Temecula Valley News, October 9, 2020 by Village News, Inc.

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Local Friday shows uptick in new cases ahead of supervisors’ vote

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Volume 20, Issue 41

Komen IE car parade honors breast cancer survivors

Jeff Pack STAFF WRITER

Riverside University Health System reported 446 new cases of COVID-19, Friday, Oct. 2, the first time the county has reported more than 400 new cases since Aug. 25. Only twice during that time period did the number of new cases break the 300 mark. Also Friday, the county announced five new deaths after posting none the day before and 10 each day before. see page A-2

Local Lawsuit alters Hemet city council race Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

Cheerleaders cheer for Komen Inland Empire’s car parade winding through the service center at BMW of Murrieta to raise awareness for breast cancer, Sunday, Oct. 4. See more photos on page A-2. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Councilmembers take hopeful tone in Temecula State of the City Will Fritz ASSOCIATE EDITOR

see page A-3

Business Coping With COVID-19: Ronald E. Duﬃn, DDS Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

INDEX

Optimism was the overwhelming tone of Temecula’s televised State of the City address Thursday, Oct. 1. The address represented at least two firsts for the city. It’s the first time Temecula has conducted its State of the City in an all-virtual, televised format – made necessary by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. And it is also the first time Temecula’s State of the City address has been given by the entire city council, rather than just the sitting mayor. That is, of course, because the city does not have a sitting mayor. Former mayor James Stewart resigned in June over an email to a see TEMECULA, page A-6

Temecula Mayor Pro Tem Maryann Edwards speaks about several city beautiﬁcation projects during Temecula’s 2020 State of the City address Thursday, Oct. 1. Valley News/ Courtesy photo

Owners of Black Lives Matter stand in Murrieta say they continue to be harassed Will Fritz ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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The Grant family sells Black Lives Matter merchandise at the intersection of Winchester and Hunter roads near Murrieta, Sept. 24. The family say they have been subjected to a series of harassment from individuals at their booth location. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

The owners of a stand selling Black Lives Matter masks, T-shirts and other wares at a Murrieta intersection said they are continuing to be the targets of harassment, even after receiving media attention at the end of September. The grandson of the woman who opened the stand said not only has he seen passing motorists shout racial slurs, but unknown vandals have gone so far as to smear feces in the area around the stand and leave nails to damage vehicle tires. Esther Grant told NBC Los Angeles, Sept. 23, that she opened the stand in June to promote racial equality and to raise money for a youth center for disadvantaged children she hopes to start but ran into plenty of hate. Her grandson said while some of that hate has let up since making the news, it definitely has not see BLM, page A-4

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • October 9, 2020

LOCAL

Friday shows uptick in new cases ahead of supervisors’ vote Jeff Pack STAFF WRITER

Riverside University Health System reported 446 new cases of COVID-19, Friday, Oct. 2. It was the first time the county has reported more than 400 new cases since Aug. 25. Only twice during that time period did the number of new cases break the 300 mark. Also Friday, the county announced five new deaths after posting none the day before and 10 each day before. In all, 59,934 have tested positive for the virus and 1,231 people have died since the county began recording data back in early March. The county said there were 11 more people hospitalized since the day before – a total of 130. There are currently 39 people being treated in intensive care units. Officials said 54,736 people have recovered from the virus, but that number is 332 more than the day before. The number of known active cases countywide is 3,967, up 109 since Thursday. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths

and recoveries from the current total – 59,934 – according to the County Executive Office. The county also reported that 661,283 have been tested so far meaning there were 6,911 new tests reported Friday. There were 433 confirmed cases in county jails and another 2,777 cases recorded in state prisons within the county Friday. Prisons in particular have seen a significant rise in new cases over the past two weeks. Friday’s uptick in new cases reported by health officials comes about 3 1/2 weeks since the Labor Day holiday and could cause county supervisors to think twice before ratifying a proposal by Supervisor Jeff Hewitt to permit all businesses, houses of worship, offices, wineries, bars and other entities to open with health safeguards in place Nov. 1. The county plan would be administered by CEO George Johnson, who would make final determinations on whether the phased reopening should proceed on schedule or be delayed, depending on whether COVID-19 infections tick up, remain flat or decline. “We’re going to be operating

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Health care workers conduct tests at the state run COVID-19 testing location at the Grace Mellman Community Library in Temecula. Valley News/ S h ane G i bson p h oto

in an economy that’s going to be crushed. We need to move forward on this and stop putting it off,” Hewitt said. Supervisors Karen Spiegel and Kevin Jeffries expressed support for the concept but requested a delay in voting until Oct. 6 to give the executive office time to evaluate the potential funding losses that might ensue. “Public health officers should not be dictating the terms and conditions of our fundamental rights,” Jeffries said. “When I had pneumonia a few years ago, I did not turn over my business and livelihood to my physician. Only the businesses and residents of this county can open it again.” The supervisors were expected to vote on Hewitt’s proposal Tuesday, Oct. 6, after press time to replace the state’s tiered system with a county-designed accelerated reopening plan. The county executive office has said the state could withhold $114 million in grants and other allocations if the county takes an independent path. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office did not respond to a request for comment on what may happen if the board approves the self-directed reopening plan. Newsom announced last month the county’s shift to the “red tier” from the most restrictive “purple

tier.” The county qualified for the move under testing and positivity thresholds established by the California Department of Public Health. The local numbers by city and community in southwest Riverside County: Temecula Confirmed Cases: 1,120 Deaths: 17 Recovered: 1,026 Murrieta Confirmed Cases: 1,265 Deaths: 22 Recovered: 1,166 Wildomar Confirmed Cases: 578 Deaths: 14 Recovered: 537 Lake Elsinore Confirmed Cases: 1,249 Deaths: 21 Recovered: 1,182 Canyon Lake Confirmed Cases: 108 Deaths: 2 Recovered: 99 Menifee Confirmed Cases: 1,520 Deaths: 40 Recovered: 1,363 Hemet Confirmed Cases: 1,717 Deaths: 63 Recovered: 1,582 San Jacinto

Confirmed Cases: 1,153 Deaths: 25 Recovered: 1,075 Anza Confirmed Cases: 14 Deaths: 0 Recovered: 14 East Hemet Confirmed Cases: 359 Deaths: 7 Recovered: 326 French Valley Confirmed Cases: 336 Deaths: 1 Recovered: 318 Lakeland Village Confirmed Cases: 218 Deaths: 2 Recovered: 211 Valle Vista Confirmed Cases: 234 Deaths: 5 Recovered: 221 Winchester Confirmed Cases: 21 Deaths: 0 Recovered: 20 Riverside County does not provide new reports over the weekend and Valley News press deadline is Monday at noon. For the latest reports from the county, visit http://www.rivcoph. org/coronavirus. City News Service contributed to this report. Jeff Pack can be reached by email at jpack@reedermedia.com.

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Breast cancer survivors participate in Komen Inland Empire’s car parade at BMW of Murrieta to raise awareness about breast cancer.

October 9, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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LOCAL

Lawsuit alters Hemet city council race

Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

Missteps by city officials in Hemet have led some candidates and voters to be uncertain as to who is eligible to run for an open seat on the Hemet City Council come Election Day. To clarify matters, a lawsuit has been filed with the Superior Court of California. Three of the city’s districts are looking to fill seats Nov. 3. Candidates include District 1 incumbent Karlee Meyer and District 3 incumbent Michael Perciful. District 4 was left with a vacancy in July upon Bonnie Wright’s resignation, and this race has caused some confusion. Registered voter and District 4 resident Kenneth Graff, who filed the lawsuit, learned that the city should not have extended the filing date for potential candidates because Wright moved to Arizona, July 9. It should have changed her status to a non-incumbent pursuant to California Government Code 36502(a), and all potential candidates should have been required to meet the original required filing deadline. All but one of the candidates running for a seat in District 4 did so. Joe S. Males pulled his candidate intention papers July 20, but he did not file all the proper documents until Aug. 10, with the understanding that he had until the extended deadline of Aug. 12. The city of Hemet was advised of their error on or about Sept. 18. While the city’s website does reflect the nomination period for District 4 was extended beyond the original Aug. 6 deadline, City clerk Clay

James sent an email to all District 4 candidates Sept. 29 stating “this extension was made in error and resulted in an additional candidate being added to the ballot in District 4.” To date, the city has not taken any steps to remove Males, the “additional candidate,” from the ballot. State election codes also said that candidates have “until 88 days prior to an election” to submit nomination papers to the city clerk. That date would have been Aug. 7, but Hemet City Council is not open on Fridays, so the deadline was set as Aug. 6. Since Males’ papers were not submitted until Aug. 10, he should not be eligible or qualified to run for a city council member seat in District 4 and should not be listed as a candidate on the ballot, Graff said. Rebecca Spencer, the registrar of voters for Riverside County, serves as the elections official for the county. In a signed declaration, she said her office is a neutral party in the litigation but wanted to advise the court of various deadlines, including time-sensitive printing and mailing of ballots and voter information material. She said that the printing deadline for all ballot materials was Sept. 8. “Furthermore, with the ballots having been printed, the registrar will be sending approximately 1,200,000 mail-in ballots beginning Oct. 5,” Spencer said in her declaration. “From a practical perspective, any order from the court to amend, delete, alter or change any of the ballot or ballot materials would materially impact the Nov. 3, 2020, election. There is simply no way to reprint and

Menifee Police Department receives $115K grant from traffic safety office MENIFEE – The safety of everyone traveling is the focus of a grant awarded to the Menifee Police Department recently. A $115,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety will assist in Menifee Police Department’s efforts to reduce deaths and injuries on Menifee roads. “Our priority is the safety of the public,” Sgt. Matthew Bloch said. “Partnering with the Office of Traffic Safety will allow us to multiply our resources and increase our ability to deter improper driving habits, with the intent of keeping everyone safe while on the roadways.” The one-year grant is for the 2021 federal fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2020, to Sept. 30, 2021. The grant will fund a variety of traffic safety programs, including: patrols with emphasis on alcohol and drug-impaired driving prevention; patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of California’s hands-free cellphone law; patrols with emphasis on the education of traffic rights for bicyclists and pedestrians; patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of primary causes of crashes: excess speed, failure to yield, failure to stop at stop signs/

signals and improper turning and lane changes and patrols specifically looking for seat belt and child safety seat violations. The grant will provided for conducting DUI checkpoints, which will focus on educating the public on the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs; community education presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speed, bicycle and pedestrian safety and collaborative efforts with neighboring agencies on traffic safety priorities. It will allow for officer training and/or recertification in standard field sobriety test, advanced roadside impaired driving enforcement and drug recognition expert and for creating “hot sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders. “Through education and behavior changes, we hope to create an environment that is safe and equitable for all road users in our community,” Bloch said. Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Submitted by the Menifee Police Department.

have been extended, Graff said. She submitted a declaration to the court, saying, “I was erroneously advised that I had 30 days to resign once I moved out of District 4.” The parties’ first appearance in court, via Webex, was Oct. 5 and Judge Craig Riemer denied Graff’s ex parte application to have the city of Hemet order the county’s registrar to reprint the ballots. His reasoning was that sample ballots have already been mailed out and the confusion of having them not

be exactly the same as the actual ballots might cause confusion for voters and he felt it could interfere with the election. Riemer scheduled a hearing for Nov. 30, before newly elected candidates are sworn in Dec. 5, to determine if Males was ineligible to be accepted as a candidate for Hemet City Council’s District 4. More information about the Hemet City Council election can be viewed at https://www.hemetca. gov/962/Elections-2020.

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The candidates for the Hemet City Council District 4 seat face confusion Valley News/Courtesy photo over candidate registration deadlines.

redistribute election materials in a timely manner.” While Spencer said that 1.2 million ballots are being sent to Riverside County residents, Hemet residents who opposed the erroneous ballot being sent out said that there are only about 8,600 District 4 ballots that need to be reprinted. Graff, the lawsuit’s plaintiff and petitioner, said he and other voters will “suffer irreparable harm” if Joe Males’ name is allowed to remain on the ballot, alleging it will deprive District 4 residents of “making an informed choice as to which candidate to vote for.” He said that if election results are challenged after the election and the election is then invalidated, voters – in particular those that cast their vote for Joe Males – will be “deprived of their right to cast their vote in favor of the remaining eligible candidate of their choice for the office.” Wright was first elected to serve on the Hemet City Council in 2012 in a citywide election, and when the city was divided into districts for the 2016 elections, she was elected to District 4. She officially resigned her position July 28. She moved out of the District 4 area, July 9, making her ineligible as an incumbent. The deadline for potential candidates to file can only be extended, if an eligible incumbent does not sign up to run by the original deadline. Since Wright was no longer an eligible incumbent due to her move out of the district, the deadline should not

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Valley N ew s • w w w .myva lleyn ew s.com • Octob er 9 , 2020

LOCAL

Candidate Alisha Wilkins runs for Temecula City Council District 2 VALLEY NEWS STAFF

With Temecula City Councilmember Mike Naggar’s announcement in June that he would not seek another term on the city council, the race for the city’s District 2 council seat has been left wide open. Naggar serves on the council from an at-large seat, but with the implementation of city council districts in Temecula three years ago, Naggar was expected to run in District 2, where he lives. Alisha Wilkins, Jessica Alexander and Andy Black are the three candidates who have qualified for the ballot in District 2; however, Wilkins was the only candidate to respond to Valley News’ questions in time for publication. The other candidates’ statements will be run, if received at a later date. What is your motivation for wishing to serve Temecula and more specifically, the district you serve? Wilkins: My motivation for running is to be the voice of unification the city needs and a champion for working class families. Families like the military one I go home to each night. Families that transplanted themselves to Temecula because it was here that they found homes they could afford, in safe neighborhoods, near good schools. We need to get back to the fundamentals that gave us our thriving tourist industry and great communities; we need to move forward as a city. It is this vision, in fact, that resulted in Temecula city founder Joan Sparkman’s

endorsement of my campaign. In the upcoming term, what are your top three goals to address or accomplish for the city and/or your district? Wilkins: Traffic and Transportation: Continuing the city’s ongoing effort to address traffic congestion in and through the city, especially at rush hour, and working to improve transportation options, routes and availability is my priority. Traffic has increased significantly since my family and I moved to Temecula nearly 20 years ago; furthermore, neighbors like my dear friend Ms. Carol, a senior citizen who lives alone and no longer drives, need realistic transportation options to safely make their way to their doctor visits and grocery stores independently. Economic Development: Technical support for small businesses to strengthen employment growth, including those that drive tourism. As the owner of a women’s business accelerator located in Temecula’s businesses district, my daily engagement with local small-business owners provides me with firsthand knowledge of their challenges and desire for additional support. As a city to 6,648 businesses, it is imperative to our city’s economy that they are thriving and receive the support they need, particularly as we continue to learn from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Getting our fair share: Using my long-standing relationships in Sacramento as a governor-appointed

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chair of a state commission to make sure Temecula gets its fair share of state funding to tackle traffic and housing, so our children are not priced out of their hometown and older adults can age in place. My work on the Riverside Mission Heritage Project is an example of how I have managed to leverage those relationships to secure funding for working families and veterans in local communities. What do you bring to the council that is lacking if any? Or what do you bring to the table that makes the council better or more well-rounded? Wilkins: At this time last year, one of my dear friends and owner of Get-A-Clue Escape Room in Temecula had just been nominated as small business of the year. She is now closing her doors. It will be sometime before we fully understand the devastating impact of COVID-19 to our economy; but our small businesses do not have time to wait. Our city needs someone with governing experience who can begin to make an impact immediately. I am the only candidate with that experience. I am chair of a state commission where I make decisions that impact the lives of 19.7 million women and girls. I make these decisions alongside legislators and other very powerful women. I am also the only candidate who owns a “brick and mortar” small business in our city – Hera Hub Temecula. Therefore, I know firsthand the challenges that our small businesses face because I engaged with their owners every day. I also have the unique experience of living in Temecula for nearly 20 years as a military family; therefore, I understand the challenges experienced by service members and their families. This is one of the reasons I have obtained the support of military families in my candidacy for city council. What are the two biggest issues facing the city of Temecula in the next four years that you hope to address? Wilkins: First, support for families struggling with the effects of COVID-19. Pundits predict an educational gap year occurring for K-12 grade students because of school closure due to COVID-19. While challenges parents have with their own work schedules and their children learning online may be viewed as a school district issue, I beg to differ – it is a com-

munity issue. This is one of the reasons I opened the doors of my business to local Temecula high school students to do their online learning. I see these challenges as a community issue because if students are struggling, then parents are not working and that affects their income, which in turn affects our revenues. As a member of the city council, I would do something similar as I have done with my own business but with city recreational facilities and libraries. It would also be helpful to provide students with experiential learning activities through parks and recreations during spring and summer break periods to supplement basic learning and social emotional losses experienced during the shutdown. Secondly, small-business support. Temecula is home to 6,648 businesses most of which have been negatively impacted in some form by COVID-19. Our businesses are the heartbeat of our city. They employ our neighbors and sustain our economy. They are integral to our success as a city. While there have been funding opportunities to help offset the economic challenges presented by the shut down; what has been missing is the technical support needed to access this funding. One of the many reasons is larger corporations received funding, while other small businesses did not is because they had access to staff, certified public accountants, attorneys and preexisting relationships with financial institutions which made the process of applying for thing like the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program easier. With technical support in these areas, and expansion of funding to businesses that did not qualify for PPP, assistance with application processes and continuing to demand we get our fair share of assistance from the State, I believe we can offset challenges faced by our business community. What qualifications or personality/intellectual traits do you have that make you appropriate or the right person for the job? Wilkins: I am the only candidate running in District 2 with nearly 20 years of history in Temecula. When my family and I moved here we were a young military family and have now raised our sons, one of whom was a student and football player at Linfield Christian High School under the

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Lucas said people have come up to the stand to directly confront him and his grandmother. He said that in the past week, a man had come up to start such a confrontation. “A White man, Caucasian man came up to the stand, and he was just bothering us for no reason,” Lucas said. “I feel like he was trying to pick a fight. He’s more so just didn’t want anything – he didn’t want to buy any merchandise; he just wanted to cause a problem.” Another woman came up to the

gone away. “People are always coming down this street, Winchester, and they just say racial slurs, because they feel like our Black Lives Matter stand is a political thing, but it’s really a humanitarian thing,” grandson Shemar Lucas said. Even while Valley News was conducting the interview for this story, Oct. 1, a passenger in a passing vehicle shouted and exposed her middle finger while heading north on Winchester Road.

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Temecula City Council District 2 candidate Alisha Wilkins. Valley N ew s/Alisha W ilki ns courtesy photo

leadership of Dechon Burns. During the time we have been a part of this community I was appointed to serve as a state commissioner. I subsequently became the chair of that commission and am currently responsible for the governance of 16 women, six of whom are elected officials. No other candidate on the ballot has this level of governance experience, and as we deal with the impact of COVID-19 on our community it is imperative that the next councilmembers is ready to lead. In addition, I am an organizational psychologist with the skill set of going into organizations and making them run more efficient and effectively. This is precisely why, as I watched parents struggling working and juggling their children’s online learning, I did not wait for my government to act. I opened the doors of my business to local high school students to take their courses at my business. I am a natural problems solver, an experienced leader, with the knowledge to serve as city councilmember. Joan Sparkman and Supervisor Chuck Washington have endorsed my campaign because they both agree I am the right person for this time. Alisha Wilkins, Ph.D., is a member of The View Church, Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Professional Women’s Roundtable, Temecula Professional Women’s Toastmasters, Audacious – Business Women Group, Temecula Badass Businesswomen, Temecula Startup Week Volunteer and more. For more information, visit http://Wilkins2020.com. Valley staff can be reached by email at valleystaff@reedermedia.com. stand expressing racial prejudice, he said. “She just blatantly said she doesn’t like Blacks,” Lucas said. “I had to ask her again; like she said that?” The harassment, he said, has been ongoing ever since the stand opened in June. Lucas said he was surprised by the level of hate he has seen. “Actually, I went to high school out here, and this is the first time I’ve seen it really in person, reallife, that people are racist,” Lucas said. “I wouldn’t say everybody’s racist, but there is a minority of people out here that’s like that.” The reason for all the hate, Lucas said, he believes is simple: a lack of knowledge. “They just don’t know that this is actually a good thing,” Lucas said. “It’s not just saying that we matter, we’re saying that everybody matters.” He said it was especially disheartening because of the reason his grandmother started the stand. “She wants to create a youth center for loss and disadvantaged children,” Lucas said. “That’s her main thing. For kids that are just lost and can’t find their way and they are on the wrong path, she wants to guide them back to that way.” It’s something that the community definitely needs, he said. “It’s hard for people who are on the wrong path, and they don’t know where to pick up,” Lucas said. “You’ve got to find the right people; you’ve got to find the right program structure.” While the opposition the stand has gotten has been unfortunate, Lucas said he does not believe the behavior is representative of Murrieta. “I wouldn’t say that represents everybody; I would say it represents some of the few,” Lucas said. “There are a lot of good people here, but there are a few that are racist.” Will Fritz can be reached by email at wfritz@reedermedia.com.

October 9, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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Mantengo una licencia del estado de California que me da la oportunidad de examinar todas las opciones de los planes de seguro.Yo le ayudare a surtir esas opciones y encontrar el plan correcto para usted.

Estoy preparado para ayudarle aun en los tiempos de COVID. Podemos trabajar juntos por medio de teléfono, correo electrónico, o en persona con máscara y guantes si usted lo desea.

Yo soy su vecino. Yo vivo en el condado de Riverside y estoy familiarizado con los doctores locales, los hospitales, planes de seguro y recursos adicionales para ayudarle a usted. No hay cobro por mis servicios. Mi prioridad es responder sus preguntas, presentarle todas las opciones que se ofrecen, y ayudarle a inscribirse al plan correcto para usted.

Por favor llameme con sus preguntas de Medicare. Apreciaría la oportunidad de ayudarle y yo seguiré ofreciendo mi ayuda durante todo el año.

Cesar Garcia CA Lic #0M07490

(951) 440-9242

email: cesar.abins@gmail.com Al llamar el número previsto usted será dirigido a un agente de seguros con licencia. Medicare no ha revisado o avalado esta información.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • October 9, 2020

LOCAL

Two vie to unseat Magee from Lake Elsinore District 5 post Jeff Pack STAFF WRITER

Robert Kelly and Jorge Lopez are vying to replace Bob Magee, the current Lake Elsinore mayor pro tem, in the city council race for District 5 which encompasses the city’s historic downtown zone to the area southeast of Lake Elsinore. It is the first time Magee will run for reelection, having been elected in 2016 to the council. Valley News posed the same series of questions to each candidate via email and each candidate returned the questionnaire with their responses. What is your motivation for wishing to serve the city of Lake Elsinore and more specifically, the district you serve? Kelly: As a five-year resident to District 5, I have not seen the change I have anticipated. I want my wife to feel safe when pumping gas as well as going to the local supermarkets. Lopez: When my family and I emigrated to the U.S., a lot of people helped us and showed us kindness and compassion. It seemed like our culture was built on taking care of each other. In church, I volunteered to help our community. When I turned 18 years old, I joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a way to further serve the people of my adopted country. Recently, my wife and I became foster parents to provide a safe haven to children awaiting reunification with their parents. Since then, we have adopted two wonderful little girls. District 5 is made up of the oldest and newest parts of the city. The city of Lake Elsinore is one of the fastest growing cities in our region and it has a very diverse population. It needs a representative that can move the city forward while ensuring no one is left behind. Magee: I want to continue the progress we have made making our community safer. I originally ran for office after a walk-by shooting occurred on my street in broad daylight in front of my son. It took 40 minutes for a deputy to arrive and secure the scene. The shooters ran loose in our neighborhood and escaped out into the lake bottom and were not apprehended until the next day … when they arrived at school. At that time our TEMECULA f rom p ag e A - 1 constituent that many criticized as racist, although Stewart defended himself by saying the offensive portion of the email arose from a transcription error. “All of us here today unanimously decided in June not to appoint a mayor for the remainder of 2020,” councilmember Matt Rahn said at the start of the address. “In this challenging year, Temecula citizens and businesses deserve our equal and active participation

city population had tripled in just 10 years while our law enforcement staffing had not increased at all. Public safety must continue to be our No. 1 priority, and I have worked to significantly increase the size of our force and crime has gone down. We have also built three fire stations since I was elected, emergency response times for our public safety professionals is now less than four minutes. While we have made substantial progress, we can always do better, and I want to build on the momentum we have created and continue to move our community forward. In the upcoming term, what are your top three goals to address or accomplish for the city and/or your district? Kelly: 1. Homeless, crime and drug use (public safety) 2. Roads and landscape 3. Economic development (Help bring businesses back to our city). Lopez: 1. I would like to establish a public university that will focus on high-tech and medical careers that will have a hospital to train and offer health services to our communities. Because it will be publicly funded, I will work to make sure the health care costs are minimal, if not free, to the public. 2. I will work to build/replace our aging and outdated infrastructure to accommodate charging stations, solar panels and other renewable energies. 3. It has become obvious that everyone needs a fast and reliable connection to the internet and I will work to integrate 5G technology to the city of Lake Elsinore to provide it to everyone in the city. Magee: Increase our financial commitment to public safety (i.e., police, fire and animal control services) in order to further reduce emergency response times. Reduce homelessness to virtual zero. Continue to improve our transportation infrastructure by completing the I-15/Railroad Canyon Road Interchange, beginning construction on the I/15/Main Street Interchange and continue to repave and protect our existing roadway system within the entire city. What do you bring to the council that is lacking if any? Or what do you bring to the table that makes the council better or more well-rounded? Kelly: I bring an open mind and a business attitude and someone in leadership that fosters an inclusive community seamlessly into the future.” Stewart, who is running again for the Temecula City Council District 2 seat, was not directly mentioned at the State of the City, nor was the reason for his resignation. Councilmember Mike Naggar did, however, touch on the topic of racism, which became prominent in the city this year not just because of Stewart’s email but also because of the larger backdrop of large protests nationwide and in Tem-

ELECT

MARK KATAN

for

GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER Temecula Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 5 - Full Term

Current Occupation:

Executive Director of the Temecula Education Foundation

For more information, contact:

markk8ten@gmail.com

The Mission of the Temecula Education Foundation (TEF) is to enhance and improve educational opportunities for students in the Temecula Unified School District by providing student enrichment programs and promoting community engagement.

V TE

Howard Feigenbaum Treasurer, City of Hemet

I Stand For:

Experienced:

• Safety and Liq uidity • 3 1 years Reg istered F inancial • Ex perience & Service P rincipal • Realiz ing City of Hemet Goals • 40 years in F inancial Industry As an elected official, my responsibility is to the people. I believe the Treasurer can provide an independent voice in measuring the City’s financial status. As Treasurer, I will advocate for having the City explore sources of additional revenue that are not dependent on taxpayer increases to meet budgetary needs.

h o w a r d -fe ig e n b a u m -fo r -c ity -o f-h e m e t-tr e a s u r e r -2 0 2 0 .c o m

Bob Magee, mayor pro tem of Lake Elsinore City Council, runs for reelection in District 5.

Jorge Lopez runs for the District 5 seat on the Lake Elsinore city council. Valley News/ C ou rtesy p h otos

Robert Kelly runs for the District 5 seat on the Lake Elsinore city council.

who thinks outside the box. I feel communication with existing businesses and residents is mandatory. I am not your average politician rather a blue collar, hard-working business owner. Lopez: I bring the experiences of an immigrant, Marine Corps veteran, essential worker and parent of young children to the council. I am one of the people. I may also be the only Hispanic council member in a city where Hispanics are the majority. Magee: I bring a unique combination of both public and private sector experience to the council. I have worked in municipal government, I have designed and permitted recycling facilities, commercial and industrial projects and managed mining and composting operations while in the private sector, and I have even been a partner in my own development company. So, I understand how to look at an issue from a number of different viewpoints which allows me to creatively seek solutions and work in collaboration with my colleagues.

be rising public safety costs and the challenges of our homeless population given the current legislative climate. Our public safety costs have risen annually at a rate of 8%. While our annual revenue has only increased at a rate of 4%. It is an unsustainable trajectory and we must work to manage the increase in costs while seeking creative revenue solutions. The strain placed on our system by the homeless population includes pollution of our open spaces, strain on resources including public safety, public works and code enforcement and the negative perception this population creates on our overall quality of life. We need to continue with our philosophy of a “hand up not a handout” and work to help those who want out of the cycle of hopelessness. That includes counseling, transitional housing, job training and behavioral health services. And for those who do not want to move along through these programs they must either agree to make a lifestyle change or we must move them to an institutionalized setting.

What are the two biggest issues facing the city of Lake Elsinore in the next four years that you hope to address? Kelly: Fiscal sustainability. Homelessness. Lopez: We will always be working to improve, expand and renew our infrastructure, attract better paying jobs and strengthen our fire fighting forces, but I also believe the two biggest issues facing the city of Lake Elsinore is affordable housing and helping our homeless population keep a home. Magee: Our two biggest issues moving forward will continue to

What qualifications or personality/intellectual traits do you have that make you appropriate or the right person for the job? Kelly: I am a successful business owner who uses biblical values to help guide me in all my decisions. This has helped me develop a culture of honor, integrity and servanthood in the workplace and change the culture of the construction industry one project at a time. Lopez: In me, the people will not find a politician. They will find a voice to represent their needs in the council, a partner who will

work with them to find a solution to their needs and a servant who will ask to be held accountable. I know the plight of the newly immigrated population, the invisible pains of a veteran and their loved ones, the struggles of families with young children and the insecurities our business people face because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I hold bachelor’s degrees in computer information science and film, television and new media from San Diego State University, which I received while working full time. I have been fortunate in finding a hand up at every stage in my life. Should I have the honor of being elected to the city of Lake Elsinore, I hope to be a hand up to all who want and need it. They can find me on Facebook Jorge Lopez for Lake Elsinore and at my website: http://www.JorgeLopezForLakeElsinore.com. Magee: I have the ability to listen. I believe that a city council member must be able to listen to all of their constituents and work to find them answers, solutions and direction. Campaigning is about talking, being an elected official is about listening and responding. It is my job to listen, report and reply. While I certainly can’t make everybody happy, I have always worked to identify pathways for success to help each person that has sought me out for assistance. I want to continue to do this work, because I still believe that government can do great things and that we are here to help people with problems that are larger than themselves. Jeff Pack can be reached by email at jpack@reedermedia.com.

ecula over the killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans by police. “Amid one pandemic came another in 2020: racism,” Naggar said. “We reject racism in any form in Temecula. It is a topic we will not stray away from or be silent about.” Councilmembers spent most of the address taking turns highlighting Temecula’s economic strength and upcoming projects in the city. Rahn said that Temecula’s average household income increased by 10% to more than $120,000 in 2019, Old Town’s sales have seen an increase of 78% in the six years ending in 2019, median home prices were up 8% between July 2019 and July 2020 and unemployment in the city has improved by 40% since the height of the coronavirusrelated shutdowns in April. But he also pointed out an interesting fact – Temecula’s population declined for the first time in the city’s history between 2019 and 2020, dropping by more than 1,800 people to about 117,000. Rahn characterized it as an “appropriate correction.” “Interestingly, several years ago, city staff forecast our 2020 population based on existing land use and other factors to be precisely what it is today,” he said. Interspersed between the councilmembers’ speeches were several videos describing manufacturing in Temecula, new construction projects on the horizon and projects that have recently been completed and other topics. Perhaps helping to reverse the slight population loss in Temecula over the last year will be upcoming new construction projects such as Rancho Soleo in south Temecula, Sommers Bend near Butterfield Stage Road and Altair west of Old Town, which are in varying stages of planning and development; according to the city, more than 7,000 individuals are on a waiting list to purchase homes in Sommers Bend. The city recently finished roadwidening projects on Butterfield Stage Road, Pechanga Parkway and at Winchester and Nicolas

roads, as well as adding a roundabout at La Paz and Ynez roads. Moving forward, the city is in the planning stages of projects to add a new bridge over the Murrieta Creek, extending Overland Drive, extending Diaz Road to the Murrieta border and creating a new Cherry Street bridge over the creek. A project to add auxiliary lanes along Interstate 15 between each freeway junction in Temecula is also in the design phase, and construction is set to begin next year on phase two of the French Valley Parkway interchange project, which will add flyover lanes from the northbound freeway on-ramp from Winchester Road that will allow drivers to merge onto I-15 or Interstate 215 north of the junction of those two freeways. The final piece of funding required to make that project possible was covered with a federal grant announced in 2019. “We traveled to Washington D.C. several times lobbying for this grant, and ultimately, Congressman Ken Calvert was instrumental in helping us secure the final $50 million which closed the gap on this $137 million project,” Rahn said. “When it is completed, it will be a tremendous relief to travelers headed northbound on I-15 every evening from San Diego.” The city has also completed several aesthetic projects, including new LED lighting, reupholstering and new carpeting at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library; new carpeting in the Temecula Valley Museum and repainting of some city-owned buildings in Old Town, including Pennypickle’s Workshop. “This is only a sample of the city’s to-do list,” Temecula Mayor Pro Tem Maryann Edwards said. “Each of these projects is an economic investment in our community. It is so important to maintain the beauty of our city, especially in times of economic hardship, because the aesthetics of our parks and amenities help define and assure us Temecula is the best it can be in uncertain times.” Councilmembers spent time on

the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on local businesses. Naggar reminded residents that mask-wearing, social distancing and hand-washing are all ways in which local residents can help “get Riverside County’s health metrics aligned with the state’s requirements to fully reopen.” “Temecula, Murrieta and Menifee are reportedly the healthiest in the county, with larger populations yet smaller infection rates,” Naggar said. Councilmember Zak Schwank said the city is devoting resources to local businesses hurt by the pandemic. “The city gave away half a million dollars in grants to businesses,” Schwank said. “We’re about to give another 100,000 to nonprofits. More is on the way.” Edwards attributed Temecula’s relative success in keeping coronavirus infections down – it has recorded 17 deaths and less than 1% of the city’s population has tested positive for the virus, compared to rates of more than 2% in cities such as Hemet and Indio – to the city’s health care system. Temecula Valley Hospital, Edwards said, received an “A” grade this year from the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit health care watchdog. “The low COVID-19 infection rates in our city are no doubt due to excellent health care standards at Temecula Valley Hospital and we’re grateful to our health care professionals on the front lines and their administration for keeping us safe,” Edwards said. Concluding the address, Rahn said despite the challenges already faced this year, the city will confidently face the challenges yet to come. “We choose to reflect on 2020 as historical. Good has emerged and more is yet to come,” Rahn said. “The final quarter of 2020 begins today. The power is on our hands to write the last chapter of 2020 in Temecula’s history book. And we see a very bright future.” Will Fritz can be reached by email at wfritz@reedermedia.com.

October 9, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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LOCAL

Two candidates compete for Murrieta’s District 4 seat Lexington Howe STAFF WRITER

Elections are coming – and there are two seats available on Murrieta’s City Council. With four candidates in the running – two for district three, and two for district four, candidates filed necessary paperwork with the city so that they’d have a chance at the seats in the general election, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. According to the city, it will finalize the transition to district-based city council elections which began in November 2018. Council members Jonathan Ingram, Christi White and Scott Vinton will continue to serve their four-year terms, ending December 2022. Candidates David Kolk and Lori Stone are running for Murrieta’s District 4 seat. Valley News reached out to the two candidates to gather some more information for voters as they decide who would be best to fill the seat. The following Q&A includes information and stances on certain concerns within the city. Can you give some background information as to why you feel you’re qualified to represent District 4? Kolk: I retired May 30/June 1 as the assistant city manager for the city of Colton. I spent the previous 20 years as a utility director for the Colton Electric Department and the Colton Utility Department, which was electric, water, waste water, public works and trash, so I have a long history in public service and am very familiar with what it takes to run a city. Backgroundwise, I have my doctorate in economics from University of California Riverside, and a master’s degree from San Diego and a bachelor’s degree from University of California Riverside. I’ve worked extensively on macroeconomic policy, primarily business cycles, and energy economics so I’m familiar with what goes on in the city and the way in which the macroeconomy affects the local economy. Stone: I moved to Murrieta in 1976 at the age of 14, so I have seen Murrieta grow from a very small town to the vibrant city that it is today, and I do believe that that’s due to our past and our current city leaders. My first career I owned a chain of beauty supplies for more than 17 years, so I understand the private entity. I understand what it’s like to be a business owner and sign the front of the check. After I sold my chain of beauty supplies, I went to work for my brother, who was 3rd District supervisor Jeff Stone, and I was his legislative assistant to women’s issues. During that, those 10 years that I worked for him, I advocated for sexual assault, domestic violence, homeless, breast cancer, just to name a few issues. I also became a county commissioner for the Riverside County Commission for Women, and I was also a chairwoman. And during my time with the commission for women, we did a couple of outreaches and one of them was domestic violence. We did another event on sex offenders, and during that time Riverside County was featured on the show called “To Catch a Predator.” For about a year and a half to two years I traveled all over Riverside County, and I educated nonprofits

and women’s organizations on how to protect their children from registered sex offenders – in addition, making sure that registered sex offenders were in compliance with city and county ordinances. At the commission level, we did an outreach – this was back in 2009, and it was the changing face of homelessness. And during the recession when I worked for my brother there were many, many phone calls with families like myself that were losing everything due to the recession, and we found that our food pantries were empty. So we did an outreach on the changing face of homelessness and I actually went undercover as a homeless person, and it shows the stereotypical type of homeless versus an educated person standing on a street corner asking for money to feed their children. So these are a few issues that I addressed when I worked for Jeff Stone, and I was very humbled by all the social issues and understanding how government works and the resources that are available at the county level. So I do have an understanding about the public sector as well. So when Kelly Seyarto won the primary, because he’s running for state assembly, he and I sat down and we talked about me running for his seat, which was the 4th District in Murrieta. And he gave me his blessing and he felt that as a business owner, understanding social issues, that I’ve always been a proponent of the private and public partnership – we can’t depend solely on the government, we can’t depend solely on the private sector, and what better partnership is between the two. Being that I have the experience in both, he felt that I would be a great person to represent Murrieta, and so here I am, I’m running for Murrieta City Council. Murrieta’s big on local and small businesses, what’s your stance, or where would you like to see Murrieta progressing with small businesses? Kolk: Small business I support. I’m not a great supporter of the mega corporations that seem to be running America today. I’m a strong supporter of small and local businesses, but when I look at Murrieta today there’s three or four things that I’d like to address. First, this whole COVID-19 issue – I’m very unhappy with the response of the county to the COVID-19 emergency in this “Masks are optional; They’re some kind of intrusion on your rights” – no. Masks are a way in keeping the rest of us safe, and I’d like to see the city and county for that matter enforce public safety as a way of stopping or slowing the COVID-19 pandemic with as little impact on business as possible. By that, we’re going to see another wave or two or three until it finally goes away, it’s kind of like water sloshing around in a cup. We get it down over here, and it’s going to pop up in Illinois; we get it in Illinois and it’ll pop up in Texas; we get it down in Texas and it’ll pop back up here again. We need to control it where we’re going to be going through these periodic shutdowns which are the worst possible thing for businesses, particularly the small businesses that don’t have the financial ability to shut and give up their revenue for a few months while they wait for the pandemic to go away. Make masks mandatory

Route 79 guardrail project causes some traffic delays Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Some traffic delays have been experienced by motorists as the California Department of Transportation continues work on a $11 million project to mill and overlay, upgrade dikes, upgrade curbs to Americans with Disabilities standards and upgrade guardrail on state Route 79. The work continues on the winding road from the San Diego county line to Butterfield Stage Road in Temecula with the protection expected to be completed at the end of October, weather permitting. Grinding operations will take place during nighttime work hours throughout the limits of the project from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday

through Friday. This schedule is subject to change. Caltrans said, “Know before you go. To stay on top of roadwork in the Inland Empire, go to Caltrans District 8 and sign up for commuter alerts. Follow us for the latest information on Facebook and Twitter. To assist in planning your commute, view live traffic conditions using QuickMap and planned lane closures. “For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (such as Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, contact Public Affairs at 909-383-4631 or TTY 711,” Caltrans said. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

and enforce that edict. Secondly, I’ve never been a great fan of urban sprawl, and here in Murrieta, and I’ve been here for 30 years, we started out as the slow growth or no growth part of Rancho California at the time with Temecula being the big growth. We need to slow down residential growth until business investment and infrastructure catch up with us. Otherwise, we’re just going to continue to have more and more traffic problems and more and more financial problems in the city government bubble. By and large, residential communities do not pay for themselves. Growth, or the revenue that you get, comes from the business side to support the services that you offer to the residential side. If we’re going to continue to allow unfettered growth going on here, we need to really increase development fees so that the new residents aren’t being subsidized by the current residents that’s happening right now. Third, land-use planning, we have the general plan and we’re quite proud of the fact that we have 52 parks and 25 miles of trails, but we can do better with an active transportation plan to get people out of their cars and that’s a twofold issue: one, you just have to look at Washington Avenue or Jefferson Avenue or Nutmeg Street in the morning to see all the people who are just walking their dog up and down exercising, but an active transportation plan to encourage bike lanes and walking areas and remove cars. Old Town would be a perfect place for that. You can’t stop all cars going down because the businesses are all right there, but you can stop them going down Washington Avenue between Kalmia and Ivy streets, and put some of the cars to the side streets so that they stay off Washington Avenue and that becomes more of a walking area. Finally, I’m pro-cannabis, promarijuana. I don’t see any reason that the city shouldn’t allow the sale of marijuana within the city. We allow guns, so therefore let’s allow marijuana. Stone: The small businesses are the backbone of our community, if not the nation. And as a smallbusiness owner, if I’m elected, I would love to partner with our chamber of commerce. There’s an event called the International Council of Shopping Centers in Vegas, and this is one of the prime events where cities go and they lobby for businesses to come to their community. One of the things that a retail developer looks for,

Murrieta candidate Lori Stone runs for District 4’s seat in the upcoming Nov. 3 election.

Murrieta candidate David Kolk runs for the District 4’s seat in the upcoming Nov. 3 election. Valley News/ C ou rtesy p h otos

No. 1, is quality of life. And being that we are one of the safest cities in the nation that is something a retail developer really looks for. And being that we have a strong chamber of commerce. We have an innovation center that’s like no other, and with the quality of life that we have, big box businesses, retail developers, they are wanting to come to Murrieta. If elected, I look so forward to going to that event in March and stand with our city and stand with our chamber and negotiate with new businesses that will bring new tax dollars and have new job opportunities for the residents of Murrieta. If elected, what is something you’d like to see the most improved in the city? Kolk: Most improved is going to be traffic flow. It is absolutely ridiculous trying to drive through when you’re on Clinton Keith or Rancho California roads, where a number of side streets are there that have one car coming in but stop you along Clinton Keith Road where there’s 40 cars waiting. It’s getting worse with the new apartments that were built up there at Clinton Keith Road and Interstate 215. We need to synchronize the lights and ensure that priority of traffic is east/west on Clinton Keith Road and north/south on Washington Avenue and all directions on California Oaks Road. But traffic is getting a little bit ridiculous to the point where pretty soon, you already see it on Clinton Keith Road, you start reaching gridlock. A few more homes out there, particularly when Costco goes in, and we will have gridlock. Stone: Well, we definitely have an issue with our water and drain system in Old Town Murrieta. We have four municipalities, and until we address the drainage issues down in Old Town – as I’m walking precincts people are saying “what about Old Town? Why can’t we be like other communi-

ties” – and until that is addressed, we will not be able to have new development down there, so that’s No. 1, is making sure the water, the drain storm system, everything is addressed so we can have new development down in Old Town Murrieta. That would be a No. 1 priority. Then secondly, the golden triangle. The golden triangle is the last prime piece of property in Southern California. And this is our opportunity to be very innovative, to really think outside the box, to look toward the future and what can we implement in the golden triangle that would be such a regional retail development where we would draw from San Diego, Orange County, the desert, the mountains. I believe as the last large piece of property in Southern California, that also is a top priority, so between the golden triangle and Old Town those would be my two top priority for Murrieta. I have two boys, and they both serve our country. They’re both in the Navy – my eldest is an aircraft commander and my youngest is in a nuclear power program. So as a proud Navy mother, one of the things that I love about Murrieta is their veterans’ program. Anything that I can do to support our veterans, the programs that they have or additional resources, in addition to supporting our public safety. I stand behind our men and women in blue, our fire department, and again because we’ve been rated No. 1 and No. 2 for the size of our city, so definitely public safety and definitely our veterans are two additional things that I would love to support. I’ll do everything that I can, especially with our public safety, in regards to trainings, for equipment. I want to make sure they have everything they need, and anything that I can do to help our veterans with resources. I want to be their partner as well. Lexington Howe can be reached by email at lhowe@reedermedia. com.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • October 9, 2020

LOCAL

Hemet Measure U Oversight Committee seeks outside audits Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Hemet’s most recent accomplishments for the residents of the city were presented to the city council in a video made by the city staff at its Sept. 22 regular meeting. A letter from the Measure U Oversight Committee saying they were seeking outside audits for revenues and expenditures was accepted by the council as well. H.P. Kang, director of city development, presented the video, showing the city’s progress improving its streets, conducting Public Works projects, adopting COVID-19 policies to assist businesses and introducing the library’s Excess Service Program. The video is available to the public on the “Hemet Minute Matters” highlight reel on the city’s website. In recent months, the city made improvements from Kirby Street from Devonshire to Menlo avenues; resurfaced Whittier Avenue; installed a new traffic signal at Auto Drive and Warren Road; resurfaced other roads citywide and replaced some missing sidewalks. The city staff brought forward ideas to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through outdoor dining, FaceTime inspections, outdoor

service delivery and temporary sign permits. Self-service hours have been created at the Hemet Library. City crews helped the Southern California Gas Co. and Eastern Municipal Water District to repair a major gas line break over two days and brought Rally’s Crazy Good Food and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers to the city. The city council accepted a letter from Eric Gosch, chairman of the Measure U Oversight Committee, saying the committee is hiring two outside auditors to audit the measures revenues and expenditures from 2018. The city council did hear presentations of Measure U expenditures during the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report review, but they were not made before the Oversight Committee, as is required under city ordinance in 2018. The committee said a letter to the council, “At the Sept. 3, 2020, meeting of the Measure U Oversight Committee, staff presented the fiscal year 2018-2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Most of the committee was aware that there were allocation errors made in both fund balances and revenues for Measure U in the original CAFR, and that these errors were corrected in advance of

the Aug. 11, city council meeting. We discussed in detail the misallocation of these items with city management and noted that they had been corrected to the committee’s satisfaction. At no time does the committee believe that any funds were ‘missing,’ ‘stolen’ or ‘misspent.’ The incorrect amounts in the balance and revenue were obvious to the committee and have no effect on our implementation of Measure U. “The committee acknowledges and appreciates the diligence of city staff in correcting this item. As a result of our review, we have received and filed the corrected fiscal year 2018-2019 CAFR. In our efforts to increase transparency, in June 2020, the committee discussed an independent review of Measure U revenues and expenditures with the goal of providing additional detail and assurance to the public regarding Measure U. As a result, the committee has recommended an ‘Agreed Upon Procedures’ review of Measure U revenues and expenditures by an independent outside CPA firm paid for by Measure U funds, for fiscal year 2018-2019 and fiscal year 2019-2020. “While a CPA firm cannot legally perform a true ‘audit’ of

Measure U, the AUP is the standard process CPA firms use in this type of fund. This will ensure that all action surrounding Measure U is in conformance with the governing ordinance and applicable resolutions. The committee is requesting this AUP not because of any distrust of city staff or its accounting processes, but out of an abundance of caution, and because we take our task seriously. The committee is committed to continuing through oversight of the city’s expenditures of Measure U funds for public safety and the city’s annual independent audit. Thank you for the trust the community and council have placed in us,” according to the committee’s letter. The council thanked Gosch and accepted the letter without much comment. The issue of how the city has been spending the Measure U funding in recent years has been the subject of public comment for the past year. Approved on the consent calendar were: a resolution awarding a three-year agreement for landscape maintenance services to Adame Landscape Inc. in the amount not to exceed $1,441,982.40; a resolution approving application for Southern California Gas Co. grant

funds and ratified Hemet’s Temporary Outdoor Business Program. They also discussed a resolution declaring a limitation for campaign contributions to candidates for elective offices in Hemet, leaving staff to return with some possible contribution limits. They heard an update of the proposed changes to the 2019 California Code of Regulations to bring the city into compliance. The council directed staff to enforce the Construction Hours Policy and Qualified Individual Policy effective through Dec. 31, 2022. The policies reflect the city council’s intent to revise the Hemet Municipal Code and further directed staff to incorporate the policies into the proposed ordinance that will be proposed at a future council meeting. The council granted a waiver for Last Chance Performance Marine for the undergrounding utility lines related to the proposed improvements at 601 South Sanderson Ave. based on a finding of undue hardship to the developer and determination that granting of the waiver would not result in a negative impact to the public health, safety or welfare. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

Meet the Hemet treasurer candidates, city council candidate Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Editor’s note: There are two candidates for Hemet treasurer, an elected position. They will be listed on the Nov. 3 general election local ballot. This week, readers have the opportunity to meet the treasurer candidates and one other of nine candidates running for a city council seat not presented earlier in the Hemet City Council candidate profiles. Treasurer Candidates Sue Savage Sue Savage is running for Hemet city treasurer, seeking to safely improve the city’s financial portfolio. “Over a three-year period, as a citizen, I stood in front of our Hemet city council and discovered my tax dollars are not always in AAA rated safe investments,” Savage said. “Nor are they earning the highest interest. As a citizen, I forced the city to establish an Investment Oversight Committee to scrutinize the investments of our tax dollars. I forced the city to comply with California Regulations for Hemet Investment Policies and Practices. “My best accomplishment, as a citizen, was forcing the city to move money out of an investment earning hardly anything and into an investment earning $15,000 more each year for the taxpayer. “As treasurer, I will provide

information to you and our city officials on how Hemet invests in our local area. I will make sure Hemet tax dollars are safe. Most important, I will make sure our tax dollars are earning the highest possible interest to help pay the expenses of our city,” she said. For more information, visit http://GladysSavage2020.com or email GladysSavage2020@ gmail.com. Howard Feigenbaum Howard Feigenbaum, a candidate for Hemet treasurer, said he is a 15-year resident of Hemet, married and has two children and grandchildren and is a graduate of University of California Los Angeles. He said his experience will help him improve the city’s financial picture if elected. “I have advanced degrees from the University of Wisconsin and California State University, San Bernardino,” he said. Feigenbaum said he has worked in the financial industry for 40 years and has a broad knowledge of investment suitability, risk management and an understanding of market conditions. A registered principal with the Financial Industry Regulatory for 31 years, he owned and operated a broker-dealer firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. He shared how he can provide

the leadership in helping secure the city’s financial position. “I believe in service,” Feigenbaum said. “We have an obligation to help our neighbors and improve our community. I have served on the boards of the Diamond Valley Arts Council and the Hemet Library Foundation. I am vice president and board member of my synagogue, Temple Beth Am.” Feigenbaus is also a writer. His published repertoire includes action-adventure novels, poetry and a children’s book. He shared his goals for the city’s finances. “Hemet’s fiscal stability and betterment are my priorities,” he said. “As treasurer, I will advocate for having the city explore sources of additional revenue that are not dependent on taxpayer increases to meet budgetary needs.” He said he has been endorsed by council members Linda Krupa of District 5 and Russ Brown of District 2. Judith Oltman, current city treasurer said, “I know Howard to be a brilliant, thoughtful, ethical person. I’m delighted to vote for him in November.” Lynne Spreen, a Hemet resident said, “I can’t think of anyone more qualified. Hemet can really use someone like you.” City Council Candidate Kenneth Prado Kenneth Prado is a city council

candidate for District 1. He said the council should always work together for the betterment of the community. “I am a proud resident of Hemet, having moved to the valley in 2008 and a proud parent of a current HUSD student and personally know the emotions, struggles and unknowns that parents of today’s times currently face,” Prado said. “I am a clinical supervisor at an M.A.T./Outpatient Treatment Center, having worked in the substance abuse field for the past 12 years.” Prado serves in ministry at his home church, and he has been active in the educational community. “I am a 2012 graduate of Mt. San Jacinto College. Go Eagles!” Prado said. “My experiences in college was being part of the Student Government Association and the founder and president of the A Second Chance campus club in 2010 which named a college scholarship in my name after I graduated entitled, ‘The Kenneth W. Prado Scholarship for A Second Chance. “I campaigned with the S.G.A. body to construct bus shelters for students and the public at the San Jacinto campus, and I also worked alongside other patriots in 2016 to have the Pledge of Allegiance reinstated to all S.G.A. meetings. “I believe that we must take advantage of our community organizations, neighborhood councils and community activists. I also

strongly believe in defending and supporting our freedoms, churches, families, our children, our elderly, law enforcement, military, neighborhoods and our small businesses. We need fresh eyes, new ideas and better communication and accountability between our officials and our neighborhoods. We need to work together,” he said. Prado shared his goals for the city council. “I truly believe that actions speak louder than words,” he said. “In this upcoming election, voters will be looking at those solid issues of safety, security, honesty, and I hold that deep in my heart. I am a huge advocate and supporter of law and order in our community and I will not support any mention of minimizing the human right of feeling safe. “I am running because I believe our district is worth fighting for, our values are worth fighting for, safety in our community is worth fighting for, and ultimately the American Dream. We need people who know that it is truly an honor to serve Hemet. As a father it helps me realize the gravity of the decisions that we make at the local level and its impact on our community,” he said. For more information, contact him at 951-473-4988 or find him on Facebook and Instagram. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

Take a look at California ballot measures: the rest Will Fritz ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Californians will vote on a dozen separate ballot measures this fall. Last week we looked at six of those ballot measures. Now, this week, let’s take a look at the rest. Proposition 14 This proposition authorizes $5.5 billion in bonds for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine – the state’s stem cell research institute. Bond issuance is limited to $540 million annually, and $1.5 billion is reserved for research relating to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s

disease, strokes, epilepsy and other nervous system diseases and conditions. Proposition 16 This proposition would amend California’s constitution to allow schools and other public entities to take race into account in admission or public contracting – essentially allowing affirmative action, which was banned with Proposition 209 in 1996. Proposition 18 This proposition would amend the state constitution to allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections so long as they will turn 18 by the date of

the general election. Proposition 19 This proposition would amend the state constitution to allow Californians over 55 a large property tax break when buying a home – basically curtailing the negative property tax impacts older Californian homeowners may see when buying a home in 2020 after being able to pay property taxes on their old home based on years- or decades-old market values under Proposition 13. This tax break would be offset by requiring that inheritors of properties – currently, Californians who inherit real estate from their parents can keep their low property tax rates – to

pay current market value tax rates unless they live in their inherited property. Proposition 23 This proposition would require dialysis clinics to have at least one licensed physician on the premises at all times and require clinics to report dialysis-related infection data to state and federal officials. Clinics would be able to be exempted from the physician requirement if at least one nurse practitioner or physician assistant is present on-site. Proposition 24 This amendment would permit California consumers to prevent

businesses from sharing personal information, correct inaccurate personal information held by businesses and limit businesses’ use of “sensitive information” like race or sexual orientation. It would also prohibit businesses from retaining personal data for longer than necessary, allow fines of up to $7,500 for violators and craft a new state agency to enforce the law. It essentially strengthens the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, but narrows the number of businesses to which it applies to only those that buy or sell data of more than 100,000 households annually. Will Fritz can be reached by email at wfritz@reedermedia.com.

Menifee offices, lobbies to reopen with modified in-person hours Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

With the recent change from a purple tier to red tier, Menifee reopened its city offices to the public with a modified schedule, including City Hall, the community services lobby and the police department lobby. Those offices and lobbies will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Virtual city services will remain open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A comprehensive reopening plan is available on Menifee’s website,

and precautions are being made to ensure that both city staff and the public are as safe as possible while conducting business in person. Armando Villa, Menifee city manager, said safety is the foremost concern for the public, and the city staff will proceed cautiously with the limited reopening. “The city of Menifee takes its commitment to being a safe and healthy place for its employees and the community seriously and would not reopen its facilities until we felt confident that city staff and constituents would be safe and secure while doing so,” Villa said.

The city is still taking additional precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, even while opening to the public. Approximately 50% of staff work from home at any given time, facial coverings are required in city buildings, plexiglass was installed at interaction points, social distancing requirements are in place and temperature stations have been installed. For the time being, city council meetings will remain virtual with opportunities to view and submit public comment via phone or email. “The city of Menifee is com-

mitted to serving the community in the safest, most convenient way possible. For those who prefer to handle city business in person, we are glad we can now accommodate those needs safely,” Mayor Bill Zimmerman said. “We are thankful to residents and businesses for their flexibility and understanding during this unprecedented time. I also appreciate city staff who have continued to serve Menifee to the very best of their ability whether providing our virtual City Hall services from their office or their homes when working remotely.” Menifee is still encouraging res-

idents and customers to use its convenient virtual “Zero Stop Shop” services and visit the city’s virtual City Hall webpage, which includes virtual permit resources and information on project processes for all stages of development, as well as information on Community Services programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. For COVID-19 information, visit http://www.cityofmenifee.us/ coronavirus or call 951-672-6777. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

Section

EDUCATION October 9 – 15, 2020

www.myvalleynews.com

Volume 20, Issue 41

Western Science Center Museum presents ‘Windows of the Past’

Andrew McDonald, Western Science Center museum curator and paleontologist, sits behind a window with some of the center’s latest ice age fossils found in a New Mexico dig including a Dynamoterror tyrannosaurus skull.

Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Anton Dooley, sitting, executive director of the Western Science Center in Hemet, and staff member Chenelle Thompson greet visitors coming to the paleontological museum’s first “Windows of the Past” outdoor exhibit.

The McIntyre family from Riverside watches scientist Leya Collins cleaning a tyrannosaurus fossil through an oﬃce window at the Saturday, Sept. 26, Western Science Center’s “Windows of the Past” outdoor exhibit. The museum’s event was held outdoors, observing the COVID-19 health restrictions and safety protocols.

Western Science Center opened “Windows into the Past,” Saturday, Sept. 26, and it was hard to say whether the eager young visitors and their parents or the museum staff were more anxious to see and show what was new at the first outdoor event. The Western Science Center Museum, 2345 Searl Parkway in Hemet, which allows visitors and students to look into the world’s last great ice age that began 10,000 years ago, has been closed to the public since March when the coronavirus pandemic brought nationwide shutdowns. With all COVID-19 safe practices in place, the “Windows into the Past” event offered outdoor displays of museum pieces and peeks into the laboratory windows with scientists working on fossils from the ice age and before. The first time visitors were allowed to visit the museum grounds in months brought more than 40 families, their children, students from the Western Science Academy and others to view the outdoor displays and hear from the WSC staff about the latest fossil finds through the center’s windows. One group of six or less at a time could visit every 10-minutes by reservation only; tickets were $5. Paleontologist Alton Dooley, executive director of the WSC, was on hand to greet each visitor and answer any questions about the event before they entered. Each youngster or student received a little goodie bag with many kinds of information materials from coloring books to a tiny 3-D CAD printer model of a real fossil. Dooley said his staff was excited about the opportunity to set up and moderate the displays. “We had 14 out of 15 of our staff volunteering for the event. They spent a lot of their own time setting it up,” he said. Equally excited were students from the Western Center Academy, such as senior Agatha McIntire and her eighth-grade sister Gwendolyth McIntire who had been working at home with their online studies. “I am so glad to be back here at school,” Agatha McIntire said,

who is eyeing anthropology as her future career. Gwendolyth McIntire wore a big grin, looking around, and said, “I like studying. I’m learning anatomy right now.” The parents of 4-year-old Bria Rivas had a hard time keeping their daughter from running back and forth between the displays. “What is that? What is that?” she said, looking into each window where WSC researchers were studying fossils. Looking at a fossil of a tyrannosaurus tooth through a window, she said, “He ate too many sweets.” Those around her shared a few laughs. WSC educator Margaret Ozolins was ready to greet the visitors as she stood in front of three educational archaeology dig sites being excavated by students. She said WSC teachers, like herself, have been missing the face-to-face contact with her students because of the coronavirus restrictions. “I definitely miss the kids,” she said, lamenting at the loss of the archeology summer camp this year. “I really miss playing in the dirt with them,” she said wryly. She delighted in telling the Rivas family about the school and the offering they gave the students. To open the outdoor event, a behind-the-window display of some of the latest paleontology finds was featured with Andrew McDonald, WSC curator who held them up for visitors. The recent find of a Dynamoterror’s skull and shoulder bones was the subject of the scientist’s latest study. The fossils from a member of the furious predator Tyrannosaurus family found in Utah were found in a New Mexico dig. The dig, according to McDonald, has also revealed the fossils of a smaller version of a sabretooth tiger and other, still-to-be classified fossils. Dooley said he was pleased with the first outdoor evenings and expected to conduct others in the future so long as the coronavirus restrictions continue. He said the staff probably will allow more of the six and under groups to come during the time periods. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

Margaret Ozolins, teacher at Western Center Academy, explains how academy students work in model archaeological digs during classes to visitors during the “Windows of the Past” outdoor exhibit. All COVID-19 protocols were observed during the event. Four-year-old Bria Rivas, holding a goodie bag she received entering the first Western Science Center Museums “Windows of the Past” outdoor exhibit, watches through a window as a scientist prepares to remove an ice age fossil from its casing.

Valley News/Tony Ault photos

Western Science Center scientist Leya Collins grinds out the casing on the fossilized vertebrae of a Dynamoterror tyrannosaurus found in a New Mexico paleontological dig as visitors watch her work through the window of the center’s oﬃces during the museum’s “Windows of the Past” outdoor event.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • October 9, 2020

EDUCATION

TVUSD continues free meal service with proof of enrollment Will Fritz ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Families with students enrolled in Temecula Valley Unified School District wait to pick up lunch meals provided by the school district in March at Temecula Elementary School. Valley News/ S h ane G i bson p h oto

The Temecula Valley Unified School District is continuing to offer free meals to all students and their siblings under the age of 18, as long as proof of enrollment is shown for the students. Meal collection is offered Mondays between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; families receive five days’ worth of breakfast and lunch for the week. Enrolled students do not have to be present to receive meals, but non-enrolled siblings must be, according to TVUSD. The meals can be picked up at the following locations: Bella Vista Middle School, 31650 Browning St. in Murrieta; James L. Day Middle School, 40775 Camino

Campos Verde, in Temecula; Erle Stanley Gardner Middle School, 45125 Via Del Coronado, in Temecula; Margarita Middle School, 30600 Margarita Road, in Temecula; Temecula Middle School, 42075 Meadows Parkway, in Temecula and Vail Ranch Middle School, 33340 Camino Piedra Rojo, in Temecula. If Monday is a holiday, the district will provide four-day packs of meals at the same time Tuesday, TVUSD said. According to the district, meal packs will include breakfasts and lunches for the week, a variety of fruits and vegetables, a half-gallon of 1% white milk and a half-gallon of juice. The district had previously not been requiring identification, but it

began requiring families to show proof of enrollment Monday, Sept. 21, after the district found itself swamped with demand from families outside the district. The district said the student barcodes that were distributed during the first weeks of meals service will serve as sufficient proof of enrollment to receive meals. “If your student is enrolled and you do not have the barcode, you may ask our staff at any of the middle schools for this card,” according to TVUSD’s website. Laura Boss, representative for TVUSD, said the district handed out 32,000 meals Monday, Sept. 28, and was able to serve all families who showed up. Will Fritz can be reached by email at wfritz@reedermedia.com.

Soboba Tribal Preschool celebrates Native American Heritage Week Mike Hiles SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

Native American Day is celebrated across the United States and in lieu of Columbus Day in California and Nevada on the fourth Friday in September, but in South Dakota and Wisconsin, it falls on the second Monday of October. Soboba Tribal Preschool teachers used this event as a teaching tool for an entire week. Dianne King, director of Soboba Tribal Preschool, said the children enjoy making crafts and necklaces to wear for the event. This year, the school is distance learning. “During a normal school year, we explain how these activities were used by their ancestors, such as pottery-making, beading, cooking and other Native traditions,” King said. “With our distance-learning program, we sent the crafts home for the students with their weekly homework packets. This opens up an opportunity for each parent or grandparent to share their knowledge of Native history with their child in addition to the instruction from the teacher. It should be a great talking point for the whole family.” The “Twos” classroom activities were created by teachers Anita Gutierrez and Lenora Mojado. One was the Little Bugs beading necklaces where the child takes a bead and puts it on a string which helps with fine motor skills to strengthen the small muscles in their hands. Another craft was making a small clay pot. “We could not get into much detail of their Luiseño Native traditions like making baskets or picking out a gourd and making a rattle, but we did simple projects for the 2-year-olds to make and learn about other Native cultures and traditions,” Gutierrez said. “As a teacher at the preschool for five years, the curriculum was developed throughout previous years. I was always in charge of the pottery clay, and Ms. Lenora, my co-teacher, was a part of the necklace beading. She has been at the preschool for two years and is a tribal member from the Soboba (Band of Luiseño Indians).” Both teachers said that it is great teaching their students about different cultures while learning more about their own. For the 3-year-old preschoolers, teachers Ana Garcia and Melissa Arviso sent home materials for children

Aiden Bentiste, a kindergartner at Soboba Tribal Preschool, makes pottery with the online assistance of Antonia Venegas, seen on iPad, during Native American Heritage Week studies. Valley News/ S oboba B and of L u i señ o I nd i ans p h otos

to create their own dream catcher, make small pots with modeling clay and complete a sand art project. “As teachers, we had to get creative and come up with age-appropriate curriculum,” Garcia said. “Normally, we would concentrate on California Natives, but this year Ms. Melissa got creative and involved tribal customs from around the entire country.” Prekindergarten students made a dream catcher by coloring and lacing a mini-paper plate and adding feathers to the bottom of it. Teachers Amanda Vallin and Denise Acedo also provided modeling clay for the children to make their own pots and three coloring pages with Luiseño words of an eagle, turtle and bear. “We have two Native stories we read and uploaded to a video for the children to watch,” Vallin said. “We are trying to work on teaching the children more of their Luiseño language this year by including it in their learning of basic words based on the classroom’s weekly theme, colors, shapes and numbers. We also try to incorporate Native American

music and dancing.” Kindergarten teacher Cindy Lee said the online teaching format led her and instructional aide Antonia Venegas to rethink all the activities they would normally offer at this time. “Usually we do crafts, stories and games,” she said. “This year, we did three crafts, one game and Ms. Antonia’s sons came in to rattle for bird singing. The three crafts were a clay pinch pot, dream catcher and a woven round basket. We picked activities that represented several Native American tribes or were common among them.” Lee said dream catchers have different origins, and she shared one during class time that was from the Lakota Tribe. She said clay was used to make pottery by many tribes but mostly woodland Native Americans. It is also a natural resource that Natives could easily find and use. She said the children used paper to make their baskets as weaving baskets is a long-held tradition among the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.

DVMS teachers create excitement around science

Alberto Monge, right, and Gerardo Saldana challenge their seventhgrade science classes at Diamond Valley Middle School in Hemet to a science battle with questions, experiments and friendly competition. Valley News/ C ou rtesy p h oto

HEMET – Two seventh-grade science teachers from Diamond Valley Middle School in Hemet created an academic battle between their two classes as they found new ways to teach online and engage their students in a digital setting. It all started when teacher Alberto Monge challenged the students in teacher Gerardo Saldana’s class to a science battle. Then Saldana accessed Monge’s Google classroom and challenged his students to prove that they could beat his class in an academic battle. The classes merged together virtually and began chatting.

Monge asked students questions based on information students were learning in class. As soon as a student knew the answer, they would type it in. The first student to get the correct answer with correct spelling was awarded a point for their class. Each question led to an experiment Saldana performed. Soon students began making the connection between their questions, such as “What is thermal energy?” “What state of matter is water?” and “The beaker looks empty, but what is inside the beaker?” Saldana heated up a beaker with

a deflated balloon covering the opening. As he heated the beaker, students realized that by adding thermal energy to a beaker filled with air, it caused the balloon to inflate. “What works in a typical classroom doesn’t always work online, so we are challenging old beliefs and testing everything to see how to make distance learning more enjoyable, productive and engaging for our students,” Saldana said. The two teachers said they were encouraged by the engagement of the students throughout the class period as they enjoyed a little friendly competition. Throughout the lesson, students sent messages to their classmates, saying, “Come on guys, we got this; we will beat Mr. Monge’s class.” Principal Jonathan Workman said, “Mr. Saldana and Mr. Monge both are excellent examples of how teachers are working hard during this pandemic to put kids first and make sure that learning continues to happen.” Submitted by Hemet Unified School District.

Eli Pineda makes a dreamcatcher; it was one of several at-home activities that Soboba Tribal Preschool students could complete for Native American Heritage Week.

Shay Razon, student at Soboba Tribal Preschool shows his native self-portrait that he made for Native American Heritage Week during at-home distance learning.

MSJC spring 2021 semester to be mostly online SAN JACINTO – Mt. San Jacinto College’s spring 2021 semester will offer mostly online courses when it begins Tuesday, Jan. 19, as the district continues to keep health and safety a priority during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The MSJC board of trustees met for an emergency meeting Thursday, Sept. 24, and supported by consensus the district’s plan to maintain a format that mirrors the current fall semester. The college district had hoped to offer at least 20% of its courses on campus for the spring semester, but given the rapidly changing nature of COVID-19 cases, it decided it was best for student success and health and safety to remain mostly online. MSJC’s plan will closely follow its current fall semester, which offers about 98% of its courses online to help further reduce the spread of COVID-19. Hands-on courses – Career Education classes in automotive, nursing and diagnostic medical sonography, for example – are currently held on MSJC campuses when necessary. The

California State University system and other California community colleges have also opted to remain mostly online in the spring. “This is not a radical departure from what we had hoped to offer previously, but we do believe this plan is best to avoid any disruptions to students’ education that could occur if COVID-19 cases were to increase,” Roger Schultz, MSJC superintendent and president, said after the meeting. “This plan will ensure consistent instruction for our students in a safe environment.” Due to the demand for safety equipment required under state guidelines to reopen, like rapid testing kits, MSJC is not likely to receive equipment until December or later. Those who are looking to enroll at MSJC can sign up now for eight-week, late-start courses that begin Monday, Oct. 19. For more information, call 951-639-5313 or visit http://www.msjc.edu/schedule. Submitted by Mt. San Jacinto College.

October 9, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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HEALTH

Local pub owner climbs out of depression, encourages others

Paul Little, co-owner of the The Shamrock – Irish Pub & Eatery in Murrieta, shares his experience with depression and recovery. Valley News/ S h ane G i bson p h oto

Jeff Pack STAFF WRITER

Traditionally, pub owners are seen filling the role of amateur psychiatrists on a day-to-day basis, and Paul Little, co-owner of The Shamrock – Irish Pub & Eatery in Murrieta, is no different. For much of the past eight years, the English transplant could be found at his pub with his partner, Graham Judge, interacting with guests and offering advice and perspective on myriad issues. But two years ago in September, Little, a Manchester City Football Club supporter, unbeknownst to many that knew him, felt he had run out of options and plotted to end his life. “The 15th of September, 2018,

is now a very significant date in my life, and two years ago to this day was the point where I had made the decision to end my life,” Little said in a Facebook post. “I know just reading that how awful it will sound to some of you, and yet some of you will understand.” Little acknowledged his family’s history of depression and suicide. His own mother, who he said never recovered from the early death of her husband, took her own life some years after his death. And though he grieved the sudden loss of both his parents, he said he didn’t feel the onset of depression. “It never affected me,” he said of his mother’s death in a phone interview. “I became sort of the

Medicare open enrollment to begin in October TEMECULA – The open enrollment period for Medicare begins Thursday, Oct. 15, and ends Monday, Dec. 7, for those who would like to make a change for 2021. Many plans have stepped up their benefits and added telehealth, personal emergency response systems, post discharge meals when released from the hospital and many other benefits designed to attract enrollees to their plans. For those with diabetes, many Medicare Advantage Plans will be capping insulin copays at $35. Some plans will offer certain insulins with $0 copays. Called the Part D Savings Model, the program will cover Medicare enrollees who belong to plans that have signed up with the federal government to participate and pass the savings along to their members. It includes both Medicare Advantage plans and stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans. Enrollees who have an insurance broker that assists them each year during this process should check with them to see if their

current plan will be participating in the new program. With all of the uncertainties that continue to be ahead of residents for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021, it is important for people to understand thei health care options and ensure they are getting the most from their Medicare plan. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, health plans are working with insurance agents and their members to allow for enrollment over the phone or virtually. In-person appointments should be kept to a minimum, and safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on social distancing will apply. Cecelia Brown is an independent broker with over 35 years of Medicare experience. She has held executive positions with several health plans, acts as a marketing and compliance consultant with health plans throughout the United States and is a board member for the Foundation for Senior Care. For more information, contact Cecelia Brown at 760-456-5798.

patriarch of the family. I led from the front. “But, I got married,” Little said. At first, he said, when that happened, he felt that everything in his life was coming together. He started a career; he was ready to settle down, and he had children. “They were my life,” he said. Eventually, the family moved to America. Slowly but surely, he said, the marriage began to fall apart. Couples therapy sessions, he said, revealed personality disorders in his partner that he believed couldn’t be overcome. When he made the decision to leave the marriage, he said things turned nasty and caused a rift in the family. Those were the beginnings of the dark days, Little said. “You can have friends and you can have family, and you can still get in a situation like I was,” he said. “I was kicking around a big house on my own. I’ve lost 25 pounds in weight. I can remember going to work at the time, but I was a shell. “You get into a state of mind where life becomes an existence, when you’re just existing,” Little said. “That’s what I want people to understand, that being in that situation, there is a way out.” But at the time, mere months after his decision to leave the marriage, Little said he saw no way out. In his Facebook post, he said that at moments, he felt as though he was in total isolation, and he would go days without meaningful sleep. “It was at this time I went to the doctors,” he said in his Facebook post. “First of all, I was prescribed Ambien (zolpidem) which had no effect. I was taking a strong dose and still not sleeping, so I went back to the doctors and he prescribed temazepam. I was taking 30 (milliliters), the strongest dose possible for over two weeks and (was) still not sleeping well. Combined with depression, anxiety and isolation, a side effect of temazepam is suicidal thoughts so it was the perfect combination. “If the chemicals in your brain are imbalanced, believe me (suicide) isn’t a hard decision to make. In fact, it is quite easy and can give your body and brain some respite from the constant dread and isolation you feel,” Little said. He said his counselor had always tried to reassure him that he would never do what his mother did and take his own life.

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News to serve as an inspiration to anyone suffering from similar symptoms or mental health issues. The post, as of press time, received more than 700 comments as well as several private messages, Little said. “(It is a) huge problem, and so many people are frightened to open up about it,” he said. “Due to what happened to my Mum, I had a close-up of clinical depression and had seen firsthand what it could do. I couldn’t save my Mum, but I do know that no matter what you can come back from the depths of despair and turn your life around. “If I can help anyone that is anxious, depressed, feels isolated or controlled, then I am always here to help any time of the day or night. Talking with people who have been through the experience really helps as you can relate. Personally, I have helped a few people through troubled times, and that is far more rewarding than you can ever imagine,” Little said. He offered some key advice for those struggling right now. He said start somewhere, and opening up to someone should be first. Next, take it one step at a time. “When you’re in that place, speaking to people is one way to help,” Little said. “When you’re in that hole, you can’t imagine getting out. But I am a big proponent of one step in front of the other. Complete one task and then complete another and keep building. “So, if you do hit rock bottom, then know I have been there, warts and all, but there is a process you can take and get back to being the real you,” he said. Little said he knows recovery is a process and he knows it will be a constant battle, but he’s well on his way. The note that he wrote to his daughters, the one that was supposed to explain how much he loved them and why he was going to do what he’d planned, still sits on his laptop unedited to remind him of how quickly things can turn. “Every now and again I open it up and take a read to have a reality check on what the mind and brain can do to you,” he said. Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, Riverside County provides services that can help. Call the CARES line at 800-7067500 or visit http://up2riverside. org for more information. Jeff Pack can be reached by email at jpack@reedermedia.com.

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“And I am going, ‘No, no, no,’” Little said. “But, in my head I would be saying, ‘Yeah, I could do that.’ But I couldn’t say that to her.” Little said the point of no return came when, after a night of not sleeping, he watched the Manchester City FC easily win a match. “As I was watching the game, I was thinking to myself, ‘This is the last time I am going to see them win,’” he said in the Facebook post. “Totally calm, I pondered over the fact I was never going to see them win the Champions League. After the game ended, I started to write a suicide note on my laptop. It had always hurt me that my mother never said goodbye in a note or gave any explanation. In my mind, this was different as I was at peace with my decision.” But he remembered a piece of his advice the counselor gave him: If he ever felt like he had hit rock bottom, he should go to the hospital. “That piece of advice is really what saved me,” Little said. When Judge called him that day and asked if he was all right, Little said he was honest with his friend for the first time. “I just told him, ‘No, I’m not. I need to go to the hospital,’” Little said. “I think I would have driven myself to the hospital, because after I wrote the note I was thinking to myself, ‘What the (expletive) are you doing?’” A childhood friend from England flew straight out to be with him, even though he’d never been to the states. When he had to leave, his sister flew out from Melbourne, Australia, to stay with him and help complete the sale of his house. Finally, his cousin, Mark Little, came out and took him back to England. Little said he stayed with his cousin and his family for five months. “My hometown family and friends rallied around me, and it was during that time I got physically fit again,” Little said in his post. “I ate and slept well, plus I really got to bond with my special needs niece, Rebecca, who loves me unconditionally. She has no idea the joy she brought to my life at that time. “It took a lot to turn it around,” he said in a phone call. “But I did it. You look back on it now, and it’s crazy. There’s nothing else that can hurt me now.” He said he wrote the Facebook post and agreed to talk with Valley

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • October 9, 2020

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Notice to our readers: While some activities in our communities are starting, as the Riverside County moves to the red tier, under state orders for social distancing and recommendations to wear face masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19, contact event sponsors for the latest updates. CHILDREN’S EVENTS: Oct. 29 – 6-9 p.m. Enjoy the annual Haunted School House presented by In Motion Training Center dance studios at 4000 E. Florida Ave. and Meridian St. in Hemet. The cost is $5 a person to watch a scary Halloween performance and walk through a horrifying haunted maze. Fifty percent of the proceeds will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; residents are encouraged to come and support the event. For more information, call 951-251-4644. COMMUNITY EVENTS: Oct. 9 – 8 a.m. Enter the Temecula and Murrieta Halloween Home Decorating Contest as an individual residence or as a neighborhood; entry deadline is Friday, Oct. 23. All decorations must be in the front yard, and the judging categories include Scariest, Funniest, Most Original and Best Theme. All entries will be included on the Halloween map. Photos of the home decorations must be submitted to Tracy.Courts@TemeculaCA.gov for judging by Monday, Oct. 26. As Temecula is collaborating with Murrieta, both cities will be hosting the Halloween Home Decorating Contest. Residents can enter the contest in their respective city, and homes will be judged based on the category of their choosing. Both cities will select a winner for each of the four categories. Then the public will choose one overall winner based on the winners from each city, thus declaring the king of Halloween. Oct. 15 – 4 p.m. Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce presents the Virtual 2020 State of the City Address. Learn about the city past, present and future with the theme “Investing in Our Legacy.” Business sponsorships available at http://menifeevalleychamber.com. Oct. 17 – 4 p.m. The fall Family Health Fair is a drive-thru experience at Inland Valley Medical Cen-

ter, 36485 Inland Valley Drive, in Wildomar. Children can wear their Halloween costumes. Vendors will be on hand; free ﬂu shots will be available for the first 300 who register. Flu shots will be given in a separate area where recipients can safely park, and nurses can tend to them. When registering, select a 15-minute time slot between 4-7 p.m. For more information, visit http://inlandvalleymedcenter.com/ events-and-programs/event-calendar/fall-family-health-fair-2020. ONGOING – If you know a homebound older adult, resources in Menifee are available, including grab and go, cooked and frozen food for pickup, Courtesy Pantry items and meals delivered with no contact. Three days of emergency food can be delivered immediately or restaurant meal delivery for those who don’t qualify for food assistance programs. Call 800510-2020 for help. ONGOING – The Riverside County COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program is accepting online applications for business grants up to $10,000 at http://www.rivercobizhelp.org that can be used for employee retention, working capital, protective equipment purchases, rent of mortgage payments and paying vendor notices. Eligible businesses, including nonproﬁts, must be in Riverside County, with less than 50 employees and a minimum of 1 and operating for at least one-year since March 1. For more information, call Riverside County Business and Community Services at 951-955-0493. ONGOING – 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Temecula Winchester Swap Meet continues at 33280 Newport Road in Winchester Saturdays and Sundays only. The small local swap meet is only 50 cents for entry, and anyone under age 10 is free admission. No dogs allowed. ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every Sunday, Murrieta Village Walk Farmers Market is at Village Walk Place in Murrieta. The Sunday morning farmers market at Village Walk Plaza is a place to buy fruits and veggies, gourmet food and crafts. Come to the center in the northwest corner of Kalmia/ Cal Oaks at the Interstate 215 exit in Murrieta. ONGOING – Temecula’s

Farmers Markets are offered in Old Town Temecula Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon at 4100 Main St. in Temecula; at Promenade Temecula, 40640 Winchester Road, outside JCPennys every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In compliance with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and Riverside County Public Health orders, the farmers markets will be restricted agriculture products only. Follow the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market on Facebook to stay updated. No pets are allowed. WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Oct. 9 – 3 p.m. The 13th annual Ralph Love Plein Air Competition opens to plein artists. Paintings can be completed in different locations around Temecula. Paintings will be displayed at The Gallery at The Merc in Old Town Temecula from Nov. 4 through Jan. 21, 2021. A reception is being planned. The nonrefundable application fee is $30. Visit http://TemeculaCA.gov and register for activity No. 9030.201. For additional information, contact the city’s Arts & Culture team at 951-694-6455. Oct. 10 – 8 a.m. to noon. Hemet and PaintCare are offering a free paint drop-off at 3777 Industrial Ave. for Hemet residents only. Households may bring only the following products: house paint and primers – latex or oil-based; stains; deck and concrete sealers and clear finishes – varnishes. No aerosol cans or drums larger than 5 gallons are allowed. The paint must be in a sealed, original container with original manufacturer label. Register at Eventbrite. Oct. 12-21 – Scheduled times. Hemet San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce presents “Shades of Ireland” virtual actual location from TerraMar Travel Inc. Contact Rhonda Shumway at 951-9290033 for fees and admission. Oct. 14 – Noon to 1 p.m. Attend Murrieta Wildomar Chamber of Commerce’s weekly business briefing via Zoom or watch live on Facebook. Register required at https://bit.ly/MWCBizBriefing. The chamber business briefing is an opportunity to hear from city, county and business leaders about

current and relevant business information. ONGOING – Everything KETO classes. These interactive step-by-step workshop and classes on Zoom will guide students to begin this new way of eating and learn how to easily steer their decision-making for effective results. For more information and to register, visit http://www. cityofmenifee.us/register or call 951-723-3880. ONGOING – Menifee Community Services oﬀers online driver’s education courses with a $21.95 fee. The course includes animated driving scenarios, instructional videos, sample test, licensed instructor available to answer questions, DMV approved certiﬁcate of completion with all lectures and exams completed from home. Designed for students and does not include behind-the-wheel instruction or a California driver’s permit. Contact 951-723-3880 or visit the city of Menifee to register at http:// www.cityofmenifee.us. ONGOING – 10-11:30 a.m. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center and The Elizabeth Hospice host a virtual support meeting for caregivers every second and fourth week of the month via Zoom. Get helpful tips and learn from others who are also dealing with similar challenges. For more information and to register, contact The Elizabeth Hospice Grief Support Services at 833-349-2054. ONGOING – Local National Association of Female Entrepreneurs group helps women grow both personally and professionally and meets monthly. Contact Robbie Motter, the NAFE global coordinator, at (951) 255-9200 or rmotter@aol.com for information about future meetings after the coronavirus restrictions are lifted. ONGOING – Hemet/Winchester National Association of Female Entrepreneurs meets monthly. For new meeting dates and destinations, contact director Joan Wakeland at 909-721-7648 or email Joanewakeland@gmail. com. Lake Elsinore/Murrieta/ Wildomar NAFE also meets each month in Lake Elsinore with director Sandie Fuenty. Call Fuenty at 714-981-7013 or email sandiesldy@aol.com to learn when meetings will resume. ONGOING – Food Addicts in

Recovery Anonymous, a free 12step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia, has meetings throughout the U.S. and the world. Contact 781932-6300, or for local meetings, call 925- 321-0170 or visit http:// www.foodaddicts.org. ONGOING – The Murrieta Garden Club meets each month at the Murrieta Community Center, 41810 Juniper St., in Murrieta. Anyone who likes to garden or is interested in plants is welcome. Memberships are $10 per year. Find more information about the monthly event or project on Facebook. ONGOING – Temecula Valley Rose Society meets each month. For more information and new meeting dates and places, visit http://www.temeculavalleyrosesociety.org. ONGOING – Menifee Toastmasters meets every Thursday at noon for one hour at a designated place to have fun, enhance speaking capabilities, gain self-conﬁdence and improve social skills. For new dates, call 760- 807-1323 or visit http://www.MenifeeToastmasters.org for more information. ONGOING – Sons of Norway/Scandinavia meet the first Saturday of every month from September to June. The virtual meetings are held on Zoom, at 11 a.m. Join Zoom meeting at https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/4232348177? pwd=eDd1SDlDdW5sdVowWUp 1N3pBYmpGZz09 with the Meeting ID: 423 234 817 and passcode: yCp0js. Everyone is welcome to enjoy some virtual company with fellow Scandinavians. For more information, call 951-849-1690. ONGOING – Parent Support Group is available for parents whose children of any age struggle with addiction. Education, skills and support are available in Temecula. For more information, call 951-775-4000 or email info@ thecenter4lifechange.com. ONGOING –The city of Menifee offers a fitness class on Zoom Mondays through Fridays at 7 a.m., at 9 a.m. and at 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact 951-723-3880 or visit http://www. cityofmenifee.us/register.

Temecula and Murrieta collaborate for annual Halloween home decorating contest TEMECULA ─ Is your yard ﬁlled with terrifying tombstones, spooky spiders or petrifying pumpkins? Calling all lovers of creepy crawlers, masterfully carved pumpkins and frightening front yards. Temecula is collaborating with Murrieta to host this year’s Halloween Home Decorating Contest. Residents from both cities can enter the contest in their respective cities, and homes will be judged based on the category of their choosing. Each city will select a winner in four categories which include Scariest, Most Humorous, Most Original and Best Theme. Homes can enter as an individual residence or as a neighborhood. In a friendly competition, the public will choose one overall winner from each city’s winners, thus declaring the king of Halloween. Zak Schwank, Temecula city council member and president of Temecula Community Services, said, “I would like to encourage our residents to enter this year’s contest as we expand our reach in collaboration with our Murrieta neighbors. This special event allows you to safely load up your ghouls and goblins into the family vehicle to check out all the

spooktacular homes in our surrounding community. Please have a happy and healthy Halloween, Temecula.” Murrieta residents can register at http://www.tinyurl.com/halloweencontest2020. Entrants must send photos of the decorated home for judging by Monday, Oct. 26, to ahalvorson@murrietaca.gov. The city will post a map of the category winners at http://www. MurrietaCA.gov, and voting for an overall winner will run from Oct. 27-29, with the top vote-recipient announced Friday, Oct. 30. Temecula residents located within the city limits can register online using Activity No. 9090.201. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 23. Photos of the home decorations must be submitted for judging by Monday, Oct. 26. Visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/ register to register a home. All entries will be judged and included on the online Halloween Home Decorating Contest map. The map will include entries from both Temecula and Murrieta. Judging will consider front yards only, and not decorations in the backyard or inside of the home. Eric Levine, chairman of Temecula Community Services

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Commission, said, “The annual Halloween Home Decorating Contest has always been a community favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Start decorating your house today and give ’em pumpkin to

talk about! I can’t wait to see how spooky, creative and humorous your homes turn out. Your family is sure to have a fang-tastic time.” For more information from Murrieta, visit http://MurrietaCA.gov

or call 951-304-7275. For more information from Temecula, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov or call 951-694-6480. Submitted by cities of Temecula and Murrieta.

Crossword puzzle by Myles Mellor Across 1. Obstacle 4. Spanish pot 8. Union opponent 11. Stage solo 13. David who directed four Harry Potter films 14. ___-Soviet relations 15. Playing card 18. Aspect 19. Brides or grooms 20. Sweet potato 22. La Scala offering 23. Prefix with arthritis 27. Feeling of seeing red 31. Short poem 32. Singer Celine 33. Degrees, for short 36. Almost a fifth 40. Flamenco dancer’s praise 41. Core 42. Turgenev heroine 43. Tenth 44. Attack 45. Dissertation 49. Actress ___ Dawn Chong of “The Color Purple” 51. Wrinkly-skinned dog 54. Invitation notation 59. Some famous dos and don’ts 62. Nabokov heroine and others 63. Wizardry 64. Charlie, for one 65. Troop grp. 66. MasterCard alternative 67. Verbal jewel Down 1. Netball inventor, Clara 2. “Strength, Courage and wisdom” singer India 3. Actress Diana 4. Silly person 5. English corp. letters 6. Hawaiian welcomes 7. Right away 8. Dentist’s order 9. Rear-___

10. _____ nova (Brazilian musical style) 12. Eureka! 13. Star Wars Jedi 14. Early course 16. Audition 17. Drop anchor 21. “Looks like we ___ 23. “___ you don’t!” 24. Journey by water 25. Pointy part 26. Barely make, with “out” 28. Late inning 29. Minnesotan 30. Wind direction 33. Borscht vegetable 34. 2017 A.D. part 35. Mr. Laurel

37. Seismologist’s preﬁx for center 38. Stitch over 39. Ohio team, on scoreboards 43. Printing term 45. Cornerstone abbr. 46. Throws away 47. Yemen’s capital 48. Parentheses, e.g. 50. Flexible, electrically 52. Jane Austen novel 53. Arabic leader 55. Rigid 56. Word on a U.S. coin 57. ___ extra cost 58. Exam for future J.D.’s 60. Sensitive subject, to some 61. Shoot down Answers on page B-6

October 9, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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ENTERTAINMENT

Oct. 9-15: Pumpkin painting, movie nights and more Lexington Howe STAFF WRITER

Jack and Sally Date Nite On Saturday, Oct. 10, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., The Craft House in Temecula is hosting Jack and Sally Date Nite, a paint class workshop that includes two 16-inch by 20inch canvases, where instructors will teach everyone step-by-step to create their own Jack and Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” For tickets or more information, visit http://www.thecrafthousetemecula.as.me/jackandsally. Outdoor Movie Nights at Vail Headquarters On Saturday, Oct. 10, from 7:30-10 p.m. Vail Headquarters is hosting an outdoor movie night. Come out and watch “Hocus Pocus;” movies are free to attend, and there is plenty of room to practice social distancing. Seating is not provided; guests are recommended to bring their own blankets, chairs and pillows. Masks are strongly encouraged. https://www.facebook.com/ events/327771821826587. Yoga at the Vineyard 1924 On Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. The Vineyard 1924 in Fallbrook is partnering with Sage Yoga Studios to host an outdoor yoga class. For tickets or more information, visit www.clients.mindbodyon-

line.com/classic/ws. Paint Recycling Event PaintCare is hosting a free-paint drop off event for households and businesses in Hemet Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. to noon. Eventbrite registration is required to attend the event. For more information on the items being accepted or to register, visit https://paint-hemet. eventbrite.com. Family Shopping Event Rhea Lana’s of Temecula Valley is hosting a Family Shopping Event at Village Walk Plaza in Murrieta Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ RheaLanas.Temecula. Southern California Railway Museum On Saturday, Oct. 10, Southern California Railway Museum is hosting a day of fun activities, including hopscotch courses and a photo scavenger hunt. For more information, visit https://socalrailway.org/scrmevents/second-saturdays/. Grape Stomp 2020 South Coast Winery Resort and Spa’s annual Grape Stomp will look a bit different this year due to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines. This year, stomps are private and set to a smaller number of participants at one time; the event is also extending to cover several days. Limited tickets available.

For more information or to see the availability for Oct. 10 and 11, visit http://www.southcoastwinery. com/stomp. Old Town Blues Club The Fremonts! is live at Old Town Blues Club Sunday, Oct. 11, at 1:30 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/oldtownbluesclubmusic. Sunday Funday Market Event Synergy Social SoCal is hosting Sunday Funday at Vail Headquarters Sunday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., which includes free attendance. Activities include face painting, arts and crafts, handmade goods and more. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/336983580875734. Peltzer Farms Pumpkin Painting On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Peltzer Farms is hosting pumpkin painting for children from 4:30-5:30 p.m. There will be socially distanced outdoor seating; space is limited. They’ll be hosting the event again Thursday, Oct.15. For more information and tickets, visit www.peltzerfamilycellars.orderport.net/ product-details/3538/1013-Pumpkin-Painting-Class. Lexington Howe can be reached by email at lhowe@reedermedia. com.

Peltzer Pumpkin Farm will host pumpkin painting for children Tuesday, Oct. 13, and Thursday, Oct. 15. Valley News/ S h ane G i bson p h oto

MSJC hosts Pride Week events in October SAN JACINTO – Mt. San Jacinto College hosted several virtual events and a drive-in movie presentation of “Milk” during its second annual MSJC Pride Week, Oct. 6-9. This year’s celebration focused on the theme “Know Your History” and centered on the intersectional history of LGBTQ+ liberation.

The celebration kicked off at Tuesday, Oct. 6, when the MSJC Dance Department coordinated a vogueing workshop with London Escada, mother of the House of Escada from HBO’s “Legendary” reality competition series. “Milk,” the 2008 Oscar-nominated film starring Sean Penn as gay rights activist and politi-

cian Harvey Milk, aired at dusk Tuesday, at the college’s Menifee Valley campus. Attendees joined a cookalong recipe tutorial and chat with Esteban Castillo, LGBTQ+ author of “Chicano Eats,” Wednesday, Oct. 7. Helping coordinate the event was the MSJC Puente Program as part of Latinx Heritage Month,

and a coming out forum followed. The week continued Thursday, Oct. 8, with the “Letting Others in Drag Show,” with performers Mayhem Miller, Landon Cider, Jazmyn Simone-Echelon, Nomi B and Nebuer Styles. MSJC Pride Week wrapped up Friday, Oct. 9, with a “Maskerade Ball” hosted by the Sexuality

and Gender Alliance, a student group based on the Menifee Valley campus. For more information, visit http://www.msjc.edu/pride. Submitted Mt. San Jacinto College.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • October 9, 2020

OPINION Editor’s Note: Opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Valley News staff. We invite opinions on all sides of an issue. If you have an opinion, please send it as an e-mail to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com, or fax us at (760) 723-9606. Maximum word count 500. All letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number. The Valley News reserves the right to edit letters as necessary to fit the publication’s format.

The new religion of being “woke”

Julie Reeder PUBLISHER

Critical Race Theory (CRT), (including anti-racism and white fragility) is the new religion of the left. Its followers are “woke” and to even question it is to commit heresy. Words are violence. Silence is violence. w w w . m y v a l l e y n e w s . c o m

VALLEY

NEWS

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK Serving the communities of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Menifee, Sun City, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, San Jacinto, and Anza weekly. JULIE REEDER, Publisher

Editorial

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

Young people are “true believers” with a sense of purpose. Group identity of all variables involves a primacy that is contrary to the post-racist society that has been our goal for decades and, in turn, it does damage to the very problem it seeks to oppose. It teaches that every significant disparity in life between White and Black America including crime, education, employment, etc. is only the result of white racism or systemic racism and to question it or even think about it is to volunteer to be made out to be another ignorant racist who doesn’t get it. This “advanced, higher reasoning” is the new faith and you question the true elect in this religion at your peril. You may lose your job if you question its infallibility. In fact if you do question it – that is a sign that you are not only ignorant, but guilty and racist. It’s a foundation of moral ideas and impulses masquerading as knowledge. It demands all of society be reprogrammed. It’s the doctrine of a new religion. There is inequality depending on whether the self-proclaimed prophets deem you oppressed or oppressor based solely on the color of your skin and unlike other religions there is no forgiveness, no grace, no redemption. It’s pernicious and dangerous that they purport to possess actionable information by which you should live your life.

Jeff Pack STAFF WRITER

Well, here we are, America. How did we get here? Remember that brash candidate that came out of nowhere to gain political momentum fueled by insulting commentary and wild – fake – accusations who went on to become president of the United States and subsequently attack the media and mock, but personally and professionally, those who pushed back? The same guy who admitted how dangerous COVID-19 was

MICHELE HOWARD JOSEPHINE MACKENZIE ANNA MULLEN TAMMY BIRMINGHAM CINDY DAVIS BONITA CUMMINS CINDY LANGLOIS

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KARINA RAMOS YOUNG, Art Director FOREST RHODES, Production Assistant, IT SAMANTHA GORMAN, Graphic Artist

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T h e op i ni ons ex p ressed i n Valley News d o not necessarily reﬂect the opinions of Valley News staﬀ.

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serve and love others with the love we’ve been shown. In the Bible and New Testament, the foundation of Judeo-Christian thought is that we should love and treat others the way we want to be treated. We are to live our lives striving for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-controlnot power. If someone needs a coat, give him your shirt also. Take care of widows, the poor, people in prison, etc. And truth is to be sought after. It’s imperative. Judeo-Christian teaching is not a white man’s teaching. It comes from the Jewish/Hebrew people of the Middle East. Again, believe in it or not, love it or hate it, it was the foundation of our country and the belief that everyone has inalienable rights given to them by God and not the government or a local group of any kind. We have the right to liberty and justice for all. It’s why after the Revolutionary War separating us from England and the founding our new country in 1776 that it was unconscionable for slavery to continue. And while people are tearing down the statues of leaders they consider more morally deplorable than themselves, remember that history may not be kind to our generation either after we continue to be enlightened by science regarding many things including human development, abortion, the harmful chemicals and technology and diets we impose on our babies and families and sex trafficking. Are we really more

moral today? Our Christian religious leader questioned, taught and reasoned with leaders in the temples. He broke the cultural, racist, patriarchal, sexist traditions of the time by treating women with respect, even prostitutes and Samaritans, which was not allowed. He gave attention to the outcasts. He healed the sick, dined with “sinners” and the most hated people in the culture. He railed against the religious leaders and called them “dead men’s bones in white washed tombs.” He chastised them for making money off of the people. He was innocent except for disobeying religious rules like not healing people on the Sabbath. Rather than lording power over people, his example was to be a sacrifice. So, contrast that with the young people who are learning that they have “moral authority.” Rather than looking inside themselves, the problem lies with literally everyone and every social construct and system outside them. They are taught the problem is with all those other people out there. They are victims and have to fight for power, subjugation, revolution and control. They have no control personally for their position in life. Everything is stacked against them and rioting and burning down cities is a “useful tool.” Even Gandhi taught us to be the change we want to see in the world. What we need is more love, more understanding, more debate.

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While it has the tenets of a religion, it’s in stark contrast to the Judeo-Christian religions and principles on which our country was founded. In America you are free to believe or not believe in God, but realize that many of the American freedoms, culture and prosperity we enjoy are a direct consequence of those ideas and philosophies. Judeo-Christian principles call for the ideas of equality and liberty, the idea of separation of powers, the idea of basic laws that govern human behavior and the idea of checks and balances. We value debate and free speech to protect our other freedoms. We value personal responsibility, charity, and peace and the right to not believe in a religion. It struck me recently that when I grew up, my Christian religion taught me that my problem was not primarily with others but an inherent problem with me, as with all humanity, and it wasn’t just racism, although racism would be one problem of many. We were taught “red and yellow, black and white all are precious in His sight” and we are all made in the image of God. It was explained to me that the inherent consequence and proof of “sin” is why we have to teach our kids not to lie, cheat, steal or treat others badly. And, just like when someone breaks the law, there has to be restitution. That’s where Jesus dying in our place comes into play. Then there is forgiveness, liberation and freedom to

What Matters Language has often been a window into a society’s mindset. One type of phrase has been very popular the last few years, and it tells us a lot about America. I am referring to phrases such as “… Matters.” Starting with “size matters” and proceeding on to “Black Lives Matter,” “… Matters” was adopted for dozens of advertising campaigns: “Taste Matters,” “Quality Matters,” “Fresh Matters.” Mazda ads said “Driving Matters.” Some grocery stores have signs saying “More Matters.” It makes me wonder if Americans need guidance when it comes to simple truisms and priorities. Of all the “… Matters” campaigns, two that ring most true to many people are: The New York Times promoting that “The Truth Matters Now More Than Ever,” and MoveOn and other political organizations promoting something that many people consider obvious: “Facts Matter.” They feel that’s now necessary

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to point out. Among others things, it’s because for several years many news programs have been giving equal credence to “pundits” on opposite sides of an issue. It’s called “false equivalency.” The producers doing it like the drama of controversy and disagreement, but they serve us all poorly by ignoring that the facts, science and most-qualified experts all point to one side of the argument and not to the other. Here are a few variations for you to consider in October 2020: “Voting Matters,” “Voting Without Interference Matters” and “Accepting the Results of the Vote Matters.” Share those messages with your contacts. That is unless you are enjoying this prolonged period of falsehoods, political stress and antagonism and want it to continue on into January and beyond. Peter Thorwarth Murrieta resident

back in February but publicly told Americans it was no big deal, the same guy who routinely attacks “the media,” the same guy who regularly contradicts the statements and recommendations made by his own administration’s experts, the same guy who, according to fact checkers all over the world, has told the American public more than 20,000 lies. You know him. That person. So when you were sitting up in your seat Tuesday night, blaming moderator Mike Wallace for “not controlling the situation” or blindly blaming both candidates for the lack of decorum on display during the first presidential debate in Ohio, it can’t really be that difficult to understand how and why that happened. He ran in 2016 as an outsider, claiming that he would “drain the swamp.” He was cocky and boastful, and he spoke directly to millions of “Americans” (quotes intended) who felt disenfranchised, persecuted for their personal futility and loss of societal relevance. He made them feel powerful, free to express whatever hurtful opinion they had toward those that they were afraid of losing influence over. Preying on their narcissism, he filled their heads with dreams of riches and dominance. He told them the reason they weren’t living the life of their dreams wasn’t their fault. It was someone else’s fault, someone imaginary and in the shadows, people who don’t exist and control everything. And they bought it – of course they did – and why wouldn’t they? Why wouldn’t an “American” who considers their very existence to be blessed with the miracle of liberty and freedom coursing through their veins, the entitlement to run roughshod over anyone in their way and the arrogance to overcome any obstacle believe that mysterious, fake figures were depriving them of their rightful spoils? He preyed on their fears. Fear of the rich and varied cultures that have come to this continent for hundreds of years, and he pointed at them and called them dangerous. Unamerican. He projected his own fears, those of aging White “American” males who once lit up a room

with their power and knowledge, but now find themselves fading into the background of societal relevance. Those “Americans” who couldn’t relate to new ideas, adjust and adapt to new perspectives that didn’t involve them and this wannabe leader told him it was right to fight against it, mock and insult fellow Americans. He told them that they needed weapons to protect themselves, or in case of a differing viewpoint entering the frame, to destroy it. He allowed them the ability to regain the perceived power that was stolen from them by weaponizing racism, bigotry and hiding behind religious beliefs as an excuse for the behavior. He told them they were being patriotic in their threats, their harmful opinions and their spreading of misinformation. He celebrated their misdeeds by continuing to spend day after day mirroring the very same behavior. This behavior is trickling down to locals. City council candidates spreading blatant lies and misinformation regarding this political party or that, running for their seats not on what they will do for the community they would represent, but their undying allegiance to the political deity they worship. This poison is hitting home. They are flooding community pages on social media, waving flags and spewing hatred and intolerance at anyone who has differing views. Is the atmosphere on Facebook any different from that we witnessed Tuesday night? It’s time for Americans to take a long, hard look in the mirror and accept responsibility for a presidential debate that devolved into. I’m not blaming one side or the other. I believe when one person is allowed to embarrass what the United States of America stands for, we all share responsibility for allowing it to happen. When one fails in his ability to lead, we can only blame the whole of us for putting him in the position to fail. Own it, but it must be corrected. We are better than this – enough is enough. Jeff Pack can be reached by email at jpack@reedermedia.com.

‘Get well’ wishes As we pray for our president and the first lady, let us remember all of his accomplishments in just 47 months. No president has a record to equal it. It is incumbent on all of us to recognize, “Promises made, promises kept.” Whether you agree with his style or not, you cannot deny his progress. He does not pretend to be a “polished politician.” He is a businessman who gets things

done. He demands excellence of himself and those around him. He has every right to speak of his accomplishments because they are evident. Even while recuperating from COVID-19, he is working for the American people. I wish God’s blessings for the first family and for the United States of America. Orolie Gubser

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Rebuttal to Robert Eilek’s Letter to the Editor, 10/2/2020 Robert Eilek’s recent diatribe against President Donald Trump reads like boilerplate talking points from the Democrat Party or the Biden/Harris campaign. Eilek’s screed might find lots of bobbing heads of agreement inside a high school social studies class, but his contentions fall apart under closer examination rendering his essay as just more political propaganda. And while I can appreciate Eilek’s past Air Force service, as someone who served in the US Navy and with strong familial roots with both military and law enforcement, and who served a career in federal law enforcement, I can say that his status as a veteran doesn’t shield him from certain truths. As goes that old adage … you are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts. Eilek singles out Trump for his lack of military service and describes him as cowardly. Yet nobody on the current 2020 Democrat ticket, that Eilek tacitly encourages all freedom-loving Americansto vote for, has served in the Armed Forces. You would have to go back some four decades to find the last Democrat serving as Commander-in-Chief who actually served in the Armed Forces. That would be Jimmy Carter who served in the Navy in the submarine service. Bill Clinton was someone who actively and vociferously avoided the Vietnam era draft. Barack Obama had no military service whatsoever … and sorry, community organizing is definitely not equivalent to military service whatsoever. Eilek emotionally labels Trump’s deferments as “cowardly” as his opinion while offering no proof that his medical deferments were indeed fraudulent. The subject of the late John McCain’s Vietnam service has been open to debate. McCain’s own autobiography Faith of My Fathersdetails his rather lenient treatment as a POW after being broken though torture. While one can little fault towards any man for breaking under torture, as McCain admitted in his memoir this occurrence did cause a rift with some of his fellow POWs. However, later on in his political life McCain oddly did little to help the cause of abandoned POWs and MIAs in Vietnam as he frequently partnered with then Senator John Kerry to deny military families seeking the truth about their missing loved ones. This was the same John Kerry who served as a naval swift boat officer in Vietnam, then returned home to slander his fellow brothers-in-arms as brutal war criminals “reminiscent of Genghis Khan” while he was showered with far-left Democrat praise. As a US Senator from Arizona, McCain exhibited a huge blind spot when the Veterans Administration scandal erupted during the Obama era. The Phoenix VA, in McCain’s hometown, was one of the first to come under scandal for the sheer number of veterans who were dying while on VA waiting lists. Since coming into office, President Trump has championed these veterans by streamlining veterans’ access to medical care and by holding VA bureaucrats accountable through the Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act and the subsequent MISSION Act. Finally, in a show of pique and vanity, one of the last official acts John McCain did was to vote against the repeal of the contentious and badly designed Affordable Care Act passed by the Obama Administration. McCain did this despite vigorously campaigning for re-election to his then Senate seat by telling his Arizona constituents that if re-elected he would vote to repeal Obamacare. His parting shot wasn’t so much a dig at President Trump, but rather a betrayal to the voters in Arizona who voted to re-seat the long-time serving senator for yet another term. The issue that Eilek brings up about Navy Captain Brett Crozier being relieved of his command is strictly a performance issue. Captain Crozier himself stated that he knew he was jeopardizing his commander status when he chose to go outside secure communication channels to detail the high rate of COVID-19 cases onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. But by doing this and going public this also notified the world, friend and foe alike, that the esteemed aircraft carrier was out of service. This news undoubtedly impacted America’s national security in that our adversaries then knew that the Roosevelt was out of commission and they could take strategic advantage of the situation. Perhaps Captain Crozier performed a theoretical good in order to better protect his sailors. But by going public he also compromised OPSEC (operation security) and the subsequent relief of his command is no surprise to those familiar with US Navy protocols, traditions and security measures. Eilek’s critique and slander of US Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher is yet another red herring. It has already been demonstrably shown in military court that the Navy prosecutors with the NCIS agents violated Chief Gallagher’s rights to a fair trial. The prosecution team illegally tracked Gallagher’s defense team’s privileged communi-

cations in violation of the Sixth Amendment. During the court martial, one of the prosecution’s own star witnesses admitted that it was he and not Chief Gallagher who killed the young ISIS detainee. President Trump, correctly concluding that the case against Gallagher was a political hit job by Navy brass, pardoned the chief for posing in a photograph with the dead combatant. While the photograph is tacky by today’s standards, the internet is littered with thousands of photos of US servicemen posing with dead enemy soldiers from the Civil War through both World Wars and Vietnam and beyond. Yet these past soldiers of history aren’t labeled as war criminals by society in general. Again, this lone count smacks more of the infraction of being politically incorrect than of war crime. Trump was justified to pardon Gallagher on this lone count and to restore his rank and SEAL qualification. Even now, retired Chief Gallagher is pursuing a lawsuit against the Navy and the New York Times for violating his rights and for defamation, so more truths about the injustice of this case could very well be exposed. President Trump even took the extra step of rescinding the Navy Achievement Medals for the Navy prosecution team that acted both unethically and in violation of the US Constitution. The sheer hubris of the Navy brass to even contemplate awarding these medals to this corrupt and incompetent prosecution team just strains the imagination. Next … Eilek brings up more Russia, Russia, Russia. Mr. Eilek should consider a business in selling pickled herrings because he seems to have a huge stockpile. The scuttlebutt that Russia has put bounties on American troops serving in Afghanistan has already been shown to have no consensus among US intelligence agencies. In addition, the US general in charge of US Central Command which oversees operations in Afghanistan has also said that there has been no confirmation that Russians were paying bounties to the Taliban for dead US soldiers. Eilek’s fevered speculation about Russian bounties does bring up an intriguing side-bar though. The Obama-Iran nuclear deal resulted in Obama sending planeloads of cash and other financial assets to the terrorist regime in 2016. This gutless surrender and pandering by Obama to the mullahs even had then Secretary of State John Kerry admitting that these billions in funds would likely end up in the bloody hands of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The IRG has been reported to have funded bounties on American troops and assets in the Middle East, including Afghanistan. A sardonic John Kerry also admitted that some of the multi-billions in funds released to Iran would likely go to fund more terrorism. As far as punitive measures against Russia go, compared to past post-Cold War administrations, President Trump has taken Russia to the woodshed. When Russia seized the Crimea, Obama sent blankets and snacks to the Ukrainians. Trump has sent Ukraine weapons, including anti-tank missiles. Under Trump US forces led the Battle of Khasham in Syria smashing ISIS forces and killing scores of Russian mercenaries aligned with ISIS, up to 200 mercenaries killed according to reports. Intercepted Russian radio transmissions confirmed a humiliating defeat at the hands of US forces in 2018. President Trump, a strong proponent of US fracking, has made America energy independent. Without a doubt, Vladimir Putin despises this fracking technology as it has lowered global oil prices putting the Russian economy into a tailspin. The Captain Obviousepiphany here is that a president acting as a puppet of Putin would seek to ban American fracking. Trump has done the opposite by making our nation energy independent while destabilizing Putin’s economy at the same time. Still Mr. Eilek would advocate that you vote for a ticket other than Trump/Pence while the Biden/Harris campaign embrace a crippling US energy policy that Putin would be a big fan of. The rumor that Trump called dead American soldiers from WWI “losers” is yet another bit of bad yellow journalism and just another herring for the pickle jar. The charge has been widely disputed with his advisors denying such a claim. Even his now fired former National Security Advisor John Bolton admits that Trump never said anything disparaging about US troops. Bolton is clearly now on the Never Trumpneocon bandwagon, yet even he does not give this ridiculous charge any credence. While President Trump does display a large degree of braggadocio, he can justifiably claim that his policies vanquished ISIS, a now but virtually extinct Islamofascist troupe of troglodytes that engaged in genocide, rape, slavery, torture and mass executions that haven’t been seen since the Third Reich. Eilek fails to mention that the previous Obama Administration’s thoughtless and reckless pullout from Iraq created a power vacuum for ISIS to grow and to thrive. James Mattis lambasted the Obama/Biden Administration for “catastrophic deci-

sons” leading to foreign policy “failure” on many fronts. As far as Trump sacking former generals who served as advisors and cabinet heads, the notion to keep in mind here is that these advisors serve at the pleasure of the President, not the other way around. One of the refreshing things about Trump is that he doesn’t engage in the typical “groupthink” that has mired Washington in corruption, bureaucratic inertia and scandal for the past few decades. As President, Donald Trump is the alpha dog wagging the tail that is comprised of his advisors and executive cabinet agencies, not the other way around. Military and national security experts like Mattis, McMaster and Bolton don’t exist to control and manipulate the Commander-in-Chief like a puppet. They serve to advise though their expertise, but if their ideas do not fit the President’s goals, then they are dismissed. It’s that plain and simple. In the meantime, the alpha dog Trump carries out the agenda that the American people elected him to do. All the while the American people remain the ultimate master. Eilek further piles on by accusing Trump of attacking NATO while in fact the President has only politically called out those lazy cheapskate European countries who have been consistently underfunding NATO for generations. NATO’s Secretary-General has actually praised Donald Trump because his browbeating of scofflaw NATO members has resulted in more than over $100 billion morein funding to the defense pact that serves to counter Russian hegemony. A few NATO members seem to remain a bit recalcitrant, like Germany’s Angela Merkle who still seeks energy from Russia and Huawei service from communist China. In the meantime, President Trump has always sought to put America first by enhancing our sovereignty through protecting and promoting our nation’s economic and security interests foremost, despite whatever propaganda Eilek and his ilk will try to sell. The Democrat Party, particularly here in California, seems to resemble corrupt political parties in third world countries in which political machines seek power to their further power at the expense of citizens’ rights and economic self-determination. By pitting classes and races of people against each other, Democrats in many respects seem to be aping Mexico’s Institutional Revolutionary Party. Too many Republicans as well, perhaps the very ones Mr. Eilek clamors for, have been swept into this globalist elitism that has outsourced American jobs, freedoms, sovereignty and dignity to hostile nations like totalitarian China and to unaccountable global bureaucrats with no concern or worry for the average US citizen. In addition, Biden/Harris and the Democrat Party openly flirt with trashing our constitutional republic by eliminating the electoral college, packing the Supreme Court, and cancelling many of our freedoms including First, Second, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment liberties all for the sake of their own selfish power. It is right now, at this moment in time that President Donald Trump and some select and courageous Republicans seek to keep and preserve our constitutional republic in a manner that continues our history of limited government thereby allowing for the maximum exercise of freedom by American citizens. Biden, Harris and the radicals behind their curtain will seek to defund your police while also stripping you of your constitutional right to defend yourself when there is longer a functioning police department to call. Taxes here in California are already among the highest in the nation. Biden and Harris will put the middle class into a new form of serfdom in which the politically-connected, the tech billionaires and the Hollywood elite thrive and prosper. The centralized power depicted in movies like The Hunger Gamesare supposed to serve as cautionary tales, not as instructional documentaries on how to perfect the leviathan state. So, as a Navy Veteran and retired federal officer who maintains close ties with other Veterans and with active and retired law enforcement officers within my family and throughout my circle of friends, I call upon all Americans to take Mr. Eilek’s Never Trumpdiatribe with a large grain of salt...his red herrings are too numerous and smell, well quite fishy. I also call upon all legally eligible citizens to vote on November 3 to preserve our religious and economic freedoms and to keep and maintain our self-autonomy, freedom of speech and freedoms of thought and conscience. Hint: You’re will never safeguard these cherished liberties by voting for Biden/Harris or for some Never Trumpthird party candidate. Choose and vote wisely…your nation depends upon you. Rick Reiss Temecula, California

REFERENCES: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/clinton/etc/draftletter.html https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/mccain-and-the-pow-cover-up/ https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/clinton/etc/draftletter.html https://www.foxnews.com/politics/arizona-va-boss-accused-of-covering-up-veterans-deaths-linked-to-previous-scandal https://www.azcentral.com/story/ejmontini/2014/05/21/president-obama-senator-john-mccain-veterans-administration-va-hospital/9379599/ https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-slams-ousted-va-workers-touts-reforms-to-veterans-services-in-comments-during-wh-memorial-day-ceremony https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-slams-ousted-va-workers-touts-reforms-to-veterans-services-in-comments-during-wh-memorial-day-ceremony https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/07/30/veterans-win-trump-administrations-mission-act-reforms.html https://www.mediaite.com/online/john-mccain-betrays-republicans-and-his-own-legacy/ https://americanmilitarynews.com/2020/09/aircraft-carrier-captain-crozier-says-he-willingly-jeopardized-career-to-warn-about-virus-outbreak/https:// americanmilitarynews.com/2020/09/aircraft-carrier-captain-crozier-says-he-willingly-jeopardized-career-to-warn-about-virus-outbreak/ https://www.independentsentinel.com/judge-frees-navy-seal-eddie-gallagher-over-prosecutorial-misdeeds/ https://taskandpurpose.com/news/eddie-gallagher-fair-trial https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/jury-finds-navy-seal-eddie-gallagher-not-guilty-of-war-crimes https://www.kusi.com/retired-navy-seal-chief-eddie-gallagher-files-lawsuit-against-the-navy-and-new-york-times-reporter/ https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/07/30/their-case-collapsed-in-court-but-4-navy-prosecutors-still-netted-nams/ https://nypost.com/2019/07/31/trump-orders-navy-to-rescind-medals-from-lawyers-who-prosecuted-seal-eddie-gallagher/ https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/u-s-commander-intel-still-hasn-t-established-russia-paid-n1240020 https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/09/the-russian-bounties-story-turns-out-to-be-trash-journalism/ http://www.nbcnews.com/id/39014669/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/t/report-iran-pays-each-us-soldier-killed-taliban/#.X3Oe2y2ZNsZ

https://www.cnn.com/2016/01/21/politics/john-kerry-money-iran-sanctions-terrorism/index.html https://www.cfr.org/blog/blankets-ukraine https://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/03/24/obama-chooses-not-to-send-weapons-to-ukraine.html https://thehill.com/policy/international/365906-trump-administration-approves-lethal-arms-sales-to-ukraine https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-admin-approves-sale-anti-tank-weapons-ukraine/story?id=65989898 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/battle-syria-us-russian-mercenaries-commandos-islamic-state-a8370781.html https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-leaked-audio-humiliating-defeat-by-us-forces-2018-2?op=1 https://www.polygraph.info/a/us-wagner-russia-syria-scores-killed/29044339.html https://www.nationalreview.com/2015/02/russias-war-fracking-tom-rogan/ https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/fiona-hill-educates-democrats-fracking-hurts-putin https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/kremlin-kamala-harris-and-other-democrats-are-embracing-vladimir-putins-preferred-us-energy-policy https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-didnt-cancel-visit-to-american-military-cemetery-in-france-over-disdain-for-slain-veterans-sources-say https://nypost.com/2020/09/08/john-bolton-denies-claim-that-trump-called-fallen-soldiers-losers/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/u-s-backed-forces-declare-victory-over-isis-syria-n972401 https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/09/10/president-donald-trump-timing-right-isis-editorials-debates/2280013001/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/01/27/nato-chief-credits-trump/2695799002/ https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1301138/Donald-Trump-Angela-Merkel-germany-sanctions-nord-stream-russia https://www.britannica.com/topic/Institutional-Revolutionary-Party

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WINE & DINE

Europa Village announces new executive team to helm culinary operations, including newly debuted Bolero Restaurante TEMECULA – Europa Village announced the appointments of Hany Ali as executive chef and Luis Sandoval as executive chef de cuisine of the multi-winery resort’s culinary operations – including the new Bolero Restaurante – where they will oversee menu development, catering and more. Bolero Restaurante, the newly launched,

Spanish-influenced restaurant at Europa Village features abundant, vineyard-facing outdoor seating and a menu inspired by its chefs’ deep international experience, bringing an entirely new flavor to Temecula Valley. “With all of their many accomplishments, experiences and rave reviews, we are pleased to have

Wine Country Calendar of Events FRIDAY, OCT. 9 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Craft Faire, Maurice Car’rie Winery

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pumpkin Farm, Peltzer Family Cellars

1-2:30 p.m.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tour, South Coast Winery

3-5:30 p.m.

Happy Hour, Vineyard Rose, South Coast Winery

6-9 p.m.

Live Music, Woody and the Harrelsons, Lorimar Winery

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Drive-in Movie Night, “Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Akash Winery

SATURDAY, OCT. 10 9-10 a.m.

Saturday Yoga + Wine, Akash Winery

9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pumpkin Farm, Peltzer Family Cellars

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Craft Faire, Maurice Car’rie Winery

3:30-5:30 p.m.

Happy Hour, Vineyard Rose, South Coast Winery

6-9 p.m.

Live Music, Bodie, Lorimar Winery

9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pumpkin Farm, Peltzer Family Cellars

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Craft Faire, Maurice Car’rie Winery

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

Dog Day Sundays, Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery

Noon to 3 p.m.

Live Music, Electric Ash, Lorimar Winery

3:30-5:30 p.m.

Happy Hour, South Coast Winery

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Drive-in Movie Night, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” Akash Winery

Chef Hany Ali is the new executive chef at Europa Village and Bolero Restaurante in Temecula Valley Wine Country. V al l ey N ew s/ Courtesy ph oto

SUNDAY, OCT. 11

Music • Bistro • Wine & Beer Winery Hours Sun-Thurs 11-5, Fri 11-8, Sat 10-8 Bistro Hours Sat 12:30-6 & Sun 11-4

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Cannot combine with any other offer. Expires 10/31/20.

An Old World Classic

951-676-6414 33515 Rancho California Road Temecula • 92591

www.belvinowinery.com

20% OFF

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Bolero Restaurante at Europa Village offers outdoor patio dining with a Spanish-inspired atmosphere.

Chef Hany Ali as our executive chef and Chef Luis Sandoval as executive chef de cuisine,” John Goldsmith, general manager of Europa Village, said. “The two create a powerhouse executive culinary team that respects local produce, farmers and ranchers, and provides our guests with exceptional service, dedication and creative dishes to enhance the overall dining experience.” Leading the team as executive chef, Ali brings more than 13 years of culinary expertise to his role at Europa Village, after holding multifaceted positions at highly regarded hotels and restaurants, including the Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach, International Hotel in Hurghada and most recently, Ponte Winery. He was born in Cairo, Egypt, and was raised in a coastal resort city named Hurghada, Egypt. After graduating from the International Culinary Institute in Egypt, he traveled through Europe and Asia exposing his palate to as many different types of cuisines as possible to further broaden his talents as a chef and give him the experience and knowledge needed for his culinary career. As executive chef de cuisine, Sandoval brings more than 20 years of culinary experience to his role at Europa Village, where he’s tasked with crafting the overall menu concept for Bolero Restaurante along with planning, organizing and sourcing ingredients for dish development. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Sandoval held various culinary positions at Marriott International hotels, as well as Royal Caribbean and Disney and Princess Cruise Lines, before joining the Europa Village team. During his tenure in the cruise industry, he developed a melting pot of culinary knowledge – from Spanish and Italian to French and South American and sharpened his skills on dish presentation from around the world. Understanding that every plate has a story behind it, Sandoval excels at providing creative and comforting cuisine that appeals to all senses. Bolero Restaurante, from the creative mind of David Townsend, director of food and beverage at Europa Village, takes guests on a culinary journey throughout the country of Spain. From the humble farm-to-table cuisines of Austria to the majesty of modern culinary interpretations coming from San Sebastian or Barcelona, the restau-

Seafood paella is a dish offered at Bolero, a Spanish-inspired restaurant at Europa Village in Temecula Valley Wine Country.

rant’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus celebrate the centuries-old tradition of dining and drinking together with tapas-style dishes. Ali showcases his back-to-the-land reverence through farm-fresh valley produce – with some vegetables and herbs harvested just moments before serving from the kitchen garden just outside Bolero Restaurante. While the sourcing may be local, Ali’s influences are global, resulting in flavorful, inventive border-crossing cuisine. “Bolero Restaurante was created to bring a true taste of Spain to Temecula,” Townsend said. “From the ingredients to the wines, to the setting – it’s a special place that gives guests an opportunity to be transported via touch, taste and smell to Spain, without having to pack their passports.” The restaurant’s menu features dishes including traditional Iberico ham produced exclusively from a specific breed of Black Iberian pigs native to the Iberian Peninsula; a selection of curated seafood favorites such as jumbo lump crab salad and smoked salmon with crispy cone, as well as signature dishes including grilled Bolero-style Piedmontese flat iron steak; “Fabada el Cuenco” with Andalusian stewed pork and beans with Bilbao chorizo, serrano jamon and fava beans; a special menu of made-to-order paellas and a decadent dessert list inclusive of chocolate and hazelnut torta, banana brulee and more. Bolero Restaurante’s wine list celebrates the resort and winery’s entire portfolio of wines and the greatest wines being produced in Spain – offering the opportunity to taste new grape varietals, realize new textures, aromas and discover new favorites – from the most

delicate expressions of white wines to the heartiest full-bodied red wines. Various cocktails are also available, including the “Rosé All Day Sangria” made with Bolero Garnacha Rosa. For more information on Bolero Restaurante or to book your next reservation, visit https://www. europavillage.com/bolero/restaurante/ or follow @EuropaVillage on social media. Europa Village consists of more than 45 acres of prime Temecula Wine Country property, planted with popular European-style varietal grapes, bringing forth premium wines in the classic traditions of France, Spain and Italy. The resort boasts two current winery “destinations” – Bolero, a vibrant new Spanish adventure, and the Prelude to C’est La Vie and Vienza, the first phase of our amorous, French and Italian affair. In addition, the quaint Inn at Europa Village, a 10room country inn, awaits guests atop the vineyard-covered hillside overlooking the Village. At Europa Village, guests can indulge in lush vintages, delicious food, exclusive accommodations and one-of-a-kind experiences. The next chapter in the Europa Village story will continue a journey through Italy, with an expansion comprised of Vienza Winery Resort and Spa, as well as an expansion of the third winery resort – C’est la Vie – inspired by the French countryside. These exciting European-style venues will be connected by a village of restaurants, boutiques, tasting rooms and walking paths anchored by a 40-room resort and spa, all designed in classic European style. For more information visit https:// www.europavillage.com. Submitted by Europa Village.

Section

SPORTS October 9 – 15, 2020

www.myvalleynews.com

Volume 20, Issue 41

Perris Union High School District approves a plan to return to athletic conditioning

Members of the Paloma Valley baseball team hold signs at a peaceful protest Wednesday, Sept. 30, on the corner of Newport and Hahn roads in Menifee. Valley News/Courtesy photos

JP Raineri SPORTS EDITOR

Perris Union High School District board members had been delaying a decision on approving workouts for athletes at Paloma Valley, Heritage and Perris high schools. An announcement that was made two weeks ago had many parents of student-athletes expressing frustration. At that PUHSD board meeting, board members tabled a proposal by superintendent Grant Bennett that would allow workouts to begin in early October, and that decision fueled the community to start sharing their voices. A peaceful protest took place Wednesday, Sept. 30, in Menifee, which was planned by families in the community with impacted student athletes. High school athletes in sur-

rounding districts have been participating for two weeks in modified workouts in preparation for the revised CIF start of the sports season in December. Many districts gave this approval after Riverside County’s announcement in August that youth sports could resume workouts and practices. Athletes in the Murrieta Valley School District have practicing outside, using social distancing, temperature checks and are kept in groups of no more than 20. PUHSD athletic directors used this model in writing the proposal that was reviewed by the PUHSD board, Scott Moore, Heritage High athletic director, said. On July 20, the CIF Southern Section office announced a revised calendar in which seasons for football, boys’ and girls’ cross-country, boys’ and girls’ water polo, boys’

and girls’ volleyball, field hockey, gymnastics and cheer would begin in December. Following the Aug. 5 county announcement about youth sports workouts, school districts in Murrieta, Temecula and Lake Elsinore began allowing workouts in those sports. According to the proposal, Phase 1 would include workouts without equipment. Phase 2 would include use of equipment and the weight room for conditioning. Phase 3 would allow actual team practices, such as scrimmages. Athletes have been on their own since March, with no spring sports season or spring football practice because of COVID-19 restrictions. The district athletic directors built this plan, and many were hoping to see it in action by next week, since it mimics that of other local school districts that have actually

put a plan in place. Trustee Randall Freeman suggested reducing the number of athletes in a group from 20 to 10, with which others agreed. Trustee Jose Luis Araux suggested that 10 is a safer number because it is the same as the guidance originally provided by Riverside County for gatherings. Moore, who attended the virtual board meeting, said he would return to his colleagues with the board’s request for smaller groups and other concerns they expressed. “It could be difficult, say if volleyball has 80 kids out and we only have four coaches,” Moore said to the media last week. “But if the board decides the number should be 10, we can adjust. Everything should be negotiable at this point.” Questions about where athletes would use restrooms and whether that meant school buildings would have to be opened were brought about by board president Anthony Stafford. Moore responded that at Heritage High, restrooms at the football stadium and baseball stadium would be used for workouts, which would be held outside. Another concern, however, was whether enough sanitation would be provided at the restrooms and that the union to which school custodians belong has not been consulted. Stafford also said he was concerned that a long disclaimer parents must sign had not been reviewed by the district’s legal counsel. Moore said the disclaimer language was taken from a docu-

ment being used in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District. Athletic directors are said to be meeting as soon as possible to address the concerns and suggest revisions to the plan. Monica Gutierrez, public information officer for the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, told the media recently that in addition to social distancing, temperature checks and small groups, the district is requiring athletes to be screened daily before working out. No equipment is being used in the first phase, locker rooms are not used and each athlete is required to bring a water bottle that can’t be shared with others. All coaches look at the strength and conditioning as a step in moving forward toward bringing students back to campus. “They worked collectively in researching health and safety practices specific to youth athletics as well as plans on ensuring best practices were implemented consistently among all high schools and teams,” Gutierrez said. “Thankfully, we have not encountered any problems thus far with the conditioning, the athletes or the safety precautions in place.” A day after the peaceful protest, the board of trustees approved a plan to return to athletic conditioning and workouts at a special meeting Thursday, Oct. 1. Additional details and schedules will come directly from the school sites. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.

Parents of student athletes organize a peaceful protest in hopes that the Perris Union High School District board members would re-vote on approving team workouts.

Aquatics Coalition says pool exercise can play a role in COVID-19 fight Professional swimmer Rowdy Gaines takes role of Director of Community Engagement JP Raineri SPORTS EDITOR

In late September, the Aquatics Coalition, an alliance of more than 30 water safety, fitness, rehabilitation and competitive sports organizations, issued the following statement encouraging public officials across the nation to reopen indoor pools so their communities can have access to the year-round health and safety benefits of purpose-driven aquatics: “We have learned that physical activity plays an important role in combating COVID-19, making access to pools and aquatic exercise more critical than ever. Significantly, it is seniors – the most vulnerable to the virus – who rely on pools for low-impact aquatic movement to stay healthy. They, along with those of all ages who rely on pools for rehabilitation or life-saving resources like swim lessons, can safely take part in aquatic activities as the CDC confirmed that the virus is not transmitted through chlorinated water. Pool facilitators are more than willing to work with their local public health officials to reopen with proper safety protocols such as social distancing, wearing a mask when not in the water, and frequent sanitation,” Shana Ferguson, chief commercial officer

The Aquatics Coalition and its members are poised to work collaboratively with state and local officials to find solutions to restart purpose-driven swimming. Valley News/Courtesy photo

of USA Swimming and Aquatics Coalition representative, said. “We realize that despite the clear benefits of purpose-driven aquatics, the decision to reopen pools remains

difficult. It is the reason the swimming community united to offer its guidance and best practices for a safer return to the water.” The coalition’s best practices

guide to how to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in swimming facilities, while promoting a safer, phased reentry into the pool can be found on their

website at http://www.aquaticscoalition.org/. USA Swimming, the national see AQUATICS, page C-2

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • October 9, 2020

SPORTS

Temecula’s Givona Sapp makes final round of 2020 Ms. Health and Fitness competition JP Raineri SPORTS EDITOR

In what started out as only a whim to apply, Temecula resident Givona Sandiford Sapp, Ph.D., has made her way to the final round of the 2020 national online Ms. Health and Fitness competition. Sapp not only took first place in the group round, but also advanced in first place through her quarter-final group and made her way to the top of the semifinals with her vote counts. Voting ended Thursday, Oct. 8. “I had 7,000 Warrior votes last night and it didn’t even move me from seventh place,” she said. “I saw my competitors on TV, and they must have good support.” Sapp, a 39-year-old new mother, speech pathologist and certified barre instructor, is also an app developer that has been featured in Black Women Talk Tech. Her apps help minimally verbal children

with autism. “I made my first app in 2012,” Sapp said. “It’s called Melodic Based Communication Therapy Level 1, and it was based on my dissertation research.” The rounds are voted on by the public, who submitted votes online, and the final will be hosted by Whitney Jones, the reigning champion of both the Ms. Fitness International and Ms. Fitness Olympia competitions. Jones is widely regarded as one of the best IFBB Fitness Pros in the world. Since entering her first fitness competition in 2010, she has received international acclaim and numerous awards for her physique and dedication to health and fitness. As this year’s official host and competition representative, Jones will be providing tips and advice throughout the competition as the search for the next Ms. Health & Fitness continues. “I never thought I’d actually

place,” Sapp said. “To my surprise, I made every cut, and I am honored to have made it to the top eight.” This year’s winner will take home the title “Ms. Health and Fitness,” $20,000 and the cover of Muscle and Fitness Hers, which is read by more than 500,000 fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes each issue. “It has always been my dream to be debt-free,” she said. “I would put the money toward paying off my school loans.” The major benefactor in the competition is not just the winner, but over the last three years, the organization has also donated to Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors. Founded by former Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen; their mission is to provide financial assistance and support to injured U.S. military veterans by building and remodeling accessible homes to suit their individual needs one wounded warrior at a time.

Voting to determine the 2020 Ms. Health and Fitness ends Thursday, Oct. 8, after press time. Valley News/ H olli Z P h otog rap h y p h oto

“With everything that is going on in the world, it has been so heartwarming to have family, friends and strangers support my goal to be Ms. Health and Fitness 2020,” Sapp said. “I didn’t start off believing it was possible, but their

belief in me has encouraged me to aim high.” Results will be announced after press time. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.

CIF Southern Section high school sports update JP Raineri SPORTS EDITOR

The CIF Southern Section offices released their latest updates regarding high school sports recently, and as October arrives, there have been some developments moving things forward in the effort to resume high school sports programs. While member schools are still conducting conditioning workouts on their campuses. following the appropriate health and safety guidelines recommended by state and local health authorities, the information below was put out by Rob Wigod, commissioner of the CIF Southern Section, recently. “We have seen so many different things develop over the last several months and it has been extremely difficult to keep up with all the dynamics involved,” Wigod said. “However, what I want to assure

you is there is one thing that will not change and that is our 20202021 sports calendars.” The calendars do remain in place since they were announced July 20, and will continue to remain in place as we begin October, approach November, and move forward in preparation for the launch of our fall sports season in mid-December. Many of the member schools have done a remarkable job arranging schedules and making plans for what lies ahead. “I truly appreciate the incredible efforts they have made in service to our student-athletes,” Wigod said. “Hopefully, progress will continue to be made in getting our students back on campus for academics and athletics as we forge on through these unprecedented times.” As for the Southern Section Council Meeting recap from Thursday, Oct. 1, there was only one Southern Section action item

on the agenda, which would allow two yellow cards for soccer to result in an ejection from that contest, but not include a suspension for the next contest, and that proposal passed (83-7-1). Non-action items at the CIF State Federated Council level were introduced for first reading: adding beach volleyball as a CIF-approved sport, the Sunday cheer exception for the National High School Cheerleading Championships, maximum allowable contest number of 28 for baseball and softball to take effect in the 2021-2022 school year, now that baseball and softball are CIF Regional sports, and CIF Federated Council weighted voting numbers were reviewed. As for Southern Section nonaction items, discussions were held on the proposal from the Hall of Fame and Distinguished Service Committee to develop criteria

for Hall of Fame selections for coaches and the proposal from the Coastal Canyon League for an Altercation Plan for schools to follow, in the event of an incident that involves multiple players and coaches, to be included in the Blue Book. The latest transfer numbers for July, August and September of this year, as well as those same months of the 2019-2020 school year are available at http://www.cifss.org. “I hope this information is useful to you moving forward and if you have any questions, or I can help you in any way at all, do not hesitate to contact me,” Wigod said. “My staff and I are ready, willing and able to assist you in any way we possibly can. Thank you very much for your help and support, it is deeply appreciated. Be well, stay safe, take care and all the best to you and your families.” The CIF offices are open with

normal business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For those looking to get in touch with the offices, phone service will resume, but no walkins will be permitted at this time. Advanced in-person appointments or virtual meetings only will be allowed, and the office staff continue to be available via email as well. If someone who made an in-person appointment or a member of their family or staff are not feeling well at the time of the appointment, the offices ask that they either reschedule or participate in a virtual meeting instead. The offices will also continue to monitor the ever-changing situation involved with the COVID-19 pandemic in preparation of the fall and spring sports for the 2020-2021 school year. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com.

80 USA Baseball alumni in 2020 MLB postseason All 16 teams have at least one former member of Team USA JP Raineri SPORTS EDITOR

USA Baseball, the national governing body for baseball in the United States, recently announced that 80 USA Baseball alumni are set to play in the first-ever 16-team MLB postseason. All 16 postseason teams have at least one former Team USA member on their rosters. The Cincinnati Reds lead the way with eight alumni, while the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals each have seven. The National League has a combined 47 alumni on its rosters while the American League boasts 33 players who have previously worn the red, white and blue. The 2020 MLB Postseason

began Tuesday, Sept. 29, with the American League Wild Card Series featuring the Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins. The opening round matchup featuring the most USA Baseball alumni is between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds in the National League Wild Card Series, which will include 15 players that have suited up for the stars and stripes. The series begins Wednesday, Sept. 30, at noon EDT. Players that represent USA Baseball as well as the two Southern California teams from the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, are listed below. The complete list of USA Baseball alumni on 2020 MLB Postseason rosters can be found online:

Sale of Arag on M ed i c al Center As a result of Humberto Aragon’s death on August 4, 2020, steps are being taken to sell the Aragon Medical Center, located at 27625 Jefferson Ave. Ste. 101, Temecula, CA 92590, to another medical group effective on or around October 15, 2020. IF you were a patient of Dr. Aragon’s, it will be necessary to secure a new physician as soon as possible to ensure continuous care. All medical records are confidential and protected by federal privacy and security regulations. With your authorization, a copy of your medical record(s) can be released to you or transferred to a physician. You have a few options: • You may pick up your medical record(s) at this practice; or • You may have them mailed to you; or • You may have them sent to a physician you designate. On and after October 15, 2020, with your written authorization, you may continue to obtain a copy of your medical record(s) from the Aragon Medical Center, 27625 Jefferson Ave Ste 101, Temecula, CA 92590, or by calling (951)676-9666. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Los Angeles Dodgers (6): Wa l k e r B u e h l e r – 2 0 1 4 Collegiate Joe Kelly – 2007 Collegiate Clayton Kershaw – 2005 18U Jake McGee – 2017 Professional (WBC) A.J. Pollock – 2011 Professional Corey Seager – 2010 16U San Diego Padres (7): Jason Castro – 2009 Professional Jake Cronenworth – 2019 Professional Zach Davies – 2007 14U Trent Grisham – 2014 18U Eric Hosmer – 2007 18U; 2010 Professional; 2013, 2017 Professional (WBC) Manny Machado – 2009 18U

Drew Pomeranz – 2009 Collegiate USA Baseball is committed to serving, protecting, and supporting the game of baseball and its 15.6 million participants. Founded in 1978, USA Baseball fields six national teams annually and is a member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the World Baseball Softball Confederation. On the diamond, USA Baseball is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the reigning World Baseball Classic champion, and its national teams have won 62 gold medals in international competition. Celebrated in coordination with

the 20th anniversary of the gold medal-victory over Cuba in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, USA Baseball encourages its alumni, community and fans to celebrate its past accomplishments by sharing stories of impact and helping spread the word on what it means to be a part of USA Baseball. For more information on the organization, its national teams and development-driven initiatives, visit the official website at http://www.USABaseball.com or http://www.USABDevelops.com. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com.

AQUATICS f rom p ag e C - 1 governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States, also announced the transition of three-time Olympic gold medalist and USA Swimming Foundation ambassador Rowdy Gaines to the role of director of community engagement. Active as an ambassador of the USA Swimming Foundation since 2011, Gaines will continue his advocacy for the sport and fundraising efforts and will collaborate with organizational leaders to develop and deploy a robust community relations strategy. “I have had an amazing relationship with USA Swimming dating back to its inception in 1980 when I was at the height of my career as a swimmer,” Gaines said. “It literally has never stopped. This is another step in trying to give back to the sport that has given me so much the last 40 years. I was a full-time employee from 20032008, and I helped start the USA Swimming Foundation so in many ways this is just a continuation of immersing myself in our swimming community... our swimming family.” During his competitive career, Rowdy’s name became synonymous with American swimming. Between 1978 and 1984, the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and International Swimming Hall of Fame member set 10 world records. In addition to his three Olympic

Three-time Olympic gold medalist and USA Swimming Foundation ambassador Rowdy Gaines will continue his advocacy for the sport as he takes on the role of Director of Community Engagement. Valley News/ C ou rtesy p h oto

gold medals, he has also tallied 16 total medals, with 12 gold medals, representing the United States at the World Championships and Pan American Games. Gaines has had a long history with USA Swimming out of the water as well. His work with the USA Swimming Foundation dates to 2003, when he helped launch the Foundation and served as its executive director until 2008. Most recently, he served as the vice president of aquatics for the YMCA of Central Florida in Orlando. “It would be difficult to find someone who cares more about this sport than Rowdy Gaines,” Ferguson said. “And while many

know him as the face and voice of competitive swimming, even more notable is Rowdy’s fierce devotion to increasing swim lesson opportunities for young children. Swimming is a life-saving sport for all ages, and no one embodies that mission more than Rowdy. We are lucky to have this champion leaning in even more with our work here.” For more information via social media pages, follow the Aquatics Coalition on Twitter and Facebook. Article contributions made by Valeria Zanetti. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.

October 9, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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Fight fleas with a visit to the vet TEMECULA – Dog owners know that fleas can fluster their furry friends. Fleas are tiny parasites that feed off the blood of their hosts, and the American Kennel Club said that there are more than 2,200 species of fleas in the world. Though it may seem counterintuitive, the flea that infests dogs most frequently is the cat flea. There is such a thing as the dog flea, but the AKC said that dogs only rarely experience dog flea infestations. Dog owners who have witnessed their dogs dealing with flea infestations likely noticed how irritated their dogs seemed while they were fighting the fleas. But the potential complications of flea bites are more serious than irritation. According to the AKC, flea infestation can lead to the skin disease flea allergy dermatitis, which occurs when a dog has an allergic reaction to flea saliva. In such instances, dogs may experience itchiness, irritation, hair loss, scaly skin and secondary skin infections. Anemia is another potential complication of a flea infestation. Fleas can consume as much as 15 times their own body weight in blood in a single day. Such an extensive loss of blood can lead to anemia, a condition marked by a reduced number of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin circulating in the dog’s blood stream. Fleas sometimes contain tapeworm eggs, which can lead to another side effect of flea infestations. Some dogs ingest fleas when biting itchy spots or when grooming. The AKC said that, if the fleas the dogs ingest contain the tapeworm parasite, the eggs move into the dog’s small intestines, ultimately hatching and maturing into adults. Flea infestations can be treated and prevented. Dog owners should recognize the need to include flea protection among their pet supplies. The AKC noted the effectiveness of flea pills, a variety of which are now available. Flea pills are oral insecticides, and there are so many varieties because each has

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • October 9, 2020

BUSINESS

Hemet industrial, commercial and residential developments move ahead Tony Ault STAFF WRITER

Hemet, which was once considered a bastion for older adults and snowbirds from northern climates, is changing significantly as younger families move in and gain interest from advanced technological firms. The Hemet City Council in a special report from H.P. Kang, the city’s community development director, Tuesday, Sept. 22, heard the city is soon to expect the arrival of a S2A Tesla Powered Smart Home Factory. The 210,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will be located at State Street and Crows Nest Place on 32 acres. The factory will be solar-powered, including a sales office and model home complex. It is expected to hire 100 skilled workers and take delivery on Tesla trucks. It is planning to produce 1,000 residential units and 2,000 commercial units per year, according to Kang’s report. Kang’s report outlined 10 other major developments that are either coming or are underway in the city and plans to renovate the Historic Hemet Theater in downtown Hemet. The renovations, which are under design review, will include facade restoration and repair; a marquee and blade sign; interior improvements including the restoration of the lobby, main auditorium, Americans with Disabilities Act compliant restrooms, ADA seating and an updated mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Hemet will also become the home of a drop and ship warehouse for the international Chinese Laundry shoe company at the former K-Mart store at the northwest corner of State Street and Stetson Avenue. The 83,020-square-foot building on 7.64 acres and will be used as the firms’ warehousing facility for its shoes, purses and other quality apparel is awaiting final design review.

Worker finishes a window installation at this new D.R. Horton model home under construction at Florida Avenue and Lake Street in East Hemet.

A sign on Florida Avenue at Lake Street tells motorists new Citrus Pointe homes are being constructed in Hemet by a D.R. Horton’s Express Valley News/Tony Ault photos Homes with models going up now.

The Holiday Inn Express, a four-story, 80-room hotel on 1.5 acres at 3850 W. Florida Ave., is under review. The Stetson Corner project at 3255 and 3145 Stetson Ave. across from the Walmart center, with a 12-bay gas station with 4,088-square-foot, 7-Eleven; 2,660-square-foot, drive-thru restaurant; a 3,590-square-foot car wash with 20 vacuum stations and a new parking lot on the east side of Stetson Avenue next to the McCrometer company is under review. The Ramona Creek Shopping Plaza on the northeast corner of

Florida Avenue and Warren Road has been granted a two-year extension to 2022 to build a 37-lot development on 43 acres that will include 535,788 square feet of commercial buildings to provide retail stores, entertainment facilities, restaurants, professional and medical offices and a higher learning facility with an urban plaza with water features for future commercial and residential use. Plans for Rancho Diamante, a two-phase single-family residential community on 150 acres of vacant land at the southeast corner of Mustang Way and Warren Road has also been granted a two-year

extension until May 2022. When built, it will include 155 single family homes on 48.4 acres in the first phase with open space and 440 single-family homes on 103 acres with 1.17 acres for a park site and 12 open space lots in the second phase. Framers have already started the construction of the Citrus Pointe model homes at an 80 singlefamily home development on the northeast corner of Lake Street and Florida Avenue in the city’s area of influence west of Valle Vista. Model homes are being constructed for the Seasons at McSweeny Farms on the southeast corner of McSweeny Parkway and South Village Loop that when completed will have 77 new single-family homes for sale. It is one phase of a much larger development planned in the area. The Latham, a 120-unit assisted living complex on 3.31-acres on the southerly side of Latham Avenue east of Lyon Avenue and west of Elk Street is planned close to the Hemet downtown area. Coffee drinkers will be pleased with a new Starbucks at Page Plaza being built at the northwest corner of Sanderson and Thorn-

ton avenues. It will include a 2,500-square-foot drive-thru on 0.086 acres and a 3,700-squarefoot drive-thru restaurant on 1.09 acres. Construction of Sanderson Plaza on the northeast corner of Sanderson and Menlo avenues is underway that will include a 6,200-square-foot, two-story 7-11 convenience store with 20 gas pumps, three 5,000-squarefoot, drive-thru restaurants and a 40,000-square-foot, multi-tenant retail building. Kang also said the city can expect to see developments for: Raising Cane’s s at 3156 W. Florida Ave.; Rally’s between Tanya and Stetson avenues on Sanderson Avenue; O’Reilly Auto Parts in Page Plaza; 51 single-family homes in the 800 N. Girard Street; the expansion of Last Chance Performance Marine at 601 S. Sanderson Ave.; the Country Grill at 3969 W. Florida Ave. and a Hemet industrial park on the northwest corner of Airway Place and Wentworth Drive. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

Rancho Water’s finance committee pushes bond refunds to board Jeff Pack STAFF WRITER

Rancho California Water Disrict’s finance and audit committee voted Thursday, Oct. 1, to recommend that the utility’s board of directors approve the 2020 bond issuance of legal documents to refund a portion of 2016A and 2016B bonds. “As I mentioned, this refinancing is all about refunding a por-

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tion of our 2016 A and B bonds,” Richard Aragon, assistant general manager of Rancho Water, told the committee. “This has all come about mostly because of COVID-19, us trying to make something positive out of something very negative. “When the federal reserve essentially lowered the rates to about zero back in March that put us into a historic low interest rate position. Again, at least that’s the way

it’s been the last few months, and we’re now in a position to refund tax exempt debt, which is usually the other way around and still be able to get significant savings,” he said. The move would save the district $1.3 million when the district moves on it when the market hits 3.5%, according to Aragon. “Which would also be right on par with the amount necessary to replenish our rate stabilization

funds from not doing the rate increase this year,” he said. “The idea is we will move forward with the 3.5% minimum and wait until the market’s good enough to do that. We think it’ll be good in the next few weeks but we may have to wait a little bit longer.” Aragon said the utility received a reaffirmed AAA rating from Fitch and is awaiting a rating from Standard & Poor’s. Jack Sang from Bank of America gave the committee an update on the market. “Basically, there’s a lot of volatility, and that’s mostly seen from a day-to-day basis and rates as well as in equity markets,” he said. “There continues to be a number of headline items that the market will follow closely. Namely the election, stimulus talks, which have stalled in the past. “Despite the volatility, we’re still seeing very attractive rates from a historical perspective alltime low. The 10 Treasury was a 0.52, and that occurred in early August. And we’re currently at about a 0.69, so not too far from the all-time lows. We look back just a year ago, (and) I don’t think anyone would have imagined that rates would be anywhere 60 to 160 basis points lower across the curve versus the same time last year. So, these are truly remarkable rates despite the volatility, and that’s what’s allowing us to potentially refund tax exempt transactions with taxable bonds to generate attractive PB savings to the district,” Sang said. Director William Plummer

asked if there were any changes to the documents provided by staff. “That was the good thing is it is very close to the last one,” Aragon said. “There are obviously lots of minor updates, a big one as we talk about COVID-19 and this one, delinquency rates, all things that have been shared with the board before, obviously, we talk about this transaction. It’s really giving the investors a chance to look at our latest financials. They’re seeing the exact same information there.” The vote was 3-0 to move it to a full board of directors’ vote, which will occur Thursday, Oct. 8, after press time. The committee also reviewed and considered the preliminary audit reports of financial statements for the district and its entities, heard a presentation and reviewed a draft of the comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year and ended June 30, and heard an update on the recycled water accelerated retrofit program framework. They also heard a report on unclaimed customer refunds and vendor payments, reviewed financial statements, the treasurer’s report, reviewed and ratified the register of audited demands for Aug. 27 to Sept. 23, and reviewed outside contracts, capital projects and purchasing reports. The committee also heard a coronavirus report from staff and an assistant general manager’s report from Aragon. Jeff Pack can be reached by email at jpack@reedermedia.com.

The finance and audit committee of the Rancho California Water District meets Thursday, Oct. 1, via teleconference. Valley News/Courtesy photo

October 9 , 2 02 0 • www.myvalleynews.com • V alley N ews

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Coping With COVID-19: Ronald E. Duffin, DDS Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

Even when people were asked to stay home due to the coronavirus pandemic, some didn’t have a choice because they needed to seek emergency medical or dental care. Some dentists, such as Dr. Ronald Duffin in Hemet, were available to treat patients. Duffin, born and raised in Hemet, returned to his hometown after completing his higher education to open his dental practice 30 years ago. Learning curve When the pandemic first took hold, many businesses struggled to find out how it would affect them. “We were asked to close down, except for emergency services, on March 20,” Duffin said. “We only had a day or two warning this would happen.” While considered an essential service for certain cases, Duffin and his staff sought health guidelines to keep their patients updated on when they could return for regular cleanings, check-ups and ongoing dental maintenance. During this time, office manager Jennifer Coffman worked in the office once a week to reschedule appointments and keep up with insurance claims’ paperwork. Management changes The practice was given the green light to fully reopen, May 26, with heightened safety precautions in place. The lobby was closed to waiting patients and guests. A shade canopy and socially distanced chairs were set up outside the practice’s

locked door. Patients are requested to call upon arrival. Coffman was required to check patients’ temperatures at the door before they could enter the building. She said patients were asked to sign a COVID-19 acknowledgement and wash their hands at the examination room sink before being seated. Facial coverings are required to be worn until the dentist enters the room. Duffin said his year-to-date business is down 30% compared to this time last year, and he’s had a 50% reduction in employees. Coffman has worked with Duffin for six years and is one of three remaining staff members. “He is a wonderful man to work for,” she said. “In my 32 years of dentistry, he’s the best. Vicki has been his hygienist for over 21 years and Sonia, his lead assistant, has been with him for 10 years.” Staying healthy Duffin said his office follows all guidelines set forth by the California Dental Association, who coordinates with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We have always worn masks and gloves and used disinfectants, but now we have higher-rated face masks and wear (plastic) face shields, too,” Duffin said. “We come to the office in our ‘street clothes’ and change into work scrubs, which are laundered at the end of each day. We set up our own in-house laundromat as a result of COVID-19.” He said that office staff login daily for the same COVID-19 screening his patients complete. Coffman said that in addition to an

Dr. Ronald Duffin waits for his next patient in one of the examination rooms at his Hemet dental practice. V alley N ews/ D iane A. R hodes photo

officewide high-powered air purification system, they also dispensed with all paper products. Forms that were filled out by patients and filed are now done by iPad and stored electronically. A protective Plexiglas barrier has been installed at the reception window in the lobby. After every patient visit, Coffman goes through the room and wipes everything down. She said the staff has always been good about keeping things clean, but now they take

extra care by putting disposable barriers on examination chairs and wrapping neck pillows and covering keyboards in each room. Weathering the storm “We have had very steady support from our patients,” Duffin said. “We are currently able to provide fulltime care. We love our patients and are accepting new ones.” When asked to recall the worst thing that has happened to him per-

sonally as a result of COVID-19, he replied, “We lost my friend and business partner, George Gray.” Duffin’s dental practice, 550 E. Latham Ave., Suite 2, in Hemet is open Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 951-765-6232 or visit http://www.ronduffindds.com.

Neighborhood Healthcare raises $300,000 fundraising gala TEMECULA – Neighborhood Healthcare, a regional federally qualified health center providing a wide range of medical, dental and behavioral health services, raised more than $300,000 Saturday, Sept. 26, at a virtual fundraising gala. “We’re grateful for the support we received from so many organizations and generous individuals,” Dr. Rakesh Patel, CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare, which has an office in Temecula at 41840 Enterprise Circle

N, said. “This event exceeded all expectations and demonstrated how communities could rally around each other in these unprecedented times. Now more than ever, our mission to provide quality, comprehensive, compassionate care to everyone regardless of circumstances is greatly needed.” The Speakeasy Soiree Watch Party took place on Zoom and YouTube. Gala events included music, an online auction, messages from those that

Neighborhood Healthcare has helped and the opportunity to honor one of its board members, Elmer Cameron, longtime Escondido resident and former Escondido city council. The funds raised through the activities and donations will expand Neighborhood Healthcare’s services throughout Riverside and San Diego counties. These include behavioral health, dental care, women’s health, podiatry, pharmacy, vision, prenatal and other services in addition to

primary care. The organization also offers patients assistance to enroll in Medi-Cal, Covered California, CalFresh food assistance and social services. “We offer a range of programs and resources that address many of the barriers our patients face on their road to health and happiness,” Tina Pope, director of philanthropy and patient experience for Neighborhood Healthcare, said. “The support we received this past weekend from so

many individuals and organizations will help us continue to bring positive change to our communities; change you can see firsthand in the smiles of the patients we serve.” Neighborhood Healthcare provides quality, compassionate, wholeperson care to everyone, regardless of their circumstance, throughout San Diego and Riverside counties. Submitted by Neighborhood Healthcare.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • October 9, 2020

REGIONAL NEWS

Registrar: Anyone can observe county poll station activities on Election Day City News Service SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

Any Riverside County resident, member of an organization or political group is welcome to observe election activities at polling stations countywide Tuesday, Nov. 3, as long as they remain respectful of voters and do not create a disturbance, the Registrar of Voters said Thursday, Oct. 1. “All election activities in Riverside County are open for public observation,” Registrar Rebecca Spencer told City News Service. “The main rule is that observers cannot interfere or interrupt the election

process.” During Tuesday’s presidential debate, President Donald Trump repeated his unproven claims of widespread electoral fraud and urged his supporters to “go into the polls and watch very carefully because that’s what has to happen.” According to Spencer, people of any political stripe are permitted to stand outside or inside polling places in Riverside County, but she said that individuals who request to be within a precinct station must observe social distancing, and because of that requirement, only a few people may be allowed inside. “We ask that observers introduce

themselves to the poll workers, and the poll workers will let them know what area of the room can be used for observation,” the registrar said. “The observers cannot touch any election material and cannot approach voters inside the polling place.” The California Elections Code, specifically sections 18370 and 18371, prohibits “electioneering” activity within 100 feet of polling places. That includes asking voters who they support, circulating petitions or offering to assist a voter in marking their ballot. In previous elections, civic advocacy groups have observed election activities in Riverside County, and

in 2008, Save-R-Vote of Temecula Valley highlighted a number of deficiencies from the June primary that year. The group’s president, the late Tom Courbat, a former county chief financial officer, revealed problems with securing ballots that were transferred from precincts to collection centers. The findings led the county board of supervisors to order an audit of the Office of the Registrar of Voters, which became the basis for operational modifications that were instituted in the ensuing years. The county, however, continues to contend with some lingering issues, including the expeditious posting of

results on election night. As an assemblyman in 2010, current board Chairman V. Manuel Perez was among signatories to a letter calling for changes to make the county’s ballot processing apparatus work more efficiently. According to Spencer, there will be at least 120 polling places available countywide, though the emphasis this year is on vote-by-mail ballots in deference to public health protocols. There will be 80 vote-by-mail drop-off locations, including libraries, senior centers, municipal and county offices that will be established over the next week.

Epic scale of California wildfires continues to grow The Associated Press SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

The staggering scale of California’s wildfires reached another milestone Monday, Oct. 5: A single fire surpassed 1 million acres. The new mark for the August Complex in the Coast Range between San Francisco and the Oregon border came a day after the total area of land burned by California wildfires this year passed 4 million acres, more than double the previous record. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the amount of land scorched by the August Complex is larger than all of the recorded fires in California between 1932 and 1999. “If that’s not proof point, testament, to climate change, then I don’t know what is,” Newsom said. The August Complex began as dozens of fires ignited by lightning in the Mendocino National Forest in mid-August and became California’s largest fire on record in September. As of Monday, it covered nearly 1,566 square miles. Since the beginning of the year, more than 8,200 California wild-

fires have scorched “well over 4 million acres” or 6,250 square miles, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Sunday in a statement. There have been 31 deaths and nearly 8,700 buildings have been destroyed, the governor said. Numerous studies have linked bigger wildfires in America to climate change from the burning of coal, oil and gas. Scientists said climate change has made California much drier, meaning trees and other plants are more flammable. Mike Flannigan, who directs the Canadian Partnership for Wildland Fire Science at Canada’s University of Alberta, says the escalation of fires in California and the U.S. West is “largely, not solely, due to human-caused climate change.” The August Complex has destroyed 242 structures and damaged a half dozen. One firefighter has died and one has been injured. Containment was estimated at 54% Monday. A fire burning in Northern California wine country has burned more than 102 square miles and destroyed more than 1,200 build-

ings since it started Sept. 27. California remains largely warm and dry but fierce winds that fanned infernos a week ago were gone. Cooling at the coast was expected to expand into the interior and a Pacific storm system remained in the forecast for Northern California by next weekend. But authorities in wine country said there it likely would not be enough rain to halt additional fires. Cal Fire meteorologist Tom Bird said the North Bay has just around a 25% chance of a quarter-inch of rain, the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reported. “Whereas we may see some rain on the fire this weekend, I do not believe it will be significant enough to be a season-ending event,” he said. Authorities made public more information Monday about the Sept. 17 death of Charles Morton, 39, a squad boss for the Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Crew battling the El Dorado Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest east of Los Angeles. The U.S. Forest Service’s twoparagraph report released by the

In this Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, file photo, an air tanker drops retardant on the Glass Fire burning in Calistoga. Deadly wildfires in California have burned more than 4 million acres this year, a record for the most acres burned in a single year. California fire officials said the state hit the milestone Sunday, Oct. 4, with about two months still left in the fire season. AP photo/Noah Berger file photo

interagency Wildland Fire Lesson Learned Center said that “it appears he was burned over by the fire and passed away.” The report dated Sept. 24 said a review team was conducting interviews with personnel “to learn from this tragic event.” It did not

elaborate on the circumstances that claimed the life of the 14-year veteran. The El Dorado Fire was ignited Sept. 5 by a pyrotechnic device a couple used for an event revealing the gender of their baby, authorities have said.

NATIONAL NEWS

Grand jury audio details moments before Breonna Taylor died Dylan Lovan THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Police said they knocked repeatedly and identified themselves for a minute or more before using a battering ram to enter Breonna Taylor’s apartment, according to Kentucky grand jury recordings released Friday, Oct. 2, then killed her in a rapid hail of gunfire after the first officer inside her door was struck by a bullet. But Taylor’s boyfriend, who fired on the officers, said in an police interview played for the jury that he did not hear them announce themselves. If they had, he said, “it changes the

whole situation because there’s nothing for us to be scared of.” The dueling accounts of the March 13 raid in which Louisville police killed the 26-year-old Black woman were contained in hours of recordings made public in a rare release for proceedings that are typically kept secret. The grand jury did not charge the officers with Taylor’s killing. A court ruled that the content of the proceedings should be made public after the grand jury’s decision angered many in Louisville, Kentucky, and around the country and set off renewed protests. The material released does not include juror delib-

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erations or prosecutor recommendations and statements, none of which were recorded, according to the state attorney general’s office. Louisville police Lt. Shawn Hoover said officers with a narcotics warrant approached Taylor’s apartment door and announced themselves as police and knocked three times. “We knocked on the door, said ‘Police,’ waited I don’t know 10 or 15 seconds. Knocked again, said ‘Police,’ waited even longer,” Hoover said in an interview recorded the same day Taylor was shot and later played for the grand jury. “So it was the third time that we were approaching, it had been like 45 seconds if not a minute,” Hoover said. “And then I said, ‘Let’s go, let’s breach it.’” Another officer said they waited as much as two minutes. Whether or not officers announced themselves has been a key issue in the case because Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, said he only fired at police because he feared they were intruders. Police said they used a battering ram to enter the apartment, hitting the door three times before getting inside. Detective Michael Nobles said officers made so much noise that an upstairs neighbor came outside and had to be told to go back inside. According to the grand jury recordings, detective Jonathan Mattingly was shot as soon as he leaned inside the apartment.

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Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron addresses the media following the return of a grand jury investigation into the death of Breonna Taylor, in Frankfort, Kentucky, Wednesday, Sept. 23. Of the three Louisville Metro police officers being investigated, one was A P p h oto/ T i moth y D . E asley p h oto indicted.

Mattingly said in testimony, some of which was previously released, that he fired four gunshots as he fell on his backside. Officer Brett Hankison said in a recorded police interview that moments after the doors was broken down he saw darkness and then “immediate illumination from fire.” “What I saw at the time was a figure in a shooting stance and it looked as if he was holding, he or she was holding, an AR-15 or a long gun, a rifle,” Hankison said, who was later indicted by the grand jury on charges of wanton endangerment for firing shots that went into another home with people inside. Walker was, in fact, using a handgun. “We didn’t know who it was,” Walker said in his own police interview shortly after the shooting. “If we knew who it was, that would have never happened.” Hoover said he believed Walker and Taylor were lying in wait for the officers. “We were, in my opinion, we were ambushed,” Hoover said. “They knew we were there. I mean, hell, the neighbors knew we were there.” About five minutes after the gunfire erupted and Taylor was shot, her boyfriend dialed 911. According to audio of the call played for the grand jury, Walker told a dispatcher: “Somebody kicked in the door and shot my girlfriend.” Walker seemed confused when police interviewed him later. He said he didn’t know why police would knock on Taylor’s door. Officers had a “no-knock” warrant to search Taylor’s apartment for drugs. But Kentucky Attorney

General Daniel Cameron has also said officers announced themselves. One law enforcement officer testified that police ultimately never executed the warrant to search Taylor’s apartment. “Were drugs money or paraphernalia recovered from apartment 4? … The answer to that is no,” Herman Hall, an investigator for the state attorney general’s office, said. “They didn’t go forward with executing the initial search warrant that they had for Breonna Taylor’s apartment.” Cameron, whose office led the investigation into police actions in the Taylor shooting, did not object to the file’s release. Cameron, a Republican and the state’s first African American attorney general, has acknowledged that he did not recommend homicide charges for the officers involved. Cameron said two officers who fired their guns, hitting Taylor, were justified because Taylor’s boyfriend had shot at them first. The boyfriend has said he thought someone was breaking in. The grand jury did charge Hankison with three counts of wanton endangerment for shooting into a neighboring apartment. No one was hit. He has pleaded not guilty. Cameron said there was no conclusive evidence that any of Hankison’s shots hit Taylor. Protesters have taken to the streets to demand more accountability in the case. Activists, Taylor’s family and one of the jurors called for the grand jury file to be released. Find more AP stories on the Breonna Taylor case at https://apnews. com/hub/breonna-taylor.

October 9, 2020 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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FAITH

Grab your dancing shoes for Simchat Torah

Hefsiba “Jen” Cohen SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS

One of my fondest memories is the time I twirled the evening away with my favorite dance partner. We were in a festive dance procession, and my dance partner was regally dressed in embroidered velvet, boasting a vintage silver pendant and a filigree crown bedecked with

bells that tinkled gently with each movement. While I am not a very good dancer, no toes were stepped on because my partner was actually a sacred antique scroll, and the night was Simchat Torah. It was like dancing with a sovereign. Singing voices and the noise of celebration around me seemed to fade away as I closed my eyes and embraced the precious scroll, an armful of parchment and fabric warmed by those who held it before me. I remember how it felt both heavy and light at the same time. It was a sizable bundle, but I felt as though I could dance with it all night. The scroll of sacred precepts and its stories – some shocking, others heart-warming – all mingled into that beautiful moment of joy and appreciation. These precepts that gave me knowledge, wisdom and

much of my identity was all here in my arms, swaying with me to the happy music and joy of the moment. I was reluctant to pass the Torah on to the next dancer, but when I finally handed it off, the feeling and memory lingered. The Torah is central to Judaism but is hardly unique to it. Many faiths revere it, especially those of Abrahamic traditions. In Christianity, it is called the Pentateuch from “penta” meaning “five,” or it is described as the first five books of the Bible. In Arabic, it is called the “Tawrat,” and it is among Islam’s sacred books. While most cultures have regard for their traditional writings, few have an entire festival around them. Judaism takes its literary joy to the maximum, celebrating the Torah with a holiday of appreciation, known as Simchat Torah, literally “Rejoicing

with/of the Torah.” Torah scrolls are dressed in regal mantles and are usually kept in a special cabinet, or ark, but on this holiday, they are all taken out. Singing, dancing and rejoicing ensue as congregants take the scrolls and begin dancing, making a minimum of seven “hakafot,” or laps, around the synagogue. In some places, the doors are opened, and the dancing overflows outside into the street, where many celebrate their Jewish pride by dancing publicly with the Torah. In the midst of COVID-19, this year finds people social distancing and seeking out creative ways to celebrate without passing the Torah and possible unwanted pathogens along with it around the synagogue. So, while dancing together is out this year, this holiday still promises joyous contempla-

tion of the vital role that the Torah plays in Jewish life. Whether you are Jewish, Christian, Muslim or of any other tradition that values the Torah, take a moment to appreciate this divine gift and what it means to you. Go ahead and have your own moment of “simcha,” or gladness, and if all that joy happens to get you dancing, well, that’s even better. Simchat Torah 2020 will begin before sundown Saturday, Oct. 10, and ends after sundown Sunday, Oct. 11. Congregation B’nai Chaim is located at 29500 Via Princesa in Murrieta. For more information, visit http://www.bnaichaim.com or https://www.facebook.com/ CongregationBnaiChaim/. Hefsiba Cohen is an adult educator and student rabbi.

How to find the right volunteering opportunity TEMECULA – Volunteering is a great way to strengthen communities and support good causes. Adults looking to volunteer for the first time may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of opportunities to lend a hand. Finding the right volunteering opportunity requires careful consideration of a host of factors, including some that people new to volunteering may be unaware of. Time One way to narrow down your volunteering opportunities is to consider how much time you have to give back. If your schedule is often hectic, it may be hard to honor a commitment to weekly volunteering. In such instances, signing up for a weekend park cleanup once per month or another opportunity that requires a similar commitment of time might make the most sense. Retirees, adults working part-time or people whose employers allow flex hours might be more suited to time-consuming commitments like coaching youth sports or delivering meals to the elderly. Interests Volunteering and working can be similar, but they’re also different. And the main difference may

be related to the motivation to keep coming back. Many people may continue to work at jobs they don’t like because those jobs pay for their homes, cars, etc. But if volunteers don’t like their volunteer work, then they can simply walk away without any financial fallout. Adults committed to giving back to their communities should consider their own interests when looking for volunteering opportunities. A passion for sports might inspire some to coach local youths. Men and women of faith may feel compelled to volunteer at their house of worship. An opportunity that incorporates existing interests and benefits the local community is a successful formula for many longtime volunteers. Safety Safety should always be a consideration when looking for a volunteering opportunity, but it’s taken on heightened importance in 2020. With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 ongoing, it’s important that prospective volunteers familiarize themselves with a charitable organization’s safety protocols before signing up as a volunteer. Adults who are deemed low-risk for getting sick from COVID-19 must

Finding the right volunteering opportunity requires careful consideration of a host of factors, including some that people new to volunteering may be unaware of. Valley News/Courtesy photo

still prioritize safety, as friends, family members or neighbors may be more vulnerable. Many organizations have gone to great lengths to protect their volunteers

and the people they’re trying to help, so don’t be afraid to inquire about protocols before signing up. No two volunteers are the same. When looking for volunteer op-

portunities, adults must give ample consideration to how volunteering fits into their lifestyles and how each opportunity aligns with their interests and concerns.

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(951) 763-5510 Notice To Readers: California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www. cslb.ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • October 9, 2020

Senior Mobile Home This home is located in a senior 55+ community, 2BD, 2BA, central air conditioning and heat, laundry area, well laid out ﬂoor plan, clean and ready for it’s next owner ONLY $495 MONTHLY SPACE RENT!! Clubhouse oﬀers a pool, Jacuzzi, billiard room, card room, banquet hall and much more. Conveniently located near restaurants, shopping and RTA stop.

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Legal Advertising Run your legal notices in the Anza Valley Outlook, adjudicated for Riverside County.

WITH CONTENT FROM

Your Source For Reputable Local News

October 9 – 15, 2020

www.anzavalleyoutlook.com

Local

Driver in Sept. 29 Aguanga crash arrested for DUI

Volume 20, Issue 41

Deadline: Fridays at 3pm for following week’s publication.

To advertise call our office at 951-763-5510 or email legals@reedermedia.com

Truck sparks small brush ﬁre near Aguanga

Will Fritz ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The driver of a vehicle that crashed Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Aguanga was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, a California Highway Patrol official said. see page AVO-2

Local

Be aware of the ways a vehicle can start a wildﬁre Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

With unprecedented wildfire activity scorching California this year, fire safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds as they go about their daily business. Made of metal that can spark, equipped with exhaust that can get dangerously hot and powered by batteries or fuel that can ignite – cars, trucks, motorcycles and recreational vehicles can be to blame when a fire surges out of control. see page AVO-3

Local

Wild sunﬂowers grace the Anza Valley Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

With golden yellow petals and vibrant green leaves swaying in the breeze, wild sunflowers continue their summer bloom in the Anza Valley.

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID HEMET, CA PERMIT #234

see page AVO-4

Witnesses say that this Toyota Tundra was the cause of the Highway Fire in Aguanga. See more photos on page AVO-4. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

City News Service SPECIAL TO ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK

A vehicle caught fire Tuesday, Sept. 30, near Aguanga, sparking a brush fire that scorched 3 acres

before firefighters got it under control. The non-injury blaze was reported at about 7 a.m. on the side of Highway 371, south of Foolish Pleasure Road, according to the

California Highway Patrol. By 8 a.m., the forward rate of spread had been halted, and firefighters remained on scene working toward full containment, according to the Riverside County

Fire Department. Both highway lanes were temporarily closed; the eastbound lane reopened at about 8:30 a.m. and the westbound lane was reopened by noon.

Community members save injured red-tailed hawk Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

An injured red-tailed hawk was found Monday, Sept. 28, in Aguanga and given aid by community members. Gerald Clarke discovered the bird in apparent distress and assessed its condition as grave at best. He posted on social media for assistance. “I’ve found an injured red-tailed hawk. Normally, I take them to the Living Desert, but being Sunday and after hours, does anyone know where I can take it?” he said on social media. The red-tailed hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey known as a raptor. These birds are often seen perched near roadsides or soaring over open fields. They prey on rodents, birds, reptiles, fish and rabbits. Red-tailed hawks build nests in see HAWK, page AVO-3

A red-tailed hawk rests in a crate pending a visit with a Temecula veterinarian to assess its wounds.

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK

USPS POSTAL CUSTOMER

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Cal Fire subdues blaze in Lake Riverside Estates Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

Lake Riverside Estates homeowners saw flames and clouds of gray smoke erupting from a vacant lot off Tumbleweed Drive in the gated community Wednesday, Sept. 30. Dubbed the Tumble Fire by Cal Fire, the blaze grew quickly. Neighbors went into action before firefighting resources were arrived, manning the hoses, shovels and pickaxes against the brushfire. As engines arrived, Air Attack came on scene, with two tankers and the Super Huey 301 helicopter deployed. Fire officials determined the air vehicles were not needed and recalled them back to Hemet Ryan Airport. The fire’s forward spread in the tinder-dry weeds was halted after about 1-2 acres burned. Dry weeds in a vacant lot in Lake Riverside Estates burn in the Tumble Fire Wednesday, Sept. 30. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

see BLAZE, page AVO-5

AVO-2

Anza Valley Outlook • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • October 9, 2020

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

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

Editorial

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

Advertising Sales

MICHELE HOWARD JOSEPHINE MACKENZIE ANNA MULLEN TAMMY BIRMINGHAM CINDY DAVIS BONITA CUMMINS CINDY LANGLOIS

Production

KARINA RAMOS YOUNG, Art Director FOREST RHODES, Production Assistant SAMANTHA GORMAN, Graphic Artist

Digital Services SHELBY COKELEY MARIO MORALES KYLE HOTCHKISS

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 391353, Anza, CA 92539 PHONE: (760) 723-7319 PHONE: (951) 763-5510 FAX: (760) 723-9606 ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK (ISSN 08836124) is a legally adjudicated paper, AKA AMERICAN OUTLOOK, is published weekly by the The Village News, Inc., 1588 S. Mission Rd. #200, Fallbrook, CA 92028. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Anza Valley Outlook, P.O. Box 391353, Anza, CA 92539. ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CORRECTNESS OF OPINIONS OR INFORMATION OR ERRORS PRINTED IN THIS PAPER, OR FOR ANY JOB, SERVICE OR SALES ITEM. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK OUT ALL ADS. Anza Valley Outlook is a newspaper of general circulation printed and published weekly in the City of Anza, County of Riverside, and which newspaper has been adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of the County of Riverside, State of California, March 14, 1986; Case Number 176045.

Copyright Valley News, 2020 A Village News Inc. publication Julie Reeder, President The opinions expressed in Valley News do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Valley News staff.

Advertising Policy: Acceptance of an advertisement by Valley News does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of its sponsors or the products offered. We will not knowingly publish advertisements that are fraudulent, libelous, misleading or contrary to the policies of Valley News. We reserve the right to reject any advertisement we find unsuitable. Please direct all advertising inquiries and correspondence to the address below. Letters to the Editor: Please submit all correspondence to our corporate office by e-mail to anzaeditor@reedermedia.com or by fax to (760) 723-9606. All correspondence must be dated, signed and include the writer’s full address and phone number in order to be considered for publication. All letters are submitted to editing to fit the the publication’s format. Back Issues Available: A limited number of previous issues of Valley News and Anza Valley Outlook (prior to current week) are available for $1.50 each, plus $1.00 postage and handling ($2.50 total cost). Call (760) 723-7319 to order.

Anza Valley Outlook and Valley News Published weekly Mail to Corporate Oﬃce 111 W. Alvarado St. Fallbrook, CA 92028

information, contact the AEC office at 951-763-4333. Regular Happenings Hamilton High School – Find out what is happening using Hamilton’s online calendar at http:// www.hamiltonbobcats.net/apps/ events/calendar/. Hamilton Museum – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza. For more information, call 951-763-1350 or visit http://www.hamiltonmuseum. org. Find them on Facebook at “Hamilton-Museum-and-RanchFoundation.” Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings Narcotics Anonymous Meeting – 6 p.m. Every Tuesday at Shepherd Of The Valley Church, 56095 Pena Road, in Anza. Open participation. Veterans’ Gathering Mondays – 9-11 a.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 39075 Contreras Road, in Anza. Men and women veterans come to share and help each other deal with post-traumatic 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 951659-9884. 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 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 49109 Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-5512826. Fit after 50 – Free “Fit after 50” exercise class takes place every Tuesday and Friday, 10:3011:30 a.m., at Anza Community Hall. Chair aerobics helps with coordination, balance and increased muscle tone. No jumping required; wear gym shoes and bring water. For more information, call leader Teresa Hoehn at 951-751-1462. Free Mobile Health Clinic – Open every third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is needed. Uninsured may only be seen in the Anza Community Hall’s parking lot or inside the hall. Medication Assistance and Treatment for Opioid Dependence – Get treatment for heroin addiction. Transportation to the clinic is provided. For more infor-

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ANZA VALLEY

OUTLOOK

mation, contact Borrego Health’s Anza Community Health Center, 58581 Route 371, in Anza. For more information, call 951-7634759. Food ministries F.U.N. Group weekly food ministry – Deliveries arrive noon Thursdays at the Anza Community Hall. To order a paid box and help feed those who can’t afford to pay, drop off payment and cash donations by Thursday at 1:30 p.m., to ERA Excel Realty, 56070 Highway 371, in Anza. Pay inside or drop off during the day in the red box outside. To drop it off, put name and request on an envelope with payment inside. A $30 box has about $100 worth of food and feeds six people. Half boxes are available for $15. Food is delivered once a week to those who cannot find a ride. For more information, call Bill Donahue at 951-288-0903. Living Hope Christian Fellowship Community Dinner – 1 p.m. Dinners are held the last Sunday of the month at the Anza Community Hall. All are welcome. Donations of time, money, etc. are always welcome. Food for the Faithful – 8 a.m. The food bank hands out food the last Friday of the month until the food is gone. The clothes closet will be open too. Emergency food handed out as needed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. FFF is a non-denominational nonprofit. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-763-5636. Bible Studies The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anza – Sunday Sacrament is held 10 a.m.; Sunday School is 11 a.m. Priesthood/Relief Society meets noon; Wednesday Boy Scouts gathers 6 p.m. and Youth Night is 7 p.m. For more information, call Ruiz at 951-445-7180 or Nathan at 760-399-0727. The Wednesday Genealogy/Family History Class, 5-8 p.m., is open to the public at 39075 Contreras Road in Anza. Native Lighthouse Fellowship – 10 a.m. The group meets the first Saturday of the month, and breakfast is served. All are welcome to fellowship together at the “Tribal Hall” below the casino in Anza. For more information, call Nella Heredia at 951-763-0856. Living Hope Bible Study – 8-10 a.m. Tuesdays at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 58050 Highway 371, in Anza. All are welcome. For more information, call Pastor Kevin at 951-763-1111. Anza RV Clubhouse – 7 p.m., the second Wednesday of the Month, Pastor Kevin officiates at 41560 Terwilliger Road in Anza. Monthly Christian Men’s Breakfast – 9 a.m. Breakfast takes place the fourth Saturday of each month and rotates to different locations. Contact Jeff Crawley at 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 – 9 a.m. The church offers Sunday school for all ages with a 10:30 a.m. worship service

and 6 p.m. for prayer and Bible study. Youth ministry meets Mondays from 6-8 p.m. The women’s Bible study meets Thursdays at 10 a.m., but it is on hiatus through the summer. Celebrate Recovery meets Fridays; doors open at 5:30 p.m. with large group meeting, 6-7 p.m.; small group share, 7-8 p.m. and Cross Talk Cafe, 8-8:30 p.m. Church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road in Anza. For more information, contact at 951-7634937, anzabptistchurch@gmail. com or http://www.anzabaptistchurch.com. Clubs TOPS Meeting – Take Off Pounds Sensibly support group meets Wednesdays weekly. Weigh in at 8:30 a.m., meeting at 8:45 a.m. at Thompson Hall at the Anza Baptist Church, 39200 Rolling Hills Road, in Anza. For more information, visit http://www. TOPS.org. High Country Recreation – Second Monday of the month attend committee meetings at ERA Excel Realty in Anza. For more information, call Albert Rodriguez at 951-492-1624 or Robyn Garrison at 805-312-0369. HCR Bingo fundraisers – 6:30-9:30 p.m. second and fourth Fridays at Anza Community Hall. Anza Valley VFW Post 1873 – Capt. John Francis Drivick III Post, the Ladies’ and Men’s Auxiliaries are located at 59011 Bailey Road in Anza. Mail P.O. Box 390433. Request monthly newsletter and or weekly menu by email at vfw1873anzaca@ gmail.com. For more information, call 951-763-4439 or visit http:// vfw1873.org. High Country 4-H Club – 6:30 p.m. Meetings are on the third Wednesday of the month, except February, at Anza Community Hall. 4-H Club is for youth 5 to 19 years old offering a variety of projects. High Country 4-H Club is open to children living in the Anza, Aguanga and surrounding areas. For more information, call Allison Renck at 951-663-5452. Anza Valley Artists Meetings – 1 p.m. Meetings are third Saturday of each month at various locations. Share art, ideas and participate in shows. Guests speakers are always needed. For more information, call president Rosie Grindle at 951-928-1248. Find helpful art tips at http://www.facebook.com/ AnzaValleyArtists/. Anza Quilter’s Club – 9:30 a.m. to noon. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, in Anza. Anza Valley Lions Club – The Anza Valley Lions Club is open to all men and women who want to work together for the betterment of the community. Guest meetings with dinner are held 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Anza Valley VFW Post 1873, 59011 Bailey Road, in Anza. Meetings and events are posted on the Anza Lions Club website, http://www.anzalionsclub.org. For more information, call president Michele Brown at 760-637-9173. Boy Scouts Troop 319 – Cub Scouts meet 6 p.m. every Tuesday, and Boy Scouts meet 7 p.m. every Wednesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Contreras Road, south of state Route 371, in Anza. For more information, call Richard Hotchkiss at 951-551-3154. Boys Scouts Troop 371 – Boy Scouts meet at Lake Riverside Estates. For more information, call

Ginny Kinser at 909-702-7902. Civil Air Patrol – Squadron 59 is looking for new members of all ages. For more information, call squadron commander Maj. Dennis Sheehan from the Anza area at 951-403-4940. To learn more and see the club’s meeting schedule, visit http://www.squadron59.org. Fire Explorer Program – 6 p.m. The program meets every second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at Fire Station 29 on state Route 371 in Anza. Call 951763-5611 for information. Redshank Riders – 7 p.m. Backcountry horsemen meet at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Anza, the second Thursday of each month. Visit http://www. redshankriders.com or call Carol Schmuhl for membership information at 951-663-6763. Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the first Thursday of the month at Valley Gospel Chapel, 43275 Chapman Road in Anza. The social hour is 11:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. Contact Carol Wright at 951-763-2884 for more information. Organizations Terwilliger Community Association – 6 p.m. Second Monday of the month at VFW Post 1873, 59011 Bailey Road, in Anza. Potluck dinner open to all. For more information, call Tonie Ford at 951-763-4560. From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries – Noon. Monthly luncheon and guest speaker are held the second Saturday of each month. The $5 charge covers lunch at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, in Anza. From the Heart helps the area’s neediest children and invites all women and men to join in their mission. Donate or help with the rummage sales twice a year to raise funds for the cause or other events. For more information, call president Christi James at 951-595-2400. Anza Community Hall – 7 p.m. General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Memberships cost $20 per person or $35 per business, and both get one vote. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets. Voting members receive discounts off hall rentals, swap meet booths and save on propane gas from Farrell Gas. Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. Swap meet held each Saturday of the month, weather permitting, early morning to 1 p.m. Vendors wanted. For more information, call 951-282-4267. Anza Valley Municipal Advisory Council – 7 p.m. Second Wednesday of each odd month at Anza Community Hall. Group serves as local liaisons to the county from the community. For more information, call 951-8056800. Anza Civic Improvement League – 9 a.m. meets the first Saturday of each month at the Little Red Schoolhouse. The league maintains Minor Park and Little Red School House, which are both available to rent for events. No government funds are allowed; the membership pays the bills – $10 a person, $18 family or $35 business membership. For more information, visit http:// www.anzacivic.org.

Driver in Sept. 29 Aguanga crash arrested for DUI Will Fritz ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The driver of a vehicle that crashed Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Aguanga was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, a California Highway Patrol official said. The crash, which resulted in at least one passenger having to be airlifted to a hospital, was reported at 9:51 a.m. Tuesday on state Route 371 near Rolling Hills Drive. According to CHP Officer Mike

Lassig, the 37-year-old driver of the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac allegedly involved in the crash was heading south on Route 371 when he “made an unsafe turning movement,” causing him to lose control of the pickup truck. The truck rolled over into the dirt shoulder and came to rest on its roof, Lassig said. One passenger, a 33-year-old man, was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar with major injuries. The driver and four passengers all sustained less-serious injuries;

two passengers were taken to Riverside Regional Medical Center with wounds that were described as “moderate,” while the driver and one other passenger were sent to Temecula Valley Hospital with minor injuries, according to Lassig. CHP officers determined the driver was under the influence at the time of the accident, and he was later booked into the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center on suspicion of felony DUI, Lassig said. Will Fritz can be reached by email at wfritz@reedermedia.com.

October 9 , 2 02 0 • www.anza valleyoutlook.com • Anza V alley Outlook

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ANZA LOCAL

Be aware of the ways a vehicle can start a wildfire Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

With unprecedented wildfire activity scorching California this year, fire safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds as they go about their daily business. “Most fires in California are started by humans,” Crystal Kolden, a fire scientist at University of California Merced, said. The blazes are caused by power lines, equipment failures, car accidents and campfires, she said. Made of metal that can spark, equipped with exhaust that can get dangerously hot and powered by batteries or fuel that can ignite – cars, trucks, motorcycles and recreational vehicles can be to blame when a fire surges out of control. Exhaust systems can spark as a result of the combustion process. Off-highway vehicles and dirt bikes must be equipped with spark arrestors to prevent the sparks from igniting the dry grass and brush. Metal chains or loose car parts dragging on the pavement can create sparks that in turn can bounce to the shoulder and set weeds ablaze. The safety chains that are attached to all trailers should be checked at each stop to make sure they have not come loose, creating HAWK from page AVO-1 tall trees, towers or buildings. Both adults help incubate two to three eggs, with the female caring for the young for the first month as the male brings her food. After 42-46 days, the fledglings leave the nest, but they are unable to fly for another two to three weeks. In response to Clarke’s online plea, Aguanga resident Ashley Titel arranged to pick up the bird and deliver it to a care facility first thing Monday morning. “I got a message from Gerald Clarke about a hawk that needed to be picked up,” she said. “We met at the casino parking lot around 8 at night and picked it up in a box.”

a fire hazard. Even worn brakes can spark, as the metal pads or shoes come in contact with the metal drum or rotor. Drivers should always make sure their brakes are in good working order and replace parts as needed. Bearings and suspension parts can fail, causing wheels to come loose, causing the metal car frame to strike the ground, possibly throwing sparks. Several makes and models of cars and trucks have recalls on weak suspension assemblies. Check with the car dealer for recalls. Above all, perform maintenance as needed. Losing a wheel is not only dangerous, it can cause a wildfire. Underinflated tires can cause the metal rim of the car to contact the pavement, resulting in sparks. Check tire inflation weekly and never drive on the road with a flat tire for more distance that is required to safely turn out from traffic. Engines get hot as they are running. Never allow the lower engine components to come in contact with weeds or other flammable substances. Doing so could result in a fire and the loss of the vehicle. Catalytic converters work by using high heat to help disperse combustion gasses. Some operate It seemed the bird could fly only a few feet and was forced to land. The pair decided a possible severe injury could be the cause of the erratic behavior. “I took him to a friend who could help examine him and help determine what was going on,” Titel said. Titel said her friend thought there might be a foot or spine injury, and it appeared that the bird was about 2-3 years old and otherwise in good health. “The next step was to make him comfortable until morning when Care Animal Hospital opened,” Titel said. “They are the vet that Project Wildlife works with in Temecula. We got him into a cage,

This SUV is parked on high grass, its hot catalytic converter igniting a wildfire. Anza V alley Outlook/ D iane Sieker photo

at temperatures in excess of 1,200 F. A catalytic converter coming into contact with tinder-dry brush will start a blaze. Never park over grass or weeds. Low slung cars are more at risk because of their close-

ness with the ground. The emission control parts can also fail and propel white-hot pieces of metal out, possible igniting dry fuels nearby. Make sure emissions systems are in tip top shape and pay attention

to the check engine light. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com.

and he proceeded to lay down on his side. I brought him home and placed him in a quiet spot for the night. I remember checking on him around midnight and cringing as I witnessed him breathing hard in pain.” She said she did not expect the raptor to make it through the night, but the bird defied the odds. “I woke up at five and peered in on him. To my surprise he was using his wings to make himself stand up,” she said. As she loaded him in the truck and began the journey to Temecula, he stared at her intensely, she said. “When we arrived at the vet, the vet tech grabbed his cage out of my car and asked why I brought him in

because he was so alert. I told her his story and why he was there. Upon coming back with the cage she agreed that something was going on with the leg and a wing also; however, he was still standing in the vet cage and that was a good sign.” Project Wildlife was contacted to take over the bird’s care. Titel received no more updates. “My heart is so full knowing that a large group of wonderful people got together to give a red-tailed hawk a chance of getting help and flying free again,” she said. If you see wildlife that appears to be injured or sick, report them to 951-826-5311 or report concerns to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services at 951-

358-7387. Additionally, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife lists these agencies in Riverside county that can help: Hope Wildlife at 951-279-3232, Sunshine Haven at 951-588-8811, Tracks and Tales at 760-552-3239, Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center at 760-347-2647 and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens at 760-346-5694. To learn more about helping injured wildlife, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at https://wildlife.ca.gov/ conservation/laboratories/wildlifeinvestigations/rehab/facilities. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com.

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Anza Valley Outlook • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • October 9, 2020

ANZA LOCAL

Wild sunflowers grace the Anza Valley Diane Sieker STAFF WRITER

With golden yellow petals and vibrant green leaves swaying in the breeze, wild sunflowers continue their summer bloom in the Anza Valley. Related to domestic sunflowers, this indigenous species, Helianthus californicus, grows in various local habitats, providing bees, butterflies and moths a food source. Native sunflowers support these pollinators, as well as providing shelter and food for many insects and small animals. The widespread plants are known by the common name, the California sunflower. It is native to the state and Baja California, Mexico. The perennial thrives in many types of habitats, filling whole fields and meadows with flowers.

Sunflowers grow from woody roots with small rhizomes, continuously growing horizontal underground stems that put out lateral shoots and roots at intervals. It is a sprawling, gangly plant, growing 3-10 feet tall or more. Leaves can be 8 inches long and are smooth or slightly toothed along the edges. Sturdy, hairy stems give rise to several flower heads, each supported by a base covered in long, pointed phyllaries that bend back as the head ages and develops fruit. The flower heads sport a fringe of golden ray florets and a center filled with curly yellow and brown disc florets. When mature, the seeds provide food for birds, insects and small mammals. The hardy perennials thrive in dry, harsh habitats. They can be commonly observed growing on

the sides of the local highways, despite exhaust fumes and the artificial wind caused by traffic passing. Insect species such as Painted Lady and California Patch butterflies, as well as Isabella Tiger moths, honey bees and other pollinators benefit from sunflowers. Harvester ants, quail, songbirds, mice, rats and other small mammals depend on the seeds as a food source. They are used as shelter for many other animal and invertebrate species. “Advice from a sunflower: be bright, sunny and positive. Spread seeds of happiness. Rise, shine and hold your head high.” – Unknown Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com.

Local wild sunflowers display bright blooms and vibrant green foliage. Anza Valley Outlook/ D i ane S i eker p h oto

AGUANGA BRUSH FIRE from page AVO-1

Cal Fire crews mop up the scene of a vehicle fire, checking for hot spots at the Highway Fire in Aguanga Wednesday, Sept. 30. Anza Valley Outlook/ D i ane S i eker p h otos

Fire engines line up on Highway 371 and Foolish Pleasure Road.

Firefighters douse hot spots while mopping up the Highway Fire in Aguanga.

Lookouts keep watch for additional fire activity at the Highway Fire.

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