Anza Events Calendar, A-2
Saying goodbye to an old friend, A-6
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Rumble strips planned on Highway 371 through Anza
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Volume 17, Issue 8
Kit Ray is a true asset to the community she serves
Tony Ault TAULT@REEDERMEDIA.COM
The California Department of Transportation is working on the preliminary engineering phase of a safety project on Highway 371 in Anza that will place rumble strips on the shoulders and centerline of the highway. see page A-2
Local
New weed in Anza Borrego threatens wildflower bloom Chris McDonald NATURAL RESOURCE ADVISOR, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
A new and highly invasive weed is spreading in Borrego Springs including in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Volutaria (Volutaria tubuliflora) was first discovered in Borrego Springs in 2010. see page A-3
Local
Growing up in Anza; Andy the Donkey Man
Kit Ray poses with LRE’s new Nissan security truck. The 82-year-old has been a security officer at Lake Riverside Estates for more than 20 years. Diane Seiker photo
Diane Seiker ANZAEDITOR@REEDERMEDIA.COM
Meet Anza resident Kit Ray. Generous, friendly, professional and tough as nails, 82-year-old Ray has been a solid fixture in Lake Riverside Estates as a security officer for over 20 years. She has
chased down speeders, reunited lost dogs with their distraught families, watched the children get safely off the school buses, performed wellness checks, investigated suspicious activity, coordinated with the sheriffs, kept a close eye on board meetings and more. Ray has been-there, done-that and seen
practically everything. In her days before Lake Riverside Estates (LRE), she used to work at the market in Anza, where unfortunately she developed tendinitis in her elbows. She considered a change of venue and enrolled in the Security Officers Training Academy in San Bernardino. With
see RAY, page A-3
‘School Smarts’ brings students and artists together for an evening of fun, entertainment Diane Seiker ANZAEDITOR@REEDERMEDIA.COM
Kathie Beale SPECIAL TO ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK
Hamilton K-8 School teamed up with Anza Valley Artists to present a special evening for both children and parents Wednesday, Feb. 15. Combined with a presentation from the California State PTA “School Smarts” Coordinator Tiffany Parry, the educational event, held from 4:30-6 p.m., was a huge success with the multi-purpose room filled to capacity. Several members of the Anza Valley Artists were on hand to display their various works as inspiration for the children. Artist Dan Hare led the participants in a drawing lesson, using an overhead projector and sample cartoon handouts. The results were stunning, as he instructed attendees, step-bystep, to create identical characters. Everyone was proud of their work. There were oil and acrylic paintings, gourd and rock art, pencil
Growing up in Anza we had many colorful characters come down our Highway; one such man was Andrew Rolen, also known as Andy the Donkey Man.
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID HEMET, CA PERMIT #234
see page A-5
Anza Valley Outlook
a background in law enforcement “a long, long time ago,” she was perfectly suited for this line of work. Hired originally by Colt Security, Ray was assigned as a monitor at the LRE pool. So began her
Blossoming artists hard at work on their creations at Hamilton K-8 School in Anza Feb. 15.
Diane Seiker photo
see SCHOOL, page A-4
Family mourns loss of son in drowning incident Diane Seiker ANZASTAFF@REEDERMEDIA.COM
From the time he was a small infant, 2-year-old Zayden Matthew Wilson loved to play in the mud. His mother Heather Marie Wilson enjoyed letting him do just that. Little Zayden looked forward to off road rides in the truck, cavorting with his siblings, playing on his parents’ ranch and going on adventures. But Tuesday, Jan. 31, Zayden was found floating in a relative’s pool. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Relatives and friends, and perfect strangers, lit up social media with prayers and support. A special Facebook page, “Prayer War-
riors for 2-year-old Zayden” was organized to keep well-wishers informed of Zayden’s progress. Dalia Lammon organized a candlelight vigil and prayer service at the Community Hall in Anza on the evening of Feb. 7. The support for this tiny boy and his family was heartwarming and hopeful. As the community came together, they prayed for a miracle. Tragically, Zayden succumbed to his injuries Feb. 12. “Anyone that knows me knows that was my baby and my world,” his mother Heather Marie Wilson posted online. “I want to thank everyone who prayed for my son this last week. I am sad to say
see ZAYDEN, page A-6
Zayden Wilson dressed up and ready to go. The young boy died Feb. 12 following a drowning incident that occurred in late January. Heather Marie Wilson photo