Valley News, August 14, 2020 by Village News, Inc.

The Chef’s Grille receives Murrieta’s first Back-toBusiness grant, B-2

Riverside County gives green light to resume youth sports, with restrictions, C-1

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SERVING TEMECULA , MURRIETA , L AKE E LSINOR E , M ENIFEE , WILDOMAR , H EMET, SAN JACINTO August 14 – 20, 2020

Local League of California Cities urges Congress to aid local businesses

VISI T

T HE NEW

AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

myvalleynews.com

Volume 20, Issue 33

Supporters of law enforcement hold demonstration in Menifee

Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

A coalition of California city mayors and members of the League of California Cities are pleading Congress to get back to the conference table and provide $500 billion to be sent directly to hundreds of cities across the nation to help cover the mounting revenues shortfalls created by the coronavirus pandemic. see page A-2

Local San Jacinto City Council approves needed pedestrian and bicycle safety projects Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Local County reports 20,000 more tests conducted over the weekend, 1,531 new COVID-19 cases Jeff Pack STAFF WRITER

Riverside County Public Health oﬃcials Monday, Aug. 10, reported 1,531 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend bringing the total number of cases within the county to 38,131 since the county began recording data. Day by day, the county reported 536 new cases Saturday, 472 on Sunday and 523 on Monday.

A group gathers at the intersection of Newport and Haun roads in Menifee during a “Stand Up for America” rally, highlighting support for law enforcement, Friday, Aug. 7. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Will Fritz ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A group of nearly three dozen kicked oﬀ their weekend with a demonstration supporting law

enforcement at a major Menifee intersection Friday, Aug. 7. The protest, organized by Menifee resident Patrick Wyatt and attended by about 30 Menifee residents, including the Menifee

mayor and a city councilmember, was held at the intersection of Haun and Newport roads in the late morning and early afternoon. “I love America, and I want to see it keep being the greatest

country in the world, and I think there are a lot of forces right now trying to tear it down, so I wanted everybody, especially people in see SUPPORTERS, page A-6

Cloverlane Foundation helps disabled veterans improve their mobility Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Korean War veteran Gerald Chase, who lives in the San Jacinto Valley, saw a growing need to assist other veterans who were physically or mentally disabled and their families. Veteran Harvey Everett “Grey” O’Toole was presented a new six-wheel power chair, June 10, at American Legion Post 53 by Maneuvering Veterans Forward. The chair replaces his manual push wheelchair. The chair came from Empire Mobility, a major supporter of Cloverlane Foundation. In 1992, Chase established the nonproﬁt Cloverlane Foundation in Hemet to focus on enhancing the quality of life for children, veterans and animals, by provid-

ing programs and guidance to assist those most vulnerable. More recently, he formed a division within Cloverlane Foundation, Maneuvering Veterans Forward, to serve veterans’ mobility needs. O’Toole lost one leg and the use of one hand after serving in the Army National Guard as a mechanic in the 40th Armored Division in Fort Irwin. Chase, who is a member of American Legion Post 53, noticed O’Toole was having more and more diﬃculty moving around in the old chair and proposed the donation of a power chair from the foundation to help him out. O’Toole said he enjoys greater freedom with the new chair. It is giving his independence back and improving his quality of life, Chase said.

Chase served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 and fought in the Korean War. He was given the Legionnaire of the Year Award in 2018-2019 from American Legion Post 53 in Hemet for his efforts helping his fellow veterans. The Cloverland Foundation was also recognized as Nonprofit of the Year from the San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce in 2018. Cloverlane Foundation offers other services as well, including connecting veterans with Hemet Valley Medical Center for local medical attention, helping veterans to obtain their benefits for their military service and working to get homeless veterans and their families off the streets. Recently, Empire Mobility was see VETERANS, page A-2

Korean War veteran Gerald Chase is the chairman of Cloverland Foundation and member of American Legion 53 in Hemet. Valley News/Courtesy photo

see page A-3

INDEX

Q&A with longtime Temecula City Councilman Mike Naggar

Anza Valley Outlook ......AVO-1

Will Fritz ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Business ............................... B-2 Business Directory............... C-8 Classiﬁeds ............................ C-6 Education ............................ B-6 Entertainment ............. B-1, B-5 Faith ..................................... C-8 Health .................................. C-3 Local .................................... A-1 National News ...................... C-5 Opinion................................. C-7 Pets ..................................... C-6 Regional News ..................... C-4 Sports ................................... C-1 Wine & Dine ........................ B-4

Temecula City Councilmember Mike Naggar. Valley News/City of Temecula courtesy photo

Earlier this year, Temecula Councilmember Mike Naggar announced he would not seek reelection in November. Naggar has held his seat on the council the longest out of any of the four current members, having been ﬁrst elected in 1999. Before that, he sat on Temecula’s planning commission. In light of his retirement, Valley News spoke with Naggar via telephone Monday Aug. 10, to discuss his many years serving Temecula. Your retirement came as a surprise for many. Why are you stepping aside now? Well, primarily, it’s because my son is starting high school and he needs his dad around. And you

know, more than most., he needs his dad because he’s autistic. He’s somewhat high functioning in certain areas and in other areas he needs someone around to teach him and to be there for those teachable moments. So there’s that, and then, you know what, I’ve put together a good body of work and I feel like I’ve accomplished everything I set out to do. And in that regard, ﬁve terms is adequate. Five terms is more than I ever expected, and I’m very satisﬁed with it, it’s a culmination of a good career. What are some of the highlights of your time in office? What are some of the things you’re most proud of that you’ve done in the last 20 years? Well, you know there were so many things, and yet when I think some of the things that stand out –

certainly we’ve garnered national attention with all of our inclusive programs for special needs. And that popped up and started in about 2010 so I was already over two terms in at the time. But that really stands out, we were able to get a shadow population out of the darkness and actually show other cities how it’s done, so I’m really proud of that. What a lot of people don’t realize is when I ﬁrst ran for city council I ran on a platform of developers weren’t doing enough to build sustainable communities and people really forget that because we were in the middle of a building boom. But I ran on a platform of suing the county because the county was allowing developments outside of city limits see NAGGAR, page A-5

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Valley N ew s • w w w .myva lleyn ew s.com • August 14 , 2020

Local

League of California Cities urges Congress to return to table and provide $500B to aid local businesses Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

A coalition of California city mayors and members of the League of California Cities are pleading for Congress to get back to the conference table and provide $500 billion to be sent directly to hundreds of cities across the nation to help cover the mounting revenues shortfalls created by the coronavirus pandemic. Representatives of the League and the mayors of Murrieta and Yountville in northern California called the special Zoom news conference Monday, Aug. 10, to make their plea to the public. Valley News was there to participate. John F. Dunbar, president of the League of California Cities and mayor of Yountville who led the conference, made it clear that the $3 trillion federal coronavirus relief package did not include cities with under 500,000 residents. Very little federal money has made it down to the smaller cities across America, leaving them with mounting revenue losses. “There can be no economic recovery without a clear commitment from the federal government to address the staggering revenue shortfalls and skyrocketing costs that local governments have been forced to incur due to the shutdown of our economies and communities brought about by COVID-19,” Carolyn Coleman, executive director of the League of California Cities,

said. “This is not the time to walk away from the table. This is a time to focus on what needs to be done to support America’s hometowns.” Dunbar said, “During this pandemic, cities have stepped up by enacting emergency orders, establishing COVID-19 testing sites, protecting public health workers and residents and supporting local economic activity to operate safely. These actions have saved lives and small businesses, and it’s time for leaders in Washington to recognize that and step up to ensure we can afford to continue serving and protecting our communities.” Monday’s news conference was one of a series of four regional news conferences around the state, the “Support Local Recovery Coalition” called on California House members Kevin McCarthy, Ken Calvert, Paul Cook and Doug LaMalfa to urge their colleagues and the White House to restart negotiations and throw their full support behind $500 billion in direct, ﬂexible funding to local governments in the latest coronavirus relief package so that local governments can maintain core services and jump-start recovery in local communities across the country. Gene Wunderlich, mayor of Murrieta and a member of the Southwest California Legislative Council, said in the news conference, “I’ll be fairly honest, our cities need help. We need direct financial assistance and we need it now.” He reminded attendees the Coro-

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navirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act did not allow money for cities under 500,000 residents. He said what stimulus money they received from the state was not equitable with many cities getting as much as $174 per resident versus the $12.87 most of the smaller cities have received. “Meanwhile, we need help today. My city of Murrieta and cities across the nation have stepped up by enacting emergency ordinances, like setting up testing, protecting residents and maintaining public safety,” Wunderlich said. He said Murrieta is a fiscally conservative city and is handling the revenue losses fairly well, explaining some actions the city took to cut expenses. He said many cities, however, have had to cut essential and emergency services to the residents because of the financial losses. “Going forward we will have to join that crowd if relief is not forthcoming,” Wunderlich said. “That means more unemployment and less emergency services to our public.” He said many grants given private businesses would also be cut with the effect “far reaching.” He said they were told that 30% to 40% of the state’s small businesses may close. “It would be devastating to the state and national economy,” Wunderlich said. He said to the Congress, “We ask, no, we implore you. Please go back to work. Please do the right thing and make direct ﬂexible funding to our beleaguered cities and make it a priority.” Patrick Ellis, CEO of the Murrieta Wildomar Chamber of Commerce, agreed with Wunderlich and said that from a chamber perspective, small businesses and the cities are the “backbone of the country’s economy.”

He said, “I implore that they (Congress) get back to the table and start negotiating and getting the deal done that provides direct, ﬂexible funding to cities.” Frank Lima, 10th California District vice president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said now is not the time to cut back public safety for fire and police, particularly with the wildfire season fast approaching. “Without getting funding, those cities are going to suffer when you leave it to the state or the county it cannot be as effectively done,” Lima said. The Valley News posed a question about the original $3 trillion CARES Act funding that President Donald Trump alluded to that had yet to be distributed or spent by the states and counties and the possibility that the president might reallocate some of that money to the cities in crisis. Wunderlich was first to respond, saying they had heard of the issue in the last few days. He cited the president’s executive orders and said perhaps that might be part of it or in the current negotiations, dropping the $500 billion the cities need to perhaps $150 or $100 million. “That would help,” he said. “We might be moderately hopeful that assistance could be on the way. But, until we see that money in our account we really can’t count on that.” Dunbar, speaking about the state’s situation in that possibility, said the original CARES Act included only six of California’s cities with populations over 500,000. What coronavirus relief money was filtered down to the cities from the state and the county did not make up for the additional impacts on cities public health and safety costs from the pandemic. “We can’t keep waiting for those modifications to those funds be-

City council discusses Murrieta tourism business improvement district Samantha Cox INTERN

The Murrieta City Council held a public meeting Tuesday, Aug. 4, to discuss the renewal of the Murrieta Tourism Business Improvement District. Five years ago, the city of Murrieta approved the Murrieta Tourism Business Improvement District and is now seeking a 10-year renewal. Patrick Ellis, president of the chamber of commerce, was in attendance to answer questions from both the city council members and the public. The Murrieta Tourism Business Improvement District supports marketing campaigns for local hotels, wineries, restaurants and other entertainment services within Murrieta. The five hotels located in the city have supported this district in the past and are continuing to give

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their full support. “Equidistant from Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south, Murrieta and its small-town vibe is positioned as an ideal destination for day trips, staycations and nearcations for Los Angeles and San Diego county residents,” Cynthia Zanone said in an article titled “Murrieta pairs well with adventure in new promo.” The goal of the Murrieta Tourism Business Improvement District is to promote tourism in Murrieta by allocating funds for marketing of hotels and entertainment venues. The city collects annual assessments to distribute funds to Murrieta with an estimated budget of $186,000, according to Patrick Ellis. “The marketing costs are direct costs we pay to the marketing company and that is allocated for

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cause we are continuing to incur cost on a daily basis,” Dunbar said. “So the ﬂexibility of the funding and the direct access to funding to cities is what’s so critical. That’s why we are really urging all the members of Congress to respond this way.” Coleman said the state and nation are grateful to Congress for passing the CARES Act, but she cautioned that it is not known when the coronavirus pandemic will end and until then the cities will continue to pay the extra costs increasing the threat to public safety. “Frankly at the end of the day, this pandemic has gone on far longer than anyone could have anticipated, and we don’t know yet when we are safely going to open up our communities and get back – I won’t say to the old days – but get back to a different normal,” Coleman said. “We need more. We need additional resources to account for the limited time this crisis has endured in our cities. And we need to help offset expenses that we have to incur to keep everyone safe, and we’re going to need some resources to backfill the shortfalls because we took the steps we took to close down our economies.” She said the cities have done what they could with the money to offset the unexpected expenses. “That is not enough so we urge the White House and Congress to get back to the table and to talk about the new resources needed to stem the pandemic and to get our communities reopened,” Coleman said. Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

F r e e Sh i p p i n g

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D i s t r i b u t i o n • W h o l e s a l e • Re t a i l

the marketing costs, small management agreement between chamber and Explore Murrieta to offset small expenses,” Ellis said. Every November, the chamber of commerce will provide a presentation to the city council as part of the renewal agreement. While a decision has not yet been made on whether or not Murrieta will renew the Murrieta Tourism Business Improvement District, the city council will meet in September for final consideration of the agreement. Samantha Cox can be reached by email at valleystaﬀ@reedermedia. com.

VETERANS f rom page A- 1 the victim of a major burglary in Hemet; many things were taken which were meant to help disabled veterans and other disabled families. Working with Cloverland, the firm continues to give qualified veterans power wheelchairs. In 2018, Chase also formed Veterans Mobility Projects, which established a power-soccer team, the Warrior Veterans Adaptive Sports Club. The WVAC is the first all-veteran team in the United States Power Soccer Association. Even more recently, Chase has become the chief executive officer of Next Step Service Dogs. The program trains and places service dogs with veterans, first responders and active military, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury. “During these trying economic times and a global pandemic, Cloverlane Foundation and Veterans Mobility Project are carrying on the military motto ‘leave no soldier behind,’” according to the Cloverland Foundation. “It is a group effort to make this happen, helping veterans who would not receive help anywhere else. One of our missions is to assist disabled veterans in meeting their needs of mobility devices whether it be a wheelchair, power chair or scooter, and there is never a charge to the veteran.” For more information about Cloverlane Foundation or to make a donation, visit https://cloverlanefoundation.org or visit the American Legion Post 53 at 124 N. Ramona St. in Hemet. News members are always welcome. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

August 14, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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Local Riverside County reports 20,000 more tests conducted over the weekend, 1,531 new COVID-19 cases Jeff Pack STAFF WRITER

Riverside County Public Health officials Monday, Aug. 10, reported 1,531 new cases of COVID-19

over the weekend bringing the total number of cases within the county to 38,131 since the county began recording data. Day by day, the county reported 536 new cases Saturday, 472 on

Wildomar road repairs to wrap-up at end of August, future repairs ahead

Wildomar Trail is one of 11 streets in the city of Wildomar where a resurfacing project is nearing completion funded by Senate Bill 1, the state’s “Gas Tax.” Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Jeremiah Tatola WRITER

The city of Wildomar completed its major road repairs Friday, Aug. 7. Paid for by Senate Bill 1, commonly known as the “Gas Tax,” a $655,945 contract was made with the construction company All American Asphalt to oversee the project, which spanned 11 streets across the city. The majority of the project was completed Friday, Aug. 7, while the final work is expected to wrap up by Monday, Aug. 31. A low-cost, sustainable asphaltrubber aggregate membrane has been used to construct several of the streets, which allowed for a quick and seamless project. Dan York, assistant city manager expressed his gratitude to Wildomar citizens.

“Our community has been very patient on the status of our streets, and our council is aware of that.” York said. The city decided to allocate all of the gas tax funding to construction projects and guaranteeing an annual amount dedicated to street repair. The “Measure AA” 1% sales tax approved by residents in 2018 has allowed the city council to allocate $300,000 to additional repairs pending contractor bids. “We’ll be opening bids Aug. 20, and we will award that contract in September,” York said. For more information, visit www.cityofwildomar.org or contact Dan York at dyork@cityofwildomar.org. Jeremiah Tatola can be reached by email at valleystaﬀ@reedermedia.com.

Sunday and 523 on Monday. The number of new deaths reported in the county over the weekend was 21 and the total number of people that have died from the virus since the county began sits at 820. On Saturday, 14 people died, five more on Sunday and two on Monday. There were 50 fewer people hospitalized with the coronavirus since Friday, for a new total of 359 hospitalizations. The county reported 112 of those patients were in intensive care units, 13 fewer than before the weekend started. Overall, 21,898 people have recovered from the virus, 777 more than the Friday before, the county has tested 403,340 residents for the virus, 20,524 more over the weekend. The county reported that there were 313 confirmed cases in county jails and another 1,458 cases recorded in state prisons within the county. Both experienced minimal case growth. Locally, Temecula added 19 cases (740), Murrieta added 37 (816), Wildomar added 18 (389), Lake Elsinore added 31 (867), Canyon Lake added three (64), Menifee added 33 (986), Hemet added 63 (1,170) and San Jacinto added 35 (791). In local communities, Anza added one new case (11), East Hemet added nine (228), French Valley added nine (219), Lakeland Village added eight (158), Valle Vista added 14 (154) and Winchester added no new cases (10). Temecula added one more death over the weekend and, to date, four people have died from the virus in the city. There have been 18 deaths from Murrieta, seven from Wildomar, 15 from Lake Elsinore, none from Canyon Lake, 14 from Menifee, 37 from Hemet, 14 from San Jacinto, none from Anza, two from East Hemet, one from French Valley, one from Lakeland Village, two from Valle Vista and none from Winchester.

Dozens of people are tested at the Lake Elsinore drive-thru testing site where the appointment-only schedule of operation is Sunday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Anyone with or without symptoms can schedule an appointment by calling 800-945-6171. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

The number of known active virus cases countywide is 19,265, an increase of 733 from Friday, according to figures. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths and recoveries from the overall cases – 41,983 – according to the county executive office. On Tuesday, Aug. 4, Bruce Barton, director of the county Emergency Management Department, told the county Board of Supervisors, the county had “seen a downward trend in hospitalizations’’ over a nearly two-week span. “We’ve steadily seen COVIDpositive hospitalizations go down,” Barton said. “ICU utilization has also leveled off and come down.” Kim Saruwatari, director of the county Department of Public Health, told the board that District 4 has had the highest proportion of coronavirus-related deaths. She said nearly two-thirds – 63% – of all deaths coded as COVID-19 were correlated to underlying conditions, principally chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease.

The doubling time – or the number of days in which documented virus cases increase 100% in the county – is 32 days. A doubling rate of seven days is considered severe. Several school districts in the county opened their fall semesters Monday, and others will follow in the coming weeks countywide. All districts are set up for distance – or online – instruction for the time being. However, once the county’s COVID-19 infection rate recedes, many schools will be eligible to apply for waivers from the California Department of Public Health that enable them to proceed with limited in-person class activities. Last week, in-person sports activities were permitted to recommence, but physical distancing and safety protocols must be in place. Tournaments, events and games indoors that require close contact among participants are not allowed. City News Service contributed to this report. Jeff Pack can be reached by email at jpack@reedermedia.com.

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Local

San Jacinto City Council approves needed pedestrian and bicycle safety projects Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

The San Jacinto City Council considered necessary street safety projects to be completed within two years and extended an urgency ordinance allowing restaurants and hair care businesses to operate outside until the coronavirus subsides or comes under control during the regular city council meeting Tuesday, Aug. 4. The teleconference meeting also heard the council giving unanimous approval to a “for” explanation on the proposed one cent sales tax measure being placed before the resident voters in the Nov. 3 general election ballot written by the city. The five-member council all reported their presence in the teleconference and heard a final complete Streets Safety Assessment Report made by Stuart McKibbin and the city engineering staff based on studies made by Fehr and Peers consultants hired by the city in 2019. The study was conducted with the approval of the council who expressed concern for keeping the public safe on the streets of the city. Public safety for the council and city staff reached beyond just fire and police protection by looking into ways to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on city streets. The objectives of the CSSA are to improve safety and accessibility for all people walking and

The narrow sidewalk at east of the San Jacinto Cemetery on San Jacinto Street, which is impassable due to the location of the power pole, will be improved by the city of San Jacinto in the next two years as part of the recently approved street safety plan. V alley N ew s/ T ony Ault photo

biking in San Jacinto, the staff reported. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the

California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The report outlined four major projects, some of which have already begun, where better safety for pedestrians and bicyclists are critical. Those projects include: improved or new sidewalks between San Jacinto Avenue and Midway Street; those between Esplanade Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue; and from San Jacinto Avenue to Seventh Street. The sidewalks and walkways for the students at Megan Cope Elementary School were also placed on the priority list, by the consultants and engineers. The staff showed photos of the sidewalks that are currently in use which some are far too narrow and blocked by telephone poles, along southbound San Jacinto Avenue in front of the cemetery, or not in existence today. Proposed plans for those projects were also discussed finding favor with the council. The report, in detail, may be found in the city’s Aug. 4 agendas and meetings on the city website. Crystal Ruiz, mayor pro tem of San Jacinto, said, “I am glad to see the projects moving forward.” Mayor Andrew Kotyuk said, “This has been a long time coming. It couldn’t be at a better time.” Councilmembers Alonso Ledezma, Joel Lopez and Russ Utz all agreed, praising the staff for getting funding for the project. The recommendations in the report were accepted in a 5-0 vote. There was little direct discussion about extending the current urgency ordinance to allow res-

taurants and hair care salons to move their services outside on the sidewalks or driveways to comply with the latest coronavirus business closure orders issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom and county health authorities. The urgency ordinance was extended until restaurants can resume indoor dining and barber shops and hair salons are able to open their doors once again. The earlier urgency ordinance was initially to end by Aug. 4, but the state is still staying with its original closure order from July 1. The urgency allowed businesses to operate on sidewalks or parking lots so long as they are not hindering pedestrians or motor vehicle movement. In other business, the council mulled over the wording it will be using to explain the one-cent transactions and use tax that will be on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The proposed one-cent sales tax money would all stay in the city and be used as general fund revenues but be spent mostly on public safety and needed infrastructure repairs. The council gave its consent to make a professional services agreement extension with Dave’s Hauling, right of way cleanup work for the next nine months and contract with Sierra Pacific Industries and California Choice Energy Authority on behalf of San Jacinto Power. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

Menifee city manager takes steps to bolster economy Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and the state has not come through as expected to Menifee and other California cities small businesses who have taken the greatest financial hit, he said. “We were looking for the cavalry to come in from the federal and state government, but it didn’t come to the cities,” he said. Surprisingly on another economic front, Villa said the residential housing sector sales in the city are rising, keeping with the average 1,500 home sales per year promising the 3,500 or more new residents expected this year will bring more property tax revenue to the city. Still the best revenue stream for the city comes through sales taxes. Even with those revenues continuing to come in, Villa said his staff has been concerned that the city’s initial estimated $1.5 million general fund budget deficit might reach as high as $5 million in six months or a year. The brightest spot in the city’s anticipated revenue stream has been the local Measure DD sales taxes that can only be spent by the city. He praised the city’s decision to start up their own police department with the help of Measure DD one-cent sales tax approved by the voters. After canceling the Riverside sheriff’s public safety contract to start their own police department and other prudent budget cuts, the initial $1.5 deficit in the estimated 2020-2021 general fund has been nullified with no worker layoffs.

Menifee city manager Armando Villa said the growing city still “has a lot of catching up to do” but was very pleased how far it has come economically since it incorporated in 2008. Even in today’s uncertain market due to the coronavirus pandemic, Menifee remains in a growth period in the commercial development sector. In an exclusive interview with the Valley News recently, Villa, who has served as the city’s manager for the past three years, said, “When Menifee became a city in 2008 the residents knew what the neighboring cities had. We were always looking over our shoulders.” Now, the city is working hard to reach out to commercial and retail developers throughout the nation with some success. It’s still becoming one of the fastest growing cities in California, even with its state and county health officials recently renewing its recommended “stay at home” orders and “nonessential” business closures due to a surge in coronavirus cases. “Community services have taken the greatest hit,” Villa said. “It was the stay at home and closing of business mandates that did it.” But, he said bigger stores and grocery outlets that are seen as “essential” businesses, like Lowes, are continuing to do well and producing revenue for the city at this time. The emergency funding from

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But Villa and staff came up with a series of unique economic strategies in preparation to offset the probability of long-term revenue loss. Many of those strategies have already been employed and are finding great favor from developers and new homeowners. The strategies have been focused on the use of virtual online developer planning procedures that can be done right from a developer, builder, business owner or investor’s home. The city development staff began with what they called a “One Stop Shop” where a developer, using the city’s website and the provided forms, could do everything needed to forward development plans. Still, appointments had to be made to drop by necessary mylar drawings and blueprints for their projects, onsite inspections and gather other needed information. Today, Villa said, the process has been turned into a “No Stop Shop” where the developer can do almost everything virtual with only one inspector needed to give

a project final approval instead of two or three needed before. “I don’t know if any other cities are doing that. We are the only city offering that service now.” Villa said. His staff is continuing its work to even better to streamline the services offered and required by the city. He said he and his staff have had to find a new way of doing business due to the coronavirus pandemic. He said he wanted to know why people and developers want to live or build in the community and to find out is taking a lot of study. A survey is currently being offered on the city website with those same questions asked. “They are the stakeholders in our plan all the time.” Villa said. “We try to have focus groups to understand their challenges and what we can do to develop our processes lining up with those challenges. “When they (developers) hear a city is willing to work with them and implement a project in

a streamlined way they talk to each other and say ‘You should go to Menifee...It’s a lot easier to do business in Menifee.’ That’s the kind of buzz we are trying to create.” Villa said. He pointed out that Menifee has many acres of vacant land along Interstate 215 and other high traffic areas that can be developed. Villa said the city wants to convey, “It has a quality of life. A quality of place and development, and is a safe city for everyone.” He emphasized the city has made a huge investment in safety by creating its own police department and has recently revised its building and zoning ordinances in preparation for the growth it is expecting in the next five years. He said Measure DD should be renamed as a “quality of life measure” because it is what the residents approved. “If we didn’t have Measure DD and the revenue it produces,” Villa said. “We couldn’t be here today.” Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

1 killed, 2 injured in motorcycle crash near Mountain Center City News Service SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

A motorcyclist killed in a collision with another rider west of Mountain Center was identified Tuesday, Aug. 11, as a 69-year-old Hemet resident. Donald Van Riper was fatally injured about 12:40 p.m. Sunday,

Aug. 9, on state Route 74 in the San Bernardino National Forest. According to the California Highway Patrol, he was riding his motorcycle on the eastbound side of the two-lane corridor when his bike and another one collided. It was unclear whether the two motorcyclists were part of a group ride.

Van Riper was pronounced dead at the scene by Riverside County Fire Department paramedics. Two people were seriously hurt in the crash and were airlifted to a trauma center for treatment, according to the fire department. The CHP’s investigation into the collision is ongoing.

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NAGGAR f r om p age A- 1 with no trails, no libraries, no road improvements, no parks, nothing, and they were all – all of these people buying the inexpensive homes were coming into Temecula and using all of our facilities. So I ran on suing the county, nobody ever thought we would do that but we did. And we challenged them about five times and we either settled or prevailed in all of them. The last one, the big one, we sued them on the general plan, we won and we negotiated a settlement … that settlement formed what’s known as the I-215 Policy Area which pretty much said no development moves forward until there’s financing mechanisms in place for future interchanges, which have now all started construction. So the I-215 Policy Area covered the Newport Road interchange, it covered Clinton Keith interchange and it covered Scott Road interchange. So I’m very proud of that because at the time Menifee wasn’t a city and all of these roads were to relieve traffic from Temecula and Winchester. Then some of the things I’m very proud of as well (are), I was the leader of the … I sort of found a niche in doing task forces and in my task forces I would always gather local elected officials from other cities to solve regional problems. Temecula is built out. The growth and development was the city’s major focus during your tenure on the city council, and now that period is over. What do you think is in store for the future in Temecula? I think what we continue to do is focus on public safety. From day one, the council, the first city council, made public safety the priority, and that includes police and fire. And every council subsequently has made that the priority. When your community is safe, families want to live here, and when families want to live here, it just picks up the economy and businesses want to be here, and jobs want to be here. And you know, one of the challenges was transitioning from a bedroom community … back in the day, everybody commuted. And now, we’re less of that.

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So public safety today is number one, not only with police but with fire. So we established a general plan, in the general plan our goal was to be able to have a police officer or an ambulance or fire fighting unit within five minutes after you call. Of course, depending on the emergency, a police emergency, if it’s imminent, they’ll be there in less than five minutes. The fire department for certain will be at your house in less than five minutes. And that is part of what makes us who we are. We spent a lot of money (on public safety), but the people reap that and when they reap it, and they would have it no other way. We (also) have to get that French Valley Parkway off the ground and get that built. And primarily I just really think we start to look a little bit more socially, and what I mean by that is we’ve been very good at inclusiveness for the special needs community. Now, I think we have to start looking at our senior community. If there are areas where people feel disenfranchised by race, and I don’t care what race it is, be it Black, be it Chinese, be it Filipino, we need to work on that disenfranchisement. And now we’re at a place as a city where we can do that, because we’re pretty much built out. Since you mentioned policing, with the national protests as well as the ones in Temecula – you said publicly at a council meeting that in meeting with and listening Black Lives Matter protest organizers that you were able to reach an understanding. Can you talk about what your thinking was at first and what it was after speaking to protest organizers? Before I do I just want to give you a little bit of background, because I think it’s important. I grew up in southeast Los Angeles right on the border of Los Angeles and Inglewood. 99%, probably more than that, of my schoolmates were Black. I grew up in a Black community. It’s important that I mention this, because – I don’t roll this out, because of the old adage, ‘I have Black friends.’ But in this case – I grew up in a Black environment. To this day my three best friends, all retired from LAPD, we’re still in contact,

we talk every two weeks, they’re all Black. Me being a minority myself, I think I have a special insight. What did it mean to me? When I hear that Black lives matter, I understand there’s two aspects to this. There’s the socialist Marxist group known as Black Lives Matter, and I mention this because they are outspoken as a socialist marxist group. But then there is the group of citizens who are trying to say that today, people of the Black race, they feel that they are being treated differently and they say, ‘We know all lives matter, but right now, we just want you to hear us about Black lives.’ And some of the disenfranchisement that I have heard lately, I have known about just by virtue of where I grew up, and about my best friends telling me that they’re treated differently when they go into a store, and they’re treated differently when a member of their family are stopped or interact with police, there’s just a difference. And it’s a hard difference to explain, but I know it exists. And that, we cannot allow. That if I was going to (stay) on the council, we would ensure that, I guess our police officers – and they’re already doing this – the officers at Riverside sheriff, they’re good officers, they’re gonna already be sensitive to that. And I know Chad Bianco is going to make sure the training is there, and as a city we’re going to insist on it. And one thing that impressed me was when I went out from city hall, and the group marched, the protest, from the Duck Pond to city hall, I did not know what to expect. And at the time, there were a lot of riots and damage going on, so I did not know what to expect. But, and I remember, councilmember (Matt) Rahn and I prayed before we went out … We walked out and the one thing that caught my attention that really eased the whole tension in that march was, the speaker started out with, ‘We know all lives matter,’ and that was big for me. I am fervently pro-life and I am fervently, and if I stayed on the council, I would work on this human trafficking issue, and I’m probably going to work on it in my private capacity — so all lives matter. Right now, because of George Floyd and what occurred on national TV, people want to

have a dialogue about this disenfranchisement, about Black lives. Do you think Mayor James Stewart did the right thing by resigning back in June, and do you think the city council handled the situation correctly by not appointing a new mayor? You know, that was at the height of tensions and I think if it was to occur now, it might be more forgiving, but at the moment it was the height of tensions. And so it’s hard for me to say whether it’s right or not, I think that’s an individual decision Stew would have had to make. I think what we wanted to do at the time, again tensions were high, was send a message that we’re all going to speak and we’re all going to speak together and have the dialogue. Typically the mayor is the spokesman for the city. I know at the time because we all talked about it, each and every one of us had a point of view. For instance, my background, which I really haven’t shared with anybody, but that’s where I come from. But it’s important for me to speak for me, and Zak (Schwank) to speak for Zak. And in that individual speaking, we come together, as opposed to getting one person to speak for us. At that time, that was important. Speaking of your background, what made you want to be in public service? It’s an excellent question. My father – I’m first generation here in America. My father immigrated from Egypt and he used to tell us a story, and when he did, you could see his eyes water up. He used to be a merchant marine, and on one of his stops, they pulled into New York harbor, and there it was, the Statue of Liberty. And you’ve got to remember, back in the 40s, that was the promised land, to get to America. And he left the ship and never went back. He became an illegal immigrant. To this day, I have the documents of a warrant for his arrest, his court adjudication. He got deported, and they let him enter legally. He applied for citizenship but they made him leave the country and come back in through Canada legally, and he did. Now where does that lead? I was always brought up to love America and the

opportunities that America gave. Now, my father had five kids and you know what, he never became a bigwig at anything – he’s passed away now, as is my mother – but he raised five kids, and we all came out somewhat OK, all of us came out pretty decently. And we grew up in that area that I told you, and we were all able to bootstrap ourselves out of there. And loving America, I just realized I just never had a chance to give back. I did not have an education. And this is something I’m very sensitive to – where I came out of, talking about higher learning or going to college was not frequently talked about, so it was not even on my radar screen. Nobody in my family could have even told me how to do it, how do you even apply? It just wasn’t there. So why did I get into service? Because it was my way to give back, my way to serve the country and perhaps make a difference. Lastly, do you have any words of advice for whoever succeeds you on the City Council? First, love Temecula. I mean, really love her. Every councilmember that has served has loved Temecula, and that means put her first. And if you do, she will love you back. She’ll give you more than you ever put in. The second thing is to find a way to work as a team. Come in with an agenda, but persuade people to go along with you and learn how to work as a team. It affects staff and it affects the council and ultimately it trickles down into the community. And the last thing is, Temecula has always done things class A, so it’s not an accident. We’ve always done things the best they can be done, and it’s reflected in our community. And one last thing, I mean there’s several things, but this has kept us all humble, and that is: we only exist to serve the people. That’s our only purpose for City Hall to be around. And never forget that. We return calls within the same day, emails within 24 hours, we’re always nice, we’re always responsive, and that’s our duty … so those four things. Will Fritz can be reached by email at wfritz@reedermedia.com.

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Local Murrieta City Council discusses homelessness within the city Samantha Cox INTERN

The Murrieta City Council met Tuesday, Aug. 4, to discuss homelessness in Murrieta and to provide direction to staff regarding Project Homekey, a grant opportunity to benefit the homeless. The city council voted 4-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Scott Vinton opposed, to continue investigating Project Homekey and to submit the application for funding.

New state funding, also known as Project Homekey, would allow the city to purchase new shelters with $60 million in funding. The city is currently looking at two potential shelters in Wildomar if granted funding by Project Homekey. “Homelessness is a complex issue that disproportionately affects California more than any other state,” Brian Ambrose, senior program manager, said.

In Murrieta, there are 18 homeless individuals, according to Ambrose, which is a large difference from surrounding counties such as San Diego and Los Angeles. About five years ago, Murrieta created the Regional Homeless Alliance, which awarded grants to provide support for homeless individuals in collaboration with Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Menifee and Wildomar. “While not perfect, our annual

Point-in-Time Count is the most accurate long-term indicator of the homeless population,” Ambrose said. Every January, police officers and volunteers count every homeless person in the county for the annual Point-in-Time Count. Riverside County has experienced a 113% increase in homeless population; however, in 2019, each city reported a 5% decrease in homeless individuals, according

to Ambrose. The funding budgeted this year will not cover cleanups and other services provided to combat homelessness. In addition, Murrieta does not have enough shelter beds in the city, he said. The city council will meet in the coming weeks to address information in regards to Project Homekey. Samantha Cox can be reached by email at valleystaﬀ@reedermedia.com.

Patrick Wyatt displays a sign expressing his support for law enforcement during a “Stand Up for America” rally at the intersections Newport and Haun roads in Menifee.

People display signs expressing their support for law enforcement during a rally in Menifee. V a l l e y N e w s/ S h a n e G i b so n p h o t o s

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Menifee, to know that there’s a lot of us who love this country,” Wyatt said of his motivation for holding the rally. The protest had been previously scheduled for Friday, July 30, but was rescheduled due to hot weather in Menifee that day. The weather was a little more agreeable this time around. Wyatt said he had been discouraged the past few months by protests against law enforcement following the death of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis, May 25. Floyd, a Black man, died after Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, who is White, knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes, sparking demonstrations against police brutality and racism in all 50 states. Wyatt said he has not personally seen any of the Black Lives Matter protests that have happened locally.

“But of course, I watch all of the ones on television,” Wyatt said. “Mostly Fox News because as far as I’m concerned, the other stations are fake news because they don’t even report a lot of it.” Wyatt said he did not defend or support Chauvin’s actions but also did not support many of the demonstrations after, which he said were “hijacked” by Black Lives Matter activists, who he described as “Marxists.” “My very first reaction to the Floyd situation was just like every other American, we were so repulsed by it, we could not believe (the officer) did that,” Wyatt said. “However, two things happened, not immediately but as time goes by – one is what Mr. Floyd actually was and who he was and what his record was prior to that. And secondly is what exactly happened, how did he actually die? … My reaction then is that this Black Lives Matter took that and hijacked the Black people’s nar-

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rative and used that. Because the leaders of that organization have said they’re Marxists and they want to destroy the nuclear family in this country and they want to change the country to socialism or communism, and that really grinds me.” One of three Black Lives Matter co-founders said in a 2015 interview that she and another co-founder “are trained Marxists.” The movement has grown dramatically since 2015 though; an ABC News/Washington Post poll from July found that 63% of Americans support the Black Lives Matter movement. One woman, who asked only to be identified by her first name, Cheryl, echoed Wyatt’s sentiment. “When the original incident happened with George Floyd, I thought it was tragic, but it soon changed,” Cheryl said. “The protesting turned into rioting. It turned into people just taking advantage of the situation.” Cheryl said while she acknowledges some wrongdoing on the part of some officers, she doesn’t think that is representative of all police, and she does not agree with protests against law enforcement. “I realize that there are some policemen that are not doing the right thing, but I think that the majority are doing the right thing and only have the best intentions,” Cheryl said. “They’re really sacrificing their lives, our police force all over the country. They’re putting their lives on the line every day. When they walk out the front door, they don’t know if they’re coming home.” Menifee councilmember Lesa Sobek said she attended the rally out of support for police, in particular the new Menifee Police Department, which went live July 1. She said she believes there is strong support for police in Menifee, something she said she saw during the new police depart-

ment’s inaugural parades, June 30. “The city council had planned to do a huge welcoming, invite the whole community, but because of COVID we were unable, so they did parades,” Sobek said. “So what we did is they had seven routes and they only advertised it the day before, because they were concerned, they didn’t want any riffraff or any naysayers. All the city councilmembers went on a route and other city staff. The route that I went on I was overwhelmed at the love and welcome our residents provided. There was not one naysayer. People made signs, people were holding up ﬂags, people were saying ‘welcome Menifee PD.’” Sobek, too, said she acknowledged the criticism of police in light of Floyd’s death in May but does not believe all law enforcement are to blame. “You know, all lives matter,” Sobek said. “Everyone. It’s about the people. It’s about the land of America we live in. And yes, there’s been some things that have happened in the past that need to change. There are things that need to change. But we won’t change by being angry and fighting. We’re going change by coming together and being unified and being able to talk about it. And I am grateful that in our city we have open conversation and I’m glad to see the support especially for our police officers.” Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman, also present at the rally, said he was happy to be there to support local law enforcement officers. “We’re a patriotic city here in Menifee, and then to support our first responders, I absolutely had to be here and support this group, because it’s so needed right now with all of the unrest that’s happening,” Zimmerman said. “And it’s just great to see people coming together that are veterans, that are

longtime residents of Menifee that appreciate their law enforcement, that appreciate the freedoms that this nation has.” Zimmerman said he also previously attended a protest in Menifee against police brutality after Floyd’s death more than two months ago. “It was obviously a tragic event and there were protests, there was one right here in this same location,” Zimmerman said. “And that day I came out and visited with the people that were here that had a message and they wanted to be heard and so I think it was the right thing to do to be with them and stand with them and protest peacefully, and that’s exactly what they did, there was no spray painting or vandalism, so they did it the right way, and I was here to thank them for protesting in a peaceful way.” The “Stand Up for America” rally was similarly peaceful, and Zimmerman said he is happy that Menifee residents can get their views across in that manner. “I think that the people that were demonstrating here, the locals, realized that we are listening and that they don’t have to be outrageous in order to be heard,” Zimmerman said. “They can peacefully protest and the mayor’s gonna come and stand with them and hear their concerns and I can take that back to my council, which I did just a couple nights later at a council meeting and shared with my council colleagues the concerns that were raised that day by the folks that were there. So they realized if they’re just trying to be heard, they don’t need to try real hard in Menifee, we’re listening.” Will Fritz can be reached by email at wfritz@reedermedia. com.

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Local Menifee City Council reluctantly approves the 70-foot AT&T cell tower proposed in Wheatfield Park Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

After months of deliberation and a lawsuit now filed by AT&T, the Menifee City Council reluctantly gave the go ahead for the telecommunications company to build their proposed 70-foot high cell tower in Valley-Wide’s Wheatfield Park during the Wednesday, Aug. 5, regular city council meeting. The cell tower that will be housed in a 70-high clock tower in the middle of the park at 30627 Menifee Road is owned and operated by the Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District. Though owned by the recreation district, any permanent structure on the property needs to be approved by the city and follow its city building and safety codes. The cell tower, which was carefully designed to fit in with the architecture and follow city codes, initially received the OK from the city planning commission but an outcry from the area residents brought the council to waive the planning commission recommendation, saying AT&T should find a better place to build the tower. AT&T said there were too many areas surrounding the park where calls were being dropped and it

was hindering local public safety agency responses to accidents and crimes and a tower at the park would resolve those coverage problems. They also argued federal law would allow them to place their towers or equipment wherever needed to better provide communication to the most people, essential businesses and services and during major emergencies. AT&T said refusal from Mt. San Jacinto College to build on their Menifee Campus, a nearby property owner and from the Bell Mountain Middle School where another tower is already located was found inadequate for the needed additional cellphone coverage, making it impossible to change the location. Still, the council decided to continue the AT&T Wheatfield Cell Tower hearings until Wednesday and the approval of the required conditional use permits until a better location could be found. AT&T filed a lawsuit against the city, which means according to the city’s attorney Jeff Melching, the city should “remand” their decision. He said his firm looked over the lawsuit and determined AT&T would most likely win at a high legal cost to the city and if they won,

they could build the tower any way they wanted at the location, ignoring the prior use and construction agreements made with the city. “It is clear we have risk,” Melching said. “AT&T has risk, but the city has more risk.” With that, the council discussed the ramifications of continuing their decision to override the planning commission’s recommendation for approval. District 3 councilmember Lesa Sobek said, “We have our hands tied,” before agreeing to letting AT&T go ahead and build the tower in the park. Councilmember Matthew Liesemeyer from District 2 said, “I ask for the city’s forgiveness, but the cost of litigation is too high. We don’t have much of a choice.” He voted to let the tower be built. District 4 Councilmember Dean Deines shaking his head said, “It is frustrating,” and voted yes to the AT&T project. Mayor Bill Zimmerman said, “I don’t want it here,” but whatever judgment the court handed down, it would still be true that the property it will be built on “is not our property.” Asked if Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District had an input on the matter, the staff

Menifee approves contract with SWAG homeless outreach services provider MENIFEE – The Menifee City Council approved a professional service agreement with Social Work Action Group, also known as SWAG, to continue addressing homelessness within the city of Menifee at the Aug. 5 city council meeting. The Community Services Department and Menifee Police Department recommended continuing the partnership formed with SWAG to allow for a unified approach toward homeless outreach services in the city and ensuring appropriate services are provided.

During the fiscal year 20192020, city park rangers in the Community Services Department and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department worked closely with SWAG. Together the groups had 380 individual contacts, enrolled 54 new clients, made over 600 phone calls for client services, connected 60 individuals with Mental Health Services, made 40 Substance Abuse service attempts with 11 connections, obtained Emergency Shelter for 18 individuals and aided 35 individuals in successfully obtaining housing.

In fiscal year 2020-2021, SWAG will provide two dedicated outreach/case workers to the city for 24 hours each week. The initial six-month agreement will help to establish a new baseline for services, which will be reassessed to determine the need for any service level modifications for the remainder of the fiscal year. The cost for the homeless outreach services agreement is not-to-exceed $58,032 from the city general fund. Submitted by city of Menifee.

said they offered none. The final decision made by the council was to remand their initial denial and give AT&T the conditional use permit they sought. Melching said up to this point the cost of reviewing the lawsuit was minimal but would increase substantially, win or lose, if it went before the court. A lengthy discussion on a proposed Menifee legislative platform followed the Wheatfield tower discussion. The legislative platform was designed to adopt official city positions on matters affecting the city at the local, regional, state and federal levels. The approval will allow city staff and legislative advocates to address and track issues in a timely manner pursuant to established procedures. The legislative program consists of the legislative platform, policy and procedures to coordinate advocacy efforts to inﬂuence results, legislative history and legislative tracking, according to the staff report. After giving their approval of the legislative platform, the staff was handed a list of issues in different categories for them to either support or deny. Specifically, the procedure allows the staff and council to give their opinion on: “legislation at both the state and federal levels may be supported or opposed based on the approved legislative platform. In addition, positions of

‘support if amended’ and ‘oppose unless amended’ may be conveyed if concurrent with the platform. The city may also provide a letter of concern or interest without taking a formal position on the legislation. “The city manager will review requests to take positions on an issue. For approved requests in accordance with the platform, a communication will be prepared for the mayor’s approval and signature. Requests inconsistent with the platform or silent on issues will be placed on a city council agenda for consideration,” according to the staff report. Many of those issues brought questions from different members of the council, resulting in some being returned to the staff for further study or being held until more information was gleaned and reported to council. The platform, according to staff, would help provide the council’s views in a much more timely manner to other county, state and federal government agencies in hopes of making a difference in their decisions. Menifee and many other cities in the Inland Empire are members of the League of California Cities that also provides timely information about legislation that could affect the residents of the region, the counties and cities. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

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Rancho Water appoints Kuebler to fill vacant seat Jeff Pack STAFF WRITER

Members of the Rancho California Water District’s board of directors and staﬀ hear from Joseph Kuebler, who was appointed to ﬁll a vacant seat on the board during a Zoom meeting, Thursday, Aug. 6. Valley News/C our tesy photo

Special needs students prepare for the upcoming school year Emily Schwank INTERN

chose not to do any additional school work, without penalty. “There was little to no meaningAs the upcoming school year ful education happening during will begin online, parents of that time,” Hunter said. “We destudents with special needs are cided that it was best to focus our adapting to virtual learning. attention on learning independent When the Temecula Valley living skills during this time inUnified School District moved to stead. It is still a work in progress, distance learning in March, many but she has definitely gained some students had to adjust to the new independence.” environment. For the upcoming school year, Jackie Hunter, mother of a standard grading and attendance freshman at Great Oak High will return. School, said, “Jayda learns best in “People with Down syndrome a face to face setting with hands- have some short-term memory on learning experiences. Online challenges, and if they don’t praclearning was a definite struggle.” tice skills repetitively, they lose When schools were initially those skills easily,” Hunter said. shut down, TVUSD froze stu- “Without interacting with her dent’s grades so they would not teacher, aide and peers daily, she decrease regardless of any work has definitely lost many academic completed for the rest of the skills in just a few short months. I school year. Grades could only am terrified to see how much she Reeder Media over the next school improve. Students who were satregresses Digital Marke� ng is not allowed to return isfied with their grades in March year if she

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to school in a traditional setting. The district is preparing virtual classes and interventions for special education students in all grade levels. “On one hand, we want to keep our kids safe and realize they are an at-risk population. On the other hand, we know that distance learning is not conducive to their needs and many will regress academically, socially and mentally because of it. It is very unfortunate that our most vulnerable population seems to always be an afterthought and seem to lose out the most,” Hunter said. “Whatever happens, we will give 100% effort and continue with a positive attitude to help our children be the best they can be.” Emily Schwank can be reached by email at valleystaﬀ@reedermedia.com.

Rancho California Water District’s board of directors unanimously appointed Joseph Kuebler to fill a seat vacated by longtime board member Lisa Herman recently. Kuebler was chosen by the board in a Thursday, Aug. 6, special meeting via YouTube that consisted of nine candidates, who each had the opportunity to speak to the board and field questions from board members. Kuebler was chosen from a field that included John “Jack” Hoagland, Lewis Metza, Nathan Price, Janis Sukrau, Skylar Tempel, Louis “Lou” Williams, Richard Williamson and William Woodrome. “It was great to see so many applicants willing to step up and take the reins from a long-term board member,” board President Bill Wilson said in a news release. “We chose Joe because he was able to step in quicker than most and has an unbiased opinion. He is also very familiar with the challenges of the water world.” According to the news release, Kuebler has a long history in water supply having served as a director on Eastern Municipal Water District’s board from 1996-2018. He is also active in several state and regional water and wastewater associations and served as a board member at various Temecula area nonprofits. Kuebler has lived in Temecula for 37 years. He will now serve out the remainder of Herman’s term through early December 2020. This position will be up for reelection Nov. 3, where the public will cast their vote to determine who will fill the seat for the next four years. Keubler started his tenure at the board meeting Aug. 13, according to the news release. Following the special meeting, the district held a regular meeting of the board members of the Rancho California Water District finance and audit committee.

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The committee heard a Vail Lake/KOA property update from assistant general manager and chief financial officer and treasurer, Rick Aragon; a semiannual review of investment report and portfolio, and review of the treasurer’s report as of June 30 by Aragon; and reviewed the California Municipal Treasurers Association investment policy certification by budget and debt administrator Bill Moses. The committee approved to move the possible purchase of a dump truck and excavator to the board after a presentation by procurement and contracts administrator John Miller. If ultimately approved they will buy one Caterpillar Excavator Model 315F Track Hoe Excavator with accessories, and one Freightliner Model 122SD with 15-foot Dump Body. Aragon also talked to the committee about a vote at the board of director’s meeting to suspend rate increases for consumers until June 1, 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The board had previously suspended a summer rate increase until the fall, anticipating an economic recovery by then. “As we all know, that’s not the case,” Aragon told the committee. “Numbers have jumped up over the summer, restrictions have continued on various forms. Our community is still very impacted by this.” “I think this is a really good thing that we’re doing to assist as many people as we can financially within the district,” committee member Danny Martin said. “And I think it will be appreciated.” The committee also heard a review of financial statements, a quarterly review of calendar year-to-date report disclosing per diems and reimbursements paid to the board of directors, a review of outside contracts, capital projects and purchasing reports, reviewed and ratified the register of audited demands for May 22 through July 22, and heard the assistant general manager’s report. Jeff Pack can be reached by email at jpack@reedermedia.com.

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ENTERTAINMENT August 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20, 2020

www.myvalleynews.com

Volume 20, Issue 33

Ramble On rolls into Vail Headquarters

People gather at Vail Headquarters in Temecula during the Ramble On at the Ranch Valley News/Shane Gibson photos classic car show, Aug. 8.

People view a variety of classic cars on display at Vail Headquarters in Temecula during the Ramble On at the Ranch event.

Car owners relax next to their custom rides on display at the Ramble On at the Ranch car show in Temecula.

People view a variety of classic cars on display at Vail Headquarters in Temecula during the Ramble On at the Ranch event.

A variety of custom classic cars including hot rods, lowriders and motorcycles on display during the Ramble On at the Ranch event.

People enjoy an outdoor activity at the Ramble On at the Ranch car show hosted by Vail Headquarters and Us Versus Them clothing shop.

Restored and unrestored classic cars are on display at Vail Headquarters in Temecula during the Ramble On at the Ranch event.

Fidel Elizarrez, left, and Ed Lagrosa view the classic cars on display during the Ramble On at the Ranch at Vail Headquarters in Temecula.

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V alley News • www.myvalleynews.com • A ugust 14 , 2 02 0

Business

The Chef’s Grille receives Murrieta’s first Back-to-Business grant

Murrieta City Council members Kelly Seyarto and Christi White, with Martin Corso, owner and chef of The Chef’s Grille, and Mayor Gene Wunderlich deliver the ﬁrst Back-to Business grant from the city of Murrieta. The program oﬀers support to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. V alley News/ Courtesy photo

MURRIETA – Murrieta issued its ﬁrst Back-to-Business grant of $10,000 to Martin Corso, owner and chef of The Chef’s Grille restaurant on Jeﬀerson Avenue in Murrieta. The funds will support lease and payroll expenses and are designed to strengthen small businesses impacted by COVID-19. “This is such a great help to us,” Corso said. “To see how you have responded to this for our community is outstanding. We are all part of this.” Through this partnership with Riverside County, the city has designated $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the Back-to-Business grant program. There is no impact to the city’s general fund. The Chef’s Grille has served Murrieta for three years, with a unique variety of gourmet casual foods and a strong following with residents and visitors alike. “Small businesses are the backbone of our community,” city manager Kim Summers said. “As partners, colleagues and neighbors, we are committed to doing

everything we can to help them weather this storm.” Summers said that business support is much more than financial. “Our Back-to-Business team has personally visited many dozens of businesses, offering everything from advice on modifications and clarification of state rules, to deliveries of personal protective equipment,” Summers said. “We are in this together.” The city received more than 75 Back-to-Business grant requests in one day, and applications are now closed. Among the approval requirements, a business must employ fewer than 15 people and have operated locally for at least a year. Per CDBG guidelines, a majority of employees must be low-to-moderate income. From those who meet all requirements, awards are determined on a firstcome, first served basis, while funds are available. For information on city, county and state resources for local businesses, visit www.MurrietaCA. gov/reopening. Submitted by city of Murrieta.

Hanley Investment Group arranges sale of multi-tenant retail building at Lake Elsinore Marketplace in Lake Elsinore for $3.8M LAKE ELSINORE – Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, a nationally recognized real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in retail property sales, announced that the firm has arranged the sale of a multi-tenant retail building at Lake Elsinore Marketplace, a 144,034-squarefoot shopping center anchored by Costco, Lowe’s, Grocery Outlet, PetSmart and Dollar Tree. The sale price was $3,770,000. Kevin Fryman and Bill Asher, executive vice presidents of Hanley Investment Group, represented the seller, Pacific Castle, which is based in Irvine. The buyer was a private investor from Torrance. Built in 2006 on 0.77 acres, the 7,203-square-foot pad building

is located at 29261 Central Avenue in Lake Elsinore and is 100% leased to four internet-resistant tenants – Navy Federal Credit Union, iBrows Threading Salon, Submarina and Juice It Up! This sale represents the sixth pad building Hanley Investment Group has sold in the last nine months at Lake Elsinore Marketplace including single-tenant properties for a Wendy’s Drive-Thru, Del Taco Drive-Thru, Panda Express, Valvoline and Wells Fargo. “The timing of the transaction took place in the initial stages of COVID-19 being declared a pandemic,” Fryman said. “We were able to structure a successful closing to achieve the buyer’s 1031 exchange and satisfy the buyer’s

lender’s borrowing guidelines, during one of the most challenging macro-economic environments we’ve experienced in over a decade.” According to Fryman, “Over 80% of the pad building’s total square footage is occupied by national and regional tenants and has been occupied by the tenants for over eight years; 63% is occupied by the building’s original tenants since the building was built in 2006. “Lake Elsinore Marketplace is the dominant shopping center in the trade area, ideally situated on Highway 74/Central Avenue, the main retail thoroughfare connecting Orange County to Riverside County, and is immediately adja-

cent to I-15 at the Central Avenue exit with freeway-visible pylon signage,” Fryman said. Asher said, “Lake Elsinore Marketplace is situated at the best retail location in Lake Elsinore beneﬁtting from an excellent regional customer draw and retail synergy of notable credit tenants at Central Avenue and I-15 including Target, Walmart Supercenter (relocation store is currently under construction and expected to open at end of 2020), Home Depot, LA Fitness, Marshalls, 99 Cents Only, ALDI, Five Below, Skechers, ULTA Beauty and Walgreens.” In the last six months, Hanley Investment Group has sold $75 million in retail properties in the Inland Empire including two

multi-tenant retail buildings at Village Grove Plaza, a Stater Bros. Markets- and Crunch Fitnessanchored shopping center in Corona; a three-tenant shop building and single-tenant Quick Quack Car Wash at the Sprouts-anchored Highland Village Shopping Center in Fontana; a single-tenant Smart & Final Extra! and a four-tenant shop building at Eastvale Marketplace Shopping Center in Eastvale and a two-tenant retail pad building at the Sam’s Club-anchored The Marketplace at Ontario Center in Ontario. For more information, visit http://www.hanleyinvestment. com. Submitted by Hanley Investment.

5 ways older adults can safeguard against cyber criminals stealing their identity PORTLAND, Maine – As the use of personal computers and cell phones has grown over the last two decades, identity theft has surged. One study found that over 14 million consumers were victims of identity fraud in 2018, and that their out-of-pocket costs totaled $1.7 billion. Older adults have been particularly vulnerable in recent years to online scams and telemarketing tricks. Unfortunately, another negative eﬀect of COVID-19 has been scammers targeting older adults by developing coronavirus hoaxes that prey on fears of the virus. The growing problem of identity theft for all age groups makes it vital for consumers to develop a strategy to protect their devices and those of their loved ones, although no system is perfect, Chris Orestis, a senior care advocate known as the “Retirement Genius” and president of LifeCare Xchange, said.

At a minimum, no one should give out their Social Security number to a stranger and should never click a link in an email from an unknown source. But cyberthieves have many ways to steal identities, invade computers or raid bank accounts and credit cards. What should older adults do to protect themselves from these scam artists and criminals? “First, it’s important to understand that identity-theft protection services don’t actually stop identity theft,” Orestis said. “There is no fool-proof way to stop identity theft from happening; there are just too many diﬀerent types of valuable information and avenues for cyberthieves to hack them. “The Federal Trade Commission actually prohibits identity-theft services from using the word ‘prevention,’ and if a company is promoting that as part of their service they should not be trusted. But regardless of any service you might use, no one can be disen-

gaged from protecting their own identity. It’s important to take care of your identity and credit health with smart and regular maintenance, just like you do with your physical health,” he said. Orestis offered a five-step plan to help protect your identity. Register for fraud alerts. “You want these alerts on credit cards and bank accounts so you can be notified quickly of any suspicious activity on your accounts,” Orestis said. “With fraud alerts, data security companies and financial services will text, email or phone you if there is a suspected security breach, or if they detect spending on a card or account that doesn’t align with your spending habits or your location.” Review accounts regularly. Vigilance of your identity protection means you should go over your monthly bank and credit card statements and review online account activity weekly. “Immediately notify your bank

or credit companies if you detect fraudulent activity,” Orestis said. “Either freeze your account or cancel your card. If you believe there could be a problem with your credit, you can place a credit freeze by phone with each credit agency’s customer service line.” Monitor your credit reports. Orestis said monitoring credit reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion is another way to find discrepancies that may indicate fraud. Don’t leave a paper trail. “It’s a good idea to get rid of physical private records and statements that include personal or ﬁnancial data,” Orestis said. “Identity thieves get into mailboxes and trash. They can use receipts to piece together your personal data, so it’s smart to shred those and avoid any kind of paper trail.” Create strong passwords. Orestis suggested mixing uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols and to avoid

using the same password for every account. “Not having a strong password on your smartphone or computer is like leaving your house with the front door wide open,” Orestis said. “Identity thieves are counting on people to use the same or similar passwords for their electronic devices and ﬁnancial accounts. Mix up your passwords, and change them whenever you suspect an account has been compromised.” “Identity theft and cybersecurity are a very real threat in today’s internet-connected world. We all live online and are exposed to a lot of risk if we don’t do the right things to protect ourselves,” he said. Chris Orestis, known as the “Retirement Genius,” is president of LifeCare Xchange and a nationally recognized health care expert and senior advocate. For more information, visit http://www. retirementgenius.com.

Report: County’s property tax roll reaches $320B City News Service SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

Property values throughout Riverside County rose nearly 6% last year to $320.4 billion, with houses making up the largest share of the valuation, according to a report that the county Board of Supervisors reviewed recently. The county’s property tax as-

sessment roll for the most recent base year, valued as of Jan. 1, was 5.83% higher than in 2019, when the roll totaled $302.7 billion, according to the Assessor-ClerkRecorder’s Oﬃce Tuesday, Aug. 4, report. The assessment roll represents the composite value of all commercial and residential real estate within the county, as well as other

property, including boats, aircraft and timeshares. The roll has increased for the last eight consecutive years. During the Great Recession, $38 billion in value was lost, with assessments bottoming out at $204.8 billion in tax year 2012, according to the assessor’s report, which will be presented for the board’s consideration during its consent

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agenda. The roll was valued at $242.9 billion in 2008, before the deﬂationary cycle triggered by the economic downturn. In the most recent assessment, single-family residences represented $197.9 billion, or 62%, of the roll. Commercial real estate was second highest at $58.5 billion, or 18%, of the countywide assessment. Data reflected that aggregate property values increased by the widest margin, in percentage terms, in the unincorporated part of Moreno Valley, where net taxable valuations totaled $1.2 billion, compared to $889 million the year before – translating to a 36% jump. Among incorporated municipalities, Calimesa showed the strongest percentage growth at 15%. According to data, the city’s net taxable valuations totaled $1.1 billion, compared to $960.8 million during the previous base year calculation. The city of Riverside had the

highest local roll value – $35.24 billion – of all the cities and unincorporated communities listed. Of the five supervisorial districts, the 4th District, which stretches from Whitewater to the Arizona state line, south to the Salton Sea and north into Joshua Tree National Park, comprised the biggest chunk of the roll at 28%, which was unchanged from the previous year. According to the assessor’s office, property tax bills for 2021 will start going out in October. It is unclear to what extent the coronavirus pandemic will impact valuations. During budget hearings in June, Executive Office staff told the board to be prepared for tens of millions of dollars in revenue losses as the 2020-2021 fiscal year progresses. Homeowners have the right to appeal any increased assessment. More information is available at the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder’s website: http://www.asrclkrec. com.

August 14, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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• Home Inspections • Real Estate • Site Mapping / Survey • Farming Standing with past president Jacqui Dobens, club treasurer Patsy Orr, left, is named the 2019-2020 Murrieta Rotarian of the Year. Valley News/Courtesy photo

MURRIETA – The Rotary Club of Murrieta named Patsy Orr as its 2019-2020 Rotarian of the Year, the highest honor the club bestows for service above self. As 20192020 president Jacqui Dobens said, “Patsy was always ready to step up and help.” The club’s Face Shield Project is the latest example of how Orr has stepped up for the community. As the project began in the early stages of the COVID-19 shutdowns, she oﬀered to help in delivering supplies to those manufacturing the shields on their home 3D printers and delivering the completed projects to hospitals and others that needed them. Before long, she ordered her own 3D printer and began manufacturing products to add to those being distributed throughout the community. A Rotarian since 2003, Orr served as Murrieta Rotary’s president in 2013-2014 and as an assistant governor for Rotary District 5330 from 2014-2016. She also

has been involved in Children’s Health International Projects, which was comprised of Rotarians. She is a three-time Rotarian of the Year, having previously been honored with the title in 2019 and 2006. She currently serves at the club’s treasurer. A native of Colorado, Orr graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in science, leading to a career in medical technology. Later, with her husband, Al, she became a small-business owner in Temecula. The Orrs served as a mentor couple for a Habitat for Humanity family while owning their business. On her travels in the United States and abroad, she sought out archeological sites as her major interest. The club serves the city of Murrieta and surrounding area and is involved in international projects in cooperation with Rotary International which has as its ongoing theme “Service Above Self.”

Chartered April 28, 1992, the Murrieta Rotary Club is known for several signature projects including the Murrieta Field of Honor, which will celebrate its 12th year in November. Murrieta Field of Honor is a display of American ﬂags and serves as a fundraiser that enables the club to proactively help in challenging times, provide scholarships, assist foster care youth, support teachers with grants to oﬀset expenses, co-host an annual special needs adult dance and much more. Rotary is one of the largest international humanitarian service organizations in the world, with 1.2 million members in some 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographic areas. Rotary began in 1905 in Chicago and serves the needs of local communities around the world. Submitted by Rotary Club of Murrieta.

Estancia Senior Living announces new executive director spectrum of health services. Estancia Senior Living is now taking reservations and enlisting new members in its charter resident program at its welcome center next to the site at 1735 S. Mission Road in Fallbrook. Learn more by visiting http://www.estanciaseniorliving.com or calling the welcome center at 760-645-0238. Submitted by Estancia Senior Living.

Beverly McGuirk is the new executive director of Estancia Senior Village News/Courtesy photo Living. C

FALLBROOK – Estancia Senior Living, which is opening in fall 2020, announced the addition of Beverly McGuirk as its new executive director, eﬀective June 9. McGuirk brings a broad set of assisted living administration, marketing and clinical skills to Estancia Senior Living. Most recently, she was executive director for a senior living community in San Diego. With more than 27 years of experience in the health care ﬁeld, her expertise includes residentcentered program implementation and team leadership. McGuirk’s career has been motivated by the importance of community, and she has dedicated herself to creating environments where older adults can feel involved, engaged and independent. “We are very excited to welcome Beverly to our team at Estancia Senior Living,” Glen Cummins, regional director operations for Meridian Senior Living, said. “Not only will she bring ex-

tensive leadership skills, but also a fervent energy that will ensure and inspire the team to deliver high quality and compassionate care for our residents.” Previously, McGuirk held various positions within other health care organizations including executive director, assistive living director, resident service director, charge nurse and admissions and marketing director. Her expertise in health care management ranges from budgeting and program planning to staff training and development. In addition to her experience, she has certifications in residential care facilities for the elderly, director of staffing development and first aid. She has a degree in nursing from Mira Costa College and emergency medical technician from Palomar College. McGuirk draws from her diverse clinical and business experience to provide an innovative approach to leadership, program development and quality care across the M

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Wine & Dine

COVID-19 or no COVID-19 – the harvest season is coming Jeff Pack STAFF WRITER

By all appearances, the fatlooking grapes that can be found hanging from vines all over Temecula Wine Country are not doing a

very good job of social distancing. They are gathered in tight clusters, none of them wearing masks or protective shields and that is good news for wine drinkers who intend on consuming their juices when they are ready to drink in a

Wine Country Calendar of Events FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Craft Faire, Maurice Car’rie Winery

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Crush House + Baja Eats, Peltzer Family Cellars

1-2:30 p.m.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tour, South Coast Winery

3-5:30 p.m.

Happy Hour, Vineyard Rose, South Coast Winery

9-10 a.m.

Saturday Yoga + Wine Class, Akash Winery

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Craft Faire, Maurice Car’rie Winery

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Late Nights Under the Lights, Pelter Family Cellars

3:30-5:30 p.m.

Happy Hour, Vineyard Rose, South Coast Winery

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Craft Faire, Maurice Car’rie Winery

11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Crush House, Woodfire Pizza and Got Polish Keilbasa?, Peltzer Family Cellars

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Dog Day Sundays, Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery

3:30-5:30 p.m.

Happy Hour, South Coast Winery

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16

UPCOMING: Aug. 21 is Akash Winery’s “Summer Vineyard Drive-in,” showing “Grease” at 7:45 p.m. Aug. 23 is Akash Winery’s “Summer Vineyard Drive-in,” showing “Goonies” at 7:45 p.m. Aug. 28 is Avensole Winery’s Sunset Sip, from 6:30-9 p.m., with two-days’ notice. Sept. 12 is Wilson Creek Winery’s Wine Academy from 10 a.m. to noon ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS WITH THE VALLEY NEWS and get exposure to over 140,000 readers! (only $25 per event, calendar items due Friday noon of the week before print)

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Rick Buffington, co-owner of Cougar Vineyard and Winery, puts the finishing touches on some newly Valley News/Jeff Pack photos bottled Greco di Tufo Wednesday, Aug. 5.

year or two … or five. Depending on the varietal and the weather leading up to August through October, some of the grapes are ready to come down from their perches, and others need a bit more time on the vine. Valley News reached out to some assorted vintners to find out how they are dealing with COVID-19 during the harvest season and what they expect to get when they pluck the grapes from the vines. According to Cougar Vineyard and Winery co-owner Jennifer Buffington, she thinks it has been a good season for growing. “(It has been a) nice mix of rain and manageable heat,” she said. “We’re just starting veraison (which is the onset of ripening) in some varietals – so, right on track. It looks like another bumper crop year.” Buffington said she thought the top grapes coming off their vines this year will be montepulciano and falanghina. She said the staffing levels at the winery has been steady, saying, “We have been lucky.” “Social distancing must be enforced, wearing masks when not able to social distance,” Buffington said about the actual act of harvesting the grapes. “We use the same company or two to pick our grapes each year so hopefully, they are not affected by COVID-19. “It’s the end of all your year’s efforts to grow great fruit resulting in early mornings, long days and ice-cold beverages,” she said. Buffington was sure to offer thanks to the customers that have continued to support the winery on De Portola Road. Nick Palumbo, co-owner of Palumbo Family Vineyard, talked about the challenges ahead for the small winery. The kind of challenges he likes. “This year has brought the types of challenges I look forward to,” Palumbo said. “It was a very mild spring, and the first part of summer has been very cool in general. The challenge with that has been mildew pressure so those vineyards that didn’t put the work in will show some problems. We use an organic mildew product to help, but it did mean extra passes in the vines which means more labor and cost. Fruit set was great this year, and the crop looks good as we get through veraison. “The recent heat is welcome as well in order to complete ripening and harvest should start on time in the first few weeks of September. So far, so good,” he said. There are other challenges, Palumbo said. “(There are) some issues remain going into harvest, mainly, labor,” he said. “It is always an issue for some of the larger vineyards year after year but this year things get really complicated with COVID-19. As you would expect, navigating the labor issues along with safety is going to be interesting. But it’s important to point out that vineyards are outdoors, vine rows are spaced at least 7-8 feet apart, and keeping safe distances will be the easy part.” Apart from those speedbumps, Palumbo was optimistic. “I feel it’s important to note that a winery like mine is and always has been an agricultural endeavor,

and every year brings all kinds of curveballs that we have to adjust to,” he said. “Harvest is an exciting time that begins a wines journey to the glass, and we are well versed in making these adjustments as needed. It’s our job.” Renato Sais, winemaker at Akash Winery, was pleased with the weather this year. “Beautiful season this 2020,” he said. “Mild weather, colder days and nights than normal. We had a delayed bud break, beginning of April on average (and there was) great ﬂower and cluster sets. Veraison started in late July, with beautiful steady weather all-around.” Sais said his two favorite vintages so far are 2017 and 2019 at the winery, but he thinks 2020 will be as good as those two years. “Our estate sauvignon blanc, zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon

are my top varietals, they are all looking great,” he said. Sais also pointed at labor as COVID-19-related issue heading into harvest season. “And time frames, trying to play catch up mainly, but the vineyard has been and will always be a priority,” he said. “Mainly the decisions of how much to produce and less planning due to the ﬁnancial uncertainties from wineries.” He said harvest season is a special time for him. “Harvest season for me is a new opportunity to make wine once again,” Sais said. “Perfect wine, perfect grapes, always trying to improve and understand the practice better. What we are producing to who our customers are. It’s challenging but I am passionate.” Jeff Pack can be reached by email at jpack@reedermedia.com.

The sangiovese at Cougar Vineyard and Winery is still ripening on the vine.

The vines are looking healthy and full at Palumbo Family Vineyard.

This tractor won’t be put into use at Palumbo Family Vineyard, but it reinforces how much farming goes into winemaking.

The vines at Danza del Sol Winery are looking full as they frame the barrel room at the winery on the De Portola Wine Trail.

August 14, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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Entertainment

Weekly roundup: Music continues in a variety of different ways amid current guidelines Lexington Howe STAFF WRITER

Due to county restrictions, please check in with each venue to see that they are still having their event. Here is the weekly round-up for Aug. 14-20: Summer Nights at Wilson Creek Wilson Creek Winery is hosting Summer Nights Friday, Aug. 14, from 5-8 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/406666606959206/. High Tea and Smudge Sticks Come out and experience an evening of high tea and crafting at the Newton Avocado Manor Saturday, Aug. 15, from 6-8 p.m. Reservations are required, and there is outdoor seating only. The dress code is tea party attire. For more information and tick-

ets, visit https://www.newtonavocadomanor.com/. DNA Live Zabber Thai Fusion, a Thai restaurant in Temecula, will be hosting DNA, an alternative rock, new wave and classic rock band Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8-11 p.m. COVID-19 precaution measures will be observed. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ dnaweare/. Les Allen & Friends Baily’s Old Town is hosting Les Allen & Friends, a rock, country, blues and jazz band Sunday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/1680641735427447/. Gino and the Lone Gunmen Longshadow Ranch Winery is hosting Gino and the Lone Gunmen, Saturday, Aug. 15, from

6-10 p.m. Due to current guidelines, check in with Longshadow Ranch Winery to see that they are still having the event. For more information, contact info@longshadowranchwinery. com or call 951-587-6221. Concert Series at Home Temecula continues its popular Concert Series at Home. Watch Bad Chemistry through your streaming devices by visiting @ TemeculaParksandRec on Facebook, Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. If you can’t watch it then, don’t worry – they’ll leave it up for viewing. For more information or to see the line-up into September, visit https://temeculaca.gov/1165/ Concert-Series-at-Home. Lexington Howe can be reached by email at lhowe@reedermedia. com.

Bad Chemistry will be featured on Temecula’s Concert Series at Home series on Thursday, Aug. 20. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Pala Casino Spa Resort presents a Toast to the Rat Pack: Dean, Frank & Sammy PALA – Pala Casino Spa Resort announced the newest addition to the popular Superstar Impostors Concert Series, A Toast to the Rat Pack: Dean, Frank & Sammy is coming to the Starlight Theater Friday, Aug. 14. Back by popular demand, A Toast to the Rat Pack takes audiences on a musical journey featuring the greatest hits from the legendary Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Drift back to a tuxedoed, glamorous era when every night was a party. The high-energy show honors the 1960s heyday of the Rat Pack’s legendary Las Vegas concerts. Featuring a four-piece band, these three acclaimed tribute artists recreate the songs, humor and camaraderie of The Rat Pack: Se-

bastian Anzaldo as Frank Sinatra; Andy DiMino as Dean Martin and Lambus Dean as Sammy Davis Jr. General admission tickets are on sale now for $10. The Superstar Imposters – Summer Tribute Series is one of three outdoor concert series in the Starlight Theater at Pala Casino Spa Resort. It will feature some of the nation’s top tribute bands and artists recreating some of rock’s most iconic bands and performances onstage on select Friday nights, including Yacktly Crew (Titans of Soft Rock) Aug. 21, and Wayward Sons (80s Rock Tribute) Aug. 28. The other outdoor concert series are Funky Funk Get Down – Big Grooves & Dance Moves, featuring Family Stone Aug. 15,

Rose Royce Sept. 5 and WAR Sept. 19 at 8 p.m., and Domingos de Musica y Baile, featuring Dreaming of You (Selena Tribute) Aug. 16, Viva Santana (Santana Tribute) Aug. 23 and Mariachi Divas Sept. 6, at 8 p.m. Funky Funk Get Down – Big Grooves & Dance Moves will feature top funk, soul and rhythm and blues bands on select Saturday nights. Domingos de Musica y Baile will feature both headline Latin entertainment, as well up and coming stars on select Sunday afternoons. The health and safety of the valued guests and team members is paramount to Pala Casino Spa Resort. Pala Casino is committed to following the guidelines and recommendations issued by

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for businesses. Guests will be asked to wear facial coverings and practice safe social distancing throughout each of these events. Seats will be sanitized and pre-set to enforce proper social distancing. Additionally, all guests will have their temperature screened at the entrance to the casino. For a full list of the property updates and safety protocols at Pala Casino Spa Resort, visit https://www.palacasino.com/. Concert Series Information All shows will be held outdoors at the Starlight Theater. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Guests who sign up for or have a player’s card will receive $5 back in added play valid the day of event only.

Doors open one hour before start of show. Guests will be asked to wear facial coverings and practice safe social distancing. Tickets are on sale now, with no service charge, at the Pala Box Ofﬁce, http://www.palacasino.com and 877-946-7252. Tickets also are available at http://www.startickets.com and 800-585-3737. All events and promotions are subject to cancellation without notice. Learn more about the upcoming events at Pala Casino Spa Resort by visiting https://www. palacasino.com/entertainment/ all-entertainment/. Submitted by Pala Casino Spa Resort.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • A ugust 14 , 2 02 0

Education

Superintendent Kelley presents update on start to MVUSD school year Jeff Pack STAFF WRITER

During a Murrieta Valley Unified School District board of education special meeting Wednesday, July 29, district superintendent Patrick Kelley gave the board an update on the planned start to the 2020-2021 school year. “Since we last met 12 days ago, things have changed incredibly around the state of California,” Kelley said via a teleconference call. “I want to remind everybody that school is starting on Friday, Aug. 14, and school will be starting in a virtual manner. “This was not a decision that you made or was a decision that is within your purview at this time. On July 17, shortly after our last meeting, the governor issued an order that all districts residing and counties that are on the watch list, that’s at least 32 counties within the state of California and it represents close to 95% of all students in the state of California, must begin the year with a distance learning format,” he said. Kelly addressed a question that many parents are asking of the district regarding a note on the governor’s executive order that indicates that a waiver would be made available for in-person instruction. “The current status of that is unknown, and the California Department of Public Health and Riverside County Public Health Department has not identiﬁed how this waiver process will work at this time but we will be watching very closely taking a look at what the rules of this are the feasibility of applying for a waiver and then we will certainly assess,” Kelley said. “I would remind you that our goals are the same, we have the spirit of wanting to open our schools but opening our school as quickly as we can when it’s safe and when it’s moved to do. “All those pieces of the puzzle don’t always come together in the

time frame that we want and we wish but we are looking at those things very closely and so we will absolutely be assessing this waiver process once it’s established by the state and the county,” he said. Kelley also talked a little about how distance learning will be put into action in the next few weeks, though he did not share the details of the entire plan, Kelley promised that more information would be coming from school sites in the coming week. “What I need to remind everybody is that when on March 13 we went from school to distance learning, this was a very fast and quick response to a worldwide global pandemic,” Kelley said. “This fall will not look like the past spring in regards to what virtual learning or distance learning will look like. In this new model in the fall, there will be daily live instruction and interactions with teachers and other students. Rigorous state standards will be in place and will be equivalent to in-person instruction.” Kelley said there will be progress reports and grades given, required daily attendance, required daily instructional minutes, as well as academic and other supports for all students. Kelley promised that all students would have access to devices and connectivity. “One of the most important things going on right now is that our students are given access to the tools that are needed to be able to access their education,” he said. “It’s important to note that we have the devices available so all students will need a device and for those students who need to borrow a device – that will not be a problem. Those will be passed out from the school sites with communication coming from (those sites). Families will also be able to give us feedback on their ability with internet connectivity issues and will work with families one-on-one in that situation.” Kelley said schools will be con-

Patrick Kelley, superintendent of Murrieta Valley Uniﬁed School District, shows a slide regarding the distance learning model that the district will begin the 2020-2021 school year with Friday, Aug. 14. Valley News/ Courtesy photo

tacting students in the next week to begin addressing those issues. He also addressed the issue of CIF sports and athletics. “On July 20, CIF announced that high school sports for the fall would be delayed until at least December,” Kelley said. “It is important to note that those practices right now are calendared and seasons to begin no sooner than Dec. 14. But I really want to oﬀer this caution. This is the best guess that CIF is making right now and we’ll see if those dates continue on. But it’s important to note that this is the calendar established by the governing authority that governs high school sports and as such this is the calendar that we fall under at this time. There is no ability to hold practices, training, conditioning, those types of things – they are not allowed by public health order at this time.” Kelley concluded his presentation with recognition of how much of a change it will be starting the school year with distance learning. “This is a sea change,” he said. “In regards to how it’s structured

and going to be delivered for families, and we want it to be as successful as possible. What our parents should be expecting, starting next week, is receiving a series of informational communications and some in video format to show exactly how you can make virtual instruction as successful and positive for their child. Those are being developed right now but it’s one of the important things that we want to make sure we’re doing so that all kids and the families as a unit can be successful in this regard. “We will be continuing on with greater information for our families beginning next week,” Kelley said. The board also unanimously approved the second reading and adoption of the new board policy pertaining to the district’s COVID-19 Mitigation Plan which establishes actions that will be taken by the district to provide a safe learning and working environment during the coronavirus pandemic. The policy will supersede any conﬂicting language in existing

district policies or administrative regulations until the governing board determines that the need for this policy no longer exists. According to the document, “The board acknowledges that, due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, federal, state and local orders impacting district operations are subject to change without notice. In the event that any federal, state, or local order may conflict with this policy, the order shall govern.” The board also unanimously approved the personnel report regarding new hires within the district, approved a contract in the amount of $231,000 to Reed Family Enterprises for housing at Murrieta Elementary School and heard a presentation about the district’s systematic short and long-term equity plans with a focus on “boldly and aggressively advocating for justice and equity for students, parents and staff.” Jeff Pack can be reached by email at jpack@reedermedia. com.

ALL TOGETHER NOW. Let’s face it. No one has had it easy during this pandemic. Valley News is reporting from the front lines the local stories of COVID-19 and its painful shutdown. We thank our talented journalists. But we’ve lost business, too. Like us, you’re probably saying enough is enough. Let’s work together as businesses reopen. We’ve got the engaged audience to share your advertising messages. Our ad staﬀ stands ready to help.

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August 14, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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Education RivCo health officer says county’s COVID-19 case rate must drop before state will accept TK-6 reopening waivers Will Fritz ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Riverside County’s public health officer said Thursday, Aug. 6, that while the county intends to participate in the waiver process that could allow some TK-6 schools in the county to reopen in counties on the statewide coronavirus monitoring list, the county sits just above the 14-day case rate threshold over which state health officials advise not to approve any waivers. The California Department of Public Health has advised that counties with a 14-day case rate more than 200 per 100,000 residents should not grant waivers, Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer, said. Because of issues with the state’s COVID-19 case database,

Kaiser said, CDPH has frozen the county data chart, leaving Riverside County at a rate of 202 cases per 100,000. State officials have indicated they will decline to accept waivers for Riverside County schools until the state has a reliable case rate for the county and it is under the 200 cases per 100,000 threshold. “This benchmark is based on the county as a whole; there is no state provision for waivers for regions within a county,” Kaiser said. “Therefore, we will accept applications once the countywide case rate is reliable and below that threshold. In the meantime, distance education is permitted for all K-12 schools, and schools should encourage their communities to socially distance, wear facial coverings and avoid gatherings in

HUSD releases its new district logo

order to facilitate sustained reductions in case rates.” Some local school districts, including Temecula Valley Uniﬁed School District, have previously expressed interest in applying for waivers to reopen in-person instruction for TK-6 students once a process was made available by state and county oﬃcials. Kaiser said schools interested in applying should be aware that the process for a waiver application requires “written proof of consultation with community organizations, teachers’ unions (if applicable) and parent organizations.” Additionally, he said the county will require schools to prevent their response plan for an exposure to a coronavirus cases, their plan for assigning students to cohorts

and maintaining them, as well as their plan for staff testing every two months, in accordance with state in-person instruction reopening framework. The county cannot act as schools’ testing resource, he said, and schools are advised to work with staff members’ medical plans or contract with a third-party testing provider. Any California-licensed lab or testing provider is acceptable, Kaiser said. The state does offer a searchable testing task force lab list. Kaiser said the county recognizes there will be questions regarding the application process, and schools may submit requests for technical advice – including the adequacy of proposed documentation – although advice given by

the county does not guarantee acceptance of applications by either state or county oﬃcials. “Finally, schools should be aware that the county Public Health Department may choose a phased-in approach with a selection of schools per supervisorial district in order to evaluate risk and probability of outbreak, rather than opening all applicants at once,” Kaiser said. “This will be based on the number of applications received and in which regions. Schools may be closed by the state or the local health oﬃcer if outbreak thresholds are exceeded.” Waivers are not automatically granted and may be withdrawn, Kaiser said. Will Fritz can be reached by email at wfritz@reedermedia.com.

Menifee resident Amanda Ezeobiejesi receives degree WORCESTER, Mass. – Worcester Polytechnic Institute celebrated the class of 2020 with a socially distanced commencement season in place of its traditional 152nd commencement exercises. Amanda Ezeobiejesi of Menifee earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science with high distinction. Since the class of 2020 was unable to receive diplomas in person this year, they instead received personal commencement packages that were mailed to their home and included their diplomas,

commencement regalia and other items to celebrate their successes, as well as a congratulatory video message from university president Laurie Leshin. In total, the institute awarded 1,043 bachelor’s degrees, 674 master’s degrees and 54 doctoral degrees. In her video message, Leshin made the traditional commencement walk to the institute’s Earle Bridge, which students walk over during new student orientation and again when they graduate. She stopped, turned and told graduates,

“You should be here. But make no mistake: Today is still your day. You’ve walked this bridge together once, and you will walk it again. I can’t wait to see you do just that. Until then, it’s my honor to wait for you.” Worcester Polytechnic Institute plans to hold in-person undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies in the future at a date to be announced. Submitted by Worchester Polytechnic Institute.

Macy Parris of Murrieta named to the spring 2020 dean’s list at Mississippi College Hemet Uniﬁed School District releases its new logo. Valley News/Courtesy photo

HEMET – Hemet Unified School District announced its new logo, which was selected based on staﬀ and stakeholder input. The new logo incorporates symbols of the large district from the mountains to the farmlands. The viewer is given the perspective of standing behind an iconic orange tree peering into the distance at our broad agricultural ﬁelds. The majestic San Jacinto Mountains span the view becoming the center of the visual. The color scheme was chosen to be vibrant and fresh while also presenting a clean and memorable identity, according to the district.

According to a district news release, the new logo also serves as a visual representation of the transformation that has occurred in HUSD over the last four years. The district’s vision “Embrace, Educate, Empower” is a focal point of the logo serving as a reminder of what HUSD is aspiring to achieve on behalf of its students. All HUSD staﬀ members were engaged in creating the district’s new core values and vision which will be released later in the year, according to the district. Submitted by Hemet Unified School District.

10 local students earn degrees at University of Utah SALT LAKE CITY –The University of Utah graduated 10 local students April 30, 2020, during the university’s 151st general commencement. Reek Lewis of Menifee graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. From Murrieta, Bri Doehrmann graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health, society and policy, and Jayda Reed graduated with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. Emily Borden of Temecula graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Dr. Kortnie Broschinsky of Temecula graduated with her degree in medicine. Maddie Mclaughlin of Temecula earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ballet. Andrew Sevy, Ph.D., of Temecula earned his doctorate in chemistry. Sarah Shetler of Temecula graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Megan Shughrou of Temecula graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Taylor Yates of Temecula graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. The graduating class of 2020 included students who graduated summer 2019, fall 2019 and spring 2020. Students in the class of 2020 ranged in age from 18-69

and earned 9,280 degrees. Graduates represented 50 U.S. states and 59 foreign countries. This class is the first to graduate from the University since it was selected as a new member of the Association of American Universities. The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah. Founded in 1850, it serves over 32,000 students from across the U.S. and the world. With over 100 major subjects at the undergraduate level and more than 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, including law and medicine, the university prepares students to live and compete in the global workplace. In 2019, the university became a member of the Association of American Universities, an invitation-only group of 65 leading research institutions marked by excellence in academic expertise and research impact, student success and securing resources in support of core missions. Known for its proximity to seven world-class ski resorts within 40 minutes of campus, the University of Utah encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty and business leaders. Submitted by University of Utah.

CLINTON, Miss. – Macy Parris of Murrieta was named to the spring 2020 dean’s list at Mississippi College. The Mississippi College Oﬃce of Academic Aﬀairs releases the dean’s list after the close of fall and spring semesters each academic year. To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must maintain a 3.5 GPA, based on a 4.0 system. The student must take a full course load of at least 12 semester hours of undergraduate credit with all

academic courses impacting their GPA. Mississippi College, aﬃliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention, is a private, co-educational, Christian university of liberal arts and sciences serving more than 5,100 students, from 40 states and more than three dozen countries. Founded in 1826, Mississippi College is the oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi, the largest private university in the state and America’s second

oldest Baptist college. Mississippi College is home to 84 areas of undergraduate study, 16 graduate programs, a doctor of jurisprudence, a doctor of education leadership degree and a doctor of professional counseling degree. Mississippi College seeks to be a university recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ. Submitted by Mississippi College.

12 residents earn degree from WGU SALT LAKE CITY – Western Governors University graduated 12 students from Temecula recently. The online, nonproﬁt university has graduated over 190,000 students from across the country since its inception in 1997. Nicole Alusha, William Smith, Constance Duncanmoses, Julie Lundquist, Mari Worthy and Rachel Floyd received a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Vincent Salce received a bachelor’s degree in business management. Aaron Zimmer and Kimberly Carlton both received a master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction. Madeline Sanders and Sarai

Garcia received a bachelor’s degree in education interdisciplinary studies for grade K-8. Nathan Shannon received a bachelor’s degree in cloud computing and systems administration. Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit Western Governors University now serves more than 123,000 students nationwide and has more than 190,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, Western Governors University has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers,

and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 23 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN and in The New York Times. Learn more at http://www.wgu.edu. Submitted by Western Governors University.

2 local students named to Harding University dean’s list SEARCY, Ark. – Among the more than 1,500 Harding University students included on the dean’s list for grades achieved during the spring 2020 semester, two local students were included. Macailah Williams is a junior interior architecture and design student from Temecula. Lei Edmerson is a junior integrative studies major from Winchester. The dean’s list is published each semester by Marty Spears, Ph.D.,

University provost, honoring those who have achieved high scholarship. To be eligible, a student must be carrying 12 or more hours with a 3.65 or higher GPA and no incompletes. Harding University is a private Christian university located in Searcy, Arkansas. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it is the largest private university in the state. Harding’s student body is made up of students representing 49 states and 55 nations and

territories. The university oﬀers more than 100 undergraduate majors, graduate and professional degrees at the master’s, specialist and doctoral level as well as numerous international study offerings including locations in Australia, Latin America, England, France, Greece, Italy and Zambia. For more information, visit http:// harding.edu. Submitted by Harding University.

Murrieta students named to Adelphi University spring 2020 dean’s list GARDEN CITY, N.Y. – Victoria Bailey and Austin Beech, both from Murrieta, have been named to the spring 2020 dean’s list at Adelphi University. Adelphi University’s deans of Arts and Sciences, Education

and Health Science, Business, Nursing and Public Health, Social Work and Psychology recognize superior academic work every semester. The dean’s list includes full-time students registered for 12 or more credits who have com-

pleted at least nine graded credits and achieved a GPA of 3.5 or above for the semester. This recognition becomes part of the student’s academic record and is entered into the individual’s transcript. Submitted by Adelphi University.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • August 14, 2020

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Section

SPORTS August 14 – 20, 2020

www.myvalleynews.com

Volume 20, Issue 33

Riverside County gives green light to resume youth sports, with restrictions

Social distancing and face coverings is the new normal for youth sports players and their families as Riverside County releases new guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Valley News/Courtesy photo

“The new guidelines provide for some participation for youth sports, which is something we know parents, coaches and young athletes have been waiting for, but the No. 1 priority remains the safety of those involved,” Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health oﬃcer, said. “These guidelines should not be looked at as a return to pre-pandemic participation.” For sports that cannot be played with suﬃcient distancing or cohorting, only physical conditioning and training is permitted and only where physical distancing can be maintained. Conditioning and training should focus on individual skill building, such as running drills and body weight resistance training. These guidelines cover all youth sports, including school-based, club and recreational youth sports, including but not limited to football, basketball, volleyball, hockey, softball, baseball, soccer, swim, water polo, gymnastics, cheer, dance and karate. For individual or naturally distanced sports like swimming, tennis and cross-country, the guidelines may mean continued practicing as usual, in small groups. But for team-based sports

like baseball, basketball and soccer, the stricter rules allow only physical conditioning and distanced technical drilling, like dribbling or batting practice. According to Gov. Gavin Newsom, all youth sports and physical education classes must adhere to the state’s guidance regarding safety protocols. Training of staﬀ on how to operate within the suggested measures for the safety of all involved will be required of all youth sports organizations. As most local schools gear up for remote learning extending into the foreseeable future, the lack of interaction among students has most certainly left families concerned. Of course, with the concern, it should also be noted that students who participate in sports don’t just improve their physical ﬁtness; they also gain necessary social and emotional development. That same social and emotional development has been sorely lacking during these past few months of sheltering in place. To read the county’s updated advisory letter on youth sports, visit http://www. rivcoph.org. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com.

Youth sports activities should be held in an outdoor location as the No. 1 priority remains the safety of those involved.

JP Raineri SPORTS EDITOR

The California Department of Public Health announced new guidelines recently to allow youth sports to resume during the coronavirus pandemic. These guidelines, which arrived alongside new waivers for in-person elementary school instruction, will apply to all youth sports programs, whether they are school-based, club or recreational athletic programs. A competition ban was also set in line with the July 20 California Interscholastic Federation decision to delay all fall sports seasons to Dec. 14, pending any changes to state health directives. “The new guidelines give school districts more freedom to create opportunities for student athletes while curbing the spread of CO-

VID-19,” Chris Fore, president of the California Coaches Association, said. “It brings folks in the private sector back into reality of what we need to adhere to, too.” Under the new guidelines, youth sports can take place only with physical distancing of at least 6 feet between participants and within a stable cohort, such as a class or team when the participants remain the same, that limits the risk of transmission. Sports that cannot be played with enough distancing and cohorting are not permitted. Competitions, including games and tournaments, are not allowed. Factors addressed in attempting to limit the spread of COVID-19 include the number of people and length of time at a location, physical distance and the shared use of equipment. If equipment must be shared, the

equipment should be cleaned and disinfected between uses. Masks are required for indoor workouts. Face coverings should be changed if they become wet, stick to an athlete’s face and obstruct breathing. Sporting events that would likely result in gathering are not allowed at the present time. Competitions and tournaments would fall under that list. Youth sports and physical education cannot be carried out without a separation of 6 feet between participants and a stable cohort must be in place that limits the risks of transmission of the disease. To the maximum extent that it is practical, the athletic activities should be held in an outdoor location. Physical conditioning and training are not permitted indoors in counties where gyms cannot operate indoors.

With competition still not allowed, youth sports in Riverside County must be carried out with a separation of 6 feet between participants and a stable cohort must be in place to limit the risks of transmission of COVID-19. Valley News/Courtesy photo

New guidelines have been established in Riverside County for youth sports to resume amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Murrieta Tennis Club stays in business during COVID-19 Joey Balleweg INTERN

While driving through Temecula, residents can see the many city parks with empty baseball ﬁelds and basketball courts, and no high school teams running their summer sports camps. One place they might see athletes practicing are on tennis courts throughout the valley. The Murrieta Tennis Club, 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, adapted to changing health orders due to the coronavirus pandemic and stayed in business. “Our private lessons have gone through the roof,” Scott Dickey, owner of Murrieta Tennis Club for 22 years, said. “Our pros (tennis coaches) have been busier this summer than they have ever been. Everyone likes private lessons because of the social distancing that comes with it, hitting with a pro who is 30 feet away from you.” Accommodating social distancing, the club has restricted the Private lessons are popular at the Murrieta Tennis Club because of the one-on-one coaching during COVID-19. Valley News/Courtesy photos

see TENNIS, page C-2

In regular summers, the club hosts adult and junior tournaments, as well as several summer classes.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • August 14, 2020

Sports

Shock Doctor launches all-new, athlete-centric face mask and gaiter FOUNTAIN VALLEY – Shock Doctor is releasing all-new Play Safe Face Masks and Gaiters, sport-speciﬁc face coverings that help protect athletes against airborne droplets while supporting elite performance. Shock Doctor continues taking an athlete-centric approach to designing with its Play Safe Face Masks and Gaiters. The products include unique features such as the patent-pending Quick-Flip, a multilayer split design that ensures easy access to mouthguard and hydration without having to touch the face or remove the mask. To eliminate ear irritation and reduce pressure points during play, the Play Safe Face Mask includes dual

head straps that wrap around the back of the head. Additionally, the face mask and gaiter are made of lightweight, moisture-wicking elastic material that ensures a secure ﬁt while maintaining breathability during performance. The material is also machine washable, making both the face mask and gaiter reusable unlike single-use disposable masks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that people continue to wear face coverings in public settings even as athletes return to sporting activities. “Taking an innovative approach to protection is in our DNA,” Michael Magerman, president and

The new Shock Doctor sport-speciﬁc face coverings feature a “Quick-Flip” split design that allows easy access to hydration or a mouthguard without having to touch the face or remove the mask. Valley News/Shock Doctor photos

Shock Doctor aims to provide options for protecting all athletes with lightweight, moisture-wicking elastic masks and gaiters ensure a secure ﬁt while maintaining breathability during performance.

CEO of United Sports Brands, the parent company of Shock Doctor, said. “As a community, this is a uniquely challenging time we are facing. We take pride in providing athletes with protective solutions that enable performance at the highest level while keeping the rest of the community safe too.” The Play Safe Face Masks and Gaiters will be available mid-

August at Academy Sports + Outdoors, Scheels, Meijer, Dunham’s Sports and Walmart stores. The face coverings will also be available for online purchase through the same retailers, plus Amazon, Eastbay and http://ShockDoctor. com. Several solid and print options are available, sporting the latest trends for the most current in-game looks. Face masks avail-

able in adult and youth sizes; gaiters are available in one size ﬁts most. Follow Shock Doctor on Instagram or visit http://www.ShockDoctor.com/PlaySafe. These are not medical-grade coverings and not intended as a replacement for medical-grade personal protective equipment. Submitted by Shock Doctor.

Mountain West, Aztecs postpone fall sports seasons due to COVID-19 which has not yet decided on fall sports. The Pac-12 CEO group, made up of one president or chancellor from each of the conference’s 12 universities, were scheduled to meet Tuesday, Aug. 11, after press time, and was expected to discuss and vote on how to proceed with the 2020 football season. It is unclear at this time how that will impact other fall sports. According to a Mountain West statement, there are ongoing dis-

cussions regarding the status of winter sports. The Mountain West will also begin to explore the feasibility of rescheduling fall sports competition, including the possibility of those sports competing in the spring, the statement said. The SDSU Aztecs football team had modiﬁed its schedule to 10 games and most other fall sports were scheduled to only play conference opponents after the conference announcement.

“Since the start of the pandemic, our membership and staﬀ have been working diligently to prepare for a fall sports season,” Craig Thompson, commissioner of Mountain West Conference, said. “We were hopeful we could carefully and responsibly conduct competition as originally scheduled with essential protocols in place. However, numerous external factors and unknowns outside our control made this difficult decision necessary.”

A racer and her dog share the love San Diego State quarterback Ryan Agnew (9). Valley News/AC Sports photo

City News Service SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

The Mountain West Conference, in which San Diego State University plays the majority of its intercollegiate sports, announced Monday, Aug. 10, it was postponing its fall sports season indeﬁnitely in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The conference had announced Wednesday that it was planning to delay the start of conference games in multiple sports until after Sept. 26. The Mountain West board of directors said in a statement Monday that it “prioritized the physical and mental health and well-being of the conference’s student-athletes and overall campus communities” in its decision. “Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our students, student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staﬀ and overall communities,” Mary Papazian, president at San Jose State University and

chair of the Mountain West board, said. “Through the hard work of many over the past several months, the conference made every effort to create an opportunity for our student-athletes to compete, and we empathize with the disappointment this creates for everyone associated with our programs. The best interests of our students and student-athletes remain our focus and we will persist in our efforts to forge a viable and responsible path forward.” The fall sports affected by Monday’s decision include men’s and women’s cross-country, football, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. Recently, the league announced that all fall competition in the sports of men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis, women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, softball and baseball had been canceled. The SDSU men’s soccer team plays in the Pac-12 conference,

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TENNIS from page C-1 number of students for group lessons. “Normally, with three courts, we will have 30 kids, but now we can only do two courts with four kids on a court,” Dickey said. The group lessons are operating about 60-65%, he said. “Normally summer camps are a big moneymaker, but this year we just had to survive,” Dickey said. The club has taken several precautions due to the coronavirus, such as removing all benches from the courts, having players

sanitize their hands as well as taking temperature checks before any lesson. Even with only four athletes on a court, coaches make sure they spread out as much as possible. To limit the amount of people roaming around the club, they requested only one parent come to watch and pick up their child and not bring any additional family members along. “The biggest concern was the touching of the tennis balls,” Dickey said. He said parents wanted to know if coaches would be wearing masks when close to the players

as well. When the club reopened in late March, Dickey said many members were hesitant to come back so soon. “The ﬁrst two weeks were totally quiet, but as we started small groups it slowly started to build,” he said. Dickey said, currently, “We are as busy as we have ever been with members. We got a lot of new members because tennis is one of the only things available.” Joey Balleweg can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com.

August 14, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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Health

LLUMC – Murrieta recognized as a Best Maternity Care Hospital by Newsweek MURRIETA – Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta was named to Newsweek’s “2020 List of Best Maternity Care Hospitals.” The distinction recognizes facilities that have excelled in providing care to mothers, newborns and their families, as veriﬁed by the 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Best Maternity Care Hospitals is part of Newsweek’s Best Health Care series, powered by data from The Leapfrog Group. Dr. Charles Yang, chair of the Department of Obstetrics, said the team is honored to be acknowledged as among the best maternity care hospitals in the country. “This recognition is an attribution of the talented and dedicated staﬀ who ensure their patients are receiving the best possible care and outcomes every day,” Yang said. LLUMC – Murrieta was one of fewer than 250 adult hospitals that provide maternity services to receive the prestigious accolade. LLUMC – Murrieta also joins an elite group of hospitals recog-

nized for quality, including Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, which was named a top Children’s Hospital three years in a row by The Leapfrog Group. LLU Children’s Hospital also met the obstetric requirements for this list; however, only adult hospitals were reported for the recognition. Hospitals named as a Best Maternity Care Hospital have fully met The Leapfrog Group’s standards for maternity care on evidence-based, nationally standardized metrics. It includes lower rates of early elective delivery, cesarean sections with low-risk, ﬁrst-time mothers and episiotomy, as well as compliance with process measures, including newborn bilirubin screening before hospital discharge and blood clot prevention techniques for mothers delivering via C-section. The full list of recipients appeared in the July 24 edition of Newsweek, which is available online and at newsstands nationwide. For more information on ma-

Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta is named to Newsweek’s “2020 List of Best Maternity Care Hospitals.” Valley News/Courtesy photo

ternity care services at LLUMC – Murrieta, call 951-290-4000 or visit https://murrieta.lluh.org/

services/womens-health/motherbaby. Submitted by Loma Linda

University Medical Center – Murrieta.

Is quarantining negatively affecting children? The American Counseling Association SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

Most schools closed in midspring. Playgrounds in many areas are taped off. Sports programs from baseball to swim meets are being canceled. The current COVID-19 crisis and its quarantining measures are directly affecting children every day in a variety of ways. Many parents worry what the long-term eﬀects may be on their children. It’s a question for which there aren’t a lot of ready answers but the consensus from numerous

experts is that most children will be all right. It is especially true for younger children. While they may now complain when locked down at home that they’re “bored,” it’s probably the same complaint voiced during every summer’s school vacation. Being bored at times won’t harm a child’s psychological and emotional development but, rather, it does oﬀer opportunities for parents to help build self-suﬃciency. Providing children with additional ways to express their creativity and enhance learning is one approach, but sometimes simply leaving a

child to develop their own answers to being alone can encourage a child’s independence and ability to create their own activities. Parents can empathize with a child’s unhappiness with the current situation, but they don’t need to be a constant playmate or sources of entertainment. With pre-teens and teenagers, the problems can sometimes be more diﬃcult. Social interaction is extremely important to these age groups and the disappearance of classrooms and the freedom to just hang out with friends often are more serious issues than simply being bored. Additionally, older

children are better able to understand the health and societal problems this health crisis has brought, which can mean higher levels of anxiety and stress as they worry not only about their own health, but that of others close to them. Allowing fewer restrictions on electronic interactions is one way for today’s pre-teens and teens to stay connected. Social media and cellphone chat times can be replacements for that face to face time the children previously enjoyed. But parents also need to watch for any serious problems that today’s changed world can bring to

their children. Signiﬁcant changes in eating and sleeping habits, being overly argumentative or withdrawing from family and friends for extended time periods can all be signs of depression. Depression isn’t simply being sad, but it’s a serious, longer-term mental health issue which is treatable and for which medical and mental help should be sought. Counseling Corner is provided by the American Counseling Association. Send comments and questions to ACAcorner@counseling.org or visit http://www. counseling.org.

The Healthcare Insights magazine recognizes Murrieta Genomics as ‘most influential health tech company to watch in genomics solutions’ MURRIETA – Murrieta Genomics was recently named as a “company to watch” by The Healthcare Insights, a medical publication that discusses developments in medical technology and treatment for better global health in its July 2020 issue. Murrieta Genomics was selected as “The Most Inﬂuential HealthTech Company to Watch in Genomics Solutions” vertical due to the valuable contributions the company is making in this niche. “It is a great honor to be selected by The Healthcare Insights team,” Jay Goth, CEO of Murrieta Genomics. “We are a young company but making strides in impacting the genomic space by oﬀering startups

in this industry the sequencing and sector knowledge they need to develop their proof of concept. Our management team and advisory board is dedicated to launching the next great genomic companies.” The print magazine reaches out to over 72,000 subscribers across the United States and Canada. The magazine’s mission is to help readers identify the companies that are bringing reliable and innovative solutions to the health care sector. The July issue features the “20 Most Advanced Healthcare Tech Companies to Watch in 2020” that have pushed the envelope of the health care industry with their inspiring ideas and advanced

health care solutions. Visit https:// thehealthcareinsights.com/magazine/ to view the article. The magazine contains thoughtleadership articles and insights of health care experts, doctors, directors of research and development about the advancements in the health care sector over the past few years. Subscribers include chief information officers, chief technology officers, chief scientific officers, vice presidents for manufacturing, clinical research, clinical trials or drug discovery, head of clinical research and other technology buyers and leaders. Murrieta Genomics provides access to next generation sequencing technology for researchers in

the health, veterinary, agriculture, forensics and direct to consumer industries. The company is a true business incubator, offering mentorship and guidance from both the scientific and business perspective to aspiring genomic-related entrepreneurs. The founders of Murrieta Genomics have extensive background in business, finance, science and technology. They are supplemented with a prestigious advisory board from both business and science. The company provides Next Generation Sequencing services, hands-on consulting, review, appraisal and guidance. In addition, it provides help with company value propositions and potential seed funding support to

qualiﬁed incubator graduates. For more information visit http://www. murrietagenomics.com. Murrieta Genomics is part of the Murrieta Innovation Center, a RESI Tech Hub dedicated to supporting life science companies. The Innovation Center has medical device, therapeutic, software, clinical research and genomic companies that are working hard to advance new ideas and innovations that can impact the world in a positive way. The center is also a resource for all types of local startup companies, oﬀering services and workshops from a local SBDC, several veteran organizations, a SCORE branch and more. Submitted by city of Murrieta.

How to avoid dehydration in the great outdoors

Avoiding dehydration involves learning to recognize its signs and symptoms and how to prevent it from occurring. Valley News/Courtesy photo

TEMECULA – Hiking, fishing and swimming are among the more popular ways to experience the great outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts may find nothing better than a day on their favorite trail or an afternoon spent fishing or swimming in a nearby lake. Nature can inspire a sense of awe and wonder, and in such situations, it can be easy to overlook safety. That’s a potentially dangerous mistake but one that is easily avoided. Nature enthusiasts accustomed to spending long hours in the great outdoors are vulnerable to a host of potentially dangerous conditions, including dehydration. Avoiding dehydration involves learning to

recognize its signs and symptoms and how to prevent it from occurring. What is dehydration? According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it is taking in. When that happens, the body does not have enough fluids to function properly. What causes dehydration? Numerous things can cause someone to become dehydrated, including not drinking enough fluids. Diarrhea, vomiting, sweating too much and urinating too much are some other factors that can cause someone to become dehydrated. Why are outdoors enthusiasts

at risk of dehydration? Outdoor enthusiasts who spend ample time outdoors during hot weather are at risk of dehydration if they do not drink enough fluids while outside. The risk of dehydration on hot days is higher because people are more likely to sweat a lot when the temperature rises. If those fluids are not replenished, and replenished often, dehydration can occur. In addition, the USNLM said that outdoor exercise during hot days increases the risk of dehydration. Outdoor activities that are physically challenging, such as hiking, rock climbing and kayaking, are a form of exercise that can make participants more vulnerable to dehydration. What are the symptoms of dehydration? The Mayo Clinic said that thirst is not always a reliable indicator that the body needs water. Older adults are more vulnerable to dehydration than others because they naturally have a lower volume of water in their bodies. Aging men and women also don’t typically feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. So it benefits people of all ages, and especially older adults, to learn these symptoms of dehydration. The symptoms include extreme thirst, less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, dry mouth, less frequent sweating, feeling tired,

dizziness and dry skin. Parents should know that infants and children may exhibit symptoms of dehydration that differ from those experienced by adults. Such symptoms may include: dry mouth and tongue, crying without tears, no wet diaper for three hours or more, high fever, being unusually sleepy or drowsy, irritability and eyes that appear sunken. Can dehydration be prevented?

Ensuring suﬃcient ﬂuid intake can help people avoid dehydration. Drinking enough water each day and avoiding outdoor physical activity on hot days are some other ways to reduce dehydration risk. In addition, avoid sugary and/or caffeinated beverages to reduce risk for dehydration. A perfect day outdoors involves drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • August 14, 2020

Regional News

Supervisors approve new lease for San Jacinto probation department office Joe Naiman WRITER

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a new lease agreement for the Probation Department office in San Jacinto. A 5-0 board of supervisors’ vote Tuesday, Aug. 4, approved a five-year lease for the facility in the 1300 block of South State Street. The lease for the property owned by Brotherton Family Trust is retroactive to June 1 and is effective through May 31, 2025. The county will fund 65% of the estimated $1,057,950 cost over the five-year period, which would equate to $687,667, while the state will reimburse the county for 35% of the cost. The facility totals 10,000 square w w w . m y v a l l e y n e w s . c o m

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feet. The county ﬁrst approved a lease agreement for the San Jacinto Business Park property in 1995, and lease extensions or revisions were approved in 2000, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2015. The 2007 amendment added custodial services to the lease and the 2012 amendment expanded the space from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. The site and building continue to meet the needs of the probation department, although the lease includes repainting of the rooms. The previous lease charged the county $1.47 per square foot per month, which equated to $14,743.17 each month or $176,438.04 annually. The new lease increases the rent amount to $1.50 per square foot, which would be $14,997.23 on a monthly

basis and $179,766.76 for the first year including $1,200 each month for custodial services. The rent will escalate each year, and the county will pay $16,134.57 each month during the fifth year of the lease period. The county will pay for telephone, electricity and gas. Brotherton Family Trust will be financially responsible for all other services including painting the common areas, hallways, lobby, large work spaces, large conference room, five interview rooms and two offices. The county may cancel the custodial services agreement by providing a 60-day written notice to Brotherton Family Trust. Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

EMWD approves CFD for Winchester Meadows Joe Naiman WRITER

The Eastern Municipal Water District approved the formation of a community facilities district for Winchester Meadows. A 5-0 EMWD board vote Wednesday, Aug. 5, established the CFD, authorized the CFD to incur bonded indebtedness of up to $4,500,000, called an election of the landowner within the CFD boundaries, certiﬁed the results of the election and adopted an ordinance authorizing the levy. The planned Winchester Meadows development would build 228 single-family homes on 47.08 acres north of Domenigoni Parkway, west of Leon Road, south of Olive Avenue and east of La Ventana Road. The property is currently owned by Winchester Meadows LLC. Eastern received a petition from Winchester Meadows LLC to form the CFD, which will ﬁnance EMWD facilities costs in lieu of fees. The creation of a community facilities district allows bonds for infrastructure to be repaid through assessments on property. These assessments are sometimes known as mello-roos due to the state legislators who created the option for services on

new development to be funded by an annual assessment. An assessment must be approved by a majority of property owners, although a developer who owns a project before it is subdivided can cast the sole vote in favor of a CFD. The district has a Comprehensive Debt Policy which stipulates a minimum of 100 lots and $1 million of debt for a CFD along with an estimated minimum value to lien ratio of 4:1 and an eﬀective tax rate of no more than 2% of the home’s value. The Winchester Meadows CFD will have an estimated value to lien ratio of 17.72:1 and a tax rate of 1.83% of the home’s value. The CFD will fund the development’s cost to construct, upgrade or rehabilitate water and sewer infrastructure, the fees for acquiring capacity into the existing system, the bond issuance costs and the administrative costs for the CFD. The bonds will have a maximum maturity of 40 years. A June 17 board vote approved the district’s intention to establish the CFD while setting the Aug. 5 hearing date. Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

Rangers tighten burning restrictions in San Bernardino National Forest City News Service SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

Restrictions have been tightened on campfires, target shooting, smoking and other activities in the San Bernardino National Forest in an attempt to minimize wildfire risks, Zach Behrens, representative of the U.S. Forest Service, said recently. According to the U.S. Forest Service, rangers will began clamping down on violators because of the hot, dry conditions contributing to fire danger, reflected in the massive Apple Fire burning on forest land in the San Gorgonio Pass. Effective immediately and lasting until the wet season arrives in Southern California, the following restrictions will be in place, officials said. No campfires except in open family camping areas, and the fires must be within designated rings. Barbecuing will only be permit-

ted on grill stands at Lake Hemet and Lake Fulmor in Riverside County. No smoking is allowed except in a vehicle or a designated location within campgrounds. No shooting at outdoor ranges within the Riverside County side of the forest, or on open ground, though hunting by permit can proceed. All stoves and lanterns must have shut-oﬀ valves. “There is a mandatory federal court appearance for any citation given for violating fire restrictions,” according to a U.S. Forest Service statement. “There is a maximum ﬁne of $5,000, or up to six months imprisonment.” Roughly one-third of the 676,000-acre San Bernardino National Forest is in Riverside County. More information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf.

Supervisors approve Harvest Valley rezone Joe Naiman WRITER

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved the rezone of a Harvest Valley property. The supervisors’ 5-0 vote changes the zoning of the 0.39-acre parcel from Rural Residential (R-R) to Scenic Highway Commercial (C-P-S). The land use designation of Community Development: Community Retail (CD:CR) was not changed, and the new zoning classiﬁcation provides consistency with the land use designation. The property is north of El Centro Avenue, west of Truelson Avenue and south of state Route 74. The land currently includes a commercial building which is 1,848 square feet. Other improvements to the property include paved parking and perimeter chain link fencing on the sides and rear. The site also has a driveway approach which is accessed from Florida Avenue. The county approved a conditional use permit for an antique store in September 1980. The use has complied with the description

of the original permit including a former retail gift shop. Although the site improvements remain no tenant currently leases the building, and the permit entitlement has expired. Shaden Salah applied for the rezone. Salah does not plan to alter the exterior of the site but would like to resume the presence of commercial activity on the property. The commercial retail land use designation allows for commercial retail uses at a neighborhood, community and regional level, for tourist-oriented commercial uses and for professional oﬃce use. Residential homes are south of the site although there is a restaurant on the east side and vacant lots to the west and north. Because no further development is planned the supervisors found the project to be categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review. The county’s planning commission reviewed the proposed rezone, July 1, and voted 5-0 to recommend approval. Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

Helix Environmental awarded French Valley Integrated Mitigation Project contract Joe Naiman WRITER

Helix Environmental Construction Group Inc. was awarded the construction contract for the Integrated Mitigation Project in French Valley. The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 Tuesday, Aug. 4, to award the La Mesa company a contract for $1,799,290. The action also ratified four addenda to the contract bid documents. The Integrated Mitigation Project will improve existing conditions by decreasing erosion, increasing soil moisture retention, removing nonnative plants and increasing native vegetation which will aid dependent species along the watershed. Functional improvements will enhance water quality in the watershed. The oﬀ-site mitigation complies with the permit requirements of the projects for the widening of the Winchester

Road portion of state Route 79, the interchange improvements at Interstate 15 and Clinton Keith Road, the Clinton Keith Road extension and the state Route 371 shoulder widening. The Integrated Mitigation Project was authorized in October 2016, although the construction plans and speciﬁcations have been revised. The work will construct a new stream channel and seasonal wetlands, enhance the streambed, reduce downstream ﬂooding and preserve existing habitat. The tasks consist of the Briggs Road channel construction, Briggs Road landscaping and plant establishment along with irrigation, Clinton Keith Road restoration and enhancement and Clinton Keith Road plant establishment. The 74-acre mitigation site south of Scott Road and west of Briggs Road is owned by the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, which is a joint powers

agency consisting of the county and 18 incorporated cities. On April 7, the county supervisors voted 5-0 to approve the plans and specifications, a list of prequalified contractors, and the advertisement for bid to construct the mitigation measures. The prequalified contractors have a track record of experience in wetland and streambed restoration, ecosystem enhancement and riparian mitigation and also hold a C-27 landscaping contractor’s license. Five contractors submitted bids by the April 28 deadline, and all of the bids were determined to be responsive. Although the Helix Environmental bid was $10,967 above the engineer’s estimate the $1,799,290 bid was 31% below the average of the bids. Natures Image Inc., which is based in Lake Forest, had the second-lowest bid at $1,983,102. The Helix Environmental base bid

for the Briggs Road channel construction was $106,143 above the engineer’s estimate while the other three tasks were all below the engineer’s estimate. The addenda cover quantity changes, specifications and special provisions. The estimated cost will be funded by Measure A sales tax revenue and by developer-supplied improvement funds with no general fund money being used. Construction is expected to begin this summer and take approximately five months to complete. The project also includes a five-year monitoring and plant establishment maintenance period with the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority taking over maintenance responsibility at the end of that five-year period. Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

Supervisors seek changes in campaign financing for local elections City News Service SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of advancing a proposal to cap monetary contributions to campaigns involving local candidates in Riverside County. Supervisors Kevin Jeffries and Chuck Washington asked and received the entire board’s support to implement monetary limits on campaigns for county candidates. As part of the Tuesday, Aug. 4, unanimous vote, the Office of County Counsel and other agencies were directed to begin drafting the measure, with the goal of having it available for scrutiny by December. “The issue is complex,” Jeffries, whose staff did the bulk of the groundwork in formulating the proposal, said. “We have to ask, ‘Are we on the right path with this? Will it work?’ There are items we need to look at before the final draft comes back to us.” The proposal was hatched after Assembly Bill 571 took effect in

January. Under the law, counties and cities that do not have campaign contribution limits on their books by Jan. 1, 2021, will be required to operate under the default standards set by the state. Under the state benchmark, the maximum individual contribution for a local candidate, such as one running for county sheriﬀ or the board of supervisors, would be $4,700 – the same individual limit that currently applies to candidates for state Assembly and Senate. The cap does not have any bearing on political action committees, unions, corporations or other large donors making “independent” contributions, as deﬁned under the U.S. Supreme Court case Citizens United v FEC, which was decided in 2010 based on free speech grounds. “Riverside County is currently one of over 40 counties in California that has no campaign contribution limits, but will be subject to the state rules if the board does not pass an ordinance before Jan. 1,” according to a statement posted to the board’s

agenda. “The new state law makes it clear that adopting an ordinance that simply continues the policy of no limits is not acceptable.” The supervisors said that in recent campaigns, several candidates for local offices received individual contributions ranging from $200,000 to $1 million, raising the specter of improper influence. Jeffries and Washington acknowledged that defaulting to the state standard of a blanket $4,700 cap on individual donations would impair the ability of candidates with limited funds to raise sufficient capital while seeking to challenge a wealthier contender. Their proposal recommended a cap of $20,000 per individual contribution, per election cycle. “But this ordinance would also establish that if a candidate either contributes more than $20,000 to their own campaign or is the beneficiary of an independent expenditure campaign in excess of $20,000, that other candidates in that race would be exempted from the campaign con-

tribution limits for that election cycle as well,” according to the proposal. “This would prevent a candidate from being put at a competitive disadvantage by their opponent’s access to deep pockets that fall outside the legal jurisdiction of the ordinance.” According to Jeffries, election cycles draw distinctions between primary and general elections, which likely would be treated separately, permitting the individual contribution limits to carry over into both. Supervisor Karen Spiegel wondered whether candidates who make loans to themselves to cover campaign expenditures would be limited by the proposed new caps, and Jeffries did not have an immediate answer, acknowledging that additional research will be required by county attorneys. Under AB 571, the only time all contribution limits would be waived is when an incumbent is facing a recall challenge and seeking contributions to wage a battle against it.

August 14, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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National News

Democrat convention speakers include Biden, Obamas, former AG Yates Zachary Stieber THE EPOCH TIMES

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is among the planned speakers at the Democrat National Convention in August. The convention will take place over four nights starting Monday, Aug. 17. It is largely taking place remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are scheduled to take part, as are former ﬁrst ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, who lost to President Donald Trump in 2016. The top Democrats in the House of Representatives and the Senate, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., are also slated to appear during the convention. Other planned speakers include Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, former Secretary of State John Kerry, Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez, D-N.Y., New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. An unusual inclusion is

Sally Yates, the former acting attorney general who was questioned by Congress recently over her involvement in the breach in protocol in the Obama administration’s targeting of Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Lt. Gen Michael Flynn, just before Trump took office. Trump took to Twitter after the questioning to accuse Yates of either lying or being “grossly incompetent.” “It is not possible she could have known so little about Dirty Cop James Comey (and others) from her high position in the Department of ‘Justice.’ The political Crime of the Century, and she had no idea what they were doing?” he said, referring to efforts to spy on his campaign. John Kasich, former Republican presidential candidate and Ohio governor, is also scheduled to appear at the convention. Democrats plan to officially make Biden, 77, the nominee during the convention. “On the final night of the convention, we will hear from those who can speak to Joe Biden’s leadership and character. Joe Biden will speak about his vision for uniting America to move us

Joe Biden, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and former vice president, delivers a speech at the William Hicks Anderson Community Center, in Wilmington, Delaware, July 28. Getty Images/Mark Makela photo

forward out of constant chaos and crisis, and for delivering on that promise for all,” the convention committee said in a statement. Members of Biden’s family will speak that night, though their names weren’t revealed as of yet. Most of the candidates who vied for the nomination but eventually dropped out and endorsed Biden are supposed to speak at

the convention. They include Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. and Kamala Harris, D-Calif., as well as former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Gerald Lang, a Michigan United Auto Workers union ofﬁcial; Aldo Martinez, a Florida paramedic who is covered by

Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and Wisconsin elementary school teacher Luz Chapparo Hernandez are among the speakers who are not former or current top Democrats. Reprinted with permission of The Epoch Times.

Scientists uneasy as Russia approves 1st coronavirus vaccine

In this handout photo taken Thursday, Aug. 6, and provided by Russian Direct Investment Fund, a new vaccine is on display at the Nikolai Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Moscow, Russia. Russian Direct Investment Fund via AP/Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr. photo

Vladimir Isachenkov and Daria Litvinova THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Russia became the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine, Tuesday, Aug. 11, a move that was met with international skepticism and unease because the shots have only been studied in dozens of people. President Vladimir Putin announced the Health Ministry’s approval and said one of his two adult daughters already was inoculated. He said the vaccine underwent the necessary tests and was shown to provide lasting immunity to the coronavirus, although Russian authorities have offered no proof to back up claims of safety or effectiveness. “I know it has proven efficient and forms a stable immunity,” Putin said. “We must be grateful to those who made that first step very important for our country and the entire world.” However, scientists in Russia and other countries sounded an alarm, saying that rushing to offer the vaccine before final-stage testing could backfire. What’s called a Phase 3 trial – which involves tens of thousands of people and can take months – is the only way to prove if an experimental vaccine is safe and really works. By comparison, vaccines entering final-stage testing in the U.S. require studies of 30,000 people each. Two vaccine candidates already have begun those huge studies, with three more set to get underway by fall. “Fast-tracked approval will not make Russia the leader in the race, it will just expose consumers of the vaccine to unnecessary danger,” Russia’s Association of Clinical Trials Organizations said in urging government officials to postpone approving the vaccine without completed advanced trials. While Russian officials have said large-scale production of the vaccine wasn’t scheduled until September, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said vaccination of doctors could start as early as this month. Officials said they will be closely monitored after the injections. Mass

vaccination may begin as early as October. “We expect tens of thousands of volunteers to be vaccinated within the next months,” Kirill Dmitriev, chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund that bankrolled the vaccine, told reporters. The vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Institute in Moscow with assistance from Russia’s Defense Ministry uses a different virus – the common cold-causing adenovirus – that’s been modified to carry genes for the “spike” protein that coats the coronavirus, as a way to prime the body to recognize if a real COVID-19 infection comes along. That’s a similar technology as vaccines being developed by China’s CanSino Biologics and Britain’s Oxford University and AstraZeneca – but unlike those companies, Russian scientists haven’t published any scientific information about how the vaccine has performed in animal tests or in early-stage human studies. Dmitriev said even as Russian doctors and teachers start getting vaccinated, advanced trials are set to start Wednesday, after press time, that will involve “several thousand people” and span several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and possibly Brazil. The Associated Press couldn’t find documentation in the Russian Health Ministry’s records indicating that permission to start the advanced trials was granted. The ministry has not responded to a request for comment. Putin said one of his daughters has received two doses, and had minor side effects such as slight fever, and is now “feeling well and has a high number of antibodies.” It wasn’t clear if she was one of the study volunteers. The Health Ministry said in a statement Tuesday that the vaccine is expected to provide immunity from the coronavirus for up to two years, citing its experience with vaccines made with similar technology. However, scientists around the world have been cautioning that even if vaccine candidates are proven to work, it will take even

more time to tell how long the protection will last. “The collateral damage from release of any vaccine that was less than safe and effective would exacerbate our current problems insurmountably,” Danny Altmann, immunology professor of Imperial College London said in a statement Tuesday. The World Health Organization said all vaccine candidates should go through full stages of testing before being rolled out. Experts have warned that vaccines that are not properly tested can cause harm in many ways – from harming health to creating a false sense of security or undermining trust in vaccinations. Becoming the first country in the world to approve a vaccine was a matter of national prestige for the Kremlin as it tries to assert the image of Russia as a global power. Putin repeatedly praised Russia’s effective response to the outbreak in televised addresses to

the nation, while some of Moscow’s top officials – including the country’s prime minister and Putin’s own representative – became infected. And the U.S., Britain and Canada in July accused Russia of using hackers to steal vaccine research from Western labs. Russia has denied involvement. Russia has so far registered 897,599 coronavirus cases, including 15,131 deaths. The Gamaleya Institute’s director, Alexander Gintsburg, raised eyebrows in May when he said that he and other researchers tried the vaccine on themselves before the start of human studies. Those trials started June 17 with 76 volunteers. Half were injected with a vaccine in liquid form and the other half with a vaccine that came as soluble powder. Some in the ﬁrst group were recruited from the military, which raised concerns that service members may have been pressured to par-

ticipate. The test was declared completed earlier in August. “It’s a too early stage to truly assess whether it’s going to be effective, whether it’s going to work or not,” Michael Head, Ph.D., senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, said. It’s not Russia’s first controversial vaccine. Putin has bragged that Russian scientists delivered an Ebola vaccine that “proved to be the most effective in the world” and “made a real contribution to fighting the Ebola fever in Africa.” However, there is little evidence either of the two Ebola vaccines approved in Russia was widely used in Africa. As of 2019, both of those vaccines were listed by the WHO as “candidate vaccines.” AP medical writers Maria Cheng in London and Lauran Neergaard in Alexandria, Virginia, contributed to this report.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • August 14, 2020

Pets

Pets of the Week

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The shelter is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for adoptions. For more great pets available for adoption, contact the Ramona Humane Society at (951) 654-8002 or visit www. ramonahumanesociety.org.

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To support overall digestive health, it’s important for owners to provide pets with a food with ingredients selected for ease of digestion. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Family Features SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

Up to 70% of a pet’s immune system is contained within their digestive system. “The digestive tract has immune cells that provide surveillance and are the front-line protectors to catch potential issues when pets eat something that’s not good for them,” Michael Hayek, Ph.D., director of companion animal technical innovation for Exclusive Pet Foods, said. “Since the digestive tract is so large, these cells comprise a large percentage of the total immune activity in dogs and cats.” Encouraging owners to learn more about the importance of pets’ digestion and how it supports their overall health, Exclusive Pet Foods with the Comfort Care Digestive Health Support System has designated August as Pet Digestive Health Month. Hayek underscores the importance of monitoring what dogs and cats eat

by offering these tips. First, limit or avoid human food. Resisting an adorable, begging, furry face can be difficult. Hayek suggested reaching for a few extra kibbles or a treat formulated for the nutrition of cats and dogs; however, remember to also limit the number of treats each day. Avoid extreme stress. Family vacations are a good example. If boarding your pets, keeping them on a consistent diet can support digestive health until they are back to a normal routine. Be aware of what your pets could get into around the home. Keep garbage covered or in an enclosed space. Look around for small items pets could ingest. Look for anything in your yard they shouldn’t eat and make sure dangerous foods such as chocolate are out of reach. “Dogs are naturally curious and want to explore everything,” Hayek said. “I guess you could say they eat first and ask questions later. Having things in the house or

NEWS for your city TEMECULA MURRIETA

backyard they should not get into may be the biggest threat to their digestive health.” Supporting overall digestive health, it’s also important for owners to provide pets with a food with ingredients selected for ease of digestion. For example, the Comfort Care Digestive Health Support System in Exclusive Signature pet foods is composed of a combination of ﬁber from beet pulp, prebiotics from chicory root or yeast and probiotics. A proprietary yeast is also used as part of the system. The company has conducted research that demonstrated this particular combination supports digestive health when present in the formula. Hayek recommended, along with providing the right combination of ﬁber, prebiotics and probiotics, owners consult their pets’ veterinarians if particular problems persist. For more information, visit http://exclusivesignature.com.

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Treat mental illness as the physical issue it is Assemblymember Marie Waldron SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

A major side eﬀect of the coronavirus pandemic is the immense impact on California’s mental health and substance use. Over 22,000 overdoses and suicides are projected to result from forced isolation and rising unemployment. Parity means substance abuse and mental illness needs to be treated as physical health. Ninety percent of those with substance use disorders, and almost 60% of mentally ill adults go untreated. California’s 21-year old Mental Health Parity Act increased access

to treatment by requiring insurers to cover medically necessary services. Though the act was a big step forward, the law has become inadequate, loopholes exist and an update is necessary. Senate Bill 855, which I am cowriting with Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, modernizes the act by bringing it into conformity with modern practices. The act currently requires insurers to cover “medically necessary” services, but fails to deﬁne exactly what that means. It also covers only nine severe mental illnesses and excludes all substance use disorders, like opioids, and most mental health conditions.

SB 855 incorporates recent federal court rulings and American Medical Association recommendations to ensure that health plans cover these treatments, including preventative and diagnostic care, SB 855 will reduce the enormous public cost of untreated substance abuse and mental illness, which include costs related to law enforcement, the court system, homelessness, Medi-Cal expenses and many other public programs. SB 855 is supported by over 60 leading organizations, including the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and

the California Narcotic Oﬃcers Association, to name just a few. SB 855 passed the Senate and is now in the Assembly, where it just passed the Health Committee. The bill has bipartisan support, and prospects for final passage look bright. Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Bonsall, Escondido, Fallbrook, Hidden Meadows, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Rainbow, San Marcos, Temecula, Valley Center and Vista.

Sports fans will abandon loyalty if social issues contrast with fan interests Joe Naiman WRITER

There is some belief that the use of sports to promote social issues will cause fans to adopt that support, and even if they don’t the belief is that the fans will not abandon those teams just because they are supporting causes which are contrary to the fan’s interest. The link of sports and social issues occurred previously when professional sports facilities were used as a vehicle for downtown city revitalization and based on my personal situation fans will give up longtime loyalties if the social cause is not in their best interests. I have lived in San Diego County since 1966. I attended my first Padres game at San Diego Stadium in 1970 and attended my first Chargers and San Diego State University football games at the stadium in 1971. San Diego State will have a new or renovated football stadium only because after the other two tenants left soccer interests qualified a ballot initiative for the land which included a soccer stadium not suitable to college football needs and San Diego State interests responded

by qualifying and passing a competing ballot initiative which includes a new stadium. San Diego State University didn’t demand or even ask for a new stadium; the Aztecs merely wanted a stadium. My loyalty to San Diego State University football does not vary with the Aztecs’ win-loss record; it did not diminish in 1978 when the Aztecs had a losing record for the first time since 1960 and it did not diminish in 2018 when the 7-6 record was the worst of the decade. As long as the university administration doesn’t interfere with San Diego State University’s athletic department, I will retain my loyalty to the Aztecs. My loyalty to the Padres was also not based on win-loss record; they were a last-place team when I began following them. The 1987 season was their first finish in last place since I began buying my own tickets, and I attended a double-digit number of games that year. I could scrape up the money for a ticket, but I would save the parking charge by finding nearby free parking on San Diego Mission Road or up the hill in Serra Mesa. If I parked in the stadium lot, I would wait out traffic by hanging

around the tunnel where the visiting players came out, and I would seek autographs. It might be considered creative ﬁnancing to say that I was struggling for money in 1987, since I was putting $150 each week into my savings account for when I bought a house. It shows that I would still spend money on a Padres game but that buying a house was a higher priority than a closer parking space. The Padres were more than a loyalty for me in the 20th century; they were an addiction. Petco Park cured me of my addition to the Padres. There is no free parking close to Petco Park. Player and team bus parking is now in an enclosed garage not accessible to the public. The appeal to the hard-core baseball fan no longer exists. Until this year, I maintained my streak of attending at least one Padres home game each year since 1970, but in ﬁve years during a six-year period at Petco Park that streak was kept alive with a single game. The addiction had turned into a soft loyalty. A downtown stadium may make sense in Phoenix or Denver where downtown is centrally located.

Downtown San Diego is geographically extreme. Petco Park is 6 miles further away from my house than the old stadium is. It lessens the additional distance to the nearest minor league ballpark in Lake Elsinore. Fortunately for the Padres they reached an afﬁliation agreement with the Lake Elsinore Storm three years before moving to Petco Park, so fans’ affinity for Storm players can translate into an appreciation of Padres players in the future. My favorite Padres now are former Storm players, such as Jake Peavy, Chase Headley and Hunter Renfroe. I could care less about stars such as Wil Myers, Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado who were acquired by trade or free agency. My preference for former Storm players also includes the likes of David Freese and Corey Kluber who never played for the Padres but have been with other teams. The concept from the team’s standpoint was that a smaller stadium would make tickets rarer and thus more valuable. That theory may also have the eﬀect of fans deeming their attendance at a game to be expendable. I attended Opening Day at the old stadium on

multiple occasions, but I have not attended a Padres’ home opener at Petco Park. Opening Day for the Crawford High School baseball team is now more important to me than Opening Day for the Padres. The smaller seating capacity also means that obtaining a ticket to the World Series now depends on connections. I have a better chance of seeing a World Series game in person if the Colorado Rockies reach the World Series than if the Padres do. My favorite Major League Baseball team is now the Rockies, and in recent years many of the Padres’ home games I attended in person have been against Colorado and my preference is for the visiting team. In the 20th century, I never would have thought that my loyalty to the Padres could have been stripped the way it has been. Taking current loyalties for granted doesn’t guarantee that fans will continue to patronize games if the sport is combined with social issues contrary to the fan’s interest. Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

States front and center. First, scare people with a virus, force them to wear masks and place them in quarantine. Count the number of dead every second of every day, in every news headline. By the way, 99.8 % of the people who get the virus, recover. About 0.1% to 0.2% who get the virus, die. Most all of them have other medical problems.

Did you catch that? Less than 0.5% die. Closing businesses equals more than 35,000,000 people instantly unemployed. Remove entertainment and prohibit recreation, close parks, gyms, bars, restaurants and sports. No dating. No touching. Isolate people. Dehumanize them. Close temples and churches;

prohibit worship. Create a vacuum and let depression, anxiety, hopelessness and desperation set in. Then ignite hatred and civil unrest, creating civil war. Empty the prisons because of the virus and ﬁll the streets with criminals. Send in Antifa to vandalize property, as if they are freedom ﬁghters. Undermine the law, riot,

loot and attack all law enforcement, but tell government to order a stand-down. Then defund law enforcement and abolish police. Will it work? I guess that depends on you and me.

of violent thieves led by a man called John the Baptist, played by David Zayas. Cops Cardillo, played by Hirsch, and Peña, played by Stephanie Cayo, are called to evacuate the building, only to find out that some of the residents don’t want to leave. Former cop Ray, played by Gibson, doesn’t want to leave because he knows his doctor daughter Troy, played by Kate Bosworth, wants to take him to the hospital for a humiliating medical procedure. Elderly German Bergkamp, played by Jorge Luis Ramos, wants to protect the paintings that John the Baptist wants to steal. Distrustful-of-cops Griffin, played by Will Catlett, is willing to evacuate, but only after he feeds a hundred pounds of supermarket meat to his mysterious pet. The film is clearly building to a scene where the pet attacks the bad guys – Chekov’s gun and all that. The action is exactly what you’d expect from a crummy on demand movie – rainy shootouts, shaky fistfights and bad guys who always give up the element of surprise. Since the action doesn’t start up for a while, audiences get that overdone trope where the film opens in the middle of a random action scene and cuts to a few hours earlier. No doubt the film wants the audience in suspense over who survives the opening fight: main character Cardillo or a henchman who’s like the fourth guy from the top. The drama is even worse than

the action. Cardillo is haunted by a fatal mistake from his past. Other characters tell him that it wasn’t his fault, but it totally was, though the victim and a third party were idiots too. There’s somehow time for a relationship between Cardillo and Troy, which is not only ridiculous and far-fetched, but I think the movie should have made Peña the love interest for Cardillo instead. The way she pushes him in an opening scene is something he needs in his life. Also, the film throws in some mentions of racial profiling and the Holocaust, as if checking these items off a “wokeness list” will automatically make the film deeper. The ending of “Force of Nature” is annoyingly abrupt, but I suppose it’s a blessing in disguise if it means I have to spend less time with this awful movie. Nothing about this movie is original – save for the pet – or even likable, save for Cayo. This movie never should have been made, and the fact that it was made means that some deplorable people earned paychecks, so there’s that depressing thought on top of everything else. Grade: D “Force of Nature” is available on demand through streaming services and likely through a local cable provider. The film is rated R for violence and pervasive language. Its running time is thankfully only 91 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

The plan We are all being played by those who want to destroy America and blame it on President Donald Trump. This is how you destroy a nation that has one of, if not the strongest, economies in the world from within, and in very short order. A very well-orchestrated plan, or an unimaginable set of events just fell into place with the United

Dr. Terry Rondberg

Movie Review: ‘Force of Nature’ Bob Garver SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

I could tell “Force of Nature” was a bomb based on the casting alone. The biggest name attached to this movie is Mel Gibson, whose prolific history of public meltdowns makes him an albatross to any project carrying his name. But he still has his fans from “Lethal Weapon” and “Braveheart,” and he even directed “Hacksaw Ridge” to a Best Picture Oscar nomination four years ago. So maybe there’s still “some” room in Hollywood for him. Then there’s Emile Hirsch, who in 2015 was charged and convicted of assaulting a female studio executive. The guy should not have a career anymore. I guess somebody connected to this movie thought Hirsch had enough clout leftover from “Speed Racer” and “Into the Wild” that his name could be a boon to this film. And if you’re thinking, “enough with the actors’ personal lives, how are they in the vacuum of this movie?” they’re terrible. Gibson lazily relies on “grouchy” affectations, and Hirsch is awkward and unconvincing as a cop. These roles could easily have been played by non-train wreck actors, probably to better effect, though it’s not like better actors would be able to save this dismal material. The film is a “Die Hard” knockoff where our heroes are trapped in an apartment building during both a hurricane and an invasion

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • August 14, 2020

Faith

Don’t social distance the love

Zachary Elliott SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

It’s no secret, masks and social distancing have caused quite a stir across the nation. And, sadly, it’s affected the way people treat each other. Consider this story about what one member of my church experienced the other day. She walked in to a coffee shop to pick up her morning coffee and was greeted by a lady with a tape measure yelling at the barista that the stickers on the floor weren’t exactly 6 feet from each other. Apparently, she had complained about it the week before and was coming in to check and see if the coffee shop had obeyed her direct orders to move the stickers further apart. They hadn’t and were now

feeling her wrath. I’m sure you know this tale is just one of many stories where people have all but lost their minds toward someone who didn’t follow the rules their way. Let me ask you: Since when did COVID-19 supersede the command from Jesus? You know, the one where he told us to love our neighbor? Answer: it hasn’t, and it never will. Even though everyone has to practice social distancing, don’t distance the love. Loving your neighbor, even if they disagree with you, and even if they’re contaminated with a virus, is what Jesus said was the greatest. He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these,” in Matthew 12:30-31. Can you take a moment and ponder those last few words: “There is no commandment greater than these.” Now that statement changes everything. Jesus not only taught this com-

mand to his followers; he modeled it as well. When he walked the earth, the “virus” of concern was called leprosy. It was highly contagious and an extreme social issue of the day. In fact, anyone who had leprosy was required by law to yell out “Unclean,” if someone without leprosy was too close. They even had to live outside the city in their own community. Talk about social distancing. They were considered ugly outcasts who were unable to live in normal society, totally rejected and considered stricken by God. No one was allowed to touch them. Period. If you did, it would have made you unclean as well. You would be quarantined, while you went through the puriﬁcation process. But it didn’t stop Jesus from loving them. On one occasion while Jesus was being followed by a large crowd, “a man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy,” in Matthew 8:1-2.

Jesus didn’t scream at him to get back 6 feet or to pull a mask over his face. He showed the man love, leprosy and all. It must have been shocking, not only for the man with leprosy, but also for the crowd. Jesus showed no concern for social opinions or distancing. He simply loved people unconditionally. I believe Jesus would want us to live the same way as well. Not in fear, anger and hate, but in love. The people in the world have a lot of disagreements and strong opinions. I’m sure you have your own. But it doesn’t change the command and example of Jesus. He didn’t say only love those who agree or are perfectly healthy and do things like you. He said, “Love your neighbor,” and to love them exactly as they are. Loving people is what sets us apart as a follower of Jesus. In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love is what makes us diﬀerent. It’s what makes us truly more like Jesus. Sadly, somewhere along the

way, people have forgotten what sets them apart as followers of Jesus, their love for each other. It’s not a love that conforms to everyone’s ideologies, opinions or fears. That’s impossible. But it’s a love that is patient and kind. A love that does not envy or boast and is not proud. It especially does not dishonor others; it’s not self-seeking; it’s not easily angered and it keeps no record of wrongs, according to I Corinthians 13. That’s the kind of love that sets believers apart. It’s a love that conforms to be like Jesus and transforms their lives into his image. And when people see that love, it marks believers as followers of Jesus and it draws them to him. Sadly, the world will always have haters and rude people in it. At times, that’s been me, and I’m sure it’s been you too. Let’s change that attitude. Don’t distance the love, especially the love of Jesus. The world needs it now more than ever. Zachary Elliott is the lead pastor of Fusion Christian Church in Temecula. For more information, visit https://www.fusionchristianchurch.com, https://fourminutefaithbuilder.com or ﬁnd them on Instagram.

Learn from Congregation B’nai Chaim: Are blessings a choice? Hefsiba “Jen” Cohen SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

In this week’s Torah portion, Moses gives ancient Israel two choices, each with contrasting consequences. It wasn’t a trick question by any means: choose goodness and be blessed or choose disobedience and be cursed. The name of the scripture portion, “Re’eh,” literally means “see.” Moses said, “See, this day I set before you a blessing and a curse: blessing, if you obey the com-

mandments of the LORD your God that I enjoin upon you this day; and curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God....” in Deuteronomy 11:26. It all seems so simple, but human nature often complicates things that were never intended to be diﬃcult. Even when our desire is made plain, we still want at least a presentation of other options on the table. I have a dear friend who illustrates this very concept. He enjoys

going to ice cream parlors that have a very extensive variety of flavors. He enjoys looking at all the different flavors and tasting the unique and exotic. The choosing is just as much fun as the ice cream it would seem, but we always laugh when he consistently ends up just choosing vanilla. He knows from the beginning that vanilla is his favorite and will likely win out, but he also appreciates the option to make that choice. Ancient Israel, as it would seem, wasn’t much different. Choosing

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a “blessing” over a “curse” was the obvious choice, but where was the satisfaction in making a choice without being given at least an opposing option? So, Moses presented both contrasts and gave them that power – the mighty power of choice. The rabbis taught that those words in Deuteronomy depicted a scenario in which God was not intending to bring harm, or “curses,” to ancient Israel, but the wording was used to emphasize the “right way” to choose for a life and path of blessing. Jewish commentary explained further, using a metaphor for the illustration, likening the two choices to a forked path. One path would have a clear and easy beginning but would become increasingly choked in thorns until passing was very difficult, a curse. The other path would have difficulty in the beginning but would ultimately be smooth as it went on, a blessing. Today, people often blame the negative things that happen in their lives on others or they blame their hardships and failures simply on the curse of “bad luck,” when in fact, it was most likely their very choices that brought them to the situations that frustrate them. They might not have a mighty prophet like Moses highlighting their choices in life, but nevertheless, people are faced with choices daily, and like ancient Israel, they also reap the consequences of their choices. This Torah portion “Re’eh” packs a powerful and timeless lesson, reminding people to slow down when faced with choices in life, ensuring that they are indeed choosing the ways of God’s blessing, paths that will ultimately bring goodness, success and health into their lives, even if such a choice brings hard work and is not initially easy or satisfying. Likewise, it also reminds people that they should shun the impulse to make hasty choices in favor of ease and convenience, when in the long run, they might be regretful. Hefsiba “Jen” Cohen, Ph.D., is a rabbinical scholar and adult educator. Want to learn more about Judaism? Visit Congregation B’nai Chaim, which is located at 29500 Via Princesa in Murrieta. For more information, visit http:// www.bnaichaim.com or find them on Facebook.

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From The Heart to host school supply giveaway Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

Not even a pandemic can prevent the annual From the Heart backpack giveaway from taking place in Anza. The event supplies local schoolchildren with new backpacks, shoes, socks and school supplies. The free drive-up event will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 39075 Contraras Road, in Anza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries held rummage sales and fundraising events, accepted donations and planned for weeks to ensure that the children would have new things to begin the school year. At this time, Hemet Unified School District schools are deploying online distance learning, but the children still need pens, paper, crayons and art supplies and a backpack in which to stash it all. Event organizer Christina James said, “The shoe area will have only two families at a time, and masks must be worn and social distancing is necessary. If needed, we will have masks available. Also, please, no smoking on the property, as requested by the LDS church. We are so grateful that they have oﬀered the space.” Many charitable organizations, businesses and individuals contribute to the success of the yearly

Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

Local

Rodent poison harms owls Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

From the Heart’s backpack giveaway will move from the Hamilton High School gym to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anza for a drive-thru event due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Local

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Prepare to evacuate from a wildﬁre Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

see GIVEAWAY, page AVO-5

Woman harvests from Cal Fire deploys helitack tower gardens air resources to ﬁght ﬁres

Wildfire season is upon the Anza Valley, and residents should formulate an evacuation plan in case an evacuation is called. If an evacuation is imminent, residents will be alerted, and law enforcement agencies will go door to door to ensure everyone clears out safely. see page AVO-6

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

The Cal Fire air program is one of the biggest and most experienced aviation programs in the world. Their fleet of over 23 air tankers, 17 air-tactical aircraft and 12 helicopters make it the largest department-owned collection of aerial firefighting equipment anywhere. The agency operates 13 air bases and nine helicopter bases. The Bell 407 Type III Helicopter is a vital part of the program. These aircraft can seat up to seven people and fly for almost three hours without refueling. The aircraft has had some major modifications from older models, including a four bladed main rotor system, increased engine performance and slightly expanded inside cabin area. Passenger seating provides places for six persons, excluding the pilot. As with most

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Ian Baird, pilot of the green Bell 407 deployed to the Casino Fire, rises up from dipping water at the reservation’s hot spring Monday, July 13.

light helicopters, the Bell 407 can take off and land in relatively small areas. This helicopter can be used for a variety of activities including aerial reconnaissance and aerial ignition. For wildland fire use, the Bell 407’s increased speed, lifting capability and improved density altitude performance makes it ideal for initial fire attack. Cal Fire’s Bell 407 H-535 was flown by Ian Baird, who made multiple drops throughout the afternoon, during the Casino Fire, Monday, July 13. He dipped water from the hot spring on the Cahuilla Indian Reservation and dropped it with precision onto the flames, supporting crews on the ground. The fire was held to less than 100 acres, as Baird worked with other aircraft to battle the flames. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com.

The tower garden is populated with vegetable seedlings that will grow up and around the unit. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

Anza resident Carletta Stokes gardens, keeps bees, conducts real estate transactions and enjoys

time with her family. Then one day an unusual vegetable cultivating system called the “Tower Garden” caught her eye. see GARDENS, page AVO-5

A Bell 407 speeds away to drop water on a wildland ﬁre.

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Anza Valley Outlook • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • August 14, 2020

A N Z A’ S U P C O M I N G E V E N T S Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, visitors to any event should contact the event organizer to determine if the event is being held and what safety measures are in place to protect attendees from the virus. If you have an upcoming community event, email it to anzaeditor@reedermedia.com, put “attention events” in the subject line. ONGOING – Anza Electric Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers free mobile food pantry the second Saturday of every month at the AEC office, 58470 Highway 371, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. All are welcome. Cal-Fresh 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. www.anzavalleyoutlook.com

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK Serving Anza, Aguanga, Garner Valley, Sage, and surrounding Southwest Riverside County communities. JULIE REEDER, Publisher

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KIM HARRIS, Valley News Managing Editor WILL FRITZ, Associate Editor J.P. RAINERI, Sports Editor SHANE GIBSON, Staff Photographer TONY AULT, Staff Writer DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer LEXINGTON HOWE, Staff Writer JOE NAIMAN, Writer JEFF PACK, Writer ROGER BODDAERT, Writer STEPHANIE PARK, Copy Editor

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Regular Happenings Hamilton High School – Find out what is happening using Hamilton’s online calendar at http:// 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 http://www. hamiltonmuseum.org. Check out group on Facebook at “HamiltonMuseum-and-Ranch-Foundation.” Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings 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 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 49109 Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-551-2826. Fit after 50 – Free “Fit after 50” exercise class takes place every Tuesday and Friday, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at Anza Community Hall. Chair aerobics helps with coordination, balance and increased muscle tone. No jumping required; wear gym shoes and bring water. For more information, call leader Teresa Hoehn at 951-751-1462. 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, in Anza. For more information, call 951-7634759. Food ministries F.U.N. Group weekly food ministry – Deliveries arrive 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 – Sunday Sacrament is held 10 a.m.; Sunday School is 11 a.m. Priesthood/Relief Society meets noon; Wednesday Boy Scouts gathers 6 p.m. and Youth Night is 7 p.m. For more information, call Ruiz at 951-445-7180 or Nathan at 760-399-0727. The Wednesday Genealogy/Family History Class, 5-8 p.m., is open to the public at 39075 Contreras Road in Anza. Native Lighthouse Fellowship – 10 a.m. The group meets the first Saturday of the month, and breakfast is served. All are welcome to fellowship together at the “Tribal Hall” below the casino in Anza. For more information, call Nella Heredia at 951-763-0856. Living Hope Bible Study – 8-10 a.m. Tuesdays at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 58050 Highway 371, in 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 951763-1257 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 – 9 a.m. The church offers Sunday school for all ages with a 10:30 a.m. worship service and 6 p.m. for prayer and Bible study. Youth ministry meets Mondays from 6-8 p.m. The women’s Bible study meets Thursdays at 10 a.m., but it is on hiatus through the summer. Celebrate Recovery meets Fridays; doors open at 5:30

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Clubs TOPS Meeting – Take Off Pounds Sensibly support group meets Wednesdays weekly. Weigh in at 8:30 a.m., meeting at 8:45 a.m. at Thompson Hall at the Anza Baptist Church, 39200 Rolling Hills Road, in Anza. For more information, visit www.TOPS.org. High Country Recreation – Second Monday of the month attend committee meetings at ERA Excel Realty in Anza. For more information, call Albert Rodriguez at 951-492-1624 or Robyn Garrison at 805-312-0369. HCR Bingo fundraisers – 6:30-9:30 p.m. second and fourth Fridays at Anza Community Hall. 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 third Saturday of each month at various locations. Share art, ideas and participate in shows. Guests speakers are always needed. For more information, call president Rosie Grindle at 951-928-1248. Find helpful art tips at http://www.facebook.com/ AnzaValleyArtists/. Anza Quilter’s Club – 9:30 a.m. to noon. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, in Anza. Anza Valley Lions Club – The Anza Valley Lions Club is open to all men and women who want to work together for the betterment of the community. Guest meetings with dinner are held 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Anza Valley VFW Post 1873, 59011 Bailey Road, in Anza. Meetings and events are posted on the Anza Lions Club website, http://www.anzalionsclub.org. For more information, call president Michele Brown at 760-637-9173. Boy Scouts Troop 319 – Cub Scouts meet 6 p.m. every Tuesday, and Boy Scouts meet 7 p.m. every Wednesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Contreras Road, south of state Route 371, in Anza. For more information, call Richard Hotchkiss at 951-551-3154. Boys Scouts Troop 371 – Boy Scouts meet at Lake Riverside Estates. For more information, call Ginny Kinser at 909-702-7902. 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 http://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 http://www. redshankriders.com or call Carol Schmuhl for membership information at 951-663-6763. 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) 7632884 for more information. Organizations Terwilliger Community Association – 6 p.m. Second Monday of the month at VFW Post 1873, 59011 Bailey Road, in Anza. Potluck dinner open to all. For more information, call Tonie Ford at 951-763-4560. From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries – Noon. Monthly luncheon and guest speaker are held the second Saturday of each month. The $5 charge covers lunch at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, in Anza. From the Heart helps the area’s neediest children and invites all women and men to join in their mission. Donate or help with the rummage sales twice a year to raise funds for the cause or other events. For more information, call president Christi James at 951-595-2400. Anza Community Hall – 7 p.m. General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Memberships cost $20 per person or $35 per business, and both get one vote. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets. Voting members receive discounts oﬀ hall rentals, swap meet booths and save on propane gas from Farrell Gas. Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. Swap meet held each Saturday of the month, weather permitting, early morning to 1 p.m. Vendors wanted. For more information, call 951-282-4267. Anza Valley Municipal Advisory Council – 7 p.m. Second Wednesday of each odd month at Anza Community Hall. Group serves as local liaisons to the county from the community. For more information, call 951-805-6800. 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 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 http:// www.anzacivic.org.

Cooperative to hold virtual annual membership meeting

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p.m. with large group meeting, 6-7 p.m.; small group share, 7-8 p.m. and Cross Talk Cafe, 8-8:30 p.m. Church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road in Anza. For more information, contact at 951-7634937, anzabptistchurch@gmail. com or http://www.anzabaptistchurch.com.

Stay up-to-date with county, state, and national news about COVID-19 at www.myvalleynews.com And find all Anza news online at www.anzavalleyoutlook.com

ANZA – Anza Electric Cooperative Inc. set its annual membership meeting to be held virtually Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9 a.m. The cooperative will broadcast its annual reports over its YouTube and Facebook social channels, as well as a live audio simulcast courtesy of local radio station KOYT 97.1 FM Community Radio. “Because of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve been challenged to operate a bit differently in 2020,” Kevin Short, general manager of AEC, said. “Our annual meeting is a big event for the community every year, as well as a requirement for us. We provide our members with important information regarding the cooperative, conduct regular voting on issues and director seats, as well as information on our various programs. This year, we decided

to go virtual.” How to tune in AEC members can view the meeting stream on YouTube at https:// www.youtube.com/channel/ UCY71W_S8lPCTzMGc3jeKi5g/ featured or on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/Anzaelectric/. KOYT-FM 97.1 radio will broadcast the event live. The broadcast report will be followed by live election result announcements and a Q&A session. Founded in 1951, Anza Electric Cooperative Inc. provides electric and internet service for its members in the Anza, Aguanga and Mountain Center/Pinyon communities. For more information on Anza Electric and ConnectAnza, visit www.anzaelectric.org. Submitted by Anza Electric Cooperative.

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HUSD outlines distance learning expectations Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

A presentation of the online model, or distance learning, and typical days for elementary, secondary, special education and teachers were the main subjects covered at the Hemet Unified School District study session and special meeting of the governing board, Tuesday, Aug. 4. The meeting was available to the public as an audio-only live feed accessed via the district’s website and hosted on YouTube. Distance learning involves interaction, instruction and checkins via computer. Computers, hot spots, tech support, teacher devices and other technology will be provided by the district. Gov. Gavin Newsom released guidance for schools to reopen for the 2020-2021 school year, July 17. Due to the guidance criteria, all schools – public, private and charter – within Riverside County schools will not be permitted to return to school in a traditional manner. HUSD will open the school year in a fully online learning model beginning Monday, Aug. 17. HUSD is working to provide a quality instructional program for its students. The district’s online learning model will differ significantly from what was offered when schools closed in March. Students will receive a combination of live instruction provided by their teacher, plus independent projects, assignments and activities. Additional support will be provided for English learners, students with disabilities, foster students and homeless youth. Program will be designed to be substantially equivalent to inperson learning. All schools within the district will continue 100% online learning until the end of the middle and high school grading period, Friday, Nov. 6. At this time, Riverside County’s coronavirus status with the state will be reviewed and it will be determined if the schools can offer more traditional schooling. HUSD’s special education department and case managers will work with families with students that have an IEP during their transition to online learning. Special education services and IEP meetings will be offered virtually or telephonically during this time. IEP and 504 Plan accommodations will also be implemented accordingly during online learning. School staff will communicate times in which families can pick up materials their students will need to engage in online learning. The California Interscholastic Federation released the 20202021 athletics calendar. Currently, athletic activity is not permitted. Fall sports for high school will begin in mid-December if state/ county guidelines permit. The Academy of Innovation will continue providing an online learning option for the entire school year, regardless of future public health orders that may allow for a return to full-time, in-person, seat-based learning. Families interested in keeping their child in the online learning

model for the entire 2020-2021 school year can enroll in The Academy of Innovation. During the district’s study session, a presentation was made illustrating the typical daily routines that can be expected with the online model of education. “A Day in the Life of an Elementary Student” introduced Bella, an imaginary second grade student. She begins her day by logging into her Chromebook and entering the Google Classroom to see the day’s announcements and activities. Classes are presented in 30-minute increments beginning at 7:40 a.m. Bella clicks on the Google Meet link in Google Classroom to attend her whole-class group meeting online. She and a few students stay on the Google Meet for their English language arts small group instruction. Bella works asynchronously at home on her ELA break from 9:10 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. Asynchronous learning happens on the student’s schedule, and they have the ability to access and satisfy learning requirements within a flexible time frame. Bella logs back into Google Classroom and joins the Google Meet for her small group math lesson. From 10:10 a.m. to 10:40 a.m., she asynchronously practices her math lessons. At 10:40 a.m. to 11:10 a.m., she takes a break, then logs back into Google Classroom for physical education. Lunch is from noon to 12:30 p.m., after which Bella logs back into Google Classroom for more teacher and instructional aide support or to finish her asynchronous work. The presentation went on to describe a typical day for a high school student. William, an imaginary 11th grade student, logs into his Chromebook and goes to Google Classroom to see the day’s announcements and activities. Secondary schools will follow a traditional six-period schedule with a Monday and Thursday schedule and Tuesday and Friday schedules with alternating Wednesday schedules. Asynchronous sessions continue throughout the school day. A 45-minute sample consists of greeting and review of norms/expectations – five minutes, checkin, mindful moment or movement – five minutes, instructional activities, discussion, unpacking content, practice, etc. – 20 minutes, C4U, Q&A, feedback, etc. – 10 minutes, exit ticket, wrapup and closing – five minutes. At the end of William’s day, he can check in with his counselor and his teachers for extra guidance if needed. “A Day in the Life of an Elementary Student in ModerateSevere Special Day Program” featured Mariah, an imaginary fourth grader. Her day was split into half-hour and 15-minute increments. She logs into her Chromebook and into Google Meets to join her class for their morning routine and calendar review with her special education teacher, supported by instruc-

tional aides. Mariah follows along to a movement music video guided by her teacher and aides. She learns about safety and sanitary routines. For example, instruction on properly washing her hands will be oﬀered via synchronous lesson or asynchronous video. The class engages in the synchronous learning of foundation academic and social skills as a whole group. Mariah will join a whole class or small group lesson for English language arts using the interactive, unique curriculum. One-to-one or small group break out rooms that will be supported by instructional aides. Mariah and her class will listen, follow along, read to a live reading of a story by her teacher or listen to a pre-recorded story. She will join a whole class or small group lesson for math. Mariah will work on her speciﬁc IEP goals, possibly applying discrete trialing teaching methods. Her class will engage in asynchronous learning games for review or log in for speech with her speech pathologist along with other classmates. Mariah can log in to get extra help from her teacher, aides or receive extra related services, such

• Local Rancher • Small Business Owner • College Professor • Family Man PAID POLITICAL AD

time to go back to class,” mother Brianne Hopkins said. “I want her to see her friends and be face to face with a teacher when she needs help or is engaged in debate or discussion.” “It’s going to take some time to get used to,” Brandi Lewis Machado said. “My oldest is going into second grade and my daughter is going into kindergarten, and I have a 3-year-old at home that likes to get into everything, so focus is going to be diﬃcult. I am also a working mom, and when the beauty industry is allowed to open, I will have to go back to work but I am having to cut out days of work to be able to do this. This whole situation is hard and will be stressful. I hope it works out, but I am unsure if it is going to work for my family.” For more information, visit the HUSD at https://www.hemetusd. org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ ID=254711&type=d&pREC_ ID=582624. For more parent information, visit https://parentcenter.hemetusd.org/. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com.

Vote H Hooope pe Adams

My goal is to represent our community and work in conjunction with the board toward mutually beneﬁcial goals, and perpetuating the strength of the Co-op.  To support affordable and reliable services for all members.  To support the enhancement of clean/renewable energy to meet the explosive demand for broadband internet.  To encourage continuity and cohesiveness among board members.  To avidly represent my constituents by voicing their concerns, ideas and requests.

Emphasizing: • Customer Service • Reliability • Affordability • Transparency Background:

as occupational therapy, adaptive physical education, behavior support, counseling or communication device support. Teachers have been attending professional development sessions, preparing for the coming school year. Teacher teams, instructional coaches and TOSAs came together the week of July 27, to plan the first six weeks of school for each grade level and core content areas. There have been over 120 sessions of professional development to support teachers in preparing for opening the year online during the week of Aug. 3. Parent information and training opportunities include a virtual back to school night, virtual training offered in English and Spanish, Google 101 for parents, supporting children in the online learning environment, social emotional supports for children and families and nutrition and wellness. Parents shared concern that the distance learning model will be challenging for everyone involved. “I just picture these kids, home alone, trying to figure out these links and then it’s break time and there’s no bell to remind them it’s

“As a result of my 20 wonderful years of marriage to Bill Adams, I am well aware of Anza Electric Cooperative Inc.’s most excellent reputation at the top of the nation’s electric companies regarding patronage gain (capital credits.) Once elected, it will be an honor for mre to contribute towards maintaining such an esteemed reputation.”

Hope

Employment History: Due to my self-employed status for the past 40 years, I understand fully what it takes to meet goals while maintaining a sustainable proﬁt margin.

PAID POLITICAL AD

Elect

Gerald “Jerry” Clarke Jr.

POLLS Anza Electric Co-Op Board District 2 OPEN AUGUST 24TH Stop illegal utility theft!

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Photographer Adrian Campos captures the full moon Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

The full moon rose Monday, Aug. 3. Glowing bright red and orange upon rising, the moon shone through smoke in the atmosphere to provide a colorful start to its full phase. Local photographer Adrian Campos captured images of the lunar surface as it rose in the eastern sky. The full moon occurs when it is exactly on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun. The moon is full about every 29.5 days, which is just a slightly longer than its orbital period. As the Earth moves around the sun and by the time the moon gets to the same place it was in its last pass, the Earth isn’t directly between the moon and sun anymore. Clear, yet somewhat smokey skies to the east provided great, color-infused views as the moon made its way across the heavens toward the west. The next full moon is expected Tuesday, Oct. 1. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com.

Adrian Campos captures the moon as it starts to wane from its full phase that occurred Monday, Aug. 3.

The waning moon’s detailed surface is captured by photographer Adrian Campos. An za V a l l e y Ou t l o o k/ Ad r i a n Ca m p o s p h o t o s

Rodent poison harms owls Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

A noticeable increase in the discovery of dead owls in the Anza Valley has occurred in recent weeks. Dave Dolan said he was heartbroken to ﬁnd his resident family of birds dead one morning. “I maintain owl boxes on my property,” he said. “Barn owls are an excellent, natural way to control rodents. This morning I found my nesting pair dead below their box.” The next day, one of the ﬂedgling young birds was also discovered deceased. The consuming of poisoned rodents is suspected in the sudden owl deaths. Throughout the state, poison bait used to kill rodents has inadvertently hurt or killed countless wild animals and birds of prey. Animals that feed on squirrels, rats, mice and gophers, such as

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The full moon glows reddish as a result of smoke in the air.

RE-ELECT

Michael Machado ANZA ELECTRIC COOP DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 2

INCUMBENT AEC DIRECTOR FOR DISTRICT 2

I will continue the ﬁght for cooperative ﬁscal responsibility, transparency, and our community!

Rural American Values  It is a troubling time, but I see great things in our future. Let’s stay strong and make our votes count! POLLS OPEN 8/24

– VOTE for MICHAEL MACHADO PAID POLITICAL AD

owls, hawks, raccoons, bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, skunks and coyotes, consume dead or dying rodents that have eaten these baits will also be poisoned. Dogs and cats may also eat dead or dying rodents and even bait that is within their reach. “Please, if you are using poisons to control rodents, stop. You may have contributed in killing these beautiful birds,” Dolan said. The use of non-chemical rodent controls, such as exclusion, trapping, encouraging natural predators and sanitation, are safer choices, he said. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has restricted public access to rodenticide products containing the active ingredients brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone and difenacoum. These poisons may only be used by licensed professional exterminators for use in and around man-made structures. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also implemented a nationwide ban on consumer use of some rodenticide products. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, they have also seen an increase in the number of strychnine-related wildlife losses in recent years. Strychnine is only legally used to

control pocket gophers and must be placed underground in gopher burrows. Any above-ground use of this chemical may lead to unintentional poisoning of wildlife and pets and may lead to enforcement action by CDFW, the county agricultural commissioner or both. “There should be some awareness before people put owl boxes up on their property. Something like checking with their closest neighbors and asking if they use rodent bait. If the answer is yes, they shouldn’t put up an owl nesting box. Of course, it won’t stop the deaths, but it may reduce the amount of nests getting poisoned,” local raptor expert Dominique Rauton said. The anticoagulant chemicals used in rodenticide products can be transferred to an animal eating the dead or dying pest. Predators and scavengers such as owls are exposed when they eat rodents that have been poisoned with these baits. Rodents are important food sources for many local predators, especially owls. One barn owl family may consume 1,300 mice and rats in a year. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com.

LEGAL ADVERTISING Run your legal notices in the Anza Valley Outlook, adjudicated for Riverside County. Call (951) 763-5510 or email legals@reedermedia.com

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Anza Local GIVEAWAY from page AVO-1 aﬀair, held the week before school begins. “We are so blessed to still be able to have the backpack event,” James said. “We didn’t know what it was going to look like or where we would have it at ﬁrst. There were a few planning meetings, and everything just fell into place. Ideas were thrown around, and a plan was formed. This year is definitely different and has challenges, but we knew that no

matter what, God had us covered, and we would still be able to make sure the kids had what they needed. We are grateful again to the many groups and individuals that have been so supportive. We couldn’t do this without each and every one of you. It truly does take a village, and we have an awesome one.” From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries serves and focuses on families and children in need in the mountain communities of Anza, Aguanga, Mountain

Center and Idyllwild. Fundraising events are held throughout the year to help collect money to aid the cause, such as rummage sales, luncheons, raﬄes and the annual From the Heart’s Holiday dinner. For more information, find them on Facebook or write to: From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries, P.O. Box 391224, Anza, CA 92539. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com.

Who:

Birdie Kopp What:

Running for Anza Electric Co-Op Board of Directors, District 1 Why:

To make a difference. Goal: The tower garden arrives packed in pieces that are easy to assemble

 VOTE FOR 

BIRDIE KOPP ANZA ELECTRIC CO-OP BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1

IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION Look for an email from the Co-Op at the end of August and follow instructions on how to cast your vote.

To use my skills and experience to ensure the Co-Op is fiscally responsible and manages your utility rates to bring you the best service possible. CREDENTIALS:

• 8 years as CPA for KPMG • Over 35 years as CFO working for large and medium sized companies • Business Owner -Accounting Consulting Practice where I implement software solutions, develop strategies to reduce expenses and improve bottom-line results • Serve on Boards including; Lake Riverside Estates, Anza Community Hall, AVMAC (Anza Valley Municipal Advisory Council)

PAID POLITICAL AD

Carletta Stokes’ granddaughter inserts a cup to hold a seedling in the tower garden she maintains by herself. An z a V a l l e y Ou t l o o k / Co u r t e s y p h o t o s

GARDENS from page AVO-1 “I was watching a gardening show where Steven Ritz talked about children in urban public schools not having good nutritious foods to eat,” she said. “He introduced the Tower Garden to the schools and is very instrumental in teaching the children about how vegetables are grown and about eating healthy.” Stokes was so impressed with the system that she became a sales representative for the company. The Tower Garden is an aeroponic system. Water and nutrients are held in the base of the tower. Placement of the tower inside or outside determines the frequency that the pump in the tower distributes the water and nutrients to the plants. “I like that the watering system is automatic. If you want to leave home for a few days, you can,” Stokes said. The Tower Garden is easy to set up, Stokes said. She has helped people over the phone in setting up their own units. The units are made of a sturdy plastic that has a one-year warranty. Stokes said that it is not just the urban areas that lack nutritious foods. She has been promoting the Tower Garden in the Anza and Aguanga areas. “Not everyone can get outside

and plant in the dirt,” she said. “Some people don’t have a plot of land, and others don’t have enough space. The Tower Garden is compact enough to grow your own healthy food in a small space. I would love for our schools to set up and teach children how to grow and eat healthy foods.” The costs vary depending on which product is selected. The indoor home tower was recently restocked after a record number of sales since the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in the food supply. The company oﬀers a Flex Tower that can go indoors or outdoors and many additional items and accessories, such as grow lights and extensions. “My granddaughter who doesn’t like veggies has decided that she likes the veggies from our tower garden. She has permission to eat anything from the tower any time she wants. It’s all about healthy eating and I am all for that,” Stokes said. “Initially, I have planted lettuce, Swiss chard and basil. Recently, I have planted peppers, okra and tomatoes. I plan on getting another tower for larger veggies like cabbage, zucchini and celery.” For more information, contact Stokes at http://www.carlettastokes.towergarden.com. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com.

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Anza Local

Prepare to evacuate from a wildfire Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

Wildfire season is upon the Anza Valley, and residents should formulate an evacuation plan in case an evacuation is called. As Cal Fire, Riverside County Fire Department and the U.S. Forestry Department deploy resources to find wildland fires, they release information that is accurate, timely and trustworthy. If an evacuation

is imminent, residents will be alerted, and law enforcement agencies will go door to door to ensure everyone clears out safely. Come up with a plan before things get hot. Everyone in the home must be aware of the actions to be taken and prepared in an instant to implement the plan. The strategy should include a meeting place outside the danger area and all routes to this place from the home need to be familiar

Lee’s Corner Lee-ism’s: Life’s Golden Nuggets by Lee Hulsey

“Wise Man” A wise man knows what gives him something and what gives him nothing!!

to all persons involved. Make considerations for livestock and pets. If a homeowner does not have a trailer to move any large animals, coordinate with friends and neighbors before disaster strikes to use their equipment or obtain their assistance. It is not advised by any agencies to turn animals out to fend for themselves during a wildﬁre. For small pets, ensure travel accommodations for each animal. Crates for dogs and cats are excellent, but make sure there are enough to go around. Be prepared to load up food, water and medications for furry friends at a moment’s notice. Collect all important papers such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policies and car titles and have a plan to secure them while leaving. Medications and special items also need to be considered. Phones, laptops, tablets and other devices need to come with their power sources, cases, accessories and plug ins. Make sure that everyone in the household understands how to shut oﬀ gas or propane service. Have

Editor’s Note: Opinions do not necessarily reﬂect the views of the Anza Valley Outlook staff. We invite opinions on all sides of an issue. If you have an opinion, please send it as an email to anzaeditor@reedermedia.com, or fax us at (760) 723-9606. M a xi m u m w o r d co u n t 2 5 0 . Al l l e t t e r s m u st i n cl u d e t h e a u t h o r ’ s n a m e , a d d r e s a n d p h o n e n u m b e r . Th e V a l l e y N e w s/ An za V a l l e y Outlook reserves the right to edit letters as necessary to fit the publication’s format.

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water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water buckets and place them around the house. Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running, as that can affect critical water pressure. Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access the roof. Patrol the property and monitor the fire situation. Residents don’t have to wait for an evacuation order if they feel threatened. Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave. No one wants to have to leave their home in the event of a disaster, but it is important to follow official orders. By doing so, residents help officials to help them. Firefighters do not want to have to worry about saving people if the fire comes upon the home. They need to fight the fire and concentrate all resources to that task. For more information on evacuation plans, visit http://www. readyforwildfire.org/Go-Evacuation-Guide/. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com.

Anza Opinion