Valley News - November 8, 2024

Family of missing Fallbrook woman pleads for help amid suspicious identity use

Julie Reeder Publisher

“We are asking the community to think back to any contact they may have had in the spring of 2022 with someone using her name, possibly for credit or housing purposes,” family spokesperson Tami Roy said. “Any information, no matter how small, could help us find out what happened to Elena.”

A.I. plays big role at Tahquitz High School

Diane A. Rhodes Writer

Tahquitz High School theater teacher Monica Reichl always searches for timely and relatable scripts for her students to perform at the Hemet school. This year, she has chosen “The A.I. Play” by Don Zolidis, to be presented on Nov. 14 and 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Daughters

of the American

Revolution Luiseño

Chapter donates All Veterans Memorial Bench

Tony Ault Staff Writer

With Veteran’s Day approaching, the members of the Luiseño Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution took the time to dedicate the All Veterans Memorial Bench at the Temecula Public Cemetery on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The DAR chapter in Temecula held a meaningful event to dedicate a new bench at the cemetery, a project made possible by their year-long fundraising efforts. This bench now stands as a tribute to the brave military members laid to rest there, honoring their service and sacrifice.

Anna Anderson, Second Vice Regent and Membership Chair of the Luiseño Chapter, said at the dedication ceremony, “This is my end-of-term project to donate the bench to the Temecula Cemetery. The memorial bench honors all of

Tony Ault

Staff Writer

Menifee City Manager Armando Villa at the opening of the city’s largest project, the $35 million Holland Road Overpass, saw it as only the beginning of other major, perhaps more costly, infrastructure projects to come in the next 10 years. In an exclusive interview with the Valley News, Villa expanded upon what may be seen in his city, now one of the fastest growing in California. He wanted the community to know, “This project represents a message that ‘we can do this.’ Look, we can do this. Just give us time. Be patient. We just delivered to you this beautiful, most expensive project this city

see MANAGER, page A-7

Cadets of the Paloma Valley High School NJROTC unveil the memorial bench at the Temecula Cemetery. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Menifee City Manager Armando Villa, right, with Nick Fidler, director of public works and Carlos Geranimo, principal city engineer, on the new Holland Road Overpass look ahead for more major Capital Improvement Projects in the next 5 to 10 years. Valley News/Tony Ault photo

see BENCH, page A-8

Family of missing Fallbrook woman pleads for help amid suspicious identity use

Julie Reeder Publisher

“We are asking the community to think back to any contact they may have had in the spring of 2022 with someone using her name, possibly for credit or housing purposes,” family spokesperson Tami Roy said. “Any information, no matter how small, could help us find out what happened to Elena.”

The possibility remains that Elena herself may be in a vulnerable state, confused and having traveled to another location. However, the family suspects someone else may be using her identity for fraudulent purposes. The family of missing Fallbrook woman Elena Roy is seeking the public’s help after new information suggests her identity has been used by an unknown individual only months after her disappearance in 2021. Roy’s family believes someone may have found or taken her purse, using her identity to obtain financial resources and possibly housing. The family and authorities are now asking residents in three counties—Riverside County, California; Miami County, Ohio; and Bergen County, New Jersey—to come forward if they’ve had contact with anyone under the name “Elena Roy” in recent months.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have encountered a person claiming to be Elena Roy or someone using her identification to immediately report it. Additional details regarding suspicious activity related to her case are expected to be released in the coming days.

Community members in the areas of Riverside, Miami, and Bergen counties are asked to stay vigilant and report any sightings

or suspicious encounters. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the designated tip line for Elena’s case.

Elena Roy was reported to have been last seen by her husband/ partner Chris Cataldo on Nov. 3, 2021 in the home they shared in Fallbrook.

According to Cataldo, Roy left

their home on Nov. 3 at approximately 1:30 p.m. to go on a walk, after an argument, and never returned. She disappeared just days before her 84th birthday, and her family maintains that this disappearance was out of character, although Cataldo said she was an avid walker and would occasionally go on walks by herself and come back home after an hour

or so. He also said in a previous interview with Village News, that Roy had “incrementally increasing dementia” issues over the past four or five years.

Roy’s family says that the last time Roy was seen by anyone other than Cataldo, was actually the day before, when she was captured on video in Grocery Outlet on Main Avenue.

Anyone with possible information can call the San Diego Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Unit at 858-285-6286 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477. Visit the Crime Stoppers website at http://www. sdcrimestoppers.org for more information on how to send anonymous web and mobile app tips. Valley

Supervisors approve purchase orders for Temecula courthouse roof repair

orders

The

budget for the roof repairs. The action also found that the emergency prevented a competitive bid process and that the repair of the existing facility is categorically

We create the WOW

exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review.

In February 2023 a leak in the roof resulted in water in the judge’s chamber, a conference room, and a storage room. The location of the leak and the risk of infectious contamination prevented hearings from being held.

The county’s Facilities Management department issued 11 purchase orders with eight different companies. Pre-qualified consultants and contractors were chosen for the tasks.

Sudweeks Construction, Inc., of Canyon Lake received a $59,000 purchase order for repair and reconstruction of the exterior-facing wall and a $31,655 purchase order to provide drain work and stucco repairs labor and material. The two purchase orders with Servicemaster Restoration EMT of Ontario were for $6,506.46 to remove and replace the damaged drywall and $6,081.22 to dry the affected areas and restore airflow. Ohio-based Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc., was given a $10,830.00

purchase order for roofing and replacement work and a $9,545 purchase order to install gutter lining.

The other purchase orders gave Belfor USA West Group, Inc., of Placentia $9,611.82 to provide hazardous materials evaluation and abatement, STK Architecture, Inc., of San Jacinto $3,000 to provide design services on an as-needed basis, Price Carpet of Riverside $2,703.53 to remove and re-install carpet tiles in the judge’s chamber, Best Contracting Services, Inc., of Gardena $2,640 to remove the old caulking and frame and re-seal the caulking, and Mission Building Services of Riverside $490 to vacuum, remove drywall dust from, and shampoo the carpet in the storage room. The purchase order amounts total $151,034.03. The rest of the $181,448 approved spending consists of $27,592 for county administrative costs and $2,822 for the design professional of record. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.

Annual National Preparedness Fair in Temecula rescheduled for Nov. 9

TEMECULA – Join the City of Temecula at the Annual National Preparedness Fair! This vital community event is dedicated to promoting emergency readiness and safety. The fair will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Town Square Park, located at 41000 Main Street. This free, family-friendly event aims to equip residents with the knowledge and resources needed to handle various emergency situations.

The National Preparedness Fair will feature a diverse range of emergency preparedness exhibitors, including local disaster service workers and specialists who will be on hand to provide valuable information and answer questions. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from emergency

services, learn about effective preparedness strategies, and discover the latest in safety equipment and resources.

Families are encouraged to bring their children to enjoy a variety of engaging activities designed to teach children about emergency preparedness in a fun and interactive way. From educational games to hands-on demonstrations, there will be something for everyone at this year’s fair. Thank you to the event’s sponsors, Big B’s Plumbing and US Army Recruiting Office, for helping make this event a success. For information on all upcoming Temecula Community Services Department events, activities, and programs, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/TCSD , and follow @TemeculaParksandRec on social media for updates.

The original missing poster for 83-year-old Elena Roy, who was believed to have left her home in Fallbrook one day on foot and never returned in 2021.

News/Shane Gibson photo

Riders walk the course in preparation for a show jumping competition during the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs in Temecula, Nov. 2. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Riders prepare with their coaches before a show jumping competition during the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs.

Riders

jumping

during the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs.

Supervisors raise Leon Road speed limit, lower Butterfield Stage Road and De Portola Road limits

Road have been lowered.

A 5-0 Riverside County Board of Supervisors vote Oct. 1 introduced the ordinances to approve the speed limit changes while a 5-0 vote Oct. 22 adopted the ordinances. The speed limit on Leon Road between Auld Road and 185 feet north of Allen Street was increased from 25 mph to 40 mph while the 25 mph speed limit between 185 feet north of Allen Street and Borel Road was retained. The speed limit on Butterfield Stage Road between Rancho California Road and the Temecula city limit at Pauba Road was reduced from 55 mph to 50 mph. The 50 mph speed limit on De Portola Road between Pauba Road and Glen Oaks Road was lowered from 50 mph to 45 mph.

In order for a speed limit to be enforceable by radar a speed survey must show that the speed limit is within an adjacent 5 mph increment to the 85th percentile speed. The

speed limit may be rounded either up or down from the 85th percentile speed. The speed limit may also be rounded down an additional 5 mph if findings are made that the road has conditions which would not be apparent to a motorist unfamiliar with the road. If speed surveys are taken at more than one location along a reviewed segment a “speed zone” for the entirety of the speed surveys can be used. Leon Road from Auld Road to 185 feet north of Allen Street was recently paved. The 0.47-mile segment had an 85th percentile speed of 47.0 mph based on a speed survey taken 600 feet south of Auld Road, and findings of multiple turning movements, bicycle lanes, and hidden driveways were used to reduce the speed limit to 40 mph. The 0.29 miles of Leon Road between 185 feet north of Allen Street and Borel Road are still unpaved, and Section 22365 of the California Vehicle Code stipulates that a prima facie speed limit may be established for any unpaved road within the South Coast Air Quality Management District if the county or city determines a necessity to achieve or maintain state or Federal ambient air quality

standards for particulate matter. No recent accidents were reported on either section of Leon Road.

Butterfield Stage Road between Rancho California Road and the Temecula city limit is 0.83 miles. A 24-hour traffic survey indicated a two-way volume of 30,410 vehicles, and six reported collisions in a twoyear period create a collision rate of 0.33 per million vehicle miles. Two speed surveys had 85th percentile speeds of 47.0 mph and 49.0 mph for an 85th percentile of 48.0 mph for the speed zone.

De Portola Road from Pauba Road to Glen Oaks Road measures 4.18 miles. A daily traffic count of

3,800 vehicles and 18 reported collisions over two years create a collision rate of 1.55 per million vehicle miles. Speed surveys were taken 4,000 feet north of Pauba Road and 4,000 feet south of Glen Oaks Road. The speed zone 85th percentile was 51.1 mph. Findings of a narrow rural roadway, hidden driveways, multiple turning movements, dirt shoulders, and no sidewalks were used to justify the additional 5 mph reduction.

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

Outlets at Lake Elsinore to temporarily house Library

and ultimately paying $2 per square foot or $12,002 monthly.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 October 22 to approve a lease for a suite at the shopping center in the 17600 block of Collier Avenue. The lease of approximately 6,001 square feet of space will be for 27 months with the county initially paying $1.50 per square foot or $9,001.50 per month

The county has two libraries in Lake Elsinore. One is in the 600 block of West Graham Avenue and the other is a joint-use library at Lakeside High School. The countyowned library currently has structural issues and will be replaced by a new library in the 16200 block of Grand Avenue. The new library, which will encompass approximately 8,000 square feet, is expected to be complete in late 2026.

The county’s Facilities Management department conducted a search for a temporary location and was able to obtain a lease for the Outlets at Lake Elsinore suite. The county will pay $1.50 per square foot for the first three months and $2 per square foot for the remaining 24 months of the lease. The county will also be financially responsible for utilities and for custodial activities. The county will contract for the improvements and will be responsible for the maintenance cost of those improvements. Mohr Affinity, LLC, which owns the property, will provide all other maintenance. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.

Menifee seeking prospective members of newly formed Military Families Advisory Committee

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The City of Menifee, the home of many veterans and active duty service members and their families, announced the formation of a Veterans and Military Families Advisory Committee that will be focused on addressing the needs of the veterans community.

The announcement followed the information about the City’s annual Veterans Day Celebration coming on Nov. 11. The Menifee Veterans Day Celebration this year will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hidden Hills Park, 31727 Eaton Lane. near the corner of

from page A-1

has ever built. We can do the rest!”

For the future of the community, he said, “We are at the beginning of unprecedented infrastructure growth in this city. It will take us about three years to put together a plan and get the city council on board and also put the financing together. Putting together a $35 million project takes many partners. So we have to go and visit with WRCOG (Western Riverside Council of Governments). The Quality of Life Measure DD was a big supporter of this project as well…This is the beginning of many more projects to come.”

Projects to come

Villa said now that a plan has been put together, as well as a financing schedule, the city will start working on the McCall Interchange. “We need to widen it, and we have already done all the design work for that. Then, obviously in the next two or three years we will start our Garbani (Road interchange). That wasn’t on the books as long as three years ago and then we worked very hard to get partners to put it on the books.

Evans Road and Quilt Way.

The city in forming the Military Families Advisory Committee is actively seeking members who will promote public service and community involvement, review proposals for programs, projects, and facilities; promote involvement in community events programs or volunteer projects; and act in an advisory capacity to the City Council implementing veteran-oriented directives related to City projects, events, and veteran and military families oriented-programs, according to city officials.

VMFAC will comprise five members appointed at-large by

So, about a mile from here (south of the Holland Road Overpass) there will be a full interchange. It probably will be a little bit wider and have more capacity than Scott Road, because the county, as you know, has thousands of residents in Winchester. So we must be sure we work with the county to be able to deliver that facility because everybody is going to come through here,” he said, adding, “We have roughly about $100 million dollars more in Capital Projects related to traffic today.”

Even more on the horizon

Villa said the city is also doing a lot of social infrastructure capital investment. “In about two or three weeks there will be a ribbon cutting for Fire Station 5 in Quail Valley. Then we are going to be breaking on the city hall parking lot and then a bridge over Paloma Wash to be able to have events and concerts there (in Central Park Amphitheater). So this is the beginning of unprecedented growth over the next five years. People are going to see something every six months, something being delivered. You couldn’t do that unless you took the time to make a schedule and put

the Menifee City Council and will serve a two-year term with no term limits. To be eligible for consideration, prospective members must be registered to vote in the City of Menifee. Active-duty military members must be registered to vote but do not need to be registered in Menifee.

VMFAC meeting dates and times will be determined by the committee at their first meeting in 2025. To apply for the VMFAC or for additional information, please visit www.cityofmenifee.us/committees or call the City Clerk Department at 951-672-6777

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

together a plan to do it,” he said.

Money set aside for the projects

The city has set aside about $350 million for Capital Improvement Projects, according to Villa, who said, “We won’t have all the money, but, the foundation is already set and from now on it’s going to be designing projects with Carlos ( Geronimo, principal city engineer) and Nick (Fidler, city director of public works) and aligning projects and working with Caltrans officials and just putting it together. This is a fascinating thing.”

He pointed at a large swath of land on the east side of the freeway from La Piedra Road to the Holland Road Overpass that one day will be filled with more stores and services coming into the city.

He emphasized that with the help of the residents in the community, who are expected to reach nearly 180,000 at buildout, and city partners such as WRCOG and the county, there will be many more major projects ahead of the eighth fastest growing city in California. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.

MANAGER

our veterans in all branches of the military.” She said the Luiseño Chapter invited all sisters in Southwest Riverside County along with all veterans organizations, city mayors and state and county officials and others to join in the dedication ceremony. Seen that morning were Mayor Bridgette Moore from

Wildomar, Riverside 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington and representatives from the state congress members who presented certificates of recognition to DAR for the memorial bench.

The dedication ceremony began that morning with the Presentation of the Colors by three members of the Sons of the American Revolution, dressed in military uniforms from the era when American

colonists cast off the rule of King George III in the late 1700s and declared independence. Each color guard member was a descendant of those original revolutionary patriots.

Cadets from the Paloma Valley High School Navy JROTC presented the colors of all the American Armed Forces with the veterans of those branches recognized. Two of the ROTC cadets

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stood guard at the bench until the dedication wreath was removed and open to view.

The initial invocation prayer and benediction was given by Allison Runion, DAR Luiseño Chaplain. Gwen Ciamaga, incoming Luiseño DAR Chapter Reagent, accepted the thank yous and recognitions from the officials attending. Before the dedication ceremony closed, the retiring of the colors was made by the SAR Color Guard and Taps was played by Dawn Kubik from a distance in the cemetery.

The new All Veterans Memorial Bench can be found on the left of the cemetery entrance.

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

Members of the Sons of the American Revolution present the colors during a veterans memorial bench unveiling at the Temecula Cemetery.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

An All Veterans Memorial Bench presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution Luiseño Chapter at the Temecula Cemetery is unveiled, Oct. 23.

Allison Runion sings the national anthem during the unveiling of a memorial Bench at the Temecula Cemetery.

The Paloma Valley High School NJROTC cadets present the flags of all branches of the US military during a memorial bench unveiling at the Temecula Cemetery.

Gwen Ciamaga of the Daughters of the American Revolution speaks during the veterans memorial bench unveiling presented by the DAR Luiseño Chapter.

ENTERTAINMENT

Halloween Carnival scares up fun at Soboba

The Soboba Tribal Halloween Carnival on Oct. 19 featured a couple of first-time contests along with the popular annual costume contest. Held at the Soboba Sports Complex from 6 to 9 p.m., food was served and vendors offered fun activities at booths that were set up outdoors on the grassy field.

Soboba Parks and Recreation Activities Director Jennifer Garcia introduced a Witch Hat contest and a pumpkin carving contest for the first time. “Each year, I try to think of something new for the community to do as a family,” she said.

With more than 900 attendees, there was a constant flow of fun at each booth that featured ring toss, cornhole, Plinko and other carnivalstyle games for all ages. Several booths offered free takeaways and all of them had plenty of candy.

The Soboba Foundation decorated with a “Hocus Pocus” theme to hand out full-sized candy bars, while the Cultural Resource Department had reusable drinking cups and collection bags with different Halloween designs for all the guests. Sylvan Learning added a raffle for a lucky winner to receive a drawstring backpack filled with school supplies.

Members of H.A.L.O. (Helping and Loving Others) had a unique game of frybread toss. The group’s founder, Linda Resvaloso, said her granddaughter came up with the idea because the organization is known for making food for community families in need.

There was a competition among all the booths with Soboba Tribal Preschool being voted the best for their all-out decorations based on the “Coco” animated movie that depicts a Day of the Dead theme. They earned $150 for their efforts.

Second place and $100 was awarded to the Meza family for their “Thick with It” game booth. Seila Meza said her sister Emalee designed everything and picked the name. Seila’s son Matthew Durnin assisted at the booth, along with Brenda Arrietta who helped players with the lighted Plinko game.

Third place was won by the Noli Beading Club whose “Alienz” booth glowed green to earn them a $50 prize. They also donated hand beaded items that were raffled off throughout the night.

Each child was able to choose a pumpkin at the temporary pumpkin patch filled with orange autumnal orbs from the family-owned Wickerd Farm in Menifee to take home and enjoy. For those that got their pumpkins early, a carving contest resulted in two top winners. First place was awarded to Renae Garcia, who received a cash prize as well as a beaded medallion donated

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News

Five-year-old Leilani Grant wins for scariest costume in her age group at the Soboba Tribal Halloween Carnival, Oct. 19.

Entering the first year Witch Hat contest, are from left, Gabby Tellez, Shannah Modesto and Brenda Arrietta.

Soboba Tribal Preschool’s decorated booth earns them a first-place prize.

Tanya Briones Rivera with cutest contest winner, 10-month-old Malonlush Bigsby as The Wizard of Oz lion.

Seila Meza and her son Matthew Durnin place second in the booth decorating contest at the Soboba Tribal Halloween Carnival, Oct. 19.

Carrie Garcia and her son Cygnus Swan are ready for some Ghostbusting action at the Soboba Sports Complex.

In the 8-12 age group, lucha libre wrestler Thomas Velazquez is most creative and Betsy Hunter is cutest in her depiction of Jack Skellington.

Renae Garcia’s pumpkin carving skills are rewarded with a first-place win at the Soboba Tribal Halloween Carnival.

Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

Nov. 9 – Valley-Wide Park and Recreation District youth registration sign ups for Youth Basketball grades 1-8 and Youth Baseball/ girls softball ages 5-14 have begun at the Menifee, French Valley gyms that begin soon. Contact www.gorecreation.org or call 951654-1505.

Nov. 9 – 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Temecula Valley Homeschool Kids Maker’s Market. Come shop homemade gifts & goods and support local kid entrepreneurs. Cash only! Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, Temecula.

Please check the webpages for the city you live in for the latest events happening for children and youths in your community this summer. There are many youth sports programs, educational programs, city park entertainment and more to keep children of all ages occupied and interested. ValleyWide Recreation also has many children’s activities. Please visit www.gorecreation.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Nov. 8 – 5-9 p.m. 180° Events

presents Gamers Gathering. Shopping, video games, food & drinks. Free to attend and open to all ages. Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, Temecula.

Nov. 9 – 10 a.m. Veterans Day Ceremony. “Legacy of Loyalty and Service,” at the Riverside National Cemetery Amphitheater, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside. Riverside Concert Band, speakers, the national anthem, chaplain’s invocation. Withs flags for every hero.

Nov. 9 – 9 a.m. Jurupa Valley Veterans parade and Celebration on Mission Blvd. between Riverview and Crestmore. Live music, food , kids zone, aircraft displays.

Nov. 9 – 10 a.m. Beaumont Veterans Day Parade along 6th St. and Beaumont Ave.

Nov. 10 – 7:30 a.m. MilVet and Temecula Sunrise Rotary Cycle for Veterans begins at the Maurice Car’rie WineryVineyards, 34225 Rancho California Road, Temecula. Benefits both organizations. $20 for entry.Wine tasting and entertainment https://www. bikesignup.com/race/ca/temecula/ cycleforveterans

Nov. 10 – 12-4 p.m. Sunday Funday Market. Vendors, food and kids activities. Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, Temecula.

Nov. 11 – 9 a.m. Veterans Day

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Famous Actors

Observance Ceremony at Lake Elsinore’s Diamond Stadium, 500 Diamond Drive. Latest honorees of the Veterans Memorial Brick program announced.

Nov. 11 – 10 a.m. 19th annual Murrieta Veterans Day Parade starts at Ivy and Washington streets, concluding at Town Square Park. Flyover and national anthem

Nov. 11 – 10 a.m. Menifee Veterans Day Ceremony at Hidden Hills Park, 31727 Eaton Lane, Menifee. With veteran talks, a fly over and other ceremonies.

Nov. 11 – 6 p.m.The City of Temecula presents the annual Patriotic Salute to Veterans in front of Temecula’s Civic Center, 41000 Main Street. The Veterans Day Concert is free and open to all in our community as we honor service members. Bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs with some warm blankets to enjoy a fantastic concert under the stars in Temecula.

Nov. 11 – 1-4 p.m.Canyon Lake Veterans Day Patriotic Market at Holiday Harbor Park. Live music. Bring your own chair, Vendors and raffle for veterans.

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

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

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

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

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

ONGOING – Saturdays and Sundays only, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Temecula Winchester Swap Meet continues, 33280 Newport Road in Winchester. The small local swap meet is only 50 cents for entry, and anyone under age 10 is free admission. No dogs allowed.

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

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

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

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

Nov. 8 – 10 a.m. New Temecula Art Mural on “Dia de Los Muertos” now on display at Sam Hicks Monument Park, 28300 Mercedes St., Temecula, through October. The mural showcases the skill of students from Bigfoot Art Classes and Diamond Valley Middle School.

Nov. 8 – Lake Menifee Women’s Club Menifee Fall Teen Awards. Nominations now open for All Star Athlete, Outstanding Citizen, Inspiring Academic teen. For more information and nominations contact www.cityofmenifee.us/ YLM or 951-679-8092. Awards presented at a Menifee City Council meeting.

Nov. 18 – 5:30 p.m. Temecula Valley Genealogical Society features English genealogy researcher David Flint on census records in England and Wales from 1841 to 1921. Presentation begins at 6 p.m. at Ron H. Roberts Temecula Public Library Community Room, 30600 Pauba Rd. Temecula, CA 92592. Free and open to the public. Attend in person or via ZOOM. Request a zoom link from tvgswebmaster@ gmail.com. More info at tvgs.net

Nov. 19 - 10:15 a.m. Temecula Valley Republican Women’s monthly meeting at Wilson Creek Winery, 35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula. Focusing on four community veterans organizations. Thanksgiving themed bake sale. RSVP by Nov. 14 at tvrwwomen.org. $35 to $40 with luncheon.

Nov. 24 - 7 p.m. The Menifee Interfaith and Community Service Council brings an “Evening of Gratitude” at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 29725 Bradley St., Menifee. With faith and community leaders. Bring non-perishable and canned goods for the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard.

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

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

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

ONGOING – Want to help deployed American troops remotely? Help shop for the most needed items without leaving home as an easy way to help support deployed men and women by purchasing items remotely and having them delivered to MilVet at designated drop-off locations for packing. All items on the list are special requests from deployed military men and women. MilVet is a nonprofit organization that holds monthly packaging events at different community locations in the area. For drop-off locations and packaging

locations, visit www.milvet.org/ military-care-packages

ONGOING – Assistance

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

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

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

ONGOING – Menifee Community Services offers online driver’s education courses for a fee of $21.95. The course includes animated driving scenarios, instructional videos, sample tests, licensed instructor available to answer questions, DMV-approved certificate of completion with all lectures and exams completed from home. Designed for students and does not include behind-thewheel instruction or a California driver’s permit. Contact 951-7233880 or visit the city of Menifee to register at www.cityof menifee.us

ONGOING – 10-11:30 a.m. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center and The Elizabeth Hospice host a virtual support meeting for caregivers every second and fourth week of the month via Zoom. Get helpful tips and learn from others who are also dealing with similar challenges. For more information and to register, contact The Elizabeth Hospice Grief Support Services at 833-349-2054.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Downtown Hemet honors loved ones for Día de los Muertos celebration on N. Harvard Street

Tony

Ault Staff Writer

Hemet’s Mexican American families gathered for a meaningful celebration on N. Harvard Street on Friday, Nov. 1, as they honored their ancestors and loved ones who have passed away at the third annual Día de los Muertos event. The day was filled with remembrance, tradition, and community spirit. Families of all cultures and backgrounds learned about the traditions of Mexican American and Latino families living in their community. A community altar, called an ofrenda or “offering,” was on display to welcome the spirits of the dead and to honor departed relatives of all families in the area. Orange marigold flowers,

photos of those departed, and small tokens representing their favorite things, foods, and sweets surrounded the community ofrenda in remembrance.

Sonia Lamas, founder of the nonprofit Lamas Housing Project, explained the significance of this year’s Hemet Día de los Muertos. “It is a way of breaking cultural barriers in our backyard. We are very committed to making sure our community understands and can appreciate the heritage of our Mexican culture.” She said the Día de los Muertos is “how we celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us. In our Mexican culture, we tend to honor our ancestors and celebrate their lives.”

The Lamas Housing Project is the nonprofit’s signature project, advocating for low-income housing and affordable development through legislation at all levels of government. It is supported by the cities of Hemet and San Jacinto, and for the first time, by the Soboba Foundation.

The Día de los Muertos event featured vintage vehicles from Ride with Pride, Brown Descendants, and Soboba and Pechanga Riders, which displayed ofrendas in their vehicle trunks and hoods.

The San Jacinto High School Ballet Folklórico dancers performed with a blessing of the event, accompanied by colorfully feathered Azteca Danza dancers in front of the community ofrenda. A Mexican band played throughout the evening, while a House of Pain music disc jockey entertained in the afternoon.

The vendors at the Hemet Día de los Muertos were diverse and plentiful, including eateries such as Papa John’s Pizza and Japanese food from Oishi Fried Rice. Many booths displayed items for the ofrendas, and clothing was given away from a Tesla Cybertruck by local cannabis dispensaries. There were Mexican artworks and crafts,

Sonia Lamas, founder of the nonprofit Lamas Housing Project, and her face-painted daughter stand in front of the Hemet Día de Los Muertos community altar or ofrenda, honoring those descendents who are no longer in the world November 1. Valley News/Tony Ault photos

This vendor at the Hemet Día de Los Muertos festival offers many Day of the Dead items for use on family ofrendas in remembrance and honor of those family members departed.

This ofrenda in one of the vintage cars brought to the Hemet Día de Los Muertos honors the car owner’s mother Gloria Esther Sandoval at the Hemet Día de Los Muertos festival. Other vintage cars had their ofrendas on their hoods or trunks.

Another Día de Los Muertos ofrenda is mounted on this vintage car’s hood. at the Day of the Dead event in Hemet.

JDS Creative Academy hosts spine-tingling Haunted Studio

TEMECULA JDS Creative Academy hosted the 9th annual Haunted Studio fundraiser on Oct. 26 and 27, which showcased the work of students and artists on a haunted house experience. Students design, build and work on the haunted house from beginning to end.

This year’s theme was “A Haunted Library” and included a party room with activities, entertainment and bake sale treats. Guests paid $5 per person and offered a VIP upgrade for $3 more

see JDS, page B-5

Winner for Most Creative Witch Hat, among adults, is Christian Aceves, Environmental Director for Soboba Tribal Environmental Department.

CARNIVAL from page B-1

by the Meza family. The secondplace carving, which also received a cash prize, was awarded to Jake Briones on behalf of his daughter. Decorated witch hats were judged in different age groups and categories. Christian Aceves, Environmental Director for the Soboba Tribal Environmental Department, took home first place for most creative with his gigantic, oversized hat. “My team made this for me,” he said. “I have the triple threat of (Environmental Specialists) Katelyn Thomas and Loren Estrada, and (Administrative Assistant) Christine Rodriguez.”

Fallbrook Coffee Company

Screams could be heard coming from the huge, haunted tent that attracted mostly teens who were treated to a frighteningly good time as they made their way through the dark recesses. The venue was created and hosted by the Department of Public Safety with assistance from Soboba Youth Council members Irene Cervantes, Aniyah Brittian, Shania Guacheno, Allynn Silvas, Noyaaykit Silvas, Raya Salgado, Rhianna Salgado, Jesse Venegas, Samuel Venegas, Giselle Fonseca, Ryan Brittian, and Jimmy Brittian. The Soboba Youth Council also hosted a 50/50 raffle as a fundraiser to support their many projects.

The costume contest, with participants divided into age groups, paraded in a circle to upbeat spooky music played by DJ Mike Nevarez as they were judged by Soboba Tribal Environmental Department Director Christian Aceves, SCR Supervisor Brenda Munoz and Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Eli Chavez.

With the cutest, scariest and most creative chosen in five different age categories, the competition was fierce. Winning costumed contestants through age 7 received gift baskets full of lots of sweet treats while those from age 8 through adults got a gift basket plus a $50 gift certificate, donated by Soboba Tribal Council.

“I was excited and thankful to all the departments and families that participated in this year’s Halloween carnival,” Garcia said.

Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

One-year-old Paholyish, dressed as “Boss Baby” earned the Most Creative contest for 0-4 years.

Some of the costumed contestants in the 18-plus age group include the cutest Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and the Most Creative Maleficent.

Valley News/JDS Creative Academy photos

ENTERTAINMENT

A.I. plays big role at Tahquitz High School

they want to present.

Tahquitz High School theater teacher Monica Reichl always searches for timely and relatable scripts for her students to perform at the Hemet school. This year, she has chosen “The A.I. Play” by Don Zolidis, to be presented on Nov. 14 and 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The hour-long comedy centers on high school student Eleanor who uses a chatbot to write a paper on “The Great Gatsby” for her cl ass assignment. That leads to the chatbot writing the best essay ever and having Eleanor sent to a special school for genius children. It turns out that every other student there used a chatbot to get into the school. The chatbots dictate their personal lives by guiding them in what they say based on the persona

Monica Reichl, who has been the theater teacher at the high school since it opened in 2007, said she read the script about a year and a half ago and enjoyed it but decided to do a different play last year.

“And now it seems in our meetings and trainings, we have more and more conversations about A.I., I have more and more students using it, thinking we, as teachers, can’t spot the difference,” she said.

“So, Eleanor delivers the message of the story, that it isn’t about turning in that perfect paper or achieving ‘success’ based on things created for us, but rather that we should fail and struggle and that is when the learning happens.”

Eleanor is played by Olivia Peña, a senior who has been in theater for the past seven years. She plans to pursue theater past high school

and “maybe Broadway someday.” She said, “Eleanor is definitely a leader, a procrastinator and a little awkward.” She said she found the play very relatable since she herself had to turn to online research when she was assigned to read the classic novel in her English class and had no idea what she was reading about.

“I love theater because I’m able to express myself and be someone else and not myself which is the most socially anxious and awkward person you’d ever meet,” Olivia said. Of all the comedies, dramas and musicals she has appeared in, she said she prefers drama the most. “I joined choir just to improve my voice for theater.”

Ellie Ballard is a junior who has been cast in the role of Minerva, Eleanor’s chatbot. She has been acting her whole life and has been in theater and choir for the past two years. She is also in the school’s band and takes studio dance, focusing on tap, ballet and pointe. She wants to attend UC, Irvine for dance and prefers musical theater productions.

“I like that the role of Minerva is different in that she gets to control a person’s movements,” Ellie said. “Minerva is a very dramatic character, and she shows that. There are some plot twists in a show that is funny, dramatic and over the top at times. It is fun for us to perform, and I think it will be fun for others to see it.”

Reichl’s goal is to choose plays that she thinks the students will like and it appears this one accomplishes that.

“Casting is the biggest challenge and the most dreaded part of my job,” Reichl said. “A lot of times I look at the students I have and imagine them in different roles, but then the auditions come around and one I thought would be great in one role just didn’t quite nail it, but then surprises me in a different part. But every time I post a cast list, I know some students will be thrilled and

others will be devastated.”

Julia Reyes spent her pre-high school career as a homeschooled charter school student who always took acting and improv classes. “I really enjoy theater and hopefully one day I can be in a production like a movie,” the sophomore said. Her character in this play is Joe-Bob, who she describes as a paranoid conspiracy theorist at the school for genius children. She likes the character development that takes place during the course of the play. Although she also played a male role in the school’s spring production, the talented actor said she can play different roles despite gender. Although Joe-Bob was her third choice when she auditioned, “I was happy with the role I got and still enjoy it to this day.”

Julia also likes how relatable the characters are and the jokes that come and go. “In this show, some of the minor roles are the funniest.

I’m happy to be in this production with so many amazing people,” she said of the cast of about 20. She said the play has a nice balance of funny and serious, due to the subject matter at the center of it all.

Julia sees artificial intelligence as a “solution but also our doom at the same time.”

Senior Madison Tyra has been acting since she was in seventh grade. Her favorite genre is musicals because she loves singing. She describes her character Ali as “a peppy, talkative girl obsessed with getting into college.” She said her joyful and happy tendencies in real life carried over into her character.

“This is a fun comedy about high schoolers struggling with A.I.,” she said. “I try to stay off A.I. for schoolwork but enjoy it for games and storytelling.” Her favorite part of being in this play is the fact she is joined onstage by her best friend, Milah, so they can share as characters what they have in real life.

While Madison has been exploring higher education opportunities

for her eventual goal of becoming a math teacher, she will be going on a mission for her church after high school graduation.

Greydon Gudat is a sophomore who has been in theater since third grade, attending many camps and being involved in choir and dance. He said that although he really loves the performing arts, he doesn’t see it as a career path, stating that he will most likely enter the education field. His character is Rider but being that he wants to be considered the “cool” guy, he opts to spell it Ryder. Greydon said the role offers a great demonstration of range and shows off how much he can stretch as an actor. “I love complex roles; I love to stray from my own self and convince the audience that I am that character,” he said.

Drake Rodgers is a student at Renaissance Valley Academy-Springs Charter School who participates in theater classes at Tahquitz. He plays Minerva’s father in this play and said he was happy to get the part in the hilarious, familyfriendly show. “I like the comedy of my role,” he said. “When I read the script, I liked the story. I do like the message it tells which is basically, don’t cheat your way through life.”

Working so closely with the actors in the play, Reichl said it led to a few discussions about students not getting away with using artificial intelligence as cleverly as they think they do.

“There are times when A.I. can be a great tool, but it ultimately does not replace their imagination, their curiosity, their skills,” she said.

The Tahquitz High School Performing Arts Center is at 4425 Titan Trail is off Cawston Ave. in Hemet. Parking is free and doors open at 6 p.m. for the 6:30 p.m. shows on Nov. 14 and 15. Tickets are $5 each. For more information, mreichl@hemetusd.org.

to encounter an extra spooky experience. All proceeds benefit JDS’s scholarship fund.

JDS Creative Academy is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization based in Temecula, California, and hosts DigiFest Temecula. The organization is dedicated to inspiring, educating, and enhancing JDS from page B-4

achievement in video production and workforce development. With a focus on visual, performing, and digital arts, JDS Creative Academy offers programs for youth, teens, adults, and mainstream and diverse populations to foster an inclusive environment.

For more information, visit www.jdscreativeacademy.org or call JDS Studio at 951-296-6715.

along with booths from a variety of nonprofits, including Black Voices of the Valley, St. John’s Community Health, Riverside Community Health Foundation, Elijah Cares

This Mexican artist offers colorful paintings of the traditional Día de Los Muertos celebrations across Mexico and now in the United States.

Seeds of Hope, Youth Family Services, prayer booths, New York Life, soap and candle creators, mug artists, and many others. Many other cities in Southwest Riverside County followed with their own community Día de los

Muertos, or Day of the Dead festivities, celebrated throughout the week, highlighting one of the best of Mexican traditions. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.

MUERTOS from page B-3

Valley News/Tony Ault photo

Diane A. Rhodes Writer

Marcelle Duggan (top) plays Mercury, a chatbot for conspiracy theorist Joe-Bob, played by Julia Reyes, in the Tahquitz High School production of “The A.I. Play” opening Nov. 14. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Cast members in a scene from “The A.I. Play” at the Tahquitz High School Performing Arts Theater in Hemet. From left, Alexis Rivero as Guard 1, Greydon Gudat as Ryder, Ellie Ballard as Minerva, Julia Reyes as Joe-Bob, Madison Tyra as Ali, and Marcelle Duggan as Mercury.

Rose Care FUNdamentals November 2024

Frank Brines

ARS Master Rosarian

The projected temperature for the first week of November 2024 is near the historical average of mid70s. If November temperatures turn hot again, Chilli thrips may continue to be a problem. Continue to investigate these pests and treat them if found. They attack new growth, buds, and blooms. Left untreated plants are stressed, often shriveling the end buds, or preventing bud formation. The life cycle of Chilli Thrips is short and includes falling to ground and becoming a grub and reappearing when warm weather arrives. One application of a pesticide spray is not sufficient for control. Follow the prescribed frequency on the product directions. Treat with an insecticide that contains spinosad. Fall brings warm days and cool nights, conditions that can ensure large colorful blossoms. But those same conditions can also bring moisture and a daily accumulation of ash and small dust particles. These create a great environment

Valley News/szafran photo (pexels.com)

for fungal diseases such as Powdery Mildew. Early on it shows up as slight purple splotches on the underside of leaves and white powdery spots on top and white powder on the peduncle (neck) of the rose blossom. Another common fungal disease is Black Spot. It is characterized by black spots with fuzzy edges that then turn yellow and brown. Often it doesn’t kill the plant outright but, over time, the loss of leaves can weaken the plant making it more susceptible to other stresses and to winter damage. It first develops on upper leaf surfaces, later adjacent areas turn yellow, and leaves drop prematurely, usually beginning at the bottom of the plant progressing upward. Yet another disease that presents similar signs is Anthracnose It produces dark spots that are smooth edged with centers that turn gray and drop out. Treatment is the same for all three diseases: Fungicide. If you’re unsure which disease(s) your roses are battling, just be sure the product is labeled for all three.

Roses benefit from a good rinsing to remove accumulated dust: Be sure to keep moisture off the blossoms to prevent yet another fungal disease, Botrytis, which first appears as red blotches on blooms and can progress to blossom rot that usually prevents them from opening. The best treatment is to cut, bag and dispose of immediately.

If you completed the light midseason pruning in September/ October as suggested in an earlier article, you pruned out dead, crossing canes, and thinned the middle of the plant. This will improve air circulation through the bush and reduce possible fungal diseases. That pruning and fertilizing encourages a new blooming cycle. Feel free to cut some of the early blooms now and take them inside for bouquets. Remember to clean/sterilize pruners between moving from one bush to another to prevent transferring disease organisms.

Fall is a good time to check the pH of the soil. It should be slightly acidic, between 6.0 and 6.5. Any reading significantly below or above these levels will inhibit a rose’s ability to use the nutrients you are giving them. Treating the pH problem now will give ample time for adjustments prior to spring pruning.

Unless you plan to exhibit, I do not recommend fertilizing after mid-October, but if you really feel that you must, you may make a final application of fertilizer for the year before mid-November. If you do this, use a fertilizer lower in Nitrogen (N) and higher in Phosphate (P) and Potassium (K); that is, if your fertilizer has an N-P-K number on it, the first digit will be lower than the other two. If it lacks an N-P-K, read the ingredients and/or ask your professional nursery person for guidance. To explain: Nitrogen encourages foliage growth-something we want to discourage as the plants go into their winter dormancy; Phosphate helps build root structure and resistance to stressful conditions (e.g., cold at this time of year); Potassium is a helper of Phosphate and aids in bloom quality. If you use an organic fertilizer, it will be readily available when the soil warms, adding to the nutrients needed for that Spring growth spurt. A liquid fertilizer as the last application will be readily available.

In the Temecula Valley, I DO NOT recommend doing the winter pruning before February. It is possible to have roses for Christmas

in Southern California so why make the season more hectic with another activity?

Remember to check your garden daily for any changes. Keep roses hydrated but not soggy for the best results. The weather forecast for the next two weeks is around the low to mid 70s, but cooler temperatures can be misleading: Roses still need to be watered, but perhaps not as often.

I try to adhere to a program of integrated pest management (IPM). With the wide range of pests invading our region, as well as their increased resistance to long-used treatments, being completely organic is becoming harder and harder. IPM attempts to make the softest impact on the natural environment, relying on “natural” methods (rinsing, air circulation, beneficial insects, etc.) as well as on less toxic treatments to manage pests and diseases.

Some people think Southern California lacks distinct seasons, but we do have seasons: They are only discerned by those with a more sophisticated palette. So, get out of the house and enjoy the subtle delights of the air, sun, and the rich aroma of our magically misty Fall. When you have a moment to spare, or feel the need to get away, or when the day cools down, take your favorite healthy beverage and a picnic basket, and visit Rose Haven Heritage Gar-

den, 30592 Jedediah Smith Road, Temecula (cross street is Cabrillo Avenue). The early morning and late afternoon sunlight across the pass is magical this time of year— it even makes the freeway seem a little bit romantic!

Oh, one last thing-- something to do when it gets just a bit too nippy out there: Start perusing rose catalogs (printed and online) for that next “gotta have” rose variety. (Come on: You deserve it! You work hard to have lovely roses, so let yourself go!) Also, this time of year many nurseries and garden stores are liquidating their remaining inventory of potted roses—and you’re in luck because November is an ideal time to purchase and plant! Make your list of new roses and go shopping, if you plan to replace a tired old plant prepare the area now for easier planting later. If a special rose is on your list and not available some local nurseries will consider “wishes” and try to get for you in early shipment next spring. And assess your stock of fertilizers and be sure to order next month from the San Diego Rose Society. Until next month, Happy Roses to you!

For more ideas, visit TVRS’ Rose Haven garden at 30592 Jedediah Smith Rd., Temecula, as well as our web site at TemeculaValleyRoseSociety.org/index.html

Cooking from the Pantry

RECYCLED WATER

Sustainable Agriculture

Menifee’s ‘Shop Small Bingo’ aims to boost local economy and support small businesses

MENIFEE - The City of Menifee announces the annual “Shop Small Bingo” campaign, a charming initiative designed to encourage community members to shop locally this holiday season. Running from Friday, Nov. 1 to Monday, Dec. 16, this program aims to emphasize the importance of supporting small businesses that are vital to the local economy.

Research shows that when consumers shop locally, approximately 68% of every dollar spent stays within the community, supporting local jobs, services, and the overall economic health of Menifee. Each purchase at local businesses not only helps those entrepreneurs thrive but also contributes to the community’s infrastructure, programming, and emergency services.

Participants can obtain a Bingo card filled with activities centered around visiting and engaging with Menifee’s diverse local businesses online at www.menifeebusiness. com/shop-local. Those who fully complete the Bingo card will win some exciting Menifee swag items.

“Shopping local not only helps our small businesses thrive but also strengthens our community as a whole and our ability to deliver top-tier public safety, parks, community events and programs, and roadway and landscape maintenance to our residents,” said Bryan Jones, Assistant City Manager.

“Our Shop Small Bingo game is a creative way to encourage residents to support their favorite local spots and discover new ones, investing in Menifee’s future. Ev-

ery dollar spent locally strengthens our economy and enhances our community’s vibrancy. Join us in making a meaningful impact.”

The game is open to all residents and visitors, highlighting the unique offerings of Menifee’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. Players are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #ShopSmallMenifee to inspire others to join in. In addition to the Bingo game, the City will showcase local businesses through various promotional efforts, including a social media campaign.

For more information on Menifee’s robust Economic Development programming, visit www. menifeebusiness.com

SRS Real Estate Partners completes ground lease sale of a new construction Chase Bank Property in Murrieta

MURRIETA – SRS Real Estate Partners announced Oct. 25 it has completed the $4 million ground lease (land ownership) sale of a Chase Bank retail property located at 27980 Clinton Keith Road in Murrieta. With construction completed in 2024, the 3,470-squarefoot property is situated on 1.57 acres and has a 20-year, corporateguaranteed lease in place.

The transaction closed at a price per square foot of $1,152. It also sold at a record low cap rate of 3.75% which is the lowest for a Chase Bank property sold over the past 18 months according to CoStar records.

SRS Capital Markets Vice President Winston Guest and Managing Principals Matthew Mousavi and Patrick Luther represented the seller, a California-based private developer. The buyer was a California-based private investor.

The asset is within The Vineyard Shopping Center, a 26.3-acre center anchored by Costco Wholesale. More than 208,000 residents and 48,000 employees are within a five-mile radius of the center

which is also within walking distance to several single-family and multi-family communities.

“Chase’s best-in-class investment grade credit and long-term 20-year lease provided the new ownership with a very secure longterm investment with zero landlord responsibilities,” said Guest. “Additionally, this location is within a growing and affluent area and is positioned on the most prominent and visible corner entrance of The Vineyard Shopping Center.”

Last month, SRS announced another record-breaking sale within the same center. It was the $5

million sale of a two-tenant retail property located at 27970 Clinton Keith Road occupied by Verizon Wireless and Chipotle Mexican Grill (with drive-thru). Both tenants have 10-year, corporateguaranteed triple-net leases in place. This transaction broke two sales records for new construction multi-tenant retail properties in Southern California over the last 12 months, with a record low cap rate of 4.93% and the highest price per square foot of $975.

For more information, visit srsre.com

Project Name: DRILLING NEW WELL NOS. 173, 174, AND 175

Owner: Rancho California Water District

Bid/Proposal Due Date & Time: November 5, 2024, at 2PM Local Time

For information on the availability of scope of work, plans and specifications and the proposer/bidder’s policy concerning assistance to subcontractors in obtaining bonds, lines of credit, and/or insurance, please contact our office. WildHeron Drilling 6558 Lonetree Blvd. Rocklin, CA 95765 info@wildherondrilling.com (916) 625-3807

Menifee’s Shop Small Bingo helps support local businesses while giving residents a chance to win prizes. Valley News/Courtesy photo

The Chase Bank is located at 27980 Clinton Keith Road in Murrieta. Valley News/Courtesy photo

HEALTH

Health Right Here: Claudication is vascular leg pain

Devin Zarkowsky MD Special to Valley News

Claudication: vascular leg pain

Claudication is pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs during physical activity, particularly walking up one of the many hills we have here locally. The leg muscles demand more blood flow than the arteries can provide, causing discomfort. This condition is also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), which occurs when arteries become blocked, typically due to atherosclerosis. Symptoms usually improve with rest, allowing those affected to continue their journey, but recur with further effort.

Claudication pathophysiology

Claudication arises when the demand for oxygen by the leg muscles exceeds the supply delivered by the blood vessels. As physical activity increases, the oxygen requirement escalates; however, atherosclerotic blockages restrict blood flow, leading to muscle ischemia and pain. The most common locations for claudication pain are the calves, thighs, and buttocks.

In a scientific statement from the American Heart Association published in the medical journal Circulation, Criqui et al. (2021) highlight that claudication affects approximately 12-20% of adults over the age of 60, emphasizing its prevalence in older populations. Moreover, it is a significant predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, underscoring the need for effective management and intervention strategies. Smoking

is the most significant risk factor, as shown in the Figure from the Criqui article, increasing the risk for PAD in concert with smoking history, even if patients quit a long time ago.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a common non-invasive test used to compare blood pressure in the patient’s ankle with that in the arm. An ABI of less than 0.90 confirms PAD. Other imaging modalities, such as ultrasound or angiography, may be employed to visualize arterial blockages. Nowadays, each of these tests is available in an office-based setting with no need to travel to a hospital.

Management strategies

Alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life are the primary goals. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications –particularly smoking cessation – and medical management, with minimally invasive endovascular interventions reserved for only the most severe cases. Patients with PAD are often encouraged to engage in supervised exercise programs, which have been shown to significantly improve walking distance and reduce symptoms. Pharmacological treatments may include antiplatelet agents, statins, and medications to improve blood flow, such as cilostazol. According to a study by McDermott et al. (2020), cilostazol improves walking distance between 10 and 20% and reduces symptoms in patients

with intermittent claudication. In patients where medical management fails to improve symptoms, revascularization procedures such as angioplasty may be necessary to restore blood flow.

Impact on quality of life

The impact of claudication on a patient’s quality of life can be profound. Individuals often experience limitations in physical activity, leading to decreased mobility. Folks with professions requiring ambulation often consider early retirement or switch jobs due to discomfort associated with claudication. These patients often benefit from medical management, or even endovascular intervention.

Medicare Part B open enrollment

Most individuals affected by PAD and claudication are older and eligible for Medicare. Medicare Part B is essential for covering outpatient care, including doctor visits and preventive services necessary for managing chronic conditions like claudication.

The open enrollment period for Medicare Part B typically runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, eligible individuals can enroll, switch plans, or make changes to their existing coverage. It’s crucial for patients to review their options carefully, as these choices can significantly impact their healthcare access and out-of-pocket expenses.

Resources for enrollment

For those seeking assistance with Medicare Part B enrollment, various resources are available:

Figure PAD risk relative to never smokers (Criqui et al. Circulation. 2021 144(9))

1. Medicare.gov:The official website provides comprehensive information on coverage options, eligibility, and enrollment processes.

2. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP): These programs offer free, personalized counseling and assistance to help individuals understand their Medicare options.

3. Local Medicare Offices: Visiting a local Social Security office can provide direct assistance in the enrollment process.

4. Nonprofit Organizations: Organizations like the National Council on Aging (NCOA) offer tools and resources to help navigate Medicare benefits and enrollment.

Doctors recognize PAD

7 tips for choosing your health benefits for 2025

Steve

Cain CEO, UnitedHealthcare of California

As inflation in the U.S. remains high, you may be looking to adjust your lifestyle and spending habits. But when it comes to health care, it’s important to keep your budget and well-being in mind.

This year’s open enrollment season is a good chance to review how you’re using health services and decide whether you’ll stick with the plan you’ve got or switch to another being offered. It’s also an opportunity to assess your overall care costs to help ensure you choose a plan that will work best for next year’s budget.

Enrollment timing: For people with coverage from their employer, open enrollment typically happens during a two- or threeweek period between September and December. For those eligible for Medicare, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15- Dec. 7 each year. Coverage selections made during the fall will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Here are seven tips to consider when choosing a plan that may help lead you to better health and cost savings:

First, consider all your options Take time to understand and compare the benefits, services and costs of each plan available to you, so you can figure out which will be the best fit. Pay attention to more than just the monthly premium – like what out-of-pocket costs, including the deductible, copays and coinsurance, you may be responsible for.

Medicare members and caregivers: As you weigh your options, ensure you’re familiar with the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If you need a review, visit MedicareEducation.com — an online resource with answers to questions about eligibility, plan choices, cost basics, prescription coverage and more.

Learn the language

If you’re overwhelmed by or unsure about certain health care terms, there are resources to help. As a start, check out UnitedHealth Group’s Just Plain Clear Glossary (in English, Spanish and Portuguese) to help you make informed decisions.

Medicare members and caregivers: There’s a lot to learn about Medicare and Medicare Made Clear can help you understand the basics, the complexities and everything in between.

Help prevent financial surprises

Visiting doctors that are in-network is one way to help keep your costs lower. So before selecting a plan, check to see if your doctor is in your health plan’s provider network. Also, make sure your medications will be covered by the plan you choose next year – even if you don’t expect to change plans.

Look into filling your prescriptions at a participating network pharmacy or with home delivery by mail — two more potentially money-saving options.

Medicare members and caregivers: You may be surprised to learn Original Medicare doesn’t generally cover prescription drugs. Consider adding Part D or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage to help keep your medication costs in check.

Check for mental health coverage In addition to in-person mental health care, you may have access to a large virtual network of therapists and psychiatrists. Some health insurers also offer advocacy services to help you find the right type of behavioral health care.

Medicare members and care -

givers: Look for plans that offer virtual mental health care with a $0 copay.

Don’t forget about specialty benefits

Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing or critical illness insurance, are often available and may contribute to overall well-being.

Medicare members and caregivers: You may be surprised that Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.

Look into wellness programs

Many health plans offer incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising or avoiding nicotine.

Medicare members and caregivers: Many Medicare Advantage

Claudication poses significant challenges for affected individuals. Understanding its implications, effective management strategies, and the importance of access to healthcare through Medicare Part B is essential. By utilizing available resources, Southwest Riverside County claudication patients can ensure they receive the necessary support and care to manage their condition effectively locally in Fallbrook.

Dr. Zarkowsky is dedicated to improving your veins and arteries, California Vascular Health Specialists offers advanced, officebased vascular treatments. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, go to California VascularHealthSpecialists.com or call (858) 567-1450.

plans also offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional cost. Explore virtual care services If you’re busy or just prefer connecting with a doctor from the convenience of your home, consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual care. You may have access to virtual wellness visits, urgent care and chronic condition management.

Medicare members and caregivers: Most Medicare Advantage plans provide access to virtual care, which can be an easier, more affordable way to talk with doctors about common health issues on a smartphone, tablet or computer. For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com

MURRIETA — Loma Linda University Medical Center - Murrieta is pleased to announce its upcoming Fall Cancer Screening Event, dedicated to promoting cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. This communityfocused event will take place on Friday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the LLU Medical Center - Murrieta Professional Office Building in the Temecula Room, located at 28078 Baxter Road, Murrieta, CA 92563.

As part of its mission to support the health and well-being of the lo-

cal community, Loma Linda University Medical Center - Murrieta will offer complimentary snacks and refreshments to attendees. In addition to various cancer prevention resources, participants will have access to free genetic screening to help determine eligibility for further testing.

The genetic screening program aims to provide insights into hereditary cancer risks, helping individuals understand their genetic predisposition and enabling healthcare providers to tailor personalized screening and pre-

vention strategies. This opportunity is particularly beneficial for individuals with a family history of cancer, as genetic screening can assess increased risks for specific types of cancer.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance to secure their spot. For more information on the event or to register, please visit https:// web.cvent.com/event/1bcbe0b39d60-4ce8-9bf5-21ef48b440b3/ regProcessStep1

November 8 – 14, 2024

Murrieta Valley Nighthawks y to CIF Southern Section girls’ volleyball nals

JP Raineri Sports Editor LOS ALAMITOS – Murrieta

Valley’s girls volleyball team continues to soar, fueled by a challenging early-season schedule and a trip to Hawaii that set the stage for their current success. On Saturday afternoon, the secondseeded Nighthawks achieved a significant milestone by defeating Etiwanda in their Division 2 semifinal match, earning their place in the CIF Southern Section final for only the second time in the program’s history.

The Nighthawks were eager to score with a 25-23, 25-12, 25-22 victory over Etiwanda at Etiwanda High School. This victory propels Murrieta Valley (28-7) into the finals, where they will face Palos Verdes on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Cerritos College. Palos Verdes previously bested the Nighthawks in an August tournament, adding an intriguing layer to the upcoming showdown.

Coach Ann Romero-Parks, a Murrieta Valley alumna and the architect behind their only other finals appearance in 2019, expressed profound emotions following the match. “It’s exciting. I don’t take it for granted by any means,” Romero-Parks told the media. “This is a special group.”

The match against Etiwanda was not without its tense moments. Murrieta Valley played consistently, but Etiwanda had opportunities in both the first and third sets. In the opening set, Etiwanda held an 18-16 lead, but Murrieta Valley, led by Cadence Axene’s two crucial kills, turned the tide by scoring seven of the next eight points.

The second set saw Murrieta Valley take control early, and Etiwanda never posed a threat, with the Nighthawks maintaining at least a four-point lead throughout. The third set was more contentious,

Centennial Huskies roar past Chaparral; Playo football now begins

JP Raineri Sports Editor

TEMECULA – In a game that underscored Centennial’s commanding presence in high school football, the Huskies overpowered Chaparral with a decisive 54-12 victory. The match, held last Friday, Nov. 1, highlighted Centennial’s unmatched prowess in league play as they clinched their third consecutive Big WestNorth Division title, extending their unbeaten streak to 15-0 since the conference’s inception in 2022.

From the onset, it was clear that the Centennial Huskies were playing on a different level. The game was effectively sealed in the first quarter, as Centennial’s superior speed and strength overwhelmed the Chaparral Pumas. Junior quarterback Dominick Catalano stepped in for the injured Husan Longstreet and delivered an impressive performance, completing 20 of 25 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns. Catalano’s connection with Cory Butler Jr., who caught nine passes for 177 yards, was central to their offensive success. Malachi Roby also played a pivotal role, rushing for 108 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

Defensively, the Huskies were relentless. Elijah Riley, Keawe Brown, and Jonathan McKinley II led a formidable charge that left the Chaparral offense struggling for traction, sacking the Pumas’ quarterbacks eight times and limiting them to 205 yards.

Despite the defeat, Chaparral’s sophomore quarterback Dane Weber showed promise, throwing for 233 yards and a touchdown. However, the team couldn’t replicate their previous highscoring performances as they concluded their regular season with a 7-3 record.

With the regular season wrapped up, anticipation builds for the

CIF Southern Section football playoffs. The pairings, announced on Nov. 3, set the stage for thrilling matchups across all divisions. Here are the matchups for the first round, happening on Friday, November 8:

Division 1 has no local teams participating.

Division 2 features Chaparral hosting Yorba Linda and Rancho Cucamonga visiting Murrieta Valley. San Jacinto will face Newbury Park.

Division 3 sees Vista Murrieta traveling to Villa Park.

Division 4 includes Orange Vista competing at St. Bonaventure.

Division 5 has no local teams participating.

Division 6 has Ontario Christian visiting Murrieta Mesa.

Division 7 features West Valley at West Torrance.

Division 8 includes an interesting matchup between Rancho Christian and Hemet, the latter hosting despite a recent defeat to Rancho Christian in a league showdown.

Division 9 places Coachella Valley against Great Oak.

Division 10 pits Linfield Christian against Silverado.

Division 11 features Perris versus Los Amigos.

Division 12 has no local teams participating.

Division 13 includes Pasadena visiting Santa Rosa Academy.

Division 14 sees Hamilton (Anza) traveling to Nordhoff, while Temecula Prep visits Costa Mesa.

In Division 2, the Murrieta Valley Nighthawks secure the No. 1 seed and host Rancho Cucamonga in a familiar clash. Meanwhile, Chaparral, seeded sixth, will welcome Yorba Linda on Nov. 8. The playoffs also feature intriguing contests like the Division 8 face-off between

see FOOTBALL, page C-2

Murrieta Valley volleyball players erupt in celebration after a CIF Southern Section playoff win against Orange Lutheran in October.

Valley News/David Canales photo

Centennial upends Chaparral on senior night.

Valley News/David Canales photo

Chaparral’s CB Butler catches a touchdown pass from QB Dane Weber.

Valley News/David Canales photo

Jayce Venable and the Pumas have trouble stopping Centennial.

Cory Butler Jr. and the Huskies get past Chaparral in the final week of the regular season, 54-12.

see VOLLEYBALL, page C-3

Valley News/David Canales photos

Lola Carson kicks Rancho Christian to a thrilling victory, including a league title over Hemet

JP Raineri Sports Editor

TEMECULA

– In a dramatic clash on Friday night, the Rancho Christian Eagles swooped in and captured the Sunbelt League title with a stunning 31-28 victory over the previously undefeated Hemet High Bulldogs. The spotlight shone brightly on Lola Carson as she confidently nailed a 30-yard field goal with just 20 seconds remaining, sealing a memorable comeback win for Rancho Christian. The game began with Hemet taking firm control, dominating the first half and leading 28-7 as the teams headed into the locker rooms. Hemet capitalized on Rancho Christian’s mistakes,

scoring all four of their touchdowns off turnovers. Draven Lopez was at the helm of Hemet’s offense, completing 24-of-35 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns, but it was his four interceptions that would ultimately change the game’s trajectory.

With their backs against the wall, Rancho Christian regrouped during halftime, returning to the field with renewed determination. The turning point came late in the third quarter when Andrew Nassar intercepted a Hemet pass, setting the stage for Kamryn Jones to connect on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Emiliano Villarreal.

Momentum shifted further as Hemet fumbled on the ensuing kickoff, allowing Will Ford to punch in from 5 yards out early in the fourth quarter. The Eagles’ defense stepped up again with another interception, this time by Jones, allowing Villarreal to lead a nine-play drive culminating in a 17-yard touchdown pass to Nassar. Carson’s extra point tied the score at 28.

The final minutes were a test of nerves for both teams. Rancho Christian’s defense forced Hemet to punt, giving Villarreal another chance to orchestrate a lastminute drive. A key third-down completion by Villarreal to Ford

their Sunbelt League football game in Hemet on Friday, Nov. 1. moved the chains, positioning Carson perfectly for her gamewinning field goal.

Carson, a first-year player who had previously kicked a long of 23 yards, was unfazed by the pressure. “I was not nervous at all. I was so ready to take that kick,” she stated confidently to the media after the game. The victory over Hemet not only crowned Rancho Christian as league champions but also propelled them into the playoffs with significant momentum. Rancho Christian now turns its attention to the CIF Southern Section playoffs, where they will face a familiar foe—Hemet— in the first round. Despite the recent victory, Rancho Christian will travel to Hemet due to the Bulldogs’ higher final ratings. The Eagles win sent ripples through the league, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting playoff rematch. With Lola Carson’s golden leg and the team’s newfound momentum, Rancho Christian is poised for another intense battle.

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

Second in season finale gives Myers

third in Masters Mini-Dwarfs standings

Joe Naiman for the Valley News

Barona Speedway concluded its 2024 season October 26, and a second-place finish by Tommy Myers Jr. in the Masters MiniDwarfs main event gave the Murrieta 13-year-old third place in the final season points standings.

Grace Escalante of Yuma won the division championship with 574 position points accumulated during the season’s 15 races.

Brysen Byford of San Diego won the October 26 main event and had the second-place season total of 523 points. Myers finished the season with 505 points. The fourth-place total of 493 points was obtained by San Diego driver Jackson Reiter.

“I think it was a pretty decent season,” Myers said.

The driver ages for Barona’s junior classes utilize the birthday prior to or during the current race season. Myers turned 13 on September 21. The Mini-Dwarfs have a Masters class for drivers 9 to 14 and a Sportsman division for ages 5 to 8. The Junior Sprints are for drivers ages 11 to 14; Myers also drove a Junior Sprint during the season and placed eighth in the standings. Myers entered the season’s final night seventh in the Junior Sprints standings but did not finish that main event while San Marcos driver Kellen O’Connor finished sixth in that race to edge Myers for seventh place by one point.

Both of Myers’ parents were raised in the City of San Diego; Tommy Myers Sr. lived in Pacific Beach while Crystal Myers is a former Mira Mesa resident. The family moved from Carlsbad to Murrieta when Tommy Myers Jr. was five years old.

FOOTBALL from page C-1

Sunbelt League rivals Rancho Christian and Hemet, following their recent nail-biting encounter in Week 10. The Division 3 bracket includes Vista Murrieta traveling to face

Neither of Myers’ parents raced. Myers decided to become a racecar driver after watching NASCAR on television.

Myers began his racing career in 2023 with a Masters MiniDwarf. He competed in 14 Barona Speedway races last year, placed fourth in the standings, and won the July 21 main event. He finished second and third in his final two Barona Speedway main events of 2023. Cocopah Speedway (east of Yuma) had two Thanksgiving Weekend races, and Myers finished second in both of those main events.

During the 2024 season Myers had 10 Mini-Dwarfs finishes in the top five and took second place four times. Myers won his October 12 Mini-Dwarf heat and was ninth in that night’s main event.

Escalante and Myers were in the same heat race October 26 with Escalante starting on the pole and Myers beginning the eight-lap race on the outside of the front row. Escalante won the heat and Myers took second. Myers was fourth in his Junior Sprints heat race that night.

Myers began the 20-lap main event on the pole. Byford was in fourth after a yellow flag caution and subsequent restart and passed the three drivers ahead of him, including Myers, on the outside. Byford had to maneuver around a lapped car on the final lap, allowing Myers to close the gap, but Byford still had the preferred line and edged Myers.

“I think it’s a pretty good finish,” Myers said. “It feels pretty good to get second in my final race in a Mini-Dwarf.”

Myers will be driving only a Junior Sprint next year. A Barona Speedway driver must be 14 except in the junior divisions,

Villa Park, while Division 6 sees Ontario Christian visiting Murrieta Mesa (Big West-South Division winners). The California School for the Deaf-Riverside, boasting a remarkable 18-game winning streak, will vie for their third consecutive section championship

plans to drive in the Lightning Sprints class in 2026.

“Chase your dreams, don’t give up, and try to stay strong,” Myers said.

in the 8-person, Division 1 playoff bracket. The first round of playoffs kicks off on Friday, Nov. 8, with all games beginning at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise. The quarterfinals follow on Nov. 15, semifinals on Nov. 22, and the championship

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

games are scheduled for Nov. 2930. Follow all the action at www. cifss.org. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com

AnzA VAlley

Rancho Christian kicker Lola Carson (85) drills a 30-yard field goal to break a 28-28 tie late in the fourth quarter of

Junior wide receiver Dylan Cookson (23) makes a catch near the end zone against Hemet. Valley News/Files Owens Photography

Senior running back Will Ford (20) breaks a tackle after getting a handoff from senior QB Emiliano Villarreal. Valley News/Files Owens Photography

Valley News/Files Owens Photography

Tommy Myers, a Murrieta 13-year-old third, concluded Barona Speeday’s Mini-Dwarfs season with second place in the main event to finish third in the season point standings. Valley News/Joe Naiman photo and Myers

Lions roar to victory over Western Christian, win Ambassador League title

JP Raineri Sports Editor

TEMECULA – In a dominant display of talent and strategy,

Linfield Christian football team continued their winning streak by shutting out Western Christian 40-0 in Friday’s game. This impressive triumph not only highlighted their skillset on the field but also solidified their standing as a force to be reckoned with this season.

The Linfield Christian Lions showcased a powerful offense that never allowed their opponents to find the end zone. Leading the charge was the exceptional quarterback, Thomas Paschal, who threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns while completing a remarkable 76% of his passes. Paschal’s performance set the tone for the game and continued his streak of passing for three or more touchdowns in each of his last three matches.

Running back, Micah Little, was equally instrumental in the Lions’ success. Little gained 180 total yards and scored two touchdowns, proving to be a significant

threat to the Western Christian defense. Together, Paschal and Little created a dynamic duo that propelled Linfield Christian to their fifth consecutive victory, bringing their overall record to 6-3.

Carson Drummond also made his mark on the game, contributing with 93 receiving yards and a touchdown. These key players have consistently proven their worth, and their synergy on the field was evident throughout the game.

The win against Western Christian was not only a testament to Linfield’s offensive capabilities but also highlighted their defensive strength. The Lions’ defense maintained a solid front, preventing the Fighting Lancers from scoring and showcasing the team’s well-rounded expertise.

Linfield Christian’s successful season can be attributed to their championship-winning performance in the Ambassador League, where they went undefeated with a 5-0 record. Their ability to dominate both in league play and non-conference games has set them up for a

promising playoff appearance. Looking ahead, Linfield Christian faces the Silverado Hawks in a home playoff game on November 8 as part of the 2024

CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California)Division 10 tournament. With Linfield Christian averaging 392.9 total yards per game compared to

Silverado’s 320.9, the matchup promises to be an exciting showdown.

The Lions’ impressive statistics this season underscore their potential for a strong playoff run. They average 282.6 passing yards per game, with a receiving yardage of 280.3 and rushing yardage of 110.3. These numbers highlight their balanced approach and adaptability on the field.

Players like Thomas Paschal, Micah Little, Drew Taylor, and Carter Cane have been pivotal to Linfield’s success, consistently delivering standout performances. Their contributions have ensured the Lions’ status as one of the most formidable teams in their division. With the playoffs on the horizon, Linfield Christian is poised to continue their streak of excellence. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com

Chargers dominate Saints with stellar defense and McConkey’s breakout performance

JP

Raineri Sports Editor

INGLEWOOD — The Los Angeles Chargers delivered a commanding performance against the New Orleans Saints, securing a 26-8 victory at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 27. The Chargers’ defense stifled the Saints’ offense, handing New Orleans its sixth consecutive loss—a low not seen since their 2005 season—while the Chargers advanced to a 4-3 record.

New Orleans struggled to find their rhythm with Spencer Rattler at quarterback, completing just 12 of 24 passes for 156 yards before being replaced in the second half by Jake Haener. The second-year quarterback provided a brief spark, completing nine of 17 passes for 122 yards, but failed to steer the Saints past Los Angeles’s defense. Blake Grupe managed two field goals, and the Saints recorded their first safety since 2020 when an errant snap led to a botched punt by JK Scott.

Chargers’ rookie wideout Ladd McConkey had a breakout game, hauling in six receptions for 111 yards, including two touchdowns. McConkey’s standout moment came in the third quarter with a 60-yard touchdown catch that marked the Chargers’ first secondhalf touchdown since Week 1. “That’s pretty cool, so hopefully I get another,” McConkey said, reflecting on his milestone as the first Chargers rookie receiver in 11 years to achieve a 100-yard game.

Quarterback Justin Herbert was instrumental in the Chargers’ victory, accumulating 328 total yards—279 through the air and 48 on the ground—and throwing two touchdown passes. Herbert praised McConkey, stating, “He’s a complete receiver. To have that short game and those intermediate routes that he’s been so good at, and now you open up some of those go balls that you’ve got to respect.”

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh lauded Herbert and McConkey’s chemistry, highlighting McConkey’s spectacular 60-yard score as a decisive momentum swing. “I mean, it’s what we needed,” Harbaugh commented on the play that widened the Chargers’ lead.

Despite the absence of Derek Carr due to an oblique injury, the Saints aimed to rally but couldn’t overcome the Chargers’ fortified defense. “I think we all understand that it’s a results-oriented business, and we need to play better football,” said Saints coach Dennis Allen, who now faces mounting pressure following the team’s lackluster performance.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara, fresh off signing a twoyear, $24.5 million extension, managed 122 total yards, while Chris Olave contributed eight catches for 107 yards. Yet, these efforts were overshadowed by the Saints’ offensive struggles and the Chargers’ unyielding defensive front.

The Chargers capitalized on the Saints’ miscues, with fullback and

Chargers defensive

EDGE Khalil Mack (52) maneuvers around Saints LT Taliese Fuaga. Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Valley

defensive tackle Scott Matlock

making NFL history by recording both a sack and a reception in the same game, a feat last accomplished in 2019. Matlock sacked Rattler

early in the third quarter and caught a 9-yard pass in the fourth.

With Herbert’s dynamic play and McConkey’s emergence as a reliable target, the Chargers continued their

momentum while visiting Cleveland on Sunday, Nov. 3, winning against the Browns, 27-10. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com

The Nighthawks gather in joyous unity, their collective effort securing a decisive victory during their historic playoff run when they defeated Burroughs.

with Lauren Furnald serving four consecutive aces to give Etiwanda a 16-14 lead. However, Murrieta Valley regained momentum with Melanie Hewlett’s critical serves and Miley Thunstrom’s matchwinning ace. Thunstrom was instrumental, leading the team with 18 kills,

while Ryleigh Short contributed 11. Libero Sophia Castro’s 12 digs were pivotal, yet it was Hewlett’s 26 assists as the team’s setter that garnered special recognition.

Etiwanda (30-3) will continue their season in the CIF State playoffs starting November 12.

Despite the loss, Etiwanda’s standout performers included Nina Hemsley with 12 kills, Brooke

Valley

and

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

Senior PK Carter Cane (5) was perfect with extra points for the night vs. Whittier. Valley News/Rob Davis Photography

Linfield QB Thomas Paschal (18) orchestrated an impressive game both in the air and on the ground vs. Whittier Christian.

Junior wideout Drew Taylor (3) makes a nice catch and takes it home for a touchdown. Valley News/Rob Davis Photography Valley News/Rob Davis Photography

Hansen with 25 assists and 10 digs,

Furnald with five aces.

Murrieta Valley’s focus now shifts to their upcoming clash with Palos Verdes, where they hope to overcome past challenges and secure a championship title.

VOLLEYBALL from page C-1

News/David Canales photo

Chargers QB Justin Herbert (10) edges past Saints FS Tyrann Mathieu (32) on Sunday, Oct. 27, at Sofi Stadium.

Chargers WR Joshua Palmer (5) beats Saints CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (14) for a first down catch. Sunday, Oct. 27.

News/Andrez Imaging Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Temecula Valley students honored in October

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program, recognizing and inspiring academic excellence since the 1992-1993 school year, held an awards breakfast on Oct. 3 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Road.

Emcee Aimee Ricken, Director of Secondary Education at Temecula Valley Unified School District after 20 years at Great Oak High School, welcomed everyone and shared the mission of the local high school recognition program which sets the criteria for the students who are chosen.

Supported by the community, college or vocational/trade school bound seniors are acknowledged and honored for their character, their love of learning and their willingness to participate in numerous activities such as campus events, athletics and community service or the ability to persevere and overcome difficult life circumstances. They accomplish all this in a setting that honors God, country, community, family and free enterprise.

Backpacks filled with gifts, certificates of recognition and much more were donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

October’s students of the month are Chaparral High School’s Kennedy Holley, Great Oak’s Madison Jantz, Linfield Christian’s Austin Alexander, Rancho Vista’s David Stanfill, Susan H. Nelson’s Emma Sutton and Temecula Valley’s Juliet Thrapp.

Kennedy Holley

Chaparral High School Assistant Principal Chris Morel described Kennedy as an “old soul” –someone who seems wise beyond their years and possesses a deep sense of understanding. “Kennedy is someone who knows who she is and knows what she wants,” he said. The outstanding senior said she started high school as a shy freshman who sought out a passion to follow and found it with the school’s Navy JROTC program, which helped her develop her empathy, kindness and curiosity. “The realization that I can create an impact by teaching and mentoring cadets that share the same emotions is something I will always be grateful for,” said Kennedy, who serves as commanding officer for 150 cadets. Commander Russell Thiem, who oversees the program, said he tells all cadets that “leadership starts with you but it’s not about you” and that Kennedy helps cadets feel that they belong. He credits her with leading the unit in 17 events

so far this year that has resulted in 150 community service hours for the unit.

Madison Jantz

Great Oak High School

Principal Amber Lane said Madison is “perpetually positive and uplifting.” She said she strives to make connections and shine that positive light on the contributions of others. She is president of Rho Kappa Social Studies National Honor Society. Madison said she learned an important life lesson during one of her Wolfpack Student Body leadership classes, where she serves as a president. It was about attitude and how you should not let what you can’t control, control you. “You should wake up each morning with a positive attitude because that really is the only thing that you can control – your outlook,” Madison said. “It taught me that I have complete control over who I want to be.” She is considering becoming a teacher. Her nominating teacher Kristy Baron said, “Our hashtag at our school this year is #GoInspire and Madison is one of those students that inspires me every single day to be a better teacher to all my students.”

Austin Alexander Linfield Christian School

Principal Ty Nichols said all staff unanimously chose Austin as this month’s honoree “which speaks to how much he deserves this recognition.” Austin said, “Over the past five years, I realized the power of friendship and how much of an impact it can have.” He said he also learned that anger and conflict is too powerful and needs

to be controlled and should have its limits within all relationships. Nichols read a statement by one of Austin’s teachers who could not attend the breakfast. Madeline Stehly said Austin is one of the top seniors academically and is involved in ASB, theater, athletics and many other clubs and honor societies. “Most importantly, Austin brings his love of God into all he does,” she said. “He has a heart like Jesus, and it shows in his disposition – service, love, joy and the pursuit of excellence.” Austin volunteers to tutor fellow students in math, giving back to his school and community because he wants to and not because he has to.

David Stanfill Rancho Vista High School

Principal David Schlottman said David is “a solid, nice guy who serves others and is a good student.” Turning to the young man, Schlottman said, “Our school has become a better place because you are there.” David said the biggest lesson he learned that he plans to take with him beyond high school is that change is good. “It can be really hard sometimes but it’s a really important part of personal growth,” he said. David said he struggled when the family moved to Texas for a while and was happy to return to the area and resume his old friendships. He said his teacher Kelly Grasso has inspired him to consider becoming an educator. Grasso said that as a student in her Business Math class, David always needed to know the why behind every concept covered in class. “He is hardworking and kind and always willing to help

others,” she said. His mother said that as the youngest of nine children the family has interacted with the district since 2001 and appreciates what they’ve done for David and his siblings.

Emma Sutton Susan H. Nelson High School

Principal David Schlottman said although Emma is part of the school’s independent study program and therefore not required to be on campus all the time, she shows up every day. He said when she enrolled at the school she took the time to plan her future and ask questions to figure things out. She volunteers at the Lake Elsinore Animal Shelter. “Being challenged in life is inevitable but being defeated is optional and Emma is a young woman who has had challenges but has decided she is going to do the work to make sure she comes out on top,” Schlottman said. Emma started at Great Oak High School but in her sophomore year she realized her life was taking a downward spiral and she chose to attend Susan H. Nelson. “I was suffering from mental health issues, dealing with the loss of friends from drug and alcohol use and struggling with my own problems and addictions,” Emma said. “There were times when I didn’t want to be here. I was angry, anxious, depressed and afraid. I didn’t see a future for myself.” After finding counseling, therapy and support, things have improved, and she is considering a career as a counselor or therapist. “Susan H. Nelson has been a safe spot, a very welcoming environment,” she said.

Juliet Thrapp

Temecula Valley High School

Principal Donna Lione introduced Juliet as a student athlete and an all-around academic scholar who has played soccer all four years, leading to many championships and accolades. Lione said when she asked Juliet what some of the hardest parts of high school had been, the outstanding senior said it was having to learn how to balance everything. “I asked her what three words someone would use to describe her, and she said, caring, empathetic and kind,” Lione said. “She said her advice to incoming freshmen would be to realize that everything is not as big a deal as you think and that everything works out in the end; you just have to stay the course.” Juliet said the most important thing she’s learned is gratitude. “Being able to recognize people for their hard work and helping them see how valued they are is a privilege I will always be grateful for,” she said. “Being a soccer player is one of the biggest blessings. I’ve been able to make relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. My relationship with the Lord has shown me that I always have something to be grateful for, which is his love for me.” Juliet has been soccer team captain for two years and plans to continue playing when she attends Point Loma Nazarene University next fall. For more information, please contact Program Chair Amber Poncy at 951-676-5090 or http:// temecula.org/student-of-themonth.

Diverse educators begin administrative credential programs at RCOE

Hundreds of California educators, including 34 in Riverside County, are going back to school to pursue an administrative services credential thanks to grant funding DELPI

RIVERSIDE – Lawrence Hardy never sat in the classroom of an African American math teacher until he reached middle school.

Daffne Pérez was in third grade when her family arrived in the United States and began working through her many insecurities and loss of culture while assimilating to her new home.

Both Lawrence and Daffne, have become professional educators who are enrolled in the Riverside County Office of Education’s Center for Administrator Preparation in pursuit of their Preliminary or Clear Administrative Services Credential program to build a pipeline of diverse and culturally

responsive school administrators.

A total of 34 aspiring administrators are recipients of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s Diverse Education Leaders Pipeline Initiative (DELPI) grant of $1,020,000 to the Riverside County Office of Education. Recipients receive one-time grants of up to $30,000 to remove financial barriers to pursuing educational administrator training.

“Diversity in the leadership of our public schools is essential for the success of students from all backgrounds,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “This funding is expanding the opportunity to

recruit, develop, mentor, and retain school leaders who reflect the rich cultures and experiences of our student populations.”

Beyond the Riverside County Office of Education’s Center for Administrator Preparation Program, partners who will provide additional professional development, coaching, and affinity group development, include the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), and the Coalition for Educational Partnerships.

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

recently announced awa rds t o support 367 administrator services credential candidates across the state with one-time grants of up to $30,000 per candidate. The grant is funded with $10 million allocated to the Commission in the 20232 4 state budget to train, place, and retain diverse and culturally responsive administrators in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade to improve student outcomes and meet the needs of California’s education workforce.

The DELPI grant program requires candidates to commit to a minimum of two years of service as a site-level administrator in a California school within four years of earning a preliminary

administrative services credential.

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is an agency in the Executive Branch of California State Government. It was created in 1970 by the Ryan Act and is the oldest of the autonomous state standards boards in the nation. The major purpose of the agency is to serve as a state standards board for educator preparation for the public schools of California, the licensing and credentialing of professional educators in the State, the enforcement of professional practices of educators, and the discipline of credential holders in the State of California.

Recipients of the Temecula Valley Student of the Month award for October are, from left, Kennedy Holley, Madison Jantz, Austin Alexander, David Stanfill,

Emma Sutton and Juliet Thrapp. Valley News/John P. Hess photo

NEF Family Wildlife Day at the Santa Rosa Plateau thrills visitors

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Several hundred area children of all ages were thrilled and excited to touch, feel and see actual live, wild animals found in the wilderness at the Riverside County Parks and Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve’s Family Wildlife Day Saturday, Nov. 2.

Parents along with their children enjoyed the day as the live animals were displayed and information brought to the Plateau’s Visitor Center and pavilion area on Clinton Keith Road in Murrieta.

Children were able to see a pretty faced but prickly porcupine, touch a friendly boa constrictor, feel the coat of a north American wolf skin among the many other live attractions at the event, designed to peak children’s curiosity and respect for the animals and nature around them provided by the NEF and RivCo Parks. Its purpose is “to educate and empower youth to appreciate, preserve and protect nature.” in partnership with RivCo Parks and Outdoor Recreational Facilities.

Leading short hikes to the reserves’ picnic grounds from the Visitors Center was RivCo Parks Interpreter Rob Hicks with a highly

educational walk in nature for both children and adults leading to Birds of Prey and endangered plants and animal exhibitions at the conclusion nearly every hour. Inside of the Visitors Center children could let harmless insects from far away jungles and grasslands crawl on them. A Bee Lady was there to explain how valuable bees are to animals and our own survival.

Outside California Department of Fish and Wildlife volunteers showed children how to cast a fishing reel and even haul in a plastic fish. There were booths from California Wolf Center from Julian, Wild Wonders Conservation Education with domesticated red foxes. Fossils from the Western Science Center in Hemet, views of the sun and stars through telescopes from local American Astronomical Society members, Wildomar Community and Parks Foundation, an opportunity for children to become Junior Rangers on the Reserve and many more attractions. Music was provided and two food and beverage mobile vans offer hot dogs and sweets. Transportation was provided in donated vans from a nearby parking lot.

NEF Board Members and volunteers were there to greet

the children and their parents on arrival.

The Family Wildlife Day at the Plateau is not a fundraising event for the NEF but one to provide valuable information to the public about the need to protect our natural environment for future generations to come. Forwarding that mission, primarily for the younger generation, by the NEF in partnership with RivCo Parks, California Fish and Wildlife. local public school systems, universities and patrons the following programs are available through the Foundation.

Third grade education trips to the Plateau

Fourth Grade Trout in the Classroom

Fifth grand seedbank studies

Middle School Grassland

Restoration

Nature Education Small Grant

Program

Family Wildlife Days

High School Scholarship Fund thorough school districts.

Distance Learning through YouTube Channel Hawks, Rocks and Nature Talks.

Low cost memberships and more information about the Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau can be found at the-nef.org Volunteers are also welcome. NEF is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is open to the public and is managed by RivCo Parks. Information about RivCo Parks and Open Spaces and their many programs is available at https//rivcoparks.org

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

Temecula Creek Society learns about service dogs

Temecula Creek Society, Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) recently enjoyed a September afternoon of fun with and learning about service dogs. The program took place at Temecula Creek Trail Park, and was led by Kyle Scantlin of K Daniels K-9 Academy.

The C.A.R. members are focused on “Paws 4 Patriots” which is the title of the C.A.R. California State Society President’s program for 2024-2025. Her program will introduce the California C.A.R. members to the many aspects of dogs as service animals. Specifically, the C.S.S.C.A.R. President hopes to raise funds for Shelter to Soldier of Oceanside. According to Scantlin, a search and rescue dog requires 600 hours of training per year –minimum two years, and the cost is $22,000 per animal. Scantlin has been training dogs for 29 years, and is located in Murrieta. His team of trainers work with a variety of dogs and shelter/ rescue dogs. Scantlin began his presentation with these goals for the dogs: How to behave and have good manners. Even dogs have to have good manners. How to obey and listen to commands. How to sniff and find many different things, like drugs or guns, or even bombs. We also teach some dogs how to look mean and scary, even though they’re not. And some dogs, we teach how to protect their owners,

and even bite bad guys. The goals for the trainers are to be able to place dogs in search & rescue, narcotics & drugs, emotional support, and police K-9 situations.

Both in training, Guillaume, a future police K-9 and Mr. Coke, a future narcotics & drug sniffer, performed several behaviors which they have learned from Scantlin’s team. The C.A.R. members watched as Guillaume “attacked” a “bad guy” on command by biting the clothes and not letting go until hearing the next command. The members also played frisbee with Guillaume.

Scantlin shared some very interesting dog facts. Humans have unique fingerprints, and you will find dogs have unique paw prints. One more place on a dog where you’ll find a unique print is their nose. In the American Revolution, dogs were used as messengers to bring important information to other soldiers, as guard dogs to protect their army camps, and as providers of comfort and companionship to their owners and others in camp. Dogs are still used in our country’s military for bomb detection, search and rescue, and patrol, and helping soldiers cope with stress. After the collapse of the World Trade Center Towers, more than 300 dogs helped search for survivors at Ground Zero. Dogs’ noses are 40 times more powerful than humans’ noses, and can locate

people buried down to about 33 feet deep. At the World Trade Center Towers, they worked long hours to find and rescue people. And dogs did not just help find people—they also comforted the first responders who were under a lot of stress in their job.

The C.A.R. members learned a lot about dogs in service, and each member brought the Academy dog

gifts from a Wish List. Finally, Scantlin forwarded this note to Temecula Creek Society:

“I want to once again thank you for inviting us to join and be a part of your group’s event last Saturday. They are a great group of people, all the parents and kids, and we were blessed to have the opportunity to meet and speak with them. I really enjoyed how interactive the kids were, and how smart they all are with their questions they had for me, and the answers they gave me too. My team really did enjoy the whole experience, and are looking forward to finding more ways we can connect in the community and help educate people on just how amazing dogs truly are, and the incredibleness of the human-canine relationship and bond.”

Ashley Strough from Wild Wonder Conservation Education checks on Little Pea the Porcupine at Family Wildlife Days at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Center November 2. The event is hosted by The Nature Education Foundation and is in partnership with Riverside Parks and Recreation. Valley News/Tony Ault photos

Ashley Strough from Wild Wonder Conservation Education shows off a small but very old desert tortoise to children at the Nature Education Foundation Family Wildlife Day at the Santa Rosa Plateau, Saturday, November 2.

A girl sees no fear in touching this love Rosy Boa snake at the Reptile Hunters booth while Nature Education Foundation Board Member Harrieta Michlin looks on during the Family Wildlife Day at the Santa Rosa Plateau.

This young Jenga expert sees his last pull on the game create a fall at the NEF Family Wildlife Day at the Santa Rosa Plateau. Games and face painting were a part of the day of wildlife discovery.

Judith Bassett from the Canid Education and Conservation pets one of her two domesticated red foxes at the NEF Family Wildlife Day. At times the tame, normally wild, foxes were let out for children to pet them.

Chase Anderson of Temecula Creek Society and Andrew Scantlin take a break from playtime with Mr. Coke.

Kyle Scantlin of K Daniels K-9 Academy visits with Temecula Creek Society President Jay Rudolf while Guillaume rests after playing frisbee. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Highway Update

Caltrans offers early winter driving tips for Southern California drivers

Tony Ault Staff Writer

With less than two months away before the official Winter Season in Southern California begins on Dec. 21, California Department of Transportation crews are beginning preparations for the first show flurries and heavy rain that is expected in the Valleys and the snow in nearby mountains.

Caltrans has more that 1,500 pieces of heavy machinery being prepared and road clearing materials coming to their maintenance yards. Many of those snow plows and graders are located in our surrounding mountains.

Although our valleys do not experience much snow during the winter season, a lot of snow falls in the San Jacinto, San Bernardino and San Diego mountains around us. It is always good to be prepared for occasional winter driving in those mountain areas which is much different than in the lower elevations.

Here are a few tips from Caltrans to be prepared for those upcoming driving conditions.

Winter driving tips

Before you get on the road during the winter season, go to the Caltrans website and check QuickMap (quickmap.dot.ca.gov) for real-time traffic information or call 1-800-427-ROAD.

Move Over to allow Caltrans maintenance crews, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, and other emergency personnel to perform the important tasks needed to keep the roads open and quickly respond to emergencies.

Turn on your headlights to see and be seen. Be observant and maintain a safe distance behind

snow removal equipment. Do not crowd the plow. Do not pass snow plows unless directed to do so by law enforcement or emergency public service personnel.

Be prepared for delays and carry extra food, water, blankets and other essentials, and pack cell phone chargers.

Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated, and the tread is in good condition. Always carry chains. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order.

Winterize your vehicle. Make sure brakes, windshield wipers, heater/defroster, and exhaust system are in good working order. Make sure fluids are topped-off, especially windshield washer fluid. Reduce your speed to match driving conditions and allow more time to reach your destination. Know that bridges and ramps may be more slippery and icier than the roadway.

Keep your electric vehicle batteries charged and your fuel tank full. Bad weather may cause long delays or closures.

If you start sliding on snow or ice, slowly take your foot off the gas pedal and steer in the direction you wish to travel. Do not lock your brakes—pump the brakes if needed or apply steady pressure if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes.

Additional winter safe driving tips and more information about Caltrans efforts to prepare the transportation system for seasonal weather can be found on the Caltrans website at https://dot. ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips.

Caltrans highway project update

Caltrans reports that with the

Veterans Day Holiday coming up there will be no lane closures from Friday, Nov. 8 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Menifee/Murrieta

Caltrans alerts the public that construction is taking place near the city of Menifee and Murrieta. Daytime work is scheduled Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, with shoulder closures in effect. Please note that while there will be no lane closures on Friday, shoulder closures will remain in place. Crews are scheduled to work on both the South-Bound and North-Bound directions of Interstate 215. The project aims to improve road surface, update shoulder rumble strips, enhance culverts, upgrade guardrails, stabilize slopes, and boost highway worker safety along the stretch near Murrieta, from 1 mile north of Clinton Keith Road to 1 mile north of Newport Road.

Construction crews will focus on several key tasks, including landscaping, rock blanket installation, and other related activities. Shoulder closures will be in effect on northbound I-215 at the Scott Road Loop off-ramp for the rock blanket installation.

Nighttime work will include some lane reductions on southbound I-215 for the installation of the Midwest Guardrail System near Keller Road undercrossing

Additionally, day work will continue on both directions of I-215 between Clinton Keith Road and McCall Boulevard. Commuter access will remain open, with shoulder closures in effect.

Perris

A major pavement improvement is taking place on I-215 in Perris. Commuters will experience

Supervisor Gutierrez hosts Business Roundtable

Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez hosted a Business Roundtable in Moreno Valley. Valley News/Courtesy photo

MORENO VALLEY - Fifth District County of Riverside Supervisor Gutierrez hosted his first Business Roundtable in the Moreno Valley area.

The Business Roundtable is the latest of Supervisor Gutierrez’s initiatives to support local businesses within the Fifth District. The goal of the Business Roundtable is to learn more about the challenges small businesses face while informing them of county resources that can aid them. Attendees were greeted by Supervisor Gutierrez and listened to presentations by the Riverside County Office of Economic

Development, the Housing and Workforce Solutions Workforce Development division, the Small Business Development Center, and the Moreno Valley Business and Employment Resource Center. Riverside County Workforce Development Manager Jason Tang remarked, “The County of Riverside Workforce Development Division is honored to be part of Supervisor Gutierrez’s first Business Roundtable. Our division has the resources, programs, and services to connect the business community to our local workforce!” In an effort to continue to

provide support and guidance to local business owners, Supervisor Gutierrez is aiming to host more business roundtables in the future in the Pass Area and the HemetSan Jacinto area.

Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce Program Coordinator Tracy Smith added that, “The Business Roundtable was a win for everybody involved. I am confident that the Supervisor’s efforts will have a high impact in this region.”

slowdowns and road closures until Fall 2026 on I-215 as repair work on the 6.2 mile stretch of roadway will occur on both the northbound and southbound directions between San Jacinto River Bridge and the Ramona Expressway.

The project will refurbish the existing roads with new pavement, enhance safety, and improve accessibility on the well traveled thoroughfare.The work will take place weekly, from Monday to Friday. Daytime work will be scheduled from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Monday to Thursday night time work will be scheduled from 8:p.m. to 4 a.m. Ramp work will also take place at Redlands and Nuevo Road. Upcoming nighttime work will include full closures of both the on-ramps and off-ramps on I-215 northbound and southbound at Ramona Expressway. While commuter access will remain open during daytime work, nighttime operations will require full ramp closures. Night work next week is weather permitting. Drivers should anticipate potential delays. This project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026.

Hemet

Caltrans continues work on State Route 74 (Florida Ave.) in Hemet. The work zone is in Hemet on SR-74 from Winchester Road to Fairview Avenue for the project length of 11.2 miles. Driveway, curb ramp, sidewalk construction, paving and micro trenching will take place. Winchester Road to Lyon Ave. in downtown Hemet loop installation and final striping is taking place,, but the highway will remain open. Any flagging operations will be primarily at night. Radar detection signs will

be in place. Expect delays up to 15 minutes. There will be intermittent, short-term closures for equipment. Then paving operations from Lyon Ave. to Yale St. will require flagging operations, primarily at night. This will be a layered paving operation which takes several weeks to complete. Coming soon will be paving operations from Yale St. to Fairview St. in Valle Vista.

Also, pedestrians should beware of ongoing ADA curb ramp and sidewalk construction. Please follow indicated signage and watch for safety cones to avoid work areas. Motorists keep your speeds down. This ongoing construction activity is expected to be completed by summer of 2025.

While work on the Strawberry Creek bridge up to Mountain Center is nearly complete, final cleanup work is still underway with some flagging operations taking place at different times. Be aware of the working crewman.

Riverside Caltrans work is still taking place until Nov. 9 on I-215 where Contractors are performing work in the City of Jurupa Valley and City of Riverside from Wineville Road. to State Route 60, State Route 91, and Interstate 215.Weather permitting. The westbound SR 60 on-ramp at Market Street will be closed for improvements until 7 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. The work will include ramp widening. Please pay attention to signs notifying motorists of the upcoming ramp closures and construction zones.

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

Written knowledge test requirement eliminated for most California driver’s license renewals

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced that drivers 70-years-old and older in California whose licenses expire in 2024 and beyond will no longer be required to take a written knowledge test beginning October 1.

“All drivers have been required to take a written test once they turn 70 as a policy requirement and not a requirement of law,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon.

“We are eliminating the written knowledge test for those without traffic violations on their record to improve customer service. If thousands fewer people need to visit the DMV, or can spend less time in an office, the people who need to take care of their business in one of our offices can be better served.”

For those renewing their license who are 70 and older, an office visit is still required for a vision exam and an updated photo. Some renewal notices for customers with licenses that expire in 2024 may indicate a knowledge test is required, but it will be waived during the in-office visit.

The DMV encourages customers to start their application online to minimize the amount of time it takes to complete the process in an office.

• A DUI suspension during the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license.

• A violation point count greater than one within the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license.

For those Californians who are required to take a knowledge test, choosing an online option for testing significantly reduces the amount of time customers need to spend in an office. This improves DMV customer service by reducing office congestion and wait times.

The DMV has spent the last few years digitizing and improving services and making almost all transactions conveniently available on a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or computer.

As part of its customer-focused digital transformation, the DMV is processing the following transactions through online, kiosk, phone, mail or business partner only:

• Simple vehicle registration renewals that are not past the due date nor require an address change.

• Driver’s license renewals that do not require an in-person visit.

“This roundtable helped us understand all the available resources here in our community as well as how we can get connected.” mentioned Val Stewart, President of the Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce.

www.berry-bellandhall.com

“As a former small business owner, I understand the challenges our local businesses experience,” said Supervisor Gutierrez. “That’s why I am committed to helping our small business owners navigate these challenges and thrive in our district. Thank you to all of our partners and to all the small business owners who attended the roundtable!”

For more information about the Business Roundtable, please contact the Office of County Supervisor Gutierrez.

First time drivers and those new to California will still be required to take a knowledge test, as will those renewal customers with poor driving records. Those drivers up for license renewal who have points on their record will be eligible for the eLearning course, available in English, Spanish and Chinese. Drivers whose records meet any of the following conditions are still required to take the knowledge test:

• Two or more accidents during the two years immediately preceding the expiration of the license.

• Three or more accidents during the three years immediately preceding the expiration of the license.

• Requests for copies of vehicle registration records, which show a vehicle’s ownership history.

• Requests for copies of driver’s license records, which show a driver’s history.

• Replacing a lost or stolen driver’s license card.

The DMV continues to improve its website at dmv.ca.gov to make it easier for Californians to take care of business. The department has more than doubled the number of online services from 20 in 2019 to 50 today.

Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

Submitted by California Department of Motor Vehicles Office of Public Affairs.

Majority of Gen Z are of voting age this year—Here are the issues they care about most

Polls show that among the Gen Z cohort, more men tend to lean Republican and more women lean Democrat.

points, while men favored former President Donald Trump by 13 points.

The 2024 presidential election is the first in which the majority of Generation Z—those born between 1997 and 2012 and currently aged between 12 and 27—will be eligible to vote.

Often called Gen Z or Zoomers, the newest generation of voters, aged 18 to 27, tend to have an outlook different from that of older generations.

Gen Zers make up roughly 20% of the U.S. population. But they’re greatly outnumbered in voter registration by older generations:

An April study found that fewer than 40% were registered to vote.

The majority were born after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001; even those born before then were too young to remember much about it. They were in elementary school or younger during the 2008 stock market crash. They were raised alongside technology such as smartphones, with little to no recollection of the world before the internet. They’re tech-savvy, relying on social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and X to communicate and stay in touch. And recently, they’re more politically divided along gender lines than ever before, as women trend toward Democrats while men trend Republican.

A New York Times/Siena poll conducted over the summer found a massive 51-point political divide between men and women aged 18 to 29, including the youngest millennials and the oldest Gen Zers. These women favored Vice President Kamala Harris by 38

When

Young men who spoke to The Epoch Times consistently listed the economy as their biggest concern, regardless of which candidate they supported.

Many young women, particularly those leaning toward Trump, also mentioned the economy. But they were also more likely to list access to abortion or dislike of Trump’s personality as their leading concerns.

With Gen Z on track to have its biggest political impact yet, The Epoch Times spoke to dozens of Gen Z voters across the United States. Here’s what they had to say about the impending contest.

It’s the economy

The economy is the most prominent issue for Gen Z. Trump and Harris voters alike cited financial worries.

Rising grocery and fuel prices due to inflation, taxes, and housing were the preeminent economic concerns they listed. Others referenced jobs.

“I’m going to the grocery store, almost breaking down, because why are five things $70? It doesn’t make sense,” Kaitlyn Glover, an 18-yearold nursing major at Kennesaw State University, told The Epoch Times. She said she is leaning toward Trump.

Glover also mentioned housing costs, saying she was unsure, in the current market, whether she would be able to find an apartment to live off-campus.

“I want to have that first step of getting my own apartment with roommates and splitting the rent. But everything is $1,000 per bedroom,” she said. Many young men listed anxieties,

not only about the current economy but also about their long-term ability to provide for a family.

Nazir Mbami is 17 years old, but he’ll be 18 by Election Day. He plans to vote for Trump, listing two primary concerns: the economy and immigration.

“We are losing jobs, people like me, who are low socioeconomic [status]—people are losing jobs because they’re being filled by people that are ... not supposed to be here,” Mbami said, referencing the mass influx of illegal immigrants under President Joe Biden.

He and others mentioned home ownership as a long-term consideration.

Buying a home is a common source of anxiety among Gen Z. One survey of the cohort found that 54% worry they’ll never be able to own a home, and 80% expect the market to get worse before they can. Mbami referenced the high average salary needed to purchase a home these days.

According to research by Zillow, a $59,000 salary was enough to comfortably afford a mortgage in 2020. Since then, it’s nearly doubled, increasing to $106,000—a difference of $47,000 in just four years.

“That’s not very realistic, especially [for] entry-level,” Mbami said.

Abortion

For many Gen Z women who spoke to The Epoch Times, access to abortion is a leading concern. Several mentioned it as a top issue.

Sarah Chamberlain, president and CEO of The Republican Main Street Partnership, focuses on women voters. She said that abortion laws in some states since the overturning of Roe v. Wade had hurt Republicans with young women, although that group was already heavily Democratic.

Harris has sought to capitalize on a pro-abortion message.

Eighteen-year-old Amon MatarPhilpot, a student at Georgia’s Kennesaw State University, told The Epoch Times that she takes a hardline stance in favor of abortion access under basically all circumstances.

“Even if a woman has an abortion ‘just because,’ that’s her right,” she said. “There’s no way in the world we should be telling people when

they can have an abortion, why they can have an abortion, or what their stance on abortion should be.”

While most men listed the economy as their top issue, a few planning to vote for Harris also listed abortion as a top priority.

Kason Heilman, an 18-year-old IT major at Kennesaw State, said pro-choice concerns were also at the top of his priorities: “Abortion, definitely. And then inflation. Those are probably the two biggest things for me.”

Other young voters made their pro-life sentiments clear.

Natalie Alice, 19, said, “Abortion is not something I would ever do.”

She said abortion isn’t “a gigantic issue” for her in the election.

“I don’t think abortion should be a right, no matter what,” Noah Nesbitt, 18, told The Epoch Times.

Gender divide

Many Gen Zers who spoke to The Epoch Times have noticed the rise in polarization between men and women in their generation— particularly online.

Many Gen Zers also feel increased pressure to hide their political loyalties from friends and family.

An Axios survey of 1,858 registered voters found that Gen Z is the most likely of any generation to be untruthful when discussing their vote, with 48% saying they’ve lied to others about which candidates they support. By contrast, only 23% of all adults surveyed said they had lied about that.

That’s unsurprising, as studies have shown that Gen Z is increasingly opposed to dating people with different political beliefs.

According to The Harris Poll, among the youngest voters— including Gen Z and millennials— about 56% of Republicans say they would date a Democrat, while 42% of young Democrats say they would date a Republican.

They’re also increasingly divided by education. Government statistics show that as of fall 2021, women’s college enrollment exceeded men’s by nearly 20%.

Several young voters linked this rising polarization to social media, where both genders increasingly spend their online time in gendered spaces that appeal primarily to one sex or the other.

Some simply avoid the other sex for the most part.

Outside a Durham, North Carolina, rally for Harris that featured former President Bill Clinton, a young woman weighed in on polarization.

Cassidy, who did not wish to share her last name, waved a Palestinian flag during the event. She said she will vote for Harris despite having misgivings about her foreign policy stances.

“I don’t have a lot of men in my life. The men who are my age are often aligned with myself,” she said, noting that she has older millennial brothers who are “on the more conservative side.”

Gen Z Harris voter Noah Mason thinks gender-based political polarization is a problem.

“Social media plays a big part in it, too,” he said.

Many referenced male-dominated online spaces, pointing to names such as Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, and Joe Rogan—influencers overwhelmingly followed by men.

Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), both made appearances on Rogan’s popular podcast in the final days before the election.

Young women often congregate in more feminist-oriented spaces. Podcasts like “Call Her Daddy” appeal to many young women, and Harris targeted them by making an appearance on the show.

Ryder Shaw, a Trump supporter and student at East Carolina University, said he has observed polarization, including, but not exclusively, along gender lines.

“At least in our generation, it’s definitely become more split,” Shaw said outside an early voting site in Apex, North Carolina.

“Same for the old people,” Shaw’s mother, Trump voter Ashley Anderson, interjected.

She was referring to polarization more broadly and described people unfollowing each other on social media over political disagreements.

Chamberlain chalked up much of the polarization to the different interests each sex has in politics. Women are far more interested in social issues—not only abortion but also race, sex, and sexuality-related issues. Men tend to care more about the economy, and many have been turned off by Democrats’ focus on social issues.

will we know the results? Your election questions answered

Unofficial results will trickle in soon after polls close, but it could take days or even weeks to determine the winner if the results are extremely close.

Lawrence Wilson The Epoch Times

As polls close on Nov. 5, Americans will be eager to learn the result of the presidential election. Sometimes experts are able to accurately predict a winner on election night or early the next day, usually when the result is lopsided.

In close elections, it can take several days—even weeks—to find out who won. Here’s what we’ll be watching on election night, and when both unofficial and official results may be available. What are the battleground states?

Battleground states—also called swing states—are those that will likely determine the which presidential candidate wins the White House, depending which way they swing.

Technically, that’s true of all states. Yet some states have reliably favored one party or the other for decades, so there’s little doubt about who will win in 2024.

This year polling suggests that either presidential candidate could win in Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Watch for results in these states, which are likely to be decisive in the 2024 election. When are results announced?

Expect states to begin announcing results very soon after their polls close, then look for updates throughout the evening.

The Epoch Times website will track election results in real time.

Poll closing times range from 6 p.m. ET in parts of Indiana and Kentucky to midnight ET in Alaska and Hawaii.

Polls close in Georgia at 7

p.m., North Carolina at 7:30 p.m., Pennsylvania and Michigan at 8 p.m., Arizona and Wisconsin at 9 p.m., and Nevada at 10 p.m. All times are stated in Eastern Time.

Those first results are unofficial, or preliminary, results. And early returns can be misleading because they represent a small portion of a state’s voters. Precincts with larger populations generally take longer to count, and mail-in ballots can take longer still because the voter’s identity must be verified. Some states allow for mail-in ballots to arrive and be counted after Election Day.

Who declares the winner?

Some news organizations, such as The Associated Press (AP), have developed systems for forecasting a winner based on initial returns.

According to the AP, that comes down to analyzing the known vote tallies and asking: Is there any scenario in which the trailing candidate can catch up?

When they are satisfied that the answer is no, they project the winner.

Those forecasts are merely predictions, however. Only Congress can declare the winner of a presidential election. More on that below.

Will we know the winner on election night?

Accurately predicting the winner on Election Day is possible only when one candidate leads by a wide margin. If the race is close, as it appears to be this year, it may take days to forecast the results.

In 2016, the AP declared Donald Trump the winner at 2:29 a.m. ET on Nov. 9, less than three hours after the last polls closed.

But in 2020, the AP didn’t declare Joe Biden the winner until 11:26 a.m. ET on Nov. 7, four days

after Election Day.

Many states have worked to speed up the process this year by using ballot-counting machines and implementing rules to allow early votes to be tabulated before Election Day.

In Michigan, for example, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson estimates that unofficial election results will be available by the end of the day on Nov. 6.

In Nevada, where more than three-quarters of votes were cast early in the 2020 election, early vote counting cannot begin until 8 a.m. on Election Day.

What happens if one candidate concedes?

Sometimes a candidate will concede defeat when there appears to be no hope of winning. That can happen as early as election night.

In 2008, John McCain conceded to Barack Obama before midnight on Nov. 4.

In close races, neither candidate may concede for weeks, if at all.

In 2000, Vice President Al Gore initially conceded defeat shortly after the polls closed but retracted his statement when additional returns showed the race in Florida was too close to call.

After losing a court battle concerning the Florida recount, Gore conceded a second time on Dec. 13.

Concession speeches are not legally binding, however. The outcome of a presidential race is determined by the electoral process, not the candidates themselves.

When will the results become official?

States perform an audit—often called a canvass—of the election results before certifying them as accurate and final.

Michigan’s certification is scheduled for Nov. 22 and North Carolina’s for Dec. 26.

The latest date certification can occur in other battleground states is as follows: Georgia, Nov. 23; Nevada, Nov. 26; Wisconsin, Dec. 1; Arizona, Dec. 2.

Pennsylvania does not have a specified state deadline for certification of election results, but governors in all states must issue Certificates of Ascertainment designating electors to the Electoral College by Dec. 11. Electors in each state will meet in their state capitols on Dec. 17 to cast the Electoral College votes. The final certification will occur on Jan. 6, 2025, when the U.S. Congress meets in a joint session to count the electoral votes.

Joseph Lord, Stacy Robinson, Nathan Worcester The Epoch Times

People shop at a grocery store in Columbia, Md., on June 8, 2024. The economy is the most prominent issue to Gen Z, according to those who spoke to The Epoch Times. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Anza, Lake Riverside Estates host spooktacular Halloween celebrations

Diane

Halloween became a days-long event in Anza and Aguanga as Lake Riverside Estates presented

their traditional trunk or treat, games and a pumpkin carving contest Saturday, Oct. 26. The LRE Equestrian Committee hosted a scary Halloween ride around the lake, featuring both horses and

riders in clever costumes Sunday, Oct. 27. Trick-or-treaters converged on downtown Anza for Halloween fun and games Thursday, Oct. 31. Community businesses and

KOYT to raffle unique quilt

The Anza Community Broadcasting KOYT 97.1 LPFM radio station program director Erinne Roscoe reminded listeners about a unique handmade quilt to be raffled off to raise funds for the nonprofit radio station.

Raffle tickets will be available to purchase until the winner is selected at KOYT’s 10th annual meeting next year.

“All raffle donations directly benefit Anza Community Broadcasting KOYT,” said Roscoe. “Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. You don’t have to be present to win.”

The raffle is for a 64 x 76 inch handmade quilt created and generously donated by the Anza Quilters Club. The quilt is Koyote Radio themed - even the stitching is shaped in musical notes. Howling coyotes are featured in a repeating pattern. The nonprofit Anza Quilters Club is a group of women who come together to share their

nonprofit organizations hosted trunk or treats, handing out candy, trinkets and food to costumed goblins, devils and ghosts. Celebrations took place at Minor Park, the business area on Hwy.

371 and the Anza Community Hall. Local businesses such as the Sinclair gas station, Lorraine’s Pet Supply, Pharaoh’s Pyramid

Sieker Staff Writer

A Lego family enjoys the evening at the Lake Riverside Estates Halloween celebration Saturday, Oct. 26.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS

If you have an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com , put “attention events” in the subject line. Readers should call ahead on some listed events for the latest updates. Please also email us if any of these listings have new or updated information. Thank you!

Regular Happenings

Anza Farmers’ Market

Located at 56333 Highway 371, Anza farmers’ market hours are every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8pm through October. Various farmers, musicians, artisans and food vendors set up weekly. Ample parking in the field and lot to the west and east of the field. The market is operated by the High Country Conservancy, a 501(c)(3), and is a California

JULIE REEDER,

MALINA GUGEL,

Editorial

TONY AULT, Staff

DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer

JOE NAIMAN, Ind. Contractor

ROGER BODDAERT, Ind. Contractor

Advertising Sales

JOSEPHINE MACKENZIE ANNA MULLEN

CINDY DAVIS ANDREW REEDER

Production

KARINA YOUNG, Art Director FOREST RHODES, Production Assistant, IT

SAMANTHA GORMAN, Graphic Artist

Digital Services

MARIO MORALES

certified farmers market. Market

Manager Annika Knoppel can be reached at 951-234-1314 or email anzafarmersmarket@gmail.com

Anza Community Hall Swap

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

Mobile Food Pantry – Anza Electric Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers a free mobile food pantry the second Saturday of every month at the AEC office, 58470 Highway 371, from 10:3011:30 a.m. All are welcome. CalFresh application assistance and free community health services are also available. Bring your own reusable bags to take food home. Volunteers welcome. For more information, contact the AEC office at 951-763-4333.

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

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

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

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

Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings

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

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

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

The Most Excellent Way – A Christ-centered recovery program for all kinds of addiction meets once a week on Fridays from 6-8 p.m. Program is court approved. The group meets at Valley Gospel Chapel, located at 43275 Chapman Road, Anza. AA Men’s Meeting – 7 p.m. Meetings take place Thursdays at

39551 Kirby Road in Anza, south of Highway 371.

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

Bereaved Parents of the USA – The Aguanga-Anza Chapter of BPUSA will hold its meetings at 6 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 49109 Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-551-2826.

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

Medication Assistance and Treatment for Opioid Dependence – Get treatment for heroin addiction. Transportation to the clinic is provided. For more information, contact Borrego Health’s Anza Community Health Center, 58581 Highway 371, Anza. For more information, 951763-4759.

Food ministries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shepherd of the Valley

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

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

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

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

High Country 4-H Club – 4 p.m. Meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month, except February, at Anza Community Hall. 4-H Club is for youth 5 to 19 years old offering a variety of projects. High Country 4-H Club is open to children living in the Anza, Aguanga and surrounding areas. For more information, call Allison Renck at 951-663-5452. Anza Valley Artists Meetings – Meetings at 1 p.m. are the third Saturday of each month at various locations. Share art, ideas and participate in shows. Guest speakers are always needed. For more information, call president Rosie Grindle at 951-928-1248. Find helpful art tips at www. facebook.com/AnzaValleyArtists

Anza Quilter’s Club –Meetings are held at 9:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. For more information see our Facebook page or contact Pat Sprint at jpsprint@gmail.com or Ellen Elmore at luvtoquilt2@ gmail.com

Anza Valley Lions Club

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

AnzaLions@gmail.com or Chris Skinner at Secretary.AnzaLions@ gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK

From The Heart announces annual holiday dinner coming Nov. 9

Diane

Sieker Staff Writer

From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries has announced they will be presenting their annual Holiday Dinner Saturday, Nov. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Anza Community Hall.

Tickets for the Holiday Dinner are $20 per couple, or one person for $12 and can be purchased at Mr. Happy’s Mercantile, Hamilton Elementary School or at the door the night of the event.

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Johnny Bones. Traditional Holiday fare will be served.

“The generosity of this town never ceases to amaze us,” said event organizer and promoter Christi James. “The money raised from this dinner goes toward our Christmas Kids gift giveaway event. These donations will go a long way in providing presents for these children. Additionally, From the Heart has an important announcement for the community to be made during the dinner.”

Raffles will be held during the event, with prizes ranging from gift certificates and baskets to flower arrangements, art and decorative items.

“This is a huge fundraiser for From the Heart,” said James. “Please come out and support us. Last year we had almost 600 local children that we purchased

Christmas gifts for, with help from the community.”

Supporters and friends of the children’s charity organization are expected to make this year’s dinner a record fundraising event. “Please come to the dinner and support your community,” said James.

The From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries raises funds to buy Christmas gifts, fill and give away backpacks to school children and assist those local kids that may be disadvantaged, focusing on families and children in need in the mountain communities of Anza, Aguanga, Mountain Center and Idyllwild.

According to James, the From the Heart Christmas toy giveaway will serve almost 700 children this year.

Fundraising events are held throughout the year to help collect money to aid these worthy causes.

Rummage sales, luncheons, raffles and of course, the annual From the Heart Holiday Dinner.

To learn more about the From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries write to: From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries, PO Box 391224, Anza, Ca. 92539.

The Anza Community Hall is located at 56630 CA-371 in Anza.

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

[Right] From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries’ event organizer Christi James carves a ham during the nonprofit’s annual Holiday Dinner last year.

Anza Valley Outlook/GeriLyn Blanton Mellin photo

Sheriff’s Blotter

Diane

Sieker Staff Writer

The Anza Valley Outlook

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

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

All calls listed are for service within the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction in the unincorporated areas of Anza, Lake Riverside Estates, Cahuilla and Aguanga from Oct. 28 through Nov. 3. Oct. 28

Public assist - 4400 block Honeyheart Ln., Anza, handled by deputy Public disturbance - 4900 block Evening Star Trl., Anza, handled by deputy Civil dispute - 5600 block Volkmann Rd./Hill St., Anza, handled by deputy

Suspicious person - 4300 block Filanc Ranch Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Oct. 29

Vehicle theft - 4300 block Bogota Rd./Bailey Rd., Anza, report taken Public assist - 5200 block Mount Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Area check - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Oct. 30

Disoriented subject - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Trespassing - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Oct. 31

Parking violation - 3700 block Bonita Vista Rd., Anza, report taken Harassing phone calls - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy Unlawful entry - 000 block Rolling Hills Rd., Anza, handled by deputy

Follow-up - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy Danger to self/other - 5800 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy Fraud - 3900 block Cary Rd., Anza, unfounded

Petty theft - 4300 block El Campo Rd., Anza, report taken Assist other departmentaddress undefined, Anza, handled

The Sheriff’s Blotter enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities. by deputy Nov. 1

Civil dispute - 4400 block Tule Fire Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Disoriented subject - 4000 block Lake Riverside Dr., Lake Riverside, handled by deputy Arson - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Assist other departmentaddress undefined, Anza, handled by deputy

Suspicious circumstance - 4800

block Dirt Rd., Anza, report taken Vandalism - 4300 block Cary Rd., Cahuilla, report taken

Follow-up - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy Trespassing - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Runaway child - 4100 block Heller Springs Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Nov. 2 Noise complaint - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Noise complaint - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Shots fired - 3800 block Manzanita Mountain Ln., Anza,

handled by deputy Public assist - 5400 block Bautista Canyon Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Civil dispute - 5700 block Mitchell Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Alarm call - 5600 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy Nov. 3 Civil dispute - 3900 block Tamscott Dr., Anza, handled by deputy Public disturbance - 3900 3900 block Tamscott Dr., Anza, handled by deputy

Valley

No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content provided in the Sheriff’s Blotter. Residents with information regarding any crimes are encouraged to contact the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at 951-791-3400. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, 909-987-5005 or https://wetip.com.

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

Anza

Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

HALLOWEEN from page D-1

Shop and Once Upon A Thread thrift store provided special treats for the holiday celebrants. Sacred Heart Catholic Church had a table out front full of bowls of candy. Overland Realty hosted a haunted Farmer’s Market, with a scarecrow, live entertainment and booths galore. Residents in the Anza Valley always enjoy Halloween and this year brought out the very best in costumes, goodies and downhome spooktacular fun.

Community businesses and many other nonprofit organizations hosted trunk or treats, handed out candy and food and presented fun, games and costume contests at Minor Park, the business area on Hwy. 371 and the Anza Community Hall on Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31.

Anza residents participate in Halloween and this year brought out the very best in costumes, goodies and downhome spooktacular fun.

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

Michelle Robinson and her skeletal mount prepare for the Lake Riverside Estates Equestrian Committee’s Scary Halloween ride around the lake Sunday, Oct. 27. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Many trunk or treat displays are set up along the Lake Riverside Estates Pavillion Saturday, Oct. 26.

Colorful displays invite trick or treaters to sample treats at the Lake Riverside Estates Halloween celebration.

Residents go all-out for the Lake Riverside Estates Halloween celebration Saturday.

Thing 1 and Thing 2 horses arrive at the Lake Riverside Estates Equestrian Committee’s Scary Halloween ride around the lake on Sunday.

Skeletons abound at the Lake Riverside Estates Halloween celebration Saturday.

Trick or treaters in costumes parade through the trunk displays at the Lake Riverside Estates Halloween celebration Saturday.

[Left] Costume contest contestants line up on stage for judging at Minor Park during

from page D-1

passion for quilting.

Traditionally, they create a large quilt every year to raffle off in order to raise funds for charitable community organizations. In addition to their own raffle quilt, the ladies hand-stitched a unique quilt for the radio station to use in their own fundraising efforts.

“We will be pulling the winner of this beautiful quilt at our 10th Anniversary Annual Membership Meeting in June, 2025,” said Roscoe. “You can buy your raffle tickets from any KOYT volunteer, at Lorraine’s Pet Supply or Overland Realty.”

According to Roscoe, every dollar raised helps and all proceeds directly benefit the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all volunteer community radio station. The organization depends on donations

from businesses and community members to keep the radio station broadcasting on the Anza airwaves. The mission of Anza Community Broadcasting KOYT 97.1 LPFM radio is to provide an inclusive public broadcasting forum to educate, inform and entertain the local community. For more information about the radio station or the quilt raffle, call 951-763-5698, email info@ koyt971.org, visit them at https:// www.facebook.com/koyt97.1 or https://koyt971.org/.

For more information about the Anza Quilters Club, please contact Pat Sprint at jpsprint@gmail. com or call her at 951-916-1696, or Ellen Elmore at luvtoquilt2@ gmail.com or 951-473-3234.

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

QUILT

Friends of the Anza Community Library set up shop at the haunted Farmer’s Market at Overland Realty Thursday, Oct. 31.

Baby greets pony at the haunted Farmer’s Market at Overland Realty Thursday.

Frightening beings lurk at the haunted Farmer’s Market at Overland Realty.

Once Upon A Thread thrift store features a pirate theme this year during Halloween celebrations in Anza Thursday.

Sean Titel gallops along during Halloween celebrations in Anza Thursday.

Pharoah’s Pyramid Shop goes all out to treat the children during Halloween celebrations in Anza Thursday.

Ian Evans guides pedestrians across the street dressed as a shark during Halloween celebrations in Anza Thursday.

Halloween celebrations in Anza.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Even the furry critters partake in the festivities at the Lake Riverside Estates Halloween celebration Saturday, Oct. 26. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Heather Graff, left, and Erinne Roscoe entertain guests at the KOYT 97.1 LPFM Community Radio booth at the haunted Farmer’s Market at Overland Realty Thursday, Oct. 31.

Trunk displays line the highway in downtown Anza during the Halloween celebrations Thursday.

Firefighters at Station 29 hand out candy during Halloween celebrations in Anza, Oct. 31.

Nancy Yarrow sports her witch costume perfectly during Halloween celebrations in Anza Thursday.

Children create spooky cookies at the Community Hall during Halloween celebrations in Anza Oct. 26 to Oct. 31.

Trick or treaters converge on the Community Hall during Halloween celebrations in Anza the last October weekend.

Costume contest contestants await their turn at the festivities at Minor Park during Halloween celebrations in Anza Thursday.