Valley News - September 15, 2023

911 ceremonies in Murrieta and Temecula, B-1

Prep Football: Week Three scores and game notes from around the area

JP Raineri Sports Editor

One month of high school football action has now taken place locally, and it happened in the blink of an eye. While there have been four weeks of competition, the schedule notes this past week as Week Three of the prep football season due to Zero Week games. Week Three action took place starting Thursday, Sept. 7, in the southwest Riverside County region, with games concluding Saturday, Sept. 9. Scores, along with certain game notes for Week

Three high school football games involving local teams inside our coverage area, were reported as follows:

THURSDAY 9/7

Nonleague

San Gorgonio - 34, Citrus Hill - 0

Hillcrest - 42, Lakeside - 0

Tahquitz - 28,

Linfield Christian - 19

Game notes - DJ Bryant, David Toney and Romeo Evans combined to run for 360 yards and four touchdowns, while the defense forced four turnovers to help Tahquitz High School remain undefeated with their 28-10 nonleague victory over Linfield Christian High School. Bryant, normally a receiver, ran for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Toney ran for 132 yards on 18 carries while Evans completed six passes for 44 yards but did most of the work on the ground with 74 yards on nine carries. The Titans starting QB, Thomas Paschal, threw for 133 yards but left the game in the second half with an injury. Linfield Christian WR John Reynoso finished with four catches for 67 yards, and Dylan Cane had an interception for the Lions. – Action Captures

Media Group

Rancho Christian - 35, Montclair - 7

Game notes: Rancho Christian High School dominated visiting Montclair High School in their 35-7 win as Blake Nadler threw two first quarter TD passes and the defense stopped the Cavaliers offense in its tracks. Thomas Dalton caught both of Nadler’s touchdown passes and threw another. Fausto Atilano ran for a touchdown and caught the touchdown pass from Dalton.

see SCORES, page C-1

Phase II of the French Valley I-215/I-15 Interchange Improvement Project well underway

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Motorists on the northbound Interstate 15 just past the Winchester Road onramp and under the bridge in the past few weeks have noticed changes to their driving patterns as construction continues on the French Valley Parkway Phase II improvements that are now underway.

Many motorists using that portion of the northbound freeway may find those changes puzzling, but the changes will be necessary for at least another two years. The purpose is for the city of Temecula to overcome the bottleneck traffic on northbound I-15 between Winchester Road and the I-15/I-215 junction. In this area, the large volumes of vehicles attempting to merge and diverge across four to five lanes of traffic has created a hotspot of congestion and resee PROJECT, page A-6

Krikorian Theater site declared a public nuisance by City of Menifee

MENIFEE – After failing to meet the required deadlines, the Krikorian Theater portion of the Krikorian Entertainment Complex project has been declared a Public Nuisance by the City of Menifee. Based on this action, the City’s Code Enforcement division has issued notification and corrective measures that must be completed by the project applicant including:

• Existing theater structures must be demolished, and the project site returned to its original state; or

• Rehabilitate the structures and make all necessary corrections

The City previously sent a letter on May 11, 2023 informing the project applicant that their existing building permits would be expiring on June 2, 2023. A follow-up demand letter was sent by the City on June 6, 2023 requiring that new permit applications and construction documents be submitted by September 1, 2023. Plans for the

buildings located at

cor-

The construction of the French Valley Parkway Phase 2 project is well underway on northbound I-15 and the I-215 split.

Cal Fire firefighters with black flags over their badges, salute the flag as the annual

ceremony begins at the Temecula Duck Pond. See more photos on page B-1

Little Shop Of Horrors enters third weekend at Old Town Temecula Community Theater

Ava Sarnowski

Intern Writer

As Temecula Valley Players’ “Little Shop Of Horrors'' approaches its remaining shows at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, opportunities to enjoy the production are going fast. The show is directed by Kevin Clark, musically directed by Samantha Maxwell, and choreographed by Peter Varvel.

Released in 1986, the Broadway classic tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, a flower shop assistant, who yearns for the affection of his co-worker Audrey. Tragically, she’s stuck in an abusive relationship with a dentist named Dr. Orin Scrivello. Seymour finds a plant that feasts upon human blood, one he names after Audrey. The flower shop garners much attention from the public, because of Audrey II. But as its desire for flesh grows, Seymour must figure out how to feed it, but also stop it from getting too powerful.

Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman are responsible for composing the musical. They are mainly known for helping establish the formula upon which Disney Animation Studios would base their most cherished classics on. It was their talents in composition that kicked off the Disney Renaissance, bringing so many songs that are adored by generations. Ashman was a beloved playwright, and stage

director, who wrote a variety of shows. “Smile” being one of them, which is still performed throughout the country today. In 1991, during the early production of Disney’s “Aladdin,” Ashman died after being diagnosed with AIDS.

Temecula Valley Players’ production features Andrew Landeros as Seymour Krelborn, Meg Morris as Audrey, Wyatt MitchisonRojas as Dr. Orin Scrivello, Jason Gonzalez as Mr. Mushnik and Kit Fortier as the voice of Audrey II. While the plant’s puppeteer is Katelyn Herbert. Countless more, and equally capable individuals, are featured within the cast, helping to elevate the production to delightful heights.

Clark expressed how he has always found theater and the arts to be astonishing mediums that are capable of sharing meaningful stories. Stories that are not only meant to shock audiences, but to make them ponder long after its conclusion. He believed that audiences should leave the theater with something they didn’t initially arrive with, and shares how this show is no different. He considers “Little Shop of Horrors" to be a classic, with a wacky story, fun music and quirky characters originally made famous by the 1986 film.

Regarding the production’s central themes, Clark shares how “this story, as its heart, is about the dangers of creed and avarice.”

That it’s about “how this slippery slope can very quickly, and without warning consume us, and how even with good intentions we can easily pave our own path to destruction.” He hopes those who see the show are sent home laughing and crying, from having enjoyed the talent that is on the stage, and behind the curtain. Talent that he claims is necessary to create their distinct experience.

Clark expressed how it’s been an immense pleasure in bringing this show to Temecula Community Theater’s stage, and extended a warm thank you to various members of the cast, crew, production team, TVP’s board. Additionally, he thanked Maxwell, who he considers to be a vocal genius, and Varvel, who’s love for the show is “infectious,” and something that shows through greatly in his choreography.

Clark also praised stage manager Kristina Jackson’s organization and professionalism, and Herbert, who he expresses to be his closest confidant, and a constant support in his life. Clark’s admiration for all those involved in the show cannot be understated. Tickets can be found at https://tickets.temeculatheater.org/ and upcoming shows from Temecula Valley Players are located at https://temeculavalleyplayers.com/. Ava Sarnowski can be reached by email at valleystaff@reedermedia.com.

Riverside County and Menifee City agree to collaborate on future Winchester area growth

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Riverside County officials who appeared before the Menifee City Council Wednesday, Sept. 6, agreed to collaborate with the city to address the needs and impacts of the future residential developments to the east of the city.

Of particular interest to the cities of Menifee, Murrieta and Temecula are the hundreds of residential homes being built along the Domenigoni Expressway from Highway 79 in the Winchester area, west of Menifee city limits and the proposed traffic, infrastructure and public safety impacts the homes will have on their cities.

County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington and Juan Perez, chief operating officer of Riverside County, spoke to the full council in response to the night’s agenda item 10.11. They sought to approve a memorandum of understanding with the city to enhance communication and development project coordination. The MOU was adopted by the Menifee Council later in the evening.

Washington was the first to speak. His district encompasses Menifee and the nearby cities, including the proposed Winchester community, which is currently a census-designated place and could

You Are Cordially Invited to an event honoring Robert Rosenstein

Thursday, September 28

Please join the Boy Scouts of America Tahquitz District in recognizing Robert as the 2023 Distinguished Citizen of the Year

Robert B. Rosenstein is the founder and managing shareholder of The Law Offices of Rosenstein & Associates. He has been licensed to practice law in the State of California since 1979. Mr. Rosenstein is an experienced business attorney and over the years has assisted clients in the management, growth, and reorganization of their businesses.

Being a husband and father of five, Mr. Rosenstein knows the value of hard work and dedication. The goal of practicing law in a firm based upon ethics and professionalism is a key principle upon which he lives his life.

He is an Eagle Scout with two palms.

put me on the right path, and without the skills that I have developed from scouting, I would not be where I am today. I learned to become a be er human being. I learned that other people count. I learned to be a leader.”

Read Robert’s full biography at www.scoutingheroes.org/robert-b-rosenstein/

Boy Scouts of America, Tahquitz District 2023 Distinguished Citizens Dinner honoring Robert Rosenstein. A fundraising event to help support the Boy Scouts of America in Southwest Riverside County.

Thursday, September 28, 2023 Monteleone Meadows 35245 Briggs Road, Murrieta 92563 Cocktail Hour: 6:00pm Dinner starts at 7:00pm Business a ire is requested

To purchase your tickets please scan the QR code below or visit www.scoutingheroes.org for more information.

seek incorporation as a city in the future.

“Riverside County is the fastest growing in the state, and it’s all because of Menifee,” he said. He talked about one of the first meetings with Menifee officials when it became a part of the Third District; the rapid growth was a great concern for both city and county along the eastern edge of Menifee, he said.

“We want to create an opportunity to collaborate because the region belongs to all of us,” Washington said.

He said the county will listen to Menifee in that collaboration.

Juan Perez took the podium next, pointing out the many projects the county has completed in and around Menifee and how it cooperated in achieving them. His work encompasses the transportation and managing department for the county.

“It is by working together in the spirit of cooperation we get things done and that we can address mutual concerns and can uplift the region as a whole and to contribute to this thriving community and other communities around Menifee.” Perez said of the proposed MOU.

He said he hoped Menifee and county staff could meet together at least every quarter or more.

He addressed the extension of Clinton Keith Road to Highway 79 by the county as well. It will be completed next month from Leon Road, which will provide some traffic congestion relief on Domenigoni Expressway in the near future and alleviate some of Menifee’s increased traffic concerns from the east.

In the future, he said the city and county may work together as the Winchester community blueprint for growth continues. He said the two entities can work to balance out the state’s needs for housing with local concerns. He said the county is working to address the recent comments on the impact of the environment to the surrounding Winchester community area as it continues to grow and strain some city public safety agencies.

“I want to express our commitment as a county to continue to work together with all of you, your fine staff,” Perez said. “We have great lines of communication, and we want to keep those open and constant.”

Earlier in the evening, Jeff Armstrong, board member of the Eastern Municipal Water District that serves Menifee, appeared before the council with a presentation of the many water projects going on in the community, including the extended 12-inch pipelines along Rancho Road and Goetz Road and a new multi-million gallon water tank at Goetz Road that is now in the design phase and is meant to serve city’s growing industrial areas. He explained that the county has been planning and working with the city to meet the growing residential and industrial water and sewer demands to meet the rapid growth.

He said the EMWD would work with the Menifee residents in the areas of those improvements to meet that growth.

In a monthly public safety meeting, the Menifee police department, in an inquiry by Council member Lesa Sobek, announced they would present a report on the many false burglar alarms – 310 were reported in the last month, and only one was legitimate. Sobek suggested a stronger penalty on those businesses or residents who had the most false alarms tripped, despite the recent increase in fines on false alarms.

The council rejected the responsive bids for the Central Park Amphitheater Construction Project capital improvement project as too expensive in consent item 10.8.

In other business, the council appointed Menifee resident Michael Ramiogan to the the Quality of Life (Measure DD) Committee and chose the unique Ron’devu Cigar Lounge for its monthly business spotlight.

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

“Scouting

Rhythm on the Vine presents Jam for Maui benefit

What should you know about RMDs?

they could potentially bump you into a higher tax bracket and possibly even increase your Medicare premiums, which are determined by your modified adjusted gross income. Are there any ways you could possibly reduce an RMD-related tax hike?

You might have some options.

Here are two to consider:

Man dies after jet ski accident on Lake Elsinore

City News Service

LAKE ELSINORE - A jet ski rider was fatally injured during a recreational outing on Lake Elsinore, authorities said today.

The victim, whose identity was not immediately released, died Sunday night after he was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar.

According to Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Brad Foster, the man was riding a jet ski with a friend when they were involved in a water-borne “collision'' about 6:55 p.m. Sunday.

No further details were provided.

Foster said that the injured man's friend, whose identity was not disclosed and who wasn't hurt, transported him to the boat launch in the 32000 block of Riverside Drive, where patrol deputies and county fire paramedics arrived minutes later.

The victim suffered a “medical emergency'' while being treated at the launch, and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance, according to the sergeant. The man was pronounced dead on arrival.

The accident on the lake was under investigation.

Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.

You may spend decades contributing to various retirement accounts. But for some accounts, such as a traditional IRA and 401(k), you must start withdrawing funds at a certain point. What should you know about this requirement?

To begin with, the rules governing these withdrawals — technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — have changed recently. For many years, individuals had to begin taking their RMDs (which are based on the account balance and the IRS’ life expectancy factor) when they turned 70½. The original SECURE Act of 2019 raised this age to 72, and SECURE 2.0, passed in 2022, raised it again, to 73. (If you turned 73 in 2023, and you were 72 in 2022 when the RMD limit was still 72, you should have taken your first RMD for 2022 by April 1 of this year. You will then need to take your 2023 RMD by Dec. 31. And going forward, you’ll also need to take your RMDs by the end of every year.)

Not all retirement accounts are subject to RMDs. They aren’t required for a Roth IRA, and, starting in 2024, won’t be required for a Roth 401(k) or 403(b) plan. But if your account does call for RMDs, you do need to take them, because if you don’t, you could face tax penalties. Previously, this penalty was 50% of the amount you were supposed to have taken, but SECURE 2.0 reduced it to 25%.

When you take your RMDs, you need to be aware of a key issue: taxes. RMDs are taxed as ordinary income, and, as such,

• Convert tax-deferred accounts to Roth IRA. You could convert some, or maybe all, of your tax-deferred retirement accounts to a Roth IRA. By doing so, you could lower your RMDs in the future — while adding funds to an account you’re never required to touch. So, if you don’t really need all the money to live on, you could include the remainder of the Roth IRA in your estate plans, providing an initially tax-free inheritance to your loved ones. However, converting a tax-deferred account to a Roth IRA will generate taxes in the year of conversion, so you’d need the money available to pay this tax bill.

• Donate RMDs to charity. In what’s known as a qualified charitable distribution, you can move up to $100,000 of your RMDs directly from a traditional IRA to a qualified charity, avoiding the taxes that might otherwise result if you took the RMDs yourself. After 2023, the $100,000 limit will be indexed to inflation.

Of course, before you start either a Roth IRA conversion or a qualified charitable distribution, you will need to consult with your tax advisor, as both these moves have issues you must consider and may not be appropriate for your situation.

But it’s always a good idea to know as much as you can about the various aspects of RMDs — they could play a big part in your retirement income strategy.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

People gather at South Coast Winery for the Rhythm on the Vine Jam for Maui benefit concert where funds raised at the concert go to the recovery of the Lahaina fire, Sunday, Sept. 10.

Michelangelo DeChaves and his partner CJ prepare to enjoy an evening of live music from a variety of jazz artists during the Jam for

fundraising event at South Coast Winery.

TVUSD opens new inclusive playground

TEMECULA -During the weekly Friday flag ceremony at Crowne Hill Elementary School, students came together in a new way, as the Temecula Valley Unified School District cut the ribbon on a new inclusive playground.

Through grant funding from the United States Department of Education Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, the district budgeted ap-

ner of Newport Road and Town Center Road were submitted prior to the September 1, 2023 deadline and will be processed diligently to allow for construction of the retail buildings. No plans were submitted to address new permits for the Theater Building. As a result, the City has declared the theater site a public nuisance.

“We have been extremely patient with the project developer, but the continued lack of progress and failure to meet deadlines has led the City to take additional action,” said City Manager Armando G. Villa. “While this project is on private property, the City has determined that code enforcement violations requiring corrective actions must be taken by the project applicant to ensure the health and safety of the Menifee community.”

The corrective actions, including the full demolition of the existing theater structures, must be completed by September 21, 2023. The deadline is considered a reasonable period of time and if the corrective actions are not fulfilled by the project applicant at that time, the City may consider additional enforcement measures.

proximately $200,000 and made improvements to all three playgrounds at CHES.

“This district is committed to the health and well being of each and every student in each and every way possible,” said Dr. Joseph Komrosky, TVUSD school board president. “I applaud the district staff who pursued this grant funding and this school for opening the hearts and minds to all students.”

The new playground includes shaded covers, artificial turf for wheelchair access as well as tactile boards both general education and special education students can use together.

“We have created an environment where all students can come together to interact and play alongside each other on a daily basis,” said Dr. Kimberly Velez, TVUSD acting superintendent. “With the

grant, we are able to welcome our moderate and severe special education students to play and interact inclusively with our general education students.”

Adaptive swings have also been installed alongside the regular swings so the students can interact and swing together on the playground.

Prior to the installation of this new equipment, children with

disabilities weren’t able to play with general education students, because the equipment wasn’t adaptable.

TVUSD aims to study the impacts of this equipment on the student relationships and will explore additional grant funding for children at other schools in the district.

• Whether or not this condition constitutes an attractive nuisance or if it poses, promotes a hazard to the health, safety, or welfare of the occupants or the general public

• The degree of visibility, if any, of this condition from public or adjoining private real property

• The scope and type of work that is needed to abate the nuisance

• Existence of any current and valid approvals, permits, or other entitlements for the partially constructed or destroyed building or structure

• Delays in completing nuisance abatement actions under any required permit have occurred, and the reasons for such delays

Submitted content by the City of Menifee.

These unfinished retail buildings next to the city council condemned Krikorian Theater, are not on the council’s nuisance declaration and can still be finished by the owners soon.

The City has several factors that may be used to establish a Valley News/Tony Ault photo

Commercial fire contained in Rainbow

North County Fire Protection District

North County Fire Protection District firefighters responded to a commercial structure fire in the area of the 4200 block of White Lilac Road in Rainbow on Sept. 5, at 12:17 p.m. NCFPD crews arrived on the scene to find a fully involved warehouse fire that had extended into a nearby office connected to the warehouse. Due to an aggressive well-coordinated fire attack, firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to those two structures. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

"There were no injuries," said NCFPD PIO John Choi who thanked the neighboring agencies for their support on this fire, including Oceanside Fire, Vista Fire, Camp Pendleton Fire, Pala Fire, Valley Center Fire Protection District, San Diego Fire Rescue, Deer Springs Fire, and Cal Fire.

At 1:17 p.m., North County Fire Protection District sent out a tweet stating, "#Lilac the fire is contained."

Jason Kendall, owner of Kendall Farms, said, "Kendall Farms experienced a fire earlier today at our main facility in Fallbrook, impacting part of our refrigerated storage. We want to assure our valued customers, partners, and employees that our swift actions in coordination with the fire department led to full containment. No injuries were reported, and all employees safely evacuated the premises.

"Our management team is working diligently to ensure that our operations are minimally disrupted. We anticipate to return to full functionality soon.

"The safety of our employees

and the security of our facilities remain our top priorities. We are cooperating fully with local authorities to conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the incident and to implement additional safety measures if needed.

"Kendall Farms would like to extend its gratitude to all fire departments and emergency re-

sponders involved for their rapid response and support during this situation.

"Having surmounted significant challenges in its history, Kendall Farms reaffirms its unwavering determination to move forward. Our dedicated team's resilience and commitment will swiftly restore full operational capabilities."

Content submitted by Temecula Valley Unified School District.

Photo 2: Dr. Kimberly Velez (Interim Superintendent), Dr. Joseph Komrosky (Board President), Dustin Hackney (Principal) with Students that cut the ribbon: Bailey Escobar and Paloma Bayton.

From left to right: Dustin Hackney (Principal), Nicole Lash (Asst. Sup. Business Support Services), Breck Hilton (Director of SpEd), Dr. Joseph Komrosky (Board President), Dr. Kimberly Velez (Interim Superintendent), Jason Osborne (Director of MOT) Michelle Nelson (Assistant Principal)

Valley News / TVUSD courtesy photos

Valley News/North County Fire Protection District photos

Kendall Farms experienced a fire Tuesday, Sept 5, at their main facility in Rainbow; coordination with the fire department led to full containment.

reasonable period for the complete abatement of the nuisance condition, including but not limited to the following:

DAR honors William Hall for his service and selfless endurance Patriot Hall was a teenager when he first joined the Revolutionary fight

Our American fight for freedom did not come easy. In November 1776, 247 years ago, George Washington was feeling the weight of the process. Just as many take on daunting projects or endure overwhelming odds, so, too, did Washington. The British continually forced retreat and had won four straight battles over the Americans. Down to 3,000 fighting men, Washington wrote to Congress: “The situation of our affairs is critical and truly alarming.” He further wrote on December 20: “Ten days more will put an end to the existence of our army.”

The Americans were hanging on by their fingernails. Washington’s army was hanging on even though they were “going as long as two days with no food and tying rags to their feet in lieu of having shoes.” Said an excert from A Kids’ Guide to the American Revolution by Kathleen Krull, in 2018. This situ

ation was hanging by a thread, but Washington pushed forward with another plan.

Having crossed the Delaware River in winter – following a retreat – and establishing a camp in Pennsylvania, his sights were set on the New Jersey fort at Trenton. He received key information from one of his spies, and he wrote “Victory or Death.” Washington’s army now totaled 2,400 soldiers as some were forced to stay behind at the crossing. An officer wrote in his diary: “I have never seen Washington so determined as he is now. …Calm and collected.”

The information that spurred Washington into action was that the 1,800 German soldiers who were guarding the fort for the British had stopped patrolling due to the freezing weather and were snug inside the fort. Washington’s men surrounded the fort and the warm Germans inside at dawn on

December 26th. The Americans and their cannons left no where for those within the fort to go even though some tried to sneak into nearby houses; patriot women met them with their rifles aimed and firing. British General Cornwallis said, “We may destroy all the men in America, and we shall still have all we can do to defeat the women.”

The Battle of Trenton was a quick victory for the Americans. All the enemy leaders were shot, and their army surrendered. Part of the spoils of war were the enemy’s provisions of weapons, lots of food, and much needed boots. A week later – with troop morale boosted and stomachs full - Washington and his soldiers won the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey.

Patriot William Hall was born in Pennsylvania, and enlisted near the beginning of the Revolutionary War in 1775. He served first in Captain Long’s Company of the

Murrieta City Hall is now open 5 days per week

Tony Ault

Staff Writer

The Murrieta City Council, during the regular city council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 5, announced the City Hall would be open beginning Monday, Sept. 11, five days per week to assist residents with their inquiries and requests.

The announcement, which was initially made by Murrieta City Manager Kim Summers, was welcomed by the council as it will provide residents needed assistance throughout the week. Murrieta City Hall, 1 Town Square, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It was previously closed on Fridays,

except for the necessary staff; however, City Hall is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Monday, Sept. 11, in memory of the victims of the Twin Towers and Pentagon terrorist attack.

In other announcements, Community Service Director Brian Ambrose said the Cal Oaks Swimming Pool, 40600 California Oaks Road, will be drained for safety reasons because of irreversible damage over the years. In the meantime, he asked residents to send in their ideas on what they would like to see in its planned redesign of the pool that is now underway through a survey on the city’s website or dropping in at the city with their suggestions. He also announced there will be a number of

community pop-up events to discuss the residents’ ideas in its redesign and the department has already received 230 surveys on the website.

In a council community report, it was announced that the Riverside Transit Agency’s offer of 25 cent rides will end, however, because it was successful they will offer free rides on Fridays on their routes.

In regular business, the council approved a city land sale of two parcels of land at Clinton Keith and McElwain roads for $70,200 to provide access to a CUP approved planned car wash at that location. The 3,049 feet sliver of land is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act because of its use and small size.

5th Pennsylvania Regiment, then, re-enlisting in 1778, he served under Captain Searingen. William Hall’s wartime experiences included fighting in the battles of Bunker Hill, White Plains, Fort Washington, Fort Lee, Fort Trenton and Brandywine. There is no doubt that he was one of the 2,400 who crossed the Delaware River and surrounded the Fort at Trenton. He served until 1781, of which part of his time was spent at Valley Forge.

William married a young lady named Sarah in the spring of 1779 in Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of 10 children beginning in 1781. The last child was born in 1805. William and family moved west to Kentucky, and a Revolutionary War Plaque at the Court House in Sterling, Montgomery County, includes William Hall’s name. He died at the age of 95 a “War Pensioner” in Jefferson County, Indiana.

Following a public hearing, the council gave its final approval to move the Murrieta Hills Specific Plan Voting District in District 1 represented by Council member Jon Levell that is mostly undeveloped land.

The council also approved a few minor changes to the city’s MultiFamily Residential and Mixed-Used Objective Design Standards that fits in with California’s current Regional Housing Needs Allocation with approved designs fitting with the community residential and multi-family design standards and with CEQA requirements.

Earlier in the evening, the council recognized Police Services Tech-

Two people killed in fatal accident after vehicle flips over

FALLBROOK - Two people were killed Sunday after their vehicle swerved off the road and flipped over, authorities said. The accident occurred at 1:30 a.m.

Sunday on southbound Interstate 15 at Mission Road in Fallbrook, according to the California Highway Patrol. A 32-year-old man was driving with a 28-year-old woman in a Lexus

NX350, and for reasons under investigation, the vehicle veered off the road and overturned. Both the driver and passenger were pronounced dead at the scene.

Rosh Hashanah Young Family Service

Sunday, Sept. 10 at 10:00 AM

Registration required: info@tbstemecula.org

*Erev Rosh Hashanah

Friday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 PM

A musical service with Rabbi Sandy Rosenstein and Cantorial Soloist Mark Grosser

*Rosh Hashanah Day 1

Saturday, Sept. 16 at 10:00 AM

*Rosh Hashanah Day 2

Sunday, Sept. 17 at 10:00 AM

First chance to hear the Shofar sounded

Their identities were not immediately available. Authorities said it has not been determined if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

Anyone with information about

This month Luiseño Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in collaboration with America250 honor William Hall for his service. A teenager when he first joined the fight, he willingly subjected himself, he endured and he hung on! Luiseño Chapter meets 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 Faebook page “Luiseño Chapter DAR - Temecula Valley, CA” for more information. Next month another Revolutionary War Patriot will be the focus of Luiseño’s America250 Committee. Submitted by the Luiseno Chapter of National society Daughters of the American Revolution.

nician II Susan Weigman in her retirement for her service to the city police department for the past 15 years. Police Chief Anthony Conrad and Mayor Lisa DeForest presented her certificates of recognition for her service.

Murrieta Fire & Rescue Chief Bernard Molloy was also given council recognition for his department as again it is one of 22 fire departments in the nation officially accredited for their outstanding services to their community. The department has received this award in past years as well. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

the accident was asked to contact the Oceanside California Highway Patrol office at 760-643-3400.

Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.

Community Tashlich at the Duck Pond

Sunday, Sept. 17 at 4:00 PM

*Kol Nidre

Sunday, Sept. 24 at 6:00 PM

*Yom Kippur Morning

Monday, Sept. 25 at 10:00 AM

*Yizkor, A�ernoon Ne’ilah & Havdalah

Monday, Sept. 25 at 4:30 PM

*Membership or purchased �cket required High Holiday �ckets are $75 each and can be applied toward membership. Free for ac�ve military with ID.

28600 Mercedes Street, Suite 102 • Temecula

Next door to City Hall in Old Town Temecula (951) 679-0419 • tbstemecula.org

Menifee Lakes Women’s Club gala presents annual PURSuing Purpose Charity Gala

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Dressed in their finest, Lake Menifee Women’s Club and their guests enjoyed the 12th annual PURSuing Purpose Charity Gala at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Menifee to raise funds for local charities Saturday, Sept. 9.

The Lake Menifee Women’s Club hosts the purse auction every year to fund many of Menifee and adjoining cities’ charity and nonprofit organizations.

This year’s event was a little different from past years. More than 150 women attended in semi-formal and formal attire and enjoyed a catered meal, live and silent purse auctions, raffles and a Golden Ticket prize. The many purses up for auction called for opening bids of $20 to $350. They were purchased by club members and donated from the finest purse makers, including Coach, Valentino and Michael Kors.

Ivette Taylor, president of MLWC, said the event “is an auction of handbags, and we are very proud. It’s a ladies-only event in addition to our live auction, and we also have amazing opportunity drawings. Many of which are donated very generously by members, community members and industry.”

She explained the club likes to say the gala is a “Glow Up” event for members and guests alike, giving them an extra bonus for the evening.

“For over 30 years, we have supported such organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Inland Valley, Michelle’s Place Cancer Research Center, Oak Grove Center and others,” Taylor said.

Once the event is over, the proceeds go to the nonprofits and community organizations chosen by the LMWC members’ votes. According to Taylor, who is also a financial adviser, the night is not

just about the fundraising event, it is about pursuing sisterhood, memories and giving.

Taylor and Jessica Shaw acted as co-chairs of the event and were joined by A.J. Novack, Alicia Reynolds, Amy Myrick, Christine Fontes, Gabriela Sandoval, Gloria Sanchez, Joanna Brady, Pauleet

Glauser and Stacy BurhananHartfiel.

Event sponsors included Menifee Town Center, WellQuest of Menifee Lakes, Retina Consultants of Southern California, Taylor Wealth Management Group, State Farm agent Sonia Avalos, KellerWilliams Realty, Nothing

Bundt Cakes, JDI and Doug’s SoCal Painting.

The MLWC also participates in Menifee Better Together, Habitat for Humanity, Menifee Independence Day Celebration, Santa’s Workshop, Menifee Community Partners, Youth Leaders of Menifee Teen of the Year Awards, Me-

nifee Interfaith Council and more.

Membership is open at $50 per year with meetings held every Tuesday each month at Wheatfield Park Clubhouse, 30627 Menifee Road, in Menifee.

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

PROJECT from page A-1

sults in back ups into San Diego County ranging from three to 12 miles every weekday and on many weekends, according to Temecula City engineers.

This phase of the French Valley freeway improvement project will eliminate the merging and diverging by installing a concrete barrier and bridge overpass to separate streams of traffic and channelize them based on ultimate destination. These improvements are designed to reduce the congestion that occurs during the evening commute.

The retaining walls are being installed at this time with some as high as 45 feet along the mile and one half stretch of the freeway that is under construction.

“People will just have to get used to it,” Avlin R. Odviar, senior engineer for the Temecula Department of Public Works said in a telephone interview with the Valley News. Odviar said this phase will eliminate the merging and diverging by installing a concrete barrier and bridge overpass to separate streams of traffic and channel them based on ultimate destination.

To help motorists in their daily commute coming out of San Diego and south Temecula, Odviar and the city Public Works Department has set up links on the city website to keep commuters apprised of the weekly changes taking place and where that construction is located and the times it will be happening.

For more information, visit http:// www.TemeculaCA.gov/FVP2. Or, visit the city of Temecula Public Works online, and view I-15 French Valley Parkway Improvements webpage that is complete with days and times the work will be taking place, aerial photos of the project from a airborne drone each month, I-215 switchover alignment where a bridge will be built to the I-15 and other up to date information.

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

Ivette Taylor, president of Menifee Lakes Women’s Club, and Jessica Shaw, co-chair of the PURSuing Purpose Charity Gala, show off their favorite designer purses up for auction at the event.

The line of 40 designer handbags await the highest bidders at the PURSuing Purpose Charity Gala where opening bids ranged from $20 to $350 and proceeds benefited community charities.

Kayla Charters and Gina Gonzalez, director of Menifee’s Economic Development department, attend the Menifee Lakes Women’s Club PURSuing Purpose Charity Gala purse auction, filling out their silent auction bids for a designer purse with MLWC member Gloria Sanchez smiling and looking on.

Valley News/Tony Ault photos

Colorful gift baskets containing many valuable items are up for a silent auction during the Menifee Lakes Women’s Club PURSuing Purpose Charity Gala at the Fairfield Inn, Saturday, Sept. 9, in Menifee.

Remembering 9/11

Boy Scout Troop 148, standing at attention, present the colors during the annual September 11th Remembrance ceremony at the Temecula Duck Pond.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo People stand, hands over their heart, in honor as the national anthem is sung during the September 11th Remembrance ceremony at the Temecula Duck Pond.

Temecula city council member Brenden Kalfus, an Anaheim city firefighter, speaks in honor of all the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks during the annual September 11th Remembrance ceremony at the Temecula Duck Pond.

Carmen Limbal (left) wither son Dominick, 3, and daughter Xanti, 13, attend the annual September 11th Remembrance ceremony at the Temecula Duck Pond.

Tim Long photo

Tim Long photo

Tim Long photo

Tim Long photo

This Murrieta Memorial to the 2001 9/11 attack victims bids readers never to forget that horrible event.

Families listening to the stories being told about the tragic 9/11 attack.

9/11 Rembrance Ceremony are scouts and residents at Town Square Park.

The 9/11 Rembrance Ceremony begins at Murrieta’s Town Square Park.

Movie Review: ‘The Equalizer 3’

Bob Garver Special to the Valley News

It has been five years since audiences last saw Robert “The Equalizer” McCall, as played by the ever-arresting Denzel Washington. In that time, we’ve had a pandemic, three seasons of the Queen Latifah TV series – not to be confused with the Edward Woodward TV series from the 80s – and plenty of time to forget about this iteration of the franchise. I wish Washington and director Antoine Fuqua had forgotten about it too, because they both could have used the time they wasted on this movie doing something worthier of their talents.

The movie opens with the aftermath of a McCall killing spree on the staff of a Sicilian mansion. McCall had to get the attention of a crime boss, played by Bruno Bilotta, in a way that involved not getting killed, but getting captured so the boss could get personally involved. McCall’s plan in this sequence and in the one at the film’s climax have the same problem: they require the bad guys to show exactly the right amount of mercy. Even though McCall knows about their ruthlessness, he expects them to bide their time, toy with him a certain way and not kill anyone unnecessarily, lest we hold him responsible for getting an innocent person killed because he had to get cute with his strategy.

The showdown at the mansion leaves McCall wounded. He’s found unconscious by the side of the road by a helpful small-town cop, played by Eugenio Mastrandrea, who takes him to a local doctor, played by Remo Girone, who lets McCall recover at his house. McCall quickly takes to the town of Altamonte, where everyone is friendly to him, but fearful of the local Mafia, especially payment collector Marco, played by Andrea

Dodero, brother of big boss Vincent, played by Andrea Scarduzio, and yes, I do think it’s funny that the actors playing brothers share a first name, but not a last. He tries to stay out of the locals’ delicate relationship with the violent organization, but trouble seems to have a way of finding Robert McCall, and he soon finds himself having to topple the entire criminal empire.

McCall’s feud with the villains isn’t limited to the parameters of the little town. He picked up some information at the mansion that ties the specific crime family to an elaborate cyber-crime ring. He relays crumbs of information to CIA agent Collins, played by Dakota Fanning. I expected Collins to help out McCall in some of the action scenes since he’s injured, but the character frustratingly never really gets in the game. I honestly started questioning if she was some sort of last-minute addition to the screenplay to pad the movie’s runtime, since she never interacts with any major characters besides McCall, and the movie’s action is pretty scant anyway.

“The Equalizer 3” has done very well for itself at the box office over Labor Day weekend, so I must admit that the project has paid off commercially for Washington and Fuqua. But did this movie really satisfy their creative appetites? Maybe they wanted an excuse to spend time in Italy? That was definitely the case with “Book Club: The Next Chapter” from earlier this year. But while that movie – for all its faults – made Italy look like Heaven on Earth, this movie can’t help but make it look “gritty,” dragging it down to the tone of McCall’s world. My theory is that Washington wanted to prove something to himself, namely that he can still carry an action movie as he approaches age 70. The film’s box office definitely proves that he “can,” and I would

have said he “can” even if the film wasn’t performing well, though he “should” have held out for a better vehicle.

Pala Casino Spa Resort presents

PALA – Pala Casino Spa Resort will present funk-rock band, Here Come the Mummies, Friday, Oct. 6, performing live indoor at the Events Center. The show will start at 8 p.m.

Here Come the Mummies is an eight-piece funk-rock band of 5,000-year-old Egyptian Mummies with a one-track mind. Their

“Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” is sure to get you into them and possibly vice versa.

Since their discovery, HCTM has been direct support for P-Funk, Al Green, Mavis Staples, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Cheap Trick; rocked Super Bowl Village; become a regular on The Bob and Tom

Crossword Puzzle

Theme: Nursery rhymes

Grade: C“The Equalizer 3” is rated R for strong bloody violence and some language. Its running time is

109 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

Here Come the Mummies Oct. 6

Show; appeared on That’s My Jam with Jimmy Fallon; played massive festivals like Summer Fest, Summer Camp, Common Ground, Musikfest and Suwannee Hulaween, and sold tickets by the thousands across large swaths of North America. Maybe that’s why the ladies, and some dudes, can’t stop losing their

minds over these mayhem-inducing mavens of mirth.

Some said they were cursed after deflowering a great Pharaoh’s daughter. Others claim they are reincarnated Grammy-Winning studio musicians. Regardless, HCTM’s mysterious personas, cunning songcraft and unrelenting live show will bend your brain and melt your face. Get ready for Here Come the Mummies.

Tickets prices are $35, $45 and $65 and are on sale now at the Pala Box Office, http://www.palacasino. com or http://www.etix.com. This show is just one of a lineup of headliner and tribute concerts that will be held at the Starlight Theater and Events Center.

Pala Casino Resort Spa’s upcoming schedule includes Chase Rice, Friday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m. in the Starlight Theater; Los Socios del Ritmo, Sunday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. in the events Center; Los Nuevos Rebeldes, Sunday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. in the Events Center; Trace Adkins – Somewhere in America Tour, Friday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. in the Events Center; Bronco, Sunday, Oct. 29, at 6 p.m. in the Events Center and Chiquis: Abeja Reina Tour Parte II, Sunday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. in the

Events Center. Tickets are on sale now, with no service charge, at the Pala Box Office, http://www.palacasino. com and 877-946-7252. Tickets are also available at http://www.etix. com and 800-514-3849. Must be 21 or older to attend.

As SoCal’s Entertainment Capital, Pala Casino Spa Resort includes a Las Vegas-style casino including an expansive gaming floor with over 2,000 slot and video machines, 78 table games, nine restaurants, two lounges, 2,000-seat Pala Events Center, outdoor Starlight Theater and luxury hotel; five swimming pools with two hot tubs and 14 luxury cabanas. Pala Casino’s wide variety of HD premium sporting events enhance a collection of live bands daily at both indoor and outdoor venues. Pala Casino Spa & Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond Award winner for 15 consecutive years. For more information, visit http:// www.palacasino.com, http://www. facebook.com/palacasino or http:// www.twitter.com/palacasino

Submitted by Pala Casino Spa Resort.

Temecula hosts first annual Temecula History Day

TEMECULA ─ The city of Temecula will celebrate the legends and pioneers of Temecula at the first annual Temecula History Day event, hosted by the Community Services Department Satur day, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sam Hicks Monument Park, 41970 Moreno Road, in Old Town Temecula.

Travel back in time to explore Tem ecula’s rich history with educational games such as Flood the Temecula Canyon, Great Oak Acorn Gathering and Temecula Rooster Pull Race. In addition, this free, community-wide, special event will include live music, tractor races, prizes, candy and more! The first 200 attendees will receive free kettle corn and lemonade beginning at 11 a.m.

“Our beautiful city’s unique,

rich history will be celebrated at Temecula History Day,” Mayor James “Stew” Stewart, president of the city’s Community Services District, said. “This is the perfect opportunity to learn all about our pioneers and legends who helped shape Temecula to what it is today. This is truly an engaging, educational and entertaining annual event that will provide fun for the whole family while celebrating our community’s ‘Old Traditions and New Opportunities.’”

For more information, visit http:// TemeculaCA.gov/TCSD. For updates on this event and other events and programs from the Temecula Community Services Department, follow @TemeculaParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram. Submitted by city of Temecula.

TEDxTemecula presents ‘Re-FORMing’ powerful ideas to shape the future

TEMECULA – TEDxTemecula, which has showcased the Temecula Valley’s thinkers, visionaries and performers since 2012, returns with its 12th annual conference Saturday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St. in Temecula.

This year’s theme is “Re-FORMing” and, as in years past, each of the eight talks will explore interesting ideas that heighten their lives and community. Some of the speakers are well-known locally, others come from elsewhere in Southern California, yet all of them will present fresh ideas worth spreading – a tradition of TED Talks around the world.

To date, nearly 90 speakers have taken the TEDxTemecula stage, covering a range of topics including technology, health, personal growth, the arts and entertainment. Their talks have a combined 3.5 million views on YouTube and http://tedxtemecula.com

Tickets are $70 and lunch is included. In addition to a day of inspirational and educational talks, guests will enjoy live music and dance performances, a locally sourced lunch with dessert, vintages from the nearby Wine Country and opportunities to engage with neighbors, friends and others about all that you’ve discovered.

Meet TEDxTemecula’s 2023 speakers.

Ruslan Biryukov is principal cellist and artist in residence with Temecula Valley Symphony. A renowned music teacher and celebrated performer, Biryukov has performed on stages as varied as the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Orange County, the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Biryukov first gained international notice by winning major awards in Azerbaijan, his native country. His formal music education was at the Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory in Russia and the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles. Biryukov’s students have gone on to win more than 300 prizes at competitions around the globe.

Taylor Cole is chief technology officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center in Corona. A 20-year veteran at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Corona, and now serving as its chief technology officer, Cole leads a team that fosters innovation across the command on behalf of the U.S. Navy. In addition, he’s a competitive skydiver with the U.S. Parachute Team, with more than 2,500 jumps to his credit, as well as an entrepreneur. Cole is the founder and chairman of the board at Burble Creativity, which offers a transformative reading experience for children and families that fosters learning, empathy and personal growth.

Charlene Kussner is minister and spiritual director at Center

Teresse Lewis, executive director of The Empowerment Center in

TEDxTemecula conference.

for Spiritual Living in Temecula Valley. A licensed minister and the spiritual director at the Center for Spiritual Living, Temecula Valley, Kussner is a dedicated servant leader within her community. She teaches spiritual classes, facilitates group learning and is a promoter of lifetime learning experiences.

Kussner became a kidney donor in September 2022; she advocates for blood and organ donations and is a speaker for the National Kidney Foundation. In her personal life, she celebrated 25 years of marriage to Suzy Kussner, and is also a mother to two sons, Nate and Zach.

Manny Lopez is a foster care advocate and mentor. Orphaned at 18 months, Lopez, along with his sister, grew up in several foster families. Despite being adopted, he found himself homeless on two occasions before he was 25.

In a life-altering moment, Lopez connected with a caring mentor, discovered entrepreneurship and faith and started developing skills that put him on a path to where he is today – a consultant on systems of automation, a speaker and someone who teaches others how to monetize their brands using automation processes. He also founded a passion project, From orphan to CEO, teaching mentorship, entrepreneurship and faith to at-risk youth, including those who age out of foster care.

Smita Malhotra is chief medical director at Los Angeles Unified School District. As chief medical director of the Los Angeles Unified School District, Malhotra is responsible for medical services in the nation's second-largest school district.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped lead efforts to reopen the district’s 780-plus campuses. She also worked to bring Narcan, which is naloxone, to all K-12 schools, part of a district response to the fentanyl crisis. Previously, as a doctor of pediatric medicine, Smita was director of a newborn nursery and, in 2014, she started a private practice with the goal of healing the whole child and family by combining traditional medicine with alternative therapies such as mindfulness, meditation, acupuncture and yoga. Her first book, “The Newborn Handbook,” published in 2020, guides new parents and caregivers through the first three months with a newborn.

Theresa Rose is a marketing and business consultant and author. With 20-plus years of consulting, marketing and business management experience, Rose has helped organizations and individuals realize their fullest potential. Her career has included senior management roles in marketing and product development for a Fortune 100 company plus high-growth startups. Theresa has been featured in a variety of podcasts, including “Change Your Mindset and Marketing Mistakes + How to Avoid Them.” She also has written several books, including 2018’s “Mindful Performance: How to Powerfully Impact Profitability, Productivity and Purpose,” and “Your Daily Dose of Mojo: 365 Days of Mindful Living and Working” in 2015.

John Santagate is vice president of robotics and voice with Körber Supply Chain North America. Formerly an industry analyst and man-

agement consultant, John Santagate is credited with being the first major industry analyst to study, evangelize and provide market research in the field of autonomous mobile robots in supply chain applications. Today, he leads the robotics business unit at Körber Supply Chain North America, teaches a course on supply chain and logistics at the University of Massachusetts, and serves on the board of advisors for several tech start-ups.

Connie Stopher is executive director of the Economic Development Coalition. A leader in business and economic development, Stopher serves Temecula and much of southwest Riverside County. With 15-plus years of experience, she has revitalized struggling communities, led regional initiatives and specializes in business retention and expansion programs plus international recruitment. Stopher believes strongly in the value of volunteerism and has served on numerous local and state boards and community service organizations.

Meet TEDxTemecula’s 2023 entertainers.

Open since 2011, the Academy of Ballet Arts in Murrieta has a history of success. Dancers have competed in a variety of international tournaments, including the Youth America Grand Prix, where they have received several scholarships and awards, plus the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland in 2020 and 2023. Alumni have moved on to top-notch schools and companies around the world, including The Royal Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet School, Ballet

West, Colorado Ballet Academy, Houston Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.

“We believe that experiencing the performing arts is a vital element in the development and education of our children,” Jose Chavez and Dana Nelson, who are the directors of ABA, said.

Dramane Kone founded the West African drum and dance company Djelia Kadi in 2001, and the group performed worldwide. In 2014, Kone – along with David Hilal, Arjan Marelic and Michelle Scott – created Djembe Fusion. Based in Orange County, the ensemble has performed at Staples Center, University of California Los Angeles’ Royce Hall, the Los Angeles Music Center and other major venues. They also bring their high-energy music and dance performances to festivals, corporate events, educational activities and more. For more information, visit http://www.tedxtemecula.com

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

Submitted by city of Temecula.

Temecula Conservatory of Music to perform for FWC

The Fallbrook Women’s Connection invites the community to come enjoy brunch and a music program with the Temecula Conservatory of Music. The string orchestra will perform in the ballroom of the Grand Tradition, Friday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon. The doors open at 9:30 a.m.

The Temecula Conservatory of Music will have students performing several classical selections. This string orchestra, made up of children between 6-18 years old, recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary.

In May 2023, the youth and chamber orchestras both earned superior ratings at the Knott’s Berry Farm Music In The Parks festival, with the chamber taking “Top Overall” honors for the third time. In 2019, the orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall, where they scored a gold rating at the New York International Music Festival. In April 2024, they will take a European tour, with performances in Salzburg, Vienna and Prague.

In addition to their musical performance, the students will be discussing the Temecula Children’s Music Foundation nonprofit organization, highlighting their musical mentors program where older students help new students develop in their musical journey.

Guest speaker, author and radio host, Laura Yang, will explores how she overcame “Running on Empty.”

Ticket are $30 adults, cash or check, and $15 for children under 18 years of age, which includes brunch prepared by The Grand Tradition, 220 Grand Tradition Way, in Fallbrook. The estate is located at the corner of South Mission Road and Grand Tradition Way near Econo Lodge.

Free child care will be provided for younger children with reservations, which are encouraged. To make a reservation, call Ginny at 760-723-3633 or email Fallbrookcwc@gmail.com

Submitted by Stonecroft Ministries.

Temecula, delivers her talk during 2021’s

Valley News/Courtesy photo

The youth orchestra of the Temecula Conservatory of Music will perform classical selections for the Fallbrook Women’s Connection Friday, Sept. 15. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Carnivorous plants are dining on bugs around the world

Roger Boddaert

Special to the Village News

Carnivorous plants are found from the exotic rainforest to the snowy bogs in the northern hemisphere and even in Northern California.

This unique and specialized class of plants has over 700 kinds that attract bugs of all types and lure them with their sticky tentacles and pitcher-like containers, to devore them through digestive plant juices.

The following are some types for starters as you enter the world of bizarre carnivorous plants and beware says Audrey from “The little shop of Horrors” movie who says, “Feed me Seymour.”

Venus’s flytrap: These little plants have been around for a millennium and are native to the bogs of North Carolina. Its unique leaves will attract flies and other small insects through their aroma and will snap shut in a second as

the insect lands on the leaf that triggers its closure.

Nepenthes: It grows with upright leaves and on the tips of the foliage it produces a pitcher-like vase filled with sweet digestive nectar. The bugs come for a sip and then fall into a slip in the pitcher and drown. They are called monkey cups in Asia where thirsty monkeys come and drink from the cups.

Darlingtonia californica-Cobra

plant: Yes, in the humid, moist wetlands of Northern California in open bogs. These plants will grow, and their architecture is truly a unique shape in the plant world.

Sundews: These fuzzy and colorful stems erupt from an underground bulb. And when the bugs land on the sticky leaf, the digestive enzymes extract the protein they require. They make wonderful house plants and can be located near a bright window to enjoy the filtered sunshine.

Sarracenia: It is called the

The storm has passed – now what?

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Special to Valley News

Though the heavy rains have subsided, more rain is in the forecast. The danger, however, will lurk with mudflow and erosion problems. Residents should make sure they are prepared.

In the next few days, you might find your home and property damaged, and you’ll be wondering how do I get this put back together?

Where do I start?

Put safety first.

If recent rains flooded your home, or you’ve noticed movement in retaining walls, house cracking/shifting, slopes seem to be moving, wind damage, power failures etc. can pose serious dangers. Structural and interior damage, live power lines, mold and open areas of your house can all put you at risk. If damage is severe enough, you may need to leave your house until you can evaluate the damage.

Protect friends or family.

Consider going to an emergency shelter, staying with friends and family or staying at a hotel until you can get an inspector to your home. Take a few days’ worth of clothing and supplies, if possible, but prioritize safety above collecting your possessions. Nothing is worth being injured or killed. Everything is replaceable however your life isn’t.

Have an insurance policy.

Check with your insurance company and find out what your policy covers. They may provide someone to inspect the home for safety hazards or the homeowner may need to hire someone licensed and qualified, but in either case, they should have the home checked for hazards before returning.

File a claim with local, state or federally declared disasters.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a variety of assistance to victims of storm damage. If a local, state or federally declared disaster is

declared, you may be eligible to get help with temporary housing, with repairs, with meals for your family and with filing insurance claims. Contact the FEMA branch in the area.

\hat do I do when it is safe?

Document the damage.

You'll need to document the damage that has been done by the storm as soon as possible, particularly if your homeowner's insurance only covers certain types of damage. Take photos of the damage, and be sure to document any potential problems, such as structural or interior damage, mold, crumbling drywall or exposed power lines. It's a good idea to have pictures on file of the normal state of your house.

Put safety first when documenting damage.

When documenting damage, danger still may be imminent. Ground movement, pipes breaking, electrical lines, unstable structures can cause injury even after the storm. Use caution, do not touch any power lines, if you smell gas, leave the area ASAP, where sturdy boots, gloves and hardhat.

There will be more storms following recent storms. Remember; if you're concerned about a storm that hasn't hit yet, take photos both before and after the storm.

Many homeowner’s insurance policies won't cover flood damage, so if your home has flooded, contact your flood insurance company instead. If you don't have flood insurance, you might be stuck paying for the damage yourself.

You can contact a disaster clean-up company to come in and evaluate your home and begin the post-flood clean-up process.

Sam DiGiovanna is a 35-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as fire chief at the Monrovia Fire Department and currently serves as chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale.

Trumpet pitcher for its shape and is native to the southeastern coast wetlands, and bogs. The flower stems are fragrant and look like a Salvatore modern sculpture. Sarracenia purpurea has purple leaf stems and stands out amongst other carnivores for its brilliant colors.

One summer in Sweden, I was out collecting the rare cloudberry in a spongy peat bog. Amongst these seasonal berries were thousands of carnivorous Sundew plants to my amazement and I was

thrilled to be in this unique plant habitat and watching the wetlands in harmony.

Currently the San Diego Botanical Garden in Encinitas is having a gigantic carnivorous plant exhibit called Savage Gardens inside the conservatory till the end of October. Plant vendors on the weekends are selling a vast array of these unique and hard to find plants.

All these interesting carnivorous plants can open new horizons for youngsters and expand their interest and connection to the planet’s

flora and fauna, and that just might evolve into a new generation of earth stewards. Get connected with the Save Our Forest group in Fallbrook, and you will be a part of the very successful tree-planting movement in our little town. May the forests be with you and yours.

Roger Boddaert, The Tree Man of Fallbrook, is a consulting arborist who can be reached at 760-728-4297.

A giant carnivorous pitcher plant almost got Roger at the San Diego Botanical Garden.

Tall mechanical Venus Fly Trap is an interactive exhibit inside the conservatory.

The Sarracenia is happy growing in a glass terrarium.

The Nepenthe banner is on display at the exhibition at the San Diego Botanical Garden in Encinitas.

Village News/Roger Boddaert photos

A bog exhibit offers assorted carnivores and wild grasses.

Soboba Tribal member becomes certified Master Gardener

Soboba Band of Luiseño

Indians

Special to the Valley News

As a Soboba Cultural Garden

Specialist, Eloyd Rodriguez has enjoyed sharing the garden’s harvests with his Tribal community but also likes to distribute information about planting, growing and maintaining a variety of crops. Since the formal establishment of the Soboba Cultural Garden in 2018, he has been working closely with members of the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program, exchanging ideas and collaborating on different projects to learn from one another.

“There is a lot of trial and error in the Soboba garden,” Rodriguez said.

Working with UCCE Master Gardener Thurman Howard and others over the years and sharing information, he said the connection was there and he felt it was advantageous for Soboba to get involved with the program to gather even more knowledge that would ensure continued success.

After learning more about the UCCE program through this relationship to get the Soboba Cultural Garden to optimum condition, Rodriguez became interested in pursuing his certification to become a UC Master Gardener himself. His current role as the Soboba Cultural Garden Specialist enabled him to pursue endeavors such as the certification process, which took him a little less than a year to complete.

“I have been taking classes here and there since working with the garden and was able to get my heavy equipment operating license,” he said. “I have been taking whatever classes that I come across, always trying to learn more about what we didn’t know and refreshing what we already do know.”

Some of the topics included in the mandatory training classes covered irrigation, weed science, plant propagation, invasive plants,

plant pathology and pollinators.

“There are a lot of classes offered and 100 volunteer hours required, which is broken down into different approved community service activities such as speaking engagements, etc.,” Rodriguez said. “There are different venues for participation as well, and you can be involved around your schedule, so this was very helpful.”

He said he was excited that the Botanical Garden at University of California Riverside was on the list of volunteer work sites that counted towards his certification.

“I always found it very interesting, so I was excited to finally get there to see it in person and work on the gardens there,” he said.

University of California Master Gardeners are trained volunteers from all walks of life who share objective research-based knowledge on all aspects of home horticulture with county residents after receiving 50 hours of training from University of California academics and external practitioners. Master Gardeners share this knowledge primarily by conducting workshops and demonstrations; disseminating gardening literature at public service events; addressing inquiries received through garden phone and email hotlines; identifying pest problems at plant clinics and contributing to the UC blogs and newsletter.

The program’s main priorities are sustainable landscapes that conserve water, recycle green waste, nurture soil, use integrated pest management principles stressing prevention to ward off pests and weeds, are energyefficient and attract appropriate wildlife; food production for backyard, community and school gardens grown pesticide-free and healthy communities that connect the growing urban population with natural environments that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being.

The Soboba partnership also benefited the UC Master Gardener Program of Riverside County.

They recently won first place in the 2023 UC Master Gardener Search for Excellence competition. Their work within the Soboba Cultural Garden stood out as an extraordinary testament to the power of gardening. The Search for Excellence competition takes place every three years and allows UC Master Gardeners to showcase their projects for a chance to win recognition and a cash prize. After careful consideration by the judges, three winners were selected with Riverside County taking the top prize of $1,500.

Search for Excellence judges were wowed by the wonderful story behind the project and congratulated the program on a welldeserved recognition.

The goal of the Soboba Cultural Garden is “to develop a cultivation system that is grounded in traditional Tribal knowledge and connection to the land, while promoting food sovereignty and providing accessibility to health and wellness for its members.”

Not only was the goal to cultivate food for distribution within the Tribal community but also to provide a location for native plant education. The Tribe has been gardening for countless generations in this area but needed some assistance with soil preparation and other logistics required to yield a large crop.

To help the garden reach its full potential, the UC Master Gardener team joined in on the project. Jessica Valdez, a Tribal Archaeologist and Cultural Resource Specialist, and Rodriguez became two key components, along with the Master Gardener team, in the project. While being mindful that they were guests on the Soboba Indian Reservation, the Master Gardener team got to work.

They conducted weekly visits to the garden and kept journals to record progress and make seasonal planting goals. To meet the Tribe’s goals, the team had to first revitalize the garden’s soil. During this process, the Master Gardeners provided the Soboba

Prepare for extended power outages

TEMECULA – Planning ahead can help make adverse situations more manageable. Such is the case when storms strike and the power goes out. Extended power outages may not be pleasant, but some proactive planning can make it easier to withstand blackouts.

Establish a local support network.

Support can be just as valuable as supplies when confronting power outages. The American Red Cross urged individuals to identify people who can help them during an extended power outage. Such individuals may help them stay at home or evacuate if the power will be out for a lengthy period of time.

Support networks can include relatives who live in nearby towns, but also neighbors. A single street can be served by different substations and main power lines, so friends or neighbors across the street may keep their power when houses opposite do not, or vice versa. When the power goes out, support networks can pool their resources in various ways, including

sharing refrigerators or allowing neighbors without power to access the internet. Such support makes it easier for everyone to get through the outage with as little interruption to their lives as possible.

Print a list of important contacts.

If the power is out, it’s only a matter of time before smartphones lose their battery power. Phones can always be plugged into vehicles to get a quick power boost, but that’s not the most practical way to keep phones charged, especially if local roads are closed.

A printed list of important contacts, including nearby relatives like older adults who may be incapacitated, doctors and school officials, ensures people whose phone batteries have died can still contact their loved ones and other important individuals so long as they can use a neighbor's or a loved one’s phone.

Learn to use a generator.

Consumer Reports said that improper operation of a generator can quickly prove deadly. If carbon

monoxide concentrations are too hi gh, i ndividuals can lose their lives in as little as five minutes. And it is no insignificant threat, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that 95 people died from generator-associated carbon monoxide poisoning in 2017.

Consumer Reports recommended operating generators at least 20 feet away from the house. Individuals should familiarize themselves with their generators upon purchasing them so they aren’t forced to endure a trial by fire when the power goes out.

Stock up on essentials.

The Red Cross recommended keeping a two-week supply of nonperishable food and water in the house, making sure to date each container of water and replace it every six months. Keep some extra coolers in the house so food can be stored on ice before it spoils in the refrigerator or freezer.

In addition, make sure there’s enough blankets in the house to keep everyone warm overnight, as it’s not safe to use outdoor heaters

Cultural Department hands-on examples and knowledge of standard practices, as they implemented different healthy soil techniques such as soil tests, compost, manure and vermiculture. The next step was updating the water system to not only save water but also to increase hydro percolation, through utilization of an irrigation tape system.

As the Tribe had requested, the Master Gardener team emphasized sustainable and organic gardening practices that would benefit the garden in the present and future.

The results of the work at the Soboba Cultural Garden showed that crop yield has increased almost three times since plan implementation, and more than one ton of produce is generated every year. This produce is distributed to the community and included in lunches at the Soboba Tribal Preschool. The increase in crop yield is a direct result of the fresh soil in the garden where nitrogen, potassium and phosphate have all increased. The garden has decreased its water usage by more than 56% due to the new irrigation system. More importantly, as was the goal of the Tribe, the garden is currently 100% organic.

Joe Ontiveros, officer of Soboba’s Tribal Historic Preservation, said that “the technical assistance and guidance [Master Gardeners] give is the best” when asked about the impact of the team.

The Master Gardener team also learned much from the Soboba Cultural Resource Department.

Rodriguez said having this certification opens a lot of doors within the gardening community and provides opportunities for him to bring his unique perspective to the program as the first Soboba Tribal member to become a UC Master Gardener volunteer in Riverside County.

“I want to see and help bring continued success to the Program and to the gardening community as a whole,” Rodriguez said. “This membership also provides me with access to more information that

indoors. Stock up on batterypowered lights and candles to light the house at night but make sure all candles are extinguished before going to bed.

can be used to bring home to our garden.”

Although the certification needs to be renewed annually by completing 100 hours of volunteer work the first year and 50 hours in subsequent years, Rodriguez said that will be easy to accomplish since the program offers a wide variety of pertinent seminars, workshops, and more opportunities, depending on the season.

Rodriguez said being affiliated with the Master Gardener program will benefit the Soboba community.

“This feels like a win-win,” he said. “We are working toward the same goals and working toward something bigger. It is a blessing to be a part of it.”

He likes being outdoors and working with the Cultural Resource Department.

“But what I like most about my job is the fact it gives back. You put into it, and it gives back to us,” he said. “I like anything nature related so when I’m up here, I enjoy the peacefulness and the sense of pride I feel. It is really teamwork that makes this possible. None of it would have ever happened without the wide variety of teamwork that pulled together to make it happen.”

Rodriguez said he wants to also let people know that higher education is available for everyone and that it’s never too late to learn and do more, especially if it’s something you are passionate about.

Many Tribal members have since been inspired to start home gardens of their own. The impact of this project is sure to inspire countless generations of not only Soboba Tribal members but the greater gardening community.

“The nutritional food value can’t be overlooked – this type of fresh food helps myself and others with health issues; prevention all starts right here,” Rodriguez said. “It all goes back to food sovereignty and the Tribe supporting that. Everyone cares about Mother Earth because she’s taking care of us with everything we need to survive.”

Extended power outages can be a nuisance. Planning for such outages in advance can make blackouts more manageable.

Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

Eloyd Rodriguez is the first Soboba Tribal member to become a University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteer in Riverside County.

Vegetables harvested from the Soboba Cultural Garden are ready to be delivered to the Soboba Tribal Preschool chefs to prepare student lunches and meals for Elders.

Soboba Tribal Preschool welcomes young students back to school

Soboba Band of Luiseño

Indians

Special to Valley News

Teachers at the Soboba Tribal

Preschool began learning about the youngsters in their classrooms when the new school year began Thursday, Aug. 3. But they seized the opportunity to learn even more when family members were invited to a back-to-school night Friday, Aug. 25. Visitors toured the campus, listened to presentations about what to expect on a daily and weekly basis, checked out a Chromebook for their child’s use and were treated to pizza and snacks.

The school is a place where preschoolers and kindergartners can solidify foundational skills and learn how they can benefit from one another. They learn to value their Native culture, family, friends and education and how they can contribute to a respectful, supportive and productive community. It is the first step to giving young children a lifelong love of learning.

Preschool teacher Lenora “Ponie” Mojado has a dozen threeyear-olds who are at the onset of their school-based educational journey. As her students showed their family members where they sit and keep their items in a personalized cubby, Mojado shared how she wants parents to be engaged with the learning process. She encouraged them to support their children when they are at home by reading to them and helping them practice identifying shapes, colors, as well as counting to 10 and writing their own names to reinforce the lessons they will be learning at school.

Children have the option of eating breakfast at home and arriving for class by 8:30 a.m. or arriving at 8 and eating a nutritious meal prepared in the school’s kitchen. Lunches and snacks are also prepared and served during the time students are on campus. Preschool and pre-kindergarten students attend half day while kindergarten students are in class for a full day of instruction and activities.

Much of what the children learned the previous year will be reviewed and reinforced in the pre-K classroom with teacher Ana Garcia. During her presentation, she outlined the expectations she has for her students and how they will achieve them. The school has been using the Benchmark curriculum and students who are returning at the next grade level are already familiar with the program and its numerous ancillary resources.

“Every day we are learning our ABCs, letter sounds, name writing, identifying numbers, shapes and colors,” Garcia said. “We are developing our social skills, fine and gross motor skills and our language skills.”

She said that most of all students will be learning the pre-reading and pre-writing skills they will need when they reach kindergarten. An emphasis will also be placed on getting into a routine and staying focused.

“The best way to learn is through all of our senses and I am providing a fun-enriched classroom based on age-appropriate curriculum so we can do just that,” Garcia said. “We are excited as we move

Answers for puzzle on page B-2

forward into the new school year.”

Garcia requested parents complete a survey that included listing their child’s strengths and what motivates them. She reminded them that “your child’s first teacher starts at home” and encouraged parents to share their concerns and goals in a collaboration benefiting each student to ensure a successful education and future.

Teacher Laura Aldrete, with the help of instructional aide Mayra Campos, has altered the kindergarten classroom from the past and offers individual desks for each student. Working together as a team, they have big goals for this school year as they get to know the 23 enrolled children better.

“Most of them are not new to the school but have to get used to being here for a full day, not just half a day,” Campos said.

Having worked in the education field for more than seven years with children from six weeks through eighth grade, she said she enjoys the community-based aspect she has found at Soboba. She and Aldrete want to focus on families getting more involved with what goes on at the school, which will support the students outside the classroom as well.

Aldrete said she will continue to be committed to establishing strong parent-teacher communication, and she provided contact information for parents to reach her for any reason as did the other teachers.

“We’ve got a great group of kids this year,” said Aldrete, who began teaching last spring’s kindergartners. “Many of these students had Ms. Ana last year but we have a couple of newcomers that are adjusting well. Our focus this month is getting to know each other and learning about the classroom environment, rules, routines and expectations.”

Donovan Post, who had been serving as the preschool’s director until Friday, Sept. 1, said the concerted effort has always been to get all students in line with standards so they are ready for first grade. Whether they attend the school for three years or less, each class provides the instruction needed to reach that goal.

“We have a qualified caring staff that is ready to help our most precious students,” Post said. “The highlight to me as the director was seeing about 90% of our students’ families attend our back-to-school night. The support that they give to their children is amazing, and it starts them off on the right track with nothing but love and support.”

All teachers meet the state of California qualifications to teach in a preschool setting with each certified in first aid and infant, child and adult CPR, which is renewed every two years. Additionally, continued education is encouraged, and in-service training is offered throughout the year.

The preschool works closely with TANF youth programs to offer students hands-on child development experience. The preschool also participates in the Soboba Tribal Internship program which allows Tribal members to gain knowledge of the child development field while enrolled in college classes for early childhood

studies, which is where Mojado got her start before continuing her education at Mt. San Jacinto College where she earned her associate degree in the field.

Any person who wants to help teach in the classroom needs to have 12 early childhood development credits to apply. Any person who just wants to volunteer needs to complete a background with Soboba’s human resources department. For more information, visit http://www.soboba-nsn.gov/hr.

The current school year promises to include many special events that bring the community together to celebrate with the youngsters. October’s trunk-or-treat event lets the kids gather candy and other handouts from booths set up at the Sports Complex by team members from all of Soboba’s departments and entities. The decorations and themes are always well thought out and add to the spirit of the season.

The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal Preschool, on the Soboba Indian Reservation, has been in operation since 2001. In December 2014, it was relocated to a new building which is shared with other Soboba youth services. Within the 3,000-square-foot building, classrooms are equipped with quality programming, ageappropriate educational supplies and computer technology.

Providing a quality preschool educational program for Native American children, its curriculum is designed to enhance social, intellectual, physical and emotional growth. Its philosophy is to provide a learning environment where children may explore, question and create without the fear of failure or criticism from adults or peers.

Classrooms provide daily learning experiences in math, language, art, science, computer technology, social development and culture. Teachers provide experiences that will enable the children to learn about and appreciate their Native history and culture, to be proud of themselves, their ancestry, their language and their community. Luiseño language instruction is implemented on a daily basis through songs, fingerplay, stories and dance. The preschool’s tagline is “Té’iqat Čaamiamáayum Šhúlam” which translates to “Empowering our young minds.”

A

Local private investigator wins nomination for Investigator of Year at CALI Conference

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Private investigator Anthony Campbell from AC Investigations in Fallbrook, who often provides the Valley News and The Village News with information for investigative journalism reports, was nominated recently as Investigator of the Year for the California Association of Licensed Investigators. Although he did not receive the award as the Investigator of Year, his nomination came in second and won praise from the organization during its 54th California Confer-

ence in Sonoma Wine Country in August..

“I was nominated for private investigator of the year; unfortunately, and from what I was told by the insiders, I was a close second,” Campbell said. “I am very honored to have been nominated.”

Campbell is a certified professional investigator, having passed private investigator tests and examinations in 2016. “That was a big deal for me,” Campbell said.

He joined the CALI organization in the San Diego area. He works on high risk missing persons, infidelity cases, cohabitation

and other sensitive matters. He recently assisted law enforcement in finding a high risk older missing person in Fallbrook following Village News media information.

Before becoming a private investigator, he worked as tribal law enforcement for Indian Reservations including those at the Pala, Rincon and La Jolla reservations in North County San Diego.

AC Investigations is located at 111 W. Alvarado St. in Fallbrook.

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

Preschool teacher Lenora “Ponie” Mojado shares plans for the new school year with families of her threeyear-old students during a back-to-school night event at Soboba Tribal Preschool Friday, Aug. 25. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

Pre-kindergarten teacher Ana Garcia explains to a parent how computer technology is accessed on a daily basis within her classroom during a back-to-school night visit at Soboba Tribal Preschool.

schoolwide theme of offering a rainbow of possibilities provides students and visitors with colorful messages and designs at Soboba Tribal Preschool.

Students are welcomed to Laura Aldrete’s kindergarten classroom at the Soboba Tribal Preschool.

Robeks opens new franchise store in Temecula

TEMECULA – Robeks, the destination for fresh smoothies, juices, acai bowls and toasts, announced its opening in Temecula, 31845 Temecula Parkway, marking the first of four new locations coming into the region.

The Temecula store opened its doors Tuesday, Aug. 29. Owned and operated by a skilled fatherson franchisee duo, Scott and Emerson Alvarado, it marks their first venture into the Robeks franchise to bring health and wellness to the local communities throughout California. In addition to the Temecula store, Scott and Emerson said they will open Robeks locations in Menifee, Murrieta and French Valley in the near future.

“I am delighted to open my first Robeks location in Temecula with my son,” Scott Alvarado said. “Our goal is to create a vibrant, yet welcoming environment where people can discover and enjoy the benefits of delicious and nutritious smoothies, juices and bowls. We are looking forward to serving Temecula and promoting a betterfor-you lifestyle.”

“We are thrilled to witness the remarkable growth of Robeks throughout California, and the opening of the Temecula location is another testament to our

strong growth trajectory,” David Rawnsley, president and CFO of Robeks, said. “The dedication and success of franchisees like Scott and Emerson reflect our shared vision of promoting well-being and serving as a beacon of healthconscious choices. We look forward to continuing our expansion and positively impacting more lives across the state.”

Robeks has established partnerships with leading third-party online and mobile food-ordering delivery providers to provide customers with a hassle-free option for delivery. This collaboration enables guests to relish the finest, flavorful smoothies, juices and bowls in the convenience of their own homes or workplaces.

Customers can place online orders through the newly enhanced Robeks mobile app, which can be downloaded for free from the iOS app store or Google Play, as well as through http://Robeks.com. Even when choosing delivery through the Robeks mobile app, customers can still accumulate “Robeks Rewards” points and savor the same taste and quality found in-store.

To learn more about Robeks of Temecula, visit ht tp://www. robeks.com or call 626-221-6664.

Submitted by Robeks.

Twilight Wish Foundation welcomes new chapter in Southern California

TEMECULA – Twilight Wish Foundation, a nonprofit group based in Pennsylvania, announced the appointment of Bryan Allen as director of the newly formed Inland Empire chapter in Southern California.

Allen, a resident of Temecula, worked for over 33 years in retail operations and management for Safeway, at one time overseeing all 300 stores in the Vons Division. Now retired, he is an avid runner who has completed 43 marathons with 10 of those being the Boston Marathon. Allen is also coach and

organizer of a local running club, the Murrieta Temecula Valley Runners. In addition, he has been a volunteer for over 13 years with Make-A-Wish of Orange County and the Inland Empire.

Allen became involved with Make-A-Wish after his own son was diagnosed with a brain tumor at a young age and was granted a wish through the organization.

After experiencing the passion of the Make-A-Wish volunteers for making children’s lives happier, Allen began volunteering for them, he said. He recently became aware

of Twilight Wish Foundation after reading an article in a local newspaper about an older adult whose wish to visit Disneyland had just been granted. “I grew up in a challenging household and was given the opportunity to live with my dear grandmother,” Allen said. “Living with her during my late teens and early twenties gave me the chance to see how special the elderly are to our society. Reading about how dedicated Twilight Wish is to the elderly piqued my interest in giving back to those seniors in need.”

Twilight Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that grants wishes to older adults who are over 65 years old and have an income of less than 200% of poverty level annually or who are permanent residents of a nursing facility. The mission of Twilight Wish Foundation is to honor and enrich the lives of older adults through intergenerational wish granting celebrations.

An encounter with a group of older adults at a Pennsylvania diner was the inspiration for Twilight Wish Foundation, according

to the nonprofit. Since then, Twilight Wish has granted over 5,366 wishes to low-income older adults, thanks to volunteers, corporate and community involvement and donations.

For more information on the Inland, Empire chapter of Twilight Wish Foundation, visit htt p:// www.twilightwish.org. To reach Bryan Allen, email him at sprybry@verizon.net or call 951-4913678.

Submit ted by Twilight Wish Foundation.

Voices for Children appoints 4 new members to board of directors

RIVERSIDE – Voices for Children appointed four new members to its board of directors recently. New board members include Murrieta resident Amy Eybsen, CPA, who has over 10 years of public accounting experience and is a managing director within GHJ’s Audit and Assurance Practice; Rancho Santa Fe resident Sarah Houghton, who is a senior marketing manager at Sony Electronics; Rancho Santa Fe resident Jennifer Kropko, who is a mother of two, Air Force veteran and former tech executive and Point Loma resident Edward Patrick “Pat” Swan Jr., who is a trial attorney with Jones Day.

Board officers for the 2023-2024 fiscal year include Annette Bradbury as chair, Kristi E. Pfister, Esq. as vice chair, AnneElise Goetz, Esq. as immediate past chair, George Lai as secretary and Andy Christopher as treasurer.

Voices for Children is the only local nonprofit organization certified by the courts in San Diego and Riverside counties to recruit and train Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers. CASAs serve as consistent, caring adults for vulnerable children who are in foster care after experiencing abuse or neglect. CASAs advocate by providing critical information to judges making decisions about

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Voices for Children’s board is comprised of community and business leaders responsible for financial oversight, goal setting, policy development, and a heart to invest in our community’s children in foster care. Members of the board meet regularly and dedicate additional time to participating in fundraising, community outreach and CASA graduation celebrations.

“Voices for Children is pleased to welcome our new board members alongside Annette’s leadership during her second-year term as we continue our mission to provide Court Appointed Special

Advocate volunteers who speak up for the needs and well-being of children in foster care,” Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS, president and CEO of Voices for Children, said.

For more information on VFC, its programs that support youth in foster care, and ways to get involved, visit http://speakupnow org

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foster care in court, school and the community to ensure their needs are met. VFC believes every child deserves a safe and permanent home and strives to provide a CASA volunteer to every child in the foster care system who needs one. Last year, VFC CASAs and staff provided direct advocacy to nearly 2,300 youth in foster care across San Diego and Riverside counties as well as case monitoring services to hundreds of other children in foster care who might need an advocate in the future. For more information, visit http:// speakupnow.org. Submitted by Voices For Children.

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Review of all things Real Estate

Hillery CR Properties

By attorney Mike Perdue

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows property owners to manage and distribute their assets, such as real estate, while providing financial security and control. In the Golden State, utilizing trusts can be particularly advantageous due to the unique legal and financial landscape. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of trusts for owners of real property in California.

of establishing a trust for your real property in California is the ability to sidestep the often lengthy and expensive probate process.

Probate is the legal procedure that validates a will and ensures assets are distributed according to the deceased's wishes.

However, it can be time-consuming, costly, and subject to court oversight (figure 3% of the value of your assets as a close minimum, plus an average of 2 years in court). By placing your property in a trust, you enable a smoother transition of ownership to your designated beneficiaries, bypassing the probate process in most cases.

Maintaining privacy

California is known for its stringent privacy laws, and trusts offer an effective way to maintain confidentiality regarding your property and its value. When real property passes through probate, the proceedings become a matter of public record, exposing sensitive financial information to the public eye. By utilizing a trust, property owners can keep things more private, as trust documents are not normally subject to public disclosure.

Flexibility in distribution

Trusts provide property owners with unparalleled flexibility in dictating how their assets are distributed. Whether you wish to divide your property among multiple beneficiaries, specify conditional

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distributions, or stagger disbursements over time, a trust allows you to tailor distribution plans to your unique preferences. This level of customization ensures that your real property benefits those you care about in the ways most advantageous to them. Substance abusers, disabled, or spendthrifts can all be effectively helped through the use of a trust.

Asset protection

California is known for its dynamic business environment, but it's also home to certain financial risks. Utilizing a trust can provide an added layer of protection for your real property, shielding it from potential creditors and legal judgments. Irrevocable trusts, in particular, can offer robust asset protection benefits by transferring ownership and control of the property to the trust, thereby placing it beyond the reach of personal liabilities in most cases for those with high assets.

Efficient succession planning

Planning for the future is crucial, especially when it comes to real property. By creating a trust, property owners can ensure a seamless transition of ownership in the event of incapacitation or passing.

This is particularly valuable for families who wish to maintain the property's legacy and prevent potential conflicts among heirs. A well-structured trust can provide clear instructions for succession, minimizing the risk of disputes down the line. But there are caveats in these types of trusts, so you need an attorney who knows the pitfalls.

Managing incapacity

In the unfortunate event of physical or mental incapacity, a trust can ensure that your real property remains well-managed and cared for. Designating a successor trustee to take over management duties can prevent disruption in property management and rental income, if applicable. This can be especially vital in a state like California, where property values and rental markets can be quite lucrative.

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Conclusion For owners of real property in California, the advantages of establishing a trust are both compelling and diverse. From evading the complexities of probate to protecting assets from potential liabilities, trusts offer a powerful framework for managing and distributing real estate holdings. With privacy, flexibility, and efficient succession planning at its core, a trust empowers property owners to leave a lasting legacy while safeguarding their interests and those of their loved ones. Consulting with an experienced trust Attorney is essential to tailor a trust strategy that best suits your unique family circumstances and goals.

If there are any questions, contact Mike Perdue, attorney in Bonsall, at 760-930-966 or through https://TrustMyTrust.com.

September 15 – 21, 2023

Prep Football

Week Three scores and game notes from around the area

see SCORES, page B-1

Daniel Jones added 77 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

– David Canales, photographer.

Santa Rosa Academy - 52, California Military - 7

FRIDAY 9/8

Nonleague

Desert Mirage - 41, Anza Hamilton - 0

Chaparral - 42, Temecula Valley - 7

Game notes: This was the silver anniversary of the crosstown rivalry between Chaparral and Temecula Valley high schools, but it’s no longer a league matchup. With the Pumas representing the Big West Upper Division, and the Golden Bears representing the Big West Lower Division, it was Chaparral (3-1) that dominated the night with a 42-7 non-league victory. The Pumas scored on their first four possessions of the game to jump out to a 28-0 lead while their defense put the QB down seven times over the course of the game, led by Joseph Luedtke, who had three. Temecula Valley was able to muster up a last-minute score to cut the lead to 28-7 just before halftime. The flags were flying in a pre-game display in remembrance of the fallen and to honor first responders and those that may have lost loved ones in the events of 9/11. Puma QB, Dash Beierly, ended the night completing 11 of 18 passes for 198 yards with 74 rushing yards of his own. Jayce Venable (Chaparral) led all rushers with 80 yards on 17 carries. Blake Lowe (Chaparral) added two receptions for 80 yards. For Temecula Valley, Jake Bester completed 9 of 16 passes for 107 yards and rushed 17 times for 58 yards. Chaparral has now won 18 of the 25 games in the series. –David Canales, photographer.

Hemet - 35, Rialto - 15

Paloma Valley - 37, Heritage - 0

Game notes: It was the annual Menifee Bowl as Paloma Valley High School’s Brady Nelson completed 19 of 28 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns with another 68 yards and two touchdowns on the ground as the Wildcats beat their crosstown rival Heritage High School in their nonleague matchup. Also contributing was Jeffrey Blalock who had four catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns, and Arthur Clemons with seven receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. – Action

Captures Media Group

Murrieta Valley - 29, Murrieta Mesa - 25

Game notes: Don’t let their 0-4 record fool you, Murrieta Mesa High School had found the key to outscoring Murrieta Valley High School in their Week Three matchup as they held on to a 25-23 lead going into the fourth quarter. A flurry of botched 2-point conversions by both teams kept the game close in the second half, but it would be a Nighthawk pass with 10 minutes to go that would keep Murrieta Valley ahead for good.

Murrieta Mesa had a chance to strike back with two minutes left in the game but turned the ball over on downs. Julian Silva paved the way for Murrieta Mesa with 19 completions in 31 attempts, connecting with Daniel Ritchie for two TDs and Taysean Jamison for another. – JP Raineri, Valley News

Sports Editor

Elsinore - 38, Redlands East Valley - 29

San Jacinto - 21, Rancho Verde - 16

Great Oak - 28, Vista del Lago - 9

Game notes: Great Oak High School’s Ryder Smith had eleven tackles on the night against Vista del Lago High School to lead the defense with 11 tackles and also had two touchdown runs in their non-league bout. Wolfpack QB

Cole Vasquez threw for 147 yards, and Jefferson Roberts added 125 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Caden Chapin also added his name to the highlight reel with a touchdown run and had one of the three interceptions by Great Oak’s defense. – Rob Davis, photographer West Valley - 22, Carter - 19

Intersectional

San Diego Del Norte - 28, Liberty - 21

San Marcos Mission Hills - 41, Orange Vista - 12

8-Man

Intersectional

Escondido Calvin Christian - 56, California Lutheran - 30

Cornerstone Christian - 58, Julian - 6

Game notes: Cornerstone Christian High School’s Devin Jarrett threw four touchdown passes and scored on the ground as the Crusaders (2-1) picked up another non-league win against Julian High School. Matthew Cole Contreras caught two of the Jarrett touchdowns passes and also ran for a touchdown. Jonathan DeLocht intercepted two passes and scored twice with an interception return and had a touchdown catch. – JP

Raineri, Valley News Sports Editor

SATURDAY 9/9

Intersectional

Blythe Palo Verde Valley - 33, San Jacinto Valley Academy - 0

Calipatria - 34, St. Jeanne de Lestonnac - 20

Carlsbad Army-Navy - 49, Temecula Prep - 0

Week Four schedules

Here is the schedule for area football teams playing Week Four games from Thursday, Sept. 14, to Saturday, Sept. 16. (Dates, sites and times subject to change.)

THURSDAY 9/14

(Games at 7:30 p.m., unless noted)

Nonleague

• Canyon Springs at Heritage

• Hamilton at Tri-City Christian, 5 p.m.

• King at Murrieta Valley

• Miller at West Valley

• Rancho Christian at Xavier Prep, 7 p.m.

• Temescal Canyon at Lakeside

FRIDAY 9/15

(Games at 7 p.m., unless noted)

Manzanita League

• San Jacinto Valley Academy at California Military Institute

Nonleague

• Beaumont at Murrieta Mesa

• Citrus Hill at Bloomington

• Cornerstone Christian at Horizon Prep, 3:30 p.m.

• Diamond Bar at Paloma Valley

• Elsinore at Eisenhower

• Great Oak at Chaparral

• Hemet at Adelanto

• Perris at Jurupa Valley

• San Gorgonio at Liberty

• Temecula Prep at La Puente

• Temecula Valley at Vista

Murrieta

SATURDAY 9/16

(Games at 7 p.m., unless noted)

Manzanita League

• Nuview Bridge at Webb, 1 p.m.

• Silver Valley vs. St. Jeanne de Lestonnac at Linfield Christian

Non-league

• Capistrano Valley Christian at Santa Rosa Academy

*All stats, schedules, photos, and scores are supplied by local high school athletic directors, MaxPreps, CIF-SS offices, contributing writers/ photographers and countless fans of the games via social media. Is your team’s score missing? Want to leave a game note? Let us know if your school is inside our coverage area and would like to be mentioned.

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

Valley News/David Canales photo

Before their Week Three matchup against Chaparral High School, the Temecula Valley High School Jr. ROTC presents colors in a tribute to remember the events of 9/11.

Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Heritage High School defender, Aragon Tankink (5), prepares to tackle Paloma Valley High School’s Damian Ramirez (21) during their Week Three game.

Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Murrieta Mesa High School RB Royal Randolph (32) is stopped in the backfield by Murrieta Valley High School linebackers Lima Tofilau (23) and Ethan Adams (52). Friday, Sept. 8.

Chaparral High School races past Temecula Valley High School 42-7 in this year’s crosstown rivalry between the two Temecula schools.

Valley News/David Canales photo

Valley News Southwestern League girls’ golf preview

Derryl Trujillo

Sports Write

A new Southwestern League girls’ golf season starts in a little less than a week, and as Vista Murrieta and Temecula Valley high schools look to defend their shared team title of a year ago. Lauren Sammon (Vista Murrieta) is the league’s defending individual champion after shooting rounds of 68-65=133 (-9) at Hemet Golf Club and reaching a CIF-State final.

Let’s take a look back at last year and ahead to the race for that team championship which begins Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Team Standings:

1. Vis ta Murrieta and Temecula Valley 8-2

3. Great Oak 7-3

4. Murrieta Valley and Chaparral

3-7

5. Murrieta Mesa 0-10

CIF-SS Qualifiers (9 last year, 8 in 2023):

They include:

1. Lauren Sammon (VM) 133,

2. Brooke Carpenter (GO) 156,

3. Kimi Arabe (TV) 165, 4. Rylee Rainosek (MV) 168, 5. Jaclyn Jacques (Chap) 173, 6. Kahlea Manalang (VM) 175, 7. Krissy Dinsenbacher (Chap) 177, 8. Gwenyth Dempsey (GO) 178, 9. Madison Murakami (GO) 180

Next, we’ll go team by team and take a look at players to watch (graduation year in parentheses) along with early results.

Vista Murrieta Head Coach: Ryan Heise Players to watch:

1. Lauren Sammon (2024) – A verbal commit to Wisconsin who has won back-to-back league championships along with the 2021 (Spring) CIF-SS Individual Title at River Ridge Golf Course in Oxnard. She was also the CIFState Southern California regional runner-up last fall and finished T16 at the state finals.

2. Breanna Noble (2027) –Noble, an incoming freshman, comes to Vista Murrieta after being part of an SCGA Four-Ball gross division championship team with friend Hannah Bagnell earlier this year. She also has a pair of top 25s in AJGA competition in 2023.

3. Wren Saithong (2027) – Heise believes this talented freshman will also be among those fighting for eight available spots to the CIFSS Individual qualifier in October.

Early in the 2023 season Vista Murrieta is 2-2 and averaging 233.5 for nine holes as a team.

“We have high hopes for backto-back league championships and the team is working hard to achieve that goal,” Heise said.

Temecula Valley Head Coach: Shannon Wolter

Players to watch:

Kimi Arabe (2024) – One of the nine CIF-SS qualifiers from last year will lead the Golden Bears in defense of their Southwestern League title of a year ago.

Bridget Gibney (2027) –Laila Benavente (2025) –

“We have a tenacious group of young ladies and are looking forward to the season ahead,” Wolter said.

Great Oak Head Coach: Rachel Reif Players to watch:

1. Brooke Carpenter (2024) –Last year’s Southwestern League runner-up and a multiple time CIFSS postseason qualifier.

2. Gwyneth Dempsey (2024) –Dempsey is another multiple time CIF-SS qualifier looking to finish her career on a high note.

3. Jessica Li (2025) – Earned medalist honors at the Riverside Poly tournament last Monday in 100+ degree temperatures by shooting a one over par round of 73 at Victoria Club, home of last year’s CCAA tournament.

4. Skyler Earle (2027) – Started her HS career off with an 80 in the Poly tournament last Monday and

AnzA VAlley OUTLOOK

has a pair of top 10s in SCPGA Junior Tour competition this summer.

Great Oak opened the season with a 203 against Torrey Pines at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club and shot 417 in that Poly tournament to finish in second behind Walnut, a Southern California regional power. The Pack nearly had a three-way tie for that Southwestern League title last year but lost their regular season finale to Chaparral.

“We’re looking forward to our best season yet at Great Oak,” Reif said. “We have two excellent senior leaders and eight players within three shots of each other in practice providing depth as they challenge each other for those fifth and sixth spots. Our league has a lot of talent across the board and it’s going to be a fun year down here.”

Chaparral

Head Coach: Kyle Warren

Players to watch: Jaclyn Jacques (2024) – A CIFSS postseason qualifier last year looking to finish her career off with another appearance in that tournament.

Lily Canava (2027) – According to coach Warren is showing a great work ethic early on and has huge potential.

Grace Kang (2025) – Warren said she has put in the work this summer and is looking for a consistent spot in the Puma lineup.

“Our goals for this season are to play hard and have as much fun as possible,” Warren said.

Murrieta Valley

Head Coach: Rogelio Gallegos

Players to watch:

Riley Rainosek (2025) – A CIFSS qualifier last year who finished fourth at the league tournament is expected to have another great season.

Maddie Sammon (2027) –Another talented freshman (yes, the sister of back-to-back individual defending champion Lauren Sammon) who has gotten off to a solid start. She’s posted three sub 40 scores in dual matches and a 76 at Victoria Club in Riverside Poly tournament play.

“Amanda Aylward and Kaia Dobbins have shown improvement at the start of the year to give us a solid one through four with Riley and Maddie, but we are looking for a couple of players to step up and give good scores from those fifth and sixth spots,” Gallegos said. “I’m looking forward to another great year in the Southwestern League and am lucky to coach an outstanding group of young ladies.”

Murrieta Mesa was 0-10 in league play a season ago and also failed to have a player reach day two in league tournament action.

Southwestern League individual tournament play in 2023 is scheduled for Oct. 18-19, at Menifee Lakes Country Club’s Lakes Course as announced by Heise Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Derryl Trujillo can be reached at socaltrekkie@gmail.com

Temecula’s DeAndre Carter commits to play football at the University of Auburn

JP Raineri

Sports Editor

Temecula’s DeAndre Carter

is one of the nation’s top 4-star offensive lineman recruits, and though you won’t find him playing high school ball anywhere close by, the Mater Dei standout will be seen on the national stage soon enough. Currently a senior at the prestigious high school in Santa Ana, Carter has committed to play football for the University of Auburn.

The 6'4 340lb OT was highly touted by over 25 major colleges including Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, and USC to name a few.

The finalists were Texas, Michigan State, and Auburn. At a special National Letter of Intent signing day ceremony held last week, DeAndre chose Auburn over the other two schools citing that he really felt comfortable around the coaching staff and current players along was really taken in by their football facilities.

Carter got on the radar after earning a starting spot at Mater Dei toward the end of his freshman year and has since been named First Team for almost every media outlet. He was First Team

offense (All-Trinity League), made the MaxPreps sophomore All-American team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State and won Offensive Lineman of the Year last season for Mater Dei. Earning a spot to the 2024 Under Armour All-American Bowl.

As for his final season in high school, Carter and the Mater Dei Monarchs are 4-0 in this year’s campaign so far. They will take on the winless St. Frances Panthers this week before starting their Trinity League run that could end in yet another title after being one of the top teams in the nation last year. Valley News photographer David Canales contributed to this article.

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

DeAndre Carter, a Temecula native that just started his senior year at Mater Dei, signed his National Letter of Intent to play at the University of Auburn in 2024.

Valley News/David Canales photo

Valley News/Andrez Imaging photo

Vista Murrieta High School’s Lauren Sammon shot a final round 65 in the Southwestern League girls’ golf finals action to set the course record at Hemet Golf Club Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. The Wisconsin commit is a back-to-back league champion and was CIF-State regional runner-up last season along with a CIF-SS champion in 2021.

The 2022 Southwestern League all league honorees gather for a photo after final round play at Hemet Golf Club Oct. 20, 2022.

Great Oak High School’s Jessica Li with the Poly Classic individual championship trophy at Riverside High School’s Victoria Club Monday, Aug. 28. As a team the Pack finished second, 28 shots behind champion Walnut, with a team score of 417.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News Prep Volleyball Notebook:

Week ending 9/9

Derryl Trujillo

Sports Writer

This week in the Valley News Prep Volleyball Notebook we have a recap of the Dave Mohs Tournament in Orange County with other tournament results, the end of a lengthy streak, and league play on the horizon… Rancho Christian ends Lions undefeated mark in five set matches under Ortiz:

In their previous two seasons with Dana Ortiz as head coach the Linfield Christian girls volleyball program has been perfect in five set matches, going 7-0 en route to backto-back CIF-SS playoff appearances. However, on Tuesday, September 5 at the Eagle’s Nest that streak ended as Rancho Christian knocked off the Lions at home in a five-set thriller by scores of 18-25, 25-23, 26-24, 17-25, 1614. Savannah Thomas led Rancho Christian with 39 kills and hit .400 in the win with just eight attacking errors on 79 attempts and earned Valley News Player of the Week honors for the performance.

Dave Mohs Tournament recap:

Three Southwestern League teams went to Orange County for the Dave Mohs Tournament and one final tune-up before Tuesday’s opening matches. None of our area teams made the Gold Bracket in division one as Chaparral and Murrieta Valley went 1-2 in pool play with Great Oak going 0-3.

In Silver Bracket play the Pumas recorded an opening round win against Newport Harbor before getting swept by JSerra. Murrieta Valley got swept by the Lions in their bracket play opener but finished with a win against Newport Harbor.

Great Oak went to the Bronze Bracket and was swept by Menlo before defeating La Costa Canyon.

Ayala Tournament:

It’s not a tournament the Vista Murrieta volleyball team usually visits but this weekend the Broncos went to Ayala for their annual tournament and came away with the title. In pool play Vista Murrieta

Wolfpack show depth in big non-league girls’ golf win over Palm Desert

defeated Upland, San Dimas, and Walnut before defeating Ayala, San Dimas, and Los Osos in Saturday bracket play.

Whittier Tournament: Temecula Valley earned a spot in gold division bracket play but fell in a close semifinal to Los Alamitos before bouncing back to finish in 3rd with a win over El Dorado. Madison Snow and Avalon Heintz were selected to the all-tournament team.

Late Tournament results: A couple of late tournament results came in that warrant mentioning from across our area.

First on Saturday, August 26, the Murrieta Mesa volleyball team traveled to Palm Springs for a tournament and came away with the title. They recorded wins over Palm Springs, Rim of the World (twice), Moreno Valley, Rancho Verde, and La Sierra for the championship.

Then on Saturday, Sept. 2, Linfield Christian made the short trip to California Lutheran and won another Dive into the Season Classic. They recorded wins over Temecula Prep (twice), San Jacinto Valley Academy, Holy Martyrs, and Calvary Chapel Downey. Brooklyn Pierce was also named to the all-tournament team.

It’s the Lions at least third tournament title at California Lutheran in the last four years.

CIF-SS coaches polls: Nine Valley News area girls volleyball teams found themselves with mentions in the first CIF-SS Coaches Polls of 2023 that were released on Tuesday, September 5 due to the Labor Day holiday.

In Division Four Paloma Valley was ranked eighth although the poll was released prior to the Wildcats four set victory at Riverside King (last year’s Big VIII tri champion) by scores of 21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-19. Mia Rosas led the Wildcats with 22 kills and Hannah Welch had 21 assists to lead Paloma Valley.

After a CIF-SS quarterfinal appearance last year Rancho Christian finds themselves receiving votes in Division five.

Linfield Christian was one of two area teams to earn a top three

ranking, checking in at number one in Division Six with Hemet West Valley at tenth in the same division. Also earning a top three ranking was Temecula Prep who earned a number three spot in Division Eight where California Lutheran was also rated ninth.

Liberty and Cornerstone Christian received votes in Divisions Eight and Nine.

Matches to watch:

Southwestern League

Temecula Valley at Vista Murrieta (early in the week)

After forgoing a trip to Hawaii to stay home and participate in the Ayala Tournament Vista Murrieta will open defense of their Southwestern League title at home against Temecula Valley.

Ivy League

Hemet at Paloma Valley (early in the week)

New Bulldogs coach Allison Rozell makes her debut against the defending co-champion Wildcats who posted a 2-0 mark against the Big VIII League in preseason play.

Ambassador League

Woodcrest Christian at Linfield Christian (early in the week)

This is a pivotal early season matchup for playoff positioning in a five team Ambassador League with only three automatic bids available. It involves two teams ranked in the top five of division six based on last week’s polling as the Lions (ranked first) host a Royals program enjoying their best season since Tesa Oaks was with the program and rewriting area records with every kill.

Ivy League Friday, Sept. 15 Rancho Christian at Hemet 5:30 P.M.

After rolling to a Sunbelt League title last season without dropping a set the Eagles make their Ivy League debut against a Hemet side that saw a lengthy playoff appearance streak end last season by the narrowest of margins.

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

Derryl Trujillo Sports Writer

Depth… It’s something most high school golf coaches do not have a lot of in their programs. One coach who does have a lot of depth is Great Oak High School coach Rachel Reif.

That depth was put to the test Wednesday, Sept. 6, as senior cocaptains Brooke Carpenter and Gwenyth Dempsey, who are both CIF-SS qualifiers last year, sat out a non-league match against a historically strong Palm Desert program that has won 24 straight league championships. It was a test the Wolfpack (2-3) passed for their second win of the year, 223-240, over a Palm Desert (2-1,1-0) team that showed up just 30 minutes before tee off due to an accident on their route.

“My intent with our schedule out of league was to play matches against programs that have been historically better than ours so that nothing in league or CIF playoffs is a shock,” Reif said “I believe that if you play against better players you’ll get better and I think that’s something you see with the depth of this team.”

Great Oak junior Jessica Li earned medalist honors with an even par round of 36, using precise ball striking to record two birdies, on both par fives, and two bogeys in her round. Joining her in the opening group was long hitting freshman Skyler Earle who shot a solid round of 41 with five bogeys.

“Jessica doesn’t overpower a golf course but what she does well

is score from that 100 to 120-yard range and display consistency in all areas of her game,” Reif said. “Skyler has come in and shined so far, providing a nice challenge to our upperclassman veterans in the same way Jessica did two years ago. That challenge is what makes it fun.”

Although Palm Desert’s second group of Hannah Woods and Liya Kakar won their group 94-99, with four scores of five that count posted, the Wolfpack held a lead of 176-190. Kimiko Carpenter came in with a 47 to preserve the win for Great Oak.

“We’re used to playing desert courses and I wanted to give us a different challenge compared to what we see at home,” Aztecs coach Kaitlyn Ellis said. “We left a lot of shots out there today, but I’m not worried about the loss. This is the most talent we’ve had since I’ve been here, and I think we have the potential to do some good things come the CIF-SS playoffs.”

Great Oak Scores: Jessica Li - 36, Skyler Earle41, Drew Brown - 50, Madison Murakami - 49, Kimiko Carpenter - 47, Marissa Alvarez - 61 Team Total: 223 (+43)

Palm Desert Scores: Emily Tucker - 49, Bella Fuentez - 47, Hannah Woods - 49, Kiya Kakar - 45, Amelia Kandari - 53, Mia Miagolis - 50 Team Total: 240 (+60)

Derryl Trujillo can be

Valley News/Time Stood Still Photography

Great Oak freshman golfer Skyler Earle tees off in a non-league match Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Temecula Creek Inn’s Oaks Course. The Wolfpack defeated Palm Desert 223-240 for their second win of the year.

Jessica Li hits a fairway wood shot at Temecula Creek Inn’s Oaks Course for Great Oak in a non-league match against Palm Desert. The Wolfpack defeated Palm Desert 223-240 for their second win of the year.

Palm Desert’s Emily Tucker rolls a putt in a non-league match against Great Oak at Temecula Creek Inn’s Oaks Course. The Aztecs fell 223-240 for their first defeat of the year.

Vista Murrieta volleyball players celebrate winning the 2023 Ayala Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 9 in Chino Hills.

Murrieta Mesa girls volleyball players along with second year coach Patrick Villanueva celebrate a tournament title at Palm Springs High School on Saturday, Aug. 26.

Temecula Valley players with head volleyball coach Neemias Costa celebrate their Gold Division semifinal appearance at the Whittier Classic on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Valley News/Courtesy photos

Literary

Legends: Poll of Californians reveals John Steinbeck as the state’s favorite author of all time

CALIFORNIA – Harper Lee, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway…

These iconic names are among the luminaries hailing from the United States. More locally, each state has produced their own homegrown authors who have left an indelible mark on literature with their diverse and significant contributions. A survey of 3,000 respondents by StoicQuotes.com shed light on each state’s most cherished authors, revealing some intriguing outcomes.

Consider Alabama. While many might presume Harper Lee, famed for “To Kill a Mockingbird,” to be the state’s favored author, it was Helen Keller who garnered the majority of votes. Born in Tuscumbia in 1880, Keller’s youth was overshadowed by an illness rendering her blind and deaf. Yet, under Anne Sullivan’s mentorship, Keller transcended her adversities, evolving into a revered author and speaker. Throughout her journey, Keller held a profound affection for Alabama, often alluding to it as her treasured homeland.

In a similar vein, despite F. Scott Fitzgerald penning “The Great Gatsby,” wasn’t New Yorkers’ top literary pick. That honor belonged to James Baldwin, renowned for “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” The 1953 semi-autobiographical novel delves into intricate subjects like religion, race, and family dynamics, portraying the

Educators

life of John Grimes, a young African American boy navigating his identity amidst a religious upbringing in Harlem. New Hampshire’s choice was unexpected as well. J.D. Salinger, celebrated for “The Catcher in the Rye,” was surpassed by Grace Metalious. Born in 1924, Metalious gained acclaim for “Peyton Place,” a 1956 novel that boldly tackled taboo topics, juxtaposing them against the backdrop of a seemingly quaint New Hampshire town. Some states, however, made more predictable choices. Nutmeggers, for example, championed Mark Twain and his “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Mississippi residents honored Tennessee Williams, the eminent playwright best known for “A Streetcar Named Desire.” And Ernest Hemingway, whose “The Old Man and the Sea” clinched the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 and paved the way for his Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954, was the unanimous choice for both Idaho and Florida.

John Steinbeck emerged as California’s favorite author. John Steinbeck’s association with the state of California is profound and enduring. A native Californian, Steinbeck drew deep inspiration from the landscapes, people and social dynamics of the region. His literary works often feature the

iconic settings of California, from the fertile valleys of the Salinas in “East of Eden” to the arduous journey along Highway 66 in “The Grapes of Wrath.” Through his writing, Steinbeck captured the essence of California’s diverse communities and its complex socio-economic fabric. His portrayal of the state’s struggles during the Great Depression and its impact on the lives of ordinary people left an indelible mark on both literature and the collective understanding of California’s history. In many ways, Steinbeck’s connection to California is inseparable from his literary legacy, as his evocative narratives continue to offer insights into the state’s past and present.

Californians’ second choice was Raymond Chandler, followed by Philip K. Dick in third.

“It’s fascinating to see the varied preferences across states, reflecting the rich tapestry of our nation’s cultural and historical narrative. This survey not only highlights the iconic authors we all know and love but also brings attention to the often unsung heroes of literature who’ve left an indelible mark on their home states,” Shaun Connell from StoicQuotes.com said.

To discover the favorite authors of other states, visit https:// stoicquotes.com/literary-legends to view an interactive map.

Submitted by StoicQuotes.com.

suggest new ways to improve well-being

WASHINGTON – The American Federation of Teachers teamed up with Educators Thriving for a yearlong study culminating in a new report, “Beyond Burnout” which details practical, researchbased solutions to improve the chronic levels of stress and burnout that are plaguing teachers and support staff in K-12 schools and contributing widespread teacher shortages.

“We can – and must – change the way we support educators,” Tyler Hester, founder of Educators Thriving, said. “Until now, there has been strong consensus about what ‘burnout’ means but no unifying definition of educator ‘well-being.’ With a newly defined North Star, articulated by AFT members across the country, the conversation can move beyond burnout and toward clear, actionable strategies to measure and improve well-being. We can supplement professional development with personal development. And we can equip

systems with the data they need to make sure every educator reaches closer to the heights of their potential.”

The report highlighted the numerous challenges facing educators and proposes a slate of strategies and solutions to address them, including several factors that reliably predict educator well-being: responsive leadership and supportive culture, acceptance, adaptability, personal well-being and a professionalgrowth orientation. The report includes a survey tool, generated by educators, that more accurately defines and gauges educator wellbeing.

At the core of these solutions is a call for connection, collaboration and commitment from leaders to support the well-being of educators so that they can, in turn, support their students.

“Teaching has never been an easy job, but today it’s harder than ever – and this profession needs support and respect if we have any

chance of recruiting and retaining good folks to meet kids’ needs,” AFT President Randi Weingarten said. “Burnout is real: This report contains core strategies to address burnout and in so doing helps deter teachers and school staff from leaving the profession and the students they love.”

The report showed that to better support and retain educators, school systems need to implement immediate relief coupled with system wide changes. Specific strategies include developing increasingly responsive school-site leadership, cultivating supportive school staff culture and offering professional development related to cultivating and sustaining personal well-being.

“Educators play a crucial role in the lives of our next generation. When educators are well-supported, they provide even better learning experiences for their students,” Weingarten said. “But they face stress every day, whether it’s helping students who

and address burnout

exhibit signs of distress, dealing with the nonstop paperwork and administrative tasks or facing the ongoing culture wars that are injecting politics into their classrooms, which can make it impossible to do their jobs.

“It doesn’t have to be that way. By prioritizing educator wellbeing and collaboration, as we’ve seen in places like the ABC Unified School District in California and White Bear Lake Area Schools in Minnesota, schools can create an environment that fosters growth, resilience and, ultimately, better teaching and learning conditions for everyone.

The report is a key plank in the AFT’s $5 million, yearlong Real Solutions for Kids and Communities campaign, which aims to secure the support educators need to address learning loss, loneliness and literacy challenges. As the report explains: “Because there is an inextricable link between staffing, educator well-being and student learning,

SNHU announces 2023 dean’s, president’s list

MANCHESTER, N.H. –Southern New Hampshire University congratulated the following students on being named to the summer 2023 dean’s list and president’s list. The summer term runs from May to August.

David Smallwood of Lake Elsinore, Lisa Chastain of Menifee, Jennifer Dominguez and William Hunter of Murrieta and Nicole Roberto of Temecula were named to the dean’s list.

Catriona Crehan of Aguanga and Aidan Baldwin of Canyon Lake have been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s summer 2023 president’s list.

Lake Elsinore residents named

to the president’s list include Micaela Brittos, Nicole Brown, Hector Bujanda, Alex Garcia, Tina Gorrell, Benjamin Krake, Mason Pelton, Catherine San Nicolas and Michael Tiernan.

Menifee residents Sutton Fairbrother, Lovailia Martin, James Quintal, Robin Reyes, Brigitte Rollain, Timothy Slaton and Cassidy Tolle were named to the president’s list for summer 2023.

Denise Alvarez, Fiona Barnhart, Serena Cruz, Juan Esparza,Angela Fitzpatrick, Quinn Grant, Adam Kern, Kendra Lewis, Carrie Marlow and Luccia Oettle, all of Murrieta, were named to the

summer 2023 president’s list.

Temecula residents Jordan Andrikowich, Nicholas Campbell, Anthony DeArmond, Zyon Dolias, Brianna Haemmerle, Cindy Ly, Francesca Markelz, Arly Pallaro, Eric Stetser and Cailin Zarate were included on the summer 2023 president’s list.

Stephanie Meehan of Quail Valley, Evan Chism and Austin Hong of Wildomar and Jennifer Gubaton of Winchester were also named to the president’s list.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum GPA of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the dean’s list. Full-time status

Jahiel Blue-Smith named to Missouri State University’s summer 2023 dean’s list

SPRINGFIELD, Mo – Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean’s list. Jahiel Blue-Smith from Temecula made the list.

Blue-Smith was among more than 1,100 students named to the summer 2023 dean’s list. For

undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least six credit hours during the summer semester and at least a 3.50 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Missouri State University is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs. The purpose is to develop

fully educated persons with a focus on ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. For more information about MSU, visit http://www missouristate.edu.

Submitted by Missouri State University.

is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring and summer.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum GPA of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the president’s list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring and summer.

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with a 90-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 170,000

it is imperative to improve the well-being of teachers and prevent burnout,” Weingarten said. The AFT and Educators Thriving engaged more than 220 educators as they learned about, practiced with and applied strategies empirically proven to increase personal well-being. Ninety-two percent of participants agreed the program made their job feel more sustainable, and 94% agreed it helped improve their wellbeing. Participants also reported statistically significant reductions in emotional exhaustion, a leading indicator of burnout.

As Leslie Blatteau, president of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, said, “It is hard to put yourself first. We really do need direct instruction as educators to be reminded how to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of our students and be willing to come back the next year.”

Submitted by the American Federation of Teachers.

learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, New Hampshire. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at http:// www.snhu.edu.

Submitted by Southern New Hampshire University.

Zhen Ren of Temecula is enrolled at Lehigh University as an undergraduate student

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh

University welcomed the class of 2027, including Zhen Ren of Temecula.

Members of the incoming undergraduate class represent 49 U.S. states and territories, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, and 52 countries and is the largest and among the most diverse classes ever admitted to Lehigh University.

For more than 150 years, Lehigh University combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. The

institution is among the nation's most selective, highly-ranked private research universities. Lehigh’s five colleges –College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Health and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science – provide opportunities to 7,000+ students to discover and grow in an academically rigorous environment along with a supportive, engaged campus community. For more information, visit http://lehigh.edu.

Submitted by Lehigh University.

John Steinbeck, seated portrait in a room (1949) Los Angeles Daily News

Highway Updates

Caltrans will begin repairs to preserve two historic bridges near Hemet and Lake Elsinore

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The California Department of Transportation announced in mid-September they will begin working on a $17.9 million bridge retrofit and upgrade project on the Morrill Canyon Bridge near Elsinore and the Strawberry Creek Bridge near Mountain Center in the San Jacinto mountains. The project is an attempt to preserve the two bridges that have been a part of the regions’ history for many years.

The Morrill Canyon Bridge is on state Route 74 near the Tenaja Truck Trail. The Strawberry Creek Bridge flows under Highway 74 near Idyllwild and sometimes is a fishing spot for locals.

The project to help preserve the bridges was awarded to Beador Construction Company of Costa Mesa. The projects will upgrade the bridges with slab overlays and new guardrail systems and bring lane and shoulder widths up to current standards.

The Strawberry Creek Bridge work will begin late September. Morrill Canyon Bridge start date is to be determined with the construction schedule subject to materials availability and weather conditions.

Caltrans advised no wide loads or oversized vehicles will be permitted at both locations.

Hemet

Caltrans has begun work on the emergency project to remove and replace culverts, perform rock scaling and install safety measures

at culverts in both directions on Route 74 in Hemet. Weather permitting.

The crews are working on Route 74 from just east of View Lane to just east of the Strawberry Creek Bridge near Idyllwild. The project length is 6.4 miles. Hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The crews are currently constructing a temporary access road at Blackburn Road. A 55hour emergency closure will take place on Route 74 at Blackburn Road Friday, Sept. 15, at 10 p.m. to Monday, Sept. 18, at 6 a.m.

A temporary access road will be in place for through traffi c and emergency responders during the 55-hour closure.

One-way traffic control will be in place for motorists. No wide loads or oversized vehicles. Expect delays up to 15 minutes. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes. Crews will be constructing and replacing box culverts at Blackburn Road to increase water and debris flow capabilities, and better address and decrease potential fl ooding during inclement weather.

Also in the Hemet area Caltrans continues work on a $51.6 million corridor improvement project on Route 74 through Hemet. This project will repave and rehabilitate 49 lane miles, install Traffic Management Systems, upgrade curb ramps, sidewalks and driveways to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, enhance bike lane signage and striping and upgrade 29 bus pads within the project parameters.

Weather permitting. Crews are working in and near Hemet on Route 74 from Winchester Road to Fairview Avenue in Valle Vista for the project length of 11.2 miles. Hours of operation will be Mondays through Fridays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., with occasional weekend work. Traffic control: Route 74 will remain open for the duration of the project. Flagging operations will be primarily during the nighttime. Radar detection signs will be in place. Expect delays up to 15 minutes. There will be intermittent, short term closures for equipment relocation and construction staging purposes. No long term closures are planned. Be advised. Speed limits will be reduced by 10 mph throughout the construction zone. Construction activity is expected to take approximately 24 to 26 months.

Temecula

Temecula’s $38 million French Valley Parkway Phase II Capital Improvement Project is well underway in cooperation with Caltrans to straighten out the Interstate 215 and Interstate 15 split just past the northbound Winchester Road on ramp and off ramp that has been the site of long delays for commuters from San Diego and locals for years.

Currently barriers are temporarily redirecting traffic away from the original split as crews continue work on installing retaining and crash walls along the new route that will eventually lead to a flyover bridge between the two freeways to relieve the traffic

congestion.

Temecula and Caltrans officials warn motorists to use extreme caution and patience in traversing this project that will last for the next two years.

Anza/Aguanga

Caltrans continues its work on a $5.2 million slurry seal and rumble strips maintenance project on Route 371 from Aguanga through Anza in Riverside County. This project will involve dig outs, slurry seal operations, striping and installation of safety rumble strips on the inside and outside of the lanes in both directions. Weather permitting.

Crews will be working in and near Aguanga and Anza on route 371 from the junction of Route 79 and Route 371 to the junction of Route74 and Route 371. The project length is 20.67 miles long.

Hours of operation are Mondays through Fridays from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. with occasional weekend work. Traffi c control for Route 371 will remain open for the duration of the project. One way traffic control with flagging and pilot vehicles will be in place. Motorists must wait for the pilot vehicles to escort them through the construction zone. Expect delays up to 15 minutes. Lake Elsinore

Caltrans is still working on Route 74 in Riverside County from the Riverside and Orange County border to Monte Vista Street just west of Lake Elsinore. Crews are performing work in various locations throughout the project zone. There may

be weeknight full lane closures with one-way traffic control with escorts in place from 8 p.m. to 9:59 p.m. During the hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the route will be closed to through traffic. Residents and commuters will need to utilize the alternate routes to go around the closure each night beginning at 10 p.m. Access through the work zone will be prohibited during the previously stated hours. Work will take place nightly, east of the County line on Route 74, Monday through Friday.

Residents on Tenaja Truck Trail or west of Tenaja Truck Trail, including the Ortega Oaks RV Park and Campground and The Candy Store, will be directed to Lake Elsinore and will not be given access to go through to Orange County during the hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Residents at Long Canyon and Decker Canyon will be directed to Lake Elsinore and will not be given access to go through to Orange County during the hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Be advised, you will experience long waits and delays due to construction operations. Caltrans said, “Please wait for the designated escort through the construction zone. Please obey all posted signs and traffic instructions, including the escort, as CHP will be on location and citing any offenders. Residents will be escorted in and out of the construction zones from their designated areas of access.”

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

Initiative to ‘Stop Fentanyl Dealers’ sought by fentanyl victim’s families begins in Sacramento

Tony Ault Staff Writer

SACRAMENTO – A number of families who have lost their loved ones to the deadly drug fentanyl in recent months gathered Tuesday, Sept. 5, in front of the California Attorney General’s office along with supporters of a voter initiative to Stop Fentanyl Dealers, adding to the current Senate Bill 350 Alexandra’s Law warnings.

Leading the Sacramento live stream news conference on the initiative was Matt Capelouto, member of the Stop Fentanyl Dealers movement and the father of Alexandra Capelouto whose name is on the law that currently warns drug dealers that the fentanyl is extremely dangerous to human life and if they manufacture to sell it and if a person dies from it they could be charged with voluntary manslaughter or murder. It basically served only as warning and the initiative seeks to put more teeth into that law, making it a capital crime.

Helping forward the initiative is a recent case when a Southwest Justice Center Superior Court jury in French Valley found a man guilty of second degree murder of the fentanyl-related death of Kelsey King in June 2020. It took

that jury only one day to convict the defendant, Vincente David Romeo, 34, of that crime before Judge Timothy Free. His sentence will be given Friday, Oct. 6.

Alexandra’s Law is only a warning.

Addressing the crowd in front of the attorney general’s office, Matt Capelouto said in a news release, it is only a warning.

“Yet there are currently no laws in California to hold a drug dealer accountable for these kinds of deaths. This initiative will change that,” Matt Capelouto said.

The local Romero court case as well may set some precedence for the initiative. He said currently the drug dealers and manufacturers who are caught and let go often go on the streets to ply their illicit trade again. The manufacturers often sell counterfeit drugs as prescription drugs to unwary victims.

The father of Zach Didier, 17, who died of fentanyl poisoning two days after Christmas 2020, Chris Didier, spoke at the news conference.

“My son Zach was an accomplished student, actor and athlete — then a fake pill made of fentanyl killed him,” Didier said. “While I now spend my time warning families and students

about the dangers of fentanyl, it's just as important to stop those selling it. This initiative helps do that.”

“This measure provides a critical tool for prosecutors in the fentanyl crisis,” Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire, who drafted the initiative and whose office he said was the first in the state to secure a murder conviction for a fentanyl-related death. “It helps us reduce fentanyl deaths by cracking down on dealers and sending the clear message to those convicted of hard drug crimes:

‘If you choose to continue your behavior and sell and kill, the consequence will be severe.’”

Young 11-year-old Sonovah Hillman took the microphone and said, “I lost my aunt and uncle to a drug overdose and my dad to addiction. Fentanyl is affecting every gender, race, class and age group.”

Sonovah’s Grammy-nominated father and rapper DMX died of a drug-overdose induced heart attack in 2021.

“I may be young, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do something to help this crisis. Too many kids are being affected and I want to give them a voice,” Sonovah said.

Also participating in the news conference were Perla Mendoza,

founder of Project Eli who lost her son Elijah to fentanyl poisoning; Janice Celeste, president and CEO of FentanylSolutions.org ; Debbie Boyd, board member of Crime Victims United, and Tom Wolf of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions. A number of state legislators joined the group to give their support to the Stop Fentanyl Dealers, a coalition of parents and families of fentanyl poisoning victims, nonprofit organizations, legislators, criminal justice professionals and other stakeholders who are united to eradicate illicit fentanyl. Contact kelli.reid@mcnallytemple.com for a copy of the initiative.

The Riverside case awaits sentencing.

Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin in a news release said his office provided justice to a victim’s family by securing a guilty verdict by a jury in a fentanyl-related homicide trial in Southern California.

“DDA Jerry Pfohl not only demonstrated that the law can be upheld in a fentanyl-related murder case but also established a precedent for future cases,” Hestrin said.

He said in a news release it was the first of 23 active homicide cases in Riverside County related

to fentanyl poisonings to go to trial and is a landmark case in California in which a person who knowingly supplied fentanyl was convicted of murder.

In the case, the prosecutors had to prove that the defendant knew the drug was deadly and still provided it to a victim to meet the threshold for murder.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is more than 50 times stronger than heroin, and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is often added to other, more expensive illicit drugs because of its potency. The newly formed Stop Fentanyl Dealers group and the Riverside County District Attorney’s office both said they are determined to place and keep fentanyl dealers in jail for longer and stronger terms.

Since Romero was found guilty of second-degree murder in Riverside County, it carries a potential sentence of 15 years to life. The additional charges carry a sentence of up to six years, eight months in prison.

The murder case, SWF2007390, was prosecuted by Pfohl of the Riverside DA’s Homicide Division. Tony

MORRILL CANYON BRIDGE

STRAWBERRY CREEK BRIDGE

RUHS Crisis Services aim to prevent suicides in Riverside County

MORENO VALLEY – In September, as part of National Suicide Prevention Month, Riverside University Health System reminded Riverside County residents of the extensive Behavioral Health services and resources available free for all ages.

Riverside County reported 1,393 suicide deaths and 14,576 non-fatal self-harm injuries from suicide attempts over the last five years. Youth aged 25 and under constituted 195 of the deaths and half of the non-fatal self-harm injuries. In the United States, suicide rates were up 5% in 2021 and another 2.6% in 2022, totaling about 49,449 deaths.

“These statistics emphasize the need for reinforced prevention efforts across all ages,” Dr. Matthew Chang, director of RUHS Behavioral Health, said. “Through united community efforts, education, and robust crisis services, we can change these numbers.”

RUHS-BH’s Prevention and Early Intervention program targets early detection of mental

health challenges and empowers residents with tools and training that emphasizes a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.

RUHS also utilizes Mobile Crisis Response Teams, crisis urgent care centers, live peer chats through https://takemyhand.com, and programs at schools to promote mental health. Confidential, bilingual help is available 24/7 through the Crisis Helpline at 951686-4357.

Riverside County’s Suicide Prevention Coalition will explore these topics and more at its annual summit, Thursday, Oct. 26, at Agua Caliente Resort and Casino in Rancho Mirage. This year’s conference explores the theme of “Creating Hope Through Action: Bridging the Gap Between Spirituality and Suicide Prevention.” For additional information on programs and services, contact Prevention and Early Intervention at 951-955-3448 or pei@ruhealth. org, or visit http://ruhealth.org.

Submitted by Riverside University Health System.

Vineyard Place community celebrates end of summer Hawaiian style

MURRIETA – Residents of a Murietta memory care community toasted the end of summer with a luau. Vineyard Place, an Anthem Memory Care community, hosted the themed event complete with traditional hula dancers at the community located at 24325 Washington Ave. in Murrieta. The

older adults also enjoyed an array of Hawaiian foods. Anthem’s core purpose is to protect, engage and love people living with memory loss and is committed to provide understanding and significance to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Anthem, based in

Lake Oswego, Oregon, operates and develops memory care communities in California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio and Washington. The company’s website is http://AnthemMemoryCare.com.

Submitted by Vineyard Place.

Valley News/Vineyard Place photos

Anthem Memory Care community, Vineyard Place, residents and staff enjoy a day of hula dancing.

Vineyard Place in Murrieta hosts a themed event complete with traditional hula dancers.

Speakers address the audience at the 2022 Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition summit.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

WITH CONTENT FROM

September 15 – 21, 2023

Sanctuary Stables celebrates Doug the Donkey with play day party

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Doug the Donkey will be the center of attention at a party and play day in his honor at Sanctuary Stables in Anza Sunday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m.

“Doug is a very special minidonkey that has brought a lot of joy to the ranch,” organizer J.R. Hull said. “He was originally in a petting zoo, so he greets everyone who comes on the ranch. His favorite thing to do is put his head between your legs so he can get his ears scratched. Doug brings friendship, cheer and comfort to everyone on the ranch, including our horses.”

According to their website, Sanctuary Stables is a unique horse rescue and equine-assisted learning center that provides a safe and nurturing environment for rescued horses. As a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, the sanctuary’s mission is to give these animals a second chance at a happy and healthy life.

The facility offers many programs, including therapeutic horsemanship for veterans, an all-level outdoor yoga event with horses, horse play experiences, equine-assisted expressive arts therapy, equine-assisted learning and other programs that are beneficial to both the animals and the humans.

Hull explained that Doug has been at the ranch for almost a year.

see DOUG, page A-5

Anza’s 2nd annual Goldie Fest to be held Sept. 16

Diane Sieker

Staff Writer

The second annual Goldie Fest extraterrestrial celebration will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m. at the Destination Place in Anza.

Coinciding with the September new moon, unidentified flying object followers, paranormal fans, alien aficionados and stargazing enthusiasts are invited to attend the free event.

“Goldie is the infamous local UFO of Anza,” organizer Annika Knöppel said. “This phenomena dates back as far as the late 1980s when the first sighting of a golden orb was documented.”

Celebrating everything Goldie, Anza’s very own UFO, the event will feature talks from guest speakers Wil Wakely and Rupert to discuss UFOs, sightings, alien abductions and more.

Wakely, from the San Diego Mutual UFO Network group, will speak at 4 p.m., discussing regional sightings of UFOs and extraterrestrials.

GOLDIE, page A-5

Lions Club of Anza Valley presents Ride on the Rez Sept. 16

Diane Sieker

Staff Writer

The Lions Club of Anza Valley is hosting Ride on the Rez Saturday, Sept. 16.

The cowboy-themed horseback trail ride and barbecue celebration, which was held in the past to benefit various local charities, is being revived by the Lions Club for 2023. The last Ride on the Rez was held in 2019, where dozens of riders helped raise funds for the students of the Anza Valley Christian School.

A $60 entry fee will include the trail ride, lunch, non-alcoholic drinks, dinner and live music by the Barnyard Boyz Band. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

“Hard copies of the entry form are available at Anza Valley Hardware or you can download a fillable copy online on our Facebook page,” Lions Club

see LIONS, page A-5

Goldie Fest organizer Annika Knöppel, left, snaps a photo with Goldie the Extraterrestrial at last year’s event in 2022. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo see

Riders and their mounts depart camp for the trails on the Ninth Annual Ride on the Rez in 2019. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Doug the Donkey will be the center of attention at a party and play day in his honor Sunday, Sept. 17.

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Regular Happenings

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

ONGOING – Anza Electric Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers a free mobile food pantry the second Saturday of every month at the AEC

office, 58470 Highway 371, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. All are welcome. Cal-Fresh application assistance and free community health services are also available. Bring your own reusable bags to take food home. Volunteers welcome. For more information, contact the AEC office at 951763-4333.

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

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

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

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

Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings

Fit after 50 – 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

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

Veterans’ Gathering

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medication Assistance and Treatment for Opioid Dependence – Get treatment for heroin addiction. Transportation to the clinic is provided. For more information, contact Borrego Health’s Anza Community Health Center, 58581 Route 371, Anza. For more information, 951-763-4759.

Food ministries

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

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

Food for the Faithful – 8 a.m. The food bank hands out food the last Friday of the month until the food is gone. The clothes closet will be open too. Emergency food handed out as needed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. FFF is a non-denominational nonprofit. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-7635636.

Bible Studies

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

Native Lighthouse Fellowship – 10 a.m. The group meets the first Saturday of the month, and breakfast is served. All are welcome to fellowship together at the “Tribal Hall” below the casino in Anza. For more information, call Nella Heredia at 951-763-0856.

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

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

more information.

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

Valley Gospel Chapel – 7

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

Anza First Southern Baptist Church – Begin your week with Sunday School for all ages at 9 a.m., followed by Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. On Sunday nights, the church has prayer on the 1st and 4th Sundays from 6-7 p.m. and Bible study on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays from 6-8 p.m. On Monday evenings, from 6-8 p.m., the youth group (6 to 12 grade) meets for games and Bible study.

Anza Baptist Church also offers Men’s and Women’s Ministries, a Homeschool Support Group, Summer Vacation Bible School and a Seniors’ Ministry. The church office is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road in Anza. For more information, contact the church at 951-763-4937 or visit www.anzabaptistchurch. com.

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

High Country 4-H Club

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

Anza Valley Artists Meetings

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

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

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

Civil Air Patrol – Squadron

59 is looking for new members of all ages. For more information, call squadron commander Maj. Dennis Sheehan from the Anza area at 951-403-4940. To learn more and see the club’s meeting schedule, visit www.squadron59. org Fire Explorer Program – 6 p.m. The program meets every second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at Fire Station 29 on state Route 371 in Anza. Call 951-763-5611 for information. Redshank Riders – 7 p.m. Backcountry horsemen meet at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Anza, the second Thursday of each month. Visit www. redshankriders.com or call Carol Schmuhl for membership information at 951-663-6763.

Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the first Thursday of the month at Valley Gospel Chapel, 43275 Chapman Road in Anza. The social hour is 11:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. Contact Carol Wright at 951763-2884 for more information.

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

From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries – Noon. Monthly luncheon and guest speaker are held the second Saturday of each month. The $5 charge covers lunch at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. From the Heart helps the area’s neediest children and invites all women and men to join in their mission. Donate or help with the rummage sales twice a year to raise funds for the cause or other events. For more information, call president Christi James at 951-595-2400. Anza Community Hall –7 p.m. General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Single memberships are $30 and include discounts to events for one person and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Family memberships are $50 and include discounts for a family up to 5 members and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Business memberships are $50 and allows an employer to receive discounts for up to 5 people, including themselves, and includes 1 vote on elections and meetings. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets. Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. For more information, call 951-2824267 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.

Changes happening at Mr. Happy’s Mercantile

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Mr. Happy’s Mercantile in Anza is switching up their offerings, focusing on U-Haul rentals, shipping services and private mail boxes. The popular gift store has offered these, plus collectibles and healthy snacks and drinks. It has also been a showcase for many of the Anza Valley’s most talented artists.

But the store located in the festive yellow building is simplifying its offerings to streamline its most valuable services.

“Things are changing,” cofounder Rusty Browning said in a social media post. “A lot has already changed, but this is our friendly reminder to the community that we are still here. We still offer all the same services to the community including FedEx Ground and Express shipping, UPS shipping, private physical address mailboxes, package receiving, U-Haul rentals and some gifts.”

Longtime manager Randy Parker has taken over the store, and changes are happening smoothly and efficiently.

“I’m just here to do my best to maintain the essential services and give a few locals an outlet for others to find their items,” he said. “I’ve got mail services for over 60 customers. The FedEx and UPS drop off and shipping services are continuing. I’ve been the manager for close to four years, and I don’t want to see the store lost or closed. The owners gave me the opportunity to keep it going and to keep serving the community, and I am up for the challenge. I’m one of the first faces new people see when they move into the area and return their U-Haul trucks or trailers, and I want to be a place where they can get reliable information about the local community.”

Robert Sawtelle, his wife Theresa and mother Rusty Browning

founded Mr. Happy's Mercantile in 2015, turning an old tire repair shop into a cheerful gift store and more destination.

“Over the last eight years, we’ve evolved a lot, becoming more of what we hoped the community needed,” Sawtelle said. “We started as 100% consignment with vintage and handcrafted items being the primary focus. We added needed services, becoming a UPS and FedEx Authorized shipping center. We provided private street address and suite number mailboxes. Then we offered U-Haul services when the rental center in town closed. We've tried hard to promote our local community. We added healthy food options with a focus on organic, keto friendly and gluten-free items as there were no other options up here. We became a California Ammo vendor and we added CalLotto.”

Now they’ve decided to fine-tune the business with the most-needed services, Sawtelle said. Firewood, the Jam Lady’s jams and handknapped knives and arrows crafted by Russell Riggle are all in stock as always.

“As for the rest of the space, the plan is to restructure it into rental enclosed spaces to provide space for those who want to run their own small businesses,” Sawtelle said. “Each will be secured with a locking security door. And tenants will have access to be open during our already existing business hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.”

The ammo, lottery, healthy food options and the majority of the gift consignments are now gone.

Be sure to visit Mr. Happy’s Mercantile on the web for the latest at https://www.facebook.com/mr happymercantile?mibextid=nW3

QTL

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

Mr. Happy’s Mercantile in Anza is a destination for collectibles, gifts and shipping needs. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Sunglasses, local jams and knives are available at Mr. Happy’s Mercantile in Anza.

Mr. Happy’s Mercantile offers parking for trucks and autos.

Some local artisans’ crafts are available at Mr. Happy’s Mercantile.

Well organized and clean, Mr. Happy’s Mercantile has toys for children.

Living Free Animal Sanctuary dog of the week: Meet Titus

GOLDIE from page D-1

The second speaker of the evening, a scientist and alien contact specialist who goes only by his first name Rupert, will make a presentation at 5 p.m. He has a first class honors degree in physics with space science and technology from the University of Leicester England. As well as researching X-ray astrophysics in England, Rupert has spent his entire life researching paranormal phenomena. He organizes alien contact events and teaches a wide range of spiritual and paranormal courses on everything from spiritual healing to alien morality. He is the leader of the alien contact groups Global CE5 and California CE5.

“Goldie Fest is an opportunity for paranormal buffs to come together to trade stories and experiences while having a fun time,” Knöppel said.

Activities will include viewing the stars after nightfall with telescopes, glow-in-the-dark UFO Frisbee golf games and opportunities to record paranormal stories with Knöppel for a future “Fika with Annika” radio episode on Anza’s KOYT-LPFM 97.1 Community Radio.

Living Free Animal Sanctuary dog of the week: Meet Titus, an eight-year-old male Australian Kelpie who lives every day as if it's the best day ever, and his heartwarming smile never fades from his sweet, gray face. Even though he’s a bit older, Titus can still be found frolicking around the dog park with his longtime buddy and roommate, Rusty. It’s funny how, despite being several years younger, Rusty often ends up trailing behind.

Titus is a bit of an oddball in the dog world-his absolute favorite thing is getting a bath. He’s all about water and anything related to it. This friendly and independent pup loves nothing more than just hanging out with people, cozying up next to anyone who’s spending time with him and soaking up the simple joys of companionship.

Every single thing about Titus makes him the perfect sidekick, and whoever gets to share their life

with him will undoubtedly gain an incredible best friend.

Living Free is a nonprofit animal sanctuary whose primary mission is to rescue dogs and cats whose time is up at public shelters.

Living Free Animal Sanctuary is located on 155 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild.

A diamond in the rough, the property is home to a kennelin-the-round, Give Life Park, catteries and protected open-air “catios,” breathtaking scenery and wide-open fields for the wild mustangs and rescued burros to run free.

Open by appointment.

For dog adoptions, call 951321-9982, for cat adoptions, call 951-491-1898, and for all other inquiries, call 951- 659-4687.

To book a tour, visit http://www. living-free.org/visit-us . Living Free is located at 54250 Keen Camp Road in Mountain Center.

LET THE SAVINGS ADD UP!

“Several other-worldly backdrops will be installed for selfie opportunities,” Knöppel said. “The Common Grounds food truck will be serving food and beverages. Goldie Fest is free for the public to attend and free for vendors of the paranormal persuasion. Plus, all Goldie impersonators are welcome.”

The Destination Place is located at 58050 Highway 371 in Anza. Like and follow Keep Anza Weird @keepanzaweird on Facebook and Instagram for updates, program details and sponsor opportunities.

For more information, contact Annika Knöppel at 951-234-1314 or keepanzaweird@gmail.com

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

LIONS from page D-1

secretary Chris Skinner said. “Can’t do the ride? Join us for dinner and dancing. Your $25 ticket includes a delicious meal and entry to the dancing fun.” Riders and their mounts will depart the Costo Ranch at 10 a.m. for a several-hour ride in the lands of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation. After the trail ride, a tri-tip/ chicken dinner will be served, with other choices to be announced. Overnight dry camping is available.

The Costo Ranch is located at 41999 Terwilliger Road in Anza. For more information regarding the Lions Club of Anza Valley events, email Secretary.AnzaLions@gmail. com or visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ LionsofAnzaValley.

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

DOUG from page D-1

His owners could no longer afford to care for him and his companion Lakota, a Native American paint horse, so they were relinquished to the sanctuary.

When Doug came to the ranch, he immediately made friends with the herd of various horses and became attached to a Belgian draft mare named Journey, according to Hull.

“Come on out and show you love for this unique little donkey that has improved the lives of our horses and people. Come join us for a day of horseplay and help Doug celebrate his special day,” Hull said.

For the best in authentic Mexican food made from family recipes, visit La Cocina Mexican Restaurant in Anza.

And remember to show your Anza Electric Cooperative Co-op Connections Card to get 50-percent off the second plate any time you order two combination plates!

Sanctuary Stables is located at 38187 Sherman Way in Anza. For more information about Doug’s party and play day, call 760-449-0599 or visit Sanctuary Stables on the web at https:// www.sanctuarystables.org/ or on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/SanctuaryStables.

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

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Trial date set for felon accused of providing fatal dose of fentanyl to man

City News Service

MURRIETA - An Oct. 27 trial date was confirmed Sept. 8, for a probationer accused of supplying a fatal dose of fentanyl to a 32-yearold Wildomar man.

Alexander Dimitrios Magos, 28, of Murrieta was arrested last October following an 18-monthlong Riverside County Sheriff's Department investigation into the death of Shane Carlin.

Magos is charged with seconddegree murder.

During a status hearing Friday at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, Superior Court Judge John Monterosso conferred with the prosecution and defense regarding scheduling, and both sides

agreed to work toward preparing for trial proceedings at the end of October.

The defendant is being held without bail at the nearby Byrd Detention Center.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Ryan Marcuse, on the afternoon of May 6, 2021, deputies were summoned to the 23000 block of Peggy Lane, just east of Interstate 15, to investigate reports of an unconscious man in a residence.

Deputies and paramedics arrived within minutes and found Carlin ``not breathing,'' Marcuse said. The victim was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Marcuse said an autopsy “de-

termined Carlin was a victim of fentanyl poisoning.''

The sheriff's Overdose Death & Narcotics Unit took over the investigation, eventually gathering sufficient evidence to identify Magos as the person ``responsible for selling the fentanyl that killed Carlin,'' the sergeant alleged. How the convicted felon and victim knew one another was not disclosed.

Magos was taken into custody without incident at his residence on Mountain Pride Drive last Oct. 27. According to court records, he has prior convictions for possession of controlled substances for sale, smuggling controlled substances into jail and driving under

the influence. Since February 2021, roughly two dozen individuals countywide have been charged with murder in connection with fentanyl poisonings. Last week, the District Attorney's Office won its first second-degree murder conviction against a fentanyl dealer, Vicente David Romero, who provided a fatal dose of the synthetic opioid to a 26-year-old Temecula woman in 2020.

Romero is due for sentencing on Oct. 6.

According to public safety officials, there were 503 confirmed fentanyl-related fatalities countywide last year, compared to just under 400 in 2021, a 200-fold increase from 2016, when there

Corona mother suspected of running over, killing 6-year-old son

City News Service

CORONA - A Corona mother suspected of running over and killing her 6-year-old son as he chased after her vehicle while she drove away from their house, deliberately ignoring him, was out of custody today on a $55,000 bond.

Melissa Damron, 42, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and child endangerment for the death

of Duner Larson. Damron posted bail within a couple of hours and was released from the Corona Jail.

Duner was fatally injured about 7:55 a.m. on Aug. 22 in front of his family home on Sallie Jeffreys Way, just north of Golden Harvest Drive, according to the Corona Police Department. There are less than a half-dozen properties on the secluded street at the south end of the city.

“The investigation revealed that Duner's mother ... locked him out of the vehicle before she drove away from their residence,'' according to a police department statement. “Duner chased after the vehicle and attempted to open her car door. Melissa continued driving, and Duner fell into the roadway, where he was run over by the car.''

The boy was taken to nearby Corona Regional Medical Center,

where he died less than an hour later.

Patrol officers questioned Damron immediately after the fatality, but the investigation did not net sufficient evidence to warrant an arrest. The matter was turned over to traffic bureau investigators.

“Evidence showed Melissa knew Duner was close enough to the vehicle to present a hazard, and she drove with gross negligence, causing her son's death,'' the police

were only two.

Fentanyl is manufactured in overseas labs, principally in China, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which says the synthetic opioid is smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border by cartels. The drug is 80-100 times more potent than morphine and can be mixed into any number of street narcotics and prescription drugs, without a user knowing what he or she is consuming. Ingestion of only 2 milligrams can be fatal.

Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans between 18 and 45 years old.

Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.

department said. ‘Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this tragic incident.''

The case has been submitted to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office for review.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Corona police Officer Jacob Westall at jacob. westall@coronaca.gov.

Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.

No charges filed yet against man suspected of killing two in DUI wreck

City News Service

BANNING- No ch arges were filed today against a 39-year-old man suspected of driving under the influence in a truck that plowed into two vehicles in Winchester, killing two people, with the California Highway Patrol apparently continuing its investigation.

Delwyn Dewion Randle of Westminster was arrested after the wreck about 11:40 a.m. Wednesday on Domenigoni Parkway at Leon Road. Randle was booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on suspicion of DUI resulting in death.

He was being held Friday on $100,000 bail.

``We have not received a case for review of possible charges,'' Riverside County District Attor-

ney's Office Brooke Beare told City News Service.

There was no immediate explanation from the CHP's San Gorgonio office as to why a criminal complaint had not been sought. Randle is approaching his speedy arraignment window under state law, which suggests he could be released from custody by Monday if he's not charged.

He allegedly caused the deaths of Israel Bermudez, 25, of Buena Park and Paloma Casares, 32, of Hemet.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the suspect was at the wheel of a 2013 International box truck going eastbound on Domenigoni at an unknown speed without slowing after the light turned red at the intersection.

In the same lane as the box

truck, stopped for the light, were a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a 2022 BMW X3, which was just ahead of the Chevy, CHP Officer Jason Montez said.

He said adjacent to the BMW, also stopped for the light, was a Dodge Durango SUV.

Montez said the driver of the Chevy spotted the box truck barreling toward his rear and managed to maneuver to the left to avoid being struck flush.

``The International box truck crashed into the right rear of the Chevy before crashing into the rear of the BMW, pushing it in a southeasterly direction into a ditch,'' the CHP spokesman said.

``The truck continued and crashed into a light pole, sheering it off at its base, before crashing into a fire hydrant.''

Debris struck the Dodge, but didn't cause major damage.

County fire department paramedics arrived within 15 minutes and pronounced Bermudez and Casares, both of whom were in the BMW, dead at the scene. Casares was driving the sedan, and Bermudez was in the left rear passenger seat.

The third occupant of the BMW, in the front passenger seat, identified only as a 31-year-old Beaumont man, suffered moderate injuries, according to the fire department.

The Chevy driver, identified only as a 32-year-old Hemet woman, suffered minor injuries. She and the BMW passenger were taken to a hospital for treatment and were expected to fully recover.

Montez said officers determined

Motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run crash in Lake Elsinore

LAKE ELSINORE - A 63-yearold motorcyclist from Sun City died Saturday, Sept. 9, after a hitand-run crash in Lake Elsinore, the California Highway Patrol

announced. The crash was reported around 2:30 a.m. Saturday on Interstate 15 just north of Railroad Canyon Road. According to CHP officers,

the victim was riding his 2007 Yamaha V-Star northbound on 1-15 when a vehicle traveling in the same direction crashed into the rear of the Yamaha.

The rider was ejected from the motorcycle, according to the CHP. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The other vehicle involved fled the scene.

Randle was allegedly under the influence of drugs, and he was taken into custody without incident. He did not require medical attention.

The driver and passenger in the Dodge, who weren't identified, were uninjured.

Eastbound lanes were completely shut down until late Wednesday afternoon because of the crash, which caused 50 gallons of diesel and oil from the truck to spill onto the roadway and flow into storm drains, according to the fire department. A hazardous materials unit conducted a cleanup operation. The CHP said the hydrant was completely dislodged, sending a geyser of water 80 feet into the air. Eastern Municipal Water District personnel capped it. Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.

Anyone with information about the crash was encouraged to contact the CHP's Temecula-area office at 951-506-2000.

Temecula probationer to stand trial for allegedly killing man, woman

City News Service

MURRIETA - A probationer accused of killing a man and woman in Temecula and dumping their remains on the outskirts of Hemet must stand trial on two counts of first-degree murder and other charges, a judge ruled today.

David Alan Floyd, 59, of Temecula was arrested in February following a Riverside County Sheriff's Department investigation into the deaths of Angel Ponce of Escondido and Danielle Ricker of Temecula, both 31.

At the end of a preliminary hearing Monday at the Southwest Justice Center, Superior Court Judge Timothy Freer found there was sufficient evidence to bound Floyd over for trial on the murder counts, as well as a specialcircumstance allegation of taking multiple lives, being a probationer in possession of a firearm, violating a domestic violence restraining order and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

The judge scheduled a postpreliminary hearing arraignment for Sept. 25 at the Murrieta courthouse.

Floyd is being held without bail at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside.

Sheriff's Sgt. Steve Brosche said that an investigation into Ponce's and Ricker's disappearance was initiated on Feb. 18, when loved ones reported them missing from her Temecula home.

“Both Ponce and Ricker lived at the same residence, and the evidence suggested they were deceased,'' Brosche said.

Detectives obtained undisclosed

leads pointing to Floyd as the possible assailant responsible for their deaths, and on Feb. 27, he was taken into custody without incident after a search warrant was served at his property in the 34000

block of Galleron Street, according to the sergeant.

“On (March 2), investigators located the remains of two people believed to be Ponce and Ricker near the area of East Benton Road

and Sage Road,'' Brosche said. The area is part of the unincorporated community of Sage, a lightly populated rustic location south of Hemet. A possible motive for the double

murder was not provided.

Floyd has a prior misdemeanor conviction for disturbing the peace, according to court records.

Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.

County hosts ‘Thrive in District 5 Podcast’

Supervisor Yxstian

Gutierrez

Special to Valley News

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you: the “Thrive in District 5 Podcast” has officially launched on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Every month, this podcast aims to bring insights, updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of what’s happening in District 5. But this isn’t just any podcast; it’s an avenue for us to connect, communicate and collectively build a district where every resident thrives.

In our latest episode, I take the mic to delve into a topic I’m often asked about: What exactly does a county supervisor do? Beyond the title and the meetings, what are the roles, responsibilities and day-today activities? If you’ve ever been curious about the inner workings of local government and the role I play in it, this episode is crafted especially for you.

Featuring candid conversations and personal anecdotes from my journey, the “Thrive in District 5 Podcast” isn’t just an informational channel – it’s a conversation. And I want you to be a part of it.

So, grab your headphones, find a comfy spot and let’s dive into the world of District 5 together. And once you’ve listened, I'd love to hear your feedback, questions or topics you’d like us to explore in future episodes.

To listen, find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube.

Let’s continue to engage, learn and thrive in District 5.

Yxstian Gutierrez is the county supervisor of Riverside County’s 5th District, which includes the cities of Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Hemet, Moreno Valley and San Jacinto and the unincorporated communities of Cabazon, Cherry Valley, Lakeview, Nuevo, Reche Canyon, San Timeteo Canyon, as well as parts of Valle Vista and Whitewater.

Newspaper industry decline seen during storyteller’s recent sojourn

Tim O’Leary

Special to the Valley News

Here’s a tale of four newspapers in decline. For me, it is the best of times and the worst of times.

It is the best of times because today I am a columnist, a pinnacle of my craft. I have a publisher who appears to like what I write and, with scant editing, spends her precious ink on my ragged doggerel.

It is the worst of times because her two weekly newspapers, which serve a vast area that stretches from Bonsall to Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Hemet and Anza are struggling to survive. The newspaper industry is in free fall. I was reminded of that painful fact during a recent jaunt that I initially viewed as an escape from the four walls that had increasingly closed in on me over the past decade.

My recent freedom from caregiving – my wife Margaret is now far away in a dementia facility – allowed me to scratch my travel itch. It was a relatively short burst, just 440 miles by car. But it took me back to my first failure in getting a full-time reporting job and my first success in doing so.

My failure came in 1982 – the

year I graduated from college. There an arrogant editor sniffed at me and scoffed at how a recent journalism school grad with only a part-time writing pedigree could aspire to the lofty Santa Barbara News-Press.

Seaside Santa Barbara is stunningly beautiful, and it was my first stop.

I found my first full-time writing home a year or so later, 55 miles to the north in Lompoc, which is close to a wild, blustery beach and was known at the time for its vast flower fields and its sprawling Air Force Base. It took me two tries, but there I was covering cops, courts, schools, the fire department, agriculture and the local housing authority.

I came into my own there, and thus Lompoc was the second and last stop on my four-day getaway.

I had expected to stage a glorious return into a bustling newsroom of a small daily paper that in my day was staffed by a publisher, three editors, three full-time reporters, several stringers, ad reps, printing press and production crews and an assemblage of other misfit toys.

I thought I might bump into a former co-worker or two. I wondered

if Vaughn Proctor, the veteran city reporter who grudgingly took me under his wing, was still alive. I remembered that Vaughn and his wife grew orchids as a hobby.

I parked in front of the Lompoc Record building. It looked dark, withered, void of life and purpose. The front door was locked. The side door that was typically used by the newspaper’s staff was boarded up.

I soon learned that years ago the paper had been sold to, or absorbed by, the Santa Maria Times. The Record now comes out just once a week, a mere two or three pages at the front of a zoned edition of the Times, which is printed 30 miles away. The Record still exists, but as a mere shadow of its former self.

Then I learned that the NewsPress had folded in July, one of the 488 daily newspapers to die over the last 50 years. That paper’s downfall was dissected in a piece that reporter Nick Welsh wrote for the weekly Santa Barbara Independent in its Aug. 17-24 edition.

It was the cover story headlined: “The Death of a Daily.” The subhead read: “The Rise and Selfinflicted Fall of the News-Press.

Welsh adroitly told that many residents and media observers

blamed the death on missteps taken by its last owner, Wendy P. McCaw, who was initially seen as a rich, eccentric local champion of environmental and preservationist causes.

Others simply attributed that paper’s death to the industry’s inexorable fall, one that is widely linked to the migration of newspaper readership and advertising revenue to digital platforms and other sources.

Experts said newspaper advertising revenue plummeted from $37.8 billion in 2008 to $14.3 billion in 2018, a 62% decline. Newsroom employment plummeted 47% in that same period, according to those sources Welsh reported that 60 people worked in the News-Press newsroom in 2006. It dropped to two after a string of internal and external problems and the paper moved from its iconic downtown “citadel” to a Goleta storefront.

That staffing vacuum, which has occurred everywhere, has devastated the depth and scope of American newspaper reporting.

More than 300 American newspapers stopped publishing in 2020 alone.

State Sen. Seyarto’s legislative report transparency bill signed into law

SACRAMENTO – State

Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, announced that the governor has signed Senate Bill 259 into law, requiring state agencies to post all reports submitted to the legislature on their website for easy access for the public.

Under current law, only reports that are required by statute to be submitted to the legislature must

follow this procedure, but reports that are submitted by request, for example by a lawmaker or committee staff, do not have the same requirement. Reports submitted by request often guide and assist legislators in their decision-making process and should be accessible to the general public as well.

“The public should be able to view and read the same materials

FAITH

that legislators have available when making decisions and weighing impacts of legislation on our communities,” Seyarto said. “This bill removes the inconsistency to public access and promotes accountability and transparency throughout the legislative process without undue burdens on agencies that submit important reports.”

Before being signed into law, SB

Humility is the key to busting pride

relationships, start thinking only about yourself. But if you're going to build strong, nurturing relationships, start thinking about others.

Philippians 2:3 said, “When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves.”

It’s often true that those who think they are humble aren’t. Why? Because a humble person doesn’t even know they are humble because they aren’t even thinking about themselves.

Zachary Elliott

Special to Valley News

Pop quiz! Who is it that no one wants to be around? A proud knowit-all. Who is it that everyone wants to be around? A humble and kind person. If you want to build great relationships in life, humility is the key. Why? Because it’s God’s way.

The Bible said, “These are the ways of the world: wanting to please our sinful selves, wanting the sinful things we see, and being too proud of what we have. None of these come from the Father, but all of them come from the world,” in 1 John 2:16.

If you want to tear apart your

If you want to add more humility to your life, start spending time with humble and kind people. The rule is you become like the people you hang out with. If you hang out with cranky people, you will be cranky. But hanging out with humble and kind people will make you humbler and kinder.

You should “Live in harmony with each other. Don't be arrogant, but be friendly to humble people. Don't think that you are smarter than you really are,” in Romans 12:16.

Suppose you’re looking for humble people to be around and learn from. Look for people who are growing closer to Jesus. He’s the most outstanding teacher of all. According to Philippians 2:5-8,

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

If you want to bring more humility into your relationships, Jesus is the master teacher. And when you take steps to grow close to him, you can’t help but learn it.

Do you need to repent of pride? If so, Jesus is ready and willing to forgive you. All you need to do is pray and ask him. It’s the first step in humbling yourself.

Questions to consider:

How is your pride affecting your relationships?

What would it look like if you started thinking of others first?

What steps can you take to grow closer to Jesus to learn humility?

Zachary Elliott is the lead pastor of Fusion Christian Church in Temecula. For more information, visit http://www. fusionchristianchurch.com, http:// www.encouragementtoday.tv or find them on Instagram.

259 passed through the Senate and Assembly with no opposition and bipartisan support.

Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, represents California's 32nd Senate District, which includes the cities and communities of Aguanga, Anza, Borrego Springs, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Chino Hills, Corona, Desert Edge, Desert Hot Springs, El Sobrante, French Valley,

There is a lesson here, folks. Please support your local papers. Read them, buy them and advertise in them. Please heed Welsh when he said, “Without getting gloppy and sentimental, newspapers hold a unique place in the community they serve. They’re privately run, profit-driven enterprises that also attempt to function as a public trust. In this regard, newspapers function like self-appointed grand jurors – charged with keeping elected officials accountable and the public informed.”

We can all do our part. Perhaps we can save what’s left of this vital public service. Our little papers are important to the communities they serve. Please help them grow and strengthen as they struggle to serve us all.

I’ll let Welsh make the final pitch: “What happens now? I don’t pretend to know. But I do remember sitting on a panel discussion on the future of journalism in 2006 as the News-Press meltdown achieved critical mass. My answer then was simple. We need more bodies. More reporters.

“My answer today is exactly the same. More bodies. More reporters,” Welsh said.

Good Hope, Hemet, Homeland, Idyllwild, Julian, La Cresta, Lake Elsinore, Lake Mathews, Lakeland Village, Menifee, Mead Valley, Meadowbrook, Murrieta, Norco, Palm Springs, Sage, Sky Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Temescal Valley, Thousand Palms, Valle Vista, Whitewater, Wildomar, Winchester, Woodcrest and Yorba Linda.

Riverside County 5th District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez hosts ‘Thrive in District 5 Podcast’ to provide insights, updates and behind-the-scenes views of the district, including Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Hemet, Moreno Valley and San Jacinto.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Santa Rosa Plateau

Cowboy onJubilee the

Tickets: the-nef.org

Celebrating Classic Country Music, Food and Classic Cars

Ranchita Nepenthe

Date: September 30 / 5:00-10:00pm

Site: Ranchita Nepenthe – A private Ranchita on the Santa Rosa Plateau

Concert: The Highwayman Show – with Tony Suraci – Waylon, Willie, Cash and Kris

• Texas Style BBQ Dinner Cooked On-Site

• Silent Auction

• Classic Car Display

• Fun Poker Run

Tickets: $145/Per Foundation Member

$155/Per Non-Member

• Table Reservations for

(8) eight / $1240

• Tickets the-nef.org

Presented by:

Benefiting the:

OUR MISSION:

To educate and empower youth to appreciate, preserve and protect nature.

Fostering Youth Environmental Stewardship

Your membership donation helps cover the following program costs:

• High school climate change programs

• Native garden projects

• Transportation to the Reserve and field sites

• Small grants for teachers

• Nature Education Resource Forum

• Family Wildlife Day

Membership Levels

Plateau Patron $1000

Membership for two adults in same household

• Name recognition on Foundation donor board displayed at SRP Visitor’s Center

• (6) Annual passes to the Reserve

• (2) Season Tickets to the Summer Concert Series (six concerts)

• (12) Tickets to Family Wildlife Day

• (4) Complimentary tickets to other Foundation ticketed events

Engelmann Oak $500

Membership for two adults in the same household

• (4) Four annual passes to the Reserve

• (4) Tickets to a Summer Concert (your choice)

• (6) Tickets to Family Wildlife Day

Golden Eagle $250

Membership for two adults in the same household

• (4) Four annual passes to the Reserve

• (4) Tickets to Family Wildlife Day

• (2) Tickets to a Summer Concert (your choice)

Quail Covey (Family Package) $100

Membership for family of six in the same household

($10 for each addtl. family member)

• (6) Six annual passes to the Reserve

• (6) Six passes to the Family Wildlife Day

Bronze Bear – Dual $60

Membership for two adults in the household

(2) Annual passes to the Reserve

Bronze Bear – Individual $35

Membership for one adult in the household

• (1) Annual pass to the Reserve