends. The

These are the most family-friendly versions of these animals imaginable. I’ve been unnerved around some of the fakest snakes you’ll ever see, and I wasn’t for a second scared of the snake in this

movie. The Beast from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” could be legitimately terrifying at times, so his arc about having to overcome his image made sense. To have the characters be so adorable so early just makes the film so… over-sanitized.

The Bad Guys get busted trying to rob a gala honoring saintly guinea pig Dr. Marmalade, played by Richard Ayode. Wolf makes a scene of bemoaning how he and his crew deserve a chance to prove they can be good. The fox governor, played by Zazie Beetz, relents and agrees to let them be potentially reformed by Dr. Marmalade. Wolf insists to his friends that this is all part of a long con to avoid prison and rob the next gala, but secretly he got a taste of being good when he helped out an old lady with a rubbery face just before the robbery, and he found that he liked it. Maybe the goodness should continue. Maybe the others will like goodness if

3 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information is available at 951-253-7250. The casting was done by Abell and Whitney D’Amico.

“Despite all the newcomers, it’s one of the most diligent casts I have ever worked with – ever,” Abell D’Amico said. “They have made every rehearsal a joy, just like elementary school recess. These kids are having a blast with each other and it’s obvious. You can’t help but

they try it.

Thus begins a journey of twists and turns, where we’re supposed to question who’s conning who and who’s on what side. I’ve seen enough of these movies that even if I couldn’t predict the story beat for beat, I was pretty much right about predicting where everyone would end up. Also, I correctly predicted most of the beats along the way.

It’s not hard to see where this movie draws its inspiration. Subverting fairy tales, that’s “Shrek.” Elaborate heists with smoothtalking explanations, that’s the “Ocean’s” movies. The villains reforming brings to mind that 2010 one-two punch of “Despicable Me” and “Megamind.” And you may as well throw in a layer of “Zootopia” while you’re at it. OK, one thing caught me off-guard: the very first scene in the movie. I hadn’t been expecting an extended tribute to a certain favorite movie of mine. The scene features

be caught up in the fun. This lighthearted musical is exactly what we need right now.”

“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” is based on The Comic Strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz; book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner. The revised play was originally produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson.

Submitted by Temescal High School, rewritten by staff writer Tony Ault.

Wolf and Snake bantering in a coffee shop, and Snake is wearing an awfully familiar-looking Hawaiian shirt. That movie also had a character named Wolf, played there by Harvey Keitel.

Adults will find little to surprise them about “The Bad Guys,” and even children have probably been taken on this ride a few times before. But the characters are undeniably given a great deal of charm by the voice cast, and a lot of the jokes still land, even if they too are overly familiar at times. It isn’t a movie that you need to take your children to see right away, but if you want to take your children to a movie for the sake of taking them to a movie, sure, this film is fine.

Grade: B-

“The Bad Guys” is rated PG for action and rude humor. Its running time is 100 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

Estella Calderon named Arts Council Menifee Artist of the Month for May 2022

SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

Arts Council Menifee named Estella Calderon as May 2022 Artist of the Month in honor of her art, which has enriched Menifee’s artistic community, and for her helpful attitude and commitment to furthering visual arts in the community, which shows no sign of slowing down.

As a child, Calderon expressed a keen interest in drawing images. As such, she would enter art contests seen in advertisements and was even offered an opportunity to attend an art school to sharpen her skills; however, she did not get the chance to progress until she reached adulthood.

Her father, who she described as a stern Hispanic man, had mentioned to the young Calderon that art was a waste of time.

“I never went to school for it (drawing and painting),” Calderon said. “Later on in life my dad apologized to me and regretted that he did not let me go to school for art, because he saw what I have accomplished.”

Calderon, who volunteers at the Menifee Art and Boutique in Menifee every Tuesday, has a wide array of her paintings on display and for sale.

Her unique acrylic painting method and style mostly includes a strong presence of animals, which she says serves as a reminder of her happy childhood and exhibits her love of animals.

Estella Calderon holds one of the many paintings that she has created and sells at the Menifee and Boutique, while explaining what inspires her artwork.

Valley News/Victor Ortiz Jr. photo

“When I was growing up, one of my grandmothers had a lot of chickens, goats, and geese,” Calderon said. “We would sometimes be placed in the same enclosure as the animals just so that it would be easier for ‘us’ to be watched. I liked teasing a goat around and would play chase. He (the goat) would never hurt me, but we would just play chase.”

Recently, Calderon’s main focus has been painting ladies with large eyes and always finds a way to include an animal in the image she creates.

“In a lot of my work people tell me that they see my mother because she had big eyes,” Calderon said. “My mother was very crafty and did painting herself. She inspired me a lot.”

Calderon said she is inspired by not only her family and many life memories, but also likes to

look at older magazines to obtain ideas. Sometimes she draws ideas from watching TV, specifically Spanish soaps. Calderon’s colorfully detailed art can be found throughout the Menifee Art and Boutique.

She is currently working on a project featuring an angel, which she plans to sell at the boutique in the future.

“I like showing my art because it gives a lot of people pleasure. They smile when they see it,”

Calderon said.

Menifee Art and Boutique is located at 26830 Cherry Hills Blvd. in Menifee. For more information on Arts Council Menifee, visit http://www.artscouncilmenifee.org.

Decompress with Board Games & Brews at Temecula library

TEMECULA – Stressed over work or finals? Looking for an entertaining night of games, music and coffee? Come decompress at “Board Games & Brews” at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road, in Temecula Thursday, May 19, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Sit down and play a variety of popular board games like Carcas-

sonne, Dutch Blitz, Cover Your Kingdoms and more with friends, both old and new. Not sure how to play? Do not worry – game organizers will teach newcomers.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Temecula Libraries.

“Board Games & Brews” is open to adults 18 and over. Advanced registration will begin two weeks before the event. Register at the

library reception desk or call 951693-8900.

For a full list of programs and offerings at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/Library and follow @TemeculaLibrary on social media for updates. Submitted by city of Temecula.

Cast members rehearse “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” at the Temescal Canyon High School’s Performing Arts Center.

Temescal student Sydney Manning will be playing “The Blanket” in the You’re a Good Man Charlies Brown play. at the school.

Valley News/Courtesy photos

Victor Ortiz Jr.

MSJC Art Gallery hosts The Eclipse Project: ‘A Walk Through Time’

SAN JACINTO – The Mt. San Jacinto College Art Gallery, California Family Life Center and Worth Visual Arts are pleased to present a.r.t.e.r.y.ʼs 2022 “The Eclipse Project” exhibit now through May 19 at the college’s San Jacinto Campus. This exhibition marks the 17th year collaboration between MSJC, California Family Life Center and Worth Visual Arts.

“A Walk Through Time” encourages visitors to walk in another’s shoes, travel through time and share the challenges, conflicts, joys and accomplishments in each individual’s life. Artist journals accompany the artwork on exhibit.

This year’s exhibition will feature ceramic shoes made by California Family Life Center youth mentors and senior citizens. The shoes have incredible stories to tell, with each shoe showing the different journey of each artist and the wear and tear that a well-lived life leaves. These collaborative works have inspired the senior citizens and a.r.t.e.r.y. students to think about their lives in new and exciting ways. When the seniors work with young people, they feel a sense of rejuvenation and are inspired to share their life stories with them. As the a.r.t.e.r.y. youth mentors have worked with the seniors, it has inspired them to think beyond their current lives and motivated them to think about how they can be of service to others. Their collaboration has brought a sense of understanding and appreciation between generations.

Me ntoring, art and community service are key elements to California Family Life Centerʼs a.r.t.e.r.y. program. This yearʼs exhibit emphasizes mentoring skills, focusing on the transference of creative energy, vision and goals through art with children and the senior population. A.r.t.e.r.y. mentors work with various ages, building a one-to-one relationship with preschool to senior populations. Youth mentors realize the importance of art benefiting their choices in career paths, while bridging positive endeavors within their community. By exhibiting their

The Mt. San Jacinto College Art Gallery, California Family Life Center and Worth Visual Arts present a.r.t.e.r.y.’s 2022 “The Eclipse Project” exhibit now through Thursday, May 19, at the college’s San Jacinto Campus.

The Mt. San Jacinto College Art Gallery, California Family Life Center and Worth Visual Arts present a.r.t.e.r.y.’s 2022 “The Eclipse Project,” which features ceramic shoes made by California Family Life Center youth mentors and senior citizens, showing the different journey of each artist and the wear and tear that a well-lived life leaves. Valley News/Mt. San Jacinto College photos

artwork at the MSJC Art Gallery, youth are exposed to college as a more attainable path for their future while assimilating comfortably in a college atmosphere.

Student and mentor introspective journals will be displayed and are a crucial part of the a.r.t.e.r.y. program. The journal entries help reveal the artists’ thoughts on their past and present as their lives change and grow beyond their homes and comfort zones.

The show has been made possible by the cooperative efforts of the MSJC Art Gallery, Worth Visual Arts Programs, Michele Worth, California Family Life Centers, Planet Youth, Empower Youth and Rubidoux YOC. Participating collaborators are the Camelot Senior Center and Elsinore Community Senior Center.

The Art Gallery is in Building 1400 on the college’s San Jacinto Campus, 1499 N. State. St. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For more information, contact MSJC art instructor John Knuth at JKnuth@msjc.edu

Submitted by Mt. San Jacinto College.

A.r.t.e.r.y.’s 2022 “The Eclipse Project” exhibit, “A Walk Through Time” encourages visitors to walk in another’s shoes, travel through time and share the challenges, conflicts, joys and accomplishments in each individual’s life at the Mt. San Jacinto College’s San Jacinto Campus.

Soboba’s annual springtime events return in full bloom

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

The Soboba Foundation & Soboba Casino Resort Charity Golf Tournament celebrated its 10th year of togetherness, caring, helping others and giving back to community nonprofits with its two-day event a few weeks ago. The Tribal Easter Picnic returned Sunday, April 10, and brought out all ages for egg hunts, picnic games and a catered lunch for families to enjoy.

This year’s golf tournament supported a dozen nonprofits by granting each of them $10,000 to continue their work through implementation of projects or programs. Those who benefited from this year’s event were the 7G Foundation, Boxing for Christ, Carol’s Kitchen, Colombiere Retreat Center Inc. – Spirit Mountain Retreat, Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation, Lifeworks Adult Transition Program – Hemet Unified School District, My City Youth, Native American Land Conservancy, TIP of Southwest Riverside County Inc., Valley Community Pantry, Valley Restart Shelter and VIP Tots.

“It was really great to be able to gather together again, especially with this being our milestone 10th anniversary,” Dondi Silvas, president of Soboba Foundation, said.

She has served on the foundation board since 2015 but volunteered her time at the tournament before that time.

“Ten years is a long time, and I love seeing the continued support of all those willing to contribute to the causes the foundation feels work well in our communities,” Silvas said.

Jim Lineberger, executive director of Valley Community Pantry, said his organization has been serving those in need in the San Jacinto Valley since 1965 and has been grateful for past support from the Soboba Foundation. This year’s funds will be used to purchase a riding mower to maintain a large empty lot they have and storage racks and food sorting tables for the Hemet facility to accommodate food donations received from local stores, busi-

nesses, churches, schools, service organizations and individuals.

Mary Morse of Colombiere Retreat Center Inc. said that with the grant from Soboba, Spirit Mountain Retreat will continue offering “Return to Yourself Resiliency Retreats” at its Idyllwild facility for women veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder Hemet Unified School District’s Sharyl Williams said having Lifeworks Adult Services be chosen as one of this year’s recipients was exciting. She said the program currently operates an on-campus coffee shop, and they want to take it on the road to other school sites, community events and local businesses to give the program’s participants more vocational and community exposure.

Nearly 200 players were on the Soboba Springs Golf Course each day, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 29-30, and made their way to the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center for the return of the awards banquet where one raffle grand prize winner each night was awarded $10,000 in cash and a chance to win $20,000. An auction and other opportunity drawings netted participants an array of sports memorabilia, equipment, fun outings and other prizes.

Soboba Tribal Council Chair Isaiah Vivanco has in addition

served as the Golf Tournament Committee Chair for the past eight years.

“We’ve developed into one of the most popular charity golf tournaments in our area,” he said. “We continue to sell out year after year and this, I always say, is a tribute to the hard-working committee we have. This year we challenged ourselves with creating a 10th anniversary event that would top all the past events.

I believe we accomplished this.

Over the years I’ve developed relationships with pretty much all the participants and when I see them at other events or meetings I always get complimented on our tournament. I always let our team know of the growing excitement for our tournament, which also leads to anticipation of the next, and the committee has answered the call every time.”

Vivanco said a highlight of this year’s event was providing grants to a dozen charities. They had planned on 10 beneficiaries as had been the case in recent years, but the Soboba Foundation made the decision to add several more this year. He said he was happy they could accomplish that increase.

“Like any big event there are always challenges or last-minute changes,” Vivanco said. “We’ve assembled a team who works well

with one another. When challenges pop up our team works together to come up with the best solution.

As a participant, you will see an awesome event being put on but just know that there is also an awesome team behind the scenes making sure it runs smoothly.”

He added that seeing the banquets return this year was something he enjoyed.

“Because of COVID over the past two years, we went without a banquet,” Vivanco said. “But this year we brought it back and I believe it was one of our best. From the attendance to the live auction, it was a fun-filled night.

I especially like being able to interact with the participants. They are our biggest supporters and partners and being able to say thank you in person means a lot.”

Andrew Vallejos, Soboba’s sponsorship coordinator, said, “The real heroes of the event were the volunteer coordinator and all the team members of the golf tournament committee from both the casino resort and Tribal administration.”

Looking ahead to the next big event, the Soboba Foundation & Soboba Casino Resort are gearing up to present the 14th annual Lip Sync Contest fundraiser to benefit local nonprofits Friday, June 17. Applicants will be chosen on

a first-come, first-served basis. Twelve local nonprofit organizations will be asked to lip sync their hearts out to win their share of $10,000 in prize money

Silvas said it is always a fun night and every year she wonders how the groups can top themselves the next time, but they do. She appreciates their ability to get out of their comfort zones for a cause they believe in. Even before she was involved as a foundation member, she would attend the event to support the groups and have a great night out.

“Every year it gets better and better,” Silvas said. “And last year’s judges brought a certain flair to the event that elevated it even more.”

Vallejos, who will emcee the program once again, said, “Often humorous and sometimes touching, each year I look forward to seeing the creativity, teamwork and dedication behind each of the contestants. They always deliver such an entertaining show for our audience and that makes them all winners in my book.”

For more information and to complete an application for the Lip Sync contest, visit http:// www.soboba-nsn.gov/sponsorship or contact sponsorships@ soboba-nsn.gov

The 10th annual Soboba Foundation & Soboba Casino Resort Charity Golf Tournament marks a successful milestone, with from left, Daniel Valdez, Sally Moreno-Ortiz, Dondi Silvas, Isaiah Vivanco, Julie Arrietta-Parcero, Catherine “Cat” Modesto and Antonia BrionesVenegas. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

Soboba Tribal Administration and Soboba Foundation members partner to offer a booth offering candy and other goodies at the Tribal Easter Picnic Sunday, April 10, at the Soboba Sports Complex, including from left, Steven Estrada, Dondi Silvas, Julie ArriettaParcero, Loovi Herrera, Monica Herrera, Andrew Vallejos and Catherine “Cat” Modesto.

Menifee’s Senior Expo & Health Fair draws seniors, families and caregivers to Central Park

Hundreds of Menifee seniors took advantage of the annual Senior Expo & Health Fair at Central Park to gather information on programs especially designed for them in the community and throughout Riverside County, May 7.

A special guest at the fair was Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh representing District 23 who was i ntroduced by Menifee Senior Advisory Committee Chair Gloria Sanchez.

“There are many seniors looking for help here,” Ochoa said. She welcomed them and pledged her help to them, saying her senatorial office is open for them. “We are here for you. We can help.”

Sanchez, pointing to a blue T-

Dr. Daman Jamarai and Amanda Rees

SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

While we continue to study and gather data about the secondorder impacts of COVID-19, it is becoming clear that the pandemic exacerbated risk factors for falls among older adults like physical inactivity. For this reason, it is vital for older adults to know that support is available that can help reduce their risk for falls and improve their quality of life.

Nearly 25% of able-bodied older adults in California is classified as physically inactive, putting them at increased risks for falls and disease, according to the 2021 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. In California, 30.4% of adults aged 65 and older reported a fall in the past year, the reports showed.

Falls present a more significant health threat than many realize, and for older adults, they can take a serious toll on quality of life, independence and overall well being. While the risk of falls increases for older adults, falls are not a normal part of aging and pose a serious public health concern.

shirt saying, “Wellness Rocks,” brought members of the senior dance group Joyful Feet to the stage to show their dancing for fitness skills and urged their counterparts to stay fit and well through the many senior programs offered in Menifee.

Also attending the fair were Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman, Council Member Lesa Sobek, Director of Community Services Jonathan Nicks and other members of the Senior Advisory Committee.

Entertaining the guests was the 5 Mile band who played many of the older familiar tunes of the past century and some popular country songs.

Seniors were able to visit more than 30 vendor booths displaying many locations where they can find physical, living, financial and

mental health information with representatives to answer their many questions and give them direction in their senior years.

Assisting the seniors in finding the right help, the Senior Advisory Committee who hosted the event, furnished what they called a service provider passport that when completed would earn them a free lunch. The passport vendors included a variety of medical, health and wellness providers. Seniors interested in the passports can find information through the Menifee Senior Advisory Council, Menifee City Hall or the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center.

Sponsors for this year’s Senior Expo & Health Fair were Evans Brown Mortuary, Menifee Interfaith and Community Service Council and Miller Jones Mortuary.

While contributing factors for falls like physical inactivity, obesity, and alcohol abuse were exacerbated by COVID-19, other risk factors include arthritis, poor balance and vision, certain medications, osteoporosis, certain disabilities and general frailty. Older adults with arthritis, a common driver of disability, are more than twice as likely to experience a fall.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention show falls are the No. 1 cause of injury and ER visits for adults age 65 and older. One in 4 older adults fall each year, costing more than $50 billion annually. And that cost is projected to increase up to $100 billion by 2030.

As a physician and a leader in healthy aging, we have each seen firsthand the impact of falls on both patients and loved ones. Falls too often lead to a cascade of health challenges and a decrease in quality of life. An older adult who suffers a fall may not be able to enjoy the same activities as before like gardening, sports or other hobbies.

To help address these challenges, Age Bold and United -

Healthcare are working together in California to provide fitness programs at no additional cost for eligible UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan members and to raise awareness of risk factors for falls among older adults. Proper exercise can reduce risks for falls among older adults by improving strength and balance.

In addition to exercise, the CDC has helpful resources and tips for reducing risk for falls, including speaking openly with your physician, having your eyes and feet checked, and removing obstacles in the home that could pose a tripping hazard.

COVID-19 caused a shift in consumer demand for flexible, simple, and convenient options to access healthcare and the resources to live a healthier life. It’s more important than ever that we come together to support the older adults in our communities with the resources they need to stay on their feet and maintain the quality of life they deserve.

Dr. Daman Jamarai is chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of California, and Amanda Rees is CEO of Age Bold.

TRICARE launches childbirth and breastfeeding support demonstration

FALLS CHURCH, Vir. – TRICARE announced it has begun a five-year demonstration project for childbirth and breastfeeding support that covers the services of certified labor doulas, certified lactation consultants and certified lactation counselors.

The benefit covers up to six visits by a certified labor doula before or after giving birth, as well as one continuous labor support encounter during the birth event.

The breastfeeding benefit includes TRICARE coverage of lactation consultants and lactation counselors as part of the six outpatient breastfeeding/lactation counseling sessions previously covered per birth event. In addition, it adds coverage for group breastfeeding counseling, which includes group prenatal breastfeeding education.

TRICARE’s regional contractors are actively recruiting new network providers. Before agreeing to labor doula or lactation consultant services, beneficiaries should check with their regional support contractor to ensure they are working with a TRICARE network provider to prevent unexpected out of pocket costs.

The demonstration is for TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select beneficiaries. It is not offered at military hospitals and clinics. Overseas beneficiaries will be eligible to participate in the demonstration beginning Jan. 1, 2025, when it expands to overseas locations.

The demonstration will expire Dec. 31, 2026, but may be continued. This demonstration doesn’t

apply to beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE for Life, US Family Health Plan and Continued Health Care Benefit Program. Contractors must automatically enroll beneficiaries in the demonstration when claims for services covered under the demonstration are filed. The contractor must verify the beneficiary and provider meet eligibility criteria in this section and must record the beneficiary’s enrollment by using the appropriate Special Processing Code. For more information, visit the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration Special Programs page. To see if you are eligible, reach out to your TRICARE regional contractor for assistance. Submitted by TRICARE.

Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Attending Menifee’s annual Senior Expo & Health Fair Saturday, May 7, are, from left, Mayor Bill Zimmerman, Senior Advisory Committee Member Dave Morse, Senior Advisory Committee Member Bruce Atwood, Council Member Lesa Sobek, Senior Advisory Committee Chair Gloria Sanchez, Senior Advisory Committee

Vice-Chair Anne-Marie Novack, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Senior Advisory Committee Member Linda Blanche and Community Services Director Jonathan Nicks. Valley News/City of Menifee courtesy photos

Kori Jones, Menifee’s Waste Management liaison, at the Senior Expo & Health Fair, shows the latest food waste bucket residents can receive at Menifee City Hall to contain food wastes that must be disposed of separately according to a new state law. Waste Management is working with the city on this issue.

The Joyful Feet, a Menifee senior dancing group, with their Dancing for Life T-shirts show off their fitness and dancing skills on the Central Park stage during Menifee’s annual Senior Expo & Health Fair.

Working together in California to decrease the risks of falls for older adults through fitness, personalized support

BUSINESS

Powerstone Property Management’s Inland Empire Office selected by Lakes Community Association in Menifee

TEMECULA – Powerstone Property Management Inc., a full-service Orange County-based property management firm, announced that Powerstone’s Inland Empire office located in Temecula has been selected by Lakes Community Association to manage the Lakes at Menifee gated master planned community.

The property is a collection of 1,021 homes inside a gated community built between 2007-2019 in Eastern Menifee by Centex, Pulte and Lennar home builders with single, two story and threestory homes up to and over 4,000 square feet.

“We’re very excited for the opportunity to manage this exceptional community which enjoys a stellar reputation throughout the Inland Empire. Because we work and live in the neighbor-

hoods we serve, it means that our team of property management professionals are local and will be very hands-on delivering the outstanding service we’re famous for,” Rene’ Decker, CEO of Powerstone Property Management, said. “Since we opened this office we have grown steadily, and we continue to expand our services for our Inland Empire clients.”

The Lakes in Menifee has a Bay Club complex complete with a competition pool, water slides and slide pool, splash pad, spa, barbecue grills, community gym, Event Center, six community parks with playgrounds, a basketball court and three lakes for catch and release fishing.

“The Lakes Community Association is a special place to call home,” Jeff Moll, board president of The Lakes Community Asso-

ciation, said. “Our community and residents are very particular about how the neighborhoods are maintained and managed. We selected Powerstone to manage The Lakes because of their reputation as the category leader and expert in managing the details including project management and workflow.

“For example, we’re in the midst of a bay club pool area renovation which is scheduled to be completed by this Summer,” he said.

Speaking for the Inland Empire office, Tim Peckham, Powerstone’s director of community management, said, “I’m extremely excited about this opportunity to serve such an icon for the Inland Empire. I assure you that our team is anxious to start and is ready to go.”

Submitted by Powerstone Property Management Inc.

Inland Empire Community Foundation announces partnership with Amazon for Earth Day 2022

RIVERSIDE – In recognition of Earth Day 2022, Inland Empire Community Foundation and Amazon announced $100,000 to local groups that have programs supporting environmental education in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The funding was made possible through the Environmental Micro-Grant Program and individual grants ranged from $7,500 to $10,000.

“The Inland Empire Community Foundation does vital work on behalf of the Inland Empire community, and Amazon is proud to support their efforts,” David Ambroz, Amazon’s community relations lead for the Inland Empire, said. “Environmental education is a great way to promote future stewardship of our natural resources, which is an important goal for Amazon. That’s why we co-founded the Climate Pledge, a commitment to be net-zero carbon across our business operations 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.”

As part of its commitment to invest in communities locally, Amazon has funded the Environmental MicroGrant Program at IECF to support organizations that promote environmental literacy, outdoor learning and conservation. Priority for funding was for groups that specifically address removing barriers and providing access to enjoying, learning, and protecting nature.

The first round of 2022 Environmental Micro-Grant Program grantees included Mojave Desert Land Trust, Rivers and Lands Conservancy, Santa Rosa Plateau Foundation, Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council, Lifting Our Stories and the Environmental Education Collaborative.

“This is an opportunity to release funds to help our nonprofits bring more people into the outdoors and enhance awareness for the conservation issues of the IE,” Celia Cudiamat, IECF’s senior vice president of grants and community impact, said. “We hope that more

people are inspired by the important work that these environmental groups are doing and get involved.”

IECF hosted the Environmental Micro-Grant Program for the last four years. Cudiamat said Amazon’s investment is “five times the funding our environmental education groups have had, so we are exc ited by this funding and its potential to bring more visibility to our landscapes and environmental issues.”

Founded in 1941, the Inland Empire Community Foundation is the oldest and largest community foundation in Inland Southern California. We partner with individuals, families and corporations to build a culture of philanthropy. Since inception, we have given out over $127 million in grants and scholarships. For more information visit the IECF’s website at http://www. iegives.org. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Submitted by Inland Empire Community Foundation.

Temecula veteran receives $30,000 Mobility is Freedom vehicle grant

TEMECULA – Wounded Warriors Family Support awarded Josue Barron of Temecula and Ryan Major of New Orleans with $30,000 Mobility is Freedom vehicle grants. Barron purchased a 2022 Ford Bronco, while Major obtained a GMC Sierra.

Barron was on an October 2010 morning foot patrol when his engineer stepped on an improvised explosive device as they returned to base. As a result, the U.S. Navy members were left with amputations. Barron received the Purple Heart and a Combat Action Ribbon.

Barron said he is driven by his background and disability, which has made him stronger and shown him that anything is possible. He likes to lift weights and travel in California with his family. Barron also is interested in hand cycling and aspires to make the U.S. Paralympic Team.

During November 2006, Army Sgt. Major’s unit was attached to a Marine squad in Ramadi, Iraq. Major was on foot patrol when he was severely injured by an IED. As

his comrades prepared to return to Germany, Major was flown to the United States. Along with multiple internal wounds, Major sustained burns and injuries to both arms and is a double amputee.

Major’s mother, Lorrie, is a registered nurse and single parent. She took a leave of absence to stay by his side during the multiple months of surgeries, therapies and procedures at numerous hospitals. He continues to endure ongoing medical care for his injuries.

“There are tremendous unmet needs and gaps in finances to every family that has a wounded service member,” Kate McCauley, CEO and president of Wounded Warriors Family Support, said. “These Mobility is Freedom vehicle grants will help Josue and Ryan close those gaps and meet their needs.”

Wounded Warriors Family Support is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. This organization is run by combat veterans for combat vet-

Josue Barron of Temecula stands before the 2022 Ford Bronco purchased with a $30,000 Mobility is Freedom grant he received from Wounded Warriors Family Support. Valley News/Courtesy photo erans. Rated a four-star nonprofit by Charity Navigator, Wounded Warriors Family Support aids veterans and their families in healing the wounds that medicine cannot. For more information about Wounded Warriors Family Support, visit http://www.wwfs.org Submitted by Wounded Warriors Family Support.

Murrieta Innovation Center startup wins top prize at Riverside County Innovation Month’s Fast Pitch Finale

MURRIETA – Swellter, a startup at Murrieta Innovation Center, was awarded first place in a countywide Fast Pitch Finale Wednesday, April 27. The Fast Pitch Finale is the culminating event of the 2022 Riverside County Innovation Month. Throughout April, the county, partner cities, Murrieta included, chambers, higher education institutions and strategic partners across Riverside County held events highlighting and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. This year’s program marks the fifth year for this month-long showcase. Southwest Riverside County held the local Quick Pitch com-

petition Monday, April 4, where local startups were invited to apply to make their pitch before judges. Participants were given the opportunity to deliver a 5-minute pitch to a panel of judges. The grand prize winner, which had to be a technology-focused business, moved on to participate in the Riverside County Innovation Month Grand Finale. Southwest Riverside’s Quick Pitch winner, Swellter, went on to win the full countywide Fast Pitch Finale.

The Fast Pitch winner, Swellter, is a first-of-its-kind patient immersion platform that is transforming the oncology patient-physician experience through consent, edu-

cation, and data sharing in realtime. Rebecca Owens Driscoll, who represented Swellter at the Fast Pitch events, is the founder and CEO of Swellter. She is a 20year health care veteran who has spent her career solely focused on improving cancer patient lives through use of complex cancer testing for precise diagnosis. It is the goal of Swellter to give every cancer patient the necessary access to the knowledge needed for navigating their care.

Learn more on the Innovation Month website and learn more about Swellter on their website. Submitted by city of Murrieta.

Jeff Moll is the board president of Lakes Community Association in Menifee. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Pala Casino Spa Resort will transition its hotel to 100% non-smoking

PALA – Pala Casino Spa Resort announced that its hotel will become a 100% non-smoking facility, which includes tobacco, vaping and marijuana. Any violation of this policy will result in a non-negotiable charge of $1,000 to cover damages and deep cleaning. The policy only applies to the hotel, including but not limited to inside rooms and suites, hallways, elevators and common areas.

The hotel will provide designated smoking areas outside to accommodate the needs of guests who smoke.

The Pala Casino Spa Resort Hotel has 507 standard rooms and suites, all of which will be smokefree effective Wednesday, June

1. Before booking a hotel room, guests must agree to the terms and conditions of the no-smoking policy.

“The Hotel will be using stateof-the-art sensor technology to track smoke in the air,” Coley

Menifee

MENIFEE – State Farm welcomed new agent Sonia Avalos to its family of Good Neighbor agents in California. The Avalos agency, 29950 Haun Road, Suite 205, in Menifee opened its doors Sunday, May 1.

Avalos said her team is dedicated to empowering customers with the knowledge to make educated decisions about insurance and financial services. They help people gain a better understanding of their insurance coverage and how it applies

McAvoy, representative of Pala Casino Spa Resort, said. “This is in an effort to satisfy guest wishes and to keep the air fresh and clean.”

Pala Casino Spa Resort Hotel will be joining the 85% of all U.S. hotels who have a no-smoking policy. Hotels prohibiting tobacco use inside their buildings is consistent with attitudinal changes.

“We have found that even those who smoke request smoke-free rooms at our hotel,” Nelly DecenaMartin, director of hotel operations, said.

“Even in casinos that allow smoking on the casino floor, such as Pala Casino Spa Resort, guests are still firm about their desire to stay in a smoke-free hotel room,” McAvoy said.

The odor or residue from any type of smoking is seen as unclean and unhealthy, and with heightened general health concerns due to the pandemic, a vast majority

to them. The Avalos State Farm Agency is staffed by the knowledgeable and helpful Alexis, in addition to Avalos. Together they have over 15 years of combined customer service experience.

“I chose to become an agent because I have seen throughout the years, many people lose what they worked so hard to obtain over an incident they thought they were covered for,” Avalos said. “Knowledge is key and I plan to empower my customers with knowledge and

of guests request non-smoking rooms. As SoCal’s Entertainment Capital, Pala Casino Spa Resort includes a Las Vegas-style casino including an expansive gaming floor with over 2,000 slot and video machines, 78 table games, nine restaurants, two lounges, 2,000seat Pala Events Center, outdoor Starlight Theater and luxury hotel; five swimming pools with two hot tubs and 14 luxury cabanas. Pala Casino’s wide variety of HD premium sporting events enhance an exciting collection of live bands daily at both indoor and outdoor venues. Pala Casino Spa & Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond Award winner for 15 consecutive years. For more information, visit http://www.palacasino. com, http://www.facebook.com/ palacasino or http://www.twitter. com/palacasino.

Submitted by Pala Casino Spa Resort.

information.”

Avalos, the oldest of three siblings, has lived in the Inland Empire since 2006. She and her husband have two sons. They are foodies, enjoy travel and going to the beach. Her older son is into art and music.

“The thing I look forward to most is being able to protect and serve the working class,” Avalos said. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during weekdays. Submitted by State Farm.

PALA – Pala Casino Spa Resort paid out over $26,500,000 in slots and table games across the casino floor to guests during the month of April, including over 10,000 jackpots.

Winning guests played a variety of games. Some of the winning guests include but are not limited to: Aaron C. of Fallbrook who won $10,512.05 from Prosperity Panda; Angel G. of Oceanside who won $48,142.00 from Panda King; Elvira D. of Long Beach who won

$22,911.55 from Double Blessings; John Arthur H. of Hawthorne who won $27,180.00 from Triple Double Stars; Camila Alves F. of San Diego who won $21,537.29 from 888 Blue Dragon; Dolores P. of Oceanside who won $20,747.06 from Golden Century_002 and Brain Lee P. of Central Point, Oregon, who won $21,328.24 from Genghis Khan_001.

Submitted by Pala Casino Spa Resort.

HEMET – McSweeny Farms, a master planned community in Hemet, will host its inaugural food drive Saturday, May 14, through Saturday, May 28, to benefit those served by the Valley Community Pantry in Hemet.

“It’s important that we give back to the community that has contributed to McSweeny Farms’ success and welcomed us with open arms,” Patrick Parker, president of Raintree Investment Corp., developer of McSweeny Farms, said. “Hemet has not only inspired us, but it quickly became home to us. We are striving to ensure our neighbors and friends don’t go without vital means and know that we are here to support and care for

them where we can.”

The food drive will offer two drop-off locations in the community. The McSweeny Farms clubhouse, 2935 North Village Loop, will accept donations daily, May 14-28, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Savannah KB Home, 516 Farmstead Street, will accept donations Monday through Friday, May 1428, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Unopened, non-perishable food items are being accepted. Recommended donations include canned vegetables and fruit, canned soup, canned tuna and chicken, peanut butter, canned beans, cereal, cup of noodles, pasta noodles, oatmeal, rice, tomato sauce and T-shirt grocery bags.

All donations will directly benefit the Valley Community Pantry, a nonprofit food bank that provides emergency food, utility and rental assistance to underserved, displaced, disabled and low-income families in the San Jacinto Valley and surrounding cities. Currently serving more than 12,000 families and averaging 131 new families per month, the organization also offers special assistance programs for veterans and older adults. For more information about the Valley Community Pantry, visit http://www.vcpcares.org To learn more about McSweeny Farms, visit http://www.liveatmcsweeny.com. Submitted by McSweeny Farms.

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Great Oak takes Southwestern League boys' tennis titles

Local teams swing through CIF Southern Section playoffs

JP Raineri

SPORTS EDITOR

It has been two weeks since Great Oak won the Southwestern League boys’ tennis titles in singles and doubles play. A lot has happened in the local high school tennis world since then. So, let’s catch up.

At the Murrieta Tennis Club, Friday, April 29, the top prep tennis players from all six Southwestern League high schools met to challenge their way through the tournament brackets. Round one doubles matchups were set up as follows:

No. 1 seeds Eric Rutz-Robbins, and Nick Huang of Great Oak, versus, Colin Rieder and Vicente Ochoa of Murrieta Mesa.

Vaughn Willmer and R.J. Umali of Chaparral High School, versus Evan Alexander and Ryan Duncan of Temecula Valley.

Nicholas Pinero and Noe Leivas of Temecula Valley, versus, Dayton Ohm and Travis Keeler of

Vista Murrieta.

Joses Fernandez and Christopher Mueller of Murrieta Valley, versus, No. 4 seeds Blake Cherry and Tanner Stock of Great Oak. No. 3 seeds Kaiden Mertzel and Landon Schneeloch of Temecula Valley, versus, Matthew Graham and Matthew Frankot of Vista

Murrieta.

Pierce Macken and Nathan Lowe of Vista Murrieta, versus, Luke Engelbrecht and Jordan Strand of Chaparral High School.

Rocco Ammirata and Dakota Rowland of Murrieta Mesa, versus, Travis Geske and Dominick Ramirez of Murrieta Valley. Noa Bell and Trent Geske of Murrieta Valley, versus, No. 2 seeds Matthew Gonzalez and Jensen Davis of Great Oak.

Great Oak’s top-seeded RutzRobbins and Huang, with 6-0, 6-0 wins over Rieder and Ochoa, advanced to face Willmer and Umali of Chaparral (6-1, 6-0 victory) in the quarterfinals and Fernandez and Mueller of Murrieta Valley

(6-0, 6-0) in the semifinals, before advancing to the finals.

Temecula Valley’s No. 3 seeded team of Mertzel and Schneeloch knocked out Graham and Frankot of Vista Murrieta (6-1, 6-0), Macken and Lowe of Vista Murrieta (6-3, 6-0) and Great Oak’s No. 2 seeds Gonzalez and Davis en route to their final’s appearance.

Rutz-Robbins and Huang laid claim to the SWL Doubles title with 6-3 and 6-0 victories over Mertzel and Schneeloch. Nick Huang actually won the SWL Singles title in 2021 and Eric Rutz-Robbins has now won two consecutive SWL Doubles titles.

The Southwestern League Singles tournament took place next, with the matchup’s being set as follows:

No. 1 seed Owen Pearson of Murrieta Valley, versus, Chad Hayes of Temecula Valley.

Jackson Foltz of Great Oak, versus, Logan Valentine of Murrieta Valley.

Jackson Suemnick of Chaparral,

see TENNIS, page C-3

CIF Southern Section softball updates

JP Raineri

SPORTS EDITOR

The first week of the seven-divisional softball playoffs have concluded for the week and top teams like Murrieta Mesa, Heritage and Temescal Canyon are still in the hunt. With 234 total teams entered, the single-elimination tournaments began earlier this week with wild card contests where necessary, followed by first-round games in all divisions Thursday, May 5.

No teams from our area received top seeds, but Murrieta Mesa, the Southwestern League co-champion and No. 1 team in the local press rankings, did open up the Division 1 playoffs at home with a 9-4 win against Ayala (13-6). The Lady Rams (23-7) will face Norco in the second round, which resumes Tuesday, May 10.

In the Division 7 brackets, there was a run differential between local winning and losing teams of 79 runs. In four of those games, only 4 runs were scored by teams that lost, and Anza’s Hamilton had the only high scoring affair, defeating Nuview Bridge 18-12. It is hard to gauge what will ever happen in the lowest tiered level of the playoff brackets, but when final scores look like that of a football game, there has to be some questions being asked about parity. Perhaps the second-round games will tell a different tale.

The championships will be held in Deanna Manning Stadium at Colonel Bill Barber Park in Irvine

Murrieta Mesa’s

Section Division 1 first-round

Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21. All games, with the exception of championship games, are scheduled to begin at 3:15 p.m. unless otherwise noted. All championship games will be livestreamed by Bally Sports West and the NFHS Network. Scores from the first round for

game Thursday, May 5. Valley News/Andrez Imaging

divisions were posted as follows.

May 5 Heritage 4, Cerritos 2 Temescal Canyon 7, Arlington 3

La Quinta 7, Hemet 0 - Second round, Tuesday, May 10 Western Christian at Heritage Temescal Canyon at Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks)

DIVISION 4 - First round, Thursday, May 5 Orange Vista 16, Village Christian 2 Palm Desert 5, Santa Rosa Academy 1

- Second round, Tuesday, May 10 Orange Vista vs. TBD

DIVISION 5

First round, Thursday, May 5

San Jacinto 8, Banning 0

- Second round, Tuesday, May 10 San Jacinto at Calvary Chapel (Santa Ana)

DIVISION 6 - Wild-card games, Tuesday, May 3

Arrowhead Christian 16, West Valley 3 - First round, Thursday, May 5

Elsinore 6, Pioneer 1

San Jacinto Valley Academy 13, Costa Mesa 2 Katella 3, Lakeside 2

- Second round, Tuesday, May 10

Eisenhower at Elsinore Shadow Hills at San Jacinto Valley Academy

DIVISION 7 - First round, Thursday, May 5

Rosemead 18, Cornerstone Christian 0 see SOFTBALL, page C-6

Great Oak head coach, Ray Fisher, stands with his 2022 Southwestern League title holders, Nicholas Huang (L), Ian McGowan and Eric Rutz-Robbins.

Eric Rutz-Robbins (L) and Nicholas Huang of Great Oak won the Southwestern League boys’ tennis Doubles title.

Valley News/Courtesy photo Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Owen Pearson of Murrieta Valley fell short of the league title losing to Ian McGowen of Great Oak in the finals. Valley News/Andrez Imaging versus, Gianny Ammirata of Murrieta Valley. Kevin Le of Temecula Valley, versus, No. 4 seed, Luke Moore of Great Oak. No. 3 seed Aidan Hever of Murrieta Valley, versus, Arkan Patel of

Vista Murrieta. Jacob Fuller of Murrieta Valley, versus, Michael Masarani of Temecula Valley. Danny Saghun of Murrieta

Zoe Karam (32) makes the catch to get an Ayala base runner out during their home CIF Southern

playoff

Temecula Valley boys' lacrosse among CIF-SS academic award winners Area prep sports teams honored at Angel Stadium

JP Raineri SPORTS EDITOR

LOS ALAMITOS – The winners of the 34th Annual CIF Southern Section – FORD Academic Awards were announced recently, which included teams and student athletes from six local high schools.-The team awards, based on a cumulative grade-point average, are awarded in 26 team sports. Entries from 2,009 teams were received this year, with 25 different CIF-SS member schools represented amongst the team winners.

To be considered, teams must have at least five student-athletes with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA average (4.0 scale) in the first semester or first 2 quarters of the school year. The highest team GPA in each sport category by enrollment determines the winner. Schools are divided into two enrollment categories, 1500 and above and 1499 and below. The team with the highest GPA in each enrollment category for each sport receives the award. The first-place teams receive a banner to commemorate their achievement. All teams who participated and qualified received Academic Award certificates for their student-athletes.

Ad ditionally, 221 studentathletes were named individual “Student-Athlete of the Year” by their school. Each CIF-SS member school is entitled to name a male and a female “Student-Athlete of the Year” that must be a senior having maintained a minimum of a 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale) over the past three years, in addition to earning a letter in at least one varsity sport and participation in extracurricular activities (music, drama, service groups, etc.).

The academic team winners were honored in a pregame ceremony before the April 25th, Los Angeles Angels’ game versus the Cleveland Guardians. A complete list of award winners follows.

Academic Award Team Winners

3.70 - Lacrosse, Boys - Temecula Valley

3.77 - Volleyball, Boys - Hemet

2021-2022 CIF-SS Student-Ath-

•

lete of the Year

Great Oak - Susanna Ko - La-

crosse - 4.0

Great Oak - Timothy Dull - Vol-

leyball - 4.0

Hemet - Alvaro Fonseca - Golf

- 4.0

Hemet - Elisha Avila - Soccer

- 4.0 San Jacinto Valley AcademyAngel Saenz - Cross Country

- 4.0

• San Jacinto Valley Academy

- Kalia Anady - Basketball, Vol-

leyball - 4.0

• Temecula Valley - Jonah Sleeper

- Soccer, Track - 3.83

• Temecula Valley - Kathryn Ja-

cobsen - Soccer, Track - 4.0

West Valley - Delaney Dow -

Swimming, Water Polo - 3.93

Academic Awards Team Report for Year 2021-2022

3.46 - Baseball - San Jacinto Val-

ley Academy 3.54 - Baseball - Temecula Valley

- Basketball, Boys - San

•

3.45 - Track & Field, Boys - San Jacinto Valley Academy

3.58 - Track & Field, BoysTemecula Valley

• 3.52 - Track & Field, Girls - San

CIF-SS baseball playoff updates; 5 local teams remain

JP Raineri SPORTS EDITOR

The wild card round, plus firstround action, is in the books, and all but five of 19 teams remain from the local field of high school baseball squads that started the postseason last week. The most surprising outcomes came from the Division 2 bracket where four of the five area teams all lost their playoff opener, including Southwestern League champions Vista Murrieta and Ivy League champions, Temescal Canyon.

The Broncos fell 5-3 to the Baseline League’s No. 3 seed, Rancho Cucamonga, who, for the second year in a row, have knocked out a Southwestern League titleholder. Last year the Cougars defeated Murrieta Mesa, 2-0, in the semifinals of the Division 4 playoffs, whe re they advanced, and lost to Royal High School in the CIF Southern Section finals (3-2).

Temescal Canyon fell 3-1 to Pacifica (Garden Grove), the Empire League’s No. 2 seed. With the game tied at 1-1 in the fourth inning, the visiting Mariners plated two runs, and held the lead for the remainder of the game.

Also in Division 2, Temecula Valley, the SWL No. 2 seed, and Great Oak, the SWL No. 3 seed, both dropped their playoff openers, while the Ivy League’s No. 2 seed,

Paloma Valley, was the only team to advance after beating Northview, on the road, 13-4. The Wildcats will have to travel again, this time to face those Cougars of Rancho Cucamonga in second-round action.

Other local teams that did not make it out of the early week firstround games include Elsinore, Lakeside, Santa Rosa Academy, Hemet and San Jacinto, just to name a few. A handful of local teams had their first-round games take place Friday, May 6, with hopes of advancing. The Heritage Patriots dropped their Division 6 away game against Palm Desert 2-1, and in Division 7, Temecula Prep squeaked out a 4-3 win over Coachella Valley and Cornerstone Christian (Wildomar) got past Nuview Bridge, 7-3.

Here are the scores for the first week of playoffs and schedules for round 2, which begin Tuesday, May 10. Quarterfinal playoff action will take place Friday, May 13, for teams advancing past the second round.

CIF-SS BASEBALL PLAYOFFS

DIVISION 1

No local teams

DIVISION 2

- First round, Thursday, May 5

Paloma Valley 13, Northview 4 Rancho Cucamonga 5, Vista Murrieta 3

a 13-4 win over Northview.

Maranatha 8, Great Oak 2 Pacifica 3, Temescal Canyon 1 Etiwanda 10, Temecula Valley 2

- Second round, Tuesday, May 10 Paloma Valley at Rancho Cucamonga

DIVISION 3

- First round, Friday, May 6 Palm Desert 2, Heritage 1

- Second round, Tuesday, May 10

No local teams

DIVISION 4

- Wild-card games, Tuesday, May 3 Elsinore 4, Alhambra 1

- First round, Thursday, May 5 Tahquitz 3, Elsinore 1 La Salle 6, Hemet 3

- Second round, Tuesday, May 10 Tahquitz at Fullerton

DIVISION 5

- First round, Friday, May 6 Citrus Hill (No. 4 seed) 11, Pomona 1

- Second round, Tuesday, May

• 3.78 - Track & Field, Girls - Temecula Valley (3rd)

3.12 - Traditional Competitive Cheer - San Jacinto Valley Academy

3.63 - Volleyball, Boys - San Jacinto Valley Academy

3.77 - Volleyball, Boys - Hemet (1st)

3.1 - Volleyball, Boys - Temecula

- Wrestling, Boys - Hemet

3.5 - Wrestling, Girls - Hemet JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.

Thursday,

The Temecula Valley boys’ lacrosse team were not only Southwestern League champions on the field this year but were also recognized as a CIF-SS academic award winner Monday, April 25, at Angel Stadium.

Temecula Valley senior lacrosse player Spencer Schwartz takes part in an awards ceremony with his coach before the Angels game versus the Cleveland Guardians Monday, April 25. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Paloma Valley advances past the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoffs with

Temecula Valley starting pitcher Cody Liscio delivers a pitch

May 5, against Etiwanda in their first round CIF Southern Section playoff match-up. Etiwanda won, 10-2.

Vista Murrieta drop their first-round game of the CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoffs to Rancho Cucamonga, 5-3.

Rams can swim; Murrieta Mesa’s exciting season ends with success

CIF Southern Section swimmers making a splash in postseason

Before the CIF Southern Section swim team championships can be talked about, the table has to be set as to what happened a week prior at the Southwestern League swimming championships, where three league meet records were broken.

Murrieta Mesa’s Justin Schneider won the boys’ 50-yard freestyle in a time of 20.88 seconds, breaking the old mark of 21.30 set by Vista Murrieta’s Michael Jones in 2015. Great Oak’s Eric Wang won the boys’ 100 breaststroke in a time of 57.76, breaking the previous record of 57.91 set by Murrieta Valley’s Jacob Lammott in 2009. And finally, Murrieta Mesa’s 200 freestyle boys’ relay team, consisting of Maximus Dillon, Eryk Elizondo, Ty Schneider and his brother, Justin Schneider, crushed the league meet record with a time of 1:24.95. They bested the program’s previous mark of 1:27.41 set in 2019, back when Dillon and Justin Schneider were

TENNIS from page C-1

Mesa, versus, Kieran Bell of Murrieta Valley.

Alex Qiu of Chaparral, versus, No. 2 seed, Ian McGowan of Great Oak.

The finals match would come down to Great Oak’s top player, Ian McGowan and the Southwestern League’s No. 1 seed, Owen Pearson of Murrieta Valley. Pearson’s toughest match leading up to the finals was against Luke Moore (Great Oak), who he beat 10-5 in the tie breaker set). As for McGowan, he had a 6-0, 6-1 win over Qiu (CHS), a 6-1, 6-0 win over Bell (MV), and 6-3, 6-0 wins over Hever (MV) in the semifinal match.

Ian McGowan went on to win the finals match over Pearson with 6-1 and 6-0 victories, making him the first Great Oak sophomore to ever win a Southwestern League Singles title. The Wolfpack went first and third in singles and doubles placement in the Southwestern League championships.

As for local schools continuing their boys’ tennis seasons, Great Oak, Temecula Valley, Murrieta Valley, Heritage, West Valley, Paloma Valley, Orange Vista, Temescal Canyon, and Citrus Hill all received

freshmen on the 2019 relay team.

Those record-breaking performances were simply amazing and they would set the tone for what was to come this past weekend, especially for Murrieta Mesa.

Wrapping up the SWL championships, Ty Schneider also won the boys’ 100 butterfly title in a time of 50.28, as well as the boys’ 200 freestyle (1:42.02) and 500 freestyle (4:36.17), while Elizondo won the boys’ 100 freestyle (47.07) and 100 backstroke (53.10). Eric Wang, of Great Oak, also won the boys’ 200 individual medley (1:55.80).

Murrieta Mesa had two double winners on the girls’ side as well. Sonja Aarsvold won the 50 freestyle (23.64) and 100 freestyle (51.81), while Emilee Elizondo won the 100 butterfly (57.32) and 100 backstroke (58.58).

The Murrieta Mesa boys’ team won the title at the meet with 334 points, beating out Murrieta Valley (293) and Great Oak (240). The Lady Wolfpack swimmers told a different story as they won the girls’ team title with 291 points to

CIF Southern Section postseason berths, which started Wednesday, May 4.

Ivy League runner-up Heritage was the lone Inland team to receive a Top 4 seeding this season. The Patriots (17-4), the No. 4 seed in the Division 4 bracket, opened their postseason run on the road at Sultana (13-4), with a 12-6 win. Division 1 Southwestern League champion, Great Oak (17-5), hosted Mira Costa (12-12) in their firstround matchup, but fell 13-5, ending their season.

Aside from Heritage, Temecula Valley was the only other team to advance out of the first round but fell in on the road in their secondround match to Los Alamitos, 13-5.

The Patriots took out Montclair High School 10-8 in their secondround matchup and will be home to take on Arlington (17-3), in the quarterfinals this week. A win there would advance Heritage to the semifinals, also taking place this week, against either Cerritos, or Rancho Alamitos. The Division 4 finals will take place Friday, May 13, for the winning teams. Playoff brackets can be seen on the CIF Southern Section website at http://www.cifss.org

JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.

outdistance Vista Murrieta (274) and Murrieta Mesa (225).

OK, now the CIF-SS swim team finals can be discussed. But really, it is quite simple. The Murrieta Mesa boys’ team conquered the Division 2 championship this season, a year after sharing the runner-up spot. Unlike last year, where Murrieta Mesa’s Justin Schneider, Ty Schneider and Eryk Elizondo swam in multiple individual events, plus the relays, this year they each swam in one individual event and all three relays. The strategy worked as they came out on top in all three of the Division 2 relays Friday, May 6, at the Marguerite Aquatics Complex in Mission Viejo.

The Schneider brothers, and Elizondo teamed up with Maximus Dillon to win the 200-yard medley relay in a school-record time of 1 minute, 32.38 seconds. They then set a new Division 2 meet record by winning the 200-freestyle relay in 1:24.32, which was 0.11 seconds faster than the mark set by Los Osos in 2014. The Rams

did it one more time when the Schneiders, Elizondo and Alexander Yang prevailed in the 400-freestyle with a time of 3:07.77.

As for the individual events, Ty Schneider finished fifth in the 200 individual medley (1:52.31), moving up one spot from his prelims position, and Elizondo placed eighth in the 50 freestyle (21.55), matching his position from the prelims. In the end, the relay victories were worth 120 points and after individual races were complete, Murrieta Mesa closed things out with 175 points for the program’s first section title. Roosevelt finished tied for second with Sonora (139 points).

Other local male standouts included Temescal Canyon’s Connor Martilla and West Valley’s Gage Dow. Martilla brought home a title and won the Division 3 boys 200 individual medley in 1:52.77. He also finished second in the 500 free (4:36.60). Dow finished second in the Division 4 boys 100 backstroke (57.88).

When it was time for the Murrieta Mesa girls’ team to take the w ater, Sonja Aarsvold was the lone double winner. Aarsvold swept the Division 3 sprint freestyle races, winning the 50 in a time of 23.98 and then the 100 in 51.65. At last season’s finals,

she finished second in both the 100 and 200 freestyles. If those races weren’t enough, Aarsvold also anchored Murrieta Mesa’s freestyle relay teams, helping the Lady Rams take third place in the 200 relay and second in the 400. Emilee Elizondo had a fourthplace finish for the Lady Rams in the Division 3 girls’ butterfly. Murrieta Mesa finished third in the team standings, outscoring all other local opponents.

“Last year girls’ swim got first in CIF, this year they got third,” exclaimed Murrieta Mesa athletic director, John Broussard. “The boys’ got second last year and first this year! It is safe to say the Mesa Swim program is the new standard in the Inland Empire. “I am so proud, and all the credit goes to our amazing coach, Jenn Rose Beech, her staff, and the athletes who literally train their hearts out! They deserve the recognition and the college scholarships they are receiving!”

Other local female standouts included Vista Murrieta’s Leilani Abalos, who finished fifth in the Division 2 girls’ individual medley (2:07.57).

JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com.

Temecula hosts Adult Softball League and Labor Day Tournament in summer/fall

Grab

Registration packets are now available online at TemeculaCA. gov/AdultSports and must be submitted at Temecula’s Community Recreation Center, 30875 Rancho Vista Road, June 7. Men’s, Coed, and Corporate Divisions are available and the fee is $500 per team. Season will begin the week of July 25.

Show us what you’ve got at the

Labor Day Tournament at The Sports Ranch at Sommers Bend. Men’s teams will be competing Saturday, Sept. 3 and Coed teams will be competing Sunday, Sept. 4. All registration packets are due by August 6 and the price per entry is $250. If registration is completed before July 29, teams enjoy a special Early-Bird Rate of $220. Bats and balls will be provided.

For questions, please email AdultSports@TemeculaCA.gov

For more information on Adult Sports Leagues, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/AdultSports. Be sure to follow @TemeculaParksandRec on social media for updates.

JP Raineri SPORTS EDITOR

Murrieta Mesa won the CIF Southern Section Division 2 swimming championships at the Marguerite Aquatics Complex in Mission Viejo Friday, May 6. Valley News/Courtesy photo

The Murrieta Mesa girls’ swim team finished third in the team standings at the CIF Southern Section Swimming championships. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Great oak’s Ian McGowan won the Southwestern League boys’ tennis Singles title. Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Temecula Valley’s Doubles team, which consisted of Kaiden Mertzel and Landon Schneeloch (L), captured second place in the Southwestern League boys’ tennis championships held at the Murrieta Tennis Club Friday, April 29. Valley

Noli Indian School running club evolves into track team

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

The Noli Indian School on the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Reservation has several sports teams but its newest evolved from an after-school running club. Pomona resident Kendra Buck, who teaches culture and history to middle school students, was able to find a way to share her passion of running with others once in-person learning resumed at the school that serves grades sixth to 12.

“For me personally, running is cultural,” Buck, who is Navajo, said. “It gets kids moving and it’s one of those sports that almost anyone can be a part of.”

To take the club to the next level of becoming the Noli track and field team, Buck had to seek approval from Donovan Post, principal of Noli Indian School, and athletic director Jonathon Ruiz.

“Once they gave us the green light, I had to obtain a track and field coaching certification to affirm my credentials as a coach,” Buck said.

The next step was to contact Woodcrest Christian School coach Eric Reynolds to secure a spot at their first track meet, which was Tuesday, April 19. The team received their track jerseys right

before their first competition. Two more meets are scheduled for Tuesdays, May 10 and May 17.

C u rrent team members are in sixth and seventh grade, but the meets are open to all middle school ages and grades sixth through eighth with separate boys’ and girls’ competitions. They were preparing for the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, 800-meter, 1600-meter and shotput events.

School approval sought

“This year we are getting our feet wet,” Buck said. “If I have enough interest and approval from the school, I would gladly run a cross country program. My personal favorite is long distance running.”

Buck recently ran in the Los Angeles Marathon, her fourth. While she has clocked five hours in the past, her time for the Sunday, March 20, race was 6 hours and 34 minutes.

“I ran my first two marathons in 2015 and 2017 as a charity runner for two Los Angeles nonprofits, American Indian Community Council and Backonmyfeet LA, in order to raise funds,” she explained.

“Using this idea, I applied the same logic and opened an online campaign and posted to my social media accounts (to raise funds for the school’s running program). With the support of @native_women_run-

ning and @NTVgainz reposting our fundraiser, we were able to raise 114% of our goal within 24 hours.

To date we have received $1,170 in donations.”

Each track meet costs $75, and the Noli team made payments on all meets using some of the fundraising money. This year’s campaign is closed, but donations still can be made by check to Noli Indian School with a memo of Noli track and field.

Most of the students are involved with other sports but join the sessions, held three times a week, when they are available. The co-ed trainings include warmups, speed drills and running laps.

Sports Complex meet

The runners meet at the Soboba Sports Complex which is adjacent to Noli Indian School. It is the site where the school holds all its physical education classes, so the students are familiar with the paths to take when running.

Buck explained to the young athletes that every time they do a drill, they are gaining information and data that will help them improve. She said all exercises they do will help with their overall performances.

Maricela Sosa joined the club for the running. She tried softball and

Local students candidates for graduation from Utah State University

LOGAN, Utah – Utah State University will recognize 6,588 candidates for graduation during its spring 2022 commencement celebration.Thegraduatesarefrom the university’s statewide campuses across the state of Utah, as well as USU Online, earning degrees and certificates during the summer 2021, fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters.

The following local students earned degrees, including Hailey Bowler from Murrieta who received a master’s degree in social work; Lauren Coomber from Murrieta who earned a bachelor’s degreeincommunicativedisorders & deaf education; Kyler Downs from Temecula who received a

bachelor’s degree in aviation tech-

nology – professional pilot.

Additional area graduates included Andres Felix from Murrieta who received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics; Michelle Ledley from Murrieta who earned a bachelor’s degree in communicative disorders & deaf education; Brynn Phillips from Murrieta who received a bachelor’s degree in journalism; Bryant Purnell from Romoland who received a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

From Temecula, Emily Tidd graduated with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology; Magdenia Vasquez earned a bachelor’s degree in communicative disorders & deaf education and Kyle Young earned a certificate of proficiency in advanced design, geospatial and visualization technologies and

a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture.

Daisy Yates from Wildomar received a bachelor’s degree in management information systems.

Since its founding in 1888, Utah State University has evolved from a small agricultural college tucked away in the Northern Utah mountains to a thriving, multi-campus research university known throughout the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. Utah State University is a premier student-centered land-grant and space-grant university that fosters the principle that academics come first by cultivating diversity of thought and culture, and by serving the public through learning, discovery and engagement.

Submitted by Utah State University.

“I like how when I run, I feel rewarded,” she said. “I think it’s fun.”

Nevaeh Ochoa has been in the club since it began because she wanted to do something after school. She is active in softball, basketball and volleyball.

“I like running on its own, not as part of a different sport,” she said. “You just have to work on your motion and different ways to position yourself so you can go faster.”

Buck said running can help with endurance and physicality for other sports and encourages all students to participate. She was on her high school’s wrestling team and mostly ran for conditioning.

Running a challenge

“My interest for running grew after college; I wanted a new physical challenge to support my personal fitness goals,” she said.

Adam Lopez used to run when he attended school in Oklahoma and likes it. Christopher Lagunas said he joined the club to try something new. Now that the club is an official track team, he wants to stick with it.

“I think I’ve gotten a little faster and I like the fun I get out of it,” Christopher said.

Kolókolomay Temanxwanvish said a highlight of being in the club was getting new road running shoes and being treated to healthy snacks at each session.

Buck purchased shoes for the team with funds received from

her family, friends, Native Women Running and other kind people she didn’t know.

She said she wanted to provide shoes that would be versatile and because the track team competitions are held on dirt tracks, they didn’t need shoes with spikes.

“It makes such a difference when you have the right shoe compared to an everyday shoe,” Buck said.

Other students who regularly participate are Anthony Pimentel, Alonna Rocha and Jonathan Resvaloso.

“As long as kids are moving, they’re winning,” Buck said. “Running has a long history in Navajo culture; it is part of a womanhood ceremony. It’s an important part of who we are.”

She said looking at physical health, Native Americans have the highest rate of morbidity in preventable health issues compared to other American groups and this led to her motivation to start this program for her students.

“The data is out there, and it has not changed, but I’m a firm believer that the 7th Generation, our children and their children, will have a healthier future,” Buck said.

“Whether it is a club or a team, my main goal is to promote health and wellness in our native communities. These activities help us achieve balance in our lives as well as culturally connect us to the tradition of running for medicine.”

LA MIRADA – Epsilon Kappa

Epsilon Honor Society inducted 33 students of Biola University’s spring 2022 class into Biola’s honors baccalaureate society Wednesday, May 4. Kate Marie Fitzpatrick of Temecula was honored with membership into Biola University’s EKE society.

The honors society is exclusively offered by invitation only, by which students are selected by department faculty. The selection criteria are based upon academic achievement, with students earning a GPA of at least 3.75, Christian character and individual contributions to the university and community. Only 5% of the graduating class are invited into the society.

“Inductees exemplify hard work, commitment and godly character. These students often go on to positions of influence to be used by God around the world. We are proud of each and every student,” Tamara Anderson, associate pro-

vost of academic effectiveness and administration, said.

Biola’s spring commencement ceremonies were held Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7.

Biola University is a nationally ranked Christian university in the heart of Southern California. It was recently recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 “up and coming” national universities by the U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1908, Biola is committed to the mission of biblically centered education, scholarship and service, equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 6,000 students at its Southern California campus and around the world, Biola’s nine schools offer more than 150 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master ’s and doctoral levels. For more information, visit http://biola. edu or call 562-777-4061.

Submitted by Biola University

Several members of the Noli track and field team pose for a photo at a recent practice session including from left, Christopher Lagunas, Nevaeh Ochoa, Maricela Sosa, Coach Kendra Buck, Adam Lopez and Kolókolomay Temanxwanvish. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

Christopher Lagunas participates in an agility exercise at a recent meeting of the Noli track and field team.

Kolókolomay Temanxwanvish checks his time as he completes a lap around the Sports Complex baseball field during a recent practice. Adam Lopez is ready to round the last curve.

Noli track and field coach Kendra Buck explains the next speed drill that will take place at a recent practice session. didn’t really like it.

Fitzpatrick inducted into Epsilon Kappa Epsilon Honor Society at Biola University

Rose Care FUNdamentals, May 2022

ment is completed, immediately remove clothing and wash. Take a good shower to remove any possible contamination.

Gardens are showing increased prevalence of the fungal disease “Black Spot.” It appears as dark green to black spots on leaves, which often turn yellow and fall off. The infected leaves, even those that fall, produce spores that can infect other leaves. There are many fungicides available, but control can be difficult. Sometimes you just have to remove and dispose of any affected leaves.

Seems as though confusion is the new weather normal with more signs of climate change again this year. Temperatures and rainfall patterns differed greatly. Rose growth and development are dependent on weather, and flower production is particularly impacted by inconsistent temperatures, sun and water. All of these shifts have made it more difficult for me to predict what to do and when to do it.

The longer time frame for rain and more misty cool nights caused some rust, mildew and Botrytis fungi to appear quickly. Blooms were affected by Botrytis which “rots” the petals preventing them from opening. A few warmer days would encourage growth and produce buds, then a few days of 70-80 F caused a burst of growth toward blooming. At least one application of fungicide spray helped to reduce the outbreak.

I completed pruning earlier than ever this year, and my blooms were not that much earlier than previous years but peaked before the scheduled rose shows. The first roses

bloomed about eight weeks after pruning. Typically the first flush of blooms is expected after eight to 10 weeks, usually on the longer side. Those rose bushes are now in second blooming. In this area, the first annual rose shows are usually held about now, and I know that other local exhibitors’ roses are in all different stages of bloom. Many are past exhibit stage.

Abundant sunshine and water produce larger blooms, so your roses are probably really growing. If you didn’t apply fertilizer earlier, be sure to do so soon – more about it a little later – along with plenty of water to maintain this production curve. Know the soil composition in your garden so you know how much water to apply to maintain good soil moisture without drowning the roots – or wasting water, given that we’re hearing that the southwest is in the driest climate cycle in 1200 years.

Be vigilant for changes, diseases and pests in your garden now, and be prepared to act on these. The Hoplia beetle appeared in April with a few hot days. I usually see this beetle in May. I think we can now expect it in April so mark that on your calendars for the coming years. It can do serious damage

The Hoplia beetle is easy to remove when found by dragging it out from between the petals with a screwdriver or Q-tip and plopping it into a cup of sudsy water.

in a short time to rose blooms. It can be seen first on light colored blooms. The Hoplia beetle is easy to remove when found by dragging it out from between the petals with a screwdriver or Q-tip and plopping it into a cup of sudsy water. Learn to identify Hoplia beetles, by doing a search on the internet. If you find little holes in light colored petals and you find beetles nestled between the petals, you’ve probably got Hoplia – dig them out.

Another early visitor is the spider mite. Damage can well be done before you recognize it. If you suspect they are present and on your roses, an inspection of the underside of the leaf may assure you. They are very tiny and hard to see, but when you run a finger lightly over the underside of a leaf, it will feel gritty. The use of a sheet of paper can be used also. Use the paper to shake the leaf or scratch then onto the sheet of paper. If you miss the first phase you will see an unusual mottling of the leaves as seen from the top of the leaf. Blooms mature quickly in warm weather, so as they fade, lightly prune back to the first outward facing five-leaflet leaf. Don’t shorten the cane too much. If you remove just the blossom and peduncle –this little length of stem that ends at the blossom – you may get two weaker shoots with less bloom quality. This light pruning sets the stage for the next bloom cycle in about seven weeks.

For best production, try to shape the bush to outward facing buds. If you can, keep canes that are larger than the diameter of a wooden pencil. Doing all this now, your next blooms will appear around mid-June before the summer heat. Knowing it can help you prepare for a hot summer in Temecula Valley. Make sure to put all vegetation

Spring lawn equipment: Get ready for backyarding in high style this year

TEMECULA – Backyarding is the new trend that’s emerged during the pandemic. And it’s here to stay. Backyards are where we eat, work, play, relax and socialize and the green spaces around our homes have proven to be vibrant places for connection and vital to maintaining mental health.

So how do you get ready for lots of springtime backyarding? You organize your yard and ready your landscaping.

“Take some time to plan out your yard with your family. Once you know the purpose you want it to serve, it’s time to start working with it,” Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, said.

“A well-cared for lawn and landscape provides the canvas for a year-round backyarding lifestyle. You’ll want to get out there with your outdoor power equipment, like your lawn mower and trimmers, as soon as spring arrives and you want to do it safely,” Kiser said.

He offered the following tips to get lawn equipment ready for spring:

Refresh your knowledge. Read your equipment owner’s manuals and follow all manufacturer’s guidelines. If you find a manual online, save a digital copy for future reference.

Look over equipment. Lots can happen in a garage or storage shed over the winter. Check the air filter, oil level and gasoline tank. Watch for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts

Drain fuel tanks. If you didn’t empty the gasoline tank before storing equipment, drain it now.

Fuel should never sit in outdoor power equipment for more than 30 days. Untreated gasoline without a fuel stabilizer will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems or damage the fuel system.

Protect your power. Use only E10 or less fuel in gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment.

Most manufacturers recommend a fuel stabilizer be used, especially if you don’t use up all the fuel in the tank right away. Any fuel containing more than 10% ethanol can damage small engine equipment not designed for it.

Store fuel safely. Label fuel cans with the date of purchase and ethanol content of the fuel. If you don’t know the date of purchase, dispose safely of the fuel and buy fresh gasoline. Always store fuel out of the reach of children or pets

and in approved containers.

Don’t mix up the battery packs. For battery-powered equipment, use only the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another. Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions.

Stash batteries safely. When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.

Tidy up. Clean equipment will run more efficiently and last longer. Clean equipment and store it in a dry place. Remove dirt, oil or grass. Never store equipment in a place that is damp or wet.

For further information on safe fueling, visit http://www.LookBeforeYouPump.com.

into a green waste barrel.

Roses want a constant supply of nutrients, including micro nutrients of copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, etc. Remember that you are also feeding the soil microbiology which is complex and multi-tiered, abundant in beneficial microbes which create a sustainable soil diversity acting like an “immune system.”

Phosphate (N) and Potassium (K) help develop strong root systems, better blooms and help prevent stress during adverse conditions. In fact, plants grown with organic fertilizers are themselves more resistant to pests and diseases. A soil test kit for analyzing the soil needs could save you lots of money, energy and guesswork for a fulfilling garden.

Organic amendments such as manure, compost or mulch stay where you put them, break down slowly, don’t contribute to groundwater pollution (as long as you prevent run off into drains), improve the soil food web, so that in the long run you end up using less product while providing “food” for all the creatures like earthworms who act like rototillers mixing them into the soil to lower depths. The best thing you can do for your garden is to add a generous layer of mulch that doesn’t have wood chips.

Keep an eye for worsening conditions such as water stress, insect pests, and fungal diseases. Do not use a formula that treats everything. Use only a product especially for the specific problem, and treat it in proportion to severity, as well as your level of acceptance. If control is lost it may be necessary to strip off all of the diseased leaves and prune back and basically start over.

Some organic formulas use neem oil, insecticidal soaps, baking soda, etc. Read entire labels and use according to directions, including safety equipment to avoid exposure to contaminants. Keep your skin covered when applying chemical treatments. Use approved goggles for eye protection, respirator mask, long sleeve shirt, water/chemical resistant boots and gloves. When the treat-

Another pest is the chilli thrip. It’s much smaller than the western thrip we’re accustomed to and more devastating as it eats all varieties of vegetation. Control is quite difficult and new treatments are being studied. Products containing Spinosad bacteria seem to help control soft-bodied larvae, but be aware that even such “natural” products can kill other (beneficial) insect species. Some gardeners are reporting chilli thrips in their gardens already. I have seen some evidence of thrips too.

It is never too late to apply a thick layer of mulch. Use composted mulch, not wood products. Pine needles are good too. Apply to a depth of 3-4 inches. Mulch keeps the entire bed uniformly supplied with water. Avoid mulch containing wood chips of any sort: Their breakdown robs the soil of nitrogen, and a mold can grow that is impenetrable to water, fertilizers and oxygen.

I’ve grown many varieties of roses in my gardens. Most will grow well in the Temecula Valley. Some varieties I recommend include Mr Lincoln. Outta the Blue, Easy Does It, Touch of Class, Double Delight, Joey, Gold Medal, Graham Thomas, Fragrant Cloud, Fragrant Plum, Sunsprite, Playboy, Sally Holmes, Ballerina, Tropical Lightening, Hey Jack, Neptune and Violet’s Pride.

Heads up for high summer: Don’t expect great roses during July-September when temperatures are high. Just keep plants well hydrated and remove just spent petals., leaving the “hips” –don’t prune. The plants will enter a short dormancy and build strength for fall.

I am an ARS certified master rose consultant. If you would like personal answers to questions, you can leave questions on the TVRS website or email roseguy2000@ aol.com

And when you’ve got a moment to spare, visit Rose Haven Heritage Garden, 30592 Jedediah Smith Road. The cross street is Cabrillo Avenue in Temecula. Also, visit http://www.TemeculaValleyRoseSociety.org. You might also want to visit Facebook.com and search on Temecula Valley Rose Society to find events of interest to you. Now, let’s get out there and spread the word and the joy of roses.

Frank Brines, ARS Master Rosarian SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

If a gardener suspects spider mites are present on their roses, an inspection of the underside of the leaf will feel gritty when a finger is run over it. Valley News/Frank Brines photo

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Lacrosse playoffs underway for CIF Southern Section teams

JP Raineri SPORTS EDITOR

The CIF Southern Section boys’ and girls’ lacrosse playoffs are currently in progress and nearing the midway point of the postseason. First round action for the boys’ teams took place Wednesday, May 4, while the girls’ teams hit the field Thursday, May 5, at locations across Southern California. All-in-all, four local boys’ teams started their journey to becoming potential CIF Southern Section Champions in the Division 2 and Division 3 brackets.

Great Oak traveled to Edison High School in Huntington Beach to take on the Chargers in their Division 2 first round match-up, which the Wolfpack won 10-3. Temecula Valley, also in the Division 2 bracket, had a first-round bye as the No. 1 seed from the Southwestern League. The two

teams were on a collision course that could see them in a semifinal game against each other if the wins kept stacking up.

The squad from Great Oak (123) had to take to the road again for their second-round match, which was against Beckman High School in Irvine Friday, May 6. Unfortunately, the Wolfpack fell 6-3. Temecula Valley (17-2) was the home team when they faced and defeated Oak Park, 17-8, in their second-round playoff appearance. The Golden Bears will travel to Aliso Niguel (17-2) this week in the quarterfinals of their bracket.

In the Division 3 brackets, Vista Murrieta (17-4) took down Long Beach Poly with a commanding 17-2 win at home to open their playoff run. The Broncos moved on to face Thacher High School (9-3), in another home game, Friday, May 6, which they won 11-4. Their quarterfinal match-up will be against Mission Viejo (12-8).

Linfield High School did not have the same luck as their local counterparts. In their Division

3 first-round match-up against University High School, Linfield Christian (14-7) fell 28-10, knocking them out of playoff contention. University (13-8) was the No. 3 seed out of the Pacific league. Zac Williams, Linfield’s standout goal scorer and the Nation’s No. 1 point scorer (152 points before the playoffs), ended his senior campaign with five goals in the game.

Jacob Washburn and Mackenzie Farley had two goals apiece and Matthew Walker had one goal for the cause.

For the girls’ lacrosse teams that advanced to the playoffs, every local team won their firstround match-up, which is a first in the sport’s 3-year CIF sanctioned history (losing one full ye ar to the pandemic). Southwestern League champions Murrieta Mesa defeated JSerra 6-4 in the Division 2 brackets. The Lady Rams then traveled to face Westlake (11-6) Saturday, May 7, in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. The Lady Warriors of Westlake beat Beckman 14-12 in the first round, but could not get past Murrieta Mesa, who won 11-6. Next up will be Mater Dei for the Lady Rams, which will be a semifinal road game this week.

The quarterfinals of the CIF-SS playoffs went down Saturday, May 7, where the Lady Nighthawks traveled to face top-seed Culver City (13-4), who had a bye in the first round. Murrieta Valley fell to the top-seeded Lady Centaurs, 17-9. The Lady Broncos were home to take on Santa Monica (first round win over Cate, 13-4), who they beat 13-4. Vista Murrieta will face Village Christian (13-5) this week in the semifinals. As for Chaparral, they faced and beat Orange Lutheran, 11-8, who defeated Long Beach Wilson, 18-1, in their first-round match. The Lady Pumas will be at home in their next match-up, which is going to be against the Los Angeles based all-girls school of Marlborough (14-2).

According to the CIF Southern Section website, game times are set for 3:15 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Most teams have been playing later in the afternoon or early evening due to being able to adjust their own schedules, so be sure to check with the school’s Athletic Office to confirm actual times. For any local teams advancing, whether it is boys’ or girls’ teams, the CIF-SS finals will be happening Saturday, May 14.

* Playoff brackets can also be seen on the CIF Southern Section website at http://www.cifss.org

** If we missed any local high school teams, or posted scores are wrong, please report them to the Valley News Sports Department by email at sports@reedermedia. com.

JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com.

In the opening round of the Division 3 brackets, Murrieta Valley beat El Toro 16-11, Vista Murrieta beat Valencia 16-2 and Chaparral beat Northview in an overtime thriller, 8-7. Senior Riley Finch scored 4 goals in the match, with her most critical coming in overtime, sending the Lady Pumas to the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. Lennox

Tahquitz at Mark Keppel Capo Valley Christian at Anza Hamilton

* Playoff brackets can also be seen on the CIF-SS website on the sport’s page at http://www. cifss.org.

** If we missed any local high school teams, or posted scores are wrong, please report them to the Valley News Sports Department by email at sports@reedermedia. com.

Santa Rosa Academy’s Kadence Bernard delivers a pitch in the first inning of their opening round CIF-SS Division 4 playoff game against Palm Desert. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Harley Demary tags the runner out before scoring a run in Murrieta Mesa’s opening round playoff win over Ayala High School. Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Santa Rosa Academy’s Jordan Krueger fields a fly ball during a CIFSS Division 4 playoff game against Palm Desert. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Chaparral senior Riley Finch scores a game-winning goal in overtime for the Lady Pumas, the last of her 4 goals scored against Northview High School. Valley News/David Canales photo

Murrieta Mesa’s Dylan Smith (2) gets a shot past JSerra player, Lily Peguero (12), in first-round playoff action Thursday, May 5. Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Landon Klug of Vista Murrieta (8) runs the ball up field as a Long Beach Poly defender applies pressure during their playoff match last week. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Additional work to close out the RCTC Railroad Canyon/I-15 Interchange project may be needed

Riverside County Transportation Commission said Railroad Canyon Road at the Interstate 15 interchange highway lanes, ramp, and local street closures were scheduled through Friday, May 13. Follow @RailroadCanyon for the latest updates. RCTC also completely closed portions of Highway 60 through the Badlands from Beaumont to Moreno Valley with active motorist notice. Part of the closure came Friday, May 13, when westbound Route 60 was fully closed that night. and one eastbound lane was also closed until 5 a.m.

More work is scheduled on the Highway 60 truck lanes in that area this week, call RCTC for more information. Also RCTC and Caltrans continues its work on Interstate 10 by replacing pavement from Beaumont to Route 111. Follow @Caltrans8 and visit i10TuneUp.com for more information on this project.

The community of Moreno Valley is also working to replace the two-lane bridge with a seven-lane bridge and building a dedicated on-ramp from southbound Moreno Beach Drive to westbound Route 60. For more information, visit http://morenobeachproject.com.

The city of Menifee said new work began on Hanover Lane,

south of Holland Road to support work on the Del Oro South residential development. Heavy trucks will be using the route.

Night work on Eastern Municipal Water District Transmission Pipeline Project on Murrieta and Newport roads continues with some intermittent daytime closures.

Palomar Road at Matthews Road/Case Road storm drain improvements are expected to remain open until further notice.

Southern California Edison’s Utility Undergrounding Project Undergrounding work continues with intermittent traffic control on Goetz Road while improvements north of Kabian Park are being

made at Menifee Road.

Peacock Place Community Resurfacing, a Capital Improvement Program project, is expected to be completed in the upcoming week. There are more Murrieta Road and Sun City Boulevard traffic signal improvements taking place. Lane closures and detours will be posted as work alternates in areas near the intersection Construction is anticipated to continue through July 2022.

In the south part of Menifee, Scott Road between Menifee and Briggs Roads, Sumac Ridge Utility Work will bring intermittent traffic control. A SoCal Gas line installation is taking place on Holland Road for

the next few weeks Potomac and Meadows Resurfacing – Pavement Management Program Project. For more updates, visit http:// cityofmenifee.us or contact 951746-0654 or psouthard@cityofmenifee.us

Caltrans maintenance crews are continuing their grinding and paving operations, weather permitting, on Interstate 15 in the Temecula area with additional night work as needed. Caltrans required a full closure of the Winchester Road Overcrossing bridge from Ynez Road to Jefferson Avenue including the off-ramps during that process.

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

Neal Francis set to perform at the Joshua Tree Music Festival

Ava Sarnowski VALLEY NEWS INTERN

In preparation for the Joshua Tree Music Festival May 14, Valley News spoke with one of the featured artists from this year’s lineup, Neal Francis. The pianist, singer and songwriter has spent years evolving his craft embarking on a successful solo career. He is on tour and promoting his newest album, “In Plain Sight.” Released November 2021, the record was conceptualized at the allegedly haunted St. Peter’s Church of Christ in Chicago. Francis had worked there as an accompanist for three year and took it up as his place of residence during October 2019.

Francis said he spent the first few months of the pandemic there and as a result of that time he’s created yet another sublime album with an ethereal yet funky resonance.

Francis described “In Plain Sight” as a team effort and never refrained from consistently expressing his gratitude toward those who helped him. Some of those involved include Francis’ manager Brendan O’Connell and ATO Records. He credited the core members of his band, Mike Starr on bass, Kellen Boresma on guitar and Collin O’Brien on the drums. He also commended engineer Mike Novak and producer Sergio Rios. Francis said that every member of the creative team stepped up to the plate and did a truly amazing job.

Francis, who has always envisioned having a headquarters in Chicago, spoke about a potential

move to New Orleans with his girlfriend.

“What we’re talking about is building a studio with workspace in Chicago, and then finding an apartment somewhere in New Orleans,” he said. “But for right now, the band is in Chicago. It’s an easy place to start tours from. I think we’re going to remain there. It’s where I’ve lived my whole life.”

Francis said the inspiration he derived from St. Peter’s Church was not manufactured he never knows when he’ll get inspired. Whether it be on an airplane, in the shower or walking on a street, he said that when he does get struck by a moment of inspiration, it’s generally somewhere that makes it difficult for him to record music. To combat this issue, he said he now writes down whatever notes he thinks of or creates a sketch with the voice memo function on his cellphone. These notes and sketches, he said, act as references to go back to once he’s writing at the piano again.

Shaping the music

According to Francis, The Who, The Meters, Funkadelic, the Rolling Stones and Allen Toussiant have shaped his music. Francis also mentioned Roy Harris, Curtis Mayfield and 10cc as another collective few who have influenced his work. The Kinks, Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd were all he said, major influences of the direction “In Plain Sight” went. The music he said he listens to is from a specific period, primarily because he happens to like the technology and production of how music was

recorded at that time. He enjoys how it sounds, he said.

Francis said his musical interests were varied. When asked about how that translates into the aesthetic he’s trying to create musically, he said that he doesn’t always set out to create a pastiche of any given source material. When he enjoys the way something was arranged on another track, his consciousness waits for an opportunity to plug it in to accentuate the concept. He even compared the implementation of all his musical influences to making gumbo.

Putting it together

“You just throw all of this stuff into a pot and sometimes it works. When it works that usually tends to go on the record, and I have a long list of things that didn’t work as well. But I’m still trying,” he said. “It’s all about coming together in a beautiful way, and it’s about how you produce that all together. I’m trying to make a record I would listen to.”

Francis gave shoutouts to Liam Kazar, another artist from Chicago who released a record called “Due North,” along with music producer Sam Evian, who also released an album called “Time To Melt,” Thundercat, American Rapper Anderson .Paak and Nigel Hall.

Francis said that one such song from his album, “Can’t Stop The Rain” is meant to reflect the ideal of remaining grateful in spite of everything life will throw at you. When asked what filled him with gratitude, Francis said it would take “a very long time” to talk about that.

“I’m grateful I have all my fingers and my two feet. Everything about what we’re doing right now is beyond my wildest dreams of what I imagined I’d be doing only a few years ago,” he said. “While we do face adversity, just as far as the day-to-day challenges of what we do, all of that is eclipsed by the feeling of gratitude. I know that I am lucky that I get to do what we’re doing. I’ve gotten very lucky.”

In his music video for the song “Say Your Prayers” Francis’ other talents shine through in the music and the photographs, all thanks to O’Brien and a Fuji camera that he purchased during the pandemic so that they could document their lives while touring. Francis describes it as one of his favorite things to be released simply because it shows off their lives.

Grateful friends

“I’m grateful to say that we’re genuinely really good friends. Last night we didn’t have a show, but we were all out till three in the morning just laughing hysterically at the dumbest things ever. Our sense of humor has sort of reverted to age 12. We’re having the best time, and that photo montage pays tribute to that in a beautiful way,” Francis said.

For listeners waiting to hear more from Francis, he said, he is in the process of creating new material that is set to be released soon. Francis said he is also composing music for a short film that is set to be shot in August. A collaboration with Blake Rhein from Durand Jones and the Indications is forthcoming along with the prospect of

exploring different types of musical styles,mostly dance-oriented. Given Francis’ love for funk, disco and any kind of music that makes him lose control, fans of CHIC, Kool & The Gang and other music from that era are in for treats aplenty

Those planning to attend the Joshua Tree music festival Saturday, May 14, Francis said he and his band will be performing at peak level. He said they are exceedingly comfortable with their material and listen to each other in a way that makes each performance feel super special to them. They make it their effort to embrace freedom and simply enjoy themselves. He proudly admits that both himself and his band members will be shaking along to the music and encourages the audience to do the same.

In a strange twist, when asked what he would do if aliens came down and interrupted his show at Joshua Tree, Francis didn’t miss a beat, saying that it all depended on whether the aliens acted like those featured in the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” or the popular “Alien” movie series. “We’re the aliens. We’re already on the spaceship,” he said.

If being an alien means we get to listen to the ethereal sounds of Neal Francis, then this reporter must ask, where do I sign up?

To learn more about Neal Francis, “In Plain Sight” and tour dates, visit www.nealfrancis.com.

For more information on the Joshua Tree Music Festival or purchase tickets, visit https://joshuatreemusicfestival.com.

California’s population shrinks in 2021, officials, residents disagree about the cause

Naveen Athrappully

THE EPOCH TIMES

The population of California declined for the second straight year in 2021, with officials blaming lower birth rates, the pandemic and other reasons for the drop, while outgoing citizens place the blame on violent crime numbers, property prices and the state’s education system.

There were 117,552 fewer residents in California as of Jan. 1, 2022, when compared to the previous year, according to a Monday, May 2, press release by the state’s Department of Finance.

The total population of the state as of Jan. 1 was 39,185,605, which is 0.3 percent lower than in January 2021.

“As baby boomers age and fertility declines among younger cohorts, the continuing slowdown in natural increase – births minus deaths – underlies the plateauing of the state’s population growth. The addition of COVID-19-related deaths, federal policies restricting immigration, and an increase in domestic out-migration further affected population totals,” according to the release. “Overall growth was also affected by continuing federal delays in processing foreign migration: while last year saw positive immigration (43,300), the level was below the average annual rate of 140,000 before the pandemic.”

A majority of counties saw population decline except in the interior counties of Inland Empire and Central Valley, which saw an increase in population. Only three counties in the state registered more than or equal to 1% population growth: Yolo at 1.8%, San

Benito at 1.1% and Modoc at 1%.

Out of the total 58 counties in the state, 34 saw their populations decrease. Plumas lost 3.2% of its population, followed by Lassen at 2.8%, Butte at 2.4%, Del Norte at 1.4% and Napa at 1%. While 361 cities suffered a population loss, 118 cities experienced an increase in population.

Los Angeles remained the largest city in California with a population of 3.82 million people, followed by San Diego with 1.37 million and San Jose with 976,482 million citizens.

California’s population decreased for the first time in 2020.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Walter Schwarm, chief demographer with the state’s Department of Finance, dismissed the idea that California is seeing an exodus.

“To a certain extent, we have two or three things happening here – the pandemic is there in the sense that natural increase, it really slowed down over these two years. Some of that is a lack of births because of delayed childbearing decisions,” Schwarm said. “Things are getting a little better; fertility is coming back after the pandemic.”

Terry Gilliam, 62, who started the “Leaving California” Facebook page in 2018, moved to Florida in 2021 due to issues like high housing costs, traffic, exorbitant taxes, crime rates, politics and homelessness.

California has the highest number of homeless people in the country, with current estimates at 161,548 people. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, property crime and violent crime rates rose in the state in 2021, with homicides rising in

places like San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Oakland.

California native Kathy Kean, 62, moved to Texas in 2021 due to the rising crime rate.

“It’s not what we remembered our area to be,” Kean told The Epoch Times. “Some of the crime, like the gangs, were getting worse in our area from L.A. and Riverside coming in.”

Another Californian woman, identified as Mrs. Lopez, bought a property in a red state in 2019 so that she and her husband at least have a “safe and secure home” in case things fall apart in California. She is drawn to Republican states that protect the constitutional rights of their citizens, have lower taxes and respect life.

A conservative Christian, Lopez said she has lost faith in the state’s education system, disagreeing with the radical sex education and ideologies like critical race theory that are being promoted by the state administration.

In a report published in July 2021, California’s Legislative Analyst Office said that the state’s outmigration is “increasingly concentrated” among the more affluent, older people. An analysis of population data showed a “persistent, long-term” net outmigration.

“A key driver of migration between California and other states is living costs, particularly the cost of housing,” according to the state’s Legislative Analyst Office.

In 2021, the median cost of a home in California was over $800,000, which was an increase of 34.2% from the previous year. It is double the U.S. national average of about $400,000. Jamie Joseph and Linda Jiang contributed to this report.

CROSSWORD answers for puzzle on page B-2

Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Homeless encampments in Los Angeles, Sept. 1, 2021. The Epoch Times photo/John Fredricks photo

Man accused of abducting Elsinore motorist at gunpoint ordered to stand trial

City News Service

SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

A man accused of abducting a Lake Elsinore motorist at gunpoint and forcing the victim to drive him more than 25 miles before letting him go must stand trial, a judge ruled today.

Jerry Frias Tolentino of Menifee was arrested last month following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigation.

Tolentino is charged with kidnapping, carjacking, hit-and-run resulting in property damage and sentence-enhancing gun use allegations.

At a preliminary hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in Mur-

rieta Friday, May 6, a Riverside County Superior Court judge determined that there was sufficient evidence to warrant a trial on all of the counts.

Tolentino is being held on $1 million bail at the Byrd Detention Center.

The defendant allegedly confronted the motorist, whose identity was not disclosed, in the area of Railroad Canyon Road and Summerhill Drive shortly before 8 a.m. on April 21, according to sheriff’s investigators.

Sgt. Jeff Reese alleged that Tolentino flashed a gun and ordered the man to head north, though the specific route was not provided.

Reese said that the victim fol-

Frontier Communications settles suit with county over false advertising

lowed Tolentino’s commands, driving him into Corona, where the defendant got out of the car and left on foot.

The motorist, who was not injured, contacted the sheriff’s department, providing details that deputies used to initiate a search, culminating in the defendant being located and taken into custody without incident on North Lemon Street in Orange about 5 p.m. on April 22, according to the sergeant. There was no information regarding the misdemeanor hit-andrun allegation. Tolentino has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

Man killed in crash while fleeing officer on stolen motorcycle

A man died Thursday, May 5, in a crash at a Hemet intersection while speeding through a red light on a stolen motorcycle while fleeing authorities even after the pursuit was ended over concerns about public safety.

The deadly collision happened about 10:30 a.m. at Florida and Lyon avenues, according to the Hemet Police Department.

Lt. Eric Dickson said that the suspect, Cody Atchley of Nuevo was spotted riding a green sport motorcycle westbound on Mayberry Avenue, racing past a stop sign at Panorama Drive, where a motorcycle patrolman was conducting speed enforcement.

The motor officer followed Atchley and signaled him to stop, but the man “immediately acceler-

ated away at a very high rate of speed,” the lieutenant said.

He said that the patrolman did not want to continue the pursuit in increasingly heavy traffic and backed out, but Atchley did not slow down and turned north on Lyon.

Dickson alleged that Atchley plowed through the intersection of Florida and Acacia avenues going “speeds estimated to be significantly greater than 70 mph.”

When Atchley reached the intersection of Florida and Lyon avenues, he was facing a red traffic signal, but didn’t yield, according to Dickson.

“The rider struck a white PT Cruiser driving west on Florida in the No. 1 lane in a broadside collision,” Dickson said. “The collision caused the PT Cruiser to veer into the No. 2 lane, colliding into a Hyundai. The rider was ejected

from the motorcycle and landed on top of a Ford that was stopped, facing south in the southbound lane of Lyon.”

The motor officer arrived at the location moments later and called for paramedics and other assistance, the lieutenant said.

Atchley was taken to Hemet Global Medical Center where he died just over an hour after the collision, according to the coroner’s office.

The PT Cruiser driver suffered a minor injury to one of his wrists and was also taken for treatment, according to the police representative. No one else was hurt.

Dickson said the motorcycle was confirmed stolen from within the city on Wednesday.

The crash prompted a full closure of the intersection into the early afternoon hours.

Cohort in alleged phony ADA lawsuits scam arraigned

City News Service

SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

A Homeland man accused with an attorney of conspiring to file more than five dozen harassment lawsuits seeking payoffs from small businesses over purported Americans with Disabilities Act violations pleaded not guilty Wednesday, May 4, to felony charges.

Bryan Eduardo Estrada, 27, is charged with three counts each of filing false documents and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Estrada was arraigned before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Sean Crandell, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Friday, July 8, at the Riverside Hall of Justice. The defendant is free on a $30,000 bond.

His co-defendant, 47-year-old Ross Christopher Cornell of Big

Bear, was slated to be arraigned on identical charges Thursday, May 12, and is also free on a $30,000 bond.

According to the District Attorney s Office, from mid 2019 to March 2022, the pair allegedly targeted more than 60 proprietorships countywide in so-called “shakedown” civil actions, claiming that the victims were failing to comply with federal disability access requirements specified under the ADA.

A review of the suits filed by Cornell, who has been practicing law since 2000, revealed that the claims were part of a scam to extract payments, prosecutors alleged.

The district attorney’s office supports accessibility rights for disabled persons but strongly maintains that ADA laws should not be manipulated solely for finan-

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Internet service provider Frontier Communications reached a tentative legal settlement valued at nearly $70 million with Riverside County and other plaintiffs over false advertising and related civil violations stemming from the company’s failure to provide customers with high-speed service, it was announced.

The lawsuit, initiated by the Federal Trade Commission and joined by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, as well as the Los Angeles County D.A.’s office, was filed a year ago in the U.S. District Court following a monthslong investigation in California.

The Riverside County D.A.’s Consumer Protection Unit took the lead in prosecuting the case.

The agency said that the settlement, pending approval by U.S. District Court Judge R. Gary Klausner in Los Angeles, proposes $8.57 million in civil penalties, with a separate $250,000 expected to be distributed to Frontier customers statewide in unspecified small amounts to mitigate the inconveniences they endured due to Frontier’s misrepresentations.

The heart of the settlement, however, is the proposed deployment of fiber optic – high-speed – internet connections to an estimated 60,000 residences throughout the state, an investment valued

at close to $60 million, according to prosecutors.

Attorneys general in Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina and Wisconsin had originally signed on as co-plaintiffs; however, in October, Klausner dismissed their claims due to jurisdictional disputes.

Frontier did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the settlement.

Riverside County prosecutors said that Frontier offered customers various digital subscriber line “tiers” guaranteeing fast internet connectivity. However, going back to January 2015, complaints began flowing to Frontier and government agencies that the company was not delivering the promised services, according to the D.A.’s office.

“Many consumers complained that slower internet speeds provided by Frontier failed to support typical online activities that should have been available at the speed tiers sold to them,” the agency said in its announcement of the lawsuit last year.

The FTC gathered evidence and ultimately determined that the Norwalk, Connecticut-based telecommunications company had allegedly violated the FTC Act. In Riverside County, prosecutors identified apparent violations of the state False Advertising Law and the Unfair Competition Law, both provisions of the Business & Professions Code.

More than two dozen arrested in monthlong sweep targeting sex offenders

City News Service

SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

cial benefit, as alleged in this case, according to an agency statement released in March.

Estrada was the alleged front man in the operation, visiting the businesses and later submitting claims that he could not gain access, according to the D.A.’s office.

It was unknown in how many instances Cornell offered to settle litigation out of court and for what amounts.

Neither man has any documented previous felony or misdemeanor convictions in Riverside County.

The D.A.’s office has previously filed charges against attorneys for alleged shakedown suits, and in 2019, the agency was singled out for praise by the nonprofit Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse for being proactive in trying to safeguard the interests of business owners and deter abusive ADA lawsuits.

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Wellspring Herbs and VitaminsOffering a large selection of high quality Herbs and Herbal Combinations, Vitamins, CBD Oils, Salves and Capsules, Essential Oils, Homeopathic Remedies, Bach Flower Emotional Essences, Teas, Organic Lotions and Skin and Hair Care products, etc. We offer Nutritional Consultations with Iridology and Live-Cell Analysis. Come on in for a FREE Bio Scan. We are open from 10-5 Monday thru Friday and 10-4 on Saturday. We are located at 1223 S. Mission Ed. (Behind Pizza Hut)

More than two dozen people, many of them convicted sex offenders, were arrested during a monthlong sweep in multiple cities carried out by members of the Riverside County Child Exploitation Team, officials announced Wednesday, May 4 RCCET personnel, composed of sheriff’s deputies and peace officers from various municipal police agencies, targeted locations countywide from the beginning to the end of April, netting 26 arrests, according to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.

Officials said that in Hemet alone, 52 sex offender compliance checks were completed, resulting in 13 people being booked into jail for alleged failure to register with local law enforcement as convicted sex offenders under Penal Code section 290, and five

people being booked for alleged parole violations.

Search warrants additionally were served in Beaumont, Corona, Indio, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley and Murrieta, culminating in six arrests for alleged possession of child pornography, according to the DA s Office. Investigators conducted a sting operation involving a San Diego County man who traveled to Riverside, allegedly for the purpose of having sex with a minor, who was really an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a youth. Prosecutors said the suspect was confirmed to be a registered sex offender and taken into custody.

In another instance, federal investigators referred a case to RCCET related to possession of child porn, leading to the arrest of a man, officials said. Additional operations are planned in the future. More information is available at http://www.rivcosafe.org

More than $520K seized at checkpoint near Murrieta

Tuesday, May 3, according to the agency.

A Mexican citizen was turned over to sheriff’s deputies in Riverside after more than half a million dollars worth of narcotics was discovered, authorities said Thursday, May 5. San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents discovered the drugs in a 2012 Ford Focus during a vehicle stop near the Temecula Border Patrol checkpoint around 7 a.m.

The search yielded seven packages of heroin – totaling 20.6 pounds with an estimated value of $280,500 – and eight packages of fentanyl, also weighing 20 pounds and worth about $240,000.

The unidentified driver of the Ford Focus was arrested and turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and the vehicle was seized by Border Patrol.

Deadline: Fridays at 3pm for following week’s publication. To advertise call our o ce at 951-763-5510 or email legals@reedermedia.com

Wild cucumbers create prickly fruit

Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

Prickly globes descend from winding tendrils, surrounded by bright green leaves, during this springtime phenomenon when the wild fruits demand attention as they dangle from vines wrapped among the redshank branches throughout the Anza Valley.

Anza youth group hikes Saddle Junction

Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

Local fishing expert, teacher and columnist Dave Dolan dusted off his hiking boots for another foray up a mountain, this time leading a pack of youths to the far reaches of Saddle Junction in the San Jacinto Mountain Wilderness. The hike took place Saturday, April 30.

AEC Electric and CoBank share success

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK STAFF

Anza Electric Cooperative has partnered with CoBank, one of the largest private providers of credit to the U.S. rural economy, to provide $20,000 in charitable contributions to four local community service groups in support of their individual programs.

Lions Play Day Gymkhana welcomes equestrians

The Lions Club of Anza Valley held its first gymkhana of the year Saturday, April 30. The long-antic-

ipated event by the new Lions Club was a success, attracting both local equestrian talent and competitors from surrounding areas. Old-time cowboys and cowgirls returned to the Lions Arena after a long sab-

batical to reignite their passion for horse sports and games. Up-andcoming riders competed alongside seasoned experts in an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun.

Thirty-one riders competed in

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane

photo a variety of entertaining events and games. Traditional gymkhana hotdogs, plus water and sodas were

see GYMKHANA, page AVO-4

Anza students attend Hamilton High School Prom

Excited Hamilton High School students gathered at the school parking lot to coordinate rides to their prom, held at the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert Friday, April 29. The young men and women were dressed to impress and overjoyed to be able to experience the generations-old high school tradition denied in part to the previous two classes due to the pandemic.

The tradition of prom began in the middle 1800s at colleges and universities in the northeast to promote the social etiquette and manners in each graduating class, according to the website jovani. com. Jovani specializes in prom, evening and wedding dresses. Prom is short for promenade, the formal, introductory parading of guests at

Hamilton boys win Warner Softball Tournament

Seven small K-8 elementary schools and middle schools in northern San Diego County and southern Riverside County participate in athletic tournaments with a different school hosting a different sport each month. In one of those, the Hamilton Elementary School boys won the Warner Softball Tournament held Thursday, April 28, in Warner Springs.

Five boys or co-ed teams participated along with three girls teams in the tournament played on the Warner Unified School District athletic fields, which are across state Route 79 from the elementary school, middle school and high school campus. Each of the five boys or co-ed teams played each other once, and the Bobcats won all four games.

“I thought they played very well.

see PROM, page AVO-5 see SOFTBALL, page AVO-3

Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

a party.

Brittney King slides her mount around a barrel during the barrel races at the Lions Play Day Gymkhana Saturday, April 30.

Sieker

From left, Karla Garcia, Cheyenne Gomez, Jaida Williams and Ashlyn Miller prepare to leave Hamilton High School by limousine for their prom at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert Friday, April 29. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Joe Naiman WRITER

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.

May 14 – 9 a.m. About That

Horse You Rode In On Club’s Two-Day Obstacle Clinic and Challenge, Challenger Quarter Horses ranch, Lake Riverside, Aguanga. Learn how to compete over natural obstacles for prizes.

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 office, 58470 Highway 371, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. All are welcome. Cal-Fresh

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 951763-4333.

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 2nd 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 – 10:30-11:30 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 951763-4226.

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 951-551-2826.

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 951-7634759.

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 951763-1257 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 – 9 a.m. The church offers Sunday school for all ages with a 10:30 a.m. worship service and 6 p.m. for prayer and Bible study. Youth ministry meets Mondays from 6-8 p.m. The women’s Bible study meets Thursdays at 10 a.m., but it is on hiatus through the summer. Celebrate Recovery meets Fridays; doors open at 5:30 p.m. with large group meeting, 6-7 p.m.; small group share, 7-8 p.m. and Cross Talk Cafe, 8-8:30 p.m. Church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road in Anza. For more information, contact at 951-7634937, anzabptistchurch@gmail. com or http://www.anzabaptistchurch.com.

Clubs

High Country Recreation –Second Monday of the month attend committee meetings at ERA Excel Realty in Anza. For more information, call Albert Rodriguez at 951-492-1624 or Robyn Garrison at 805-312-0369.

HCR Bingo fundraisers –6:30-9:30 p.m. second and fourth Fridays at Anza Community Hall.

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 951-282-4267.

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.

individual will be elected for the Director-at-Large position on the board of directors at the annual membership meeting this July.

Wild cucumbers create alien prickly fruit

Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

Prickly globes descend from winding tendrils, surrounded by bright green leaves, during this springtime phenomenon, the wild fruits demand attention as they dangle from vines wrapped among the redshank branches throughout the Anza Valley.

Oddly named the wild cucumber, or man-root, Marah macrocarpa is a relative of the garden cucumber, watermelon and squash, plant experts say. Unlike these domesticated vegetables, all parts of the wild cucumber plant are toxic to some degree. It is a climbing and trailing perennial that emerges from a large woody or fleshy underground root that can weigh in excess of 100 pounds. One root, excavated at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens, weighed 467 pounds. It is because of this root that this vine is one of the first

plants to reseed after a wildfire. Wild cucumbers are perennial broadleaf vines that produce distinctive greenish, round to oblong spiny fruit capsules that contain seeds. They grow in open areas in forests, shrubland and riparian habitats throughout much of California to 6,000 feet of elevation. Aboveground growth may die back in the summer if water is limited.

These plants have clinging tendrils that climb, entwining shrubs and trees. Each leaf is several inches in diameter and has five to seven lobes. Tendrils used for anchoring the vine grow opposite of the leaves. The white, five-petaled male and female flowers are separate but occur on the same plant. The male flowers appear on specialized stems, and the somewhat larger female flowers from which the fruit develops arise at the base of that stem.

As one of the plant’s most noticeable features, the fruit is a green, ovoid gourd that grows up to about 5 inches long, densely covered with stiff, flattened spines. It is often fleshy and melon-like with a rind and a spongy interior. Each gourd contains four to 16 oblong, brownish seeds that the fruit ejects when ripe.

The wild cucumber begins sending up shoots in December and may start blooming in January, continuing through April and May.

It is a common plant of dry areas of chaparral, washes, roadsides and may also be found in coastal sage scrub and foothill woodland communities. Indigenous Peoples in Southern California used wild cucumber in a wide variety of ways. The Kumeyaay ground the seeds into a black paste that was used for face paint, and a topical application of leaves was utilized to relieve pain and inflammation, according to

historical records.

The Luiseño made a grease base for paints out of the seeds and the Chumash used parts of the plant medicinally. Many tribes used the large, hard seeds as gaming pieces, or strung them into necklaces.

Other groups used the pulverized root or seeds to catch fish.

It was discovered that when this powder was cast into rivers or tide pools, it would stun fish and they would float to the surface for easy collection. The oil from the seeds was used to reverse baldness, chemicals in wild cucumber have pharmacological similarities to chemicals used in modern baldness treatments.

It is good to know that the wild cucumber is an interesting and even useful member of the diverse biome that is the Anza Valley.

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

SOFTBALL from page AVO-1 The Bobcats’ second game was a 6-5 victory against Julian. It was the Timberwolves’ only boys loss of the tournament.

They played some very good competition,” Hamilton boys coach David Nelissen said.

Hamilton, Cottonwood Elementary School, and Julian Middle School had both boys and girls teams. Vallecitos in Rainbow and Warner had co-ed teams which played in the boys’ division.

The games lasted four innings or 30 minutes, although the full inning was allowed to be completed if the 30 minutes had elapsed. A team was limited to five runs in their batting half of the inning. The teams pitch to their own batters; schools could either utilize a student or a faculty member as the pitcher. Each team had 10 players on the field.

The Hamilton boys began play with a 5-0 win over Vallecitos. All five of the runs were scored in the first inning.

“That was a good game,” Nelissen said. “We did very well in the first inning. We kind of trailed off, but we were able to hold them off for that win.”

“The game against Julian was very difficult,” Nelissen said.

Cottonwood was winless in the Cougars’ four boys’ games. Cottonwood scored a run in the first inning, but Hamilton prevailed by a 7-1 score in the matchup between the two Hemet Unified School District teams.

“We were able to get a lot of outs in the infield and we were able to put the ball in the outfield,” Nelissen said.

The Hamilton boys concluded play with an 8-3 win over Warner.

“We were just able to make some plays in the infield that kept them from scoring lots of runs,” Nelissen said.

Because the girls division had only three teams each school played two games against each opponent. Julian won all four games for the championship, Hamilton had a 2-2 record for second place and Cottonwood lost all four girls

contests.

“They did good,” Hamilton girls coach Sterling Estrada said. “The slow pitch, it was definitely a change, but we got our batting down.”

Hamilton and Julian opened girls’ play with a game which lasted three innings and ended as a 12-0 Timberwolves triumph. Hamilton then took a 5-0 victory over Cottonwood. The third girls game was a 10-0 Julian win against Cottonwood. Julian defeated Hamilton by a 12-3 score. The second game between Hamilton and Cottonwood was also a 5-0 Bobcats victory. Girls play concluded with Julian prevailing in a 15-0 game against Cottonwood.

The seven schools also include Pauma Elementary School and Borrego Springs Middle School. This academic year’s tournaments will conclude Thursday, May 19, with a track and field meet hosted by Julian Middle School. Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

Clusters of the prickly wild cucumber fruit develop sharp protective spines as they mature.

The sharp spines warn animals not to touch the wild cucumber fruit.

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photos

A player fields the ball during the Warner Softball Tournament in Warner Springs.

A player watches his fly ball before running to first base during the Warner Softball Tournament in Warner Springs.

A player connects with the ball during the Warner Softball Tournament in Warner Springs.

Valley News/Courtesy photos

Anza youth group hikes Saddle Junction

Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

Local fishing expert, teacher and columnist Dave Dolan dusted off his hiking boots for another foray up a mountain, this time leading a pack of youths to the far reaches of Saddle Junction in the San Jacinto Mountain Wilderness. The hike took place Saturday, April 30.

The Anza Youth Ministries members trekked to Saddle Junction, approximately 8,100 feet above sea level.

“I have spoken to the group in the past on various topics,” Dolan said. “But somehow the conversations always seemed to drift into my fishing and mountain climbing exploits. So I figured it was time for me to organize a hike for the group.”

The journey was about 5 miles long and took approximately four hours hiking time, according to Dolan. The elevation gains from Humber Park to Saddle Junction was about 1,600 feet.

Dolan is best known for his in-

formative fishing newspaper column. His gentle, friendly nature comes across in his writing, as he loves to teach and share his fishing secrets. He travels worldwide pursuing his fishy prey. He advocates environmental responsibility and respect for nature.

“We had a nice long lunch break at Saddle Junction,” he said.

“From this spot a person has the option of hiking to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto, the top of the Palm Springs Tram, the summit of Tahquitz Peak or back down the trail. There were reports of snow and ice on the trails up higher, so we opted to return to the Humber Park trailhead. We did pass by some snowbanks along our trail. This made for some fun snowball fights.”

With typical youthful energy, the children said they are looking forward to another hiking adventure with Dolan.

“After the hike I asked the group if anyone was up for a summit hike next time,” he said. “The answer was a resounding yes. So next trip it will be on to the summit. This

Rosy boa snakes are Anza Valley favorites

The California rosy boa is a rare sight in the Anza Valley, but when encountered, these docile, nonvenomous snakes are popular with local residents every time.

Known to be timid yet eventempered when held by humans, rosy boas, Lichinura trivirgata, are slow, thick-bodied snakes related to boa constrictors and anacondas. The rosy boa, along with the rubber boa, are the only two species of boas native to the United States. There are two subspecies in California, the coastal rosy boa and the desert rosy boa. Neither of these snakes have venom that is dangerous to most humans, according to Jay Sharp with DesertUSA.com.

The gentle serpents range from Southern California and western Arizona to northern Baja and western Sonora. They prefer deserts and rocky scrublands, where they hunt small mammals, reptiles, frogs and birds, mostly at night.

The rosy boa has three stripes that run its entire length and there are some variations in color. The coastal rosy boa may have rose to orange stripes set against a creamcolored or gray body, while the

Rosy boas are gentle and non-venomous.

desert rosy boa may have chocolate-colored stripes set against a cream-colored background. The rosy boa’s typical overall reddish hue likely gave rise to its common name, Sharp said. Like many other non-venomous snakes, rosy boas have two rows

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

of small, sharp hooked teeth that help in grabbing, holding and swallowing prey. A snake will wrap its body around the prey, suffocating it with its powerful coils. Once the victim has been subdued, the snake swallows it whole.

Both species of rosy boa spend

the coolest months of the year in brumation, which is similar to hibernation in mammals. When the weather warms in the spring, the snakes emerge from dormancy and get to the business of looking for a mate.

About 130 days after mating, the female gives live birth to about a dozen 6- to 12-inch-long young, which the San Diego Zoo said are enveloped in a protective membrane that they must split open to find freedom. The mother promptly abandons them and they are on their own to start protecting themselves and to find food. Rosy boas may live for 18 to 22 years in the wild.

The slow-moving boas can grow to almost 4 feet in length. However, most snakes range from 24 to 36 inches long. The females are usually larger than the males.

Interestingly, if threatened by a predator, the rosy boa rolls itself into a ball, with its head tucked in for protection and its tail exposed and wiggling as a distraction. It emits an evil-smelling odor from glands near the base of its tail. Most predators lose interest in a wiggling, stinky ball and leave the snake alone.

Full of surprises, the rosy boa

has retained two functional lungs, most snakes have only one, and it even has remnants of a pelvis, with vestigial hind limbs near its vent. And like all snakes, the rosy boa is ectothermic, meaning that it takes its body heat from an external source, like the sun or warm rocks.

The rosy boa, colorful, gentle, moderately-sized and easy to feed and shelter, has become a favored pet among many snake enthusiasts.

“The rosy boa makes an excellent pet,” Reptilesmagazine.com states. “It is a manageable size, a hardy feeder, easy to breed and rosy boas are usually very docile and tolerate handling well. With the right snake supplies and keeping reptile health and wellness in mind, this species truly thrives as a beginner pet. Reptiles Magazine columnist Ken Foose had one that died in 2011 which had been in captivity since the 1950s. These are the exceptions, though captive rosy boas may be expected to live 30 years or more.”

For those lucky enough to find a rosy boa, the thrill of holding one of the slowest and most docile of snakes is truly an adventure.

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

Lion Dennis McQueary supervises the gate as competitors go in and out of the arena at the Lions Play Day Gymkhana Saturday, April 30.

GYMKHANA from page AVO-1

available for purchase.

Events included Keyhole, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing and a Ribbon Race.

Winners are:

Keyhole

Pee Wee Division

1st Cammi Castro, 9.56 seconds

2nd Lynda Hartman, 21.84 seconds

Juniors Division

1st Haylie Alvarez, 10.34 seconds

Seniors Division

1st Brittany King, 10.42 seconds

2nd Kailen Maciver, 11.73 seconds

Old Timers Division

1st Maria Castro, 11.16 seconds

2nd Jennifer Byrd, 11.50 seconds

Pole Bending

Pee Wee Division

1st Cammi Castro, 27.54 seconds

2nd Lynda Hartman, 33.5 seconds

Juniors Division

1st Haylie Alvarez, 27.27 seconds

2nd Kai Yazzie-Watson, 33.36 seconds

Seniors Division

1st Brittany Kins, 29.36 seconds

2nd Kailen Maciver, 29.94 seconds

Old Timers Division

1st Chris Yazzie, 27.87 seconds

2nd Jennifer Byrd, 27.89 seconds

Barrel Racing

Pee Wee Division

1st Cammi Castro, 23.03 seconds

2nd Laya Maciver, 38.24 seconds

Juniors Division

1st Makiya Walter, 20.17 seconds

2nd Haylie Alvarez, 21.85 seconds

Seniors Division

1st Kailen Maciver, 24.72 seconds

2nd Brittney King, 26.32 seconds

Old Timers Division

1st Jennifer Byrd, 21.88 seconds

2nd Maria Castro, 23.58 seconds

Ribbon Race

Kai Yazzi-Watson and Chris Yazzi, 14.19 seconds

Maria and Cammi Castro, 16.60 seconds

Volunteers Greg Sandling, Dennis, Paula and Niel McQueary, Leslie Price, Pebbles Lewis, Tim

and Audrey Turpin, Kevin Watson, Darrell, Brenda, Julieanna and Faith Cowen, Valerie Young, Chuck Weitlauf, Anne Lindsley, Jaye Isabell, Realyn and Annalth Sawtelle, Robert Singleton, Marty Krieger, Laurie Stanton, Heather, Collin and Caleb Barrett, Ian Evans, Heather Bourgeois, Weston Holzer, Jeff Hawthorne and Bob Love helped make it all happen.

The next gymkhana will be held Saturday, June 4. Sign-ups will start at 8 a.m. and events will begin at 10 a.m. Helmets are required for all riders under the age of 18. No alcohol will be permitted at this event or on the grounds.

The Lions’ field is located at 39551 Kirby Road in Anza.

For more information regarding the Lions Club of Anza Valley, please email Greg Sandling at President.AnzaLions@gmail.com or visit them at www.facebook. com/LionsofAnzaValley.

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

Led by veteran hiker Dave Dolan, Anza Youth Ministries members hike to Saddle Junction in the San Jacinto Wilderness Saturday, April 30. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo was such a nice, lively group of young people. They reaffirmed my belief in a good generation coming up in the future.” The Anza Youth Ministries

meet on Mondays, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Anza First Southern Baptist Church. For more information, please visit them at www.facebook.com/

anzabaptistchurch.

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

Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Horsemen and horsewomen of all ages are able to compete or just ride at the Lions Play Day Gymkhana Saturday, April 30.

Even the littlest cowgirls enjoy the day at the Lions Play Day Gymkhana Saturday, April 30.

The ribbon race provides fun and great displays of skill at the Lions Play Day Gymkhana Saturday, April 30.

Anza Electric and CoBank share success with local service groups

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK STAFF

Anza Electric Cooperative has partnered with CoBank, one of the largest private providers of credit to the U.S. rural economy, to provide $20,000 in charitable contributions to four local community service groups in support of their individual programs.

“The program provides contributions to our local organizations that qualify, up to $20,000 total,”

AEC General Manager Kevin Short said. “Our board of directors approves the Cooperative’s share of the donations and CoBank reviews our application for matching funds. We just received approval

FAITH

of this year’s request.”

The following local groups will receive funds this year: FIND Food Inc., Anza Community Building Inc., KOYT Radio 97.1 LPFM and the Thimble Club.

“CoBank is proud to partner with customers like Anza Electric through our Sharing Success program,” Graham Kaiser, vice president of CoBank, said. “Through charitable contributions and outreach, Anza Electric is providing a helping hand to people in need and supporting the programs and organizations that are helping their community to grow and thrive.”

Through donations such as these, community service groups

Six things the Bible says about abortion and babies

But the question of abortion, whether it’s right or wrong, shouldn’t be answered from the right side or left side of the aisle.

Our answer should come from the Bible and nowhere else. In the scriptures, we get God’s perspective on the value of human life and where it begins.

Six things the Bible says about unborn babies: God created all life and made us in his own image.

godly value from the moment of inception.

God is directly involved in forming every human in the womb.

SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

There is no doubt that abortion is a hotly contested issue in our country. People from both sides of the aisle have gone to great lengths to support or oppose the practice from their point of view.

On the sixth day of creation, “God created mankind in his own image, i n the image of God he created them; male and female he created them,” in Genesis 1:27.

It means that every baby conceived, through evil or good intent, is in the image of God, our creator. It gives every human being a

The Bible said that God “made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex. Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out b efore a single day had passed,” in Psalm 139:13-16.

Babies are never just a clump of cells. They are God’s workmanship from the moment of conception. From start to finish God gives each person his special attention and designs each of us by his mighty hand.

God calls us for his excellent purpose before the womb.

In the Bible, God said, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations,” in Jer-

emiah 1:5.

Before you ever had fingers or toes, God knew you and had a purpose for your life. You might not be a “prophet to the nations” but your God-given purpose is just as important, specifically designed for you before you were born.

God watches over children so that they are not despised.

Jesus said, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven,” in Matthew 18:10.

Children, both unborn and born, are precious in the sight of God. He watches over them, and the angels report on our actions toward them. Children, especially the unborn, often do not have a voice to be heard. Angels are their voices before the throne of God.

God commanded us and blessed us to be fruitful and multiply.

At two of the most significant points in human history, creation and the flood, God commanded us to have families. In the account of Adam and Eve, the Bible tells us that “God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it,’” in Genesis 1:22.

can assist more residents.

“These infusions of operating capital for our local service groups are critical for their ongoing missions of serving the community, especially during difficult economic times. Anza Electric Cooperative is proud to work together with them all for the common good. The Seventh Cooperative Principle is ‘Concern for Community,’ and providing financial support as well as the electric and broadband services that we deliver every day benefit our community,” Short said. Visit the Anza Electric Cooperative at www.anzaelectric.org or call 951-763-4333.

In the account of Noah and his sons, the Bible said, “God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth,’” in Genesis 9:1.

If you notice, the command to have children always coincides with God’s blessing. It brings me to my next point.

God said that children are a blessing, not a burden.

The Bible said that “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them,” in Psalm 127:3-5.

Sadly, we live in a time that says children are a burden and should be done away with. All under the guise that women should have the right to choose. That line of thinking stands in direct contrast to the word of God, the Bible.

Children are a gift from God and a reward from him. To think otherwise is to think differently than God.

Zachary Elliott is the lead pastor of Fusion Christian Church in Temecula. For more information, visit https://www.fusionchristianchurch. com, http://www.encouragementtoday.tv or find them on Instagram.

From left, Josh Weaver, Ashlyn Miller, Makiya Walters and Zack Vollan are ready for their prom at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert Friday, April 29.

A stretch limousine stands ready to transport students to their prom at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert Friday, April 29.

From left, Kaziah Wood, Matilda Terry, Ciaran Halliday, Rene Hernandez and Rose Hopkins are excited

attend

prom at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert Friday, April 29.

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photos

FIND Food Inc. is one of the donation recipients of CoBank’s and Anza Electric Cooperative Inc.’s matching funds program this year.

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Zachary Elliott

Where there is risk, there must be choice

After the hearing, the San Francisco Senator tweeted, “Teens should be able to protect their own health with vaccines – whether against COVID, flu, measles, or polio – even if their parents refuse or can’t take them to get the shot.”

It’s a gross violation of parental rights.

Julie Reeder PUBLISHER

On May 5, the California Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7–0 to allow proposed legislation, SB 866, by democratic Senator Scott Wiener, to move forward, allowing minors to be vaccinated without parental consent or knowledge.

The problem is that whoever is giving the shot is not responsible, either medically or financially, for adverse effects. The parents know the full medical history of the child. By far, most parents have their child’s best interests at heart. Children are easily coerced and may want to get a medical procedure, but if the parent, who is medically and financially responsible has no control or even knowledge of the medical procedure, how can they monitor for the side effects that are openly documented on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention VAERS database?

And how can they protect their child who is more easily coerced?

Children who have a statistical zero percent chance of death from COVID-19 are being legislated and coerced into getting vaccines even though they don’t need them and their bodies produce a superior immunity naturally. The political lobby is just too strong. Those profits are too important.

A family that decides to risk the vaccine for a young person after informed consent is one thing. If that young person suffers heart problems (25% higher risk after the shot) or becomes paralyzed

(See “Another young person with almost zero potential COVID-19 liability irreparably harmed by the ‘cure’” Valley News, Feb. 11, 2022), their family chose that path and will be responsible to take care of that minor, but to put a family on the hook for care and medical bills possibly for life for a minor after

not even having the ability to be informed or have parental consent is radically unjust. A family may lose everything financially, or even the life of their child, or, at the very least, just not know to seek help for early signs of side effects.

Where there is risk, there must be choice.

If the state won’t be financially responsible and if the minor isn’t able to be financially responsible, the parent is unfairly burdened without any control.

This is just one more example of how radical our supermajority is in Sacramento. Most of their radical bills have been pulled before voting because other challenges across the country have proven their ideas unconstitutional but this one still moves forward.

The bill analysis points to situations where the parents are too busy to take the children to get the vaccine or the “medical neglect” of

Californians need immediate relief at the pump

Marie Waldron SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

The cost of gasoline continues to spiral out of control. Gas prices rose by 38% last year, fueling overall inflation, which rose by 7.9%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that was the highest inflation rate in 40 years, and unfortunately, there is no end in sight.

Californians need relief now.

One immediate step would be suspension of the state’s 51.1 cent per gallon gas tax, the nation’s highest. There is no need to wait for future

rebates; we’d all get relief every time we fill up.

Previous attempts to suspend the gas tax have failed due to the political majority’s opposition in Sacramento. However, a new effort may bear fruit. Last week, California Problem Solvers Caucus, of which I am a member, unveiled a plan to suspend the gas tax immediately and ensure 100% of the savings are passed to drivers. Under this proposal, a 12-month gas tax holiday would take immediate effect. All lost transportation revenues would be backfilled from the state’s general fund, using our huge budget surplus to ensure that

highway/transportation programs remain fully funded. The proposal would require merchants to pass 100% of the savings back to consumers. The CPSC is a bipartisan group of legislators from both houses. The caucus promotes common sense solutions to the most pressing issues facing our state. With escalating costs crushing low and middle-income Californians, this issue is critical and must be addressed now. This is especially true in rural/semi-rural areas like the 75th Assembly District where high housing costs force many workers to commute an hour or

the parents.

Even if this were an issue, which in this case it’s not, you don’t make sweeping laws and radical policy changes for everyone because of a few isolated bad situations.

Every decision a parent makes is as an advocate for that child, first and foremost. The politicians have other interests, including serving the interests of their big donors and the ideology of their political party.

The medical decisions of minors have to be primarily controlled by their parents, with rare exceptions handled through the courts or other proper channels.

Where there is risk, there must be choice, and real informed consent as well. We must protect our children from special interests.

Julie Reeder can be reached by email at jreeder@reedermedia. com.

more to work every day.

I’m proud to join my CPSC colleagues advocating for immediate relief for hard-pressed California workers simply trying to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads.

Assemblymember Marie Waldron, R-Valley Center, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Bonsall, Escondido, Fallbrook, Hidden Meadows, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Rainbow, San Marcos, Temecula, Valley Center and Vista.

Assemblymember