Valley News - August 16, 2024

Menifee City Council upholds approval of new hotel despite appeal

Tony Ault

Staff Writer

An appeal against the Menifee Planning Commission’s approval of a 106-room, four-story hotel by CARE CA was presented to the Menifee City Council on Wednesday, August 7, during a public hearing.

2024 State of the County to draw diverse crowd, topics

RIVERSIDE COUNTY - The 2024 County of Riverside State of the County event will bring more than 600 stakeholders together to discuss Riverside County’s diverse opportunities as a highly sought destination for residents, travelers and businesses.

Palm Springs Airport improvements coming; May affect future highway traffic

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Caltrans, the Riverside County Transportation Commission, and local city public works and transportation departments are working on ongoing projects such as the Holland Street Bridge over Interstate 215 in Menifee and the northbound Temecula French Valley Interstate 15/215 Phase 2, which is progressing rapidly. Contractors hope to complete these projects by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

City of Murrieta announces appointment of new police chief

MURRIETA - The City of Murrieta announces the selection of Captain Matt Henry as the Murrieta Police Department’s next Chief of Police. His appointment will follow Chief Anthony Conrad’s retirement later this year.

Captain Henry is the department’s fourth internal promotion to Chief of Police and brings with him 24 years of law enforcement experience. He began his career with the San Diego Police Department in March 2000 and transferred to the Murrieta Police Department in November 2005.

Captain Henry has served the community in various special assignments, including Patrol, SWAT, Internal Affairs, and Administration. He spent the last four years as a Police Captain, overseeing both the Operations and Support

divisions of the department.

“Captain Henry has a wide range of law enforcement experience within our police department. He has demonstrated his ability to effectively manage and build relationships, not only within the department but also at City Hall. I am confident that Captain Henry will continue to foster those same relationships with the community in his new role as Police Chief,” said City Manager Kim Summers.

“As with past police chief selections, being community-focused is a high priority. Our relationship with residents is what we are known for, and I know Captain Henry will ensure Murrieta remains a safe and connected city.”

Captain Henry will be sworn in

JDS Creative Academy celebrates 10 highly successful years in Temecula

Tony

Ault Staff Writer

The nonprofit JDS Creative Academy proudly celebrated its 10th Anniversary Birthday with the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on their expanded facility Thursday, Aug. 8 in Temecula. The anniversary theme was a “Decade of Innovation and Creativity.” The ribbon cutting with the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce commenced at 1:30 p.m. and included a meet and greet of the JDS Creative Academy founders Scott and Diane Strand, the staff, and many of the students both past and present. Tours of their new green room, studio, and stage were included along with refreshments, soft drinks, and wines inside the 10,000-squarefoot facility. As a special treat for the guests,

see JDS, page A-4

Matt Henry has been selected as the next Murrieta Police Department Chief of Police. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Diane Strand co-founder of the JDS Creative Academy in Temecula, cuts the ribbon in front of their expanded facility at 28069 Diaz Road, Suites D.E. and F, during the nonprofits’ 10th Birthday, Members of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce helped host the event. Valley News/Tony Ault photo

LOCAL

MUSD declines to join Chino schools lawsuit against implementing AB 1952 on student gender rights

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Murrieta Unified School Board, in a 3-2 vote, declined to join the Chino Valley School District’s lawsuit aimed at stopping California’s AB 1952.

AB 1952 prevents California school districts from approving or enforcing parental notification policies that require employees to release information on a student’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression to their parents without the student’s consent.

A Liberty Law Firm lawsuit aims to stop the state from preventing school districts from notifying parents of a student’s requested gender change, arguing that it violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments as well as the Family Educational Rights

and Privacy Act.

The MUSD board had previously opposed the Senate Bill in a narrow vote but indicated that it would still abide by it. In the latest meeting, MUSD board members, aware that they could join the Chino lawsuit like the Anderson Union High School District in Northern California and the Orange County Board of Education, decided against it. They cited that such a decision should be left to the new board, which is slated to take over after the Riverside November Municipal Elections.

During the Aug. 8 meeting, MUSD Board Members Linda Lunn, Nancy Young, and President Paul Diffley opposed joining the suit. Nick Pardue and Julie Vandegrift voted in favor of joining.

Young expressed concerns that joining the lawsuit could, in the

long run, be detrimental to the district’s financial situation. She stated that joining was unnecessary as the Chino School Board is “already mired in this lawsuit. Why should we put this district at risk?”

Lunn agreed with Young, saying the board needed to distance itself from the issue and let Murrieta families handle it. However, she also believed that keeping such information from parents should not be the case. “Nobody keeps secrets!” she added.

Pardue, who supported MUSD joining the lawsuit, pointed out that it would be “pro bono” and would incur no cost to the district. He mentioned that he had discussed joining with the attorneys, who saw it as having little financial effect on the district, except if the case was lost, in which case all

districts would have to pay. He emphasized that this was the number one issue with Murrieta parents of all faiths in the community. “We should not keep secrets,” he said.

Vandegrift, reviewing a document that explained the financial responsibilities of attorneys and the cost of litigation, supported the argument that joining the lawsuit would not be financially risky. She stated that the board should stand with the parents of the community in opposing keeping secrets from them. She criticized the state mandate, saying, “It is so messed up… We would be foolish not to join this.”

Diffley sought to conclude the discussion and called for the vote.

With three board members choosing not to join the lawsuit and two voting to join, the motion failed, and MUSD will not join Chino in

the lawsuit against AB 1952. The decision was met with applause from the audience.

The November election will call for voters to decide which candidates will fill the seats currently held by Diffley, Lunn, and Vandegrift, as their terms are up for election.

In August 2023, the board trustees approved a parent notification policy in a 3-2 vote to inform parents of any student’s request to change genders or what gender they want to claim. The board reaffirmed the measure several times until the California Department of Education ordered the district to stop implementing the policy. That policy has still not been put in place as the legal details are being worked out.

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

Menifee City Council upholds planning commission’s approval of new hotel despite appeal

Tony Ault Staff Writer

An appeal against the Menifee Planning Commission’s approval of a 106-room, four-story hotel by CARE CA was presented to the Menifee City Council on Wednesday, August 7, during a public hearing.

Attorneys representing CARE CA in the appeal urged the City Council to overrule the Planning Commission’s approval of the Hilton Hotel project, arguing that it would pose a public health hazard to the surrounding community if built without further study. The hotel is planned for the Menifee Village downtown area, just east of Interstate 215, west of Antelope Road, south of Newport Road, and north of La Piedra Road.

CARE requested that the Council overturn the Planning Commission’s June 12, 2024 decision, which approved the project under Resolution No. PC24-635. They contended that the environmental analysis was inadequate and that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) should be required. The public comment period, or Negative Declaration (ND) period, on

the matter ended on June 3.

CARE’s appeal argued that issues related to air quality, noise, public utility improvements, and aesthetics were not sufficiently addressed. They claimed that the project would negatively impact nearby residents through excessive noise, diminished air quality, inadequate public improvement facilities, and an undesirable aesthetic appearance.

The matter was brought before the City Council, which had the authority to disapprove the Planning Commission’s recommendations and send the project back for an EIR. However, staff and the City’s CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) consultant reviewed CARE’s comments, provided written responses, and concluded that an EIR was not required. Since no new comments or concerns were raised with the appeal, no additional analysis was deemed necessary.

During the discussion, another issue arose concerning a letter from Menifee Village merchants and property owners, who refused to grant the hotel parking spaces behind the stores from the total of 106 planned. The Council

concluded that this was a private matter between the hotel and the property owners, not a city decision. Additionally, union members from plumbing and steelworking unions expressed opposition to the hotel because the developer refused to contract with the union for the project.

The Planning Commission had some concerns about the hotel’s height exceeding city standards (48 feet) as it was planned to be 54.3 feet tall. Despite this, the project was approved since it matched the height of other buildings in the city.

After hearing arguments from both the appellant and the defendant’s attorney, the Council opened the matter for discussion.

Mayor Bill Zimmerman acknowledged that the hotel developer should reach an agreement with the union. Although he preferred three-story hotels, he believed that the Commission had taken all necessary steps for the project’s approval and supported upholding the Commission’s decision. He noted that the hotel owners suggested a three-story hotel in the city “would not pencil out” and would not be profitable.

Council Member Bob Karwin questioned the parking lot issue but agreed that it was not a city matter. He expressed confidence that the Planning Commission “got it right” by approving the project without requiring an EIR. He also recommended that the hotel owners reach an agreement with the unions.

Council Member Ricky Estrada believed that the Commission and staff “did their due diligence,” noting that the hotel would provide a new revenue stream for the city.

Council Member Lesa Sobek viewed the hotel as a future necessity for the city and felt the Commission had properly “vetted” the project.

Finally, Mayor Pro Tem Dean Deines agreed with the Planning Commission’s decision and made a motion to approve the project and reject the appeal. The motion was approved unanimously by the Council, 5-0.

Menifee Police Chief Chris Karrer presented the department’s quarterly report for May through June, noting that it received 5,100 calls, most of which were welfare checks. The most serious crimes were aggravated assaults, followed by drug and narcotic violations. The least frequent criminal activity involved illegal narcotics equipment. The department responded to 539 alarms, none of which were residential. Chief Karrer noted that the city continues to experience a downward trend in crime, with 407 arrests made, most involving individuals under the age of 40. Fire Department Chief Mark Scoville reported that the department received 3,409 calls for service in the last quarter. These included eight structure fires, 164 traffic collisions, and the rescue of two hikers. The department’s response time for emergencies was 4.7 minutes, below the national average of five minutes. Chief Scoville recommended that residents obtain the Vial of Life for their refrigerators to assist firefighters in home emergencies. There were no citizen or business presentations at the council meeting, and 17 consent items were approved. The entire meeting can be viewed on the city’s YouTube channel, and the agenda is available on the city’s website. Tony Ault can be reached via email at tault@reedermedia.com.

Flood Control District delegates utility relocations

Joe Naiman

Special to Valley News

The Murrieta Creek flood control project will require utility relocations, and the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has delegated approvals and payment arrangements to the district’s General Manager-Chief Engineer or his designee.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors members are also the board members of the flood control district. The county supervisors voted 5-0 July 30 to authorize the General Manager-Chief Engineer or his designee to execute the necessary agreements between the district and the utility owners involved and to authorize up to $3,500,000 of payments to utility owners for necessary relocations

or other work. The Murrieta Creek Flood Control, Environmental Restoration, and Recreation Project includes four phases. The first phase will provide channel improvements and environmental restoration in Temecula from the Front Street/ Highway 79 South junction upstream to First Street. The second phase, which is also in Temecula, will provide channel improvements and environmental restoration between First Street and Winchester Road. Phase 3 will construct the detention basin, provide environmental restoration, and build a sports park between Winchester Road and Elm Street in Murrieta. Phase 4, which is entirely within Murrieta, will provide channel improvements and environmental restoration from the detention basin upstream to Tenaja

Road and Vineyard Parkway.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers collaborated with the county on an Environmental Impact Statement for Federal compliance and an Environmental Impact Review for California Environmental Quality Act compliance. The Army Corps of Engineers prepared the EIS and EIR which covers the entire project and the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District board certified that combined environmental document in January 2003. A supplemental environmental document certified in August 2014 authorized the flood control district to proceed with the project.

Phase 1 has already been completed as has Phase 2A to provide channel improvements from 1,000 feet downstream of First Street to 500 feet downstream of Rancho

California Road. The Army Corps of Engineers recently obtained $47,834,000 of Federal funding for the construction of Phase 2B which entails channel improvements from 500 feet downstream of Rancho California Road to approximately Winchester Road.

The Federal fiscal year is October 1 through September 30, so the Army Corps of Engineers needs to advertise the Phase 2B bid package by the end of September to minimize the risk of losing the funding to other Federal priorities.

The September 2024 deadline requires fully-executed agreements between the flood control district and each of the applicable utility owners for the relocation, adjustment, or protection of currentlyidentified conflicting utilities.

The 2003 project cooperation agreement between the district and the Army Corps of Engineers designates the district as the lo-

CHIEF from page A-1

as Chief of Police later this year. Chief Conrad said he strongly believes that Captain Henry is ready for this promotion. “I have worked alongside Matt for the last four years. He was the first Captain I promoted after I was appointed Chief. He places a strong emphasis on building trust with staff and officers. I know he will lead this department with professionalism and integrity. Matt will continue to hire the best, be a good steward of our police budget, and keep Murrieta as one of the safest cities in the nation. I look forward to seeing him succeed as our next Police

cal sponsor for the project and requires the district to provide for any utility relocation, adjustment, or protection necessary to construct the project.

The primary utility relocation will be a main gas line owned by Southern California Gas Company which provides service to a significant portion of Temecula. The estimated cost to relocate that gas line is between $2.7 million and $3.5 million.

The delegated authority will also be implemented if utility conflicts are discovered during construction of Phase 2B. That would allow resolution of any other utility conflicts with SoCal Gas or with the Eastern Municipal Water District, the Rancho California Water District, Southern California Edison, or any other utility whose infrastructure would require relocation.

Chief,” Conrad said. Captain Henry holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University and a Master’s Degree in Management from the University of Redlands. He is a graduate of both the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Executive Police Management School and the California POST Executive Development Program. Captain Henry and his wife, Alyssa, live in the community, and they have four children: Jacob, Kaelyn, Emry, and Ella. He will be Murrieta’s 8th Chief of Police.

Eleanor Cruz Briggs announces candidacy for Murrieta Valley Unified School Board

MURRIETA – Eleanor Cruz

Briggs announces her candidacy for the Murrieta Valley Unified School Board, bringing nearly 25 years of steadfast dedication to community engagement and educational advocacy. Eleanor’s deep-rooted commitment to fostering community partnerships, implementing innovative solutions, and striving for educational excellence makes her a compelling candidate poised to drive meaningful change in our schools.

A legacy of community commitment

With nearly a quarter-century of community involvement, Eleanor Cruz Briggs has consistently worked to enhance the quality

JDS students presented a series of sketches and a medley of music and fun on the JDS Creative Stage at the studio, located at 28069 Diaz Road, Suites D.E. and F, in Temecula.

Diane Strand said, “We are celebrating our 10th anniversary. It’s been an amazing 10 years and we’ve grown so much. We started as a small self-funded nonprofit offering visual performing and visual art classes, and then in 2018, we really grew when we started a Title 17 program for adults with developmental disabilities, teaching them video production and multimedia, and now we’ve placed over 12 [individuals] into internships and job opportunities. It does work.”

She went on to say JDS produced the “Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America,” a television show that broadcasts news and information about Riverside County on Temecula, Murrieta, and Riverside County TV stations and is streamed on Binge Network with 150 platforms nationwide as well as on the Amazon Fire App and Roku.

The JDS Creative Academy has served “hundreds and hundreds” of students in that time according to Strand. The Academy usually has

of life for many. Her extensive experience includes building collaborative relationships with local businesses and organizations, ensuring community needs are met through dedicated outreach and service. Dedicated to engaging parents and educators Eleanor’s passion for education is evident in her practical approach to engaging parents and teachers. She has co-hosted Parent Engagement Classes, including the popular “Have a New Kid By Friday” series, and has actively contributed to educational improvement through her role on the Parent Advisory Board for two campuses in the Dry Creek School District.

A life rich in service and exploration

Eleanor’s journey began on the island of Guam, where she was raised alongside her identical twin sister. Her quest for adventure led her stateside and across the globe on mission trips to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Quebec, Canada, and Albania. After serving in Sacramento, Eleanor and her family relocated to Murrieta, where she has continued her impactful work. She is happily married to Steve, with whom she shares four children: Taylor, Katrina, Allison, and James.

Professional and community experience Eleanor’s diverse background

includes roles with: Naval Activities, Guam Small Business Administration, Sacramento Office

• Family Community Church

• Family Learning Center

• North Sacramento News

• Nort h Highlands Community Awards Banquet Committee

• Watt Avenue Clean Up Committee

• Administrative Coordinator for Cummins West, Sacramento A vision for the future

Eleanor Cruz Briggs is eager to bring her wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to the Murrieta Valley Unified School Board. Her vision encompasses fostering strong community ties,

enhancing educational opportunities, and supporting the holistic development of every student. Eleanor is committed to ensuring transparency and open communication between the district, the community, students, and teachers. With a proven track record of effective solutions and heartfelt engagement, she is dedicated to making a positive difference in the educational landscape.

To contact Cruz Briggs, email Eleanorforschoolboard@gmail. com

Submitted by Eleanor Cruz Briggs.

Certificate of Recognition from Sen. Kelly Seyarto (32 Dist.) was one of many given to the JDS Creative Academy on Aug. 8 on their 10th

50 to 75 students for each session. Thirty of those have developmental disabilities and are at the academy 25 hours a week learning video production and multimedia skills. JDS also has extra-curricular classes for musical theater, acting, scriptwriting and filmmaking. Additionally, they put on special public events like the “Haunted Studio” now coming October 25 and 26, which gives the students experience to move into film and theater productions.

of the best-selling book “Show Business by the Strands.” The Showcase on Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. will allow the attendees to be in front of SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Franchised Agents and Industry Professionals. Scholarships for youth, teens, and adults are available, For information see jdscreativeacademy. org or call 951-296-6715. Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America can be seen on local city television stations, RivCo TV, Binge, and ROKU.

During the celebrations, JDS Creative Academy and the Strands were awarded many congratulations and recognition awards from state senators, assembly members, the Chamber of Commerce and the county board of supervisors for their work in helping those with disabilities.

Upcoming events include a JDS Actors Studio Industry Showcase with Workshops on Aug. 28, Sept. 4, 11, & 18 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Included in the fee will be a copy

J DS Creative Academy in a nonprofit tax-deductible 501(c)(3). The Aug. 8 Party & Fundraiser was in support of the nonprofit’s mission “to advance education and training and opportunities in visual, performing, and digital arts.” It offers career pathway training and mainstreaming for those with special needs and other youth, teens, and adults. Tony Ault can be reached via email at tault@reedermedia.com.

JDS from page A-1

Scott and Diane Strand founders of the JDS Creative Academy in Temecula celebrate 10 highly successful years in managing the nonprofit that specializes in education and training with opportunities in visual, performing and digital arts.

Mother-daughter actress team, Eliza and Belle Cook in the dressing room get ready for a special skit on the JDS stage at the JDS Creative Academy 10th Birthday Celebration Aug. 8. Valley News/Tony Ault photos

Students at the JDS Creative Academy perform a Medley of songs, dances and skits on stage in front of a large audience at the organization’s gala 10th Birthday Celebration.

anniversary

Supervisors approve contract for Temecula Valley Wine Country arch

• Tuesday, August 27th (9:00am – 3:00pm)

• Wednesday, August 28th (9:00am – 3:00pm)

• Thursday, August 29th (9:00am – 3:00pm)

replace the pillar-style entry monument which was removed as part of the improvements to the intersection of Butterfield Stage Road and Rancho California Road. The new archway will be on Rancho California Road approximately 100 feet east of the intersection of Rancho California Road and Avenida Biona. The span of the archway monument will be 75 feet, and the structure will be supported by steel pipe columns at each end with reinforced concrete pile foundations four feet in diameter.

The work will also include minor pavement widening with hot mix asphalt over a class 2 (3/4 of an inch or 20 millimeters) aggregate base, installation of asphalt concrete dike, and concrete curb and gutter.

The April 2 Board of Supervisors meeting included a 5-0 vote to approve the plans and specifications for the archway project and to advertise the construction contract for bid, and that action also found the archway to be categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review. The estimated construction cost at the time was $623,140. On April 18 the county’s Transportation Department issued an addendum to the bid package, and the July 30 vote also approved that addenda to the plans and specifications.

Five bids were received by

the May 1 deadline. US Builders and Consultants had the low bid of $744,100, and the company has met all requirements for the contract. WakeCo, Inc., of Temecula had the second-lowest bid at $848,127. The increase in the total budget from $800,000 to $1,112,000 also covers design, environmental, engineering and inspection, and surveying expenses while a $74,410 contingency will allow for change orders without an additional budget adjustment. A November 2020 Board of Supervisors meeting called for the creation of an Unincorporated Communities Initiative to improve the infrastructure and services provided to residents of unincorporated communities with an emphasis on disadvantaged unincorporated communities. The program is funded through the Unincorporated Communities Fund which is allocated during the annual budget process. That program will fund $370,000 of the archway expenses. Area improvement funds will pay for the other $742,000.

Construction on the archway project is expected to begin later this summer and is expected to be complete approximately 4 1/2 months later. The work will be phased to keep the roadway open as much as possible during construction.

MURRIETA NIGHT OUT from page A-1

Families get an inside look at the Murrieta Police mobile command center during the Murrieta National Night Out event.

People view the Murrieta Police traffic bureau motorcycle during the National Night Out event.

David Drexler (left) and Don Phinney grill burgers for guests attending the annual Murrieta National Night Out event.

Hailey Crawford, 9, gets a close look at a Murrieta Police Department drone during the annual National Night Out event. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Dignitaries break ground on

Village Library in Lake Elsinore

News/Shane Gibson photos

Suzanne Holland, Riverside County Office of Economic Development director welcomes guests to the ground breaking of the new Lakeland Village Library, Aug. 6. The new Lakeland Village Library will be located at 16275 Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore.

Karen Spiegel, 2nd District Supervisor Riverside County Board of Supervisors speaks during the Lakeland Village Library groundbreaking ceremony in Lake Elsinore.

Kevin Jeffries, I District Supervisor Riverside County Board of Supervisors speaks during the Lakeland Village Library groundbreaking ceremony in Lake Elsinore.

Barbara Howison, County Librarian Riverside County Library System speaks during the Lakeland Village Library groundbreaking ceremony in Lake Elsinore.

Find something to do!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

To submit an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com, put “attention events” in the subject line.

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

Aug. 16-29 – 4:45-6 p.m. Miss April’s Dance for children Ages 3 to 10 with varied dance sessions in Ballet to Hip Hop at 29905 Evans Road, Menifee. Cost from $48 for residents and $55.20 for nonresidents. See www.cityofmenifee. us./register. Space is limited. Please check the webpages for the city you live in for the latest events happening for children and youths in your community this summer. There are many youth sports programs, educational programs, city park entertainment and more to keep children of all ages occupied and interested. ValleyWide Recreation also has many children’s activities. Please visit www.gorecreation.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Aug. 16 through October5-9 p.m. Foodie Fridays continue at the Mt. San Jacinto College campus, 28237 La Piedra Road, Menifee, with regional culinary artists, boutique vendors, local makers and live entertainment. See exploremenifee.com/foodiefridays.

Aug. 16 - 7 p.m. Valley -Wide Recreation Parks District Movies

in the Park “Trolls Ban Together” at Menifee Wheatfield Park, La Piedra Road, Menifee. Aug. 29 - 6-7:30 p.m. Music

Trivia time at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library 30600 Pauba Road, Temecula. . Adults, 18+ who enjoy music through the ages. can join us for a rockin’ time! Registration is required at the library. Visit https:// temeculaca.gov/445/Ronald-HRoberts-Temecula-Public-Library for more info. Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25 5-7 p.m. Wine Blending Classes. The wine experts at South Coast Winery especially enjoy sharing their passion and knowledge of wine blending with guests. It’s a fun activity that includes a friendly wine competition at the end of the classes. Each class is designed to rotate styles and types of wine. They include Sept. 4 – Reds Blending; Sept. 11 – Whites Blending; Sept. 18 – Sweets Blending; and Sept. 25 –Reds Blending. $85 per person per class, exclusive of tax and gratuity. ($107.92 with tax and gratuity.) Wine Club Members receive 35% off wines purchased. Sept. 20-22 - Various times. South Coast Winery’s Annual Grape Stomps in the Vineyards. For first-time grape stompers and those who enjoy this special experience every year, South Coast Winery’s Annual Grape Stomps are an exhilarating way to

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Football

celebrate the harvest of the vineyards’ estate grown grapes with an opportunity to stomp these precious grapes in a charming winery location. In the Vintner’s Garden, guests will be able to shop from local vendors, swing to live musical entertainment and, best of all, sip some exceptional award-winning wines. Cost is $50. For more info, visit southcoastwinery.com.

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

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

ONGOING – Line dancing classes are held Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Lake Elsinore/ Wildomar Elks Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail, in Wildomar across from the Animal Friends of the Valleys. Classes have a DJ with learning levels beginning to intermediate. Have fun and exercise at the same time at $5 per lesson. Contact Joyce Hohenadl at 951674-2159.

ONGOING – Sun City Civic Association Monthly Square Dance sessions are held Sundays from 1:30-5 p.m. at 26850 Sun City Boulevard.

ONGOING – If you know a homebound older adult, resources in Menifee are available, including grab-and-go, cooked and frozen food for pickup. Courtesy pantry items and meals delivered with no contact. Three days of emergency food can be delivered immediately or restaurant meal delivery for those who don’t qualify for food assistance programs. Call the California Department on Aging at 800-510-2020 for help.

ONGOING – Saturdays and Sundays only, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Temecula Winchester Swap Meet continues, 33280 Newport Road in Winchester. The small local swap meet is only 50 cents for entry, and anyone under age 10 is free admission. No dogs allowed.

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

ONGOING – Temecula’s

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

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

Now through Sept. 6 – 1-3 p.m. Dorland Arts Colony Arts Center Associated Artist’s Exhibit and sale at, 36701 Highway 79 South, Temecula. Public welcome.

Aug. 15 - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the Camp Pendleton Hiring Event, at Pacific Views Event Center. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve. More than 50 employers actively seeking the unique talents of America’s veterans will be on-site representing a range of industries, from construction to medical to administrative and logistics, with career opportunities from entry level to senior management. In addition to employment assistance.

Go to jobs.dav.org. Aug. 16 - 10 a.m. Vendors wanted Temecula’s first Annual Pet-A-Palooza event, hosted by the Community Services coming on Sat. Oct. 19 at Town Square Park, 21000 Main St., Temecula. Free community wide event to adopt loveable pets.Copntact the Temecula Community Services Dept. through Sept. 14.To view the vendor guidelines and apply, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/

Events

Aug. 22 - 9:30 a.m. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) will hold its annual Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Meeting in Sacramento, but taxpayers can share their concerns, ideas, and suggestions with the Department online at www.cdtfa. ca.gov/tra/tbor-meetings,htm or if unable to attend in person participate by telephone or submit comments by email. To participate by telephone during the meeting, dial toll-free 1-844-867-6169, access code 5591625#. Prior to the meeting, a link to http://www.cdtfa. ca.gov/tra/tbor-meetings.htm.

Aug. 23 – 6:30 p.m. Flavors of Guatemala featured at Europa Village with live music, authentic Guatemalan food crafted by Chef Orland De Leon. at 41150 Via Europa, Temecula Wine Country. Tickets $130 per person with dinner, glass of wine or specialty cocktail. www.europavillage.com

Aug. 30 - 8 p.m. Sgt. John Barcellano Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser at the Lake Elsinore Storm stadium, 500 Diamond Driver, Lake Elsinore. Tickets $20. Sales help with scholarship. Aug. 31 - 6- 8:30 p.m. Arts Council Menifee presents ”Hulas and Homicide” a mystery dinner at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 28005 Bradley Road, Menifee. $50 per person, tickets available at www.artscouncilmenifee.org

Sept. 14 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Idyllwild Area Historical Society 2024 Home Tour, presenting 5 unique private homes shown to our guests. Homes vary Idyllwild is unique with no two homes here alike, all varying in age, style and setting with custom workmanship created by local craftsmen, decorated with unique works by significant artists. Information at info@idyllwildhistory.org .The Idyllwild Area Historical Society is an All-Volunteer 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.

Sept. 25 – 5-7 p.m. Design and Build JDS Classes begin for the upcoming Haunted House event on Oct. 25 and 26 at the academy studio, 28069 Diaz Road, Temecula. $125. Call 951-296-6715 for information.

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

ONGOING – Temecula Valley Genealogical Society hosts the Family History Research Assistance Program for those interested in learning more about their family roots. The society offers free research assistance through this volunteer program. Appointments are available in person or via Zoom. Contact the TVGS Family Research Coordinator at tvgs. research.assist@gmail.com

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

ONGOING – Want to help deployed American troops remotely? Help shop for the most needed items without leaving home as an easy way to help support deployed men and women by purchasing items remotely and having them delivered to MilVet at designated drop-off locations for packing. All

items on the list are special requests from deployed military men and women. MilVet is a nonprofit organization that holds monthly packaging events at different community locations in the area. For drop-off locations and packaging locations, visit www.milvet.org/ military-care-packages.

ONGOING – Assistance

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

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

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

ONGOING – Menifee Community Services offers online driver’s education courses for a fee of $21.95. The course includes animated driving scenarios, instructional videos, sample tests, licensed instructor available to answer questions, DMV-approved certificate of completion with all lectures and exams completed from home. Designed for students and does not include behind-thewheel instruction or a California driver’s permit. Contact 951-7233880 or visit the city of Menifee to register at www.cityof menifee.us ONGOING – 10-11:30 a.m. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center and The Elizabeth Hospice host a virtual support meeting for caregivers every second and fourth week of the month via Zoom. Get helpful tips and learn from others who are also dealing with similar challenges. For more information and to register, contact The Elizabeth Hospice Grief Support Services at 833-349-2054.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summertime offers fun for Soboba families

the Soboba Tribal Environmental Department on July 15.

Although school was not in session, young ones had plenty to do this summer, thanks in part to the annual Soboba Parks & Recreation Summer Program, which was open to children aged 6-11. From June 17 through July 22, fifty-four participants enjoyed pool days, onsite activities at the Soboba Sports Complex, and field trips.

The month-long program opened with a day of icebreakers, rock painting, and creating “All About Me” posters to help the children learn more about each other. Several pool days were interspersed with learning about various departments that serve the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.

On June 24, the children spent the morning with the Soboba Fire Department, and on July 8, they spent a day with the Department of Public Safety, after which the kids wrote thank you letters to the staff for educating them about what the department does for reservation residents.

They also spent a day with the staff from the Cultural Resource Department on July 10 and with Christian Aceves and his team at

An active day of physical fun took the group to Bowlero Hemet on June 26, and they visited Knott’s Berry Farm on the final day of the program, July 22.

“Something new we did this year was a cooking competition with the Tribal Community Kitchen Chef Anita Morillo and her sous chef, Jeramiah,” Parks & Rec Activities Director Jen Garcia said. “The youth formed their own groups with a staff member as their leader. They all competed to make handmade pizzas. There were eight teams, and each team had to make a savory and sweet pizza. Kut Vega donated his firewood pizza oven for the youth to cook their pizzas in.”

The final creations were judged on taste by Administrative Assistant Vanessa San Vicente, Parks & Rec Director Andy Silvas, and Assistant Director of the Sports Complex Steve Lopez. The winning team members received trophies for being the “Summer Program Cooking Champs” on July 17.

Jen said, “The highlight of this year’s summer program was all the departments that came out and planned activities for us. I want

to give special thanks to Soboba Fire, Soboba

and

Children began arriving at 9:45 a.m. each day, with the official start time at 10:15 a.m. on Monday

through Thursday. Sessions ended at approximately 1 p.m. each day.

“I just want to thank my team for being so supportive,” Jen said. Parks & Rec team members included Micheal Durrett, Evelyn Duran, Isabelle Macatubal, and

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Special to Valley News

Cooling off in the Soboba Sports Complex pool is a popular activity at this year’s Summer Bash, July 20.

Summer Program participants enjoy a field trip to the Soboba Fire Station on June 24. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

The annual Parks & Recreation Department’s Summer Bash includes raffling off back-to-school items.

Cultural Resource, STED, Soboba Tribal Kitchen,

Soboba DPS.”

Jazmine Lopez. They were joined by Soboba Tribal TANF WE LEAD youth interns Shawna Rivera, Te’met Guacheno, Amielynn Womack, Lavina Lopez, and

Giant inflatable water slides keep kids busy and cool during the annual Summer Bash at the Soboba Sports Complex.

Coaches work with those who want to learn more about mixed martial arts at the Soboba Sports Complex gym during this year’s Summer Bash event.

Clover Swan, 6, dons firefighter gear during the Summer Program’s field trip to the Soboba Fire Station, June 24, as Charlie Mae Hunter looks on.

Top chefs from the Summer Program pizza making contest on July 17.

see SUMMER, page B-4

Ethnic Studies Summit to prepare educators and districts for new graduation requirement

Nearly 300 educators expected at first in a series of events set for 2024-2025 school year to explore the academic and cultural breadth and depth of ethnic studies

RIVERSIDE – Entrepreneurs, artists, elected officials, computer scientists, journalists, and educators, will be among the presenters at the “Moving Beyond the Horizon” Ethnic Studies Summit hosted by the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) on Thursday, Aug. 29, at the Riverside Convention Center, located at 3637 5th Street in Riverside.

“Every student has a story, shaped by history, culture, and by the world that continues to evolve based on the lessons of the past, the current realities, and the promise of the future,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “The Ethnic Studies Summit represents yet another example of how the Riverside County Office of Education is empowering students to connect with invaluable lessons from history, apply their learning to understand the present, and motivate them to positively impact their world.”

The Ethnic Studies Summit is the first event in a series of multiple offerings by RCOE during the 2024-2025 school year. Registration for the event is available at https://events.bizzabo.com/ EthnicStudiesSummit, and is free.

This event is intended to provide support for Riverside County local educational agencies (LEAs) as they develop high school ethnic studies courses. This summit will feature workshops by experts in their respective fields who will focus on the academic and interdisciplinary features of ethnic

studies and applied student learning activities.

Passed by the California Legislature and signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021, Assembly Bill 101 requires students in the graduating class of 2029-2030 to complete a onesemester Ethnic Studies course as part of their high school graduation criteria. Assembly Bill 2016 states that the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum will be used as a guide, not a mandate, for use within district instructional programs.

Ethnic studies is an interdisciplinary field of academic study that encompasses many subject areas including history, literature, economics, sociology, anthropology, political science, and the arts.

Speakers and presenters from a broad variety of industries and backgrounds will address how ethnic studies can enhance the educational process for students.

RCOE is a service agency supporting the county’s 23 school districts and 500+ schools that serve nearly 430,000 students—more than the student population of 17 states. RCOE services include administrative support to districts and charter schools, programs for preschool, special education, pregnant minor, correctional, migrant, and vocational students. In addition, the organization provides professional training, support, and resources for more than 18,000 teachers, administrators, and staff, throughout the 7,000 square miles of Riverside County. Learn more at www.rcoe.us.

Speakers and presenters to address the Ethnic Studies Summit

Leadership

Dr. Edwin Gomez – Riverside County Superintendent of Schools

Patricia Lock-Dawson - City of Riverside Mayor

Jose Medina – Former California State Assembly Member, Author of AB 101 Civics

Dr. Carlos Cortés – UC Riverside Dickson Emeritus Professor of History

Dr. Joseph Kahne – UC Riverside Ted and Jo Dutton Presidential Professor for Education Policy and Politics and Director of the Civic Engagement Research Group (CERG)

STEM-Based

Dr. Aomawha Shields – UC Irvine Clare Boothe Luce Associate Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Dr. Kandis Leslie Gilliard-AbdulAziz – USC Pasquale and Adelia Arpea Early Career Chair, Civil and Environmental Engineering Research and Academics

Dr. Wesley Y. Leonard - UC Riverside Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies

Gerald Clarke – UC Riverside Professor of Ethnic Studies

Dr. Kenya Davis-Hayes – California Baptist University Professor of History Entrepreneurship

Elyse Burden - Real World Scholars Co-Founder and Executive Director Creative Arts/Technology

Tagumpay De Leon – 2021 National Heritage Fellow, National Endowment of the Arts

Adam Karelin – Riverside Arts Executive Director/Artistic Director, Riverside Arts

Academy

Richard Allen May III – Founder, Richard May Art Education Services

Tysen Knight – International Artist, Muralist, Award-Winning Filmmaker

Louisa Higgins – Riverside County Office of Education Arts Administrator

Multimedia, Computer Science, and Technology

Dr. Marie Martin – CEO/Co-Founder, Alexandria’s World

Dr. Charles Martin – CTO/Co-Founder, Alexandria’s World

Dr. Heidi Baynes – Riverside County Office of Education Coordinator of Educational Technology

Packing the perfect school lunch for your

child

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

- With many students having returned to school or are about to do so in the coming weeks, if you will be packing them a lunch, here is some simple but important advice from nutritional experts at Kaiser Permanente.

When packing a school lunch, parents should aim for a balanced meal and provide different options, said Roohe Ahmed, a dietitian and health educator with Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

“Whether the child eats it or not is another story,” she noted. “But the role of the parent is to provide a healthy meal.”

According to Ahmed, who practices in Fontana, when packing a healthy school lunch, parents need to ensure it includes a variety of nutritious and healthy food.

She recommended including proteins such as hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, tuna, chicken/turkey, beans, lentils, and cheese sticks. For vegetables, parents should consider baby carrots, sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, baby bell peppers

SUMMER from page B-3

Andrew Velazquez. She also appreciated Alex Alvarado, Fabian Correa, and Carlos Correa for picking up and serving lunch to the youth each day.

With food favorites such as hamburgers, chicken strips, spaghetti, enchiladas, and BBQ chicken, the kids enjoyed a wholesome and delicious daily meal as part of the program. Carrie Garcia’s two daughters, Clementine Swan, 8, and Clover Swan, 6, attended for the first

and sugar snap peas. Fruit may include berries, apple slices, orange slices, bananas, cut-up melons, cherries, etc. And finally, for whole grains, consider whole grain crackers, whole wheat bread/ pita, brown rice, etc.

Silvia Delgado, a dietitian and health educator also with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, noted that a healthy diet is essential to helping students perform better in school and develop strong bones, muscles, and joints.

She recommended that parents pack lunch bags together with their children, as that can help children learn responsibility and organization and ensure a school lunch doesn’t come home uneaten.

Finally, if your child buys school lunches, encourage them to add a fruit or vegetable to their tray, said Delgado, who practices in Baldwin Park. “Without a school lunch, they’ll be hungry after school and may overeat at home. This is also where a healthy snack can come in handy."

Myplate.gov is a great resource for parents looking for healthy food guidelines for their children

time. According to Clementine, they enjoyed Pool Party Day, Knott’s, Cultural Day, making their own pizzas, Fire Department Day, Public Safety Day, and the first day, in that order.

“I liked to ask them how the day went on the ride home from the Sports Complex,” Carrie said. “Usually, one of the girls would fill me in on daily details while they were getting their things ready for the next day’s activities.”

And the things they learned about extended beyond the day.

It may be painful to think about your funeral, but it doesn’t have to be painful to pay for it.

and

“Clementine had me text Jessica Valdez at the Cultural Department to get the recipe for the Strawberry Chia Jam that they had made. She wanted to make some for the Pool Party Potluck,” Carrie said. She encourages other parents to take advantage of the Soboba Summer Program. “It’s good for the kids to mingle and get to know everyone over the summer. It’s also a good way for them to learn what different departments do for the reservation,” Carrie said. “It’s also a bit nostalgic for me. I love watching my children attend and experience the things that I did when I was young. Soboba’s Summer Program has been taking its kids to Knott’s Berry Farm since the ’80s or ’90s. That’s 40-plus

years. It’s kinda cool.”

On July 20, most of the same Summer Program children attended Soboba Parks & Recreation’s Summer Bash with their entire family at the Sports Complex. The annual Soboba Tribal and Community event offered a cornhole tournament, inflatable jumpers with water slides, food, yard games such as a water balloon toss, MMA training inside the gym, and a foam party provided by Epic Fun on one of the baseball fields. The pool was open for those looking to cool off on the hot afternoon. It was a great way to close out the summer.

“We raffled over 50 school items for the youth to jump-start their back-to-school shopping,”

Jen Garcia said. DJ Mike Nevarez kept the upbeat tempo for all the outdoor activities while announcing the different events taking place throughout the grounds. Carrie Garcia and her family, including her four-year-old son, attended the Summer Bash. “For me, the highlight was the scavenger hunt. That was fun,” she said. “My daughter and I participated; we didn’t win, but we had a heck of a good time. My son loved the foam party; he kept sneaking away to it before finally settling in at the pool with grandma and dad while the girls took off with their cousins to the water slide jumpers.”

Valley News/Katerina Holmes photo (pexels.com)

age groups among children. Submitted by Kaiser Permanente.

HEALTH

Southwest

Healthcare Temecula Valley Hospital is among nation’s Top Performing Hospitals for treatment of heart attack patients

TEMECULA – Southwest

Healthcare Temecula Valley Hospital (TVH) has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2024. Temecula Valley Hospital is one of only 259 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.

The award recognizes Temecula Valley Hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that Temecula Valley Hospital has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guide-

College of

lines and recommendations.

To receive the Chest Pain MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Temecula Valley Hospital has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain MI Registry for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures.

Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

“It is an honor to award Temecula Valley Hospital with the Platinum Performance Award for their valuable national leadership

and dedication to meeting comprehensive performance measures in patient care,” said Michael C. Kontos, MD, FACC, chair of the NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Steering Subcommittee, and cardiologist at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. “The receipt of this award indicates that Temecula Valley Hospital remains committed to providing top quality, guideline-driven care for heart attack patients. Their success ensures patients are receiving the highest quality cardiovascular care.”

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially

or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling and cardiac rehabilitation, among others.

“Receiving the Platinum Performance Achievement Award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team,” said Jacquelyn Horton, Cardiovascular Service Line Director at Temecula Valley Hospital. “We are committed to providing our heart attack patients with the highest quality of care, and this recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to adhere to the best clinical practices and guidelines. Our focus remains on ensur-

ing the best possible outcomes for our patients through continuous improvement and excellence in cardiovascular care.”

Chest Pain MI Registry empowers healthcare provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients. Learn more about Temecula Valley Hospital’s heart and vascular services visit SWHtemeculavalley. com/heart

Temecula Valley Hospital is nationally recognized for its commitment to quality care for heart attacks and strokes

TEMECULA – Southwest Healthcare Temecula Valley Hospital (TVH) has received three American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-todate, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times, and fewer readmissions to the hospital.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke or heart attack, and heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest evidence- and researchbased guidelines. As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines program, Temecula Valley Hospital qualified for the awards by demonstrating how its organization has committed to improving quality care.

“Temecula Valley Hospital is committed to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Darlene Wetton, Group VP Southwest Healthcare. “The Get

With The Guidelines programs make it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which helps us ensure more people in Southwest Riverside County experience longer, healthier lives.”

This year, Temecula Valley Hospital received three achievement awards: Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus, Target: Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll, and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll; Get With The Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold, with Target: Type 2 Diabetes; Get With The Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Gold Plus, with Target: Type 2 Diabetes.

“These awards show Temecula Valley Hospital’s commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee and chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern Medicine. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Temecula Valley Hospital can help realize our shared vision of improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions, and lower mortality rates—a win for health care systems, families, and communities.” To learn more about Temecula Valley Hospital’s services, visit SWHtemeculavalley.com.

Temecula Valley Hospital received the American

Cardiology NCDR Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award which recognizes sustained, high-level performance in quality of care.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

The American Heart Association presents the Get With The Guidelines - Stroke GoldPlus award to Temecula Valley Hospital for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care, along with the Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Gold and Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Center Gold awards for the implementation of quality treatment and care coordination for heart attack patients.

EMWD approves annual financing ordinance for Los Alamos Hills

Joe Naiman Special to Valley News

Eastern Municipal Water District board meeting August 7 included adopting an ordinance addressing the annual financing of improvements for Los Alamos Hills. The 4-0 board vote, with Jeff Armstrong absent, adopts the resolution authorizing the annual financing payments. The 35 parcel owners will be assessed a total of $69,186.80 for Fiscal Year 2024-25.

Los Alamos Hills is east of Interstate 215 and south of Clinton Keith Road. The area has 49 lots and 44 of those are currently occupied. Privately-owned pumping wells are currently used to provide water supply to the property owners, and in the past some residents have experienced well failure or overpumping.

A December 2023 EMWD board action approved a $3,498,562.32

2024

construction contract with SEMA Construction, Inc., and a pair of support services contracts for the Los Alamos Hills Water Facilities Project which will provide a looped water system from the adjacent 1580 pressure zone. Approximately 6,700 feet of linear pipeline eight inches in diameter and 5,000 linear feet of 12-inch pipeline will be constructed along with appurtenances along Los Alamos Road, Ruth Ellen Way, Celia Road, Mary Place, and Mason Road. Fire hydrants will also be installed. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 included $350 billion of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocations for eligible state, territorial, tribal, and local governments. The City of Murrieta offered to provide Eastern with $3 million of APRA funding to support the construction of water infrastructure for Los Alamos Hills. A July 2022 EMWD board meeting included

approving a design contract with Albert A. Webb and approval of an interagency agreement with the City of Murrieta which includes the designation of roles, cooperative responsibilities, and timing as well as financial participation. The eventual city contribution was $3.28 million. The construction is expected to be completed by January 2025.

Los Alamos Hills is within the Murrieta city limits but had not been within the Eastern Municipal Water District or Metropolitan Water District of Southern California boundaries. EMWD staff members worked with Los Alamos Hills property owners about the annexation, and some property owners did not desire to receive municipal water service from Eastern and MWD at this time (primarily due to annexation fees and other costs). The exclusion of those properties leaves “window areas” in the annexation area, but Eastern considered that preferable

to denying everyone service due to a minority of property owners. Those property owners not currently interested in annexation may do so in the future but would pay the processing and annexation fees charged at that time.

A July 2023 MWD board action approved the annexation of the parcels into MWD while setting terms and conditions. Riverside County’s Local Agency Formation Commission voted 7-0 January 25 to approve the annexation of the land into Eastern and MWD. The LAFCO processing fee for annexations between 10 and 200 acres is $7,740. The May 15 EMWD board meeting approved the terms and conditions MWD had set for the annexation.

MWD has a per-acre annexation fee which is based on the calendar year when the annexation occurs rather than the year MWD approved the terms of the annexation. MWD also has a $5,000 processing fee which is collected

State of the County to draw diverse crowd, topics

RIVERSIDE COUNTY - The 2024 County of Riverside State of the County event will bring more than 600 stakeholders together to discuss Riverside County’s diverse opportunities as a highly sought destination for residents, travelers and businesses.

The State of the County event will be held on Oct. 24 at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Tem-

ecula. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., with presentations on Riverside County’s outlook delivered by Board Chair Chuck Washington. Chair Washington will speak to the county’s forecast alongside Vice Chair V. Manuel Perez. The master of ceremonies will be County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen. The event also includes networking opportunities and an expo of businesses and services.

“Riverside County is one of the most diverse areas around,” said Board Chair Chuck Washington, Third District Supervisor. “We are home to distinct geographies, varied economies, and multiple tourist destinations. The communities we serve, and visitors we greet, prove the point that Riverside County has it all!”

at the time of the initial annexation request.

The annexation includes 11.81 acres of public roads, so only 96.75 of the 108.56 acres are subject to MWD’s annexation fee. For Calendar Year 2024 the MWD annexation fee is $7,596 per acre, so the total for the Los Alamos Hills annexation was $734,913 not including the processing fee. (The parcels are also subject to MWD’s property tax, which is 0.0035% of the assessed valuation of each parcel. MWD also has a standby charge of $6.94 per acre or for a parcel of less than one acre, and that will also be placed on the landowners’ property tax bills. The property owners will also pay Eastern’s fixed charges.)

In December 2022 the EMWD board adopted the Los Alamos Hills Water System Financing Program. The program provides for financing of the annexation charges over a 30-year period.

County Supervisors will provide important updates and recognition of special projects within their respective districts over the last year. These projects and programs impact the daily lives of Riverside County’s 2.4 million residents.

“Every year, Riverside County invests in more opportunities, enhanced infrastructure and greater quality of life,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We continue to invest in these ways, because doing so brings the promise of a better future – one where we can all thrive.”

B USINESS D IRECTORY

Visit Eventbrite/SOC2024 to register for tickets. Advanced tickets are $50 per person. Tickets on the day of the event will be $65 per person.

/ 951-676-6530 www.woodspainting.com

Riverside County CalFresh households eligible for replacement benefits

due to recent fires

RIVERSIDE COUNTY — Residents affected by the Hawarden, Eagle, Macy, and Nixon fires that swept through Riverside County starting in late July are eligible for replacement CalFresh benefits for food lost during these incidents. The deadline to report food loss and request these essential benefits has been extended to Aug. 27. This extension includes impacted CalFresh households in Butte, Kern, Plumas, Riverside, Shasta, and

Tehama counties. State officials estimate that approximately 57,056 active CalFresh households in the affected areas, who received around $11.6 million in benefits, may have lost food purchased with these funds.

“Our goal is to help our CalFresh customers recover quickly,” said Allison Gonzalez, assistant director of the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). “We urge them to

report their food loss before the deadline to secure their replacement benefits.”

CalFresh recipients who lost food during the recent fires can report their losses by calling 1-877-410-8827, visiting a local DPSS office, or submitting a report at BenefitsCal.com by Aug. 27. Additionally, families who lost food purchased with SUN Bucks due to the recent fires can request replacement benefits by calling

EMWD approves contracts for Menifee Road waterline

Joe Naiman Special to Valley News

Eastern Municipal Water District board approved three contracts to construct a 24-inch waterline along Menifee Road during their August 7 meeting.

With Jeff Armstrong absent, the 4-0 board vote awards Weka, Inc., a $3,447,041 contract to construct approximately 5,200 linear feet of 24-inch diameter transmission pipe and abandon and demolish the existing Vista Road Booster Pump Station. Leighton Consulting, Inc., will receive a $99,802 contract for geotechnical observation and testing services during construction. The contract awarded to Krieger & Stewart for engineering and field surveying services during construction is for $64,000. EMWD general manager Joe Mouawad was given the authority including delegation to issue contracts with necessary suppliers and engineering support consultants. The

board also approved $4,065,000 in additional appropriations for the project which will also cover inspection, contract administration, and engineering branch labor costs.

The Menifee Road 24-inch waterline project will provide potable water service to future development south of Watson Road and will improve regional hydraulics in combination with the Matthews Transmission Pipeline, the Matthews Booster Pump Station, and the Romoland Booster Pump Station. The waterline will be along Menifee Road between Mountain Avenue and Watson Road. The Vista Road Booster Pump Station, which is at the intersection of Menifee Road and Mountain Avenue, was replaced by the Watson Road Booster Pump Station but has been retained as a backup in case any operational issues with the Watson Road Booster Pump Station occur. The Menifee Road pipeline will eliminate the need for a backup

station.

The construction contract was advertised for bid May 9. Seven proposals were received by the June 6 bid opening date with one of those being deemed nonresponsive due to the lack of all necessary documentation. Weka, Inc., which is based in San Bernardino, submitted a low bid of $3,447,041. E.J. Meyer Company of Yucaipa had the second-lowest bid of $3,555,333. The engineer’s estimate was $3,590,000.

Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2024 and be completed in February 2026. Leighton Consulting of Temecula is the geotechnical engineer of record and Krieger & Stewart of Riverside is the engineer of record. Fees with those two companies for the scope of work needed to complete construction were negotiated.

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

Supervisors approve rezone, use permit for Temecula Creek Cottages

Joe Naiman Special to Valley News

A rezone, general plan amendment, and Conditional Use Permit for Temecula Creek Cottages was approved during the July 30 Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting.

The 5-0 vote changes the zoning from Rural Residential (R-R) to Scenic Highway Commercial (C-P-S) and the land use designation from Rural:Rural Mountainous (R:RM) to Community Development:Commercial Retail (CD:CR). The Conditional Use Permit allows the existing Temecula Creek Cottages as a temporary lodging rental for six cottages and allows for a special event facility which would host weddings and other events of a similar scale.

The cottages are on a 1.60-acre parcel east of Rainbow Canyon Road south of Calle Belvia. They were constructed in 1946 as lodging for workers at the nearby granite quarries which existed at the time. The cottages have subsequently been used for short-term lodging.

Following a recent sale of the property special events as well as short-term lodging at the cottages occurred. The county’s Code Enforcement division issued a Notice of Violation in November 2021. The short-term rental of the cottages predated zoning which prevented that, and the Conditional Use Permit approves the continued rental as well as events on the property.

The Conditional Use Permit requires that lodging at the cottages be for less than 30 days. When events occur the cottages would only be available to event attendees. Up to 100 events per year will be allowed. The events must occur between 2 and 8 p.m. on weekdays and between 2 and 10 p.m. on weekends although setup for the events may occur as

vendors are allowed for weekday events. Excluding any event guests staying at one of the cottages all guests must leave the premises by 8 p.m. on weekdays and by 10 p.m. on weekends.

The events may have outdoor amplified sound including regular amplified speech, a disc jockey, and live music. A recording noise meter will be utilized for all events to monitor, archive, and report noise if necessary.

Four parking spaces are clustered near the cottages and six more are near the northwest corner of the site, so those ten parking spaces can accommodate the lodging use. Onsite parking which totals 22 spaces will be sufficient for weekday events. Existing parking agreements with adjacent property owners will allow for 50 spaces if a weekend event is held, and valet parking service is a requirement for weekend events.

The R:RM land use designation is intended for land of at least 10

acres where at least 70% of the area has slopes of 25% or greater. Slopes that steep are on only 22% of the Temecula Creek Cottages parcel.

During the Conditional Use Permit processing it was determined that one of the cottages was actually located on an adjacent parcel owned by the Western Riverside Regional Conservation Authority. A property exchange was coordinated, although that did not require Board of Supervisors approval.

The county’s Planning Commission heard the proposed rezone, general plan amendment, and Conditional Use Permit on June 26. The 4-0 vote to recommend approval included conditions to add a noise barrier on the south side of the event facility, to notify the county if the off-site parking agreements change, and to post signs on Rainbow Canyon Road that no parking is permitted. Those conditions were included in the final Conditional Use Permit.

877-328-9677 by Aug. 31. SUN

Bucks is a new federal food program administered by the California Department of Social Services, designed to ensure that children in low-income families have adequate nutrition while school is out for the summer.

CalFresh is California’s largest food assistance program, providing monthly electronic benefits to purchase groceries at stores, farmers markets, and online through se-

lect retailers like Amazon, Ralphs, and Walmart.

County residents not currently enrolled in CalFresh who might need food assistance are encouraged to apply at BenefitsCal.com, call 1-877-410-8827, or visit their nearest DPSS office. More information can be found at rivcodpss. org

Joe Naiman Special to Valley News

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a rezone for a 2.58-parcel in Temecula Valley Wine Country. The supervisors’ 5-0 vote July 30 changes the zoning from Rural Residential (R-R) to Wine Country – Residential (WC-R). The action does not approve any particular project, so the supervisors also made a finding that any potentially significant effects on the environment have been adequately analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report the county supervisors previously certified when they adopted the Temecula Valley Wine Country Community Plan. A subsequent development proposal would be subject to California Environmental Quality Act review along with public review for any discretionary permits. The lot is currently undeveloped.

The parcel is north of Pauba Road, east of Rancho California Road, south of Madera De Playa, and west of Avenida de Anita. It has Residential District status in the Temecula Valley Wine Country Policy Area. The creation of the Temecula Valley Wine Country Community Plan in 2014 amended the county’s general plan, updated design guidelines, and created new zoning classifications. Although the new zoning classifications were created, the zoning of parcels within the Temecula Valley Wine Country Policy Area was not changed. The rezone approved July 30 brings consistency to the plan area.

During the June 26 meeting of the county’s Planning Commission a 4-0 vote recommended the rezone and found that no new environmental documentation would be required.

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

August 16 – 22, 2024

Close calls and new beginnings for local Olympic athletes

JP Raineri Sports Editor

After more than two weeks and hundreds of events, the 2024 Paris Olympics closed with a nail-biting finish that left spectators on the edge of their seats. The battle for the top of the medal count came down to mere inches, delivering heartbreak for the host nation, France.

In one of the most anticipated events, the France women’s basketball team pushed Team USA to the limit, ultimately falling short by just one point, 67-66. This victory was not just a win for women’s basketball but also pivotal in the overall medal tally. The United States ended the games with 40 gold medals, tying with China for the most golds. However, the U.S. dominated the overall medal count with 126 total medals, far surpassing China’s 91.

The closing ceremony, Sunday August 11, was a spectacular affair, featuring Tom Cruise jumping off the stadium’s roof and musical performances from Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, H.E.R., and Billie Eilish. Snoop Dogg, who served as a TV host for the Olympics, managed to be everywhere in Paris, adding a special touch to the events.

Temecula native Tara Prentice and the USA women’s water polo team faced a tough tournament.

Despite their pursuit of a historic fourth consecutive gold medal, they fell short. The team lost 1110 to the Netherlands on Sabrina van der Sloot’s last-second goal in the bronze-medal game. The U.S. had been the only program to medal in each women’s water polo tournament since it began in 2000.

Captain Maggie Steffens expressed the team’s sentiments, saying, “We’ve talked about just trying to learn from our mistakes and getting better. Today we struggled to continually learn from our mistakes.”

Murrieta’s Michael Norman faced his own set of challenges. In the highly competitive 400m event, Norman was bested by Quincy Hall, who ran a personal best of 43.40 seconds to take home the gold medal. Norman, who was flagged for improper contact, finished last with a time of 45.62 seconds. Despite his previous success, including a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics with the relay team, Norman has struggled in individual Olympic events over the years.

A semi-local competitor, hailing from just down the 15 Freeway is Fallbrook’s Kayla Canett. She and the USA women’s rugby sevens team had a memorable tournament at Stade de France. Competing in her second Summer Olympics, Canett was part of a stunning 1412 win over Australia, securing

their first-ever Olympic medal, a bronze. The Fallbrook High School alum started playing rugby at age 14 and has continued to excel in the sport.

With the Olympic flame extinguished and the flag passed, we now look forward to the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

L.A. promises to deliver a unique and captivating experience, showcasing venues that define the city. From skateboarding at the Sepulveda Basin to beach volleyball in Santa Monica and surfing along the Pacific coast…Temecula has even been mentioned for playing host to the equestrian events. Organizers are also focusing on improved public transit and

LAX’s $400 million People Mover project to tackle the city’s notorious traffic. If successful, this could become one of the defining features of the 2028 Games.

The International Olympic Committee has allowed host cities to propose new sports, and L.A. will see the return or debut of sports like lacrosse, cricket, flag football, and squash. Baseball and softball will also make their return, with the potential for MLB players to participate. Stay tuned, and remember, the road to the next Games has already begun. Send local sports tips and updates to sports@reedermedia. com

Seattle Seahawks sign Murrieta native Kyon Barrs to bolster Defensive Line

JP Raineri Sports Editor

The Seattle Seahawks have announced the signing of defensive tackle Kyon Barrs, a move aimed at strengthening their defensive line as they prepared for the 2024 preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers this past Saturday. The team made room on the roster by waiving receiver Marcus Simms, who had joined the Seahawks just last month.

Kyon Barrs’ football journey began in Murrieta, where he played high school football for the

Murrieta Mesa Rams, graduating in 2019. Barrs’ local roots run deep, and his signing with the Seahawks is particularly special for residents of Murrieta and alumni of Murrieta Mesa High School. Should Barrs make it through the preseason roster cuts, he would become the first athlete from Murrieta Mesa to play in the National Football League. Barrs, listed at 6-2 and 290 pounds, spent his final college season at USC after beginning his collegiate career at the University of Arizona. At USC, Barrs appeared in 13 games and recorded

18 tackles, primarily playing nose tackle and defensive tackle. Before transferring to USC, Barrs played 38 games for Arizona, where he accumulated 102 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. His performance in 2021 earned him All-Pac-12 Second Team honors as he tallied 33 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and a team-high 5.0 sacks. Although Barrs went undrafted, he participated in Tennessee’s rookie minicamp as a tryout player before eventually finding his way to Seattle. His versatility allows see BARRS, page C-2

Temecula native Tara Prentice and the USA women’s water polo team fell in the bronze-medal match against the Netherlands at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Murrieta’s Michael Norman (middle), pictured here at the 2024 USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix in May, took last place in the highly competitive 400m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Murrieta’s Kyon Barrs in action for the USC Trojans in 2023. Valley News/USC Athletics photo

The USA women’s rugby sevens team, including Fallbrook’s Kayla Canett (3), celebrate their historic bronze medal win at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Valley News/Vadim Ghirda/Associated Press

Fallbrook’s Kayla Canett (top right) and the U.S. women’s rugby sevens pose with their bronze medals at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Valley News/Vadim Ghirda/Associated Press

Wildomar’s Andrew Jimenez returns as USA Baseball announces 2024 15U National Team roster

JP Raineri Sports Editor

CARY, N.C. - USA Baseball has announced the final 20-man roster for the 2024 15U National Team. The roster was finalized following the 2024 15U National Team Training Camp, held from August 4-9 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. This year’s team will head to the greater Atlanta area for an international series with Australia in September.

For the second year in a row, Wildomar’s own Andrew Jimenez will be representing his country on the field. Jimenez, a skilled young athlete from Wildomar, was among the 40 players selected to compete at the National Team Training Camp held at the National

Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. After competing against some of the best players in the nation during intense training and evaluation sessions, Jimenez was one of only 20 players chosen to join the roster for the 2024 team.

“Due to the high level of talent, competition, and versatility displayed at this year’s Training Camp, determining a twenty-man roster for this year’s 15U National Team was a very difficult process,” said 15U National Team Manager Rob Shabansky. “However, after careful consideration, we are confident that the 20 players we have selected can and will find success on the international stage. Most importantly, we are excited that they will represent the stars and stripes in the highest way when competing.”

This year’s team features six players with prior national team experience, including Jimenez, the only athlete who competed on the 2023 15U National Team.

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Chase Cotton (Lincoln, Calif.), Jared Grindlinger (Huntington Beach), Jacob Seamon (Waxhaw, N.C.), and Isaac Vidal (Miami, Fla.) were teammates on the 2021 12U National Team while Anthony Frausto (New Braunfels, Texas) competed on the 2022 12U National Team. All six alumni have also participated in the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP). Additionally, Luke Esquivel (Grapevine, Texas) and Griffin McKain (Fort Mill, S.C.) round out the eight total members of the roster who have participated in the ADP.

All 20 players on this year’s roster competed at either USA Baseball’s National Team Championships in Arizona or North Carolina this summer, or last year’s National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup. Three players competed at NTIS, while the rest participated in the National Team Championships, the primary identification event for the 15U National Team.

The 2024 roster includes players from ten different states and one territory of the United States. California leads with six players, followed by Georgia, Florida, Indiana, and Texas, each contributing two players. Alabama, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah, and Puerto Rico each have one representative on the roster.

“We’ve assembled a talented group that hails from all over the country and from various different programs throughout USA Baseball,” said USA Baseball 15U Program Director Ben Kelley.

“Together with our expert-level and experienced coaching staff, we’re confident this team will perform and excel at the highest level this September.”

Nine-time USA Baseball coaching staff member Rob Shabansky will lead the 15U National Team for the second consecutive summer. Last year, Shabansky guided Team USA

to a perfect 5-0 record in an international friendly series against the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This year, Casey Scott returns as the pitching coach and Derek Simmons returns as an assistant coach, while Steve Butler joins the staff as an assistant.

Team USA will travel to the greater Atlanta area in early September, training from September 4-7 before its fivegame series with Australia from September 8-12. The full schedule and game locations will be released at a later date.

For the most up-to-date information on the 15U National Team, visit USABaseball.com or follow @USABaseball and @ USABaseball15U on Twitter.

2024 15U National Team

Roster

Camden Boehm; 3B/RHP; Tarpon Springs, Fla.

Andrew Brech; RHP/SS; Dacula, Ga.

Dariel Carrion; C/1B; San Juan, PR

page C-1

Cooper Collins; C/3B; Vincennes, Ind.

*^Chase Cotton; RHP/3B; Lincoln, Calif.

^Luke Esquivel; LHP/1B; Grapevine, Texas

*^Anthony Frausto III; INF/ LHP; New Braunfels, Texas

*^Jared Grindlinger; OF/1B; Huntington Beach

Jeremiah Hall; SS/UT; Spanish Fork, Utah

*^Andrew Jimenez; SS/RHP; Wildomar

Jordan Kurz; SS/2B; Ladera Ranch Parker Leoff; SS/2B; Redondo Beach, Calif.

Andrew Maniscalco; SS/C; Oxford, Ala. Gavin Markus; RHP/RHP; Greenfield, Ind.

Dexter McCleon Jr; OF/RHP; Suwanee, Ga.

^Griffin McKain; OF/LHP; Fort Mill, S.C.

*^Jacob Seamon; OF/UT; Waxhaw, N.C.

Carter Shouse; OF/LHP; Middletown, Ohio

*^Isaac Vidal; 3B/1B; Miami, Fla.

Nixon Warren; OF/LHP; Spanish Fork, Utah (* denotes national team alum; ^ denotes national team development program participant)

Based in Cary, North Carolina, USA Baseball has served as the national governing body for baseball in the United States since 1978. With a commitment to promoting and supporting the sport, USA Baseball oversees various development initiatives and national teams that have collectively won 69 gold medals in international competition. The organization also honors top amateur baseball players with the prestigious Golden Spikes Award annually.

For more details about USA Baseball, its national teams, and development programs, visit USABaseball.com or USABDevelops.com.

Send local sports tips and updates to sports@reedermedia. com

VAlley

Former Murrieta Mesa standout Kyon Barrs dominated the field as a defensive lineman for the Arizona Wildcats from 2019 to 2022.

Murrieta native Kyon Barrs stands tall on the field playing for the Murrieta Mesa Rams, where his high school football journey began. Valley News/University of Arizona Athletics photo Valley News/Courtesy photo BARR from

Andrew Jimenez of Wildomar sharpens his fielding skills at a past USA Baseball event.

Wildomar’s Andrew Jimenez puts a ball in play for Team USA at a past event.

Valley News/USA Baseball photo

Valley News/USA Baseball photo

Gavin Fien of Temecula helps Team USA Baseball secure seventh consecutive qualifier title

JP Raineri Sports Editor

Team USA clinched their seventh consecutive World Cup Qualifier title with a 4-2 victory over Panama in the gold medal game of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier this past Sunday afternoon at Estadio Nacional Rod Carew in Panama City. This win not only adds another gold medal to their collection but also secures their spot in the 2025 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup.

In a thrilling back-and-forth battle, the game was tied at two going into the sixth inning. Team USA loaded the bases with a single by Brayden Jaksa, a walk by Trent Grindlinger, and Eli Willits being hit by a pitch. Kayson Cunningham, the U.S. shortstop and the tournament’s standout hitter, stepped up in the game’s crucial moment. He delivered by lining a 2-2 pitch into right

center field for a base hit, bringing Jaksa home and giving Team USA the lead. On the very next pitch, Temecula’s Gavin Fien hit a sacrifice fly to right field, extending their lead to 4-2.

Team USA’s victory was a collective effort, with seven of the nine batters in the lineup collecting at least one hit. The team amassed a total of 10 hits in the game. Gavin Fien played a vital role by driving in one of the crucial runs. This victory demonstrates the depth and talent within the team, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.

Fien, entering his senior year at Great Oak High School, is looking forward to leading the Wolfpack to a strong finish after their fifthplace result last season. His older brother Dylan was recently drafted by the A’s in the 2024 MLB draft, and Gavin, who is verbally committed to the University of Texas, is considered a top prospect for the 2025 class.

Pittsburgh

USA Baseball, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, is the national governing body for baseball in the United States. Since its establishment in 1978, the organization has been dedicated to serving and supporting the sport and its 15.6 million participants. USA Baseball is a member of both the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). The national teams have collectively won 69 gold medals in international competition. Beyond the diamond, USA Baseball is committed to the growth and health of the sport through various development initiatives, including BASE (Baseball Athlete Safety Education), Fun At Bat, Pitch Smart, PLAY BALL, and the Prospect Development Pipeline. The organization also annually awards the Golden Spikes Award to the top amateur baseball player in the country.

With Fien in tow, Team USA’s victory at the WBSC U-18

Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier is a testament to their skill, determination, and team spirit. With their spot secured for the 2025 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, the future looks bright for these young athletes. For more information about USA Baseball, its national teams, and development initiatives, visit the official websites USABaseball. com or USABDevelops.com. Send local sports tips and updates to sports@reedermedia. com

Steelers sign and release Temecula’s Easton Gibbs in roster shuffle

JP Raineri Sports Editor

In a surprising turn of events, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed rookie inside linebacker Easton Gibbs just two days before their preseason opener last week. However, his time with the team was short-lived as he was waived only a few days later.

Gibbs, a 6-foot, 230-pound linebacker from Temecula, pursued his football dreams after going undrafted out of Wyoming. He initially secured a spot with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, his stint with the Seahawks was brief. They placed him on the non-football injury list during the start of their training camp and subsequently released him on July 31. Despite these setbacks, Gibbs’ college career at Wyoming showcased his potential. During his senior year, he racked up 109 tackles, including 47 solo tackles and four tackles for loss. He also recorded an interception and two forced fumbles. Over his final three college seasons, Gibbs accumulated seven sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, Gibbs ranked among the nation’s

top college off-ball linebackers in both tackling and coverage.

Gibbs’ high school years at Temecula Valley High School set the foundation for his football career. He graduated in 2019 and continued to demonstrate his talent at Wyoming. During his five-year tenure with the Cowboys, he played in various capacities, earning accolades and solidifying his reputation as a reliable player. In 2022, he led the Cowboys with 121 tackles, finishing third in the Mountain West Conference and 22nd in the nation. His performance earned him first-team all-conference honors.

However, Gibbs faced challenges during pre-draft testing at the 2024 NFL Combine. His numbers were less than stellar, with a 4.73-second 40-yard dash, a 31.5-inch vertical jump, and a 9-foot-1 broad jump. These results gave him a Relative Athletic Score of 5.26 out of 10.

Gibbs’ brief tenure with the Steelers came at the expense of Tyler Murray, who was waived with an injury designation to make room for Gibbs on the roster.

Murray sustained an injury during practice on Tuesday, necessitating the roster change.

In addition to waiving Gibbs, the

Steelers placed veteran nose tackle Breiden Fehoko on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury sustained during Tuesday’s practice. This move sidelines Fehoko for the entire season, as it falls within the early portion of the IR process.

To bolster their roster, the Steelers signed defensive lineman Marquiss Spencer and linebacker Luquay Washington. They also restored defensive lineman Dean Lowry to the active list after he opened camp on the active/ physically unable to perform list.

While Gibbs’ time with the Steelers was fleeting, his resilience and determination to secure a place in the NFL remain evident. His future in the league may still hold promise as teams continue to evaluate talent during the preseason. For now, the Steelers gear up for their preseason opener, adjusting their roster and preparing for the challenges ahead. Send local sports tips and updates to sports@reedermedia. com

Temecula’s Gavin Fien (Top left, #8) and his Team USA teammates celebrate their victory with medals proudly displayed.

Gavin Fien (right), a senior at Great Oak, holds the USA flag alongside a teammate, displaying their recent triumph. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Easton Gibbs, hailing from Temecula, was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks, and picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Recently released Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Easton Gibbs (40) during a training camp practice on Aug. 8. Valley News/Ed Thompson/Steelers Now

Highway Updates

Palm Springs Airport improvements coming; May affect future highway traffic

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Caltrans, the Riverside County Transportation Commission, and local city public works and transportation departments are working on ongoing projects such as the Holland Street Bridge over Interstate 215 in Menifee and the northbound Temecula French Valley Interstate 15/215 Phase 2, which is progressing rapidly.

Contractors hope to complete these projects by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

The most significant announcement this week came not from the highway sector but from the air transportation sector, which is impacting local traffic in Southwest Riverside and Inland Counties. Congressman

Ken Calvert (CA-41) announced this week that the Palm Springs International Airport is receiving an $8,612,700 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to upgrade its taxiways.

The grant was awarded through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program. Earlier this year, Rep. Calvert voted with a bipartisan majority to approve the Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation,

Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill, which provided funding for this program.

“The funding provided by the FAA to enhance the infrastructure at Palm Springs International Airport is welcome news,” said Rep. Calvert. “As the primary airport serving the Coachella Valley, it’s critical that we continue to invest in Palm Springs International Airport and provide robust air travel options for both residents and visitors.”

According to the FAA, the grant will fund a project to rehabilitate 11,284 feet of the existing paved Taxiways A1 and maintain the structural integrity of the pavements to extend their useful lives.

The Palm Springs Airport, with its shorter distance from other international airports, may become more attractive for local residents who need to use local highways such as I-215, I-10, and Highway 60 to reach the airport from San Jacinto and Moreno Valley.

Meanwhile, the following Caltrans projects in the area continue:

Murrieta/Menifee/Wildomar

The California Department of Transportation is alerting the

public to ongoing construction near the cities of Menifee and Murrieta. Weather permitting, daytime work is scheduled from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Commuter access will be maintained throughout daytime work. Crews are scheduled to work on both southbound and northbound directions of Interstate 215.

The project aims to improve the road surface, update shoulder rumble strips, enhance culverts, upgrade guardrails, stabilize slopes, and boost highway worker safety along the stretch near Murrieta, from 1 mile north of Clinton Keith Road to 1 mile north of Newport Road. The schedule is subject to change or cancellation.

This week, construction crews will undertake tasks such as clearing the roadside, improving landscaping, replacing chainlink fences, excavating for rock blankets, and completing additional assignments.

There will be rock blanket work at Scott Road. Work will continue on both northbound and southbound I-215 between Clinton Keith Road and McCall Boulevard, covering postmiles R12.51 to R20.842. Commuter

Animal Services seeks felony cruelty charges for allegedly slamming dog Investigation leads to more serious allegations

COACHELLA – Riverside County Animal Services officers collaborated with the Sheriff’s Department on an investigation that escalated from an animal cruelty allegation to something more serious.

Lt. Luis Rosa of Animal Services stated that his officers discovered a woman at a Coachella property who might also be a victim of domestic violence.

On Tuesday, June 30, 33-year-old Oscar Jesus Romero Moreno was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, child endangerment, and animal cruelty.

Animal Services officer Jose Cisneros impounded a 6-monthold terrier mix, which was then X-rayed and put on pain medications for a fracture.

A witness reported that Romero Moreno allegedly picked the dog up by its neck, strangled it, and

slammed it. He then allegedly tossed the dog out the front door about 15 feet, causing it to hit a wrought-iron fence.

The alleged animal cruelty incident occurred on July 24 at a property on Calle Techa in Coachella. That same day, Officer Cisneros took the dog to the shelter for examination and care. Ownership of the dog was relinquished to Animal Services.

An employee is currently providing extra comfort for the dog, named Oreo, in her office. Oreo appears to have suffered a fracture to the left hind leg.

On Thursday, Aug. 1, Animal Services submitted its investigation to the Sheriff’s Department to combine the allegations. Animal Services is requesting that the District Attorney’s Office consider felony animal cruelty charges in conjunction with the other

allegations.

Submitted by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

access will remain open. Watch for signage alerting motorists to the construction zone. Drivers should anticipate potential traffic delays and plan accordingly.

Hemet

Caltrans continues work on State Route 74 (SR-74) and Florida Ave. in Hemet. The project involves repaving and rehabilitating 49 lane miles. Work is occurring both during the day and at night. The latest work is in the downtown Hemet area on Florida Ave., with curb and gutter improvements, and in the Valle Vista area up to Fairview Ave.

Work locations on Florida Ave. will vary, including from Mountain Ave. (Ramona Expressway) to Fairview St. Motorists should be alert for concrete pours. Some lane closures should be expected.

East of Hemet, Caltrans crews continue work on the Strawberry Creek Bridge on SR-74, where traffic narrows to one lane with a temporary signal light installed. Crews have completed pouring the eastbound abutments and retaining wall for the bridge. Additional work will include upgrades with slab overlay, new guardrail systems on the bridges, and adjustments to lane and shoulder widths to meet

current standards.

Obey the temporary traffic signal as the highway is reduced to one lane in the construction area.

Lake Elsinore/Corona

The 71/91 Interchange Project in Corona, affecting commuters and visitors traveling from Lake Elsinore to Riverside, Los Angeles, and the beach cities, may experience changes. The eastbound Green River Road on-ramp was closed at night through August 14. Crews last week removed support structures above the eastbound 91 that were constructed in 2023 and early 2024. These support structures were used to form the foundation of the new connector. The removal process will continue over several more weeks on Monday through Wednesday nights, so watch for any changes.

Anza/Aguanga

While Caltrans has no significant work scheduled this week on Highways SR 79 and SR 371, they advise that more work may be scheduled to repave and widen those highways.

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

California Inland Empire Council, Scouting America (CIEC) kicks off its annual scout popcorn sale to support local Scout packs and troops

REDLANDS ‒ California

Inland Empire Council (CIEC) announces the launch of the annual Scouting America Popcorn Sale, which began on Saturday, Aug. 10 and runs through Sunday Oct. 20. This yearly fundraiser not only helps support our local Scouts but also offers the community a delicious way to contribute to a great cause. The Scouting America Popcorn Sale provides vital resources for Pack & Troop activities, community service projects, and leadership training. This year, Scouts will be selling a variety of gourmet popcorn flavors, including classic Microwave

Butter, Salted Caramel, S’mores, White Cheddar, Kettle Corn, and traditional Popping Corn. Be on the ‘look out’ as Scouts will be at stores across Riverside County from morning until evening.

“Participating in the Popcorn Sale is an invaluable experience for our Scouts,” said Matt Bear, Scout Executive and CEO. “It teaches them important skills like goal setting, budgeting, and customer service while they work to support their goals and activities.”

For more information about the Boy Scout Popcorn Sale, please contact Soul Ruiz at 559-593-2589 or Soul.Ruiz@scouting.org

DAR highlights ordinary people who made a difference in U.S. history

Historian Alfred F. Young poses this question: How does an ordinary person earn a place in history? After all, it is ordinary people who make events possible in times of upheaval, and this has been shown time and again throughout America’s history. One ordinary person with an extraordinary name was George Robert Twelves Hewes of Boston—a shoemaker by trade. He was “discovered” in 1835 by New York journalist Benjamin B. Thatcher. Hewes was in his 90s at the time and was a veteran of the “American Rebellion,” which we now know as the Revolutionary War.

As a shoemaker in 18th-century Boston, Hewes was considered a “mechanic” of the “meaner” sort—very ordinary, indeed. “The problem is that in a society where education and literacy were unequally distributed, those of the ‘meaner’ [lower] sort and ‘middling’ [middle] sort, although not inarticulate, unlike the ‘better’ sort, wrote no pamphlets, spoke rarely in the town meeting [if indeed they qualified to vote], and left no massive volumes of ‘papers.’” (The Shoemaker and the Tea Party, Young, 1999). Most of today’s family historians find it difficult to research a deceased family member who was ordinary, one of the common people, because, like George Hewes, they were busy surviving—putting food on the table, paying the bills, and staying ahead of the tax collector.

When Hewes was discovered, according to the journalist, he was a spry man who walked several miles a day. His mind was

General John Sullivan, a veteran of several Revolutionary War battles, was chosen by General Washington to lead the campaign against the Iroquois.

Valley News/National Park Service photo

sharp. Born in 1742, he recalled his participation in the Boston Massacre (1770), the Tea Party (1773), and the tar-and-feathering of John Malcolm (1774). He had become an assertive patriot. Interestingly, in the researched archives, Young found no event called “The Tea Party,” but rather “tea destroyed by Indians” (1773) and “the destruction of tea in Boston harbor.” Thatcher eventually interviewed Hewes on many occasions and wrote a memoir about him. Hewes “had become a celebrity in a surprisingly modern way. The newspapers reported his every move,” including “having his portrait painted,” riding in Fourth of July parades, and being a “guest

at a tea party in Augusta.” When Hewes died in Richfield Springs, New York, in 1840, “there were no obituary notices, no public memorial services.” He was once again, ordinary. Another ordinary person living just 23 miles from Boston in Stoughton, Massachusetts, was John Fadden—born in 1754. During the Revolutionary War, he began his military service as a drummer but transitioned to an infantryman. The militia he was assigned to fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 and during the fortification of Dorchester Heights in 1776, which resulted in the British evacuation of Boston. Next, we find John Fadden in the New York battles of White Plains, Saratoga, Cherry Valley, and Newtown, where he was under the command of General Sullivan. He began his three-year stint in the Continental Army in March 1777

and was discharged at West Point in April 1780. They fought against the Iroquois, led by the Englishtrained Mohawk leader Joseph Brant, at Klock’s Field along the Mohawk River. During those engagements, there were multiple casualties among the rank and file. At the Battle of Newtown, Fadden was severely wounded and was hospitalized for eight months in a primitive military fort “hospital.” His wife, Catherine, accompanied him during his time with General Sullivan and nursed him at the hospital. Many wives followed the military units to assist the fighting men with meals, nursing, laundry, and reloading rifles. Catherine was extraordinary in that she gave birth to their first child while the army was in Sadsbury, Pennsylvania.

John married Catherine in Albany in December 1778, and after the war, they had seven

more children. He was not a “mechanic” like George Hewes but a victualer—a person who was licensed to sell alcohol, as well as food and other provisions; possibly, he was the keeper of a tavern. He was not of the better sort, but like Hewes, he was making his way through life, feeding his family, and paying the bills. John died in 1825. Both of these common folk lived in Boston before the Revolution and found themselves later in life in New York. They were ordinary men living in extraordinary times. They were the everyday sort who, like countless other average people, fought for something more—something accessible to everyone.

This month, the America250 Committee of the Luiseño Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, honors John Fadden— an ordinary man who became a Revolutionary War veteran and patriot. We honor him for his service! Men like Hewes and Fadden are rarely in our history books, but without their beliefs and actions, our lives today might be very different.

The Luiseño Chapter meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Assistance League in Temecula. The focus of the Chapter is Patriotism, Historic Preservation, and Education. You are encouraged to visit the public Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/luisenochapterdar for more information.

The dog, named Oreo, appears to have suffered a fracture to the left hind leg. Valley News/Courtesy photo

This engraving depicts the Battle of Newtown, New York, on September 29, 1779. The battle was the only major action of the 1779 Iroquois Campaign.

Major

Valley News/Chemung County Historical Society photo

Judicial Watch reveals coordination between FBI and Secret Service during Mar-a-Lago raid

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Judicial Watch announced a disclosed voicemail recording today, revealing coordination between the FBI and Secret Service during the August 8, 2022, raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.

The recording, dated August 11, 2022, features an FBI special agent leaving a message for a Secret Service contact. The agent, whose name and agency affiliation were redacted, requests a followup discussion about “specific asks” related to the raid. The message includes the agent’s

contact information but lacks further details.

The voicemail was uncovered as part of Judicial Watch’s October 2022 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. The lawsuit sought all communications between the Secret Service and FBI concerning the Mar-a-Lago raid, as well as any related video or audio recordings.

Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton claimed that the recording is evidence of a coordinated effort by the Biden administration to target Trump. “This recording

is real-time evidence of the Biden administration’s whole government operation to abuse Trump by raiding his home,” Fitton said. “Judicial Watch will continue to piece together the details of the conspiracy to launch an unprecedented and malicious raid on the home of Biden’s chief political opponent.”

Judicial Watch has been actively involved in legal battles seeking transparency regarding the Biden administration’s scrutiny of Trump. Recent lawsuits include:

A March 2024 suit against the U.S. Department of Energy,

seeking records on the retroactive termination of Trump’s security clearance and access to classified information.

An August 2023 lawsuit against the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for records related to the White House records controversy and potential alternative storage options offered to Trump.

A June 2023 FOIA lawsuit that uncovered discussions among DOJ officials about the political impact of CNN’s use of CCTV footage from the Mar-a-Lago raid.

Judicial Watch has also pursued

records from the DOJ and FBI related to the raid’s search warrant application and approval. In August 2022, the organization successfully sued to unseal the search warrant affidavit used for the raid.

The ongoing legal efforts by Judicial Watch highlight their commitment to uncovering details surrounding the high-profile investigation and the broader implications for Trump and his administration.

Press release from Judicial Watch.

Facebook denies liability in Supreme Court Harvested Voter Data Case

The social media giant argues that omitting a major user data breach from a government filing does not make it liable in a class-action lawsuit.

Matthew Vadum

The Epoch Times

Facebook told the Supreme Court on Aug. 9 that it did not violate U.S. securities regulations when it failed to publicly disclose that now-defunct political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica had misused Facebook user data.

The statement offers a preview of Facebook’s arguments in Facebook Inc. v. Amalgamated Bank, which the nation’s highest court is scheduled to hear on Nov. 6.

The Supreme Court will look at whether the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit erred last year when it allowed a multibillion-dollar lawsuit by shareholders to proceed based on allegations that Facebook inflated share prices by failing to disclose on a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission form that its users’ data had been misused.

In the new filing, Facebook said the Ninth Circuit misinterpreted the law and that “its judgment should be reversed.” The company said it did not mislead shareholders by omitting the incident involving UK-based Cambridge Analytica.

“A risk disclosure ... is not false or misleading ... merely because a company does not disclose whether the specified triggering event had occurred in the past

or whether such an occurrence created a present risk of harm to the company,“ the brief states. ”Meta’s risk disclosures in its 2016 10-K [annual report] filing were thus not misleading merely because they omitted that Cambridge Analytica had previously misused Facebook user data.”

Cambridge Analytica worked for then-candidate Donald Trump’s successful presidential campaign in 2016, and had access to personal data from millions of Facebook accounts that could be used to target and profile voters. The account holders didn’t consent to their data being harvested.

The scandal led to government investigations, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc., was called to testify before Congress in April 2018.

In a separate case, Meta agreed in December 2022 to pay $725 million to settle a class-action proceeding that claimed that the company allowed third parties, including Cambridge Analytica, to gain access to as many as 87 million users’ personal information.

The case at hand involves a private securities fraud-related class action arising out of Cambridge Analytica’s “wrongful acquisition and misuse of Facebook user data,” Facebook previously said in its petition filed with the

OPINION

Supreme Court on March 4. The case goes back to 2014, when Cambridge University lecturer Aleksandr Kogan designed a personality quiz app for use on Facebook that was allegedly intended to predict voting behavior. He sold the user data to Cambridge Analytica, which was a breach of Facebook’s policies.

Cambridge Analytica used the data to help the 2016 presidential campaign of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). After an investigation, Facebook directed Kogan, Cambridge Analytica, and others who had access to the data to erase it. They confirmed in writing that they had destroyed the data. Facebook failed to let its users know about the incident, according to court papers.

In 2016, Facebook filed an annual report with the SEC, known as a 10-K form, disclosing risk factors regarding user data, but it did not acknowledge that the data-harvesting incident had taken place. Facebook said in the form that misuse of the data by third parties presented a hypothetical risk that could adversely affect the company were it to take place.

In 2018, it was discovered that Cambridge Analytica had actually held on to the data and used it to help Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. When

The continued battle against big tech censorship and the fight for free speech

GARM dismantles itself after threat of lawsuit

Julie Reeder Publisher

In a significant week for tech and censorship, the spotlight has been on the relentless efforts of big tech to control and silence several conservative voices. As companies like Breitbart, The Daily Wire, and PragerU continue to face unprecedented challenges, questions have arisen about the implications of the recent GARM lawsuit and the broader antitrust battle.

This week, we’ve seen a victory – one that, while not the biggest, is undeniably important. It signals a shift in understanding, as more people recognize that the selfappointed monitors of the internet are not the guardians of truth they claim to be.

Instead, they are gatekeepers, attempting to bankrupt companies that dare to dissent from the mainstream narrative or whatever product or messaging they desire the public to have or not have.

The GARM lawsuit is a critical turning point. The Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) sounds noble and ethical, but in reality, it’s part of the World Federation of Advertisers – a huge monopoly controlling about 90% of online ads.

This group’s true aim is to

choke conservative media by pressuring advertisers to boycott outlets like Breitbart. Jim Jordan’s Congressional investigation uncovered damning evidence: these companies weren’t just concerned with “responsible media”; they wanted to crush voices they didn’t agree with.

When Elon Musk decided to push back, he exposed them.

Twitter, now X, rejoined GARM only to find that the organization was actively targeting them for conservative content. Musk’s response was not just to expose this bias but to fight back legally – a move that companies like Breitbart simply have not been able to do.

After filing the lawsuit, GARM immediately closed its doors.

But the battle is far from over.

While GARM has folded, the World Federation of Advertisers still looms large, and new censorship entities are likely already in the making. The interconnectedness of these censorship efforts is staggering.

Publicis, for example, is involved with both GARM and NewsGuard, another entity notorious for censoring conservative outlets. NewsGuard, in turn, is deeply embedded with institutions like teachers’ unions, extending their reach into the education system.

These battles are not just about individual companies; they’re about preserving free speech itself. When entities like GARM, NewsGuard, and others collaborate to silence dissenting voices, they undermine the very foundations of American democracy – the First Amendment. The censorship we face today is part of a broader globalist agenda, where a select few seek to control the narrative, stifling any opposition to their power.

While we celebrate victories like the GARM lawsuit, we must remain vigilant. The forces of censorship are well-funded and deeply entrenched. But as long as there are people willing to fight, as long as there are voices speaking out, the battle for free speech will continue.

And in that fight, we must remember that the First Amendment is not just a legal principle – it is the lifeblood of our freedom. It’s for hard conversations, tough conversations and unpopular and uncomfortable conversations. More conversation is the answer, not censoring. Censorship is for illegal activities like child pornography, not legal conversations about politics, religion, health, etc.

this information became public, the price of Facebook shares dropped by more than 18 percent, and Facebook launched a new investigation.

Facebook also had reportedly been sharing the data with “whitelisted,” or approved, third parties including Microsoft, Samsung, and Apple, which violated a U.S. Federal Trade Commission ruling and was contrary to claims by Zuckerberg that Facebook had stopped sharing its users’ data with third parties, according to court papers.

Shareholders of Amalgamated Bank filed a class-action lawsuit against Facebook in 2018, accusing the social media platform of making materially false and misleading statements and omissions in violation of federal securities regulations. For a statement to be “materially” false or misleading, it has to be false or misleading and relevant enough to the legal matter at hand that it could have affected its course or outcome.

The shareholders claim in the lawsuit that Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc. deceived them in the data-harvesting controversy. They say this alleged deception contributed to two 2018 stock price drops that led to the company losing more than $200 billion in market capitalization.

Employment

Assistant Professor for Agriculture and Practical Theology (Anza, CA), 1. Instruction: Course Preparation, Delivery & Evaluation 2. Participation in College, Dept & Program Activities: Serve on college, dept & program committees as assigned. Serve as faculty mentor for internship students. Attend meetings & events required by college, dept & program administrator. Respond in a timely manner to requests from college, dept & program administrator. Participate in graduation ceremonies & other dept events. 3. Research and Professional Development: Keep professional knowledge up to date. Adopt approved new technologies & tools to maximum course outcome. Research in reltd fields. Work as part of a team & direct & supervise students in the process. Publish academic papers on research subjects. 4. University / Community Service: Serve w/in the university & community. Represent the university as part of the faculty in public life. Participate in projects or events. Produce resources for the university or community context. 5. Academic Advising: Help students define & dvlp realistic educational career plans through schedule planning for ea term & summer school. Meet w/advisees during academic term to assist them w/initial adjustment. The min reqmnt for the position is a Doctorate Deg in Divinity, Theology, Ministry, or a reltd field. The applicant must also have

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California dismissed the lawsuit in December 2021 for failure to state a claim. In other words, the court found that even if the allegations in the legal complaint were true, they would be insufficient for the plaintiffs to prevail in court.

In October 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the district court in part, allowing the lawsuit to proceed. The circuit court found that the shareholders’ allegations of fraud were specific enough to comply with the law.

In December 2023, the Ninth Circuit denied Facebook’s request to rehear the case.

In an April 29 brief, the bank and shareholders argued that the Ninth Circuit’s decision was “correct.”

The SEC has held that “risk disclosures regarding cybersecurity can be materially misleading when they treat data breaches as hypothetical risks even though a serious breach has already occurred,” the brief states.

The Epoch Times reached out for comment to the attorney for the bank and the shareholders, Kevin K. Russell of Goldstein, Russell, and Woofter in Washington, but did not receive a reply by publication time

Riverside County Sheriff Lake Hemet/ Mountain Substation hosts National Night Out

US

Diane

Sieker Staff Writer

fire truck

August 6.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department hosted National Night Out at the Lake Hemet/Mountain

as

Substation Tuesday, Aug. 6.

The event was well-attended by mountain area residents eager to meet and greet members of law enforcement and local firefighters. Interactive displays, safety tips,

childrens coloring books, first responder vehicles, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department K-9s, RSO Mounted Posse, specialized units, RSO helicopter and more highlighted the evening.

Cal Fire, California Highway Patrol, California State Parks, US Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Anza Citizens Patrol, Search and Rescue and others were included

in the event. K-9s, Mounted Posse horses and a blue-eyed miniature horse ambassador were popular with

Officers seize over 100 animals from Aguanga property

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Riverside County Animal Services officers served a search warrant Wednesday, Aug. 7, at a property in Aguanga and seized more than 100 animals, mostly livestock and birds.

The animals included three horses, six goats, several dogs, chickens, exotic birds and mice. Also impounded: pet cockroaches.

Some of the dogs, described as “wolf hybrids” by some in the community, totaled nine. Some came from the seizure and others were found by members of the public and animal control officers prior to the seizure operation.

The horses were in poor condition at the property, located in the 44000 block of Bonny Lane in the unincorporated community of Aguanga, approximately 20 miles from Temecula.

The property owner was not present and did not respond to two official notices from Animal Services posted at the property on Wednesday, July 31. The condition of some of the animals, coupled with the lack of on-site caretakers, resulted in the seizure.

The

flag is displayed on a

ladder,

the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and helicopter strike a pose at the National Night Out event at Lake Hemet/Mountain Sheriff’s Substation Tuesday,

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

see NIGHT, page D-5

ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Regular Happenings

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

ONGOING – Anza Electric

Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers a free mobile food pantry the second Saturday of every month at the AEC office,

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

Friends of Anza Valley Community Library – Anza Valley Community Library is located at Hamilton High School, 57430 Mitchell Road. The library is open to the public, but not during school hours. Hours are 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Monday through Wednesday.

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

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

JULIE REEDER,

MALINA GUGEL, Ind. Contractor

Editorial

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J.P. RAINERI, Sports Editor

SHANE GIBSON, Staff Photographer

TONY AULT, Staff Writer

DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer

JOE NAIMAN, Ind. Contractor

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Advertising Sales

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Production

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Digital Services

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Backcountry Horsemen

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

Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings

Fit after 50 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Friday mornings at Anza Community Hall. Free. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. Call or text instructor Teresa Hoehn at 951751-1462 for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

Bereaved Parents of the USA – The Aguanga-Anza Chapter of BPUSA will hold its meetings at 6

p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 49109 Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-551-2826.

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

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

Food ministries

Living Hope Christian Fellowship Community Dinner – Dinners at 1 p.m. are held the last Sunday of the month at the Anza Community Hall. All are welcome. Donations of time, money, etc. are always welcome.

Food for the Faithful – 8 a.m. The food bank hands out food the last Friday of the month until the food is gone. The clothes closet will be open too. Emergency food handed out as needed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. FFF is a nondenominational nonprofit. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-763-5636.

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

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

Living Hope Bible Study

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

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

Monthly Christian Men’s Breakfast – 9 a.m. Breakfast takes place the 4th Saturday of each month and rotates to different locations. Contact Jeff Crawley at 951-763-1257 for more information.

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

Valley Gospel Chapel – 7 a.m. Saturday Men’s Study meets

weekly with breakfast usually served at 43275 Chapman Road in the Terwilliger area of Anza. For more information, call 951763-4622.

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

Clubs

Anza Valley VFW Post 1873, Capt. John Francis Drivick III Post – The Ladies’ and Men’s Auxiliaries are located at 59011 Bailey Road in Anza. Mail P.O. Box 390433. Request monthly newsletter and or weekly menu by email at vfw1873anzaca@ gmail.com. For more information, call 951-763-4439 or visit http:// vfw1873.org. High Country 4-H Club – 4 p.m. Meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month, except February, at Anza Community Hall. 4-H Club is for youth 5 to 19 years old offering a variety of projects. High Country 4-H Club is open to children living in the Anza, Aguanga and surrounding areas. For more information, call Allison Renck at 951-663-5452. Anza Valley Artists Meetings – Meetings at 1 p.m. are the third Saturday of each month at various locations. Share art, ideas and participate in shows. Guest speakers are always needed. For more information, call president Rosie Grindle at 951-928-1248. Find helpful art tips at www. facebook.com/AnzaValleyArtists Anza Quilter’s Club Meetings are held at 9:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. For more information see our Facebook page or contact Pat Sprint at jpsprint@gmail.com or Ellen Elmore at luvtoquilt2@ gmail.com

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

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

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

Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the 1st Thursday of the month at the Anza Community Hall, 43275 Chapman Road in Anza. The social hour is 11:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. Contact Carol Wright at 951-7632884 for more information.

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

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

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

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

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK

From the Heart to hold Nixon Fire Relief concert August 23

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

In response to the devastating effects of the Nixon Fire, From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries and Heyday Events are partnering for a very special fundraiser at Bel Vino Winery Friday, August 23.

The Nixon Fire Relief Fundraiser concert will feature Earth to Mars, a group of five young professional musicians from Los Angeles that together form one of the greatest modern tribute acts, according to their website.

With the funky sounds of their inspiration, Bruno Mars, Earth to Mars brings a stage performance and production that could keep the audience on their feet all night.

The outdoor event will be held from 6 until 10 p.m. at the winery.

DJ Mr. Chris will open the show at 6:30 p.m., and Earth To Mars will begin their performance at 8 p.m.

There will be a silent auction and a raffle at the show, according to organizers.

Ages 16 and over are welcome.

“I wasn’t home when the raid happened,” said the owner in an exclusive interview with The Anza Valley Outlook.

The Aguanga investigation follows multiple cases of hoarding that Animal Services officers investigated and handled in the Coachella Valley in recent weeks. Those cases led to approximately 100 dog impounds collectively.

“Once again, our officers are responding to animals in need and I am proud of their efforts,” Animal Services Director Erin Gettis said. “This was one of the more unique investigations we’ve had, considering the wide arrange of critters now needing our assistance.”

According to Animal Services representatives, the collection includes parakeets, cockatiels, quails, geese, one turkey, horses, dogs and the aforementioned roaches. Almost all the animals are being cared for at the county’s San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus in San Jacinto. Two animals – a miniature horse and a sheep – were transported to the county’s shelter in Jurupa Valley. The two were believed to be a bonded pair.

The investigation stemmed from a tip from a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department deputy who was working in the area during the Nixon Fire, which erupted July 29. The deputy, assisting in the community with evacuation notices spotted the property and raised his concerns with Animal Services.

There were recent reports on social platforms of dogs being willfully abandoned. Some of

Food, wine and beer will be available.

Seating is limited, and it is recommended that concertgoers bring their own chairs.

Tickets for the Nixon Fire Relief Fundraiser are available online at www.heyday.com/fth24 and the charity will receive a portion of the ticket sales.

“You must use the code FTH24 when you purchase online tickets, so that our fundraiser benefits,” said organizer Heather Graff. “All monies raised will go directly to the victims of the Nixon Fire and will be distributed by From The Heart.”

The 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 this worthy cause.

Bel Vino Winery is located at 33515 Rancho California Road in Temecula. Tickets for the Nixon Fire Relief Fundraiser are available online at www.heyday.

com/fth24, code: FTH24. For additional information, phone or text Heyday Events at 760-716-6295

Siezed animals included exotic beetles and lizards.

those dogs, described as “wolf hybrids,” have been collected by the public and Animal Services.

Some of that breed of dumped dogs looked similar to those found at the Aguanga property.

Animal Services currently has nine of those hybrid dogs in its care at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus.

Since the seizure, the owner

alleges to receiving death threats via social media platforms and messaging apps, as well as trespassers on the property. People on social media have allegedly posted the property address and photos and pictures of the owner’s children and automobile.

“My children are terrified of going home, because of the death threats and people breaking into

our house,” the owner said. “We have even seen drones over the property and people watching us.” Ultimately, Animal Services will seek felony animal cruelty when it submits its findings to the Riverside County District Attorney’s office.

Anyone with information regarding any crime is encouraged to contact the Hemet Sheriff’s

Station at 951-791-3400 or visit http://www.riversidesheriff.org/ Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, 909-987-5005 or https://wetip.com.

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

The From the Heart Nixon Fire Relief concert will benefit people like Victoria Dang, who lost her home in the fire Monday, July 29.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Valley News/Courtesy photos

Sheriff’s Blotter

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Anza Valley Outlook

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

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

All calls listed are for service within the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction in the unincorporated areas of Anza, Lake Riverside Estates, Cahuilla and Aguanga from August 5 through August 11. August 5

Suspicious person - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Trespassing - 4200 block Lilac Ln., Anza, handled by deputy

Petty theft - 6000 block Tamatea Rd., Anza, report taken

Public assist - 3900 block El Ray CI., Anza, handled by deputy Attempt warrant service - address withheld, Cahuilla, warrant Miscellaneous criminal4900 block Ironwood Wy., Lake Riverside, handled by deputy

August 6

Suspicious person - 4200 block Lilac Ln., Anza, handled by deputy Trespassing - 3700 block Daemon Hills Dr./Holt Meadows Dr., Anza, unfounded

Grand theft - 4200 block El Campo Rd., Anza, report taken

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

Follow-up - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy Burglary - 3900 block Boulder Dr., Anza, unfounded

Check the welfare - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy

Assist other departmentaddress undefined, Anza, handled by deputy 911 hangup from cellphone - 5700 block Bailey Rd., Anza, handled by deputy

August 7

Follow-up - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy Follow-up - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy Trespassing - 5600 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy Assist other department - 5000 block St. Hwy. 371, Cahuilla, handled by deputy

Suspicious person - 3900 block Boulder Dr., Anza, handled by deputy Suspicious circumstance - 3900 block Boulder Wy., Anza, handled by deputy August 8 Alarm call - 5600 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy Suspicious circumstanceaddress undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Suspicious person - 6000 block Indian Paint Brush Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Area check - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy August 9

Follow-up - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy Suspect info - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy Follow-up - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy Area check - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Petty theft - 4400 block Bonny Ln./Glendora Ct., Anza, report taken

Public assist - 5800 block Burnt Valley Rd., Anza, handled by deputy August 10

The

enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities.

Unlawful entry - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Battery - 5400 block Scouts Ln., Anza, handled by deputy Public assist - 4400 block Bonny Ln., Anza, handled by deputy August 11 Petty theft - 6000 block Rim

Rock Rd./Tule Fire Rd., Anza, report taken No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content provided in the Sheriff’s Blotter. Residents with information regarding any crimes are encouraged to contact the Hemet

Sheriff’s Station at (951)791-3400. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909)987-5005 or https://wetip.com. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Sheriff’s Blotter

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

NIGHT from page D-1

guests. A helicopter and other crime- and fire- fighting tools were on display. Deputies, firefighters, officers, rangers and others were on hand to chat about resident concerns, show and tell equipment and answer questions.

“Thank you so much to everyone

who took the time to visit our booth at the National Night Out event in Mountain Center,” said the California Highway Patrol, San Gorgonio office on social media.

“It was wonderful collaborating with Riverside Sheriff - Hemet as we came together with our community. National Night Out is a nationwide initiative that fosters partnerships between the police and the community. It’s an opportunity to unite the community under positive circumstances and strengthen the bond between law enforcement and residents.”

According to the Sheriff’s Department, National Night Outs are designed to heighten

crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and policecommunity partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that Riverside County neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

“Glad we stopped by, it was a nice event,“ said local resident Ernie Brunson.

Susie Ferguson contributed photos to this report.

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

Volunteers with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse sell tee shirts, collectibles and toys to help support their program at the National Night Out event at Lake Hemet/ Mountain Sheriff’s Substation Tuesday, August 6. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

California State Parks ranger Nick Garduno and Park Aide Mary Hopkins greet visitors at the National Night Out event at Lake Hemet/Mountain Sheriff’s Substation. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Riverside County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse members and their blue-eyed miniature horse meet and greet at the National Night Out event at Lake Hemet/Mountain Sheriff’s Substation Tuesday, August 6.

A Riverside County Sheriff’s Department helicopter is on display at the National Night Out event at Lake Hemet/Mountain Sheriff’s Substation Tuesday, August 6.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

K-9 officers and their handlers mingle with visitors at the National Night Out event at Lake Hemet Mountain Sheriff’s Substation.

Riverside County Search Dogs’ Anza and his handler are on hand to answer questions about their program at the National Night Out event.

A child interacts with the Mounted Posse’s miniature horse at the National Night Out event at Lake Hemet/Mountain Sheriff’s Substation.

Anza Valley Outlook/Susie Ferguson photo

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

[Left] Annika Knöppel, left, Robyn Garrison and Annie Ashby represent the Anza Citizens Patrol at the National Night Out event at Lake Hemet/Mountain Sheriff’s Substation Tuesday, August 6. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo