Valley News, May 10, 2024

Suspect captured with help from canines after chase through SW Riverside

Julie Reeder Publisher

Dean Morris. 37, from Lake Elsinore, was arrested Monday, May 6 after he led Sheriffs on a chase through SW Riverside and De Luz. Morris is wanted on four felony warrants, according to Riverside County Sheriff Media Information Bureau Sgt. Gonzalez. The warrants included felony fraud, DUI, and theft.

Over 1.6 million dollars in unclaimed funds are available

RIVERSIDE – The Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office is seeking 1,298 claimants who may have upwards of $480,000 in unclaimed funds due to roll changes and now risk being unable to secure those funds due to the statute of limitations.

Valley Editorial Staff

Nearly one hundred supporters of TVUSD Board President Dr. Komrosky met in Temecula on Thursday, May 2 to rally against an upcoming recall vote for his position on the school board in Trustee Area 4. His supporters were carrying signs encouraging people to vote “No” in the upcoming June 4 election. The effort to recall “Dr.K” has been supported heavily by One Temecula Valley PAC to challenge what they perceive as a divisive and controversial agenda under Dr. Komrosky’s leadership, which he says, many of the new policies are in alignment with the California State Board of Education. Komrosky’s vote to create a committee to address what parents presented in board meetings as not age appropriate and having no place in the classroom also riled some teachers and residents. see RALLY, page A-6

Murrieta Mesa High

Lake Elsinore water quality improvements heard at LESWA water summit

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Significant improvement to Lake Elsinore’s water quality due to active algae and other treatments were reviewed at the Lake Elsinore & San Jacinto Watershed Authority Summit in Lake Elsinore Tuesday, April 30.

The LESWA Summit held at Lake Elsinore’s Launch Pointe brought dozens of water experts, biologists, scientists, city council members and staff to hear a panel of experts discuss the water quality and fishery health and history of the large recreational lake of Lake Elsinore.

Measuring 3,000 surface acre feet, Lake Elsinore is the largest natural lake in Southern California and has had a number of difficulties, not faced to a great extent by other freshwater lakes in the region. The problem in the lake, through the years, is caused by large green and blue-algae growths and phosphorus sediment at the bottom of the lake that makes it undrinkable because of the high pH levels.

Lake is clearing At times, the lake, which is used extensively by boaters and fishermen, had to be swimming restricted; however, the lake has begun to clear and the only area restricted to swimmers is in the area where algae blooms occur each year. The summit was called to show how Lake Elsinore is continuing to improve for recreation seekers across the state and the community at large.

The LESWA is a joint powers authority entrusted with state and local funds to improve water quality and wildlife habitats in the Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake area.

The LESWA discussed the ways and means in which to continually improve the lake’s water quality which is of the highest priority to the Lake Elsinore City Council and the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District. Lake Elsinore is tied to Canyon Lake above the city which is its water resource for drinking water in the area.

Lake Elsinore Mayor Steve Manos made the initial introductions for the water experts speaking at

the LESWA and welcoming the many guests. Mayors Lori Stone from neighboring Murrieta and Bridgette Moore from Wildomar were in attendance at the summit along with many area municipal water district officials and vendors.

First to speak was Andy Morris, director of Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and vice chair of the LESWA, who explained the need for the two lakes and outside water resources to provide clean drinking water and agricultural island commercial interests are for the growing southwest Riverside County and just how delicate those water resources are to that effort now and in the future.

Chris Stransky, aquatic sciences and technology group manager from engineering firm WSP, made a presentation about the three major treatments to reduce harmful algae blooms in Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake in recent years, the results of those treatments measured through the WSP laboratories.

Examples of chemical treatments used are copper sulfate, copper cheltes and ethylene diamine.

Stransky said those treatments are short term and not that effective in large bodies of water. Then there are algaecides like sodium bromide but that results in increases in phosphorus buildup and those are also copper based. These are best used in swimming pools.

Treatments difficult

He said using those treatments “had a hard time keeping up with the (algae) bloom” in Lake Elsinore. He indicated the most recent studies to reduce the blooms revolve around the use of nano bubbles that helps control pathogens and increase oxygen in larger bodies of water which is being used in Lake Elsinore. These things along with even better methods of reducing harmful algae are being studied in laboratories like those at WSP.

Tess Dunham, an LLP Attorney from Kahn, Soares & Conway, explained how the water districts and water resource facilities throughout the state and nation must comply with stringent and complex state and federal regulations. Those regulations require water

districts to maintain levels of safe drinking water and must reduce the amount of viruses and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment plants: pesticides and herbicides used by agricultural, urban stormwater, and from residents and organic contaminants.

Terry McNabb, an aquatic biologist/certified lake manager and owner of Aquatechnex, reviewed the alum applications in the effort to clean up the pH sentiment. First he explained that toxins in lakes attributed to algae can be fatal to pets, but not necessarily to humans and can be treated by using chemicals like aluminum sulfate which has been successful in Canyon Lake. He explained how those treatments have improved the water quality in other lakes across the state.

Ganesh Krishnamurthy, assistant general manager engineering and operations from EVMWD, gave an overview of the aeration and mixing system in the lake at this time. He took time to explain how the recent climate change has resulted in more regulations since many of the problems are man made in nature. He said EVMWD is watching it and the predicted population increase and their water needs in the future.

He said one of those means is to bring desalinated water in from the ocean. He said Canyon Lake provides a small percentage of the drinking water needed by the current residents and much of EVMWD’s water is imported now. He said the district is hopeful with good planning it will be able to supply sewers to 10,000 homes that are currently on septic tanks.

Nano bubble success

Adam Gufarotti, Lake Elsinore’s community support manager, explored nano bubble technology that is being used in Lake Elsinore. He said the results of the Moleaer nano bubble release in the past 60 days has reduced algae growth in the areas it is being used, and positive results are already beginning to show.

He said there are six buoys near the nano bubble generator that are used to measure the spread of the tiny bubbles settling on the bottom of the lake. In those areas they can

already look approximately 6 feet down and see the equipment working. They are also seeing the nanobubbles spreading out, all good signs of their success which also improves the lake’s fish habitat.

The nano bubble progress will continue to be monitored with the generating equipment on barges able to be moved to other locations in the future.

Danel J. Levy, vice president and founder of AECOM’s Algae Practice, remaked on addressing the harmful algae blooms with innovative technologies that may make it beneficial in the future.

He explained that algae, although a problem in lakes and

ponds now, may have beneficial uses in the future to be used in everything from fertilizer to food. He said another use is for fuel as well. He estimated that in the future algae fertilizers may replace 50% of all the other fertilizers used.

Following the morning summit, the attendees were invited by the city to take a boat ride to examine the nano bubble equipment and take a closer look at the lake itself as a major recreation center for Southern California offering boating, fishing, swimming and other recreation facilities. Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

Lake Elsinore Mayor Steve Manos greets guests attending the Lake Elsinore & San Jacinto Watershed Authority Tuesday, April 30, at Launch Pointe in Lake Elsinore. Valley News/Tony Ault photos

Chris Stansky, scientist and director of Aquatic Sciences and toxicology group manager of engineering firm WSP, talks about Lake Elsinore treatability studies to reduce harmful algae blooms at the LESWA Summit.

Greeters at the LESWA sign in table listen as a speaker talks about what Lake Elsinore is doing to control harmful blue-green algae blooms during the year.

Terry McNabb, CLM aquatic biologist from Aquatechnex, talks about the alum applications made at Canyon Lake that reduced the lake’s pH factor needed in drinking water at the LESWA Summit.

Ganesh Krishnamurthy, assistant general manager engineering and operations from EVMWD, give LESWA attendees about Lake Elsinore’s aeration and mixing system that helps reduce algae and improve the fishery at the LESWA Summit.

Riverside County Board of Supervisors authorizes sheriff to increase rates for contract cities

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

Residents in Lake Elsinore, Temecula and Wildomar will see an increase in what they pay the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services after the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a request to increase rates.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco requested to hike the blanket rate charged to all 16 cities and “other contract entities” for the use of patrol deputies and support services.

With the approval Bianco can now implement a 2.45% increase in the base hourly rate charged for the use of patrol personnel. The augmentation, which officials said is needed to recoup higher costs incurred by the department, is retroactive to July 1, 2023.

Under the new rate schedule, the cost of a sheriff’s patrol deputy will increase from $209.35 per hour to $214.47 per hour.

“This kind of increase is not unusual with increases in pensions, wages and other costs,” Supervisor Kevin Jeffries said, noting that while he expected to hear from contract entities within his district, cities continue to receive

the benefit of helicopter patrols, robbery and homicide investigations, SWAT unit and bomb squad responses without having to foot the bills individually.

Last year’s 1.63% increase was driven in part by greater pension obligations and salary increases obtained by the Riverside Sheriffs Association for the several thousand deputies it represents, and the costs of increased pensions and salary hikes for executive-level personnel represented by the Law Enforcement Management Unit, City News Service reported.

“In 2015, a 7% hike prompted an outcry from elected and nonelected officials in Indian Wells, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Palm Desert and Temecula. The group of leaders challenged the justification for the massive increase saying that law enforcement expenses were draining their budgets and needed to be capped.

Those objections led to a two-year assessment of sheriff’s operations conducted by Netherlands-based professional services firm KPMG, at a cost of nearly $40 million. After the company’s audit and recommendations, some sheriff’s management practices were changed, and adjustments were made to deputies’ schedules

and assignments at several stations to save money, but the Riverside County Grand Jury found the KPMG work was “excessively expensive with very limited results.”

That 2015 rate increase led to the city of Menifee’s formation of a city run police department in 2020 and the cancellation of its contract with the county for law enforcement.

In addition to the hike in patrol deputy rates, the board also signed off on the sheriff’s request that the 16 municipalities under contract with the county for law enforcement services be required to pay higher or lower sums for the sheriff’s use of facilities dedicated to servicing the communities.

According to an agenda report on the item, the RivCo Sheriff Department officials said the larger bills are due to maintenance of those facilities.

While Jurupa Valley will see the largest percentage increase in facilities costs, cities such as Temecula and Lake Elsinore will see some savings in their facility charges.

Kim Harris can be reached via email at kharris@reedermedia. com.

Lake Elsinore man killed in collision in Good Hope LOCAL Your

A 44-year-old man was killed when his motorcycle collided with an SUV that turned in front of him on Highway 74 in Good Hope, the California Highway Patrol said last week.

According to CHP Spokesperson Officer Mike Lassig, the fatality occurred shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday, May 2, on the westbound 74 at Betty Road.

Lassig said the motorcyclist, later identified by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office as Jason Frost, was traveling at an unknown speed when a “52-year-old Hesperia woman” at the wheel of a 2019 Toyota Highlander pulled onto the highway from Betty Road, intending to head east.

The SUV appeared directly in front of Frost, who was “unable to avoid the vehicle,” Lassig said. According to Lassig, the motorcycle collided into the left front

side of the Toyota and Frost was ejected off of his motorcycle, onto Highway 74.

Riverside County Fire Department paramedics reached the location minutes later and pronounced Frost dead at the scene.

The Toyota driver and her passenger both suffered unspecified injuries and were treated at the scene by paramedics, but declined to be taken to a hospital, according to Lassig. No one was arrested in the in-

cident which blocked both sides of the highway for several hours, Lassig said. The collision remains under investigation and anyone with any information should contact the CHP Temecula office by calling 951-466-4300. Kim Harris can be reached via email at kharris@reedermedia. com.

SATURDAY,MAY18,2024

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco requested to hike the blanket rate charged to all 16 cities and “other contract entities” for the use of patrol deputies and support services. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

CalFire reminds all to be prepared for upcoming wildfire season

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

With state officials and climatologists saying hotter than average temperatures in Southern California could lead to an active wildfire season, CalFire is reminding residents to be prepared this wildfire season.

“Fires are mostly caused by the human factor,” Cal Fire Battalion Chief Robert Carvalho told the San Francisco Chronicle. “For example, if a fire starts in someone’s backyard, it’s likely their lawn mower blade hit a rock and struck a spark.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported 2023 was the planet’s warmest year on record, coming in 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th century average.

In California, the state overall was just 0.8 degrees above the 1991-2020 average in 2023 with some areas even reporting near- to below-average temperatures.

“In 2024 there is a one-in-three chance that temperatures will be warmer even than 2023 and a 99% chance that 2024 will rank among

the five warmest years on record.,”

NOAA said, adding the California was expected to “be in line” with that projection and what that could mean for many Californians is a high likelihood of wildfire activity.

“A wildfire can come without warning and spread quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety,”

Joselito Garcia-Ruiz, Regional Disaster Program officer for the Red Cross Los Angeles Region, said. “Talk with your family about wildfires, how to prevent them and what to do if one occurs. Put together a family disaster kit. Make a plan and practice it.”

According to CalFire’s Wildfire preparedness webpage, www.fire.

ca.gov/prepare , families should be prepared for wildfire by using their three-step plan, Get Ready, Get Set, Be Ready to Go.

Get Ready

Being ready for wildfire starts with maintaining an adequate defensible space and by hardening your home by using fire resistant building materials, CalFire said.

“Home Hardening means using ignition-resistant materials on and around your home to help it with-

stand flying embers and radiant heat,” CalFire said. “Defensible Space is the buffer created by removing dead plants, grass and weeds to help keep wildfire away from your home.”

It takes a combination of Home Hardening and Defensible Space to give your house the best chance of surviving a wildfire.

Get Set

Get Set includes creating a plan with your family to evacuate should wildfire strike. Talk with members of your household about what to do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case everyone is separated and choose two places to meet – one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency and another outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate. Be sure to share that plan with others.

Building an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you if you must evacuate is an important part of this step, according to CalFire. Include items such as water, nonperishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-powered

radio, first-aid kit and medications. Be sure to also include a cloth face covering for everyone in your household who can wear one safely.

Be Ready to Go

“Give your household the best chance of surviving a wildfire by being ready to go and evacuating early,” CalFire said. “Being ready to go also means knowing when to evacuate and what to do if you become trapped.”

According to CalFire, before evacuation becomes necessary, in addition to creating a plan and building an emergency kit, all California residents can sign up for text alerts about wildfires in the area they live by visiting https:// incidents.readyforwildfire.org

Residents should learn their community’s emergency response plan, evacuation orders and evacuation centers, CalFire said.

When immediate evacuation is necessary those affected should review their evacuation plan checklist, ensure their emergency supply kit is in their vehicle, and locate all pets (it’s a good idea to have a “go bag” for pets as well).

When outside cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is preferable, CalFire said.

If there is time, residents can assist the fire department by bringing flammable items such as patio furniture, toys, doormats, and trash bins inside or by placing them in their swimming pool, shutting off propane tanks, moving grills and other propne appliances away from the house and attaching garden hoses to outside taps for firefighter use.

Residents should also turn on exterior lights to make their homes visible in smoky or dark conditions, have a ladder handy for firefighter roof access and seal attic and ground vents with plywood or commercial seals.

Don’t forget to check with neighbors to ensure they are prepared as well.

A few last minute notes

Remember that a wildfire can

Animal Friends of the Valleys partners with Bissell Pet Foundation to reduce adoption fees

WILDOMAR – Bissell Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness,

spread quickly, leaving those in its path little time to get to safety. CalFire said that residents near a fire should always be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all evacuation orders from officials.

Other tips include backing the car into the garage or parking it outside facing the direction of the evacuation route, confining pets to a single room so they can be found quickly should the need to evacuate arise and limit exposure to smoke and dust by keeping windows and doors closed.

When trapped outdoors during a fire crouch in a pond, river or pool. If there is no body of water, those trapped in a fire should look for shelter in a clear area or in a bed of rocks. Those trapped should lie flat, face down and cover their bodies with soil. Breathe the air close to the ground to avoid scorching lungs or inhaling smoke. The Red Cross also says not to put wet clothing or bandanas over your mouth or nose as moist air can cause more damage to the airway than dry air at the same temperature.

Never return home until officials say it is safe to do so.

Upon returning home, inspect the roof immediately and extinguish any sparks or embers and check the home for embers that could cause fires; wildfires may have left embers that could reignite. Look for signs of a fire including smoke or sparks.

Other safety tips include avoiding downed power lines, poles and wires, keeping animals on a leash so owners have direct control over them to avoid any hot spots or hidden embers that could burn them. Also, wet down any debris to minimize breathing in dust particles. Be sure to wear leather gloves and shoes with heavy soles when entering an area that has been burned and throw out any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.

For more information on emergency preparedness and wildfire safety, including checklists and tips on building your evacuation plan, visit https://readyforwildfire.org

fees of $50 or less per cat or dog during each nationwide event.

All interested adopters can find more details online at http://www. afv.org

all adoptable pets,” Mo Middleton, executive director at AFV, said.

“We need to find homes for these animals and want to help any family with costs that may be a barrier to adoption.”

“Our nation’s animal shelters are facing a capacity crisis and need your help now. Adoptions have slowed while a surge in owner surrenders due to families facing economic and housing challenges has left tens of thousands of highly adoptable pets desperate to find homes,” Cathy Bissell, founder of Bissell Pet Foundation, said. “Our spring national ‘Empty the Shelters’ will support the adoption of thousands of pets across the country, helping shelters in this critical time. Opening your home to a shelter pet saves a life and creates lifesaving space to help another pet in need.”

Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” event is the largest funded adoption event in the country. The event began in 2016 with a goal of encouraging more families to choose adoption. More than 226,000 pets have found loving homes since its inception. “Empty the Shelters” is Bissell Pet Foundation’s largest program, partnering with 742 animal welfare organizations in 49 states and Canada to reduce adoption fees.

programs, vaccinations, microchipping and emergency support. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 6,000 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by donors and Bissell Inc. where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit http:// www.bissellpetfoundation.org

Animal Friends of the Valleys is located at 33751 Mission Trail Road in Wildomar. Shelter hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with additional hours Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“The Bissell Pet Foundation has been a phenomenal partner whose mission aligns with AFV’s in finding a loving and forever home for

Bissell Pet Foundation and Animal Friends of the Valleys urged families to research the pet they are interested in adopting, as well as adoption requirements. For more information on adopting or donating to “Empty the Shelters,” visit http://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters and http://www.afv.org

Bissell Pet Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter

Animals Friends of the Valleys is a 501(c)(3) animal shelter and clinic organization that serves the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Menifee and surrounding rural county areas. Founded in 1987, Animal Friends of the Valleys is dedicated to promoting humane care of animals through education and proactive animals service programs. AFV is committed to preventing the suffering of animals and to help ending pet overpopulation in the communities it serves. AFV also has a low cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinic on its campus.

Submitted by Animal Friends of the Valleys.

With state officials and climatologists saying hotter than average temperatures in Southern California could lead to an active wildfire season, CalFire is reminding residents to be prepared this wildfire season. Valley News/File photo

Murrieta Rotary presents 5 Vocational Service Awards

MURRIETA

- The Rotary Club of Murrieta presented Vocational Service Awards to 5 individuals during a luncheon, Monday, April 29. The annual awards luncheon was held in the Murrieta Public Library’s Garden Court with city, education and health care leaders in attendance. Featured speakers for the event were Patrick Ellis, president/CEO of the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce with Michael Klein, MPK Advisors & CPAs. Vocational Service Awards winners

Miri Baker is a registered nurse at Rancho Springs Hospital, working in Women’s Labor and Delivery. She was recognized for embodying selfishness, true grit and dedication to the nursing profession and her patients.

Riley Cameron is Murrieta Police Department’s property and evidence technician and was recognized for his high attention to detail to organize and streamline the way the department handles evidence.

Jennifer McMahon is a registered nurse and patient navigator in Loma Linda University Murrieta’s Cancer Program. A cancer survivor, she was recognized for her work with patients and helping them navigate their way through

accessing care and hosting support groups.

Marguerite Rucker is a Rail Ranch Elementary educator and was recognized for her leadership working with families and district staff while building bridges and taking action to support African American students.

Cory Wheeler is a Murrieta Fire and Rescue engineer and was recognized for his deep commitment to serving the community, as exemplified by his leadership in following up on a 10-year-old who called for help when her father was unresponsive.

“The Rotary Club of Murrieta is honored to recognize these upstanding citizens who through their work are making huge contributions to our community,” Mary Walters, Murrieta Rotary’s Vocational Service Awards Chair, said.

“These individuals exemplify the standards of Rotary, including ‘Service Above Self’ and the Four Way Test which stresses integrity and fairness while building good will and better friendships.

The honorees were nominated by their respective agencies for their distinguished vocational and community service during 2023.

The Rotary Club of Murrieta was chartered on April 28, 1992. The club is involved in many com-

munity and international projects, in cooperation with Rotary International, which has as its theme “Service Above Self.” Club meetings are held Mondays (excepting holidays) at noon at Richie’s Diner in Murrieta.

Hemet Heritage Foundation to present

‘Over 100 Years of San Jacinto Memories of the Robinson, Peebles, Haslem and Dunham Families’

HEMET – Jerry Peebles, lifelong resident of the San Jacinto valley, will present the story of San Jacinto from the perspective of the interactions of his family in the actual events that have shaped its history Monday, May 13, at Memorial Funeral Services in Hemet.

The presentation will discuss topics and events such as San Jacinto’s Old Town and author Helen Hunt Jackson, the arrival of Edward Hyatt and the formation of the San Jacinto school system, the arrival of the California Central Railroad, the 1899 and 1918 earthquakes, the San Jacinto Livery stable, the Farmer House/Vosburg Hotel and San Jacinto Theater, the Peebles Garage, the Hemacinto Drive-In and San Jacinto Museum and more.

Peebles was born in 1955 at Hemet Hospital, son of Harvey and Janet Peebles. He grew up and graduated from San Jacinto High School, attended Mt. San Jacinto College and the University of Redlands. He worked for Hemet

Federal Savings & Loan Association for 25 years before working for the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians and serving 22 years as the chairman of the Soboba Tribal Gaming Commission. He is also a member of the San Jacinto Education Foundation, Hemet Historic Theatre and the San Jacinto Lions Club. He volunteers at the San Jacinto Museum and the Ramona Bowl Museum. Jerry Peebles is married to Mary Peebles, a retired 34 year teacher for Hemet Unified School District. They have four children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. This free event offers complimentary refreshments. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the presentation runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Donations support the mission of the Hemet Museum. Memorial Funeral Services is located at 1111 S. State Street in Hemet, at the southwest corner of State Street and Stetson Avenue. Submitted by Hemet Heritage Foundation.

Kim Harris

Special to Valley News

An autopsy is pending to determine what caused a 42-year-old man to lose control of his vehicle, killing him on the north side of Lake Elsinore.

Dallas Gilliam of Corona was fatally injured at 5:45 a.m. Thursday, May 2, on Lake Street, less than a quarter-mile north of Mountain Street, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, said in a news release.

According to the release, Gilliam’s vehicle went out of control

and crashed into a “roadside feature,” trapping him in the wreckage. County fire department crews reached the scene about 10 minutes after the collision and pronounced Gilliam dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved, and there were no road closures following the crash, which remains under investigation.

Anyone with information on this incident

Honored at the annual Vocational Service Awards (from left) were Miri Baker, Rancho Springs Hospital; Marguerite Rucker, Rail Ranch Elementary; Jennifer McMahon, Loma Linda University Medical Center; Riley Cameron, Murrieta Police Department, and Cory Wheeler, Murrieta Fire & Rescue.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Courtesy photo

LOCAL

Menifee updates the community on street projects and construction

MENIFEE – Menifee has project and construction updates to share with the community. For a current list of street projects and construction updates, visit the interactive mobile and web map at http:// www.cityofmenifee.us/traffic

Holland Road Overpass – City Capital Improvement Project

Menifee is actively performing work related to the Holland Road Overpass project. Holland Road between Hanover Lane and Antelope Road will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed later this year. For additional information and to sign up for project updates,

visit http://www.hollandoverpass.

com.

Goetz Road – Eastern Municipal Water District Water Improvements Eastern Municipal Water District is working on water improvements on Goetz Road. Motorists should expect traffic delays and lane closures until the end of May.

Holland Road between Bradley and Evans Roads – Storm Drain/Road Construction Work Storm drain facilities and road improvements are currently placed on Holland Road as required as part of the Menifee 80 residential housing tract. This project is under

active construction and motorists should expect permanent traffic control until the end of May.

Encanto Drive and Rouse Road – Underground Utility Placement

Lennar will be working on placing underground utilities for the Legado Project on Encanto Drive and Rouse Road. Traffic control will be in place. This project is anticipated to be completed at the end of June.

Goetz Road and Thornton Avenue – Cimarron Ridge Development Project

The developer will continue to work on Goetz Road, north

The TVUSD board’s very first vote was to assure that if Critical Race Theory (CRT) is taught, it is presented as a theory in the classroom. The recall supporters cast it as racist, even though CRT separates people by color and casts all white people as oppressors and all people of color as victims. The conservative board also passed a flag policy, causing teachers to get approval for any flag other than a state flag or

American flag to be displayed on school grounds or in classrooms. This policy was also considered controversial. Komrosky has criticized the recall effort, labeling it as baseless and accusing its proponents of using deceptive tactics to gather signatures. He staunchly defends his tenure and actions, asserting that he has faithfully executed the duties for which he was elected. He emphasizes his commitment to upholding traditional family values and parental rights within

of Thornton Avenue. Motorists should expect traffic control and possible delays while work is being completed. Goetz Road from north of Thornton Avenue to Goldenrod Avenue will remain closed and detours will be in place until construction is completed.

Ridgemoor Road – Eastern Municipal Water District Pipeline Project EMWD continues working on the pipeline located on Ridgemoor Road west of Valley Boulevard. This project is anticipated to be ongoing for the next several months.

Motorists should expect traffic delays and temporary traffic control.

Potomac Neighborhood –Eastern Municipal Water District Water Main Replacement EMWD is replacing water mains on various streets in the Potomac Drive neighborhood. Traffic control will be in place with flaggers present. Detour signs will be posted in the area due to road closures during the day

For questions on the project/ construction updates listed, contact Philip Southard, public information and legislative affairs officer, at 951-746-0654 or at psouthard@ cityofmenifee.us

Submitted by city of Menifee.

the educational system and focusing more on increasing test scores.

According to claremont. academia.edu, Dr. Komrosky is a tenured professor and a disabled veteran who served as an Army Ranger. He received his M.A. in Philosophy from Biola University and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, CA. He’s an adjunct Philosophy professor for Mt. San Antonio College and Biola University. He has worked in nuclear medicine, as a nuclear medicine technologist & PET/ CT technologist, for 12 years while going to school. His major research interests, with regards to his dissertation area, is Virtue Ethics. To be counted, mail-in

RALLY from page A-1

Supporters for TVUSD Board President Dr. Joseph Komrosky rally against an upcoming recall vote for his position on the school board.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Milana Quezada (left) campaign manager for Dr. Joseph Komrosky rally with supporters during a rally against an upcoming recall vote for his position on the school board.

Supporters for TVUSD Board President Dr. Joseph Komrosky rally against an upcoming recall vote for his position on the school board.

express their support for Dr. Joseph Komrosky (right) to maintain his position as school board president at TVUSD during a rally in Temecula.

that Hitler, the day he committed suicide, reportedly said he could accept his defeat but could never accept the defeat that, “the Jews were not exterminated.” His words showed just how much of a mad despot Hitler was in his fiery antisemitic rhetoric that raged across Europe in those terrible years.

The word antisemitism in Webster’s Dictionary means, “hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group.”

Murrieta Mayor Lori Stone, at the march supporting the Jewish community, took the podium and in an emotional, but strong speech that day said antisemitism has been called “the longest hatred.” She recalled her great-grandmother witnessed the advent of the Nazi Jewish genocide from her home in France. She said 25% of her family fell victim to the Holocaust in that time. Almost in tears, Stone said her family then moved to the United States before Hitler could get his hands on them. Grateful for that, Stone warned of the more recent events on October 7 of last year when Hamas from Gaza attacked Israeli citizens which was the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

Stone decried that, “a shocking number of students at college campuses are cheering on Hamas while oppressing, alienating and verbally assaulting and threatening the lives of Jewish students – and this is unconscionable.” She said today we are dealing with a progressive antisemitism that has not changed in many generations. She called out college administrators that have taken extremism over education and suggested an end to this. “They should be fired!” She said our First Amendment Rights are in jeopardy in the US. “Stand up, rise up, and let your voices be heard!” she concluded. A thunderous applause followed.

A highlight of the Day of Remembrance in Murrieta was a talk given by Holocaust survivor

Eva Perlman who saw her life as “miraculous” in escaping time after time from the hands of the Nazi SS troopers. She now writes and gives talks to students and young people on how they should never forget the Holocaust and do everything in their power to stop it from happening again.

Updating the crowd in the continuing Israel Hamas War was Israeli Consulate Amit Mekel, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Consulate General, a one-time Israeli Defense Force paratrooper who encouraged all to continue their support for Israel in its effort to stop Hamas terrorism and hate across the world. He praised his fellow IDF soldiers wishing them well.

In that regard Ret. Col. Dr. Moshe Shemma, Executive Director of IDF Wounded Veterans, talked about the 50,000 Israeli soldiers being treated or have been treated for their wounds in fighting Israeli terrorists like Hamas and Hezbollah and how the Beit Halochem US-West Coast is helping those wounded.

In a photographic description of many Holocaust survivors, Citrus College Professor Clifford Lester gave the biography of his own mother Ursla Lowenback who escaped the Nazi terrorism

along with 55 other survivors he photographed and interviewed. His mother’s touching story of escape after escape from the Nazi stormtroopers was compelling and showed the indeterminate terror of the Jewish people invoked during Hitler’s authoritarian regime.

With many negative impacts of the Nazi Holocaust were revisited at the March event, there still was expressed hope by those participating in the March of Remembrance that antisemitism would end.

Both Jewish and Christian prayers recited by Rabbi Rubenstein, Pastor Rick Lancaster, Pastor Randy Deham, Rabbi Yonason Abrams and Rabbi Steve Epstein all expressed “Out of Despair… Hope” which is theme of the sponsoring agency of the March of Remembrance, the Holocaust Remembrance Foundation of the Valley, who have been diligently working on the Remembrance Memorial that will be erected in Murrieta’s Town Square soon.

For more information about the Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, call 855-955-5017 or email janflournoy@gmail.com

Tony Ault can be reached via email at tault@reedermedia.com.

People view table displays related to Jewish culture and the Holocaust during the Holocaust March of Remembrance in Murrieta.

Scott Miller waves the Israel flag during the Holocaust March of Remembrance in Murrieta.

Joanne Kragenbrink performs Jewish songs for guests attending the Holocaust March of Remembrance in Murrieta.

MARCH from page A-1

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Rebekah L, 6, decorates a butterfly as part of the Butterfly Project. The Butterfly Project is a way to connect children with the history about the Holocaust. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Hundreds of Murrieta residents join the Murrieta March of Remembrance down Monroe Street from Murrieta Mesa High School to remind people never to forget the Holocaust in World War II that killed 6 million Jews. Valley News/Tony Ault photo

Amit Mekel, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest, a one-time Israel Defense Force paratrooper, is a keynote speaker at the Murrieta March of Remembrance event. Valley News/Tony Ault photo

From the eyes of Jewish Holocaust survivor Eva Pearlman, despite her life avoiding Nazi soldiers and collaborators through God’s miracles survives today, but still holds a fervent hope that future generations will never have to experience what she did in World War II, in her at talk at the Murrieta March of Remembrance event May 5 at Murrieta Mesa High School Performing Arts building. Valley News/Tony Ault photo

Suspect captured with help from canines after chase through SW Riverside

Julie Reeder Publisher

Dean Morris. 37, from Lake Elsinore, was arrested Monday, May 6 after he led Sheriffs on a chase through SW Riverside and De Luz. Morris is wanted on four felony warrants, according to Riverside County Sheriff Media Information Bureau Sgt. Gonzalez. The warrants included felony fraud, DUI, and theft.

Morris was charged with 245C Assault with a deadly weapon/ not a firearm and 2800-2 Evading police officer/reckless driving.

The chase started at about 5 p.m. when officers attempted a traffic stop in Wildomar with Morris, who was driving a gray 2021 Ford Mustang convertible. Morris rammed a Sheriff’s vehicle during the pursuit according to RCS PIO Sgt. Gonzalez. Morris entered De Luz and abandoned his vehicle near De Luz Rd. and Buena Loma St.

Officers with the help of canines, apprehend the suspect and pull him out of the brush near De Luz Rd. and Buena Loma in De Luz.

Several Sheriff’s units were searching with the help of canines. There was coverage in the air by helicopter, and when entering San Diego County, San Diego ASTREA assisted. Morris was reported to be found at 6:55 p.m. by sheriffs, with the help of the canine unit while he

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

Three people were arrested during a ‘Quality of Life’ theft operation held in Wildomar last week, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reported.

According to a news release written by Sgt. Robert Thomas, deputies assigned to the Wildomar Special Enforcement Team, Lake Elsinore SET, and Lake Elsinore Robbery/Burglary Suppression Team worked together with a local business’s loss prevention team and store managers during the May 1 operation.

The operation was due to increased thefts directly associated with the store located in the 23000 block of Clinton Keith Road, Wildomar, Thomas said.

“During the operation, deputies contacted several people for various reasons, including parking violations, theft, and possession of

illegal narcotics,” Thomas said. “In total, $760 of merchandise was recovered from the thefts.”

Khayonna Vandervalk, 26, was arrested for shoplifting while Edgar Ortega, 31, was arrested for possession of illegal narcotics and China Jewel Dillard, 37, was arrested for parking in a red/emergency zone. All three are residents of Wildomar, Thomas said.

“The Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station takes all crime seriously and will continue these operations throughout the year to combat theft in the community and protect businesses and their customers,” Thomas said.

Anyone with information regarding the arrests associated with this operation should contact Deputy Crivello at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station at (951) 245–3300.

Kim Harris can be reached via email at kharris@reedermedia. com.

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

More than three dozen drivers were cited for hands-free cell phone violations and other dangerous driving behaviors during a distracted driving enforcement operation held in Menifee April 26 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Despite repeated efforts to warn drivers about the hands-free cell phone law, some drivers continue to use their phones while operating a vehicle,” Chief Chris Karrer of the Menifee Police Department said. “Our ultimate goal is to change

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

Agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors, during a Shoulder Tap Operation in the general vicinity of Lake Elsinore and Wildomar last week.

ABC agents and local law enforcement conducted the April 27 operation, which targeted adults purchasing alcohol for minors under the age of 21, a news release issued by Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. GariciaVilla said.

“During the operation, a minor

behaviors that help make our roads safer.”

Thirty-seven people were cited during the operation, a news release written by Sgt. Matthew Block said.

“California has had distracted driving laws in the books since 2008,” Block said. “Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold their phone or other electronic device while driving. This includes talking, texting, or using an app.”

Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same

decoy under the direct supervision of a peace officer stands outside a liquor or convenience store and asks patrons to buy them alcohol,” Garcia-Villa said. “The minor indicates in some way he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.”

If the adult agrees to purchase alcohol for the minor, agents then arrest and cite them for furnishing alcohol to the minor decoy, Garcia-Villa explained. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service. According to the news release, the program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors who statistically have

offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record, Block said. To make an important phone call or to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach, Block advised.

Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Kim Harris can be reached via email at kharris@reedermedia. com.

a higher rate of drunken driving crashes than adults.

“We conduct these operations to keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth,” ABC Director Joseph McCullough said. “By preventing underage drinking we can increase the quality of life in our communities and reduce DUIs.”

The names of those arrested were not released.

Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Kim Harris can be reached via email at kharris@reedermedia. com.

Officers arrest the suspect after the multicounty chase and search in De Luz. Valley News/AC Investigations photos

Rod Run

Hot rod owners prepare their cars for the Friday night cruise at the Temecula Rod Run, May 3.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

From left, Horacio Trevino, his son Lino and Matthew Maciel hang out in their classic car during the Friday night cruise at the Temecula Rod Run.

Classic cars are displayed in Old Town during the two day Temecula Rod Run event.

Car enthusiasts view the variety of hot rods during the Friday night cruise at the Temecula Rod Run.

A 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air is displayed in Old Town during the two day Temecula Rod Run event.

Classic pickup trucks are displayed along Front Street during the two day Temecula Rod Run event.

People view a wide variety of classic and vintage cars displayed in Old Town during the two day Temecula Rod Run event.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

To submit an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com, put “attention events” in the subject line.

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

May 15 - 3 p.m. Minecraft May event for children 12-17 at the Grace Mellman Library at 41000 County Center Drive, Temecula. Children can make 3 Minecraft themed crafts. Riverside County Library System event.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

May 11 - Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive in Menifee for the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard. Leave non-perishable food for the carrier to pick up all day. Volunteers needed, see endhunger@mvcupboard.org

May 11 - 10 a.m. Lamb’s Fellowship Car and Motorcycle Show, 21901 Railroad Canyon Road, Lake Elsinore. Custom cars and motorcycles, live music, food trucks. Registration of cars $35 and vendor booths $75. Register at 951-471-3807 or see info@ lambscarshow.com

May 13 - 6:30-8 p.m. Hemet Heritage Foundation/Hemet Museum history presentation “Over 100 Years of San Jacinto Memories of the Robinson, Peebles, Haslem and Dunham Families” by presenter Jerry Peebles at the Memorial Funeral Services, 1111 S. State St., Hemet, (SW Corner of State and Stetson, directly across from McDonalds).

May 18 - 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

16th annual Santa Rosa Plateau Garden Party and “Spring into Swing” at the 10-acre William & Stephanie Lake Estate in La Cresta on the Santa Rosa Plateau; garden vendors, UC Master Gardeners, lunch available on site, wine bar, live music, and jazz concert in the garden. Tickets $25 to $35 for the tour and $30-$40 for Jazz only. For all and VIP $95 to $105. For reservations and more information see the-nef.org.

May 18 - 10 a.m. City of Temecula’s third annual Culturefest in commemoration of World Day for Cultural Diversity. This free community-wide, signature special event takes place in Old Town

Temecula at the Temecula Civic Center Quad & Town Square Park, 41000 Main Street. Experience various cultures, heritages, and traditions from around the world through live music, dancing, special performances, and fun activities for the entire family.

May 18 - 9:30 a.m. Menifee Valley Historical Association Field Trip to the Wickerd Farm, 26852 Scott Road. See California native plants, hayrides, Grandmother Oak. See menifeehistory.com or call 951-514-5206 for more information.

ONGOING – Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. The Sun City Farmers Market meets every Saturday at the Sun City Civic Association at 26850 Sun City Blvd., in Sun City with local vendors and crafts.

ONGOING – Riverside Transportation Commission is offering Park and Ride lots to connect with carpools, vanpools and transit systems in Beaumont at 600 E. Sixth Street; in San Jacinto at 501 S. San Jacinto Avenue and in Temecula at Grace Presbyterian Church, 31143 Nicolas Road, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but not on weekends.

ONGOING – Line dancing classes are held Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Lake Elsinore/ Wildomar Elks Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail, in Wildomar across from the Animal Friends of the Valleys. Classes have a DJ with learning levels beginning to intermediate. Have fun and exercise at the same time at $5 per lesson. Contact Joyce Hohenadl at 951674-2159

ONGOING – Sun City Civic Association Monthly Square Dance sessions are held Sundays from 1:30-5 p.m. at 26850 Sun City Boulevard.

ONGOING – If you know a homebound older adult, resources in Menifee are available, including grab-and-go, cooked and frozen food for pickup. Courtesy pantry items and meals delivered with no contact. Three days of emergency food can be delivered immediately or restaurant meal delivery for those who don’t qualify for food assistance programs. Call the California Department on Aging at 800-510-2020 for help.

ONGOING – 7 a.m. to 3:30

p.m. The Temecula Winchester Swap Meet continues, 33280 Newport Road in Winchester. Saturdays and Sundays only. The small local swap meet is only 50 cents for entry, and anyone under age 10 is free admission. No dogs allowed.

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Every Sunday, Murrieta Village Walk Farmers Market is at Village Walk Place in Murrieta. The Sunday morning farmers market at Village Walk Plaza is a place to buy fruits and veggies, gourmet food and crafts. Come to the center in the northwest corner of Kalmia/ Cal Oaks at the Interstate 215 exit in Murrieta.

ONGOING – Temecula’s

Farmers Markets are offered in Old Town Temecula Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, 4100 Main Street in Temecula; at Promenade Temecula, 40640 Winchester Road, outside JCPenney every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Riverside County Public Health orders, the farmers markets will be restricted to agriculture products only. Follow the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market on Facebook to stay updated. No pets allowed.

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

May 10 - The Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau applications for its small grant program are now open for those eligible. Information, application criteria and needed budget template at info@the-nef.org. Must be submitted by May 15.

May 10 - Temecula’s Summer/ Fall 2024 Guide to Leisure Activities by City of Temecula Community Services is now available to learn about upcoming classes and camps, programs and fun activities through November 2024. Registration for classes opened on April 29. Guides will be mailed to Temecula residents and are available online now. Browse online to find out about all the offerings. For more information visit TemeculaCA.

gov/Classes. Questions? Call the Class Hotline at 951-694-6480 or email Classes@TemeculaCA.gov. Follow @TemeculaParksAndRec on social media. May 10 - City of Menifee public survey offered to residents to determine if and where a new community center should come into the city. For the survey, see https://form.jotform. com/24081539251915

May 12 - 1-3 p.m. Dorland Mountain Arts presents an associate artists exhibit of fine art at their headquarters. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6, Temecula, CA 92593. Physical Address: 36701 Hwy 79 South, Temecula, CA 92592. Mingle with the artists, enjoy music and light treats. Email info@dorlandartscolony.org or see www.dorlandartscolony.com.

May 13 - 5:30 p.m. Temecula Valley Genealogical Society hosts guest speaker Dr. Desiree Reedus at its next general meeting. Dr. Reedus will highlight the trailblazing women in medicine over the generations in Riverside and beyond. Ron H. Roberts Temecula Public Library Community Room, 30600 Pauba Rd., Temecula, CA 92592. TVGS general meetings and presentations are free & open to the public. More info at tvgs.net

May 16 - 6-8 MilVet Military Care Package packing event at 33040 Antelope Road, Murrieta. $25 suggested donation to help with mailing to overseas troops. Public invited to participate but RSVP is required. See www. milvet.org/donate/p/may24. Non -perishable foods, coffee, disposable razors are welcome.

May 21 - 10:30 a.m. The Temecula Valley Republican Women's group presents its monthly meeting with Pearls and Patriots, a Mothers Day theme with featured speaker Kimberly Fletcher from Moms for America at the Wilson Creek Winery, 35960 Rancho California Road in Temecula. RSVP by May 16 at tvrwomen.org.

ONGOING – Temecula Valley Genealogical Society hosts the Family History Research Assistance Program for those interested in learning more about their family roots. The society offers free research assistance through this volunteer program. Appointments are available in person or via Zoom. Contact the TVGS Family Research Coordinator at tvgs. research.assist@gmail.com

ONGOING – Temecula’s Path of Honor at the Temecula Duck Pond, 28250 Ynez Road. A program to give a place to remember and honor veterans from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and the World War II Merchant Marines with a permanent paver. Pavers cost $185. Orders may be placed year-round and are consolidated, engraved and placed on the path annually each November. For more information, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/ Veterans or contact the Temecula Community Services Department at 951-694-6480.

ONGOING – Want to help deployed American troops remotely? Help shop for the most needed items without leaving home as an easy way to help support deployed men and women by purchasing items remotely and having them delivered to MilVet at designated drop-off locations for packing. All items on the list are special requests from deployed military men and women. MilVet is a nonprofit organization that holds monthly packaging events at different community locations in the area. For

drop-off locations and packaging locations, visit www.milvet.org/ military-care-packages.

ONGOING – Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the third Monday of each month at the Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 Sixth Street, in Temecula from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, email gaugustin206@gmail. com or join the meeting.

ONGOING – Sons of Norway/ Scandinavia meets at noon the first Saturday of every month, September to June, at the Heritage Mobile Park Clubhouse, 31130 S. General Kearny Road, in Temecula.

ONGOING – Menifee Community Services offers online driver’s education courses for a $21.95 fee. The course includes animated driving scenarios, instructional videos, sample tests, licensed instructor available to answer questions, DMV-approved certificate of completion with all lectures and exams completed from home. Designed for students and does not include behind-the-wheel instruction or a California driver’s permit. Contact 951-723-3880 or visit the city of Menifee to register at www.cityof menifee.us.

ONGOING – 10-11:30 a.m.

Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center and The Elizabeth Hospice host a virtual support meeting for caregivers every second and fourth week of the month via Zoom. Get helpful tips and learn from others who are also dealing with similar challenges. For more information and to register, contact The Elizabeth Hospice Grief Support Services at 833-349-2054.

ONGOING – Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a free 12step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia, has meetings throughout the U.S. and the world. Contact 781932-6300, or for local meetings, call 925-321-0170 or visit www. foodaddicts.org.

ONGOING – The Murrieta Garden Club meets each month at the Murrieta Community Center, 41810 Juniper St. Anyone who likes to garden or is interested in plants is welcome. Membership is $10 per year. Find more information about the monthly event or project on Facebook.

ONGOING – Temecula Valley Rose Society meets each month. For more information and new meeting dates and places, visit www.temeculavalleyrosesociety. org

ONGOING – Menifee Toastmasters meets every Thursday at noon for one hour at a designated place to have fun, enhance speaking capabilities, gain self-confidence and improve social skills. For new dates, call 760-807-1323 or visit www.MenifeeToastmasters.org for more information.

ONGOING – Homeless veterans can receive free help by dialing 877-424-3838 for 24/7 access to the VA’s services for homeless, at-risk veterans. Chat is confidential for veterans and friends. Visit www.va.gov/homeless.

ONGOING – The Dorland Scribblers meet the second Sunday of each month from 1-3 p.m. at 36701 Highway 79 South, Temecula. We welcome fiction, non-fiction, poets, memoir and screenwriters. We host writingcraft discussions; attendees may read up to a five minute excerpt from their work for feedback/ critique. RSVP at www.dorlandartscolony.com/sunday-scribblers. html.

ENTERTAINMENT

Movie review ‘The Fall Guy’

Bob Garver Special to Valley News

There has been a push in recent years for the Oscars to add an award for stunt work. I’m all for it, sure, give some often-unrecognized professionals their moment in the sun. My guess is it’s going to happen eventually, given the passion of the advocates and no apparent strong argument against it. Director David Leitch is no doubt a proponent of the movement, seeing as he’s a former stunt performer himself and his film “The Fall Guy” is basically a two-hour plea to give stunt performers their due. Which isn’t to say it isn’t a highly entertaining plea. It’s just about the most fun you can possibly have watching a plea.

Ryan Gosling stars as stunt performer Colt Seavers. At the start of the film, Colt spends his days building a relationship with aspiring director Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt) when he’s not doubling for megastar Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). A stunt goes wrong and Colt’s back is broken, which also damages his relationship with Jody. Eighteen months later, Colt’s back is healing, but things between he and Jody may be permanently severed. But then he gets a call from Gail (Hannah Waddingham), Tom’s go-to producer. Tom is filming a movie in Australia, and everyone wants Colt for stunt work. And “everyone” means Tom, Gail, and

the movie’s director: Jody. He reluctantly makes the trip only to learn that Jody emphatically does not want him and Gail has ulterior motives. Tom has gone missing and Gail needs an able-bodied nobody to help track him down. Colt agrees to investigate, only because this movie is Jody’s chance to prove herself as a director and it can’t be completed without Tom. Colt is soon spending his days filling in for Tom on set, helping Jody with her film in the only way he knows how, by doing dangerous stunts. It takes some time for her anger to subside, but he’s soon back in her good graces and there’s even a hint of the two rekindling their relationship. But then there’s his night job of tracking down Tom. It’s even more dangerous, with drug dealers, gun-toting henchmen, a sword-wielding girlfriend (Teresa Palmer), and a dead body on ice. The adventure requires Colt to use all his expertise as a stuntman, which means Leitch and the movie’s stunt team get to show off all their expertise. Indeed all the stunt work is impressive, though I feel like the film is cheating a bit by actively trying to get me to pay attention to it. And it’s distractingly smooth at times, like Colt is way too competent for a person in this position. It’s been established that he can handle stunts in a controlled environment, but can he really handle action this well in the moment when he’s unprepared? The trailer hints at

the disparity between movies and “real life” in a moment when Colt decides he can’t safely make a jump from a rooftop, but there are hardly any other scenes like that in the movie. Also, it’s really unwise to have Gosling do scenes where he flies through glass unharmed when certain viewers will remember a scene from 2016’s “The Nice Guys” where his character thinks he can handle broken glass easily and faces consequences when he’s wrong.

Still, “The Fall Guy” delivers on what audiences came to see: creative, stunt-filled action and a delightfully witty romance. Couples that see this movie together are going to wish they had the chemistry of Gosling and Blunt, even when they’re arguing. Movie buffs will be equally enchanted by the love this movie has for the industry, especially stunts. Fans of well-conceived mysteries may sadly feel left out on this one. But overall, I can say that I “fell” for “The Fall Guy.” That line makes me want to bang my head against a wall. I wish I had a stunt double for that.

Grade: B-

“The Fall Guy” is rated PG-13 (Hooray! The first non-R-rated movie I’ve seen since March!) for action and violence, drug content and some strong language. Its running time is 126 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

The Fall Guy Valley News/Courtesy photo

Voices for Children observes National Foster Care Awareness Month

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

Voices for Children is observing National Foster Care Awareness Month by asking for community volunteers to step up and advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect in both San Diego and Riverside counties.

Voices for Children say that Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASAs, advocates who bring stability to thousands of children in foster care, and all members of the foster care system play an important role in supporting children, youth, and families.

According to Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS, president and CEO at Voices for Children, this past year, CASA volunteers and staff advocates supported more than 2,300 youth in foster care between the two counties, over the past year, but the organization “urgently needs more volunteers to ensure a trained CASA is provided to every abused, abandoned, or neglected child who needs one.”

“Each year, Voices for Children needs to recruit, train and graduate hundreds of CASA volunteers in our region to keep up with the demand for children who are newly entering the foster care system after being removed from their homes,” Mu ñoz said. During National Foster Care Awareness Month, we would like to invite everyone in our community who has a heart for children and wants to make a difference for one of our most vulnerable populations to explore becoming a CASA volunteer.”

The theme for National Fos -

ter Care Awareness Month

2024 is “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.” It is intended to raise awareness about older youth exiting care, such as in the case of 18-year-old “Mariana.”

CASA volunteer Tracey has diligently served as an advocate to support her assigned youth, Mariana, for over a year and a half, Voices for Children said in a news release asking for volunteers.

“Mariana is a vibrant teen with a great sense of humor, enjoys interacting with others, and has a positive outlook on life despite the adversity she has endured,” the news release said. “However, without consistency and stability, Mariana has struggled to regulate her emotions and develop coping mechanisms to make healthy choices.”

Needing mental health support, Mariana, who needed that support has been receiving her treatment outside of the county, but her CASA volunteer Tracey still takes the time to frequently visit, schedule video chats, and holds consistent calls with Mariana, building a “very close relationship,” the news release explained.

Working with Mariana’s case manager, social worker, and teachers, CASA Tracey is doing everything possible for Mariana to feel supported have all her needs met to achieve her academic goals,” Voices for Children said.

According to Voices for Children, there are more than 390,000 children and youth in foster care nationwide, with roughly 4,500 children spending time in foster care in Riverside County and 3,000 in San

to step up and advocate for

Diego County.

“Children assigned CASA volunteers or staff are much less likely to return to the child welfare system. In fact, compared to children who do not have a CASA volunteer or staff, the proportion of reentries is consistently reduced by half,” Muñoz said.

CASA volunteers are specially trained and appointed by judges to advocate for children or sibling groups while they are in the foster care system. They advocate for children in court, school and other settings; and get to know everyone involved in the children’s lives, in-

cluding their parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors, family members and others. But first and foremost, CASA volunteers advocate for children to be reunified with their parents whenever safe and possible.

“In fact, a core part of their role is to help create and strengthen a lifetime network of relatives, family friends and other committed adults who can support the child and their parents during their involvement with foster care and beyond – increasing the likelihood for reunification,” Voices for Children explained. “When reunification is not an option, they advocate for

the child to live with another relative or family friend. They can also advocate for the child to be placed in a loving adoptive home.”

A CASA’s advocacy is unique because it is based on an individualized understanding of the child’s needs.

“Children in foster care need a dedicated advocate who is by their side and to ensure their needs are met,” Muñoz said.

To learn more about how you can help, including how to volunteer as a CASA, visit www.speakupnow. org

Three local hospitals awarded Leapfrog Group’s highest grade

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

Three Hospitals located in Southwest Riverside County were awarded the highest grade from the Leapfrog group, the company known for its biannual hospital grading based on more than “30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections, along with the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them."

The independent, nonprofit watchdog group assigned safety grades, ranging from “A” to “F,” with Rancho Springs Medical Center, Rancho Springs Hospital and Loma Linda Murrieta all receiving “A” grades from the agency in its spring 2024 Hospital Safety Grades report released last week.

The “A” grades were a first for all three hospitals which received “C” grades at the same time last year. Just 8 years ago in 2016, Rancho Springs and Inland Valley both received failing grades.

Jared Giles, CEO of Rancho Spring Hospital and Inland Valley Hospital, both part of Southwest Healthcare System, called the “A” grade, a “reflection on all the hard work and dedication” of the hospitals teams who worked to “contribute the highest quality of safety measures” for patients and their families.

Leapfrog Group President and CEO Leah Binder said that everyone who works at Rancho Springs Hospital and Inland Valley Medical Center should be proud of the “A” Grade.

“It takes complete dedication at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank SWH Rancho Springs and Inland Valley, its leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for its patients and their safety,” Binder said.

Temecula Valley Hospital, known for its consistent “A” grades, dropped to a “B” grade, the same as last fall.

Binder said that findings across the board were encouraging since patient experience is “very difficult to influence” without delivering better care.

“We were also pleased to see the decrease in preventable infections, which cause terrible suffering and sometimes death,” Binder said.

“When we look at these positive trends, we see lives saved — and that is gratifying.”

According to Binder, patient safety remains a “crisis-level hazard” in U.S. healthcare.

“Some hospitals are much better than others at protecting patients from harm, and that’s why we make the Hospital Safety Grade available to the public and why we encourage all hospitals to

Southwest Healthcare’s Inland Valley Medical Center and Rancho Springs Hospital,

Loma Linda-Murrieta all received “A” grades in the Leapfrog

focus more attention on safety,” Binder said.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infec-

tions and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. For more information, includ-

Gibson photo

ing local hospital’s full grade details, visit HospitalSafetyGrade. org Kim Harris can be reached via email at kharris@reedermedia. com.

Southwest Healthcare Rancho Springs Hospital to host 12th annual Mom

& Baby Fair

Southwest Healthcare’s Rancho Springs Hospital will host the 12th annual Mom & Baby Fair to celebrate moms and moms-to-be with fun for the entire family Saturday, May 18 at Promenade Temecula.

The event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature vendor booths related to everything mother and baby, child safety information and healthy lifestyle resources for the whole family.

There will also be plenty of fun for children of all ages including face painting and pony rides.

A drawing for prizes, including a gift card good for four tickets to Disneyland will also be held, the hospital said.

Vendors are still being accepted for the fair through 5 p.m. Friday, May 10. To apply visit www. swhranchosprings.com, click on “events and programs,” then and “event calendar” and select “Mom and Baby Fair Vendor Form.” For more information on the

12th annual Mom & Baby Fair, visit www.swhranchosprings.com Promenade Temecula is located at 40820 Winchester Road in Temecula.

Voices for Children is observing National Foster Care Awareness Month by asking for community volunteers

children by serving as Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASAs. Valley News Courtesy photo. Used with permission.

pictured, along with

Group’s spring Hospital Safety Grades report. Valley News/Shane

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

Follow Temecula Aquatics for Water Safety Month tips this May

TEMECULA ─ Temecula’s Community Services Department’s Aquatics division reminds residents that May is Water Safety Month and is the perfect time to make sure the family is taking the appropriate steps to ensure they are enjoying all bodies of water safely.

The city’s lifeguards spend a great deal of time training, preparing and practicing lifesaving skills to keep swimmers safe in and around the water. Water safety, however, extends far beyond the city pools, especially in Southern California where swimming is a year-round activity.

Water safety is as easy as the ABCs. The ABCs of Water Safety create layers of protection for swimmers.

A – Active adult supervision

Keeping both eyes on swimmers in the water is one of the best ways to prevent drownings.

– Barriers

B

Enclose home pools with a fence

that little ones cannot climb. Be sure to empty out kiddie pools when not in use.

C – Classes Children should take swimming lessons. Formal swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. Parents and caregivers should take a CPR class and be ready in an emergency.

Drowning is quick, silent and preventable. By following these simple guidelines for water safety, you can reduce the risk of drowning substantially. Drowning continues to be the No. 1 cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4 and is the second leading cause of death for all children.

Follow @TemeculaAquatics on Instagram and @CityOfTemeculaAquatics on Facebook for month-long water safety tips and reminders. For more information on water safety, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/WaterSafety.

Submitted by city of Temecula.

Eastern Municipal Water District’s hydration station pop-up visits Hemet and San Jacinto on California Tap Water Day

RIVERSIDE COUNTY – Eastern Municipal Water District’s original Hydration Station van traveled to six Riverside County city halls to celebrate California Tap Water Day Thursday, May 2. The pop-up experience provided residents in Hemet and San Jacinto with free, high-quality tap water, giveaways, water savvy education and an appearance by Savvy, the water drop mascot.

To commemorate California Tap Water Day, EMWD traveled to the cities of Perris, Moreno Valley, Menifee, Murrieta, San Jacinto and Hemet in the Hydration Station van. Residents took photos with Savvy the Water Drop, filled their reusable water bottles and found information on the source of their drinking water and how they can help be stewards of water conservation.

“EMWD is proud to deliver a high-quality tap water supply and it is our commitment to continue delivering that same high level of water quality and reliability for future generations,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule said. California Tap Water Day tour kicks off National Drinking Water Week May 5-11 and Water Awareness Month, celebrated each year in May. EMWD will have the Hydration Station van at their Perris headquarters from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. during Drinking Water Week for visitors to fill up from the H2O taps. This is one of the many community outreach events EMWD does throughout the year. To book the Hydration Station Van at your next event, visit http://www. emwd.org/hydrationvan. For a full schedule of Hydration Station Van

events, visit http://www.emwd. org/node/2452. To follow along on social media, visit @easternmuni. Eastern Municipal Water District is the water, wastewater service and recycled water provider to nearly 1 million people living and working within a 601-square mile service area in western Riverside County and northern San Diego County. It is California’s sixth-largest retail water agency, and its mission is “to deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable water, wastewater and recycled water services.” More information can be found at http://www.emwd.org Submitted by Eastern Municipal Water District.

Joe Naiman Writer

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District will purchase 152 supervisory control and data ac-

quisition wireless radios.

A 5-0 vote at the Thursday, April 25, EVMWD board meeting approved a $292,800.68 purchase order for SCADA wireless radios from Systems Integrated Inc.

The district’s SCADA network has more than 230 radios, but EVMWD staff determined that 152 radios needed to be replaced to meet the most recent cybersecurity standards and to increase overall reliability in operating the district’s water and wastewater facilities.

The district’s SCADA system was implemented in 2004 and included a wireless radio communications network between the district’s main office and remote sites consisting of pump stations, reservoirs, lift stations and water treatment plants. The original wireless radio network consisted of 45 radios, which allowed operators to monitor and control the remote sites, thus reducing the

Answers for puzzle on page B-2

need to travel physically to each site to operate it. Growth in the district caused the expansion of the network of radios which monitor and control water, wastewater and recycled water facilities.

A EVMWD board action Thursday, Feb. 8, approved a task order with Systems Integrated Inc. for a pilot project to develop and implement a wireless radio network high-speed redundant ring to upgrade radio communications to facilities throughout the district. The project to create a high-speed wireless radio redundant ring for the main repeater sites would allow the repeater sites to communicate through multiple paths back to the district so that failure of any one of the main repeaters would not impact the operation of the overall network.

Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

Following water safety can reduce the risk of drowning substantially. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Local water agency makes California Tap Water Day Fun with a multi-city van tour equipped with H2O taps, giveaways and a visit from Savvy, the water drop mascot. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Navigating an uncertain economic future during an election year is

focus of the Southwest Regional Economic Forecast

TEMECULA – Distinguished economist

Chris Thornberg returns to the Southwest Regional Economic Forecast to provide business, civic and community leaders with insights on what to expect during a chaotic election year. Thornberg brings his wit and data-driven analysis back to South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 7-10 a.m., Thursday, June 20, to help businesses chart the course through turbulent times.

The 2024 Southwest Regional Economic Forecast is co-sponsored by Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors. This year’s economic conference

should deliver essential tools for business resilience and growth.

Titled “Charting the Course: Navigating Economic Horizons in a Pivotal Election Year,” the conference is hosted by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, an information resource for its nearly 1,000 members.

Event highlights include:

In-depth Analysis: Thornberg makes sense out of dozens of regional indicators that shape the economy and the state, national and geopolitical challenges that impact the region.

Political uncertainty: As the nation moves

West Yost to help implement EVMWD salt and nutrient management plan

Joe Naiman Writer

West Yost Associates will be assisting the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District in the implementation of the district’s Elsinore Groundwater Management Zone salt and nutrient management plan.

The EVMWD board voted 5-0 April 25 to approve a $254,190 contract with West Yost. The Lake Forest office of the company whose corporate base is in Davis will provide field monitoring, groundwater and surface water monitoring, cooperative data collection, and annual reporting.

In 2012 the ambient total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations of the Elsinore Groundwater Management Zone exceeded the TDS objective by 10 milligrams per liter (mg/l), so there was no longer assimilative capacity for total dissolved solids and there never had been assimilative capacity for nitrates. In order to adhere

to conditions of the district’s permit for recycled water use the district either needed to begin construction of costly salt offset facilities within two years or prepare a Maximum Benefit Salt and Nutrient Management Plan proposal to the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The proposal sought less stringent maximum benefit objectives for the Elsinore Groundwater Management Zone which not only created assimilative capacity in the basin but also reduced greenhouse gas emissions and reduced costs without harming the beneficial uses of the basin.

West Yost was Wildermuth Environmental, Inc., in 2015 when the company provided project management, developed draft objectives and commitments, prepared a maximum benefit proposal letter to the RWQCB, initiated negotiations with the RWQCB, and developed a proposal to perform additional groundwater modeling to determine the projected ambient water

quality for total dissolved solids. A final package to incorporate the new salt nutrient management plan was submitted to the RWQCB in January 2020. The RWQCB approved that plan in December 2021.

The Maximum Benefit Salt and Nutrient Management Plan includes a maximum TDS standard of 530 mg/l, which will create 40 mg/l of assimilative capacity. The plan stipulates a nitrate limit of 5 mg/l. The district must prioritize recycled water use to maintain the levels before initiating any indirect potable reuse project, account for sa lt mitigation requirements from recycled water reuse in the watershed tributary to the Elsinore Groundwater Management Zone, implement the integrated resources plan, implement a salt offset project (which could include indirect potable reuse) to mitigate historical and ongoing salt liabilities, develop and implement a monitoring and analysis program, and periodically report to the RWQCB.

Schuler Contractors given EMWD contract for Hemet Water Filtration Plant pipe repair

The Eastern Municipal Water District board awarded Schuler Contractors, Inc., the EMWD contract to replace and repair piping at the district’s Hemet Water Filtration Plant.

The 4-0 vote Wednesday, May 1, with Randy Record absent, approved a $240,193 contract with Schuler Contractors for the pipe repair and replacement project at the filtration plant’s Membrane Building. The board authorized total additional appropriations of $300,000 which will also cover inspection, internal labor and a contingency.

The Hemet Water Filtration Plant is at the intersection of North Kirby Street and Commonwealth Avenue. It treats water obtained

from the State Water Project, which conveys supply from Oroville to Lake Skinner, utilizing ultrafiltration membrane technology to bring the water to potable standards. Leaking pipe wall penetrations, however, and corroded piping have been observed in all six trains in the membrane tank.

The work to be performed by Schuler Contractors will repair and replace deteriorated flanges and pipe segments as needed using chlorinated polyvinyl chloride to provide additional corrosion resistance, re-seal wall penetrations, add expansion joints to accommodate movement and repair the tank coating. The work will be sequenced so that only one membrane tank is offline at a time, allowing nearly full production while the repairs are being performed.

EMWD staff issued a request for proposals Friday, Jan. 19, and set a Friday, Feb. 23 deadline. Although Schuler Contractors, which is headquartered in Riverside, had the only bid the proposal was reviewed and the requested price is commensurate with the necessary level of effort. Schuler Contractors has also previously worked with the district on similar projects which were completed to EMWD satisfaction. A Wednesday, Jan. 3, EMWD board action awarded Schuler Contractors the contract to replace the automatic self-cleaning strainer filters at the Hemet Water Filtration Plant, so reduced mobilization costs and schedule synergy reduced the price of the membrane building pipe repair project.

Joe Naiman can be reached via email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

closer to November, the conference looks at possible political outcomes and how to prepare.

Strategic Planning: With the knowledge of what the nation is facing, the conference provides actionable strategies for growing business.

Reservations are $70 per attendee for members, $90 per attendee for non-members, $650 per corporate table of 10 for members and $850 for non-members. Exhibitor booths are $200 and come with one ticket to attend. Registration and sponsorship opportunities can be found at https://bit.ly/3IK15Yt. For

more information, visit http://www. temecula.org or call 951-676-5090. The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization based in Temecula. The miss ion of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce is to partner with the business community to “Connect People, Solve Business Challenges, and Support BusinessFriendly Initiatives.”

To learn more about the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit http://www.temecula.org. Submitted by Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce.

&

Joe Naiman Writer

May 10 – 16, 2024

CIF Southern Section spring sports prep playoff s in full swing

JP Raineri Sports Editor

The CIF Southern Section playoffs have begun for the local high school baseball and softball teams as well as boys’ tennis, boys’ volleyball, girls’ beach volleyball, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, boys’ golf, plus there is a whole bunch of track field going on out there.

SOFTBALL

Division 1

Wildcard Round

Great Oak – 7, Torrance – 2

South Hills – 8, Vista Murrieta – 2

There were some great wins this past week, and there were also some tough losses. The postseason is littered with talent, and it only seems fitting that in order to call themselves a CIF champion, it’s win or go home. Here are scores and updates for teams that competed last week, as well as for those that are still in the hunt to be the last one standing:

Up next: First Round – May 7, 3:15 p.m.

Murrieta Mesa vs. Chino Hills

Great Oak at Norco

Division 2 First Round Temple City – 8, Temescal Canyon – 2 Division 3 No local teams

Division 4

First Round Mira Costa – 8, Elsinore – 2

La Quinta – 4, Hemet – 0

Orange Vista – 10, San Dimas – 2

Up next: Second Round – May 7, 3:15 p.m.

Orange Vista vs. Crescenta Valley

Division 5

First Round Liberty – 9, Palm Desert – 7

Linfield Christian – 10, Western Christian – 0

Paloma Valley – 8, San Jacinto – 7

Up next: Second Round – May 7, 3:15 p.m.

Liberty at Mark Keppel

Linfield Christian vs. Paloma Valley

Division 6

First Round Santa Ana Calvary Chapel – 5, Santa Rosa Academy – 4

University Prep – 4, San Jacinto Valley Academy – 3

Tahquitz – 7, Vasquez – 5

Up next: Second Round – May 7, 3:15 p.m.

Tahquitz vs. Paramount

Division 7

First Round Academy of Careers & Exploration – 23, Nuview Bridge – 2

Division 8

First Round

Cornerstone Christian – 20, Redlands Adventist Academy – 10

Temecula Prep – 9, California Lutheran – 2

Up next: Second Round – May 7, 3:15 p.m.

Temecula Prep at Orange

Cornerstone Christian at Hesperia Christian

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Quarterfinals

Division 6

Samueli Academy def. Tahquitz, 3-1 (20-25, 25-15, 25-17, 25-16)

BOYS LACROSSE

Second Round

Division 3

Oaks Christian – 15, Linfield Christian – 2

GIRLS LACROSSE

First Round

Division 1

Murrieta Mesa – 14, Santa Margarita – 12

Quarterfinals

Foothill – 14, Murrieta Mesa – 7

Division 2

Chaparral – 10, Peninsula – 8

Quarterfinals

Chaparral – 7, Canyon – 6

Up next: Semifinal Round – May 7, 5 p.m.

Chaparral at Jserra

Division 3

Murrieta Valley – 7, Heritage – 3

Temecula Valley – 16, Thacher – 5

Orange Lutheran – 19, Paloma Valley – 6

Second Round

M.L. King – 9, Murrieta Valley – 3

Temecula Valley – 15, Poly/R – 2

Up next: Quarterfinal Round – May 7, 5 p.m.

Temecula Valley vs. Northwood

BASEBALL

First Round

Division 1

Vista Murrieta – 12, Millikan – 2

Up next: Second Round – May 7, 3:15 p.m.

Vista Murrieta vs. Orange Lutheran

Division 2

Crean Lutheran – 9, Paloma Valley – 8 Canyon – 5, Temecula Valley – 1

Division 3

Arrowhead Christian Academy – 11, Tahquitz – 7

Chaminade – 3, Chaparral – 2

Beckman – 1, Temescal Canyon – 0

Summit – 2, Linfield Christian – 1

Division 4

Murrieta Valley - 3, Elsinore - 0

Up next: Second Round – May 7, 3:15 p.m.

Murrieta Valley vs. Camarillo

Paloma Valley’s Kaydence Koepsell pitched a complete game for the Wildcats in their First Round victory over San Jacinto. Valley News/File photo

Juliana Ramirez of Murrieta Valley shields off a Riverside King defender during CIF Playoff action Saturday, May 4. Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Nighthawk Goalkeeper Mia Hurtado (5) faces a point blank shot by King’s Olivia Worden. Valley News/David Canales photo see PLAYOFFS, page C-2

PLAYOFFS from page C-1

Division 5

Ganesha – 8, Murrieta Mesa – 5 Lakeside – 9, Anaheim – 3

Bloomington – 4, Hemet – 3

Up next: Second Round – May 7, 3:15 p.m.

Lakeside at Chino Liberty vs. Montebello

Division 7

Rancho Christian – 11, Vasquez – 1

Oakwood – 11, Temecula Prep – 4

Cornerstone Christian – 6, Littlerock – 2

Chaffey – 7, Nuview Bridge – 4

Up next: Second Round – May 7, 3:15 p.m.

Editorial

Advertising

Rancho Christian vs. Banning

Cornerstone Christian at Santa Ana

BOYS TENNIS Second Round

Division 1 No local teams

Division 2 Santiago – 11, Great Oak – 7

Division 3

Murrieta Valley – 15, Pasadena Poly – 3

Up next: Quarterfinals – May 6, 3 p.m.

Murrieta Valley vs. Cerritos

Division 4 No local teams

Division 5 La Salle – 16, Paloma Valley – 2

Hemet – 11, Hillcrest – 7

Up next: Quarterfinals – May 6, 3 p.m.

Hemet at Arroyo Valley

Division 6

Orange Vista – 11, Citrus Hill – 7

Up next: Quarterfinals – May 6, 3 p.m.

Orange Vista at Oak Hills

*If there are any changes in times, dates, or sites please email sports@reedermedia.com with corrected information.

Temecula Prep secures spot in CIF Southern Section baseball playoffs

JP Raineri Sports Editor

TEMECULA – In an exhilarating turn of events, the Temecula Prep Patriots have blazed their way into the CIF Southern Section playoffs, marking a significant milestone in their season. Their triumphant streak of five consecutive league victories, culminating in a memorable showdown at Storm Stadium in Lake Elsinore, has not only showcased their skill and tenacity but has also propelled them into the postseason.

Center stage in the week’s highlights was junior Braden Litt. His performance at the plate was nothing short of remarkable with 10 hits in 17 at bats, including his fourth home run of the season, 8 RBIs, and an impressive tally of 10 runs scored alongside four stolen bases. But Litt’s talent was not confined to batting alone. On the mound, he delivered a complete game, allowing just two hits and one unearned run while striking out seven. Over the week, Litt pitched 11 innings, accruing 12 strikeouts, and conceding only two hits. His contribution was instrumental in securing two wins for the Patriots, underscoring his role as a pivotal player in their success.

Another player who has consistently shone this season is junior Noah Scarlett. With a robust overall batting average of .446, Scarlett’s performance at the plate has been a key factor in the Patriots’ successful run. Accumulating 29 hits across the

season—including three doubles, four triples, and two home runs— Scarlett has proven to be an indispensable asset to the team.

The road to the playoffs was paved by not just individual brilliance but also collective determination and skill. Securing their place among the top four teams in the South Valley League, the Patriots concluded the regular season with a commendable 7-4-1 league record, placing them in the esteemed company of Nuview Bridge and San Jacinto Valley Academy, both at 9-3, and Santa Rosa Academy at 8-4.

The anticipation was building toward an intense Division 7 playoff confrontation against the Oakwood Owls, who boasted an impressive 10-7 record and went undefeated in the Liberty League with a 7-0 record. This highstakes matchup was scheduled for Thursday, May 2, set against the backdrop of LA Valley College. Unfortunately, Temecula Prep would fall 11-4.

Though their season is over, the Patriots’ roster also featured a blend of talent with players like Cash Radoci, Dennis Rhee, Vincent Thinnes, J.D. Stone, and Roger Brambila, each bringing their unique skills to the forefront. With 23, 20, 19, 18, and 15 hits respectively, these athletes have significantly contributed to the team’s success and were key figures to watch in the Temecula Prep lineup.

JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia. com

The Vista Murrieta baseball team advanced to the Second Round of the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs after defeating Millikan last week. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Paloma Valley infielder Brayden Bessette (14) is giving the stop signal as he rounds third base during the Wildcats First Round playoff game versus Crean Lutheran. Valley News/File photo

Murrieta Valley first baseman Grant Harrison (13), pictured here catching a popup in foul territory, helped the Nighthawks get past Elsinore in their First Round playoff game last week. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

The Temecula Prep Patriots took fourth place in the South Valley League and will be competing in Division 7 of the CIF Southern Section baseball playoffs. Valley News/Time Stood Still Photography

Braden Litt helps pitch Temecula Prep to victory in a recent South Valley League game. Valley News/Time Stood Still Photography

Temecula Prep’s Noah Scarlett slides safely into third base during a recent game. Valley News/Time Stood Still Photography

The Autumn Pease Effect: Murrieta’s own is a game-changer on and off the field

JP Raineri Sports Editor

In an inspiring shift from player to coach and analyst, Murrieta’s own Autumn Pease, a former University of Minnesota AllAmerican pitcher, is proving to be as influential off the field as she was on it. With a spectacular career that saw her dominating the pitching mound, Pease has been inspiring a new generation of athletes as a pitching coach.

On Monday, April 22, the sports world turned its eyes to the ceremonial first pitch at the game between the Twins and the Chicago White Sox. The star of the evening was none other than Murrieta Mesa High School’s softball standout, Autumn Pease. The choice was obvious and well-deserved; after all, Pease has left an indelible mark in softball history with her recent accolades - including the 2023 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and Women’s Professional Fastpitch

Pitcher of the Year. The Twins won the game, and then went on a sixgame win streak, another accolade Pease can be proud to have been a part of.

Her transition into coaching was also announced earlier this year when she was named the Polars pitching coach. Bringing a treasure trove of experience from her time playing and providing private instruction, Pease was ecstatic to join the staff at Crown College. Her tenure at Minnesota was nothing short of remarkable, boasting a record of 54-26 and a stellar 2.37 ERA over three-plus seasons. In 2023, she notched an impressive 27-7 record with a career-best 1.88 ERA and 273 strikeouts in 215 1/3 innings.

Pease’s dedication extends beyond the field; she’s also completing her degree in Kinesiology at Minnesota. Her commitment to growth, both as an athlete and individual, shines through her aspirations. “I am

looking forward to helping these amazing student-athletes become the best versions of themselves in all walks of life,” Pease expressed, underscoring her comprehensive approach to coaching.

But Pease’s contributions aren’t limited to the diamond and the dugout. She ventured into the broadcast booth as an analyst during the Gophers’ softball games this past season, displaying her versatility and in-depth understanding of the game. This multifaceted role highlights how Pease continually evolves, making significant strides in broadcasting while enriching the sport with her insightful analysis.

Autumn Pease’s list of honors is extensive, from being named the 2023 Big Ten Conference Pitcher of the Year to earning accolades from NFCA and D1 Softball as a second-team All-American. Her achievements illuminate the path for future generations, serving as a testament to her hard work,

Linfield Christian claims undefeated Ivy League boys’ lacrosse title

JP Raineri Sports Editor

TEMECULA – In a striking display of skill and teamwork, the Linfield Christian School boys’ lacrosse team secured their undefeated Ivy League title with a decisive 12-6 victory over Riverside Poly on Thursday, April 18. The game against Poly featured an impressive line-up of goal scorers who played pivotal roles in clinching the win for Linfield Christian. Senior Dylan Cane and junior Kallen Gwin led the charge, with Cane scoring twice and Gwin astonishing the crowd with six goals. They were ably supported by Carter Cane, who added another goal to the tally, and freshman Peyton Williams, who scored three times, showcasing the depth and versatility of the team’s offensive capabilities.

Following their victory against Riverside Poly, Linfield Christian continued their winning streak by defeating Damien High School on senior night, Monday, April 22. The team’s momentum carried them through to the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 3 playoffs, where they edged out Downey with a close 9-8 win on Wednesday, May 1. Kallen Gwin once again stood out as the leading scorer with four goals, underscoring his crucial role in the team’s offensive strategy.

led

22,

perseverance, and undying love for softball. The Autumn Pease effect is profoundly changing the local outlook on the landscape of softball, one pitch, and one game at a time. Her story is a splendid

narrative of talent, dedication, and transformation that continues to influence and reshape those that love the game as much as she does. JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com

Broadcast booth for the Lake Elsinore Storm returns a familiar face

JP Raineri Sports Editor

Tim Sheridan, Lake Elsinore City Council Member and the Voice of the Lake Elsinore Storm, has returned to the broadcast booth for the 2024 season on MiLB.com and MiLB.TV. Sheridan, who enters his third season with the Storm, the San Diego Padres’ Single-A California League affiliate, will broadcast Friday, Saturday and Sunday home games from Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium.

Sheridan also said that there is going to be something new during the broadcasts this year.

“The Storm has a long history of extensive involvement in the community,” he said. “To that end, we’re going to highlight the community during our broadcasts, Lake Elsinore and all of Riverside County.” Sheridan, who has served on the Lake Elsinore City Council since 2018, also works for the National Treasury Employees Union.

Linfield Christian’s lacrosse season ended with an impressive 15-7 overall record and winning the Ivy League title with a flawless 10-0 record in league play. Valley

However, the season reached its conclusion in the second round of the playoffs on Friday, May 3, where Linfield Christian faced a challenging match against Oaks Christian, resulting in a 15-2 defeat. Despite this loss, the team’s remarkable journey through the season remained a testament to their skill, spirit, and sportsmanship.

Linfield Christian’s lacrosse season ended with an impressive 15-7 overall record and a flawless 10-0 in league play. This historic season not only highlighted the individual talents within the team,

photo

such as the outstanding goalscoring prowess of players like Kallen Gwin, but also displayed the strength of their collective effort.

“This season was a showcase of what it means to work together towards a common goal. Every player contributed to our achievements, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished,” Coach Dave Renno stated. Send local sports updates to sports@reedermedia.com

Women qualify for U.S. Open at Soboba Springs Golf Course

Band of

Special to Valley News

The 2024 U.S. Women’s Open Qualifying championships were played out on Tuesday, April 23, at Soboba Spring Golf Course during two rounds of 18 holes each. Threesomes teed off at holes 1 and 10 at 7 a.m. simultaneously for Round 1 and then at 12:30 p.m. for Round 2. Both are Par 4 holes. A total of 76 competitors from many different states and countries vied for the top two scores which qualifies them for inclusion in the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally at Lancaster Country Club

“There is nothing better than Minor League Baseball,” Sheridan said. “And bringing the action to Storm fans on MiLB.com and MiLB.TV is something I absolutely love doing!”

The four-time California League Champions kicked off their 30th anniversary season in Lake Elsinore on Friday, April 5 against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes –the first of 66 home games on the schedule this season at Diamond Stadium.

The Lake Elsinore Storm are the only Minor League Baseball (MiLB) team in Riverside County. Check out the Valley News social media channels for opportunities to win tickets to games and visit www.stormbaseball.com for ticket info, promotions, schedules and more. Article contributions made by Storm Multimedia Manager Justin Jett.

JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com

On Monday, April

former Murrieta Mesa High School’s softball standout, Autumn Pease, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game between the Twins and the Chicago White Sox.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

A familiar face and voice in the Lake Elsinore Storm broadcast booth is Tim Sheridan, Lake Elsinore City Council Member.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

News/Courtesy

Linfield Christian’s Kallen Gwin (14)

the team with 60 goals this season. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Soboba

Luiseño Indians

Murrieta Valley students honored in April

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program held its final recognition breakfast of the 20232024 school year on April 18 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Road. Emcee Mary Walters, Murrieta Valley Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, welcomed everyone to the event that celebrates and honors outstanding students who make a significant difference in their schools and community before introducing the nonprofit organization’s founder Sally A. Myers.

After thanking all the volunteers that make the program such a success, Myers explained that students are selected based on the organization’s mission statement to provide a local high school recognition program which acknowledges college and trade school bound seniors for their character, their love of learning and their commitment to academics in addition to their participation in athletics, school activities, community service or their ability to persevere and overcome difficult life circumstances in a setting that honors God, country, family, community and free enterprise.

Large tote bags filled with gifts, certificates of recognition and more were donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past challenges, and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

April’s students of the month are Murrieta Mesa High School’s Tyler Schneider, Murrieta Valley High’s Gina Namkung, Springs Charter School’s Madison Williamson, Oak Grove School’s Robert “RJ” Collette-Schmidt and Vista Murrieta High School’s Alexandrea James.

Tyler Schneider

Murrieta Mesa Principal Scott Richards introduced Tyler with a quote he said reminds him of the outstanding senior: “Success is not just about setting goals; it’s about relentlessly pursuing them with unwavering determination and undying commitment.” The National Honor Society member is an award-winning swimmer who has broken many school records and made CIF each year. Tyler will attend the University of Arizona, Tucson to study aeronautical engineering while being part of the swim and dive team. “One thing I’ve learned through four years as a student athlete is no matter how difficult the work may be, when you have a goal in mind that work is just another small step in the process of attaining that goal,” he said. “The work, however, cannot always be taken on alone. Asking for extra help to understand ideas you may struggle on in life is essential for achieving this goal. Knowing this has allowed me to excel in the pool and in the classroom throughout my high school career.”

Gina Namkung

Murrieta Valley High School

Principal Ryan Tukua said Gina has impacted the culture at the campus in various ways.

The outstanding senior is a full International Baccalaureate diploma student, a member of National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation, plays the piano and flute and is the founder and president of the Fencing Club. She is a member of an art club on campus and the Asian Student Union. She was in the Robotics Club for three years and now helps mentor middle school students with their own clubs. Gina said her biggest strength and weakness has always been her persistence. She has a passion for art and has won many awards for her creations. “These awards do not define my success; rather, it’s the effort I put into my pieces,” she said. “I’ve learned to translate raw unfiltered moments of my life into lasting memories using vibrant hues and subtle

brushstrokes.” Gina has received acceptance letters from UCLA, Berkeley and USC. Her goal is to become a city planner focusing specifically on sustainability in urban cities.

Robert “RJ” Collette-Schmidt

Oak Grove School Principal Tammy Wilson introduced RJ as the school’s choice for April. RJ said that he suffered from a lot of depression and was unable to express his emotions but that once he started at Oak Grove, his grandmother taught him motivation and what he needed to know to be successful. He plans to attend a trade school for a business career. He currently works in the maintenance field. His teacher Kevin Higgins said RJ’s integrity in the classroom changed in his sophomore year when he developed into a mentor to other students. “The leadership he shows in the classroom, the attitude, the ability to always have integrity is evident; he listens and always does the right thing,” Higgins said.

Madison Williamson Springs Charter School Venture Online Principal Jackie Dee

described Madison as an amazing dancer who spends 20-plus hours a week practicing and competing. Madison said, “Like many, I have faced many hardships and low spirits. The main hurdle holding me back has been a lack of confidence, leading to self-doubt.”

She said she has learned several valuable lessons throughout her life, many that she takes with her every day. “However, the lesson I cherish most is the idea of finding balance in life,” Madison said. “Balance encourages productivity and motivation as well as prevents burnout.” She plans to attend MiraCosta College to major in kinesiology with a career goal of becoming a sports medicine physician. Teacher Kristine Spinuzzi said Madison’s leadership qualities have shined within the dance company where she helps with events.

Alexandrea James Vista Murrieta High School Assistant Principal Carl Galloway said Alexandrea has demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence and participates in track and field and cross country,

showcasing her commitment to competitive excellence. “Her involvement in Link Crew, CSF and the Photo Club highlights her leadership and commitment to service,” he said. Alexandrea thanked her support system, noting that her grandmother’s positive influence taught her to better understand herself as a person and that her grandfather encouraged her to explore herself and value the gifts that she has. Alexandrea said the most significant life lesson she has learned is that “taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is so important to build a strong foundation on the inside so you can be strong enough to face any challenges.” She will attend Spelman College in Atlanta to major in political science with plans to become a civil rights attorney. Alexandrea thanked the program sponsors by saying, “Your belief in my potential fuels my determination to excel.” For more information or to participate in the program, please contact LouEllen Ficke at 951415-2250 or Sally Myers at 951775-0520.

Recipients of the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month award for April are, from left,

Alexandrea James, Tyler Schneider, Robert “RJ” Collette-Schmidt, Madison Williamson and Gina Namkung. Valley News/John Hess photo

SAN DIEGO – North Island Credit Union Foundation awarded scholarships to two Riverside County students as part of its 2024 College Scholarship Program, recognizing exceptional students in Hemet and Temecula for their school and community activities. Through the annual program, the foundation provides 10 scholarships of $1,000 each to college-bound students in Riverside and San Diego counties. Riverside county recipients include seniors Daniela Martinez, Tahquitz High School in Hemet, and Chloë Zuñiga, Chaparral High School in Temecula.

The foundation’s Annual College Scholarship program was created by the credit union in 2005

to recognize outstanding students within its local communities. Since the creation of the program, more than $425,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students across San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties.

College-bound high school seniors and community college students transferring to a fouryear university who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to attend an accredited college or university in the coming year were eligible to participate.

North Island Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that serves as the philanthropic arm of North Island Credit Union, a division of

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi inducts new members

BATON ROUGE, La. – My-Nga Ingram of Murrieta at Clemson University and Claudia Mazzatta of Menifee at California State University San Bernardino were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10% of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence

in all academic disciplines. The society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is “to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.”

Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization’s notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards $1.3 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for postbaccalaureate development and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit http://www.phikappaphi. org Submitted by Phi Kappa Phi.

California Credit Union operating in San Diego and Riverside counties. California Credit Union is a state chartered full-service credit union with assets of nearly $5 billion, approximately 200,000 members and 25 retail branches. North Island Credit Union Foundation works to strengthen the financial well-being of our communities by providing targeted resources to nonprofit partners effecting meaningful change across San Diego and Riverside counties. California Credit Union funds all administrative costs of the foundation, enabling it to return 100% of donations back into community programs.

Visit http://ccu.com/foundation to learn more or make a taxdeductible donation or follow the foundation on Instagram @ northislandcufoundation.

Submitted by North Island Credit Union Foundation.

Local residents graduate from Biola University

LA MIRADA – A total of 1,118 students walked the stage at Biola University’s spring 2024 commencement as they completed their journey as an Eagle. Approximately 800 undergraduate and 318 graduate students commenced from Biola into their next chapter Friday and Saturday, May 3-4.

Graduating students from Temecula include Alexis MadridCordero in nursing, Morgan Rodenberg in biological science, Tyler Baca in engineering physics, Nathanael Mariano in Bible, theology and ministry and Robert Mosher in Bible, theology and ministry. Jiangxuan Zhang from Menifee graduates with a degree in biochemistry.

This collegiate class is part of the generation of students who may not

have had a high school graduation due to pandemic cancellations, so Biola University made the experience extra special for them.

Social media mogul, “magical” filmmaker and Biola alumnus Zach King (‘12) delivered the keynote address with several interactive surprises for graduates to experience at the ceremonies. Before finals week, students had a chance to attend Biola University’s Grad Fair, a celebration with various booths they could visit to help prepare them for life after graduation, including a station where students could make a tassel with their high school colors to honor the school from which they may not have been able to walk in a ceremony. Founded in 1908, Biola is committed to the mission of biblically centered education,

scholarship and service – equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 5,000 students at its Southern California campus and around the world, Biola University’s eight schools offer more than 250 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. Recognized as the most comprehensive Christian university, ranked highest in North America for operationalizing its mission and ranked as one of the “Best National Universities” by U.S. News and World Report, Biola University offers its students a premier educational and cocurricular experience. For more information, visit http://biola.edu or call 562-777-4061. Submitted by Biola University.

Gloria Rogers, left, vice president of school and community development of North Island Credit Union, presents a check to 2024 scholarship recipient Chloë Zuñiga, a senior at Chaparral High School in Temecula. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Highway Updates

Highway lineage pilot project begins in neighboring San Diego County

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Southern California drivers in recent years have become more familiar with highway paddle boards, rumble strips, reflectors and wider lane separation lines that are all designed to improve the safety on area highways. They have done their part in reducing injury and fatal traffic accidents.

Now, some San Diego drivers are seeing yet another change in highway safety improvements, but in this case more for the safety of Caltrans and other city highway maintenance workers who are busier than ever improving highways and bridges with new infrastructure improvement funding.

On some San Diego highways, drivers are seeing not just the yellow and white solid and broken white and yellow lane separation lines but a broken yellow and orange line on the highways. The newly colored lines are a highway pilot project to identify upcoming and current highway construction projects, telling motorists to be wary of the crews and the work on the highway. Hopefully they will improve safety and bring a speed slowdown in those construction areas. As these highway safety signs say to drivers, “Please be more careful!”

Metrolink news

Efforts are underway to reduce traffic congestion and bring cleaner

air to Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties in the spring and summer baseball season via Metrolink announcing the return of a special round-trip service that will take take baseball fans directly to and from select Angels’ home games to enjoy a trafficless trip to and from the games with the return of Metrolink’s popular Angels Express service.

The service has been closed since 2019. For just $10, Angels fans can take a round-trip ride from the Riverside – Downtown, La Sierra, Corona – North Main, and Corona – West Metrolink stations to Angel Stadium for up to 42 home games this season. Children up to age 17 can ride completely free. The service will be available for every Friday, Saturday and Sunday home game, plus select midweek games against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hemet

Caltrans continues work on the State Route 74 corridor improvement project in Hemet. The project repaves and rehabilitates 49 lane miles, installs Traffic Management Systems, upgrades curb ramps, sidewalks and driveways to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, enhances bike lane signage and striping, and upgrades 29 bus pads.

The work zone on Florida Avenue (SR-74) is from Winchester Road to Fairview Avenue in Valle Vista. This week other intersection works are seen. This past week Caltrans announced right turn pockets are

now open at NB Sanderson Ave. to Florida Ave. and SB Lyon Ave. to WB Florida Ave. SR-74 remains open during construction. Flagging operations are primarily at night. Radar detection signs are in place. Expect delays up to 15 minutes. There will be intermittent, short-term closures for equipment relocation and construction staging purposes.

Motorists should still expect delays during nighttime operations. Use alternate routes to avoid any delays. Driveway, curb ramp, sidewalk construction and micro trenching will take place throughout the week in anticipated good weather. Watch for alternate route signage for business access.

Murrieta/Wildomar

Caltrans continues work near Murrieta and Wildomar from Interstate 215 to Clinton Keith Road. Daytime work is set Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Commuter access remains. All work is dependent on the contractor receiving proper materials for each job function. It can be changed or canceled at any time. Crews are working on both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-15, from Clinton Keith Road to I-215, including California Oaks/Kalmia in both directions and the I-15 and I-215 connector. Crews will be installing road signs. Watch for signage alerting motorists to watch for shoulder closures and construction zones.

Menifee

Caltrans announced its Lake Elsinore maintenance crew will be finishing rockfall removal for landslide mitigation, along with multiple maintenance functions and traffic control on Interstate 215 in Menifee, weather permitting. The work still may require a closure of some lanes near the McCall on-ramp.

Anza/Aguanga

Caltrans still is working on the slurry seal and rumble strips maintenance project on State Route 371 from Aguanga through Anza. Crews continue work in various locations from the junction of State Route 79 and SR-371 to the junction of State Route 74 and SR-371. Work is weather and temperature dependent. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Watch for intermittent short term lane closures throughout the project zone. Speed limits are reduced throughout the construction zone. The CHP will be on scene to assist with traffic control and safety.

Lake Elsinore

Bridge projects

Caltrans is working to rehabilitate two historic bridges, one at Strawberry Creek outside of the Hemet and the other on Merrill Street outside of Lake Elsinore.

The $17.9 million bridge retrofit and upgrade projects will preserve the historical bridges. Contract crews have completed pouring the eastbound abutments and retaining wall for Strawberry Creek Bridge. The other work includes upgrades with slab overlay and new guardrail systems on the existing bridges that will bring lane and shoulder widths up to current standards. Partial bridge demolition and falsework construction is planned. Traffic control will remain the same with a temporary stop light on SR-74’s Strawberry Creek Bridge with the CHP patrolling. The bridge work is anticipated to be complete by fall 2024.

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

Caltrans continues work on SR-74 in Riverside County from the Riverside and Orange County border to Monte Vista Street just west of Lake Elsinore. Crews are performing work in various locations throughout the project zone. One-way traffic control with escorts will be in place from 8 to 9:59 p.m. During the hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the route will be closed to through traffic. Residents and commuters will need to utilize the alternate routes to go around the closure each night at 10 p.m. Work will take place nightly, east of the county line on SR-74, Monday through Friday. Weeknight work is weather dependent and subject to change or cancellation at any time. Daytime work may occur in shoulder areas as needed.

Riverside County Auditor-Controller’s internal audit division is now fully staffed

RIVERSIDE – The AuditorController’s Internal Audit Division is now operating at full capacity. Ben J. Benoit, Riverside County AuditorController, announced his office has successfully hired 10 new employees, effectively filling all previously vacant positions within the division. A grand jury report released in 2022 found that former Auditor-Controller failed to fill the positions for a decade to an effective level that would help instill confidence with risk management and independent evaluation of county departments’ consistency with operational expectations. Upon entering the office of Auditor-Controller in 2023, Benoit pledged to fully staff the Auditor-Controller’s Office and address the concerns raised in the Grand Jury report.

“I’m proud to announce that the Internal Audit Division is now fully staffed with a dedicated team of certified professionals, including

individuals with Certified Public Accountants (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credentials,” said Benoit. “A fully staffed Audit team will help reduce the County’s risk exposure and allow us to provide comprehensive oversight and strategic planning. “I’m particularly proud to highlight that several members of our division have already achieved their CIA certifications, with others actively pursuing both CIA and CISA certifications. This commitment to professional development not only strengthens our internal capabilities but also reinforces the County’s broader risk management framework, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of accountability and excellence. I want to thank the County’s executive office for helping us reach this milestone by allocating funding to hire talented, certified, and experienced

employees.”

“Filling vacancies in the Internal Audit Division provides additional capacity to expand audit areas both in scope and in depth,” said Rene Casillas, Deputy Auditor-Controller, Internal Audit Division. “This expansion has enabled us to broaden our services and undertake more comprehensive assessments, such as the county-wide risk assessment, which demands more time and resources. It also helps ensure there is compliance within County operations at all levels, promotes good risk management, improves efficiency of public services, and helps build confidence in County government.”

The Internal Audit Division’s objective is to help instill confidence in the risk management processes by independently and objectively evaluating the internal controls designed and put in place by management to help with overall governance.

on adding value and improving the departments’ operations by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of

Over 1.6 million dollars in unclaimed funds are available

California

Republicans want to

RIVERSIDE – The Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office is seeking 1,298 claimants who may have upwards of $480,000 in unclaimed funds due to roll changes and now risk being unable to secure those funds due to the statute of limitations.

“Our office is working diligently to contact the potential claimants, in hopes that they will recoup these funds that are due back to them,” Treasurer-Tax Collector Matthew Jennings said. “We will continue to exhaust all methods of communication to distribute these unclaimed funds to the rightful owner.”

Claimants have been contacted previously, but due to unresponsiveness, will have

additional time to submit claims. The list of eligible claimants for this time period is open starting Wednesday, May 1, with a 90-day filing period; therefore, claims must be postmarked by Thursday, Aug. 1. Once this period has lapsed, the unclaimed funds will be transferred to the county’s general fund.

A roll change occurs in two forms, such as an escape assessment, which is an assessment of a property that was not assessed or under-assessed, for any reason, on the original roll. Secondly, a correction is any authorization change to the existing assessment except for an underassessment caused by an error or omission of the assessee. Both forms of roll

changes are regulated by Revenue and Taxation Codes. Once the roll change occurs, the Treasurer-Tax Collector is required to mail a form to the appropriate person entitled to the refund before the funds can be released. Claimants must have completed a form within four years from the date that the payment was made or within one year after the mailing of the letter, whichever is later.

For those who may have unclaimed funds that are near the statute of limitations, visit https://apps.countytreasurer.org/ unclaimedrefund or call 951-9553900 to learn more.

Submitted by Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

take financial aid from protesters if they were violent

Alexei Koseff CalMatters

As campus tensions escalate over student encampments to protest the war in Gaza, with canceled classes,

[Left] Groups of pro-Palestinian protesters gather at an entrance to their encampment at University of California Los Angeles in the evening Wednesday, May 1. Law enforcement cleared the encampment in the morning Thursday, May 2.

violent clashes and mass arrests in recent days, Republican leaders in the California Legislature are calling for the state to use its upcoming budget process to punish demonstrators who they said have gone too far.

Senate Republican Leader Brian Jones of San Diego and Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher of Chico announced that they would push to strip state financial aid from protesters found to have committed violent or criminal acts or violated other students’ rights. They did not offer a formal

proposal with details, but Jones and Gallagher said at a news conference that students who assault, harass and intimidate their peers or physically block them from attending class, as reportedly happened to Jewish students at University of California Los Angeles recently, did not deserve to benefit from the Cal Grant program.

“You have to earn those,” Jones said. “We ought to be rewarding the students that want to use those Cal Grants to go to school, get

The Auditor-Controller’s Internal Audit Division is at full capacity after not being able to fill all positions for a decade. Valley News/Courtesy photo The Audit Division is focused

risk management and control. Submitted by Riverside County Auditor-Controller.

The Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector says 1,298 claimants have until Thursday, Aug. 1, to claim their funds, which have been made available due to a roll change that resulted in a refund.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Ted Soqui photo for CalMatters

FCC fines AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon nearly $200 million for illegally sharing access to customers’ location data

Carriers sold access to location data to third parties without customer consent

and continued to do so without reasonable safeguards

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

The Federal Communications Commission fined the nation’s largest wireless carriers on Monday, April 29 for illegally sharing access to customers’ location information without consent and without taking reasonable measures to protect that information against unauthorized disclosure. Sprint and T-Mobile – which have merged since the investigation began – face fines of more than $12 million and $80 million, respectively. AT&T is fined more than $57 million, and Verizon is fined almost $47 million.

“Our communications providers have access to some of the most sensitive information about us. These carriers failed to protect the information entrusted to them. Here, we are talking about some of the most sensitive data in their possession: customers’ real-time location information, revealing where they go and who they are,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “As we resolve these cases – which were first proposed by the last Administration – the

DHS

Commission remains committed to holding all carriers accountable and making sure they fulfill their obligations to their customers as stewards of this most private Data.”

In 2018, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden first highlighted the use case which launched the agency’s investigation and the legal concerns stemming from it in a public letter to its leadership.

The FCC Enforcement Bureau investigations of the four carriers found that each carrier sold access to its customers’ location information to “aggregators,” who then resold access to such information to third-party locationbased service providers. In doing so, each carrier attempted to offload its obligations to obtain customer consent onto downstream recipients of location information, which in many instances meant that no valid customer consent was obtained. This initial failure was compounded when, after becoming aware that their safeguards were ineffective, the carriers continued to sell access to location information without

taking reasonable measures to protect it from unauthorized access.

Under the law, including section 222 of the Communications Act, carriers are required to take reasonable measures to protect certain customer information, including location information. Carriers are also required to maintain the confidentiality of such customer information and to obtain affirmative, express customer consent before using, disclosing, or allowing access to such information. These obligations apply equally when carriers share customer information with third parties.

“The protection and use of sensitive personal data such as location information is sacrosanct,” said Loyaan A. Egal, Chief of the FCC Enforcement Bureau and Chair of its Privacy and Data Protection Task Force.

“When placed in the wrong hands or used for nefarious purposes, it puts all of us at risk. Foreign adversaries and cybercriminals have prioritized getting their hands on this information, and that is why

ensuring service providers have reasonable protections in place to safeguard customer location data and valid consent for its use is of the highest priority for the Enforcement Bureau.”

The investigations that led to today’s fines started following public reports that customers’ location information was being disclosed by the largest American wireless carriers without customer consent or other legal authorization to a Missouri Sheriff through a “location-finding service” operated by Securus, a provider of communications services to correctional facilities, to track the location of numerous individuals. Yet, even after being made aware of this unauthorized access, all four carriers continued to operate their programs without putting in place reasonable safeguards to ensure that the dozens of location-based service providers with access to their customers’ location information were actually obtaining customer consent.

The Forfeiture Orders announced today finalize Notices of Apparent Liability (NAL) issued against

these carriers in February 2020. The fine amount for AT&T and Sprint are unchanged since the NAL stage. Both the T-Mobile and Verizon fines were reduced following further review of the parties’ submissions in response to the NALs. The law does not permit forfeiture amounts for specified violations to escalate after issuance of an NAL. In 2023, the Chairwoman established the Privacy and Data Protection Task Force, an FCC staff working group focused on coordinating across the agency on the rulemaking, enforcement, and public awareness needs in the privacy and data protection sectors, including data breaches (such as those involving telecommunications providers) and vulnerabilities involving third-party vendors that service regulated communications providers. More information on the Task Force is available at: https://www.fcc.gov/privacy-anddata-protection-task-force. Submitted by the Federal Communications Commission.

shuts down expert group that denied Hunter Biden laptop story

Naveen Athrappully

Epoch Media Group

The Biden administration has agreed to shut down a national security experts’ group as part of settling a lawsuit accusing the group of being politically biased in favor of Democrats.

The Department of Homeland Security launched the Homeland Intelligence Experts Group Sept. 19, 2023, to provide advice on intelligence and national security efforts, but in November, America First Legal and former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell sued DHS, the group, and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, arguing that the experts group violated provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Section 5 of The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires that an advisory committee be “fairly balanced in terms of the points of view.” It also mandates there be provisions to ensure that “the advice and recommendations of the advisory committee will not be inappropriately influenced by the appointing authority or by any special interest.”

The lawsuit, which is available for review online at https://media. aflegal.org, claims “the Experts Group’s members are political allies of the Biden Administration. Most members have applauded the Administration’s decisions and fervidly condemned former President Trump’s America First approach to foreign policy.”

“They have overwhelmingly donated to President Biden or other Democrats. Defendant Mayorkas selected members that are agreeable, not balanced,” it stated.

Some of the members were

educated and become productive members of society.”

Jones and Gallagher focused their ire on pro-Palestinian demonstrators, whose aggressive tactics they said have left Jewish students feeling unsafe and completely derailed some campuses, including California State Polytechnic University Humboldt, which closed for the rest of the semester after protestors occupied an academic and administrative building. They largely sidestepped the attack earlier this week by pro-Israeli counter demonstrators on the encampment at UCLA, which was dismantled by police Thursday, May 2.

“No violence should be condoned at all,” Gallagher said. “But let’s be clear, there was violence on both sides.”

The Republican leaders

also signatories of a letter that dismissed the Hunter Biden laptop story as Russian disinformation.

On May 2, plaintiffs and the defendants in the case agreed to settle the matter, with the DHS agreeing to wind up the experts group in 30 days.

The group “will not hold any future meetings, and the Department will not reconstitute the Experts Group inconsistent with The Federal Advisory Committee Act or the Homeland Security Act of 2002,” the joint notice of the agreement stated.

The DHS agreed to provide AFL with the group’s meeting agendas and minutes, which have to be submitted within 15 days. “Based on these representations, Plaintiffs have agreed to dismiss their lawsuit with prejudice.”

The department did not admit any wrongdoing and maintained its position that the group did not violate The Federal Advisory Committee Act.

“Thanks to the courage of Ric Grenell in standing up to the Deep State, we have just achieved an unqualified legal victory over Mayorkas and Biden. As a result of our lawsuit in federal court, DHS is surrendering in total to our demands,” said Stephen Miller, president of America First Legal.

The “partisan” experts group “would have been used to promote censored, unethical spying, and gross civil rights invasions of political enemies,” he added.

Grenell said that DHS “surrendered” on the issue because they knew AFL was in the right and that “Biden’s team broke the law.”

This is the second time that the Biden administration has agreed to disband an advisory group due to alleged violations of The Federal Advisory Committee Act

blamed university administrators across the state for not shutting down encampments sooner and Gov. Gavin Newsom for not intervening. They said they would also seek to withhold funding in the upcoming budget from University of California and California State University campuses that did not respond adequately to the protests – perhaps an amount equal to state resources spent on providing law enforcement and cleaning up damage.

“It’s outrageous and it’s unacceptable that we’ve allowed this chaos to ensue over weeks,” Gallagher said. “There does need to be accountability. Some people need to be fired.

Any budget plans will require support from the Legislature’s Democratic majority, which did not immediately jump on board with Jones and Gallagher’s ideas.

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, an Encino Democrat who leads

provisions. In December 2022, the Department of Education disbanded its National Parents and Families Engagement Council after legal action brought by AFL and its clients.

Partisan Committee

When the DHS experts group was first announced, the panel comprised seventeen members. In its lawsuit, AFL stated that these members “do not represent a fair balance of viewpoints.”

Two of the panel members were John Brennan, a former director of the CIA, and James Clapper, former director of national intelligence. Both were signatories of the “Letter of 51,” using their intelligence credentials to outrightly dismiss the Hunter Biden laptop story ahead of the 2020 election.

Despite the FBI having validated the authenticity of the laptop, the letter claimed that the story had “all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation.”

Another panel member, Tashina Gauhar, a former associate deputy attorney general and deputy assistant attorney general, is linked to the 2016 Trump–Russia collusion probe.

She was “extensively involved in the FBI’s corrupt, partisan probe into the baseless allegations that former President Trump’s campaign colluded with Russia before the 2016 election, including drafting the FISA applications that were used to spy on the Trump campaign,” the lawsuit noted.

Out of the 17 panel members, 13 have a history of political contributions, collectively making 945 contributions to candidates for political office that are reportable to the Federal Election Commission.

“Of those 945 contributions, 932 (98.62 percent) were made to

the Assembly budget committee and serves as co-chairperson of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, said he did not want to comment until he saw their proposals.

“These campuses are going to have to figure out how to move forward in a way that works for everybody,” Gabriel said. “That’s a difficult question and certainly something we’re doing a lot of thinking about.”

A representative for Newsom’s offi ce declined to comment but noted that the state has established a mutual aid system to provide additional law enforcement when college campuses request assistance. He provided a previous statement from the governor affirming that “those who engage in illegal behavior must be held accountable for their actions – including through criminal prosecution, suspension or expulsion.”

Democrat candidates for office, while only 12 (1.27 percent) were made to Republican candidates for office,” the lawsuit stated.

“Of the 13 contributors, 9 contributed only to Democrats, whereas 1 contributed only to a Republican (with a single donation of $250). Three contributed to members of both parties, but of those, 2 were heavily lopsided in favor of Democrat candidates. The other contributor gave 8 contributions to Democrat candidates and 7 to Republican candidates.”

In total, the political contributions made by the panel members came to over $168,000 since January 2012, out of which more than

$156,000 went to Democrat candidates.

On Sept. 29 after the DHS announced the experts group, GOP lawmakers had written a letter to Mr. Mayorkas, asking him to rescind appointments of people like Mr. Clapper and Mr. Brennan as they were “individuals known to spread lies and disinformation.”

A few days earlier on Sept. 26, Rep. August Pfluger (R-Tex.) introduced HR 5729 which sought to “prohibit the use of Federal funds to establish a Homeland Intelligence Experts Group and for other purposes.” Reprinted with permission from The Epoch Times.

Military leaders plotted to disobey Trump’s orders as Commander-inChief on Jan. 6 whistleblower claims

Tom Ozimek

Epoch Media Group

Senior military leaders plotted to disobey then-President Donald Trump’s orders on Jan. 6, 2021, because they “unreasonably” thought he might try to use the D.C. National Guard to block certification of the 2020 presidential election, according to whistleblower Col. Earl Matthews.

“I think a very plausible argument can be made that through no fault of his own, President Trump’s command authority over both the D.C. National Guard and the U.S. Army itself had been surreptitiously curtailed by the senior leadership of the Army on January 6, 2021,” Matthews told The Daily Mail in a May 3 interview.

“Army leadership had unreasonably anticipated an ‘unlawful order’ from the President, an order that the President had no plans to issue, and were preemptively seeking to curtail his discretion to issue such an order,” he added.

The remarks by Matthews dovetail with the contents of a book written in mid-2021 titled “I Alone Can Fix It” that claims then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, and other military leaders informally planned for different ways to disobey potential orders issued by President Trump that they disagreed with.

The DOD did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Matthews’s claims.

Matthews was serving as the top attorney to Maj. Gen. William Walker, who at the time was the commanding general of the D.C. National Guard on Jan. 6, 2021.

GOLF from page C-3

in Pennsylvania, May 30 through June 2. SSGC was one of 26 sites that hosted one-day, 36-hole grueling tests with only two moving on to compete alongside the game’s leading players. The next two top scorers were named as alternates.

Seven golfers dropped out before finishing both rounds and one took ill during Round 1 and had to quit early. There were playoffs for the second qualifying position along with a playoff for the second alternate. A hole-by-hole playoff for each was held immediately following the conclusion of regular play.

At the end of a long day of play, Hsin Yu Lu of Chinese Taipei had the top score of 140, which is four under par. The second qualifier is Mariel Galdiano of Hawaii with a total score of 142. The two alternates are Emily Song of Irvine, also scoring 142 and Samantha Wagner of Florida with a 145. For full field results, http://www.golfgenius.com/ pages/4783176

Frank Luchowski, director of golf operations, has worked at SSGC for eight years and said the event went smoothly.

“We had great weather, and the golf course was playing difficult,” he said. “We had many great comments on the golf course and the set up that the SCGA put out there.”

Southern California Golf Association’s Championships and Golf Operations Assistant Director Jimmy Becker and Coordinator Daniel Blanton arrived at 5:20 a.m. to set things up for the competition. They checked in the golfers and recorded their scores as they turned in their scorecards after completing each round. There was also live scoring being sent to them via an app and appearing on a screen at their table throughout the day. They were joined by six rules officials who volunteered their time out on the green.

Becker and Blanton had visited the course the previous day to make sure everything was prepped. SCGA, based in Studio City, hosts 38 qualifiers in Southern California and holds 250-plus events annually.

There were some locals among the field of players who brought their A-game to the fairway. Corina Kelepouris of La Quinta turned professional in 1998 but took about 10 years off before returning to the sport. She was at Tuesday’s event to get some competitive rounds in before heading to June’s 2024 U.S. Senior Women’s Open qualifier in San Diego.

“I wanted to get that feeling of being under the gun again,” she said. “As a 50-year-old, and potentially the eldest in the field, I felt like I fared fairly well in a field full of

Walker conveyed a request for assistance at around 1:50 p.m. on Jan. 6 but the Guard was not deployed to the Capitol until about 5:10 p.m., according to a timeline from the D.C. National Guard.

Questions remain on why it took around three hours to deploy D.C. National Guard troops to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 in response to unrest as Congress convened to certify the 2020 presidential election.

‘Stunned Watching in the Armory’ While it remains unclear exactly why there was such a long delay to mobilize and deploy the Guard troops from an armory just two miles away from the Capitol, a breakdown in communications and concern about the optics of using armed soldiers in response to the unrest have been posted as key factors.

The Pentagon Inspector General’s report and a report from the Jan. 6 committee that investigated the events of that day concluded that no Pentagon officials deliberately delayed the deployment.

However, Matthews has challenged the Pentagon’s narrative about the events of Jan. 6. He was also among four whistleblowers who testified before Congress on April 17 about the delay in the deployment of the Guard on that day. Lawmakers were convening on Capitol Hill to certify the electoral votes and make the results of the 2020 election official.

In his 36-page memo, Matthews makes two major accusations. The first is that two Army generals— Gen. Charles Flynn, who served as deputy chief of staff for operations on Jan. 6, 2021, and Lt. Gen. Walter Piatt, the director of Army

staff—lied to Congress about their response to calls for quick deployment of the D.C. Guard that day as the unrest was unfolding.

The second key allegation is that the Pentagon’s narrative of the events of Jan. 6, as outlined in the Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General’s report, was full of factual inaccuracies.

“Every leader in the D.C. Guard wanted to respond and knew they could respond to the riot at the seat of government” before they were given approval to do so on Jan. 6, Col. Matthews wrote in his memo. But instead, D.C. Guard officials sat “stunned watching in the Armory,” he wrote.

In his memo, Col. Matthews accused Gen. Flynn and Lt. Gen. Piatt of lying to Congress when they denied ever saying that the Guard should not be deployed to the Capitol.

Col. Matthews elaborated on his interview with The Daily Mail, claiming that Gen. Flynn and Lt. Gen. Piatt were both “obsessively focused” on the bad optics of deploying military personnel to the Capitol while Congress was certifying the electoral votes.

He said that they both believed that civilian law enforcement personnel could handle the job and felt that the best use of the Guard would be to relieve civilian law enforcement at other locations to free them up to deploy to the Capitol.

Neither Gen. Flynn nor Lt. Gen. Piatt could be reached for comment and the Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment.

However, when Col. Matthews’s memo was first released, Army spokesperson Mike Brady told Politico that “Gen. Flynn and

where

young gals. I didn’t play my best, but there were certainly positives to be drawn; 36 holes in one day is a daunting task and I’m pleased with how I held up mentally and physically.”

She said the course offered a nice variety of holes and each provided a unique challenge.

“No. 11 is one tough hole. Narrow off the tee and the rough is long so if you don’t hit the fairway, you have a longish carry to a green that is crazy fast from back to front,” Kelepouris said.

Her caddy was Terry Walsh, a friend from the club of which she is a member.

“He and I play a ton of golf together, so it was comfortable having him on the bag,” she said. “I will try to play in a few more events to give me some more competitive reps for when I try to qualify for the championship in June. That’s truly my target. Until then, I will just keep practicing and enjoying playing with Terry and the crew at my home club.”

Jordyn Janert of Temecula said she enjoys coming back to this course.

“It is where I first beat my dad in a round, so I have fond memories of the course,” she said. “My favorite quality of Soboba Springs is how it tests every aspect of your game. Some holes require precise tee shots while others might require great speed control on the green.”

She said she really likes the 9th hole.

“It is a visually difficult hole, requiring confidence in your targets,

Lt. Gen. Piatt have been open, honest and thorough in their sworn testimony with Congress and DOD investigators.”

A Pentagon spokesman told The Epoch Times in an earlier statement that, “we stand by our January 6th Report.”

Top Military Official Lied About Jan. 6: Whistleblowers

The April 17 congressional hearing titled “Three Years Later: D.C. National Guard Whistleblowers Speak Out on January 6 Delay” has shed further light on the events of Jan. 6.

At the hearing, whistleblowers alleged that then-Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy made multiple false claims, including that he spoke to the commanding general of the D.C. National Guard on two separate occasions after officials requested that the Guard be deployed to the Capitol.

After Maj. Gen. Walker conveyed a request from the U.S. Capitol Police for Guard personnel, Mr. McCarthy called Maj. Gen. Walker at 2:14 p.m. and instructed the Guard to stand by, according to the timeline of events.

But the whistleblowers claimed that this call never took place.

“At no time did Gen. Walker take any calls, nor did we ever hear from the secretary on any of the ongoing conference calls or the secure video teleconferencing throughout the day,” Capt. Timothy Nick, who served as Maj. Gen. Walker’s personal assistant on Jan. 6, 2021, said during the hearing.

“This I know because I was with the command general the entire time recording the events.”

Despite Gen. Walker conveying the request for assistance at about 1:50 p.m., the Guard was not

deployed to the Capitol until about 5:10 p.m.

“This was a dereliction of duty by the secretary of the Army,” Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), one of the members of the committee, said.

Mr. McCarthy refused to appear before the panel, Mr. Murphy said. Christopher Miller, the acting secretary of defense at the time, authorized Guard deployment at 3:11 p.m., but Mr. McCarthy took the order and decided to draw up a plan before ordering the deployment, according to military timelines and testimony from Mr. McCarthy and others.

“You never would employ our personnel, whether it’s on an American street or a foreign street, without putting together a [plan],” Mr. McCarthy told the nowdisbanded House Jan. 6 committee.

Mr. McCarthy could not be reached for comment.

The Pentagon Inspector General’s report alleges that Gen. Walker received a call from Mr. McCarthy at 4:35 p.m. informing him that Mr. Miller had approved the request to deploy the D.C. Guard to the Capitol.

Gen. Walker denied that claim in an interview with The Washington Post.

“Our Army has never failed us and did not do so on January 6, 2021,” Col. Matthews told Politico. “However, occasionally some of our Army leaders have failed us and they did so on January 6th. Then they lied about it and tried to cover it up. They tried to smear a good man and to erase history.”

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.

Reprinted with permission from The Epoch Times.

Tuesday, April 23.

which paid off for me both rounds. The ninth hole is beautiful with the water running along the left side and served as a scenic finishing hole for my day,” Janert said. “The 16th hole served as the most challenging for me. It is one of the longest par threes I have ever played. In addition to its length, the bunkers both in front and behind the green force players to have perfect club selection. The pin placement even made a shot from the bail out areas difficult.”

She felt she had a really solid first round and started her second round tied for 13th place, which she felt comfortable in.

“The second round was disappointing, but I am happy that I stayed in it till the very end,” Janert said, adding that playing 36 holes is one of the hardest things she has ever done.

“This qualifier was my first time playing two rounds back-to-back, and I don’t think anything could have prepared me for it,” she said.

“As someone who works out four to five times a week in addition to practicing, I thought my body was ready. But as it turns out, 12 miles and 10 hours on your feet, and the mental strain of 36 holes can really tire someone out.”

Janert plans to play in a couple more tournaments over the next few months.

“My main priority is preparing for the next school year where I will be playing golf at Cal State Fullerton after transferring from the University of La Verne,” she said. “I am beyond excited to be a Titan and a member of the CSUF Women’s

Kelepouris of La Quinta tees off at Hole 10 to begin Round 2 while SCGA rules official Becky

Her boyfriend, Aidan, served as her caddy. The two met playing golf while in middle school.

She said, “He has a lot of confidence in my abilities and knows how to make me smile, which kept me going throughout the day. While he is not my coach, he is someone I can trust to make sure things look good. I love that I can talk golf with him.”

Rules official Ed Holmes welcomed players to Hole 1 for both rounds which he said is a big par 4 at 354 yards with a dogleg left.

“With a preponderance of amateur players, many times there’s a surprise; the best players don’t always win,” he said.

The Riverside resident said he himself has played at this golf course at least 50 times. He has been a member of SCGA for 35 years, serving as president in 2007.

“Since Soboba got this golf course, the improvement has been spectacular,” he said.

Becky Eustice, a rules official from Rancho Mirage, stayed busy greeting golfers at Hole 10 and explaining the rules.

“Some are amateurs, and some are professionals; they all play together for this one,” she said. Although she follows women’s golf and has played for a long time, she said it is not of this caliber.

More exciting events can be expected at Soboba Springs Golf Course, when it plays host to the PGA American’s Tour Q-School the first week of June, the PGA Champions Tour Q-School in November along with Asian Q-School, which will also be in November.

For more information, visit http:// www.soboba.com, http://www.scga. org and http://www.uswomensopen. com

Kylee Choi of Murrieta watches to see

her ball lands after teeing off at Hole 1 for Round 2 at Soboba Springs Golf Course,

Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

Local competitor, Jordyn Janert of Temecula, takes a swing at the start of Round 2.

Corina

Eustice watches. Golf Team.”

Anza Business Expo & Job Fair features opportunities and education

Anza Electric Cooperative general manager and Anza Community Hall president

Short introduces business owners and agency representatives at the Anza Business Expo & Job Fair at the Community Hall Saturday, May 4.

Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo Diane Sieker Staff

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS

If you have an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com put “attention events” in the subject line. Readers should call ahead on some listed events for the latest updates.

Regular Happenings

Anza Community Hall Swap Meet - Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. $15 for a spot with membership. $18 for a spot without membership. Vendors wanted. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. See membership information under “Organizations.”

ONGOING – Anza Electric Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers a free mobile food pantry the second Saturday of every month at the AEC office, 58470 Highway 371,

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from 10:30-11:30 a.m. All are welcome. Cal-Fresh application assistance and free community health services are also available. Bring your own reusable bags to take food home. Volunteers welcome. For more information, contact the AEC office at 951763-4333.

Friends of Anza Valley Community Library – Anza Valley Community Library is located at Hamilton High School, 57430 Mitchell Road. The library is open to the public, but not during school hours. Hours are 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Monday through Wednesday.

Hamilton High School – Find out what is happening using Hamilton’s online calendar at www.hamiltonbobcats.net/apps/ events/calendar

Hamilton Museum – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza. For more information, call 951-763-1350 or visit www.hamiltonmuseum. org. Find them on Facebook at “Hamilton-Museum-and-RanchFoundation.”

Backcountry Horsemen Redshank Riders – Meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Locations change, so please contact Mike by email at stumblinl55@gmail. com or by calling 951-760-9255.

Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings Fit after 50 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Friday mornings at Anza Community Hall. Free. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. Call or text instructor Teresa Hoehn at 951751-1462 for more information.

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting – 6 p.m. Every Tuesday at Shepherd Of The Valley Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Open participation.

Veterans’ Gathering Mondays – 9-11 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 39075 Contreras Road in Anza. Men and women veterans come to share and help each other deal with posttraumatic stress disorder and other difficulties. Call John Sheehan at 951-923-6153. If you need an advocate to help with VA benefits, call Ronnie Imel at 951-659-9884.

The Most Excellent Way – A Christ-centered recovery program for all kinds of addiction meets Fridays from 7-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 8-10 a.m. Program is court approved; child care is provided. Transportation help is available. The group meets at 58050 Highway 371; the cross street is Kirby Road in Anza.

AA Men’s Meeting – 7 p.m. Meetings take place Thursdays at 39551 Kirby Road in Anza, south of Highway 371.

Alcoholics Anonymous – 8 p.m. Wednesday evenings at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, call 951-763-4226.

Bereaved Parents of the USA – The Aguanga-Anza Chapter of BPUSA will hold its meetings at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 49109 Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-551-2826.

Free Mobile Health Clinic – Open every third Wednesday

of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is needed. Uninsured may only be seen in the Anza Community Hall’s parking lot or inside the hall. Medication Assistance and Treatment for Opioid Dependence – Get treatment for heroin addiction. Transportation to the clinic is provided. For more information, contact Borrego Health’s Anza Community Health Center, 58581 Route 371, Anza. For more information, 951-763-4759.

Food ministries

F.U.N. Group weekly food ministry – Deliveries arrive by noon Thursdays at the Anza Community Hall. To order a paid box and help feed those who can’t afford to pay, drop off payment and cash donations by Thursday at 1:30 p.m., to ERA Excel Realty, 56070 Highway 371 in Anza. Pay inside or drop off during the day in the red box outside. To drop it off, put name and request on an envelope with payment inside. A $30 box has about $100 worth of food and feeds six people. Half boxes are available for $15. Food is delivered once a week to those who cannot find a ride. For more information, call Bill Donahue at 951-288-0903.

Living Hope Christian Fellowship Community Dinner – Dinners at 1 p.m. are held the last Sunday of the month at the Anza Community Hall. All are welcome. Donations of time, money, etc. are always welcome. Food for the Faithful – 8 a.m. The food bank hands out food the last Friday of the month until the food is gone. The clothes closet will be open too. Emergency food handed out as needed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. FFF is a non-denominational nonprofi t. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-7635636.

Bible studies The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anza’s Sunday Sacrament is at 10 a.m.; Sunday School is 11 a.m. Priesthood/Relief Society meets at noon; Wednesday, Boy Scouts gathers 6 p.m. and Youth Night is 7 p.m. For more information, call Ruiz at 951-445-7180 or Nathan at 760-399-0727. The Wednesday Genealogy/Family History Class, 5-8 p.m., is open to the public at 39075 Contreras Road in Anza.

Native Lighthouse Fellowship – 10 a.m. The group meets the first Saturday of the month, and breakfast is served. All are welcome to fellowship together at the “Tribal Hall” below the casino in Anza. For more information, call Nella Heredia at 951-763-0856.

Living Hope Bible Study –8-10 a.m. Tuesdays at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 58050 Highway 371, Anza. All are welcome. For more information, call Pastor Kevin at 951-763-1111.

Anza RV Clubhouse – 7 p.m., the second Wednesday of the Month, Pastor Kevin officiates at 41560 Terwilliger Road in Anza.

Monthly Christian Men’s Breakfast – 9 a.m. Breakfast takes place the fourth Saturday of each month and rotates to different locations. Contact Jeff Crawley at 951-763-1257 for more information.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church – 10 a.m.

Weekly Wednesday Bible study takes place at 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Call 951-763-4226 for more information.

Valley Gospel Chapel – 7 a.m. Saturday Men’s Study meets weekly with breakfast usually served at 43275 Chapman Road in the Terwilliger area of Anza. For more information, call 951763-4622.

Anza First Southern Baptist Church – Begin your week with Sunday School for all ages at 9 a.m., followed by Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m.

On Sunday nights, the church has prayer on the 1st and 4th Sundays from 6-7 p.m. and Bible study on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays from 6-8 p.m. On Monday evenings, from 6-8 p.m., the youth group (6 to 12 grade) meets for games and Bible study. Anza Baptist Church also offers Men’s and Women’s Ministries, a Homeschool Support Group, Summer Vacation Bible School and a Seniors’ Ministry. The church office is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road in Anza. For more information, contact the church at 951-763-4937 or visit www.anzabaptistchurch.com

Clubs Anza Valley VFW Post 1873, Capt. John Francis Drivick III Post – The Ladies’ and Men’s Auxiliaries are located at 59011 Bailey Road in Anza. Mail P.O. Box 390433. Request monthly newsletter and or weekly menu by email at vfw1873anzaca@gmail. com. For more information, call 951-763-4439 or visit http:// vfw1873.org

High Country 4-H Club – 6:30 p.m. Meetings are on the third Wednesday of the month, except February, at Anza Community Hall. 4-H Club is for youth 5 to 19 years old offering a variety of projects. High Country 4-H Club is open to children living in the Anza, Aguanga and surrounding areas. For more information, call Allison Renck at 951-663-5452. Anza Valley Artists Meetings – Meetings at 1 p.m. are the third Saturday of each month at various locations. Share art, ideas and participate in shows. Guest speakers are always needed. For more information, call president Rosie Grindle at 951-928-1248. Find helpful art tips at www.facebook.com/ AnzaValleyArtists

Anza Quilter’s Club Meetings are held at 9:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. For more information see our Facebook page or contact Pat Sprint at jpsprint@gmail.com or Ellen Elmore at luvtoquilt2@gmail. com

Anza Valley Lions Club – The Anza Valley Lions Club has been reinstated and is open to all men and women who want to work together for the betterment of the community. The group is working on securing a new venue for meetings. Meetings and events are posted on the Anza Lions Club of Anza Valley Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ LionsofAnzaValley. For more information, email president Greg Sandling at President. AnzaLions@gmail.com or Chris Skinner at Secretary. AnzaLions@gmail.com Civil Air Patrol – Squadron

59 is looking for new members of all ages. For more information, call squadron commander Maj. Dennis Sheehan from the Anza area at 951-403-4940. To learn more and see the club’s meeting schedule, visit www.squadron59. org Fire Explorer Program – 6 p.m. The program meets every second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at Fire Station 29 on state Route 371 in Anza. Call 951-763-5611 for information. Redshank Riders – 7 p.m. Backcountry horsemen meet at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Anza, the second Thursday of each month. Visit www. redshankriders.com or call Carol Schmuhl for membership information at 951-663-6763. Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the first Thursday of the month at the Anza Community Hall, 43275 Chapman Road in Anza. The social hour is 11:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. Contact Carol Wright at 951763-2884 for more information.

Organizations Terwilliger Community Association – 6 p.m. Second Monday of the month at VFW Post 1873, 59011 Bailey Road, in Anza. Potluck dinner open to all. For more information, call Tonie Ford at 951-763-4560.

From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries – Noon. Monthly luncheon and guest speaker are held the second Saturday of each month. The $5 charge covers lunch at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. From the Heart helps the area’s neediest children and invites all women and men to join in their mission. Donate or help with the rummage sales twice a year to raise funds for the cause or other events. For more information, call president Christi James at 951-595-2400.

Anza Community Hall –7 p.m. General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Single memberships are $30 and include discounts to events for one person and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Family memberships are $50 and include discounts for a family up to 5 members and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Business memberships are $50 and allows an employer to receive discounts for up to 5 people, including themselves, and includes 1 vote on elections and meetings. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets. Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 Highway 371 in Anza. For more information, call 951-2824267 or email achageneral@ gmail.com or visit www. anzacommunitybuilding.org

Anza Civic Improvement League – 9 a.m. meets the first Saturday of each month at the Little Red Schoolhouse. The league maintains Minor Park and the Little Red School House, which are both available to rent for events. No government funds are allowed; the membership pays the bills – $10 a person, $18 family or $35 business membership. For more information, visit www. anzacivic.org

Riverside Sheriff’s Blotter

Silent alarm - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy

The Anza Valley Outlook Sheriff’s Blotter is a list of calls that allows residents to see what law enforcement activity is occurring in their communities. The Sheriff’s Blotter data is obtained from the official calls for service records kept by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. However, calls where the release of the information could cause harm to an individual or jeopardize the investigation of a criminal case are excluded.

All calls listed are for service within the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction in the unincorporated areas of Anza, Lake Riverside Estates, Cahuilla and Aguanga from April 28 through May 5. April 28

Public disturbance - 4200 *** block Rolling Hills Dr., Lake Riverside, report taken Assist other department - 5600 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy Suspicious circumstance - 4000 *** block Table Mountain Truck Trl., Anza, handled by deputy

April 29 Public assist - 3900 *** block El Ray Ct., Anza, handled by deputy

TIRES from page D-1

depth.

• Rotate tires every 6,000 miles as a rule of thumb.

• Practice good driving habits. Observe speed limits and steer clear of potholes and debris on the road.

• Finally, be alert to changes in vehicle handling and look for uneven wear on all tires. In addition to caring for tires, Anza Valley residents should consider the fact that discarded tires left outside are more than just an eyesore. Water can collect in the tire, creating a perfect habitat for mosquitos and other waterborne pests. Waste tires can also provide shelter to rodents.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this annual spring cleaning event. The Anza Transfer Station is located at 40329 Terwilliger Road in Anza.

Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

911 hangup from cellphone - 4400 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Aguanga, handled by deputy

Suspicious person - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy

911 call - 4400 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Aguanga, handled by deputy

Check the welfare - 3900 ***

block El Ray Ct., Anza, handled by deputy

April 30

Alarm call - 5600 *** block Valley View Ln., Anza, handled by deputy

Unlawful entry - 5200 *** block

Wheeler Rd., Anza, handled by deputy

Illegal lodging - 6100 *** block

Indian Paintbrush Rd., Anza, handled by deputy

911 call - 4400 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Aguanga, handled by deputy

May 1

Public assist - 3800 *** block

Bridle Path, Anza, handled by deputy 911 call - 4400 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Aguanga, handled by deputy

Suspicious person - 5200 *** block Jaybird Ln., Anza, handled

by deputy Public disturbance - 3700 ***

block Tripp Flats Rd., Anza, handled by deputy

May 2

Public assist - 2900 *** block

St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy

Follow-up - address withheld Anza, handled by deputy

Alarm call - 5600 *** block Johnson Rd., Anza, handled by deputy

Trespassing - 5200 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Cahuilla, handled by deputy

May 3

Unknown trouble - 5400 *** block Mitchell Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Battery - 3800 *** block Willis Rd., Anza, report taken

Follow-up - address withheld Anza, handled by deputy Trespassing - 5400 *** block Cave Rock Rd., Anza, handled by deputy

Assist other department - 5000 *** block Gold Rush Rd., Anza, handled by deputy

Check the welfare - 3800 *** block Manzanita Mountain Ln., Anza, handled by deputy Fraud - 6000 *** block Chamoise Ln., Anza, handled by deputy

Check the welfare - 4300 ***

block Mare Dr., Anza, handled by deputy Trespassing - 4400 *** block

Broken Wheel Trl./Covered Wagon Trl., Anza, handled by deputy Public assist - 4800 *** block Foolish Pleasure Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Alarm call - 4800 *** block Traverse Trl., Lake Riverside, handled by deputy Alarm call - 5500 *** block Roadrunner Wy., Anza, handled by deputy May 4

Suicide threat - address withheld, Lake Riverside, handled by deputy Vandalism - 4300 *** block Dale St., Anza, handled by deputy 911 call - 4400 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Aguanga, handled by deputy Suspicious circumstance - address undefined, Cahuilla, handled by deputy May 5

Unknown trouble - 5900 *** block Rim Rock Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Vehicle theft - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Off road vehicle - 4000 ***

block N. Preakness Ct., Lake Riverside, handled by deputy Lost property - 5800 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy Alarm call - 3900 *** block Terwilliger Rd., Anza, handled by deputy 911 call - 4400 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Aguanga, handled by deputy Check the welfare- 4100 *** block Apple Ln., Anza, handled by deputy Grand theft - 6000 *** block Tamatea Rd., Anza, report taken Suspicious person - 3800 *** block Howard Rd., Anza, report taken No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content provided in the Sheriff’s Blotter. Residents with information regarding any crimes are encouraged to contact the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at (951)7913400.

Criminal activity can also be reported through the WeTip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909)987-5005 or https://wetip. com.

Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Sheriff’s Blotter enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Monroe Publishing, Anza Electric Cooperative, Anza’s own nonprofit, all-volunteer community radio station, KOYT 97.1LPFM and many others.

Jason Tang, with Riverside County Workforce Development, spoke about his agency’s offerings.

“What we do is help match individuals with employers and employers with job seekers. So we have many different workforce development centers that can help train individuals to help them get a job.”

Agencies and businesses set up booths around the hall, offering educational materials, merchandise and cookies and candy.

Sheila Chavez, an Environmental Health Specialist with the County of Riverside Environmental Health Department said, “We are most known for permitting and inspecting food facilities, including restaurants, vendors at community events and food carts or food trucks. However, we also oversee retail, tobacco and body art facilities. We oversee facilities that handle and generate hazardous materials and waste, septic systems and water well installations. But I’d like to mention a few of our smaller scale businesses, home based businesses, cottage food operations and micro enterprise home kitchen operations. Those businesses allow you to make food from home and sell it to the public.

So if you’re a great baker, or if your dream is to one day open your own restaurant, then those could be good options for a good start. If you’d like more information, we are here to help.”

Local print shop entrepreneur, designer, author and artist Sandi Hughes hosted a booth displaying examples of her Sandi’s BizAssist services.

“My love, my passion, is blank, white paper because it opens a world of imagination,” she said. “We do copies, we do faxes, I do illustration. I do AI illustration. I can do notary services. We can

work with seniors, and gently guide those that don’t know how to send an email.”

The event was well-attended by the public and considered a great success by those involved.

The Anza Community Hall succeeds with the support of the community. Hall board meetings are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Anza Community Building, Inc., or to discover upcoming events can call Pebbles Bartlett-Lewis at (951)760-9244, email ACHAGeneral@gmail. com , visit the Hall’s website at https://anzacommunitybuilding. org/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/337754646415866.

The Anza Community Building, Inc. is located at 56630 CA-371 in Anza. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center consultant Troy Small explains the programs available to Anza businesses at the Anza Business Expo & Job Fair at the Community Hall Saturday, May 4. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

In-Home Supportive Services Community Program Specialist II Roxana Duarte describes opportunities available with her agency at the Anza Business Expo & Job Fair at the Community Hall.

Both business owners and the general public benefit from networking at the Anza Business Expo & Job Fair.

Anza Electric Cooperative Member Services Representative Betsy Hansen, left, visits with Plateau Animal Home Health representative Chandre Borwick at the Anza Business Expo & Job Fair at the Community Hall.

Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington’s office Legislative Assistant (retired) Opal Hellweg, left, and Board Assistant Melissa Morfin outline county programs at the Anza Business Expo & Job Fair at the Community Hall.

Ideas are exchanged and connections made at the Anza Business Expo & Job Fair at the Community Hall.

Community Hall event organizer Pebbles Bartlett-Lewis tends the Hall booth at the Anza Business Expo & Job Fair at the Community Hall.

LEAGUE from page D-1

National Anthem to begin the festivities.

The teams, volunteers and coaches were highlighted before play commenced.

There are 10 teams organized for the 2024 season: four T-ball, three Farm /Coach Pitch, two Minor and one Intermediate/Travel team. There are two coaches per team.

The 2024 HCR sponsors include the Anza Pizza Factory, Anza Dairy Queen, Lanik Enterprises, Inc., High Country Youth Center, Rod Bourgeois Pump Service, Wicker Well, Filanc Construction,

the Lions Club of Anza Valley and Evan’s Roofing.

The season will run through Saturday, June 8.

The HCR Board is confident that this will be another exciting season and they welcome any help from the community as they move forward. Directors are Lorraine Elmore, Heather Bourgeois, Micheal Wheeler, Juniper Filanc, Michael Murphy and Jasce Sanders.

Baseball and T-ball games are held on the baseball fields at the intersection of Mitchell Road and Kirby Road in Anza.

To volunteer, please send an

email to anzalittleleague@gmail. com or contact Heather Bourgeois at 951-551-1762 or Lorraine Elmore at 951-763-0033.

Anyone interested in obtaining additional information about HCR and the sports programs, want to volunteer or simply donate funds, please contact HCR on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ HCRecreation/. Rebecca Gilkey and Brenda Campos contributed photos used in this article. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

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Coaches give guidance to their young athletes at the Anza High Country Recreation Little League opening ceremonies and games Saturday, April 27. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photos

This young player concentrates on the ball at the Anza High Country Recreation Little League opening ceremonies and games Saturday, April 27.

Athletes get to play after the festivities at the Anza High Country Recreation Little League opening ceremonies and games Saturday, April 27.