North Coast Church helps provide hope to Ukraine
Avalon Hester Valley News Intern
It’s the peak of summer locally with the schools out and the days reaching more than 90 degrees. By now, many parents have probably confirmed and reconfirmed camp reservations and have sent their children for fun days spent swimming, playing capture the flag, and making new friends. Almost 6,500 miles away, within the borders of an active war zone, Ukrainian children are doing the same things but, with help from North Coast Church.
Cooling centers offered in RivCo in extreme heat days
Tony Ault Staff Writer
Last week with record-breaking high-temperatures hitting Southwest Riverside County many sought relief in the nearest cooling center in their city, however others, the elderly and those without sufficient air conditioning suffered with the local hospitals recording many heat related health emergencies due to the weather.
TVUSD’s curriculum debate resolved after deliberation and compromise
The
Julie Reeder Publisher
After a July 21, unanimous vote to adopt a hotly debated social studies curriculum in the TVUSD elementary school dis-
after a unanimous vote to adopt a controversial social studies curriculum during a July 21, 2023 special meeting. TVUSD YouTube Screenshot when it comes to the integrity of local control and governance. We did our job while the Governor played games with our community and our kids.”
trict, TVUSD Board President Dr. Komrosky made a personal statement in response to Governor Newsom’s public attacks, saying, “We never stopped working at our local level despite the ongoing threats from Sacramento.
We never stopped caring about the welfare of our children. We never stopped standing up for our values. The way the Governor sought to insert himself into our local government violates every notion of what our State stands for
State launches historic firefighting partnership with Pala Band of Mission Indians
SAN DIEGO – Working to fortify state and local resources to keep Californians safe from all-hazard disasters, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services created a first-in-the-state partnership with a Tribal Nation. Through an agreement with the state, the Pala Band of Mission Indians and Pala Fire Department are now a partner of the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System.
In particular, Cal OES is assigning a Type III fire engine to the Pala Fire Department, increasing their capability to respond to local and statewide incidents. During times of disaster, the Type III engine may be called upon to preposition ahead of or respond to emergency incidents statewide.
“Cal OES is thrilled to create a historic partnership with the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Pala Fire Department,” Nancy Ward, director of Cal OES, said. “Increasing capabilities of the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Ahead
peak wildfire season, the new partnership between California’s Office of Emergency Services
Storm team and Thunder team up to help pack
July’s MilVet Care packages
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crowd clapping
and Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Pala Fire Department amplifies the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System.
of
Valley News/Courtesy photo Tony Ault Staff Writer 35 members of the Storm Minor League Baseball team, along with Thunder, their big green mascot, rallied to join more than 100 residents from the Elsinore Valley to fill 150 special care boxes to be sent overseas to members of the armed forces, protecting our nation. Leading the Storm MilVet partners in the July 22 event at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore was Althea Perrot, Fundraiser and Community Relations for the baseball team who said, “Through ‘Thunder Cares,’ the charitable arm of the team, we assist the community so we are here all year
Storm baseball players take a moment from their MilVet Care boxing to visit with Thunder, the Storm’s green dog mascot, Storm Fundraiser and Public Relations representative Althea Perrot and a staff manager at the Diamond Stadium. Valley News/Tony Ault photo see PALA, page A-2 see TVUSD, page A-6 see PACKAGES, page A-7
California Energy Commissioner visits Soboba Tribe and lauds clean energy projects
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to the Valley News
Members of the California Energy Commission visited the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Wednesday, June 21, to recognize the Tribe’s implementation of clean energy solutions, including the installation of a solar microgrid that can maintain power for critical infrastructure even when the grid is down.
The CEC is California’s primary energy policy and planning agency, and it is instrumental in leading the state to a 100% clean energy future for all. In 2019, the commission awarded the Tribe a $1.7 million grant from its Electric Program Investment Charge program to demonstrate microgrid technology at the fire station.
“We were impressed by the scale and extent of Soboba’s accomplishments towards their clean energy transition through the adoption of advanced clean energy technologies and incorporating robust energy conservation measures,” Michael Ward, representative of CEC, said.
Duri ng the visit, the team, which included CEC Commissioner Noemí Gallardo, met with yout h Tribal members who are part of the Fire Explorers Program. They also toured the area where the microgrid is installed and learned about the Tribe’s future clean energy plans. In addition, staff and the Tribe discussed opportunities to host workshops for other Tribes at the reservation.
“We are impressed with the Tribe’s long-term commitment to clean energy,” Sean Anayah, an energy specialist with the CEC Energy Research and Development Division, said. “Soboba has strategically invested in clean energy projects over time, leveraging a variety of financial resources and creating an effective model that other Tribes and communities can duplicate.”
Soboba Tribal Council expressed their appreciation for the visit: “We were pleased to host Commissioner Gallardo and her team and to show them all that the Tribe is doing to move toward energy resilience and a clean energy future.”
The Soboba Reservation is located in a high-fire risk region in the foothills of San Jacinto and often experiences power outages due to fires or public safety power shutoff events, which are implemented by Southern California Edison when fire risk is high. The Tribe’s power outages last seven
hours on average but can be as long as 24 hours during high wind conditions and PSPS events.
During outages, the Tribe’s ability to provide critical resources and potentially life-saving responses during an emergency or disaster become extremely limited. The microgrid, which consists of solar photovoltaics located on a carport plus a battery storage system, is connected to the larger electricity grid but can isolate from it, producing power independently during grid outages and PSPS events.
The microgrid can power both the Tribe’s fire station and its emergency operations center, providing critical services to the Tribe and the surrounding community through mutual aid agreements.
The project includes an innovative, long-duration battery storage system that can provide the community with at least 10 hours of electricity, which is far longer than traditional energy storage systems. If the Tribe deploys more solar, the microgrid could produce power for more than 24 hours, Anayah said.
In addition to power, the microgrid also provides public health, economic and ener gy security benefits, Anayah said.
The Tribe relies less on diesel generators during power outages, which lowers greenhouse gas and other polluting emissions. Construction and installation of the system created jobs, which helped develop the local economy and workforce. And the system provides energy security because the Tribe can generate power on-site. The microgrid also helps support the grid when it’s stressed by harsh weather.
In addition to validating the microgrid’s performance as a system that provides long-duration e nergy storage, the Tribe and the CEC will evaluate its energy resiliency during power outages and its services to the grid. Those grid services include load shifting and peak shaving, which involve directing the microgrid to store solar energy and release it during high-electricity demand periods to lower the burden on the grid.
“These energy investments not only result in greater energy reliability but also lead to cost savings over time,” Katrina Leni-Konig, CEC deputy public adviser and Tribal liaison, said.
The CEC will collect data about the microgrid’s capital cost, operating cost, performance and lessons learned to support commercial deployment of microgrids that use advanced battery systems,
Anayah said.
The Tribe and CEC already learned one lesson from the project, Anayah said. The battery couldn’t conduct a “black start” during a grid outage because it didn’t have auxiliary power to activate it. The Tribe added an uninterruptible power supply as backup which allows the system to start up during outages.
The microgrid is a demonstration case for similar systems that can be sited in Tribal, remote and disadvantaged communities across the state. The project is part of a larger effort from the CEC to support Tribes’ efforts to achieve energy independence with clean energy.
“Earlier this year, the CEC adopted a resolution committing to
continue to support Tribal energy sovereignty and to work closely with Tribal leaders to advance clean energy in ways that benefit Tribal communities and ultimately achieving a 100% clean energy future for all Californians,” Gallardo said.
While the microgrid project is unique, it is not the Tribe’s first clean energy project. In 2016, the Tribe received a $500,000 grant from the federal Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy Tribal Energy Deployment Program to help develop a 1 megawatt solar system that generates 1.8 million kilowatt-hours a year and can meet 92% of the annual energy needs of the country club at Soboba Springs. It’s expected to save more than $6 million over 20
“The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Pala Fire Department are thrilled to be partnering with Cal OES on a mutual aid agreement,” Robert H. Smith, chair of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, said. “This is a momentous occasion for the Tribe and for the safety of our community.”
Through legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the state is now allowed to enter into mutual aid agreements with tribes, boosting tribal access for federal funding and reimbursements when they assist with disasters, like wildfires.
This historic partnership adds to the already robust California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, deploying a fleet of more than 270 fire engines to over 60 local partners across the state. Before and during a disaster or emergency, these engines and crew can rapidly deploy to a location to increase local capacity
Type III fire engines are fourwheel-drive vehicles that can go off-road to battle California wildfires in addition to responding to all-hazard events. They have the
years, money that can be directed to other community needs.
There are a number of funding opportunities available to California Native American Tribes for supporting the transition to clean energy. The funding available can support the installation of electric vehicle infrastructure, building decarbonization, energy research and development and other opportunities, Leni-Konig said.
“We invite Tribes interested in clean energy to reach out to the CEC. We are happy to discuss the opportunities available for funding renewable energy projects and to learn how we can better serve Tribal communities in their transition to clean energy,” Gallardo said.
capacity to carry a four-person crew and carry 500 gallons of water. Their size allows them to get into places bigger engines can’t like rough terrain or hillsides.
Cal OES serves as the state’s lead emergency management agency, including responding, directing, and coordinating state and federal resources and mutual aid assets across all regions to support communities across the state.
Established in 1978, the Pala Fire Department, with two firefighters and a 300-gallon water t ank, expanded in 1980 to a full-time volunteer department –operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In 2006 the Fire Department established its Advanced Life Support Paramedic program providing the highest level of service and industry-standard in San Diego to the community of Pala and surrounding areas.
Currently, the Pala Fire Department enjoys 29 full-time suppression personnel including two chief officers, six captains, six engineers and 15 firefighter/ paramedics.
Submitted by Cal OES.
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California Energy Commission staff members, from left, Taylor Marvin, Noemi Gallardo and Katrina Leni-Konig visit the latest clean energy projects implemented at the Soboba Indian Reservation. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos
California Energy Commission staff, from left, Sierra Graves, Taylor Marvin, Katrina Leni-Konig and CEC Commissioner Noemi Gallardo tour the clean energy project at the Soboba Fire Station with fire Chief Glenn Patterson, Tribal Council Chair Isaiah Vivanco and Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada.
Soboba Tribal Chair Isaiah Vivanco with Noemí Gallardo, commissioner of California Energy Commission, at the Soboba Fire Station, Wednesday, June 21.
PALA from page A-1 Aid System will ensure we can get vital resources to communities statewide during times of need.”
Supervisors approve $15 Million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for third district neighborhood revitalization, child care facilities, and economic recovery projects
communities to increase their opportunity for success and to raise our residents’ quality of life,” said Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington. “As people returned to the workforce this year, many encountered a barrier created by the shortage of quality childcare and virtual learning options.”
Once complete, the interactive discovery space will become a family-friendly destination for discovery and exploration for all Riverside County residents. Most importantly, it will also have activities that empower children with critical components of creativity: imagination and originality, flexibility, decision making, communication and self-expression, motivation, and collaboration.
“The Riverside County Library System is excited to partner with
First 5 Riverside County Children and Families to create a familyfriendly campus for discovery and learning through creativity,” said Riverside County Office of Economic Development Director Suzanne Holland. Considering that access to public libraries and adequate learning materials has been proven to be a major factor in the successful outcome of youths, the interactive discovery space will assist with closing the education gap created by the pandemic. Further, the adjacent library and new childcare facility will reduce the stress placed on parents looking for quality childcare options. Access to stable, high-quality childcare helps parents improve their labor productivity by increasing work hours, missing fewer workdays,
and allowing them to pursue further education.
“The early years of a child’s life are the foundation for their future success, especially during the first five years when 90 percent of their brain is still being developed,” said First 5 Executive Director Tammi Graham. “Riverside County Children and Families Commission is proud to have approved up to $4 million to support French Valley early childhood education and the interactive learning facility.
Predevelopment is underway for the French Valley Childcare and Early Childhood Learning Experience project. Construction is expected to begin in winter 2025, with completion targeted for fall 2026.
Submitted by Riverside County.
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On Tuesday, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved the use of $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for projects that promote improved economic, health and safety outcomes for residents in the Third District. Four projects will benefit from this allocation, with the largest project receiving $12 million to develop a childcare facility and an interactive discovery space at the French Valley Library. The French Valley Childcare and Early Childhood Learning Experience project will construct a 9,000 sq. ft. childcare facility and a 3,400 sq. ft. interactive early childhood development facility connected to the French Valley Library, in partnership with First 5 Riverside County and the Riverside County Library System. The project will also feature a learning gallery, rotating exhibits, and virThird district supervisor Chuck Washington praised the funds as an investment in families and community, raising the quality of life of residents.
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Public's help sought in search for missing Wildomar girl
Menifee Council adopts new lengthy Parks Master Plan through 2035
Tony Ault Staff Writer
The Menifee City Council adopted a new Menifee Parks Master Plan that will include the opening of new parks and improved recreational facilities through 2035 as the population continues to grow.
The Master Plan acknowledged that Menifee is one of the fastestgrowing cities in the state of California with many newly planned developments in progress or coming. It showed several developers who are including parks on their project sites and paying into developmental impact fees for their projects in Menifee. Some of those conceptual park plans are included in the Master Plan, and others must be planned to meet city parkland dedication requirements.
that might be incorporated in the future. They include a suggestion by Councilmember Dean Deines from District 4 that because of the current record-breaking heat wave and future heat waves, the city might consider increasing more splash-pad facilities in the parks and seeing about sharing local school swimming pools during the hot spells.
Councilmember Lesa Sobek of District 3 suggested that the city might build an indoor volleyball court and agreed with the establishment of more splash-pads in the parks.
Council member Ricky Estrada of District 2 suggested working with neighboring Perris on a splash-pad and water facility and perhaps a Menifee Day at some of the Perris school pools.
noise complaints.
In a similar manner, residents suggested and the council discussed the idea that a Traffic Enforcement volunteer group could be established to help reduce the noise and other traffic problems in the city.
Guiterrez again indicated that sworn officers, by law, are the only ones able to issue citations; volunteers cannot do so.
He said the department does have 15 police department volunteers and two volunteer patrol cars with amber lights on their cars who are deemed the “eyes and ears” of the department but have no ability to make arrests or issue citations. He said they help in traffic control and other community outreach for the department.
Anna Talavera Urita from Wildomar has been missing for over a month. Valley News/Courtesy photo
City News Service
Special to the Valley News
Riverside County sheriff's investigators asked for the public's help in tracking down a 14-year-old Wildomar girl who was last seen over a month ago.
Anna Talavera Urita has been the subject of a search from the Inland Empire to Central California. According to sheriff's officials, Anna was reported missing by her family on June 20.
The circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear, but investigators said she has been seen in a white Mercedes sedan, California license plate No. 8BKA228.
"She could possibly be in the Fresno area," according to a sheriff's statement. Anna is 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 190 pounds, with brown hair and eyes.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the sheriff's department at 800-950-2444.
Please Consider Getting Involved!
The Parks and Recreation Department said it “will work with city staff to ensure that the park amenities meet the existing and future needs of residents” by developers, who will be required to provide adequate shading for the park and playground areas to enhance the comfort and desire of the growing populations and the safety and usability of play structures in the years ahead.
Specifically mentioned was the Legado Park Conceptual Plan for a playground community center with multi-purpose fields and a multi-purpose field walking loop. Legado is a large mixed-use development currently in the planning process. The development will include 1,022 new residential home lots on 216 total acres. It will also include the southwest section of the development where a 12.88-acre community park will be located.
The Cimarron Ridge Specific Plan includes a network of community parks, pocket parks, natural open space areas and water quality basins. Proposed draft concept of the future community park includes: soccer/multi-purpose fields, a baseball field, restroom facilities, playground and tot lots
Other planned developer park projects are the Menifee Valley Sports Park, Cantilena Park and a Menifee North Specific Plan Park.
In addition to the developerplanned parks and recreation facilities, the Master Plan also includes additional and improved facilities for current city and Valley Wide Park and Recreation District parks. The city continues to work with Valley-Wide to possibly transferring some of its parks over to the city.
The large 228-page Parks Master Plan was approved and adopted by Menifee City Council with the suggested additions from each of the council members to the plan
Mayor Bill Zimmerman suggested the city look into preserving the historical tree sites in the city and build an Interpretive Center manned by the city’s park rangers as a headquarters.
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin looked at the possibility of working more with the school districts and Valley-Wide and using Measure DD funding.
The council all agreed to accept the Parks Master Plan through 2035, predicting the city’s population growth, which is rated one of the highest in the state.
The council discussed the noise concerns expressed by some residents living along the Newport Road Corridor, the main highway access through Menifee. Menifee Police Department Capt. Heriberto Gutierrez said traffic officers were doing all they could do under the state vehicle codes to curtail some of the noise.
He indicated that state traffic laws on limited muffler noises, speeds in residential zones and other excessive noise are factors for the issuance of citations, but they must be witnessed by sworn and trained traffic officers. He agreed that Newport Road, since it is the most highly trafficked by residents and other motorists passing through the city, was the noisiest, but because of the state vehicle laws, they can do little else to control it. He said there are walls and trees that can also reduce the traffic noises.
Signage telling motorists certain roads and streets were in a “Quiet Zone” might help, but it would require an officer to observe any noise infractions. He said the department might consider improving or changing the traffic light timing in some areas to help to reduce long delays that often result in more noise from the vehicles.
The council received and filed the comments on the highway
He suggested there might be some way to use volunteers to report any continuing traffic violations, such as red-light violations, with which the department might send out warning-only citations and identify the warned driver who continues to violate the traffic laws.
He also suggested more Flock cameras or license plate readers could be used by private homeowners or home owners associations to help reduce crime in their neighborhoods.
The council honored resident Stacy Hartfiel who is very active in many community events with the Menifee Lakes Women’s Club and MilVet among other nonprofits with the Citizen of the Month Award.
Young Kahlil Pilacin of Menifee was recognized by the council for his achievement in the mixed martial arts sports internationally. He is slated to be on the U.S. Mixed Martial Arts Team to compete around the world.
Melody from the Melody Thai Cuisine restaurant in Menifee was recognized in the city’s Business Spotlight for her work with community events and for the Thai foods and service offered at the restaurant.
Community Services and the Menifee Police Department gave their quarterly update for April 1, through June 30.
Police Capt. Dave Guiterrez said officers made 317 arrests, mainly on warrants during the quarter, handed out 1,352 traffic citations with Code Enforcement officers taking down 321 illegal signs and making 70 new contacts with the homeless, with many coming through the city being offered assistance. He said new motorcycle officers will be on the streets following their training in the next few months.
Tony Ault may be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.
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Report: Airplane stalled, flipped inverted prior to crashing in French Valley
City News Service Special to the Valley
News
A single-engine airplane with a student pilot at the controls, flying with his young sons, stalled, rolled inverted and then crashed next to a building during a touch-and-go landing at French Valley Airport, killing the airman and severely injuring the boys, according to federal investigators.
The National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday released its preliminary report on the July 4 crash that killed 39-year-old Jared Alan Newman of Temecula and left his sons, Caleb, Connor and Elijah Newman, with major injuries.
According to the NTSB’s initial findings, Newman was flying the Cessna 172N in the pattern at French Valley just before 2 p.m. on the holiday and was performing what appeared to be a touch-andgo on Runway 18 when he apparently lost control.
“The airplane touched down on the runway for one to two seconds, and then immediately entered a climb in a nose-high attitude as it drifted left of the runway,” the NTSB said. “After the airplane reached about 60 feet above ground level, it began to settle and subsequently entered a left-wing
low attitude. The airplane rolled inverted and then ... (crashed) in an industrial complex.”
Investigators relied on an airport surveillance camera and an eyewitness to gather preliminary data on the accident.
The witness, whose identity was not disclosed, said he observed the entire chain of events, noting that as the Cessna approached Runway 18, it was “unstable.”
“After the airplane made contact with the runway ... the witness heard the engine power advance and observed the airplane take off again. The plane then veered off the side of the runway. According to the witness, the airplane was still configured with full flaps as it slowly climbed toward a group of buildings. Its wings rocked back and forth, and the flaps started to retract.”
The Cessna went down roughly a third of a mile from the runway in the 37300 block of Industry Way, the wing making contact with a 50foot building, leaving strike marks, as the plane crashed upside-down, according to investigators.
Riverside County sheriff’s deputies were first to reach the location and discovered Newman dead in the cockpit. Paramedics arrived minutes later and rendered treatment to the three boys, all of whom
were taken in critical condition to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.
Federal Aviation Administration records indicate Newman obtained his student pilot certificate in September 2020 but did not go on to obtain a recreational pilot, sport pilot or private pilot license. Federal regulations prohibit a student airman from operating as lone pilot in command of any aircraft carrying passengers. Student pilots can fly with passengers if there is an instructor on board, or a licensed pilot who is at the controls.
The NTSB’s preliminary report did not address Newman’s qualifications. The Cessna, tail No. N5243E, belonged to California Flyers Club at French Valley Airport, according to FAA records.
A GoFundMe account was started by relatives of the victims and has since generated $110,254 in donations. It is at https://gofund. me/1ef00a16
Jared Newman’s wife, Megan, posted a message shortly after the crash, saying all of the boys suffered broken bones and lacerations, while one of them also had liver damage. They’re all recovering, she said.
The NTSB is expected to publish a final report on the crash in the next two years.
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Cooling centers offered in Southwest Riverside County in extreme heat
days
Be prepared!
Tony Ault Staff Writer
Last week with record-breaking high-temperatures hitting Southwest Riverside County many sought relief in the nearest cooling center in their city, however others, the elderly and those without sufficient air conditioning suffered with the local hospitals recording many heat related health emergencies due to the weather.
According to the latest longterm weather reports, temperatures will again reach numbers “hazardous to health levels” in the coming months, which can be some of the hottest in the year.
The Community Action Partnership of Riverside County released a list of the available locations with cooling centers for those most affected by the predicted extreme heat. The Valley News has listed those in our circulation area that are, or will be available in those days ahead and their locations.
However, the website HeatReadyCA.com gives residents some good advice on what to do to prevent heat related illnesses. Here is some of the advice suggested by the website.
Families are encouraged to make a plan as with earthquakes, floods or other serious weather events to protect vulnerable family members.
Move to a cooler place like a community center. public library, shopping mall, or another airconditioned building.
Learn the signs of heat illness like heat stroke and heat exhaustion which can include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, feeling weak, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness or dizziness.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and its local partners add to the warnings, “Stay cool. stay hydrated, and look
after each other.” To do this they suggest to “avoid being outside in the direct heat for a long time.
“Try to stay in air-conditioned spaces, at home with your A/C set between 75-80 degrees, or at your local library, shopping mall, or community center. If staying home, keep the blinds closed and wear loose, light-colored, lightweight clothing.
“Sip water all day and consider supplementing with sports drinks. Avoid caffeine and alcohol and to check in on friends and family and have them do the same for you.”
Local and state law enforcement agencies are also on the alert and suggest that no one leave their children or pets inside of a locked or unlocked vehicle that within minutes can reach temperatures sometimes above 180 degrees.
People who see a child or pet left alone inside of a vehicle on extremely hot days are urged to call the local law enforcement agency immediately and try to locate the parents or pet owners to warn them of the danger. Also in Riverside County low cost or free transportation to the nearest cooling center is available. Call MetroLink or RTA for more information.
Listed below are many of the local cooling centers available in the region. The hours for the centers are subject to extensions depending on the weather.
Temecula Temecula Community Center, 28816 Pujol St. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Note: this location is serving as a temporary cool center fo the Mary Phillips Senior Center)
Murrieta
Murrieta Senior Center, (Seniors only) 5 Town Square. MondayFriday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Menifee Kay Ceniceros Senior Center,
29995 Evans Road. MondayFriday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun City Public Library, 26982 Cherry Hills Blvd. Monday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. depending on the day
Lake Elsinore Lake Elsinore Senior Center, 420 E. Lakeshore Drive., MondayFriday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Hemet Salvation Army, 340 S. Palm Ave. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. San Jacinto Cesar E. Chavez Public Library,
163 E. San Jacinto Ave. MondaySaturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. different days.
Canyon Lake Canyon Lake Library, 31516
Railroad Canyon Road Monday,
Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nuview Nuview Library, 29990 Lakeview Ave. Tuesday and Wednesday 2-5 p.m. Mead Valley Mead Valley Library, 21580 Oakwood St. Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Idyllwild Idyllwild Library, 54401 Village Center Drive, Monday-Friday 12-5 p.m.
Anza
Anza Valley Community Library, 57430 Mitchell Road Thursday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. days can vary
NOTE: Some cities mentioned have their own libraries offering cooling centers as well as some churches and park facilities when they are open during the day. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com
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Valley News/Adobe Stock photo
Murrieta Rotary seeks hero nominations from community
Menifee street project and construction updates
MENIFEE - The city has project and construction updates to share with the community. For a current list of street projects and construction updates, visit our interactive mobile and web map at www. cityofmenifee.us/traffic.
Menifee Road South of Highway 74 – City Road Resurfacing Project
Menifee has completed paving for a minor roadway resurfacing project on a portion of Menifee Road between Highway 74 and Rouse Road. Striping work is anticipated to be completed by the end of July. Traffic control will be in place during active work.
Holland Road Overpass – City Capital Improvement Project
Work is actively being performed related to the Holland Road Overpass project. Holland Road between Hanover Lane and Antelope Road will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to last 17 months. For additional information and to sign up for project updates, please visit www.hollandoverpass.com.
SoCal Gas Company – Lazy Creek Neighborhood (Lazy Creek Road and Evans Road) Southern California Gas Company will be installing gas line connections in the Lazy Creek neighborhood area the week of Monday, July 24. Traffic impacts are expected to be minor, with traffic control in place as needed. The project is now anticipated to be completed early by the end of July.
with intermittent traffic control in place along Murrieta Road from the Salt Creek channel to San Quintin Drive. Northbound and southbound traffic lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction through the end of July for completion of roadway resurfacing and striping. Traffic delays should be expected in the project area through mid-September 2023.
Bradley Road at Holland Road – Storm Drain Construction Work Sewer mainline facilities are currently being installed adjacent to Holland Road as part of the Menifee 80 residential housing tract. Work remains temporarily delayed, and updates for this project will be provided when work proceeds. Holland Road is currently open in all traffic directions at this time.
in this area is now expected to continue through mid-August 2023.
Newport Road at Murrieta Road – Nighttime Lane Closures
SCE’s underground utility lines project at the intersection of Newport Road and Murrieta Road is currently on hold. Night work will resume when paving activity is scheduled. Lane closures will be in place while this project is active.
Romoland Grid Resurfacing – Capital Improvement Project
The resurfacing project for roadways in the area of Jackson Avenue, Ethanac Road east of Sherman Road, and the installation of new pedestrian ramps has been initiated. Lane closures and detours will be in place for the duration of the project through mid-September 2023.
MURRIETA – The Rotary Club of Murrieta invites nominations of “heroes” who will be honored during the 2023 Murrieta Field of Honor, Nov. 4-11.
The Murrieta Field of Honor celebrates its 15th year in 2023. The Field is presented by the Rotary Club of Murrieta in partnership with the New Generation Rotary Club of Temecula Valley and the city of Murrieta. More than 2,000 American flags will fly during the weeklong event.
The benchmark that the Rotary Club of Murrieta uses in selecting heroes who are nominated by the community: A hero is a person or group who in the face of danger or adversity or from a position of weakness displays courage or self-sacrifice for the greater good.
To nominate a hero, send a picture of the hero, a short biography, a few short sentences on why they should be selected, plus contact
information, including address, email and telephone numbers of the hero and of yourself, to MurrietaRotary@gmail.com. Nominations will close Sept. 8.
For 2023, all heroes nominated must be veterans of United States military service and current residents of Riverside County.
Heroes will be honored with a special salute during the Field of Honor week, along with being featured in a special Field of Honor magazine and in media postings.
Hero selections will be made by a committee of Murrieta Rotary members; all nomination information will become property of the Rotary Club of Murrieta and may be used in promotion of the Field of Honor.
For more information, contact Linda Dozier at MurrietaRotary@ gmail.com or visit https://murrietarotaryclub.org/murrieta-fieldof-honor/
School Zone Signs and Marking Refresh Menifee Public Works Street Maintenance Crew began a citywide refresh of school zone pavement markings and crosswalks. Crews have completed refresh work at Romoland Elementary School, Harvest Elementary School, Ethan Chase Middle School, and Heritage High School. Work will be occurring in the area of Freedom Crest Elementary School the week of Monday, July 24. Traffic impacts are expected to be minor; however, motorists should avoid areas with wet paint signage. Work locations will be updated weekly throughout the summer.
Murrieta Road Improvements
– City Capital Improvement Project
The improvement project continues on Murrieta Road. Roadway grinding and paving work will continue through Friday, July 28. Traffic lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction,
Valley Boulevard between McCall Boulevard and Ridgemoor Street
The developer of Cimarron Ridge continues installing underground improvements on Valley Boulevard between McCall Boulevard and Ridgemoor Street. Work related to the widening of Thornton Avenue between Valley Boulevard and Murrieta Road has been completed. Traffic delays should be expected in the area through July 2023.
SCE Work on Menifee Road – Newport to Holland Southern California Edison (SCE) work will continue during daytime hours at the intersection of Newport Road and Menifee Road. Traffic control will be in place, reducing travel lanes during project work; however, driveway access to businesses in the area will remain accessible. Message boards containing contact information for the project will also be placed in the project area. Completion of work
Normandy Road Street Improvements – Capital Improvement Project
Construction on pedestrian access improvements along Normandy Road over Salt Creek has started. Traffic delays should be expected between La Ladera Road and Berea Road while the project is active. The project is anticipated to be completed in August 2023.
Murrieta Road and La Piedra Road – New Traffic Signal
The developer of Quartz Ranch is currently installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of Murrieta Road and La Piedra Road. Lanes may be reduced to a single lane with flaggers present during construction. Detours will be posted. Traffic delays should be expected through the end of July 2023.
For questions on the project/ construction updates listed, please contact Philip Southard, Public Information and Legislative Affairs Officer, at (951) 746-0654 or at psouthard@cityofmenifee.us.
The TVUSD board unanimously voted to adopt TCI Social Studies Alive! elementary social studies curriculum that had been rejected twice before after a compromise to remove one controversial supplemental section for review. The carefully worded motion was made by Dr. Komrosky, part of the school board’s conservative majority, at a cost reported to be $1.6 million. The vote was seconded by Trustee Steven Schwartz.
In addition to a packed crowd, over 880 people were watching online throughout the entire 3 ½ hour special meeting. Board president Dr. Komrosky reminded the crowd several times that they had to be quiet and respectful so that speakers could have their say, or they would be ejected from the meeting.
As part of the curriculum review process, legally, there has to be a review by teachers and parents. The board was concerned not only about one supplemental portion but also that there hadn’t been enough parental involvement until about 400 parent surveys were found earlier this week regarding the TCI curriculum.
The compromise and the vote appeared to be celebrated by nearly everyone in the room.
Earlier in the week, there was a 5-hour school board meeting to deliberate on the adoption of an elementary school social studies curriculum. The possible alternative to the new TCI curriculum was presented by Jen Wiersma and included keeping the current 2006 curriculum with new 2019 supplemental materials to meet the demands of inclusive legislation
at a cost of $260,000, and then over the year the district could take more time to adopt the new curriculum.
This option, ironically, according to the district attorney, wasn’t viable because the supplemental material hadn’t gone through the process of parental and district overview and consideration, even though it was just supplemental materials.
So a compromise on the new material was crafted by Dr. Komrosky.
According to California Law which took effect in 2017, the social studies curriculum has to be inclusive of the contributions of “…Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans, persons with disabilities, and members of other ethnic and cultural groups, to the economic, political, and social development of California and the United States of America, with particular emphasis on portraying the role of these groups in contemporary society.”
In past board meetings, press conferences, and statements, the board has openly said it is not being discriminatory against any groups, however, they didn’t like one of the supplemental sections of the new curriculum using gay activist Harvey Milk as a role model because he also was documented in a biography to have allegedly had a relationship with a 16-year-old, making him legally a pederast or a pedophile.
Dr. Komrosky made it clear in a press conference he held in response to Gov. Newsom’s attacks on the TVUSD school board that the board was not against Harvey Milk as a gay man, but they were against pedophilia.
This is the supplemental section
that will be reviewed to make sure it is appropriate and meets the district’s guidelines for appropriate content in the curriculum prior to being released in the district.
Gov. Newsom has targeted TVUSD with bully-style name calling, threats and offensive accusations of being inept, ignorant etc, in press releases. The state has also threatened to launch a civil rights investigation into the district, purchase the state-approved curriculum, send it to the district and then charge them the $1.6 million, but also pass legislation retroactively, allowing the state to fine TVUSD $1.5 million dollars, ironically, hurting the very children the governor claims to be concerned about.
At the end of the night, Komrosky made an open statement to Gov. Newsom saying, “I am a sovereign citizen of the United States of America. I was voted in as a trustee. I will make my decisions and I don’t care what you do at the state level. Our kids need an education. They need a curriculum and we have to provide it.”
Valley News was sent this statement from Dr. Joseph Komrosky on the adoption of elementary school curriculum at TVUSD:
“I speak personally here and not on behalf of the board, when I say, tonight, the Temecula Valley Unified School District took the action we promised all along. After careful and serious deliberation, after receiving the recommendations of our educational professionals, and after receiving written input from nearly 400 engaged parents and community members, the Board of Trustees voted tonight to adopt a new curriculum for use in our elementary schools for grades 1 through 5.
“At the forefront of our deliberations was the health, safety, and welfare of our students. Included within our work were two core considerations:
“First, all students, including English Learners and students requiring special accommodations, have equal access to instructional materials that meet all state and federal mandates.
“Second, we have rigorously reviewed this curriculum to ensure that the lesson content is age appropriate. I want to be crystal clear. We are not banning content as some people would like to characterize our work. We are working to make sure that the content delivered to our students is appropriate for our students at the age and grade level presented We also believe that some topics are best left for parents to first introduce to their elementary school-age children rather than being discussed by a teacher in a classroom.
“It was also our priority to ensure that the parents and our community were materially engaged in this process. Frankly, I was not aware of the level of parent engagement until very recently and I am very disappointed that I was not provided this information earlier in this process. In fact, I was given the opposite impression that only a handful of parents had participated in the pilot. When I learned about the level of parent engagement and the overwhelming response by nearly 400 parents in support of the curriculum we adopted tonight, it was a call to values. My pledge was to represent the parents of this community and, clearly, the parents spoke during the pilot process. I listened.
“Tonight, we took steps con-
sistent with these priorities and values, and in full compliance with California law. We also took this action well within the time required to get these materials into our classrooms. We fully intend to stay actively involved in the development of our children’s curriculum and make certain that all curriculum content is age appropriate.
“I would also like to address Governor Newsom. Not once did the Governor take action to actually assist our community in this process. Never once did he actually contact our school district and inquire about our ongoing process. He only took action that made our job harder. He only took action that was intended to grandstand for his own purposes and intended to further divide us. That was not helpful or anything remotely constituting leadership. We never stopped working at our local level despite the ongoing threats from Sacramento. We never stopped caring about the welfare of our children. We never stopped standing up for our values. The way the Governor sought to insert himself into our local government violates every notion of what our State stands for when it comes to the integrity of local control and governance. We did our job while the Governor played games with our community and our kids. Like I said previously, I hope the Governor negotiated a 14-day return policy for the books he apparently has purchased at taxpayer expense and that our local community never asked for or needed from the State.”
Julie Reeder can be reached via email at jreeder@reedermedia. com.
A-6 Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • July 28, 2023 LOCAL
Pedro Castillo is one of four Field of Honor Heroes honored at the 2022 Field of Honor. Valley News/Courtesy photo
TVUSD from page A-1
Valley News/Adobe Stock photo
James W. Fowler given contract for Diaz Road sewer modification
Joe Naiman
Writer
The Eastern Municipal Water District board awarded James W. Fowler Company the EMWD construction contract for the Diaz Sewer Modification Project.
The 4-0 vote Wednesday, July 5, with Stephen Corona absent, approves a $4,914,000 contract with James W. Fowler Company. The board also authorized a $122,380 contract with HDR Engineering Inc. for engineering services during construction and a $99,810 geotechnical observation and testing services contract with Inland Foundation Engineering Inc. The total $6,415,000 authorization amount also allows for inspections, EMWD staff time costs and
a $491,400 contingency
The existing 8-inch gravity sewer on Diaz Road in Temecula was constructed in 1969 to convey sewer flow from the adjacent industrial park to the Diaz Lift Station. Additional business park developments led to the 1982 construction of a parallel 15-inch gravity sewer to Rancho Way approximately 1,200 feet away from the Diaz Lift Station.
Eas tern’s Sewer Collection System Master Plan calls for approximately 1,200 feet of gravity sewer within Diaz Road from north of Rancho Way to the Diaz Lift Station to be increased in diameter from eight inches to 15 inches. Extending the final segment of the sewer from Rancho Way to the Diaz Lift Station will
accommodate buildout flows in the area.
A February 2021 EMWD board action awarded HDR Engineering, which is based in San Diego, the preliminary design contract to increase capacity of the Diaz Sewer. The preliminary design phase was completed in October 2021, and in December 2021, the EMWD board approved a final design contract with HDR. An amendment to the final design contract was approved by the board in August 2022 to provide additional field investigation and engineering design services, including the integration of the Diaz Lift Station force main valve replacement design.
EMWD staff advertised the construction contract for bid May
1. The deadline to receive bids was June 7, and three companies responded. One of those companies withdrew their bid due to a clerical error and another company’s bid was deemed non-responsive because a bid bond was not included.
James W. Fowler Company, which is headquartered in the Oregon town of Dallas, thus had the only responsive bid. James W. Fowler Company has previously performed satisfactory work on EMWD contracts. The James W. Fowler Company bid of $4,914,000 was 43% lower than the engineer ’s estimate of $8,681,364, so EMWD staff reviewed the contractor’s bid and the engineer’s estimate to determine the cause of such a significant difference. During the
bid period the design team worked to clarify the dewatering system requirements based on questions received from the bidders, and that work along with input from Environmental and Regulatory Compliance staff determined that the dewatering process could be simplified by eliminating treatment and discharging directly to t he local sewer, which created significant savings. The shoring system and bypass pumping costs had been overestimated.
The construction contract calls for completion within 365 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed is issued.
Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.
long for the community to help.”
She said all the money they raise from the fundraiser events is given back to the community, wherever there is a need. She added the Storm baseball team gets involved with helping the homeless and the military through Thunder Cares. The Storm team identified MilVet as a local group they wanted to help with Perrot saying, “[MilVet] goes above and beyond as a nonprofit.” The team collected many of the needed items for the boxes and donated $2,500 to MilVet to help pay for the shipping and costs of the boxes.
Raven Hilden, CEO of MilVet, and contributing author of the bestseller, “A Veteran’s Story, Courage and Honor,” said the nonprofit, headquartered in Murrieta, collects many items from local businesses and residents that servicemen may not have if they are stationed overseas. In addition, every care box sent to a serviceman contains
not only very welcomed treats, magazines, books and toilet items, but also letters from the people who packed the boxes giving them praise for their service.
“The Storm partnered up with MilVet to host our July Care packing event. We are packing with the players today. We have Thunder out here… and lots of raffles, food and fun.” She credited the Hemet Elks Lodge as being a major part of the month’s care packing event, making an announcement and donating for shipping costs and supplies. Shipping for the boxes, the most costly detail, is made through donations from other nonprofits, businesses and caring residents.
The Storm offered the stadium as a place to do the packing. Food and soft drinks along with an opportunity to attend an upcoming Storm game for free were also donated.
MilVet, headquartered at 33040
Antelope Road in Murrieta welcomes donations of the most needed items by the deployed servicemen and women by pur-
Raven Hilden, CEO of MilVet, with a troop care package to be sent to a soldier deployed overseas sits in the middle with more than 150 volunteers with Storm Baseball team members who put together other care packages at the Storm Baseball Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore. Valley News/Tony Ault photos
chasing items remotely and having them delivered to MilVet at designated drop-off location for packing. For drop-off locations
and packaging locations or to volunteer in packing the boxes, visit http://www.milvet.org/militarycare-packages.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia com.
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PACKAGES from page A-1
Storm Minor League Baseball players Wyatt Offman, Tyler Robertson, Kai Murphy, and Ethan Salas show off their troop care packaging skills with Althea Perrot, Fundraiser and Community Relations on the left.
Little Harmony Botello takes her time writing to the Marine she is sending her well-stocked care package to that is deployed overseas. The loving letter is sure to please the intended service recipient serving his nation and thinking of home.
Intently and with great purpose Nichole Layva packs a MilVet troop care package at the July care packaging event held at the Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore, Home of the Storm Baseball Team. MilVet volunteers prepare and send 120 to 200 care packages to American Troops deployed overseas each month.
Man admits shooting at off-duty policeman near Lake Elsinore
City News Service
Special to the Valley News
A 37-year-old man who shot at an off-duty police officer during an act of road rage on the Ortega (74) Highway near Lake Elsinore pleaded guilty on Thursday, July 20, to felony charges.
Keith Frederick Prante of Mission Viejo admitted shooting at an occupied vehicle and unlawfully carrying a firearm under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admissions, prosecutors agreed to drop an as-
sault charge against Prante. Superior Court Judge John Monterosso scheduled a sentencing hearing for Oct. 16 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta and permitted the defendant to remain free on a $135,000 bond.
There was no indication of what sentence the District Attorney’s Office is seeking.
According to California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Lassig, shortly before 8 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2021, the victim, identified as an off-duty San Bernardino police officer with the initials “T.S.,” was going east on Highway 74, ap-
Riverside program assists inmates at risk of homelessness
City News Service
Special to the Valley News
Roughly a half dozen detainees released from the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside without a place to sleep and at risk of homelessness have received assistance under an outreach program implemented earlier this year, officials said today.
“Project Connect” was approved by the Riverside City Council in January, leading to an agreement with Victory Outreach Church to manage “reentry services” for eligible inmates released from the downtown jail.
“When I became mayor, I launched a multi-pronged approach to the homeless crisis, an approach that includes intervention, as well as prevention,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said “If we can focus on preventing people from becoming homeless, we’ve addressed the issue at its core, and Project Connect does just that.”
Officials said that since the program went into full swing during the first week of May, five inmates signed up to receive assistance.
According to the city, a total of 25 people were contacted by Victory Outreach staff, but the majority of them declined services.
“We are really, really blessed to partner on this program,” Victory Outreach Senior Pastor Dell Castro said. “That is our heart, to reach out to these people and give them hope that there is an opportunity to change.”
Project Connect’s budget is $280,216. The funds are being made available via a pass-through account from the Riverside County Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions, which receives homeless aid grants from the federal and state governments.
Under the agreement, Victory Outreach Church, in coordination with the city’s Office of Homeless Solutions, aids individuals released from RPDC with finding lodgings, as well as potential employment opportunities.
“This is a very important program,” Councilman Chuck Conder said. “That’s the best way we can help them, to give them hope and follow up with the services they need.”
Officials said that roughly 20% of those people surveyed in last year’s countywide Point-In-Time Survey, which attempts to gauge the size of the chronically homeless population annually, indicated that they had been in the criminal justice system recently.
proaching Decker Canyon Road, when the defendant abruptly stopped directly in front of him, blocking his path along the narrow two-lane corridor.
There was no word regarding what immediately preceded the action.
Lassig said that Prante leaned out of his vehicle with a .40-caliber pistol in hand and opened fire on the driver’s side of the victim’s car. However, none of the bullets penetrated the windshield. The defendant then accelerated away, but traveled only a couple of miles before pulling over to the
shoulder of the highway, according to Lassig.
T.S. spotted Prante and, “fearing for his safety, stopped just west of the suspect’s location,” the CHP officer said. “The victim observed the suspect produce a handgun out the driver’s side window and begin to reverse toward the victim’s location,” Lassig said. “The victim, fearing for his life, fired a handgun ... toward the suspect.”
No one was injured.
Lassig said Prante immediately drove away, heading into Lake Elsinore, and the off-duty police-
man trailed him at a safe distance, making a note of the license plate on the defendant’s vehicle, which soon disappeared from view.
T.S. called 911, and CHP officers and Riverside County sheriff’s deputies quickly converged on the area.
According to Lassig, Prante was identified as the shooter, and his whereabouts were confirmed the following morning, at which point he was taken into custody without incident.
Prante had no documented prior felony convictions.
Senior admits molesting young relative in Murrieta, sentenced to prison
City News Service Special to the Valley News
An 81-year-old man who repeatedly sexually molested a young relative when she stayed with him in Murrieta pleaded guilty on Wednesday, July 19, to three counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 years old and was sentenced to five years in state prison.
Jesus Zavala admitted the felony counts under a plea agreement just as his case was set for a preliminary hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. In exchange for his admissions, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office dropped six related charges against Zavala.
Superior Court Judge F. Paul Dickerson certified the terms of the
plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense.
Zavala fled to Mexico when an investigation into the lewd acts on the girl, identified in court documents only as “A.L.,” was initiated early last year.
According to a Murrieta Police Department statement, the victim revealed in December 2021 that the defendant had molested her between 2018 and 2020, prompting an investigation by the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services and the police department.
The specific circumstances behind the sexual abuse, and Zavala’s exact relationship to the victim, were not disclosed.
Court papers said that he fon-
dled her privates and rubbed her chest on different occasions.
Investigators said sufficient evidence was gathered to obtain a warrant for Zavala’s arrest. However, before it could be served, he “fled to Mexico, where he remained and avoided capture,” according to the police department.
It’s unknown what led him to return to the United States, where he was apprehended by Border Patrol agents at the Tecate Road Crossing on Aug. 10, 2022. He was turned over to Murrieta police officers a few days later based on the fugitive warrant and booked into the Byrd Detention Center.
Zavala had no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.
Armed robbery and mail theft suspect arrested
MENIFEE – Menifee Police
Officers responded to a robbery Tuesday, July 18, at about 11:20 a.m., in the 28400 block of Cathedral Street. The victim, a United States Postal Service worker, told officers they were robbed at
gunpoint while delivering mail in the area. The suspect had fled the scene, but the victim provided officers with a description of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle, a white Kia Optima.
Dispatch provided the descriptions to surrounding agencies and at about 2:33 p.m., the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department advised they were following a vehicle matching the description. They attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused and a pursuit began. The pursuit went through the sheriff’s jurisdiction and ended in Menifee in a minor collision with another vehicle at McCall Boulevard and Briggs Road.
The uninvolved vehicle’s three passengers were treated for minor injuries at the scene and the two passengers in the suspect vehicle were juveniles who did not sustain injuries. Both juveniles were
safely taken into custody. The victim of the robbery positively identified one of the juveniles as the suspect from earlier in the day, and both juveniles were booked into juvenile hall for robbery and other felony charges. The Menifee Police Department will continue to partner with the United States Postal Service Inspector in this investigation. “We are thankful for the team effort with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department that safely removed a mail theft suspect from Menifee,” according to a news release from the Menifee Police Department. If anyone has any additional information about this incident, contact Detective Torres at mtorres@MenifeePolice.org
Submitted by Menifee Police Department.
Man admits molesting Lake Elsinore girls
City News Service
Special to the Valley News
A 52-year-old man who molested two Lake Elsinore girls pleaded guilty on Friday, July 21, to eight counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 years old.
Victor Saragosa Morones of Temecula admitted the felony charges, as well as a sentenceenhancing allegation of targeting multiple victims in a sex crime, under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admissions, prosecutors agreed to drop eight related offenses against Morones.
Superior Court Judge F. Paul Dickerson scheduled a sentencing hearing for Sept. 15 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta and ordered that the defendant remain held without bail at the nearby Byrd Detention Center.
According to sheriff’s Sgt. Jeff Reese, deputies initiated an inves-
tigation last November after receiving information that Morones had engaged in illicit acts involving one of the girls, identified in court documents only as “A.A.” Court papers indicated that in the ensuing investigation, another girl, “E.M.,” was also identified as a victim.
The assaults occurred between January 2019 and December 2021, according to the criminal complaint.
Sufficient evidence was ultimately gathered to obtain an arrest warrant, and Morones was taken into custody without incident in the 28000 block of Old Town Front Street in Temecula on the morning of Feb. 9.
The circumstances behind the assaults, including Morones’ relationship, if any, to the children were not disclosed.
He has no documented prior felony or misdemeanor convictions in Riverside County.
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North Coast Church helps provide hope to Ukraine
Avalon Hester Valley News Intern
It’s the peak of summer locally – school is out, and the days are reaching more than 90 degrees. By now, many parents have probably confirmed and reconfirmed camp reservations and have sent their children for fun days spent swimming, playing capture the flag, and making new friends. Almost 6,500 miles away, within the borders of an active war zone, Ukrainian children are doing the same things but, with help from North Coast Church.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in late February of last year, it seemed that the conflict would be over quickly. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia made repeated claims to Ukraine. The conflict began in 2014, when Russia successfully annexed the Crimean Peninsula, a part of Ukraine. It escalated in 2022, with a full military invasion of Ukraine, in what was billed as a quick occupation of the contested Donbass region bordering Russia on the Easternmost spur of Ukraine.
Ukraine has maintained its independence since the fall of the Soviet Union, and while their history with Russia is complex, life in Ukraine was relatively peaceful until the occupation.
Now, entire cities have been destroyed by the war. A Fallbrook missionary for North Coast Church, who has been providing aid in Ukraine, described the constant threat of living in Ukraine today, “There are bombs falling at all parts of the country at all times. People have lost homes, businesses, and their churches.”
This level of conflict comes with massive disruptions of day-to-day life, he explained, “Most kids are only able to go to school 2-3 times per week.”
However, the North Coast Campus has been working to create normalcy and joy for those in Ukraine. In addition to supporting food, shelter, and transportation services in Ukraine, members of the congregation are able to sponsor a Ukrainian child to attend summer camp.
“We started the camp with the idea of having 50 kids participate… we had over 150 kids attend. Of course, people aren’t always able to register, but we don’t turn anyone
away,” explained the North Coast missionary.
The road to reach the camp isn’t exactly something out of “The Parent Trap.” As detailed by the missionary, “The camp is close to the Russia border; we have to pass active landmine signs in order to reach it.”
For many families who have lost loved ones through conscription, migration, or lack of contact, sending kids to camp doesn’t feel any less safe than sending them to school. In fact, for those struggling to provide basic necessities for their children, the opportunity to secure not only steady meals and shelter, but also fun, is rare. “We also send ‘hope boxes,’” explained the missionary, “shoeboxes full of gifts that we try to get to the kids for Christmas… last year they arrived in time for Easter.”
These acts of kindness prioritize something equally essential to food, water, and shelter and especially hope. North Coast’s missionary has seen it first hand.
“We’ve seen people’s lives turn around,” the missionary shared. “We had a single mother with two kids who came to one of the churches for the safety of the basement. Her children were friends with the minister. She struggled heavily with alcoholism, but has seen a huge improvement since accepting Christ. Her daughter was one of the camp counselors.”
This impact is something that Fallbrook can be proud of. The missionary explained that 95% of the aid they are able to provide to Ukraine is funded entirely by donations from the Fallbrook congregation.
North Coast’s Fallbrook campus has a variety of ways to help. If you’re interested in donating, they have a Paypal link and accept checks written out to the organization coordinating aid, Peter’s Work, at PO Box 2591, Fallbrook CA 92088.
They suggest donations of either $125, $250, or only $40 to pay for either one Ukrainian child’s camp experience, two camp experiences, or to purchase food for the campers.
North Coast encourages donors to stop by for fliers with more information. Pastor JD Larson remarked “Whether people are interested in joining us for church or helping the people of Ukraine, our doors are wide open.”
B-1 Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • July 28, 2023 Volume 23, Issue 30 www.myvalleynews.com B Section COMMUNITY
Summer camp in Ukraine begins with dancing every morning at 7 a.m. Valley News/Courtesy photos
A group shot shows all the campers and staff at the Summer Camp.
The campers play water balloon volleyball.
Anyone wanting to donate to the Ukraine fund can do so through this QR code, which can be scanned through a smartphone camera directly to PayPal.
The Ukrainian campers send a water balloon up in the air.
Ukrainian children receive Hope Boxes with brand new Nikes while at Summer Camp.
Ukrainian children have fun at Summer Camp.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
To submit an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com, put “attention events” in the subject line.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
July 27 – 7 p.m. Temecula’s
Summer Concert Series will host its finale with Escape, a Journey tribute band, at the Temecula Civic Center Quad, 41000 Main Street, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks.
July 28 to Aug. 11 – 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Temecula’s 16th annual Ralph Love Plein Air Competition begins as local artists are invited to enjoy two weeks of painting scenic Temecula locations, including Old Town Temecula, wine country and city parks. The city honors artist Ralph Love and emerging local artistic talent, with this annual competition between plein air artists. New to the competition is the Youth Category for artists aged 17 and under who can participate for a chance to win a large prize basket of art supplies. Stamps for canvas submissions are available inside the Temecula Valley Museum, closed Mondays.
July 28 – 6 p.m. Menifee’s Arts in the Park taking place at Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park, 30376
Lone Pine Drive, in Menifee.
Comedy of Errors by William Shakesphare played by the Full Circle Players and presented by the Menifee Arts Council and City of Menifee. Bring lawn chairs, warm clothing and a sense of humor. Food vendors and childrens games.
July 29 – 4 p.m. The Water Lantern Festival will be held at Elm Grove Beach, 500 Lakeshore Drive, in Lake Elsinore.
July 30 – 3 p.m. The Temecula Wine and Beer Garden Rock will be held at 28464 Old Town Front St., in Temecula
Aug. 2 – 6 p.m. San Jacinto’s
Kool Summer Nights concerts begins with Endeavor, vendors and a beer and wine garden at the Estudillo Mansion, 150 Dillion Ave, in San Jacinto,
Aug. 2 to Aug. 23 – 5-9 p.m. Sunset Market is held every second and fourth Wednesday of the month and features live entertainment, a gourmet food court and some of the finest artisans and craftspeople in Southern California. The family friendly event is located in Town Square Park in Old Town Temecula.
ONGOING – Riverside Transportation Commission is offering Park and Ride lots to connect with carpools, vanpools and transit systems in Beaumont at 600 E. Sixth Street in San Jacinto; at 501 S. San Jacinto Avenue and in Temecula at Grace Presbyterian Church, 31143 Nicolas Road, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but not on weekends.
ONGOING – Line dancing classes are held Wednesdays from 3:30-5 p.m. at Lake Elsinore/Wildomar Elks Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail, in Wildomar across from the Animal Friends of the Valleys. Classes have a DJ with learning levels beginning to intermediate. Have fun and exercise at the same time at $5 per lesson. Contact Joyce Hohenadl at 951-674-2159
ONGOING – Sun City Civic Association Monthly Square Dance sessions are held Sundays from 1:30-5 p.m. at 26850 Sun City Boulevard.
ONGOING – If you know a homebound older adult, resources in Menifee are available, including grab-and-go, cooked and frozen food for pickup. Courtesy pantry items and meals delivered with no contact. Three days of emergency food can be delivered immediately or restaurant meal delivery for those who don’t qualify for food assistance programs. Call the California Department on Aging at 800-510-2020 for help.
ONGOING – The Riverside County COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program is accepting online applications for business grants up to $10,000 at http://www.rivercobizhelp.org that can be used for employee retention, working capital, personal protective equipment purchases, rent or mortgage payments and paying vendor notices. Eligible businesses, including nonprofits, must be in Riverside County, with a minimum of one but less than 50 employees and operating for at least one year since March 1. For more information, call Riverside County Business and Community Services at 951-955-0493.
ONGOING – 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Temecula Winchester Swap Meet continues, 33280 Newport Road, in Winchester. Saturdays and Sundays only. The small local swap meet is 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 29 - 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. See Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., in 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. Visit https:// tickets.temeculatheater.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=1459
Aug. 5 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m Lace & Locomotives, Victorian Steampunk Tea Party will be held at the Murrieta Community Center, 41810 Juniper St., in Murrieta. Don your dandiest apparel for a day of historic proportions. Tickets are $50 to help support bringing a train to downtown Murrieta. Additionally, a portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Murrieta Valley Historical Society.
Aug. 5 – 9-11 a.m. The city of Menifee Homebuyer Assistance Program information session will share about securing up to $200,000 in assistance presented by Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services Inc. at 29844 Haun Road.
Aug. 8 – 7-9 p.m. Rancho Springs Medical Center Breastfeeding Class is offered at Southwest Healthcare Rancho Springs Hospital, 25520 Medical Center
Drive, in Murrieta. Make breastfeeding a successful and satisfying experience with teacher Sandy Salgado, LCCE, CLE. Fee is $50 per family.
Aug. 9 – 1-2 p.m. The Hemet San Jacinto TNOW transportation group will meet at the Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce, 615 N San Jacinto St., in Hemet. The chapter is composed of public officials, school district representatives, local business owners and members of the general public. The chapter focuses on improving transportation in the cities.
Aug. 10 – 9-11 a.m. Access to Capital workshop will be presented by the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center at the Menifee/Wildomar Council Chambers, 29844 Haun Road, in Menifee. Topics include the basic requirements to qualify for a loan; the different types of funding available; steps to assess a funding solution that best meets your needs.
Aug. 16 – 10 a.m. Hemet San Jacinto Business Network will meet at J & M Family Restaurant, 1271 S. State St., in Hemet. The group is dedicated to creating a networking group of business professionals and small business owners whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business leads.
ONGOING – Want to help deployed American troops remotely? Help shop for the most needed items without leaving home as an easy way to help support deployed men and women by purchasing items remotely and having them delivered to MilVet at designated drop-off locations for packing. All items on the list are special requests from deployed military men and women. MilVet is a nonprofit organization that holds monthly packaging events at different community locations in the area. For drop-off locations and packaging locations, visit http://www.milvet. org/military-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 http://www. city of menifee.us.
ONGOING – 10-11:30 a.m. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center and The Elizabeth Hospice host a virtual support meeting for caregivers every second and fourth week of the month via Zoom. Get helpful tips and learn from others who are also dealing with similar challenges. For more information and to register, contact The Elizabeth Hospice Grief Support Services at 833-349-2054.
ONGOING – Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a free 12step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia, has meetings throughout the U.S. and the world. Contact 781932-6300, or for local meetings, call 925-321-0170 or visit http:// www.foodaddicts.org.
ONGOING – The Murrieta Garden Club meets each month at the Murrieta Community Center, 41810 Juniper St. Anyone who likes to garden or is interested in plants is welcome. Membership is $10 per year. Find more information about the monthly event or project on Facebook.
ONGOING – Temecula Valley Rose Society meets each month. For more information and new meeting dates and places, visit http://www.temeculavalleyrosesociety.org.
ONGOING – Menifee Toastmasters meets every Thursday at noon for one hour at a designated place to have fun, enhance speaking capabilities, gain self-confidence and improve social skills. For new dates, call 760-807-1323 or visit http://www.MenifeeToastmasters.org for more information.
ONGOING – Homeless veterans can receive free help by dialing 877-424-3838 for 24/7 access to the VA’s services for homeless, at-risk veterans. Chat is confidential for veterans and friends. Visit http://www.va.gov/homeless
Movie review: ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Bob Garver
Special to the Valley News
Last summer, when “Top Gun: Maverick” was making roughly all the money printed in the United States during that fiscal quarter, I read a number of articles calling Tom Cruise various iterations of “The Last Movie Star.” Many publications jumped on the trend at once; however, the moniker is obviously an exaggeration. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt haven’t exactly been left in the dust in Hollywood, but it’s understandable where it comes from. It may take a few beats to remember the “Avatar” movies’ star Sam Worthington or that Tom Holland is the most recent live-action version of Spider-Man, but there is no such confusion with a Tom Cruise movie. I bet most people, when discussing the “Mission: Impossible” movies, say “Tom Cruise” instead of his character’s name of Ethan Hunt. For that matter, I wouldn’t be surprised if people say “Tom Cruise” instead of “Jerry Maguire” when discussing the film named after the character. All of this is to say that Tom Cruise has an undeniable screen presence and charisma. He certainly has the straight-up talent to justify this popularity, but his blockbuster appeal is about more than that. He clearly believes that
if he’s going to be at the top of the industry, he should push himself harder than the rest of the industry. That’s why he insists on undertaking difficult tasks like long sequences of running and dangerous stunts involving planes and motorcycles. This kind of dedication is why “Mission: Impossible” is a respectable franchise unto itself and not the James Bond knockoff that it would be otherwise.
The new installment sees Hunt racing around the globe to stop The Entity, a computer program that has seemingly become sentient and bent on world domination. Whoever can access The Entity first, whether it’s a government or an individual, can basically control the world. Hunt is initially sanctioned by the U.S. government, represented by Impossible Mission Force leader Eugene Kittridge, played by Henry Czerny, but he soon realizes that nobody should be allowed to have that much power, so he goes on a rogue mission to destroy The Entity.
Hunt is aided by faithful teammates Luther, played by Ving Rhames; Benji, played by Simon Pegg, and Ilsa, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Complicating matters are money-driven duplicitous characters like high-class pickpocket Grace, played by Hayley Atwell, and black-market arms dealer Alanna, played by Vanessa
Kirby. Full-on villains include assassin Gabriel, played by Esai Morales, and his henchwoman Paris, played by Pom Klementieff, who is gleefully maniacal in a role that frankly doesn’t call for it, and are both apparently representing The Entity itself, and no, I’m not sure how that business relationship works.
The mission involves gaining possession of two halves of a key and figuring out what exactly the key opens. It also involves an elaborate series of druggings, pickpocketings, thievery, bomb scares, knife-fights, shootouts, car chases, crosses and double crosses and a ton of antics with a runaway train. Oh, and those super-realistic masks that this series loves come into play. This movie really hopes you like Vanessa Kirby, because you’re getting a double dose of her here – no complaints from me.
I spent most of this movie having a hard time deciding if it was worth recommending. Cruise and his team are their usual delightful selves, but it seems like this movie’s been done several times before. The villains are more memorable than some of the others in this series, but their motivations are questionable. The action is mostly pretty exciting, but the stakes are affected by the “Part One” in the film’s title, which tells me that nothing too conclusive is
going to happen here. At the last minute, the film pulled out an effective action sequence with a train that finally earned it my endorsement. I reckon you’ll have a good time with the seventh “Mission: Impossible.” Grade: B-
Valley News/Courtesy photo
“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some language and suggestive material. Its running time is 163 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.
B-2 Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • July 28, 2023
Read Independent News. MyValleyNews.com
Motown and soul music tribute band ‘Uptown’ takes the stage at the outdoor Santa Rosa Plateau Pavilion
Tony Ault
Staff Writer
Uptown, straight out of performances in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, brought the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve’s outdoor pavilion to life with melodies and dancing to Motown, R&B and soul music at The Nature Education Foundation’s Live! @ the Plateau Summer Concert and Art Show Saturday, July 22.
The three members of Uptown not only played the melodies of performers such as the Jacksons, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Al Green but also effortless and coordinated dance moves, bringing cheers and applause from the sold out crowd throughout the evening.
Aside from the amazing dance moves there was a bit of comedy between the singers about the humidity that evening, teasing concert sponsors on stage, Marlene and Steven Darrow of the Darrow La w Center in Temecula. The singers teased Marlene with their appeals for her to marry them, despite her husband in the audience who himself was called to the stage to give Marlene a big kiss for their many years of marriage, delighting the attendees.
Many of Uptown’s medleys like Michael Jackson 5’s, “I want you back,” and medleys from The Temptations, the Spinners and OJays all with their unique dance moves.
Yet, the group took a moment
to sit down and remember the late music artist Bill Withers, better known for his country music, but perhaps best remembered for his song, “Lean on Me,” that hit all the music charts. It was a special moment in the concert for the group and listeners.
As the event continued a benefit 50-50 drawing, with a $1,000 cash prize that went to audience member Danielle Smith from Rosmarinus Catering of Murrieta. The other half will benefit TNEF school nature education programs for area students, from third grade through high school.
A high-value auction for box seats at a Lake Elsinore Storm game along with dinners and refreshments was up for bid, presented by Darrow Law Center. The highest bid and winner was guest Ling Sieu, the Southern California marketing director for California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and her husband Daniel Sieu, of the William Stephanie Foundation.
Coming next week, July 29 to the Santa Rosa Plateau Pavilion with be America’s Premier Beach Boys Party Band “Surf’s Up” for the fifth TNEF’s Live! @ the Plateau Summer Concert followed by the final concert with Bee Gees tribute band “Gold” on Aug.5.
TNEF summer concert and accompanying art show at the Visitor Centre benefits the nonprofit educational foundation’s mission to, “Educate and empower youth to appreciate, preserve and protect
nature” and also offers a pathway to environmental stewardship. The tickets for the concerts can only be purchased online for $55 per person at www.plateauconcertsandart.org . Only a few tickets may be left for the remaining two
concerts.
The Nature Education Foundation at the Santa
suggests visitors bring their own lawn chairs, a warm jacket and hard toed shoes since the concerts are outdoor performances. VIP
visitors are offered tables for their own groups. Call 951-319-2998 or email info@srpnef.org for more information and membership offers, concert and event discounts. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.
Crossword puzzle: Finish the lyrics
B-3 July 28, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News ENTERTAINMENT Answers on page B-6 ACROSS 1. * “Back in ____ I hit the sack” 6. Lavatory, abbr. 9. Arctic floater 13. Revered Hindu 14. Three, to Caesar 15. Poison ampules, e.g. 16. Neckwear option 17. * “Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman, giving ____ your love to just one man” 18. Most populous country 19. * “It’s going down, I’m yelling ____” 21. * “Sugarpie honeybunch, you know that I ____ ____” 23. Act on IOU 24. Spanish sparkling wine 25. Mel ____, Giant Hall-of-Famer 28. Garbage in, garbage out, acr. 30. * “If everybody had an ocean ____ the U.S.A., then everybody’d be surfing” 35. Less than average tide 37. All’s opposite 39. ____, Wind & Fire 40. Gas station brand 41. Bottom-ranking employee 43. * “The future’s not ours to see, que ____” 44. ____ Coffee, whisky drink 46. African river 47. Part of a sweatshirt, sometimes 48. ____-____-tat, drum roll sound 50. Please get back to me, acr. 52. 007, for one 53. Impulse 55. Consume food 57. * “I’m going to ____, I’m gonna mess around” 61. * “And I will ____ love you” 64. Do penance 65. Melvin Purvis’ org. 67. High school balls 69. Goes with shaker 70. Cardinal, color 71. Lock horns 72. Eurasian duck 73. Pop-ups, e.g. 74. Earp of the Wild West DOWN 1. Undergarment 2. Catalog 3. Fungal spore sacs 4. “____ at the bit” 5. Soldier’s knapsack 6. Pinocchio, e.g. 7. Be unwell 8. Pancho’s last name 9. Like certain print 10. * “Here’s a story of a lovely ____” 11. Assortment 12. Genesis twin 15. Fast and lively, in music 20. Giving a once-over 22. Spermatozoa counterparts
24. Reassert 25. * “Believe it or not, I’m walking ____ ____” 26. Sailor’s cry: “____ firma!” 27. Like an implied agreement 29. * “You’re here, there’s nothing I fear, and I know that my heart will ____ ____” 31. Possible allergy symptom 32. Black and white treats 33. Leather razor sharpener 34. * “Will the real Slim ____ please stand up” 36. Well-mannered Emily 38. Adult elvers 42. Live it up 45. Mooring rope 49. Though, shortened 51. Another name for papaw 54. Below, prefix 56. Be a slowpoke 57. Jellies’ seeded cousins 58. A-bomb particle 59. Sheltered nook 60. Was aware of 61. Gives a hand 62. Lotus position discipline 63. Censor’s target 66. * “I’m friends with the monster that’s under my ____” 68. Salon offering
Rosa Plateau
Members of the Motown and soul tribute band Uptown meet the The Nature Education Foundation’s benefit concert and art show sponsors Marlene and Steven Darrow of Darrow Law Center before the performance at the outdoor Santa Rosa Plateau Pavilion. Valley News/Tony Ault photos
Umbrellas provide respite from the hot sun for Uptown fans at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, before the concert begins Saturday, July 22. Normally, umbrellas are not permitted outside the tented area but on an extremely hot day, an exception near the shaded areas was made.
The Uptown singers and dancers open the benefit show at the Santa Rosa Plateau on the outdoor Pavilion stage.with the Motown artist Chris Brown album song “Party.”
An Uptown singer gets into a popular upbeat Motown song on the Santa Rosa Plateau’s Pavilion Stage concert benefiting The Nature Education Foundation.
A change of clothes and a welcome seat on the Plateau’s Pavilion stage is welcomed by the Uptown singers and dancers out of the sun with a bit slower song.
Purchasing a portable AC? Keep these tips in mind
tise more BTUs than the product’s actual performance, but buyers beware. The truth lies in making sure the unit’s rating matches the Department of Energy’s BTU rating for your room’s square footage, according to the DOE guidelines. When shopping online or in-store, check for the certified DOE-rated BTU level for correct coverage – and if you don’t see this information listed, stay away.
A free online BTU calculator can help you choose.
Certification
purchasing a portable air conditioner, be sure to review a unit’s decibel rating to determine if the unit will be too loud for the room where it’s intended to be used. Valley News/Adobe Stock photo
With the scorching summer temperatures, a cautionary tale unfolds for those in search of a portable
Manufacturers market their products with proclamations of excellence. Don’t be lured in with claims and prices. Insist on reviewing the product’s energy guide for the actual BTU rating. Also, make sure the portable AC you are interested in is authenticated by credible third-party organizations that indicates it has met or exceeded performance standards.
Type
Before making a decision between window ACs or portable units, determine which type best suits your needs and the room before making a purchase. As a general rule, portable units can be easier to install and more versatile.
Noise
Whether you’re sensitive to noise or don’t wish to hear the sound of a motor running, check the unit’s decibel rating. Cool interiors and ultra-quiet performance can co-exist, if you shop around.
Maintenance
In addition to purchasing a portable AC unit, proper maintenance can help ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. Periodically remove the filter from the unit and dust it, and clean debris from inside the unit with compressed air. A few lifestyle changes can also contribute to a cooler, more comfortable home. These changes include avoiding the stove and oven on super-hot days, planting shade-bearing trees or bushes outside windows and swapping out incandescent bulbs for energy efficient LEDs.
Navigating a sea of misleading product claims can be exhausting, particularly when it comes to buying the equipment you need to keep your home and family comfortable in extreme weather. When it comes to a cool home, however, you don’t have to sweat it. A bit of research can help you achieve optimal comfort this summer.
Disaster preparedness and fire safety community event comes to Wildomar
WILDOMAR – The Southwest Riverside County Fire Safe Co uncil sponsored a disaster preparedness and fire safety community event at Wildomar City Hall Thursday, July 27.
The featured speakers discussed information to assist
residents during disaster and fire emergencies. Adrian Cardenas and Shane Reichardt with Riverside County’s Emergency Service Office spoke with residents about when to evacuate versus when to shelter in place. Master Gardeners spoke on creating a fire safe and
resistant landscape. Susan Fromm er, director of Southwest Riverside County Fire Safe Council, presented a brief update on the California Insurance Commissioner’s task force and their latest efforts and proposed legislation in dealing with insurers.
Cal Fire and other local fire department representatives spoke on this year’s fire season, hazard brush notices, real estate property inspections and recent insurance mitigation and compliance.
The event offered opportunities to win drawings for high visibility
address signs, emergency survival kits, “to-go” backpacks and other goodies.
Submitted by Southwest Riverside County Fire Safe Council.
EMWD approves Wine Country sewer final design contracts
Joe Naiman Writer
The Eastern Municipal Water District board authorized the final design contracts for EMWD’s Wine Country sewer projects. Both contracts are with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, but because the County of Riverside will reimburse Eastern for a portion of the Southern Wine Country Sewer Project and the Northern Wine Country Sewer Project the contracts for the two projects are separate so that each project can be invoiced to the county separately.
A 4-0 EMWD board vote July 5, with Stephen Corona absent, approved a $418,245 contract for the final design and support services of the Northern Wine Country Sewer Project and an $888,885 contract for the final design and support services of the Southern Wine Country Sewer Project. The board action also approved a $97,576 contract with Recon Environmental for environmental support services and total appropriations of $1,543,906 which will also cover internal labor costs and advertisement for bid expenses.
In April 2019 Eastern selected West Yost Associates to prepare the Southern Wine Country Infrastructure Phasing Plan Study. That study considered an approach to implement sewer service in an incremental manner and included evaluation of potential areas in Southern Wine Country which would likely connect to a future sewer collection system, updated flow projections, an optimized sewer system layout, and alternatives to extend sewer service into the area. Planning-level cost estimates were prepared for the alternatives to allow Eastern flexibility in the future based on sequencing and timing of development. The study provides guidance to address developer inquiries, develops a framework to explore funding strategies, and provides flexibility to respond to the development community. The study will be utilized as guidance to develop funding strategies and enable ongoing coordination with the County of Riverside, the Rancho California Water District, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Not all of the growth will require new infrastructure. Eastern
believes that capacity for between 3,000 and 3,700 equivalent dwelling units is available in the Temecula Parkway Trunk Sewer. The phasing plan will also optimize infrastructure alignment in the Southern Wine Country area. Eastern will attempt to consolidate and reduce the number of lift stations required to serve the area, which will reduce the total cost, and will identify sites for potential lift stations. An incremental phased approach to extend the sewer infrastructure will be developed, and updated cost estimates will be prepared.
The Northern Area Phase I facilities were completed in 2015. The planning efforts for Phase II and for the Southern Area have been completed; construction of those facilities is currently contingent upon securing external funding.
The Northern Wine Country Sewer Rancho California Road Phase II project will plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain 4,300 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer main and 9,700 feet of 8-inch sewer main and will also install laterals to property lines along Rancho California Road,
Glen Oaks Road, Warren Road, and East Benton Road. The project will extend an existing sewer line which currently runs along Rancho California Road between Butterfield Stage Road and Monte Del Oro Road. The sewer project will reduce the number of septic systems leaching into groundwater and thus improve water quality. The total estimated cost of the project is $8,600,000.
The Southern Wine Country Sewer De Portola Road/Anza Road project will provide 9,900 feet of 15-inch gravity sewer main, 10,300 feet of 12 - i nch gravity sewer main, 3,000-feet of 10-inch gravity sewer main, and laterals to property lines along Anza Road and De Portola Road. The total estimated cost is $10,300,000.
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. The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has allocated $82 million for infrastructure which provides for $15 million per supervisorial district and $7 million for the Broadband Affordability Program. In May 2022 the county supervisors allocated $10,571,200 of that for three Eastern Municipal Water District capital improvements. The funding will provide $5,011,200 for the Northern Wine Country Sewer Rancho California Road Phase II project, $4,120,000 for the Southern Wine Country Sewer De Portola Road/Anza Road infrastructure, and $1,440,000 for the Mission Canyon II pump station replacement which will provide a new pump station located at the Mission Canyon II Booster Station along with 3,200 feet of new pipe.
The Eastern Municipal Water District will administer, construct, and maintain the sewer projects, and 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 November 2022 the EMWD board approved a $469,209 contract with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, which is based in San Francisco and has offices in San Diego and Murrieta, for the preliminary design of the Southern Wine Country Sewer Project and a $312,806 contract with Kennedy/ Jenks for the preliminary design of the Northern Wine Country Sewer Project. EMWD staff negotiated scopes of work and fees with Kennedy/Jenks for the final design and support services and also negotiated a scope of work and fee with Recon Environmental, which is based in San Diego, to assist EMWD staff with the preparation of the necessary California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act environmental documents and supporting technical studies (the Federal funding makes the projects subject to NEPA review).
The final design is scheduled to be complete in March 2024, and the environmental documentation is expected to be complete in April 2024. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2024 and be complete by January 2026.
Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
COOKHOLIDAYBOOK By Judith Bell, Village News Food Editor Delicious Recipes for the Holiday Season Mail this completed form and payment to: Valley News/Free Cookbook, 111 W. Alvarado Street Fallbrook, CA 92028 For ALL COOKBOOK Information call Judith Bell, Food Editor, The Village News, 815-260-4350 • Exclusive Subscription OFFER!!! The Cookbook will be available to new SUBSCRIBERS opting for a 15-month Valley News Subscription* And for current subscribers extending for one year with pre-payment* • Features more than 250 Tested Holiday Recipes • Personalized delivery on or about Nov. 9, 2023 New Subscriber Current Subscriber Name: Address**: _________________________________ City: State:________ Zip: Phone: ____________________________________ Email: *Subscription will continue to renew until cancelled by customer. Renewals will not be charged until the last paid subscription period expires. This agreement remains until cancelled by Village News, Inc. **Cookbook will be delivered to the same address as the newspaper subscription. Contact us if you need cookbook delivery to another address. Subscription Payment Options (Choose One) $99.00 - New Subscriber Special 15-Month Subscription Includes FREE Valley News Holiday Cookbook* $69.95 one year renewal - current subscribers only Includes FREE Valley News Holiday Cookbook* Visa Mastercard Check Cardnumber: ______________________________________ Exp Date:________ CVV:______ Billing Zip Code: Signature: $
SPECIAL PRICE INCLUDES FREE HOLIDAY COOKBOOK 15-MONTH VALLEY NEWS SUBSCRIPTION Complete this Mail-In Subscription Form to Receive your FREE Cookbook Subscription includes the Valley News mailed to you every week plus full access to all online content FREE Valley News Holiday Cookbook HOME & GARDEN B-4 Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • July 28, 2023 StatePoint Media
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Living with COPD? How to navigate palliative and hospice care
StatePoint Media Special to the Valley News
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also referred to as emphysema or chronic bronchitis and makes it hard to breathe. During every stage of the disease, starting when a person is first diagnosed, different supportive care options are available that can improve quality of life, including palliative and hospice care.
It’s important for families affected by COPD to have a plan in place regarding these care options. Having trusted tools and information can make getting the conversation started with healthcare providers easier.
That’s why the American Lung Association, in partnership with Embassy Health, has launched a new campaign to educate patients and families about the benefits and differences of palliative and hospice care.
Palliative Care
Palliative care provides specialized medical care for people living with a chronic or serious illnes s. Surprisingly to many patients, it’s appropriate at any stage of COPD. Early delivery of palliative care has the potential to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and the use of health services. In fact, it’s never too soon after a COPD diagnosis to ask a healthcare provider about adding in palliative care.
The intent of palliative care for those living with COPD is to improve their condition, manage symptoms and address their wishes and treatment goals. These services are often provided by a team of palliative care specialist doctors and nurses, social workers, nutritionists and spiritual advisers, and can take place in the home, a hospital, outpatient clinic, assisted living facility,
nursing home or palliative care center.
Hospice Care When curative treatment options stop working, it’s often referred to as end-stage or advanced COPD. This can be an extremely difficult time for patients and families, and a time where they need to make difficult decisions.
One treatment option for advanced COPD is hospice care. Hospice care focuses on bringing comfort and relief to a person with life-limiting COPD who has opted to no longer seek curative treatment. The goal is to consider the patient’s overall wellbeing and improve their quality of their life.
While many worry it’s too soon to start talking about hospice care, many patients discover that it comprises much more than endof-life care.
When Carolynne, who has COPD, was hospitalized due to a severe exacerbation of the disease in November 2022, her healthcare team was especially concerned about her future and suggested hospice care. As she learned more, she began to understand that hospice encompasses supportive in-home care that could help prevent hospitalizations with another COPD flareup. Carolynne’s hospice care includes assistance with showers and medication, weekly nurse check-ins, chaplain visits, and in-home healthcare so that she doesn’t have to travel to numerous medical appointments. This level of support has allowed her t o focus her time and energy on her family and her favorite hobby, baking.
“I am living at home, and I can do as I please and hospice is helping me do it,” Carolynne says. “It’s just a different style of living; you are living with help.”
Hospice care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that can consist of nurses, doctors, social workers, spiritual advisors and trained volunteers. Everyone works together with the patient and their caregivers to provide medical, emotional and spiritual support. An approach to care, not a place, hospice can be offered in the home, a care center, hospital, assisted living facility or hospice center.
For more information about COPD care options, visit Lung. org/copd-plan. For the 12.5 million people in the United States living with COPD and their families, having reliable information about supportive care options can mean fewer hospitalizations and a better quality of life.
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A
What is hospice care and who is eligible?
Dr. Leslee B. Cochrane Special to the Valley News
Hospice care is a medical service that promotes compassionate care, support, and comfort to patients when they have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less; however, many patients live beyond this period.
Hospice is covered by Medicare and most private insurance and provides home visits from an interdisciplinary team including nurses, physicians, home health aides, spiritual care and medical
social workers who assist the patient and family in developing a patient directed plan of care. Hospice also covers the cost of all medications, medical equipment and supplies required to manage the hospice related conditions and all care is provided in the comfort of the patient’s place of residence. Cancer, heart disease, dementia, lung disease, and stroke are five common diagnoses seen in hospice patients. However, that does not mean that hospice programs are exclusive only to patients with those conditions. Other situations or conditions
that may prompt hospice include:
Repeated or frequent hospitalization in the last six months
Patients with difficulty performing their daily living activities (e.g., eating, bathing, toileting)
Patients with declining cognitive and mental abilities
Impaired nutrition and weight loss due to illness
Continued decline despite curative treatments or opting to end curative treatments to improve comfort and quality of life
Early admission to hospice care enables families to navigate this difficult season in life and focus
their attention and energy into what is most important. When selecting a hospice provider, you should review Medicare Compare (https://www.medicare.gov/carecompare ) which ranks hospice providers on a 1 to 5 Star scale, based upon Family/Caregiver Satisfaction Survey Ratings. If you or someone you know currently suffers from any of the above conditions, then it is time to consider hospice care as part of your end-of-life care plan.
Leslee
B. Cochrane, M.D., is the executive medical director of Hospice of the Valleys.
Hair thinning because of menopause? These tips can help
StatePoint Media Special to the Valley News
Women spend up to 40% of their life in menopause and, by 2025, 1.1 billion women worldwide will be going through this transition. Menopause often brings disruptive symptoms that can impact all aspects of life, from family to work. Hot flashes and trouble sleeping are often experienced during menopause and those signs can also be accompanied by under-discussed symptoms, like hair thinning.
“Hair thickness naturally decreases with age. When you add hormonal changes during menopause on top of that, many women become concerned with their hair health – from how fast it grows to how thick the hair strands are,” says author and renowned natural physician, Dr. Fred Pescatore. If you are going through menopause and you notice your hair is thinner, you’re not alone. Studies show more than half of women over age 50 will experience thinning hair and one reason may be
declining estrogen (hormone) levels that are associated with menopause.
“Changes in hair health and appearance can take an emotional toll on many women, often leading to lower levels of self-esteem. My patients come to me confused, looking for solutions that are effective with minimal side effects. I direct them to lifestyle adjustments, along with a unique, science-backed natural ingredient called Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract.”
Promising support from a natural ingredient
Pycnogenol is a natural supplement from the bark of the maritime pine tree that grows along the coast of southwest France. For decades, studies have shown its benefits for skin health and menopause. Now, new research finds it also significantly increases hair density in menopausal women.
“I’ve recommended Pycnogenol to my patients for years as a natural ingredient for menopause and beauty support, and as an important building block of
Valley News/Jordan Bergendahl photo overall wellness since it acts as an antioxidant, circulation booster and natural anti-inflammatory,” says Dr. Pescatore. “This new study demonstrates an exciting additional benefit of Pycnogenol. After just two months, hair density in menopausal women increased by 30%. It is simple, safe and effective.”
For more information, visit https://www.pycnogenol.com/ home.
Hydrate, massage, and a balanced diet
There are other simple lifestyle adjustments that can help as well. Dr. Pescatore suggests, “Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your scalp stay hydrated. Massage your scalp daily to enhance circulation. Eat a balanced diet to ensure you are getting the nutrients your hair follicles need, including vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin B12.”
Answers for puzzle on page B-3
Favors for Neighbors
Favors for Neighbors is a 501(c) (3) certified Non-Profit focused on helping the senior community AT NO COST to them and to help them avoid getting ripped off, scammed, and have less risk of injury. One lady was charged $100 just to change smoke alarm batteries, another $120 to change HVAC filters. We help seniors with things they can’t do for themselves or can’t afford - like home repairs, weed abatement to minimize fire, home cleaning, household organization, incorrect billing issues and much more. We provide a repair service, but what we’re really delivering is KINDNESS, companionship, compassion if only for a few hours – to change their state from isolation and depression to A BIG SMILE OF GRATITUDE - every time
Too good to be true – Yes, it is. We do it anyway!
But we need your help with Donations and Volunteers. Nobody else does this at no cost to the senior. Please take the opportunity to build something special with us.
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cannot do it alone, we need help to help others.
open your hearts and help cover the costs.
the QR code below.
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Dr. Leslee B. Cochrane is the executive medical director of Hospice of the Valleys.
Valley News/Courtesy photo
NEWS @TheValleyNews TemeculaValleyNews my .com
LOCAL Your Source for
National Make A Difference to Children Month: The benefit of working with youth in foster care goes both ways
RIVERSIDE – July is National
Make a Difference to Children Month, and there are volunteers who take time to support local children living in foster care –Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers, also known as CASAs. These special volunteers are supported by Voices for Children, the only local nonprofit organization certified by the courts in San Diego and Riverside counties, to recruit and train CASA volunteers.
When community members become CASAs, they help vulnerable children living in foster care cope with many challenges. These advocates ensure the children they serve are safe, and their needs are met while they navigate living in foster care. What they don’t expect is how much they will gain from the experience.
CASA volunteers are often the only stable, trusted adult in the life of a child in foster care, someone who will speak up for them, in court, in school and in the community to make sure their voice is heard and advocate for their best interests. From monitoring a child’s progress in school to ensuring they have glasses to providing written reports at court hearings and collaborating with
the child, family members, and all the professionals in the child’s life, a CASA connects the puzzle pieces of an intricate child welfare system.
“I observed firsthand the impact that CASAs have on their case children,” Susan D. Huguenor, a retired juvenile court judge who serves on Voices for Children’s board of directors, said. “CASAs are confidants and advocates for the kids, enabling judges to see and understand the youths they preside over. CASAs truly change lives.”
Volunteers sign up to make a difference in a child’s life but said they are affected in meaningful ways they never imagined.
José Contreras has been a CASA volunteer for five years, helping San Diego youth in foster care feel seen and heard.
“You definitely get more out of being a CASA than you’ll put into it,” Contreras said. “In my case, I’ve learned to be humble about the situations people are in. I’m more careful about prejudging people because you never know where they came from or what they’ve been through.”
One of his most impactful moments was visiting his case child after a successful reunification
with his family.
“Seeing the entire sibling group back together was incredibly rewarding,” Contreras said. “The child appreciates everything I do for him, and the mother appreciates that I have been a positive male role model in his life. I feel honored to help guide children’s futures.”
Each CASA volunteer undergoes extensive background checks, makes an 18-month minimum commitment to the program
and completes a 35-hour training program focused on all aspects of a child’s well-being and development.
“We train and support CASA volunteers so they have the skills, knowledge, and preparation necessary to advocate for their assigned children,” Jessica Muñoz, president and CEO of Voices for Children, said. “Time and again volunteers share with us how they are changed and inspired by the resilience they witness in the
children they serve.”
This past year, over 1,300 CASAs and Voices for Children staff supported more than 3,400 youth in foster youth between San Diego and Riverside counties. But more children come into care across the region and need a CASA every day. To learn more about becoming a CASA or donating to the program, visit http://speakupnow.org
Submitted by Voices for Children.
Laura Ungar and Freida Frisaro
Associated Press
MIAMI (AP) — Dr. Alfonso
Sabater pulled up two photos of Antonio Vento Carvajal's eyes. One showed cloudy scars covering both eyeballs. The other, taken after months of gene therapy given through eyedrops, revealed no scarring on either eye.
Antonio, who's been legally blind for much of his 14 years, can see again.
The teen was born with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic condition that causes blisters all over his body and in his eyes. But his skin improved when he joined a clinical trial to test the world's first topical gene therapy. That gave Sabater an idea: What if it could be adapted for Antonio's eyes?
This insight not only helped Antonio, it also opened the door to similar therapies that could potentially treat millions of people with other eye diseases, including common ones.
Antonio's mother, Yunielkys "Yuni" Carvajal, teared up thinking about what Sabater did for her son.
"He's been there through everything," she said in Spanish during a visit to the University of Miami Health System's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. "He's not only a good doctor but such a good human being and provided us with hope. He never gave up."
The family came to the U .S. from Cuba in 2012 on a special visa allowing Antonio to get treatment for his condition, which affects around 3,000 people worldwide. He had surgeries to remove scar tissue from his eyes, but it grew back. Antonio's vision kept getting worse, eventually deteriorating so much that he didn't feel safe walking around.
Sabater had no answers then, and tried to reassure the boy: "I'll find a solution. I just need some time. I'm working on it.
"'Yeah, I know you're going to do it,'" Sabater recalled Antonio saying. "That gave me the energy to continue."
At one point, Carvajal told Sabater about the experimental gene therapy gel for Antonio's skin lesions. He contacted drugmaker Krystal Biotech to see if it could be reformulated for the boy's eyes.
Suma Krishnan, co-founder and president of research and development for the Pittsburgh-based company, said the idea made sense and "it didn't hurt to try it."
Antonio's condition is caused by mutations in a gene that helps produce a protein called collagen 7, which holds together both skin and corneas. The treatment, called Vyjuvek, uses an inactivated herpes simplex virus to deliver working copies of that gene. The eyedrops use the same liquid as the skin version, just without the added gel.
After two years, which included testing the drug in mice, the team got "compassionate use" approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and permission from uni versity and hospital review boards. Last August, Antonio had surgery on his right eye, after which Sabater started treating him with the eyedrops.
Krishnan said they were cautious, frequently watching to see that it was safe.
Antonio's eye recovered from the surgery, the scarring didn't return and there was significant improvement each month, Sabater said. Doctors recently measured the vision in Antoni's right eye at a near-perfect 20/25.
This year, Sabater began treating Antonio's left eye, which had even more scar tissue. That one is also steadily improving, measuring close to 20/50, which Sabater said "is pretty good vision."
Antonio comes to the eye institute for checkups almost weekly and gets the drops once a month. During visits, Antonio must wear protective clothing covering his arms, hands, legs and feet. Like other kids with the condition, who are sometimes called "butterfly children," his skin is so fragile that even a touch can wound him.
Antonio still uses the skin gel, which was approved by the FDA in May and can also be used off-label on eyes. It doesn't modify DNA, so it's not a one-time treatment like many gene therapies.
Sabater, director of the Corneal Innovation Lab at the eye institute, said gene therapy eyedrops could potentially be used for other diseases by changing the gene delivered by the virus. For example, a different gene could be used to treat Fuchs' dystrophy, which affects 18 million people in the U.S. and accounts for about half the nation's corneal transplants.
The prospect of treating more conditions this way is "exciting," said Dr. Aimee Payne, a dermatology professor at the University of Pennsylvania who isn't involved in the research. The approach "delivers gene therapy that really addresses the root cause of disease."
With his vision restored, Antonio has enjoyed a typical teen pastime he's wanted to do for quite a while: playing video games with his friends. And he finally feels safe walking around.
Sabater said the two-year journey seeking government and hospital approvals "was worth it. Just for Antonio, it was worth it ... but also because it opens the space to treat other patients in the future."
Ungar reported from Louisville, Kentucky.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
others and yourself a chance to live healthier lives. Consider participating in a clinical trial with Viking Clinical Research in Temecula, California. Our staff is currently conducting a variety of studies including Generalized Anxiety disorder, Major Depression, Alzheimer’s Disease and Fibromyalgia. Consider Viking Clinical Research Clinical Research Center & Clinical Trials in Temecula, CA What we offer to enrolled patients: To learn more, call 951-695-6238 • Patients will visit with a licensed physician. • Free medical examinations, including: ECG, Physicals, and labs. • Medication provided with medical monitoring. • Compensation for time and travel according to specific study protocol. Or visit us online at www.vikingclinical.com 29645 Rancho California Road, Suite 133 • Temecula Are you a U.S. Military Veteran? Veterans and their spouses have FREE Burial Benefits with a national cemetery. Our Veteran Burial Services provide specialized end-of-life planning to assist veterans and their families in accessing the burial and memorial benefits they have earned. Call (760) 645-6175 for more information at no cost to you. The Burial Plan Your trusted specialist in simplifying and securing your burial and cremation plans ahead of time. 760-645-6175 www.theburialplan.com Email: info@theburialplan.com CA INS LIC #4289088 | Located in Bonsall, CA Our compassionate and experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the funeral planning process and ensure that your wishes and those of your loved one are respected and honored. • Eco Cremation & Burial Options • Preplanning Consultations
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Gene therapy eyedrops restored a boy's sight. Similar treatments could help millions
Review of all things Real Estate: Four things that will decrease the value of your home
I read several authors; one of whom advocated spending 25% of the home’s current value on landscaping. I disagreed with that number because it sounded excessive because I know that it could be accomplished for less; but the number one way to create a favorable or unfavorable impression is bad or non-existent landscaping.
Bob Hillery CR Properties
Several weeks ago, I wrote about items that can positively influence the value of your property for resale purposes. Subsequently I came across some tips that talked about what people do (or don’t do) to their properties that actually decrease the value of their homes.
Let’s take it from the first impression. My previous article discussed the value of curb appeal since there is only one chance to make a first impression and a lot of that first impression is landscaping.
Curb appeal: or lack thereof, can even result in buyers simply driving away before they get out of the car to examine all the really great qualities of the home. No amount of marketing can overcome poor or non-existent landscaping.
Another negative impact on value is also seen from the street; old, patchwork looking, and/or damaged roofs. As the market has tightened, buyers are often more discerning about what is an acceptable condition of the house.
If there are worn composite shingles, cracked/ broken Spanish tile, or cracked and slipped concrete tile, it shows like a beacon.
As a homeowner who is contemplating listing their house to reap the maximum price possible, take
an objective look at the roof, from all sides.
If there is visible deterioration and/or damage, that can be a huge objection for a buyer who can only envision a full roof replacement, when in reality it could only require spot fixes. In other words, get ahead of the drama and make the repairs while they still represent a smaller price tag because, worse case, buyers don’t even make an offer because they are afraid of the expense of a full roof replacement.
After you walk around looking at the roof, walk around the entire exterior and interior of the house. Bring a pad and pen and critically look at the condition of the house. Has maintenance been performed or are there items that have been deferred?
When we look at the house daily because we live in it, it’s easy to overlook maintenance items but, from a prospective buyer’s point of view, if they can see deferred maintenance items, they wonder about the things they are not seeing.
What is the condition of the
paint; does it need freshening or a complete re-do? In the big scheme of things, painting doesn’t cost that much or take that much time; particularly if you can do it yourself. But the rewards will be worth it when the colors are crisp and clean and there is that “freshly” painted smell.
Fresh paint can help mask pet smells too. By the way, if anyone is smoking in the house, please quit doing so immediately and go find an isolated outside area well away from the house; cigarette smoke smell is a buzz killer for buyers. If there has been smoking in the house, then prime the walls with a smoke killing paint like Kilz. It will seal in the smell, then you can paint a nice, clean smelling finish coat of paint on top of visible current maintenance and the buyers will reward you with higher offers.
Okay great, the buyers came into the house after checking out the landscaping and the roof, and they have walked through the various non-plumbing rooms and they still seem interested. Then they come to the bathrooms and the kitchen.
MWD approves Los Alamos Hills annexation
Joe Naiman
Writer
Los Alamos Hills is within the Murrieta city limits but not currently within the Eastern Munici-
pal Water District or Metropolitan Water District of Southern California boundaries. A MWD board action Tuesday, July 11, approved the annexation of most of the area into MWD.
This annexation covers 108.56 acres, although 11.81 acres are public roads, so only 96.75 acres will be subject to MWD’s annexation fee. Only property owners who desired the annexation are in-
cluded, so 36 parcels are involved. Riverside County’s Local Agency Formation Commission must approve the annexation of the land into the EMWD and MWD territory, and the MWD action allows
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What will devalue the property in their opinion is outdated kitchens and bathrooms.
Wallpaper is not in vogue in today’s southwestern living. Tile countertops are “okay” by some accounts but mostly the appetite is for granite, quartz and even wood counters. Antique oak cabinets scream ‘old” as do gold plated faucets. The good news is that the antique oak cabinets can be painted (my daughter painted hers and wow, what a difference!). Changing out cabinet pulls and dated faucets will pay you dividends.
The best news is none of these recommendations are terribly expensive. And as was passed at the marketing meeting this morning, after the upgrades and improvements had been made, the client took her home off the market because she fell in love with her own house again.
Even if you don’t do that, you will have made it easier for the buyers to fall in love with your house and that will result in higher offers.
for an application to LAFCO. Los Alamos Hills is east of Interstate 215 and south of Clinton Keith Road. The area has 50 parcels. Privately owned pumping wells are currently used to provide water supply to the property owners, and in the past some residents have experienced well failure or overpumping.
Eastern is planning the Los Alamos Hills Water Facilities Project which would provide a looped water system connecting to the 49 properties which front Los Alamos Road, Celia Road, Mary Place and Mason Road. Approximately 6,720 feet of pipeline eight inches in diameter and 4,040 feet of 12inch pipeline would be constructed along with appurtenances. A July 2022 EMWD board vote approved a design contract for that project.
EMWD staff members have been working with Los Alamos Hills property owners about the annexation, and some property owners do not desire to receive municipal water service from Eastern and MWD at this time that is primarily due to annexation fees and other costs. The exclusion of those properties leaves “window areas” in the annexation area, but Eastern considered that preferable to denying everyone service due to a minority of property owners. Those property owners not currently interested in annexation may do so in the future but would pay the processing and annexation fees charged at that time. MWD staff does not believe that MWD’s interests will be adversely affected by the exclusion of the 14 properties.
The annexation would make the area eligible for imported water through MWD and Eastern. The annual estimated imported water demand is 53.23 acre-feet. Eastern’s board adopted an environmental mitigated negative declaration for the annexation March 15 when Eastern requested the annexation. MWD was required to certify that the MWD was reviewed and considered with regard to the annexation approval, and the July 11 action included that certification.
The MWD annexation fee for calendar year 2023 is $6,875 per acre. MWD also has a $5,000 processing fee which is collected at the time of the initial annexation request, so the total annexation fee will be $665,156.25 if the annexation is finalized during calendar year 2023. If the annexation process has not been completed by Dec. 31, the fee will be based on the annexation rate at the time. Eastern will submit the annexation application to LAFCO, and a special benefit assessment financing program whose details are to be determined will fund the MWD and LAFCO processing and annexation fee costs.
After the annexation is complete the parcels will also be subject to MWD’s property tax, which is 0.0035% of the assessed valuation of each parcel. MWD also has a standby charge of $6.94 per acre or for a parcel of less than one acre, and that would also be placed on the landowners’ property tax bills.
Joe Naiman can be reached via email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.
REAL ESTATE B-8 Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • July 28, 2023
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Rickie Fowler buys childhood driving range in Murrieta
JP Raineri
Sports Editor
Never mind that he was heckled by a fan during last Thursday’s first round of the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool, which was said to be over his decision to pull out of investing in British soccer team Leeds United. And never mind that he won the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit on July 2, ending a four-year winless drought.
Rickie Fowler knows the trials and tribulations of what the game of golf can bring, and despite finishing tied for 23rd at the British Open this past weekend, being back on top of his game, Fowler seemingly can’t stop winning, especially in life.
The Valley News first caught wind last year of a deal being made to purchase his childhood driving range in Murrieta, aptly named, the Murrieta Valley Golf Range, but without being in front of him, getting a hold of Rickie for a comment was next to impossible, and that’s OK, we know he’s a busy
man. He did, however, recently talk with Golf Weekly, the magazine, and shared some of his thoughts on the recent purchase.
The driving range in Murrieta is where Fowler, 34, first learned the game as a boy. His grandfather, Yutaka, spent every Wednesday with his first grandchild and would take him to the range, which opened, in 1992. Fowler spent more and more of his formative years forging a passion for the game in those natural grass bays in the shadows of the Santa Ana Mountains, and 30 years later, he completed a boyhood dream of his, becoming owner of the range. His father used to deliver the sand for maintenance and gravel for the parking lot in exchange for his son to hit balls on the range.
Bill Teasdall, a former mini-tour player, found the land, leased the 15-acre property and opened the 50-stall range, where 90 balls still cost just $12, and included a teaching area for his best friend, Barry McDonnell. Yutaka first signed Rickie up with one of the
range’s pros, Mark Quinlan. He taught Rickie for the next year or so before moving on, and that’s when he started learning under McDonnell’s watchful eye.
Fowler became a scratch golfer by age 12, but unfortunately McDonnell passed away in May of 2011, just a few months after Fowler was named Rookie of the Year. McDonnell was instrumental in Fowler’s career as he reached No. 4 in the Official World Golf Ranking in the winter of 2016. He would go on to win six times on the PGA Tour, including the 2015 Players Championship. Along the way, he also never forgot about where he came from or his dream to make sure Murrieta Valley Driving Range remained intact.
“I always wanted the range to be around and it to be open for the next generation,” Fowler told Golf Weekly. “I wanted kids to have the same opportunity as me if they were interested.”
Talks started in 2019, but an eventual sale would be delayed by the global pandemic. Eventually,
November of 2022 and the sale was finalized in January of this year.
“It has been in the works for a couple of years, as the land is
owned
Sierra Romero selected for Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023
JP Raineri Sports Editor
DETROIT, Mich. – Sierra
Romero grew up in Murrieta and is a legend in the softball world. Forged from a family dynamic that produces stellar athletes, brother Michael was a first-round draft pick by the Boston Red Sox last year, and younger sister Sydney went on to Oklahoma to win multiple national championships and play for Team Mexico. Sophia, the younger of the four, is a recent graduate from Vista Murrieta and is on her way to play at Boise State, where she hopes to match the successes of all three of her older siblings.
From her time on the softball fields at Vista Murrieta, to competing with the University of Michigan, Sierra has gone on to play for Team USA, and played professionally in the NPF, and currently with Athletes Unlimited.
Recently, the University of Michigan announced that Sierra, who played from 2013-16 is among the 10-person Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023, slated for induction on Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Motor City Casino’s Sound Board.
Romero is the second straight Michigan softball alumnae inducted into the MSHOF, joining Class of 2022 honoree Jennie Ritter, while their head coach, Carol Hutchins, was a Class of 2011 inductee. Overall, Romero becomes the sixth softball player to join the exclusive club.
Named the 2016 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, NFCA Division 1 Player of the Year and the Honda Award
recipient for softball, Romero completed the 2016 campaign with a .451 batting average, 76 runs, 73 hits, 19 home runs and 79 runs batted in. She ranked third nationally with 1.29 runs per game and 1.32 RBI per game and sixth with a .577 on-base percentage and .883 slugging percentage. She boasted 18 multi-hit games and 21 multi-RBI games and tallied a career-best 18-game hitting streak through the early-season tournament slate.
Romero also became the first four-time NFCA All-American in Michigan program history, earning first-team honors each of the last three seasons, and was twice a topthree finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year (2014 and 2015) before winning the top honor in 2016. She was the inaugural winner of the ESPNW Softball Player of the Year in 2015 and a three-time Big Ten Player of the Year (2013, 2014 and 2016) and four-time unanimous selection to the All-Big Ten first team.
Romero completed her collegiate career as the NCAA record holder in career runs (302) and grand slams (11). With her 300th run, scored in NCAA Super Regional play, she became the first player to ever record 300 runs, 300 hits and 300 RBI. She ranks fourth all-time in career RBI (305) and slugging percentage (.882) and eighth in home runs (82) and walks (225).
A two-year Michigan team captain, Romero contributed to a senior class that posted a 210-43 record, won four Big Ten titles and a Big Ten Tournament title and made three WCWS appearances
C-1 Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • July 28, 2023 Volume 23, Issue 30 www.myvalleynews.com C Section July 28 – August 3, 2023 SPORTS
The Murrieta Valley Golf Range was recently purchased by Rickie Fowler, which is where he learned to play the game at an early age.
The Murrieta Valley Golf Range is now owned by Rickie Fowler, which is where he learned to play the game as a kid. Valley News/Andrez Imaging they came to an agreement in
by a family and Bill leased it from them,” Fowler explained. “We had to make sure that we
Rickie Fowler, pictured here at this year’s American Express tour, recently finalized a deal to purchase the Murrieta Valley Golf Range, where he learned to play the game as a kid.
The University of Michigan recently announced that Murrieta native, Sierra Romero, who played from 201316, will be inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Thursday, Sept. 14. Valley News/Courtesy photos
Pictured here at the ESPYs, Sierra Romero, who played on the softball fields at Vista Murrieta, and the University of Michigan, has gone on to play for Team USA, played professionally in the NPF, and currently is with Athletes Unlimited.
see GOLF, page C-2 see ROMERO, page C-3
USA Baseball finding top talent in Southwest Riverside County
JP Raineri
Sports Editor
CARY, N.C. – Another week has come and gone, and USA Baseball continues to pull from our area as they seek the best in representation for their upcoming programs. Last week USA Baseball announced the 72-man roster for the 2023 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP), which is set to be held from July 26-29 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. The announcement comes following the conclusion of the National Team Championships in Arizona and North Carolina, which serve as primary identification events for the NTDP.
Three local players, all representing the Southwestern League, two of whom hail from Vista Murrieta, were chosen via the National Team Development Program, which offers the nation’s top athletes an opportunity to
connect with USA Baseball coaches, task force, and national team staff to better prepare for a future national team experience.
Vaughn Neckar (Vista Murrieta), Jaxon Baker (Vista Murrieta) and Gavin Fien (Great Oak) are all on their way this week to train where the best of the best have left their mark in North Carolina.
“It is our honor to welcome this talented group of players to Cary for this year’s National Team Development Program,” said Jim Koerner, USA Baseball’s Director of Player Development.
“Our task force has worked hard this summer to identify the best fits for this program, and we are extremely excited to work with these outstanding athletes. We look forward to continuing the development of these players as the National Team Development Program continues to serve as an important piece of the gold medal process.”
Neckar will participate in the event for the second summer in a row, after he parlayed his appearance at the 2022 NTDP into a spot on the 2022 18U National Team that won gold at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, and Fien rounds out the USA Baseball alumni on the roster and will reunite with some familiar faces from his past after playing on the 2019 12U National Team. New to the process is Baker, who pitches from the left side.
Twenty-six different states are represented on the 2023 NTDP roster. California leads all states with 19 representatives, while Texas follows with 17. In total, 50 players on the 72-man squad are committed to Power Five universities.
In Arizona last week, USA Baseball also finalized their 2023 Women’s National Team roster with their 20-woman squad that will compete in WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup in August. A familiar face from Temecula, Kelsie Whitmore, will return to the stage for the eighth time. In total, 15 alumni of the Women’s National Team will once again compete for a gold medal on the international stage, all of whom helped the team take home a 3-2 friendship series victory over
Canada
that ties the record for the most appearances on a USA Baseball national team. “We are beyond thrilled with
the players chosen for this year’s roster,” said Women’s National Team Program Director Ann Claire Roberson. “Each of the athletes selected impressed mightily during the identification process, and we are confident that every one of them will represent the U.S. well both on and off the field.”
Whitmore and the Women’s National Team will train at Beyer Stadium – the former home of the Rockford Peaches – in Rockford, Illinois, on August 3, at Simmons Field – former home of the Kenosha Comets – in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on August 4, and at Siebert Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, on August 6, before opening up the group stage of the WBSC Women’s World Cup on August 8. They will ultimately make their way to compete at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women’s Baseball World Cup group stage in Thunder Bay, Ontario, from August 8-13.
Fans can enjoy all the action by following @USABaseballWNT on Twitter and @USABaseball on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as the National Team Development Program, follow @USABDevelops on Instagram and Twitter, or visit USABaseball. com.
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com
would be able to continue that lease long enough and it wouldn’t get ripped out from under us.”
Fowler said he’s hired KemperSports, a golf hospitality management company, to help with “the week-to-week business stuff,” but he’s not looking to make household changes. In fact, Teasdall still is a regular presence there as is Lisa D’Hondt, who has worked the front counter for nearly 30 years.
“I wanted to keep the range how it has always been,” Fowler added. “A lot of the people that were there when I was growing up are still the ones running it day to day. We all share the same vision and I’m looking forward to, when this season settles down, being able to spend some more time with everyone involved to discuss our current and future plans for the
enhancements at the range.”
Currently, the Murrieta Valley Golf Range, located at 24515 Washington Ave. in Murrieta, is an all-grass golf practice facility with a 15,000 square foot putting green, three chipping greens, and a 60,000 square feet of driving space and has programs and community events for juniors, adults, and families of all skill levels.
Some fun facts you may not know. Fowler’s middle name, Yutaka, does actually come from his maternal grandfather, who is Japanese. His maternal grandmother is Navajo Native American. On the final day of a golf tournament Fowler wears orange in honor of Oklahoma State University, his alma mater. Whether he keeps things the same, or makes some changes, there is no doubt that during his downtime, the chance of running into Rickie on his home turf isn’t
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Murrieta’s Vaughn Neckar was announced as one of 72 athletes named to the 2023 16U/17U National Team Development Program. Valley News/USA Baseball courtesy photo
Previous 12U National team participant, Gavin Fien, from Temecula, was named to the 2023 16U/17U National Team Development Program. Valley News/USA Baseball courtesy photo
Highlighting the 2023 Women’s National Team roster is Temecula’s Kelsie Whitmore (middle), who is making her eighth appearance on a USA Baseball national team.
last year. The roster is highlighted by Anna Kimbrell, who will suit up in the red, white, and blue for the 11th time, a mark
Local golfers get their practice time in at the Murrieta Valley Golf Range, which was recently purchased by Rickie Fowler. that far fetched. If that happens, let our hometown boy get his work in before asking for that photo op. We all want Rickie to feel at home, on JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com
his range. Valley News/Andrez Imaging
GOLF from page C-1
All League baseball selections made for Southwestern League; plus AllCIF teams announced
JP Raineri
Sports Editor
It has been a busy summer and we almost forgot to recognize some of the area’s top high school baseball and softball talent from the 2023 Spring season. Plus, it is our downtime too, so we will just blame the delay on the heat for now. And, of course, we are still working on the softball aspect,
but the Southern Section offices did recently release the selections for the All-CIF boys’ and girls’ spring sports teams, and quite a few local players from around the area found themselves topping the lists. The Valley News also has the Southwestern League selections, and we will start with those first. No other league’s submitted their selections, so please tell the admininstration at your favorite
school to send those lists in.
Vista Murrieta, who won the Southwestern League title this year, making it a back-to-back championship run, had both the MVP, and Most Outstanding Pitcher. Vaughn Neckar, in just his sophomore year, was voted in as the Most Valuable Player. Neckar not only toed the rubber for the Broncos, but also played infield and hit an astonishing .448
at the plate for Vista Murrieta.
Teammate, Lukas Pirko, a newly graduated senior heading off to CBU, tallied a 1.47 ERA across 66.2 innings and notched sixtyseven strikeouts.
First Team selections include:
Joseph Castillo (12) - OF, INFVista Murrieta; Roman Meyers (12) - C - Vista Murrieta; Ryland
Duson (10) - INF - Vista Murrieta; Zach Anderson (12) - C - Temecula
Valley; Adler Cecil (12) - PTemecula Valley; Cody Liscio (11)
- P, OF - Temecula Valley; Riley
Ricken (12) - P, INF - Great Oak;
Dylan Fine (11) - C, INF - Great
Oak; Gavin Fine (10) - INF - Great Oak; Cooper Rasmussen (12)INF - Chaparral; Jonas Ballesteros (11) - INF - Chaparral; Jesiah Gereroso (11) - IF - Murrieta
Valley.
Second Team: Kaden Spencer (12) - OF - Vista Murrieta; David Ruth (11) - INF - Vista Murrieta; Noah Barba (12) - OF - Temecula
Valley; Grant Yzerman (12)OF - Temecula Valley; Ryan Lee
(12) - INF - Great Oak; Braden
Wauschek (12) - P - Great Oak; Chase Blackwell (11) - INF
- Chaparral; Kayden Winfrey (11)
- INF - Chaparral; Rafael Piceno
(12) - INF - Murrieta Valley; Rainn
McMillan (11) - C - Murrieta Valley; Daniel Gonzalez (12) - P, INF - Murrieta Mesa; Michael
Israel (12) - OF - Murrieta Mesa.
The following athletes also identified in this week’s issue were recognized as All-CIF Southern Section First Team selections. Program Coordinator, Anita Fopma, relayed that only First Team selections are still only ones who get recognized.
“We only have an All-CIF First Team, if the coaches select a player for a Second Team, we do not recognize it as All-CIF,” she says. Presented by the LA84 Foundation, as selected by the CIF-SS Baseball Coaches, the list includes:
Division 2 Vaughn Neckar, Vista Murrieta (10)
Division 4
Copper Rasmussen, Chaparral (12); Chad Horton, Elsinore (12); Elijah Butler, Linfield Christian (12); Gavin Malcomson, Linfield Christian (11)
Division 5
Riley Vogt, Liberty (10)
Division 6
Nolan Hill, Lakeside (10); Noah Scarlett, Temecula Prep (10)
Division 7 Micah Sweeton, Cornerstone Christian (11); Elijah Tapia, Nuview Bridge (12)
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com
Temecula native Easton Gibbs named Mountain West preseason defensive player of the year
Temecula Valley High School
ROMERO from page C-1
over four seasons.
While an athlete, according to her website, Sierra became very passionate about growth through life’s challenges. She has overcome three knee surgeries that kept her away from the game for almost three years while also adjusting to the everyday highs and lows we face as humans.
“You gotta go through it to grow through it,” she says.
Sierra’s goal now is to be an ear and helpful hand for athletes and parents going through the tough recruiting and travel ball scene. She is now offering SR Consulting hoping to bring peace of mind and insightful information to the travel ball community.
To find out more information on Sierra Romero visit www.sierraromero.com.
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com
standout, this will likely be his final season in Laramie. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound tallied a team-best 121 tackles last season. That ranked him 22nd in the nation and third in the league. He also finished with three sacks and a pass breakup. Gibbs turned that production into All-Mountain West First-Team honors.
This past week Gibbs was named the Mountain West’s preseason defensive player of the year selection, but he is taking it lightly, admitting that he was asleep when the news broke. “You know, the preseason stuff, it’s very cool to get voted and it’s a blessing, but it was like last year, I wasn’t on any of that stuff,” he told the media. “I am telling myself the same thing I’m telling myself this year, there are bigger goals.”
With two years of eligibility remaining, he’s not planning to transfer. Instead, Gibbs is in hopes of a professional football career.
“You know, God forbid something happens (injury), but it’s kind of my plan. This will be it for me.
It’s my fifth year, my senior year and I want to go out with the guys that I came in with. “That’s kind of where I’m
right now.”
rival Colorado State. He registered a season-high 13 tackles and a sack in that win over the Rams. He entered UW lore in Week 4. Battling an illness throughout the night that saw his fever hit triple digits and his weight drop a reported “12-to-14 pounds,” Gibbs entered the Air Force game on the defense’s first possession and racked up six tackles in a 1714 upset.
“I felt bad for Jackson Marcotte because he was in the same room as me,” Gibbs told a reporter with a smile. He was referring to the Cowboys’ former tight end. “We still don’t even know what it was, whether it was food poisoning or what, but it was a rough one.”
If this is indeed Gibbs’ final go on the high plains of Wyoming, he hopes it’s a memorable one. With nine returners on his side of the ball, it could be. And, in the era of the transfer portal, with Texas Tech up first on the schedule (Saturday, Sept 2), Gibbs was asked what made him stick around when dozens of his former teammates did not.
It was a pretty simple answer says the Temecula native, “They were the people that took a chance on me. “They’re the first ones that gave me a chance…really the only ones that gave me a chance. You
know, I feel like I owe it to the state and the people that brought me here and have welcomed me as family.”
Gibbs is also brushing off the media’s sixth-place prediction for the Cowboys this fall and
Valley News/Courtesy
ultimately concluded that it’s an honor to be thought of as the conference’s best defensive player at the end of the day.
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com
C-3 July 28, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News SPORTS
sitting
Gibbs’ best outing in 2022 came in a 14-13 victory over Border War
Vista Murrieta’s Vaughn Neckar, pictured here sliding into second base, was named as the MVP of the Southwestern League, and was selected as a First Team All-CIF Southern Section baseball selection in Division 2. Valley News/Jerry Soifer photo
Lukas Pirko, a recent graduate from Vista Murrieta, was selected as the Most Outstanding Pitcher in the Southwestern league for the 2023 season. Valley News/David Canales photo
Linfield Christian’s Elijah Butler, pictured here playing the infield, was one of 10 local players named as a First Team All-CIF Southern Section baseball selection in their respective division. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group
Temecula’s Easton Gibbs, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker for Wyoming, was named the Mountain West’s preseason defensive player of the year.
JP Raineri Sports Editor Wyoming linebacker Easton Gibbs has two years of eligibility left, but according to the former
photo
for your city NEWS myvalleynews.com
Visit Temecula Valley releases 2022 tourism impact numbers
Visit Temecula Valley announced its tourism impact report results for 2022. New data signals a substantial rebound from pandemic losses, with travel spending in the Temecula Valley jumping to nearly $1 billion, specifically to $999.7 million, in 2022, which is up 46.2% from $684 million the year previous. The report, prepared by Dean Runyan Associates, measures economic activity associated with travel-related spending, employment, earnings and taxes.
Temecula Valley welcomed approximately 3.2 million visitors in 2022, a 28 percent increase from 2.5 million in 2021. It includes overnight visitors from more than a 50-mile distance. Temecula Valley includes the city of Temecula and the surrounding wine district, also known as Southern California Wine Country.
“Tourism is essential to the economic stability of the Temecula Valley, and we’re grateful for the innovation and dedication of the thousands of people who continue to make our region a premiere travel destination,” Scott A. Wilson, CEO of Visit Temecula Valley, said. “We expect 2023 to exceed 2022 as the recovery continues and as international travelers continue to re-enter the market.”
Travel to Temecula Valley in 2022 created 9,160 jobs, a 16.9% increase over 2021, and slightly
above pre-pandemic levels. Direct travel-generated earnings in 2022 increased to $345.3 million, a gain of 22.2% compared to the previous year. State and local tax revenue due to travel in 2022 was $43 million, up 33.6% compared to 2021. Travel spending contributes to an annual tax savings of $156 for each residential household.
Retail sales rose from $56 million in 2021 to $96.4 million in 2022, a 71.3% increase. The Arts, Entertainment and Recreation sector brought in $324.6 million, a 35.6% increase from the year previous. Spending on local transportation and gas increased 79.3%, from $66.3 million in 2021 to $119 million in 2022.
“Temecula Valley tourism is a top economic driver in the region,” Michael Feeley, board chair of Visit Temecula Valley and executive director of the Pechanga Development Corporation, said. “Spending on travel-related activities fuels the local economy, helps sustain local businesses, supports thousands of jobs and brings in tax revenue.”
The data also reflects the significant economic impact of the Pechanga Resort Casino, one of the largest resort/casinos in the United States with 1,100 rooms, meetings and concert venues, world-class spa and golf facilities.
An all-season destination with a mild climate, Temecula Valley is an easy drive from most metropolitan
meetings or retreats.
Visit Temecula Valley is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism-related businesses including wineries, restaurants, breweries, retail and specialty boutiques, hotels, short-term rentals and more. It is a popular Southern California destination that includes Temecula
Valley Wine Country, Old Town Temecula and Pechanga Resort Casino. In 2019, Wine Enthusiast named Temecula Valley a 10 Best Wine Travel Destination, in the world. For more information visit http://www.visittemeculavalley. com.
Submitted by Visit Temecula Valley.
California Ranch Company offers visitors an opportunity to go horseback riding among the vineyards. Valley News/Courtesy photo areas in Southern California including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs. Temecula is surrounded by rolling hills, beautiful vineyards and has breathtaking mountain views, making it a top choice for millions of people who desire a nearby destination for vacations, weddings, recreational activities, special events and corporate
Golden Gate Fields to close permanently; San Luis Rey to expand
City News Service
Special to the Valley News
The Stronach Group is closing its Golden Gate Fields racetrack in the Bay Area at the end of the 2023 meet and transferring its horses to Southern California, resulting in increased activity at San Luis Rey Downs, a private training track the company owns in Bonsall, officials said Sunday, July 16. The changes will also add to the racing calendar at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.
At the conclusion of the Golden Gate Fields meet, the company will focus on “seamlessly transitioning horses from Northern California to Southern California with the goal of increasing field sizes and adding another day of racing to the weekly racing calendar at Santa Anita Park, come January 2024,” according to The Stronach Group. “This consolidation will provide expanded content opportunities, wagering prospects and will serve to further elevate the overall
customer experience at Santa Anita Park.”
“The Stronach Group remains steadfastly committed to racing in California,” Belinda Stronach, company chair, CEO and president of the group, said in a statement Sunday. “We believe that the future success of racing depends on a business model that encourages investment in Southern California, one of North America’s premier racing circuits.
“Focusing on Santa Anita Park and San Luis Rey Downs as stateof-the-art racing and training facilities that offer enhanced program quality, increased race days, expanded wagering opportunities, and premier hospitality and entertainment experiences is vital to ensuring that California racing can continue to compete and thrive on a national level,” Stronach said.
Company officials said they will work in cooperation with industry participants including the California Horse Racing
racing date in 2023 at the San Francisco Bay area horse track, resulting in increased activity at San Luis Rey Downs, a private training track the company owns in Bonsall.
Board, Thoroughbred Owners of California, California Thoroughbred Trainers and Del Mar and Los Alamitos racetracks to develop a plan to relocate horses and employees to Southern California.
“We recognize that the decision will have profound effects on our valued employees as well as the owners, trainers, jockeys and stable personnel at Golden Gate Fields. The Stronach Group is committed to honoring labor obligations and developing a meaningful transition plan,” Stronach said.
“Golden Gate Fields has been racing nine months out of the year in Northern California,” Scott Chaney, executive director of California Horse Racing Board, said Sunday. “I think it is fair
to say that race-date allocations will take on a new meaning when the board opens discussions in August for 2024 race dates. I am acutely aware of the human impact of the closure – be they CHRB employees, CHRB contractors, licensees and, of course, Golden Gate employees – and I will be working hard to ameliorate any negative consequences and to create job and role opportunities.”
CHRB Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales, who chairs the CHRB Race Dates Committee, said he hoped the upcoming CHRB meeting Aug. 17 and Race Dates Committee meeting Aug. 16 – both in Del Mar – will “be an opportunity to share more information with the public.”
NEWS FOR YOUR CITY myvalleynews.com Call Cindy Davis 951-551-4381 Senior Marketing Representative cdavis@reedermedia.com Book your advertisement today for the next edition of the Southwest Valley Sourcebook – a “coffee table” keepsake magazine – scheduled to distribute November 2023. Published by Reeder Media THE GREATER SOUTHWEST VALLEY Celebrating the Businesses & Personal Stories of Our Valley A Valley News Reeder Media Publication VOLUME 2 pg 45 ‘2022 Southwest Regional Economic Forecast’ Continued pg Murrieta Market Nights Unique Opportunities pg Lake Elsinore Garden Community82 Experience the Our Valley’s Magazine Adver�se Here to Reach the Valley C-4 Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • July 28, 2023 BUSINESS
Golden Gate Fields in Albany will permanently close after its final
Valley News/American Galvanizer Association photo
Melody Thai Cuisine selected as Menifee’s July Business Spotlight
MENIFEE – The city of Menifee announced Melody Thai Cuisine as the July Business Spotlight, a program that is a part of the Economic Development Department’s B3 Building Better Businesses program.
Melody Thai Cuisine, 26846 Cherry Hills Blvd., is a familyowned, Thai restaurant in Menifee.
Owner Pramuan “Meow” Voecks opened her first California location, “Jazz Melody Thai BBQ,” in Bellflower, and in 2022, she opened “Melody Thai Cuisine” in her hometown of Menifee. She said she aspires to share the flavors of her Thai culture by bringing something new and exciting for guests to experience.
Voecks opened her first restaurant at 17 years old in Thailand, later moving to Hawaii and eventually to Menifee. She utilized her travels and experiences to create a unique, yet traditional, take on Thai cuisine. Some of the classic dishes included kao soy, spicy basil fried rice, a variety of curries, drunken noodles, pineapple fried rice, pad Thai, along with many other signature Thai dishes.
From her employees to her patrons, Voecks said she takes each one in as her own and treats them as family. Even though most of the time guests will find her in the kitchen cooking up tasty dishes, she finds time to visit and greet her restaurant guests tableside.
Voecks has come to know her
The Menifee Business Spotlight is a free business recognition program to create awareness for the variety of local businesses and their contributions to the Menifee community. Chosen applicants, who are nominated by the community, are honored during a special presentation at a city council meeting and receive a free 30-second professional video developed by the Economic Development Department showcased on the city’s business website.
The Menifee Business Spotlight is part of the Economic Development Department’s B3 Building Better Businesses program, which aims to showcase local businesses that go above and beyond the call of business, foster pride in Menifee’s business community and promote diversity in Menifee’s local economy.
Owner Pramuan “Meow”
center, brings her culinary expertise in Thai cuisine to her hometown of Menifee and makes a commitment to giving back to the community.
regular customers and remembers their favorite dishes and creates meals based on their dietary needs. She found a way to make curry without curry, to accommodate her guests’ dietary restrictions so that everyone can experience the flavor of Thai cuisine.
Melody Thai Cuisine is actively involved with the community and contributes to multiple organizations including Paloma Valley High School, Arts Council Menifee, Cherry Hills Golf Club,
County’s jobless rate jumps to 5% in June
City News Service
Special to the Valley News
Payroll cuts in multiple sectors of the regional economy pushed Riverside County’s unemployment rate up to 5% last month, according to figures released by the California Employment Development Department.
The countywide jobless rate in June, based on preliminary EDD estimates, was six-tenths of a percentage point higher than in May, when the rate was 4.4%.
According to figures, the June rate was nearly a full percentage point above the year-ago level, when countywide unemployment stood at 4.1%.
An estimated 57,000 county residents were recorded as out of work last month, and 1,078,700 were employed, according to EDD.
Mecca had the highest unemployment rate countywide in June at 12.2%, followed by Coachella at 9.2%, Cherry Valley at 9%, Hemet at 6.9%, and
Idyllwild-Pine Cove at 6.8%.
The combined unemployment rate for Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the Inland Empire, in June was also 5%, up from 4.4% in May, according to figures.
Bi-county data indicated that payrolls declined by the widest margin in the leisure and hospitality sector, which shed 1,600 positions.
Additional losses were recorded in the financial services, health services, manufacturing, professional business services and public sectors, which altogether lost 2,400 jobs, data showed.
The agricultural and construction sectors expanded by 2,200 positions, while miscellaneous unclassified industries added another 100, officials said.
The information technology and mining sectors were unchanged.
Data indicated that the statewide non-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in June was 4.9%.
the Menifee Women’s Club, as well as Menifee’s senior programs and clubs. Voecks also has a special place in her heart for Menifee’s military community, as her husband Derek is a veteran. To show her support for veterans, Voecks has hosted and catered many events in her short time as a Menifee business owner to honor local military customers and their families.
“Melody Thai Cuisine has bolstered Menifee’s emerging
culinary scene with a fresh and exciting take on classic Thai cuisine,” Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin said. “Not only are they making an impact through their kitchen, but their commitment to the community is positively making a difference in the lives of Menifee residents.”
For more information, visit http://www.melodythaicuisine. com. To view their Business Spotlight video, visit https://youtu. be/z4CAvBbWrZI.
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Nominations are encouraged to recognize businesses in Menifee that contribute to the betterment of the Menifee community. Visit http://www.cityofmenifee.us/ BusinessSpotlight to apply.
For more information on the Business Spotlight program, or other resources available to Menifee businesses, contact the Economic Development Department at econdev@ cityofmenifee.us Submitted by city of Menifee.
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Place a classified ad at www.villagenews.com/advertise/placead C-5 July 28, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News CLASSIFIEDS Notice To Readers: California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www. cslb.ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board. COMPUTER SERVICES HOME & BUSINESS COMPUTER SERVICES Zac Strain • Virus & Malware Removal • Equipment Installation • Computer Cleanup & Maintenance • Router Configuration & Installation • Internet Speed Consultation • Teaches Classes • CompTIA Certified • Air Force Veteran • Lifelong Bonsall/Fallbrook Resident (760) 505-6655 ZStrainIT@gmail.com SOLAR SUNBROOK SOLAR POWER Locally owned & operated solar company specializing in solar power, energy storage systems & electric vehicle charging. Our mission is to provide quality customer relations and quality installations. (760) 207-2094 www.sunbrooksolarpower.com B USINESS D IRECTORY ADVERTISING YOUR AD HERE! List your business for less than $20/week. Call today! (951)
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Caltrans celebrates its 50th anniversary in July with the most complex of highway systems
Tony Ault Staff Writer
Fifty years ago this month, the State of California established a new Department of Transportation to unify a wide range of transportation functions under a single entity. Since July 1973, the department has managed one of the most complex transportation systems in the nation and helped play a vital role in creating the world’s fourth largest economy.
Five decades later, Caltrans continues its mission to deliver a best-in-class experience for all Californians, regardless of the mode of travel they choose.
See the Caltrans 50th Anniversary Video to highlight Caltrans Golden Anniversary by visiting https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=EJMyS3iFgxc.
Additionally, to honor the milestone, Caltrans has released an updated history page on its official website. This new content traces the state’s transportation roots from 1895 when the Bureau of Highways was formed and chronicles key developments and noteworthy projects spanning to the present day.
Hemet project
Meanwhile, Caltrans announced that the date it will begin work on a $51.6 million corridor improvement project on State Route 74 (SR-74) in Hemet has yet to be determined. Weather and traffic may be considered.
This project is set to repave and rehabilitate 49 lane miles, install Traffic Management Systems (TMS), upgrade curb ramps, sidewalks and driveways
to ADA standards (Americans with Disabilities Act), enhance bike lane signage and striping, and upgrade 29 bus pads within the project parameters. Weather permitting.
San Jacinto project
Caltrans may still have a few last things to complete on the $4 million safety project placing the median concrete barriers and rumble strips on State Route 79 (Florida Ave.) because of some material delays. The remaining work, as the material arrives, may require intermittent inside and outside (alternating) lane and shoulder closures, in both directions for the safety of the crews. At least one lane will always remain open in each direction at all times during work hours. Use caution. CHP will be on sight to assist with traffic safety.
Idyllwild project
Caltrans continues work on a $470,000 emergency project to rehabilitate and repave State Route 243 (SR-243) in Idyllwild within the boundaries of Mount Jacinto State Park. Weather permitting. Work will be taking place on SR-243 from just south of North Circle Drive to just north of Pine Crest Ave. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crews will be paving the roadway and replacing the pavement delineator markers and striping.
Slow down and be cautious as work progresses.
Riverside County bridges
Caltrans beginning in September announced it will begin work on a $3.7 million bridge upgrade project on State Route 74 (SR-
Caltrans has released an updated history page on its official website in celebration of its 50th anniversary. This new content traces the state’s transportation roots from 1895 when the Bureau of Highways was formed and chronicles key developments and noteworthy projects spanning to the present day.
PALA – The Pala Band of Mission Indians announced that the United States Senate passed H.R. 423, the Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2023, by unanimous consent.
H.R. 423, introduced by U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., places approximately 721 acres of sacred land the Pala Band of Mission Indians currently owns into trust.
“On behalf of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, we thank Congressman Issa, Sen. Padilla, Sen. Feinstein and their colleagues for supporting this very important piece of legislation,” Chair Robert Smith of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, said. “With the passage of this legislation, our ancestral grounds, which are central to our
spiritual and cultural traditions, will be forever protected as part of the Pala Reservation.”
An earlier version of the Land Transfer Act was first introduced in 2021.
H.R. 423 now heads to the president for signature.
The Pala Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized tribe whose reservation is located along the Palomar Mountain range approximately 30 miles northeast of San Diego. The majority of the over 900 tribal members live on the 12,000-acre reservation, established for Cupeño and Luiseño Indians, who consider themselves to be one people. Submitted by Pala Band of Mission Indians.
overlay, replacement of joint seals on the bridges, and repair/ replace approach slabs. 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.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 p.m. to 5
a.m. One-way traffic control with flagging operations will be in effect at each end of the bridge locations throughout the duration of the project. There will be intermittent traffic breaks with expected delays of 15 to 20 minutes during the construction process.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com
Valley News/Courtesy photo 74), State Route 79 (SR79), State Route 86 (SR-86), State Route 111 (SR-111), State Route 243 (SR243), and Interstate 10 (I-10). This project will take place in various locations throughout Riverside County. The project was awarded to Truesdell Corporation,Inc. The project will include concrete
RivCoParks celebrates National Park and Recreation Month
RIVERSIDE COUNTY –July is celebrated as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month and California’s Parks Make Life Better! Month. Park and Recreation/Parks Make Life Better! Month specifically highlights the essential and powerful role local and regional park and recreation professionals such as the staff at Riverside County Regional Park and OpenSpace District – play in building stronger, vibrant and more resilient communities. This July, RivCoParks will celebrate the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services and fostering growth in our communities.
RivCoParks will present a variety of activities that increase equity in Riverside County.
“Parks and open spaces have long been recognized as safe places community members may gather, play and connect with nature – growing community and fostering a better quality of life.
RivCoParks is proud to offer a wide variety of regional parks, trails, historical sites and nature centers that welcome community members of all ages and abilities. Together, we honor Park and Recreation Month and reinforce how Parks Make Life Better in Riverside County and beyond,” Kyla Brown, general manager and parks director for Riverside County, said.
RivCoParks is leading initiatives and providing opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and identities to achieve healthier lifestyles, promote and understand nature and environmental resilience, as well as bring the community closer through a variety of programs and services. RivCoParks offers a variety of regional parks and open spaces for camping reservations and/or visits. Learn more about the exciting Park and Recreation Month activities planned for Riverside County at http://rivcoparks.org. For more information about the NRPA’s National Park and Recreation Month, please visit http://nrpa. org/July. Submitted by Riverside County.
Highway Updates C-6 Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • July 28, 2023 REGIONAL NEWS
Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act passes
U.S.
Senate by unanimous consent
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President Biden bribery allegations gain momentum with whistleblower testimony
Julie Reeder
Publisher
Bribery allegations surrounding President Joe Biden have been steadily gaining strength, with recent testimony from Internal Revenue Service whistleblowers IRS Criminal Investigator Joseph Ziegler, and IRS Special Agent Gary Shapley, adding further weight to the growing concerns. The whistleblowers appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, July 19, to shed light on potential interference and slow-walking by the Justice Department in the criminal probe of Hunter Biden, the President’s son.
Republican Sen. Charles Grassley escalated the situation by releasing the FD-1023 form, which contains explosive allegations that the Biden family received millions of dollars in bribes. The accusations originated from a whistleblower who came forward on Thursday.
PBS reporter Lisa Desjardins reported that the hearing was a “substantive and serious hearing
from both sides. These were not just any IRS agents. These were two IRS investigators who were the chief two investigators in the Hunter Biden case. They gave a list of things that they said were out of the norm, unprecedented obstacles and changes in the way that this case worked.”
She continued, “Among a few of those things that they listed, first, at the top, they said that they were not allowed to search Joe Biden’s home where Hunter Biden was living.
Florida Congressman Byron
Donalds told Laura Ingraham last week, “In the hearing today, the Democrats didn’t even bother going at the credibility of Mr. Zeigler and Mr. Shapley because they knew that would be utterly ridiculous. All they wanted to do was focus on Donald Trump. That’s all they did through this hearing, and it was disgusting. No talk about the money that Hunter Biden, Jim Biden and Joe Biden were taking from foreign countries. They didn’t acknowledge the international pay-for-play scheme with the
Biden family. They only wanted to focus on Donald Trump.”
He continued, “I think it’s also indicative of what is going on with Jack Smith and Merrick Garland right now and it’s just funny that these two whistleblowers come forward today and all of a sudden there’s a new indictment with Donald Trump going on,” Donalds continued. “There are serious problems at the Department of Justice and it’s going to take House Republicans to get to the bottom of it.”
Oversight Chairman Jordan (R-Ohio) highlighted the seriousness of the situation, expressing concerns that media outlets may be downplaying the significance of what could be one of the most substantial corruption scandals in modern history. Turley, speaking to “America Reports” co-host John Roberts, stated that the evidence against the Bidens is mounting and emphasized the importance of the whistleblowers’ congressional testimonies.
During the hearing, Rep. Dan Goldman from New York addressed one of the whistleblowers, Gary
Shapley, and questioned him about a WhatsApp message allegedly sent by Hunter Biden to a Chinese businessman. The message reportedly indicated that Joe Biden was present during the exchange, implicating the President directly in the business dealings.
Turley explained that the term “bribery” has significant implications, especially when related to a sitting president, as it constitutes a grave offense mentioned in the impeachment clause. He also pointed out that the President’s denials of any wrongdoing had been ongoing since his candidacy and have persisted during his presidency.
The allegations initially came to light in October 2020 when the New York Post reported on the contents of a laptop abandoned by Hunter Biden at a Delaware computer repair shop. The laptop contained emails that shed light on the Biden family’s business dealings. Social media companies and other legacy news organizations faced criticism for suppressing the report, with Twitter even locking several accounts, including those
of the New York Post and thenWhite House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, for sharing the information.
Amidst mounting evidence, the Washington Post and New York Times corroborated the data’s authenticity in March 2022, focusing on the Department of Justice’s investigations into Hunter Biden. As the bribery allegations continue to gain traction, the situation remains subject to intense scrutiny, not only into the Biden family, government agencies, but also legacy media who chose not to cover the stories surrounding the Bidens. The House Oversight Committee’s hearing and the whistleblowers’ testimonies have undoubtedly intensified the focus on the issue, leaving many unanswered questions and potential consequences for Hunter Biden, President Biden, and the FBI, DOJ, and the IRS.
Julie Reeder can be reached via email at jreeder@reedermedia. com
Jack Dura and Heather Hollingsworth Associated Press
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The heavily armed man who ambushed Fargo police officers investigating a fender bender on Friday, July 14 likely had a bigger and bloodier attack in mind, with at least two fairs taking place at the time in and around North Dakota's largest city, authorities said Friday.
Mohamad Barakat killed one officer and wounded two others and a bystander before a fourth officer shot and killed him, ending the July 14 attack.
Over the past five years, Barakat, 37, searched the internet for terms including "kill fast," "explosive ammo," "incendiary rounds," and "mass shooting events," state Attorney General Drew Wrigley said Friday during a news conference in Fargo, a city of about 125,000 people. But perhaps the most chilling search was for "area events where there are crowds," which on July 13 brought up a news article with the headline, "Thousands enjoy first day of Downtown Fargo Street Fair." Had Officer Zach Robinson not killed Barakat, authorities said they shudder to think how much worse the attack might have been. All evidence suggests that Barakat came upon the traffic crash by "happenstance" and that his ensuing ambush was a diversion from his much bigger intended target, Wrigley said.
"The horrible winds of fate sometimes," he said. "Those events fell into place and fell into his path."
On the day of the attack, the downtown fair was in its second day and was less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the crash scene. It's unclear if it was the intended target, though, as Barakat also searched for information on the Red River Valley Fair, which was just a 6-mile (10-kilometer) drive from the scene, the attorney general said.
After driving by the fender bender, Barakat pulled into an adjacent parking lot to watch from his parked car, Wrigley said. He said Barakat's car was loaded with guns, a homemade grenade, more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition, three "largish" containers full of gasoline, plus two propane tanks, one completely filled and the other half-filled not with propane, but with "explosive materials concocted at home, purchased lawfully."
With police and firefighters busy helping, Barakat watched for several minutes until the officers walked by him, when he lifted a .223-caliber rifle out of his car window and began firing, Wrigley said.
The rifle had a binary trigger that allowed it to fire so rapidly that it sounded like an automatic weapon, he said. A binary trigger is a modification that allows a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released — in essence doubling a gun's firing capacity.
The three officers who were shot had no time to react and fell in rapid succession. He also shot and wounded a fleeing woman, Karlee Koswick, who had been involved in the fender bender, he said.
Robinson, who was badly
outgunned but was the only officer at the scene who hadn't been shot, engaged Barakat in a two-minute shootout. It ended with Robinson shooting and killing Barakat as bystanders crouched nearby.
Wrigley described Robinson as "the last man standing in that blue line at that moment."
"What he was standing between was not just the horrible events that were unfolding there, but between the horrible events that Mohamad Barakat had envisioned, planned and intended and armed himself for — beyond fully — that day," he said.
Barakat killed Officer Jake Wallin, 23, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Minnesota Army National Guard, and wounded Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes. Wallin and Hawes were so new that they were still undergoing field training.
Barakat was a Syrian national who came to the U.S. on an asylum request in 2012 and became a U.S. citizen in 2019, Wrigley said, adding that he didn't appear to have any ties to the Muslim community in Fargo. He said Barakat had some family in the U.S., but not in the Fargo area, and that investigators are still looking into his history before he arrived in the country.
In recent years, Barakat amassed his arsenal. And his internet searches about causing mayhem date back to 2018, with periods in which they abated before picking back up, the attorney general said. Nothing from online, Barakat's phones, the community or his family suggested he had a hatred of the police, he said.
At this stage in the investigation,
County approves new automated library services agreement with City of Murrieta
Joe Naiman Writer
Riverside County approved a new agreement with Murrieta for automated library services.
The county Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 Tuesday, July 11, to approve the new agreement. The most recent agreement covers the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2028.
The Inland Library Network is a part of the Riverside County Library System and provides automation services to several independent libraries in Riverside County. The services are provided by Library Systems and Services with oversight by the Riverside County Library System.
The original agreement between the county and the city of Murrieta for automated library services at
the Murrieta Public Library was approved by the county board of supervisors in June 2011 and took effect July 1, 2011. New agreements to extend the term and amend the payment provisions were approved in 2014, 2016 and 2018.
The automated services include call-in help desk support from 8-10 p.m. weekdays, a mechanism to report and track incidents at any time on a web-based help desk portal, emergency support at any time, interface with common systems and vendors such as Integrated Library System and ISP Provider to resolve issues, routers and switches required to interface with Automation Services servers and training as available from county staff or a contractor. The daily automation services include holds for items customers are ready
to pick up, a list for library staff to pull items to send to other libraries for interlibrary loans, a report on fees which have been paid, notices to customers about overdue items and bills to customers for fines or fees owed. The city will also be provided access to the biblioboard, Brainfuse, CloudLibrary, Gale, Kanopy, medici tv, Overdrive, Pronunciator, The Shelf.tv and TumbleBooks databases.
The city will pay the county $172,658 for fiscal year 20232024, $181,291 for 2024-2025, $190,355 in 2025-2026, $199,873 during 2026-2027, and $209,867 in 2027-2028 for a five-year total of $954,044. Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com
it seems all of his weapons were purchased legally, and he had many of them in his car on the day of the shooting, Wrigley said. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is looking into whether he got any of the gun components illegally.
Wrigley said Barakat was wearing a vest that was "absolutely stuffed" with magazines and that he "was putting the finishing touches on his shooting skills in the last hours before this assault."
As for the propane tanks, Wrigley said it was "quite dramatic" when the bomb squad detonated them. He suggested the tanks contained something similar to Tannerite, a commercial explosive that can be easily detonated with a shot from a high-powered rifle.
"Obvious motive to kill," Wrigley said. "I mean, driven by hate. Driven by wanting to kill. Not particularized to some group that we can discern at this moment, not particularized to one individual that we can see."
Barakat had worked odd jobs, and briefly trained as an emergency responder at a nearby community college. He had no criminal record or social media presence and had so little contact with other people that the only photo law enforcement could provide was a blurry image of him lifted from a video.
He had, however, been reported to something called the Guardian Threat Tracking System. The FBI routinely opens what it refers to internally as assessments -the lowest level, least intrusive and most elementary stage of a terrorism-related inquiry -when it receives unconfirmed
information about potentially suspicious behavior.
That information is catalogued in the Guardian system. During the assessment stage of an investigation, FBI agents are permitted to take certain basic investigative steps such as conducting online research or visual surveillance, but more sophisticated tools such as wiretaps cannot be undertaken without additional evidence of wrongdoing.
Mac Schneider, the U.S. attorney for North Dakota, said the Guardian system is a way for members of the public to engage with local law enforcement about "things of concern." But he provided no additional details.
Whether Barakat had intended to survive the attack was unclear. He wore no body armor but did have a way to monitor what was happening at his apartment from afar, perhaps suggesting he had a plan, Wrigley said.
He added that there was no immediate indication that anyone had helped Barakat.
"There are lone wolves," Wrigley said. "That's a real concept."
Wrigley said Koswick was badly injured and will have a difficult recovery. Zibolski said the wounded officers were briefly able to stand up out of their hospital beds on Thursday.
Meanwhile, a funeral service is planned for Saturday for Wallin, whose body was cremated in his police uniform.
Associated Press reporters Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis and Eric Tucker in Washington in contributed to this report.
NATIONAL NEWS C-7 July 28, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News
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Man who ambushed Fargo officers likely had bigger and bloodier attack in mind, attorney general says
Murrieta Valley Unified announces 2023-2024 free and reduced price meal program
MURRIETA – Murrieta Valley Unified School District announced its policy to serve nutritious meals every school day under the National School Lunch Program and or School Breakfast Program.
Effective July 1, through June 30, 2024, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household income is less than or equal to the federal guidelines.
Households do not need to turn in an application when the household receives a notification letter saying that all children automatically qualify for free meals when any household member receives benefits from CalFresh, CalWORKs or FDPIR.
Children who meet the definition of foster, homeless, migrant or runaway and children enrolled in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free meals. Contact school officials if any child in the household is not on the notification letter. The household must let school officials know if they do not want to receive free or reducedprice meals.
Households that want to apply for meal benefits must fill out one application for all children in the household and give it to the nutrition office at 41870 McAlby Court in Murrieta. For a simple and secure method to apply, use the online application at murrietaschoolnutrition.com
Contact Cynthia Pena at 951-6961600, ext 1147, for help filling out the application. The school will let families know if their application is approved or denied for free or reduced-price meals.
Households may turn in an application at any time during the school year. If a family is not eligible now, but their household income goes down, household size goes up or a household member starts receiving CalFresh,
Chart for Income Eligibility Guidelines: No caption.
CalWORKs or FDPIR, they may turn in an application at that time. Information given on the application will be used to determine eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school officials. The last four digits of the Social Security number from any adult household or a check verifying that they do not have a Social Security number is required if the household includes income on the application.
Households that receive Special Supplemental Nutrition Program
for Women, Infants, and Children benefits, may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals by filling out an application.
Foster children are eligible for free meals and may be included as a household member if the foster family chooses to also apply for the non-foster children on the same application. Including foster children as a household member may help the non-foster children qualify for free or reduced-price meals. If the non-foster children are not eligible, it does not keep foster children from receiving
free meals. A child’s eligibility status from last school year will continue into the new school year for up to 30 school days, until the school processes their new application or the child is otherwise certified for free or reduced-price meals. After the 30 school days, the child will have to pay full price for meals, unless the household receives a notification letter for free or reduced-price meals. School officials do not have to send reminders or expired eligibility notices.
For parents or guardians who don’t agree with the decision or results of verification, they may discuss it with school officials with the right to a fair hearing, which may be requested by calling or writing the hearing official: Howard Dimler, Executive Director of Student Support Services, 41870 McAlby Court, Murrieta, CA 92562, at 951-6961600.
Submitted by Murrieta Valley Unified School District.
elected to National Council for Workforce Education board
MSJC vice president
SAN
JACINTO – Joyce
Johnson, vice president of career education, counseling, nursing and allied health at Mt. San Jacinto College, was appointed to serve on the board of directors of the National Council on Workforce Education due to her experience and expertise of career education and workforce development programs.
“This appointment is truly an honor. I’m humbled to have the opportunity to contribute my expertise, skills and passion toward addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by our workforce,” Johnson said.
By serving on the NCWE,
Johnson will contribute to shaping workforce policies and initiatives at a national level. In this role, she will collaborate with other industry leaders, policymakers and experts to address workforce development challenges and promote effective strategies for preparing the workforce for the future. She is one of two leaders on the board representing California community colleges.
Johnson began her professional career as a registered nurse, a profession she continues to practice. She accepted a position at MSJC in 1998. Over the past 25 years, Johnson has made contributions to MSJC’s
career education and workforce development programs securing financial support through various grants and developing strategies for successful collaboration, implementation and innovation. Johnson serves on several local and statewide advisory boards promoting student access to higher education and student success. She establishes and maintains strong working relationships with business industry partners and educational entities.
The Mt. San Jacinto Community College District, part of California’s community college system, is a single-college district that serves a 1,700-square-
mile area in Riverside County from the San Gorgonio Pass to Temecula. Campus locations: San Jacinto, Menifee and Temecula. In collaboration with the Beaumont Unified School District, MSJC is housing the Beaumont Middle College High School at the San Gorgonio Pass Campus. MSJC offers courses and programs that satisfy the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities, job skill and career training programs, basic skills and English as a second language, online education and continuing education.
Established in 1975 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1995,
the National Council on Workforce Education is an affiliate council of the American Association of Community Colleges. Committed to promoting excellence and growth in workforce education, NCWE provides a national forum for administrators and faculty in workforce education, training and basic skills, as well as representatives of business, labor, the military and government, to affect and direct the future role of two-year and other postsecondary institutions in workforce education, training and economic development. Submitted by National Council on Workforce Education.
MCMINNVILLE, OR - Linfield
University congratulates recent graduate Caitlyn Leber of Menifee on earning Dean’s List honors during the spring 2023 semester.
The Dean’s List identifies undergraduate students who have earned a term GPA at least equivalent to a cum laude (at least 3.650 GPA) for a given semester. It is computed following the posting of grades at the end of each semester.
Leber graduated in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in marketing.
Linfield University is an independent, nonprofit university with two physical campuses in McMinnville and Portland, Oregon, and an eCampus. Since 1858, Linfield has connected a
traditional liberal arts experience with practical education through 57 majors, including wine studies, sport management and nursing. Linfield also offers interdisciplinary master’s programs in business, nursing, education and sports sciences.
For four years running, U.S. News & World Report magazine has named Linfield one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation when it comes to social mobility.
Thirty-seven percent of Linfield students are first-generation college students, and 36% are U.S. students of color. Linfield competes in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference. Learn more at www.linfield.edu.
Submitted by Linfield University.
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.
– As the summer winds down, schools prepare to welcome their students back for the new school year. For most young people, the start of school is an exciting time. It is the opportunity to see their favorite teachers and catch up with friends they haven’t seen as much over the summer.
For some students, however, the beginning of school can cause stress, depression and anxiety.
According to a 2022 article by Scientific American, a child’s risk of suicide increases on school days as compared to the summer. Psychiatrist Dr. Tyler Black, who works at a prominent children’s hospital, said that one of the main stressors that his patients discuss is school.
By using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WONDER database to find information on pediatric, those 17 years of age or younger, deaths by
suicide, Black created a “heat map” of youth suicide. On weekdays and during school months, there is a significant elevation of suicide deaths in children. The suicide rates of children ages 8-17 were documented from 2000-2020.
During school months, the increase in pediatric suicide ranges between 30% and 43%. Academic burden, bullying, discrimination and lack of sleep are only some contributing factors to stress among some students. Black mentions ways to reduce this stress in the article. Some included reducing homework, adding a mental health curriculum, restoring funding for extracurricular activities, ending perfect attendance awards and taking bullying seriously.
It is also paramount for parents and teachers to recognize some of these out-of-character behaviors. Some of these are: abrupt changes in attendance, deteriorating academic performance, lack of
interest in things that the child is involved in and sudden changes in appearance.
The Jason Foundation is also a resource for parents and educators. JFI is dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/ youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth. For more information on the Jason Foundation’s programs and materials, visit http://www. jasonfoundation.com. All the programs and materials are free of charge.
Parents who feel their child struggles with depression, anxiety or their mental health can educate themselves by visiting The Jason Foundations Parent Resource Program at https://prp. jasonfoundation.com/.
Submitted by the Jason Foundation.
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University recognized two Temecula students who demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence and achievement and were named to the spring 2023 dean’s list: Alexa Powell and Abigail Trimble. To earn a place on the dean’s list
students must have a GPA of 3.4 or better for at least 12 semester hours of work.
For nearly 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be
innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated business and liberal arts education that inspires students to excel. With approximately 3,700 graduate and undergraduate students from 38 states and 49 countries, Bryant
University is recognized as a leader in international education and regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes and Barron’s. Visit http://www. Bryant.edu. Submitted by Bryant University.
C-8 Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • July 28, 2023 EDUCATION
Valley News/Murrieta Valley Unified School District chart
Recent graduate Caitlyn Leber of Menifee named to Linfield University’s Spring 2023 Dean’s List Heading back to school can be stressful for many children Bryant University students named to spring 2023 dean’s list Comment on our stories ONLINE my .com @TheValleyNews TemeculaValleyNews
is
AVMAC guest speakers discuss long delayed water suit at July 19 meeting
Diane Sieker Staff Writer
The Anza Valley Municipal Advisory Committee conducted a live in-person meeting Wednesday,
July 19, at the Anza Community Hall.
Riverside County Animal Services Lt. Leslie Huennekens informs the audience of the reopening of the San Jacinto Animal Campus during the AVMAC meeting Wednesday, July 19. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo Seyarto’s aide Angelica Austin, Gordon Lanik and Frank Miller to deliver a presentation regarding a settlement in the 72-year-old US
AVMAC members present were Richard Beauchamp, Allison Renck, Phillip Wazdatskey and Birdie Kopp. One position on the
committee is vacant. Guest speakers included Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington’s staff member Melissa Morfin, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Anza Electric Cooperative hosts 2023 annual membership meeting
Sgt. Bryan DeLoss and Lt. Sgt. Frank Tiburzio, Riverside County Code Enforcement Officer Daniel Gregorio, Riverside County Animal Services Lt. Leslie Huennekens, Senator Kelly
FIKA with Annika program seeks animals for upcoming show
The FIKA with Annika program on KOYT 97.1 is seeking dogs and other pets with something to say.
behavioral or mental issues, according to Knöppel.
Annika Knöppel, host of KOYT Community Radio’s FIKA with Annika show, seeks the owners of pets that may have something to say.
“I’m going to have a pre-recorded FIKA with Annika session with an animal communicator in the next week or two,” said Knöppel. “Yes, she talks remotely to animals. In addition to the usual talk, we will select a few community members to participate.”
Eligible pet owners should have an animal that is in need of a conversation to address medical,
“An animal communicator really opens up a path of understanding between a human and the animal,” she said. “What a communicator does extends beyond the novelty of finding out your animal’s likes and dislikes and into heavier subjects, like the sources of behavioral abnormalities and illness. I will set up a phone conference between interested pet people and the communicator and incorporate it into the interview session.”
Knöppel hosts the FIKA with Annika talk show on Anza’s local,
D-1 Anza Valley Outlook • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • July 28, 2023 Your Source For Reputable Local News WITH CONTENT FROM July 28 – August 3, 2023 Volume 23, Issue 30 www.anzavalleyoutlook.com Legal Advertising Deadline: Fridays at 3pm for following week’s publication. To advertise call our o ce at 951-763-5510 or email legals@reedermedia.com Run your legal notices in the Anza Valley Outlook, adjudicated for Riverside County. D Section
Diane Sieker Staff Writer
Staff Writers Anza Valley Outlook The Anza Electric Cooperative, Inc. held their 72nd annual membership meeting Saturday, July 15. The yearly event was held at the Hamilton High School gymnasium in Anza. The Anza Thimble Club served breakfast to the AEC membership before the meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. Incorporated in 1951 and energized in 1955, Anza Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a memberowned, nonprofit electric utility providing power for 5,000 meters representing over 9,000 people, schools, farms and businesses.
AEC general manager Kevin Short introduces Cooperative staff, crews and managers at the Anza Electric Cooperative’s annual membership meeting Saturday, July 15. The Cooperative
Pines,
Valley. The AEC is a Class A member of the Arizona Electric Power
wholesale electric power
Apache Generation Station
see COMMITTEE,
serves Anza, Pinyon
parts of Aguanga and Garner
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Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo see PETS, page D-2
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 “HamiltonMuseum-and-Ranch-Foundation.”
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 951-751-1462 for more information.
Narcotics Anonymous Meeting
– 6 p.m. Every Tuesday at Shepherd
Of The Valley Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Open participation.
Veterans’ Gathering Mondays – 9-11 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 39075 Contreras Road in Anza. Men and women veterans come to share and help each other deal with posttraumatic stress disorder and other difficulties. Call John Sheehan at 951-923-6153. If you need an advocate to help with VA benefits, call Ronnie Imel at 951-659-9884.
The Most Excellent Way –Christ-centered recovery program for all kinds of addiction meets Fridays from 7-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 8-10 a.m. Program is court approved; child care is provided. Transportation help is available. The group meets at 58050 Highway 371; the cross street is Kirby Road in Anza.
AA Men’s Meeting – 7 p.m. Meetings take place Thursdays at 39551 Kirby Road in Anza, south of Highway 371.
Alcoholics Anonymous – 8 p.m.
Wednesday evenings at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, call 951-7634226.
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 951-5512826.
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 951-763-0856.
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
Hiker falls ill on trail near Aguanga, requiring rescue
City News Service
Special to Anza Valley Outlook
A hiker fell ill Friday, July 21 while trekking in the hills west of Aguanga, requiring a sheriff’s helicopter crew to rescue him. The “hiker down” call was received about 12:30 p.m. along Crosley Truck Trail, south of Highway 79, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. The agency said the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, called 911 saying he was unable to walk due to weakness, possibly dehydration.
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 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 951403-4940. 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.
As of 1:30 p.m., the reported temperature in the area was 100 degrees.
Firefighters requested assistance from a sheriff’s STAR-9 helicopter crew to conduct an aerial search, and shortly before 2 p.m., the hiker was located and retrieved by the helicopter.
The STAR-9 crew transported the hiker to a temporary landing zone established by firefighters in the vicinity of Vail Lake, where the victim was picked up by an ambulance and taken to a hospital in stable condition.
PETS from page D-1 programming@koyt971.org Put “FIKA” in the subject line and include the animal’s name, age, how long they have been in the family and who they live with in the email. Include specific questions and contact information such as name, email and cellphone number. Please attach a picture of the pet.
nonprofit public radio station, KOYT 97.1 LPFM. In her weekly episodes, she will interview interested people in the community in her own style, asking questions to prompt her guests into personal and informative conversations.
All her programs are pre-recorded and edited by Programming Director Erinne Roscoe to fit the time slot and to take out the occasional exclamation or misspoken word or phrase.
Listeners enjoy interviews with guests ranging from business people and musicians, to activists, nonprofit group organizers and more.
Pet owners may participate by sending an email to
“If you are selected I will reach out to you to set up a time and day to call you,” said Knöppel. This episode of the popular FIKA with Annika show will be aired at a time yet to be determined. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
Anza Valley Outlook can run your legal announcements. For more information, call (760) 723-7319 or email legals@reedermedia.com Serving Anza, Aguanga, Garner Valley, Sage, and surrounding Southwest Riverside County communities. www.anzavalleyoutlook.com OUR E-MAIL ADDRESSES: anzaeditor@reedermedia.com info@reedermedia.com sales@reedermedia.com circulation@reedermedia.com Anza Valley Outlook and Valley News Published weekly Mail to Corporate Office 111 W. Alvarado St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (951) 763-5510 FAX (760) 723-9606 Corporate Office: (760) 723-7319 ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK (ISSN 08836124) is a legally adjudicated paper, AKA AMERICAN OUTLOOK, is published weekly by the The Village News, Inc., 111 W. Alvarado St., Fallbrook, CA 92028. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Anza Valley Outlook, P.O. Box 391353, Anza, CA 92539. ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CORRECTNESS OF OPINIONS OR INFORMATION OR ERRORS PRINTED IN THIS PAPER, OR FOR ANY JOB, SERVICE OR SALES ITEM. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK OUT ALL ADS. Anza Valley Outlook is a newspaper of general circulation printed and published weekly in the City of Anza, County of Riverside, and which newspaper has been adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of the County of Riverside, State of California, March 14, 1986; Case Number 176045. ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 391353, Anza, CA 92539 PHONE: (760) 723-7319 PHONE: (951) 763-5510 FAX: (760) 723-9606 Copyright Valley News, 2023 A Village News Inc. publication Julie Reeder, President The opinions expressed in Valley News do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Valley News staff. Advertising Policy: Acceptance of an advertisement by Valley News does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of its sponsors or the products offered. We will not knowingly publish advertisements that are fraudulent, libelous, misleading or contrary to the policies of Valley News. We reserve the right to reject any advertisement we find unsuitable. Please direct all advertising inquiries and correspondence to the address below. Letters to the Editor: Please submit all correspondence to our corporate office by e-mail to anzaeditor@reedermedia.com or by fax to (760) 723-9606. All correspondence must be dated, signed and include the writer’s full address and phone number in order to be considered for publication. All letters are submitted to editing to fit the the publication’s format. Back Issues Available: A limited number of previous issues of Valley News and Anza Valley Outlook (prior to current week) are available for $1.50 each, plus $1.00 postage and handling ($2.50 total cost). Call (760) 723-7319 to order. JULIE REEDER, Publisher MALINA GUGEL, Distribution JUDY BELL, VP of Marketing Editorial STEPHANIE PARK, Copy Editor J.P. RAINERI, Sports Editor SHANE GIBSON, Staff Photographer TONY AULT, Staff Writer DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer JOE NAIMAN, Writer ROGER BODDAERT, Writer Advertising Sales JOSEPHINE MACKENZIE ANNA MULLEN CINDY DAVIS ANDREW REEDER CHRISTA HOAG Production KARINA RAMOS YOUNG, Art Director FOREST RHODES, Production Assistant SAMANTHA GORMAN, Graphic Artist Digital Services MARIO MORALES D-2 Anza Valley Outlook • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • July 28, 2023
First annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day events announced
Diane Sieker Staff Writer
Residents of Anza will celebrate the inaugural Founder’s Day Celebration on the grounds of the Hamilton Museum and Ranch Foundation Saturday, July 29. The county fair-style event is free from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a barbeque from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and a dance starting at 6 p.m. at a cost of $25 per person.
At 10 a.m. the Cahuilla Bird Singers will open the day with a performance of traditional bird songs.
“Few people alive today speak Cahuilla, the language of the bird songs,” said organizer Allison Rencke. “It is not clear how old the songs are except that it is said they are from the beginning, gifted to the people by their creator Mukat.”
Following the Cahuilla festivities, Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington will present a proclamation plaque to Ruth Roman, CEO and daughter of museum founder Margaret Wellman Jaenke. Jaenke, born
Cochise, Az.
Board vice president Steve Lauzier called the meeting to order and introduced the AEC board members - Chili Ainsworth and Diane Sieker representing District One, Hope Adams and Treasurer Harold Burdick for District Two and he and Secretary Stephen Silkotch, Sr. for District Three.
Board president Ryall Stewart was unable to attend the meeting due to illness.
The candidates for District 1 included W.A. Chilli Ainsworth and Steven Leash, Jr., District 2 - Hope Adams and District 3, Stephan Lauzier.
Secretary Stephen Silkotch, Sr. presented proof of notice of the meeting as well as approval of the minutes from the membership meeting from 2022.
Audit Manager Jarrod Bryant, from Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert and Moss L. L. P., from Luboc, Texas, gave the auditor’s report on the financial condition of the AEC via video message.
The AEC is once again in excellent financial standing, according to Bryant. The cooperative’s equity to assets ratio indicates good financial health. He went through several graphs, explaining the details and positive numbers to the membership.
“The Cooperative received a clean, or what’s referred to professionally as an unmodified audit opinion, on the financial statements,” Bryant said. “The audit opinion is important to your outside lenders in terms of gauging the financial health of the Cooperative and making sure that that information is reliable.”
Board Treasurer Harold Burdick said that the audit was approved by the AEC board in June. The complete audit report is available at the AEC office.
Operations Brian Baharie and Member Services Representative Betsy Hansen then conducted a round of raffle prize drawings.
Patrick F. Ledger, Executive Vice President and CEO of Arizona G&T Cooperatives, gave the Arizona Electric Power Cooperatives report.
“We are a cooperative of cooperatives. We’re a group of cooperatives from Arizona, from California, from Nevada, that gets together and we take care of a lot of the complex transactions. The complex regulatory support and the way that we do that is expressed right here in our mission statement - we want to be safe, reliable and we want to be affordable,” he said.
He described the power portfolio that makes up the electricity that AEC provides to its members..
“We have a resource portfolio and it’s pretty diverse. We have steam units, we have combined cycle, we’ve got natural gas, we’ve got a lot of hydro and we have solar. And the solar is really part of a growing portfolio of new generation,” Ledger said.
He discussed the closing of coal and nuclear plants due to regulatory requirements, making it harder to provide power to an ever-growing demand..
and raised in the Anza and Garner Valley area, spent her later years collecting Cahuilla and cattle rancher history until her passing in 2022.
The celebration is a fundraiser for maintenance of the historic Contreras homestead, house and barn where local historical artifacts are on display.
The Hamilton Museum Founders Day Celebration will feature local artisan’s vendor booths, competitions and tours of the museum. The Anza Quilters Club and Idyllwild Quilters will be on hand, displaying quilts created by their members.
Guests may enter numerous competitions and show off their talent. Categories include: Fruit Pie Contest; Preserved Food/ Pickles contest; Best Dressed Pet Rock; Photography Contest - Beauty in the Mountain Communities; Sewing - Apron; Quilted Article - Placemat; Best Dressed Dog; Rubber Chicken Throwing Contest; Corn Hole games and more.
“In the evening the museum is hosting a BBQ dinner and dance,
“So how do you beat this?’ he asked. “With local generation, we’ve been assisting Anza with a couple of various projects over the last few years. We have grants that we’ve filed so that we can continue to do this. The benefits here obviously are that no matter what happens on the system, if you have local generation, then you can connect that local generation to certain circuits. You’ve got a micro grid here and you can keep some of those primary important circuits going.”
He added that the Apache Generating Station is building an array consisting of 235 megawatts of solar panels and 200 megawatts of battery storage.
Next to speak was Jessica Nelson, General Manager of the Golden State Power Cooperative. This organization provides costsaving services such as legislative and regulatory lobbying to electric cooperative utilities. The California Air Resources Board’s scoping plan is of major concern, she said.
“What the Air Resources Board scoping plan does is it’s going to set us on a course in California to achieve carbon neutrality across all sectors - not just electricity - by 2045,” Nelson explained..
“So this audacious plan contains basically a series of goals and mandates to constrain greenhouse gas emissions, and then transition to cleaner energy sources in electricity, transportation, agriculture and industrial sectors. All of these things are going to be constrained. But we also have some unprecedented advantages and opportunities with an array of incentives that have become available. So with the passage of the infrastructure law, as well as the new direct pay tax credits and rural investment transition funds we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have these tools to actually mitigate that cost of transitioning.
“Golden State Power Cooperative is here to support you and partner with you on these great ambitious projects as you transition,” she said.
GSPC is dedicated to advocating for financial tools to invest in a cleaner, safer energy future. At the federal level, they continue to push for direct pay tax credits to provide an alternative incentive to allow electric cooperatives to build renewable energy.
Kevin Short, general manager of the AEC continued the meeting with his General Manager’s Report. He reviewed the progress of the Cooperative and gave updates on various programs.
He called up the staff, managers and crew to the front of the room.
Short recognized Jaime CardenasRosas and Kelly Brenz for five years of service with the Co-Op.
The financial health of the AEC is excellent, he said.
“There are 920 cooperatives in the country,” Short said. “The latest report from one of our banks has us at number 66 in the nation for a percentage of capital credits retired back to our members.”
He addressed the increased building activity on the aged electric system. The Tony Lapos substation, an over 70-year-
old structure, was completely modernized and reengineered. Additionally, the circuit in Terwilliger has been refurbished.
“We have about $30 million in total plant. We’ve been investing heavily. You’ve probably seen as you drive by that our main substation behind the office has been completely rebuilt. We rebuilt most of the line down Terwilleger. In the last couple of years, it’s been a very busy building time for us. Our plant is getting to be a little long in the tooth in places and it’s time. So as we invest more and more in the system, that plant value goes up,” he explained. Short reported that about half the capital credits have been retired and returned to the cooperative’s members.
He introduced the Washington DC Youth Tour winners, Hamilton High School juniors Hosanna Guerrero, Olivia Lopez, Jasmine Moralez and Ashlynn Rozzo. The girls traveled to Washington D.C. this summer for an all-expense paid trip to get an inside look at government and to see the many historical sites.
AEC accountant Celena
Downey, who accompanied the girls to the nation’s capital earlier this year, spoke about the experience.
“This program has been going since the 1950s. President Eisenhower decided that juniors in high school needed to go to DC and see some of the buildings and some of the history being made and appreciate our beautiful country. It was just a week full of traveling and these girls were just phenomenal. They’re smart, they’re beautiful. They’re heading toward tomorrow. There were 1,800 teens there that descended on DC and it was an amazing adventure,” she said.
Olivia Lopez was chosen to represent the state of California for the Youth Leadership Council. Short talked about the AEC’s involvement with the community
The Hamilton Museum and Ranch Foundation is located at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza.
For more information, please visit www.hamiltonmuseum. com, email hmrf.Anza@gmail. com or call Allison Rencke at
(951)763-1350. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
The Hamilton Museum Founders Day Celebration will be held Saturday, July 29. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo which will encourage socializing and meeting your neighbors the old-fashioned way. The music entertainment is the notorious and revered Barnyard Boyz band, so be prepared to dance until you drop,” added Rencke.
and the various programs that help members.
The Cooperative Connections helps small businesses within the community with free advertising in exchange for discounts for AEC members, he said.
The Operation Roundup program, administered by the Anza Thimble Club, has assisted many families with donations placed into the Cooperative Care Program, of over $26,000 last year, according to Short.
He recognized Erinne Roscoe for her volunteer work keeping Anza Community Radio KOYT 97.1 LPFM on the air.
Short praised the Cooperative’s partnership with the FIND Food Bank. Over 15,000 families have been served with 800,000 pounds of food distributed in the monthly mobile pantries at the AEC offices since the program’s inception.
He revealed a project with the Beneficial Electrification League in which, with funds provided by Wells Fargo Bank, two local homes were weatherized and upgraded at no cost to the owners. A video documented the process.
The pilot program was a success and more homes will be considered for the upgrades. Other energy saving options included a smart thermostat, available though the Cooperative for free.
“The home thermostat program is an active program that’s ready to go,” Short explained. “We’re going pay you $100 per year let us put a brand new thermostat in your home for free, as long as you’ll let us get into it every now and then during the high temperature summer months and adjust the thermostat up and down for a couple of hours at a time. This is totally voluntary but it really benefits you from a perspective of cost control and it benefits the Cooperative from a perspective of demand control.”
Short touched upon rebates on energy-saving appliances and HVAC, and low interest loans that will soon be available to members.
“And we’re working on a battery storage system and solar for your home. We would rebate 10% of the cost of that,” he added.
Short described the cooperative’s other projects such as more solar production and the use of sheep to clear weeds from the existing arrays.
An update on ConnectAnza fiber optic internet service was given, with Short reporting over 3,400 members connected to date.
He next discussed rates, waiting that the AEC’s rates are much lower than those of Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric. The annual comparison at 1000 KW revealed AEC as the winner, boasting only 15 cents a kilowatt hour, even after the rate change that took effect in January.
“We can talk about the causes of fuel increase, electric increases, market pressures and the changes that are going on, but I wanted to bring you a little bit of history here. The last rate change prior to that was in 2009. That’s a lot of years between rate changes for an electric utility. The last rate change before 2009 was in 1986,”
Short said.
Short’s report concluded the meeting, with election results presented after a question and answer session.
A total of 748 valid, identifiable, ballots were received, Secretary Silkotch Sr. said.
District 1 position
W.A. (Chilli) Ainsworth - 430
Steven Leash, Jr. - 318
District 2 position
Hope Adams automatically seated for a three-year term
District 3 position
Stephan Lauzier automatically seated for a three-year term
The Anza Electric Cooperative may be reached by calling (951)763-4333 or online at http://www.anzaelectric.org/ or on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/Anzaelectric.
D-3 July 28, 2023 • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • Anza Valley Outlook ANZA LOCAL
CO-OP from page D-1
Anza Electric Cooperative members watch presentations describing some of the community involvement that the Cooperative engages in every year at the Anza Electric Cooperative’s annual membership meeting Saturday, July 15. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo
vs Fallbrook Public Utility District water suit.
Staff reports opened with Animal Services’ Huennekens issuing a brief statement regarding the planned reopening of the San Jacinto Animal Campus. She also fielded several questions from the audience.
Up next was Code Enforcement Officer Gregorio, who reported that of 113 open Code Enforcement cases from the Anza/Aguanga area from May through the middle of July, 68 were closed. Eighty three inspections had occurred, 8 vehicles removed and 2 abatements completed. He added that the state was offering free vehicle removal through their Abandoned Vehicle Abatement program.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. DeLoss mentioned the date for the area’s National Night Out, where the sheriffs and other agencies display their assets and mingle with the community.
The event will be held Tuesday, August 1, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Lake Hemet Sheriff’s Substation in Mountain Center.
DeLoss also touched upon the social media outcry concerning the new Flock cameras being installed in Anza.
“The Flock cameras are not intended to be Big Broher,” he said. “They are there to record license plates only. They have already proven beneficial in this community.”
He added that the data has a retention of one year or longer and they are designed to record license plates and that data would be used in the investigations of crimes.
Lt. Sgt. Tiburzio quoted statistics from July 7 through July 17. There was 1 robbery, 2 assaults, 3 auto thefts and 2 larcenies/thefts. Year-to-date crimes include 1 rape, 3 robberies, 23 assaults, 25 burglaries, 30 auto thefts and 42 larceny/thefts in the Anza Valley.
Marijuana search warrants from May 1 to July 19 incided 28 search warrants served, 63,427 plants seized, 8,447 pounds of marijuana seized, 16 arrests and 5 firearms seized.
Senator Kelly Seyarto’s aide spoke briefly by Zoom regarding several bills that the senator has been following, including SB86, which if passed, will create a resources website for the victims of crime.
Riverside County Supervisor
Chuck Washington’s staff member gave an update on the ADA improvements to the Anza Community Hall, and many grants given to the community from the Supervisor’s office. These include $5,000 to the Anza Electric Cooperative to help fund the FIND food pantry, $10,000 to the Hamilton Museum for improvements, $6,500 to the Anza Valley Community Library, $35,000 to the Wellness clinic and additional funds to the AEC to assist with brush reduction in their service area.
Gordon Lanik and Frank Miller took the floor and presented a water suit update. The legal action, 51-CV-1247-GPC-RBB US vs Fallbrook Public Utility District, was first filed in 1951.
The case had been moving upstream for the last 50 years, Miller said. “My parents were originally served in this case in 1956. I can’t wait till it’s over.”
The history of water rights in the Santa Margarita River watershed is well-documented, according to Lanik. From 1936 to 1940 Vail Ranch and Rancho Santa Margarita had water rights in the lower half of the watershed. The US bought Rancho Santa Margarita for Camp Pendleton in 1942.
This case commenced January 25, 1951, by the United States of America to secure its rights to water from the Santa Margarita River and its tributaries. During the years 1941, 1942 and 1943, the United States acquired, either by condemnation or purchase, most of the Rancho Santa Margarita. This land is used principally by the United States as a military reservation and includes Camp Joseph H. Pendleton, a United States Naval Hospital, and a Naval Ammunition Depot. The military
AnzA VAlley
OUTLOOK
reservation has a total area of approximately 135,000 acres and includes considerable land which is without the drainage area of the Santa Margarita River.
In 2008 the Cahalla and Ramona Tribes intervened in the case and sued 22,135 landowners in Anza and Aguanga whose land overlies alluvium water reserves.
A settlement has now been reached between the Tribes and the landowners and will be sent to the US Congress for approval. “We have reached a settlement with the tribes,” Miller said. “The settlement was reviewed by the Department of the Interior and it’s on the verge of going to the US Congress for their approval. Assuming Congress approves the settlement, it goes back to the District Court in San Diego and the judge opens it up for objections. So if anybody has a problem or objects to the settlement, that would be the opportunity to make those objections.”
According to Miller, the jurisdiction of the case depends on property locations. Those parcels on alluvial deposits - sand or gravel that hold subsurface water - are within the jurisdiction of the case. Those parcels completely on basement complex rock are excluded, he explained. Those include the 2,235 persons served by the tribes. The water rights agreement consists of two documents, which were hammered out over the last 15 years. The settlement
agreement itself is about how the water gets divided and what all the conditions are and the second is the watermaster’s rules and regulations, Miller explained. In the agreement, Larry Minor’s Agri-Empire Anza landholdings will be purchased by the US government, in order for the historical water rights to be made available to the parties. The land will become part of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation.
Parcels owned by nonparticipating parties will receive a water right of 4 acre feet per year, or about 600 gallons per day. This applies to both vacant land and parcels with existing homes. Only wells capable of producing 10 acre-feet of water per year will be metered.
The agreement also enables a market to buy, sell and lease water rights within each group.
Terwilliger is not in the jurisdiction of the case, added Miller.
A Powerpoint chart revealed that the allocation of the water rights show the tribes getting about half; state, county and schools get a portion; the represented parties (those that joined forces and hired attorneys to represent them back in 2008) and the non-participating parties - those that did not have representation with the court and were in the case but did not hire an attorney; and supplemental uses, meaning the water rights belong to the Watermaster to allocate as he sees fit. The tribes use a lot less
than their allocation, Miller said.
“One of the results of the settlement will be a sustainable groundwater management plan and a system through the Watermaster’s office to implement and manage that plan,” said Miller. “The United States Geological Survey has been conducting what they call an integrated hydrological model for the last number of years. The USGS and the Bureau of Reclamation have funded this study. The consensus is, for the purposes of the case, all the parties agree 6,341 acre feet per year can be sustainably withdrawn from the aquifer. Every parcel will end up having water rights. As a result of this case, at no cost to us, we’re going to have a state-of-theart model from the USGS.”
The studies will explore the relationships between the alluvial aquifers and the basement complex, a series of rocks generally with complex structure beneath the dominantly sedimentary rocks.
According to Wikipedia, alluvial deposits are loose clay, silt, sand or gravel that has been deposited by running water in a stream bed, on a floodplain, in an alluvial fan or beach, or in similar settings.
“My understanding is excessive water use will be identified by air photos and inspections,” aid Miller. “This is overseen by the Watermaster and he works for the US courts. It’s not the state, it’s a federal court.”
As far as Congressional approval of the settlement, Miller said, “I think it will happen this year.”
Audience members quickly asked about the future of the High Country Recreation ballfields and Lions Field, both properties owned by Larry Minor/Agri Empire. “Larry Minor said those properties and an additional 40 acres will be left out of the land sale,” Miller said. “However, nothing is in writing.”
Both Miller and Lanik fielded many questions from the audience as community members struggled to understand what the settlement meant for them. The two men agreed to speak again at the next AVMAC meeting in September.
“I just want to mention, as bad as all of this is, the alternative would be much worse if those who dipped into their bank accounts and funded the attorneys hadn’t stepped up,” said Anza resident Philip Canaday. “Remember that the government represents the tribes. So we really do need to thank all those who fought on our behalf. It’s not great, but it would have been worse.”
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m., with the next meeting planned for Wednesday, Sept. 3.
The Anza Community Hall is located at 56630 CA-371, Anza.
For more information, visit the AVMAC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ AnzaValleyMAC.
To contact Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington’s office, please call (951)955-1030 or visit http:// supervisorchuckwashington.com/.
To learn more about the US vs Fallbrook Public Utility District case, please visit https://www.casd. uscourts.gov/casesofinterest/USAvs-Fallbrook-Public-Utility.aspx. For more information on Flock cameras, click www.flocksafety. com.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
D-4 Anza Valley Outlook • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • July 28, 2023 EASY • CONVENIENT • LOW COST LEGAL AD LEGAL ADVERVERTISING TISING Call us for information on all Riverside County legal notices. We are happy to assist and answer your questions. Call us at 951-763-5510 or email legals@reedermedia.com
ANZA LOCAL
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Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Bryan DeLoss gives a short report on the Flock cameras newly installed in Anza during the AVMAC meeting Wednesday, July 19.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Sgt. Frank Tiburzio gives crime statistics during the AVMAC meeting Wednesday, July 19.
Special guest Frank Miller explains the US vs Fallbrook Public Utility District settlement during the AVMAC meeting Wednesday, July 19.
Frank Miller, left, and Gordon Lanik give some historical background on the US vs Fallbrook Public Utility District settlement during the AVMAC meeting Wednesday, July 19.
Totalitarian tactics to censor RFK, Jr. during censorship hearing fail
Julie Reeder Publisher
Last Thursday, there was a hearing on censorship during a select subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. (If you don’t think that is happening, you aren’t watching or reading enough news sites.) It is a new fact of life. If you are a real journalist uncovering embarrassing things in our government, like Project Veritas, then you will have the FBI at your door arresting you. Unless, of course, your last name is Biden, as we heard from the whistleblowers last week. If you are a doctor or scientist and you have a professional opinion that is contrary to the government agencies that have been captured and funded by the very industries that they are regulating, then you will be censored. You will not only be censored,
but also vilified. Bullying and character assassination will be used against you, no matter how much you have served the public good, fought for clean air and water, or saved children from birth defects. It won’t matter, because the very agencies, like the CDC and the FDA, which were originally objective and set up for the public good, are now also tools for industrial profit. They may also do some good work, but how much good work can you do when you participate in censorship of your opponents and you lie to cover up information that is hurting people, so that your new product can hit the market and make billions of dollars?
If you are running for president and you threaten the existing permanent DC power structure, the administrative state (which continues from administration to administration) then you have the “whole of government” coming after you, like they did with Donald Trump, Michael Flynn, and dozens of others. Love Trump or hate him, if you threaten those peoples’ power, then you have the FBI, the CIA, and other agencies and committees after you for years, not just to get you, but to destroy you.
It used to be, from the 60s through the 90s, that you would just be killed, but that’s too risky now, so they just use tax dollars to endlessly persecute you.
During Obama’s administration it was the IRS who was caught targeting conservative groups like
the Tea Party.
So, yes, there is government weaponization.
And an important part of that is censorship, as we found out during the release of the Twitter files. The government agencies were working in concert with Facebook, Google and Twitter to censor opponents.
It was ironically and blatantly on display last Thursday, July 20, when the Democrat minority chair tried to censor Democrat candidate for president Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. during a censorship hearing. It was unbelievable. Apparently, she presented a letter with 200 Democrat signatures stating that Democrat RFK Jr. should not be able to speak!
Republican Chair Jim Jordan of Ohio gave RFK Jr. time to address the committee and what an amazing speech he gave on how censorship is a stepping stone to totalitarianism. He said if you look at history, the leaders who censored their opposition never ended up being the good guys. He also made the point that the First Amendment and free speech was not a concept created for things that are easy to say, but for hard conversations. Easy conversations typically don’t need protection. He also said the Constitution was also for hard times.
It wasn’t lost on me how the committee’s Democrat members did everything in their power to censor a Democrat leader who is respected and from a long line
of respected Democrat national leaders during a censorship/ weaponization of government hearing. Unbelievable.
Ranking Member of the minority, Stacey Plassket, asserted that presidential candidate RFK, Jr.’s speech was not protected by the First Amendment, saying:
“Many of my Republican colleagues across the dais will rush to cover that they have Mr. Kennedy here because they want to protect his free speech. This is not the kind of free speech that I know of.
“Free speech is not an absolute. The Supreme Court has stated that. And others’ free speech that is allowed – hateful, abusive rhetoric – does not need to be promoted in the halls of the people’s house.
“These folks have a plan. They want to give expression to the most vile sorts of speech here in this committee room because it prepares the ground for their own conspiracy theories and pseudoscience.
“And they apparently don’t care how many people are hurt or die as a consequence of their actions.… Because nothing, nothing is more important to them than power.”
Seriously? It is so frustrating to me that people aren’t aware enough to understand that this strategy to vilify and character assassinate your political opponents (even in your same party), is the same strategy used by dictators. They say their free speech is “dangerous” to the masses and that it is acceptable
Student lands summer internship, thankful to Community Outreach Ministry
I want to thank Community Outreach Ministry and Mona Salomo-Davies for her recommendation letter in support of my application for a Bank of America Student Leadership Internship this summer. I was fortunate enough to be selected as one of the four interns in the Inland Valley. Bank of America placed me with one of the nonprofit
organizations they sponsor, The Riverside Art Museum, in Riverside.
During my time there in the paid internship, I have learned a lot. I have worked with the education team helping with classes that they give at the museum. I have also worked with the accounting team and the sales team. I have helped stock merchandise and
Issa to Newsom: Stop bullying Temecula
TEMECULA – Following California Governor Gavin Newsom’s constant attacks and social media frenzy against the Temecula School Board, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA48) issued the following statement: “I stand with the parents of Temecula. The School Board is doing right by listening to concerned parents and educators and trying to work together to appropriately curate the studies that will be presented to the youngest of students.
“This has displeased Governor Newsom, who has taken to social media to mock Temecula, threaten its school district, and misrepresent the facts. His publicity stunts and campaign of misinformation are unworthy of the high office he holds.
“Unhappy that Temecula is choosing to work with a new and growing coalition of parents and stakeholders—rather than rubberstamp what he wants them to do— Governor Newsom has resorted to bullying and intimidation, even going so far as to threaten a multimillion-dollar bill to
Temecula for what he falsely terms a “fine.”
“California parents have had enough. After endless school closures, mask mandates, and FBI watch lists, parents are taking charge of their children’s future by trying to build a better one. Temecula will not be bullied, intimidated, or forced into bankruptcy. This community will continue to work together and do what is right for all students.
“Governor, your bullying won’t work here.”
Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 48th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and eastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, Poway, Temecula, Murrieta, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line.
Issa served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.
learned the professional way to pack expensive artwork. Tonight, I was chosen to use my photography experience to take photographs of an event at the museum, so it is an exciting opportunity that I wouldn’t have had if it had not been for your letter.
At the end of the internship, I will receive a week-long paid trip to the District of Columbia where I will participate in valuable workshops meant to help me in my future. I plan to use my summer earnings to purchase a better camera, as professional photography is my future career goal. Your ministry has supported me in all my goals, and I greatly appreciate that. This opportunity with my internship this summer is helping me gain valuable experience. Your ministry has also helped me gain other experiences helping out with Angel Tree, a program of Prison Fellowship and at other community events. And Community Outreach Ministry helped me get into Give Something Back, which has changed my life. Being an Angel Tree child growing up and not having any relationship with either parent for years has been tough. I have hope today because of all these opportunities, and a large reason I have those is due to your help. Thank you so much.
Elijah O’Leary
Note from COM: The nonprofit ministry welcomed readers to visit its website where donations can also be made at http://www. communityoutreachministry.org
Checks may be mailed to the organization and made payable
God loves the little children
Zachary Elliott Special to the Valley News
This week is my church’s annual vacation Bible school. It’s a week of fun, games and teaching children how much God loves them and how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth every second.
The Bible is full of verses about children. Here are just a few of those verses and the message God gives us.
It’s a serious thing to lead the young, in age or faith, into sin. If anyone causes one of these
little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea, in Mark 9:42.
It’s our responsibility to train children to follow God.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it, in Proverbs 22:6.
All children are a reward and blessing from God.
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a
to limit their free speech for the health, welfare, or greater good of the population. They fold it into benevolent sounding language that seemingly protects the masses, but what it really protects is the dictator, or the existing power structure.
During the hearing, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) began by motioning the Committee to move into executive session, thereby closing the hearing to the public. She made this motion on the grounds that RFK, Jr.’s remarks about COVID-19 at a recent press event are harmful to the public. She then misrepresented past statements of RFK, Jr. and acted like she was going to give him time to “defend himself” but then interrupted the whole time he tried to defend himself against her lies. I say lies because I do follow RFK, Jr. and I know that what she accused him of is just flat out character assassination and lies.
Ultimately, I don’t think RFK, Jr., who lost his father and his uncle to assassination, shutting them up permanently, is going to be intimidated by dangerous totalitarian tactics. He knows what he is up against, which is why he fights so hard. It will just motivate him and make him stronger.
The American people, Republican and Democrat, who see what is going on will work harder to support him, because they don’t like the dirty politics and totalitarian tactics.
to “Community Outreach Ministry” at 23905 Clinton Keith Road, Suite 114 #116, Wildomar, CA 92595. Contact
the Davies via email at info@ communityoutreachministry.org or by phone at 951-698-7650.
warrior, are children born in one’s youth, in Psalm 127:3-4.
There are no grandchildren without grandparents, honor them.
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers, in Proverbs 17:6. We should never hinder children from coming to God.
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them, in Mark 10:13-16.
What are you doing to show God’s love to God’s children?
Zachary Elliott is the lead pastor of Fusion Christian Church in Temecula. For more information, visit http://www. fusionchristianchurch.com, http:// www.encouragementtoday.tv or find them on Instagram.
D-5 July 28, 2023 • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • Anza Valley Outlook
Editor’s Note: Opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Valley News & Anza Valley Outlook staff. We invite opinions on all sides of an issue. If you have an opinion, please send it as an e-mail to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com, or fax us at (760) 723-9606. Maximum word count 500. All letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number. The Valley News & Anza Valley Outlook reserves the right to edit letters as necessary to fit the publication’s format. OPINION
FAITH
Elijah O’Leary, right, is selected for a summer internship through the Bank of America Student Leadership Internship program at the Riverside Art Museum. Valley News/Courtesy photos
Coach Bob Davies and Mona Salomo-Davies of Community Outreach Ministry celebrate with Elijah O’Leary, center, at the Give Back Scholar Dinner.
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County warns businesses against concerts and gatherings, new COVID-19 cases reported News/Shane Temecula roadway while move Watson, Community council, reopened estimate Town Temecula again modifies Old Town street closure plan, will reopen roadway to traffic News/Will page CLOSURE, Wildomarbegins cannabis business application process cannabis opened application What ‘defund police’mean? months, consciousness divisive Schools stayclosedin COVID-19 counties coronavirusmonitoring including Local Youngadultsexperiencetheir rstjobs many coping working coronavirus adults experiencing 20, ILLAGE N EWS Residential Customer Fallbrook chambercancels AvocadoFestival events coronavirus Friday, festival, Desmondhopesto expandsupportive housinginNorth County,not shelters include housing County, Supervisor Desmond Desmond, hearts community FUESDgrants superintendent emergencypowers governing teleconference March powers district’s superintendent coronavirus district’s superintendent Managing throughout COVID-19 Temecula Hospital, have exhibiting symptoms cough shortness screened “Our said, taking monitoringcommunity. responding recommendations health statement photo, congressman conference Democrat CampaNovember District California Hunter. 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