42 minute read
Sept
CTC grants more SB 1 funding to Lake Elsinore, Hemet and other Riverside County highway safety projects
Tony Ault Staff Writer
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The California Transportation Commission in allocating $2.2 billion to repair and improve infrastructure throughout the state is providing money to rehabilitate bridges in Lake Elsinore and Hemet and cross-over collisions in Riverside County.
Those projects approved this week include; $9.51 million to rehabilitate bridges on Route 74 near Lake Elsinore at Morrill Canyon Bridge and near Hemet at Strawberry Creek Bridge in Riverside County and $2.38 million to improve safety and reduce wrong way collisions at various locations on Route 60 and Interstate 215 in the Riverside County area.
The CTC also adopted the 2022 California Transportation Asset Management Plan at the meeting. The plan lays out the needs and investment strategies for Caltrans and its partner agencies to maintain the state’s highway infrastructure – including pavement, bridges and other assets – over the next decade. California’s plan was the first in the nation to be certified by the Federal Highway Administration. The CTC’s adoption finalizes the plan.
“Thanks to a historic influx of federal funding and our ongoing investments powered by SB 1, California continues to make major progress in rebuilding, revitalizing and reimagining our infrastructure to support a cleaner, safer and more equitable transportation system,” Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said.
SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually that is shared equally between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1. For more information about transportation projects funded by SB 1, visit http://RebuildingCA. ca.gov.
Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia. com.
Inland Empire lawmakers split on Biden’s Student Federal Loan Forgiveness Plan
City News Service Special to Valley News
Inland Empire lawmakers imparted opposing views Friday, Aug. 26, on President Joe Biden’s announcement that several hundred billion dollars in college student loan IOUs will be forgiven, or “canceled,” with supporters touting it as a debt relief measure benefiting millions of Americans, while critics said it will only add to inflationary pressures and burden taxpayers with higher costs going forward. “President Biden’s decision to arbitrarily forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt for families making up to a quarter million dollars (annually) is unfair and inflationary,” Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, said. “It’s also outrageous to ask the millions of hard-working Americans who didn’t go to college to pony up the tax dollars to cover the costs of sending the children of uppermiddle class families to college.”
Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Rancho Mirage, said that student debt loads were “holding many in our communities back from securing their financial futures and fully contributing to our economy.”
“I applaud the action the president took today that will help ease local families’ financial burden and boost educational attainment for Americans across the country,” Ruiz said.
Under Biden’s executive order, which bypasses Congress, all federally backed college student loans, including Pell grants, will be eligible for forgiveness. According to published reports, U.S. Justice Department attorneys reviewed the order and determined that the president has the authority to direct the Department of Education to enact the program.
Individuals earning less than $125,000 annually, and members of households in which aggregate annual incomes are $250,000 or less, will be invited to apply for debt cancellation. Those who are repaying Pell grants can receive up to $20,000 in automatic debt removal, while others will be able to seek a maximum of $10,000 in forgiveness, according to the Department of Education.
White House officials said more than 43 million people nationwide are currently carrying federal student loan debt. The average balance is $37,667, which can be amortized over varying periods. About half of borrowers owe less than $20,000, according to figures.
Biden made a campaign pledge to implement a debt forgiveness program, and in announcing the action plan Wednesday, he said it would help “families who need it the most: working and middle class people hit especially hard during the pandemic.”
Ballpark estimates indicated that if most of those eligible to receive student debt forgiveness take advantage of the new program, the net result would be exemption from paying a total $300 billion.
“This debt won’t magically disappear,” Calvert said. “It will be paid for by taxpayers ... with outstanding student loan debt projected to return to its current level of $1.6 trillion in just four years. Once again, the Biden administration is advancing massive amounts of inflationary spending on the backs of American taxpayers to transfer money to its favored political supporters. This game of picking winners and losers is wrong, and it’s propelling our economy deeper into a recession.”
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside, called the forgiveness plan “a major relief to millions of students across the country.”
Sen. Melissa Melendez, R-Lake Elsinore, said the plan amounted to tilting the playing field, where those who have already paid their college education bills – or those who never had them and remained debt-free – will now be responsible for paying “the school loans of others.”
“And in fantasyland where Biden and his Democrat friends live, that’s fair,” she said.
In addition to exempting student loan debtors from repayment obligations, the administration also announced an extension of the freeze on student loan interest rate accrual through Dec. 31. The freeze was first enacted under former President Donald Trump as part of the initial response to the federal coronavirus public health emergency, and it has been renewed six times.
The executive order also features activation of a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which will offer qualifying local, state and federal government employees the opportunity to stop paying student loan debts after reaching a threshold of 120 payments.
More information about the program is available at https:// studentaid.gov/debt-reliefannouncement/.
California Legislature approves bill to extend and strengthen California’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program
SACRAMENTO – The California State Legislature advanced a measure Wednesday, Aug. 24, written by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, D-Woodland Hills, chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, to strengthen protections for Californians facing hatemotivated violence. If signed by the governor, Assembly Bill 1664 will extend and strengthen California’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is currently set to expire in 2025.
The legislation was initially introduced by members of the Jewish Caucus following the hostage standoff at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, in January, reflecting a dramatic rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes
and targeted violence across the United States. A recent report by the California attorney general shows that hate crimes increased by 89% over the past decade. “In a world where hate crimes and antisemitism are on the rise, we need more than thoughts and prayers to keep us safe,” Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel said. “This new law will provide critical resources to protect vulnerable communities and sends a powerful message that California stands firmly with those targeted by hate.” In addition to extending the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, AB 1664 will create more flexibility for how grant funding may be used, including for security training. Notably, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-to the streets, Walker from Congregation Beth Israel specifically highlighted the security training he had received from local and national organizations in helping to save his life and the lives of three others who were held hostage at his synagogue. Gabriel wrote legislation to establish the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in 2019 in the wake of the deadly shooting at Chabad of Poway, a synagogue in San Diego County. Since then, the program has funded critical security enhancements at religious institutions, LGBTQ community centers, reproductive health facilities and other nonprofits deemed to be at risk from violent extremism. This year’s state budget included a $50 million allocation for the program, which was secured with the support of leaders and activists representing a broad coalition of vulnerable communities. California has funded a total of $110 million in anti-hate programs.
“In the midst of staggering levels of hate-motivated violence – targeting Jews and all vulnerable communities – we are fortunate to have the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program to protect at-risk institutions from attacks,” David Bocarsly, executive director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, said. “JPAC co-sponsored Assemblymember Gabriel’s bill to establish the program in 2019 because we knew first-hand the value it would provide. Given the overwhelming demand for this resource, we are proud to cosponsor AB 1664 to extend this program and expand it to include security training. We are incredibly grateful to Assemblymember Gabriel and the Jewish Caucus for championing this legislation yet again, and to the legislature for their overwhelming bipartisan support. Gov. Gavin Newsom has funded this program in record amounts, and we hope that he continues his legacy of support by signing this crucial bill into law.”
The bill now moves to the governor’s desk, where it must be acted on by Sept. 30.
Submitted by California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
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VISITTHENEW myvalleynews.com June 4 – 10, 2021
Volume 21, Issue 23 SERVING TEMECULA, MURRIETA, LAKE ELSINORE, MENIFEE, WILDOMAR, HEMET, SAN JACINTOANDTHESURROUNDINGCOMMUNITIES Local Murrieta recognizes Memorial Day with Honor Garden CeremonyLake Elsinore City Council approves proposed budget
Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS
At the May 25 meeting, Lake Elsinore City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Annual Operating Budget. see page A-2
Volume 21, Issue 23SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES with Honor Garden Ceremony
VISITTHENEW myvalleynews.com July 9 – 15, 2021
Volume 21, Issue 28 SERVING TEMECULA, MURRIETA, LAKE ELSINORE, MENIFEE, WILDOMAR, HEMET, SAN JACINTOANDTHESURROUNDINGCOMMUNITIES Local Rides flaunt red, white and blue at Lake Elsinore 4th of July Party in the ParkHemet City Council, Planning Commission workshop discuss housing needs
Tony Ault
STAFF WRITER see page A-3 Public comment to learn what residents seek in the coming years in housing, quality of life and the environment was sought by the Hemet City Council and the Planning Commission during a workshop at the Hemet Library June 29.
COMMUNITIES Volume 21, Issue 28 Lake nore 4th of July Party in the Park
VISITTHENEW myvalleynews.com July 2 – 8, 2021
Volume 21, Issue 27 SERVING TEMECULA, MURRIETA, LAKE ELSINORE, MENIFEE, WILDOMAR, HEMET, SAN JACINTOANDTHESURROUNDINGCOMMUNITIES Local Temecula’s Old Town Music Festival brings country to the cityLE Council proclaims July Parks and Rec
Month
Diane A. Rhodes
WRITER
Lake Elsinore Mayor Robert “Bob” Magee made a presentation to Director of Community Services Johnathan Skinner recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month during the June 22 Lake Elsinore City Council meeting. see page A-2
COMMUNITIES Volume 21, Issue 27 VISITTHENEW myvalleynews.com
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Volume 21, Issue 37 SERVING TEMECULA, MURRIETA, LAKE ELSINORE, MENIFEE, WILDOMAR, HEMET, SAN JACINTOANDTHESURROUNDINGCOMMUNITIES Local Murrieta honors Marines killed in AfghanistanLE Council salutes Constitution
Week
Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS
Mayor Bob Magee presented a proclamation to members of the Daughters of the American Revolution designating Sept. 17-23 as “Constitution Week” in the City of Lake Elsinore at the city council’s regular meeting Aug. 24. see page A-2
COMMUNITIES Volume 21, Issue 37
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August 13 – 19, 2021
Volume 21, Issue 33 SERVING TEMECULA, MURRIETA, LAKE ELSINORE, MENIFEE, WILDOMAR, HEMET, SAN JACINTO AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES Local Circus Vargas returns with Mr. V’s Big Top DreamRivCo Registrar of Voters gives Recall Election
update
Kim Harris MANAGING EDITOR see page A-6 The Riverside County Registrar of Voters Offi ce gave an update to plans for the California Gubernatorial Recall Election in the form of a letter to voters found on its website, www.voteinfo.net.
Courts & Crimes
Man admits causing deadly I-15 crash that killed 1
City News Service SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS A drugged driver who caused a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 15 in Temecula that killed a Murrieta woman pled guilty to second degree murder Thursday, May 27.
see page C-5 Courts & Crimes
Abbott arrested for allegedly attempting to meet 13-year-old for sex
Local
Hemet Council approves new fi scal year budget
Health Courts & Crimes
COVID hospitalizations slow as deaths rise in RivCo SJ Councilman arrested for domestic violence
INDEX
Anza Valley Outlook ......AVO-1
Business ...............................B-4 Business Directory...............B-4 Calendar of Events ..............B-2 Classifi eds ............................C-7 Courts & Crimes .................C-5 Mail-In Subscription Form
Education ............................C-4
Entertainment .....................B-1 Faith .....................................C-5 Health ..................................B-7 Home & Garden ..................B-6 Receive Valley News mailed to you every week plus full access to all online content
Local ....................................A-1 National News .....................C-7 Opinion.................................C-8 Regional News .....................C-6 Sports ...................................C-1
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VALLEY NEWS
Kim Harris MANAGING EDITOR Litter can be found virtually anywhere. As a matter of fact, it was so prevalent in the late 60s and early 70s that in 1971, then-U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Cliff ord M. Hardin introduced Woodsy Owl to the nation. Many remember his motto, “Give a hoot; don’t pollute” and over the following decades, Woodsy Owl has helped educate and inspire youth, as well as those in the education fi elds, to engage in conservation of the environment. While a nationwide effort is always appreciated, for Wildomar District 4 Councilmember Bridgette Moore, it was the local trash lining the streets and roadways of her city that prompted her Litter problem prompts Wildomar residents to take out the trash Wildomar Beautifi cation volunteers pick up trash along a roadway in Wildomar. Valley News/Courtesy photo Kim Harris MANAGING EDITOR The future is bright for Vista Murrieta High School Valedictorian Naketris “Nikki” Kirk. The 18-year-old has a 4.57 weighted GPA, has completed 17 AP and Dual Enrollment courses with MSJC and because of those accomplishments was accepted into UCLA. But those achievements aren’t the only thing Kirk has to be proud of, she is also Vista Murrieta’s fi rst Black valedictorian. “VMHS Valedictorian Nikki Kirk is leaving a legacy of excellence at Vista Murrieta High School,” Murrieta Valley Unifi ed School District Public Information Officer Monica Gutierrez said. “Her unwavering determination, strength and humility is demonstrated by her accomplishments. First Black valedictorian at VMHS hopes to become a role model for others Nikki Kirk, Vista Murrieta High School class of 2021 valedictorian. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo Nikki’s involvement with school athletics and activities is just as impressive as her academic rigor. She was on three athletic teams, track & fi eld, cross country and swim and is an active member of the Link Crew and Black Student Union. While Nikki’s academic rigor is impressive, it is her humility, kindness and positive attitude that makes her truly incredible.” While the school district, friends and family sing her praises, Nikki, a MVUSD student since sixth grade, remains humble, speaking see KIRK, page A-4 see LITTER, page A-6
U.S. Army SSG LaCheri Rennick speaks during the Murrieta Memorial Day ceremony at Honor Garden Monday, May 31. See more photos on B-1.
Valley News/Shane Gibson photo
INDEX
Anza Valley Outlook ......AVO-1
Business ...............................B-4
Business Directory...............B-6
Calendar of Events ..............B-2
Classifi eds ............................C-7
Courts & Crimes .................C-8
Education .............................C-4
Entertainment .............B-1, C-3 Faith .....................................C-8 Health ..................................B-6 Home & Garden ..................B-5 Local ....................................A-1 National News .....................C-7 Opinion.................................C-5 Regional News .....................C-6 Sports ...................................C-1
see page C-8 USPS Postal Customer PRSRT STDUS POSTAGEPAIDHEMET, CAPERMIT #234
VALLEY NEWS Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO THE VALLEY NEWS Mayor Scott Vinton, enthusiastic and upbeat, addressed the crowd at Murrieta’s Town Square Park Amphitheater on June 29 with the Murrieta 2021 State of the City address. Referring to the city’s birthday on July 1, the theme was “30 years strong and getting better all the time.”Presented by the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce, the event was hosted by its President and CEO, Patrick Ellis. He thanked the many sponsors that made the event possible as well as the support of the mayors and council members from nearby communities.After a performance by students of the Norris Performing Arts Center, a short video was played that highlighted various sectors of the city, from dining and entertainment to public safety. Council members and city staff were interviewed during the video that featured Vinton summarizing “how far we have come over the past three decades – how we have The State of the City of Murrieta is ‘getting better all the time’ Mayor Scott Vinton gives the Murrieta 2021 State of the City address at the city’s Town Square Park Amphitheater on June 29. Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS Animal Friends of the Valleys has been selected as the 2021 California Nonprofi t of the Year by Assemblymember Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) for the 67th Assembly District. Each year, in honor of California Nonprofi ts Day, legislators from across the state highlight a nonprofi t from their district that has provided exemplary service to their community.“The employees and volunteers at Animal Friends of the Valleys are dedicated to promoting the humane and compassionate care of animals through education and proactive animal services programs,” Seyarto said. “Animal companions bring joy and comfort to so many individuals and Animal Friends of the Valleys named Nonprofi t of the Year Valley News/Andrew Imaging photo grown, how we have matured and how we have kept the quality of life front and center.”City Manager Kim Summers said when Murrieta became a city in 1991 it was home to only 20,000 people but “as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, we knew that planned growth was essential to build a quality community. Now with nearly 120,000 people calling Murrieta home, we’re proud of how we have grown.”Vinton said local dining and entertainment options are growing by leaps and bounds with 138 restaurants doing business in Murrieta and new entertainment venues providing even more opportunities to connect and enjoy the growing city. He was joined by Deputy City Manager Stacey Stevenson who touted the new state-of-the-art Town Square Park Amphitheater, where the program was held.Assistant City Manager Ivan Holler talked about some of the new builds that are creating a
Dignitaries and supporters joined Animal Friends of the Valleys staff to celebrating the shelter being named 2021 California Nonprofi t of the Year.
Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photo
see MURRIETA, page A-6 see NONPROFIT, page A-8
Children wait to participate in a ride around Summerly Community Park during the 4th of July Party in the Park event. See more photos on page B-1.
Valley News/Shane Gibson photo
Kim Harris MANAGING EDITOR According to documentation obtained by Valley News, a Temecula business owner who was arrested last week allegedly thought he was meeting a 13-year-old boy for sex.
photos on INDEX
Anza Valley Outlook ......AVO-1
Business ...............................B-4
Business Directory...............B-5
Calendar of Events ..............B-2
Classifi eds ............................C-7
Courts & Crimes .................C-8
Education .............................C-4
Entertainment .....................B-1 Faith .....................................C-8 Health ..................................B-7 Home & Garden ..................B-6 Local ....................................A-1 National News .....................C-7 Opinion.................................C-5 Regional News .....................C-6 Sports ...................................C-1
see page A-4 USPS Postal Customer PRSRT STDUS POSTAGEPAIDHEMET, CAPERMIT #234
Country Music Superstar Billy Ray Cyrus performs onstage at the Old Town Music Festival presented by The Stampede Saturday, June 26 in Temecula. See more photos on page B-1.
VALLEY NEWS
Valley News/David Canales photo
Menifee’s newest police offi cers presented badges in special inaugural ceremony Tony Ault
STAFF WRITER
The new Menifee Police Department offi cers and Chief Pat Walsh, nearing the anniversary of the department with many city offi cials attending, were offi cially sworn in during special ceremonies June 21. In addition to the off -duty officers attending the inaugural swearing-in ceremony were Mayor Bill Zimmerman, Mayor Pro Tem Lesa Sobek, Councilmembers Matt Liesemeyer, Bob Karwin, Dean Deines, City Manager Armando Villa and city offi cials and staff who congratulated the offi cers and professionals.Also in attendance were special guest dignitaries including representatives from State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh and Assemblymember Kelly Seyarto’s offices, Supervisor Jeff Hewitt and Riverside County District Attorney Michael A. Hestrin. Menifee Police Department Color Guard stand in honor as the Pledge of Allegiance is said at the inaugural swearing-in ceremony for the newest Menifee police offi cers June 21. Valley News/Menifee PD courtesy photo Tony Ault STAFF WRITER Thousands of Menifee residents, children and friends joyfully gathered to celebrate the nation’s Independence Day early with friends, family and fi reworks at two nearby locations June 26.It was more than just an early celebration of the nation’s birthday but the independence from fear, facemasks and some social distancing with the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lifted only a week before. The celebration began at 5 p.m. at Menifee’s popular Wheatfi eld Park and the east parking lot of Mt. San Jacinto College when just after dark 20 minutes of bright, colorful and noisy fi reworks were shot high into the sky to be seen by everyone.Why June 26 when Independence Huge crowds celebrate Independence Day early with fun and fi reworks in Menifee Crowds gather at Menifee Wheatfi eld Park before the early Independence Day Celebration June 26 begins in the city.
Tony Ault
STAFF WRITER The Hemet City Council approved the city’s new Strategic Plan for the next fi ve years and the 2021-2022 budget with last minute amendments at the June 22 regular meeting. INDEX
Anza Valley Outlook ......AVO-1
Business ...............................B-6
Business Directory...............B-6
Calendar of Events ..............B-2
Classifi eds ............................C-6
Courts & Crimes ............AVO-6
Education .............................C-8
Entertainment .....................B-1 Faith ................................AVO-5 Health ..................................B-5 Home & Garden ..................B-4 Local ....................................A-1 National News ......................C-6 Opinion............................AVO-5 Regional News .....................C-4 Sports ...................................C-1
see POLICE, page A-4
Valley News/Tony Ault photo seeCELEBRATION, page A-6 see page B-5
USPS Postal Customer PRSRT STDUS POSTAGEPAIDHEMET, CAPERMIT #234
VALLEY NEWS
Valley News/Shane Gibson photo
Mini horses provide giant rewards to humans, and vice versa
Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS
For all the mini horses that have been saved from a harsh life or certain death but lucky enough to fi nd a haven at So Cal Miniature Horse Sanctuary, there are just as many humans who feel they are the ones who benefi t from being around such loving animals. Jeanne Oliver, president and founder of the Hemet-based nonprofi t, grew up with a deep love for horses but after a traumatic accident she stopped riding. Though she never climbed back into the saddle, she never turned her back on the animals or lost her love for them.In July of this year, the sanctuary was accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the highest status an animal organization can receive. GFAS is the only globally recognized
Jeanne Oliver, president and founder of So Cal Miniature Horse Sanctuary in Hemet, with “senior” minis Stan the Man, at left, and Snacks.
Valley News/Diane A. Rhodes photo
Tony Ault STAFF WRITER A call went out to help all area military veterans with their personal health, housing, education and general welfare at the Veterans First Fair held at Mt. San Jacinto College in Menifee Saturday, Sept. Call goes out to help veterans at the inaugural Veterans First Fair in Menifee 4.The event was an off er by many veterans to other veterans through church, city, county, state and federal agencies and hosted by Veterans for Veterans and MilVet. More than 100 veterans representing all branches of the armed forces made an appearance at the special event. John Hernandez, a Marine Corps veteran, who sits on the Riverside County Advisory Committee for 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington, helped to host the event said, “Coming out of COVID there was a big demand for veterans resources. Thing
Murrieta Councilman Jonathan Ingram talks to Onyx, service dog for Marine veteran Maria Dwyer, a former national Aide de Camp for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and her husband at the inaugural Veterans First Fair Sept. 4 in Menifee.
Valley News/Tony Ault photo
Kim Harris MANAGING EDITOR COVID-related hospitalizations have ticked up again in Riverside County. Currently there are 673 COVID-19 positive patients hospitalized, with the addition of only 13 new patients since Aug. 27, according to the Riverside University Health System. People bring American fl ags to the Town Square Park amphitheater in Murrieta, Tuesday, Aug. 31, as the city hosts a remembrance ceremony for the 13 servicemen and women killed in Kabul, Afghanistan. See more photos on A-8. INDEX
Anza Valley Outlook ......AVO-1 Business ...............................B-6 Business Directory...............B-6 Calendar of Events ..............B-2 Classifi eds ............................C-7 Courts & Crimes .................C-8 Education .............................C-4 Entertainment .....................B-1 Faith .....................................C-5 Health ..................................B-5 Home & Garden ..................B-4 Local ....................................A-1 National News ......................C-7 Opinion.................................C-5 Regional News .....................C-6
see HORSES, page A-7 Sports ...................................C-1 see VETERANS, page A-3
see page C-8 USPS Postal Customer PRSRT STDUS POSTAGEPAIDHEMET, CAPERMIT #234
VALLEY NEWS
Circus Vargas performers dance in the big top ring for guests in Temecula at the Promenade mall, Aug. 5. Tickets for Circus Vargas showtimes in Temecula are available through Aug. 23. See photos and story on C-1.
Valley News/Shane Gibson photo
Kim Harris MANAGING EDITOR Embattled San Jacinto City Councilman Joel Lopez is once again in hot water, this time for a charge of domestic violence and committing a felony while on bail. Hundreds brave heat for Menifee National Night Out Event celebrates police department’s fi rst year of service
Tony Ault
STAFF WRITER
Children crawled through Adira, Menifee Police’s SWAT Team vehicle, happily mounted a new police motorcycle for a photo and watched Emma the canine officer take down a “bad guy” all in a night of meet and greet with friendly police officers at Menifee’s National Night Out celebration, Aug. 3.It was more than a meet and greet of Menifee law enforcement officers at the special National Night Out; it was a celebration of the fi rst year of Menifee’s growing municipal police department under Police Chief Patrick Walsh. Nearly two dozen sworn police offi cers and their supporting staff were on hand to celebrate with hundreds of Menifee families enjoying all who seek to make Menifee one of “The Safest Cities” in America. Walsh said it was the fi rst year to meet the community since Isaiah Game, 2, sits on a Menifee Police Department motorcycle and meets Menifee police offi cer Balcazar during the annual National Night Out event at Central Park, Aug. 3. National Night Out is an annual event that promotes positive relationships between members of the community and law enforcement. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo Diane A. Rhodes SPECIAL TO VALLEY NEWS After 23 years as a teacher for students with special needs, Cheryl Stark was ready for a change. Stepping away from the classroom, she still wanted to make a positive change in the lives of children with special needs so she founded Exceptional Opportunities Inc., a nonprofi t based in Murrieta. “The mission of Exceptional Opportunities is to enable children, with special needs, to be active family members, successful students and productive members of the community, by providing specialized community events, adapted equipment and assistive technology for the home environment,” Stark said. Exceptional Opportunities available for children and adults with special needs see POLICE, page A-8 Exceptional Opportunities Inc. founder Cheryl Stark poses for a photo with Makayla Paulson of Temecula Valley in a wheelchair accessible van that Stark was able to provide through a grant she wrote. Valley News/Courtesy photo see OPPORTUNITIES, page A-4
Top prosecutor on John Durham’s team withdraws from case against Steele dossier source
Zachary Stieber The Epoch Times
One of the prosecutors on special counsel John Durham’s team has withdrawn from the team’s upcoming case against a source for the anti-Trump dossier.
Durham asked the federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Aug. 21 to “withdraw the appearance” of Andrew DeFilippis, an assistant special counsel, in the case against Igor Danchenko.
Durham referred comment to a spokesperson, who declined to comment on the development. DeFilippis did not return a query.
DeFilippis was one of the prosecutors in the trial of Michael Sussmann, the first trial stemming from Durham’s investigation. Jurors acquitted Sussmann in May of lying to the FBI.
DeFilippis had been involved in the case against Danchenko since shortly after Danchenko was indicted in November 2021.
Durham, a former U.S. attorney appointed as special counsel by former Attorney General William Barr, went to court each day for the Sussmann trial, but did not speak during the proceedings and declined to answer questions after the verdict was handed down.
Durham has signaled he will take a larger role in the case against Danchenko, who has been charged with five counts of lying to the FBI and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Durham was the lone prosecutor to speak in the most recent hearing on Aug. 1, and soon after lodged a filing that indicated he will lead the prosecution. Several assistant prosecutors, including Michael Keilty, were present, but DeFilippis was not there.
Keilty and Jonathan Algor are holdovers from the Sussmann trial. Adam Small, who was at the August hearing, did not participate in that case.
The trial is slated to start on Oct. 11 and last five or six days.
Steele dossier source
Danchenko, a Russian national who once worked for the Brookings Institution, provided information to Christopher Steele, the ex-British spy who compiled the dossier about thencandidate Donald Trump while being paid by the campaign of Hillary Clinton.
Danchenko falsely told the FBI that he never communicated with a person later identified as Charles Dolan, a longtime Clinton associate, according to charging documents and Dolan’s lawyer. Danchenko is also accused of lying when he said he spoke with a businessman named Sergei Millian and conveyed some of the information he received to Steele.
According to prosecutors, Danchenko “fabricated” a phone call with Millian, and made up purported plans to meet with Millian.
The lies were important Special counsel John Durham arrives at federal court in Washington on May 18, 2022. (Teng Chen/The Epoch Times)
because the FBI relied on the dossier to obtain spy warrants on Carter Page, a former Trump campaign associate, and because the FBI “devoted substantial resources” in trying to track down and interview Danchenko’s purported sub-sources, according to prosecutors.
Danchenko has pleaded not guilty.
Terri Wu contributed to this report.
IRS waives $1.2B in taxpayer penalties; here’s who qualifies
Katabella Roberts The Epoch Times
The Internal Revenue Service announced Wednesday, Aug. 24, that it will waive penalties levied against American taxpayers who failed to file their 2019 and 2020 returns in a timely manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agency will also issue over $1.2 billion in refunds or credits to taxpayers who received the fees.
According to the IRS, roughly 1.6 million taxpayers, including individuals and businesses, will automatically receive the billions in refunds or credits by the end of September. Spread across 1.6 million taxpayers evenly, that would amount to an average refund of $750 per taxpayer.
The penalty relief is automatic for people or businesses who qualify, meaning taxpayers won’t have to apply for it.
For those who haven’t yet paid fines, the penalties will be abated.
The agency previously extended the tax filing deadline in both 2020 and 2021 to give tax-paying individuals and businesses more time to pay what they owed amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Throughout the pandemic, the IRS has worked hard to support the nation and provide relief to people in many different ways,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said. “The penalty relief issued today is yet another way the agency is supporting people during this unprecedented time.”
The decision comes as the agency faces a huge backlog of tax returns and taxpayer correspondence prompted by the pandemic. The IRS said the move will help them to focus resources on addressing those backlogs and return to normal operations for the 2023 filing season.
Who qualifies?
A failure-to-file penalty is charged when taxpayers do not file their return by the due date; the fine is a percentage of the taxes that weren’t paid on time. It is calculated at 5% of unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month that the return is filed late, up to a maximum of 25%.
For example, unpaid taxes of $10,000 could see a penalty of $500 per month, up to a maximum of $2,500.
To qualify for the refunds, taxpayers must file any 2019 or 2020 tax returns that were originally due in 2020 and 2021 by Sept. 30.
The IRS will not forgive penalties in some situations, however, such as where fraudulent returns were filed and where the penalties are part of an accepted compromise or a closing agreement. They also won’t apply to cases where the penalties were finally determined by a court, the agency said.
Other penalties, such as the failure to pay penalty, are also not eligible under the new relief program, although taxpayers in those cases can utilize other existing penalty relief procedures, such as applying for relief under the reasonable cause criteria or the First Time Abate program.
“Penalty relief is a complex issue for the IRS to administer,” Rettig said. “We’ve been working on this initiative for months following concerns we’ve heard from taxpayers, the tax community, and others, including Congress. This is another major step to help taxpayers, and we encourage those affected by this to review the guidelines.”
Additionally, the IRS is providing penalty relief to banks, employers and other businesses required to file various information returns.
To qualify for relief, eligible 2019 returns must have been filed by Aug. 1, 2020, and eligible 2020 returns must have been filed by Aug. 1, 2021.
However, because both of these deadlines fell on a weekend, a 2019 return will still be considered under the relief program if it was filed by Aug. 3, 2020, and a 2020 return will be considered if it was filed by Aug. 2, 2021.
The relief also covers filers of various international information returns, such as those reporting transactions with foreign trusts or those with ownership interests in foreign corporations. To qualify for the relief, any eligible tax return must be filed on or before Sept. 30, 2022.
IRS bolsters enforcement.
The announcement comes amid growing fears that the newly signed Democrat-backed Inflation Reduction Act, which provides nearly $80 billion in IRS funding, including $45.6 billion for “enforcement,” will be used to target small businesses or middleincome Americans.
A Treasury Department report from May 2021 estimated that such an investment would enable the agency to hire roughly 87,000 employees by 2031.
Biden administration officials and Rettig have denied it, stating that the extra funding will instead help get the agency “back to historical norms in areas of challenge” and that the boosted resources are “absolutely not about increasing audit scrutiny on small businesses or middle-income Americans.”
However, Republican lawmakers and experts, including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, have raised concerns that the newlybolstered IRS enforcement funds will instead be used to “target Americans with 1.2 million new audits, more than half of which would be for people making less than $75,000 a year.”
Reprinted with permission of The Epoch Times.
Senators demand FBI interview following recent whistleblower claims
Jack Phillips The Epoch Times
Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) have demanded that two top FBI officials appear for an interview to explain details about the agency’s alleged interference in the investigation of a laptop belonging to Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, and his foreign business dealings.
In a letter obtained by The Epoch Times, the senators sent letters to Deputy Assistant Director of Counterintelligence Bradley Benavides and Field Office Intelligence Division Nikki Floris.
“On August 6, 2020, as we were finishing our September 23, 2020 report on Hunter Biden’s financial connections to foreign governments and questionable foreign nationals, you provided a briefing to us on behalf of the FBI and Intelligence Community,” the GOP senators, who have been investigating the younger Biden’s overseas dealings for years, wrote in their letter, which was dated Aug. 25.
But the pair said that the late 2020 briefing was actually “unnecessary and was only done because of pressure from our Democratic colleagues, including Democratic leadership, to falsely attack our Biden investigation as advancing Russian disinformation.
“The FBI succumbed to the Democratic pressure and provided the infamous August 6, 2020 briefing,” they wrote. “We made clear to you at the briefing that it was not relevant to the substance of our work,” they added. “In response, you stated that the FBI is not attempting to ‘quash, curtail, or interfere’ in the investigation in any way.”
At the time, Grassley and Johnson were investigating Biden’s role when he was on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma Holdings, which was the subject of a Ukrainian government investigation for years, as well as Hunter Biden’s financial transactions. He joined Burisma in April 2014 and was reportedly consulting them on fighting corruption charges in Ukraine.
When Hunter Biden was sitting on the board, Joe Biden was then the vice president and was the point person running U.S.Ukraine relations for the Obama administration. In a comment to a think tank, Joe Biden infamously said that he threatened former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in March 2016 that his administration would pull $1 billion in U.S. loan guarantees from the country if it did not fire Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin, who said he was investigating Burisma.
Grassley and Johnson requested records related to that briefing but haven’t received a response from FBI Director Christopher Wray.
“The FBI has consistently failed to respond in full to each request and failed to provide those critical records which casts further doubt on the true purpose for the briefing,” the senators said.
‘Scheme’
“FBI officials initiated a scheme to downplay derogatory information on Hunter Biden for the purpose of shutting down investigative activity relating to his potential criminal exposure by labeling it ‘disinformation,’” the senators wrote in the letter.
Recent whistleblowers inside the bureau have alleged that FBI officials in August 2020 “initiated a scheme to downplay derogatory information on Hunter Biden for the purpose of shutting down investigative activity relating to his potential criminal exposure by labeling it ‘disinformation,’” the letter continued to say.
The two have also cited whistleblowers alleging that local FBI office leaders told employees not to touch the Hunter Biden laptop immediately after the FBI obtained it.
Grassley and Johnson ultimately released an interim report on Hunter Biden in September 2020. Weeks later, the New York Post published contents from his laptop, revealing his extensive business dealings, including emails with a Chinese Communist Party-linked company.
One arrested for DUI in Menifee
City News Service Special to Valley News
TEMECULA (CNS) - A 47-year-old motorist killed during a collision stemming from a road rage confrontation on Interstate 15 in Temecula has been identified.
Anthony Brooks of Perris was fatally injured about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, on southbound I-15 near Winchester Road, according to the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.
California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Lassig said that the victim was at the wheel of a Chevrolet Malibu when he got into an unspecified dispute with the driver of a Lexus GS450h.
“The preliminary investigation suggests the two drivers engaged in a speed contest and took turns sideswiping one another until losing control of their respective vehicles,” Lassig said.
The Malibu slammed into the center median wall, rolling at least once before coming to rest on its wheels in the No. 2 lane.
Lassig said that Brooks was not wearing his safety belt and was ejected onto the freeway, suffering catastrophic injuries.
He was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, where he died shortly before 9 p.m.
Lassig said that the Lexus spun out in the fast lane and came to a stop. The driver, identified only as a 38-year-old San Diego man, was not hurt and did not attempt to flee. There was no indication of intoxication.
No other vehicles were involved.
According to Lassig, the Lexus driver was questioned by patrol officers at the scene but not arrested.
The southbound side of the freeway was partially shut down for more than two hours while a preliminary investigation was conducted and the wreckage was cleared.
The investigation is ongoing and CHP investigators are coordinating with staff from the District Attorney’s Office in reviewing factors in the deadly crash and determining what charges, if any, to pursue, Lassig said.
Pedestrian struck, killed by hit-and-run driver in East Hemet
City News Service Special to Valley News
EAST HEMET (CNS) - A man was run over and killed in East Hemet by a hit-and-run driver, whose whereabouts were unknown.
The fatality occurred about 11:55 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, near the intersection of Columbia St. and Stetson Ave., according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officer Jason Montez told City News Service that the victim, whose identity was not immediately released, was walking along Stetson just east of Columbia when the driver of a gray Honda sedan approached going eastbound.
“The vehicle struck the pedestrian and did not stop,” Montez said.
Riverside County Fire Department paramedics reached the location within a few minutes and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
It was unclear why the man was walking in the area at that time of night, or where he was going.
Anyone with information about the vehicle or driver was asked to contact the CHP’s San Gorgonio office at 951-769-2000.
MENIFEE – Menifee Police Department arrested one driver on suspicion of DUI while conducting a DUI enforcement patrol Friday, Aug. 19.
The residents of Menifee can rest assured the Menifee Police Department is committed to keeping our streets safe from dangerous drivers and conducting patrols such as this shows our commitment to public safety, Sgt. Matthew Block said.
“Driving under the influence is dangerous, illegal and puts every person driving on the roads at risk. Drivers need to understand the dangers of driving impaired,” Bloch said. “We are out there and will not hesitate to stop drivers who drive impaired.”
Drivers charged with DUI face up to $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
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.
Menifee Police Department will be holding a series of DUI enforcement patrols throughout the year to keep roads safe.
Funding for this DUI Patrol was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Submitted by city of Menifee.
Authorities identify man killed on Hemet Street, seek suspects
City News Service Special to Valley News
Authorities identified a 40-yearold man who was killed in a street in Hemet Friday, Aug. 19.
The near-lifeless man was located about 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, in the 200 block of North San Jacinto Street, near Latham Avenue, according to Do you have time to monitor: Lt. Michael Mouat of the Hemet Police Department.
Sgt. Ed Baeza with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department identified the victim as Daniel Preciado of Hemet.
A passer-by found Preciado unconscious and called 911, Mouat said.
Paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced him dead at the scene.
An autopsy was completed Monday, confirming that Preciado had suffered injuries that were intentionally inflicted, though Mouat did not specify further.
No suspects have been identified. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Central Homicide Unit is investigating.
Anyone with information on the killing was asked to call Investigator Sandoval of the Central Homicide Unit at 951235-2262 or Investigator Vasquez of the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at 951-791-3400.
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Pair suspected of killing man, dumping body in church parking lot arrested
City News Service Special to Valley News
CORONA (CNS) - A Corona resident and his girlfriend suspected of killing a man and dumping his body outside a church were behind bars Sunday, Aug. 28.
Javier Lopez Martinez, 44, and Marena Nicolas, 37, also of Corona, were arrested Wednesday, Aug. 24, on suspicion of murder for the alleged deadly attack on the victim, identified only as a man in his 30s, a week earlier.
Both suspects are being held in lieu of $1 million bail, Martinez at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside and Nicolas at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.
According to the Corona Police Department, the victim’s remains were discovered in the parking lot of the Corona Church of Christ in the 800 block of Sherman Ave. on the evening of Aug. 17.
The nature of the man’s injuries were not disclosed.
Homicide detectives initially had no leads, but in the ensuing days, they were able to confirm the vehicle allegedly involved in transporting the body and the two suspects inside it, Martinez and Nicolas, according to police.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the car was spotted by patrol officers in the 1500 block of Via Santiago, prompting them to initiate a traffic stop. However, Martinez allegedly floored the sedan, leading to a brief pursuit until he plowed into vehicles parked in the 1200 block of West Tenth Street, authorities said.
He bailed out of the car and tried to run away but was apprehended moments later, police alleged.
“Several occupants of the parked vehicles sustained minor injuries and were offered medical treatment, then released at the scene,” according to a police statement.
Nicolas was not in Martinez’s car at the time. However, further investigation led to an apartment on Via de Luna, where she was taken into custody without incident, according to a police spokesman.
The circumstances behind the killing and a possible motive were not disclosed.
Background information on the suspects was unavailable.
Authorities said the victim’s name is being withheld because coroner’s officials have still not been able to locate his family members to notify them about his death.
Inmate dies in cell at Murrieta jail
Minor arrested in Temecula for alleged DUI
City News Service Special to Valley News
MURRIETA (CNS) - An inmate at the Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta died in his cell and the cause was under investigation by sheriff’s investigators.
The man, whose identity was not released, was found unconscious about 4:28 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, prompting correctional personnel to administer CPR, according to Capt. David Holm with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
He said that CalFire personnel were summoned and arrived a short time later, continuing lifesaving measures.
“Despite these efforts, the inmate was pronounced deceased at 5:08 a.m. Thursday,” Holm said. “There are no signs of foul play.”
An autopsy on the inmate was pending.
City New Service Special to Valley News
TEMECULA (CNS) - A minor was among a handful of people arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence during a scheduled checkpoint, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced.
The checkpoint took place at an undisclosed location in Temecula during the hours of 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 and 1 a.m. Saturday.
There were five total arrests for DUI and one arrest for vehicle theft, sheriff’s officials said.
A total of 1,157 vehicles were screened.
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