Valley News - August 11, 2023

Lace & Locomotives Victorian Steampunk Tea Party raises money for Murrieta Valley Historical Society, B-1

Suspect apprehended at Hemet DMV with firearm, charged by CHP

HEMET – The California Highway Patrol, San Gorgonio Pass Area, is filing criminal charges on a suspect allegedly possessing a firearm at a Department of Motor Vehicles office in Hemet. The suspect, 51-year-old male Kali Trammell, from Riverside was taken into custody without incident and was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

State approves extension for pandemic food benefits reissuance

RIVERSIDE COUNTY – Residents whose children qualified for, but didn’t use extra pandemic food benefits in 2021 now have more time to request a reissuance.

Group joins eff ort to recall

TVUSD board majority

Julie Reeder Publisher

A rally to recall TVUSD board members Dr. Komrosky, Jen Wiersma and Danny Gonzales was

held and organized by One Temecula Valley PAC, spearheaded by co-founders Jeff Pack and David Matics.

The rally, Saturday, Aug. 5, at Maurice Car’rie Winery was

estimated to have between 150 and 200 attendees. Community members, teachers, and former city council members Maryann Edwards and Jeff Comerchero, who both spoke in favor of the

recall, were there to lend support. Also in attendance and in support was the national organization People for the American

see RALLY, page A-5

Teachers union, parents, students sue TVUSD board over CRT ban

Julie Reeder Publisher

The Temecula Valley Unified School District school board is being sued for their ban on Critical Race Theory, according to a news release released Aug. 2, by Public Counsel, a nonprofit public interest law firm. The firm is representing the Temecula Valley Educators Association, students and parents by bringing a “firstof-its-kind” lawsuit against the school board, according to their news release, “with the support of the California Teachers Association.”

CRT has been banned in other school districts in California, including Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District and Paso Robles Joint Unified School District. More widely, across the country, it has been banned

Murrieta ‘Santa Stops’ program for the holidays revived by slim Council vote

Murrieta’s traditional Santa’s Stops program with its neighborhood stops, choirs, food collections and visits from Santa Claus, was revived the upcoming holiday season with the needed help of hundreds of residents and city businesses, and with the approval of the City Council.

The Santa Stops program, a unique tradition during the holiday season for the residents of Murrieta for many years was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic and only partially returned in 2022, without the neighbor-

see

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Ron Holliday, left, placed the topic of bringing back the Santa Stops program to Murrieta on the Aug. 1 council meeting agenda. Valley News/Courtesy

Joseph Komrosky, Danny Gonzalez and Jennifer Wiersma during a rally at Maurice Car’rie Winery, Aug. 5. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Future city signage plans approved by Menifee City Council

Tony Ault Staff Writer

After months of discussion on a possible Menifee Comprehensive Citywide Signage and Wayfinding Program Package, Menifee City Council adopted some options to change them as presented by RSM Design consultants.

In recent months the city has been changing more than half of its current street signs with about 3,800 left to change. The city opted to go ahead with a slightly different street sign profile in the future but will keep the current brown earth tone color. The main city park signs and overhead freeway signs at the entrance and exit of the city will be changed but the exact changes are yet to be finalized. They will be changed to show the city’s changing commercial and housing offerings.

The change of the city brand as being a “New” city will most likely change after 15 years of its existence, but the brand will show what amenities in both commerce and residential housing have been changed to benefit its future residents. The city is expected to show even more growth in the next decade.

The final designs of the entire city signs were shown by RSM Design executive Cody Clark whose firm has been working with the city council and staff for over two years. Many of the suggested changes by the council were made, but they still found some concern about the size, color and liability they would bring to the city.

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin responded first, following the presentation, and questioned the color blue on all the signs as suggested by RSM, since the current city signs being replaced have a brown background. Clark said that would not be difficult to change.

Council member Lesa Sobek questioned the cost of completely changing the signage which was estimated from $560,000 to $1.2 million considering sign replacements were currently being done.

City Manager Armando Villa assured Sobek the cost of the complete signage changeover would be over a number of years budgeted through Capital Improvement Programs.

Council member Dean Deines agreed the sign colors should remain in brown on the street signs as they are now, but other boundary, park and freeway signs could have different colors.

Sobek suggested the developers might do their own signage at the parks and other monuments they build citing their amenities.

Council member Ricky Estrada said he agreed with the RSM changing the future signage as a way to improve the city’s impression in the future.

Mayor Bill Zimmerman at first suggested that more time be allowed before the council made a final decision and to table any current action. Villa said too much time has been invested to delay the decision any longer, but the council could add any changes in future meetings. He also said the decisions on the overhead

Cody Clark of RSM Design presents the color options for future street signage

freeway signs may not be just the city’s request since other cities and Caltrans are involved.

The council finally approved the basic RSM designs on the street signs with the color brown but made any other wayfinding and freeway signage open for other changes in the future as time passes and with the council’s approval.

Menifee Fire and Riverside County Fire Chief Lonny Olson reported to the council that the department’s call or response time has been reduced by nearly 30 seconds below the goal of 5 minutes set by the department standards with the addition of Medic Squad 7

out of Sun City. He said the average call time is now within 4.6 minutes.

He said the department received 3,482 calls in the past three months with 5 of those being structure fires and 160 traffic accidents. He said the city department made more mutual aid calls to the city of Perris than those units coming into Menifee. He was asked by Sobek to see if that partnership might be improved.

Olson said the county is working with Winchester and French Valley to open or locate places for new fire stations to ease the mutual aid burden on Menifee. The new Winchester station, whose location

Menifee updates on street projects and construction

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

Holland Road Overpass – City

Capital Improvement Project

The City is actively performing

work related to the Holland 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

Council meeting. Valley

Creek Neighborhood (Lazy Creek Road and Evans Road) Southern California Gas Company has completed the installation of gas line connections in the Lazy Creek neighborhood. All roads are open and traffic control has been removed. Additional paving work will occur in midAugust and project updates will

be provided at that time.

School Zone Signs and Marking Refresh

The City’s Public Works Street Maintenance Crew continues to make progress on the city-wide refresh of school zone pavement markings and crosswalks. Crews have completed refresh work at Bell Mountain Middle School and Southshore Elementary School and will begin Menifee Valley Middle School, Paloma Valley High School, and Evans Ranch Elementary School the week of Monday, August 7. 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 City’s roadway improvement project continues on Murrieta Road. Roadway grinding and paving work will continue through Friday, July 28, and striping work will continue through early August. Traffic lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction, with intermittent traffic control in place along Murrieta Road from the Salt Creek channel to San Quintin Drive. Traffic delays should be expected in the project area through August 2023.

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. Traffic delays should be expected in the area through August 2023.

Bradley Road at Holland Road – Storm Drain/Sewer Construction Work

Sewer mainline facilities are currently being installed adjacent to Holland Road as part of the Menifee 80 residential housing tract. Storm drain 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.

SCE Work on Menifee Road – Newport to Holland

the

was not revealed should be opening very soon.

Complying with the state’s requirements, a Municipal Building and Construction Code was amended to provide safety measures in buildings in the event of a tsunami hitting Menifee.

“That’s really not likely,” joked Karwin, but the ordinance change is necessary according to the state.

A tsunami is a sudden rise in the ocean tides brought on by an earthquake or other natural event. There were no presentations that evening.

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

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 in this area is now expected to continue through mid-August 2023.

Menifee Road South of Highway 74 – City Road Resurfacing Project Resurfacing of this portion of Menifee Road has been completed and traffic lanes are open in all directions.

Romoland Grid Resurfacing – Capital Improvement Project

The City has initiated the resurfacing project for roadways in the area of Jackson Avenue, Ethanac Road east of Sherman Road, and the installation of new pedestrian ramps. Lane closures and detours will be in place for the duration of the project through mid-September 2023.

Normandy Road Street Improvements – Capital Improvement Project

The City is constructing pedestrian access improvements along Normandy Road over Salt Creek. 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 early 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 August 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

at

Aug. 2 Menifee City

News/Courtesy photo

State approves extension for pandemic food benefits reissuance

Families have until Aug. 18 to request reissuance of expired 2021 P-EBT 2.0 benefits

RIVERSIDE COUNTY – Residents whose children qualified for, but didn’t use extra pandemic food benefits in 2021 now have more time to request a reissuance. Pandemic EBT is a federal program that provides food assistance to eligible young or school-aged children in addition to free or reduced-price meals at childcare or school.

P-EBT benefits that remain unused after a year expire. California officials said if a child received a P-EBT 2.0 card in 2021 and didn’t use any of the benefits for a year, they may be eligible for a reissuance of expired benefits. The state extended the reporting timeframe, allowing families until Friday, Aug. 18, to request reissuance of

Pandemic EBT, or P-EBT, is a federal program designed to give eligible families with children extra money for groceries. P-EBT cards are accepted at most grocery stores, farmers markets and online food retailers. Learn more at http://ca.p-ebt.org.

expired benefits.

To qualify for the reissuance, customers must have received a P-EBT 2.0 card in 2021 and have not used any of the benefits on the card, causing them to expire.

“Riverside County DPSS encourages families who may be eligible for replacement benefits to contact the P-EBT helpline by the deadline,” Allison Gonzalez, assistant director of the department’s Self Sufficiency Division, said. “These food benefits help children and families reach and sustain nutritional well-being.”

To request a reissuance, families can contact the state’s P-EBT 2.0 Expungement Helpline at 800887-8230, Monday to Friday from

6 a.m. to 8 p.m., or visit the P-EBT website at http://www.ca.p-ebt. org and use the P-EBT Live Chat, Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., to request a new card. The new cards should be received in late September through October.

When calling or chatting, state officials urged customers to have the first and last name of each child believed to be eligible, their date of birth and the address on file during the 2021 P-EBT 2.0 issuance.

If you’re interested in receiving additional food benefits, apply for CalFresh food assistance at http:// ww.benefitscal.com, by phone at 877-410-8827 or in-person at any DPSS office.

Submitted by state of California.

Temecula to host Sept. 11 Remembrance at the Temecula Duck Pond

TEMECULA ─ Residents are invited to join the city of Temecula Monday, Sept. 11, to commemorate the anniversary of Sept. 11, in remembrance and honor those who were lost. The ceremony will be held at the Temecula Duck Pond at the corner of Rancho California and Ynez roads at 6 p.m. All guests are invited to leave a message in the keepsake journal and take a quiet moment of reflection followed by light refreshments. Note parking and seating are limited.

“Sept. 11 is the time to reflect on the moment when our nation came together in light of immense tragedy. It is an opportunity to honor

our first responders and our time to remember the lives lost on that dark day 22 years ago,” Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank said. “As we came together as a nation over two decades ago, join us as we gather as a community to commemorate this moment in history.”

For more information on this event and all upcoming Temecula Community Services Department events, activities and programs, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/ TCSD and follow @TemeculaParksandRec on social media for updates.

Submitted by city of Temecula.

entirely, or is in the process, in 25 states.

TVUSD Board President Joseph Komrosky, Ph.D., released a personal statement saying, to his knowledge, the board had not yet been served with the suit.

“As one of three trustees who voted for the resolution and who prioritizes the interests of our students and the rights of parents and legal guardians, I do not believe that CRT or any racist ideology is a suitable educational framework for classroom instruction at the elementary and secondary level,” Komrosky said. “While I and the board will address and respond to the suit in due course through the board’s counsel and the judicial process, I will simply note for now that, in my view, this suit effectively represents an effort by those behind it to secure the ability to use CRT and its precepts of division and hate as an instructional framework in our schools.”

The lawsuit seeks to invalidate and prove unconstitutional the December 2022 resolution of the Temecula Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees prohibiting the use of Critical Race Theory as a framework for classroom instruction in TVUSD schools.

Proponents of CRT examine and teach the role of institutions in racism throughout history and find institutional racism as pervasive throughout most of America, in science, math, history, systems of government, etc. One book that made the theory popular was “White Fragility,” by Robin J. DiAngelo, which described a phenomenon by which all white people are complicit in systemic racism. She made a case for why “it is incumbent upon white people to accept their individual and collective responsibility for white supremacy – and to do the difficult work of challenging it.”

A former TVUSD board member Barbra Bosch previously said that CRT was not being taught in Temecula yet; however, hundreds of students walked out of their classrooms in protest of the ban the day after the resolution was passed.

Dawn Sibby, a teacher at Temecula Valley High School said, “As a teacher, my role is to introduce my students to a broad range of viewpoints so they can learn to think critically and form their

“The ideal of public education is to open the minds and hearts of students to the experiences and insights of communities beyond their own,” Mark Rosenbaum, director of Public Counsel’s Opportunity Under Law project, sa id. “It is to build powers of exploration, imagination, critical thinking and empathy. The Temecula school board resolution that is the subject of this lawsuit seeks to subvert this ideal by stifling teachers from promoting these values and instead imposing an ideology that introduces insidious racial and gender stereotypes into the classroom. If permitted to stand, the resolution will replace education with indoctrination, open-mindedness with bigotry, truth with falsehoods.”

One Temecula parent, Michael Gregori, who has attended all the school board meetings said, “This is just flat-out untrue. At least this school board has not been imposing any ideologies, especially o nes that introduce insidious racial and gender stereotypes into the classroom trying to divide students. The new school board has been debating about what is age-appropriate in the classroom

instead. That’s their job.

“Remember we had a teacher who assigned materials to students that included graphic descriptions of unprotected sex between two strangers, an adult man and boy, and the “F” word was used over a hundred times,” he said. “Do you really think parents thought this was appropriate? School boards are elected to make these decisions with parents only – not with political entities who have agendas in regard to our daughters and sons. Sometimes,

of course, absolutely teachers will be told that they can’t use inappropriate language or materials. Who gave them permission to do that?! These new board members are certainly doing their job, and so I and the vast majority of the parents out there thank them for it. I think it’s horrible how other media outlets are trying to portray it in a completely false narrative. People need to read between the lines and know the truth of how it is the family that is really being attacked here, not just Mr. Kom-

rosky, Jen Wiersma and Danny Gonzales.”

Graph of states that have banned CRT as of April, 2023. In addition to TVUSD and other school districts in California that have banned CRT, this graph shows entire states that have banned or are in the process of banning CRT as of April, 2023. 16 states have already banned CRT. 9 states are in the process of banning the teaching which, while it purports to be anti-racist, many consider to be racist ideology and greatly reversing the cultural advances that have been made since the Civil Rights Movement. worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/critical-race-theory-ban-states. own opinions about the world. This ban has created a climate of fear in our classrooms, and it is preventing my students from learning about the history and diversity of our nation. I’m proud to be a plaintiff, in this case, to fight for my students, who deserve an education not censored by board members’ ideological beliefs.”

Public Counsel said on its website that it is a firm “dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice.” Law firm Ballard Spahr is working on the case as part of the firm’s Racial Justice and Equality Initiative, a pro bono plan of action dedicated to combating racial injustice and inequity through litigation.

Julie Reeder can be reached by email at jreeder@reedermedia. com.

Cal Fire engineer and honor guard member Jason McMillan salutes as he helps present the colors at the Temecula 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in 2022. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

BAN from page A-1

Temecula to host National Preparedness Fair

TEMECULA – September is National Preparedness Month. The community is invited to join the city of Temecula Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and attend the National Preparedness Fair at the Civic Center Quad and Town Square Park, 41000 Main Street, in Temecula.

The open house style event will include informational booths, live demonstrations and children’s

activities. The National Preparedness Fair is a great opportunity for families to meet with local disaster service workers and learn about emergency preparation.

The city seeks organizations and agencies to host exhibitor booths at this important event to bring awareness to emergency preparation. Applications are available online at http://TemeculaCA.gov/ Events, and the deadline to apply

is Sunday, Aug. 20. Please review all guidelines listed on the website before applying. For information on all upcoming Temecula Community Services Department events, activities and programs, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/TCSD, and follow @ TemeculaParksandRec on social media for updates. Submitted by city of Temecula.

Residents can meet with local disaster service workers and learn about emergency preparation at the upcoming National Preparedness Fair Saturday, Sept. 9, in Temecula.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Menifee launches new emergency management platforms to help keep

community safe

MENIFEE – To further strengthen communications with the public during emergency situations, the city of Menifee launched two new emergency management platforms, Alert Menifee and Genasys Protect.

Alert Menifee will be used to communicate public safety topics including severe weather, evacuations, road closures, etc. All

residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts and can visit the website to sign up. During the registration process, users can choose the types of alerts they want to receive and how to receive them, including landline phone, cell phone, text/ SMS message and email. Users can customize the order they wish to receive alerts. The information entered into the system is for com-

Man fatally struck while walking down dark road in Menifee

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

A man who was struck and killed by a pickup while walking in the middle of a Menifee street was identified.

The fatality occurred at about 4:20 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4 at the intersection of Menifee and Wickerd roads, according to the Menifee Police Department.

Lt. Denise Keith said the victim was in the middle of southbound lanes on Menifee Road when a Dodge Ram approached at an undetermined speed.

Keith said the driver did not see the victim, “who was wearing non-reflective clothing,’’ and

hood Santa visits because of the lack of proper transportation, increasing costs and city staff limitations.

The decision to bring back the traditional Santa Stops program was first sought by a growing number of local residents and Murrieta Council member Ron Holliday who had it placed on the Tuesday, Aug. 1, meeting agenda for its reinstitution and an increased revenue projection of an additional $54,000 from the already budgeted $25,000.

It was the council’s decision to reinstate the much loved program by many Murrieta residents, or to find another way to celebrate

plowed into him on the dark stretch of road.

The motorist, who was not injured, stopped and called 911.

Paramedics from the Riverside County Fire Department pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. He was identified Saturday as 57-year-old Eliazar Garcia of Menifee.

“The preliminary investigation suggests that neither alcohol nor drugs were a factor for the driver,’’ Keith said.

Anyone with additional information about the death was asked to contact the police department’s Traffic Unit at 951-723-1690.

the holidays under the current budget. The council heard a presentation from the Assistant City Manager Kristen Crane that showed completely reviving the traditional Santa Stops program would cost nearly $81,000 without any grants or donations. The program includes the leasing of trolley cars, arranging the stops and volunteers, choirs and other necessary logistics and a large amount of staff time that are already pressed with other necessary seasonal projects all in a very short time period.

It was this argument that brought a response from Murrieta Mayor Lisa DeForest and Council member Cindy Warren to delay the program for at least another

municating emergency and official city information only – neither the city of Menifee nor Genasys will share or sell personal information.

Genasys Protect is an interactive map and can be viewed at https:// alertmenifee.genasys.com/portal/ Residents can look up their predetermined evacuation zone using the search bar in the top left and can view live zone statuses, road

closures and evacuation points during an emergency. All residents are encouraged to look up important addresses and record the zone IDs in an easily visible place such as on the fridge or by the door.

“Alert Menifee and Genasys Protect are great assets that will help ensure residents receive timely and accurate information during an emergency,” Interim

Police Chief Pat Walsh said. “We highly encourage the Menifee community to sign up and become familiar with these new resources that can help protect themselves and their families during a crisis.” For more information and to sign up for alerts, visit http://www. cityofmenifee.us/alertmenifee.

Submitted by city of Menifee.

Wildomar crash leaves one dead, two injured

City News Service Special to the Valley News

A 23-year-old Mission Hills woman was killed in a crash in Wildomar Saturday, Aug. 5, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The crash was reported at around 12:40 a.m. Saturday on the southbound Temecula Valley (15) freeway just north of Wildomar Trail.

According to the CHP, the victim was driving a 2014 Hyundai Genesis at a high rate of speed southbound on I-15 when she rear-ended a Nissan Rogue. The Hyundai then came to a complete stop in the southbound No. 2 lane,

year, seeing it as too much for the already pressed city staff, police and fire departments this year in such a short time. They saw other methods to bring the community together for the holidays within the budgeted $25,000 with less staff involvement, costs and logistics.

“I love the memories (of the traditional Santa Stops,) but this seems a little chaotic,” DeForest said. “I love the idea but it’s not the best for our community as a whole.”

She said the proposed reinstatement of the program, in the short time for planning and gaining resident involvement, was a burden that would fall on the already pressed staff.

Warren agreed.

“I cannot support this endeavor,” Warren said. “It’s too far in the year. We need more time to bring it back.”

Council member John Levelle asked about the value of the food collection in the program and said he already had many volunteers lined up to help in the program as needed.

“I would like to see it viable again,” Levelle said.

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Stone said the revival of the program was indeed a “heavy lift for the staff, but

where it was disabled.

A 2019 Nissan Armada was also traveling south on I-15 when it crashed into the Hyundai due to the darkness and lack of overhead lighting, according to the CHP.

The occupants of the Hyundai were not wearing seat belts, and were ejected from the car, coming to a rest in the center divider.

The 23-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity was not immediately available. She was traveling with a 24-year-old passenger identified as Alicia Gonzalez of Vista, who suffered major injuries, according to officers.

The driver of the Nissan Armada suffered minor injuries and was

it is and always will be a unique opportunity for the community to retain its small town identity. It has stories and memories. It is a special event and I want to see it move forward.”

She said she believed they could get enough volunteers to collect the food and help with the other needs.

“It is a must for the underserved in our community. I want to keep the old traditions,” Stone said.

“We can’t set this up for failure. It’s not good,” said DeForest. “Push it back to the community. Let them do it and let it go forward.” Holliday said he, his church and many other volunteers are ready to bring it forward this year.

“It deserves a shot,” he said.

Following the discussion, the vote was called by Holliday to allow the staff to proceed with the planning, suggesting the community would get behind it and more than enough volunteers would help and local businesses would donate the other needs, with Stone seconding it. The event was approved in a 3 to 2 vote with Warren and DeForest saying, “No.”

In other business, the council approved a salary increase for City Manager Kim Summers to

identified as 47-year-old Nache Phillips of Aguanga.

No information was immediately available regarding the occupants of the Nissan Rogue involved in the initial crash. The CHP and Cal Fire Riverside responded to the crash. The southbound traffic lanes were closed for approximately six hours while the scene was investigated and lanes were cleared.

Investigators believe the 23-year-old was driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the CHP.

Anyone with additional information about the accident was encouraged to contact the CHP at 951-506-2000.

$340,900 with a 3% cost of living increase and step increases for members of the staff.

The council learned Murrieta was voted the Best City in the San Gabriel and Inland Valleys and honored the city’s police department as it celebrates its 31st birthday with 102 officers aboard, 26 staff members and 39 dispatchers working with the neighboring Menifee Police Department.

During the public comments on agenda items, a complaint was made about children inappropriately riding their e-bikes as a safety problem and the alleged dangerous conditions at the French Valley Airport after two recent plane crashes. The council made no comment on the comments and referred them to city staff.

The council was notified there were several speed zone changes on five streets in the city with 30 and 35 mph limits. Electronic signs showing the reduced or increased speeds on those streets will be placed as a driver warning. Most streets in the city will remain at the current speed limits.

The Murrieta Hills Specific Plan will be going into the city’s District 1.

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

MURRIETA from page A-1

RALLY from page A-1

Way (PFAW) and their offshoot organization Grandparents for Democracy. PFAW has been funded, in part, by George Soros’ Open Society Foundation which spans the globe. It describes itself as “the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.”

PFAW is a left of center advocacy group formed in 1981 by Hollywood television producer Norman Lear, to oppose conservative principles espoused by Christian conservatives.

PFAW monitors what it characterizes as “right-wing” activities, advocates for a left-of-center policy agenda, and helps to elect liberal political candidates.

PFAW also publishes the website RightWingWatch, which has published thousands of posts monitoring and attacking conservative political beliefs in support of the PFAW’s left-of-center agenda.

According to CNBC, George Soros’ backed nonprofit invested at least $140 million into politically charged nonprofits just one year before the last midterm elections.

Those donations are on top of the more than $170 million Soros personally contributed during the 2022 midterm election cycle to help Democratic campaigns and political action committees.

The TVUSD conservative majority has come under scrutiny for firing a long-time superintendent of the district, banning Critical Race Theory, along with two other districts in this state and 18 states across the country. They also refused to adopt the state-recommended social studies curriculum until it was scrutinized by parents

and teachers. The curriculum was later adopted, after the state deadline in May, with the exception of one portion that is still under consideration.

There were also about 20 counter protestors outside the recall rally in support of the board majority.

Jeff Pack, cofounder of the One Temecula Valley PAC speaks during a rally at Maurice Car’rie Winery for supporters to recall TVUSD board members, Dr. Joseph Komrosky, Danny Gonzalez and Jennifer Wiersma. Those against the three board members are rallying for support for their recall for their votes on eliminating critical race theory, removing curriculum about LGBTQ+ rights, the firing of superintendent Dr. Jodi McClay and a variety of other reasons bringing both state and national attention to the Temecula Valley school district. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

The barn at Maurice Car’rie Winery Is filled with supporters during a rally in support of recalling three TVUSD board members, Dr. Joseph Komrosky, Danny Gonzalez and Jennifer Wiersma.

One Temecula Valley PAC supporters gather at Maurice Car’rie Winery in Temecula where signs and other material promoting the recall of the three TVUSD board members can be purchased.

Scott Carey, a TVUSD educator, fans himself with a recall Komrosky sign in the warm barn at Maurice Car’rie Winery where people gather to rally support in recalling three TVUSD board members.

Jeff Comerchero, former Temecula city council member, speaks in support of recalling three TVUSD board members, Dr. Joseph Komrosky, Danny Gonzalez and Jennifer Wiersma.

Counter protesters in support of three TVUSD board members, Dr. Joseph Komrosky, Danny Gonzalez and Jennifer Wiersma gather outside Maurice Car’rie Winery during a rally in support of their recall.

Temecula Valley Historical Society announces a genealogy presentation

Laurice Johnson, an avid genealogist and active member of the Temecula Valley Genealogical Society, is giving a two-part presentation to the Temecula Valley Historical Society on August 28 and September 25 at the Little Temecula History Center.

Johnson will give details on how to “Get Ready to Get Started” for people interested in starting to trace their family trees. She will discuss resources available in the free Familysearch.org website, how to use WIKI, and the pros and cons of using the World Tree. At the end of the August program

Johnson will guide the audience in an activity with the app Relative Finder to see if anyone in the audience may be related to one another.

Johnson grew up in a family that discussed their ancestors around the dinner table and she heard a lot of stories about her predecessors. As an adult she was shocked to learn her husband’s knowledge was limited to what his grandmother’s name was. That was 30 years ago and Johnson has been actively researching since then. The public is welcome to attend

Laurice Johnson. Valley News/Courtesy photo

the presentations and there is no fee. The Little Temecula History Center is the red barn next to Kohls at the corner of Redhawk Parkway and Wolf Store Road. The two presentations will also be live streamed on the Temecula Valley Historical Society’s Facebook page.

For any questions, please contact Rebecca Farnbach at info@ temeculahistory.org.

Valley News/Courtesy photos

Positions available on city commissions for Temecula

TEMECULA – The city of Temecula invited interested residents to apply for the following positions: one position on the Community Services Commission; one position on the Planning Commission; two positions on Traffic Safety Commission and two positions on the Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commission.

The city council will make appointments to these positions at a public meeting in November 2023. The term of each position will be Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2026.

The recruitment period for these positions is Aug. 1, to Sept. 30. Applicants may apply online through the city’s website at http:// TemeculaCA.gov. Supporting

documents, if any, must be submitted together with the application. Qualified applicants must be a resident of the city of Temecula at the time the application is submitted. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 951-694-6444 for additional information. Submitted by city of Temecula.

Two photos from Rebecca Farnbach’s family scrapbook show family heritage groups.

Suspect apprehended at Hemet DMV with firearm, charged by California Highway Patrol

HEMET – The California Highway Patrol, San Gorgonio Pass Area, is filing criminal charges on a suspect for allegedly possessing a firearm at a Department of Motor Vehicles office in Hemet. The suspect, 51-year-old male Kali Trammell, from Riverside was taken into custody without incident and was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Officers were dispatched to the DMV office Monday, July 31, at approximately 11:30 a.m., following a call from a DMV staff member who noticed an individual allegedly carrying a concealed weapon. Upon arrival, Hemet Police Department officers engaged the individual, who was subsequently identified, searched and found possessing a shotgun. Due to the crime occurring on state property, the California Highway Patrol assumed custody and the criminal investigation from the Hemet Police Department.

The suspect was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facil-

Felon suspected of secretly recording women in hospital restroom

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

A 27-year-old parolee suspected of hiding in a women’s restroom at a Riverside hospital and recording visitors as they used the facility was being held without bail Thursday, Aug. 3.

Sergio Eduardo Quezada was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside Wednesday, Aug. 2, on suspicion of misdemeanor privacy violations, being under the influence of a controlled substance and parole violations.

According to the Riverside Police Department, about noon Wednesday, security personnel at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center on Magnolia Avenue were alerted

to a man in the women’s lavatory, ensconced in a stall and recording visitors as they used the bathroom.

Security guards immediately confronted and detained Quezada, holding him until patrol officers arrived a short time later and took him into custody without incident, according to the police department.

“He had a drug pipe in his possession and, yes, officers found evidence on his phone implicating him in the very illegal recordings,” according to an agency statement. The number of victims was not disclosed.

“Kaiser Permanente is aware of the disturbing reports about (the) conduct at Kaiser Permanente’s Riverside Medical Center,” according to a statement released

by Kaiser to City News Service. “While we cannot comment on the details of this case, we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement.

“We are deeply committed to maintaining a safe, secure and respectful environment for our members, patients, employees, physicians and anyone who visits our facilities. We continually review our practices and thoroughly investigate incidents to learn and strengthen our practices wherever possible.” Because Quezada is on parole, officers were able to place a no-bail hold on the felon, pending his next court appearance. Information on any previous convictions was unavailable.

ity. The investigation is ongoing, and charges will be forwarded to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.

The CHP commended the DMV staff for their keen observations and quick action as well as the Hemet Police Department for their assistance and quick response which significantly contributed to the prevention of what could have been a tragic incident.

The California Highway Patrol reminded the community that if you see something, say something. Report safety concerns. You may save someone’s life.

For more information, telephone interviews, questions or if you have additional information regarding this incident, contact Public Information Officer Jason Montez at 951-769-2000, ext. 221, or after hours at 916-407-7511.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of “Safety, Service and Security.” Submitted by California Highway Patrol.

Woman admits causing deadly fire that killed her children, grandmother

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

A 31-year-old woman who caused a Lake Elsinore house fire that killed her two young children and grandmother, as well as injured her mother and another child, pleaded guilty recently to over a dozen felony charges and was immediately sentenced to 12 years in state prison.

Devinn Elysse Fisher admitted four counts of causing a fire resulting in great bodily injury or death, as well as three counts each of involuntary manslaughter, child cruelty and animal abuse, and one count each of burning an inhabited structure and elder abuse.

The plea was made directly to Riverside County Superior Court Judge David Gunn during a status hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice. The District Attorney’s Office did not negotiate the agreement, which was proffered by the defense. Deputy District Attorney Sarah Crowley objected to the bargain, telling Gunn that the prosecution offered “a fair trial to the defendant.”

Crowley read a victim impact statement from a family member not identified in court minutes, stating Fisher had never expressed remorse for what happened.

“She needs to be held accountable and serve a sentence that is appropriate for all the pain and agony she caused to the victims, and for what she took from this family,” according to the statement.

The prosecution was seeking a minimum sentence of 18 to 20 years in prison for Fisher.

Fisher has been held in lieu of $2 million bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning since her arrest in March 2021, following

a joint investigation by sheriff’s detectives and Cal Fire personnel. She was under suspicion from the time of the blaze that engulfed the house at 32956 Blackwell Blvd., near Grand Avenue, Jan. 25, 2021.

Fisher resided there with her mother, 53-year-old Julia Fisher, grandmother, 85-year-old Phyllis Fisher and four children, two of whom died in the flames. They were 2-year-old Julian AlcarazFisher and his sister, 1-year- old Arya Alcaraz.

Flames erupted inside the garage of the single-story house shortly before 3 p.m. that Monday. According to witnesses, the blaze spread rapidly, consuming the garage and extending into the rest of the house as neighbors rushed to help, trying in vain to reach the victims.

Multiple county fire crews converged on the property within 10 minutes and were immediately alerted to occupants trapped.

Arya and Julian died at the scene, and Phyllis Fisher was severely burned, along with her daughter, whose three dogs died in the fire. Crews got the fire under control 45 minutes later.

The cause wasn’t specified.

Fisher was also burned, as was one of her other children, whose name was not released. The girl ultimately recovered.

Phyllis Fisher died from her injuries two days afterward, despite undergoing treatment at Arrowhead Regional Burn Center. Her daughter was also treated there and spent weeks in burn recovery, according to family friends.

Devinn Fisher was released from the hospital within a week.

She had a previous misdemeanor conviction from 2013 for petty theft.

Menifee man arrested for alleged sexual assault of minor

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

A 23-year-old man from Menifee was arrested on suspicion of multiple sexual assault charges against a minor, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies responded to a report of a sexual assault of a minor in July at an undisclosed location, officials said.

Investigators identified the suspect as Kole Scully-Mims of Menifee.

Sc ully-Mims was located and arrested Friday, Aug. 4 by investigators from the sheriff’s Lake Elsinore station with the assistance of Ben Clark Training Center personnel. He was booked into the C ois Byrd Detention Center on suspicion of multiple sexual assault charges against a minor.

Anyone with additional information about the case was encouraged to contact Deputy Hernandez at 951-245-3300.

The suspect was found possessing a shotgun at the Hemet DMV. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Lace & Locomotives Victorian Steampunk Tea Party raises money for Murrieta Valley Historical Society

Isabel Zanin (left), and Kelly Maples arrive at the Lace & Locomotives Victorian Steampunk Tea Party fundraising event at the Murrieta Community Center, Aug. 5. Proceeds for the event will benefit the purchasing of a train dining car to be displayed in historic downtown Murrieta where the Pearl Center for Creative Arts will operate their nonprofit inside. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Annette Jennings (left) director of the Murrieta Museum and Aimee Edgeworth, CEO for the Pearl Center for Creative Arts speak during the Lace & Locomotives Victorian Steampunk Tea Party fundraising event. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Murrieta Valley Historical Society.

Janice Blair demonstrates bobbin lace making during the Lace & Locomotives Victorian Steampunk Tea Party fundraising event.

Joy Laury (left) and Diane Sowerbrower sit and chat at a table during the Lace & Locomotives Victorian Steampunk Tea Party fundraising event.

Tables displays for the Lace & Locomotives Victorian Steampunk Tea Party fundraising event.

[Above] Harpist Kylene Grace performs at the Lace & Locomotives Victorian Steampunk Tea Party fundraising event.

[Left] People view and place bids on silent auction items to benefit a train display in historic downtown Murrieta where the Pearl Center for Creative Arts will operate inside of.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

August 12 - 4-7:30 p.m. The Craft House at Vail Ranch Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway Presents KIDCHELLA a summer festival event for children and families. Wear festival fun gear. Kid-friendly vendors, music, arts and crafts, flower crowns, yard games, train rides and food and drink

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Aug. 11 - 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. City of Temecula’s 16th Annual Ralph Love Plein Air Competition with Local artists are invited to enjoy painting scenic Temecula locations, including Old Town Temecula, wine country, and city parks. The city honors Ralph Love and emerging local artistic talent, with this annual competition between Plein Air artists. New to the competition is the Youth Category. Artists aged 17 and under are encouraged to 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).

Aug. 16 – 6 p.m. San Jacinto’s Kool Summer Nights concert with a local band, vendors and a beer and wine garden at the at the Estudillo Mansion, 150 Dillion Ave, in San Jacinto,

Aug. 17 - 5-9 p.m. Murrieta Market Nights, Downtown Murrieta on Juniper and Washington Streets.

Aug. 22 - 8:30 a.m. Coffee with the City, Murrieta Innovation Center, 26442 Beckman Ct., Murrieta Aug. 23 – 5-9 p.m. Sunset Market. The market 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.

Aug. 25-27 – 5- 10 p.m. Starlight Bazaar Summer Carnival at Vail Ranch Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway,presented by In the Loop Temecula. Carnival rides and games with prizes (in the

front parking lot), Vendor market, music and photo ops. A traditional family night and summer harrah.

Aug. 25-26 – 10 a.m. Beyond the Barstow open to the public at the Western Science Center, 2345 Searl Highway, Hemet. The exhibit reception will be held on August 25 at 5:30 p.m. for WSC members and will be attended by participating PaleoCon scientists. PaleoCon will also be held on August 26, and will feature science presentations by PaleoCon scientists, a paleoart workshop with artist Corbin Rainbolt, a science-inspired poetry reading by Christina Olson, and more.

Aug. 26 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Murrieta Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event, Murrieta City Hall, 1 Town Square Road, Murrieta

Aug. 26 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m

Petchella, Animal Friends of the Valleys pet adoption event, 38751 Mission Trail, Wildomar

Sept 1 – 6 - 9 p.m. Menifee

Foodie Friday, San Jacinto College campus, 28237 La Piedra Road, Menifee

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

ONGOING – Line dancing classes are held Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Lake Elsinore/ Wildomar Elks Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail, in Wildomar across from the Animal Friends of the Valleys. Classes have a DJ with learning levels beginning to intermediate. Have fun and exercise at the same time at $5 per lesson.

Contact Joyce Hohenadl at 951674-2159

ONGOING – Sun City Civic Association Monthly Square

Dance sessions are held Sundays from 1:30-5 p.m. at 26850 Sun City Boulevard.

ONGOING – If you know a

Temecula Theater announces 2023-2024 season

TEMECULA ─ The city of Temecula and the Old Town Temecula Community Theater invited residents and visitors to experience a new season full of laughs, love and new memories to cherish for a lifetime.

The upcoming season is full of reimagined favorites and exciting new works. Brochures have been mailed out and are also available at select Temecula facilities, including the ticket office at The Merc, 42051 Main Street. The digital version is also available at http:// TemeculaTheater.org.

Temecula Presents announced the 19th season was overflowing with Temecula’s favorite, topnotch performers from our Aloha, Big Band, Classical, Dance and Legends Series’.

Temecula Presents’ Arts Education Program returned for the sixth year presenting “Anastasia: The Musical,” May 17-19, 2024. The free internship program offers students, ages 13-18, access to the arts, providing a positive impact on their academic, social and emotional development. The program welcomed back a collaboration with Sherry Berry Music and Great Oak High School Jazz Band, Feb. 1, 2024, live on Temecula’s main stage. This season will debut additional family-friendly performances. Temecula Presents and the Temecula Valley Museum partner annually for the Celebration of American Black History. This year, it will debut “The Frog’s Princess,” Feb. 8, 2024, by Richard Allen and Taran Gray. The new work is from the writers of original musicals previously presented: “Freedom Riders” and “Bayard.” Also this season, the Temecula Theater Foundation premieres “Nutcracker – The Mousical,” Nov. 4-10.

Additional highlights from the 2023-2024 Season at the Temecula Theater include musical favorites performed by Temecula Theater’s resident companies. Come see Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Catch

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 only 50 cents for entry, and anyone under age 10 is free admission. No dogs allowed.

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

ONGOING – Temecula’s

Farmers Markets are offered in Old Town Temecula Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, 4100 Main Street in Temecula; at Promenade Temecula, 40640 Winchester Road, outside JCPenney every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Riverside County Public Health orders, the farmers markets

will be restricted to agriculture products only. Follow the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market on Facebook to stay updated. No pets allowed.

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

August 10 - 9-11 a.m. Access to Capital workshop presented by the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center at the Menifee/Wildomar Council Chambers 29844 Haun Road, Menifee. Topics: 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

August 16 - 10 a.m. Hemet San Jacinto Business Network will meet at J & M Family Restaurant, 1271 S State St, 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.

Crossword Puzzle Theme: International greetings

Valley News/Courtesy photo Me If You Can,” “Nutcracker –The Mousical,” “Fall Follies,” “A Christmas Carol,” “The Nutcracker Ballet,” “Legally Blonde,” Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man,” “Spring Fling” and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma.”

The city of Temecula Youth Musical Theater Program presents Disney’s “Frozen Jr.,” “Chicago (Teen Edition),” Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” and “Rock Of Ages (Teen Edition).”

Temecula Theater will welcome an ever-expanding network of new, eager and passionate individuals who call the Temecula Theater “home.” Season ticket holders have the opportunity to get their tickets before the season launches. Season package pricing offers tickets from the Temecula Presents series, including Dance, Big Band, Classical, Aloha and Legends, at a savings. Buy series packages and receive the deepest discount or “Create Your Own Series” by selecting five or more shows to get the “Pick 5” rates. Season subscribers can secure their seats by calling the ticket office at 866653-8696.

All tickets went on sale Tuesday, Aug. 1. Tickets are available at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main Street, and online at http://TemeculaTheater. org. For more information, contact Temecula Theater’s Ticket Office at 866-653-8696. Submitted by city of Temecula.

Movie review: ‘Oppenheimer’

Bob Garver Special to the Valley News

The other half of this summer’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, “Oppenheimer” did so well in its second weekend that I will give it a full review of its own. Sure, it came in a distant second to “Barbie” both weekends, but with an estimated $174 million at the domestic box office thus far, it’s more than on pace to become the biggest movie of all time to never win a weekend. The unofficial, counterintuitive and highly-unusual “Barbenheimer” marketing campaign, which contrasts “the glittery comedy with a drama about the atomic bomb,” certainly helped this film’s box office, but it’s a strong enough movie that I’d like to think that it could have been a hit even without its unlikely pink ally. Cillian Murphy, who I could tell from the first publicity photo was perfect, Oscar-ready casting, stars as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man credited as the “father of the atomic bomb.” Much like “The Social Network,” the film intercuts its usually linear historical portion with the framing device of two hearings, one involving Oppenheimer himself and the other involving nemesis Lewis Strauss, played by Robert Downey Jr., chair of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. As Strauss was not a scientist himself, he and Oppenheimer never got along well professionally, but after a perceived derogatory comment made toward Albert Einstein, played by Tom

Conti, he had it in for Oppenheimer personally.

Much of the movie is standard biopic territory: the audience follows Oppenheimer from his days at Cambridge getting advice from Niels Bohr, played by Kenneth Branaugh, to his role as director of The Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where the bomb was designed and built. In his personal life, Oppenheimer takes up a relationship with the married Kitty, played by Emily Blunt, while having an affair with Communist sympathizer Jean, played by Florence Pugh. Oppenheimer and his colleagues go through the expected setbacks and successes, culminating in a high-stakes demonstration and one of the most massive explosions ever put on film. Soon the bomb is taken away from the scientists and used in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, and Oppenheimer has to live with the knowledge that he played an integral role in arguably the most devastating event in human history.

There’s surprisingly little violence in the film, other than an offscreen suicide and a sequence where Oppenheimer imagines the effects of the bomb. There isn’t even that much “action,” really, unless you count carefully orchestrated test explosions. But make no mistake, it is one of the most intense films of the year. Sure, some of it has to do with the urgency of the arms race and the stakes involved, but it’s more than that. Director Christopher Nolan knows how to

expertly craft a thriller, and his tight pacing and editing will make your heart pound whether it’s bombs or tempers that are flaring.

I’ll be honest a lot about “Oppenheimer” went over my head, from science to politics to legalese to history. And even if I did know more about all these subjects, I still might get overwhelmed by the film’s crowded cast and all the time-jumping. Yet there was never any doubt that what was happening was of great importance, whether to world powers or the world of one. And it’s all done with Nolan’s trademark crispness. The bomb-building and hearings may not be pretty or “sleek” necessarily, but you’ll get the impression that these things cannot be done by anyone other than the people doing them. If you’re looking for a “party” movie where everyone will find something to enjoy while they socialize and pay minimal attention, then “Barbie” is the way to go there. But if you’re ready to be transfixed by a film that will occasionally blow you to the back of your seat – seriously, this is the time to spring for a premium theater experience like IMAX –then “Oppenheimer” is the movie of the summer, maybe the year.

Grade: B “Oppenheimer” is rated R for some sexuality, nudity and language. Its running time is an even 180 minutes, in a precision that seems only fitting. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

Bee Gees Gold more than keeps sold-out crowd ‘Stayin Alive’ at the Santa Rosa Plateau concert

Tony Ault

Writer

Staff

The crowd at the Bee Gees Gold benefit concert at the Santa Rosa Plateau was more than just “Stayin’ Alive” Saturday evening, August 5 as they danced and waved light sticks in appreciation.

The concert, the last in the Plateau Vineyards Live! @ the Plateau Summer Concerts and Art Shows, brought donations and support for the nonprofit Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau who brings thousands of elementary and high school students to the reserve each year to learn how and why to preserve nature around them in the future.

Bee Gees Gold, led by Jason Acosta as Barry Gibbs, from the original Bee Gees of the 1970s and 1980s, performed with his fellow vocalists Daryl Borges (Robin Gibbs) and Jeff Celentano (Maurice Gibbs) lending their falsetto voices to bring the group’s most popular hit songs to life on the Plateau Pavilion outdoor stage.

It wasn’t hard to bring a large crowd of all ages to the cement dance floor in front of the stage as the never-forgotten Bee Gees songs played throughout the evening, with hits such as “Night Fever,” “Nights on Broadway,” “Shadow Dancing,” Too Much Heaven,” and of course “Staying’ Alive.” Topping off the night’s entertainment were TNEF teen volunteers from “Mothers and Daughters” handing out light sticks to the dancers to brighten the festivities.

With the conclusion of TNEF summer concerts, members of the staff were recognized with live rose pots and t-shirts along with praise for the many local business supporters that help TNEF in the Summer Concert series this year. Diamond Cut Fitness, the sponsor of the night’s Bee Gee Gold concert, and co-presenters Winchester and Associates and La Cresta Real Estate, were especially honored

on stage by Master of Ceremonies John Hunneman and TNEF Executive Director Ginger Greaves. The earlier summer concert sponsors were also recognized including the Family of Janet and John Webb, Darrow Law Group, State Farm and Jared Hartman from Semnar & Hartman, LLP.

During the evening entertainment, a live auction with the prizes of TNEF membership, visit to the next two years summer concerts on the Plateau, the Cowboy Jubilee and Wildlife Day coming up,

free admission to the Plateau’s many hiking trails and other items, brought a $1,400 donation to TNEF. A 50-50 drawing brought Cal and Cheryl Westra $1,110 in cash with the remaining $1,110 going to TNEF for its youth environment education programs.

The Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau, although not a part of the reserve’s management, brings 3rd graders up from the district schools to enjoy a day with a plateau interpreter and participation in interpretive hikes

all with the hope of youngsters becoming good stewards of nature.

The nonprofit TNEF organization has recently expanded to bring hi gh school students interested in helping to learn about how to better control climate change and preserve the natural lands around them for the future generations.

The Foundation in another program offers yearly seed scholarships to local school districts to encourage those outstanding students interested in ecology and helping to better preserve the

Symphony serendipity strikes a personal chord

Tim O’Leary

Special to the Valley News

Call it serendipity, kismet or coincidence. It is the story of two lives that shared a deep connection, drifted apart and have now reconnected after some 50 years. Not long ago, I extolled the Temecula Valley Symphony, and told how it stirred my soul with angelic sounds. Symphonic music, a centuries-old art form that is still alive and well, is steeped in melody, unity, history, beauty, tradition and poise.

I introduced you to my high school pal, Ed Castilano. We were coworkers as teenagers. He ignited my lifelong love of music: rock, jazz, orchestral and its myriad other forms.

Castilano was my best man in my first wedding. He knew exactly what he wanted in life. He was certain of his gift. He was admitted to the Eastman School of Music and played in the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.

I was confused, uncertain about my future and full of wanderlust and wild imaginings.

Sadly, Castilano and I lost touch when my first wife and I abandoned our hometown for the warm breezes and sunny skies of the

Lone Star State. There I worked in shipbuilding, construction and many other jobs until I finally drifted into college and veered into a career in journalism.

Fast forward to my symphony column. After it ran, I texted Susan Miyamoto, who oversees the orchestra, to say I would soon drop off some extra copies of that edition of the newspaper to her Old Town Temecula music studio.

By the way, she said, the symphony conductor has met your pal, Ed. I begged her to ask the conductor for Castilano’s phone number. The conductor, John Mario, supplied it, and on my second call, we connected.

It was like stepping back in time. We talked for a half an hour, and since then, we have exchanged emails, texts and photos. We have renewed a friendship that never wavered, one that existed across the years and the miles, through hurts, heartaches and the heady joys of travel, love and laughter.

My past includes a career as a storyteller, then a caregiver whose health cratered and rebounded. My life is good again. I have sweet friends amid a spectacular setting.

I have cats, chickens, goats and a chameleon. There is work to do, needy people to serve and dear

friends to love.

Fortune has also smiled upon my pal. His parents have passed, but he has been married to his wonderful wife, Sarah, for 18 years. Sarah Castilano grew up on a small farm in Kentucky where she tended cows, rabbits and chickens.

They have one cat, but no children. Sarah Castilano retired from the medical field. Music has remained Ed Castilano’s muse.

He spent 34 years as the principal bass for the Syracuse symphony in New York before that organization faltered and fell into bankruptcy. He shifted to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has spent the past 10 years.

He continues to live in Syracuse, New York, but he rents a room in Rochester, New York, for his use during the symphony season. He is pondering retirement but said he knows performing is in his blood, and he predicts he will eventually shift to part-time work or perhaps take temporary gigs that offer travel opportunities.

I knew he was destined for greatness the first time I heard him perform. I figured I would spend my life as did my father, in the workaday world where a trade

paid the bills rather than the arts.

Little did I know that the written word would become my muse.

In one of our recent email exchanges, Castilano and I separately pondered how decades of practicing our crafts have enabled us to discover our individual voices –his in music and mine in writing.

Castilano wrote about how experience, experimentation, trial and error, success and failure helped him find his voice.

“I feel like I play the bass the best that I ever have,” he said. “It’s because I have in recent

world’s natural environment necessary for human life.

TNEF motto is to “Educate and empower youth to appreciate, preserve and protect nature” and also offers a pathway to environmental stewardship.

To become a member or learn more about upcoming TNEF programs and events see https://the. nef.org.

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

years found the confidence that allows me not to care anymore about playing the way someone else (conductors, other musicians, past teachers) thinks I should play. I now play how I, me, myself like to play and I play better because of it. Of course, there is always more to learn, and it does take me a little longer to prepare the more difficult pieces that I have played for 45 years than when I was younger. But I play them how I, me, myself like to play them, and no one complains, quite the opposite.”

Journalist Tim O’Leary’s high school photo.

Musician Ed Castilano’s high school photo Valley News/Courtesy photos

Diamond Cut Fitness representatives, from, right,Jewell Cunningham and Carlos Tyler, sponsors of the Aug. 5 Bee Gees Gold benefit concert for The Nature Education Foundation, present ceramic artist Chuck Bates a Diamond Cut Fitness T-shirt at their sponsor booth before the event.

The nationally known Bee Gees Gold tribute vocalists take the stage at the last The Nature Education Foundation benefit 2023 Summer Concert series at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve August 5. Valley News/Tony Ault photos

Jason Acosta in the role as Barry Gibbs of the famous Bee Gees musical group, sings out at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserves outdoor Pavilion Stage.

Daryl Borges sings one of the Bee Gees famous Robin Gibbs hits during the Bee Gees Gold concert on the Santa Rosa Plateau.

Cal Westra is a happy man as TNEF Executive Director Ginger Greaves hands him half of the cash he won in the 50-50 drawing held at the Santa Rosa Plateau Bee Gees Gold benefit concert. The other half of the drawing cash will benefit The Nature Education Foundation.

Light sticks wave and dozens dance during the Bee Gees Gold concert benefiting The Nature Education Foundation.

Handicapped or not, this young woman takes to the dance area in front of the Santa Rosa Plateau’s outdoor Pavilion Stage with her assistant at the TNEF Bee Gees Gold benefit concert August 5.

Exploring the world with peace of mind

But it’s not just about logistics.

Travel companions prioritize the well-being and safety of their clients above all else. AdvanCare understands that each senior traveler has specific needs and preferences and provides personalized care accordingly

From medication reminders to mobility assistance and support with activities of daily living, companions are there every step of the way to ensure that seniors feel comfortable and secure throughout their journey.

Traveling is a fantastic way to explore new cultures, customs, and places. With the help of travel companions, seniors can fully immerse themselves in the local culture, visiting landmarks, experiencing authentic attractions and activities, and creating unforgettable memories. Companions ensure that seniors can enjoy every aspect of their trip, making it a truly enriching experience.

Every senior traveler has

AdvanCare

When you genuinely love to travel, that passion is lifelong. The pleasure of sipping wine on a sunny terrace in Tuscany, or seeing the Northern Lights in Sweden, never loses its luster. Traveling gets more difficult as you age, especially when your mobility is limited.

Solo travel may become impossible, but options for exploring the world are still available. O ne option is to hire a travel companion to make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable. A good travel companion can provide companionship, assistance with mobility, and help with navigating new destinations. So, don’t let limited mobility or solo travel stop you from experiencing the joys of travel.

Have you considered the benefits of having a travel buddy

for your next trip? This kind of service can be beneficial for seniors. Not only does it provide support and camaraderie, but it also ensures a more pleasant and worry-free travel experience overall. Why not consider travel companionship for your next adventure?

Seniors need to maintain their daily routines, even when traveling. Traveling can disrupt the regular lifestyle of seniors and their families, which is why the service of travel companionship is invaluable. Experienced and trustworthy companions help seniors explore the world with comfort, confidence, and peace of mind. They ensure that seniors enjoy their travels while maintaining their well-being and safety

When looking for professional and reliable travel companion services, ensure they have dedicated travel companions expe-

rienced in providing assistance, companionship, and support to seniors throughout their travels. They must understand that traveling can be overwhelming, especially for seniors, and are there to provide emotional support and companionship throughout the journey. Whether you’re looking for a warm and friendly environment or simply some reassurance, travel companions are here to create a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free experience. Planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially when handling logistics. That’s where AdvanCare travel companions come in. They take care of everything from booking flights and a ccommodations to arranging transportation and other necessary arrangements. Their expertise in travel procedures and local knowledge ensures a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

unique needs and preferences. Travel companion services are fully customizable, allowing a personalized itinerary that caters to the client’s requirements, whether traveling solo, with family, or in a group.

The agency must understand the importance of having trusted and professional travel companions, especially for seniors who want to explore the world and create lasting memories. All dedicated companions must undergo thorough background checks and extensive training. They must possess the necessary skills and experience to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience for seniors.

Travel companionship is essential for seniors. AdvanCare will provide exceptional care and companionship every step of the way so that seniors can travel with confidence and joy.

To learn more, visit us at AdvanSeniorCare.com.

Felicia Horton

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Foundation for Senior Care appoints McHale to Board of Directors

New board member brings strategic and development expertise in senior-care and nonprofits

FALLBROOK – The Foundation for Senior Care announced the appointment of Michael McHale as the newest member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately.

McHale brings to the table more than 23 years of service in the older adult care, long-term care and hospice industries, as well as extensive experience working with large and small nonprofit groups. With expertise in executive leadership, development and management of senior-focused endeavors, McHale is currently the president and CEO of St. Paul’s Senior Services – San Diego’s largest nonprofit senior care organization.

“We are excited to have Mr. McHale join our already excellent group of board members,” Gail Jones, president of the Foundation for Senior Care Board of Directors, said. “His knowledge and experience in senior care is just the addition we need to fulfill our goals of building meaningful and sustainable programs, collaborating with like-minded organizations and providing services that are truly needed and make a real difference

in the lives of seniors in our community.”

As a board member, McHale’s role is to work alongside the other members and foundation leadership to develop strategies and initiatives to grow programs and services that are in-step with today’s older adult needs, but also adaptable as the older adult population and nature of care evolves.

The board of directors has individuals with expertise across the professional fields of healthcare, finance, fundraising, caregiving, hospice care, real estate and business administration. The addition of McHale brings the number of board members to 11 – all of whom are committed to the future of the Foundation for Senior Care and to fulfilling the mission to help older adults and adults with disabilities in the community maintain physical and mental wellbeing, age-in-place gracefully and receive the services and compassion they deserve.

“The issues affecting older adults are too large for any one organization to tackle. It will take nonprofit organizations coming together

to collectively solve these challenges,” McHale said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the Foundation for Senior Care to build collaborations and find impactful solutions to address these concerns.”

Established in 1979 and serving Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow and De Luz, the Foundation for Senior Care offers programs and services to help older adults and adults with disabilities stay safe, live independently for as long as possible and age with dignity. Services include transportation and grocery delivery, resource and referral advocacy, hospital-to-home recovery support, community education focused on older adult issues and daytime caregiving that offers adults of any age a safe and trusted place to experience companionship and engaging activities.

The Foundation for Senior Care is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.foundationforseniorcare.org or call 760-723-7570. Submitted by The Foundation for Senior Care.

Blood bank’s supplies shrink rapidly, seeks donors

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

One of the Inland Empire’s largest blood banks is scrambling to find donors amid a supply deficit that’s complicating efforts to treat cancer patients and others in need of transfusions.

“The summer months have put

an enormous strain on the community’s blood supply,” Dr. Rick Axelrod, CEO of LifeStream, said.

“All eligible donors are needed now. Platelets are especially important, as adults and children with cancer need frequent platelet transfusions as part of their treatments. About 50% of hospital platelet inventory goes to cancer patients.”

LifeStream provides blood products to more than 80 hospitals throughout Southern California.

“It’s not just platelets that are needed,” Axelrod said. “Our whole blood inventory has also taken a huge hit this summer. Our appointment numbers are not where they need to be to fulfill hospital orders.”

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.

Homes makes it easy to add a rental or

by managing the process from start to finish – including financing, permits, utilities, and more. Increase your monthly income! Floorplans of all shapes and sizes to choose from!

Donations Needed

Please

Volunteers Needed

We

Valley News/Courtesy photo

LifeStream has been contending with lean supplies, especially type O blood types and platelets, since last year.

“We ask anyone who is able to donate blood to make a lifesaving appointment,” Axelrod said. “Only one hour of your time can save three lives with a single blood donation.”

LifeStream’s donor appointment line is 800-879-4484. Appointments can also be made online via http://www.LStream.org.

Prospective donors must be at least 15 years old, and anyone under 17 must have parental consent. Mini physical exams will be required before a donation can proceed.

LifeStream has donation centers in Hemet, La Quinta, Murrieta, Rancho Mirage and Riverside. There are additional sites in San Bernardino County, as well as mobile clinics.

Michael McHale is the new member of the The Foundation for Senior Care Board of Directors.

Talk about a child’s mental health at their annual back-to-school physical

When should a parent schedule a well-child visit?

Don’t wait; schedule the appointment right away as pediatricians’ schedules tend to fill up in August and September.

For younger children, these appointments typically occur right after their birthday, but as they age, they may begin seeing their doctor closer to the start of the school year, as older children and teenagers may also need to have physical forms completed to participate in sports.

Many young people don’t receive treatment, as talking about their mental health can seem daunting or confusing. For example, Mental Health America said that about 60% of youth with major depression don’t receive treatment, even in states with higher access to mental health services.

If left untreated, adolescent mental health issues can carry into adulthood. Mental health during adolescence has a greater bearing on one’s adult life than many peo-

ple realize. CDC data on children’s mental health show that diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders become increasingly prevalent with age, and behavioral problems are more common among adolescents aged 6-11 than older or younger children. School is a challenging enough environment as it is, so be sure to talk to the doctor about any changes in a child’s mood, behavior, academic performance or disposition to better ensure their

needs are addressed and their concerns are heard, giving the child the skills to excel both inside and outside the classroom.

Most health insurance plans cover well-child visits. If you have any questions, call the number on your insurance card for more information. To learn more about preventive care for children or to download a well-child visit checklist, visit http://UHC.com.

When it comes to a child’s overall health, well-child visits are the perfect time to ensure their holistic development is progressing as it should. With back-to-school season ready to begin, it is a good time to discuss a child’s physical and mental health with their pediatrician or family doctor.

What is a well-child visit?

A well-child visit, sometimes referred to as a physical, is an annual appointment in which a child’s physician assesses their growth and development. These checkups typically consist of physical examination, including assessing their growth and development; routine immunizations to prevent diseases like measles, polio, hepatitis B, chickenpox, whooping cough and other serious diseases; hearing and vision tests; an opportune time to have a child’s sports physical forms signed and address any sports-related concerns such as previous injuries and a mental health screening.

Additionally, receiving routine immunizations helps a child’s immune system build the antibodies to help protect them from contagious diseases such as influenza, mumps, measles and tetanus. A child’s doctor will know which immunizations are appropriate for their age, but parents should not be afraid to ask questions. Refer to the full list of child and adolescent vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

Why discuss mental health at that next well-child visit?

As children can learn to understand medical problems that affect their bodies – like how asthma can make their lungs tighten and it can be helpful to use an inhaler to help them breathe more easily – parents and doctors can help them understand that mental health concerns are as important as physical concerns.

The coronavirus pandemic was a source of stress for many people, resulting in a sharp increase in adolescent mental health issues in recent years. According to a 2022 data set collected by the CDC, more than 37% of high school students reported experiencing poor mental health during the pandemic, with an additional 44% reporting they felt persistently sad or hopeless over the past year.

Dr. Frederick Kuo UnitedHealthcare of California

Dr. Frederick Kuo is chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare of California. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Dr. Frederick Kuo is chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare of California.

Review of all things real estate: What’s up with prices?

and are scheduling service appointments out to September due to a shortage of qualified technicians. Tight labor means increases in prices, regrettably the $7 burger at Harry’s is now history.

Bob Hillery CR Properties

It’s not just real estate, it’s prices across all fronts. Have you checked out the price of gasoline lately? In town, there is nothing offered under $5/gallon, and two days ago gasoline at Costco was $4.79/gallon. How about vegetables and produce? Propane, water and electricity? Due to slower than usual real estate business, we haven’t gone through a lot of printer paper this year. But really, a case of printer/ copier paper went from $22 to $36 since the beginning of the year?

Woof!

What is impacting prices across the board? We have an extremely tight labor market, which has to impact prices since businesses need to pay more for labor just to keep the doors open. The Temecula Hyundai dealer closed their service department on Sundays

The supply chain is affected by the tight labor market and the high cost of fuel. Our government has decided to move toward green power (electric) but can infrastructure support the change? Can we create enough electricity to abide by the new energy policies mandated by various city, county, state and national governments? The cost to transition to green energy must be passed along to the consumer, even if the consumer didn’t ask for the transition to happen.

As this article addresses real estate, high prices are not just about consumer goods. Per national studies, Case-Shiller reported that prices kept rising in May. Nationally prices rose 0.7% and for the fourth straight month, and are now just 0.9% less than the historic peak of June 2022. In Fallbrook, prices have been rising since March and we are up 4% Year

Over Year (YOY).

The Federal Housing Finance Agency reported similar results but from different data. YOY price rise of 0.7%, 2.8% in May and 3% increases year to date.

The National Association of Home Builders Trends Report indicated new buyer interest for new construction was up from 20% to 25%. That isn’t really startling

considering how constrained the resale real estate market is (remember the phrase “golden handcuffs” from an earlier article?).

People who refinanced into 2-3% mortgages are hostage to their interest rates and are not ready to give them up to buy smaller and more expensive properties at higher interest rates, which keeps inventory constrained. The trend toward new construction is likely because buyers are sick of competing and getting beat out by higher offers (yes, we are still witnessing multiple competing offers above list price despite high mortgage interest rates, the demand is there).

So even though new construction is usually higher priced than residential resale there is availability and generally fairly accurate completion schedules, so buyers are heading that direction because they want to share in the American dream of home ownership.

The Federal Reserve still isn’t happy with the rate of inflation and recently raised the Federal Funds rate again (for the 11th time in 16 months) so the cost of credit, and indirectly the cost of mortgage money, will remain high.

Okay Bob, what does all this blather about high prices mean?

My tea leaves indicate prices are not going to reduce significantly in real estate, consumer goods, automobiles, travel, food, entertainment or any goods, services or products that are sensitive to labor and/ or fuel-transportation prices.

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Specific to real estate, prices are not going to fall off the table. Properly priced properties will continue to sell as evidenced by continuing high demand. The takeaway, if you want to be a homeowner and you can afford the monthly payment, bite the bullet and pull the trigger.

Anticipate some relief in mortgage interest rates in 2024 when you can refinance but by doing so you will have captured a home you can love as your own, build equity and when you do refinance it’ll be like getting a pay raise. Marry the house, date the rate.

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This very-well maintained Family 2BD, 1BA gem is situated on a generous corner lot with dual gate RV access to the back yard from the rear, Interior has been updated with fresh paint, new fixtures, including recently replaced laminate wood flooring. Great family neighborhood in Hemet! Featuring central heating and air conditioning. No HOA.

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with its fair share of challenges and stresses.

Recent research completed by Duck brand uncovers insights about first time movers -- who they are, what their biggest challenges are and what could potentially make the process easier.

Making the Move: The survey finds that people deciding to leave the nest for the first time are typically young adults, between the ages of 18 to 25, who plan to move to a nearby apartment (56%) or house (37%).

Biggest Road Blocks: Fifty-one percent of survey respondents agreed that the biggest challenge of their first move was not knowing where to begin. Other challenges included not knowing how to properly pack (32%) and not knowing what to buy (27%).

With an understanding of firsttime movers top challenges, the experts at Duck brand are sharing their top tips to complete any move with ease.

1. Have Help: Only 5% of firsttime movers opted to use a professional moving service, with most citing budget constraints as the reason they didn’t do so. If you’re not sure where to begin but you know you’ll be one of the 95% of first-time movers making a DIY move, start by enlisting help from family and friends. Forty-three percent of first-time movers rely on help from family and friends and 32% depend on their significant other. Only 32% say they moved on their own without help.

2. Pack Properly: Aside from making the down payment on their new place, 36% of first-time movers say their largest expense was “buying new furniture/home items,” but that can easily be avoided by properly packing existing essentials.

The research finds that 42% of first-time movers damaged their glassware, such as plates and bowls, and 33% broke décor, like mirrors and picture frames, during the transition. These fragile items should be wrapped securely in products like Bubble Wrap Cushioning from Duck brand to ensure they arrive at the new location in one piece. In fact, 54% of survey participants say they would not move again without protective packaging.

3. Buy the Basics: Not sure what to buy for the first move? More than half (55%) of survey respondents say the single most essential moving supply is boxes. Although 62% of people used old cardboard boxes for their first move, 73% say they would purchase new boxes for future moves.

To learn more about the Duck brand products that make moving easier, visit https://www. duckbrand.com/products/movingstorage.

While moving for the first time can seem intimidating, having the right tools and strategies can ensure the process is less stressful.

August 11 – 17, 2023

Cleveland Browns look to local alumni for 2023 season

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

NFL football is back and no, this isn’t a story about the semilocal teams from California. This story takes us to the other side of the country, featuring the Cleveland Browns. Yes, the Cleveland Browns, a team with immediate ties to Southwest Riverside County. The Browns kicked off the 2023 NFL preseason with a 21-16 victory over the New York Jets in last Thursday night’s Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. In that game, three former local standouts from the area were suited up for all the action donning burnt orange and brown.

Sione Takitaki (Heritage High School), Lorenzo Burns (Linfield Christian School), and Demetric Felton Jr. (Great Oak High School) have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming NFL season, which is never guaranteed, even when your name is on the team roster. NFL teams have 53-man rosters, and carry 90 players on practice squads, though every member gets treated the same by coaches, and staff, the goal is to be one of the names on the active list when the opening game pops off in Week One.

Takitaki and Felton Jr. are no strangers to getting cheered on the by Dog Pound (the bleacher section behind the east end zone of Cleveland’s stadium), and Burns, at age 25, has high hopes of getting those cheers soon enough, as he is the most recent signee to hit training camp.

Originally signed by Arizona as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Burns spent time on the Jaguars’ practice squad in 2021 and 2022 and most recently played for the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL, winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. He will wear No. 27 as he competes for a roster spot over the next five weeks with the Browns. According to a recent post from his father, DeChon, who played at USC during his college career, and is the current head football coach at Linfield Christian, he says all the Burns men have worn the same number at one point in their careers. Simeon Burns, a 2017 graduate from Linfield Christian, also played college football, most recently at Chowan University in 2022 as a redshirt senior.

Prior to the NFL, Lorenzo Burns, who graduated from Linfield in 2016, played five collegiate seasons, all at the University of Arizona. The coaching staff redshirted the cornerback during his freshman year, in which he saw action in just two contests due to injury. Burns played in 40 games over the next four seasons, amassing 191 tackles, including eight tackles for loss, 26 pass breakups, nine interceptions and two sacks. This past season Burns had 26 tackles in the USFL.

Inland Sports BOOST Top-25 prep football poll

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

Somehow, the first official week of high school football in California is almost here, which means, yes, summer is on the way out, making way for Fall sports, but it also means Zero Week games are coming in hot. Thursday, August 17, will mark the start of prep football in the Southwest Riverside County region, which can be equally as exciting as it can be stressful for a coaching staff for any number of reasons. But that’s another story. As for this week, we wanted to check in with Pep Fernandez and the crew from Inland Sports, who have been hard at work checking in with local teams, and getting down to

the nitty gritty of what will make them tick this season.

Last week social media platforms were buzzing with the most recent BOOST Top-25 and coaches preseason polls which saw five of the top ten teams hailing from right here in our own backyard. Not to mention, of the top 25, ten are schools from the surrounding area.

The Chaparral Pumas came in at No. 2, out of the Big West Upper Division (formed in 2022), while former Southwestern League counterparts, Murrieta Valley, also in the BW Upper Division, follow right behind at No. 3, as well as Vista Murrieta at No. 9. Orange Vista

San Jacinto are

other see PREP, page C-2

While he faces an uphill battle to make the Browns’ roster this summer, he has high hopes despite the fact that the team goes threedeep at cornerback before the position gets upsettingly thin.

As for Demetric Felton Jr., who carried the ball seven times for 46 yards and added two catches for 9 yards in Week One of the preseason, he says he felt like he was back at UCLA when he scored against the Jets on a 16-yard touchdown run with 6:11 left in the third quarter. A big part of it was the block quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, his former QB at UCLA, made to help him scamper into the endzone.

“It was awesome,” Felton told the media after the win. “Yeah. It felt like it did when we were back at UCLA. It was cool.”

Felton Jr., a 2018 Great Oak graduate, who was a sixth-round pick by the Browns in 2021, carried the ball 233 with the Bruins, for 1,101 yards, and was a threat in the passing game, too, with 99 career catches for 958 yards. It was part of what appealed to the Browns when they picked him. It appealed to them so much that Felton was valued as a wide receiver last season, practicing with the receiver core, and stood with them on the sideline during games. In 2021 Felton had 2 receiving touchdowns with close to 200 yards on 21 targets. Last season Felton’s number were very limited on offense, as well as special teams, playing in only 8 games.

This year, he returns to the backfield as he worked primarily at running back last Thursday, playing almost all of the second half after he came in during the first half as John Kelly Jr.’s backup. Everyone who played was either a rookie getting their first work or a veteran fighting for a job. Felton falls squarely in the latter category since he was also the primary kick and punt returner with Jakeem Grant working back from a ruptured Achilles suffered in training camp. With such versatility, it’s just another way he can work his way onto the 53-man roster.

“It’s huge for me to be able to show that I can be helpful on special teams,” Felton Jr. said. “That’s something that I’ve been trying to work a lot in the off season just to give them more trust in me.”

During the first two years of his career, it was all about the more he could do. This year it’s about getting back to his roots.

“It’s been fun being able to go back in the running back room and contribute to the team,” he said. “It’s super fun for me.”

And finally, there’s former Heritage Patriot standout player Sione Takitaki, who looks to hit the depth chart as the starting

Former Linfield Christian and University of Arizona standout, Lorenzo Burns, who just came off back-to-back championship seasons with the USFL Birmingham Stallions, signed with the Cleveland Browns last week, prior to Week One of the 2023 NFL preseason. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Cleveland Browns running back Demetric Felton Jr. a former standout at Great Oak, and UCLA, returns to the backfield after being a threat at wide receiver last season. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki, a former standout player for Heritage High School and BYU, returns in 2023 after a season ending ACL injury in 2022. Valley News/Cleveland Browns courtesy photo

Both the Chaparral Pumas, and San Jacinto Tigers, seen here in 2022 playing in a nonleague bout, cracked the top ten of the Inland Sports BOOST Top-25 Coaches Polls last week. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

and

the

see BROWNS, page C-6

Local talent named to USA Baseball 13U/14U and 15U training camp rosters

JP Raineri Sports

Editor

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball

recently named the 50-man roster for the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program, as well as the 44-man roster for the 15U National Team Training Camp, which both took place between August 1-6 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. Three local players from Southwest Riverside County made the trip, with high hopes of getting invites to future events.

Jacob Melendez, an infielder, and left-handed pitcher from Perris, represented the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program roster, while Andrew Jimenez, an infielder and right-handed pitcher from Wildomar, and Taytum Reeves, a catcher and infielder from Menifee, represented the 15U National Team Training Camp roster. All three are former development program participants.

The Athlete Development Program (ADP) allows athletes to connect with USA Baseball coaches, task force, and national team staff to better prepare for a future national team experience. Participants take part in on-field skills development with positional and team-fundamental drills, and a

PREP from page C-1

two schools cracking the top ten.

Here’s the preseason power rankings (the smaller the number, the better, like golf.)

Centennial (1)

Chaparral (2.62)

Murrieta Valley (3.37)

Cajon (5.75)

Orange Vista (6.37)

San Jacinto (7.12)

Aquinas (7.25)

Citrus Valley (7.62)

Vista Murrieta (7.87)

Roosevelt (8.75)

Norco (10.5)

Liberty (13.5)

Norte Vista (15.75)

Yucaipa (16)

Rancho Verde (16.62)

Great Oak (16.75)

Beaumont (17.25)

King (17.75)

Murrieta Mesa (17.75)

Summit (18.25)

Grand Terrace (18.75)

Paloma Valley (18.87)

series of intrasquad games to assist in developing the athletes as both a player and a person. Additionally, the athletes participate in off-field educational seminars while gaining additional exposure to professional scouts and college recruiters.

This year’s 13U/14U teams are named after USA Baseball alums and former development program participants Dylan Crews and Termarr Johnson. Crews, who was named USA Baseball’s 2023 Golden Spikes Award winner, is a four-time Team USA alum and two-time gold medalist. He played for the 2017 15U National Team, 2018 18U National Team, and 2021 and 2022 Collegiate National Teams after participating in the National Team Development Program (NTDP) in 2016 and 2018. Crews–who was recently selected second overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2023 MLB Draft–helped the stars and stripes win gold medals at the 2017 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier and the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in 2018.

Johnson is a two-time alum, as he was a part of the 2019 15U National Team which won gold at the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier after

Jurupa Hills (19.25)

Ramona (19.62)

Temecula Valley (20.5)

Look for plenty of updates as the Valley News sports department will be linking up with Inland Sports throughout the school year to provide even better coverage of what’s going on in the world of prep sports in our area, and beyond.

Inland Sports news can be followed online at www.inlandsports. wordpress.com and the Inland Sports show can be viewed weekly on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.

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

participating in the 2018 14U NTDP. He was also a member of the 2021 18U National Team, where he led the team in batting in a friendship series victory over Canada, before being selected fourth overall in the 2022 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“We are excited for all the athletes who will participate in this year’s development program,” USA Baseball Director of Player Development Jim Koerner said.

“Our coaches and task force members worked extremely hard at last year’s National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup, and this summer at the National Team Championships, to identify the top talent at the 13, 14, and 15-year-old age levels.”

These roster announcements come following the conclusion of the National Team Championships in Arizona and North Carolina, which, along with the NTIS Champions Cup, serve as the main identification events for the ADP. Twenty-six athletes on the roster played in this year’s National Team Championships, while 21 were selected from last year’s NTIS Champions Cup. Overall, 30 athletes are new to USA Baseball programming this year.

The National Team Identification Series (NTIS) also serves as the main identification event for the

15U National Team. The final 20-man roster at the 15U level was named on August 5 before competing in an international friendly competition with the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

“Throughout this identification process, we have seen many extremely talented baseball players from all across the country,” said Ben Kelley, USA Baseball’s 15U National Team Program Director.

“The 44 players on the Training Camp roster have proven to be some of the nation’s best, and we were excited to have them compete for a coveted spot on the final twenty-man roster.”

Jimenez and Reeves both made the 15U National Team 20-man roster, which was reported to us earlier this week, which will be led by seven-time Team USA coach Rob Shabansky, who is making his second managerial appearance for the United States. Shabansky is joined on staff by pitching coach Casey Scott and assistants Derek Simmons and John Weber.

Fans can enjoy all the action by following the National Team Development Program @ USABDevelops on Instagram and Twitter or visit USABaseball.com.

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

EDUCATION

August is Back to School Safety Month

Slow down and look for children in school zones

MENIFEE – As students head back to the classroom, the Menifee Police Department reminded parents and residents to slow down, follow the speed limit and be extra careful driving through school zones.

“Please drive like it is your child, grandchild, niece or nephew walking or riding their bike to school,” Interim Police Chief Pat Walsh said. “Pick-up and dropoff times can be hectic, but it’s important to be patient and stay

safe as children are getting to and from school. It is better to be slow than sorry.”

If you are behind a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights, drivers need to stop so students can safely get on and off the bus. Drivers must remain stopped while the red lights are on. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or a center turn lane. The Menifee Police Department offered the following tips to stay

safe around schools: slow down and follow the speed limit; adhere to school policies and procedures for dropping off and picking up students; stop for school buses and watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting.

Whenever possible, avoid blocking the crosswalk while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

For parents with children walking or biking to school, teach them safe walking and riding behaviors, such as looking both

ways before crossing the street, using sidewalks when available and crossing at marked crosswalks with stop signs or signals.

Share your thoughts about school zones by participating in the Go Safely Movement, a callto-action traffic safety survey from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Take the survey at http:// gosafelyca.org.

Submitted by Menifee Police Department.

Taytum Reeves, a catcher, and infielder from Menifee, represented the 15U National Team Training Camp roster earlier this month at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.

Andrew Jimenez, an infielder and right-handed pitcher from Wildomar, was a part of the 15U National Team Training Camp earlier this month at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.

Valley News/USA Baseball photos

Bear Bachmeier looks to help Murrieta Valley stay close to the top with the No. 3 ranking of the Inland Sports BOOST Top-25 Coaches Polls, which came out last week.

Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Soboba students honored for their academic achievements

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to the Valley News

The annual celebration of education excellence was held Sunday, July 23, at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center where the Soboba Tribal Council presented its Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony. Sixty-six students were recognized for outstanding performance during the 2022-2023 school year.

More than 500 guests were on hand to support the success of the Tribal youth, whose hard work and dedication led to some amazing accomplishments. A welcome from Soboba Tribal Council Chair Isaiah Vivanco began with an introduction of other council members Vice Chair Geneva Mojado, Secretary Monica Herrera, Treasurer Daniel Valdez and Sergeant at Arms Michael Bentiste.

“We also want to acknowledge all the Elders and family members that are here supporting the success of our Tribal youth and more importantly, we are here to celebrate the achievements they have made,” Vivanco said. “Achievement can be defined as something accomplished with special effort. Soboba youths have proven that hard work and dedication can result in amazing accomplishments for our people. We owe it to them to provide them with the tools to succeed. Today we thank you and celebrate your achievements.”

A blessing was followed by a performance from the InterTribal Bird Singers and Dancers before the buffet-style lunch was made available. Throughout the ceremony, raffle prizes were randomly awarded to all students. After a video presentation that highlighted each student, recipients were called up by specific categories by Soboba Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada who served as master of ceremonies.

Those students earning Silver Outstanding Achievement with a GPA of 3.0-3.4 each received a trophy and certificate. They were Brave Alvarez, Ava Arenas, Jeffrey Arres, Mkilawish Arres, Emily Pauline Arrietta, Moyla Arviso, Lokelani Basquez, Victoria Maria Boiso, Nokaamay Briones, Mahryah Carmelo, Zachary Te’met Guacheno, Marco Hernandez, Lavina Lopez, Gemma Mazza, Ronald Morillo III, Wayne Nelson, Danny Placencia, Kimani Resvaloso-Sanchez, Agustin Luca Salgado, Rudy V. Sanchez, Leandro Silvas IV and Daniel Valdez Jr.

Students obtaining Gold Superior Achievement for a GPA of 3.5-3.9 were each presented with a trophy and certificate. They were Jaden Carmelo, Mariah Castillo, Raelina Castillo, Selaya Helms, Kylie Herrera, Duke Marruffo Lara, Aimee Organ, Adam Post, Sophia Resvaloso, Alayna Resvaloso-Wood, Jade Reyes, Shawna Rivera, Raya Salgado, Jason Valenzuella, Bella Vallejo and Bella Ward.

Platinum Academic Excellence honors were presented to students with a GPA of 4.0 and above, along with a trophy and certificate. They were Ava Cozart, April Garcia, Alana Kashersky, Aureny Manzanilla, Avellaka Manzanilla, Luisa Rivera, Lorraine A. Salgado and Ginger Velazquez.

Several of these students shared more about their academic and extracurricular activities. Cozart, 16, has been on the Hemet High School varsity volleyball team since her freshman year. She also served as ASB Junior Class Treasurer and Yearbook Co-Chief Editor. She plans on earning her college degree in history after she graduates from high school to possibly pursue a career as an archaeologist or high school history teacher.

“I was able to watch my sister go through her schooling and seeing her get good grades motivated me to try and get to the same level and higher,” Cozart said. “My parents also push and expect me to have good grades which made me the student I am. On a regular basis I use whatever free time I have in any classes to complete my work so it doesn’t feel like I have to do too much when I get home.”

What she likes best about school and learning is the opportunity it gives her to shape her own future.

Aureny Manzanilla, 15, said her favorite subject is math and she also found time to play volleyball.

“To help get to the level I am at, I paid attention to the teacher while talking and did my work right away instead of holding it off,” she said. “The best part about school is learning. I love to learn about anything and everything because it’s truly fun and interesting.”

Avellaka Manzanilla plans to enlist in the Navy and then pursue a career as an EMT or something similar when she has completed her military service. She plays volleyball, does beading in her spare time and her favorite subject is history.

“The thing I like best about learning is it’s a whole different perspective; learning is not just black and white, there’s so much more to it,” Avellaka Manzanilla, 17, said. “The things I did on a regular basis to reach this level was to do my work on time and not let it pile up.”

Rivera’s favorite subject is Spanish and credits her teachers with helping her stay on task. She was involved with AVID, ASB, Beading Club and plays volleyball and softball. She is part of the WE LEAD summer work program as well.

“I like that I get to be with my friends at school and learn new stuff every week,” Rivera, 17, said. “I want to become a teacher and work for Soboba.”

Salgado said she studies and pays attention in class as much as she can.

“I want to get into a good college, so that motivates me to work hard to maintain a high GPA,” she said.

The 16-year-old plays tennis and lacrosse and is involved in FFA.

“I enjoy having a busy schedule because it prepares me for college and my life after school. I also like getting to go on field trips with people I am close with,” she said.

“I would like to become a dental hygienist and work for Riverside San Bernardino County Indian Health Services Inc.”

Velazquez said paying attention in class and making sure all her work is done on time has contributed to her academic success. She played volleyball and was part of the concert band at Monte Vista Middle School and will be joining the marching band as a high school freshman at San Jacinto High School. History is her favorite subject and she’s already thinking ahead to becoming a criminal defense lawyer someday.

“My favorite part of school is hanging out with friends and learning new information and interesting facts,” Velazquez, 14, said.

The next category was then introduced by Estrada.

“At this time, we would like to recognize the following recipients for successfully completing all the requirements and receiving a high school diploma which will allow them to further their educational goals,” he said.

Each student received a certificate, an olla, a beaded lanyard and a Pendleton blanket. Graduates were Leila Arres, Su’la Arviso, Iyana Briones, John Briones, James Gonzales, Lorenzo Hernandez, Poowish Eli Morillo, So’a Nelson, Emma Ushla Organ, Ciara Ramos, Isabella Resvaloso, Nashashuk Resvaloso, Francisca Rivera, Soowut Rodriguez and Jocie Yepa.

Estrada called the final group to the stage area to be recognized for successfully earning a college degree or certificate in their chosen field of study. Each received a certificate of achievement, an olla and a beaded lanyard.

Sherrina Herrera graduated from Dean College in Massachusetts where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/ Homeland Security with a minor in psychology. She attended on a basketball scholarship and was also involved in The National Society for Leadership and Success while there. She plans to obtain her master’s degree with the goal of joining the Army and serve in the criminal investigation division.

“What was interesting for me about criminal justice was learning different things about how it can help connect with my future plans and how I can pursue many different options when it comes to a career path and seeing how it would tie in together,” she said.

Herrera said she had a great experience at the college.

“It helped me grow as a person to overcome many different challenges and especially when being away from home for the first

time ever. It was a great choice because I got to experience a different culture and scenery that showed me how much things can be different. The one experience I can say I love the most was the snow because it was beautiful scenery.”

Raven Peterson graduated from University of California Los Angeles where she obtained her master’s degree in American Indian studies. She was on the board of the American Indian Graduate Student Association as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act representative while also being a virtual mentor for Indigenous scholars. Her future goal is to attend law school and she is currently exploring different ones.

“My interest in law started with criminal law. Growing up in Soboba I witnessed how law enforcement and the criminal justice system would treat my family and fellow Tribal members based solely on where we’re from, rather than whether or not we were actually guilty,” the Hemet High School graduate said. “It was always my goal to be able to help my people, whether that be people from Soboba or Native people in general.

“I decided to get my M.A. in American Indian Studies so that I could be more knowledgeable about my people and use that knowledge to my advantage when I do start working as a lawyer. As I continued my journey through higher education, my interests also grew in Tribal law and environmental law. I’m still deciding which direction to go, but once I start law school I’ll be able to explore my options and choose the path that I am most passionate about,” Peterson said.

Celena Pimentel completed courses and earned her cosmetology license from Paul Mitchell The School Temecula. She enjoys styling hair and was involved in The Makeup Academy. With this training, her goal is to open her own salon in the future.

Jasmine Romero graduated from California Baptist University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies with a concentration in early childhood intervention. She was

involved in the Boys & Girls Club. Her future education goal

also

Soboba students who earned Silver Outstanding Achievement with a GPA of 3.0-3.4 are honored at this year’s awards ceremony Sunday, July 23. Valley News/Robert A. Whitehead photos

Soboba students who earned Gold Superior Achievement with a GPA of 3.5-3.9 are honored at a ceremony held at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center.

Soboba students who earned Platinum Academic Excellence with a GPA of 4.0 and above are honored at the 2023 Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony. is to get her teaching credential as well as a master’s degree in social work. Her career goal is to be a full-time kindergarten teacher

High school graduates from Soboba are recognized by the Tribal Council at the Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony.

Soboba Tribal members who earned college degrees or certificates in their chosen fields of study are honored at the 2023 Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony.

Luisa Rivera, who earned Platinum Academic Excellence recognition, is congratulated by Soboba Tribal Council members Daniel Valdez, Isaiah Vivanco and Geneva Mojado. or teach special education. She currently works in a preschool see SOBOBA, page C-6

Rose Care FUNdamentals for August 2023

Summer is certainly upon us— and based on past experience, it’s only going to get hotter before it gets cooler. (I didn’t need to tell you that at the beginning of August, did I?) 2023 is and has been very unusual weather wise breaking records all over the globe.

Since high summer temperatures and less-than-ideal conditions for roses are inevitable for the next couple of months, let’s get ready! Stroll through your gardens in the morning, look for leaf wilt, drying or discoloring of leaves and the general leaf reflectance (surface luster). If it appears dull, investigate the plant for disease, drought or pests. If you’ve taken my advice, you’re letting your roses continue their summer dormancy until about midSeptember. Struggling to remain hydrated will likely produce poor quality blooms. Just remove and discard the withered petals and let the hips develop, keep the bed clean of debris, and DON’T fertilize. Be sure your irrigation program is in good condition and delivering needed water. It doesn’t take long for a rose to suffer once its irrigation supply fails.

When temperatures range in the 90+ degree zone roses like most living things perspire which requires intake of more water to keep cool and live. Roses “perspire” through cells along the edge of the leaf. If there is not sufficient moisture in the root zone browning of the leaves result. This is the sign of heat stress and needs immediate attention. This situation also limits bloom size, color and appearance of burned crinkled petals. This is why as much as 12 gallons of water per week is needed for the rose just to survive let alone

produce lovely beautiful blooms. I suggest only removing the petals of any roses that bloom and any fallen debris. Do not fertilize and increase the water. Let the plant rest the best it can. In the event that foliage becomes so stressed from heat and turns brown, dead falls off be careful not to remove so much that the cane becomes unprotected from the sun and gets sunburned which could kill the plant. Here are a couple of pictures That I took in my garden this A.M. I now live in an area that isn’t quite as warm as the Temecula Valley so I’m sure you’ve seen something like this in your garden with the recent temperature records. The size and color of this rose is not typical of the variety due to the heat.

Now seems to be when the Saw Fly is active also. It is usually a minor character but can create havoc if left alone and becomes prolific. On new growth it can kill the new vegetation. It’s also called the “cane borer” because (not surprisingly) it bores into a cane and lays eggs. Here is one such hole in my own garden – this happened today! Note the sawdust on the cane!

Chilli Thrips are a year-round pest but they love hot summer days best. They are 0.016 - 0.024 inch long, one fourth the size of the Western Flower Thrip. You’ll know Chilli Thrips are present only when new foliage and blooms are already damaged. Blooms will be deformed, discolored and outer petals will be darkened (Image 1). Buds will be distorted, darkened and may not open (Image 2). You’ll notice misshapen distorted new foliage and bronzing on back of new leaves (Image 3).

Chilli Thrips love all new foliage and bloom colors, unlike Western Flower Thrips who prefer light colors. It’s astounding the amount

Deformed-rose-bloom-chilli thrips of damage they can do in a very short time. Control is easiest in the earliest stages since a severe infestation can rapidly defoliate a rose bush and your other plants too. During hot weather the life cycle for Chilli Thrips is 11 days. Part of that time is spent in soil or debris under the plants. The larvae stage molt into a pupal stage and usually enter the soil or debris to eventually emerge as adults. Only the larvae and adults are feeding stages. Adults are dispersed by wind over long distances. Integrated pest management stresses the importance of cultural, mechanical and biological controls before resorting to the least toxic chemical control. Since Chilli Thrips have a short life cycle (11 days) you must detect damage and implement a method of control immediately. Cut out damaged buds, blooms and leaves; remove all fallen leaves and petals from

garden. A natural hero in the fight is the minute pirate bug which feast on all stages of this pest, as well as on spider mites, insect eggs, aphids, and small caterpillars. You can actually buy them on the internet!

If chemical control becomes needed choose the least toxic spray and follow label directions. During infestation all new growth will need to be sprayed weekly. Conserve or Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew concentrate are two organic sprays with active ingredient Spinosad. Spinosad will not harm ladybugs, green lacewings, pirate bugs or predatory mites. Spray early in morning or in evening after bees are less likely to be active and before temperatures reach the 80+ degrees.

During your daily tour of your garden look for any changes. Examine the lower leaves. If they appear yellow or brown, have fine webbing and/or look dirty, there may be an infestation of spider mites. Some areas have experienced a real problem with spider mites this year. They thrive in hot weather. They’re generally found on the undersides of those leaves. A quick check can be made by lightly running your fingers across the underside of the leaf. If it has a small grainy feel it most likely is the spider mite. A strong spray of water from below followed by an overhead shower should take care of the problem or, at least, hold it in check. Give the shower early in the day so the plant has time to dry before the sun becomes hot. Do this every 3 days for 10-14 days, inspecting regularly. It may be necessary to repeat after a few days if the infestation is heavy. Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew is good product to use in this case. Removing the bottom leaves approximately 8” from soil level can help in reducing or eliminating the spider mite problem. This should be done earlier, prior to an infestation. The world is dangerous enough for plants, but we gardeners are also faced with risks. One is a dangerous fungus with the scientific name Sporothrix schenckii. It afflicts humans with the fungus infection sporotrichosis which is often referred to as the Rose Thorn (or Rose Gardener’s) Disease. The fungus resides on hay, sphagnum moss, the tips of rose thorns and in soil. It can cause infection, redness, swelling and open ulcers at the puncture site. The fungus can also spread to the lymphatic system and move on to the joints and bones where it ends up attacking the central nervous system and lungs when the thorn or thorns are deeply embedded. A relatively uncommon condition, diagnosis can be complicated.

Physicians often mistake it as Staph or Strep infection. Be sure to inform your physician that you are a gardener so appropriate diagnosis and treatment are rendered. We all enjoy the fragrance and beauty of roses, and have often had our skin pierced by thorns (“prickles” is the correct anatomical name). Good protective measures include wearing appropriate clothing (gloves, long sleeves, or gauntlets) when working among roses and thoroughly cleansing even minor scratches and punctures with an anti-bacterial soap. Rubbing alcohol—which you should already have handy to clean your pruners—can be applied as an immediate wash until you can use anti-bacterial soap. Anything more than a minor puncture should be watched carefully for signs of infection; seek medical attention as soon as possible if you show any of the signs described above. Even the simple things in life have risks—take precautions so you can stop and smell the roses. And when you’ve got a moment to spare, go visit Rose Haven, located at 30592 Jedediah Smith Road (the cross street is Cabrillo Avenue) in Temecula. Also, visit our website at www. TemeculaValleyRoseSociety.org

Frank Brines ARS Master Rosarian

Heat damaged roses.

Heat damaged bloom. Cane borer hole.

Pirate Bug

Lacewing

Deformed rose buds chilli thrips

Distorted-foliage-chili thrips

Benihana set to open new Temecula restaurant in September

Japanese teppanyaki restaurant brings fiery entertainment to Temecula Valley

TEMECULA – Benihana, the nation’s leading owner and operator of Japanese teppanyaki and sushi restaurants, announced the opening of its first Riverside County restaurant in Temecula in September 2023. Located at 26420 Ynez Road near the Promenade Temecula at the intersection of Winchester Road and Ynez Road, the new location will mark the 12th Benihana restaurant in Southern California.

“Temecula is the perfect place for Benihana to deliver on our mission of creating great guest memories,” Tom Baldwin, CEO and president of Benihana, said. “We’re thrilled to be a part of the Temecula community and look forward to welcoming neighbors and friends to enjoy our special Benihana dining experience.”

To commemorate the grand opening, Benihana will host a celebratory lunch with a local children’s charitable partner and other special events to welcome the local community.

The 8,200-square-foot space will feature an expansive cocktail bar and 21 teppanyaki tables where skilled and trained teppanyaki

chefs will dazzle the eyes and taste buds, whether visitors choose steak, chicken or seafood. Guests can complement their Benihana experience with the sushi and sashimi menu in addition to bar offerings that include premium and artisanal sakes, fine wines, craft beer and classic cocktails.

Guests can also enjoy their hibachi and sushi favorites at home through delivery services including UberEATS, Postmates, Grubhub, DoorDash, Favor, EZCater and online at http:// Benihana.com.

“Beyond a fun, one-of-a-kind dining experience, Benihana is known for creating great memories by delighting guests with our talented entertaining chefs and our delicious, high-quality menu items,” Lisa Merelo, general manager of Benihana Temecula, said. “We have developed a strong local presence throughout Southern California, and we are elated to continue to expand where guests have always embraced our very special Benihana brand.”

For more information about Benihana, visit http:// www. benihana.com.

Benihana, through its subsidiaries, is the nation’s leading operator of Japanese teppanyaki and sushi restaurants

with more than 100 restaurants operating under the brands Benihana, Ra Sushi and Samurai, including franchised BENIHANA

restaurants in the United States, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. Submitted by Benihana.

Majority of Temecula residents support local tourism, express pride in Temecula Valley

Norma Marlowe

Visit Temecula Valley

Visit Temecula Valley issued the results of its 2023 Resident Sentiment Tourism Survey, which examines how the residents of Temecula feel about various aspects of tourism. Survey results show that more than three quarters, or 76%, of those surveyed support and care about the success of tourism, while 14% were neutral. Eight in 10 residents responded it is good for the region, and 75% said they care about the success of the tourism industry in Temecula Valley. The majority of respondents said they were proud to live in Temecula, with eight in 10 responding that they look forward to showing the area to visiting family and friends. Conducted by Longwoods International, the Resident Sentiment Tourism Survey is composed of data collected in spring 2023 from 1,333 adults residing in Temecula. It should be noted that 90% of survey respondents had no one in their household employed in the local hospitality industry.

“We want to know what Temecula residents think about tourism because their opinions matter,” Scott A. Wilson, CEO and president of Visit Temecula

Valley, said. “We are committed to maintaining a healthy balance between quality of life for our residents and quality experiences for our visitors as we continue to welcome visitors and support tourism-related businesses while promoting responsible tourism.”

Temecula Valley welcomed more than 3.2 million tourists in 2022, a 28% increase over 2021. More than half said they are aware that the Visit Temecula Valley tourism bureau is funded by tourists who stay in a Temecula lodging facility.

Over the past few years, the Temecula Valley has grown to include approximately 50 wineries, hundreds of restaurants, a variety of outdoor recreation and equestrian activiti es , a historic Old Town District and Pechanga Resort Casino. The hospitality industry is the fastest growing sector in Temecula Valley, with an estimated 9,160 hospitality workers servicing guests. There were 1,320 hospitality jobs added in 2022, a 16.9% increase over 2021.

Three quarters of the Temecula residents surveyed agree that tourism encourages investment in the local economy. Seven in 10 assert that tourism attracts new businesses. Sixty-four percent

support welcoming new tourism businesses that will attract visitors.

“The city of Temecula recognizes tourism as a significant driver of local economic growth and prosperity,” Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank said. “The positive impact of visitor spending and the valuable contribution of visitor tax dollars emphasize the vital role tourism plays in benefiting the city’s economy and enhancing the overall quality of life for our residents.”

Half of the residents surveyed also report they understand that without tax revenues from visitors, they would pay higher state and local taxes for government programs and services.

According to the Economic Impact of Travel in Temecula Valley 2022 by Dean Runyan Associates, “Travel spending contributes to an annual tax savings of $156 for each residential household.”

In addition, 50% of the city’s sales tax revenue is generated from non-residents. These funds are used for public safety, road improvements, infrastructure and other services and amenities that enhance the residents’ quality of life.

Seventy-two percent of residents who completed the

survey indicate that they are proud of what Temecula offers tourists, and 59% believe they have more recreational opportunities such as places to go and things to do because of tourism. The top tourism activities of interest to residents are restaurants, wineries/ breweries, special events and shopping in Old Town.

Additional findings included 74% believe the growth in Old Town has benefited tourism; 65% agree that tourism has positive benefits that outweigh negative impacts and half agree the quality of life in Temecula has improved because of tourism.

Of those surveyed, 80% resided in Temecula for 10 years or more. The average distance between home and a tourist attraction, such as Temecula Valley Wine Country, Old Town Temecula, Pechanga

Resort Casino, is 3.2 miles. Most participants’ ages range evenly from 35-65+. Nineteen percent are between the ages of 18-34.

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 and more. It is a popular destination that includes Southern California 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:// VisitTemeculaValley.com

Norma Marlowe is director of public relations for Visit Temecula Valley. my .com

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Benihana is opening its first restaurant in Riverside County in the city of Temecula. Valley News/Benihana photo

Caltrans reports ZEV electric vehicle program in California ahead of goals

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Tony Tavares, Caltrans director announced this week that the Californria goal to reach 100% zero emissions vehicles on the road by 2035, “has already achieved its passenger ZEV goal of 1.5 million sales, nearly two years ahead of schedule.”

He continued saying, ”California is leading the nation with commitments to 100 percent ZEV sales in the passenger vehicle market by 2035 and this spring adopted a policy for 100 percent ZEV truck sales by 2036. These ambitious policies are already generating results and will increase the model availability as we transition our own fleet to ZEVs.

“While California is making significant strides in transitioning to a zero-emission future, we must

BROWNS from page C-1

linebacker. At BYU, Takitaki finished his senior campaign with 119 tackles, 75 solo tackles, 10 for loss and 4 sacks. Following his college career, the Browns selected Takitaki with the No. 80 overall pick during the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Unfortunately, Takitaki’s fourth year in the NFL ended prematurely when he suffered a torn ACL in Week 13 against the Houston Texans. Seven months later, the 28-year-old is preparing for another campaign and planning to make a resurgence on the field.

“I am excited,” Takitaki said on an episode of Best Podcast Available, via the team’s website. “The rehab process has been going well. I like where I am at. Just been rehabbing a ton and just trying to get back to physical form. I like

not forget our department’s goal to advance equity and livability in all communities. The benefits of zero-emission vehicles go beyond reducing emissions and improving air quality. Funding programs provide critical opportunities to redress and reduce harms in historically overburdened communities and tribal nations.”

Recently Caltrans announced it was in the process of providing ZEV charging stations at the state’s many rest stops, including the one just outside of Cabazon on interstate 10 coming in and out of the Coachella Valley and other rest stops along the major freeways.

Anza Valley

In other news Caltrans announced it will begin work on a $5.2 million slurry seal and rumble strips maintenance project on State Route 371 (SR-371) from Aguanga through Anza in Riverside County.

where I am and feel we can make a big comeback. I am ready to help anywhere I can.”

Although Takitaki had an unfortunate ending to his season, he still played in a total of 12 games, starting in eight. During 2022, Takitaki recorded 36 solo tackles, 71 combined tackles and one quarterback hit and a forced fumble.

Despite the season-ending injury, Takitaki re-signed with Cleveland on a one-year deal in March after his rookie contract expired. Now, as he is going into his fifth year with Cleveland, Takitaki hopes to resurrect his skill set to help the Browns’ defense succeed under new leadership in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

This project will involve dig outs, slurry seal operations, striping, and installation of safety rumble strips on the inside and outside of the lanes in both directions, weather permitting.

The project was awarded to VSS International of Sacramento. Crews will be working in and near Aguanga and Anza on SR-371 from the junction of SR-79 and SR-371 to the junction of State Route 74 and SR-371. The project length is 20.67 miles.

Construction will begin this coming week on Aug. 14 and will occur Mondays through Fridays from from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. with occasional weekend work.

SR-371 will remain open for the duration of the project. One way traffic control with flagging and pilot vehicles will be in place. Motorists must wait for the pilot vehicle to escort them through the

construction zone. Expect delays up to 15 minutes. There may be intermittent, short term closures for equipment relocation and construction staging purposes. No long term closures are planned.

Murrieta, Wildomar

Caltrans alerts the public that some night work construction will still be taking place by contractors near Murrieta Hot Springs Road to Bundy Canyon Road, weather permitting. Nighttime work will occur Aug. 11 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. with the work will ending Saturday morning, Aug.12 on the I-15. Work includes upgrading facilities to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Please note, various lane and ramp closures will occur in the project zone. Watch for signage alerting motorists of upcoming lane closures and construction zone.

Whitewater While Caltrans announced it will be installing the ZEV charging stations on Interstate 10 at the Whitewater Rest Stop and the other rest stops, materials for the project have been delayed.

But when work begins on the $4.9 million project, Whitewater near Banning will be the first to be worked on, When it does begin the hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. No lane or ramp closures are expected on a regular basis but may take place intermittently to move equipment into the rest areas. The new ZEV charging stations will utilize a portion of the existing parking lot. Use caution when around the work area.

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

Three killed in Cal Fire helicopter midair collision over Cabazon

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

Three men were killed in a midair collision between two Cal Fire helicopters over Cabazon while engaged in firefighting operations, eliciting condolences from the governor and others on Monday, Aug. 7.

“On behalf of all Californians, our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the loved ones, friends and Cal Fire colleagues mourning the loss of Assistant Chief (Josh) Bischof, fire Capt. (Tim) Rodriguez and pilot (Tony) Sousa,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said.

“This terrible tragedy is a reminder of the dangers our courageous firefighters face daily while working to keep our communities safe. We owe them our deepest respect and gratitude and will always honor their bravery and sacrifices.”

Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez, whose Fourth District encompasses Cabazon, said he was saddened to learn of the loss of “three members of our fire service (who) perished protecting us from fire.”

“It is a horrible tragedy when those who serve the community do not return home to their families,” he said. “I pray for their families and the rest of Riverside County Fire Department.”

SOBOBA from page C-3

classroom at The Growing Place.

“I decided in college that teaching was the career that I wanted to go into because I wanted to teach children in a way they can grow into kind, healthy, respectable and loving adults,” Romero said. “I want to make a difference in assisting in the development of those who will go on to construct the world and improve it for us, them and the generations to follow.”

Place

She loves working with children overall and said she wants to take on the challenges that come with ensuring special education students have their educational needs met.

“I knew teaching was my calling because I wanted to meet the needs of all the students and have a better understanding of the children,” Romero said. “Creating lessons where children should be exposed to things that are appealing to the eye is important; it should inspire engagement and interest. Selecting materials that validate and empower children from all racial, ethnic and social

Agencies throughout the region expressed similar sentiments.

Murrieta Fire & Rescue posted to social media, sending “deepest condolences” to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen crew.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” the agency said.

From the Palm Springs Fire Department: “Our heartfelt condolences for the line-of-duty deaths of two Cal Fire firefighters and a contract pilot. This tragedy has left us deeply shaken and mourning the loss of our brave colleagues.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department posted a Facebook message, saying, “On behalf of the entire sheriff’s office, we extend our deepest sympathy to the families (of the fallen).”

The Orange County Fire Authority posted a message offering condolences. “Our hearts are with our Cal Fire family and all the loved ones, friends and colleagues impacted by this tragic loss,” the agency said.

The crash happened Sunday evening, Aug. 6 near Pipeline Road and Apache Trail, according to sheriff’s officials.

“We have lost three great individuals,” Cal Fire Southern Region Chief Dave Fulcher told reporters during an emotional briefing Monday morning.

The Bell 407 and Sikorsky S-64E collided while conducting

backgrounds is also important.”

Rose Soza Gonzalez graduated from Arizona State University with her bachelor’s degree of arts in filmmaking practices. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to continue her education for a master’s degree in fine arts and strive towards a career goal of being a photographer for the NBA and also work as a freelance screenwriter.

“Growing up, college was always a goal for me, especially being a first-generation student,” Soza Gonzalez said. “I always knew that I was going to get my degree in something creative. Photography was my first introduction to film and beyond. I got my first camera on my 15th birthday and started taking pictures right away. I struggled in school from an early age, therefore, being creative was an outlet for me to express myself and show my knowledge in a different way.”

She said that writing didn’t become a strength for her until college and now it has become a great passion of hers, having grown her writing in all forms while continuing to grow her

operations connected with the “Broadway Fire,” which scorched about 20 acres in the area of Broadway Street and Esperanza Avenue.

The Bell was piloted by Sousa, 55, with Bischof, 46, and Rodriguez, 44, serving in observational capacities, according to Fulcher. The helicopter crashed on a hillside, killing all three aboard. The crash caused a fouracre fire that was quickly knocked down, Fulcher said.

The Sikorsky, which was occupied by two people, landed without incident after the impact.

The Skycrane, which was dispatched to the area two months ago for the duration of Southern California Wildfire Season, was making drops over the blaze.

It was not immediately clear why the choppers were not positioned at safer distances or altitudes. Cabazon lies within the San Gorgonio Pass, with arching terrain both north and south, limiting maneuverability.

“Although this was a tragic event, it could have been worse,” Fulcher said.

He said the two helicopters were among a half-dozen aircraft sent to the blaze.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators initiated a preliminary investigation Monday.

screenwriting skills with hopes that she can someday have a published film or show.

Since graduation, Soza Gonzalez has been working at a nonprofit organization that serves adults who have intellectual disabilities. She is their social media content creator/ still photographer. She has fallen in love with working in social media and with the organization and knows it’s a good steppingstone to the film industry.

In closing, members of the Tribal Council reiterated the importance of recognizing the accomplishments of all the Tribal youth that were honored at the ceremony.

“The support given by the Tribe will help to ensure their success in the future,” they said. “Thank you all for taking the time to show your individual support. Good luck to our recent graduates as they begin the next step of their lives. And lastly, good luck to the middle and high school students who will be returning to school this fall. We hope to see you all again next year to celebrate your accomplishments.”

First annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day success despite Bonny Fire evacuations

Diane Sieker

Staff Writer

Despite a threatening wildfire and evacuation orders for some Anza residents, people came out to

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 was a huge success, according to organizer

Allison Rencke. The Cahuilla Bird Singers opened the event with a performance of their traditional songs. Following the Cahuilla festivities, Riverside County

Supervisor Chuck Washington presented a proclamation plaque to Ruth Roman, CEO and daughter of museum founder Margaret Wellman Jaenke. Jaenke, born and raised in the Anza and Garner

see FOUNDERS, page D-4

Local caterer donates food to Bonny Fire evacuation center

Diane Sieker

Staff Writer

Local caterer Kaci McCulloch decided she wanted to help the victims of the Bonny Fire, as well as the staff and volunteers that were providing for their needs at an evacuation center during the disaster.

McCulloch contacted Red Cross coordinator Mark Lawson and offered several hot meals for those staying and working at the shelter Sunday, July 30.

“We were able to drop off 14 meals to the Hamilton evacuation center,” she said. “I’ve lived in the Anza/Aguanga area for 15 years. My family moved here when I was 16. We relocated due to the Rice Canyon fires in 2007 where we lost our family home. We love the peace and tranquility this mountain community offers and we don’t plan to leave.”

The brush fire erupted early in the afternoon Thursday, July 27 in

see DONATION, page D-3

Red Cross personnel pose with local caterer Kaci McCulloch, her husband Austin McCulloch and their two children Andy, left, and Logan at the Hamilton High School gym that is converted into an evacuation shelter for Bonny Fire victims Sunday, July 30.

Anza Valley Outlook/Kaci McCulloch photo

As power restored to areas affected by the Bonny Fire, FIND and AEC provide emergency food distribution

Diane Sieker

Staff Writer

Electric service was restored to neighborhoods evacuated as the result of an over 2,300 acre wildfire that threatened the rural Aguanga/Anza area since Thursday, July 27. Power had been cut off to the Terwilliger neighborhood at the request of fire officials, an AEC representative said.

According to Cooperative managers, the AEC received the OK from Cal Fire Monday, July 31 to restore power to the 58 services that had been off since last Thursday or Friday.

Anza Electric Cooperative employees and Food In Need of Distribution mobile pantry personnel distributed disaster relief food boxes to residents directly impacted by the outage, Monday, July 31, near the

intersection of Bailey Road and Chapman Road. About 12 families received assistance at the location that afternoon.

Only those residents of the 58 homes that were de-energized were eligible for the food boxes.

The Bonny Fire blazed through hills and canyons on the edge of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation south of Aguanga, devouring about 2,305 acres and 20% containment as of Monday afternoon, July 31.

The blaze was reported about 2:50 p.m. Thursday, July 27 in the area of Bonny and Barber Lanes, and as of 5 p.m. Friday, July 28, was mapped at about 1,900 acres and about 10% contained, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. Evacuation orders encompassed the

see FOOD, page D-5

Michael Lewis drives his mule team at the first annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day Saturday, July 29.

Anza Valley Outlook/Rebecca Stewart photo Valley area, spent her later years collecting Cahuilla and cattle rancher’s history until her passing in 2022.

Anza Electric Cooperative staff and linemen hand out FIND disaster relief food boxes to residents affected by the Bonny Fire evacuation Monday, July 31. Anza Valley Outlook/Anza Electric Cooperative, Inc. photo

ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Regular Happenings

Anza Community Hall Swap

Meet - Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. $15 for a spot with membership. $18 for a spot without membership. Vendors wanted. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. See membership information under “Organizations.” ONGOING – Anza Electric Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers a free mobile food pantry the second Saturday of every month at the AEC office,

58470 Highway 371, from 10:3011:30 a.m. All are welcome. CalFresh application assistance and free community health services are also available. Bring your own reusable bags to take food home. Volunteers welcome. For more information, contact the AEC office at 951-763-4333.

Friends of Anza Valley Community Library – Anza Valley Community Library is located at Hamilton High School, 57430 Mitchell Road. The library is open to the public, but not during school hours. Hours are 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-

4 p.m. Saturday and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Monday through Wednesday. Hamilton High School – Find out what is happening using Hamilton’s online calendar at www.hamiltonbobcats.net/apps/ events/calendar.

Hamilton Museum – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza. For more information, call 951-763-1350 or visit www. hamiltonmuseum.org. Find them on Facebook at “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 951751-1462 for more information.

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

Veterans’ Gathering Mondays

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

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

AA Men’s Meeting – 7 p.m. Meetings take place Thursdays at 39551 Kirby Road in Anza, south of Highway 371.

Alcoholics Anonymous – 8 p.m. Wednesday evenings at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, call 951763-4226.

Bereaved Parents of the USA

– The Aguanga-Anza Chapter of BPUSA will hold its meetings at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 49109 Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-5512826. 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 951-7630856.

Living Hope Bible Study –8-10 a.m. Tuesdays at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 58050 Highway 371, Anza. All are welcome. For more information, call Pastor Kevin at 951-763-1111. Anza RV Clubhouse – 7 p.m., the second Wednesday of the Month, Pastor Kevin officiates at 41560 Terwilliger Road in Anza.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anza Valley Artists Meetings

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

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

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

Civil Air Patrol – Squadron 59 is looking for new members of all

ages. For more information, call squadron commander Maj. Dennis Sheehan from the Anza area at 951-403-4940. To learn more and see the club’s meeting schedule, visit www.squadron59.org.

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

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

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

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

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

Anza Community Hall – 7 p.m. General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Single memberships are $30 and include discounts to events for one person and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Family memberships are $50 and include discounts for a family up to 5 members and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Business memberships are $50 and allows an employer to receive discounts for up to 5 people, including themselves, and includes 1 vote on elections and meetings. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets. Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. For more information, call 951-282-4267 or email achageneral@gmail.com or visit www.anzacommunitybuilding.org

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

Anza Community Building, Inc. directors seek board nominations

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Anza Community Building, Inc. directors are seeking board nominations for their September election.

The nonprofit will hold its board of director elections during their meeting Wednesday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Anza Community Hall. Hall members and the public are welcome to attend.

“In order to vote, be nominated, or to hold a position on the Community Hall board, a person must be a Community Hall member of good standing for more than 30 days,” explained

director Chris Skinner. “The last day to become a Community Hall member and vote or run for a position on the board for the upcoming election is August 14. The last day to nominate another member or to nominate yourself for a position on the board is Wednesday, August 30.”

Membership packages include:

Annual Personal Membership

- $30. This package includes one voting right, valid for one person, and good for one year from the date of purchase.

Annual Household Family Membership is $30. This package includes one voting right per family member up to five people, and good for one year from the

date of purchase.

Lifetime Personal Membership

- $500. This package includes one voting right. No renewal ever needed. Not valid for businesses, not transferable and non-refundable.

Annual Business Membership

- $50. Valid for one business and good for one year from date of purchase. A single person can vote for a maximum of 2 combined voting rights: one personal membership and one business membership, no matter the number of business memberships purchased by the personal membership. Cash, PayPal and checks are accepted as payment.

Each Anza Community Hall member shall be eligible to cast one vote for their personal membership and a maximum of two votes if they have purchased a business membership, in the elections held for Board of Directors or in any other vote put before the membership.

Those interested in becoming a nominee for the Board of Directors must have and maintain a Personal Membership in good standing for at least 30 days prior to nomination to the Board.

Additionally, memberships must be in good standing the entire length of time served on the Board.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Anza Community

Building, Inc., or to discover upcoming events can call Pebbles Bartlett-Lewis at (951)760-9244, email ACHAGeneral@gmail. com , visit the Hall’s website at https://anzacommunitybuilding. org/ or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ groups/337754646415866

To donate, please click https:// anzacommunitybuilding.org/ donations/. The Anza Community Building, Inc. is located at 56630 CA-371 in Anza.

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

Beneficial electrification league demonstrates combining efficiency and electrification can make single-family home retrofits affordable in California

Retrofit pilot projects in rural Southern California community plus new research show low- and moderate-income homes can save energy and cut overall home energy bills

ARLINGTON, VA – With new federal rebates from the Inflation Reduction Act now available, lowand moderate-income households can overcome the cost barriers to home retrofits, according to the nonprofit Beneficial Electrification League (BEL). BEL’s whole-home weatherization and electrification demonstration projects, bolstered by groundbreaking economic research on water heater technologies, have demonstrated a positive outlook for retrofits that can benefit home residents, the environment, and the electric grid.

“The upfront costs of electrifying existing homes, unaffordable for many rural low- and moderateincome households using propane and fuel oil, has long been a barrier to upgrades that could reduce consumer energy bills over the long term,” says Keith Dennis, President of BEL. “Our research shows combining weatherization and high-efficiency appliances can overcome economic barriers to whole home retrofits when

combined with rebates, such as those expected to be available as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.”

For California households participating in the project, combining weatherization and electrification dramatically reduced overall energy consumption. A cost analysis shows one family’s monthly energy bill was cut in half. Expected federal rebates from the Inflation Reduction Act will enable electrification and upgrades with minimal or no upfront costs resulting in lower bills – an ongoing challenge for many California households – and increased safety and comfort.

“Electrification is a critical step in reducing energy costs for our members, and newer technology home appliances and equipment are enabling lower costs and a healthier indoor environment. This program is truly a win-win for homeowners and our utility,” said Anza Electric Cooperative General Manager Kevin Short. For more

information on the home retrofits, watch the video.

Water Heating Technology Research

Electrification of residential water heating, which accounts for approximately 19 percent of residential energy consumption, has emerged as a strategy for lowering costs and reducing building sector carbon emissions. In a whole home retrofit, deciding whether to keep the existing water heater or install a new system – and if so, which type – is key to cost-effective investments that maximize consumer, environmental, and grid benefits.

New economic research from The Brattle Group and GDS Associates, Water Heating Economics in a Dynamic Energy Landscape, analyzed the total societal cost of major water heating technologies across various housing types to determine costeffective and applicable options.

“Our study shows that policymakers, practitioners,

and consumers will benefit from considering the full suite of available water heating technologies when making policy and investment decisions,” said Ryan Hledik, a Principal at The Brattle Group and co-author of the study. “The optimal water heating technology can differ depending on energy market conditions, rate structures, available incentives, and other considerations.”

These findings are consistent with the results of BEL’s home energy retrofit demonstration projects. In all cases, weatherizing homes maximizes the benefits of new appliances.

The research and home retrofit demonstrations are part of Weatherization/Electrification

Together. This initiative, supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation, tackles the challenge of deploying high-efficiency electric residential heating and cooling systems in single-family homes to benefit consumers, the environment, and the electric grid.

DONATION from page D-1

the area of Bonny and Barber lanes on the edge of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation. Evacuation orders remained in place for days, and the Hamilton High School gym was opened as a Red Cross shelter. As of Friday, August 4, the blaze had been reported 98% contained with 2,322 acres having been burned.

About the Beneficial Electrification League

BEL is a not-for-profit organization bringing together a diverse group of organizations that support universal acceptance of beneficial electrification as a necessary strategy to meet economic, consumer, and environmental goals.

About Brattle: The Brattle Group answers complex economic, finance, and regulatory questions for corporations, law firms, and governments around the world. They are distinguished by the clarity of their insights and the credibility of their experts, which include leading international academics and industry specialists.

About Anza Electric Cooperative

Anza Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, rural electric cooperative in Anza, California. The cooperative provides electricity to 5,200 meters and serves 550 square miles of high desert in the San Jacinto mountains.

McCulloch started her catering and private chef business, K. McCulloch Catering - New American style cuisine, 5 years ago and services Riverside and San Diego counties. City News Service, Inc. contributed to this article. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Legal Advertising

Bowls of BBQ with macaroni and cheese are donated to shelter workers by local caterer Kaci McCulloch Sunday, July 30. Anza Valley Outlook/Kaci McCulloch photos

Sides complete the meals donated to shelter workers by local caterer Kaci McCulloch Sunday, July 30.

“Third District staff and I attended the inaugural Founder’s Day Celebration at the Hamilton Museum and Ranch Foundation, where I presented a proclamation to Ruth Roman in honor of her late mother, Margaret Wellman Jaenke,” said Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington. “Margaret was the Museum’s founder, and was honored for her contributions and dedication to preserving Anza and the Mountain communities’ history.”

The celebration was a fundraiser for maintenance of the historic Contreras homestead, house and barn where local historical artifacts are kept.

“We were there to honor the museum’s founder, Margaret Wellman Jaenke,” said Twila Wellman. “This amazing, tough as nails woman was born on the mountain to a cattle ranching family and she was a very accomplished ranch hand. She even broke a cow to ride. After marriage and bearing seven children, she went back and got her degree in teaching. She taught at Hamilton School in Anza until her retirement, at which time she decided Anza needed a museum. This is her labor of love that we are very grateful for today.. What an incredible role model.”

There were numerous competitions, including a Fruit Pie Contest, Photography Contest and more.

“I want to thank Lori Jo Woods and Rosaline Kopp for entering their great pies, Kathie Beale for entering the Pickled Vegetable contest and Julie and Elaina Nevills for entering their quilted placemats,” said Rencke. “Owen and Liam exhibited their container gardens, Paula McQueary and the mystery entry took part in the Floral Arrangement contest, Audrey Turpin and Monica Parsons swept the Photography competition, and Rosaline Kopp entered the Best Dressed Dog contest. All of them took home a ribbon and museum 2023 pin.” The event came to a close as the

dinner

dance, featuring the Barnyard Boyz band.

“It’s good to know that so much history is preserved for visitors to see,” said Rose Ann Hamilton.

“Achama umu ayawnah acha maveish…honeyon! Until next time, carry on - good evening all.”

The Hamilton Museum and Ranch Foundation is located at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza.

For more information about the Hamilton Museum, please visit www.hamiltonmuseum.com, email hmrf.Anza@gmail.com or call Allison Rencke at (951)7631350. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Ruth Roman chats with Supervisor Chuck Washington after accepting the Board of Supervisors Proclamation recognizing and honoring her late mother and Hamilton Museum founder Margaret Wellman Jaenke at the first annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day Saturday, July 29. Anza Valley Outlook/Rebecca Stewart photos museum hosted a barbecue

and

Cahuilla bird singers and dancers take a break with Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington at the first annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day.

Chilli Ainsworth attends the festivities at the first annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day.

KOYT 97.1 LPFM Community Radio programming director Erinne Roscoe tends her booth at the first annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day.

Artist Danette Newton sets up her booth at the first annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day.

Cahuilla Bird Singers perform their ancient ritual at the first annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day.

Vendors display their wares at the first annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day.

Cahuilla Bird Singing dancers prepare for their routine at the first annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day

FOUNDERS from page D-1

FOOD

Terwilliger area near Anza. Electric service to affected neighborhoods was shut down at the request of Cal Fire. AEC warned of the imminent outage for the area about 2:50 p. m. Friday, July 28, in a systemwide text and email message barrage.

ANZA LOCAL

Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies blocked entry into the area at Bailey and Terwilliger Roads during the evacuation orders. Only residents were allowed to and from their homes. The Red Cross organized a shelter at the Hamilton High School gym in Anza. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

For more information regarding the FIND emergency food distribution, please call the Anza Electric Cooperative at (951)763 4333. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Residents line up to receive FIND disaster relief food boxes Monday, July 31. Anza Valley Outlook/Anza Electric Cooperative, Inc. photo

George Soros backed organizations are descending on Temecula to influence your vote

to influence your vote to recall school board members who were democratically elected by you to represent them.

People for the American Way and its offshoot, Grandparents for Democracy, are indeed radical. The names sound so nice, but you have to do your research.

Julie Reeder

Publisher

Well, when our governor congratulated Temecula and said “You have our attention,” he was serious. Although I wish he would put more attention on the deficit in our state budget, our failing schools (not Temecula schools), the anti-parent laws that are being passed, the spiking crime, the homelessness and all the decent productive tax paying people who are leaving the state for peaceful lives elsewhere.

Now the teacher’s unions are suing the board. And, Temecula, you now have outsiders, People for the American Way, funded by George Soros’s Open Society, descending on your neighborhoods

Think about other candidates backed by Soros, like San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin and Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, who was the target of recall himself because LA is fed up with the soft on crime ideology that is ruining their city with looting and murder. While the organizations represent that they are fighting for equity, justice, democracy, etc. think about what no cash bail and lax enforcement and sentencing has done for our big cities nationwide.

From a PFTAW press release:

“People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that

counts. Learn more: http://www. pfaw.org.”

Unless you elect a school board member that doesn’t represent their point of view. Then you are authoritarian I guess, or if you cut out plays from a classroom that have graphic sex and profanity. Because we can’t impose on people’s freedom, even if it means exposing children to radical inappropriate sexual content. It should just be a free for all in the classroom apparently.

About Grandparents For Truth: “Grandparents For Truth (G4T) is a project of People For the American Way to mobilize grandparents, members and supporters who are fighting for the next generation’s freedom to learn, and who are resisting authoritarian attacks on the freedom to teach the whole truth about our history and culture.” This deserves a whole other piece. Who is actually being authoritarian and refusing to teach the whole truth about our history and culture? I would like to see evidence of that.

Temecula, it’s your city, but I would encourage you to really listen to both sides and don’t be influenced just by name calling and true fear mongering. If you actually watch the board meetings for yourself, you will be far more educated than what you hear from

national groups with a real and financed political agenda.

As a person who has been watching and covering the Temecula Valley Unified School District for decades now, I have a good idea of how great the school district is. It’s not hard for me to be objective. I am not particularly emotional about it and I don’t have students in the district. The TVUSD school board has been making decisions that they have every right to. Even stories I’ve read from outlets like the Patch are very one-sided and if you are just quoting the proponents and repeating their name calling and accusations, it’s very biased.

Proponents of the recall effort accuse the TVUSD majority of “fear-mongering” and deceiving their supporters and name calling them “cancer in the community” and likening people as holding “extreme” ideology that could be like the transformation of Germany into a dictatorship by the Nazi party.

Is it really the TVUSD board that is fear-mongering, acting authoritarian and holding extreme ideologies? After covering the board meetings personally, I don’t see it.

Because the board members took some extra time, before spending $1.6 million dollars on a social studies curriculum?

Which they later approved, with the exception of one section that is currently being reviewed? School children are “suffering”? Temecula’s reputation and the chances of children getting into prestigious universities is suffering? Really? The board is racist? They are Nazis, fear mongers? Cancer? Who is fear mongering? Who is grossly exaggerating? Because they replaced a superintendent, which is their prerogative? Because they disapproved of a play that had the “F” word in it over 100 times and had graphic descriptions of sex between a boy who lived with his parents and a man he just met at the park? Because they followed the present education code and found it inappropriate?

Because they banned CRT, like half the country has? Really? Are these “radical” right-wing extremist, nazi, racist authoritarian values? I’ve found that people have to resort to name calling when they can’t explain their position or have substance to their argument. It will be interesting to see what happens with a national support to recall local board members, to say the least.