Valley News - June 30, 2023

Councilwoman Jessica Alexander sparks controversy over Pride Month Proclamation

Valley News Staff

Temecula City Councilwoman Jessica Alexander caused a commotion during a council meeting on June 13 when she walked away from her seat in protest of Mayor Zak Schwank reading the Pride Month Proclamation from the dais.

Officials: Take precautions against mosquitoes to prevent risks of West Nile virus

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

With summer officially here, Riverside County officials are recommending that residents take precautions to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes that may be carrying West Nile virus.

Murrieta Birthday Bash celebrates 32 years of cityhood

Vail Dam replacement inches ahead as its price tag rises to $95 million

A last remnant of the region’s pioneer past, Vail Dam, is prepping for a $95 million facelift.

The project, which has been in the works for ages, is needed to protect the Temecula area from a sudden, catastrophic flood that could be triggered by a shift in the known Elsinore fault.

“It has to be replaced,” Jake Wiley, a Fallbrook resident who serves as the assistant general manager in charge of engineering for the Rancho California Water District, said. “It has been deemed a potential hazard.”

Rancho serves a 100,000-acre area that is home to more than 150,000 people and encompasses Temecula and parts of Murrieta, French Valley, the Santa Rosa Plateau and the wine country.

Chunks of Rancho’s jurisdiction were last flooded 30 years ago, when A rendering of the planned Vail Dam rehabilitation project that will protect the Temecula area from potential flooding.

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

When Heather Rickman started The Steer Saloon full-service mobile beverage catering company in 2019, she was open to providing whatever the customer wanted. “We have been used for prop rentals, coffee carts and even a display for jewelry and sweets,” she said. Spending more than 20 years in the service industry at ice cream shops, restaurants and bars, Rickman began bartending in 2007 at the Bum Steer in Winchester.

“When I needed a shift from the neon lights, I decided to saddle up and head out on my own,” she said. “The events industry is a huge market and I capitalized on all that it had to offer. Weddings, retirements, graduations, showers, private parties, corporate events, concerts,

see SALOON, page A-4

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Two fiscal year budgets given final approval for the City of Menifee by City Council

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Menifee City Council meeting held June 21 was mainly focused on the final approval of the 2023-2024 through 2024-2025 two-year city budget before the fiscal year ends on June 30.

The city’s Acting Chief Financial Officer Margarita Cornejo gave a lengthy presentation on the city’s budget goals for the next two years and how it will achieve them during the meeting. In her video presentation she indicated the new two-year budget will be balanced and provide for the city’s operations and Capital Improvement Projects.

In brief, Menifee’s fiscal year 2023-2024 annual Operating Budget represents annual revenues and expenditures of the General Fund/Quality of Life, and Special Revenues and other funds, Capital Outlays, one time studies and debt service, according to Cornejo.

The Capital Improvement Program Budget represents Menifee’s major infrastructure projects, with a cost of $50,000 or more and with a useful life of five or more years, and is developed in conjunction with the Operating Budget. Funding sources can include General Fund, Quality of Life Measure and Special Revenue & Other Funds.

The proposed citywide budget for Fiscal Years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 show total revenues respectively at $128,124,269 and $132,517,315 and expenditures respectively at $135,825,070 and $130,782,481 with a fund balance of $7,124,269. The fund balance will be used for other capital outlays in the CIP, reported Cornejo.

The operating budget revenue for 2023-2024 is listed at $117,878,504 and $122,308,067 for 2024-2025. The total expenditures for the two years respectively are $114,691,969 and $118,430,268. The revenues will exceed the expenditures

respectively by $3,186,535 and $3,877,799.

The new budgets will allow for more police and firefighters, code enforcement, city staff, new replacement vehicles, equipment and facilities for many departments to meet the city’s growing population. There are more than 30 Capital Improvement Projects underway, coming and funded.

City Manager Armando Villa complimented his award winning finance team for taking many months to prepare for and present the balanced budget for the two years, still maintaining its 35% reserve funding.

The council, with council member Bob Karwin absent, gave their approval to a number of annual levies (42 zones) on landscape, lighting and maintenance for deficient districts and collection of assessments in those districts.

They also approved the annual levy for the Community Service Service Areas (Parks and Rec -

reation) for the upcoming fiscal year. Most of the levies remain the same or are only slightly higher each year.

The issuance of special tax bonds of about $13 million in the Quartz Ranch development south of La Piedra and west of Evans roads (CFD 2022-1) was approved for 216 lots in that project by the council. The issuance of the bonds holds no responsibility for the City of Menifee. Other bonds may be issued later on the remaining 163 lots (369 total) in the project, according to the developers.

Solid Waste Disposal rate adjustments to implement the statemandated California Senate Bill 1383, on the disposal of organic wastes for Waste Management, was approved for the next fiscal year by the council. A number of other routine business items on the agenda were also approved from the Consent Calendar.

The city council took time to recognize Michael Cano as

EMWD board ratifies Seventh Street repair contract

Joe Naiman Writer

Although a city or county is responsible for pavement repair on a public road, a utility including a water district whose projects impact that road is responsible for repa ir of the road. The Eastern Municipal Water District was thus responsible for repairs to a portion of Seventh Street in San Jacinto, and an EMWD board action Wednesday, June 7, ratified an emergency contract for subsidence and pavement emergency repair.

The 4-0 vote, with Randy Record absent, ratified a $446,437 contract with Downing Construction Inc. to replace and reinforce approximately 350 feet of pavement along Sev-

enth Street between Winners Circle and Kirby Street. The board action also ratified contracts with Cozad & Fox and with Inland Foundation Engineering Inc. for construction support services and authorized a total budget of $490,000 for the emergency repair project.

The San Jacinto Valley Interceptor gravity sewer along Seventh Street was constructed in 2008. The contractor encountered difficulty constructing the pipe trenches due to soil conditions and implemented a construction method to achieve the required soil compaction; however, uneven pavement and surface cracks became visible on Seventh Street soon after the construction was completed.

In 2015, Inland Foundation En-

County approves law enforcement services agreement with LEUSD

Joe Naiman Writer

The County of Riverside has approved a new agreement with the Lake Elsinore Unified School District to provide law enforcement services.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 June 13, with Karen Spiegel and Manual Perez absent, to approve a one-year agreement for law enforcement services. The county’s Sheriff’s Department will provide six school resource officers and the school district will reimburse the county for the cost of the law enforcement services. The $1,171,000 cost is based on projected service hours and mileage during Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and anticipated contract rate adjustments. The agreement covering July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, allows for the continuation of law enforcement services to the school district whose previous contract with the county expired on June 30.

The school resource officers will provide services at the following elementary schools: Alberhill,

Cottonwood Canyon, Donald Graham, Earl Warren, Elsinore, Luiseño School (K-8), Machado, Railroad Canyon, Rice Canyon, Ronald Reagan, Tuscany Hills, Wildomar, William Collier and Withrow. Middle schools who will receive services are Canyon Lake, David A. Brown, Elsinore, Lakeland Village School (K-8) and Terra Cotta. Services will be provided to the following high schools: Elsinore, Lakeside, Temescal Canyon, Ortega Continuation and the Keith McCarthy Academy.

Their duties will include patrol and maintenance of order on school campuses, investigation of crimes, class presentations about law enforcement activities, counseling of students and parents, and acting as liaisons at school sites. The liaison activities will also include interaction with other law enforcement officers, attendance review board members and probation department personnel.

In addition to reimbursing the county for the law enforcement officer costs, the school district will also provide office space for the school resource officers.

gineering performed a geotechnical evaluation of the observed pavement failures including subsurface soil investigations and testing. The recommended repair solution included a pavement section with three alternating base and geogrid layers extended across the full roadway width. EMWD and the city of San Jacinto staff discussed the recommended solution, and the city agreed with the proposed repair approach. The EMWD board awarded a pavement replacement contract in September 2016. The settled areas were repaired successfully, but Inland Foundation Engineering identified additional areas to be continually monitored for future settlement. EMWD staff subsequently monitored those areas.

The winter 2023 rainfall created subsidence adjacent to a previously-repaired location between Winners Circle and Kirby Street. The city of San Jacinto closed that portion of Seventh Street and notified EMWD staff March 22.

EMWD operations staff inspected the subsidence and confirmed that other previously-repaired sections did not show signs of uneven pavement or failures. The success of the other pavement sections led EMWD staff to conclude that the Inland Foundation Engineering repair solution should be replicated.

EMWD staff developed an emergency repair plan and solicited bids from the district’s on-call contractors. A request for proposals was issued March 30 and had an

May’s Citizen of the Month and Erika Tejeda as June’s Citizen of the Month. Cano, an Indigenous American with Apache background, is a college professor, a former Marine and Post Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 1956 and is very active in finding homes for veterans.

Tejeda is a school principal and active at the new Liberty High School. She was awarded Administrator of the Year of California, where she was recognized for her achievements, and has also been named Perris High School Principal of the Year.

Monsta Snow was placed in the Menifee Business Spotlight of the Month. Monsta Snow is a Boba Tea, Asian desserts and food establishment, located at 27301 Newport Road in Menifee. It is active in sponsoring some city events and other special occasions. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.

April 7 deadline. Five bidders responded. Downing Construction, which is based in Redlands, had the low bid of $446,437, and the bid was deemed to be responsive. The emergency repair work was completed, and that section of Seventh Street was reopened to traffic May 4.

Cozad & Fox, whose headquarters office is in Hemet, performed pre-construction and post-construction surveying. Inland Foundation Engineering, whose office is in San Jacinto, performed geotechnical observation and compaction testing services.

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

Pala Casino Spa Resort presents Little Big Town on July 7

PALA – Pala Casino Spa Resort is excited to present American country music vocal group, Little Big Town, on Friday, July 7, performing live outdoors at the Starlight Theater. The show will start at 8 p.m. Tickets prices are $89, $125, and $175 and are on sale now at the Pala Box Office, www.palacasino.com , or www. etix.com. This show is just one of the impressive lineup of headliner and tribute concerts that will be held at the Starlight Theater and Events Center.

Little Big Town, consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook, first entered the music scene over 20 years ago with hit songs “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone” and the GRAMMY-nominated “Little White Church.” The band’s breakthrough albums Tornado and Pain Killer produced multiple #1 singles, including “Pontoon,” “Tornado,” and “Day Drinking,” as well as the history-making, best-selling country single of the year (2015) “Girl Crush.” 2017’s, The Breaker, debuted #1 on the Billboard Country Charts and Top 10 (No.4) on the Billboard 200 to critical acclaim. The album

To date “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” has reached global streams of over 265 million, putting Little Big Town’s career lifetime streams at over 2.3 billion.

Little Big Town has earned more than 45 award show nominations and has taken home nearly 20 awards, including mul-

tiple GRAMMY, AMA, People’s Choice, CMA, ACM awards, and an Emmy award. The band recently launched 4 Cellars wine and Day Drinking canned wine spritzers, their first non-musical project as a band, with Browne Family Vineyards.

For more information on Little Big Town visit LittleBigTown.com or follow them @littlebigtown.

Country group Little Big Town will be performing at the Starlight Theater July 7 at Pala Casino Spa Resort. Valley News/Courtesy photo features their GRAMMY-winning, multi-week #1 single, “Better Man,” as well as the 2019 GRAMMY-nominated, “When Someone Stops Loving You.” Critically acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated “The Daughters,” “Over Drinking,” and hit single “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” are the latest from the bands self-produced ninth studio album Nightfall which was released at the top of the Billboard Country Charts in January of 2020.

Tickets are on sale now, with no service charge, at the Pala Box Office, www.palacasino. com and 1-877-WIN-PALA (1877-946-7252). Tickets are also available at www.etix.com and 1-800-514-3849. Must be 21 or older to attend. Submitted by Pala Casino Spa Resort.

City Councilwoman Jessica Alexander sparks controversy over Pride Month Proclamation

Valley News Staff

Temecula City Councilwoman Jessica Alexander caused a commotion during a Council meeting on June 13 when she walked away from her seat in protest of Mayor Z ak Schwank reading the Pride Month Proclamation from the dais. The incident continues the debate surrounding what groups and behaviors are appropriate for inclusivity and Councilwoman Alexander said, “We will eventually see MAPS (Minor Attracted Persons) be recognized under this flag, I hope this is your line in the sand?”

It should be noted that while the city council had previously agreed to present the proclamation at the REDI Commission meetings, Mayor Schwank had chosen to read

water-logged soils could not absorb the torrential rains that subsequently overwhelmed parts of Murrieta, Old Town Temecula and Camp Pendleton.

Flood-prone Murrieta Creek has since been tamed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The danger now is the combination of a sullen earthquake fault and a thin-walled, 132-foot tall dam that was built in 1948 to hold back the 1,100-acre Vail Lake.

The dam and lake are located about 10 miles southeast of Temecula. When the dam was built, the lake anchored the corner of the 84,500-acre Vail Ranch. Besides the ranch, the region’s population then numbered a few thousand people living in Old Town and the Pechanga Indian reservation.

Vail Lake was created when a pioneer rancher spent $1 million to divert Temecula Creek flows for use by his cattle and crops.

Six years ago, Rancho officials estimated that it would cost $34 million to make repairs and modifications to the dam. At that time, they predicted the work could probably begin in a few years.

proclamations during city council sessions.

Councilman Brenden Kalfus said there were proclamations that had been notably omitted. They included the proclamations for Jewish American Month, Asian American Month, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Heritage Month proclamations.

Councilman Brenden Kalfus, who is of Jewish descent, expressed his lack of surprise at the mayor’s actions. Kalfus remarked, “I’m not surprised. If you look carefully at what people do rather than what they say, you can have a deeper understanding of who they are.”

During her allotted time at the June 13 meeting, Councilwoman Alexander read a statement that raised further questions and controversy. She questioned whether

But time, inflation, higher construction costs and new engineering and permitting requirements have taken their toll. The project’s anticipated cost is now $95 million and the start of work is at least two years away.

All the while, the 110-mile Elsinore fault bides its time and broods.

An array of authoritative sources describe the geologic fault as part of a trilateral split of the San Andreas fault system. The Elsinore is said to be one of the largest, though quietest, faults in Southern California.

It is estimated that the fault is capable of unleashing a quake with a magnitude of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Richter scale. The fault’s last major quake was a 6.0 shaker in 1910 that was centered just northwest of the city of Lake Elsinore.

The predicted interval between major ruptures on the fault is 250 years.

The fault roughly runs from El Centro to the Chino Hills. It is blamed for, or credited with, creating Lake Elsinore, the Temecula Valley and Wolf Valley. The tallest building in the region, the Pechanga Resort & Casino, anchors the heart of Wolf Valley.

the LGBTQ+ proclamation should be disseminated to children by the City of Temecula and raised concerns about the potential influence on vulnerable and impressionable youth in the community. Alexander stressed her obligation as a city council member to ensure the safety of all residents, particularly children.

Citing a group called “Queer in the World,” Alexander pointed out that over 50 different flags are currently associated with the LGBTQ+ flag, representing various identities, sexual attractions, and sexual behaviors. She expressed concern, particularly about the inclusion of flags representing BDSM (bondage and discipline, domination and submission, sadism, masochism) and flags associated with kink and fetish. Alexander argued that ex-

Vail Lake could inundate much of the Temecula and Wolf valleys if the dam were to crack, crumble or collapse.

The recent history of the entire region is intertwined with the ranch, the lake and the dam. The creation of Interstate 15 fueled the 1960s sale of the ranch and the subsequent creation of the planned communities that became Temecula, Murrieta and French Valley.

In 1978, Rancho acquired the dam and the permanent rights to the water stored behind it. Rancho uses the dam to capture runoff and release flows into a valley basin below for percolation into groundwater supplies. Up to 40% of the district’s water has historically come from its vast underground supplies.

The district was interested in buying the land around the lake for decades. But a prominent developer and his partners moved first and snatched up a lakeside resort and much of the land around it in late 1997.

At the time of the developer’s purchase, the property included a shuttered recreational vehicle park. The deal included a campground and a resort-style complex that dates back to the 1960s and included pools,

posing children to such flags could encourage sexual activity and make them susceptible to predators.

Alexander also questioned the boundaries of the LGBTQ+ flag’s “plus” designation and called for a discussion among City Council members regarding which groups fall under the “plus” and why? She raised flags such as the Leather pride flag, Rubber Pride flag, Bears and cubs flag, Furies and Beastality flag, and flags associated with polyamory and pedophilia (minorattracted persons or MAPs). Alexander expressed her concerns about MAPs potentially being recognized as part of the LGBTQ+ community, referring to it as a psychiatric disorder characterized by sexual attraction to prepubescent children.

The councilwoman concluded her statement by emphasizing

miniature golf and food concessions.

The developer’s partnership also owned recreation rights to the lake, and fishing and camping memberships were sold. Numerous smalland lar ge-scale community and commercial events, many with sports themes, were held at a Vail Lake amphitheater and the surrounding grounds.

For decades, the area has been a magnet to campers, mountain bikers, boaters, anglers, hikers and equestrians. Popular trails crisscross the property, and trophy-size fish have been pulled from the depths of the lake.

The developer ’s long-term vision, which was unveiled in late 2000, called for the construction of 5,172 homes, three golf courses, a yacht club, five wineries, stores and an executive retreat.

But that development plan fizzled, in part because of the presence of nearly 40 endangered or sensitive plants and animals that include the bald eagle, golden eagle and great blue heron.

The property spiraled into bankruptcy and Rancho emerged as the owner

The district spent $49.6 million nearly a decade ago to buy 7,904

her commitment to the objective safety of children in the community and urged her colleagues to do the same. She declared that she could not associate herself with the LGBTQ+ proclamation and chose to step away from the dais while Mayor Schwank re-read the proclamation during his council comments.

Alexander’s remarks have triggered a heated discussion among residents, LGBTQ+ advocates, and community leaders regarding the city’s inclusivity and the treatment of different groups. The incident has underscored the ongoing need for open dialogue and understanding in order to address the concerns a nd opinions of all community members.

acres that encircle the reservoir and regional recreation magnet.

Rancho’s main goal is to protect the supply and quality of the water in the lake.

Rancho also plans to keep the area open to recreational uses, according to Wiley and district documents. District officials expect to spend $250,000 in the coming fiscal year to plan the future of the open space areas outside the existing RV campgrounds.

The district could recoup some of Vail’s purchase price by offering parts of the land to development firms that need to purchase mitigation credits.

Many cities and counties will allow developers to build on environmentally-sensitive sites if they agree to purchase, protect and maintain sensitive habitat elsewhere. Certain parcels of mitigation land can be worth $20,000 or more per acre depending on the number of threatened or endangered species that a site protects.

Meanwhile, Vail’s surface is still these days, silenced by a low water level that has blocked all boat access.

VAIL from page A-1

New Murrieta convenience store and fuel station extended hours approved by Murrieta City Council

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Murrieta City Council upheld an appeal to allow the 24 hour operation of a new convenience store and fuel station located on 1.8 acres on the southwest corner of Clinton Keith and McElwain roads.

The approval of the 24-hours, seven days a week opening request, however, followed a promise by the owners to install a flock camera (license plate reader), sufficient safety lighting at night and some type of improvement to the back fencing to prevent noise and climb overs to the homes backing the store.

The council’s approval of the extended hours followed testimony by half-dozen residents living on Hackberry Street just behind where the proposed convenience store and fuel station

market nights; you name it, we’ve poured it.”

When she was ready to launch The Steer Saloon, Rickman wanted to start with a bang. “I feel that God’s purpose in my life is to serve others. I mean that literally by serving drinks, and figuratively by serving others and our community,” she said. “It was and still is important for me to teach my son Colton how he can serve in our community. One small deed can go so far and so we started the annual Saloon Squeeze Lemonade Stand. Our first was to honor a local, young boy named Ayden Dammer who passed from cancer at the young age of six. Every year we add our heroes in heaven and fighters to our honor wall at the Squeeze.”

This year’s free, family friendly event on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. will benefit CJ’s Smile, in memory of CJ Delfosse. Held at the Four Shores Ranch in Winchester at Leon Road and Auburn Way, the 5th annual Saloon Squeeze Lemonade Stand will feature food, live music, Rita’s Italian ice, crafts, a petting zoo, characters to interact with, face painting, an inflatable jumper, games, a photo booth, bubble station and more. Rickman said, “We always start our event with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem. We will have a sponge relay race at 6:30 p.m.” All other activities will take place throughout the evening.

A LifeStream Blood Bank bloodmobile will be available from 4 to 8:30 p.m. for those that want to give the gift of life in honor of CJ. Advance appointments can be made by calling 800-879-4484 or

is to be built opposing the longer hours, especially at night. Each of the residents took the podium to voice their objection to allowing the business to remain open all night. They expressed fear that the nighttime openings could bring more criminal activity and noise to their neighborhood. They questioned the security, noise and lighting problems that the increased number of motorists and people coming to the location would cause.

They suggested if the all night operation was allowed, they ask for the owners to improve the wall behind their properties to become climb and noise proof fearing any criminals would climb over the wall to escape custody, and the noise and lights would be more disruptive to their sleep.

The owners appeared before the council making the promise to make those changes to their

visiting lstream.org/cj.

Rickman said she and Colton, 8, always strive to exceed the previous year and last year they raised $11,000 for NEGU, a nonprofit that supports those with pediatric cancer by its acronym for Never Ever Give Up. “Since the beginning, we’ve raised over $30,000 to help families going through the darkest days of their lives,” Rickman said. “It is so important to me to teach my son to serve in his community and remember how lucky we are that he is a healthy young man because some don’t have it as good.”

Rickman said The Steer Saloon is a part-time business that she wishes she had all the time in the world to do but she’s busy teaching a classroom full of second graders during the school week. Always open for business, however, if she is unable to attend an event herself, Rickman has “an incredible staff of certified, outgoing and fun bartenders ready to serve.” In the busy season, they’ve been known to do seven to ten events per month, sometimes with two or three events in one day. However, she typically serves at two to three events per month.

The name Rickman chose for her beverage catering business pays homage to the bar where she got her start but also for the fact she has to steer her Lady Liberty custombuilt vintage trailer to events. It is equipped with a dual tower keg system, two ice wells, a wine fridge and an American flag made from reclaimed wood. With a variety of successful events already under Lady Liberty’s tires, Rickman said it’s hard to single out her favorite to date. She’s had the opportunity to bartend with the Saloon on stage

plans, and also reminded them they had already decided not to build a proposed car wash at the location because of the residents’ objections. The council also insisted the owners take more time to work with the neighbors on their concerns.

Murrieta Police Chief Anthony Conrad appeared before the council on their request to say crime does increase during the nighttime hours, but because of the extra patrols in that area at night the crimes have stayed down. The stores in the area have not had a great deal of crime except for shoplifting.

A spokesman for the convenience store owners said he was in charge of the security and would make every effort to turn safety lighting away from the homes, install cameras and the flock camera as requested.

With those assurances, the council voted 4-0 with council member

Jon Levell absent, to approve the request of the planning commission to allow the extended hours of the convenience store and fuel station.

In another public hearing, the council approved the 2023-2024 fiscal year Fire Suppression Assessment of $40 for each dwelling unit to maintain the fire services and the General Manager to execute the Proposition 218, fire suppression and other special taxes, compliance letter. The fee is placed on the property tax bills each year and must be approved. Murrieta maintains its own fire and rescue services and its police department.

The council also approved the fiscal year Fire District Operating Budget of just over $24 million with approximately $7 million coming from Measure T funds.

With that, they approved tentative agreements to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Fire &

Rescue and Police Department, Firefighters and Police Officers associations. The new MOUs will provide a modest pay increase for the city’s 21 firefighter/paramedics, 21 engineers, 16 captains and three battalion chiefs and the police department’s more than 100 personnel.

With that the council also made amendments to the comprehensive salary schedule for all its city employees for the upcoming fiscal year.

Twenty-one consent items were approved.

A complete agenda and agenda packet for the June 20 meeting can be found on the City of Murrieta website, onbase.murrietaca.gov/ onbaseagendaonline.

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

at a Brad Paisley concert, pour for a Whitey Morgan show and Jason Devore at Grumps Garage in Elsinore and retirement events for first responders.

“We’ve done small markets at Vail HQ and Idyllwild Nature Center, but my most favorite events are the nonprofit events,” Rickman said. “We’ve helped MilVet, a local military nonprofit, several childhood cancer foundations and our public and School Choice foundations as well.”

Rickman’s goal in hosting the 5th annual Saloon Squeeze Lemonade Stand is to provide a free family friendly event with lots of fun activities. “And who doesn’t love lemonade on a hot summer day?” she asked.

Because this event is to support a local nonprofit, Rickman said everything is free to guests, except for opportunity drawing tickets. Those winners will be posted at 7:30 p.m. and winners must be present. “We have been very successful organically with this generous and giving community,” she said.

“All the vendors donate their time and talents to our cause. I am however seeking sponsors for shirts and a few other things we have to pay for this year,” she said. Sponsorship perks can include a logo/name on the lemonade stand, premier signage at the event, social media posts and preferred parking.

For more information, reach out to thesteersaloon@gmail.com, 951310-2435, @thesteersaloon or visit www.thesteersaloon.com

Heather Rickman, owner and operator of The Steer Saloon, with her son Colton. Valley News/Jenee Spencer Photography Valley News/Jenee Spencer Photography

Last year’s Saloon Squeeze Lemonade Stand event raised $11,000 to support a nonprofit that fights childhood cancer.

SALOON from page A-1

New Murrieta Rotary officers, directors take office

Lee Lake Dam renamed Elsinore Valley Dam

Joe Naiman

Writer

What has been called Lee Lake Dam will now be formally known as Elsinore Valley Dam.

A 4-0 Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District board vote June 8, with Jack Ferguson absent, approved the new name. The name change reflects plans to rebuild the dam.

The dam is owned and operated by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District but north of the district boundaries near the Indian Truck Trail exit off of Interstate 15. The earthen embankment dam across Temescal Canyon Wash was originally constructed in 1893. It is 47 feet high, 520 feet in length, and impounds a reservoir with a surface area of 70 acres and a storage capacity of 1,100 acre-feet. Numerous deficiencies related to the spillway, outlet system,

and dam foundation have been documented in recent years. The state’s Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) considers the dam to be a High Hazard Facility due to the storage capacity, dam height, and the proximity to populated areas downstream of the dam. The dam will thus require a redesign along with rebuilding the dam.

The Elsinore Valley district owns the water rights for storage and direct diversion in Temescal Creek and Indian Creek, and the storage water rights are exercised by storing the water in Lee Lake Reservoir, so the dam is necessary for that storage. An April 2019 study session included a proposal to construct a berm rather than rebuild the dam, but the EMWD board directed staff to proceed with rebuilding the dam to protect and maintain current water storage capacity and rights.

A December 2018 EVMWD

action approved a professional services contract with AECOM Technical Services, Inc., to prepare the contract documents for removal and replacement of the existing dam. AECOM developed the 50 percent design documents and submitted those to DSOD for review. Because the existing dam will be replaced with a new one DSOD has assigned a new dam number and requested that the district provide a new name for the dam.

The name “New Lee Lake Dam” was considered by the district’s Facilities Naming Ad Hoc Committee as was the name “Lagunita” (a series of small ponds related to a larger nearby body of water). The committee favored “Elsinore Valley Dam” due to the contributions of all EVMWD customers to the dam now owned by a public agency.

Rob Haskins will become President of the Rotary Club of Murrieta July 1, succeeding John Brown. With more than 40 years in local area business, Haskins entered the financial services business in 1980. Starting in 1995, he expanded services to include benefits and insurance needs, and in 2010, he added Medicare planning to the practice. He is currently the CEO of RH Benefits Insurance Services. He has been active in Murrieta Rotary since 2021 and joined Rotary in 2011. He sings and serves on the board of the Temecula Valley Master Chorale and is an active member of the Murrieta-Wildomar Chamber of Commerce and the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Serving with Haskins on the Murrieta Rotary Board of Directors are Dr. Jim Yanoschik, Presi-

dent-Elect while John Brown will be the Immediate Past President; Patsy Orr serves as board secretary while Lou Ellen Ficke is treasurer. Jan Lunday is Foundation Chair and Club Administration is handled by Dawn Layton.

Club Directors are Vocational Service, Linda Lunn; Community Service, Jonathan King; Youth Service, Jeannette Hartmann and Membership,Tom Grimes; International Service, Doreen Tate; and Public Relations, Linda Dozier.

The Murrieta Rotary Club serves the City of Murrieta and surrounding area and is involved in international projects in cooperation with Rotary International. Chartered on April 28, 1992, the Club is known for several signature events including the Murrieta Field of Honor which will celebrate its 15th year in November.

CELEBR ATI NG

Improvements planned for Butterfield Trail at Lakeland Village Community Center

Joe Naiman Writer

Improvements to Butterfield Trail by the Lakeland Village Community Center will be an eventual County of Riverside project.

A 3-0 Riverside County Board of Supervisors vote June 13, with Karen Spiegel and Manuel Perez absent, approved the project in principle and approved the Lakeland Village Community Center Butterfield Trail Improvement Project for inclusion in the county’s Capital Improvement Program. The supervisors’ action also approved a preliminary budget of $457,005, authorized up to $362,405 of American Rescue Plan Act funding and $94,600 of

developer impact fees for project expenses, authorized the director of the county’s Facilities Management department to utilize prequalified consultants, authorized the county’s Purchasing Agent to execute service agreements with pre-qualified consultants for up to $100,000 per consultant, and found the project categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review.

The Lakeland Village Community Center in the 16200 block of Grand Avenue opened in June 2016. The property had previously been Butterfield Elementary School before the Lake Elsinore Unified School District closed the school in 2010, and the county purchased the land from the school district in 2015. Butterfield Trail

is along the Lakeland Village Community Center frontage, and improvements to the trail will improve the connection to the community center and enhance the recreational activities. The scope of work for the trail improvements includes landscaping, irrigation, fencing, and interpretive signage.

Facilities Management will procure the most cost-effective project delivery method and award a construction contract in accordance with board policies. The preliminary budget covers $366,207 for construction, $19,690 for design services, $5,000 for specialty consultants, $2,000 for regulatory permitting, $22,292 for county internal costs, and $41,546 for contingency.

Robotic

Valley News/Courtesy photo Rob Haskins.

People enjoy a variety of live performances and other fun entertainment during the annual Murrieta Birthday Bash celebrating the anniversary of Murrieta’s cityhood at Cal Oaks Sports Park, June 24. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

People gather around a variety of vendors during the Murrieta Birthday Bash.

Children enjoy inflatable attractions during the Murrieta Birthday Bash. Levi Stephen, 6, enjoys a ride on a zip line attraction during the Murrieta Birthday Bash, June 24.

[Left] Murrieta Fire & Rescue cool down guests by spraying water from fire hoses during the Murrieta Birthday Bash at Cal Oaks Sports Park.

[Right] Children get sprayed with water from Murrieta Fire & Rescue fire engines during the Murrieta Birthday Bash.

Menifee presents 33rd annual Independence Day Celebration at Wheatfield Park June 24

Getting ready to begin the 33rd annual Independence Day Parade and Celebration are Lake Menifee Women’s Club officers Historian Martha Ruiz Shank, President Ivette Taylor, Vice President Rachel Bruin and Treasurer Alicia Reynolds at Wheatfield Park. Valley

Tony Ault

Staff Writer

Thousands of Menifee residents and their friends lined La Piedra Avenue for the 33rd annual Independence Day Parade and then joined in the holiday celebration with nearly 70 craft and food vendors on hand, band entertainment and a huge fireworks show over Wheatfield Park June 24.

The parade led off with the Menifee Police Department and County fire sounding their sirens with red and blue lights flashing followed by Grand Marshal Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington and cars with Menifee City Council Members

Mayor Bill Zimmerman, Dean Deines, Lisa Sobek and Ricky

Estrada waving to the crowds and other city and county officials. Flags were flying and music was playing by members of veterans organizations, world renowned baton twirlers, school bands and cheer teams. The gala celebration brought dozens of Menifee families to pitch their gazebos and sun shelters early, filling a portion of Wheatfield Park. They could relax on the green grass, watch the parade, enjoy the many food treats, music and craft vendors’ creations through the afternoon. The day was capped off when the skies lit up with every color of the flag and rainbow and the afterglow of the fireworks that began at 9 p.m.

Why the celebration is held in Menifee a week before the

“We loved the origin story of this event. It was a group of moms new to Menifee which was an unincorporated community and were looking for something fun for the kids in the community and so they set out to do a fun Fourth of July event for the kiddos. It was sweet because they wanted to do fireworks that day and inquired about the cost of fireworks but the price was too high so they did it the week before (June 24). So was born our tradition of holding our event which is now called the Independence Day Celebration,” Taylor said.

She proudly exclaimed the event had almost twice the number of vendors this year compared to last year when some were located on the Mt. San Jacinto College Menifee Campus parking lot.

The Lake Menifee Women’s Club Vice President Rachel Bruin added the celebration has continued over 33 years with the City of Menifee making it one of their own. However, the women’s organization is still in charge of getting the necessary permits, helping find the vendors and other necessary logistics of the event. The city donates the cost of the fireworks which total over $10,000 and helps with the security and entertainment. Taylor said the Club has a “great partnership with the city,” for the event.

“The fireworks will be bigger than ever,” Menifee Public Information Officer Philip Southard

said as he helped in setting up the city’s information booth and coordinating with the police and fire officials that afternoon.

New candy and children’s gift vendors Trunk or Treats Gabrielle Hernandez and Arron Hernandez begin their day at the Menifee Independence Day Celebration June 24 at Wheatfield Park. Valley News/Tony Ault photo national Independence Day celebration on July 4 was explained by Ivette Taylor, president of the Lake Menifee Women’s Club, the group that organized the first Independence Day Celebration that began before Menifee cityhood 33 years ago.

The entertainers that evening were several local bands; bounce houses and other games were set up in the Kids Zone while nearby the Wine and Beer Garden hosted by the Women’s Club did a high volume of business on the relatively warm and sunny day.

The Lake Menifee Women’s Club, according to Taylor, gives back to local nonprofit organizations such as MilVet and other veterans organizations, Santa’s Workshop that helps underprivileged families during the holidays, Together We Rise for foster children and others.

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

News/Tony Ault photo

Valley News/Courtesy photos

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

July 3 – 6 to 7:30 p.m. Come compete in Magical Trivia & Pizza at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road. The teen program is for grades 7 through 12. Enjoy a magical evening of themed trivia, games, prizes and pizza. Costumes are welcome. Sponsored by the Temecula Teen Library Council. Registration required, which can be made at the library reference desk or by calling 951-693-8940. Limited to 40 participants. For more information, visit https:// TemeculaCA.gov/Library.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Now to July 27 – 7 p.m. Temecula’s Summer Concert Series offers a great lineup of local bands at the Temecula Amphitheater, 30875 Rancho Vista Road. Gates open Thursdays at 5 p.m. with the final outdoor concert at Temecula’s Civic Center, 41000 Main Street, starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks.

June 30 – 7 p.m. Attend a hula hooping class at Murrieta Town Square Park and Amphitheater in Murrieta. Get ready to twist, twirl and learn tricks with hula hoops. Discover this playful activity for all ages that promises to offer loads of fun. Bring chairs, blankets and hula hoops.

July 4 – 10 a.m. Temecula’s annual Fourth of July Extravaganza begins with a parade at the south end of Old Town Temecula and traveling from arch to arch.

July 4 – 4 p.m. Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration and Parade in San Jacinto at Main Street between Vernon and Jordan avenues. Music, food trucks and other entertainment offered prior to the parade.

July 7 – 5-7 p.m. Menifee

Foodie Fridays at Mt. San Jacinto College, 28237 La Piedra Road, Menifee. Festivities will take place at Mt. San Jacinto College’s Menifee Campus the first Friday of each month through October.

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

July 17-21 – 3 p.m. School of Rock Summer Camp, 30630 Rancho California Rd. Suite 501F, Temecula. Come learn the music of 60s and 70s rock icons such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones in our Classic Rock Rewind summer camp. Information and tickets at Schoolofrock. com

July 29 – 4 p.m. Water Lantern Festival at Elm Grove Beach, 500 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Elsinore.

July 30 – 3 p.m. Temecula Wine and Beer Garden Rock, 28464 Old Town Front St., Temecula.

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 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 1:30-5 p.m. at 26850 Sun City Boulevard.

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

Movie review: ‘The Flash’

Bob Garver

Special to Valley News

It’s been a whole two weeks since “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” opened, so it’s about time we had another superhero multiverse movie. This one takes place in the DC Extended Universe, which means we’re sure to get some fun takes on Batman and Superman. It’s enough to make one forget that “The Flash” is even in this movie, even though his name is the movie’s entire title. It’s no surprise that the main character is being de-emphasized, given that actor Ezra Miller has spent the last three years embroiled in one scandal after another. That said, if you can look past Miller’s offscreen behavior (and I don’t blame you if you can’t), you’ll find a movie that does justice to Batman, Superman and especially The Flash.

Chemically-altered forensic scientist Barry Allen (Miller) is the titular speedy superhero, always good for saving many lives at once, but his true passion is finding a way to prove that his father (Ron Livingston) is not the one that murdered his mother (Maribel Verdu) when he was a child, a crime for which his father has spent the last 20 years in prison. One night, while running particularly fast, Barry discovers

at 800-510-2020 for help.

ONGOING – The Riverside County COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program is accepting online applications for business grants up to $10,000 at www.rivercobizhelp.org that can be used for employee retention, working capital, personal protective equipment purchases, rent or mortgage payments and paying vendor notices. Eligible businesses, including nonprofits, must be in Riverside County, with a minimum of one but less than 50 employees and operating for at least one year since March 1. For more information, call Riverside County Business and Community Services at 951-955-0493.

ONGOING – 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Temecula Winchester Swap Meet continues, 33280 Newport Road in Winchester. Saturdays and Sundays only. The small local swap meet is only 50 cents for entry, and anyone under age 10 is free admission. No dogs allowed.

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

ONGOING – Temecula’s

Farmers Markets are offered in Old Town Temecula Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, 4100 Main Street in Temecula; at Promenade Temecula, 40640 Winchester Road, outside JCPenney every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Riverside County Public Health orders, the farmers markets will be restricted to agriculture products only. Follow the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market on Facebook to stay updated. No pets allowed.

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS,

NOTICES

July 8 – 2-4 p.m. Call to Artists by Dorland Community Arts Center off Highway 79 in Temecula. Associate Artists are invited to submit up to three pieces of art, framed and ready to hang (maximum 30” on any side). Intake

Saturday, July 8 or Wednesday, July 12. Reception and sale Sunday, July 16, 2-4 p.m. Art must be in excellent condition. Email reenierin@gmail.com with any questions and with title/median price.

July 10 – 8 a.m. Fore the Animals Golf Tournament event at Bear Creek Golf Club in Murrieta

. Help Animal Friends of the Valleys in their effort to save pets by participating in the annual golf tournament. Sponsors sought. Shotgun starts. Join at event@ afv.org

July 13 – 6 a.m to 5 p.m. You can stop Human Trafficking Campaign at 41000 Main St., Temecula. This free event will educate you on how to identify possible victims of human trafficking and how to report that information to RCAHT.

July 29 – 12:30-2:30 p.m. See Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula. Beautiful mermaid Ariel should be a happy girl: she lives in an enchanted undersea country, her father is a king, and she has the most beautiful singing voice.

Tickets $5 to $65. See https:// tickets.temeculatheater.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=1459.

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

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

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

ONGOING – Menifee Community Services offers online driver’s

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

ONGOING – 10-11:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

that he can go against the Earth’s rotation and go back in time. If he can use this newfound ability the right way, he can save not only his father from prison, but his mother’s life. Fellow Justice League member Bruce Wayne/ Batman (Ben Affleck) warns him not to mess with things that have to happen, but what harm can a single lifesaving can of tomato sauce do? As it turns out, it doesn’t do any harm 20 years ago, but it does a lot of harm 10 years ago.

It turns out that Barry’s trip back in time altered not only the past that he wanted, but the past after that, and even the past even before that. There’s a whole convoluted explanation with spaghetti noodles and a mystery attacker, but the short version is that Barry is now stuck 10 years in the past with his younger self (and his parents, who he’s desperate to not lose again), no Superman, and General Zod (Michael Shannon) invading Earth and ready to destroy humanity. Only one member of the Justice League exists in this universe, and it’s an aging version of Batman (Michael “99% of this movie’s business” Keaton), who might just be up for one last adventure. Barry assumes the mission to save the planet that will eventually involve Superman, but he has to settle for his cousin Kara (Sasha Calle).

We get a very exciting, very funny action scene with a maternity ward early in the movie, and then the action is bland after that. It’s a thrill to see Keaton back, but his arc descends into blandness too. Shannon and Calle are bland the entire time. Only two things kept me awake for over two hours: Barry’s journey and multiverse goodies. I’m serious about that first one – Miller is funny, sympathetic, and has seamless chemistry with… himself. I hope that he can pay his debt to society in such a way that he can return to the big screen soon. As for the multiverse surprises that make the fans go crazy, you’ll get them, don’t worry. There are some doozies to be sure, but do yourself a favor and don’t make your viewing experience all about them. For one thing, you’ll be waiting a long time, as the best ones don’t show up until well into the third act. More importantly, you shouldn’t let tunnel vision for cameos get in the way of a pretty good movie about “The Flash.”

Grade: B“The Flash” is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language and partial nudity. Its running time is 146 minutes.

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu

Temecula hosts Fourth of July Extravaganza with parade, family fun, fireworks show

TEMECULA – Temecula will host the annual Fourth of July Extravaganza Tuesday, July 4. Get the whole family decked out in red, white and blue apparel and kick off the fun filled day at 10 a.m. with the popular Star-Spangled Fourth of July Parade beginning at the south end of Old Town and continuing north up Old Town Front Street from arch to arch. The parade will feature city officials,

police, fire, scout troops, businesses and other local participants all sharing their love for our country. There are a limited number of parade entries still open, so hurry and reserve your organization’s spot and join in on all the fun.

“This parade is something that is very special to experience,”

Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank said. “My family and I love seeing our community come together

lining the streets in their red, white and blue, waving American flags and cheering on all the entries as they make their way down Old Town Front Street. Temecula’s hometown pride and gratitude for our freedom is on full display all day and night.”

After the parade, it is time to pack up the family as the day continues at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park, 30875 Rancho Vista Road,

from 2-10 p.m. for family fun followed by the fireworks show. There will be food vendors and a large children’s fun zone. Enjoy a host of bands playing live music from 2-8:45 p.m. Then, end the night with a spectacular fireworks show starting promptly at 9 p.m.

“I look forward to this event all year long because of the wonderful live entertainment and the best fireworks show in the Valley.

Ronald Reagan Sports Park is the perfect venue to spend Fourth of July with family and friends every year,” James “Stew” Stewart, mayor pro tem of Temecula and president of Temecula Community Services District, said. For additional event information and park rules, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/4thOfJuly.

Submitted by city of Temecula.

Wildlife Art Show and junior ballet opens TNEF’s summer concert and art series at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve

Tony Ault

Staff Writer

The Academy of Ballet Arts junior company of ballerinas wowed the audience attending the soft opening of The Nature Education Foundation’s Summer Concerts and Art Show on the outdoor pavilion stage at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve June 24.

The young ballerinas from ages 5 to 15 showed off their learned dancing skills to the appreciative audience bringing rounds of applause and cheers. Leading the ballet company were the Academy’s co-directors Alyssa and Jose Chavez.

The event, produced by TNEF at the Santa Rosa Plateau, brought the wildlife themed works of more than 30 local well-known artists for show and sale with a portion of the proceeds going to help the nonprofit foundation in its quest to foster youth environmental stewardship for students from third grade through high school.

The Summer Concert Series will be presenting top tribute bands and stars in the coming Saturdays for the next six weeks including those featuring Elton John to the Legendary BeeGees along with the continuing art show held in the Plateau’s Visitors Center prior to each outdoor performance.

In their first outdoor performance by the Academy of Ballet Arts, the young ballet artists, twirling and dancing to rounds of classical music, showed the outstanding skills they learned at the school with some of their former classmates now in well-known ballet companies across the nation and the world.

In her students’ first experience on an outdoor stage co-director Alyssa Chavez said, “They loved it. They had a wonderful time since it’s their first experience outside of a theater like they normally are in. It’s fun for them to get out and

have something different. They enjoyed it.” She said her students work more than 20 hours a week to perfect their performance ability.

Chavez said currently her nearly 100 students are working to perform the Nutcracker Suite during the Christmas season after coming off their last performance of “Alice in Wonderland.” Their performances are seen in local schools and at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. For more information, www.academyofballetart.org.

Before and after the outstanding performance TNEF hosted the opening of the art exhibits for the VIP and honored guests with hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer while enjoying acoustic guitar music and visiting with the TNEF summer concert and art show co-sponsors including Nickerson Law, Inland Stone, FrontWave, Winchester and Associates, PNC Bank, Garage Brewing Co., Semnar & Hartman, Electrical Work Inc., Valley News, LaCresta Real Estate, RivCoParks, Plateau Vineyards, Grey Legal Group, APC, Restoration Builders, Darrow Law Group, Naughty Pig Butchery, Peck Creative, State Farm, Plateau Views, Zazen Coffee, Weatherly Ranch, Diamond Cut Fitness, ReMax and Grocery Outlet Wildomar.

TNEF at the Santa Rosa Plateau membership is open to all and concert tickets are on sale online at https://the-nef.org/live-theplateau

The Foundation’s promise is to provide a learning pathway leading towards a life of environmental stewardship so students can understand why places like the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Plateau Reserve must be preserved and protected. The reserve is managed by the Riverside County Parks and Open Spaces working with the Nature Conservancy, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Metropolitan Water District.

Members of Murrieta’s Academy of Ballet Arts’ junior ballet troupe with their co-directors Alyssa and Jose Chavez take a pose following their outdoor stage performance at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve in The Nature Education Foundation’s soft opening of its Summer Concert Series June 24.

Irv Michlin, from TNEF, views this oil painting “Tyler and the Red Roan” by artist Vickie Peterson at the TNEF Art Show and Summer Concert Series opening at the Plateau.

Many of the artists participating in the TNEF Art Shows before the concerts, standing in the back, are recognized for helping The Nature Education Foundation in its summer fundraising efforts.

Junior ballet dancers from the Academy of Ballet Arts in Murrieta take a bow to a standing audience following their first performance on an outdoor stage at the Santa Rosa Plateau TNEF fundraiser.

Woods Witch releases first album, finishes first tour with rave reviews

Joe Naiman

Writer

A musicologist Jameson Foster said of Woods Witch on his youtube channel after the Cascadian Midsummer 2023 Festival June 16-18, “Woods Witch, a San Diego band really stood out to me…I get a little tired of metal musicians who take themselves too seriously. Woods Witch’s front man was charasmatic … [he] was just a riot. It was like he was putting on a stand-up show without meaning to…keeping the crowd entertained while he was tuning his guitar. The set was awesome, such high energy, people loved it and had smiles on their faces while they were playing and while he was talking and getting the crowd riled up. If you are looking for more heavy metal, look up Woods Witch. I feel like they’re about to blow up.”

San Diego Woods Witch front man is Fallbrook native Stuart Reeder. When Reeder was in junior high school, his brother Andrew introduced him to heavy metal music. Reeder, a scientist for the last ten years, formed Woods Witch and just returned from their first West Coast tour. The tour started June 9 with the release of their first album Warmth and Comfort.

Woods Witch released their six-song album as the headliner of a five-band show at Brick by Brick in San Diego where they played all six songs along with one which hasn’t yet been recorded.

“I’ve been trying to do music for a long time. It’s finally happening now,” Reeder said.

Reeder lived in Fallbrook prior to attending University of California, Berkeley. “But I always wanted to play music,” he said.

“I never thought it was realis-

tic, it just took a few years to be ready to do it.”

After his 2009 Fallbrook High School graduation, Reeder received a degree in molecular and cell biology at UC Berkeley. He returned to San Diego after his 2013 college graduation and obtained a job with a biological sciences company.

“I’ve been in the biotech field for the last 10 years,” Reeder said. Working full-time in the biotech field convinced Reeder that he would rather have a career in music. The path into science turned out to be of benefit to Reeder putting together a band. He met Woods Witch guitar player James Curatalo while at Cal; Curatalo actually lives in Santa Barbara. Keith Schreiber worked with Reeder at a San Diego biotech firm, and volunteered to join Woods Witch as the band’s drummer. Schreiber also recommended bassist Adrian Holtz, who became part of the band.

Becoming the front man of a black metal band took some hard work. Reeder said, “I’ve been screaming since I was 16, but it wasn’t until I was 25 and decided I wanted to do this seriously that I came to terms with the fact that my technique wasn’t clean enough to scream for 30 or 45 minutes without losing my voice.

“I ended up studying with Greg Delson (Landlights Voice Coaching in LA) whose specialty is more in Pop and R&B, but he got his teaching certification from the Complete Vocal Institute (CVI) in Copenhagen Denmark where you have to learn to teach classical, blues, rock, metal- everything and they pretty much say any sound that your voice can produce, you can produce healthily if you do it correctly. One example they always give is babies can scream quite a bit and you don’t hear a

baby losing its voice. So I studied with him for about a year and loved learning the fundamentals of clean singing and support and breathing for the first time.

“At that point I still wasn’t at a place where I could perform a whole set comfortably and I ended up studying for another couple months via Skype with Aliki Katriou who is just a great metal vocalist and teacher located in London. I don’t even know what it was, there wasn’t a specific technique that changed, one day just with all the struggle I kind of clicked into a new high scream that sounded even more throat ripping but was actually more comfortable, and I’ve been off to the races ever since, sometimes performing three nights in a row. There are all kinds of different parts of your throat that you can vibrate to safely make these crazy noises and it might just be that I switched from one to the other. In the next couple years I might go back to one of these schools to become a teacher because I absolutely loved the process and the anatomical knowledge.”

The band itself didn’t occur until after Reeder wrote enough songs for performances. “I started working on the songs at the end of 2019,” he said.

Black metal is a genre of heavy metal. “Black metal is always a very dark and despairing genre,” Reeder said.

Reeder prefers more positive

Crossword puzzle: Biology 101

music. “I’ve never really written songs that are just really despairing,” he said.

The vocal and musical elements of black metal rather than the prevailing lyrics messages enticed Reeder into black metal, but he acquiesced to the preferences of black metal audiences and created a three-song extended play album called Sorrow, Anxiety, and Depression. Warmth and Comfort adds three positive songs to the original extended play album, which was available digitally but never released on compact disc prior to the songs’ inclusion in Warmth and Comfort.

“All the songs are about making the life you want to live and fighting through bad times,” Reeder said of the three newer songs.

The planned release for Sorrow, Anxiety, and Depression was March 13, 2020. Woods Witch was supposed to perform at a San Diego party. The extended play album release and party became a victim of the coronavirus shutdown. “I ended up canceling it,” Reeder said.

The shutdown gave Reeder time to work on additional music. Reeder was able to compile the

album. “I’m pretty excited about it,” he said. Once the COVID shutdowns loosened, Reeder was able to play shows, including Brick by Brick in November of 2022.

“We were excited to return to Brick by Brick for our album release,” Reeder said.

Guitar player Jameson Shaw had previously been with Woods Witch and is now with Old Gods. “Woods Witch needed an opener,” Shaw said. “He asked if I wanted to play.”

Old Gods became the opening act June 9. Parasitic Existence, Bluntsplitter, and Doomslayer also preceded Woods Witch at the concert. Doomslayer’s lead singer, Dustin Bowman, is originally from Oceanside and has lived in Fallbrook for the past four years.

After the June 9 concert Woods Witch embarked on a two-week tour and played in Atascadero, Oakland, Eugene and Portland in Oregon, the Cascadian Midsummer festival in the southwest Washington town of Pe Ell, Seattle and Olympia. Reeder still works for a biotech company part-time which allows him to follow his dream of a fulltime music career.

Try another recipe with cooked cucumbers

or thicker than two inches by ½ inch…about the size that would be used for a stir-fry.

Chicken and Cucumber Soup

• 2 small cucumbers (or 1 large cucumber)

• 1 boneless chicken breast, skinned

• 4 cups rich chicken broth

Peel cucumbers. Cut in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or melon-baller, scoop seeds from cucumber and discard. Turn the cucumber upside down so the scooped-out side is next to the cutting surface. Cut the cucumber into thin slices.

Judith Bell Food Editor

Since fire came into the lives of people, we’ve cooked everything that came our way with some results more edible and tastier than others. I’ve cooked cucumbers for so long that I simply can’t remember when I started.

Today there are likely more than a few people who’ve yet to cook a cucumber. Yet as one of the fastest growing vegetables, it behooves all with gardens to cook cucumbers, thus expanding their culinary choices. They’ll also be able to use the fruits of their labor as it produces or as retailers have blockbuster deals on cucumbers as fields yield crops.

An easy starting place is this three-ingredient soup that could be a light lunch or supper entrée with a crusty roll or crackers as accompaniment. If you’re doing the “low carb” way of eating, skip the bread or crackers and have a salad with fresh chopped cooked beets and celery on a bed of beet greens.

Special note: The chicken needs to be cut into pieces no larger

Cut chicken into small pieces no larger than 2-inches by ½ inch. Bring chicken broth to a boil. Add cucumber slices and chicken pieces. Return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and serve. Serves 2.

A simple and easy accompaniment to a chicken, fish, shellfish, or roast pork would be this simple braised cucumber that is seasoned lightly with either dill (fresh or dried) or curry. Many a dinner guest seemed shocked to find cooked cucumbers as a side dish. It has sparked many animated culinary discussions.

Braised Cucumbers

• 3 medium cucumbers

• 1/3 cup water

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill (1 teaspoon dried) or `1/2

teaspoon curry

• 1 chicken bouillon cube

Peel cucumbers. Slice on the bias. Bring water to a boil with dill weed (or curry) and bouillon cube in a shallow sauté pan or skillet. Add cucumbers and return to a boil. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the cucumbers are just barely tender (al dente). Serves 4.

(Left to right) Bassist Adrian Holtz, drummer Keith Schreiber, frontman and guitarist Stuart Reeder performing at Brick by Brick in San Diego. Not shown is guitar player James Curatalo. Valley News/Chad Kelco photos

Stuart Reeder of Woods Witch

Valley News/Adobe Stock photos

The best foods for liver health and detoxification

Valley News Staff

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body and eliminating harmful substances. Contrary to popular belief, the liver does not store toxins but works to eliminate them. However, if the liver is fatty, toxins may accumulate. This article will highlight the essential foods that support liver health and aid in its detoxification process.

Understanding liver detoxification

Liver detoxification involves two main phases: phase one breaks down toxins into water-soluble particles, and phase two adds certain nutrients to create harmless compounds. B vitamins, antioxidants, folate and other nutrients are required for these processes.

Toxins that the liver breaks down include plastics, pesticides, alcohol, drugs, pollutants and various chemicals found in the environment and food.

Importance of bile and liver function

The liver produces bile, which helps extract fat-soluble nutrients from food and assists in the digestion process. Bile also aids in the production of thyroid hormones and prevents microbial buildup in the small intestine. Furthermore, the liver plays a role in hormone regulation, buffering excessive estrogen, testosterone and cortisol.

Symptoms and factors affecting liver health

Liver-related symptoms may include itchiness, fatigue, belly fat, hormonal imbalances, skin problems, joint issues and hypothyroidism. Conditions such as constipation and bile sludge can hinder liver function. Insufficient B vitamins, fatty liver, inflammation and cirrhosis can also impair liver health.

Avoiding harmful foods for the liver

Certain foods should be limited or avoided for optimal liver health. High fructose corn syrup, poisons like pesticides and heavy metals, medications (especially corticosteroids), excessive alcohol, refined carbohydrates and refined vegetable oils can be detrimental to the liver.

The seven best foods for liver health

Cruciferous Vegetables: Kale, broccoli, cabbage, arugula, beets and brussels sprouts aid in detoxification and provide antiinflammatory and liver-protective properties.

Eggs: High in choline, eggs support fat metabolism in the liver and provide essential amino acids for detoxification.

Sprouts: Broccoli sprouts, in particular, contain sulforaphane, a potent phytonutrient that aids in detoxification and has anti-cancer properties.

Your liver processes blood which breaks down nutrients and chemicals, making them easier for your body to use.

Beets: Beets reduce liver inflammation, mobilize bile release, and help reduce fat accumulation.

Garlic: Garlic provides sulfur compounds necessary for liver detoxification and exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and sardines, support liver health, reduce inflammation and aid fat metabolism.

Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, lemon helps promote fat metabolism, provides anti-inflammatory

effects and contributes to overall liver health.

Additional liver-supporting

measures

Incorporating apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and milk thistle into your routine can further promote liver health. Apple cider vinegar aids blood sugar control, olive oil helps extract fat-soluble nutrients and milk thistle protects the liver from toxins.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy liver is vital for overall well-being. By including cruciferous vegetables,

Valley News/Adobe Stock photo

eggs, sprouts, beets, garlic, omega-3 fatty acids and lemon in your diet, you can support liver health and promote its detoxification processes. Additionally, incorporating apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and milk thistle can provide further liver support. Prioritizing these foods and practices can help optimize liver function and overall health.

Dr. Eric Berg DC contributed to this article. He is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting.Follow him on social media @DrEricBergDC

Medicaid and CHIP help families access mental health services for children

HealthCare.gov to find quality plans and help paying costs. What types of services are covered through Medicaid and CHIP?

To help care for all parts of a child’s health, Medicaid and CHIP also cover routine health care visits, like preventive care, dental and vision checkups, specialist visits, physical, speech and occupational therapies, and emergency services. These programs also cover a wide range of mental health and substance use services such as counseling, peer support services,

StatePoint Media

Special to the Valley News

The state of mental health among youth continues to be of public concern. According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey, youth mental health problems have increased significantly over the past decade, reaching an all-time high.

For instance, from 2011 to 2021, the rate of female high school students saying they feel sad or hopeless increased from 36% to 57%; for male students this rate increased from 21% to 29%.

Stressors at school, home or elsewhere can cause mental health disorders to arise, leading to negative impacts on how children learn and build relationships with others. If your child may need mental health support and doesn’t currently have health coverage, you have options. Free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers many benefits, including doctor’s visits, prescriptions, emergencies and the coverage of behavioral health services, including mental health services through pediatricians,

mental health professionals, local community providers and organizations, as well as school systems. People who are pregnant or postpartum may also be eligible for this health coverage and mental and behavioral health services.

Who qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP? Eligibility varies by state and is determined by how many people are in a household and household income. For instance, in most states, a family of four with household income up to $60,000 per year may qualify for Medicaid, CHIP or both. To learn more about state-specific options, visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW. Enrollment is open year-round.

What if my child currently has Medicaid or CHIP coverage? Medicaid and CHIP coverage must be renewed annually. If you or your children have Medicaid or CHIP, it’s time to pay attention to your health coverage. Keep an eye on the mail for renewal information from your state. When it comes, complete the forms and send them back right away. Failure or delay in responding can result in you losing coverage, even if you are eligible for Medicaid and CHIP. If you have lost coverage, go to

inpatient psychiatric services and case management services for needed medical, educational and social services. Services are covered through Medicaid for children and teens up to age 21 and through CHIP up to age 19.

States have flexibility to determine if services may be delivered using telehealth. These services are necessary to prevent, diagnose and treat a broad range of mental health symptoms and disorders, as well as substance use disorders.

Caring for mental health is car-

ing for overall health. Early detection and intervention of mental health and substance use issues is crucial to the overall health of kids, teens and people during and after pregnancy, and may reduce or eliminate the effects of a condition if detected and treated early. Take the time today to explore coverage options through Medicaid and CHIP.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Valley News/SeventyFour

- iStock photo via Getty Images Plus

How to get pets through their least favorite holiday

Best Friends Animal Society offers 4 tips to keep pets calm and safe over the Fourth of July

As many people with pets can attest, the July 4 holiday is often traumatic for pets who can have a phobic reaction to fireworks and other loud sights and sounds that are synonymous with Independence Day celebrations.

That’s why it’s best to keep pets indoors during the festivities to prevent dogs and cats from ending up injured or at a busy shelter overflowing with other lost pets.

Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters by 2025, is offering the following tips that can help pet owners keep their pets safe and out of the shelters during the holiday.

Bring all pets indoors whenever neighborhood fireworks displays are likely to occur and secure them in a quiet room. Close the windows, draw the curtains and surround them with their favorite toys and treats. It can help to play calming music or turn on the television to drown out the frightening sounds.

Always keep pets away from lit fireworks, including in your own backyard. Some pets will chase after the bright moving objects and are at risk of being burned or blinded in the process.

Fireworks also contain substances that are toxic if ingested, so be sure to keep unlit fireworks out of reach, too.

If your pet gets spooked and runs off, ensure they are wearing identification tags with your current contact information. Also, make sure their microchip contact information is up-to-date.

“The last thing you want is an emergency over a holiday, when many veterinary clinics and shelters are closed or only

open for limited hours,” Dr. Erin Katribe, Medical Director, Best Friends Animal Society, said. “If you know your pets suffer from anxiety, discuss pharmaceutical options with your veterinarian in advance. Several medications to treat anxiety are available and can help your pets during these stressful holidays.”

Katribe also noted that milder anxiety may be helped with sup-

plements, such as those containing tryptophan, or a compression-style garment, which swaddles and comforts them. It’s best to speak with a veterinarian for the best option.

Best Friends recently released an annual data report, which gives the most accurate and comprehensive national overview of the number of dogs and cats that enter and exit shelters in a given year.

The data for 2022 showed that the number of dogs and cats killed in U.S. shelters had a setback, with an increase to around 378,000 up from 355,000 in 2021. This was largely due to shelters experiencing higher intakes and lower adoptions.

By following the above safety precautions, pets can stay safe and with their families, and out of overcrowded shelters.

“I recommend that all pet owners find out the contact information of their local emergency clinic and local shelters ahead of time, so that it’s quickly within reach in those unexpected moments,” Katribe said.

For more information, visit bestfriends.org.

Submitted by Best Friends Animal Society.

Officials: Take precautions against mosquitoes to prevent risks of West Nile virus

City News Service Special to the Valley News

With summer officially here, Riverside County officials are recommending that residents take precautions to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes that may be carrying West Nile virus.

“While vector control agencies work diligently to control mosquito populations, which includes treating communal areas, mosquito

control is a shared responsibility,” according to the Department of Environmental Health.

No mosquito nesting areas in the county have tested positive for WNV, Zika or any other infectious diseases so far this year. However, three dead birds located in the county tested positive for the strain in recent weeks. With warmer weather now here to stay, the possibility of mosquito concentrations turning up with the

pathogen has increased, officials said.

When nesting sites are identified, the Department of Environmental Health generally deploys trucks to conduct anti-mosquito spraying, which involves dispersing pesticides as a mist from machines.

Mosquitoes typically become carriers of West Nile after feeding on an infected bird and can then spread the potentially lethal strain to animals and humans. Those at

greatest risk include seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems. In 2020, there were 10 confirmed human cases countywide, and three in 2021, according to the Riverside County Emergency Management Department. No cases were documented in 2022.

The California Department of Public Health said no human cases have been identified statewide as of last week.

Symptoms may never materialize, but can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes.

To reduce exposure to mosquitoes carrying WNV, residents are urged to:

Spend as little time as possible outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are generally on the move; Wear long pants and longsleeved shirts during outdoor activity in mosquito-prone areas; Use insect repellent, including DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin or IR3535; Ensure door and window screens are fitted properly to keep bugs out; and Get rid of standing water, aside from pools properly treated with chemicals.

Anyone with concerns should contact the Department of Environmental Health at 951-766-9454.

Ranger and Riley wear their Independence Day outfits.

Valley News/Best Friends Animal Society photo

Stantec given EMWD pipeline design contract

Joe Naiman

Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District board awarded Stantec Consulting Services Inc., a design contract for the district’s Purified Water Replenishment conveyance pipelines and Cottonwood Recycled Water Pipeline.

The board’s 4-0 vote June 7, with Randy Record absent, authorized a $2,786,208 contract with Stantec for the design of the pipelines. The board action approved total appropriations of $3,250,000 to cover expenses through the bid and award phase, and EMWD general manager Joe Mouawad or his designee has been authorized to award contracts with the necessary consultants and suppliers for engineering support during the design process.

The Eastern Municipal Water District’s Groundwater Reliability Plus Program is intended to improve the quality and yield of water from the San Jacinto groundwater basin and includes the Purified Water Replenishment Project. The Purified Water Replenishment Project will include recharge ponds, an advanced recycled water treatment facility, a blending station and conveyance infrastructure. Phase I

of that project will recharge up to 4,000 acre-feet per year of a blend of advanced treated water and recycled water into recharge ponds along the San Jacinto River corridor. The Purified Water Replenishment Advanced Water Purification Facility will be located adjacent to the San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility.

The conveyance infrastructure associated with the Purified Water Replenishment Project consists of two separate segments of pipelines: a reverse osmosis permeate pipeline and a blended tertiary conveyance pipeline. The permeate pipeline will utilize an existing inactive 18inch steel cement mortar lined and coated pipeline which will be rehabilitated and will convey reverse osmosis permeate from the advanced treatment facility approximately 3.5

miles east to the district’s existing Alessandro Recycled Water Ponds site near the intersection of West Ramona Parkway and North Vernon Avenue. The permeate will then be blended with tertiary recycled water and conveyed approximately

2.9 miles southeast via a proposed 36-inch pipeline to the Mountain Avenue West recharge facility. An existing 36-inch recycled water transmission pipeline will be re-

purposed to supply tertiary recycled water for blending with the reverse osmosis permeate at the Alessandro Recycled Water Ponds. After the repurposing, the 36-inch pipeline will not be able to provide stable recycled water service to existing customers on Lyon Ave., and the Cottonwood Recycled Water Pipeline Project will reconnect the Lyon Ave. pipeline to the recycled water system and will also expand the recycled water distribution system to fill in existing gaps and provide service opportunities to future customers. The Cottonwood Recycled Water Pipeline Project consists of approximately 7,900 linear feet of 12-inch recycled water distribution pipeline along Cottonwood Ave. in the City of San Jacinto between Cawston and Lyon avenues.

On March 2, EMWD staff issued a request for proposals for preliminary and final design services for the Purified Water Replenishment conveyance pipelines and the Cottonwood Recycled Water Pipeline. Three proposals were received by the April 12 deadline. The California Government Code requires professional services agreements to be awarded based on demonstrated competence and the professional qualifications necessary for the

satisfactory performance of the services required rather on the lowest price. Although Stantec submitted the middle amount of the three bids, the San Diego company had the highest-ranked proposal and the selection committee also deemed the Stantec proposal to be the best value. The panel noted that Stantec has a detailed understanding of blending water quality requirements, is utilizing services from the same engineer working on the Purified Water Replenishment Advanced Water Purification Facility, provided a detailed and realistic condition assessment approach, and has worked with the district in the past and had positive performances.

In November 2021, the EMWD board awarded the final design contract for the Purified Water Replenishment Advanced Water Treatment Facility Project to Brown and Caldwell, which is headquartered in Irvine. The Stantec proposal utilizes Brown and Caldwell as a subconsultant for the pipeline rehabilitation and Alessandro Recycled Water Ponds blending facility design. Two other subconsultants are Hemet companies: Cozad & Fox will perform surveying work and Scorpion Backhoe will handle pipeline inspection for the pit ex-

cavations. Separate companies will handle other aspects of the pipeline i nspection: Pipeline Inspection Partners Corporation of Florida will be responsible for the mapping while Pro-Pipe Inc., of Arizona will provide closed circuit television monitoring. Kleinfelder of Riverside is the geotechnical services subconsultant, STC Traffic Inc., of Carlsbad has responsibility for traffic control activities, and T2 Utility Engineers of Huntington Beach will undertake the potholing work.

The conveyance activity was included in the Environmental Impact Report for the overall Purified Water Replenishment Advanced Water Purification Facility project. That EIR was certified in June 2021. The EIR for the Recycled Water Distribution Pipeline Expansion project which included the Cottonwood Recycled Water Pipeline Project was certified in September 2020. No new circumstances require an update to either EIR.

The design of the Purified Water Replenishment conveyance pipelines is expected to take 12 months. The design of the Cottonwood Recycled Water Pipeline Project has an eight-month timeframe.

Shimmick given construction contract to expand EVMWD reclamation facility

Joe Naiman

Writer Shimmick Construction Company, Inc. has been awarded the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District contract to expand and upgrade the district’s Regional Water Reclamation Facility.

One 4-0 EVMWD board vote June 8, with Jack Ferguson absent, approved a public works contract with Shimmick Construction Company, which is based in Irvine. A second 4-0 board vote that day approved a deductive change order

to reduce the total contract amount from $248,540,000 to $217,335,000. The change order did not reduce the authorization amounts of $738,916 for staff time, $111,500 for overhead, and $15,213,450 for contingency. The upgrades and expansion of the Regional Water Reclamation Facility, which is located off of Chaney Street behind the district’s headquarters, is a three-phase project.

In June 2018 the board adopted an environmental Mitigated Negative Declaration along with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.

Phase 1 upgraded the Distributed

Control System and was completed in 2019. Phase 2 provided upgrades to the Regional Water Reclamation Facility and was completed in July 2022.

Phase 3 will include a new fine screen facility, two new aeration basins, a new membrane bioreactor facility, a new ultraviolet disinfection facility, a new belt press building, expansion of headworks, expansion of the influent pump station, new odor control facilities, improvements to the 54-inch influent bypass manhole, replacement of the actuators and media for the Train B filters,

modifications to the Train A returnactivated sludge and waste-activated sludge pump stations, replacement of the control panels at the scum pump stations for Train A clarifiers, and modifications to the operations building including upgrades to the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, relocation of the microbiology lab, modifications to office space, upgrades to the kitchen and break room, and security improvements. Phase 3 will also add a third liquid treatment train, Train C, which will increase the current plant capacity from 8.0

million gallons per day (mgd) to 12.0 mgd and allow future growth to the EVMWD service area and meet State of California requirements to expand capacity once influent flow reaches or exceeds 75 percent of plant capacity. The current flows are around 6 mgd. EVMWD staff submitted a request for proposals for Phase 3 in December 2022. Shimmick was the only company to submit a bid. Negotiations were successful in bringing the project scope and cost to a level more acceptable to the district.

Supervisors approve bid advertisement for Johnston Avenue resurfacing

Joe Naiman

Writer

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved the advertisement for bid of a construction contract to resurface Johnston Avenue in East Hemet.

The supervisors’ 3-0 vote June 13, with Karen Spiegel and Manuel Perez absent, authorizes the advertisement for bid of a contract to resurface approximately 1.7 miles of the road. The supervisors’ action also approved the plans and

specifications for the resurfacing of Johnston Avenue from San Jacinto Street to 630 feet east of Stanford Street, set a July 5 bid opening date, and found the resurfacing to be categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review. Johnston Avenue is a two-lane road whose width ranges from 24 to 32 feet. It is classified as a local road in the Circulation Element of the county’s general plan. Johnston Avenue is in a single-family residential area. The deteriorated pavement conditions warrant the resurfacing

of the street.

The resurfacing will remove the existing asphalt concrete and underlying material and place new hot mix asphalt concrete pavement. The improvements will also include sidewalk and driveway reconstruction, curb and gutter reconstruction, cross gutters and spandrels, curb ramps meeting Americans with Disabilities Act standards, thermoplastic crosswalk and other pavement markings, and roadside signs.

The bid package will be structured with a base bid for the Johnston

Avenue resurfacing and an alternative bid for Eastern Municipal Water District manhole adjustments which will become part of the contract if Eastern approves the alternative bid portion of the low responsive bid. The director of the county’s Transportation Department has the authority to sign reimbursement agreements of up to $100,000 without Board of Supervisors approval, so if Eastern accepts the alternative bid a reimbursement agreement will be approved administratively.

Gas tax revenue, including from

the Road Repair and Accountability Act which raised the tax on gasoline by 12 cents per gallon effective November 2017 and vehicle registration fees between $25 and $175 depending on the vehicle’s value effective spring 2018, will be used to fund the county’s cost of the work. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2023. The work will be phased to keep the road open during construction as much as possible and will take approximately three months to complete.

Offered at

Supervisors approve Diamond Valley Lodge rezone

Joe Naiman Writer

A rezone and plot plan for Diamond Valley Lodge was approved during the June 13 Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting.

The 3-0 vote, with Karen Spiegel and Manuel Perez absent, changes the zoning of the 60.32-acre property from Open Area Combining Zone-Residential Developments (R-5) to Natural Assets (N-A).

The plot plan permits an existing menagerie facility on the site which includes the keeping and exhibition of tigers. The site already accommodates a nine-hole golf course and clubhouse facility which will remain. The San Jacinto Valley Area Plan land use designation of Open Space:Recreation (OS:R) will also be unchanged.

The four legal parcels are south of Cactus Valley Road, northeast of Sage Road, and west of Kel Star Road. A plot plan approved in 1993 allowed an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse on the property’s overall approximate 129 acres. The golf course began operation around 1995 and subsequently ceased operations around 2019. In 2021 Diamond Valley Lodge submitted a Substantial Conformance to the Plot Plan to modify the golf course and reduce it to nine holes. Since then the golf course has been in general operation to accommodate golfing on the ninehole course. Diamond Valley Lodge also in-

and plot plan

stalled fencing for a tiger enclosure and was subsequently cited by the county’s Code Enforcement division for the unpermitted menagerie use and for the construction of the fencing without proper building permits. The current rezone and plot plan resolve the unpermitted land use and building permits and thus authorize the fencing for the enclosure.

The menagerie facility will consist of a main tiger enclosure area for exhibition with chain link fencing twelve feet high, three smaller enclosures for isolation and transport of the tigers, and a public viewing area. The public viewing area will be separated from the main tiger enclosure area by a tubular steel fence 52 inches in height and separated back from the main enclosure fencing to prevent guests from being in direct contact with the tigers. The viewing area and tiger enclosure area will be enclosed with an outer fence eight feet tall. Two small security stations, one inside the outer fenced area and one outside the outer fenced area, will allow for general security, maintenance, and operation. The design and operation of the menagerie facility will comply with U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

The existing golf course clubhouse will continue to serve as a clubhouse for the golf activity on the site but will also be used as a welcome center for the menagerie. The golf course

Pool Home Coming Soon

and clubhouse facility may also host special events such weddings on the property, which would be an ancillary use in conjunction with the golf course clubhouse and menagerie. Because the site has been used as a golf course and the structural improvements are minor, the county supervisors found the rezone and plot plan to be exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review. The May 17 meeting of the county’s Planning Commission included a 5-0 vote to recommend approval of the rezone and plot plan.

EMWD to acquire two parcels for Mission Canyon II Pump Station

Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District will be acquiring two parcels for the new Mission Canyon II Pump Station.

The EMWD board voted 5-0 June 21 to approve the acquisition of the two parcels which total 78.75 acres. The board approved a purchase price of $433,125 and authorized total additional expenses of $475,000.

The Mission Canyon II Pump Station is in unincorporated Hemet, east of State Street along Gibbel Road. Eastern’s Water Facilities Master Plan recommends that the pump station be replaced to resolve hydraulic deficiencies. Relocation has also been recommended due to the current station’s proximity to wildfire, access difficulty and limited area to expand.

The Mission Canyon II Pump Station replacement project will provide a new pump station located at the Mission Canyon II Booster Station along with 3,200 feet of new pipe. The new pump station will increase water pressure and capacity for the unincorporated Hemet area east of Diamond Valley Lake from 200 gallons per minute to 600 gpm.

Turnkey Senior Home

acres of very private land. Zoned A-2! Bring a mobile home, modular, manufactured home, or traditional build. Enjoy the tranquility and great views for a great price. They will also allow a SOLAR farm (with approved CUP).

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Offered at $50,000

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

Offered at $430,000

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 included $350 billion of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocations for eligible state, territorial, Tribal and local governments. The funding addresses the public health emergency and economic impacts of the coronavirus epidemic and can be utilized for four eligible categories: mitigation of negative economic impacts, premium pay for eligible workers performing essential work, provision of government services lost revenue would have eliminated, and necessary infrastructure investments including water, sewer and broadband. A May 2022 Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting allocated $10,571,200 for three EMWD capital improvement projects. That allocation will fund $1,440,000 of the estimated $3,600,000 cost of the Mission Canyon II Pump Station replacement project. (The county supervisors also allocated $5,011,200 for the Northern Wine Country Sewer Rancho California Road Phase II project and $4,120,000 for the Southern Wine Country Sewer De Portola Road/Anza Road infrastructure.) Eastern will administer, construct and maintain the sewer projects. The funding agreement will allow the district to be reimbursed by the county. All ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026.

In September 2022, the EMWD board awarded Ardurra the design contract to replace the Mission Canyon II Pump Station. Ardurra identified potential parcels to locate the new facility including the two parcels the board authorized purchasing. The parcels are approximately one mile north of the current Mission Canyon II Pump Station and were listed for sale in December 2022.

Hendricksen Appraisal Company Inc., appraised the parcels at $433,125. EMWD staff submitted an offer for that amount to the listing broker in May. The seller accepted the offer shortly thereafter.

Eastern will be financially responsible for its proportioned share of escrow and title fees. The district will be entirely responsible for necessary surveying and fencing of the new site.

Once enough information is obtained to identify impacts, the environmental documentation will be prepared. If another property is determined to be more suitable for the new Mission Canyon II Pump Station the

may be sold as surplus

Murrieta’s Padlo called up by the Angels

Former Nighthawk fills in for injured Rendon

second baseman, his defense on the left side of the diamond is not nearly as good. Padlo is a player who can hit for more power and be more impactful. With the bottom of the Angels lineup lacking as of late, it made much more sense.

Also, Padlo played a lot in Spring Training and played pretty well, recording six extra-base hits in 36 at-bats including a home run and a triple. In his debut with the Angels Tuesday, June 20, oddly enough they started Padlo at first base where he batted sixth in their 2-0 loss to the Dodgers, which was his first big-league game of the season. He finished the game 0-3.

After the Angels recalled Kevin Padlo, Manager Phil Nevin said it was Padlo’s power potential that appealed to them. “We need a little more meat in the lineup, if you will,” Nevin said. “We have lost some guys that are impact bats. He has got a chance, especially against lefties, to add that.”

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

ANAHEIM – When Angels

third baseman Anthony Rendon got hit in the wrist by a Nathan Eovaldi pitch two weeks ago, the hope was that he wouldn’t miss many games. While he was able to power through and play third base (even if he couldn’t swing the bat) in the finale in Texas, Rendon was nowhere to be found when they took on Kansas City the very next day.

The Angels were hoping that after sitting out for the weekend series and resting up, he would be able to return to the lineup against the Dodgers last week. Those hopes disappeared when the Halos announced Rendon would be heading back to a place he has become all too familiar with…the Injured List.

With Rendon out, the Angels needed to bring up another infielder and quite a few names were discussed. Both Livan Soto and Jake Lamb seemed like easy options to bring up because they

are both on the 40-man roster.

David Fletcher also felt like a deserving candidate, and Angels fans would have not been upset in the slightest if they did opt to bring him back. Instead, it was a different player who was not on the 40-man and albeit is a lesser-known name among the fan base that got the call. Well, a lesser-known name for the OC fan base, but not the local fan base in Southwest Riverside County that is.

Kevin Padlo, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Murrieta Valley High School by the Colorado Rockies, was recalled from Triple-A on Monday, June 19, by the Angels.

Early on in his career, after a pair of impressive seasons in Rookie Ball, Padlo was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in a four-player deal with Colorado.

With the Rays, Padlo slowly climbed the minor league ranks. He flashed impressive power potential but struggled to find a balance between hitting for power and putting the ball in play. Padlo did finally make his MLB debut with

the Rays in April of 2021 at the age of 24. However, he only received 14 big-league plate appearances before he was designated for assignment and then claimed off waivers by the Mariners. Since then, Padlo has had brief stints with three Major League ball clubs, including the San Francisco Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates, and has played plenty of minor league ball with their affiliates.

Padlo was non-tendered by the Pirates following the 2022 season and became a free agent which is when he was able to ink a minorleague deal with the Angels last offseason. So far this season, he has hit .273/.396/.555 at Triple-A with ten doubles and seven home runs in 134 plate appearances with twenty-two walks and thirty-one strikeouts.

So, why Padlo? It is really because he is a third baseman. Both Anthony Rendon and Gio Urshela, the team’s two primary third basemen, are on the Injured List, so having a legitimate third baseman around would be a good thing. While Fletcher is an excellent

Padlo is now the second former Murrieta Valley Nighthawk standout to play infield for the Angels, and the fourth from the school to play Major League Baseball at the highest level. Tyler Wade, currently playing for the Oakland A’s, was originally drafted by the Yankees in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB amateur draft out of high school and debuted for the big-league club in 2017. Wade played for the Angels in 2022 before being traded.

Current Padres first

baseman Brandon Dixon also attended Murrieta Valley where he played alongside another talented MLB player in Patrick Wisdom. Prior to playing professionally, Dixon was at the University of Arizona. In 2012 Dixon and the Wildcats won the College World Series. After his junior season he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round of the 2013 MLB draft.

Wisdom graduated from Murrieta Valley High School in 2009 and played college baseball at Saint Mary’s College. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft. Currently he plays third base for the Chicago Cubs but is on the Injured 10-Day List through next week.

Padlo’s time was short lived as he was removed from both the 40-man and 26-man active rosters Sunday, June 25, to make room for Mike Moustakas with the latter joining the Angels in a trade after they routed the Rockies the day before. Padlo will now hit the waiver wire, and if he goes unclaimed, he will likely report back to Triple-A Salt Lake to provide organizational depth. With the Angels last week, Padlo went one for eight with an RBI double in his only successful at bat. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com

Chaparral coaching changes give Lucore a summer to remember

TEMECULA- It has certainly been a busy end to the school year for Chaparral athletic director Tim Lucore who found himself with five vacancies to fill this offseason.

Longtime girls volleyball coach Gale Johnson announced her resignation a week ago in a social media post after four seasons. During her tenure with the program, Chaparral won nine tournament titles including the highly regarded Queens Court end of summer tournament hosted by Foothill High School (2019) and the Dave Mohs championship last year in the midst of the Fairview Fire. Johnson finishes with an overall mark of 75-38 (a .664 winning percentage) and 18-22 in Southwestern League play. Chaparral reached three CIF-SS playoffs with a postseason record of 2-3. Gretchen Johnson was named the program’s interim head coach for 2023-2024 according to an Instagram post.

Jerry Blanco also stepped down as the girls basketball coach after guiding Chaparral to a 2021 CIF-SS semifinal appearance before falling to Ontario Christian. The Pumas were 14-5 overall and 7-3 that year coming off of a pair of 17-win campaigns in which they lost in opening round play.

Harmony Pyper will take over the program, coming over from Linfield Christian after a fouryear stint in which the Lions went 44-44 overall with a 19-31 mark in Ambassador League play. She was an assistant on Linfield Christian’s CIFSS championship team in 2018-2019 to Derrick O’Neil before taking over the program herself a

Former Murrieta Valley High School standout Kevin Padlo, right, was called up by the Los Angeles Angels last week as a fill-in for Anthony Rendon. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Los Angeles Angels infielder Kevin Padlo poses for a portrait during photo day at the team’s practice facility earlier this year. Valley News/Mark J. Rebilas photo

Derryl Trujillo Sports Writer

season later. Pyper took Linfield Christian to a

Former Linfield Christian girls basketball coach Harmony Pyper replaces Jerry Blanco and will lead the Chaparral program in 2023-2024. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Collin Foss will be Chaparral’s new boys soccer coach.

[Left] Ryan Garcia was recently announced as Chaparral’s new track and field coach.

[Right] Jordan Searby was named Chaparral’s new boys basketball coach, replacing Brad Smith.

see COACHES, page C-2

COACHES from page C-1

CIF-SS 5AA quarterfinal in the spring 2021 season before falling to Avalon (Catalina Island).

“I’m excited for the opportunity to take over at Chaparral,” Pyper said via text message. “There’s a good, young core of talent here and it’s going to be fun to watch them develop over the next few years.”

In addition, Chaparral announced Jordan Searby as the new boys basketball coach, Ryan Garcia as their new track and field coach and Collin Foss as their new boys soccer coach. For more information on Chaparral athletics, visit the school district website at www.tvusd.k12.ca.us/CHS

Derryl Trujillo can be reached via email at socaltrekkie@gmail. com

AnzA VAlley OUTLOOK

Prep sports golf notes

Derryl Trujillo Sports Writer

TEMECULA – It was a very busy end of the season for the area boys prep golf scene and a pair of locals had successful weeks at the SCGA Women’s Amateur.

The following is a recap of recent action from the fairways.

Abuan finishes stellar

Wolfpack career in style with a trip to CIF-State golf finals Wednesday, May 31, was the final day of California’s high school boys golf season and Great Oak’s Ryan Abuan had a goal of being the last Valley golfer standing. After earning runner-up honors in both the CIF-SS Central Region Individual Qualifier at Murrieta’s Bear Creek Golf Club on Monday, May 8, and the CIFState Southern California Regional Qualifier at Los Serranos’ South Course on Wednesday, May 24, he did just that.

In the CIF-State finals, held at Poppy Hills Golf Course on May 31, Abuan recorded a T9 finish after shooting a two under par round of 69 on the par 71 layout. He was the third player in Wolfpack history to appear in a CIF-State golf final. Michael Howe made back-to-back appearances in 2012 and 2013 while Jack Li reached the finals in 2015. Abuan is headed for the University of San Diego this fall on a golf scholarship.

Temescal Canyon’s Nixon Lauritzen advanced to the CIFSCGA regional qualifier but again missed out on a finals appearance after shooting a two under par round of 72 and missing by a shot.

Lions wrap up stellar golf season with CIF-SS championship

If there is one word which comes to mind when describing the 2023 Linfield Christian golf season it would be historical. On Monday, May 15, at Western Hills Country Club in Chino the Lions brought home a CIF-SS Division 5 championship after shooting a round of 399 to defeat Canyon of Anaheim by one shot.

Luke Bohmer led the way with an even par round of 71 while Daniel Guerra added a 74. Alfredo

Guerra shot 82 while Ben Kim and Charlie Lee each posted 86s. Abby Bi shot a 90 which was not used in the team score.

“I was helping input scores for CIF and kept looking at the players, but they were emotionless and that led me to believe we had come up short,” Lions coach Mark Moore said. “It wasn’t until Kevin LeDuc (former Riverside King coach now CIF-SS golf championship site manager) congratulated me that I found out and I was shocked to say the least. I felt we’d have a shot at it if we came in under 400 based on the Division 1 scores there last year but you never know.”

In addition to the team championship Monday, May 8, Bohmer (71) and Daniel Guerra (74) both advanced to the CIF-SS Individual Championship at River Ridge with top 20 finishes at the Central Region qualifier hosted by Bear Creek Country Club before seeing their seasons end a week later.

“Other teams are likely not going to be very happy with

AnzA VAlley OUTLOOK

me, but they very well could be the best team in school history,” Moore added. “They finished 12-1 overall with an undefeated mark against the Southwestern League, an Ambassador League title, and tied or broke a number of school records.”

Pair of locals finish in top 25 at SCGA Women’s Amateur Championship Pauma Valley Country Club was the host of the SCGA Women’s Amateur Championship from June 18-20, and a pair of locals came home with top 25 finishes.

Lauren Sammon, an incoming senior at Vista Murrieta who has verbally committed to Wisconsin, finished in a tie for fifth with rounds of 75-70-73=218 (+2). Sammon is the defending Southwestern League girls’ golf champion and

course record holder at Hemet Golf Club after a 65 in final round play last fall.

Meanwhile Jordyn Parr, a 2019 graduate of Temecula Valley who recently announced she was transferring to Hawaii from San Jose State, shot rounds of 80-7273=225 (+9) to finish in a tie for T23. Parr is the 2018 Southwestern League girls’ golf champion at Menifee Lakes Country Club. Temecula’s Kaila Higgins (Great Oak/Chapman/Cal State San Marcos) missed the cut with rounds of 76-82=158 (+14). Also, Breanna Noble (Canyon Lake) missed the cut after rounds of 8479=163 (+19). Derryl Trujillo can be reached via email at socaltrekkie@gmail. com

Amoy returns to HS volleyball coaching ranks, takes over at Cornerstone Christian

Derryl Trujillo Sports Writer

WILDOMAR- After a stint as a college assistant coach at Azusa Pacific University former Calvary Murrieta head coach Paul Amoy was enjoying his retirement but also beginning to miss the game.

Amoy most notably led Calvary Murrieta to three straight CIF-SS volleyball championship matches and recorded back-to-back wins in 20072008 after falling in 2006. He then left Calvary Murrieta in 2011 and spent a number of years as an assistant at Linfield Christian and Rancho Christian before joining the staff at Azusa Pacific University from 2018-2021.

Cornerstone Christian, just two years removed from a CIF-SS division nine championship, posted a four-win season and was looking for a new coach when Athletic Director David Dexheimer reached out to gauge Amoy’s interest in guiding the program.

Those conversations turned into Amoy agreeing to return to the sidelines this fall and take over a Crusader program that recorded a 4-22 campaign overall with a 3-9 mark in Majestic League play last season.

Derryl Trujillo can be reached at socaltrekkie@ gmail.com

Ryan Abuan (Great Oak) hits a shot from just off the fairway in CIF-SS Central Region Individual tournament action on Monday, May 8, at Bear Creek Golf Club in Murrieta. Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Lauren Sammon (Vista Murrieta) hits a shot during final round play in the Southwestern League girls’ golf championship at Hemet Golf Club on October 20, 2022.

Linfield Christian players with their CIF-SS championship t-shirts and patches at Western Hills Country Club in Chino on Monday, May 15, after they won the Division 5 title.

Former Calvary Murrieta head volleyball coach Paul Amoy (far right), who was recently an assistant at Azuza Pacific, will return to the area to coach at Cornerstone Christian in the 2023-24 school year.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Valley News/Courtesy photo

SoCal State Championship boxing tournament hits Menifee

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

MENIFEE – The 12th annual SoCal State Championship Boxing tournament was hosted by LBC 33 and held June 23-25 at Paloma Valley High School. The event showcases novice youth amateur boxers who are aspiring to be future Olympians. It is always a great opportunity to showcase their skills and the experience of participating in an actual bout.

The preliminary bouts were held Friday, June 23, with the winners advancing to Saturday’s semi finals. The Saturday bouts opened with an exhibition fight featuring the

event’s organizer Steve Harriman of the Riverside County Boxing club, fighting out of Canyon Lake.

Following the exhibition rounds there were160 bouts held across four rings with the winners advancing to Sundays championship rounds.

Local gyms with boxers advancing to the finals included Riverside County Boxing Club’s Ozzie Dapper and David Romero, Temecula Boxing’s Emmanuel Buyson, Freddy Domingo, and Noel Hernandez, and P-Town Boxing’s Richard “RJ” Wynne.

Also competing was Fallbrook’s Porras Boxing who had fighter Miguel Villa competing in the finals. Lake Elsinore’s Supreme

Boxing also took part in the event but did not have any fighters compete on the final day.

P-Town Boxing’s Richard Wynne was the only local boxer to take home a championship belt. Although the Temecula Boxing fighters fought well in the finals the decisions did not go in their favor. Freddy Domingo’s decision was met with booing from the crowd as he appeared to have won convincingly. For final fight results and to get a breakdown of all the fighters, visit www.socalstateboxing.com. Article contributions made by Action Captures Media Group. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com

Raul Ruiz (blue) fighting out of Lake Elsinore’s Supreme Boxing in the 119-pound novice class bout. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group photos

Riverside County Boxing Club’s Ozzie Dapper wins his semifinal bout by stoppage.

Temecula Boxing’s Freddy Domingo defeated Art of War Boxing Joshua Lopez in the 75-pound novice semifinals bout. Domingo won by decision.

Temecula Boxing’s Emmanuel Buyson exchanges punches with X-Fit’s Robert Requena during their bout.

Temecula Boxing’s Noel Hernandez and Colton Boxing’s Alejandro Bogarin Jr. fight during the 154-pound Open Division semifinals. Noel Hernandez won by decision.

Temecula Boxing’s Freddy Domingo and Art of War Boxing’s Joshua Lopez exchange punches during their 75-pound novice semifinal bout.

P-Town Boxing’s Richard “RJ” Wynne (blue corner) won the147-pound novice class at the SoCal State Championship Boxing Tournament Sunday, June 25.

Temecula Boxing’s Emmanuel Buyson enters the ring for his bout.

Fallbrook’s Porras Boxing fighter, Miguel Villa (right), lands a hard punch during the finals of the SoCal State Championship Tournament.

Soboba offers summer youth internships

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Special to the Valley News

For many years, the Soboba

Tribal TANF Prevention Resource Center has overseen the Work Experience through Leadership, Education, Acquirement and Desire (WE LEAD) summer youth internship program. It is open to all eligible Soboba TANF and at-risk Native American youth ages 14-21 who are interested in developing job and leadership skills and exploring various career options.

This year, 21 youths have been assigned summer intern positions with the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Cahuilla Band. Applications were accepted from March 20 through April 13. Harold Arres is the Regional Prevention Manager for Soboba Tribal TANF’s PRC and has been coordinating the work experience program since he began working there in 2012. Soboba’s TANF program started in 2006 and WE LEAD was introduced a few years later.

Arres said all participants go through the same hiring process as any Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians employee. The next step in the program was to attend a four-day training week where they learned valuable details. It began with a presentation by Human Resources and included a class in financial literacy led by William Ramirez, Life Skills, CPR & First Aid training and Food Handlers Certification for those employed in those service areas. The interns received two full days of job skills training with consultant Mikela Jones. She covered expectations and norms, communication, conflict resolution and included some team building and goal setting activities. To help them realize their full potential, Jones worked with the interns to identify individual gifts and talents to utilize during their work experience. She also gave them guidance on how to take care of themselves to prevent “burn out” since for some, this is their first job.

On June 15, a Meet and Greet Luncheon was held for the new employees to sit with their managers to go over requirements and expectations and discuss schedules. Harold Arres welcomed

everyone and made introductions of his staff who the youth and managers will be working with through the course of the program to insure accurate time sheets and other issues. Interns will be working about 25 hours a week from June 20 through July 31, for a total of 175 hours.

After providing a blessing for Creator to watch over the youth, Soboba Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada congratulated them and commended them for taking the steps to get involved.

“Money is great, especially over the summertime, but more importantly, you’re gaining work experience within a Tribe and this is something that should really be thought about,” he said. He recalled hearing his mother and other relatives talk about it being hard to be an Indian and “thinking about all the challenges we face, don’t take it for granted that the Tribe is always going to be here, providing all these services.”

“Today, the Supreme Court upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act and it wasn’t just about families and children; at the core of it was Tribal sovereignty,” Estrada said. “This is just a reminder of how we are still facing challenges that could undermine everything and could take it all away. So, it’s up to you kids to take on these future roles. Really reflect over the summer on what you’re learning and give thanks to what has been provided by the Tribe, your parents, grandparents and the team working hard to create wonderful

organizations and programs such as this.”

Soboba Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado shared how she was part of a similar work experience program when she was about 14, doing secretarial work at the Old Tribal Hall. “Congratulations on your summer job. It’s truly a blessing to employ so many Tribal members,” she said after introducing fellow Tribal Council members Daniel Valdez, treasurer, and Monica Herrera, secretary. She noted that Chairman Isaiah Vivanco and Sergeant-at-arms Mike Bentiste are in Sacramento on Tribal business.

“Any job is going to teach you teamwork but be that team player and be able to communicate. Get to know who your co-worker is and enjoy what you do,” Mojado said. “Getting a job at your age is an accomplishment. You’re putting aside friends and some family to come to work part time. You are giving up 175 hours or your summer. But it’s 175 hours to learn something new, 175 hours to meet new people, 175 hours to learn a new skill and 175 hours to have purpose.”

She shared a quote from Michelle Obama: Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives. “And I think that’s what all of you are going to do,” she said. “Today you are making a positive impact on your community and your Tribe.”

Arres thanked the supervisors

and managers for opening up their worksites for the youth this summer and for attending the meet and greet luncheon. He also thanked the young people who showed initiative by getting involved with the program. He said all youth interns are held to the same standards and same process as all Soboba employees. He said the program had 18 participants last year and it was budgeted for 20 this year but when 21 qualified candidates expressed interest, Arres said they were able to find money in their budget to include one more.

A hiring board of three people conducted an interview with each applicant. The potential employees had to submit three essays which were rated by each panelist. They also submitted a resume, which was part of the review process. An average score was assigned based on the individual panelist’s scores and everyone got a final rating.

“We have refined the process over the years,” Arres said. “It gives these kids the experience of going through an interview process for any future job.

Parks and Recreation Activities

Director Jennifer Garcia is supervising four Recreational Aides this summer. The Summer Youth Academy for ages 1317 offers activities and outings throughout June and aides will be on hand to help out when and where needed.

Ashlyn Russell, 15, served as an aide last summer and said she likes working with kids. “The job

is very hands-on and it’s fun to get to know all the kids individually,” she said.

Sisters Luisa and Shawna Rivera have also been aides in the past. Shawna, 15, said she likes chaperoning them on field trips. Luisa, 17, said she likes working with the children and doing something helpful. She plans to save her earnings for school clothes, Starbucks and the extra expenses she will incur entering her senior year of high school.

Akwaalimay Resvaloso, 14, is joining the work experience program for the first time and is excited to work with the kids at the Soboba Sports Complex. “I want to learn new things, get out of the house and save some money,” she said, adding that the most important thing she learned from the job skills training classes the prior week was to stay focused and always communicate.

Mkilawish Arres, 14, will be working alongside technicians at Soboba’s Information Technology department. She looks forward to learning more about how to help people with their computer issues. Chief Information Officer Steve Nino said this is the first time in a while that IT has been involved with the work experience program. “For what Mkilawish is coming into, she will be able to qualify for her technician’s certificate through Microsoft,” he said. “Technology is the basis for everything. She’ll see SOBOBA, page C-5

Kiwanis Club of Temecula Valley awards college scholarships

The Kiwanis Club of Temecula Valley recently awarded three college scholarships to local graduates.

The scholarship award recipients were Cindy Ngo of Paloma Valley High School, Jack Cirka of Temecula Valley High School and Keira Cherry of Temecula Valley High School.

Kiwanis Scholarship committee members Rick Reichel and Jim

Stead presented the scholarship certificates and were delighted to present these $1,000 scholarship awards to these outstanding high school graduates. Each student had resumes outlining their notable scholastic achievements, as well as many hours of extracurricular activities and community service participation and leadership while members of Key Club Service

Leadership Programs. Cindy hopes to attend University of California at San Diego, Jack will be attending University of California at Irvine while Keira is headed for San Diego State. The Club congratulated its 2022-2023 scholarship award recipients and hopes to hear from them in the future about their progress. The Kiwanis Club of Temecula

Valley is a dedicated group of volunteers committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and the community. Through service projects and initiatives, it strives to empower the local community and address important needs.

They are always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join the club and help carry out its impactful programs. At the

Kiwanis Club of Temecula Valley, membership is open to all, without regard to race, gender or religion. If you have a desire to serve and contribute actively to the objectives in support of the greater Temecula community, they would love to meet you.

For more information, https:// kiwanistv.org.

Submitted by the Kiwanis Club of Temecula Valley.

WE LEAD 2023 youth interns, managers, supervisors and program administrators, spend time together during the work experience program’s Meet and Greet Luncheon on June 15. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photo

Soboba Tribal TANF Regional Prevention Manager Harold Arres discusses work program paperwork requirements with some participants at the Meet and Greet Luncheon on June 15.

Akwaalimay Resvaloso, Luisa Rivera, Shawna Rivera and Ashlyn Russell have been hired to be Recreational Aides for the Parks and Recreation Department as part of the summer youth intern work experience program at Soboba.

Jack Cirka, left, and Keira Cherry, second from right, are two of the three Kiwanis scholarship recipients.

Cindy Ngo hopes to attend UC San Diego while Jack Cirka, and Keira Cherry will be attending UC Irvine and San Diego State University, respectively. Valley News/Courtesy photos

RCTC announces major highway projects coming to SW Riverside County

Tony Ault

Staff Writer

The Riverside County Transportation Commission recently announced a number of area transportation projects that will hopefully help relieve traffic congestion and provide transportation safety improvements in the future.

The projects are made possible through Riverside County Measure A funds and Traffic Uniform Mitigations Fees totaling $135 million. Projects taking place in Southwest Riverside County include Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Perris, Hemet and San Jacinto. Other projects listed are in Beaumont, Banning, Corona and Moreno Valley. They will be specifically for street widening, grade separation and roadway extensions. The funding announcement is part of RCTC’s mission of supporting the region’s transportation infrastructure and

providing mobility options for Riverside County residents. The project locations and costs are listed.

MENIFEE - McCall Blvd. Widening Project at $3,140,000, Bundy Canyon and Scott roads at $632,440 and $9,367,560.

MURRIETA - Murrieta Hot Springs Road Widening and Margarita Road to SR-79, $3,000,000.

PERRIS - Ethanac Road Bridge over San Jacinto River and Extension. $8,798,000.

SAN JACINTO - Esplanade Avenue Widening from Sanderson Ave. to Warren Road. $3,960,00.

TEMECULA - Ynez Road Improvements, $1,475,000.

WILDOMAR - Clinton Keith Road Widening, $2,254,919 and $3,396,221 and Bundy Canyon Road Improvements segments 2 and 3 at $13,298,440 and $8,050.420.

Measure A is the voter-approved half-cent sales tax that provides funds for passenger rail, public

Human remains found in California mountain area where actor Julian Sands disappeared 5 months ago

transit, local streets and roads, and major highway projects, and will fund approximately $85 million of the awarded amount. Measure A includes specific funding in western Riverside County for regional arterials, which are major regional roadways. The TUMF will provide $50 million of the awarded funds. TUMF is an impact fee on new land development in western Riverside County.

Current Caltrans Projects

Caltrans begins work on a $3.7 million bridge upgrade projects on State Route 74, State Route 79, State Route 86, State Route 111, State Route 243 and Interstate 10. This project will take place in various locations throughout Riverside County. Construction is scheduled to begin in July, weather permitting. The project was awarded to Truesdell Corporation of CA Inc. Work will take place in multiple locations in and near the cities of Riverside, Beaumont, San Jacinto, Perris, Hemet, Palm Springs and various

unincorporated areas.

In San Jacinto, Caltrans continues work on the $4 million safety project to construct a median concrete barrier and rumble strips on State Route 79, weather permitting. Remaining work will require inside and outside (alternating) lane closures and shoulder closures for completion of newly installed guardrail system, installation of dike, rumble strips, roadway signage and pavement delineators, in both directions.

At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Use caution. CHP will be on site to assist with traffic safety.

For the Hemet area, Caltrans reminds Hemet and Valle Vista residents that work will begin on July 24 for a $51.6 million corridor improvement project on State Route 74 (Florida Ave.).

The project will repave and rehabilitate 49 lane miles, install Traffic Management Systems, upgrade curb ramps, sidewalks and driveways to Americans with

Disabilities Act standards, enhance bike lane signage and striping, and upgrade 29 bus pads within the project parameters, all weather permitting.

The project was awarded to the Griffith Company of Brea. Crews will be working in and near Hemet on SR-74 from Winchester Road (PM 34.3) to Fairview Avenue (PM 45.1) with a project length of 11.2 miles. Work will occur Mondays through Fridays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., with occasional weekend work. Traffic control: SR-74 will remain open for the duration of the project. Oneway flagging operations will be primarily during the nighttime along with temporary signals operating 24/7 at various locations. Expect delays up to 15 minutes. There will be intermittent, short term closures for equipment relocation and construction staging purposes. No long term closures are planned.

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

California doctor convicted of illegally prescribing opioids, including to one person who overdosed

Associated Press

Special to the Valley News SAN JOSE — A California physician who wrote more than 8,200 prescriptions in a one-year span has been convicted on 12 counts of distributing opioid pills without a legitimate medical purpose, including to one person who died of an overdose, federal prosecutors said.

A federal jury found Donald Siao, 58, guilty after a weeklong trial, according to a statement Friday, June 23 from the U.S.

Actor Julian Sands attends the “Forbidden Fruit,” readings from banned works of literature, Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Beverly Hills. Hikers have found human remains in a Southern California mountain area where Sands disappeared in January 2023.

Associated Press

Special to the Valley News

SAN BERNARDINO — Hikers found human remains Saturday, June 24 in a Southern California mountain area where actor Julian Sands disappeared five months ago, authorities said.

The body discovered around 10 a.m. in the wilderness near Mount Baldy was transported to the coroner’s office for identification next week, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.

Additional details were not immediately available.

Sands, an avid hiker and mountaineer, was reported missing January 13 after setting out on the peak that rises more than 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) east of Los

SOBOBA from page C-4

be assisting with a lot of user end support and administration.”

Jocie Yepa, 17, will be spending her days working with Soboba Tribal Preschool Office Manager Amber Lopez. As an instructional aide, she will assist prekindergarten teacher Ana Garcia through June 29 while students are attending summer school. Then she will assist in setting things up for the next school year including registration packets and more. On her way to Cal State San Marcos in the fall to study Indigenous Anthropology, Jocie said she will be saving her earnings to help with college expenses.

Sandra Haro is a Registered Dental Assistant working at Soboba Dental and will have two interns learning about all the different duties and careers available in the dental field.

“They can assist with suctioning, sterilization, getting trays ready for the doctor as well as being at the front desk to answer phones and take messages,” Haro said. April Haro, 17, said she wanted to work to be productive over the summer and to have the opportunity to gain experience in the field.

Alayna Resvaloso-Wood will be working with the Soboba Cultural Resource Department,

her

(Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

Angeles. The region was pounded by severe storms during winter.

On Friday, his family released its first statement since Sands’ disappearance.

“We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer,” the statement said.

Sands, a 65-year-old Britishborn actor best known for his role in the 1985 film “A Room With a View,” is married to journalist Evgenia Citkowitz and has three adult children.

A June 17 search for Sands, the eighth organized search since his disappearance, was unsuccessful, authorities said.

community garden with Eloyd Rodriguez and the office with Jessica Valdez. Alayna, 16, said she looks forward to working with the plants. She has her own tree and other plants in her home garden. She worked in the TANF office last year and wanted to explore other areas this time. Rodriguez said Alayna will have an opportunity to learn about soil testing and the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomato varieties, which are in season right now.

Arres said this program is a wonderful opportunity for the youth, providing them opportunities and goals they couldn’t find elsewhere. His own children have been part of the program in the past, and again this year, so he has seen the benefits firsthand. “Abigail was outgoing to begin with, but this program helped her achieve a higher level of maturity and confidence,” he said. Working with Soboba Fire, he said she has learned a lot about community service and that has carried over into her daily life.

“For kids that aren’t naturally outgoing, I’ve seen them come out of their shells and show leadership to their peers,” Arres said. “The barriers we’re breaking down for them is amazing. They learn how to interact with all ages in a workplace environment.”

Attorney’s Office.

Siao, who practiced family medicine in San Jose, prescribed oxycodone and hydrocodone in increasing quantities to undercover law enforcement agents posing as patients, prosecutors said.

“The undercover agents received prescriptions from Siao despite complaining of only vague pain or discomfort, requesting specific opioids by name, and admitting to sharing the pills with friends and coworkers,” the statement said.

Eight of the 12 counts against Siao involved a mother and son

who received prescriptions from the physician even after claiming to have lost or had pills stolen, prosecutors said. The son died from an overdose of opioids in December 2019.

Each of the 12 counts against Siao carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sentencing was set for Nov. 7.

Ismail J. Ramsey, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California, said he would seek to have Siao’s medical license forfeited.

Exodus of border officials continues as 4 more quietly resign

Alice Giordano

The Epoch Times

Amid a record-breaking influx of illegal immigrants into the United States, four more of President Joe Biden’s top border officials have quietly resigned in just the past two weeks.

That brings the total to seven in recent months, along with speculation about the reasons for their departure.

The latest came just this week from the deputy secretary of Homeland Security John Tien, who announced he was leaving only a year after his appointment.

Tien, a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran who served as director of the National Security Council under the Obama and Bush administrations, said he was leaving to spend more time with his family in Georgia.

Ira Mehlman, a senior spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) said, “ranks right up there with my dog eating my homework.”

“There comes a time when you have to look yourself in the mirror and say I just can’t do this anymore,” he said.

Mehlman said he was referring to what he described as absolute chaos spreading through the United States under Biden’s “open border” policy.

On June 22, his organization, which tracks the impact of illegal immigration on the United States, released the results of a report showing that illegal immigrants cost taxpayers $163 billion.

The group also reported that the population of illegal immigrants living in the United States has reached 16.8 million.

“That’s more than the population of 46 out of 50 states,” Texas Congressman Troy Nehls posted on Twitter in response to the FAIR report.

Mehlman said FAIR’s advocacy office is hearing from more and more Americans who have complained they are losing housing and job opportunities to the mass of illegal border-crossers.

Towns far from border states are also feeling the impact.

This week in Unity, Maine—a rural, nearly all-white college town with about 2,000 inhabitants and a median annual income of a little

under $27,000, the residents were upset to learn they were inheriting about 600 illegal immigrants from Portland, a self-appointed sanctuary city.

There is also major unrest among frontline workers at the border.

Out of the 9,300 border agents that responded to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) survey, one-quarter of them indicated plans to quit their jobs in the near future, according to its recently released results.

Some have also accused the Biden administration of silencing whistleblowers on controversial issues such as reports of thousands of missing migrant children.

The chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) recently said at a hearing that Homeland Security’s Inspector General officials involved in an investigation into border activity have reported feeling intimidated over speaking up.

Grothman entitled the June 6 hearing “Help Wanted: Law Enforcement Staffing Challenges at the Border.”

Even more signs of unrest came on May 31, when 18 states filed a federal complaint against the Biden administration for its new “Circumvention of Lawful Pathways” policy, which is supported by a controversial phone app that Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody says allows “aliens to schedule their entry into the United States” and bypass vetting and safety protocols.

The same day the state complaint was filed, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz announced he was resigning.

A few days later, Tae Johnson, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting chief, handed in his resignation.

Then came DHS’ Acting Deputy Commissioner Benjamine Huffman’s announced retirement on June 9 after serving only years on the job.

Their departure follows Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus’s controversial departure in November.

Magnus stepped down after reports that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas threatened

Mexico seen through the US border wall near San Diego, Calif.,

to fire him if he did not. It has never been disclosed why Mayorkas wanted Magnus off the job.

Like Tien, Magnus was only on the job for a year.

Ortiz’s resigned after his blistering testimony in front of the House Committee on Homeland Security in March that contradicted Mayorkas’s claim that the borders were secure. He also testified that far more illegal aliens were evading border agents than Mayorkas had reported.

In response to Ortiz’s resignation, House Homeland Security Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Congressman Clay Higgins (R-La.) accused Mayorkas of getting rid of border officials standing in the way of turning America into a “third world country.”

“It was clear that his dedication to actual enforcement of our law did not fit well with the Mayorkas/ cartel agenda to flood America with illegals and drugs,” said Higgins, “Chief Ortiz was an American patriot who dared to speak the truth about Secretary Mayorkas.”

Nicolette Grazer, an immigration attorney out of Los Angeles, told The Epoch Times, that she immediately knew the exits were “political.”

She pointed to the lack of changeover in the immigration

court system where judges and attorneys are struggling with a policy she said was, “no doubt taxing the conscience” of top border officials.

Grazer, who has been helping illegal immigrants achieve U.S. citizenship for 23 years, said that the imbalances in Biden’s immigration policies are so extreme that it is keeping migrants with job skills out while allowing unvetted migrants through.

She said the same goes for those who already have a place to stay in the United States because they are trying to unite with families who are well-settled in the countries.

In some cases, it has taken more than four years to process applications of relatives of naturalized U.S. citizens, according to Grazer.

“Right now, we really have a very backward approach,” she said.

Other top border officials to go include CBP’s Chief of the Law Enforcement Operations Directorate Brian Hastings.

Hastings, who routinely spoke publicly about what he deemed a “crisis at the border” was quietly replaced by El Paso, Texas, chief patrol agent Gloria Chavez, after being on the job for two years.

Chavez is currently RGV chief patrol agent (moved from El Paso).

If she has added a job or changed her job since then, I wasn’t aware. Either way, the El Paso is outdated. And I would double check when the “operations director” title happened.

Tony Barker, U.S. Border Patrol’s acting chief of law enforcement operations directorate, left his job in January over allegations of sexual harassment made against him by female staff workers.

So far, the only statement from the Biden administration on the mass exodus of its top border officials came from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Troy Miller who thanked the existing senior border leaders for their service.

“I am very grateful for the service of our departing senior leaders, and look forward to what our new executives will accomplish in service of our mission to safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values,” Miller said in a June 9 statement.

Mehlman said he has no doubt that the outgoing border officials are all being replaced with “yes men.”

“If you can’t fix it, maybe we can hide it,” said Mehlman, “that seems to be the policy of the Biden administration.”

Copyright 2023 The Epoch Times. Reprinted with permission.

Senate report reveals $5.1 million payments to Biden business following Hunter Biden’s WhatsApp text

Julie Reeder

Publisher

Newly released information on the Biden family business has unveiled that bank accounts linked to Hunter Biden received $5.1 million in payments from Chinese business partner Henry Zhao within ten days of recently revealed texts. These texts showcased Hunter Biden demanding payment while leveraging his father, and everyone he knows, as a means of coercion.

The Chinese businessman, Henry Zhao, who was the subject of that WhatsApp message, did not appear to send back a message suggesting Hunter had been hacked, but instead sent millions of dollars in response to the threat in which his father was joining him and demanding the money. The House has now documented dozens of accounts and corporations used to transfer money to the Biden family in what appears to be a very serious corruption scandal.

While President Biden continues to publicly support his son and deny any involvement in joint business dealings, there are photos including Joe, Hunter, and business associates involved in these deals. There’s also photos corroborating that Joe and Hunter were together that day in the same proximity of where the messaging took place. In addition, there is an audio message from Joe Biden to Hunter, about his business dealings telling him there is a story coming out but he thinks it will be ok.

Peter Schweizer, president of the Government accountability Institute and author of Profiles in Corruption: Abuse of Power by America’s Progressive Elite, provided a deepdive investigation into the private finances, and secret deals of some of America’s top political leaders, including the Biden Family.

Schweizer highlighted Henry Zhao’s influential role in forming a Chinese investment fund and his deep ties to Chinese intelligence.

Zhao’s association with Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC Energy, which is also linked to Chinese military intelligence, further adds to

the complexity of the situation.

The captured screen image from the WhatsApp message dated July 30, 2017 text message read: “I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled. Tell the director that I would like to resolve this now before it gets out of hand, and now means tonight. And, Z, if I get a call or text from anyone involved in this other than you, Zhang, or the chairman, I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction. I am sitting here waiting for the call with my father.”

Within ten days of Hunter Biden’s message, a CEFC subsidiary sent two payments totaling $5.1 million to accounts linked to Hunter.

On August 4, 2017, CEFC Infrastructure Investment (US) LLC, a subsidiary of CEFC China Energy Company, made a payment of $100,000 to Hunter Biden’s law firm, Owasco. On August 8, 2017, CEFC Infrastructure Investment wired $5 million to the bank account for Hudson West III. In just over a year, Hudson West III made frequent payments to Owasco, described as consulting fees, amounting to $4,790,375.25.

Whistleblowers allege Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Wolf hindered United States Attorney David Weiss from questioning an email on Hunter Biden’s laptop that referenced a business deal with CEFC and mentioned “Ten held by H for the big guy.”

The IRS whistleblower claims that Wolf curtailed inquiries about “the big guy” to restrict the scope of the investigation, despite evidence of Joe Biden’s involvement.

The reference to “the big guy” allegedly implies Joe Biden and his alleged 10% cut from a deal with Chinese energy company CEFC. These claims were previously reported by the New York Post in 2020, which revealed the existence of State Energy HK Limited, a company connected to collective payments of $1.3 million to the Biden family members.

There are many US banks, including JP Morgan, that have filed SARs with the treasury department.

A SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) is a report a bank has to file with the treasury department when a transaction is suspected to be related to money laundering, fraud, or other types of criminal activity. According to media reports, there are 150 SARs related to the Bidens.

According to Congressman Comer, on the House Oversight Committee, one SAR connects Hunter Biden and his business associates to international human trafficking. The House investigation found that there were bank accounts and credit cards that Hunter and Joe Biden shared. Another controversy was the selling of natural gas to China in which Joe allegedly received 10% of the proceeds. Congressman Comer points out that when America was in an energy crisis because of bad policy by the Biden Admnistration, they were selling liquified natural gas to China and natural gas drillers.

Comer said Hunter brought in millions of dollars from this deal and the other partners were tied to the Chinese Communist Party and Joe and Jim Biden were both partners as well with keys to an office building where the business was being conducted.

The GOP Oversight Committee has continued to investigate the allegations surrounding influence peddling with the Biden family. The Senate produced a report in 2020 and investigations have continued in the House. Congressman Comer, during a press conference outlining the evidence on 11/17/22, released a report and stated that continued investigation was necessary because of national security, but there has been little cooperation from the Biden administration and instead, $250k had been spent to deflect from Hunter Biden.

The House GOP said their investigation was into Joe Biden and that they had uncovered evidence of Conspiracy, federal crimes committed by and for the benefit of the Biden family, including consipiracy or defrauding the United States, federal government, wire fraud, conspiracy

to commit wire fraud, violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices act, Violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, tax evasion, money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

By reading the Biden family’s government-filed suspicious activity reports (SARs), House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer discovered in March that a Biden associate received a $3 million wire transfer from Chinese energy company CEFC. In turn, four Biden family members, including Hunter, James, Hallie, and an unidentified “Biden,” collectively received $1.3 million from the $3 million wire transfer. Additionally, Comer’s findings in May revealed that the Biden family business had received at least $10 million from business deals in Romania and China. Nine Biden family members received payments from the family’s foreign business ventures, including two of Joe Biden’s grandchildren.

According to Schweizer, based on what the whistleblowers have reported, under ordinary circumstances, Hunter Biden would, right now, be facing indictments not only for tax evasion charges, which are felonies,” but also for violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), Schweizer explained. “The U.S. Attorney in Delaware wanted to bring charges in both of those areas and was blocked by the Department of Justice (DOJ),” he said, explaining that the revelations also reveal that the DOJ not only failed to do its job but applied a different set of standards to Hunter.

Instead of raiding the homes of any Biden family members, as was done with Trump, Schweizer said, “We’re gonna call the person that is the subject of the search warrant. We’re going to call their lawyer and let them know a couple of days in advance that the search is coming,” he said, speaking of the special treatment issued to Hunter Biden.

Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee released transcripts Thursday of depositions from Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

whistleblowers who said Attorney General Merrick Garland and IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel lied to Congress about interference with the Hunter Biden probe. The whistleblowers said Weiss sought special counsel status and was denied permission to file felony charges against Biden in the District of Columbia and in California.

Attorney General Garland has denied the allegations. Describing it as an “enormous breakthrough,” Schweizer added, “I don’t think these whistleblowers would come forward, except for the fact that this is true, and as they said, all of this can easily be corroborated based on correspondents and based on the information that’s available.” Schweizer said, “When we first exposed, in 2018, their deals in China, their initial response was that, ‘There are no deals in China.’ Then it became, ‘Well, there might be deals in China, but Hunter Biden didn’t make any money in China.’ So you see this continues to erode,” Schweizer said, also pointing to the defense of the Biden team on Hunter’s involvement with Burisma. “The defense from the Biden team was always that this was a legitimate enterprise, as Hunter is a highly trained lawyer and an international businessman. Now their position has evolved to say, ‘Well, look, Hunter was a drug addict. He didn’t really know what he was saying,” However, Joe Biden was the one who forced the firing of the Ukrainian official who was investigating Burisma, where Hunter sat on the board. Schweizer said, “The point is, they are flipping and flopping because they know that the noose on this entire enterprise is starting to tighten. And I think that this is going to have major repercussions not just for the Biden family, but for the 2024 election,”

Schweizer said, “We already see polls, a Harvard Harris poll, showing a comfortable majority of Americans, including independents, fundamentally believe that he was engaged in criminal activity to aid and help his family’s business,” he added.

Tijuana,

on May 31, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Miss Anza Days 2023 pageant winners announced

Staff Writer

The Miss Anza Days pageant attracted a record number of lovely and talented contestants, all vying

for the cherished title of Wee, Lil’, Teen, Junior, Miss or Ms. Anza. As an added bonus this year, participants were encouraged to show off a talent and the crowds were not disappointed by the wide

range of gifts exhibited for the event. Hula-hooping, hoverboard riding, butterfly dancing, tumbling, gymnastics and even arts and crafts were demonstrated.

“We had so much fun, all the

Sacred Heart Catholic Church renovations a community effort

girls were so talented,” organizer Lorraine Elmore said. “But I was glad I was not a judge, that was the hardest job”

Sponsored by the Anza Civic Improvement League and

Lorraine’s Pet Supply, the muchanticipated event followed the Anza Days Down Home Country theme. The pageant, celebrating see PAGEANT, page D-4

Local nonprofits celebrate summer solstice

Guests to the solstice celebration hosted by the Anza Area Trail Town and the La Puerta Foundation celebrate at the Cary Ranch in Anza Wednesday, June 21. Anza Valley Outlook/Amy Procop photo

Arm N Brush Painting Inc. donated time and skill to paint the interior of the building at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Anza.

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

A local painting contractor donated time and skill to participate in the renovation of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Anza. The project was completed mid-June.

Arm N Brush Painting Inc. prepped and applied fresh coats of white paint to the walls and

ceilings inside the church. The floors were also redone by a local flooring company.

“We’ve been painting for our company up here for almost four years and have been wanting to do some volunteer work in our community,” Sidney Armbrust said. Her husband Jesse applied several coats of paint to the old walls, baseboards and ceilings of the church.

Father Kien Kieu began the process of renovating and updating the look of the church’s interior many months ago, and with the help of generous benefactors, community donations and assistance from the Sacred Heart Women’s Guild with their fundraising efforts, it has become a reality.

see CHURCH, page D-3

Two local nonprofits joined together to celebrate the summer solstice at the crack of dawn Wednesday, June 21. Anza Area Trail Town and the La Puerta Foundation served up a cowboystyle breakfast at the historic Cary Ranch in Anza in preparation of a sunrise viewing, celebrating the dawning of the summer solstice and the longest day of the year.

According to organizer Allison Rencke, the well-attended event featured a happening experienced nowhere else in the high country.

Guests were able to see the sun peek up from over the hills to shine this day directly onto a specific manmade indentation on a boulder.

“This hollowing is believed to have been created by Cahuilla ancestors to mark the summer and winter solstices,” Rencke said.

Guests also viewed petroglyphs on the grounds and artifacts inside the old Cary Ranch home.

The breakfast consisted of locally sourced sausages, bacon and organic vegetable/salad side dishes, each donated by Sage Mountain Farm, along with

see SOLSTICE, page D-3

From left, Lil’ Miss Anza Days Haddie Magana, Junior Miss Anza Days Emily Lanik, Teen Miss Anza Days Ananna Lopez, Miss Anza Days Kayleen Collins and Ms. Anza Days Alana Firth holding Wee Miss Anza Days Scarlett Hogue are introduced to the cheering crowd at the Miss Anza Days pageant Thursday, June 22. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Diane Sieker

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Anza Valley Outlook/Sidney Armbrust photo

ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Regular Happenings

ONGOING – Anza Electric Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers a free mobile food pantry the second Saturday of every month at the AEC office, 58470 Highway 371, from 10:3011:30 a.m. All are welcome. CalFresh application assistance and free community health services are also available. Bring your own reusable bags to take food home. Volunteers welcome. For more information, contact the AEC office at 951-763-4333.

Friends of Anza Valley Community Library – Anza

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

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

Hamilton High School – Find out what is happening using Hamilton’s online calendar at www.hamiltonbobcats.net/apps/ events/calendar.

Hamilton Museum – 10 a.m.

to 2 p.m. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza. For more information, call 951-763-1350 or visit www.hamiltonmuseum. org. Find them on Facebook at “Hamilton-Museum-and-RanchFoundation.”

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

Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings

Fit after 50 – 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

Narcotics Anonymous

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

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

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

AA Men’s Meeting – 7 p.m.

Meetings take place Thursdays at 39551 Kirby Road in Anza, south of Highway 371.

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

Bereaved Parents of the USA

– The Aguanga-Anza Chapter of BPUSA will hold its meetings at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 49109 Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-551-2826.

Free Mobile Health Clinic –Open every third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is needed. Uninsured may only be seen in the Anza Community Hall’s parking lot or inside the hall.

Medication Assistance and Treatment for Opioid Dependence – Get treatment for heroin addiction. Transportation to the clinic is provided. For more information, contact Borrego Health’s Anza Community Health Center, 58581 Route 371, Anza. For more information, 951-7634759.

Food ministries

F.U.N. Group weekly food ministry – Deliveries arrive by noon Thursdays at the Anza Community Hall. To order a paid box and help feed those who can’t afford to pay, drop off payment and cash donations by Thursday at 1:30 p.m., to ERA Excel Realty, 56070 Highway 371 in Anza. Pay inside or drop off during the day in the red box outside. To drop it off, put name and request on an envelope with payment inside. A $30 box has about $100 worth of food and feeds six people. Half boxes are available for $15. Food is delivered once a week to those who cannot find a ride. For more information, call Bill Donahue at 951-288-0903.

Living Hope Christian Fellowship Community Dinner – 1 p.m. Dinners are held the last Sunday of the month at the Anza Community Hall. All are welcome. Donations of time, money, etc. are always welcome. Food for the Faithful – 8 a.m. The food bank hands out food the last Friday of the month until the food is gone. The clothes closet will be open too. Emergency food handed out as needed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. FFF is a non-denominational nonprofit. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-763-5636.

Bible Studies

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anza’s Sunday Sacrament is at 10 a.m.; Sunday School is 11 a.m. Priesthood/Relief Society meets at noon; Wednesday, Boy Scouts gathers 6 p.m. and Youth Night is 7 p.m. For more information, call Ruiz at 951-445-7180 or Nathan at 760-399-0727. The Wednesday Genealogy/Family History Class, 5-8 p.m., is open to the public at 39075 Contreras Road in Anza.

Native Lighthouse Fellowship – 10 a.m. The group meets the first Saturday of the month, and breakfast is served. All are welcome to fellowship together at the “Tribal Hall” below the casino in Anza. For more information, call Nella Heredia at 951-7630856.

Living Hope Bible Study

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

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

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

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church – 10 a.m.

Weekly Wednesday Bible study takes place at 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Call 951-763-4226 for more information.

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

Anza First Southern Baptist Church – Begin your week with Sunday School for all ages at 9 a.m., followed by Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. On Sunday nights, the church has prayer on the 1st and 4th Sundays from 6-7 p.m. and Bible study on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays from 6-8 p.m. On Monday evenings, from 6-8 p.m., the youth group (6 to 12 grade) meets for games and Bible study. Anza Baptist Church also offers Men’s and Women’s Ministries, a Homeschool Support Group, Summer Vacation Bible School and a Seniors’ Ministry. The church office is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road in Anza. For more information, contact the church at 951-763-4937 or visit www.anzabaptistchurch.com.

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

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

Anza Valley Artists Meetings

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

Anza Quilter’s Club – 9:30 a.m. to noon. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, in Anza.

Anza Valley Lions Club

The Anza Valley Lions Club has been reinstated and is open to all men and women who want to work together for the betterment of the community. The group is working on securing a new venue for meetings. Meetings and events are posted on the Anza Lions Club of Anza Valley Facebook page at www.facebook. com/LionsofAnzaValley. For more information, email president Greg Sandling at President. AnzaLions@gmail.com or Chris Skinner at Secretary.AnzaLions@ gmail.com

Civil Air Patrol – Squadron 59 is looking for new members of all ages. For more information, call squadron commander Maj. Dennis Sheehan from the Anza area at 951-403-4940. To learn more and see the club’s meeting schedule, visit www.squadron59.org.

Fire Explorer Program – 6 p.m. The program meets every second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at Fire Station 29 on state Route 371 in Anza. Call 951763-5611 for information.

Redshank Riders – 7 p.m. Backcountry horsemen meet at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Anza, the second Thursday of each month. Visit www.redshankriders. com or call Carol Schmuhl for membership information at 951663-6763.

Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the first Thursday of the month at Valley Gospel Chapel, 43275 Chapman Road in Anza. The social hour is 11:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. Contact Carol Wright at 951-763-2884 for more information.

Organizations Terwilliger Community Association – 6 p.m. Second Monday of the month at VFW Post 1873, 59011 Bailey Road, in Anza. Potluck dinner open to all. For more information, call Tonie Ford at 951-763-4560.

From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries – Noon. Monthly luncheon and guest speaker are held the second Saturday of each month. The $5 charge covers lunch at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. From the Heart helps the area’s neediest children and invites all women and men to join in their mission. Donate or help with the rummage sales twice a year to raise funds for the cause or other events. For more information, call president Christi James at 951-595-2400.

Anza Community Hall – 7 p.m. General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Memberships cost $20 per person or $35 per business, and both get one vote. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets. Voting members receive discounts on hall rentals, swap meet booths and save on propane gas from Ferrellgas. Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. Swap meet held each Saturday of the month, weather permitting, early morning to 1 p.m. Vendors wanted. For more information, call 951-2824267.

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

Iron Cross Blister Beetle warns of toxicity with color

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Iron Cross Blister Beetle is not a character that has the best reputation. Despite a colorful and festive appearance, this beetle is actually warning of its nasty nature with the very hues that make it so interesting.

Tegrodera aloga, commonly called the Iron Cross Blister Beetle, is part of a family of insects that uses chemicals as a defense against predators. It is dangerous to touch and poisonous to eat, making it hazardous to people, pets and livestock.

The beetle’s coloration advertises the fact that they carry potent cantharidin toxins that can interfere with the vertebrate nervous system. It is a warning that needs to be taken seriously. The pretty colors of vibrant yellow, black and red, act as a visual alert not to touch.

The insects’ toxin is secreted from the legs and antennae when the beetle is handled or consumed, and causes blisters on the skin. Humans and animals are sensitive to this chemical defense.

These beetles may emerge in the

spring, and can sometimes be seen in large numbers, running across the ground in search of food.

Not much is known about the insects’ larval stages, but it is theorized that they are subterranean and possibly parasitic in the nests of ground bees or grasshoppers.

Iron Cross Blister Beetles range in size from ½- to 1-inch in length, and are active during the day.

They feed on native plants like Eriastrum, a flowering plant in the phlox family, commonly known as the woollystar. The beetles may also devour crops like alfalfa and other legumes such as beans, clover and potato greens. The attraction to clover and alfalfa means that sometimes these creatures are consumed by livestock as pasturage or hay, and can cause death if eaten in large quantities.

If you see a pretty beetle running across the yard, think twice before scooping it up for a closer look. Blister beetles are fascinating insects, but it is best to heed their warning and not touch.

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

CHURCH from page D-1

“It looks like a whole new church,” parishioner Tara Butchart said. “It’s beautiful. The paint makes it so much more bright and fresh looking.”

To learn more, visit www. facebook.com/Sacred-Heart-of-

Anza-172200349497797.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church is located at 56250 Highway 371, Anza, across from the Sinclair Gas station.

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

SOLSTICE from page D-1

homemade biscuits and eggs donated by volunteers.

The La Puerta Foundation’s mission is to preserve, protect and refurbish all structures and artifacts on the historic Cary Ranch, while the Anza Area Trail Town has a focus on trails and outdoor recreation. Proceeds from

the breakfast will benefit both nonprofits.

For more information, please visit www.lapuertafoundation.org and www.anzaareatrailtown.com.

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

The Iron Cross Blister Beetle may look pretty, but its color warns of a nasty reputation.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Painting the steeply pitched ceilings of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church is no problem for Jesse Armbrust of Arm N Brush Painting Inc. Anza Valley Outlook/Sidney Armbrust photos

The walls are painted white contrasting with the natural wood ceilings in the multi-purpose room at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Anza.

People climb boulders for a spectacular view of the rising sun at the solstice celebration hosted by the Anza Area Trail Town and the La Puerta Foundation at the Cary Ranch in Anza.

Hikers make their way to the viewing location at the solstice celebration hosted by the Anza Area Trail Town and the La Puerta Foundation.

John Clark, left, Benji Noble, Stephanie Gebhardt, Lillian Tran, Bart Yoon, Sarah Ahrens, Sophia Tran and Daniel Yu attend the summer solstice celebration hosted by the Anza Area Trail Town and the La Puerta Foundation at the Cary Ranch in Anza, June 21.

GeriLyn Blanton Mellin, left, and Tammy Marana enjoy the brisk morning activities at the solstice celebration hosted by the Anza Area Trail Town and the La Puerta Foundation.

Anza Valley Outlook/Amy Procop photos

PAGEANT from page D-1

girls from 0 to 100-plus years old, is an important tradition preceding the Anza Days celebrations.

Local singer Kathy Blair opened the festivities with her rendition of the national anthem. Hot dogs and drinks were provided for a small donation as parents prepared the littlest contestants for their big moments.

The Hamilton High School Bobcats cheer squad performed several well rehearsed routines as small girls in the audience cheered in rhythm with them.

Age group division winners for the pageant were as follows.

Wee Miss Anza Days: Ages 3 years old and under - Scarlett Hogue

Lil’ Miss Anza Days: Ages 4-7 years old - Haddie Magana

Junior Miss Anza Days: Ages 8-12 years old - Emily Lanik

Teen Miss Anza Days: Ages 13-18 years old - Ananna Lopez

Miss Anza Days: Ages 19-25 years old - Kayleen Collins

Ms. Anza Days: Ages 26 and over - Alana Firth

Winners received special sashes, tiaras and prizes and will be featured the next Anza Days celebration.

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

Ms. Anza Days Alana Firth sports her cowboy hat prize at the Miss Anza Days pageant.

Lil’ Miss Anza Days Haddie Magana prepares for her performance at the Miss Anza Days pageant Thursday, June 22.

Hamilton High School Bobcats cheerleaders display their skilled routines at the Miss Anza Days pageant.

Junior Miss Anza Days Emily Lanik is fitted with her sash at the Miss Anza Days pageant.

Singer Kathy Blair begins the festivities with the national anthem at the Miss Anza Days pageant.

Hamilton High School Bobcats cheerleaders assist Wee Miss Anza Days Scarlett Hogue from the stage at the Miss Anza Days pageant.

Teen Miss Anza Days Ananna Lopez smiles at the crowd at the Miss Anza Days pageant.

Judges Sedona Dawes-Vollmer, foreground, Debbi Dangelo Vesey, Elizabeth Greene and Christina James have hard decisions to make at the Miss Anza Days pageant.

Miss Anza Days Kayleen Collins accepts congratulations from Tabitha Dawes, left, and Kathy Blair.

Jasmine Ruby Rose, 2022 Ms. Anza Days, shares words of advice and wisdom to the new contestants at the Miss Anza Days pageant Thursday, June 22.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Unincorporated Fallbrook and Rainbow vs. big government, big cities

1.3% of SDWA’s total budget and their budget margin of error is + or - 6%. So what is the big deal?

The deal is power and control.

Julie Reeder Publisher

The Local Agency Formation Commission directors will meet July 10 and vote on whether FPUD and RMWD can detach

This is a great example of why local control is so important. This is another example of how San Diego runs over the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. If we were incorporated as a city, we would at least be able to stand up for ourselves. But we aren’t, so we are relegated to hope and pray that a majority of LAFCO directors will have our best interests at heart when they vote. Some of them will definitely be thinking of their own constituents who they want to make sure to vote for them again.

Thank goodness we at least have Jim Desmond, who we do vote for and who does have our best interests at heart. But it takes a majority, and even then, there is sneaky work behind the scenes to make it harder for us and others in the future to have representation and local control.

Those who would oppose us detaching have a supermajority of

Democrat friends in the California legislature to help them shore up power by lessening local control and adding sneaky amendments to unrelated legislation to seal the deal and make it harder for us to detach.

It’s kind of like what Willie Brown did when the California legislature passed the Revenue Neutral Act, which made it virtually impossible for small towns to incorporate and become a self-governed city.

The big guys in San Diego, the mayor, the Chamber of Commerce, and other cities are so “lucky” to have an Assemblywoman like Tasha Boerner from Encinitas who is willing to sell out the unincorporated areas and squash Fallbrook and Bonsall’s right to self-govern and manage our own water and water costs. She worked to get a sneaky last-minute amendment added to an unrelated bill so that the rules change and lessen individual areas’ power to self-govern and have local control of their water issues.

It’s all about control. It’s all about big government.

I don’t even think it’s the money. Why would there be so much effort and so many years spent fighting such a small percentage of SDWA’s overall business? Especially when we have paid in advance on projects that they won’t have to make good on?

After the cronies get the sneaky amendment passed, there will be little chance of Fallbrook and Rainbow having the opportunity to manage their own affairs as it pertains to our water issues, so our representatives got the vote for detachment moved up to July 10, instead of August. If the vote goes well for detachment, it will precede the sneaky amendment attached to state legislation. We have a long history of having to fight for our water rights. It doesn’t make sense that we have to allow San Diego to have a say on whether or not we can manage and control our own future as it pertains to water issues. But, those who represent San Diego see it as

being fair for San Diego. We are a small population of 50 to 60,000 that really has to show up at least to make our voices heard. If you have been following the articles and meetings about detachment from SDWA and you support it, it would be a good idea to show up at the LAFCO meeting to show your support and speak if you’re willing.

For me, this is more than just a water issue. It’s a local control issue. If we silently allow San Diego to control everything we do, then we are destined to serve their needs instead of our own. That’s not “fair.”

Any and all who care about their water rates can participate in person, via written comments, or call in during the meeting, but the best would be to actually show up and pack the room. I will be there. I hope you will be too.

The LAFCO meeting is on July 10, 8 a.m. at 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego. http://www.sdlafco. org

Riverside County – On Thursday, June 22, former Murrieta Mayor Jonathan Ingram announced he has received the endorsement of the Republican Party of Riverside County (RPRC.)

“We have a great opportunity to de feat a 10-year democrat incumbent and add a Republican to the Riverside County Board of

Supervisors in Jonathan Ingram’s race for District 3 Supervisor.” Said Matthew Dobler, Chairman of the Republican Party.

Jonathan Ingram’s proven track record of effective governance, conservative leadership, and keeping taxes low make him the ideal choice for the Board of Supervisors in District 3. We

The right mindset

no peace. People with the abundance mindset live with an attitude and spirit of contentment. While they might not have much, they understand that what they have is enough and from the Lord. And they are at peace knowing God will provide for their every need.

Because of their contentment and trust in the Lord for their provision, they have peace.

Which mindset do you have? I

Zachary Elliott Special to Valley News

I just returned from a mission trip to the village of La Pila in Guatemala. If you’ve ever heard the saying “dirt poor,” it’s most likely referring to this village. To say the people there are extremely poor is an understatement. At first, I thought I was going there to minister to them. But the exact opposite happened. They ministered to me.

Let me help put their situation in perspective.

Most children will never make it past the sixth grade before going to work in the fields, where they will make less than three dollars per day. At the same time, our average drink at Starbucks is $3.65. That’s for just one drink.

We stress about what we will wear out with friends and change our clothes every day without fail, and sometimes multiple times a day. While they wear the same clothes day in and day out.

I packed more clothes in my carry-on than they will own for years. I also packed boots and flip-flops and thought I was downsizing what I needed. At the same time, some of them walked around without any shoes.

Their kindness and simple life moved me. I was convicted for the times in my life when I was discontent when I have so much. It was life changing.

In life, you can have one of two mindsets. You can have a scarcity mindset or an abundance mindset. The two are polar opposites.

People with a scarcity mindset always think they never have enough. Their craving for more constantly drives them. And they firmly believe the more they get, the more they will find happiness and contentment. But they have

are confident that he will work tirelessly to address the needs of our county,” he continued. “I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Republican Party of Riverside County,” said Jonathan Ingram. I will continue to work to ensure good government is the rule, not the exception. With your support, our county’s best

days are ahead.”

Jonathan and his wife Melody of 40 years have resided in Murrieta for over a decade and feel fortunate to have been able to raise their family and work in the same community. Having served from 2014-2022 as a council member and mayor of the third safest-rated city in the nation, he strives to raise

the standard of living for all in Riverside County.

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

For media inquiries, contact info@ingramcamp.com

Submitted

by Jonathan Ingram for Supervisor

have often fallen into the trap of the scarcity mindset. I’ve often forgotten that “true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

When were you last content with what God has given you? Maybe that should be today.

“After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and

clothing, let us be content.

But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:7-9)

Lord, help us be content with your provision. And let us not turn aside from those less fortunate than ourselves.

For we know “when someone has been given much, much will

be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more, will be required.” (Luke 12:48) Zachary Elliott is the lead pastor of Fusion Christian Church in Temecula. For more information, visit www. fusionchristianchurch.com , www.encouragementtoday.tv or find them on Instagram.

Woman fatally beaten in Menifee home, suspect in custody

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

A 43-year-old man allegedly beat a Menifee woman to death in her residence, authorities said Thursday, June 22.

Carl Dupsloff was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of murder for the alleged attack in the 27500

block of Summit Street, near McCall Boulevard.

Dupsloff was taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation but was expected to be booked into the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta before the weekend.

According to Menifee police spokesman Chase Coburn, shortly before 6 a.m. Wednesday, officers

Cold case murder victim identified after almost 30 years

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - A murder victim whose body was dumped on the side of the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway in an area known as the Badlands was finally identified after more than 27 years of trying to find clues as to who she was, authorities said today.

Juana Rosas Zagal, 41, of Los Angeles, was confirmed to be the individual whose remains were located on the morning of Jan. 27, 1996, roughly 1.5 miles east of Gilman Springs Road, between Moreno Valley and Beaumont, according to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office.

The area is known as the Badlands because of its rugged, barren terrain and lack of frontage roads near the freeway.

The cold case murder had been profiled by the D.A.'s office and sheriff's department at least twice before in an attempt to generate leads over the past few years.

"Her body was found on the side of the road in a trash pile, and we believe she had been killed at that location (hours earlier)," sheriff's Master Investigator Jason Corey said in January 2022. "We're hoping that somebody will come forward and provide us with some more investigative leads and bring justice for her loved ones."

According to the county Regional Cold Case Homicide Team, investigators ultimately utilized various DNA screening technologies,

including Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy, which accesses direct-to-consumer databases to track down ancestral ties, as well as the National Missing & Unidentified Persons System.

"The California Department of Justice-Riverside Crime Lab ... was then able to positively identify the victim as Juana Rosas Zagal," according to a D.A.'s office statement.

The victim had four daughters, "who had nearly lost hope of knowing the whereabouts of their mother," the agency stated.

Investigators did not disclose the exact cause of Zagal's death. Robbery did not appear to be a motive.

According to the D.A.'s office, there were a number of pieces of jewelry found on the victim. They included a gold-colored religious pendant with Jesus on one side and the Virgin Mary on the other, as well as two rings — one multicolored, and the other appearing to be an engagement ring. There was additionally a Japona watch and a necklace with a rose attached

"Detectives believe there are still friends, neighbors or colleagues of Juana who may be able to provide more information to help clarify Juana's disappearance," the D.A.'s office said.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the investigative team at 951-955-0740 or 951-9552777.

were sent to the Summit Street house after one of the occupants called 911 saying she had heard “yelling and possible hitting” from her cohabitant’s nearby room.

“Upon arrival, officers located a 43-year-old deceased woman, with visible trauma to her body,” Coburn said.

He said that officers spoke with

the witness and were directed to Dupsloff, who was taken into custody at the location without incident.

Because the suspect was exhibiting signs of a possible behavioral disorder, he was placed on a psychiatric hold and not taken straight to jail, Coburn said.

The victim’s identity was not

immediately released, and a possible motive was not disclosed.

“Preliminary investigation revealed this was an isolated incident, and the involved parties knew each other,” the police spokesman said.

Background information on Dupsloff was unavailable.

Charges likely against sex offender suspected of carjacking Perris woman

City News Service Special to the Valley News

RIVERSIDE - Felony charges are expected to be filed tomorrow against a 71-year-old convicted sex offender suspected of carjacking a Perris woman, officials said.

Terry Grant Chappell of Washington was arrested and booked into the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta Thursday, June 22 on suspicion of carjacking, possession of a stolen vehicle and failing to register as a sex offender with local law enforcement. Chappell is being held in lieu of $60,000 bail.

His case was under review Monday by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Dave Tinker, shortly before 4 p.m.

Thursday, the suspect allegedly confronted a woman getting into her vehicle near the intersection of Nuevo Road and Pico Avenue.

Chappell brandished a handgun at the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, and demanded the keys to her car, which she surrendered, Tinker alleged.

“The suspect drove away in the victim’s vehicle, leaving her at the side of the road,’’ the sergeant said.

He said that the woman was able to make her way to the sheriff’s Perris station less than five miles away and file a report, after which deputies began looking for the stolen car.

On Thursday afternoon, a patrol unit received a LoJack alert that the car was in the area of Highway 74 and Pico in Nuevo, prompting them to search the location,

culminating in a traffic stop in the 23000 block of Pico.

Tinker said Chappell was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

“A records check revealed Chappell was a sex registrant out of Washington, and he was in violation for failing to register with local authorities,’’ the sergeant said.

Under California Penal Code section 290, documented sex offenders are required to notify law enforcement in local jurisdictions when and exactly where they have established residency. The law also prohibits an offender from having contact with minors, other than relatives, as well as imposing other restrictions.

Residential outdoor burning banned for duration of wildfire season

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

Outdoor burning on residential properties in unincorporated areas of Riverside County will not be permitted, starting today, with a few exceptions.

County fire Chief Bill Weiser announced the suspension Friday, saying the ban is necessary amid escalating wildfire dangers countywide.

“As we enter the summer season, temperatures will increase and the abundant vegetation, as a result of winter rains, will dry out,” Weiser said. “We urge residents to prepare their homes, clear overgrown parcels and comply with this (burn) restriction until it is determined that it is safe to

resume open burning.”

The order, which will likely remain in effect until November, does not apply to agricultural operations, particularly in the Coachella and Palo Verde valleys, land management activities, fire training and some industrial burning determined by fire marshals to be valid and necessary, officials said.

Campfires in designated grounds will also be exempt.

The fire department will additionally consider temporary burn permits submitted by property owners on a case by case basis. Health and safety will be at the forefront of criteria weighed in granting restricted permits, officials said.

As for preparations covering the

duration of Southern California Wildfire Season, the fire department provided the following recommendations:

• ensure a minimum of 100 feet of “defensible space” around residences;

• clear deadwood and debris in the immediate vicinity of structures; and

• dispose of landscaping materials by transporting them to landfills or green waste facilities for recycling, depending on the type of detritus. Information on burn permits can be obtained at www. PreventWildfireCA.org , while details on preparedness are available at www.ReadyforWildfire.org