VOL. 2 NO. 16
Menifee 24/7
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AUG. 1, 2018
Service nothing new to mayor Zimmerman has deep roots in community
Doug Spoon
Right man for the job Two months ago, Menifee residents were mourning the loss of a very popular mayor, Neil Winter. One month ago, there was no consensus among Menifee City Council members about how to handle such a difficult situation. Funny how things work out sometimes. Forced by a state-imposed deadline to make a decision on a replacement July 18, council members did the smart thing under the circumstances. Whether that excuses their indecision in two previous meetings is up for debate. The bottom line is, they got their man when they appointed Bill Zimmerman mayor. Zimmerman might have won the City Council District 3 seat in 2012, had it not been for public sentiment for Wallace Edgerton, a career politician who was the incumbent and had previously served as Menifee’s first mayor. Zimmerman lost by 402 votes among the 4,552 votes cast for the two candidates. In the same election, Scott Mann was elected mayor. Zimmerman, who was serving as chairman of the Menifee Planning Commission, was replaced by another appointee. It was enough to sour anyone on public service. See SPOON / A2
By DOUG SPOON Editor Bill Zimmerman remembers the Menifee he moved to in 1989 as a very different place. “The only grocery store was in Sun City,” he recalled. “There wasn’t much in the way of entertainment. I spent a few evenings at Sun City Lanes, the bowling alley that was on the east side of the freeway on McCall Boulevard. Newport Road interchange was just a narrow bridge with one lane each direction. “But my neighbors enjoyed the quiet lifestyle and the many open fields. Even then we knew it would soon change, but I was proud to live here and I still am.” Since then, Zimmerman not only has seen the explosive growth of
Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon New Mayor Bill Zimmerman speaks with Lesa Sobek, mayor pro tem. Menifee, he has had a big part in it. As chairman of the Planning Commission and Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission, he has been instrumental both in the development of commercial projects and the conservation of open land. In doing so, he learned a
lot about city government and gained experience in civic leadership. Perhaps it was a natural progression to his current position, as the fifth mayor in Menifee’s 10 years as an incorporated city. Zimmerman’s July 18 appointment by the
City Council ended two months of uncertainty following the untimely death of Mayor Neil Winter. It also may have signaled continuation of the stability the council was developing. “I’m fortunate that I have spent a lot of time be-
Sizzlin’ Summer
Tom Brackin and his dog Angel had the right idea for cooling off in the pool during the recent heat wave in Menifee. Temperatures reached 113 degrees or more and residents were desperate to cool off. For a look at how some other folks beat the heat, check out our picture pages on Pages A4-5.
Residents given city updates Town Hall attracts big attendance Menifee 24/7
Local residents, primarily from the Sun City community, packed the auditorium at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church July 24 to hear from Menifee city officials in a Town Hall meeting. The event was organized by City Council member Greg August, who represents the Sun City Community of District 1. Residents were invited to send in questions in advance on areas of concern. City department heads also provided updates in their areas of responsibility. August introduced new mayor Bill Zimmerman to the audience and praised the efforts of city manager
Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon A large crowd filled the auditorium where a Town Hall was held July 24. Armando Villa, who has made a positive impact in his seven months on the job. “He will stabilize and provide continuity to the city’s most important position,” August said about Villa. “We are in
a good position. Losing Neil Winter was a huge setback, but the city will move forward.” Highlights of the presentations made and answers given by city officials: -- Approximately 2,500
new residential units have been added the last five years in Menifee, adding about 8,000 new residents, Villa said. Estimates are that the city’s population will be at 100,000 by 2020. “We need more roof-
tops to attract more community development that will offer services to you,” Villa said. -- Villa said city officials “are pushing hard” to get the owner of the closed North Golf Course to submit plans for re-development. “We hope we will be back in a couple months to tell you they are able to do something there,” he said. “They want it to be restored -- maybe not as a golf course, because that’s a business decision.” Meanwhile, the golf course owners are issued daily citations until the property is cleared of weeds and dead trees. -- Gina Gonzalez, economic development manager, said Krikorian Premiere Theatres “is moving forward” with leasing retail pads that will accompany its entertainment See HALL / A3
hind the dais in the council chambers,” said Zimmerman, 55. “Presiding over the meetings on both the Planning Commission and the Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission has been such a valuable experience. This last year, my colleagues on MSJC’s Board of Trustees selected me to serve as chairman. Even though the college has a different structure to their meeting procedures, just being at the helm helps build a little confidence.” As many residents expressed during Winter’s relatively short term, the public desires a mayor who has the pulse of the community as well. In that regard, Zimmerman has more connections and has shown more compassion for volunteer work than most. Zimmerman was a founding member of Arts Council Menifee, which has fostered a greater appreciation of the many talSee MAYOR / A6
Menifee birthday events slated
The Menifee Community Services Department has announced an ambitious schedule of 10 events this fall leading up to the 10th anniversary of the city’s incorporation. The official 10th “Birthday Bash” and Fall Festival will be held Oct. 20 at Mt. San Jacinto College. The gathering of vendors, kids’ attractions, musical acts and variety of food figures to be the City’s biggest yet. There will be many other events in the month leading up to the big one, too. The kickoff event of the celebration is the annual State of the City event, scheduled for Sept. 20 at Menifee Lakes Country Club. Mayor Bill Zimmerman and other city officials will present an overview of the City of Menifee and the many projects in development. Between the first and last events of the monthlong celebration will be the following 10 events: Sept. 29 – Family Night at the Boys & Girls Club. Oct. 3 – Poker Run and Barbecue at historical monuments and Rural Center. Oct. 5 – Mayor’s Ball at Monteleone Meadows. Oct. 5 -- Manufacturing Day at MSJC. Oct. 6 – Amphitheater concert and dedication at Central Park. Oct. 7 -- Veterans Car Show and 5K run at MSJC. Oct. 7 -- Arts Council Menifee Art Gallery at Kay Ceniceros Center. Oct. 10 -- Chamber of Commerce 10-Year Mixer at Menifee Valley Hospital. Oct. 13 -- Soap Box Derby. Oct. 13 -- Multicultural Festival at Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park.
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Aug. 1, 2018
MENIFEE 24/7
Man charged with arson in Cranston Fire
Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service Flames rage in open forest land behind firetrucks stationed to fight the Cranston Fire near Idyllwild.
SPOON
From Page A1 What was Zimmerman’s response? He continued his tireless efforts with Arts Council Menifee and the Menifee Valley Historical Association -- two of the most active and influential groups in town. At the same time, he was involved with an effort to create what has become the 3,000-member Boys & Girls Club of Menifee Valley. As if that wasn’t enough, Zimmerman had just been appointed to the Mt. San Jacinto College Foundation’s Board of Directors. By 2014, he had been elected to the MSJC Board of Trustees, most recently serving as president. And until his appointment on July 18, he was also a member of the Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission. Zimmerman, 55, recently retired from his position as a civil engineer. He understands the factors involved in public infrastructure. A Menifee resident since 1989, he has witnessed the city’s growth explosion and has experience in addressing the challenges. You think this guy might be qualified to serve as mayor? We may never see another civic leader fill the role of “People’s Mayor” exactly the way Neil Winter did. Yet it’s highly doubtful you could find anyone better to replace him than the man his friends call Billy Z. He has the commitment, the passion, the availability and the expertise to lead Menifee in a positive direction when strong leadership is most needed. For the record, we still agree with council member Matt Liesemeyer that such an important position should be filled by election, not appointment. The government code allows for that as an option if the council fails to reach a consensus for appointment. In the last two council meetings, that appeared to be the case. But by the time it got to July 18, the only alternative to appointment was to let the situation go to a
special election in March 2019 with an estimated cost of close to $250,000. One could argue that the council’s decision to appoint was strictly a financial one. That certainly was a factor, but three of the four council members had already made it obvious they were going to appoint a successor, one way or the other. Neither council member stated it publicly, but both Mayor Pro Tem Lesa Sobek and former Mayor John Denver were reported to be seeking the appointment. In the previous council meeting June 20, Sobek seconded Greg August’s motion to appoint her mayor when no one else would; the motion failed. When August made a motion to appoint Zimmerman, neither Sobek nor Denver would second it. Liesemeyer, standing on principle in his belief there should be an election, didn’t, either. In the next council meeting nearly a month later, some minds had changed. Council members waited to listen to all the public comments on the subject before voting, basically at the suggestion of city attorney Jeffrey Melching. But Denver was ready to make a motion right from the start. When he finally did, August seconded the motion and Sobek voted yes as well for a 3-1 majority to appoint Zimmerman mayor. Liesemeyer, also expressing his support of Zimmerman, said he voted no only to stay true to his beliefs. So in the end, egos were put aside and common sense prevailed. Zimmerman might very well have won the mayor’s seat even if an election had been held in March. But this way, a quarter of a million dollars was saved and the council is back to the standard five members. So if you see Billy Z at City Hall, at a local function or anywhere around town, say hello and pledge your support. This guy knows what he’s doing, and the city council appears to be unifying again.
A Temecula man accused of starting the Cranston Fire above Idyllwild was charged July 27 with intentionally setting nine fires in Southwest Riverside County. Brandon N. McGlover, 32, was charged with 15 felony counts related to nine separate fires, according to a news release from the District Attorney’s Office. His charges include one count of aggravated arson, five counts of arson of an inhabited structure and nine counts of arson of forest or wildland. McGlover pleaded not guilty to all counts in his arraignment in Murrieta. Bail was set at $3.5 million and his next court date was scheduled for Sept. 24. He could receive
life in prison if convicted. The Cranston Fire, which began July 25, had covered more than 13,000 acres by July 29 and was 29 percent contained, according to fire officials. Thousands were evacuated from Idyllwild and surrounding areas. After flying over the burn areas by helicopter Friday, Senator Jeff Stone released the following statement: “I cannot say enough about how fortunate California is to have thousands of dedicated and capable people working for such agencies as Cal Fire, Idyllwild Fire, the U.S. Forest Service and numerous municipal fire departments in and around the state of California. “
Olivarez: Artist of Month By JIM T. GAMMILL
Arts Council Menifee is proud to name Joseph Olivarez as Artist of the Month for August. Five years after graduating from Torrey Pines High School, Joseph decided to begin his college education. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of San Diego. During the course of his educational career, he received several musical scholarships. While in attendance, Joseph also played string bass, studied piano, and played many memorable shows, some of which were international. Joseph chose to go straight into graduate school upon completion of his undergraduate degree and was accepted into Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There he focused on Music Education with an emphasis in composition. It was at Carnegie Mellon that Olivarez had the opportunity to student teach for the late Dr. Robert Page. Teaching was a required part of the curriculum at Carnegie Mellon and Joseph taught classes in Pennsylvania as he was completing his coursework. After graduation, Olivarez began teaching K-8 students at Peabody Elementary School, where he received recognition as the 2012 Music Teacher of the Year from the Albemarle Family Magazine. Eventually, Joseph found his way back to California, teaching first in Morro Bay and then com-
ing to teach at Menifee’s Hans Christensen Middle School. Olivarez found himself with big shoes to fill as former ACM Artist of the Month recipient Craig Yancey’s successor. Joseph took the assignment happily and did not miss a step in taking over where Yancey left off. “My job is to make them better musicians,” Olivarez says of his students, “but my goal is to help them to be better people in the process.” Education is something that Joseph takes very seriously and he feels very fortunate to have spent a great deal of time with Bell Mountain Middle School’s recently retired band teacher, Richard Kettner (also a past ACM Artist of the Month).
“I knew that deep down, the most important thing for me was to live a life of service,” he said. “Living a life where I could give back to the greater good. I heard this quote (paraphrased from David Viscott) from Richard Kettner during his last concert and I think that it really speaks volumes: “The purpose of life is to find your gift. The meaning is to give it away.” “I respect him (Kettner) tremendously as a teacher and even more as a human. He lived by this quote daily, and not just in his classroom, but by mentoring other teachers, giving life advice, and being a kind and thoughtful person.” Olivarez is always trying to give his students
the best opportunity to give back to their community. During his first year of teaching at HCMS, he has managed to provide the HCMS Jazz band with opportunities to play at the “Merry Chris-Mess House”, the Menifee 2017 Christmas tree lighting, as well as a “Breakfast with Santa” event held at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center. His advocacy for the importance of community outreach certainly does not stop there. Joseph played a critical role in helping to make the 2018 “Menifee’s Got Talent” event a success. He was able to use his past experience with live sound to make Arts Council Menifee’s first event at HCMS an absolute success. Colleen Ackerman, Arts Council Menifee Trustee and organizer of Menifee’s Got Talent, had the following to say about Olivarez: “Joseph was absolutely wonderful helping us with ‘Menifee’s Got Talent’ this year. His high level of enthusiasm, can-do spirit, and positive energy is only equaled by his expertise in sound and stage managing. He helped make this year’s MGT the most successful yet. We are looking forward to working with him again in the future.” When he isn’t teaching the next generation of musicians or helping with community events, Joseph enjoys practicing Jiu-Jitsu, spending time with his dogs; Fritz and Crosby, and preparing for the birth of his first child with his wife, Kialynn.
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Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon Anthony Christopher was honored by the Menifee City Council July 18 with an Outstanding Citizen Award for his volunteer work with Hospice of the Valleys and in support of military veterans.
MENIFEE 24/7
Aug. 1, 2018
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Board extends Kennedy’s contract MUSD head gets increase in close vote By DOUG SPOON Editor
year, it goes up 3 percent.” That was the case until this year. However, according to the terms of his contract, Kennedy’s 3 percent annual step increases ends with the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Thus the board was not obligated to extend his contract another year. Doing so was strictly a voluntary decision, which Ulibarri admitted after the meeting when questioned further. At first, Ulibarri repeated his statement that the extension “is in his contract.” When shown the contract language stating otherwise, he replied, “That’s the way it’s normally done with superintendents.” Ulibarri did finally acknowledge that the contract extension was not mandatory this time. The primary complaint raised by the four people who spoke prior to the vote was that such an extension was not appropriate during a time when Menifee teachers are still without a contract.
The vote was closer than ever before, but the Menifee Union School District Board once again approved a contract extension for superintendent Steve Kennedy July 24. Four people spoke out against the contract extension and two board members suggested delaying the decision, but the contract proposal passed, 3-2. This action extends Kennedy’s contract through the 2020-2021 fiscal year. He is being paid $236,816 this year and will receive a 3 percent raise to $243,920 for 2019-2020. His salary will remain at that amount for the newly approved 2020-2021 fiscal year. Board members Jerry Bowman and Reg Bennett voted against the proposal, citing a desire to wait until more is known about the impact of a potential district unification. “At the opportune time, we should assemble a team of top administrators with unification in mind,” Bowman said. “I have every confidence in
Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon Members of the Menifee Union School District Board discuss superintendent Steve Kennedy’s contract. Dr. Kennedy’s ability, but I am against extending the contract at this time. I believe we should revisit this in the spring.” Bennett expressed similar sentiments, saying, “I appreciate the list of accomplishments of Dr Kennedy. I believe he is a person that can do the things that are needed. But I do want everything set up for unification.
Vets have chance for HS diploma They were away from home serving their country while classmates were marching in commencement ceremonies. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard veterans who missed out on their high school graduations due to military service have until Oct. 16 to apply for a diploma through the 2018 Operation Recognition Program. A total of 344 veterans have received a diploma through Operation Recognition since 2007. The diplomas are awarded as a joint effort of the Riverside County Board of Education, the Riverside County Office of Education, and the Riverside County Department of Veterans’ Services. The 2018 Operation Recognition ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 13 at the Moreno
Valley Conference and Recreation Center, 14075 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley. In order to be recognized at the ceremony, completed application forms and supporting documentation must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 16. Applications can be requested by telephone. Interested persons may contact Tracey Case at 951-826-6570 or email her at tcase@rcoe.us. The program is open to current residents of Riverside County whose high school education was interrupted by military service in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Degrees can also be conferred posthumously. Education Code Section 51440 authorizes the granting of retroactive high school diplomas to eligible veterans.
HALL
dy’s tenure. Bob O’Donnell gave no reason for his decision, simply saying he was voting to approve the motion. The deciding vote was cast by Board President Ron Ulibarri. “What you have to understand is that when this contract was first negotiated when Dr. Kennedy was hired in 2013, he accepted a starting salary of
$165,000 with the knowledge that each year, like the teachers, he would receive a step in column increase,” Ulibarri said. That’s where things get a bit complicated. In an interview with Menifee 24/7, Ulibarri said, “The superintendent negotiated at the beginning of his contract that he gets the one year and two years out each year. And each
“With Dr. Kennedy as superintendent, we have been at an impasse in our last four contract cycles,” said Shelli Sullivan, the new president of the Menifee Teachers Association. “Why should his contract be extended?”
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From Page A1 complex. Construction plans for the theater complex is 80 percent done, she said. George Krikorian told Menifee 24/7 recently that he hopes to begin construction in September or October. -- Construction of a courthouse planned for the same Menifee Town Center on Newport Road was delayed last year for lack of state funding. However, according to Gonzalez, that funding was included in the current state budget. Design of the building is scheduled to be completed this fall with construction taking place in fall of 2019. The building is scheduled to include nine courtrooms. It will handle civil cases but no criminal cases. -- Walmart still owns
Then when we’re functioning properly, I would be happy to vote for an extension. There are a couple things that have to happen first.” Those votes were not enough to defeat the motion, however. Board member Randy Freeman voiced his support of the motion by reading off a long list of district accomplishments during Kenne-
property at McCall Boulevard and Encanto Drive but has shown no interest recently in moving forward with plans. “The project is considered inactive,” said Cheryl Kitzerow, community development director for the City. “We have seen no plan updates in the last year.” There also is no movement in plans for a Walmart on property purchased at Scott Road and Haun Road. -- Plans for a commercial center at Menifee Road and McCall Boulevard are “working their way through the process,” Kitzerow said. This center has been discussed for years and would provide valuable services to the Heritage Lake community.
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MENIFEE 24/7
Aug. 1, 2018
How do Menifee folks beat the heat?
Samantha Smith, Patrick Turney and Aria Turney cool off at Baskin Robbins.
Kobe tries to cheer up baby cousin Atticus.
8-year-old Conner Crawford takes his popsicle into the water with him.
Elliott the black lab knows where it’s cool -- the tile floor in front of a fan at his owner’s house.
Sometimes you just can’t beat the beach for relief. That’s what Taylor, Maci and Olivia decided.
Best friends Jack and Lexi watch the fun from the side of the pool.
Laney Balogh saw her nephew chillin’ in the pool.
Skyelar and Addison beat the heat at the local park’s splash pad.
Aug. 1, 2018
MENIFEE 24/7
We asked, and they showed us!
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Ashley Anderson decided watermelon tastes better in a bucket of water.
15-month-old Harper Jean Whelen loves her wading pool when it’s hot.
Little Micaela decided simply sitting in the shade was good enough for her.
Kiggy the cat dons some shades and is ready to go poolside.
Hefner the pig does not want to come out of his cool baby bath.
Velvet, the Bradfords’ alpaca, stays in the shade by a fan and water bucket.
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Aug. 1, 2018
MENIFEE 24/7
MAYOR From Page A1
ented artists – both young and old – in the community. He has also served on the board of the Menifee Historical Association and was instrumental in the creation of the Menifee History Museum. Add to that Zimmerman’s commitment to bringing a Boys & Girls Club to Menifee and you begin to see how diversified his interests are. Yet even someone as well known as he is around town has worked overtime to establish new connections and study data. “The first week as mayor has been an avalanche of information,” Zimmerman said in late July. “I have been studying the Fiscal Year Budget Report, the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the Capital Improvement Program, which is a five-year planning instrument that identifies financing and timing of public improvements. “There has been the expected work of arranging schedules and setting calendar appointments for the many conferences, regional committee meetings, speaking engagements, ceremonies, along with the regularly scheduled city council meetings and the agenda preparation that goes with that. All of it has given me a greater appreciation for our city council members, who have been providing this level of dedication, preparation and service over the years. “I’m excited about spending time with the folks in our various communities. Since our city is made up of many diverse community neighborhoods, each with their own lifestyle and identity, I look forward to opportunities to visit with those clubs and advisory
groups.” Some of those opportunities have already been scheduled. Zimmerman will join City Council member Matt Liesemeyer as guest speaker at the Quail Valley Community Group meeting Aug. 14. Mayor Pro Tem Lesa Sobek invited him to participate in her “Casual Conversation” event Aug. 29 at Archibald’s restaurant. He also has already been asked to speak at two Woman’s Club meetings. “I don’t come with any personal goals or agendas,” Zimmerman said. “I simply have a responsibility to our taxpayers to prepare and exercise due diligence in all civic matters. “I consider myself fortunate to join the leadership team at a time when our city is running efficiently. I’m impressed with our city manager and his staff. They are preparing for the influx of residential and commercial growth that we see coming. The city is currently recruiting professionals to fortify our engineering, land planning and public works departments to improve efficiency.” Because of his new duties, Zimmerman was forced to resign his position as a trustee with Mt. San Jacinto College. In announcing this, MSJC President Roger Schultz said, “Mr. Zimmerman’s leadership has helped shape MSJC’s future and continued the course for student success.” Zimmerman will preside over his first City Council meeting Aug. 1. If he appears more comfortable at the dais than most new council members, it should be no great surprise. It’s almost as if he’s been there before.
Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon Top photo: Bill Zimmerman was instrumental in plans for a new athletic complex at Mt. San Jacinto College. Middle: Zimmerman and Sue Kristjansson were instrumental in bringing a Boys & Girls Club to Menifee. Bottom: In 2016, Zimmerman served as program coordinator for a summer art camp sponsored by Arts Council Menifee and the City of Menifee.
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EMWD gets funding for area desalination Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) has received a funding appropriation of $2.78 million from the United States Army Corps of Engineers through its 2018 workplan, furthering a longterm partnership that has greatly improved water supply reliability within EMWD’s service area. The funding from the Army Corps is part of its ongoing commitment to the South Perris Desalter Program, which will further expand EMWD’s
groundwater desalination program through the construction of wells, pipelines and a new desalination facility. EMWD currently operates two groundwater desalination facilities and will be breaking ground in 2019 to further expand capacity. The groundwater desalination program makes use of a water supply that would not otherwise be usable because of high salt levels, provides additional local supplies for EMWD customers.
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Inside Menifee 24/7 AUG. 1, 2018
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Paloma players get championship rings Soccer team honored for CIF-SS title
One of the most historic seasons ever by a Menifee high school team was celebrated July 20 when the Paloma Valley High School girls soccer players received their CIF-SS championship rings in a ceremony in the school theater. Principal Jennifer Thomasian joined new athletic director Ryan Sharp and head soccer coach Carlos Alfaro in presenting the rings, which were promised to the girls by district superintendent Grant Bennett the day the Wildcats defeated Ventura 1-0 to win the CIF Southern Section Division 4 championship on March 3. The Wildcats posted an incredible record of 26-13 during the season, with their only loss coming in a rematch against Ventura in the CIF State Southern Regional finals. At one point in the season, they posted 16 consecutive shutouts. “These rings are bonding all of you for the rest of your lives,” Alfaro said to the players. “Your season record, your shutouts, it was all off the charts. People know who you are; when they go to play you they say, ‘That’s Paloma; they’re good.’” Thomasian also praised the Wildcats, who became the first Paloma Valley team to win a CIF-SS title in a team sport. “I want to tell you how absolutely proud I am of you personally and of the feats you accomplished,” Thomasian said.
Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon Paloma Valley High School girls soccer players were awarded their CIF Southern Section championship rings (inset) July 20.
Dallin commits to U of Arizona
Photo by Kristi Jo Aguirre All-American Nicole Dallin has made a verbal commitment to Arizona.
High School All-American soccer player Nicole Dallin of Paloma Valley High School recently made a verbal commitment to continue her career at the University of Arizona. Dallin is just entering her junior year at Paloma Valley, but she already has had an impressive career for the Wildcats. In helping to lead the team to the CIF Southern Section Division 4 championship with a 1-0 win over Ventura, she scored 54 goals with 16 assists. The same day the Wildcats received their CIF championship rings this
summer, it was announced that Dallin was named a High School All-American by the U.S. High School Soccer Coaches Association. Dallin made the decision about her college career on July 23, just a few days after the players received their CIF championship rings. She will continue to play club soccer until it’s time to prepare for the high school season again. “It kind shows that hard work pays off,” Dallin said. “Sometimes your hard work isn’t really noticed; this season it really was.”
Ryan Sharp, a coach at Paloma Valley High School the last two years, has been named the school’s athletic director by principal Jennifer Thomasian. Sharp has served as head boys track and cross country coach since 2016. He has extensive experi-
and a Masters degree in Education. He has been involved in running for more than 25 years as an athlete and a coach. He started as an assistant coach at Orange Glen High School, then became the head coach for both sports at Mission Hills High in San Marcos in
2006. In seven years at the school, his teams made the state meet in cross country and track every year. After moving to the Temecula area, he taught and coached for two years at Temecula Prep, earning the girls cross country league title and track titles (2) in school history.
Sharp named Paloma athletic director
Local teams switch leagues Menifee 24/7 Staff As a result of action by a CIF Southern Section re-leaguing committee, Heritage and Paloma Valley high school athletic teams have been placed in a new conference and will compete in different leagues according to sport. “This will be a step up in competition level for our stronger programs,” said Paloma Valley athletic director Ryan Sharp. “This format also gives some of our newer sports, such as water polo and swimming, a more level playing field.” The goal is to put teams in each sport into league alignments that will be more competitive, top to
bottom. Teams in the conference are the Ivy, Sunbelt and Inland Leagues. In football, Heritage and Paloma Valley will move into the Ivy League, which will be a four-team league including Rancho Verde and Valley View. Last year, Rancho Verde went 12-3 overall and lost in the CIF championship game. In boys basketball, Heritage will remain in the Sunbelt League with a new alignment of Arlington, Canyon Springs, Elsinore, Lakeside and Orange Vista. Paloma Valley will move into the Ivy League with JW North, Notre Dame, Riverside Poly, Rancho Verde, Temescal Canyon and Valley View.
ence in coaching runners and also has some experience in administration. He replaces Michael Pfeiffer, who is now athletic director at Redlands High School. Sharp started at Paloma Valley as a teacher, coach and Admin Designee (substitute assistant prin-
cipal). “The AD has long been a dream job for me, and I am very excited to take over,” Sharp said. Sharp grew up in Washington State and attended Boise State, Cal State San Marcos and National University. He has a BS degree in Mathematics
Longtime resident Wilson dies at 95
Photo by Kristi Jo Aguirre The Heritage High School football team, shown here celebrating a win over Paloma Valley last fall, never lost a Sunbelt League game in eight years.
Oasis resident Jim Wilson passed away peacefully July 5 at home surrounded by family. Jim, a longtime resident of the Menifee community, turned 95 years on June 6. He was a charter member of The Oasis Finance and Budget Committee and served for nearly 14 years. He was both Chairman and Co-chairman during his long tenure and was a charter member of The Oasis Forward Planning Committee. The Oasis Board of Directors recognized his service by making him honorary member of the Finance and Budget Committee. He was awarded the Mike Bair award for distinguished service. Jim was a graduate of Princeton University, Harvard Business School
and a veteran of The U.S. Navy. He was a Senior Vice-President in the banking industry for 35 years and deeply involved in Rotary. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Shirley; children Lynn, Chip (Leah), Breck (Denise) and Nancy; grandchildren Eric (Vanessa) Brent, Mary, Nick and Katy; Brother Bill and 8 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother Tom.
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Aug. 1, 2018
MENIFEE 24/7
Menifee Crossword Puzzle
Come join the fun! Ice cold beverages Delicious food Live entertainment Pool tables Sports on big screens
Try your luck at today’s Menifee Crossword Puzzle. The theme is “At the Supermarket.” Clues with an asterisk refer to the theme. Answers, Page B4. ACROSS
DOWN
1. Sans-____, font option 6. Fly hangout? 9. Toothy tool 13. Lickety-split 14. Lennon’s wife 15. Jolly one 16. Climber’s spike 17. FEMA provisions, e.g. 18. Early anesthetic 19. *Laser or LED at the supermarket register 21. *Advantageous grocery display 23. Male or female 24. Show off 25. Blue 28. *Type of a grocerant 30. Same as torsi 35. Kind of sandwich 37. Transversus abdominis location 39. “The Voice” concern 40. Sunrise in Spain 41. Civil wrongs 43. ____ d’Ivoire 44. Tarzan’s swing 46. Fork prong 47. Shaped like Humpty Dumpty 48. Brain teaser 50. Viper’s tooth 52. Santa’s helper 53. Miniature whirlpool 55. Miner’s bounty 57. *Salad bar ____ guard 60. *Perimeter aisle at the market 64. Make dim 65. Make a pigeon sound 67. Corruptible 68. Rotary files 69. *Supermarket circulars 70. Same as #45 Down 71. Ke$ha’s 2012 hit 72. Thus far 73. #28 Across purchase
1. Depletes 2. Colossal 3. “Pro” follower 4. Desktop pictures 5. Tiny fox with large ears 6. Wild swine 7. American cuckoo 8. Barrel racing meet 9. Campus military org. 10. Turkish honorific 11. What hoarders do 12. Make a mistake 15. Cow’s favorite grass? 20. Dead-on 22. Peanut isn’t this 24. Scare stiff 25. *Weights and Measures inspector’s concern 26. Make or break bet 27. Persian Gulf port 29. *Sales per square ____ 31. Puerto ____ 32. Range in the kitchen 33. Based on number 8 34. *____ life 36. *”More ____ for your buck!” 38. Tallest volcano in Europe 42. Mister in Madrid 45. Arabian chieftains 49. Wood-shaping tool 51. Show submission 54. Tooth trouble 56. Organ swelling 57. Undesirable location 58. Infamous Roman 59. Garner wages 60. Well-mannered Emily 61. *U in SKU 62. *Grocery carrier 63. Additional 64. British public service broadcaster 66. Keats’ poem
MENIFEE 24/7
Aug. 1, 2018
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Clinton Keith extension open Menifee 24/7 Staff
Photos courtesy of CHP The bicycle ridden by a man who was struck and killed on Scott Road was found by the roadway.
Hit-and-run driver sought The California Highway Patrol is looking for the driver who fled the scene of an accident that killed a bicyclist on Scott Road just east of the Menifee city limits. The accident occurred sometime late July 25 or early July 26, according to a CHP news release. About 9:30 a.m. July 26, a passerby discovered the body of a man authorities
say was killed as he rode a bicycle eastbound on Scott Road about a mile east of Leon Road. The body was discovered on the south shoulder of the roadway. The victim’s identity is not known at this time. He is described as a white male, approximately 5055 years old, with a thin build and weighing about 135 pounds.
One of the most important Southwest Riverside County traffic routes to open in years was celebrated July 27 in a ceremony near the east end of the Clinton Keith Road extension. The project, nearly two years in the making, extends Clinton Keith Road from Whitewood Road to the west with Leon Road to the east, enabling motorists to travel from the west end of Murrieta all the way east to Winchester Road. Until this road opened, east-west travelers had to use Scott Road far to the north, a curving two-lane Los Alamos Road, or Murrieta Hot Springs Road to the south. The road is three lanes wide on each side with bike lanes, a traffic signal installed at the intersection with Menifee Road, and a bridge spanning the road with Riverside County’s first wildlife crossing to help protect animals. Close to 500 people gathered in the shade under that wildlife crossing bridge for a ceremony that included representatives of the Riverside Coun-
ty Board of Supervisors, Riverside County Transportation and Lane Management Agency, Western Riverside Council of Governments, and the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, in addition to officials of several local cities. “I don’t think we anticipated this big a turnout,” said Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington. “It’s an indication of how important this project is. This is so important to this region and literally will impact the lives of 100,000 people. To get some of those people dispersed as they travel through the area is of great benefit to their lives. “With projects like this, we give people alternatives in how they get where they need to go. It also demonstrates how regional partnerships can be so effective. We have representatives from the City of Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee ... they’ve all had some stake in making this project a success. I couldn’t be more proud of how we get things done when we work together.” Murrieta Mayor Jonathan Ingram expressed his excitement.
Menifee’s finest Italian cuisine, great prices and a genuine down-home atmosphere...
...and the owner will serenade you! New Rotary Club of Menifee President Stu Blaze receives the gavel of office from Past President Dr. Steve Kennedy at the club’s installation recently. Other officers installed were President-Elect Debbi Manion, Secretary Linda Denver, Treasurer Dawn Smith, Membership Rachel Sherman, The Rotary Foundation Chair Tom Yuzer, Public Relations Chair Anna Stirling, and International Chair Dennis Martin.
Sun City Library scheduled to re-open Aug. 13 Menifee 24/7 Staff Sun City Library, which has been closed for renovations since March, will re-open Aug. 13. Michelle Stiles, branch manager of the library, made the announcement recently. Following a few
minor delays, the project is wrapping up with some finishing touches and awaiting installation of new furniture. Staff members are organizing new work spaces and reconfiguring book stacks. According to the news release, the renovations
were necessary because of safety concerns regarding slippery floors, sharp edges, uneven carpet and broken furniture. The project included reconfiguring of the children’s area as well. Sun City Library is the third most used library in the Riverside County Li-
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brary system, which includes 36 branches. Once the library is open, the Friends of the Library used bookstore will return to its location in the front lobby area. The bookstore just closed its temporary location in the Cherry Hills Plaza.
26900 Newport Road, Menifee 951-672-8080 giovannismenifee.net
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Aug. 1, 2018
MENIFEE 24/7
New market welcomed in Quail Valley By DOUG SPOON Editor
Residents of the Quail Valley community “up on the hill” above Menifee have a long-awaited location to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, cold beverages and ingredients for meals such as shrimp tacos. Quail Valley Market has been a labor of love for Jesse Hernandez and his
wife Rose, who worked hard to set up shop while waiting through a lengthy city permit process to get the market open. It is located next to the Quail Valley Fire Department at 23980 Newport Drive, near the intersection of Goetz Road and Palm Drive. The market opened on Cinco de Mayo and is developing a loyal following in Quail Valley, where
shopping options were previously limited to a Circle K market down the street. “It’s slowly catching on,” said Jesse Hernandez Jr., who was working the front counter one recent day for his father. “People are still barely realizing we’re here. We’ve met a lot of people who are glad we opened a store here.” In addition to a variety of fresh fruits and vegeta-
bles, the market will soon have an expanded “vegetable garden” section in the back of the business with many more food options. The Hernandez family also plans to have a taco truck and fresh sandwiches served in a back patio area soon. A Beer Den keeps a wide variety of beers ice cold in a large walk-in freezer. Menifee City Council member Matt Liesemey-
er, who represents District 2 where Quail Valley is located, acknowledged the significance of having such a business in the area. “I’m very proud to have Jesse and Rose in the community,” Liesemeyer said. “They provide more options for people in the area that are so badly needed and I’m certain they will be successful. They’ve been a great ad-
dition to the community.” Jesse Hernandez Jr. said his father was working construction in the area when he noticed there was nowhere close to buy fresh food and drinks. Today, local residents have all the choices they need. For store hours and other information about the market, call 714-9001115. You can also find them on Facebook.
Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon Jesse Hernandez Jr., whose parents own Quail Valley Market, welcomes customers to the store, which features a variety of fresh food and cold drinks.
New technology makes Advertising STEAM learning fun works!
State Point Media With each new school year comes a new set of subjects, books and teachers. It also means new technologies being introduced into the classroom. As students head back to school, here is a look at the technologies that will support STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning this year: -- Digital Art: Enter some art classes today and you may find a dearth of paints, brushes and charcoal. Today, art students can learn the same painting, drawing and sculpting techniques they previously would have learned using traditional supplies, only with digital tools instead. While the traditional mediums aren’t completely going away any time soon, today’s students can benefit from the versatility that cutting-edge tools supply, from the time a project idea is conceived through when the finished product is shared with the world.
-- Visual Science: Whether it’s an anatomical diagram of the human heart or a map of the Milky Way, every science teacher knows that a picture’s worth a thousand words, particularly when it’s a sharp, clear picture. Teachers and students are benefitting from top of the line projection technology in classrooms. -- The LampFree Projectors from Casio’s Core Series, for example, have the ability to project images and video wirelessly from smart phones, laptop computers and tablets, expanding teachers’ ability to create engaging lesson plans. Additionally, the mercury-free Laser and LED hybrid light source is energy-efficient, reducing power consumption by up to 40 percent, a bonus lesson in environmental stewardship. Accessible Computer Science: Certain innovations are helping students go beyond just consuming technology. Apps abound for independent learners, as well as educators, to use in their classrooms
to help computer science students of all ages and abilities to hone their coding skills. From straight-forward instructional apps to those that gamify the learning process, young coders-in-training have a wealth of resources at their fingertips. -- Intuitive Music: New technology is rocking the music education boat in an effort to make learning an instrument more intuitive. For example, Casio’s LK-265 is outfitted with such tools as a Key Lighting System, Voice Fingering Guide and Step-up Lesson System, enabling beginners to learn built-in songs at their own pace. Students don’t even have to wait for teacher feedback; the keyboards have a Scoring System that evaluates performance. -- In-Depth Math: Today’s students are getting a closer look at the inner workings of mathematics than their predecessors, thanks to new graphing calculators, such as the fx-CG50 PRIZM.
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Aug. 1, 2018
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Menifee 24/7 news Menifee in Pictures has you covered! Photos from local residents...
Breaking news Photo by Amber Bragg
City government Photo by Christina Ortiz
Honorees Photo by Mark Suzuki
Menifee 24/7 EDITOR Doug Spoon ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kristen Spoon Editorial phone: 951-729-9865 Advertising phone: 951-729-9875 Website: www.menifee247.com Facebook page: Menifee 24/7 General info: info@menifee247.com Menifee 24/7 Print Edition is distributed twice a month by Premier Media Group. For a list of distribution sites, see menifee247.com. All content in this publication is Copyright 2018, Menifee 24/7. To subscribe for home delivery, mail a check for $25 for a year’s subscription to Menifee 24/7, 27070 Sun City Blvd., Menifee CA 92586. You may also pay for a subscription online by using the Print Edition tab on menifee247.com
Menifee 24/7 office has new location
The Menifee 24/7 office has moved! You can now mail items to us at 27070 Sun City Blvd., Menifee CA 92586. This is where you would mail us any kind of correspondence, including a check to pay for your annual subscription to the newspaper. The Menifee 24/7 newspaper is published twice a month, on the 1st and 15th. You’ll receive all the news the way you want it, without having to search local businesses for copies before they run ou To sign up for a year’s subscription, mail a check for $25 to us at the address listed above. Be sure to include the address for your home delivery.
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Aug. 1, 2018
MENIFEE 24/7
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