Valley News - December 29, 2023

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2023 December 29, 2023 – January 4, 2024

VISI T myvalleynews.com

Volume 23, Issue 52

Year in review through photos

Revisit 2023 through the lens of staff photographer Shane Gibson starting on page A-2.

Rancho Water board reelects President John Rossi and Senior Vice President Brian Brady

Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Community leader lauded for his ‘golden deeds’

John Rossi, President.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Brian Brady, Senior Vice President.

INDEX

TEMECULA — The Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water/District) Board of Directors unanimously re-elected John Rossi as President and Brian Brady as Senior Vice President on Dec. 14 for a one-year term beginning in January 2024.

President Rossi has served on the Rancho Water Board of Directors since 2019, and as the Senior Vice President of the Board during 2022. Director Rossi currently serves as the alternate on the Planning and Administration Committee. Additionally, he is a member of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Federal Affairs Committee, and in 2019 was appointed to the Urban Water Institute Board of Directors. Mr. Rossi has been a Temecula resident since 1993 and has over 29 years

Vince Record, center, this year’s recipient of the Book of Golden Deeds is joined by the Exchange Club’s treasurer and past president Tom Wilson, left, and current president James Salvador.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

see RANCHO, page A-2

see DEEDS, page A-4

Anza Valley Outlook ......... D-1 Business ............................C-5 Business Directory .............C-5 Calendar of Events .............B-2 Classifieds .........................C-7 Education ..........................B-6 Entertainment ...................B-1 Health ...............................B-5 Home & Garden ................B-4 Local ................................A-1 National News ...................C-7 Regional News ...........C-6, D-5 Sports ................................C-1

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News Each year, the Hemet-San Jacinto Exchange Club chooses a recipient of its “Book of Golden Deeds” and on Dec. 8, Vincent Record was awarded the 56th one.

Currently the Director of CTE and Special Programs for San Jacinto Unified School District, he has been a leader in the San Jacinto

Valley for many years. He joined the Exchange Club in 1986 and said he enjoys being part of a group that truly cares about the community and has given their time and resources to benefit the community.

“With a focus on God, country and youth, the Exchange Club aligns with my personal values,” Record said. “Many of our most impactful projects have been start-

ing the nursing program at MSJC in the early 80s, building Searl Park for Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District, and coordinating community resources to assist in the building of the Valley-Wide Aquatic Center at Diamond Valley Lake.”

The Weekend and Autumn Elegance are the Exchange Club’s

Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

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LOCAL JANUARY 2023

Pow wow dancers from all over the country begin to enter the area during the Pechanga Pow Wow grand entry, Jan. 6.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

FEBRUARY 2023

Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank welcomes guests to the French Valley Parkway Phase II project groundbreaking ceremony, Feb. 14.

RANCHO from page A-1 in the water industry, including serving as the General Manager at Western Municipal Water District for 13 years.

“I appreciate the Board’s confidence in electing me to continue as President for a second term, and congratulate Senior Vice President Brady on his re-election,” said President Rossi. “I am honored to continue in this role as Rancho Water moves forward with innovative water sustainability and infrastructure projects benefiting our community.”

Senior Vice President Brady was elected to Rancho Water’s Board in November 2020. He is the Chairman of the Planning and Administration Committee and the alternate on the Finance and Audit Committee. Additionally, Brady represents Rancho Water

by serving as the first alternate agency representative for the California Association of Sanitation Agencies. He served as General Manager of the Fallbrook Public Utility District and has over 40 years of engineering and executive management experience in both the public and private sectors of western electric and water utilities.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as the Board’s Senior Vice President for Rancho Water, and I look forward to continuing in this position,” stated Senior Vice President Brady. “It is my privilege to support President Rossi and the rest of the Board as Rancho Water navigates important water issues.”

Rancho Water congratulates President Rossi and Senior Vice President Brady on their re-elections.

Submitted by Rancho California Water District.

Temecula Valley Unified School District announces a Governing Board of Education Vacancy; It is now accepting applications for provisional appointment consideration.

For details, see the legal notice on page D-7.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

EMWD approves San Jacinto Commerce Center water supply assessment Joe Naiman Writer

The Eastern Municipal Water District approved the water supply assessment for the San Jacinto Commerce Center specific plan.

The EMWD board voted 4-0 Dec. 20, with Jeff Armstrong absent, to authorize the water supply assessment which addresses whether the projected normal, single dry year, and multiple dry year expected supply over a 20year period can meet the demand for the project along with existing and other planned projects. The water supply assessment will be incorporated into the Environmental Impact Report for the project.

Shea Properties is the developer of the San Jacinto Commerce Center specific plan project while the City of San Jacinto is the lead agency for the EIR. The San Jacinto Commerce Center specific plan would de-

velop 448 acres on a 514-acre site at the southwest corner of Ramona Boulevard and Sanderson Avenue.

The development would have one of two potential configurations.

One potential configuration would consist entirely of light industrial and warehouse land uses.

The other option would replace a portion of the light industrial and warehouse land use with cold storage. The rest of the project land would be utilized for drainage channels and a water quality basin, including approximately 25 acres which may be irrigated.

Eastern’s most recent Urban Water Management Plan which was adopted in June 2021 anticipated that the land would have public facilities, low-density residential, and medium-density residential land uses. The estimated annual demand based on those uses would be 1,085.69 acre-feet. If the cold storage option is utilized the esti-

mated annual water demand would be 916.40 acre-feet. Cold storage would have higher water demands than industrial and warehouse land use only, so the option with the higher demand was used to indicate that Eastern will be able to provide adequate water supplies to meet the projected water demand.

The Urban Water Management Plan forecasts anticipated supplies and demand in five-year increments through 2045, when the district is expected to provide service to approximately 1,131,300 people. The projected EMWD demand is 204,800 acre-feet in 2025 and 239,200 acre-feet in 2045.

The specific facilities needed to serve the San Jacinto Commerce Center specific plan development will be addressed in the project’s design conditions phase.

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

December 29, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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LOCAL MARCH 2023

A remnant section of the Butterfield Trail is seen as the main trail that stretches across the length of Vail Headquarters in Temecula. The Butterfield Trail was granted the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Designation.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

One arrested at Menifee DUI/driver’s license checkpoint MENIFEE – The Menifee Police Department screened 743 vehicles Saturday, Dec. 16, during a DUI/ driver’s license checkpoint in Menifee. The checkpoint was held on Scott Road near Lindenberger Road from approximately 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Of the 743 screened vehicles, 54 ve-

hicles were stopped and 23 citations written. One driver was stopped and arrested for DUI near the end of the checkpoint.

Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests.

The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote

public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired. Any driver can make the decision not to drink and drive by simply not doing it.

Impaired driving remains a top safety concern for the residents of Menifee and the Menifee Police Department as well. Please drink

responsibly and avoid the hefty fines of a DUI arrest.

The Menifee Police Department will hold more DUI/driver’s license checkpoints in 2024, dates will be announced in the near future; however, additional officers will be on DUI patrol Friday, Dec. 29, from 7

p.m. to 3 a.m.

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Submitted by Menifee Police Department.

Join us for a

Community Meeting February 7, 2024 Meeting 5-6pm in the Temecula City Hall Conference Center 41000 Main St, Temecula

We would like input from the community for the design and development of the new trails planned at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park.

TemeculaCA.gov Follow Us on Social Media @CityofTemecula

41000 Main Street, Temecula, CA 92590 951-694-6444 or 888-TEMECULA | TTY: 951-308-6344

Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

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LOCAL APRIL 2023

U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Bob Martinez searches for his fallen comrades on the The Wall That Heals Vietnam War traveling memorial during its exhibit at Miller Jones Menifee Memorial Park, April 8.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

DEEDS from page A-1 two main fundraisers each year.

Additionally, members set up 1776 flags at Gibbel Park every Veteran’s Day and the club annually provides more than 20 scholarships for high school seniors in Hemet and San Jacinto.

Club treasurer Tom Wilson, who is also a past president, said the purpose of the Book of Golden Deeds award is to honor a living person who has given unselfishly for the betterment of his/

her friends and neighbors without thought of acclaim or recognition.

It is the objective of the Exchange Club to seek out, solicit information and honor this individual.

Without this type of award many “golden deeds” would go unnoticed, and the individual would not be recognized.

By way of introduction of the honoree, Exchange Club member and Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District General Manager Dean Wetter shared a few words, as did a few others. “Tonight, we

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Regional News $1.1M paid to resolve ransomware attack on San Bernardino County

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Got Talent

composition ivories with an original respectively. Lorena and a standard, dancers from Diane A. Rhodes News Hancock presentedof Menifee and Special to Valley Folklorico Got Talent Ballet performed a classic The annual Menifee’s dancers Jasmine Lliescu Esparza led singers, ballet number. Emanuel took event showcasing from all genres, a jazz combo and Grace Kyte at and musicians band Name in-person event vocals for the rock returned as an performing lead Liberty High School’s5. Hundreds Pending. a musical May The evening provided arts theater on Joseph Luna members audience storm as 10-year-old of enthusiastic with his by a wide variety huge applause were entertained two-hour show Jr. brought a Journey song and the rendition of of acts during brought the house Council Menifee. presented by Arts Gabby Nicoll, Hannah Butleroriginal composition down with an Singers were Hannah Butler “Ok, Ok.” by Joseph Luna Jr., Ramos, Richard she titled launched rst fi When it was (with guitar), J.R. Park and CharMenifee in 2011, Arts Council Ketcham, Christine a compe(duet), DeAndre Got Talent was reality maine Summers Woisin, Aryana Menifee’s the popular tition, similar to ACM President Pullen, Audrey Forys, David shows.

Campos, Abishay Carpenter (with television r Colleen and MGT Coordinato the Mallery, Raymond Moroz, Benjamin Ackerman said she initiated guitar), Daniella Mona. page A-7 Cooper and AngelaJames Schaffer see TALENT, Menifee’s Got Talent, at the very first Pianists Aaron the appeared tickled tune. having Shawcroft an original Hannah Butler, Rhodes photo and Barbara on May 5, performing Valley News/Diane A. returns to its stage

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Real Estate ................... C-7 Regional News .............C-1 Sports ...................

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celebrate not just an individual, but the very best spirit of our community,” he said. “We honor someone who hasn’t just lived here but has woven themselves into the fabric of our lives, strengthening it with every thread of his dedication, compassion and unwavering spirit.”

Wetter said many years ago, when he returned to Valley-Wide, Record was one of the first people to welcome him home. “In true spirit, he was welcoming and patient in getting me up to speed with our collective programs,” he said.

“This is his trait that he has done for so many as a true leader. It is my experience that Vince is one of those people that comes into your life and as of the first minute you meet him, it was as if you were lifelong friends.”

He went on to list Record’s numerous and impactful achievements, saying, “You haven’t sought accolades, but your actions have spoken volumes. You’ve led by quiet example, showing us that the greatest reward lies in the collective good. You’ve reminded us that even the busiest hands can find the time to lift others up to a brighter tomorrow.”

Directing his next comments to Record directly, Wetter said, “Vince, you haven’t just accomplished, you’ve inspired; you haven’t just spoken, you’ve given voice and mentored; you haven’t just given, you’ve taught us the profound act of giving back with infections enthusiasm; and finally, you’ve shown us that being part of the community isn’t just a label, it’s a verb. It’s about rolling up your sleeves in the quiet courage of everyday acts. This award is a reflection of the countless lives you’ve touched. I feel that I can speak on behalf of everyone here when I say that we applaud you, we salute you and we are inspired by you.”

After thunderous applause, Record humbly prefaced his acceptance speech by saying, “If you look at the past recipients listed in your program starting in 1967 (with Fred Creen), you will see a history of community servants, and there are many in this room that have made significant contributions to our community over the course of their lifetimes and are just as deserving, if not more so.

I consider tonight a celebration of all of us that truly love our valley.”

Record was raised in San Jacinto and was the third generation in his family to graduate from San Jacinto High School and the third generation to manage the Record Rancho dairy farm that began in 1922. In a speech sprinkled with “dad” jokes and other examples of his well-known sense of humor, he said, “In the span of 15 years, I successfully turned two thriving dairy operations, one in Texas and one in San Jacinto, into nonprofit organizations.”

This led him to seek a new career path and through his community involvement with the Exchange Club and its connections, Record was able to begin working for the San Jacinto Unified School District, where he has remained for the past 28 years.

“The field of education transformed my life,” Record said. “Not only did I get a check every month regardless of the weather, economy or acts of God, but it led me to my soulmate, Susan. Despite the fact that we were both divorced, we each had two daughters, we were both in education, and we both loved being outdoors, it was tough trying to date Susan. She was a teacher, so every time I tried to ask her out, she made me raise my hand and ask for permission to speak. If I messed up, she would call my mom. As a matter of fact, my mom should be expecting a call soon. Just the other day Susan

complained that I never buy her flowers. Heck, I didn’t even know she sold flowers! But seriously, when I met Susan it was love at first sight, but to quote Tom Wilson, ‘It took her a little longer.’”

Record said their marriage of 20 years resulted in a blended family with three sons-in-law and seven grandchildren. He added that all of their children have become successful, independent adults.

He said he hopes his children and grandchildren present at the event were able to get a glimpse of how special it is to be part of this community and “that they can forgive me for the many games and events I’ve missed and understand why I missed them.”

“My passion for community service was the result of being raised in a family that loved this valley and the people in it,” Record said.

“My grandfather Clayton Sr., my father Bill, mother Janice, Uncle Clayton, and my siblings and cousins were all involved in the community. My late brother Bill Jr. even spent some quality time with local law enforcement.”

He went on to say, “As I look around this room, I see many community servants that I have been lucky enough to call friends.

My career has allowed me to work alongside many of you in organizations that support our community while honoring God, country and youth.”

In closing, he dedicated the evening to his sister Terri’s late husband Rich, who passed away unexpectedly in June. “He was a proud Marine, a great father and husband and a great friend,” Record said. “He supported every event I was involved with and was the first to volunteer to help anyone in need. Please always remember the sacrifices of our servicemen and women that allow us to enjoy evenings such as this.”

Emergency sewer leak response by EVMWD prioritizes safety

LAKE ELSINORE – In an immediate response to an urgent situation the night of Monday, Dec. 18, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District addressed a sewer leak near Village Way and Canyon Lake Drive South, triggered by a 10-inch underground sewer pipe failure.

Unfortunately, some of the released sewage entered the lake in the vicinity of the East Bay causeway. It has prompted EVMWD to collaborate closely with the Canyon Lake Property Owners’ Association, working together to implement water safety measures and enforce precautionary closures of Happy Camp, Sunset and Holi-

day Harbor beaches.

Greg Thomas, general manager of EVMWD, extended sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused, emphasizing the district’s commitment to resolving the situation.

“At EVMWD, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our community members,” Thomas said. “We deeply regret the impact of the sewer leak, and we appreciate the understanding of our residents. We are actively working with the Canyon Lake POA to ensure safety measures are in place. I commend our team’s dedication to resolving this situation promptly.”

EVMWD is actively gathering

water samples in partnership with Canyon Lake POA, and an announcement regarding the status of the beach closures is anticipated by the week’s end.

If there is an emergency, residents are recommended to reach out to our operations dispatch at 951-674-3146 within regular hours. For assistance after hours, residents can contact 951-6743146, Option 7.

The district is committed to providing timely updates as the situation unfolds and expresses gratitude for the ongoing support and patience of the community.

Submitted by Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.

December 29, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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LOCAL MAY 2023

Hundreds of people fill the spectator area in front of the Pala Casino Spa Resort main stage as the gates open for Saturday night entertainment at the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival, May 25.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

JUNE 2023

From left, Alylah Salgado, 9, Adona Salgado, Abigail Garcia, 13, and Darla Moss, 10, work on making a pinch pot taught by Tony Soares at the Cahuilla Gathering & Earth Day event in Anza, June 24.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

S.A.G.E. Society of Hemet to present the life and career of Erle Stanley Gardner HEMET – The S.A.G.E. Society of Hemet will host Mindy Johnson, presenting “The Life and Career of Erle Stanley Gardner,” in a program originally developed by the late Steve Williamson of the Temecula Valley Historical Society.

The presentation will take place Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the Ramona Room behind Miller-Jones Mortuary. The SAGE Society stands for “Search for Adventure in Greater Education.”

Johnson became interested in history while living in Fremont, where she volunteered as a docent at a local museum. When she and her husband relocated to the Temecula area, she joined the Temecula Valley Historical Society. She also became a volunteer docent at the Temecula Valley Museum and recently was rewarded with a parttime position.

Erle Stanley Gardner was a Temecula resident, and the prolific pulp fiction writer was best known for creating the fictional lawyer,

Perry Mason.

When he was young, Gardner supported himself as a boxer and as a promoter of illegal wrestling matches. Eventually, fate was to intervene. While working as a typist in a California law office, he became intrigued by the subject and decided to make it his profession.

In the early 20th century, lawyers did not attend law school but gained their education via practical experience. Law school was for those who intended to teach the law or to become judges. Without formal instruction, Gardner passed the bar examination and was admitted to the California Bar in 1911, opening his first law office in Merced, when he was 21 years old.

In the early 1920s, Gardner began writing for the pulp fiction magazines under the pseudonym Charles M. Green, the first of many pen names he would use during his career. Gardner wrote strictly for the money, but he had a flair for it and his mystery short stories were

popular and proved highly saleable.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Gardner “wrote nearly 100 detective and mystery novels that sold more than 1,000,000 copies each, making him easily the best-selling American writer of his time.”

Gardner established himself as a major contributor to the Black Mask, the most famous of all the pulp magazines. After the Great Depression set in, Gardner began writing western stories for a penny a word. Perry Mason debuted in 1933 with two stories, “The Case of the Velvet Claws” and “The Case of the Sulky Girl.” These books proved to be instantly popular, and the first Perry Mason film, “The Case of the Howling Dog,” was made the next year by Warner Bros.-First National, with Warren William as Perry Mason. At RKO the following year, Richard Dix played Gardner’s detective Bill Fenwick in the B-movie “Special Investigator.” Meanwhile, back at

Warner Brothers, Ricardo Cortez reprised the role of Perry Mason in “The Case of the Velvet Claws” in 1936. In “The Case of the Black Cat” in 1936, the series was relegated to the studio’s B-unit.

After 1940, his work would never again appear on the big screen, though Perry Mason was to achieve immortality on the small screen as they became ubiquitous in American homes. “Perry Mason,” which had some success as a radio show on CBS, moved to television in a one-hour format in 1957 and was a smash hit. The series ran until actor Raymond Burr, the definitive small-screen attorney, tired of the role in 1966.

As a lawyer, Gardner became the bane of the legal establishment when he helped co-founding The Case Review Committee, which is colloquially known as the Court of Last Resort, a professional association of concerned lawyers who sought to investigate and reopen cases wherein a person might have

been wrongly convicted of a serious crime. The Mystery Writers of America bestowed its prestigious Fact Crime Edgar Award on Gardner in 1952, for his non-fiction book “The Court of Last Resort,” which detailed one of the court’s first investigations.

Gardner died March 11, 1970, at his home, Rancho del Paisano, in Temecula. His last Perry Mason mystery, “The Case of the Postponed Murder,” was published in 1973; however, the popularity of his Perry Mason character lives on. A new “Perry Mason” series, starring Matthew Rhys, returned to television in 2020 and continues to this day.

The S.A.G.E. Society will meet Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 1:30 p.m. for social time and at 2 p.m. for the presentation at the Ramona Room behind Miller-Jones Mortuary, 1501 W. Florida Ave. in Hemet.

Parking is in the rear. The public is welcome to attend.

Submitted by S.A.G.E. Society.

Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

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LOCAL Menifee updates JULY 2023 on street projects and construction MENIFEE - The city has project and construction updates to share with the community. For a current list of street projects and construction updates, visit our interactive mobile and web map at www. cityofmenifee.us/traffic.

Holland Road Overpass – City Capital Improvement Project The City is actively performing work related to the Holland Road Overpass project. Holland Road between Hanover Lane and Antelope Road will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to last 15 months. For additional information and to sign up for project updates, visit www. hollandoverpass.com.

Briggs Road (North of Highway 74) - Street Improvements AAA will begin street improvements on Briggs Road (north of Highway 74) on Thursday, December 21.

Traffic control will be in place and flaggers present during the duration of the project. The project is anticipated to be completed the first week in January.

Case and Matthews Roads at Antelope and Palomar Roads - Guardrail Replacement Project Public Works crews have completed guardrail work on Case and Matthews Roads at Antelope and Palomar Roads. Traffic lanes are now open in all directions.

Southern California Edison – Quail Valley at Palm Road Southern California Edison crews have completed the utility work on Palm Drive in Quail Valley. Traffic lanes are now open in all directions.

Bradley Road at Holland Road – Storm Drain/Sewer Construction Work Sewer and storm drain facilities are currently being installed adjacent to Holland Road as part of the Menifee 80 residential housing tract. This project is under active construction and motorists should expect intermittent traffic control and lane shifts on Holland Road during construction.

For questions on the project/ construction updates listed, please contact Philip Southard, Public Information and Legislative Affairs Officer, at (951) 746-0654 or at psouthard@cityofmenifee.us.

Submitted by the City of Menifee.

Murrieta to host a City Hall Citizens Academy MURRIETA – The city of Murrieta is offering a City Hall Citizens Academy starting in February 2024. This free program will showcase the inner workings of City Hall to the community. Throughout the academy, participants will hear from all the city departments including the city manager’s office, public safety, economic development and community services departments, learning what they do and how that work impacts the community. It’s also a chance to meet city leaders, ask questions and become a more informed resident.

“We are excited to open up City Hall so residents can see the inner workings of the organization,” City Manager Kim Summers said.

“When residents are knowledgeable about the city and engaged with their local government, the entire community benefits.”

The program will launch the morning of Saturday, Feb. 3, followed by Thursday nights through Thursday, March 21.

After the completion of the academy, graduates will receive a certificate and special recognition at a City Council meeting Tuesday, April 2.

This academy is designed for Murrieta residents, business owners and employees of businesses within the city. Special accommodations may be made for participants under the age of 18.

Space is limited to 25 participants. Early registration is encouraged. To sign up and for more information, visit https://www. murrietaca.gov/945/CitizensAcademy or call 951-461-6449.

Submitted by the city of Murrieta.

Nick Stearns, founding principal at Kathryn Newport Middle School, gives a tour inside the new school’s library and media center during the school ribboncutting ceremony, July 26.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

AUGUST 2023

People attending the topping-out ceremony for the Inland Valley Medical Center expansion construction sign their names and messages on a white I-beam that will be placed at the highest point of the seven-story building’s construction, Aug. 8.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

SEPTEMBER 2023

Motorcyclists arrive at Doffo Winery in Temecula as they make their second to the last stop while participating in the 17-day, cross-country Motorcycle Cannonball, Sept. 24. The group of nearly 100 riders departed Virginia Beach, Sept. 7, riding vintage bikes from 1933 or older.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

December 29, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

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LOCAL OCTOBER 2023

Dozens of people pray and stand in support of Israel during a candlelight vigil for Israel at the Temecula Duck Pond, Oct. 10.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Santa Claus drops out the sky for many military service member families at Skydive Perris Tony Ault Staf f Writer Santa Claus in his red suit and white beard dropped out of the sky Sunday, Dec. 17, to greet dozens of children from local military families where children picked from hundreds of toys and gifts distributed by the MilVet Holiday for Heroes event hosted at the skydiving center Skydive Perris.

MilVet volunteers have been soliciting new toy and gift donations from local businesses and residents for months, all resulting in the toy distribution event providing a joyful and happy Christmas holiday for the area’s underserved military families and their children.

Not only did the children from more than 200 area military families enjoy picking up bags of Christmas gifts, but also enjoyed a taco bar, hot cocoa bar, snacks, desserts and craft making stations.

Families from both active onleave military service members and retired veterans were a part of the event held at Skydive Perris, 2091 Goetz Road in Perris.

The attendees watched the many skydivers descend out of the sky in colorful parachutes while others carefully folded their chutes once on the ground. The skydiving demonstrations were not unlike the skydiving many military members are trained to do in their jobs protecting the nation.

“It is for children of military families facing special circumstances since their parents may be deployed, passed away or have financial difficulties,” Raven Hilden, founder and CEO of MilVet said. “They have signed up with their wish list for toys we have collected in the communities.”

She said each child receives a bag of gift cards and toys from their wish list along with enjoying craft making, a taco bar, crafts, hot cocoa and other refreshments during the afternoon activities. In addition to receiving their wish list bags of toys, they can visit with Santa and after that pickup another gift from the hundreds on the tables surrounding Santa.

Twice that day, Santa dropped from a borrowed Skydive Perris airplane high above the Perris Airfield to the cheers of the many children and their parents. Other Skydive Perris and Air Force aircraft filled with skydivers took off and landed on the airfield just as the skydivers landed a safe distance away.

Hilden said MilVet has been doing the Holiday for Heroes gift

A smiling Santa Claus, after parachuting out of the sky at Skydive Perris for the MilVet Holiday for Heroes event, hears from the children of the Jessica Skillman military family, Joshua, 17 months and Ashelyn, 12.

Raven Hilden, founder and CEO of MilVet, and her staff check in a military family with their children at the Holiday for Heroes gift giveaway event at Skydive Perris.

Valley News/Tony Ault photos

On leave U.S. Marine Flo McGregor with her children Skylar, 4, and Riley, 6, make Christmas Tree ornaments as part of the craft making portion of the MilVet Holiday for Heroes event. Both McGrego parents Flo and Paul from Murrieta are on leave from the U.S. Marine Corps.

The Gingerbread Man and the Grinch also show up at the MilVet Holiday for Heroes event to surprise and delight the military family children. giveaway for the past six years, but it was the first time having it at Skydive Perris.

MilVet is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting the community to local, low-cost and free comprehensive resources through community organizational outreach and providing philanthropic programs to enrich the lives of veterans, seniors and

families in the community. Each month MilVet sends off care packages to deployed military members each month with nutritious items, hygiene items and letters of support and encouragement.

For more information about MilVet and its upcoming programs, visit http://milvet.org.

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

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

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LOCAL Menifee woman awarded $11.2M verdict in Armstrong v.

Lifecare Centers of America case

NOVEMBER 2023

Valley News staf f

In a closely watched case, a Riverside County jury has awarded Kathleen Armstrong, a former employee of Lifecare Centers of America Inc., a total verdict of $11,183,000 in a lawsuit filed against her former employer.

The case, Armstrong v. Lifecare Centers of America Inc. revolved around allegations of wrongful termination, defamation, unpaid overtime and punitive damages.

Kathleen Armstrong, 58, had been employed at a skilled nursing facility in Menifee that is owned and operated by LCCA since March 1997. LCCA, headquartered in Cleveland, Tennessee, operates more than 200 skilled nursing facilities across 28 states, including California.

Armstrong worked for LCCA for 21 years, primarily serving as the admissions director of the Menifee facility. Her responsibilities included marketing, admissions and ensuring the facility was suitable for residents based on their care needs. She was well-regarded as an exemplary employee throughout her tenure.

Her direct supervisor for the last 13 years of her employment was Rodger Groves, executive director of the facility.

The lawsuit stemmed from events following the admission of Armstrong’s father to the Menifee LCCA facility in May 2018. Armstrong discovered and reported incidents of neglect, malnourishment, falls and ultimately, her father’s septic condition due to the facility’s failure to provide proper care, leading to his untimely death.

According to a news release from Armstrong’s attorneys at the BOHM Law Group, “In May 2018, Mrs. Armstrong’s father, Frank Ward, required care in her facility after a fall in his home.

Mrs. Armstrong was approved to admit her father into the facility for rehabilitation and general care. During the course of his stay in the Menifee LCCA facility, Mrs. Armstrong discovered and reported to Mr. Groves that her father was left in a soiled diaper because there was not sufficient staff to assist Mr. Ward in using the toilet. Mrs. Armstrong also discovered and reported that her father’s dietary requirements were not met for several days leaving Mr. Ward malnourished. Just days later, Mrs. Armstrong reported that she was not informed of a fall her father experienced in the facility even though she suspected a fall occurred and directly asked the care team if a fall occurred, which they initially denied. After demanding ‘fall precautions’ for her father, the facility provided some but not all safety precautions for a fall risk. Days later, Mrs. Armstrong complained that Mr. Ward experienced another fall, his sitter (a care team member assigned to watch Mr. Ward) fell asleep while watching media on a mobile device. On June 3, 2018, less than a month after Mr. Ward’s admission, he became septic after aspirating chunks of hamburger meat into his lungs due to the facility’s failure to provide puréed food as required

by Mr. Ward’s dietary orders. Mr.

U.S. Army veteran Si Rangel is the grand marshal for the Murrieta Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

DECEMBER 2023

Abby Reinke Elementary School students unveil an Apple Distinguished School banner that will be displayed at the school, Dec. 8. Abby Reinke Elementary School was chosen by Apple Inc. for their Distinguished School designation for their innovation in education through technology.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo Ward was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital where he died hours later. The hospital doctor advised Mrs. Armstrong and her two sisters that the facility’s neglect caused the death of their father and that the matter would be reported to the California Department of Health.”

Subsequently, Armstrong was suspended and later terminated

by LCCA, allegedly for making critical comments about the facility’s care and for supposed theft of confidential medical records.

These allegations were disputed

by Armstrong and her legal team.

The jury unanimously sided with Armstrong, rejecting the defense’s claims. They found that her protected activities contributed to her termination and that 15 false statements had been made about

her, damaging her reputation.

Furthermore, the jury unanimously determined that punitive damages were warranted due to whistleblower retaliation and defamation, implicating managing agents and ratification by the company.

Armstrong’s pre-trial demand had been $2.9 million, while the defendant’s final pre-trial offer stood at $500,000.

The verdict, totaling over $11 million, marks a significant outcome in a case that drew attention for its allegations of wrongful termination and defamation within the health care industry.

The breakdown of the verdict is as follows, according to plaintiff’s counsel: Verdict 1 – Wrongful Termination: The jury awarded $161,000 for wage loss and an additional $500,000 for non-

economic harm; Verdict 2 – Defamation: A total of $500,000 was awarded; Verdict 3 – Unpaid Overtime: The jury awarded $22,000 and Verdict 4 - Punitive Damages: An astounding $10,000,000 was granted.

An additional $100,000 will be added to the verdict due to prejudgment interest.

Plaintiff’s counsel, consisting of Lawrance Bohm, Kelsey Ciarimboli, Jack Brouwer and Michael Noah Cowart from the Bohm Law Group Inc., along with Mark Wagner from Wagner Legal Group, P.C., presented a compelling case on behalf of Armstrong.

The defendant, LCCA, was represented by Jahmal Davis, Dorothy Lui and Samantha Botros from Hanson Bridgett LLP. Lawrance A. Bohm is a well-

known trial lawyer who is most noted for winning what are believed to be the two largest singleplaintiff employment verdicts in U.S. history: $185,872,719.52 in Juarez v. AutoZone Stores Inc. and $167,730,488 in Chopourian v. Catholic Healthcare West. For more information, visit https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juarez_v._ AutoZone_Stores,_Inc and/or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Chopourian_v._Catholic_Healthcare_West. In addition, Bohm has also won several other large verdicts protecting and defending civil and workplace rights. For more information, visit https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrance_ Bohm.

Menifee Police Department to conduct DUI patrols

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Call 951-763-5510 reedermedia.com

MENIFEE – Additional officers from the Menifee Police Department will be out on patrol Friday, Dec. 29, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“DUI’s are 100% preventable and when somebody makes the bad decision to drive impaired; it can potentially have lifelong effects,” Chief Chris Karrer said.

“Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is dangerous, potentially deadly. It not only affects the driver but so many families and friends too.”

Arrange for a ride if you plan

on drinking or designate a sober driver when going out, otherwise you may get arrested and face legal challenges.

The Menifee Police Department reminded the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol.

Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or tak-

ing medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home. Driving sober is your safest bet.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI will pay a stiff price: an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Submitted by Menifee Police Department.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

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Section

ENTERTAINMENT December 29, 2023 – January 4, 2024

www.myvalleynews.com

Volume 23, Issue 52

French Valley neighborhood showcases festive holiday displays

A number of homes along Sevilla Avenue in French Valley create a magical winter wonderland for all to enjoy.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

A Christmas display along Sevilla Avenue in French Valley features a variety of fun mechanical decorations.

A Christmas display along Sevilla Avenue in French Valley features a toy factory among a variety of other creative details for all to enjoy.

A Christmas display along Sevilla Avenue in French Valley features an array of fun mechanical decorations.

People choose to view the Christmas display details along Sevilla Avenue in French Valley where a fog and snow machine creates a magical experience.

A Christmas display along Sevilla Avenue in French Valley lights up this neighborhood in an amazing display.

Historic Hemet Theater announces Spring Tribute Concert schedule Tony Ault Staf f Writer The Historic Hemet Theater announces its Spring 2024 tribute band lineup that begins on Jan. 13, 2024 with the visiting Traveling Wilburys tribute to the British American supergroup from 1988 to 1991.

The Historic Hemet Theater located at 216 E. Florida Ave. showcases top live tribute bands throughout the year. The original Traveling Wilburys featured classic singers such as Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. The “Wilbury Travelers” will be paying tribute to them

on stage in Hemet.

The upcoming tribute bands include the smooth sounds of Santana on Jan. 27, The Doors tribute “Strange Days” on February 10, ABBA tribute by “ABBAFab” on Feb. 24, Maná tribute “Corazon De Maná” on March 9, Raymond Michael playing Elvis on March 23, Prince tribute by “Prince Again” on April 6, and a Gloria Estefan tribute on April 20.

The theater for the tribute performances opens for early admission at 6 p.m. and general admission at 6:25 p.m. Price donations are from $5 to $30 for a warp ticket.

The Hemet Historic Theater is a

nonprofit organization and offers entertainment for the entire family throughout the year. Many local musicians, school bands and others perform at the refurbished theater.

The theater was originally built in 1921 by William Martin and is one of the oldest movie theaters in the county and has been a centerpiece of the community for many cultural and entertainment events through the decades, even surviving a devastating fire next door. Its first shows were performed at a time before television with many stories of its beginning being told by the old timers in the Hemet and San Jacinto communities.

Historic Hemet Theater hosts live tribute bands throughout the year.

For more information see www.

HistoricHemetTheater.org or call 951-658-5950.

Valley News/Courtesy photo Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

Find something to do!

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

CHILDREN’S EVENTS Dec. 29 to Jan. 17 - Rotary Club of Murrieta inviting high schoolers to speak and vie for prize money in its Four-Way Speech Contest in the Rotary District 5330 competition. Must write about things we think, say or do: Is it the TRUTH, Is it FAIR to all concerned?Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Entries must be submitted by Wednesday, January 17, 2024 for the Murrieta contest which will be held at 6 p.m. on January 31, 2024 at the Murrieta Valley Unified District Headquarters, 41870 McAlby Court, Murrieta.

The entry application and contest rules can be requested by email at murrietarotary@gmail.com.

Dec. 29 to Jan. 5 - Winter Break activities at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Inland Valley at the Perris Valley clubhouse , 904 S. D Street and the Menifee clubhouse at 26301 Garbani Road in Menifee. Annual memberships open for $25 with weekly rates at $115 and the daily rate at $25. Call 951-940-5888 for Perris and 951-246- 8845 for Menifee.

Jan. 11 - 4-5:30 p.m. Teen Bad Art Night at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road, Temecula. For grades 7-12. Pipe cleaners, buttons and felt, and an assortment of crafting materials and art supplies will be supplied. Limited to 25 participants.

Advance registration begins two weeks prior to scheduled programs and events.Please register at the library reception desk or by calling (951) 693-8900.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Dec. 29 to Jan. 5 - 10 a.m. - p.m. hours vary Temecula on Ice at Town Square Park, 41000 Main St. with a state-of-the-art ice rink, rental skates, Bobby skating aids, and its own radio station playing the best ice skating music! The Rink remains open rain or shine), as well as on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Admission $20 to $25 includes skate rental. Bobby skating aid $10.

Jan. 5-7 - Pechanga Pow Wow. Native culture and artistry take center stage during this free 3-day event at the Summit Events Center at Pechanga Resort Casino. For more information, visit www.pechanga. com/entertain/pechanga-pow-wow.

Jan. 13 – 6 p.m. The Traveling Wilburys tribute band will be stopping at the Historic Hemet Theater at 216 E. Florida Ave. in Hemet for an engagement kicking off the theater’s spring tribute band events. Call 951-859-5950 for tickets and information. See www.HistoricHemetTheater.com Jan. 27 - 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Adult Art Workshop with Art Club middle schoolers at Menifee Public Library, 28798 La Piedra Road, Menifee 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 951-674-2159 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 800-5102020 for help.

ONGOING – The Riverside County COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program is accepting online applications for business

grants up to $10,000 at http://www. rivercobizhelp.org that can be used for employee retention, working capital, personal protective equipment purchases, rent or mortgage payments and paying vendor notices. Eligible businesses, including nonprofits, must be in Riverside County, with a minimum of one but less than 50 employees and operating for at least one year since March 1. For more information, call Riverside County Business and Community Services at 951-955-0493.

ONGOING – 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

ONGOING – Temecula’s Farmers Markets are offered in Old Town Temecula Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, 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 Dec. 29 - Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District invites the public to take a survey if they would like to see another recreation center and gymnasium. Take the survey at https://survey.zohopublic/zs/BwCvs One respondent will receive a $50 gift certificate.

Dec. 29 ‘Shop Local” in Menifee!

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Zodiac Signs

ACROSS 1. NASDAQ’s TSLA 6. Meme dance move 9. Feudal laborer 13. Plant louse 14. Inflated feeling 15. Signaling flare 16. She turned to stone, Greek mythology 17. Barn call 18. L in AWOL 19. *Zodiac sign for those born on Halloween 21. *Ford “Zodiac” 23. Cash machine, acr.

24. Island 25. Short for although 28. Cul de ____, pl.

30. Owing something (2 words) 35. Argo’s propellers 37. Mature 39. Passed 40. Guilty, e.g.

41. Presidential promises, e.g.

43. Those against 44. Waker-upper 46. Skin infection 47. King of beasts 48. *1960s California serial killer 50. Address a deity 52. Short for ensign 53. Hoodwink 55. New Zealand parrot 57. *Fish sign 60. *Half man/half horse sign 64. Blood vessel 65. This is well if it ends well 67. Body trunk 68. Move like ivy 69. Grazing field 70. Plant with liquorice-flavored seeds 71. Catch one’s breath 72. Trim the lawn 73. Roebuck’s partner DOWN 1. Sun kisses 2. Colossal 3. Pest command 4. *Zodiac sign or Don DeLillo’s 1988 novel 5. One who is skilled at something 6. Visual presentation 7. “Four score and seven years ____” 8. Dora the Explorer’s simian friend 9. Court petitioner 10. Genesis twin 11. RPMs 12. Extra charge 15. Like a native speaker 20. Insect, post-metamorphosis 22. Prince in Disney’s “Aladdin” movie 24. Heavy hydrogen, e.g.

25. *Birthstone for some born under Scorpio or Sagittarius

The City of Menifee do their shopping at the wide variety of businesses throughout the city for all their new years needs. From dining and entertainment to beauty and gift-giving, Shop Local Menifee has lined out 45 fun ways to shop locally See menifeebusiness.com/45days for an interactive calendar of ways to support local businesses Dec. 29 to Jan. 5 – 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday - Sunday. Dorland Mountain Arts associate artists’ fine art exhibit at the gallery. Public welcome at 36701 Hwy 79 South Temecula. See www.dorlandartscolony. org for more information.

Dec. 29 - City of Temecula Adult Sports Leagues Upcoming 2024 Winter / Spring Season Registration Packets Available Online Now. Offering Adult Softball, Kickball, and Basketball Sports Leagues.

Games are held on weekdays from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Build your team today. Different skill levels. For more League information, pricing, and to download Team Registration Packets for the various sports leagues, please visit TemeculaCA. gov/Sports.

Jan. 19 - 1-3:30 p.m. Free Family Business Workshop. The Riverside County Office of Economic Development and the California Baptist University Family Business Center would like to invite you to attend a free family business workshop. CBU Family Business Center Director Dr. Keanon Alderson will present on Family Business Opportunities & Challenges and Solutions to Common Family Business Challenges.

The workshop will take place at the Temecula Valley Entrepreneur’s Exchange at 43200 Business Park Dr. in Temecula. Register online at https:// www.purplepass.com/#u72408/ California_Baptist_University.html.

Jan. 28 - 3:30-5 p.m. Knit and Crochet Club meets for teens through adults at the Menifee Public Library, 28798 La Piedra Road, Menifee.

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 http://www.milvet.org/militarycare-packages.

ONGOING – Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Meeting 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, Septem-

ber 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 $21.95 fee.

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-the-wheel instruction or a California driver’s permit. Contact 951-723-3880 or visit the city of Menifee to register at http://www. city of 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 781-9326300, or for local meetings, call 925-321-0170 or visit http://www. foodaddicts.org.

ONGOING – The Murrieta Garden Club meets each month at the Murrieta Community Center, 41810 Juniper St. 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 http://www. temeculavalleyrosesociety.org.

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

ONGOING – 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 http:// 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, CA 92592. We welcome fiction, non-fiction, poets, memoir, and screenwriters. We host writing-craft discussions; attendees may read up to a five minute excerpt from their work for feedback / critique. RSVP at https://www.dorlandartscolony. com/sunday-scribblers.html

Hemet Concert Association 50th anniversary Holiday Concert brings Hemet school band performances Tony Ault Staf f Writer

26. Hello, alt. sp.

27. Mountain nymph 29. *Cancer crustacean 31. Lentil soup 32. Golfer Els 33. Take a chance (2 words) 34. *Gemini 36. Delhi dress 38. Sound of a fan 42. Satisfy, as in thirst 45. Eccentric one 49. Pool tool 51. Gossipy ones 54. Religious song

56. Make amends 57. Skin opening 58. Wraths 59. Proofreader’s mark 60. Old-fashioned bathtub foot 61. Vocal piece for one 62. Brezhnev’s domain 63. Fish eggs, pl.

64. Acronym, abbr.

66. *#47 Across, in the sky

Answers on page B-7

Hemet High School and private school music students joined with the Hemet Concert Association to celebrate their 50th Anniversary Holiday Concert at the Historic Hemet Theater Friday, Dec. 15, in Hemet.

The historic theater at 216 E. Florida Ave. was completely full that evening for the Hemet Concert Association’s 50th anniversary fundraiser that included performances by six Hemet school bands, a silent auction, selfie photo station and a complete hors d’oeuvres selection provided by the Harvard St. Bakery and Cafe.

The appetizer line was open to all the guests attending for their $10 admission ticket and all the students under the age of 24 that proved to be an outstanding treat with the student band performances. The

refurbished theater seats were filled with the guests and students holding their musical instruments.

First to take the stage was the Willdebietz Music Conservatory Wild Chamber made up of many young musicians playing their percussion instruments under the direction of school director Will Rury. Rury said that it was the first time some of the very young Wild Chamber students had ever performed before an audience.

Next was a performance by members of the Musica! Echo Orchestra showing off great expertise on their string instruments from guitars to violins in playing both classical and holiday music. Musica! was directed by Anna Ancheta, Ben Dement and Amy Macias. Anna grew up with the Musica! Orchestra.

A change of pace came with an audience hand clapping music see CONCERT, page B-3

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December 29, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

ENTERTAINMENT

Law enforcement visit hospitals and spread holiday joy

Local law enforcement parade around Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta during Operation Holiday Cheer, Tuesday, Dec. 19. Law enforcement drove through a variety of hospitals to spread holiday cheer to hospital staff.

Law enforcement participate in Operation Holiday Cheer at a variety of hospitals in Valley News/Shane Gibson photos Riverside County.

Law enforcement participate in Operation Holiday Cheer at a variety of hospitals with patients and visitors waving.

Santa rides in his sleigh while joining law enforcement in Operation Holiday Cheer at a variety of hospitals in Riverside County.

Santa gives Rein Buchanan, 2, a gift at Rancho Springs Medical Center during Operation Holiday Cheer.

Rancho Spring Medical Center staff look out the window and wave to the parade of law enforcement during Operation Holiday Cheer.

CONCERT from page B-2 event performed by the Hemet High School Saxophone Groups directed

by Dan Boulton who played and enjoined the crowd to sing and clap to favorite holiday songs. His young daughter stood beside him playing her sax with the other high school students.

The West Valley High School Chamber Singers took the stage quietly, and under the direction of teacher Chris Downward, brought forth some favorite Christmas songs heard throughout the world during the holiday season. The students and directors’ smiles as they sang were heartfelt.

Finally, the theater stage was completely filled with the members of the Tahquitz High School Jazz Band with their instruments from keyboards to coronets. The crowds heard solos by students in a jazzy musical faceoff directed by Jeremy Pietsch, perhaps the highlight of the musical evening.

The evening concluded with the announcement of the silent auction winners whose donations for the many items gifted by local stores and patrons will help continue the future public performances of the Hemet Concert Association. The Hemet Concert Association is a nonprofit organization providing world class music concerts to Hemet and the entire San Jacinto Valley at the Hemet Theater and local high school performance stages. For information about the Hemet Concert Association and the 2024 schedule, visit http:// www.hemetconcerts.com or email HemetConcertAssociation@gmail. com.

William Rury directs the young musicians from the Willdebietz Music Conservatory Wild Chamber on the Historic Hemet Theater stage at the Hemet Concert Association’s Holiday Concert.

String musicians from the Musica! Echo Orchestra accompanied by the owner Anna Archetra along with Ben Dement and Amy Macias play holiday favorites at the Hemet Concert Association’s Holiday Concert.

Hemet High School Saxophone Group Director Dan Boulton tries to get the audience to clap and sing along with some favorite holiday Valley News/Tony Ault photos songs played by his students.

Music teacher Chris Downward directs his West Valley High School Chamber Singers singing a well-known Christmas classic at the Hemet Concert Association’s Holiday Concert

The Historic Hemet Theater recently announced their 2024 Spring Concert Tribute Bands coming to

the theater beginning Saturday, Jan. 13, with the Traveling Wilburys tribute band. The full 2024 concert

schedule can be found at http:// www.HistoricHemetTheater.org or by calling 951-638-5950.

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

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

HOME & GARDEN

Local student spotlighted in regional ‘Being Water Wise Is..’ calendar

LAKE ELSINORE – Gabriella Castro, a 4th-grade student at Railroad Canyon Elementary School, achieved top honors in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s annual student art contest. Her artwork will be showcased in the “Being Water Wise Is…” 2024 calendar, among other poster contest winners.

Gabriella’s submission, one of 37 entries selected amongst thousands of entries submitted across Southern California, triumphed in a local contest by Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD).

Her art advanced to the regional calendar competition, depicting a vibrant underwater scene with the impactful message, “Water is life; use it wisely.”

Gabriella’s teacher, Isela Salgado, played a significant role in guiding and nurturing her artistic talent.

Chance Edmondson, EVMWD Board President, stated “Gabbriella’s vibrant artwork in the ‘Being Water Wise Is..’ calendar serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of small actions. Kudos to Ms. Salgado

4th grader Gabriella Castro’s artwork will be showcased in the “Being Water Wise Is…” 2024 calendar.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

and our local schools for fostering creativity and empowering students to be catalysts for positive change.”

The “Being Water Wise Is…” 2024 calendar, features creative messages on water conservation and will be distributed to approximately 13,000 recipients. It is also available for download at www.mwdh2o. com/education under the Student Art program page.

EVMWD’s educational programs encourage local schools to creatively explore environmental responsibility and foster environmental stewardship. Furthermore, EVMWD integrates water education into local classrooms, providing free materials, presentations, and activities- all complimentary to educators within EVMWD’s service area.

For more information about EVMWD’s water education programs, visit www.evmwd.com/ education. “Being Water Wise Is..” 2024 calendars are available in limited supply at the EVMWD customer lobby upon request.

Submitted by EVMWD.

Ardurra receives RCWD contract to design Carancho Pump Station improvements Joe Naiman Writer The Rancho California Water District board awarded Ardurra Group Inc. the contract to design improvements to the district’s Carancho Pump Station.

The board’s 7-0 vote Thursday, Dec. 14, approves a $549,564 professional services contract with Ardurra, which is headquartered in Tampa, FL and has an office in Temecula, for the final design, environmental documentation and bid phase support services. The improvements will increase the

pump station capacity from 1,450 gallons per minute to 4,200 gallons per minute.

The Carancho Pump Station was originally constructed in 1987.

The facility has two 1,450 gallons per minute pumps, one for duty and one for standby, along with two empty pump cans. The current pump station does not have backup power generation, nor does it have the ability to accommodate temporary emergency power in its current configuration.

In addition to increasing the capacity to 4,200 gallons per minute the improvements will provide

Tri County Pump to rehabilitate RCWD Well No. 151 Joe Naiman Writer

Less than $180 separated the two responsive bidders who sought the Rancho California Water District contract to rehabilitate Well No. 151, and Tri County Pump Company was the low bidder who was awarded the RCWD contract.

A 7-0 RCWD board vote Thursday, Dec. 14, awarded Tri County Pump the contract for the San Bernardino company’s bid amount of $213,510.98. General Pump Company, which is headquartered in San Dimas, submitted a bid of $213,690. Two other bids were deemed non-responsive because the companies did not submit the required bid bonds by the Oct. 26 deadline, and since Hydrocurrent Well Services had the lowest overall bid the board also formally found the Temecula company to be a nonresponsive bidder. The board action also appropriated the $213,690 to rehabilitate the well.

Well No. 151 is in the 34700 block of Linda Rosea Road and has an annual production of 410 acrefeet. The pumping equipment com-

pletely failed recently, and RCWD staff made the decision to remove the well from service and investigate the situation. The equipment was removed, and an inspection of the pump and motor revealed that the equipment had shorted out. RCWD staff also needed to cut the column pipe into pieces to access the pump and motor. A video of the casing revealed moderate to heavy scale formation throughout. District staff recommended rehabilitating the casing and replacing the pumping equipment.

A request for bids was issued Oct. 5. The Tri County Pump bid covered $91,100 for field labor, $7,150 for shop labor, $98,031.60 for equipment including freight and tax, $10,929.38 for chemicals including freight and tax and $6,300.00 for miscellaneous expenses. The General Pump bid sought $83,200 for field labor, $8,050 for shop labor, $89,200 for equipment, $10,940 for chemicals, $2,300 for fees, and $20,000 for miscellaneous costs.

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

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redundant fire suppression supply to the unincorporated communities of Tenaja, De Luz and La Cresta.

Rancho’s 2550 Pressure Zone in the Santa Rosa Division has two sources of supply: the Tenaja Pump Station with a rated capacity of 6,300 gallons per minute and the Baldaray Pump Station with a rated capacity of 4,420 gallons per minute. The Tenaja Pump Station obtains supply from the Carancho Pump Station, and pipeline improvements will be part of the Carancho Pump Station expansion.

The project will also install

permanent backup power to guard the water supply against power shutoffs during high fire risk weather events. The existing 120foot diameter Carancho No. 1 and 100-foot diameter Carancho No. 2 reservoirs adjacent to the pump station, which are out of service, will be demolished.

RCWD staff issued a request for proposals for final design, environmental documentation and bid phase support services, Oct. 13.

Two responses were received by the Nov. 16 deadline. The California Government Code requires professional services agreements

to be awarded based on demonstrated competence and the professional qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services required rather on the lowest price, but Ardurra had the lower bid as well as the higherranked proposal. The factors in the staff recommendation to select Ardurra included an earlier design phase completion; Ardurra’s schedule calls for completing the design phase in nine months.

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

Collaborative approach among four public agencies ensures sustainability for groundwater supplies

San Jacinto recharging ponds capture and store rainwater or storm runoff to recharge groundwater Valley News/Courtesy photo supplies.

PERRIS – For the past decade, the Hemet-San Jacinto Watermaster has been a critical administrator of a regional effort to create long-term groundwater sustainability throughout the San Jacinto Valley.

The Watermaster is comprised of representatives from the four public agencies that rely on the San Jacinto Groundwater Basin – Eastern Municipal Water District, Lake Hemet Municipal Water District and the cities of Hemet and San Jacinto. Private groundwater producers are also represented on its board of directors.

In April 2013, a stipulated judgment was entered with the Riverside County Superior Court, adopting the management plan and creating the Watermaster. Its role is to protect the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians water rights that were established by the Soboba Settlement Act. The act was signed into law by former President George W. Bush in July 2008 to remediate the loss of water by Soboba due to a variety of factors.

Since its formation in 2013, the Watermaster has worked closely with its member agencies to bring the basin into a path of sustainability.

“The Watermaster is incredibly proud of the progress it has made in the past decade,” Behrooz Mortazavi, the adviser to the Watermaster, said. “Because of our collaborative approach to working with the local agencies, the groundwater basin is now on a sustainable path for all users within the San Jacinto Valley and will continue to be for future generations.”

As part of its partnership with the Watermaster, EMWD plays an important role by operating the regional facilities that deliver highquality water imported from the State Water Project to groundwater replenishment ponds located within the San Jacinto Riverbed.

A 10-year rolling annual average of 7,500 acre feet of water is replenished into the basin through those facilities, which are maintained

by EMWD. Due to California’s historic rainfall last winter, the agencies have completed their 2024 replenishment obligations ahead of schedule.

The Watermaster has also established groundwater pumping limits for its Judgement participants, helping to promote long-term sus-

tainability for all users within the region. In the past decade, groundwater pumping has been reduced by approximately 10,000 acre feet per year to eliminate overdraft.

In the past decade, the Watermaster’s area has seen population growth of 52% but reduced groundwater pumping by 18%. The public agencies have also accumulated more than 77,000 acre feet of credits that may be used in future years.

Credits are earned when an agency uses less water than its allotment in a year.

“Our region, including the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, has a better water supply future because of the work we have put forward in the past decade,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule, who serves as EMWD’s representative to the Watermaster’s board of directors, said. “We are incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished in the past year and look forward to the future opportunities to successfully and collaboratively manage our region’s valuable groundwater resources.”

Submitted by Eastern Municipal Water District.

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December 29, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

HEALTH

Temecula Valley Hospital receives the 2024 Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s best hospitals for patient safety

TEMECULA – Southwest Healthcare Temecula Valley Hospital was named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Patient Safety by the Women’s Choice Award, America’s trusted referral source for the best in health care. The award signifies that TVH is in the top 4% of 4,728 U.S. hospitals for patient safety in safe surgery practices and lower rates for complications and infections.

“Not all hospitals can say they are the safest in the country, and by identifying those who are, the Women’s Choice Award is helping the female consumer identify the hospitals in her community that are dedicated to creating the safest patient experience,” Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award, said.

The methodology used to select Temecula Valley Hospital as one of the Best Hospitals for Patient Safety is unique in that it evaluates 13 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ measures of infections and complications, Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey results along with primary research about women’s health care preferences. It is the only award recognizing excellence in patient safety based on robust criteria that consider patient satisfaction and clinical excellence.

“The recipients of the Best Hospitals for Patient Safety award have led the country by implementing safe practices that have ultimately saved lives,” Passi said.

“This recognition is critical for women as they make over 80% of healthcare decisions and need to know they are putting themselves – and their family members – in the safest hands.”

Temecula Valley Hospital is one

The award to Southwest recognizes hospitals with the highest safety ratings for safe surgery practices and lower rates for complications and infections.

Valley News/Courtesy photo of 510 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for patient safety in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award.

“We are committed to providing safe, high-quality care, and to be

named in the top 4% in the nation for safety is gratifying,” Darlene Wetton, CEO of TVH, said. “Our patients are incredibly important to us. They are our family, friends, neighbors, and peers. At Temecula Valley Hospital, we pride our-

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selves on creating the safest patient experience possible, whether you visit unexpectedly or choose us for a surgical procedure. To be recognized in this prestigious way, gives peace of mind to our patients in knowing that when they choose

TVH, they are in safe hands.”

For the full list of the Best Hospitals for Patient Safety, visit https://womenschoiceaward.com/ best-hospitals-for-patient-safety.

Submitted by Temecula Valley Hospital.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

EDUCATION

Soboba celebrates at Rose Salgado Elementary School groundbreaking

Rose Salgado’s family members post with the artist’s renderings of the new elementary school named in her honor, including from left, grandsons Ataax and Ayalkawut Arviso, granddaughter Avellaka Arivso, daughter Desiree Salgado and granddaughter Tuupash Arviso.

Salgado family members and local dignitaries attend the groundbreaking celebration for Rose Salgado Valley News/Carrie Best, SJUSD photo Elementary School in San Jacinto.

Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photo Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to the Valley News The decision to name San Jacinto Unified School District’s eighth elementary school after Soboba Tribal member and community leader Rose Salgado was made by a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees in April 2022. Hundreds of supporters and friends, along with members of Salgado’s family, gathered at the official groundbreaking ceremony for the school Friday, Dec. 11, at 600 N. Vernon Ave. in San Jacinto.

In March 2022, the SJUSD Board of Trustees allowed the community to submit names to be considered for the proposed elementary school, provided they met the guidelines. Among the many submissions was one from longtime resident, community member and current SJUSD Board Trustee President John I. Norman.

He submitted Rose Salgado’s name with several comments.

“Rose was born, raised, attended schools, graduated and worked in the San Jacinto Valley. She became a leader and icon in the valley through participation on many boards, including SJUSD two separate times,” Norman said.

“She was instrumental in seeing the Soboba Aquatic Center at San Jacinto High School come to fruition. She believed in the valley and wanted each and every student to have a positive and strong academic and personal/social foundation.”

Salgado, who died in May 2021 at the age of 65, served on the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal Council for 28 years and served on the boards of many other

organizations in the valley.

The crowd was welcomed by SJUSD Superintendent David Pyle who took a moment to introduce all the dignitaries that were present, noting he had never seen such a great turnout for a groundbreaking event.

A Tribal blessing given in the Cahuilla language by Steven Estrada and in Luiseño by Monica Herrera which was then translated into English by Estrada. He said they asked the Creator to watch over everyone who was there that afternoon and to bless the school and all the students and teachers who will be there in the future.

“We are thankful for the special woman for whom this school is to be named for,” he said. “A woman who dedicated so much, not just for her Tribe but also for this whole community. Rose believed an education was important for everyone who provided support for so many great causes. We thank the officials who thought about Rose Salgado and all the contributions she made to this valley. Put your blessing on her, her family and all those she cared so deeply for.”

Norman spoke of Salgado at the groundbreaking.

“When I speak about Rose, I speak from the heart,” Norman said. “I can’t think of any greater tribute to an individual than to have a school named after her so that her legacy can live on and the children that go through these doors each and every day will still be affected by Rose Salgado; I know I am and will continue to be. The children of our valley are lucky and fortunate to have these beautiful surroundings, and to be touched by the memories of Rose.”

Rose Salgado’s extended family joins in the groundbreaking ceremony Monday, Dec. 11.

Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photo

Hundreds of supporters and friends attend the Rose Salgado Elementary School groundbreaking ceremony Valley News/Carrie Best, SJUSD photo in San Jacinto.

Soboba Tribal Council Chair Isaiah Vivanco said she was always proud of the Tribe’s accomplishments and worked really hard, putting in many years and effort, to get the Soboba Casino Resort built.

He said when the doors opened, it was one of Rose’s most prized moments.

“What an honor to have one of our own have a school named after them in this valley,” Vivanco said. “It goes without saying that Rose made an impact wherever she went.

“And I know she is looking

down and sees this groundbreaking and when the school opens, it will be another one. She was never one who required the spotlight, but I believe Rose is looking down on us today with a huge smile, knowing that she made an impact on everybody here. I’m proud to say Rose was a friend of mine.

She encouraged me to do some of the things I’m doing today and I’m thankful for that. I want to thank San Jacinto Unified School District for this incredibly huge acknowledgement. On behalf of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indi-

ans and Rose’s family, we’d like to thank you for that,” he said.

The Inter-Tribal Bird Singers shared a couple of songs “in honor of the late Rose Salgado to honor everything she did and the legacy she left in our community and the land we stand on.” Following their performance, Salgado’s close friend and Soboba Foundation sponsorship coordinator Andrew Vallejos shared a few words.

“Schools are named for leaders, for contributors, for those who see SALGADO, page B-7

Rose Salgado’s daughter, Desiree Salgado, far right, stands with Rose’s grandchildren, from left, Ataax, Ayalkawut, Avellaka and Tuupash Arviso at the groundbreaking for the school being named in her honor.

Valley News/Carrie Best, SJUSD photo

Rose Salgado’s sisters, Raina Maciel, left, and Frances Diaz attend the groundbreaking ceremony in San Jacinto.

Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photo

Soboba Tribal Council members, members of the San Jacinto Unified School District Board of Trustees and other supporters join Rose Salgado’s family members to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photo elementary school named in her honor.

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December 29, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

EDUCATION

MSJC organizes toy drive to help student families in need

SAN JACINTO – For the 2023 holidays, Mt. San Jacinto College Foundation and the MSJC Eagles Landing – Center for Student Essentials helped 59 families in need by coordinating support by providing gifts for their children.

Toy drives were held at Temecula Coffee & Cars and Menifee Hometown Holiday Festival where MSJC Phi Theta Kappa students collected donations from the community.

For the third year in a row, The Mexico Cafe in Temecula coordinated a giving tree to support the student families.

MSJC student Shannon Tupuola-Miller said the event was a blessing to her family and that she is grateful her children are associating good memories with higher education.

“It has been a hard year for our family, and we are grateful,” Tupuola-Miller said. “I, myself, being home primarily with my children their entire lives, and now trying to remember what it’s like to become a student myself, have faced many challenges this year. The kindness of MSJC has touched my heart deeply. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”

With the support of the MSJC community, Temecula Coffee & Cars, Menifee Hometown Holiday Festival and The Mexico Cafe, the MSJC Foundation provided gifts to 138 children.

The MSJC Foundation thanks the community for their support with these efforts to grant the wishes of children in the community.

Submitted by Mt. San Jacinto College.

Mt. San Jacinto College student Asyra Serrato and her son Miguel Pimentel, 7, search for the perfect gift for the MSJC holiday gift event for students in need and their families organized by the MSJC Foundation and the MSJC Eagles Landing – Center for Student Essentials.

[Right] Lisa Campbell, Mt. San Jacinto College’s director of CalWORKS, and student Asyra Serrato stand with Serrato’s son Miguel Pimentel, 7, and daughter Aliyah Pimentel, 9, during the MSJC holiday gift event for students in need and their families organized by the MSJC Foundation and the MSJC Eagles Landing – Center for Student Essentials.

Mt. San Jacinto College student Shannon Miller brought her young son Quentin Miller, who checks out the toys during the MSJC holiday Gift event organized by the MSJC Foundation and the MSJC Eagles Valley News/Courtesy photos Landing – Center for Student Essentials.

Mt. San Jacinto College student Tianna Robbins’ three children, daughter Lucyann, left, 10, and sons Johnny, middle, 6, and Jacob, right, 8, smile with the gifts they chose during the MSJC holiday gift event organized by the MSJC Foundation and the MSJC Eagles Landing – Center for Student Essentials.

Supervisor Washington directs funding to increase water safety for children in the 3rd District

RIVERSIDE COUNTY – The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has allocated $60,000 in Community Improvement Designation Funds to increase water safety in the Third District.

These funds will finance specialized training for swim instructors and increase the number of swim lesson scholarships for young children.

The training certified instructors to teach young children drowning-prevention techniques.

Children as young as six months old learn how to rotate in an underwater position up into a back-float so that they can breathe and call for help until it arrives.

It prepares them to survive in the water in the event they accidentally fall into the pool. While adult supervision is mandatory at all times whenever young children are in or near water, these lessons increase children’s safety and pre-

pare them to be better swimmers as they get older.

Survival swim lessons for infants and toddlers are currently available in French Valley through SoCal Water Babies, as funded by First 5 Riverside County Children and Families Commission and under the leadership of Executive Director Tammi Graham. Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children under 4 years of age and preventing these avoidable tragedies is a priority of the commission. ”Having served on the commission since 2015, I am a longstanding champion for these programs,” Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington said. “Infant self-rescue lessons not only teach children to be safe around water, but it equips them with the tools to save themselves.”

Cathryn Van Der Linden, founder of SoCal Water Babies,

spoke about the opportunity potential new instructors have thanks to this funding.

“I love being a survival swim instructor because I get to empower children and enrich their lives with confidence and competence around the water. There is truly nothing more rewarding than having a parent tell me how much these lessons have improved their family’s quality of life by enhancing their enjoyment of summertime fun around the pool. During my career, many parents have expressed an interest in becoming an instructor, but the training is cost prohibitive. This generous grant is an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to own their own business while providing an invaluable service to the community,” Van Der Linden said.

SoCal Water Babies offers drowning prevention classes for

SALGADO from page B-6

not left us at such a young age. I guess what they say is somewhat true, ‘the good do die young,’ which means some of us have many years to go. But I am proud and grateful to have been witness to the remarkable strides she did make. This school will stand as a testament to Rose’s dedication to youth and education and that will continue to make a huge difference in the lives of so many.”

Salgado’s granddaughter, Avellaka Arviso, shared some remarks as well.

“On behalf of our entire family, I would like to thank you all for being here today,” Arviso said.

“This is a very proud moment for all of us and we truly feel blessed to honor the legacy of grandma Rose in such a meaningful way.

My grandmother Rose was pushy.

She pushed buttons; she pushed people, and she had the perseverance to stomp out ignorance, bring people together and improve educational opportunities for

everyone. She knew that a strong education meant a better quality of life, and it was her mission to help further that education for her people and all of those within her reach. As we gather today to commemorate the groundbreaking of the Rose Salgado Elementary School and envision classrooms filled with students for generations to come, let us be reminded of the groundbreaker that Rose Salgado was. Let us be inspired by her example to use our time on this earth to lift people up, motivate them to better themselves, and provide the resources required to be all that they can be.”

Pyle concluded the ceremony by thanking all who attended.

“What an incredible moment this is to be starting a new legacy for hundreds of thousands of students in the future who will come to this school that has so much history and meaning behind it,” he said.

made a difference in their lifetime. We all know Rose was that person,” he said. “What you may not know is that she truly was that person even behind closed doors.

She was constantly thinking about, talking about, inquiring about or researching what she could do – technically, what we can do - to improve upon service to others, in her community and our communities. We all know Rose knew how to work; we all know she knew how to play/have fun/laugh and make others laugh, but I think what made her truly great and why we should and are naming a school after her, is not only her commitment to service, but her ability to make things happen.

“She could motivate people to take action – to think/listen/ ask/speak up and change things for the good of all. I often think about what other contributions Rose would have made had she

Children learn to float on their backs and call for help through drowning prevention classes. They often experience this training fully clothed to emulate the experience if they were to fall into a pool Valley News/Courtesy photo accidentally. children 6 months to 5 years-old from March through November.

As additional instructors begin working in District 3, schedules and contact information will be

Answers for puzzle on page B-2

promoted through Supervisor Washington’s Office as well as F5RC. Submitted by Riverside County.

B-8

Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

C

Section

SPORTS December 29, 2023 – January 4, 2024

www.myvalleynews.com

Volume 23, Issue 52

A Year in Review

Valley News Top 10 local sports moments and more

Inside linebacker Micah Roth (35), a 2017 graduate of Calvary Murrieta, bares down on North Carolina’s QB Drake Maye (10) during the 2022 Holiday Bowl at Petco Park Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2002.

Valley News/David Canales photo JP Raineri Spor ts Editor Another busy year comes to an end, and for those affiliated with sports in southwest Riverside County, the Valley News Sports Department reflects back on the diverse enthusiasm for competition of all kinds. From youth sports to boxing, golfing, skydiving, supercross, college games and more, there were plenty of exciting local individuals that made headlines in 2023.

As 2024 sets in, here is a look back at our Top 10 favorite sports stories from the past year, which includes local youth athletes that represented our country, a professional athlete that bought his childhood driving range, as well as a couple of local athletes that took their childhood dreams and made them realities by becoming professional athletes in their own perspective sport. In no particular order, here is what we came up with: No. 1 – Former area standouts help Oregon rally past North Carolina in Holiday Bowl Looking all the way back to the beginning of 2023, it would be Bo Nix’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Chase Cota that helped catapult Oregon to a wild 28-27 victory against North Carolina in the Holiday Bowl at Petco Park.

Of course, the crowd would go even more crazy when Camden Lewis’ PAT bounced off the left upright and went through to put the game away. Oregon’s roster also included two Temecula natives, Micah Roth (35) and Steven Jones (74).

Roth was a senior inside linebacker who transferred to Oregon in 2021 after playing his first three years at Division II Azusa Pacific University. In high school, Roth played at Calvary Murrieta High School as a 2017 graduate where he was an AllCIF standout on both sides of the ball. Jones was a junior offensive lineman who graduated from Chaparral High School in 2018.

He was a four-star recruit and top 300 prospect in the class. Also a part of all the action was another Chaparral graduate, Mitchell Godfrey, in 2021. The former football and track and field athlete for Pumas was a part of Oregon’s success as he took on the role of equipment manager.

No. 2 – Rancho Christian’s Barefield wins 200th game In 2012, Rancho Christian High School hired Ray Barefield as the director of basketball operations and player development. Barefield, a 1994 graduate of San Diego State University, where he played collegiate basketball before moving on to play professionally in Europe. More than 10 years later, Rancho Christian has had nothing but success. Not only has the program won countless league titles, been to the CIF Southern Section and State playoffs year

after year, they have also sent a number of players to the next level. Of course, two of the top basketball players to ever come from the valley, Evan, and Isaiah Mobley, who both currently play professionally in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers, also played for Barefield. With a 76-62 win over Lynwood High School Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, the Eagles gave head coach Ray Barefield his 200th career win. Currently, as of Thursday, Dec. 21, Barefield sits at 221 wins.

No. 3 – Youth MMA fighters excel at USFL Nationals Local youth MMA fighters from Hernandez Kickboxing in Murrieta headed for the 2023 IMMAF World Youth MMA Championships in Abu Dhabi, Aug 2-5. World Championship divisions are only for ages 12-17. The International tournament ranks among the most unique, unforgettable, and motivating events on the MMA calendar. The national title holders from the area were Lariah Gill, now a three-time USFL National Champion and two-time IMMAF World Champion, Uriel Cruz, who had two submission wins by armbars and Zadkiel Cruz, who also had two submission wins by armbars. With their wins, Campos, Lariah and Zadkiel punched their tickets to Abu Dhabi for a second consecutive year where Alyssa scored silver and the Cruz brothers each placed with bronze.

No. 4 – Temecula’s Quincee Lilio wins National Championship with Oklahoma The University of Oklahoma and Florida State best-of-three series started Wednesday, June 7, at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma City, which is widely regarded as the mecca of softball. Oklahoma softball won its third consecutive title, taking Game 2 of the 2023 Women’s College World Series championship series against Florida State, 3-1, Friday June 9. Although Stanford University was the sole representative from California, the Golden State dominated the tournament in terms of representation and Temecula had their own ties to the series finale as well. Quincee Lilio, a 2021 Great Oak High School graduate, got to ride the emotional roller coaster with Oklahoma every step of the way. Lilio, who was a redshirt freshman last year, hit .275 with 11 hits and one home run this season. see 2023, page C-2

[Right] Temecula’s Quincee Lilio, a 2021 graduate of Great Oak, won a NCAA Softball National Championship with Oklahoma Friday, June 9.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Steven Jones (74), an offensive lineman for Oregon, and 2018 graduate of Chaparral High School, helps open up a running lane against North Carolina in the 2022 Holiday Bowl at Petco Park Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022.

Valley News/David Canales photo

Ray Barefield picked up his 200th career win as the head boys’ basketball coach for Rancho Christian with a 76-62 win over Lynwood High School Saturday, Jan. 7.

Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

The Hernandez Kickboxing team poses with their coaches and Hernandez Kickboxing owner Stephanie Hernandez, right, after their bouts at the USFL Nationals Saturday, May 20.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

SPORTS 2023 from page C-1 No. 5 – Murrieta’s Rickie Fowler returned to greatness with year to remember R i c k i e F o w l e r, a f o r m e r Murrieta native who now lives in Florida, had a pretty remarkable year, not only on the PGA Tour, but locally as well. When Fowler first participated in the Genesis Invitational this year, he placed in the Top 20, which was enough to keep his momentum going.

Before that Fowler was last seen in Arizona where he hit a holein-one on the seventh hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale Sunday, Feb. 12, and before that, Rickie was at the Farmers Insurance Open in January, where he finished tied for 11th place. Fowler hadn’t won a title since 2019’s Waste Management Phoenix Open; however, he began his new season by bringing back his former swing coach, Butch Harmon, and the improvements reflected in his game as well.

Finally, in July, Fowler won the

Rickie Fowler, pictured here at this year’s American Express tour, also finalized a deal to purchase the Murrieta Valley Golf Range in 2023.

Valley News/Andrez Imaging

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Murrieta’s Autumn Pease throws a pitch in Women’s Pro Fastpitch action for the Texas Smoke.

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Rocket Mortgage Classic, ending a four-year drought. Rickie grew up as a fixture on the Temecula and Murrieta golf courses and is also the new owner of the Murrieta Driving Range, which is where he first learned the game as a boy. His grandfather, Yutaka, spent every Wednesday with his first grandchild and would take him to the range, which opened in 1992. Fowler spent more of his formative years forging a passion for the game in those natural grass bays in the shadows of the Santa Ana Mountains, and 30 years later, he completed a boyhood dream of his, becoming owner of the range.

No. 6 – Murrieta native, Autumn Pease, named Women’s Professional Fastpitch Pitcher of the Year After completing her collegiate eligibility at the University of Minnesota, Murrieta’s Autumn Pease signed with the Texas Smoke as Women’s Professional Fastpitch’ 10th pick of their 2023 draft class and proceeded to shine, winning their Pitcher of the Year award. Pease led the Smoke with 90.2 regular season innings worked and was 7-3 in decisions with a 2.47 ERA as they won the regular season championship. She struck out 56 batters and allowed just 71 hits. She also led the postseason tournament in innings thrown with 15 while recording a 2.33 ERA with an additional 11 strikeouts.

As a team the Smoke won the inaugural league tournament after defeating USSSA Pride 14-2 Sunday, Aug. 13, in game two of the best of three championship series in Oxford, Alabama. In that start Pease held the Pride to two runs while striking out seven, allowing two hits and also walking a pair in a complete game. Pease, a 2018 graduate of Murrieta Mesa, had a collegiate stop at Idaho State before transferring to the University of Minnesota. She was the winning pitcher for Murrieta Mesa’s 2017 CIF-SS Division 3 championship team. Before her

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Former Great Oak standout, Zach Arnold, was called up to Single-A this past season by the Clearwater Threshers, after being drafted by the Phillies in July.

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The University of Michigan announced in 2023 that Murrieta native, Sierra Romero, who played from 20132016, would be inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in September.

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Jacob Miller, a 12-year-old from Temecula, played for the Team USA 12U National baseball team, competing in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and Tainan, Taiwan, this past year.

Valley News/USA Baseball photo

time at Minnesota, she also spent a season at Idaho State where she logged 121.2 innings of work with a 2.36 ERA earning co-freshman of the year honors in the Big Sky Conference along with second team All-Big Sky honors. In 105 career appearances for Minnesota, Pease has pitched a 2.59 ERA with 509 strikeouts in 475.1 innings.

She’s posted a 44-25 record, including 16 wins this season placing her second in the Big Ten conference for victories.

No. 7 – Local players taken in the 2023 Amateur MLB Draft The 2023 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft wrapped up Tuesday, July 11, where 614 selections were made over a threeday process. While the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Louisiana State University’s Paul Skenes as the No. 1 overall pick, a slot worth $9.7 million, there were still plenty of dollar signs surrounding the other 613 draftees, including the local talent that was selected from southwest Riverside County.

Former Great Oak High School standout Zach Arnold, who was drafted out of high school in 2019 to the Baltimore Orioles in the 34th round – back when the draft was 40 rounds before the COVID-19 pandemic. Arnold chose to go to Louisiana State, before transferring to Houston two years ago and was picked up this year in the 14th round by the Philadelphia Phillies. Arnold agreed to a $150,000 contract and after a short stint in the Florida Complex League, he was called up to Single-A, Aug. 4. Two Temecula Valley alumni, Cole Urman and 2023 graduate Adler Cecil, were the remaining local names cited from this year’s draft.

Urman graduated in 2019 and was a junior on the California State University Fullerton baseball team and was taken as the 481st overall pick in the 16th round by the Baltimore Orioles. Cecil, a lefty pitcher and 2023 graduate was taken in the 19th round by the San Diego Padres as overall pick No. 581. Urman signed for $150,000, while Cecil signed for $175,000.

No. 8 – Murrieta’s Sierra Romero selected for Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Sierra Romero grew up in Murrieta and is a legend in the softball world. Forged from a family dynamic that produces stellar athletes. From her time on the softball fields at Vista Murrieta High School, to competing with the University of Michigan, Sierra has played for Team USA and played professionally in the National Pro Fastpitch League and currently with Athletes Unlimited.

This past year the University of Michigan announced that Sierra, who played from 2013-2016, was among the 10-person Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 that would be inducted at the Motor City Casino’s SoundBoard.

Romero, who was named the 2016 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, NFCA Division 1 Player of the Year and the Honda Award recipient for softball, also became the first four-time NFCA AllAmerican in Michigan program history. A two-year Michigan team captain, Romero contributed to a senior class that posted a 210-43 record, won four Big Ten titles and a Big Ten Tournament title and made three WCWS appearances over four seasons.

No. 9 – Temecula 12-year-old grabs baseball gold with Team USA It was a summer to remember for Temecula’s Jacob Miller, a 12-year-old that stormed onto the scene recently, representing the United States on the baseball field. Miller was selected to join Team USA after attending a tryout through their National Team Identification System. In total, he attended three different tryouts before being selected for the USA U-12 National Team. The first stop for Jacob and Team USA was the World Baseball Softball Confederation U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, held in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

After pool play and making their way through the winners bracket, it all came down to Team USA (90) where they overcame an 11-run deficit to win gold with a 29-28 win over Venezuela (6-3) in seven innings Sunday, May 28. Team USA had five players earn honors at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier with Jacob Miller earning the tournament’s Best Pitcher award, recording

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December 29, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

SPORTS

Team USA’s Jacob Miller was named the best pitcher and earned All-Tournament honors at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier this past May. Valley News/USA Baseball photo the most wins (3) and lowest ERA (0.50). With the top-four finish at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, Team USA headed to the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in Tainan, Taiwan. After returning home to Temecula, Miller, who started his playing days as a T-Baller with French Valley Pony, was invited back out to train in Cary, North Carolina in hopes of making the final 18-man roster.

After an extremely competitive week of training, Miller’s name was called yet again. Team USA emerged victorious in the World Championship Final at the World Baseball Softball Confederation U-12 Baseball World Cup, defeating Chinese Taipei by a final score of 10-4 on the strength of a seven-run sixth inning. With the win, the U.S. took home its 5th gold medal at the U-12 Baseball World Cup, and its second in a row after taking home the top prize in 2022. The others came in 2013, 2015 and 2017, when the team won the event on three consecutive occasions.

No. 10 – Area teams win CIF Southern Section Championship titles This past year, in his first season back, Bryan Lynton, and the Murrieta Valley High School girls’ water polo team not only won another title in the Southwestern League, but swam their way through the postseason in February, posting a 20-14 overall record on their way to a CIF-SS Division 2 girls’ water polo title. The title gave the Nighthawks sixth CIF Southern Section title, and first since 2016. During his time with Murrieta Valley Lynton guided the boys’ water polo program to 19 consecutive league championships and seven appearances in CIF Southern Section title matches.

Also, the same coach that led the girls’ water polo program to 15 league championships with six trips to the section finals.

Lynton and his boys won Southern Section titles in 2006 and 2015 and captured titles in 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2016 with the girls.

Also in February, the Rancho Christian High School Eagles girls’ basketball team has made two championship game appearances in the past five years. This past year they won their first-ever CIF-SS basketball championship, defeating Chino 91-29 in the CIF-SS Division 3A title game at Ontario’s Colony High School. The Rancho Christian boys’ followed their girls’ team, on the same court, winning a CIF Southern Section championship, on the same day.

A first for the Eagles, putting them in an elite category in the CIF Southern Section history books.

When the Rancho Christian boys’ basketball team found out they had fallen short of their goal of earning

a CIF-SS Open Division bid, Eagles coach Ray Barefield asked his team what the next great thing they could do was. The answer was to bring home a CIF-SS Division 2A title. So, their focus was set on winning the program’s second championship in seven years. At Colony High School, the Eagles did just that by beating La Mirada, 63-55.

In November, The Temecula Prep School girls’ volleyball team captured the program’s firstever section championship when they swept Geffen Academy (176) in the CIF Southern Section Division 8 finals in Los Angeles.

After going 12-0 to win the South Valley League title, Temecula Prep (27-5) was the No. 1 seed in Division 8. Heading into the finals, they brought a 13-match winning streak with them to Marymount High School, which is a scary stat line for any opponent. On top of that, behind the gameplay of junior middle blocker Abby Pekrul, the Patriots only dropped one set during the entirety of the playoffs. Along with Pekrul who averaged 5.4 kills per set in the quarters and semis, junior middle blocker Sidney Gray who had 10 kills in the semis and junior setter Jane Bacani who had five aces in the semis, Temecula Prep was unstoppable this past season. *The full versions of these sports stories can also be found online at http://www.myvalleynews.com.

We had so many contributing writers this year, including many of our own readers, who helped with not only the stories in this issue, but so many more. As the sports editor, I want to send a heartfelt thank you out to Joe Naiman, Diane Rhodes, Derryl Trujillo, Tommy Thompson, Kim Harris, David Thomas, plus our awesome photographers David Canales, Scott Padgett, Andrez Imaging, Rob Davis, Action Captures Media, Tim Long Photography, Furubotten Photography, Morgan Ivy Photography and the many others who contributed to the sports section, I can’t wait to see what stories are shared with us in 2024.

If you have a sports tip, Valley News Sports Editor, JP Raineri, can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.

Murrieta Valley team members and coaches jump into the pool following their 7-6 victory over Millikan for the CIF Southern Section Division 2 girls water polo title at the Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine Saturday, Feb. 18.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Rancho Christian players celebrate winning the CIF Southern Section Division 2A boys’ basketball championship over La Mirada Saturday, Feb. 25, at Colony High School.

Valley News/David Canales photo

Rancho Christian players celebrate winning the CIF Southern Section Division 3A girls’ basketball championship over Chino Saturday, Feb. 25, at Colony High School.

Valley News/David Canales photo

[Right] Temecula Prep captured the programs first-ever section championship when they took down Geffen Academy in the CIF Southern Section Division Eight girls’ volleyball finals Saturday, Nov. 4.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

SPORTS

Heritage grad, Jameson Sanders, leads Cal State LA to NCAA Division 2 volleyball title

Derryl Trujillo Spor ts Writer

The road to an NCAA Division II women’s volleyball championship requires six wins over a two-week span. It’s something the California State University Los Angeles women’s volleyball program had never done in its history, that is until Saturday, Dec. 9, in Moon Township, Penn., which hosted this year’s National Championship Tournament.

After taking their first two sets against West Texas A&M the Golden Eagles dropped set three 25-22 but came roaring back to win the fourth set 25-14 and bring a national championship home to Southern California.

They defeated Missouri State-St. Louis and Wayne State in the tournament’s opening rounds. It came despite a 2-6 start to the year and not being ranked in the national polls at any point until after they won that national title.

Heritage graduate Jameson Sanders has been key in the Golden Eagles success this year, appearing in 124 of 127 sets played and averaging 2.56 digs per set while recording 36 total aces.

In the postseason she entered 29 sets and recorded 71 digs, including 17 in the first round of National Championship play against Wayne State University, along with recording 11 aces. During a West Region semifinal match against No. 1 seed Chaminade University she tied a season high with four aces, including two which ended sets with Golden Eagle victories.

After stints at Oregon State University and California Baptist University, Temecula Valley graduate Ashlyn Beaver was on the Golden Eagle roster along with Paloma Valley High School graduate Rachel Lowe. Lowe recorded 21 kills and appeared in 34 sets while Beaver did not make an appearance on the year.

It was Cal State LA’s second

Heritage High School graduate, Jameson Sanders, left, helped the Golden Eagles bring an NCAA Division II women’s volleyball championship home to Southern California.

Valley News/Courtesy photo straight appearance in the National Championship Tournament, after

falling in last year’s semifinals.

Derryl Trujillo can be reached

at socaltrekkie@gmail.com.

Vista Murrieta’s Noble records top ten finish at California State Women’s Open:

Derryl Trujillo Spor ts Writer

Vista Murrieta High School standout freshman golfer Breanna Noble has already put together a stellar year including a top five finish in the Southwestern League tournament and nearly qualifying for the CIF-State regional final.

She competed in the California State Women’s Open Monday, Dec. 18, and Tuesday, Dec. 19, hosted by Industry Hills Golf Club and posted a tie for eighth place in her first appearance in the event.

Noble recorded nine birdies, ranking third in the field, while shooting scores of 72-73=145 (+2) to finish fourth among amateurs and missed the overall top five by two strokes. With recent rule changes to amateur status, she earned $400 for the event.

She finished three shots behind past champion Haley Moore of Escondido, who won in 2019, and bested 2020 champion Elizabeth Schultz by eight strokes.

Moore was an NCAA champion while competing at Arizona and is currently a member of the EPSON Tour while Schultz, who played at San Jose State University, has competed on the EPSON and WAPT tours.

Former Southwestern League champion Elina Kuang of Murrieta also recorded a top 20 finish with a tie for 17th after scores of 7476=150 (+7). Kuang is a signee with UC Davis women’s golf program, which currently has Temecula Valley graduate Katelyn Parr on their roster, and finished sixth in last year’s Big West tournament. She was the 2019 Southwestern League champion while at Murrieta Mesa High School.

Carlsbad’s Alana Uriell, who currently splits time between the EPSON and LPGA tours, won the tournament with rounds of 6567=132 (-11).

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

Vista Murrieta High School’s Breanna Noble follows a tee shot during the 2023 California State Women’s Open.

Valley News/Bryce Wheeler and Danny Cross (SCPGA Communications) courtesy photo

San Jacinto girls’ soccer alumni to help celebrate Guzman’s final season JP Raineri Spor ts Editor The San Jacinto High School girls’ soccer program will be hosting the return of their muchanticipated alumni game Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. The game will take place on their home fields for the first time since 2019. It will also be the last time that long-standing head coach Walter O. Guzman will be the patriarch hosting the event.

After 23 years of coaching soccer, Guzman, a retired staff sergeant from the U.S. Army, who has

been with the San Jacinto Unified School District for 27 years, will be retiring, “This is the first time since the pandemic that we have been able to schedule the event, so bring out the family,” Guzman, who is also the school services manager, said.

The cost of the event, which kicks off at 11 a.m., is free.

Guzman can be reached at 915234-9124 or at his office at 951654-7374, ext 2975.

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

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The 2019 San Jacinto High School girls’ soccer alumni game took place prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this year’s event the first time it will finally return.

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BUSINESS

Soboba’s Geneva Mojado receives Warrior Award Human Development Committee.

Raised on the Soboba Reservation, Mojado attended San Jacinto High School and graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in Native American Studies. Serving her Tribe for more than 14 years she has been committed to volunteering on the Noli Indian School Board, Tribal Emergency Response Commission, Soboba Pow Wow committee and chairing the annual National Indian Athletic Association Softball Tournament.

In 2023, after serving for six years, Mojado vacated her position with Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc.’s Native Challenge program as a health educator. Her passion and goal is to continue working with Tribal communities and Native youth alongside her children, Daniel and Gloria, and her Tribe for many years to come.

Before she accepted the award, several speakers shared some of their personal interactions with Mojado. Andrew Masiel Sr. from

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to the Valley News

The American Indian Chamber of Commerce recently awarded Geneva Mojado, vice chair of Soboba Tribal Council, with the Warrior Award during its 24th annual Native American Heritage Month fundraiser luncheon.

Usually in November, this year’s event was held Friday, Dec. 1, at the Grand Californian Hotel at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

The luncheon began with a networking reception and silent auction that raises funds for annual Chamber Scholarships, which were presented at the event. Each year, the organization chooses a Tribal leader and a corporate partner to receive its highest honor, the Warrior Award. Both deserving recipients were chosen for their contributions to the chamber’s mission, which is, “To provide opportunities for networking and support of American Indian business people in California. To provide a mentor’s environment for those individuals beginning new endeavors and establish a vehicle for education, networking and growth opportunities.”

The Native American Financial Officers Association received the corporate partner Warrior Award for their commitment to supporting Tribal economies through sound economic and fiscal policy, innovative learning opportunities, convening through leadership and developing resources for Tribes that strengthen governance and exercise sovereignty. Acting board president VaRene Martin accepted the award on behalf of NAFOA. Mojado, who was singled out for the individual Tribal Leader award, was elected to the Soboba Tribal Council in April 2020 and currently serves in the position of vice chair. Since 2006, she has served in the positions of treasurer and secretary. She had served on the Soboba Foundation Board for more than nine years and the Soboba Economic Development Corporation as vice chair for four years. Mojado is currently the chair of Legacy Bancorp and serves on the board of directors as secretary for Legacy Bank, which is 100% owned by the Soboba Band. She is a strong advocate for education and serves as the chair for the San Jacinto Unified School District Native American Parent Advisory Council. She is also a Western Science Center Board of Directors member.

Mojado was recently appointed to the Southern California Association of Governments on its Community Economic and

Geneva Mojado, center, shares her Warrior Award with her children, Daniel and Gloria, at a ceremony Friday, Dec. 1. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photo

The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California awards Geneva Mojado, vice chair of Soboba Tribal Council, with the Warrior Award.

the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians said in all the years he has known her, she has always been involved and engaged.

“There are a few things I want to share about the character of Geneva,” he said. “She is one of those persons who asks the question ‘why not?’ and her involvement in so many activities stems from this.”

He explained that when Soboba wanted to establish a charitable foundation a battle ensued for many years on whether it was to be a state or federal foundation.

“After her aunt left Tribal Council and Geneva finished school, she picked up that battle and played a big part in the establishment of the Soboba Foundation,” Maisel said.

He added that Soboba is one of the few Tribes in the country that has a philanthropic foundation.

Masiel said Mojado always had an interest in economics and development and that they shared many conversations about see MOJADO, page C-6

Murrieta receives Top Workplaces 2023 of the Inland Empire award MURRIETA – Murrieta was awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by Inland Empire Top Workplaces. The list is based on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization including: alignment, execution and connection, just to name a few.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, said. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard.

That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

More than 230 Murrieta employees participated in the survey. The city saw top scores in meaningfulness, direction and inclusion.

Other words that scored high included: professional, positive, team-oriented, fulfilling, proactive,

honest, driven, culture, empathetic, rewarding and happy.

“We work hard to put our employees first and listen to their needs,” Kim Summers, city manager of Murrieta, said. “Only 33 companies made the list, and I’m proud to see Murrieta named a top workplace”.

This survey also gave the city a snapshot of where improvements can be made with employees noting there is room for improvement with: interdepartmental cooperation, clued-in leaders and open-mindedness.

In addition, employees provided feedback such as, overworked, disconnected, underpaid, clique, poor-leadership, consistent, inconsistent, micromanaged and exclusive.

“There is no perfect organization, and we are always striving to move in a forward direction,” Summers said. “We are working to understand these concerns and the actions we need to take at the leadership level and as individual employees. Overall, I am very pleased with the results and that many of the areas we have focused on are successful.”

Submitted by city of Murrieta.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

REGIONAL NEWS Highway Updates

RCTC and Caltrans highway projects resume after the Christmas and New Year holidays Tony Ault Staf f Writer While the Riverside County Transportation Commission teams allowed motorists heading out of Southwest Riverside County on westbound Highway 91 to State Route 71 these Christmas holidays without any closures, they may begin again after January 1, 2024.

The previous point closures allowed RCTC working with Caltrans crews to safely continue construction of the new connector formwork and support structures with large beams and pillars.

Following the successful weeknight closures of eastbound 91 during October and November, full closure of westbound 91 will again take place on Monday through Wednesday nights after January 1, 2024.

The westbound 91 closures are needed to allow crews to safely construct support structures extending across the entire width of the 91 as part of RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange Project. The

support formwork on top of the tunnel for the new connector will be approximately 30 feet in height with over 200 beams being positioned during these weeknight closures.

The weeknight closures will include: Full closure of westbound 91 lanes from the 71 to Green River Road after January 1 include: Monday – Wednesday from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Full southbound 71 to westbound 91 closure Monday – Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Full westbound 91 Express Lanes closures from the 15/91 Interchange to the Orange County/ Riverside County Line Monday – Wednesday 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Full southbound 15 to westbound 91 Express Lanes closures Monday – Wednesday 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Full northbound 15 to westbound 91 Express Lanes closures Monday – Wednesday 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Westbound 91 Green River Road off-ramp closure Monday – Wednesday 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Motorists are advised to use the northbound 71 to westbound 60 to southbound 57 to navigate around the closure. Please use caution traveling through this area and plan extra time to arrive to your destination. Weather conditions may change some schedules.

Aguanga/Anza Caltrans crews continue work on a $5.2 million slurry seal and rumble strips maintenance project on State Route 371 from Aguanga through Anza in Riverside County.

The project involves dig outs, slurry seal operations, striping, and installation of safety rumble strips on the inside and outside of the lanes in both directions. Weather permitting..

Crews will be performing striping operations from the junction of State Route 79 and SR 371 to the junction of SR-74 and SR-371.

Traffic control: One-way traffic control will be in effect for striping operations. Do not pass the pilot vehicle as the recently striped roadway needs to be set.

After January 1 the crews are working 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Speed limits are reduced throughout the construction zone with the Highway Patrol on alert for violators.

Hemet Caltrans crew after the holiday will continue their work on State Route 74, in Hemet. The project will repave and rehabilitate 49 lane miles, install Traffic Management Systems, upgrade curb ramps, sidewalks and driveways to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, enhance bike lane signage and striping, and upgrade 29 bus pads within the project parameters.

After January 1 the work zone will be from Winchester Road to Fairview Avenue. The work on various intersections will resume from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There may be some continuous lane closures: Eastbound from Lyon Avenue to Gilbert Street, the outside lane will remain closed through this area during

construction of the ADA ramps, curbs and gutters for safety of the public and the crews.

Other work throughout the work zone includes pothole repairs and trenching for a new underground fiber optic line.

Caltrans advises some entry areas with more than one driveway access will close one driveway at a time and direct traffic to other accessible entry points. Entry areas with single driveway access will be constructed in two phases, closing one-half of the driveway at a time, to keep entry access open at all times. Watch for the detour signs to take you to your location inside the driveway areas.

Traffic control will remain open during construction. 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 relocation and construction staging purposes.

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

California budget rollercoaster: Analyst predicts $68 billion deficit

Gov. Gavin Newsom unveils his revised budget proposal for 2023-24 during a press briefing at the state Natural Resources Agency in Sacramento on May Valley News/Rahul Lal, CalMatters 12, 2023.

Alexei Kosef f Capitol Repor ter, CalMatters With tax revenues in a free fall comparable to the Great Recession and the dot-com bust, California faces a projected $68 billion budget deficit next year that will require spending cuts and reserve funds to close, state finance officials said Thursday, Dec. 7.

The new estimate from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office, released as Gov. Gavin Newsom finalizes his January budget proposal, reflects a substantially delayed tax-filing period this fall where collections came in far below what lawmakers MOJADO from page C-5 economic development and the prosperity of Indian Tribes and Indian people getting financial gain.

“Geneva was a big part of working on the current Legacy Bank that the Soboba Tribe now owns, the only Indian-owned bank in California and only the 17th in the nation,” he said. “This stems from Geneva’s commitment and foresight to getting things done.”

Masiel said that overall Mojado is the fitting image of the Warrior Award. Other speakers thanked her for her passion and dedication and commitment to her constituents and all Indian people. She was applauded for embodying that Warrior spirit as a strong woman.

Mojado said she was truly honored to receive the award and that she doesn’t know what she would do without her support system. She invited her children, Daniel and Gloria, to stand beside her on stage to share the award with her and gave a shout out to other relatives past and present who contributed to her becoming the person she is today.

“I am truly grateful for who I am and where I am today,” Mojado said. “What makes me a warrior are these two who are standing next to me. These two have been through it all with me.”

She said that she has been

expected when they adopted a spending plan over the summer.

This projected deficit would be a record for California. But officials noted that it is partly because the budget has grown so much in recent years — the most recent was more than $300 billion — and that the state has closed similar or worse spending gaps, by percentage, in the past.

Legislative analyst Gabriel Petek cautioned that California is better prepared to respond to the situation than during the economic recession 15 years ago, because it has since built several multibillion-dollar rainyday funds, though the state is also honored to serve with many great Tribal leaders at Soboba, such as Bobby Salgado, Rose Salgado and Rosemary Morillo.

“I do come from a family of leaders,” Mojado said. “My dad and aunt were on Tribal Council and my grandma and great-great grandfather were also Tribal leaders.”

She thanked those who spoke so kindly about her and congratulated the young people who received scholarships at the event.

“Education is really important, and it can’t be taken away from you,” Mojado told the recipients.

“I encourage you to use those scholarships and take what you learn back to your communities and help Indian country.”

The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California Board of Directors said, “Never shall any of us forget where our ancestors came from and their dreams for the success of our people today.

One of our Native American core values is to plan for seven generations from our own. We, at the American Indian Chamber, share those values and seek to foster economic opportunities for our enterprise success, selfsufficiency and set a foundation for sustainable growth for our generations to come.”

For more information, visit http://www.aicccal.org.

looking at a structural deficit of about $30 billion annually going forward.

“I go with the word ‘serious.’

A serious budget problem,” Petek said during a briefing with journalists. “I would stop short of calling it a crisis.”

H.D. Palmer, a spokesperson for Newsom’s Department of Finance, said the administration will have different numbers when the governor presents his 2024-25 spending plan next month, but Newsom is preparing to address a significant deficit.

“Both the Governor and the Legislature have a substantial challenge before them in closing a very large revenue gap in this budget,” Palmer told CalMatters.

“The IRS, with the best of intentions, created a situation this year that is entirely new territory.”

Severe winter storms prompted the federal government to delay the income tax filing deadline for most Californians from April until November, and the state followed suit, giving an incomplete picture when legislators and the governor crafted the budget this summer.

It already accounted for a $30 billion deficit, after two years of record surpluses driven by economic recovery and federal aid related to the coronavirus pandemic. But those collections were ultimately another $26 billion below estimates — a drop of 25% from the prior year — digging a financial hole based on money the state committed in its spending plan.

This year looks weak as well, according to finance officials.

California has been hit particularly hard by inflation, which pinched the housing market; a stock market downturn, affecting capital gains; and a drop in investments in the tech industry, which has pulled back on initial public offerings. Overall tax revenues are projected to be $58 billion below assumptions in the multi-year budget window.

Though the Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates that tax revenues will begin growing again next year, the recovery is likely to be slow, opening up long-term funding shortfalls that could affect essential programs in future years.

“There are enough options available to address this immediate problem,” Petek said. “Our highlevel suggestion to the Legislature is just to be judicious about reserves because there’s a lot of uncertainty ahead, so preserving some of that resilience would be helpful.”

H i s o ff i c e r e c o m m e n d e d that Newsom declare a fiscal emergency, allowing the state to dip into as much as $24 billion of its rainy-day funds, and that legislators pull back on one-time spending allocations that have not yet been distributed, potentially saving $10 billion or more that had previously been set aside for transportation, environmental and education programs.

Petek also suggested that California could cut the deficit by nearly $17 billion over the next three years by recalculating its constitutionally-mandated funding obligation to schools and community colleges, known as Proposition 98, based on the

lower revenues. Though this would decrease the state’s base education funding over the long term, Petek said the immediate effects could be offset with reserves.

That option, in particular, could encounter stiff resistance in the Legislature. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, a Hollister Democrat, released a statement last week, when it became clear that tax revenues would be substantially below estimates, committing to a budget that “protects classroom funding.”

Newsom and lawmakers are also likely to confront months of tremendous pressure from advocates arguing that their priorities should be protected in any budget solutions. Statements started rolling out mere minutes after the Legislative Analyst’s Office published its report.

“California leaders have stepped up before to prioritize Californians who are struggling to get by and they must continue this in 2024,” said Pete Manzo, president & CEO of United Ways of California.

Republican legislators chastised their Democratic colleagues for continuing to make new spending commitments in recent budget cycles even as it became clear that the economy was increasingly shaky.

“Hopefully, the supermajority will see it is time for a more realistic budget strategy,” Senate Republican Leader Brian Jones of San Diego said in a statement, “instead of throwing money at a laundry list of projects that sounds nice on the national television debate stage.”

New poll: Former baseball star Steve Garvey in second place in California’s U.S. Senate primary race LOS ANGELES – A new poll published today by POLITICO and Morning Consult shows that baseball legend Steve Garvey’s campaign for the U.S. Senate has surged to second place going into the March 5 primary election.

The top four in the poll: Schiff: 28 percent Garvey: 19 percent Porter: 17 percent Lee: 14 percent “Californians are becoming reacquainted with Steve Garvey and his commonsense, compassionate, consensusbuilding campaign to be our U.S. Senator,” said Matt Shupe, Garvey campaign spokesman. “In just two months, he has gone from campaign launch to second place, and as we approach the election, it’s clear that this race will be about beating Steve Garvey.”

Garvey, a former professional baseball player who played as a first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres from 1969 to 1987, was a 10-time

All-Star, National League Most Valuable Player in 1974, and National League Championship Series MVP in 1978 and 1984.

Garvey also holds the National League record for consecutive games played (1,207) and was named baseball’s “Iron Man” by Sports Illustrated. Garvey was part of the Dodgers’ infield that won four National League pennants and one World Series championship in 1981.

Garvey’s efforts have not been exclusively focused on the field or in the boardroom. Giving back is a Garvey trademark. He succeeded Frank Sinatra as the National Campaign Chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. In addition, he assists in a variety of other causes: Special Olympics, Juvenile Diabetes, The Blind Children Center, The Sisters of Carondelet, United Way, Ronald McDonald House, St. Vincent DePaul Center, Pediatrics AIDS, the Starlight Foundation, and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Garvey

Steve Garvey is running in the 2024 U.S. Senate election in California.

Valley News/Courtesy photo also finds the time to hold positions on numerous civic committees and corporate boards.

To learn more about Garvey’s campaign, please visit his website SteveGarvey.com.

Submitted by Steve Garvey for U.S. Senate.

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December 29, 2023 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News

NATIONAL NEWS

Supreme Court hands Jack Smith a major defeat in Trump 2020 election case

Katelynn Richardson Daily Caller News Foundation Contributor

The Supreme Court declined special counsel Jack Smith’s request Friday, Dec. 22 for it to quickly consider a key question in former President Donald Trump’s election interference case without letting the lower court weigh in first.

Smith asked the justices last week to hear former President Donald Trump’s bid to have

his election interference case dismissed based on presidential immunity without allowing the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to first consider the issue. In an unsigned order Friday, the justices shot down his request.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan declined to dismiss Trump’s case Dec. 1 in a decision that said the presidency “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.” Trump then appealed her decision to the D.C. Circuit.

The Supreme Court’s decision

puts an obstacle in the way of Smith, who has been making every effort to salvage Trump’s scheduled March 4 trial date.

Chutkan paused proceedings in Trump’s case pending his appeal of the immunity question.

Trump’s attorneys told the justices in a filing Wednesday that they should reject Smith’s request, which they alleged had a “partisan motivation,” and to not “rush to decide the issues with reckless abandon.”

“This Court’s ordinary review

procedures will allow the D.C. Circuit to address this appeal in the first instance, thus granting this Court the benefit of an appellate court’s prior consideration of these historic topics and performing the traditional winnowing function that this Court has long preferred,” Trump’s lawyers wrote Wednesday.

His lawyers said Smith “confuses the public interest with a partisan interest of his superior, President Biden.”

“Further, the Special Counsel’s

insistence that this Court decide the immunity question ‘during its current Term,’ reflects the evident desire to schedule President Trump’s potential trial during the summer of 2024— at the height of the election season,” they wrote.

Oral arguments at the D.C. Circuit are scheduled for Jan. 9, 2024. The question will likely come back to the Supreme Court after the appeals court issues a ruling.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance working to conserve critically endangered Lord Howe Island stick insect SAN DIEGO – For more than a decade, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s entomology team collaborated with Australia’s Melbourne Zoo to maintain populations of the critically endangered Lord Howe Island stick insect. For the first time in North America, visitors to the San Diego Zoo will have the opportunity to see these rare, nocturnal insects in a specialized habitat at the Zoo’s Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.

“We are honored to partner with Zoos Victoria on the conservation of the Lord Howe Island stick insect and beyond thrilled to be finally able to share these animals with our guests,” Paige Howorth, McKinney Family director of invertebrate care and conservation with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, said. “San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to invertebrate conservation, and bringing our guests close to this rare and iconic species is a great way to raise awareness for the lesser-known animals that run the world. In so many ways – pollination, decomposition, predation and simply as food for other animals – invertebrates make life possible for us all.”

The Lord Howe Island stick insect breeding program at the San Diego Zoo is part of an ongoing, collaborative conservation effort to conserve the rarest insect on the planet – which was previously thought to be extinct on the island of the same name until a few individuals were rediscovered on a tiny nearby volcanic spire called Ball’s Pyramid in 2001. Upon the insect’s “rediscovery,” two pairs were brought to the Australian mainland for breeding – one to the Melbourne Zoo, which has successfully maintained this species in managed care and pioneered best practices for its recovery. The San Diego Zoo has partnered with Zoos Victoria/ Melbourne Zoo since 2012 and is one of only two zoos outside of Australia and the only zoo in North America to work with this species.

Sometimes called “tree lobsters,” the Lord Howe Island stick insect is a large, flightless, nocturnal insect that can grow up to 6 inches in length when fully mature. Since 2012, the zoo has received eggs from Australia on three occasions and continues to build upon the knowledge and critical work initiated by the

Visitors to the San Diego Zoo can see rare and endangered Lord Howe Island stick insects in a habitat at the zoo’s Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.

Valley News/Courtesy photo Melbourne Zoo. The stick insects are raised in the McKinney Family Invertebrate Propagation Center, within a dedicated quarantine facility. Temperature and humidity are closely controlled, and UVtransmissible skylights allow access to natural photoperiod cues. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which go through several molting stages for approximately seven months. Nymphs are bright green for the first few months of life.

As they mature, they begin to darken to greenish-brown and seek shelter during daylight. Adults are a dark, glossy brown-black, and are strictly herbivorous, foraging at night on host plants and resting in tree hollows and other retreats during the day.

In addition to the entomology team, the San Diego Zoo’s horticulture team also plays a pivotal role in the successful rearing of these insects. Early in the San Diego Zoo’s program, Zoo horticulturists traveled to Australia to collect seeds and cuttings of important host plants for young stick insects that were unavailable

in North America. Adult stick insects have different host plant preferences and thrive on plants such as Moreton Bay fig and wooly tea tree, also grown at the Zoo. The Horticulture team now maintains a significant amount of plant material to support the large insurance population throughout all their life stages.

Lord Howe Island stick insects are endemic to the Lord Howe Island Group, a cluster of volcanic islands in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. They are listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, and critically endangered under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act. They are threatened in their native habitat by the presence of invasive plants and non-native predators, including rats that originally extirpated them from Lord Howe Island. Their tiny habitat on Ball’s Pyramid supports extremely low numbers of the insect, is subject to catastrophic weather events and

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collectors, and the fragility and low abundance of the existing host plants is of critical concern. Before the arrival of rats, the insects filled an important ecological role as primary consumers of plant material and food for other native wildlife.

The Lord Howe Island Board and residents have been key partners in the decades-long preparation to one day return this animal to its ancestral home. An unprecedented rat eradication effort was implemented since 2019, and an “ecological renaissance” has followed on the island, involving the reappearance of many other rare or presumed extinct plant and animal species that once fell prey to introduced rats. The San

Diego Zoo’s insurance population of Lord Howe Island stick insects provides security for the next stage of the conservation journey for this species, as plans progress to reestablish wild populations.

Visitors to Wildlife Explorers Basecamp can see the new stick insect habitat in the Tree Hollow area of Spineless Marvels, Level 1. They are maintained within a reversed light cycle so that guests can view them during the day under red light, which is invisible to the insects and simulates night, their active time. To learn more about San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts, visit http://sdzwa.org.

Submitted by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

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Valley News • www.myvalleynews.com • December 29, 2023

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Anza Valley Outlook • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • December 29, 2023

D

Section

WITH CONTENT FROM

Wishing Our Readers a Very Happy New Year!

Your Source For Reputable Local News

December 29, 2023 – January 4, 2024

www.anzavalleyoutlook.com

Volume 23, Issue 52

from Anza Valley Outlook

Local couple tours with Santa’s reindeer

Peter Easterwood takes a photo with Peppermint, left, and Barbie, a little-known pair of Santa’s reindeer touring Southern California this fall.

Diane Sieker Staf f Writer An Aguanga couple has been touring Southern California with two of Santa’s less famous

reindeer. Peter and Joy Easterwood, founders of Hold Your Horses Rescue, have made stops at special events to introduce Peppermint and Barbie to Christmas and Santa Claus fans.

The Easterwoods were employed

by California Reindeer Rental to share the magical experience to both young and old throughout the Christmas season.

“We have been traveling to many

AEC employees participate in Christmas Angels program ANZA - For the second year in a row, Anza Electric Cooperative, Inc. employees participated in the Christmas Angel program organized by Living Hope Church and From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries.

From the Heart’s programs help over 600 children in the mountain communities with everything from backpacks for school, to computer scholarships and presents at Christmastime.

Those who participated in Christmas Angels received the name, age and Christmas wish list of a local child. They then went about making those wishes come true.

“This year’s wish lists ranged from practical items like clothes and shoes to fun things like play stations, horseback riding equipment, air guns, toys and more,” said Member Services Representative Sherri Stafford.

“AEC employees are proud to participate in this program and help bring a smile to a child’s face on Christmas day. We also want to thank Living Hope’s outreach programs for all they do for our community.”

To learn more about the From The Heart Christian Women’s Ministries or to discover how to donate, please visit their Facebook page at see AEC, page D-4

events, both public and private,” said Joy. “We are officially done this year as of December 22, but we hope to have even more fun next year.”

Peppermint is a six-year-old

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo reindeer cow with Barbie being six months old. According to Viovet online, Santa’s famous eight reindeer – Dasher, Dancer, see REINDEER, page D-3

Dogs reunited with owners in Anza

Joseph McIlwain, left, Kimberlee and Mike Patke hold on to two friendly dogs as they wait for their owners to come pick them up Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo Saturday, Dec. 23.

Diane Sieker Staf f Writer

A Christmas tree with gifts underneath adorns the Anza Electric Cooperative’s office during their employee’s participation in the Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo Christmas Angel program.

Two playful canine escapees were reunited with their worried owners Saturday, Dec. 23 in Anza.

The dogs’ misadventures had been

the subject of social media posts since dawn that morning.

“They were on the highway just before Burnt Valley Road very early this morning,” wrote Tara see DOGS, page D-4

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Anza Valley Outlook • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • December 29, 2023

A N Z A’ S U P C O M I N G E V E N T S If you have an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com, put “attention events” in the subject line. Readers should call ahead on some listed events for the latest updates.

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

ONGOING – Anza Electric Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers a free mobile food www.anzavalleyoutlook.com

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

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

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

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

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.

Ve t e r a n s ’ G a t h e r i n g Mondays – 9-11 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 39075 Contreras Road in Anza. Men and women veterans come to share and help each other deal with post-traumatic stress disorder and other difficulties.

Call John Sheehan at 951-9236153. If you need an advocate to help with VA benefits, call Ronnie Imel at 951-659-9884.

The Most Excellent Way – A Christ-centered recovery program for all kinds of addiction meets Fridays from 7-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 8-10 a.m.

Program is court approved; child care is provided. Transportation help is available. The group meets at 58050 Highway 371; the cross street is Kirby Road in Anza.

AA Men’s Meeting – 7 p.m.

Meetings take place Thursdays at 39551 Kirby Road in Anza, south of Highway 371.

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

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

Hardee at 951-551-2826.

Free Mobile Health Clinic – Open every third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is needed.

Uninsured may only be seen in the Anza Community Hall’s parking lot or inside the hall.

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

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

Living Hope Christian Fellowship Community Dinner – 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 non-denominational nonprofit.

All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-7635636.

Bible Studies The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anza’s Sunday Sacrament is at 10 a.m.; Sunday School is 11 a.m.

Priesthood/Relief Society meets at noon; Wednesday, Boy Scouts gathers 6 p.m. and Youth Night is 7 p.m. For more information, call Ruiz at 951-445-7180 or Nathan at 760-399-0727. The Wednesday Genealogy/Family History Class, 5-8 p.m., is open to the public at 39075 Contreras Road in Anza.

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

Living Hope Bible Study – 8-10 a.m. Tuesdays at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 58050 Highway 371, Anza.

All are welcome. For more information, call Pastor Kevin at 951-763-1111.

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

Monthly Christian Men’s Breakfast – 9 a.m. Breakfast takes place the fourth Saturday of each month and rotates to different locations. Contact Jeff

Crawley at 951-763-1257 for more information.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church – 10 a.m.

Weekly Wednesday Bible study takes place at 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Call 951-763-4226 for more information.

Valley Gospel Chapel – 7 a.m. Saturday Men’s Study meets weekly with breakfast usually served at 43275 Chapman Road in the Terwilliger area of Anza.

For more information, call 951763-4622.

Anza First Southern Baptist Church – Begin your week with Sunday School for all ages at 9 a.m., followed by Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

On Sunday nights, the church has prayer on the 1st and 4th Sundays from 6-7 p.m. and Bible study on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays from 6-8 p.m. On Monday evenings, from 6-8 p.m., the youth group (6 to 12 grade) meets for games and Bible study.

Anza Baptist Church also offers Men’s and Women’s Ministries, a Homeschool Support Group, Summer Vacation Bible School and a Seniors’ Ministry. The church office is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road in Anza.

For more information, contact the church at 951-763-4937 or visit www.anzabaptistchurch.com.

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

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

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

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

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

Civil Air Patrol – Squadron 59

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

Fire Explorer Program – 6 p.m. The program meets every second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at Fire Station 29 on state Route 371 in Anza. Call 951-763-5611 for information.

Redshank Riders – 7 p.m.

Backcountry horsemen meet at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Anza, the second Thursday of each month. Visit www. redshankriders.com or call Carol Schmuhl for membership information at 951-663-6763.

Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the first Thursday of the month at 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 Te r w i l l i g e r C o m m u n i t y Association – 6 p.m. Second Monday of the month at VFW Post 1873, 59011 Bailey Road, in Anza. Potluck dinner open to all.

For more information, call Tonie Ford at 951-763-4560.

From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries – Noon.

Monthly luncheon and guest speaker are held the second Saturday of each month. The $5 charge covers lunch at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. From the Heart helps the area’s neediest children and invites all women and men to join in their mission.

Donate or help with the rummage sales twice a year to raise funds for the cause or other events. For more information, call president Christi James at 951-595-2400.

Anza Community Hall – 7 p.m.

General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Single memberships are $30 and include discounts to events for one person and 1 vote in elections and meetings.

Family memberships are $50 and include discounts for a family up to 5 members and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Business memberships are $50 and allows an employer to receive discounts for up to 5 people, including themselves, and includes 1 vote on elections and meetings. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets. Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. For more information, call 951-2824267 or email achageneral@ g m a i l . c o m o r v i s i t w w w. 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 and Valley News Published weekly Mail to Corporate Office 111 W. Alvarado St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (951) 763-5510 FAX (760) 723-9606 Corporate Office: (760) 723-7319 OUR E-MAIL ADDRESSES: anzaeditor@reedermedia.com info@reedermedia.com sales@reedermedia.com circulation@reedermedia.com

Find more area stories on anzavalleyoutlook.com.

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December 29, 2023 • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • Anza Valley Outlook

ANZA LOCAL

Prepare now for winter weather Diane Sieker Staf f Writer Wintery weather will arrive in the Anza Valley and surrounding mountain communities any day now. Freezing temperatures are common at this time of year, but sometimes the bitter cold and vicious winds accompanied by some winter storms can take homeowners by surprise.

Frozen and broken water pipes, dead car batteries, shivering livestock, low supplies of heating fuel and iced windshields have plagued many residents in past years, especially newcomers to the area.

There are many things that can be done to prepare homes, cars and animals for the cold season, so that they are ready when the mercury dips below 32 degrees.

Winterizing the house is crucial.

Storms and extended freezes can cause dry rot, downed tree branches, roof leaks, broken water pipes and flooding. Preparing for the worst in advance will help protect property, buildings and trees.

Exterior home maintenance should start with an inspection of the foliage around it. Trees and limbs must be checked to make sure they are in good health and not too close as to cause damage when the Santa Ana winds roar into the Anza Valley. All branches should be trimmed three to six feet from the roofline. A professional may be contacted if necessary to get the job done.

Homeowners should check for leaf accumulation on the roof and inspect it for damaged shingles and trim, including the seals and flashings around pipes, vents, skylights and chimneys. Replacing worn seals and shingles will ensure a waterproof roof for the coming rains.

It’s important to clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure water flows through them, and not back up as a result of a clog.

The home’s paint should be checked for wear or damage and any deterioration repaired, as paint helps seal the home from water intrusion. If needed, a professional repainting job should be scheduled well before winter.

Inspecting for gaps and cracks between exterior siding, sliding window tracks and door or window trim is also useful. All visible issues should be sealed with a paintable latex caulking rated for exterior use.

As the days get shorter, exterior lighting becomes more important than ever. Bulbs should be replaced as needed.

Standing water can cause expensive issues from foundation erosion and flooding. Homes, outbuildings and property have adequate drainage. Gutter downspouts need to drain away from the house and other structures equipped with them. Downspouts should terminate at least five feet from foundations.

Residents in low-lying areas that commonly experience flooding should get sandbags to have on hand before the weather turns foul.

Protecting water pipes, well parts and spigots is extremely important. Building a small pump house to contain temperaturesensitive pipes and fittings is a great place to start. Some people even use heat lamps inside the pump house, to guarantee icefree water flow. To avoid an embarrassing lack of water first thing in the morning, drip a faucet or two inside the home to keep water moving so it doesn’t freeze solid inside the pipes. Outside spigots may be covered with plastic 5-gallon buckets or wrapped with foam or cloth. Hoses should be drained and removed. For exposed pipes entering the home, heating tape can be purchased that will eliminate a troublesome freeze.

Simple foam pipe wrap is an inexpensive solution.

Homeowners must know how to shut off their pump at the breaker box in case of a burst pipe.

Cold-sensitive plants should be covered up or brought into shelter if possible. Freezes may occur well into May and the local lore dictates that if you are planting a garden, put the seedlings out after Mother’s Day to avoid frost damage.

Pets and livestock can present unique winterizing challenges.

Arrangements can be as simple as making sure the family pooch is in at night, or as complicated as building and maintaining shelter systems for outdoor-only animals.

For most livestock, it is protection from wind and precipitation that are paramount. Animals naturally grow winter coats that insulate them from biting cold in most cases. An animal’s fur or hair stands up when it is cold, a process called piloerection. This results in a layer of warm air trapped close to the skin, keeping the animal comfortable.

Blanketing large animals such as horses usually is only necessary in inclement weather, to protect them from the rain or snow, not especially the cold. Most horses are not uncomfortable in dry temps as low as 10 or 15 degrees, but if they get wet, they can be miserable. If your livestock is shivering, they are cold.

Shelter is important for livestock. Wintertime newborns need special accommodations and owners need to be informed and industrious to provide protection for lambs, kids, and piglets.

Poultry, small livestock and young animals do well for the most part with adequate shelter.

Heat lamps are no longer a viable option, as the chance of fire outweighs any benefits they may provide.

Animals that are eating are generally comfortable. They also need more food this time of year to help with the increased energy demands of keeping warm. Weak, old or very young animals may need special attention, and be offered more calories than more vigorous critters. Animals are not people and most can tolerate cold much better than humans can.

Owners should break the ice in water containers, to ensure that the animals drink enough to remain as healthy as possible.

Winterizing vehicles is a must.

Motorists should check antifreeze, brakes, heater and defroster, tires and windshield wipers to make sure they all perform as needed. It is a good idea to keep the gas tank at least half full of fuel in case of an emergency. Emergency kits and portable cell phone chargers, ice scrapers, blankets and jumper cables can be stashed in the trunk.

Residents must get snow chains and learn how to use them.

Electric service can be interrupted in extreme cold weather. Homeowners need to be

Winter is here and the time to prepare is now. prepared with an emergency kit, extra blankets, coats and other winter gear. For hones equipped with a fireplace, residents should make sure they have a good supply of dry firewood to carry over in case of an emergency. Chimneys need to be inspected and cleaned every autumn.

People who must have electricity to operate medical equipment should have an alternate plan in place in case power is out for an extended period of time.

“If you or someone in your

household is on life support please be sure and let us know,” advises the Anza Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s website.

“Identification tags are also placed on meters to alert crews of the existence of a life support system. With the member ’s permission, copies of AEC’s life support list are forwarded to the local fire stations so they also may be aware of a member’s special needs. Because power outages can’t always be controlled and the duration of the outage

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo may be extensive, it’s important to maintain a sufficient backup supply of oxygen or other medical equipment you may need during this time.”

Winterizing homes, property and livestock will give Valley residents peace of mind with the coming weather events. A little anticipation and forethought can help make the cold snaps and storms much less stressful.

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

REINDEER from page D-1 Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen first appeared in literature in 1823. For centuries reindeer have been associated with Christmas and winter festivities, particularly in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, where they have been domesticated for generations.

During the Middle Ages, as pagans converted to Christianity, their ancient customs became a part of Christmas celebrations and reindeer came to symbolize creativity, resourcefulness, knowledge, representing safe journeying and endurance through travels.

“All the kids get so excited and talk about them flying and how they are Santa’s reindeer,” said Joy. “I think it’s cute and fun to introduce children to the gentle animals.”

Peppermint and Barbie are wellcared-for and content. Reindeer and humans have coexisted together for hundreds of years, and according to the US Food and Drug Administration, reindeer are the only deer species to be widely domesticated.

Both the reindeer superstars and the Easterwoods are looking forward to next year’s fun and reindeer games.

For more information about California Reindeer Rental, click https://www.facebook.com/Calif orniaReindeerRentals?mibextid= ZbWKwL. To learn more about Hold Your Horses Rescue, please visit them on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/profile. php/?id=100063562311577 Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com.

Peppermint, one of Santa’s less famous reindeer, is six-years-old.

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

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Anza Valley Outlook • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • December 29, 2023

ANZA LOCAL

Living Free Animal Sanctuary dog of the week: Meet Kova

Kova is an 8-year-old terrier mix. His passion in life is chasing a tennis ball. He will play with you and run after a ball as many times as you want to throw one.

He also loves water. Nothing makes Kova happier than chasing a ball that has been thrown into the dog pond. He gets along with other dogs and is especially close with his kennel mate, Lola. Kova is loving and gentle with our staff but can be unpredictable and wary around strangers. With a proper introduction to someone new, Kova is friendly, playful, and incredibly sweet. He is also very

Hi, I’m Kova!

AEC from page D-1

DOGS from page D-1

https://www.facebook.com/ groups/115200731856938/ about/.

To contact Living Hope Christian Fellowship of Anza, visit www.facebook.com/LivingHope-Anza-268791509833485/ or www.livinghopeanza.com.

The Anza Electric Cooperative may be reached by calling (951)763-4333 or online at http://www.anzaelectric.org/ or on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/Anzaelectric.

Butchart. “One had a leash or something on its collar and it was trying not to step on it. I couldn’t catch them, they ran off towards Terwilliger.”

The wayward pooches remained elusive until almost midday when they were discovered by Kimberlee and Mike Patke and

Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

Joseph McIlwain.

“We were heading out of town and needed to get gas,” said Mike.

“When we turned on 371 from Common Grounds we saw two Great Pyrenees puppies. One was dragging a leash. I rolled down my window and called out to them and they started following us. We turned north on Kirby Road to get away from the busy highway and

smart and will learn new tricks easily.

Kova is looking for an active, loving home that will continue to help build up his confidence. He will flourish with an experienced adopter that will take the time to establish trust with him and empower him to be the best dog that he can be.

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

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

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

Open by appointment.

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

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

pulled over to see if they had tags.

Sure enough one did and we were able to reach the owners.”

The dogs were friendly and obviously pleased at having been reunited with humans. When their owners Mufo and Erica Aguilar arrived, the canines gladly jumped into their truck.

Many loose dogs aren’t so lucky. Dozens are reported on

social media every week. The Riverside County Department of Animal Services advises licensing, neutering and chipping pets so that they can be returned to their owners if found.

To learn more, click https:// rcdas.org/.

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

Movie review: ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ Bob Garver Special to the Valley News 2023 has not been good for the DC Extended Universe. The year will end without “The Flash” as one of the top 20 highest moneyearners at the domestic box office.

“Blue Beetle” will finish out of the top 30, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” out of the top 40.

Newest offering “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” will probably fare a little better since it’s been positioned as the big Christmas weekend release, but it can finish out of the top 50 for all I care because this movie is terrible.

Since we last saw Arthur Curry aka Aquaman (Jason Momoa), he’s settled into two new roles in his life. On land, he and his wife Mera (Amber Heard) have welcomed a son, which they raise alongside his parents (Nicole Kidman and Temuera Morrison). Underwater, he is now fully king of Atlantis.

He likes being a father much more than being a king, but duty calls ever since he banished his brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) to a prison in the desert. His nemesis Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), has gone through some changes too, now employing a research team to help break him into Atlantis so he can avenge his late father.

I have no idea how he affords his staff, his facilities, or his gadgets.

I know piracy pays well, but does it pay that well?

With the help of Dr. Stephen Shin (Randall Park), Manta stumbles across ancient Atlantean technology in the form of the Black Trident, which allows the holder to wield incredible power, but also corrupts their soul. Manta was already pretty corrupt, but with the trident, he starts wreaking havoc on the entire world. It’s up to Aquaman to stop him, and he has to do so by breaking Orm out of prison. Neither brother is thrilled to be working with the other, but the only way to defeat Manta is together.

The movie is at its best when it lets Momoa and Wilson carry the scene. The actors are charismatic and play off each other well. The banter they’re given isn’t always funny, but it’s easy to see where they have the potential to be funny.

Also, and I know a lot of people are going to disagree with me on this, but I liked a gag where Arthur learns that his brother has never tried surface food and shares with him a certain “delicacy.”

The movie is at its worst at all other times. The redemption arc for Dr. Shin is painfully drawnout and he ultimately does so little that his good-guy status at the end feels unearned. The CGI creatures are unconvincing and unpleasant-looking. Worst of all,

the underwater action sequences are murky and hard to follow. I could never keep track of who was alive and who was dead until they reemerged in follow-up scenes.

It’s not quite as bad as the action in “Meg 2: The Trench,” but I’m sure that movie was hampered by a limited budget, whereas this one had much more resources and still looks like a mess.

“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is a throwaway DCEU movie at a time when the franchise can’t afford to throw anything away. As much as I like Momoa and Wilson, I can’t recommend putting them in another standalone movie anytime soon, not until this arm of the franchise can be completely straightened out. The only way I see these characters working again is if they’re part of a bigger team-up with more DC heroes, but even that’s looking increasingly unlikely with every character bombing lately. This movie is the best argument yet for why this version of the DCEU in its entirety should just be cut adrift.

Grade: C“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is rated PG-13 for scifi violence and some language. Its running time is 124 minutes.

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

A look at how firefighters respond to a different bell on New Years with safety first Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna Special to the Valley News New Year’s Eve is always a special night—we gather with family and friends, and sometimes hit the town—to ring in the new year. But it’s not all fun and games.

Safety is a must when participating in the festivities.

The following are a few firefighter safety tips you can relate to that will help you stay safe and sound when the clock strikes midnight and the bells ring.

Designate a qualified apparatus operator: Just like any other night, don’t drink and drive.

Take a cab or rideshare service or arrange to stay overnight at a friend’s house. Have a friend who prefers not to drink? They’re the

perfect chauffeur.

Hit the air brakes: Better yet if you don’t have to go behind the wheel, or even get in a car, don’t. More people will be driving under the influence on New Year’s Eve, so avoid the potential for an accident by staying off the roads all together.

Maintain situational awareness: Yes, you’re out to have a good time, not to work. But New Year’s Eve is no time to let your guard down. If you’re at a party or a nightclub, there’s an increased potential for fights to break out or a medical emergency to occur.

And as we know, some people are looking for opportunities such as big gatherings to commit acts of terror. As a first responder, if something happens, people will

be looking to you. Relax and have fun, but stay alert, too.

Pre-planning your location: Whether you are heading to a concert, party, dinner, special event, hotel preplan when you arrive. Survey your surroundings.

Identify all exits, potential event hazards, occupancy, fire extinguishers etc. Let others know you are attending with them too.

Situational awareness at all times.

Use the buddy system: It’s not quite two-in, two-out, but it’s best to travel in groups and watch out for one another. New Year’s Eve can get a little crazy, but there’s safety in numbers. Monitor Your Intake: For many people, New Year’s Eve celebrations involve champagne and other adult drinks.

That’s OK—but remember that

moderation is key. Keep tabs on how much you and the people you’re with are consuming. Rotate alcoholic drinks with water and remember to take it easy.

Protect those K-9s: Don’t forget about your pets! While you’re out partying, they might be cowering in fear from fireworks or other loud celebrations. Try to find them a quiet spot and check in on them frequently.

Watch out for hot spots: Residential structure fires on the rise. Candles, incense and oil burners are festive. But no decoration is worth your life.

Closely monitor any open flames and remember to extinguish all candles and unplug holiday lights before leaving the room or going to sleep.

L e a v e f i re w o r k s t o t h e professionals: Don’t risk starting a fire or hurting someone by messing around with fireworks on New Year’s Eve. You can catch a much better light show in person or on TV—without jeopardizing safety.

In the fire service we always say, “Everyone Goes Home.” The same attitude should apply to your New Year’s Celebration. By using some common sense, we can all go home safely. Happy New Year!

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

Anza Valley Outlook can run your legal announcements.

For more information, call (760) 723-7319 or email legals@reedermedia.com

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December 29, 2023 • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • Anza Valley Outlook

REGIONAL NEWS

Lara acts to protect Californians’ access to auto insurance

LOS ANGELES – Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara took action to protect California drivers’ access to auto insurance by issuing a bulletin to personal auto insurance companies throughout the state Thursday, Dec. 21. The California Department of Insurance continues to receive numerous complaints from consumers who have been having issues obtaining auto insurance coverage.

“These alleged passiveaggressive tactics by insurance companies to slow down drivers’ access to coverage are unacceptable, dangerous and will not be tolerated,” Lara said. “I am taking action today to ensure these insurance companies are acting according to the law and giving drivers the coverage they are paying for at the rate they qualify for. We will continue to monitor the situation and take any and all steps necessary to protect California consumers.”

The consumer complaints that the Department received

were regarding waiting periods, questionnaires and other practices instituted by auto insurance companies that the Department believed could be in violation of existing California law, including various provisions of Proposition 103, resulting in barriers for otherwise qualified drivers to secure and maintain auto insurance.

Auto insurance companies in California are required to submit complete rate applications to the Insurance Commissioner for review and prior approval before implementing any change to existing rates. These consumer complaints revealed that some insurance companies may be taking actions that are not a part of the underwriting guidelines they have previously filed with the department. Before implementing new practices, like using questionnaires or different filing instructions, insurance companies must file those guidelines with the Department.

Auto insurance companies in California also are required to offer and sell insurance to all persons who qualify as “Good Drivers,” those who have been licensed for at least three consecutive years, have no more than one point on their driving record and were not principally at fault as the driver in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in bodily injury or death of any person.

The complaints from consumers claim that some insurance companies may not be offering “Good Driver” discounts for all who qualify and may be imposing unreasonable application requirements that are unrelated to set eligibility factors. These requirements in many cases discourage, inhibit and/or delay “Good Drivers” from completing an application for insurance and result in failure or refusal by the company to provide the deserved discount, especially in a timely manner.

Some of these requirements

include having to complete unnecessarily lengthy and/or confusing questionnaires, verify employment or school information, respond to physically mailed questionnaires despite applicants electing to receive documents electronically, provide information regarding excluded drivers living at the same address and/or submit copies of applicants’ utility bills, vehicle registrations and/or photos of driver’s licenses or vehicles, among other examples.

T h e T h u r s d a y, D e c . 2 1 , action by Lara sets the stage for future enforcement actions, if warranted. Bulletins are issued by the department to “clear the air” on any questions that insurance companies may have regarding insurance law and regulations and their enforcement. In general, companies found to be violating insurance law and regulations after a bulletin is issued may be subject to enforcement actions such as market conduct reviews, fines and other penalties. Once directly

December memo: Looking back on a great year

Dear Residents of District 5, As we wrap up a remarkable year, I am thrilled to reflect on our collective accomplishments and the strides we’ve made together. This year, my first year as your Supervisor has been a journey of dedication and

transformation for District 5.

Empowering Employment: One of our most impactful initiatives has been the launch of the Hire District 5 suite of programs. The Hire District 5, Hire a Veteran, and Hire a Senior programs have been monumental in fostering employment opportunities, honoring the service of our veterans, and tapping into the wisdom of our seniors. We’ve seen over 50 businesses commit to these programs, creating a robust community of support and opportunity. The upcoming year promises even more growth with the introduction of the ‘Homeless to Work’ and ‘Employer Connect’ programs, designed to bridge gaps and create a workforce as dynamic

as District 5 itself.

Investing in Our Community: This year, my office proudly distributed over $200,000 in Community Improvement Designations (CIDs) and directed more than $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to local nonprofits and community organizations. From enhancing public services to supporting the arts, all while reinforcing the infrastructure of goodwill that makes our District special, these funds have energized numerous projects, such as the renovation and expansion of the Beaumont library and the aid provided to the Office of Economic Development’s Pass Area Business Resource Center.

Cultivating Community

Spirit: In a bid to strengthen our community bonds, we hosted the first-ever community movie nights in Nuevo and Cabazon.

These events provided not just entertainment but a sense of unity and belonging. Additionally, we initiated clean-up programs in Cabazon, demonstrating our commitment to the environment and keeping our neighborhoods clean.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Reflecting on the year, from the “Meet and Greets” across senior centers to the support given to valuable organizations like Family Services Association and Smiles for Seniors, it’s clear that the heart of District 5 beats strong. These initiatives are just

informed by the department, several insurance companies have since stopped their waiting periods, questionnaires and other practices, filed their revised underwriting guidelines with the department for review, and reversed several previous actions made on their policyholders to restore their auto insurance coverage.

The department urged any California driver who is looking for new auto insurance coverage or renewing their current coverage and having concerns over the information they are being asked to share or are seeing changes to their policies to contact the department at 800-927-4357.

Avoiding cancellations or delays of coverage, the department did advise policyholders to take the action that their insurance company requires and retain all documentation to file a complaint with the department.

Submitted by Ricardo Lara, California Insurance Commissioner.

the beginning, as we continue to navigate the challenges and celebrate the achievements of our vibrant community.

As we stand at the edge of a new year, I am filled with gratitude for your support and enthusiasm.

Together, we have laid a foundation of growth, care, and prosperity.

Let’s carry this momentum into the future, ensuring that every resident of District 5 not only thrives but soars.

With heartfelt thanks and wishes for a joyous holiday season, Yxstian Gutierrez Riverside County District 5 Supervisor

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December 29, 2023 • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • Anza Valley Outlook ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE

TRUSTEE’S SALE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number: R-202317104 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FLYING AVOCADO FARM 45400 Calle Pintoresca, Temecula, CA 92590 County: Riverside a. Mark Brandt, 45400 Calle Pintoresca, Temecula, CA 92590 b. Kara Brandt, 45400 Calle Pintoresca, Temecula, CA 92590 This business is conducted by Married Couple Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name listed above.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).)

Registrant: Mark Brandt Statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 11/29/2023 NOTICE—IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4005 PUBLISHED: December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number: R-202317367 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CONGRUENT DIGITAL 32823 Fermo Ct, Temecula, CA 92592 County: Riverside Real Integrated Marketing, LLC, 32823 Fermo Ct, Temecula, CA 92592 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company This LLC is registered in the state of CA Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name listed above on 9-15-2018 I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).)

Registrant: Brian A. Jensen, Sole Member Statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/05/2023 NOTICE—IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4006 PUBLISHED: December 15, 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number: R-202317707 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JACK IN THE BOX #175 12477 Heacock St, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 Mailing address: 41760 Ivy St Suite 201, Murrieta, CA 92562 County: Riverside Restaurant Leadership Group, LLC, 41760 Ivy St Suite 201, Murrieta, CA 92562 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company This LLC is registered in the state of DE Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name listed above on 07.09.2018 I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).)

Registrant: Dawood Beshay, Managing Member Statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/13/2023 NOTICE—IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4008 PUBLISHED: December 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 2024

TVUSD Announces Governing Board of Education Vacancy Now Accepting Applications for Provisional Appointment Consideration On December 15, 2023, Board of Education trustee Danny Gonzalez resigned his position, effective immediately.

The resignation creates a vacancy on the Temecula Valley Unified School District Board of Education. The Board met on December 18, 2023, and approved a provisional appointment process to fill the vacant position. The term of the provisional appointment will expire in November 2024. At that time, the appointed candidate may seek election to fill the remainder of the trustee’s term through November 2026.

T.S. No.: 230906310 Notice of Trustee’s Sale Loan No.: 12792 Order No. 95528013 APN: 579410-011 Property Address: 44475 Cary Rd Anza Area, CA 92539 You Are In Default Under A Deed Of Trust Dated 12/1/2021. Unless You Take Action To Protect Your Property, It May Be Sold At A Public Sale. If You Need An Explanation Of The Nature Of The Proceeding Against You, You Should Contact A Lawyer. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below.

The amount may be greater on the day of sale. No cashier’s checks older than 60 days from the day of sale will be accepted. Trustor: Jo Ann Hawkins as Trustee of the Jo Ann Hawkins Revocable Trust Dated November 18, 2014 and Darryl Rufus Wylie, a married man as his sole and separate property as joint tenants Duly Appointed Trustee: Total Lender Solutions, Inc. Recorded 12/8/2021 as Instrument No. 20210722510 in book , page of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Riverside County, California, Date of Sale: 1/9/2024 at 9:30 AM Place of Sale: bottom of stairway of building located at 849 West Sixth Street, Corona, CA Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $256,749.15 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 44475 Cary Rd Anza Area, CA 92539 A.P.N.: 579-410-011 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. Notice To Potential Bidders: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property.

You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property.

Notice To Property Owner: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (877) 440-4460 or visit this Internet Web site www.mkconsultantsinc. com, using the file number assigned to this case 230906310. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice To Tenant: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (877) 440-4460, or visit this internet website site www.tlssales.info, using the file number assigned to this case 230906310 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee.

Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale.

When submitting funds for a bid subject to Section 2924m, please make the funds payable to “Total Lender Solutions, Inc. Holding Account”. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Date: 12/8/2023 Total Lender Solutions, Inc. 10505 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 125 San Diego, CA 92121 Phone: 866-535-3736 Sale Line: (877) 440-4460 By: Rachel Seropian, Trustee Sale Officer Published: 12/15/23, 12/22/23, 12/29/23

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number: R-202317708 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JACK IN THE BOX #5394 27030 Fir Ave, Moreno Valley, CA 92555 Mailing address: 41760 Ivy St Suite 201, Murrieta, CA 92562 County: Riverside Restaurant Leadership Group, LLC, 41760 Ivy St Suite 201, Murrieta, CA 92562 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company This LLC is registered in the state of DE Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name listed above on 07.09.2019 I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).)

Registrant: Dawood Beshay, Managing Member Statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/13/2023 NOTICE—IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4009 PUBLISHED: December 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number: R-202317578 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MANDALAY TECHNOLOGIES 43725 Asti Court, Indio, CA 92203 Mailing address: 43725 Asti Court, Indio, CA 92203 County: Riverside David B Lanagan, 43725 Asti Court, Indio, CA 92203 This business is conducted by an Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name listed above on JULY 15, 2021 I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).)

Registrant: David B Lanagan Statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/11/2023 NOTICE—IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4012 PUBLISHED: December 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 2024

ABANDONMENT STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME File Number: R-202311993 Filed Riverside County Clerk’s Office Peter Aldana The following fictitious business name(s) has been abandoned by the following person(s): HAIR BY SHNI 36508 Geranium Drive, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532 County: Riverside Schneidig Albert Aroche, 36508 Geranium Drive, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532 This business is conducted by an Individual The fictitious business name referred to above was filed in Riverside County on 08/11/2023 Signed by: Schneidig Aroche THIS STATEMENT WAS FILED WITH THE RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY ON 11/30/2023 LEGAL: 4004 PUBLISHED: December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number: R-202317710 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ALEX TOWING 494 N Scovell Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92582 County: Riverside Rodolfo Alejandro Contreras, 494 N Scovell Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92582 This business is conducted by an Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name listed above on 11-15-2002 I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).)

Registrant: Rodolfo Alejandro Contreras Statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/13/2023 NOTICE—IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4010 PUBLISHED: December 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number: R-202317859 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: V-H PICKLEBALL 74401 Hovley Lane East #2218, Palm Desert, CA 92260 County: Riverside Austin Scott Valdivia-Hildago, 74401 Hovley Lane East #2218, Palm Desert, CA 92260 This business is conducted by an Individual Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name listed above on 10/19/2023 I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).)

Registrant: Austin Scott Valdivia-Hildago Statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/14/2023 NOTICE—IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4013 PUBLISHED: December 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 2024

CHANGE OF NAME ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CVSW 2309929 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS Petitioner: THI TRAN and THANH TRAN Filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: DOANH NHAN TRAN Proposed Name: BRIAN TRAN THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 2-8-2024 Time: 8:00 A.M. Dept: S101 The address of the court: Southwest Justice Center, 30755-D Auld Road, Suite 1226, Murrieta, CA 92563 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Valley News/Anza Valley Outlook Date: 12-4-23 Signed: Belinda A. Handy, Judge of the Superior Court LEGAL: 4007 PUBLISHED: December 15, 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number: R-202317763 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: RMJ LANDSCAPE & DESIGN 83565 Glendora Ridge Ave, Coachella, CA 92236 County: Riverside Romeo -- Martinez, Jr, 83565 Glendora Ridge Ave, Coachella, CA 92236 This business is conducted by an Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name listed above on I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).)

Registrant: Romeo -- Martinez, Jr Statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/13/2023 NOTICE—IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4011 PUBLISHED: December 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number: R-202317834 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: RICKS AUTOMOTIVE CENTER 41419 Pear Street. Ste #8, Murrieta, CA 92562 County: Riverside CRK, Inc., 41419 Pear Street. Ste #8, Murrieta, CA 92562 This business is conducted by a Corporation This Corporation is registered in the state of CA Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious name listed above on 1/01/2022 I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).)

Registrant: Kellie Teresa Knapp, Treasurer Statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/14/2023 NOTICE—IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4014 PUBLISHED: December 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 19, 2024

The District is now accepting applications from qualified persons who would like to be considered for appointment. Applications are due Friday, January 26, 2024, by 4:30 p.m. Qualified candidates must be: A California registered voter residing in the boundaries of Temecula Valley Unified School District Trustee Area Two – (It is your responsibility to confirm that you reside in Trustee Area Two). To review the trustee area map, go to https://www. tvusd.k12.ca.us/Page/24980. Area 2 is listed in green.

At least 18 years of age Not disqualified by the constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office Not an employee of the Temecula Valley Unified School District Available on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. to attend the Board meeting and participate in the public interview process If a TVUSD employee applies and is selected to fill the position, their employment would be terminated upon being sworn into office.

Application packets are available at the Temecula Valley Unified School District Office at 31350 Rancho Vista Rd, Temecula, CA, or the application may be accessed online at the 2024 Board Appointment website, https://www.tvusd.k12.ca.us/ Page/27981.

Application packets are being accepted from 7:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the District Office at the above address. Completed application packets must be delivered to the District Office in person, by mail, or by e-mail and must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024. Completed application packets may be attached to an email and sent to Lená Anocibar lanocibar@tvusd.us no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024.

Applicants must be available for interviews to be conducted by the Board at a public meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

For more information on this vacancy, please visit the 2024 Board Appointment website, https:// www.tvusd.k12.ca.us/Page/27981 or contact the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Lená Anocibar, (951)506-7904.

Published December 29, 2023, January 5, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number: R-202318013 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PHARAOH’S PYRAMID 56461 Hey 371 Unit A, Anza, CA 92539 Mailing address: PO Box 390462, Anza, CA 92539 County: Riverside Veraison Enterprises LLC, PO Box 390462, Anza, CA 92539 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company This LLC is registered in the state of CA Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name listed above I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).)

Registrant: Edward Wall, Managing Member Statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/19/2023 NOTICE—IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4015 PUBLISHED: December 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 19, 2024

Anza Valley Outlook can run your legal announcements.

For more information, call (760) 723-7319 or email legals@reedermedia.com

SUMMONS SUMMONS FILED 08/24/23 CASE NUMBER: CVSW2307044 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: Steven Whitaker, Dr. Nataliya Whitaker, Bogdana Whitaker, and Burnt Valley Land and Cattle LLC, A Texan Limited Liability Company YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: Augustin Pavel, Sr. NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Selfhelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you.

If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), the California Courts Online Self-help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

The name and address of the court: Southwest Justice Center 30755-F Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563 The name, address and telephone number of the plaintiff’s attorney is: John P. O’Connell, Attorney at Law, 42434 Business Park Drive, Temecula, CA 92590; 951587-8390 DATE: 08/24/23

by Janice Randle, Clerk of the Court LEGAL #: 4016 Published: December 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 19, 2024

D-8

Anza Valley Outlook • www.anzavalleyoutlook.com • December 29, 2023

Enjoy a mix of comedy by the acclaimed Chiefs of Comedy® and music by the nation’s top tribute bands.

Shows start at 1PM in the Events Center JAN UARY SHOWS

JANUARY 9

Eagles Tribute

by Heartache Tonight

JANUARY 16

Jimmy Buffet Tribute

by Coral Paradise

Must be 21 or older.

For tickets visit the Pala Box Office or call (800) 514-3849 11154 HWY 76, PALA, CA 92059 | 1-877-WIN-PALA palacasino.com.

Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Hotline (800) 426-2537

JANUARY 23

Dean Martin Tribute

by Andy DiMino