Jimuel Pacquiao to make pro debut Nov. 29 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula
Andrew Almazan Special to Valley News
The famed boxing dynasty of Pacquiao will add a new chapter to its legacy this November, when Manny’s eldest son, Jimuel Pacquiao, makes his professional boxing debut on Friday, Nov. 29, at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. The bout will be the co-main event of the evening
Legendary punk band FEAR to shake Murrieta at Solaris Beer & Blending
Andrew Almazan Special to Valley News
Punk rock fans are in for a treat this month as FEAR, the iconic Los Angeles punk band led by frontman Lee Ving, brings its raw energy and attitude to Solaris Beer & Blending in Murrieta on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Danilo Pasion named Lake Elsinore Postmaster
LAKE ELSINORE — Danilo
Pasion, Jr. was recently selected as the Postmaster of Lake Elsinore. He is committed to upholding exceptional service to the community and fostering an engaging work environment for employees.
Menifee highlights growth, safety and family-focused investments in State of the City
for the State of the City - A City for Families. Valley News/Courtesy photo with an invocation, the presentation of colors by NJROTC, and the national anthem performed by the Menifee Valley Middle
event took place at MSJC HCN Bank Stadium, where Acting Mayor Bob Karwin delivered the an-
nual remarks in place of Mayor Ricky Estrada, who is currently deployed with the U.S. Air Force. The event, hosted in partnership with the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce, opened
Project T.O.U.C.H. to build Life Restoration Center for unhoused families
Christine Eastman Special to Valley News
For more than two decades, Project T.O.U.C.H. has worked quietly and persistently to help families experiencing homelessness in Southwest Riverside County. Today, the nonprofit serves about 250 people through its shared-housing model — including single mothers, children and individuals who have nowhere else to go. Now, the organization is preparing to expand its impact in a major way.
Founder Anne Unmacht confirmed that Project T.O.U.C.H. is moving forward with plans to build a Life Restoration Center with up to eight single-story homes on a nearly three-acre property the organization owns in Wildomar. Each home will
Local official subject of national scrutiny after undercover video remarks
Julie Reeder Publisher
An undercover video released this week by O’Keefe Media Group has drawn scrutiny toward Ross Pike, a prominent Democratic Party official and Fallbrook resident, who holds several public roles in North San Diego County. The video, which has been viewed more than a million times on X, appears to show Pike discussing possibly inappropriate or illegal partisan political strategy, cam-
paign fundraising, and immigration-related messaging while referencing his work in both party and public positions. Pike currently serves as the Region 21 Director for the California Democratic Party, covering San Diego County, Riverside County and Orange County. He also holds several local government and advisory roles, including Director on the North County Fire Protection District board (District 1, term
Acting Mayor Bob Karwin speaks to the crowd during the 2025 Menifee State of the City on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. He talked about how it wasn’t hard to choose the theme
Ross Pike is being interviewed by an undercover journalist from the O’Keefe Media Group. X screenshot
Project T.O.U.C.H. Founder Anne Unmacht (middle) with beneficiary Make
“Shelter in the Storm” event.
County approves animal services contract with Hemet
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The County of Riverside approved a contract with the City of Hemet for animal field control and shelter services.
A 5-0 Riverside County Board of Supervisors vote October 28 approved the agreement. The city will reimburse the county a total of $4,945,776 during the agreement’s three-year period.
The city had previously contracted with the county for animal services. A one-year agreement was approved in 2023, and a 2024 amendment to that agreement extended the expiration date to June 30, 2025. The new agreement is
retroactive to July 1, 2025, and will expire on June 30, 2028.
The county’s Department of Animal Services will respond to all calls for field service assistance while prioritizing those calls. Any dogs or livestock that are found at large will be impounded, and the county will collect the impoundment fees. Treatment and humane care will be provided to any animal that is impounded. The county will investigate all reported bites by animals, including interviewing bite victims to the extent possible. Any animal that bites a person or is determined to have rabies will be quarantined. The county will also respond to nuisance
complaints, including stray and barking animals. Any dead animals on a public road other than a state highway will be removed; neither the city nor the county has jurisdiction over a state highway and should a dead animal be on a state highway, the county will notify the California Department of Transportation. The Department of Animal Services personnel will make the best possible effort to return any lost or stray animals to their owner with procedures including checking for identification, scanning the animal for a microchip, canvassing the area to find the owner, and posting signs. The county will also be responsible for inspections and licensing
of dog kennels and catteries within the city limits and will also verify dog license status. County personnel may issue warnings or citations for violations and will perform investigations of suspected animal neglect or cruelty. The city and county will work together on educational outreach, including spay and neuter and vaccination clinics, owner surrender assistance programs, responsible pet ownership, and adoption programs. The county or a vendor will provide two spay and neuter clinics and two vaccination clinics each year, which will be at the city’s expense but at no charge to residents. In the event of a disaster, the city and
county will work together on animal needs and communication for rescue, response, and recovery efforts. Any City of Hemet animals sheltered by the county will be housed at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus or another county-operated shelter. The county will charge the city a fixed rate for two animal control officers and shelter services and will bill the city every quarter. The city will pay $1,517,219 during Fiscal Year 2025-26, $1,664,270 in 2026-27, and $1,764,287 during 2027-28. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
County awards contract for Pourroy Road widening, Murrieta Hot Springs Road sidewalk
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a contract for the widening of Pourroy Road and a sidewalk for Murrieta Hot Springs Road.
A 5-0 vote on October 28 awarded a $1,473,000 contract to Riverside Construction Company, Inc. The widening of Pourroy Road and a sidewalk for Murrieta Hot Springs Road were combined into a single project. The action also approved an addendum to the plans and specifications and approved a total budget of $2,220,000 for the project.
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School Choir. Chamber President and CEO Katie Luna served as master of ceremonies.
Estrada, who would have delivered his first State of the City speech, appeared through a recorded message thanking residents for their support during his military deployment. He expressed pride in the city’s continued growth and emphasized the council’s commitment to expanding parks, infrastructure and economic opportunity. His wife, Naomi Estrada, was recognized during the event.
Karwin announced the theme of this year’s presentation, “A City for Families,” calling it a reflection of the priorities guiding city planning, public safety and quality-of-life improvements.
“Families are at the heart of everything we strive to achieve here in Menifee,” Karwin said. “We want our residents to feel safe, supported and connected, with opportunities to work, play and build a future right here at home.”
The Pourroy Road widening will accommodate a second 12foot traffic lane with an eight-foot paved shoulder between where the alignment transitions from east-west to north-south and approximately 900 feet north of that bend. The additional lane will reduce traffic congestion for vehicles traveling eastbound and then northbound at the intersection. The work will also include construction of retaining walls, relocation and replacement of an existing traffic signal pole, installation of new thermoplastic and paint traffic striping, and roadside signs. A new segment of concrete
sidewalk will be constructed along the north side of Murrieta Hot Springs Road between segments that end north and south of Chandler Drive. The existing gap will be eliminated with approximately 860 linear feet of new sidewalk.
The July 29 Board of Supervisors meeting included a 5-0 vote to authorize the advertisement for bids of a contract, to approve the plans and specifications for the construction, and to find the projects to be categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review.
Bids were due August 20. During the advertisement peri-
Menifee was recently ranked among the top 20 safest cities in California for the second year in a row. Karwin credited the city’s police and fire departments, noting continued investment in staffing, equipment and new facilities, including the recently opened Quail Valley Fire Station No. 5 and planned Fire Station No. 74 in the Heritage Lakes community. Major infrastructure projects highlighted included the Bradley
Road Bridge over Salt Creek, ongoing pavement rehabilitation work, and long-term planning for road widenings and I-215 interchange improvements. The city reported more than $700 million in planned future transportation and congestion-relief projects. Acting Mayor Karwin said each opening business tells the world that Menifee is “Open for business!”
od, an addendum which did not change the cost estimate was issued to all registered plan holders as a supplement to the plans and specifications. Five bidders submitted proposals.
The engineer’s estimate was $2,210,705. Riverside Construction Company, whose office is in the City of Riverside, had the $1,473,000 low bid. CT&T Concrete Paving of Pomona submitted the second-lowest bid amount of $1,527,585.
The $2,220,000 total budget includes past design, surveying, and environmental expenses. A $147,300 contingency will allow for change orders without the
need to return to the Board of Supervisors. The county has also budgeted $221,000 for engineering and inspection activity and $74,000 for surveying. Gas tax revenue will provide $1,870,000 of that funding, while improvement funds will be used for the remaining $350,000. The construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2025. The work will be phased to keep the road open during construction as much as possible and will take approximately seven months to complete.
Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
Hills Park by the end of next year.
A 10-acre nature-themed park is planned for Quail Valley, targeted for completion in 2027.
Economic growth also featured prominently in the address. A new Kaiser medical office building is planned for Encanto Drive, and the Menifee Center for Medical Excellence recently added Rancho Family Medical Group, Rady Children’s Medical Clinic,
Han Road. Savage Spin and Vel Training Facility are also contributing to the growing health and wellness sector. Additionally, Burger King will return to Menifee with the redevelopment of a long-vacant property on McCall Boulevard.
Menifee also continues to expand family-oriented outdoor and recreational spaces.
Enhancements at Central Park are underway, including an open-air amphitheater, the new Paloma Wash pedestrian bridge, and expanded parking.
“Families are at the heart of everything we strive to achieve here in Menifee,” Karwin said. “We want our residents to feel safe, supported and connected, with opportunities to work, play and build a future right here at home.” Acting Mayor Bob Karwin
A new all-inclusive playground is scheduled for Banner Park by 2026, joining existing inclusive playgrounds at Lyall Marsh Park and Underwood Park. The city also finalized the preservation of nearly 400 acres of natural open space in the Menifee Hills, which will allow for future hiking, biking and nature access.
Additional recreational improvements include a new baseball diamond and field lighting planned for La Ladera Park, with new sports lighting scheduled at E.L. Peterson Park and Hidden
RadNet and Green Physical Therapy under one roof. Construction continues on the city’s second major hotel, a Hampton Inn, with three additional hotels currently in planning review.
New restaurants, services and businesses are expanding across the city, including Richie’s Diner at Menifee Lakes Plaza, Grey Iron Brewing, Yoshiaru Ramen, Himalayan Taste, Regalado Market, and Coyote Taqueria. A new Fitwell facility will construct a 35,000-square-foot fitness and wellness center featuring a multipurpose center and museum on
The city also presented a video produced in partnership with the International City/County Management Association, highlighting Menifee’s emergence as a growing economic center in the Inland Empire.
Karwin closed the program by encouraging residents to continue supporting local businesses and community events.
“We are building a city not only to live in, but to belong to,” Karwin said. “Together, we continue to shape Menifee as the city for families — today and for generations to come.”
The program was supported by event sponsors including the Western Riverside Council of Governments, Inland Regional Energy Network, Brookfield Properties, Southwest Healthcare, Eastern Municipal Water District, WM, Ambient Communities, PY Homes, AES, and more.
Valley News/Courtesy photos
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
MENIFEE
Mayor Ricky Estrada presented in a pre-recorded video as he is deployed with the Air Force. He said they are building a “gold-standard city,” a “city for families.”
Chairman of the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce Jesse Simms addresses the crowd during the 2025 Menifee State of the City, held at MSJC HCN Bank Stadium. Simms said, “Thank you for being part of the Menifee story.”
County renews fire protection and EMS agreement with Temecula
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors renewed the Riverside County Fire Department contracts to provide fire protection and emergency medical service to the City of Temecula.
The supervisors voted 5-0 on October 28 to approve a new fiveyear agreement. The expected City of Temecula reimbursement
over that time is $134,146,240.
The City of Temecula has contracted with the Riverside County Fire Department since 1990. In June 2021, the Board of Supervisors approved a one-year agreement in which the city reimbursed the county $16,966,560.
In July 2022 the county supervisors approved a three-year agreement which included a cost share component for Fire Station 95 in the 32100 block of South
Loop Ranch, which is referred to as the Roripaugh Ranch fire station and provides services for both the City of Temecula and the unincorporated county area (the county pays for one fire captain, one fire apparatus engineer, one firefighter, one firefighter/ paramedic, and half of the fleet support costs).
The new agreement reclassifies six Firefighter/Paramedic II positions to Firefighter II positions
but does not change the level of service. A current regional paramedic shortage necessitated the reclassification, and should that shortage be resolved, those staff members will revert to their original classification. The county will provide a total of 74 positions not including the four Station 95 positions funded by the county, and the county will also provide support services. The agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2025, and is effective through June 30, 2030. The city is expected to pay $24,526,900 during Fiscal Year 2025-26, $25,790,756 in 202627, $27,056,741 for 2027-28, $28,385,922 in 2028-29, and $28,385,922 during 2029-30. The Temecula City Council approved the cooperative agreement on September 23. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
Supervisors approve purchase of land for French Valley fire station
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a 3.75-acre parcel, which is planned to be part of a future fire station in French Valley. The supervisors voted 5-0 on November 4 to approve a purchase and sale agreement for the real property in the 34700 block of Sally Street. The county will pay the May Family Trust $1,675,000 for the land and the existing structure. The action
also authorized the director of the county’s Facilities Management department or his designee to take the necessary actions to complete the transaction and found that the land purchase itself is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review. In January 2022, the county supervisors approved a new fire station for the Pourroy area in principle and authorized $7,310,600 of Developer Impact Fee funding for the fire station. The action did not authorize a design or construction contract,
nor was a site for the new fire station designated. The Pourroy area is currently served by Station 34 in Winchester, Station 83 in French Valley, and Station 96 in Glen Oaks. The new fire station will provide the resources for optimal emergency responses.
The $7,310,600 amount is based on historical fire station land acquisition and construction costs with an escalator for inflation, and the preliminary cost estimate will be refined as further details are finalized.
The property currently owned
by Jessee and Kayla May includes a 2,520 square foot single-family residence and an attached twocar garage. It is adjacent to a 2.71-acre property with a 4,101 square foot house and a three-car garage, which was acquired for $1,710,000 in August after the purchase was approved by the county supervisors on May 6. The two parcels will provide the Riverside County Fire Department with sufficient land to construct a new fire station.
The purchase of the land from the May Family Trust will have
an estimated total expense of $1,754,450 for the county, which also includes $40,000 for Facilities Management and County Counsel staff time, $20,000 for inspection reports, $14,500 for title and escrow fees, $3,950 for the appraisal, and $1,000 for the preliminary title report. A subsequent design effort for the new fire station will provide enough information for an environmental statement, which will also precede the construction contract. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
Rotary clubs, Community Outreach Ministry given CID grants
The November 4 meeting of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors included the allocation of Community Improvement Designation funding for Temecula’s three Rotary International chapters and for Community Outreach Ministry in Wildomar.
The 5-0 vote allocated $5,000 for the foundation of each Rotary chapter and $2,000 for Community Outreach Ministry. Community
T.O.U.C.H. from page A-1
include 10 bedrooms designed in a split layout, with five bedrooms on each side connected by a central kitchen and shared living space.
“We own a property that has an older home on it and we may eventually knock that down and replace it,” Unmacht said. “The land is just under three acres, and we’re going to be building eight, 10-bedroom, single-story homes.
The $2 million grant from the county will allow us to build the first two.”
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors recently awarded Project T.O.U.C.H. $2 million to help launch construction. The county will be under contract for the first two buildings, Unmacht said, while the remaining homes will be completed as funding becomes available. The full project is expected to be financed through a combination of the county grant, private donations, corporate support, and possible partnership lending.
Local development partners Lennar Homes and LY Development have also stepped in to support the effort, Unmacht said.
Improvement Designation grants can be allocated to non-profit organizations, public agencies, county departments, or other organizations with programs that serve the social needs of the county’s population.
Each county supervisor recommends the allocation of CID funding from his or her district budget, although a majority Board of Supervisors’ vote is needed to approve that recommendation. County Supervisor Chuck Washington recommended
The expansion comes at a time when homelessness continues to rise across the region, and when more families are falling into temporary crisis due to domestic violence, medical bills, housing shortages and job loss. Unmacht said many of the people the organization serves are not chronically homeless, but simply need stability long enough to rebuild.
“Many of our residents are single moms with children and families who are just going through a difficult season,” Unmacht said. These homes will provide safety, stability and dignity while they get back on their feet.
On Saturday, the organization held a “Fun’raiser” dinner event at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. About 165 donors attended, raising roughly $65,000 to support the housing project and ongoing programs. Local elected leaders were among those in attendance, including Temecula Councilman James Stewart, Murrieta Mayor Cindy Warren, Wildomar Councilmembers Lori Stone, Bridgette Moore and Joseph Maribeto, and Murrieta Councilman Ron Holiday.
Unmacht said the continued community support is what has
the allocation of the $17,000 from his Third District budget.
Temecula has three Rotary International chapters. The Rotary Club of Temecula and Old Town Temecula Rotary meet on Wednesdays. Temecula Sunrise Rotary has Tuesday meetings.
The CID money for the Rotary Club of Temecula Foundation will be used to provide holiday baskets for low-income families in the Temecula Valley Unified School District. Rotary Club of Temecula Valley-New
carried the organization since it began in 2003.
“We’re always delighted and amazed by the generosity of people in this region,” she said. “Residents show up, give, volunteer and care. We never take that for granted.”
Unmacht said, “Donors always show up and gladly give to support shared housing programs for our homeless constituents.” She continued, “There are so many philanthropic organizations even just locally, yet residents support many of them, so we’re always grateful when so many people come to Project T.O.U.C.H. events to have a great time and feel good knowing they’re helping folks who need a leg up and a roof over their heads.”
Project T.O.U.C.H. currently provides 275 beds across multiple shared homes throughout the Southwest Valley and Fallbrook. The organization focuses on keeping people sheltered, especially during the cold and rainy season, while connecting them with employment, counseling, transportation, and supportive services.
Unmacht emphasized that the new construction will not
Generations Foundation is the foundation of Old Town Temecula Rotary, and the CID grant for that foundation will cover the attendance cost of 20 high school students to the Rotary Youth Leadership Camp. The allocation for the Temecula Sunrise Rotary Foundation will support the Literacy Program, which provides age-appropriate books to children, and the Safety Town Program, which provides handson safety education to children. Community Outreach Ministry
seeks to divert at-risk children from delinquency and offers atrisk and needy children scholarships to engage in camping and mentoring. The organization also has an annual Angel Tree Christmas party, which provides children of incarcerated parents with Christmas gifts such as clothing and food, and the CID funding will be used for that event. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
The organization is also currently seeking gift wrap, toys, gift cards and holiday sponsorships for children and families in need.
More information is available at projecttouchonline.com, by email at info@projecttouchonline.com , or by calling (951) 677-9661.
replace the organization’s community-based network — but it will expand capacity and create centralized space for families and individuals in transition. Residents can contribute year-round through Project T.O.U.C.H.’s “Stand with the Cause” campaign, which allows donors to purchase a virtual commemorative brick for $100. Each brick will represent a lasting contribution toward the new transitional housing center.
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
One happy family who has benefitted from housing services associated with Project T.O.U.C.H. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Motorcyclist dies after crash on Ortega Highway
TEMECULA - A 52-year-old male from Hemet was riding a 2025 Husqvarna FE 501s motorcycle and collided with a 2007 Lexus ISD250 driven by a 22-year-old male driver, resulting in the motorcyclist’s death on Friday, Nov. 7, around 3:30 p.m.
The motorcycle was traveling eastbound on State Route 74 (Ortega Highway), approaching Tanaja Truck Trail, at an undetermined speed. A 22-year-old male driver from Lake Elsinore was driving his 2007 Lexus IS250
northbound on Tenaja Truck Trail, stopped at SR-74, waiting to turn left to proceed westbound on SR-74.
As the motorcycle rider traversed around a curve in the roadway, the driver of the Lexus turned left in front of the motorcycle and the two collided. The m otorcycle rider was ejected from his motorcycle and landed approximately 115’ from the area of impact.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and CAL FIRE responded
to the collision scene. CAL FIRE pronounced the male motorcycle rider deceased at the scene. The male Lexus driver did not suffer any injuries. Following the collision, the Lexus driver remained on scene and cooperated with the CHP investigators. The driver of
the Lexus was not impaired. Speed appears to have contributed to the cause of this collision. CHP, Temecula Area, is conducting this traffic collision investigation. The CHP would like to remind the motoring public to be mindful of their speed.
Traveling at too great of a speed can prevent a motorist from being able to avoid a collision. Drive using a high visual horizon and at a speed that is safe for the roadway conditions. Submitted by the California Highway Patrol.
Flood control district awards contract for Little Lake drainage line portion
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District awarded a contract for Stage 2 of Line B of the Little Lake Master Drainage Plan.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors, whose board members are also the board of the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, voted 5-0 on October 28 to award a $10,936,869 contract to H&H General Contractors, Inc., for the work. The segment is in unincorporated Hemet along Meridian Street between Florida Avenue, which is part of State Route 74 at that point, and Whittier Avenue.
The primary objective of the
through 2028), member of the Fallbrook Community Planning Group, Vice Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party (North Inland Area), and Field Representative for Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel.
Village News reached out to Pike for comment but has not received a response as of press time.
In the video, Pike discusses Proposition 50, a statewide ballot measure that passed last week, redrawing legislative districts in order to make them lean even more heavily Democrat although
Little Lake Master Drainage Plan is to provide 100-year flood protection to the community. Until the future planned facilities are constructed, only the neighborhoods west of Meridian Street will have flooding protection for moderate storm events. Stage 2 of Line B includes the construction of a storm drain system along Meridian Street which will collect runoff from the neighborhoods between Meridian Street and Hemet Street and convey it downstream into the existing Stage 1 facility at Florida Avenue. Stage 2 will be connected with the existing Stage 1. A 5-0 board vote on July 29 approved the plans and specifications for the Stage 2 project, authorized the Clerk of the Board of
Republicans are already under represented in California and Democrats already enjoy a super majority. He appears to suggest that funds raised to support the measure could later benefit Gov. Gavin Newsom politically, including in a possible presidential bid. California campaign finance law places strict limits on how surplus campaign funds may be used, including prohibitions on using them for future office unless disclosed and transferred under specific conditions. Pike explains that it can be done if you do it right, such as transferring the funds to a PAC and then they could possibly be used to help fund a bid for president by Gov. Newsom.
James O’Keefe, from the O’Keefe Media Group explains after the undercover video that campaign finance law doesn’t allow funds raised for Prop 50 to be transferred to a campaign for office.
O’Keefe says, “Governor Gavin Newsom of California has been all in campaigning for Prop 50 proposition, which allows redrawing of district lines in California potentially breaking up conservative areas and merging them into larger Democrat leading districts. So GOP votes no longer win seats.”
Pike did not know that he was being recorded. O’Keefe says “Newsom is not only the primary funder of Prop 50, but Newsom is acting as its chief salesman aggressively pushing it to the voters potentially to later funnel those funds into his 2028 presidential campaign.”
Pike suggested that Gov. Newsom could transfer the funds.
O’Keefe says, “What the California director here is suggesting isn’t just unethical. It’s not allowed. Under California state law 8 9 5 1 9, it says surplus campaign funds can only be used for very limited purposes. Things like donating to charity, returning the money to donors or transferring funds to a similar committee. What you cannot do is take that money raised for one campaign or ballot initiative and roll it into a completely different future run like a presidential campaign. So if Gavin Newsom is bankrolling prop 50 now with the intention of later transferring that cash into a 2028 presidential bid as this Democratic party officials suggests, that would be a direct violation of California campaign finance law.”
Pike is also heard describing Proposition 50’s political intent in overtly partisan terms, saying they were intentional gerrymandering, and the proposition was designed directly to combat what Texas was doing and to limit
Supervisors to advertise the project for bid, set an August 28 bid opening date, and found that the environmental Mitigated Negative Declaration approved for the master drainage plan in 2012 did not require any further updates. Three companies submitted bids. H&H General Contractors, which is based in Highland, had the low bid at $10,936,869.00, with KEC Engineering of Corona submitting the second-lowest bid of $18,151,827.40. When a 3 percent Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Mitigation Fee is added the flood control district’s cost will be $11,264,975. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
Republican legislative influence. Ideally, though, the goal was to ensure Republicans “never have any” seats. Experts note that ballot measures cannot legally be crafted to disenfranchise specific voter groups, though political campaigns frequently frame measures in terms of broader ideological stakes.
Proposition 50 was successful in that 63% of the state voted to gerrymander districts to remove representation from the 25% of registered Republicans in the more Republican leaning districts, like local Congressional district now held by Darrell Issa. It was marketed as a “vote against Trump,” as Pike admits in the video, but it affects local Republicans from voting in local Republicans to represent them.
Another portion of the video appears to show Pike discussing Spanish-language messaging aimed at alerting undocumented immigrants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. The remarks describe using Democratic Party networks to rapidly disseminate such warnings. Critics online have argued such messaging could be interpreted as interference with federal enforcement operations, while immigration advocacy groups have long maintained that community alerts are protected speech.
The footage has circulated widely among Republicans in North County, where Pike has been an increasingly visible figure since being elected Vice Chair of the county party’s North Inland Area in January 2025. Some residents have expressed concern that partisan decision-making could overlap with Pike’s work in nonpartisan public roles, including fire protection planning and community land-use recommendations.
The Fallbrook Community Planning Group and the Fire Protection District board are both nonpartisan bodies whose decisions affect development, emergency response, and public safety for residents across political lines.
Political analysts note that California officials often hold overlapping party and government roles, but maintaining separation between the two is considered essential for public trust.
Pike has not publicly addressed the video, its context, or whether any statements were edited or selectively presented.
The video and its claims are expected to continue generating discussion in North County political circles. It remains unclear whether any formal ethics review, internal party inquiry, or agency-level response will follow.
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Know your numbers: Five key health metrics that could save your life
Dr. Columbus Batiste,
Cardiologist Kaiser Permanente Riverside County
With November being Diabetes Awareness Month, now is a good time to pay closer attention to your health and key metrics we should all monitor regularly. We track all kinds of numbers — credit scores, test results, game stats — but the most important numbers are the ones that measure your health. Conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes often develop silently. You might feel fine and still have numbers that put you at risk.
The good news? Small, consistent changes can improve these numbers. A more plant-based diet, less salt, more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, along with regular exercise and stress management, create a strong foundation for lifelong health.
It’s a good idea to keep these five key health metrics on your radar and discuss them with your doctor:
Blood Pressure Goal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
High blood pressure strains your heart and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. Lower it by reducing sodium, eating potassium-rich foods like spinach and bananas,
staying active, and managing stress.
Blood Sugar (A1c)
Goal: Below 5.7%
A1c reflects your average blood sugar over two to three months. Elevated levels can signal prediabetes or diabetes. To help regulate blood sugar, focus on high-fiber foods such as lentils, chickpeas, barley, and non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower and leafy greens.
Cholesterol
Goal: LDL under 100 mg/dL; HDL over 40 mg/dL (men) and 50 mg/dL (women)
LDL, often called “bad” cholesterol, can build up in arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. HDL, the “good” cholesterol, helps remove LDL from the bloodstream. Improve your profile by choosing healthy fats like nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocados while limiting saturated and trans fats.
Weight Goal: BMI 18.5–24.9
Weight affects heart health and blood sugar. Even a modest loss can make a difference. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, and enjoy meals filled with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit added sugars and processed foods.
High blood
can increase the
Waist Size Goal: Under 35 inches (women) and 40 inches (men)
Excess abdominal fat increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Cut back on sugary drinks and refined snacks, choose fiber-rich whole foods and keep moving throughout the day by finding simple ways to stay active, including opting for the stairs, stretching between tasks
Movie review: ‘Predator: Badlands’
Bob Garver Contributor
“Predator” and I got off on the wrong foot. I’m not talking about the new movie, but rather the 1987 original, and by extension the whole franchise. I rented the film hoping to enjoy some action-movie interaction between two future governors: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura. Unfortunately, there was little to no interaction between the two, and Ventura’s character got picked off by the Predator earlier than I would have liked. I spent the rest of the movie sulking, and never really became a fan of the series.
Flash forward to 2025. I wasn’t really looking forward to “Predator: Badlands” in and of itself, but after the dismal October we just had at the domestic box office, I’ll take a hit wherever I can get it.
Which is probably why I liked the movie as much as I did. There’s not a lot for me here, but I needed to get excited about “something,” so the film’s greatest strength may be its good timing.
The film follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), an aspiring young Predator (or “Yautja”) on the faraway planet of Yautja Prime. Dek desperately wants to go on a successful hunt to earn the approval of his father Njohrr (Reuben De Jong), as well as… living privileges, because Yautjas that don’t complete successful hunts are put to death. Njohrr wants relative runt Dek put down anyway, but he flees to the planet Genna, home to the most high-value trophy in the known universe, the Kalisk. He vows to not return without killing the Kalisk for himself.
Dek doesn’t fare well on the hostile Genna, but an opportunity
presents itself in the form of Thia (Elle Fanning), a synthetic human that had been part of a party trying to find and exploit the Kalisk for their corporate overlords (I won’t say which corporation, but it’s a big deal). The Kalisk overpowered Thia’s team, leaving her as the sole survivor, and she’s worse for wear, missing the entire lower half of her body. She and Dek make a deal: he’ll help her get her body back and help her reunite with her also-damaged “sister” Tessa (also Fanning) and she’ll help him take down the Kalisk. Dek and Thia start off as uneasy allies, but as they overcome obstacles together, their bond turns into friendship. All this despite Thia being half of a smart-alecky robot and Dek coming from a race that forbids emotions. Which presents kind of a huge problem for me,
attack and kidney disease. Valley News/123rf.com photo
or walking after meals.
Why these numbers matter
These metrics provide a snapshot of your overall health — and they’re more connected than you might think. When one number is out of range, others often follow, creating a cycle that can raise your long-term risk for chronic disease.
Habits play just as big a role as numbers. Smoking, for example,
in that neither character is from a race that I feel is worth preserving. Thia is so artificial that there’s literally another of her, and even though we ultimately see that there’s some good in Dek, sorry, the universe would probably be better off without kill-obsessed Predators. I know I’m supposed to like “Predator: Badlands” because of the way the alien and the robot learn what it means to be human. Honestly, I was rolling my eyes at those parts. I like the movie because Thia’s jokes were hitting for me and I liked the action. The upside of all the characters being either robots or aliens is that the film can be as violent as it wants and still get a PG-13 rating as long as all the gore is in the form of either sparks or slime. “Predator: Badlands” is fine as an action
can raise blood pressure, lower “good” HDL cholesterol, and damage blood vessels. Other lifestyle choices, including food choices, exercise, and stress management, also have an impact and together help maintain a healthy balance for long-term wellness. Visit kp.org/centerforhealthyliving to learn more about nurturing a healthy lifestyle.
movie for people who could use a half-decent action movie, but just as with Thia’s body, don’t expect it to be more than “half” decent.
Grade: B-
By the way, I later found another movie from 1987 with both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura. In this one, their characters do interact. They even go head-to-head with one another in a fight, where one presumably kills the other. That movie is called “The Running Man.” And wouldn’t you know it, there’s a new version of that property coming out on Friday.
“Predator: Badlands” is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong sci-fi violence. Its running time is 107 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.
pressure
risk of stroke, heart
Jimuel Pacquiao to make pro debut Nov. 29 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula
Andrew Almazan Special to Valley News
The famed boxing dynasty of Pacquiao will add a new chapter to its legacy this November, when Manny’s eldest son, Jimuel Pacquiao, makes his professional boxing debut on Friday, Nov. 29, at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. The bout will be the co-main event of the evening.
The card and matchup
According to a recent posting by Ring Magazine, Jimuel will face fellow debutant Brendan Lally in a four-round lightweight bout. The main event on the card will feature a 12-round featherweight showdown between Lorenzo Parra (23-1-1, 17 KOs) and Elijah Pierce (21-2, 17 KOs). Ad-
ditional under-card bouts include middleweight matchup Luis Arias vs. Lazaro Lorenzana and a range of contests across cruiserweight, flyweight, light-flyweight and junior-lightweight divisions. Son of a boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time — the only fighter to win world titles in eight divisions and compete across four decades. With his father’s legacy standing large, Jimuel’s step into the professional arena carries high interest and expectations.
According to a LowKickMMA profile, his amateur record has been cited as 6–4, though some sources list varying totals.
In February 2023, Jimuel Pacquiao recorded what was reported as his 7th amateur win in the U.S. (per ABS-CBN). He also trains out of the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles under coach Marvin Somodio.
Why Temecula? Why now?
With Manny Pacquiao’s promotional company launching its U.S. debut, the setting brings significance. The co-main event placement positions Jimuel not merely as a debuting regional prospect, but as the focal point of a marquee card that connects
legacy and a new era of promotion for the sport.
For Southwest Riverside County, the event presents an opportunity to witness the next generation of boxing talent in a world-class facility while being part of a production backed by one of the sport’s biggest names.
What to expect at the arena
Fans attending the event should plan for an evening featuring a full professional card: from regional contests to title eliminator-style bouts, culminating in Jimuel’s debut and the Parra-Pierce 12-rounder. With the heavyweight presence of the Pacquiao brand in town, expect elevated media attention.
A new chapter begins
Jimuel Pacquiao’s professional journey carries more than just family ties. It represents a pivot from his amateur days into a highly anticipated professional ascent. As Inquirer.net noted, Jimuel told reporters in 2024 that while he values his father’s legacy, he is “determined to build his own mark in the world of boxing.”
For local boxing fans and residents of the Temecula Valley, Nov. 29 offers a chance to be part of an event that ties boxing
Local golfers shine as Murrieta Valley’s Sammon advances in CIF-SS Golf Championship
JP Raineri Sports Editor
TEMECULA – Golfers from Southwest Riverside County made their presence known at the CIF Southern Section girls’ golf individual championship held at Temecula Creek Golf Club on Thursday, Nov. 6. Among a competitive field, local athletes delivered strong performances, with Murrieta Valley’s Maddie Sammon securing a spot in the upcoming CIF State regional tournament.
Sammon advanced after a tense 10-for-4 playoff. She birdied the 336-yard, par-4 first hole, a decisive shot that punched her ticket to the next round. Her performance under pressure was
a key moment in a day filled with high-stakes golf. Fay Jia of Vista Murrieta, the reigning Southwestern League and Central Regional champion, also had a notable day on the course. After a difficult start with bogeys on her first two holes, Jia recovered impressively. She carded three birdies over her final six holes, finishing with an evenpar 72. This score placed her in a tie for eighth. Her teammate, Samantha Rodriguez, also finished with a 72, though her score did not count toward individual advancement as she qualified with her team.
Breanna Noble from Temescal Canyon High School was another local competitor who took part in the championship, representing
school against the top golfers in the section. The event concluded with several area individuals earning bids to the CIF State South California regional, which will be held next Thursday at Los Serranos Country Club’s North Course in Chino Hills. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
Joe Naiman for the Valley News
The first winning record for Hamilton High School’s girls volleyball team in ten years gave the Bobcats a berth in the CIF Southern Section’s Division 9 playoffs, but in the first round, Santa Ana Valley defeated Hamilton in five games on October 21 to end the Bobcats’ season.
“We had a chance to win and move on, so it was unfortunate,” said Hamilton coach Lance Fogle.
The 26-24, 25-23, 17-25, 20-25, 15-12 Falcons victory finalized Hamilton’s season record at 1910. The Bobcats were 6-3 in Arrowhead League play (California School for the Deaf – Riverside was supposed to play an October 14 match in Anza, but due to that day’s rainstorm and the bus driver’s judgment, that match was canceled and declared a no-contest).
Hamilton finished second in the final league standings.
“We’re proud of the girls and their effort and the season we had,” Fogle said.
United Christian Academy won the league championship with an 8-2 record. The Eagles defeated Hamilton in five games on September 30 in Rancho Cucamonga a nd prevailed in a four-game match on October 15 in Anza.
“Those two losses we had, we were missing players and still played competitively, so that was good,” Fogle said.
The Bobcats followed their September 30 loss with an October 2 three-game loss to California Lutheran in Wildomar.
The October 21 home match against Santa Ana Valley was Hamilton’s first playoff appearance since a loss to Santa Clarita Christian in the second round of the 2015 Division VAA playoffs.
(In that year’s final United Christian Academy defeated Santa see BOBCATS, page A-7
AnzA VAlley OUTLOOK
AnzA VAlley
Valley News/Courtesy photo
heritage and regional spectacle. Tickets and details can be found through the promotion’s official channels.
Maddie Sammon of Murrieta Valley High School tees off on the 9th hole of the Creek Course at Temecula Creek Inn during last week’s C.I.F. Girls Golf Qualifier.
her
Fay Jia of Vista Murrieta High School hits an approach shot from the fairway of the 5th hole of the Creek Course at Temecula Creek Inn during last week’s C.I.F. Girls Golf Qualifier on Thursday, Nov. 6.
Breanna Noble of Temescal Canyon High School tees off of the 6th hole of the Creek Course at Temecula Creek Inn in Temecula during last week’s C.I.F. Girls Golf Qualifier on Thursday, Nov. 6.
Valley News/Andrez Imaging photos
Temecula FC looks to rebound after tough loss at home
JP Raineri Sports Editor
TEMECULA – The Quails of Temecula FC fell 3–0 at home last weekend in a difficult match against Capo FC. While the result on the pitch was not what the club or its supporters had hoped for, the atmosphere at Chaparral High School Stadium was electric.
The performance did not meet the usual standards of the Quails, but the support from the crowd was a major highlight of the evening. Fans remained vocal and passionate throughout the contest, demonstrating why Temecula is regarded as having one of the most dedicated soccer communities in Southern California. The unwavering energy from the stands provided a significant boost, even as the team struggled to find its rhythm against a strong opponent.
The club will have an opportunity to bounce back this Saturday, Nov. 15, when the Quails host Las Vegas. The team is focused on returning to its winning ways and delivering a strong performance for the home crowd.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
at the Chaparral High School Stadium in Temecula. Tickets for the upcoming match are available for purchase online at https://app.
soccerstub.com/events/37559. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
2025 Temecula
Chargers dominate Steelers in 25-10 primetime victory
JP Raineri Sports Editor
INGLEWOOD – The Los Angeles Chargers secured a decisive 25-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers this past Sunday night, improving their season record to 7-3. The primetime matchup at SoFi Stadium was defined by a commanding defensive performance and timely offensive strikes. The game began as a physical battle. Pittsburgh opened the scoring with a 59-yard field goal. The Chargers’ defense quickly answered when outside linebacker Khalil Mack sacked Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the end zone for a safety, narrowing the score to 3-2.
A key turning point occurred late in the second quarter. Rookie safety RJ Mickens intercepted a pass from Rodgers, setting up the
BOBCATS from page A-6
Clarita Christian.) The 2015 Bobcats finished the season with a 15-13-1 record (the tie was in a tournament match).
Chargers offense at the Pittsburgh 38-yard line. Quarterback Justin Herbert capitalized on the opportunity, connecting with wide receiver Ladd McConkey for a 16-yard touchdown pass. The score gave the Chargers a 12-3 lead heading into halftime. The Chargers extended their lead in the second half. Kicker Cameron Dicker successfully converted a 59-yard field goal in the third quarter, tying his career long. Early in the fourth, the defense made a critical redzone stop on fourth down, with cornerback Cam Hart breaking up a pass intended for DK Metcalf.
Following the defensive stand, the offense marched 90 yards down the field. The drive featured a 58-yard reception by McConkey, which set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Kimani Vidal. This pushed the lead to 22-3.
The defense continued to apply
That was not the case for the 2025 Hamilton team, which consisted of three seniors, five juniors, three sophomores, and one freshman.
pressure, as cornerback Donte Jackson secured the team’s second interception of the night. A final field goal from Dicker and a late touchdown by the Steelers brought the game to its final score. The Chargers’ defense was particularly effective on third downs, holding the Steelers to just two conversions on 11 attempts. Next, the Chargers will travel to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
Although Santa Ana Valley was not in the 2024 CIF playoffs, the Falcons won the Orange League championship both in 2023 and in 2022, so some of the
CIF
had
experience.
“It was the first time we’ve been in the playoffs in many years, so the girls were feeling the pressure of being in the playoffs and trying too hard to make a play instead of just getting the ball back over the net,” Fogle said. “We made a lot of errors on our side, and the other
team made very few errors.” Santa Ana Valley followed the playoff win over Hamilton with a three-game victory against United Christian Academy. The Falcons lost their quarterfinal match against Nogales High School of La Puente.
Hamilton was 6-16 overall for the 2023 season and had a 13-15 record last year. “The level of play and the skills of the girls have
increased,” Fogle said. Last year the Bobcats had no seniors, so an element of consistency allowed for the 2025 improvement. Middle blocker Neveah Gray and outside hitters Kaitlynn Barreto and Evalina Hernandez were the three 2025 seniors. “Next year we’ll have to find replacements for those because they were key spots in the rotation,” Fogle said.
The 2015 Bobcats were 6-6 in Arrowhead League play as were the 2012 and 2013 teams. The 2011 Arrowhead League had eight teams and Hamilton was 7-7 in league play. The winning league season this year is thus the first in the lifetime of any of Hamilton’s players.
Temecula FC midfielder Hilario Renteria (#12) attempts to take the ball from a Capo FC player during the match on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Chaparral High School in Temecula.
Forward Alberto Renteria (#7) races to the ball against a Capo FC opponent on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Chaparral High School in Temecula.
Midfielder Pablo Martinez (#11) moves the ball upfield during Temecula FC’s home match on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Chaparral High School.
Valley News/Andrez Imaging photo
Fans cheered for Temecula FC during the club’s match against Capo FC on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Chaparral High School in Temecula.
girls
previous
playoff
Chargers’ kicker Cameron Dicker (11) ties his personal best with a 59yard field goal Sunday, Nov. 9, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (10) looks for a target.
[Right] Chargers DB Elijah Molden brings down Steelers RB Jaylen Warren (30).
Valley News/Andrez Imaging photos
Wild first round of CIF Playoffs sees big wins and tough losses for
area teams
JP Raineri Sports Editor
The opening round of the CIF Southern Section football playoffs delivered a full spectrum of high-stakes action for Southwest Riverside County teams this past Friday night. Several local programs advanced with impressive victories, while others saw their seasons come to a close. The night was marked by dramatic finishes, standout individual performances, and the intense atmosphere that only playoff football can provide.
In a Division 2 thriller, Vista Murrieta secured a nail-biting 36-31 victory over Damien. The game became a high-scoring affair, contrary to what Broncos coach Coley Candaele had anticipated. With starting quarterback Bryson Beaver sidelined, Vista Murrieta relied heavily on its ground game. Senior Aiden Williams stepped up in a major way, rushing for 222 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries. His game-winning 4-yard touchdown run with just 28 seconds left on the clock capped a remarkable performance and sent the Broncos to the next round. The defense and special teams also contributed significantly, with Zachary Aleman returning a punt 73 yards for a score and Nemirah Davidson adding a 56-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Elsewhere in the division,
Murrieta Valley defeated Corona del Mar 35-14, and Chaparral outscored Chaminade 63-42 in a massive offensive display.
Murrieta Mesa, fresh off winning back-to-back Big West South Division championships, had their flames doused in a quick Division 3 exit as Bishop Amat proved to be too much for the Rams in their 28-9 loss.
In Division 4, Great Oak avenged an earlier season loss by defeating Cajon 38-15. The Wolfpack defense set the tone early after a slow start on offense.
A key 41-yard interception return by sophomore Anthony Clark in the first quarter ignited the team, leading to a string of four consecutive scoring drives to close out the first half with a 27-15 lead. The defense forced crucial fumbles in the second half, which the offense converted into points to seal the victory.
Not all local teams were as fortunate. In Division 8, Elsinore’s season ended with a 48-29 loss to Patriot. The game was competitive early, with the score tied after the first quarter. Elsinore even took a brief 14-7 lead in the second quarter on a 10-yard touchdown run from Brady O’Connell. However, Patriot scored 27 unanswered points to take control of the game before halftime, including a 70yard touchdown run by Nathan Villanueva as time expired.
Temecula Valley also saw its
playoff journey end, falling 24-7 to Irvine in another Division 8 matchup. The Golden Bears’ defense kept them in the game, and a third-quarter interception by Noah Murillo set up their only score, a touchdown run by Jaanai Ramirez that cut the deficit to 127. However, Irvine’s offense and defense proved too strong. Irvine quarterback Sina Saferzadeh, after throwing the interception that led to Temecula Valley’s score, redeemed himself with a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter that put the game out of reach.
The first round set the stage for compelling quarterfinal matchups, with several area teams looking to continue their push for a CIF championship in the week ahead.
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
FIRST ROUND Division 2
Murrieta Valley 35, Corona del Mar 14
Vista Murrieta 36, Damien 31 Chaparral 63, Chaminade 42
Division 3
Bishop Amat 28, Murrieta Mesa 9
Division 4
• San Jacinto 30, Bishop Diego 29
• Great Oak 38, Cajon 15
Division 6
• Orange Vista 50, El Toro 31
Division 8
• Patriot 48, Elsinore 28
• Irvine 24, Temecula Valley 7
Division 10
• Tahquitz 39, Heritage Christian 12
• Liberty 42, West Torrance 35
Division 12
• Perris 51, Citrus Hill 22
Division 13
• Santa Rosa Academy 35, Heritage 21
• Linfield Christian 47, Hacienda Heights Wilson 28 Division 14
• Miller 39, San Jacinto Valley Academy 13
8-Person, Division 2
• Cal Lutheran 52, Maricopa 22
Murrieta Valley RB Jacob Taddi (3) breaks through the line during the game against Corona Del Mar Friday, Nov. 7. Valley News/Andrez Imaging
Corona Del Mar RB Dorsett Stecker (0) is stopped by Nighthawk defenders during their game against Murrieta Valley Nov. 7. Valley News/Andrez Imaging
Murrieta Valley FS Gabriel Lomeli (7) upends Dorsett Stecker (0) during their first round playoff game against Corona Del Mar. Valley News/Andrez Imaging
Murrieta Valley CB Mekhi Criss (26) makes an interception return during the game against Corona Del Mar. Valley News/Andrez Imaging
Nighthawk RB Tahj Stephens (8) runs for yardage during the game against Corona Del Mar. Valley News/Andrez Imaging Linfield senior Dane Sloniker (56) celebrates a crucial sack. Valley News/Rob Davis Photography
[Left] Lions QB Charlie Bohmer (18) narrowly gets a pass through a Wilson defender to complete the pass. Valley News/Rob Davis Photography
[Right] Senior Carson Drummond (7) pulls down an incredible catch that rallies the Lions for the lead in their first-round playoff matchup. Valley News/Rob Davis Photography
Club builds momentum ahead of November match series and Youth-to-Pro push
Andrew Almazan
Special to Valley News
With a bold vision for professional soccer in Southwest Riverside County, Temecula FC is gearing up for a pivotal stretch matches this fall — and doubling down on its commitment to develop local talent and community pride along the way.
Founded in 2013, Temecula FC has become a cornerstone of the region’s growing sports identity. Known affectionately as “The Quails,” the club continues to build on its mission to unite the Valley through the world’s game — one player, one fan, and one match at a time.
“The future starts here — in our own backyard,” said club president Brandon Jantz, who has led the charge for over a decade. “The talent in South Riverside County is abundant, but too many young players never reach the level they’re truly capable of. We’re investing in that pathway — building a real football culture for this city.”
Upcoming Matches: A
Chance to Back the Quails
Temecula FC is set for an exciting run of late-season matches that will test the squad’s growth and determination. Fans can catch the Quails at Chaparral High School Stadium and Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park before they hit the road to face tough competition.
Match Schedule:
• Nov. 15: Temecula FC vs. Sin City FC NN (Home) –Chaparral High School, 5 p.m.
• Nov. 20: Raul Briones Cup (Opponent TBA) –Birdsall Sports Park Turf 4, 7:30 p.m.(Free & open to the public!)
• Dec. 13: Raul Briones Cup (Opponent TBA) – Chaparral High School, 5:00 p.m.
Jantz emphasized that community presence is everything. “Our fans are the heartbeat of this club,” he said. “When the stands are full, the energy pushes the players to another level.”
Investing in Local Talent and Infrastructure
While the Quails continue to compete regionally, the club faces challenges off the pitch — particularly in securing
consistent training facilities and a permanent stadium site.
Jantz confirmed that stadium development remains a top priority, though specific details are still under wraps. “We’ve had discussions that haven’t panned out, but we’re not slowing down,” he said. “In the meantime, we’re investing in the youth, building our staff, and creating a clear path from the local pitch to the professional level.”
That pathway has recently taken a major step forward with the formation of an Advisory Board to help steer the club’s professional ambitions. “This
board is about strengthening partnerships, unlocking investment, and ensuring sustainability,” said Jantz. By forming this team of subject matter experts Temecula FC is building up talent in all facets of the organization.
Coach John Oliver and the “One Club, One Goal” Vision
Head coach John Oliver continues to drive the team’s culture of professionalism and
accountability as the club eyes a professional league debut by 2027.
“The journey to pro soccer starts with dedication, discipline, and belief,” Oliver said. “We’re looking for players ready to set the standard and lead by example.”
To nurture that growth, Temecula FC recently announced that several First Team players will transition to the Pro Development Team, a move designed to give rising stars more matchday experience while keeping them integrated within the professional environment.
Community pride and the “Quail Army” Temecula FC’s supporters group, known as the Quail Army, continues to play a major role in fueling the club’s growth. This fall, the group launched a player win bonus fund, with 100% of proceeds from Quail Army scarf sales going directly toward rewarding First Team players.
“When the Quails win, the whole Valley wins,” Jantz said in the Instagram post announcing
the fund. “It’s incredible to see that level of passion from our supporters — they’re as much a part of this journey as anyone on the pitch.”
Scarves are available at all home matches and online at the Temecula FC Shop, with every purchase supporting the team’s fight and future.
One Valley. One Club. One Future.
Since its founding, Temecula FC has championed the belief that soccer can unify a region known for its vineyards, small businesses, and family-focused spirit. The club continues to look toward the future — both in growing its youth programs and securing the infrastructure needed to sustain professional soccer in the Inland Empire.
Fans are encouraged to join the Quail Army, follow the team’s journey, and show their support by visiting temeculafc. com for tickets, merchandise, and updates. For aspiring players interested in joining the professional team, inquiries can be sent directly to brandon@temeculafc.com
“Temecula FC isn’t just a soccer club,” Jantz said. “It’s a community movement — and we’re just getting started.”
Our Mission TEMECULA. FAMILY. FOOTBALL. IN THAT ORDER. We are independent, family-owned football (soccer) club based in Temecula Valley, California. Our passion is to serve our community and our sport. Our community defines us; it’s in our blood and in our football.
Since 2013, we are bringing our community together and building a real football culture in our city. One Valley. One Club. Temecula Valley is famed for many things. For the warmth of the weather, for its wine industry, its American Indian culture, its nightlife, from the vibrant Old Town Temecula restaurants and pubs, and much, much more. But it is Temecula Football Club and its supporters it will soon be best known for. Generations of fans will be born in our great city and we look to build a stadium that they can be proud of.
Francisco Martinez — passion, power, and pure Quail energy!
Cup nights under the lights — nothing better.
Every match. Every minute. Pure energy.
Elias Quintanar Macias — a true Quail through and through.
Inside the action. Inside the atmosphere. Michael From The Standz brings the real Temecula FC game-day story.
Committed to the Valley, focused on the players. Coach John Oliver represents what Temecula FC is all about — passion, purpose, and progress
Valley News/Courtesy image
Admission Nov. 20
Our fans are the heartbeat of this club. When the stands are full, the energy pushes the players to another level. “
Joshua Piñones — creativity, confidence, and class in every touch.
Strength, focus, and fight. Abraham Piñones giving everything for the badge.
Deadly in the box. Relentless on the run. Alberto Renteria
Temecula deserves a true home for soccer — a stadium that reflects our community and fuels a real youth-to-pro pathway. We’re building something that families, local businesses, and supporters can be proud of for decades to come.
– Brandon Jantz, Owner
Packing education clinic draws local equestrians
Metal mules are used to demonstrate packing gear
packing education clinic hosted by the Redshank Riders Unit of Backcountry Horsemen Saturday,
11. Anza Valley Outlook/Stacy Kuhns photo
The reality of Public Safety Power Shutoffs in the Anza Valley
Diane Sieker Staff Writer
The Anza valley has experienced the real - world effects of a policy known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), in which electric utilities temporarily de-energize parts of their grid during extreme weather events to reduce wildfire risk. This strategy is designed to prevent utility equipment from becoming the ignition source in fire-prone terrain.
According to Southern California Edison, a PSPS may be initiated when weather conditions, combined with dry vegetation, create elevated fire risk. The utility may shut off power to certain circuits ahead of predicted high winds, low humidity, and other red-flag conditions.
In the Anza Valley, this means that the imported power delivered to the Anza Electric Cooperative,
JULIE
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J.P. RAINERI, Sports Editor
SHANE GIBSON, Staff Photographer
DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer
JOE NAIMAN, Ind. Contractor
ROGER BODDAERT, Ind. Contractor
Advertising Sales
JOSEPHINE MACKENZIE
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Inc. can also be affected, since AEC uses lines owned by SCE to deliver power to its service territory.
The state’s regulatory body, the California Public Utilities Commission, has made de-energization a permissible tool under defined circumstances. The agency notes that, while electric-utility infrastructure historically causes less than 10 percent of wildfires, it accounts for roughly half of the most destructive blazes in California. Additionally, from 2013 through 2019, utilities in California reported multiple PSPS events, de-energizing circuits across dozens of counties to preempt wildfires.
In practice, the decision to initiate a PSPS involves numerous factors:
Weather conditions, including strong winds - commonly Santa Ana winds in fall - low relative humidity and dry fuels;
CLINIC from page B-1
mules and “metal mules” - lifesized training models - allowing participants to observe and practice various packing techniques firsthand. The live animals stood patiently as their gear was demonstrated.
Lewis also spoke about the benefits of using mules versus horses for backcountry work.
“Our unit does a lot of packing in the area for the Pacific Crest Trail, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and coordinates with other work crews,” Lewis said.
The fun and educational event left attendees wanting to learn more.
“Of course, we had to do some box hitch competitions, and it was great having everyone toss their hats in the ring,” Kuhns said.
The clinic combined education with camaraderie, showcasing the Redshank Riders’ ongoing commitment to preserving the skills and spirit of the backcountry equestrian community.
The Redshank Riders is a non-profit organization made up of individuals who are dedicated to conserving backcountry wilderness and protecting stock and the historic use of wilderness trails and forage. They are one of the many local units throughout the state as members of Backcountry Horsemen of America. BCHA provides a central organization which works with public land administrators on issues pertinent to public use of the backcountry and specifically to stock use in these areas.
For more information about the Redshank Riders Unit of Backcountry Horsemen, visit them on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/groups/bchc. rsr/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
Forecasting of fire - weather conditions known as red flag warnings by the National Weather Service;
Utility assessments of risk to lines, transformers and surrounding vegetation; Regulatory and internal mitigation requirements, including wildfire-mitigation plans mandated by California law (eg, Senate Bill 1028).
Recent regulatory reporting backs up the timeline of “trigger → assessment → de-energize → inspect → restore.”
Residents in the Anza Valley and similar high-fire-threat communities are advised to be prepared for a PSPS of unknown duration. Utility guidance suggests outages may last one to several days, with inspection and condition safety clearance prolonging the timeline. Preparedness tips include keeping vehicles fueled or charged, keeping flash-
lights and batteries on hand, as well as blankets and emergency supplies, and planning for communication disruptions.
Because AEC relies on SCE’s infrastructure for imported power, its members will be affected when SCE initiates a PSPS in its service territory. Fall is especially vulnerable for these events: warm, dry weather combined with Santa Ana winds create elevated risk of lines becoming ignition sources.
Utility mitigation efforts such as weather stations, vegetation inspections and additional hardware are part of the solution - but the de-energization tool remains a critical fallback. For example, SCE states it uses its own meteorologists, fire scientists and over a thousand weather-monitoring stations to determine if they will initiate a PSPS.
Regulators and utilities now track PSPS events much more
closely. The CPUC has maintained a public dashboard with PSPS post-event data since 2018.
In summary, the PSPS framework is in many ways, a trade-off: the hardship of a power outage versus the potentially catastrophic alternative of a wildfire ignited by power-system equipment. For communities like Anza, it’s important to view a PSPS not simply as an inconvenience but as part of a broader fire-safety strategy by utilities and regulators.
For more information about the AEC, visit them at www. anzaelectric.org/.
To learn more about how SCE is protecting against wildfires, see www.sce.com/safety/wildfire/psps Visit the County of Riverside’s Emergency Management Department at https://rivcoemd.org/.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK
Fires can be ignited by high winds impacting utility structures.
Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
Mules stand ready for their packs at the packing education clinic hosted by the Redshank Riders Unit of Backcountry Horsemen Saturday, Oct. 11. Anza Valley Outlook/Stacy Kuhns photo
Sheriff’s Blotter
Diane
Sieker Staff Writer
The Anza Valley Outlook Sher-
iff’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 Nov. 2 through Nov. 8. Nov. 2
Prowler - 4100 block Terwilliger Rd., Anza
Assist other department - 3900 block Ivan Ln., Anza
Nov. 6 Public disturbance - 3800 block Fisher Rd., Anza
Anza Electric Cooperative earns an ACSI 2025 Customer Satisfaction Award
ANZA – Anza Electric Cooperative, Inc. is honored to have earned a 2025 Customer Satisfaction Award* from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) based on our member survey results. Members were asked to rate their overall satisfaction with us, how well we lived up to their expectations, and how well we measured up to their ideal co-op experience. While these were not the only questions in the survey, we included these specifically because they are the core components of the proprietary ACSI methodology.
Anza Electric Cooperative’s ACSI score substantially outperforms the industry average score earned by publicly measured utilities reported in the 2025 ACSI
Energy Utility Study. This Award is a testament to Anza Electric’s ongoing efforts to provide the best possible member experience.
The 2025 Customer Satisfaction Award affirms that Anza Electric Cooperative’s hard work has been noticed by its members.
Anza Electric is grateful for its members and will continue to strive for excellence through constant dedication to improvement. Award criteria are determined by the ACSI and are based on customers rating their satisfaction in a survey independent of the syndicated ACSI Energy Utility Study. For more about the ACSI, visit www.theacsi.org/badges
Probation Officers Joe-Eric Torres and Beth Kean operate the east county unit.
“We also utilize offroad vehicles and smaller trucks to get into riverbeds and other hard-toreach places so we can contact and support our clients who are homeless and may not otherwise receive assistance due to these hardships,” Hansen added.
The specialized vehicles are used for several purposes, from bringing telecommunications access and treatment providers to offering basic necessities and mobile probation services for clients who face transportation challenges.
“We also use them as bases of operation for our staff, treatment providers, legal counsel and any other agency we partner with, which allows our clients to attend court hearings remotely, or join
Harassing phone calls - address withheld, Anza Unknown trouble - 3900 block Anza Rd., Anza Unknown trouble - 5100 block Kearsarge Rd., Anza Nov. 8 911 call - 3900 block Anza Rd., Anza 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.
therapy and program sessions,” Hansen said. “We can also better assist our homeless clients by bringing services to them.”
Frequent contact with homeless clients, he said, helps build rapport, foster trust and improve the department’s ability to assist them — ultimately easing strain on emergency services and the legal system.
“As a result, we see a reduction of violations of probation and an increase in positive outcomes for our clients and the community,” Hansen said.
A public calendar on the department’s website lists where and when the MSC units will be available, ensuring anyone who needs services can find them. The vehicles are deployed countywide, especially in underserved areas.
“We have been in the Anza area to assist our clients who have transportation issues, or needed
follow up to remain successful with their conditions of probation,” Hansen said. “We often work with several other departments who have similar goals of meeting clients where they are, as opposed to expecting them to travel to an area office.”
The department collaborates with the Riverside County Office of the Public Defender; Riverside University Health System Justice Outreach Team; RUHS Public Health, Homeless and Workforce Solutions Special Programs; Healthcare in Action; City-Net Homeless Solutions; and other agencies.
“At the end of the day, we are here to help people,” said Hansen. To reach the Riverside County Probation Department, visit rivcoprobation.org or call (951) 955-2830.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
ENTERTAINMENT
Legendary punk band FEAR to shake Murrieta at Solaris Beer & Blending Nov. 21
Andrew Almazan
Special to Valley News
Punk rock fans are in for a treat this month as FEAR, the iconic Los Angeles punk band led by frontman Lee Ving, brings its raw energy and attitude to Solaris Beer & Blending in Murrieta on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Known for helping define the sound and spirit of early West Coast punk, FEAR’s appearance marks a major moment for the Southwest Riverside County music scene — blending small-town charm with big-city rock history.
Opened in 2021, Solaris Beer & Blending sits on the border of Murrieta and Temecula, offering a lively community hub where craft brewing, local food, and live music collide. The venue has quickly become a standout destination for beer enthusiasts and concertgoers alike, known for its rotating food vendors, daily events, and eclectic taproom lineup ranging from crisp lagers to fruited sours.
A conversation with Lee Ving of FEAR
In an exclusive interview with Valley News , FEAR frontman Lee Ving shared his thoughts on performing in Murrieta, the evolution of punk, and what fans can expect from the show.
Q: Murrieta is a unique location to bring out an iconic band like FEAR. Is there a special or unique reason that booking in this city made sense for the band?
Lee Ving: “A unique idea/ characteristic of Murrieta is the bucolic atmosphere of a town
Scary
like this unaccustomed to some of the new styles/trends that may not have been presented in small town America and the more historic the atmosphere therefore.”
Q: Looking at the culture of punk rock and rock in general evolve over the decades, what are the best things that veterans like FEAR see in today’s world over the past? Alternatively, what are the best things from the past that may have died out long ago?
Lee Ving: “Brand new styles like punk don’t always have staying power, but in this case, one might argue that something about punk has given it staying power! (Innovation and talent, like rock and roll itself!)”
Q: When was the last time FEAR was in the immediate area of Temecula, Murrieta, or Lake Elsinore? Can you share a specific or iconic memory from visiting this area?
Lee Ving: “We haven’t played in Murrieta, Temecula, and Lake Elsinore recently, but the contrast is interesting and historically ‘crowd pleasing.’”
Q: What is the band looking forward to most about performing at Solaris Beer & Blending this month?
Lee Ving: “Solaris Beer and Blending offers us the unique opportunity to perform at a venue whose very name has the magic word ‘Beer’ in it — a word so appreciated over the aeons by this band, FEAR! See you in Murrieta!!!!!!!”
About FEAR
Founded in Los Angeles in 1977, FEAR became one of the
most influential acts in the early American punk scene. Their confrontational performances and biting humor helped shape the sound of punk nationwide, most notably after their infamous 1981 Saturday Night Live appearance introduced punk to mainstream audiences.
Frontman Lee Ving, known for his growling vocals and irreverent wit, has kept the band’s legacy alive through decades of touring and recording. FEAR’s classic songs — including “I Love Livin’ in the City,” “Let’s Have a War,” and “New York’s Alright if You Like Saxophones” — remain anthems of anti-establishment rock.
Solaris Beer & Blending: Craft, community, and culture
Since opening in March 2021, Solaris Beer & Blending has become a cornerstone of Murrieta’s growing craft beer and live entertainment scene. Founded with the goal of blending experimental brewing with community connection, Solaris hosts live music, beer club events, and family-friendly gatherings nearly every week.
Patrons can find Solaris’s event lineup, beer releases, and ticket details at solarisbeer.com or on Instagram and Facebook @ solarisbeer.
Bonus show for local rock fans
Fans looking to make it a twoday rock marathon can catch a stacked lineup the night before FEAR’s show at The Barn at UC Riverside on Nov. 20. The concert features: Jakobs Castle, a SoCal artist blending surf-punk, hip-hop, and
FEAR became notorious for their 1981 SNL performance, where they brought the raw and chaotic energy of the punk subgenre onto a national broadcast for the first time. The chaos was so extreme that NBC cut away to a pre-recorded sketch to avoid further disruption.
indie rock into a sun-soaked, genre-bending sound.
Strawberry Fuzz , a Venice Beach-based punk outfit whose gritty, garage-born energy powers their 2025 LP Miller’s Garage (Glide Magazine).
Strange Case, an alt-rock band
and sweet combine at Soboba event
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
Special to Valley News
The annual Trunk-or-Treat event at the Soboba Sports Complex is always enjoyed by families of students who attend the Soboba Tribal Preschool. The time was changed from 2-4 p.m. this year so young ones could attend with their older siblings. This allowed them all to dress up in their Halloween costumes and visit theme- and treat-filled trunks set up by Soboba departments and community members.
“We had 36 trunks at our event, which is the most we’ve ever had,” Preschool Administrator Lenora “Ponie” Mojado said. “We included family and parent trunks, along with some contributions from elders in the community, which was fantastic.”
Being held the day before Halloween gave kids a chance to practice their best treat-or-treating manners, thanking those who were handing out sweets. Several of the trunks offered interaction and games so the kids could enjoy the displays as well as the candy they received.
Preschool teachers and staff hosting trunks full of treats easily recognized the students despite masks and other altered costumes. Mojado said the overwhelmingly favorite costumes among the children were the K-Pop Demon Hunters, with many students dressed as characters from that show, such as the long-pigtailed Rumi.
“I want to give a shout-out to our parents for their generous candy donations and for being such a vital part of the Trunk-or-Treat event,” Mojado said. “Our community is wonderful, and they dedicate their time and effort to support the preschool. I am also grateful to the preschool team for going the extra mile with their trunks and for their hard work on both school days and Trunk Day, despite the heat. We had a lot of fun!”
Soboba Parks & Recreation gave huge candy-filled bags to all who stopped at their Ghostbusters stand. The AVID club at Noli Indian School paid homage to the animated film “Coco” which highlights Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The Noli Booster Club also hosted a trunk.
Preschool Administrative Assistant Maria Hernandez said, “It was such a joy to see so many smiling faces and little ones dressed up in their adorable costumes. The energy, excitement, and creativity were felt all around! What made it even more special was seeing all
the departments and families come together—not just to participate, but to truly show up for the children in our community. From the thoughtful decorations to the fun costumes, it was clear how much heart everyone put into making this event magical. Thank you to everyone who helped create such a memorable experience for our kiddos and families. Your efforts made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful.”
Members of the Soboba Foundation and Tribal Council joined forces to welcome children to the “Nevermore Academy” that is attended by Wednesday Addams.
Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, Secretary Monica Herrera, Treasurer Adona Salgado and Sergeant-atArms Daniel Valdez took turns handing out lots of sweet treats. Foundation members who pitched in included President Andy Silvas, Vice President Joey Placencia and other volunteers.
Soboba’s Tribal Administration was represented by front office staff and the Accounting and Janitorial departments. The latter went all out with an elaborate depiction of Alice in Wonderland, complete with the main characters and having the children enter the rabbit hole’s archway to join in the Mad Hatter’s tea party and get a cardboard teapot box filled with candy. Their hard work paid off as they received first place in the Trunk Decorating contest.
The newly crowned Daughter of Soboba Su’la Arviso was joined by her mother, Melissa and members of the DOS committee to serve up treats at the “Dutch Boo’s” coffee shop, not to be confused with Dutch Bros. Their unique design earned them second place in the Trunk Decorating contest.
Many parents and grandparents of preschool students volunteered to host a trunk and some included games. There was a “walk the plank” in shark-infested waters that attracted some of the braver students, while Snoopy and the Great Pumpkin was a winner among the youngest kids. But it was Jade Morillo and her family that got the third-place nod in the Trunk Decorating contest with their elaborate “Monsters, Inc.” display.
“Being able to witness the different departments and families of the preschool students come out to support and be a part of this event was super heartwarming,” preschool co-teacher Jess Thompson said. “Each trunk had its own uniquesee SWEET, page B-5
known for their atmospheric sound and cinematic stage presence (strangecase.live).
Together, these acts promise a one-two punch of California’s vibrant rock scene, leading straight into FEAR’s Murrieta performance.
Valley News/Courtesy photo
Members of Soboba’s Janitorial Department go all out to recreate the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party from Alice in Wonderland for preschool students who attended the Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 30 at the Soboba Sports Complex. Their display resulted in a first-place win for best decoration. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos
Serving up beverages and treats at the Dutch Boo’s booth are Daughter of Soboba Su’la Arviso, Melissa Arviso and Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman and $ovóova Po’$wáamay committee member Geneva Mojado. A second place prize was awarded to them for their efforts.
Members of Soboba Public Works Department have fun sharing M&Ms with children visiting their booth.
Mermaid Gloria Gonzalez, 6, visits the Monsters, Inc. display created by Jade Morillo and family at the Trunk-or-Treat event. The display earned a third-place price for its decoration.
Friendly scarecrow Linnea Lopez, 7, walks the plank amid shark-infested waters to get candy at this year’s Halloween event.
Find something to do!
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
Nov. 18 – 4-6
p.m. Page to Picture at the Murrieta Public Library, 8 Town Square, Murrieta. Join us for monthly book-to-movie adaptations. Snacks provided. For ages 13-18. Register for this activity online at https://bit.ly/ mplclasses, category “Library.”
ONGOING – MilVet Jr. is a MilVet program for our youngest heroes in training. Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of the month. Locations will vary between the MilVet office and local venues. Activities that focus on learning teamwork, leadership, and community are geared for ages 5-11, but all children are welcome to join. Limited spots available so sign up at milvet.org/ milvetjr.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Nov. 15 – 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Bulky Item Drop Off at Sun City Civic Association, 26850 Sun City Blvd., Menifee. Free for residents (proof of residency is required). Drop off bulky items for recycling or disposal such as furniture, appliances, mattresses, and bundled green waste. Limit 2 appliances per trip. No electronic waste or tires.
Nov. 15 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. French Valley Community Fair at Rancho Bella Vista Park, 1757 Browning St., Murrieta. Family and friends can enjoy game booths, food trucks, bouncers, community resources, music, and more.
ONGOING – Wednesdays, 7 a.m. Grandfathers for Golf is holding weekly fundraiser golf outings at Golden Era Golf Course in San Jacinto (19871 Gilman Springs Road). Cost to play is $25, which includes 18 holes of golf and a golf cart, and supports the Grandfathers for Golf nonprofit that teaches area children golf for free.
NOTE: Golden Era will be closed the month of October for reseeding, but Wednesday golf outings will resume in November
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ness, and creativity was definitely a strong suit that everyone had. I’m excited to see what participants have in store for next year!”
Bianca Machado and her family hosted a trunk, as did the Arres family, the Placencias and the Morillos. “We try to do something different than everyone else,” Tara Placencia said. “We went with all ghosts this year.”
Public Works had fun with their M&Ms booth, with each person dressed as a different candy-coated color. Soboba Tribal Environmental Department tricked visitors by having ramen containers filled with sweet candy and not savory noodles. Human Resources played up Candyland in a big way. Tribal Family Services hosted a pirate ship candy station.
The Department of Public Safety chose a Minecraft theme, painting all the blocks themselves. Soboba Casino Resort used Willy Wonka as the basis for their trunk load of candy that kids were encouraged to take by the handful. And they didn’t even need a Golden Ticket to do it.
Roadrunner Express employees were on hand with a carnival theme, and the Soboba Culture Department nailed a timely subject with a baseball game concession stand. Staff members dressed up as a box of popcorn, a hot dog, a hamburger, and baseball players.
The preschool hosted several trunks/booths, including InsideOut 2, Super Mario Kart, and a takeoff on the popular animated character Bluey, calling their candy stop Booey and featuring cutouts of the popular characters in their own costumes.
Preschool teacher Julissa Garcia said, “I loved seeing the community come together for our kiddos. Like every year, it’s fun to see the creativity from both participating departments and families. I’m glad we were able to accommodate our students’ siblings’ school schedules a little more this time around so that we could include them in this
and run indefinitely.) Book a tee time at 951-604-1312.
ONGOING – Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. The Sun City Farmers Market meets every Saturday at the Sun City Civic Association at 26850 Sun City Blvd., in Sun City, with local vendors and crafts.
ONGOING – Riverside Transportation Commission is offering Park and Ride lots to connect with carpools, vanpools, and transit systems in Beaumont at 600 E. Sixth Street; in San Jacinto at 501 S. San Jacinto Avenue, and in Temecula at Grace Presbyterian Church, 31143 Nicolas Road, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but not on weekends.
ONGOING – Line dancing classes are held on 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. $5 per lesson. Contact Joyce Hohenadl at 951674-2159.
ONGOING – Sun City Civic Association Monthly Square Dance sessions are held on Sundays from 1:30-5 p.m. at 26850 Sun City Boulevard.
ONGOING – If you know a homebound older adult, resources in Menifee are available, including grab-and-go, cooked, and frozen food for pickup. Courtesy pantry items and meals delivered with no contact. Three days of emergency food can be delivered immediately, or restaurant meal delivery for those who don’t qualify for food assistance programs. Call the California Department of Aging at 800-510-2020 for help.
ONGOING – Saturdays and Sundays only, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Winchester Swap Meet continues at 33280 Newport Road in Winchester. The small local swap meet is only 50 cents for entry, and anyone under the age of 10 has free admission. No dogs allowed.
ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Every Sunday, the Murrieta Village Walk Farmers Market is at Village Walk Place in Murrieta.
The Sunday morning farmers’ market at Village Walk Plaza is
event. I know how much it meant for our students to get to trick-ortreat with their siblings. Shout out to everyone who showed up and showed out for another successful Trunk-or-Treat!”
Mojado said preparation for the Oct. 30 event began in September when staff reached out to departments, utilizing a list from previous years to help guide their outreach.
“To get the community involved, we posted the event on Korbyt and encouraged those interested to sign up,” she said. “Soboba Preschool has an amazing community that truly supports these efforts.”
The request for donations was met with an outstanding response.
“We received a generous amount of candy donations from parents, which allowed us to have plenty of treats for the Halloween Carnival at the Sports Complex (on Oct. 18) and for the preschool Trunk or Treat. We shared the candy through five trunks and still have a little amount left over, which we will use for goody bags for our Fall Feast,” Mojado said.
The most exciting part of the event for her was seeing all the children in their costumes and admiring the different trunks.
“Everyone really showed up for the preschool children, and the turnout was great,” she said. “The creativity of the trunks was amazing.”
Pre-K teacher Elena Vega-Castello said it was heartwarming to see everyone come together to create such a fun celebration for the children. “It was a beautiful reminder of the strength of our school and community. The dedication and creativity from all the families truly made the event shine once again,” she said. “Thank you to all the families who really put forward the effort to make it magical for our kids.”
Kindergarten co-teacher Alaina Adkins said, “This year’s Trunkor-Treat was definitely a hit. Everyone worked really hard on their displays, and you can tell that they really brought their all! I can’t wait for next year!”
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 on 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 agricultural products only. Follow the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market on Facebook to stay updated. No pets allowed.
WORKSHOPS & MEETINGS
Nov. 14 – 10 a.m. Temecula Valley Genealogical Society presents a How-To-Guide to Using DNA Test Results in Genealogical Research with Kathy Fernandes, who will teach the class in person. Learn step-by-step guidance on how to apply DNA testing data in your genealogical research. Testing strategies, identifying “surprise” cousins, and addressing brick walls in your distant ancestry. Attend in person at Ron H. Roberts Temecula Public Library’s Community Room, 30600 Pauba Rd. Temecula, or attend on Zoom. Request a Zoom link from tvgswebmaster@gmail.com. More info at tvgs.net. Free and open to the public.
ONGOING – 10 a.m. The Temecula Valley Republican Women meet each month at the Wilson Creek Winery, 33960 Rancho California Road, Temecula. For questions, please contact info@ tvrwomen.org
ONGOING – Temecula Valley Genealogical Society hosts the Family History Research Assistance Program for those interested in learning more about their family roots. The society offers free research assistance through this volunteer program. Appointments are available in person or via Zoom. Contact the TVGS Family Research Coordinator at tvgs.research.assist@gmail.com
ONGOING – Temecula’s Path of Honor at the Temecula Duck Pond, 28250 Ynez Road. A program to give a place to remember and honor veterans from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the World War II Merchant Marines with a permanent paver. The pavers cost $185. Orders may be placed year-round and are consolidated, engraved, and placed on the path annually each November. For more information, visit http://TemeculaCA. gov/Veterans or contact the Temecula Community Services Department at 951-694-6480.
ONGOING – Want to help deployed American troops remotely? Help shop for the most needed items without leaving home, as an easy way to help support deployed men and women by purchasing items remotely and having them delivered to MilVet at designated drop-off locations for packing. All items on the list are special requests from deployed military men and women. MilVet is a nonprofit organization that holds monthly packaging events at different community locations in the area. For drop-off locations and packaging locations, visit www. milvet.org/military-care-packages.
ONGOING – Assistance League of Temecula Valley hosts a meeting for its member volunteers and guests every first Tuesday of the month (dark in July) at their facility at 28720 Via Montezuma, Temecula at 9:30 a.m. social and 10 a.m. meeting. The meeting room is adjacent to the thrift shop. Anyone interested in exploring volunteering or learning more about the organization is welcome to attend. Email altemecula@ yahoo.com for more information.
ONGOING – Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets on 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 – 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 833349-2054.
ONGOING – Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a free 12step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia, has meetings throughout the U.S. and the world. Contact 781932-6300, or for local meetings, call 925-321-0170 or visit www. foodaddicts.org.
ONGOING – The Murrieta Garden Club meets each month at the Murrieta Community Center, 41810 Juniper St. Anyone who likes to garden or is interested in plants is welcome. Membership is $10 per year. Find more information about the monthly event or project on Facebook.
ONGOING – Temecula Valley Rose Society meets each month. For more information and new meeting dates and places, visit www.temeculavalleyrosesociety. org
ONGOING – Menifee Toastmasters meets every Thursday at noon for one hour at a designated place to have fun, enhance speaking capabilities, gain self-confidence, and improve social skills. For new dates, call 760-807-1323 or visit www.MenifeeToastmasters.org for more information. ONGOING – Homeless veterans can receive free help by dialing 877-424-3838 for 24/7 access to the VA’s services for homeless, at-risk veterans. Chat is confidential for veterans and friends. Visit www.va.gov/homeless.
ONGOING – The Dorland Scribblers meet on the second Sunday of each month from 1-3 p.m. at 36701 Highway 79 South, Temecula. We welcome fiction, non-fiction, poets, memoirs, 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
EDUCATION
Lake Elsinore area students honored in October
Diane A. Rhodes
Special to Valley News
The Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Student of the Month program, which honors students who make a difference in their schools and communities, held its most recent luncheon celebration at the Lakeside High School Lancer Round Table Café on October 14. Lunch was prepared and served by members of the Lakeside Culinary Academy.
Program founder Sally Myers, of BMW Management/Sizzler Restaurants, emceed the event that has been held there since 1996. She welcomed all guests and explained the nonprofit program’s mission that acknowledges and honors college or trade school bound seniors for their character, love of learning, and commitment to academics, in addition to participation in athletics, school activities, and community service. It also commends those who have persevered through challenging life circumstances, all in a setting that honors God, country, family, community, and free enterprise.
Large tote bags filled with gifts, certificates of recognition, and much more, donated by the program’s sponsors, were given to the award recipients. Each student received a commemorative medallion and was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past challenges, and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers, and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.
October’s students of the month are Elsinore High School’s Madison Roath and Jay Sharma, Keith McCarthy Academy’s Zachary Wagoner, Lakeside High School’s Monserat Avery and Enrique Valdovinos, Ortega High School’s Jazmine Rodriguez, and Temescal Canyon High School’s Keelyn Asondoh and Lucas Pearce.
Elsinore High School Madison Roath was described by Principal Pauline Leavitt as an AP Scholar, currently ranked fourth in her senior class with a GPA of 4.514. She has been on the cheer team for three years, helped develop and create the school’s yearbook, and is a dedicated fourth-year agriculture student. “Madison is someone who has a kind heart and goes out of her way to help others and really makes a difference in our community,”
of the Lake
Asonsoh,
Leavitt said. The outstanding senior volunteers with Riverside County Adoption Services, where her mother works. Madison enjoys working with children, and this is one way she gives back to her community. Cheer Coach Crystal Hoffman said, “What sets her apart from other athletes is that she is actually ‘no drama.’
She’s always kind, responsible, hardworking, and humble.”
Jay Sharma was introduced by Principal Leavitt as an AP Scholar and three-year member of the National Honor Society, who is ranked fifth in his class with a 4.513 GPA, one thousandth of a percentage point behind Madison. Jay hopes to attend UC, San Diego to major in psychology, an interest that developed after taking an AP psychology class last year. He is involved in the CTE pathway of the photo and video program, the Asian Unity Club, and the tennis team. “The biggest life lesson I’ve learned so far is to stay true to myself and be kind to others.” His CTE instructor, Clint Heinze, said, “You can take the life skills I teach in my class anywhere.” About Jay, he said, “You’re not going to meet a more optimistic and joyful person. The energy and ideas that he brings to class just make my day worth teaching.”
Keith McCarthy Academy singled out Zachary Wagoner as October’s honoree. Principal Peter Hopping said that when Zachary was in middle school during the COVID shutdown, he was exposed to online education and quickly learned it fit his lifestyle, so he enrolled at KMA for high school. Currently ranked in the top five of his class, he is looking forward to attending college in Hawaii to fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer. “My father Jim has shown me what it’s like to work hard, have perseverance, and to always give 100% effort in all you do,” Zachary said. He has contributed to his community through volunteering with Little League, at the community library, and in his mother’s classroom during the summer. “I am currently part of the Junior PGA League, where I’m improving my game so I can share what I learn with younger golfers as well as one day to finally beat my grandpa Mark,” Zachary said. “The biggest life lesson I have learned is to accept that failure is part of growing. Accepting that when you get out of your comfort zone and try new things, failure is a huge possibility, but understanding how to grow and learn from your failure is the key to being successful.”
Lakeside High School
Monserat Avery, who has been in school bands and the AVID program for seven years, was introduced by Principal Jason Eldridge. The honored senior said, “When I was eight years old, I entered the foster care system with no knowledge of English or Spanish and therefore not knowing how to read or write.” She said her second-grade teacher’s kindness and passion for helping others sparked her interest in education. “In less than one year, I learned how to speak English, how to write complex words, and how to read high-level books past my grade level,” Monserat said. “At that moment, I knew what I wanted to be. Mrs. Allen was my inspiration for wanting to be an elementary school teacher. I hope to one day inspire kids like she did with me.” She plans to attend Cal State San Marcos. Teacher and AVID Coordinator Lisa Ogden said of Monserat, “Joy is her middle name and she spreads that wherever she goes; she’s got a servant’s heart and she’s going to be a wonderful teacher.”
Enrique Valdovinos hopes to attend UC, San Diego or UC, Riverside to become a mechanical or electrical engineer and create new energy sources that can help combat climate change. He serves as president of the Culture Club,
San Jacinto Leadership Academy hosts Veterans Voices: A Legacy of Service event
SAN JACINTO – San Jacinto Leadership Academy (SJLA) cadets recently connected literature to real-life service through t he inaugural Veterans Voices: A Legacy of Service event held on Tuesday, Nov. 4, honoring 30 local veterans.
The event, coordinated by teacher Cheri Veilleux-Fenske, served as a culminating experience for her 11th-grade students who had just completed reading The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, a novel exploring the emotional burdens and personal stories of soldiers during the Vietnam War.
The day began with Reveille, where veterans joined SJLA cadets for the morning ceremony, fol lowed by introductions and small group interviews. During the interviews, students had the opportunity to listen to veterans’ personal stories of service, sacrifice and resilience.
“I participated in a similar event when I was in high school and it made a lasting impression on me,”
commented Mrs. Veilleux-Fenske. “I am thrilled to pass along this experience with my current students.”
Following the interviews, students reflected on their conversations, drawing parallels between t he novel and the stories they heard. They are now working to compile their reflections into short videos that highlight both the literary themes and the veterans’ legacies.
Student reactions reflected the event’s deep impact. One student said, “The Veteran we interviewed was very open and outgoing. He made it easy for us to ask questions. The talk overall was perfect.”
“Some of the answers changed the way I view my own privileges and the things I have in my life,” commented another student.
“I personally loved making connections and listening to the stories of our country’s heroes,” said one student.
Another student added, “We got to meet amazing people who
served on our behalf.”
Many students said they wished for more time with the veterans and the chance to interview more than one, underscoring the value of these intergenerational connections.
The Veterans Voices event is expected to become an annual
and is part of the Spanish Honors Club, Robotics, and AVID, and plays varsity soccer. “I also participate in the after-school athletics program, which created and fostered some of my closest friendships,” Enrique said. “These clubs and programs have taught me many valuable skills like communication, leadership, and time management. The biggest life lesson I learned is that I must value my time and not waste it. I hope to give back to my community by starting an afterschool camp that focuses on automotive work so students can learn and cultivate new skills.” AVID Coordinator Selene Jimenez said what makes Enrique special is that everyone knows he can be trusted. “He is loved and respected by everyone on campus,” she said.
Ortega High School chose to recognize Jazmine Rodriguez She was introduced by Principal Lee Alfred who said, “She is a light on our campus.” She was a first-quarter graduate, having officially completed her diploma requirements on Oct. 9. She plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College to study criminal justice. “My dream has always been to be part of the law enforcement system,” Jazmine said. “At Ortega, I was involved with many programs, one of them being Leadership, our school’s ASB. We planned events and spirit days, and I had the privilege to create and deliver the school’s announcements.” She also served as a TA for the front office, working with the staff, which she said allowed her to enhance her customer service skills and give back to her school. Teacher Alexis Flores said, “She’s a student who reminds us that strength doesn’t come from things going easy, but it comes from facing difficulties and choosing to rise above them.” She said Jazmine stays focused and never lets any of her negative or challenging circumstances define her but rather lets them serve as motivation to get stronger.
Temescal Canyon High School Keelyn Asondoh was described by Temescal Canyon Principal Josh Hill as a Health & Medical Career Academy pathway student, a varsity dance team member who has served as captain the past two years, a Black Student Union board member, and a Key Club member. Keelyn plans to major in nursing. “I’ve always had a passion for helping others, especially kids, and I hope to become a pediatric nurse one day,” she said. “I also want to keep dancing, whether that’s on a collegiate team or just as a hobby, because it’s something I truly love to do.” Keelyn believes her greatest contribution is her strong leadership and her ability to make people feel welcome. “I take pride in bringing people together and making them feel seen.” Dance team coach Colleen Stevens said, “I can say without hesitation that our team is stronger, more unified, and more inspired because of her leadership. She leads not by demanding attention but by giving it, by listening, by encouraging, and by being someone others can trust.”
SJLA tradition, continuing to build bridges between classroom learning and community experience while ensuring that the stories of service and sacrifice are honored and remembered.
Submitted by the San Jacinto Unified School District.
Lucas Pearce was introduced by Principal Hill as a member of the school’s Titan Engineering & Technology Academy, a varsity wrestler, and a member of NHS. Lucas said he is proud of what he feels is his greatest contribution to the community—his Boy Scout Eagle project when he was 16. He coordinated a renovation of the Antelope-Menifee Rural Center with the blessing of then-Mayor Bill Zimmerman. “This project taught me the value of patience, the strength of communication, and the value of contribution,” Lucas said. “I could not have done it without the support of the community and the goodwill that exists in the city.” Academy Director Robert Parks has been teaching there for 24 years. “During my time at Temescal Canyon, I’ve had some really amazing students and they’ve gone on to do some amazing things. Lucas may just top them all. His academics are out of this world—his GPA is 4.772. I could honestly call this my Student of the Career.” For more information on the program, please contact Kim Joseph Cousins at 951-245-8848 or Donna Romo at Donnajromo@ aol.com
Recipients
Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month award for October are, standing from left, Lucas Pearce, Zachary Wagoner, Jay Sharma, and Enrique Valdovinos, and seated from left, Keelyn
Jazmine Rodriguez, Madison Roath, and Monserat Avery.
Valley News/John P. Hess photo
The gymnasium was set up with tables, each hosting one veteran and a few students who interviewed and spoke with them.
An Army veteran shares a collection of medals to students at the Veterans Voices event.
Navy veteran Jerry Woodbeck converses to a group of SJLA students during the event on Nov. 4. Valley News/Courtesy photos
Danilo Pasion named Lake Elsinore Postmaster
LAKE ELSINORE — Danilo
Pasion, Jr. was recently selected as the Postmaster of Lake Elsinore. He is committed to upholding exceptional service to the community and fostering an engaging work environment for employees.
“Being a postmaster is an honor for the community and myself,” says Pasion. “Working together in the post office is very important for success. An office cannot succeed with just a manager. As a team, we accomplish more for the community and our employees.”
Pasion began his postal career in 1998 as a rural carrier in Escondido. He was promoted as a supervisor in San Marcos in 2017. In 2018, he applied and was promoted to supervisor in Temecula to be closer to home. He has held positions as an officer in charge in Sun City, Perris, Temecula, Murrieta, and San Jacinto.
In May 2024, he was promoted as Mountain Center’s Postmaster and then to Lake Elsinore in August 2025. He is currently running
operations and overseeing renovations at the Murrieta S&DC. Pasion earned his associate degree in general studies from Southwestern College. In his free time, he is a 4th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and volunteers as a martial arts instructor. As Postmaster, Pasion oversees more than 70 employees who provide delivery service to nearly 17,000 delivery points across 32 routes, as well as retail services and services to more than 1,000 PO Boxes.
The Lake Elsinore Post Office is located at 31724 Casino Dr., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530. Post Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Passport and passport photo services are available by appointment from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Schedule an appointment at www.usps. com/passports. Submitted by the United States Postal Service.
Matich Corporation given county contract for Hemet-Ryan Airport apron pavement rehabilitation
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The County of Riverside awarded Matich Corporation the contract to rehabilitate the apron pavement at Hemet-Ryan Airport.
The October 28 meeting of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors included a 5-0 vote to approve the contract. Matich Corporation, which is headquartered in San Bernardino, will be paid $3,535,855.50. C&S Engineers, Inc., was given a $249,676 work order to provide construction support services and a project budget of $3,873,532, which includes a $25,000 existing task order that was also approved.
In November 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved a construction contract for the first phase of the Hemet-Ryan Airport pavement rehabilitation. That work rehabilitated the aging pavement for Taxiway B, hangar taxilanes, and the east/west apron.
Phase 2 of the Hemet-Ryan Airport apron pavement rehabilitation project includes apron pavement rehabilitation using
in-place full-depth reclamation, a new hot mix asphalt pavement surface course, fog sealing, and restoration of markings. All improvements will be within the existing pavement limits, and no drainage or permanent best management practices designs are included.
A 5-0 Board of Supervisors vote on July 29 authorized the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors to advertise the project for bid.
The July 29 vote also approved the plans, specifications, and contract documents for the construction contract, set an August 21 bid opening date, and found the replacement or reconstruction of existing facilities to be categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review.
The bid package was structured with a base bid, which would pave approximately 30,000 square yards, and three alternative bids, which would add another approximately 12,000 square yards if the bids were low enough to allow those alternatives to be funded.
The Matich Corporation bid was low enough that the alternatives were included in the contract.
Four companies submitted
proposals. All American Asphalt actually had the low bid of $3,156,611.00, but the Corona company omitted two required forms, and the bid was deemed non-responsive. The $3,535,855.50 requested from Matich Corporation was thus the lowest responsive bid, and a $3,613,691.50 bid from Hazard Companies of Lakeside was the second-lowest responsive bid.
The county owns and operates five airports: French Valley Airport, Hemet - Ryan Airport, Blythe Airport, Chiriaco Summit Airport, and Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal. A 5-0 Board of Supervisors vote on February 25 approved new fiveyear service agreements for tasks involving the airports. C&S Engineers, Inc., and Mead & Hunt, Inc., were given new five-year agreements for airport engineering, architectural, planning, and environmental services, while Coffman Associates, Inc., has a five-year contract for as-needed planning and environmental services. The county’s Airport Manager can sign agreements with those companies for work orders which do not exceed
$100,000 while larger expenditures will be brought to the Board of Supervisors for approval. The construction support services in the work order with C&S Engineers approved October 28 will include on-site observation, project management, and overall construction administration. The Federal Aviation Administration has an Airport Improvement Program which provides grants covering up to 95 percent of a project’s total cost. The State Division of Aeronautics has a California Aid to Airports Program, and a grant from that program will cover 4.75 percent of the cost. The county’s Special Aviation Budget Fund will provide the remaining funding for the pavement rehabilitation. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
Supervisors approve Creekstone CFD
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a community facilities district for the Creekstone development in Winchester.
A 5-0 vote on November 4 authorized the formation of the CFD. The Creekstone project is north of Domenigoni Parkway, south of Salt Creek, east of Windy Willow Lane, and west of Leon Road. The 14.9-acre parcel will be subdivided into 164 residential condominium units. The county’s Planning Commission approved a tentative tract map and plot plan in February 2024, while the general plan amendment and specific plan amendment for the change in the site’s land use designation were approved by the Board of Supervisors in April 2024.
A community facilities district includes a special tax (sometimes known as Mello-Roos taxes due to the state legislators who authored the option for services on new development to be funded by an annual assessment) to fund the services and/or infrastructure.
A Joint Communities Facilities Agreement stipulates the collection and distribution process for the taxes. If the one percent property tax is not sufficient to pay for maintenance, fire protection, and other services, a CFD
B USINESS D IRECTORY
for more information or email magerkurths@yahoo.com
may be formed for those services, and that CFD would be perpetual. A CFD may also pay for infrastructure, including capacity fees, which are charged to developers to cover the new development’s share of existing infrastructure, and that assessment ends when the bonds are paid off. The CFD may also pay for the reimbursement to government agencies for their staff time and other expenses to form the CFD, the cost to issue bonds, and the annual costs to administer the CFD. An assessment must be approved by a majority of property owners, although a developer who owns a property before it is subdivided may cast the sole vote in favor of a CFD, which will be binding upon subsequent property owners. The CFD for Creekstone will be perpetual and will fund street light expenses, which include energy charges, operation, maintenance, and administration. The initial $17,876 annual expense correlates to an assessment of $109 per taxable unit per year for residential property and $1,411 per acre per year for multi-family residential and non-residential property. The assessment will increase annually by a minimum of 2 percent and up to the cumulative percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
Danilo Pasion, Jr. was selected as Postmaster of Lake Elsinore and oversees more than 70 employees that service nearly 17,000 delivery points.
Valley News/Courtesy photo
As someone who has served as a mayor and city council member, I have talked directly with many folks in tough spots. Seniors who have paid into Medicare (the government’s health insurance for people 65 and older) for 40+ years are often told they are too young at age 62 because the government changed the rules. What if you cannot work until 66 because of health issues or needing to take care of a family member? Veterans who have risked everything for our country now fight endless waitlists at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and get turned down by private insurers for care they earned. Hardworking families, such as nurses, farmers, teachers, construction workers, and pilots, fork over $1,200 or more each month in health premiums straight from their paychecks, then wait months for doctors to approve basic treatments. Kids miss routine checkups because families cannot swing the out-ofpocket costs. This is not a “system.” It is a mess that is leaving good people high and dry. We do not need socialized medicine where the government runs everything and choices disappear. What we need is a system that works: one that is efficiently managed by the private sector, charges fair and predictable prices, and delivers the care taxpayers have already paid for, without endless red tape, waste, or corporate greed. This means keeping private doctors, private insurers, and private hospitals in charge, but with strong rules from Congress to protect patients, cut costs, and ensure every dollar is used wisely. Getting care when you need it is almost impossible right now. Paying your taxes and premiums means you are still getting shortchanged by big insurance companies and a bloated industry. Congress has the power to step in with smart fixes, but has not. Ev-
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
Several years ago, I was on a radio talk show, and another panelist claimed that horse racing is a dying sport because the average age of horse racing spectators was 60. I countered that admission to horse racing tracks is affordable for a retired person on a fixed income.
I was 60 during the 2024 Del Mar Thoroughbred Club fall meet. What I experienced one day convinces me that horse racing has younger fans and has more of a future than my colleague believed.
Normally, I watch the Del Mar races from the press box, which itself is aging because getting
ery day, taxpayers (our veterans, builders, parents, and kids) are getting robbed of the protection they need, paid for.
All the facts here come from reliable, non-partisan sources like the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American College of Radiology (ACR), American Hospital Association (AHA), Social Security Administration (SSA), Government Accountability Office (GAO), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG), American Medical Association (AMA), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Clear proof that the system is broken and shortchanging you Here is the hard data, broken down simply. These are not opinions. They are from official reports.
1. Health Insurance Marketplace Premiums Are Skyrocketing . Average premiums under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) are jumping 26% in 2026, with some states seeing 30% hikes. For lowand middle-income families, premiums could double (up 114%). I have heard from families who cannot cover the jump and have lost access to urgent care.
2. Emergency Rooms Are Jammed with Cases That Could Have Been Prevented. The average wait in U.S. ERs hit 58 minutes in 2009, which was 25% longer than in 2003. 2025 now 3.5 hours. About 40% of those visits are for issues that could have been caught early with affordable checkups, but families skip them due to costs. This hits kids and working adults hardest, turning small problems into crises.
3. Cancer Patients Are Stuck Waiting for Basic Scans. One in four people with cancer delays important imaging tests because
paid to watch horse races is a disincentive to retiring. During the final weekend of the 2024 fall meet I experienced the track as a spectator. In 2022, I had a Thanksgiving event away from home. I filled the gas tank of my car and checked the fluids. The brake fluid cap fell underneath the hood, and I couldn’t find it. The following day I made my Black Friday shopping debut at Auto Zone to purchase a new brake fluid cap. There were four clerks and six customers, so it wasn’t a hectic Black Friday shopping experience. I then went to the Del Mar races. I told the press box steward about my Black Friday shopping debut, and she told me that the gift shop had a half-off
OPINION
insurers demand “prior authorization,” which is extra paperwork approval that can take weeks. This even happens for routine checks like mammograms (breast cancer screens) or colonoscopies (colon cancer screens). Plus, 85% of these denials get overturned on appeal, but only after patients suffer months of worry and pain.
4. Medicare Is Not Paying Hospitals Enough, So Everyone Pays More. Medicare reimburses hospitals just 82 cents for every dollar of care provided, leading to $99.2 billion in shortfalls in 2022 (per the AHA). To make up for it, hospitals charge private insurance 10 times more, such as $10,000 for a simple appendectomy (appendix removal) that costs about $800 in supplies. You end up footing the bill through higher premiums.
5. Veterans Get Hit Twice: VA Shortages and Insurer Rejections The VA lost 875 doctors and 2,403 nurses between 2023 and 2025 due to burnout and low pay. When vets try community care (outside VA facilities), insurers often deny it as “out of network.” I have spoken with veterans enduring needless pain from these roadblocks.
6. Social Security and Medicare Benefits Are Delayed for Those Who Paid In Full. Social Security retirement benefits kick in at age 66 years and 10 months for many (depending on birth year), but Medicare starts at 65, and talks of raising that age leaves people in a gap. The average monthly Social Security check is just $1,976, which is not enough for basics like groceries or health premiums while waiting. Folks work longer than promised because the rules have shifted.
7. Fraud and Sky-High Prices Waste $500 Billion a Year. Insurers game the system by counting paperwork as “patient care,” pocketing billions. In 2023, they owed $23 billion in rebates (refunds) under Medical Loss
sale that day. I conducted some additional Black Friday shopping in the gift shop. In 2023, I returned to the gift shop for Black Friday shopping.
In 2024, I took Heather with me for Black Friday. We paid for a general admission ticket, which was $6. Since I wasn’t formally working, I introduced her to some Del Mar staff I encountered, but we sat in the general admission benches near the track.
It should be noted that the day after Thanksgiving is traditionally “Family Fun Day” for the Del Mar fall meet. Children 17 and under are admitted free with an adult paid admission, and various children’s activities are at the west end of the ground level. It should also be noted that school
Ratio (MLR) rules, but CEOs still rake in $20 million+ salaries.
Medical prices are outrageous: A heart stent costs $1,200 in the U.S. but just $200 in Germany. This gouging hits taxpayers while preventable diseases alone waste $500 billion yearly.
Who gets hurt the worst?
Regular folks like you
Veterans are double-crossed by VA delays and insurance tricks. Seniors are blocked from Medicare they have funded for decades. Kids are missing checkups because deductibles (upfront costs) break family budgets.
Working families are paying top dollar for coverage that vanishes when needed.
Simple, real fixes Congress should pass today, within our private system
These reforms keep everything private but add accountability, fair pricing, and efficiency. No government-run care. Just rules that make the market work for taxpayers.
1. Fix Medicare Access Now. Let people who have paid in for 40+ years get full coverage right away. No age delays. Cover 100% of preventive care with zero approvals needed for key screens. Use secure payroll records and biometrics to verify. No fraud, no delays.
2. Make Social Security Deliver as Promised: Pay full benefits without cuts for early claims. Add a $500 wellness bonus for annual checkups. This encourages health and saves billions long-term.
3. Lock Down Premium Costs and Insurer Greed Cap what you pay at 8.5% of your income. No more massive monthly hits. Zero deductibles for screenings. Insurer rules include limiting profits to 10% (extra returned to you), a public website tracking denial, and a $100,000 fine per unfair rejection, paid to the patient.
4. Strengthen the Safety Net, But Make It Sustainable. Keep
Medicaid (health coverage for low-income folks) for verified groups like disabled people, kids, pregnant women, and seniors. For able-bodied adults, add a work requirement plus a 5-year limit. This promotes self-reliance. Make all private plans cover free colonoscopies (age 45+), mammograms (age 40+), and diabetes tests. Set fair prices: MRI $500 max, appendectomy $3,000 max. End surprise bills. Cap generics like Ozempic at $100/month if needed or prescribed.
5. Improve Access and Cut Waste. Reward Results Pay private doctors based on outcomes, with 20% bonuses for preventing 90% of issues. Fund 50,000 new residencies and 10,000 VA hires by cutting fraud, not new taxes. Offer $25 walk-in clinics everywhere. Use nationwide electronic health records to avoid repeat tests. If a denial causes harm, the insurer pays. Create a board of doctors and patients to force overcharge refunds.
The promise was simple: Pay in, get protected care on time. Instead, premiums doubled, waits jumped 40%, and benefits got delayed for those hurting most. That is $500 billion down the drain on avoidable sickness.
Your move: Demand Congress acts
This is not about bigger government. It is about a working private system managed properly, with affordable charges and real value for taxpayers. America thrives when private care is doctor-led, priced, and free from Government and Corporate games.
Share this with friends, family, and your representatives (find them at house.gov or senate.gov). Call or email Congress today. Tell them to pass these private-sector fixes. Our health and our future depend on it. Let us make them listen.
Jonathan Ingram Murrieta, CA
is not in session on Black Friday, and weekday afternoon horse races when school is in session increase the average age of spectators since students – and many adults who aren’t yet retired and work - can’t attend. A significant number of children were present when Heather and I attended, and many of them were watching the races rather than just visiting the children’s area. Heather doesn’t know the track as well as I do, so during the breaks between the races, I took her to various areas where the public is allowed. One of those visits was to the outside of the paddocks. Although access such as I normally have allows entry into the paddock area itself, spectators can stand as close to the rail as possible and watch the paddock activity. While Heather and I were by the rail, a small girl and her mother were nearby. The girl specified a horse and said she wanted to take that horse home. I had thought that the security personnel were there to control rowdy spectators. I realized that security guards are also needed to keep young girls from taking a horse home. I also realized that there are plenty of young people still interested in horse racing. Horse racing is a sport that older fans can appreciate. It also still has a future with younger fans. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
EMWD awards design contract for lift station rehabilitations
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Eastern Municipal Water District awarded a contract for the design to rehabilitate three lift stations.
A 5-0 EMWD board vote on November 5 approved a $109,100 contract with Krieger & Stewart Engineering Consultants for the design of the Stoney Mountain Ranch, Chittamwood, and Obsidian lift station rehabilitation projects. The board approved total appropriations of $363,000 which will also cover $105,000 for internal engineering branch labor costs, $30,000 for the preparation of the final plans and specifications, $30,000 for the cost of the bid and award phase,
$30,000 for an environmental consultant who will perform hazardous materials surveys, and a $60,000 contingency. EMWD general manager Joe Mouawad or his designee was given the authority to issue other contracts related to the design of the lift stations.
The Stoney Mountain Ranch Lift Station is in the 1400 block of Turnstone Court in Hemet and was constructed in 2002. The Obsidian Lift Station in Menifee, which was also constructed in 2002, is in the 29400 block of Obsidian Court. The Chittamwood Lift Station in Murrieta was constructed in 2003 and is at the intersection of Thousand Oaks Place and Chittamwood Place. Inspection reports for the three lift
stations indicate that the wetwell piping and coating systems are deteriorated and approaching the end of their useful life and that the existing piping is showing signs of corrosion such as metal exfoliation and coating failures.
The rehabilitation will replace existing wetwell discharge piping with new stainless steel Type 316L pipe, provide new stainless steel Type 316L pump guide rails and a pump base and discharge elbow, provide coating repairs, and replace electrical components within the wetwell as needed. The design work will also include a bypass system to maintain service during construction and the development of traffic control plans. The evaluation of options with cost estimates is also among
the design tasks. EMWD staff solicited proposals from design consultants in July. Eight companies responded by the September 17 deadline.
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. Krieger & Stewart, which is headquartered in Riverside, submitted the highest-ranked proposal. The proposal covers project management, evaluation of alternatives, project development reports, project workshops, and preliminary and final design. The proposed fee of $109,000
was determined by EMWD staff to be commensurate with the required level of effort, and it was also the lowest price among the six bids.
The design phase for the rehabilitation is scheduled to be completed in July 2026. The EMWD board will approve a construction contract after the design is completed. The completion of the design work will also provide the necessary information for documentation that complies with California Environmental Quality Act standards, and the future board activity will also include approving the environmental statement.
Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
Food trends boost pistachio market as production rises
Hannah Johansson Ag Alert
With pistachio harvest wrapping up this month, California growers are expecting a potential record crop.
Initial projections of up to 1.8 billion pounds of in-shell pistachios diminished this fall as harvest progressed, though growers still expect yields to surpass the state’s 2023 record of 1.5 billion pounds, according to recent market reports.
From 2018 to 2022, the Central Valley saw a boom in new pistachio orchards, with growers planting more than 30,000 acres per year. Last year, the state’s bearing acreage increased to 488,000, more than double California’s pistachio acreage a decade prior.
As the wave of recent plantings begins coming into production, growers said they were hopeful the global market can absorb more of the state’s pistachios.
San Joaquin Valley farmer Aaron Barcellos, who grows for the Wonderful Co., a major pistachio brand, said he was optimistic that demand will keep pace with increased supply – up to a point.
Barcellos said he was earning the same base price this year as last year for his Golden Hills pistachio variety. He added, “ It’s going to be really hard to match that price next year just because we have more product to sell.”
For its part, the Wonderful Co. has gotten creative in an effort to sell more pistachios.
For several years, Wonderful Pistachios has marketed shelled pistachios, or kernels, as “unshelled,” which the company says helps consumers better understand what they’re buying. Wonderful Pistachios also launched new flavored pistachio kernels, including Dill Pickle as well as the company’s first-ever confectionery flavors, Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee.
The use of pistachios as a confectionery ingredient has trended worldwide, headlined by the pop-
ularity of Dubai chocolate. This year, global supplies of pistachio kernels reportedly ran short after the Emirati chocolate bar filled with pistachio-tahini paste became a viral trend on TikTok.
Major chocolate companies such as Läderach and Lindt recently began creating their own pistachio-based chocolate products to cash in on the trend, and pistachio paste is now sold in some grocery stores.
Last month, dessert makers in Turkey successfully lobbied their government to ease restrictions on pistachio imports to alleviate the shortage.
California growers said they were concerned about potential impacts from President Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade wars, which have targeted key export markets including India, China and the European Union.
However, exporters said the market was no longer reacting strongly to every U-turn imposing or rolling back new import duties.
“After several rounds, it’s like nobody cares,” said Ali Amin, owner of the Los Angeles-based export company Primex International Trading.
Amin added that “until it happens, you can’t count on” other countries imposing retaliatory
tariffs on California nuts.
Thus far, nations hit with U.S. tariffs this year have, with the exception of China, not retaliated by imposing counter tariffs on U.S. pistachios.
Despite the ongoing trade war with China, Amin said California nuts, including pistachios, were still making their way to the Asian superpower through “workaround” countries such as Vietnam.
As long as a certain amount of value is added to the product, typically in the form of some type of processing and packaging, the nuts can be sold on to China as a Vietnamese product, thereby evading import taxes.
As of last year, the U.S. produced about 43% of the world’s pistachios, followed by Turkey at 33% and Iran at 17%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Industry experts remain hopeful that the diversification of pistachio-based products is a sign of new and lasting consumer appetite for the tree nut.
“That high demand is there, and it seems like it’s there to stay,” Amin said. “It’s not a fad.”
Increased demand for kernels for use in confectionery products such as chocolate could provide a useful market outlet for Cal-
ifornia’s crop this year, which growers said has more shell stain than usual. Kernels sold without shells are not affected by staining.
Grower Mitchell Coit estimated that 10% to 20% of his crop this year had shell stain as a result of September rains in the San Joaquin Valley. The window to harvest pistachios is brief, with growers typically shaking trees within three to five days of the nuts beginning to crack open.
“I think we battled rain more than we ever have in a pistachio harvest,” Coit said. “It was a race to get them out of there.”
Besides the midharvest rain, many farmers experienced a favorable growing season. Winter delivered adequate chilling hours, which pistachios need “to be able to develop the pollen, the fertility they need,” Barcellos said. Springtime did not bring intense heat spells, which can stress the trees, and temperatures remained relatively
mild throughout the summer.
Despite pistachios’ recent success in the global market, growers said water challenges could deter further expansion of the nut crop.
“You cannot farm everywhere,” said Bikram Hundal, a pistachio grower and handler with orchards in Tulare, Kings and Madera counties.
Hundal said that because of groundwater pumping restrictions under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, he plans to remove 20% of his acreage within the next five years.
“There’s no water available, so that acreage cannot increase,” he said.
Hannah Johansson is a California water reporter. She can be reached at agalert@cfbf.com
This article is reprinted with permission from the California Farm Bureau.
LIEN SALE
A young pistachio orchard pictured this year in Yolo County. California growers hope the global market can absorb more pistachios as the state’s bearing acreage continues to increase. Valley News/Caleb Hampton photo
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