Valley News - November 7, 2025

Graybill Medical Group regains independence after Palomar Health split

Julie Reeder Publisher

After several years as part of Palomar Health Medical Group, Graybill Medical Group has regained its independence and is now operating once again as a standalone physician-owned medical group. They are accepting new patients following a monthslong separation process that came on the heels of a 2024 cyberattack that disabled systems across the Palomar network.

Menifee

Valley students honored in October

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce held their most recent Student of the Month breakfast at the Perris Sizzler, 91 West Nuevo Road, on Oct. 8. Sally Myers of BMW Management/Sizzler Restaurants founded the program that started including the Perris Union High School District schools in 1998.

Riverside County Health Officials report increase in rabid bats, urge precautions

RIVERSIDE – Health officials with Riverside University Health System — Public Health (RUHSPH) are warning Riverside County residents about the risk of contracting rabies, particularly from bats.

Bats are the most common source of rabies in the state. So far this year, 18 rabid bats have been reported in Riverside County, an increase from 15 rabid bats confirmed by the Public Health lab in 2024.

Murrieta attorney and skydiver Amelia Dunaway wins gold for Team USA, inspires a new generation of women in flight

Almazan Special to Valley News

Most people find balance between work and hobbies. Amelia Dunaway, a Murrieta-based attorney and professional athlete, found it between law and the sky.

Last month, Dunaway made history at the FAI World Cup of Wingsuit Flying in the Czech Republic, where she not only represented the United States but also won gold in the women’s category during the sport’s first-ever official women’s subclass — helping Team USA secure silver overall.

For Dunaway, the moment was more than a personal victory. It was a milestone for both her sport and the women who dream of following the same flight path.

“More women on course means

Girls fire camp gives young women hands-on experience in firefighting

Julie Reeder and Brian Briggs Valley News Staff

Twenty-eight young women from across Southern California spent two days this month learning what it takes to become a firefighter — climbing a 100-foot aerial ladder, forcing open doors, cutting apart a vehicle, and working sideby-side with female firefighters who mentored them throughout the experience.

The annual Girls Fire Camp, hosted by Hemet Fire Department and supported by Riverside County’s Third District, is designed for girls and young women ages 14 to 21. The camp introduces participants to hands-on firefighting skills while building confidence and teamwork, said Fire Engineer Paramedic Samantha Harper, who founded and organizes the program.

“Many of these girls come in timid, unsure of themselves, and unsure if they belong in a phys-

ically demanding field,” Harper said. “By the end of the weekend, they’re standing taller. They’ve proven to themselves that they can do anything they’re faced with.”

This year, 32 participants initially enrolled, and 28 completed the camp. More than two dozen volunteer mentors — primarily women from departments across the region — assisted in running the event, Harper said.

Over the two days, participants rotated through training stations including search and rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, medical ‘Stop the Bleed’ instruction, vehicle extrication, rope systems, and tool use. They also completed morning physical training and a daily question-and-answer session with the female firefighters who served as camp instructors.

One of the most memorable challenges was climbing Hemet Fire’s 100-foot aerial ladder.

Ballet Folklorico dancers perform for guests celebrating the Menifee Dia de Los Muertos event at the MSJC campus, Nov. 1. See more photos on page

Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Murrieta attorney and U.S. Wingsuit Performance pilot Amelia Dunaway made history this fall by winning gold in the women’s category at the FAI World Cup of Wingsuit Flying in the Czech Republic, helping Team USA secure silver overall. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Valley News/Samantha Harper photo

City of Menifee to honor veterans at annual celebration

Menifee continues its tradition of honoring the contributions and sacrifices of our military members at its annual Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hidden Hills Park, located at 31727 Eaton Ln. Overflow

parking will be located at Paloma Valley High School Staff Parking Lot (entrance off Craig Ave.) with free event shuttle services provided by Shuttles 4 Soldiers.

This family-friendly event will include special presentations, veteran recognition, speeches, and an aerial flyover to conclude the ceremony. Veterans and families can also explore local resources and meet service providers. A continental breakfast will be provided. The event is hosted in partnership with the City of Menifee’s Veterans and Military Families Advisory Committee, VFW Post 1956, and the Mt. San Jacinto College Veterans Club. Additional event sponsors include MilVet and Miller Jones Menifee Memorial Park.

The keynote speaker for this year’s event is Sergeant Major Gerald Saunders Jr., a retired U.S. Marine with over 30 years of distinguished service. Throughout his career, he led Marines across global operations and major commands. Today, he continues his lifelong mission of advocacy and leadership for veterans and their families through his work with the Military and Veterans Program at the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

“Our City takes great pride in the veterans, service members,

The Menifee Fire Department’s

celebration will take place at Hidden Hills Park.

and families who call Menifee home,” said Councilmember Dean Deines. “This Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude

and unwavering support to those who have served our country.”

For more information about veteran resources and programs,

please visit www.cityofmenifee. us/veterans, or contact the Community Services Department at veterans@cityofmenifee.us or

(951) 672-9673. Submitted by the City of Menifee.

City of Murrieta to host its 23rd Annual Veterans Day Parade

MURRIETA – The City of Murrieta on Tuesday, November 11, will hold its annual Veterans Day Parade, a patriotic celebration throughout Downtown Murrieta. The event will kick off at 10 a.m. with the singing of the national anthem, and potentially a military flyover. The parade will commence on Washington Avenue and conclude at Town Square Park (11 Town Square, Murrieta), featuring the Rotary’s Field of Honor.

This year’s grand marshal will be Colonel Bryan M. Bailey, Commander of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, at March Air Reserve Base, selected by Murrieta Mayor Cindy Warren. Colonel Bailey is the commander of the Air Force Reserve’s largest wing, which includes over 4,000 personnel, nine C-17A aircraft, and 14 KC-135R tankers.

Col. Bailey joined the Air Force after graduating from the United

States Air Force Academy in 2001. He is a command pilot with more than 6,000 flight hours and has completed three active-duty assignments flying C-17s in both operational and training capacities. After transferring to the Air Force Reserve Command, Col. Bailey has held various positions, including Director of Operations, National Security Fellow, Headquarters Air Force Strategist, and Operations Group Commander. Before assuming his current role, he served as the Commander of the 911th Airlift Wing, where he led a team of 1,893 military and civilian personnel.

“The Veterans Day Parade is immensely meaningful to me because veterans hold a cherished place in my heart. My husband, who is watching over me, dedicated years serving our country as a Lieutenant in the US Navy, and I believe our brave men and women deserve not only recognition but heartfelt appreciation

more women on podiums,” Dunaway said in a recent PR. “And that momentum is just getting started.” From courtrooms to cloudline

As a practicing attorney and an elite skydiver, Dunaway credits her ability to succeed in both worlds to what she calls “ruthless efficiency” — and the data-driven, analytical mindset that powers both her legal work and her com-

petition flying. “I started skydiving in 2019 and began competing just a few years later,” she said in an interview with Valley News. “It’s all about precision — just like in law. You make thousands of micro-adjustments in real time, and you can’t afford to get distracted.”

Her sport, known as Wingsuit Performance Flying, demands extraordinary physical and mental endurance. Pilots leap from plane s more than 10,000 feet

for their sacrifices,” shared Murrieta Mayor Cindy Warren. “This event is a powerful testament to the deep respect and support the residents of Murrieta have for our armed forces. I am truly honored to take part in this celebration by selecting this year’s grand marshal.”

The City is proud to show gratitude for hometown heroes and thank all the men and women who have fought for this nation’s freedom. The City of Murrieta invites the community to line the streets with patriotism, uniting for veterans. If your group, business, or organization would like to participate in the parade, visit MurrietaCA.Gov/Events.

The parade concludes at Town Square Park, where over 2,000 full-sized American flags will be displayed at the Rotary’s Field of Honor, honoring both local and national heroes. The City of Murrieta is proud to sponsor the Field of Honor and support the majestic

and moving display of flags hon-

oring those who have served and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The Field of Honor will be displayed from Saturday, November 8, until Saturday, November 15. For more information about the Field of Honor, visit the Murrieta Rotary Club’s website, https://murrietarotaryclub.org/ about-the-field-of-honor.

The City of Murrieta will have MilVet donation boxes along the parade route. MilVet is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting deployed troops, veterans, and their families.

The City is gathering items for care packages that will be sent to deployed troops. These packages will provide much-needed support and comfort to those serving in the military. Together, a significant impact can be made to bring smiles to military members.

In addition to this meaningful effort, the City is in friendly competition with the City of Te-

Dunaway wears a wingsuit, which is a specialized jumpsuit used in skydiving and BASE jumping that adds surface area between the jumper’s arms and legs, creating wing-like membranes. These “wings” allow the person to glide horizontally through the air, significantly slowing their descent and increasing flight distance before deploying a parachute.

above ground, wearing specially designed aerodynamic suits that allow them to glide at speeds exceeding 150 mph.

The competitions are based not on style or tricks, but on data — measured GPS metrics for speed, distance, and time during flight.

“It’s not a visually flashy sport,” Dunaway explained. “It’s about performance numbers — the fastest, farthest, and longest flights. You’re competing against physics, and sometimes against yourself.”

A guide to the skies

For those new to the sport, during our interview, Dunaway shared a “Beginner’s Guide to Wingsuit Performance Competition”, a detailed primer on how these events are structured.

Ea ch competition typically

includes nine jumps — three per category — with pilots using advanced GPS systems like the FlySight to track real-time performance and stay aligned within their assigned flight lanes.

“Speed tasks measure horizontal velocity, distance tasks focus on how far you can fly, and time tasks reward the longest sustained glide,” Dunaway explained. “You’re balancing aerodynamics, body positioning, and environmental conditions in every second of the window.”

That precision, she says, is part of what keeps her coming back.

During our interview, she made it clear that her craft was a scientific art and that every jump is a data set that paints a deeper picture of what it means to progress over the

mecula to collect the most items for these care packages. Most requested donation items include:

• Food: Beef jerky, microwavable meals, soups, protein bars, candy, nuts, and single-serve drink mixes.

• Hygiene: Disposable razors, body wash, gel deodorant, medicated foot powder, hand wipes, and unscented baby wipes.

• Entertainment: Puzzle books, playing cards, small games, and stress balls.

Businesses and organizations can sign up to host a Murrieta MilVet Box at https://milvet.org/ murrieta. For more information, call 951-902-9681 or email Military@Milvet.org

For more information, contact the City’s Special Events Supervisor, Laura Frasso, at 951-4616110 or LFrasso@MurrietaCA. gov

long term.

Breaking barriers at 10,000 feet

While the sport has traditionally been male-dominated — with women making up just 14% of licensed skydivers worldwide — Dunaway is determined to change that.

In addition to her competition schedule, she now hosts women’s performance camps, training new athletes in technique, safety, and confidence.

After a series of domestic competitions and back-to-back appearances at the U.S. Nationals and World Championships, Dunaway plans to compete next at the Australian Nationals in early 2026.

Outside the competition zone, Dunaway’s days are spent practicing law — a profession she says offers a surprising amount of overlap with skydiving. Her dual identity — attorney and athlete — has made her a role model for aspiring women and anyone committed to life-long progression. Looking ahead

Dunaway plans to take a short break before training for the next competitive season but says her real goal is to continue building community in the sport.

“I’m proud of what we accomplished this year, but this is just the beginning,” she said. Amelia is a testament to the proud leaders who rise up from the local community.

For updates on Amelia Dunaway’s competitions, training camps, and women’s programs, visit the FAI Wingsuit Performance Flying page or follow her journey on social media.

100-foot ladder truck flies a huge American Flag over Central Park at the Veterans Day ceremonies in 2024. This year’s

Valley News/Tony Ault photo

Attorney Amelia Dunaway is based in Murrieta and, in addition to her competition schedule, she hosts women’s performance camps where she trains new athletes. Valley News/Courtesy photos

DUNAWAY from page A-1

House fire leaves five displaced in Menifee

home on Oct. 30.

Bryce Grant and Brian Briggs Special to Valley News

Fire crews responded to a house fire Thursday afternoon, Oct 30, that left a Menifee home uninhabitable and displaced five residents, authorities said.

The blaze was reported at about 4:01 p.m. at 30761 Old Windmill Road, where firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the structure, officials said.

Because of the intensity of the fire, crews were unable to

debriefing

immediately secure the home’s electrical panel, forcing them to wait for SCE crews to arrive and ensure power was shut off before continuing their attack. That delay slowed firefighting efforts but helped keep crews safe, officials said.

Firefighters remained on scene into the evening, conducting mop-up and debriefing. The Red Cross was called to assist five displaced individuals after the home was deemed uninhabitable.

DUI crash leaves one dead, three injured

A Riverside woman was killed and three others were injured early Saturday when a vehicle crashed into a tree on Interstate 215 near Murrieta Hot Springs Road. The driver was later arrested on suspicion of felony DUI, according to the California

Highway Patrol. The collision was reported at approximately 1:32 a.m. on the southbound side of I-215, just north of the Murrieta Hot Springs exit. The 911 call initially came in as an open line, with a man heard speaking in the background, before dispatchers received reports that the vehicle had struck a tree and that at least one person was

on the ground.

A 2022 Toyota Corolla was being driven by 28-year-old Andrea Villalta of Los Angeles when, for reasons still under investigation, she steered onto the right shoulder and continued traveling south. The vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a tree west of the freeway lanes. CHP reported the car as a Prius, however, Valley News photographs show the car as a Corolla.

Responding personnel from Murrieta Fire & Rescue reported multiple injuries and one person initially trapped inside the vehicle. Crews with Engine 3 and Truck 2 provided medical care and worked to free the trapped occupant. A tow truck was later requested due to the extent of the damage.

One passenger, Brandy Joya, 30, of Riverside, was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:41 a.m., according to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. Three other passengers — a 28-year-old male from San Diego, a 25-yearold female from Los Angeles, and a 28-year-old female from Los Angeles — sustained major injuries and were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center. Villalta suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. CHP investigators determined she had been driving under the influence of alcohol and she was placed under arrest for felony DUI. She was later booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Facility. The crash remains under investigation by the CHP Temecula Area office. Witnesses are encouraged to call (951) 466-4300.

CHP reminds motorists to always designate a sober driver. “If you drink, don’t drive.”

Wildomar amends parks ordinance to address overnight vehicles, commercial activity

Joe Naiman Special to Valley News

The Wildomar City Council amended the city’s Municipal Code to address overnight vehicles in city parks or open space areas and requests for commercial activity in city parks.

A 5-0 vote on October 13 approved the second reading and adoption of the ordinance. The first reading was approved by the city council on September 10.

applied to unoccupied tents. No vehicles have been towed due to exceeding the 144-hour limit, but barrier gates have been installed at Marna O’Brien Park to secure the facility during non-operating hours and those gates are closed nightly by a contracted security service. From time to time, vehicles are left in the park overnight, in which case the security contractor notifies city staff.

Community Services Department budget rather than requiring any additional appropriations.

Special to Valley News

When a unit of the Country Club Heights development in Lakeland Village was recorded in 1984 a portion of Brightman Avenue off of Blackwell Boulevard was dedicated to the County of Riverside for use as a public road. An error in the dedication was recently discovered, so a new dedication of that section of Brightman Avenue was accepted by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors during their October 21 meeting.

The supervisors’ 5-0 vote adopted a resolution accepting that portion of Brightman Avenue for public use. The dedication covers approximately 7,804 square feet, or 0.179 acres, and the dedication also allows utility use in the roadway as well as road work.

When the “Country Club Heights, Lakeland Unit” map was recorded the segment of Brightman Avenue was offered for dedication and was referenced as Lettered Lot “O” on the map. The dedication was recorded on July 16, 1984, but the resolution referenced Brightman Avenue as Lettered Lot “D”. The dedication of Brightman Avenue as a public road was thus technically not accepted by the 1984 resolution.

The county’s Transportation Department reviewed the correction and did not object to accepting the portion of Brightman Avenue as a public road 41 years later. Because the correction was due to a county error, the processing expenses will be funded by gas tax revenue rather than by the developer. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com. Section

www.berry-bellandhall.com

The chapter of the Wildomar Municipal Code addressing regulations within city parks and open space areas was adopted in 2008, but had not been updated. During the ensuing years, the city’s population has grown and new parks have been added.

Prior to the amendments, vehicles, including unoccupied trailers, were allowed to remain in a parking lot for up to 144 hours, and that 144-hour limit also

The amended ordinance section prohibits any unoccupied trailer or other vehicle, as well as an unoccupied tent, from being left overnight. Enforcement personnel may cite or tow any vehicles in violation.

The new overnight prohibition will require the installation of signage to notify the public and to support enforcement. The estimated cost to fabricate and install the necessary signage is $650.00, and that expense can be accommodated within the existing

Any commercial solicitation to sell or offer for sale any merchandise or to distribute any handbill or other advertising for a commercial purpose is prohibited unless a concession operating lease is granted by the city. Companies seeking to conduct business activities in city parks are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Originally, approval by the city council was required for an operating lease. The amendment now allows approval by city staff. That delegation of authority streamlines the process, reduces delays, and provides greater flexibility in facilitating community use of park facilities. Based on recent interest city staff estimates an increase of $1,500 in additional annual rental income.

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

Joe Naiman Special to Valley News

The October 21 allocation of Community Improvement Designation funds by the County of Riverside included allocations to Feeding America, Elevation Church Menifee, the Assistance League of Hemacinto, Thrifting 4 Gifting, the Inland Valley Symphony, and Temecula Valley Writers and Illustrators.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to approve the allocations. The Riverside/ San Bernardino Counties chapter of Feeding America will receive $10,000, Elevation Church will have a $5,000 grant, the Assistance League of Hemacinto and Thrifting 4 Gifting were each allocated $3,000, the Inland Valley Symphony was given $1,500, and the grant award for Temecula Valley Writers and Illustrators is $500.

Community Improvement Des-

ignation 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 of the Board of Supervisors members is needed to approve that recommendation. Chuck Washington recommended the funding from his Third District budget.

Feeding America will use the money to provide food assistance to individuals experiencing food insecurity and will distribute food boxes to pantries throughout the Third District. Elevation Church Menifee will utilize the funding to support the Project Elevation renovation, specifically for the purchase of new carpeting. The Assistance League of Hemacinto, which is based in Hemet, will spend the money on its

Operation School Bell program which provides low-income students with school supplies and school-appropriate clothing. Thrifting 4 Gifting, whose office is in Temecula, has a 5 Points Program, which provides food-only gift cards to families of students struggling to afford groceries and will use the CID money for that program. The Temecula-based Inland Valley Symphony will utilize the funding to support the 2025 Holiday Concert with Temecula Ballet, which is a seasonal concert series featuring performances of Christmas classics (such as The Nutcracker). Temecula Valley Writers and Illustrators will utilize the money for its Temecula Valley Writers and Illustrators Community Anthologies Program, which provides a platform for local artists to share their work.

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

Riverside County Fire crews conduct mop-up and

after a fire at a Menifee

Joe Naiman

One person died and three were injured in a crash on I-215 on Nov. 1, 2025. Valley News/Brian Briggs photos

Valley News/Brian Briggs photos

Julie Reeder and Brian Briggs Valley News Staff

A patient is loaded into the ambulance and taken to Inland Valley Medical Center.

Community invited to annual interfaith Thanksgiving service

HEMET — The Hemet/San Jacinto Interfaith Council warmly invites the public to its annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 16 at 4 p.m. This special gathering will bring together people of all faiths and backgrounds

to celebrate gratitude, unity, and community spirit.

This year’s service will feature messages of hope and harmony from distinguished guests, including Hemet Police Chief Michael Arellano, Pastor Dale Garland of Hope in the Valley Baptist Church, and Jim Lineberger of the Community Pantry, along with additional local faith leaders who will share words of inspiration.

The Interfaith Council’s mission is to promote mutual understanding and respect among all faiths; address issues that affect our communities, nation, and world; and serve the needs of our faith communities throughout

the valley. “This service is a wonderful reminder that gratitude and compassion connect us all,” said Christine Formica, Secretary of the Hemet & San Jacinto Interfaith Council. “It’s a chance to come together, reflect, and give thanks as one community.”

All are welcome to attend and share this event with friends, family, and faith groups.

For more information, please contact Jonathan Ranes at (951) 415-0161, Vice President Muriel Dufresne at (323) 905-8312, or Secretary Christine Formica at (951) 235-1438.

Submitted by the Hemet/San Jacinto Interfaith Council.

Ofrendas honoring loved ones who have passed away are displayed at the Menifee Dia de Los Muertos event on Saturday, Nov. 1.

People enjoy the festivities during the Menifee Dia de Los Muertos event.

Ballet Folklorico dancers perform for guests celebrating the Menifee Dia de Los Muertos event at the MSJC campus.

Bean calavwra art is displayed at the Menifee Dia de Los Muertos event.

Valley News/Shane Gibson photos

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“Even the girls who were afraid of heights made it to the top,” Harper said. “We were incredibly proud of them.”

The camp also included a visit to a CAL FIRE/Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base, where participants were able to sit inside a firefighting helicopter and learn how fire retardant is mixed and deployed during wildland fires. Girls attended from Hemet, San Jacinto, Temecula, Murrieta, Pomona, Palm Springs, and the greater Los Angeles region. Harper said the camp is advertised through social media, local schools, and professional networks including the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee and the Women’s Fire Alliance.

Harper said she was inspired to bring the program to Riverside County after attending similar camps in Beverly Hills and San Bernardino.

“I came back and thought, ‘Why don’t we have one here?’” she said. “So I asked the chief if he would support it. He told me, ‘You can do whatever you want — I’ll stand by you.’ And he did.”

The program is funded by the Hemet Fire Department with additional support this year from Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington. The camp costs about $15,000 to operate annually, covering meals, training supplies, equipment wear, and the gear and shirts provided to participants.

While not all participants are expected to pursue firefighting careers, Harper said the program’s purpose goes deeper than vocational exposure.

The Hemet City Council has approved the camp to continue annually, and Harper said she hopes to expand next year to about 50 students, while maintaining small training group sizes to ensure mentorship remains personal and meaningful.

“We don’t want it to get so big that the girls don’t get quality time with the instructors,” she said. “That one-on-one mentorship is everything.”

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“Some of them have been told they can’t do things because they’re girls — that they’re not strong enough,” she said. “We want to show them that’s not true. They leave here knowing they can overcome challenges, whether those are on a fireground or in their everyday lives.”

Harper has been a firefighter since 2006 and has served with Hemet Fire for six years. She said the camp is one of the most rewarding efforts of her career.

“Watching the girls realize what they’re capable of — that’s the best part,” she said.

Julie Reeder can be reached at jreeder@reedermedia.com.

Inside activities and exercises helped the young women develop problem solving and leadership skills.

Camp participants were able to utilize cuttong tools on a door and the Jaws of Life to open up a car as they would with a rescue.

A participant experiences the power of a fire hose used for firefighting during a demonstration.

Valley News/Samantha Harper photos

The camp included a visit to the CAL FIRE/Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base, where firefighting aircrafts are based.

HEALTH

Graybill Medical Group regains independence after Palomar Health split, continues serving region and accepting new patients

Julie Reeder Publisher

After several years as part of Palomar Health Medical Group, Graybill Medical Group has regained its independence and is now operating once again as a standalone physician-owned medical group. They are accepting new patients following a monthslong separation process that came on the heels of a 2024 cyberattack that disabled systems across the Palomar network.

The separation formally took effect Nov. 11, 2024, following what Graybill physicians described as an extended and complex restructuring period.

“It was basically like a corporate divorce,” said Dr. Frank Winton, a physician with Graybill Medical Group who specializes in family and sports medicine.

“We became independent again as of Veterans Day last year. The cyber incident was a significant challenge to overcome, and we felt that being on our own going forward was the smart move.”

Graybill had joined Palomar Health Medical Group in 2020, consolidating operations under a shared administrative structure. But on May 5, 2024, a ransomware attack struck Palomar Health’s network, taking down phones, computers, and electronic medical records across the system. The outage lasted over two

months in many aspects.

“We initially had no phones, no fax, no electronic records. We were writing prescriptions by hand and asking people to bring in their pill bottles because we couldn’t see their charts for a while,” Winton said. “We had to utilize creative ways to see records, order studies, document encounters all while figuring out how to rebuild the network safely. It was a massive task.”

The separation required data migration, new billing systems, contract renegotiation, staffing changes, and reestablishing Graybill’s internal administrative infrastructure. The group completed its full technical and operational transition this spring.

Despite the business split, Graybill continues to work with Palomar Hospital and other regional hospitals, including Tri-City, Temecula Valley Hospital, and Inland Valley.

“It’s really important for people to understand this was purely a business separation,” Winton said.

“We still use Palomar Hospital. We still work with the same specialists. Our physicians continue to round in the hospital. Nothing has changed in terms of patient care access.”

Graybill continues operating its clinics across the region, including locations in Fallbrook, Temecula, Murrieta, Escondido, San Marcos, and Oceanside. The organization

is currently accepting new patients and says it is focused on rebuilding operations after four challenging years spanning the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palomar affiliation, and the cyberattack disruption.

“We’re up and running and independent, and we’re back to being Graybill Medical Group,” Winton said. “We intend to be here for many years, and we are absolutely welcoming new patients.”

Winton also credited the Fallbrook Regional Health District with helping protect continuity of

What I learned from pregnancy

Many babies arrive early, so have your hospital bag ready to grab and go. Valley News/Courtesy photo

Shelby Ramsey Special to Valley News

Pregnancy is a unique period of time and you can choose to live

in a positive or negative frame of mind. It’s a period of growth, reflection, education, and opportunity to gain inner strength. These are the five most import-

ant things that I learned through my own experience being pregnant.

#1 Listen to and respect your body

Yes, take it easy! In nine months, your body is growing another human. A lot is changing, being created, being nourished, and is taking away your energy (without even physically doing anything).

Lean into relaxation while your body adapts. In a few short years, you’ll be chasing a toddler and will look back at the time you spent on the couch.

#2 Eat small meals throughout the day I found eating small meals that included healthy fats, lean proteins, lots of veggies, and optimal grains helped keep me energized, less nauseous, and healthier.

#3 A kind and powerful support team should be inside your OB/GYN, fertility office, and your family and friends should also align similarly

To start off, if your doctor’s office is not on top of your pregnancy and showing they are responsive and caring – fire your doctor. Pregnancy is not the time to be advised or ignored by a bad doctor.

Sharing what you’re going through with your partner, parents, or closest friends can be

care in the community during the separation.

“They were incredibly supportive,” he said. “If push came to shove and it looked like we might not be able to continue operating in Fallbrook, they were not going to accept that. That support helped ensure patients here didn’t lose access to care.”

Winton acknowledged that the process has taken a toll.

“It’s been horrible — COVID, the cyberattack, the legal separation — all of it,” he said. “But

tremendously helpful (miscarriage, sciatica pain, tiredness, irritability, FSH injections, trigger shots, losses, nausea, fatigue, uncomfortable testing or scans like HSG).

#4 Have a plan and a backup plan

Sign up for all the baby classes available to you well in advance of your due date. Do you know how many people deliver early? Seems like everyone in my circle has delivered as early as 30 weeks onward! Best to be prepared. If you’re planning to breastfeed, you’ll want to take a related class and as the time draws near, maybe consider scheduling an appointment with a lactation consultant. Make sure and take a maternity tour of the hospital you plan to deliver at and attend the orientation. Take a baby safety class. Be prepared to formula feed whether it’s your first or second choice. Do the research! Get the essentials in advance for the baby’s nursery. Have the crib all ready, get the car seat installed properly, and have your hospital bag ready to grab and go.

#5 Pregnancy is a gift

It’s not always easy to conceive, even with assistance of IVF, IUI or other hormone-related therapies. But what a beautiful blessing it is once you get to the point of a healthy, sustainable

Temecula to celebrate Pechanga Pu’éska Mountain

TEMECULA – The 13th Anniversary of Pechanga Pu’éska Mountain Day is Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Pechanga Pu’éska Mountain Day was proclaimed a City holiday to commemorate the native culture and heritage of the Pechanga Band of Indians, and the profound ways in which the Pechanga Tribe, Temecula’s first peoples, has shaped the community’s character and heritage. The City of Temecula, in partnership with the Pechanga Tribe, proudly celebrates “Pechanga Pu’éska Mountain Day” each year on Nov. 15, together with the community.

Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro states, “Pu’éska is a natural monument that reflects Temecula’s tribal history and heritage. Thanks to the efforts of many, future generations of Temecula Valley residents will continue to enjoy our valley’s beautiful landscape and fresh air. With the integrity of Pu’éska Mountain remaining intact, future generations of Pechanga and Payómkawish peoples will be able to honor their heritage.”

A celebration will take place Saturday, Nov. 15, for Pechanga Pu’éska Mountain Day at Te -

mecula City Hall Town Square, 41000 Main Street, Temecula. The event starts at 4 p.m. but guests are encouraged to arrive early for seating. The event will begin with a special Proclamation Recital, honoring the history and cultural significance of Pu’eska Mountain. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Great Oak Press offerings, with books available for purchase. The authors of The Temecula Massacre will also be present for a book signing. Light appetizers and desserts will be served as the community gathers together for an evening of remembrance and storytelling. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and settle in for a double feature under the stars, featuring The Temecula Massacre and the award-winning documentary The Mountain That Weeps

The true story that led up to the Pechanga Pu’éska Mountain Day Holiday was created into a powerful, award-winning film in 2019 by Brad Munoa, a member of the Pechanga Band of Indians and a Writer, Director, and Producer for Pechanga Creative Studios. The Mountain that Weeps documents the 7+ year monumental people’s

movement and its momentous ending that protected Pu’éska Mountain from desecration by the proposed “Liberty Quarry” – a mine that would have been among the largest gravel pits in the United States.

With deep respect for the Pechanga Tribe’s profound resilience, Mayor Kalfus states, “It is my sincere hope that this local holiday honors the Tribe by fostering educational awareness about the significance of the cultural heritage of the Pechanga People who, t ogether with other Sovereign Tribal Nations across the country, have long fought to protect their sacred history and religious sites from destruction.” Mayor Kalfus adds, “As a lifelong Temecula resident now serving as the next generation of City leadership, this annual holiday and accompanying The Mountain That Weeps documentary is, in part, a strong reminder today and into the future to respect and honor the Tribe’s facts of what is and what is not culturally significant and sacred – only the Tribe possesses this knowledge.” Pechanga established the Great Oak Press in order to provide an

the medical group maintained its cohesion, and we came out the other side. Now we just need to grow again.”

For patients, he said, the core message is simple:

“Graybill is still here. We’re independent again. We’re working with all the same hospitals and specialists. And we are ready to take care of the community.” Julie Reeder can be reached at jreeder@reedermedia.com.

pregnancy ultimately welcoming that new bundle of joy.

Never take pregnancy for granted.

Many people are focused on limiting weight gain, saying no to everything, or being in a perpetual state of fear and clinging to a bad mood. My viewpoint is that you should respect your body and baby, do the best you can for both of you, but also respect your cravings! Find the joy, happiness and love in this moment of life. If you’re part of a pregnant woman’s support team, celebrate this time with her!

A new family member is being created. Memories will be endless. Happy tears and new beginnings await for all. Not all the stages feel pretty or comfortable. Know that these are each a stage. If you are struggling, remind yourself that you will feel yourself again. Your body is incredible during all the stages: pre-conception, pregnancy, and postpartum.

I hope you have a healthy pregnancy and look back once you have your newborn in your arms to what a joy it was to carry that little baby for nine months.

Shelby Ramsey is a health journalist and publisher of https:// healthierbodies.com.

Day on Nov. 15

avenue by which Native voices and topics of significance and importance to Native Americans could find their way into the contemporary discourse and become both a growing and permanent part of recorded knowledge.

Many history books, as well as children’s storybooks, will be available as well. Submitted by the City of Temecula and Pechanga Band of Indians.

Domenigoni descendant to share family history at Historic Hemet Theatre

HEMET — The Hemet Heritage Foundation and Hemet Museum will host a special presentation on Monday, Nov. 10, featuring Angela Domenigoni Little, great-great-granddaughter of early California settlers Angelo and Maria Domenigoni. The event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Historic Hemet Theatre, 216 E. Florida Ave. in Hemet. Doors open at 6 p.m. Little, a lifelong resident of the Hemet–San Jacinto Valley, will share the story of her family’s Swiss-born ancestors who helped shape the region. Her talk, “Her Domenigoni Family History,” will trace her direct lineage and include rarely seen family photographs along with personal

accounts of both the triumphs and challenges her family has faced over generations. A Hemet High School graduate and communications alumna of Mt. San Jacinto College and Biola University, Little has been active in local schools, civic organizations, and volunteer work, including with the American Red Cross and the Diamond Valley Writers Guild. The evening will include complimentary refreshments, a museum update, and an opportunity drawing. Admission is free, though donations are welcome to support the Hemet Museum. For more information or to contribute, visit www.thehemetmuseum. org

Valley News/Julie Reeder photo

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 bookto-movie adaptations. Snacks provided. For ages 13-18. Register for this activity online at https://bit.ly/mplclasses, category “Library.”

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Nov. 8 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Patriotic Salute to Veterans at the Civic Center, 41000 Main St., Temecula. Event includes a Veterans Expo with information booths and opportunities to connect with local resources. A limited number of free burger/ hot dog meals begin at 11 a.m. MilVet will be accepting donations of items for military care packages.

Nov. 11 – 10 a.m. Murrieta Veterans Day Parade Line the streets in red, white & blue and help us salute local heroes. The parade starts on Washington Avenue and Ivy Street and ends at Town Square Park with the Rotary’s Field of Honor. More information at murrietaca.gov/ events.

Nov. 11 – 10 a.m. Annual Veterans Day Celebration at Hidden Hills Park, 31727 Eaton Ln., Menifee. Family-friendly event with special presentations, veteran recognition, speeches, and an aerial fly-over to conclude the ceremony. Veterans and families can explore local resources and meet service providers. Continental breakfast will be provided. For more information, visit https://www.cityofmenifee. us/1009/Veterans-Resources.

Nov. 11 – 11 a.m. Veterans Day Ceremony at Golden Era Golf Course, 19871 Gilman Springs Rd., San Jacinto. The ceremony will honor veterans for their service to the country and will include a riderless horse, the Hemet Posse Color Guard, rifle

exhibition from the San Jacinto ROTC, and guest speakers. Veterans, friends, and family are invited. A complimentary lunch will be served directly following the ceremony for all veterans and attendees, provided by Authority Real Estate.

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 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.

Crossword Puzzle

eme: North & South Poles

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 951-674-2159.

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 800-5102020 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 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. 10 – 5:30 p.m. Temecula Valley Genealogical Society presents an AI webinar with Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D. Using Artificial Intelligence Tools for Genealogy. This valuable new tool offers new ways to organize your research and may potentially save you 100s of hours of research a year. Attend the virtual lecture in person at the library or via Zoom. Doors open at 5:30, presentation begins at 6 p.m. at Ron H. Roberts Temecula Public Library’s Community Room, 30600 Pauba Rd. Temecula. Request a zoom link from tvgswebmaster@gmail.com. More info at tvgs.net. Free and open to the public.

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 stepby-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 833-349-2054.

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

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

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

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

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

ONGOING – The Dorland Scribblers meet 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.

ENTERTAINMENT

Movie review: ‘Black Phone 2’

Bob Garver Contributor

How is it that Halloween of 2025 couldn’t give us a better horror movie than “Black Phone 2”? It’s not that I’m shocked that a Halloween horror movie is a disappointment. I’m just shocked that we got such a disappointing movie this year. 2025 has been such a banner year for horror thus far. “Sinners,” “Weapons,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” and “The Conjuring: Last Rites”

were all blockbusters. There’s serious Oscar talk around those first two films; the latter two are the best box office performers of their respective franchises.

We should have gotten a film that could stand alongside those giants for Halloween. Instead, we got “Black Phone 2,” a movie that has barely scrounged up an estimated $60 million at the domestic box office in its three weekends of release. With Halloween over, the film is not only highly unlikely to

wind up a blockbuster, but it’s also highly unlikely to make more than its 2022 predecessor. It might even fall short of preventing the already-notorious flop “Tron: Ares” from being the biggest release of October 2025. That covers the commercial disappointment. Creatively, the film has its defenders (it currently has a “Certified Fresh” 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), but I personally found it to be similarly disappointing.

The film takes place in 1982, four years after the original, where teenager Finney Blake (Mason Thames) managed to overcome and kill serial child murderer The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) by talking to the villain’s past victims with the help of the mysterious Black Phone. Now Finney and his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) are trying to move on with their lives, despite him not being able to overcome his trauma and her being unable to stop having violent psychic visions. She thinks they need to go on a mission of some kind at the behest of their late mother.

The kids’ journey takes them to a snowed-in Christian youth camp that their mother attended

25 years ago. Gwen’s visions start to intensify, and she has increasingly severe nightmares and sleepwalking episodes. Also, despite the camp’s director (Demián Bechir) insisting that it is inoperative, Finney starts getting calls on the camp’s (Black) pay Phone. Some of the calls are from scared children that Finney has never met, though whom Gwen has seen in her dreams. But one call is from The Grabber. Somehow, he can still make things happen from beyond the grave. And one of the things he wants to make happen is revenge.

Early stages of the film show promise. We don’t know exactly what tools the dead Grabber has at his disposal, so we don’t know how he can affect the characters and the world around them. He could do something shocking. But as the film goes along and he shows his hand more and more, he gets less and less scary. By the end, he’s basically a less-smart Freddy Krueger, and the film has taken on the unfunny slapstick of a late-stage “Nightmare on Elm Street” sequel.

Speaking of sequels with diminishing returns, “Black Phone 2” is guilty of running several

halfway decent ideas into the ground. Gwen had a memorably profane outburst in the first movie; this one has her go on about a half-dozen over-rehearsed vulgar tirades. The first movie was good at heartfelt inter-family dialogue; this movie gets so wordy that it feels about twenty minutes too long. Most overdone is the trope of showing grainy footage of murder victims in happier times, followed by “horrific” footage. This is because director Scott Derrickson employed the same trick in his two “Sinister” movies before he made “The Black Phone,” so I’ve had to put up with this device for four movies now instead of two, and Derrickson isn’t upping his game. “Black Phone 2” has had its Halloween heyday, and there’s no point in seeing it now, without the kind of big responsive horror crowd that this movie desperately needs for it to even approach being fun.

Grade: C-

“Black Phone 2” is rated R for strong violent content, gore, teen drug use, and language. Its running time is 114 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Valley-Wide offers free golf to military members

Veterans Appreciation Week is Nov. 11 to 18 at Echo Hills Golf Course

Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District has designated Nov. 11–18 as Veterans Appreciation Week at Echo Hills Golf Course in Hemet. During that time, retired and active-duty members of the military may play one free round of golf per day.

The Valley-Wide Recreation Board of Directors and staff

expressed their gratitude to the troops for their dedication and service, acknowledging the sacrifices made by service members to protect the nation’s freedoms.

Tee times must be scheduled in advance, and veterans are required to present identification. Tee times are available from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. by calling (951)

652-2203. All golfers must walk, as carts are not currently available due to the recent overseeding of the course.

Echo Hills Golf Course is located at 545 E. Thornton Ave. in Hemet.

Submitted by Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

SPORTS

Playoff paths set for Southwest Riverside County football teams

JP Raineri Sports Editor

LOS ALAMITOS – The road to a championship has been laid out, and for 60 Inland football teams, the second season is officially underway. The CIF Southern Section released its playoff pairings Sunday morning, setting the stage for the 2025 CIF Southern Section-Ford Championship Football Playoffs.

The brackets, which match 216 teams across 14 divisions, mark the fifth year of a competitive equity model based on individual school rankings. First-round g ames are scheduled to begin Friday, Nov. 7, with most kickoffs set for 7 p.m.

Southwest Riverside County will be well-represented, with several local programs earning high

seeds and home-field advantage as they begin their title quests. For the second consecutive year, Murrieta Valley secured the No. 1 seed in the highly competitive Division 2 bracket. The Nighthawks (7-3) are no strangers to playoff pressure, having won two overtime games last season to reach the championship final. Their journey begins this Friday at home against No. 16 Corona del Mar (9-1).

“We feel confident heading into the playoffs, but we know Division 2 is always tough,” Nighthawks coach George Wilson said. “It’s nice to be the No. 1 seed, but that does not come with any guarantees. You look at the teams in the bracket and pretty much anyone can win it.”

Also in Division 2, Chaparral (6-4) earned the No. 2 seed and will host Chaminade (5-5) in the first round. The Pumas are hoping a tough regular season schedule has prepared them for a deep playoff run.

“We’ve put together strong regular seasons in the past, but haven’t quite made the playoff push we wanted,” Pumas coach Andrew Ramer said. “The whole point of our schedule this year was to prepare for November. I think our kids are battle-tested and that’s always important for this division.”

Vista Murrieta (7-3) joins its local rivals in the Division 2 field as the No. 6 seed. The Broncos will open the playoffs at home against No. 11 Damien (8-2) on Friday night.

In Division 3, back-to-back Big West South Division champs, the Murrieta Mesa Rams (6-4), face a tough road trip against top-seeded Bishop Amat. Meanwhile, the Division 4 bracket features two local squads. Great Oak (5-5) will travel to Cajon, and San Jacinto (8-2) heads to Bishop Diego for their first-round contests.

Orange Vista (8-2) is the lone local team in Division 6 and will host El Toro. In Division 8, Elsinore (7-3) has a home game against Patriot, while Temecula Valley (5-5) travels to Irvine.

Division 10 action sees Tahquitz (7-3) on the road against Heritage Christian, and Liberty (8-2) will face a long trip to play West Torrance. In Division 12, Perris (5-5) has a local matchup against Citrus Hill.

The Division 13 bracket includes Heritage (3-7) hosting Santa Rosa Academy (5-5) and Linfield Christian (5-5) welcoming Hacienda Heights Wilson. In Division 14, San Jacinto Valley Academy (7-3) will travel to Miller.

The CIF Southern Section also released its 8-person football playoff pairings, with seven Inland teams selected. Cornerstone Christian stands out, earning the No. 2 seed in Division 1. The Crusaders (9-0) have a first-round bye and will host Santa Maria Valley Christian (7-1) in the quarterfinals on Nov. 14.

The divisional championship games for 11-person football are scheduled for Nov. 28-29, and local teams are focused on navigating the challenging weeks ahead to earn their spot in the finals. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

CIF Southern Section Playoff Pairings – First Round

DIVISION 2

• Corona del Mar at Murrieta Valley

• Damien at Vista Murrieta

• Chaminade at Chaparral

DIVISION 3

• Murrieta Mesa at Bishop Amat

DIVISION 4

• San Jacinto at Bishop Diego

• Great Oak at Cajon

DIVISION 6

• El Toro at Orange Vista

DIVISION 8

• Patriot at Elsinore

• Temecula Valley at Irvine

DIVISION 10

• Tahquitz at Heritage Christian

• West Torrance at Liberty

DIVISION 12

• Perris at Citrus Hill

DIVISION 13

• Santa Rosa Academy at Heritage

• Hacienda Heights Wilson at Linfield Christian

DIVISION 14

• San Jacinto Valley Academy at Miller

AnzA VAlley OUTLOOK

AnzA VAlley

All games Friday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. unless noted. Dates, sites and times are subject to change.

Great Oak’s Frank Hernandez (#22) drives into the end zone for one of his several touchdowns during last Friday night’s matchup, helping lead the Wolfpack’s offense in a high-scoring effort against MLK. Valley News/Rob Davis Photography

Great Oak’s Ryder Smith (#2) closes in to bring down the MLK ball carrier during a critical drive, making several key stops that helped stifle the Wolves’ offense and keep the Wolfpack within striking distance in a closely contested defensive battle. Valley News/Rob Davis Photography

Linfield Christian players celebrate after a pivotal play, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the field as the Lions fight for a spot in the first round of the playoffs. Valley News/File photo

West Valley girls’ volleyball advances to CIF-SS Division 7

Final after sweeping Elsinore

JP Raineri Sports Editor

HEMET

– The West Valley Mustangs girls’ volleyball team stands as the only local squad advancing to the championship round after a decisive victory over the Elsinore Tigers on Saturday night. The Mustangs swept their Mountain Pass League rivals in the CIF Southern Section Division 7 semi-finals with set scores of 25-22, 25-14 and 25-17. The match marked the third meeting between these two area teams this season, with West Valley capturing all three contests. With this win, the Mustangs extended their streak over the Tigers to five consecutive matches and

secured their spot in the championship match as the region’s last remaining contender.

West Valley established control early, but Elsinore put up a strong fight in the opening set. The Tigers kept the score close, trading points with the Mustangs in a competitive start to the semi-final match. Ultimately, West Valley secured the first set 25-22 before building momentum in the subsequent sets to complete the sweep.

A pair of seniors delivered powerful performances to lead the Mustangs. Kamryn Hubbell recorded ten digs, nine kills and six aces. Her nine kills marked the fourth consecutive match where she has posted seven or more. Deonys Ioane also had a

significant impact, contributing 11 kills, five digs and three aces. Teammate Sheiann Rosales added eight digs and three aces to support the team’s winning effort. With the victory, West Valley improved its season record to 1518 and has now won six straight matches at home. The loss ended

the season for the Elsinore Tigers, who concluded their campaign with a 13-17 record.

As the area’s only team remaining in CIF Southern Section championship contention, West Valley will play for the Division 7 title at 4:00pm, Saturday, Nov. 8 at Carpinteria High School,

4810 Foothill Road, Carpinteria.

Both Elsinore and West Valley will also make CIF State Playoff appearances for advancing to the semifinals. Updates will be made available online as information comes in.

Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Women of Troy sweep rival Bruins, avenging earlier loss

victory with set scores of 25-23, 25-23, and 25-20.

The victory improves USC’s record to 16-5 overall and 7-4 in Big Ten conference play, while UCLA falls to 12-9 on the season and 6-5 in the conference. The match was a story of USC’s balanced and effective offense overcoming a statistically strong hitting night from the Bruins.

From the start, the energy was high in the second chapter of this season’s rivalry. USC established an early 7-3 lead in the first set, forcing UCLA to play from behind. The Bruins battled back, tying the set and even taking a slim 19-17 lead. However, the Women of Troy responded with a critical 3-0 run to regain control at 21-20. The set remained tight, but a late service error from UCLA handed USC the opening frame, 25-23.

The second set saw UCLA build a commanding 14-8 lead, looking poised to even the match. But USC methodically chipped away at the deficit. Through a series of key plays and by capitalizing on Bruin mistakes, the Trojans mounted a comeback, eventually tying the score and taking a 17-16 lead. UCLA briefly regained momentum at 21-20,

but another service error shifted the tide back to USC. The Trojans closed out the set with the identical score of 25-23 to take a 2-0 match lead.

With the sweep in sight, USC carried its momentum into the third set. The teams traded points early before the Trojans edged ahead 11-9. They steadily built their advantage, leading 15-12 at the media timeout and extending it to 20-16. UCLA fought to stay in the match, closing the gap to 21-19, but USC’s attack proved too much. The Women of Troy finished the set 25-20, securing the sweep and a significant conference win.

USC’s offense was led by a trio of powerful attackers. Adonia Faumuina was a dominant force, leading all players with 16 kills. London Wijay and Abigail Mullen were also instrumental, each contributing 11 kills to the Trojans’ balanced attack. This widespread offensive effort kept the UCLA defense off balance throughout the evening.

Despite the loss, UCLA actually out-hit USC with a .302 hitting percentage compared to the Trojans’ .285. It marked the first time this season the Bruins have

lost when holding an advantage in hitting percentage. Maggie Li and Cheridyn Leverette led the Bruins with 11 kills each. However, UCLA was plagued by 11 service errors, which repeatedly stalled its momentum at crucial moments in the first two sets. The victory for USC not only evens the season series with their rival but also provides a significant boost in the competitive Big Ten standings. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Jaycee Hullar (12) leads the Elsinore Tigers into the semi-finals against Mountain Pass league rival West Valley.

Valley News/David Canales photos

The Elsinore Tigers season comes to an end after being eliminated by West Valley.

Kamryn Hubbell and the West Valley Mustangs top Elsinore 3-0 Saturday night in Hemet.

Elsinore’s Bayley Mugica (9) watches her floater get past west Valley defender Deonys Loane.

Solid defense helps the Women of Troy sweep the Bruins.

London Wijay (2) with one of her 11 kills for the Women of Troy.

Mia Tvrdy chipped in with eight kills along with four blocks for USC. Valley News/David Canales photos

JP Raineri

SDSU rolls past Wyoming for sixth straight win; Local standouts enjoying the ride

JP Raineri Sports Editor

San Diego State University’s football team continued its winning ways Saturday night, defeating Wyoming 24-7 in front of a homecoming crowd at Snapdragon Stadium. The Aztecs, now 7-1 overall and 4-0 in Mountain West play, extended their winning streak to six games, solidifying their position as the conference’s top team.

The game was a testament to SDSU’s dominance on both sides of the ball. Running back Lucky Sutton led the charge with 158 rushing yards, including a 50-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter that sealed the victory. Quarterback Jayden Denegal threw for 194 yards and a touchdown, while the Aztecs’ defense stifled Wyoming’s offense, forcing three interceptions and holding the Cowboys to just 89 rushing yards.

Wyoming struck first in the opening quarter with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Landon Sims to Sam Scott. SDSU quickly responded, as Jordan Napier powered into the end zone on a 7-yard run to tie the game. A field goal and a Denegal touchdown pass gave the Aztecs a 17-7 lead at halftime. From there, the defense took over, shutting out the Cowboys in the second half and allowing the offense to control the tempo.

The game also served as a homecoming for several players from Southwest Riverside Coun-

ty, including Temecula’s Josh Hunter and Kainoa Davis, San Jacinto’s Jelani McLaughlin, and Murrieta’s Jacob Alvarez. While their on-field roles were limited, their presence on the roster highlights the region’s contribution to SDSU’s program and gives local fans a reason to cheer.

Despite the team’s success, the atmosphere at Snapdragon Stadium was a point of contention.

Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel criticized the sparse crowd of 17,109 in a stadium that seats 32,500. “It’s a beautiful stadium, and they have a really good team,” Sawvel said. “But it felt like they had a promotion for fans to come dressed as empty seats.”

SDSU head coach Sean Lewis, however, remained focused on the positives. “We had over 115 high school prospects on the sidelines,” Lewis said. “When those kids look up in the stands, they want to see a packed house. It’s important for the community to rally behind this team, especially with so many local players representing their hometowns.”

The Aztecs’ defense continues to draw comparisons to some of the best in program history. Through eight games, they are allowing just 10 points per game and 246.3 yards per game, both marks that rank among the best in school history. Their dominance has propelled them to 29th in the national rankings, with votes in both the AP and coaches’ polls.

Looking ahead, SDSU will host Boise State on Nov. 15 in a game that could have major

implications for the Mountain West title race. With more than 6,000 tickets still available, the Aztecs are calling on fans to fill the stands and create a true homefield advantage. For fans in Southwest Riverside County, the presence of local players like Josh Hunter,

McLaughlin, Alvarez, and Davis adds a personal connection to the team’s success.

“It’s an incredible feeling to be part of this program and to represent my hometown on a stage like this,” said Josh Hunter, after the game. “Even though my role is to support the team however I can,

knowing that friends and family from back home are watching makes it all the more special.”

As SDSU continues its march toward a potential conference championship, the support of the community will be crucial. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Masons tee off for a cause: Charity golf tournament drives support for local food banks

HEMET – Sunshine, camaraderie, and a shared spirit of giving filled the fairways at the Golden Era Golf Course as the 826th Masonic District hosted its latest charity golf tournament — raising vital funds for food banks serving Hemet, Menifee, and Lake Elsinore.

The event, organized by longtime Mason Alan Bowman and Drew Diederich, Secretary of the Hemet Lodge, drew a full roster of golfers from across the Inland Empire. Players of all skill levels hit the greens, united not just by their love of the game but by a common goal: helping feed families in need.

“It was exciting and invigorating to host a golf tournament back at Golden Era,” said Drew. “We’ve held many tournaments

Answers to puzzle on page A-10.

there over the years with great success, and this was no different. It was inspiring to see Ma-

sons and community members come together for such a good cause.”

The day featured plenty of friendly competition — from the Longest Drive challenge to the crowning of the lowest-score champions — but the real winners were the local families who will benefit from the funds raised.

Thanks to the Golden Era Golf Course, which donates its facilities free of charge to nonprofits, 100% of proceeds will go directly to supporting food banks across the region.

“We are grateful to everyone who participated and supported this event,” added Bowman. “It’s always rewarding to see how a simple day of golf can translate into something that makes a real difference in people’s lives.”

The 826th Masonic District, which includes lodges from Hemet, Menifee, Murrieta, and Temecula, continues its long tradition of community service. Rooted in values of fellowship, charity, and moral growth,

SDSU running back Byron Cardwell Jr. (21) barrels through Wyoming defenders, gaining critical yards during the Aztecs’ dominant 24-7 win at Snapdragon Stadium on Nov. 1. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Byron Cardwell Jr. (21) turns a short pass into a big gain, showcasing his explosiveness in front of the homecoming crowd.

Donovan Brown (14) sprints downfield after a reception, adding to SDSU’s offensive momentum in the first half against Wyoming.

Valley News/Action Captures Media Group Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

The champions of the 826th Masonic District Charity Golf Tournament pose with pride, knowing their success on the greens helps feed families in need across Hemet, Menifee, and Lake Elsinore.

The stunning Golden Era Golf Course set the stage for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community impact, as golfers teed off to support local food banks.

A fleet of golf carts lined up and ready to hit the fairways at the Golden Era Golf Course, where sunshine and charity combined for a day of giving back.

Valley News/Courtesy photos

Ghosts, goblins and good times haunt Anza and Lake Riverside Estates

Creative costumes abound at the Lake Riverside Estates Trunk or Treat event Saturday, Oct. 25.

Anza Valley Outlook/Amy Lauro photo

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Anza Thimble Club hosted their seventh annual Coat Giveaway Saturday, Oct. 25. Accord-

to organizer Betsy Hansen, 500 coats, jackets, sweaters, hoodies and more were donated for the event. The clothing collection started in September and continued until

Patrons are given bags to stash their treasures

Thimble Club’s coat giveaway Saturday, Oct. 25. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

of goblins, cartoon characters, pirates, devils and ghosts.

Celebrations took place along St. Hwy. 371, the LDS Church and at the Anza Community Hall, where festivities were in full swing all evening. Sacred Heart Catholic Church set up a table overflowing with bowls of candy, while Overland Realty hosted a haunted farmers market complete with a scarecrow, live entertainment, a pumpkin carving contest and booths galore.

Inside the Community Hall, children enjoyed crafts, snacks and contests in a bustling, cheerful atmosphere.

“What a great time,” said one parent. “We’re grateful the Community Hall hosts this every year.”

Residents across the Anza Valley embraced the Halloween spirit once again, bringing out their best costumes, creative decorations and plenty of downhome, spooktacular fun.

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

Wendy Tyler entertains patrons at her Once Upon A Thread thrift store all day and into the night during Halloween celebrations in Anza Friday, Oct. 31. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

The Machado family enjoys prehistoric fun at the haunted Farmer’s Market at Overland Realty Friday, Oct. 31. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Beautiful and creative entries grace the tables for the pumpkin carving contest at the haunted Farmer’s Market at Overland Realty Friday, Oct. 31. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Everyone at Pharoah’s Pyramid Shop goes all-out with inspiring costumes during Halloween celebrations in Anza Friday, Oct. 31. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Anza Chapel, host a trunk or treat for trick-ortreaters during Halloween celebrations in Anza Friday, Oct. 31. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

Anza’s weirdness is intact with this trunk or treat display at the Anza Community Hall during Halloween celebrations in Anza Friday, Oct. 31. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

The McQueary clan makes Toy Story come alive during Halloween celebrations in Anza Friday, Oct. 31. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

From the spirit realm to the costume stage, Candice Allen’s Madame Leota DIY costume dazzles the crowd, snagging top honors at the Lake Riverside Estates Trunk or Treat event Saturday, Oct. 25.

Not one, not two, but three axolotls mysteriously appear at the Anza Community Hall during Halloween celebrations in Anza Friday, Oct. 31. Anza Valley Outlook/Ashley Titel photo

The Incredibles Mike, left, and Addy Neil, along with Jack Jack, enjoy the evening at the Lake Riverside Estates Trunk or Treat event Saturday, Oct. 25. Anza Valley Outlook/Penny Smith photo

Sabrina Drake and her faithful steed prepare for spooky Halloween shenanigans Halloween weekend. Anza Valley Outlook/Sabrina Drake photo

Anza Valley Outlook/Gem Ann Garner photo

ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS

If you have an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com, put “attention events” in the subject line. Readers should call ahead on some listed events for the latest updates. Please also email us if any of these listings have new or updated information. Thank you!

Regular Happenings

Anza Farmers’ Market – Located at 56333 CA-371, Anza farmers’ market hours are every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. through October. Various farmers, musicians, artisans and food vendors set up weekly. Ample parking in the field and lot to the west and east of the field. The market is operated by the High Country Conservancy, a 501(c)(3), and is a California certified farmers market. Market Manager Annika Knoppel can be reached at 951-234-1314 or email anzafarmersmarket@ gmail.com

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

Mobile Food Pantry – Anza Electric Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers a free mobile food pantry the second Saturday of every month at the AEC office, 58470 CA-371, from 8 to 10 a.m. All are welcome. Cal-Fresh application assistance and free community health services are also available. Bring your own reusable bags to take food home. Volunteers welcome. For more information, contact the AEC office at 951-763-4333.

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

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

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

Backcountry Horsemen Redshank Riders – Meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Locations change, so please contact Mike by email at stumblinl55@gmail. com or by calling 951-760-9255. Health, exercise, resources and recovery meetings Fit after 50 – 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Friday mornings at Anza Community Hall. Free. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. Call or text instructor Teresa Hoehn at 951751-1462 for more information.

Veterans’ Gathering Mondays – 9-11 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 39075 Contreras Road in Anza. Men and women veterans come to share and help each other deal with post-traumatic stress disorder and other difficulties. Call John Sheehan at 951-9236153. If you need an advocate to help with VA benefits, call Ronnie Imel at 951-659-9884.

The Most Excellent Way – A Christ-centered recovery program for all kinds of addiction meets once a week on Fridays from 6-8 p.m. Program is court approved. The group meets at Valley Gospel Chapel, located at 43275 Chapman Road, Anza.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous – 8 p.m. Wednesday and Friday evenings at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, please email Barbara at chicasita55@gmail.

com

Bereaved Parents of the USA – The Aguanga-Anza Chapter of BPUSA will hold its meetings at 6 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 49109 Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-551-2826.

Free Mobile Health Clinic – Open every third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is needed. Uninsured may only be seen in the Anza Community Hall’s parking lot or inside the hall.

Medication Assistance and Treatment for Opioid Dependence – Get treatment for heroin addiction. Transportation to the clinic is provided. For more information, contact Borrego Health’s Anza Community Health Center, 58581 CA-371, Anza. For more information, 951-763-4759.

Narcotics Anonymous Tuesday meetings, 8 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Church, Anza, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. For more information, please email Barbara at chicasita55@ gmail.com

Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous –Thursdays at 12 noon. Meetings at Shepherd of the Valley Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, please email Barbara at chicasita55@gmail. com

Food ministries Food for the Faithful – 8 a.m.

The food bank hands out food the last Thursday of the month until the food is gone. Emergency food handed out as needed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. FFF is a nondenominational nonprofit. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-763-5636.

Bible studies

Living Hope Thursday Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study – 8 a.m. at 58050 CA-371 in Anza. All are welcome.

Living Hope Christian Fellowship Sunday Service 10 a.m. at the Anza Community Hall, 56630 CA-371 in Anza.

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

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

Monthly Christian Men’s Breakfast – 9 a.m. Breakfast takes place the 4th Saturday of each month and rotates to different locations. Contact Jeff Crawley at 951-763-1257 for more information.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church – 10 a.m. Weekly Wednesday Bible study takes place at 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Call 951-763-4226 for more information.

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

Anza Baptist Church - Begin your week with Sunday School for adults at 9 a.m. followed by Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. We have an optional Children’s Church service during the main service. On Sunday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. we have a rotating schedule of Bible Studies, fellowship, and prayer. We also have a prayer circle which meets on Wednesday mornings at 11 a.m. The church office is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road, just off Burnt Valley Road, in Anza. For more information, please contact the church at 951763-4937 or visit https://www. anzabaptistchurch.com

Clubs

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

High Country 4-H Club – 4 p.m. Meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month, except February, at Anza Community Hall. 4-H Club is for youth 5 to 19 years old offering a variety of projects. High Country 4-H Club is open to children living in the Anza, Aguanga and surrounding areas. For more information, call Allison Renck at 951-663-5452. Anza Valley Artists Meetings

– Meetings at 1 p.m. are the third Saturday of each month at various locations. Share art, ideas and participate in shows. Guest speakers are always needed. For more information, call president Rosie Grindle at 951-928-1248. Find helpful art tips at www.facebook.com/ AnzaValleyArtists. Anza Quilter’s Club Meetings are held at 9:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. For more information see our Facebook page or contact Pat Sprint at jpsprint@gmail.com or Ellen Elmore at luvtoquilt2@gmail. com

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

Fire Explorer Program – 6 p.m. The program meets every second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at Fire Station 29 on CA-371 in Anza. Call 951-7635611 for information. Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the 1st Thursday of the month at the Anza Community Hall, 56630 CA-371, Anza, CA 92539. The social hour is 11:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. Contact Carol Wright at 951-7632884 for more information.

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

Civil Air Patrol – Squadron 59 is looking for new members of all ages. For more information, call squadron commander Maj. Dennis Sheehan from the Anza area at 951-403-4940. To learn more and see the club’s meeting schedule, visit www.squadron59.

org Anza Community Hall –7 p.m. General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Single memberships are $30 and include discounts to events for one person and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Family memberships are $50 and include discounts for a family up to 5 members and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Business memberships are $50 and allows an employer to receive discounts for up to 5 people, including themselves, and includes 1 vote on elections and meetings. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets.

Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 CA-371 in Anza. For more information, call 951-2824267 or email achageneral@ gmail.com or visit www. anzacommunitybuilding.org. Anza Civic Improvement League – 9 a.m. meets the first Saturday of each month at the Little Red Schoolhouse. The league maintains Minor Park and the Little Red School House, which are both available to rent for events. No government funds are allowed; the membership pays the bills – $10 a person, $18 family or $35 business membership. For more information, visit www. anzacivic.org.

Autumn in Anza Festival debuts Nov. 15

Sheriff’s Blotter

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Anza Valley Outlook Sheriff’s Blotter is a list of calls that allows residents to see what law enforcement activity is occurring in their communities.

The Sheriff’s Blotter data is obtained from the official calls for service records kept by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. However, calls where the release of the information could cause harm to an individual or jeopardize the investigation of a criminal case are excluded.

All calls listed are for service within the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction in the unincorporated areas of Anza, Lake Riverside Estates, Cahuilla and Aguanga from Oct. 26 through Nov. 1.

Oct. 26

Trespassing - 3900 block Anza Rd., Anza

Harassing phone calls - address withheld, Anza, unfounded

Miscellaneous criminal - 5600 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza

Alarm call - 5500 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza

Assist other department - 4900 block Puckit Rd., Cahuilla

Unknown trouble - 5300 block Elder Creek Rd., Anza

Oct. 27

Shots fired - address undefined, Anza

Suspect info - address withheld, Aguanga

Public disturbance - address undefined, Aguanga

Alarm call - 5200 block Saddleback Rd., Anza Found runaway - address withheld, Anza Suspicious vehicle - address undefined, Aguanga

Oct. 28

Civil dispute - 3800 block Fisher Rd., Anza Incorrigible minor - address withheld, Anza

Trespassing - 5200 block St.

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The first-ever Autumn in Anza Festival will bring a day of fun, food and festivities to the Anza Village Center Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families can enjoy local crafters, food, entertainment, games and a showcase of big trucks. Anza Village Center businesses will join the celebration, including Helping Paws Animal Hospital, Anza Valley Pharmacy, HCN Bank, Anza Acupuncture, Chiropractic & Wellness, and Dr. Peter Paik DDS. Proceeds from the festival will help provide holiday gifts for local children, adding a charitable twist to the community fun.

The Anza Village Center is located at 39100 Contreras Rd. in downtown Anza. For more information or to become a vendor, contact Betsy Hansen at the Anza Electric Cooperative at (951) 763-4333.

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

The first-ever Autumn in Anza Festival will bring a day of fun, food and festivities to the Anza Village Center Saturday, Nov. 15. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

The Sheriff’s Blotter enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities. Hwy. 371, Cahuilla Emergency notification - address withheld, Anza Oct. 29 Public assist - 5900 block Anzanita Ln., Anza Oct. 30

CHP arrests Twentynine Palms man in connection with large volume of child sexual abuse material

TWENTYNINE PALMS —

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has arrested a 53-year-old man following a months-long investigation that uncovered one of the largest known collections of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) linked to a single suspect in California.

The investigation began in June 2024, when investigators from the CHP’s Computer Crimes Investigation Unit (CCIU) identified an Internet Protocol (IP) address involved in large-scale CSAM downloads. Over the course of the investigation, CHP investigators obtained more than 300

gigabytes of suspected CSAM linked to the suspect — one of the largest volumes associated with a single individual in the state at the time.

On Aug. 21, 2024, CCIU investigators, with assistance from the CHP Inland Division Investigative Services Unit (ISU), executed a search warrant at the suspect’s Twentynine Palms residence. Investigators seized multiple digital devices, and forensic analysis later confirmed extensive collections of CSAM.

After completing the forensic analysis and following the filing of charges by the San Bernardino

County District Attorney’s Office, CHP Inland Division ISU investigators located and arrested Scott Raymond Cherko, 53, of Twentynine Palms, on Oct. 23, 2025. Cherko was booked into the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Morongo Basin Station on an arrest warrant for possession of CSAM and is being held on $80,000 bail.

The operation combined the CCIU’s digital forensic expertise with ISU’s field operations to ensure a successful outcome.

“This case underscores our commitment to protecting California’s most vulnerable resi -

dents. Our investigators work tirelessly to uncover those who exploit children online, and this arrest demonstrates the CHP’s determination to hold these offenders accountable,” said CHP Information Management Division Chief Josh Ehlers.

The CHP Computer Crimes Investigation Unit specializes in computer-facilitated crimes and supports state agencies and allied law enforcement partners across California. The unit conducts proactive investigations targeting individuals who distribute or download high volumes of CSAM and provides digital

ANZA LOCAL NEWS

forensic analysis to assist other agencies.

With expanded staffing and resources, the CCIU continues to strengthen its capabilities in surveillance, digital evidence recovery, and search warrant execution. The unit also works closely with the Sacramento Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force to combat online child exploitation statewide.

The CHP remains committed to protecting children and providing the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California. giveaway.

“Donations of children’s coats are typically very low,” said Hansen. “But thanks to the generous donations from the Anza HCN Bank and The Cahuilla Band of Indians, the Thimble Club volunteers were able to purchase over 100 children’s coats this year. All but 20 of these were given away.”

According to Hansen, the first coat drive was held in 2019. That year Anza Electric Cooperative and The Anza Thimble Club collected 211 coats, sweaters, vests and jackets. These were made available for distribution at the December FIND Mobile Food Pantry at the Anza Electric Cooperative parking lot. This number did not include the multiple hats, gloves, mittens and scarves also provided.

“The 2023 coat drive was a whopping success. Over 250 coats were donated along with many pairs of socks, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves,” Hansen said. “The success of this adventure would not have been possible without the help of so many. To them we are all grateful.” In 2024, of 322 donated coats, 210 adult coats and over 100 children’s coats, many pairs of socks, mittens, hats and more were given out, with nothing left at the end of the event.

COATS from page B-1 service club in the Anza Valley. It was created by several ladies who used the excuse of doing their mending to get together for a visit. This turned into monthly meetings and dues were a penny.

The Anza Thimble Club, established in 1912, is the oldest

During World War II, the handy women made bandages for the Red Cross as a meaningful activity.

Since then, they have become a well-loved and respected char-

itable organization donating much-needed funds back into the community of Anza.

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

Of those 211, 40 coats were left behind and donated to the local charitable organization From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries.

“Due to COVID in 2020, sharing safely was not an option, therefore the coat drive was postponed,” she said. “Thankfully, 2021 came as did the annual coat drive. This one was held at Minor Park under the pagoda. So many coats, so few people. Still, the garments that were left behind went to many people in need. No coat goes without an owner.”

The Anza Community Hall hosted the event in 2022, with 250 coats provided. Almost all of them were taken, leaving just a handful being donated to From the Heart.

Coats, jackets, sweats and sweaters are neatly displayed at the seventh annual Anza Thimble Club’s coat giveaway Saturday, Oct. 25. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos

Thimble Club member Betsy Hansen reorganizes the clothing displays during the seventh annual Anza Thimble Club’s coat giveaway Saturday, Oct. 25.

Mittens, gloves, beanies, scarves, socks and more are available free at the seventh annual Anza Thimble Club’s coat giveaway.

Men’s jackets are popular at the seventh annual Anza Thimble Club’s coat giveaway.

53-year-old Scott Raymond Cherko was located and arrested on Oct. 23, 2025, following a forensic analysis and charges filed by the San Bernardino County DA office.

CHP’s Computer Crimes Investigation Unit conducted an investigation beginning in June 2024, after identifying an IP address involved in large-scale child sexual abuse material, linked to the suspect’s residence. Valley News/CHP photos

EDUCATION

Menifee Valley students honored in October

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce held their most recent Student of the Month breakfast at the Perris Sizzler, 91 West Nuevo Road, on Oct. 8. Sally Myers of BMW Management/Sizzler Restaurants founded the program that started including the Perris Union High School District schools in 1998.

She emceed the event, sharing the mission of her nonprofit organization that partners with the local Chambers. The program 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 more were donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers, and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

October’s students of the month are Heritage High School’s Isaac Orozco, Liberty High’s Parris Peacock, Paloma Valley’s James Sisson, Perris High School’s Rocco Nelms, and Perris Lake’s Alondra Romero.

Heritage High School Principal Jose Topete introduced Isaac Orozco, who said he hopes to attend UCLA or UC, Berkeley to major in architecture. Throughout high school, he has been part of a variety of programs, including AVID, where he worked his way up to president, film production, where he created a children’s puppet show series, and the Academic Decathlon.

“These opportunities allowed me to contribute to my school by promoting creativity and student

engagement around campus,” Isaac said. “My leadership role as AVID president allowed me to create more community service opportunities, fundraise for the club, and encourage a positive and inclusive environment.”

AVID coordinator Sara Huerta said Isaac is more than a scholar, although his 4.3 GPA certainly stands out. “It’s who he is at his core that makes him truly one of a kind, she said. “As our AVID president, Isaac leads with quiet confidence, integrity and compassion.”

Parris Peacock is Liberty High School’s October Student of the Month and Principal Erika Rojas said he excels at everything he tries or does. Parris said, “At school, I stay involved by playing football, running rack, participating in AVID and a proud member of the Black Student Union.”

He said that a lesson that will guide him through his academic journey and throughout life is that nothing ever comes easy. “I learned that success doesn’t happen overnight; it takes hard work, perseverance and dedication,”

Parris said. “Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me to stay determined and to never give up no matter how tough things get.”

He said he has been fascinated by airplanes for as long as he can remember and that influenced his goal to become a commercial airline pilot. His father, who has proudly served in the U.S. Navy for the past 23 years, told him to consider joining the military.

Paloma Valley High School’s James Sisson was singled out this month. Principal Thomas LaRochelle said one of James’ teachers described him as a “shining light on campus,” and that is exactly who he is. James said his greatest contribution has been working as a counselor in training for the past two summers at River Way Ranch Camp, which he started attending as a young child. “I wanted to give back by helping others have the same amazing experience I had growing up; that’s what truly matters to me,” James said. He has maintained straight As since transferring to Paloma, served as a student representative in the Parent Engagement Lead-

ership Institute, and earned an Outstanding Citizenship award from the City of Menifee. “I want to do my best to give back, help others lead by example, and make a difference wherever I can,” he said. James plans to study business at college and possibly earn a degree in marketing.

Rocco Nelms is Perris High School’s choice for Student of the Month for October. Principal Ricardo Garcia described Rocco as being an essential piece in the development of the wellness program by making sure the students have a voice as well as a place where they can be provided much-needed social and emotional support. Rocco works at a nonprofit and is part of the FFA, drama club, choir, and Panthers TV at Perris High. Rocco said, “The journey to this moment hasn’t been easy. I faced challenges that at times felt overwhelming, from personal loss to navigating life in foster care

to balancing school, work, and advocacy. As I accept this award, I do so with immense gratitude for the past that shaped me, the people who have lifted me, and the future that I’m building.” Rocco plans to pursue a degree in political science, become a politician, and go to law school.

Perris Lake High School Principal Pauline Garcia said Alondra Romero enrolled at the alternative high school in her junior year as she was dealing with some challenges in her personal life. “She soon found a new perspective and started her senior year strong,” Garcia said. She got involved with more things on campus, such as ASB. Alondra said, “An obstacle that I had to overcome is severe depression that was brought on by life-changing health issues.”

A life lesson she said she has learned is to find the good in everything. She plans to start her college education at Mt. San

Soboba schools benefit from a school psychologist

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News

Soboba Tribal member Rachelle Peterson always knew she wanted to work with children.

Becoming a school psychologist at Noli Indian School and Soboba Tribal Preschool, both on the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians reservation, has given her the opportunity to advocate for all students and families within the school community.

“I’m deeply passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in Indian Country, and in this role, I can be a consistent source of support for students while giving a voice to those who may not yet be able to speak up for themselves,” Peterson said.

When she began working there near the end of the last school year, she explained her role as someone who helps students with their feelings, friendships, and learning.

“It is my job to make sure you feel safe, happy, and able to learn,” she told the students.

“I work with your teachers and parents/guardians to ensure you are receiving the best support to be successful at school. I focus on things like behavior, mental health, academics, and school systems.”

During her four-year graduate program, Peterson worked at six different schools, ranging from high school to elementary school, throughout San Diego County. Peterson said she always knew she would return home to serve her Tribal community.

“Being able to come back and work with and for my own relatives is one of the greatest blessings I could ask for,” she said. “In our culture, we are taught to take care of our relatives, and this work is my way of giving back to the community that raised me.”

Peterson is the first school psychologist at the preschool.

Noli has had a contracted school

psychologist who would come to provide specific services for certain students, but this is the first time one has been housed on campus.

“Working as a school psychologist across two schools allows me to experience the full range of my role, from conducting psychoeducational assessments at Noli to fostering social-emotional learning at the preschool,” she said. “Having the opportunity to work with two different age groups has been a truly rewarding experience.”

At the preschool, most of her work is centered around developing social-emotional skills, whether that is emotional regulation skills, coping skills, conflict resolution, relationship building, and/or decision making.

“Our students are at the age where they are learning how to interact with peers and adults as well as learning new emotions and how to regulate those emotions in a healthy way,” Peterson said. “Early social emotional

learning is an investment in your child’s emotional, social, and academic future. At both schools, I collaborate with teachers to provide academic and behavioral interventions for those students who need additional support and are struggling in any of these areas.”

Peterson facilitates weekly SEL lessons with each class at the preschool. To decide which topics to focus on with each class, she consults with teachers to narrow down what areas of support they feel their students will benefit from most. She has implemented a few schoolwide mental health activities.

“We have done lessons on kindness, characteristics of a good friend, emotional regulation, and coping skills,” she said. “We recently had a kindness week where I facilitated an activity/lesson with each class every day of the week. Students participated in interactive activities that focused on kindness with friends, family, animals, and ourselves. I

Jacinto College and then transfer to UC, Riverside. “Sometimes the best people cross paths in our lives in various ways, such as my nurses and doctors encouraging my progression through high school,” Alondra said. “I hope to impact as many people as I can who need that support.”

Closing remarks

Sally Myers shared special words to each student and then played a “Minute with Maxwell” recording from John Maxwell, an American author, motivational speaker, and pastor who has written books primarily focused on leadership. This one was about purpose. He said to ask yourself what you are passionate about and what you are good at, and the answers will help you find your purpose. To learn more about the Student of the Month Program, please contact founder Sally Myers at 951-506-8024.

The Menifee and Perris Chambers of Commerce Students of the Month for October are, from left, Parris Peacock, Alondra Romero, James Sisson, Rocco Nelms, and Isaac Orozco.

Pre-K students work on a mural during Kindness Week at the Soboba Tribal Preschool. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos

Rachelle Peterson greets families at Back-to-School night at the Soboba Tribal Preschool in August.

Kindergartners use chalk to create positive messages as part of a Kindness Week celebration facilitated by Rachelle Peterson.

Valley News/Courtesy photo

Menifee Union School District schools host annual Fall Family Festival

MENIFEE – Menifee Union School District (MUSD) held its annual Fall Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25. The purpose of the event was to provide families of the Menifee Union School District with access to much-needed resources and foster strong community connections.

The event was a huge success, with approximately 615 attendees. There were numerous giveaways, including bicycles, scooters, games, gift cards, and gift baskets from local companies. Over 35 organizations were present to provide resources on family matters, education, advocacy, health, wellness, and more. The event also featured a variety of other activities, such as pumpkin decorations, arts and crafts, and health screenings. New additions this year included student performances from MUSD schools and raffles.

“It’s really important that we connect with our families and demonstrate the full extent of our commitment to their well-being,” said Melinda Conde, Director of Student Success Services. “We want our families to know that we provide resources and support that extend beyond the classroom. We offer assistance to those facing challenges, ensuring access to vital services such as dental care, health resources, and community donations. Ultimately, this event is about connecting with our community to ensure they know we provide a comprehensive social-emotional support system alongside academics.”

“We brought a wide array of vital resources directly to our families,” said Community Liaison Jacqueline Salazar. “This included on-site dental screenings, as well as support from healthcare and mental health organizations. We also had our Fire Department here with their Explorer program. Beyond the fun activities like pumpkin decorating, our main goal was to ensure families accessed the many resources available to support them.”

Community Liaison Christina Sandoval said, “Lots of hard

Murrieta’s

MUSD’s dedicated community partners are hard at work providing vital information on health, wellness, and support services at the 2025 Fall Family Festival. Connecting families with crucial resources is the goal with these events throughout the year.

work, time, and energy went into planning this, with so many people playing a vital role in getting everything organized and ready. But the payoff has been absolutely amazing—seeing all the kids, all the families, and all the partner organizations here makes every bit of the effort worthwhile.”

“We are truly appreciative of the continuing partnerships we have with the various organizations present again this year,” said MUSD Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Root. “It was wonderful to see so many families come out and take advantage of the

expanded resources available to them. This event demonstrates our dedication to empowering our families and fostering a strong, supportive community in Menifee.”

Submitted by Menifee Union School District.

[Right] Student performances and activities like pumpkin decorating made the 2025 Fall Family Festival a perfect day for MUSD families to connect, celebrate, and pick up some treats.

Dorothy McElhinney Middle School named a 2025 California Blue Ribbon School

The only school in Riverside County to make the list

MURRIETA – Murrieta Valley Unified School District announces that Dorothy McElhinney Middle School (DMMS) has been named a 2025 California Blue Ribbon School by the California Department of Education (CDE). This prestigious recognition honors schools that demonstrate exceptional academic performance and success in closing achievement and opportunity gaps.

DMMS is one of only 31 schools statewide to receive this honor. The award was announced by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who commended California’s top-performing schools for their dedication to student success, equity, and excellence.

The California Blue Ribbon School recognition program was established this year by the CDE following the U.S. Department of

PSYCHOLOGIST from page B-6

parents/guardians, the special education teacher, and students. She also collaborates closely with the school counselor to implement mental health supports, activities, and social-emotional learning initiatives.

She is developing a series of workshops that focus on educating Tribal families about special education and their rights as parents/guardians. “My goal for these workshops is to provide a safe space for families who currently have students in special education or families who want to learn more about the process,” Peterson said.

She said students are always welcome to stop by her office

Education’s discontinuance of the national Blue Ribbon program.

The CDE noted that its annual recognitions will ensure that California schools continue to be celebrated for their exemplary work towards student achievement.

“I am incredibly proud of DMMS for earning the distinction of being named a 2025 California Blue Ribbon School,” said Dr. Ward Andrus, Superintendent of Murrieta Valley Unified School District. “This achievement reflects the exceptional commitment of our staff, students and families who have worked together to support student learning. The Blue-Ribbon award affirms what we see daily in our schools. They are places where students are academically challenged, supported, and inspired to achieve their absolute best.”

at any time during the school day if they feel the need. At Noli, she works closely with the school counselor so if she is at the preschool when a student needs support at Noli, they are referred to the school counselor. She also receives referrals from teachers and parents when they have concerns about a student or believe additional support might be helpful.

Peterson graduated from San Diego State University in the School Psychology graduate program where she earned her Master’s degree in Counseling and her Educational Specialist in School Psychology. She was also a scholar and mentor on the SHPA (Supporting High-Intensity Mental Health Needs of Native

Dorothy McElhinney Middle School is the only Riverside County school to receive this incredible achievement in 2025.

DMMS serves 1,440 students in grades 6–8 and is known for its strong academic programs, visual and performing arts offerings, innovative teaching practices, and commitment to all students.

Blue Ribbon schools are recognized for demonstrating high academic achievement and excellence in closing opportunity gaps among student groups. California Blue Ribbon Schools will be formally celebrated at the California School Recognition Program celebration in spring 2026.

For more information, please visit https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ ne/yr25/yr25rel46.asp

Submitted by Murrieta Valley Unified School District.

and Indigenous Youth) project at SDSU. She was introduced to the field of School Psychology during her last year of her undergraduate at Cal State San Marcos.

“What really piqued my interest in the program was the SHPA grant, which focused on the mental health needs of Native and Indigenous youth,” she said. “School psychology wasn’t something I had planned on pursuing in the beginning, but it became a career that gave me the platform I needed to support our Native children.”

A school psychologist specializes in mental health and behavioral issues, along with conducting psychoeducational assessments and developing Individualized Education Plans

Murrieta Valley USD appoints Josefine Hartley as Board of Education Trustee for Trustee Area 3

MURRIETA –The District’s Governing Board of Education appointed Josefine Hartley to serve as Trustee, filling the vacancy created when Yvonne Muñoz announced her resignation effective September 15, 2025. Hartley’s provisional term is for the next 12 months and will be up for election in November 2026. At that time, Hartley can seek election to fill the remainder of Muñoz’s term through November 2028.

At the Special Meeting held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Board of Education interviewed ten qualified candidates. At the conclusion of the interviews, Trustees identified their top two to three candidates, and Trustee Christine Schmidt made a motion to appoint Josefine Hartley. The motion was seconded by Nicolas Pardue, and Josefine was appointed to the Murrieta Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) Board of Education. Board President Pardue said during the board

(IEPs). School psychologists work with both general education and special education students but focus on students who need more intensive support by providing intervention or assessments when needed. Peterson said a big part of her job consists of collaborating with teachers, administration, school counselors, and families to help the students succeed at school.

“I am so grateful to have so much support from parents and families since starting at the preschool and Noli,” she said. “I have received positive feedback, especially from parents who have shared that they feel more comfortable with having a Tribal member and familiar face helping support their child at school.”

deliberations, “I appreciate Hartley’s strong values, and she cares about what is going on in our community.”

Following her appointment, Hartley states, “I am ready, I am a hard worker and not afraid. It will be an honor to serve Murrieta. I love Murrieta!”

Josefine Hartley is a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and has been a part of the Murrieta Community for 37 years. She is a mother of three Murrieta Mesa alumni (2014, 2017, 2019). Unless a petition calling for a special election pursuant to Education Code 5091 is filed in the Office of the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools within 30 days of this provisional appointment, it shall become an effective appointment. Notwithstanding the right of the public to petition for a special election, all powers and duties of a governing board member begin once the appointment is made. Submitted by MVUSD.

Peterson is deeply grateful to her Tribe for supporting her pursuit of higher education, an opportunity that helped her grow personally and professionally.

“Growing up, we were taught that when you take, you must also give back,” she said.

“Reciprocity is a core value that was deeply instilled in me, and it continues to guide the work I do today.”

National School Psychology Week is Nov. 3-7. This week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of school psychologists and raise awareness about the important role they play in supporting students’ mental health and academic success.

Thanks to generous support from local partners, attendees walked away with bikes, scooters, games, and gift baskets, making the 2025 Fall Family Festival a great success for every family.

Nearly 615 attendees came out to the MUSD Fall Family Festival. It was a powerful demonstration of our community dedication, bringing together families and essential service providers to ensure success both inside and outside the classroom.

Valley News/Courtesy photos

MUSD thanks all the 35+ organizations that joined. Here, a young attendee enjoys a moment at one of the many community booths offering everything from educational resources to programs.

HOME & GARDEN

Riverside County Health Officials report increase in rabid bats, urge precautions for people, pets

RIVERSIDE – Health officials

with Riverside University Health System — Public Health (RUHSPH) are warning Riverside County residents about the risk of contracting rabies, particularly from bats.

Ba ts are the most common source of rabies in the state. So far this year, 18 rabid bats have been reported in Riverside County, an increase from 15 rabid bats confirmed by the Public Health lab in 2024.

“Rabies is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms appear. While rabies is extremely rare in humans in California, exposure through bat bites is a serious concern. Bites from a bat can be painless and may not leave marks, so it’s important to seek immediate care if you awaken to a bat in your home,” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky.

To reduce the risk of rabies infection, individuals must:

• Never pick up or touch a bat.

• Vaccinate pets against rabies.

• Report possible exposures to animal control or Public Health.

• Safety-proof homes by sealing gaps and openings that could allow bats inside.

• Avoid contact with bats and other wild animals (skunks, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes).

Anyone who has interacted with a bat should wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek medical care right away,

which includes an assessment for post-exposure vaccination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 100,000 Americans receive rabies vaccinations each year after potential exposures.

RUHS-PH partners with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) to monitor rabies activity, raise community awareness, and support prevention efforts.

“If a pet contracts rabies, it can take a few days or several months for signs to appear,” said Dr. Amy Raines, Riverside County Department of Animal Services Chief Veterinarian. “Never feed or touch wild animals, and make sure pets are protected when outdoors. The best prevention for pets is rabies vaccination, which helps protect pets and the people who love them.”

Symptoms of rabies in dogs and cats can include:

• Increased aggression, irritability, or lethargy/unresponsiveness

• Mild fever

• Difficulty walking or lack of coordination

• Drooling or foaming at the mouth due to difficulty swallowing

• Paralysis in the throat or jaw, making it difficult to eat or drink

In Riverside County, all dogs are required to be licensed and

Don’t let the bed bugs bite: How to check for bed bugs when you travel

Julie Reeder Publisher

They’re tiny, they’re sneaky, and they love to hitch a ride. Bed bugs – the ultimate unwanted souvenir – have made a worldwide comeback, and travelers are often their favorite transportation. Whether you’re checking into a luxury resort, a boutique inn, or a roadside motel, knowing how to spot these pests can save you from bringing an itchy problem home.

Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, usually at night. Adults are about the size of an apple seed and can survive for months without feeding. They don’t transmit diseases, but their bites can cause itchy welts, allergic reactions, and sleepless nights.

They spread easily because they’re expert hitchhikers –clinging to luggage, clothing, and furniture. Even clean, well-maintained hotels can experience occasional infestations. That’s why prevention starts with awareness. Before you even pack, do a quick online search for recent bed bug reports. Websites like The Bed Bug Registry or reviews on TripAdvisor sometimes include traveler warnings. A quick scan of reviews mentioning “cleanliness” or “bugs” can be surprisingly revealing.

If you’re particularly cautious, call the hotel directly. Ask whether they’ve had any recent issues and how they handle pest prevention. Reputable hotels will take the question seriously.

When you first enter your room, resist the urge to toss your luggage onto the bed. Instead, place it on a hard surface like a tile floor or the luggage rack — but inspect the rack first too, especially around seams and straps. Now it’s time to investigate. Turn on all the lights, and if possible, use your phone flashlight for closer inspection.

Start with the mattress. Pull back the sheets and examine the seams, corners, and especially the area near the headboard. You’re looking for:

Small dark spots (which could be dried blood or fecal stains)

• Tiny white eggs or eggshells

• S hed skins or actual bugs (which are flat and about ¼ inch long)

Check the box spring, bed frame, and behind the headboard

– favorite hiding places for these nocturnal travelers.

If you still aren’t sure, you can use an iron on the corner areas of the mattress and sheet. Body heat attracts them, so the iron may bring them out of hiding.

Bed bugs don’t limit themselves to beds. Take a quick look around nearby furniture: nightstands, couches, chairs, even drapery folds and electrical outlets. If there’s upholstered furniture, run your flashlight along seams and under cushions.

Don’t forget to check the wall behind the bed and any framed art – bed bugs often hide in tiny cracks and crevices.

Keep your luggage off the floor.

Many experienced travelers store their suitcases in the bathroom –one of the least likely places for bed bugs to hide. If you’re in the room for several nights, consider sealing clothes in plastic bags or using anti-bed-bug travel covers.

When you return home, don’t bring your suitcase straight inside. Instead, unpack outdoors or in a garage, and toss all clothing (even unworn items) directly into the washer on the hottest cycle that the fabric allows. Drying on high heat for at least 30 minutes will kill bed bugs and eggs.

Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly before storing it again.

If you see signs of bed bugs, notify hotel management immediately. Take photos for documentation, request a new room – ideally in a different area of the building – or, if necessary, ask for a refund and relocate.

Don’t try to treat the problem yourself; the hotel should contact a professional pest control company.

Bed bugs are opportunists, not indicators of cleanliness.

The good news? With a little vigilance, you can dramatically lower your risk of ever encountering them.

A few minutes of inspection can save you hours of headache –and possibly thousands of dollars in extermination costs later. So next time you check in, remember: before you slip between the sheets, give the room a quick sweep. Your peace of mind will thank you.

The public is urged not to handle bats should they come across one due to the high risk of rabies. Valley News/J. Kuver photo (pexels.com) vaccinated against rabies which should start at 4 months of age, with regular boosters for life. RCDAS offers low-cost vaccinations at shelter locations by appointment

only. Make an appointment today at https://rcdas.org/pet-services/ vaccinations-microchips. For questions or local resources, visit www.ruhealth.org/ruhs-pub-

lic-health or call RUHS –PH Disease Control at (951) 358-5107. Subm itted by Riverside University Health System — Public Health.

Pest management in the rose garden

Frank Brines ARS Master Rosarian

The projected temperatures from the second week of November onward are in the mid to upper 70s. If November temperatures turn hot again, Chili thrips may continue to be a problem. Continue to investigate these pests and treat if found. They attack new growth, buds, and blooms.

Left untreated, plants are stressed, often shriveling the end buds or preventing bud formation. The life cycle of Chili Thrips is short and includes falling to the ground and becoming a grub, and reappearing when warm weather returns. One application of a miticide spray is not sufficient for control. Follow the prescribed frequency on the product directions. Treat with an insecticide that contains spinosad.

Fall brings warm days and cool nights, conditions that can ensure large, colorful blossoms. But those same conditions can also bring moisture and a daily accumulation of ash and small dust particles. These create a great environment for fungal diseases such as Powdery Mildew. Early on, it shows up as slight purple splotches on the underside of leaves and white powdery spots on top, and white powder on the peduncle (neck) of the rose blossom.

Another common fungal disease is Black Spot. It is characterized by black spots with fuzzy edges that then turn yellow and brown. Often it doesn’t kill the plant outright but over time, the loss of leaves can weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to other stresses and to winter damage. It first develops on upper leaf surfaces, later adjacent areas turn yellow, and leaves drop prematurely, usually beginning at the bottom of the plant, progressing upward.

Yet another disease that presents similar signs is Anthracnose. It produces dark spots that are smooth-edged with centers that turn gray and drop out. Treatment is the same for all three diseases: Fungicide. If you’re unsure which disease(s) your roses are battling, just be sure the product is labeled for all three.

Roses benefit from a good rinsing to remove accumulated dust: Be sure to keep moisture off the blossoms to prevent yet another fungal disease, Botrytis, which first appears as red blotches on blooms and can progress to blossom rot that usually prevents them from opening. The best

treatment is to cut, bag, and dispose of it immediately.

If you completed the light mid-season pruning in September/October as suggested in an earlier article, you pruned out dead, crossing canes, and thinned the center of the plant. This will improve air circulation through the bush and reduce possible fungal diseases. That pruning and fertilizing encourage a new blooming cycle. Feel free to cut some of the early blooms now and take them inside for bouquets. Remember to clean/sterilize pruners between moving from one bush to another to prevent transferring disease organisms.

Fall is a good time to check the pH of the soil. Simple test kits are available at nurseries, big box stores, and online. Your soil should be slightly acidic, between 6.0 and 6.5. Any reading significantly below or above these levels will inhibit a rose’s ability to use the nutrients you are giving it. Treating the pH problem now will give ample time for adjustments before spring pruning.

Unless you plan to exhibit, I do not recommend fertilizing after mid-October, but if you really feel that you must, you may make a final application of fertilizer for the year before mid-November. If you do this, use a fertilizer lower in Nitrogen (N) and higher in Phosphate (P) and Potassium (K); that is, if your fertilizer has an N-P-K number on it, the first digit will be lower than the other two. If it lacks an N-P-K, read the ingredients and/or ask your professional nursery person for guidance.

To explain: Nitrogen encourages foliage growth – something we want to discourage as the plants go into their winter dormancy; Phosphate helps build root structure and resistance to stressful conditions (e.g., cold at this time of year); Potassium is a helper of Phosphate and aids in bloom quality. If you use an organic fertilizer, it will be readily available when the soil warms, adding to the nutrients needed for that Spring growth spurt. A liquid fertilizer, as the last application, will be readily available.

In the Temecula Valley, I do not recommend doing the winter pruning before February. It is possible to have roses for Christmas in Southern California so why make the season more hectic with another activity?

Remember to check your garden daily for any changes. Keep roses hydrated but not soggy for the best results. Even with the relatively mild conditions we

expect this month, your roses still need to be watered, but perhaps not as often.

I try to adhere to a program of integrated pest management (IPM). With the wide range of pests invading our region, as well as their increased resistance to long-used treatments, being completely organic is becoming harder and harder.

IPM attempts to make the softest impact on the natural environment, relying on “natural” methods (rinsing, air circulation, companion plants to attract beneficial insects, etc.) as well as on less toxic treatments to manage pests and diseases.

Some people think Southern California lacks distinct seasons, but we do have seasons: They are only discerned by those with a more sophisticated palette. So, get out of the house and enjoy the subtle delights of the air, sun, and the rich aroma of our magically misty fall.

When you have a moment to spare, or feel the need to get away, or when the day cools down, take your favorite healthy beverage and a picnic basket, and visit Rose Haven Heritage Garden, 30592 Jedediah Smith Road, Temecula (cross street is Cabrillo Avenue). The early morning and late afternoon sunlight across the pass is magical this time of year – it even makes the freeway seem a little bit romantic!

Oh! One last thing: Something to do when it gets just a bit too nippy out there is to start perusing rose catalogs (printed and online) for that next “gotta have” rose variety. (Come on: You deserve it! You work hard to have lovely roses, so let yourself go!)

Also, this time of year, many nurseries and garden stores are liquidating their remaining inventory of potted roses – and you’re in luck because November is an ideal time to purchase and plant! Make your list of new roses and go shopping; if you plan to replace a tired old plant, prepare the area now for easier planting later. If a special rose is on your list and not available, some local nurseries will consider “wishes” and try to get it for you in an early shipment next spring. And, assess your stock of fertilizers and be sure to order next month from the San Diego Rose Society. For more ideas, visit TVRS’ Rose Haven garden at 30592 Jedediah Smith Rd., Temecula, as well as our website at http://www. TemeculaValleyRoseSociety. org/index.html

RECORDING REQUESTED BY AND WHEN RECORDED, MAIL TO:

LIỆU NÀY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on November 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., at the Corona Courthouse located at 505 S. Buena Vista Ave. Corona, CA 92882, Larry Rothman, on behalf of Agnes Martinez and Isalas Martinez WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER'S CHECK OR CERTIFIED CHECK (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States) all right, title and interest created by the Deed of Trust, and by the Notice of Default and Election to sell which was recorded on 6/9/2025 Instrument Number 2025 - 0174187 in Official Records of Riverside County California, described as: LOT 6 OF TRACT NO, 30312, IN THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS SHOWN BY MAP ON FILE IN BOOK 340, PAGES 83 THROUGH 85 OF MAPS, RECORDS OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA AND AMENDED PURSUANT TO THAT CERTAIN CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION RECORDED OCTOBER 18, 2010 AS INSTRUMENT NO(S). 10498087 AND 10-498088, BOTH OF OFFICIAL RECORDS, et seq. see attached as recorded..inclusive of Miscellaneous Maps for the Riverside County, California. Recorded Owner(s): Capped, Inc.

The Street Address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 39890 South Creek Circle, Murrieta, CA 92563. YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER AN DEED OF TRUST DATED, MARCH 10, 2023; INSTRUMENT NUMBER 2023 - 0101619 IN OFFICIAL RECORDS OF Riverside County, CALIFORNIA. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.

Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay for this debt including, trustee fees, costs and attorney's

at the Corona Courthouse located at 505 S. Buena Vista Ave. Corona, CA 92882, Larry Rothman, on behalf of Agnes Martinez and Isalas Martinez WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER'S CHECK

39869 South Creek Circle, Murrieta, CA 92563. YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER AN DEED OF TRUST DATED, MARCH 10, 2023; INSTRUMENT NUMBER 2023 - 0101620 IN OFFICIAL RECORDS OF Riverside County, CALIFORNIA. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.

Now is the time to support local, independent news

Julie Reeder Publisher

Two weekends ago, Fallbrook resident Valerie Thruelsen very generously sponsored the second annual Halloween fundraiser to support the Fallbrook Historical Society and our Village News intern and mentorship program. It was a joyful evening – full of laughter, conversation, music, and neighbors simply enjoying one another, which was one of the goals. But behind the costumes and celebration was something deeper: a commitment to community.

For years, we’ve worked with young people from all kinds of backgrounds – straight-A students, quiet creatives, teenagers who are searching for direction, and those who have been told they might not succeed. We’ve

seen firsthand how giving them meaningful responsibility, guidance, and the chance to be successful and published can change the way they see themselves and their future.

When a young person learns how to interview someone respectfully, how to express their thoughts clearly, how to build relationships with leaders in their own town – something shifts. They gain confidence. They discover strengths they didn’t know they had. They realize that life is bigger and more fulfilling than the endless scroll of TikTok or curated personas online. They learn to contribute rather than simply consume.

But as valuable as this work is, supporting the next generation is only one piece of the puzzle.

We are living in a time where real news – verifiable, accountable, independent journalism – is getting harder and harder to find. Just this week, I was sent two videos that people believed were from well-known public figures. They looked almost real – but they weren’t. They were AI-generated impersonations. Not satire. Not parody. Someone, somewhere, intentionally created them to appear truthful.

This is the world we are now in.

If you don’t know who to trust, if you can’t verify sources, if anyone’s voice can be mimicked

or fabricated – then community reporting becomes not just valuable, but essential

Because community news is grounded in relationships. We look each other in the eye – at the grocery store, at the football field, at the planning group meeting, at church, at Rotary, at events like Valerie’s. We are accountable to the place we live. We are accountable to you

There are national organizations right now investing millions of dollars into rebuilding local journalism. Just this month, the American Journalism Project announced $3.5 million in support for growing local newsrooms across the country – part of a larger $243 million effort to revive community news. It’s heartening to see momentum. It’s encouraging to see acknowledgment of how important this work is.

But as of today, we have not been awarded any of that funding. Our survival – and our growth – still depends on the people who live here, who care about this village, these hills, these neighborhoods, these businesses, these families.

If you have ever read something in Village News or Valley News that helped you…

• understand an issue

• discover a business

• honor a life

• celebrate a student

• learn what happened down the street

• or feel more connected to this place we all call home

…then we welcome your support. Truly.

Your support would allow us to digitize and modernize operations, hire more editorial and marketing staff, expand our

Duane Roberts’ passing

My heart is heavy with the news of Duane Roberts’ passing, shared so tenderly by his beloved wife, Kelly. Duane was a kind and generous man whose warmth and vision left a lasting impression on me. As Riverside County Republican Party Chairman Emeritus, he was a staunch Republican who embodied the principles

of hard work, perseverance, and opportunity for all, values I deeply share and admire. While working with his team at the Mission Inn, I had the privilege of brief but meaningful encounters with Duane himself. His quiet strength, genuine interest in people, and unwavering commitment to Riverside consistently stood

REGIONAL NEWS

mentorship program, and continue preserving the history and narrative of our community – accurately, honestly, and with care.

Local news is not just about reporting.

It is about belonging.

It is about memory.

It is about guardrails in a world where truth can be distorted in seconds.

It is about young people finding their place and their voice.

If you feel that matters, now is the time to stand with us. As the season nears and you are generously donating to causes that are important to you, we would appreciate your support.

With gratitude, Julie Reeder

Publisher, Village News, Valley News, Anza Valley Outlook and Sourcebook Magazine

out. Engaging with him in those moments was truly amazing, an experience that revealed a leader who led by example and cared deeply for his community. Rest in peace, Duane. My deepest condolences to Kelly, Doug, Casey, the entire family, and all who loved him.

County approves design contract for French Valley hazardous waste collection facility

Naiman Special to Valley News

The County of Riverside has approved a design contract for a household hazardous waste collection facility in French Valley.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors held a special Monday meeting on September 22, which included a 5-0 vote to approve a professional service agreement with RTMEC, LP, for structural, electrical, and landscape design services. Airports have aviation use land for aviation-related purposes and non-aviation land which creates a buffer zone between the airport and residences, and the facility will be on a 1.7-acre site by French Valley Airport.

An environmental Mitigated Negative Declaration for

a household hazardous waste facility on the site was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in June 2016, and that action also approved a mitigation monitoring program. The environmental assessment concluded that with the mitigation measures the project would not have any significant environmental impacts. French Valley Airport is managed by the Aviation Division of the county’s Transportation and Land Management Agency, and in 2021, the Transportation and Land Management Agency and the county’s Department of Waste Resources established a memorandum of understanding to develop the vacant land as a household hazardous waste facility. The MOU assigns the Aviation Department the responsibility to manage the site and the underlying real property

Council

with the Department of Waste Resources having the responsibility for managing the development, construction, operations, maintenance, and overall use of the household hazardous waste facility, including obtaining permits, handling hazardous waste, staffing, cleanup, and compliance with relevant laws.

The household waste hazardous facility will accept aerosol cans, automotive fluids, automotive and household batteries, computers and monitors, fertilizers, fluorescent lamps and light bulbs, household cleaners, motor oil and oil filters, paint and stainers, pesticides, pool chemicals, propane, solvents, televisions, thermometers, thermostats, and other household hazardous items. The facility will take waste both from residents and from Very

Small Quantity Generators, defined as entities that generate no more than 100 kilograms of non-acute waste or 1 kilogram of acutely hazardous waste (which would pose a threat to human or environmental health even if properly managed) per month.

All collected waste will be securely stored on-site in compliance with applicable local, state, and Federal regulations. The proposed French Valley facility will include construction of a slab-ongrade reinforced concrete pad, a pre-manufactured office building, and a modular mobile container.

All of those will be sheltered underneath a steel-framed canopy. The site infrastructure will include electrical systems, access roads, drought-tolerant landscaping, and stormwater drainage improvements.

The request for proposals for the structural, electrical, and landscape design services was issued December 30. Two proposals were submitted and reviewed by an evaluation team which assessed the scope of service, the overall cost to the county, and the contractor’s experience and ability, references, and financial status. The two companies submitted best and final offers. The $142,030 fee RTMEC, which is headquartered in Irvine, requested was the lower of the two amounts.

The design contract has an expiration date of August 26, 2026. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.

amends parks ordinance to

TEMECULA – On September 23, 2025, the City Council appointed 18 community members to serve on the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC). The GPAC is a citizen-based, ad hoc committee that includes residents, business and property owners, and key stakeholders in the community. GPAC members represent the community’s interests and serve as liaisons between the General Plan Update project team and the general public. The primary role of the GPAC is to provide insight to the General Plan Update project team on how to address key issues and understand community needs, review and provide comments on work products, and help to build community support for and engagement with the General Plan Update process.

Temecula Mayor Brenden Kalfus states, “The City’s General Plan is a critical legal document that will dictate Temecula’s development over the next 20+ years, including land use, circulation, growth management, public

safety, and other vital topics that affect us all.” Mayor Kalfus adds,

“We congratulate the members of the GPAC for participating and encourage all residents within the City to provide feedback to this important advisory committee on the General Plan Update.”

The GPAC is an advisory body and will not make decisions or take actions. Rather, they will make recommendations to the project team, Planning Commission, and City Council on the General Plan Update. The GPAC will meet up to eight times between October 2025 and December 2026. GPAC meetings are open to the public to observe, comment, and participate in activities. Additionally, GPAC meeting materials and recordings will be shared via the project website for public review.

For more information about the General Plan Advisory Committee and to receive notifications regarding the General Plan Update, visit TemeculaCA.gov/ GeneralPlan.

Joe Naiman Special to Valley News

The Wildomar City Council amended the city’s Municipal Code to address overnight vehicles in city parks or open space areas and requests for commercial activity in city parks.

A 5-0 vote on October 13 approved the second reading and adoption of the ordinance. The first reading was approved by the city council on September 10.

The chapter of the Wildomar Municipal Code addressing regulations within city parks and open space areas was adopted in 2008, but had not been updated. During the ensuing years, the city’s population has grown and new parks have been added.

Prior to the amendments, vehicles, including unoccupied trailers, were allowed to remain in a parking lot for up to 144 hours, and that 144-hour limit also

applied to unoccupied tents. No vehicles have been towed due to exceeding the 144-hour limit, but barrier gates have been installed at Marna O’Brien Park to secure the facility during non-operating hours and those gates are closed nightly by a contracted security service. From time to time, vehicles are left in the park overnight, in which case the security contractor notifies city staff.

The amended ordinance section prohibits any unoccupied trailer or other vehicle, as well as an unoccupied tent, from being left overnight. Enforcement personnel may cite or tow any vehicles in violation.

The new overnight prohibition will require the installation of signage to notify the public and to support enforcement. The estimated cost to fabricate and install the necessary signage is $650.00, and that expense can be accommodated within the existing

Community Services Department budget rather than requiring any additional appropriations.

Any commercial solicitation to sell or offer for sale any merchandise or to distribute any handbill or other advertising for a commercial purpose is prohibited unless a concession operating lease is granted by the city. Companies seeking to conduct business activities in city parks are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Originally, approval by the city council was required for an operating lease. The amendment now allows approval by city staff. That delegation of authority streamlines the process, reduces delays, and provides greater flexibility in facilitating community use of park facilities. Based on recent interest city staff estimates an increase of $1,500 in additional annual rental income.

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

Temecula Car Wash honors veterans with free car washes this Veteran’s Day

TEMECULA — In gratitude for the brave men and women who have served our country, Temecula Car Wash is once again offering free car washes for all active and retired military members on Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This annual gesture of appreciation is Temecula Car Wash’s way of saying “thank you” to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. Veterans and active-duty

service members can enjoy a complimentary Basic Wash by simply presenting a valid military ID. (Vehicle must be able to fit through the conveyor tunnel). Temecula Car Wash is proud to support local service members.

Jonathan Ingram

Joe

Murrieta Fire Chief Molloy named president of California Fire Chiefs Association

MURRIETA — Murrieta Fire & Rescue Chief Bernard Molloy has been officially installed as the new president of the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs), a statewide leadership role that influences fire service policy and coordination across California.

The appointment, announced earlier this week, places Chief Molloy at the forefront of efforts to strengthen collaboration among more than 800 fire agencies throughout the state. In his new role, he will advocate for legislation and policy changes affecting emergency medical services, wildland fire readiness, and local fire department operations.

Molloy’s leadership will also focus on advancing professional development and training standards for fire service leaders, ensuring that departments remain well-prepared to meet evolving challenges.

“Chief Molloy’s dedication, vision, and focus on collabo -

ration

WOONSOCKET, R.I. – CVS Pharmacy has announced the completion of its acquisition of select Rite Aid assets nationwide. In total, the company acquired and is now operating 63 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. CVS Pharmacy also acquired the prescription files of 626 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs pharmacies in 15 states. As a result of the transactions, CVS Pharmacy is pleased to be serving more than nine million former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs patients.

“We’re excited to have completed the acquisition of select Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the acquisition of prescription files of hundreds of Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs pharmacies across 15 states,” said Len Shankman, executive vice president and president, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, CVS Health. “We’re helping maintain and expand access to convenient and trusted pharmacy care across the U.S. and growing our retail footprint and presence in local communities. From our innovative pharmacy care programs to our exclusive

store brand products, we look forward to showing Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs patients and customers all that CVS has to offer.”

To increase capacity or fill open roles to ensure patients are well served, CVS Pharmacy has hired more than 3,500 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drug colleagues who were interested in joining the CVS Pharmacy team.

In addition, the company has made targeted investments in existing CVS Pharmacy locations, such as scheduling additional support, enhancing recruitment and hiring, and strengthening training programs, to ensure the teams are best positioned to continue to deliver service excellence to all customers and patients, whether existing or new.

Rite Aid bankruptcy asset transactions completed

In May, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey approved the sale of select Rite Aid assets to CVS Pharmacy. Following the court’s approval, CVS Pharmacy began moving through the transaction process. The entire process took less than four months and the last transactions, for the acquisition and operation

of former Rite Aid stores in Bend, Ore. and Bainbridge Island, Wash., were completed on Sept. 30. Helping to maintain convenience for the community and ongoing access to necessary prescriptions were the major factors CVS Pharmacy considered when deciding which stores and prescription files to purchase. Most CVS Pharmacy locations that received prescription files from Rite Aid are located within three miles of an existing Rite Aid store, and nearly half are within a mile.

Getting to know CVS Pharmacy

A trusted provider of accessible health, wellness and pharmacy care services, CVS Pharmacy offers thousands of products, including over-the-counter medications, beauty items, and better-for-you food options, such as the company’s Well Market consumables line, and delivers innovative health solutions that create a simpler, more accessible experience for patients, customers and caregivers.

In addition, CVS Pharmacy is continuing to offer many of the local brands former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs customers have grown to know and love.

BALTIMORE, Maryland –The Social Security Administration announced Oct. 24 that Social Security benefits, including Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8% in 2026. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January.

Over the last decade the costof-living adjustment (COLA) increase has averaged about 3.1%.

The COLA was 2.5% in 2025.

Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8% percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments t o nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on Dec. 31, 2025. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).

“Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-ofliving adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security,” said Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano.

“The cost-of-living adjustment is a vital part of how Social Security delivers on its mission.”

Other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $184,500 from $176,100.

Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December 2025.

Similar to last year, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a simplified, one-page COLA notice, which uses plain and per-

B USINESS D IRECTORY

for more information or email magerkurths@yahoo.com

sonalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of an individual’s new benefit amount and any deductions. Individuals who have my Social Security accounts can view their COLA notices online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. Account holders can set up text or email alerts when they receive a new message, such as their COLA notice.

To receive a COLA notice online, individuals will need to create or sign in to their personal my Social Security account and opt out of paper notices by Nov. 19, 2025. Go digital! Create an account today at https://www. ssa.gov/myaccount . An online my Social Security account also gives individuals access to request a replacement Social Security card, view their claim status and benefits, and view their SSA-1099.

Information about Medicare changes for 2026 will be available at www.medicare.gov For Medicare enrollees, the 2026 premium amount will be available via my Social Security Message Center starting in late November. Individuals who have not opted to receive messages online will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For additional information, visit https://www.ssa.gov/cola

For more information about Social Security’s services, visit https://www.ssa.gov

Submitted by the Social Security Administration

Murrieta Fire Chief Bernard Molloy is sworn in as the new president of the California Fire Chiefs Association.

Chief Molloy’s new appointment as CalChiefs president will have him collaborating with more than 800 fire agencies throughout the state. Valley News/Courtesy photos

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 aff ectionately 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. 8: Temecula FC vs. Capo FC (Home) – Chaparral High School, 5 p.m.

• 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

Come see what we're all about

Sat, Nov. 8 vs. Capo FC at Chaparral High School, Temecula

Sat, Nov. 15 vs. Sin City FC at Chaparral High School, Temecula

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.”

Thurs, Nov. 20 Raul Briones Cup at Birdsall Sports Park, Temecula

Sat, Dec. 13 Raul Briones Cup at Chaparral High School, Temecula

Tickets!

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

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

QUAILS

Saturday

November 8th • 5pm vs. Capo FC

at Chaparral High School, Temecula

Saturday

November 15th • 5pm vs. Sin City FC NN at Chaparral High School, Temecula

Community Night

Thursday

November 20th • 7:30pm

Raul Briones Cup at Birdsall Sports Park, Temecula Opponent TBA

Bring your Family & Friends

Saturday

December 13th • 5pm

Raul Briones Cup at Chaparral High School, Temecula Opponent TBA