San Jacinto City Council returns 15% city tax fee on cannabis dispensaries
Tony
Ault Staff Writer
Just over 30 days after San Jacinto’s cannabis dispensaries were to receive a reduced city tax rate of 10% of each retail item sold, they will see it increased back to the original 15% tax rate on April 1.
Black History Month essay contest opportunity
Diane A. Rhodes Contributed
The Human Relations Council of the Hemet, San Jacinto, and Menifee Regions is seeking entries for its 21st annual Black History Month Essay Contest. Open to middle, high school, and college students in the areas served by the nonprofit, essay submissions are due no later than Monday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. More than $2,000 in cash awards will be presented.
Western Center Academy wins county academic decathlon
Western Center Academy team holds their trophy and winnings for first place in the countywide academic decathlon. Valley News/Courtesy
Charter school in Hemet Unified School District clinches Riverside County title for 3rd consecutive championship, advances to California Academic Decathlon at the Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center in downtown Riverside. Beaumont High School’s Team see DECATHLON, page B-7
JP
Raineri Sports Editor
The CIF-Southern Section playoffs are here, bringing high-energy matchups in basketball and soccer for local high school teams. From basketball’s pool-play format to the single-elimination excitement in soccer, the next few weeks promise drama and skill on display across divisions. Local girls’ basketball teams have much to look forward to despite no CIF-SS Playoffs gear up for local winter sports teams
in the Open Division.
photo
San Jacinto City Council returns 15% city tax fee on cannabis dispensaries
Less than 37 days after a 10% tax reduction went into effect
Tony Ault Staff Writer
Just over 30 days after San Jacinto’s cannabis dispensaries were to receive a reduced city tax rate of 10% of each retail item sold, they will see it increased back to the original 15% tax rate on April 1.
The amendment to bring the cannabis city tax rate back to 15% was made at the February 5 regular city council meeting following discussion. More than 12 owners, employees of the local dispensaries, and residents, present at the meeting and in letters, pleaded for the city council to retain the 10% tax rate. In public comment, they argued they were afraid of losing their jobs and even their businesses because of the city’s very high cannabis tax rate.
After the staff made a presentation of the General Fund revenue they were losing, with the 10% reduction, totaling more than
$550,000. The staff gave the council three options to keep the 10% tax, raise it to 12.5%, or change it back to 15% which was making the city almost $3 million each year. Following council discussion, the council voted 4 to 1 to raise the tax again to the original 15%.
In the discussion Council member Phil Ayala strongly objected to raising the rate back to 15%, arguing the issue has been rehashed many times by this and other city councils. He indicated that the cannabis businesses in the city are a part of many types of businesses, but are taxed much higher than any other. He saw there should be equal taxation for all businesses in the city.
“I am not going to vote to increase the tax rate for cannabis businesses in the city of San Jacinto. My vote is a very firm and harsh no,” Ayala said.
Council member Crystal Ruiz said she has always been opposed
to the cannabis and marijuana businesses in the city that bring crime and other problems to its citizens. She brought the latest request to bring the property tax on the cannabis dispensaries back to 15% because the revenue was needed for the law enforcement department, which without it would have to be reduced. She argued the tax should remain the same and a six-month study be made of how the businesses are doing to determine if they are adversely affected. The staff indicated that no other business in the city had ever come to the city council to ask for a reduction of their city tax to a Ruiz question.
“For me, as I said before,” said Ruiz, “This is what really should happen. The marijuana tax should be put back at 15%. We need to fix this and in the next six months watch the sales of the next months from January 1 to the next fiscal year. They see if something is
merited to make an adjustment.” The final 4 to 1 vote followed with the cannabis dispensary tax put back to the 15% with a sixmonth study. It was on October 15, 2024, that the San Jacinto City Council in a 3 to 1 vote with one member absent, agreed to reduce the city tax rate on the cannabis dispensaries to 10% of every one dollar in retail sales after much debate. The council since then has changed with Clarisa Sanchez sitting in the council seat of former council member Brian Hawkins following the November 5 election. Sanchez voted to bring back the 15% tax.
The city’s four legal cannabis dispensaries operating in the City of San Jacinto for more than a year sought the city tax reduction on their product sales before winning that effort. Their argument was they were losing business or sales to other cities with cannabis dispensaries with much lower tax
rates like neighboring Hemet. They also argued their city tax rate was the highest of any city in California and the highest rate that all other businesses in the city are charged.
In other business, following a public hearing, the council approved a proposal for a Mill Creek Planned Development to subdivide three parcels of land totaling 96 acres west of DeAnza Drive and Lion Avenue east of Sanderson and south of the Ramona Expressway to build 424 single family homes including a park and detention basin. The approval was made in a 4 to 0 vote with Ruiz excusing herself earlier.
The council also heard a proposal to amend and adopt the city’s TUMF (Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees) Schedule. It was approved on the first reading. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.
Traffic collision on I-15 sends vehicle hundreds of feet down an embankment
Julie Reeder Publisher
A vehicle veered off northbound Interstate 15 just south of State Route 76 on Friday, Feb. 7, crashing down an embankment, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The incident, reported at 9:47 p.m., was initially classified as a collision with unknown injuries but was later updated to a crash with emergency medical response en route. Witnesses reported that one person was transported. Witnesses reported that the vehicle was driving recklessly before the crash and nearly collided with another car, a silver Toyota, moments before losing control.
At 9:50 p.m., fire personnel were dispatched to the scene, confirming that the vehicle had gone down the embankment and was not visible from the freeway. A male subject was seen on the right shoulder waving down passing vehicles, possibly related to the crash.
At 9:51 p.m., CHP officers requested a tow truck, and at 9:53 p.m., Roadway Tow was contacted to assist with vehicle recovery. By 9:59 p.m., authorities confirmed that the vehicle was off the roadway and down the embankment.
At 10:10 p.m., officers on the scene advised that 500 feet of cable would be needed to retrieve the vehicle.
CHP and emergency crews worked to assess the situation while the roadway remained open. No further details on injuries or the driver’s condition were immediately available.
Supervisors authorize bid process for Thornton Avenue resurfacing
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors authorized the bid process for a construction contract that will resurface 1.25 miles of Thornton Avenue in East Hemet. A 5-0 vote on January 28 authorized the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
that the resurfacing of the existing roadway is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review.
The project will resurface Thornton Avenue from Cornell Street to Soboba Street. This twolane road travels east and west and is 20 to 40 feet wide. In the circulation element of the county’s general plan, it is classified as a local road. The immediate vicinity includes residential areas with single-family dwellings.
reconstruction of asphalt concrete dike, concrete cross gutters and spandrels, concrete curb ramps, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, construction of a reinforced concrete headwall, concreted-rock slope protection at the outlet of an existing storm drain culvert, thermoplastic crosswalk and pavement markings, and roadside signs.
pervisors approval, so if the water district accepts the alternative bid the reimbursement agreement will be approved administratively.
Resurfacing of Thornton Avenue is needed due to the deteriorated pavement conditions. The resurfacing will remove the existing asphalt concrete and underlying material and place back new rubberized hot mix asphalt over hot mix asphalt pavement. The work will also include the construction of asphalt concrete driveways,
The bid package will be structured with a base bid for the resurfacing and associated improvements and an alternative bid to adjust Lake Hemet Municipal Water District facilities which will become part of the contract if the alternative bid section of the low responsible bid is approved by the water district. The director of the county’s Transportation Department has the authority to sign reimbursement agreements of up to $100,000 without Board of Su-
The Road Repair and Accountability Act was passed by the state legislature in 2017 and raised the gas tax by 12 cents per gallon while raising annual vehicle registration fees from $25 to $175 based on vehicle value, and revenue from that as well as other gas tax revenue will be used to fund the Thornton Avenue improvements. The work is scheduled to begin in early summer 2025 and will be phased to keep the road open during construction as much as possible. Completion is expected approximately 1 1/2 months after the work begins. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
First responders arrived to help a person who drove hundreds of feet over the embankment of northbound Interstate 15, just south of SR 76.
A person is loaded into the ambulance after tumbling hundreds of feet down the embankment S. of SR 76 off of the northbound I-15. Valley News/Brian Briggs photos
FEBRUARY
MARCH
Menifee City Council hears highly favorable updates for the city during 2024
Seen as a ‘financially strong city’
Tony
Ault Staff Writer
The Menifee City Council heard positive results from the annual police update, the city financial audit, an increase in revenues, and positive results in their strategic plan for the next five years at the Wednesday, Feb. 5 meeting.
Menifee Police Chief Chris Karrer reported in 2024 there was a 2% increase in service calls. Group A crimes, or those considered very serious, were down 9% from 2023 with drug and narcotic violations the most prevalent (309 arrests). He was pleased to announce that the biggest drop in criminal activity came in the Group A category of motor vehicle thefts. The thefts in 2024 dropped to 189 versus 275 in 2023.
Karrer said the department helped five homeless families find homes and helped 34 other individuals. The police department recently promoted four of its officers for their exemplary service. In a public hearing, the full
council including Mayor Ricky Estrada, Mayor Pro Tem Bob Kawin, Dean Deines, and newest members Dan Temple and Ben Diederich, approved the new 2025 Transportation Uniform Mitigations Fee Schedule which was much higher this year due to the increased population. The TUMF fees provide funds for transportation facilities of major regional significance in the County of Riverside. The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) administered the TUMF funding which helped build the new Holland Street Overpass in the city.
The council was given an update on the implementation of the city’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan for year-end 2024. In community connection, the city is working on 15 Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs) to reduce traffic congestion in the city, some of which have been recently completed. For the city identity, a consultant has been hired to complete a study to see what the residents of the city
are most interested in achieving which is planned to be brought before the council on March 27. The city continues to improve its community engagement by offering residents two new social media venues, programs like Park After Dark, the construction taking place on the Central Park Amphitheater and currently finding out what the residents want to see on that stage in the future. The city continues to experience growth in its economy with 10 new businesses coming into the city and making personal contact with 60 other businesses and starting the Menifee Metro system. In terms of community safety, the city conducted safety courses for 285 residents, built Fire Station 5, and currently has nine projects underway to help find the safest way for students to reach the public schools in the city.
The council heard from the finance staff and consultants the city is and remains a “financially strong city.” The city contracted auditors who made their annual audit, showing the city had no
major problems with its financial reporting and no disagreements with the city finance staff. They pointed out two small problems in their revenue recognition and management reports which were not uncommon in most cities.
Financially in 2024, the city saw its revenues up from 2023 which were $93,506,486 compared to the 2024 revenue at $106,478,150 an increase of $12,971,664 or 13.87%. However, expenditures were up from $84,078,507 in 2023 as compared to $90,659,586 this past year or about $6,581,079 up mainly with the construction of Fire Station 5 in the city and other CIP projects rising in cost. The city had a fund balance of $19,392,548 to start off 2025 with its Capital Assets seen at $386,136,677 up some $50,689,063 from 2023.
The auditors complimented the city and the finance staff for continuing to keep the city in a sound position well into the future.
In public comment on nonagenda items, five residents appeared before the council with a
complaint about difficulties talking with government officials and to make city council members and commission members have term limits.
The council also approved or adopted 10 consent calendar issues including improvements for the E.L Pete Peterson Dog Park Expansion on Park City Avenue and an amendment to the Professional Agreement with Engineering Resources of Southern California for design services for the Paloma Wash Pedestrian Bridge now in the planning stages in the amount of $57,375.
Newly appointed Council Member Diederich named a list of city commissioners and committee members for his District 2 with newly elected District 3 Dan Temple also naming a planning commissioner out of his district. Other newly appointed district commissioners and committee members were welcomed that evening by the city council.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.
Bonnie Martland to discuss Civil War heroes at Temecula History Museum
Bonnie Martland will give a presentation at the Little Temecula History Museum on Feb. 24. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Temecula Valley Historical Society is hosting guest speaker Bonnie Martland, a past president and longtime member of the society, who will present a talk on Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain in celebration of Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. The program will be live at the Little Temecula History Museum, 31870 Redhawk Parkway, and will be live-streamed on the society’s Facebook page. Bonnie and her husband John are both veterans of the US Army and are retired teachers from the Temecula Unified School District. Bonnie is also known as a local artist who has had several gallery shows including ones in
the rotunda of the Temecula Valley Museum, the Merc, and the Grace Mellman Library. Bonnie received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in History and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration. She is a member of the Lincoln Forum and is a docent at the Lincoln Shrine and Research Library in Redlands. She has a special interest in Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War.
The society chose her presentation for February when we honor presidents’ birthdays. Lincoln, whose birthday is Feb. 12, delivered his Gettysburg address on November 19, 1863, on a hill that had been the scene of terrible fighting during the Battle of Gettysburg just four months earlier. The short, two-minute speech, is said to have given meaning to the sacrifices of the soldiers who died, not only at Gettysburg but throughout the war. It also defined the war’s purpose and the values of liberty and equality and is considered to be a powerful meditation on bravery and loss.
While Bonnie was in Gettysburg for the 2024 commemoration
address, she was reminded of the significant service of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, whose bravery did much to ensure the Union victory at Gettysburg in 1863. Bonnie will speak about Chamberlain whose actions as commanding officer of the Twentieth Maine Infantry earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor for his defense of Little Round Top. The small hill became, strategically, the key to the battle on its second day. During the three-day battle of July 1 through 3, 1863, over 51,000 soldiers, from both armies, were killed, wounded, captured, or missing.
Confederate infantry at Appomattox Court House. Chamberlain, despite severe chronic pain from war wounds, continued to have a distinguished career after the war. He served as Governor of Maine and as a president of a college. He was a prolific writer about soldiers’ experiences during the war. He wrote his interpretation of the meaning of the war. Chamberlain wrote about his experiences, not always without controversy, and was an eloquent speaker for the fraternity of those who fought in America’s most defining war.
Chamberlain, a volunteer soldier from a small town in Maine, a college professor, and trained minister, is often referred to as the “unlikely hero” of Gettysburg. He was wounded six times during the war, including an injury at Petersburg that was so severe he was not expected to survive. He fought in over twenty battles and his bravery prompted his rise in rank. Brigadier General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was designated by General Ulysses S. Grant to take temporary command of the First Division of the Fifth Corps of the Army of the Potomac and to preside over the surrender of arms of General Robert E. Lee’s
Last fall, while hiking in Chamberlain’s footsteps on the newly renovated Little Round Top, Bonnie received a new perspective on the task Chamberlain was given to hold his position at all hazards. Bonnie considers Chamberlain as a man of faith, dignity, empathy, perseverance, and patriotism. She says his story is the American story of an ordinary man who rose to do extraordinary things.
The historical society invites all who are interested to hear Bonnie Marland’s presentation at no cost. Any questions about the program or the historical society may be addressed to Rebecca Farnbach at info@temeculahistory.org
Supervisors approve Temecula Wine Country rezone
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning for a 5.05-acre parcel in the Temecula Valley Wine Country Policy Area.
The supervisors voted 5-0 January 28 to change the property’s zoning from Residential Agriculture, 2 1/2 acre minimum (R-A-2 1/2) to Wine Country – Winery (WC-W). The rezone action did not approve any particular project, so the supervisors also made a finding that any potentially significant effects on the environment have been adequately analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report the county supervisors previously certified when they adopted the Temecula Valley Wine Country Community Plan. A subsequent development proposal would be subject to California Environmental Quality Act review along with public review for any discretionary permits. The lot is currently undeveloped.
The parcel is north of Summitville Street and east of Warren Road. Its existing Rural Community - Estate Density Residential (RC-EDR) land use designation in the county’s general plan was established to allow the development of detached single-family residential dwelling units and an-
cillary structures on large parcels. Its location within the Temecula Valley Wine Country – Winery District Policy Area of the Southwest Area Plan provides the option of developing under RC-EDR or the Wine Country Winery District whose primary purpose is to promote the establishment of additional commercial activities that support tourism while ensuring the long-term viability of the wine industry. The Wine CountryWinery zone is considered highly consistent with the RC-EDR land use designation and thus consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses, and programs of the general plan.
The creation of the Temecula Valley Wine Country Community Plan in 2014 amended the county’s general plan, updated design guidelines, and created new zoning classifications. Although the new zoning classifications were created, the zoning of parcels within the Temecula Valley Wine Country Policy Area was not changed. The rezone approved on January 28 brings consistency to the plan area.
The county’s Planning Commission reviewed the proposed rezone on November 20 and recommended the zoning change on a 3-0 vote.
Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
LOCAL
First step in approving a new 363 home project in Murrieta made by the Murrieta City Council
Tony Ault Staff Writer
The Murrieta City Council took the first step to approve three new Community Facilities Districts for a proposed 363 new homes in Discovery Village in the northeastern portion of the city. The CFDs provide the bond money for future city services including fire and police protection, water and sewers, street lighting, drainage, sidewalks, and street sweeping. CFDs are financed through the purchase of bonds paid for by the developers through taxes on each home built and sold within that district, often called Mello-Roos, over a 30-year period at no cost to the city. The bond requested for this planned housing project totals $27.5 million.
The housing development is located on 54 acres of land with 22.97 acres set aside for the new homes, a city park and a detention basin. It would be located from the southwest corner of Whitewood Street and Banner roads and east of Interstate 215. The 363 homes would include 105 court homes,
153 townhomes, and 105 triplexes.
The council approved the three resolutions for CFDs and the bond issue. The first resolution calls for the initial formation of the district to provide public safety services such as police and fire. The vote was unanimous with all five council members present giving their approval.
The next three resolutions were approved, this time with a 4 to 1 vote with Council Member Lori Stone giving the only dissenting vote. Her argument was with raising the price of the CFDs because of the unfunded mandates on housing handed down to each city and county by Sacramento. Some of the homes being built were required to be for low to moderate-income families which would be the case in this development.
Each of the CFD resolutions was voted on individually by the council.
One was for a CFD to cover the city maintenance services, another to pay the debt service on the bond, and one to pay for water, sewer, lighting, and sidewalk facilities.
On those resolutions, it was a
4 to 1 vote with Stone dissenting.
While the four motions were approved, it is only the first step in the process to see the project go ahead. Before that the public will be able to comment on the project and the plans at the council’s April 1 meeting with final approval occurring April 15 or later.
In other business, a proclamation written by council member Stone to address the rising instances of antisemitism arising nationally, in the state and the city was discussed.
She read the resolution that in part says, “A resolution of the city council of the city of Murrieta, California declaring the city’s stance against antisemitism. Whereas; the City of Murrieta has a vibrant Jewish community and rich Jewish American history and Whereas; The Jewish people have maintained a unique ethnic, religious, social, and cultural identity, as well as a diverse ethnic history that spans more than 3,000 years, creating a vibrant and diverse community; experiencing everything fr om acceptance and prosperity to hatred and discrimination in the United States; and Whereas,
from page A-1
confirmed the aircraft wreckage was located in the town of Ampatuan, where recovery teams retrieved the bodies, said Ameer Jehad Tim Ambolodto, a safety officer for the Maguindanao del Sur province. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines also confirmed the crash.
as members of an ethnoreligious group, citizens and students who identify as Jewish across the community, including at local schools, come from many different racial and ethnic backgrounds, immigrant communities, levels of religiosity, and more; and Whereas, no individual or group within our City should fear becoming a target of discrimination, retaliation, derision, bullying, isolation, or violence; and Whereas, there has been a reported rise in hate crimes…” Stone suggested that she hoped the other cities in the area would support the proclamation along with the school district, Mt. San Jacinto College, and Cal State San Marcos.
Supporting Stone’s proposed resolution were members of the Jewish community Irv Michlin, Dick Hershman, and Bev Hoffman along with Pastor Tim Thompson of Murrieta’s 4-12 Church.
Pastor Thompson relayed an incident at his church April 1, 2024 before an invitation of the Jewish Community to join his Christian congregation in a joint celebration his church was vandalized with
avid swimmer and kayaker. He joined the Marine Corps in 2021 and was promoted to sergeant on Feb. 1. Though he initially struggled in boot camp, suffering stress fractures in his legs and hips, he persevered and took pride in his role in military intelligence. His father described his work as “gathering electronic signals to locate enemy headquarters and their movements.”
antisemantic posters and graffiti which he read to the council. He indicated that better education about the Jewish Holocaust should be made in schools and universities.
The speakers urged the council and the city to welcome a planned educational Holocaust Memorial soon to be erected in Murrieta’s Town Square Park.
The council unanimously approved the proclamation.
Earlier the Murrieta City Council submitted a thank-you proclamation honoring the outgoing city commissioners and welcoming the new commissioners with their city pins.
The council and City Manager Justin Clifton praised the efforts of the city Fire and Rescue and police departments for their actions in saving lives and protecting property in the recent extreme Santa Ana windstorms. Members of the new Emergency Operations Committee were also honored for their help in those storms.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.
situations. His mother said in an interview with Riverside PressEnterprise, “He had a knack for injecting comic relief.”
The County of Riverside celebrates Women’s Day with the Women’s Inspiration Awards, honoring women who contribute to social and economic change within each district.
To nominate a deserving woman in your district, please submit a nomination form detailing their achievements. The application can be found at https://rivcodistrict3. org/Updates. Winners will be selected by each district’s Supervisor and awarded at the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 11 at 9:30 a.m. at 4080 Lemon St. Riverside, 92501.
Durham had been deployed to the Philippines since October, his parents, Gisele and David Durham, said. They last communicated with him on Jan. 31, though he was unable to disclose details of his assignment.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported in an interview with Durham’s family that he grew up in Long Beach’s Naples neighborhood. His family said he was an
Hi s parents said Durham had been considering re-enlisting before the crash. His mother recalled that he had recently sent pictures of animals he encountered in the Philippines, including a feral cat he befriended and, in his final message, a photo of a frog.
Known for his quick wit, Durham’s commanders noted his ability to bring humor to stressful
Durham’s service awards included the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Meritorious Mast, and Naval Aircrew Insignia.
U.S. forces have maintained a presence in the southern Philippines for decades, supporting local military operations against insurgent groups in the region, which is home to a Muslim minority in the predominantly Roman Catholic country, according to the Associated Press.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
DURHAM
Warm Centers open throughout the region
With cooler temperatures and potential power outages, Riverside County reminds the community about Warm Centers that are located throughout the county. These centers provide a safe and comfort-
able space to stay warm and access resources. The following list are locations in Southwest Riverside County. For a comprehensive list of county locations, visit https://capriverside.
org/warm-centers.
Anza Anza Community Hall, 56630
Hwy. 371, Anza. Mon-Sat 12-5 p.m. Sun 1-5 p.m. (Hours vary on daily; center open during cold
Thurs – Fri 4-7 p.m. Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun 12-4 p.m. 951-763-4216
Canyon Lake Canyon Lake Library, 31516 Railroad Canyon Road, Canyon Lake. Mon 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
a.m. - 3 p.m. 951-244-9181 Lake
*Seniors only* Lake Elsinore Senior Center, 420 E. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Elsinore. Mon-Thurs 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fri 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 951-674-2526
Menifee Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Road, Menifee. Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 951-6729673
Sun City Library, 26982 Cherry Hills Blvd. Menifee. Mon, Wed, Fri 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tue-Thu 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sat 9
- 3 p.m. Sun 12-4 p.m. 951-679-3534
Murrieta
*Seniors only* Murrieta Senior Center, 5 Town Square, Murrieta. Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 951-3047275
Temecula Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 6th Street, Temecula. MonFri 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 951-694-6464
9th Annual AIS Impressions: Small Works Showcase to take place in Fallbrook
FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Art Center and the American Impressionist Society (AIS) announce the 9th Annual AIS Impressions: Small Works Showcase. This event marks the first time the American Impressionist Society will present these remarkable masterworks in Southern California. Fallbrook is proud to partner with AIS for this occasion, as the Art Center believes that community support is essential for its success, and knows guests will be genuinely amazed.
Starting Wednesday, Feb. 12, master and signature artists participating in the exhibition will paint en plein air at various locations in and around Fallbrook. Everyone is invited to meet the artists and observe their painting process. Please check daily with the Fallbrook Art Center for specific times and locations. The exhibition will open to the public on Feb. 18 (with free admission on Tuesdays) and will run through March 28. Friends, family, and groups are invited for an unforgettable experience in the gallery like nothing you’ve seen before.
Founded in 1998, AIS has been dedicated to promoting the appreciation of Impressionism through exhibitions, workshops, and
events. The organization provides its members with engaging opportunities to enhance their artistic practices. Since its inception, AIS has focused on supporting artists and providing national exhibition opportunities. Join the Fallbrook Art Center in welcoming the American Impressionist Society to experience this historical art movement in today’s art world.
It may be painful to think about your funeral, but it doesn’t have to be painful to pay for
Ann Blair Brown.
Dawn Whitelaw.
Deb Groesser.
Howard Friedland.
Cheryl St. John.
Cheryl St. John. Mark Daly.
J. McPhillips.
Valley News/Courtesy photos
Soboba Casino is a popular place for music, comedy, and more
The Soboba Casino Resort has long been known as a destination to play and stay and its ongoing presentation of show-stopping live entertainment has made it even more popular than ever. Chief Marketing Officer Martin Moore said Latin bands and comedians are always well-attended shows at Soboba. He added that the venue has also experienced great success with classic rock and country groups as well as magic shows.
“We look at the mix of our demographics and the past event attendees to narrow down the type of entertainment we think will sell,”
he said. “We have tested different types and know generally what works better than others.”
Ticketed shows are held at the Cabaret Lounge inside the casino and at the Event Center adjacent to the casino itself, which provides enough space for a much larger audience and where those under 21 are allowed.
Director of Marketing Cara Cohan said, “We handle booking the talent internally along with booking managers and Entertainment companies.” The casino is preparing for some exciting events that are sure to appeal to a wide variety of
attendees.
On Valentine’s Day, MALIA will be at the Cabaret Lounge at 8 p.m. Often described as healing, MALIA’s sounds aren’t just something you listen to, they’re something you feel. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, the alternative R&B/ neo-soul songstress has amassed millions of streams on her LPs. MALIA’s newest album, ‘Back in My Body’ highlights the healing journey of becoming conscious of the unconscious and the powerful metamorphosis of reclaiming responsibility for one’s life. Learn more at www.maliavibes.com.
The month will end on a high note as Leonel El Ranchero, a passionate and captivating artist hailing from Sinaloa, Mexico, appears at the Cabaret Lounge, starting at 8 p.m. Known primarily as a singer and songwriter, Leonel has become a prominent figure in the corrido genre, blending the traditional sounds of norteño and ranchera to create music that resonates deeply with fans around the world. Leonel is celebrated for his storytelling abilities and heartfelt performances, which capture the essence of Mexican culture and the struggles and triumphs of ev-
eryday life.
Stand-up comedian Brian Regan will headline at the Soboba Event Center on Feb. 15. Regan has distinguished himself as one of the premier comedians in the country. With the perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, Brian fills theaters nationwide with fervent fans that span generations. Entertainment is also available at the Tree Bar and the Canyons restaurants on Fridays and Saturdays, usually starting at 6 p.m. Classical guitarist David Adele and Pianist
Temecula Presents’ student-led arts education program announces Seussical the Musical
TEMECULA ─ Temecula Pres-
ents free, student-led, arts education, musical production internship featuring talented youth, ranging from 12 to 18 years of age, on stage and behind the scenes. Rehearsals for Temecula’s StudentLed Program began in November 2024, providing three months of mentorship from experienced artistic advisors and technical production masters resulting in the seventh full-length musical production through Temecula Presents’ Student-Led Arts Education Internship. Participation in this program continues to grow with a cast and
production crew of 31 students. Temecula Presents is proud to present Seussical, now one of the most performed shows in America. Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza.
Tony Award Winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime) have lovingly brought to life all our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters tra nsport us from the Jungle of
Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. Make plans to bring the whole family to enjoy one of the four performances of Seussical at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater on Feb. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 22 and 23 at 2 p.m., through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Tickets for Seussical are $15 and all four performances are on the main stage at Temecula Theater. For tickets and more information, please contact the Ticket Office at 1-866-OLD-TOWN (1-866-6538696) or visit TemeculaTheater.org.
Fans enjoy the Lit & Fuel Show at the Soboba Resort Casino Event Center on Jan. 12.
Hijos de Barron headline at the SCR Event Center on Jan. 18.
The Cabaret Lounge inside the Soboba Casino offers comfortable seating for all types of concerts. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos
Valley News/Courtesy image
To submit an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@ reedermedia.com, put “attention events” in the subject line.
CHILDREN’S EVENTS
Feb. 14 – 7-9 p.m. Teen Activity Night for Valentine’s Day at Lazy Creek Recreation Center, 26480 Lazy Creek Road, Menifee. $5 per teen. Includes Pizza, games, and cookie art. See www.cityofmenifee.
US/teens
Feb. 20 – 4-5:30 p.m. Registration is open for beginning crochet for teens who can experience a simple introduction to the fuzzy world of crocheting! Participants will be able to learn the basics of crocheting and make their very own bookmark! This program is for grades 7 to 12 and is limited to 25 participants at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road, Temecula. Visit TemeculaCA.gov/Library and follow @TemeculaLibrary for information.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Feb. 14 – March 25 – 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free English classes for parents of children 2 to 12 to begin
through the Romoland School District and the Riverside University Health System at Mesa View Elementary School, 27227 Heritage Lake Drive in Romoland. Registration through RUHS or Romoland School District.
Feb. 14– March 16 – 10 a.m.
I Am a Man photographs of the Civil Rights Movement 1960-1970 offered at the Temecula Valley Museum, 28314 Mercedes Street, Temecula. to view a special exhibit in honor of American Black History Month hosted by the museum and the City of Temecula Community Services Department.
Feb. 14 – 9 a.m. The City of Temecula offers an Art Mural recognizing the International Day of Women and Girls in Science created by local Students from Great Oak High School and members of the National Art Honor Society at Sam Hicks Monument Park, 41970 Moreno Road, from now until the end of February.
Feb. 15 – 12 noon - Joy Miller will give a gallery talk on the I Am A MAN photographs of the civil rights movement at the Temecula Valley Museum, 28314 Mercedes Street, Temecula
Feb. 21 – 5-8 p.m. Art-A- Fair Black History Month Celebration at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Road, Menifee. Center. Music and art displays.
Feb. 21 – 7:30 a.m Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Soboba Springs Golf Course in San Jacinto begins. Banquet to follow. Golfer $150. Foursome $550. See hsjvc. com/events for details.
Feb. 21-22 - 2 and 7 p.m. The musical “Seussical” at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater at 42051 Main St., Temecula made through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Tickets for Seussical are $15 and all four performances are on the main stage at Temecula Theater. For tickets and more information, please contact the Ticket Office at.866-653-8696 or visit our website at TemeculaTheater.org.
Feb. 22 – 6 p.m. Black Voices of the Valley is hosting its 4th annual Night of Black Excellence Gala at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center. The black-tie event will feature live music and a celebration of Black excellence in the San Jacinto Valley. To purchase tickets, visit
www.blackvoicesofthevalley.org.
Winter 2025 – Adult Class offerings through the Menifee Community Services at www. cityofmenifee.us/register for more information. Includes: Ballet Folklorico, driving lessons, Hula Tahitian dance, piano lessons, pickleball lessons, and Taekwondo.
WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES
Feb. - May – 10 a.m. or 6 p.m.
Feb. 15 – 11 a.m. The Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau will hold a volunteer appreciation thank you party at the TNEF Foundation House at 20434 Fox Den Drive in Wildomar.
Feb. 17 - 21 The Bluewater Grill, in Temecula will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a VIP Party. Reservations required see www. bluewatergrill.com or visit us on Twitter or Instagram.
Feb. 24 – 5-7 p.m. Military Care Packaging Event “Troops and Tacos.” Assemble military care packages for deployed troops. Tacos and tequila are available for purchase to support the lodge. Elsinore Elks Lodge #2591. 33700 Mission Trail, Wildomar. RSVP at www.milvet. org/troops.
The new free Thrive Temecula program by the Community Services Department begins on various dates to improve the wellness of the community offering methods to live a healthy lifestyle through active living, education, and community resources. The free classes and workshops will be at different parks and locations. The first will be held at 10 a.m. during an E-Bike Safety Workshop with other workshops through May 17 ranging from self-defense to a kids healthy cooking workshop. For times, dates, and locations contact @TemeculaParkandRec on Instagram and Facebook. Want to receive electronic newsletters to stay informed on events, programs, and offerings? Visit TemeculaCA. gov/TCSDNews to sign up. Feb. 14 – The city of Menifee Community Services Department requests residents’ input on what they would like to see at the Central Park Amphitheater whether it be concerts, movies, dancing, ceremonies or theater. See a survey through the department www. CityofMenifee.us/projects
FAA demo to feature plein-air and watercolor techniques
FALLBROOK – On Feb. 15, the Fallbrook Artists Association will host CharCee Colosia as the demonstration artist and workshop instructor. Colosia is an awardwinning artist experienced in watercolor, acrylics, oil, and pen and ink painting and has won awards in many San Diego county galleries and competitions.
She has studied under many prominent artists, such as the late Charles Reid. Her recent interests include creative art groups at the College of Sierra Madre and she has received several awards from the North County Art League, judged by Chuck McPherson, and received first place awards at The Off Track Gallery Monthly Show in January and February, as well as participation in the California Watercolor Society show.
“In judging a painting, there are many ways and means that are told throughout time. I want to go into a painting, walk around and around, and go to a focal point. One has to have faith in their style,” said
Colosia.
Being a proficient plein-air painter (meaning outdoor painting), at the morning demonstration, Colosia will demonstrate equipment setup and uses for the dynamic conditions encountered with plein-air painting where sun, light, shadows, and clouds change quickly. Learn what to take with you, how to narrow down a composition in the outdoors, and find a good subject. The afternoon workshop will be based on watercolor techniques, composition, and ways to improve your work. Colosia’s style is fresh and loose using brilliant color combinations. Beginners and experienced painters are welcome.
The Fallbrook Artists Association’s General Meeting will be held at the Fallbrook Women’s Club, 238 W. Mission Road, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., starting with a members’ art critique. The regular meeting will begin at 10 a.m. with a demonstration by Colosia.
The meeting and demo are always free to the public but the workshop,
from 1-4 p.m. the same day, requires pre-registration and a fee. Preregister for the workshop to receive a supply list provided to those who call ahead. The cost to members is $40, plus $10 for a room fee, and $50 plus $10 for non-members. Call Patty Mangels for registration and materials list, at 951-970-7758. Submitted by the Fallbrook Artists Association.
Bob Garver Contributor
For whatever reason, the studios decided that what America wanted this Valentine’s season wasn’t romantic comedies or sweeping dramas, but violent R-rated fare with varying degrees of love and relationship theming. Frankly none of these movies are going to be big commercial hits, with “Dog Man” still ruling the box office this past weekend and “Captain America: Brave New World” sure to dominate Valentine’s Day itself. That’s why I’m smooshing these movies all together here, because they have a way of cancelling each other out.
For example, even though the lot includes my favorite film of 2025 so far, it also includes my least favorite. Which brings me to… Love Hurts
Ke Huy Quan stars as Marvin Gable, a suburban realtor with a dark past. He used to be an enforcer for his crime-boss brother Knuckles (Daniel Wu), but quit when he couldn’t kill loose-end lawyer Rose (Ariana DeBose). He let Rose live on the condition that she disappear and let Knuckles think she was dead, but now she’s tired of hiding. She wants to take Knuckles down for good and she wants Marvin to help her do it. Should Marvin leave his agreeable new life behind? Do he and Rose even have what it takes to defeat Knuckles and his army of henchmen and hitmen?
The film is a storytelling mess, with a convoluted storyline about stolen money distracting from Marvin’s key arc. Supporting players, most of them hitmen, try to steal scenes by being quirky, but they’re just annoying time-wasters (although Quan’s “Goonies” co-star Sean Astin has a juicy scene as his best friend). Exposition is dumped in awkward narration. The choppy action scenes are even more awkward. This is a movie that wants to be nothing more than a series of fights, has no idea how to put a story around them, and then doesn’t even get the fights right.
Grade: D “Love Hurts” is rated R for strong/bloody violence and language throughout. Its running time is 83 minutes.
Heart Eyes
“Heart Eyes” stars Olivia Holt
and Mason Gooding as a pair of bickering co-workers who, by the law of romantic comedies, are destined to fall in love on Valentine’s Day. Problem is, this is no romcom, this is a slasher movie with a killer whose fetish is killing loving couples. Our leads run afoul of the killer, even though they’re not really a couple, though they might end up as one through this shared experience… if they manage to live, of course.
The movie has two charismatic leads and some genuinely funny, twisted jokes. But its constant need to subvert cliches becomes predictable after a while (“what will ruin the sweet moment this time?”) and it really falls apart toward the end when it starts playing its horror straight. There are some fun ideas in play here, but not enough for me to say that I love this movie.
Grade: C
“Heart Eyes” is rated R for strong violence and gore, language and some sexual content. Its running time is 97 minutes.
Companion “Companion” stars Sophie Thatcher as Iris, a woman being taken by her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid) to a remote mansion in the woods to meet his friends. She tries to fit in for Josh’s sake, but his friends seem weirdly standoffish. One of them assaults her and an even more brutal act of violence follows. In the aftermath, we learn that the seemingly mild-mannered Josh has been more… “controlling” of Iris than previously thought.
The film is an equally funny and sick series of cat-and-mouse games between the two leads. Thatcher, between this and last year’s trapping “Heretic,” can now officially call herself a Scream Queen. But it’s Jack Quaid who steals the movie. This role is going to make it hard for him to get a date for a while. I’m not saying that he isn’t handsome, but there’s an unmistakable brand of inner ugliness in play. See this movie with a date and you’ll both have fun squirming.
Grade: B
“Companion” is rated R for strong violence, sexual content, and language throughout. Its running time is 97 minutes.
Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.
CharCee Colosia is an awardwinning artist experienced in watercolor, acrylics, oil, and pen and ink painting. Valley News/Courtesy photos
The FAA demonstration will include equipment setup tips for plein-air painting.
“Villa in Italy” is a watercolor painting by CharCee Colosia.
10 safety tips to stay safe on E-bikes
Valley News staff
Electric bikes (e-bikes) have surged in popularity, offering an eco-friendly and efficient mode of transportation. However, this rise has been accompanied by a notable increase in accidents and injuries. Between 2017 and 2022, e-bike-related injuries in the U.S. escalated from 751 to 23,493, with hospitalizations increasing from 66 to 3,122 during the same period, according to UCSF.edu.
To ensure a safe riding experience, it’s essential to adhere to the following safety tips:
Always wear a helmet
Protecting your head is paramount. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of severe head injuries in the event of an accident. Despite the proven benefits, helmet usage among e-bike riders remains low, contributing to a rise in head trauma cases, ac-
cording to NPR.org.
Understand and follow local traffic laws
E-bike regulations vary by location. Familiarize yourself with local laws regarding where e-bikes can be ridden, speed limits, and required safety equipment. Adhering to these laws not only ensures your safety but also the safety of others. NPS.edu
Perform regular maintenance checks Before each ride, inspect your e-bike to ensure it’s in proper working condition. Check the tire pressure, brakes, lights, and battery charge. Regular maintenance can prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. NPS. edu
Be visible and use lights
Enhance your visibility to others by wearing bright or reflective clothing and using front and rear lights, especially during low-light
conditions. This practice reduces the risk of collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians, according to https://trafficsafetyteam.org
Ride defensively
Anticipate potential hazards by staying alert and being prepared to react to the actions of others. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles and be cautious at intersections, where many accidents occur, according to NPS.edu.
Avoid distractions
Stay focused on the road by avoiding the use of mobile devices or wearing earbuds while riding. Distractions can delay your reaction time and increase the likelihood of accidents, according to pbgfl.gov
Use hand signals
Communicate your intentions to others by using hand signals when turning or stopping. This practice helps prevent misunderstandings and potential collisions. NPS.edu
Michelle’s Place to host ‘Hope Lights the Night’ Luminary Event in Canyon Lake
TEMECULA – Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center invites the community to the second annual “Hope Lights the Night” Luminary Event on Sunday, March 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Holiday Harbor in Canyon Lake. This special evening is cohosted by the Canyon Lake Mermaid Club and Michelle’s Place, bringing together friends and families to honor and remember those who have touched our lives with love, joy, and strength.
“Hope Lights the Night” is a celebration of resilience, hope, and the support that helps guide us through life’s challenges. The event will feature the decoration and display of luminary lights, a moment of silence to honor lost loved ones, champagne, and sparkling cider to toast, live music, and a “Wall of Hope” recognizing those being remembered. Food will be available for purchase from on-site food trucks, and the luminaries will be lit
SOBOBA from page A-7
Paula Arlich are two artists who will be making several appearances at Canyons in the coming weeks. Arlich is a classically trained pianist with extensive experience in composing, performing, theory, accompanying, and instructing. She is known for her ability to play virtually all styles of music, ranging from jazz standards to contemporary favorites. For more information, please visit www. paulaarlich.com.
For those who prefer to stay on the casino floor, there are exciting events available there as well. From now until Feb. 14 at 7:55 p.m., Table Games players will be able to participate in the “Lead with Luxury Chanel Giveaway.” A Table Games representative will issue one raffle ticket per verified “trigger hand” to eligible players. The player must drop their raffle tickets in the raffle barrel by 7:55 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14. One winner will be drawn on Valentine’s Day at 8 p.m. at the Table Games pit for the Chanel purse prize.
Throughout the month of February, guests have a chance to win a share of over $900,000 in prizes. Every Friday and Saturday from 4-11 p.m., slot machine players can earn one entry per 500 points in the “Swan of a Kind” promotion which offers $422,000 in cash and prizes. Players can earn points all month long, leading up to a Grand Prize drawing on Feb. 22 at 11 p.m. for a 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack. Visit Soboba Rewards inside the casino for more details.
On Feb. 27 from 4-8 p.m. popular slot influencers will reach out to millions of viewers via social media, live from the casino floor, as part of the $LOTFAN$ Tour Event. There will be a Hot Seat promotion, open to all. Guests must be actively playing at any slot machine with their Rewards card inserted to be eligible.
Soboba Casino Resort also offers invitation-only experiences for VIP and Hosted players. Want access to these elite perks? Join Soboba Rewards and earn your way to exclusive discounts, special offers, and priority event access all year long.
To stay updated on shows and other activities at Soboba Casino Resort and to order tickets to events, please visit www.soboba.com.
at sunset, creating a beautiful and heartfelt display.
This free, family-friendly event requires an RSVP for entry. Please visit michellesplace.org/events to RSVP and for more information. All attendees must have an RSVP for entry. To honor a loved one on the “Wall of Hope,” please be sure to include their name during registration.
Bill and Marilyn Watson, founders of Michelle’s Place and parents of the late Michelle, shared, “Our daughter Michelle lived her life with joy, hope, and positivity. The ‘Hope Lights the Night’ event was born from our desire to gather the community, share stories, celebrate loved ones, and honor those we’ve lost. It’s a moment to shine light on the hope, joy, and positivity that we all carry.”
Holiday Harbor is located at 22180 Village Way Drive, in Canyon Lake.
Michelle’s Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the only All-Cancer resource center serving
the Counties of San Bernardino, Riverside, North San Diego County, and surrounding areas. Founded in 2001 as a breast cancer resource center, Michelle’s Place expanded in 2018 to offer support to individuals and families impacted by any type of cancer. The organization is dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer resources, including educational programs, emotional support, wellness services, comfort, and practical assistance, all aimed at improving the quality of life for those facing cancer.
Currently, Michelle’s Place serves approximately 4,000 cancer patients and provides more than 14,000 no-cost programs and resources annually. All programs and services are offered at no cost to the community, empowering cancer patients and their families with a network of services designed to make their cancer journey a little bit easier. Michelle’s Place remains committed to being a vital support system for those affected by cancer in Southern California.
dry place to prevent overheating, which can lead to fires. NFPA.org
Stay sober
posted speed limits and adjusting your speed based on road conditions can prevent loss of control and reduce the severity of accidents. beachbiking.com
Be cautious of battery charging and storage
Only use the charger provided by the manufacturer and avoid overcharging the battery. Store the e-bike and its battery in a cool,
Never operate your e-bike under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired judgment and delayed reaction times significantly increase the risk of accidents. NPS.edu
By following these safety tips, e-bike riders can enjoy the benefits of this mode of transportation while minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Carlos Perez, Founder
Valley News/Eric Mclean photo (pexels.com)
Football dreams come to life on College Signing Day
JP Raineri Sports Editor
With pens in hand and dreams in their sights, local prep football players celebrated the culmination of years of dedication during National Signing Day last week. From the early signing period in December to the February signing period, the anticipation of what’s next ignited enthusiasm across the Inland area as athletes officially committed to programs that will shape their futures.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, was National Signing Day, which is always filled with excitement, but it was especially sweet for Murrieta Valley senior Dorian Hoze, who made his dream a reality by signing to play Division 1 football with Nevada. The running back, who had been overlooked for several months, was named to the 2024
All-CIF Southern Section Division
2 First Team and was the Big West Offensive Player of the Year after he rushed for 2,127 yards and 32 touchdowns as Murrieta Valley went 11-3. Hoze also posted backto-back 1,000-yard seasons his final two prep years, also going for 1,490 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior in 2023.
Hoze wasn’t the only standout from Murrieta Valley to take part in the festivities. The school highlighted four athletes during the early signing window in December. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier will be heading to Stanford, where he’ll team up with his older brother Tiger. Offensive lineman Andrew Nichols solidified his future at Michigan State, while tight ends Jacob Alvarez and Brandon Gilbert will continue their football journeys at San Diego State and Cornell, respectively.
At Chaparral, six student-athletes also solidified their decisions early. JJ Craven signed with Idaho, while Corbin Frutos and Cole Fuller both committed to Cal Poly, bringing their talents to the Mustangs. Shane Klingelberg is set for Southern Utah, Liam Porter chose Davidson, and Justin Selway became a future cadet at Air Force, reflecting the depth of talent within one of the area’s top programs.
The tradition continued during the February signing period, with Murrieta Valley seeing three additional recruits find their new homes. Offensive lineman Ethan Adams signed with Ottawa University, defensive back Isaiah Ayers committed to Black Hills State, and receiver Kurelle Thomas joined Western Colorado. These signings brought further attention to the program’s ability to develop top-tier talent ready to excel at the collegiate level.
Meanwhile, athletes from surrounding schools also joined the fray. Linfield Christian’s Marcus Dylke will take his skills to Fort Lewis. Temecula’s Noah Watkins will be headed to Colorado Mesa University and Murrieta Mesa celebrated as Alexander Krishan signed with Army West Point, a commitment reflecting a tremendous opportunity for both academic and athletic growth.
The differences between the early signing period in December and
the traditional February window continue to be a topic of interest for athletes and fans alike. Early signing allows players to enroll for the spring semester, gaining extra time to adjust to collegiate life and prepare for the upcoming season. For others, the February signing period provides an extended timeline to weigh options and finalize decisions, ensuring the best possible fit both athletically and academically.
This year’s Signing Day celebrations captured an important milestone for athletes across the region. Families and communities joined together to honor the hard work, determination, and talent these players have displayed throughout their high school careers. While the numbers on the scoreboard may fade, the commit-
ments made on National Signing Day signal the start of a fresh and exciting chapter for these local stars, as they prepare to compete at some of the nation’s most prestigious collegiate programs. With so many athletes committing to pursue their passion beyond high school, the Inland area once again proved its identity as a hub for top-tier football talent. The future looks bright for programs across the country as they welcome a new wave of players who are more than ready to leave their mark. In next week’s issue the Valley News Sports Department will highlight the other sports and colleges that local senior student athletes committed to during their NLI signing ceremonies as well. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
Temecula announces 17th Annual Special Games at Great Oak High School
TEMECULA – The City of Temecula and the Temecula Unified School District will host the 17th Annual Temecula Special Games on Saturday, March 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Great Oak High School Football Stadium, located at 32555 Deer Hollow Way. This fun-filled event celebrates athletes of all ages with developmental disabilities and fosters an inclusive environment for all.
Temecula Special Games is a free event that allows athletes to participate in a variety of noncompetitive games, sports activities, and opening ceremonies. The event will feature a NEW 2K Walk-A-Thon, ASL interpreter, various sports games, an obstacle course, team activities, a face painter, music, live performances, and much more! Families will also have the opportunity to gather resources and information from local agencies that offer services for individuals with disabilities including A Joyful Noise, Center for Autism & Related Disorders,
disABILITY Sports Foundation, Skyrocket Pediatric Therapy, Homies, and Special Olympics, just to name a few. Registration is now open for both athletes and volunteers.
City of Temecula Mayor Brenden Kalfus states, “Our city is proud to host Temecula’s Special Games each year, a day where inclusion, celebration, and community shine. The Special Games create a space where athletes, families, and volunteers come together to promote accessibility, acceptance, and unity. I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating this inspiring event.
Sincere thanks to our sponsors and volunteers for their generosity in making this a true community event: Soccer Shots Temecula Valley, Starbucks (Disability Advocacy Network), St. Catherine of Alexandria, Kids Can Cosplay, and Littlefield Physical Therapy. The City of Temecula is proud to work with these agencies in providing an inclusive, fun-filled family event!
We are actively seeking High School volunteers to act as athlete buddies, joining in the activities and supporting participants. Adult volunteers are also needed to assist with various activity stations. Volunteer registration closes on Friday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. All athletes will receive a participation medal, and volunteers will be awarded community service hours. To register as an athlete or volunteer, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/ SpecialGames. For information on all upcoming events, activities, and programs from Temecula’s Community Services Department, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/TCSD and follow @TemeculaParksandRec on social media for updates.
The 17th Annual Special Games at Great Oak High School will take place on Saturday, March 8. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Temecula’s Noah Watkins, pictured here during an NLI ceremony held at the school last week, will be headed to Colorado Mesa University. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Murrieta Valley running back Dorian Hoze (5), pictured here during season, signed with Nevada last week during an NLI ceremony, fulfilling his childhood dream of playing Division One football at the collegiate level. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group
Chaparral’s Shane Klingelberg (4), pictured here in season, is set for Southern Utah after committing during the December signing period. Valley News/Rob Davis Photography
Pictured here during season, Bear Bachmeier of Murrieta Valley, who signed his NLI during the early signing window in December, will be headed to Stanford next year where he will join his brother Tiger. Valley News/Andrez Imaging
A joyful moment as Murrieta Mesa’s Alexander Krishan signs with Army West Point during the school’s February Signing Day ceremony last week. Valley News/ Valley News/Courtesy photo
After signing his NLI last week, Linfield Christian’s Marcus Dylke, pictured here during season, will take his skills to Fort Lewis next season. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Hemet High School’s football team wins prestigious NFF Hatchell Cup for Academic and Athletic Excellence
JP Raineri Sports Editor
IRVING, Texas – Hemet High School’s football program has reached a pinnacle of excellence as the Bulldogs have been named the 2025 recipient of the NFF Hatchell Cup, presented by Bob’s Steak & Chop House. Recognized by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame as the top academic high school football team in the nation, the Bulldogs have achieved a historic milestone that celebrates their success on the field, in the classroom, and within their community. This distinction includes a $10,000 donation from Bob’s Steak & Chop House to support Hemet’s football program.
“This award celebrates their ability to balance academic achievement with athletic performance and meaningful community service,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “Hemet High’s selection as the 2025 Hatchell Cup winner demonstrates their commitment to excellence in every facet of life.”
Hemet High emerged as the national winner after an intensive nomination and selection process. Competing against winners from individual state high school coaches associations, Hemet triumphed over 65 finalists from the pool of state recipients of the 2024-25 NFF National High School Academic
Excellence Awards, presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation. A national committee ultimately selected the Bulldogs for the honor, solidifying their status as a model program for students, players, and educators alike.
The Hemet Bulldogs’ academic achievements underpin their success. With an impressive cumulative GPA of 3.55, the team placed 27 of its 53 players onto the school Honor Roll. Seventeen team members excel in Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses. Leading the way academically is senior quarterback Draven Lopez, who maintained an extraordinary 4.57 GPA while holding the distinction of class valedictorian.
Hemet High’s prowess wasn’t limited to the classroom. On the field, they compiled a 10-2 record for the 2024 season, reaching the CIF Southern Section Division 8 Playoff Quarterfinals. A season highlight saw the Bulldogs exacting revenge on league rival Rancho Christian in the first playoff round after a regular season loss. Over four years, the team built an impressive legacy with a 31-15 record, three playoff appearances, and two Sunbelt League championships. Ten players earned All-League honors this season, with Lopez and team captain Tyler Trout being named to the All-CIF Southern Section Division 8 team.
What sets Hemet High apart is their community engagement and the positive culture fostered within their program. The team participated in initiatives like the “Super Kids Bowl,” an enriching event for special education students across their district, and a SPED Prom for students with special needs. Beyond football, team members contributed to the school’s Associated Student Body, Jazz Band, Plus Forum/Student Leadership, ROTC, and other extracurricular activities.
According to Principal Dr. Jeff Franks, this dedication to com
munity and teamwork exemplifies the term “student-athlete.” “Our football team sets a positive tone for our school’s culture and continues to display effort, hard work, and discipline both on the field and in the classroom,” Franks wrote when nominating the team for the award.
The NFF will formally present the Hatchell Cup at a ceremony to be held later this spring. Further sweetening the recognition, the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation will honor Hemet High with a commemorative brick in The Brick Plaza outside Gate A at the renowned Rose Bowl Stadium.
This season marked the third year of Bob’s Steak & Chop House serving as the presenting sponsor of the NFF Hatchell Cup. Bob Sambol, founder of Bob’s Steak & Chop House, emphasized the significance
of the honor. “Hemet High School and the finalists have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in athletics, academics, and their communities. We are proud to recognize these values through this award.”
N amed after NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell, the cup highlights the NFF’s mission to promote the scholar-athlete ideal.
Under Hatchell’s leadership, the foundation has expanded its efforts, ensuring programs like the Hatchell Cup inspire the next generation to pursue success with integrity on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.
Hemet High’s achievement represents more than trophies and GPAs. It reflects a collective effort by the coaches, educators, players, and community that has positioned the football program as a force for good. Head Coach Jeff Galloway and Athletic Director William Ray spearheaded a team that not only produced wins but also inspired a culture of academic excellence and social responsibility.
High school football has long served as a platform for developing leadership, teamwork, and discipline, but Hemet stands out for doing so while setting benchmarks in academics and community engagement.
Their success makes it clear –excellence thrives when values align, and Hemet High’s Bulldogs
have embraced this ideology whole-
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
Hemet High School’s football program received the NFF Hatchell Cup for excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
Hemet High School’s football team had an outstanding season both on the field and in the classroom, setting the bar high for student-athletes across the country. Valley News/Courtesy photo Valley News/File photo
heartedly.
Genesis Invitational moves to Torrey Pines amid ongoing Los Angeles
recovery
Murrieta’s Rickie Fowler set to play
JP Raineri Sports Editor
The 2025 Genesis Invitational is heading south. Due to the devastation caused by wildfires in Greater Los Angeles, the famed tournament, hosted annually by golf legend Tiger Woods, will temporarily relocate from The Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego.
Officials confirmed the move in a January 16 joint statement by the PGA Tour, Genesis, TGR Live, and The Riviera Country Club.
The event will be played at Torrey Pines’ South Course from February 10 to 16, marking a unique deviation from its traditional Los Angeles home. The decision underscores the tournament’s commitment to supporting relief efforts for the communities impacted by the wildfires.
Tiger Woods noted that while The Riviera remains the tournament’s spiritual home, Torrey Pines offers a championship-caliber backdrop. “We are grateful to the City of San Diego and Torrey Pines for stepping up as hosts,” said Woods. “This year’s tournament will help bring focus to efforts aiding those who have endured the devastation in Los Angeles.” Torrey Pines is no stranger to marquee golf events. The iconic venue has been home to the Farmers Insurance Open since 1968 and has hosted two U.S. Opens, including a dramatic win by Woods in 2008. San Diego’s Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized the city’s enthusiasm for extending its hand during challenging times. “It’s an honor
for San Diego to host The Genesis Invitational while Los Angeles continues its healing and recovery efforts,” Gloria said. The 2025 event will feature a field packed with talent, including 44 players ranked in the world’s top 50 and 13 major championship winners. Familiar faces and past champions of The Genesis Invitational are also expected to return, promising a thrilling week of competition. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan stressed that the tournament’s relocation not only ensures another exciting signature event but also highlights the ongoing need for recovery support in Los Angeles.
Details regarding specific Los Angeles-related relief initiatives tied to the event are still forthcoming but are expected to be announced in the months leading up to the tournament. What is clear is that the gathering at Torrey Pines in February 2025 will be about much more than golf—it will symbolize a collective effort to assist in the recovery of a beloved region.
Meanwhile, fans will also have a chance to spot Rickie Fowler in the field at Torrey Pines. The Murrietaraised golfer, who recently withdrew from the WM Phoenix Open due to illness, remains committed to appearing at the Genesis Invitational this February. Fowler has been navigating a challenging few years professionally but has shown glimpses of his former brilliance, recording his first PGA victory in years at the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic.
The former Murrieta Valley Nighthawk, known as much for
ANSWERS for crossword puzzle on page A-8
pump of the
from
which was recently ravaged by wildfire.
Valley New/David Canales photo
his eye-catching style as his ballstriking ability, grabbed headlines recently for his bold camouflage outfit at the WM Phoenix Open, but his performance on the course faltered as he exited prematurely. Despite dropping to 85th in the world rankings, Fowler’s determination is undeterred. Earlier this season, he finished T-21 at The American Express and made notable appearances for the New York Golf Club in TGL.
Returning to competition at Torrey Pines, Fowler hopes to regain some momentum, competing on
are set to host home games against Sierra Vista and Lancaster Desert
Christian. San Jacinto Leadership Academy’s No. 2 seed in Division 4A also brings a home game against San Luis Obispo Classical.
Other notable matchups include Great Oak hosting Grand Terrace in Division 3AA and Hemet facing Ramona in Division 3A.
Schedule dates and times for all sports are subject to change and can be found online at www.cifss.org.
Division 1
Mira Costa at Rancho Christian
Division 2AA
San Jacinto at Hart
Division 2A
No local teams
Division 3AA
Chaparral at Murrieta Valley
Grand Terrace at Great Oak
Division 3
Ramona at Hemet
California School for the DeafRiverside at Temescal Canyon
Sierra Vista at Temecula Valley
Division 4AA
Linfield Christian at Heritage
Christian
Lancaster Desert Christian at Temecula Prep
Elsinore at Santa Paula
Division 4A
San Jacinto Valley Academy at Laguna Hills
San Luis Obispo Classical at San Jacinto Leadership Academy
Division 5AA
Capistrano Valley Christian at Hamilton (Anza)
Perris at Los Amigos
Division 5A
No local teams
The boys Open Division basketball playoffs expanded to include 10 teams this year but, once again, no local teams cracked the bracket. Di-
visions 1-5A offer a robust schedule of first-round games on Wednesday, with Vista Murrieta traveling to Los Alamitos in Division 1 action, and local rivals Rancho Christian and Centennial squaring off in Division
a course where he’s played many times since his junior golf days in Southern California. With a sponsor’s exemption in hand, fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see if he can merge nostalgia with newfound determination to climb back up the leaderboard.
Though The Genesis Invitational will return to its traditional home in Los Angeles in 2026, this oneyear relocation underscores golf’s ability to unite communities during challenging moments. By combining world-class competition with targeted recovery efforts, both players and fans have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
2AA. Linfield Christian enters as the No. 1 seed in Division 3AA, hosting Sunny Hills. Elsinore, another No. 1 seed, kicks off their postseason in Division 4AA against Newbury Park Adventist. Santa Rosa Academy, seeded third in Division 4A, gears up to host Valley Torah.
Temecula Prep hosts Loma Linda Academy, and Paloma Valley will welcome Santa Clarita Christian as intriguing Division 4 matchups to watch.
Division 1
Vista Murrieta at Los Alamitos
Division 2AA
Rancho Christian at Centennial
Temecula Valley at Riverside Poly
Canoga Park AGBU at Great Oak
Division 2A
Artesia at Orange Vista
Division 3AA
Sunny Hills at Linfield Christian Liberty at Tustin
Division 3A
Burbank at Hemet
Temescal Canyon at Quartz Hills
Division 4AA
Newbury Park Adventist at Elsinore
Loma Linda Academy at Temecula Prep
Cal Lutheran at Whittier
Division 4A
Santa Clarita Christian at Paloma
Valley
San Jacinto at California
Valley Torah at Santa Rosa Academy
San Jacinto Leadership Academy at Hacienda Heights Wilson
Granite Hills at Perris
Mesrobian at Citrus Hill
Division 5AA
California Military Institute at Santa Maria Valley Christian
Division 5A
Cornerstone Christian at Summit
Leadership
San Luis Obispo Classical at River Springs-Hemet
On the girls’ soccer fields, this year’s Open Division, featuring aggregate scoring across two fixtures, will not include any local teams. Instead, attention shifts to singleelimination matchups across Divisions 1-8.
Locals Great Oak and Murrieta Valley feature prominently in Division 1. Great Oak faces championship-defending Roosevelt, while Murrieta Valley takes on Orange Lutheran. Other key matchups include Vista Murrieta clashing with Warren in Division 2 and Linfield Christian battling Sage Hills in Division 4. Lower divisions bring their own intrigue as Rancho Christian hosts Desert Hot Springs in Division 7, and San Jacinto Valley Academy squares off against Pomona in Division 8.
Division 1 Roosevelt at Great Oak Murrieta Valley at Orange Lutheran
Division 2 Vista Murrieta at Warren Division 3
San Jacinto at Crean Lutheran
Division 4
Temescal Canyon at Coachella Valley
Linfield Christian at Sage Hills
Bishop Montgomery at Paloma Valley
Division 5
Tahquitz at Cerritos Valley Christian Citrus Hills at Gahr
Division 7
Desert Hot Springs at Rancho
Christian
Marshall at Nuview Bridge
Jurupa Hills at Santa Rosa Academy
CAMS at San Jacinto Leadership
Academy
Division 8
Bishop Conaty-Loretto at Cornerstone Christian Pomona at San Jacinto Valley Academy
Compton Early College at Temecula Prep As for the boys’ soccer playoffs, once again excluded from the Open Division, local teams flood the action in Divisions 1-8. Vista Murrieta stands out in Di vision 1, hosting Bonita in a critical opening-round clash on Thursday. Paramount hosts Elsinore in Division 3 action, while San Jacinto
Vista Murrieta Division 2
Harvard-Westlake at Great Oak
Division 3 Elsinore at Paramount
at Saugus San Jacinto at Katella Division 4
Valley at Lakeside
Grove Pacifica at Temecula Valley Division 5 Orange Vista at Garey Division 6 Linfield
A
fist
Hideki Matsuyama as he sinks a par putt on No.18 to post a final round of 62 (-9) to win the 2024 Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades,
Rickie Fowler drives off of the 12th hole of the Riviera G.C. in Pacific Palisades during the final round of the 2024 Genesis Invitational Golf Tournament. Valley News/Andrez Imaging
Rickie Fowler teeing got plenty of social media attention during a recent PGA Tour event wearing his signature Puma brand, but this time it was a camouflage outfit.
Valley News/Instagram courtesy photo
CIF from page A-1
The Vista Murrieta Broncos, pictured here in a heated rivalry matchup earlier this season against the Murrieta Valley Nighthawks, will represent the area in the CIF-SS postseason. Valley News/Andrez Imaging
The Great Oak Girls Soccer team celebrates their first Southwestern League title in 8 years and will take on championship-defending Roosevelt in first round playoff action. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Great Oak, pictured here putting the pressure on Vista Murrieta, will represent the area in the CIF-SS girls’ basketball postseason. Valley News/Files Owens Photography
Knöppelåsen hosts fruit tree grafting class, farm tour in Aguanga
expert and class instructor Isabel Barkman teaches attendees how to graft tree
Diane Sieker
Staff Writer
The nonprofit organization
Knöppelåsen hosted a tree grafting class and tour Saturday, Feb. 1 at its property on Beaver Avenue
in Aguanga. The farm is focused on regenerative agriculture and sustainable gardening, offering education and instruction for gardening enthusiasts. The class, led by gardening experts Isabel Barkman and Ricardo
branches together at the
Ortiz, taught the fundamentals of successful fruit tree grafting. Barkman, a longtime Southern California gardening expert, has decades of experience and is a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers Association.
Ortiz, owner of Ricardo’s Nursery in Long Beach, has received numerous honors, including the Best of Long Beach Award for five consecutive years. “Isabel and Ricardo’s tree grafting demonstration was incredibly
Hemet 4WD Club explores Thomas Mountain
Diane
Sieker Staff Writer
Hemet 4WD Club fourwheeling enthusiasts were treated to a day of perfect weather as they made their way up the 6S13 Thomas Mountain trail, a 16mile route with scenic views of Garner Valley, Anza Valley, the San Jacinto Mountains and Cahuilla Mountain Saturday, Feb. 8. The trail featured various types of sand, rocks and a few rutted out areas from the recent rains.
There were 11 vehicles in attendance led by club founder Don Gold, ranging from a 46-yearold Jeep CJ5 all the way up to modern Jeeps, 4x4 SUVs and full-sized trucks. Trail bosses Jerry and Beth Mahan, Jason and Lisa Bermudez, Joseph Bermudez, Adrian Lopez and Bob Sandvik were at the ready in case anyone needed assistance.
A short break was held at the yellow post campground near the top of the mountain, where members mingled, snacked and chatted.
Hemet 4WD is a new club and has been met with enthusiasm by 4x4 fans in the local communities.
“I created a different type of group for 4 wheel drive vehicles in Hemet and neighboring areas,” said Gold. “Jeeps, Broncos, Isuzus, Toyotas, trucks and other 4WDs are all welcome.”
The club is geared toward beginners as well as seasoned off roaders.
“It was a great run today up the mountain,” said Jerry Mahan. “It was nice getting to meet new people and getting to know some
educational. Despite holding a master’s degree in agriculture, my hands-on experience has been limited, so gaining practical knowledge through this event
Plant
Knöppelåsen tree grafting class and farm tour Saturday, Feb. 1. Anza Valley Outlook/Nate Tran photo
Hemet 4WD club founder Don Gold leads a group of 11 4x4 enthusiasts on a
ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS
If you have an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com , put “attention events” in the subject line. Readers should call ahead on some listed events for the latest updates. Please also email us if any of these listings have new or updated information. Thank you!
Regular Happenings
Anza Farmers’ Market
Located at 56333 SR 371, Anza farmers’ market hours are every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8pm through October. Various farmers, musicians, artisans and food vendors set up weekly. Ample parking in the field and lot to the west and east of the field. The market is operated by the High Country Conservancy, a 501(c)(3), and is a California certified farmers market. Market Manager Annika Knoppel can be
JULIE REEDER,
MALINA GUGEL, Ind. Contractor
Editorial
J.P. RAINERI, Sports Editor
SHANE GIBSON, Staff Photographer
TONY AULT, Staff Writer
DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer
JOE NAIMAN, Ind. Contractor
ROGER BODDAERT, Ind. Contractor
Advertising Sales
JOSEPHINE MACKENZIE
ANNA MULLEN
CINDY DAVIS
ANDREW REEDER
Production
KARINA YOUNG, Art Director FOREST RHODES, Production Assistant, IT
SAMANTHA GORMAN, Graphic Artist
reached at 951-234-1314 or email anzafarmersmarket@gmail.com
Anza Community Hall Swap
Meet - Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. $15 for a spot with membership. $18 for a spot without membership. Vendors wanted. The hall is located at 56630 SR 371 in Anza. See membership information under “Organizations.”
Mobile Food Pantry – Anza Electric Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers a free mobile food pantry the second Saturday of every month at the AEC office, 58470 SR 371, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. All are welcome. Cal-Fresh application assistance and free community health services are also available. Bring your own reusable bags to take food home. Volunteers welcome. For more information, contact the AEC office at 951763-4333.
Friends of Anza Valley Community Library – Anza Valley Community Library is located at Hamilton High School, 57430 Mitchell Road. The library is open to the public, but not during school hours. Hours are 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Monday through Wednesday.
Hamilton High School – Find out what is happening using Hamilton’s online calendar at www.hamiltonbobcats.net/apps/ events/calendar.
Hamilton Museum – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza. For more information, call 951-763-1350 or visit www. hamiltonmuseum.org. Find them on Facebook at “HamiltonMuseum-and-Ranch-Foundation.”
Backcountry Horsemen Redshank Riders – Meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Locations change, so please contact Mike by email at stumblinl55@gmail.com or by calling 951-760-9255.
Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings
Fit after 50 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Friday mornings at Anza Community Hall. Free. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. Call or text instructor Teresa Hoehn at 951751-1462 for more information.
Narcotics Anonymous Meeting – 6 p.m. Every Tuesday at Shepherd of The Valley Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Open participation.
Veterans’ Gathering Mondays – 9-11 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 39075 Contreras Road in Anza. Men and women veterans come to share and help each other deal with posttraumatic stress disorder and other difficulties. Call John Sheehan at 951-923-6153. If you need an advocate to help with VA benefits, call Ronnie Imel at 951-659-9884.
The Most Excellent Way – A Christ-centered recovery program for all kinds of addiction meets once a week on Fridays from 6-8 p.m. Program is court approved. The group meets at Valley Gospel Chapel, located at 43275 Chapman
Road, Anza.
AA Men’s Meeting – 7 p.m. Meetings take place Thursdays at 39551 Kirby Road in Anza, south of SR 371.
Alcoholics Anonymous – 8 p.m. Wednesday evenings at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, call 951763-4226.
Bereaved Parents of the USA – The Aguanga-Anza Chapter of BPUSA will hold its meetings at 6 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 49109 Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-551-2826.
Free Mobile Health Clinic –Open every third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is needed. Uninsured may only be seen in the Anza Community Hall’s parking lot or inside the hall.
Medication Assistance and Treatment for Opioid Dependence – Get treatment for heroin addiction. Transportation to the clinic is provided. For more information, contact Borrego Health’s Anza Community Health Center, 58581 SR 371, Anza. For more information, 951-763-4759.
Food ministries
Living Hope Christian Fellowship Community Dinner – Dinners at 1 p.m. are held the last Sunday of the month at the Anza Community Hall. All are welcome. Donations of time, money, etc. are always welcome.
Food for the Faithful – 8 a.m. The food bank hands out food the last Friday of the month until the food is gone. The clothes closet will be open too. Emergency food handed out as needed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. FFF is a nondenominational nonprofit. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-763-5636.
Bible studies The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anza’s Sunday Sacrament is at 10 a.m.; Sunday School is 11 a.m. Priesthood/Relief Society meets at noon; Wednesday, Boy Scouts gathers 6 p.m. and Youth Night is 7 p.m. For more information, call Ruiz at 951-445-7180 or Nathan at 760-399-0727. The Wednesday Genealogy/Family History Class, 5-8 p.m., is open to the public at 39075 Contreras Road in Anza.
Native Lighthouse Fellowship – 10 a.m. The group meets the first Saturday of the month, and breakfast is served. All are welcome to fellowship together at the “Tribal Hall” below the casino in Anza. For more information, call Nella Heredia at 951-7630856.
Living Hope Bible Study –8-10 a.m. Tuesdays at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 58050 Hwy 371, Anza. All are welcome. For more information, call Pastor Kevin at 951-763-1111.
Anza RV Clubhouse – 7 p.m., the second Wednesday of the Month, Pastor Kevin officiates at 41560 Terwilliger Road in Anza.
Monthly Christian Men’s Breakfast – 9 a.m. Breakfast takes place the 4th Saturday of each month and rotates to different locations. Contact Jeff Crawley at 951-763-1257 for more information.
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church – 10 a.m. Weekly Wednesday Bible study takes place at 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Call 951-763-4226 for more information.
Valley Gospel Chapel – 7 a.m. Saturday Men’s Study meets weekly with breakfast usually served at 43275 Chapman Road in the Terwilliger area of Anza. For more information, call 951763-4622.
Anza First Southern Baptist Church – Begin your week with Sunday School for all ages at 9 a.m., followed by Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. On Sunday nights, the church has prayer on the 1st and 4th Sundays from 6-7 p.m. and Bible study on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays from 6-8 p.m. On Monday evenings, from 6-8 p.m., the youth group (6 to 12 grade) meets for games and Bible study. Anza Baptist Church also offers Men’s and Women’s Ministries, a Homeschool Support Group, Summer Vacation Bible School and a Seniors’ Ministry. The church office is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road in Anza. For more information, contact the church at 951-763-4937 or visit www.anzabaptistchurch.com.
Clubs Anza Valley VFW Post 1873, Capt. John Francis Drivick III Post – The Ladies’ and Men’s Auxiliaries are located at 59011 Bailey Road in Anza. Mail P.O. Box 390433. Request monthly newsletter and or weekly menu by email at vfw1873anzaca@ gmail.com. For more information, call 951-763-4439 or visit http:// vfw1873.org. High Country 4-H Club – 4 p.m. Meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month, except February, at Anza Community Hall. 4-H Club is for youth 5 to 19 years old offering a variety of projects. High Country 4-H Club is open to children living in the Anza, Aguanga and surrounding areas. For more information, call Allison Renck at 951-663-5452.
Anza Valley Artists Meetings – Meetings at 1 p.m. are the third Saturday of each month at various locations. Share art, ideas and participate in shows. Guest speakers are always needed. For more information, call president Rosie Grindle at 951-928-1248. Find helpful art tips at www. facebook.com/AnzaValleyArtists
Anza Quilter’s Club –Meetings are held at 9:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. For more information see our Facebook page or contact Pat Sprint at jpsprint@gmail.com or Ellen Elmore at luvtoquilt2@ gmail.com
Anza Valley Lions Club –The Anza Valley Lions Club has been reinstated and is open to all men and women who want to work together for the betterment of the community. The group is working on securing a new venue for meetings. Meetings and events are posted on the Anza Lions Club of Anza Valley Facebook page at www.facebook. com/LionsofAnzaValley. For more information, email president Greg Sandling at President. AnzaLions@gmail.com or Chris Skinner at Secretary.AnzaLions@ gmail.com
Civil Air Patrol – Squadron 59 is looking for new members of all ages. For more information, call squadron commander Maj. Dennis Sheehan from the Anza area at 951-403-4940. To learn more and see the club’s meeting schedule, visit www.squadron59.org.
Fire Explorer Program – 6 p.m. The program meets every second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at Fire Station 29 on SR 371 in Anza. Call 951-7635611 for information.
Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the 1st Thursday of the month at the Anza Community Hall, 43275 Chapman Road in Anza. The social hour is 11:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. Contact Carol Wright at 951-7632884 for more information.
Organizations Terwilliger Community Association – 6 p.m. Second Monday of the month at VFW Post 1873, 59011 Bailey Road, in Anza. Potluck dinner open to all. For more information, call Tonie Ford at 951-763-4560.
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 SR-371 in Anza. For more information, call 951-282-4267 or email achageneral@gmail.com or visit www.anzacommunitybuilding. org Anza Civic Improvement League – 9 a.m. meets the first Saturday of each month at the Little Red Schoolhouse. The league maintains Minor Park and the Little Red School House, which are both available to rent for events. No government funds are allowed; the membership pays the bills – $10 a person, $18 family or $35 business membership. For more information, visit www. anzacivic.org.
Unincorporated Communities Initiative to fund Anza warning sirens
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved the use of Unincorporated Communities Initiative funding for two emergency warning sirens in Anza. The supervisors’ 5-0 vote on January 28 approved the project which will utilize $60,200 from the Unincorporated Communities Fund budget of the Third Supervisorial District. The action also directed the county’s Emergency Management Department to initiate work on the project.
A November 2020 Board of Supervisors action created the Unincorporated Communities Initiative to improve the infrastructure and services provided to residents of unincorporated communities with an emphasis on disadvantaged unincorporated communities.
The program is funded through the Unincorporated Communities Fund which is allocated during the annual budget process. The county’s 2024-25 budget included $10,000,000 for the Unincorporated Communities Fund divided evenly between the five Supervisorial Districts. The County of Riverside has completed the initial planning phase of an outdoor alert and warning system project for the San Jacinto Mountain region. The San Jacinto Mountain region includes Anza, Fern Valley, Garner Valley, Idyllwild, Mountain Center, Pine Cove, Pinyon Pines, and Poppet Flats. The San Jacinto Mountain communities are surrounded by national forest and wilderness which have been severely impacted by drought conditions. The major highways in the region are State Route 243 and State Route 74, and those highways are not sufficient to provide a timely
mass evacuation of people unless a system allows for communication and coordination in the event evacuation is necessary.
The emergency warning system would provide people with early, real-time information on how they can protect themselves from imminent dangers and hazards identified in the County of Riverside’s Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The system will have the ability to be activated using Riverside County’s alert and warning system (Alert RivCo) or from one of its local sites by a partnering public safety organization and will use Geographic Information System (GIS) software to determine the location of a fire or other hazard, vulnerable populations, the best evacuation routes, and staging locations. The system will also provide enhanced coordination and communications among public safety providers and the public for
timely notification using outdoor high-decibel speakers located in 28 strategic locations throughout the region.
The system will also integrate with and expand upon the existing WNKI 1610-AM radio station. That will allow public safety personnel to provide updated information to travelers and evacuees through WNKI. A public outreach and education program will include road signs advising travelers to tune in to 1610-AM for updated evacuation information.
The 28 outdoor warning sirens will set off an alarm notification in case of a need for rapid evacuation and have an option for the transmission of voice messages. Two of those sirens will be in Anza. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com
ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK
Suspect arrested and charged in homicide/arson investigation
Diane Sieker Staff Writer
An Aguanga man has been taken into custody and charged with six alleged felonies in a homicide/arson investigation.
Garett Preston Young, 48, is being held without bail.
Hemet Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to a report of multiple fires in the 45000 block of State Highway 79 in Aguanga, Monday, Feb. 3, at 4:42 p.m.. Multiple reporting parties advised that a travel trailer and a vacant ravine were engulfed in flames.
“We had one rig burn from fire,” said a witness. “At the same time two separate fires were started 200 yards west of the Jojoba Hills SKP Resort.”
As deputies arrived, they attempted to evacuate all persons in close proximity to the fire at the trailer and secured the scene as personnel from Cal Fire battled the blaze. After the fire was extinguished and clean-up procedures had begun, the remains of a person were located inside the trailer, according to authorities,
The decedent’s name is being withheld pending confirmation of identity and notification of next-ofkin. The Riverside Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit was notified and assumed the investigation.
Investigators continued their follow-up investigation Tuesday, Feb. 4. Patrol deputies from the Hemet Sheriff’s Station received a report of a suspicious person near the intersections of California
Garett Preston Young, 48, of Aguanga, is being held without bail, charged with 6 felonies in an arson and murder investigation.
State Route 79 and SR-371, in the community of Aguanga.
“Today, at 7:03 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the area of State Highway 371 and State Highway 79 regarding a sighting of a person of interest in the arson investigation. When deputies arrived, they contacted the subject who was cooperative and transported him to the station to continue their investigation,” said Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Media Information Bureau Public Information Officer Sergeant Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez.
Garett Preston Young, a 48-yearold resident of Aguanga was taken into custody. Young had been identified as the subject possibly involved in the fatal fires that had occurred in the afternoon of Feb. 3.
Sheriff’s Blotter
Diane Sieker Staff Writer
The Anza Valley Outlook
Sheriff’s Blotter is a list of calls that allows residents to see what law enforcement activity is occurring in their communities.
The Sheriff’s Blotter data is obtained from the official calls for service records kept by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. However, calls where the release of the information could cause harm to an individual or jeopardize the investigation of a criminal case are excluded.
All calls listed are for service within the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction in the unincorporated areas of Anza, Lake Riverside Estates, Cahuilla and Aguanga from Feb. 2 through Feb. 8. Feb. 2
Information was developed that led to the arrest of Young.
He was later booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for the alleged homicide and additional arson-related charges.
Young has been charged with - Felony malicious set fire property
- Felony murder with malice
- Felony zip gun
- Felony arson: inhabited structure/property - Felony arson: structure/forest land
- Felony arson: structure/forest land
He is being held without bail.
This investigation is ongoing; however, no additional suspects are being sought.
“I have no words for what happened, just sorrow,” said one resident.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Investigator T. Gilbert with the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-1777 or Investigator R. Martinez with the Hemet Station at 951-791-3400.
The Sheriff’s Blotter enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities.
block St. Hwy. 371, Anza
Follow-up - address withheld, Anza
Follow-up - address withheld, Anza Fraud - 5900 block Burnt Valley Rd., Anza, report taken
Anza,
7
circumstance - 4300 block Chapman Rd., Anza, report taken Assist other department - 5600
block St. Hwy. 371, Anza Danger to self/other - 4100 block Terwilliger Rd., Anza Check the welfare - 5100 block Snaith Rd., Anza Suspicious person - 4100 block Gassner Rd., Anza
Recovery of stolen vehicleaddress undefined, Anza No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content provided in the Sheriff’s Blotter.
Residents with information regarding any crimes are encouraged to contact the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at 951-791-3400. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, 909-987-5005 or https://wetip.com.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
An alleged arson fire in Aguanga destroys a trailer home where a body is discovered inside, Tuesday, Feb. 4. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo
Anza Valley Outlook/Diane
was invaluable,” said Joanna Zhang “It was also a wonderful opportunity to connect with likeminded neighbors who are engaged in tree planting, chicken farming and other agricultural activities.
I’m deeply grateful to Annika Knöppel and Alex Calapodis for organizing such a meaningful event. Their genuine dedication to supporting the community was truly inspiring.”
A lunch prepared by chef Alex Calapodis, co-founder of Knöppelåsen, featured a salad made from greens grown on the farm, locally sourced sourdough bread, vegan squash soup and regionally foraged teas.
“I’ve toured the Knöppelåsen compound twice, and each visit left me impressed by their deep knowledge and visionary approach to regenerative agriculture,” said Nate Tran. “Alex shared his expertise generously, holding nothing back. He and Annika are true experts, driven by a passion for transforming and uplifting surrounding communities through permaculture.”
Knöppelåsen, whose mission is restoration and reforestation using native plants when advantageous, showcased some of their on-site projects after the grafting session.
“I want to thank everyone who came out,” said Calapodis. “We had a sold out event and were glad that there were so many people interested in this subject. We believe it is important for Knöppelåsen to be a place of learning, education and support for our community. We live in a unique area with rare plants, animals and climate. All of these techniques and philosophies that we encourage are to ensure the health of people, plants and the vital ecosystems that we are all dependent on. A good thing is a good thing, so go out and do good things.”
Calapodis explained the farm’s terracing plan, describing the use of native plants, shrubs and trees to provide soil stability, fire hardening, food and beauty.
“I’m pleased that the event was so well received,” said Annika Knöppel, co-host of the event and co-founder of Knöppelåsen. “Many people remained after the class, exchanging ideas and learning from each other.”
Knöppel said many more events are being planned for the near future.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
Chef Alexander Calapodis, co-founder of Knöppelåsen, prepares lunch in an outdoor kitchen for the class and instructors at the Knöppelåsen tree grafting class and farm tour Saturday, Feb. 1.
Squash soup, locally sourced sourdough bread and salad from greens grown in the farm’s gardens are served for lunch at the Knöppelåsen tree grafting class and farm tour. Anza Valley Outlook/Nate Tran photos
CLASS from page B-1
Farm founder Annika Knöppel, left, chats with Joanna Zhang at the Knöppelåsen tree grafting class and farm tour.
Alexander Calapodis, co-founder of Knöppelåsen, explains the farm’s terracing plan at the Knöppelåsen tree grafting class and farm tour.
Class members, instructors and hosts pose for a group photo at the Knöppelåsen tree grafting class and farm tour.
Instructor Isabel Barkman shows class attendee Betsy Hansen how to graft two twigs together at the Knöppelåsen tree grafting class and farm tour
Instructor Ricardo Ortiz demonstrates different grafting techniques at the Knöppelåsen tree grafting class and farm tour.
Instructors Ricardo Ortiz and Isabel Barkman demonstrate graft taping methods at the Knöppelåsen tree grafting class and farm tour.
Class attendee Joanna Zhang, left; hosts Annika Knöppel and Alexander Calapodis; and attendee Nate Tran pose for a photo at the Knöppelåsen tree grafting class and farm tour Saturday, Feb. 1.
I’ve already met even better. I’m looking forward to the next event.”
Gold’s easygoing leadership style and wealth of knowledge contributed to a successful and enjoyable day. Radio chatter during the trail run included oncoming traffic reports, scenic view and wildlife observations and trail conditions.
“We encourage any enthusiast to join us on trails and events,” Gold said.
To learn more about the Hemet 4WD Club, visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/grou ps/1710388276468635/?ref=share &mibextid=NSMWBT.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
Anza resident Bob Sandvik prepares to head out on the trail in a 1979 Jeep CJ5 for the Hemet 4WD Club Thomas Mountain run Saturday, Feb. 8. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos
Club members check their rigs before hitting the trail at the Hemet 4WD Club Thomas Mountain run.
CLUB from page B-1
Both children and adults enjoy the great outdoors at the Hemet 4WD Club Thomas Mountain run.
Participants take to the trail at the Hemet 4WD Club Thomas Mountain run
A brief stop provides the perfect photo opportunity for participants at the Hemet 4WD Club Thomas Mountain run Saturday, Feb. 8.
Trail Boss Adrian Lopez and his family take a break during the Hemet 4WD Club Thomas Mountain run.
San Jacinto Valley high school students honored in January
Diane A. Rhodes Contributor
The Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month program held its recognition breakfast at the Maze Stone at Soboba Springs Golf Course on Jan. 16. Seven local high school seniors were recognized and honored for their character, love of learning, and commitment to academics in addition to their involvement in school and community activities and their ability and resiliency in overcoming difficult life challenges. And they do this all in a setting that honors God, country, family, community, and free enterprise. Students are nominated by teachers or other school personnel to make a difference in their homes, schools, and communities.
Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno emceed the event. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current challenges, and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers, and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.
January’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Ernesto De Lara, Kimberly Luna, Rachel Serrano, Bouquet Vineyard, and Dakota Wilson. San Jacinto Unified’s honorees for January are Jalisa Horigan and Ashley Vasquez. Hemet Unified School District
Ernesto De Lara
West Valley High School
Principal Gerardo Zavala said Ernesto’s favorite subject is history because he loves learning about the past. “He is an excellent example of a student who works hard in school, sports and in life,” Zavala said. “Outside of the classroom, his passion is soccer.” Ernesto started playing the sport when he was seven and he has achieved great things. He plans to attend Cal Baptist University to study kinesiology while playing Division I soccer and hopes to turn pro in the future. His teacher, Antonio Ramos, said Ernesto is a true team player in and out of the classroom. Through their shared passion for the sport of soccer, Ramos has seen qualities demonstrated in his students that he is sure will carry him through the future. “Soccer has helped me in many ways,” Ernesto said. “Soccer has taught me teamwork, responsibility, and discipline, which I believe are very important in the sport and in real-life situations.” He is grateful for the opportunity to have competed in several tournaments and a recent win is one of his proudest accomplishments as it helped him grow as a player and a leader on and off the field. He has also traveled to Maryland multiple times to compete against some of the best players around the country. “Being a student-athlete has taught me the importance of balancing my priorities,” Ernesto said. “I have learned to manage my time effectively by managing school, homework, practices, and games.” He enjoys giving back to the community through his volunteer work at church.
Kimberly Luna Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes described Kimberly as a student who takes Advanced Placement classes, is in AVID, is on the cross-country, track, and soccer teams as captain, and volunteers her time at lunch to tutor her peers. Psychology teacher Jacquelyn Rodriguez said, “What’s truly remarkable about her is her ability to balance it all. She’s always understood that being a student comes first, even with a demanding schedule. I’ve seen her prioritize her academics
with a maturity beyond her years.
Excellence goes far beyond academics and athletics with Kim because she also has one of the biggest hearts you’ll meet on campus. It’s not about how she can lift up herself but it’s about how she can lift up those in the community and those around her, which is something that I admire about her most.” Kimberly hopes to attend Cal Poly as a psychology major to study the mind and behavior to help in her future career as an occupational therapist.
“I struggled with stress and anxiety throughout high school,” she said.
“It’s important to work hard for the things you want and in return our goals can be met. There is a reward for how much effort and hard work you put in.” A significant life lesson she said she learned is that there is more than one opportunity around her, and she just needs to discover what they are. She hopes to continue to give back to her school by offering to tutor younger classmates.
Rachel Serrano
Alessandro High School
Principal Matt Centofranchi
shared that his school is intended to be a credit-recovery school and looking at Rachel’s transcripts when she enrolled in her junior year showed a lot of good grades until her sophomore year, which was missing. She is now an allstar student who is excelling in the Welding Technology program, one of the school’s CTE pathways.
Welding teacher Joshua O’Neal said he was impressed that Rachel was not afraid to try anything new.
“Her resilience, faith, and work ethic are truly amazing and her ability to inspire those around her is something I deeply admire,” he said. Rachel is the third oldest of seven children and when she was in second grade, her world was turned upside down when she and her siblings were taken away from their mother and scattered to different homes. “Living in foster and group homes, I learned that attachment was a luxury; losing people and places became a part of life,” Rachel said. “By the time I was 12, I had faced challenges no child should have to endure.”
On her 13th birthday, she reached a breaking point and was put in a mental hospital because she was struggling with thoughts of suicide. In 2023, she spent a year with her father in Guatemala, which proved to be a turning point for her. The following year, Rachel
went to live with an aunt and uncle and enrolled at Alessandro. She hopes to become a certified welder and enter the field as a career.
“I’ve learned to seek the positive in every obstacle, even when it’s hard,” she said.
Bouquet Vineyard Hemet High School selected Bouquet this month and Principal Jeff Franks introduced her as a three-sport athlete in swimming, golf, and water polo, who was named Homecoming Queen, is a member of the school’s band, and is in the top 10 of her 550-member senior class. She was nominated by her counselor, Dawn Sonnier, whose statement was read by teacher Lindsay Brown in her absence. Sonnier has known Bouquet for five years through her older sister, Meadow, who wanted to be part of Daisy Chain, an award given to the top-ranked juniors who are recognized for their academic achievement and lead the seniors at graduation. Although Meadow didn’t make it, she asked Sonnier to guide Bouquet so that she would, and she did. “The past four years of my life have been a difficult journey,” Bouquet said. In 2020, her mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and Bouquet spent all her time taking care of her while balancing schoolwork, sports, and extracurriculars. “On September 12, 2024, mom lost her hard-fought battle. Navigating life without my mom’s help and support has been confusing but I know one thing for sure – I want to keep her fun-loving, encouraging, and inclusive spirit alive through what I do and how I treat others every day,” Bouquet said. She plans to study English Education in college in hopes of becoming a teacher, just like her mother, who served the San Jacinto Unified School District for 25 years. “I know that God will guide my feet every step of the way and I hope to be a light the way my mom was,” Bouquet said.
Dakota Wilson Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez said that last year Dakota was one of four juniors who won a Leadership Trip to Washington, DC through the Anza Electric Co-Op. “She has courage, confidence and is always looking outside of herself,” Sanchez said. Rose Fickes has been Dakota’s art and photography teacher all four years of high school. As editor-in-chief of yearbook
and president of the Yearbook Club, she said Dakota oversees everything from the designing to the final production. As president of the Mud Club, she organizes fundraisers and events to provide students with opportunities to explore ceramics. Dakota said she enjoys being very active in the rural community of Anza.
“My aspirations are in the field of forensic science, specifically crime scene photography,” she said. She knows this is something most people don’t have the stomach to do but she sees it as yet another way she can give back by providing evidence that will bring justice for victims. “Last October, my father was diagnosed with cancer, which is a hard thing as I’m an only child and it’s just me and my parents living in the middle of nowhere,” Dakota said. She credits her father with teaching her how to be a part of the community as she grew up watching him help their neighbors. She was grateful to see the community reach out to the family with food and offers to help when they heard about her father’s diagnosis and showed her that something so horrible can still bring people together. Dakota enjoys working with middle school students and did so regularly when she was a member of Hamilton’s Color Guard.
San Jacinto Unified School District
Jalisa Horigan
San Jacinto High School selected Jalisa as this month’s honoree. Her math teacher, Mayra Aldana, said Jalisa ranks third in her class and takes Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, college, and honors classes while serving as vice president of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) and LINK Crew, both organizations that are close to Aldana’s heart. Jalisa feels her greatest contribution to the community is her ability to empathize and connect with others, especially those who have been made to feel lost or unseen.
“Through LINK Crew, I’m able to create relationships with freshmen that we meet and guide through their high school journey, and through HOSA I’m able to channel my passion for the healthcare field,” Jalisa said. She wants to become a psychiatrist to help people navigate life’s challenges. She shared that her birth mother took her brother and her away from their father at a very young
age and were basically homeless as they moved around a lot. “I witnessed a lot of things such as verbal and physical abuse,” Jalisa said. When she was in first grade, her mother lost custody of the children and they went to live with their father, which led to a lot of pain. Their stepmother went to prison and their father lost his job, leading the children to be raised by extended family members for three years. Her father is now in medical school and Jalisa said she has chosen to take her pain and turn it into purpose. “I hope others see that no matter where you come from, you can overcome, you can exceed and you can make a difference,” Jalisa said.
Ashley Vasquez San Jacinto Leadership Academy Principal Mike Luna introduced Priscilla Grijalva, a counselor at the 6-12 grade school, to talk about Ashley. “She truly takes the initiative to seek out counseling as needed,” Grijalva said. “As a Lion, she continues to roar to success and beyond.” When Ashley was 12 years old, her mother died from having a seizure, heart attack, and stroke all at once. This led to Ashley being taken out of the final two months of her sixth-grade year. The following year she was removed from her father’s home due to a toxic environment. Her and her younger brother were placed into foster care and lived in different homes, all with their own rules. Ashley said it was hard to find the stability she really needed during her teen years. When she was finally placed with her current foster mother, she was able to improve. “Her home is a sanctuary defined by structure and an abundance of love,” Ashley said. “She has taught me so many valuable lessons that I try to apply to my life such as cleanliness, manners and selflessness. But most importantly, she has taught me to deepen my relationship with God.” Ashley wants to pursue nursing, eventually working as a forensic nurse. She shared a Maya Angelou quote that she found to be true for her: “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.” For more information, www. studentofthemonth.net.
Abigail Lovegrove attends US Naval Academy Leadership Conference
GREENVILLE, SC - Abigail Lovegrove, a resident of Menifee, attended the US Naval Academy (USNA) Leadership Conference in January 2025. The US Naval Academy Leadership Conference is designed for high-character individuals with a deep interest in leadership
development. This year, Bob Jones University sent four student leaders to attend the annual USNA conference. They, along with delegates from over 60 universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, and Harvard University, learned invaluable
insights about peer leadership, organizational communication, and personal development.
“We are so thankful our BJU student leaders have the opportunity to attend the USNA Leadership Conference to learn from remarkable speakers and discuss leadership principles with
students from other institutions,” said Dr. Matthew Weathers, interim chief enrollment officer.
“Our students thrived in the discussion groups as they shared biblically-based principles of leadership and encouraged others to consider God’s truth.”
Located in Greenville, South
Carolina, Bob Jones University provides an outstanding regionally accredited Christian liberal arts education purposely designed to inspire a lifelong pursuit of learning, loving, and leading. To learn more, visit https://www. bju.edu.
Recipients of the Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month award for January are, from left, Dakota Wilson, Ashley Vasquez, Ernesto De Lara, Jalisa Horigan, Bouquet Vineyard, Kimberly Luna, and Rachel Serrano.
StylePhotography by Alex Tapia photo
EDUCATION
Black History Month essay contest opportunity
Diane A. Rhodes
Contributed
The Human Relations Council of the Hemet, San Jacinto, and Menifee Regions is seeking entries for its 21st annual Black History Month Essay Contest. Open to middle, high school, and college students in the areas served by the nonprofit, essay submissions are due no later than Monday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. More than $2,000 in cash awards will be presented.
Writers are being asked to choose a person of color who illustrates the triumph of the human spirit over circumstances and prejudices to build a life of accomplishment.
The national theme of Black History Month 2025 is “African Americans and the Arts” which encompasses the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression in which the African American influence has been paramount.
All essays need to be written as historical fiction. Imagine living at the time of the chosen person and being acquainted with him/ her and writing about them from this unique point of view.
Essays must include answers to the following questions about who the person is: when they lived and what they did to triumph over circumstances and prejudices to build a life of accomplishment.
The length of the essay must adhere to the following word
counts: grades 6-8 should be 300500 words, high school students need to be 500-1,000 words and undergraduate college students must present 1,000-2,000 words. Six cash prizes will be awarded in each group.
The awards ceremony, which will include the presentation of the winning essays, will be held on Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 40450 Stetson Ave. in Hemet. The public is welcome, and anyone interested in diversity and tolerance is encouraged to attend and watch the presentations. Human Relations Council President Malcolm Lilienthal said it’s the creativity of the students that stands out to him.
“Their way of presenting the material is what’s beautiful,” he said, adding that it’s an opportunity for audience members to learn something they didn’t know before. He said students of many different cultures participate each year. “It shows a willingness to celebrate the contributions and resilience of African Americans,” he said. For any questions, contact Malcolm Lilienthal at 951-9232405 or malcolmlilienthal@ humanrelationscouncil.com
The celebration of Black History in the United States began in 1926 when Harvard Ph.D. Carter G. Woodson initiated “Negro History Week.” Woodson, a historian, chose the second week in February because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the week-long
the annual event.
observance was extended to the entire month of February to have enough time for celebratory programs and activities.
The Human Relations Council of the Hemet, San Jacinto, and
Menifee Regions is dedicated to promoting positive relationships, understanding, and respect among individuals and groups in the community. They strive to foster an environment of inclusivity,
mutual understanding, and equality to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to thrive and succeed. For more information,
www.humanrelationscouncil.com
Warm Springs Middle School receives national recognition for high performance
MURRIETA —Warm Springs Middle School has been selected as a National Demonstration School by AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a nonprofit organization that provides educators with proven, real-world strategies to accelerate the performance of underrepresented students so that these students and all students across the entire campus succeed in college, careers, and life.
The school joined approximately 200 other AVID National Demonstration Schools and was selected through an application process, screening, and review, which included a site visit. AVID is implemented in more than 8,000 schools in 49 states across the U.S., plus schools in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), Canada, and Australia, impacting more than 2 million students in grades PreK–12 and postsecondary institutions.
AVID Chief Executive Officer Thuan Nguyen notes the significance of attaining Demonstration Site recognition. “Schools recognized as National Demonstration Sites have proven their ability to successfully implement the AVID Elective course and take the strategies schoolwide to impact all students,” says Nguyen. “Warm Springs Middle School was selected as an AVID National Demonstration School because it has implemented the AVID system throughout the school and can serve as a model for new AVID sites.”
The recognition of being an AVID National Demonstration School was established in 1993 with a $250,000 award from the Charles A. Dana Foundation of New York. As part of the AVID Demonstration Sites Network, sites are expected to develop a model program with schoolwide participation. With AVID’s proven methodologies used throughout subject-area classes, performance levels improve for all students, but especially for those students
DECATHLON from page A-1
A finished second while its Team
B finished third. Great Oak High School finished fourth and Valley View High School was fifth overall. Western Center Academy and Beaumont Team A finished in a tie as the winner of the Super Quiz. “All of the students who participated in this year’s Riverside County Academic Decathlon epitomize the excellence of their respective schools while serving as outstanding examples of teamwork, collaboration, and academic
Warm Springs Middle School staff hold the AVID banner, designating them as a National Demonstration School.
who are the least likely to attend four-year colleges. Schools from around the world that are preparing to implement the AVID system will visit Demonstration Schools, such as this one, to observe a highly evolved AVID system.
Terry Picchiottino, Principal of Warm Springs Middle School, is pleased that the school was chosen as an AVID National Demonstration School, noting the impact of the program on staff and students. “It is a tremendous honor to be selected as a National Demo Site, and we are proud of our AVID program and our school as a whole,” said Terry Picchiottino. “The use of AVID strategies schoolwide has positively impacted students and staff, and we continue to see a more engaged and college/careerready student body.”
focus,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Congratulations to Western Center Academy as they prepare to compete at the California Academic Decathlon next month and proudly represent Riverside County.” If Western Center Academy can repeat last year’s performance at the state competition, they will advance to the United States Academic Decathlon competition set for May 1-3 in Des Moines, Iowa. Academic Decathlon, like its ancient Greek counterpart, is a
“We are incredibly proud of WSMS for earning the distinction of being named an AVID National Demonstration School. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our educators, the hard work of our students, and the culture of learning at Warm Springs that positions students towards academic excellence,”
10-event contest. Participants demonstrate their academic strength by completing seven written tests, writing an essay, delivering a prepared and an impromptu speech, and participating in an interview. The Super Quiz is a team event held before a live audience. Each team is composed of nine students, three from each grade point category, and includes three Honor (GPA 3.80 - 4.00), three Scholastic (GPA 3.20 - 3.799), and three Varsity (GPA 0.00 - 3.199) students.
states Murrieta Valley USD Superintendent Dr. Andrus. He further says, “As a national model, WSMS will inspire other schools in implementing these transformative practices, furthering our mission to ensure every student thrives.” AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nonprofit, proven collegereadiness system that closes the opportunity gap. Today, more than 8,000 schools in more than 1,300 districts rely on AVID in 49 states across the U.S., plus schools in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), Canada, and
Australia. AVID impacts more than 2 million students in grades PreK–12 and those attending two- or four-year colleges and universities. The AVID College and Career Readiness System transforms a school’s academic culture by increasing the number of students who enroll in postsecondary experiences leading to a college degree and/or successful transition into the workforce. For more information, please visit www.AVID.org and hear what our educators and students have to say.
Riverside County Academic Decathlon historical results: 2025 – Western Center Academy 2024 – Western Center Academy 2023 – Western Center Academy
– Elsinore
– Elsinore
Elsinore
Some of the student participants in the 2024 Black History Month Essay Contest are congratulated by members of the Human Relations Council of the Hemet, San Jacinto, and Menifee Regions, who sponsor
Valley News/Courtesy photo
Valley News/Courtesy photo
How to target the right audience with effective marketing tools
Julie Reeder Publisher
Targeting the right audience with precision is essential for any marketing strategy. It ensures your message resonates with people who are most likely to become customers, ultimately maximizing your return on investment (ROI). Leveraging tools like geofencing, email campaigns, sales funnels, lead pages, YouTube, and Facebook can make your efforts
both effective and efficient.
Geofencing is a powerful tool for location-based targeting. By setting up virtual boundaries around specific areas, businesses can deliver ads to people within a targeted region. For example, a local coffee shop can send special offers to nearby customers via mobile ads, increasing foot traffic and conversions.
Email marketing allows you to nurture your audience through personalized communication. By
segmenting your email lists based on interests, demographics, or purchase history, you can send tailored messages that resonate. Automated campaigns, like welcome series or abandoned cart reminders, can guide leads through the buying journey seamlessly. Sales funnels and lead pages are crucial for converting leads into customers. A well-designed lead page collects valuable contact information in exchange for free resources, such as eBooks or
webinars, while a strategic sales funnel nurtures leads through a series of steps—from awareness to conversion.
YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok amplify your reach with highly targeted advertising options. Use YouTube for indepth storytelling and product demonstrations, while Facebook excels at audience segmentation, offering precise targeting based on location, age, interests, and behavior.
By combining these tools, you create a cohesive strategy that reaches the right audience at every stage of their journey, driving both engagement and sales. If you would like help to expand your business reach using tools available today, Reeder Media can help. Call 760-723-7319 or email frontdesk@reedermedia.com for more information or to book an appointment.
Ortiz Enterprises given Skyview Road pedestrian bridge construction contract
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
Ortiz Enterprises was awarded the County of Riverside contract to construct the Skyview Road pedestrian bridge over the French Valley Channel.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on January 28 to award a $6,998,492 construction contract to Ortiz Enterprises, which is headquartered in Irvine. The vote also approved seven addenda to the plans and specifications issued during the bid period and approved a revised budget for the project.
Skyview Road connects State Route 79 and Pourroy Road. It is classified as a Collector street in the circulation element of the county’s general plan. A road gap exists at the French Valley Channel approximately 800 feet east of Highway 79. The circulation element of the general plan does not include a highway bridge over the channel, but the county determined a need to provide continued pedestrian access on Skyview Road. The pedestrian bridge will also allow bicyclists to cross the French Valley Channel on Skyview Road. The bridge will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to
Big Sky Electric given EMWD contract for TVRWRF electrical rehabilitation
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Eastern Municipal Water District awarded Big Sky Electric, Inc., the EMWD contract to rehabilitate the electrical systems for the gravity filters and headworks at the Temecula Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility. The EMWD board voted 5-0 February 5 to award a $2,004,000 contract to Big Sky Electric, which is headquartered in Upland.
The motion also awarded SPEC Services, Inc., which is based in Fountain Valley, a $95,500 contract for engineering support services during construction. EMWD general manager Joe Mouawad or his delegate was given the authority to award contracts with necessary consultants and suppliers. The action approved total additional appropriations of $2,004,000, which will also cover inspections, surveying, EMWD staff time, and contingency funding. The board also found the repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of an existing use to be categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review.
The Temecula Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility is in the 42500 block of Avenida Alvarado. The reclamation facility provides sewage collection and treatment services to the Temecula, French Valley, and Murrieta areas. The gravity filters were constructed in 1989 and the headworks which provide distribution of influent to each of the facility’s three plants were constructed in 2000.
As additional equipment and controls for the gravity filters have been brought online the motor control center and conduits are nearing capacity. Adding more
cables and making necessary upgrades in the gravity filter area has become more difficult.
The rehabilitation will add an additional electrical switch rack and power distribution panel to improve the electrical system configuration and reduce the number of cables in the existing conduits.
Slide gates at the headworks are used to adjust or stop flow to each plant. The slide gates are manually operated and cannot accommodate an emergency diversion. The rehabilitation project will install a motor operator at each gate to providing operational flexibility and improved response time when flow must be diverted in an emergency or a power outage.
SPEC Services was competitively selected for the preliminary and final design of the rehabilitation in August 2022.
EMWD staff advertised the project for bids and set a December 19, 2024, bid opening date. The $1,288,800 amount submitted by Big Sky Electric was the lowest of the three responsive bids. Ferreira Coastal Construction Company of Rancho Cucamonga had the second-lowest bid at $1,525,194.
The Big Sky Electric amount is 39.92 percent below the engineer’s estimate of $2,145,000 which included additional contingency to account for continuing volatility with respect to supply chain and pricing issues for electrical equipment and delivery.
Construction for the gravity filter rehabilitation is scheduled to take place between August 2025 and November 2025. The construction at the headworks area is scheduled for between October 2025 and January 2026. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com
access the French Valley Library and Susan LaVorgna Elementary School. Since the bridge must be wide enough to have a multipurpose trail for pedestrian and bicycle traffic the county proposed a width of 16 feet.
A February 2022 Board of Supervisors action awarded CNS Engineers, Inc., the design and construction support contract. The bridge will be approximately 370 feet long and 22 feet in height from the bottom of the river channel to the top of the hand railing at its highest point. Four spans will consist of two 10-foot-long interior spans and two 85-foot-long end spans with a structure depth of four feet. Three single-column piers will be approximately four feet in diameter and supported on 4 1/2-foot diameter Type I castin-drilled-hole concrete piles. Three geotechnical borings will be conducted within the channel at the location of each proposed pier with each boring approximately eight inches wide and 70 feet deep.
The draft environmental documentation was released for public review in May 2023. In September 2023 the Board of Supervisors adopted the Mitigated Negative Declaration along with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
The supervisors voted 5-0 on August 27 to authorize bids for the project, to set a September 25 bid deadline, to approve the plans and specifications for the construction, and to find that the previous Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project needed no further updates. Seven addenda were issued to the bid package, and the bid opening date was extended to December 11. Two of those addenda increased the scope of work and thus increased the cost of the project.
The bid package was structured with a base bid for the pedestrian bridge and an alternative bid to offset and relocate an Eastern Municipal Water District waterline which would have become part of the contract if Eastern had approved the alternative bid portion of the low responsive bid. Eastern rejected the $130,550 alternate bid Ortiz Enterprises submitted, so the water district will be responsible for obtaining a contractor for the waterline work.
Five bids were opened on December 11. Ortiz Enterprises had the low bid of $7,129,042 consisting of the $6,998,492 base bid and the $130,550 alternate bid. MCM Construction, Inc., whose office is in Adelanto, submitted the second-lowest total bid amount
of $9,520,673. The engineer’s estimate was $5,766,426.26, so the total budget was increased from $10,303,000 to $12,548,000. That amount includes past design, environmental, and right-of-way expenses along with $1,050,000 for construction engineering and inspection, $350,000 for construction surveying, and a $699,849 contingency.
In May 2023 the Board of Supervisors voted to transfer $1,398,291 from the Third District’s Unincorporated Communities Fund to the county’s Transportation Department, which provided $500,000 for the Skyview Road bridge and $898,291 for the Pauba Road improvements. That board action also directed the Transportation Department to initiate work on the projects. Gas tax revenue, Highway User Tax Account revenue derived from the sales tax on gasoline, and developer contributions from Beazer Homes and Ryland Homes will also be used for the bridge. Construction on the pedestrian bridge is anticipated to begin in early 2025 and take approximately 14 months to complete.
Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com
Temecula Valley Entrepreneur’s Exchange announces a lineup of
February events for startups and business owners
TEMECULA – The Temecula Valley Entrepreneurs Exchange (TVE²) Entrepreneurial Resource Center has kicked off February with a dynamic lineup of events designed to support local startups, small businesses, and aspiring entrepreneurs. From expertled workshops to networking opportunities, these events provide valuable resources, insights, and connections to help businesses thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, TVE2 offers a welcoming space to learn, grow, and collaborate with like-minded professionals. All workshops are offered at no-cost and will be held in-person at the TVE2 (43200 Business Park Drive).
Anti-Harassment Training for Supervisors begins on Tuesday, Feb. 18. This workshop will go over how to recognize, respond to, correct, and prevent sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace. Supervisors will learn skills to immediately apply in the
workplace and earn a certificate for attending. Key topics will include California and federal law, detection, correction, prevention, remedies, and record retention. This workshop is being held in collaboration with Barrett Business Services, Inc.
Managing Business Financials with U.S. Bank begins Tuesday, Feb. 18. This hands-on seminar will help you take control of your business’s financial health. Learn how to streamline bookkeeping and understand financial statements to confidently navigate your balance sheet to drive success and make informed decisions. This seminar is perfect for businesses of all sizes to build and maintain a solid financial foundation. This workshop is being held in partnership with U.S. Bank.
Tax Essentials for Your Small Business begins Thursday, Feb. 20. This workshop is designed to help prepare small businesses for taxes. Attendees will learn some very simple concepts to keep in mind while preparing and organizing their business finances.
B USINESS D IRECTORY
to our monthly lunch runs. We are looking for new members all the time. Text (619) 665-3999 for more information or email magerkurths@yahoo.com
Key topics will include defining income, deductible expenses, tax preparation, tax rates, payments, and forms. This workshop is being held in collaboration with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center.
Elevate Your Business starts on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Elevate Your Business is a dynamic four-part course designed to equip business owners with the essential skills and knowledge to build a resilient and successful business. During this series, participants will gain practical insights into crucial areas of business management, mastering financial management and digital marketing. This program is being held in collaboration with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center.
Earlier this month, two programs started. “Small Business Bootcamp” began on Feb. 4 and “Communication Breakthrough” began Feb. 5. To sign up for a workshop and for more information, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/TVE2.
How to create a hummingbird-friendly garden in Southern California
Valley Editorial Staff
If you love the sight of hummingbirds darting through your garden, planting the right flowers can turn your yard into a year-round haven for these tiny, energetic visitors. Southern California’s warm, dry climate is perfect for many nectar-rich, drought-tolerant plants, making it easy to attract and support hummingbirds while keeping your garden water-wise.
Hummingbirds burn a tremendous amount of energy and rely on nectar-producing flowers to fuel their constant movement. While feeders can help, the best way to support them is by planting a variety of blooming plants that provide food throughout the seasons.
The following are some of the best hummingbird flowers for Southern California.
Drought-tolerant shrubs & perennials
These plants thrive in SoCal’s dry climate and offer a long-lasting nectar supply: Salvia (Sage) – One of the best choices for a hummingbird garden! Popular varieties include‘Black & Blue, which have deep blue flowers with a long bloom season; Wendy’s Wish which have bright magenta blooms that attract hummingbirds for months; and Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) which are compact, heat-tolerant, and available in red, pink and purple.
California Fuchsia (Epilobium ca num) – A native plant covered in bright red-orange tubular flowers in late summer and fall, when food is scarce.
Anise Hyssop (Agastache) –Tall spiky blooms in pinks, purples, and oranges, loved by both hummingbirds and bees.
• Liatris (Blazing Star) – A hardy perennial with purple flower spikes that bloom late in the season.
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Eastern Municipal Water District has formed a community facilities district for the Stone Creek development in Winchester.
The CFD was approved on a 5-0 vote during the February 5 EMWD board meeting. Meritage Homes of California, Inc., is currently the sole owner of the 70.93-acre area at the southeast corner of Grand Avenue and Leon Road although the plan is to subdivide that land into 224 single-family homes.
A community facilities district includes a special tax (sometimes known as Mello-Roos taxes due to the state legislators who authored the option for services on new development to be funded by an annual assessment) to fund the services and/or infrastructure.
A Joint Communities Facilities Agreement stipulates the collection and distribution process for the taxes. If the one percent property tax is not sufficient to pay for maintenance, fire protection, and other services a CFD may be formed for those services, and that CFD would be perpetual. A CFD may also pay for infrastructure including capacity fees which are charged to developers to cover the new development’s share of existing infrastructure, and that assessment
Penstemon (Beardtongue)
– Tall, tubular flowers that hummingbirds love, especially the native ‘Margarita BOP’ variety.
Bee Balm (Monarda) – Heattolerant and mildew-resistant varieties do well in SoCal gardens.
Beautiful climbing vines
If you love vertical gardening, these vining flowers provide both nectar and stunning visual interest:
• Trumpet V ine (Campsis radicans) – A vigorous climber with bright orange-red flowers that hummingbirds flock to. Be sure to prune regularly to keep it in check!
– A non-invasive variety with long-blooming, scarlet flowers perfect for small spaces.
• Cardinal Climber (Ipomoea quamoclit) – A fast-growing annual vine with fern-like foliage and deep red blooms that hummingbirds can’t resist. Colorful annuals for
ends when the bonds are paid off. The CFD may also pay for the reimbursement to government agencies for their staff time and other expenses to form the CFD, the cost to issue bonds, and the annual costs to administer the CFD.
An assessment must be approved by a majority of property owners, although a developer who owns a property before it is subdivided may cast the sole vote in favor of a CFD which will be binding upon subsequent property owners.
The EMWD board creation of the CFD authorized the issuance of up to $6,000,000 of bonds. The improvements eligible for CFD financing include the construction, purchase, modification, expansion, improvement, or rehabilitation of water and sewer facilities including the acquisition of capacity and all appurtenances and appurtenant work. The cost of engineering, planning, designing, materials testing, coordination, construction staking, construction management, and supervision for those improvements may also be paid with CFD revenue. The proceeds from the bonds may also pay for costs associated with the creation of the CFD and the issuance of the bonds including legal fees, consultant fees, engineering, planning, designing, and annual administration. The special tax cannot be levied after
CLASSIFIEDS
containers & hanging baskets
Even if you don’t have garden space, these container-friendly flowers will draw in hummingbirds:
• Cuphea (Cigar Plant, T iny Mice) – A bushy, droughttolerant plant with small, tubular orange-red blooms.
• Tall V erbena (Verbena bonariensis) – Delicate purple flowers on slender stems that sway in the breeze.
• Bide ns – A sunny yellowflowered plant that works great in mixed containers.
Petunias – Choose red, pink, or purple varieties to encourage hummingbird visits.
Geraniums (Pelargoniums) –Bright, long-lasting flowers that pair well with other hummingbird-friendly plants.
Boost hummingbird visits with feeders
Adding a hummingbird feeder alongside nectar-rich plants ensures a steady food supply, especially during dry seasons. Keep these tips in mind:
• Place feeders near cover, such
as shrubs or small trees, for safe resting spots.
• Use a simple sugar solution (1 part sugar to 4 parts water) and avoid red dye.
• Clean feeders regularly (every 2-3 days in warm weather) to prevent mold and bacteria.
Space multiple feeders apart to reduce territorial behavior.
Cr eating a thriving hummingbird habitat
Beyond food sources, hummingbirds also need safe spaces to rest and nest. Here’s how to make your garden even more inviting:
• Pro vide perches – Small branches or trellises give hummingbirds a place to rest between feedings.
• Avo id pesticides –Hummingbirds rely on tiny insects for protein, so a chemical-free garden helps
them thrive.
• Include a water source – A shallow birdbath, mister, or drip fountain gives them a place to drink and bathe.
Enjoy a year-round hummingbird garden
By choosing drought-tolerant, nectar-rich flowers that bloom at different times of the year, you can create a garden that supports hummingbirds no matter the season. Whether you plant vibrant salvias, trailing honeysuckle, or container-friendly annuals, your SoCal garden will be buzzing with activity in no time.
Editorial Note: Do you enjoy hummingbirds? Local artist Gamini Ratnivira has authored a beautiful full color book of every hummingbird you could ever imagine, dedicating a full page to each one. You can learn more at gaminiratnavira.com.
Fiscal Year 2068-69.
The authorization of the $6,000,000 indebtedness total allows for expenses greater than anticipated, and the anticipated costs which will be funded by
Valley News/Pixabay photos
OPINION
Rooting out fraud and waste: Why the DOGE investigation matters
Julie Reeder Publisher
For years, Americans have watched their hard-earned tax dollars vanish into a bureaucratic black hole, fueling bloated agencies, questionable programs, and outright fraud.
Now, thanks to DOGE’s (Department of Government Efficiency) investigation into government inefficiencies and financial mismanagement, we are finally seeing the extent of the corruption that has long plagued our institutions.
This isn’t just about political maneuvering; it’s about accountability, transparency, and ensuring taxpayer money is used for its intended purpose. Year after year, the national debt grows and while both sides give lip service to balancing the budget, no one wants to do the hard work of actually cutting wasteful spending. Well, Elon Musk and Donald Trump, love them or hate them, are willing to take the arrows and do the work.
The DOGE, under the leadership of Musk, has taken on the monumental task of investigating
fraud within government agencies, including the U.S. Treasury.
Yet rather than welcoming the opportunity to clean house, some politicians and judges are fighting tooth and nail to shut it down.
A federal judge, Paul Engelmayer, recently blocked DOGE from accessing Treasury documents containing personal financial data, arguing that it could violate privacy laws. But an important question is: “Why would anyone want to prevent an investigation into potential fraud?”
And why are bureaucrats more upset about the investigation than all the hundreds of billions of dollars of waste and fraud that are being uncovered? But is it legal for Trump to create this new department?
The fact is, DOGE is not a new entity born out of Trump’s executive overreach – it is an expanded and repurposed version of the United States Digital Service (USDS), which was created under the Obama administration in 2014. USDS was originally designed to modernize government technology and improve efficiency.
By recognizing this system’s vast potential, Trump changed its name, strengthened its oversight capabilities, and gave it the necessary tools to conduct a full-scale audit of government agencies. This is why people elected a businessman instead of a politician.
Now that this legal foundation is being used to uncover massive fraud and abuse, those who benefited from the wasteful status quo are crying foul. The reality is that DOGE is legally authorized
to access these systems, and the efforts to obstruct it appear to be more about protecting entrenched corruption than defending privacy.
What exactly has DOGE uncovered that has certain politicians so rattled? According to Musk, over $100 billion per year is being lost to fraud in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid alone. Illegal immigrants and criminal organizations are reportedly exploiting loopholes to receive fraudulent government benefits using duplicate or stolen Social Security numbers.
Even more shocking, the Treasury Department has admitted that at least $50 billion per year in entitlement payments are undeniably fraudulent –money that should be going to hardworking Americans instead of criminals and foreign nationals gaming the system.
One of the most egregious revelations is that the Social Security database is not even properly de-duplicated, meaning that the same Social Security number can be used multiple times. This not only enables massscale fraud but also opens the door to identity theft and potential election interference. Why has this loophole existed for so long, and why is it only being addressed now? Because for decades, no one in power had the courage – or the incentive – to fix it.
Those who oppose the DOGE investigation claim it is an overreach of executive power. Yet, the powers granted to DOGE are the same powers given to the USDS under Obama – the only difference is that this time, they are being used to expose
corruption rather than prop up the administrative state.
Moreover, the executive order underpinning DOGE explicitly allows it to override existing regulations that prevent government waste from being investigated. Congress itself has long struggled to get transparency on where taxpayer dollars are going, often facing resistance from the very agencies they are funding. If members of Congress can’t even audit these expenditures, what does that say about our government’s commitment to accountability?
Instead of supporting these efforts to root out fraud, many politicians are actively trying to shut down DOGE and destroy any evidence it has already uncovered. Judge Engelmayer’s ruling not only halted the investigation but also ordered the destruction of all existing records obtained by DOGE, potentially erasing proof of massive fraud. This is not about due process – it’s about erasing evidence before it can reach the public eye.
The American people are tired of government waste. We have seen trillions of dollars vanish into bureaucratic sinkholes, with little to no oversight or accountability. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens are asked to pay higher taxes, work longer hours, and save for a retirement that Social Security may not even be able to fund. If our government has been handing out billions to fraudulent recipients, shouldn’t every American – Republican or Democrat – support an effort to put an end to it?
This is about more than just
fraud – it’s about trust. If our government cannot account for where tax dollars are going, why should they continue writing blank checks for its spending? DOGE is finally pulling back the curtain on how our money is spent, and the results should outrage every taxpayer.
Rather than obstructing this investigation, our leaders should be supporting it. If they truly care about responsible governance, they will stand with the American people – not with those who have been profiting off government waste.
The battle over DOGE is a battle over who controls our government – political elites or the American people. The agency’s investigations have already revealed shocking levels of fraud, and yet, some judges and politicians are doing everything in their power to silence it.
Americans deserve better. We deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and focused on serving its citizens –not enriching itself. If rooting out fraud and abuse is controversial, then what does that say about the people trying to stop it?
It’s time to demand that our leaders stop fighting the truth and start working for the people they were elected to serve. The DOGE investigation should be allowed to continue without political interference, and those who have defrauded the American people should be held accountable – no matter who they are.
The choice is clear: protect the fraud or protect the taxpayers. Which side will our leaders choose?
Bipartisan support can create environmental benefits with no sacrifice
Joe
Naiman Special to Valley News
Almost every day I think about bipartisan legislation which created environmental benefits without requiring anybody to make sacrifices.
In the early 1970s Ronald Reagan was the governor of California and both legislative houses were controlled by Democrats. Legislation made California the first state to allow motorists to make a right turn on a red light contingent upon first making a full stop and yielding to any vehicles or pedestrians who have a green light or green arrow. The new law was passed prior to the 1973 energy crisis, although after the original Earth Day. Allowing motorists to proceed on a red light when they would not interfere with another vehicle or pedestrian reduces gas consumption, and it also reduces emissions from vehicle idling.
The law benefits motorists as well as the environment. Their gasoline costs are reduced, albeit slightly, and while the time savings is minimal it is a slight reduction rather than an increase of their time to benefit the environment.
Allowing right turns on red lights did not have an adverse effect on traffic safety since it is no different than drivers making a right turn from a driveway or from a stop sign having to yield to through traffic. The new law also did not prevent local jurisdictions from prohibiting right turns on red lights at specific intersections.
Eventually allowing right turns on red lights was adopted throughout the rest of North America with three exceptions. In Quebec and in New York City a right turn on a red light is prohibited unless specifically allowed at an intersection. The other exception is the Virgin Islands, but that’s because drivers use the left side
of the road and turning left on a red light is allowed. Left turns from a one-way street onto another one-way street are allowed on a red light in California unless specifically prohibited.
There are days I stay home, and I may have some days when all the traffic lights from which I make right turns are green, but most days I think about how allowing right turns on red lights benefited the environment without anybody having to sacrifice. Working together to create environmental benefits can be done without any sacrifice.
California has previously experienced bipartisan activity which created an environmental benefit with no adverse effects to any person. What is now called Hoover Dam was authorized under President Calvin Coolidge, begun under President Herbert Hoover, and completed under President Franklin Roosevelt. The Federal
government project was approved in an era of fiscal libertarianism, but that didn’t involve libertarian ideology. The funding for Hoover Dam was up-front, but the expenses were covered in later years. The infrastructure included a hydroelectric system which provided energy to customers.
Fifteen governmental entities or public utilities signed long-term contracts for hydroelectric energy from Hoover Dam. The hydroelectric generation began in 1937. That was before the energy crisis of the 1970s, the environmental movement of the 1970s, and even the World War II energy rationing of the 1940s. The contracts were renewed both under the Reagan Administration and the Obama Administration.
It should be noted that limited government during the 1920s didn’t apply to enterprise districts.
An enterprise district covers its expenses primarily through user
charges rather than through taxes. Most enterprise districts are water districts, although there are some sanitation districts whose budget is derived from sewer charges and if patient fees cover the expenses of a hospital district that could also be considered an enterprise district. Water districts existed long before Hoover Dam was authorized. Since pure libertarianism wasn’t present there was no ideological sacrifice to build Hoover Dam and include hydroelectric infrastructure. The bipartisan collaboration produced clean energy as well as a funded dam.
Creating environmental benefits does not necessarily require sacrifice. It requires bipartisan collaboration to ensure that acceptable measures will benefit all of the people as well as the environment.
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
Highway Updates
Four new major highway projects coming for Valley motorists Highway 74, Ortega Highway, to see most improvements
Tony Ault Staff Writer
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated approximately $3.8 billion for projects that will continue to refurbish the state’s transportation infrastructure, enhance safety and create more options for the traveling public. The projects will improve coastal rail lines, freight corridors, bridges, highway interchanges and system enhancements aimed to increase accessibility for multi-modal users.
Nearly $3.5 billion of the investment is funded through the landmark federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA). More than 75% of that allocation will be sent to approximately 600 local governments and regional transportation authorities to replace bridges, reduce travel times for commuters, address planet-warming pollution, improve highway and rail safety and efficiency and provide new transportation services. Another approximately $330 million in funding comes from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
“These projects will create safer and more equitable and
climate-resilient transportation options for all Californians,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “Investments made possible since IIJA was enacted are establishing a legacy that will benefit all people who use and rely on our vast transportation system for employment and educational opportunities, access to goods and services, and connection to recreational attractions.
Among the projects approved today include improvements for locations along the coastal LOSSAN (Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo) rail corridor, four hydrogen fueling stations near the I-215/SR-60 interchange, a freeway-to-freeway connector linking southbound SR-99 to westbound SR-58 in Bakersfield, a Class 4 bikeway in Redding and a bicycle/pedestrian overcrossing in Berkeley.
The projects include:
• $5.5 million Airport Fire emergency project in Riverside County on SR-74 from 0.5 miles east of Decker Canyon 56 170 to Grand Avenue. The project is to repair burned pavement, signs, delineators, reflectors, pavement markers, replace guardrails, remove debris, rocks, boulders, clear drainage basins, and other highway safety features.
• $4.1 million project in
Riverside County from 0.48 miles south of Railroad Canyon Road Undercrossing to 0.16 south of Railroad Canyon Road Undercrossing in the City of Lake Elsinore. This project entails open trench and replacing the damaged section of culvert and restoring erosion control protection measures.
• $1.9 million project in Riverside County in and near Corona, 0.4 miles south of Truck Trail Undercrossing Bridge to 1.1 miles north of Temescal Canyon Road cold water wash. The project entails rehabilitation and replacement of culverts, and to install, repair and replace trash collection devices.
IIJA is also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our country’s energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. California has received more than $46 billion in federal infrastructure funding since IIJA’s passage in November 2021. That includes investments to upgrade the state’s roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, electric vehicle charging network, ports and waterways. The funding alone has already created more than 87,000 jobs.
In addition, SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually split 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.
More improvements on Ortega Highway coming In other news, Granite Construction Inc. announced Caltrans has awarded the company an approximately $88 million contract for improvements to a two-lane portion of Ortega Highway that should begin in April. This will bring even more improvements to the mountainous highway used by Valley motorists to make trips to the beach cities or to their employment in Orange and San Diego County.
The full highway starts at Interstate 5 in San Juan Capistrano, and extends eastward approximately 111 miles to Palm Desert, California. Caltrans has performed work such as adding lanes, repaving and restripping on other segments to relieve congestion on the highway.
As part of Granite’s scope of work, the company said, it will widen the shoulders and roadway and install a centerline and edge line rumble strips, which will
increase safety by providing “vehicle buffer room” on the narrow highway. Granite will also resurface the highway within the project area, which should also increase safety and efficiency for travelers.
The state and federal government, according to Granite, are paying for the project, which should begin in April and wrap up in November 2026.
“We have been working closely with Caltrans on this highway for several years, and we are excited to continue this partnership,” said Bill Moore, Granite vice president of Regional Operations. “It aligns with our strategic goal of expanding our footprint in the Inland Empire of Southern California.” said Granite officials in a news release.
Granite has won and delivered on multiple projects for Caltrans over the years, including last year’s $45 million John Wilkie Safety Roadside Rest Area project, which will see the company reconstruct and modernize the rest area about 45 miles west of Needles.
The work includes a focus on traveler safety, rest and recovery since the project area is so far from the nearest town.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com
Menifee Mustangs, Reach the Valley, Helping Our People in Elsinore, Temecula Valley Writers and Illustrators, SAFE Family Justice Centers given CID funding
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The January 28 Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting included allocating Community Improvement Designation funding to the Menifee Mustangs Track and Field Club, Reach the Valley, Helping our People in Elsinore, Temecula Valley Writers and Illustrators, and SAFE Family Justice Centers.
The supervisors voted 5-0 to allocate $8,000 to the Menifee Mustangs Track and Field Club, $5,000 for Reach the Valley, $4,000 to Helping our People in Elsinore, Inc., $3,000 for Temecula Valley Writers and Illustrators, and $2,500 to SAFE Family Justice Centers. Community Improvement Designation grants can be allocated to nonprofit organizations, public
agencies, county departments, or other organizations with programs that serve the social needs of the county’s population. Each county supervisor recommends the allocation of CID funding from his or her district budget, although a majority of the Board of Supervisors is needed to approve that recommendation. Supervisor Chuck Washington recommended the use of his Third District funding for the CID awards. The office of the Menifee Mustangs Track and Field Club is on Biloxy Drive. The Menifee Mustangs Track and Field Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth with a positive outlet and fostering a sense of community through the sport of track and field. The club is registered with the Amateur Athletic Union and with USA
Track and Field and is led by coaches with Level 1 USATF certification. The normal monthly membership fee is $30, but the CID funding will provide scholarships for students ages 4-17 from low-income or mediumincome families. (The scholarships are income-based and are available to Menifee, Winchester, East Hemet, Temecula, and Murrieta residents only.)
Reach the Valley, which is in Hemet, specializes in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of sexual and domestic violence, of childhood trauma and abuse, and of human trafficking. All services are free and confidential for survivors of all ages. The CID grant will be used to support the basic needs of victims of violent crime and therapy sessions for victims of domestic violence.
NATIONAL NEWS
Helping Our People in Elsinore, Inc., has an office on Peck Street in Lake Elsinore. The nonprofit organization brings food pantries from neighboring areas together to help and support each other and provides a way for local pantries to share resources and to discuss common issues and best practices. The CID money will provide emergency food boxes to City of Wildomar residents.
Temecula Valley Writers and Illustrators has nearly 100 writers and illustrators who focus on various creative genres. The networking group includes playwrights, poets, screenwriters, independent publishers, and marketing professionals as well as book writers and illustrators. The monthly Spoken Nuggets meetings which also include artwork browsing allow storytellers the
opportunity to share their written creations and to learn from fellow storytellers, and the CID award will support that program. SAFE Family Justice Centers is a nonprofit with locations in Temecula, Murrieta, Riverside, and Indio. Victims of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking receive services that include crisis intervention, safety planning, and legal assistance. The CID allocation will be used for the Alternatives for Everyone program which provides emergency shelter, transportation, and basic needs to victims of domestic violence. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com
‘Biological unreality’: Female athletes sue Ivy Leagues after being forced to change in front of, compete against man
Jaryn
Crouson Contributor
Several women who were former college athletes filed a lawsuit Tuesday after being forced to compete against a man and share changing rooms and bathrooms with him in 2022.
Grace Estabrook, Ellen Holmquist and Margot Kaczorowski all competed on the University of Pennsylvania’s (UPenn) swim team when transgender-identifying male athlete Lia Thomas was allowed to join the team and use the women’s facilities. The women are suing UPenn as well as Harvard University, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Ivy League Council of Presidents for allegedly violating Title IX by discriminating against women and causing them “emotional harm,” the lawsuit states.
Many of the details included in the suit stem from the 2022 Ivy League Championships at Harvard during which Thomas shared changing spaces with the female athletes. The university did not provide any separate changing space for Thomas or any female athlete that did not feel comfortable changing in front of the male since all locker rooms were converted into women’s
spaces for the competition, the court documents state.
Riley Gaines, a former athlete who also competed against Thomas, said the lawsuit was filed with “serendipitous timing,” as she plans to attend the signing of an executive order Wednesday barring men from competing in women’s sports.
The lawsuit claimed that being forced to share the locker room with a man “was a disruption to [Estabrook’s] peace and preparation for her swim knowing that Thomas could walk in at any moment while she was changing.”
“For nearly three years following the Ivy League Championships, Plaintiffs and others similarly situated have dealt with feelings of abandonment, betrayal, humiliation, and harassment, and with the ramifications of losses of placement, ill treatment, emotional turmoil, and invasion of privacy generated by the Defendants’ purposeful actions of conspiring and collaborating in 2022 to allow Thomas to compete at the Ivy League Championships and use the women’s locker rooms at Harvard’s Blodgett Pool,” the lawsuit reads.
The suit also accused members of the Ivy League Council of Presidents of laboring “for months behind the scenes to engineer a public shock and awe display of monolithic support for biological
unreality and radical gender ideology by America’s oldest and most storied educational institutions.”
During his time competing on the UPenn women’s team, Thomas managed to break several female records and even caused Holmquist to not qualify for the championships event. Thomas’ presence at the competition resulted in several women losing their places on the podium and being unable to set pool records when beaten out by Thomas’ scores.
“Deviation from the biological line drawn by Title IX harms women and deprives them of equal opportunities to men by making them compete against men, which reduces women’s sport opportunities, is not fair, and in many cases can be unsafe,” the lawsuit reads. “Despite the sciencebacked dividing line for eligibility in women’s sport provided by Title IX, which is sex and sex alone, the NCAA chose to define eligibility in women’s collegiate sport in terms of testosterone suppression by allowing men to compete as women by suppressing testosterone to a certain level that is still above the female range.”
The women were also allegedly not allowed to voice concerns about Thomas joining their team and were forced to participate in a workshop pushing them to accept
concepts of gender ideology.
“The UPenn administrators went on to tell the women that if the women spoke publicly about their concerns about Thomas’ participation on the Women’s Team, the reputation of those complaining about Thomas being on the team would be tainted with transphobia for the rest of their lives and they would probably never be able to get a job,” the lawsuit alleges.
“The UPenn administrators told the women that if anyone was struggling with accepting Thomas’s participation on the UPenn Women’s team, they should seek counseling and support from CAPS and the LBGTQ center,” the lawsuit stated. “The administrators also invited the women to a talk titled, ‘Trans 101.’ Thus, the women were led to understand that UPenn’s position was that if a woman on the team had any problem with a trans-identifying male being on her team that woman had a psychological problem and needed counseling.”
The lawsuit alleges “Each of the Plaintiffs was repeatedly emotionally traumatized by the violation of her privacy and the requirement that she share the women’s locker room with a male.”
The plaintiffs asked the court to vacate the records set by Thomas and declare that UPenn, Harvard,
NCAA and Ivy League violated Title IX by allowing him to compete.
Former President Joe Biden during his time in office attempted to rewrite Title IX to include protections for transgender individuals, which was widely criticized for effectively undermining the protections meant for women and faced numerous legal challenges. The rule was heavily challenged and eventually dropped.
President Donald Trump, upon returning to office, signed executive orders to help curtail some of the issues mentioned in the suit, declaring federal recognition of only two sexes, male and female, and preventing child sex changes.
UPenn, Harvard, NCAA and the Ivy League Council did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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