Valley News - May 24, 2024

RivCo Sheriff asks public for help to solve 2018 homicide

Kim Harris

Special to Valley News

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Lake Elsinore station, is asking the public for help in solving the murder of a man in Lake Elsinore on the sixth anniversary of his death.

Rotary District 5330 to host inaugural iGNITE Festival

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

Rotary District 5330 will be holding its inaugural iGNITE Festival, offering a day of fun, food and community spirit, Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lake Skinner in Winchester.

Murrieta gets California DMV’s first-ever

Kim Harris

Special to Valley News

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has opened the first of its kind Express Office in Murrieta, the DMV announced last week.

Officially opening Thursday, May 16, at 27890 Clinton Keith Road, Suite F, in Murrieta, the office will offer limited DMV services to better serve Riverside County residents.

Services offered include accepting applications for original ID cards, original and replacement identification cards, driver’s license replacement with address or name changes, driver’s license written

exams and retests, commercial driver’s license medical updates/ submissions, duplicate vehicle titles, commercial motor vehicle partial year registration and disabled person parking placards.

The office, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, will not offer appointments and customers will be served on a first-come, firstserved basis. The office will also be open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The office will not accept cash, only credit and debit cards will be accepted, the DMV said. Applications for an original

driver’s license and behind-thewheel drive tests will still need to be conducted at a full-service field office.

Many DMV services can also be completed online at www.dmv. ca.gov. Kim Harris can be reached via email at kharris@reedermedia.com.

Community members, teachers, students come together to urge

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

More than 100 teachers, students and community members took to the streets to urge those who reside in Temecula Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 4 to vote “Yes” when casting their ballots in the June 4 election to recall Board President Joseph Komrosky. During the event, held at the corner of Rancho California and Margarita roads Wednesday, May 15, recall supporters held signs, waved American flags, and chanted to attract attention to their cause as numerous commuters honked their car horns in support. According to Temecula Valley Educators Association, a teachers union staffed entirely by TVUSD teachers and the organizer of the rally, last week’s event is just one of several it held to encourage voters to cast their ballots in the election that has created a clear

Lynyrd Skynyrd performs

for

attending the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Temple Pilots, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Thorogood on the festival grounds Casino Pauma Main Stage to the popular local and

A group of supporters of the Recall Komrosky effort rally on the corner of Margarita and Rancho California roads Wednesday, May 15 to encourage residents to cast a

Temecula State of the City address coming May 30 at Pechanga Resort

Temecula Mayor James “Stew” Stewart will be speaking on the city’s achievements over the last year. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Temecula will host the city mayor’s 2024 State of the City Address at the Pechanga Resort Casino on May 30.

Temecula Mayor James “Stew” Stewart will discuss the many current achievements the city has enjoyed in the past year and will take a look ahead for the future years.

More than 700 residents and guests from neighboring cities will be in attendance at the Pechanga

Resort at 45000 Temecula Parkway, Temecula. The event will also feature a buffet breakfast, and a nonprofit expo who will advertise their services and city information.

The event from 7 to 10 a.m. is open to members of the chamber of commerce, businesses and the public. Contact the Temecula Chamber of Commerce for more information and ticket purchases.

The public can watch the State of the City address free online at TemeculaCA.gov/TV and live screened on Frontier FIOS Channel 3, Spectrum Channel 3.

LOCAL

well-known bands on the balloon grounds stage, the crowds danced and enjoyed the many varieties of local wines, craft beers and foods from the vineyards and restaurants in Temecula and the Wine Country. Hot air balloon rides were offered and enjoyed by many.

More than 100 vendor, craft and commercial booths lined the spacious park grounds in warm Spring weather offering information, entertainment and goods. Children tossed footballs and baseballs on the fields while their parents relaxed in their chairs under the shady oak trees.

Nonprofit agencies provided guests with information and guidance to make their days even more enjoyable.

Food vendors offered almost any kind of fast food for sale and the many delectable drink offerings from many different countries.

There was everything from unique WiFi drink mugs, hats of every kind, dresses, jewelry, to large motorhomes and trailers for sale that weekend. The Riverside Park and Recreation, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Military recruiters, local public and private schools, nurseries, farm implement and housing repair representatives were more than happy to talk about their services and products.

All the while the music and entertainment never stopped from the opening days to the closing evenings making an unforgettable weekend to kick off the summer events coming to Southwest Riverside County at its nearby lakes, mountains and in the city entertainment and history centers.

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

People gather at Lake Skinner for the annual three day Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, May 18. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

The Latin pop band Caravana performs for guests at the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.

People enjoy the shade under trees at Lake Skinner during the annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.

Hot air balloons illuminate the sky during the balloon glow event at the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.

Hot air balloons illuminate the sky fascinating visitors during the balloon glow event at the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.

RivCo Sheriff asks public for help to solve 2018 homicide

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Lake Elsinore station, is asking the public for help in solving the murder of a man in Lake Elsinore on the sixth anniversary of his death.

Henry Shannon, 35, of Menifee, was shot around 3:30 p.m. May 14, 2018, in the old Walmart parking lot, near Railroad Canyon Road and Grape Street. Wounded, he drove about one mile before crashing off the side of the road near the intersection of Railroad Canyon and Church roads.

When first responders arrived, they treated Shannon at the scene before he was transported to the hospital where he died later that day from the injuries he sustained in the shooting, Sgt. Lance Stoyer said.

Investigators have chased several leads since the shooting, but the suspects involved in Shannon’s killing are still unknown.

The sheriff’s office released surveillance photos and offered new details about the suspects’ vehicle in the hope that someone might recognize it.

“Witnesses during the night of the shooting advised the suspects

fled the area in a dark blue, fourdoor Buick sedan, Model year 1997-2003,” Stoyer said.

Anyone with any information regarding the homicide, should contact Stoyer with the Riverside Sheriff’s Office Central Homicide Unit by calling 951-955-2777. Kim Harris can be reached by email at kharris@reedermedia. com.

Valley News/Riverside County Sheriff Department photos. Used with permission.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public for help to solve the May 14, 2018, shooting that killed Menifee resident Henry Shannon.

GEI, AECOM awarded support contracts for Vail Dam seismic improvements

Joe Naiman Writer

GEI Consultants, Inc., and AECOM Technical Services, Inc., were awarded Rancho California Water District contracts to support the construction of the Vail Dam Seismic and Hydrologic Remediation Project.

The RCWD board voted 7-0 May 16 to approve a $8,201,571 professional services agreement with GEI Consultants for construction management of the project and to amend a previous agreement with AECOM to add $266,829 for engineering services related to environmental permitting support, preparation of site clearing documents, and bid phase assistance. The board action also approved agency permit fees and environmental support expenses of $650,000.

Vail Dam was constructed privately by the Vail Company in the late 1940s and acquired by the Rancho California Water District in 1978. In January 2013 the state Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) notified the district that DSOD had completed an analysis of Vail Dam under maximum seismic loading conditions, the maximum credible earthquake scenario, and extreme hydrologic conditions and the probable maximum flood. The DSOD analysis indicated that the dam was at risk of significant damage and/or failure under those extreme conditions. DSOD also directed Rancho Water to verify the results of the analysis independently; AECOM was selected to perform its own seismic and

hydrologic analysis of Vail Dam and those results provided similar conclusions to the DSOD analysis.

Rancho Water and DSOD agreed upon a short-term interim operating restriction limiting the high-water level maintained behind Vail Dam to 1,457.6 feet in elevation, or approximately 15 feet below the crest of the spillway. In October 2016 the RCWD board approved a long-term solution to construct a new straight-axis roller compacted concrete dam located just downstream of the existing arch dam structure. That new dam was developed after detailed analyses, alternative evaluations, and coordination with DSOD. The new structure is designed to withstand the seismic loading conditions under the maximum credible earthquake scenario and is six feet taller than the existing dam, which will allow for routing of probable maximum flood flow through the existing spillway without overtopping the dam.

Rancho Water awarded AECOM a $3,140,607 contract for the preliminary and final design of the new structure. The work will include construction of a straight-axis concrete gravity dam structure immediately downstream of the existing arch dam, partial demolition of the existing dam, and improvements to support construction and operation of the new dam including improvements to on-site access roads, provision for construction staging and material disposal areas, and electrical utility relocations. In April 2023 the RCWD board adopted the final Environmental Impact Report for

the Vail Dam Seismic and Hydrologic Remediation Project. DSOD approved the final construction plans in July 2023.

The construction is expected to be a 48-month process. Rancho Water has budgeted $101,516,333 for the project, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has committed $49.5 million of grant funding.

The California Government Code requires professional services agreements to be awarded based on demonstrated competence and the professional qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services required rather on the lowest price.

In March 2024 AECOM prepared a scope and fee proposal to complete the additional work items through the bid phase. Those tasks include project management and meetings, environmental permit support, finalizing the construction document plans and specifications for site and vegetation clearing, preparing bid packages for the construction contract, updated construction cost estimates, and bid phase support.

RCWD staff advertised proposals for construction management services on January 5. Two bids were received by the February 29 deadline. On March 26 panel interviews were conducted with both firms. GEI not only had the lower bid but also was deemed to have provided the best and most complete proposal for the work. The proposal and panel interview demonstrated a strong understanding of the project’s constraints and strategies to mitigate poten-

tial impacts. The GEI team has significant experience in rollercompacted dam construction and includes a DSOD advisor who is a former DSOD chief and was responsible for overseeing all design and construction aspects of the San Vicente Dam raise and Olivenhain Dam construction projects in San Diego County while he was at DSOD, a principal-in-charge who provided engineering management for the two San Diego County Water Authority dams, and Temecula resident Gary Olvera, who was involved in construction administration on the two dams when he was with the SDCWA and will be the construction manager for the Vail Dam project. The GEI proposal also included value-added

RECALL from page A-1

division between conservatives and liberals throughout the city. Komrosky, along with Area 3 Trustee Jennifer Wiersma and former Area 2 Trustee Danny Gonzalez are all conservatives who ran on a “pro-parent” platform. They were elected to the board in the November 2022 general election, (though Gonzalez resigned in December of last year citing a move to Texas with his family amid what he described as constant harassment against him).

Once sworn into their respective roles, the group began to make what recall organizers called “controversial” decisions, including banning the teaching of critical race theory which Dr. Joseph Komrosky claimed “divides children based on skin color and deems them either victim or oppressor,” approving the parental notification policy which notifies parents if their child says they would like to go by a different name or pronoun in school or the restroom/changing rooms of the gender not assigned to them at birth, and passing a policy banning “pervasive pornography, profanity, and erotica” from district learning materials. The moves, which many TVEA members spoke out against in meetings and on social media, thrust the district into the national spotlight and opened the door for multiple lawsuits against the district.

Those decisions by the board led to the TVEA’s 2023 decision to vote in favor of, by more than 90%, to support the Recall Komrosky effort, which had begun to gain momentum amid accusations of his promotion of a “conservative agenda” and the implementation of the “controversial” policies.

optional items for public outreach services and the development of a risk mitigation plan to improve safety and reduce potential cost and schedule impacts during construction, and the RCWD contract includes those services. The GEI tasks will include construction management and administration, contractor pre-qualification, oversight of vegetation clearing, project bidding support, inspection and related specialty inspection services such as electrical and instrumentation elements, management of the dam’s construction, commissioning of the dam, and post-construction phases. Joe Naiman can be reached via email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

The Wednesday rallies are supported by One Temecula Valley PAC, where Jeff Pack serves as principal.

One Temecula Valley PAC was successful in securing hundreds more signatures than was required by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters to force the special election for the community to vote whether to recall Komrosky and remove him from his seat.

The Riverside County Registrar of Voters confirmed the validation of 4,884 signatures from voters in Komrosky’s Trustee Area 4 Monday, Jan. 22. Only 4,280 signatures were needed to force the recall vote.

More than 4,800 residents in Komrosky’s Trustee Area 4 agreed that he has failed the students, teachers, staff and administration at TVUSD, and he should be removed from that elected office,” Pack said. “Since the day he took office, Komrosky has embarked on executing an extreme political agenda that is meant to defund and dismantle our award-winning schools, district, and harm TVUSD students.”

Approximately 21,600 vote-bymail ballots for the recall elections were sent to Trustee Area 4 voters,, according to the Riverside County Registrar of Voters office and early voting, which runs through Election Day, continues MondayFriday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., began May 6 at the registrar’s office. The registrar’s office will be open extra hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

To be counted, mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before June 4 and received by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters no later than June 11. Ballots can be tracked by going to wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.

Suspects in the May 14, 2018, shooting that killed Menifee resident Henry Shannon fled the scene in a dark blue, four-door Buick sedan, model year 1997-2003.

LOCAL

Menifee’s Comprehensive Service Costs and User Fees increasing July 1

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The Menifee City Council in a short meeting approved an increase in the city’s user fees for mostly non-residents using city facilities at its May 15 meeting staying within the annual nationwide Cost Price Index.

The council, with Council Member Ricky Estrada absent, heard Travis Hickey, Chief Financial Officer, explain where the comprehensive user fees would be increased beginning July 1. The fee increases, in addition to the annual CPI commercial and industrial increases (under 4 percent) were in residential use fees in the areas of recreational aquatic programs and sports field preparation, tenant permit violation citations, traffic citation sign offs and impound fees. Recreation fees

In the aquatics Learn-to-Swim program, the resident fee remained the same at $75 while the nonresident fee increased to $125.

The swimming pool admission fee remained the same for residents’ recreation and lap swims at $2 per person with the non-resident fee jumping to $10 per person. The council learned the jump in nonresident fees was because there were a limited number of swimmers allowed in the pools at a time, with residents having first preference.

The striping cost on park sports fields striping increased for residents who did not have the necessary equipment. They are $15 per field (Resident) $20 per field (Non-Resident). Residents who have the proper striping equipment can do so without a fee. Palm Room Lighting (new fee) $25 per event for residents per event and $50 for non-residents.

Police department fees

The cost to clear traffic citations and impounded vehicle fees have increased mostly for non-residents. Those include Clearance Letters, at $25, a $5 increase; Citation Sign Off Fee of $20 and $5 for an Outside Agency Citation with the VIN Verification Fee Adjustment going to $30, an increase of $5.

The release of an abandoned or stored vehicle went up to $150, or an increase of $50.

The Vehicle Release Impounded or Stored for DUI vehicle fee went to $200 showing an increase of $50. The department reported the increases in the fees are still actually below the cost of making those adjustments.

Set Federal passport fees will not change.

A misspelling of a street name –Comey View Drive to Comet View Drive – was quickly amended in a

public hearing by the council who chided whatever agency made the spelling error years ago. The residents of the street renamed were pleased with the council’s decision, eleven in total who said the misnaming has made many address issues.

Colleen Ackerman, a very active resident community leader with Arts Council Menifee and school programs was selected by Council Member Lesa Sobek as the Menifee Citizen of the Month.

The owners of Michi’s Tacos, now opening their second location and who have sponsored a number of the school and city events with their specialty foods, were honored in the Menifee Business Spotlight.

Three Teen Leaders were given $100 scholarship awards by the Lake Menifee Women’s Club and Community Services Department with an opportunity to become the

city’s teen leader of the year. None of the council’s 18 consent Items were pulled and all were passed with a vote of 4, with one absent.

Among those items was the council proclaiming May 19-25 National Public Works Week and May 2024 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month. They set a Public Hearing in the June 5 City Council meeting to hear public testimony regarding the delinquent solid waste accounts from the 2023 Calendar Year.

They gave their approval for the city manager to sign a $60,548,973 contract through fiscal year 20262027 with the County of Riverside for fire protection, fire prevention, rescue and emergency medical services provided by Cal Fire in the city.

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

Rady Children’s Hospital NICU reunion at Promenade Mall brings patients and families with the doctors and nurses who cared for them

Dr. Richard Song, Rady Children’s Hospital neonatologist holds Isabella Van Winkle, 6-months, during the Rady Children’s fantasy themed NICU reunion at the Promenade Mall in Temecula, May 18. Every year, children who were cared for at the Rady Children’s NICU at Rancho Springs Hospital are invited to the event to meet with the nurses, doctors and other staff that helped care for them.

Families enjoy the Rady Children’s NICU reunion and meet with the healthcare workers that helped care for their babies.

Members of the Rady Children’s Hospital transport team interact with guests at the Rady Children’s NICU reunion. Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

Officer Lesley Zerebny First Responders Memorial Wall in Hemet revisited in special ceremonies

Tony

Ault Staff Writer

Police officers, sheriff’s deputies, Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District members, county officials, city councilmembers, medical personnel, firefighters and many others joined in revisiting the Officer Lesley Zerebny First Responders Memorial Wall in Hemet Friday, May 17.

It was a solemn occasion for the family members of the three law enforcement officers whose names are etched and pictured on the Memorial Wall – Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies Michael Haugen and Brett Harris and Palm Springs Police Officer Lesley Zerebny. The Wall, erected at the Diamond Valley Lake Community Park at 1801 Angler Ave. in Hemet, was surrounded by flowers and dark blue and white American flags of remembrance for the law enforcement officers who lost their lives protecting those in their communities.

The First Responders Memorial Wall was erected in October 2022 and dedicated by Valley-Wide staff who not only remembers Officer Zerebny as a police officer, but as a former employee of the park district. Now it will be used to place the names of any other law enforcement officers or firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty and who sadly and unexpectedly made it their “End of Watch” in the Valley-Wide service area. That area extends from Aguanga to Menifee.

While the names of Deputies Haugen and Harris were added at the remembrance ceremony that day, Chaplain Bob Peebles said all should be grateful that no other names have been added to the memorial wall. Following his opening prayer, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Color Guard posted the colors followed by 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington leading in the Pledge of Allegiance. Rebecca Valdez sang the national anthem.

Zerebny’s sister spoke about Lesley and thanked all in attendance for coming to the event and said she hoped all the “angels are looking down on all those officers out there.”

Several members of the Harris and Haugen families spoke in memory of their fallen family heroes during the ceremony that fol-

lowed. Riverside Assistant Sheriff Paul Bennett was last to speak, praising Deputies Haugen and Harris for their unselfish dedication to their duties and all officers during their duties each day.

Officer Zerebny lost her life in the line of duty on Oct. 8, 2016 while serving with the Palm Springs Police Department.

Deputy Michael Haugen from Hemet lost his life on Jan. 5, 1997 along with his partner James Lehman, who were shot and killed answering a domestic violence call in Whitewater.

Deputy Brett Harris lost his life on May 12, 2023 from a brain injury after he was involved in an

on-duty traffic collision. He was 27 at the time.

The Officer Lesley Zerebny First Responders Memorial Wall can be visited anytime at the Diamond Valley Lake Community Park in Hemet.during park hours. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.

Craig Shultz from Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District opens the Officer Lesley Zerebny First Responders Memorial Wall special remembrance ceremonies at Diamond Valley Lake Community Park in Hemet May 17.

Family members of Palm Springs Officer Lesley Zerebny and Sheriff’s Deputies Brett Harris and Michael Haugen, who all lost their lives in the line of duty, sit in the front row during the First Responders Ceremony May 17.

Valley News/Tony Ault photos

Rebecca Valdez sings the national anthem at the Officer Lesley Zerebny First Responders Memorial Wall special remembrance ceremonies in Hemet.

Assistant Riverside County Sheriff Paul Bennett speaks at the Officer Lesley Zerebny First Responders Memorial Wall special remembrance ceremony praising all the officers on duty every day.

The Nature Education Foundation brings the return of the Santa Rosa Plateau’s annual Garden Party

Tony Ault Staff Writer

A flock of bright white pigeons flew from the spacious William and Stephanie Lake Estate in La Cresta delighting the first guests during the return of the annual Santa Rosa Plateau Garden Party on Saturday, May 18.

The Garden Party, presented in partnership with The Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau and the William and Stephanie Lake Foundation, offered a “Swing into Spring” theme highlighted by an afternoon jazz music performance by the Second Hand Jazz band playing under a 500-year-old Coastal Oak. Guests enjoyed garden and nature education vendors, food booths and raffle prizes.

The nonprofit NEF is in its 16th year presenting the La Cresta area Garden Party after a hiatus of four years because of the COVID-19 pandemic and fires. This year, under the warn sunshine and sky, the guests enjoyed a tour of the 20-acre estate grounds that featured growing grapevines, beautiful flowers including a field of lavender, impressive statuary with pieces from all over the world,

horse and buggy carriages, flowing fountains, a large pond with resident ducks and the shading rare Engelmann Oak and ancient Coastal Oak trees..

UCR Master Gardeners were on hand sharing information along with NEF educational Santa Rosa Plateau flower and wildlife docents. Attendees also enjoyed a wet bar, a number of food and dessert vendors, pottery and fountain booths and other outdoor attractions.

On hand to greet and talk with the guests were the estate owners Daniel and Ling Sieu, members of the NEF Board of Directors, a host of volunteers and other residents of La Cresta and other communities with a singular mission to preserve the natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve for generations to come. It was also a rare time for anyone to visit the Plateau and one of its beautiful estate homes and to help the NEF to forward its mission “Educating and empowering youth to appreciate, preserve and protect nature.”

The Daniel Sieu family, who provides the estate to invited visitors who have a desire to build their own successful businesses

with available federal, SBA and state grants, expressed their love of nature as managers of the William and Stephanie Foundation.

Daniel Sieu said he extended the estate to the NEF because of a visit to the NEF summer music program, and the families feeling “this is the place it ought to be” as it was in nature. Ling Sieu said, they love it here and enjoy inviting guests.

The NEF “Swing into Spring” Garden Party was the kickoff for the upcoming Summer Concert Series held at the Santa Rosa Plateau’s outdoor pavilion beginning June 29 through August 3 where notable music groups like the Second Hand Jazz Band and nationally known tribute bands will appear and ending with a “Cowboy Jubilee” event with a barbecue and country music. The series is the NEF’s major fundraising effort for the year. Tickets for the concerts that begin at $35 per person are now

on sale at the-nef.org. Membership information to the nonprofit or ganization is also available to anyone interested in helping young people learn to protect and understand nature at the same email.

Exhibitors and vendors at the Garden Party were: Austin-Casson, Benjamin’s Popcorn, Creative Garden Art, Fantazmagoric Treasures, Garden Art PHG, Great Oak Press, Miu Ho Flowers, JJ Sushi, Love Dreams and Pies, Lisa Mariella, Macy’s Coffee Bar, Elisa Mijares Pottery, Murrieta Valley High School, My Grandma’s Fudge, Queen Bee Apiaries, SRP Outreach, Temecula Valley Women’s Club, UCR Master Gardeners, White Doves, and Which Wich Superior Sandwiches. Tony Ault can be reached via email at tault@reedermedia.com.

Visitors at the Santa Rosa Plateau Garden Party enjoy a tour of the William and Stephanie Lake Estate at the Santa Rosa Plateau’s 16th annual Garden Party.

Garden Party tour members enjoying a tour of the William and Stephanie Lake Estate adobe built by and for the estate workers years ago.

Daniel and Ling Sieu welcome guests at their William and Stephanie Lake Estate in LaCresa during the Santa Rosa Plateau Garden Party.

Valley News/Tony Ault photos

EDUCATION

Tribal youth learn away from home

In recent weeks, young members of the Soboba TANF Program have participated in two events that taught them about local history as well as what they can expect in the future. Thirty-four Native youth attended the Dream the Impossible Native Youth Conference, accompanied by eight adults Saturday, April 27. They were treated to a special screening of a documentary about Mt. Rubidoux, followed by a hike up the mountain trail Sunday, May 5,. Held this year at San Diego State University, DTI’s mission is to challenge Native youth to D.R.E.A.M., which is an acronym for Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude and Motivation. The youth conference was started in 2007 by several Southern California Tribes and Tribal organizations. The dream began when local youth councils planned to organize a conference specifically for Southern California Native youth. After several planning meetings, the youth voted on a conference name and agreed to host the first ever Southern California Native Youth Conference on the Soboba Indian Reservation at Noli Indian School and the Sports Complex. The success of this conference

marked the beginning of the Dream the Impossible Youth Conference becoming an annual event. Currently, there are more than 35 Tribes, Tribal organizations and universities that contribute to the DTI Youth Conference.

Harold Arres, regional prevention manager of Soboba Tribal TANF Program, said he enjoyed listening to keynote speaker Assemblymember James Ramos, who talked about the resiliency of the Native people. Program specialist Mayra Campos said a highlight to her was the number of youths that gathered for the event.

“This was my first year attending and I was amazed at all the different groups that attended from various areas. Everyone came together to participate and enjoy the event,” she said.

Ten breakout sessions were repeated throughout the day to provide students with the opportunity to attend three of their choosing. A variety of subjects were covered, including MMA is Not Just a Sport; Culture, Tribal Law, & Our Community Values; Stay Rooted in Indigenous Culture through Farming; and The Future of Native Filmmaking.

TANF member Reese Elliott, 16, learned about the difference between Western law and Indian Country law in a session facilitated by Dwight K. Lomayesva, execu-

tive director and co-founder of the Am erican Indian Recruitment programs that focus on serving underprivileged American Indians in education.

“My favorite part was being able to spend time with my friends and family and the Men’s Fancy and other dances,” Reese, who also attended the filmmaking and Native Foods sessions, said. “What impressed me the most (about the SDSU campus) was the architectural design of the buildings. It really fascinated me.”

Zachary Guacheno also attended the Native Foods and Tribal Law sessions and learned that many college campuses have programs designed for Native American students. He also enjoyed the session on MMA, hosted by Eddie and the Native Youth Foundation. They explained how MMA offers a unique blend of physical, mental and emotional benefits such as boosting confidence and reducing stress.

“I was impressed with how big the campus is and I like how it’s close to the beach,” Zachary, 17, said.

He also enjoyed the organized cultural activities, games and college fair offered during the lunch break from 12:30-2 p.m.

Andrew Velazquez attended sessions that taught him more about filmmaking, tribal law and Native foods. The latter was presented

California recognizes Menifee Union School

District

for attendance improvement

MENIFEE – The Menifee Union School District has been recognized by the California Department of Education with the Model SARB Program Recognition. This accolade celebrates the district’s exemplary efforts in addressing student attendance challenges through its effective Student Attendance Review Board program.

A SARB is a vital component in identifying and intervening when students exhibit poor attendance patterns. Under the leadership of Melinda Conde, director of student success services, the Menifee Union School District’s SARB program has demonstrated dedication to providing comprehensive services to students encountering attendance or behavioral obstacles.

The Model SARB Recognition awards were presented at the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance State Conference Friday, April 26, in Monterey. Conde was present to accept the award on MUSD’s behalf.

“Accepting the State Model SARB award is truly an honor, and it serves as a testament to the incredible teamwork that goes into supporting our families through the SARB process,” Conde said.

“I am immensely proud of the collaboration and dedication shown by our team to eliminate barriers and provide steadfast support to our students and their families. Together, we are making a meaningful impact, and this recognition is a shared achievement for all of us.”

The Model SARB Recognition Program spotlights outstanding,

by Blossom Maciel who has been teaching the art of traditional basketweaving and Native plant use for the past 19 years. She is committed to learning, teaching and passing on her rich cultural heritage to her family and community.

Velazquez said he learned much about movie making by attending “The Future of Native Filmmaking” presented by Vision Maker Media, whose mission is empowering and engaging Native people to share stories. VMM introduced participants to the power of storytelling and filmmaking for Native communities. He said he hopes to use the knowledge he gained in the future.

“My favorite part was that we had multiple and actual movie supplies in front of us,” the 16-year-old said.

After the all-day conference, the group headed back home.

For more information, visit https://dticonference.org.

“I hope the kids were able to accept the overall message of the conference,” Campos said. “DTI is all about believing in yourself and aspiring to do great things. It is important for the Native youth to have confidence and self-love in order to dream big.”

Arres added, “I hope that the youth learned that anything is attainable in life.”

TANF members were invited to an exclusive screening of the documentary “Pá’Čapa: A Mt. Rubidoux Story” at the Soboba Tribal TANF center in Riverside Sunday, May 5. It was premiered by the film’s creators and co-directors Blossom Maciel and Rosy Aranda at the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts in Riverside a few days earlier.

Pá’Čapa is Cahuilla for “where the water bends,” which can be seen along the three-mile recreational trail that looks down on the bending Santa Ana River. The site attracts upward of 1,000 visitors a day. Monuments and plaques on the mountain focus on colonial history. Through community engagement with Tribal communities, this documentary seeks to present the voices of cultural bearers to highlight how this is a sacred Native place.

Aranda and Maciel introduced the film by telling the youth a little about the process of how it came to be.

“We encouraged them to continue to visit Pá’Čapa because it is a place where our ancestors were,” Aranda said.

Soboba’s Kimani Sanchez, 15, said from the film she learned that some roads that we drive on were once used by Native Americans to

do trades. After the screening, the group hiked Mt. Rubidoux, joined by the filmmakers. Aranda said it was a great feeling having the youth up there.

It was Kimani’s first visit to the mountain, and she said there was a lot to see and it was beautiful.

“The best part was making it to the top and being able to see little animals and an amazing view,” she said. “I plan to share the information I learned with my parents and my cousins who were not able to go on the hike.”

Anthony Salgado, 18, is from the Cahuilla Band of Indians and was surprised to learn that the people from Pá’Čapa were mountain Cahuilla.

“Climbing was the best part,” he said about making his first hike there.

Kevin Estanislao from Soboba discovered from the film that Native Americans were the first residents of Riverside and plans to share all he learned with his friends.

“I liked the scenery,” the 14-yearold said about the hike. “The best part was climbing the steps to the cross.”

May 5 was also the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

“It was a beautiful day for us to do that ‘walk of reverence’ on MMIW day. We all had shirts with the red handprint as we made our way to the summit,” Aranda said. “Stopping to discuss different parts of the mountain like the dynamite explosions in the rocks and seeing Big Spring Rancheria from above were a few highlights.”

The next opportunity for the public to view “Pá’Čapa: A Mt. Rubidoux Story” will be Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when it will be playing on a loop at the Ya’i Heki’ Regional Indian Museum at Lake Perris, 17801 Lake Perris Drive, in Perris.

“We feel there is a need to share this documentary locally so concentrating on schools, colleges, universities and museums in the surrounding area is our focus. We have had a positive response from everyone who has seen it; the support has been humbling,” Aranda sa id. “We know how important this piece of Riverside history is and spreading awareness is the start of a conversation that helps bring change.”

For more information, email abbyroro63@yahoo.com and blossom_maciel@yahoo.com or visit Instagram at @pa.capa documentary, @earthyblossom, @nichil. rosy and @motherearthclan.

program Valley News/Courtesy photo results-oriented school attendance improvement programs. Menifee Union School District’s SARB program has been singled out for its remarkable impact in fostering positive attendance behaviors among students.

Superintendent Jennifer Root said, “Improving school attendance has been a moral imperative for our district this year. This recognition underscores our commitment to supporting every student and ensuring they have the resources and encouragement needed to be in school every day.”

The Model SARB recognition highlights Menifee Union School District’s dedication to implementing effective strategies that address attendance challenges head-on. By

providing tailored interventions and support services, the district aims to empower students to overcome obstacles and achieve academic success. With schools dating back to the 1880s, Menifee Union School District serves over 12,000 students across 16 physical campuses and one digital campus. As a California Pivotal Practices Award Winner, MUSD innovatively serves students from preschool through eighth grade. MUSD is led by its 12th Superintendent Jennifer Root, and is governed by a Board of Education composed of five publicly elected officials who serve their respective trustee areas.

Submitted by Menifee Union School District.

Michael Tansley announces as Temecula Valley Genealogical Society scholarship winner

walkability and economic growth while minimizing the amount of land used to preserve local wildlands.

A Great Oak High School senior has been announced as the winner of the Temecula Valley Genealogical Society’s $500 scholarship. Michael Tansley was announced as the 2024 winner by TVGS which awards a scholarship every year to a graduating student attending high school within the boundaries of the Temecula Valley. Tansley will pursue a degree in civil engineering at California State University Fullerton. He plans to remain local in the Inland Empire to help develop cities in ways that maximize quality of life,

Tansley will read his winning essay at the TVGS general meeting Monday, June 10, at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road, in Temecula, and the public is invited to attend. Doors for the event open at 5:30 p.m., and the presentation begins at 6 p.m. All TVGS meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit https://tvgs.net. Kim Harris can be reached by email at kharris@reedermedia. com.

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News

Melinda Conde, director of student success services for Menifee Union School District, left, holds the recognition plaque presented by Dominick Robinson, director for the whole child division for the California Department of Education.

Members of the Soboba Tribal TANF join filmmakers at the summit of Mt. Rubidoux after a screening of the documentary “Pá’Čapa: A Mt. Rubidoux Story” in Riverside, Sunday, May 5. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

Soboba Tribal TANF helps 34 Native youths attend this year’s Dream the Impossible Native Youth Conference in San Diego, Saturday, April 27.

May 24 – 30, 2024

Local golfers shine bright in CIF-SS tournament play at Temecula Creek Inn

JP Raineri Sports Editor

TEMECULA – The CIF Southern Section’s premier golfers converged on the Oaks/Creek course at Temecula Creek Inn, a first-time host for the section’s individual championship tournament, on Thursday, May 16. Among the standout players were two local talents who have secured their spots in next week’s regional finals at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills: Temescal Canyon’s Nixon Lauritzen and Chaparral’s Troy Song.

Key performances and highlights

The day was marked by impressive performances, with senior Nixon Lauritzen shooting a remarkable 7-under-par 65. Lauritzen, who is set to attend Grand Canyon University to play golf post-graduation, demonstrated exceptional skill and composure

on the course.

Reflecting on his performance, Lauritzen told our photographer, “I haven’t been this good around the greens in a long time, but the goal today was really to be among those that were going to advance, so that mission is complete now.”

Meanwhile, junior Troy Song, who recently clinched the Southwestern League title, shot a solid 73 to secure his advancement to the regional finals.

Notable achievements

Oaks Christian sophomore Max Emberson emerged as the overall winner of the Southern Section’s individual championship tournament with a stunning 64. This stellar performance further highlighted the level of competition present at the event.

Lauritzen’s recent accomplishments extend beyond this tournament. Last week, he carded a round of 64 at Bear Valley Country Club in Victorville, contributing sig-

nificantly to Temescal Canyon’s victory in the section’s Division 6 team championship. Temescal Canyon won Division 6 with a total score of 400, with Lauritzen’s 64 leading to a commanding 13-stroke victory.

Advancing to regionals

Lauritzen and Song will advance as individual contenders. The Southern Section teams advancing to the regionals include San Marcos, Palm Desert, Orange Lutheran, and Oaks Christian. The upcoming regional finals at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino

Hills, which will get underway

Wednesday, May 22, promises to be an exciting continuation of the season, with Lauritzen and Song

2024 Southwestern League Softball AllLeague teams announced

Southwestern League MVP for the 2024 season.

Group

striving for excellence. From impressive league titles to commendable postseason runs, the league’s dynamics were nothing short of exciting. Murrieta Mesa Rams clinched their fourth consecutive Southwestern league title this past season, finishing with an impressive 14-1 record in league play. Their only stumble came in a 19-13 shootout loss to Vista Murrieta. Murrieta Mesa represented the Division 1 brackets in the CIF Southern Section postseason, where they showcased their strength by beating Chino Hills 10-0 in the first round and Huntington Beach 12-0 in the quarterfinals. However, their journey ended in the semifinals when they couldn’t match the strength of Orange Lutheran, falling 13-1.

The Rams concluded a remarkable season with an overall 25-4 record. Great Oak finished second in the league with an 11-4 record and an overall season tally of 15-10-1.

The Wolfpack had a notable run in the CIF Southern Section, winning their play-in game against Torrance 7-2 and defeating Norco 3-1 in the first round. Their postseason journey concluded in the quarterfinals with a 2-0 loss to Jserra.

The Vista Murrieta Broncos had

a solid season with a 9-4 record in league play and a 13-11 overall record. They earned a spot in the Division 1 CIF Southern Section postseason but were halted in the play-in round by South Hills, falling 8-2.

Murrieta Valley secured fourth place in the league with a 6-8 record, demonstrating resilience and competitive spirit throughout see SOFTBALL, page B-2

Great Oak’s Miali Guachino was named the Southwestern League Pitcher of the Year for the 2024 season. Valley News/Time Stood Still Photography

Temescal Canyon’s Nixon Lauritzen watches a tee shot in the CIF Southern Section boys golf championship at Temecula Creek Inn on Thursday, May 16.

poised to make waves.

Southwestern League champion Troy Song of Chaparral hits a tee shot on Thursday, May 16 in the CIF-SS boys golf championship at Temecula Creek Inn.

After missing the fairway, Nixon Lauritzen hits a punch shot in Thursday’s CIF-SS boys golf championship at Temecula Creek Inn. Valley News/Andrez Imaging Valley News/Andrez Imaging

JP Raineri Sports Editor

The 2024 season in the Southwestern League (SWL) was thrilling and competitive, showcasing some of the top high school softball talents in the region. Teams from Murrieta Mesa, Great Oak, Vista Murrieta, Murrieta Valley, Chaparral, and Temecula Valley competed fiercely, each

Murrieta Mesa’s Taelyn Holley was named the

Valley News/Action Captures Media

Southwestern League girls’ lacrosse All-League players announced

JP Raineri Sports Editor

This past girls’ lacrosse season was nothing short of spectacular for the Southwestern League, with Temecula Valley’s historic Division 3 title win and Murrieta Mesa perfect 10-0 record in the league, marking their fourth consecutive undefeated season. Maintaining a flawless 40-0 league record over four years is an astounding achievement and solidifies the Ram’s legacy as back-to-backto-back-to-back Southwestern League Champions.

Murrieta Mesa celebrated their first-ever appearance in the Division 1 CIF playoffs, with a packed home stadium cheering them on during a thrilling 14-12 victory over Santa Margarita in Round 1. Although they fell short in the Quarter Finals against the number one seed, Foothill, the season re-

mains historic. Andrea Hartman, from Murrieta Mesa, also broke the school record for most caused turnovers in a season, adding to the list of incredible performances this year.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team,” exclaimed Molly Sovacool, head coach for the Rams, in a heartfelt post online. “I’m sad to see our seniors leave, but this team has made history.”

It’s time to honor the outstanding players who have been named to the 2024 SWL Girls Lacrosse All-League teams for their exceptional performances and contributions to their teams:

Offensive MVP: Rilie Tul (12th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Defensive MVP: Abby Brant (12th grade, Chaparral HS)

First Team

Ava Chaput (11th grade, Murrieta Valley HS)

Aubrey Chang (11th grade, Temecula Valley HS)

Malia Fox (11th grade, Chaparral HS)

Julia Canela (11th grade, Chaparral HS)

Katie Holdstein (12th grade, Chaparral HS)

Alana Elliott (12th grade, Vista Murrieta HS)

Riley Jarrett (12th grade, Vista Murrieta HS)

Amanda Schlesener (12th grade, Vista Murrieta HS)

Aubrey Olson (12th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Olivia Garate (10th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Andrea Hartman (11th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Grace Hamm (11th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Second Team

Vanessa Flexen (11th grade, Vista Murrieta HS)

Daniella Flexen (12th grade, Vista Murrieta HS)

Nicole Grending (12th grade, Vista Murrieta HS)

Kelsey Lurkins (12th grade, Temecula Valley HS)

Cameron Brown (12th grade, Chaparral HS)

Taylor Waters (12th grade, Chaparral HS)

Myla Igoe (12th grade, Chaparral HS)

CLASSIFIEDS

Kami Cornelison (11th grade, Murrieta

Sarah Gereda (12th grade, Great Oak HS)

Reagan Oberheu (12th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Mikaila Stone (12th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Ava Mullen (12th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

SOFTBALL from page B-1

the season. The Chaparral Pumas finished with a 3-11 league record, showing potential for future growth and development and Temecula Valley faced a challenging season, ending winless in league play with an 0-15 record. Despite the tough outcomes, the team’s efforts and determination were evident.

The SWL recognized outstanding individual performances throughout the season, which includes:

MVP: Taelyn Holley (11th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Pitcher of the Year: Miali Guachino (12th grade, Great Oak HS)

First Team Softball

Kylee Espinoza (11th grade, Vista Murrieta HS)

Aryanna Gonzales (12th grade, Vista Murrieta HS)

Avery DePauw (10th grade, Temecula Valley HS)

Keira Beierly (10th grade, Chaparral HS)

Victoria Prado (12th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Lilly Hauser (10th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Paige Bambarger (12th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Madison Lardizabal (12th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Evun Seeforth (11th grade, Murrieta Valley HS)

Channing Hubby (12th grade, Murrieta Valley HS)

Samantha Young (12th grade, Great Oak HS)

Info provided by each head coach from the Southwestern League but approved overall by the athletic director from the firstplace team. If a name is improperly spelled, submit info and updates to sports@reedermedia.com.

Audrey Newell (12th grade, Great Oak HS)

Second Team Softball

Nadia Rountree (12th grade, Vista Murrieta HS)

Mia Powell (11th grade, Vista Murrieta HS)

Harley Maire (12th grade, Temecula Valley HS)

Jaycee Branson (10th grade, Temecula Valley HS)

Trista Clarke (12th grade, Chaparral HS)

Juli anna Torres (12th grade, Chaparral HS)

Kanani Elderts (9th grade, Great Oak HS)

Chloe Koenigshofer (9th grade, Great Oak HS)

Kenzie Farrier (11th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Macy Clark (9th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

Aubrey Morrow (12th grade, Murrieta Valley HS)

Charlotte Thayer (9th grade, Murrieta Valley HS)

The 2024 Southwestern League softball season highlighted the exceptional talents of many young athletes. Their dedication and hard work have not only brought pride to their respective schools but also set a high standard for future seasons. Info provided by each head coach from the Southwestern League but approved overall by the athletic director from the first-place team. If a name is improperly spelled, submit info and updates to sports@ reedermedia.com.

AnzA VAlley

Murrieta Mesa’s Rilie Tul was named the Southwestern League Offensive MVP for the 2024 season. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Chaparral’s Abby Brant was named the Southwestern League Defensive MVP for the 2024 season. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley HS)

Brooklyn Dao (11th grade, Murrieta Mesa HS)

A leap for Hamilton’s Gwendolyn VanZile pushes her toward

track and field finals

JP Raineri Sports Editor

In the small town of Anza, nestled within the scenic landscape of Southern California, Gwendolyn VanZile, a senior at Hamilton High School, has become a symbol of dedication and excellence in track and field, particularly in the long jump.

The pinnacle of Gwendolyn’s senior year came on Saturday, May 4, when she competed in the CIF Southern Section track and field preliminaries. This event was a gathering of the finest athletes, each vying for a coveted spot in the section finals.

Gwendolyn’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. On the day of the prelims, Gwendolyn stood at the edge of the long jump pit, her mind focused, her heart racing. Each jump was a moment of intense concentration, a blend of technique, strength, and sheer willpower. When it was all said

and done, Gwendolyn VanZile leaped her way to a remarkable 5th place finish in Division 4 with a 16’11.50.

Amidst fierce competition, she displayed her elegance and power, securing her place as one of the top nine long jumpers to advance to the section finals. For Gwendolyn, this was not just about personal achievement; it was about representing Hamilton High School and her community in Anza.

While Gwendolyn may not have taken the top spot, her journey to the CIF Southern Sectional Finals was a victory in itself. She had defied the odds, pushed her limits, and emerged as one of the top athletes in her division. Her story is a reminder that success is not always measured by the finish line but by the courage to start, the effort to persevere, and the spirit to compete.

As Gwendolyn prepares to graduate from Hamilton High School, she leaves behind a legacy of

Send local sports updates to sports@reedermedia.com.

53rd season of Pro Motocross Championship kicks off at Pala’s Fox

Raceway

JP Raineri Sports Editor

SAN DIEGO – The stage is set for another chapter in the world of off-road motorcycle racing as the 53rd season of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, roars into action this weekend. This storied series, a crown jewel of the SuperMotocross World Championship Series, has captivated race fans since 1972, establishing itself as the toughest test in motorsports and an American summertime tradition.

This year, the journey to crown the AMA National Champions begins on Memorial Day weekend at San Diego County’s Fox Raceway in Pala. On Saturday, May 25, the Honda Fox Raceway National will ignite the summer campaign with a showcase of speed, skill, and resilience.

Fox Raceway, a relatively new yet iconic venue, joined the championship circuit in 2011 and has since become synonymous with high-speed thrills and technical challenges. The course’s expansive layout, featuring multiple elevation changes and intricate obstacles, offers both racers and fans an unparalleled experience. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Fox Raceway continues to evolve, solidifying its status as the official home of American motocross in Southern California.

An epic battle of the best racers

The 2023 season promises fierce competition as the world’s premier racers go head-to-head. Expect to see American favorites like Christian Craig, Jason Anderson, Justin Barcia, Aaron Plessinger, and Chase Sexton battling it out against top international contenders, including reigning Australian champion Jett Lawrence, his brother Hunter Lawrence, and French rider Dylan Ferrandis.

T hese athletes will navigate the grueling natural terrain, tackling massive jumps and towering hillsides that have defined Pro Motocross. Their relentless pursuit of victory will be on full display,

pushing them to their physical and mental limits of the Pro Motocross Championship. These races are a cornerstone of the broader SuperMotocross World Championship, a grueling 31-race season that integrates the winter AMA Supercross Championship and the summer Pro Motocross Championship. This comprehensive series culminates in the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final in September, where the ultimate champions are crowned.

Event details

Practice & Qualifying: Begins at 8 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies: Starts at 12:30 p.m.

First Motos (250 Class & 450 Class): 1 p.m.

Second Motos (250 Class & 450 Class): 3:30 p.m.

Ticket information

Saturday General Admission: $65

Adults / $35 Children (ages 6-11)

Saturday General Admission + Pit Pass: $95 Adults / $65 Children (ages 6-11)

Super VIP Ticket: $300 Adults / $150 Children (ages 6-11) For the latest news and updates on the Pro Motocross Championship, visit ProMotocross.com and follow them on social media: Facebook: facebook.com/

Hamilton High School’s Gwendolyn VanZile had a 5th place finish at the CIF Southern Section preliminaries, with an impressive long jump of 16’11.50.

Hamilton High School’s Gwendolyn VanZile, pictured here with one of her coaches, finished in 5th place at the CIF Southern Section preliminaries, with an impressive long jump of 16’11.50. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Courtesy photo

On May 4th, Hamilton High School’s Gwendolyn VanZile displayed her skill at the CIF Southern Section preliminaries, securing 5th place with a stunning 16’11.50 leap. Valley News/Courtesy photo inspiration. Her achievements on the track are a beacon of hope for younger athletes in Anza, proving that with hard work and determination, even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality.

The 2024 Pro Motocross Championship kicks off from San Diego County’s Fox Raceway at Pala over Memorial Day weekend. Valley News/Andrez Imaging

El Cajon native Christian Craig, who has been known to practice in Temecula, will highlight the local San Diego area racers in the field.

Pala’s Fox Raceway is the official home of American motocross in Southern California. Valley News/Andrez Imaging Valley News/Andrez Imaging

Menifee’s Restaurant Week recognized by leading state economic development association

MENIFEE – Menifee’s Economic Development Department was presented with an Award of Merit from the California Association for Local Economic Development for the Menifee Restaurant Week program recently. CALED stands as the top economic development association in California and has been at the forefront of educating economic developers, local elected officials and state representatives on the significance of economic development. January is historically known for an industrywide restaurant slow-down and as a result, California has designated January as “Restaurant Month.” Various cities across the state introduce diverse programs and events with a distinct approach to bolstering local restaurants. In alignment with this effort, Menifee introduced “Menifee Restaurant Week.” Residents and visitors alike are urged to explore Menifee’s expanding array of homegrown cuisines and popular local dishes while supporting their preferred dining spots.

Introduced in 2020, Menifee’s Restaurant Week has grown and evolved each year, offering various advantages for both business owners and the city including boosting sales, improving brand visibility, expanding their customer base, attracting new chefs and restaurateurs to Menifee and promoting tourism. By encouraging participants to “put their money where their heart is,” the initiative enhances the overall quality of life for our local businesses and residents in Menifee.

Menifee Restaurant Week was created by the Economic Development Department as part of a business retention and expansion program. This initiative aims to support local businesses by enhancing marketing efforts, attracting new customers and urging residents to invest in the local economy. With Menifee facing a sales leakage of over $800 million, keeping and growing local businesses is a key focus for the Economic Development Department.

“The Award of Merit received

communities. Through these initiatives, cities like Menifee can continue to thrive and set a shining example for economic development and community engagement. For more information about CALED, visit http://www. caled.org.

For more information on Economic Development or other resources available to Menifee businesses, visit http://www.menifeebusiness.com or contact the Economic Development Department at econdev@cityofmenifee. us Submitted by city of Menifee.

The California Association for Local Economic Development presented the City of Menifee with an Award of Merit for its Restaurant Week program which encourages patronage of local dining establishments.

Kaiser set to open new medical office in Wildomar

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

Kaiser Permanente will be opening its newest location next week, offering numerous services for residents of Wildomar and the surrounding communities.

Kaiser’s new building at 22750 Wildomar Trail in Wildomar will nearly double the size of its existing medical office building.

The new building will offer state-of-the-art equipment, additional opportunities for preventive care, and more comprehensive support services including optometry, vision essentials, physical and speech therapy and imaging services.

“Specifically, we’re adding the capability to provide mammograms making it easier for our

South Riverside members to get important checkups,” the organization said.

The 84,000-square-foot, threestory building, which also houses specialty care such as dermatology, a laboratory and pediatrics is scheduled to open Tuesday, May 28.

“It’s now easier than ever to get the services you need when you need them – we’re expanding our capacity for medical care in Wildomar, building on Kaiser Permanente’s more than 60 years of caring for members in Riverside County,” Kaiser said.

For more information, visit http://kp.org/wildomartrail.

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

Kaiser Permanente’s newest location at 22750 Wildomar Trail in Wildomar will open to the public Tuesday, May 28.

Valley News/Kim Harris photo

Fourth graders join older adults in Mother’s Day crafting

MURRIETA – Fourth graders and older adults with dementia created Mother’s Day cards together at Vineyard Place, an Anthem Memory Care community, 24325 Washington Ave., in Murrieta. The youngsters, who are students in Cynthia Calvillo-Murray’s class at Cole Canyon Elementary School, helped make the cards, so that each resident could write Mother’s Day messages on them.

“Our seniors cherish spending time with the youngsters, and it brings them great joy to share happy memories of their past,” Christopher Balmes, life engagement director for Vineyard Place, said. “Celebrating special holidays is a great way to connect the two generations.”

Ant hem’s core purpose is to protect, engage and love people living with memory loss and is committed to provide understanding and significance to people with Alzheimer ’s disease and other types of dementia. Anthem, based in West Linn, Oregon, operates and

develops memory care communities in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. For more

Valley News/Courtesy photos

information, visit http://AnthemMemoryCare.com.

Submitted by Anthem Memory Care.

Students are home from school: 4 tips to address youth mental health

Dr. Donald Tavakoli is the national medical director for behavioral health with UnitedHealthcare.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Dr. Donald Tavakoli

UnitedHealthcare

As high school and college students finish their spring terms and prepare for summer, it’s time to check their mental health and consider how to engage in conversations about it.

It is especially important for college students, as the second annual Student Behavioral Health Report revealed a significant jump in self-reported mental or behavioral health concerns among college students as compared to high schoolers.

The report found college students self-report a near-50% increase in anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation compared to high school students. For example, high school students reported that during the past year, they or a classmate or friend experienced anxiety/stress at 35%, depression at 20% or suicidal thoughts at 9%. Among college students,

those self-reported experiences increased to 55% for anxiety, 41% for depression and 13% for suicidal thoughts.

Importantly, the report found many parents may not be aware of this change. For example, while 41% of college students self-reported they, a roommate or a friend have experienced depression in the past year, only 18% of parents reported their college student experienced this. In contrast, parents of high schoolers reported perceptions more closely aligned with high school students’ self-reported experiences: 20% of students reported depression, while 15% of parents reported their high schooler experienced this issue.

In honor of May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, here are four tips to help proactively address mental health concerns among young people.

Look for warning signs.

As students wind down or return from school for the summer, take stock of their mood and be on the lookout for any warning signs of mental or behavioral health concerns. These can include constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, withdrawal from friends and family, inability to concentrate, excessive worries, changes in sleep or eating habits, extreme mood fluctuations or problems with alcohol or drug use.

Have conversations early and often.

The Student Behavioral Health Report revealed the more frequently a child’s mental health comes up in conversation, the more likely the child may be to interpret their parents’ tone and behavior in a positive light – and to take action to access care. If you’re unsure how to approach the conversation, UnitedHealthcare

offered conversation starter cards to help parents talk to their children about mental well-being and spark conversations that move past one-word answers. For instance, ask your student, “What can I do to support you better?” or “What are you most worried about right now?”

Talk to your primary care physician.

It’s important to raise mental or behavioral health concerns to a health care professional – just as you would if it were a physical illness. For many, primary care physicians are the first line of contact and will be able to help assess symptoms and provide guidance on next steps.

Get familiar with your resources.

There may be various resources available in your community or through your health plan, including assistance with finding a quality mental health care provider, understanding what’s covered and virtual care or coaching options. Also, many colleges and universities offer on-campus support services, 24/7 crisis support, virtual care and access to self-care apps and wellness resources. Some student health plans offer students unlimited free virtual mental health visits.

By considering these tips, parents and adults can play a key role in improving mental health challenges experienced by many young people. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for 24-hour, confidential support. Dr. Donald Tavakoli is the national medical director for behavioral health with UnitedHealthcare.

Submitted by UnitedHealthcare.

Brenda Boyd, a resident at Vineyard Place in Murrieta, and fourth grader Elias Prescott bond over Mother’s Day card making.

Percelma Hurry, right, a resident at Vineyard Place in Murrieta, and student Galilee Estrada enjoy celebrating mothers.

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 28 – 7:30-9 a.m. Come enjoy free summer golf lessons for children Tuesdays at Golden Era Golf Course in San Jacinto sponsored by Grandfathers for Golf a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Call President Tony Viola at 909-754-4148 or visit http://grandfathersforgolf.org/ signup before June 12.

June 1 – 7:30-10:30 a.m. Just 4 Kids Fishing Derby will take place at the Diamond Stadium levee, 500 Diamond Drive, in Lake Elsinore with trophies, activities and demonstrations for children 15 years or younger. Pre-register at recreation@ lake-elsinore.org.

June 1 – 2-3 p.m. Elizabeth Hospice is hosting a free, one-session support group for youth ages 9 to 13 called “When a Family Member has Cancer” at Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center, 41669 Winchester Road, Suite 101, in Temecula. Children will learn healthy coping skills, increase their social network by connecting with other children who have similar life experiences and share their feelings, thoughts and emotions in a non-judgemental space. Space is limited. RSVP to michelle.brown@ ehospice.org

Parents should check the websites for local cities for the latest events happening for children and youths in their community this summer. There are many youth sports programs, educational programs and city park entertainment to keep children of all ages occupied and interested. ValleyWide Recreation and Park District also has many children’s activities.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

May 25 – 7:30 p.m. Temecula presents Tribute to Heroes: Memorial Day Concert in the Old Town Community Theater, 42051 Main St., in Temecula with the Temecula Valley Symphony. Tickets are free; seating is limited.

May 26-27 – 9 a.m. to noon. The Menifee Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Wheatfield Park, 30627 Menifee Road, in Menifee will honor the brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice and passed away serving our country with a special

remembrance ceremony.

May 27 – 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy the Lake Elsinore Memorial Day charitable West Coast Thunder Car Show and Motorcycle Ride at Diamond Stadium, sponsored by the Harley Davidson and Fuel Market at 500 Diamond Drive in Lake Elsinore. Concert is included in pre-registration $50 entrance fee.

May 27 – 9 a.m. Attend the Murrieta Memorial Day Tribute at the Murrieta Valley Cemetery/ Laurel Cemetery, 42000 Ivy St., in Murrieta.

May 27 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 87th annual Memorial Day Picnic will be held at Estudillo Heritage Park, 150 S. Dillon St., in San Jacinto. Parking is available off Seventh Street.

May 27 – 1 p.m. Attend the Memorial Day 5K, 10K and children’s 1-mile run/walk at 450 E. Latham St., in Hemet.

May 27 – 10 a.m. The Wildomar Memorial Day Service will be held in remembrance of those who have died while serving in the Armed Forces at the Wildomar Cemetery District, 21400 Paloma St., in Wildomar.

May 31 – 7-10 p.m. Check out the Menifee Moonlight Market Rock and Roll event at Centennial Park, 31166 Shire Horse Way, in Menifee.

June 1 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attend the second annual Summer BBQ & Resource Bash at Romoland Elementary School, 25890 Antelope Road, in Romoland. Organizations wishing to participate can complete an interest form by May 31 by contacting Mireya Chavez-Martinez at mchavez@romoland.net or 951-9269244, ext. 1270.

June 15 – Noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy a hoedown at Living Free Animal Sanctuary, 54250 Keen Camp Road, in Mountain Center. with live country music, dancing, barbecue hosted by the local fire department, familyfriendly hayrides and artwork made by the animal residents. Tickets are $10. For more information, contact events@living-free.org

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

Crossword Puzzle Theme: At The Theater

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 951-674-2159.

ONGOING – Sun City Civic Association Monthly Square Dance sessions are held Sundays from 1:305 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 24 – 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. For more information, visit http://TemeculaCA.gov/ Classes , call the class hotline at 951-694-6480 or email Classes@ TemeculaCA.go v. Follow @TemeculaParksAndRec on social media.

May 24 – The city of Menifee offers a public survey to residents to determine if and where a new community center should come into the city. For the survey, visit https:// form.jotform.com/24081539251915

May 24 – 8 a.m. Temecula’s Fourth of July Parade entry applications are available online through Friday, June 7. The community parade will take place Thursday, July 4, stepping off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Old Town Front Street and Second Street. Interested participants can complete parade entry applications and view parade guidelines online by visiting http:// TemeculaCA.gov/4thofJuly

May 24 – 10 a.m. Temecula Valley Genealogical Society will discuss “what to do with all those notes you gathered when you took that research trip to scour genealogical records” at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library Community Room, 30600 Pauba Road, in Temecula. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://tvgs.net

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 yearround 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 Sclero-

sis 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 12-step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia, has meetings throughout the U.S. and the world. Contact 781-932-6300, 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 writing-craft discussions; attendees may read up to a five minute excerpt from their work for feedback/ critique. RSVP at www.dorlandartscolony.com/sunday-scribblers. html

Rotary District 5330 to host inaugural iGNITE Festival

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

Rotary District 5330 will be holding its inaugural iGNITE Festival, offering a day of fun, food and community spirit, Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lake Skinner in Winchester.

The event is open to community members of all ages and promises to be an “unforgettable experience” filled with food, entertainment and activities for both youth and adults, organizers said.

The event, which will also serve as an outreach fundraiser to raise awareness of the mental health challenges in the Greater Inland Empire, underlines the Rotary’s commitment to fostering com -

munity spirit, encouraging service and igniting passions and inspiring action, organizers said.

“This global pandemic has brought attention to another aspect of health that has been overlooked, mental health,” according to a news release announcing the event. “Depression, anxiety, addiction and suicide are widespread in the greater Inland Empire and often are seen as things to be ashamed of and kept quiet.”

Rotary said that mental health issues often go unnoticed until an event “raises awareness, and people, in reflection, say, ‘I wish I just saw the signs.’”

“This festival not only serves as a celebration of our club accomplishments and shared passions

but also as a meaningful way to support and engage with our community and bring awareness to the Mental health challenges in the greater Inland Empire,” Jamie Zinn, district governor for Rotary District 5330, said.

A KCBS BBQ Competition that will tantalize taste buds will take place during the event which will also feature continuous live entertainment on stage to keep the energy high throughout the day. A special concert by the renowned One Voice Children’s Choir will also be featured, organizers said.

For children in attendance there will be games and activities that Rotary District 5330 said will

“inspire, entertain and engage.”

“At the same time, adults have

Celebrate creativity, community, and charity at 11th anniversary art show and raffle at Heather Pilapil’s Gallery

TEMECULA – Heather Pilapil’s Gallery, 27371 Jefferson Avenue, Suite U, in Temecula invites art enthusiasts of all ages to its 11th anniversary art show, an evening dedicated to celebrating creativity, community and charity Saturday, May 25, from 3-6 p.m. for showcase of talent from local artists and supporting Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center.

The event will feature a diverse collection of artwork from various local artists, providing attendees with the opportunity to explore different styles and perspectives.

From paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Guests can participate in a raffle with prizes, some donated by local businesses and artists.

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase from 3-5 p.m., with

prices set at two tickets for $5 or five tickets for $10. Prizes include a special prize donated by Bigfoot Art Classes in Temecula, a $50 gift card redeemable at Heather Pilapil’s Gallery and a $50 gift card to local restaurants.

The first 10 guests to arrive will receive one of three poster versions of Heather Pilapil’s artwork, including “The Joys of Temecula,” “Raindrops” and “Waterfall Rebirth.” Each poster will be handsigned by the artist, adding a personal touch to the event.

Heather Pilapil’s Gallery announced that 10% of all proceeds generated during the event will be donated to Michelle’s Place, a local cancer resource center that provides support to individuals and families facing a cancer diagnosis.

Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy complimentary food and drinks, plus wine for those

21 and over. Younger attendees can unleash their creativity at the children’s crafting and art table.

Local artists will be present at the event to meet guests and talk about their thoughts behind their artwork and share more about their inspiration and creative processes.

“We are thrilled to celebrate over a decade of artistic expression and community support at Heather Pilapil’s Gallery,” Heather Pilapil, owner and artist of the gallery, said. “This event is a testament to the vibrant creative community we have here in Temecula, and we are excited to showcase the incredible talent of our local artists.”

For more information, contact Pilapil at 951-551-5706 or info@ heatherpilapil.com

Submitted by Heather Pilapil’s Gallery.

fun games and activities tailored to their interests,” organizers said, adding that unique service projects will also be part of the festivities, allowing participants to give back to their community “meaningfully.”

Foodies will delight in the various offerings, including food trucks with beer and wine options for those wishing to unwind and indulge.

“We are beyond excited to host the ‘iGNITE Festival’ and extend a warm invitation to everyone in the community and beyond to join us in what promises to be an enriching day full of fun, food and fellowship,” Zinn said. “We encourage everyone to make it a weekend to remember by book-

ing an RV or camping spot and immerse fully in the joyful spirit of the event.”

Admission to the festival is $75 for adults, children 15 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.district5330. org/ignite.

For more information about the Rotary District 5330 iGNITE Festival, visit http://www.district5330.org/ignite.

For more information about One Voice Children’s Choir, originally known as the 2002 Winter Olympic Children’s Choir and Studio A Children’s Choir, visit http://www. onevoicechildren.org.

Temecula’s Fourth of July Parade entry applications available online now

Members of the

Tuesday, July 4,

TEMECULA – The city of Temecula announced that the Fourth of July Parade entry application is available online through Friday,

June 7. The much-anticipated community parade will take place Valley News/Shane Gibson photo see PARADE, page B-8

Old Town Temecula Gunfighters wave a large American flag during the Fourth of July parade in Old Town Temecula,

2023.

Bell Partners acquires Murrieta apartment community

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Bell Part-

ners, one of the nation’s largest apartment investment and management companies, announced Friday, May 13, it has acquired Silverado Apartment Homes, a 492-unit apartment community located in Murrieta. The community was acquired on behalf of the company’s Value Add Fund VIII investors for a purchase price of $146.5 million. The property will be renamed Bell Murrieta Springs.

“Despite challenging market conditions, I am proud of our team for sourcing an exceptional opportunity to meet our investment objectives,” Nickolay Bochilo, chief investment officer at Bell Partners, said. “Our ability to successfully complete this transaction is the result of leveraging our deep local expertise, existing relationships and proprietary market research.”

“We are excited to add Bell Murrieta Springs to the Bell platform,” Lili Dunn, president and CEO of Bell Partners, said. “We believe the planned operating and capital improvements will enhance the living

experience for our current and future residents and help us achieve our performance objectives.”

Completed in 2007, Bell Murrieta Springs is located at the junction of Interstate 15 and Interstate 215, offering easy access to points south in San Diego County and north in Riverside and Orange counties. The community features one, two- and three-bedroom floor plans with an average unit size of 948 square feet.

Amenities include an extensive green belt with a walking trail surrounding the entire property along with two pools and an expansive clubhouse. The property also exclusively features easy walking access along a nature preserve to Meadowridge Park, a city owned park, providing residents with an additional open space, playground and basketball courts to enjoy.

With this acquisition Bell Partners now owns and/or manages 11 apartment communities in Southern California containing over 3,100 apartment homes.

Submitted by Bell Partners.

EMWD approves MWD terms and conditions for Los Alamos Hills annexation

Joe Naiman Writer

Los Alamos Hills is within the Murrieta city limits but not currently within the Eastern Municipal Water District or Metropolitan Water District of Southern California boundaries. The May 15 EMWD board meeting approved the terms and conditions MWD had set for the annexation.

The EMWD board voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution establishing the terms and conditions to annex the 108.56 acres into Eastern and MWD. The terms include an annexation fee of $739,913 although $5,000 of that has already been paid. Eastern will pay that annexation fee to MWD while a financing program for the 36 participating property owners will reimburse that money to the district.

Los Alamos Hills is east of Interstate 215 and south of Clinton Keith Road. The area has 49 lots and 44 of those are currently occupied. Privately-owned pumping

wells are currently used to provide water supply to the property owners, and in the past some residents have experienced well failure or overpumping.

A December 7 EMWD board action approved a construction contract and a pair of support services contracts for the Los Alamos Hills Water Facilities Project which will provide a looped water system from the adjacent 1580 pressure zone. Approximately 6,700 feet of linear pipeline eight inches in diameter and 5,000 linear feet of 12-inch pipeline will be constructed along with appurtenances along Los Alamos Road, Ruth Ellen Way, Celia Road, Mary Place, and Mason Road. Fire hydrants will also be installed.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 included $350 billion of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocations for eligible state, territorial, tribal, and local governments. The City of Murrieta offered to provide Eastern with $3,000,000 of APRA

Movie review: ‘IF’

Bob Garver

Special to Valley News

My biggest complaint about writer/director/star John Krasinski’s new movie “IF”… is that it’s a movie. What I mean is that Krasinski clearly has some broad ideas for worldbuilding and there are many interesting characters in the mix, but the movie has to rush so much to stay within the “movie” format of a two-hour runtime that the whole thing is kind of a mess.

The story follows 12-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming) as she stays with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw, charmingly reminding me of my own grandmother) while her widower father (Krasinski) is in the hospital for heart surgery. Her family does their best to keep her in good spirits, but Bea can only bring herself to split her time between being bored and worrying that she’ll lose another loved one.

One night, while her grandmother is asleep (she’s not the best at keeping tabs on the child),

Answers for puzzle on page B-5

Bea catches a glimpse of a figure that doesn’t look like anything that’s possible. Following some snooping, Bea learns that the cartoon-like Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) is an Imaginary Friend, or “IF,” long forgotten by her human friend, who grew up. Blossom and enormous IF goofball Blue (Steve Carell) live in an apartment upstairs from Bea’s grandmother alongside Cal (Ryan Reynolds), a grumpy adult. Cal has some sort of job trying to find new children for the IFs, but business doesn’t seem to be going so well. As in, I don’t think he’s ever succeeded. Bea volunteers to help.

Cal reluctantly takes Bea to a sort of retirement home for forgotten IFs. Bea meets all sorts of unusual creatures, usually anthropomorphic food or the embodiment of some dream occupation. The home’s teddy bear proprietor (the late Louis Gossett Jr.) is delighted that Bea is taking an interest and encourages her to not only put her best foot forward, but push

funding to support the construction of water infrastructure for Los Alamos Hills. A July 2022 EMWD board meeting included approving a design contract with Albert A. Webb and approval of an interagency agreement with the City of Murrieta which includes the designation of roles, cooperative responsibilities, and timing as well as financial participation. The eventual city contribution was $3.28 million. The construction is expected to be completed by January 2025.

EMWD staff members worked with Los Alamos Hills property owners about the annexation, and some property owners did not desire to receive municipal water service from Eastern and MWD at this time (primarily due to annexation fees and other costs). The exclusion of those properties leaves “window areas” in the annexation area, but Eastern considered that preferable to denying everyone service due to a minority of property owners. Those property

ENTERTAINMENT

Cal to step up his game as well.

The two get to work trying to find new children for the IFs, but are new children really the answer? It might be that what the IFs really need is to reconnect with their old children, despite them now being, well, old. Maybe a burst of childlike inspiration is just what the cynical adults need. This certainly seems to be true in the case of Blue’s sullen, now-grown child Jeremy (Bobby Moynihan). Are Blue and Jeremy still right for each other? Is what’s right for Blue right for all the other IFs? Keep in mind that Bea has to balance all these questions and goals with her father’s critical surgery drawing ever closer (to say nothing of keeping it all secret from the grandmother). Even if everything goes perfectly, emotions will still be high and tears will be shed.

The high-stakes business with the father’s health has to bookend the story, I’m not disputing that. But I wish Krasinski, with all his clout in Hollywood, had found a way to expand the middle part of this project. The movie is constantly having to establish rules and exposition that half the time it can’t keep straight anyway. For example, are the IFs in danger of disappearing? If so, under what circumstances, exactly? The possibility is brought up a few times but never expended. Then there are all the IFs besides Blossom and Blue that are voiced by talented people like Bradley Cooper and Emily Blunt that get maybe three lines and are relegated to rapid-fire sequences of no importance.

PARADE from page B-7

owners not currently interested in annexation may do so in the future but would pay the processing and annexation fees charged at that time. The annexation includes 11.81 ares of public roads, so only 96.75 acres are subject to MWD’s annexation fee.

The annexation would make the area eligible for imported water through MWD and Eastern. The annual estimated imported water demand is 53.23 acre-feet. In March 2023 the EMWD board adopted an environmental Mitigated Negative Declaration for the annexation.

A July 11 MWD board action approved the annexation of the 36 parcels into MWD while setting terms and conditions. MWD has a per-acre annexation fee which is based on the calendar year when the annexation occurs rather than the year MWD approved the terms of the annexation. MWD also has a $5,000 processing fee which is collected at the time of the initial annexation request.

Riverside County’s Local Agency Formation Commission voted 7-0 January 25 to approve the annexation of the land into Eastern and MWD. The LAFCO processing fee for annexations between 10 and 200 acres is $7,740.

For Calendar Year 2024 the MWD annexation fee is $7,596 per acre, so the total for the Los Alamos Hills annexation is $734,913. The parcels are also subject to MWD’s property tax, which is 0.0035% of the assessed valuation of each parcel. MWD also has a standby charge of $6.94 per acre or for a parcel of less than one acre, and that would also be placed on the landowners’ property tax bills. The property owners will also pay Eastern’s fixed charges. The Los Alamos Hills Water System Financing Program provides for financing of the annexation charges over a 30-year period. Joe Naiman can be reached via email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.

“IF” this movie had instead been, say, a 10-episode television or streaming miniseries, then maybe the first and last episodes could focus on family drama, but the other eight could have been for Bea and Cal just going on adventures to help the IFs, which is what I think Krasinski really wanted for this project. I want to be grateful for what we do get: a half-decent kids’ movie at a time

when kids could use a decent movie. But I can’t help but think that when it came to directing more time, money, and resources at this material, what IF…

Grade: C “IF” is rated PG for thematic elements and mild language. Its running time is 104 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

Thursday, July 4, stepping off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Old Town Front Street and Second Street. Entries will travel north on the parade route and end at Sixth Street. Interested participants can complete parade entry applications and view parade guidelines online by visiting http://TemeculaCA. gov/4thofJuly. The Fourth of July Parade is a fun-filled, family-friendly community event designed to reflect the goodwill, spirit and excitement of the patriotic holiday. Entry categories consist of marchers, equestrians, floats, autos, bands and more. Schools, clubs, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, community and religious groups are all encouraged to apply. Applications to participate as an entry will continue to be accepted until full. Keep up-to-date on all upcoming Temecula Community Services’ events, activities and programs, by visiting http://TemeculaCA.gov/ TCSD and following us @TemeculaParksandRec on social media. Submitted by city of Temecula.

Silverado Apartment Homes, a 492-unit apartment community in Murrieta, has been acquired by Bell Partners at $146.5 million. The community is renamed “Bell Murrieta Springs.” Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Vintage Car Show

Map of Fallbrook Vintage Car Show

RESTAURANTS & FOOD TRUCKS

A Village Roots - 136 N Main Av - Deli & Taproom Live Music - Open at 10:30

B Country Kettle - Caramel Corn - Food Booth

C Beer & Wine Garden - Village Square (Alvarado)

D Yogurt Palace - 130 S Main Av - Frozen Yogurt Open 10:00-3:00

E Harry’s Sports Bar - 125 S Main AvBar and Grill - Open at 11:00

F The Hearth Coffee and Bakery - 139 S Main Av Serving Breakfast

G Carl’s Concessions - American Food Truck

H Beachin’ Bobba - Dessert & Specialty Drinks Food Truck

I Mi Guadalajara Food Truck - Mexican Food

J The Coal Bunker - 232 S Main Av - American Food 6:00 Pancake Breakfast

K 127 West Social House - 127 W Elder St - American Pub Open at 11:30 Restaurants Not on Map

• El Toro - 337 N Main Av - Mexican Food

• Main Street Café - 507 S Main Av - Open at 7:00 for breakfast

• Mariscos El Pacifico - 111 N Vine St

• Pedro’s Tacos - 536 S Main Av - Mexican Food - Breakfast at 7:00

• Heritage Hall - 112 W Beach St - Smoothies from 10:00

Early Years of the Fallbrook Vintage Car Club

Dennis Lutz FVCC Member

I am probably the last surviving attendee of the very first Fall Brook Vintage Car Club meeting. I moved to Fallbrook in 1969, just before my junior year in high school. I had purchased a 1956 Chevrolet nomad, which I still own, just prior to moving from Whittier. That year, my brother Dan and I purchased a Model A Ford roadster from a classmate’s mother, and we started the restoration which we completed a year later, and he drove it to Fallbrook High School his junior and senior years.

During that time, my dad purchased a 1931 Ford Deluxe Roadster, and a few months later, he purchased a 1936 Ford 3 Window Coupe which the three of us restored.

I do not remember the exact date of the first meeting, but I was either towards the end of my senior year in high school or my first year

at Palomar college. The three of us drove my Nomad over to Paul Stiles’s house, where there were maybe 10 to 12 other car enthusiasts.

Besides my family, I remember Paul Stiles, Carl Rosenthal, and Bob White were in attendance. Over the next few meetings discussion followed: The name Fallbrook was odiously decided, but it was divided into two words Fall Brook, which I think was the original spelling when the

town was first incorporated.

I have a license plate topper I found somewhere in Fallbrook with the spelling of two words. The term “Vintage” was coined by my dad, his belief was that this would open the club up to an assortment of cars that would not be classified as antique or classic, 25 years or older, and my Nomad was only 16 years old.

Paul Stiles was elected president.

Dan Lutz Sr. in his

The early Ford “Letter Cars”

younger years, had a few cars that he restored or hot rodded including a 1926 Model T, 1934 Victoria and a Roadster, and a 1936 Ford 3-Window Coupe. Marriage and the family came along, and he purchased a new 1956 Bel Air 2 door sport coupe as a family car.

My dad returned to his other lifelong hobby of building model airplanes. He was a craftsman and many of his models were on the cover of model airplane

magazines, along with many articles written about him and the planes he built and flew.

My brother and I sparked the old car flame inside him. He was elected the second FVCC president, and over the next few years he restored two beautiful 1936 Fords, a Roadster, and a Cabriolet. Both achieved national first place awards, along with the prestigious Early V8 Club Dearborn Awards.

In 1983, on his way to work, my dad had a near fatal accident near the Bonsall Bridge. This left him in a wheelchair paralyzed from the waist down. He would pick out a few car shows, or swap meets to attend, and I would drive him to show his cars and visit his friends. He was unable to continue his car restoration hobby and returned to building his world class model airplanes. My dad passed away in 2000 after being confined in a wheelchair for 17 years.

and I inherited his Model A roadster. As for me, I drove my Nomad to Fallbrook High School, Palomar College and to San Diego State. I worked in construction and manufacturing before becoming a full-time professor of Industrial Technology at Palomar College, I retired in 2020 after 30 years. I have remained a car hobbyist restoring many

Model

Dan Lutz Jr. drove his Model A Roadster around Fallbrook for years and continued to restore cars,

Dan Lutz Sr. with the ‘36 Ford. Note the FVCC Posters on the walls and the prize-winning RC Model Airplanes.

Dan Lutz Jr.’s Model A.

Dan Lutz Sr.’s Model A Deluxe in Dennis’ garage.

Dennis Lutz with his 1956 Chevrolet Nomad. Courtesy photos specializing in Mercedes Benz. Dan passed away in 2002,

dad’s

1931 Model A Deluxe Roadster.

History of the Fallbrook Vintage Car Club

Ron

Mintle FVCC Member

The original Vintage Car Club started as a Model A Ford Club in the late 1950s. At the time, it had approximately 10 members – all Model A owners. The club later moved to the Stiles’ Fallbrook Tractor office on East Mission. The original group’s only scheduled activity was an annual Memorial Day car show. The annual car show has continued ever since and is the longestrunning car show west of the Mississippi and the longest-running charitable event in the history of Fallbrook.

In 1961, the club was expanded, opened to select car brands, and renamed the Fallbrook Car Club. Paul Stiles was the first club President. According to early members, there was no formal election; the Presidency moved from member to member depending on the willingness of a member to take on the responsibilities of the office.

In 1975, the club was renamed the Fallbrook Vintage Car Club after joining the Antique Automobile Club of America as a part of the San Diego Region. Since then the club has become

its own region of the AACA.

The first car poster was issued in 1985. It depicted Carl Rosenberg and his wife Marie driving a 1913 brass radiator Model T Ford leading several antique cars in front of the Ellis Hotel on Main Avenue. Carl drove midget race cars in the 30’s and 40’s at the Culver City Raceway.

The Fallbrook Historical Society’s museum, located at the corner of Hill Street and Rocky Crest, has, in addition to records and displays about the Vintage Car Club, three historic vehicles: a 1923 model T Ford, a 1930 Ford Roadster and a model A Ford driven annually at the Fallbrook Christmas Parade.

The Fallbrook Vintage Car Club today has over 100 active members. The two big events on the club’s annual schedule

are the Avocado Festival in April and the Fallbrook Vintage Car Show, which has been held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend every year since 1965 and is always free to the public. Proceeds from these two events are routinely donated to deserving local charities throughout the year.

The Car Show Poster for 2024 is the 37th in a limited-edition series. It depicts the founding member’s cars in front of the Fallbrook Historical Society.

Each year our posters are available at the Fallbrook Avocado Festival and at our annual Car Show. And now they are available online. Go to www. FallbrookVintageCarClub. org/product-category/ posters/ to see them all and visit our online store to buy some.

The Car Show poster for 2024 depicts founding members’ cars in front of the Fallbrook Historical Society.

The first poster was created for the 1985 Fallbrook Vintage Car Show.

2004 poster “On the Bonsall Bridge.”

2006 poster showcasing the Del Rey Avocado packing plant.

Courtesy photos

The history of motorhomes

Fred Weisberger FVCC Member

If a “motorhome” is a motorized home on wheels, with such amenities as: bed(s), kitchen, table, seats, toilet, and sometimes even a shower, then motorhomes have been around for over a hundred years.

It is believed that few, if any, motorhomes were built before 1910, likely because most cars and trucks were too small and under-powered. One of the earliest known American motorhomes was custombuilt on a 1910 Packard 3-ton truck. It could sleep up to 11 people, had a toilet and an icebox.

Also in 1910 the luxury auto builder Pierce-Arrow (1901-1938) displayed at Madison Square Garden Auto Show a prototype Model 66 “Touring Landau." This show car was a formal limo with a back seat that folded down to form a bed, plus a chamber pot toilet, and a fold down sink with running water.

The standard 1910 PierceArrow Landau listed for

$7,200 and the Touring Landau was a lofty $8,300; more than ten times the price of a 1910 Ford Model T. It is believed that three Touring Landau cars were built and none are known to survive. Today the PierceArrow Touring Landau is considered the first “factory-built” American small motorhome.

From the mid-teens and into the 1920s many small home-built motorhomes were constructed on the inexpensive Ford Model T car and Model TT truck chassis—and whatever brand they could find. Some of these early motorhomes resembled small wood houses and were sometimes known as a “Car House.”

Although the small homebuilt motorhomes were certainly attention-getters,

they were not as impressive the so-called “land-yachts.”

One of the most famous was Roland Conklin’s 1915 two-story “Gypsy Van.”

This massive converted bus motorhome weighed 8 tons, and included: Pullmanstyle folding berths, a full-kitchen, full bathroom with shower, sofa, tables, phonograph, generator, electric lights and even a rooftop covered deck. In the late summer of 1915, the Conklin family drove it from New York to San Francisco—and the Gypsy Van became a national media sensation! It is fair to say that the Conklin’s Gypsy Van was the first luxury motorhome and the great grandfather of today’s luxury Motor Coaches.

Many more motorhomes were built in the Roaring

1920s, and even during the Great Depression years of the 1930s, but with fuel and tires rationing during WWII, few to none were built.

After the war, especially during the 1950s, factory built motorhomes replaced the home-built and custom motorhomes. In 1958 the first Winnebago was offered and soon the company became the market leader.

Motorhomes have been an important part of automobile history for over a hundred years. From the early home-built specials and one-off customs to today’s factory built motorhomes and luxury motor coaches, Americans have truly embraced the idea of a motorized house on wheels.

Last year over 40,000

motorhomes were sold in the United States. And if you want to have more motorhome/RV fun, you can join our club’s

One of the earliest known American motorhomes was custom-built on a 1910 Packard 3-ton

the mid-teens and into the 1920s many small home-built motorhomes were constructed on the inexpensive Ford Model T car and Model TT truck chassis.

Roland Conklin’s 1915 two-story “Gypsy Van.”

The early years of automobiles in Southern California

Fred Weisberger FVCC Member

The first known gasolinepowered “horseless carriage” in California was designed and built in Los Angeles. The Erie-Sturgis was designed by engineer James P. Erie and built by Samuel D. Sturgis in his machine shop on West 5th Street. This automobile was conceived two years prior, but it took time to gather the funds to complete the project. Not to alarm horses, it was decided to take the first drive on public roads during the late night of June 30, 1897. With much mechanical difficulty, the car traveled only a little faster than walking speed. After a few more brief drives, the project was abandoned—and only

Fred Weisberger

In the 1600s, the British colonists in America traveled by

and

on the left side of the road, like in

one example was ever built.

The first car in San Bernardino County was a 1899 Haynes-Apperson, built in Kokomo, Indiana. The car arrived on June 26 of that year. C.J. Gaylord was the new owner of this two-cylinder, 7 horsepower motorcar. His early drives on public streets were a sensation and a local newspaper named it “The Stomachless Steed.”

The first report of a gasoline-powered vehicle in San Diego County appeared in the February 13, 1900 edition of the San Diego Union newspaper. The owner was D.C. Collier, but the car was simply described as three-wheeler of “French Design” (likely a 1897-99 De Dion-Bouton trike).

The earliest known San Diego car photo appears to

show a 1899 Locomobile steam car.

On December 13, 1900, a group of horseless carriage enthusiasts in Los Angles founded the Automobile Club of Southern California. The club was dedicated to improving roads, posting signs, proposing traffic laws and generally assisting the increasing number of motorist. No official automobile registration records seem to exist for just Southern California, but by 1900 there were 780 cars registered in all of California. In 1901 there were 1,450 registrations. The following year it was up to 2,290. By 1905 there were 7,890 cars registered. Five years later, in 1910, there were 43,210 cars registered in

With the arrival of Continental Europeans, especially Germans, who traveled on the right side of the road, the colonists began to travel on the right side of road in some regions. Starting in the early 1800s, American states began to pass laws requiring travel on the right side of the road. By the Civil War (1861-65) all states had mandated driving on the right side of the road. When Americans first began to build primitive automobiles in the 1890s, most builders chose to put the driver on the right side of the vehicle (Right Hand Drive - “RHD”). This was likely done to allow the driver to enter

California. Today there are over 13 million cars registered in the state—the highest number in the nation. After a humble start with its first car in 1897, Southern California has gone on to play a major role in shaping American car culture: the first board racetrack (1910 Los Angles Motordrome); including car chase scenes in films (1910s-); dry lake speed competitions (1931-); Hot Rods and drag racing (late 1940s-); influential car magazines: Hot Rod, Road & Track, Car Craft… (late 1940s-); dune buggies (1960s-), Lowrider car culture (1960s-), “Drifting” competitions (1996-); DJM car collecting and Japanese car shows (2005-) and much more.

safely from the curb side. With hand-crank cars the driver frequently had to rush between the handcrank and the driver’s seat. Consequently, nearly all pre-1908 American-built cars had the driver sit on the right side of the car.

When Ford introduced

the Model T in 1908, with the steering wheel on the left side (LHD), the advantages of passenger convenience and driving safety became apparent. Perhaps the greatest advantage of LHD was the driver can better judge oncoming traffic when seated near the center of the road. By the early 1920s all American car manufacturers had abandoned RHD and adopted LHD for their cars. Now you know why Americans drive on the right side of the road and the driver sits on the left side of the car.

The Erie-Sturgis, the first known gasoline-powered “horseless carriage.”

The earliest known San Diego car photo appears to show a 1899 Locomobile steam car.

Courtesy photos

The American gas station

Fred Weisberger FVCC Member

For over 100 years

American motorists have been able to easily buy gasoline from a convenient gas station near home and far away. Not surprisingly, during the early years of motoring (1900-1910), it was often difficult, but not impossible to buy gasoline.

In 1903, Horatio Nelson Jackson, and his mechanic Sewal Crocker, completed the first trans-continental drive. Jackson drove a 1903 Winton (2-cylinder, 20hp) from San Francisco to New York City. After 63 days, and around 4,000 miles, the Winton had consumed around 800 gallons of gasoline. Although Jackson had great difficulty buying tires for his car, he was usually able to find gasoline for sale, even in small towns, where his Winton was the first horseless carriage in town.

Fortunately for the early motorist, gasoline was already available for stationary “hit-andmiss” engines. Starting before 1900, these simple gasoline engines began to replace animal power, wind power, and steam

engines. Stationary gasoline engines were used to run water pumps, sawmills, generators, and much more. The popularity of these engines encouraged hardware stores, blacksmith shops, and General Stores to sell gasoline, usually sold in steel cans, for easy transport to one’s farm. It is difficult to determine which was the first proper “gas station” in the United States because many technical components needed to be invented first: underground gas tanks (1902), hand-powered gas pumps (1904), gas pumps with sight glass, “spinners” and gallon bells (1910), the large clear glass holding tank for gasoline on top of the pump (early 1920s), and the first electric gas pump (1923).

Between 1903 and 1905 refineries began to build “filling stations” to refill horse-drawn tankers, designed to deliver gasoline to retailers and large customers, but these were not normally open to the general public. Some argue that the first purpose-built gas station was built in St. Louis around 1905. It is known that in 1907 John McLean opened a public drive-through Standard Oil gas station in Seattle, but there was no gas pump, per se. McLean rigged up an elevated gas tank and

a gravity feed hose with valve. Around 1910 some retail establishments began to install simple gas pumps in front of their business – and others quickly followed.

It is believed that two of the first purpose-built, public access gas stations, with actual gas pumps, were opened in 1913. That year Standard Oil opened a drive-through gas station in Columbus, Ohio and Gulf Oil Corp opened one in Pittsburgh, PA. More purpose-built gas stations quickly popped

up around the country. Over time gas stations also sold tires, auto parts and accessories – and later offered a service bay or two. By the 1930s gas stations were fairly standardized and very common throughout America.

Over the years the small independently-owned gas stations of the 1930s evolved into “full-service” gas stations of the 1940s to 1960s. These were replaced in the 1970s and 1980s with today’s nationalbranded gas stations, with self-service only, and a

prominent convenience store included. More than a hundred years after the first gas stations were built in America, there is a new problem specifically for electric car owners: finding a compatible fast-charging station when away from home. Similar to the early years of gasoline automobiles, access to charging stations will likely expand to meet the increasing demand. Soon you will be able to either “Gas-Up” or “Charge-Up” anywhere in America.

Fallbrook Vintage Car Club gives back

The Annual Car Show is the primary fundraiser providing the revenue for the club to make year-round donations to Fallbrook Charities. Here is a list of the organizations to which we have donated over the last year: Armed Services YMCA Camp Pendleton, Fallbrook Art Association, Fallbrook Beautification Alliance, Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, Fallbrook

Cheer Booster Association, Fallbrook Food Pantry, Fallbrook High School Auto Shop, Fallbrook High School Band Boosters, Fallbrook High School Boys Lacrosse Boosters Club, Fallbrook High School PTSA, Fallbrook Music Society, Fallbrook Senior Center, Fallbrook Student of the Month, Fallbrook Village Rotary Foundation, Fallbrook Youth Rugby, Operation Showers

The Ford Model T (1908-1927)

• 4-cylinder, 20 horsepower, 2-speed transmission, top speed: 40 mph

• The list actually price went DOWN from $825 in 1908

to $360 in 1927 • Ford Motor Company sold approximately 15 million Model T’s during its production

of Appreciation, Potter Jr. High School PTA, REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program, and Wings of Change.

If you are a Fallbrook area charity you can apply for a donation. The charity should be a legally established nonprofit organization which benefits the Fallbrook Community and have a Fallbrook address. If military, the charity should support local military and their families, in which case a Fallbrook address is waived. If youth oriented, the Charity should directly benefit youths.

• In 1999 International historians and journalist voted the Ford Model T the “Car of the Century.”

Charities may submit their reqests once a year. An application form can be downloaded from the bottom of the home page of our website at www FallbrookVintageCarClub. org

Gas stations open to the general public around 1905.

1916 Ford Model T.

Courtesy photos

Courtesy photo

Janelle Fire in Aguanga scorches more than

Fire department crews stage along St. Hwy. 371 during the Janelle Fire

14 in Aguanga.

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Don Roberts, left, Rich Handy, Don Hamilton, Dan Sandoval (seated), Rodney Hubscher, Sara Hubscher, Kaitlyn Gawat, Taylor Gawat, Donna Sheehan, Sandy Sandoval and Dennis Sheehan

in the Lake Riverside Estates Veterans Flag Retirement Ceremony

May 18. 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, from 10:3011:30 a.m. All are welcome. CalFresh 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 951-763-4333.

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 “HamiltonMuseum-and-Ranch-Foundation.”

Backcountry Horsemen

JULIE

MALINA GUGEL,

JUDY BELL,

Editorial

STEPHANIE

SHANE GIBSON, Staff Photographer

TONY AULT, Staff Writer

DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer

JOE NAIMAN, Writer

ROGER BODDAERT, Writer

Advertising Sales

JOSEPHINE MACKENZIE ANNA MULLEN

CINDY DAVIS

ANDREW REEDER

Production

KARINA RAMOS YOUNG, Art Director

FOREST RHODES, Production Assistant

SAMANTHA GORMAN, Graphic Artist

Digital Services

MARIO MORALES

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 Latter-day 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 951763-4226.

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 951-5512826.

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, 951-7634759.

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 nondenominational nonprofit. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-763-5636.

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 951-7630856.

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 – 4 p.m. Meetings are on the third Tuesday 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 951763-5611 for information.

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 951-7632884 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 951-282-4267 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.

ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK

Sheriff’s Blotter

Diane

Sieker Staff Writer

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 May 13 through May 19.

May 13

Shots fired - 6000 *** block

Tamatea Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Shots fired - 4200 *** block El Campo Rd., Anza, handled by deputy

Suspicious circumstance - 5900 *** block Grandon Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Suspicious vehicle - address undefined, Aguanga, handled by deputy Danger to self/other - 5300 *** block Cave Rock Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Recovery of stolen vehicle4200 *** block El Campo Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Suicide threat - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy Alarm call - 4200 *** block Rambling Ln., Lake Riverside, handled by deputy

Suspicious circumstance - 5000 *** block Bradford Rd., Anza, handled by deputy May 14

Petty theft - 5000 *** block Bradford Rd., Anza, report taken

Assist other department - address undefined, Aguanga, handled by deputy Public disturbance - 4200 *** block Lilac Ln., Anza, handled by deputy Throw substance at vehicleaddress undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Check the welfare - address undefined, Lake Riverside, handled by deputy

May 15

Suspicious person - 5300 ***

block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy

Check the welfare - 5700 ***

block Mitchell Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Suspicious circumstance - 5700 *** block Mitchell Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Public assist - 5900 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy

Suicide threat - address withheld, Lake Riverside, handled by deputy Assist other departmentaddress undefined, Anza, handled by deputy Search & rescue operation -

address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy

May 16

Follow-up- address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy

Burglary - 5300 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy

May 17

Public disturbance - 5800 *** block 80th Av., Anza, handled by deputy

Petty theft - 5700 *** block

Stella Ln., Anza, report taken

Trespassing - address undefined, Anza, handled by deputy

Follow-up - address withheld, Anza, handled by deputy

FIRE from page D-1

1 p.m., aiding firefighters in their battle on the ground.

The forward rate of spread was stopped at about 1:50 p.m. and full containment gained by about 4 p.m.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Catriona Crehan contributed photos to this report. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

May 18

Burglary - 5200 *** block Wheeler Rd., Anza, report taken Assist other departmentaddress undefined, Aguanga, handled by deputy Recovery of stolen vehicle4200 *** block El Campo Rd., Anza, handled by deputy Battery - 5600 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, handled by deputy

May 19

Check the welfare - 4900 *** block Pima Ct., Lake Riverside, handled by deputy Area check - 5100 *** block

Snaith Rd., Anza, handled by deputy 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)791-3400. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909)987-5005 or https://wetip.com

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

The Sheriff’s Blotter enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Crews mop up after the Janelle Fire Tuesday, May 14 in Aguanga.

Firefighters pose for a photo as the action winds down at the Janelle Fire Tuesday, May 14 in Aguanga.

Firefighters comb the terrain for hot spots at the Janelle Fire Tuesday, May 14 in Aguanga.

The blaze marches toward the highway during the Janelle Fire Tuesday, May 14 in Aguanga.

and gently lowered into the flames.

The vets saluted the stars and bars as it was set alight.

“This is the first ceremony of its kind in LRE,” said veteran Dan Sandoval. “We intend to make it an annual event.”

Armed Forces Day recognizes servicemembers, both past and present, in all six branches of the US military: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force and Space Force.

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

Legal Advertising

Run your legal notices in the Anza Valley Outlook, adjudicated for Riverside County.

n

n

n

n Abandonment of Fictitious Business Name Statement ..............$48 for 4 Weeks

n Notice of Sale of Abandoned Property .......................................$80 for 2 Weeks

Deadline: Fridays at 3pm for following week’s publication.

from page D-1

“This meeting is in preparation for the upcoming Anza Farmers Market in July,” said organizer Annika Knöppel. “We are inviting all interested farmers, wannabe farmers and producers of agricultural products who are interested in taking part in our local Farmers Market. Please join us for this exciting and educational meeting.”

The event will introduce a panel of speakers including some Anza local farmers and producers already in the industry.

The panelists will present information and personal experiences, including how to become a certified producer and farmer cooperative; improve and develop local produce; and how to create a farming business.

“Take this opportunity to bring your questions and help collaborate on future planning,” said Knöppel. Refreshments will be served. Overland Realty is located at 56333 St. Hwy. 371 in Anza. For more information, contact Annika Knöppel at 951-234-1314 or by email at anzafarmersmarket@gmail.com Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

FLAG from page D-1

MARKET

Donna, left, and Dennis Sheehan read the Flag Retirement Speech at the Lake Riverside Estates Veterans Flag Retirement Ceremony Saturday, May 18.

Kaitlyn Gawat plays taps at the Lake Riverside Estates Veterans Flag Retirement Ceremony Saturday, May 18.

Dennis Sheehan, left, and Sandy Sandoval prepare the first flag for retirement at the Lake Riverside Estates Veterans Flag Retirement Ceremony Saturday, May 18.

Don Roberts, left, and Dan Sandoval retire a worn flag at the Lake Riverside Estates Veterans Flag Retirement Ceremony Saturday, May 18.

[Right] Youngsters participate in the Lake Riverside Estates Veterans Flag Retirement Ceremony Saturday, May 18.

Finding common ground in Temecula

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18)

A recall election for TVUSD School Board President Dr. Joseph Komrosky is now under way: the final day to cast ballots in the District 4 recall is Tuesday, June 4, 2024. The organized opposition to his leadership may actually prove to be a blessing for Joseph and our city. His good work will stand the test of examination and opposition. After all that has been said and done since the new board was installed in December of 2022, both supporters and opponents share common ground on issues important to all families such as parental rights and removing inappropriate content from the schools’ curriculum.

The three new school board members were elected promising

a defense of the rights of parents to direct the education of their children, a right protected by our Constitution. California law requires public schools to teach values most parents want their children to learn. California Ed. Code 233.5 reads, “Each teacher shall endeavor to impress upon the minds of the pupils the principles of morality, truth, justice, patriotism, and a true comprehension of the rights, duties, and dignity of American citizenship. The Bible tells us that parents are responsible to bring up their children “… in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). School policies based on our Constitution, California Education code, and God’s Word should not be controversial. Each TVUSD board meeting begins with the “Pledge of

Allegiance,” a reminder that there is more that unites us than divides us. We are “…one nation [and one city] under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” This is the unique American heritage our families want to pass on to their children and grandchildren, and supporters and opponents of Joseph together recite their commitment to our nation founded on the truth “… that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness” ( Declaration. of Independence , 1776)

Because these truths are “selfevident,” the TVUSD board passed a policy outlawing racism: requiring that all students be treated as unique persons, worthy

Critical Race Theory (CRT) debate rages in the Temecula Valley

School: How to Fight Back and I was here to advertise it. The comments on my book’s Facebook page were often angry and profane. I knew people would be more controlled face-to-face, but I wondered if I would meet that one angry CRT supporter who would go too far.

As people walked by, I began making my pitch. If you have any questions about Critical Race Theory, I would be happy to answer them, like why it’s bad for race relations and what exactly is Critical Race Theory? I intentionally spoke in an even tone, but projected my voice out into the crowd. I wanted people to hear me, but I didn’t want to trigger anyone. Most walked by, of course, but soon some approached for more information. I prepared a statement to deliver maximum information in minimal time. These people

were here for fun, not to explore CRT.

of respect, and be judged by their actions and not their appearance. The American flag is displayed in each classroom as a reminder to students of our common heritage. This same respect is given to those speaking at board meetings, allowing opposing opinions to be voiced with both passion and civility. Both sides would likely agree these comments have not always been pleasant, but they are protected by our Constitution. As a result of the debate between supporters and opponents at board meetings, it has become clear that people on both sides of the recall effort hold common family values. Temecula One PAC, the group behind the recall effort, states on its website, “nobody wants pornography in our schools” and “parents have many rights guaranteed by Calif. Ed.

Code.” Though their website includes a detailed list of criticisms of Dr. Komrosky, on at least two major issues, they agree. On issues of disagreement, lawsuits were brought against board members and against the pro-family policies passed by the board. These lawsuits have been the chief cause of the legal expenses for which Joseph has been criticized. Lawyers needed to be hired to protect the good work the board had done.

Temecula parents and citizens who want morality and family values taught in our public schools will find common ground with Joseph. His leadership has been a blessing to TVUSD, and I encourage a “no” vote on his recall.

Greg Langworthy Former high school English

teacher

over it. One woman started to throw her beer at me, but stopped herself.

Finally, three people surrounded me and peppered me with questions for about 30 minutes. They were obviously hoping I would say something they could attack. They eventually grew frustrated and one person finally screamed obscenities at me. My neighboring vendor threatened to call 911 and they left.

I knew I would have a few incidents, but the vast majority of people just wanted honest information about CRT. As the festival wrapped up, I learned my book fills a genuine need and that was a great feeling for a first time author.

Over and over, I said, CRT and Ethnic Studies are NOT the same thing. Ethnic Studies is the healthy, positive exploration of one’s culture leading to self-awareness and self-confidence. Critical Race Theory focuses only on the worst moments of our history without giving credit to the tremendous progress we’ve made over the last 75 years.

Even the obviously skeptical seemed satisfied enough with those words to walk away without giving me a dirty look. Most importantly, they walked away with a better understanding of CRT. That’s why I wrote my book. Information about CRT is often confusing. Parents want to know

Wartime precedents justify TikTok ban

Joe Naiman Writer

Federal legislation to ban TikTok may seem like an infringement of the First Amendment, but there is precedent for such a ban.

The Bill of Rights didn’t negate the original part of the Constitution. It includes Article I Section 8, which gives Congress the authority to declare war and to make laws necessary and proper to execute that power.

The first regulations on firearms were bans on machine guns. Before 1970, the National Rifle Association accepted what the NRA considered reasonable regulations. After accepting certain restrictions, most notably on shipping, following the 1968 assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, those who wanted outright bans used those regulations to argue that the Second Amendment was not absolute. The NRA sacked its leadership, replaced those leaders with hard-line Second Amendment advocates and created the Institute for Legislative Action. The NRA thus did not oppose the initial legislation to ban machine guns.

Those who argue that the purpose of the NRA is to kill people aren’t

totally wrong. The NRA was formed shortly after the Civil War as a response to the poor accuracy rate of Union soldiers.

The initial purpose of the NRA was improved shooting. The NRA provided training and sanctioned shooting contests before it entered the political arena.

The NRA thus did not oppose the restrictions on ammunition purchases during World War II.

That restriction did save American lives when taken in conjunction with Gen. George Patton’s adage that the way to win a war isn’t to die for your country but to make the other guy die for his country.

Giving soldiers the first priority for ammunition was thus compatible with the NRA mission. Controlling game population was left to the bow hunters. Deer hunters might not have obtained venison, but so many other commodities were rationed during World War II, so limiting what could be hunted was not much different than limiting what could be sold.

The rationing also included gasoline and tires. The First Amendment includes the right of the people to assemble peacefully, but what amounted to travel restrictions were necessary when

prerequisite resources were needed for the war effort.

Even the freedom of speech was abridged during World War II. Baseball radio announcers were not allowed to talk about rain delays because meteorological information was classified. The weather could be discussed in person but not over the radio.

Supposedly, the precedent for restricting free speech is the prohibition against yelling “fire” in

if their children’s school teaches it. In the end, most people were polite. I had several people call me a profane name, sometimes accompanied with an obscene hand gesture. One man aggressively picked up my book, saying, “I need to see this.” It took him several minutes, but he finally found something worthy of ridicule in his eyes and laughed with his friend

Dr. Maurer’s book, Critical Race Theory in Your School: How to Fight Back is available now on Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Valley News/Courtesy photos

a crowded theater. It would be just as illegal for a patron to sing “Great Balls of Fire” in that theater because the theater owner’s property rights include control of the content.

Such an act would also violate the intellectual property rights of the songwriters. Property rights include the right to restrict speech content.

Dr. George S. Maurer, Ed.D.

In some cases, constitutional rights conflict. The transmission of classified information pits free speech rights against national defense powers. The ban on TikTok involves People’s Republic of China control over the system and the social media outlet’s collection of information. As was the case with ammunition restrictions during World War II, the issue is a national security priority rather than suppression of dissent. Wartime restrictions provide a precedent for the ban on specifically TikTok and not other similar social media platforms.

Highway Updates

Major Temecula and Menifee highway projects to relieve traffic congestion continue at a rapid pace

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The City of Menifee last week announced that the Holland Road Overpass Project crews are using large cranes to pour the cement walls over the Interstate 215 freeway. Now, with the cement drying quickly in the welcome spring sun this week, city officials optimistically said the grand opening of the Holland Street Overpass may be coming soon. The overpass has long been sought to help relieve the current and future traffic congestion in the city that remains a problem as it continues to rapidly grow.

Meanwhile work is continuing in the Temecula area on the French Valley Parkway Phase 2 northbound Interstate 15 and I-215 freeways. The major work continues on a new flyover bridge at Santa Gertrudis Creek and Warm Springs Creek that are being widened. Barriers and retaining walls are being built.

The $138 million project, according to city engineers, may slash the northbound freeway choke point at Winchester Road while making it safer for motorists near and at the northbound I-15/I-215 split.

Caltrans announcements

The California Department of Transportation on National Train Day May 11 announced they have successfully augmented its passenger rail service in California by placing into service the first of

Kim Harris Special to Valley News

seven new Venture Passenger Rail Car trains for daily roundtrip travel between Oakland and Bakersfield which one day soon will hopefully reach our region.

Caltrans, many motorists may not know, owns the largest stateowned intercity passenger rail fleet in the nation, which it runs on the Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquins services. The San Joaquins service features the new passenger cars, with ADA-accessible aisles, doors, and restrooms. When all passenger cars are on the tracks by 2026, they will represent a $132 million investment in infrastructure spending.

“These new rail cars encourage more people to get out of their cars and take the train. That lowers planet-warming pollution, improves air quality, shrinks our collective carbon footprint and further reduces our contribution to greenhouse gas emissions,”

Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said.

Once they reach our region what benefits will they bring according to Caltrans?

Venture passenger rail cars provide a much-needed increase in passenger mobility, especially for those persons using wheelchairs. This improves transportation equity. The new cars are the first addition to the passenger rail fleet in more than 20 years.

Other current highway projects

Regional motorists will be glad

to know that Caltrans announced that no road work will be occurring from 6 a.m. Friday, May 24 until 6 p.m. May 28 in observance of the Memorial Day activities, often the busiest time of the year for highway travel.

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.

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. They are working on road sign installations.

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. Hours of operation are normally Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. After the Memorial Day holidays traffic control: will resume. 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.

Hemet

Caltrans continues work on a $51.6 million corridor improvement project on State Route 74 (SR-74), in Hemet with a short Memorial Day holiday break. This project will include repaving and rehabilitating 49 lane miles, installing Traffic Management Systems, upgrading curb ramps, sidewalks and driveways to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, enhancing bike lane signage and striping, and upgrading 29 bus pads within the project parameters. Weather permitting. Much of the work is in Valle Vista and portions of East Hemet with some remaining near downtown.

Lake Elsinore

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 normally 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 with some Memorial Day holiday time changes. 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.

Bridge Projects Caltrans, among other projects in the area, is working to rehabilitate two historic bridges, one at Strawberry Creek outside of 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 remains the same during the Memorial Day holidays with a temporary stop light on SR-74’s Strawberry Creek Bridge. The bridge work is anticipated to be complete by fall 2024.

Caltrans says for motorists to “know before you go!” To stay on top of roadwork in the Inland Empire go to Caltrans District 8 and sign up for commuter alerts. Follow Caltrans for the latest information on Facebook and Twitter. To assist in planning your commute, view live traffic conditions using QuickMap. Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

West Coast Thunder set for Memorial Day Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez tackles homelessness in the 5th district

West Coast Thunder is expected to bring more than 7,500 motorcycle riders to Riverside and the surrounding communities for the annual ride honoring members of the armed services this Memorial Day.

Scheduled to kick off the morning of May 27 at Riverside Harley-Davidson, at 7688 Indiana Avenue, the celebrated motorcycle ride throughout the area includes a includes a 53mile trip along two freeways and will end at Diamond Stadium with a concert featuring Chayce Beckham.

“We are excited to bring together the community again for a memorable and meaningful celebration of our veterans’ valor and sacrifice,” Jackson Dodd, Executive Director of West Coast Thunder Foundation said.

West Coast Thunder was first held in 2000 when the dealership belonged to Skip Fordyce and operated under that banner, according to City News Service.

The thousands of motorcyclists bearing American flags and other

ensigns will start to gather around 6 a.m. that day before departing the dealership with a police escort at 9:11 a.m. and kick off their ride up Alessandro Boulevard to south Riverside, “where residents regularly gather on sidewalks to wave and show support,” City News Service said.

From Alessandro, the ride will take Van Buren Boulevard, where some of the riders will head to Riverside National Cemetery to pay their respects, with the remaining riders continuing onto Interstate 215 south to Murrieta.

After arriving in Murrieta, riders will then swing over to northbound Interstate 15 and ride to Lake Elsinore’s Diamond Stadium where Beckham, a singersongwriter from Apple Valley, who rose to fame in 2021 after winning the 19th season of the singing reality show American Idol, will perform.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back West Coast Thunder to Diamond Stadium for their annual Memorial Day event,” Mark Beskid, General Manager of Storm Events at Diamond Stadium said. “Their passion for the community and commitment to our nation’s heroes

align perfectly with our values, and we’re honored to host them once again.”

For those who want to participate, but who don’t own a motorcycle, concert tickets are available online at www.westcoastthunder. com. The event will also feature a car show and a vendor village, with an expanded variety of food options and an increased number of concession stands and food trucks available throughout Diamond Stadium.

Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium is located at 500 Diamond Drive in Lake Elsinore.

According to organizers, the West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride has grown year-over-year, bringing more than 10,000 riders and spectators to Riverside, many lining the streets to watch the parade travel through the city.

The foundation is d edicated to funding the American Indian Veterans Memorial, which broke ground in 2020.

For more information, including how to become a vendor, sponsor, car show participant or to register for the ride, visit www. westcoastthunder.com.

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 sets the stage for the closure of Banning Airport

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz, CA-25, and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-CA, announced that the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes language paving the way for the closure of the Banning Municipal Airport in Banning. It has been a decades-long endeavor by the city of Banning, which has subsidized the costs of the airport at over $170,000, annually. Ruiz has introduced legislation seeking to close the airport for several years, and an amendment filed by Padilla was adopted into the final FAA bill passed by Congress to finally allow the city to move forward on closing the airport.

“This bipartisan bill represents a turning point for my constituents in the city of Banning that has the potential to create jobs and bring hundreds of millions of dollars in economic development to the city,” Ruiz said. “The inclusion of my legislation, H.R.8216, to close Banning Airport is a monumental win for the city of Banning and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. This closure will provide economic growth for the district by allowing the city to repurpose the airport property to bring in

new investments and jobs to the region. I applaud Sen. Alex Padilla for championing this effort, city of Banning Mayor Alberto Sanchez for his steadfast leadership and Chairman Charles Martin of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians whose tireless advocacy helped make this effort a reality.”

“I am proud to have successfully fought for legislation that will finally provide a pathway for the closure of the Banning Airport,” Padilla said. “For too long, the Banning Municipal Airport has been a financial drain on the community, preventing redevelopment and economic growth. Now, after years of work, the city of Banning and Morongo Band of Mission Indians can finally unlock untapped economic opportunity blocked by the airport. This is a significant milestone for the city and Tribe –and a major step toward creating good new jobs for local residents.”

The bipartisan, bicameral Act includes robust protections that will directly impact the lives Californians, such as requiring airlines to have policies for reimbursing passengers for meals, lodging, and other costs due to a significantly delayed or canceled

flight, funding for airport resilience and runway safety projects and strengthens and diversifies the U.S. aviation workforce.

“The closure of the Banning Municipal Airport is a crucial step forward for our city’s economic growth and community well-being. Unfortunately, the airport lacks the necessary infrastructure and demand to remain viable and has become a financial drain on the city. The land that will become available with the closure will unlock significant economic potential for the city paving the way for transformative development and job creation in our region. Congressman Ruiz has been working tirelessly with us from the very beginning to improve the economic conditions of the city, for which we are very grateful. We’d also like to thank Sen. Alex Padilla for his efforts to get Congressman Ruiz’s closure legislation included as an amendment in the Senate FAA reauthorization bill. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Chairman Martin of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for his unwavering support and hard work on this issue,” Sanchez said.

Submitted by U.S. Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz.

RIVERSIDE – Yxstian Gutierrez, supervisor for Riverside County’s 5th District, announced the Homeless to Work Program, which will provide employment opportunities, career guidance and housing resources for homeless individuals.

The Homeless to Work Program will be administered by the county’s Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions in partnership with the Salvation Army. As the service provider, the Salvation Army will ensure that individuals are eligible to participate in the Homeless to Work Program, supervise participants, guide them towards wraparound services and provide transportation to and from worksites.

“Homelessness is a crisis that we cannot ignore,” Gutierrez said. “We need to tackle this issue with a holistic approach. By providing assistance ranging from housing to employment, we are helping them become selfsufficient, secure a stable income and obtain permanent housing all while providing them dignity.”

Participants will work a minimum of 20 hours per week for 90 days. They will work on beautification projects in the service area and receive career training, case management and housing services. The county’s HWS department will secure temporary and permanent housing for participants. The Salvation Army will work with partnered agencies to identify and recruit unemployed individuals

experiencing homelessness and provide them with career development assistance.

As a result of this program, local businesses will have greater opportunities to address their labor shortages. In addition, individuals experiencing homelessness will have opportunities to integrate themselves into the workforce. Homeless individuals that “graduate” from the program after 90 days will also be eligible for more long term employment support, such as Gutierrez’s Employer Connect program or permanent job placement. Residents in the service area will also benefit, as their neighborhoods may undergo beautification.

“The homeless-to-work program offers the opportunity to learn life skills classes and job skills on a real job experience,” Maj. Premek Kramerius of the Salvation Army said. “It has been a very successful program in some communities in Riverside County, offering the opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness in many lives.”

For more information about the Homeless to Work Program, contact the Office of County Supervisor Gutierrez.

Riverside County’s 5th District includes the cities of Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Hemet, Moreno Valley and San Jacinto and the unincorporated communities of Cabazon, Cherry Valley, Lakeview, Nuevo, Reche Canyon, San Timoteo Canyon, as well as parts of Valle Vista and Whitewater.

Apply to be a Forest Resilience Fellow at the San Bernardino National Forest

SAN BERNARDINO

– The San Bernardino National Forest is recruiting three fellows to serve for almost a year enhancing wildfire resilience and community engagement at its Supervisor’s Office in San Bernardino. The forest will serve as a host site for the 2024-2025 Climate Action Corps Fellowship Program led by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor and implemented by Bay Area Community Resources. The forest may recruit up to three Forest Resilience Fellows for this program. Fellows will collaborate with

staff to assess current forest resiliency efforts, raise awareness and identify areas for enhancement. The work would also include: applying applicable principles to facilitate geospatial model design and analysis procedures related to natural resources and relevant socio-economic data and products; promoting social, environmental and economical sustainable recreation that supports wildfire resiliency with park sign installation; setting out trail counters and track program see FOREST, page D-7

Cyberattacks: EPA Urges water utilities to take immediate action to protect water supply

The alert states that many water providers have failed to take basic steps to protect their systems from hackers

Jana J. Pruet

The Epoch Times

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warned on Monday that cyberattacks against water utilities in the United States are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. The agency issued an enforcement alert, urging water systems to take immediate action to protect the nation’s drinking water.

The EPA said approximately 70% of utilities inspected by federal officials since September 2023 had violated standards meant to avert intrusions. Officials urged all water systems—no matter how small—to improve measures to protect against hackers. Smaller communities have been recently targeted by groups affiliated with Russia and Iran.

Some utilities have failed to take basic measures to protect their public water systems, according to the alert.

“For example, some water systems failed to change basic passwords, use single logins for all staff, or failed to curtail access by former employees,” the EPA said.

The agency emphasized the critical importance of protecting information technology and process controls within water systems, as these often rely on computer software to operate treatment plants and distribution systems. Cyberattacks have the potential to cause interruptions that impact water treatment and storage, damage pumps and valves, and alter chemical levels to hazardous amounts.

“In many cases, systems are not doing what they are supposed to be doing, which is to have completed a risk assessment of their vulnerabilities that includes cybersecurity and to make sure that plan is available and informing the way they do business,” the

Pa., on Nov. 25, 2023.

(File photo/Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa via AP)

EPA’s deputy administrator, Janet McCabe, said.

Attempts to hack water providers’ networks, take down or deface websites are not new, but more recently, attackers have not only disrupted websites but have also targeted utility operations.

Geopolitical adversaries

The agency said recent attacks on water utilities have been linked to the nation’s geopolitical adversaries, who aim to disrupt safe water supplies to homes and businesses.

Ms. McCabe named China, Russia, and Iran as the countries that are “actively seeking the capability to disable U.S. critical infrastructure, including water and wastewater.”

In late 2023, an Iranian-linked group dubbed “Cyber Av3ngers” targeted multiple organizations, including a small Pennsylvania town’s water provider, forcing it to switch from a remote pump to manual operations. They were targeting an Israeli-made device used by the utility in the wake of the Hamas-Israeli war.

Earlier this year, several Texas water utilities were targeted by a Russian-linked “hacktivist.”

U.S. officials said a Chinese cyber group, Volt Typhoon, has compromised the information technology of multiple critical infrastructure systems, including drinking water, in the United States and its territories.

“By working behind the scenes with these hacktivist groups, now these (nation-states) have plausible deniability, and they can let these groups carry out destructive attacks. And that, to me, is a gamechanger,” said Dawn Cappelli, a cybersecurity expert with Dragos Inc., a risk management firm.

The EPA’s enforcement alert emphasizes the seriousness of cyber threats and informs utilities that the EPA plans to continue its inspections and pursue civil or criminal penalties for serious violations.

“ We want to make sure that we get the word out to people that ‘Hey, we are finding a lot of problems here,’” Ms. McCabe said.

Combatting cyberattacks

EPA administrator Michael Regan and the White House’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan have asked states to develop a plan to combat cyberattacks on the nation’s water systems.

“Drinking water and wastewater systems are an attractive target for cyberattacks because they are a lifeline critical infrastructure sector but often lack the resources and technical capacity to adopt rigorous cybersecurity practices,” they wrote on March 18 in a joint letter to all 50 U.S. governors.

Ms. McCabe said some of the fixes are straightforward, such as stopping the use of default passwords, but they also need to develop a risk assessment plan that addresses cybersecurity and creates backup systems.

Smaller utilities with fewer resources can receive free assistance and training to help them defend against hackers.

“In an ideal world, we would like everybody to have a baseline level of cybersecurity and be able to confirm that they have that,” said Alan Roberson, executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators.

“But that’s a long way away.”

Limited resources

There are approximately 50,000 community water providers in the United States, most of which serve small towns. Many have limited budgets and staff, making it challenging to maintain basic operations, such as distributing clean water and keeping up with regulations.

“Certainly, cybersecurity is part of that, but that’s never been their primary expertise,” said Amy Hardberger, a water expert at Texas Tech University. “So, now you’re asking a water utility to develop this whole new sort of

department.”

In March 2023, the EPA instructed states to include cybersecurity evaluations in their periodic performance reviews of water utilities. If problems were discovered, the state was supposed to force improvements.

Those instructions were challenged in court by the states of Arkansas, Missouri, and Iowa, as well as by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and another water industry group, arguing that the EPA did not have the authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The EPA withdrew its requirement but urged states to take voluntary actions.

The Safe Drinking Water Act requires certain water providers to develop and certify plans against certain threats, but its power is limited.

“There’s just no authority for [cybersecurity] in the law,” Mr. Roberson said.

Kevin Morley, manager of federal relations with the AWWA, said it is common for water utilities to have components that are connected to the internet, which makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Overhauling those systems can be challenging and costly. Without substantial federal assistance, many would struggle to find the resources, he explained.

The group has published guidance for establishing a new organization of cybersecurity and water experts that could develop new policies and partner with the EPA to enforce them.

“Let’s bring everybody along in a reasonable manner,” Mr. Morley said, adding that small and large utilities have varying needs and resources.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Couple wants Supreme Court to decide whether parents can video record school officials

A federal appeals court denied the Massachusetts parents’ First Amendment claim that they were entitled to video record a private meeting to discuss their son.

Alice Giordano

The Epoch Times

A Massachusetts couple has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide if parents have a First Amendment right to video record school officials when discussing their children in private meetings.

The case could decide a longstanding circuit court split on the issue of where, how, and under what circumstances government officials can be recorded.

Four major national organizations have filed briefs in support of the Supreme Court challenge petition in Pitta v. Medeiros.

One of them, The Equal Protection Project, argues that clarification from the Supreme Court is critical to protect parents from what it calls an “educational secrecy and deliberate movement underground” of some schools to “hide unlawfully discriminatory policies and procedures from public view and knowledge.”

The group cited parents being hit with outrageous fees by schools to fulfill their public record requests and being ostracized

FOREST from page D-6

data and analyze results to quantify climate impact and other duties as assigned. Relevant training and mentorship will be provided.

To learn more about the position, visit https://bacr.app.box.com/s/57 rqqtrdmv5omvlg5kgaal5uiz9zjec5

Applications are being accepted through Friday, Aug. 16. Priority consideration will be given to applicants, who complete an information session by Friday, June 21. To learn more about the program, register for an information session and to apply, visit https:// www.caclimateactioncorps.org/ apply.

Benefits to serving as a fellow include:

for questioning “secretive school policies.”

On a broader scale, the organization hopes the case will establish that the “most fundamental purpose” of the First Amendment is to protect the American people’s “search for truth.”

“And a fulsome search for truth frequently requires the ability to document and preserve information uncovered in the course of this search,” the group wrote in its brief.

Adam Shelton, staff attorney with the Goldwater Institute, which filed the Supreme Court petition, explained to The Epoch Times that his organization’s main focus is to establish parents’ First Amendment right to record teachers when they are not in “indisputably public settings,” but instead at home in virtual meetings such as Zoom and Google Meet or in private settings such as an office.

He said it would allow parents to establish accurate records and more accountability over what school officials say in private meetings at a time when parents

Acquire full-time, 40 hours per week, work experience for 11 months, starting Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, through Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.

Work a hybrid schedule with three days onsite and two days remotely per week.

Receive up to $33,000 in a stipend and up to $10,000 for an education award. Participate in training and professional development. Receive childcare assistance, health insurance and other benefits. For questions about this opportunity, email climateactioncorps@bacr.org Submitted by U.S. Forest Service.

are increasingly at odds with officials over certain subject matters.

“I think this could potentially play a role in protecting parents in situations where they are under investigation,” he said.

The two other groups filing briefs in support of the challenge petition to the Supreme Court are the Liberty Justice Center and the Center for American Liberty.

The case arose from an attempt by Scott and Roxanne Pitta of Bridgewater to record an online meeting with school officials at the Bridgewater-Raynham School District over an Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan for their teenage son, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age.

“We sold it to him as his superpower, we didn’t want it to be a negative,” Roxanne, who is an elementary school teacher in the district, said in a video interview posted on the Goldwater Institute website.

The Pittas explain in the video that they requested the meeting after the IEP Team decided to end their son’s IEP plan.

According to the couple, in previous unrecorded online meetings, some team members said they had recommended against removing their son from the IEP plan and that they were told to “recheck their evaluations” while team members who

supported removing him were not.

When the Pittas saw that evaluations in favor of keeping their son on the IEP were not part of the mandatory form used by the school to make determinations about continuing a student in the program, they requested that the school add them, but the school refused, they said.

When The Pittas asked for another meeting, the IEP Team agreed to one. A video shows that when the Pittas announced they were recording it, Team Chair Dina Medeiros stopped the meeting and warned the Pittas she would end it if the Pittas didn’t stop recording. They refused and the meeting ended.

The school did not respond to repeated inquiries from The Epoch Times about the case.

The Pittas subsequently filed a First Amendment complaint in Massachusetts U.S. District Court, but lost. They appealed to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld the lower court’s decision. The federal appeals court ruled that while the school’s policy says the meetings should be documented “it does not specify” that they can be video recorded.

It concluded that First Amendment protections for “filming government officials engaged in their duties in a public place,” did not apply because the “meeting did not occur in a

”public space.”

School Superintendent Ryan Powers said in a statement to The Epoch Times that a video recording of the meeting would have violated the Pittas’ son’s confidentiality rights.

“To have found otherwise would have resulted in a legal outcome which could have exposed the disabilities and educational needs of students to third parties, without students’ knowledge or consent,” said Mr. Powers.

“Indeed, an outcome which would have supported the plaintiff’s claims would have upended long-established laws providing confidentiality to students,” he said.

Mr. Powers also said the Pittas were ultimately offered the option of audio recording future meetings. Mr. Shelton said an audio recording would not adequately authenticate who was speaking during the meeting.

In the Pittas’ complaint, the Goldwater Institute points out that while four of the 12 Circuit Courts of Appeal have determined that video recordings are “inherently expressive creations” protected under the First Amendment, six others have held that the First Amendment protects only “the video recording of public employees in the performance of their duties” that serve a public interest—thus creating a circuit split.

The screen of a hacked Unitronics device that was in a pumping booster station owned by the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, in Aliquippa,