Vista Murrieta’s Michael Norman once again named Gatorade National Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year, C-2
Fun awaits at Fazeli Cellars, B-7
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S e rv i ng T e m e c u l a , M u r r i e ta , L a k e E l s i nor e , M e n i f e e , W i l d om a r , H e m e t July 8 – 14, 2016
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Volume 16, Issue 28
Parade, fireworks thrill Fourth of July partygoes in Temecula
Local
Menifee experiences sales tax gain MENIFEE – Menifee’s fourth quarter sales tax revenues outpaced the prior year’s results, a key indicator of a continued strong and expanding economy. see page A-3
Local
Hemet rejects joint public safety dispatch request Tony Ault STAFF WRITER
The Hemet City Council, on the recommendation of the city’s fire and police chiefs denied a request from the San Jacinto City Council to form a joint powers agreement for a public safety dispatch program. see page A-6
Education
Ayala proves ‘If you dream it you can achieve it’ Trevor Montgomery WRITER
Alyssa Ayala is a young adult who has set goals for herself and knows exactly what she wants to accomplish in life.
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID FALLBROOK, CA PERMIT #499
see page C-1
Fireworks explode over the Ronald Reagan Sports Park in Temecula during the city’s annual Independence Day celebration. See more photos on page A-4 Shane Gibson photo
Legal clash pits HOA against Temecula over parkand-ride lot Tim O’Leary STAFF WRITER
A clash between Temecula and one of its oldest homeowner groups has cast a pall over plans to unravel knotted freeway ramps at the city’s south side. The legal dispute centers on a park and ride lot that the city is building along Temecula Parkway. That legal conflict could factor into city plans to ease traffic congestion and boost freeway safety a short distance away. The city interchange improvement project will cost nearly $50.7 million. Work has been repeatedly delayed on the ramp improvements, and the $2.8 million park-and-ride lot is a key piece of a larger infrastructure puzzle. The city and its legal muscle overshadow the tadpole-shape Los Ranchitos Homeowners Association. But that doesn’t deter leaders of the 189-home tract that is known for its large lots, ranch-style homes and white-slat fences.
VALLEY NEWS
see HOA, page A-7
Los Ranchitos HOA Secretary Neal Ziff (left) and Los Ranchitos HOA President Jeff Tomaszewski stand at the construction site of a Park and Ride lot on the corner of Temecula Parkway and La Paz Road in Temecula. Tomaszewski, Ziff and other Los Ranchitos community members propose that the entrance and exit to the Park and Ride should be constructed at an empty lot (pictured left), where carpoolers will only use Temecula Parkway to ingress and egress the parking lot. Current construction is planned to use Vallejo Avenue for entering and exiting Park and Ride users and members of the Los Ranchitos community fear that will increase traffic and traffic congestion in the area. Shane Gibson photo
Lifelong lovers celebrate their lasting unions Natalie Witt VALLEY NEWS INTERN
Couples at Atria Park at Vintage Hills assisted living building celebrating long marriages were (from left) Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, married 57 years, Mr. and Mrs. Monson, married 67 years and Mr. and Mrs. Shultz who have been married 71 years. A fourth couple was not in attendance. Courtesy photo
Have you ever wondered what the secret to long-lasting and enduring love is? To put an end to “The Month of Love,” Atria Park of Vintage Hills celebrated the longlasting marriages of their residents. The intimate gathering, tucked away within beautiful Wine Country, took place June 29 and consisted of a special candlelit dinner followed by wedding cake. The attendees were treated to an elaborately decorated dining parlor; adorned with the residents’ black-and-white wedding photos taken decades ago. The heartwarming event was thought up and coordinated by Engage Life Director, Susan Salmonsen. “I thought it would be a lot of fun,” she said. As the event began and food was served, Salmonsen
see CELEBRATIONS, page A-3