Menifee Council reviews paving or maintaining its dirt roads in the future
Tony
Ault Staff Writer
The Menifee City Council discussed the possibility of paving some of the city’s many dirt roads during its regular March 5 meeting.
Rancho Water’s Fix a Leak Week: Free kits, workshops, and fun for children
Kimy Wall Rancho Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated March 17-23, 2025, as the annual Fix a Leak Week, a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting water conservation by addressing household leaks. According to the EPA, household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide.
Great Oak High hosts Special Games, fostering fun and inclusion
that allows athletes to
Girls’ field hockey faces an uncertain future at Temecula’s high schools
Oak High School’s field hockey team has
hopes that their program will not be phased out.
TVUSD former official alleges misconduct by the Assistant Superintendent responsible for district finance oversight
Julie Reeder Publisher
A former school district official has accused Nicole Lash, the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services at the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD), of misconduct alleging unethical behavior, intimidation, and improper and fraudulent financial practices, according to a statement provided to the district and obtained by Valley News. A uniform complaint was filed against Lash on February 28.
Editor
JP Raineri Sports
TEMECULA – The Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) is facing fierce op-
position in response to a recent decision made by school administration to phase out girls’ field hockey programs at its three local high schools. The announcement, made earlier this year, cited fac-
News/Courtesy photo tors such as high travel costs, field space limitations, and a shifting athletic landscape as motivations for eliminating the program.
Big rig fire blocks SB I-15 near SR 76
Julie Reeder & Brian Briggs Valley News
A semi-truck caught fire and blocked multiple lanes of traffic on southbound Interstate 15 near Highway 76 on Wednesday evening, March 5, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash was reported at 7:58 p.m. just south of the Highway 76 exit, near Dulin Road. Initial reports indicated that the big rig, which suffered major damage, was involved in a collision with at least two other vehicles before catching fire. Flames spread as the truck came to a stop, obstructing
HOCKEY, page A-11 see TRUCK, page A-5
The complainant who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, was placed on administrative leave. The complainant claims that their placement on administrative leave was a retaliatory measure designed to obstruct access to district communications that could corroborate allegations against Lash, the senior administrator.
“I believe the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services had me placed on administrative leave in order to protect information that would be incriminating to her, under the guise of protecting the district’s interests,” the statement reads.
The complainant also accuses the administrator of inappropriate workplace behavior, including a comment condoning intra-departmental relationships, saying, “It’s okay to f*** anyone in the department as long as you don’t do their eval.” Lash later allegedly used a discussion about a flirtatious vendor as justification for the complainant’s administrative leave.
Allegations of discrimination and retaliation
The statement also details
Participants in the annual Temecula Special Games at Great Oak High School parade around the track during the event’s opening ceremony, March 8.
Special Games is a free event
Valley News/Shane Gibson photo
big rig is stretched across lanes of the SB I-15 near SR 76. Valley News/Brian Briggs photo
see GAMES, page A-4
Patricia “Patty” Landin, age 53, of Johnson, Kansas, died Feb. 19, 2025, at Ascencion Via Christi – St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on June 3, 1971, in Riverside, California, the daughter of Alberto Urias and Bertha Leticia Luke.
Patty was raised in Hemet, California, and graduated from Hemet High School in 1989.
She married Leonardo Landin on June 7, 1997, in Hemet; they moved to Syracuse, Kansas, later settling in Johnson. She was a member of Syracuse Wesleyan Church for 13 years and then transferred her membership to Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church in Johnson six years ago.
She was a great service to our community. She was well known
for lending a helping hand when needed without being asked and is well loved by so many because of her selfless heart. Patty worked for Syracuse Unified School District for four years and then for 25 years she worked at East Side Dairy II as their office manager.
Patty is survived by her husband, Leonardo, of their home in Johnson; son Nathaniel Landin of Johnson; father Alberto Urias of Hemet, California; mother Bertha L. Luke of Johnson; brother Albert Urias of Rapid City, South Dakota; sister Claudia Urias of Temple City, California; sister-in-law Michelle Urias; brother-in-law, Oscar Chavez; and nephews, Thiego Urias, and Ethan, Daniel and Luke Chavez; and many friends.
Patty is preceded in death by her grandmother, Demetria Luque.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Stanton County High School Auditorium with eulogy given by Dan Senestraro. Memorial service will be Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church in Johnson with Pastor Erik Miravete and Pastor Henry Nuñez officiating.
A celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. at the 4H building. Arrangements are in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 605 W. North Ave., PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
25 cited and 1 arrested during bicycle, and pedestrian safety operation
MENIFEE – The Menifee Police Department issued 25 citations for a variety of violations made by drivers during a bicycle and pedestrian safety operation on Wednesday, March 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. The operation focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put people biking or walking at risk including speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop at stop signs.
This operation took place at several streets and intersections in the city where 25 drivers and/or pedestrians were contacted during the operation and cited. The locations observed by officers were frequently traveled by pedestrians and bicyclists. Additionally, one driver was stopped and was found to have two felony fraud warrants
for his arrest. He was taken to jail and his vehicle was impounded.
“Safety is a shared responsibility, with drivers holding the greatest responsibility to keep others safe on the road,” Chief Chris Karrer said. “We hope this operation serves as a reminder to everyone to practice due care and to look out for one another.”
Menifee Police Department will be holding another bicycle and pedestrian safety operation soon, but a date has not been determined yet. A news release will be sent out when that date is selected, and officers staffed for it.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Submitted by Menifee Police Department.
Menifee City Council reviews paving or maintaining its dirt roads in the future
Tony Ault Staff Writer
The Menifee City Council discussed the possibility of paving some of the city’s many dirt roads during its regular March 5 meeting.
The full council took up the question of how and why some of the 76 known dirt roads in Menifee’s outer edges where residents are living and commercial businesses are located should be paved at the city’s expense. The question arose when a number of those residents living off some well-traveled dirt roads appeared before the city council asking for the city’s intervention in maintaining or paving them.
Nick Fidler, Menifee’s director of public works and engineering, made the informative presentation seeking the council’s direction on what should be done. Listening were Menifee Mayor Ricky Estrada, Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin, and council members Ben Diederich and Dan Temple.
Fidler pointed out that about 8 miles of those roads are maintained by the residents and others were once maintained by Riverside County before Menifee became a city in 1988. That is no longer the case, according to the residents who live off those dirt roads.
Fidler said if the city were to take on paving those roads it would be very costly and time-consuming because not only of the structure cost but the environmental factors, engineering, regulations, and water runoff services among other things. These same problems face those residents who live off of the dirt roads if they choose to pave it
incidents in which Lash made inappropriate remarks about protected classes, according to Title 9. In one instance, she reportedly asked a colleague, “Do you feel good that you’re smarter than an Asian?” Lash is also accused of abusing district personnel resources Galaxy and Etrieve to cross-reference emergency contact information to “confirm her suspicions that he [the new director] was gay,” said the complainant. “She had already verbalized that she was going to ‘throw him under the bus’.”
Additionally, Lash is accused of fostering a workplace culture of intimidation, labeling staff members who disagreed with her as “dead to her” and retaliating against
themselves.
Fidler said his staff sees paving a “perfect mile” of a 36-foot wide collector dirt road would cost $2,493,000 while a narrower road at 28 feet across would cost $1,932,000. He added that if the city were to pave 76 miles of dedicated dirt roads in the city it would cost over $156 million over 10 years. He said these don’t include the costs for right-of-ways, street lights and other things.
The council was a bit surprised by the potential costs but made it a matter of discussion with one resident who lives off of unpaved Daily Road appearing before the council seeking either paving or maintenance help on that part of the dirt road.
The council pointed out that when the county turned those roads over to the city it was not a requirement they continue to maintain them.
He did say there were some options to having the roads paved, but for improvements only, not continuing maintenance. He said the city was still checking on the county providing some of these services and also the fire department’s safety recommendations to maintain some of the dirt roads with chip seals.
Mayor Pro Tem Karwin learned from Fidler that the unpaved portion of Daily Road asked about by the resident living off that dirt road is a private road. He suggested the residents of that community could come to the city to see if the city, if feasible, could pave or maintain the road. He said the residents should decide whether or not the dirt road should be paved and determine the ways it might
those who suggested increased transparency in district budgeting.
The complainant said that several senior employees have reportedly left the district under her leadership, including four fiscal directors and numerous accountants.
Financial misconduct and manipulation of reports
The allegations extend beyond workplace misconduct to accusations of financial improprieties.
Lash purportedly directed auditors whom she had prior professional relationships with, to obscure a financial restatement related to revenue from a 5G cell tower lease. The change allegedly downplayed the availability of unrestricted funds that could be allocated for salary increases and other expenses.
be paid for.
Councilman Temple agreed with Karwin saying the residents should decide, not the city.
Councilman Diederich said he too heard from many in the community seeking the city to help maintain or pave those dirt roads.
Estrada suggested the city create an LID or Low Impact Development policy for residents to look for in suggestions for paving or maintenance of the dirt roads.
Fidler said that could be possible, but not on private dirt roads. Fidler said the staff are working on seeing if any dirt roads in the city are still being maintained by the county or if any are being maintained by the city.
In other business, the council approved $8 million in revenue bonds for Mountain View Community Church. 267801 McCall Blvd., to improve their facilities through the Tax Equity and Financial l Responsibility Act (TEFRA). The approval brings no future costs to the city.
The council also named Mary Carnes the Citizen of the Month. Carnes opens her own house to visitors during Christmas and helps in the Community Pantry and Arts Council.
A new business, the Savage Spin, dealing with physical exercise equipment, was placed in the city’s Business Spotlight. The owners also own the Savage Chef restaurant in the city.
The Menifee Fire Department reported it had 4,124 calls in the last fiscal year quarter (Oct. to Dec. 2024) with three structure fires and 235 traffic accidents.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.
a community member during a January 28 school board meeting, asking, “Why is the district currently paying over $50,000 to an ex-employee while she is living in Texas?” The complainant explained that this is only one installment payment that the community member saw on the warrant report. The complainant said, “The full contract authorizes a much larger amount, approaching $200,000. The district is paying the consultant while also funding two duplicate systems when the consultant was responsible for transitioning from one system to the other.”
Further claims suggest Lash improperly influenced the district’s audit process by selecting an auditor she could “trust,” with concerns that she may have manipulated financial reports in the district’s favor.
In addition, the claimant asserts that “the consultant/friend was given unauthorized access to systems and responsibilities exceeding board-approved duties, and due to the District not taking action on the complaint for nearly two weeks, there is now evidence that Lash has since attempted to cover up this inappropriate access after learning about the complaint.”
Call for independent investigation
In another incident, Lash allegedly asked the complainant to alter a warrant report to cover up a travel reimbursement error before it was submitted to the school board. While the refund had been processed, the complainant later questioned whether other financial records may have been improperly altered at her direction.
The complainant suggests that if Lash spent less time gossiping in her office about her personal vendettas against district staff and allowed the fiscal staff to make decisions without overturning them, the department could invest more time in enhancing controls and building relationships that would prevent repeated instances of improper conduct by decentralized staff. This refers to examples such as an embezzlement at Temecula Valley High School in 2019.
The claimant has contacted the superintendent, emailed the school board detailing these allegations, expressing concerns that an independent investigation may not occur due to fears of retaliation, and filed a uniform complaint with the district.
“I hope the board and district will take these allegations seriously and investigate them thoroughly and independently,” the statement reads. “Necessary changes must be made to ensure that staff no longer suffer from her bullying, intimidation, and inappropriate conduct. The public and board should be able to rely upon financial reports and warrant registers.”
Allegations of nepotism and contract violations
The statement also raises concerns about nepotism within the district. Lash allegedly hired a close friend, whom she had known since high school and vacations with, as an executive assistant.
According to the complainant, Lash hired two other TVUSD administrators from a prior audit firm where she worked, an Assistant Director making over $100,000 and a Director who will be making over $200,000 this year.
Additionally, Lash reportedly facilitated a six-figure consulting contract for a former district employee and friend who was unhappy in her new job in another state after leaving TVUSD.
The consultant’s contract and payments were scrutinized by
Valley News reached out to the district for a response regarding the allegations. Calls for transparency and a formal investigation are expected to be a topic of discussion at the next board meeting.
TVUSD Marketing, Communications, and Innovation Officer Jimmy Evans wrote, “The Temecula Unified School District is aware of the allegations brought by a former employee regarding misconduct by district staff. These are serious allegations and it will require a third party to investigate. We are requesting board approval to hire an independent third-party investigator to look into the matter. We look forward to the results of the investigation and the facts about this issue to become clear. Thank you for your patience as we follow appropriate district and legal protocols.”
Julie Reeder can be reached at jreeder@reedermedia.com.
TVUSD from page A-1
Valley Restart fence project comes full circle
Valley Restart Shelter has erected a new wrought iron fence with two rolling gates for both added security and aesthetics. With funding from Riverside County’s Department of Housing and Urban Development, the fence that fronts Menlo Avenue in Hemet has a height of seven feet.
“This project has taken approximately three years to finally see it become a reality,” VRS Executive Director Javier Lopez said. “We have worked diligently with both the City of Hemet staff on drawings and permits, as well as the staff from the Department of Housing
and Workforce Solution in the County of Riverside to make sure all permits, and grant regulations were met.”
A call for bids went out to vendors in November to complete the fencing project and Todd’s Fencing, a local business in town, was
fence installation project is just another step in the ongoing relationship he and his wife have with the Valley Restart Shelter and its enduring support. Grateful for the project, Brad hopes VRS will continue changing lives, just as it has done for his family.
“Joanna was fleeing an abusive relationship with four kids in tow, and I was homeless due to drug addiction,” Brad said. “VRS is where we met. Not your typical romance, but for us, it was the beginning of a long God-planned journey. VRS was critical in our success. It allowed us to reflect, grow, and plan a better future, a future together with God’s help.”
The Todds always say that VRS did not give them a handout but rather a step up and that step in the right direction was the cornerstone of their success. The couple married and will be celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary this month.
“We have six successful children and are blessed with nine grandchildren,” Brad said. “Todd’s Fencing has not forgotten what VRS has meant to us, and for that reason we started the Kicks for Kids program, where we buy new shoes for all the children at VRS. What a blessing that is. We are hoping this year will be the greatest ever.” Lopez said that as the scourge of
from page A-1
participate in a variety of noncompetitive games, sports activities, and opening ceremonies.
A 2K Walk-A-Thon was new this year. Participants had an ASL interpreter on hand and enjoyed various sports games, an obstacle course, team activities, a face painter, music, live performances, and more.
Families also had the opportunity to gather resources and information from local agencies
grow, Valley
is making sure its residents (which include single women, seniors, veterans, and children) receive the necessary services to get back on their feet in a secure campus environment. The new fencing is just one more way of ensuring that.
“We continue to expand on our partnerships throughout the community and Riverside County to assist families to fully integrate back into society and make sure their children continue their education without interruption,” Lopez said.
For information on campus tours or to learn how you can assist with various projects, please visit www. valleyrestartshelter.org or on their social media outlets or call 951766-7476.
Contributed content.
that offer services for individuals with disabilities including A Joyful Noise, Center for Autism & Related Disorders, disABILITY Sports Foundation, Skyrocket Pediatric Therapy, Homies, and Special Olympics, just to name a few.
For information on all upcoming events, activities, and programs from Temecula’s Community Services Department, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/TCSD and follow @TemeculaParksandRec on social media for updates.
Todd’s Fencing is building a new fence for Valley Restart Shelter, a nonprofit organization in Hemet. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Brad and Joanna Todd, owners of Todd’s Fencing, have a long history with VRS and were pleased to be selected to construct its new fence in Hemet. Valley News/Courtesy photo homelessness continues to
Restart
GAMES
Athlete Hailee Hadley, 13 plays volleyball during the Temecula Special Games.
Valley News/Shane Gibson photos
Athlete, Hyrum Grey, 11, shoots a behind the back shot during the Temecula Special Games.
Temecula Special Games participants play parachute ball with superheroes.
LOCAL
Murrieta Fire Chief presents department’s 2024 annual report to Murrieta
City Council
123,285 emergency calls made in 2024
Tony Ault Staff Writer
Murrieta Fire Chief Bernard Molloy at the Murrieta City Council meeting March 4 provided the Murrieta Fire & Rescue report for 2024 showing the department answered 123,285 calls from residents who used the phone number 911 for an emergency.
The report provided a detailed account of the department’s accomplishments, key statistics, and ongoing efforts to enhance public safety throughout the past year.
The chief later in a news release said, “Murrieta Fire & Rescue is presenting our annual report to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to protecting and serving this community with professionalism and innovation.”
In the report, he noted the department’s 911 calls in 2024 were up a total of 5.65%. The increase he reported was mostly as a result of Murrieta’s growing residential and commercial community. He expected even more calls could be expected in 2025 especially with
more multifamily homes being built.
He said during the past year the department responded to 179 actual fires and 8,180 medical emergency calls out of the city’s 5 fire stations. Four of the fire responses were made out of the city. Due to the quick response of the fire department, he estimated it has saved the city approximately $288 million in property.
He attributed the department’s success throughout the past year because of the residents passing Measure T, a one-cent sales tax going mostly to the fire and police departments.
The 2024 38-page Annual Report, made by the department, is now available to the residents and provides a transparent and detailed look at the department’s actions. In the reports\ he said, “The pages of this report show the incredible work our team does, and I could not be more proud to show our community the work we do for them every day”.
The 2024 Annual Report emphasizes several notable achievements, including the following:
Maintaining efficient response times for fire and emergency medical service (EMS) calls. Advanc ements in community outreach and risk reduction initiatives.
Continued excellence in fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response.
Furthermore, the report provides insights into MFR’s multifaceted operations, encompassing:
• Fire suppression and emergency medical services.
• Specialized technical rescue and hazardous materials response.
• En gaging in community outreach programs.
• Proactive community risk reduction initiatives.
That Fire & Rescue 2024 Annual Report is now accessible online at https://bit.ly/41ssSqH
In other business, the full council of Mayor Cindy Warren, Mayor Pro Tem Jon Levell, and council members Lori Stone, Ron Holliday and Lisa DeForest adopted a resolution during a public hearing, approving the issuance of a $70,000,000 tax-
exempt bond from the California Municipal Finance Authority for the purpose of financing or refinancing the acquisition, construction, im provement and equipping of the 172 affordable planned Viscar Terrace Apartments in the city.
The approval will not cost the City of Murrieta anything if the bondholders are unable to complete the project.
The council also heard a second quarter (October-December 2024) fiscal year report of the city’s financial status and suggested amendments.
Murrieta’s revenues through December 31, 2024 showed a total of $58,970,691 mostly from sales taxes up about 2% for the last half of 2024. The city’s expenditures during that time period were shown a t $87,623,656 or about 44% of the city’s annual budget of $178,793,180.
The city will expect more revenues to come in from all sources in April when another quarterly report will be heard with money coming in from the state and county who collects and distributes taxes.
Historical dramatization of the life of Fred Perris to be presented at the
Little Temecula History Museum
Craig Smedley, a California living history specialist, will dramatize the life of Fred Perris at the Little Temecula History Museum next to Kohls in south Temecula on March 24 at 6 p.m. Smedley, his wife, and family have lived in Murrieta since 1988.
Smedley is presenting the story of Frederick Thomas Perris, the civil engineer who laid out the townsite of Temecula, and for whom the town of Perris, California, is named. Mr. Perris lived a full and varied life. He was born in England and lived several years of his youth in Australia before settling in Utah. While in Utah he ran the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper and started a political party called
the Liberal Party of Utah.
In 1874, Perris arrived in Southern California in an ox-drawn wagon and settled in the county of San Bernardino. As County Surveyor, he surveyed and participated in the development of the transcontinental railroad through the Cajon Pass in California and Weber Canyon in Utah and developed many communities in Southern California. Some of his many engineering projects included the establishment of the reservoir sites for the Big and Little Bear Valleys. He laid out the city of San Bernardino. As an employee of the California Southern Railway, he established most of the lines in the
Los Angeles division.
On September 13, 1883, Perris personally drove the first passenger train into the San Bernardino station and sounded the first locomotive whistle to be heard there. It was from Perris’s efforts that a Carnegie library was built in San Bernardino and he was known as a generous philanthropist. The public is welcome to this informative and entertaining presentation at no cost.
For any questions about this presentation, please contact Rebecca Farnbach at info@temeculahistory.
org
Measure T funding stays entirely with the city.
The finance department also reported the city has a healthy 25% of its average annual budget or $36,598,634 in reserves to handle its unfunded liabilities (like pensions) and emergencies if required. The reserves are above the 20% reserve fund recommended for cities. The city goal is to reach 30% in reserve funds.
The complete and detailed thirdquarter financial report can be heard and seen on the city council website or webcast.
The council also made a certificate of recognition the the National Charity League that brings mothers and daughters together to perform charitable functions in the community.
Resident S andy Word who is active in fundraising for many nonprofit organizations and other community organizations was named the city’s first “Champion for Murrieta” by the council.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com
the No. 1, 2, and 3 lanes, CHP dispatch logs show. Later, according to CHP, it was confirmed that the truck was a solo accident, although it is still unknown what caused the truck to lose control.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene at 8:12 p.m. and requested a heavy-duty tow truck to remove the semi. No serious injuries were reported, and the incident was later reclassified as a non-injury collision, authorities said.
Traffic in the area was significantly impacted as crews worked to clear the wreckage.
TRUCK from page A-1
Fred Perris was a civil engineer that laid out the townsite of Temecula in the late 1800s. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Air quality explored at Soboba
The Soboba Tribal Environmental Department hosted a talking circle at Tribal Hall on Feb. 27 to discuss air quality, among other issues of importance to Tribal members. Environmental Specialist Loren Estrada, the newest member of the STED team, led the presentation that covered types and sources of indoor air pollution, how air pollution affects health and ways to reduce indoor air pollution.
“We are focusing on indoor air quality because there is not much we can do about outdoor ambient air quality,” Estrada said.
Common household air pollutants include combustion products such as tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Biological contaminants that are often found in homes are mold, dust mites, pollen, bacteria and viruses. Familiar chemical contaminants are pesticides, asbestos and lead. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are a group of chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature and are a major cause of indoor air pollution. VOCs are found in many products, including paints, fuels, and cleaning products.
Estrada suggested using good ventilation when cleaning small areas as aromatic hydrocarbons can pose fleeting as well as longterm health risks. Children with developing lungs are a lot more susceptible to it.
“Asthma affects almost 12% of people living in Tribal communities, nearly double the national average of 7%,” she said. “Managing triggers is important for Tribal communities who are disproportionately affected by asthma.”
Estrada broke down how different pollutants can be found in different rooms within a house due to their needed source. Bedrooms with pillows, blankets, carpets, upholstered furniture and stuffed toys can easily harbor biological contaminants, while damp surfaces in bathrooms can be prone to mold. Some of the health effects of indoor pollution are respiratory problems, allergic reactions, eye irritation, headaches, nausea and even some forms of cancer that can develop as a result of environmental factors. Many health conditions can be attributed to pollutants, which is why it is important to be protected from exposure as much as possible.
Ways to reduce indoor air pollution include avoiding smoking indoors, dusting and vacuuming regularly and properly adjusting and maintaining combustion appliances to control the sources.
Ventilation can be improved by opening windows and doors, operating window fans or air conditioning and using exhaust fans. During times of outdoor air pollution, it is recommended to close windows and doors and use air cleaners and filtration systems to maximize effectiveness.
Estrada explained that effectiveness depends on how well it collects pollutants from indoor air (percentage efficiency rate) and how much air it draws through the filtering element (cubic feet per minute). She added that under ideal conditions, air cleaners can provide up to 90% reduction in indoor air pollution.
To help the talking circle participants get a head start on improving their home’s air quality, she led a do-it-yourself air purifier activity. The project involved attaching a square air filter to the back of a portable box fan so that it would instantly filter indoor air when the fan is turned on. Allowing it to be taken to various rooms within the house increases its ability to filter the air in the most offensive rooms, whether it be in the kitchen while cooking or in the living room while the fireplace is going.
“A typical 20-inch box fan can move about 1,500 to 2,000 cubic feet of air per minute depending on the model and speed settings,” Estrada explained. “In one hour, it would move 90,000 cubic feet. Using it in smaller settings of 3001,000 sq. ft. is more realistic and more beneficial.”
Estrada began working at STED
several months ago. A graduate of UC, Davis with a degree in Environmental Science focusing on Natural Resource Management, she previously worked for an air quality regulatory agency in Northern California. She is excited to bring her knowledge to Soboba to expand the air quality monitoring program.
“I am interested in reducing major smoke event impacts to the community through education, monitoring and fuels management,” Estrada said. “Compared to positions I’ve had in the past, being an Environmental Specialist for Soboba has made me realize just how interconnected major environmental threats are, especially in Indian Country where the resources to address them aren’t always readily available. For example, the way our changing climate influences the amount of rain we get in a year, which then influences the health of native vegetation, which affects the stability of our hillsides and streambeds, which comes back to affect local air quality, which I know in the long term, contributes to climate change. It’s a very realworld application of the positive feedback loop I learned about in school, and it requires us as staff to be both creative and persistent in addressing these issues in the interest of preserving the natural resources of the Reservation.”
Fire Department is one of three that is monitored by the Soboba Tribal Environmental Department and offers all residents access to up-tothe-minute information through its website.
Utilizing the publication from the United States Environmental Protection Agency titled, “Why is Coco Red?” Rodriguez was able to engage the children with a story and follow-up coloring activity about how a chameleon named Coco and his friends learn about wildfire smoke and how it can affect air quality and health.
She also introduced participants to an app that tracks fires and wind conditions to help residents see if they can expect to be impacted by smoke from wildfires, no matter their location. For more information, https://app.watchduty.org.
Tribal member Rosemary Morillo said this discussion from STED was important to Soboba residents because with climate change the air isn’t as clean as it used to be.
“A growth in population means more homes and vehicles,” she said. “These days, there are just too many people; that’s the cause of the poor air quality.”
She recalled that in the 1960s when there were only about 200 people living on the Soboba Reservation, their wells produced the best drinking water in the area, and they enjoyed clean air. These days, the weather is drier and there isn’t a rainy season like there used to be in the past.
“Them being so young, I think it was just more fun for them to hear the story, color, and ask questions,” Rodriguez said. “The main point was to introduce them to the Air Quality Index and learn the colors, so hopefully as we expand our education on the topic, they will continue seeing it as they go through school and can help teach others about it. Youth are the future, and they will soon be the ones who will be educating others.”
Environmental Assistant Christine Rodriguez recently visited the Soboba Tribal Preschool to teach the youngest Tribal members about air quality. She said that for the children, her presentation was geared towards showing them that different colored flags represent different levels of air pollution from good (green) to hazardous (maroon). Using this system, the children can see the flag color upon entering the building each morning where it is posted on the front lobby’s wall.
Having the flags prominently displayed will help parents and teachers gain insight and help them decide whether to let the children play outside when it’s nice or keep them inside during bad air quality events. The main goal of this program is to bring awareness to daily levels of air pollution so people can make informed decisions. Data collected from sensors positioned throughout the Reservation provides the AQI levels that are posted on the https://sobobaair.com/data/ aqi website. Weather stations have been installed at three key locations and provide detailed information at any given time of day as well as future forecasting. This is just another way that the Soboba Tribal Environmental Department is keeping Tribal members informed and updated on issues that affect their homeland. Morillo said she would like to see STED host future conversations about off-road recreational vehicles that cause erosion to the Reservation’s hills.
For more information, https:// epa.soboba-nsn.gov.
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News
Soboba Tribal member Rosemary Morillo, left, completes a DIY air purifier project with help from Environmental Specialist Loren Estrada on Feb. 27. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos
The Soboba Tribal Environmental Department hosts an Air Quality Talking Circle at the Soboba Tribal Hall. From left, Environmental Assistant Christine Rodriguez, Environmental Specialists Loren Estrada and Katelyn Thomas, and Environmental Director Christian Aceves.
Environmental Assistant Christine Rodriguez presents a lesson on air quality at the Soboba Tribal Preschool.
This weather station at the Soboba
Soboba Tribal Preschool’s lobby lets everyone know what the air quality is for the day, using a colored flag system.
ENTERTAINMENT
Camarada Quartet to bring a vibrant tango experience to Fallbrook
FALLBROOK – Audiences
don’t have to cross the equator to experience the thrill of tango, as Fallbrook Music Society continues its 47th season concert series with the Camarada Quartet’s “Tango Obsession” on Sunday, March 16, at 2 p.m. in Fallbrook’s Mission Theater.
Camarada has long been celebrated for its expertise in tango, and this program promises to captivate the audience with the vibrant energy and soul of this beloved musical genre. At its roots, tango is rhythmic and passionate – a rich mix of urban culture – and over time, this music made its way from the streets of Buenos Aires to the greatest concert halls around the world.
Bob Freaney, Fallbrook Music Society’s president said, “Tango Obsession explores a wide range of tango music through time – bringing the audience on a journey from
the 1900s all the way to Camarada’s new 2022 and 2023 commissions by the renowned composer and the groups’ double bass player, Andrés Martín.”
“Andrés’ insights and stories provide a rare glimpse into his creative process, making each performance an intimate dialogue between the audience and the art itself,” he added.
Camarada’s performances are more than entertainment – they are emotional journeys that captivate and move audiences to the core.
Founded in 2020, the Camarada Quartet redefines the tango experience with a bold, post-Piazzolla approach – masterfully blending the soul of tango and its virtuosic classical vibe, with a rock ‘n’ roll edge.
In addition to Martín, the quartet includes Beth Ross Buckley, flute; David Buckley, violin, and pianist Dana Burnett, who each bring their
Movie review: ‘Mickey 17’
Bob Garver Contributor
“Mickey 17” is the kind of movie where you just have to trust the filmmaker to take you on a ride. Fortunately, it’s a filmmaker who has proven trustworthy with such rides in the past. Six years ago, writer/director Bong Joon-ho released “Parasite,” another movie that didn’t really telegraph its story Even if people knew about its early stages about an impoverished family taking on jobs as servants of a wealthy family, they probably wouldn’t have been able to guess where the story was going. But enough people trusted Bong enough to see the film, which they overwhelmingly loved. Word of mouth carried the film to a Best Picture Oscar win, even though it was still a tricky movie to summarize because of all the subtleties and tonal shifts.
“Mickey 17” isn’t nearly as complex or obscure as “Parasite,” but it requires a similar leap of faith. That is to say, the mere premise of
Robert Pattinson on a spaceship dying over and over again may not sound all that appealing, but Robert Pattinson on a spaceship dying over and over again, brought to us by the guy that did “Parasite”? I’ll buy a ticket, because I’m sure Bong is going somewhere awesome with this. And yes, the movie does go to some awesome places, though not every place it goes is awesome.
Pattinson plays Mickey, an “expendable” onboard a spaceship headed toward an alien planet. He was only allowed on the spaceship, which got him away from loan sharks on Earth, because he volunteered for the most dangerous job.
The deep-sea pipeline workers in last week’s “Last Breath” were said to have one of the most dangerous jobs on Earth. With all due respect to those characters, Mickey’s job is the most dangerous off of Earth, and the likelihood of death is 100%.
Mickey’s job is to be a test subject for all things deadly. The dangers of outer space, viruses, artificial food, and the atmosphere
deep passion for tango, and many years of performance experience to the stage.
Over the past two years, in addition to its regularly sold-out concert series across Southern California, the Camarada Tango Quartet has embarked on multiple tours across major U.S. cities as well as two consecutive South American tours.
Fallbrook Music Society is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization celebrating its 47th year of presenting excellence in music performances and youth music education to Fallbrook and its surrounding communities. More information is available at https://www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org/.
Fallbrook’s Mission Theater is located at 231 N. Main Ave. Doors open at 1 p.m.; parking is free. Advance tickets are $20 adult: $25 after 12 p.m. day of show. Children 18 and under are free.
of the new planet are all things tried on Mickey. And sometimes he dies. But it’s okay, because the ship’s scientists can use an elaborate printer to make a new body, upload his conscience from a computer, and just like that, Mickey’s ready for another task. When we join Mickey, he’s died 16 times and is mostly just bored with his job, though he does enjoy the company of friend from Earth Timo (Steven Yuen) and girlfriend onboard the ship Nasha (Naomi Ackie). Still, Mickey 17 isn’t thrilled about being left for dead on a freezing planet with creatures known as Creepers descending on him.
To Mickey 17’s surprise, he survives the encounter, and returns to the ship to discover that there’s already a Mickey 18. This is a big no-no with the cloning technology, punishable by death for both beings. The two have to work out a way to co-exist, which means finding a way to share work, rest, food, and… “affections” from Nasha. Plus they want to save the population of both
The Camarada Quartet takes center stage on Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. with its dynamic “Tango Obsession” performance at Fallbrook’s Mission Theater. Tickets and more information are available at www. fallbrookmusicsociety.org. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Tickets can be purchased at www. fallbrookmusicsociety.org. Submitted by the Fallbrook Music Society.
the ship and the new planet from war-mongering commander Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) and his powerhungry wife Ylfa (Toni Collette). Sorry to introduce these characters as near-afterthoughts, but the movie never does quite find a way to fit them neatly into Mickey’s story. There’s really only one great thing about “Mickey 17,” but it’s the most important thing, and that’s Pattinson’s relatable everyman (and multiple-man) performance. Funny, endearing, and of course multi-faceted, Pattinson is literally doing the work of many men to earn this movie a recommendation by the skin of its teeth. The rest of the movie is something of a mess with its weird chronology, superfluous subplots, unnecessary screentime for its villains, and pointless ambiguity in a sequence toward the end. The film is based on a book, and maybe certain detours worked better on paper than they do onscreen. Maybe the script should have gone through a few revisions and Mickey-style regenerations.
Grade: B-
Valley News/Courtesy photo
“Mickey 17” is rated R for violent content, language throughout, sexual content, and drug material. Its running time is 137 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.
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 web pages 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 15 – 4-5:30 p.m. Teens can enjoy being a member of the Fiero Coding Club |every Saturday through April 19 at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road, Temecula. The program is for youth 11 to 16. Participants are able to use the library computers to practice the new program. Must have a library card. No registration is necessary.
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 begin at Diamond Valley Lake Community Park, in Hemet on Angler Drive. Team introductions contests.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
March 14-16 – 10 a.m. I Am a Man photographs of the Civil Rights Movement 1960-1970 offered at the Temecula Valley Museum, 28314 Mercedes Street, Temecula. to view a special exhibit in honor of American Black History Month hosted by the museum and the City of Temecula Community Services Department
March 15-25 – 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free English classes for parents of children 2 to 12 to begin through the Romoland School District and
the Riverside University Health System at Mesa View Elementary School, 27227 Heritage Lake Drive in Romoland. Registration through RUHS or Romoland School District.
March 15 – 7:30-11 a.m. Every Saturday Wildomar’s city Beautification Project. Locations change. Contact Bridgette Moore at 951-440-6796 for information on events.
March 24 – 6 p.m. Craig
Smedley, a California living history specialist, will dramatize the life of Fred Perris at the Little Temecula History Museum next to Kohls in south Temecula. Smedley, his wife, and family have lived in Murrieta since 1988. The City of Perris is named after Fred Perris.
March 28 – 11 a.m. Youth baseball/girls softball sport opens at Diamond Valley Park, 1801 Angler Ave., Hemet. Presented by Valley-Wide Recreation.
Winter 2025 – Adult Class offerings through the Menifee Community Services at www. cityofmenifee.us/register for more information. Includes: Ballet Folklorico, driving lessons, Hula Tahitian dance, piano lessons, pickleball lessons, and Taekwondo.
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.
Crossword Puzzle Theme: The 1980s
Contact Joyce Hohenadl at 951674-2159.
ONGOING – Sun City Civic Association Monthly Square Dance sessions are held on 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 at 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, the 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 farmer’s 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 Tem-
ecula 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 EBike Safety Workshop with other workshops through May 17 ranging from self-defense to a kid’s 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 14 – Menifee Unified School District (MUSD) Educational Foundation announces an opportunity to join the school board. Two individuals will help support innovative programs, classroom resources, and scholarships that benefit students in the Menifee district. For information and application, email musdedfoundation@gmail.com.
March 14 – Velo Training Facility to refine baseball skills is now open in Sun City at 27192 Sun City Blvd Ste A, Menifee.
March 14 – 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 18 – 9-10 a.m Reach Out announces a Latino Health Collaborative Webinar on zoom will be conducted with Dr. Shapiro and TODEC voices on health and advocacy. Registration is required—sign up at bit.ly/LHCWEB and be part of the movement!
March 27 – 5-9 p.m. Temecula Sunset Market is back with a blend of local flavor, live tunes, and one-of-a-kind finds in Town Square Park, 41000 Main Street, Temecula. An open-air market every second and fourth Thursday of the month.
March 25 – 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Menifee Business Workshop held at the Menifee City Hall, 29844 Haun Road, Menifee. Subjects will include Placemaking, Unique Identity, & Tourism Master Planning.
ONGOING – 10 a.m. The Temecula Valley Republican Women’s Club meets each month at the Wilson Creek Winery, 33960 Rancho California Road, Temecula. Memberships are now open. For questions, please contact Membership Chair Janine Plano at info@tvrwomen.org
ONGOING – Temecula Valley Genealogical Society hosts the Family History Research Assistance Program for those interested in learning more about their family roots. The society offers free research assistance through this volunteer program. Appointments are available in person or via Zoom. Contact the TVGS Family Research Coordinator at tvgs.research.assist@gmail.com
ONGOING – Temecula’s Path of Honor at the Temecula Duck Pond, 28250 Ynez Road. A program to give a place to remember and honor veterans from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and the World War II Merchant Marines with a permanent paver. Pavers cost $185. Orders may be placed year-round and are consolidated, engraved and placed on the path annually each November. For more information, visit http:// TemeculaCA.gov/Veterans or contact the Temecula Community Services Department at 951-6946480.
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 dropoff locations and packaging locations, visit www.milvet.org/ military-care-packages.
ONGOING – Assistance League of Temecula Valley hosts a meeting for its member volunteers and guests every first Tuesday of the month (dark in July) at their facility at 28720 Via Montezuma, Temecula at 9:30 a.m. social and 10 a.m. meeting. The meeting room is adjacent to the thrift shop. Anyone interested in exploring volunteering or learning more about the organization is welcome to attend. Email altemecula@yahoo.com for more information.
ONGOING – Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the third Monday of each month at the Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 Sixth Street, in Temecula from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, email gaugustin206@gmail.com or join the meeting.
ONGOING – Sons of Norway/ Scandinavia meets at noon the first Saturday of every month, September to June, at the Heritage Mobile Park Clubhouse, 31130 S. General Kearny Road, in Temecula.
ONGOING – Menifee Community Services offers online driver’s education courses for a fee of $21.95. The course includes animated driving scenarios, instructional videos, sample tests, a licensed instructor available to answer questions, DMV-approved certificate of completion with all lectures and exams completed from home. Designed for students and does not include behind-the-wheel instruction or a California driver’s permit. Contact 951-723-3880 or visit the city of Menifee to register at www.cityof menifee.us.
ONGOING – 10-11:30 a.m. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center and The Elizabeth Hospice host a virtual support meeting for caregivers every second and fourth week of the month via Zoom. Get helpful tips and learn from others who are also dealing with similar challenges. For more information and to register, contact The Elizabeth Hospice Grief Support Services at 833-349-2054.
ONGOING – Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a free 12step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia, has meetings throughout the U.S. and the world. Contact 781932-6300, or for local meetings, call 925-321-0170 or visit www. foodaddicts.org.
ONGOING – The Murrieta Garden Club meets each month at the Murrieta Community Center, 41810 Juniper St. Anyone who likes to garden or is interested in plants is welcome. Membership is $10 per year. Find more information about the monthly event or project on Facebook.
ONGOING – Temecula Valley Rose Society meets each month. For more information and new meeting dates and places, visit www.temeculavalleyrosesociety. org ONGOING – Menifee Toastmasters meets every Thursday at noon for one hour at a designated place to have fun, enhance speaking capabilities, gain self-confidence and improve social skills. For new dates, call 760-807-1323 or visit www.MenifeeToastmasters.org for more information.
ONGOING – Homeless veterans can receive free help by dialing 877-424-3838 for 24/7 access to the VA’s services for homeless, at-risk veterans. Chat is confidential for veterans and friends. Visit www.va.gov/homeless.
ONGOING – The Dorland Scribblers meet the second Sunday of each month from 1-3 p.m. at 36701 Highway 79 South, Temecula. We welcome fiction, non-fiction, poets, memoir and screenwriters. We host writingcraft discussions; attendees may read up to a five-minute excerpt from their work for feedback/ critique. RSVP at www.dorlandartscolony.com/sunday-scribblers.html.
Rancho Water’s Fix a Leak Week: Free kits, workshops, and fun for children
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated March 17-23, 2025, as the annual Fix a Leak Week, a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting
water conservation by addressing household leaks. According to the EPA, household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide.
In support of this initiative, Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water/District) is offering
a series of events and resources to assist the community in identifying and repairing leaks, thereby conserving water and reducing utility bills.
Free detecting outdoor leaks
workshop
On Tuesday, March 18, at 6 p.m., Rancho Water will host a free community workshop to help residents detect outdoor leaks. This event aims to educate participants on how to determine if they have a leak, locate its source, implement preventive measures, and decide whether to fix it themselves or seek professional help. The workshop will be conducted by experts from G3 Gardens Group, and all attendees will receive a complimentary gift.
Complimentary leak kits
To further encourage leak detection and repair, Rancho Water is offering free leak kits to its customers during Fix a Leak Week.
These kits include a garden hose nozzle, faucet aerator, drip gauge, hose repair kit, toilet leak tablets, toilet flapper, and a Practical Plumbing Guidebook to assist homeowners with general plumbing repairs.
Children’s activities
Engaging the younger members of the community, Rancho Water offers children’s activities focused on leak detection and water conservation. Visit the Fix a Leak webpage for downloadable activity sheets and coloring books to engage kids with fun ways to become a leak detective.
Additional leak detection
resources
Rancho Water provides several resources to assist customers in identifying and fixing leaks: 10-minute challenge: Encourages residents to spend 10 minutes checking their homes for easy-tofix leaks, such as dripping faucets
or running toilets.
Leak detection course: An online course led by Gabriel Michael of Blue Watchdog Conservation, Inc., covering topics like recognizing signs of leaks, locating the source, and steps to repair them promptly.
DIY video : A how-to video guiding viewers through the process of isolating, locating, and fixing leaks, helping homeowners address issues efficiently.
By participating in Fix a Leak Week and utilizing the resources provided by Rancho Water, residents can play a crucial role in conserving water, protecting the environment, and reducing their water bills.
For more information on these resources and to register for the free workshop or a complimentary leak kit, visit RanchoWater.com/ FixALeak.
A rainbow of ranunculus flowers can be found in Carlsbad
Roger Boddaert
Special to Valley News
The flower season has just started to bloom at the Carlsbad flower fields and this is going to be a record year with over 80 million stems of this Asiatic little bulb, being grown in the sandy soils on 50 acres of a working flower farm facing the Pacific Ocean off to the west.
Over 100 years ago, the growing of the ranunculus flowers began with Luther Gage, an early settler and horticulturist that settled in Carlsbad in the 1920’s.
Mr. Gage loved Carlsbad and grew the elegant tall gladiolus flowers for the Los Angeles flower wholesale market. Another local farmer Frank Frazee joined forces with Gage and the two men joined the lucrative flower adventure.
The Paul Ecke family of Poinsettia fame owns the property, and they brought in the Mellano flower company as the head grower and today 8 million cut bouquets of these colorful springtime flowers are harvested and shipped across America in spring.
Ranunculus is in the buttercup family and comes in 13 colors for a bounty of enjoyment and is at your garden centers now as potted plants. There are 40 full time harvesters, working six days a week, cutting the best flowers by selected colors and placing them in buckets of water, chilled in huge coolers, then boxed and off to airlines and flown to flower wholesalers across the nation.
The process starts with tiny seeds which are planted from September to December in increments of 5-acre plots, so that this extends the bloom cycle until Mother’s Day.
In June and July, the bulbs are dug, harvested, and shipped around the world as the Tecolote brand to other growers and garden centers. There is a wonderful educational school program, and youngsters are bussed to the fields for an entire horticultural program and thousands of these kids will have a memorable experience of a lifetime at the Carlsbad flower fields.
The flower fields are an experience to behold, with creative ad-
ventures around each corner.
• Many flower demonstration gardens are depicted in floral settings.
• Planted flower beds with colorful plant combinations.
• Butterfly gardens with colorful pollinator plants.
• A Master Gardeners kiosk to answer your questions.
• A butterfly house to be inside with a live experience fluttering around you.
• Cymbidium orchids galore in a riot of rainbow colors.
• A Sweet Pea maze to find your way through.
• Art sculptures abound each corner to enjoy.
• A Santa Claus children’s village to let them explore.
• Bird cages with a bounty of colorful and darting birds.
• A tractor wagon rides you around all the flower fields.
• Photo opportunities here and there to capture.
• Workshops and musical jam sessions on Sundays to enjoy.
• Tea parties, Ikebana, and floral classes are available.
• Kids will get a map to explore and find special garden settings.
• You can pick fresh blueberries only on Mondays at the fields.
• Kids can enjoy panning for gold in the sluice boxes.
• Food carts and shady picnic gardens to dine and rest..
• The flower fields are a giant botanical setting to enjoy.
• Live artists painting flower portraits are out in the gardens.
• Bring your family and cameras to capture moments to cherish.
• Just people watching can be a show on its own to experience. I have worked for seven seasons along with 250 other volunteers, and no two years have been the same, and I will cherish meeting thousands of folks as part of my floral memory portfolio as a greeter at the main entrance and I am thankful.
I hope my story has inspired you and you will come away smiling; see you at the flower fields this season.
Roger Boddaert, The Tree Man of Fallbrook, can be reached at 760-728-4297
Join us as we celebrate 75
Kimy Wall Rancho Water
Rancho Water’s Fix a Leak Week is a campaign to promote water conservation by addressing household leaks.
Valley News/Courtesy photo
A rainbow of colors can be seen with the ranunculus spring flowers in bloom. Valley News/Roger Boddaert photos
A bouquet of ranunculus flowers can cheer you up as the earth comes alive in spring.
A fun display of planted faces makes visitors giggle.
Humming bird sculptures stand above a section of the flower fields. Blushing pink ranunculus are starting to open up at the beginning of March.
Besides fields of flowers, there are display gardens to see. A buds and flowers awaken in springtime.
Lakeside senior throws no-hitter to lead Lancers to thrilling 1-0 victory
JP Raineri Sports Editor
ELSINORE – Lakeside High School senior pitcher David Rodriguez pulled off a remarkable feat under the bright lights last Tuesday, throwing a no-hitter to propel the Lancers to a razor-thin 1-0 win over the Woodcrest Christian Royals. Rodriguez’s crafty pitching ensured Lakeside earned their second win of the season and snapped a difficult stretch after a lopsided defeat in their previous game. It was a pitching clinic from Rodriguez, who dominated the Royals’ batters with an 11-strikeout performance. While he allowed just two walks, Rodriguez kept his composure and prevented Woodcrest Christian from gaining any traction at the plate. The shutout also came with no earned runs—a detail that highlights a crucial stat for Lakeside. The Lancers have posted a 2-1 record this season in games where Rodriguez has given
up two or fewer earned runs, but they’ve gone winless at 0-4 when their star pitcher allows more than two. Rodriguez’s precision pitching wasn’t the only highlight of the night, though. Lakeside’s offense had just enough juice to get the win, with three different players contributing with hits and producing the game’s lone run. Nic Chavez came through offensively, going 1-for-3 and crossing home plate for the game-deciding run.
Cameron Thompson also added to the excitement with his first stolen base of the season.
The win improves Lakeside’s record to 2-5, steering the team in a positive direction as they look to build confidence. Meanwhile, Tuesday night’s loss continued a troubling road slump for Woodcrest Christian, as the Royals have now dropped six straight road games stretching back to last season. Their record now stands at 4-3. The Lancers’ momentum car-
ried them to Saturday’s tournament matchup against the Hemet Bulldogs, but this time, victory narrowly eluded them in a 10-8 defeat. Despite the loss, it was one of Lakeside’s most closely contested games this season and came down to the wire. The Lancers fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome Hemet, marking their third straight loss to the Bulldogs.
Lakeside showed flashes of offensive spark, led by standout performances from Caleb Caparco and Bennett Benitez. Caparco shined on both sides of the ball, pitching a clean inning with no hits or earned runs and delivering at the plate by going 2-for-4, scoring a run, and setting a personal record with two RBIs.
Benitez also came alive offensively, going 2-for-5 with a hard-hit double—his first of the season—and adding a run to Lakeside’s total. Though their efforts weren’t quite enough to secure the victory, both players’ contributions underscored Lakeside’s determi-
nation to remain competitive in a tough loss.
After Saturday’s tournament game, Lakeside’s season record dropped to 2-6, while Hemet improved to 3-2, continuing their winning start to the season. Looking ahead, the Lancers face a significant challenge in Ivy League opponent Paloma Valley, who boasts an impressive sixgame winning streak. The matchup is sure to test Lakeside’s squad when they meet Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. Hemet, meanwhile, will aim to keep their success rolling as they prepare to face Sunbelt League foe Citrus Hill, who are riding a threegame win streak. With Lakeside focused on keeping their season alive and opponents like Paloma Valley presenting major tests, all eyes will be on the Lancers as they continue to grind through a demanding schedule.
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
Rancho Christian’s winning streak ends in a close battle against Windward
JP Raineri Sports Editor
TEMECULA – Rancho Chris-
tian High School’s basketball team experienced a stunning conclusion to their six-game winning streak in a highly competitive match against the Windward Wildcats. The game, played on Thursday night, ended with an 81-74 defeat for Rancho Christian, marking the end of a successful run that saw the Eagles soar to a 26-9 record this season.
Despite the loss, the Eagles delivered an electrifying performance on the court, anchored by the stellar efforts of Julia Wilson. Wilson had an exceptional game, leading all scorers with 33 points and contributing three steals. Her sharp shooting, particularly in clutch moments, kept Rancho Christian within striking distance throughout the game. This performance marks her ninth consecutive game with at least 18 points, further solidifying her impact as one of the Eagles’ most reliable players.
Alyson Boyd also played a critical role for Rancho Christian, notching a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Boyd dominated the boards and provided key defensive stops in crucial moments. Naomi Kemle added eight points to the scoreboard,
further supporting the team’s offense. Though the loss stings, the contributions of these standout players reflect the determination and potential the team has demonstrated all season. The Wildcats, however, proved to be formidable opponents. With their precision on offense and consistent scoring, Windward capitalized on opportunities to edge out Rancho Christian. The Wildcats have been red hot recently, winning 12 of their last 15 games, which has elevated their season record to 20-10. Thursday’s victory further emphasized their
strong postseason form. Rancho Christian came into the matchup with momentum, scoring 58 points in their prior game last Tuesday against Oak Park. Led by Wilson’s 25-point outing in that game, the Eagles displayed offensive rhythm and dominance, which fueled their hopes heading into Thursday’s showdown. Unfortunately, despite upping the offensive output to 74 points against Windward, the Wildcats’ high-intensity play and tactical sharpness proved too great a challenge to overcome. What truly turned the tide in
Windward’s favor was their ability to convert critical possessions late in the game. Down the stretch, they stifled Rancho Christian’s offensive moves and made their free throws count, ultimately sealing the fate of the Eagles’ winning streak.
With this loss, Rancho Christian closes its CIF Southern Section championship season with a 26-9 record. While the outcome in the
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
State playoffs leaves a bitter taste for players and fans alike, there’s no denying that the Eagles have delivered an unforgettable season filled with grit and memorable moments. The contributions from players like Wilson and Boyd set the foundation for what is likely to be another competitive season ahead. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
Lakeside High School’s David Rodriguez had 11 strikeouts during his no-hitter performance against Woodcrest Christian on Tuesday, March 4. Valley News/Instagram courtesy photo
Julia Wilson (33) leads Rancho Christian past Oak Park in the CIF State Tournament with 26 points. Valley News/David Canales photos
Alyson Boyd was solid on both ends of the floor scoring 10 points as Rancho Christian advances.
Hailey Whitman records a double-double 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Eagles.
Murrieta Valley dominates 2024/2025 All Southwestern League Girls Water Polo Team
JP Raineri Sports Editor
The 2024/2025 All Southwestern League Girls Water Polo Team honors have been announced, and Murrieta Valley continues to set the standard. With an undefeated league record (12-0) and a neardecade-long streak as champions, the Nighthawks once again lead the roster with standout representation.
Shiloh Hansen, a junior from Murrieta Valley, earned the title of Most Valuable Player for her outstanding contributions in the pool. Hansen’s performance fueled a Nighthawks squad that has continued to dominate the Southwestern League since 2014.
Murrieta Valley players featured heavily on the First Team AllLeague selections, with sophomores River Elliott and juniors Kaili Boyer and Grace Boyer earning spots. Chaparral added to the mix with seniors Ariah Martinez and Chloe Bustos, while Temecula Valley delivered strong representation with senior Madeline Gawecki, freshman Lexi Forest, and senior Kenna Tibbitts. Representing Vista Murrieta was senior Alyssa Zettlemoyer, and Murrieta Mesa closed the First Team with senior Grace Duquette.
The Second Team also highlighted talents from across the league. Murrieta Valley featured juniors Presley Judge and Tanner Chiuchiolo, and Chaparral added
juniors Avary Guge and Hailie Stotts. Vista Murrieta saw senior Stephanie Rubio and junior Heyden Araos receive honors, while Temecula Valley seniors Taylor Swindel and Georgia Klippel were also recognized. Great Oak juniors Elsie Midstokke and Addy Cowgill, alongside Murrieta Mesa seniors Dahlia Howard and Kaylin Mihelich, rounded out the list of honorees.
Murrieta Valley, who are also the reigning CIF Southern Section Division 2 champions under Head Coach Bryan Lynton, once again hosted the All-League meeting, continuing their reign as the program to beat, with Chaparral and Temecula Valley following in the final standings. The Southwestern
San Diego’s Fairbanks Ranch Country Club offers a variety of world-class amenities
JP Raineri Sports Editor
SAN DIEGO – Nestled in the scenic Rancho Santa Fe, the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club—part of the Bay Clubs San Diego Campus—has carved out a well-earned reputation for offering a best-inclass golfing experience to players of all skill levels. From weekend warriors to seasoned enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone on this 27-hole masterpiece.
The Fairbanks Ranch golf course is thoughtfully divided into three sections—Valley Nine, Lakes Nine, and Ocean Nine— each designed to offer a unique and rewarding challenge. The Valley Nine, surrounded by lush hills, emphasizes precision off the tee, rewarding accuracy-focused golfers. The Lakes Nine, featuring sprawling water features, requires a player’s strategic finesse to avoid hazards and score well. Meanwhile, the Ocean Nine, the shortest of the trio, is perfect for those newer to the game without compromising the need for a thoughtful approach.
However, students, parents, and coaches are rallying to preserve what they see as a vital part of their community and a critical opportunity for young athletes.
Field hockey has been a longstanding option for female athletes at Chaparral High School (CHS), Great Oak High School (GOHS), and Temecula Valley High School (TVHS). The sport has cultivated leadership, friendship, and college opportunities for hundreds of players over the years. Despite its relatively niche appeal in Southern California, participation levels have remained strong, with GOHS even preparing to field both varsity and junior varsity teams in upcoming seasons.
The decision to eliminate their programs, which is said to have primarily been made by Athletic Directors and Principals, came as a surprise and sparked both frustration and action. According to Save Temecula Field Hockey, a grassroots initiative formed to counteract the decision, the move was made without community input or transparency. Coaches and players only learned about the change after the decision had already been finalized.
For Jim Dail, former head field hockey coach at Temecula Valley High School, the lack of collaboration is beyond disappointing. “All of us coaches, from football, band, field hockey, knew that we would all have to make concessions in terms of field space,” he said. “However, there was no indication that there was a move to cancel field hockey. It was a complete shock to everyone, and their later explanations just do not hold water.”
Supporters argue that field hockey is being unfairly targeted among other sports that face similar challenges. The backbone of their advocacy has been community-driven efforts. At a recent school board meeting on February 25, district officials faced criticism for limiting public comments regarding the decision. This resulted in the scheduling of a special board meeting dedicated exclusively to the topic on March 10.
Amy Gustaveson, whose daugh-
Beyond the fairways and greens, Fairbanks Ranch boasts extensive practice facilities. Their driving range and putting greens create a supportive environment for players aiming to sharpen their skills. Whether you’re stepping onto the course for the first time or fine-tuning your game, there are
ter plays for Great Oak, explains the importance. “Our daughter has played many sports and once she started playing field hockey, she knew that was the sport her,” she said. “Field hockey is the thirdmost popular sport in the world, and it brings students together.” She also points out the camaraderie and family feeling among all the players. “These girls make each other better even though they play against each other, but they always come together after the games as friends and families. We cannot lose the opportunity for our teams and future girls to play field hockey.”
Temecula Valley field hockey players and advocates point to the life-changing impact the sport has had on students over the years. Aftyn Robbins, a GOHS graduate now playing for Millersville University, attributes much of her personal and athletic growth to her time with the program. “Without the Great Oak field hockey program, I would not be where or who I am today,” she explains. “By ending this program, the district is robbing girls of opportunities to lead, grow, and follow their passions.”
Other parents, too, have voiced their concerns. Karrie Baraichi, who was an officer on the Temecula Valley Field Hockey Booster Club, and whose daughter was a two-year player, is adamant about the worth of the sport. “It provided her with a sense of belonging, new friendships and a chance to grow in ways that other sports could not provide,” she said. This feels especially unjust when the field hockey program has proven to be self-sustaining, funded largely by the parents. We raised almost $13,000 for uniforms, equipment, and travel, contributing to the overall success of the program.”
District officials defended the decision by school administration with various points, including concerns over travel time and costs, as well as an interest survey that reportedly favored newer sports like girls’ flag football and beach volleyball. However, community members have been quick to debunk these justifications. While it’s true that Temecula teams must travel outside the
professional instruction programs and clinics designed to help every golfer elevate their performance. It’s a private golf club designed to ensure that no one feels left out, regardless of experience.
But golfing at Fairbanks Ranch isn’t just about improving your game; it’s also about commu -
region to compete, field hockey players, parents, and supporters insist this is no different from other teams that frequently face travel challenges. Parents have also pointed out that they fund much of the travel through donations.
Field space has been another sticking point. Administrators argued that the addition of girls’ flag football would necessitate phasing out field hockey due to limited facilities. Yet, other schools in California have managed to successfully balance both sports and more. Melissa Vandenbosch, Athletic Director at Huntington Beach High School, believes this reasoning falls flat.
“Flag football and field hockey attract different types of athletes,” she notes. “Ensuring their coexistence allows more students to engage in competitive athletics and fosters school spirit. Removing one sport to add another isn’t a solution—it’s a disservice.”
Parents and students plan to rally at an upcoming school board meeting to voice support for saving the local field hockey programs at three of Temecula’s high schools. Valley News/File photo
With the March 10 meeting approaching, supporters of girls’ field hockey are ramping up their advocacy efforts. ‘Save Temecula Field Hockey’ encourages families, students, and community members to attend the special session and show their opposition to the decision. They argue that the district should explore alternative solutions, such as developing a local league to reduce travel or collaborating with coaches to better share facilities.
For Temecula Valley High School sophomore Kendall Gann, the issue is deeply personal. “I play three sports, but I’ve never enjoyed one as much as field hockey,” she says. “This sport means so much to me and my teammates, and it’s not fair to take that away for something new. We deserve the chance to keep playing.”
The special board meeting, which will have taken place prior to this article going to print, was held on Monday, March 10, at 6 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Great Oak High School. All community members were encouraged to attend and voice
nity and making a difference.
Highlighted by charitable events throughout the year, the club is a proud host of fundraising tournaments that unite members and the wider community. The Freedom Dogs Foundation Tournament, scheduled for March 2025, pairs the sport with a critical cause—supporting service dogs for wounded military personnel.
Later in the year, in June, Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Reed’s Celebrity Golf Tournament will blend sportsmanship with support for his literacy and youth development program. For those inspired by health and wellness, the Sharp HealthCare Foundation Tournament in October is an annual highlight, supporting advancements in medical care throughout San Diego County. And if stories of courage and community touch your heart, the Par for a Purpose Golf Tournament, also happening in October, raises funds for families of children battling critical illnesses through the Mitchell Thorp Foundation. These are just a few of the 30-plus fundraising events Fairbanks Ranch
will host in 2025—furthering its reputation as a club that does more than golf.
Of course, the appeal of the Bay Club extends far beyond the greens. The San Diego Campus offers a host of resort-style amenities, including aquatics, tennis, dining, and fitness facilities. Families are particularly drawn to the club’s kids’ camps and activities, creating opportunities for all ages to enjoy what the Bay Club has to offer. It’s a lifestyle experience designed for the Southern California mindset—blending leisure, health, and community seamlessly. Fairbanks Ranch is not just a golf club but a destination for connection and opportunity, serving as a hub for passion, precision, and philanthropy. Whether you’re teeing up for the first time, introducing your family to the joys of golf, or aiming to elevate your game to new heights, the Bay Club welcomes you to explore, engage, and enjoy the game in stunning fashion.
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
their concerns directly to district leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Woods and Board President Dr. Anderson.
The decision to eliminate girls’ field hockey cuts far deeper than just one sport. It raises questions about fairness, transparency, and the future of non-mainstream athletics in the district. Hundreds of community members remain united in their belief that the sport
enriches the lives of studentathletes and deserves a place in the athletic programs of Temecula Valley Unified School District.
For more information on how to get involved, visit - Save Temecula Field Hockey - at www. savetemeculafieldhockey.com Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
Murrieta Valley players and coaches celebrate a competitive season in Southwestern League girls’ water polo. Valley News/Courtesy photo League season highlighted the talent and determination of all teams involved. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
Community members will gather to support the “Save Temecula Field Hockey” campaign at a special board meeting dedicated exclusively to the topic on Monday, March 10. Valley News/File photo
A picturesque look at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club golf course. Valley News/Courtesy photo
HOCKEY from page A-1
Valley-Wide Recreation youth baseball and girls softball season opening soon
Golf tournament and dinner/auction planned in support
Tony
Ault Staff Writer
Opening day is approaching for Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District’s 2025 youth baseball and girls softball at Diamond Valley Lake Community Park in Hemet.
Opening day, Saturday, March 29, will include a celebration and the recognition of former ValleyWide General Manager Sam Go-
epp and longtime Valley-Wide board members Larry Minor and Nick Schoutan starting at 11 a.m. at 1801 Angler Ave. in Hemet.
More than 1,200 baseball and softball youngsters who signed up for the different teams will be recognized as they run the bases on the ballfield. Along with that special event, there will be a banner contest. Goepp, Minor and Schoutan will be honored with a
street-naming ceremony. Prior to the opening of the youth baseball and girls softball season, the Hemet-San Jacinto Exchange Club and Friends of the ValleyWide Foundation will be holding a golf tournament named “The Weekend 2025: Back to the 80s” on March 21. Check-in, registration and lunch will go from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the tournament and awards banquet will
go from 12 to 6 p.m. The event at Soboba Springs Golf Course, located at 1020 Soboba Road, San Jacinto, will be raising money to help Valley-Wide provide for area youth activities. Following the golf tournament on March 22, a dinner and auction will be held at the Michael Paul Gymnasium in Valley-Wide Regional Park at 901 W. Esplanade Ave. in San Jacinto. Tickets are
currently available and cost $50 per person. The auction begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes hundreds of items up for the bid with the proceeds helping fund youth activities. A no-host bar will also be available. Tickets can be purchased at friendsofvalleywide.org or by calling 951-665-8261. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.
Racing thrills return to Perris Auto Speedway March 15
JP Raineri Sports Editor
the eagerly anticipated “Night of Destruction.” After a short dark weekend on March 8, the Speedway will roar back to life, capturing the excitement of racing enthusiasts and families alike. Set your calendar for the “Craziest Show on Dirt,” presented by LKQ Pick Your Part, where chaos meets spectacle. The Night of Destruction will deliver high-octane action as figure-eight races, trailer figure-eight races, mini stocks, demo cross, and the famously unconventional double-deckers take center stage. Expect a night filled with unpredictable fun and crashes guaranteed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. This fan-favorite event promises a memorable outing perfect for
all ages. The excitement continues on March 22 with the debut of the Kubota High Limit Sprint Car Series. Organized by NASCAR champion Kyle Larson and fivetime World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet, this historic event will introduce Southern California fans to winged sprint car racing at its finest. The Riverside County half-mile clay oval will host some of the sport’s top talent, including Brad Sweet, Rico Abreu, and “Sunshine” Tyler Courtney, along with others. The competitive spirit and extraordinary skills of these drivers ensure that speed and precision will reign supreme. Advance tickets are available online to secure a spot for this
special event. For those looking ahead, April 5 heralds the return of the USAC/ CRA Sprint Cars, highlighted by the Avanti Windows and Doors Series. Complementing the sprint cars, PASSCAR Super Stocks and Factory Stocks also hit the dirt track, blending speed and strategy in a thrilling night of close-quarters competition. Spectators can anticipate jaw-dropping overtakes, calculated duels, and a display of unmatched driving technique. Fans are reminded to secure tickets early for these upcoming Perris Auto Speedway events. Tickets can be purchased at tix. com or by calling 1-800-595-4849. Camping is also available on a first-come, first-served basis for $25 per night, creating an immersive weekend getaway for racing enthusiasts. Located at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, Perris Auto Speedway continues to be a hub of adrenaline-pumping entertainment. Easily accessible via the 215 freeway, just three miles east of the Ramona Expressway exit, the Speedway is the perfect destination for a family night out or a gathering of friends ready to experience the roaring spirit of motorsports in action. With a packed lineup of dynamic events, Perris Auto Speedway’s 2025 season is guaranteed to be one for the books. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a diehard racing enthusiast, this year’s
schedule offers options to satisfy every motorsports fan.
Upcoming events at Perris Auto Speedway:
March 15 – LKQ Pick Your Part “Night of Destruction” March 22 – Kubota High Limit Racing Sprint Car Series (First PAS Appearance)
April 5 – AVANTI USAC/CRA Sprint Cars, PASSCAR Super & Factory Stocks
April 12 – LKQ “Night of Destruction”
April 26 – AVANTI USAC/CRA Sprint Cars, PASSCAR Street & Factory Stocks
May 24 – “Salute to Indy” Featuring AVANTI USAC/CRA Sprints
June 28 – Fireworks Spectacular & “Night of Destruction”
Sept 13 – World of Outlaws, “The Greatest Show on Dirt”
Nov 8 – Jerry Dodd Championship Night
Start planning your visit now for an unforgettable season of racing. Whether for the thrills of Demo Cross, the precision of sprint cars, or the spectacle of fireworks, Perris Auto Speedway has something for everyone in 2025.Keywords: Perris Auto Speedway, Night of Destruction, Kubota High Limit Sprint Car Series, USAC/CRA Sprint Cars, Riverside County racing. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
MLB and ESPN part ways as sports broadcasting enters new territory
JP Raineri Sports Editor
The 35-year relationship between Major League Baseball (MLB) and ESPN will come to an end after the conclusion of the 2025 season.
This move, while marking the end of an era, signals a major shift in the sports broadcasting landscape as traditional television continues to cede ground to streaming platforms. With MLB’s rise in fan engagement and ESPN’s evolving priorities, both sides are charting paths that align more closely with their changing strategies and goals. ESPN, which has held the rights to MLB content, including Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and a Wild Card series, decided to terminate the partnership over a disagreement on fees. The network cited “fiscal responsibility” as the main driver of its decision to move on from the annual $550 million contract. ESPN’s investment priorities seem to be shifting, with significant resources now allocated toward securing rights for the NFL ($2.7 billion per year) and NBA ($2.6 billion per year).
For MLB, the decision not to renegotiate reduced rights fees reflects confidence in its growth trajectory and a desire to secure a more dedicated and expansive partner. A statement from MLB read, “We have had a long and mutually beneficial partnership with ESPN that dates back to its first MLB game in 1990. Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen ESPN scale back its baseball coverage and investment in a way that is not consistent with the sport’s appeal or performance on its platform. Given that MLB provides strong viewership, valuable demographics, and the exclusive right to cover unique events like the Home Run Derby, ESPN’s demand to reduce rights fees is simply unacceptable.”
This development comes at a key moment for MLB, with the league seeing unprecedented interest due to new rule changes and a faster pace of play. Heading into the 2025 season, MLB has expe-
MLB eyes new opportunities with streaming services like Amazon and Netflix for 2026. Valley News/Time Stood Still Photography
rienced growth across multiple metrics, including attendance, streaming, and international fan engagement. These advancements have bolstered the league’s value in the marketplace and could make the now-available broadcast rights highly attractive to potential buyers, particularly streaming platforms with deep pockets.
Streaming giants Amazon and Netflix have already expressed interest in acquiring MLB rights. Industry analysts believe this could be an opportunity for MLB to evolve further by tapping into audiences migrating to digital-first platforms. Ross Benes, a senior analyst at eMarketer, said, “When the ESPN deal goes null soon, it is very likely that a streaming service will step up to pick up its former package. Most sports rights for pro leagues are locked up. But this package will be available on short notice.”
A move to streaming could mean greater promotional opportunities for MLB. Partnering with platforms like Amazon or Netflix could introduce the sport to a wider, techsavvy audience through innovative content strategies. For instance, streaming platforms have already begun experimenting with alterna-
tive broadcasting methods tailored to younger viewerships, such as interactive features and personalized viewing. This shift also reflects broader changes in sports broadcasting. Advertisers are now faced with the challenge of navigating a fragmented media environment where sports are increasingly spread a cross multiple platforms. “The MLB-ESPN split is yet another example of the ongoing fragmentation in sports media, and brands with sponsorships tied to it will need to adapt,” said Oz Etzioni, CEO of the advertising technology company Clinch. Etzioni emphasized the importance of building flexible marketing infrastructures to manage campaigns seamlessly across various formats, ensuring advertisers can connect with fans wherever the games are played. While streaming services are well-positioned to take over, MLB’s transition must carefully balance the needs of both traditional and digital audiences. According to David Heger, a senior equity analyst at Edward Jones, MLB needs to appeal to cord-cutters while retaining its traditional fa nbase. “MLB may be seeking a balance among linear networks
and streamers as it moves into the future, not wanting to alienate traditional linear subscribers,” Heger explained. This balancing act could mean MLB continues partnerships with familiar networks like Fox and Turner Sports while exploring new digital ventures with Apple, Roku, and others.
Crucially, some streamers are willing to operate at a loss to secure major sports rights if it means boosting subscriptions and viewer engagement. Heger added, “When you look at streamers like Amazon or YouTube, they’re big companies and have such strong balance sheets that they can even afford to take a loss for a while on [sports] as a means of driving traffic.” This gives platforms like Amazon and Netflix greater leverage compared to traditional media companies, whose budgets remain firmly tied to ad sales and subscription revenue. While ESPN may officially end its long-standing partnership with MLB after the 2025 season, it hasn’t completely shut the door. The network announced that it remains open to reintroducing MLB content into its lineup in more targeted ways, especially as it doubles down on streaming. Its flagship streaming service is set to launch later this year, potentially creating new opportunities for baseball coverage that complement ESPN’s efforts to align with younger, digital-native audiences. For MLB, the 2025 season marks the end of an era but the beginning of a world of possibilities. With new partnerships looming on the horizon, the league appears ready to rewrite its broadcasting playbook. “Entering the 2025 season, MLB is enjoying tremendous momentum,” its statement highlighted. “We will be exploring opportunities for a new agreement which would start in the 2026 season following the conclusion of ESPN’s agreement.” The future of sports broadcasting may be shifting rapidly, but MLB’s ability to adapt ensures it will remain at the forefront of the game. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
AnzA VAlley
Perris Auto Speedway is revving up for an electrifying lineup
Night of Destruction Double Decker. Valley News/Doug Allen photo
Anza pets play in the snow after storm sweeps through the Valley
Two of Julie Nevills’ daughters play with their 10-month-old Collie named Laddie at the parsonage behind the
Diane
Sieker Staff Writer
Friday, March 7 dawned white and cold after a winter storm dropped several inches of snow
overnight. Both mountains and valleys gleamed under a brilliant white blanket. Dogs and puppies frolicked in the fresh powder, while sheep, horses and other outdoor
animals, seemingly mystified by the snowfall, also appeared to enjoy themselves as their owners snapped photos. From curiosity to total excitement, many of Anza’s pets were thoroughly entertained
by the winter weather.
The storm system that moved through Southern California from Wednesday, March 5, into Friday morning brought periods of wind, sleet and snow, along with below-
average freezing temperatures. Several feet of fresh snow fell at higher elevations, while Anza and Aguanga reported between 3 and
Anza residents take part in Glamis Old School Roundup
Diane Sieker Staff Writer
Several Anza residents participated in the Old School Roundup in Glamis on Saturday, March 1. The event, first held in 2019, celebrates vintage dune buggies, quads and three-wheelers, along with the enthusiasts who restore, maintain and enjoy them.
The gathering was organized by Scott Ailes, with help from Anza resident Doug Bailey, both men lifelong desert riders.
“I started going as a baby,” Bailey said. “My parents were going before I was born. I’ve seen a lot out there over the years. The Old School Roundup was something Scott and I came up with together. Scott is definitely the Volkswagen purist, and I’ve tried to balance old-school Glamis with his VW history. We started talking about it in 2018 and put it together later that season. Originally, it was called the Beam Car Roundup, but that name left out a lot of history, so we changed it to Old School Roundup.”
Since its inception, the event has grown in popularity. This year’s gathering drew more than 250 vintage vehicles, including VW buggies, Manxes, beam cars and water pumpers. Anza resident Bob Sandvik attended with two VW-powered dune buggies - one a stainless
see SNOW, page B-3 see GLAMIS, page B-4
Anza Baptist Church. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo
Vera Bailey, left, Doug Bailey, daughter Deanna and her boyfriend Alex Velasquez visit Bob Sandvik’s family and his two vintage dune buggies at the Old School Roundup Saturday, March 1. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
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.
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DIANE SIEKER,
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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
Board of Director Petitions are now available
Candidate Packets are available at www.anzaelectric.org or at the AEC office.
Two individuals will be elected to fill two positions on the board of directors at the annual membership meeting this July.
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
Anza Community Hall to host Spring Fling Dance
Diane Sieker Staff Writer
The Anza Community Hall
will host a Spring Fling Dance Saturday, March 22 from 5 to 9
p.m..
DJ Johnny Bones will provide musical entertainment for the event. Beer, wine, water and soft drinks will be sold and hamburger, hot dog and cheeseburger plates will be available for purchase, ranging from $8 to $11 each.
Plates include a choice of salad and chips. Dinner will be served from 5 to 6 p.m..
“If you’re a member of the Hall, entry is free. If you are not a member, entry is $5 per person. Children 12 and under are free,” said the Hall’s event coordinator Pebbles Lewis. “Come celebrate the beginning of Spring with us. I
hope to see you there.”
Tickets are available at the door.
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.
• 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/ 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
The Anza Community Hall will host a Spring Fling Dance Saturday, March 22.
SNOW from page B-1 10 inches.
The hazardous conditions prompted the California Highway Patrol to enforce snow chain requirements to prevent drivers from becoming stranded and blocking the narrow mountain corridors. But while residents navigated the wintry challenges, their pets and livestock reveled in the snow drifts, exploring and playing.
This was the second snowfall of the season in the Anza Valley. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
Ashley Titel’s horse gallops in his snow-covered corral after the snowstorm Friday, March 7.
Stacey, left, and Saki, both Suffolk sheep, wonder why the grass disappeared during the winter storm last week in Anza. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
Chandre Borwick’s two horses seem confused by all the white stuff after the storm came through Friday, March 7. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo
Rebecca Stewart’s little dog Coco surveys the cold white landscape after the snowstorm. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo
Dog and cactus look equally confused by the cold white ground after the snowstorm. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo
[Left] Steven Merritt’s dog Bo explores his winter wonderland after the snowstorm.
Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo
Sheriff’s Blotter
Diane Sieker Staff Writer
The Anza Valley Outlook Sheriff’s Blotter is a list of calls that allows residents to see what law enforcement activity is occurring in their communities.
The Sheriff’s Blotter data is obtained from the official calls for service records kept by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. However, calls where the release of the information could cause harm to an individual or jeopardize the investigation of a criminal case are excluded.
All calls listed are for service within the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction in the unincorporated areas of Anza, Lake Riverside Estates, Cahuilla and Aguanga from March 2 through March 8. March 2
Assault w/deadly weapon - 4300
block Rycon Ln., Anza, arrest made
steel frame uphill racer and the other a family car that has been in his household for nearly 50 years. Attendees arrived in the days leading up to the Saturday car show and meet-up. They set up camp, explored Glamis landmarks, reconnected with friends and lent each other a hand with maintenance and repairs.
Ailes and his wife, Cherie, with the help of dedicated friends, coordinated the show and weekend activities, which included vending merchandise and hosting raffles. Event sponsors supplied raffle items and gift certificates.
“Doug and I held the first event at the Flag Pole, and about 30 cars showed up that year,” Ailes said. “This year, we had more than 250.”
Ailes has strong ties to Anza.
“We’ve held two fundraisers in Anza with Rod Bourgeois,” he said. “My love for old-school cars goes back to the mid-to-late ’70s, when my family started racing VW off-road Baja Bugs. I’ve been hooked ever since. My first trip to Glamis was in 1981.”
Plans are already in the works for next year’s gathering, and Bailey and his family intend to continue their participation.
“Glamis has been a major part of my life,” he said. “My sister passed away from cystic fibrosis, and her casket had Glamis Beach Store bumper stickers on it, with Glamis sand covering her feet. To say the least, Glamis was our playground growing up, and it will continue to be for me and my family.”
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
Suspicious circumstance - 4000 block Lake Riverside Dr., Lake Riverside
March 5
Suspicious circumstance - 5800 block Burnt Valley Rd., Anza Battery - 5700 block Mitchell Rd., Anza Fraud - 4200 block Crazy Horse Canyon Dr., Lake Riverside, report taken
March 6 Alarm call - 5300 block Cahuilla Rd., Anza Follow-up - address withheld, Lake Riverside
Assist other department - 5900 block Burnt Valley Rd., Anza
Follow-up - address withheld, Anza
March 7
Missing child - address withheld, Anza
March 8
Area check - address undefined, Anza
Suspicious circumstance - 4000 block Lake Riverside Dr., Lake Riverside
Fraud - 5600 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, unfounded
Assist other department - 5900 block Norman Hills Rd., Anza Civil dispute - 4400 block Anderson Ln., Anza
No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content provided in the
The Sheriff’s Blotter enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities.
Sheriff’s Blotter. Residents with information regarding any crimes are encouraged to contact the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at 951-791-3400. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, 909-987-5005 or https://wetip.com. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
GLAMIS from page B-1
Everyone pitches in to help figure out why this buggy won’t start at the Old School Roundup Saturday, March 1. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos
A vintage original Jeep wins awards at the Old School Roundup.
Scott Ailes’ dune buggy “38 Special” glows under the lights at Oldsmobile hill at Glamis during the Old School Roundup.
Dune buggy builder Billy Ruff brings one of his top-level machines to the Old School Roundup.
[Left] Twin buggies are full of history at the Old School Roundup
[Right] Vintage sand machines line up for the show at the Old School Roundup .
[Left] Threewheelers and quads are also featured at the Old School Roundup.
[Right] Bob Sandvik’s stainless steel frame racer attracts a lot of attention at the Old School Roundup
Paul Nootbaar: From trauma to transformation
Julie Reeder Publisher
Recently I interviewed Paul Nootbaar, who is a trauma counselor. He used to live locally but now lives in Northern California with his wife and children. His life is a testament to the power of resilience, healing, and transformation.
Having survived a violent and traumatic childhood, Paul now dedicates his life to helping others through his nonprofit, The Morpho Project ( https:// www.themorphoproject.com ). Through individual coaching and trauma work, Paul provides hope and guidance to those who have suffered abuse and adversity.
His journey from a childhood of pain, including the murder of his mother, to a fulfilling life with his wife and two children is an inspiring example of what healing can look like.
You can see the full behind-thescenes interview from our office at https://youtu.be/pJVQTOKJHdg.
He attributes one of those crucial elements of his success to his grandparents who were an example of love, family, and faith, and who never gave up on him.
“I come from a family that was two polar opposites,” Paul shared. “I had a dad who was extremely abusive, and my mother passed away when I was about five months old from a domestic violence incident.”
This tragic loss set the stage for a childhood marked by instability,
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Feb. 25 Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting included the allocation of $22,000 of Community Improvement Designation funding for Valley organizations.
A 5-0 vote approved the allocations from the Third District budget of Supervisor Chuck Washington. The funding will provide $4,000 for the City of Temecula’s annual Special Games, $4,000 to the Menifee Union School District Education Foundation, $3,000 to Rock Your Red, $2,500 for the Rotary Club of Menifee, $2,500 to the Oak Grove Institute Foundation, $2,500 to Friends of ValleyWide Foundation, $2,500 for California Family Life Center, and $1,000 to the San Jacinto-Hemet Valley chapter of Soroptimist International.
Community Improvement Designation grants can be allocated to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, county departments, or other organizations with programs
Paul Nootbaar, themorphoproject.com.
Valley News/Courtesy photo
violence, and systemic neglect. He was taken from his father at five years old. Paul then spent years in group homes, subjected to abuse, neglect, and mistreatment that, in many ways, exceeded the trauma he experienced at home with his father.
“I was treated way worse in the system than I ever was at home,” Paul recalled. “The first day I got put into group homes, I was heavily medicated (at 5 years old). You had a bunch of zombie kids with behavioral problems. It was chaotic.” He endured physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation. He said as a child he was tied down, shot up with something, possibly Thorazine, and he believes all he needed was a hug.
When he was older, one particular memory involved a routine dental visit. “I always
that serve the social needs of the county’s population. Each county supervisor recommends the allocation of CID funding from his or her district budget, although a majority of the Board of Supervisors is needed to approve that recommendation.
The City of Temecula’s annual Special Games event allows athletes of all ages with disabilities to participate in non-competitive games and also includes an awards ceremony, and the CID grant to the city will be used for that event.
The Menifee Union School District Education Foundation has an All-Star Field Day which allows special needs students in the district to participate in noncompetitive athletic games and will use the CID funding for that activity.
The Rock Your Red organization in Temecula will use the funding for an educational program in which participants hear from a panel of cardiologists, stroke specialists, and nurses and learn about cardiac disease and its warning signs.
The Rotary Club of Menifee
had perfect teeth. Then, one day, they took me in and drilled and filled every tooth from my canines back.” They put him out and when he woke up he had 18 fillings. He felt like the dentist was able to make money from the state and it was unnecessary.
Despite his suffering, Paul never lost the love and support of his grandparents. “They never gave up on me,” he said. “Every Friday, I was jumping in a car and going down to Orange County to spend the weekend with my grandparents, see my cousins, do the pool parties. And then Sunday night, it was back to the chaos.”
He said as long as he was good during the week at the home, he could look forward to being with his grandparents on the weekends.
At 12, Paul was returned to his father’s custody. “The first night, he got drunk, beat me, and threatened to send me back to the group home,” he recounted. At 13, Paul fought back against his father’s abuse, which resulted in him being incarcerated. “I was in a 23-hour lockdown facility for eight months. I didn’t go outside once. Even people in San Quentin get an hour of sunshine a day.”
Paul’s story could have easily ended in tragedy. His brother, Shane, died from a fentanyl overdose just a month after being released from prison. “I was almost that statistic,” Paul admitted.
After Paul was given back to his father as a teenager and they fought, Paul’s uncle (who lived
funding will support the Rotary chapter’s annual Rotary Club of Menifee Charity Gala which raises funds for local nonprofit organizations in Menifee and for military veterans.
The at-risk children of the Oak Grove Institute in Murrieta include both boys and girls, and the CID funding will support the “A Day in Her Shoes” event which provides mentorship and career guidance to women in fields such as culinary arts, real estate, business, and nonprofit organizations.
Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation will use the CID award for recreational park improvements in the East Hemet, French Valley, Winchester, and Valle Vista areas of the Valley‐Wide Recreation and Park District. California Family Life Center, which is in Hemet, will utilize the CID money to provide basic needs such as food, clothing, utilities, and case management services to abuse victims.
The San Jacinto-Hemet Valley chapter of Soroptimist International will use the grant for the day-long Dream It, Be It, Girl
on the grandparent’s property)
was able to get custody of Paul, providing an escape for him.
It wasn’t too long after that when Paul met his future wife. He was able to navigate life enough to marry her and start his family with two children.
He also started his own business.
He seemed to have everything, yet at one point he said, “I started planning my escape. I thought my wife was beautiful and smart, and my son was only seven months old – he wouldn’t remember me. I thought about ending it all.”
But something shifted. Paul sought out therapy and alternative healing methods, eventually undergoing MDMA-assisted therapy. “Since that day, I have never had another flashback,” he said. “It allowed me to look at my life from a bird’s eye view, pick up a traumatic event, process it, and move on.”
Today, Paul channels his experiences into helping others. He immersed himself into counseling and educating himself to overcome flashbacks and painful memories. He now helps others through The Morpho Project. He works with individuals who have endured trauma, providing them with tools for healing.
“I work individually with people. I’m not a licensed therapist, but I’ve educated myself on trauma and healing. Trauma affects every part of the body – your brain, your organs, your nervous system. I help people navigate that.”
Conference which provides teenage girls with opportunities to hear motivational speakers and to learn about leadership and various
His impact extends beyond his nonprofit work. He is the Director of Healing Services for the Alpha Wave Project, which supports veterans and first responders. “Trauma is trauma,” Paul said. “It doesn’t matter if you were in combat, a first responder, or a victim of abuse – the way it affects the body is often the same.”
Paul will soon be speaking at a mental health event at Camp Pendleton, where he will join retired Navy personnel and other experts to discuss healing and recovery. “I’d love to do more speaking engagements,” he said. “I want to be a steward for change in the system.”
Despite his past, Paul has built a life of love and purpose. He and his wife, who has been by his side for over two decades, are raising their two young children in a home filled with love, stability, and hope, modeled by his mother’s family. “I used to give credit to MDMA for saving my life,” Paul reflected. “But recently, I looked at my son and realized – he’s the one. He was my why.”
For those struggling with trauma, Paul offers a powerful message: “You can heal. You can have a good life. You can have a family and experience love. You just have to go all in.”
To learn more about The Morpho Project or to reach Paul, visit https://www.themorphoproject. com or email themorphoproject@ gmail.com . Paul also shares insights on Instagram (@ paulnootbaar).
Murrieta Valley students honored in February
Diane A. Rhodes
Special to Valley News
The Murrieta/Wildomar
Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program held its February breakfast celebration at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd., Feb. 20. Emcee Mary Walters welcomed everyone to the event that celebrates and honors outstanding students who make a significant difference in their schools and community.
She shared the organization’s mission statement for the program that partners closely with the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce, the Murrieta Unified School District and the City of Murrieta. The purpose is to acknowledge college and trade school bound seniors for their character, their love of learning and their commitment to academics in addition to their participation in athletics, school activities, community service or their ability to persevere and overcome difficult life circumstances in a setting that honors God, country, family, community and free enterprise.
Large tote bags filled with gifts, certificates of recognition and more were donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.
February’s students of the month are Murrieta Mesa High School’s Artyon Celestine, Murrieta Valley High’s Noah Trejo, Springs Charter School’s Matthew Rodemoyer and Vista Murrieta High School’s Carlos Ramirez.
Artyon Celestine
Murrieta Mesa Principal Scott Richards said Artyon is a member of Unified Leadership and a dedicated athlete on the football field where his excellence earned him the title of Big West South League MVP, Murrieta Mesa’s Defensive Player of the Year and was a driving force in the school’s first-ever CIF championship. He also competes in track and field and is part of the Unified swim team. He was homeschooled from fourth grade until he started high school due to his gymnastics and dance careers, which have produced many accolades. “He took a leap of faith going to public school and he has thrived,” Richards said. At college, Artyon plans to be a psychology major while participating in athletics.
of
Matthew
“I’ve been a child entertainer since I was eight years old, travelling around the world to be shown on your living room TV,” he said. Unified Leadership program advisor Natalee Boggs said Artyon has a large TikTok following so many of the students know him.
“He has a true passion for working with special needs students,” she said. “He shows patience, empathy and a commitment to making others feel valued, seen, heard and included.”
Noah Trejo Principal Stephen Diephouse shared that Noah is the only graduate in Murrieta Valley High School history who will simultaneously earn an associate’s degree and his high school diploma this spring. Noah is currently enrolled at three community colleges – Mt. San Jacinto, Palomar and Santa Ana – while completing his senior year at Murrieta Valley. “This kind of dedication and ambition is rare, and it speaks volumes about his work ethic and commitment to his future,” Diephouse said, calling him a trailblazer. Noah is on
the varsity boys’ tennis team, a member of National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation where he serves as vice president and is enrolled in the school’s CTE Fire Service program. He gives back to his community as a certified college peer tutor at MSJC in the subjects of general chemistry and calculus. His proudest moment is when the students he tutors find success.
“I’m proud that I’ve been able to go beyond what is expected of me as an individual, handling all the things I decided to pursue,” Noah said. “I value the connections I’ve made with everyone in my life.”
Matthew Rodemoyer Springs Charter School’s Journey Homeschool High School Vice Principal Erin Riley introduced Matthew as a dedicated student who has perfect attendance. Matthew said, “The obstacles I have faced in my life so far are ongoing battles and lifelong daily challenges. I have several chronic illnesses, all that affect me daily – mentally and physically – including one that statistically says I’m not going to
live a long life.” He said the most significant life lesson he will take to college will be a quote from the fictional character and boxer Rocky Balboa, “It’s not about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” Matthew said, “This quote helps me because it reminds me that we all have our struggles in life.” After graduation his goal is to become an entrepreneur and create leather bracelets. “I feel this will accommodate my health needs and still allow me to do something I enjoy,” Matthew said. Summer Knapp, his teacher throughout his high school career said, “If any student would have a legitimate excuse not to stay on pace or miss an assignment, it would be Matthew and yet this guy has been rock solid and sturdy in his work habits. He has straight As and he’s ahead. I’ve never heard Matthew ever complain in all four years.”
Carlos Ramirez Vista Murrieta High School Principal Celeste Scallion introduced Carlos as a “leader on campus, mentor to his peers and an advocate for education
and community service.” He is president of the National Honor Society, LINK Crew captain and founder of a nonprofit that teaches coding to youth. He has been accepted into the prestigious Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology program at UC Berkeley, which only accepts 50 out of 5,000 applicants each year. Carlos said that working at his father’s computer repair shop while growing up sparked his passion for technology and problem solving. He gives a lot of credit to LINK Crew Advisor Holly Parsons for recognizing his abilities. Carlos said, “With the help of two separate degrees I will earn in computer science and business administration, I plan to join a startup initiative focused on medical or educational technology where I can contribute to solving global challenges.” Parsons said, “Carlos is a critical thinker at the highest level.” For more information or to participate in the program, please contact LouEllen Ficke at 951415-2250 or Sally Myers at 951775-0520.
for conducting themselves with a high level of professionalism and proper wear of the Air Force uniform. During the assessment visit, the team of reviewers spoke favorably of the variety of co-curricular activities offered before and after school, including Competitive Drill and Color Guard Teams, a Raider Fitness Team, a chapter of the nation-wide JROTC Kitty Hawk Honor Society for highachieving scholars, and STEMbased teams like drone flight and model rocketry. Cadets have also benefited from several field trips held during the year for career exploration and special events like the annual Military Ball
that strengthened patriotism and commitment to a positive campus culture.
AFJROTC instructors Lt Col Michael Howard (Ret), SMSgt Richard DeMarti (Ret) and SMSgt Troy Loar (Ret), also received commendations for being “clearly invested in the leadership and character development of their cadets, providing an unsurpassed level of mentorship and guidance on a daily basis.”
The SJHS AFJROTC unit was created in 2001 and currently has 170 cadets who meet during each school day in addition to the before and after school options.
Submitted by San Jacinto Unified School District.
Recipients
the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month award for February are, from left, Noah Trejo, Carlos Ramirez,
Rodemoyer and Artyon Celestine. Valley News/John P. Hess photo
The San Jacinto High School AFJROTC meets each school day in addition to the before and after school options.
Temecula Valley students honored in February
A. Rhodes
Diane
Special to Valley News
The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program, recognizing and inspiring academic excellence since the 1992-1993 school year, held a recent awards breakfast on Feb. 13 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd.
Sally Myers, founder of the nonprofit, welcomed everyone and shared the mission of the local high school recognition program which sets the criteria for the students who are chosen. Supported by the community, college or vocational/trade schoolbound seniors are acknowledged and honored for their character, their love of learning, and their willingness to participate in numerous activities such as campus events, athletics, and community service or the ability to persevere and overcome difficult life circumstances. They accomplish all this in a setting that honors God, country, community, family, and free enterprise.
Backpacks filled with gifts, certificates of recognition and much more were donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past challenges, and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers, and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.
February’s students of the month are Chaparral High School’s Sydney Ford, Great Oak’s Nicolas “Nic” Jepsen, Linfield Christian’s Julius Brower, Rancho Vista’s Dominick DiGrigoli, Susan H. Nelson’s Koral Bleau StewartFisher and Temecula Valley’s Yolanda “Yoli” Santos.
Sydney Ford
Chaparral High School Principal
Tina Miller introduced Sydney as the ASB president, captain of her basketball team and one of the top three seniors in her class with a 4.66 GPA who hopes to study history or cognitive science when she goes to college. “The opportunities I’ve had as ASB president have given me the chance to impact the students and community around me,” Sydney said. “While the next few years of my life are full of change and uncertainty, the lessons I have learned thus far will continue to guide me.” She said that growing up, her parents would continuously instill three values into the brains of her and her sister and they were to be kind, brave, and true. Activities Director Jen DeLeon said Sydney
has grown into an emotionally and socially stable leader. “She is very well-rounded and on campus, she is very respected as a leader, as a friend and as a classmate,” she said.
Nicolas Jepsen
Great Oak High School Principal Amber Lane said Nicolas “Nic” is a full diploma IB student who is ranked number six in his class with a 4.76 GPA. She said he is passionate about making the world a better place through innovation in the area of clean energy. “My most memorable experiences were united by one thing, which was passion,” Nic said. In his freshman year, he discovered his passion for math as a member of the Mu Alpha Theta club. He said without the undying passion for the French language that his four-year French teacher Natalie Vargas has, he probably would not have cared about it so much.
“Going into college, I want to be open to succumbing to passion because it’s not only a great lesson but it’s how you connect to other people in your community,” he said. “Recognition like this is also a very valuable initiative to continue pursuing that passion.”
He plans to major in mechanical engineering at college.
Julius Brower
Linfield Christian High School
Principal Ty Nichols said you can tell someone’s character only when he’s in the fire.
“I’ve watched Julius walk through the fire ever since I first got on campus at Linfield and how he has handled himself is truly a reflection of what’s inside of him because he’s managed the fire to perfection,” he said. Nichols said Julius leads on campus spiritually and emotionally and is influential in all the different groups on campus. Julius said, “One thing I carry with myself is to be able to serve others and that is my greatest contribution in all aspects of my life.” He enjoys being a Student Ambassador for the campus that serves Transitional Kindergarten through grade 12 students.
“Whether on the basketball court or in the classroom, I try my best and I’m grateful to be in this position,” Julius said. His chemistry teacher Madeline Stehly said the outstanding senior is a loyal leader and a great role model on campus. “His positivity and hope radiate the love of Jesus,” she said.
Dominick DiGrigoli
Rancho Vista High School
Principal David Schlottman said Dominick came to his campus a little over a year ago and quickly excelled in his academics. When Schlottman asked him why he was so successful at Rancho
Vista compared to the schools he previously attended, Dominick said, “I show up every day, I do the work, and I ask for help when I don’t know what to do.”
Aside from school, he works part-time for 20 hours a week at a local restaurant. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned at Rancho Vista is the importance of showing up and putting in the effort,” Dominick said. He wants to pursue a career as an electrician and own his own business one day after attending a trade school. “All the effort I put in now is helping me build a foundation for that future,” he said. He thanked Laura McFarland, his advisory teacher, for always being a big help. “She has always been there to make me feel comfortable to ask questions and understand that learning is a process. I’m grateful for her guidance in every step of the way,” he said.
Koral Bleau Stewart-Fisher
Susan H. Nelson High School
Principal David Schlottman introduced Koral Bleau by way of a quote from Socrates: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” It is about figuring out
who you are, and he said that is what Koral Bleau is doing, serving as a powerful example to others.
“We live in a world where we as individuals are constantly moving to get from point A to point B. We are driven by our passionate ambitions and desires to invest in ourselves and create a life worth living,” Koral Bleau said.
“However, we must understand that it is also important to take a step back, enjoy the moment and learn about ourselves and why God blessed us with another day.” Koral Bleau plans to attend USC School of Cinematic Arts to earn her BFA majoring in acting for stage, screen and new media, with a minor in screenwriting. Sara Wardak has been her independent study advisor for the past four years, meeting with her weekly. “We had the most insightful and meaningful conversations,” Wardak said.
Yolanda M. Santos Temecula Valley High School
Principal Donna Lione said Yolanda “Yoli” has lived in the Temecula Valley her entire life. She plans to major in biology at college for a career in pharmaceutical science. “On my journey, I have
faced many obstacles,” Yoli said. “I was never taught how to regulate my emotions. I used anger and isolation as a way to relieve myself from stressors. My unhealthy coping skills and anxiety impacted my academic career during my freshman and sophomore years.” Yoli had to attend summer classes to make up for classes she missed while in a mental health facility, which also led to her quitting her job at a winery to focus on academics. Following this experience, healthy relationships, self-care and therapy taught her how to live a healthier and happier life by promoting inner change. “The support I received from my amazing teachers and my school counselors, friends and family, have allowed me to commit to growth and my health,” Yoli said. “I made an academic comeback and poured myself into art to express my emotions.”
For more information, please contact Program Chair Amber Poncy at 951-676-5090 or http:// temecula.org/student-of-themonth.
Temecula children can learn how to code
TEMECULA - Children ages 11 to 16 are invited to Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library for a coding class. Fiero Coding Club meets every Saturday through April 19 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Participants
will be able to use the library computers to practice coding with this new program that’s available to all library card holders. No registration is necessary. Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library is located at 30600
Pauba Road in Temecula. For a full list of programs and offerings at the library, visit TemeculaCA. gov/Library and follow @ TemeculaLibrary on social media for updates.
Recipients of the Temecula Valley Student of the Month award for February are, from left Nicolas “Nic” Jepsen, Sydney Ford, Julius Brower, Dominick DiGrigoli, Koral Bleau StewartFisher and Yolanda “Yoli” Santos. Valley News/John P. Hess photo
Valley News/Katerina Holmes photo (pexels.com)
Highway Updates
Major project to begin on Orange County’s 91 Freeway to reduce bumper-to-bumper traffic
An Orange County Transportation Authority project
Tony Ault Staff Writer
While not affecting local motorists, except those who commute to work in Orange County and the beach cities, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) announced this week a $779 million project soon to take place on the 91 Freeway between Riverside and Orange County.
The major project will be rebuilding the bridges along that highway, adding new connector roads and adding more lanes in a five-mile stretch between the 55 and 57 freeways, a major construction area, according to Orange County news media and Press Enterprise.
OCTA officials said the improvement should make the commute easier and reduce the many bottlenecks on the 91.
OCTA estimates about 321,000 vehicles travel that section of the highway each day, many of them from Riverside and the southwest Riverside County area.
The project will be done in three phases at different times
throughout this year. The first segment will be rebuilding the Lakeview Ave. bridge that crosses the Santa Ana River beginning in September, which will take until 2027 to complete.
All three segments are expected to be completed by 2030.
Ortega Highway/Lake Elsinore
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) noted motorists should pay special attention to construction going on along the Ortega Highway (SR74) from Lake Elsinore to Orange County. Their emergency work requiring daytime flagging and lane closure operations is taking place on the highway.
Contractors will be conducting repairs through Friday, March 14.
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 is all part of an emergency project to repair damages sustained from last year’s Airport Fire. Work will first occur to clear drainage and remove trees
for the safety of drivers and the integrity of the roadway. Drivers, please be mindful when passing through the work zone.
Flagging operations are scheduled to occur at daytime hours at various locations.
Caltrans is also continuing work on SR-74 on the Morrill Canyon Bridge located east of the Riverside County line. The $4.24 million bridge project is between Ortega Oaks Candy Store and Tenaja Truck Trail. Weeknight and weekend closures may be required to perform k-rail installation, structure work, HMA paving, excavation, abutment and various other work activities.
Weekday work may also occur. All work is weather and material dependent meaning delays and changes may occur in the work schedule. A full route closure is scheduled from Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 23 starting from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. All work is weather dependent and subject to change. Work operations will occur between Waterfall and Candy Store. No through access. Please adhere to all signage and slow your speed
in the construction zone. Work operations on the bridge profile approach will occur.
Menifee/Murrieta
Caltrans crews are working on both the southbound and northbound directions of Interstate 215. The project aims to improve road surface, update shoulder rumble strips, enhance culverts, upgrade guardrails, stabilize slopes, and boost highway worker safety along the stretch near Murrieta, from 1 mile north of Clinton Keith Road to 1 mile north of Newport Road.
Commuter access will remain available during daytime work. Plan for some delays. Lane closures will be necessary throughout the project zone for any night work. Drivers should anticipate traffic delays and plan-ahead. Watch for signage alerting motorists of the construction zone.
Perris
Caltrans is working on Interstate 215 in Perris where commuters may experience slowdowns and road closures until fall 2026
That project is taking place Monday through Friday in the daytime from 6:30 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. The daytime work is scheduled at various locations in both northbound and southbound directions within the project area. Lane closures will not be required for landscaping and highway rebar work.
Aguanga to Beaumont
Caltrans alerts the public that work will continue to install guardrail and flashing beacons at various locations on State Route 79 (SR-79) in Riverside County’s Aguanga area. The project work locations are near Aguanga and Beaumont. Construction costs for this project is $6.3M and includes safety features to install flashing beacons at two locations for improved driver alertness. Currently the work is occurring near Beaumont during the daytime hours Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. and may include moving land closure to allow for k-rail placement, guardrail installations and vegetative control operations. Once that is complete the work will move into the Aguanga area’s SR-79. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com
Marion Ashley Education Center at Lamb Canyon Landfill reopens for spring tours in March
BEAUMONT – The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources announces the reopening of its educational landfill tours at the Marion Ashley Education Center in Lamb Canyon Landfill in Beaumont for the spring season, which began March 1. Groups can now book their free, behindthe-scenes look at modern landfill operations and learn about solid waste management and recycling.
The Marion Ashley Education Center offers a unique opportunity for community members, students, and organizations to gain firsthand knowledge about the complexities of waste disposal and the importance of extending the life of our landfills.
Tours are roughly 90 minutes
long, and provide an engaging and informative experience, highlighting the different services our largest landfill offers in the ongoing efforts to promote recycling and sustainability. Interested community groups can book now through October 31. To schedule a tour, interested groups must submit a request through our online community outreach form: https://rcwaste.org/ community-outreach/educationcenter. The minimum number of participants is 10, and the maximum is 42. Participants must be 8 years old or older to attend. Tours occur Monday through Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., upon request, but tour availability is subject to
scheduling constraints.
The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources offers a variety of free environmental education classes related to waste reduction and sustainability. Class instructors provide attendees with professional learning and instructional materials that demonstrate environmental waste-related themes such as composting, recycling, and green cleaning. For more information, call 951-486-3200, visit www. rcwaste.org/classes or email WasteCommunityOutreach@ rivco.org
Submitted by the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources.
Senator Kelly Seyarto appointed to Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management
SACRAMENTO – Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) announces his appointment to the Joint Legislative Committee
The Miracle Prayer
Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I 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.
on Emergency Management by Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire. This new role adds to the seven committees he currently serves on, further strengthening his leadership on critical issues facing Californians.
With a distinguished career in public service and emergency response, including 35 years of
experience as a firefighter and Battalion Chief, Senator Seyarto brings a wealth of knowledge and specialized expertise to the committee.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management,” said Senator Seyarto. “California faces
Giving it to God
It may
Zachary Elliott Special to Valley News
We have many wants in life, don’t we? I know I do. But I’ve noticed that my wants change as I get older. I don’t seem to want the same things I did when I was younger. I’m not saying all my wants are unselfish now, but what I want in life—and out of life—has definitely changed. I don’t seem to care as much about getting what I want.
significant challenges when it comes to disaster preparedness and response. I look forward to working with my colleagues on policies that improve emergency coordination, address comprehensive wildfire solutions, enhance public safety, and provide the necessary resources for first responders and communities.”
Senator Seyarto’s appointment to the Emergency Management Committee aligns with his ongoing efforts to advocate for stronger disaster response measures and support for those affected by emergencies.
Senator Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, represents California’s 32nd Senate District.
It reminds me of a saying: “A healthy man has many wants, but a sick man only has one.”
If you could narrow your wants in life down to one thing, what would it be? Would it be success, the healing of a loved one, or financial security?
The good news is that no matter what age or stage of life you’re in, God can handle all of your wants—even the selfish ones.
Psalm 55:22 tells us, “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”
right now, God has the power and wisdom to handle it. Take a moment to give your burden to God. Ask Him to fill you with His desires for your life. He won’t let you slip and fall into selfishness.
If your burden is a loved one, tell God all about it. I mean ALL about it. He already knows—He just wants you to talk to Him about it. Then, trust that He will take care of it.
Ask yourself if your wants are aligning with God’s desires for you. What is really burdening you?
Take time to give it to God.
When we surrender our wants and desires to God, we’re saying, “God, can you please handle this for me?” And when we do that, our wants and desires begin to align with His purpose, not ours. No matter what you’re facing
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.
Educational landfill tours are now reopened at the Marion Ashley Education Center, located in the Beaumont Lamb Canyon Landfill. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Why the US continues to kill millions of hens, 4 years into bird flu outbreak
The USDA’s effort to stamp out the virus has led to the loss of at least 166 million birds since the latest outbreak began in February 2022
Austin Alonzo The Epoch Times
The United States is entering its fourth year of a near-continuous outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Despite leadership changes at the country’s top agricultural and public health authorities, the government is continuing the strategy of culling millions of birds to limit the spread of the disease.
A senior official who spoke with The Epoch Times said the culling is continuing because there is no better option available.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) refers to the strategy as “stamping out.”
Avian influenza, or bird flu, was first identified in China in the 1990s and has since spread worldwide through migratory wild birds.
The disease first hit the United States at the end of 2014. At the time, America successfully deployed the stamping out strategy to stop the bird flu outbreak in less than a year.
The experience led to a formal bird flu response plan being rolled out in 2017. That plan, which is still followed, is “the preferred and primary strategy” for the United States to deal with bird flu outbreaks.
During the 2014 outbreak, 70 percent of bird flu cases were spread from farm to farm, according to the USDA.
A farm-to-farm transmission occurs when a worker or a piece of equipment moving from one farm to another carries the disease and it spreads to the other birds.
Carol Cardona, one of the nation’s foremost experts on avian influenza, said the U.S. egg industry learned from its experience and significantly improved its biosecurity practices to reduce farm-to-farm transmission.
Farm-to-farm transmission was down to 15 percent as of early 2023, according to USDA data.
Cardona, a professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Minnesota, said the disease has mutated since 2015 and is being spread to farms either by wild birds or potentially by domestic and wild mammals that carry the disease into poultry houses.
She said the disease is on its way to becoming endemic, or regularly recurring, among wild birds.
The USDA’s effort to stamp out the virus has led to the loss— through culling and disease—of at least 166 million birds since the latest outbreak began in February 2022, according to figures from the USDA released on March 5.
The disease has led to a crisis in the U.S. egg industry.
The declining supply of eggs, due to the loss of so many viable egglaying hens and hens that had not yet reached maturity, has caused the price of eggs to rise to the highest level on record.
On Feb. 28, the latest USDA summary pegged the current average wholesale price of a dozen eggs at $8.05.
The high amount of culling, and its dramatic effect on the egg supply, without an apparent drop in infections is leading to criticism of the culling plan.
Dr. Robert Malone, a vaccine pioneer known for his skepticism of the U.S. public health establishment’s approach to COVID-19, agreed with Cardona’s assessment that the disease is becoming endemic.
He said the protocol is now needlessly driving up the cost of a staple good and contributing to political tension surrounding inflation.
“[Culling] is basically wasting resources. It’s not doing anything anymore,” Malone told The Epoch Times. “So when something repeatedly isn’t working, you probably ought to think through another policy that makes sense.”
Why culling continues
The price of eggs, combined with the country’s already elevated cost of living, is spurring action in Washington.
President Donald Trump has directed the USDA to take steps to lower the price of eggs as quickly as possible.
During a speech to a joint session of Congress on March 4, Trump blamed his predecessor, saying: “[President] Joe Biden especially let the price of eggs get out of control.”
He went on to address his Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and said she “inherited a total mess from the previous administration.”
On Feb. 26, the USDA launched a $1 billion effort to continue much of what the agency was doing related to bird flu mitigation and policy before Trump took office in January.
Meanwhile, there has been some momentum coming from the White House to stop or limit culling.
During an interview with CBS’s Face The Nation that aired on Feb. 16, Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council, said Biden’s USDA was “just randomly killing chickens within a perimeter where they found a sick chicken.”
He advocated for finding alternatives to culling.
Malone suggested that farmers let the disease run its course in the poultry house and then breed any surviving birds that have developed an immunity.
Alternatively, he said the industry should investigate so-called heritage breeds of chickens that have demonstrated greater resilience against bird flu and breed those animals in an effort to find a longterm solution.
A senior USDA official who spoke with The Epoch Times said the agency remains open to alternative approaches, but so far hasn’t found anything that works.
The official said avian flu is an extremely virulent disease for birds.
In 2012, the American College of Veterinary Pathologists concluded the disease’s H5 and H7 subtypes “cause severe, systemic disease in chickens with nearly 100 percent mortality.”
The senior USDA official said there is little evidence that any alternative to culling will keep the birds alive.
All of the previous attempts the USDA is aware of to isolate a healthy portion of a flock from sick birds have ended up with the healthy ones becoming infected and dying, too, the official said.
As for developing herd immunity, the senior official said the USDA believes attempting to create natural immunity in a field setting would be extremely risky.
An uncontrolled, untreated bird flu circulating freely in a commercial poultry house would represent a significant risk of spreading to other birds and potentially mutating and spreading to other animals, including humans.
The USDA, the official said, does encourage breeders to attempt developing more resistant strains in a controlled, laboratory setting where infected animals can be isolated and humanely euthanized if they become ill with the virus.
This, along with maybe even attempting gene editing techniques, may be an effective way to develop bird-flu-resistant genetics, the official said.
Indemnity payments
In testimony on Feb. 26 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Tony Wesner, CEO of Indianabased egg producer Rose Acre Farms, spoke at length about the egg industry’s perspective on the unfolding crisis.
Wesner, who was summoned before the committee on behalf of the United Egg Producers, a national egg farmer group, said that depopulation is “mandatory” once a farm is infected with bird flu.
He said that is a stipulation of the Animal Health Protection Act.
The Act grants the Secretary of Agriculture the power to order the destruction of sick animals and to pay indemnities assessed at “fair market value” to their owners.
Guidelines state that the USDA will compensate “owners of animals that are required to be destroyed,” which are known as indemnity payments.
If farmers do not cull their birds after detection of bird flu, they are not entitled to receive money from the government to recover their losses and assist in restarting operations.
In his testimony, Wesner said the indemnities only partly compensate “for a loss of value that the government imposes on producers.”
Without the compensation “many farms would likely exit production,” he said.
Since the start of the current outbreak through the end of November 2024, Wesner said federal indemnity payments have totaled about $1.25 billion.
However, he called the current formula the USDA uses to calculate the value of those payments “inadequate.”
He also said even if the agency uses a new, updated formula recommended by the United Egg Producers those elevated payments would “not come close to making producers whole.”
On Feb. 26, the USDA boosted the amount of money available to be paid out in indemnities by $400 million.
The agency said it is exploring
new programs “to accelerate the rate of repopulation, including ways to simplify the approval process to speed recovery.”
Long term questions
Enhancing farm biosecurity is a key plank of the new USDA playbook for bird flu.
The agency said in late February that it will dedicate up to $500 million to “gold-standard biosecurity measures for all U.S. poultry producers.”
A senior official at the USDA said biosecurity was and will remain the most critical aspect of disease control since keeping bird flu off the farm is the most valuable way of fighting its spread.
The next step in combating this could be using a vaccine to control the spread of the disease and limit the number of bird deaths.
In his testimony, Wesner said the egg industry wants to adopt an “aggressive” vaccination strategy to control the disease.
Cardona agreed that vaccination will likely be necessary once the disease becomes endemic.
However, the decision to vaccinate would likely trigger significant international trade issues and potentially raise difficult public health questions.
Vaccination would trigger serious consequences for the much larger chicken meat industry.
Greg Tyler, the president, and CEO of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, said as much as $3 billion of the $5.8 billion poultry export business could close its doors to the United States over concerns that poultry products from vaccinated birds could unwittingly spread the disease.
Copyright 2025. Reprinted with permission. To subscribe to Epoch Times, go to Subscribe. theEpochTimes.com Judge
The judge also ordered officials to pay for
Zachary Stieber
The Epoch Times
A federal judge on March 10 declined to compel President Donald Trump’s administration to restore foreign assistance contracts that it had canceled.
U.S. District Judge Amir Ali said that Trump’s administration must spend money allocated by Congress on foreign aid, but that it is up to the Executive Branch as to which projects it funds with the money.
“The separation of powers dictates only that the Executive follow Congress’s decision to spend funds, and both the Constitution and Congress’s laws have traditionally afforded the Executive discretion on how to
spend within the constraints set by Congress,” Ali said in a 48page ruling.
“The appropriate remedy is accordingly to order Defendants to ’make available for obligation the full amount of funds Congress appropriated’ under the relevant laws.”
Officials have canceled about 9,900 of the 13,100 USAID and State Department agreements, according to court filings. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on social media this week that the canceled contracts “did not serve, (and in some cases even harmed), the core national interests of the United States.”
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit from organizations that had agreements with the State
that was previously completed
Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) when Trump paused foreign aid spending to let the State Department review agreements to make sure they furthered his agenda.
After Ali previously ruled that USAID and the State Department must fund contracts that predated the Trump administration but were paused under the freeze, the U.S. Supreme Court directed the judge to clarify which obligations the government must meet to comply with his order.
Ali set a March 10 deadline to issue payments to the organizations, while promising further instructions concerning groups that are not parties in the case.
In the new ruling, Ali said that the Executive Branch unlawfully impounded congressionally appropriated foreign aid funds and ordered the Trump administration to pay committed funds for work completed before Feb. 13.
The administration must pay nearly $2 billion in total, issuing around 300 payments a day until the organizations that had agreements with the government are recompensed for their work, the judge said.
Ali said that he concluded that government lawyers defending the withholding of foreign assistance funds, which were allocated by Congress, “offer an unbridled view of Executive power that the Supreme Court has consistently rejected—a
view that flouts multiple statutes whose constitutionality is not in question.”
However, he also said that courts are restrained in the relief they can offer in such disputes.
“The Court must be careful that any relief it grants does not itself intrude on the prerogative of a coordinate branch,” he said. “The Court accordingly denies Plaintiffs’ proposed relief that would unnecessarily entangle the Court in supervision of discrete or ongoing Executive decisions, as well as relief that goes beyond what their claims allow.”
Copyright 2025. Reprinted with permission. To subscribe to Epoch Times, go to Subscribe. theEpochTimes.com.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington on June 28, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
OPINION
RFK Jr. is right—We deserve to know what’s in our food
Julie
Reeder Publisher
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is fulfilling campaign promises as I hoped he would. Side note - He’s also trying to ban advertising from big pharma, which Europe does, but I think it’s likely to be a free speech issue so I don’t know if that will happen. However, the transparency issue and exposing chemicals in our food is a great start. Remember American products have different chemicals in them from what is
allowed in European food.
For too long, major food corporations have quietly included in our processed foods unregulated chemicals—many of which allegedly pose serious health risks. The loophole allowing companies to self-approve additives without FDA oversight has turned our grocery store aisles into a chemistry experiment, with American consumers as the unwitting test subjects. Now, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is stepping up to end this dangerous practice and demand full transparency. His effort to eliminate the “selfaffirmed GRAS” (Generally Recognized as Safe) rule is not just a necessary policy change— it’s a vital step toward protecting our public health.
The GRAS loophole allows food manufacturers to introduce new chemicals and additives without any formal approval process. Instead of undergoing rigorous FDA safety assessments, these
A message from Yxstian Gutierrez, District 5 County Supervisor
Dear Residents of District 5, With International Women’s Day having passed (March 8, 2025), I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments women have made in our country.
From their courageous fight for women’s suffrage to their contributions in science, mathematics, arts, and literature, women have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and innovation. Here in our district a little over half of our residents are women. Each of them play a crucial role in our community, working in a variety of fields like education, business, and public service. Let us recognize their contributions to our community.
Here in the County of Riverside, we are proud to continue our Women’s Inspiration Awards tradition. Every year, we hold these awards to celebrate the extraordinary women who drive social and economic change in our communities.
We received numerous nominations of outstanding women across our community, each who
Letter to the editor
Dear editor at Valley News, I am writing as a resident of Murrieta. I’m calling on Representative Issa to do more to prioritize our health, climate, and future. This includes:
Stopping efforts to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s climate and clean energy policies that will put us on a path to cut climate pollution 40 percent by 2030, create 9 million jobs, and lower energy prices.
Blocking the Trump administration and unelected billionaire Elon Musk from cutting vital government programs and staff to pay for tax cuts for the
have
Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, March 11, we recognized Captain Sarah Mack, Moreno Valley’s Police Chief, as Fifth
2025 Woman of the
In addition, I am excited to inform you that this month is Riverside County Arts and Culture Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions our wonderful local artists have made to our community. To learn more about the events going on in our district and county, visit: https:// www.rivcoartsandculture.org/
Sincerely,
wealthy.
Yxstian Gutierrez County Supervisor
Resisting attempts to eliminate various environmental protection laws.
As an environmental activist, these issues have a huge impact on me. The constant threat of wildfires and power outages due to the fires is devastating. The people in his district deserve to feel safe and secure in our homes.
I urge Representative Issa to protect people in our community over corporate polluters. We need you to fight for us!
Sincerely,
Janet Wheeler Murrieta,
CA
companies determine on their own whether an ingredient is “safe.” The result? An estimated 99% of food chemicals introduced since 2000 were given a free pass—rubber-stamped by the very industry that profits from their use. Meanwhile, countless Americans suffer from rising rates of chronic diseases, obesity, and digestive disorders, which some studies suggest may be linked to these unregulated additives. Remember “big food” is also a powerful lobby in Washington D.C.
One glaring example is butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a common preservative found in processed meats. The National Toxicology Program has identified BHA as a potential carcinogen, yet it remains on the GRAS list. Another ingredient, green tea extract EGCG, has been flagged for potentially increasing cancer risk, but it too is classified as GRAS. These are not minor oversights— they are deliberate choices made
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
When the late T.J. Schwartz and I were on the same radio show I thought it was ironic that T.J. detested Donald Trump so much since there were non-ideological similarities between T.J. and Donald Trump. I tried to cover all sports while T.J. only cared about the sports which originated in America. A recent situation in which someone else from my radio days was a representative of the opposition has provided an explanation of why someone who disliked Donald Trump and likely lacked his business mindset avoided other sports; alternatives are part of the threats in negotiations against undesirable financial deals.
In the final show with both T.J. and I a claim was made about San Diego being “Choke City” for sports. After noting that the Padres lost in the World Series both times to stronger opponents, I mentioned the championships of the Sockers and the Gulls. T.J. responded: “Who are the Gulls?” I explained that we follow minor league hockey rather than a football league which abandoned us and concluded with the phrase: “We will not be bullied.”
When Gene Klein owned the San Diego Chargers he was on the National Football League’s committee for television rights. His negotiating tactic with the
by food companies that prioritize profit over public health.
Kennedy’s move to require manufacturers to publicly disclose all food additives and undergo FDA review is a game-changer. If implemented, it will bring the United States closer to the stricter food safety regulations already in place in Europe, where, many of the additives still used in American products have long been banned due to health concerns.
Critics argue that eliminating the GRAS loophole will burden the food industry with unnecessary regulation. But what is the real cost of continuing to allow these substances into our diet unchecked? The burden should not fall on the consumer to decipher what is safe and what is not. Americans deserve the right to make informed choices about what they put into their bodies.
This push for transparency is not about limiting innovation in the food industry—it is about
networks wasn’t how much was it worth for them to have pro football but rather how much was it worth for their competitors not to have it. When this is applied to the threat of moving pro football franchises the leverage is with the cities and surrounding areas rather than with the teams. The National Football League will be in more than two dozen other cities regardless of whether a specific team stays or leaves. A metropolitan area without pro football may pay more attention to the sport at other levels or to other sports rather than to the NFL.
A year before the National Football League abandoned San Diego the NFL abandoned St. Louis. During my time with the radio show I was often on the air with Shawn Balint, who is a radio broadcaster in the St. Louis area. Shawn and I have our differences when the Padres play the Cardinals, but we have both learned to promote alternatives to the NFL rather than capitulate to an organization that shafted our nearby city.
Almost immediately after the Chargers announced their move from San Diego to Los Angeles soccer interests intensified their pursuit of a Major League Soccer team for San Diego. In May 2023 MLS awarded San Diego an expansion franchise beginning with the 2025 season.
San Diego FC played its firstever game in Los Angeles and
ensuring that food manufacturers are held accountable for what they feed the public. The days of secretive ingredient lists, hidden under vague terms like “natural flavors” or “proprietary blends,” must come to an end. We should not have to guess whether our children’s breakfast cereal or our prepackaged lunches contain harmful chemicals.
RFK Jr. has taken a crucial first step in exposing this issue, but real change requires public pressure. Consumers must demand that their lawmakers support policies enforcing full disclosure of food additives. If we don’t take a stand now, the food industry will continue to exploit regulatory loopholes, keeping us in the dark about what we are consuming. Love him or hate him, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is willing to challenge the status quo and fight for the safety of American families- ALL American families. I love that.
won. The club’s first-ever home game was on March 1, 2025, against St. Louis City SC. I did not attend the first MLS game in San Diego, but I saw the score caption on television that night. The teams played to a 0-0 draw. At first I was disappointed that San Diego didn’t win the team’s first-ever home game. Then I realized how appropriate it was that we and St. Louis had the same result.
San Diego and St. Louis are equal when it comes to sending a message that we can support Major League Soccer rather than the National Football League or the National Basketball Association. There can be more of a rivalry between the two MLS teams than there is between the Chargers and the Rams or between the Houston Rockets and the Atlanta Hawks, who left San Diego and St. Louis before Shawn and I were old enough to follow those teams. Shawn and I are backing MLS opponents, but we’re united that a sports league can’t abandon us and expect to be followed to the extent of a league which includes us. The art of the deal includes negotiating. Negotiations include the use of alternatives. Those who understand business can make it clear that alternatives to the major commodities exist. The popularity of Major League Soccer in San Diego and St. Louis allows for an alternative to the bullying of major sports leagues.
ANZA
French Valley Airport apron pavement project bid advertisement approved
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The County of Riverside approved the bid advertisement for a contract to rehabilitate the north and middle apron areas at French Valley Airport.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 February 25 to authorize the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors to advertise the project for bids. The action also approved the specifications and the contract documents for the French Valley Airport Apron Pavement Rehabilitation Project, set a March 20 bid opening date, and found the replacement or reconstruction of existing facilities categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act review.
French Valley Airport is classified as a general aviation reliever airport, which means that it is primarily used by private pilots for recreational or personal business flights but may also provide temporary capacity for cargo or other flights if the primary commercial airport needs the capacity for larger aircraft. The airport’s north and middle aprons are exhibiting weathering and block transverse alligator cracking.
In February 2020 the county supervisors approved a five-year design and engineering services agreement with C&S Engineers, Inc., which is headquartered in San Diego, for airport engineering services including design, construction administration, construction inspection, and environmental services for the county’s five airports. In October
Supervisors approve Vail Ranch lender documents
Joe
Naiman Special to Valley News
In 2016 Vail Headquarters, LLC, dedicated the Vail Ranch Historic Site land to the County of Riverside but retained title to the restored structures, and the dedication also included a developer lease and memorandum of lease allowing Vail Headquarters, LLC, to continue the historic preservation project. Vail Headquarters in Temecula will be utilizing a bank loan for future renovations, and the Feb. 25 Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting approved the documentation to the bank Vail Headquarters needed for the loan. A lender to a tenant who does not own the land often seeks
CAR CLUB
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
CORVETTE CLUB
The Southern California Corvette Club (SCCC) would like to invite Corvette car owners to our monthly lunch runs. We are looking for new
an estoppel certificate which verifies the terms and the status of the lease, and the supervisors’ 5-0 vote approved sending a ground lessor’s consent, estoppel certificate, and agreement to SMBC Manubank. The county supervisors also approved a subordination, non-disturbance, and attornment agreement which will be sent to SMBC Manubank.
The Vail Ranch Historic Site includes a park along with restaurants and boutique retail stores. The facilities may be rented for special events. The restored site also allows for educational tours to acquaint students and others with that part of Temecula’s history. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com
2022 the county supervisors approved a $538,331 work order agreement with C&S Engineers for preliminary and final design work to rehabilitate the north and middle apron pavement. The middle apron, which measures approximately 54,000 square yards, will be fully reconstructed. The rehabilitation of the north apron, which is approximately 47,000 square yards, will consist of slurry sealing, crack filling, and pavement patches. No grading of shoulders or improvements outside of the existing pavement limits is anticipated, and no drainage improvements or best management practices development is anticipated.
The Federal Aviation Administration reviewed and approved the project documents. The FAA also has an Airport
Improvement Program which provides grant amounts of up to 90 percent of a qualified airport improvement project’s cost. If Federal funding is involved the project is subject to National Environmental Policy Act standards as well as to California Environmental Quality Act requirements. The State Division of Aeronautics has a California Aid to Airports Program which offers grants of up to 5 percent of the cost, so the Federal and State funding will cover 95 percent of the estimated $6,566,709 cost to rehabilitate the French Valley Airport aprons. The county’s Airport Budget Fund will provide the remaining 5 percent of the money.
The five airports owned and operated by the county are French Valley Airport, Hemet-Ryan
Airport, Blythe Airport, Chiriaco Summit Airport, and Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal. A separate 5-0 Board of Supervisors vote February 25 approved new five-year service agreements for tasks involving the airports. C&S Engineers, Inc., and Mead & Hunt, Inc., were given new five-year agreements for airport engineering, architectural, planning and environmental services while Coffman Associates, Inc., has a five-year contract for as-needed planning and environmental services. The county’s Airport Manager can sign agreements with those companies for work orders which do not exceed $100,000 while larger expenditures will be brought to the Board of Supervisors for approval.
Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com
Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce announces 2025 Wine Country Classic at Redhawk Golf Course
TEMECULA – The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) announces the return of the 2025 Wine Country Classic, recognized as Temecula’s Premier Golf Tournament. Set to take place on Friday, May 2 at 8 a.m., the tournament will be hosted at the newly renovated Redhawk Golf Course, offering an exceptional experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Renowned for its championship design, Redhawk Golf Course presents a blend of strategic shot-making and risk-reward opportunities, making it the perfect venue for this event. Beyond the competition, the
Wine Country Classic serves as a prime opportunity for business professionals to network, build connections, and promote their brands in a dynamic and engaging setting.
The TVCC extends its deepest appreciation to The Law Offices of Rosenstein & Associates for their continued support as the Title Sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. Their dedication has been instrumental in making this event a resounding success year after year. Reservations for the Wine Country Classic are now open, with registration available at www. temecula.org . Participants can
B USINESS D IRECTORY
MICHAEL B. M DONALD
register individually or as part of a foursome, with individual players being paired to form complete teams. Each group will enjoy the convenience of dedicated golf carts for their round. Attendees will also receive an exclusive Wine Country Classic souvenir, a goodie bag filled with premium promotional items from local businesses, and an invitation to the awards reception at the Redhawk Golf Course Pavilion. For any questions regarding registration or sponsorship opportunities, contact Liz Schuch at liz@temecula.org or call 951676-5090.
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