Valley News - June 14, 2025

Murrieta’s ‘Santa Stops’ to continue annually as a public/private event

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The return of the Murrieta Santa Stops holiday program last Christmas brought praise for its success from a number of volunteers and residents which convinced the Murrieta City Council to again make it an annual “Connected with Community” event this year during their Tuesday, June 5, meeting.

Murrieta residents sink deeper into groundwater struggle as local authorities remain MIA

THS announces presentation with cowgirl Pat North Ommert

TEMECULA - The Temecula Valley Historical Society invites the public to a trip down memory lane when Pat North Ommert gives a presentation at the Little Temecula History Museum at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 24. Pat, who has been inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, will tell about her illustrious career as a horsewoman and she will also tell what Temecula was like when she moved here in the 1960s.

began shortly after moving into her residence in August 2023. “In December 2023, we began noticing an excessive amount of water

a homeowner on Arron Ct., recounts the ordeal that

TVUSD recall leads by slim majority

Julie Reeder Publisher

TVUSD Board President Dr. Komrosky was the subject of a recall election June 4, 2024.

As of Tuesday, June 11, at noon, the vote to recall TVUSD Board President Joseph Wayne Komrosky in Trustee Area 4 was too close to call with the “yes” votes ahead by about 209 votes, as of presstime. The final results were to be announced on June 11, at 6 p.m. after all the mail-in and conditional votes are counted.

According to the Registrar of Voters (ROV) there are still votes

to be received and counted. “An estimated 150 Vote-by-Mail ballots and 50 Conditional Voter Registration (CVR) ballots remain to be counted.

“In addition, Vote-by-Mail ballots postmarked on or before Election Day (June 4) must be received by June 11, 2024 (postmark +7) and remain to be processed. The team will resume work on these ballots on Thursday, June 6th. The next updated results will be posted at 6 pm on Tuesday, June 11.”

Dr. Komrosky, a veteran Army Ranger and tenured professor, along with a conservative board majority, came under fire im-

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The issue of what to do with the unfinished and deteriorating Krikorian Entertainment Complex that has sat on the southwest corner of Newport Road and Town Center Road in Menifee over the past four years may soon be resolved with an order from the Menifee City Council to tear it down as a “public nuisance.”

With Council member Dean Deines absent for medical reasons, the Menifee City Council meeting Wednesday, June 5, resolved to declare the Kirkorian theater complex, not the retail buildings, a public nuisance and its abatement, possible within 30 days. It still could be appealed by the

mediately after being elected in 2022. Opponents, organized by One Temecula Valley PAC, were concerned that the board voted to remove Critical Race Theory from the classrooms. They didn’t agree with the new parent notification policy when students started to identify differently than the sex they were identified as in their school records. The board also voted to limit political and ideological flags in the classrooms. After parents read aloud in board meetings materials that they considered pornographic, the board created a TVUSD Board President Dr. Joseph Komrosky was the subject of a recall election. Valley News/Courtesy photo

see RECALL, page A-2

Menifee City Council gives the go ahead for the Krikorian Theater to be torn down

The Krikorian Entertainment Complex has been declared a public nuisance. Valley News/”The Agenda Rundown” YouTube screenshot

Valley News/Julie Reeder photo

Murrieta resident John Perry shows the excessive groundwater problem that he and his neighbors face daily.

Murrieta’s traditional ‘Santa Stops’ to continue annually as a public/private event

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The return of the Murrieta Santa Stops holiday program last Christmas brought praise for its success from a number of volunteers and residents which convinced the Murrieta City Council to again make it an annual “Connected with Community” event this year during their Tuesday, June 5, meeting.

The council fell short of calling it a Murrieta Community Services Department signature event, yet it unanimously approved the Santa Stops program as a special public/ private city event with a planned budget of approximately $70,000 that may be reduced with private donations.

During the city’s Santa Stops holiday program, Santa Claus, school choirs and more than 170 costumed volunteers spend several days before the Christmas holiday riding on decorated trolleys throughout Murrieta neighborhoods, visiting hundreds of children to bring them joy and promise in the season.

The visits often crowded local Murrieta streets with children and parents, greeting Santa and his elves who seek donations of non-perishable foods that are distributed by local churches and charities to local residents in need throughout the year.

The Santa Stops program was initially created many years ago in a much younger Murrieta. Current city council members, including Ron Holliday, Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Warren and Mayor Lori Stone, said they remember

participating in Santa Stops when they were younger or as children.

The Santa Stops program was stopped by the city in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was almost halted the year after due to rising costs and the deteriorating condition of the wagons used for the event. Holliday and some city residents, such as Joanie Wdowiak, sought to bring it back as a unique Murrieta tradition, promising to provide the city with more volunteers and sponsors to defray the rising costs.

In 2023, a somewhat reluctant city council approved a $60,000 budget and in-kind services backed it, reviving the Santa Stops program on very short notice. It was met with a record Murrieta neighborhood turnout at its 127 stops.

At the recent meeting, the council heard from the Community Services Department and from council members Holliday and Jon Levell, who promised to bring in more community volunteers and to welcome new sponsors. cutting the cost of the Santa Stops program by almost $20.000.

In the public hearing portion of the council’s discussion on whether or not to continue Santa Stops, eight residents and Santa Stop volunteers, including Joanie Wdowiak, whose husband Chris played Santa Claus, spoke to the council, seeking to keep the Santa Stops program as an annual traditional or signature program. Each of the speakers shared their experiences of seeing the joy on the children’s faces as Santa and the volunteers drove up, as well as the many older adults, some who shed

Wdowiak expressed the importance and

continuing the holiday event.

tears of remembrance. Memories they would never forget, they said. Murrieta resident and volunteer Kathryn Elliott said, “It was magical. It brought the whole neighborhood out.”

Volunteer Tera Reyst said she remembered Santa Stops when she was a child. Teacher Linda Spahr said she saw many teenagers who indicated they would love to help and it “helped the mental health of the entire community.”

Kassen Klein, who is sometimes a critic of the council’s decisions, said his company was one of the sponsors of the 2023 Santa Stops and “will do it again.” He assured the council more businesses would be sponsors in the future Santa Stops program, with or without

the city’s backing.

Holliday and Wdowiak also informed the council that a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Santa Stops organization has been formed and that last year there were three community businesses who provided $13,500 in donations for the program. In addition, residents would provide more volunteers to help.

DeForest, who at first said she was a “Scrooge” toward continuing the program because of the city’s rising costs, said the citizens’ testimonies about the program and her own ride with Santa “turned her around.”

Stone said, “It was a magical event. A joyous event,” and it should be brought back as a signature event.

While the council did not decide to make it a Murrieta signature event, the council did wish to continue the event as an annual city and public partnership, with added resident volunteers and sponsorships made through the new Santa Stops nonprofit. It was suggested that more churches and schools could also become involved in the community’s traditional Santa Stops program in the years to come. A full account of the Murrieta City Council’s June 5 meeting can be found on the Murrieta city website at http://www.murrietaca. gov/calendar.aspx. Tony Ault can be reached via email at tault@reedermedia.com.

Menifee reports on street projects and construction updates

MENIFEE - The City has project and construction updates to share with the community. For a current list of street projects and construction updates, visit our interactive mobile and web map at www.cityofmenifee.us/traffic Holland Road Overpass – City Capital Improvement Project

The City is actively performing work related to the Holland

RECALL from page A-1

committee to review and remove books that had pervasive profanity, pornography, and erotica. The new majority also brought in a new superintendent which riled district employees.

President Komrosky defended himself saying he was following through with what he promised during his campaign and it was a priority to focus on academics rather than cultural issues and ideologies.

Special Recall Election Information

Voters Cast: 9,675 of 21,578 (44.87%)

Precincts Reported: 20 of 20 (100.00%)

TVUSD TA4 Recall Joseph Wayne Komrosky (Vote

Road Overpass project. Holland Road between Hanover Lane and Antelope Road will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed later this year. For additional information and to sign up for project updates, visit www. hollandoverpass.com.

Encanto Drive between McCall Boulevard and Shadel Road – Shell Gas Station Street Improvements Shell Gas Station will be completing street improvements on Encanto Road. Encanto Road between McCall Boulevard and Shadel Road will be closed throughout the summer. Traffic control will be in place and detours will be provided.

Antelope Road between McLaughlin Road and Ethanac Road – Nova Battery Energy Storage System Street Improvements Nova Battery Energy Storage has completed street improve -

KRIKORIAN from page A-1 owners if they provide their own engineering report that it was not a danger to the health and safety of the community and does not need to be immediately torn down.

Cheryl Kitzrow, director of community development for Menifee, said getting a new engineers

www.rootedinwellnesseducation.org/summer-camp

ments on Antelope Road between McLaughlin Road and Ethanac Road. All traffic lanes are now open. Holland Road between Bradley and Evans Roads – Storm Drain/Road Construction Work Road improvements on Holland Road between Bradley and Evans Roads are completed. All traffic lanes are now open.

Encanto Drive and Rouse Road – Underground Utility Placement Lennar will be working on placing underground utilities for the Legado Project on Encanto Drive. Rouse Road will be closed from Trumble Road to Miles Court starting Monday, June 10. Traffic control will be in place and detours will be provided. This project is anticipated to be completed by the end of summer. 3rd Street in Romoland –Road Improvements Road improvements continue on 3rd Street, from Highway 74

report on that complex and doing the proper review in that time “was not likely.”

Kitzrow said that in April, a health and safety engineer looked over the theater property and found it had many public safety and health hazards for the public safety and should be declared a public nuisance which gives the city reason to order it torn down. An order to tear it down still would not take effect until the owner is notified to raze or repair it or give a reason it was not a health or public danger within the 30-day grace period.

An attorney for the property owners, Andrea Contraras, appeared at the meeting saying an engineer’s report that would save the theater was being undertaken, but she could not show proof when it was to be completed. She also told the council the public nuisance order should be continued since the complex itself had a potential entertainment company buyer from Mexico, with financial backing to rebuild it as a multientertainment complex instead of a theater and two others as well. A letter of intent has been issued on the purchase.

“We do not see it as an emergency matter,” she said and asked that the declaration be continued.

That argument was not enough for the council, however; and Council member Bob Karwin led off asking questions about the owners’ efforts since the build

to Antelope Road. The road will remain closed for the duration of the project which is scheduled to be completed by mid-August. Bradley Road – Richmond

American Underground Utilities Richmond American continues working on Bradley Road for work on underground utilities. Work will require lane closure and flaggers will be present.

Goetz Road and Thornton Avenue – Cimarron Ridge Development Project The developer will continue to work on Goetz Road, north of Thornton Avenue. Motorists should expect traffic control and possible delays while work is being completed. Goetz Road from north of Thornton Avenue to Goldenrod Avenue will remain closed and detours will be in place until construction is completed.

Ridgemoor Road – Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) Pipeline Project EMWD continues working on

ing was first declared a public nuisance and granted an appeal in October 2023. The mitigation of the safety hazards was not completed, but some work was done on the retail center, which was excluded from the theater complex order. Karwin said the administrative engineer’s report showed safety deficiencies in the foundation as well as other items some time ago, but the owners and potential buyers did not fix them.

Council member Ricky Estrada asked if the decision that night still might be changed if the deficiencies were corrected at that time.

“We could not process such an application even if there were revisions in the entitlement …within 30 days,” Kitzrow said.

Council member Lesa Sobek said, “It’s been four years and here it is the ninth hour. And the property owner has not met those corrective promises. Now It’s at a point where we are here tonight [to make the abatement order decision].”

Mayor Bill Zimmerman called the question period to be closed, and after asking if there were any other statements, he found there were none. Karwin made the motion to approve the nuisance abatement measure with Estrada making the second. The nuisance abatement measure, for the theater only, passed with four unanimous votes and one council member absent.

the pipeline located on Ridgemoor Road west of Valley Boulevard. This project is anticipated to be ongoing for the next several months. Motorists should expect traffic delays and temporary traffic control.

P otomac Neighborhood –Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) Water Main Replacement EMWD is replacing water mains on various streets in the Potomac Drive neighborhood. Traffic control will be in place with flaggers present. Detour signs will be posted in the area due to road closures during the day. 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.

Unless some other action in 30 days is made, the city can have the theater building torn down. In another action, the council was unanimous in awarding a bid award and agreement with Leonida Builders Inc. for their construction services in making safety improvements at the intersection Piedra Road at Bell Mountain Middle School for $547,993. They also adopted a budget amendment setting aside $138,404 to reduce the Bradley Road Bridge over Salt Creek cost and programming that amount to the Piedra Road project. Sobek expressed her delight at the project that will improve the safety for students at the middle school which is one of the busiest in the city at times. She also was pleased at the ongoing Piedra Road improvements that will include building an 11-foot island all along the roadway all the way to MSJC and Antelope Road, turn lanes, Americans with Disabilities Act ramps, a streetlight, caution signals and well-marked pedestrian paths over the highway, improving pedestrian and student safety. The city engineers said they will allow for the projects to be completed before the schools reopen in the fall and for the annual Independence Day Parade along the highway.

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

Joanie

joy that previous Santa Stops brought to the community in hopes of Murrieta

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Volunteers Needed Today

The Riverside County Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program recruits and trains caring people like you to serve as advocates for older adults who are ofter alone and forgotten.

There are over 15,000 long-term care residents in Riverside County residential and skilled nursing facilities. As a certified LTC Ombudsman volunteer, you will make unannounced, regular visits to LTC facilities. Your training will help you develop the skills necessary to advocate for the residents and empower them to resolve their concerns.

The mission of the Riverside Count y Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is to see k resolution of problems and advocate for the rights of residents in LTC facilities with the goal of ensuring their dignity, quality of life, and quality of care. We investigate and re solve compl ai nts related to health, safety, welfare, and financial abuse.

LTC Ombudsman a Program of Council on Aging

permeating through the ground in our backyard and front yard,” Race said. Despite efforts to address the issue by contacting local authorities, including the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and the City of Murrieta, Race and her neighbors faced a series of dead ends.

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District initially speculated that the issue could be groundwater-related and suggested contacting the City of Murrieta for further assistance. According to Race, Murrieta City officials concluded that since the problem originated on private property, homeowners were responsible for resolving it. She reported that after seeking assistance, her neighbor, John Perry, received a code violation from the city for having too much runoff water from his property.

Race said it’s worse when it rains. She had up to two feet of water in her backyard after the recent rains. When she walks in her front yard and backyard now, you can see her feet sink into the yard a few inches while water covers her feet.

Efforts to mitigate the groundwater problem have proven ineffective. Race resorted to installing additional piping in her yard in February 2024. She and her neighbor Perry say that the persistent issue poses a health hazard due to mosquito infestations, slippery algae growth, and most importantly possibly to the foundations of their homes.

Race’s frustrations culminated in a formal claim filed with the City of Murrieta on May 22, 2024, seeking damages related to the groundwater issue. However, the claim was swiftly denied by a third-party agency contracted by the city.

Valley News learned that the City of Murrieta has “hold harmless” agreements with their home developers, which absolve the city from liability related to certain issues, effectively shifting responsibility onto the developer or other parties involved. The challenge for these neighbors is knowing where to turn for help.

Neighboring residents echo

Race’s concerns. Perry expressed fears of potential sinkholes and structural damage caused by the saturated ground, including possibly while his family sleeps.

A USGS hydrogeologist contacted by Valley News said it is unlikely that the water is coming from a brand new natural spring, but more likely that it is treated water and leaking out of pipes somewhere in the neighborhood. He said that water districts can lose as much as 10% of their water supply on a regular basis and they may not even be aware.

The hydrogeologist suggested that the first task would be to measure the water to see if there was any trace of chlorine, however chlorine dissipates very quickly.

Perry said that a water district engineer came out to his property initially and tested the water for chlorine on Sept. 12, 2023 and did find some, although he was told it still wasn’t a water district issue.

Race said she also had the water company come and test for chlorine and she hasn’t received the results yet.

The water district declined to comment on the issue when Valley News reached out to verify Race’s and Perry’s claims.Valley News has learned that it is possible to have some traces of chlorine naturally occur in water after receiving a call from EVMWD Director Andy Morris. He said he wasn’t aware of the issue and would look into it.

Despite persistent efforts to seek assistance, including engaging with the Riverside County Flood Control, homeowners remain in limbo as no entity seems willing to help them remedy the issue or point them to an agency that is willing to help them seek out and address the underlying cause of the groundwater problem.

Adding to the frustration is the lack of disclosure in their real estate paperwork, leaving the homeowners unaware that there was an issue before purchasing their properties. Perry said, “I should have been given the choice to decide whether I wanted to buy a home with excessive groundwater issues.”

Valley News has attempted to seek comment from local authorities, including the Murrieta Mayor ’s office and a Lake Elsinore Water Engineer, which were met with silence or statements from their public information officers that they had no comment due to the concern for potential litigation. Meanwhile, the groundwater issue appears to extend beyond Arron Ct., with reports emerging

of similar problems in at least one neighborhood about a mile away from Arron Ct.. Murrieta resident

Parsons on Wooden Horse Trail said they have to pump 1,500 to 2,000 gallons of water out of their yard daily.

As residents continue to grapple with the ramifications of unchecked groundwater intrusion, their plea for assistance remains unanswered, leaving them to navigate the crisis

HELLONeighbor

Now Open

with limited resources and support. Christine, a supportive neighbor that isn’t having an issue with her property said, “Everybody is passing the buck on this. We are just looking for a resource to figure out who is responsible for this.” Valley News will continue to report on this issue. Aden Haggerty contributed to this story.

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Theresa

Valley News/Julie Reeder photo

Slippery moss and mosquitoes are a regular problem for these neighbors.

John Perry shows discoloration in areas that are constantly wet.

Pamela Johnson has experienced up to 2 feet of water in her backyard. Valley News/Aden Haggerty photo

Valley News/Aden Haggerty photo

Temecula Historical Society announces presentation with cowgirl Pat North Ommert

TEMECULA - The Temecula Valley Historical Society invites the public to a trip down memory lane when Pat North Ommert gives a presentation at the Little Temecula History Museum at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 24. Pat, who has been inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, will tell about her illustrious career as a horsewoman and she will also tell what Temecula was like when she moved here in the 1960s.

In the 1940s and 1950s Pat was busy as a jockey, jumper, trick rider, and stunt double. She appeared as a stunt rider in the 1954 film “A Star is Born”. Unbelievably, as a trick rider she jumped fences while standing astride two horses running in tandem. Pat and her husband Will Ommert, a “horse doctor”, came to

students rode horses to school.

At age 93, Pat still rides. Last year a trail in the Temecula Wine Country was named the Pat Om-

remarkable stories to tell.

Her presentation will also be available live streaming on the Temecula Valley Historical Society Facebook page.

For any questions about this program or about the Temecula Valley Historical Society, please contact Rebecca Farnbach at info@temeculahistory.org

Riverside County ACR hosts local apostille authentication services in oneday event with CA Secretary of State

RIVERSIDE – Join the Riverside County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder’s Office, in partnership with the California Secretary of State Tuesday, June 18, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Gateway Riverside office, 2724 Gateway Drive, in Riverside, for a special event providing essential document authentication services. This one-day apostille pop-up event is designed to serve the local community by offering convenient, on-the-spot authentication, saving

you time and avoiding the hassle of long trips or delays.

What are apostilles?

An apostille is an official certification that authenticates the origin of public documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses and educational records. This certification ensures that documents issued in one country will be recognized as valid in another, facilitating international business, education and personal transactions.

Peter Aldana, assessor-clerk-recorder of Riverside County, emphasized the importance of the event.

“We are continually looking for ways to improve the way we interact with our customers, making services easier and more practical to use,” Aldana said. “This pop-up event does just that by offering apostille services right in our backyard, greatly simplifying a process that traditionally required our residents to travel significant distances.”

“Partnering with Riverside County for the apostille pop-up shop event exemplifies our dedication to serving Californians, wherever they may be,” California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., said. “California is the first state to offer apostille pop-up shops, and it’s a proud moment for us to offer these critical services.” By providing these services locally, the event aims to reduce both t he time and effort required for

residents to obtain these necessary certifications. Services will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with no appointment needed. Participants should bring documents signed by a California public official or those requiring certification for authentication.

For specific details regarding apostille services available at the event, visit http://www.sos.ca.gov/ notary/request-apostille.

Pat Ommert will give a presentation about her career as a horsewoman and what Temecula was like since moving there in the 1960’s. Valley News/Courtesy photos Temecula in 1968 to open the Los Caballos Veterinary Hospital when the population was so small everyone know each other. People rode horses into Old Town and some

mert Trail to honor her. She has

Soboba Youth Council steps up for the community

Members of the Soboba Tribal Youth Council have kept busy for the past several months participating in community events. The most recent activity found them preparing for and participating in the annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at the Soboba Cemetery.

About a dozen youths placed more than 50 flags at the gravesites of veterans who are buried at the cemetery Thursday, May 23. Many are relatives of the youths who were there that day, bringing another level of meaning to the task at hand. They were reminded how important to the community and to all those who served in the military to have them remembered in this way and that they should be proud of their involvement.

While there, the young men and women also tidied up the sites by removing debris and straightening overturned vases and more. Four members of the Soboba Fire Department took rakes and other tools to the parking area where guests would gather for the ceremony the following Monday, May 27. They raked up debris from shade trees and leveled out the surfaces.

Capt. Frank Martinez, who is part of the Wildland Urban Interface crew, made sure everyone had the proper tools to take care of the cleanup. Fire Apparatus Engineer Glenn Lindsey said the cemetery is a special project for the fire department, always keeping it clean and looking nice.

“It’s personal for me; I have family buried here and I want to make sure they are taken care of,” he said. “Me and my family come up here all the time to clean up and throw out dead flowers and things like that; it’s something you grow up doing around here.”

Soboba Tribal Youth Council membership is open to youth from 12-18 who are Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal members and those who are of Native American descent. Along with providing an understanding of the functions and responsibilities of Tribal government, participation provides leadership development and spiritual, mental, physical and social growth, as well as opportunities to attend cultural events. They host many fundraisers to cover expenses for the group’s activities.

In between the monthly inperson meetings, members and the Advisory Board stay connected through a group chat app where they can share information about upcoming events and make collective decisions. Officers are Chair Rhianna Salgado, 16, Vice Chair Raya Salgado, 14, Secretary Akwaalimay Resvaloso, 15, Treasurer

Aniyah Brittian, 12, and Memberat-Large Nowaniiki Resvaloso, 13. Advisory board members include Parks and Recreation Director Andy Silvas and other department staff, Tribal Council Vice Chair Geneva Mojado and Secretary Monica Herrera and parents of youth council members. The youth-led council, under the guidance of its advisory board, is affiliated with the United National Tribal Youth network, also known as UNITY.

The Soboba Tribal Youth Council constitution and bylaws outline the objectives of the group, which is to provide a collective voice and represent the Tribal youth in all matters that concern them; to serve as a means of mobilizing and coordinating the actions of the youth, other community members and organize them towards positive goals; to promote the development of future Tribal leaders and to complete community service projects and provide opportunities for the youth to interact with the community for fun and fellowship.

The Memorial Day ceremony began at dawn when Soboba Fire Capt. Gabe Herrera quickly raised the American flag to fullstaff position and then slowly lowered it to half-staff to honor the fallen service men and women of this country. Veteran Richard VanDyke-Parker raised it back to full staff at 11 a.m. in recognition of living military veterans who served the country and it remained at full staff until sunset.

VanDyke-Parker served in the U.S. Navy from 1975-1996. This action marked the end of the ceremony that was started with a prayer from the Rev. Earl Henley of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in San Jacinto. A morning mass had been held at the church before parishioners joined him at the veterans’ memorial, a permanent fixture at the east end of the cemetery that is “dedicated to the memory of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and non-Tribal members who gave their all for us.” Henley also called for a moment of silence for the fallen.

After a blessing of the marker, members of Soboba Tribal Youth Council took turns reading names in memory and honor of those who served in the military. Alphabetically, honored Soboba Tribal veterans whose names were read during the roll call included M.J. Apapas, Daniel Arres, Gordon Arres, Norbit Arres, Theodore P. Arres, Leonard Arrietta Sr., Ralph C. Arrietta, Robert Arrietta, Anderson Begay, Robert Bentiste, Larry C. Boniface, Paul Boniface, Gabriel Castello, Peter F. Castello, Gloria Cozart, Jessie M. Gilmore, Benny C. Helms Sr., Reginald P. Helms, Romaldo A. Helms, Martin Hurtado, Joe

Veteran Richard VanDyke-Parker raises the American flag to full staff as part of the Memorial Day ceremony at Soboba Cemetery.

John Lala, Tiefielo Francis Lugo, Kenneth Mathers, Marcus E. Mojado, Danny Navarro, David Navarro, Paul A. Resvaloso, Prudencio Resvaloso, Ernest Salgado Sr., Richard Salgado Sr., Albert Silvas, Allynn Silvas, Daniel Silvas, Frank “Chico” Silvas, Joe “Jody” Silvas, Eloy Soza, Frank E. Soza, Michael Soza, William P. Soza, John Vincent Valdez, Carmel Paul Valenzuella and Louis Vivanco.

Non-Tribal veterans, whose names were included in the roll call, were Eugene F. Arenas, Tony D. Basquez Sr., Bruce Cozart, Miguel R. Briones, Refugio R. Garcia Jr., Orvin D. Gilmore, Foster Hurtado Sr., Andrew Jackson, Ben Largo, Arthur R. Lopez Sr., Mariano Steven Largo, Leonard Lubo, Senon Lubo, Richard Patrick Macy, Fred Miranda Sr., Peter D. Morillo Sr., Pio Morillo, James Paul Navarro, Phillip Rodriguez, Mariano Tortez and James Walker. Soboba Tribal Council Chair Isaiah Vivanco, who was invited to the microphone to say a few words, said it was great to see the turnout that seems to increase each year.

“I think it’s important that we come out and not only say thanks to our veterans but also to memorialize and remember those that have served and are no longer here with us,” Vivanco said. “It’s important to make sure that we pay that tribute to keep their history and names alive.”

He introduced fellow Tribal Council members Geneva Mojado, Mike Bentiste, Monica Herrera and Daniel Valdez.

“I also want to thank the fire department, Sports Complex staff Andy (Silvas) and Steve (Lopez) and youth council,” Vivanco said. “Our youth council has been working to make sure the flags get out to those that need remembrance, making sure that all the graves of all our lost heroes are marked and remembered. It’s important that we continue that tradition and I think with the youth learning where these markers are at, that tradition will be carried on and that’s something we need to be thankful for.”

Canyon Lake POA welcomes new community patrol manager

door arena, a venue that hosted large concerts, carnivals, national MMA events and cultural tribal events. He and his staff oversaw surge traffic management and implementation of crowd controls at these significant community events. His responsibilities encompassed close coordination with the tribal council and law enforcement, along with execution and oversight of additional outside event security contracts. Toler’s commitment to safety and risk management enhanced safety awareness across various organizations. His experience extends beyond operational management to include developing and delivering training programs and seminars, notably with the National Indian Casino Safety and Security Association, where he shared best practices and improved safety standards within the Indian Gaming industry.

He said that under the tutelage of elder Marian Chacon, the youth are learning how to continue the traditions that are so important to the people of Soboba. Guests at the Memorial Day event were invited to a brunch at the Soboba Sports Complex after the ceremony and enjoyed delicious food served by members of the Soboba Youth Council who hosted the meal.

CANYON LAKE – The Canyon Lake Property Owners Association announced the appointment of Ken Toler as the new community patrol manager, effective Monday, June 3. With over 25 years of experience in security and safety management. Toler brings a wealth of knowledge and a proactive approach to the Canyon Lake POA’s community patrol operations. In his most recent role as manager of the Department of Public Safety at Cahuilla Casino Hotel, Toler spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive safety program. He oversaw job safety analysis training and ensured ongoing adherence to safety protocols. As chair of the safety committee, Toler conducted orientations for new hires on hazardous communications, evacuations and workplace violence. His duties also included managing daily safety operations, incident reporting and serving as the main contact for law enforcement, emergency services and fire departments, ensuring a secure environment. Previously, as the director of security at Soboba Casino, Toler managed security operations for high-profile events and public safety programs for over 10 years. Toler led a dedicated team of 75 employees, ensuring seamless 24/7 security and public safety operations. He was responsible for the security and emergency operations at a 10,000-seat out-

“We are thrilled to welcome Ken to our team,” General Manager Eric Kazakoff said. “His extensive experience, combined with his proactive approach to community safety and impressive track record in public safety management, make him the ideal leader to oversee our patrol operations and contribute to our ongoing efforts to ensure the security of Canyon Lake.”

Submitted by the city of Canyon Lake.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News

Members of the Soboba Tribal Youth Council and Soboba Fire Department spend time Thursday, May 23, cleaning the Soboba Cemetery grounds, while the youth placed flags at the gravesites of veterans who are buried there. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photo

Soboba Tribal Youth Council members, from left, Ryan Brittian, 13, Nowaniiki Resvaloso, 13, and Raya Salgado, 14, help place flags for veterans at the Soboba Cemetery before the Memorial Day ceremony.

A permanent Veterans Memorial at the Soboba Cemetery is blessed by Father Earl Henley as part of the Memorial Day ceremony, Monday, May 27.

Soboba Tribal Youth Council members participate in the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Soboba Cemetery Monday, May 27, showing their respect for all veterans, past and present.

OPINION

Journalism interns are vital to our future

Julie Reeder Publisher

Last week I started working with two bright young interns.

Without knowing it, they give me hope. I was pressing forward in my week, despite my discouragement after talking to a young person who informed me that they don’t read, listen or watch any “long-form” content in order to better understand important issues, whether it’s news or any information that helps them be informed on issues ranging from politics to health, education, etc. They don’t ingest any content more than 30 seconds to a minute.

I asked, “How do you get an understanding on more nuanced issues that affect your community?” They responded they just listen to what their friends or family have to say.

I thought, “We are done as a society and culture. We’ve trained our young people to be addicted to little screens that give them dopamine rushes every 30 seconds and there is no interest in real information, probably until they experience a real emergency or total chaos somehow, and then it

may be too late.”

For over 25 years, Village News and Valley News have always invested in young people as interns and now we have a nonprofit in which to grow that program. With a little help from our supporters we have been able to start the 501(c) (3) and add videos and curriculum to our training, giving us far more structure.

We also start with a strengths assessment that every person takes so we can have a foundation of understanding the person we are working with. Sometimes journalism is not a good fit for them ultimately because of the unique set of strengths they have.

Whether they end up becoming a journalist or not, it is important that we invest in the individual. We want to instill in them the importance of asking questions and then asking more questions. They learn about the 1st Amendment which gives them unique rights that can’t be taken for granted. And we talk about the responsibilities that go along with that right.

We talk about how unique that is in the world, completely unknown in other parts of the world. Often young people who have had the privilege of being born in the United States don’t understand that they would be jailed or killed in other parts of the world for their free speech, or the way they dress, or who they decide to marry.

Training and nurturing journalism interns is vital for the health of our democracy, a concept deeply rooted in the principles of the First Amendment and the vision of our Founding Fathers. As Thomas Jefferson famously stated, “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

This underscores the essential role a free and robust press plays in maintaining our pluralistic and democratic society.

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and press, recognizing that an informed citizenry is the cornerstone of democracy.

James Madison, another key architect of our Constitution, argued, “A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy, or, perhaps both.”

These foundational beliefs highlight that a well-informed public, empowered by a free press, is crucial for the proper functioning of democracy.

In today’s digital age, the landscape of information dissemination has dramatically shifted, with social media playing an increasingly dominant role. While social media platforms provide rapid access to information and diverse viewpoints, they also pose significant risks.

The proliferation of misinformation and echo chambers can distort public perception and polarize society. Unlike traditional journalism, which adheres to rigorous standards of accuracy, balance, and accountability, social media often lacks these ethical safeguards, leading to the spread of unchecked and sometimes harmful information.

That’s not to say that all media adhere to rigorous standards either. Today we live in a society where most news stations are driven by politics, marketing and ideology, rather than ethical journalistic standards. And that just exacerbates our situation.

Herein lies the critical importance of training and nurturing journalism interns. These young professionals represent the future of credible, ethical journalism. Through comprehensive training, interns learn the fundamental principles of journalism – objectivity, verification, transparency, and accountability.

They are taught to prioritize facts over sensationalism, to scrutinize sources, and to uphold the public interest above all else. This professional rigor ensures that the news remains a reliable resource for citizens, enabling informed decision-making and fostering a well-functioning democracy.

Moreover, nurturing journalism interns ensures the sustainability of investigative journalism, a key component of a healthy press.

Investigative journalism shines a light on corruption, injustice, and abuse of power, holding those in authority accountable. Without a new generation of trained journalists, the capacity for such crucial reporting diminishes, weakening the pillars of democratic oversight.

This is also a great challenge, because strong,young excellent investigative journalists in our country are being harassed by government agencies for their work, which is so counter to everything for which the First Amendment stands.

Just because they are doing their work, whether it’s investigating government agencies, big pharma (which funds many news stations), or other agencies. This is their purpose and their job, and it is being criminalized, or they are being arrested by the people they are investigating. It’s far more lucrative and safe to enter the world of marketing or

something where you write puff pieces, or create TikToks all day. Investigative journalism is hard, expensive, takes time and may eventually land you in jail by the three lettered government agencies which are actually corrupt.

Training and nurturing journalism interns is not merely about maintaining a profession; it is about safeguarding our democracy. By upholding the high standards of journalistic ethics and practices, these future journalists ensure that the press remains a pillar of liberty and a watchdog for the public.

As we navigate the challenges posed by the digital age and social media, the role of well-trained journalists becomes even more indispensable. Echoing the wisdom of our Founding Fathers, a free and responsible press is indeed vital to the endurance and vitality of our democracy.

We are investing in our community and our country’s future one intern at a time

We have no idea how many apples are the result of one seed.

The first step is to break through the screen addiction of young people and convince them that there is life, purpose and importance beyond Tik Tok, and to walk beside them and help them discover how amazing they are and how amazing and vital the work they do for their community can be.

If you would like to donate to our nonprofit, you can send a check to Mentoring For Purpose or email Jreeder@reedermedia.com

We are developing our website which should be finished by July 1, 2024. We are so thankful for our readers and our advertisers. Thank you for your support.

Joe Naiman Writer

The quest to transition motorists out of their cars is allegedly for the purpose of air quality and carbon emission reduction, although in some areas transit projects and vehicle occupancy minimums have congestion relief benefits. Roadway improvements also have those congestion relief benefits, and thus an emphasis on road infrastructure spending as well as transit and managed travel lanes would achieve the emissions reductions and air quality improvements desired.

Recently I took two trips in one week from southern San Diego County to the San Diego Country Estates area of Ramona. Transit into anywhere in Ramona is extremely limited, and transit into “the Estates” is non-existent, so driving is the only option. I made the trip from Lakeside to Ramona twice due to an inaccurate schedule, so the first time was either a wasted 40 miles or a nice escape from city driving.

The schedule error meant that I would be able to be in Alpine that evening for an event. I returned along Wildcat Canyon Road, which becomes Ashwood Street at Willow Road, before taking Ashwood to the street which connects to Interstate 8, which also changes names. The intersection of Wildcat

Canyon Road/Ashwood Street and Willow Road has an all-way stop.

Wildcat Canyon Road includes the Barona Indian Reservation, and it is the only road from which Barona Casino can be accessed. No roads between Barona Casino and Willow Road connect Wildcat Canyon Road to anywhere outside the reservation, so Barona Casino patrons must use Wildcat Canyon Road. The all-way stop at Wildcat Canyon/Ashwood and Willow thus creates delays when numerous casino patrons are approaching or leaving. Fortunately when I returned from the Estates the bulk of the traffic was northbound, but I still had to stop, drive forward and stop again multiple times. Using transportation funding to replace the all-way stop with a signal would reduce emissions more than any transit project would.

Earlier that week I drove an El Cajon woman home from another event in Alpine. The geographically logical alternative would have been for her daughter-in-law to drive her mother-in-law home, but the daughter-in-law has an electric car and a trip out of her way would have increased the risk of the electric car running out of battery power so I took on the extra mileage instead. It should be noted that the trip home for the daughter-in-law involves uphill travel which increases the depletion of an electric car’s bat-

tery charge.

There are two routes from El Cajon or Lakeside to Ramona: Wildcat Canyon Road and state Route 67. Both involve significant uphill mileage, and while some passing lanes exist both roads currently are primarily two-lane roads. The promises to widen Route 67 to four lanes have been displaced by managed lane projects on freeways.

If an electric car runs out of battery power on Interstate 8 between state Route 163 and Route 67 the loss of a lane may cause some traffic congestion but there are at least three other lanes in that direction to allow for vehicular travel. Most of Interstate 8 east of Greenfield Drive has two lanes in each direction, including the uphill portions, so even if an electric car stalls because of a lack of battery charge the other vehicles have one lane for passing in the absence of a road project which creates one lane in that direction.

If an electric vehicle battery charge is fully depleted and the car stalls on a two-lane road it becomes a one-lane road. A twolane road may become a one-lane road for other reasons including any other car stalling, a collision, a downed tree, a dead animal or roadwork. The most common of these is roadwork, and anybody who has driven along a temporarily one-lane road knows that flag-

Caltrans Freeway work temporary slows leading up to Father’s Day

Tony

Ault Staff Writer

Valley motorists and commuters

this past week leading up to Father’s Day found some relief from Caltrans freeway and highway repair crews who had no scheduled work along Interstate 15 and Interstate 215. Murrieta motorists anxiously awaiting its opening found the work continuing on the long-awaited Holland Street Overpass. It is moving along rapidly.

During the Murrieta City Council this week it was pointed out that the Temecula French Valley Parkway Phase 2 project, while it may help the I-15 and I-215 traffic congestion in their city, it might create more traffic in Murrieta which is already plagued by increased traffic on its busiest highways even with the planned widening of Murrieta Hot Springs Road.

Menifee and Murrieta in the meantime are looking closer at the future Keller Road Interchange and other I-215 improvements in trying to reduce the increased traffic due to the many new housing and industrial developments coming.

Caltrans this past week sched-

uled no work in Murrieta, Wildomar or along Aguanga’s Highways 79 and 371 toward Anza. Lake Elsinore

Caltrans continues work on State Route 74 (SR-74) in Riverside County from the Riverside and Orange County border to Monte Vista Street just west of Lake Elsinore.

Crews will perform work in various locations throughout the project zone. Flagging operations will occur Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Through access will remain, but delays are expected in both directions of traffic.

Caltrans asks for commuters to please adhere to all signage and slow their speed in the construction zone. Work will occur at various locations from County Line to Monte Vista St.

Caltrans advises, “You may experience long waits and delays due to construction operations. Please wait for the designated escort through the construction zone. Please obey all posted signs and traffic instructions as CHP will be on location and citing any offenders. This is an active construction zone! The contractor may be changing locations, which will affect the time of travel for

residents that live within the construction zone. It is advised to use an alternate route to avoid delays such as SR-91, I-15, and I-5.”

Caltrans crews are still working on the historic Morrill Canyon Bridge located east of County Line, between Ortega Oaks Candy Store and Tenaja Truck Trail. Crews will perform work in various locations throughout the project zone. Weeknight and weekend closures may be required to perform k-rail installation, structure work, HMA paving, excavation, abutment and various other work activities. Weekday work may occur. All work is weather and material dependent meaning delays and changes may occur in the work schedule. Weeknight flagging may occur from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday through Friday night. CHP will be on location and citing any offenders not obeying the road signs.

Hemet

Some relief came last week as some barriers were removed from State Route 74 (SR-74), in Hemet (Florida Ave.) to enhance bike lane signage and striping, and upgrade 29 bus pads within the project parameters. However, the work continued up the highway with

some lanes being closed for short periods of time. The work zone is from Winchester Road (PM 34.3) to Fairview Avenue (PM 45.1) for the project length of 11.2 miles. Driveway, curb ramp, sidewalk construction and micro trenching will be taking place throughout the week if weather permits. Watch for alternate route signage for business access. Not far from Valle Vista on Highway 74 leading up to Mountain Center at the SR-241 cutoff, Caltrans crews are still working on restoring the historical Strawberry Creek Bridge, which is a major project. Crews have completed pouring the eastbound abutments and retaining wall but other work will include upgrades with slab overlay, new guardrail systems to bring lane and shoulder widths up to current standards.

Traffic control remains the same, however traffic holds may be required to perform daytime work.

Bridge work is anticipated to be complete by fall 2024. Strawberry Creek Bridge daily operations are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on some weekends. Temporary traffic signals are in place at each end of the bridge

with k-rail, making the bridge single lane access only. The signal will remain in place 24/7 throughout the project schedule with one way/single lane traffic control.

Caltrans warns, “Do not proceed if the light is RED! Wait times are calculated for safe passage through a single lane zone. Expect approximate 5 to 10 minute wait times.” Riverside and San Bernardino Counties

Caltrans wants to alert the public that construction will be taking place in Riverside County and San Bernardino County. In Riverside County, on Routes 10, 15, 60, 62, 91, 111, and 215 at various locations; and in San Bernardino County, on Route 215 in Colton at Iowa Avenue in changing message signs.

The continuing project involves upgrading 20 changeable message signs and guardrail shielding, as well as constructing maintenance vehicle pullouts. All work is dependent on the contractor receiving proper materials for each job function. It can be changed or canceled at any time.

Tony Ault can be reached via email at tault@reedremedia.com.

California launches SUN Bucks Program to help ensure millions of children have access to food during summer vacation

RIVERSIDE COUNTY – In a concerted effort to combat hunger among children during the summer months, California will be one of the first states in the nation to launch the SUN Bucks program, also known as Summer EBT. Starting this month, families throughout the state will receive $120 for each eligible child, empowering them to purchase groceries and ensure nutritional security throughout the summer.

This new federal food program will be in addition to existing initiatives available within communities such as summer meals, CalFresh and Women, Infants and Children. SUN Bucks will operate similarly to CalFresh, but it will specifically cater to the needs of families with eligible schoolaged children during the summer months.

Led by the California Department of Social Services in collaboration with the California Department of Education, the SUN Bucks program will automatically enroll approximately 5 million eligible children based on existing

school and social services data, as detailed on the SUN Bucks program website at https://cdss. ca.gov/sun-bucks.

Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through a school meal application or an Alternative Income Form, or who receive CalFresh, CalWORKs or Medi-Cal are automatically enrolled. Additionally, children who are attending Head Start, experiencing homelessness, living in foster care or part of a migrant family are also automatically eligible. Most eligible families will not need to take action to receive SUN Bucks.

While there is no application for the SUN Bucks program, children who are not automatically eligible must apply by completing and submitting a school meal program application or alternative income form by Saturday, Aug. 31, or they will not receive SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2024. Families can obtain the correct application from their school or school administrator’s office.

Officials at the Riverside Coun-

ty Department of Public Social Services are urging residents receiving CalFresh, CalWORKs and Medi-Cal benefits to verify their addresses are current to ensure timely receipt of their SUN Bucks cards. Address updates can be completed online at http:// BenefitsCal.com, on the phone at 877-410-8827 or in person at the nearest Self-Sufficiency office.

“We are thrilled that many of our customers will be eligible for this new program, providing nutritious food to families throughout the summer,” Allison Gonzalez, assistant director of the Self-Sufficiency Division at DPSS, said. “We encourage all eligible families to participate in this program and ensure we have their updated contact information.”

Families qualifying for free or reduced-priced meals can also update their address information through their child’s school of attendance.

Beginning this month, SUN Bucks benefits will be disbursed via an electronic benefits transfer card. Each eligible child will re-

Starting this month, a federally funded program provides $120 in food benefits per child.

ceive one card loaded with $120 for grocery purchases, accepted at most grocery stores, farmers markets and authorized retailers, including online through Amazon and Walmart. SUN Bucks cards must be used within 122 days of being loaded, as any remaining balance will expire after this period. Expired benefits cannot be reinstated or reloaded onto the cards. For additional information about the SUN Bucks program, visit https://cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks. Submitted by Riverside County. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Rebel Ranch named 32nd Senate District Nonprofit of the Year

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, announced Rebel Ranch as the 32nd Senate District Nonprofit of the Year. Rebel Ranch, located in Chino Hills, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of veterans, first responders and children with physical or psychological disabilities through certified service dogs and equineassisted learning. They provide therapy dog visits, speaking engagements, community outreach and all-inclusive events to promote mental health awareness and resources.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” David Harrison, CEO of Rebel Ranch, said. “This award is a testament to our team’s hard work and the incredible support from our community. We remain committed

to our mission of supporting and uplifting those in need. We appreciate Senator Seyarto seeing our dedication to the cause of promoting independence for our participants which is elevated by our use of EAL in tandem with our service dogs.”

Seyarto praised Rebel Ranch for its exceptional contributions to the community.

“Rebel Ranch exemplifies the spirit of service and dedication that is the hallmark of our district,” Seyarto said. “Their innovative programs and unwavering commitment to mental health and well-being are truly inspiring. Their work with veterans and first responders is particularly commendable, providing much-needed support and resources to those who have served our country.”

Learn more about Rebel Ranch and the services they provide at https://rebelranch.org.

Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, represents California’s 32nd Senate District, which includes the cities and communities of Aguanga, Anza, Borrego Springs, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Chino Hills, Corona, Desert Edge, Desert Hot Springs, El Sobrante, French Valley, Good Hope, Hemet, Homeland, Idyllwild, Julian, La Cresta, Lake Elsinore, Lake Mathews, Lakeland Village, Menifee, Mead Valley, Meadowbrook, Murrieta, Norco, Palm Springs, Sage, Sky Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Temescal Valley, Thousand Palms, Valle Vista, Whitewater, Wildomar, Winchester, Woodcrest and Yorba Linda.

California Fire Foundation grant program application period opens

CALIFORNIA – The California Fire Foundation is offering $25,000 Wildfire & Climate-Related Disaster Safety Grants to aid community preparedness across California.

As temperatures rise and California enters wildfire season, the urgency to prepare has never been greater. The California Statewide grant opportunity is available to all California-based community groups, nonprofit organizations, fire departments, firefighter associations and federally recognized tribes.

organizations keep their communities safer from food banks to fire departments and nonprofits, like Lemon Aide Project.

Last year, this California Fire Foundation Grant Program served 4.9 million Californians with $1.38 million in funds to help

“The Dixie Fire ravaged through Greenville and destroyed hundreds of homes,” according to Lemon Aide Project. “The funding received from the California Fire Foundation went directly to those

in dire need. Without this grant, we wouldn’t have been able to help in such a timely manner.” With up to $25K now available for each local project, groups are welcome to apply and help strengthen their communities. Funding areas include education, planning, or community outreach campaigns; vegetation mitigation & fuels reduction efforts and personal protective equipment or specialized firefighting equipment purchases. Applications are due by Sunday, June 30, and grants will be awarded in August 2024. To apply, visit http://cafirefoundation.org/grants Submitted by California Fire Foundation.

Rebel Ranch in Chino Hills is the 32nd Senate District Nonprofit of the Year. They provide therapy and outreach to veterans, first responders and children with physical or psychological disabilities. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Delaware jury convicts Hunter Biden on felony gun charges

Katelynn Richardson

Contributor, The Daily Caller

A Delaware jury convicted Hunter Biden on three felony gun charges Tuesday, June 11.

Special counsel David Weiss charged Hunter Biden in September on three counts relating to his purchase of a Colt Cobra revolver in October 2018, alleging he knowingly possessed the gun while addicted to drugs and made false statements on the purchase form. The jury found him guilty on all counts. Hunter Biden was indicted on separate tax charges in December. Last July, a deal that would have had Hunter Biden plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges and enter a diversion agreement for a felony gun charge fell apart under questioning by District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, who voiced concerns about an

immunity provision included in the diversion agreement. The diversion agreement stated Hunter Biden would not be criminally prosecuted for any crimes encompassed by the statement of facts in his plea deal, which listed the millions of dollars he received through foreign business dealings in China, Ukraine and Romania.

The payments, along with President Joe Biden’s involvement in his son’s business dealings, have been the subject of investigations by the House Oversight Committee.

Prosecutor Leo Wise admitted to Noreika at the time that he was not aware of precedent for an agreement not to prosecute crimes “that have nothing to do with the case or the charges being diverted.”

During the trial, prosecutors called a total of 10 witnesses and rested their case on Friday. Witnesses included multiple women

who were romantically involved with Hunter Biden, such as his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, his exgirlfriend Zoe Kestan and Hallie Biden, the widow of his late brother Beau Biden.

To show Hunter Biden was addicted to drugs at the time of his gun purchase, prosecutors cited portions of his memoir, Beautiful Things, where he elaborates on his drug use in 2018, as well as text messages he sent relating to his drug use.

“I was sleeping on a car smoking crack on 4th street and Rodney,” Hunter Biden wrote in a text from October 14, 2018.

Some evidence was obtained from the laptop he abandoned at a Delaware repair shop in April 2019. Special Counsel David Weiss shot down the defense’s challenge to the laptop’s authenticity, calling their argument in court filings “a conspiracy theory with

no supporting evidence.”

FBI agent Erika Jensen, a witness for prosecutors, confirmed on the stand that she had not seen any evidence of tampering with the data.

“The evidence was personal, it was ugly, it was overwhelming,” Wise said during closing arguments, according to NBC News. “It was also absolutely necessary.”

The defense argued that Hunter Biden did not believe he was an addict at the time of the purchase.

Naomi Biden, Hunter’s daughter, testified in his defense, speaking about two meetings with her father during 2018, one at a Los Angeles rehab facility during the summer and another in New York City during the fall.

Naomi Biden recalled that her father seemed during that summer “the clearest” she had seen him in the three years since her uncle’s death, The New York Times re-

ported. On cross-examination, prosecutors presented text messages from Hunter Biden’s visit to New York City in October 2018, where she was living at the time.

“I just want to hang out with you,” she wrote in one message, according to Politico. He apologized for being so “unreachable.”

Defense attorneys opted not to call President Joe Biden’s brother, James Biden, as a witness. Hunter Biden also did not testify in his own defense.

Many Biden family members attended the trial, including First Lady Jill Biden.

Hunter Biden’s California trail on federal tax charges is scheduled to take place in September.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service.

Judge Cannon rejects Trump request in classified documents case

President Trump’s bid to throw out a superseding indictment has been rejected, but the Florida judge agreed to strike one paragraph from the charging document.

Zachary Stieber

The Epoch Times

The federal judge overseeing one of the criminal cases against former President Donald Trump on June 10 rejected the former president’s bid to throw out some charges against him, although she ordered one paragraph struck from the superseding indictment in the case.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, the judge overseeing the case in a Florida federal court, sided mostly with the government.

Along with his co-defendants, former President Trump argued that the superseding indictment, which brought the obstruction charges he is facing, failed to state an offense and should be dismissed.

Special counsel Jack Smith and his team disagreed, asserting that the charging document was “more than sufficient” under the law.

Judge Cannon said there were issues with the indictment but that the issues did not warrant dismissal of the additional charges.

“The identified deficiencies, even if generating some arguable confusion, are either permitted by

law, raise evidentiary challenges not appropriate for disposition at this juncture, and/or do not require dismissal even if technically deficient, so long as the jury is instructed appropriately and presented with adequate verdict forms as to each defendants’ alleged conduct,” the judge, appointed under former President Trump, wrote in a 14-page order handed down on June 10.

In portions of the indictment, according to the former president and co-defendant Walt Nauta, the special counsel wrongly charged the defendants with multiple offenses within a single count.

Count 34, for instance, charged former President Trump and Mr. Nauta with violating a law that prohibits acting with the intent to cause or induce a person to withhold testimony or documents from an official proceeding. The superseding indictment states that the former president “attempted to persuade Trump attorney 1 to hide and conceal documents from a federal grand jury; and Trump and Nauta misled Trump attorney 1 by moving boxes with classification markings so that Trump attorney 1 would not find the documents and produce them

to a federal grand jury.”

“The count’s duplicity and misjoinder represents a core violation of Fed. R. Crim. P. 8, with maximum prejudice to the defendants through the blurring of defendants and charges in one count,” the defendants’ motion reads.

Judge Cannon ruled against the defendants’ argument, saying the counts were not charging them for two or more separate offenses.

“Although the specific pleading format employed in counts 34 and 36 appears somewhat unconventional and is susceptible to some confusion, the court is ultimately satisfied that neither count requires dismissal on grounds of duplicity,” she wrote.

“Neither count charges more than one crime—although given the pleading format, there likely will be a need for clear prompts (and separate verdict forms) requiring the jury to determine unanimously which means, if any, each of the two defendants charged in counts 34 and 36 used to commit the alleged crimes.”

Judge Cannon said arguments against some other counts should be decided by a jury and do not warrant dismissal at this time.

Paragraph Struck

The defendants then asked that the court, if it won’t throw out the charges, strike much of the indictment. They said the special counsel included “abundant surplusage of prejudicial, immaterial allegations.”

Mr. Smith said the indictment only contained information “relevant to the charges” and that none of the information was “inflammatory.”

Judge Cannon said she reviewed the indictment and concluded that the government published a “speaking indictment,” or an indictment that includes “various nonessential allegations more akin to a narrative about the government’s theory of prosecution.” She later said that much of the language was “legally unnecessary to serve the function of an indictment” but that she would, with one exception, not strike any of the allegations “because defendants have not clearly shown that the challenged allegations are flatly irrelevant or prejudicial.”

The single exception is a paragraph that describes former President Trump’s allegedly commenting on an ongoing military operation in another country while

showing a classified map of that country in a meeting with a representative of his political action committee at his golf course in New Jersey in 2021.

Mr. Smith’s team indicated in a recent hearing that the decision to include that paragraph was made because of federal rules that let prosecutors inform jurors about acts carried out by defendants even if the acts don’t support any particular charges that are brought.

“This is not appropriate,” Judge Cannon said. “The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure contemplate a specific procedure governing attempts to introduce evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts.” Sh e ordered that paragraph struck from the indictment. Judge Cannon could, at a later time, strike more from the document. In a footnote, she said she would not rule for now on a challenge from defendants relating to information purportedly from former President Trump’s attorneys because that matter is the subject of a pending motion.

Copyright 2024 The Epoch Times. Reprinted with permission.

PERRIS - Perris Auto Speedway

will be hosting two major shows in June. On June 22, the Avanti Windows and Doors USAC/CRA Sprint Cars will headline a show that will feature the GAS Chassis Young Gun Sprints, PAS Senior Sprints, and the PASSCAR Street Stocks and American Factory Stocks. One week later, on June 29, The PAS will host an early Independence Day show celebration when LKQ Pick Your Part presents Night of Destruction and the return of the biggest and best Fireworks show in Riverside County. Advance tickets for both shows remaining in June are available online at www.tix.com or by calling 800-595-4849.

The July 29 Night of Destruction will feature daring Figure 8 Racing, a wild Figure 8 Trailer Race, rough and tumble Mighty Mini Stocks on the challenging road course, no holds barred Demo Cross, and the crowd favorite Double Deckers. Fans can save money by purchasing tickets in advance at the website and phone number mentioned above. Advance tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for kids 6-12. Tickets at the track on race day for the June 29 show are $30 for adults and $10 for kids 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. The first 1,000 fans through the gates on June 29 will receive a free hot dog and an American flag. To keep up with everything

ENTERTAINMENT

happening at The PAS, please visit the track’s social media efforts on Facebook and Instagram and visit the website at perrisautospeedway. com. Perris Auto Speedway is conveniently located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds (home of the Southern California Fair), one hour east of Los Angeles and one hour North of San Diego. To get to the track, take the 215 freeway, exit on the Ramona Expressway, and go three miles east to the fairgrounds. For directions online, the address to enter is: 18700 Lake Perris Drive and the zip code is 92571. Submitted by Perris Auto

Bob Garver Special to Valley News

I’m not going to go into a lot of depth about the story in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” Miami detectives Mike Lowery (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) are back to have another cop adventure. They do some investigating, clash with superiors, run afoul of bad guys, the bad guys endanger their loved ones, and then there’s a big showdown with the bad guys at the end. There’s no suspense in predicting that the movie will stick to that formula. The real suspense comes from wondering what the action scenes will entail, what jokes will be cracked, and, this being a “Bad Boys” movie, how ridiculous it will all be. With that in mind, I have some thoughts… Will Smith is back! The A-lister’s career has gone through some major ups and downs the past few years, with the pinnacle of each coming at the same Oscars ceremony. He was unofficially suspended from the limelight for a while, but this movie marks his comeback. And I’m glad to have him back, with his blockbuster presence as strong as ever, if not with a sharper edge. Fans are eager to find out if and how the film will address Smith’s real-life bad boy behavior. I’ll give you this tease: someone gets slapped in this movie.

Martin Lawrence is back too. I don’t have much to say for his star power, but I will praise his performance. Marcus suffers a heart attack

early in the movie and spends much of his screentime spouting apparent nonsense about his experience in a coma. In the time since I saw this movie, I have encountered no fewer than two individuals on the New York City subway with similar tendencies. They made me appreciate Lawrence’s cadences in this movie.

I don’t know if it’s research or just keen observation, but he’s really got it down.

The evil plan of bad guy McGrath (Eric Dane) involves framing Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano), Marcus and Mike’s longtime superior who was killed in the last movie. The plan makes zero sense, since it draws attention and scrutiny to crimes that probably would have otherwise gone unnoticed. Howard himself has a sizeable presence in the movie, with everything from memorial photos and news footage to pre-recorded messages and appearances during near-death experiences. We know the characters miss him, but how can we miss him if he won’t go away?

Howard warns Mike and Marcus that there’s been a decades-long cartel mole in Miami. Realistically, how many characters could this be? Fellow team members played by Vanessa Hudgens and Alexander Ludwig are too young. Howard’s daughter (Rhea Seehorn) is a U.S. Marshall that probably doesn’t even live in Miami. I suppose it could be new captain Secada (Paola Nuñez), but I can’t help but notice that she’s engaged to a smarmy politician (Ioan Gruffudd). Does the movie

realize which of these two is the obvious suspect and who would count as subversive?

To get information on the mole, Mike and Marcus have to interview Mike’s imprisoned son Armando (Jacob Scipio) from the last movie. Eventually the three have to work together to combat the bad guys. I was skeptical about bringing Armando back, thinking that the character might not be interesting enough to span multiple movies. But I had nothing to worry about, Scipio makes a good action hero, better than he did a villain.

But Armando’s return has nothing on Reggie (Dennis McDonald), Marcus’s notoriously-bullied, seemingly-unmotivated son-in-law Turns out Mike isn’t the only one with a family member with action chops. As I was leaving this movie, nobody was talking about Will Smith, everybody was talking about Reggie. And I’ll say that Reggie is just what the movie needs to bump it up to a recommendation. I was on the fence about where I stood on the whole “it’s dumb, but it’s supposed to be dumb” attitude that these movies embrace. But with Reggie, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” has enough heart to cover the missing brain.

Grade: B-

“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is rated R for strong violence, language throughout and some sexual references.

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

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 – 8 a.m. Temecula Summer Camp offerings for children with a selection of educational and recreational activities. Children can make friends and discover new things. Space is limited. See camp dates and register at TemeculaCA.gov/Classes or contact Temecula Community Services Department, 951-694-6480.

Please check the webpages for the city you live in for the latest events happening for children and youths in your community this summer. There are many youth sports programs, educational programs, city park entertainment and more to keep children of all ages occupied and interested. Valley-Wide Recreation also has many children’s activities. Please visit www.gorecreation.org

COMMUNITY EVENTS

June 14 – 7-10 p.m. Menifee Moonlight Market: “Around the World” at La Ladera Park, 29629 La Ladera Road, Menifee.

June 15 – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Menifee Juneteenth Celebration at the Mt. San Jacinto College Menifee Campus, 28237 La Piedra Road, Menifee. Free. Vendors, entertainment.

June 15 – 2 p.m. 53rd Father’s Day Car Show at Murrieta’s California Oaks Sports Park, 40600 California Oaks Road, Murrieta. Classic, antique, sports and hot rods parked on the field. Vendors. Free admission. Through June 16 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

“The Newest Americans” exhibit at the Temecula Valley Museum is a series of portraits of Americans who have just received their citizenship. The traveling exhibit features 29 portraits by Sam Comen and interviews by Michael Estrin, capturing the experiences of immigrants from 23 countries. For more information, temeculavalleymuseum.org

June 15 – Noon-4 p.m. Hoedown at Living Free Animal Sanctuary. There will be live country music, dancing, BBQ hosted by the local fire department and family-friendly hayrides. There will be artwork made by the animal residents. Living Free is at 54250 Keen Camp Road in Mountain Center. Tickets are $10. For more information, contact events@livingfree.org

June 21 – Noon-8 p.m. Movies in the Park + Go Skate Day. Movie begins at dusk at Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park, 30376 Lone Pine Dr., Menifee.Vote for movie: https:// forms.office.com/g/R8rDJ1SuQr

June 22-23 – 1 p.m. 4th annual Old Town Music Festival presented by the Newman Hospitality Group now being held at the Murrieta Town Center Amphitheater in Murrieta. Top country stars. Tickets, information and prices at www.OldTownMusic Festival.com

June 29 – 4-8:30 p.m. Independence Celebration at Wheatfield Park, 30627 Menifee Road, Menifee. To become a vendor or participate in the parade, Visit www.joinlmwc.org

June 29 – 10 a.m. Murrieta’s 33rd annual Birthday Celebration at California Oaks Sports Park, 40600 California Oaks Road.

ONGOING – Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. The Sun City Farmers Market meets every Saturday at the Sun City Civic Association at 26850 Sun City Blvd., in Sun City with local vendors and crafts.

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

ONGOING – Line dancing classes are held Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. 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 951-674-2159.

ONGOING – Sun City Civic Association Monthly Square Dance sessions are held Sundays from 1:305 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 800-510-2020 for help.

ONGOING – Saturdays and Sundays only, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Temecula Winchester Swap Meet continues, 33280 Newport Road in Winchester. 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

Now through July 12 – Clean out your closets to help the awardwinning Tahquitz High School Cheerleaders in Hemet. They are collecting clothes of all kinds, household textiles such as blankets, curtains, pillows and more as well as shoes, stuffed animals, purses, wallets and other re-sellable items as a fundraiser to assist athletes who can’t afford to pay for competition entries. Proud cheer mom Danaca is willing to pick up any donations within a 30-mile radius. She can be reached at 951640-7463.

June 14 – Swim lesson scholarships available in Temecula in partnership with First 5 Riverside and the American Red Cross this summer. Low cost swim lessons for toddlers to adults at Chaparral High School at 27215 Nicolas Road; TES and MRC, 29119 Margarita Road. Scholarships cannot be used for lessons at the CRC pool. The cost for residents will be $5 per session and $15 per session for non-residents. Participants are required to complete the Confidential Scholarship Application found at TemeculaCA.gov/FirstFive to be considered for a Swim Lesson Scholarship. For more information, please contact the Class Hotline at 951-694-6480, or email Classes@ TemeculaCA.gov

June 14 – 8 a.m. Riverside County Veterans’ Advisory Committee (VAC) Legislative Breakfast at the American Legion Post 328, 3888 Old Hamner Road, Norco, CA Topic: “All About VA Vet Centers” & “Women Veterans Recognition Ceremony.”

June 14 – 10 a.m. The Temecula Valley Republican Women’s Club meets each month at the Wilson Creek Winery, 33960 Rancho California Road, Temecula. Memberships are now open. For questions, please contact Membership Chair Janine Plano at info@tvrwomen.org

June 14 – Temecula’s Summer/ Fall 2024 Guide to Leisure Activities by City of Temecula Community Services is now available to learn about upcoming classes and camps, programs and fun activities through November 2024. Registration for classes is now open. Guides will be mailed to Temecula residents and are available online. Browse online to find out about all the offerings. For more information visit TemeculaCA.

gov/Classes . Questions? Call the Class Hotline at 951-694-6480 or email Classes@TemeculaCA.go v. Follow @TemeculaParksAndRec on social media.

June 14 – 8 a.m. Temecula’s 4th of July Parade entry applications are now available online. Temecula’s community parade will take place on July 4, stepping off at 10 a.m. sharp at the intersection of Old Town Front St. and 2nd St. Interested participants can complete Parade Entry Applications and view Parade Guidelines online by visiting TemeculaCA.

gov/4thofJuly

June 14 – 6-9

rieta Youth Center, 40644 California Oaks Road, Murrieta. $2 admission. Guardians, caregivers free. Register at MurrietaCA.gov/classes

June 15 – 12-2 p.m. Military Care Packing event for MilVet at the Diamond Taproom, 500 Diamond Drive in Lake Elsinore. Pack military care packages with Storm staff and players. RSVP required. www.milvet. org/storm24

June 15 – 7 p.m. “Twisted Gypsy” is a tribute to Fleetwood Mac at the Historic Hemet Theater, 216 E. Florida Ave., Hemet. $30 and up.

June 17 - 6 p.m. Lake Elsinore Historical Society June meeting at the Lake Elsinore Cultural Center, 183 North Main Street Lake Elsinore.

June 18 - 12 noon - CRC Ranch Summer Market, 43101 Anza Road, Temecula. Guests can take horseback trail rides seven days a week. A Western Town is open every weekend for BBQ and refreshments, music, and outdoor games. Children can play cornhole or grab a lasso and capture a stationary “junior steer.” See unique Conestoga Wagons suited for glamping as well as trail rides and special outdoor market events that include food trucks, vendors, pony rides, games, live music, and more.

June 25 – Noon to 2 p.m. MilVet hosting a packing of military care packages with Elsinore Storm staff and players in collaboration with ThunderCares, the charitable arm of Storm Baseball. RSVP is required. Contact www.milvet.org/storm24

June 28 – 2-5 p.m. Clothing Drive for RCCAT-served children to take place at SAFE Family Justice Center at 28910 Pujol Street in Temecula. Donate gently used or new clothing for children ages newborn to 18 years of age that are being served by the Riverside County Child Assessment Team. RCCAT is responsible for conducting physical assessments of victimized children whose clothing is often taken for forensic purposes. New clothing is provided in these instances. For more information, contact hopecollab@fsaca.org or call 951-686-3750.

June 22-23 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lee DeForest Amateur Radio Club presents a HAM radio field day in McSweeny Park in the South Village Loop in Hemet. Part of the American Ham Radio Summer Field Day event. Free.

ONGOING – Temecula Valley Genealogical Society hosts the Family History Research Assistance Program for those interested in learning more about their family roots. The society offers free research assistance through this volunteer program. Ap-

pointments are available in person or via Zoom. Contact the TVGS Family Research Coordinator at tvgs. research.assist@gmail.com

ONGOING – Temecula’s Path of Honor at the Temecula Duck Pond, 28250 Ynez Road. A program to give a place to remember and honor veterans from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and the World War II Merchant Marines with a permanent paver. Pavers cost $185. Orders may be placed yearround and are consolidated, engraved and placed on the path annually each November. For more information, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/ Veterans or contact the Temecula Community Services Department at 951-694-6480.

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

ONGOING – Assistance League of Temecula Valley hosts a meeting for its member volunteers and guests every first Tuesday of the month (dark in July) at their facility at 28720 Via Montezuma, Temecula at 9:30 a.m. social and 10 a.m. meeting. The meeting room is adjacent to the thrift shop. Anyone interested in exploring volunteering or learning more about the organization is welcome to attend. Email altemecula@yahoo.com for more information.

ONGOING – Multiple Sclerosis Support Group 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 g augustin206@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 fee of $21.95. The course includes animated driving scenarios, instructional videos, sample tests, licensed instructor available

to answer questions, DMV-approved certificate of completion with all lectures and exams completed from home. Designed for students and does not include behind-the-wheel instruction or a California driver’s permit. Contact 951-723-3880 or visit the city of Menifee to register at www.cityof 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 12-step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia, has meetings throughout the U.S. and the world. Contact 781-932-6300, or for local meetings, call 925-321-0170 or visit www.foodaddicts.org

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

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

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

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

ONGOING – The Dorland Scribblers meet the second Sunday of each month from 1-3 p.m. at 36701 Highway 79 South, Temecula. We welcome fiction, non-fiction, poets, memoir and screenwriters. We host writing-craft discussions; attendees may read up to a five minute excerpt from their work for feedback/critique. RSVP at www.dorlandartscolony.com/sunday-scribblers.html

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Summer Blockbusters

June 14 – 20, 2024

Local high school athletes shine as 202324 All-CIF selections

JP Raineri Sports Editor

The CIF Southern Section offices have officially released their selections for the 2023-24 All-CIF boys’ and girls’ high school players from the spring season, presented by the LA84 Foundation. As selected by coaches from their specific sport, this year, several local athletes have earned top spots. This week the Valley News recognized the following student athletes for their exceptional performances in their respective sports: boys’ volleyball and girls’ lacrosse. These athletes have displayed incredible talent and dedication, making not only their schools and coaches, but their communities as well.

2023-24 Boys Volleyball All CIF-SS (Release Date: May 22)

Division 4

Murrieta Mesa’s volleyball team boasts two standout athletes who have been recognized for their remarkable contributions:

Patrick Falliaux (12th Grade, Outside Hitter)

Luca Corelli (11th Grade, Setter)

Both players have demonstrated outstanding skill and teamwork, making them key figures in their team’s success this season.

2024 Girls Lacrosse All CIF-

SS (Release Date: June 2)

Division 2

Abby Brant (12th Grade, Goalie, Chaparral)

Riley Jarrett (12th Grade, Midfielder, Vista Murrieta)

Division 3

Temecula Valley High School has been particularly successful, with the following players making the list:

Local standout shines in Oregon Baseball run at NCAA Super Regionals

JP Raineri Sports

Editor

COLLEGE STATION, TX — Oregon was seeded No. 3 in the Santa Barbara Regional, and advanced to the Super Regional this past weekend, for the second consecutive year. The Ducks put together an impressive performance, including a 6-3 victory over UCSB to advance, and in their starting lineup is third baseman Carter Garate, a former standout from Murrieta Mesa High School.

Garate, who was named MVP of the UCSB Regional Bracket, has become a significant contributor to the Ducks’ success. Garate’s transition from shortstop to third base has been a seamless one. During the regular season, the sophomore started 55 games, hitting .276 with three home runs and accumulating 50 hits. His journey from high school accolades—earning Second Team All-Southwestern League and All-CIF honors as a junior (2021), followed by First Team All-SWL honors as a senior in 2022—to excelling in college baseball is a testament to his dedication and talent.

The stage was set in Texas this past weekend, and in a thrilling display of resilience and skill, the Oregon Ducks baseball team fought to stay alive for a College World Series berth. Despite dropping the first game of the best-ofthree series against Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday with a score of 10-6, the Ducks were determined to bounce back in the NCAA Super Regional round.

The Ducks’ sights were set on forcing a decisive third game by squaring the series on Sunday, but what turned out to be a thrilling start ended in heartbreak.

“It’s a tougher pill to swallow when you don’t play up to the level you know you can play up to, and traditionally have played up to,” said Oregon head coach Mark Wasikowski. “So, it was disappointing. We got off to a good start but didn’t play a complete game in either matchup whatsoever.”

To keep their College World Series hopes alive, the Ducks needed to win the next two games against the Aggies. In game two, the Ducks displayed their

Murrieta Mesa Outside Hitter, Patrick Falliaux, was named All CIF in Division 4.

After the best season in his high school career, junior setter, Luca Corelli, from Murrieta Mesa, was named All CIF in Division 4.

Valley News/Courtesy photos

Kelsey Lurkins, a senior Midfielder from Temecula Valley High School, was named All CIF in Division 3.

Aubrey Chang, a junior Attacker from Temecula Valley High School, was named All CIF in Division 3.

Carter Garate, a 2022 graduate from Murrieta Mesa, was named MVP of the UCSB Regional round during the first weekend of the NCAA Men’s World Series Tournament with Oregon. Valley News/Oregon Athletics photos

2022 Murrieta Mesa graduate, Carter Garate, advanced to the Super Regional round of NCAA Men’s World Series Tournament with Oregon for the second straight season.

see CIF, page B-2

see GARATE, page B-3

Fallbrook’s Billy Allen shines at 2024 AVP Huntington Beach Open

JP Raineri Sports Editor

The 2024 beach volleyball season kicked off with a bang on Thursday, May 16, at the Huntington Beach Open. The tournament, which drew beach volleyball enthusiasts and sports fans from across the country, saw some of the sport’s finest athletes competing for top honors. Among these athletes, one name stood out: Billy Allen from Fallbrook.

Allen’s performance at the 2024 AVP Huntington Beach Open was nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his defensive skills, Allen led the tournament in digs per set, averaging over a full dig more per set than his closest competitors, Evan Cory, and Tim

Bomgren. With a total of 56 digs, Allen was just three digs shy of claiming the title of Dig Leader for the tournament. His standout performance included recording the most digs in a two-set match with 19 against Tri Bourne and Chaim Schalk.

Allen’s defensive mastery was pivotal in his team’s success, displaying his ability to read the game and react swiftly to opponents’ attacks. His performance not only solidified his reputation as one of the best defenders in the sport but also earned him the coveted title of Best Defender at the Huntington Beach Open.

2024 also marks Allen’s first season as an assistant coach for the Stanford beach volleyball program. Allen joined the Cardinals

after a successful stint with the California Golden Bears’ indoor volleyball program. During his time with the Bears, Allen helped the team achieve their first winning record since 2019, finishing the season at 16-15 (5-15 Pac-12) with an undefeated 11-0 non-conference record. Under his guidance, three players earned their first career All-Pac-12 awards.

“I am over the moon to welcome Billy to the coaching staff at Stanford,” noted Stanford head coach Fuller. “Billy has been one of the best beach volleyball players on the professional tour for the last two decades, and he will bring a wealth of experience to the team. Billy can synthesize and deliver messages to players in fun and creative ways, guiding them as unique individuals, all with a competitive spirit for which I have had immense respect throughout our friendship.”

Allen’s journey in volleyball began in his hometown of Fallbrook, where he grew up playing

beach volleyball with his family in Oceanside. He played college indoor volleyball at Cal State Northridge, where he often snuck away to play beach volleyball before home matches. His persistence paid off when he qualified for his first AVP tournament with fellow Matador Ty Tramblie.

Over the years, Allen has become a consistent main draw player, partnering with various athletes, including Braidy Halverson and Theo Brunner. Allen won his first AVP tournament in 2016 at the Seattle Open with Brunner and defended his title the following year, partnering with Stafford Slick to secure Slick’s first and only championship in 2017.

In addition to his professional career, Allen is an accomplished author and podcast host. He has written two coaching books, “Coach Your Brains Out: The Art and Science of Coaching Volleyball” and “The Inner Knight: Train and Compete Like A Champion.” He also co-hosts the popular vol-

fellow AVP pro Janelle Allen, have one son, Ketch. As the 2024 beach volleyball season unfolds, all eyes will be on Billy Allen as he continues to excel both as a player and a coach. His dedication to the sport, coupled with his impressive defensive skills and coaching acumen, makes him a formidable figure in the world of beach volleyball. Whether he’s on the sand or on the sidelines, Allen’s impact on the game is undeniable. For more updates and statistics on the 2024 beach volleyball season, visit www.avp.com. Fans can also follow Billy Allen’s journey and stay tuned for more exciting performances and achievements from this exceptional athlete and coach by visiting www.BillyKetchAllen.com.

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

2024 ORN Dirt Lifestyle Festival coming up at North County Mall

The biggest off-road show in San Diego County is almost here!

The 2024 ORN Dirt Lifestyle Festival will take place at the North County Mall on Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This event promises to be legendary, uniting off-road enthusiasts and automotive lovers for a full day of action-packed fun.

CIF from page B-1

Kelsey Lurkins (12th Grade, Midfielder)

Aubrey Chang (11th Grade, Attacker)

Janelle Monaghan (11th Grade, Goalie)

Kaylee Cadez (11th Grade, Midfielder)

These athletes have shown exceptional prowess on the field, contributing significantly to their teams’ performances throughout the season.

2024 Boys Lacrosse All CIF

(Release Date: June 2) Unfortunately, no local players were selected for boys’ lacrosse this season. However, the recognition of girls’ lacrosse players highlights the growing talent in our area.

All of these athletes have not only excelled in their sports but have also become role models

The ORN Dirt Lifestyle Festival stands as the ultimate action sports-inspired expo, featuring leading industry vendors, exhibits, and displays highlighting the latest parts and accessories. Attendees can look forward to live music, freestyle motocross shows, the ORN Car Show, food and beverages, a raffle, and a kids zone. The festival celebrates the brands that represent each of its core disciplines, from off-roading

and racing to UTVs, overlanding, Jeeps, moto, and more.

Main Attractions Freestyle Motocross: Witness jaw-dropping tricks and stunts by the Fitz Army.

ORN Car Show: Highlighting some of the best vehicle builds in the off-road game.

Vendors and Exhibits: Explore the latest products and innovations from top industry brands.

Live Music: Enjoy performances throughout the day.

Kids Zone: Fun activities for the younger crowd.

Food and Beverages: Delicious options to keep you fueled.

Awards and Giveaways: Participate in raffles and win exciting prizes.

Autographs and Meet & Greets: Meet top teams, drivers, and riders.

Company or brands interested in displaying your products or want to be a part of the ORN Car Show, contact the organization as soon as possible to secure a spot. Prime vendor space is available in 10foot blocks, with early registration prices starting at $500. Exclusive sponsorship opportunities are also available for those looking to make a significant impact.

and

To RSVP for the VIP viewing or for more information, please reach out to ORN Event Creator/ Coordinator Rat Sult at ratsult@ gmail.com or call 760-533-9380.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a monumental event that keeps the off-road culture strong, one show at a time.

The 2024 ORN Dirt Lifestyle

Festival will be held at the North County Mall, located at 272 E. Via Rancho Pkwy, Escondido. Tickets are priced at $10 at the gate, and children under 5 years old enter for free. This is a family-friendly event, so bring everyone along for a day filled with excitement and adventure.

leyball coaching podcast “Coach Your Brains Out.”

Off the court, Allen is a devoted family man. He and his wife,

Fallbrook’s Billy Allen, pictured here digging the ball at a past tournament, was named the best defender of the AVP Huntington Beach Open.

With a total of 56 digs, Fallbrook’s Billy Allen was named the best defender of the AVP Huntington Beach Open. Valley News/David Canales photos

JP Raineri Sports Editor

Janelle Monaghan, a junior Goalie from Temecula Valley High School, was named All CIF in Division 3.

Kaylee Cadez, a junior Midfielder from Temecula Valley High School, was named All CIF in Division 3. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Jeeper Jon getting TWEAKED during the 4 Wheel Parts Car Crush at a past Method Race Wheels ORN Festival. Valley News/Courtesy photos

The 2024 ORN Dirt Lifestyle Festival will take place at the North County Mall on Saturday, June 22.

Lake Elsinore Storm shutout Quakes in series sweep at The Diamond

JP Raineri Sports Editor

The Lake Elsinore Storm capped off an impressive series by shutting out the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, 2-0, on Sunday, June 2. This victory marked a historic moment as it completed the first-ever six-game sweep of the Quakes since the six-game series format was introduced in 2021.

Key moments and highlights

The Storm’s first run came in an atypical yet thrilling fashion.

Braedon Karpathios hit a stand-up, inside-the-park home run when his ball faded into the left-field wall, bounced past the Quakes’ left fielder, and rolled back into the field. The left fielder took his time retrieving the ball, allowing Karpathios to sprint home with ease.

Chase Valentine contributed the second run with a single up the middle, adding to his impressive homestand stats. He finished with his tenth hit and ninth RBI, boasting an OPS of 1.362. These two runs were all the Storm needed to

secure their victory.

The Storm’s pitching was equally commendable. Starter Miguel Mendez pitched three innings, allowing three hits and striking out three batters. The bullpen, consisting of Javier Chacon, Xavier Ruiz, Thomas Balboni Jr., and Kobe Robinson, combined to give up only five hits while striking out seven. Robinson was called to the mound to close the game and ended the afternoon with a strikeout, sealing the shutout.

With this victory, the Storm now lead the California League South by three games, with 17 games remaining in the first half. They recently went 2-4 on the road against the last-placed Inland Empire 66ers. The Storm will face Stockton this week before taking on Visalia next week.

The Lake Elsinore Storm’s performance in this series has set a high bar, proving their dominance and resilience. As they continue their push for the top of the league, fans can look forward to more thrilling moments and stellar

June 2.

gameplay. Check out the Valley News social media channels for opportunities to win tickets to games and visit www.stormbase-

San Jacinto High School receives National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School Award

Program recognizes high schools that prioritize keeping young athletes safe

SAN JACINTO - San Jacinto

High School is the recipient of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School award for its athletics programs. The award champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that have met the recommended standards to improve safety in sports. The award reinforces the importance of providing the best level of care, injury prevention, and treatment.

“San Jacinto High School is honored to receive a 2nd Team recognition from NATA and deeply appreciative for the service Dr. Keasha Russell provides to our athletes. The training Dr. Russell provides the students in our Sports Medicine Career Technical Pathway inspires our students to a new level of excellence,” stated Dr. Kristi Coulter, SJHS Principal.

“We remain committed to keeping our student athletes safe so they can accomplish their own goals of great competition, winning records, fair sportsmanship, and good health. Our goal is to lead our athletics program to the highest safety standards for our players.”

In order to achieve Safe Sports School status, athletic programs must do the following:

● Create a positive athletic

health care administrative system

● Provide or coordinate pre-participation physical examinations

● Promote safe and appropriate practice and competition facilities

● Plan for selection, fit function and proper maintenance of athletic equipment

● Provide a permanent, appropriately equipped area to evaluate and treat injured athletes

● Develop injury and illness prevention strategies, including protocols for environmental conditions

● Provide or facilitate injury intervention

● Create and rehearse a venuespecific Emergency Action Plan

● Provide or facilitate psychosocial consultation and nutritional counseling/education

● Be sure athletes and parents are educated about the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities

To apply, schools complete an in-depth questionnaire that assesses adherence to best practice standards and recommendations. For more information about the Safe Sports School Award, please visit www.athletictrainers.org.

Submitted by San Jacinto Unified School District.

GARATE from page B-1 battle in the NCAA Super Regionals, but under Coach Wasikowski’s leadership, the team has made remarkable progress, reaching the postseason of the NCAA Tournament for four consecutive seasons.

determination with a powerful start, hitting back-to-back-to-back home runs in the first inning.

However, a disastrous seventh inning saw Texas A&M score nine runs off one single, seven walks, and a grand slam, resulting in a 15-9 defeat for Oregon.

Garate’s Super Regional run had him going 3 for 7 with an RBI, a run scored, one strike out and one hit by pitch. The Oregon Ducks’ season ends with a hard-fought

As Garate and his teammates continue to develop, the future looks bright for Oregon baseball. For more information, follow the NCAA tournament brackets and updates at ncaa.com. Send any local sports updates to sports@reedermedia.com.

The Lake Elsinore Storm completed their first ever six game sweep of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes with a 2-0 win Sunday,

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Courtesy photos

Heat and young athletes

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA –

Is your teen hoping to make the cut at this year’s team tryouts? Make sure they can take the heat – literally. As summer gets hotter and children return to school, they will start participating in sports tryouts and practices, and some will experience heat-related problems.

Dr. Dennis Khalili-Borna, physician-in-charge of family medicine and regional physician lead of sports medicine at Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County, shared some tips on extreme heat and young athletes.

“When participating in the heat, it is important to remember two important things: keep cool and stay hydrated,” Khalili-Borna said. “These are two separate concepts, and one does not replace the other.”

If you plan to exercise while it’s hot outside:

Keeping cool means seeking shade whenever possible if you must be out in direct sunlight.

Opting for activities when temperatures are not at their highest can make a big difference.

Wear lightweight and breathable clothing, preferably lighter colors, if out in the sunlight.

Take frequent breaks when possible.

Cold compresses, wet towels, and misters can help to cool down during breaks.

Stay hydrated.

“Staying hydrated with water is always important,” Khalili-Borna said.

Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more.

“Sports drinks can be helpful when engaging in more vigorous activities where sweat losses are more significant, as they can also help replenish electrolytes,” Khalili-Borna said.

Staying hydrated is also an important way to help reduce the chances of muscle cramping. Take a break.

Be wary of signs of heat exhaustion, which include headaches, nausea, excessive fatigue and dizziness. Worrisome symptoms of heat stroke include altered mental status or confusion.

“If you experience these, it is important to cool down immediately with ice packs, especially at the central core areas – the back of the neck and chest/trunk – and to seek immediate medical attention,” Khalili-Borna said.

Parents and coaches need to pay even more attention to those who play sports that require wearing heavy equipment, like football.

Studies have shown that the risk of developing a heat-related illness is 11.4 times higher in football than in all other sports combined.

Extreme heat can be dangerous, so it is important to prioritize safety while enjoying sports during the summer. Contact your primary care physician if you have any questions regarding heat safety for young athletes.

Submitted by Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region.

It’s important for young athletes to keep cool and hydrated while being active in the heat. Valley News/Pixabay photo (pexels.com)

Are sugar substitutes bad for you? Yes

Dr. Jennifer Brix, ND Special to ValleyNews

Sugar substitutes were once touted as a miracle food because they had no calories, needed no land for growing and didn’t appear to impact blood sugar levels or weight. Synthetic sugars have now been suggested to cause weight gain, increase cancer risk and play a role in cardiovascular disease.

Common synthetic sugar substitutes include saccharin, aspartame, sucralose and erythritol. Some were discovered accidentally, while others were created with the goal of being the next big thing in the low-calorie or no-calorie sweetener world.

What about real sugar?

The pressure real sugar puts on our bodies includes an increased demand on the pancreas to release insulin. Over time, it can create burnout, causing more sugar to stick around in the bloodstream rather than our cells, damaging sensitive tissues like nerves, kidneys, eyes and blood vessels. What starts as insulin resistance leads to Type 2 diabetes, weight gain, obesity, heart disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

NAFLD is something onequarter of Canadians have, and the U.S. rates aren’t much better. In 2023, 100 million Americans were diagnosed with NAFLD, with even more being undiagnosed. Sugar intake is a major player in NAFLD, which can lead to cirrhosis, cancer and liver transplantation, so it

makes sense that a substitute for sugar should be a good thing, and one to reduce these risks and create a healthier population.

They are not a healthier choice, however, and in 2023, the World Health Organization cautioned against the use of sugar substitutes because of their potential cancercausing attributes and inability to improve weight outcomes. Another detail is that these potential health risks have been known for years. In animals, aspartame was shown to be carcinogenic in the early 2000s.

No safe place for our sweet tooth.

Humans were not designed to process high levels of sweeteners – natural or not – and the brain was not geared to be rewarded with sweet things daily. But many people don’t realize they are consuming the equivalent of three desserts per day. The WHO suggested people keep their daily intake of sugar to less than 50g, although the average North American consumes closer to 80g. Rather than replacing this sugar addiction with another just-as-unhealthy one, focus on real foods like whole fruit to get the sweetness you crave and read labels. The sugar in whole foods doesn’t count toward the 50g limit, while that in anything with a label, from processed grains, vegetables and fruits, including dried fruits and fruit juice, does.

Watch the sugar balance.

It is important to know that the amount of artificial sweetener you

Going native in your garden, Part 1 of 3

Roger Boddaert

Special to ValleyNews

California native plants, which are adapted to the local climate, can tolerate extended periods of heat and drought in their natural setting, and the many plants covering the hills throughout Southern California display great resilience during the long, hot and dry periods of the year.

After years of drought, the landscape has benefited from the past two rainy winters and the effects speak for themselves.

To get started on a native garden, there are a few ways to go about it.

Have a landscape plan ready.

If you live near open space, look at the hillsides, visit native gardens, preserves, botanical gardens and gather ideas, themes of what you’d like the native, drought tolerant garden to look like.

There are also many low water non-native plants that blend in very nicely with the natives and can complement each other.

Keep in the mind the mature size of the plants you select.

Spacing is important when designing a garden. Be patient. Watch the garden develop over time.

Visit these local places with native plants:

Santa Rosa Plateau, west of Murrieta.

Palomares Botanical Garden, in Fallbrook.

San Diego Botanical Gardens, in Encinitas (formerly Quail Gardens).

California Botanic Garden, in Claremont (formerly Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens).

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, in Vista.

Los Angeles Botanical Gardens, in Arcadia. Tree of Life Nursery, in San Juan Capistrano.

Fallbrook Public Utilities District, in Fallbrook.

Spring time and early summer are the best time to view native plants as they usually are at their peak. Then again, gardeners should also recognize the value of what other seasons offer. Once you’ve had a chance to visit some of these gardens, you will have a better idea of what you want your garden to look like. Take photos and jot down plant names and ideas.

Water is a precious resource and what is planted can have a great impact on how much water the garden will consume. I’m not suggesting pulling out your existing landscape, instead look at what you have and what you want to keep and build on that. Some older plants can have great, distinctive character and work very well in a new drought tolerant garden.

My best suggestion is to do your homework. The end result will be a beautiful earth-friendly garden that will please you and all who visit as

The dwarf native iris blooms in yellow.

it grows and matures. In Part 2 of “Going native in your garden,” I will share more information on California natives and other drought tolerant plants. Roger Boddaert, Maker of Natural Gardens, can be reached at 760-728-4297.

Wanna be the coolest this summer?

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna Special to Valley News

It’s hot out there and with even warmer months ahead, staying prepared for high heat is key in coping with it, reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Here are some tips to avoid heat-related health problems.

If available, stay in an airconditioned area during the hottest hours of the day.

Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty.

Take cool showers.

Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car.

Keep pets cool in hot weather.

Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day.

Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun.

Avoid using the oven to cook.

An extremely high body temperature (103 degrees or higher), dizziness, nausea, confusion, and headache are signs of heat stroke or exhaustion. If someone shows these signs, call 911 and begin cooling the individual. Here are some actions to help cool someone.

Move them to a shaded area. Spray with cool water and fan-

ning them. Place them in a cool shower if they are alert. Monitor the body temperature and continue cooling efforts. Do not give the victim fluids to drink.

People age 65 and older, infants and children, and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress. People with elderly neighbors should check in on their well-being. This can be done while adhering to social distancing recommendations in person or by phone or video conferencing if available.

Stay cool!

Sam DiGiovanna is a 35-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as fire chief at the Monrovia Fire Department and currently serves as chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale.

Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s). We make no guarantee of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

TESTS PERFORMED TO MONITOR AND ENSURE QUALITY

EMWD is committeed to providing a safe, high quality and reliable water supply while protecting public health. Learn more at www.emwd.org/water-quality

White native coral bell is a little plant in the landscape. Valley News/Roger Boddaert photos

The Matilija poppy needs room to expand. It blooms from May through June.

Grey wormwood creeps on the ground.

Temecula Valley students receive Student of the Year honors

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

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 32nd annual Student of the Year Scholarship & Recognition Ceremony Friday, May 17, 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 to the award recipients by the program’s sponsors. The volunteer led program allows for all funds to be used toward the monthly meals, gifts and scholarships.

Student of the Year honors were presented to Chaparral High School’s Madison Galat, Great Oak High School’s Bradley Morgan, Linfield Christian High School’s Joseph Cox, Rancho Christian High School’s Samuel Horng, Rancho Vista High School’s Isabelle Manjarrez, Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School’s Kayla Latscha, Susan H. Nelson

Answers for puzzle on page A-11

High School’s Ashley Archer, Temecula Preparatory School’s Mursal Danish and Temecula Valley High School’s Avery Steele.

Each one was invited to the podium by their principal who presented them with a keepsake medal. 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.

Madison Galat

Chaparral High School’s Student of the Month in December was Galat who said her passion has always been to work with children with special needs. She served as president all four years of the Impact Club, which bridges the gap between special education students and their peers on campus.

“I also had a part in bringing Unified Sports to Chaparral which allows for students to participate and compete on teams in six different sports,” Galat said.

In the fall, she will attend Boise State University to study special education with a minor in American Sign Language.

“I hope to be able to continue to make a difference in the lives of those with disabilities working to make our world a fully inclusive place where everyone feels as though they belong, no matter where they are,” she said.

Bradley Morgan

Great Oak High School chose Morgan as its February Student of the Month. With a 5.0 GPA, he is the class of 2024 salutatorian. He is a full IB diploma candidate, is an AP Scholar with Distinction and has earned multiliteracy seals.

“I combined my passion for STEM learning with my love for learning and I joined the Cybersecurity Club during online learning in my freshman year,” Morgan said. “I became president in my junior year.”

The group, who called themselves Cyber Patriots, started Teens Teaching Tech, a community service program at the Temecula Public Library that helps older adults in the community with technology

questions. Morgan plans to study mechanical engineering at University of California Los Angeles and may earn a degree in computer science as well.

Joseph Cox

Cox was Linfield Christian’s Student of the Month in September.

“Throughout my time in high school, I’ve discovered that I am passionate about serving others locally and beyond,” he said. “The various service-related activities I participated in, whether as an ASB leader or as a public library volunteer, have been the most transformative experiences of my high school career.”

Cox, who founded the school’s Students for Veterans club, said that as a servant and a leader, there are two things he enjoys most: bringing people together for a common good and building genuine relationships with his peers. He will be attending University of California Los Angeles to study materials engineering to hopefully one day design and develop products and solutions that will have a meaningful impact on human lives.

Samuel Horng

Rancho Christian High School chose Horng as its January Student of the Month, and he is the valedictorian for his graduating class.

“I wanted to be the greatest example for others,” Samuel said. “These aspirations stem from doubts and criticism from others. One of my deepest passions throughout my high school career was to help those who are underserved. At my school, I co-founded the Interact Club through Rotary.”

The group assists with many community service projects. He will attend University of California Berkeley in the fall to study nutritional science.

“After that I plan on going to medical school to eventually become an orthopedic surgeon,” Horng said. “I’ve always loved sports; I’ve been a basketball player for 16 years or so and it’s just been a deep passion of mine to help other athletes.”

Isabelle Manjarrez

Rancho Vista High School’s Student of the Month in October was Ma njarrez, and Principal David Schlottman said she played a key part in unifying the campus during

its recent cultural fair. He said she has positively impacted the school as students constantly sought her out for advice and assistance. She was an early graduate in March.

“I always struggled at academics and went to three high schools before coming to Rancho Vista,” Manjarrez said. “I always had a passion to help others and one of my passions is skin care.”

She plans to attend Paul Mitchell The School Temecula, a cosmetology and beauty school, to become a licensed esthetician and help others feel the best they can about themselves.

Kayla Latscha

Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School’s September Student of the Month was Latscha, who attended the school from kindergarten. Principal Annette Zaleski said she is intense about her academics but leads with compassion and looks for opportunities to help others be inclusive. She said one of Saint Jeanne’s well-known phrases is: “If only I had a thousand lives...” referencing her passion and unending desire to do God’s work among children and young people. Zaleski said Latscha is one of those lives.

“My passion is making a positive difference in someone’s life,” Latscha said. “I strive to make a difference in my community.”

She plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing to become a nurse anesthetist.

Ashley Archer

Susan H. Nelson High School’s Student of the Month for April was Archer. Principal David Schlottman said she found her calling after visiting Chapel Coffee in Murrieta and connected with the owners who asked her to lead prayers and talk to people passing by the chapel. She found it to be a very moving experience and found fulfillment and happiness in helping others.

“When I think of who my heart beats for, it’s Jesus,” Archer said.

“My passion is tangibly loving those God loves, preaching the gospel and sharing the love that binds us all together.”

She will be attending Vanguard University to study pastoral leadership and theology with hopes of becoming a chaplain and a pastor Mursal Danish Temecula Preparatory School

honored Danish as Student of the Month in September. Latin teacher Shoh Ueno said Danish exemplifies the joy of service, having been involved with ASB for years. Danish said it took her awhile to truly develop her love for community service but being part of the National Honor Society since seventh grade and serving as president this year has helped. She said over the years she has seen students’ passion for service dying out.

“As president, I made it my goal to bring back that passion on campus,” Danish said. “I wish to continue my community service and continue to inspire others and for them to keep inspiring me.”

She will attend University of California Berkeley to study psychology with the hopes of continuing to positively affect those around her

Avery Steele Temecula Valley High School chose Steele as its December Student of the Month. Principal Donna Leone said she is a scholar athlete, who excels in both areas, and has completed two civic engagement projects.

“I have many passions; however, my main and greatest passion is to help others,” said Steele, who has contributed more than 250 hours of community service this year alone.

She is a nationally ranked tennis player who doesn’t know how to get a B grade in any class.

“I look forward to all the things that I have to learn and all the ways I can further serve my community,” Steel said.

She will study nursing at the University of Michigan where she has received the Presidential Scholarship.

Closing remarks Myers returned to the podium to address all the students.

“I am so grateful for each one of you,” she said. “You all are being honored today because you are selfless; you look at others and you see their need. God has given each of you gifts and talents and you’re using them for a purpose that is greater than yourself.”

For more information, contact program chair Amber Poncy at 951676-5090 or visit http://temecula. org/student-of-the-month.

Temecula partners with First 5 Riverside and the American Red Cross for swim lesson scholarships this summer

TEMECULA ─ The city of Temecula said it understands the importance of water safety and providing the community with low-cost swim lessons. In that effort, Temecula partnered with First 5 Riverside and the American Red Cross to offer scholarships to offset the cost of swim lessons for the summer 2024 season.

Scholarships are available for all ages and can be used for youth group lessons, adaptive lessons and adult lessons that are held at the following pools only: Chap-

arral High School, 27215 Nicolas Road; Temecula Elementary School, 29119 Margarita Road, and Margarita Recreation Center, 29119 Margarita Road. Scholarships cannot be used for lessons at the Community Recreation Center pool, 30875 Rancho Vista Road. The cost for residents will be $5 per session and $15 per session for non-residents. Participants are required to complete the confidential scholarship application found at http://TemeculaCA.gov/ FirstFive to be considered for a

swim lesson scholarship. If your application is accepted, you will receive a discount code to be used when registering for swim lessons. For more information, contact the class hotline at 951-694-6480, or email Classes@TemeculaCA. gov . For additional information about all aquatic programs from Temecula’s Community Services Department, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/Aquatics, and follow @ TemeculaAquatics on social media for updates. Submitted by city of Temecula.

Recipients of the Temecula Valley Student of the Year award for 2023-2024 include from left, Madison Galat, Bradley Morgan, Joseph Cox, Kayla Latscha, Isabelle Manjarrez, Ashley Archer, Mursal Danish, Samuel Horng and Avery Steele. Valley News/John P. Hess photo, Creative Industries Media Group Inc.

Temecula Valley Tourism study reveals travel spending grew to $1.1B

Hospitality employment numbers exceed previous records

TEMECULA – Visit Temecula Valley announced the results of its 2023 tourism economic impact report. Direct travel related spending grew to $1.1 billion, an increase of $65.6 million or 6.4% over 2022. Travel-related hospitality employment reached a new high with the creation of 9,510 jobs, which exceeds all previous records. There were 300 additional jobs generated in 2023, reflecting a 3.3% increase over 2022. The Economic Impact of Travel in Temecula Valley report, prepared by Dean Runyan Associates, measures economic activity associated with travelrelated spending, employment, earnings and taxes.

Temecula Valley welcomed approximately 3.3 million visitors in 2023, a 3.7% increase from 3.2 million in 2022. It included overnight visitors from more than a 50-mile distance. On average, visitors who stayed in a hotel or motel spent $427 per day and stayed at least two days. Hospitality workers help sustain tourism, from executive and management roles to frontline staff and local business owners and includes lodging, food and beverage, retail, recreation, entertainment, transportation and more.

“This is Visit Temecula Valley’s 20th Anniversary, and it’s a great time to acknowledge our amazing tourism partners who dedicate themselves to making Temecula Valley a premiere and sustainable tourism destination,” Scott A. Wilson, CEO of Visit Temecula

Valley, said. “Their impact helps us continue our mission of stimulating the growth of tourism and attracting visitors from around the world.”

Direct travel-generated earnings in 2023 increased to $367 million, a gain of 8.9% compared to the previous year. State and local tax revenue due to travel in 2023 was $48.9 million, up 4.6% from 2022. Travel spending contributes to a tax savings of $200 per household, up from $156 in 2023.

Visitors spent $176.6 million on accommodations in 2023, a $9.2 million or 5.5% increase over 2022. Visitors who stayed in a hotel, motel or short-term rental contributed $720.7 million of visitor spending, a $58.1 million or 8.8% increase over 2022. Taxable lodging sales reached $104.7 million in 2023, a $8.3 million or 8.6% increase compared to the previous year.

Retail sales rose to $100.4 million in 2023, up from $97.6 million in 2022, a 2.9% increase. The arts, entertainment and recreation sector brought in $362 million, a 9.8% increase from the previous year. Food Service increased to $205 million, a 10.4% increase from 2022.

Travel spending from outside visitors goes into the city of Temecula’s general fund and is used to enhance city residents’ quality of life including road improvements, public safety and beautification. “As the numbers show, tourism plays a huge role in the economic

stability of the Temecula Valley,” Michael Feeley, Visit Temecula Valley chair of the board and executive director of the Pechanga Development Corporation, said. “Travel spending translates into jobs, earnings and tax revenue, and it plays an essential role in fueling our local economy.”

The direct travel impacts reported in this analysis were estimated using DRA’s Regional Travel Impact Model. The RTIM involves modeling of private and public data at the county level, ensuring that the final findings correspond closely with the various travel indicators available for each respective county. Results are then aggregated to regions and the state or disaggregated to the city level based on relevant indicators at these geographic levels.

An all-season tourism destination with a mild climate, the drive to Temecula Valley is less

than two hours from every major metro area in Southern California including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs. Temecula is surrounded by rolling hills, beautiful vineyards and has breathtaking mountain views, making it a top choice for millions of visitors each year.

Visit Temecula Valley is a nonprofit 501 (c)(6) destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism-related businesses including wineries, restaurants, breweries, retail and specialty boutiques, hotels, shortterm rentals and more. It is a popular Southern California destination that includes Temecula Valley Wine Country, Old Town Temecula and Pechanga Resort Casino. In 2019, Wine Enthusiast named Temecula Valley a 10 Best Wine Travel Destination in the world. For more information, visit http:// www.visittemeculavalley.com.

Kennedy/Jenks given EMWD final design contract for Soboba sewer

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District board awarded Kennedy/ Jenks Consultants the final design contract for the Soboba Sewer Project.

Because Kennedy/Jenks had performed the preliminary design work the June 5 action officially approved an amendment to the design contract to cover final design, trenchless design, and surveying services for the gravity sewer. Kennedy/Jenks, which is based in San Francisco and has offices in San Diego and Murrieta, will be paid an additional $425,604 for the work. The board action also approved a $32,450 contract with Woodard & Curran, which is headquartered in Sacramento with offices in San Diego and Irvine, for third-party trenchless design review of the Soboba Sewer Project. The board authorized total additional appropriations of $635,158 which will also cover $70,000 for engineering branch labor costs during the final design phase, $7,500 for the final preparation of plans and specifications, $7,500 for bid process expenses including labor as well as material and advertising costs, $5,000 for a metals and asbestos analysis, $5,000 for potholing, and a $60,000 contingency.

The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians completed the construction of a new resort and casino in February 2019. Eastern and

Soboba approved an agreement for sewer service to the first phase of the Soboba development. A February 2019 Riverside County Board of Supervisors action approved the sale of three county-owned parcels totaling 4.48 acres to Eastern, which will allow Eastern to construct a sewer line to the Soboba Hotel. Eastern may also use the land to develop groundwater resources through new infrastructure which conveys and recharges imported water for use and for water rights banking, and the district may also be able to build facilities to capture and recharge stormwater from the nearby Meridian Channel.

The timing of Soboba’s Phase 1 development project did not allow for the design and construction of a permanent solution to accommodate projected buildout flows for the tributary area, so Eastern and Soboba agreed that in the interim the tribe would replace the existing temporary lift station with a new temporary lift station sized to accommodate its Phase 1 development and existing tributary sewer flows only. Additional development by the Soboba Tribe, referred to as Phase 2, is projected to occur in the near future and will contribute additional wastewater flows to the existing interim sewer facilities. In addition to the Phase 2 development, Soboba is also considering septic-to-sewer conversion of Tribal lands with the possibility that the additional sewer flow would ultimately be

collected by the existing sewer system and conveyed to Eastern for treatment. The Soboba Sewer Project is pursuing the necessary work required to define and implement a permanent sewer system solution between the existing Soboba II Lift Station and the gravity sewer on the south side of the San Jacinto River.

In late 2022 Soboba pursued a septic to sewer conversion feasibility study for residents on Tribal lands. The study had the potential to increase the ultimate flows delivered to EMWD infrastructure and therefore would impact piping and equipment sizing for the project. After the feasibility study was completed Soboba indicated the Tribe will be pursuing a septicto-sewer conversion project. The sewer line to the hotel will be coordinated with that conversion project.

In February 2023 Kennedy/ Jenks was awarded a $420,582 preliminary design contract for the Soboba Sewer Project. The work analyzed multiple alternatives including upgrading the existing temporary lift station and re-using the existing force main, constructing a new regional lift station and force main, and foregoing the need for a lift station by constructing a new gravity sewer. The Soboba Tribe was consulted about those alternatives, and a consensus was reached that constructing a new gravity sewer is the preferred option for both Eastern and Soboba. The gravity sewer

option is the most cost-effective compared to all other alternatives, enables the temporary lift station to be demolished, and results in reduced maintenance, noise, odor, and aesthetic impacts to the golf course compared to operating a lift station.

The planned gravity sewer will be approximately 3,700 feet long and 15 inches in diameter. It will begin at the existing temporary lift station site and traverse the Soboba Springs Golf Course, crossing underneath the San Jacinto River via trenchless technology, before terminating into an existing EMWD manhole southwest of the San Jacinto River West Levee. EMWD and Soboba will coordinate the design elements to ensure maintenance access for EMWD staff while minimizing operations and aesthetic impacts to the golf course. The existing lift station and its associated force main will be demolished and abandoned following construction completion of the new gravity sewer. Heavy metals and asbestos testing will characterize any potentially hazardous materials at the existing lift station.

The Kennedy/Jenks scope of work includes bid support. Including a two-month bidding period Kennedy/Jenks anticipates the work to be a ten-month process. Joe Naiman can be reached via email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

EMWD increases Canterwood CFD bond issuance amount

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District approved an increase in the maximum authorized bonded indebtedness for the Canterwood community facilities district.

A 4-0 EMWD board vote June 5, with Randy Record absent, approved an increase in the maximum amount of bonded indebtedness from $4,500,000 to $7,000,000. The motion also amended the rate and method of apportionment for the CFD which will be funded by a property tax assessment. A property owner election was required to approve the amendments, but landowner

BRPLD, LLC, is the only prop-

erty owner of the currently undeveloped land and the June 5 action also certified the results of the election.

The planned Canterwood development is in Winchester north of Craig Avenue, south of Holland Road, west of Eucalyptus Road, and east of Leon Road. The 158.18-acre property would be subdivided into 446 single-family homes along with 25 open space lots, nine drainage basin lots, and 45.6 acres of roadway. The open space land will include a community park and more than 13,000 linear feet of trails or paseos.

The November 1 EMWD meeting included approval of the

C FD for Canterwood and the authorization of up to $4,500,000 of bonded indebtedness. A community facilities district includes a special tax (sometimes known as Mello-Roos taxes due to the state legislators who authored the option for services on new development to be funded by an annual assessment) to fund the services and/or infrastructure. A Joint Communities Facilities Agreement stipulates the collection and distribution process for the taxes. If the one percent property tax is not sufficient to pay for maintenance, fire protection, and other services a CFD may be formed for those services and that CFD would be perpetual. A CFD

may also pay for infrastructure including capacity fees which are charged to developers to cover the new development’s share of existing infrastructure, and that assessment ends when the bonds are paid off. The CFD may also pay for the reimbursement to government agencies for their staff time and other expenses to form the CFD, the cost to issue bonds, and the annual costs to administer the CFD. An assessment must be approved by a majority of property owners, although a developer who owns a property before it is subdivided may cast the sole vote in favor of a CFD which will be binding upon subsequent property owners.

The tax for the Canterwood CFD will be levied through Fiscal Year 2067-68. Changes in home prices caused the request to increase the bonded indebtedness of the CFD. The new amount will cover the entire estimated $3,307,536 for the water financial participation fee, $1,129,260 of the estimated $2,938,694 sewer treatment plant capacity charge, and $963,204 of financing expenses. The expenses will vary due to inflation and other factors which cannot currently be determined, so the actual expenses may exceed those amounts.

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

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District board authorized a contract to rehabilitate 51 manholes in Menifee and Murrieta.

The board voted 5-0 June 5, with Randy Record absent, to authorize a contract with National Coating and Lining Company for the manhole rehabilitation. The Murrieta company will be paid $314,878, and the board action authorized a total of $362,000 for the project which will also cover

a 15% contingency in the event unforeseen circumstances warrant a change order.

Eastern has more than 43,000 manholes which convey sewage from homes and businesses to the district’s treatment plants. Manhole structures can become compromised by the corrosive gases present in a sanitary sewer system. If the structures are compromised they must be rehabilitated to restore the integrity of the concrete structures. A protective liner is also installed to protect the new concrete and to ensure long-term

structural reliability.

The contract approved June 5 will rehabilitate 19 manholes on Benton Road and Duclair Road, 17 manholes on Wickerd Road and Garbani Road, and 15 manholes on Whitewood Road and Pittman Lane. EMWD staff advertised a request for proposals January 18, and three bids were received by the February 21 deadline. The National Coating and Lining Company low bid of $314,878 covers $144,353 for the Wickerd Road and Garbani Road manholes, $110,385 for the

Benton Road and Duclair Road work, and $60,140 for the Whitewood Road and Pittman Lane rehabilitation. The project scope of work requires the contractor to furnish all labor, material, and equipment and to provide required traffic control services including plans and obtaining traffic control and encroachment permits. Sancon Technologies of Huntington Beach provided the second-lowest bid of $565,731. The work will include preparing the interior manhole surface by removing and replacing cor-

roded or missing concrete and injecting slurry to seal cracks. Exposed rebar will be treated and protected in place or replaced if the corrosion of steel is greater than 20%t. Previously-installed ladder rungs will be removed. Epoxy and polyurethane-based protective coating will be applied, and spark test coating will ensure proper application. Joe Naiman can be reached via email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District board awarded CCL Contracting, Inc., the EMWD contract to construct a transmission pipeline which will close a gap along Scott Road in Menifee.

The board’s 4-0 vote June 5, with Randy Record absent, awarded the Escondido company a $1,621,980 contract for the construction work. A separate $130,575 engineering support services contract with Kennedy/

Jenks Consultants, which is based in San Francisco and has offices in San Diego and Murrieta, was also approved as part of the motion. The action also authorized EM WD general manager Joe Mouawad to issue contracts with necessary suppliers and engineering support consultants and approved total new appropriations of $2,356,900 for the project which will also cover geotechnical and survey support, inspections, internal labor costs, and a $162,198 contingency Eastern’s Water Facilities Mas-

CLASSIFIEDS

ter Plan identifies a need for additional transmission capacity in the 1698K Keller pressure zone. A transmission pipeline to close a gap along Scott Road would improve transmission capacity and operational reliability, and such a pipeline would also alleviate projected low pressures in the 1698K Keller pressure zone under certain operating conditions due to increasing demand.

The pipeline will be along Scott Road beginning at the intersection at Menifee Road and running east for approximately 800 feet.

EMWD staff solicited bids for the construction contract, and five companies responded by the April 17 deadline. CCL Contracting had the low bid of $1,621,980. Downing Construction, Inc., of Redlands had the second-lowest bid amount of $1,695,018 and Hemet-based Genesis Construction provided the third-lowest bid at $1,805,440. The contract calls for the construction work to be completed within 360 calendar days after the stipulated start date. Kennedy/ Jenks was the engineer of record

during the design phase, and EMWD staff members worked with that company on a scope of work and fee for engineering support services during construction. The support services will include reviews of submittals, requests for information, review of change orders, site visits, preparation of electronic operations and maintenance manuals, and preparation of record drawings.

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

Great Oak High School

Mt. San Jacinto College

Murrieta Valley High School

Temecula Valley High School

Murrieta Mesa High School

West Valley High School

Noli Indian School

Tahquitz High School

Great Oak High School

Temecula Valley High School

Hemet High School

Alessandro High School

Liberty High School

Chaparral High School

Chaparral High School

Hemet High School • Hemet, CA

Valedictorian Adriana Garcia

Valley News/HUSD courtesy photos

Valley News/HUSD courtesy photos

Valley News/HUSD courtesy photos

Murrieta Mesa High School • Murrieta, CA

Murrieta Mesa High School class 2024 graduates are seated during their graduation, May 30. Murrieta Mesa High

Perris

Murrieta Valley High School class of 2024 graduates walk during their graduation ceremony, May 30. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Murrieta Valley High School class of 2024 graduates arrive at their graduation ceremony.

A Murrieta Valley High School class of 2024 graduate smiles in the sunshine.

Jasmine Connolly, Shekinah Coronado, Angelica Dang, Kylie Davis, Derrick Davis, Michelle De Ala, Rica Mae De Jonghe, Ashley Diaz, Sebastian Eoff, Evelyn Figueroa, Lexi Flores, Miguel Flowers, Imani Gallas,

Class of 2024

Avery Pryor, Daishawn Putney, Kamryn Ramirez, Brianna Reed, Nyonah Robertson, Marcus Rodriguez, Silvester Rojas, Caleb Sadeq, Maryam Shaw, Konnor Sobek, Maeby Southwell, Ezra Suarez, Francinn Eunice Thompson, Troy

Liberty

High School commencement ceremony honors its first graduating class

Tony Ault Staff Writer

More than 300 seniors dressed in their blue and white gowns, the colors of the Liberty High School Bisons, filled Bison Stadium under the bright sunshine for their high school commencement ceremony Tuesday, June 4.

The Bison graduates of Liberty High School knew they would soon go down in history as the first graduating class from the Perris Union High School District’s newest high school. The school opened in 2021 in the midst of the pandemic, with 1,000 freshmen and sophomores. Liberty High School is located in Winchester just outside of Menifee on Leon Road. The late afternoon commencement was an unforgettable time for the graduates with more than 2,000 parents, friends, relatives and associates filling the new Bison Stadium. The joy of the special event was well beyond the initial problems of parking in the fields all around the school’s streets and neighborhoods that afternoon with shuttles running to and from the stadium making the trek a

little easier.

The traditional processional played by the Liberty Bison Band accompanied the seniors as they took their seats which were designated by banners from their specific career pathways: School of Business and Entrepreneurship; School of Engineering, Innovation, and Design; School of Health Sciences and Medical Technology and School of Public Service and Leadership. The pathways are designed to prepare students to be college bound and learn valuable skills for their future careers.

Once the students were seated, Principal Erika Tejeda gave the opening address with Associated Student Body President Noah Nuno, with all standing hand over hearts reciting the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of the national anthem by students Michael Mirabel, Kamryn Putney, Nick Salesky and Annalyssa Young.

Tejeda introduced special guests including the PUHSD board members, Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman and City Council member Lesa Sobek, the Liberty High

School administration and staff, and the guest speakers. Guest speaker and PUHSD board member David G. Nelissen with American Sign Language deaf and hard of hearing interpreter Alyssa Nelissen congratulated the first graduating class of Liberty High School, urging each of them to “determine their own fate” no matter what life gives them. He said in life they should be “brief, be brilliant and significant.”

He said he believed that even if the students face fear, “the greatest fear is fear itself” as President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said. He concluded, “You are your own engine, and you are your own brake,” inspiring them to continue achieving future goals in their lives.

Tejeda brought Denbert Burguillos, who is the class salutatorian, to the podium who congratulated his fellow students and praised the help of his parents from the Philippines who helped him achieve graduation day. He urged all his fellow students to move forward and reach things that may seem impossible at times.

Next was Kerolos Habib, who is the class of 2024’s

valedictorian and told his classmates, “Wherever you’re going, whatever you’re doing, make the best of it.”

He thanked many of his teachers and friends for helping him achieve success in his high school career.

“Best of luck with everything,” Habib told his graduating classmates.

The ASB president offered a gift of appreciation from the Bison class of 2024 to Tejeda who presented the Liberty class of 2024 to PUHSD Superintendent Grant Bennett, saying that the seniors earned all the necessary credits for their high school diplomas. They were accepted as a class, and the procession began with the students from each school receiving their diplomas.

As the last student to receive his diploma took his seat, the class performed the traditional high school ceremony of moving their blue and white tassels hanging from their mortarboard from right to left signifying their accomplishment of graduating high school.

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

The first Liberty High School senior, known to his fellow classmates as JJ, uses a mechanical walker for the first time to cross the Bison Stadium stage to receive his diploma to the cheers of his many classmates and school staff.

The Liberty High School graduate walks down the Bison field graduation stage with his diploma in hand after four years of hard classwork. Valley News/Tony Ault photos

Perris Union High School District board members and Superintendent Grant Bennett present diplomas to senior graduating students at Liberty High School in Winchester.

Several thousand parents, friends and relatives of Liberty High School seniors fill the Bison Stadium in Winchester to witness its first commencement exercise. The stands were alive with shouts and cheers as their favorite graduating seniors received their diplomas.

Banners like this one from Liberty High School’s Health Science and Medical Technology school designated the seniors’ schools during the graduation ceremonies.

Chaparral High School • Temecula, CA

Chaparral High School class of 2024 graduates receive their diplomas, June 6. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Chaparral High School graduates celebrate as

Temecula Valley High School class of 2024 graduates enter the stadium for their graduation ceremony, June 6.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Temecula Valley High School class of 2024 honor graduates enter the stadium for their graduation ceremony.

Temecula Valley High School class of 2024 graduates enter the stadium for their graduation exercise.

Temecula Valley High School class of 2024 graduates enter the stadium for their graduation ceremony.

Anthony Elias smiles and waves at family as he takes his seat during the 2024 graduation ceremony at Great Oak High School Thursday, June 6. Valley News/Andrew Foulk photos

Happy graduates enter the stadium during the 2024 graduation ceremony at Great Oak High School.

Graduates wave to family as they enter the stadium during the 2024 graduation ceremony at Great Oak High School

Graduates are silhouetted against the sun as they enter the stadium during the 2024 graduation ceremony at Great Oak High School Thursday, June 6.

Pablo Jimenez waves to family as he and other honors students are recognized during the 2024 graduation ceremony at Great Oak High School

Willow Scharf sings “Almost There” before the start of the 2024 graduation ceremony at Great Oak High School

Noli

Suzette Almada, San Juan Southern Paiute

Breanna Casarez, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Jesse Cruz, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Jasmine Lemus, Oglala Sioux of Pine Ridge

Nataly Lemus, Oglala Sioux of Pine Ridge

Deangelo Mangilinan (Valedictorian), Cahuilla Band of Indians

Luisa Rivera (Salutatorian), Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Raymond Russell II, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Anthony Salgado, Cahuilla Band of Indians

Leandro Silvas IV, Soboba Band of

Matthew

Mt. San Jacinto College celebrates ‘A Legacy of Transformation’ at the 2024 Commencement

TEMECULA — Two prestigious national scholarship recipients, a veteran re-entering the workforce, and a proud mother and her son were among the record-number of graduates who participated in the Mt. San Jacinto College commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 23 at Pechanga Resort Casino.

Caris Sandino, 28, of Beaumont, was one of the two MSJC graduates to receive the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Scholarship. The coveted scholarship was awarded to only 60 students across the nation. She said joining the MSJC Honors Enrichment Program was one of the best decisions she’s made.

“I am really happy with my experience at MSJC,” Sandino said. “It helped me grow personally and academically as well.”

Of the 2,183 students earning degrees and certificates this year, 974 graduates walked in one of two ceremonies, marking the highest number of students to date participating in commencement.

The MSJC Class of 2024 earned a total of 2,848 degrees and certificates, as some students earn more than one degree, certificate or a combination of both.

The ceremony honored the college district’s 60th anniversary with the theme “A Legacy of Transformation.” MSJC began its anniversary celebration in the 2023-24 academic year to mark the 1963 opening of the college. Its first graduating class was celebrated in 1965, with a total of eight students.

Sandino came to the U.S. from Nicaragua when she was 11 with her mother and is the first in her family to graduate from college. She founded MSJC’s Eagles DREAMers Club, which provides a safe space for undocumented

students to network, advocate, and get the support they need to succeed.

“Launching Eagles DREAMers has been one of the most personally meaningful accomplishments in my college journey,” Sandino said. “It’s been an incredible privilege to advocate for and support our undocumented student community, knowing that our efforts have the power to impact lives and foster inclusivity within our college community.”

Her leadership and hard work in the classroom helped her earn the Cooke scholarship. Sandino will transfer to the University of California, Berkeley to major in business administration.

Temecula resident Joseph Awad, who served as Student Trustee this past year at MSJC, was the second MSJC graduate to receive the Cooke scholarship in 2024. Awad will transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles to major in psychology.

Like Sandino, Awad joined the Honors Enrichment Program and was recognized for several significant research projects, including an Outstanding Abstract award from the Honors Transfer Council of California’s Research Conference held at University of California, Riverside in April for his research on “Contextualizing the Lived Experiences of Queer Arabs: Understanding the Dimensions & Manifestations of Fear.”

Awad, 20, said his experiences and success seem surreal given his background as a self-described “first-generation, queer, Arab immigrant, wannabe college student.” He credited his success to his mentors and “many kind souls at MSJC.”

“I hope the past three years of my life can show how much you

Husband and wife Eric and Carolyn Ellis from Lake Elsinore graduated MSJC together as members of the class of 2024.

can change somebody’s life by investing in them and their story, and for that I’ll always be grateful,” Awad said.

Lake Elsinore residents Eric Ellis, 35, and his wife, Carolyn Ellis, 38, celebrated a milestone as they crossed the stage together.

Eric, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, plans to become a social worker to support fellow veterans in their mental health journeys.

Carolyn plans to transfer to Loma Linda University to become a surgical technician.

“MSJC provided all the building blocks we needed to reach our goals and have meaningful careers,” Carolyn Ellis said.

Jilema Silver, 44, of San Jacinto, said she was proud to graduate MSJC with her son, Cameron Britt, 23. Silver said she started pursuing a degree in business, but through her work at MSJC’s Veterans Resource Center, she

decided to receive a second degree in psychology so she could help others. In addition, Silver served as the vice president of the Student Government Association, went to a conference in Washington, D.C. and learned how important it was to “speak up on matters.”

“I love MSJC,” Silver said before the ceremony. “I love everything that it’s done for me, [and] the professors and I just grew as a person.”

Silver is transferring to California State University, San Bernardino and said her son is already earning money with his degree in digital media, serving in a paid internship

through the city of Menifee. Silver served as a student speaker during the morning graduation ceremony. She thanked her son for sharing in the journey, faculty for their support, and peers for becoming friends and companions.

“As we step out into the world, let us do so with heads held high, knowing that the legacy of transformation we leave behind will continue to inspire and uplift others for generations to come,” Silver told the Class of 2024. “I leave you with these final words: Remember you can do anything and everything – except give up.”

Submitted by MSJC.

Mt. San Jacinto College • San Jacinto, Menifee & Temecula, CA

Luiseño Indians

Torres, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

The Noli Indian School Class of 2024 is, seated from left, Nataly Lemus, Suzette Almada, Luisa Rivera, Jasmine Lemus and Breanna Casarez. Standing, from left, are Leandro Silvas IV, Jesse Cruz, Raymond Russell II, Anthony Salgado, Deangelo Mangilinan and Matthew Torres.

Salutatorian Luisa Rivera reacts to supporters in the audience during her speech at the Noli Indian School commencement ceremony, June 4.

Valedictorian Deangelo Mangilinan enters the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center, followed by Raymond Russell and other fellow graduates at the start of Noli Indian School’s commencement.

[Left] Teacher Jacquelin Phillips takes a selfie with the 11 Noli Indian School seniors before commencement begins on June 4.

Valley News/MSJC courtesy photos

Suspect arrested after extensive search in Anza neighborhood

County

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

deputies begin their search for a suspect at a property in Anza

A search for a 29-year-old male suspect led Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies to deploy K-9 teams and less-lethal weapons as they canvassed an Anza neighborhood Saturday, June 8. At 12:06 p.m., deputies responded to the 38000 block of Bahrman Road in Anza for a

restraining order violation. The reporting party stated that a family member was at the location against the restraining order and was physical with a female. When deputies arrived, the

suspect had left the scene, according to Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Sergeant Wenndy BritoGonzalez. Sheriff’s deputies quickly

Riverside

Sheriff’s

Saturday, June 8.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo organized a search for the suspect. A Sheriff’s Department helicopter orbited the area as K-9 units deployed. Witnesses reported that

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

This summer, 10-year-old Elijah Mendez from Hamilton Elementary will join other

Hamilton Elementary fifth grade student Elijah Mendez has been nominated to take part in Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forum Pathways to STEM: Residential Program this summer. Anza Valley

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

Anza Community Hall Swap

Meet - Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. $15 for a spot with membership. $18 for a spot without membership. Vendors wanted. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. See membership information under “Organizations.”

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.”

JULIE REEDER,

MALINA GUGEL,

Editorial

J.P. RAINERI,

SHANE GIBSON, Staff

TONY AULT, Staff Writer

DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer

JOE NAIMAN, Writer

ROGER BODDAERT, Writer

Advertising

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Production

KARINA RAMOS YOUNG, Art Director

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SAMANTHA GORMAN, Graphic Artist

Digital Services

MARIO MORALES

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 – A 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 1st and 3rd 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 – Dinners at 1 p.m. 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 nondenominational 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 4th 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 – 4 p.m. Meetings are on the third Tuesday 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 – Meetings at 1 p.m. 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 –Meetings are held at 9:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. For more information see our Facebook page or contact Pat Sprint at jpsprint@gmail.com or Ellen Elmore at luvtoquilt2@ gmail.com

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.

Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the 1st Thursday of the month at the Anza Community Hall, 43275 Chapman Road in Anza. The social hour is 11:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. Contact Carol Wright at 951-7632884 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. Single memberships are $30 and include discounts to events for one person and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Family memberships are $50 and include discounts for a family up to 5 members and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Business memberships are $50 and allows an employer to receive discounts for up to 5 people, including themselves, and includes 1 vote on elections and meetings. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets. 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. For more information, call 951-282-4267 or email achageneral@gmail.com or visit www.anzacommunitybuilding. org

Anza Civic Improvement League – 9 a.m. meets the first Saturday of each month at the Little Red Schoolhouse. The league maintains Minor Park and the Little Red School House, which are both available to rent for events. No government funds are allowed; the membership pays the bills – $10 a person, $18 family or $35 business membership. For more information, visit www. anzacivic.org.

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK

Sheriff’s Blotter

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Anza Valley Outlook

Sheriff’s Blotter is a list of calls that allows residents to see what law enforcement activity is occurring in their communities.

The Sheriff’s Blotter data is obtained from the official calls for service records kept by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. However, calls where the release of the information could cause harm to an individual or jeopardize the investigation of a criminal case are excluded.

All calls listed are for service within the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction in the unincorporated areas of Anza, Lake Riverside Estates, Cahuilla and Aguanga from June 3 through June 9. June 3 Follow-up - address withheld,

from page D-1

campus of Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Fifth grader Mendez has been nominated to take part in the National Youth Leadership Forum Pathways to STEM: Residential Program, one of the Envision by WorldStrides’ family of programs that enable students to explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM education in elementary school is an interdisciplinary approach that combines these subjects into projects that are relevant to real life, helping students develop skills that are important for their future careers, such as problem solving, creativity, and collaboration. Mendez was nominated to attend this forum by his Hamilton Elementary teacher, Mrs. Victoria Freeman. In addition to receiving multiple awards for his hard work and dedication this past year - including Student of the Month, PBIS, PRO Award, PE

Anza, handled by deputy Public disturbance - 4100 block Terwilliger Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Suspicious person - 5600 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy Civil dispute - 5900 block Everett Rd., Anza, handled by deputy June 5 Public disturbance - 3900 block Pioneer Wy., Anza, handled by deputy Vandalism - 5600 block Cahuilla Rd., Anza, unfounded Follow-up - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy Assist other department - 5600 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy Suicide threat - address withheld, Anza, unfounded Public disturbance - 5000 block Bradford Rd., Anza,

Award, ELA Award, and the Outstanding Perfect Attendance Award - Mendez is also passionate about sports and plays football, basketball and loves wrestling. Mendez is looking forward to this experience and is thrilled to learn more about Engineering, Medicine and Forensic Science, according to his teacher.

“I am excited for Elijah Mendez to meet, work and collaborate with fellow high-aspiring students from other cities and schools,” said Dr. Jan Sikorsky, Vice President, Education for Envision. “NYLF Pathways to STEM: Residential Program is a wonderful opportunity for ambitious young students to explore their interests outside the classroom and discover how to innovate and think creatively through handson immersive learning. Our students are challenged with realworld simulations and problems, working together to develop unique solutions and projects to bring life to their studies and career interests.”

For over 35 years, Envision by WorldStrides has empowered

handled by deputy

Harassing phone calls - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy

Unknown trouble - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy

June 6

Battery - 3800 block Contreras Rd., Anza, report taken Public disturbance - 5800 block Burnt Valley Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Parking violation - address undefined, Anza, report taken Trespassing - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy

Vandalism - 5900 block Everett Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Fraud - 1000 block Roan Wy./ Crazy Horse Canyon Dr., Lake Riverside, handled by deputy

Public assist - 3800 block Manzanita Mountain Ln., Anza, handled by deputy

Follow-up - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy

extraordinary students to become their best selves through programs that enable them to discover their passion, explore a career, and positively impact their world. In 2018, Envision became part of the WorldStrides family. As the largest

Together, we can keep Anza Electric Co-op strong and moving forward. Vote D.F. “Pebbles” Lewis for Board of Directors!

– Thank you, D.F. “Pebbles” Lewis

June 7

Alarm call - 5600 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy

June 8

Assist other departmentaddress undefined, Aguanga, handled by deputy

Assist other department - 5900

block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy

Public disturbance - 4100 block Terwilliger Rd., Anza, handled by deputy

Check the welfare - 5900 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy

Public assist - 5600 block St. Hwy. 371 Anza, handled by deputy

June 9

Alarm call - 4200 block

Rambling Ln., Lake Riverside, handled by deputy

Unattended death - address withheld, Lake Riverside, report taken

provider of educational travel and experiences in the United States, WorldStrides works with over 50,000 educators each year to help more than 550,000 students see the world - and themselves - in new ways.

Suspicious vehicle - 3900 block Pioneer Wy., Anza, handled by deputy

Assault w/ deadly weapon - address undefined, Anza, unfounded

Assist other departmentAddress undefined, Anza, handled by deputy No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content provided in the Sheriff’s Blotter. Residents with information regarding any crimes are encouraged to contact the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at 951-791-3400. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, 909987-5005 or https://wetip.com. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

For more information about Envision by WorldStrides’ family of programs, visit www. envisionexperience.com.

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

Hi Neighbors, I am D.F. “Pebbles” Lewis, and like many of you, I’ve called Anza home for a long time – 35 years to be exact! As a small business owner here, I’ve seen first hand the importance of a strong,reliable internet connection and a ordable electricity. That’s why I’m excited to announce my candidacy for the Board of Directors at Anza Co-op!

For decades, I’ve been actively involved in our community, and I understand the needs and challenges we face. As a member of the Board, I’ll bring my business experience and dedication to ensuring Anza Electric Co-op continues to provide us with the essential services we rely on.

Here’s what I stand for:

• A ordable & Reliable Utilities: Keeping your electricity and internet costs down while ensuring top-notch service.

• Community Focus: Prioritizing the needs and voices of Anza residents.

• Transparency & Open Communication: Working for you and keeping you informed.

I’m passionate about making Anza an even better place to live and work. I believe my experience and commitment make me a strong candidate for the Board. Join me!

• Spread the Word: Tell your friends and neighbors about my candidacy.

The Sheriff’s Blotter enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

MENDEZ

deputies were seen bearing lethal and less-lethal weapons, according to residents. Bahrman Road was closed as the area was carefully searched.

Witnesses heard shots fired, later identified as less-lethal rounds deployed against the suspect, according to a family member at the scene.

The male was taken into custody at approximately 2 p.m., suffering from less-lethal round and K-9 wounds, according to a family member. He was assisted by deputies and treated by paramedics who transported him for further medical care.

The suspect was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for obstruction, domestic violence, violation of a domestic violence restraining order, criminal threats, stalking, attempted murder, and violation of probation. His next court date was set on Wednesday, June 12.

Residents with information regarding any crimes are encouraged to contact the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at 951-791-3400.

Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, 909-987-5005 or https://wetip.com.

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

Paramedics arrive to

when he was apprehended and taken into custody

A Riverside County Sheriff’s helicopter orbits the area to aid in the search for a suspect in Anza Saturday, June 8.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Deputies and K-9 officers discuss the search for a suspect in Anza Saturday,

CLERK. LEGAL: 4128 PUBLISHED: June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number:R-202406079 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: GORILLA LANDSCAPING 20177 Bryant St, Wildomar, CA 92595 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1795, Fallbrook, CA 92088 County: Riverside Amador --Torres, P.O. Box 1795, Fallbrook, CA 92088 This business is conducted by an Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name listed above I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is

of

County on 05/08/2024 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4129 PUBLISHED: June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024

STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE

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