Valley News - March 28, 2025

Murrieta City Council receives update on traffic congestion pilot program

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Murrieta City Council received an update on the Los Alamos Road Pilot Program studying ways to reduce the citywide problem of traffic congestion at the March 18 regular city council meeting.

ERC provides free vendor booths

TEMECULA – Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? Now is your chance. The Entrepreneurial Resource Center (ERC) Marketplace Made Program is helping new entrepreneurs take their first steps toward success. The Marketplace Made Program has already supported over 40 small business owners, and two major events—Small Business Saturday in Temecula and Foodie Friday in Menifee— have demonstrated the power of hands-on entrepreneurship. Now, the next big event is coming up, and they are looking for budding entrepreneurs to be a part of it.

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for Life 5K at Linfield Christian School, participating in a day of walking, running, fellowship and family fun to support Birth Choice of Temecula’s life-affirming mission.

off at the

event featured a 5K course, a kiddie fun run, face painting, games, and live worship music provided by local church bands. Participants enjoyed the sunshine and a festive atmosphere as they

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo made their way through the course lined with educational signs about parenting, reproductive health, and the nonprofit’s services.

Collapsing Hayes Avenue Bridge brings rare ‘Emergency Declaration’ by Murrieta City Council

Tony Ault Staff Writer

An unusually small 18-foot-long bridge in Murrieta could cause a major disaster for residents living in the western area of the city in the event of a fire or earthquake. The issue brought quick action by the city council at its March 18 regular meeting with the rare “emergency declaration” to alleviate it.

The issue surrounds the very old wood-structured Hayes Avenue Bridge over Murrieta’s Miller Creek which is collapsing with a gaping hole showing the creek below. The damage to the small 18-foot long 24-foot wide has been caused by the recent strong winter storms that hit the city in the last two months and perhaps years of neglect because of its extremely small size. Yet now the gapping hole and collapsed wooden beans showing below will not allow a regular 20-ton fire engine to safely cross in the event of a residential

Helicopter crash near French Valley Airport sparks Hazmat response

FRENCH VALLEY — A small helicopter crashed Thursday, March 20, while maneuvering near French Valley Airport, leaving the pilot with minor injuries and causing a fuel spill that activated a hazardous materials response, authorities said. The crash was reported around 1 p.m. in the area of Auld and Briggs roads, at the north end of the airport’s perimeter, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department. Emergency crews and sheriff’s deputies found the helicopter in a vacant area with

damage described as “moderate.” There was no fire reported following the crash.

The pilot, the sole occupant of the rotorcraft, sustained minor injuries. Paramedics on the scene treated him, but he declined transportation to a hospital. Officials did not release his identity. Approximately 10 gallons of aviation fuel spilled from the helicopter’s 26-gallon tank, triggering a hazmat team response. Crews worked to clean up the spill and

see HELICOPTER, page A-4

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Murrieta City Council receives update on traffic congestion reduction pilot program

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Murrieta City Council received an update on the Los Alamos Road Pilot Program studying ways to reduce the citywide problem of traffic congestion at the March 18 regular city council meeting.

The pilot project is studying the use of manual traffic control during peak areas of congestion on Los Alamos Road between Hospitality Place and Whitewood Road. Cameras are being installed to view traffic conditions during peak hours in order to optimize traffic lights and improve traffic patterns.

City engineer Jeff Hitch said in

surveys of the residents in the city traffic, congestion was seen as one of the city’s major problems. Hitch reported the program is in place with engineers working to coordinate the traffic lights depending on the time of day on that roadway. If it is shown that the new system works in reducing congestion on that busy roadway, the city might consider doing the same on all the major roadways in the city. Caltrans already uses the technology on some of its highways. The testing will continue for another three weeks.

The council also heard a presentation about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which is April 6 through 11. Recognizing domestic violence as one of the

Justin Anthony White sworn in as a CHP officer

WEST SACRAMENTO – Jus-

tin Anthony White of Temecula has successfully completed cadet training at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy. He is assigned to duty at the CHP’s San Jose Area office.

Officer White graduated from Linfield Christian School in 2018. Before attending the CHP Academy, he studied Computer Science at Grand Canyon University. His grandfather is a retired officer from the CHP Temecula Area Scales within the Border Division.

At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity. Training also includes mental illness response and crisis interven-

tion techniques. Cadet instruction covers patrol operations, crash investigation, first aid, and the arrest of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and knowledge of various codes including the Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code. The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security. Submitted by California Highway Patrol.

most prevalent crimes, Council Member Lori Stone urged the council to support legislation aiding victims during the upcoming National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Stone also read a proclamation affirming the council’s commitment to this effort in the weeks ahead. In public comments, the council heard residents complaining about the excessive aircraft noise coming out of Lake Elsinore and Fre nch Valley Airport and the recreational vehicles being parked illegally in residential neighborhood streets. The council stated they cannot answer residents’ inquiries in that evening’s public meeting but did refer them to staff.

The council approved 10 con-

sent items without comment that evening.

In a public hearing, the council approved the request for the issuance of $40 million in bonds from the California Municipal Finance Responsibility Act for the planned 126-unit Kensington Apartments Affordable Housing Project. The approval brings no financial responsibility or liability to the city.

The council heard an update from the Southwest Riverside County Elected Leaders Collaborative related to the Regional Traffic and Transportation Problems facing the region.

The area’s elected leaders in the surrounding cities all are concerned about more than 30,000 residents who are expected to

move into the area when the state is doing nothing to help alleviate the traffic and transportation problems for the many thousands of new residents expected to be coming in the next five to 10 years.

Many elected city officials from the area are expected to take a trip in June to the state capital in Sacramento to plead their concerns to legislators. Some will come from Murrieta City Council members and staff.

The council also made an emergency declaration to rebuild the deteriorating Hayes Avenue Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek for $725,000.

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

New Lake Elsinore library breaks ground

The city of Lake Elsinore began a new chapter in community development with the groundbreaking of the new Lake Elsinore Library on March 20. The ceremony took place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the furure site, located at the intersection of Main Street and Sumner Avenue in the heart of the City’s historic downtown district.

This state-of-the-art facility is made possible by a $10 million grant awarded to the city through the Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program in October 2023. The program aims to support the modernization of library services and enhance community engagement in California’s cities. The new library will span 10,000 square feet and serve as a

vibrant, modern hub designed to

meet the diverse needs of Lake Elsinore residents.

“We are thrilled to bring this transformative project to life. The new library will serve as a cornerstone of our community, not just for learning but for fostering a sense of connection and opportunity,” said Jason Simpson, City Manager of Lake Elsinore. “This project is a vital step forward for our city, strengthening our downtown area and enhancing the resources we provide to people of all ages.” Scheduled to open in 2026, the library will feature a wide array of amenities, including a stateof-the-art theater for film screenings and educational programs,

meeting rooms, and study areas, all designed to support a variety of educational and community activities. The new library will be a place for residents to gather, collaborate, and engage with learning resources that will enrich their lives for years to come.

The library’s relocation to downtown will also contribute to the revitalization of the city’s core, attracting more visitors to the area and increasing foot traffic to surrounding businesses. The project promises to be a major catalyst for further growth and economic development in Lake Elsinore. Submitted by the city of Lake Elsinore.

lemma the city writes in a news release.

fire in the nearby neighborhood and the fact there is no other access for large fire engines to reach those homes.

Photographs of the hole in the road and the fallen timbers under the bridge were shown to the council.

With the request for an “Emergency Declaration” made by Jeff Hitch from the Murrieta Department of Public Works and Engineering, made a Council-approved allocation of $89,580,92 to be paid to Michael Baker International for its replacement and an amendment to the Capital Improvement Program of $725,000 for area drainage fees that must be used to better determine how it will affect the creek.

The contract with Michael Baker International will bring a total reconstruction of the bridge to be finished no later than in July, before the fire season returns. The new construction will call for tearing down the old bridge and placing a squared-off reinforced concrete structure under the roadway that should last for decades and hold at least 40,000 tons of fire engine or trucks.

In announcing the bridge di -

“Strong winter storms have rendered a bridge in Murrieta “structurally deficient for fire truck access,” according to city documents. According to city documents, the bridge that crosses over Miller Canyon Creek between Ivy and B streets was found to have a pothole in its deck. The Feb. 6 discovery was made after winter storms blew through the area. The bridge was closed and evaluated by Temecula-based Michael Baker International, which determined the overcrossing is “structurally deficient for fire truck access and needs to be replaced.”

With that, the city moved to declare the Emergency Declaration without having to put its reconstruction out to competitive bidding. With that the staff wrote to gain the declaration ” ... this unexpected occurrence poses a clear and imminent danger requiring immediate action to allow the City to continue providing fire truck access to all of its residents, which is an essential public service...”

Hitch said, “There are no asbuilt records for the single 15foot span bridge, according to documents from Michael Baker. Just east of Old Town Murrieta,

the general area where the bridge is located is home to some of the region’s historic buildings. What is known about the bridge is that it’s a timber girder superstructure with wood decking, approximately 24 feet wide, supported on a seat-type concrete abutment, The existing decking and girders are in poor condition, and replacements were considered, but once completed, the bridge would still be structurally insufficient to accommodate heavy trucks, according to the Michael Baker report.

“For this reason, Michael Baker recommends the complete demolition and replacement of the existing bridge with a Reinforced Concrete Box (RCB) or alternative structure,” according to city documents.

The investigation process has already cost $15,905.92. The price tag for engineering and environmental work — a first step in replacing the bridge — is estimated at approximately $73,675, according to city documents. Once the engineering and environmental work is complete, construction could begin as early as late May with completion hopefully in early July.

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

Justin Anthony White has successfully completed cadet training and has been sworn in as a CHP officer. Valley News/Courtesy photo

The existing decking and girders that support the bridge are in poor condition. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo BRIDGE from page A-1

City of Menifee appoints Mariana Mitchell as Community Services Director

High pressure gas line break brings broadcast evacuation orders in Hemet area

Evacuation orders lifted hours later

Tony Ault Staff Writer

A large high-pressure gas line break brought the ordered evacuation of downtown Hemet residents Thursday, March 20 including one mobile home park.

Large volumes of toxic gas spewed from the six-inch high pressure Southern California Gas Co. line off of State Street and Esplanade Avenue apparently severed by a construction backhoe occurred about 11 a.m., according to initial reports.

Immediate area businesses and homes were warned about the gas leak that could be heard gushing from the broken line. Shortly after the fire department’s arrival, evacuation orders were issued for nearby businesses and residents. With the gas line being very large, it was difficult to shut it down immediately with the closest turnoff valves being some distance away.

As time passed, the suggested evacuation zone was increased from Esplanade to Ninth Street in San Jacinto and Crows Nest Road in Hemet. Further out, residents were advised to stay in their homes.

The orders were finally lifted shortly after 6 p.m. as the gas line was beginning to be shut down.

At one point, Desert Palms Mobile Home resort residents were warned to possibly evacuate or to stay inside.

Assisting the Hemet Police and Riverside County Sheriff in cordoning off the evacuation areas were officers from Lake Elsinore and neighboring cities in a mutual aid effort.

Further details of the gas line break and evacuation orders in Hemet and San Jacinto were not immediately available.

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

The City of Menifee announces the appointment of Mariana Mitchell as Community Services Director. In this role, she will oversee the Community Services Department, including the City’s recreational and senior programming, parks and facilities, special events, and waste management services.

Mitchell has over 20 years of experience in recreation and community services management. Most recently, she served as the City’s Community Services Manager, overseeing strategic planning, operational efficiency, and budget management. She previously served as a Senior Management Analyst for the Community Services Department.

“Mariana has a proven track record and continues to deliver high-quality programs and events that have been extremely popular

with our residents,” said City Manager Armando G. Villa. “Her knowledge of the City’s operations and strategic vision makes her the perfect fit to lead our Community Services team.”

Mitchell has experience leading multi-division teams, implementing city-wide recreation strategies, and aligning departmental initiatives with municipal growth objectives. She is also skilled in strategic planning, project management, financial oversight, and developing public-private partnerships.

“I look forward to this new role that will allow me to continue working with the talented individuals we have here in the Community Services Department,” said Mitchell. “Together we have been able to deliver new parks, programs, and amenities, with many more exciting additions on

the horizon.” Mitchell holds a Master’s in Public Administration from California Baptist University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, East Bay, and Associate Degrees in Business Administration, Management and Supervision, and Behavioral Science from Mt. San Jacinto College. She is a member of numerous professional organizations including the International City/ County Management Association, the California Park and Recreation Society, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the Municipal Management Association of Southern California. Mitchell’s appointment as Community Services Director is effective March 20, 2025.

Menifee to host fourth annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Celebration

The city of Menifee invites the community to celebrate local Vietnam Veterans and their families during the 4th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Celebration on Friday, March 28, starting at 10 a.m. at Paloma Valley High School, located at 31375 Bradley Road in Menifee.

The event will start with a welcome and reception, including continental breakfast and coffee, and the formal ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. There will also be a photo and artifact exhibit, resource booths for military veterans, and giveaway items for Vietnam Veterans in attendance.

The keynote speaker for this

year’s celebration will be Rod

“Doc” Fink, who was a Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsman attached to the 1st Battalion 9th Marines in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. His battalion was involved in major operations and battles along the DMZ including Con Thien, Gio Linh, The Rockpile, and the 77-day Siege of Khe Sanh. After Vietnam, he struggled with PTSD and in 2008 nearly died from cancer caused by Agent Orange. He is currently involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Temecula and the Marine Corps League in Wildomar. Doc Fink is also on the board of directors of the First Battalion Ninth Marines As-

sociation, currently serving as their historian, collecting the stories of the Marines and Corpsmen of his battalion known as “The Walking Dead.”

“We are honored and privileged to have so many Vietnam Veterans in our community and this event allows us to give them the proper welcome home many did not receive when they returned from their tour of duty,” said Councilmember Dean Deines. “Our City will never forget their sacrifice and their service to our country.”

Submitted by Menifee Community Services Department.

Hemet man found guilty in fatal robbery over rare coin collection

Valley News Editorial Staff

A Hemet man has been convicted of first-degree murder in the 2023 killing of a Winchester resident during a home invasion motivated by a stash of rare coins. A jury on Tuesday, March 18,

found Clifford John Franken, 54, guilty of murder, robbery, burglary and special-circumstance allegations of committing murder during the course of a robbery and burglary, according to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. Franken was tried at the Southwest Justice Center in French Valley. His sentencing hearing is set for May 30 before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Stephen Gallon.

Prosecutors said Franken was one of four men who conspired to rob 78-year-old Robert Bettencourt after learning he kept a large collection of rare coins and firearms in his double-wide trailer. Bettencourt was fatally shot during the break-in.

HELICOPTER from page A-1

secure the area. Federal Aviation Administration investigators have initiated a preliminary review to determine what caused the crash. The

Franken’s three co-defendants are being prosecuted separately.

Kevin Richard Hirsch, 47, of Menifee, reached a plea agreement last month. He admitted to murder, burglary, robbery and a special-circumstance allegation related to burglary. A separate special-circumstance allegation for robbery was dropped as part of the deal. Hirsch is scheduled for sentencing on May 23. Matthew Patrick Fromer, 52, also of Menifee, is currently on trial. Prosecutors are still presenting witnesses in his case. He faces the same charges as Franken. The fourth suspect, Joseph Michael Salvati, 34, of Hemet, is scheduled to stand trial later this month.

Na tional Transportation Safety Board will take over the investigation in the coming days, officials said. Despite the accident, airport operations continued Thursday without interruption.

Mariana Mitchell has been appointed as Menifee’s Community Services Director. Valley News/Courtesy photo

National Society Children of the American Revolution reports on project from the past seven months

The 2024-25 Children of the American Revolution Society’s year is drawing to a close, and the local group, Temecula Creek Society, is heading into its final two meetings of this session. During the past seven months, the members met to fulfill projects and programs which promoted the National Society C.A.R. President’s and the California State C.A.R. President’s programs.

The N.S.C.A.R. President’s Program supported the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, and specifically, the members focused on “First Responders.” As noted in an earlier edition of this newspaper, last October 5, the Temecula Creek Society, the Red, White, and Blue Society, and the Presidio Hill Society visited with two neighborhood First Responders Captain Eddie Jones and Single Role EMT Richelle Stephens at North County Fire Protection District Station 5 in Bonsall. The members not only learned a lot about first responders, but with them, they discussed courage, service, and honor, and how those attributes promote leadership and love of the U.S.A.

In February, the Temecula Creek Society members jointly met with the Luiseño Daughters of the American Revolution to create Valentines – each individually made, each very different – which were inserted in treat bags filled with protein bars. Then, after the meeting, the members of both groups delivered their Valentine packets to their local first responder stations. First responders in Bonsall, Fallbrook, Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Hemet, San Jacinto, and Banning accepted these treat bags from grateful citizens and members of C.A.R. and DAR.

The C.S.S.C.A.R. President’s Program promoted the Shelter to Soldier Foundation which brings dogs from animal shelters and veterans with emotional and physical needs together through a specific training program. The Temecula Creek Society members learned about these dogs and their training through local trainer Kyle Scantlin of K Daniels K9 Academy. The C.S.S.C.A.R. President presented a $5,000 check to Shelter to Soldier; the funds were donated by

C.A.R. societies throughout the State by fundraising.

Temecula Creek Society’s current focus is on America250. Our Country will be celebrating its 250th birthday in 1776, however America250 has been highlighting the fight for independence from England for the past three years. We citizens are currently in the Revolutionary War / Independence decade of 250 years ago. The C.A.R. members have researched events which occurred during that long-ago decade, and have presented America250 Minutes at their meetings. The Sons of the American Revolution instituted a program to encourage these Minutes, and two C.A.R. members have been awarded the Bronze America250 Medal. Two more members will be receiving their award medal at the next meeting.

In November 2024, the members – dressed in Colonial youth naval attire – performed a skit about William Smith, the only Revolutionary War Veteran buried in California. Smith joined the War at the age of 11 by signing on to a Colonial Virginia Naval vessel. After the war, he became a merchant marine and a ship’s captain, two careers that took him around the world several times. He died in 1846 in Sonoma, California, where he was buried. Not too long ago, 18 Spanish soldiers who had fought in our Revolutionary War

were discovered buried in California, and five of the Temecula Creek Society members attended three of the grave marking ceremonies.

In January 2025, Temecula Creek Society learned about their ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War. This was done through specially created B-I-NG-O playing cards, and the competition to win was palpable! After playing two games and becoming filled with information about their

ancestors, the members then wrote short biographies about their ancestors. This event garnered the Temecula Creek Society a Second Place in the State Contests held in February for American Heritage - the local society with the best program. Membership in the Children of the American Revolution is available to any child from infants to 18-year-olds whose parents can prove lineage to an ancestor who

fought in that War. All children are welcome to attend the meetings, and the Registrar will assist families in doing the required research. You may not think you are related, but every day Society learns more about those who fought for our freedoms. Information is available through cindy.greer@luiseno. californiadar.org

Submitted by the National Society Children of the American Revolution, Temecula Creek Society.

Jay Rudolf, brother of Steven Rudolf, receives America250 Bronze Medals for participation in the SAR America250 program.

Steven Rudolf, brother of Jay Rudolf, receives America250 Bronze Medals for participation in the SAR America250 program. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Temecula Creek Society members show off some of their Valentine Treat Bags for First Responders.

Two CAR children wrote the ancestor biographies above: one about Phineas Kellogg by Gwyndolynn Pinnell, and another about Philip Powell by Maddie Pippenger.

Human Relations Council celebrates essay contest winners

Diane A. Rhodes Contributor

The Human Relations Council of the Hemet, San Jacinto and Menifee Regions presented the winners of its 21st annual Black History Month Essay Contest at the Center for Spiritual Living in Hemet, March 14. Open to middle school, high school, and college students in the areas served by the nonprofit, cash prizes were awarded to deserving writers.

HRC President Malcolm Lilienthal said the high school category contributed the most participants. All first-place winners received $250 each, second place earned $150 each, third place finishers took home $100 and those earning an Honorable Mention each got $75.

Middle School winners were 1st Place: Kadence Greenwood, Springs Charter School and 2nd Place: Lucero Vargas Cabrera, Hemet Dual Language Academy. High School category winners were, 1st Place: Brilie Gudmundsson, Springs Charter School; 2nd Place: Abigail McClymont, Western Center Academy; 3rd Place: Kristi Chadha, San Jacinto Leadership Academy; Honorable Mentions: Marissa Vargas, Tahquitz High School and Genesis Andrade, Hamilton High School.

All three college age participants hail from Mt. San Jacinto College. Taking first place was Jenna Robinson, with Miranda Garcia placing second and Kamari Brooks earning a third-place finish.

Entrants were asked to choose a person of color who illustrates the triumph of the human spirit over circumstances and prejudices in order to build a life of accomplishment. The national theme of Black History Month 2025 was “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 were asked to be written as historical fiction. Students had to 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.

Kristi Chadha said, “I wrote about Edmonia Lewis because she was a trailblazing sculptor who defied the odds as a Black and Native American woman in the 19th century. Her resilience in the face of racism and adversity, along with her ability to carve history and identity into marble, deeply resonated with me. Through her art, she reclaimed narratives that society sought to erase, much like how I use my own writing to give voice to overlooked stories. Her legacy of perseverance and artistic excellence continues to inspire me.”

“In addition, we added a $150 prize for the best presentation of their essay. The winners in each category who presented their essays in person were considered for this extra scholarship, and Kristi Chadha won for the high school category,” Lilienthal said. “My favorite part was the presentation portion. It was a great opportunity to see the creativity of the students and how they expressed their interpretations of the topics they studied. It’s always amazing to see how people bring their knowledge to life.”

Kristi plans to deposit her prize money into a scholarship fund she has started to support her smaller needs, such as dorm essentials and gas money as she was recently named a 2025 Cameron Impact Scholar, a prestigious award of a four-year, full-tuition, impactdriven undergraduate scholarship awarded annually to only 10 to 15 exceptional high school students.

One of Kristi’s favorite excerpts from her essay is: “One night, as we worked in silence, she spoke softly: ‘Do you think marble can capture the weight of the past?’ I did not answer right away. Instead, I watched her small, calloused yet powerful hands bring a woman’s sorrow to life in nothing more than a mere stone. I thought of my own past, my ancestors stolen across the sea, and of Edmonia’s mother, her people driven from their land. ‘I think,’ I said finally, ‘that marble

We create the WOW

is the only thing that they will not forget.’”

Lilienthal felt this year’s essays differed from past HRC contests in that he was hearing names he hadn’t heard before. “As an African American myself, it was exciting to see the contest approach the contributions of African Americans in the U.S. through the arts,” he said. “We moved away from mainstream figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks, which helped the students think outside the box. It was exciting to see their creativity in how they researched and expressed their ideas.”

Kristi was in charge of coordinating the San Jacinto Leadership Academy volunteers that helped out at the March 14 event. When Principal Mike Luna received an email from Lilienthal stated he needed some volunteers for the event, he immediately forwarded it to Kristi and Kaylin McWhorter and said he would prefer to have

them “take charge of this matter.” Kristi said they contacted several students who could contribute and informed them about the opportunity to earn community service hours and letters of recommendation. She said the volunteers who showed up and worked very hard to contribute to a successful event were Edith Gonzalez, Armani Smith, Emaia Bazaldua, Kaylin McWhorter, and Andres Garcia. “I really enjoyed the collaborative effort from all the organizations involved. San Jacinto Leadership Academy provided volunteers under the leadership of Kristi Chadha, and San Jacinto High School catered the event with finger foods and desserts. Starbucks provided coffee and cups for the winners, and Joyful Confections supplied snacks for everyone and Starbucks gift cards as a thank you. The Center for Spiritual Living graciously provided the venue,” Lilienthal said. For more information, www. humanrelationscouncil.com.

60-year-old woman fatally stabbed in

Valley Editorial Staff

MENIFEE — A 60-year-old woman was fatally stabbed in her Menifee home on Friday evening, authorities reported.

Just after 6 p.m. on March 21, police responded to a call on the 27000 block of Adams Avenue about a woman who was believed to have fallen and was not breathing, according to the Menifee Police Department.

When officers arrived, they discovered Dixie Ortiz, the victim, lying unresponsive on the floor with blood on her face. Emergency personnel from Cal Fire declared her deceased at the scene.

subsequently identified 31-yearold Vicente Ortiz, a male relative of the victim, as the suspect. His exact relation to the victim has not yet been disclosed by law enforcement.

Vicente Ortiz was arrested and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on suspicion of murder, according to authorities. The motive behind the incident remains under investigation, and police are actively working to piece together the events leading up to this tragic death. Menifee Police officials have urged anyone with additional information to come forward.

A closer examination uncovered a single stab wound on Ortiz’s body, leading detectives to classify her death as a homicide. Police

Detective Alcala can be reached via email at Valcala@ menifeepolice.org or by phone at 951-723-1607.

From left, Human Relations Council President Malcolm Lilienthal, City of Hemet Mayor Jackie Peterson, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh’s representative William Boyd, Assemblymember Corey Jackson’s representative Misael Tovar Diaz, essay winner Brilie Gudmundsson for Springs Charter School, essay winner Kristi Chadha from San Jacinto Leadership Academy, Lilian Averette from Congressman Raul Ruiz’s office, and student volunteers helping the presentation of certificates Armani Smith and Kaylin McWhorter from the San Jacinto Leadership Academy. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Human Relations Council President Malcolm Lilienthal, at left, is joined by several dignitaries to present awards to winners of the 21st annual Black History Month Essay Contest during a ceremony in Hemet, March 14. Winners at the college level included Jenna Robinson and Miranda Garcia, center, both from Mt. San Jacinto College.

“It was an incredible day,” said Chief Executive Officer Janette Chun. “The energy was high, and it was beautiful to see entire families out on the course, including one couple who held hands the entire race and melted everyone’s hearts.” Local pastors offered prayers over the organization and its mission. Birth Choice focuses on supporting individuals facing pregnancy, parenting, and reproductive health concerns. It is entirely donor-funded and relies on the support of events,

churches and private donors to provide free resources and care to families in need and to allow parents to choose life and support their continued growth during their parenting journeys.

“This is truly a community effort,” organizers added. “It takes a village to make this ministry work.”

Organizers say they hope to expand next year’s 5K by including timed races for more competitive runners.

For more information on Birth Choice of Temecula or to get involved, visit www.friendsofbcc. org

Possible new California Poppy ‘Super Bloom’ could see Walker Canyon trails closing in Lake Elsinore

Because of the recent rains and warming temperatures, the annual California Poppy bloom is soon to take place in Lake Elsinore’s Walker Canyon. It may bring another “Super Bloom” to the area, according to the outdoor activity website AllTrails. Walker Canyon has been the site of other “Super Blooms” in past years, bringing traffic jams in the city and endangering the protected California Poppy, California’s state flower. A temporary canyon closure would be done to help protect sensitive habitat.

A closure could also be a safeguard against problems that occurred in 2019, including traffic jams and the death of a CHP officer. The influx of visitors also caused

poppies to be trampled and disturbed habitat for native plant and animal species protected by the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, which the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) manages. However, in close partnership with the City of Lake Elsinore, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, County of Riverside Emergency Management Department, Riverside County Parks, Caltrans, and other partners, the RCA has been monitoring the poppy bloom closely during the last few weeks. All signs now point to a minor bloom. Time will tell.

Although the RCA typically allows hiking, bicycling, bird watching, and other passive activities on its reserve lands, they may be restricting them depending upon this year’s bloom.

The RCA is preserving 500,000 acres of habitat for 146 native animal and plant species, including 34 that are endangered or threatened. The MSHCP, one of the largest land conservation plans in the nation, protects species in Walker Canyon like the bobcat, mountain lion, coastal California gnatcatcher, Bell’s sage sparrow, Cooper’s hawk, white-tailed kite, Munz’s onion, and more.

With the partnership of the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District, the RCA and other partners are protecting lands such as the Walker Canyon for future generations. To learn more about the RCA’s work and some of the protected species, visit https://planning.rctlma.org/epd/ wr-mshcp. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.

Participants in the Run & Walk for Life 5k at Linfield Christian School, which raised funds for Birth Choice of Temecula, pray at the start of the event, March 22. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Children race around the track during the kiddie run portion of the Run & Walk 5k presented by Birth Choice of Temecula.

Birth Choice of Temecula CEO Janette Chun, welcomes guests to the origination’s Run & Walk 5k event at Linfield Christian School.

Participants in the Run & Walk for Life event gather at the starting line.

Participants in the Run & Walk for Life event race around Linfield Christian School.

Participants in the Run & Walk for Life event race around Linfield Christian School.

Participants in the Run & Walk for Life event race around Linfield Christian School.

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Golden poppies, California's official state flower, cover the eastern hillsides along Interstate 15 just north of Lake Elsinore, March 10, 2019. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

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

March 28 – 4-5:30 p.m. Bad Art Night. Teens will be able to tap into their inner Picasso and embrace their creativity with art supplies provided by us! This program is for grades 7 to 12 and is limited to 25 participants. Registration has begun at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road, Temecula.

March 29 – 11:30 a.m. ValleyWide Recreation and Park District Youth Baseball/Girls Softball season begins at Diamond Valley Lake Community Park, in Hemet on Angler Drive. Team introductions contests.

April 12 - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt in Lake Elsinores’s Dream Center City Park, 243 S. Main St. Lake Elsinore. Jumpers, game prizes, lunch. Free to the public.

April 18 - 7-9:30 p.m. Temecula Teen Night Egg Hunt at The Sports Ranch at Sommers Bend, 32101 Sommers Bend. Bring flashlights for an epic egg hunt under the stars! Every teen in attendance will earn community service hours.

April 19 - 10 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt at Harveston Community Park, 28582 Harveston Drive. Bring Easter baskets. Enjoy music and grab a picture with the Easter Bunny before the hunt begins, Ages infant to 12 years of age. Age-specific zones at the park on the layout map available at TemeculaCA.gov/Events.

April 19 - 10 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt at Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park | 32380 Deer Hollow Way, Temecula. Bring Easter Baskets. Enjoy music and grab a picture with the Easter Bunny before the hunt begins. Ages infant to 12 years of age. Age-specific zones at the park on the layout map avail-

able at TemeculaCA.gov/Events.

April 19 10 a.m Children’s Easter Egg Hunt at Temeku Hills Park, | 31367 La Serena Way. Bring Easter Baskets. Enjoy music and grab a picture with the Easter Bunny before the hunt begins. Ages infant to 12 years of age. Age-specific zones at the park on the layout map available at TemeculaCA.gov/Events.

April 19 - 9 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District at Diamond Valley Lake Community Park, 1806 Angler Ave, Hemet. Taking place in separate baseball fields with different ages and an area for special needs children.

April 19 - 9 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District at French Valley: Rancho Bella Vista Park, 31737 Browning Street, Murrieta.

April 19 - 10 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District at Wheatfield Park, 30627 Murrieta Road, Menifee. Taking place in separate baseball fields with different ages. Children with Special needs areas will be open as well.

April 19 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.,m.

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt at Launch Point RV Resort, 32040 Riverside Drive, Lake Elsinore. Free.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

March 28-30 Temecula CultureFest coming May 17, bringing culture, entertainment, food and many diverse activities and vendors to Old Town Temecula Civic Center Quad and Town Square Park in Temeculan Now inviting interested vendors through March 30. For more information on the signature event, visit TemeculaCA. gov/CultureFest.

March 28 – 11 a.m. Youth baseball/girls softball sport opens at Diamond Valley Park, 1801 Angler Ave., Hemet. Presented by ValleyWide Recreation.

March 28 - 10 a.m, Menifee’s Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans at Paloma Valley High School Performing Arts Theater, 3135 Bradley Road, Menifee with a formal ceremony at 10:30 a.m.

March 29 - 8:30 a.m. start Walk Like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) 5K at Linfield Christian School, 21950 Pauba

Crossword Puzzle Theme: Former Rulers

Road, Temecula. Raising awareness & funds to fight impaired driving and provide free support services to victims of this preventable crime, Registration Link: https://www.walklikemadd.org/ index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. event&eventID=1723

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

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

ONGOING – Line dancing classes are held Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Lake Elsinore/ Wildomar Elks Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail, in Wildomar across from the Animal Friends of the Valleys. Classes have a DJ with learning levels beginning to intermediate. Have fun and exercise at the same time at $5 per lesson. Contact Joyce Hohenadl at 951-674-2159.

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

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

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

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Every Sunday, Murrieta Village Walk Farmers Market is at Village Walk Place in Murrieta. The Sunday morning farmers market at Village Walk Plaza is a place to

buy fruits and veggies, gourmet food and crafts. Come to the center in the northwest corner of Kalmia/ Cal Oaks at the Interstate 215 exit in Murrieta. ONGOING – Temecula’s Farmers Markets are offered in Old Town Temecula Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, 4100 Main Street in Temecula; at Promenade Temecula, 40640 Winchester Road, outside JCPenney every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Riverside County Public Health orders, the farmers markets will be restricted to agriculture products only. Follow the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market on Facebook to stay updated. No pets allowed.

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

March - May – 10 a.m. or 6 p.m.

The new free Thrive Temecula program by the Community Services Department begins on various dates in an effort 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 a 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 make 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.

March 28 – A Riverside County 7-Day Carnival is in the planning stages for May 23-26 The Outlets in Lake Elsinore with a call out to any vendors interested with thousands of visitors from throughout the county expected. See riversidecountycarnival.com for more information.

March 28 – Kay Ceniceros Senior Center’s Community Garden at 29995 Evans Road, Menifee is open to youths, individuals and organizations in the community to enjoy harvesting your own flowers, herbs and vegetables. Make reservations 951-723-3880. Assigned plots.

March 28 – 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

March 29 – 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 2025 Countywide Education Recruitment Fair. Recruiters from 16 school districts and multiple charter schools will be among the organizations looking to hire new employees. Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center, 4280 Brockton Ave. Riverside. No preregistration necessary but come prepared. Details at https://www.rcoe.us/departments/ personnel-services/employment/ countywide-education-recruitment-fair-press-release.

March 29 – 12-3 p.m. Women’s History Month March, honoring the history and contributions of Black women. Open to women of all ages, but no one under 7 years old please. Free screening of the Six Triple Eight movie, women’s history games and trivia. Snacks provided. Hera Hub Temecula, 28999 Old Town Temecula Ste. #203, Temecula. Register at www. msksi.com/events.

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

ONGOING – Temecula’s Path of Honor at the Temecula Duck Pond, 28250 Ynez Road. A program to give a place to remember and honor veterans from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and the World War II Merchant Marines with a per-

manent paver. Pavers cost $185. Orders may be placed year-round and are consolidated, engraved and placed on the path annually each November. For more information, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/ Veterans or contact the Temecula Community Services Department at 951-694-6480.

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

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

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

ONGOING – Sons of Norway/ Scandinavia meets at noon the first Saturday of every month, September to June, at the Heritage Mobile Park Clubhouse, 31130 S. General Kearny Road, in Temecula. ONGOING – 10-11:30 a.m. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center and The Elizabeth Hospice host a virtual support meeting for caregivers every second and fourth week of the month via Zoom. Get helpful tips and learn from others who are also dealing with similar challenges. For more information and to register, contact The Elizabeth Hospice Grief Support Services at 833-349-2054.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Temecula CultureFest brings cultural entertainment, food, activities, and vendors to Old Town Temecula

TEMECULA – Save the date to join us for the fourth annual Temecula CultureFest, a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, happening on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in honor of World Day for Cultural Diversity. This free, community-wide event will take place at the Temecula Civic Center Quad & Town Square Park, located at 41000 Main Street in Old Town Temecula.

For the past four years, Temecula CultureFest has brought together a variety of cultures, traditions, and heritages to showcase live music, dancing, special performances, delicious food, unique vendors, and family-friendly activities. The expansive vendor booths will offer opportunities for cultural exploration, educational experiences, and intercultural connections through food, crafts, activities, and meaningful interactions. Attendees will have the chance to discover local

businesses, school clubs, craft merchants and food vendors all while experiencing the cultural arts’ vital role in our well-being and community health.

Are you interested in becoming a vendor at this exciting celebration? Applications are open until March 30, 2025; however, space is limited. Apply online today at TemeculaCA.gov/CultureFest Vendors are limited to the sales of food and non-food products related to art, traditional dress, cultural celebrations, historical events, culinary and religious traditions.

For more information on this signature event, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/CultureFest. Keep up to date on all upcoming events, activities, and programs from Temecula Community Services by visiting TemeculaCA.gov/TCSD and following us at @TemeculaParksandRec on social media.

Movie review: ‘Snow White’

Bob Garver Special to Valley News

Disney’s “Snow White” is the latest live-action remake of one of the studio’s animated classics. In this case, it’s perhaps the biggest “classic” of all, as 1937’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was the first full-length animated feature in American history, and in 2008 was named the greatest animated film of all time by the American Film Institute. The film’s historical significance is undeniable, but frankly, I don’t think it holds up as entertainment. Advancements in both animation and sound recording technology have left that movie in the dust, not to mention that Disney writes their princesses with more complexity these days. So maybe a remake that smooths out some of the rougher edges of the past isn’t a terrible idea. But this movie goes in some directions that are definitely a terrible idea.

The story of course hits all the familiar beats. Princess Snow White (Rachel Zegler) is the stepdaughter of the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot), who seized control of her kingdom with underhanded tactics. The queen seeks constant validation of her beauty from a Magic Mirror (Patrick Page), until one day when the mirror declares Snow White to be “fairer” than she. The queen freaks out and orders her Huntsman (Ansu Kabia) to take Snow White into the woods and eliminate her. The Huntsman instead allows Snow White to escape, and she flees deep

Julie Reeder Publisher

In our home, the TV is rarely on. But we do have family movie nights. After enjoying movies with our children, we are now enjoying many of those movies all over again with our grandchildren (ages 9 to 12) So, while young people have different likes and appetites for watching movies, including adventure, suspense, musicals, comedy, etc., these are just some movies that I thought might be helpful to share in case you may need some suggestions throughout the year, especially summertime. This is obviously not an exhaustive list, but a good start.

Kid-Friendly Comedies

1980s:

The Princess Bride (1987) – A fairy tale with action, humor, and memorable quotes. One of our family favorites!

Back to the Future (1985) – A sci-fi comedy about time travel with adventure and humor. This one may be for the kids a little older with a couple awkward scenes.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) – A wild adventure when a scientist shrinks his kids.

1990s: Home Alone (1990) – A boy defends his home from burglars with hilarious traps.

The Sandlot (1993) – A nostalgic baseball adventure full of

into the woods, where she stumbles upon the home of (and I’ll use the Disney spelling) The Seven Dwarfs. She becomes an ally to miners Sneezy, Sleepy, Happy, Grumpy, Dopey, Doc, and Bashful, and she helps them straighten up their cottage as she tries to figure out what to do next. Perhaps the answer lies with the band of loveable bandits led by the charismatic Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) on the outskirts of the woods.

Unlike other Disney remakes (looking at you, “Lion King”), there are some strong deviations here from the original film. Zegler’s Snow White cares deeply about the kingdom’s subjects, and we see her pay attention to their stories and needs whenever possible. She takes a more active role in overthrowing the queen, and the third act will be unrecognizable to anyone with the original ending stuck in their heads. There are even new songs, with Zegler’s “Waiting on a Wish” fitting seamlessly into the Disney songbook along other female empowerment anthems like “Let It Go.” The queen herself gets a song, and Gadot wickedly chews the scenery with “All Is Fair.”

The film pulls my opinion in two opposite directions. On one hand, there’s Zegler’s performance as Snow White, bringing much-needed life and passion to a character that had previously been dismissed as one of the more useless waifs in the Disney catalog. I’ll also throw a compliment toward Burnap, playing a better-developed love

humor and heart. Favorite!

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) – Robin Williams disguises himself as a nanny to stay close to his kids.

George of the Jungle (1997) – A goofy, jungle-based comedy with slapstick fun.

Flubber (1997) – A scientist invents bouncy, mischievous goo.

Dr. Dolittle (1998) – Eddie Murphy can talk to animals in this fun family comedy.

Ancient Civilizations & Mythology

The Prince of Egypt (1998, PG) – A beautifully animated epic about Moses. Great movie!

The Road to El Dorado (2000, PG) – A fun story about conmen in a mythical golden city.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001, PG) – A Disney animated adventure about a lost civilization.

Pirate & High-Seas Adventures

Hook (1991, PG) – A grown-up

Peter Pan returns to Neverland.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003, PG-13) – A fun, action-packed pirate adventure. Family favorite!

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003, PG) – An animated adventure across the ocean.

Peter Pan (2003, PG) – A liveaction take on the classic story.

Sci-Fi & Space Adventures

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014, PG-13) – A hilarious, action-

interest than the unbranded, uninspired prince from 1937. I have to recommend the film based on these elements, right? But then there are the dwarfs. These hideous CGI monstrosities from the depths of the uncanny valley are offensive, not just in the sense that actual dwarf actors could have been cast in these parts (six of the seven voice actors are not dwarves), but offensive to anyone with working eyes. I can’t recommend the film based on these elements, right?

I’m going to give “Snow White” the mildest of recommendations just because my expectations were so low going in. There’s been no end of bad publicity surrounding the races, heights, and political stances of the film’s cast, and these live-action remakes have a sour reputation for being lazy retreads of beloved animated properties. I was ready to declare this movie the worst of 2025. Instead, I got a valiant, vibrant adaptation that I would sooner watch again for entertainment than the 1937 version. It isn’t perfect, and I completely understand why someone would consider the dwarfs to be deal-breakers for the entire film. But thanks mostly to Zegler, I saw enough Disney magic in the film to give it a pass.

Grade: B-

“Snow White” is rated PG for violence, some peril, thematic elements, and brief rude humor. Its running time is 109 minutes.

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

Children walk around the 2024 CultureFest event in Temecula. Valley News/Shawna Sarnowski photo

Snow White.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022, PG) – A kid-friendly take on spy and heist movies. The Pacifier (2005, PG) – A spyturned-babysitter comedy. Catch That Kid (2004, PG) – A fun, kid-led heist movie with spy elements.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

5 easy steps to create your homebuying budget

One of the most important steps to take while house hunting is to create an intentional budget that accounts for both upfront costs and recurring expenses. Doing so will help you find a home that meets both your lifestyle needs and financial situation. Here’s how:

1. Assess What You Can Afford: A common way to generally estimate the price range of a home you can afford is to multiply your annual gross income (what you earn before taxes) by three to five, according to Fidelity. Understand that mortgage rates will have a big impact too. Lower rates can substantially increase your purchasing power. Lenders set an interest rate for each person based on several factors, such as credit score. A higher credit score could mean a lower interest rate or better loan term.

2. Account for Upfront Costs: When budgeting, account for these one-time upfront costs you’ll pay after your offer is accepted: The down payment: This is typically between 5% and 20% of the home’s purchase price. However, qualified borrowers can put down as little as 3% with options such as Freddie Mac’s Home Possible or HomeOne mortgages. Both require private mortgage insurance, which is an additional expense to consider.

Earnest money deposit: Earnest money, also known as a good faith deposit, amounts to approximately 1%-2% of the purchase

price of the home and is a sum you submit with your offer to show the seller you’re serious. During closing, the amount you pay in earnest money can be applied toward your down payment or closing costs.

Home inspection: The home inspection, which will be your responsibility, typically costs between $300 and $450, according to recent estimates from Rocket Mortgage, and will tell you about the home and its potential issues. Your realtor should be able to recommend several well-qualified inspectors.

Closing costs: Closing costs are what you will pay to the people representing your purchase, such as your lender and real estate agent. Also known as settlement fees, closing costs typically amount to 2% to 5% of the purchase price, and you may be able to roll them into your loan. Work with your lender to find the approach that best fits your financial situation.

Moving expenses: Whether you hire professional movers or DIY your move, online resources such as Realtor.com’s moving cost calculator can help you estimate potential costs. When hiring movers, get quotes to ensure you are getting a fair price and to avoid moving fraud.

3. Plan for Ongoing Expenses: Once you’re in the home, you’ll be responsible for making monthly payments. These may include your mortgage principal, inter-

est, property taxes, homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance, escrow payments and homeowners association fees. Most lenders agree that you should spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on these expenses, though this number will depend on your financial situation. You’ll also need to save for regular maintenance expenses, such as appliance upkeep.

4. Leave Room for Flexibility:

Be sure to factor in savings for repairs or replacements of big-ticket items, such as your roof or HVAC system. Such flexibility in your budget can also help you weather financial emergencies, such as job loss, illness and other unexpected circumstances.

5. Use Tools to Guide Your Decision: To help you answer the critical question of how much home you can afford, use Freddie Mac’s home affordability calcula-

that accounts for the

Content from Statepoint

Millions of Californians to get average of $137 in credits on their April utility bills

SACRAMENTO – Governor

Gavin Newsom announced March 18 that millions of Californians will receive an average of $137 in credits on their April gas and electric bills. The California Climate Credit – automatically applied to Californians’ bills every April and October – is a direct result of the state’s nation-leading Cap-and-Trade climate program that requires polluters to pay for climate action.

Since 2014, California households have already received an average of $1,120 in combined automatic April and October climate credits on their utility bills.

“Every year, our Cap-and-Trade program provides essential funding to California’s efforts to clean the air while also giving residents

money back on their utility bills. Millions of California families will benefit from this relief,” said Newsom.

Since 2014, the state’s Cap-andTrade program has delivered $10.9 billion in bill credits back to utility customers. This year, California will provide a total of $2.4 billion in residential credits – $1.4 billion for electric customers, $1 billion for natural gas customers, and an additional $122 million for small businesses.

How it works

The credits range from $35 to $259 for electricity bills – with most set to receive $56 to $81 –and approximately $54 to $87 on natural gas bills for residential customers of PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern Califor-

nia Gas Company, and Southwest Gas. Californians can check how much their credit will be at https:// www.cpuc.ca.gov/climatecredit.

Californians do not need to do anything to get the credit. The California Climate Credit comes from the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program managed by the California Air Resources Board. The credit on utility bills represents the consumer’s share of the payments from the State’s program.

In addition to utility bill credits, California’s Cap-and-Trade program has funded $28 billion in climate investments delivering more than half a million projects across the state, supporting 30,000 jobs and cutting millions of tons of carbon emissions. The investments include a wide range of solutions

such as putting affordable housing near job centers, building the nation’s first high-speed rail, and adding zero-emission transporta-

tion options in underserved communities. Submitted by the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

RCWD adopts MND for Joaquin Ranch Pump Station disinfection system improvements

Joe Naiman Special to Valley News

The Rancho California Water District board adopted an environmental Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Joaquin Ranch Pump Station disinfection system improvements.

The 6-0 vote March 13, with Brian Brady absent, adopted the Mitigated Negative Declaration along with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. The action also formally approved the project, and that approval along with the environmental documentation will allow a construction contract to be considered by the RCWD board in the future.

This 3,000 sf home has beautiful curb appeal as you drive onto 6,000 sf of gorgeous pavers through the iron front gate. There is a south west viewing area for happy hour gatherings to enjoy sunsets. As you enter this 3BR, 3BA home, the open floor plan of the living room boosts a large brick fireplace & dining room which display many huge windows for natural light plus stunning mountain views! These windows overlook the sparkling pool & spa surrounded by red mountain rock decking which leads to an outside stacked stone fireplace and cabana (steam room, shower, toilet, sink). Entertain on the wood deck with built-in SS barbecue, & VIEWS! The remodeled kitchen has granite counter tops, lots of storage, and Bosch SS appliances, plus eat in area with 4 large view windows. Wood plank ceramic tile flooring are throughout the entry, hallway, 2 bedrooms, living & dining rooms. The theater room and 3rd bedroom/ bonus room are newly carpeted. Lush landscaping & trees all on automatic irrigation. One workshop & one new shed. Fully fenced & gated, room to roam, family fruit trees. Surrounding security cameras. PAID SOLAR! Close to I-15 and downtown Fallbrook. OFFERED AT $1,250,000

The Joaquin Ranch Pump Station in Murrieta is in the 42500 block of Vineyard Parkway. Rancho Water has both groundwater supplies and imported water obtained through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Rancho Water isn’t a direct member of MWD but obtains MWD water through the Western Municipal Water District.) The MWD water is disinfected with chloramines and Rancho Water uses chlorine as a disinfectant for its groundwater supply. The project will construct chloramination disinfection facilities which will allow Rancho Water to match the same type of disinfectant MWD utilizes to maintain a disinfection residual in the distribution system.

The work will include construction of a masonry equipment building with a chlorine room, an ammonia room, and an electrical/ analyzer room. The chlorine room and the ammonia room will each have the capacity to contain 110 percent of the total storage volume of each chemical. A polyethylene storage tank will be installed in the chlorine room and will include an antioxidant inner surface which is designed to resist oxidation from the sodium hypochlorite solution, metering pumps and piping to replace the existing on-site sodium hypochlorite generation equipment, a salt tank, a day tank, and associated metering pumps. A polypropylene storage tank will be installed in the ammonia room along with liquid ammonium sul-

fate metering pumps and piping. A split air conditioning system will include a common outdoor compressor unit and individual ductless indoor units in each chemical room and the electrical/analyzer rooms. A chemical fume odor scrubber will be installed on the sodium hypochlorite tank vent. The installation of chemical dosing controls and equipment will include reconfiguring the existing pump station programmable logic controller and installing water quality analyzers for monochloramines and free chlorine to control the metering pumps. The installation of chemical injection equipment will include injection quills, double containment site piping for sodium hypochlorite solution, and a static mixer. The existing chlorine injection facilities which include a fabricated steel enclosure, sodium hypochlorite generation equipment, salt and sodium hypochlorite storage tanks, fiberglass generation shed, metering pumps, and associated piping and controls will be demolished. The work will also include site preparation and grading.

The Joaquin Ranch Pump Station will be operated continuously with the new disinfection facilities in place. Approximately one daily vehicle trip to the site for routine operation and maintenance purposes currently occurs and is expected to continue with the operation of the new disinfection facilities. The vehicular traffic will also include one monthly tanker truck delivery of sodium hypochlorite solution and one monthly tanker truck delivery of liquid ammonium sulfate.

The draft Mitigated Negative Declaration was released for public review January 24. Two comments were received. The South Coast Air Quality Management District comments were evaluated and incorporated into the final documents. A homeowner adjacent to the project expressed concerns about the visual impact and noise levels, although an evaluation determined that the improvements would not affect the homeowner’s current view or noise levels.

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

Historic season for local prep water polo teams ends with All-CIF accolades

JP Raineri Sports Editor

The 2024 season marked a watershed moment for the local girls’ water polo teams, with Elsinore High School, Murrieta Valley, Hemet, and Heritage High School making significant impacts in the CIF Southern Section. With multiple championship victories, individual accolades, and a roster of standout athletes, this season has elevated the region’s reputation in the sport’s competitive landscape.

Elsinore High School’s Girls Water Polo team led the way, capping off a phenomenal season with a CIF-SS Division 3 Championship title. This triumph added to an incredible year of success for the school’s athletic program. The victory, however, was not just about the team but also reflected the hard work and leadership of its key players and coaching staff.

Raygan Carroll, Elsinore’s senior center, was named CIF-SS Division 3 Player of the Year, a capstone to her extraordinary high school career. Carroll exhibited unmatched skill this season, dominating both defensively and offensively to secure crucial wins for her team. Her composure under pressure and ability to elevate her teammates made her a standout player throughout the season.

Coach Audra Woods, who has been instrumental in developing Elsinore’s water polo program, earned CIF-SS Division 3 Coach of the Year. Her leadership and strategic approach have left a lasting impact, driving the team forward and nurturing a strong sense of unity among the players.

Elsinore also celebrated three additional All-CIF honorees: Yalissa Tellez (Defender, 12th grade), Addisyn Dwelley (Attacker, 9th grade), and Morgan Brett (Attacker, 11th grade). These athletes brought energy, precision, and drive to every match, proving essential to their team’s success.

Not to be outdone, Murrieta Valley once again cemented its status as a powerhouse in the CIF Southern Section. The Nighthawks clinched the CIF-SS Division 2 Championship, solidifying another incredible season under the guidance of Coach Bryan Lynton, who was named Division 2 Coach of

the Year. His ability to inspire and guide his team to victory has been a hallmark of his coaching career.

Sophomore standout River Elliott was named CIF-SS Division 2 Player of the Year. Playing in the utility position, Elliott’s adaptability and impact across the pool set her apart as a player to watch in years to come. Murrieta Valley also saw strong performances from All-CIF honorees Shiloh Hansen (Defender, 10th grade) and Grace Boyer (Center, 11th grade), who contributed significantly to the team’s championship run.

The season wasn’t just about championships, though. Hemet High School and Heritage High School also saw their players earning deserved recognition for their dedication and skill. Bouquet Vineyard, a senior attacker from Hemet, brought consistent excellence to her team, while sophomore Gracie Ledesma of Heritage impressed with her skill and determination in the Division

10 competition. Both athletes were named to the All-CIF team, representing their schools with distinction.

The achievements of these student-athletes are a testament to the growth of water polo in Southern California and the dedication of coaches and players alike. With passion and preparation driving their play, the future of high school water polo in the region is brighter than ever.

Looking ahead, many of these athletes will undoubtedly continue their success at the collegiate level, while younger players are poised to carry the torch for their respective schools. From Elsinore’s championship grit to Murrieta Valley’s tactical brilliance and the rising stars at Hemet and Heritage, the 2024 season has been nothing short of memorable.

For now, the players and fans can cherish a season defined by teamwork, achievement, and their unyielding commitment to

excellence. Southern California’s high school water polo continues to thrive, with more history waiting to be written in the seasons to come. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Southern California tennis teams fight back after wildfire devastation

JP Raineri Sports Editor

In January, as relentless wildfires ravaged Southern California, entire communities found their lives turned upside down. Parks, country clubs, and tennis facilities turned to ashes—spaces that had been hubs of recreation and camaraderie were gone in an instant. For tennis players from Altadena, Malibu, and the Pacific Palisades, the fires served as a hurdle, testing their dedication to both the sport and their communities. These teams, grappling with immense losses, found a way to keep their passion alive.

The Altadena Town & Country Club (ATCC), a treasured institution in Southern California’s

tennis ecosystem, did not escape nature’s wrath. The destruction of ATCC was not only a material loss but a blow to the players who called it their second home. This was especially true for the ATCC Men’s 3.5 Team, which had just reached the USTA Southern California Sectionals for the first time in its 115-year history. What should have been a celebratory moment turned into uncertainty. Would they even compete after such upheaval?

Team captain Aaron Buckwalter immediately found himself in a position of leadership beyond the court. “Within the first week, we were grappling with what was appropriate,” said Buckwalter. “I was surprised by how quickly the team galvanized toward attending. Our

goal for the last two years had been to get to Sectionals, and despite everything, we agreed that this was a moment we couldn’t pass up.”

On the opposite side of town, the women of ‘Loosely Strung’ faced a similar quandary. Comprising players from Malibu and Pacific Palisades, they, too, had won their spot at Sectionals. However, January’s fires had left many members of their team displaced or unable to participate. Co-captains Andrea Thompson and Shelly Crema wrestled with whether competing under such circumstances was even possible. “It was a very hard decision,” Thompson recalled. “We knew we weren’t in it mentally. But after much discussion and an anonymous vote, most of us felt strongly that we needed to represent our communities.”

For both teams, attending Sectionals symbolized more than the culmination of years of dedication to tennis. It became a way to rally for their communities, to demonstrate strength in the face of adversity. The road to the competition wasn’t without challenges. ‘Loosely Strung’ entered the tournament with only six players—far from an ideal roster. Despite setbacks, their willingness to play reflected the determination of their hometowns to rebuild.

The wider tennis world took notice of these challenges and offered support. Rancho Santa Fe’s Taylor Fritz, currently among the top names in tennis, stood out for his generosity. Fritz pledged his entire $82,000 first-round prize

money from the 2025 Australian Open to support wildfire relief efforts. His contribution was a powerful boost for those affected by the devastation.

Meanwhile, USTA Southern California has mobilized its resources to bring relief to impacted communities. With its Natural Disaster Relief Fund campaign, USTA aims to raise $500,000 to rebuild infrastructure and replace equipment. The initiative also includes live auctions offering unique memorabilia and experiences to engage tennis fans worldwide in the mission to revitalize Southern California’s tennis scene.

Efforts like these do more than repair what was lost—they reignite the love of sport in communities striving to recover. Aaron’s Men’s

3.5 Team competed with a renewed sense of unity and purpose, while Andrea and Shelly’s Loosely Strung never wavered from their decision to carry the torch for tennis players across Malibu and Pacific Palisades.

Southern California tennis may have experienced significant setbacks in 2025, but its spirit remains intact. Whether it’s through USTA fundraising initiatives or through the sheer love of the game displayed by dedicated teams, the local tennis community proves once again that passion for the sport is a driving force. Article contribution made by Brenden Fisher. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Elsinore’s Raygan Carroll, CIF-SS Division 3 Player of the Year.

Elsinore’s Raygan Carroll takes a shot on goal during this past season in which she earned CIF-SS Division 3 Player of the Year. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Elsinore High School celebrates their CIF-SS Division 3 Championship victory with Coach Audra Woods helping lead the charge (Left-middle, back row).

Members of Altadena’s Men’s 3.5 Team take to the courts again after overcoming unique challenges brought by the Southern California wildfires. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Big Bear’s late-season snowstorm promises extended season

JP Raineri Sports Editor

BIG BEAR – A later-thannormal snowstorm in Southern California has given Big Bear Mountain Resorts a much-needed boost, potentially allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the slopes through April. This unexpected snowfall brought 3 feet of fresh powder to the mountains, creating the best conditions of the season and raising hopes for an extended spring skiing window.

Big Bear Mountain Resort spokesperson Justin Kanton shared that the month of March has delivered approximately 50 inches of snowfall, bringing the total for the season to 80 inches. These numbers far surpass the 2017-18 season, which remains the worst on record with just 39 inches of snow. While the fresh snow opens up exciting possibilities, Kanton noted that warm weather could

expedite the snow’s melting and possibly alter projections.

“There’s always a degree of uncertainty,” Kanton said in a press release. “It can dump three feet on you, and it can all melt away in a week. But for now, our plan is to remain open through April across at least one of our three resorts— Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley.”

The operations teams are continually assessing conditions and plan to keep the slopes open as long as weather and visitor turnout allow. To encourage spring visitors, Big Bear Mountain Resorts will feature several events aimed at capturing the festive spirit of the season. One standout is the upcoming “Bear Break” event, which includes a retro fashion contest and a pond skim competition open to all participants.

Meanwhile, Big Bear Snow Play remains a family-friendly attraction, offering snow tubing during the day and glow-tubing sessions at night. Daily operations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. are expected to last through Easter weekend, while glow-tubing hours will run March 28 through April 5, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Snow Valley and Snow Summit, two of the key resorts within the Big Bear Mountain Resort group, offer night skiing for those looking to extend their on-slope experience. Day ticket holders have access until 6 p.m., but a separate lift ticket is required for night sessions, which run until 8:30 p.m.

“We’re encouraging everyone to come out and enjoy the snow while it lasts,” Kanton added. “The

more visitors we have out here, the longer we’ll be able to keep the slopes open.”

Big Bear’s management emphasized their flexible approach to scheduling, closely monitoring snow conditions, forecasts, and staffing on a weekly basis. While they are optimistic about maintaining at least one resort’s operations through April, additional snowfall could even stretch the season into May.

The season’s current conditions mark a stark contrast to earlier con-

cerns about a shorter season due to sparse snowfall in January and February. The March snowstorm has generated excitement among skiers, snowboarders, and snow enthusiasts who had been hoping for an opportunity to hit the slopes later in the season.

planning to head to Big Bear should also stay updated on schedules, as operating hours and resort availability are subject to change based on weather conditions.

For more information on resort operations or to plan a visit, guests are encouraged to check the Mountain Report online at www.bigbearmountainresort.com, which offers daily updates on snow conditions and hours. Travelers

Southern California’s natural beauty, combined with recent snowfall and a rising interest in spring skiing, has made Big Bear Mountain Resorts a go-to destination for those looking to enjoy the final months of the ski season. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Visitors can carve through fresh snow during Big Bear Mountain Resorts’ extended season, made possible by a late March storm that delivered three feet of snow. Valley News/Big Bear Resort courtesy photo

High Country 4-H hosts guest speakers in animal and farm-related careers

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

High Country 4-H members recently welcomed guest speakers Dr. Roberta Zajac and

her assistant Krystal Castro, from Spartan Vet, along with Raelyn Sawtelle, owner/groomer at Drop Shed Gorgeous to their monthly meeting Tuesday, March 18. The speakers shared insights about

careers working with animals, the education required, and their day-to-day responsibilities.

“I really enjoyed their presentations and found them interesting,” said 4-H member

Austin Butchart. “I liked seeing my veterinarian and groomer. I love that Krystal is a former 4-H’er, and I found Raelyn’s career path very interesting.” Members also viewed a quilt

Anza Community Hall hosts Spring Fling Dance

Diane

Sieker Staff Writer

The Anza Community Hall came alive Saturday, March 22, as families, friends and couples gathered for the Spring Fling Dance.

DJ Johnny Bones kept the energy high, spinning popular hits that had attendees of all ages filling the dance floor. Children played among the dancers while laughter echoed throughout the Hall.

Guests enjoyed a menu featuring hamburger, hot dog and cheeseburger plates, alongside beer, wine, soft drinks and water.

“Thanks to everyone that came out tonight for the Spring Fling Dance,” said Pebbles Lewis, event coordinator. “Thank you to the Community Hall board members, my friends, and my husband who stepped up and helped. You were all awesome, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you, Johnny and Doug, for the music and fun - we all appreciate you.”

The event was a festive night of music, dancing, and community spirit, bringing neighbors together to celebrate the brand new season.

The Anza Community Hall succeeds with the support of the community. Hall board meetings are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Anza Community Hall members enjoy event discounts and can join in three ways:

• An individual membership is $30 annually, with all discounts applying to one individual.

• Family annual memberships cost $50 and provide discounts for a group of up to five related individuals.

Dancers enjoy the tunes during the Spring Fling Dance at the Anza Community Hall Saturday, March 22. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Raelyn Sawtelle, owner/groomer at Drop Shed Gorgeous, left, and Krystal Castro with Dr. Roberta Zajac from Spartan Vet speak about their careers at the High Country 4-H meeting Tuesday, March 18. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo created by the 4-H sewing group. The quilt, made by participating children and two adults, won first prize at the Riverside County see 4-H, page B-3

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!

Upcoming Events March 29 – 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Free Household Hazardous Waste Collection at Anza Transfer Station, 40329 Terwilliger Road. Anza. Riverside County residents only.

Regular Happenings

Anza Farmers’ Market

– Located at 56333 SR 371, Anza farmers’ market hours are every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. 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 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.

Editorial

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

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.

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 and Friday evenings at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, please email Barbara at chicasita55@ gmail.com

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.

Narcotics Anonymous –Tuesday meetings, 8 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Church, Anza, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. For more information, please email Barbara at chicasita55@ gmail.com

Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous –Thursdays at 12 noon. Meetings at Shepherd of the Valley Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, please email Barbara at chicasita55@gmail.com

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 grades) 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.

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK

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 March 16 through March 22.

March 16

Check the welfare - address undefined, Anza Public disturbance - 5600 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza Fraud - 5700 block Running Springs Rd., Anza, report taken Fraud - 5000 block Hernley Rd., Anza

March 17

Check the welfare - address undefined, Anza

Public assist - 5900 block Boyer Rd., Anza

Suicide threat - address withheld, Anza, unfounded

Vicious dog - 4000 block N. Preakness Ct., Lake Riverside

Check the welfare - 5200 block

St. Hwy. 371, Cahuilla

March 18

Assist other department - 3700 block Woodview Rd., Anza Public disturbance - 5900 block Burnt Valley Rd., Anza

Fair & National Date Festival in Indio.

“This quilt is special because each child and adult in the project made a square,” said 4-H parent Tara Butchart.

About 4-H Founded in the early 1900s, 4-H is a youth development program that began as an effort to connect rural children with practical agricultural education. Officially established through the Cooperative Extension System

Petty theft - 3800 block Fisher Rd., Anza, report taken March 19

Battery - 4900 block Temescal Rd., Anza 911 hangup from cellphone4100 block Terwilliger Rd., Anza

March 20

Prowler - 5700 block Johnston Rd., Anza

Petty theft - 3800 block Fisher Rd., Anza, report taken Civil dispute - 4400 block Honeyheart Ln., Anza

Vehicle theft - 4600 block Terwilliger Rd., Anza, report taken Area check - 3900 block Tamscott Dr., Anza

March 21

Assist other department - 3900 block Pioneer Wy., Anza Public assist - 4600 block Terwilliger Rd., Anza Miscellaneous criminal - 4000 block Crazy Horse Canyon Dr., Lake Riverside, report taken March 22

Public disturbance - 5800 block

Kaweea Dr./Terwilliger Rd., Anza Assault w/deadly weapon - 5200 block Elder Creek Rd., Anza Battery - 5200 block Elder Creek Rd., Anza, report taken 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

of land-grant universities, 4-H emphasizes hands-on learning in science, agriculture, healthy living and civic engagement. Today, it serves millions of young people nationwide, fostering leadership, responsibility, and community involvement.

To learn more about the High Country 4-H club, visit them at https://www.facebook.com/ Highcountry4H

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

Director

The Sheriff’s Blotter enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

4-H from page B-1

[Left] 4-H-ers follow along as the guest speakers give their presentations at the High Country 4-H meeting Tuesday, March 18. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photos

4-H sewing leader Michell Kizenbaw shows off the quilt made by participating children and two adults that won first prize at the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival in Indio, at the High Country 4-H meeting Tuesday, March 18.

Photographer Cristina Thudium captures the beauty of wild birds in Lake Riverside Estates

has made it her mission to document the natural beauty of Lake Riverside Estates, a gated community in the rolling

With a keen eye and an iPhone, photographer

• An annual business membership is $50 and provides discounts for up to 4 individuals. Cash, PayPal and checks are accepted as payment.

Proceeds from memberships go toward the Anza Community Hall’s general fund and are used for maintenance and programs sponsored by the Hall. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Anza Community Building, Inc., or to discover upcoming events can call Pebbles Bartlett-Lewis at 951-760-9244, or Barbara Keller at 951-2824267, visit the Hall’s website at https://anzacommunitybuilding. org or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/

During her daily walks along the lake’s shoreline, Thudium captures striking images of local wildlife, dramatic cloud formations and the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. But in recent weeks, her focus has turned to the diverse bird species that call this region home.

Southern California’s mountain and desert landscapes attract a wide array of birds, from majestic raptors soaring overhead to the chatty sparrows flitting among the trees. The lake itself provides a resting place for migratory waterfowl, including mallards, Canadian geese, egrets and great blue herons.

Thudium shares her photos on social media, offering residents a glimpse into the avian life thriving in their own backyard. Her images showcase the intricate details of these birds - the iridescent feathers of a western bluebird, the flight of a red-tailed hawk, the stance of a scrub jay at a bird feeder.

Longtime residents of Lake Riverside Estates say her photography deepens their appreciation for the area’s wildlife.

“Cristina’s photos remind us of the beauty we sometimes take for granted,” one community member commented.

Through her lens, Thudium captures more than just imagesshe fosters a greater connection between people and the natural world just beyond their doorsteps.

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

groups/337754646415866.

To donate, please click https:// anzacommunitybuilding.org/ donations.

The Anza Community Building, Inc. is located at 56630 CA-371 in Anza. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Christina Thudium captures this image of a red-tailed hawk soaring over her home in Lake Riverside Estates. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photos

An energetic White-Crowned Sparrow pauses long enough for Cristina Thudium to take its picture.

Christina Thudium snaps this image of a group of sparrows at her bird feeder. Christina Thudium photographs a scrub jay at her bird feeder.

A western bluebird is the centerpiece of this photo by Cristina Thudium.

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Cristina Thudium

hills of Aguanga.

SPRING from page B-1

DJ Johnny Bones spins popular hits as fans sitting at a nearby table celebrate during the Spring Fling Dance at the Anza Community Hall.

A double cheeseburger plate was a special order during the Spring Fling Dance at the Anza Community Hall Saturday, March 22.

Volunteers Michael Lewis, left, and Tami Ferris tend the kitchen and grill during the Spring Fling Dance at the Anza Community Hall. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

In the midst of caregiving? Self-care is essential! Part 1

Many of you may be a caregiver, or perhaps you will be in the future. You may find yourself caregiving at the same time you are raising a family – a multigenerational focus known as being a “sandwiched caregiver.”

I was such a caregiver for my elderly mom, having two young sons in elementary school at the same time that she moved into our home. She lived with us for nine years before she passed at the age of 93. While rewarding, it was certainly not without its challenges.

An often-overlooked concern relating to “sandwiched” caregiving is the general timing in which it occurs, typically as the caregiver is approaching – or well into –the throes of midlife… and if a woman, perhaps beginning the transition to menopause.

As my mom moved in, I was already starting to experience the effects of fluctuating hormones, causing symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and more. Nothing like mood swings and hot flashes on top of caregiver stress and fatigue. Unfortunately, many women don’t prioritize managing their

caregiver stress, or dealing with fluctuating hormones, while they are in the midst of caregiving. Who has the time or energy?

It is well-documented that female caregivers routinely ignore keeping up with preventive health care regimens such as taking vitamins, or scheduling routine dental and medical exams, lab work, or mammograms.

Women may dismiss their increasing feelings of stress and overwhelm as there are simply too many people counting on them.

So, they don’t take that muchneeded break. And if they do, they will likely feel guilty or selfish about leaving their loved one for that moment of self-care.

But no matter how busy we are – in all of the roles we’re in (including spouse, mom, friend, employee, and more) – we need to find ways to better manage our stress level.

True, we can’t always get rid of the stressor – when my elderly mom was in hospice, there was nothing I could do to change that.

But with a little self-care, we can reduce the impact our stressful caregiving role can have on us. We’ll also be more energized and focused in all of the important roles in our life, including our role

Understanding

Julie Reeder Publisher

In recent years, reports of gang stalking—a term used to describe coordinated harassment and surveillance of an individual— have surfaced across online forums, advocacy groups, and even legal cases. While some dismiss gang stalking as a conspiracy theory, others, including psychologists and criminal justice experts, argue that it is a growing concern that warrants investigation.

The Valley News interviewed a woman who has been reported as a victim of gang stalking. While she remains anonymous, here is a very abbreviated description of what she has experienced. Her main concern is that privacy laws

as caregiver. So here are five tips, simple “self-care” ideas, supported by the research to positively affect our stress response. Some may also provide perimenopause and menopause symptom relief. And as a bonus, they may help the care receiver’s health and mood as well.

1. Get more quality sleep (it can be done!)

Create a sleep-inducing environment (think peaceful sanctuary) such as having a cooler temp at night (helps with those nasty hot flashes, too) and a completely dark bedroom. Having a calming, quiet, and relaxing bedtime ritual can help. There are many meditation and sleep apps out there, often available for free/with ads, one example being Insight Timer. The three things I found that helped with my sleep back then? Magnesium, aromatherapy, and journaling.

A natural sleep-aid: Magnesium promotes healthy sleep and supports our nervous system. Humans have to acquire this important nutrient via food or supplementation as our bodies don’t produce it. A simple thing to start with is to try and eat foods high in magnesium. These include nuts (almonds, cashews), seeds (pumpkin seeds in particular), whole grains, legumes, and green leafy vegetables (spinach, etc.).

Hey Fallbrook, avocados are high in magnesium as well!

These days, a lot of people are actually deficient in many key minerals, including magnesium. On top of that, there is research suggesting that chronic stress may be a cause of magnesium loss and deficiency.1

So, it makes sense that a caregiver might be more prone to having a deficiency. The good news is that daily magnesium supplementation has proven benefits for the treatment of the symptoms of chronic stress (fatigue, irritability, and insomnia) often seen during caregiving.2

When my mom started going to a geriatrician, he said “no” to the two prescription sleep medications that she had been taking, and suggested we try natural treatments instead. Melatonin and magnesium were two that worked well for her, and also helped me get more quality sleep.

Do check with your and your loved one’s doctor before trying any type of supplement, however, as some might interfere with

prescription medications or preexisting conditions. Also ask your doctor about which formulation of magnesium would be best for your set of symptoms. Note that different people have different reactions to the various types of magnesium that are available overthe-counter.

Magnesium Citrate is found in a lot of “relaxing and calming” supplements, which can help with sleep. But some people (like me) may find it causes diarrhea. I took Magnesium Glycinate, which worked well for me, but may not work for others. While there isn’t a great deal of research showing magnesium will definitely help with sleep, there is enough to warrant giving it a try.3

I also loved taking Epsom salt baths – which contain magnesium – before bedtime. So incredibly calming.

Aromatherapy: There are many ways to use essential oils that can help with calming and sleep but I have found aromatherapy (diffusing it by the bedside) worked well for me. My mom would enjoy it as well. There is research showing that lavender essential oil can help with anxiety and sleep. 4-9 Some people will put a few drops in carrier oil (like coconut oil or almond oil) and rub it into the back of their neck.

Two local Fallbrook companies that sell beautiful organic lavenderbased products, including lavender essential oil, are Daily Blooms ( https://dailybloomsfarm.com /) and Purple Rain Lavender (https:// purplerainlavender.com/pages/ about-us). Lavender aromatherapy has also been shown to improve menopausal symptoms including hot flashes.10-12

Journaling: As a writer, I’ve always found journaling to be calming, but many of the caregivers I interviewed for a book I just published (“Caring for Mom

and Other Loved Souls”) also found that some form of journaling helped calm them and allowed them more restful sleep.

Some focused on a “gratitude” journal, ensuring they captured at least one positive of each day. It’s been shown that this type of “positive diary” can help with a caregiver’s sense of well-being.13

Journaling can also be used to highlight issues causing caregiver stress and help a carer focus on problem-solving – rather than just living with the stress or letting the day’s frustrations keep one up all night.

I recapped both stressful and funny caregiving moments, but also journaled liberally relating to my feelings throughout my caregiving journey. I also was a huge list-maker. I truly feel that being ultra-organized helped me clear my mind and get some sleep.

Giving yourself a specific and scheduled slot of time each night to focus on your “caregiving to do’s” (and then promising yourself to defer further worry until the following day) can help you be less anxious and more apt to get some quality sleep.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this article which includes specific tips on getting much-needed respite, and the importance of adequate hydration, maintaining connections, and saying no.

Diane Blum lives in Fallbrook and has been a freelance writer in the holistic healthcare space for the past 10 years. She previously has written for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Northern California Caregiving Blog. She recently published a memoir of her family’s caregiving journey, ‘Caring for Mom and Other Loved Souls,” available on Amazon (https://www. amazon.com/Caring-Mom-OtherLoved-Souls/dp/B0DM9Q8ZR5). Reach her at DianeDoranBlum@ ObsoletedSoccerMom.com

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7761127/ 2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7761127/#B144-nutrients-12-03672 3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8053283/ 4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36309115/ 5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37998470/ 6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35412693/ 7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11821193/ 8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34166869/ 9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7520654/ 10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29778129/ 11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27388435/ 12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6718645/ 13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9786811/

gang stalking, surveillance, and harassment

have not kept up with technology. Gang stalking sometimes referred to as organized stalking, is described as the repeated and systematic harassment of an individual by multiple people.

This harassment can take various forms, including:

Surveillance: The targeted person may be watched, followed, or monitored in their daily activities.

Harassment: Strange phone calls, online trolling, smear campaigns, and workplace sabotage are commonly reported.

Community Targeting: It may include groups participating in an orchestrated effort to isolate and intimidate them.

Victims often report psychological distress, difficulty

maintaining employment, and even homelessness due to the relentless nature of the harassment.

While hard data specifically on gang stalking is limited, stalking as a broader phenomenon is welldocumented by the Bureau of Justice:

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, about 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men experience stalking in their lifetime.

Seventy-six percent of female homicide victims killed by an intimate partner were stalked before their deaths, per the National Institute of Justice.

In a study by the National Center for Victims of Crime, 46% of stalking victims reported fearing not only for their safety but also for the safety of their family.

Memory care seniors dance back into time at Masquerade Prom

A group of memory care residents in Murrieta kicked up their heels at their own Masquerade Senior Prom at Vineyard Place, an Anthem Memory Care in Murrieta. The glammed-up seniors stepped back into time with music and dancing. The highlight of the soiree was the crowning of the prom king and queen.

“This was a chance for our residents to recapture a wonderful moment in time,” said Christopher Balmes, life engagement director for Vineyard Place. “Our prom is more than an event. It’s an experience that brings joy, connection, and a renewed sense of excitement for life.”

About Anthem Memory Care Anthem’s core purpose is to protect, engage, and love people living with memory loss and is committed to providing understanding and significance to

Some mental health professionals view gang stalking claims through the lens of psychiatric conditions: Som e experts believe that organized harassment exists but may be mislabeled as paranoia due to the psychological impact it has on victims. Research also indicates that individuals reporting gang stalking often exhibit signs consistent with delusional disorders, complicating things for authorities responding to reports. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Legally, stalking and harassment are crimes in all 50 U.S. states, but proving organized, coordinated stalking is far more difficult. Some victims claim that law enforcement ignores their complaints, attributing their experiences to overactive imaginations or mental illness.

However, there have been documented cases from the 1950s to the 1970s when coordinated

harassment campaigns, such as workplace mobbing and COINTELPRO, the FBI’s secret surveillance program that targeted activists and dissidents.

The debate continues: Is gang stalking a modern form of social control, or is it a form of “gaming” between hackers?

For those who believe they are targets, the impact is real— whether or not the phenomenon itself is fully proven or understood. Experts encourage individuals experiencing persistent stalking or harassment to document incidents, seek support, and report suspicious activities to authorities.

One thing is for sure. Privacy laws have not kept up with technology and while victims suffer the consequences of stalking, the legal system struggles to keep up with technology that it may not even fully understand.

Valley News/Cottonbro Studio photo (pexels.com)

Diane Blum Special to Valley News

Vineyard Place residents Sandy Nickolei and Eugene McCabe celebrate their reign as prom royalty.

EDUCATION

San Jacinto Valley students honored in March

Diane A. Rhodes Contributor

The Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month program held its final recognition breakfast of the 2024-2025 school year at the Maze Stone at Soboba Springs Golf Course on March 6. Nine 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 resilience 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 for making 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.

March’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Crista Graf, Josiah Mills, Parshv Patel, and Luci Washburn. San Jacinto Unified honorees for March are Aubriana Boyer, Joshua Coleman, and Cole Wilson. Arionna Ward from Noli Indian School was also honored.

Hemet Unified School District Crista Graf Hemet High School Assistant Principal Hannah Plaza said Crista is an active leader in numerous groups on campus and an accomplished AP student who has been in AVID all four years. Her AP psychology teacher Jamie Killebrew is also teaching student leadership this year and said as a PLUS (Peer Leaders Uniting Students) leader, Crista single-handedly organized this year’s toy drive. The outstanding senior is also part of the Breakfast Club, the Multicultural Club and Ballet Folklorico, where she consistently demonstrates initiative, leadership and a willingness to take on challenges.

“Being the oldest daughter in my family, I was always taught to be independent and to take care of others,” Crista said. “My dad was my number one supporter. He was the one who taught me perseverance, but never would I have guessed that I would have to use that perseverance to deal with grief.” Four days before Christmas 2023, her father unexpectedly died. “Grief consumed my every thought for months,” Crista said. “I soon realized that instead of learning how to live without him, I had to learn how to live for him.” She decided that everything she did would have a purpose that would make him proud. “I found my purpose while struggling with loss,” Crista said. She plans to become a pediatric oncology nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner.

Josiah Mills

Alessandro High School

Principal Matthew Centofranchi introduced Josiah by saying that many, like himself, grew up taking a lot of things such as health and a solid place to live, for granted. He said speaking with Josiah, a student who has faced adversity, provides a whole new perspective.

“In talking to him, you’d never know what he stood up to,” he said. Josiah’s teacher Ashley Yazarloo said she uses the words of Duke University’s women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson as a theme in her classroom. It’s about not waiting for life to get easier because life is hard and learning how to handle hard better.

“Josiah’s essence is determination, perseverance and an unstoppable drive to achieve his goals,” Yazarloo said. “This is a kid who has shown that he can handle hard better.” Josiah said his journey has always been a bit rocky and that while all his experiences were not traumatic, they definitely left a mark. From homelessness, fires, epileptic seizures and so much more, he said all his experiences helped him shape the perspective he now has. “While some may settle for quick fixes or temporary solutions, I believe in reimagining possibilities,” Josiah said. He wants to attend Palomar College

of

to pursue a degree in engineering for a career as an architectural engineer. “I plan to create spaces that bring people together, hopefully fostering a more positive and inclusive environment,” he said.

Parshv Patel West Valley High School Principal Gerardo Zavala introduced Parshv as a student who is deeply passionate about math, physics, and data science, seeing numbers not just as equations but as tools to shape the real world. “His drive for learning goes beyond the classroom where he has completed 12 self-taught college courses, six specialized data science certificates, and over 350 hours of programming courses from top universities and companies,” Zavala said. He plays varsity tennis, is president of the Math Club, is a LINK Crew member and a dedicated after school tutor. When his family moved to America from India two years ago, Parshv said he felt behind and took seven classes in his junior year, all while navigating a new culture, an unfamiliar education system and financial hardships. “I had no friends; I felt like an outsider, and I was depressed,” he said. “My confidence began to crumble,” Parshv said thinking of his family’s sacrifices for his future fueled his ambition and led to him being ranked number one in his senior class. He wants to attend Stanford University to major in data science and statistics. “For me, university is an opportunity to transform my curiosity into innovation and impact,” Parshv said. “My passion for data science is driven by a desire to solve real-life issues in climate change, health care and insufficiencies that hold communities back.”

Jorge Silva Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes said, “While faced with challenges early in his high school career, Jorge has demonstrated incredible resilience, excels in advanced Spanish and CTE classes and is the starter on the school’s varsity soccer team.

His Spanish III teacher Virginia Shaw said that despite starting high school with a .07 GPA due to circumstances totally beyond his control, he was able to get back on track. His mother was battling cancer three years ago, which is why Jorge’s schoolwork suffered, but she is alive today and grateful to see her son be honored as Student of the Month. Jorge said, “I believe my greatest contribution ever was to my family.” The most difficult challenge he had to overcome was his credit deficiency. When he arrived at Tahquitz as a freshman, he was missing more than 60 credits. But by taking seven periods a semester and classes over the summers, he overcame that obstacle and is graduating with his peers. He plans to attend UCR and become a child psychologist. “A life lesson I will take with me to college is

to always have the most faith in God’s timing,” he said. “Maybe it’s not for today, maybe it’s not for tomorrow or even next month, but when it’s truly meant to be, it will come.”

Luci Washburn

Hamilton High School music teacher Lovina Leon introduced Luci. “As a music teacher, I have the opportunity to see students grow, develop skills and make a difference and Luci has truly stood out,” she said. “She’s had to deal with a lot of challenges, not only here at school but at home, caring for her mom and helping extra around the house.” Luci said she doesn’t recognize challenges and just pushes through like something normal is happening. She said she enjoyed spending a lot of time home alone while her mother worked and her father was busy helping others in the community. When her mother broke her foot at work on New Year’s she was forced to stay home every day and all day – the complete opposite of what this active woman was used to doing. Luci had to step up to clean everything and take over making dinner, all on top of school, sports and band obligations. Everyone was stressed out and then in February, her grandfather was in a serious truck accident in Anza that put him in the hospital. Luci spent weeks helping her grandmother and parents get through it all. She has plans to become a civil engineer.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Aubriana Boyer

San Jacinto High School agriculture teacher Jill Scott met Aubriana two years ago in her Introduction to Floral Design class. She said the program offers a lot for students but it’s up to them to pursue the opportunities, and Aubriana has done that. “The biggest obstacle I’ve faced in my life is overcoming my mental health,” the senior said. “For most of my life, I was emotionally and verbally abused and that really affected my mental health and overall view of the world.” She said during her first two years of high school she didn’t see a lot of hope for her future and didn’t see the importance of school. She failed many classes and had difficulty getting out of bed each morning. “Going into my junior year, my mom moved out and my dad moved back home,” Aubriana said. “I joined floral design and felt my passion for school come back. The FFA program has given me many opportunities to give back to my community.” She plans to major in business at MSJC. “I never thought I could go to college due to how badly I did in my first two years of high school, but I joined AVID this year and it’s helped me see a lot of the resources and opportunities that I have,” Aubriana said. “In the future, I would love to be an agriculture teacher like Ms. Scott.” Joshua Coleman San Jacinto Leadership

Academy Principal Michael Luna recalls meeting Joshua when he was a teacher at SJLA and Joshua was in sixth grade. Joshua started his speech by saying, “I believe everyone has a choice in life; everyone in and outside this building has the opportunity to express themselves whether that is through their academics or in my case, creativity.” He said that during his elementary school years, he endured challenging times of adversity at the schools he attended. “I was bullied continuously and stuck to myself not knowing what the best option was,” Joshua said. “I felt alone, nervous and out of control as if I was not living in my own body. My grades were negatively affected as a result, and I fell into a depression.” He turned to his family and found solace in watching movies, YouTube videos and playing video games. Joshua said his life turned around when he joined the Lion family at SJLA in sixth grade. “My teachers and friends gave me the mental boost I needed to learn that not everyone in life is after you nor are they trying to belittle you,” he said. He began developing his creativity through Photoshop and slide shows and has decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, possibly as a film director. “Everyone has something unique they can be talented at,” Joshua said.

Cole Wilson

Mountain Heights Academy chose to honor Cole, who has been accepted to five colleges already where he plans to study astrophysics. He said his greatest contribution to his community is working at the Western Science Center where he prepares fossils for display and teaches science to elementary-age children. After suffering a brain injury at birth that caused hydrocephalus, leading to multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, Cole has more than one learning disability and poor vision. “Recently, I was diagnosed with a rare nerve condition that reduced my mobility and caused me to move to online classes,” he said. “The most significant life lesson I will take with me to college is to not put limitations on yourself just because you have a disability.” Cole said he recently found out that doctors had told his parents that he would probably be severely mentally disabled and that his prospects for a normal life were dim, but they never told him. “I never thought to limit myself other than maybe I shouldn’t be a pilot, but that still didn’t stop me from taking an aviation course,” Cole said. “I plan to give back to my community by expanding our understanding of the universe and our role within it.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Arionna Ward was chosen to represent Noli Indian School as Student of the Month. Principal Donovan Post said her mother had been a student of his when she

attended Noli. A member of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians and the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, she has been commuting from Mountain Center to San Jacinto to attend Noli since her sophomore year. Arionna has already been named as the school’s salutatorian for the 2025 graduating class. “I believe my greatest contribution to my community is being a traditional cook with my family,” Arionna said. “Being a traditional cook is a challenging task due to cooking for wakes, funerals and other celebrations.” She is planning to continue her education in business management and finance and has received acceptance letters and scholarships from UCR, University of Redlands and Northern Arizona University. Obstacles she has overcome include her father leaving the family when she was five years old and her grandfather, who stepped into a father figure role for her, passing when Arionna was 13. She also suffered the loss of her great-grandmother when she was 16. “Although I did not have a great childhood growing up, by Native standards we had it pretty good,” she said.

Closing remarks

The breakfast ended with guest speaker Ed Delgado sharing his personal story with all the students. The Moreno Valley City Council member and 10-year U.S. Coast Guard veteran retired after a 25-year career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. He continues to give back to the community through his work as an Adjunct Instructor for Moreno Valley College, where he teaches leadership courses to young adults within the law enforcement profession. He also speaks at special academy engagements and ceremonies. Delgado noted all of the opportunities he was given and all of the advancements he received in both his military and public service positions. “I don’t tell you all this to brag but to show you what’s possible,” Delgado said. He had a rough start in life with a father who didn’t work and a mother on public assistance. After his mother left the family, he stayed with his father because he wasn’t forced to attend school. His teen years were spent drinking and ditching school. In 1989, he saw a Coast Guard recruitment commercial on television and earned his GED so he could meet the enlistment requirements. At 19, he was stationed across the country and said, “I had to prove to myself that I was better than I was raised.” He said he was grateful for all the opportunities he was given to make a difference and feels his life experiences prepared him well. “Do not ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” Delgado told all the students in the room.

For more information, www. studentofthemonth.net.

Recipients

the Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month award for March are, from left, Aubriana Boyer, Arionna Ward, Cole Wilson, Jorge Silva, Joshua Coleman, Crista Graf, Luci Washburn, Parshv Patel and Josiah Mills.

StylePhotography by Alex Tapia photo

Bingo fundraiser supports Soboba Tribal Preschool

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News

When the Soboba Tribal Preschool announced its third annual Bingo Night fundraiser, the community responded in a big way. Tickets for the event sold out quickly and donations of 75 fabulous raffle prizes poured into the preschool in the days leading up to the big night on March 7.

The Soboba Sports Complex was transformed into a bingo hall with festively decorated long tables to accommodate the 400-plus guests who each paid $20 for a delicious dinner of either chicken alfredo or spaghetti with meat sauce plus four bingo cards. There were concessions for sale that included cupcakes and cookies baked by Val Saenz as well as popcorn, nachos, pickles and other sweet and savory snacks.

Proceeds from the event are earmarked for a year-end trip to Legoland for all 57 students. Soboba Tribal Preschool Administrator Lenora “Ponie” Mojado thanked the crowd for coming out to support the school to help them exceed their fundraising goal.

“It was an amazing turnout, and we have a great community,” Mojado said. “We plan to take three or four field trips throughout the school year and acquire new items for the school, such as Cricut machines for the teachers, a pressure washer, staff shirts and children’s shirts plus new school merchandise.”

Soboba Foundation’s Sponsorship and Higher Education Coordinator Andrew Vallejos hosted the event and was the official numbers caller from the stage. The first three games of regular bingo paid $250 cash to each winner and the final Blackout Bingo game winner was awarded $500. Of course, with the number of players in attendance, it was expected that there would be a tie or two. Tiebreaker games, facilitated by Corryn Salgado-Flores, were played with much encouragement and enthusiasm from the audience members.

The fruit roll-up challenge is a crowd favorite, and the first tie included Soboba Tribal Council Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, who came in second by mere inches. The second game was won by Amber Medrano after she completed a donut-on-a-string eating challenge that followed a two-way tie. Debbie Lotman was the sole winner of game three.

The final game, a total bingo card blackout, ended in a three-way tie after about 10 minutes of play.

The fruit roll-up challenge between Sally Montoya, Maria Vivanco’s great nephew, Dominick Lara, 5, and Brenda Muñoz’s niece Autumn Ramos, 9, ended with Autumn finishing first and taking home $500.

Between the games, raffle winners were announced. There were three long tables, each filled with 25 or so wrapped baskets filled with a variety of gifts ranging from cookware to gift cards from local eateries and toys for kids to self-care baskets for parents. Guests were able to purchase a dozen tickets for $10 and place half of the ticket into the box corresponding to the prize they hoped to win, guaranteeing everyone whose number was called got the gift they really wanted.

Teachers and staff from the preschool, along with other volunteers, delivered baskets to the winning ticket holders that were seated throughout the room.

“I want to give a huge shoutout to all the families and the community for their incredible support! Many of you have a family member—be it a cousin, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, or niece/nephew— who attends the preschool, and your contributions were essential in helping us reach our goal of 75 baskets,” Ponie Mojado said.

“I especially want to recognize my team of teachers who made everything possible. And thanks to my assistant, Maria Hernandez, for coming in during such a busy tie and helping to get everything done.”

Another popular attraction of the three-hour long game night was a 50/50 drawing. At about 7 p.m., nearly an hour before the games were finished, it was announced that there was $967 available to the winner. Soboba Tribal Council Treasurer Mike Bentiste stepped up and bought enough tickets to take the total to $1,000 for the winner’s half. His granddaughter Natalia Girard attends the preschool, and 16 of his family members joined in the evening’s activities.

The winning 50/50 ticket was drawn by preschooler Love SalgadoFlores and the lucky ticket holder

was Myah Saenz, who works for the gaming commission. She said her grandmother, Lynn Saenz, invited the whole family to support the preschool.

Many volunteers contributed their time and efforts to making the fun-filled event a smooth-running operation from beginning to end.

Those included members of the Soboba Youth Council who served the food and helped out where and when needed.

The support from everyone who attended was appreciated. Along

with Soboba Tribal members in attendance, there were others from the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians as well as team members from various departments at Soboba. Local community members also participated.

“A special thank you goes out to Leland and Yesenia Razon, Tara and Joey Placencia, Brit Covington, Nette Escalante, Taylor Bentiste, Hope Chacon, Carrie Garcia, Daise Burton, Beth Hamilton, Andy and Noami Silvas, the Silvas Family, Denise, Dondi, Ms. Yvonne, and

Mr. Mojado for donating his casino giveaways. I also want to recognize our wonderful teachers, Julissa Garcia and Alaina Adkins,” Ponie Mojado said. “The outpouring of basket donations, time, and effort from our families has been truly remarkable. If I missed mentioning anyone, I sincerely apologize, but I want you to know how grateful I am for having such a supportive community that contributes to our preschool. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!” In addition, she extended

her gratitude to the following departments for their donations: Tribal Admin, Soboba Casino Resort, Tribal Family Services, Soboba RX, Soboba EDC, TANF Riverside, Noli Booster, Noli Beading Club. Gratitude was also extended to outside organizations Morongo Casino, Hadley’s, RossCo Promotions, Nike, and Stadium Pizza.

“Your support for the preschool means so much to us,” Ponie Mojado said.

Dorothy McElhinney Middle School named a 2024 California ‘School to Watch’

MURRIETA – Dorothy McElhinney Middle School (DMMS) has earned the prestigious designation as a California School to Watch, recognizing its commitment to academic excellence, student-centered learning, and innovative teaching practices. This honor is awarded by the California League of Middle Schools (CLMS) in partnership with the California Department of Education and is part of a national program identifying highperforming middle schools.

To achieve this recognition, DMMS underwent a competitive application process, followed by an in-depth school site visit by middle school education experts from across the nation. Schools that earn this distinction must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, social equity, developmental responsiveness,

and organizational structures that support student success.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a School to Watch,” said Tom Patane, Principal of DMMS. “This designation is a testament to the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families who work together to create an exceptional learning environment. We are grateful to Schools to Watch for this honor and remain committed to fostering a culture of academic achievement and student growth.”

The Schools to Watch program is a national network of over 700 outstanding middle schools across 18 states, with California being the largest state participant. CLMS, a nonprofit organization, supports middle-level educators through professional development, resources, and recognition programs like Schools to Watch. Their mission

every student thrives

a nurturing and innovative learning environment.

Soboba Parks and Recreation Director Andy Silvas, left, and Soboba Foundation Sponsorship Coordinator Andrew Vallejos work the bingo machine while Vallejos serves as emcee for the Soboba Tribal Preschool Bingo Night Fundraiser.

Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photo

More than 400 supporters filled the Soboba Sports Complex to play bingo, eat a delicious dinner and try to win multiple raffle prizes on March 7.

Soboba Tribal Council Treasurer Mike Bentiste, right, and 15 of his family members show up to support the Soboba Tribal Preschool, where his granddaughter is a student.

Raya Salgado is one of several Soboba Youth Council members who donated their time and efforts serving food and selling concessions to guests at the Soboba Tribal Preschool Bingo Night Fundraiser.

Preschooler Love Salgado-Flores gets help from Soboba Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado to select the winning ticket for the 50/50 drawing.

The second bingo game winner is Amber Medrano, who went on to win a tiebreaking fruit roll-up challenge to be rewarded with $250.

Brenda Muñoz, right, and her family enjoy the bingo night, especially after her niece Amber Ramos won the final game’s challenge and $500.

Dorothy McElhinney Middle School in Murrieta has earned the designation “School to Watch” from the California League of Middle Schools in partnership with the California Department of Education. Valley News/Courtesy photo is to empower educators and ensure that

in

Highway Updates

Clean California grant project by Caltrans and City of Perris completes Copper Creek

Tony

Ault Staff Writer

Caltrans and the City of Perris announced the completion of a transformative Clean California project that added new playground equipment, walkways, a butterfly garden, new picnic tables, benches, and energy-saving lights at Copper Creek Park in Perris.

The ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the successful culmination of this $3.7 million Local Grant Beautification project that revitalized an underutilized area into a vibrant shared space that can bring the community together.

This project was made possible through Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a sweeping $1.2 billion, multiyear clean-up effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs and join with communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces.

Clean California continues to revitalize public spaces to improve neighborhood resources and inspire pride throughout the community,” said Caltrans District 8 Director Catalino Pining. “This project transformed Copper Creek Park from an underutilized open space to one that will benefit and further beautify the City of Perris community for decades to come.”

The project enhanced ADAcompliant walkways for people with disabilities, installed public art pieces representing the area’s history and culture, added more shade-producing trees and upgraded irrigation and landscaping for improved water conservation in the nine-acre park. The improved amenities are designed to increase community use and encourage physical

Park improvements

activity among park visitors.

The park is located at 217 Citrus Avenue just north of Perris High School.

Clean California has funded 319 projects statewide to revitalize and beautify underserved communities. Projects are improving public spaces, tribal lands, parks, neighborhoods, transit centers, walking paths, streets, roadsides, recreation fields, community gathering spots and places of cultural importance or historical interest.

Since July 2021, Caltrans and its local partners have picked up more than 2.8 million cubic yards of litter – enough to cover nine lanes of Interstate 5 from the Mexican border to Oregon. Caltrans also hosted more than 600 free dump days in communities throughout the state – resulting in the collection of over 14,000 mattresses and 52,000 tires. The initiative has enlisted more than 60,000 community clean-up volunteers and created thousands of jobs, including positions for individuals who were formerly incarcerated, on probation, or experiencing housing insecurity.

Perris

The Caltrans project on northbound and southbound Interstate 215 in Perris will have motorists experiencing some slowdowns and road closures between the San Jacinto River Bridge and the Ramona Expressway. The $27.5 million Roadway Improvement Project will refurbish the existing roads with new pavement, enhance safety, and improve accessibility on the well traveled thoroughfare in Riverside County.

The scheduled work is taking place from Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closures will not be required

for landscaping and highway rebar work as it will be in the shoulder areas during the daytime.

However, nightly lane closures are scheduled for paving operations beginning Tuesday, March 25 because of the recent weather conditions. This includes some onramp closures on Nuevo Road and the Ramona Expressway. Those operations are from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m

Menifee/Murrieta

Caltrans crews are performing work near the city of Menifee and city of Murrieta in Riverside County on Interstate 215, weather permitting. Day and night work will occur Monday through Friday. Monday to Wednesday and Friday work is behind k-rail barriers.

Thursday, March 20 operations may require traffic control and alternating lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. to safely assist crews with compost, rock blanket installation and excavation activities at various locations.

The project will improve the freeway road surface, update shoulder rumble strips, enhance culverts, upgrade guardrails, stabilize slopes, and boost highway worker safety along the stretch near Murrieta, from 1 mile north of Clinton Keith Road to 1 mile north of Newport Road.

Also in Menifee there continues to be underground utility work for Banner Park II off of Domenigoni Parkway. Traffic control will be in place and motorists should expect delays during the week through the end of this week.

Temecula Closures on the Winchester Road onramps are continuing and construction on the French Valley/I-15 Phase II improvement project is continuing and needed for the essential connection to the newly constructed lanes leading into Murrieta on the Interstate 215.

Lake Elsinore Caltrans construction contractors are continuing their work on State Route 74 above Lake Elsinore on repairing the roadways damaged by the Airport Fire. The repair project location is from Grand Avenue to Decker Canyon Road near El Cariso Village. Daytime flagging will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dependent on contractor availability. This work will initially occur to clear drainage and remove trees for the safety of drivers and the roadway. Flagging operations are scheduled to occur at daytime hours at various locations. This may cause delays, so plan ahead, as the flagging will be performed in both directions and may take up to 15- minutes of wait time per side. Please reduce your speed when near work areas for the safety of crews and other drivers on the route. Signage will be placed ahead to indicate approaching roadway work

San Jacinto

Caltrans and Riverside County Transportation Commission in San Jacinto have partially reopened Gilman Springs Road between SR79 (Sanderson Avenue) and Bridge Street but some construction continues on widening the roadway.

Hemet

NOTE: While not a Caltrans project, construction crews from the Southern California Gas Company are working at State Street eastward up Esplanade Ave. on the San Jacinto and Hemet city’s border to repair a high pressure gas line that was severed apparently by another contractor’s construction crew’s backhoe last Thursday. Partial lane blockage may be in place.

Aguanga Caltrans contractor crews are beginning a $61 million project on State Route 79 near Aguanga, from north of the SR-371 Junction to south of Pauba Road.

K-rail barriers are starting to be placed for the duration of the project for the safety of crews and drivers. All work will be performed behind k-rail. One lane will be closed requiring traffic to be guided via flagging operations, in both directions, and temporary signals placed. All work is weather and material dependent meaning delays and changes may occur in the work schedule. Signs for this project will go up this week. Flagging operations may occur later in the week to begin performing clear and grub operations and sign placement. Drainage work is expected to begin late March and will require traffic operations from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expected wait time per flagging side is approximately 20 minutes or less. All work is weather dependent and subject to change. Please adhere to all signage and slow your speed in the construction zone.

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

Caltrans is continuing its work on SR-74 between Warren Road and Fairview Avenue in Valle Vista. The finishing work in the $51.6 million project includes night\me inspections, for seal installation and monument work from Lyon Street to Fairview and electrical loop work at signal locations. Please proceed with caution in the electrical work crews in those areas. Areas as there may be some flashing red light signals. That requires safety stop, then proceed with caution and following the California 4-way Vehicle Code rule

Riverside County’s Supervisor Karen Spiegel honors two women for the 2025 Woman of the Year Award

RIVERSIDE COUNTY –In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, Riverside County Second District Supervisor

Karen Spiegel recognized Francesca Rife of Eastvale and Dr. Cassandra Sanders-Holly of Norco as the District Two’s Women of the

Year at a ceremony held during the Board of Supervisors Meeting on March 11.

Each year, Riverside County honors outstanding women through the Women’s Inspiration Awards, introduced in 2021, to recognize those making a lasting impact in their communities. Supervisor Spiegel was deeply moved by the inspiring stories of women across the Second District, making it nearly impossible to choose just one honoree. In true District Two spirit, they doubled the recognition, honoring two outstanding leaders who exemplify service, leadership, and dedication to their communities.

“We received so many incredible nominations this year, making it one of the most difficult decisions we’ve had to make,” said Supervisor Spiegel. “I am so grateful to everyone who took the time to submit nominations, and I encourage you to continue to look for the amazing women in our community for next year’s award.”

Francesca Rife from Eastvale

With 27 years of service in the Corona-Norco Unified School District, Francesca Rife has fostered arts education and youth engagement. She leads an annual schoolwide Art Walk, teaches an afterschool photography club, and collaborates with Jurupa Community Services District to display student artwork at the Eastvale Community Center. A dedicated member of Eastvale Kiwanis since 2017, Francesca has

spearheaded numerous community initiatives, including the Today A Reader, Tomorrow A Leader program, which raised $8,000 for school libraries. As the CNUSD Festival for the Arts Elementary Coordinator, she has spent the last six years ensuring student artwork is celebrated across Eastvale, Corona, and Norco. Her tireless efforts in education, the arts, and community service empower and inspire future generations.

“Through her leadership and unwavering dedication to arts education and youth engagement, Francesca has empowered countless young minds,” says Supervisor Spiegel. “Her passion for fostering creativity in students is truly inspiring, and our community is richer because of her commitment.”

Dr. Cassandra Sanders-Holly from Norco A leader in pediatric physical therapy, Dr. Cassandra SandersHolly has dedicated her career to supporting families navigating neurodevelopmental disabilities.

As the founder of Leaps & Bounds Pediatric Therapy and Friends of Leaps & Bounds, she has created a lifeline for children and families in need of specialized care. With over a decade of expertise, Dr. Sanders-Holly has advanced the field through research, education, and advocacy. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at USC and a published contributor to Pediatric Physical Therapy, shaping the next generation of therapeutic professionals. Her unwavering

commitment to breaking down barriers to care has transformed countless lives, ensuring children receive the support they need to thrive.

“As a leader in her field, Dr. Sanders-Holly has not only provided life-changing therapies but also paved the way for future professionals through her research and education,” says Supervisor Spiegel. “Her compassion, innovation, and advocacy are truly making a difference in our community.”

About Supervisor Karen Spiegel

Supervisor Spiegel has been an elected public servant since 1996, serving in several positions in the City of Corona, including City Treasurer and Council Member, and serving four terms as Mayor. She was first elected to represent the Second Supervisorial District in November 2018 and was sworn into office for her second term on January 10, 2023. https://rivcodistrict2.org/aboutsupervisor-karen-spiegel.

The Second District is a vibrant community committed to the wellbeing and prosperity of its residents. It encompasses the cities of Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, and many unincorporated communities working tirelessly to address social issues, including homelessness, to ensure a high quality of life for all its constituents. https:// rivcodistrict2.org/.

Bipartisan bill aims to shield winegrape growers from wildfire smoke damage

Valley Editorial Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill on March 13 to bolster research and risk management efforts aimed at protecting winegrape growers in California, Oregon, and Washington from wildfire smoke damage. The Smoke Exposure Research Act, backed by Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), along with Reps. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), would authorize $32.5 million annually over five years, totaling more than $150 million. The funding would support research at UC Davis, Oregon State University, and Washington State University on the effects of wildfire smoke on

grapevines and wine production.

Smoke from wildfires can penetrate grape skins and cause “smoke taint,” an ashy taste that compromises wine quality. California alone is home to 4,800 wineries and nearly 6,000 growers who have suffered billions in losses from recent wildfires. The 2020 season alone cost the industry an estimated $3.7 billion.

Padilla criticized President

Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for temporarily firing key USDA researchers studying smoke taint. The dismissals, including scientists at UC Davis, were later reversed.

“Winegrape growers are facing a real threat to their livelihoods,” Padilla said. “We need sciencebased solutions to protect the industry.”

The bill would direct the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service to study the chemical compounds that cause smoke taint, improve detection methods, and develop risk assessment and mitigation tools. The legislation is supported by major wine industry groups, including the California Association of Winegrape Growers and Napa Valley Vintners.

[Top] Francesca Rife from Eastvale, first row, second from left, is one of the two women honored as Woman of the Year for Riverside County’s District 2. [Bottom] Dr. Cassandra Sanders-Holly, holding the certificate of recognition, stands with family and friends during the Board of Supervisors meeting honoring 2025 Woman of the Month. Valley News/Courtesy photos

Social Security announces new transparency measures

Agency meetings are being recorded and shared online, along with other measures, to inform the public as well as staff

Naveen Athrappully

The Epoch Times

The Social Security Administration (SSA) revealed multiple new initiatives on Monday to boost transparency and accountability under the new Trump administration.

The initiatives include publishing recordings of weekly meetings, optimizing real estate to save costs, cutting down the workforce, strengthening beneficiary identity verification, and providing an “honest and transparent view” of the agency’s national 800 number wait times, the SSA said in a March 24 statement.

“President Trump has been clear that good government must serve the people. This begins with being transparent in how its government makes decisions and operates as good stewards of the resources entrusted to it,” said Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security.

SSA conducts weekly operational report meetings in which officials discuss various issues. Since March 14, the meetings have been recorded and published on the department’s YouTube Channel.

The SSA is also releasing key information related to the various decisions taken by the acting commissioner. This is being published on the “Agency Actions”

The page details challenges faced by the SSA, options available to the agency to deal with these issues, and the final decision taken by the acting commissioner.

SSA has published an “Efficiencies and Cost Avoidance” webpage ( https://www.ssa.gov/ news/efficiencies) detailing site lease terminations initiated by the agency and whether these changes impact citizens.

According to the latest update, SSA is working with the General

Services Administration to terminate 64 leases, which it says are expected to save more than $4 million annually in rental costs.

Another webpage run by the agency details information about the SSA’s workforce optimization push. So far, 345 workers have accepted a deferred resignation program. Another 2,674 employees have expressed interest in voluntary separations, out of which 2,477 have been confirmed eligible.

The agency said it “submitted its draft Reduction-in-Force (RIF) plan to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) by the deadline of March 13, 2025.”

“No date has been set when the plan might be approved or begin,” it said.

The agency is sharing information about wait times that people may experience when they call SSA’s national 800 number.

“More than 70 million people depend on Social Security benefits, and millions more reach out each year for other services like requesting a new Social Security card,” the agency said.

The SSA recently announced an initiative to strengthen identity verification for beneficiaries who do not use their “my Social Security account” when applying for benefits or requesting changes to direct deposit banking information.

Furthermore, the SSA has published an online resource to help people understand identity matters.

Court order against DOGE

The SSA has been working with the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to identify ways to make the agency more efficient.

However, this joint effort suffered a setback this past week when a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking DOGE from accessing

personal information stored with the SSA.

The judgment came as part of a case in which plaintiffs argued that DOGE’s “nearly unlimited” access to SSA data violated privacy rights and posed security risks.

“The American public may well applaud and support the Trump Administration’s mission to root out fraud, waste, and bloat from federal agencies, including SSA, to the extent it exists. But, by what means and methods?” wrote Judge Ellen Hollander of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

“The DOGE Team is essentially engaged in a fishing expedition at SSA, in search of a fraud epidemic, based on little more than suspicion.”

Trump administration lawyers argued that plaintiffs lacked standing because they did not suffer any injury.

DOGE has a 10-member team of federal employees at the SSA, with seven of the individuals granted read-only access to agency systems or personally identifiable information. The officials have received privacy training, with eight of them passing background checks, the lawyers said.

“Both the equities and the public interest support permitting the government to exercise its lawful authority to hire employees and give those employees access to systems as required for their job duties,” they said.

In the aftermath of the court order, Dudek suggested he may have to shut down the SSA, saying that everything being done in the agency involves personally identifiable information.

The court later issued clarifying guidance about the TRO related to DOGE employees and DOGE activities at the SSA, following

The key to winning friends—and keeping them

Elliott

In ancient mythology, there was once a man named Narcissus who noticed his reflection in the still waters of a stream. Mesmerized by his own beauty, he fell in love with his reflection and sat there gazing at it night and day. So consumed with himself, he eventually wasted away and died, alone by the stream. While we may not literally stare at our reflections, many of

us struggle with putting ourselves first in relationships. If you want to win friends and keep them, you have to set aside narcissism and choose to value others above yourself.

Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.”

Let’s be honest—we all have a little selfishness in us. And as we know, selfishness can destroy relationships faster than anything. But the first step to building lasting friendships is realizing that relationships are not about you. That’s why Scripture calls us to put others first.

Do you want to know how to win friends and keep them? Make it obvious to the people in your life that they matter to you. Value them! Tell them you love them because they need to hear it from your mouth. Treat them with kindness because there’s no such thing as a mean friend. Go out of your way to care for them because they need to know they’re valuable. Speak well of them in public and in private because that’s what true friends do.

Think about it—don’t you want others to do the same for you? Then be the friend you’ve always wanted to have.

Jesus set the best example for us when He knelt to wash His disciples’ feet, showing that true friendship is built on valuing others above ourselves. When you start living a life that genuinely values others, you will never lack lifelong friendships. You will begin to experience relationships as God intended—rooted in love, selflessness, and a genuine care

for others. Think it over:

• Are you too focused on yourself? What steps can you take to start valuing others more?

• Which friends could you reach out to and serve today?

Zachary Elliott is the lead pastor of Fusion Christian Church in Temecula. For more information, visit http://www. fusionchristianchurch.com, http:// www.encouragementtoday.tv or find them on Instagram.

which Dudek said he wouldn’t shut down the agency.

“President Trump supports keeping Social Security offices open and getting the right check to the right person at the right time. SSA employees and their work will continue under the TRO,” he said.

Last month, DOGE found millions of individuals aged 120 and above listed on SSA records, with many people recorded as being over 220 years old.

Dudek later said the agency was making “significant progress in identifying and correcting beneficiary records of people 100 years old or older.”

invite you into my life, Jesus. I accept you as my Lord, God and Saviour. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit.

Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your Precious Blood, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I shall follow you every day of my life. Amen. Mary, My Mother, Queen of Peace, St. Peregrine, the cancer saint, all the Angels and Saints, please help me. Amen.

Say this prayer faithfully, no matter how you feel. When you come to the point where you sincerely mean each word with all your heart, Jesus will change your whole life in a very special way. You will see Prayer © 1993 Peter M. Rookey and Servite Fathers, O.S.M.

Zachary

Special to Valley News

The Social Security Administration office building in Waycross, Ga., on Aug. 28, 2024.

Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Let the president protect US citizens: Stop the judicial activism and power grab

Julie Reeder Publisher

When President Trump took bold steps to remove dangerous criminal gangs from our country— gangs that operate illegally within our borders, have raped and killed women, and pose a real threat to our national security—I applauded the actions. And I still do. He was doing what the Constitution

empowers him to do: protect the American people. But now, we’re watching a disturbing trend unfold—one that threatens not just immigration enforcement, but the very balance of power in our system of government.

In just a few short months, activist district court judges have issued dozens of nationwide injunctions, blocking President Trump’s efforts to carry out immigration and national security policy. To put that in perspective: over the entire last century, only 27 such injunctions were issued. Now, we’re seeing more than that in just weeks. That’s not justice—it’s judicial overreach, according to former Attorney General Bill Barr. Barr recently said it plainly: district court judges are trying to usurp the president’s constitutional authority. They are inserting themselves into matters of national

security, where the Constitution gives the president—not the judiciary—the final say. When foreign nationals pose a threat, it is the president who must decide how to act, not a single unelected judge in a courtroom somewhere across the country.

Worse, these judges aren’t just ruling on the cases in front of them. They’re issuing sweeping rulings that freeze national policy in its tracks—before a higher court has even weighed in. As Justice Elena Kagan said back in 2022, “It just can’t be right that one district judge can stop a nationwide policy in its tracks and leave it stopped for the years that it takes to go through normal process.” Exactly.

This abuse of “nationwide injunctions” doesn’t just undermine the president. It creates chaos in our legal system. A single judge in one courtroom

shouldn’t have more power than the president of the United States. Not when it comes to issues like deporting members of violent cartels or responding to national threats.

And many of these foreign nationals are not innocent victims of bureaucracy. They are members of transnational gangs and drug networks. Some are backed by hostile governments like Venezuela, whose regime has deliberately flooded our country with narcotics to destabilize our society. When President Trump treated that as a national security threat and took swift action, he wasn’t just right—he was fulfilling his duty.

Critics argue these individuals are being denied due process. But as Barr pointed out, due process for American citizens in a criminal trial does not apply the same way

ADUs, egg shortage make ag education cost-efficient for schools

Joe Naiman Special to Valley News

When I was the president of the Crawford High School Foundation the San Diego Unified School District had inter-foundation meetings at the district’s administration office. A school board member spoke at one of the meetings and addressed the district’s budget shortage and potential cuts. In a classic example of doublespeak I commented that this was not the time to save pet programs and that the district needed to evaluate the cost of the program against the lost average daily attendance revenue if students transferred to other schools or dropped out.

The cost-efficiency of any school district program must thus be based on whether the increased or decreased revenue from attendance justifies the cost of adding, retaining, or dropping the program. It may now be cost-effective for the San Diego Unified School District to add an agricultural science program along with a Future Farmers of America chapter, and if that school district doesn’t it may be cost-effective

for nearby school districts to add ag education and FFA programs.

Due to state mandates for affordable housing along with regional agency desires to focus housing in more urban areas, accessory dwelling units are now being built in residential neighborhoods and being used for rental property rather than for relatives or guests. An ADU can be a nuisance to neighbors, who have no recourse in terms of land use policy. Residents with children have recourse to respond with their own nuisance weapon.

The state restriction on local governments prohibiting ADUs wasn’t the first state pre-emption of local zoning. A 4-H or Future Farmers of America member raising an animal as part of a 4-H or FFA project may do so regardless of animal regulations in local zoning statutes.

The neighbors’ issue is with the landlords and not necessarily the tenants who take up parking spaces but didn’t build the structures and usually behave, but the neighboring property would have no resource against 4-H or FFA animals in an adjacent yard. Many ADUs in San Diego are near universities,

and college students who party or study late usually awake late in the absence of a neighbor’s rooster. The County of San Diego ordinance limiting the number of roosters on a property was enacted in an effort to prevent cockfighting, and the quantity limit exempts approved 4-H or FFA projects and public or private schools along with commercial poultry ranches and animal shelters.

A 4-H or FFA member may raise chickens or other poultry and may also raise cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, or a combination of those. Pigs and sheep can also be loud. The 4-H or FFA member also has the option of market or dairy cattle or goats.

Junior farmers with one or more chickens also have the option of market or other poultry. Some birds including chickens are for show rather than for meat. A hen will lay eggs, which may be fertilized by a rooster or which may be unfertilized. Raising hens will lead to having eggs available.

A 4-H or FFA market project includes a preparation of a business plan which assesses likely auction or barn sale revenue and the cost to raise the animal for market purchase. In the case of chickens

name and address of the court: Superior Court of California, County of Riverside 27401 Menifee Center Drive, Menifee, CA 92584 The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney is: River Lixia Xu, 626-215-9112 40648 Chantemar Way, Temecula, CA 92591 Date: 12/17/2024 Clerk, by: R. Baker, Deputy STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING ORDERS Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from:

1. removing the minor children of the parties from the state or applying for a new or replacement passport for those minor children without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court;

2. cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor children;

3. transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life; and 4. creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated,

any revenue from eggs sold might be included in that business plan. If the eggs are consumed by the family rather than sold those eggs won’t be considered revenue, but the family will be able to obtain eggs from their own chickens rather than purchasing eggs at a store. The increase in the cost of eggs makes raising chickens more attractive, and perhaps the family next to ADU renters will give them a few eggs from time to time to let them know that their issue is with the landlord rather than the renters.

The other advantage of raising chickens is the ability of younger children to do so as a 4-H member.

Future Farmers of America chapters are affiliated with high schools, so FFA members must be high school students. A child can join 4-H when he or she is five, although he or she must be nine to raise large animals. Chickens allow for 4-H projects – including the egg benefits and the subtle warning to nearby ADU landlords - by young children.

A junior farmer can remain in 4-H after entering high school but may switch to FFA. An ag education class counts toward high school science requirements and is

to foreign nationals who have no legal right to be here. Immigration enforcement is not a criminal prosecution—it’s a sovereign act of a nation defending its borders.

If we continue down this path—where district court judges override presidential decisions and bring national policy to a halt— we’re not just weakening one administration. We’re weakening the very idea of the presidency and empowering a chaotic patchwork of judicial opinions to run the country.

Enough is enough. It’s time for the Supreme Court to step in and restore constitutional order. The president must be allowed to act decisively to protect the American people. That’s not partisan—it’s foundational.

Let the president do his job. Let’s put an end to the judicial hijacking of our national security.

thus a more practical alternative to many high school biology courses, so there is a curriculum benefit to being in a school with an ag program and FFA chapter as well as any countering of neighboring EDUs or avoided egg purchase costs.

The ability to raise chickens instead of buying eggs and the warning to landlords make schools with ag education and FFA chapters attractive to families living in the attendance area of a school without ag programs. If children from those families go to a high school with an ag department that school rather than the child’s closest high school would obtain the attendance money. If the San Diego Unified School District adds an ag program and FFA chapter at one of the district’s high schools, students might stay in the district rather than attend a school in another district with ag programs. If other school districts keep their ag programs they not only will retain their own junior farmers but may also attract students – and attendance money – from other districts. Agricultural education is now cost-efficient for schools.

Date of Birth

1. SIENNA MORGAN PHILLIPS 06/24/2016 You are hereby notified of the provisions of Family Code sections 7860-7864, which provide the following:

1. At the beginning of the proceeding, the court will consider whether to appoint counsel. If the court finds that the interests of the child(ren) require representation by counsel, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the child(ren), whether or not the child(ren) is/are able to afford counsel. The child(ren) shall not be present in court unless the child(ren) request(s) it, or the court so orders it.

2. If a parent appears without counsel and is unable to afford counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent, unless the parent knowingly and intelligently waives the right to be represented by counsel. The court will not appoint the same counsel to represent both the child(ren) and their parent.

3. The court may appoint either the public defender or private counsel. If private counsel is appointed, he or she will receive a reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which will be determined by the court. The amount must be paid by the real parties in interest, but not by the child(ren), in such proportions as the court believes to be just. However, if the court finds that any of the real parties in interest cannot afford counsel, the amount will be paid by the county.

4. The court may continue the proceeding for not more than 30 days as necessary to appoint counsel and to enable counsel to become acquainted with the case.

Date: 3/7/25 David H. Yamasaki, Clerk of the court V. Castaneda, Deputy Legal#: 4351 Published: March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 2025

Entrepreneurial Resource Center provides free vendor

TEMECULA – Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? Now is your chance. The Entrepreneurial Resource Center (ERC) Marketplace Made Program is helping new entrepreneurs take their first steps toward success. The Marketplace Made Program has already supported over 40 small business owners, and two major events—Small Business Saturday in Temecula and Foodie Friday in Menifee— have demonstrated the power of hands-on entrepreneurship. Now, the next big event is coming up, and they are looking for budding entrepreneurs to be a part of it.

The next ERC Marketplace event will take place on June 28 in Temecula, and the ERC is looking for new entrepreneurs to join this thriving program.

Aspiring entrepreneurs will gain complimentary entrepreneurial training, a complimentary booth at the Small Business Market in

Local product LaBay Seasoning, created by Nicole Araiza, participated in the last Marketplace Made Program event hosted by the Entrepreneurial Resource Center in Temecula. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Old Town Temecula on June 28, real world selling experience, brand building opportunities, and valuable networking.

“This event was about more than just selling products—it was about building confidence and connections,” said Paul Nolta,

booths

director, Inland Empire Small Business Development Center.

“We wanted to give small business owners the tools to succeed while strengthening our community.”

The program has already helped small businesses like LaBay Seasoning, a homemade spice brand, successfully introduce their products to the community.

“I am really thankful to have been chosen for this event and to get the chance to share my homemade seasoning with the community. I’m doing very well with sales today, and I’m so glad I was given this opportunity!” said Nicole Araiza, creator of LaBay Seasoning.

If you’re ready to turn your business idea into reality, don’t miss this opportunity and sign up for the free entrepreneurial training program online at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/ready-set-retailtickets-1270865114769 to secure a spot for the June 28 Marketplace

event in Temecula.

About the ERC at IECE at CSUSB

The Entrepreneurship Resource Center (ERC) at the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is committed to empowering small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Through training, mentorship, and marketplace opportunities, the ERC equips individuals with the tools to succeed. With a strong focus on economic development, ERC and IECE are building a thriving entrepreneurial community across the Inland Empire. For more information, visit ThinkLikeAnOwner.org. Submitted by Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center.

Riverside County launches 8th Annual Innovation Month, showcasing startups to global investors

RIVERSIDE COUNTY –

The Riverside County Office of Economic Development announces the return of Innovation Month this April, now in its 8th year.

“We have many events planned across Riverside County to celebrate Riverside County Innovation Month,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “This is a time when we spotlight the incredible creativity and forward-looking solutions from start-up entrepreneurs, small businesses, and our county’s unique economic industries that are working every day to provide opportunities in Riverside County communities and advance a bright future.”

This year’s celebration brings exciting new opportunities for local startups. Riverside County and its many partners countywide are joining forces with Human Bulb and Startup World Cup, creating an incredible opportunity for local startups to gain global exposure and investment. Riverside County startups will have the chance to compete for a $1,000,000 equity investment at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in October 2025. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate in one of Riverside County’s regional fast-pitch competitions to present their business products or services to investors, business leaders, elected officials, and the public. The winner of the Riverside County Pitch Finale will represent the

County at the global Startup World Cup Grand Finale, competing alongside top startups worldwide.

“It brings me great joy to recognize Riverside County Innovation Month for the 8th year, where we celebrate the bold ideas and technological advancements that are transforming Riverside County. Innovation drives progress, and I’m excited to see how our residents and local entrepreneurs are shaping a brighter, more resilient future for our county. Let’s continue to embrace new ideas and work together to make Riverside County a leader in innovation!” said Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel.

Key dates for pitches, conferences, and finale: April 9, 2025: Coachella Valley Regional Fast Pitch April 10, 2025: Southwest Region Quick Pitch

• Ap ril 15, 2025: Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Entrepreneur Fast Pitch Competition

• April 16, 2025: NavalX Inland Empire Innovation Summit 2025

• April 17, 2025: 2025 State of the Fourth District Coachella Valley Economic Update

• April 17, 2025: Riverside Regional Fast Pitch April 30, 2025: Riverside County Innovation Month Fast Pitch Finale

In addition to fast pitch competitions, Innovation Month will feature a variety of workshops,

panel discussions, and networking events designed to connect local businesses with investors and industry experts. Throughout the month, spotlight videos will highlight Riverside County’s incubators, innovation centers, and pioneering companies.

As Riverside County continues to foster a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs, 2025 Riverside County Innovation Month reinforces the region’s position as a global leader in innovation and investment. This year’s event serves as a powerful catalyst for groundbreaking ideas and business opportunities.

To apply for a chance to compete in one of the regional competitions and at the Startup World Cup, visit www.RivCoInnovation.org or contact BizInfo@RivCoED.org

a classified ad at www.villagenews.com/advertise/placead

A recent news release from Rent Cafe shows after study the Inland Empire is now California’s fastest-rising competitive rental market, meaning it has become significantly more challenging for renters to find an apartment at the start of 2025 over the span of just one year.

Rent Cafe’s Rental Competitiveness Index (RCI) score surged 9.3 points from early 2024, to 75.5 — the biggest jump among the state, driven mainly by higher lease renewal rates and a slowdown in new apartment construction. Here’s what’s fueling the

competition, according to Rent Cafe: More renters staying put: 54.9% of tenants renewed their leases, up from 50.8% in early 2024.

Limited new supply: Only 0.63% more apartments were added, a slight increase from 0.41% last year.

Stronger demand: 12 prospective renters now compete for each apartment, up from nine last year.

Faster apartment turnover: Available units now fill in 47 days, one day quicker than early 2024.

Additionally, Rent Cafe’s latest report introduces new insights in

renting patterns, that could further explain these market shifts:

The average Inland Empire resident remains in the same apartment for 33 months (nearly three years), exceeding the national average of 28 months.

Both new lease agreements and renewals average 12 months, consistent with national norms.

RentCafe.com is a nationwide apartment search website and a part of Yardi. Their original city-based research, insights, and in-depth analysis of the real estate market in many major publications.