Valley News - June 9, 2023

Felon who killed girlfriend, ed to Las Vegas with son sentenced

City News Service

Special to Valley News

A convicted felon who fatally shot his girlfriend and then fled to Las Vegas with his and the victim’s 2-year-old son was sentenced on June 2 to 113 years to life in state prison.

Local chamber among seven to receive 2023 Advocacy Champion Award

The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce is one of seven chambers of commerce to receive the 2023 Advocacy Champion Award from the California Chamber of Commerce.

California insurance market rattled by withdrawal of major companies

Michael R. Blood Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two insurance industry giants have pulled back from California’s home insurance marketplace, saying that increasing wildfire risk and soaring construction costs have prompted them to stop writing new policies in the nation’s most populous state.

Storm rookie Ethan Salas making waves at just 17 years old

Young man’s body found in DeLuz

San Diego Sheriff’s deputy returns from where the body was found in DeLuz on June 3, 2023. Valley News/Courtesy photo support 24/7, that connects Service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and their family members with qualified, caring responders.

The MCL is staffed by responders who understand the challenges that Service members and their loved ones face. To reach someone to talk to:

Call: dial 988 then Press 1.

was a veteran, it is part of a larger issue in our community and our country. For any military or family of the military that is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, or knows a military service member who is, the Military Crisis Line (MCL) is a toll-free, confidential resource, with

net

Chat: www.MilitaryCrisisLine.

Text: 838255

The Department of Defense (DOD) released the 2021 DOD Annual Report on Suicide in the see SUICIDE, page A-3

Valley News Staff

After enduring skyrocketing water cost increases over the past decade from the San Diego County Water Authority, Fallbrook and Rainbow are seeking to part ways with the Authority and begin purchasing their water from the Eastern Municipal Water District. The switch is expected to save Fallbrook and Rainbow ratepayers approximately $7.6 million a year, according to an independent analysis conducted for LAFCO.

Just before 4 p.m. on June 5, the San Diego County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) voted 5 to 3 to table the vote on the Fallbrook Public Utility District(FPUD)/Rainbow Mu-

nicipal Water District (RMWD) detachment from San Diego Water Authority until their Aug. 7, 2023 meeting.

County Supervisor and LAFCO Director Jim Desmond made a motion for an “option 2” for detachment. Director Willis seconded the motion and then Director Jo Mackenzie asked for a 5-minute break. Upon returning, Director Joel Anderson motioned for the vote to be tabled for 60 days. The vote to table the motion passed. During the discussion, the topic of possibly raising the exit fee for FPUD and RMWD was brought up. FPUD General Manager Jack Bebee has stated

Ethan Salas, pictured here supporting his Storm teammates while in the dugout, officially made it to the big leagues Tuesday, May 29 at age 16. He turned 17 on June 1. See story on page C-2. Valley News/David Canales photo

Grand Union Flag (Dec 3, 1775 - Jun 14, 1777)

Diamond Valley Aquatic Center now open

vessels,

To celebrate Flag Day, June 14, on the top of each page of this paper (that has the space for it) is a gallery of the constellation (star pattern) designs of the U.S. flag over the years and how it has changed as new states were added to the Union. Where

multiple designs existed, we've chosen the most interesting design of the group. Next to the design is the design's name (if it had one), the years the flag was active, and the states that were added to the Union.

Diamond Valley Aquatic Center in Hemet is open daily until Saturday, Sept. 30. Valley News/Courtesy photos

HEMET – Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District’s Diamond Valley Aquatic Center in Hemet is open daily for swimming since Saturday, June 3.

The only public aquatic center in the San Jacinto Valley features a heated 25-yard outdoor pool with a water slide and zero-depth entry. There are water fountains, sprayers and activity toys for small children.

Open swimming is available daily from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The price is $10 per person ages 3 to 54; $9 for 55+ and veterans and $2 for ages 2 and younger.

Other activities include private and group swim lessons, sessions for parents with young children, families and families with children with special needs, evening swim sessions and lap swimming. Christmas in July will be celebrated Monday, July 24, and the season ends Saturday, Sept. 30, with the annual Pumpkin Plunge. Visit http://gorecreation.org for times, dates and prices.

The pool is located at 1801 Angler Avenue, in Hemet, near Diamond Valley Lake. For more information, call 951-929-0047.

Submitted by Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District.

Menifee shares updated street and road construction projects

The city has project and construction updates to share with the community. For a current list of street projects and construction updates, visit its interactive mobile and web map at www. cityofmenifee.us/traffic

Southern California Edison is currently performing utility potholing on Normandy Road between La Ladera and Berea roads. Normandy Road will be reduced to a single travel lane with flaggers present to guide traffic movements through the project area. Work will continue through mid-June. Traffic delays should be expected in the project area.

The City’s roadway improvement project on Murrieta Road began Monday, June 5. Intermittent traffic control will be placed along Murrieta Road from the Salt Creek Chanel to San Quintin Drive to support the construction work. Improvements include road widening, storm drain improvements, pedestrian curb ramps and a center median. The project is anticipated to be completed in mid-September. Traffic delays should be expected in this area during the project work.

SCE continues nighttime work to underground utility lines at the intersection of Newport and Mur-

rieta roads. Night work will be performed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through mid-June. Lane closures will be in place while this project is active.

The City is actively performing work related to the Holland Road Overpass project. Holland Road between Hanover Lane and Antelope Road will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to last 17 months. There will also be alternating lane closures on the I-215 Freeway from Newport Road to Scott Road during the week of June 5. Up to two lanes will be closed and one lane will remain open as work is being completed. More information can be found online at www. hollandoverpass.com.

Storm drain facilities are cur-

rently being installed adjacent to Holland Road as part of the Menifee 80 residential housing tract. Intermittent traffic control will be in place during construction. The project has experienced delays and is expected to continue through the end of June.

SCE continues trenching new power lines in the right shoulder along Menifee Road, from Newport to Holland roads. 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. Completion of work in this area is now expected to continue through

the middle of June.

Traffic signal, median work and landscape improvements continue at McCall Boulevard and Ranch Road as part of the McCall Square project. The construction schedule for this project has been extended and is now expected to be fully completed by June 30. Intermittent traffic control will remain in place for the duration of the project.

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

Submitted by the city of Menifee.

The colonial flag during the Revolutionary War, used on naval

before the Second Continental Congress ratified an official national flag design on June 14, 1777.

Star Flag

Thrift shopping is a lot like a treasure hunt: You never know what you might find! You can find the unique and the practical at Assistance League Thrift Shop

Soboba connects to more thanks to $500,000 grant

of households at the time and projected construction of houses to take place in 12 months’ time, which was in April 2023.

“The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians is thrilled to have been selected for the NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program,” Nino said. “These funds will allow Soboba to continue its agreement with Frontier in order to provide Soboba residents with a base internet speed of 50/50 megabytes per second in addition to one wireless router per household.

Additionally, FiOS offers a next generation, state-of-the-art fiber network that provides connection speeds greater than many others currently. This grant award will ensure Soboba is afforded all online services and opportunities.”

With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these new grants bring the total of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to over $1.77 billion awarded to 157 Tribal entities. Record investments in high‐speed internet deployment are a key part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. These grants from President Biden’s Inter-

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Special to the Valley News

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced it has awarded grants totaling nearly $5 million to 10 Tribes as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians is one of three California Tribes that will benefit from this current grant.

The $500,000 Broadband Use and Adoption project grant will offset the costs of increasing internet service speed to 314 Tribal households for five years through a contract with Frontier Communications of America Inc. This will enable Tribal members to actively participate in distance learning activities, work remotely and access needed telemedicine services.

“Modern-day internet access has become an essential infrastructure component, allowing access to information and services beyond the Soboba Indian Reservation,” Steven Nino, chief information officer for Soboba’s Information Technology department, said. “This powerful tool allows for continued education,

job opportunities, telemedicine and much more.”

During the pandemic, when online learning was the only option for all students, Soboba Tribal members were at a disadvantage due to the limited internet speeds it had at the time. It made it difficult for students to access educational content online and slowed down the education process as physical packets were often issued in place of online assignments due to poor bandwidth speeds.

Many Tribal members have online businesses that rely on communication to coordinate logistics and overall brand awareness. The limited internet speeds have hampered their progress as well.

With the new Broadband Use and Adoption project grant, the existing bulk residential Frontier fiber infrastructure will be leveraged to open up the bandwidth gateway for all residential areas. It will also ensure that all Tribal member residents on the reservation will obtain free services for the next five years for the baseline service.

As this grant was submitted in April 2022, the number of households requesting to be served by this grant was determined by the number

Everyone can ride buses for 25 cents all summer

Bus

RIVERSIDE – Who says a quarter doesn’t buy much nowadays?

This summer, anyone can ride the bus for just 25 cents.

With a quarter, customers can ride anywhere Riverside Transit Agency buses go, anytime they operate. The special rate is a great opportunity for customers, both new and frequent, to find an affordable way around town this summer. Whether it’s a trip to work, Disneyland, shopping or a friend’s house, a quarter is all you need

SUICIDE from page A-1

Military last October, 2022. In the report it states, “Prevention efforts focus on fostering quality of life, reducing stigma, and creating a culture of lethal means safety.”

Lethal Means Safety (LMS) is an intentional, voluntary practice to reduce one’s suicide risk by limiting access to those lethal means. The DOD provides the data and efforts to address and prevent suicide across the DOD.

According to the report, in 2021, 519 active military service members died by suicide with young, enlisted males found to be at greatest risk. The Annual Report showed that the suicide rates for Active Component Service members have gradually increased since 2011, although the 2021 rate was lower than in 2020. Military Reserve and Guard suicide rates fluctuated year-to-year across 2011-2021, with no increasing or decreasing trend. Additionally, in CY 2020, the report found that 202 dependents died by suicide, including 133 spouses and 69 other dependents, and that firearms were the primary method of suicide death for both Service members and family members.

Total Veteran suicide data from the joint VA/DoD Mortality Data Repository (MDR) shows that for the most recent data available in 2020, there were 6,146 total suicides active and non-active, with 5870 of those being male veterans.

to ride RTA buses anywhere they go, anytime they operate through Wednesday, Aug. 30.

To pay, customers simply use the GoMobile app or drop a quarter in the farebox when they board.

RTA Chair Linda Molina said the quarter fares, which are made possible by a state grant to reduce emissions, will give customers more cash in their pockets when they arrive at their destinations.

“This is an exciting time to be a bus rider,” Molina said. “Instead

“Taking care of our people is a top priority of the Secretary of Defense and this report guides the Department as we seek to eliminate suicide across our military community,” said Elizabeth Foster, executive director, Office of Force Resiliency. “While it is encouraging to see the active component suicide rate decrease from 2020 to 2021, one such tragedy is too many, and we must redouble our efforts to prevent these deaths.

As Secretary Austin has emphasized, “Mental health is health, and so we must continue to work to break down barriers to help-seeking, address stigma, and build healthy climates and a culture of connection where all our Service members can thrive.”

Alongside the data, the report outlines the Department’s efforts in CY2021 to advance a comprehensive and integrated primary prevention approach to suicide prevention with a focus on 3 key areas – fostering a supportive environment and quality of life, addressing stigma as a barrier to help-seeking, and promoting a culture of lethal means safety.

The report outlined Department efforts to address harmful behaviors, including self-harm, that led to the establishment of a brand-new, dedicated and specialized prevention workforce designed to decrease the risk factors and increase certain protective factors at a community level to prevent suicide deaths.

Efforts also include the implementation of the On-Site Installation

of spending money on gas, our customers are saving money every time they ride.” Not only are the quarter rides a great way to save money, they are also a great way to help the environment. In fact, thanks to RTA’s promotions over the past several months, which included 25-cent rides, reduced monthly passes and free rides on New Year’s Eve after 2 p.m. and Election Day, RTA buses have carried 3.4 million reduced-fare boardings, eliminated

Evaluations, which will assist with targeting our efforts and resources more effectively. The Department has developed plans and toolkits to promote lethal means safety, expand Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), which provides training on the safe use and storage of firearms and medications, and address economic challenges and quality of life issues that can increase suicide risk.

19 million vehicle miles on the road and reduced the equivalent of seven thousand metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

“For every person riding the bus, there’s one less car on the road,” Molina said. “That means a lot for an agency that prides itself on being environmentally conscious and forward-thinking when it comes to cleaner, greener ways to travel.”

Besides the 25-cent fares, there’s plenty to like about riding the bus. With friendly drivers, comfortable

Finally, the Department increased community dialogue with the “Connect to Protect: Support is Within Reach” year-long communication campaign, Service member education on the availability and benefits of support resources, and continues to work with DoD partners to address stigma toward help-seeking and the perceived effect on security clearances.

“The Department remains com-

net for All initiative will help reduce monthly Internet service costs, plan for future internet infrastructure investments, upgrade network equipment and purchase devices.

“Internet access is an essential tool – whether it’s accessing vital telemedicine, running a business, or finishing homework,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said. “The Biden Administration is closing the digital divide on Tribal lands, and this new funding will make an enormous difference in Tribal communities.”

Another important aspect of this unprecedented funding comes from Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson.

“Tribal communities have a wealth of culture and knowledge to share with the world,” he said. “These grants will expand affordable and reliable high‐speed internet service for Tribal households across the U.S. This connectivity will help Tribes preserve traditions and fully participate in the modern digital economy.”

seating, free Wi-Fi service and a safe environment, RTA buses offer a great alternative to driving alone. Plus, students from participating Go-Pass and U-Pass colleges –California Baptist University, La Sierra University, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto Colleges, Norco College, Riverside City College and University of California Riverside – continue to ride free.

Submitted by Riverside Transit Agency.

mitted and focused on a comprehensive and integrated approach to suicide prevention in the military,” said Foster. “In 2021, we took concrete steps to support Service members and their families especially by fostering a supportive environment and quality of life, addressing stigma as a barrier to help-seeking, and promoting a culture of lethal means safety. We are continuing to expand those efforts in 2022.”

Teachers bring the world to classrooms at the Soboba Tribal Preschool with the help of state-of-the-art Smart Boards that rely on technology and high-speed internet to deliver a variety of lesson plans through an online curriculum.

Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

Soboba Tribal Preschool students get access to much more with the help of Smart Boards that utilize an online curriculum.

Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, Mississippi

EMWD approves nal design contract for State Street pipeline replacement

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District board approved a contract for the final design of the State Street Pipeline Replacement Project.

Because Cozad & Fox, which is headquartered in Hemet, had previously been awarded the preliminary design contract the formal action was an amendment to the design agreement. The board’s 4-0 vote Wednesday, May 17, with Randy Record absent, approved that contract amendment.

Approximately 8,000 feet of 20-inch diameter cement mortar lined and wrapped steel potable water pipeline is along State Street in Hemet between Stetson Avenue and Simpson Road. The pipeline serves primarily as a transmission main and also directly supplies water service to domestic and commercial customers.

The pipeline was constructed in the 1950s in open space easements adjacent to State Street. At the time Hemet was more rural. New developments such as a gas station, a mobile home park, walls, and landscaping were built over

the pipeline, which increases the difficulty of access in the event of any required maintenance. The pipeline is also nearing the end of its useful life.

A May 2022 board meeting included authorizing Cozad & Fox Inc. to perform a preliminary design study to establish a suitable corridor for the ultimate replacement of the pipeline. The preliminary design has been completed.

The preliminary design recommends construction in two phases. The segment between Stetson Avenue and Chambers Street will be Phase 1, since significant en-

croachments over the pipeline exist and the segment is a priority to replace. The portion of the pipeline south of Chambers Street has neither significant encroachments nor a history of leaks, so Phase 2 will not be in the construction contract for Phase 1. The construction will place approximately 3,000 feet of parallel 20-inch polyvinyl chloride pipeline within the street, reconnect the pipeline to six distribution laterals, replace the water services, abandon the existing pipeline in place and potentially coordinate with the city of Hemet on a 24-inch water pipeline project also pro-

posed along the same corridor in State Street. The scope of work for the final design consists of project management, traffic control plans, permitting support, final design, preparation of contract documents including plans and specifications and bid phase services.

EVMD staff negotiated a scope of work and fee with Cozad & Fox. The company will be paid $104,916 for final design engineering services, bringing the total contract amount to $178,984. Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

ESL instructor authors book: ‘America’s Youngest Ambassador’

Mt. San Jacinto College is pleased to announce that a member of the college’s faculty will be releasing her first book. Lena Nelson, English as a Second Language instructor in MSJC’s Adult Education department, authored America’s Youngest Ambassador: The Cold War Story of Samantha Smith’s Lasting Message of Peace. It is a comprehensive story of the late Samantha Smith, a fifth grader in Manchester, Maine.

Nelson has spent the past seventeen years researching and documenting the story of Samantha Smith and creating

The book delves deep into the life of Samantha Smith, who in 1982, amidst the nuclear paranoia that engulfed the U.S. and the Soviet Union, wrote a letter to the Kremlin asking Soviet leader Yury Andropov if he was going to start

a war. When Pravda, the largest Soviet newspaper, published Samantha’s letter and she received an unprecedented invitation to visit the Soviet Union, her family embarked on an historic journey that helped transform the hearts and minds of two nations on a collision course.

Juxtaposing Samantha’s narrative with that of her own childhood in the Soviet Union in the 1980s, Nelson explored the consequences of government propaganda on both sides of the ocean and reveals how Samantha’s journey in the summer of 1983 helped melt the hearts of the Soviets and thaw the ice of the Cold War.

Nelson met and worked closely with Samantha’s mother and media including the BBC World Service, BBC Russia and Smithsonian, Portland Press Herald. In

2013, Nelson had the opportunity to interview President Gorbachev for the 30th anniversary of Samantha’s trip to the Soviet Union. In 2017 her manuscript was nominated for the Allegra Johnson Prize in Memoir Writing.

The depth and breadth of Nelson’s research is truly remarkable. As a distinguished member of the MSJC faculty, she consistently inspires students in the ESL program and colleagues. This book is a testament to her passion and intellectual rigor.

America’s Youngest Ambassador: The Cold War Story of Samantha Smith’s Lasting Message of Peace was released on June 1 with Down East Books, imprint of Globe Pequot, trade division of Rowman and Littlefield. Submitted by MSJC.

Lena Nelson, English as a Second Language instructor in MSJC’s Adult Education department, authors her first book titled, “America’s Youngest Ambassador: The Cold War Story of Samantha Smith’s Lasting Message of Peace.”

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Temecula Valley Genealogical Society to host reception in honor of

scholarship winner

TEMECULA – Temecula Valley Genealogical Society Scholarship Committee Chair Shaula Walko announced the winner of this year’s essay contest. Kevin Bender, a senior at Rancho Christian High School in Temecula, is this year’s winner. He will attend Claremont McKenna College this coming autumn where he will major in finance. There will be a reception to honor Bender at the next TVGS general meeting, where he will read his winning essay “What I Learned About My Roots” and receive the TVGS Scholarship Award of $500. The

public is invited to attend the meeting, held at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library on Paula Road Monday, June 12. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Following the reception, guests are invited to stay for the meeting program presented by professional genealogist, speaker, and author Pam Vestal, entitled “How to Write Ancestral Stories Your Relatives Will Want to Read.” Her articles have appeared in the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, FGS’s Forum magazine, and the National Genealogical Society Magazine, and her lectures take

her from coast to coast. She specializes in conducting genealogical research and then transforming that information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.

As part of their continuing outreach to the community, TVGS reinstated the popular program Family History Research Assistance, chaired by Lynne Kapryn. TVGS member-genealogists are now available to help individuals get started on their family history research. Contact Kapryn at TVGS. research.assist@gmail.com to schedule a free appointment with

a volunteer. Appointments will take place at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library.

Since its inception, Temecula Valley Genealogical Society has consistently focused on its mission to provide public education on matters related to genealogical science and to stimulate interest in family history research; this is done through monthly meeting programs, education classes, workshops, trips and tours, personal research assistance and special events. This year, TVGS celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special event: a 25th An-

niversary Open House Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library. The public is invited to attend. For more information on the Open House as well as the programs and resources offered, visit http://www.TVGS.net or email the president at tvgspresident@gmail. com. The monthly general meetings are held the second Monday of each month except August at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library from 5:30-8 p.m. Guests are welcome.

Submitted by Temecula Valley Genealogical Society.

EMWD approves design contract for Romoland Feeder and Matthews Transmission pipelines

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District will be rehabilitating its Romoland Feeder Transmission Pipeline and building a new Matthews Transmission Pipeline, and the May 17 EMWD board meeting included approval of a design contract for the two Menifee pipelines.

The board’s 4-0 vote, with Randy Record absent, approved a professional services agreement with CDM Smith Inc., for $2,544,878. The board action also authorized EMWD staff to initiate negotiations for the acquisition of necessary project-specific properties and easements and to open escrow on behalf of the district. It also authorized EMWD general manager Joe Mouawad or his designee to award contracts with necessary consultants and suppliers for engineering support. A total amount of $3,088,000 was appropriated to fund the project costs through the completion of the bid and award phase.

The Romoland Feeder Transmission Pipeline is approximately 24,000 linear feet in length and conveys potable water regionally

in the Perris Valley 1627 baseline pressure zone. The pipeline is located off Interstate 215 between Nuevo Road and State Route 74 along Antelope and Dawson roads in the City of Menifee and unincorporated areas of the county. The sources of supply in the baseline 1627 zone allow the feeder to provide water service to both the north and the south. The feeder was constructed in 1956, and it has experienced recent leaks. EMWD staff deemed the current feeder to be nearing the end of its useful life.

EMWD staff also determined that consolidating the Romoland Feeder Transmission Pipeline replacement and the new Matthews Transmission Pipeline into a single design project would be more efficient and reduce administrative work. The two pipelines serve different purposes and will operate as separate systems. The planned Matthews Transmission Pipeline will provide conveyance capacity from the Perris Valley 1627 baseline pressure zone to the 1720L Longview Pressure Zone. The master-planned pipeline is associated with the proposed Romoland/ Matthews Booster Pump Station project. The pipeline would be

approximately 10,000 linear feet and would be located in the City of Menifee between the Romoland/ Matthews Booster Pump Station and the Watson Booster Pump Station along Antelope Road and Watson Road. The Matthews Transmission Pipeline would support future demands associated with development in the Longview Pressure Zone. The schedule for the Matthews Transmission Pipeline will be based on new development, but the new pipeline is likely to be in operation by 2025.

The design work will investigate the condition of the Romoland feeder by utilizing available information and if necessary evaluate the best available technologies and best approach to assess the condition further by direct methods. Direct condition assessment activities could include exposing the exterior of the pipeline for visual inspection, electromagnetic tools to measure pipe wall thickness and visual inspection of the pipe interior. An access work plan will be prepared along with plans and specifications to access and enter the interior of the existing feeder pipeline. The work will then be advertised for bid, and EMWD

staff will return to the board for approval of a contract to perform those services. The assessment will identify feeder segments which could remain in service, be rehabilitated, or be replaced to extend the feeder’s useful life.

On December 14, EMWD staff issued a request for proposals for preliminary and final design of the consolidated project. Five proposals were received by the Feb. 1 deadline. A selection panel ranked the proposals and recommended CDM Smith Inc. to perform the work.

The CDM Smith scope of services will include project management, data gathering, site reconnaissance, analysis, alignment evaluation, easement acquisition support, investigations (condition assessment, surveying, utility potholing, geotechnical and corrosion protection), preliminary and final design, contract documents including plans and specifications, permitting support, California Environmental Quality Act documentation support and services during bidding. CDM Smith has identified various subconsultants to perform some of those tasks. Cozad & Fox

Inc., of Hemet will perform the surveying. Converse Consultants Inc., of Monrovia will handle the geotechnical work. Underground Solutions Inc., of Escondido will be responsible for potholing. V&A Consulting Engineers of San Diego will be the corrosion protection subconsultant. RK Engineering of Newport Beach will undertake the traffic control activity. Epic Land Solutions Inc., of Riverside will be the easements subconsultant. The design work is expected to be completed within 21 months after issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

The appropriations approved May 17 will allow Eastern’s Real Property staff to conduct prepurchase evaluations and due diligence and to open escrow for any required easements. Staff will return to the board for approval of any related property or easement purchases prior to the closing of escrow.

A document meeting California Environmental Quality Act requirements will be prepared once enough information becomes available to identify potential impacts.

California insurance market rattled by withdrawal of major companies

Michael R. Blood Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two insurance industry giants have pulled back from California’s home insurance marketplace, saying that increasing wildfire risk and soaring construction costs have prompted them to stop writing new policies in the nation’s most populous state.

State Farm announced last week it would stop accepting applications for all business and personal lines of property and casualty insurance, citing inflation, a challenging reinsurance market and “rapidly growing catastrophe exposure.” The decision did not impact personal auto insurance.

“We take seriously our responsibility to manage risk,” State Farm said. “It’s necessary to take these actions now to improve the company’s financial strength.”

Allstate, another insurance powerhouse, announced in November it would pause new homeowners, condo and commercial insurance policies in California to protect current customers.

“The cost to insure new home customers in California is far higher than the price they would pay for policies due to wildfires, higher costs for repairing homes and higher reinsurance premiums,” Allstate said in a statement.

California’s unsettled market aligns with trends across the country in which companies are boosting rates, limiting coverage or pulling out completely from regions susceptible to wildfires and other natural disasters in the era of climate change. Florida and Louisiana have struggled to keep healthy insurance markets following extensive damage from hurricanes. Premiums are rising in Colorado amid wildfire threats, and an Oregon effort to map wildfire risk was rejected last year because of fears it would cause premiums to skyrocket.

Scientists say climate change has made the West warmer and drier over the last three decades and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. In recent years, California has experienced the largest and most destructive fires in state history.

Some California homeowners already are going without coverage, and a shortage of new policies could make it more difficult to buy a home. A state-run pool that serves as the insurer of last resort for many could face pressure as

WATER from page A-1 previously that they may have to pay some exit fee. However, FPUD has paid millions of dollars into future projects that now would not have to be built, saving the Water Authority millions of dollars.

The votes against the delay were Desmond, White, and Willis.

RMWD General Manager Tom Kennedy said, “I was disappointed that after three and a half years the commission is going to defer the decision for another 60 days. Also disappointed that some of the misstatements from the San Diego Water Authority seemed to influence some of the commissioners.”

Bebee said, “We really appreciate the turnout from the Fallbrook residents and they clearly identified the importance of switching wholesale providers and getting lower water. We are disappointed that after three years they continued to delay.”

Local Agency Formation Commissions or LAFCOs are regional service planning agencies located in all 58 counties and exercise regulatory and planning powers in step with their prescribed directive to oversee the establishment, expansion, governance, and dissolution of local government agencies and their municipal service areas to meet current and future community needs. LAFCOs were established in 1963 and administer a section of California planning law now known as the CorteseKnox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2001. More infomation can be found in this story: https://www.villagenews.com/story/2022/09/15/news/ fpud-and-rmwd-applications-tochange-water-suppliers-head-tolafco-this-fall/71027.html

enrollments surge. The state pool, the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan, provides basic fire insurance coverage for properties in high-risk areas when traditional insurance companies will not. Enrollments have jumped in recent years to 272,846 homes in 2022.

“We just don’t have a stable insurance market,” said state Sen. Bill Dodd, a Democrat from Napa, whose Northern California district has been charred by wildfires. “What’s happening is a lot of people in my district and frankly other districts are ... going naked — they have no insurance.”

According to data compiled by the industry-supported Insurance Information Institute, California has more than 1.2 million homes at risk for extreme wildfire, far more than any other state.

“The number of acres burned in California has grown steadily in recent years, as more people are moving into fire-prone areas of the state,” the institute said in a statement on the company departures from California. “More homes in harm’s way, combined with rising costs of repairing or replacing houses either damaged or lost to fire, leads to increased insured losses.”

In Colorado, which has been hit by devastating wildfires, insur-

ance premiums have been rising significantly, and some smaller insurance companies have been pulling back from covering properties. A study commissioned by state lawmakers found that 76% of carriers decreased their exposures in Colorado in 2022, leaving the five largest insurance companies to dominate the market.

Florida has struggled to keep the insurance market healthy since 1992, when Hurricane Andrew flattened Homestead, wiped out some insurance carriers and left many remaining companies fearful to write or renew policies in Florida. Risks for carriers also have been growing as climate change increases the strength of hurricanes and intensity of rainstorms.

Louisiana is in the midst of an insurance crisis, exacerbated by hurricanes Delta, Laura, Zeta and Ida in 2020 and 2021. As claims piled up, companies that wrote homeowners policies in the state went insolvent or left, canceling or refusing to renew existing policies.

In California, the loss of large insurers could create more pressure to loosen consumer-minded policies that have held down rates in the state for years. Voters approved Proposition 103 in 1988, which allows the state insurance commissioner to reject proposed rate increases and order refunds.

It has been credited with saving consumers billions of dollars, but the industry says it places constraints on accurate underwriting and pricing risk.

Last year, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara advanced regulations requiring insurers to give discounts to customers if they followed new standards like building fire-resistance roofs and creating defensible space around their homes.

Before their announcements, State Farm and Allstate both had been seeking significant rate increases.

Consumer Watchdog, a nonpartisan advocacy group, said State Farm’s decision was unlawful.

“Insurance companies can’t just stop selling insurance to consumers in order to make more money for themselves,” Harvey Rosenfield, the author of Proposition 103 and the founder of the group, said in a statement. “They have to open their books and get the (state) insurance commissioner’s approval.”

Lara’s office didn’t respond to an email request for comment.

A state website lists more than 100 companies selling residential insurance, though some offer only limited lines of coverage, such as earthquake or renter insurance.

Associated Press writer Coleen Slevin in Denver contributed.

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.

Felon who killed girlfriend, ed to Las Vegas with son sentenced

City News Service Special to Valley News

A convicted felon who fatally shot his girlfriend and then fled to Las Vegas with his and the victim’s 2-year-old son was sentenced on June 2 to 113 years to life in state prison.

A Murrieta jury in April convicted Celestine John Stoot Jr., 44, of Lake Elsinore of first-degree murder, child cruelty, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations for the July 2021 slaying of 43-year-old Natasha Denise Barlow of San Jacinto.

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

Stoot and Barlow went to bed, leading to a physical confrontation, during which he struck her over the head with a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol, court papers said.

After hitting her several times, the defendant fatally shot her through the neck. The bullet went through a wall into the children’s room, but none were injured, according to the brief.

During the predawn hours of July 5, sheriff’s deputies received a report that Barlow had been fatally shot, and investigators went to the house, immediately identifying Stoot as the perpetrator.

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

Celestine John Stoot Jr. Valley News/Riverside Sheriff’s Office photo

Murrieta Friday, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Jeff Zimel imposed the maximum term of

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

The conflict escalated before

Menifee student suspected of bringing gun onto middle school campus

During a sentencing hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in City News Service

Special to the Valley News

A middle school student in Menifee was arrested for allegedly carrying a gun in his backpack while on campus, authorities said Thursday, June 1. The student, whose identity was not disclosed due to his age, was taken into custody Wednesday, May 31, at Ethan Chase Middle School on Calm Horizon Drive, according to the Menifee Police Department.

Capt. Heriberto Gutierrez said that police officers were at the

school to investigate an unrelated incident and were informed by staff that the suspect was walking around campus with a concealed firearm.

“Staff immediately located the identified subject and escorted (him) to the office,” the captain said. “Officers assisted with the search based on the allegations made and located an unloaded firearm in the subject’s backpack. There were no threats made to the school or other students on campus by the subject.” No classrooms were placed on lockdown.

A possible motive for the juvenile’s allegedly bringing the gun to school was not provided.

The youth was arrested and booked into Riverside Juvenile Hall on suspicion of possession of a firearm on school grounds, a felony, according to Gutierrez. “MPD would like to urge parents to have productive conversations with their children regarding the dangers of being in possession of a firearm,” he said. “Bringing a firearm or any other weapon onto school grounds is a criminal offense and will be investigated thoroughly by MPD.”

Felon who attacked Riverside girl sentenced to state prison

City News Service

Special to Valley News

A 23-year-old probationer with a long arrest sheet who tried to sexually assault a Riverside girl at a recreational facility was sentenced Friday, June 2 to four years, six months in state prison.

Robert Willie Bates of Hemet pleaded guilty in March to attempted rape. In exchange for his admission, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office dropped a charge of contacting a minor with intent to commit a crime.

During a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Friday, Superior Court Judge Charles Koosed certified the terms of the

plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense.

According to the Riverside Police Department, on the afternoon of April 15, 2022, Bates confronted the victim, identified in court documents only as a teenage girl with the initials “L.H.,” at the Orange Terrace Park Community Center, brandished an Airsoft pistol, which fires plastic projectiles, and tried to force himself on her.

The teen resisted and got away from him, investigators said. Patrol officers were called to the location, but Bates had already fled by the time they got there.

Detectives from the police department’s Sexual Assault-Child

Abuse unit followed up, gathering evidence that ultimately pointed to Bates as the perpetrator. He was arrested a month later.

According to court documents, Bates has an extensive criminal record going back to 2018, with convictions in adult court for felony and misdemeanor vandalism, receiving a stolen vehicle, theft and violating a court order.

Bates’ juvenile record was not disclosed, but according to the criminal complaint in the attempted rape case, “sustained petitions in juvenile delinquency proceedings ... are numerous.”

Bates has not previously served time in prison.

Two men sentenced to prison for roles in killing of woman dumped in Pala

SAN DIEGO - Two men who pleaded guilty to murder counts for their roles in the slaying of a woman whose body was dumped in Pala near the Riverside County line were sentenced Monday, June 5 to state prison terms.

Pablo Victor Valadez, 40, and Jonnie Alexander Isaguirre, 27, were among five people arrested in 2017 for the death of 30-year-old Alexandria Nicole Smith.

The victim was reported missing on Oct. 2, 2017 and her body was discovered 10 days later near the Pala Casino. Prosecutors allege Smith was suffocated after a party in National

City and that the defendants subsequently stole her belongings.

Valadez was sentenced Monday morning to 15 years to life in state prison, while Isaguirre received a 25 year-to-life term.

The men were tried before a San Diego jury along with Amber Leal Suarez, 43. Suarez was convicted of first-degree murder, but the panel could not reach verdicts for Valadez or Isaguirre. The men later pleaded guilty.

Leal and Crystal Lopez Melendez, 38, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, await sentencing next month. A fifth defendant, Maria Yvette Perreira,

pleaded guilty to robbery.

At the time of Smith’s death, she lived in San Diego with her mother and daughter. Smith’s mother reported her missing after she never returned home from the party.

At Monday’s sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Dan Owens read a letter in court written by Smith’s mother, Nicole Smith, who wrote, ``There is no reason for them to ever live a life outside of prison. They need to suffer the same losses that I have and more. They need to feel the loneliness and heartache of losing something that is dear and close to them for the remainder of their lives.’’

Stoot fled the residence with C.J. but later returned after his cousin, identified in court papers as “D.J.,” picked him up in Perris. The defendant retrieved belongings from his house, after which his cousin allowed him to take her vehicle, dropping her at a residence in Moreno Valley before heading with his son to Las Vegas.

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

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

Sexual assault suspect arrested in Temecula

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

A 30-year-old man suspected of sexual assault in Temecula and Mojave County, Arizona, was arrested Thursday, June 1, deputies said.

The Southwest Sheriff’s Station responded to the 44000 block of Pechanga Parkway at around 8:55 p.m. Saturday, May 20, to a report about a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in the area, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

The suspect, Joseph Edward Labastida of Temecula, allegedly fled the scene moments before deputies arrived. Deputies conducted an investigation, gathering leads from the community regarding the alleged assault; and Labastida was located and arrested near Temecula Parkway and La Paz Road. He was booked into custody at the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center on suspicion of felony sexual assault charges, according to the department.

Joseph Edward Labastida.

Valley News/RSO photo

The investigation also revealed that Labastida is also wanted for sexual assault charges in Mojave County, Arizona. Anyone with information about the alleged assaults was urged to contact Investigator Gouvion at 951-696-3000.

One person stabbed in altercation at Menifee residence

City News Service

Special to Valley News

Police were searching for a suspect Saturday, June 3, after an altercation that resulted in one man being stabbed in Menifee.

Authorities received a call at around 7 a.m. Friday from a reporting party who was driving the victim to a hospital, according to the Menifee Police Department.

Officers located them in the area of Highway 74 and Menifee Road, and rendered aid before Cal Fire Riverside personnel arrived.

An ambulance took the man to a hospital, where he was listed with stable vital signs, police said.

According to Lt. Christina Rev-

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

A convicted felon and two other individuals accused of killing a 27-year-old Perris man on Christmas Eve pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges Monday, June 5.

Miguel Angel Villegas, 30, Andrik Avalos Villasenor, 21, and Kassandra Lepe, 21, all of Hemet, were arrested in December following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigation into the slaying of Rafael Morales in Perris.

Along with murder, Villegas and Villasenor are charged with robbery and burglary. Villegas is additionally charged with firearm assault and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations. Lepe is additionally charged with receiving stolen property.

The trio were arraigned together Monday before Superior Court Judge Gail O’Rane, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Sept. 12 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

Lepe and Villasenor are each being held in lieu of $1 million bail, her at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, him at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside.

eles, the stabbing occurred in a residence in the 27000 block of Sun City Boulevard after an altercation broke out between the occupants.

The stabbing victim allegedly was also armed, and was subsequently arrested. The person suspected of stabbing him was still outstanding, but no description was immediately available.

Police said it was believed to be an isolated incident in which the parties knew each other, and there was no danger to the community.

Anyone with additional information about the stabbing ia encouraged to contact Detective William Flores at wflores@menifeepolice.org

Villegas is being held without bail at the downtown jail.

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Ed Baeza, about 11 p.m. on Dec. 24, the trio were involved in an unspecified confrontation with Morales at a residence in the 300 block of West Seventh Street, near Perris Boulevard.

During the encounter, the victim was shot at least once in the upper body, Baeza said.

Witnesses called 911, and deputies and paramedics converged on the location within minutes, pronouncing Morales dead at the scene.

Baeza said Central Homicide Unit detectives quickly identified Villegas and Villasenor as two of the alleged assailants. Both were tracked to separate locations the following day and taken into custody without incident.

Lepe was identified later and arrested on East Florida Avenue in Hemet.

Neither she nor Villasenor has documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County. However, Villegas has priors for assault resulting in great bodily injury, auto theft, driving under the influence of drugs and statutory rape, according to court records.

June 9 – 15, 2023

San Jacinto Valley students receive Student of the Year honors

Diane A. Rhodes

The Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month program held its recognition breakfasts from September through March. Each school’s honoree was eligible to apply for Student of the Year for their site. All recognized students were invited to a Night of the Stars scholarship award dinner at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center Wednesday, May 17.

Nearly 400 guests filled the room as students and their families, teachers, sponsors, educators and many supporters awaited the announcement of the seven Student of the Year winners who each received a $2,000 scholarship. Additionally, seven individual scholarships of $500 each were presented by various community members, nonprofit organizations and businesses. All students received a $100 gift card. Program founder and event hostess Karena Zermeno also represents one of the sponsors, Altura Credit Union. She welcomed everyone to the event and said as the program concludes its tenth year, she wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Soboba Tribal Council and Soboba Foundation “for supporting us from day one;

Valley

they have been our biggest supporters.” She said that many of the schools, businesses and nonprofits represented at the event have also benefited from their support.

“We know that the pillar of our community is Soboba,” Zermeno said.

She reminded those in attendance that the Student of the Month program honors local high school seniors for demonstrating charac-

ter, integrity, love of learning and involvement in school activities, athletics and community service.

“We recognize students who have overcome challenging life circumstances without compromising their education. These are students who makes a difference in their home, school and community with sincerity and passion,” Zermeno said. “There is no greater example of overcoming challenging life

circumstances than the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and yet they selflessly give to this entire valley and are so passionate about it; it truly comes from the heart.”

She addressed the Soboba Tribal Council and Soboba Foundation members who were present by saying, “Because of your generosity of not only the financial support but the appointment of our Student of the Month Committee member Andrew Vallejos (who is the Foundation’s sponsorship and higher

education program coordinator), we were able to start this program and build upon it each year.”

After the final breakfast in March, each Student of the Month was encouraged to complete an application to be considered as the Class of 2023 Student of the Year for their school site, resulting in seven honorees. The Academy of Innovation, Alessandro High School and Western Center Acad-

Temecula Valley seniors receive Student of the Year honors

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program, recognizing and inspiring academic excellence since the 1992-1993 school year, held its recognition breakfasts from September through April. Each local high school’s honoree was eligible to apply to be named Student of the Year for their site. The nine students who passed a competitive application process were honored at the 31st annual Student of the Year Scholarship & Recognition Ceremony, held May 19 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Road.

Sally A. Myers, founder of the nonprofit program, welcomed everyone and shared the mission of the local high school recognition program which sets the criteria for the incredible students who are chosen. She said college or trade school bound seniors are honored for their character, their love of learning and their willingness to participate in numerous activities such as campus events, athletics and community service as well as how they have persevered through challenging life circumstances. They accomplish all this in a setting that honors God, country, community, family and free enterprise.

As a reminder that the students are headed away from home to attend college, large plastic laundry baskets were used to hold all the gifts and certificates of recognition donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Along

with a scholarship for $1,665, gift cards from several Promenade mall retailers, a personalized iPad from Rancho California Water District and a diploma frame courtesy of the Chamber were among the numerous rewards for each student.

Student of the Year honors were presented to Chaparral High School’s Marinne Sheldon, Great Oak’s Sarah Wilson, Linfield Christian’s Alexis Jones, Rancho Christian’s Kevin Bender, Rancho Vista’s Colin Brannan, St. Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School’s Lillian Wichterman, Susan H. Nelson’s Alexis Ritenour, Temecula Preparatory School’s Joshua Elizalde and Temecula Valley High School’s Katelyn Kitzerow. Each one was invited to the podium by their principal who presented them with a medal to signify them as being a “gold medal winner.” Students shared how their passions will be integrated into their future plans with a room full of supporters that included principals and family members, as well as school district and community dignitaries such as Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank and former mayor and longtime City Councilmember Maryann Edwards.

Marinne Sheldon Chaparral High School’s Student of the Month in March was Marinne Sheldon, who has received much recognition and many more awards since then. Principal Tina Miller said she is a “model student on campus.” Marinne said, “My passion is working towards a goal with a creative and passionate group of

Recipients of

people. I love the satisfaction of a job well done, especially when that job includes photography, graphic design, colors, camera angles and choosing fonts.” Marinne enjoyed promoting school culture and spirit on campus and was involved with sports and clubs, always trying to help create a sense of community among the students. She will attend Brigham Young University, Provo to major in graphic design and study various digital media arts.

Sarah Wilson Great Oak High School chose Sarah Wilson as its January Student of the Month. Principal Aimee Ricken said Sarah has led her varsity volleyball teammates strongly as captain and received sports awards

and scholarships for her outstanding performance on the court. Sarah said, “My passion in all aspects of my life is to infuse joy into every person and interaction. I strive to make people feel loved, valued, cared for and seen.” She plans to spend the summer volunteering to coach volleyball at Great Oak and for her club program. “My goal is to share my love of the game with them and to show them the greater importance and value beyond the wins and losses,” Sarah said. She will attend Azusa Pacific University to major in Allied Health as a pre-med major, while playing volleyball at the collegiate level.

Alexis Jones Linfield Christian Principal

Carrie Washburn said October’s Student of the Month, Alexis Jones, led a team of student journalists to show them how to celebrate others. Alexis said, “One of the greatest passions in my life has always centered around writing, storytelling and communication. Through my tenure as Journalism Club president, I believe I have differentiated myself, added value to our school and pulled from my love of communication to leave behind a unique legacy.” She has accomplished her mission of providing a dynamic platform on which the many different stories of the community can be shared,

Special to the Valley News

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

All 2022-2023 Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month recipients are honored at the Night of the Stars at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center, Wednesday, May 17. Valley News/John Strangis, EN Media Productions LLC photo

Program sponsors Dr. Vidhya Koka, left, and her husband Lakshman Koka, congratulate Michelle Rodriguez on being awarded the Dr. Koka & Family Medical Scholarship. The Mountain Heights Academy graduate, who was Student of the Month in February, plans to study microbiology before attending medical school.

Valley News/John Strangis, EN Media Productions LLC photo

West Valley High School scholar-athlete Kaitlyn Turner, who was Student of the Month in March, is awarded a $500 scholarship from M.A.L.H.Y. The nonprofit’s President Jessica Smith and Secretary Charles Clarke Jr. congratulate Kaitlyn, center.

News/John Strangis, EN Media Productions LLC photo

Program sponsor John Norman Sr. and program founder Karena Zermeno listen as San Jacinto High School’s Troy Oloa accepts the Marie Quandt Memorial Scholarship. Troy was Student of the Month in October. Valley News/John Strangis, EN Media Productions LLC photo

the Temecula Valley Student of the Year award for 2022-2023. From left, Marinne Sheldon, Alexis Jones, Colin Brannan, Kevin Bender, Joshua Elizalde, Alexis Ritenour, Sarah Wilson, Lillian Wichterman and Katelyn Kitzerow.

see JACINTO, page B-2 see TEMECULA, page B-2

Murrieta area seniors receive Student of the Year honors

Diane

A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce 2022-2023 Student of the Month program culminated in its 28th annual Student of the Year breakfast on May 18 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd. Emcee Mary Walters, Assistant Superintendent of the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, introduced Sally A. Myers, who founded the first of four area Student of the Month programs more than 30 years ago.

“We partnered with the Murrieta Valley Unified School District and the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce to bring the program to this area,” Myers said. Close to 9,000 students have been honored over the four programs since the beginning and she shared the nonprofit’s mission statement as to how a Student of the Month is chosen.

The local high school recognition program 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.

Myers explained that each Student of the Year was awarded a $4,000 scholarship and chosen through a competitive application process judged by volunteer community members. As a reminder that the students are headed away from home to attend college, large plastic laundry baskets were used to hold all the gifts and certificates of recognition donated by the program’s sponsors and supporters. Student of the Year honorees are Murrieta Canyon Academy’s Lilli Carmichael, Murrieta Mesa High School’s Kaitlyn Carrillo, Murrieta Valley High’s Alanah Antillon, Oak Grove School’s Seyedeharmita “Armita” Barzanji, Springs Charter School’s Cadence Wright and Vista Murrieta High School’s Caryn Cole-Stango. Each one was invited to the podi-

emy are under the umbrella of Hemet Options schools and attend twice per year each. One student out of all three schools is chosen for Student of the Year.

The evening was reminiscent of awards ceremonies such as the Oscars and the Grammys since the results were not revealed in advance. A short video clip of each student’s speech from when they were honored during their month was played before announcing the winner for each school.

Hemet Unified School District’s Student of the Year honorees are Issabella Castaneda, Valerie Flores, Enrique Martinez, Alexander Nahsohn and Eliana Parts Fragata. Those honored from San Jacinto Unified School District are Desiree Herrera and Christina Mehlman.

Issabella Castaneda

As Student of the Month in December for Tahquitz High School, Castaneda will pursue a career as an MRI technician. She said the most significant life lesson she

um by their principal who presented them with a medal to signify their achievement. Students shared how their passions will be integrated into their future plans with a room full of supporters that included family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries, including MVUSD Superintendent Ward Andrus.

Lilli Carmichael

Murrieta Canyon Academy chose

Lilli as Student of the Month in November. Principal Matt Bean said Lilli’s impact has been felt across the entire campus. He said her creativity, inclusivity and determination guided the school to plan and executive its very first prom and she was elected the inaugural prom queen. “Her passion to support others provided her with the inspiration to successfully pilot and present a peer mentor program on campus,” Bean said. Lilli said, “My passion is people. I love meeting people, helping people and making new connections. I’m an extrovert in every definition of the word and I use that to my advantage. She will attend Mt. San Jacinto College to complete her general education and then transfer to a university where she will double major in law and political science.

Kaitlyn Carrillo

Murrieta Mesa High School singled out Kaitlyn in January as its Student of the Month. Principal Scott Richards told all the seniors in the room that they are leaving behind a great legacy at their respective schools. Kaitlyn said, “Learning, leadership and service –these are my passions and have been instilled in me since I was young.”

She completed her Girl Scout Gold Award and earned the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout rank. She said service to others has always been a passion and her time volunteering at BSA summer camp the past two years allowed her to instill leadership and confidence in others. She will attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to study computer science.

Alanah Antillon

As Murrieta Valley High School’s Student of the Month in September, Alana was touted as having the “it”

will take with her to college is to “cherish everyone around me and love them as if it’s the last day on earth because tomorrow is never promised. Show your love and be the light in someone’s life. Let there be more love than pain and hurt. Count your blessings and be grateful for everything.”

Valerie Flores Academy of Innovation’s January Student of the Month Flores plans to attend California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo. She is interested in art and sees herself likely being associated with it in some way in the future.

“A significant life lesson I’ve learned is to rely on myself and trust myself,” she said. “I want to be a highlight in the life of people, leaving a positive impression and fond memory for them to carry through their day.”

Desiree Herrera Mountain View High School/ Mountain Heights Academy singled out Herrera in March. She has chosen to attend Mt. San Jacinto College for a year and transfer to

factor, according to Principal Ryan Tukua. He said that her outstanding performance in sports and clubs on campus has made the Nighthawk community grateful. Alanah said when she found the school allowed students to start their own clubs she began a Model UN Club since she hopes to one day be shaping policies. She also revamped the GirlUp club and helped lead members to participate in two successful community service projects. “What Murrieta Valley offered me was opportunity,” Alanah said. She will attend UCLA with a double major of Political Science and History on a pre-law track.

Seyedeharmita “Armita” Barzanji Oak Grove School honored Armita as Student of the Month in February, which is when she graduated. Principal Tammy Wilson said she will be returning to participate in the school’s commencement ceremony on June 20. She said Armita shined on the volleyball and basketball courts, always brings out the best in people and showed much resiliency as she worked on coming out of a state of depression. Armita said, “I honestly didn’t think

La Sierra University, which is her dream college. There she hopes to study criminal justice to become a special victims unit detective. A life lesson she will carry with her to college is believing that she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to and just believing in herself.

Enrique Martinez November’s Student of the Month at Hemet High School was Martinez. He plans to pursue his passion for computer science at California State Polytechnic San Luis Obispo and hopefully secure a career at a top tech company in the future.

“Your experiences make you who you are,” he said, adding that his personal experiences have taught him that life isn’t promised to anyone.

Christina Mehlman San Jacinto High School honored Mehlman in February. She plans to attend California Baptist University to study psychology. Acknowledged for her courage and willingness to make it her mission

I’d graduate high school because I lost motivation for life for a long time. Being up here today is pretty incredible. It’s crazy how life can change so quickly.” She plans to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist for children.

Cadence Wright Springs Charter School’s Student of the Month in March was Cadence. Principal Valerie Walker said it was amazing to see Cadence come back to in-person learning and make up for what she lacked due to her difficulties with online learning. Cadence said, “My school means the world to me and I would not be surprised to see myself back at Springs in the future, working as a teacher or teacher’s assistant.” She said one of her recently formed passions has been volunteering and contributing to her campus by planning events throughout the school year. “I hope my passion for helping others will continue into college and into my future career. My hope is to major in education and maybe one day I can create an environment for my students where they love to learn and are spirited participants in all extracurricular activities.”

Caryn Cole-Stango

to provide hope for others, she has been described as being generous, patient, kind, faithful and committed.

Alexander Nahsohn Nahsohn was November’s choice from Hamilton High School. He plans to pursue a career in psychology or as a therapist to help others get past a traumatic experience. As a 10-year member of Boy Scouts of America, he said he learned life skills such as patience, persistence and confidence and has taught those skills to younger Scouts.

Eliana Parts Fragata West Valley High School selected Parts Fragata in December. She plans to attend University of California San Diego where she will double major in biomedical engineering and mathematics.

“From a young age, I’ve always known that I wanted to change the world,” she said. “My childhood was rocky at times, and I’ve had my fair share of challenges but I’m not going to focus on them.”

Vista Murrieta High School named Caryn as Student of the Month in September. Principal Celeste Scallion said since then, Caryn continued to be intentional and lead by example. Her life has been punctuated by adversity, but this has taught her how to be resilient and she found school to be her safe place. Scallion said, “When asked what inspires her to pour into others, Caryn shared that she gets joy from reminding others that they matter.” Caryn is an active volunteer for Project 99, a nonprofit dedicated to educating the community about suicide awareness and prevention. Caryn said, “I’ve always learned that there is a hidden ‘why’ behind feelings and actions. As a mental health advocate, we take that ‘why’ into account when interacting with others and we learn how to translate that into a ‘how’ –how can I change this, how can I make others feel loved and valued, how can I help?” She will attend Cal State, San Marcos to major in political science. For more information or to participate in the program, please contact LouEllen Ficke at 951-415-2250 or Sally Myers at 951-775-0520.

chosen for their ability to meet the criteria set by the community members, organizations or businesses who sponsored the awards. The name of each scholarship is followed by the name of the student, their school and the month they were selected as Student of the Month. Adanesne Carrasco Soto Memorial Scholarship: Kylie Wallace, Hemet High School, September; Dr. Koka & Family Medical Scholarship: Michelle Rodriguez, Mountain View/Mountain Heights, February; Daniel Lopez Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Blade Davalos, Alessandro High, October; M.A.L.H.Y. Alessandra “Ale” Ruotolo Memorial Scholarship: Kaitlyn Turner, West Valley High, March; Marie Quandt Memorial Scholarship: Troy Oloa, San Jacinto High, October; Sizzler/BMW Management Scholarship: Isabelle Lee, Hamilton High, January; and the Cassi Tichy Memorial Scholarship: Sierra Evans Hamilton, Tahquitz High, November.

Kevin Bender

Rancho Christian High School chose Kevin Bender as its November Student of the Month. Principal Doris Jackson said Kevin has many academic and athletic accomplishments as well as leadership abilities on campus as ASB Senior Class President and off the campus as an active member of Boy Scouts of America. Kevin said his unwavering passion is that of service to others. “One of the most transformative journeys I embarked upon was achieving the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout,” he said. “This incredible milestone not only represents my dedication and perseverance but also enabled me to participate in an impactful service project that brought tangible benefits to my community.” He will be attending Claremont McKenna College as a finance major.

Colin Brannan

Rancho Vista High School’s Student of the Month in April was Colin Brannan and Principal David Schlottman reiterated how school was difficult for Colin until the first

part of his senior year when he was finally able to accept advice and constructive criticism from his parents and turn things around. “A year ago, I wanted to drop out of school,” Colin said. But finding and building relationships and bonds with teachers and staff at Rancho Vista was something he had not experienced at any other school. “It is beyond my wildest imagination to be standing up here today (as Student of the Year) but now learning is my passion,” Colin said. He will attend Mt. San Jacinto College before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Lillian Wichterman

St. Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School’s April Student of the Month was Lillian Wichterman. The school’s president, Sister Ernestine Velarde, said the honoree has been attending the school since Prekindergarten. Lillian said the school blessed her with many opportunities to serve others and that became her passion. In addition to food drives and other local community events, “I also helped establish a new nonprofit in memory of a dear friend,” she said. The Heather Janikowski Foundation aims to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness for children and families to help them reach their full potential. Lillian is directly involved with their main two annual

fundraisers. For more information, www.jh.foundation . Lillian will be attending California State University, Chico to study business marketing.

Alexis Ritenour

Susan H. Nelson High School’s February Student of the Month was Alexis Ritenour. Principal David Schlottman said it is no surprise that Alexis was chosen as Student of the Year due to her resiliency as she dealt with tragedy. She was not afraid to try something different by leaving a traditional large high school to attend Susan H. Nelson. Alexis explained that two weeks before the end of her sophomore year, her father passed away abruptly. “I would never have been so passionate about music if it weren’t for my father’s passing,” she said. “In fact, I’d probably be headed to college for a medical degree. Being able to turn my anger, hurt, confusion, grief and anguish into poetry that others can enjoy and relate to is what sets me apart from many others in the same field. Alexis will attend Mt. San Jacinto College for a degree in music while continuing to work on her music and having it published.

Joshua Elizalde Temecula Preparatory School honored Joshua Elizalde as Student of the Month in January. Upper

Individual scholarships were presented to students who were

For more information, visit http://www.studentofthemonth.net uplifted and archived for future generations. At Stanford University, she plans to double major in English and Sociology.

School Dean Bryanna Brossman said people are just drawn to Joshua, who has attended the school since kindergarten. She said his kindness and thoughtfulness are felt by many on campus. Joshua said his passion is music and it is an integral part of his identity. He began playing piano at age five, taught himself how to play the guitar during the pandemic lockdown and then taught himself how to record and produce music. He was also a tenor section leader for the Temecula Prep chamber singers’ program. “Using music as an outlet has given me the fortitude to persevere through turbulent and confusing times,” Joshua said. He will major in business administration with a minor in music production at USC, where he looks forward to trying out for the USC Chamber Choir as well.

Katelyn Kitzerow Temecula Valley High School’s October Student of the Month was Katelyn Kitzerow. Principal Donna Leone said the young woman has the innate ability to make an impact on others. Joining the Sports Medicine Club at her school helped shape her path to pursue a career as a physical therapist, helping athletes to rehabilitate from injuries and get back to the sport they love.

Katelyn and her family launched the

nonprofit CJ’s Smile in memory of her 10-year-old cousin, who loved sports and passed away from cancer in January of 2022. The organization aims to help create smiles on the faces of patients at Rady Children’s Hospital that are going through what CJ went through. For more information, www.cjssmile.org . Katelyn will attend Boise State to major in Kinesiology with an emphasis on sports medicine.

Closing remarks

After their individual speeches, the students were asked to sit together as a group so they could receive words of encouragement from local dignitaries and program sponsors who took turns at the podium wishing them well.

Myers closed the event with a quote about generosity from motivational speaker John Maxwell. “No person was ever honored for what he received, honor has been the reward for what he gave.” She told the students, “You are here today being honored for how you have given of yourself, how you have made a difference and how you have impacted and influenced others.”

For more information, please contact Program Chair Amber Poncy at 951-676-5090 or http://temecula. org/student-of-the-month.

Recipients of the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Student of the Year award for 2022-2023 are, from left, Kaitlyn Carrillo, Alanah Antillon, Lilli Carmichael, Caryn Cole-Stango, Cadence Wright and Seyedeharmita “Armita” Barzanji. Valley News/John P. Hess

TEMECULA from page B-1

JACINTO from page B-1

Old Town Music Festival returns to Temecula

ENTERTAINMENT

Movie Review: ‘ e Little Mermaid’

Bob Garver Special to the Valley News

TEMECULA – Old Town

Music Festival returns to The Temecula Stampede Saturday, June 17, for its third annual event.

The Temecula Stampede will take over Old Town to host the outdoor music festival. Festivalgoers will enjoy an outdoor stage with a state-of-the-art sound system, full bars, line dancing lessons, mechanical bull-riding and more. This all-ages event features acclaimed country music artists Big & Rich, Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, Creed Fisher, Coffey Anderson, Cowboy Troy

Music Festival Saturday, June

and Runaway June.

VIP and general admission tickets are available. VIP admission is $129 and includes a VIP entrance line, tent access, front of stage access, elevated food vendors, full bars and flush restrooms. General admission is $69. General admission offers food and drink vendors and concert-goers can bring their own seating. For more information or tickets, visit http://OldTownMusicFestival.com.

Submitted by Old Town Music Festival.

Back in 1989, the animated version of “The Little Mermaid” ushered in what came to be known as the “Disney Renaissance,” an era of creative and commercial prosperity where the company reclaimed its position as the king of animated family entertainment. Now in 2023, the company is looking to a live-action version of “The Little Mermaid” to put it back on top of that mountain, minus the animation. Sure, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is doing well, but the studio hasn’t really been connecting with younger audiences lately, at least not at the box office. The pandemic forced “Soul,” “Luca” and “Turning Red” to go directly to streaming. “Raya and the Last Dragon” opened too soon after theaters reopened to be a blockbuster. “Encanto” didn’t perform as well as its legacy would suggest, and “Strange World” simply did not find an audience. The best performer since 2019 was last year’s critical flop “Lightyear” with $118 million domestic, a number “The Little Mermaid” is projected to nearly match or even beat by the end of the four-day Memorial Day weekend.

The story, as before, is that mermaid princess Ariel, played by Halle Bailey, wants to leave underwater life behind and live on the surface with humans, especially the hunky Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King. Her father, King Triton, played by Javier Bardem, forbids her from so much as visiting the surface and enlists his crab servant Sebastian, played by Daveed Diggs, to keep an eye on her. A falling-out between father and daughter sends

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Ariel right into the tentacles of opportunistic sea witch Ursula, played by Melissa McCarthy, who offers Ariel a chance to be human for three days. If she can get a truelove’s kiss from Eric in that time without using her voice, she can stay human forever. If she fails, she becomes Ursula’s slave. She sets out on the adventure of a lifetime on land, aided by Sebastian and her friends, fish Flounder, played by Jacob Trembley, and stork Scuttle, played by Awkwafina. Can she get the kiss despite Ursula’s scheming?

The good news is that the musical numbers fans love are welltranslated here with excellent vocals from Bailey and Diggs and some gorgeous choreography. I was mimicking bits of “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Kiss the Girl” and Ariel’s non-lyrical siren song for days after I saw this movie, much to the annoyance of

people around me. Also, the cinematography is beautiful with luscious blues and greens – sadly not red though, I miss Ariel’s vibrant red hair – and Bailey and Hauer-King have delightful chemistry as they fall in love. The bad news is that the film goes for some additions that don’t work.

The new songs range from well-meaningbut-unmemorable with Eric’s “Wild Uncharted Waters” to downright painful with Scuttle’s “The Scuttlebutt,” which may mark the single lowest point in composer Lin-Manuel Miranda’s career. Eric is given a parallel storyline similar to Ariel’s, which does add some much-needed depth to his character, but also results in some eye-rolling redundancy. The CGI-heavy climax pales in comparison to the genuinely tense animated version. And I really hate to say it, because her singing and mute scenes are terrific, but Bailey is often wooden when speaking her lines.

It all balances out to a pretty good movie, perhaps the best of Disney’s live-action remakes of their animated classics. The children at my screening loved it, though I may have just been hearing particularly high-pitched adults. The animated version is still superior, but this new “Little Mermaid” is a decent successor and a great way to introduce the iconic story and characters to a new generation.

Grade: B“The Little Mermaid” is rated PG for action/peril and some scary images. Its running time is 135 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

Big & Rich will headline the Old Town

17 in Old Town Temecula. Valley News/Courtesy photo

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

June 14 to July 22 – Find Your Voice Summer Reading Program for children 3 to 18 at the Hemet Public Library at 300 E. Latham Ave., in Hemet. Sign up using http://www. hemetca.beanstack.com.

June 26 – 6-7:30 p.m. Smash Book DIY at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road. Smash books are a creative, low stress and fun way to collect together different thoughts, dreams, feelings and interests. Participants will be provided with examples, blank journals and art supplies to begin their very own smash book. Program is for grades 7-12 and limited to 25 participants. Register by calling 951-693-8940

June 30 – 7 p.m.Murrieta Public Library hosts Pinto Bella and her hula hoops t Murrieta Town Square Park and Amphitheater, 1 Town Square, in Murrieta.Get ready to learn about different kinds of hula hoops and movements, watch a performance with multiple hoops and practice your “air hoops.” Pinto Bella is a movement artist, musician, fire performer, visual artist and educator who is currently touring the U.S. this summer.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

June 15 to July 27 – 7 p.m.

Temecula’s Summer Concert Series begins with a great lineup of local bands at the Temecula Amphitheater, 30875 Rancho Vista Road. Gates open Thursdays at 5 p.m. with the final outdoor concert at Temecula’s Civic Center, 41000 Main Street, starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks.

First concert June 22 features Jumping Jack Flash.

June 17 – 2-8 p.m. The 52nd annual Murrieta Father’s Day Car Show will be held at California Oaks Sports Park, 40600 California Oaks Road in Murrieta with music, vendors, free family fun for spectators. No dogs are allowed. To register vehicles, visit http://www. tinyurl.com/fathersdaycarshow23.

June 18 – 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. Attend the 12th annual Microbrew and Chili Cook Off Festival and find the perfect Father’s Day samplings of craft beer, gourmet chili, silent auction and live entertainment at Pechanga Resort Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, in Temecula.

Tickets can be purchased at the Pechanga Box Office or online at http://pechanga.com. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

June 24 – 2-9 p.m. Attend the 32nd Murrieta Birthday Bash at California Oaks Sports Park, 40600 California Oaks Road, in Murrieta with vendors, food and music. K-Tel

All Stars is headlining the musical performances with 70s hits. For more information, contact the Murrieta Community Services Dept. at 951-304-7275.

July 12 to Aug. 23 – 5-9 p.m. Sunset Market every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. The market will feature live entertainment, a gourmet food court and some of the finest artisans and craftspeople in Southern California. The family friendly event is located in Town Square Park in Old Town Temecula.

ONGOING – Riverside County

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 – Line dancing classes are held Wednesdays at Lake Elsinore/Wildomar Elks Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail, in Wildomar across from the Animal Friends of the Valleys. Classes have a DJ with learning levels beginning to intermediate. Have fun and exercise at the same time at $5 per lesson. Contact Joyce Hohenadl at 951674-2159.

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 the California Department on Aging at 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 http://www.

rivercobizhelp.org that can be used for employee retention, working capital, personal protective equipment purchases, rent or mortgage payments and paying vendor notices. Eligible businesses, including nonprofits, must be in Riverside County, with a minimum of one but less than 50 employees and operating for at least one year since March

1. For more information, call Riverside County Business and Community Services at 951-955-0493.

ONGOING – 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

ONGOING – Temecula’s Farmers Markets are offered in Old Town Temecula Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, 4100 Main 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

June 13 – 5-6 p.m. Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino Tenant Rights will lead a discussion covering legal information regarding tenant rights and responsibilities, hosted at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road in Temecula. This discussion is intended for housing advocates, community members, and current tenants who would like to learn about the eviction process and procedures, housing accommodations and more. No registration required.

June 15 – 7 p.m. Murrieta Mayor

Dr. Lisa DeForest will give the State of the City address at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Road in Murrieta. Event is free and open to the public. VIP reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person. Register at https://bit.ly/MSOTC23.

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

June 26 – 6 p.m. Temecula Valley Historical Society Free Presentation by Aditi Wocester. Worcester will present information regarding conducting research at the San Diego County Archives, a collection that holds an estimated 65,000 recorded maps, 250 cubic feet of historic birth, death and marriage records, 600 cubic feet of official records, and an estimated 40,000 rolls of microfilm. Presentation will take place at the Little Temecula History Center, the red barn at the corner of Redhawk Parkway and Wolf Store Road. Questions or info on the presentation may be addressed to Rebecca Farnbach at info@temeculahistory.org.

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 http:// www.milvet.org/military-carepackages.

ONGOING – Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Meeting meets the third Monday of each month at the Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 Sixth Street, in Temecula from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, 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 http://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 781-9326300, or for local meetings, call 925-321-0170 or visit http://www. foodaddicts.org.

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

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

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

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 http:// www.va.gov/homeless.

Valley Museum o ers relief from the summer heat with the Walking in Antarctica exhibition

TEMECULA – Cool off this summer by visiting the Walking in Antarctica exhibit. The immersive exhibit, created by artist Helen Glazer, combines photography, sculpture and audio narrative to take the viewer on a journey through an extraordinary environment. The exhibition is organized as a series of “walks” through Antarctic landscapes: over frozen lakes, around glaciers, into an ice cave and through a colony of nesting Adélie penguins. Visitors with smartphones can access an audio tour narrated by Glazer, documenting her experiences. “Walking in Antarctica” opens Friday, June 16, at the Temecula Valley Museum.

“The Temecula Valley Museum offers engaging exhibits for our community to enjoy,” Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank said. “We are proud to bring to our residents the Walking in Antarctica Exhibition, which will allow them the ability to ‘visit’ a place very few people ever explore.”

In 2015, artist Glazer traveled to Antarctica as a grantee of the National Science Foundation’s Antarctic Artists and Writers Program, to photograph ice and geological formations for eventual production as photographic prints and sculpture. She worked out of remote Antarctic scientific field camps and had access to protected areas that can only be entered with government permits or in the company of a skilled mountaineer.

Through her artwork, Glazer strives to convey the wonder and complexity of the natural world to others, to motivate a desire to protect and preserve wild places. Her study of earth science over the past several years heightened

her awareness of multiple factors shaping the land over time. In recognizing that complex patterns in nature express the physical forces at work, she became more attuned to the interplay between geology, climate, life forms and human activity in each location.

In conjunction with “Walking in Antarctica,” the museum invites residents and visitors Saturday, July 29, at 1 p.m. to attend a gallery talk with Glazer. She will talk about photographing and 3D-scanning an environment that few people ever visit — walking over towering glaciers, on top of frozen lakes, inside a magnificent ice cave, across fields of surreal boulders and through a penguin colony, with plenty of opportunities for Q & A. Call 951-679-6450 to RSVP.

This project is organized by Mid-America Arts Alliance and is an adaptation of the artist’s solo exhibition of the same title held at the Rosenberg Gallery at Goucher College in Baltimore that was funded in part by grants from the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance and the Puffin Foundation. Creation of this work was made possible in part by a Rubys Artist Project Grant, a program of the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance conceived and initiated with funding from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation, and by a Puffin Foundation Artist Grant.

The Temecula Valley Museum is located in Sam Hicks Monument Park, 28314 Mercedes Street, in Temecula. For more information, visit http://TemeculaValleyMuseum.org or call 951-694-6450. Submitted by Temecula Valley Museum.

‘Hot Dish Heaven’ answers the call for easy chicken casserole for busy people

Judith Bell

Food Editor

At a recent prayer group reunion, the subject changed to food. Mary, Lisa, Sonja, Judy S., Katie and I met for lunch, although Kathy P. couldn’t make it. Katie started the chicken casserole discussion on behalf of her daughter, JoJo. I volunteered that I did not have a recipe in my mind I could give them then and there. I said I was seeing the “Casserole Queen” that evening, however, and she was sure to have what they wanted.

Sure enough, my friend Ann Burckhardt has this “Chicken and Rice with Two Soups” recipe in her cookbook, “Hot Dish Heaven.” It is an outstanding collection of classic casseroles from Midwest kitchens.

Why will it be included in a holiday cookbook, you might ask?

The answer is simple: sometimes the cook needs something simple for the family while preparing for guests. This chicken casserole will be a perfect choice of “fix and forget.”

Burchkhardt’s book is avail-

able through her publisher, The Minnesota Historical Society, at http://shop.mnhs.org/products/ hot-dish-heaven.

“Hot Dish Heaven” is truly a cookbook treasure that would be welcome in almost every home. Berchkhardt was the cookbook editor at Betty Crocker kitchens. She has written or edited over 25 cookbooks including the original edition of the popular “Betty Crocker’s Cookbook.” She is a true professional and my friend of many years.

Chicken and Rice with Two Soups

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice or 1 1/4 cups brown rice or wild rice (or mixture of the three)

• 2 1/2- to 3-pound broilerfryer chicken, cut up or 1 1/4 pounds boned chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix

• 10 3/4-ounce can cream of mushroom soup

• 2 1/2 cups water, as needed

Directions: Heat oven to 325 degrees or 300 degrees for a glass baking pan. Spread rice in the bottom of a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan.

Arrange chicken pieces on top of rice, skin side up. If using chicken breasts, cut breasts in halves with

kitchen shears. Pour onion soup mix into a small bowl and stir together the enclosed bouillon granules and dried onion. Sprinkle onion mixture evenly over chicken pieces. In a medium bowl, stir soup and 2 cans of water, or 2 1/2 cups, together; pour over all. Cover the pan with a sheet of aluminum foil. Bake for 2 hours.

Rose Care FUNdamentals for June 2023

Frank Brines

ARS Master Rosarian

It’s been a wetter than “normal” winter, but there’s a better than even chance that the developing El Nino will bring warmer than average temperatures to Southern California. So, as always, we as gardeners must be watchful and learn how to efficiently manage the amount of water we apply in our gardens. With summer and the warmer temperatures to come this will help diminish heat damage (stress) to the plants. The strategies I will discuss here are:

Delivering water efficiently

Keeping water in the soil using mulch

Allowing your roses a summer dormancy period

Delivering Water Efficiently:

Installing the most efficient delivery system is one method to save (conserve) water. Learning your garden’s soil type will help you make a decision on which systems work best and how much water to deliver at any one time. (Growing in pots is another story!)

Typical mature, full-size hybrid teas in Southern California require about 6-9 gallons of water a week in moderate temperatures (i.e., 70s). As temperatures rise into the 80s, they require about 9 gallons per week. In the 90s, about 12+ gallons. A rose can stay alive on considerably less, but they may come through the experience debilitated.

Drip systems are the most efficient way to deliver water because they don’t produce a spray that can be carried away by the breeze, and they deliver water slowly so it soaks deep rather than running off. If you have a drip system, be sure it’s in good shape before you go on to the next step and cover it with mulch! Open each irrigation valve one at a time and repair leaks.

I like Netafim products for their integrated pressure-regulating emitters that can even be buried beneath soil or mulch. Find the information at netafimusa.com

To estimate how long to run each system, multiply the number of emitters by their delivery rate (e.g., 1 gallon/hour), then divide by the number of roses. For example: if you have 40 emitters, each delivering 1 gal/hr, you deliver 40 gallons per hour. If you have 10 roses, that’s 4 gallons per rose. To deliver 12 gallons per week, run for one hour three times a week. This should work well in a typical loam soil. You want the water to soak down at least 12 inches for optimal rose health. A loam soil doesn’t allow water to just run through it, so irrigating for an hour at a time can be fairly efficient. On the other hand, if your soil is particularly sandy (water permeates more quickly) an hour may waste water, so run the system twice as often for half as long. You may need to make adjustments based on the performance of individual bushes.

Mulch: If you’ve read my past columns, you know that I advocate a 3- to 4-inch layer of

As blossoms fade, remove only the petals; do not deadhead them, that is, allow hips to form.

mulch. Mulch moderates the soil temperatures, retains moisture and allows it to spread throughout the root zone, discourages weeds, and (over time) enriches with nutrients and biomass. There are many materials you can use, but I recommend composted mulch.

You might experiment with a variety of material, but you’ll probably get the best results if you don’t mix them in any one garden bed. For example, some gardeners have access to pine needles. They provide a cool airy barrier and break down very slowly to impart a more acidic soil environment which makes mineral nutrients more available to plants.

Another material is any size of wood chip specifically intended as mulch; I recommend the finer cut forms. Possible drawbacks: If not specifically manufactured for garden use, as when a neighbor has tree waste chipped up, there is the potential for matting due to fungal growth, which can make the mulch impermeable to water; also, as the wood breaks down, it tends to rob the soil of nitrogen, meaning you have to add more.

I’m not an advocate for the dyed wood products.

Whatever material you choose, be careful to NOT apply it on or over the bud union, that’s the place where most commercially available rose varieties are grafted onto “rootstock.” Leave a clear area around the base of the plant of about 12-inch diameter. (If you can maintain that distance, then as your composted mulch disintegrates, it will not raise the soil level around the bud unions and won’t cause the lower canes to send out lots of fibrous roots.) Also, keep foliage pruned to at least 8 inches above the mulch layer to reduce infestations from pests like spider mites.

Summer Dormancy: Allowing your roses to go dormant during the hot summer months will reduce the stress on your plants. You won’t be missing out much because when you allow roses to power through the summer, most blooms are poor quality with burned petals and leaves. To encourage this dormancy, stop feeding established roses near the end of June but be sure to water them deeply. For your June fertilizing program I suggest using a

product with higher phosphate (the middle number, if the product uses the three N P K system) as it helps grow roots so the plant can better cope with the water demands placed by higher summer temperatures.

As blossoms fade, remove only the petals – do not deadhead them – that is, allow hips to form. This discourages new growth and flower formation, thus reducing demand for water. Remove fallen leaves and discard them along with the petals into your green yard waste bin; do not compost them unless you know for certain that your compost pile reaches a sufficient temperature to kill pathogens! (It is always a good practice to keep the garden clean in order to reduce fungal diseases and insect pests, particularly in hot dry weather.) Do not remove sunburned leaves because they provide shade for the cane which can be damaged or killed by sunburn.

In summary, until at least September:

Do not feed

Make sure your water delivery system is operating efficiently

Apply 4 inches of mulch over the entire bed

Remove petals as flowers mature

Do not prune or cut back: Allow hips to form

Leave burned leaves on the plant

Potted plants will require more diligent watching, resources and attention to what they are experiencing during this period. Learn to listen to your plants and observe their reaction to the elements.

Summer heat brings with it a host of diseases. This is also perfect weather for rust, the spores that form on the undersides of leaves and (as its name implies) looks like rust on metal. Since it begins on the lower leaves it can go undetected before you discover it is present. Remove each leaf by cutting it off close to the cane to minimize the spores falling onto other leaves and the ground. Spores on the ground can easily be splashed back upon the leaves if irrigating with other than a drip system.

Western thrips continue to be a terrible problem. These tiny insects love to get inside the blooms

and suck the juice out of the petals, beginning on the outside petals, causing them to lose substance and preventing blooms from opening.

Damage is easy to see on lightcolored roses: small brown spots on petals and/or edges. Open an affected blossom: Thrips look like tiny hopping fleas running around inside. Clip off and promptly dispose of infested and spent blooms, as well as litter on the ground.

The dreaded Chile Thrip is even smaller and more damaging. This species attacks blooms and tender foliage. They have been detected on other plants as well.

Immediately cut out distorted and bronzed new foliage, scorched and deformed buds and blooms, and fallen leaves. There are available products for treating, read the labels so you buy the product you need for the problem. I cannot endorse products here.

As if all the above isn’t enough, spider mites are a major destructive pest. They are not insects but more closely related to spiders. They are hard to see because they live on the underside of leaves and rasp the tissue. Left alone they can quickly defoliate a bush. Heat

increases their reproduction. Look for loss of color on tender green leaves in the middle part of the leaf and purplish yellow on more mature leaves and in severe cases, webbing on the leaves.

Because spider mites overwinter in soil and migrate to the undersides of the lower leaves, an infestation may often go unnoticed until significant damage has been done. A quick light brushing of the underside of the leaf with your finger will readily support your suspicions. The surface will feel like it’s covered with a fine grit. If discovered early, a strong spray of water from underneath and a water shower from above to rinse off the dislodged mites may be sufficient to correct the problem. To help prevent a complete infestation, remove all leaves within 8-10 inches of the soil surface.

Doesn’t look like much work, right? Well, since you’ll be taking it easy for the summer, go visit Rose Haven at 30592 Jedediah Smith Road (the cross street is Cabrillo Ave.) in Temecula. Also, visit the web site, www.TemeculaValleyRoseSociety.org.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Courtesy photos

Do not remove sunburned leaves because they provide shade for the cane which can be damaged or killed by sunburn.

Summer heat can bring pests to roses, including the chili thrip.

EMWD approves Citrus Valley water supply assessment

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District approved the water supply assessment for the Citrus Valley Specific Plan.

The EMWD board voted 4-0

Wednesday, May 17, with Randy Record absent, to authorize the

water supply assessment which addresses whether the projected normal, single dry year, and multiple dry year expected supply over a 20-year period can meet the demand for the project along with existing and other planned projects. The water supply assessment will be incorporated into the Environmental Impact Report for

the project. Citrus Valley Development is the developer of the Citrus Valley Specific Plan project while Riverside County is the lead agency for the EIR.

The Citrus Valley Specific Plan would develop 768 acres north of Bautista Canyon Road along Fairview Avenue near East Hemet. The project would construct 2,976

Dalke and Sons to renovate EMWD’s Sun City water operations building

Joe Naiman

Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District selected Dalke & Sons

Construction Inc. to construct the renovations of Eastern’s water operations building in Sun City.

A 4-0 EMWD board vote Wednesday, May 17, with Randy Record absent, approved a $1,603,435 contract with Dalke & Sons. The board also authorized a $69,850 engineering support services contract with Gillis+Panipachan Architects, authorized EMWD general manager

Joe Mouawad to issue necessary consultant and supplier contracts administratively and appropriated $2,130,800 for the work.

The Sun City water operations building is in the 29200 block of Valley Boulevard in Menifee. It was constructed in 1986, and its use has changed over 37 years. At

one time it was a laboratory shared by different EMWD departments, and it is currently being used by the Water Operations department.

The building warrants not only renovations but also reconfiguration to meet the current needs of the Water Operations department.

Gillis+Panipachan Architects, whose office is in Costa Mesa, assessed the condition of the building and prepared preliminary and final design documents. The renovation and reconfiguration will reconfigure the restrooms to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards, secure the network and electrical room, create separate and private offices for department supervisors, provide improved workstations with dedicated network access for Water Operations department staff, reconfigure the floor layout to allow better accommodation of office equipment, add a reception-

ist desk, provide new workstations and casework and rehabilitate the building finishes.

The construction contract was advertised for bid Feb. 28 and had a March 29 deadline for submittals. Dalke & Sons, which is headquartered in Riverside, submitted a bid of $1,603,435. Faris Construction Company of Oceanside bid $1,735,000. Although the engineer’s estimate was $1,325,435 the difference between the low bid and the engineer’s estimate was determined to be due to continued volatility in the market. The Dalke & Sons bid was reviewed and found to be responsive with the contract documents. The construction is scheduled to be completed within 425 calendar days after the notice to proceed is issued.

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

residential dwelling units in a range of densities ranging from medium to very high density along with a school and park areas on approximately 390 acres. A portion of that development would receive water service from the Eastern Municipal Water District while the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District would provide service to the rest of the area. The EMWD water supply assessment only covers the portion of the project within the EMWD boundaries.

Eastern’s most recent Urban Water Management Plan which was adopted in June 2021 anticipated an annual demand of zero acre-feet, which was based on the premise that the land would have an agricultural land use and water would continue to be supplied by private agricultural wells. If the Citrus Valley Specific Plan project is built the anticipated annual total

water demand from those parcels would be 1,343.3 acre-feet; however, the cumulative demand from the project and from other new or planned developments is within the demand level anticipated in the Urban Water Management Plan. The Urban Water Management Plan forecasts anticipated supplies and demand in five-year increments through 2045, when the district is expected to provide service to approximately 1,131,300 people. The projected EMWD demand is 204,800 acrefeet in 2025 and 239,200 acre-feet in 2045.

The specific facilities needed to serve the Citrus Valley Specific Plan development will be addressed in the project’s design conditions phase.

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

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District approved a contract for preliminary design and field investigations of the conversion of Quail Valley Sub-Area 4 from septic systems to sewer service.

The EMWD board voted 4-0

Wednesday, May 17, with Randy Record absent, to authorize the contract with Michael Baker International for $2,113,440. EMWD general manager Joe Mouawad or his designee was given the authority to award other contracts for the preliminary design phase, and the board appropriated a total of $2,408,000 to fund the costs.

Quail Valley has failing septic systems located within the city of Menifee, northeast of Canyon Lake. EMWD staff developed nine planning sub-areas within Quail Valley for septic-to-sewer conversion projects with Sub-Area 4 and and Sub-Area 9 being designated as priority sub-areas due to a moratorium on new septic tanks being placed in those sub-areas. Last year Eastern completed a feasibility study for Sub-Area 4 and a preliminary design for the necessary backbone improvements within Goetz Road which will be required to serve Sub-Area 4. The Goetz Road sewer final design is being conducted separately from, but in coordination with, the ongoing effort for Sub-Area 4; that final design contract was approved by the EMWD board Feb. 1. EMWD staff issued a request for proposals for the Quail Val-

ley Sub-Area 4 septic-to-sewer conversion preliminary design and field investigations services, Jan. 17. Four proposals were received by the Feb. 21 deadline. The California Government Code requires professional services agreements to be awarded based on demonstrated competence and the professional qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services required rather on the lowest price. A review panel deemed Michael Baker International to be the best consultant to perform the work based on the firm’s detailed understanding of the project, experience with the public outreach challenges and necessary field investigation work, team personnel qualifications and current availability to deliver the project. The company’s proposed $2,113,440 fee was reviewed and verified to be commensurate with the proposed scope of services.

Because Quail Valley is considered a disadvantaged community it is eligible for certain grants.

In 2020, Eastern was awarded a technical assistance grant from the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority and a planning grant from the State Water Resources Control Board to advance a sewerage solution for Sub-Area 4. Eastern will continue to pursue grant funding for the project, although in the absence of reimbursements money from the district’s Sewer Replacement and Betterment Reserve will be used to cover the costs.

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

Local chamber among seven to receive 2023 Advocacy Champion Award

The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce is one of seven chambers of commerce to receive the 2023 Advocacy Champion Award from the California Chamber of Commerce.

This is the first year the award has been given to recognize chambers for excellence in business advocacy. Representatives of the Advocacy Champion chambers were honored on May 17 during the CalChamber Capitol Summit in Sacramento. “Communities look to their local chambers to be problem solvers for the community,” Nick Ortiz, CalChamber vice president of local chamber relations said. “The Advocacy Champion chambers stepped up to the plate in a big way.”

Advocacy Champions published vote records of their state legislators on key business issues, joined coalition efforts to let state elected officials know about community sentiment on issues of interest to members, voiced the local chamber’s position at legislative policy committee hearings and met with state elected officials on important policy issues.

Other 2023 recipients of the Advocacy Champion Award are Fremont Chamber of Commerce, Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Business Council, Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce and Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. The California Chamber of

Commerce (CalChamber) is the largest broad-based business advocate to the government in California. Membership represents one-quarter of the private sector jobs in California and includes firms of all sizes and companies from every industry within the state. Leveraging our front-line knowledge of laws and regulations, we provide products and services to help businesses comply with both federal and state law. CalChamber, a not-for-profit organization with roots dating to 1890, promotes international trade and investment in order to stimulate California’s economy and create jobs. For more information, www. calchamber.com.

Arcadis given construction management services for Upper Valle de Los Caballos pump station and chlorine tank

Joe Naiman

Writer

Arcadis was awarded the Rancho California Water District construction management contract recently for the Upper Valle de Los Caballos pump station and chlorine tank.

The RCWD board voted 7-0 Thursday, May 18, to approve the professional services agreement with Arcadis, which is headquartered in The Netherlands and has an office in Riverside. The board action authorizes payment of up to $2,376,404.15 for the construction management services.

The Upper Valle de Los Caballos recharge and recovery facility is located in the 42100 block of Winchester Road. The facility has two main sources of recharge water: untreated imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California which is delivered through the Eastern Municipal Water District at Rancho Water’s EM-21 turnout facility and surface water released from Vail Lake which is subject to availability. The UVDC facility has five large percolation ponds which supply the underlying groundwater basin from the water sources and extract the groundwater from on-site and down-gradient groundwater wells.

A Domestic Water Supply Permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board regulates the operation of the UVDC facility. The permit’s compliance conditions include a requirement for 4-log inactivation of viruses in the extracted groundwater. That treatment involves the addition of chlorine at the individual well sites along with the contact time provided by the available volume in the discharge pipelines which run from the wells to a compliance point established in the permit. Any proposed expansion of the UVDC facility is thus limited by the ability to disinfect the water ahead of the established compliance point.

In 2012, Rancho Water commissioned the UVDC Conjunctive Use Optimization Study which identified four phases of work to expand the UVDC facility to an ultimate recharge flow between 40 and 60 cubic feet per second. The first phase, which converted from gas chlorine to disinfectant generated on-site and increased recharge volume, has been completed as has the second phase which involved two new wells and new recharge piping and outlet structures.

Phase III includes the construction of the chlorine contact tank, a regional pump station, centralized disinfection and associated pipelines. RCWD staff is in the

process of finalizing bid documents, and the bid advertisement is expected in mid-2023. Phase IV will construct four new on-site and down-gradient groundwater wells to supply additional recovery water to the Phase III chlorine contact tank and the pump station; construction on one of them will begin shortly and design on the other three has begun.

The new chlorine contact tank will provide the necessary volume to meet the permit requirements under the expanded flow conditions, dissipate entrained air from water produced by the existing UVDC groundwater wells and equalize pump station suction side pressure to allow for consistent and efficient distribution of expanded UVDC flows to the 1305 and 1380 potable water pressure zones. The regional pump station will deliver the higher volumes of supply water to both pressure zones. A new centralized onsite sodium hypochlorite generation facility will produce low-strength sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. Approximately 250 feet of new 36-inch diameter pipeline will convey existing UVDC well flows and future UVDC flows to the chlorine contact tank and the regional pump station. Approximately 1,000 feet of new 36-inch diameter pipeline from the new

regional pump station will connect with the existing 1305 Pressure Zone transmission piping in De Portola Road. Approximately 1,000 feet of new 30-inch diameter pipeline from the new regional pump station will connect with the existing 1380 Pressure Zone transmission piping in De Portola Road. Approximately 3,500 feet of pipeline ranging in diameter from 20 inches to 36 inches will redirect flow from four existing downstream wells and ultimately convey flow from the four future wells to the chlorine contact tank and the regional pump station. Improvements to the existing UVDC ammonia station will deliver liquid ammonium sulfate to the new regional pump station for chloramine formation. Approximately 500 feet

of new 12-inch diameter piping will be placed along De Portola Road between the existing Well No. 203 discharge piping and the Pauba Road intersection. The work is expected to take approximately 25 months.

RCWD staff issued a request for proposals for construction management services, March 7. Two proposals were received. The Arcadis proposal had the lower requested fee and also had the superior evaluation. Arcadis previously performed construction management services for Rancho Water’s Santa Rosa Water Reclamation Facility Rehabilitation project with the same project team. Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

Patrick Ellis, president and CEO of the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce, left, and Kimberly Niebla, events & program manager, hold the chamber’s Advocacy Champion Award. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Factors that may impact homeowners insurance

expensive to insure due to their age and condition. Homes with outdated electrical or plumbing systems or those in need of major repairs may also have higher rates.

Replacement cost

The replacement cost of your home is the amount it would cost to rebuild the home if it were destroyed. The higher the replacement cost, the higher the insurance rates may be.

Home features

Certain home features, like swimming pools or trampolines, may increase liability risk and therefore, increase insurance rates. Additional costs may also apply for home-based businesses.

If a homeowner has a pet, certain breeds of dogs may also factor in the increase of their insurance premium due to the increased risk of dog bites or other incidents. Claims history

If the homeowner has a history of filing insurance claims, their premiums may be higher due to the increased risk.

Insurance coverage limits

The amount of insurance coverage that is chosen can impact the rates. Higher coverage limits may result in higher premiums.

Consider these factors when shopping for homeowners insurance and compare rates and coverage from multiple providers to find the best option for you. Reach out to us so we can refer you to a trusted home insurance company.

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

Submitted by Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo, broker associate, who can be reached at 760-5321057, elisabeth@ehlentulo.com or http://www.ehlentulo.com

CalBRE #01904564

ESCONDIDO – Homeowners insurance, or sometimes called home insurance, is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection for a home and its contents in the event of damage, loss or liability.

It is important because it provides coverage for the repair of personal belongings or rebuilding of the home if they are damaged or destroyed. It can offer a homeowner peace of mind in case of unexpected events.

In San Diego County, events such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods and landslides have the potential to occur, and each of them necessitates additional insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection.

Home insurance typically costs around $974 per year, or $81 per month, for a policy with $250,000 in dwelling coverage, according to Bankrate.com. While it is not legally required, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so homeowners

are highly encouraged to get a policy. Note that if you have a mortgage, your lender will require that you have a policy.

Several factors may impact a homeowner’s insurance.

Location

The location of the home can impact the insurance rates. Homes in areas prone to natural disasters like floods, hurricanes or earthquakes may have higher rates.

Home age and condition

Older homes may be more

Canyon Springs Enterprises given Well 37 contract

Joe Naiman Writer

Canyon Springs Enterprises has been awarded the Eastern Municipal Water District contract to construct Well 37 and an associated discharge pipeline.

Pool Home Coming Soon

Randy Record was not at the Wednesday, May 17, EMWD board meeting, but the other four directors all voted to approve a $6,309,000 construction contract with Canyon Springs Enterprises, which is based in Temecula. The board also approved a $287,700 engineering services contract with Krieger & Stewart, a $145,650 cultural and biological resources monitoring services contract with Helix Environmental Planning, and a $123,930 geotechnical observation and testing services contract with Inland Foundation Engineering. EMWD general manager Joe Moawad may administratively award other contracts for necessary consultants and suppliers, and the board authorized total new appropriations of $8,117,080.

Well 37 will replace Well 14, which is near the intersection of Mountain Avenue and Esplanade Avenue adjacent to the San Jacinto River in the City of San Jacinto. Well 14 reached the end of its useful life and was abandoned.

Turnkey Senior Home

rooms w/vaulted ceilings and a comfortable, spacious kitchen and family room that all open out onto the covered backyard patio, perfect for entertaining. Buyers may opt into Seven Hills Members Club that includes amenities such as a pool, spa, gym, clubhouse.

Offered at $430,000

The Maravilla Estates development south of Seventh Street, east of Ramona Expressway, north of Esplanade Avenue, and west of the Soboba Indian Reservation will subdivide 21.73 acres. The current plan is to have 166 single-family homes constructed. San Jac 55, LLC, currently owns the land and transferred a parcel to Eastern. The Well 37 site will be on that parcel. The well discharge pipeline and water service pipeline will be located adjacent to the San Jacinto River levee within the access road under a Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District easement.

In September 2015 the EMWD board awarded Krieger & Stewart a contract for the preliminary and final design of the Well 37 facility and discharge pipeline. An amendment authorized in November 2018 covered additional engineering services to increase well capacity, add the capability to supply the 1807 potable water pressure zone, and add disinfection facilities.

EMWD advertised the construction contract for bid February 28. The deadline to submit proposals was April 4, and three companies bid on the project. Canyon Springs Enterprises submitted the lowest bid amount of $6,309,000. Pacific Hydrotech Corporation of Perris submitted a bid for $7,128,700, which was the second-lowest amount.

The engineer’s estimate for this project was $5,631,000. EMWD staff determined that the difference between the engineer’s estimate and the bid amounts is due to continued uncertainty in the market and supply chain issues. Canyon Springs Enterprises has previously performed similar work for Eastern to the district’s satisfaction. The construction contract duration is 700 calendar days from the contract start date.

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

Valley News/Adobe Stock photo

June 9 – 15, 2023

Fallbrook Warriors win CIF baseball championship

Joe Naiman

Writer

The Fallbrook High School team won the Warriors’ first-ever CIF baseball championship on May 27.

The Warriors faced Maranatha Christian in the Division III final at the University of California, San Diego and scored the winning run for the 2-1 victory in the bottom of the sixth.

“You’ve got to give it all to the kids,” said Fallbrook coach Pat Walker.

A regular-season record of 17-81, which included an 11-4 Valley League record for the Warriors’ first league championship since 2006, gave Fallbrook the second seed in the CIF Division III playoffs.

Maranatha Christian was the topseeded team in the division and Vista had the third seed. Vista was also in the Valley League as was seventh-seeded El Camino and 11th-seeded Escondido. Escondido and Vista both had 9-6 Valley League records to share second place. El Camino was 7-8 in Valley League competition for fourth.

Since 2002, the CIF San Diego Section has had a doubleelimination playoff for baseball. The format provides a first-round bye for the top four seeded teams in each division. The other teams have a single-elimination “play-in,” and the winners of that play-in advance to the double-elimination phase. El Camino, whose record was 14-14 for the regular season, defeated 10th-seeded Mar Vista to advance to the double-elimination rounds. Fallbrook and El Camino faced each other May 17 in Fallbrook.

The Wildcats sent Fallbrook to the losers’ bracket with a 4-2 triumph over the Warriors. “Lost a tough game to El Camino,” Walker said. “They got four runs in the first. Zero the rest of the game.”

Fallbrook’s first run was scored in the fourth. Four of the first five Fallbrook batters in the fifth reached base to give the Warriors their second run. The Warriors were on the verge of taking the lead.

“The center fielder made an amazing catch with the bases loaded and one out,” Walker said.

The Fallbrook base runner on second was unable to return to the bag, and El Camino was able to get out of the inning on a double play.

“It changed the momentum of the game,” Walker said.

As the second-seeded team, Fallbrook still had the home field advantage. Oceanside, whose 6-8-1 Avocado East League record was worth fourth place in the standings and whose regular-season mark was 14-11-2, had the sixth seed in the Division III playoffs. The Pirates defeated Escondido in the play-in game, but a May 17 loss at Vista sent Oceanside to the losers’ bracket and gave the Pirates a May 19 trip to Fallbrook.

Oceanside senior Seth Hallock drove in two runs in the top of the third to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead. Fallbrook took the lead with three runs in the bottom of the fifth and finalized the 7-2 score with four tallies in the sixth.

A great game

“It was a great game,” Walker said.

Last year, Fallbrook and Oceanside were both in Division IV, and Oceanside had the top seed.

Fallbrook was seeded fifth and lost a game to fourth-seeded Valley Center to place the Warriors in the losers’ bracket. Two subsequent wins sent Fallbrook to Oceanside; a 2-1 win gave the Pirates their first loss of the tournament and forced a second game between Fallbrook and Oceanside, and a 3-2 Warriors victory put Fallbrook into the 2022 Division IV championship game.

“We had to beat them twice last year in the semifinals,” Walker said. Walker credits that same mentality and resilience for this year’s victory when the Warriors were facing elimination. “The kids have this strength about them,” he said.

Five of Fallbrook’s runs were driven in by junior Austen Baker,

“The kids were confident.”

The Warriors had 17 hits with Evan Thomas obtaining three singles, Anthony Thomas belting two doubles, and Smith and junior Jace Cervantes each having a double and a single. Two singles apiece were hit by senior Peyton Van Eik, junior Jaxon Dent, junior Will Sherman and freshman Waylon Puikunas.

“We just pounded the ball,” Walker said. “We just kind of ran away with it.”

Vista’s regular-season record was 16-12. The Panthers’ final record became 16-14 after Fallbrook defeated Vista twice. The first game was played May 23 at Fallbrook.

“The first game was probably one of the best games I’ve ever coached,” said Walker, who has been Fallbrook’s head coach since 2014.

Walker’s assessment was based on the game overall rather than on Fallbrook’s activity alone. “That game was amazing,” he said.

Pitchers complete games

Smith and Vista junior Adams Draves both threw complete games. Neither allowed a run during the first six innings. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh Draves threw Anthony Thomas a curveball for the first – and only – pitch of that plate appearance.

“Anthony Thomas hit a ball that’s still going,” Walker said.

The home run scored Sherman and Evan Thomas and gave Fallbrook a 3-0 victory.

“I got what I wanted and turned on it,” Anthony Thomas said.

“The pitcher from Vista was having a really great game,” Thomas said. “That one felt good.”

Smith allowed six hits and two walks while striking out seven batters.

Vista’s first loss of the 2023 playoffs gave the Panthers and Warriors a May 25 game at Fallbrook with the winner facing Maranatha Christian (who did not lose in the playoffs prior to the final and defeated eighthseeded Valhalla on May 23) in the championship game. “The playoffs are momentum and so that momentum we brought into the next game where we scored nine runs in the first inning,” Walker said.

Vista had scored once in the top of the first, so those nine runs created a 9-1 score. Seven Vista runs in the top of the fourth narrowed the deficit to 9-8. “Vista came storming back,” Walker said.

Fallbrook scored once in the bottom of the fourth, twice in the fifth, and once in the sixth. “We came back and we did a good job just adding on to give us some cushion,” Walker said.

The 13-8 victory included 19 Fallbrook hits including doubles by Smith, Baker, and Cervantes. Evan Thomas and Smith each had four hits while Baker contributed three hits. Evan Thomas scored three runs with Smith and Dent scoring twice apiece. Baker drove in three runs. Smith, Anthony Thomas, Cervantes, and Sherman each drove in two teammates.

who had two doubles. Two runs apiece were scored by senior Tanyon Smith and sophomore Evan Thomas. Thomas had three hits and, while senior Anthony Thomas didn’t record a hit, he walked in all four of his plate appearances.

The May 19 game between El Camino and Vista was a 9-1 Panthers win, so the Wildcats returned to Fallbrook for a May 20 matchup.

“We had our backs against the wall,” Walker said. “That’s kind of what the kids like. They seem to feed off that.”

Fallbrook won by a 12-4 margin. “They got it done,” Walker said.

CIF playoff divisions were based on enrollment rather than competitive balance prior to 2013, and Fallbrook was in the Division I championship game both in 2004 and 2006. The Warriors next reached the CIF championship game last year, so the 2023 Warriors became the first Fallbrook baseball team to reach the CIF finals for the second year in a row.

Challenging comeback

“To get there, it’s really challenging to get back,” Walker said. “Back-to-back CIF final appearances is a big deal.”

The 2004 CIF final went into extra innings before three La Costa Canyon runs in the eighth gave the Mavericks a 7-4 victory. Poway faced Fallbrook in the 2006 championship game and prevailed by a 6-2 margin.

Mission Bay faced Fallbrook in the 2022 CIF Division IV final. The Warriors had a 4-1 lead entering see FALLBROOK, page C-2

The Fallbrook Warriors celebrate a walk off win against the Peninsula High Panthers during the CIF SoCal Regional Championships Div. IV. Fallbrook won the game, 3-2. They went on to play Canyon High (Anaheim) in the semifinals, June 1, losing 5-0. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Fallbrook second baseman Jaxon Dent fields a Panther ground ball and makes the throw out at first.

Fallbrook pitcher Peyton Van Eik delivers to a Peninsula Panther batter during the CIF SoCal Regional Div. IV Game, May 30.

Warrior batter Tanyon Smith gets a base hit against the Palos Verdes Peninsula High Panthers at Fallbrook High.

Warrior Austen Baker reacts after striking out against the Panthers.

Warrior Anthony Thomas Jr. cheers on with his teammates as the game is tied 2-2 against the Panthers.

Warrior batter Jaxon Dent swings at a pitch while dozens of spectators watch from the stands at Fallbrook High’s Duke Snider Field.

Storm rookie Ethan Salas making waves at just 17 years old

Padres phenom makes pro debut with Lake Elsinore

JP Raineri Sports Editor

LAKE ELSINORE – Last week was an exciting one at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. Not just because the Storm had a winning week, or picked up their 25th win of the season, placing them second in the California League’s South Division, but also because of who showed up to play. Namely, one Ethan Salas, a 16-year-old that proved he can hang with the big boys.

While Salas, who doesn’t even have a learner’s permit yet, may not be able to drive to the ballpark, he sure can drive the ball, which is why the Padres gave him over $5 million to do so. Touted as San Diego’s No. 3 prospect, Salas signed with the team, out of Venezuela, as an international free agent on Jan. 15. While the youngest member in the

Padres organization was born in Florida, he moved with his family to Venezuela at a young age.

When Salas signed with the Padres, it was for $5.6 million, taking nearly all of the organization’s $5,825,500 base signing pool. Not too shabby for the young phenom who turned 17 on June 1 and was ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 1 international prospect for 2023. He began the 2023 season ranked as San Diego’s No. 3 prospect, and the genes run in the family as his brother, Jose Salas, who signed with the Marlins for $2.8 million in July 2019. He was later traded to the Twins in January of this year.

Ethan’s journey to the big leagues officially started last week on Tuesday, May 29, when he batted second as the designated hitter. After the eighth pitch of his first at bat, Salas went the other way for an opposite-field double off Visalia righty Jacob Steinmetz, the D-backs’ third-round pick in last year’s Draft. The start makes him just the third player since 2018 to play in Single-A in their age-17 seasons, joining fellow San Diego prospect Samuel Zavala and Angels outfielder Nelson Rada...ranked as the No. 86 overall prospect in baseball and the No. 9 catcher according to MLB.com as of his debut in May 2023.

“I was just really happy,” Salas told the media of finally making his pro debut. “I wasn’t nervous. I’ve been on bigger stages -- Spring Training, my winter ball debut, so I went into tonight pretty relaxed. Just went about it like it was any other game.” Ethan skipped over the Rookielevel Complex League entirely and was assigned to Single-A to begin his professional career. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Salas scored the go-ahead run and went 2-for-3 with a double, a single and a walk in Lake Elsinore’s 3-1 win.

“I’m really happy about the win,” Salas said after his first game. “The way I see baseball and the way I see any competition is that I have to do whatever it takes to win. I didn’t want this to be all about me and my debut, I just wanted to go out there and win a game.”

The phenom already displays a lot of confidence in himself and says fans should know he is a fun, humble, just exciting guy to be around. “I just go out there and play my game as hard as I can and don’t really pay attention to anything else,” he says. “This is my life. This is what I do 24/7, and every time I’m out there I just play like it’s my last. I’m just here to play, have fun and win a ballgame.”

So, how does all this work, being under 18 years of age and playing professional baseball? A player whose residence is in the United States, Canada, or U.S. territories (e.g., Puerto Rico) can be drafted through the MLB’s First-Year Player amateur draft, referred to as the Rule 4 Draft. Only a player who has completed high school or one year at junior college but did

the bottom of the sixth inning, but the Buccaneers scored four times in the bottom of the inning and the 5-4 final score gave Mission Bay the championship.

“We were just a little younger last year,” Walker said. Fallbrook had four all-league players in 2022 including two seniors. This year 16 players from last year’s CIF playoff team returned. Evan Thomas was the only starting freshman on the 2022 team.

A major difference between the 2022 and 2023 Warriors was additional pitching experience.

Since 1990, pitchers have been limited to 10 innings, defined as 30 outs, in a week. Since 2017, a pitcher who throws 76 or more pitches in a game may not pitch during the ensuing three days; a hurler whose outing involved between 51 and 75 pitches must not take the mound for the next two days, and a pitcher cannot return as a hurler the following day if he threw between 31 and 50 pitches.

Injuries late in the regular season and in the playoffs deprived the 2022 Warriors of two pitchers by the championship game and, with the Warriors needing two wins earlier in the week, three other pitchers were ineligible to pitch in the final. The two Fallbrook pitchers who were on the mound for the 2022 championship game

not attend a four-year university is eligible for the amateur draft. Players who have completed their junior year at a four-year university or who are twenty-one years of age (whichever comes first) may also be eligible.

However, for an international player, there is no draft, and to play for an MLB team, international players must be signed during the international signing period, which started Jan. 15, and lasts through Dec. 15, 2023. To be eligible for the international signing period, a player only needs to be 16 years old. Each team has a cap placed on the pool of money that can be used to sign international players, which is usually disbursed to players as a signing bonus. Perhaps a minor loophole for players not needing a high school diploma or GED, but talent is absolutely required at the other end of the spectrum.

For schedules, or to follow games online, visit www.stormbaseball.

had thrown a combined 10 previous innings that season.

Fallbrook’s 2022 championship game was played on a Friday. This year’s Division III final was on a Saturday. “It gave us an extra day, which is big for pitching,” Walker said.

The three days between the May 23 game and the May 27 final made Smith, who threw 101 pitches May 23, eligible for the championship game. Van Eik threw 83 pitches May 25 while senior Ethan Rink was on the mound for 36 pitches.

Prior to the CIF final, junior Tyler Allegro had thrown 20 2/3 innings. Allegro was primarily a middle relief pitcher, but Walker noted that Allegro had talent. “Boy, did he show that,” Walker said.

Allegro started the championship game against Maranatha Christian, who entered the contest with a 24-7 record including a 9-6 figure in Coastal League play to place the Eagles second behind La Jolla Country Day. Allegro threw the first five innings, allowed four hits and a walk, and struck out eight.

“He gave us five strong innings, allowed one run,” Walker said.

“It was amazing,” Allegro said. “It was just unbelievable, honestly.

I felt really good out there.”

Allegro threw 81 pitches. Smith hurled the final two innings, retired all six batters he faced, and struck out four.

“It was pretty exciting for me. My starting pitcher just pounded

com. Salas and the Storm get back to action, on the road, this week against Fresno, and then local fans can head out to the park when the team gets back for a home series

the zone,” Smith said. “I could just come in with fastballs. That’s really all I threw, and it worked.”

Smith also played the field May 27 and, in the bottom of the third inning, he singled to right field to drive in Sherman, who had singled to lead off the inning, for the game’s first run. Maranatha Christian tied the game in the top of the fourth when junior Zeke Smith grounded out but scored junior Levi Ham.

The score was still 1-1 entering the bottom of the sixth. “The big play was the squeeze,” Walker said.

Maranatha Christian senior Joey Wittig would strike out 12 Warriors in a complete game on the mound. He allowed seven hits including a double to Anthony Thomas in the sixth.

“The Maranatha pitcher was having a great game,” Thomas said.

“I was just looking for a fastball to hit, and he gave me one.”

A passed ball allowed Thomas to advance to third base. “Cervantes squeezed on a 0-0 pitch and that shocked them. They were surprised,” Walker said.

The bunt went between the pitcher and the third baseman. “It was a really good bunt at the line,” Walker said.

“Perfectly placed bunt,” Cervantes said.

“I knew Cervantes was going to get the bunt down,” Thomas said.

Thomas beat the throw to the plate for the run and a 2-1 lead. “It was just a great play,” Walker said.

next week versus Stockton. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com

Fallbrook still had to retire the Eagles in the top of the seventh. The Warriors couldn’t think about having a three-run lead in last year’s championship game and allowing four runs to lose. “Baseball’s a mental game,” Walker said.

The Warriors were mentally tough enough to get past what happened last year.

“We couldn’t have won a CIF championship with a better group of kids,” Walker said. “They just do everything better, and they’re part of just a really good culture.”

Another loss in 2022 was on the Warriors’ mind. Mark DiBenedetti was Fallbrook’s head coach from 2011 to 2013 and also had two stints as the Warriors’ pitching coach. DiBenedetti began the 2022 season as Fallbrook’s pitching coach but passed away during the season. The inspiration DiBenedetti brought to the 2022 Warriors was remembered by the 2023 players, and every time they took the field they said, “For D”.

Pat Lucy is the new pitching coach. Paul Martinez, who is also new, is an assistant coach. Walker noted that the coaches have little impact once the game is being played. “The kids are on the field. They’re the ones making the plays. They’re the ones in the clutch,” Walker said.

In addition to the CIF championship, the May 27 win gave Fallbrook an overall record of 22-9-1.

Ethan Salas, the newest and youngest member of the Lake Elsinore Storm, signs an autograph during an off day for the catcher Sunday, June 4. Valley News/David Canales photos

San Diego’s No. 3 catching prospect, Ethan Salas signed with the organization, out of Venezuela, as an international free agent on Jan. 15.

Ethan Salas was the youngest member of the San Diego Padres organization at just 16 years old. He turned 17 on June 1.

FALLBROOK from page C-1

An evening full of ghts packs the house at Pechanga Resort & Casino

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

MarvNation Promotions in

association with Ringside Ticket Inc., presented a special night of professional boxing, entitled “An Evening of Fights with Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns” on Friday, June 2, at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

In addition to two of the greatest fighters in boxing history, Leonard and Hearns, serving as honorary hosts for the night and meeting fans, a seven-fight card was held, featuring local fighters, as well as a main event that pitted Orlando, Florida’s undefeated Jonathan Lopez (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Mexicali, Mexico’s Eduardo Baez (21-4-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight battle.

The all-time-greats Leonard and Hearns first met in “The Showdown,” on September 16, 1981, a super fight for the WBA, WBC, and The Ring welterweight titles, won by Leonard by TKO 14. The classic fight would go on to win Ring Magazine’s 1981 Fight of the Year. The pair would meet again in 1989, this time ending in a controversial draw. The action on Friday night kicked off with a meet and greet/press conference featuring the legendary boxers who lightheartedly reminisced about their fights in the 80’s and debated who won the fight and took pictures with the VIP guests.

“This really is a very special night of boxing, where fans can see great fights and two living legends

of the sweet science,” said Ringside Ticket Inc. President Patrick Ortiz.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sugar Ray Leonard for about 25 years and Thomas Hearns for about 15 and there is nothing more exciting than meeting two of the greatest fighters, pound-for-pound, in the history of combative sports.

I’m still in awe every time I meet them. I hope nobody missed out on this rare occasion to see great fights and these Hall of Fame fighters together one more time!”

As for the top fights, Jonathan Lopez put the featherweight division on notice by dropping former world title challenger Eduardo Baez once en route to a 10-round unanimous decision victory before a near sellout crowd at the Pechanga Resort and Casino. In the cofeature bout, junior middleweight

prospect Fernando Vargas, Jr. won by knockout after Heber Rondon (20-5, 13 KOs) of Venezuela did not answer the bell for the third round. The 26-year-old Vargas, who resides in North Las Vegas, Nevada, improved to 9-0, 9 KOs. Vargas, the son of former two-time world junior middleweight champion Fernando Vargas, was the more-effective fighter, outboxing and landing the more-telling punches.

Local highlights of the event showcased Temecula’s House of Pain Boxing and Gym. They had three fighters on the card with Ian Morgan making his debut, Squire Redfern making his debut, and Jimmie Nunez back in action. All three fighters progressed through the House of Pain mentorship program.

The night opened with a

Battle of the Badges hits Temecula Fight Night goes down at Pechanga Resort & Casino

heavyweight bout as Mike Diorio of Cortland, New York won his first pro fight, defeating Temecula’s Ian Morgan by unanimous decision. Scores were 40-36, 40-36, and 3937 for Diorio (1-5-1). From there, middleweight Orlando Salgado of Grand Junction, Colorado then defeated Squire Redfern of Temecula by unanimous decision. All three judges scored the bout 39-37 for Salgado, who improved to 3-2, 2 KOs. “We had our debaters come up short, but they hung in and never quit, so we are very proud of them,” Coach David Trujillo said after the fight. “As for “EL Chingon” (Jimmie Nunez) we knew he would bring the show not only in the ring but all throughout the stands.”

Nunez improved to 4-1, 4 KOs, stopping Denver’s Deljerro Revello (1-6) at 1:39 of the fourth

round. Revello went down from an accumulation of punches in round 2.

The remaining results saw junior bantamweight contender Adelaida Ruiz drop Maria Cecilia Roman once on her way to a knockout win in the eighth round; hard-hitting light heavyweight Lawrence King won by knockout after former fringe middleweight contender Marcos Reyes of Mexico (37-10, 28 KOs) remained on his stool after the sixth round; and junior middleweight prospect Mario Ramos of nearby San Diego stopped Mexico’s Jesus Cruz Silva (6-3, 1 KO) at 2:09 of the fourth round. The 23-year-old Ramos was fighting for the first time in almost a year and improved to 11-0, 9 KOs.

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

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

TEMECULA – The SoCal Battle of the Badges took place Saturday, June 3, at Pechanga Resort & Casino, in front of a packed house. The Battle of the Badges is a local event that brings out the fiercest amateur fighters of the Public Safety kind. The event unites Peace Officers, Firefighters, and Military Personnel in a competitive sportsmanship boxing competition.

This past Saturday’s event featured 17 amateur bouts with male and female peace officers and public servants paving their way through each round. The Battle of the Badges is also a significant contributor to our local communities and contributes financial support to several nonprofit organizations that are in desperate need of assistance. With over 20 years of experience their goal is to provide insight and guidance to every organization to help reach their goals.

The members of the teams rely on their skills and expertise from their combined years of

weekend

had to withdraw due to a minor hand injury.

Up next for local fight fans is the annual SOCAL State Championship Boxing June 23-25 at Paloma Valley High School.

Boxing, and Temecula Boxing will have teams participating.

JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com. Article contributions made by Action Captures Media Group.

Boxing legend Tommy “Hitman” Hearns addresses the crowd at Pechanga Resort & Casino Friday, June 2. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group photos

Sugar Ray Leonard, one of the all-time greatest boxers, greets the crowd at Pechanga Resort & Casino Friday, June 2.

Temecula’s Ian Morgan (left), fighting out of House of Pain Boxing, exchanges punches with Mike Diorio of Cortland, New York, Friday, June 2, at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Squire Redfern (left), fighting out of Temecula’s House of Pain Boxing, exchanges punches in a middleweight bout with Orlando Salgado of Grand Junction, Colorado.

business, marketing, corporate and boxing experience to provide the community with a boxing event that showcases Public Safety Officers who serve and protect. For complete details about the night, visit www. socalbattleofthebadges.com

Along with the Battle of the Badges from Saturday, and “An Evening of Fights with Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns from Friday, Temecula Boxer Raul Lizarraga was also scheduled to headline a boxing event this past

but

Local gyms including House of Pain Boxing, Ptown

Jimmie Nunez of the Temecula based House of Pain Boxing camp, raises his hand in victory after defeating Deljerro Revello Friday, June 2, at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Daniel Lopez and Oscar Hernandez exchange blows during their SoCal Battle of the Badges bout that took place Saturday, June 3, at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Denise Guerrero exchanges punches with her opponent during their SoCal Battle of the Badges bout.

Nicolas Torres and Nate Bowlen go toe-to-toe during their SoCal Battle of the Badges bout.

Sterling Parks and Kellen Kramer exchange punches during their SoCal Battle of the Badges bout at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Korey Daley and Charles Sanderson throw punches during their SoCal Battle of the Badges event.

Valley News/Action Captures Media Group photos

Healthy Habits: Vitamin C, you are responsible for providing the supply

Megan Johnson McCullough

Special to the Valley News

People hear so much about vitamins, minerals and supplements they can take. When it comes to the big players that the body needs and can benefit from the most, vitamin C is near the top of the list.

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin C, and the body doesn’t naturally produce it, which means people need to ingest it. It is a watersoluble vitamin and is found in many foods such as strawberries, oranges, kiwi, kale, spinach, broccoli and bell peppers.

If someone isn’t getting their needed amount of vitamin C, which is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men, then supplements can be helpful.

Vitamin C provides many benefits for people. The popular use of vitamin C is for its immunity benefits because vitamin C helps produce white blood cells –lymphocytes and phagocytes – that help fight off and protect the body from infection.

Vitamin C helps white blood cells function more efficiently and can protect them from damage

such as free radicals. Furthermore, vitamin C assists the absorption of iron in the body. It actually converts iron that is poorly absorbed into iron the body can better absorb. Studies have shown taking 100 mg per day of vitamin C can improve iron absorption by up to 67%. It can offset the risk of anemia. Studies have also shown vitamin C helps keep memory and thinking in better condition.

As people age, they need vitamin C to ward off dementia. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant helping the central nervous system when inflammation and oxidative stress are present. The antioxidants can also help ward off chronic disease.

Vitamin C can boost blood antioxidant levels by as much as 30%. Plus, this vitamin can help lower blood pressure because it relaxes the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart. In turn, these benefits of vitamin C lower the risk for heart disease. Vitamin C can also help reduce uric acid levels keeping gout away.

Vitamin C is also a great helper when it comes to skin conditions. It acts as a defense mechanism because it is full of antioxidants that boost skin ability to act as a

The body doesn’t make vitamin C on its own, so we have to eat it, drink it and/or take supplements.

Valley News/Courtesy photo barrier for us. It also shortens the healing time of wounds.

Vitamin C serums can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on skin. It also helps lighten dark spots. Adding this vitamin to a facial skin care

routine would certainly help the appearance of skin.

Common side effects of low vitamin C levels include feeling fatigue/weakness, having rough skin, wounds healing poorly and/or having sore arms and/or legs. One might also develop gum disease or easily bleed when puncturing the skin.

The best sources of vitamin C come from whole food sources; however, absorption is key and a blood test can confirm a deficiency. From there a doctor

may recommend the use of supplements, which come in many forms.

Anything for the skin is usually topical or serum-like. Pills and chewable forms are also available. Many food products add vitamin C, such as teas and cereals.

The body needs vitamin C, and it needs help to get it. What we eat is so important for health. Food isn’t just for its taste; it has the nutritional value that the body requires to function well.

Donate plasma to save lives this summer

Plasma donation is an impactful, meaningful way to give back to your community this summer. By donating plasma, you can help people like Machelle Pecoraro.

Pecoraro lives with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), a rare disease that can cause attacks of swelling, and often pain, in specific parts of the body, including the stomach, hands, feet, arms, legs, genitals, throat and face. Like with many serious and rare diseases, the therapies used to treat HAE require human plasma donations.

Donors’ Impact

“Plasma donors directly impact my ability to live a full and productive life. Therapies made from these donations allow me and my son, who also lives with HAE, to receive ongoing treatment for our conditions,” says Pecoraro.

Plasma, a straw-colored liquid that carries red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, helps to maintain a steady level of blood pressure, supports the immune system and delivers critical nutrients to cells.

Plasma donations are used to replace crucial proteins people living with rare and serious diseases lack, and to produce therapies that treat diseases such as primary immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema, hemophilia, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency and various bleeding and neurological disorders.

There is a critical and ongoing need for plasma donations, as these life-saving medicines treat people in more than 100 countries around the world. Every year, it takes more than 1,200 plasma donations to treat one hemophilia patient, more than 900 plasma donations to treat one alpha-1 patient and more than 130 plasma donations to treat one primary

immune deficiency patient.

“Plasma donors do the amazing, as plasma is used to develop lifesaving therapies for people living with rare and serious diseases. We encourage those who can donate to visit a nearby CSL Plasma donation center,” says Rachpal Malhotra, MD, head of plasma donor safety, CSL Plasma.

Eligible, qualified plasma donors also receive payments in connection with donating plasma.

The Donation Process

To donate, you must be in good health, between the ages of 18-74, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have had no tattoos or piercings within the last four months. You must also meet the health and screening requirements and have valid identification with a permanent address.

Although wait times may vary at each location, the collection process takes approximately 90 minutes after the first donation.

It is recommended that you drink four to six 8-ounce glasses of water, fruit juice or other caffeine-free liquid at least two to three hours before donation, avoid caffeinated beverages, avoid alcohol of any type for 24 hours beforehand, eat a meal prior to donation and get adequate sleep.

CSL Plasma has 320 plasma donation centers across the United States.

Visit cslplasma.com for more information and to find a center near you. The CSL Plasma donor app is also available for Apple and Android device users.

“I thank all donors and encourage anyone who is considering donating to remember that doing so does make an impact for people like me and my son,” says Pecoraro.

Submitted by StatePoint

Ribbon cutting celebrates the completed restoration of historic Prado

Dam bicentennial mural

for the new, non-toxic paint.

Key agencies also included the Riverside County Regional Park & Open-Space District, Bicentennial Freedom Mural Conservancy, Friends of the Prado Dam Mural, United States Army Corps of Engineers and substantial support from U.S. Representative Ken Calvert.

Inland Empire residents, visitors and commuters can now spot the newly painted Prado Dam Bicentennial Mural while traveling along the 91 and 71 freeways.

“The Prado Dam Bicentennial Mural symbolizes our region’s history and resilience,” Second District Supervisor Karen Spiegel said. “The restoration project, which perfectly captures the original red, white and blues, is a testament to our commitment to preserving our heritage and ensuring that future generations can appreciate the beauty and significance of this landmark. We are grateful to the talented painters and look forward to celebrating this important endeavor.”

securing the funding that allowed the Army Corps of Engineers to remove the original lead-based paint mural safely.

With the land leases arranged and lead-based paint removed, the Bicentennial Freedom Mural Conservancy raised $150,000 in donations to contract One Way Painting to execute the restoration. The mural design was held to the original “200 Years of Freedom,” originally painted in 1976.

“This project would not have been possible without the generosity of our community, and we are thankful for every donor as well as the various government agencies and officials for their contributions,” Jackie Cherrington-Pierson, Treasurer of the Bicentennial Freedom Mural Conservancy, said. “We are proud of the effort invested in restoring this beloved mural and hope it brings great joy again to the region and others who can view it.”

Elected and public officials who

instrumental in obtaining commitments and funding as well as the original designer of the

Dam

Mural cut the ribbon.

CORONA

– After years of weathered decay, several months of multiple agencies coming together and 500 gallons of paint, the vibrant red, white and blue hues of the Prado Dam Bicentennial Mural are restored. Supporters celebrated the completed mural with a ribbon cutting event on June 2.

The ground-breaking event for the mural restoration was held Sept. 8, 2022. Friday, June 2 marked the completion of the project.

To bring the project to fruition, several government agencies and community organizations came together to return the iconic

Inland Empire landmark to a better state. Led by Supervisor Karen Spiegel and the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, months of planning among key partners resulted in a plan for the removal of the lead-based paint from 1976 and a game plan to pave the way

To resolve a leasing limitation that prevented the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from working directly with the Bicentennial Freedom Mural Conservancy, Spiegel supported the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District’s effort to act as an intermediary. Congressman Calvert supported the effort by advocating for the partnership and

The original mural was completed on June 17, 1976, by 20 girls and 10 boys from Corona High School to celebrate our nation’s bicentennial. The mural spans 76,800 square feet and is roughly six times the size of Mount Rushmore.

To learn more about the Prado Dam bicentennial mural restoration, visit: http:// friendsofthepradodammural. com/ or contact Peter Usle at peterusle@aol.com

Dr. Ruiz delivers $2.8 million infrastructure award to improve pass area railway safety, prevent congestion caused by train tra c

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On

Monday, June 5, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) announced $2.8 million in federal funding from the Federal Railroad Administration under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund the Hargrave Grade Separation Planning Project in Banning.

Last year, a stopped Union Pacific train blocked three intersections in Beaumont for more than six hours, resulting in severe traffic congestion and hazardous conditions for Pass Area drivers. Following the incident, Ruiz wrote to Department of Transportation

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

Riverside County Fire Department Chief Bill Weiser

officially closed access to multiple outdoor recreational locations

Thursday, June 1, for the duration of Southern California wildfire season to minimize public safety risks.

The chief received authorization from the county Board of Supervisors the week of May 22 to implement the closures, a practice that began in 2007. The designated grounds are located mainly in the central and southwest portions of the county, and they’re expected to remain off-limits until at least November.

“Riverside County experienced heavier rain than usual this year, which has led to a larger grass crop,” Weiser said. “This creates a greater chance of large, damaging wildfires. I urge all residents and visitors to be fire smart and use caution when enjoying our beautiful outdoor recreation areas. Your diligence and vigilance helps keep our communities and firefighters safe.”

Wildflower and other blooms have literally saturated and covered previously open trails, especially in the western half of the county.

Secretary Pete Buttigieg advocating for the Department to invest in the Hargrave Grade Separation Planning Project to lay the groundwork for a significant transportation infrastructure project that will separate motor vehicle traffic from railroad crossings at a critical interchange. Today’s announcement will go toward development activities that will improve safety for motorists and pedestrians and address congestion caused by train traffic along Hargrave Street, which crosses under the elevated I-10 corridor along Union Pacific

Railroad tracks.

“The safety of my constituents is my top priority,” Ruiz said.

“Last year’s Union Pacific train stoppage in Beaumont caused severe delays for commuters and first responders and demonstrated a serious need for upgrades to Pass Area infrastructure. I am excited to help deliver this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Banning that will make our roads safer for local families, reduce congestion for commuters and prevent massive traffic blockages caused by train traffic in the Pass Area.”

“The Hargrave Grade Separation project is a critical piece of the City’s infrastructure needs,” Banning City Manager Doug

Schulze said. “Completion of this project will not only improve traffic congestion and emergency response in Banning but throughout the Pass Area. We are grateful for Congressman Ruiz’s continued support and advocacy for our community public safety needs.”

Background

The funding announcement is part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America initiative.

In total, the FRA announced over $570 million in funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for 63 projects in 32 states to improve highway-rail and pathway-rail safety. This announcement included seven projects in the State of California.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure

Law is the largest investment in the nation’s infrastructure in generations. To date, the law has invested in over 32,000 projects nationwide, ranging from repaving roads and water system upgrades. Last Congress, Ruiz voted for the legislation and advocated in support of the bill in his capacity as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Since the Union Pacific train incident last year, Ruiz has worked to prevent such a crisis from occurring again. After demanding answers from Union Pacific, the Congressman has routinely met with railroad company officials and local leaders to discuss prevention measures and infrastructure improvements.

Wildfires in any of the locations that have been closed would be difficult to manage, given their terrain and remoteness, officials said.

The following sites fall under the county’s closure order: Bautista Canyon, southeast of Hemet; Eagle Canyon, between Lake Mathews and the county landfill, just north of Cajalco Road; Indian Canyon and North Mountain, around San Jacinto; Ramona Bowl, south of Hemet; Steele Peak, west of Meadowbrook and north of Highway 74; and Whitewater Canyon, near Cabazon.

Officials said that the Ramona Bowl will remain accessible between sunrise and noon daily, with the area prohibited to visitors any other time of day.

By reducing foot and off-road vehicle traffic in each space, the chances of a wildfire starting are slimmer, according to the fire department.

Closure signs have been posted at entry points to warn potential violators of fines and other penalties. First offenses usually result in a minimum $100 ticket.

Residents are permitted to come and go as they please.

The closures are usually lifted at year’s end but can be rescinded before then by the chief, depending on the timing of winter rains.

were

Prado

Bicentennial

Popular hiking sites closed for duration of wild re season

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

Arjun Singh

Contributor for the Epoch Times

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

Special counsel John Durham arrives at federal court in Washington on May 18, 2022. (Teng Chen for The Epoch Times)

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 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.

Later, in an interview by Former Trump administration aide and Justice Department (DOJ) official Kash Patel, he gave his reaction to the released Durham Report.

“Turns out the only Russian assets were the FBI and the DOJ,” Patel said. “The underpinnings of this report are devastating to the FBI and DOJ.”

The former DOJ official went on to criticize Special Counsel John Durham’s refusal to bring in the FBI director and deputy director, who played instrumental roles in launching the investigation and signing what Patel refers to as “bogus warrants.” This omission raises questions about the thoroughness and impartiality of Durham’s inquiry.

“They didn’t have those facts because the DOJ and FBI lied, broke the law, violated their oath of office, and submitted fraudulent information they knew to be false,” Patel said. However, the former DoJ official is not optimistic that justice will be served.

There is no justification for Durham’s alleged inability to utilize the grand jury process and subpoena individuals, according to Patel. He dismissed Durham’s claim of not knowing how to perform these procedures, insisting that it is inaccurate and untenable.

“For him to come out and say, ‘I just didn’t know how to do that.’ Now, that doesn’t work. That’s not accurate. There’s no way he doesn’t know how to use the grand jury process and subpoena individuals,” Patel asserted.

Moreover, Patel accused highranking officials, including former Attorney General Bill Barr, former Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein, and former FBI Director James Comey as well as current officials like FBI Director Chris Ray and Attorney General Merrick Garland, of prioritizing the protection of their institutions over affecting necessary reforms.

“The two-tier system of justice today continues because John Durham failed.” Comments for this article were taken from Kash’s Corner on EpochTV with Kash Patel.

Copyright 2023 The Epoch Times. Article and photos reprinted with permission of Epoch Times. To subscribe, go to subscribe. theepochtimes.com.

Florida representative claims FBI ‘afraid’ informant in Biden bribery scheme could be killed if ‘unmasked’

Caden Pearson

The Epoch Times

Rep. Anna Luna (R-Fla.) said on Monday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is afraid their confidential informant on an alleged criminal bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden and his family will be killed if their identity is revealed.

“Just left meeting for House Oversight. The [FBI] is afraid their informant will be killed if unmasked, based on the info he has brought forward about the Biden family,” Luna wrote on Twitter.

Luna posted her message after the FBI briefed the powerful

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability on June 5 about the unclassified document alleging then-Vice President Joe Biden engaged in a $5 million bribery scheme with a foreign national in exchange for certain actions.

Following the closed-door briefing with FBI Director Christopher Wray, committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) issued a statement saying that FBI officials confirmed that the “unclassified, FBI-generated record has not been disproven.”

The officials also repeatedly said the information contained within the record is currently being used in an ongoing investigation.

The information comes from a “trusted, highly credible” human informant who has cooperated with the FBI for years, Comer said. “These are facts and no amount of spin, and frankly lies, from the White House or Congressional Democrats can change this information,” he added.

Republicans will now move to initiate contempt of Congress proceedings against Wray after the FBI again refused to hand over the unclassified record to the custody of the House Oversight Committee, Comer said.

“Given the severity and complexity of the allegations contained within this record,

Congress must investigate further,” Comer said. “Americans have lost trust in the FBI’s ability to enforce the law impartially and demand answers, transparency, and accountability. The Oversight Committee must follow the facts for the American people and ensure the federal government is held accountable.”

On May 3, Comer and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) disclosed the existence of an unclassified record held by the FBI. They stated that they were contacted by a highly reliable informant.

According to the record, there are specific accusations regarding a criminal plot in which Biden, during his time as vice president under the Obama administration, participated in a $5 million bribery scheme with a foreign individual. This scheme was purportedly aimed at gaining influence over policy decisions.

While Oversight Committee

Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and the White House have attempted to dispute the record’s credibility, Wray has since confirmed that it exists but has refused to release it to the panel.

Raskin has said the document was based on “allegations that went nowhere,” and the White House has downplayed the panel’s investigation as a “silly charade” aimed at hurting Biden’s reputation ahead of the 2024 elections. He doubled down on his position after viewing the document on June 5 alongside Comer.

Wray has said his decision not to comply with Comer’s subpoena last month was to protect sources and methods. Comer threatened to hold Wray in contempt of Congress if the files were not handed over in what has become

a showdown between the FBI and House Republicans over the document.

Speaking to reporters on Monday night, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said the document is unclassified and, therefore, all Oversight Committee members should be able to view it.

“Everybody on that committee has the responsibility of oversight,” he said. “Wray needs to supply it to everybody on the committee. If not we will move forward with contempt proceedings.”

Luna told Fox News that the panel will hold a contempt hearing for Wray on Thursday. The Epoch Times contacted Luna for further comments.

“We are going to be bringing the FBI Director in before Congress for contempt of Congress proceedings as he is still conniving to shelter the Biden administration from its own sickening corruption,” she told the outlet.

The FBI told The Epoch Times in response to a previous inquiry that seeking to go ahead with contempt proceedings against Wray was “unwarranted.”

“The FBI has continually demonstrated its commitment to accommodate the committee’s request, including by producing the document in a reading room at the U.S. Capitol,” a spokesperson said.

“This commonsense safeguard is often employed in response to congressional requests and in court proceedings to protect important concerns, such as the physical safety of sources and the integrity of investigations. The escalation to a contempt vote under these circumstances is unwarranted.”

Joseph Lord and Jackson Richman contributed to this report

Carter Page, petroleum industry consultant and former foreign-policy adviser to Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential election campaign, in Washington on May 28, 2019. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Hamilton High School graduates Class of 2023

Students smile for the Class of 2023

Diane Sieker

Staff Writer

Excited family, school staff and friends watched as the Hamilton High School Class of 2023 walked across the stage to receive their diplomas Tuesday, May 30. The

Commencement took place at the Garry Packham gymnasium at the school, packed to capacity.

After opening ceremonies, Valedictorian Senior Class President Stephanie Martinez Anaya delivered an inspiring message while Salutatorian

Anza imble Club disperses donations to local nonpro ts at June meeting

Crystal Hernandez Villa was recognized. A video featuring the graduates’ senior pictures paired with their baby photos was shown, to applause as each student was pictured. Principal Jeff Franks told the audience how proud he was of the

Class of 2023 in his Principal’s Message.

“Today marks a significant milestone in your lives, and I am honored and privileged to stand before you to celebrate your wonderful achievements,” he said.

“As you sit here today, ready to

take the next step forward, I want to congratulate each and every one of you on this remarkable feat. Graduation is not just an end to your academic journey here at Hamilton; it is also the beginning

photo taken at the Hamilton High School commencement ceremony, held at the school Tuesday, May 30. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo see GRADUATION, page D-3

AYSO seeks players, volunteers for 2023 season

Diane Sieker

Staff Writer

The June meeting of the Anza Thimble Club was devoted to administering donations to several local nonprofit organizations, dispersing a total of $6,300 to community-based charities.

Volunteers serve chicken salads and pie at the Anza Thimble Club’s June meeting Thursday, June 1 at the Community Hall. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo salad, pie and a variety of beverages were served. After the meal, the meeting resumed and awards were given to representatives of the charitable groups. The following local nonprofits received the following donations from the Anza Thimble Club: Anza Civic Improvement League -

After opening words and the Pledge of Allegiance, a chicken

The American Youth Soccer Organization Region 1641 accepts players of all levels of skill and ability for the 2023 season.

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The American Youth Soccer Organization Region 1641 is seeking players and volunteers for the 2023 season. The group is actively encouraging local soccer

hopefuls ages 4 and older to join and play.

“We need volunteers as well as players,” organizer Elizabeth Greene said. “Player registration is $65 but there’s a multi-child discount. Registration just opened and it closes July 31. We have a

couple board positions open and need coaches badly.”

An AYSO volunteer meeting will be held Thursday, June 8 at 6 p.m. at the Anza Pizza Factory. All are welcome to attend. Assistance

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo see SOCCER, page D-2 see CLUB, page D-4

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 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

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.

SOCCER from page D-1 them to the team’s advantage in order to score goals.

with signing up as volunteers will be provided at the meeting.

A free hotdog buffet will be held Saturday, June 10 at Minor Park in Anza from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Assistance signing up for the 2023 season and a cleat exchange will take place at the event.

AYSO 1641 will have a booth during Anza Days Saturday, July 1 at Minor Park, giving out information, answering questions and helping with registration sign-ups.

Games should begin by midAugust.

AYSO teams are divided into age groups to ensure fair play.

Player development is one of AYSO’s core philosophies, and that means that coaches take the talents that the kids bring to the field and teach them how to use

“Please feel free to send us a message if you would like more info for your kids,” Greene said.

To learn more about the AYSO program, please visit www.ayso1641.org and www. facebook.com/aysoregion1641 , text Greene at 951-491-5932 or email aysoregion1641@gmail. com

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

37 Star Medallion Flag (Jul 4, 1867 - Jul 3, 1877) Nebraska

of a new chapter in your life filled with so many opportunities.”

Senior Class Advisor Julie Cope, ASB President Joshua Montiel, Senior Class President

Stephanie Martinez Anaya and Hemet Unified School District

Superintendent Christi Barrett spoke to the class.

Presentations of diplomas were announced by teachers Preston Brimhall and Ann Mohn-Brimhall. Cheers erupted as graduates were named and received their diplomas.

Barrett performed the Acceptance of Graduates, certifying that they have completed the requirements to graduate.

The following California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society members were recognized: Jessenya

Garbani, Crystal Hernandez

Villa, Kayla Howder, Isabelle Lee, Stephanie Martinez Anaya, Alexander Nahsohn, Marilu Rios, Gabriela Siggins and Ethan Teeguarden.

The Junior Honor Guard consisted of Remington Dawes

Vollmer, Angie Delgado, Mason Dunn, Ashlynn Rozzo, Mirando Galindo, Kevin Gomez, Olivia Lopez and Katie Xiong.

The Hamilton High School Class of 2023

Cataryna Genise Acevedo

Brie Allyn Adams

Lorne Arthur Addison

Nevae’h Lloy Aiello

Brian Abel Alderete

Michael Elmore Alvarez II

Flor Maricia Bautista Flores

Kevin Daniel Bernard

Lucas Orion Blackmore

Christopher Martin Chavez

Jordan Rose Cheshire

Destiny Angelic Collier

Garrett Wayne Davis

Elijah Christopher DeLeon

Hunter Lee Dulaney

Conner William Elrod

Sale Abinadi Faleono

Aiden Allyn Featherstone

Nickolas Aidan Fletcher

Breana Alexis Fredberg

Juan Manuel Galarza

Jessenya Holli Ann Garbani

Yaretzy Hermila Gil

Marco Antonio Gonzalez

Michael Caden Hand

Wolfgang Tyler Hannah Diaz

Madison Anne Hebets

Nevaeh Elizabeth Hernandez

Crystal Hernandez Villa

Aurora Rose Hilker

America Danielle Hodges

Kayla James Howder

Rebecca Lynne James

Amelia Lynn Jones

Macayla Jean Jones

Derreck Thomas Johnson

Makaela Joy Kanouse

Yu Jin Kim

Isabelle Shing-Ying Lee

Grace Marcellee Leibe

Valerie Jean Loder

Nuria Karina Lopez

Mia Adela Luna

Jason Face Lundberg

Thomas Alan Martin

Stephanie Martinez Anaya

Aiden Lee McLean

Jason James Melendez

Jeshua Montiel

Joshua Montiel

Kami Leighanne Murdock

Alexander James Nahsohn

James Stuart Najar

Jesus Adrian Nunez Garcia

Alexandra Lowe O’Neil

Alexander Orozco

Dylan Christopher Ortego

Benjamin Robert Pavon

Alejandria Perez Rosas

Alexis Marie Polendo

Kaylianna Davina Posey

Marilu Daniela Rios

Josselyn Emily Rodriguez

Chase Douglas Rosson

Elizabeth Jane Ruiz

Gabriela Annette Siggins

James Joe L Simpson

Lilliana Kyleigh Sorensen

Dalaney Rain Steward

Ethan Bennett Teeguarden

Layton Bennett Teeguarden

Maggie Jean Waysack

Tyler Xiong

The Class of 2023 acknowledged the following individuals and groups: Hamilton High School Administration, Principal Jeff Franks, Assistant Principal Kari Sanchez, Athletic Director Patrick Williams, Activities Director Diana Welty-Guerrero, Counselor Jason Sonnier and Counselor Amy Allen.

The Hemet Unified School District Executive Cabinet members are Superintendent Christi Barrett, Deputy Superintendent Darrin

Watters, Assistant Superintendent Nereyda Gonzalez, Assistant Superintendent Derek Jindra and Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Martin.

The Hemet Unified School District Governing Board members are President Stacey Bailey, Vice President Sumanta Chaudhuri Saini, Al Cordova, Jeremy Parsons, Kenneth Prado, Patrick Searl and Horacio Valenzuela.

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

Sale Faleono marches with his classmates to the gymnasium at the Hamilton High School commencement ceremony, held at the school Tuesday, May 30. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

James Najar is all smiles at the Hamilton High School commencement ceremony.

Jason Melendez adjusts his tassel at the Hamilton High School commencement ceremony.

Graduates make their way to the gymnasium at the Hamilton High School commencement ceremony.

Hamilton High School principal Jeff Franks gives an inspirational speech to the graduates at the Hamilton High School commencement ceremony.

Valedictorian Stephanie Martinez Anaya shares memories and best wishes for the future with her class at the Hamilton High School commencement ceremony.

Isabelle Lee proudly displays her diploma as she steps off the stage at the Hamilton High School commencement ceremony.

HUSD Superintendent Christi Barrett shares encouraging words in her address to the graduates at the Hamilton High School commencement ceremony.

Michael Alvarez shares a special moment with Senior Class Advisor Julie Cope, background, and Ann Mohn-Brimhall at the Hamilton High School commencement ceremony.

Hamilton High School Softball athletes honored at banquet

Diane Sieker

Staff Writer

The Hamilton High School Bobcat Softball team ended a victorious season with an awards banquet recognizing the talented athletes Monday, May 22.

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

The following awards were presented: Arrowhead MVP, Kaitlyn Barreto; Arrowhead Defensive MVP, Ashlynn Rozzo; 1st Team All League, Makaela Kanouse and Milinda Rayas; 2nd Team All League, Victoria Chacon, Rebecca James and Jianna Esparza.

Team awards included: MVP, Kaitlyn Barreto; Offensive MVP, Makaela Kanouse; Shared Defensive MVP, Victoria Chacon

and Ashlynn Rozzo; Coaches Awards, Milinda Rayas and Faith Aanestad.

Kaitlyn Barreto was also given the Outstanding Female Athlete Award for the Spring Season by the Sportsmans Club. Makaela Kanouse, Milinda Rayas, Haylie Alvarez, Faith Aanestad, Catarina Acevedo, Jessenya Garbani, Genesis Andrade, Yaretzy Gil, Ashlynn Rozzo, Marilu Rios, Deanna Bailey, Lilly Maestas, Victoria Chacon, Rebecca James, Jiannaa Esparza and Kaitlyn Barreto were all honored at the awards ceremony.

To see season game stats, please visit www.maxpreps.com/ca/anza/ hamilton-bobcats/softball/stats.

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

CLUB from page D-1

$300; Anza Citizens Patrol - $300; Lions Club of Anza Valley - $500; Friends of the Anza Library - $300; Anza Scholarship Fund - $1,000; Boy Scout Troop 319 - $300; Girl Scout Troop 1805 - $300; Crawley Scholarship Fund - $500; Hamilton Museum - $300; High Country Recreation - $600; High Country 4H Club - $300; Hope Ranch Animal Sanctuary - $650; KOYT 97.1 LPFM Community Radio - $300; and Anza Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1873 - $650.

After the donation presentation, the ladies continued with their meeting by sharing updates, organizing committees and hearing reports. The Anza Thimble Club, established in 1912, is the oldest service club in Anza. It was created by several ladies who used the excuse of doing their mending to get together for a visit. This turned into monthly meetings with penny dues.

During World War II, the women made bandages for the Red Cross as an activity. Today, they sew special lap blankets for veterans, sponsor coat drives, assist with community events and raise money for various activities to benefit the people of Anza.

They have become a wellloved and respected charitable organization donating muchneeded funds back into the community of Anza.

For more information on the Anza Thimble Club, please email Annie Ashby at annieandjima@ yahoo.com

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

The 2023 Hamilton High School softball team earns awards at a ceremony Monday, May 22.

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Robyn Garrison accepts a donation check for the Anza Civic Improvement League from secretary Joan Kessman, left, at the Anza Thimble Club’s June meeting.

The room is filled with club members, guests and donation recipients at the Anza Thimble Club’s meeting Thursday, June 1.

Lions Club of Anza Valley president Greg Sandling accepts a donation check from secretary Joan Kessman, left, at the Anza Thimble Club’s meeting at the Community Hall.

Paula McQueary receives a donation from secretary Joan Kessman, left, for the Crawley Scholarship Fund at the Anza Thimble Club’s meeting Thursday, June 1.

Librarian Kay Mackay and her young shelpers accept a donation from secretary Joan Kessman, left, on behalf of the Friends of the Anza Library.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Annika Knöppel receives a check from secretary Joan Kessman, left, for the Hamilton Museum.

Secretary Joan Kessman, left, gives a donation check to JoRen Dulaney for High Country Recreation at the Anza Thimble Club’s June meeting.

Debbi Dangelo Vesey and High Country 4H Club members accept a check from secretary Joan Kessman, left, at the Community Hall.

Gunilla Pratt accepts a donation from secretary Joan Kessman, left, on behalf of the Hope Ranch Animal Sanctuary at the Anza Thimble Club’s June meeting.

Anza Community Broadcasting KOYT president and programming chair Erinne Roscoe accepts a donation from secretary Joan Kessman, left, for the KOYT 97.1 LPFM radio station.

Annie Ashby receives donation checks from secretary Joan Kessman, left, for the Anza Citizens Patrol, Anza Scholarship Fund and the Anza Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1873 at the Anza Thimble Club’s meeting.

Nine Seyarto bills move forward to the Assembly

SACRAMENTO – California state Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, announced that nine bills from his 2023 legislative package have passed out of the state Senate and are headed to the Assembly. They cover a wide variety of topics, including veteran benefits, government reform, public safety, victim resources and emergency services.

Senate Bill 19 establishes the California Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force to increase public education and mobilize state and local resources to evaluate the best practices for combating fentanyl.

Senate Bill 67 establishes the expansion of data sharing of overdose data from the California Emergency Medical Service Authority to the overdose mapping application program known as ODMAP to effectively track and address live patterns of overdoses.

Senate Bill 73 establishes the

“Voluntary Veterans Preference Employment Policy Act,” allowing a private employer to establish hiring policies that give veterans preference without violating antidiscrimination laws.

Senate Bill 82 establishes universal standards between counties on document requirements for the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption.

Senate Bill 86 expands the resources available to crime victims created by Marsy’s Law by creating a website where they can easily access information about their constitutional rights and connect to an attorney who can guide them through the complex legal process.

Senate Bill 259 would require a state agency to post on its internet website any report that the state agency submits to a committee of the Legislature.

Senate Bill 367 expands a

Letter to Senator Kelly Seyarto

Dear Senator Seyarto,

I strongly urge you and your State Senate colleagues to vociferously condemn and refuse to participate in the California Senate’s plan to “honor” the bigoted anti-Catholic minstrel performers known as the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. These so-called performers harken back to the dark days of the Jim Crow Era minstrel shows that routinely demeaned and caricatured Black Americans, all in the name of performance art. If anything, a strong case could be made that the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is a de facto

hate group, and should be reported to Governor Gavin Newsom’s recently launched website for reporting hate crimes in California.

In this day and age, it is almost inconceivable that a similar group of bigots would openly mock and ridicule other religions of faith like Judaism, Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism, among others. Such demeaning mockery of these religions would undoubtedly receive widespread public condemnation and disapproval.

Yet even now, billion dollar enterprises like the L.A. Dodgers cower to a small and vocal mob

Following the leader

cubicles while you passed them by?

Now, let’s say you’re standing at the docks, getting ready to go fishing so that you can feed your family. And Jesus comes strolling down the shore, looks right at you, looks down at the net, looks at you again, and says, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” What would you do?

Would you immediately drop your net and fishing poles and walk down the shore with Jesus?

Zachary Elliott Special to the Valley News

If Jesus walked into your work today, looked at you behind your desk, and said, “Follow me,” what would you do?

Would you stand up, leave your desk behind and follow Jesus? Wave at the other people in the

Jehovah’s

California grant to cover the private costs of cleaning up illegal dumping.

Senate Bill 520 clarifies that individuals who are required to live-in a care facility are still “occupying their principle residence” for the purpose of qualifying for their Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption.

Senate Bill 613 clarifies an oversight in existing law that small local jurisdictions like special districts are exempt from organic waste recycling requirements as long as they meet certain requirements.

“Thank you to my dedicated team for all of their hard work on this legislation, and to my Senate colleagues for their bipartisan support,” Seyarto said. “I look forward to working with the Assembly to accomplish our legislative goals and deliver results to our state and 32nd district.”

For most people, it would be a tremendously difficult decision. To leave your career, financial security and sense of normalcy at the drop of a hat to follow a stranger would be no easy decision.

Yet, it is precisely what the disciples did when Jesus called them to follow him as their leader. Look at what happened when Jesus called out his first four disciples from their fishing career.

of religious bigots. Perhaps “Dodgers” is a most appropriate name for this Los Angeles franchise, as this organization seems quite skilled at dodging moral courage, decency, and respect for other creeds and cultures.

I write this as a non-Catholic. I have never been nor do I envision myself practicing the Catholic faith. Yet I know a great many people, who are family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances who are practicing Catholics. I consider them all to be very decent and honorable persons filled with

faith, charity, and love of God as well as love of their country and fellow man.

Lastly, I would hope that all Americans, and particularly Californians, be they members of the California Legislature, players of a cowardly and dodging sports franchise, or even debased troubadours of a crass and bigoted minstrel act, would consider the following words (sometimes attributed to Lincoln) by the late William J. H. Boetcker: “You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.”

I would further suggest that the California Senate should act in the spirit of President Abraham Lincoln’s words “with malice toward none, with charity for all …”

Honoring a bigoted antiCatholic group is an act of malice, and completely lacking in charity. Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Rick Reiss Temecula

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said. ‘And I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him,” in Matthew 4:18-21.

Or how about when Jesus called Matthew straight out of his office cubicle?

“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed

Witness Convention returns to

After a three-year pandemic pause, one of the largest convention organizations in the world has once again chosen Escondido to host its global three-day event, the 2023 “Exercise Patience!” Convention.

Prior to 2020, summers in Escondido were marked by Jehovah’s Witnesses filling hotels and restaurants as they attended their annual conventions at their Escondido Assembly Hall, which they built in 1979. In 2020, the pandemic interrupted that tradition in Escondido when the Witnesses canceled their in-person events throughout the world and held their convention programs as virtual events in more than 500 languages. In May, the Witnesses brought the tradition back to Escondido, hosting a three-day program on the weekend of June 2-4.

“The energy and excitement that comes with being able to attend live events and engage with speakers and attendees is hard to replicate virtually,” Jerry Ross, local spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses, said. “The in-person convention provides a vibrant and

enthusiastic atmosphere to connect with others who share similar interests.”

Some 6,000 conventions will be held worldwide as part of the 2023 “Exercise Patience!” Convention series. In the United States alone, more than 700 conventions will be held in 144 host cities. From Friday through Sunday, six convention sessions explored the quality of patience, highlighting its modern-day relevance through Scriptural examples. A live baptism was performed following the Saturday morning session and a pre-recorded drama was featured in two parts during the Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions.

“Practicing patience is often a challenge for many of us,” Ross said. “Patience is an important quality that can help in all aspects of life. Those who attended heard practical advice regarding the timeless value of showing patience.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers and theaters around the world for more than 100 years. After resuming smaller in-person

him,” in Matthew 9:9.

Do you know what all these accounts have in common? Not once did the disciples hesitate to follow Jesus as their leader. They didn’t procrastinate, make excuses or complain. Instead, the Bible describes their actions as “immediately” and “at once.”

And these actions weren’t just one-hit wonders. All these disciples went on to change the world after the resurrection of Jesus. They decided that following Jesus was the most significant thing they could do with their lives. And because of their selfdenial, we know about Jesus.

Here’s the good news. Jesus is still calling disciples to follow him. His call includes you.

Maybe he isn’t calling you to do something as drastic as the original disciples. But he is calling you to follow him, and it’s going to take some self-denial on your part.

Escondido

Jesus said, “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me,” in Matthew 10:38.

Jesus leaves no room for excuses, procrastination or replacement leadership. It simply comes down to this question: Are you following you or are you following Jesus?

Jesus doesn’t share leadership with anyone. He didn’t die on the cross and rise from the dead so that we could have followers. He did it so that we could follow him.

It’s time to start truly following the leader.

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.

lifting of pandemic restrictions.

The convention was open to the public and no collection was taken. For more information on the program or to find other

convention locations and dates, please go to jw.org and navigate to the “About Us” tab.

Valley News/Courtesy photo meetings and their public ministry during 2022, the summer of 2023 marks the first time they will gather at much larger regional events around the world since the

Jehovah’s Witnesses return to in-person conventions after a three-year pandemic pause. Live baptisms were performed on Saturday, June 3.

State Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, has nine bills moving from the state Senate to the Assembly for voting. Valley News/Courtesy photo

SUMMONS

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP OF ZOEY RAYNE

You are notified that a petition has been filed in the office of the clerk of this court naming you as the respondent in the action. A copy of the petition (and any documents filed with it) is attached to this notice. The name and address of Petitioner’s attorneys are Laura R Luetje and William C. Stang, 210 NE Delaware Ave STE 200 Ankeny, Iowa 50021. The attorneys’ phone number is 515-964-8777 and facsimile number is 515-964-8796.

You are further notified that the above case has been filed in a county that utilizes electronic filing. Unless, within 20 days after service of this original notice upon you, you serve, and with a reasonable time thereafter file a motion or answer, in the Iowa District Court for Polk County, at the courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa, judgement by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Please see Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16, division VI regarding the protection of personal information in court filings.

If you need assistance to participate in court due to a disability, call the disability coordinator at (515) 286-3394. Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1-800-735-2942). Disability coordinators cannot provide legal advice.

Important: You are advised to seek legal advice to protect your interests.

You must file your Appearance and Answer on the Iowa Judicial Branch of the System, unless the attached Petition and Original Notice contain a hearing date for your appearance, or unless the court has excused you from filing electronically (see Iowa Court Rule 16.302). Register for the eFile System at www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile to file and view documents in your case and to receive notices from the court.

For general rules and information on electronic filing, refer to the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedures in chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules at www.legis.

iowa.gov/docs/ACO/CourtRulesChapter/16.pdf

Court filings are public documents and may contain personal information that should always be kept confidential. For the rules on protecting personal information, refer to Division VI of chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules and to the Iowa Judicial Branch website at www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/ representing-yourself/protect-personal-information/. Date issued: 04/28/2023

District Clerk of Court or/by Clerk’s Designee of Polk County Courtney Pagel LEGAL: 3891

PUBLISHED: June 9, 16, 2023

Notice To Readers:

California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb. ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.

Live! @ the Plateau Art Show and Summer Concert Series

Seven Saturdays / June 24 to Aug 5

Tickets at PlateauConcertsAndArt.org

Advance ticket sales only - no sales at the gate

JUNE 24 OPENING NIGHT

Tickets

23rd Annual Santa Rosa Plateau Art Show Opening Night 5-8pm Featuring the Junior Company of the Temecula Academy

Comes To The Plateau! Special Ballet Show, Meet the Artists, Hors d’oeuvres Reception, Specialty Wines and Craft Beers

CONCERTS

CO-PRESENTED BY

Ballet Arts

JULY 1 – Elton John Tribute

JULY 8 – The Highwayman Show with Tony Suraci

JULY 15 – Hall & Oates Tribute

The Family of Janet and John Webb

JULY 22 – Motown/Soul/ R&B Tribute

JULY 29 – Beach Boys Tribute

Scott Koth | 951-461-4979

AUG 5 – Bee Gees Tribute

Concerts at Plateau Pavilion at Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve 39400 Clinton Keith, Murrieta

951-319-2998 | 833-651-1533 www.the-nef.org

of

Jared Hartman

Opening Night Sponsor

OUR MISSION:

To educate and empower youth to appreciate, preserve and protect nature.

Fostering Youth Environmental Stewardship

Your membership donation helps cover the following program costs:

• High school climate change programs

• Native garden projects

• Transportation to the Reserve and field sites

• Small grants for teachers

• Nature Education Resource Forum

• Family Wildlife Day

Membership Levels

Plateau Patron $1000

Membership for two adults in same household

• Name recognition on Foundation donor board displayed at SRP Visitor’s Center

• (6) Annual passes to the Reserve

• (2) Season Tickets to the Summer Concert Series (six concerts)

• (12) Tickets to Family Wildlife Day

• (4) Complimentary tickets to other Foundation ticketed events

Engelmann Oak $500

Membership for two adults in the same household

• (4) Four annual passes to the Reserve

• (4) Tickets to a Summer Concert (your choice)

• (6) Tickets to Family Wildlife Day

Golden Eagle $250

Membership for two adults in the same household

• (4) Four annual passes to the Reserve

• (4) Tickets to Family Wildlife Day

• (2) Tickets to a Summer Concert (your choice)

Quail Covey (Family Package) $100

Membership for family of six in the same household

($10 for each addtl. family member)

• (6) Six annual passes to the Reserve

• (6) Six passes to the Family Wildlife Day

Bronze Bear – Dual $60

Membership for two adults in the household

(2) Annual passes to the Reserve

Bronze Bear – Individual $35

Membership for one adult in the household

• (1) Annual pass to the Reserve

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.