Valley News - May 19, 2023

‘Uncorroborated intelligence’: Durham Report torches FBI, DOJ for handling of Trump-Russia probe

Arjun Singh

The Daily Caller Contributor

Special Counsel John Durham found that the FBI used “uncorroborated intelligence” when launching its probe into former President Donald Trump, and that FBI agents failed to maintain “strict fidelity to the law” in their investigation, according to a copy of the report obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Wildomar City Council looks at amended cannabis and affordable housing ordinances

Tony Ault

Staff Writer

The adoption of a zoning ordinance amendment that would restrict the transportation of cannabis delivery businesses to operate only in the city’s industrial areas was tabled after a lengthy discussion at the May 10 Wildomar City Council meeting.

CVS: ‘Pleased to have come to an agreement’ with Riverside, other counties

City News Service

Special to Valley News

A multi-million-dollar settlement reached between CVS Health Inc. and a dozen California counties, including Riverside, stemming from the sales of expired baby formula and other products will help keep the corporation on track with “making key enhancements” to policies and practices, CVS said Friday, May 12.

CIF Southern Section Finals have arrived

Former Police Chief Pat Walsh to temporarily oversee Menifee Police Department

Former Menifee Police Department Chief Pat Walsh will return temporarily. Valley News/Courtesy photo

MENIFEE – Menifee’s former police chief, Pat Walsh, who successfully led the creation and operations of the city police department for two years, will return temporarily to manage the department while interim Chief Chris Karrer is out on injury medical leave due to an injury he sustained while off-duty.

Walsh, a law enforcement veteran with nearly 40 years of experience, provided critical leadership during the establishment of the Menifee Police Department in July 2020. He began his law enforcement career as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff in 1984 before transferring to the Portland Police Bureau in 1992 where he served for over 20 years. In 2014, Walsh became the police chief in Lompoc and served in that position until taking the same role in Menifee. He retired from the Menifee Police Department in July 2022.

see POLICE, page A-2

Panhandlers asked to leave Fallbrook

Julie Reeder and Tony Campbell Valley News and AC Investigations

Sheriff deputies asked a new group of panhandlers who returned to the intersection of South Mission and Ammunition roads in Fallbrook on Saturday, May 13, to leave. They were soliciting, supposedly, for a young girl with brain cancer again. Last week, Village News, Valley News’ sister newspaper, reported that different groups of panhandlers have used the same types of signs with the same red border, same lettering, same cash app link, but different children’s photos in the middle with various diseases.

The signs this past Saturday were exactly the same as reported last week in Village News. The buckets were the same, and the

13.

cash app link on the signs were the same. So the money still appeared to be going to the same person we reported on previously that has been charged for panhandling in other cities, as well as gathering 32 parking citations in various cities along their route. This time, however, there were different young women panhandling in the intersection and they were traveling in a different van, registered to a different man than last week. The van carrying the team this week was registered to a Solorio Francisco.

He may have been one of the adult men in charge this time (Saturday). They were observed monitoring the panhandlers in

see PANHANDLERS, page A-4

Lake Elsinore City Council salutes Public Works

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

The May 9 Lake Elsinore City Council meeting was brief and began with a proclamation issued to members of the city’s Public Works Department in honor of Public Works Week, May 21-27. Manager Rick DeSantiago and Superintendent Francisco Diaz accepted the recognition on behalf of the entire staff.

“Without them, our city does not function,” Mayor Natasha Johnson said before sharing parts of the proclamation. It states that this year marks the 63rd annual National Public Works Week in accordance with this year’s theme “Connecting the World Through Public Works.” She noted that the department works

soliciting

May 21-27 is proclaimed Public Works Week in Lake Elsinore by its City Council. From left, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Manos, Mayor Natasha Johnson, Public Works Manager Rick DeSantiago, Public Works Superintendent Francisco Diaz, Council Member Tim Sheridan and Council Member Bob Magee. Valley News/Johnathan O. Skinner photo

Wildomar City Council looks at amended cannabis and affordable housing ordinances

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The adoption of a zoning ordinance amendment that would restrict the transportation of cannabis delivery businesses to operate only in the city’s industrial areas was tabled after a lengthy discussion at the May 10 Wildomar City Council meeting.

The question was raised why such an amendment would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and if it would encourage new transportation-only cannabis businesses to come into the city even in the industrial zone.

While two current cannabis businesses that cultivate and distribute their products (in store) do operate in the city’s industrial and commercial zones, there are no transportation-only cannabis businesses in the city. Those current cannabis businesses are carefully controlled by city ordinances providing any health or safety infraction may result in the business closing.

It was the staff’s desire that if any transportation-only cannabis businesses wanted to come into the city, they could if they stayed in the industrial zones only by ordinance. The discussion opened a public hearing that brought one resident to the podium who said she was unaware that the other cannabis businesses cultivated and distributed their product in the city, voicing her concern that the ordinance might bring in new cannabis transporting businesses even in the allowed industrial zones without a proper environmental study through CEQA. She argued that maybe the entire cannabis ordinances should be reviewed again because of the potential of more businesses coming into Wildomar that many residents don’t want.

While the Wildomar Planning Commission recommended the amendment be placed in the cannabis ordinances, the council said it may bring other problems from new cannabis businesses that may not be subject to a CEQA review. The five council members agreed that the amendment should be further studied and tabled the public hearing until the June council meeting.

During another public hearing, the council reluctantly agreed for a resolution to approve a density bonus and parking concessions to a new proposed affordable housing project at 36750 Mesa Drive that would bring 130 new apartments into the city.

The affordable housing project, Wildomar Cottages, is already tentatively approved by the Wildomar Planning Commission abiding by California’s SB35 for cities to add affordable housing to families making under $70,000 per year.

Each city in the state was ordered to provide a certain number of affordable housing units within their boundaries to overcome the state’s housing shortage for low income families. While a city had to follow the SB35 mandate, they could still require their own design standards by ordinance. But they still had to allow enough parking areas and more affordable housing without regard to the surrounding traffic patterns or adjacent lower density single family homes.

The ordinance before the council dealt only with the number of parking spaces to be allowed for the increased family size and the number of residential apartments and their sizes (for higher numbers of family members expected) or density allowed which was more that other similar surrounding housing projects.

Even though questions arose that the number of parking spaces for possibly larger older families with cars were insufficient, and the lack of other parking areas on nearby narrow city streets that might create more traffic hazards, the council reluctantly approved the bonus parking and density of

the 13 apartments going on 6.9 acres of land. The vote was 4 to 1 with one council member giving a no vote.

Earlier in the meeting, Jason Farag, from the public works and engineering department, gave reports on the road construction throughout the city and reported that the Bundy Canyon capital improvements project to widen the roadway, is nearly complete with new traffic signals being coordinated and final striping underway. There was some indication, however, that parts of the newly constructed roadway were still “bumpy” and the problem is being looked into with the contractor.

City Manager Daniel York in his

comments said he was extremely pleased with efforts of the code enforcement and sheriff’s department special teams to help clear up most of the homeless problems in the city during the past few years. He said at this time there was only one outstanding person left in the city looking for a home or help. Most of the homeless encampments in the city have been removed and the land cleaned up. An update on the 2023-2024 planned budget was provided for police and fire departments. Both are expected to increase by next fiscal year with the police department (sheriff’s contract) going from $5,619,000 to $5,894,900 and the fire department (County/

CalFire contract) from $4,602,468 to $4,829,398 with Measure AA funding. The increased expenditure is expected to help fund 13 more sheriff’s patrol hours and new traffic community service and special enforcement officers and improved higher paid firefighters and paramedics with better hours and plans for a new utility truck and the planning and land acquisition for a new future fire station in the city. The final General Fund and CIP fiscal year budget is still being reviewed and must be presented by the end of June.

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

Destress with Donuts to be hosted at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library

TEMECULA – Stressed out by life or finals? Need a break before summer hits? Take a moment for yourself to slow down and relax at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road, Thursday, May 25, from 6-7:30 p.m. for the first Destress with Donuts program for adults.

Stop by the library, grab a donut and pull up a chair to play a few board games or color. Open to ages 18 and up. Registration is required. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Temecula Libraries.

For a full list of programs and offerings at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/Library. Submitted by city of Temecula.

POLICE from page A-1

“Chief Karrer has done an outstanding job leading the Menifee Police Department and we will continue his great work to keep our communities safe,” Walsh said.

“While my service here in Menifee will be brief, I am looking forward to once again working with the talented men and women we have here at the department.”

Karrer, who has served with the Menifee Police Department since its inception, was appointed by City Manager Armando G. Villa in December 2022. Karrer is a U.S. Marine veteran and has over

20 years of local law enforcement experience overseeing numerous divisions including patrol, traffic, investigations, operations and support services.

“We wish Chief Karrer a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back on the job soon,” Villa said. “In the meantime, we are grateful to have Chief Walsh back with us and know he will do a great job in leading the Menifee Police Department.”

Walsh officially began his temporary assignment Monday, May 15, and is expected to serve for approximately eight to 12 weeks.

Submitted by city of Menifee.

Wildomar Cottages, an affordable housing project to be located at 36750 Mesa Drive, has been tentatively approved by the Wildomar Planning Commission. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Judith Hunt , known to her friends as Judy, was born March 12, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois. She passed away on May 4, 2023, after a painful battle with cancer.

At the age of 11, Judy moved with her parents to California in 1952, where she lived for the rest of her life. Judy had four children by the time she was 26 and raised them as a single mother until she met Les Hunt in 1969. They married in 1972 and remained so until Les passed in 2021.

Judy loved dancing, meals at nice restaurants, playing cards, Bingo and the slots. She loved animals and flowers. She also loved drives along the California Coast and made several trips over the years.

Judy recognized her own attributes and faults and had a high level of self-awareness. This made it easier to be honest about what she was feeling or thinking.

She is survived by three of her four children, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and friends and acquaintances who were touched by her.

And while her passing did finally bring her peace, it left us missing a piece of ourselves.

Soboba youth ‘Dream the Impossible’

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News

The 15th annual Dream the Impossible Native Youth Conference was held at the University of California, San Diego in La Jolla on April 29. Open to middle and high school students, 33 youths that are part of the Soboba Tribal TANF program attended the all-day event.

DTI’s purpose is to encourage Native youth to dream big, t o dream of becoming anything they want to be, and to dream of greatness. As long as youth have a dream, they will always have something to strive for in life.

Sandra Sandoval, Regional Compliance Officer for the TANF program, served as one of the chaperones. She enjoyed the encouraging and motivating words that many of the speakers shared with the students.

“This annual event is important as it allows the youth to step out of their comfort zones through engagement and networking with other youths,” Sandoval said. “The function serves as a stepping stone for the youth; therefore, it’s crucial for a college campus to host the event. It gives the youth a glimpse of college life on campus.”

Soboba Tribal TANF Transportation Coordinator Angelica Crawford agreed that it was an advantage for the students to be on a college campus, sitting in classrooms for breakout sessions and learning how to read a campus map, giving them a feel for college life. They also interacted with UCSD student volunteers who helped them navigate the campus.

“A highlight for me was watching the youth make memories,” Crawford said. “One of our students had the chance to be on the campus of her dream school.”

topics.

Aleksia Rosas, 13, attended the “Pathways to Medical School” presented by the Association of Native American Medical Students at UCSD, which exists to support Native American medical students in completing health sciences curricula. They discussed their journeys to medical school, barriers they overcame and how a career in medicine can make meaningful changes in their communities.

She said she learned that not many Native Americans become doctors. “It makes me really think about my future and what I want to be. I really want to become a doctor,” Aleksia said.

Ariana Rosas, 16, learned that, “School is very important and there are many options to what you can do in college.”

Alayna Resvaloso-Wood, 16, said the conference experience taught her that “there’s often a lot of hardships before success.” She said she also learned that, “Just because your goals don’t happen instantly doesn’t mean that they won’t happen when you get older.”

A workshop Alayna particularly enjoyed was “Traditional Native Foods” presented by Blossom Maciel, who often hosts workshops at the Soboba Indian Reservation. Blossom taught how Native foods and plants can also be used as medicine and how to incorporate them into one’s daily life.

Andrew Velazquez, 15, found the workshop subjects very interesting and really enjoyed the advice he got from the speakers at the “Native Youth Media/Vision Makers” session he attended, where he learned more about how movies are made.

Terri Strodtman passed away peacefully at home May 3, 2023. Her Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 15, 1 p.m. at South Beach Coronado Island by Hotel Del; seating is available. Please come early to allow for parking and fellowship and sharing with family and friends.

RSVP as soon as possible with # of people attending to Donnie Strodtman via messenger, text at 909-301-2622, or email Donnie1964@live.com. The Gofundme page has been updated, https://gofund.me/390c6f3b

During the conference, the chaperones assisted the young participants by guiding them to the many b reakout sessions and activities offered throughout the day. “It is important for youth to attend these conferences because they hear the stories of speakers that started in their shoes,” Crawford said. “It’s not an easy road, but it is possible for them to achieve their goals.”

Ten breakout sessions were interspersed with cultural activities and a lunch break that incorporated a Resource Fair featuring a variety of community organizations, colleges and trade schools sharing information about different resources and options available to Native youth and families. Each youth was given the choice of three workshops to attend that covered a variety of

Discussions included the ethics and responsibilities of storytelling. Participants were given hands-on video or photography experience into the creation of a story idea and structure, through writing a script, shooting, editing and sharing.

Andrew also attended “Native American College Life” where UCSD Native students explained the trials and triumphs of their college experience so far and college life in general. “Break Cycle Warriors” was his third session choice where he learned about the importance of physical, mental and spiritual health as presented by Bradley Guachino of the Pala Band of Mission Indians.

Ginger Velazquez, 14, also enjoyed the Native Youth Media session and said the most important thing she took home from the workshop is more confidence. “I heard someone say to never give up and that sometimes you have to

get out of our comfort zone to do even better things,” she said.

Moyla Arviso, 14, was glad she was able to take home a lot of knowledge from attending the DTI conference for the first time. She chose to attend the “Anything is Possible” workshop with Destiny Ng, a Native Hawaiian from O’ahu. After graduating from the University of Redlands in 2020 with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Psychology, Destiny is now a full-time model. Utilizing a vision board, she taught participants how to find “your gifts and turn your dreams into a reality.”

Moyla chose this workshop because she enjoys doing these types of projects at school and she also likes to draw. The most important thing she learned at the conference is “how time is our most valuable resource.”

Su’la Arviso, 17, said the most important takeaway she had from attending this year’s conference is “to use your voice and stay dedicated to your goal; your future is everything.” One breakout session she chose to attend was “Indigenous Stories in AR, VR & Geolocation” but said all three of her choices represented the best fit for her and her current interests. She said the day-long experience taught her that, “We don’t really know how much time we have so why not live our life in a positive way and leave a positive impact on the world for future generations?”

Nowaniiki Resvaloso, 12, enjoyed the “Traditional Kumeyaay Ga mes & Stories” session that gave participants the opportunity to join a fierce competition with their friends, playing traditional games while listening to Stan Rodriguez tell stories of Coyote the Trickster and other parts of the Creation story. Nowaniiki said one thing he heard at the conference that changed his way of thinking about

the intersection from inside McDonalds.

When Village News approached one of the panhandlers asking what they were raising money for, a girl responded with insults and curse words (you’re fat, you’re f***ing ugly). This is consistent with what Village News experienced the previous week when reporting on the soliciting.

Trustee, Dale Qualm Trustee, Patricia Kelleher Cemetery Staff General Manager, Cindi Beaudet Administrative Assistant, Cherry Santos Groundskeeper, Kyle Means, Groundskeeper, Alfredo Aguilar

As part of last week’s story about this group of panhandlers, the Village News called the Sheriff’s Department asking what should be done, especially when it appears the panhandler’s causes are fraudulent, Lt. Claudia Delgado suggested calling the Sheriff’s Department. That way, if there is a call for service, they can respond.

Saturday the Sheriff was called and within a few minutes responded. The officers appeared to communicate to the panhandlers

his future was, “Try your best and keep going.”

Akwaalimay Resvaloso, 14, visited many of the different stations that were set up throughout the campus where flyers, brochures and other resource information was provided. She took home a lot of material for future reference.

There were also ongoing cultural activities that included beading by Gene Begay, a weaving circle by Blossom Maciel, information from the Sycuan Cultural Center, a Powwow dance by Mia Murillo and a presentation on Sustainable Farming Through Culture with Pauma Tribal Farms. Dodge ball and lawn games were offered, as well as campus tours.

The Dream the Impossible Youth Conference was started in 2007 by several Southern California Tribes and Tribal organizations. The dream began when local youth councils planned to organize a conference specifically for Southern California Native youth. After several planning meetings, the youth voted on a conference name and agreed to host the first ever Southern California Native Youth Conference on the Soboba Indian Reservation at Noli Indian High School and the Soboba Sports Complex.

The success of that first conference marked the beginning of the Dream the Impossible Native Youth Conference becoming an annual event. Today there are more than 35 Tribes, Tribal organizations and universities that contribute to the conference that is attended by approximately 500 Native youths each year.

Highlighting Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude and Motivation, DTI’s message to youth is, “Don’t be afraid to DREAM!” For more information, www.dticonference.org.

that they should leave and the panhandlers all returned to their van quickly, where the adult men were waiting for them, and they left the area quickly.

Editor’s Note: When local people are fundraising for a legitimate cause, it is our experience that they are willing to talk to the newspaper and while they may be sad, we’ve never experienced a rude response from someone who is experiencing legitimate grief or tragedy.

If you see organized panhandling like this taking place and you have a past photo taken, or recent ones, please send them to frontdesk@ reedermedia.com. This is a continuing investigative piece. We believe there are bands of people who move from town to town every day, pulling on the heartstrings of generous people with fraudulent causes.

The Supreme Court has long held that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in “what a person knowingly exposes to the public.”

PANHANDLERS from page A-1

Soboba Tribal TANF youth participate in a weaving circle with facilitator Blossom Maciel at the University of California, San Diego campus in La Jolla on April 29. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

One of 10 breakout sessions offered at the 15th annual Dream the Impossible Native Youth Conference was “Traditional Native Foods” presented by Blossom Maciel, who often presents workshops at the Soboba Indian Reservation.

Free children’s golf lessons coming to San Jacinto this summer

SAN JACINTO – Nonprofit Grandfathers for Golf is accepting applications for children ages 5 and up for its free summer golf program. Classes will start Tuesday, June 6, at 7:30 a.m. at Golden Era Golf Course in San Jacinto. Each child will receive free of charge: a shirt, a hat, appropriately sized golf clubs, golf bag and balls. Sign up at http://grandfathersforgolf.org.

Grandfathers For Golf, based in San Jacinto, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching underprivileged children and all

others how to play the game of golf, which promotes fellowship, health, discipline and sportsmanship. The group works with school districts to arrange busing to participating golf courses, primarily Golden Era Golf Course in San Jacinto and Echo Hills Golf Course in Hemet. The nonprofit also works with the Southern California Golf Association and its Youth on Course program. For more information, contact Tony Viola at 909-754-4148. Submitted by Grandfathers for Golf.

Riverside Transit Agency announces 25 cent rides this summer, service changes

RIVERSIDE – This summer, everyone rides with the Riverside Transit Agency for 25 cents. It means bus rides, which usually cost $1.75, will be quarter from June 1, through Aug. 30. With a quarter, customers can ride anywhere RTA buses go, anytime they operate. The special rate is a great way for customers, both new and frequent, to find an affordable way around town this summer. Plus, with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi service and USB charging ports, RTA buses offer a convenient travel experience that is both safe and reliable. The promotion includes all local bus routes, CommuterLink and GoMicro. As always, students who are part of the U-Pass and GoPass programs ride for free with the GoMobile app. Use the GoMobile app or drop a quarter in the farebox. RTA will enhance a handful of routes Sunday, May 14, with better connections and improved on-time performance. This guide is designed to give bus riders a preview of those upcoming changes so they can plan ahead. The new Ride Guide is available online. The affected routes are 8, 30, 61 and 74.

Route 8

To improve connections with school bell times, the Route 8 clockwise weekday trips departing the Lake Elsinore Outlet Center at 6:53 a.m. and 8:05 a.m. will be adjusted to depart at 6:35 a.m. and 7:55 a.m., respectively. The counterclockwise

COUNCIL from page A-1

effortlessly in protecting the health, safety and quality of life for the citizens of Lake Elsinore.

The public is invited to attend a celebration at the Public Works Operations Department at 521 N. Langstaff on May 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Refreshments and raffles will be available as residents are urged to pay tribute to the Public Works professionals who make substantial contributions to the city on a daily basis.

City Council Consent Calendar items No. 2-9 were approved unanimously, 4-0, with Council Member Brian Tisdale being absent. Item No. 6 was briefly held for public comment but eventually approved. Three Successor Agency Consent Calendar items were also passed unanimously. There were two Public Hearings, which both began with presentations from Interim Assistant Community Development Director Damaris Abraham, on behalf of Planning Department staff.

The first was a planning application (New Ventures), requesting approval of a Tentative Tract Map and a Conditional Use Permit to subdivide an approximately 0.34acre parcel into one lot for condominium purposes and to convert an existing apartment complex into five residential condominium units located at the northwest corner of Graham Ave. and Lowell St. The staff’s recommendation to adopt was carried out with a 4-0 vote.

The second Public Hearing was a planning application for a request to subdivide an 8.46-acre site into four parcels ranging in size from 0.97 acres to 2.9 acres and one 1.6acre remainder parcel located at the southeast corner of Riverside Dr. and Collier Ave. During public comments, Jeanne Corral conveyed her concerns regarding the lack of a protected left-turn signal on one side of the roadway. With those areas being developed she feels traffic should be mitigated or modified for all citizens using that intersection. Mayor Pro Tem Steve Manos requested that staff address the concern and it was stated the project has not reached the point of discussing the traffic in that

CDs can be part of your investment strategy

overall interest-rate environment. But now, as the Federal Reserve has repeatedly raised interest rates to combat inflation, CD rates are rising, too. In fact, one-year CDs can currently be found paying in the 5% range – a rate that hasn’t been seen in more than 15 years. Later in 2023, though, if the Fed eases up on rate hikes, or perhaps even starts reversing them, CD rates could fall again.

weekday trips departing the Lake Elsinore Outlet Center at 12:07 p.m. and 1:22 p.m. will be adjusted to depart at 12:30 p.m. and 1:35 p.m., respectively.

Route 30

To improve connections with school bell times, the Route 30 weekday trip departing the Perris Station Transit Center at 2:25 p.m. will be adjusted to depart at 2:38 p.m.

Route 61

The Route 61 weekday schedule in both directions will be adjusted to maintain on-time performance.

Route 74

To improve connections with other routes, the Route 74 westbound weekday trip departing the Hemet Valley Mall at 1:05 p.m. will be adjusted to depart at 1:10 p.m. The eastbound weekend trip departing the Perris Station Transit Center at 9:24 a.m. will be adjusted to depart at 9:29 a.m. The westbound weekend trip departing the Hemet Valley Mall at 8:02 a.m. will be adjusted to depart at 8:07 a.m.

RTA saluted the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price to serve the country. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, buses will not operate, and the customer information center and administrative offices will be closed. Regular service resumes Tuesday, May 30.

Submitted by Riverside Transit Agency.

area as a certain use for the area has not yet been completed to determine the impact to traffic in the area. After that comment, Manos motioned to approve the resolution, Council Member Bob Magee seconded the motion, and it was unanimously passed.

Returning to the podium during non-agendized public comments, Corral suggested that Pottery Street be improved. She said that after the flood that created such havoc and about $9 million in damages for the community 43 years ago, federal grants were secured to fund repairs to Graham, Sumner and Heald avenues. She said Pottery Street is the only one that has not been reconnected or improved since then.

“Pottery Street was once a major thoroughfare that made it so easy to get from Main to Chaney streets,” Corral said. “I suggest the City Council consider fixing it because it’s also great access to Yarborough Park.”

During City Council Member comments, Johnson shared that she has been reelected chair of Animal Friends of the Valleys JPA board that consists of city council members from each city that govern over the shelter. AFV contracts with each city for animal control. With statistics showing that 172 stray pets were turned into its shelter due to fireworks noise last 4th of July, the organization is offering $10 microchipping for pets during the month of June. Johnson said another 148 animals were displaced at the beginning of this year due to New Year’s Eve fireworks being set off, which are illegal. “We’re really trying to be proactive and make sure that everybody understands that there are affordable options available for you to be a responsible pet owner,” she said. She noted that the nonprofit’s year-end review showed that 18,000 volunteer hours were logged, which is equivalent to nine full-time employees. For more information on adoption, volunteering and more, please visit, www.afv.org

The next regular meeting of the Lake Elsinore City Council and Successor Agency is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23 at 7 p.m. For more information, www.lake-elsinore.org

TEMECULA

–

In the financial world, stocks and stock-based mutual funds often get a lot of attention. And deservedly so, because they often form the core of a portfolio. But to help achieve your goals, you may also want to consider a broader array of investments – one of which may be a certificate of deposit.

As you may know, a CD earns interest on a lump sum for a designated period. You can purchase CDs whose maturities range from a few months to 10 or more years. Generally, the longer-term the CD, the higher the interest rate, although it isn’t always the case.

In recent years, CD rates have been pretty low, reflecting the

You can purchase a CD from a bank or buy a “brokered” CD from a financial services provider. The income you receive from a CD may be its main attraction, especially if the rates remain elevated for a while. But there’s another key advantage to owning CDs: They can help diversify a portfolio of stocks and stock mutual funds that are generally more susceptible to movements in the financial markets. A portfolio that contains CDs, as well as bonds and government securities, can help reduce the effects of market volatility. Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t guarantee profits or prevent losses in a declining market.

While adding individual CDs can be valuable, you might get a greater benefit from a more strategic approach known as laddering. You can build a CD ladder by buying a series of CDs that mature at different dates in the future –perhaps one month, three months,

six months, nine months and 12 months out, or an even longer-term ladder of one to five years. In either case, as one CD matures, you can use the money if you need it or reinvest it to another “rung” on your ladder. If inte- rest rates are up, the reinvestment option might be appealing, but if the available CD rates are lower than your maturing CDs, you could find better uses for your money. And you’d still have your longer-term CDs, possibly paying higher rates, working for you. You must evaluate whether a CD ladder and the securities held within it are consistent with your investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial circumstances.

The amount of space occupied by CDs in your portfolio should depend somewhat on your stage of life. If you’re a long way from retirement, you may want to own a larger percentage of growthoriented investments. But once you’re retired and getting more income from your portfolio becomes more important, you might find a greater need for CDs.

In a ny case, CDs may prove useful to your overall financial strategy – so give them some thought.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Adviser, Nima Helmi, who can be contacted at 951-972-3071. Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Nima Helmi. Valley News/Courtesy photo

‘Chili’ in two forms flavors these simple appetizers

culinary repertoire. All I can tell you is that they are good.

Chili Cheese Log is a mixture of cream cheese, seasonings, and nuts. The mixture is then shaped into a log and rolled in chili powder. It is served with round unflavored crackers. Our choice for the crackers is the classic water crackers or Melba rounds. Most people say “yum” after their first serving…and as they are teeing up their second one. Enjoy.

Chili Cheese Log

Ingredients:

Judith Bell

Food Editor

Recipes that stand the test of time are what I call “keepers.”

Two “keepers” in our family are different and delicious. Interestingly they incorporate “chili” in two different forms. One recipe uses bottled chili sauce, another chili powder.

When I consider our parties over the years, I can hear my husband Bob asking, “Are we having…” and he’d often name one or the other recipe shared with you today. Often as not, the answer was, “yes.”

And, while most of the recipes I have can be given their origin in a story or experience, these are simply good recipes that came my way. I have no recollection of who might have given me the recipes nor how they were added to my

• 2 (3-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• Few drops Tabasco sauce

• 1 clove garlic, crushed or very finely chopped

• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

• 2-4 Tablespoons chili powder

• Unflavored round crackers

Directions:

Beat cream cheese until soft and smooth. Blend in Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce and garlic. When well mixed, add pecans and blend in thoroughly. If the mixture is quite soft, refriger-

ate before shaping into a log. When mixture is firm, turn out onto waxed paper and shape into a log about 7 inches long and 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Sprinkle 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder on a fresh length of waxed paper. Roll log in chili powder to coat evenly, adding additional chili powder if necessary. Wrap chili-coated log in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Chill at least four hours or until the log is firm. When ready to serve, unwrap the log and turn out onto

a serving dish accompanied with crackers.

Slice into the log to prepare the first serving so guests will see how to serve themselves.

Chili sauce is the key ingredient in this spreadable appetizer.

Chili, Cheese and Seafood Appetizer

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley

Peripheral Neuropathy Breakthrough!

“My feet feel like they’re on re.” “Each step feels like I’m walking through wet paint.”

“I live in constant fear that I’ll fall.” “I can’t sleep, my hands and feet tingle all night.”

What do all of these people have in common? ey su er from peripheral neuropathy. It’s estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States have peripheral neuropathy. Unfortunately this gure may be signi cantly higher as the disease is o en misdiagnosed because of its wide array of symptoms.

Sarika Connor, L.Ac, of Soma Acupuncture & Wellness in Temecula shares this belief. “I’ve been treating neuropathy, in all its various forms, for about a decade now and so o en my patients come to me because of the symptoms, not because of a diagnosis. ey see me on television, or read the testimonial of another patient and say to themselves ‘hey, I feel the same thing’.”

Frankie M. of Murrieta testi ed to this. “I remember my husband driving me to my consultation and I saw a woman running just outside our neighborhood. I was so envious - I just kept thinking ‘I would give anything just to walk again’. My primary care doctor told me my troubles with pain and balance were just symptoms of old age and gave me a prescription. I was so depressed.”

Fortunately Frankie would eventually see Sarika on the local news talking about similar symptoms and how she o ers a real solution at Soma Acupuncture. “I just knew I had to see her. She was my last hope.”

“Almost all of our patients come to us with a story similar to Frankie’s.

ey’ve been everywhere else.

ey’ve been told there’s no hope.

ey’ve been told ‘it’s just part of getting older’.” shares Amanda, a Patient Care Technician at Soma Acupuncture. “It just breaks my heart but I know how much we can help people like Frankie so I’m always so happy when they walk through our door.”

ose diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy o en face a very grim reality; Western medicine declares that there is no solution while most alternative therapies carry large price tags and o er little to no resolve. Which is why Sarika and the sta at Soma Acupuncture pride themselves on being ‘the last resort with the best results.’

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves and this damage is commonly caused by lack of blood ow in the hands and feet. A lack of blood ow results in a lack of nutrients; the nerves then begin to degenerate and die which causes pain ranging from discomfort to debilitation. Because neuropathy is a degenerative condition, once those nerves begin to deteriorate they will continue to do so until they are completely expired, leaving those su ering with crippling balance issues. “In this case, the absence of pain is not necessarily a good thing,” shares Sarika. “ is usually indicates that your nerves are hanging on by a fragile thread.”

So how exactly is Sarika able to reverse the e ects of this degenerative disease? “Acupuncture has been used to increase blood ow for thousands of years which helps to get the necessary nutrients to the a ected nerves. But the real magic happens when I integrate ATP Resonance Bio erapy™. is is tech that was originally developed by NASA to expedite recovering and healing.”

“I just can’t say enough about Soma Acupuncture,” Frankie shared through tears of joy. “My husband and I moved here 3 years ago and he’s gone hiking almost every day. I always stayed home because of the pain and discomfort. Yesterday I walked the trail with him! And next week we’re starting ballroom dancing lessons. I am truly living life these days.”

“According to Frankie’s test results, she has seen a 74% improvement in pain and functionality, which is on par with a majority of our patients.” shares Amanda. “But more important than those test results is the joy she’s expressed being here and hearing

about all the amazing things she’s able to do because she feels great!”

By seamlessly blending the ancient science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions Sarika has achieved a 90% success rate in reversing the e ects of neuropathy. She starts each patient with an initial consultation during which a sensory exam is performed. “ is not only aids in making a proper diagnosis but it helps to de ne just how much nerve damage has occurred” tells the practitioner. “ is is important because if a patient has su ered more than 95% damage, there is little that I can do to help them. I’m familiar with the medical miracle but I know my limits as a practitioner and the limits of my medicine.”

When it comes to treating peripheral neuropathy, regardless of its origin, early detection greatly improves your chances of a full recovery.

If you or someone you love are su ering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling or ‘pins and needles’ or you’ve recently been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options. ere is hope.

Call (951) 597–0488 to schedule an initial consultation or visit SomaAcuWellness.com to read more incredible success stories.

Valley News/Adobe Stock photos

• 1 cup minced cooked shrimp, canned crab, rinsed and drained, or other cooked seafood

• Melba toast rounds or other unflavored crackers

Directions: Spread softened cream cheese in a shallow serving dish. Reserve 2 tablespoons chili sauce for garnish. Spread the remainder of chili sauce over cream cheese. Sprinkle with parsley. Sprinkle seafood on top of parsley.

Garnish with reserved chili sauce. Serve with unflavored crackers. It is helpful if one serving can be beside the appetizer so guests realize there are layers and “dig” deeply to capture all of the layers.

Temecula unveils

a new temporary mural celebrating parents as part of the Emerging Artist Mural Program at Sam Hicks

Monument Park

The City of Temecula, its Community Services Department and the Temecula Valley Museum announced a new Emerging Artist Mural in Sam Hicks Monument Park at 28300 Mercedes Street.

This temporary public art piece celebrates both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. The mural features a fun, cartoon portrayal of parents and children, created by artist Sarah Ozolins of Bigfoot Art Classes.

The Emerging Artist Mural Project seeks to support emerging artists by providing a space to showcase their craft. Artists paint a large-scale mural on varying topics, facilitated by Bigfoot Graphics.

This new mural celebrates Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Ozolins said. “In honor of parents, I made these cute childlike characters to represent the love of parents and their children. I wanted to showcase all parents, even those who might not get as much appreciation.” This mural celebrates what parents provide to their children to help them thrive, it will be on display during the months of May and June.

The museum will also celebrate mothers and fathers through facts and free crafts in the museum’s Art & Education Room. All are welcome. For more information, please call 951-694-6450.

Photo: The new temporary art piece celebrates both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

May 19 – 25, 2023

Lake Elsinore seniors receive Student of the Year honors

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

The Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program held its recognition luncheons from September through April. Each school’s honoree was eligible to be chosen as Student of the Year for their site. One recipient is chosen among the district’s alternative schools that are rotated throughout the school year.

The Student of the Year Scholarship and Recognition Dinner was held May 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lakeside High School Lancer Café. Seven Student of the Month recipients from throughout the area were selected to represent their schools as LEVCC Students of the Year. These students were chosen for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to their schools and communities, based on the highly competitive scholarship application they were required to complete.

“Since the first Student of the Month program was founded 31 years ago, we have honored more than 9,000 students between all four of our programs,” Sally Myers, who founded the nonprofit, said as she welcomed everyone to the event. “Money raised for our Student of the Year scholarships in each community stays there.”

The local high school recognition program acknowledges and honors college or trade school bound seniors for their character, their love of learning and commitment to academics in addition to participation in athletics, school activities and community service. It also commends those who have persevered through challenging life circumstances, all in a setting that honors God, country, family, community and free enterprise.

Each Student of the Year received a $1,664 scholarship, as well as a gift basket and medallion to commemorate their achievement. They were introduced by their principals and asked to speak about their passions and their legacies to a room with many supporters that included teachers, peers, family members and community and school district dignitaries.

Student of the Year honors

Elsinore High School’s Isabel Vega and Charles Wales, Keith McCarthy Academy’s Faith McCloskey, Lakeside High School’s Connor McEvilly and Eisha Singh, and Temescal Canyon High School’s Savannah Abdul and Harrison Rowe.

Elsinore High School Isabel Vega was introduced by Principal Robbin Hamilton as a student in the top 10 of her class who has contributed to the girls’ soccer and cross-country teams as well as being known as the “best photographer at our school.” Chosen as her school’s Student of the Month in January, she is headed to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall for her first choice major of mechanical engineering. “As a little kid, the intricacies of how everything worked and moved together always fascinated me and I needed to know how a simple collection of parts could create something as powerful as a car or as commonplace as a stapler. The same could be said about my fascination of every single one of

the beautiful and perfectly unique people I have had the pleasure to meet over my high school career. I have loved every second spent trying to figure out each of the wonderful collection of souls that make up my friend group, my cross country and soccer teams and my loving and supportive family.”

Charles Wales was described by Principal Hamilton as an amazing student from a “legacy” family, meaning other members have been involved with Elsinore High School in the past. Chosen as Student of the Month in November, Charles served as water polo team captain, ASB Senior Class President and other leadership roles, where he leads with humility. He coaches youth water polo and was proud to take his team to the Junior Olympics which he said was an honor and great experience for him as well as the young athletes. Charles will be attending UC, Santa Barbara to major in computer engineering to work in cybersecurity or software development in the future.

Hamilton said, “At Elsinore High School we have a saying and that is ‘tradition never graduates’ so these students will be remembered at our school site forever.”

Keith McCarthy Academy Faith McCloskey was described by Principal Peter Hopping as someone who exemplifies not only what Keith McCarthy Academy independent learning students can achieve when they set their minds to it, but she represents what all 21st-century learners should strive for. Faith was chosen as October Student of the Month at her school. After transferring to KMAl at the start of her junior year, she set herself a goal of earning an associate degree from Mt. San Jacinto College at the same time she earned her high school diploma. She will be attending Arizona State University to pursue a degree in criminology and criminal justice. “My passion is to make a difference within the criminal justice system,” Faith said. As a criminal justice attorney, she wants to be the voice for the people that

are unable to share their stories. “I want to be part of the reason why victims will be able to sleep at night,” Faith said. “I want to lead by example and to continue volunteering for several different charities. I want my legacy to be the change I contributed to a charity or even a person’s life.”

Lakeside High School

Connor McEvilly was chosen as November’s Student of the Month and Principal Henry Romero said he has continued to excel in his academics and extracurriculars since that time. He has been named valedictorian for his graduating class and was recently honored by the Riverside County Office of Education for his academic excellence. Connor was captain of his water polo and swim teams and helped build a strong aquatics program on campus. He coaches youth sports at the Elsinore Aquatics Club. He will be attending UCLA to major in civil or architectural engineering and Romero said the young man represents Lakeside with dignity and class. “I’ve developed a deep passion for math and engineering,” Connor said. “I could not have had a better upbringing here in the city of Lake Elsinore and at the amazing school that is Lakeside.”

Eisha Singh was named Student of the Month for March and Principal Romero said she is a Lancer to watch if all her achievements at Lakeside are any indication of what to expect from her in the future. Along with being in the AVID program all four years, Eisha is founder and president of the Future of Success Club, president of the Medic World club, and serves as president of AVID Club, Asian Student Union, Spanish Honor Society and Black Student Union. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been on the girls’ volleyball team for the past two years. She will attend UC, San Diego as a biological anthropology major and then plans to attend medical school to become an anesthesiologist. “Everything I do is for my parents,” Eisha said. When she was young, she struggled in school and said her third-grade teacher told her mother that “Eisha is like

Two local students named Grand Prize Finalists for The Music Center’s 35th annual Spotlight Program

LOS ANGELES – The Music Center announced 14 grand prize finalists Thursday, May 11, from more than 1,300 applicants in The Music Center’s 35th annual Spotlight program, a free nationally acclaimed performing arts competition, scholarship and artistic development program for teens. A program of The Music Center’s programming arm TMC Arts, Spotlight offers Southern California teens expert advice, coaching, audition experience and mastery classes taught by professional artists and arts administrators in seven categories: acting, ballet, dance, classical voice, non-classical voice, classical instrumental and jazz instrumental. The program recognizes and rewards all participants throughout the competition with a range of benefits, such as individual feedback from industry professionals, performance opportunities and more than $100,000 in cash awards through three rounds of auditions. To date, The Music Center has given over $2.7 million in scholarships. Held for the first time in The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion since 2014, this year’s Spotlight Grand Finale performance will be held Thursday, June 8, at 7 p.m. The finale will showcase the finalists’ incredible performances and offer a look into each of their lives with behind the- scenes footage detailing their artistic journey and Spotlight

Recipients of the Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Year award are, standing from left, Harrison Rowe, Connor McEvilly and Charles Wales, and seated from left, Savannah Abdul, Eisha Singh, Isabel Vega and Faith McCloskey. Valley News/John P. Hess photo were presented to

The Music Center’s grand prize finalist Aubrey Abella is a freshman dance student at Great Oak High School in Temecula.

The Music Center’s grand prize finalist Calli Perryman is a sophomore dance student at Murrieta Valley High School. Valley News/The Music Center photos

see YEAR, page B-2 see FINALISTS, page B-2

Murrieta Valley students honored in April

Aleksandra Petrovski

Murrieta Valley Principal Ryan

Diane A. Rhodes

The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program held its final recognition breakfast of the current school year on April 20 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Road. Emcee Mary Walters, Assistant Superintendent of the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, shared the history and mission statement of the local high school program that was founded by Sally Myers more than 30 years ago.

Walters explained that the nonprofit’s purpose is to celebrate and honor outstanding students who make a significant difference in their school and community. It acknowledges college and trade school bound seniors for their character, their love of learning and their commitment to academics in addition to their participation in athletics, school activities, community service or the ability to overcome difficult life circumstances in a setting that honors God, country, family, community and free enterprise.

Backpacks filled with gifts, certificates of recognition and more were donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients.

YEAR from page B-1

a candle whose flame only starts to grow when you light it.” She said her mother tells her that to this day and she can finally see it.

Temescal Canyon High School Savannah Abdul was the first Student of the Month recipient of this school year in September and Principal Joshua Hill talked about her involvement in California Scholarship Federation, Key Club, ASB as president, Interact Club vice president, Black Student Union treasurer and National Honor Society president. Hill said it is evident that her peers look up to her and want to work with her She is a QuestBridge scholar which provides a full-ride scholarship to a college that matches her goals. She will be attending Northwestern University to major in history with the goal of becoming a museum curator or college professor. Savannah looks forward to getting involved with community service at her college campus in any way that she can. “This fits with my passion of serving others,” she said, adding that the resources at Temescal Canyon fostered an environment in which her passion for making a difference thrived. “Part of ASB’s mission statement is to put ‘service above self,’ a role I fell into easily,” Savannah said. “The legacy I’ll be leaving behind in my community is kindness and willingness to go out of the way to serve others.”

Harrison Rowe was introduced by Principal Joshua Hill who reminded everyone why the senior had been honored as Student of the Month for April. He is captain of the Mountain Bike team, president of the Clay Club and the SoCal Youth Cycling Association, Engineering Club vice president, serves as Senior Representative for the PTSA and works at the student store on campus. Harrison plans to attend Southern Utah University in Cedar City where he will study engineering technology with an emphasis on CAD and CAM. He would like to design and improve things in the transportation industry. His teachers described him as being extremely kind and thoughtful with outstanding empathy for others and a consummate supporter

of

Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

April’s students of the month are Murrieta Canyon Academy’s Seth Bouma, Murrieta Mesa High School’s Chelsea Doud, Murrieta Valley High’s Aleksandra Petrovski, Oak Grove School’s Hanabi Moch, Springs Charter School’s Caylin McLain and Vista Murrieta High School’s Brooke Hamilton.

Seth Bouma

Principal Matt Bean explained that Murrieta Canyon Academy’s alternative high school education environment focuses on social/ emotional learning, which is what some students need most. He said Seth went from being a very good student to a struggling student. His grades plummeted and his attendance fell off, causing him to fall behind in a traditional school setting. He enrolled at MCA in his junior year where he has truly excelled, making up all deficits and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Seth said he suffered from mental health issues and struggled with depression, especially after his parents divorced when he was younger.

to his peers. Harrison said, “My true passion is anything outdoors. The reason this passion is so unique to me is because growing up with the lake and golf course nearby pushed me to get out of my home and love nature and all that it has to offer.” He said the legacy that he can leave to his community is a lesson he learned during COVID. “I learned to not take anything for granted and to value my friends and family and the time we can share together,” Harrison said. “I add value to the people around me by always being myself and by bringing a positive attitude.”

Closing remarks

At the conclusion of the ceremony, all Students of the Year took a seat behind the podium. Lake Elsinore Unified School District Superintendent Ryan Lewis said, “We talk a lot about public education opening doors. We have seven students behind me that those doors have been opened for and they have run through them. They have set themselves up to go onto what’s next and just to keep going. They’re what’s right.”

To give some perspective to what they have accomplished, Lewis said that the district will graduate almost 2,000 students this year and the seven honored as students of the year “have set themselves apart.” With that, the audience stood up and gave them all a round of applause.

Sally Myers, who often shares the words of motivational speaker John Maxwell, said it has become a tradition at Student of the Year ceremonies to share what the author writes about generosity: “No person was ever honored for what he received, honor has been the reward for what he gave.

“So you are here this evening because you have given from your hearts, you have given from your passions and you have created legacies that will last forever,” Myers said. “You will continue to impact and make a difference on the lives of others because that’s what a Student of the Year does.

God bless you.”

For more information on the program, please contact Kim Joseph Cousins at 951-245-8848.

the

Being at MCA allowed him to become more confident in his social skills and he has decided to take on an IBEW electricians union apprenticeship after meeting with a representative at the school’s recent job fair.

Chelsea Doud

Murrieta Mesa High School

Principal Scott Richards said Chelsea is a powerhouse and not just because she is a phenomenal singer. She has a 4.45 GPA, putting her in the top five of her graduating class. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Assisteens of Temecula Valley, a branch of the Assistance League nonprofit organization. She has competed and won many singing competitions, including an international one while she was in ninth grade. Her biggest obstacle was overcoming COVID, which she contracted at the beginning of her junior year. Then her parents caught it and both were hospitalized for months. She was alone at home with her younger sister and had to take care of the household, which was all new to her. In October, she returned to school while her parents were bedridden at home. Despite the challenging circumstances, she was able to recoup all the instruction time she missed out on and excel in her classes. She plans to attend UCLA to major in pre-business economics.

FINALISTS from page B-1

experience and how they persevered through multiple rounds of auditions, improved their technical skills based on feedback by industry experts and further honed their craft by attending classes with world-renowned experts in their discipline.

The 14 Spotlight Grand Prize finalists include two young artists in each of the seven categories. In addition to performing in the finale event, each student will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

This year’s categories and Spotlight Grand Prize Finalists include acting: Millie Liao, 18, a senior at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts; and Ruby MoncrieffKarten, 17, a junior at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts; ballet: Campbelle Malicse, 16, a junior at Palos Verdes Distance Learning Academy; and Chase Rogers, 18, a senior at California Preparatory Academy in San Juan Capistrano; dance: Aubrey Abella, 15, a freshman at Great Oak High School in Temecula; and Calli Perryman, 15, a sophomore at Murrieta Valley High School; classical voice: Tiffany Hsu, 15, a sophomore at Mayfield Senior School of the Holy Child Jesus in Pasadena; and Lilliana Mindel, 16, a junior at Orange County School of the Arts; non-classical voice: Brooke Bailey, 18, a senior at John Burroughs High School in Burbank; and Maya Clayton, 17, a senior at CHAMPS Charter High School of the Arts in Van Nuys; classical instrumental: Erica Wang, 17, a senior at Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego; and Nathaniel Yue, 16, a sophomore at San Marino High School; jazz instrumental: Jackson Petty, 15, a sophomore at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles; and William Schwartzman, 18, a senior at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.

“Congratulations to this year’s 14 Music Center Spotlight finalists for a phenomenal achievement.

From the time they applied to the program to the Grand Finale, their yearlong journey was not

Tukua introduced Aleksandra as an outstanding International Baccalaureate diploma student who has taken four years of German and maintains a 4.5 GPA. “Her time commitment is insane,” he said. “It’s her extracurricular involvement and success that has left an even greater legacy during her time as a Nighthawk.” Aleksandra has been a standout on the track team for four years, competing in pole vault and 200M while being a team captain. She has played the saxophone since fifth grade and has passed through Level 9, which is the highest level. She was a member of the wind ensemble and marching band through her sophomore year but in her junior year took her talents to Mock Trial, where she has been a captain. Tukua said she helped the team take the championship at the 41st annual Riverside County Mock Trial Competition in February, the first win in the school’s history. Aleksandra plans to attend UC, Berkeley followed by law school to become an attorney and hopefully a judge in the future. Teacher and Mock Trial advisor Todd Thornburg said the whole team drew strength from her. “She is confident, capable and kind, and wise way beyond her years,” he said.

Hanabi Moch Cheyenne Romero, a case manager at Oak Grove School, said the best word she can use to describe Hanabi is passion. Planning a dual major in English and Japanese Language and Literature at college, Cheyenne said Hanabi is like a walking encyclopedia. “Life is full of obstacles and an obstacle I’ve learned to overcome through the years is growing up without any real parental support,” Hanabi said. “School can be a challenge but it’s even more of a challenge when people you are supposed to be able to rely on to help you learn aren’t there for you at all. However, I’ve learned there are other people who are willing to support me and help me learn. My parents may have failed me but my teachers, my grandmother and my co-workers have all helped encourage me to learn and grow.” Hanabi plans to move to Japan to teach English and/or become a spontaneous interpreter.

easy; it included countless hours of auditions and rehearsals met with anticipation, perseverance and passion,” Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO of The Music Center, said. “I know they, and all of this year’s applicants, have learned a great deal from our professional artists and arts administrators and will be able to apply the invaluable feedback they received to guide them toward a successful future in the arts or wherever their career journeys take them.”

“To have our judges select the 14 Spotlight Grand Prize finalists each year is an exciting, yet challenging, feat because every applicant of our longstanding program is a bona fide star,” Jeri Gaile, Fredric Roberts director of The Music Center’s Spotlight, said. “It has been an honor for the Spotlight team to inspire thousands of young artists in Southern California for 35 years. This year’s finalists rightfully earned their place on stage of The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion – a return to the iconic venue, for the first time in nine years, which feels like coming home. So, please join us on June 8 for an evening of celebration, achievements and unbelievable talent.”

An important part of The Music Center’s fundamental support for arts learning, Spotlight offers performance opportunities, audition experiences and mentorship, plus technical and artistic insights provided by professional artists and arts administrators. Spotlight is completely free with no financial barriers for participants, which gives equal footing to all aspiring artists no matter their talent level.

This year, more than 1,300 teens auditioned for the prestigious program, representing more than 245 schools, 170 cities and eight counties. All Spotlight applicants receive written feedback from distinguished panels of judges following each audition round to help students improve and gain knowledge in their specific performance discipline.

Since its launch in 1988, Spotlight has transformed the lives of

Caylin McLain Springs Charter School singled out Caylin to be honored this month. “My mom has raised me with a love of God,” she said. Caylin feels it is important to be selfaware and zealous in life. “Know your strengths, your faults and your passions,” she said. “Know where you need to grow because without this knowledge, you’ll never be able to dive headfirst into a future of unknowns. The world is yours for the taking. Where do you plan on taking it? This aforementioned intuition has guided me to pay it forward by joining the Peace Corps. I’ve known this is my destiny for as long as I can remember.” She also plans to attend Mira Costa College and then medical school to learn all she can about holistic medicine to “unify mind, body and spirit.”

Brooke Hamilton Vista Murrieta High School Principal Celeste Scallion said curiosity is Brooke’s driving force. She boasts a 4.43 GPA, has served in the School Senate all four years and has been involved with many special events on campus. She is a four-year graphic design/yearbook CTE pathway student and will be headed to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah in the fall as a finance major. She believes in leadership through action, not position. She serves as the yearbook design editor and is responsible for most of the fliers, logos and t-shirts seen about the campus and with the students. “I love seeing my work put to good use,” Brooke said. She plays and teaches piano and enjoys tutoring her peers when they request her help. “It’s those little acts of service where you see your influence,” she said. Jason Bowen has taught Brooke in six different classes during the past four years and said she is the first student to have designed the school’s yearbook cover for two years in a row.

This is the final Student of the Month ceremony for the 20222023 school year. The Student of the Year Scholarship and Recognition Breakfast will be held May 18 at 7:45 a.m. at the Murrieta Sizzler, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd. For more information or to participate in the program, please contact LouEllen Ficke at 951415-2250 or Sally Myers at 951775-0520.

more than 54,000 high school students hailing from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Numerous Spotlight participants have gone on to successful professional careers. For example, nearly two dozen finalists are Presidential Scholars, and many more have joined or performed with professional companies, such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Notable Spotlight alumni include Misty Copeland, who made history in the dance world as the first African American principal dancer for American Ballet Theatre; Adam Lambert and Josh Groban, pop recording artists; Kris Bowers, Emmy Awardwinning composer whose work includes the scores for “Bridgerton,” “Green Book” and “Dear White People;” Lindsay Mendez, Tony Award winner for her role in the Broadway revival of “Carousel” and from the television drama “All Rise;” Erin Mackey, star of Broadway’s “Wicked,” “Sondheim on Sondheim,” “Anything Goes,” “Chaplin” and “Amazing Grace;” Matthew Rushing, associate artistic director for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Yao Guang Zhai, associate principal clarinet of the Toronto Symphony, and Gerald Clayton, Grammy award winning jazz recording artist, among numerous others.

Major support for The Music Center’s Spotlight program is provided by Fredric Roberts, Helen and Peter Bing, Terri and Jerry Kohl, Marie Song, The Hearst Foundations and an anonymous donor. Fredric Roberts is founding chairman of Spotlight. The late Walter E. Grauman is the creator.

For more information about The Music Center’s Spotlight program, visit http://musiccenter. org/spotlight or follow @musiccenterspotlight on social media.

To RSVP for free tickets to this year’s Spotlight Grand Finale, visit http://musiccenter.org/spotlightfinale

Submitted by The Music Center.

Special to Valley News

Recipients of the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber

Commerce Student of

Month award for April are, from left, Brooke Hamilton, Seth Bouma, Chelsea Doud, Hanabi Moch, Caylin McLain and Aleksandra Petrovski. Valley News/John P. Hess

‘Ramona’ author Helen Hunt Jackson honored with Literary Landmark at the Ramona Bowl Amphitheater

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The final May performance of the annual “Ramona” Outdoor Pageant in its 100th season holds a special memory for the more than 100 spectators who witnessed the unveiling of a Literary Landmark Register to Helen Hunt Jackson, the author of “Ramona.”

The bronze landmark, one of the few literary landmarks in the nation, hangs in the entryway to the amphitheater and was unveiled Sunday, May 8, by Kate Vander Laan, a descendant of Jackson with Broadway actor Joel Vig.

To many in the observance, familiar with the black and white photos of Helen Hunt Jackson, could not help but notice the facial resemblance of Vander Laan to the author herself. Other Jackson family descendants were also in attendance including 17-year-old Ramona Reed

named after her descendent author’s main character Ramona in the romantic but tragic novel.

Vander Laan, honored at a dinner gathering of “Ramona” play actors and other VIPs that afternoon, said in her excitement, “I am the great, great, great, great-niece of Helen Hunt Jackson, and I am so excited to be here for this event.”

She said she was at the event with her two daughters Miriam, 9, and Salem, 12, her sister and other relatives including Ramona Reed.

“We are here because we have never experienced the pageant before until we were approached for a documentary that is being made for the Ramona Centennial Celebration and an award being presented. We are here for the first time,” Vander Laan said.

Vander Laan heard from Vig about the literary landmark being placed at the bowl, the second such register for Jackson, with another

one at the Hemet Library. With this year’s “Ramona” actors Eli Santana as Alessandro, Kayla Contreras as Ramona, Kathi Anderson as Señora Moreno and others including Native American tribal chiefs and hoop dancers watched the unveiling after the introduction by Vig.

“Faith and quality have no fear of time,” Vig said of the unveiling explaining how Jackson’s novel woke the nation up at the time of the rampant mistreatment of the Native Americans even when Congress tried to ignore it.

He praised the continuing of the pageant into the future, keeping it as a reminder of past negative treatment of Native Americans. He said Helen Hunt Jackson in the future will also be remembered in the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and there is an effort to have her honored with a U.S. postage stamp.

He also forwarded the idea to have Helen Hunt Jackson’s book

Lead actors Eli Santana, who played Alessandro; Kayla Contreras, who played Ramona; Kathi Anderson, who played Senora Moreno, and Bella Spelman, who played Margarita, the cowboys and Native Americans in the 2023 play “Ramona,” clap and cheer at the unveiling of the Helen Hunt Jackson Literary Landmark at the Ramona Bowl. “Ramona” placed in school libraries as required reading.

“It is a story that needs to be told and resonates through all our society,” Vig said.

Ot her speakers explained how Jackson was encouraged by a Ponca Tribal Chief Standing Bear to lead the fight for justice for the Native Americans in the late 1800s.

More significant in the unveiling of the Helen Hunt Jackson Literary Landmark is that she is the first woman author to be named to the

United for Libraries organization’s program along with great authors like Tennesse Wiliams and Willam Faulkner.

For more information about the “Ramona” Outdoor Pageant, future plays and other events at Hemet’s Ramona Bowl Amphitheater, visit http://www.ramonabowl.com or visit the Ramona Bowl Museum, 27400 Ramona Bowl Road, in Hemet.

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

“Ramona” author Helen Hunt Jackson’s great, great, great, great-niece Kate Vander Laan joins in the procession to the unveiling of the famous authors’ Literary Landmark at the Ramona Bowl. She is accompanied by champion Indian Hoop Dancer Terry Goedel and Native American tribal members.

Valley News/Tony Ault photo

Broadway actor Joel Vig with “Ramona” author Helen Hunt Jackson’s great, great, great-great niece Kate Vander Laan and her daughter Miriam, 9, from Santa Barbara, stand before the United for Libraries Landmark Register at the Ramona Bowl Amphitheater in Hemet.

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

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

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

COMMUNITY EVENTS

May 19 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Temecula Community Services Leisure summer and fall activities have begun throughout the city.

May 19 – The City of Menifee offers in-city or out-of-city special event vendor applications online or at Menifee City Hall. To apply for signature and other special events, contact Menifee City Hall, 29844 Haun Road at 951-672-6777 or businesslicensing@cityofmenifee.

us May 19 – 6-10 p.m. Menifee

Moonlight Market night in Central Park 30268 Civic Center Drive, Menifee

May 19-21 – Temecula Valley Museum reprises “Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad” at the Temecula Valley Museum, 28314 Mercedes St. The photos recall the time between 1830 and 1865 at the end of the Civil War when clandestine groups of American settlers helped fleeing slaves from the south find freedom in the north.

May 19 – 5-9 p.m. Murrieta Market Nights in downtown Murrieta. Many local and neighboring vendors and foods.

May 19-21 – 4 p.m. Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival begins at Lake Skinner, 701 Warren Road, Winchester. Entertainment with Brad Paisley, REO Speedwagon and Scotty McCreery. Tickets start at $60 with VIP Tickets available. Call 951-234-5559 or see tvbwf.com. Balloon rides and other events.

May 20 – 9 a.m. to noon. Senior Wellness Fair at Menifee’s Central Park at 30268 Civic Center Drive.

May 20 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Temecula CultureFest is a free community-wide event that will include live music, dancing, special performances, vendors and fun activities for the whole family. Experience different cultures through a variety of booths exhibiting food, crafts and education, including nonprofits, school clubs, religious organizations and local businesses. At the Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main Street in Temecula.

May 23 – 8:30-9:30 a.m. Coffee with the City of Murrieta at the Murrieta Innovation Center, 26442 Beckman Court. Call 951-6777916, ext. 3.

May 23 – Noon to 3 p.m. Ice

Cream Social to celebrate the grand opening of the Riverside University Health System-Behaviorial Health

Peer Support Service Center in Temecula at 40925 County Center Dr., Suite 120.

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

May 27 – 8 a.m Memorial Day

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

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

May 29 – 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Memorial Day 5K run to benefit VFW Post 1956 at Central Park, 30268 Civic Plaza Dr. in Menifee.

A Memorial Day Remembrance

Ceremony will be held, beginning at 10 a.m. to include special presentations, guest speakers, special flyover, wreath laying and a remembrance message. For more information, contact the Community Services Department at 951-7233880 or visit www.cityofmenifee. us/special events.

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

May 29 – 11 a.m. Memorial Day

Motorcycle Ride with West Coast Thunder and concert at the Lake Elsinore Storm Diamond, 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore. Tickets $35. Visit registration.westcoastthunder.com.

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

June 3 – 5:45 p.m. Chansons

Epiques: A vocal recital of epic songs will be performed by baritone John Polhamus and pianist Hollace Jones at the Holy Martyrs Catholic Church, 39022 Sky Canyon Dr. in Murrieta. Donations are accepted, but the performance is free. Drinks and appetizers will be provided.

ONGOING – Riverside Transportation Commission is offering Park and Ride lots to connect with carpools, vanpools and transit systems in Beaumont at 600 E. Sixth Street, in San Jacinto at 501 S. San Jacinto Avenue and in Temecula at Grace Presbyterian Church, 31143 Nicolas Road, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but not on weekends.

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

ONGOING – If you know a homebound older adult, resources in Menifee are available, including grab-and-go, cooked and frozen food for pickup. Courtesy Pantry items and meals delivered with no contact. Three days of emergency food can be delivered immediately or restaurant meal delivery for those who don’t qualify for food assistance programs. Call 800-5102020 for help.

ONGOING – The Riverside County COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program is accepting online applications for business grants up to $10,000 at 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 Street in Temecula; at Promenade Temecula, 40640 Winchester Road, outside JCPenney every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Vail Headquarters, 32115 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 allowed.

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

May 19-31 – Daily Emerging Artist Mural celebrating Mother’s and Father’s days on display at

Sam Hicks Monument Park, 28300 Mercedes St., Temecula, presented by the Temecula Community Services Dept. and Temecula Valley Museum. Painted by artist Sarah Ozolins of Bigfoot Art Classes.

May 19 – Temecula’s 13th annual Health & Community Resource Fair. Vendors needed in the fields of health and wellness that can provide free health screenings, community resources, emergency preparedness, public safety awareness and more. The fair will be held on Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Temecula Civic Center and Town Square, 41000 Main Street. For more information, please call 951-694-6464.

May 19 – The California State Fair Home Wine Competition invites people seeking to showcase their winemaking skills and receive professional feedback join the home winemaking contest. To enter, contact State@calexpo.com The fair will be held in Sacramento, July 14-30, at 1600 Exposition Blvd.

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

May 25 – 6-7 p.m. Destress with Donuts at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library at 30600 Pauba Road, Temecula. Stressed out by life or finals? Take a moment to slow down and relax at our first Destress with Donuts program for adults, 18 or over.

June 24 – 5-8 p.m. Opening Night of the Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau’s summer Art Show and Kick-Off with local artists, receptions and no-host wine and craft beers. A youth ballet by Junior Company Showcase highlights the event. Tickets required. See www. the-nef.org for details and prices. A nonprofit organization.

ONGOING – Want to help deployed American troops remotely? Help shop for the most needed items without leaving home as an easy way to help support deployed men and women by purchasing items remotely and having them delivered to MilVet at designated drop-off locations for packing. All items on the list are special requests from deployed military men and women. MilVet is a nonprofit organization that holds monthly packaging events at different community locations in the area. For drop-off locations and packaging locations, visit www.milvet.org/ military-care-packages.

ONGOING – Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Meeting meets the third Monday of each month at the Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845

Dorland Arts Colony announces its May programs

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Dorland Mountain Arts’ Associate Artists will be exhibiting their fine arts works starting Sunday, May 21, at the Dorland Community Arts Center located in the foothills above Temecula’s Wine Country.

Visitors and other artists may enjoy the exhibit called “Imagine!” that will be on display until July 7 from Friday through Sunday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the public is welcome. Many of the pieces will be on sale

with some artists in attendance. There will be music, readings, finger food and wine available for guests at Sunday’s reception from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 20, the public is also invited to attend a reading program focused on “Table Manners” at the arts center. The Table Manners readings will be presented by talented writers and others at the event from 1-3 p.m. The Dorland Arts Center wishes those planning to attend to call in to say they are coming that day.

Dorland Mountain Arts artists, writers and musicians are invited

to join Dorland Associate Artists to share their work with each other and enjoy the many community benefits including a two-night discounted stay at one of the colony’s cottage residences when they are available. Members will also have an opportunity to display their art at the colony during community exhibits.

Dorland offers an artist residency program for one to eight weeks in five fully self-contained cottages overlooking the beauti-

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District, with the weather changing, recently announced the reopening of the Sylvan Meadows multi-use trail next to the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. Bicycles, horses and hikers are now welcome on the trail. The trailhead is monitored by volunteers from Riverside County Parks and The Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau.

Other trails on the Reserve, however, remain closed as they are still too wet at this time but will open when they dry out; they include Fenceline, Cajalco, Old Cattle and Tovashal trails.

Meanwhile, The Nature Educa-

Sixth Street, in Temecula from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, email gaugustin206@gmail.com or join the meeting.

ONGOING– Sons of Norway/ Scandinavia meets at noon the first Saturday of every month, September to June, at the Heritage Mobile Park Clubhouse, 31130 S. General Kearny Road, in Temecula.

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

ONGOING – 10-11:30 a.m. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center and The Elizabeth Hospice host a virtual support meeting for caregivers every second and fourth week of the month via Zoom. Get helpful tips and learn from others who are also dealing with similar challenges. For more information and to register, contact The Elizabeth Hospice Grief Support Services at 833-349-2054.

ONGOING – 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 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 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 www.MenifeeToastmasters.org for more information.

ONGOING – Homeless veterans can receive free help by dialing 877-424-3838 for 24/7 access to the VA’s services for homeless, at-risk veterans. Chat is confidential for veterans and friends. Visit www. va.gov/homeless.

ful Temecula Wine Country. The cottages have their own kitchen, workspace and covered patio. Prices for scheduled stays are reasonable. The colony grounds have dozens of oak trees, benches, lily ponds, hiking trails and terraces to enjoy peace and tranquility in a natural setting.

Most Friday evenings aspiring artists in painting, sketching, music, photography and screen writing can meet for coffee on the decks and meet Doland Associate

Artists to learn more about the colony. Social distancing is observed. Memberships are available in the organization.

The Dorland Mountain Arts colony is located at 36701 Hwy 79 outside of Temecula. Watch for the Dorland Arts Colony sign.

Call 951-302-3837 to arrange your visit or email info@dorlandartscolony.org

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

tion Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau has announced the opening of the Summer Art Show and Concerts series with a special Open House Art Show and ballet performance by the Temecula Academy of Ballet Arts on June 24 at the Plateau Visitor Center, 39400 Clinton Keith Road in Murrieta. Advance tickets are required. For prices and details see PlateauConcertsAnd Art.org. Other tribute band performances are scheduled on each Saturday through August 5.

The TNEF is a nonprofit organization that offers in-depth environmental learning experiences for children in school districts for on-site visits to the Plateau for third-grade students, special environmental study programs for high school students and scholarship seed money.

Currently the TNEF is in the process of rejuvenating a manufactured home near the visitor center to provide more outreach to students visiting the Plateau and enhance their learning experience. The cost for improvements on the leased building will be borne by the TNEF with the help of donations from members and the public. To donate to their effort, the education program or for membership, contact Ginger Greaves, CFO of the TNEF, at 800-369-4620 or Kay Boylan Membership Admin. at 951-319-2998 or see srpf.org for more information.

Contact Riverside County Parks and Open Space District for updated park information at www. rivcopparks.org.

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

Some Santa Rosa Plateau trails reopening with more soon to be announced

ENTERTAINMENT

JDS Spring Showcase: How you can support your local arts and nonprofit community

The weather is warming up in the Temecula Valley and so are the many activities at JDS Creative Academy.

JDS Creative Academy is a local nonprofit organization that is a hub for career growth in the arts. They believe in inclusion, diversity and opportunity for all students and ages wanting to level up their creativity. You can support this local nonprofit by attending an upcoming event, spreading the word about upcoming projects or encouraging a friend, family or community member to participate in classes or projects.

Speaking of supporting your local nonprofit, on May 20 and 21, JDS Creative Academy will be hosting its annual Spring Show-

case in which students will showcase their work from the spring classes which includes the production of the Lion King Jr. put on by the Musical Theater students. This production is directed by JDS Creative Academy Co-founder and Studio Director Scott Strand, with musical direction by Sheila Ryle and choreography by Angelina Renteria. It will feature a lively set inspired by the Broadway Production and traditional Africaninspired costumes and makeup designs. The JDS Lion King Jr cast ranges in age from children to adults and will follow the 1994 Disney film plot line.

Attending the Spring Showcase is an amazing way to celebrate the hard work of the JDS students

and the Temecula arts community. Attendance is free, however, reservations must be made before the event, and donations are appreciated. Space is limited and filling fast; make sure to book your spot under the events tab at jdscreativeacademy.org.

After the Spring Showcase, the next event to roll through JDS Studios is the JDS Summer Camp! for ages 10 and up. This is a two-week intensive fun camp where students are given a general storyline to follow, and with that, they improvise and create an entire play from the ground up. The summer campers create the sets, props and costumes; they improv, write, rehearse, and then perform the play at the end of the two weeks. Stu-

Pala Casino Spa Resort presents Tower of Power June 17

Fifty years later, in 2018, they returned to Oakland to celebrate their landmark 50th anniversary.

Tower’s window-rattling grooves and raucous party spirit has been a balm for the soul throughout their half-century existence, but the release of “50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater” couldn’t have arrived at a better time.

Tower of Power will perform at the Starlight Theater at Pala Casino Spa Resort in June.

PALA – Pala Casino Spa Resort will present legendary American R&B and funk-based band, Tower of Power, Saturday, June 17, performing live outdoors at the Starlight Theater. The show will start at 8 p.m. Tickets prices are $25, $35 and $55 and are on sale now at the Pala Box Office, http://www. palacasino.com or http://www.etix. com. This show is one of a lineup of headliner and tribute concerts that will be held at the Starlight Theater and Events Center.

For 55 years, Tower of Power has delivered the best in funk and

Valley News/Courtesy photo

soul music. “East Bay Grease” defined their sound and landed them with Warner Brothers. “Bump City,” their 1972 debut for the label, was a hit on both the Billboard 200 and the R&B Albums chart and netted them the hits “You’re Still A Young Man” and “Down to The Nightclub.” The 70s were a boom period with radio classics like “So Very Hard to Go” and “What Is Hip?” and the band continued to tour and record over the years.

Founder Emilio Castillo said their love of the stage is the same today as it was back in 1968.

The band has long since surpassed Castillo’s modest aspirations, traveling the world, enjoying hit singles on their own and backing legendary artists including Otis Redding, Elton John, Santana, the Grateful Dead, John Lee Hooker, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, and countless others. In the process they’ve defined an “Oakland soul” sound as instantly recognizable as those from Castillo’s hometown, Detroit, as well as inspirations like Memphis and Philadelphia. Tickets are on sale now, with no service charge, at the Pala Box Office, http://www.palacasino.com and 877-946-7252. Tickets are also available at http://www.etix.com and 800-514-3849. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Submitted by Pala Casino Spa Resort.

dents in this two-week camp learn how to collaborate, work in a team setting, grow self-confidence and develop natural leadership skills through trial and compromise. This year’s Summer Camp dates are June 19-30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can register your student by calling the studio at 951-2966715. This sell-out camp only has a max of 20 spots available, so be sure to register as soon as possible.

After a vibrant Spring Showcase and super fun Summer Camp, JDS Creative Academy will roll out its new semester of fall classes the week of August 28. Classes will include a Design and Backstage Production Course, a Scriptwriting Course, a Photography Class and a Musical Theater Class. Those who

participate in any of these semester classes will have the opportunity to be part of our Winter Showcase Exhibition in December. Spring has sprung and summer will be here before you know it. Join in on the creativity. JDS Acting classes continue throughout the summer for youth, teens and adults. The #JDSFamily hopes to see you at Lion King Jr and the Spring Showcase on May 20 and 21. Also, make sure to get your students registered for Summer Camp! It will be an unforgettable two-week learning experience for all who partake. For more information or any questions about all things JDS, please contact them via email at info@ jdscreativeacademy.org

Pala Casino Spa Resort to host ticket giveaways at Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival

Pala Casino, the elite sponsor of the 40th annual Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival happening May 19-21, at Lake Skinner Regional Park in Winchester, will host ticket giveaways all three days of the festival to upcoming shows at Pala Casino Spa Resort. The ticket giveaways will take place at the Pala Pitstop booth, located in the main festival area across from the Wine Stage. Guests can win tickets to Jake Owen on June 23, Little Big Town on July 7, or Smokey Robinson on Aug. 19.

To win a pair of tickets, guests will play the Pala interactive prize wheel. Other prizes include special “Buy One Get One” offers at the

for your city NEWS

award-winning Pala RV Resort, logoed hats, cups and more. This promotion is open to every guest who visits the Pala Pitstop Booth, while supplies last.

The No. 17 Ford Mustang from the Pala Casino 400 will also be on display for photo opportunities.

As a family friendly event, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, including tethered and hot air balloon rides, wine tastings, fair-style food vendors, craft breweries, and lighted balloon glows in the evenings.

Tickets to the 40th Anniversary Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival can be purchased at www. tvbwf.com/tickets.

Jungle plants for your patio – The Staghorns through my g den gate

Roger Boddaert Horticulturist/Arborist

The fern family is a large collection of plants with native habitats from faraway places like Africa, Southeast Asia, Mexico, Australia and South America.

Within the Fern family lives the platycerium, “Staghorn Fern,” clan.

These are epiphytic plants which attach themselves to tree trunks

Joe Naiman

Writer

Formally, the application the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District board authorized May 3 is for a loan from the State Water Resources Control Board. However, the agreement to fund the conversion of septic systems to sewer connections for Sedco Hills has a clause that the principal is forgivable if the district complies with the terms of the loan agreement.

A 5-0 vote of the board approved the resolution to authorize the execution and delivery of the Clean Water Planning Loan agreement. The funding would be for $1,713,500.

In 2005, the district developed a groundwater management plan which identified the impact nitrate from septic systems may be having on drinking water supply wells. Nitrate transport simulations were evaluated to assess the future impacts of septic systems on Elsinore Basin groundwater quality, and the results indicated an expected substantial increase in nitrate mass load with more than 80% of the basin exceeding the maximum contaminant level.

and branches. Their spores, found on the underside of the leaves, disperse onto adjacent tree trunks when mature.

Their unique leaves are shaped like antlers; hence they received the common name Staghorn.

There is another type of platycerium called the “Moose” as its fronds do not split as deeply. They can become a dramatic focal point in a shady place in your garden.

There are two types of leaves on

In 2016, the district developed a plan to remove the septic systems over a 40-year period. The Sedco Hills conversion is expected to be complete by 2035. The Sedco Hills septic-to-sewer conversion boundary area is generally between Mission Trail and Interstate 15 from Malaga Road to Lemon Street in the City of Wildomar. The project consists of installing approximately 39,000 linear feet of gravity sewer to serve about 750 residences.

The loan agreement stipulates a work completion date of Dec. 31, 2026, for the planning and design work covered by the loan. On Oct. 27, the EVMWD board approved a design contract with Carollo Engineers Inc., which also covers design for septic-to-sewer conversion for The Avenues. The preliminary design amount for Sedco Hills is $870,427 and the final design fee is $2,085,713. The scope of work provided in the state loan agreement covers community outreach, an engineering report, easement identification, environmental documentation, preliminary design, applications for financial assistance for the construction phase and project administration.

a Staghorn each distinctly formed. The shield frond is the green plate at the base of each new pup. The brown leaf is another shield that traps moisture and nutrients. Whether the plants are mounted on boards, planted in a hanging basket or even as large potted plants, they are spectacular show stoppers in any patio or shaded garden setting.

There are many species to look for and Platycerium bifurcatum

is the most common and easy to grow. If this family excites you, look for the rare Platycerium superbum, an elegant specimen to add to your collection.

As the plant grows it can be divided using a saw, pruner or a machete. When you divide the plant, make sure you include roots from the mother plant.

These plants are not fussy about food. In early spring and midsummer, I feed with blood meal or fish

emulsion to keep them healthy and green.

Bromeliads are excellent companion plants to Staghorns when planted together in pots. An assorted mixture of plants makes for a more colorful and eye appealing display.

Roger Boddaert, the Tree Man of Fallbrook, can be contacted at bogitt@aol.com or 760-728-4297.

Park district declares Green Acres property surplus

Joe Naiman

Writer

The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District and the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District are separate districts, although the Riverside County Board of Supervisors members are the board members of both. On May 2, the county supervisors took action which will lead to approximately one acre in the Green Acres area of unincorporated Hemet being transferred from the park district to the flood control district.

The 5-0 Riverside County Re-

gional Park and Open-Space District vote declares the land surplus and approves a notice of intent to convey the property to the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The land involves three legal parcels. The parcels are vacant and are along State Route 74. The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District was created in 1990, and at the time it acquired approximately one acre of vacant land adjacent to the Double Butte Landfill in Green Acres. The property has not been altered since its acquisition. The Riverside County Flood Control

and Water Conservation District has an easement on the land, and a flood control channel exists on the property and is maintained by the flood control district. When Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District staff reviewed potential surplus property, the Green Acres land was identified. Discussions were held with the flood control district due to that district’s ownership of the flood control channel. Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District staff expressed an interest in acquiring the parcels.

Park district declares Pine Cove Park property surplus

Joe Naiman Writer

Pine Cove Park, located in Idyllwild, has been closed, and the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District has declared that land to be surplus.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors members are the park district board members, and

on May 2 the county supervisors voted 5-0 to declare the property surplus. The board action also approved a notice of intent to convey the property to the Pine Cove Water District.

The legal parcel is approximately 18 acres. It is vacant other than a restroom building. The park was permanently closed because of its location and topography;

most of the land is a rocky hillside with steep slopes and jagged rock outcroppings. The topographical constraints prevent it from being utilized as a park or campground.

The Pine Cove Water District has infrastructure on-site and will continue to maintain the equipment along with the property in the future. The restroom building will be demolished prior to the sale.

A potted Staghorn fern sits in a shady nook out in the garden. Valley News/Roger Boddaert photos

A mature Staghorn fern grows on the trunk of a Ficus tree.

A local nursery grows young Staghorn ferns that might be in your garden someday.

EVMWD applies for loan – if not grant – for septic-to-sewer conversion

CVS: ‘Pleased to have come to an agreement’ with Riverside, other counties

City News Service

Special to Valley News

A multi-million-dollar settlement reached between CVS Health Inc. and a dozen California counties, including Riverside, stemming from the sales of expired baby formula and other products will help keep the corporation on track with “making key enhancements” to policies and practices, CVS said Friday, May 12.

“CVS Pharmacy has a clear product removal policy in place to help ensure that items are pulled from shelves before reaching their expiration dates,” the company

said in a statement released to City News Service. “Any unintentional deviations from this policy that are brought to our attention are quickly rectified.” The chain, which operates more than 800 retail outlets statewide, said that after the legal action was initiated by the plaintiffs, CVS personnel intensified efforts to “ensure that expired products are not sold to customers.”

“We are pleased to have come to an agreement in California and are making key enhancements and investments in technology, audits and colleague education,” CVS stated.

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office joined D.A.’s offices in Contra Costa, Fresno, Marin, Placer, Sacramento, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, San Joaquin, Shasta, Solano and Yolo counties in suing CVS and its subsidiaries for alleged violations of health and safety laws, which specifically prohibit selling infant formula, over-the-counter drugs and other digestible products after their expiration dates have been reached.

The civil action was adjudicated in Santa Cruz, and on Wednesday, May 10, Superior Court Judge Timothy Volkman certified a $6.5

million settlement between the Rhode Island-based corporation and the plaintiffs.

“CVS was cooperative and conducted internal checks for expired over-the-counter drugs, as well as infant formula and baby food, which were past their ‘use by’ dates at all their California retail locations,” the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement Thursday, May 11.

“CVS further invested time and resources to create a program for verification of expiration dates and re-trained store personnel regarding checking the dates. The investigation did not discover any

evidence that the sale of any expired products resulted in physical harm to consumers.”

As part of the settlement, CVS agreed to pay the $6.5 million in civil penalties and to offset counties’ investigative expenses, while setting aside an additional $1 million “to be dispersed to several charitable organizations serving Californians throughout a wide swath of the state,” the D.A.’s office said.

The sum that Riverside County is slated to receive under the settlement wasn’t specified.

Contera given contract for Bautista Creek Channel Basin sediment

removal

Joe Naiman Writer Contera Construction Corporation has been given the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District contract to remove sediment along the Bautista Creek Channel Basin.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors, whose board members comprise the board of the Riverside County Flood Control

and Water Conservation District, voted 5-0 May 2 to award Contera Construction Corporation, which is headquartered in Temecula, a contract for $2,745,350. The board action also approved an addendum to the plans and specifications and approved a mitigation and funding agreement between the flood control district and the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority.

The sediment removal area is

south of Florida Avenue, east of Fairview Avenue, and immediately north of Bautista Canyon Road in the Valle Vista community. The project will excavate and remove accumulated sediment to the original grades of the existing basin, which will restore the basin’s capacity and function. The basin is currently at 25% remaining capacity and is thus in need of immediate maintenance to prevent damage to downstream levees,

Supervisors approve Harvest Valley rezone and plot plan

Joe Naiman

Writer

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a rezone and plot plan for a 3.53-acre property in Harvest Valley.

The supervisors’ 5-0 vote May 2 also approved the environmental Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project. The zoning was changed from Rural Residential (R-R) to General Commercial (C-1/C-P). The plot plan allows for a recreational vehicle storage facility including a 1,200-square foot office building and two water quality management basins.

The property consists of two legal parcels north of Haddock Street, south of Willard Street, west of Winchester Road, and east of Columbia Avenue. The facility would provide 222 recreational vehicle and boat storage spaces. The office building would include the

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purchase and sale of recreational vehicle supplies and would also have a computer room, a security room, washing facilities, storage and associated infrastructure.

The building is anticipated to be a prefabricated modular building. A 100-square foot storage space with masonry walls, a metal trussed roof, and a propane filling area would be adjacent to the site entrance. The sale of supplies is expected to occur between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday while customers would be able to access the vehicles stored in the lot 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Access to the facility would be from Willard Street. Two employees typically will be on the site.

The new zoning is consistent with the current general plan land use designation of Commercial Retail (CR), which is intended to allow for the development of

commercial retail and service uses within a community. Vehicle storage is a permitted use in areas with C-1/C-P zoning if a plot plan is approved.

The conditions of the project include turn lanes from Winchester Road to Willard Street. A right turn lane will be constructed for southbound Winchester Road traffic and a left turn lane will service those traveling north on Winchester.

The Mitigated Negative Declaration found potentially significant biological resources, cultural resources, noise and paleontological resources impacts. The mitigation measures will reduce all impacts to less than significant.

The county’s Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezone, plot plan, and Mitigated Negative Declaration on a 5-0 vote March 22.

farms, businesses and residences.

On Jan. 10 the flood control district board voted 5-0 to authorize the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors to advertise the project for construction contract bids, to approve the Bautista Creek Channel Basin – Sediment Removal, Stage 90 Project and authorize flood control district staff and contractors to proceed with the project, to approve the plans and specifications and the contract documents for the project, to set a Feb. 14 bid opening date, and to find the emergency maintenance project to be categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review. The maintenance work will be limited to restoring the facility to its original design capacity and will not result in an expansion of the existing use beyond design lines and grades. The impacts on local residents and businesses are considered minimal although residents and businesses could experience general construction noise or dust from heavy equipment.

Nine companies submitted bids.

The Contera Construction Corporation bid of $2,745,350.94 was the lowest and the only one below the engineer’s estimate of $2,775,000. MDB General Engineering Inc., of Irvine had the second-lowest bid at $3,438,000.

The Contera Construction Corporation bid package included the necessary bonds and insurance documents, and the bid was found to be responsive.

The work will temporarily impact approximately 25.16 acres of Los Angeles Pocket Mouse habitat, which requires the flood control district to fund five years of enhancement on approximately 25 acres of Los Angeles Pocket Mouse/San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat habitat in the San Jacinto River as mitigation. That mitigation land is managed by the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, and the agreement funds $141,226.44 for the mitigation.

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Review of all things Real Estate: Avoid capital gains tax on your investment property sale

recognize a “like-kind” exchange when selling an investment property, capital gains can be deferred by purchasing a similar investment property

You can mitigate this tax burden by controlling the year in which title and possession passes out of your hands and the year in which you report the capital gain on the transaction. In other words, you can set the transfer of ownership to a year in which you expect to have a lower tax burden.

Bob Hillery CR Properties

Some might ask; Bob, is this article timely? 1031 Exchanges are not snap decisions, they require deliberate thoughtful action. Plus, the mortgage interest rates will come down so future purchases won’t feel so daunting; good planning will save capital gains taxes. My articles are about education and awareness, not about selling.

By Alicia Tuovila

and other internet sources

With appreciated stock, you can sell your shares over a number of years to spread out the capital gains. Unfortunately, investment real estate is not granted the same luxury. The entire gain amount must be claimed on your taxes in the year the property is sold, unless certain steps are taken to minimize this risk.

If an investor uses IRS Code

Section 1031 (1031 Exchange) to

A 1031 Exchange allows an investor to trade real estate held for investment for other investment real estate and incur no immediate tax liability. Under Section 1031, if you exchange business or investment property solely for a business or investment property of a like-kind, no gain or loss is recognized until the newly acquired property is sold.

Beginning in 2018, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act limited like-kind exchanges to real estate. Section 1031 exchanges of personal property, such as artwork, are no longer permitted.

A 1031 Exchange will not allow the avoidance of capital gains taxes in all cases. For example, the exchange of U.S. real estate for real estate in another country will not qualify for tax deferred exchange status.

Furthermore, trades involving property used for personal purposes, such as exchanging a personal residence for a rental property, will

not receive tax deferred treatment. If an exchange is made between related parties and either party subsequently disposes of the exchanged property within a two-year period, the exchanged property will become subject to tax.

For tax reporting purposes, the basis of the old property is carried over to the new property. This is important to understand because the taxes due are not forgiven, they are simply postponed until the sale of the new property. To record the 1031 Exchange with the Internal Revenue Service, it is important to file Form 8824 with the tax return for the year of the like kind exchange, as well as for each of the two years following the exchange.

A tax-deferred exchange is also possible if you are selling your investment property at a loss. First, you must determine if the loss is a “tax loss” or just a personal loss. In order to qualify as a tax loss, your adjusted basis in the property must be more than the selling price of the property. Your adjusted basis takes into consideration any prior depreciation deductions you have taken.

For a tax deferred 1031 Exchange transaction to occur, certain conditions must be met:

The property must be “likekind”: Properties are like-kind if they are of the same nature or character, even if they differ in grade or quality.

The property must be related to business or investment: Ex-

changed property must be held for productive business or investment use and traded for the same use. An exchanged property must not be primarily held for resale.

The new property must be identified within 45 days: The new property to be received in exchange for an existing property must be identified in writing, to the seller, within 45 days of the first transfer.

The transfer must take place within the 180-day window: The like-kind property must be received by one of these two dates (whichever comes sooner); within the 180-day period following the property transfer, or by the tax return due date (including extensions) for the year in which the property is transferred.

The increased number of real estate sales has allowed many people to receive favorable tax treatment from the federal government. As a result, a tremendous amount of tax revenue has been lost so this program is frequently the subject of review but for now, 1031 Exchanges for real property remain. (as mentioned above, beginning in 2018, they were eliminated for other types of property, such as collectibles, aircraft, franchise rights, and heavy equipment.)

As always, discuss your plans with a tax professional if you have a rental property you are considering selling to learn which rules apply to your situation.

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CBRE announced the sale of Meadows Village Center, a 67,336-square foot neighborhood grocery-anchored center featuring Barons Market and CVS Pharmacy (not a part of the sale) in Temecula to Newport Beachbased investor, RA Centers, for $27.7 million.

Jimmy Slusher, Philip Voorhees and James Tyrrell of CBRE’s National Retail Partners - West represented the seller, funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC, in the transaction. The buyer, RA Centers, completed a 1031 exchange from a property previously sold by NRP-West in Rancho Cucamonga.

Meadows Village Center is located at 31963 Rancho California Road on 7.98 acres in Temecula. The property is 96% leased, with a merchandising mix of 19 local, national and regional retailers, including Barons Market, CVS Pharmacy (NAP), Starbucks, Wells Fargo, Palomar Health, Subway, Crumbl Cookies, UPS Store and Pacific Dental.

“Meadows Village Center’s traditional grocery and pharmacy offering, suburban neighborhood location, recent renovations including upgraded signage, landscaping, common areas and more, proved to support increasing tenant performance at the property,” Slusher said.

“CBRE generated significant offer activity from private 1031 exchange buyers and professional investors, largely fueled by the established Temecula location, Barons Market’s recent lease renewal and the seller ’s investment in the property,” Slusher said. “This sale validates that investor demand for high-performing, groceryanchored retail continues to drive competitive bid scenarios.”

Originally developed in 2006, Meadows Village Center serves residents of Temecula’s most affluent communities, along with visitors to the region en route to wine country properties accessible along Rancho California Road (22,550 CPD), connecting Meadows Village and Interstate-15 to the west.

Sl usher, Voorhees and Tyrrell, based in CBRE’s Newport B each office, handle National Retail Partners retail investment assignments in the western states, including California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii, representing the most accomplished retail investors in the U.S.

The team’s ability to collaborate across CBRE’s multi-discipline platform enhances its role as strategic advisors to western U.S. clients in the disposition and acquisition of retail properties, and also ensures the delivery of superior results in today’s investment market. Long recognized a s industry-leading investment experts, the NRP-West team continues to specialize in portfolio sales, anchored centers, strip centers, single-tenant assets, specialty retail projects, REO and Receivership assets and parcelized disposition strategy opportunities.

Submitted by CBRE Group Inc.

CBRE arranges

$27.7 million sale of Meadows Village Center, a shopping center anchored by Barons Market, Wells Fargo, Palomar Health and others

CIF Southern Section Finals have arrived

JP Raineri Sports Editor

The CIF Southern Section playoffs are coming to an end for local high school baseball and softball teams as well as boys’ tennis, boys’ volleyball, girls’ beach volleyball, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, boys’ golf, and track and field.

As always, there were some great wins this past week, and there were some tough losses, but that’s the name of the game. In order to be called a CIF Southern Section champion, and be the last one standing, you have to win or go home. With that said, the following

update tells the tale of the teams that are still in the hunt, and who might still have a shot at a state bid, with their semifinal success.

CIF-SS Baseball Playoffs

While a total of 20 area teams qualified for the seven divisional single-elimination tournament, only one team remains. Down three runs, and with two innings to play, Linfield Christian (23-7) put together a huge sixth-inning rally to run away with a 6-3 victory over Brea Olinda Friday, May 12, in their CIF Southern Section Division 4 baseball quarterfinal.

Linfield, the No. 2 seed, will travel to Anaheim Tuesday to face Canyon, a 13-3 winner over

Barstow Friday. With a win, the Lions will find themselves in the championship finals slated for Friday and Saturday, May 19-20, at Blair Field in Long Beach. All games, apart from championship games, are scheduled to begin at 3:15 p.m. unless otherwise noted. All championship games from Blair Field will be streamed live by The NFHS Network and Bally Sports. Specific date, time and location for each divisional final game will be announced on May 17.

Other game this past week included: Division 4 - Friday, May 12: Quarterfinals: Sultana - 17, Chaparral – 6; Division 5 - Friday,

May 12: Quarterfinals: Peninsula -

3, Liberty – 1; Division 7 - Friday, May 12: Quarterfinals: Brentwood

-3, Cornerstone Christian - 2

CIF-SS Softball Playoffs

In total, 16 area teams qualified for the CIF-SS Ford Softball Championships, and in some heated battles last week, two local teams find themselves in the final game of the CIF-SS postseason. See the full recap in this week’ issue from Derryl Trujillo. Championship games are set for Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, at Irvine’s Deanna Manning Stadium. Great Oak will play Saturday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m. and Liberty will play Friday, May 19, at 3:30 p.m.

Other game this past week included: Division 1- Tuesday, May 9: Quarterfinals: Murrieta Mesa - 12, Huntington Beach – 11; Thursday, May 11: Semifinals: Norco - 8, Murrieta Mesa - 1; Division 2 - Thursday, May 11:

Quarterfinals: Great Oak - 3, California High School - 0; Tesoro - 2, Vista Murrieta –-1; Saturday, May 13: Semifinals: Great Oak - 7, Moorpark - 0; Division 5 - Thursday, May 11: Quarterfinals: Liberty - 12, Paraclete – 6; Saturday, May 13: Semifinals: Liberty - 6, Northwood -3; Division 7 - Thursday, May

see FINALS, page C-2

Sampson leads Southwestern League sweep of podium at CIF-SS Central Region golf qualifier

Derryl Trujillo Sports Writer

MURRIETA – Every now and again a golfer can become the victim of overthinking and recently that was Great Oak senior golfer Nathan Sampson, a signee to San Diego State.

Then two months ago his father Jeff, a PGA professional at Redhawk and the current Wolfpack coach, worked with his son on speeding up his thinking over shots. It’s a lesson that has paid dividends for the younger Sampson with a win in the Southwestern League tournament two weeks ago, and on Monday, May 8, a win in the CIF-SS Central Region Individual Qualifier after a round of 67 (-5) at Murrieta’s Bear Creek Golf Club. It’s the second straight year a Great Oak player has prevailed in the qualifier with Ryan Abuan winning last year. Monday, May 8, was a day that had little wind, soft greens and easy hole locations so opportunities were there for lots of birdies. It took low numbers to both win and advance into the next round.

Sampson

Chayce Frye both shot -4 rounds of 68 to claim championship plaques. As his group turned to the front nine, Abuan actually had a lead after making a six-foot putt for birdie at the 18th but he’d give that shot back at the number two hole after finding the pine straw off the tee.

“I was always the fastest player out there when I was younger,” Nathan said. “But then I slowed down and became the guy that got put on the clock. My dad made me realize that the way I play my best golf is by playing fast and that’s what I’ve been getting back to.”

Abuan made three birdies in six holes highlighted by a wedge shot to tap in distance at 13 to go out in 32 (-4). He was even par on the front nine and after missing a birdie putt at eight left himself a

see GOLF, page C-3

and Chaparral’s

Linfield’s Elijah Butler (14) and teammates celebrate during the teams come from behind win in the 6th inning of their quarterfinal matchup against Brea Olinda Friday, May 12.

Linfield first baseman DJ Kerr (2) makes the play at first base against Brea Olinda Friday, May 12. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group photos

Great Oak’s Ava Galvan (17) drives the softball for a base hit against

Moorpark Saturday,

May

13.

Great Oak’s Jocelyn James (3) is greeted at home following hitting a

homerun

against

Moorpark Saturday, May 13.

made seven birdies with two bogeys including backto-back birdies at three and four along with a birdie on his last hole after reaching the par five ninth in two shots en route to a round of 67.Southwestern League golfers swept the podium as Great Oak’s Ryan Abuan

Great Oak senior Nathan Sampson with the CIF-SS Central Region individual championship plaque on Monday, May 8, at Bear Creek Golf Club in Murrieta. Valley News/Derryl Trujillo photo

Great Oak senior Nathan Sampson putts for eagle on the ninth green at Murrieta’s Bear Creek Golf Club on Monday May 8. He earned medalist honors in the CIF-SS Central Region qualifier. Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Murrieta Mesa Rams’ offense silenced by Goluskin as Norco gets revenge for 2022 quarterfinal softball loss

Derryl Trujillo

Sports Writer

NORCO – About an hour before first pitch in their Thursday, May 11, CIF-SS Division 1 semifinal softball game, Norco coach Rick Robinson was full of praise for the Murrieta Mesa offense, saying they had one of the top lineups in Southern California.

Marley Goluskin was tasked with shutting that lineup down after struggling against the Rams 366 days ago in a 12-8 loss. In the rematch she was brilliant, holding Murrieta Mesa (24-4-1) to just three hits while striking out four and allowing one run. Meanwhile, at the plate, Alyssa Hovermale and Mya Perez each hit two run home runs to lead Norco’s (28-3) offense in an 8-1 victory which sends the Cougars to their ninth final in 20 years Saturday, May 20, at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine.

AnzA

“With that Mesa lineup, no lead is safe, and they force you to remain locked in until out 21,” Goluskin said. “I didn’t throw a great game against them last year and I wasn’t going to let that happen again. We are all really excited to get back to championship weekend and it can’t get here fast enough.”

Matti Severns reached on an error and scored when Hovermale took a pitch from Rams starter Caylea Rains-Campbell and drove it over the wall in left field for a two-run homer. After a walk to Riley Potter and a single from Maddy Aguilera, the Rams escaped further harm when Katie Terrazas grounded out.

Norco scored another pair of runs in the fourth inning as Tamryn Shorter and Dakota Potter each came through with RBI singles to stretch the lead to 4-0.

“Marley threw probably her best game of the year today and held a really good lineup in check,” Robinson said. “We’ve had some bumps in the road this year, but they’ve done a really good job of coming together as a team to get back to the biggest stage in Southern Section softball.”

Another RBI single from Hovermale chased Rains-Campbell and gave the Cougars a 5-0 lead in the fifth with one out. Lily Hauser came on in relief and walked Aguilera with the bases loaded to make it 6-0 Cougars after five innings.

Mikaylah Jones led off the Rams’ sixth inning with a single down the left field line and came around to score on an RBI single from Jasmyn Burns before Goluskin got a groundout to escape with a 6-1 lead.

Mya Perez then hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning to left center field which gave Norco the 8-1 lead which they’d prevail by.

“I still believe we’re the better team, but we just didn’t show it today,” Rams coach Antonio Romero said. “Tip your hat to

FINALS from page C-1

11: Quarterfinals: Crean Lutheran - 8, Tahquitz - 3 (As mentioned in this issue’s Derryl Trujillo story, Crean Lutheran was removed from playoffs for a batting practice violation); Saturday, May 13:

AnzA VAlley OUTLOOK

Semifinals: Ganesha - 15, Tahquitz

– 3. Other Playoff notes include: Boys Lacrosse Playoffs , no local teams remaining. Girls Lacrosse Playoffs , no local teams remaining. Scores from last week include: Division 2 - Wednesday, May 10:

Semifinals: Crescenta Valley13, Murrieta Mesa - 11; Division

3 - Quarterfinals: Portolo - 17, Heritage - 4; Chaparral - 15, Orange Lutheran – 5; SemifinalsMonday, May 8: Huntington Beach - 9, Chaparral – 8.

Boys Tennis Playoffs Division 5 - QuarterfinalsMonday, May 8: Whittier - 15,

Hemet - 3

Swimming and Diving

Murrieta Mesa’s Sonja Aarsvold advanced to her championship race with strong performances Friday, May 12, during the preliminaries portion of the CIF State swimming and diving championship meet at Clovis West High School in Fresno.

Aarsvold, a senior, also made the A final in the girls 100 freestyle, as she qualified fifth with a time of 50.69.

Aarsvold was also in the B final of the 200m-freestyle after qualifying 11th (1:50.67). Lakkeside junior

Max Reis-Trovillion placed eighth (511.70 points) in the boys diving final held Thursday. Track and Field Orange Vista’s Kailah McKenzie

Huntington Beach Tuesday, May 9, in the CIF-SS Division 1

Norco because they did a great job of executing with runners in scoring position today and I wish them well in the final.”

WP: Goluskin, Marley CG, 3 hits, 1 run, 4 Ks, 2 BBs

LP: Rains-Campbell, Caylea 4+

IP, 6 runs, 6 hits, 1 BB

Leading Hitters: Jones (Mesa) 2-3, Hovermale (Norco) 2-3 with a walk and three runs batted in Home Runs: Hovermale and Perez (Norco)

Other scores involving Valley News area teams

Division 2

Tesoro – 2, Vista Murrieta – 1 (8 innings)

Great Oak – 3, California – 0 Miali Guachino threw a complete game shutout with 12 strikeouts and allowed just three hits. She also provided the game’s only scoring with a three-run homer in the sixth inning. The Wolfpack hosted number one seed Moorpark on Saturday, May 13, in a semifinal game, where they blanked the Musketeers, 7-0. Great Oak will move on to face Grand Terrace in

12-11 win

successfully defended her Division 1 girls 100-meter hurdles title when she matched her personal-best time of 14.03 seconds. McKenzie also claimed the Division 1 high jump crown with a mark of 5 feet, 6 inches. McKenzie won that title on a tiebreaker over Makena Bailey of Chino Hills, who also went 5-6.

The Great Oak boys track and field team brought home the Division 1 runner-up plaque, Which came down to the final event. Austin Pepito finished third in the pole vault, giving his team six additional points. The Wolfpack (40 points) went from fourth to second with that result, leapfrogging both Jordan (37) and Vista Murrieta (35).

Vista Murrieta’s Aspen Fears won the Division 1 girls pole vault title for the second straight season. Fears went 12-9 and won a tiebreaker over three others, including Murrieta Valley’s Madisyn Negro and Great Oak’s Shayna Hinds.

Great Oak’s Gabriel Rodriguez won the Division 1 title in the boys 1600 meters with a PR of 4:13.15. He edged out teammate Westin Brown (4:13.24) at the line.

Murrieta Valley’s Taylor Anyansi captured the championship in the Division 1 girls 100 meters in a personal-best time of 11.83.

Claremont’s L’Mio Edwards turned in a personal best to win the Division 1 girls 800 meters (2:09.45).

Elsinore’s Daj’Eauna Williams claimed the Division 1 title in the girls triple jump with a PR of 40-1.25.

Boys Golf Central individual regionals at

Division 5 Liberty – 12, Paraclete – 6

Down to their last six outs in Lancaster, the Bison exploded for 12 runs and rallied to reach Saturday’s semifinal. They then played third-seeded Northwood of Irvine Saturday, May 13, in another road game, which they won 6-3. Liberty will face Irvine in the CIF Southern Section Division 5 finals (Time and date still TBA, as of the time this article went to print).

Division 7

Crean Lutheran – 8, Tahquitz – 3

High School. Valley News/Courtesy photo the CIF Southern Section Division 2 finals (Time and date still TBA, as of the time this article went to print).

*Despite the loss, Tahquitz now advances due to a CIF-SS violation on Crean Lutheran, where they were reported to have broken Bylaw 2713.2, which has to do with soft toss batting practice in front of a batter during warmups. The CIF-SS offices sent out a statement Friday, May 12, at 10 a.m. The Titans moved on to face Ganesha High School, in a road game Saturday, May 13, but fell to the Giants, 15-3. Derryl Trujillo can be reached at socaltrekkie@gmail.com . Article contributions made by Valley News Sports Editor, JP Raineri.

Bear Creek Golf Course begin

Monday, May 8. Girls Beach Volleyball Playoffs

The girls beach volleyball playoffs concluded Saturday, May 6 at Long Beach City College. No local teams were in the postseason. Boys Volleyball Playoffs, no local teams remain.

Valley News/Gary Evans

Murrieta Mesa’s Victoria Prado (16), Taelyn Holley (27) and Kaylee Oh (13) look on during a pitching change during their CIF Division 1 semi-final game at Norco. The Cougars defeated the Rams 8-1 to advance to the championship game against Garden Grove Pacifica.

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

Murrieta Mesa players pictured here after their

over

softball semifinals at Norco

Murrieta Mesa pitcher Caylea Rains-Campbell (55) watches Norco’s Isabel Lopez score past catcher Jasmyn Burns during the Cougars 8-1 victory over the Rams in the CIF Division 1 semifinals. Valley News/Gary Evans photo

Murrieta Mesa’s Kenzie Farrier (43) and Paige Bambarger (51) watch Norco’s Mya Perez, right, circle the bases and add the finishing touch on the Cougars 8-1 CIF-SS Division 1 semifinal victory over the Rams.

photo

Valley News/Gary Evans photo

Vista Murrieta’s Aspen Fears, pictured here earlier this season, won the Division 1 girls pole vault title for the second straight season. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Pitch count violation ends season, Nuview Bridge removed from CIFSS baseball playoffs

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

NUEVO – The Nuview Bridge High School baseball team is no stranger to success on the diamond, nor are they unfamiliar with the rules for playing in the postseason, for the most part. What did get away from them in their first playoff game Thursday, May 4, in the CIF Southern Section Division 7 playoffs, was a mismanagement surrounding individual pitch-limit rules.

The Knights, who went 14-6 overall and 12-0 to win the South Valley League this season, and outscored their opponents 204-96

on the field, were scheduled to play Brentwood High School (12-8) in a second-round game after beating Littlerock 4-0 in their first-round matchup.

Unfortunately, a pitch count violation of bylaw 1500 (pitching limitation rule, 30 outs in a week) and 1501 (pitch count rule) was cited, which allowed Littlerock (13-14) to advance, putting an end to Nuview Bridge’s season. Individual pitchers cannot surpass 30 outs or three appearances in a calendar week. There are also rules in place that prohibit excessive pitches on consecutive days.

The Knights baseball program, who represent a charter school of

more than 600 students, have gone 111-63 over its last 10 seasons and made it to the three straight playoffs, including a playoff appearance prior to the pandemic in 2019. Littlerock hosted, and fell to Brentwood 5-0 Tuesday, May 9, ending their season run. Brentwood will face a familiar name as they stay home to take on Wildomar’s Cornerstone Christian in a quarterfinal matchup Friday, May 12.

See the CIF rules and its release on the ruling by visiting www.cifss. org/sports/baseball.

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

A Nuview Bridge Knights baseball player looks to tag out a Rancho Christian player earlier this season. The Knights were removed from the CIF Southern Section Division 7 playoffs after a pitching violation was reported after they beat Littlerock High School Tuesday, May 9.

Linfield student athletes sign their National Letters of Intent

JP Raineri Sports Editor

TEMECULA – Eleven senior student athletes from Linfield Christian School recently took part in a National Letter of Intent signing day ceremony, where they were recognized for committing to play sports and further their education at the next level.

Student athletes from the Class of 2023 at Linfield Christian School sign their paperwork at a recent National Letter of Intent signing day ceremony. Valley News/Courtesy photo

National Signing Day for many sports, especially in Division I, has become a celebrated event and is held so a high school senior can sign a binding national letter of intent with an NCAA, NCCAA or NAIA college, committing in writing to attend that school in exchange for a commitment from the school to receive financial aid and scholarships.

Here is a look at the colleges and universities to which the following local senior student athletes from Linfield Christian will be reportedly taking their talents.

- Rachel Hollingsworth, Cheer, Point Loma Nazarene (San Diego, CA)

- Maddy Anderson, Cheer, Benedictine College (Atchison, KS)

- Jonathan Aguilera, Football, Concordia-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI)

- Eryn Warren, Soccer, Ottawa University (Surprise, AZ)

- Kendall Schmottlach, Basketball, Ottawa University (Surprise, AZ)

- Mike McNair, Basketball, Boston University (Boston, MA)

- Luke Drabek, Track & Field, Dordt University (Sioux Center, IA)

Bobcat girls win Bill Porter track invite, Hamilton boys second

Joe Naiman Writer

Hamilton High School’s track and field teams traveled to Julian High School for the April 28 Bill Porter Track and Field Invitational meet which ended with the Bobcat girls placing first and the Hamilton boys taking second.

The Hamilton girls earned 57 position points at the meet named for the long-time Julian High School coach. Mountain Empire, which is in Pine Valley, had the second-place girls’ score of 48 points. San Pasqual Academy of Escondido won the boys’ portion of the meet with 76 points, Hamilton accumulated 69 points, and the Mountain Empire boys were third with 68 points.

A high school track and field meet consists of 16 boys’ events and 16 girls’ events. Hamilton won three of the girls’ events with junior Gwen Vanzile taking first place in both the shot put and the long jump while freshman Sky Vollen won the high jump. All three of the

Hamilton boys’ wins were in running events. Freshman Jose Barajas and sophomore Jesus Rodriguez gave the Bobcats first and second in the 3,200-meter race, freshman Hunter Edmisten won the 400-meter race, and freshman Timothy Wisda had the fastest 300-meter hurdles time.

Vanzile threw the shot put 27 feet, 3-1/2 inches. The second place throw of 26 feet, 8-1/2 inches was from West Shores (Salton City) junior Antasia Garth. Hamilton freshman Josette Heridia threw the shot put 21 feet even for fifth place while senior Nuria Lopez had a throw of 17 feet, 5-1/2 inches for seventh.

The best long jump for Vanzile was with a distance of 15 feet, 6-3/4 inches. A distance of 14 feet, 5-1/4 inches gave Mountain Empire sophomore Shayden Kaiser second place.

Vollen cleared 3’10” in the high jump and was the only girl at the meet to have an initial distance.

Hamilton senior Stephanie Martinez was second in three girls’

events. Mountain Empire freshman Ohah Johnson won the 800-meter race in 2:57.74. Martinez had a time of 3:11.61. Julian sophomore Rylee Bennin was third at 3:22.88. Hamilton senior Jay Rodriguez finished fourth with a time of 3:27.19. Victory Christian Academy (Chula Vista) freshman Danilyn Henson won the 1,600-meter race with a time of 7:01.88 while Martinez completed her metric mile in 7:11.36 and Rodriguez finished third at 7:37.99. Kaiser had a triple jump of 29 feet, 9-1/2 inches while Martinez had a distance of 29 feet, 5 inches; Vollen had a triple jump of 24 feet, 0 inches for fifth place. Vanzile took third in the discus throw with a distance of 61 feet, 3 inches. Heridia had the fifth-place throw of 46 feet, 8 inches. Vollen landed a discus 46 feet, 1 inch past the throwing circle for sixth.

An athlete is allowed to enter up to four events at a meet. Vanzile also competed in the 100-meter dash, where her time of 14.31 seconds placed fifth. Hamilton was also fifth

in the girls 4x100 relay in which Rodriguez, freshman Gwyneth Thompson, Vollen and Martinez had a time of 1:10.25.

Barajas won the boys 3,200-meter race in 12:41.17 while Rodriguez had a time of 13:30.05. Both boys also competed in the 1,600-meter event with Barajas achieving the fourth-place time of 5:50.46 and Rodriguez becoming the fifth finisher 6:01.13 after the race began.

Edmisten needed 58.86 seconds to win the boys 400-meter race.

Mountain Empire junior Jaamarry Hasan was second and finished in 1:01.84. Hamilton junior Anthony Bilecky completed his lap in 1:05.51 for fifth place. Wisda had a 300-meter hurdles time of 49.97 seconds. The secondplace finisher, San Pasqual Academy junior Abdual Gawusu, had a time of 50.01 seconds.

San Pasqual Academy junior Christian Spidle won the boys 110-meter hurdles race in 19.95 seconds. Wisda was second at 21.86 seconds.

- Matthew Rezkalah, Baseball, Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA)

- Chris Allen, Baseball, Dordt University (Sioux Center, IA)

- Andrew Eaves, Lacrosse, University of Montana (Missoula, MT)

- Vanessa Perez, Softball, Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA)

If you know of a student athlete that is a senior, playing at the next level, and did not get recognized by the Valley News Sports Department, send more information to sports@ reedermedia.com. Good luck to the entire graduating class of 2023!

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

Victory Christian Academy had the winning time of 4:15.26 in the boys 4x400 relay. Edmisten, Wisda, Bilecky and senior Dylan Ortego finished second and had a 4:19.28 performance. Bilecky, Wisda, Ortego and Edmisten were third in the boys 4x100 relay they completed in 54.45 seconds.

Mountain Empire junior David Enriquez won the boys triple jump with a distance of 28 feet, 5 inches. Bilecky had the second-place distance of 26 feet, 6 ½-inches. A height of 5’6” gave San Pasqual Academy junior Michael Carranza the boys high jump victory. Hamilton senior Alex Nahsohn had the second-place height of 5’2”. Hamilton junior Josh Torres threw the shot put 33 feet, 7 inches for third place among boys. Torres was sixth in the boys discus throw with a distance of 72 feet, 8 inches while Nahsohn was seventh with a throw of 67 feet, 8 inches.

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

Valley’s Travis McSparran missed by two shots.

“As I walked around and looked at the hole locations, I’m honestly surprised that the number to advance wasn’t lower because every hole was in a favorable position for scoring,” coach Jeff Sampson said. “It was a great day for our valley, and I think we made a statement that the best golfers are in Temecula and Murrieta.”

Eight total Valley News area golfers advanced to the next round of individual qualifying on May 18 in Oxnard at River Ridge Golf Course.

20-foot downhill eagle putt to tie the lead. It narrowly missed but Abuan made the comebacker for birdie to tie for runner-up honors.

With a coach from Cal State San Bernardino looking on, Frye shot an impressive round of 68 recording five birdies and one lone bogey on the par five 9th hole. He responded to the adversity by making back-toback birdies on his final two holes to earn a share of second place.

Ambassador League champion Linfield Christian had both of their golfers in Daniel Guerra and Luke Bohmer advance to the next round, which according to a social media post is the first time in program history that occurred. Bohmer’s round of one under par 71 was highlighted by three birdies in a

four-hole span at seven, nine and ten. Guerra shot a two over par round of 74 that was highlighted by a birdie at the 211-yard par three sixteenth hole. It continues a banner year for coach Mark Moore’s team who get their shot at competing this week in the CIF-SS Division 5 tournament.

The score to advance was 76 (+4) and claiming the final two spots were Temescal Canyon’s Nixon Lauritzen (Ivy League Champion and a CIF-State regional finalist last year) and King’s Bear Huff (Big VIII Champion). They earned their spots by tiebreaker (lowest two back nine scores) as nine players tied on that total score. Great Oak’s Koa Baur was one of those who shot a 76 but lost on the tiebreaker. Alex Ni of St. Jeanne missed the playoff by a shot and Murrieta

With the Wolfpack finishing as a second-place team in Southwestern League play there was a nervous wait for Great Oak as they found out mid-afternoon their at-large petition into the CIF-SS Division 1 tournament was accepted. “It was tough to wait for that list to come out,” coach Sampson said. “I know the guys feel bad about not being able to close out either match against MV, but they redeemed themselves in the individual event and I feel we’ll make our mark in the team tournament.”

It was a tough day for Southwestern League team champion Murrieta Valley who only advanced one player onto the next round of individual play through this qualifier in Jayden Alden, who shot a -1 round of 71.

The CIF-SS Division 1 team championship took place at Temecula’s Cross Creek Golf Club earlier this week (Monday, May 15), prior to this article going to print. Updates will be made online. Derryl Trujillo can be reached at socaltrekkie@gmail.com

Ryan Abuan (Great Oak) hits his approach shot on the second hole from just off the fairway on Monday, May 8, at Bear Creek Golf Club in the CIF-SS Central Region Individual Qualifying tournament. He finished tied for second after winning this event a year ago.

Temescal Canyon’s Nixon Lauritzen plays a bunker shot in Monday’s CIF-SS Central Region individual qualifier at Murrieta’s Bear Creek Golf Club.

Chayce Frye (Chaparral) teeing off in Monday’s CIF-SS Central Region Individual Qualifying tournament on Monday, May 8, at Bear Creek Golf Club in Murrieta. He finished tied for second.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Mental Health Awareness Fair is brought to Menifee

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

Riverside University Health System-Behavioral Health and the City of Menifee joined forces to present a Mental Health Awareness Fair at Central Park on May 11 to share important information with the community. Offering free food, prizes, entertainment, exhibitors and a fun zone for kids, the five-hour event gave hundreds of visitors the opportunity to learn how they can help or be helped through all the local resources available.

This was one of three fairs RUHS held in Riverside County during May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Melinda

“Mindy” McFarland, LMFT and Staff Development Officer with Prevention and Early Intervention Program at RUHS Behavioral Health said, “We are thrilled to have partnered with the city of Menifee for this event and are grateful for their support. We were pleasantly surprised at the turnout for our first year in Menifee.”

Approximately 40 RUHS programs were in attendance, each with a booth or activities center providing valuable information and resources to the community. Other related organizations were on hand to share details about their programs or projects.

“The organizing process for the fair began in December of 2022,” McFarland said. “Our dedicated team at RUHS-Behavioral Health takes our wellness fair seriously and works hard to bring it to life each year. We put our hearts, sweat and tears into organizing the fair because we are passionate about furthering our mission of promoting open and serious discussions around mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding it.”

Throughout the day, different groups, families and individuals arrived to participate. McFarland said the target audience for the fair was anyone in the community who was interested in learning more about mental health. The goal was to promote positive mental health practices and provide

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the community with valuable resources to support their mental well-being.

“It is important to note that mental health affects people of all ages and demographics, and we wanted to ensure that our event was accessible to as many people as possible,” she said.

Success story McFarland and her team appreciate everyone who came out to support RUHS-BH’s ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness in the community. Helping others understand mental health issues and the importance of seeking help is a goal they met in 2022 with Daniel Smith, who is currently living in Perris.

“I had lost my wife of 31 years and I wanted to go be with her, so I got reckless,” Smith, 61, said. His substance abuse led to him living in a car on the streets of Lake Elsinore and continuing to make poor choices. But on May 30, he will celebrate eight months of being clean and sober and he credits that to the caring efforts of RUHS-BH Peer Support Specialists Estevan Gonzalez and Trisha.

Smith admits that when they first reached out to him and some of his friends at a Circle K in Lake Elsinore, he took Trisha’s business card even though he didn’t intend to follow up with her. But about 45 days later, he found himself at his lowest point ever.

“I don’t know what it was, but I pulled the card out of my wallet and called to say, ‘I need help’ and thought they might say they’d make an appointment to meet with me in like a week or so but instead they said, ‘we’ll be over in an hour.’”

These members of the Lake Elsinore-SAPT & Mobile Crisis Management Team were able to secure housing for Smith and are helping him apply for Social Security and other programs he is eligible for at this time. Attending the fair because he likes to go to events and keep busy, Smith was shocked to run into the crisis team members that he credits with saving his life.

Resources McFarland said, “The main purpose of the Mental Health Awareness Fair was to spread awareness and to expand conversations around mental health to help reduce the stigma related to seeking help. We wanted to create a fun, open and entertaining setting where people felt comfortable and invited to participate.”

There were details about employment programs for youths, those with disabilities and others that were eager to share what they can offer. Jeri Ramirez and Angela Duarte with the State of California Department of Rehabilitation were representing the Temecula branch office, letting visitors know that DOR’s mission is to support individuals with physical or mental impairments in finding employment that can lead to independence and an improved quality of life. The organization also contracts with schools to provide work experience programs. For more information, 951-693-4451 or www.dor.ca.gov

Pathways to Success Vocational Program is a partnership with DOR and RUHS that assists clients in successfully re-entering the workforce and maintaining employment. The program helps clients obtain a job that meets their needs and abilities, not just any job. Peer Support Specialist Madison Dirkes said it offers skill building and confidence building workshops and individual classes to attend in whichever way the client feels most comfortable. For more information, 951940-6233 (Temecula office) or Pathwaysinfo@ruhealth.org

“Stigma reducing messaging around mental health is needed for a wide range of individuals,” McFarland said. “According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness in any given year. Additionally, half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and 75% of them develop by age 24. This highlights the need for open and honest discussions about mental health, as well as the importance of reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.”

NAMI was one of the vendors at the event with Brenda Scott, Executive Director of the Mt. San Jacinto chapter, sharing details about the different programs offered. One visitor at her booth had attended last fall’s walk at Diamond Valley Lake and Scott was able to provide a flier about this year’s annual NAMIWalks Inland Empire on Nov. 5. For more information, 951-765-1850 or namiwalksinlandempire@ gmail.com RUHS offers Wellness and Recovery Clinics for Mature Adults, 60 years and older. Local clinics are in Lake Elsinore, San Jacinto and Temecula. For more information, www.rcdmh.org/

A legacy of excellence.

Mature-Adult-Services The Pets

Assisting in Recovery (P.A.I.R. Program) offers animal assisted therapy and activity and is seeking volunteers. Animal behaviorist Jacquelyn Eck said this was one of the first in-person events they have attended since COVID wreaked havoc on their therapy program. Eck can be reached at 951-3586229 or jeck@ruhealth.org

CAREspace (Community Access Relationships Emotional Wellness) and Lucky PAWS (Pets Are Wellness Support) can help those seeking their own dog for therapeutic purposes through its partnership with the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. Under the auspices of the Riverside County Office of Education, Dr. Lexi Backstrom said the fairly new program offers free adoption services throughout the county. For more information, www.rcoe.us/carespace or 951276-care (2273).

The RUHS-BH Cultural Competency program was well represented with several booths to address the mental health needs of several demographics from deaf and hard of hearing to veterans and many different ethnic groups. Cultural Community Liaison Dakota Brown said the program hosts regular meetings that are open to the public. “We are not only trying to get people connected; we ask them to tell us what the county can do to be more accessible to them,” she said. For more information, www.rcdmh. org/ccp.

The CARES Line is a free resource line to be connected to mental health services, 800499-3008. HELPLine is a free confidential crisis/suicide intervention service available

24 hours a day, seven days a week, 951-686-HELP (4357). For those needing language assistance services, call 951-486-4320 (TTY: 711).

Take My Hand is a live peer chat service that provides an anonymous platform to allow callers to have a safe place to express their thoughts and struggles. For more information, visit TakeMyHand.co.

Lime green is the color of mental health awareness. Wear a lime green ribbon to show your support and start conversations about mental health. More on California’s Mental Health Movement can be found at EachMindMatters.org.

On the horizon

The grand opening of the RUHS-BH Peer Support Service Center at 40925 County Center Dr., Suite 120 in Temecula will be held May 23 from noon to 3 p.m. Meet and greet “peers helping you navigate through life” and hear peer testimony, all while enjoying an Ice Cream Social. Peer support services are open to any community member wishing to explore their wellness through recovery groups, individual peer support and other activities in a structured environment. For more information, 951-600-6410.

“We are committed to promoting mental health awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and the fair is an important part of that mission,” McFarland said. “We are grateful for the support of our partners in Menifee, who were excellent collaborators and leaders for our inaugural event. Moving forward, we will continue to explore opportunities for partnership and collaboration to create a successful and impactful event each year.”

Lime green is the color that signifies mental health awareness, and it was prominent at the Riverside University Health System-Behavioral Health Mental Health Awareness Fair at Central Park in Menifee, May 11. Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photo

Susan Wolbert with the new Peer Support Service Center in Temecula encourages all visitors to take a spin of her prize wheel.

Daniel Smith at the check-in stand for the Riverside University Health System-Behavioral Health Mental Health Awareness Fair, held in conjunction with the City of Menifee.

Brenda Scott, Executive Director for the Mt. San Jacinto chapter of NAMI, shares resources with visitors to Menifee’s Central Park on May 11.

The Coach’s Couch From victim to victor – Emotional and verbal abuse, part 2

Heidi Simmons Certified Life Coach

In Part 1 of our series on emotional and verbal abuse, we defined emotional abuse as negative and hurtful behavior used to control, belittle, show indifference and undermine another person. Verbal abuse is a systematic, ongoing use of harmful words, which includes bullying, yelling, ridiculing and false accusations.

Both behaviors are manipulative and work in tandem, to crush the confidence and self-worth of another. Whether inflicted by a spouse, family member, coworker, boss or friend, to stop this vicious “cycle” of abuse takes awareness, tools and strength to set new boundaries and enforce them.

Let us now identify the different “types of arrows found in an abusers quill” and why they use them.

Gaslighting: A technique used

to undermine everything you do by using your own words against you, they lie to your face, show excessive power, blur the facts, turn your family and friends against you and even make you doubt your own sanity.

Flying monkeys: Those who are emotionally and verbally abusive will use other people to give you messages, fortifying the belief that you are wrong about them (the abuser) and all the problems in your relationship are completely your fault.

The Judge: The abuser takes on the role of “The Judge” in every situation where they want you to comply with their way of thinking. They cross examine, badger you and then pass judgment, all before you can defend yourself.

The Bully: Intimidation is their mantra. The idea is to strike fear into you, by jabbing away at your self-esteem, threatening you with consequences if you don’t comply with what they want; getting close

to your face, they make you feel violated, then raising their voice, by yelling, they strike fear into you. Brain washing: By repeatedly saying derogatory things about you, like “you’re stupid,” “you can’t do anything right” or “you would be nothing without me,” they slowly convince you that everything you do, say, or believe in, is wrong and you could not function without them.

In short, in any emotional, verbal relationship or situation, one party will try to control and dominate the other, by using abusive techniques. As the abuser gains power, the other becomes the victim, but a “power shift” can take place if the victim becomes aware of treatment they are receiving and incorporates the courage and resources needed to end this vicious cycle.

How to stop emotional and verbal abuse

Step 1. Regain control of the situation by acting confidently,

looking right at the abuser while maintaining total eye contact. This one action (usually not expected) can temporarily confuse the person making them feel uncomfortable and powerless.

Step 2. Speak in a calm, clear voice with authority, saying, “Do not talk to me that way, I want you to treat me with dignity and respect from now on.”

Step 3. Stand up to the abuser, like a bully on the playground, remain steadfast in your demeanor; body language speaks volumes and shows resolve, not fear.

Step 4. Try to understand the abuser. Most emotional and verbal abuse stems from low self-esteem issues or being abused themselves, by a parent, sibling or relative who inflicted abuse onto them, or were made to watch and endure the cycles of abuse playing out around them.

Step 5. Walk away. If the abuser is relentless, and you feel the above actions are not working, walk

Storyteller seeks solace via mariposa reflective moments

away. If by walking into another room the abuser still follows you, attacking you verbally, take your keys and go to a neighbor’s house or get in your car and drive away.

Step 6. Build a support network At this time, seeking a therapist and having a trustworthy friend to confide in will help relieve anxiety, stress and bring you calm and support you can rely on.

Step 7. Create your own “Safety Exit Plan.” If you are in a relationship and the abuser is not willing to change or get help for their abusive behavior, it is time to get your own help. No one deserves to be abused and help is available. Remember you are not alone, and the abuse is not your fault.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing emotional and verbal abuse, call this Helpline: Alternative to Domestic Violence, 951-425-8900, in Riverside County.

open the little envelopes and hold them carefully until the colorful creatures stretched and dried their wings and then softly fluttered off.

An attendee named Cody read aloud an untitled, unattributed poem:

“Don’t weep at my grave for I am not there.

I’ve a date with a butterfly to dance in the air.

Tim O’Leary

Special to the Valley News

Storytellers are a restless sort. They love to venture out to explore, to examine and to experience. One such junket led me to a mariposa mental health outing.

I made some new friends and immersed myself in some reflective mariposa moments. Mariposa, of course, means “butterfly” in Spanish. Both words are as sweet and as magical as the winged creatures they represent.

I learned, ate and felt comforted all at the same time, amid the green, flower-filled setting of the Legends Golf Course in Temecula’s Temeku Hills tract. A harpist played heart-soothing music throughout the day.

The “Breakfast with Butterflies” event was hosted by Hospice of the Valleys, a 41-year-old nonprofit based in Murrieta. I was invited there by Mike Patton, a local pastor who doubles as the firm’s bereavement counselor.

I met Mike – I gave him the nickname “General” because of his last name – at the bereavement group meetings that I’ve been attending at the Fallbrook Regional Health District’s Wellness Center. I’m sort of an outlier of the small group that meets Thursday mornings.

Most of the participants there are grieving the recent passing of a parent, spouse or sibling. I have found myself grappling with a sudden vacuum in my life.

Until August, I spent eight years as a spousal caregiver for my sweet wife, Margaret, who was diagnosed with dementia. My spouse of nearly 21 years now lives in a care facility near Boston, close to her son and his extended family.

Plus, my life, it seems, has been punctuated by death. There are only two left in my onceabundant bloodline – myself and my 31-year-old son who lives in Nashville. All others have died.

And my 42 years as a newspaper writer have featured many brushes with the Grim Reaper. The most searing moments came two months after my son, Patrick, was born. I happened to be one of the first on the scene after a plane crammed with skydivers and the pilot cartwheeled and crashed upon takeoff. I wandered among the bodies – living and dead –strewn among the weeds at Perris Valley Airport.

I managed to drive back to the Sun City news bureau that

I headed and helped file a news story on deadline. I suffered afterward and wondered why all the first responders received trauma exposure counseling but the reporters didn’t.

But it was the butterflies, not the grieving, that drew me to the Temeku event.

The General greeted me after I parked my car, and he directed me to the registration table. The 50+ guests were asked to write a name on a paper butterfly, as well as a word or two of remembrance, for someone they had lost.

Then I wandered into an open area where harp music tickled the ear, sunlight dappled the lawn and the hedges that enfolded an array of folding chairs.

Hospice staff pointed out the muffins, scones, croissants and coffee. Cody O’Bryant, a 9-yearold Temecula youth whose mother, Gina, worked for the nonprofit, manned the “Butterfly Tattoo Station.” I received a temporary tattoo of three butterflies on the back of my hand. I chatted briefly with a woman as she received a butterfly tattoo on her cheek.

The program began, and eventually Fred Schaeffer, a hospice chaplain, talked about how the journey of the butterfly “holds many meanings for many cultures.”

He noted that Christians liken the transition from cocoon to butterfly to Christ’s resurrection. For Japanese culture, he said, a white butterfly symbolizes the soul of the departed. Various Native American tribes see the butterfly as a symbol of rebirth and hope, he said.

The names and messages that had been written on the paper butterflies were read. Eric was remembered as “my hero.” Shannon was recalled as “my angel.” Sharon was “loving and kind.” The death of Donna meant “a voice stilled.” Roy represented “pure love.”

Patton told those seated about the 1946 trip that Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, the mother of the modern hospice movement, made to the Majdanek concentration camp in German-occupied Poland.

There the woman who spent her life studying death and the dying noted that “the walls of the children’s barracks were covered with hundreds of butterflies that had been etched with fingernails and pebbles.”

“The children had left a poignant message,” Patton said. “While they knew they were going to

die, they left a message of hope. Their physical bodies might not survive, but they understood that their immortal souls, represented by the butterflies, would live on.”

Attendees were each given one

or more butterflies in individual packets. The Painted Lady butterflies had been shipped in from Florida in dry ice and kept at a particular temperature until their release date. We were instructed to

I’ll be singing in the sunshine wild and free. Playing tag in the wind while I’m waiting for thee.” My hosts gave me three butterflies to release one at a time.My first butterfly was for my mother, who died on Mothers Day 1987, at the age of 62, of lung and breast cancer. My second butterfly was for my only niece, Amy Joslin, who died in 1988 of suicide at the age of 18. My third butterfly was for my younger sister, Peggy, who died of cirrhosis of the liver in May 2005.

Hospice of the Valleys hosts “Breakfast with Butterflies” Saturday, May 6, where guests release butterflies in memory of lost loved ones.

An attendee of “Breakfast with Butterflies” displays her temporary butterfly tattoo.

Nine-year-old Cody O’Bryant manages the butterfly tattoo station. Valley News/Tim O’Leary photos

Two butterflies relax on a blooming rose bush.

RCTC soon to begin $4.8 million road improvement project in Idyllwild

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Idyllwild residents and visitors will be seeing much needed road work on North and South Circle Drives and in the downtown business corridor this summer thanks to a $4.8 million road repair project approved by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors earlier this month.

The work, according to the supervisors, will cover 4.7 miles of those roads, with the construction bids going out and the approval of the contract. The work will begin this summer and take about 3 to 4 months to complete. The work will be under the direction of the Riverside County Transportation Commission. The work of former District 3 Supervisor Chuck Washington and now District 4 Supervisor V. Manuel Perez was acknowledged for helping to bring this project to fruition.

Meanwhile, in the Wildomar/ Lake Elsinore area, the much needed widening and improvements of Bundy Canyon are near completion with street lights being adjusted and final line striping underway, with the final sign off soon to take place after a few “bumps” in the road are taken care of according to the Wildomar city staff. The project is one of Wildomar’s Major Capital Improvements Program projects

with more to get underway on the city’s sidestreets exiting onto the busy highway.

Menifee

Menifee reports that storm drain facilities are being installed adjacent to Holland and Bradford roads as part of a planned 80 residential housing tract. Intermittent traffic control will be in place during construction, which is expected to continue through the end of May.

Also the Menifee Capital Improvement Program Holland Road Overpass project continues on Holland Road between Hanover Lane and Antelope Road that will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to last 17 months. For additional information and to sign up for project updates, please visit www. hollandoverpass.com.

Valley Boulevard between McCall Boulevard and Ridgemoor Street will see the developer of Cimarron Ridge continue to install underground improvements in the area. This portion of Valley Boulevard will be subject to lane closures during this work and traffic delays should be expected in the area through May.

Paving work on the City’s Capital Improvements Program project on Menifee Road between Holland Road and Camino Cristal is completed. Work will continue in the roadway as the contractor

addresses manhole adjustments, traffic loop installation and roadway striping. Work will continue through the end of May.

Southern California Edison work on Menifee Road from Newport to Holland roads is trenching new power lines. Work is currently active during daytime and nighttime hours at the intersection of Newport and Menifee roads. Traffic control will be in place during project work. Message boards containing contact information for the project will also be placed in the project area. SoCal Gas Company has completed the installation of gas lines for this project. All travel lanes are now open in the areas of Evans Road and Lazy Creek Road. For questions on the project/ construction updates listed, please contact Philip Southard, Public Information and Legislative Affairs Officer, at 951-746-0654 or at psouthard@cityofmenifee.us

Hemet

The California Department of Transportation continues its work on a $1.3 million safety project on State Route 79 in the City of Hemet. The project is modifying and upgrading a traffic signal, reconstructing and upgrading sidewalks, curb ramps and driveways to current Americans with Disabilities Act standards at the intersection of E. Latham Avenue.

Striping operations have taken place but other work continues as crews excavate, remove and pour concrete. Temporary pedestrian access will be provided as field conditions allow. Use caution in and around the construction zone. Hours of operation and potential impacts to commuters and pedestrians will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with intermittent lane closures in each direction but no full closures. The curbs are being reconstructed to ADA standards that will affect pedestrian traffic. Schedules can change due to inclement weather.

San Jacinto

Caltrans continues work on the $4 million safety project to construct a median concrete barrier and rumble strips on State Route 79 near San Jacinto, weather permitting. Crews continue to work on asphalt removal on the shoulders, layout and preparation for replacement and installation of guardrail, vegetation control and striping operations throughout the construction zone. Most of the k-rail has been removed.

Remaining work will require outside lane and shoulder closures in both directions for equipment operators to place striping and rumble strips. Use caution.

CHP will be on site to assist with traffic safety.

Banning

Caltrans continues work on a $2 million project to rehabilitate existing planting, landscaping and upgrading of irrigation facilities to current water efficient technology and provide erosion control on Interstate 10 at 8th Street in the City of Banning. Crews continue working on landscaping and irrigation facilities in and near the I-10 from .25 miles west of 8th Street to South San Gorgonio Ave. Weather may affect work schedules, set for Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Shoulder closures may take place on the off ramps to eastbound and westbound, I-10 at SR-243 at 8th Street. Other ramps and shoulders may be intermittently closed, throughout the duration of the project, to ensure the safety of the crew.

Palm Springs

Caltrans continues work on a $5.5 million project to construct and upgrade curb ramps to ADA standards and modify signal and lighting systems on State Route 111 in Palm Springs. Weather and temperature dependent.

Crews continue work at various locations on SR-111 from Lawrence Crossley Road to West Gateway Drive. A minimum of one lane will be open in each direction at all times.

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

RIVERSIDE COUNTY – The growth rate of homelessness in Riverside County decreased by 3% according to the annual Pointin-Time-Count. The decrease is a testament to the county’s investment in partnership with cities and local organizations.

The Wednesday, Jan. 25, count was coordinated by the county Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions, in partnership with the county continuum of care, a network of private and public sector homeless service providers, and cities. More than 1,000 volunteers and homeless providers covered all areas of the county during the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-mandated count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations in cities and counties throughout the nation. This year’s count reflected an increase by 409 individuals to a total of 3,725. In 2022, Riverside County experienced an increase of 15% in overall homelessness compared to this year’s 12%. In comparison to last year, the number of individuals identified

during the count residing in a shelter decreased by 4%, or 52 individuals, and those unsheltered increased by 23%, or 461 individuals.

A comparison of the results from 2022 and 2023 showed that unsheltered people numbered 1,980 in 2022 and 2,441 in 2023; sheltered people numbered 1,336 in 2022 and 1,284 in 2023, totaling 3.316 in 2022 and 3,725 in 2023.

“While we strive for an overall reduction in homelessness overall, we are encouraged with the decrease in the growth rate and believe that it is a result of the many investments made on behalf of our county and city partners,” Heidi Marshall, director for the Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions, said. The county’s investments have included significant federal funding from the CARES Act and ARPA into housing, prevention and support of our community service providers.

Count teams included outreach workers, housing navigators and case managers. Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Riverside County staff and volunteers survey a homeless individual at a vacant lot in the city of Indio. deputies and police officers from cities throughout the county who regularly work with people experiencing homelessness were key in supporting volunteers and identifying areas where unsheltered residents live.

“This extra effort was necessary to complement the count’s ‘More Than a Count’ initiative, a local

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effort inspired by the county’s board of supervisors, which aims to engage residents and connect them to services, especially shelter on the day of the count,” Tanya Torno, deputy director for the Riverside County Department Housing and Workforce SolutionsContinuum of Care, said.

As part of the “More Than a

Count” initiative, count volunteers identified an elderly couple with medical conditions who were street homeless behind a supermarket. The Department of Public Social Services-Adult Services Division staff, who were part of the count teams, connected them to an emergency shelter through a motel voucher and created a housing plan for them using a permanent Housing Choice Voucher. The couple has been successfully housed and linked to medical services.

“When we serve homeless seniors and connect them to housing, we don’t just give them shelter; we give them a reason to believe in a brighter future,” Supervisor Karen Spiegel of Riverside County’s Second District, who participated in the street-based count along with her district team, said. “We give them dignity to live out their golden years.”

If you or anyone you know is experiencing homelessness in Riverside County, call 800-4988847 or email homeconnect@ ruhealth.org

Submitted by Riverside County.

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Riverside County homeless population increases by 12%, while growth rate decreases by 3%

Supervisor Karen Spiegel of Riverside County’s Second District surveys a homeless older adult residing in an RV located on a vacant lot in the city of Lake Elsinore while participating in the annual Point-In-Time Count in Riverside Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. Valley News/Courtesy photos

KOYT’s Bubbles and Burgers fundraiser receives over $3,900 in donations

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Anza Community Broadcasting

KOYT 97.1 LPFM hosted their Bubbles and Burgers fundraising

at right, enjoy the delicious fare at

event Sunday, May 7, to rave reviews, raising over $3,900 for the radio station. From the hospitality of the venue owner Allison Rencke and the company, to the fine food and entertainment,

From the Heart presents first Mother’s Day brunch

the affair was well received. True to its name, locally sourced thick beef burgers were accompanied by popular quality champagnes, wines and sparkling water and cider. A salad made

from the fresh greens and a rich, creamy potato salad completed the culinary experience. All meal ingredients were organic and donated by Sage Mountain Farm of Anza.

Activities included a silent auction for bottles of wine and champagne, gift baskets and other items, prize drawings and live

see BUBBLES, page D-4

Anza Thimble Club to host third annual Victorian Tea and Fashion Show in June

From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries organizer Christi James, with assistant Alex Barajas, reads off winning raffle ticket numbers at the From the Heart Mother’s Day Brunch Saturday, May 13.

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries presented its first Mother’s Day Brunch Saturday, May 13, to a large gathering of mothers, fathers, children and relatives at the Anza Community Hall.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Guests were greeted by festive tables adorned with white tablecloths littered with candy and bouquets of both silk and live flowers. Volunteers served up three varieties of quiche, stuffed French toast with banana or strawberry toppings, cottage-

A fashionable young lady exhibits perfect poise at the Anza Thimble Club’s Victorian Tea in 2018.

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Anza Thimble Club will present its third annual Victorian Tea and Fashion Show Saturday, June 10, at the Anza Community Hall in Anza.

and will be sold at the event.

The lunch menu will include hot blended tea, cucumber sandwiches, chicken and cheese sandwiches, ham roll-ups and a variety of delicious desserts.

“Dress to impress in era style if you’d like and please wear a hat if you have one,” Allison Rencke said.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo service club in Anza. It was started by several ladies who used the excuse of doing their mending to get together for a visit. Since then, they have become a well-loved charitable organization donating much-needed funds back into the community.

The Anza Community Hall is located at 56630 Hwy. 371 in Anza.

The Thimble Club ladies thank the community for its support.

For more information on the Anza Thimble Club, please email Annie Ashby at annieandjima@ yahoo.com . For tickets to the see TEA, page D-2 see BRUNCH, page D-3

Doors open at 1 p.m. for a social hour with Victorian tea and lunch served at 2 p.m. There will be a fashion show at 2:30 p.m., with shopping afterward and a drawing for 12 themed gift baskets taking place at 4 p.m. Tickets for the event are $15. Raffle tickets will be offered at $1 each or 6 for $5,

The Victorian Tea has become an annual event, sponsored in part by the Anza Electric Cooperative Inc. The Anza Thimble Club, established in 1912, is the oldest

Patrons, including Kevin and Jody Short and Phil Noble

the KOYT Bubbles and Burgers fundraiser Sunday, May 7. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS

If you have an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com, put “attention events” in the subject line. Readers should call ahead on some listed events for the latest updates.

Regular Happenings

June 10 – 7 a.m. to noon. Sage Ladies Auxiliary is hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. Help raise funds for the Sage community while enjoying pancakes, eggs, sausages and grilled potatoes with coffee, tea, milk or orange juice. Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $3 for children 3 to 12 years old. Children 2 and under are free. Cash only, please. Event will take place at Sage Fire Department 28, at 35655 Sage Road, about 8 miles south of Hemet.

June 10 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Summer Reading Program Kick-

Off. Join the Friends of the Anza Valley Community Library at this free, family friendly event that will have music, artists, vendors, food and more. The kick-off is taking place at the Anza Library, located at 57430 Mitchell Road at the high school.

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 10:3011:30 a.m. All are welcome. CalFresh application assistance and free community health services are also available. Bring your own reusable bags to take food home. Volunteers welcome. For more information, contact the AEC office at 951-763-4333.

Friends of Anza Valley Community Library – Anza Valley Community Library is located at Hamilton High School, 57430 Mitchell Road. The library is open to the public, but not during school hours. Hours are

4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Monday through Wednesday.

Hamilton High School – Find out what is happening using Hamilton’s online calendar at 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 www.hamiltonmuseum. org. Find them on Facebook at “Hamilton-Museum-and-RanchFoundation.”

Backcountry Horsemen

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

Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings

Fit after 50 – 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Tuesday and Friday mornings at Anza Community Hall. Free. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. Call or text instructor Teresa Hoehn at 951751-1462 for more information.

Narcotics Anonymous

Meeting – 6 p.m. Every Tuesday at Shepherd Of The Valley Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Open participation.

Veterans’ Gathering Mondays – 9-11 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 39075 Contreras Road in Anza. Men and women veterans come to share and help each other deal with posttraumatic stress disorder and other difficulties. Call John Sheehan at 951-923-6153. If you need an advocate to help with VA benefits, call Ronnie Imel at 951-659-9884.

The Most Excellent Way Christ-centered recovery program for all kinds of addiction meets Fridays from 7-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 8-10 a.m. Program is court approved; child care is provided. Transportation help is available. The group meets at 58050 Highway 371; the cross street is Kirby Road in Anza.

AA Men’s Meeting – 7 p.m.

Meetings take place Thursdays at

39551 Kirby Road in Anza, south of Highway 371.

Alcoholics Anonymous – 8 p.m. Wednesday evenings at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, call 951-763-4226.

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, Anza. For more information, 951-7634759.

Food ministries

F.U.N. Group weekly food ministry – Deliveries arrive by 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’s Sunday Sacrament is at 10 a.m.; Sunday School is 11 a.m. Priesthood/Relief Society meets at 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 951-7630856.

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

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

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

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church – 10 a.m. Weekly Wednesday Bible study takes place at 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Call 951-763-4226 for more information.

Valley Gospel Chapel – 7 a.m. Saturday Men’s Study meets weekly with breakfast usually served at 43275 Chapman Road in the Terwilliger area of Anza. For more information, call 951763-4622.

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

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

Clubs Anza Valley VFW Post 1873, Capt. John Francis Drivick III Post – The Ladies’ and Men’s Auxiliaries are located at 59011 Bailey Road in Anza. Mail P.O. Box 390433. Request monthly newsletter and or weekly menu by email at vfw1873anzaca@ gmail.com. For more information, call 951-763-4439 or visit http:// vfw1873.org.

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

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

TEA from page D-1

Victorian Tea, call Annie at 760519-6062, Jonnee at 951-202-3035 or text Laurie at 951-240-2830.

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

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 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 Scout Troop 319 – Cub Scouts meet at 6 p.m. every Tuesday, and Boy Scouts meet at 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 951551-3154.

Boys Scout 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 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 www.redshankriders. com or call Carol Schmuhl for membership information at 951663-6763.

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, 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 on hall rentals, swap meet booths and save on propane gas from Ferrellgas. Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. Swap meet held each Saturday of the month, weather permitting, early morning to 1 p.m. Vendors wanted. For more information, call 951-2824267.

Anza Civic Improvement League – 9 a.m. meets the first Saturday of each month at the Little Red Schoolhouse. The league maintains Minor Park and the 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 www. anzacivic.org.

ANZA LOCAL

Guests and vendors invited to the Friends of the Anza Library 2023 Summer Reading Program Kick-off event

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Friends of the Anza Library is inviting residents, volunteers and vendors to their 2023 Summer Reading Program Kick-off event at the library Saturday, June 10.

Vendor space is available for businesses, artisans, food vendors and nonprofits. Volunteers are needed for set up, tear down and provide guest guidance during the event. Additionally, local published authors are invited to participate. KOYT 97.1 LPFM Community Radio will be providing musical entertainment and special guest Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington will be in attendance.

“Bring your kids to sign up for the free Summer Reading Program and receive a goody-bag,” Jill Roberts, Friends of the Anza Library president, said.

Entertainers such as a clown, makeup artist, caricature artist, balloon artist and more are invited to attend free and receive tips.

The business sponsorship donation is $50 and includes booth space. Vendor space is a $25 donation, with nonprofit space offered for a $5 donation.

“We are very excited to kick off the Summer Reading Program that will run an additional six

Saturdays,” Roberts said. “The Friends of the Anza Library just received their articles of incorporation as a nonprofit from the state. Next, we apply for the federal exempt status.”

The group’s annual membership is only $10. Supporters that join now get 10 free books from the library’s bookstore.

“We need volunteers,” Roberts added. “I still need a corporate secretary, a recording secretary, an historian, a membership chair and to fill several other positions. Bring your skills and talents to contribute to a great cause. It’s a great place to make new friends.”

The Anza Valley Library is a joint-use public library, located inside Hamilton High School, but a completely separate entity. It is part of the Riverside County Library System, located at 57430 Mitchell Road, Anza.

The library’s hours are Thursday and Friday from 4-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Staff may be reached by calling 951-763-4216.

Please join the Friends of the Anza Valley Community Library on Facebook at www.facebook. com/groups/223224583610311

For vendor information, please contact Kay MacKay at 831706-1188 or Jill Roberts at

jillrobertsartist@icloud.com or 858-774-5855.

To learn more about the Anza Valley Community Library, visit www.facebook.com/AnzaLibrary

Don’t have a library card? Go to www.rivlib.net to sign up online for free.

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

purchase and as the dining wound down, the drawings commenced.

Organizer Christi James and her friend Alex Barajas shouted out the winning numbers as the audience cheered on the winners.

“We have scholarships and our back-to-school backpack giveaway event coming up, so we appreciate the help to support the kids in our community,” James said. “I would really like to thank the Anza Baptist Church for their generosity and Living Hope Church for always being so supportive. Isabel Lee, Stephanie Anaya, Martinez, and Karelyn Blackmore and the Barajas crew are always available and willing to serve. To all of the volunteers before, during, and after the event, you’re awesome. To the From the Heart ladies whom I love dearly, we did it. Our first Mother’s Day Brunch. Here’s to many more.”

The From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries raises funds to buy Christmas gifts, fill and give away backpacks to school children and assist those local children that may be disadvantaged, focusing on families and children in need in the mountain communities of

Anza, Aguanga, Mountain Center and Idyllwild.

According to James, on the first From the Heart Christmas hosted for the children, they served 13 children. The first back-to-school backpack giveaway helped six students with backpacks and school-related goodies.

“Every year it gets bigger,” she said. Now the organization gives out over 300 loaded backpacks, as well as a pair of new shoes, socks and a haircut. Almost 600 kids will benefit from the Christmas toy giveaway this year.

Fundraising events are held throughout the year to help collect money to aid these worthy causes. Rummage sales, luncheons, raffles and the annual From the Heart’s Holiday dinner are held to raise funds for their nonprofit programs.

To learn more about the From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries, visit www.facebook. com/groups/115200731856938/ about or write to From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries, PO Box 391224, Anza, Ca. 92539.

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

Friends of the Anza Library president Jill Roberts coordinates the June 10 event with other group members during a meeting Saturday, March 11. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

BRUNCH from page D-1

com

fried potatoes, fruit salad and a variety of beverages. The fare was delicious, said those at the brunch..

Local caricature artist Sunny Sutton was on hand to draw mothers in a special animated style. Raffle tickets were available for

Gift baskets and original works of art are some of the raffle prizes won by guests at the From the Heart Mother’s Day Brunch.

Tireless volunteers serve quiche, stuffed French toast, fruit and more at the From the Heart Mother’s Day Brunch Saturday, May 13.

Full plates and festive floral arrangements decorate the tables at the From the Heart Mother’’ Day Brunch, May 13.

A couple shows off their caricature drawn by Sunny Sutton at the From the Heart Mother’s Day Brunch Saturday, May 13.

The Barajas boys entertain the crowd with clever motherthemed jokes at the From the Heart Mother’s Day Brunch.

Sunny Sutton renders a likeness of GeriLyn Blanton Mellin at the From the Heart Mother’s Day Brunch in Anza.

Guests examine their raffle tickets to see if they are the winners at the From the Heart Mother’s Day Brunch Saturday, May 13.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

acoustic entertainment provided by guest artists Art Gomez, Ed Wall, Marea Stinett and Joanna

Crombie.

The unexpected star of the show was newcomer chef Alexander Calapodis. The meal he created was full of flavors and

well prepared that it started an instant fan following for the young culinary artist. “Chef Alexander crafted a wonderland of culinary delights like a celebration that danced on the palette,” Amy Procop, administrative assistant and social media guru for the Sage Mountain Farm, said. “His homemade salad

dressing complemented Sage Farm’s freshly harvested veggies in a way that farmer Phil couldn’t stop raving about. The potato salad was bright and creamy with high notes of dill to elevate the earthy potato. Then, as if it couldn’t get any better, he delivered a masterpiece of a burger with brilliantly caramelized onions.

It’s exciting to work with talented local chefs who really understand the value of local, sustainable food, and know how to organize an amalgam of flavors that bring out the best of what small farms have to offer.”

Sponsors for the fundraiser included Once Upon A Thread, ManShort Beer Microbrewery, Bedrock Hair and Nails, Rancho Del Sol Vineyard, High Country Chaparral Vineyard, High Country Mercantile, Jackie Cope at Raven Rabbit, Cali Produce, Cahuilla Mountain Market, The Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival and the Anza Pizza Factory, who donated items for the silent auction and giveaways.

“Our silent auction was a success,” Erinne Roscoe, radio station program director, said. “People bid generously, and all of the items received bids. The auction brought in $1,003 for your community radio station. In

total, KOYT Anza Community Broadcasting received over $3,900 in donations.”

Sixty-six people were in attendance, including patrons, musicians, press and volunteers.

“It was a beautiful afternoon,” Roscoe said. “Huge thanks to Allison Renck who generously let us enjoy her beautiful garden and to our volunteers who worked hard to make this fundraiser such a blast and such a success: Allison Renck, Annika Knoppel, Betsy Hansen, Sue Sandersfeld, Nina Esparza, Art Gomez, Lorraine Elmore, Joe Hagerman and chef Alexander Calapodis. Thanks to the Anza Electric Cooperative for the use of the tables, pop-ups and chairs.”

Sunny Sutton, a local and wellliked young artist, wowed guests with her fun caricatures. One lucky attendee won a drawing that she generously donated. Sutton is currently lending her skills to KOYT, drawing coloring pages for the radio station to use at future events.

“Thank you to attendees who, on top of supporting by attending the event, also bought KOYT merchandise,” Roscoe said. “Seven folks became new members of Anza Community Broadcasting and some people even generously gave us personal donations. Every single dollar helps and all proceeds directly benefit your 501c3 nonprofit, all-volunteer community radio station. We depend on donations from businesses and community members just like you to keep radio on the airwaves here in Anza. Fundraisers like this help pay the bills and help us continue to build up our radio station.”

The mission of the Anza Community Broadcasting KOYT 97.1 LPFM radio is to provide an inclusive public broadcasting forum to educate, inform and entertain the local community and the general public.

For more information about the radio station, call 951-7635698, email info@koyt971.org , visit them at www.facebook.com/ koyt97.1 or https://koyt971.org.

Amy Procop contributed photos to this report.

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

BUBBLES from page D-1

Thick, locally sourced beef burgers and fixings supplied by Anza’s Sage Farm make up the menu at the KOYT Bubbles and Burgers fundraiser. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Marea Stinnett sings blues and rock tunes at the KOYT Bubbles and Burgers fundraiser, May 7.

Guitarist Ed Wall strums the strings at the KOYT Bubbles and Burgers fundraiser.

Chilli Ainsworth and his wife Beverly share a table with Alice Wall at the KOYT Bubbles and Burgers fundraiser.

Patrons feast on cheeseburgers and both green and potato salads at the KOYT Bubbles and Burgers fundraiser on May 7.

Kevin Short donates a basket of specialty home-brewed beers for the silent auction at the KOYT Bubbles and Burgers fundraiser.

Bottles of fine wines and champagnes are part of the silent auction offerings at the KOYT Bubbles and Burgers fundraiser.

Radio station program director Erinne Roscoe emcees the entertainment at the KOYT Bubbles and Burgers fundraiser.

Chef Alexander Calapodis grills the locally sourced beef patties to perfection at the KOYT Bubbles and Burgers fundraiser Sunday, May 7.

You are set free

bite. Not to mention my mother was having none of it.

So, I drove to a wooded area, opened the cage and set them free. And then the most amazing thing happened. They ran away. Not a single raccoon ran back into captivity.

Zachary Elliott

Special to the Valley News

I once caught four baby raccoons who had lost their mother. I tried to keep them, but after a few days, it was clear it wasn’t going to work out. They

When you enter a personal relationship with Jesus, you are set free and no longer a slave to your former captor, sin. The Bible said, “A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free,” in John 8:35-36.

It means that true freedom is already yours in Jesus Christ. You no longer have to be bound to your old hiccups and hang-ups. They have no hold over you.

Have you ever felt like you

just couldn’t move forward? And you couldn’t figure out what was holding you back? Do you know what’s holding you back? You are.

The Bible summed it up pretty well when it said, “You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom,” in Galatians 5:7-8.

God is never the one holding you back. You do that to yourself when you choose to run back to captivity instead of running the race. Jesus came to break the cycle of captivity in your life so you can experience true freedom.

That’s why it warned us when it said, “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery…” in Galatians 5:1.

Do you want to know how to stay set free?

Do whatever it takes to make Jesus the priority o f your life.

What’s getting in the way of your relationship with God?

Grow spiritually. Healthy things grow. And if you’re not growing, it means you’re not feeding yourself the right spiritual food. It’s time to learn God’s word.

Make yourself accountable.

Jesus died to build his church. And in his church are people who are ready to help and encourage you.

Be part of God’s family. There’s no such thing as a lone ranger in the kingdom of God. We are a family of believers. And you’re not meant to be without a spiritual family.

Eliminate the temptation. What keeps calling you back into the

cage? It’s time to end it. Get it out of your life. You are set free.

Here it is in a nutshell.

“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes,” in Ephesians 4:21-23.

Remember, “If the Son sets you free, you are truly free,” in John 8:36.

Zachary Elliott is the lead pastor of Fusion Christian Church in Temecula. For more information, visit http://www. fusionchristianchurch.com, http:// www.encouragementtoday.tv or find them on Instagram.

Assemblymember Kate Sanchez names Community Outreach Ministry as 2023 Nonprofit of the Year

WILDOMAR – Assemblymember Kate Sanchez of California’s 71st District named Community Outreach Ministry as 2023 Nonprofit of the Year.

“I am proud to select Community Outreach Ministry of Wildomar,” Sanchez said. “Their dedicated work with helping at-risk kids to break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, drugs, violence, delinquency, gangs and incarceration is incredible and I am grateful to have them in our district.”

The mission of Community Outreach Ministry, co-founded over 20 years ago by Coach Bob and Mona Salomo-Davies, Ph.D., is to focus on early intervention which has increased these children’s capacities, to become firstgeneration high school graduates, skilled workers and earn a legal salary. Their successful treatment and intervention programs through their mentor protégé workshops are helping to reduce recidivism. These programs are “giving at-risk children a second chance to be winners and champions,” according to the nonprofit’s mission statement.

“Community Outreach Ministry is another great example of what we do right in our communities,” Sanchez said. “This organization serves as an inspiring example of putting others before self. They are dedicated to changing lives in our world, and they are doing just that.”

Now in its eighth year, the Nonprofit of the Year initiative provides the opportunity for each California State legislator to choose a nonprofit organization doing outstanding work in their district. This year California Nonprofits Day is being celebrated June 7, 2023.

According to “Causes Count,” a 2019 report by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector is the fourth largest industry in the state, employing more than 1.2 million people. Each year, California nonprofits generate more than $273 billion in revenue and bring in $40 billion in revenue from outside of California. The unpaid labor contributed by volunteers at nonprofits is equivalent to 330,000 full time jobs every year.

Coach Bob Davies gives commands to Meccano Robot at Tahquitz High School STEAM Program Oct. 11, 2022. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Coach Bob and Mona Salomo-Davies, Ph.D., are the founders of Community Outreach Ministry, which was named 2023 Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez of California’s 71st District.

Donations can be made by visiting http://www. communityoutreachministry.org or texting “DONATE CHAMPIONS” to 609-212-0627. Checks may also

be made payable to Community Outreach Ministry and mailed to 23905 Clinton Keith Road, Suite 114 #116, Wildomar, CA 92595. For more information, contact 951-

698-7650, 951-231-5515 and info@ communityoutreachministry.org Submitted by Community Outreach Ministry.

Jehovah’s Witnesses resume public ministry at the LA County Fair for the first time in three years

POMONA – After a three-year pause, Jehovah’s Witnesses will return to the Los Angeles County Fair. Jehovah’s Witnesses from Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire began hosting display carts with Bible-based literature for the thousands of daily visitors starting Friday, May 5.

Just over 100 years ago, Los Angeles County opened its first local fair in a Pomona beet field, beginning a Southern California tradition that only a world war and a pandemic could postpone. Since 1994, Jehovah’s Witnesses have welcomed fairgoers with a positive message and an array of free Biblebased literature at the fair.

The Los Angeles County Fair, one of the most well-known fairs in the United States, closed for public safety during the pandemic, reopening for its centennial anniversary in 2022. At the same time, Jehovah’s Witnesses globally halted their public ministry in March 2020 in response to COVID-19 but resumed in July 2022.

“We believe that the early decision to shut down all in-person activities for more than two years has saved many lives,” Robert Hendriks, U.S. representative for Jehovah’s Witnesses, said. “We’re now ready and eager to reconnect with our neighbors once again –person-to-person, face-to-face.

It’s not the only way we preach, but it has historically been the most effective way to deliver our message of comfort and hope.”

For Gene Beltran, a Los Angeles County resident and regional spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses, visiting the fair with his family has been an annual highlight since he was four years old.

“For the past 20 years, I have enjoyed not only going into the fair but also talking to people at the fair about the Bible and the comfort it gives,” Beltran said. “I really enjoy giving back to my community and my neighbors.”

In the 101 years it has existed, the Los Angeles County Fair has welcomed an estimated 89 million

visitors with the unique ability to draw a diverse crowd.

“The fair really brings people together from all over LA and the Inland Empire Region,” Beltran said. “The Bible’s message often has the same unifying effect on people. I love talking to people about its positive message.”

In a world that has faced significant change since the pandemic, Hannah Maisel, who has volunteered at the fair since 2005, remarked on the importance of being there.

“After the hardships that people have experienced these last three years, it’s important now more than ever to connect with people and share a message of encouragement and hope,” Maisel said.

Mobile displays of Biblebased literature have been part of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ public ministry in the U.S. since 2011. While “cart witnessing” began in large metropolitan areas around the world, the practice quickly see FAIR, page D-7

Frank and Veronica Andrade of Fontana look forward to

message of comfort and hope at the 2023 Los Angeles County Fair. Valley News/Courtesy photo

‘Uncorroborated intelligence’: Durham Report torches FBI, DOJ for handling of Trump-Russia probe

ARJUN SINGH

The Daily Caller Contributor

Special Counsel John Durham found that the FBI used “uncorroborated intelligence” when launching its probe into former President Donald Trump, and that FBI agents failed to maintain “strict fidelity to the law” in their investigation, according to a copy of the report obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation. Durham, appointed to investigate political bias by the FBI in its investigation of President Donald Trump, wrote that “neither U.S. nor the Intelligence Community appears to have possessed any actual evidence of collusion in their holdings at the commencement” of the investigation.

“Our investigation determined that the Crossfire Hurricane investigators did not and could not corroborate any of the substantive allegations contained in the Steele reporting,” the report read.

Durham added that the FBI

“failed to uphold their mission of strict fidelity to the law.” Durham also claimed that the investigation into Trump was continued even after “the Director of the FBI and others learned of significant and potentially contrary intelligence,” according to the report.

The report noted that the FBI received intelligence that Hillary Clinton’s campaign approved “a proposal from one of her foreign policy advisors to vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by Russian security services,” specifically one that involved “tying him to Putin and the Russians’ hacking of the Democratic National Committee” to distract the public from her email scandals. It notes that President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and FBI Director James Comey were personally briefed on Clinton’s scheme, known as the “Clinton Plan” in the report, by CIA Director John Brennan, who recorded mentioning the plan in

his handwritten notes.

The “Clinton Plan” was obtained by the FBI while it was relying on the “Steele Dossier,” a discredited report of lurid allegations of Trump’s personal sexual activity, which the FBI knew was being funded and promoted by the Clinton campaign, according to the report.

Durham quotes information from a meeting between the Dossier’s author, former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele, and FBI agents, as well as texts between FBI officials, to demonstrate that the agents knew the evidence was connected to Clinton.

Front line agents who were conducting the investigation were not provided with the intelligence of the “Clinton Plan” by FBI leadership, with some only learning of it when interviewed by Durham’s office.

By contrast, top Clinton campaign officials denied that the material existed, with Campaign Chairman John Podesta and Senior

Name calling shows weakness

Julie Reeder Publisher

"Racist!", "Homophobe", "book banner!" bla bla bla. Bullying and name calling is a lazy and low class way to try and dismiss someone without having the decency to actually have dialogue. Or maybe people do it because they don't have the ability to discuss the topic intelligently. Or, it seems as if

some people just think so highly of themselves that they can be rude and mistreat others because they are entitled. Not sure! But as soon as I encounter someone who chooses name calling, I see it as weakness. Better to engage in dialog than bullying and name calling, especially as it pertains to school board issues where younger people may take note.

Policy Advisor Jake Sullivan claiming that they “had not seen the declassified material before,” and that notions of any such plan were “ridiculous.” Sullivan is currently President Joe Biden’s National Security Advisor, while Podesta is a senior advisor to Biden on climate change.

The report further notes that officials at the Department of State’s Russia desk, in 2016, were also monitoring Trump’s campaign rhetoric and comparing it to “Putin-supported European right-wing candidates.” It states that this information was supplied to the Clinton campaign by former State Department officials, who claimed they were “sounding an internal alarm” about Trump and were “tracking” the rhetoric, which refers to assignments to Foreign Service Officers to closely monitor certain events.

Durham, who was appointed by Attorney General Bill Barr in 2019, was tasked with investigating the FBI’s “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign for alleged contact with the Russian government. That FBI investigation, led by Comey, who Trump fired shortly after assuming office, was later taken over by Special Counsel Robert Muller, who later reported that there was no evidence of a criminal conspiracy between Trump campaign officials and operatives of the Russian government.

Durham also faulted FBI agents for abusing surveillance laws, specifically the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), when investigating Trump campaign officials, such as foreign policy advisor Carter Page. Durham’s report concluded that FBI agents had a “predisposition to investigate Trump” even absent evidence of probable cause to do

so.

By contrast, the report describes “disparate treatment” of Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton by the FBI during the election, including when the FBI received intelligence that an unnamed foreign agent was traveling to the U.S. to contribute to her campaign. It notes that an application for a FISA warrant into this agent was submitted to FBI Headquarters by field agents for approval, but was left “in limbo for approximately four months… because everyone was ‘super more careful’ and scared with the big name [Clinton] involved,” according to the report.

The report also notes that the FBI failed to document intelligence of an “illegal contribution” made to Clinton’s campaign at the behest of a foreign government in exchange for political influence, which is illegal under U.S. law. It notes that the foreign operative who arranged the donation claimed that Clinton’s campaign officials “were fully aware from the start” of the plan.

“The FBI personnel also repeatedly disregarded important requirements when they continued to seek renewals of that FISA surveillance while acknowledging — both then and in hindsight — that they did not genuinely believe there was probable cause to believe that the target was knowingly engaged in clandestine intelligence activities on behalf of [a] foreign power,” the report read.

Durham’s investigation led to three indictments, one indictee being Michael Sussman, a former partner at left-wing law firm Perkins Coie and attorney for Clinton’s presidential campaign. He was later found not guilty of lying to federal agents.

Editor’s note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

This is a great opportunity to show your support for our communities’ graduating classes. Ads are being offered at special discounted rates and will be placed in and around the graduates’ names and stories.

Ads can be from businesses, parents, grandparents, etc. Ad can include photos and ad design included in the price.