San Bernardino Press_7/28/2025 by Beacon Media News

Fire season in full swing in the IE as multiple blazes burn

By Staff and City News Service

Anumberofwildfires

burned acres in Riverside and San Bernardino counties last week, with two not yet fully contained as of Friday, according to Cal Fire.

The Euclid Fire in Chino Hills burned 120 acres and was 40% contained after it was first reported around 2:50 p.m. Wednesday in the area of State Route 71 and Euclid Road, state fire officials said.

“Crews made good progress overnight mopping up hot spots around the perimeter adding additional containment lines,” Cal Fire reported Friday morning. “The specialized felling crews will be working in the eucalyptus grove to remove more fire-damaged trees and ensure safety in the area. Firefighters will be working in the dense build up area and looking for any hot spots.”

The fire caused the closure of Highway 71 in both directions, the Chino Valley Fire District reported.

Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state were flying fire suppression missions in support of 158 total personnel, four crews, 22 engines and six water tenders, officials said.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Another fire in San Bernardino charred 50 acres with 50% containment as of Wednesday, according to the most recent update available from Cal Fire.

The Frontage Fire was first reported July 20 around 4:18 p.m. at E Street and Frontage Road.

The Victorville Fire Department was fighting the blaze.

The fire’s cause was under investigation.

Brush fire northeast of Anza blackens 50 acres

outbuilding, was damaged in the first minutes of the fire.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation. The area encompassing Anza and Aguanga, abutting the Cahuilla Indian Reservation, has been the point of origin for a cluster of minor and major fires over the last few years.

One dead after big rig crash sparks fire near Mecca

A big rig crash east of Mecca sparked a brush fire Tuesday and left at least one person dead.

The crash was reported at 12:25 p.m. on eastbound I-10, east of the Cactus City rest stop, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The agency said the semi truck was traveling in the No. 2 lane west of Frontage Road when it drifted onto the right shoulder, veered sharply left and lost control. The truck crossed into the center median, went down an embankment and overturned.

The vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, which spread into nearby vegetation, sparking a 10-by-10-foot brush fire, authorities said.

Victorville is 1st SB County city to use gunshot detection technology

Auto thefts drop across Riverside County

By City News Service

The number of automobile thefts throughout RiversideCounty plunged nearly 25% last year, while the county sheriff’s department ranked in the top five among agencies successfully recovering stolen vehicles statewide, according to statistics released Wednesday by the California Highway Patrol.

The number of countywide auto thefts reported in 2024 totaled 7,648, compared with 10,109 the year before — a 24.34% drop, the CHP said.

statewide, securing 3,343 cars, trucks and motorcycles that had been reported stolen, data showed. No other Inland Empire law enforcement agency fell into the top 10 for recoveries. Of the 7,648 vehicles reported stolen in all jurisdictions countywide in 2024, 6,509 were later recovered, though there was no mention in the CHP report regarding how many were damaged.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 3:25 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Bautista Canyon and Glasgow roads, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said that multiple engine and hand crews from the county, U.S. Bureau of Land Management and other agencies were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a moderate rate across open space to the east, along the forest boundary.

Four Cal Fire air tankers

A brush fire that erupted Wednesday northeast of Anza scorched roughly 50 acres at the foot of the San Bernardino National Forest before it was stopped.

and three water-dropping helicopters initiated runs on the brusher 20 minutes after it started, significantly slowing its advance. As of 4:30 p.m. the blaze’s forward rate of spread was halted, and crews were encircling the burn field at a brisk pace, according to officials at the scene.

All aircraft departed the location by 4:45 p.m.

A mandatory evacuation order that had been issued for the few scattered properties in the immediate vicinity of the fire was lifted about the same time.

Officials said that a vacant structure, possibly an

Riverside County Fire Department crews arrived within 20 minutes and quickly contained the blaze, which was burning at a moderate rate through light brush. Fire crews remained on scene for mop-up operations.

At least one fatality was reported at the scene.

“No occupants have been found outside the semi-truck. The fire department discovered one body in the cab of the truck,” CHP Officer David Torres said.

The victim’s identity was not been released.

CHP officers shut down all westbound lanes of I-10 at Box Canyon Road around 1 p.m., about 2.5 miles west of Chiriaco Summit. A SigAlert

The decline dovetailed with downward trends across California, where the total theft count last year amounted to 176,230, compared with 202,936 in 2023, reflecting a roughly 13% drop, figures showed. It was the first statewide year-over-year decrease since 2019.

“We are proud to see fewer vehicles being stolen across the state,” agency Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “The CHP and our law enforcement partners are working hard every day to stop these crimes, protect California’s communities and hold criminals responsible.”

Riverside County ranked No. 6 statewide for vehicle thefts last year. Los Angeles County was No. 1 at 57,987, according to CHP statistics.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department ranked No. 4 for theft recoveries

The CHP said the majority of vehicles stolen in 2024 comprised SUVs and light pickup trucks, amounting to 43% of the total number of takings. Cars made up 39% of the sum, with commercial trucks and trailers, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, construction and farm equipment comprising the balance of thefts.

In the category of pickups and SUVs, the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado was No. 1. Among cars, the 2015 Kia Optima was the top target of thieves, statistics indicated.

“For the first time, 2024 ‘miscellaneous import’ ranked No. 1 as the most stolen motorcycle,” the CHP said. “Miscellaneous imports are non-specific makes imported from other countries. Honda model years 2022 and 2023 ranked Nos. 2 and 3.” The estimated composite value of the vehicles stolen in 2024 was $1.56 billion, according to the CHP.

| Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol

Flames from the Euclid Fire scorch terrain in the Chino Hills area.

| Photo courtesy of Cal Fire San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit/ Facebook

Lane closures expected as Palm Springs launches sewer upgrade

By City News Service

An installation of 8,900 feet of sewer pipeline will begin this week in Palm Springs as part of the Indian Canyon Drive Widening Project.

City officials said the work will take place along North Indian Canyon Drive, from south Palm Springs Station Road to west Tramview Road, starting as early as Monday.

Initial surveying and utility location will require closure of the No. 1 northbound lane from Tramview Road to Sunrise Parkway.

The installation of the pipeline will involve “tunneling beneath concrete pavement in certain areas and open trench methods for the majority of the pipeline,” officials said.

Lane closures will periodically affect both northbound and southbound No. 1 lanes during the installation.

The widening project includes construction of a six-lane Indian Canyon Bridge, new sidewalks, concrete and asphalt pavement, and updated utility services.

Work is expected to continue through May 2026.

More information is available at indiancanyonproject.com.

Man accused of murder outside San Jacinto home arraigned

A25-year-oldman accused of gunning down a young man during a confrontation on the east end of San Jacinto pleaded not guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder and other charges.

Jonathan Elijah Cezill Amezola of Hemet allegedly killed 20-year-old Raul Solorio, also of Hemet, in January.

Along with murder, Amezola is charged with firearm assault and sentenceenhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations. He was arraigned Wednesday before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Randolph Rogers, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Oct. 17 at the Banning Justice Center.

Amezola is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Smith Correctional Facility.

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Lance Stoyer, in the predawn hours of Jan. 12, Solorio and a teenage friend were in front of a property in the 1800 block of Normandy Court, near Meridian Street, when Amezola allegedly confronted them.

Palm Springs tram offers free August admission to law enforcement

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will offer free admission throughout August to members of select law enforcement agencies.

The appreciation program runs from Aug. 1-31 at 1 Tram Way and is available to active members of law enforcement, including police officers, firefighters, California Highway Patrol officers, FBI agents and others, officials said.

A valid photo ID must be presented in person to receive complimentary admission. Eligible personnel can also bring up to four guests, who will each receive 25% off regular tramway admission prices, according to officials.

“First responders are the cornerstone of every community. We greatly appreciate the dedication of all first responders and the work they put in every day to keep our communities safe,” Tramway manager Nancy Nichols said. “We hope a trip to the tramway will provide a fun and enjoyable experience for first responders and their families to explore our beautiful mountain.”

A full list of qualifying agencies is available at pstramway.com/tram-news-2.

For more information, call 888-515-8726.

Pair admit robbing Coachella Valley postal worker

The defendant pulled a handgun and opened fire, mortally wounding Solorio and inflicting non-lifethreatening injuries on the boy, whose identity was not disclosed, Stoyer alleged. He said the defendant fled the location as witnesses called 911.

Deputies arrived moments later and found Solorio “on the ground, suffering significant injuries,” according to the sergeant. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Solorio’s friend drove himself to a regional trauma center and received treat-

ment for his wounds, from which he has since recovered.

Central Homicide Unit detectives initiated an investigation that spanned six months before confirming the identity of the alleged perpetrator — Amezola — Stoyer said, without disclosing a possible motive for the attack.

The defendant was taken into custody without incident at his home on July 6. He has no documented prior felony convictions but does have an unspecified misdemeanor conviction in Riverside County.

Two men who robbed a U.S. Postal Service delivery worker in the Coachella Valley were each bound for state prison Wednesday to serve two years behind bars after admitting the offense.

Luis Alberto Gonzalez, 32, of Victorville, and Jose Estevan Chavarria Jr., 28, of Los Angeles, both pleaded guilty Tuesday to seconddegree robbery under separate plea agreements with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. No charges were dismissed under the agreements.

During a hearing at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, Superior Court Judge Dean Benjamini accepted the admissions and imposed the stipulated sentences.

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Jeff Cryder, shortly before 11 a.m. March 24, the pair confronted a postal carrier in the area of Bertain and Storke drives in Palm Desert.

Cryder said one of the defendants brandished what appeared to be a handgun and forced the victim, whose name was

not released, to hand over money and other belongings. It was unclear whether any packages or envelopes were taken.

The victim complied, and the two men fled, eluding patrol deputies who arrived minutes later in response to the mail carrier’s 911 call, according to the sergeant.

“During the ensuing investigation, it was determined that several additional robberies and attempted robberies of U.S. Postal Service carriers had occurred in ... several cities in Los Angeles County,” he

said. Working with the USPS’ Inspection Service and the District Attorney’s Office, investigators turned up leads pointing to Chavarria and Gonzalez as the culprits, Cryder said. He said the men were located by Burbank Police Department officers on North Third Street in that San Fernando Valley city and taken into custody without incident on March 28. Neither defendant had documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

City News Service

By City News Service

This stretch of North Indian Canyon Drive is undergoing widening work. | Photo courtesy of city of Palm Springs

A 1963 tram car is on display at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in 2007. | Photo courtesy of Raymond Shobe/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Jonathan Elijah Cezill Amezola. | Photo courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Luis Alberto Gonzalez, left, and Jose Estevan Chavarria Jr. | Photos courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

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‘We stand on the brink of system failure’: Feds up pressure for states to reach deal on the future of the Colorado River

By Leia

The clock is ticking for seven states to figure out how they’ll share dwindling water in the Colorado River for the foreseeable future. The Salt Lake Tribune shares an update on the impending deal on what will happen with the Colorado River.

In a meeting at the Utah State Capitol on June 26, the river’s four Upper Basin state commissioners further embraced the idea of a “divorce” with their Lower Basin neighbors — an idea also floated at a meeting in eastern Utah last month, as reported by Fox 13.

and California — are up against a 2026 deadline, when the current agreements on how to share the river lapse.

But negotiations between the four Upper Basin states, which includes Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico, have been in a standstill with the remaining three Lower Basin states for more than a year.

notice,” Cameron said. “Clearly, they would prefer more to have more than a couple of weeks’ notice to get a bill passed.”

The federal government is also working to engage around 30 tribal nations located in the river basin, which have varying water rights and water infrastructure.

Upper Basin and Lower Basin will agree on how much water is released,” said Chuck Cullom, executive director of the Upper Colorado River Commission, in a phone interview. “Therefore, we don’t have to fight about everything else.”

newspaper of general circulation in court case number KS017174 City of Baldwin Park, County of Los Angeles, State of California. The Burbank Independent has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number ES016728 City of Burbank, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The

“Today we stand on the brink of system failure,” said Becky Mitchell, the commissioner for Colorado. “We also stand on the precipice of a major decision point.”

Despite a few wet winters, storage in Lake Powell and Lake Mead — the nation’s largest reservoirs — are teetering close to the dangerously low levels they hit in 2023.

“We have to deal with reality,” said Gene Shawcroft, Utah’s commissioner. “We don’t have a choice.”

Federal managers are preparing to repeat the emergency measures they took in 2022, like draining Flaming Gorge reservoir to prop up Lake Powell. The priority is to ensure the mega-reservoir stays full enough to continue releasing water to Lower Basin States and generating hydropower.

Meanwhile, the states that rely on the Colorado River for their water supply — Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada

The Interior Department’s acting assistant secretary for water and science, Scott Cameron, has met with leadership in the seven states that use Colorado River water since April, working to broker a deal.

“We all have to live in the physical world as it is,” he said, “not as we might hope it will be.”

Cameron presented water managers with a deadline.

The Interior Department plans to release a draft environmental impact statement evaluating different alternatives for the river’s future in December, which will then open to public comment.

The department will make its final decision on how to proceed by June 2026.

“The goal is to essentially parachute in a seven-state deal as the preferred alternative,” Cameron said.

For that to work, the states will need to reach an agreement by Nov. 11. By Feb. 14, they’ll need to hand over the details of their plan.

Whatever the states decide on, Cameron reminded commissioners, will likely take an act of Congress and new policy adopted by most of the affected states’ legislatures.

“They’ve been put on

The idea of framing the future relationship of the river users as a “divorce” was first pitched by the Lower Basin states, Mitchell said.

Under that proposal, the Upper Basin states would release water from Lake Powell based on the average natural flow measured at Lee’s Ferry, a point just downstream of the reservoir and upstream of both Grand Canyon National Park and Lake Mead.

“If done correctly,” Mitchell said, “it should provide the opportunity for the Upper and Lower basins to manage themselves, with the only real point of agreement being the Powell release.”

And like a divorce, the two parties should be careful to not let legal spats block progress, the commissioners said.

The proposal could eliminate the Upper Basin’s obligation to send a set amount to the Lower Basin states each year. Under the original 1922 compact, the upper states agreed to deliver 7.5 million acre-feet annually. But under the “divorce” agreement, releases would be based on what’s available in the system.

“The idea is that the

More than 40 million people in the United States, Mexico and across multiple tribes depend on water from the Colorado River. As the climate across the basin warms and snowpack has become less reliable, the Colorado River’s volume has also declined.

It has raised contention between states, where water managers in the Upper Basin say they have taken real-time cuts to grapple with shortages while Lower Basin states — which have senior water rights — have consumption that consistently exceeds what’s available.

“Reductions in the Upper Basin should not just simply translate to more water to the Lower Basin,” Shawcroft said. “We ought to be able to use that water within our states to help satisfy our own shortages.”

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued an emergency drought declaration this spring for 17 of the state’s 29 counties, most of which lie in the Colorado River watershed.

Lake Powell sat at 33% full as of the week of June 22.

This story was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Re-published with

Larsen for The Salt Lake Tribune via Stacker

| Photo courtesy of Trent Nelson for The Salt Lake Tribune

Your cortisol is probably fine. Here’s what TikTok gets wrong about the ‘stress hormone’

By Alisa Hrustic for Thriveworks via Stacker

Have you given any thought to your cortisol levels lately? The so-called “stress hormone” has become a popular scapegoat, blamed for everything from exhaustion and bloating to anxiety, brain fog, muscle cramps, and lack of focus. But as with any health “issue” that gains traction on social media, it’s hard to know who to trust or what information is actually worth your attention.

Here’s the thing: Our bodies have been dealing with cortisol since the earliest humans ran from tigers and bears to stay alive. So why is this ancient hormone suddenly getting so much attention? Thriveworks shares what to know.

What Is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone made and released by your adrenal glands, two triangle-shaped organs that sit on top of each of your kidneys. It’s known as the “stress hormone” because it’s a primary player in your fight-or-flight response, or your body’s reaction to stress. But cortisol does much more than handle stress. It also helps your body with many other essential functions, including controlling blood sugar levels, regulating blood pressure, and reducing inflammation.

Your brain constantly monitors cortisol levels in your bloodstream and communicates with your adrenal glands to adjust production based on your body’s needs. For example, cortisol is woven into your sleep-wake cycle: Your brain signals your adrenal glands to release it to help you wake up. Cortisol levels peak in the early morning and then gradually taper throughout the day.

The key point: Your body relies on cortisol to carry out many vital functions, and your brain is constantly fine-tuning your levels.

How Cortisol Drives Your Stress Response

When you’re met with a physical or psychological threat, cortisol and other hormones spring into action, priming your body to face the threat or flee from it. The physiological reaction— mental alertness, higher blood pressure, a faster heart rate, rapid breathing—is designed to give your muscles the energy you need to get through a stressful scenario. That’s why nonessential body functions like digestion also slow down.

The problem? Your brain is a “really old machine,” says Kate Hanselman, a boardcertified psychiatric mental

health nurse practitioner at Thriveworks. It’s built to respond to life-or-death situations, like surviving in the wilderness. But our stressors look completely different now.

“When we think about stress today, we’re not talking about being hunted by a pack of wolves. We’re talking about running late or feeling overwhelmed,” Hanselman says.

Millions of years ago, the fight-or-flight response helped humans hear cracking twigs, spot the wolves, and run or hide for safety. “In modern life, we don’t have as many opportunities to expel the impacts of cortisol,” Hanselman says. You don’t actually run when your boss sends an anxiety-inducing email (as much as you’d probably like to). The email might cause a temporary cortisol spike, and that’s normal. Levels of the hormone naturally fluctuate, so once the tense moment passes, your body goes back to baseline.

High Cortisol Levels: When Is It a Problem?

It’s impossible to know if your cortisol level is a concern without seeing a primary care doctor or endocrinologist. Only a blood test can indicate if your cortisol levels are abnormally high. If that happens, your doctor will

likely screen you for a condition like Cushing’s syndrome (also called hypercortisolism), a rare disorder that occurs when your adrenals pump out too much cortisol for a long period. Cushing’s is usually triggered by long-term, highdose use of oral steroid medications or benign tumors on the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.

Signs of High or Low Cortisol

Physical symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome are pretty distinct, Hanselman explains. Not everyone with the condition shows these signs, but they can include:

• Weight gain

• A fatty hump between the shoulders

• Increased fat around the neck

• Easy bruising

• Purplish stretch marks

• Hair loss, particularly in women

• High blood pressure

• Muscle weakness

• A rounder face

Experts sometimes see higher-than-normal cortisol levels in other hormonerelated conditions as well, like polycystic ovary syndrome, which has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

On the flip side, it’s also possible to have low cortisol levels, leading to conditions like:

Addison’s disease, when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough of the hormone

Hypopituitarism, when the pituitary gland fails to tell the adrenals to produce the hormone

These conditions can lead to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, low blood sugar, muscle cramps, weakness, and stomach upset. Again, a blood test is required to diagnose any conditions associated

with high or low cortisol levels.

Common Misconceptions About Cortisol

When people post about cortisol on social media, they’re generally not pointing to a diagnosable condition. Rather, they’re talking about stress itself and wrongly blame “high cortisol” for every negative health consequence they experience.

Here’s the reality: If you’re chronically stressed—which happens when any type of stress goes on for weeks or months—you’ll feel physically and mentally unwell.

When you’re working nonstop, dealing with a life transition, or recovering from a health scare, there’s often a cascade of mental and physical effects, Hanselman says. You might have achy muscles, trouble sleeping, or brain fog, among other symptoms—but these don’t all come down to a single hormone.

Stress can cause you to freeze up as much as it can rev you up. You may be so drained that all you can do after work is lie on the couch and watch TV. So when you notice physical changes—like weight gain if you used to be more active—it’s natural to look for a culprit. “Is it cortisol keeping weight on you, or is it your response to stress, regardless of what the hormone is doing, keeping weight on you?” Hanselman asks.

The bottom line: While higher cortisol levels are linked to chronic stress, cortisol levels are not entirely within your control, nor are they a single problem to solve—especially not with the latest “hormone-balancing” supplements promoted on TikTok.

What to Do if You Think You Have High Cortisol

If you’re so stressed that you’re worried about your

cortisol levels, speak with your doctor about your symptoms. “I recommend primary care first because that’s the place where they can rule out a lot,” Hanselman says. “They can run tests to tell you if it’s something diagnosable and treatable.”

Next, turn your efforts toward what you can control: reducing stress in general. If it’s bad enough that you’re seeking medical attention, connecting with a mental health professional might be more helpful to you than trying to figure it out alone. They can help you pinpoint the source of your stress, make lifestyle changes, and set attainable goals that support your mental health.

“I can’t tell you how many people come to me and say, ‘I’m stressed and I don’t know why,’ or ‘I’m stressed but I think I should be able to handle this,’ and we can actually recalibrate your expectations,” Hanselman says.

The Bottom Line on Cortisol

Here’s what you need to know: Having abnormally high or low cortisol levels is rare and tied to specific medical conditions that require blood tests to diagnose. What social media calls “high cortisol” is usually just chronic stress—which absolutely deserves attention, but not the kind you’ll find in a supplement bottle.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress and wondering about your cortisol levels, skip the online rabbit holes. “Talk to your primary care provider and a mental health specialist,” Hanselman says. “We can help you figure out what it is, what it isn’t, and what to do about it.”

This story was produced by Thriveworks.

Re-published with CC BY-NC 4.0 License.

In 2023, Facebook Marketplace attracted up to 1.212 billion online shoppers per month, and Marketplace usership is still growing. When you’ve got that many largely unregulated, peer-topeer deals going down, you’re bound to attract an army of scammers rubbing their grubby little hands together in the online shadows.

So, how can you avoid becoming a victim of a Facebook Marketplace scam? That’s a broad question in a broad marketplace, but Spokeo put together a list of some of the most popular scams to be aware of. With online street smarts and a little help from this guide, you can navigate Facebook Marketplace with confidence — and maybe even find some shareworthy deals while you’re at it.

How Does Facebook Marketplace Work?

Facebook Marketplace works pretty much like any other online classifieds space, and is a competitor to sites like Craigslist and OfferUp — among tabs like “Groups” and “Events” on Facebook, you’ll find Marketplace, person-toperson classified ads for privately-owned items sorted into categories like “Electronics,” “Property Rentals,” “Home Goods” and more. Each ad is created and posted by the seller, with Facebook simply acting as the host, and users can search a specified radius in any U.S. locality. Buyers and sellers work out the deal and the hand-off via Facebook’s messaging system.

While Marketplace focuses on person-toperson exchanges — officially speaking, only physical products are allowed — it differentiates itself by offering shipping options, so users can buy products from anywhere in the continental United States if the seller chooses.

Of course, this opens up an extra can of scammy worms. Because Market-

How to avoid Facebook Marketplace scams

place is mostly peer-to-peer, regulations are light, to say the least. Per Facebook itself, “Both buyers and sellers are responsible for things sold in a Facebook buy and sell group or on Marketplace.”

Purchase protection only applies to certain items ordered by mail, putting the responsibility of protecting yourself as a local buyer almost fully on the individual, which is all the more reason to dive into the dos and don’ts of safely navigating Marketplace.

9 Types of Facebook Marketplace Scams

1.Counterfeit Goods

Especially when it comes to hot brands like Gucci, Apple, Prada, and Chanel, Facebook Marketplace counterfeits abound. In 2022, analytics firm Ghost Data reported more than 26,000 active counterfeiters operating Facebook accounts. If you’re seeing items sold at wild discounts, like 60 or 70% less than what they go for elsewhere, be wary.

2.Damaged Goods

Ideally, you should only pay a seller after you’ve had a chance to inspect the goods with your own hands and eyes. Shipping, though, is a whole new ballgame — you can’t always assess the actual condition of a product with a few JPEGs (to say nothing of some Facebook users’ photography skills), and you may receive items that don’t stack up to what you thought you purchased.

This is especially common for electronics, as scammers may intentionally sell non-working electronics, which you can’t test from afar, at a this-shouldvery-much-work type of price. While con artists may sell intentionally busted stuff, honest sellers will address your concerns and find a resolution.

3.Goods Not Received Facebook Marketplace’s shipping option can make shopping more breezy, but the reality is that if you agree to accept delivery through the mail, you run the risk of

By Dan Ketchum for Spokeo via Stacker

not receiving the item at all, despite having paid for it. Thankfully, Facebook does offer purchase protection on most items purchased this way. More on that later.

4.Sketchy Giveaways…

While some legit giveaways only ask for your name and Facebook profile, others may ask for a whole form’s worth of private information, like bank account or Social Security numbers, or even passwords. That sort of info-mining smells like a phishing scam, a common type of racket that attempts to separate you from sensitive information in order to commit identity theft and access your bank accounts. If you’re unsure who you’re dealing with, running a quick people search can help verify someone’s identity before sharing any personal details.

5. …and Other Phishing Scams

On that note, any type of Facebook Marketplace transaction that asks you for private information is likely to be a phishing scam. Local sellers don’t need your Social Security or bank account routing number to sell you a TV, and legit shippers will rely on Facebook Checkout, so you don’t need to give them any financial info directly.

6.Advance Payments

For local purchases, if a seller asks you to send payment in any way, shape, or form before you have an item in your hands – often to “secure” or “hold” the purchase of an in-demand item – that should trigger your internal alarm. The same goes for any non-local purchases that ask you to pay upfront using off-site means rather than Facebook Checkout.

7.Rental Rackets and Car Cons

In the same vein, the advance payment ripoff is particularly common in the areas of real estate rentals and vehicle purchases. These types of Facebook Marketplace scams will

either insist on advance “holding” payments or ask for “security deposits” before you’ve ever seen the property or vehicle. They may also phish for valuable private info under the guise of a “background check.”

8.Extra Charges

It goes without saying that an in-person deal should only cost what you and the seller agree upon. For buying Marketplace stuff by mail, that’s even more true; items purchased via Facebook Checkout should only include the cost of the product and shipping. “Insurance” and other extra charges are bogus attempts to dip into your pockets.

9.“Verification” Codes

If a seller wants to send you a code via text message to “verify your identity,” you’re looking at a Facebook Marketplace scam. What’s happening here is that the sketchy seller is trying to

get your phone number in order to set up a Google Voice account that they can then use to scam and phish others without putting their own number at risk. This one may not immediately drain money from your bank account, but it can lead to trouble for you and other victims down the line.

Watch Out for These Red Flags

From counterfeit stuff to phishing attempts, there’s a whole spectrum of signals that should set off the Facebook Marketplace scam siren. Right off the bat, be aware of these nearly universal red flags:

-Services, animals, and healthcare products for sale. Per official Facebook Marketplace rules, these are a no-go.

-Prices that seem too good to be true on luxury items. Likewise, for rentals that are way below market

rates.

-Similarly, multiple posts of the same item using the same picture across different locations is a big red flag. Click the seller’s profile to peep their other listings before committing.

-Sellers asking you to take the conversation off-site. That’s a big red flag for a phishing shakedown; don’t do it.

-Sellers asking for additional charges outside of shipping.

-Fake-looking Facebook profiles. Smart scammers don’t want to divulge their true identities on social media, so keep your eyes peeled for brand-new seller profiles with few friends, fake-looking photos, or inconsistent profile info.

-Sellers getting too personal or divulging sob stories during your DM

Scams Page 06

PixieMe // Shutterstock

Scams

exchange is often the first sign of a phishing scam.

Ways to Stay Safe

So, at the end of the day, is Facebook Marketplace safe? It can be if you protect yourself with a few common-sense steps, starting with these scam-proof staples:

- Only purchase shipped items using Facebook Checkout.

- Meet local sellers in a public, populated place. Avoid going into a seller’s home or inviting them into yours. Take your goods home unassisted by the seller, and bring a friend or family member with you for pick-ups if you can.

- Inspect your goods thoroughly in person, or request additional photos if you’re unsure about a shipped purchase.

- Don’t send advance payments for local items.

- Never pay with gift cards. Scammers often request this form of payment because it’s not easily traceable, meaning if you get scammed this way, you’re plain out of luck.

- If you’re considering a high-value purchase or rental, consider doing a quick background check on the seller to make sure everything adds up.

What To Do If You Get Scammed

Local Transactions

Because Facebook places virtually all responsibility on the individuals in a local Marketplace transaction, there’s not much you can do if the worst happens. First, you can report a seller via Facebook if you believe you’ve been scammed. This may result in the seller being banned from Marketplace, but it won’t get your money back. The short of is that local transactions simply aren’t covered by any form of Facebook’s purchase protection, though you can of course notify your local police if you believe a crime was committed, and report scams that you think may be repeated to the FTC via their free ReportFraud website.

You can also report counterfeit items on Facebook, whether you purchased them in person or by mail. Speaking of… Purchases By

Mail

If you’ve been the victim of a Facebook Marketplace scam involving shipped (or, in this case, maybe unshipped) items, you’ve got a little more leeway for getting your money back. When you purchase an item using Facebook Checkout (i.e. not peer-to-peer payment methods like PayPal, Venmo, or cash), Facebook includes Purchase Protection automatically on eligible items (most everything but vehicles, rentals, services, and orders over $2,000).

In this case, you can file a Purchase Protection claim with Facebook if you didn’t receive your order, if the item arrived damaged or differently than described, if the seller didn’t honor a promised refund, if the purchase was unauthorized, or if the seller has been banned. After reviewing the claim, and possibly requesting more info or reaching out to the seller along the way, Facebook may offer you a full refund. Alternatively, your bank may cover you for fraudulent purchases on your debit or credit card.

This story was produced by Spokeo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Re-published with CC BY-NC 4.0 License.

Former Disney exec Peter Rice to lead LA28 opening, closing ceremonies

By City News Service

Producer and former Disney executive Peter Rice will serve as head ceremonies and content for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it was announced Wednesday.

Rice will be the first major Hollywood executive to lead Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies. He will oversee the creative direction and production of all four ceremonies, which will take place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

The LA28 Games will open with the Olympic opening ceremony on July 14, 2028, split between the two venues. The Olympic closing ceremony will be held at the Coliseum on July 30.

The Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies are scheduled for Aug. 15 and Aug. 27, respectively, at SoFi Stadium..

According to LA28, the organizing committee for

the Games, Rice’s appointment reflects an effort to showcase Hollywood storytelling and leverage the city’s role as the entertainment capitol of the world.

Rice will report directly to Casey Wasserman, LA28 chairperson and president.

“Peter is one of the rare individuals whose expertise seamlessly combines creativity, operational insight and production excellence to deliver ceremonies that will captivate audiences around the world,” Wasserman said in a statement.

“He’s been a leading figure in shaping the modern television and film landscape and is the perfect asset to reimagining the delivery of the opening and closing ceremonies for the digital age, leaving a legacy well beyond the Games,” he added.

Rice’s work has received 51 Academy Award nominations, 42 Golden Globe nominations and 293

Emmy nominations. He has overseen more than 300 shows and over 4,000 hours of annual content across multiple platforms, the organization said.

“Los Angeles stands as a global beacon of entertainment, culture and diversity, and I’m incredibly honored to embark on this next chapter,” Rice said in a statement. “I look forward to delivering Ceremonies that honor the legacy of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and to celebrate the cuttingedge future of the 2028 Stadium.”

Rice began his career at 20th Century Fox in 1989 and held several executive roles before being named president of 21st Century Fox in 2017.

After Disney acquired the company, he became chairman of Walt Disney Television and later chairman of General Entertainment for The Walt Disney Company.

Glendale City Notices

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ALBERT L. CONNER, JR. aka ALBERT LAWRENCE CONNER, II aka ALBERT L. CONNER

Case No. 25STPB07920

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ALBERT L. CONNER, JR. aka ALBERT LAWRENCE CONNER, II aka ALBERT L. CONNER

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Albert L. Conner, III in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Albert L. Conner, III be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on August 14, 2025 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 79 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner:

TERRENCE J O REILLY

800

Telephone (562) 947-1665

7/21, 7/24, 7/28/25 CNS-3948135# GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF VALERIE HARRIET

DENNETT aka VALERIE HARRIET

MYERS

Case No. 25STPB08030

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of VALERIE HARRIET DENNETT

aka VALERIE HARRIET MYERS

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Shoushan Movsesian in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Shoushan Movsesian be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

LOS ANGELES CA 90017 CN118549 CONNER Jul 21,24,28, 2025 WEST COVINA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ROBERT S. REMMEL AKA ROBERT SHELDON REMMEL CASE NO. 25STPB07902

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ROBERT S. REMMEL AKA ROBERT SHELDON REMMEL.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SUE CAMPION in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SUE CAMPION be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 08/22/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 29 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

Attorney for Petitioner KENNETH G. CAMPION - SBN 65380

2604-B EL CAMINO REAL #317 CARLSBAD CA 92008

low the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 08/14/25 at 9:00AM in Dept. F2 located at 17780 ARROW BLVD., FONTANA, CA 92335

A HEARING on the petition will be held on August 15, 2025 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 11 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

Attorney for petitioner: STEFANIE S CUTLER ESQ SBN 254364

RUTTENBERG CUTLER BROOMER LLP

11150 W OLYMPIC BLVD STE 1100 LOS ANGELES CA 90064

CN118558 DENNETT Jul 21,24,28, 2025 BURBANK INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

VICTOR CHARLES LA MONT CASE NO. PROVA2500552

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of VICTOR CHARLES LA MONT.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by CINDY STONEHOUSE in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that CINDY STONEHOUSE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will al-

by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

Attorney for Petitioner MARY-FELICIA APANIUS - SBN 212766

OLDMAN, SALLUS & GOLD, LLP 16133 VENTURA BLVD., PENTHOUSE ENCINO CA 91436

Telephone (818) 986-8080 7/21, 7/24, 7/28/25 CNS-3948966# ONTARIO NEWS PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ELLIOT STONE GRAHAM

Case No. 25STPB07928

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ELLIOT STONE GRAHAM

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Vivian Afsher in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Vivian Afsher be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on August 15, 2025 at 8:30

AM in Dept. No. 44 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: NANCY B. COPELAND AKA NANCY BENDER COPELAND CASE NO. 25STPB08074

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of NANCY B. COPELAND AKA NANCY BENDER COPELAND.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by CRAIG A. COPELAND in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

Attorney for petitioner: JONATHAN D KASSEL ESQ SBN 90620

HAYDEN & KASSEL ALC 5959 TOPANGA CYN BLVD STE 305

WOODLAND HILLS CA 91367

CN118131 GRAHAM Jul 21,24,28, 2025

GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MARY HENRIETTA RICHESON AKA MARY H. RICHESON AKA MARY RICHESON CASE NO. 25STPB08037

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MARY HENRIETTA RICHESON AKA MARY H. RICHESON AKA MARY RICHESON.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MARY R. TUCK in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that MARY R. TUCK be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 08/15/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 11 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner ELIZABETH T. PIERSON, ES.SBN 138489 GILLPIERSON 2601 OCEAN PARK BOULEVARD,

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that CRAIG A. COPELAND be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 08/26/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 29 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

Attorney for Petitioner

RICHARD A. GALOFARO, ESQ.SBN 237678

ROBERT J. COLEMAN, ESQ.SBN 281061

MUSICK, PEELER & GARRETT LLP 333 S. HOPE STREET, SUITE 2900 LOS ANGELES CA 90071

Telephone (213) 629-7819

BSC 227172 7/24, 7/28, 7/31/25 CNS-3950290#

Suzie Abajian

Forecasters: Seasonal summer heat to take hold by middle of this week

By City News Service

The unseasonably cooler temperatures in parts of the Inland Empire and elsewhere in Southern California will give way to a warming trend this week, with triple-digit heat possible in Riverside and surrounding locations, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency said troughs of low pressure would continue to dominate most of California until early this week, when a ridge of high pressure will trek southward across Nevada and into Central California, displacing the cool-weather lows.

“A cooling trend is expected through Saturday, with below average temperatures prevailing,” the NWS announced in a statement Thursday. “A warming trend will begin Sunday as the high pressure to the east strengthens. Monday through Wednesday, high temperatures will warm to near or slightly above the seasonal average.”

The NWS said the mercury may top out at 100 degrees by the end of this week in the Riverside metropolitan area. For the previous two weeks, daytime temps generally have been peaking in the mid to upper 80s, with marine layers keeping Riverside and its environs, including the

Temecula Valley, under a cloud canopy, similar to “June gloom,” during the early morning hours. Although triple-digit heat has occurred across the Coachella Valley, temperatures have also been unseasonably low. According to the Weather Service, during the month of July 2023 and 2024, daytime highs were routinely ranging into the 110s. This week, they’ve been in the low 100s. Friday to Sunday, highs in the Riverside metropolitan area maxed out in the mid 80s, with nighttime lows in the upper 50s. Beginning Monday, the daytime mercury will make it into the low 90s, and by

Fire season

was issued at 1:05 p.m. due to heavy traffic. Westbound traffic was being diverted onto Box Canyon Road.

Authorities were continuing to investigate the crash.

Brush fire erupts in Santa Ana River bottom

A brush fire that broke out Thursday along the dry Santa Ana River bottom in Jurupa Valley charred four acres before being contained.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 2:05 p.m. Thursday in the area of Fleetwood Drive and Via Ricardo, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a slow rate through heavy brush.

No structures were threatened.

Firefighters stopped the fire’s progress shortly after 3 p.m. and had fully encircled it by 3:45 p.m., according to officials.

Crews completed mopping

the end of next week, highs could peak at or near 100, according to forecasters. Lows should hover in the mid 60s.

In the Coachella Valley, highs were expected to settle in the upper 90s to low 100s until Sunday, with lows in the low 70s, followed by a climb to 110 by the end of this week and lows in the low 80s.

In the Temecula Valley, daytime highs stayed around 80 for the remainder of last week, with lows in the mid to upper 50s, but by the middle of this week, the warming trend will push the mercury closer to 90, and overnight temps in the low 60s, meteorologists said.

Victorville is 1st SB County city to use gunshot detection technology

By Staff

Victorville police have started using gunshot detection technology in two of the city’s neighborhoods to address underreported firearm violations, officials said earlier this month.

SpotShotter technology was deployed in the Brentwood/Hook and Old Town/Midtown areas, which have most of the city’s gunrelated incidents, according to a city statement July 14. The acoustic system detects gunfire, then within seconds triangulates its location in an effort to hasten police and emergency medical response. Officials expect the technology to improve the success rates for criminal investigation and improve patient outcomes.

Victorville is the first city in San Bernardino County to implement gunfire detection technology, officials said.

ShotSpotter was first used in June and has helped the Victorville Police Department solve three gun-related incidents that were not

reported to 911. On average, fewer than 20% of gunfire incidents are reported to 911 nationwide

“The city of Victorville is investing in advanced technologies to increase the effectiveness of our law enforcement for a safer Victorville,”

Mayor Liz Becerra said in a statement. “We’re giving our public safety personnel the equipment they need to be more proactive, quicker to respond, and better able to investigate and solve crimes.”

Officials described ShotSpotter as a gunfire recognition, analysis and alert system that determines if multiple weapons are involved, weapon types and the location of the gunfire to inform law enforcement’s tactical response and investigation.

“ShotSpotter is a beneficial tool that is helping our deputies solve crime quicker and take guns off the street,” San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Jerry Davenport,

head of the Victorville Police Department, said in a statement. “Many gunshots go unreported, and the reports we do receive typically have incorrect locations, so this technology is helping us step up our game.”

Victorville implemented ShotSpotter shortly after establishing a network of 123 automatic license plate readers, which officials said are helping deputies locate suspects and solve crimes faster.

The city plans to launch a public safety drone program next, officials said.

“The intelligence gathered through these crime-fighting technologies will be captured in the city’s planned real-time crime center,” according to the city statement.

The city and SoundThinking Inc. agreed to a three-year, $470,000 contract for the police department’s access to ShotSpotter, officials said. Funding was from the state Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funds program under Assembly Bill 3229.

up shortly before 5 p.m. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

river bottom is rife with homeless encampments, and

and debris fires are common year-round.

| Photo by melis82/Envato

cooking, warming

A helicopter drops water on the Euclid Fire in San Bernardino County. | Photo courtesy of Cal Fire San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit/ Facebook

SpotShotter technology allows law enforcement to pinpoint to location of gunfire. | Photo courtesy of the city of Victorville

Hemet offers grants for community events, services

By Staff

The city of Hemet is now accepting applications for the 2025–26 CommunityGrantFunding Program, which provides financialsupporttolocal nonprofitorganizations delivering a variety of public services.

The City Council has allocated $100,000 for individual grants from $2,500 to $20,000, according to the city’s announcement. Applications are currently accepted but must be submitted by Sept. 15 at 5 p.m.

Eligible projects are community events that must be publicly advertised and open to the public as well as initiatives that promote arts, culture, education, youth and family well-being or other resident-focused services, officials said.

“This initiative reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to community-driven solutions that foster connection, well-being and local pride,” according to the announcement. “The funding program supports efforts that align with key civic priorities, such as enhancing access to services, encouraging civic engagement, improving quality

of life and strengthening neighborhood vibrancy.”

Qualified applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; “be in good standing with the state”; provide a project or service that directly benefits Hemet residents; and have insurance coverage “and name the City of Hemet as additionally insured if required,” according to the announcement.

Officials said grants may

not pay for salaries, scholarships or debt service, adding that “funding is not guaranteed and will be awarded based on eligibility, merit and community benefit.”

Applications are available at City Hall and online at hemetca.gov

For questions or assistance with applications, contact Procurement Administrator Candace Sunds at 951-765-2348 or csunds@ hemetca.gov.

Probationer

suspected of trying to kill ex-girlfriend at her home

By City News Service

A39-year-oldprobationer suspected of trying to strangle his ex-girlfriend at the woman’s house south of Riverside, as well as assaulting her friend, before he was physically repulsed by the victims was being held without bail Friday.

Curtis DaShawn Lowe of Los Angeles was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Jail Thursday on suspicion of attempted murder, domestic violence, inflicting injury by strangulation, child endangerment and probation violations.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday, Lowe went to his ex-girlfriend’s home in the 16000 block of Angel Canyon Drive, near Valley Spring Drive, in Lake Hills to confront her about unspecified issues, culminating in an attack.

Sgt. Patrick Montalvo alleged that Lowe struck and choked the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, prompting the woman’s friend, also not identified, to attempt to intervene.

“The second victim was also attacked by Lowe,” Montalvo said. “During this attack, the victim defended herself, causing injury to

The suspect retreated but remained at the location as the victims called 911, according to the sergeant.

He said patrol deputies reached the home minutes later and discovered all of the parties in need of medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries.

They were taken to a

Riverside hospital, where the women were treated and released Thursday, while Lowe received treatment prior to being booked into jail. There was a child at the property when the attack occurred, but the minor, whose identity wasn’t disclosed, wasn’t hurt. Background information on Lowe was not available.

Cathedral City officials consider changes to cannabis ordinance

By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com

TheCathedralCity Planning Commission and City Council are considering more stringent guidelines for odor control by cannabis businesses.

Proposed revisions to the city’s ordinance on the cannabis trade include:

“Mandatory odor control plans for all cannabis businesses with performancebased standards, enhanced enforcement provisions that provide clear corrective action processes (and) updated zoning requirements including new setback requirements from the Resort Residential zone,” according to a July 17 city statement. The law revisions include “the addition of an odor control plan as a condition of approval for a cannabis conditional use permit and

applying this requirement retroactively to existing cannabis businesses through the annual renewal of a cannabis license,” according to the draft ordinance.

Officials are also considering “the deletion of cannabis cultivation as a conditional use within the planned community commercial zoning district, the addition of a 300 foot setback from any cultivation, manufacturing and distribution site to a property zoned resort residential, and the modification of the public nuisance regulations to establish a process for the enforcement of cannabis odor.”

Current fines for cannabis nuisance odors are $100 for a first violation, $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third or subsequent

violation within a 12-month period, according to memo by Andrew Firestine, the city’s director of community and economic development. The proposed ordinance changes would allow the City Council to set a higher administrative fine.

“A resolution setting administrative fine amounts is expected to be presented to the City Council concurrent with the ordinance,” according to the memo.

The draft ordinance and supporting documents are available on the city’s website, where officials encouraged the public to review the materials and submit comments to Code Compliance Officer Talen Weinman at tweinman@ cathedralcity.gov.

Tentatively scheduled public

on the proposed cannabis ordi-

hearings

nance revisions include the Planning Commission on Aug. 20 followed by the City Council on Sept. 24.

Cannabis plants. | Photo courtesy of Bogdan/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

| Photo by Lazy_Bear/Envato

Lowe.”

| Photo by SteveAllenPhoto999