Menifee 247 july 1 2018 newspaper

Menifee 24/7

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JULY 1, 2018

VOL. 2 NO. 14

Terry Smith’s brother is released

By DOUG SPOON Editor

A Menifee man who spent nearly five years in a juvenile detention center for voluntary manslaughter in the death of his half brother was released from custody last week, Menifee 24/7 has learned.

Skylor Atilano, 20, had just turned 16 when he was arrested in connection with the death of 11-year-

old Terry Smith Jr., who was reported missing on July 7, 2013 and whose body was found buried in the family’s Menifee backyard three days later. In a case that received national attention, hundreds of Menifee residents searched for Terry for three days before the boy’s body was located.

In August 2014, Atilano admitted to the crime of voluntary manslaughter

in juvenile court and was sentenced to 12 years.

However, a defendant sentenced in juvenile court cannot be held past the age of 23. At the time, a spokesman for the District Attorney’s office said Atilano could be free in as little as four years following a probationary hearing and review.

That apparently is what happened in this case. Atilano was an inmate at the

California Youth Authority in Camarillo until June 18, when the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was given an order to transport Atilano for a June 20 court in Murrieta, where he was originally sentenced, according to Sheriff’s Deputy Armando Munoz. At that court date, Atilano was given the terms of his probation See ATILANO / A5

Skylor Atilano

A time to celebrate together Festival promotes city unity

Menifee 24/7 Staff

Winter’s service to the community and his love of music, there seems to be no better tribute to him than dedicating the new amphitheater in his name.”

As stated in Sobek’s request, Winter was a regular at weekly karaoke events host by local resident Nicole Farrell. And a video of Winter singing “Sunny” during the May 19 Arts Council Menifee Showcase – hours before he died – has been viewed and shared many times on social media.

Menifee Town Center has been shrouded in controversy because of long delays in the construction of the Krikorian Theater complex, a hotel, civic center and more. The timeline for those projects remains uncertain. Some of the housing projects in

Menifee City Council members, who stressed the importance of being unified in carrying on Neil Winter’s vision following his death a month ago, were anything but unified on the night of June 20.

For the second consecutive council meeting since Winter’s May 19 death created a mayoral vacancy, the council failed to reach a decision regarding his replacement. That indecision all but killed any chance of a public election for mayor in November. It also now requires that the council appoint a mayor

by July 18 -- end of the 60-day period mandated by law -- to avoid a much more expensive election in March 2019.

The only way to hold an election in November would be for the council to adopt an ordinance – effective immediately -- in the next week or so requiring such an election. That would require an emergency meeting be called of the council. By June 27, no such meeting had been called.

Assistant city attorney Ajit Thind -- filling in for city attorney Jeffrey Melching, who is on vacation -- repeated the same staff report Melching provided to council members at the June 6 meeting.

That referred to Government Code 34902, which states, in part, the following: “In the case of a vacancy in the office of the mayor for any reason, the council shall fill the vacancy by appointment.

If the council fails to fill it within 60 days, it shall call an election to fill the vacancy to be held on the next established election date to be held not less than 114 days thereafter.”

Melching’s original staff report, as re-stated by Thind, actually gave council members three options: Appoint a new mayor by July 18, do nothing and force an election in March 2019, or adopt an ordinance that would allow for an election in November.

Following those options, Melching presented his interpretation of the government code, stating that “the City Council has a duty to fill the vacancy by

See PARK / A4

See MAYOR / A5

If we can’t agree to celebrate together on the 4th of July, when can we?

OK, so the City of Menifee celebrates Independence Day on the Saturday before the 4th of July. Don’t ask me why.

Commentary

Menifee 24/7 file photos Fireworks at Wheatfield Park are a Menifee tradition, and crowds have increased every year at the city’s Independence Day Festival, one of the community’s signature events.

See FESTIVAL / A2

Amphitheater will memorialize Winter

Menifee 24/7 Staff

The Menifee City Council on June 20 approved a request to name the amphitheater being constructed in the city’s new Central Park after the late Mayor Neil R. Winter.

The request was made

by Mayor Pro Tem Lesa Sobek and approved by the Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission prior to City Council approval.

A raised concrete stage has been built in front of a large outdoor area in the southeast corner of the five-acre Central Park. It will be one of the first features to open in the Menifee Town Center on Newport Road west of Haun Road.

The official dedication and a special event are planned for the site this fall, with the date to be determined.

Winter served less than

Mayoral selection uncertain Council has yet to make decision

By DOUG SPOON Editor

All I know is that the June 30 festival will bring a large crowd to Wheatfield Park as always, with long lines at the vendor booths, kids scurrying for candy thrown from vehicles in the parade, and residents cheering a spectacular fireworks show around 8:30 p.m.

For that one day, we hear little about traffic, crime or disagreements among Menifee City Council members. Walk around the park and you likely will see smiling faces, kids having fun and people generally celebrating the fact we’re a free nation.

Don’t you wish we could have more of that the rest of the year?

It isn’t possible for me to take a break from Facebook. My presence there

Skylor Atilano’s release from jail is the latest chapter in a tragic story.

For a look back as we approach the fifth anniversary of the death of Terry Smith, see Page B1.

Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon The Neil R. Winter Amphitheater will be located in the new Central Park. two years of his first term as mayor before his sudden passing at home on May 19. He has been affectionally referred to as the “People’s Mayor” because of his grassroots campaign and his close

interaction with residents.

“Mr. Winter served passionately as the ‘People’s Mayor’ since 2016,” Sobek wrote in her request for the naming dedication. “Mayor Winter had a passion for music

and absolutely loved to sing his heart out at karaoke. He even spent his final day singing a joyful medley at the Arts Council of Menifee event at the Countryside Marketplace.

“Considering Mayor

A2

FESTIVAL From Page A1

is part of my job. But I can certainly understand the feelings of those who seem to be abandoning that and other forms of social media in increasing numbers. Simply put, all the online arguing can be depressing.

I hear complaints from people who have lost longtime friends because they disagreed over politics in Facebook posts.

Obviously, people aren’t required to get along together on Facebook or even be a member, so it’s easy to shut people out or shut yourself down on that platform. In “real life”, that isn’t always possible.

As Americans – and as Menifee residents – we need to work together, sometimes on very important issues, whether we agree on everything or not. Often, compromise is possible. But that requires one being willing to listen to and accept the other person’s right to an opinion.

We could walk around Wheatfield Park on Saturday and start arguments with others over issues we all feel strongly about, but we choose not to because it is not the right time. We want to just relax and enjoy ourselves. And that is exactly what we have a right to do on this special day for all Americans.

We choose civility on this day because it seems appropriate. So maybe we just need more Independence Day holiday celebrations.

I’m not suggesting we walk around in every situation with a goofy look on our face, stuffing hot dogs in our mouth and throwing marshmallows around like folks do after the Menifee fireworks show. But can’t we muster up enough positive energy to work through our disagreements without shutting people out of our lives?

Yes, social media may be making this challenge more difficult. It’s so easy to use that platform to moan and groan to a faceless audience. Unfortunately, social media is here to stay. It is our conduct, not the platform we use, that is most in need of change.

How can we bring about that change in ourselves?

Well, we have options.

While it’s important to be careful about the people we hang out with – those we allow to influence us – it’s also important to do whatever we can to understand their point of view.

Then we must decide to what extent we interact with them.

We can also control the amount of time spent watching television and being online, as well as the quality of what we expose ourselves to. It’s one thing to stay informed; it’s another to fill our minds with so much negativity, we forget how to recognize the positive things in life.

So as you celebrate with your fellow Menifee residents and with friends and family this Independence Day holiday, take a moment not only to cherish the freedoms you enjoy as Americans, but the ability you have to work effectively with others to bring about change.

It’s a challenge, but it doesn’t have to depressing. Find a way to enjoy the ride.

July 1, 2018

MENIFEE 24/7

Coyote attacks concern residents Fatal attacks on local dogs are increasing

By DOUG SPOON Editor Victoria Smith took her small dog into the back yard one recent Saturday night near Fairlane Drive and Covington Way, just a few blocks east of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Menifee.

Just before dusk, it was a peaceful night – for a moment.

Suddenly a coyote leaped over Smith’s back yard fence right in front of her and grabbed her 4-pound pet miniature pinscher in its mouth.

Smith’s other dog ran at the coyote and fought it before the wild animal dropped the smaller dog and jumped back over the fence, running down the street.

The dog was rushed to an emergency veterinarian clinic, where it received 68 staples and five drains.

It survived, thanks to the owner’s quick action and a $3,000 vet bill.

“He is not afraid of me at all,” Smith said about the coyote, which along with others has increasingly roamed the streets of a neighborhood north of McCall Boulevard and between Murrieta Road and Gross Pointe Drive.

A golf course is located to the east and a hillside a few blocks to the west, giving coyotes plenty of places to hide.

Unfortunately, the animals are not staying in those areas. In recent months, they have become more aggressive

Photo to Jennifer Kries This coyote was only seen in the distance, but attacks on pets are common.

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife photo Coyotes like this one are preying on pet dogs in Menifee neighborhoods. and are blamed for at least six deaths of pet dogs in the neighborhood.

“My neighbor dog was killed by a coyote a couple weeks before that,” Smith said. “I’ve seen one twice at about 4:30 in the afternoon, just trotting down the street. Last week, it was seen at some houses across the street. Two of them were in someone’s

yard.”

Coyotes are often sighted in the rural areas of Menifee, and attacks on dogs have been reported for years. Monique Middleton, chief animal control officer for Animal Friends of the Valleys, said she does not believe there has been a significant increase in the number of coyotes in the area.

The biggest problem in this particular neighborhood, she said, is that two residents have admitted feeding the coyotes. This is illegal and could result in citations issued to the offenders.

“Two ladies in the neighborhood were feeding them,” said Middleton, who is responsible for animal control through

contract with the City of Menifee. “We notified both parties this was illegal. One woman’s response was, ‘They look hungry; they’re skinny and maybe they were kicked out of the pack.’

She was feeding them raw chicken.”

Middleton said she posted notices on the door of both residences. She has not been able to speak personally to one of the women but the other responded.

“Another resident told me she said to them, ‘I guess I can’t feed the coyotes anymore.’ I hope that has stopped.”

Suzanne Tyre lives about a block away from Smith on Lancaster Drive.

She said she is certain that the feeding of the coyotes has made them less scared of people and even more aggressive now that they have to once again find their own food.

“I used to walk my dog every morning and night,” Tyre said. “One too many times, a coyote has come directly at me. One time he was staring me down and he was in my path home. I had a neighbor drive me home.”

Three local residents -Smith, Cynthia Cook and Maria Stowe – attended the City of Menifee Public Safety Committee meeting recently and voiced their concerns. They said Middleton responded with some suggestions about “hazing” the coyotes but admitted there is only so much that can be done. Coyotes fall under the regulation of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

See COYOTES / A5

Plaza addition arising

Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon Above, one of the main buildings in Phase 2 of the Menifee Lakes Plaza project begins to take shape.

Below, the framing for smaller businesses are also visible along Antelope Road north of Newport Road.

Construction on the second phase of the Menifee Lakes Plaza is well underway, with a main building and smaller structures being prepared to house several new businesses in the coming months.

The plaza is located at the northwest corner of Newport Road and Antelope Road and already consists of an LA Fitness health club, a Chevron gas station and car wash.

The section between those structures was vacant land for months but is now a hub of activity.

Businesses committed to be housed in those buildings are: Baron’s Market Raising Canes Saporro Sushi Cosmo Nail & Spa Jamba Juice Waba Grill Kahoots Tuesday Morning Café Rio Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Blaze Pizza Opening dates for these businesses have not been announced.

A key addition to the plaza lineup was the announcement in January 2017 of a commitment with Baron’s Market, which is well-known for its wide selection of natural and specialty foods, organic products, craft beers, local produce and self-serve salad bars.

MENIFEE 24/7

July 1, 2018

A3

Golf course issues still unresolved There still has been no significant movement in communication between the City of Menifee and the owners of the vacant North Golf Course, according to city officials.

A Korea-based company that owns the Cherry Hills Golf Course bought the North Golf Course in the Sun City community from its member ownership in January 2017. Just three months later, citing declining attendance and profits, the company -formerly known as California Golf & Art, LLC -announced it was closing

Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon City officials hope recent improvements will increase the safety and conduct of skate park users.

Skate park concerns remain Officials hopeful now that complaints are decreasing

By DOUG SPOON Editor City of Menifee officials hope an incident described by a resident at the June 20 City Council meeting does not represent a pattern of trouble at the Menifee Skate Park at Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park.

Janelle Erickson told council members that she was visiting the skate park with her children recently when she became aware of young adults at the park smoking marijuana. She said when she asked them to stop, some of the skaters called her crude names and told her to mind her own business.

During the confrontation, Erickson said one of the skaters who appeared under the influence of a foreign substance fell and was bleeding profusely from the head. When she offered assistance or to call 911 for medical attention, the skater refused and ignored her.

Matt Liesemeyer, who

is the City Council member representing that district, said he visits the park often and corresponds with residents. He said he has not received many complaints recently but realizes that keeping the park clean and safe is an ongoing issue.

“The Sheriff’s Department recognizes we’re still having issues out there and they are working with the Community Services Department,” Liesemeyer said. “We’re making some camera upgrades that will have the capability to allow the deputies in their cars to see the park in real time.”

The skate park was closed for nearly four months in late 2016 because of concerns about inappropriate conduct by skaters, trash and drug paraphernalia left in the area, and excessive noise.

Since then, the city has added better security cameras, raised the height of fences, closed off a back entrance and hired park rangers who help patrol

School districts to meet, discuss unification issue Menifee 24/7 Staff

Officials of the Menifee Union School District and Perris Union High School District have scheduled a July 17 meeting to discuss the process of creating a unified school district in Menifee.

Paloma Valley and Heritage high schools are part of PUHSD along with Perris High School. Most public elementary and middle schools in Menifee are part of MUSD. Since the rapid growth of the city, talk of a Menifee Unified School District has increased.

PUHSD officials have previously stated that their unification proposal would allow Paloma Valley and a new high school already approved for southeast Menifee to become part of a Menifee Unified School District.

Heritage would remain a part of PUHSD. Several details have yet to be worked out, however, including the status of the so-called High School 4.

During a presentation

by PUHSD superintendent Grant Bennett and deputy superintendent Candace Reines to MUSD board members in April, MUSD board member Jerry Bowman urged the two districts to begin working right away on unification.

“You talk about a fiveyear timeline (for unification),” Bowman said to Bennett and Reines.

“When would the fiveyear timeline start? I think it’s time for us to push for unification now. Let’s not wait for the new school.

Let’s begin the process immediately.”

In the PUHSD presentation regarding the proposed high school to be built on Leon Road north of Scott Road, it was noted that the $76.7 million allotted to that project from a 2012 Measure T bond measure is only about half of what is needed. The state’s matching funds have not been allocated.

The meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the MUSD office.

The scribbled message “make more skate parks” sums up the feelings of skate park patrons. the area.

“I spoke with [Community Services Director] Jonathan Nicks about reaching out to our neighboring cities and talking again with them,” Liesemeyer said. “In my conversations with the youth out there, they like the park because they don’t

get harassed. They get away with what they do in Menifee because of some lack of enforcement.

“My request is to find out how we can be on an equal playing field with neighboring cities, where we aren’t looked at as the easy one to go to.”

the North Course.

Asked repeatedly for its plans for the vacant space, the owners have not made such a submission. Meanwhile, the City’s code enforcement department has had to issue notices for clean-up of the property, which basically is dead grass, weeds and dying shrubs.

In March, city manager Armando Villa confirmed that city attorney Jeffrey Melching sent a letter to the golf course owners, warning of citations if the property was not cleaned up.

A4

July 1, 2018

MENIFEE 24/7

Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon Clockwise from upper left: The stage at the under-construction amphitheater as seen from the back of the park; children’s playground equipment; a water feature near the parking lot; a closeup of the raised concrete stage, which will eventually have a cover to help shade the performers.

PARK

From Page A1 the center are being built, however, and much of the construction of the fiveacre Central Park and amphitheater is completed.

The stage was constructed in a semicircle shape and measures 65 feet by 35 feet. It will eventually have a cover to provide shade for performers. A $100,000 allocation from the General Fund Excess Balance for that structure was approved June 20 by the City Council.

Light standards and electrical for the park have

been installed, along with a children’s play area, sheltered picnic area, restroom and walkways.

Open areas were scheduled to be hydroseeded the last week of June to provide grassy areas for guests to play and sit.

When it opens to the public, Central Park will only be accessible from Newport Road to the north and La Piedra Road to the south. Original plans called for a pedestrian bridge so residents can walk from the

Town Center Marketplace across Paloma Wash to reach Menifee Town Center. Funding for the bridge has not been determined at this time.

The most eagerly anticipated facet of Menifee Town Center is the Krikorian Theater complex. It is scheduled to include 12 theater screens, including the largest single screen in the Western United States; a bowling alley; sports bar; and family entertainment center.

The first “tentative”

opening date mentioned by city officials was the summer of 2015. Since then, delays have been attributed to additional property purchased by Krikorian for retail space, changes in construction plans and negotiations over financing.

In April, city manager Armando Villa said he believes “it’s safe to say they’re going to begin their grading operation by the summer.” He said at the time that city officials and executives of Krikori-

an Premiere Theatres have met several times to negotiate a tax revenue sharing agreement as an incentive to advance the project.

Such revenue sharing agreements are not unusual when cities are trying to convince a large developer to finalize plans to become the anchor of a major commercial center. Gina Gonzalez, City of Menifee economic development manager, said recently that Krikorian and the City are working on final construction plans

for the theater complex.

A revenue sharing agreement is already in place to help fund construction of a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. That facility is expected to include a minimum of 80 guest rooms, 4,000 square feet of space for conference rooms, a ballroom, a swimming pool, gym and other amenities.

Specifics about the event in which the amphitheater will be named after Winter will be announced soon.

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MENIFEE 24/7

July 1, 2018

MAYOR

COYOTES

From Page A1

appointing an individual to serve out the balance of Mayor Winter’s term.”

Asked to confirm that statement after the meeting, Thind said, “We have interpreted the word shall as duty.”

The ensuing discussion among the four council members quickly revealed that Mayor Pro Tem Lesa Sobek and council members Greg August and John Denver favored an appointment, while council member Matt Liesemeyer stood by his previous stance that the people should be allowed to decide in an election.

Yet even though three of the four favored an appointment, none could come up with a nominee that received a majority of votes.

The first motion was made by August, who nominated Sobek to serve as mayor for the remainder of Winter’s term through November 2020.

His request for a second to his motion was met with silence. As Thind was starting to declare it a failed motion, and as August whispered to Sobek, she finally seconded the motion herself. It resulted in a 2-2 vote because of “no” votes from Liesemeyer and Denver.

Thind said there is no law preventing a nominated appointee from seconding a motion for his or herself.

“It’s not a conflict of interest,” he said after the meeting. “There’s barely any additional income in the office of mayor. It is not a government 1090 violation because that only relates to contracts.

“This kind of thing happens. The government code specifically provides that the city council can appoint someone to fill the mayor’s role. It certainly doesn’t say it can’t be one of them.”

Following the failed motion, August then made a motion to appoint Robert Karwin, a current City of Menifee planning commissioner. Sobek seconded that motion but again, Liesemeyer and Denver voted no. August then made a motion to appoint

Bill Zimmerman, a former planning commissioner, current member of the Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission, trustee for Mt. San Jacinto College and a previous city council candidate.

The motion failed to receive a second.

At that point, with no further motions, the item was continued until the next council meeting. Because there is only one meeting in July due to a holiday and vacations, that date is July 18.

According to the staff report, a mayoral election held in November would’ve cost between $37,000 and $47,000. To hold a special election in the next possible election cycle -- March 2019 -- the cost would be an estimated $200,000 or more.

Thus if someone on the council doesn’t given in and change their vote or propose a successful motion at the July 18 meeting – or unless that emergency ordinance is adopted -a $200,000 election will be held in March and the city council will remain four members for the next nine months.

Is such a change of heart possible?

“I don’t know,” Liesemeyer said after the meeting, insisting he continues to believe an appointment is the wrong choice. “The three of them have to get together and figure together who to agree on.

But you can’t legally do that.”

By law, council members are not allowed to meet outside council chambers to discuss issues.

In a poll of readers conducted by Menifee 24/7 earlier this month, 72 of 100 respondents said they preferred an election to choose the next mayor.

Other social media sites have shown similar results. Sobek and August said their personal conversations with residents indicated otherwise.

“My personal experience has been that it has been about a 5-1 margin to appoint,” Sobek said during the meeting. “In my recent conversations,

it seems there is a misunderstanding about the city mayor. The role is ceremonial. The city manager runs the day to day operations.”

After the meeting, August agreed with Sobek.

“My results are the same as Lesa’s,” August said. “It has been pretty high in favor of an appointment.”

Asked if he disputed the validity of the Menifee 24/7 poll and other comments on social media, August had this response: “It depends on how you guys frame the question.

If they talk to someone with experience and who knows some of the answers, they’re probably going to answer the question differently.”

August was then asked whether he believed the council members could come to an agreement on an appointment July 18 before triggering a $200,000 election.

“I think the fact we’re going to look at spending $212,000 to $220,000 could have an impact on people’s decisions,” he said. “I could be wrong.”

Denver also stated during the meeting that he favored an appointment, saying, “If you elect someone who was not already on the council, how long is it going to take the person to learn the job?

How long did it take Mayor Winter?”

Although he is termed out as a council member in November, Denver could serve as mayor if appointed because that is considered a separate council position. August and Liesemeyer have stated they would decline an appointment, leaving only Sobek and Denver among current council members.

Denver was not nominated and did not second anyone’s motion.

“It’s not right,” Liesemeyer said about the failure to pass an ordinance allowing for a November mayoral election.

“My stance is nothing personal against the three people who were nominated tonight. But it needs to be decided by the people, not us.”

thing.” When contacted for a response, that person had no comment.

During the search for Terry Smith, Atilano told Menifee 24/7 that he left his home on Helen Lane near Scott Road for a friend’s house on the night of July 6, 2013 and never saw his half brother again. Law enforcement officials reported that the family home was searched the next day, but the boy’s body was not discovered until July 10, after a woman claiming to be a “visionary” said she was led through dreams to the search area and, along with another search party member, found a shallow grave in the family’s back yard.

Hundreds of civilian volunteers had been searching the area, starting from a command post set up at Menifee Market -- a store often frequented

by Terry and a location about 100 yards from his home on a dirt road behind the store. That post was manned by Menifee City Council Member

Tom Fuhrman and volunteers, including members of the Faithful Servants group.

At that time, Atilano told Menifee 24/7 he was home alone with Terry on that Saturday night after their mother left early in the evening to go play pool with friends. Skylor said he left the house sometime after 7:30 to visit a friend and saw Terry following him.

ATILANO From Page A1

and was released.

Records are sealed in juvenile cases, so information about Atilano’s stay at the CYA is not available to the public.

Records from last week’s court appearance are also sealed. At the time of Atilano’s sentencing in 2014, Judge Timothy F. Freer described voluntary manslaughter as a crime committed “without malice in the heat of an argument.”

Details of Terry Smith’s death were never released.

Atilano was a student at Paloma Valley High School and was living with his mother Shawna Smith, Terry Smith and another minor child when the crime occurred. Shawna Smith moved away from Menifee some time ago.

Contacted by Menifee 24/7, she would not provide any information about Atilano’s release or his current place of residence.

Another family member posted on Facebook last week that Atilano was in a “halfway house type

A5

“I told him to go back home,” Skylor said. “He didn’t want to at first, but I saw him walking back toward the house. That’s the last time I saw him.”

Skylor said when he returned home later, he went to bed and assumed Terry was in bed, too. Shawna Smith said when she returned home later that night, she assumed both boys were asleep in bed.

She said she didn’t notice Terry was missing until she got up Sunday morning.

Atilano was arrested and charged with murder on July 12, 2013.

From Page A2 Cook said some residents of the neighborhood also expressed concerns at an HOA meeting June 26 but were told the organization could do nothing to help them.

“The biggest thing is not to feed them,” Cook said. “That made them so used to people that they’re not afraid of us.”

Cook acknowledged some of the suggestions given by Middleton, which include tying mylar balloons to fences, installing pipe on fences to make the coyotes’ footing more difficult, and banging pans with a spoon to scare them away.

“They said the coyotes are afraid of those things, but I don’t think they’re afraid of anything anymore,” she said.

Stowe said she walked the neighborhood to warn neighbors and wants to help educate people about the dangers of walking dogs in the area, feeding them and leaving pets unattended even in their own back yards.

“Animal control says they can’t trap them; that’s one dog that won’t go into a cage,” she said. “I haven’t had an attack, but I do go out in fear when I walk my dog. My chihuahua weighs about five pounds.

He could be gone in one bite.”

Middleton emphasized the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, following the hazing techniques if confronted and most of all, not feeding the coyotes.

“That’s absolutely against the law,” she said.

“We have to educate the public about this. People can call us. It’s really under the jurisdiction of Fish

and Wildlife, but we’re probably the ones who will show up.

“Coyotes have no natural predator to worry about in this area. There are no mountain lions that are going to come down and get them. They have learned they are safer living among us than in the hills.”

Middleton said there has been only one reported coyote attack of a human in recent years in Southern California. The biggest danger remains to pets, and owners should take steps to protect their animals at all times.

The phone number for animal control is 951674-0618.

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July 2013: Heartbreak, unity in Menifee Five years ago, a tragedy brought a city together

By DOUG SPOON Editor Five years later, Sarah Reid still marvels at the incredible compassion and commitment shown by the residents of Menifee during one of the city’s greatest tragedies.

On July 7, 2013, the mother of 11-year-old Terry Smith Jr. reported her son missing from the family’s home on Helen Lane south of Scott Road in a rural part of town. By the next day, an organized search effort was underway. By the time Terry’s body was found – buried in his own back yard – thousands of residents had spent countless hours searching the landscape as well as donating supplies.

Reid remembers all that, and she also remembers how the community’s commitment continued

even after Terry’s death was discovered. One of the organizers in the volunteer search effort, Reid also organized a major memorial project in the days that followed. Residents continued to help, painting tiles for a mosaic mounted on the nearby Menifee Market, providing additional supplies and cash donations, and attending three public memorial services in greater numbers.

“Do you know how hard it is to get 1,100 or 1,200 people together in one place, especially for such a selfless act?” Reid recalled this week. “Plus it was in July. It was hot and miserable. I’ve never seen anything like that.”

By the time the memorial mosaic of tiles created by local residents was dedicated on the wall of Menifee Market, the

Menifee 24/7 file photos A large crowd gathered outside a local church on July 25, 2013 for Terry Smith’s public memorial service. people of Menifee were in a state of shock. After searching for three days throughout Menifee and outlying areas, they were stunned to learn that Terry had been found just a few

yards behind the house he lived in – an area police and others had searched previously.

The day the boy’s body was discovered, his half brother, 16-year-old Sky-

lor Atilano, was arrested and charged with murder.

Physically and emotionally exhausted from the search and the events that had just transpired, local residents were determined

to pay tribute to the boy and his memory.

Residents were angry and bitter. Even today when the case is recalled See TERRY /B5

City Council member Tom Fuhrman (right) helped coordinate the search.

Volunteers were organized and signed up for shifts during the search.

Sarah Reid helped coordinate a project for a mosaic in honor of Terry Smith.

Hundreds of residents packed the parking lot of Menifee Market for a vigil.

Jack in Box planned for Sun City Blvd.

Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon This former medical mobility center will be torn down to make way for a Jack in the Box restaurant.

A building that once housed a mobility center for medical patients will be torn down and replaced with a Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant, pending final approval by the Menifee City Council.

The project was approved by the Menifee Planning Commission on June 13 for the northwest corner of Sun City Boulevard and McCall Boulevard. The mobility center has been vacant for some time while plans for a new project were considered.

According to city documents, the proposal includes the construction of a 2,046-square-foot Jack

in the Box restaurant with a drive-thru lane with 22 parking stalls. The lot is just over a half-acre.

The project is considered to be consistent with the general plan designations and zoning regulations for that site. It has been determined that there is no negative environmental impact by the project.

Another vacant corner structure a block to the east remains without a project plan, according to city officials. The owner of the former Mobil gas station property has yet to find a suitable developer.

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July 1, 2018

MENIFEE 24/7

Bridge project Menifee Crossword Puzzle delayed again Menifee 24/7 Staff Concerns about the qualifications of the low bidder among contractors has caused another delay in construction of the Scott Road freeway interchange, a city official said.

Jonathan Smith, city engineer and public works director, said that the start of construction has been pushed back to the end of August and could be delayed further. His comments were made prior to the City Council’s approval June 20 of a five-year Capital Improvement Plan for city infrastructure.

Carlos Geronimo, a city engineer making the CIP presentation, was asked for an estimated start of construction when the Scott Road project was mentioned. He responded with an August date, which represented the latest delay yet in a project whose original start date goes as far back as 2015.

Challenges in acquiring funding and a re-design of the $57 million project resulted in years of delays, but those problems appeared to be solved last July, when city officials announced that all fund-

ing was in place and the redesigned six-lane bridge project over the 215 Freeway was completed. At that time, start of construction was estimated to be the spring of 2018.

Smith said that bids were solicited from contractors and the apparent low bidder was selected.

It was determined that the bidder didn’t meet Department of Transportation guidelines that 11 percent of the contract help qualify as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, however. A DBE is defined by the Department of Transportation as “a small business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.”

“The County reviewed the bid and determined that the bidder had made a good faith effort to meet the DBE goals,” Smith said. “However, Caltrans did not agree and sent it back to the County to work with the second lowest bidder.”

Smith said that the start of the project could be delayed past August while officials work with both bidders. He said there are concerns that the original bidder could file a lawsuit.

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Try yout luck at today’s Menifee Crossword Puzzle. The theme is “4th of July.”

Clues with an asterisk refer to the theme. Answers, Page B5.

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Battle ____, pl.

6. Baseball Giant and hall-of-famer 9. Strikebreaker 13. Give out 14. What’s old is new again, prefix 15. Money carrier 16. Floridian predator 17. Sin’s and cos’ partner 18. Don’t just stand there 19. *Salad ingredient at a barbecue 21. *One of thirteen in 1776 23. Knighthood designation 24. “____ your keep” 25. Aladdin, for short 28. “The Nutcracker” outfit 30. Soft-boiled egg holder 35. Mark for omission 37. Torso 39. Salpae, sing.

40. Like a devoted fan 41. Bear Down Under 43. Mongolian desert 44. Honey wine, pl.

46. Russian monarch 47. Shakespeare’s “at another time” 48. *____ Continental Congress 50. Research facil.

52. One of Bo Peep’s flock 53. Smidgen 55. Three strikes 57. *Celebratory events on the 4th 61. *”The Star-Spangled Banner” 64. *How you might find most drinks on the 4th 65. Have a cold, e.g.

67. Opposite of ecbatic 69. Step 70. ____ de Janeiro 71. Burnt ____ 72. ____ in captivity 73. Canine command 74. Like yellow polka dot bikini

1. Go low, as in jeans 2. Show appreciation 3. Choir voice 4. “____: The Saga of an American Family” 5. Gibraltar, e.g.

6. On top of 7. *Out-of-favor beverage?

8. Polynesian kingdom 9. Court petitioner 10. Rugged rock 11. Fungal spore sacs 12. Between Phi and Kappa 15. Fork tips 20. Lorry in America 22. Old-fashioned “before” 24. Europe/Asia portmanteau 25. *One of 3 Presidents to die on July 4th 26. “Drove my chevy to the ____” 27. Hipbone-related 29. Thomas the Engine’s warning 31. Lady née Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta 32. Star Wars attacker 33. Violinist’s stroke 34. *”Common Sense” author 36. Edible root of taro plant 38. Dashing style 42. Result of match play?

45. More than snide 49. Bambi’s mom 51. Interjection for disapproval 54. Plural of #46 Across 56. Recurring melody 57. Fancy-schmancy 58. Initial stake 59. Iranian money 60. Opposite of base 61. A bunch 62. River in Bohemia 63. Demeanor 66. *Mad King George’s number 68. “____, the Beloved Country”

July 1, 2018

MENIFEE 24/7

B3

Sun City Food Festival draws big crowd

By Loni Knowles

Photos provided by Loni Knowles Robbie Motter (center) and Sheila Neal of the Sun City Woman’s Club served cake and cupcakes.

The food tables were full of great food at the Sun City Food Festival June 10. The clubs in Sun City outdid themselves this time. People came from all over the area. The variety of food from all the clubs made a great and most enjoyable luncheon.

There was chili and corn bread served by the Lawn Bowls, tacos and nachos by the Shuffleboard Club and cookies by the Travel Club. Cakes and cupcakes were provided by Woman’s Club, the Art Guild came up with the best soup and the Wednesday Ceramic Club was right there with great hot dogs.

Cold drinks were provided by the Line Dancers Club. The Sun City Coordinating Council and the

Sun City Lions Club came up with the famous funnel cakes.

Many people came and have a great lunch and then they did a little shopping at the clubs’ tables, where items made by club members were sold.

Sun City Civic Association has 31 clubs and five PSO’s (Public Service Organizations) at this time, and would really like to add to that some new clubs. Anyone interested in starting some new clubs can go on the SCCC web site and get a form to complete.

The SCCC web site address is www.suncitycoordinatingcouncil.org.

While you’re there, look at the events planned by the SCCC and things of interest to all citizens in the 55+ community

Guests enjoyed the variety of food served at the Sun City Food Festival.

Members of the Shuffleboard Club served tacos and nachos.

Members of the Sun City Travel Club served cookies at the event.

Jewelry and other items were on sale by members of Sun City clubs.

B4

July 1, 2018

MENIFEE 24/7

Time to prepare some cool treats

By KRISTEN SPOON, Associate Editor We’ve been enjoying the start of this summer season.

We’ve had a little bit of time with family, a few cookouts, and some fast meals. It’s that time of year when the hot July days are upon us and we feel like we might just melt away. Nobody really wants to cook, and we really don’t want anything hot to eat.

I thought I would share some of my favorite summertime recipes. These always include the best things from my garden because they are in bountiful. Sadly enough, I didn’t get my vegetable garden in this year, so I have to get mine from other resources, good friends, and farmers markets. Harvest is at its peak right now, including summer squash, all herbs, tomatoes, and all the other great veggies.

My favorite right now is Summer Veggie Salad. It’s so simple to make, perfect alone or as a side dish. You can make this with or without the meat by just adding the mini salami to it. It’s incredible. So yummy and

Kristen’s Corner Crafts, chat and other stuff great to take to your next BBQ too!

Ingredients: 1 lb. pasta 1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved 1 yellow squash, cut in half lengthwise, then sliced 1 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then sliced 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets ½ medium red onion, diced or sliced ⅔ c. diced red bell peppers or diced roasted red peppers 1 (2.25 oz.) can sliced black olives ⅔ c. Italian dressing (I used Newman’s Own) ¼ c. grated parmesan 2 tbsp. freshly minced parsley ½ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. paprika ¼ tsp. kosher sea salt ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper Directions: 1.

Place a large pot of water over high heat, bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package’s directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, prep the veggies, then in a medium bowl, whisk together the dressing, parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt and black pepper.

3. In the large pot, combine the pasta, veggies, and dressing. Stir until combined. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

-Note: Feel free to add chopped avocado- just do it right before you plan on serving it!

Recipe source: Life Made Simple.

I always have to have a great fruit bowl for my littles as well. Here is a winner, for sure.

It’s delicious, absolutely loaded with berries tossed in a thick, rich and creamy cheesecake mixture. A must have for all picnics, BBQ’s, potlucks, and family get-togethers.

Ingredients: 1 box (3.4 oz.) cheesecake or white chocolate pudding mix 12 oz whipped topping 3 (6 oz) containers strawberry yogurt 2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced ½ cup fresh blackberries ½ cup fresh blueberries ½ cup fresh raspberries 3 bananas, sliced (add just before serving or they brown) 3 cups miniature marshmallows (optional) Directions: 1. Place the whipped topping, pudding mix and yogurt into a large bowl. Whisk together. Cover and refrigerate until just before serving (at least an hour).

2. When you are ready to serve, slice the strawberries and bananas.

3.

Remove whipped cream/pudding mixture from refrigerator and gently fold in sliced strawberries, berries, sliced bananas and marshmallows, and stir gently to combine.

4.

Serve immediately.

Recipe Source: Pinterest.com I hope you all have a safe fourth and have a great holiday. We will enjoy the holiday with family and friends at the great Menifee Independence Day Parade and Festival on June 30. Hope we see you there!

Come join the fun!

Ice cold beverages Delicious food Live entertainment Pool tables Sports on big screens

Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon The Menifee City Council on June 20 approved an item in the 2018-19 budget to allocate $900,000 for the remodeling and expansion of the Lazy Creek Recreation Center. The facility, originally run by Riverside County at the local park, is outdated and will receive substantial improvements, officials said.

Construction is expected to begin next spring. The funds were allocated from the City’s excess general fund balance, said interim finance director Wendy Preece.

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City Council approves McLaughlin Village A 14-acre site north of The Club senior community in northwest Menifee will be developed into a housing development with 126 townhome sites, parking, streets and recreational spaces, thanks to the approval of the Menifee City Council on June 20.

McLaughlin Village will be built at the southeast corner of McLaughlin Road and Bennett Road/Sun City Boulevard. The project includes four different floor plan

designs varying in size from 1,821 square feet to 2,050 square feet.

All of the buildings will be two-story structures, which was a concern for two The Club residents who addressed the City Council. Both said they felt a landscaped buffer between The Club and McLaughlin Village would not provide sufficient privacy from second-floor windows.

There will be a minimum of windows on that side.

MENIFEE 24/7

July 1, 2018

B5

TERRY From Page B1

on social media, hateful comments are posted by those who blame members of Terry’s family. But there is no discounting the fact that in the midst of all the emotions at the time, a tragedy was becoming a unifying factor for the residents of Menifee.

People who had never met before the search and volunteer effort crowded into Wheatfield Park for a memorial and candlelight vigil. Residents came forward to pray together and release balloons colored orange and blue – Terry’s favorite colors.

On the night of July 25, hundreds of people gathered at an amphitheater at Lamb’s Fellowship Church in Lake Elsinore for a memorial service attended by Terry Smith Sr., who had traveled from his home in West Virginia following his son’s death. Smith stayed for quite a while after the service to shake hands with and thank those who had searched for young Terry.

“I love each and every one of you,” said Smith to the crowd that night. “I’ve got more family here than I can count, and I know there are thousands more.

Don’t think that you’ll ever be forgotten.”

“I came here in hopes that Terry Jr. can begin to rest at peace,” said a woman who asked not to be identified. “And I came for Terry Sr., whom I’ve gotten to know this week.”

About a week later, a dedication and memorial was held at Menifee Market when the “Remember-

Menifee 24/7 file photo Residents placed flowers and candles outside Menifee Market, which was a command post for searchers in July 2013. ing Terry Smith” mosaic was unveiled. It featured tiles crafted by residents who painted them at the Painted Earth craft store in Countryside Marketplace.

Gayle DuRivage was the manager at Painted Earth when she was approached by Reid with the idea of a mural, which soon turned into the idea for a mosaic the entire community could participate in.

“I was happy to see that so many people had become personally interested, either emotionally

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.

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or through their donation of resources,” DuRivage said. “I felt it would be more meaningful to be a community-based project. It was therapeutic and healing for people. It truly was creating art, and besides being a beautiful memorial, it was a good way for people to heal.”

A plaque at the center of the mosaic, dedicated Aug. 2, 2013 and still mounted on the front wall of Menifee Market today, reads: Remembering Terry Smith: Honoring how this young boy brought a com-

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munity together.

“They were strangers,” DuRivage said about the people who gathered that day. “There were so many who didn’t know the family, but they came. They wanted closure and they wanted to personally express their feelings.”

Mounting such a public memorial on the wall of the Menifee Market was not up to city code, but volunteers made it happen. Reid, who supervised the accounting of the cash donations, said more than $700 was spent on a concrete sidewalk and the

creation of two handicap parking spots before the project could be approved.

A concrete company donated much of the supplies, an electrician provided wiring to light up the memorial and a tile worker assembled the hand-painted tiles. It truly was a labor of love.

Last week, Reid was asked if she often wonders why it took a tragedy to develop the kind of community spirit that is rarely seen in those proportions.

“I’ve been asked that so many times,” she replied. “It’s frustrating.

You see so many events that are held now and people don’t seem to care. It’s hard to understand what was different about what happened then. Was it because it was a child? It’s hard to understand.”

Today, customers walk past the “Remembering Terry Smith” mosaic and plaque every day on their way into Menifee Market.

It is a different time, but the memories are fresh among those who lived it.

For one horrible month in July 2013, Menifee residents worked side by side and showed they cared.

B6

July 1, 2018

MENIFEE 24/7

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