RivCo enhances 911 services with innovative Nurse Navigation program
RIVERSIDE – Riverside County’s Emergency Management Department (EMD) is taking proactive steps to enhance emergency response capabilities and better serve residents with the launch of 911 Nurse Navigation, an innovative initiative developed in partnership with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider American Medical Response (AMR) and program pioneer Global Medical Response (GMR). The new initiative empowers 911 dispatchers with an additional resource to manage callers determined to be experiencing non-life-threatening conditions.
Menifee author and teacher wins national Parents’ Picks Award for Sweet Rescue children’s book
MENIFEE – Alexander “Alex” Friedrichs, a longtime elementary school teacher in Menifee, has won a national Parents’ Picks Award for his children’s book Sweet Rescue earning recognition as one of the best parent-tested, kid-approved books in the country.
Southwestern League volleyball heats up
Temecula Valley and Murrieta Mesa clash in thrilling matchups
an impressive 244-2 record, while the Golden Bears boasted an 11-2 mark. Murrieta Mesa came out strong, taking the first set 25-19. However,
Murrieta resident and firefighter Rob Hager is mourned
A GoFundMe has been created to support the family
Julie Reeder Publisher
North County Fire is mourning the loss of Engineer Rob Hager, who died Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, following an unexpected medical emergency at his home in Murrieta, the department announced. Hager’s death did not occur in the line of duty, officials said.
“It is with great sadness that North County Fire reports the passing of our beloved Engineer Rob Hager, due to an unexpected medical emergency,” the department posted on Instagram. “We ask for your thoughts and prayers for the Hager Family, North County Fire & Fallbrook Firefighters Association Local 1622 as we mourn this tragic loss.”
A fundraiser launched by the Fallbrook Firefighters highlighted Hager’s devotion to both family and community. “Rob leaves behind his wife, Courtney, and young daughter, Sloane. Rob has
HAGER, page A-4
TVUSD board votes in favor of Amicus Brief for
Supreme Court case
Valley News/David Canales photo Temecula Valley regrouped and claimed the next three sets, 25-22, 25-23, and 25-20, to secure a 3-1 victory. Savannah Sheridan led
Man arrested for lewd acts with a child
In September 2024, the Riverside Sheriff’s San Jacinto Station began investigating Antoine Christopher Sims, a 31-year-old employee at a licensed residential treatment facility for minors located in the city of San Jacinto. The investigation was initiated following allegations of inappropriate contact between Sims and juvenile residents under his care.
Over the course of the investigation, detectives identified multiple victims and uncovered a pattern of predatory behavior involving grooming, inappropriate communication, and unlawful sexual contact.
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Sims was located near the intersection of Sycamore Canyon Lane and Bachelor Peak Street in Winchester. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on multiple felony charges, including lewd acts with
Airyss Celestine goes high to score, getting past Ginger Boyle, left, and Caitlyn Yulfo (right).
Antoine Christopher Sims, 31, was arrested Sept. 18, 2025, on several counts including lewd acts with children.
Valley News/Courtesy photo
Murrieta resident and firefighter Rob Hager, left, helps a future firefighter into firefighting gear. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Jacolyn Hirschfeld Vermillion beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Aug. 11, 2025, at her cherished ranch in Homeland, California, at the age of 89. She was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 14, 1936, and brought warmth, kindness, and joy to all who knew her.
She was married to Warren Vermillion for over 60 years, sharing a life full of love and devotion. Jacolyn had a gift for making a house feel like home, enjoying baking, making candy and pickles, tending her vegetable garden, and caring for her chickens and dogs.
Her greatest joy was her family: children Dale, Sandra, and Michael; grandchildren Sydney, Shane, Paul, Sarah, Patrick, and Maxwell; and great-grandchildren Nixxie and Axel. She is also survived by her sister, Joan Campbell. Forever in our hearts, her love will guide us always.
Please join family and friends for a celebration of life family BBQ/potluck style: Oct. 11, 2-5 p.m., Murphys Community Park, Murphys, CA.
Burglary at Public Storage results in two arrests
MURRIETA – Murrieta Police Department Communications Center received a 911 call on Sept. 19 around 5:40 a.m., reporting an alarm activation at Public Storage, located at 33275 Antelope Road. Officers responded promptly and interrupted two suspects attempting to break into storage units.
The suspects fled on foot into an adjoining business parking lot. One suspect surrendered immediately without incident. The second suspect attempted to conceal himself in nearby bushes and resisted officers’ commands. When the suspect tried to fight with officers, a department-issued conductive energy device was deployed. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
Officers later located the suspects’ vehicle, which was discovered to have been reported stolen out of Los Angeles County. Inside
the van, officers found illegal narcotics and stolen property.
During a post-Miranda interview, one of the suspects admitted to discarding a loaded handgun in the bushes near the scene. A Murrieta Police Department K9, specifically trained in firearm detection, successfully located the weapon. A search warrant was obtained for the stolen van, leading to the recovery of a significant amount of stolen property. Both suspects, 29-year-old Jose Figueroa of Lynwood and 23-year-old Estuardo Chajon of Hawthorne, were arrested and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on multiple felony charges.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Murrieta Police Department 951-696-3615.
Submitted by Murrieta Police Department.
Temecula City Council approves construction contract for Station 84 renovation
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The September 9 meeting of the Temecula City Council included approval of a construction contract to renovate Fire Station 84.
A 5-0 vote approved a $2,088,326 contract with First Trade, LLC, which is based in Irvine, for the work. The city manager was authorized to approve change orders cumulatively of up to $208,832.60, or 10 percent of the contract amount.
Station 84 is in the 30600 block of Pauba Road. The renovation will construct a wellness room totaling approximately 762 square feet and a storage room addition of 250 square feet. Existing rooms, including the day room, kitchen, restrooms, living quarters, staff areas, and apparatus bay, will be upgraded. The work will also include exterior renovation of the building, parking lots, and outdoor areas. Improvements related to Americans with Disabilities Act standards will be made both inside the building and
to the exterior areas. The bid documents included both a base bid and 13 additive alternatives which could be included if the bid prices allowed those bids to fit into the budget.
The base bid covered construction of the wellness room, the storage room addition, the upgrades to the various existing rooms, the renovations, and the Americans with Disabilities Act improvements. The additive alternatives were to replace existing interior light fixtures with new light fixtures including new emergency and exit light fixtures, to replace the flooring in the dining room and adjacent corridor, to replace the flooring in the main dorm room, to replace the flooring in the corridor, to replace the flooring in the lobby and office, to paint the dining room and main dormitory along with the front office lobby area, to add new electrical receptacles in the floor of the dayroom, to replace the flooring in the dayroom, to replace the roof, to replace the exterior rain gutters and down spouts, to paint all exterior stucco areas, to paint
all exterior wood trim, and to repair an interior sewer line. City staff advertised the project for bid on June 28.
The bid deadline was August 7, and 11 bids were received. Two of those were deemed to be non-responsive due to omission of required information.
First Trade, LLC, submitted the low base bid of $1,702,821, and the total bid of $2,088,326 including all additive alternatives allowed those additive alternatives to be included. Armstrong Cal Builders, Inc., which is in Signal Hill, had the second-lowest base bid which was $1,998,000. The engineer’s estimate for the project was $1,955,309 for the base bid and $414,000 for all additive alternates, which resulted in a total estimate of $2,369,309 including all additive alternatives.
The contract stipulates that the work will be completed within 240 days after the Notice to Proceed is issued.
Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
Driver killed in SR-371 crash near Happy Valley Road
TEMECULA — A man was killed early Monday, Sept. 22 in a single-vehicle crash on State Route 371 near Happy Valley Road, authorities said.
The California Highway Patrol said it received a 911 call about 1:43 a.m. reporting an overturned 2000 Toyota Camry blocking lanes on SR-371. When CHP officers and Cal Fire crews arrived, they found the vehicle overturned and a
AMICUS from page A-1
sports teams. The Supreme Court granted certiorari in July, and oral arguments are expected during the upcoming 2025–26 term.
Board action
Trustees Joseph Komrosky, Jen
male adult lying outside the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said the driver had been traveling southbound on SR371 at an unknown speed when he lost control of the Camry, veered into a hillside on the west side of the road and overturned. The man, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the car, according to CHP. Alcohol is suspected to have
Wiersma, and President Melinda Anderson voted in favor of AFF preparing the brief. As part of this closed meeting, the board also reviewed and amended original contract language proposed by AFF after hearing from both proponents and opponents of the action during an open session portion of the meeting. During this portion of the meeting, public attendees were given the floor to speak and share their positions on the matter. The subsequent deliberation and voting was conducted in closed session.
The result was then shared with the public in attendance.
Among several edits that will be included, the amended contract language clarifies that the agreement will not cost TVUSD any money, removing earlier language requiring the district to make a “good faith effort” to help the nonprofit raise funds as the Supreme Court case develops.
“This action ensures that our district will have its voice heard in an important national debate without financial liability,” board leaders said in summarizing the vote.
What the two original cases involve
The Hecox case challenges Idaho’s “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” which bars transgender athletes from competing on girls’ and women’s teams. Lower courts blocked enforcement, ruling the law likely violated the Equal Protection Clause.
In West Virginia v. B.P.J. the case stems from a transgender teen’s effort to join her school’s cross-country and track teams.
The Fourth Circuit ruled that the state’s “Save Women’s Sports Act” violated Title IX, the federal statute prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools.
been a factor in the crash. Both lanes of SR-371 were closed for about two hours during the onscene investigation.
The Temecula CHP office is continuing to investigate. Officials reminded motorists to always wear seat belts, which they said can save lives and prevent serious injuries.
Submitted by California Highway Patrol.
The Supreme Court will now weigh whether states may restrict participation in athletics based solely on biological sex assigned at birth and whether such policies are consistent with the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.
Local implications By authorizing an amicus brief, Temecula Valley Unified will not be a direct party in the upcoming Supreme Court case but will submit arguments intended to inform the justices’ decision. School boards, advocacy groups, and states frequently file amicus briefs in high-profile cases to highlight broader impacts.
The decision follows months of heated debate in the district over locker room privacy, transgender accommodations, and student rights.
What’s next Advocates for Faith and Freedom will move forward and prepare the brief.
Trustee Emil Barham vocalized his frustration about feeling blindsided by the initiative. He noted, after opting to sit with the public during the open portion of the closed session, “For me, this is more about the process and how this came about than anything.”
It was reported that the invitation from AFF was received by Board President Melinda Anderson several weeks ago, but it apparently wasn’t shared with the other board members, and she declined on behalf of the TVUSD board.
The Supreme Court’s decision, anticipated in 2026, will set a nationwide precedent for how schools balance Title IX protections with state-level efforts to regulate participation in girls’ sports.
This is a developing story.
Coffman Specialties given the contract to rehabilitate French Valley Airport apron pavement
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors awarded Coffman Specialties, Inc., the contract to rehabilitate the north and middle apron areas at French Valley Airport.
The contract was approved on a 4-0 vote on September 9, with Chuck Washington absent. Coffman Specialties, which is based in San Diego, submitted the low bid
of $6,585,000, which will be the contract amount. The action also approved work orders with C&S Engineers, Inc., and Mead & Hunt, Inc., for construction support services and approved a total project budget of $7,737,200.
French Valley Airport is classified as a general aviation reliever airport, which means that it is primarily used by private pilots for recreational or personal business flights but may also provide
temporary capacity for cargo or other flights if the primary commercial airport needs the capacity for larger aircraft. The airport’s north and middle aprons are exhibiting weathering and block transverse alligator cracking.
In February 2020, the county supervisors approved a five-year design and engineering services agreement with C&S Engineers, Inc., which is headquartered in San Diego, for airport engineering ser-
vices, including design, construction administration, construction inspection, and environmental services for the county’s five airports.
(The county also owns and operates Hemet-Ryan Airport, Blythe Airport, Chiriaco Summit Airport, and Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal.) In October 2022, the county supervisors approved a $538,331 work order agreement with C&S Engineers for preliminary and final design work to rehabilitate the north and middle apron pavement.
The middle apron, which measures approximately 54,000 square yards, will be fully reconstructed.
The rehabilitation of the north apron, which is approximately 47,000 square yards, will consist of slurry sealing, crack filling, and pavement patches. No grading of shoulders or improvements outside of the existing pavement limits is anticipated, and no drainage improvements or best management practices development is anticipated.
The Board of Supervisors authorized the advertisement for bids on February 25 while also approving the specifications and the contract documents for the French Valley Airport Apron Pavement Rehabilitation Project, setting a March 20 bid opening date, and finding the replacement or reconstruction of existing facilities categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act review.
Two addenda were issued and the bid deadline was extended to March 27. The September 9 action also approved those two addenda to the plans and specifications. Four companies submitted bids. All American Asphalt, which is based in Corona, had the secondlowest bid of $7,432,270.50.
The work order for Mead & Hunt, which is headquartered in Wisconsin and has a Southern California office in Ontario, is for $965,927. The scope of work is for full construction support services, including on-site observation, project management, and overall construction administration. C&S Engineers was given a limited construction support services contract for $55,673 to ensure that the construction specifications meet the company’s design specifications. The total $7,737,200 budget also includes $130,600 for project administration.
The Federal Aviation Administration has an Airport Improvement Program, which provides grant amounts of up to 95 percent of a qualified airport improvement project’s cost. The State Division of Aeronautics has a California Aid to Airports Program, which offers grants of up to 3 percent of the Federal grant amount, with a maximum grant of $200,000. The county’s Airport Budget Fund will provide the remainder of the money. Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
HAGER from page A-1 join the Fallbrook Firefighters in remembering Rob and supporting Courtney and the Hager family as they live through this tragedy and memorialize Robbie,” reads the fundraiser.
touched the lives of countless individuals throughout the county and state due to his care for others and love for the profession. Please
Murrieta resident and Firefighter Rob Hager, his wife Courtney, and daughter Sloan. Hager passed away Sept. 15, 2025.
Valley News/GoFundMe courtesy photo
We create the WOW factor for our
Hager began his career with the North County Fire Protection District in 2008 as a reserve firefighter and became a full-time firefighter in 2012.
Brian Briggs, photographer for Valley News, said, “Hager was a
great guy. I would see him on calls and he was always respectful and thoughtful. I will really miss him.” Community members who wish to reach out can contact the Fallbrook Firefighters at info@fallbrookfirefighters.com
A GoFundMe page to support Hager’s family has also been established at this link: https://www. gofundme.com/f/rememberingrob-hager-aid-for-his-family
North County Fire Protection District Chief Keith McReynolds’ badge is shown draped with a mourning band in honor of Engineer Rob Hager. Hager died Sept. 15, 2025, following an unexpected medical emergency. The black band is typically placed horizontally across the badge and is worn during the mourning period, funerals, or memorial services. In many fire agencies, the band is accented with a thin red stripe, symbolizing the “thin red line” — a reference to firefighters’ courage and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, as well as the bond of the fire service community. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo
We do more than just
French Valley Airport.
Valley News/Bree Hunter, BHP& Co. Photography
Body of missing Lake Elsinore teen found in Tesla linked to singer; LAPD investigates
Julie Reeder Publisher
The body of a 15-year-old Lake Elsinore girl who vanished more than a year ago was discovered earlier this month in the trunk of a Tesla registered to singer D4vd, prompting a wide-ranging Los Angeles Police Department investigation.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner on Sept. 16 identified the victim as Celeste Rivas Hernandez. She had been reported missing in April 2024. Officials listed her date of death as Sept. 8, the day her remains were found, but the cause and manner of death remain under investigation.
According to LAPD, officers
were called Sept. 8 to a Hollywood tow yard after reports of a foul odor coming from an impounded Tesla. The vehicle’s front trunk contained human remains later confirmed to be Rivas.
Detectives from the department’s Robbery-Homicide Division assumed the case. On Sept. 17, investigators served a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills home associated with the singer and seized several pieces of evidence, LAPD said in a statement. “This is an ongoing investigation. Investigators are following up on several leads,” the department noted.
The car is registered to 19-yearold recording artist David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. Authorities have not named
Man detained after pursuit in U-Haul
Julie Reeder and Brian Briggs Valley News
A man was taken into custody Saturday night after allegedly harassing a woman outside a Temecula gas station and leading deputies on a short pursuit, authorities said.
Employees at a Shell station near Old Town Front Street and Temecula Parkway called 911 around 8:35 a.m. after witnessing a man acting erratically and placing his hands on a woman, according to California Highway Patrol logs.
Riverside County sheriff’s deputies responded to the call with lights and sirens, but the suspect drove off in a U-Haul truck as units arrived. Deputies pursued the vehicle northbound on Interstate 15, where officers conducted a traffic stop about a mile and a half north of Temecula Parkway.
The suspect was detained on the right shoulder of the freeway without further incident, CHP said. Additional details about the man’s identity, the woman involved, or possible charges were not immediately released. This is a developing story.
ARREST from page A-1
a child and oral copulation with a minor under the age of 16. This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Due to the sensitive nature of the case and the involvement of juvenile victims, no further details will be released at this time.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Investigator D. Hollingsworth at the San Jacinto Station at (951) 654-2702 or Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
Submitted by Riverside County Sheriff.
any suspect, and no arrests have been made.
Riverside County Sheriff’s officials had previously handled Rivas’ missing-person case before it shifted to Los Angeles investigators. The teen’s discovery has drawn widespread attention, but authorities cautioned that the case has not yet been classified as a homicide, pending the Medical Examiner’s findings.
LAPD encouraged anyone with information to contact RobberyHomicide Division detectives at (213) 486-6860, call the department’s 24-hour tip line at 877LAPD-24-7, or submit anonymous tips through LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
Annual Dogs Daze event will be highlighted by a pet costume contest
MENIFEE — Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District’s 11th
Annual Dog Daze Canine Festival & Costume Contest will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Aldergate Dog Park at 28680 Aldergate Drive in Menifee.
The free event is a great opportunity to enjoy the company of other pet-loving friends, neighbors and family at the dog park. There will be contests, raffles, and vendors, and the popular costume contest, with trophies for Cutest, Scariest, Best, Judges’ Choice, and Best Human/Pet costumes.
For information or to book free vendor space, call 951- 654-1505 or visit gorecreation.org.
Submitted by Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, age 15, was reported missing in April 2024. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Pets and their humans can compete in the costume contest at the 11th Annual Dog Daze Canine Festival on Oct. 4 at Aldergate Dog Park in Menifee. Valley News/Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District photo
Authorities chased the U-Haul, suspecting domestic abuse, until it stopped a mile and a half north of Temecula Parkway. The man was taken into custody. Valley News/Brian Briggs photo
Spot the signs: Save a life
Thatcher Seal Special to Valley News
Childhood is supposed to be a magical time filled with laughter, scraped knees, and happy memories that live on as some of the best times of our lives. Hidden between the vibrant chaos of childhood is a dark epidemic that often goes unnoticed until it is too late: childhood depression. As a parent, being deeply tuned in to your child’s subtle cries for help is crucial, as they may not fully know how to voice their pain. Depression in young people is not always treated as the serious mental health condition that it is. Depression in young brains can manifest differently than in fully developed brains. While warning signs vary, many common indicators are key to recognizing early in your child.
One of the most common indicators of depression is changes in behavior or mood. Is your normally cheerful and energetic child now irritable and withdrawn? Are they suddenly losing interest in things that have always brought them joy? These changes, along with others such as a decline in academic performance, difficulty concentrating, and frequent outbursts, are behaviors that are often handled poorly by parents. Many times, parents view these behaviors as the child being dramatic, disobedient or disrespectful. This may lead to punishments or altercations that intensify the child’s feelings of worthlessness and guilt because they are being punished for behaviors stemming from their depressive mood.
This can create a cycle in which behavior worsens due to depression, bringing more punishment, which feeds back into their nega-
tive emotional state. Instead of resorting immediately to punishment or argument, take the time to address the underlying problem. Ask your child if there’s anything they need from you to feel better mentally or physically. Be mindful of how you ask these questions. Often, children feel uncomfortable
Valley News/cottonbro studio photo (pexels.com)
opening up to their parents about their struggles because they fear their parents will get mad at them. Make them feel loved, appreciated and seen. Tone matters. You are the most important voice in your child’s head.
There are also physical warning signs that are important to look
out for. Sleep, appetite, fatigue, headaches, chest pains and stomach aches are the most common physical symptoms of depression to be aware of. Pay attention to how much (or how little) your child is sleeping. If you notice your child taking frequent naps or spending their free time sleeping, ask them about it in a way that does not sound accusatory. Frame it as an observation you’ve made. Remember to use a neutral tone to avoid triggering them into thinking you are upset, which could cause them to shut down.
Monitoring how much or how little your child is eating is just as important. Depression can cause people to eat to cope with their feelings or, conversely, not to eat because of their feelings. Neither is healthy, especially for a depressed mind that needs the right amount of nutrients. Physical symptoms of depression cannot be ignored. They are key signs of depression in anyone, but especially in young people who should not otherwise have these issues.
Beyond what has already been mentioned, there are many other subtle signs to look out for. One of the most important things you can pay close attention to is the music your child listens to. Listen to the lyrics and tone of the songs they play. Often, you will find hidden cries for help in these songs. People tend to listen to music that reflects their moods, and people experiencing depression are no different. Asking your child about the music in a way that doesn’t seem like you are hounding them about depression can be a good way to ease into finding out more. Asking questions like what they like about the song or artist, or how the song makes them feel, is a good place
to start when having those difficult conversations. Depression can also look like an increased sensitivity to others’ criticism, feelings of hopelessness about the future, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and other negative emotions associated with the self.
Trying to recognize these warning signs in your child does not make you an overbearing parent. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 10 to 34, according to the most recent study by the CDC in 2023. A 10-yearold should not be classified in a suicide death category, let alone even understand what suicide is. It is chilling that at such a young age, many children deal with the horrors of contemplating ending their pain by ending their own lives. As a parent, having open conversations that may be uncomfortable is necessary to ensure your child never makes that decision. This responsibility can feel overwhelming. If you ever need advice on your child’s behaviors or emotions, there are many things you can do. Talk with your child’s pediatrician, speak to local mental health groups in your area or seek guidance from a mental health professional.
Recognizing early warning signs of depression gives parents the chance to have a huge impact on rewriting their children’s stories. Being someone’s biggest supporter and offering hope for better days ahead is the most important thing for anyone going through depression. Ensure that your child does not suffer in silence by being proactive in looking for these warning signs if you notice something is off. Thatcher Seal can be contacted by email at thatcherseal3@gmail. com.
Temecula announces vendors & community partners exhibiting at the Annual Health & Preparedness
TEMECULA – The City of Temecula invites residents to the 2025 Health & Preparedness Expo on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Civic Center Quad (41000 Main Street). In honor of National Preparedness Month, this free event combines health, wellness, and emergency readiness resources into one impactful community gathering.
This year, the City proudly recognizes Temecula Valley Hospital as a Premier Sponsor, celebrating over a decade of partnership. Since 2014, Temecula Valley Hospital has supported the Expo by offering cutting-edge health services, screenings, and education to thousands of attendees. At this year’s event, they will provide a wide range of preventative screenings, including EKGs, blood pressure and glucose checks, stroke risk assessments, visual and balance testing, bone density scans, and more. Stop by one of their several booths to meet with representatives, hospital staff, and doctors. In addition to Temecula Valley Hospital, attendees can explore
resources from over 60 participating organizations, including Loma Linda Medical Center Murrieta, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire, Riverside County Sheriff, Riverside County Public Health Department, Temecula Citizen Corps, the Temecula Office of Emergency Management, local nonprofits, dental and chiropractic providers, veteran services, youth programs, fitness groups, mental health resources, and more. Several partners will also offer free screenings and live demonstrations, providing residents with an opportunity to take proactive steps toward healthier and safer living. For a full list of participating organizations, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/Events.
Whether you are interested in improving your health, preparing for emergencies, or discovering local wellness resources, Temecula’s Health & Preparedness Expo has something for everyone. This free, family-friendly Expo is open to the public designed to enhance our community’s collective wellbeing.
For information on all upcoming
Expo
eculaCA.gov/TCSD and follow @TemeculaParksandRec
Riverside County enhances 911 emergency medical services with availability of innovative Nurse Navigation program
RIVERSIDE – Riverside County’s Emergency Management Department (EMD) is taking proactive steps to enhance emergency
call volume that may not be lifethreatening,” said EMD Deputy Director Dan Bates.
Program aims to improve EMS efficiency, reduce healthcare costs, and provide the right level of care for the 911 caller response capabilities and better serve residents with the launch of 911 Nurse Navigation, an innovative initiative developed in partnership with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider American Medical Response (AMR) and program pioneer Global Medical Response (GMR). The new initiative empowers 911 dispatchers with an additional resource to manage callers determined to be experiencing non-life-threatening conditions. Through the efforts of EMD’s Riverside EMS Agency, 911 Nurse Navigation is being offered to all fire departments in the county that are accredited by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED).
facilitate a real-time virtual consult with a physician.
“As the County’s EMS Agency, we continually strive towards improving access to care and ensuring a robust EMS system.
Launching the 911 Nurse Navigation service ensures our residents receive the most appropriate level of service, while helping offset some of the emergency response
How Nurse Navigation bridges the gap 911 Nurse Navigation gives emergency dispatchers the ability to connect eligible 911 callers with trained nurse navigators, who follow physician protocols to ensure callers receive direction to the most appropriate level of care. The 911 Nurse Navigation screening system directs callers to the right care, at the right time, in the right setting—enhancing outcomes while optimizing costs.
911 Nurse Navigation is available to Riverside County call centers already using emergency medical dispatch and training is provided to ensure staff understand the calls where Nurse Navigation is appropriate and how to transfer callers to Nurse Navigators.
“EMS dispatch agencies that utilize 911 Nurse Navigation will help alleviate the strain on our EMS system. By guiding callers to the appropriate level of care, we can minimize unnecessary ER visits, shorten wait times, and offer better healthcare options for low-acuity 911 calls,” Bates said. “This initiative will enhance the efficiency of our emergency services and ensure that residents obtain timely and appropriate medical attention.”
CALFIRE/Riverside County Fire Department is the first dispatch agency to implement 911 Nurse Navigation in Riverside County. Their dispatchers received the required training and will go live on September 17, 2025.
Key Solutions and Benefits: EMS Responders More Readily Available for Emergencies: By navigating low-acuity calls to
Depending on the caller’s unique needs, a nurse navigator may schedule an appointment at an appropriate health center or see NURSE, page A-9
The 2025 Health & Preparedness Expo will have live demonstrations and free health screenings for residents. The event is free and family-friendly. Valley News/City of Temecula photo Temecula Community Services Department events, activities, and programs, please visit Tem-
on social media for updates.
Submitted by the City of Temecula.
Movie review: ‘Him’
Bob Garver Contributor
Jokes linking football and religion, especially Christianity, are common. “One gets Americans to sit attentively for hours every Sunday, the other is religion.”
“Christian athletes always thank God when they win, never blame Him when they lose.” And of course, “WW(FSDJ)D? - What Would (Football Star Du Jour)
Do?” With “Him,” it’s like writer/ director Justin Tipping went and made a whole movie out of these jokes. But there’s a big problem: the movie isn’t supposed to be a comedy, it’s supposed to be a horror movie.
Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) is a promising young quarterback coming off a successful college run, ready to turn pro. Speculation abounds that he could someday be the Greatest Of All-Time, though the current G.O.A.T., the reclusive Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans) is still active and winning. One night, Cade is attacked by an assailant in a goat mask (this movie loves its goat/G.O.A.T. jokes) and his career is derailed. He has one hope of recovering in time to be drafted by a pro team: complete an intense weeklong training session led by Isaiah himself at his mysterious estate. It probably goes without saying that the training sessions are absolutely brutal on Cade’s body, especially considering the recent attack. But Cade has been told his whole life that great men make sacrifices, including Isaiah, who has been his hero since childhood. He’s not exactly expecting perfectionist Isaiah to be merciful, but his mentor’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, with psychological torment like injuring a training partner over his own mistakes and holding him at gunpoint. Eventually, the question becomes: how much is Cade willing to sacrifice? He’s already sacrificed years of his life, what’s a few more? He’s already sacrificed his body to the point where a single concussion could end his career if not his life, but professional players take those kinds of risks all the time. How about his family? They’re a high priority, but is gridiron greatness an even higher one? What about his very soul? Yeah, this is going to come down to a battle for his soul. Religious imagery and parallels abound. Isaiah himself is a figure of worship, as zealous fans live in makeshift camps outside his house. Some of them reject Cade
as some sort of false prophet, even though he’s supposed to be a welcome guest. When Cade first meets Isaiah, the latter is making a homemade football in a clear reference to Jesus’s carpentry. Isaiah’s wife Elsie (Julia Fox) covers sins and temptations of the flesh. Cade may have, in a way, been sacrificed by his own father in the past. Oh, and Isaiah plays for a team called the San Antonio Saviors. The bluntness of all the religious parallels would be funny if the movie didn’t take itself so seriously. But it keeps insisting that it is first and foremost a horror movie, and it just can’t compete on that level. The editing is too choppy to make for a suspenseful atmosphere or effective jump scares. Violent impacts, both blunt and sharp, are unconvincing. And there is nothing scary about all the goat costumes. Not only is this movie not as scary as the successful blending of horror and comedy that was “Scream,” it’s not as scary as Wayans’ “Scream” parody “Scary Movie.”
Speaking of blending horror and comedy, “Him” is produced by successful sketch comedianturned-extremely-successful-horror-filmmaker Jordan Peele. Peele and Tipping certainly have some overlap in storytelling styles, at least on paper, but Tipping can’t be legitimately scary to save his life. The few comedic scenes fare a little bit better, especially in the finale. The highlight of the movie is the Wayans performance, which surprisingly works on a level not of horror or comedy, but tragedy. I wanted a good horror movie and I would have settled for a decent comedy, but “Him” is like a cross between a fumble and an off-key hymn.
Grade: C-
“Him” is rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, sexual material, nudity, and some drug use. Its running time is 96 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.
Castle Dark unveils new haunts and creates 136 local jobs
night Manor (a cursed mansion), and Containment Breach (science gone wrong).
Chilling Scare Zones
When night falls, twisted characters roam The Endless Chapter, The Forgotten Kingdom, and Outbreak, filled with monsters, creatures, and spine-tingling surprises.
Live Shows
Echoes from the Grave debuts as a theatrical performance set to mesmerize audiences.
After Dark Party
Step into the Big Top Tent for high-energy fun with a live DJ, delicious food, refreshing beverages, and specialty cocktails and drinks for guests 21 years and older.
For families seeking more treats than scares, Castle Park also presents Día de los Muertos every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m., September 20 through November 2. The event celebrates Mexican and Latin American fall traditions with vibrant decorations, local performers, kid-friendly activities, and trick-or-treating.
Tickets & admission
Castle Dark tickets are on sale now at https://castleparks.com/ castle-dark. Annual passholders enjoy free admission. Gates open nightly at 7 p.m. Castle Dark is recommended for ages 13 and older. For more information on Castle Park, visit https://castlepark.com Submitted by Castle Park.
Temecula Valley Museum to present traveling exhibit, A Great Frontier Odyssey –Sketching the American West
TEMECULA – The City of Temecula and the Temecula Valley Museum are proud to present A Great Frontier Odyssey: Sketching the American West, a compelling traveling exhibition on view from Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Nov. 30. This exhibit traces the 1873 overland journey of Frenchborn artists Jules Tavernier and Paul Frenzeny, commissioned by Harper’s Brothers Publishing Firm, to document the rapidly changing American frontier. In the years following the Civil War, Americans were eager to see images of the West, prompting the New York-based Harper Brothers to send the artists on a coast-tocoast expedition. The resulting illustrations captured key events, communities, and landscapes across the nation, offering a vivid and human perspective on the expansion of the American West. Working as a team, Tavernier painted each scene in watercolor while Frenzeny added newsworthy details and translated them into pencil drawings on wood blocks for engraving. Their combined artistic and journalistic talents created powerful visual records that favored the everyday experience of common people along their route to San Francisco. Both artists brought a fresh, outsider’s perspective to the American frontier. Frenzeny, of French noble descent, became a leading illustrator for newspapers and adventure novels such as Anna Karenina and The Jungle Book, and later
joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show in London, where he spent the rest of his life. Tavernier, one of the most celebrated painters of the American West, remained in California after the journey. His studios in San Francisco and Monterey became hubs for the burgeoning California art scene, and he quickly became one of the most successful artists on the West Coast.
The exhibition is curated by French-born historian and author Dr. Claudine Chalmers, who has dedicated her career to exploring the influence of early French populations on the development of California. She is the author of the companion book Chronicling the West for Harper’s: Coast to Coast with Frenzeny & Tavernier in 1873–1874, as well as Splendide Californie! Impressions of the Golden State by French Artists, 1786 to 1900. A Great Frontier Odyssey: Sketching the American West is presented in partnership with Exhibit Envoy and is an adaptation of the original retrospective organized by the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The works are on loan from ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance.
Please contact the Temecula Valley Museum at 951-694-6450 or visit TemeculaValleyMuseum. org, for more information on this exhibit.
Submitted by Temecula Valley Museum.
Castle Park is bringing Halloween spookiness to Riverside County with Castle Dark, Sept. 19 through Nov. 1. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Valley News/Courtesy photo
ENTERTAINMENT
Hot August Music Competition draws 40+ performers
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The West Coast Country Music Association hosted the Hot August Music Competition in Temecula, and more than 40 singers performed.
“It went fantastic,” said West Coast Country Music Association president Gwyn Sanborn.
The performances were held on August 15 and August 16 at the Promenade Temecula mall. The awards ceremony took place on August 17 at Peltzer Winery.
The competition had New Country, Traditional Country, New Gospel, Traditional Gospel, and Bluegrass divisions. A contestant could enter as a vocalist, a group, a duo, an entertainer, or a songwriter. The individual competitions had categories for both male and female and also had age categories for performers ages 3 - 6, 7 - 12 , 13-16, 17-20, 21 and older adult, and 50 and over adult.
A majority of the performers were 16 or younger. “Seven to 12 and 13 to 16 are our largest ones,” Sanborn said.
The winners of the Hot August Music Competition will represent California at the North American Country Music Association’s competition in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The national level has a larger adult participation. “We kind of bring the youth to it,” Sanborn said.
Some of the Hot August Music Competition categories did not have entrants, while others had multiple artists. A “Most Promising” award was given for second place in the category, the thirdplace artist received Horizon designation, the Rising Star award equated to fourth place, and the fifth-place artist was declared a Future Star.
The designation between New Country and Traditional Country, as well as between New Gospel and Traditional Gospel, is based on instruments rather than any given timeframe. “It’s very soundspecific,” Sanborn said.
Sanborn advised contestants on the correct category if necessary. “We’ll usually let them know if they enter in a category that’s not correct,” she said. “It’s really all for learning and education and fun.”
Four judges evaluated the contestants for each category. Two judges were present on both days. All six judges are industry professionals.
Charleigh Sueppel was both the New Gospel 3-6 female vocalist of the year and the New Gospel 3-6 female entertainer of the year. In the New Country division, Morgan Chandler was both the 3-6 female vocalist of the year and the 3-6 female entertainer of the year.
In the Traditional Gospel division, Skyler Steinell was the 7-12 female vocalist of the year, and Madison McCoy received the 13-16 female vocalist of the year recognition. In addition to Sueppel the New Gospel winners are 7-12 female vocalist of the year Laiken Wilson, 7-12 female entertainer of the year Ashton Corlee, 13-16 female vocalist of the year Tatum Wilson, 13-16 male vocalist of the year Beau Diaz, 13-16 female entertainer of the year Ruby Diaz, and 17-20 female entertainer of the year Georgia Diaz. Wilson also wrote the 13-16 New Gospel song of the year, which is called “To Change”. All for Jesus was selected as the New Gospel mixedage group of the year. Beau Diaz was also the New Country 13-16 male entertainer of the year, and Georgia Diaz was the New Country 17-20 female entertainer of the year. Beau Diaz
also wrote the New Country 13-16 song of the year, which is called “Louisiana Love Song”.
If separate songs were performed for each entry, a musician or band could compete in both the New Country and the Traditional Country categories. Waylon Cash won the 7-12 male New Country vocalist of the year, 7-12 male Traditional Country vocalist of the year, 7-12 male Traditional Country entertainer of the year, and 7-12 male Bluegrass instrumentalist of the year competitions. Elizabeth Dizon received the 7-12 female entertainer of the year award for both New Country and Traditional Country. Highway Dust was both the New Country and the Traditional Country adult 21+ band of the year. Renee Miles was both the New Country and the Traditional Country adult 50+ vocalist of the year. Joseph Luna was chosen as the New Country 13-16 male vocalist of the year and the Traditional Country 13-16 male entertainer of the year.
Victoria Dixon was selected as the New Country 7-12 female vocalist of the year. Mia Guevarra received the New Country 13-16 female vocalist of the year award. Mikhaella Besana was named the New Country 13-16 female entertainer of the year. Noah Johnson was chosen as both the New Country adult 21+ male entertainer of the year and the New Country adult 21+ male vocalist of the year.
Kelli-Rae Coughlin was selected as the New Country adult 21+ female vocalist of the year. The Averys were named the New Country 7-12 duo of the year. Hannah and Sadie Kohl were selected as the New Country mixed-age duo of the year, while The Wilsons were chosen as the New Country mixedage group of the year. Sofie Tabesh wrote “Keller Road”, which was the New Country 17-20 song of the year. The New Country adult 21+ song of the year, “Trouble I Found”, was written by William Crowell and Mary Matthew.
The Traditional Country winners also included Juliana Sanchez as the 7-12 female vocalist of the year, Madison McCoy as the 13-16 female vocalist of the year, Jaicee Sargent as the 17-20 female entertainer of the year, Mikayla Sanborn as the 17-20 female vocalist of the year, and Mary Matthew as the adult 21+ female vocalist of the year.
Willie Roberson was chosen as both the Traditional Country adult 50+ male vocalist of the year and the Traditional Country adult 50+ male entertainer of the year. He was also named both the Bluegrass adult 50+ male entertainer of the year and the Bluegrass adult 50+ male vocalist of the year.
Ella Goswick was named the Bluegrass 7-12 female entertainer of the year. Mikhaella Besana was chosen as the Bluegrass 1316 female entertainer of the year. Gracie Sanborn was selected as the Bluegrass 17-20 female entertainer of the year. Camryn Kiggins was named the Bluegrass 17-20 female vocalist of the year.
More than 200 people attended the Hot August Music Competition. “We had a wonderful turnout,” Gwyn Sanborn said.
The North American Country Music Association’s competition will take place in March 2026. The West Coast Country Music Association is having various fundraisers so that the Hot August Music Competition winners can travel to Tennessee. “We haven’t picked the date yet, but we will be having a fundraising concert,” Sanborn said.
Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.
The New Gospel 7-12 female vocalist of the year was awarded to Laiken Wilson. Valley News/Gwyn Sanborn photos Beau Diaz was awarded the New Gospel 13-16 male vocalist of the year and New Country 13-16 male entertainer of the year.
Waylon Cash won the 7-12 male New Country vocalist of the year.
Elizabeth Dizon received the 7-12 female entertainer of the year award for both New Country and Traditional Country.
The Wilsons were chosen as the New Country mixed age group of the year.
Mary Matthew won the adult 21+ female vocalist of the year.
Willie Roberson was chosen as both the Traditional Country adult 50+ male vocalist of the year, the Traditional Country adult 50+ male entertainer of the year, the Bluegrass adult 50+ male entertainer of the year, and the Bluegrass adult 50+ male vocalist of the year.
Mikayla Sanborn as the 17-20 female vocalist of the year.
Highway Dust was both the New County and the Traditional Country adult 21+ band of the year.
Camryn Kiggins was named the Bluegrass 17-20 female vocalist of the year.
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
Now–Oct. 31 Peltzer Pumpkin Farm, 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula. Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-8 p.m. with attractions opening at 4 p.m. Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-8 p.m. with attractions opening at 9 a.m. Children can enjoy a petting farm, pony rides, gem panning, tractor garden, Peltzer Express train rides, carnival games, and more. Entrance is $2 Mon-Thurs; $4 Fri-Sun, and children under 2 years old are free with a paid adult. For more details, visit peltzerfarms.com or find them on Instagram and Facebook.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Sept. 26 – 6-8 p.m. LIVEJAM presents Beau LePaige in concert at The Center, 26805 Murrieta Rd., Menifee. Beau LePaige has built a reputation for delivering raw and unforgettable performances. His music is a love letter to versatility, blending pop, rock, and everything in between. Free and open to all ages.
Sept. 27 – 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Murrieta Free Waste Drop-off & Shredding Event at Murrieta City Hall back parking lot, 1 Town Square, Murrieta. The City is teaming up with Waste Management to host its bi-annual drop-off event. It’s the perfect opportunity to lighten your load and trash those unwanted items and shredding unwanted paper. Murrieta residents only.
Sept. 27 – 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun City Local Author Fair at the Sun City Library, 26982 Cherry Hills Blvd, Sun City. Meet your next favorite author! Come visit our local author fair featuring talented writers from all over the county. Explore different genres, discover new stories, and connect with the creative minds behind the books. It’s a perfect opportunity to support local talent and find your next great read. All ages welcome.
Sept. 27 – 5:30 p.m. Step into an enchanting evening at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Inland Valley’s 11th Annual Gala: Moonlight Masquerade at Fairfield Inn & Suites, 30140 Town Center Dr., in Menifee. The night will dazzle with a delicious dinner catered by Chef Rosie of Lady R Bistro, exciting entertainment, live and silent auctions, and drinks. Arrive masked and ready to support the over 1,500 youth that will benefit from your participation in this fun and magical evening. More info and tickets at https://menifeebgc. ejoinme.org/2025AnnualGala.
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.
other care settings, first responders can focus on high-priority emergencies.
Lower Healthcare Costs: The program is expected to save both 911 callers and the healthcare system significant costs by navigating less serious calls, which don’t need an urgent emergency medical services response, to more appropriate, cost-effective care options. Enhanced Service Experience: Callers receive immediate response, reducing anxiety and empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
ONGOING – Riverside Transportation Commission is offering Park and Ride lots to connect with carpools, vanpools, and transit systems in Beaumont at 600 E. Sixth Street; in San Jacinto at 501 S. San Jacinto Avenue, and in Temecula at Grace Presbyterian Church, 31143 Nicolas Road, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but not on weekends.
ONGOING – Line dancing classes are held on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Lake Elsinore/Wildomar Elks Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail, in Wildomar, across from the Animal Friends of the Valleys. Classes have a DJ with learning levels beginning to intermediate. $5 per lesson. Contact Joyce Hohenadl at 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 800-510-2020 for help.
ONGOING – Saturdays and Sundays only, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Winchester Swap Meet continues at 33280 Newport Road in Winchester. The small local swap meet is only 50 cents for entry, and anyone under the age of 10 has free admission. No dogs allowed.
ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Every Sunday, the Murrieta Village Walk Farmers Market is at Village Walk Place in Murrieta. The Sunday morning farmers’ market at Village Walk Plaza is 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
Sept. 26 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Southwest Healthcare presents Men’s Health & Fitness Expo at Pechanga Resort & Casino’s Summit Ballroom, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. Guest speakers include baseball veterans Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, and Kevin Mitchell, and actor Chauncey Leopardi (Michael “Squints” Palladorous from the movie The Sandlot). Visit with sports and fitness vendors, Q&A with physicians, free health screenings, free autograph sessions, and more. $40 entry fee online (purchase between now through Sept. 25);
24/7 Access to Navigators : Nurse Navigators are available round-the-clock, ensuring callers and emergency medical dispatchers have access to this program any time of the day or night. Similar 911 Nurse Navigation programs are now in over 30 communities across 14 states, collectively benefiting more than 200,000 callers. In 2024 alone, the program saved an estimated $21 million by preventing unnecessary ambulance transports, avoidable emergency department visits, and other costly interventions. Visit RivCoReady.org/911Nurse for additional details about Riverside County’s 911 Nurse Navigation program.
ment.
$50 at the door. For tickets, visit southwesthealthcare.com/tickets.
Sept. 26 – 10 a.m. Temecula Valley Genealogical Society presents an education class on immigration: “Finding that Village of Origin.” They came to America from somewhere else and usually didn’t get specific about where they started out. Learn tips on how to retrace their steps. Ron H. Roberts Temecula Public Library Community Room, 30600 Pauba Rd. Temecula. Free and open to the public. Attend in person or via Zoom. Request a Zoom link from tvgswebmaster@gmail.com. More info at tvgs.net.
Oct. 6 – 12-2 p.m. Navigating Military Divorce: Understanding VA, retirement, custody, and support orders. Ask an attorney one-on-one situation-specific questions. 15-minute sign ups available for after the presentation. Lunch will be provided. Event at MilVet, 33040 Antelope Rd. #114, in Murrieta. RSVP at https:// tinyurl.com/3kw4mfkw.
Oct. 9 – 3:30-7 p.m. Temecula Valley Business Expo 3, hosted by Sebastian Sidi and Jonathon Montanez, at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Murrieta. Featuring over 100 exhibitors. Meet your mayors from 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Temecula mayor Brenden Kalfus and Murrieta mayor Cindy Warren. Free and open to the public. Register to attend at https://temeculavalleybusinessexpo.com.
ONGOING – 10 a.m. The Temecula Valley Republican Women’s Club meets 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
Crossword Puzzle
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Periodic Table Elements
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 writingcraft discussions; attendees may read up to a five-minute excerpt from their work for feedback/ critique. RSVP at www.dorlandartscolony.com/sunday-scribblers. html
Finger celebrates family birthdays with second-place finish behind teammate
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
Edward Finger wasn’t originally planning to travel from his Murrieta home to Barona Speedway for the September 13 races. Finger’s father, Norm, has a September 13 birthday and his mother’s brother, Ramona resident Brian Fitzgibbons, married a woman born on September 13. The initial birthday plan was a family outing at Perris Auto Speedway for the World of Outlaws sprint car races, but after the cost of tickets and parking was evaluated, the Finger family figured they could race at Barona that night for less and see their friends at the track. Finger and Fitzgibbons offset some of the racing costs with payout checks for their finishes in the Pure Stocks main event.
The team also includes Poway driver Randy Alldrege, who won the September 13 main event. Finger finished second and Fitzgibbons was third.
“To finish 1-2-3 as a team, behind my teammate Randy and in front of my Uncle Brian, it’s awesome,” Fitzgibbons said.
Finger races a 1979 Chevrolet Caprice Classic. Alldredge drives a 1977 Pontiac Ventura owned by Fitzgibbons. Robby Norris, who splits time between his Julian home and Purdue University, where he is studying Motorsports Engineering, is also part of the team. During Norris’ freshman year, his parents, Robert and Tami, maintained the 1976 Chevrolet Nova while Fitzgibbons and Jason Pontsler of Poway also helped work on the car during the off-season. Norris finished fifth August 16 and left for his sophomore year at Purdue on August 18. Robert Norris drove his son’s car August 30, finishing fourth in his heat race but not completing the main event. Fitzgibbons drove the Nova for the September 13 competition.
Finger was running fourth when he tried to pass Camp Pendleton driver Joe Kot in the final lap. The two had contact. Kot remained in third with Finger finishing fourth. Schmitz took fifth place.
Fitzgibbons won the second Pure Stocks heat race, Alldrege finished first in the third heat race, and San Diego driver Brandon Jesina won the fourth heat race with Canyon Lake’s David Stites finishing second. Ramona driver Chris Evans, who leads the point standings, had a flat tire in the second heat race and did not finish.
Finger began the B main on the pole while Ramona’s Jacob Frye started on the outside of the front row. Schmitz took the original green flag on the inside of the third row.
Finger took the initial lead. Evans, who began the B main on the outside of the fifth row, had moved up to third behind Finger and Schmitz before a yellow flag caution was thrown during the ninth lap
the third row. Fitzgibbons took the initial lead. Alldrege had moved into second by the time the first yellow flag was thrown, and he passed Fitzgibbons on the restart.
Finger eventually moved up to fourth while Jesina was in third.
JOE NAIMAN, Ind. Contractor
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Mike Dow and Orange County resident Bryce Mulvey also worked on the team’s cars. Dow now lives in the state of Washington but made the trip to Barona Speedway for the September 13 races and the family birthdays. Finger, Fitzgibbons, and Alldrege were among 25 Pure Stocks drivers September 13. Four eightlap heat races were held with the top three finishers in each heat race automatically qualifying for the main event and the other drivers competing in a 12-lap B Main to fill out the final eight main event cars.
Seven drivers, including Finger and Andrew Schmitz, who was raised in Hemet and moved from Hemet to Santa Ysabel in November 2024, were in the first heat race. Finger started on the outside of the third row. Initially, he did not have room to gain positions.
“Started picking them off about halfway through,” Finger said.
A yellow flag or red flag stoppage causes (with some exceptions) a “Delaware restart” in which the leader is by himself and the other cars are lined up two wide. Evans and Schmitz were on the second row behind Finger.
Evans took second on the restart. He passed Finger between turns three and four during the final lap to take first in the B main.
“Led all of the laps except the last one,” Finger said.
Lakeside’s Mark Espinoza finished third in the fourth heat race, but his car could not race in the main event. The B main finish of Yuma’s Grace Escalante made her an alternate for the main event, so she drove in the feature, and the B main qualifiers who start behind the qualifiers from the heat races moved up one starting position. Evans began on the outside of the sixth row, and Finger started on the inside of the seventh row. Fitzgibbons was on the outside of the front row to start the main event, and Alldrege was on the outside of
Finger twice passed Jessina only to have that position nullified by a yellow flag and restart. On the second of those restarts, he passed Jessina for a third time.
“Eventually got around him,” Finger said.
Finger was also able to pass Fitzgibbons on that lap. “I was able to get around him and stay behind Randy,” Finger said.
Evans drives a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro, which had rear-end problems during the main event. Evans exited the track early and settled for 19th place. He still holds a onepoint lead in the season standings over Alldrege. Chris Wilder of Spring Valley is 27 points behind Alldrege. Finger, who decided to miss the May 24 race intentionally this year so that he could race for enjoyment and not focus on the season championship, is a point behind Wilder and 24 points ahead of fifth-place Cody Parenteau of Lakeside. If weather allows, the Pure
Take Pride All-Star 2025: High-flying
Stocks will race September 27 and October 25. With Finger’s teammate in the points championship race and Finger not pursuing any given position, he wasn’t going to risk contact with Alldrege in an attempt to win the September 13 race.
“I knew he was going to be there,” Alldrege said. “I knew I was going to get the pressure but not as aggressive as if it had been a non-teammate.”
Fitzgibbons also opted for a 1-23 team finish rather than a personal gain in position and focused on staying ahead of Parenteau, who finished fourth.
“It’s one big awesome family. We’re just having a really good time doing it,” Alldrege said Stites was the fifth driver across the finish line. Schmitz finished ninth.
Finger won the June 7 main. He finished third July 19, although with Alldrege winning and Robby Norris taking second. Finger finished eighth August 16, and fifth August 30.
“I just wanted the car to run well because we’ve had three frustrating races,” Finger said.
Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia. com.
hoops, celebrity judges and a
JP Raineri Sports Editor
slam-dunk homecoming for the community
TEMECULA – Anticipation is mounting as the Take Pride Men’s League and Take Pride Women’s League gear up for their highly awaited All-Star Summer 2025 event. After a seven-year break, the all-star format is back and bigger than ever, set to elevate the local hoops scene with a full day of basketball, music, and family fun at Chaparral High School’s new gym Saturday, Sept. 27. The festivities begin at 11 a.m., signaling the start of an experience that’s drawing out both die-hard fans and first-timers.
At the heart of this movement is Jon Cantrell, a leader whose journey perfectly embodies the spirit of the leagues. Originally from Costa Mesa, California, Cantrell spent his formative years steeped in Southern California culture before moving to the area about 15 years ago. Before devoting himself to local basketball, Cantrell was an action sports team manager for a well-known clothing brand, where he learned firsthand about initiative, entrepreneurship and what it means to take ownership for your own path.
Founded out of that passion, the Take Pride leagues have become much more than a weekly athletic
outlet for men and women in the area. Built from a genuine love of basketball and a commitment to community, both leagues now serve as a rallying point for athletes looking to compete, connect and stay active well beyond their high school days. By providing a positive and energetic atmosphere, Cantrell’s vision has fostered a network of friendships, rivalries and lasting pride.
The All-Star Summer 2025 is set to reignite the fire with a lineup of contests and special guests that ensures the event will deliver nonstop excitement. Men’s and women’s 3-point contests will put some of the area’s sharpest shooters under the spotlight, each battling it out for ultimate bragging rights from beyond the arc. The crowd favorite dunk contest will feature gravity-defying jams, all under the discerning eyes of celebrity judges Donovan Carter, known for his work on “Ballers,” and Jeff Johnson, country artist and viral YouTube creator. Their combined star power brings extra flair and energy, raising the stakes for this year’s competitors.
A highlight for families, dozens of giveaways for kids will be handed out throughout the day, creating a festival atmosphere. Community vendors will be on site with food, drinks, and unique keepsakes as
Players will take to the court, delivering fast-paced action that will energize the crowd and spotlight local talent. Valley News/Courtesy
a live DJ keeps the energy high, spinning crowd-pleasing tracks between contests. The event promises entertainment on and off the court, making it the perfect setting for families and fans of all ages.
“This event is a celebration of everything we’ve worked to create with Take Pride. From the players to the fans, it’s a chance to bring everyone together and make memories that will last a lifetime,” exclaims Cantrell.
Adding to the excitement is the futures game featuring two of the best 10-and-under teams in the region. The opportunity for young athletes to compete under the bright lights of an all-star event brings a special sense of pride for the next generation, underscoring the leagues’ commitment to growing the game at every level.
Five different all-star games will be held throughout the day, with standout players from both the men’s and women’s leagues bringing intensity and competitive spirit every time they step onto the court. This is more than a sports event; it’s a reminder of how basketball can bring people together. The dedication of the athletes, the enthusiasm of families, and the efforts of volunteers all combine to build an environment where community thrives. Colorful, dynamic branding greets fans at every turn, while the state-of-the-art setting at Chaparral’s gymnasium completes the picture, providing a venue that matches the energy and ambition of the leagues. As the first all-star event since
AnzA VAlley OUTLOOK
AnzA VAlley OUTLOOK
Edward Finger secured a strong second-place finish at Barona Speedway on September 13, capping off a memorable night of family and racing. Pictured is Finger with fiancee Savannah in June, 2025. Valley News/File photo
Touchdowns, blocks, and blowouts: Inland teams light up the
night in Week 4
JP Raineri Sports Editor
Big plays on special teams and an explosive performance from a standout quarterback defined an eventful Week 4 of the high school football season across the Inland area.
In a fierce crosstown rivalry game, Chaparral left no doubt, defeating Great Oak 64-14 on Friday night. Junior quarterback Dane Weber was the catalyst for the Pumas, accounting for four touchdowns in a commanding performance. Weber completed 10 of 14 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for two more scores. Chaparral established its dominance early, building a 28-0 lead in the first quarter and extending it to 50-7 by halftime. Camren Williams set the tone with an early interception, and Weber quickly capitalized with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Eli Woodward. Kiko Farinas added a 36-yard touchdown on a reverse, and Evan Redd found the end zone on an 11-yard run. Weber connected with Chase Bonta for a 70-yard scoring strike before halftime. For Great Oak, which
ALL-STAR from page A-10
2018, this year’s return is loaded with meaning. After seasons spent building a local powerhouse and overcoming challenges, the Take Pride leagues are ready for a new chapter. For players, it’s a chance to showcase their talents and forge memories that last beyond the final buzzer. For fans, there’s never been a better moment to be part of the action.
From sunrise setup to the last echo of basketball’s bouncing in the gym, the All-Star Summer 2025 event is positioned as a can’tmiss celebration of sport, music, and togetherness. The Take Pride Men’s and Women’s Leagues continue to lead by example, making sure the game always finds a way to unite, inspire and entertain.
Mark your calendar for Sept. 27, get your seats early, and prepare for a high-energy Saturday that embodies everything that makes local basketball matter. This is the moment the community has been waiting for—so bring your friends, bring your family, and be ready to cheer. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
smart.
fell to 2-2, sophomore quarterback Trent Lux threw for 156 yards and a touchdown to Logan Messier.
The victory marks Chaparral’s eighth consecutive win over the Wolfpack.
Elsewhere, special teams proved to be the critical factor in Vista Murrieta’s tight 21-14 victory over Beaumont. The game turned late when Jayden Scott broke through to block a punt, a play that directly led to the game-winning touchdown. Cash Bryant later sealed the win by blocking a potential game-tying field goal attempt in the fourth quarter, preserving the victory for the Broncos. Elsinore delivered a balanced effort in its 35-14 nonleague win against Norte Vista. The Tigers’ ground game was effective, as the team rushed for 240 yards. Running back Kai Tamagpong recorded his fifth straight game with over 100 yards rushing. Luke Woodroof, Brady O’Connell, and Camden Webb each ran for a touchdown. Quarterback Brayden Stankus also contributed a 35-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Petitt.
The Elsinore defense was stout, holding Norte Vista to a seasonlow 130 rushing yards. The game’s
first points came on a special teams play when Ledgend Johnson returned a blocked field goal 80 yards for a touchdown.
San Jacinto secured a 23-13 victory over Cajon by controlling the pace of the game with its methodical offense. The Tigers executed long, time-consuming drives to keep the Cajon offense off the field. Senior running back Jomini Ransom was central to the attack, finishing with 128 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Quarterback Josue Estrada passed for 130 yards and two touchdowns, including a decisive 32-yard pass to Daishaun Davis in the final minute that put the game out of reach. Here are the scores from around the area in Week 4:
Thursday, Sept. 18
Vasquez 38, San Jacinto Valley Academy 13
Desert Christian Academy 50, California Military Institute 0 Norco 52, Citrus Valley 21 Hemet 14, Adelanto 7
Hillcrest 46, Paloma Valley 42
La Costa Canyon 45, Murrieta Mesa 24
Montgomery 33, Rancho Christian 30
Rubidoux 17, Temecula Prep 10
Friday, Sept. 19
Nuview Bridge 42, Desert Chapel 28
Vista Murrieta 21, Beaumont 14
Cornerstone Christian 25, Sage Hill 6
Elsinore 35, Norte Vista 14
Chaparral 64, Great Oak 14 Murrieta Valley 49, King 7 Carter 34, Linfield Christian 33
Orange Vista 42, Vista 7 Grand Terrace 21, Perris 7
San Jacinto 23, Cajon 13
Santa Rosa Academy 28, San Bernardino 9
Lakeside 17, Sierra Vista 9
Tahquitz 42, Liberty 21
Temescal Canyon 16, Temecula Valley 10
Twentynine Palms 21, West Valley 14
Pacific 28, Heritage 18
Saturday, Sept. 20
The result for the Calvin Christian at Cal Lutheran game was not available at press time. With the dust settling on Week 4, Friday night lights have never burned brighter in the Inland Empire. Rivals clashed, game-changers stepped up, and every snap fueled the energy in the stands. If these thrilling battles are any sign, the rest of the season is set to deliver even more unforgettable moments and edge-of-your-seat action for players and fans alike. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
Great Oak’s Carlos Carruego (10) finds the perfect seam in the defense, clearing the path for running back Ryder Smith (2) to charge ahead during a hard-fought rivalry game against Chaparral. Valley News/Rob Davis Photography
Chaparral’s Michael “Kiko” Farinas (1) blazes down the field as he secures a thrilling touchdown in the Pumas’ dominant victory over Great Oak. Valley News/Rob Davis Photography
the charge for the Golden Bears with her dominant play at the net, creating opportunities for her teammates and keeping the Rams on their heels.
The Rams, led by Emerson Macias with 14 kills and Analei Bradley with 29 assists, fought valiantly but couldn’t maintain their early momentum. Airyss Celestine and Savannah White contributed two aces each from the service line, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Temecula Valley’s balanced attack.
The loss marked the end of an eight-game winning streak for Murrieta Mesa, dropping their record to 24-5-2. Meanwhile, Temecula Valley extended their winning streak to three games, improving to 12-2 overall and solidifying their position atop the
league standings. Murrieta Mesa quickly returned to action on September 18, facing Vista Murrieta in another hardfought match. Despite a strong start, the Rams fell 3-2, with the final set ending 15-13 in favor of the Broncos. Vista Murrieta’s Baylee Jones led her team with nine kills, while Kiersten Moore added 14 assists and two aces.
Temecula Valley also played on September 18, sweeping Great Oak 3-0 in a dominant performance.
The Golden Bears showcased their depth, with contributions from players like Alyssa Snider and Hyacinth Peregrino, who anchored the defense with 3.6 digs per set.
Looking ahead, the Southwestern League action continues with several key matchups. Murrieta Mesa will travel to Great Oak on September 23, followed by a clash
with Chaparral on September 25. Temecula Valley, currently ranked 12th in California, will host Murrieta Valley on September 23 before visiting Vista Murrieta on September 25.
The league standings remain tight, with Temecula Valley leading at 3-0, followed by Murrieta Valley and Vista Murrieta at 2-1. Murrieta Mesa sits at 1-2, tied with Chaparral, while Great Oak is still searching for their first league win.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming rematches and the potential for playoff implications. With standout players like Savannah Sheridan and Emerson Macias leading their teams, the Southwestern League promises more excitement in the weeks to come.
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
Answers for crossword puzzle on page A-9
Super Seniors Softball League opens registration for players 75 and older
VOLLEYBALL from page A-1
Temecula Valley celebrates as the Golden Bears earn a 3-1 win over Murrieta Mesa in the “Impact Center” last Tuesday afternoon. Valley News/David Canales photo
Savannah Sheridan leads the Golden Bears to a 3-1 victory over Murrieta Mesa.
Murrieta Mesa’s Emerson Macias (3) scores a point for the Rams.
Summer Tukua rises for a kill against Vista Murrieta, showcasing her offensive skills.
[Left] Baylee Jones of Vista Murrieta battles at the net with Chandler Short of Murrieta Mesa in a tense exchange.
Valley News/Files Owens Photography Valley News/Files Owens Photography
Valley News/David Canales photo
Valley News/David Canales photo
Anaya Francios (15) get a kill for Temecula Valley during their 3-1 win over Murrieta Mesa. Valley News/David Canales photo
[Left] Maya Casey of Murrieta Valley delivers a powerful serve during their match against Vista Murrieta. Valley News/Files Owens Photography
Museum’s
Michael Lewis escorts guests in his mule-drawn buckboard wagon at the third annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day Saturday, Sept. 13. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
Diane Sieker Staff Writer
Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
ANZA’S UPCOMING EVENTS
If you have an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com , put “attention events” in the subject line. Readers should call ahead on some listed events for the latest updates. 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 951763-4333.
Friends of Anza Valley Community Library – Anza Valley Community Library is located at Hamilton High School, 57430 Mitchell Road. The library is open to the public, but not during school hours. Hours are 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Monday through Wednesday.
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JENNA ORTIZ, Office Manager
Editorial
J.P. RAINERI, Sports Editor
SHANE GIBSON, Staff Photographer
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Advertising Sales
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Production
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SAMANTHA GORMAN, Graphic Artist
Hamilton High School – Find out what is happening using Hamilton’s online calendar at www.hamiltonbobcats.net/apps/ events/calendar.
Hamilton Museum – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza. For more information, call 951-763-1350 or visit www. hamiltonmuseum.org. Find them on Facebook at “HamiltonMuseum-and-Ranch-Foundation.”
Backcountry Horsemen 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 posttraumatic stress disorder and other difficulties. Call John Sheehan at 951-923-6153. If you need an advocate to help with VA benefits, call Ronnie Imel at 951-659-9884.
The Most Excellent Way – A Christ-centered recovery program for all kinds of addiction meets 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 951-7630856.
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 951-763-4937 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 951-282-4267 or email achageneral@gmail.com or visit www.anzacommunitybuilding. org
Anza Civic Improvement League – 9 a.m. meets the first Saturday of each month at the Little Red Schoolhouse. The league maintains Minor Park and the Little Red School House, which are both available to rent for events. No government funds are allowed; the membership pays the bills – $10 a person, $18 family or $35 business membership. For more information, visit www. anzacivic.org.
ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK
Anza man arrested after suspicious person call on Bautista Canyon Road
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 Sept. 14 through Sept. 20. Sept. 14
Vehicle theft - address undefined, Anza, report taken Alarm call - 5900 block Burnt Valley Rd., Anza Public disturbance - 5600 block St. hwy. 371, Anza Sept. 15 Assist other department - 5400 block Bautista Canyon Rd., Anza Public assist - 5400 block Bautista Canyon Rd., Anza
No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content provided in the Sheriff’s Blotter. Residents with information regarding any crimes are encouraged to contact the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at 951-791-3400.
Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, 909-987-5005 or https://wetip.com.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
Diane Sieker Staff Writer
A man was arrested Monday morning after deputies responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 39000 block of Bautista Canyon Road, authorities said.
Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the property about 7:41 a.m. Sept. 15 after a caller reported an unknown man on her land, according to Sgt. Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies located the man and detained him at the scene. He was identified as 23-year-old Ivan Jacob Mabery of Anza.
Mabery was booked into the Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance under Health and Safety Code 11377(A). His bail was set at $5,000, according to the Jail Information Management System. Additional misdemeanor charges were later added, including DUI under Vehicle Code 23152(A), DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher under 23152(B), and DUI involving a combination of alcohol and drugs under 23152(G). Each carry a bail amount of $5,000.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a property in Anza Monday, Sept. 15, after a caller reported an unknown man on her land.
Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
Bobcats host girls volleyball tournament, place second behind Patriots
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
Hamilton High School hosted a girls’ volleyball tournament on September 13, and the Bobcats placed second in the tournament, while Temecula Prep won the championship.
“It was a great day of competition,” said Hamilton Coach Lance Fogle.
“Things went really well,” Fogle said. “All the schools that were there seemed to enjoy it. We had good sportsmanship throughout, and it was a very successful tournament.”
The one-day Fall Mountain Classic tournament was supposed to have eight teams, although West Shores High School, which is in Salton City, was unable to participate. The seven teams were divided into two pools. Hamilton was in a pool with St. Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School, Julian High School, and Banning High School. Temecula Prep, Warner High School, and Desert Mirage High School were in the other pool.
Hamilton began the tournament with a 21-14, 21-13 victory over St. Jeanne de Lestonnac. The Bobcats then won 21-10 and 2220 sets against Julian. Hamilton closed out pool play with a 21-16, 21-17 triumph in the match with Banning.
“We had some tough competition, and the girls really played well together,” Fogle said.
“The girls were able to put it all together and have a really good series of games.”
Hamilton’s varsity roster has 11 girls. Three are seniors.
The top two teams in each pool continued play in the Gold bracket
BLESSING from page B-1
all of which Father Kieu blessed with prayer and holy water. Owners smiled proudly as their companions - big and small - took part in the ritual.
The Blessing of the Animals tradition stems from the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, whose love for all of God’s creation inspired the custom. St. Francis is remembered for his writings, including the Canticle of the Creatures, which praises the Lord for “all these brother and sister creatures.” Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Call us for information on all Riverside County legal notices. We are happy to assist and answer your questions. Call us at 951-763-5510 or email legals@reedermedia.com
while the other three teams faced each other in the Silver bracket. Warner was the second-place team behind Temecula Prep in the other pool, so Hamilton faced the Wildcats in the Gold semifinal.
Hamilton and Warner had played each other in non-tournament matches on August 26 in Warner Springs and September 9 in Anza, and both times the Bobcats won in three games. In the Fall Mountain Classic semifinal, Hamilton won the 25-18 first game while Warner prevailed by a 25-22 score in the second set.
“We struggled a bit there,” Fogle said.
The third game was to 15 points, and the Bobcats were on the preferred side of the 15-3 score.
Temecula Prep and Hamilton had previously played each other on August 21 on the Patriots’ court, and Temecula Prep won in three games. The first game of the Fall Mountain Classic championship match ended as a 25-18 Patriots victory. Hamilton countered with a 25-21 triumph in game two. Temecula Prep won the match with a 15-10 win in the third set.
“We had never beaten them in any set, and we took a set from them, so I was really proud of the girls,” Fogel said.
Hamilton took second in a oneday tournament for the second consecutive Saturday. The Bobcats had played in the September 6 Tournament in the Desert hosted by Desert Mirage and Coachella Valley, and Hamilton was defeated by Coachella Valley in the 25-21, 25-18 championship match.
The loss in the Fall Mountain Classic final gave Hamilton a 13-4 season record after that match.
Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com
has hosted the popular blessing in Anza for several years, drawing both parishioners and visitors. The church, founded in the 1970s, serves the local Catholic community with weekly Mass, outreach programs and seasonal celebrations.
The ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information about the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, please visit https:// sacredheartofanza.org/ or call 951-763-5636.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
Anza
The Sheriff’s Blotter enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo
house and barn where local historical artifacts are kept.
“Thank you to all the vendors, the public that entered the contests/ competitions, those that bought raffle tickets, everyone who took time out of their day to come, to the Hamilton Band, Cahuilla Bird Singers, and to the awesome volunteers that make this event happen,” said a spokesperson for the Hamilton Museum Board of Directors.
The Hamilton Museum and Ranch Foundation is located at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza. It is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.. The board of directors meets every second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m.. The museum is actively seeking volunteers to be docents or greeters.
For more information about the Hamilton Museum and Ranch Foundation, please visit www. hamiltonmuseum.com or email hmrf.Anza@gmail.com
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com
Small but mighty Jackson Amos puts in a heroic effort during the sack races at the third annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day Saturday, Sept. 13. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photos
Smokey the Bear says, “Shhhhhh” in the Friends of the Anza Valley Community Library booth at the third annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day Saturday, Sept. 13.
Pat Sprint with the Anza Quilt Club tends their colorful booth at the third annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day Saturday, Sept. 13.
Pie-eating contests are crowd favorites at the third annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day.
Contestants in the photography contests have their entries displayed inside the ranch house at the Hamilton Museum Founders Day.
Crowds gather on the lush lawns amid vendor booths at the third annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day
Aurelia Machado earns a first place ribbon in the 5th Grade Youth Photo competition at the Hamilton Museum Founders Day.
[Right] Bluegrass musicians play traditional music in the ranch’s barn at the third annual Hamilton Museum Founders Day Saturday, Sept. 13.
MORENO VALLEY – The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources is inviting community members to join its final Volunteer Training of the year on Saturday, September 27. This training is the last opportunity in 2025 to become an official Outreach Volunteer and help make a positive impact in both the community and the environment. The training will be held at Waste Resources’ Headquarters located at 14310 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley, 92582.
Outreach Volunteers play a vital role in supporting department programs and engaging the public on important sustainability practices. From assisting with classes on composting, recycling, and waste reduction, to mentoring students in local schools as Compost Mentors, volunteers directly contribute to building a greener future. Volunteers also represent the department at community events and help promote programs that protect natural resources and reduce landfill waste.
“This program is a great way for residents to get involved,
give back, and help lead change in their own community,” said Mike Perez, Waste Resources’ Volunteer Services Coordinator. George Podolsky also a Volunteer Service Coordinator, added, “Our volunteers are the heart of our outreach efforts, and together we’re making a tremendous difference.”
Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and training is provided. No prior experience is necessary. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed.
The September 27 training session will equip volunteers with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to succeed in their roles.
Once trained, volunteers will join a strong network of community leaders who are committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Register today to reserve your spot at the final training of 2025 and help shape a cleaner, healthier future for Riverside County.
For more information or to sign up, visit https:rcwaste.org/ volunteer or call 951 486-3200 or email at Waste-Volunteer@ rivco.org
[Right] Outreach Volunteers play a vital role in supporting department programs and engaging the public on important sustainability practices.
ESCONDIDO – The California Macadamia Society will hold its Annual Field Day at Tom and Bobbi Rastle’s farm, Saturday, Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1115 Valencia Dr., Escondido. They will have classes on topics related to the macadamia industry with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, both general in nature and about the specifics of an operation. They will be serving a continental breakfast and delicious lunch.
Anyone who has macadamia trees are invited to plan to join the society for a fun and informationfilled day.
Directions to the farm: From I-15, exit on 78 east, turn right on Broadway in Escondido, left on Washington Avenue, right on Ash Street (it will become San Pasqual Valley Road), right on Summit Drive, right on Valencia Drive to
1115 at the end of the road.
Registration: Cost is $30 per person, including breakfast and lunch.
Annual Membership remains $25 and includes the current Yearbook. One does not need to hold a membership to attend the Field Day.9
To register, go to https:// californiamacadamiasociety.com/ (click on ‘Annual Events’) or mail name, phone number, address, email address along with a check to: California Macadamia Society, 1115 Valencia Drive, Escondido, CA 92025.
Registration for the Field Day constitutes permission to be photographed at the event. For more information, call 760743-7706.
Submitted by the California Macadamia Society
Valley News/Courtesy photo
Macadamia trees grow tall and full, with dark green foliage that shelters bunches
Valley News/Karina Young photos
Industry-leading procurement efforts create value for EMWD customers
PERRIS – Every day, the Purchasing and Contracts Department at Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) has one priority: Find the best value possible.
From delving deep into their list of suppliers to negotiating the best possible price for materials, goods, and services, the department helps California’s sixth-largest retail water agency minimize costs while providing exceptional value to its ratepayers.
Their work has led to EMWD being recognized with the National Procurement Institute’s Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award for the 12th consecutive year. The award is presented to government agencies that showcase excellence in embracing innovation, professionalism, productivity, electronic procurement, and leadership in acquiring quality goods and services at the best value.
EMWD is one of 23 special districts nationwide to receive the award.
“Our goal is to always provide our ratepayers with the best possible value,” EMWD Board President Stephen Corona said. “Because of the work of our Purchasing and Contracts
Department, we are able to provide our customers with highly reliable services at an exceptional value.”
EMWD’s objective is not just to find the lowest price, but to focus on the best short and longterm value for its ratepayers. On any given day, EMWD staff may work with a variety of suppliers to seek bids, determine the quality of proposed services, and negotiate price points that are fair to all involved.
In the past 13 months – ending in mid-July 2025 – those efforts have resulted in $2.2 million in cost savings or costs avoided.
In recent years, EMWD has modernized its online procurement efforts to streamline processes and sustain transparency. It hosts an annual event to educate vendors on how to do business with EMWD, recognizes suppliers at board meetings when larger contracts are awarded, and routinely engages with providers to help them understand and meet EMWD’s needs.
EMWD Director of Purchasing and Contracts Jeff Wasserman said a recent conversation with a chemical supplier highlighted the importance of relationships.
“They said that no other agency does this type of outreach with them and walks them through all
EMWD was recognized with an Excellence in Procurement Award by the National Procurement Institute for the 12th consecutive year. of the projects we are working on,” Wasserman said. “We try and view things through the lens of ‘Are we getting the best value?’
I’m definitely proud of our team for being recognized and always acting in the best interest of the district and our ratepayers.”
RCWD awards contract for Well No. 139 rehabilitation
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
Best Drilling and Pump, Inc., has been awarded the Rancho California Water District construction contract for the rehabilitation of Well No. 139.
The RCWD board voted 6-0 September 11, with John Hoagland absent, to award a $474,000 contract to Best Drilling and Pump, Inc. Well No. 139 was constructed in 1987 and is located at the General Kearny Reservoir site, approximately 1,500 feet north of Rancho California Road.
Well No. 139 experienced a significant decrease in production from 300 gallons per minute (gpm) to just over 100 gpm. When the well was taken offline for inspection, it was found to be filled with debris. An initial video inspection of the casing was inconclusive due to poor water clarity and obstructions, while a subsequent video revealed heavy encrustation throughout the casing
and two holes in the casing. The structural damage and the reduced production indicated the need for extensive rehabilitation efforts.
Well No. 139 has been out of service since September 2022.
The rehabilitation of Well No. 139 will address well casing structural issues. The work will include mechanical brushing, which will thoroughly clean the well screens to remove encrustation and debris, patching the identified holes, and redeveloping the well.
The activity will also airlift debris and install a new turbine pump to bring the well back to full operational capacity. Chemical injection and chlorine disinfection will also be part of the scope of work. The rehabilitation will also install new equipment, including a new 150-horsepower motor, a column pipe, a cone strainer, a sounding tube, and a pump assembly unit. Well No. 139 will have an expected flow rate of 600 gpm after the rehabilitation.
Rancho Water initially sought a
contract to rehabilitate both Well No. 139 and Well No. 232, which was constructed in 1984 and is off De Portola Road approximately 600 feet east of Anza Road. The project was advertised for bid on December 12 with a bid opening date of February 6. Two companies submitted bids. South Valley Companies, Inc., of Bakersfield, had the low bid of $2,702,000, but that bid was deemed non-responsive and was still significantly higher than the engineer’s estimate of $1,450,000. Best Drilling and Pump, Inc., which is headquartered in Colton, had the only responsive bid, which was $3,077,865.
RCWD staff investigated the reasons for the bid prices being significantly higher than anticipated. Increases in labor and chemical costs, along with uncertain material lead times for pumps and motors, were identified along with a scope of work that would require extensive effort by the contractor.
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The March 13 RCWD board meeting included a 6-0 vote, with Brian Brady absent, to reject the bids for rehabilitating both wells while approving additional funding in the project budget to allow some work to be conducted in-house. The budget for Well No. 232 was increased from $597,000 to $897,000, while the budget for Well No. 139 was increased from $325,000 to $665,000. The March 13 action did not specify whether the rehabilitations would be rebid or performed in-house. Even if external contracting were required, some functions might be performed by RCWD staff. The scope of the project was changed, and on July 23 a request for proposals to rehabilitate Well No. 139 was issued. The deadline for bids was August 20, and three companies submitted their responses. Layne Christensen Company had the low bid of $468,753.08, but the Redlands company did not include a hard copy of the bid bond so the
bid was deemed non-responsive. Best Drilling and Pump, Inc., submitted a bid for $474,000.00. Weber Water Resources CA, LLC, which is in Corona, provided a bid of $562,890.65. The district had budgeted $540,000 for the contract.
The contract requires the work to be completed within 98 days, or 14 weeks, after the Notice to Proceed is issued. Once the rehabilitation is completed, the cost to pump and treat the water and to provide routine maintenance will be approximately $260 per acre-foot. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will be charging $1,528 per acre-foot for treated water during Calendar Year 2026, so the savings from using water from Well No. 139 should match the total cost of the project approximately 18 months after the well is returned to service.
TEMECULA - The City of Temecula invites interested residents to apply for the following positions: Planning Commission – 5 positions available Old Town Local Advisory Committee – 2 positions available (1 Old Town Business + 1 Old Town Resident)
The City Council will make appointments for these positions at a public meeting in November 2025.
The term of each position will begin January 1, 2026 and run through the term of the nominating
Council Member. An applicant may be reappointed for future terms.
The recruitment period for these positions is Sept. 17 through Oct. 17, 2025. Applicants may apply online through the City’s website at TemeculaCA.gov. Supporting documents, if any, must be submitted together with the application. Qualified applicants must be a resident of the City of Temecula at the time the application is submitted.
Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 951-694-6444 for additional information.
Menifee author and teacher wins national Parents’ Picks Award for Sweet Rescue children’s book
teacher and author Alex Friedrichs won a national Parents’ Picks Award for his children’s book, Sweet Rescue.
by his own family, the book was honored as one of the best kid-approved books in the country. Alex says his greatest inspiration comes from his students and grandsons, who are his first readers.
MENIFEE – Alexander “Alex” Friedrichs, a longtime elementary school teacher in Menifee, has won a national Parents’ Picks Award for his children’s book Sweet Rescue, earning recognition as one of the best parent-tested, kid-approved books in the country.
Friedrichs said he was stunned when he first opened the email announcing the award.
“I was shocked. I had to read the email twice because I thought I had read it wrong. Then I just felt honored and blessed,” he recalled. “Being published was already a dream come true, but winning this award seems surreal. I am so grateful for the recognition.”
A veteran educator of more than 30 years, Friedrichs has shared thousands of picture books with students. His passion
for storytelling led him to write his own book after an unusual inspiration: while competing with his students on the Amazon show Play-Doh Squished, he was asked to invent a story for the challenge.
That night, he dreamt up Hungry Joe and his sister Becky Butterfly, waking at 4 a.m. to write it down before the details slipped away.
Sweet Rescue would become the result—a story brimming with humor, imagination, and heart— and helped the team win the TV show competition along with a $5,000 prize.
“Family supports, loves, and is unconditionally there, when you need help,” Friedrichs said. “I want kids to know it’s important to support your siblings and love them—to always have their backs.”
Menifee Union School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root praised Friedrichs’ achievement, saying, “Mr. Friedrich is an outstanding educator who creates an engaging classroom environment for his students but now he is expanding his reach to families across the country through his writing. This award is a testament to his creativity, dedication, and heart for children.”
Board of Education President Kyle Root added, “It’s remarkable to see one of our own teachers and residents receive national recognition. Mr. Friedrich’s book reflects the values we hold dear— family, friendship, and resilience. We couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Even as he celebrates this award, Friedrichs is already working on his next children’s book, focused
on teaching young readers about drug awareness in a gentle, ageappropriate way that sparks conversation between parents and children. He also enjoys sharing his stories with his three grandsons, who were among the first to read Sweet Rescue.
“My oldest grandson, who’s in fifth grade, was as excited as I was to open it and read it. My heart couldn’t have been fuller watching him smile with each page,” he said.
The Parents’ Picks Award is the leading national program
recognizing products tested and approved by parents. Sweet Rescue earned the accolade after meeting rigorous criteria, distinguishing it as an exceptional book for children.
Friedrichs, who lives in Menifee, credits his students and grandsons as his greatest inspiration. “Creating stories that entertain, teach, and bring families together is what drives me,” he said.
Submitted by the Menifee Union School District.
Menifee teacher and author Alex Friedrichs, a 30-year veteran of the classroom, celebrates winning a Parents’ Picks Award for his children’s book, Sweet Rescue. The book, which was inspired by the Amazon TV show competition Play-Doh Squished. His book has been recognized as one of the best parent-tested, kid-approved books in the country. Friedrichs is seen here sharing his award-winning story with his grandson and holding a copy of his book.
Soboba Tribal Preschool celebrates Grandparents Day
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News
The young students who attend Soboba Tribal Preschool were excited and delighted to spend the morning with their grandparents and great grandparents at a special party at the Soboba Sports Complex, Sept. 5. Each class performed two songs they learned especially for the Grandparents Day event, with each group singing “Oy Noma’max.” The Luiseño language lyrics translate to “I love you with all my heart.” Preschool Administrator Lenora “Ponie” Mojado welcomed the full room of guests. “Grandparents are the foundation of the family, and they make our family feel complete. They hold a special place in everyone’s heart and bring us all together. Today, Soboba Preschool honors all grandparents. We cherish the memories, moments, and traditions that you pass down, especially the art of storytelling. Wishing you the very best on Grandparents Day. Thank you so much for coming. NuSuun Loviqq Achama! (My heart is good, thank you!),” she said.
She then read a poem by Stacy Smith, titled “Grandparents Are Special People.” It reads:
“Grandparents are special people, with wisdom and pride. They are always offering love and kindness and are always there to guide. They often make you feel so confident and strong. Their arms are always open, no matter what you did wrong. They try to help out in every way that they can. They love all their grandchildren the same, whether you’re a child, woman or man. They are always there to listen and to lend a helping hand. They show you respect, and they try to understand. They give their love, devotion and so much more, that’s easy to see. Grandparents, what perfect examples of the kind of person that we should be.” Before all visitors were treated to a delicious meal of barbecued chicken, macaroni and cheese, beans, corn, potato salad and more provided by Tribal Chef Anita Morillo, a blessing was given by Marian Chacon who was at the event with her grandson Brian “Cobra” Chacon and greatgrandson, Brian, 4. She thanked the Heavenly Father for the “gift of the children who have brought such joy and happiness into the lives of us grandparents.” The theme was evident see GRANDPARENTS, page B-8
Valley News/Courtesy photos
Menifee
Inspired
Celebrating Grandparents Day at Soboba Tribal Preschool are, from left, great-grandmother Francie Diaz with pre-k student Noah Mendoza and his grandmother Camille Diaz. Standing is Nicole Diaz.
Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos
Pre-K students from Soboba Tribal Preschool sing during a Grandparents Day celebration at the Soboba Sports Complex, Sept. 5.
Rose Girard, left, holds her granddaughter, Nolani Miranda, while Laura Bentiste holds her granddaughter, Natalia Girard. The fouryear-old pre-k students are cousins.
Katie Lovegrove interns at the Sports Performance Institute
GREENVILLE, SC – Katie Lovegrove, a senior Kinesiology major at Bob Jones University, is completing an internship with the Sports Performance Institute in Spartanburg, SC.
A resident of Menifee, Lovegrove shadows athletic trainers, performance trainers, and personal trainers to gain hands-on experience. She also assists with training sessions and provides support for daily responsibilities throughout the gym.
“My internship is where my future career
throughout the gymnasium with signs made by children in each of the classrooms that paid tribute to their elders. A poster that read, “Thank you for helping us grow” contained cutouts of many types of flowers that were colored by the kids. “Thanks for helping us bloom” was written on cutouts of watering cans filled with flowers that the children had colored themselves. Another colorful poster read, “Love makes everything grow better.”
Along the walls were strung seed packets of different types of flowers and families were invited to take some home when they left. Each table was set up with an interactive craft the grandparents could do with their grandchildren. Containers of paint were set out for them to decorate small terracotta pots that each guest was given when they arrived. They can later be filled with the flower seeds they chose to take home.
The youngest students, who are in the preschool class and only three years old, completed the
has started to feel real,” said Lovegrove. “I’ve been able to take all the head knowledge I’ve acquired in my classes and put it into practical use. This has been one of the most valuable experiences of my time in college.”
Within the cultural and academic soil of liberal arts higher education, Bob Jones University exists to grow Christ-like character that is scripturally disciplined, others-serving, God-loving, Christproclaiming and focused above.
sentence, “I love my grandparents because…” with clever and honest comments shared on a wall poster. Talla Grant said, “They’re my favorite people ever.” Damian Mariscal said, “We watch Minecraft together.” Hunwut Castello completed his sentence with, “They give me ice cream all the time.”
Teachers and staff were dressed in their finest floral fashions, which blended in perfectly with the theme of the special day.
National Grandparents Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Sunday in September following Labor Day. Grandparents have a special connection with their grandchildren that is proven to both make grandparents live longer and also make children more emotionally resilient. Grandparents Day is an opportunity to treasure that connection and spend some quality family time together. Seasonal flowers are often given in appreciation to grandparents on this day with the official flower being the forgetme-not.
Two area students awarded degrees from the University of Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, AL – Over 1,300 degrees were awarded during The University of Alabama’s summer 2025 commencement at Coleman Coliseum on Aug. 2. The University provides numerous opportunities for service and growth through its educational, social, and cultural experiences.
Sadie Berg of Canyon Lake received a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences.
Xavier Weckmann of Murrieta received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides a forwardthinking environment and over 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry, and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
Preschoolers perform two songs at the Grandparents Day celebration at the Soboba Sports Complex, Sept. 5.
Rosemary Morillo with a handmade gift made for her by her grandson Nakasha’Way Tohee, 3.
Crystal Maxcy, left, watches daughter Eshash Shuullaw Maxcy, 3, paint flowerpots with her grandmother, Joy Gates.
Grandparents Johnna Valdez and Maurice Mojado spend time with their granddaughters, Willow Valdez, left, and Nu$uun Valdez, at the Soboba Sports Complex.
Soboba Tribal Preschool kindergartners sing for their grandparents and other guests on Sept. 5.
[Left] Brian “Cobra” Chacon and Hope Chacon enjoy celebrating grandparents day with Brian Chacon, 4, and his great-grandmother Marian Chacon.
GRANDPARENTS from page B-7
Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photos
Supervisors approve in-house road work
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
Staff from the County of Riverside’s Transportation Department will be performing overlay reconstruction work on various roads throughout unincorporated Riverside County.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 Sept. 9, with Chuck Washington absent, to approve force account, or inhouse, work. The reconstruction will include 17 roads in the French Valley, unincorporated Hemet, and Temecula Wine Country areas.
The use of Transportation Department personnel rather than a contractor allows projects which are less complex and of a maintenance nature to be performed more efficiently due to the time and cost savings from not needing to generate engineered plans and contract specifications and from not having inspection costs. The state’s Public Contract Code allows road construction to be performed by employees of a
public agency if the work does not exceed 30 percent of the value of all work performed other than maintenance.
The reconstruction will include Acacia Avenue between Grant Avenue and 485 feet west of Grant Avenue, Auld Road from Maddalena Road to Washington Street, Bentley Street between Marshall Avenue and Borco Street, Borco Street from Bentley Street to State Route 74, Buckeye Lane between Valle Heights Road and 464 feet northwest of Valle Heights Road, Calle Contento from Pauba Road to 5,634 feet north of Rancho California Road, Chad Court between 295 feet north of Valle Heights Road and 585 feet north of Valle Heights Road, Denizen Heights Road from 831 feet northwest of Valle Heights Road to 832 feet southeast of Valle Heights Road, Emerson Street between Marshall Avenue and Bentley Street, Garrett Ryan Court from Valle Heights Road to 1,019 feet south of Valle Heights Road, Marshall Avenue between
105 feet south of State Route 74 and Valle Heights Road, Parmelee Court from Bentley Street to 101 feet south of Bentley Street, Speer Court between Bently Street and 239 feet north of Bentley Street, Squirrel Lane from Denizen Heights Road to Garrett Ryan Court, Thistle Lane between Denizen Heights Road and 404 feet north of Denizen Heights Road, Valle Heights Road from Marshall Avenue to Chad Court, and Via Maria Drive between Acacia Street and 512 feet south of Acacia Street. Gas tax and Unincorporated Communities Initiative Fund revenue will be used for the work, and for the projects in Mead Valley some of the funding will be obtained from the Mead Valley Revitalization funds. The total estimated cost of the work is $18,266,370 including $4,896,800 for the French Valley, unincorporated Hemet, and Temecula Wine Country roads. Joe Naiman can be jnaiman@ reedermedia.com
Supervisors renew dispatch and communications services agreement with Soboba
Joe Naiman Special to Valley News
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors renewed the county’s agreement to provide dispatch and communications services for the Soboba Indian Reservation fire department.
A 4-0 vote on September 9, with Chuck Washington absent, approved the cooperative agreement between the county and the Soboba Band of Luiseno
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Indians. The agreement is for a three-year period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. The Riverside County Fire Department will provide the dispatch and communications services to the reservation.
The Soboba tribe has contracted with the county since 2014. The previous agreement was approved by the county supervisors in August 2021 and covered the period from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025.
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The reservation will be charged based on the number of tribal fire stations and jurisdictional calls.
Soboba has one fire station, and the Riverside County Fire Department estimates a Fiscal Year 2025-26 call volume of 464 calls. Based on that volume, the annual cost would be $90,467.
The Soboba Tribal Council approved the agreement on July 9.
Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com
$168 million awarded to California airports to strengthen flight infrastructure across the state
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Fortysix California airports were awarded a combined $168.85 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to bolster aviation infrastructure, announced by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) The funding comes through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which invests in airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, noise cancellation, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings. Congress appropriates funding for the AIP annually.
“From large international hubs to the hundreds of small regional or local airports, the Golden State’s airports play an essential role in helping millions of Californians and visitors alike get where they need to go,” said Senator Padilla. “This tranche of more than $168 million in federal aviation funding will modernize our airport infrastructure to create a safer, smoother passenger experience while creating good-paying jobs and investing in low-emission equipment.”
“This federal funding will make a critical investment in California’s airports, improving their safety and modernizing their infrastructure, while creating more jobs in communities across the Golden State. I will keep working with Senator Alex Padilla and the entire California delegation to continue to strengthen our transportation system and boost our local economies,” said Senator Schiff.
Some area airports selected to receive funding include: Hemet-Ryan Airport — $4.56 million: This project rehabilitates 62,500 square yards of existing East and West Apron pavement to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of the rehabilitation of 41,115 square yards.
Ontario International Airport — $10.81 million: The first project reconstructs 5,526 feet of an outdated existing paved taxiway pavement. A second project acquires and installs low-emission
equipment, including 24 ground power units.
Palm Springs International Airport — $7.96 million: This project reconstructs an existing terminal by installing a new baggage handling system to improve the movement of passengers and baggage. This grant funds a portion of phase 1, which consists of site enabling work, building expansion, and proposed electrical work.
Los Angeles International Airport — $22.77 million: This funding will be used to extend an existing taxiway by an additional 990 feet in length to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. A second project acquires and installs low-emission equipment, including 42 electric vehicle charging stations.
Other California airports include Monterey Regional Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Camarillo Airport, Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and Hayward Executive Airport. A complete list of AIP awards for California airports in this round of funding is available online at https://www.padilla.senate. gov/wp-content/uploads/AIPSeptember-2025-Funding-1.pdf.
Last month, Senators Padilla and Schiff announced that 72 California airports were awarded a combined $158.4 million in grant funding from the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the AIP. In July, they announced that 18 California airports were awarded a combined $81.3 million from the AIP to bolster aviation infrastructure. Padilla also announced $219.5 million in grant funding from the FAA through the AIP last year to upgrade aviation infrastructure. Additionally, he announced $89.3 million from the FAA’s Airport Terminal Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Padilla and the late Senator Dianne Feinstein previously announced a combined $528 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for airport upgrades and modernizations across California.
Submitted by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).
Valley News/Daniel Kist photo (pexels.com)
OPINION
OPINION - Remembering Mr. Kirk: A personal reflection
Lena Grace Contributor
When I think about Charlie Kirk, I don’t just think about the national figure everyone knew — I think about the man who gave me opportunities, inspired me to love my country, and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.
Through my involvement with Turning Point USA, I learned what it truly means to be a patriot. Charlie taught me that we live in the land of the free because of the brave, and he showed me
that defending our freedoms is not just a political act but a moral responsibility. He believed that if we could not defend our beliefs, maybe they weren’t as strong as we thought — and that challenge has stayed with me.
Because of Charlie, I had experiences I will never forget. I had the chance to meet Brett Cooper, Benny Johnson and many other strong political leaders in our country who I greatly admire. One of my biggest dreams was to see President Trump in person, and Charlie made that happen for me.
That moment was unforgettable, but more importantly, it showed me how much he cared about young people and how deeply he wanted to give them opportunities that could shape their lives.
Charlie lived out the words of Galatians 5:13: “For you have been called to live in freedom, but do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” He used his voice and his platform to serve others and to call a generation of students to embrace the gift of freedom with courage and conviction. It
is now up to us to continue that legacy. His life and death also remind me of another leader who gave everything for what he believed: President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln once said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Lincoln was also shot, just as Charlie was, and their shared sacrifice reminds us how high the cost of leadership and freedom can be.
Charlie was more than a
commentator. He was a husband, a father, and a mentor to countless young people like me. His wife wrote, “Thank you for being my love story,” in a final video post on his life. That love, along with his leadership, leaves a lasting mark on all who knew him.
Charlie Kirk influenced America for the better. He will be greatly missed, but I believe he is in a better place. It is now our responsibility to carry forward his message, his courage, and his love for freedom.
School anti-parent measures may be derailed by low test scores
Naiman
Joe
Special to Valley News
There’s a reason critical race theory was initiated in 2020 rather than 2019. It’s the same reason the evolutionists’ 2009 celebration of the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species failed to gain ground, and the same reason the CLAS test didn’t survive past 1994.
If you’re going to base student achievement on something families find objectionable, an anniversary of the 1919 World Series isn’t the optimal time to try that.
In 1919 the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago White Sox played each other in the World Series. The White Sox were favored – which
means that bets placed on the Reds would have a higher payoff.
The White Sox also had a frugal owner, so some of the players were willing to take money from gamblers to fix the World Series.
Up to eight White Sox players were involved, and while the involvement of some of those is disputed it is accepted that White Sox first baseman Chick Gandil was the intermediary between the gamblers and the players.
The eight accused White Sox players were tried in a criminal court and acquitted, although they were still banned from organized baseball for life. Should parents initiate Operation Gandil and intentionally lower test results that is due to thought rather than to receiving money? Answering a social studies or evolutionary
science question wrong due to thought contrary to what the public schools teach is no different than answering a math or foreign language question wrong due to thinking something other than the correct answer. It’s not illegal.
The preference for lower test scores rather than answers contrary to family beliefs harms the schools more than the families. Evolutionists don’t believe in post-earthly rewards, so only their earthly legacies matter and low test scores reflect poorly on their earthly reputation.
Low test scores also reflect poorly on the schools themselves.
Parents who don’t have any objection to the content taught in public schools but pay attention to the test score results will be deterred from sending their
children to those schools. Flunking a student who does not answer test questions the politically correct way may cause that student to repeat a grade, which means that the cost per student increases and taxpayers may be wary of additional financial support to schools with large per-student expenditure amounts and low test scores. Flunking a student also means that he or she may turn 18 and can legally drop out of school as a junior, which will increase the school’s dropout rate and also reflect negatively on that school. If test scores are lowered due to Operation Gandil the schools have three options. They can suffer the consequences of the lower test scores. They can pass all students
regardless of test scores which count towards grades, which would negate the purpose of testing in the first place. The remaining option is to remove the objectionable tests and assess the students on their true learning ability rather than on their acceptance of indoctrination agenda.
The educators will fare worse than the students should content objectionable to families be pursued. The threat of responding to anti-family agendas by intentionally lowering test scores should be a strong reason for schools to abandon their indoctrination plans.
Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com
Why should communities foot the bill for climate chaos?
Dear editor, From deadly heat waves to ferocious hurricanes and raging wildfires, communities across the nation are paying a steep price for climate disasters. Families are facing higher insurance premiums, soaring food costs, and mounting health bills. Meanwhile, the fossil fuel companies driving this crisis are raking in record profits –without paying a dime toward the damages they have caused. In my area, the threat of wildfires is constant and temperatures are ridiculously high. Power outages due to these wildfires are always possible. Last year, power was out for two days and all my refrigerated food spoiled.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
The Polluters Pay Climate Fund
Act in Congress would require Big Oil to contribute just a small share of profits to a federal fund. That climate fund would help rebuild communities after disasters, protect frontline neighborhoods, and invest in resilience so we’re better prepared for the next storm, flood, or fire.
We’ve seen states like Vermont and New York already lead with climate superfund laws, but we need action at the federal level. Our leaders in Congress must put people over polluter profits and pass the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act.
The time to act is now—before the next disaster strikes.
Sincerely,
Dated:
Box 2467, Temecula, CA 92593-2467 Published:
Janet Wheeler Murrieta
Kaiser Permanente Southern California is now accepting applications for its Community Health Coverage Program (CHCP), an initiative that provides highquality health care to individuals and families who lack access to other forms of coverage.
To qualify for the program, individuals and families must live in one of the Kaiser Permanente service areas; live in a household with an income up to 300% of the federal poverty level; and, not be eligible for other public or private health coverage, such as Medi-Cal, Medicare, a job-based health plan or financial help through Covered California.
“At Kaiser Permanente, we believe everyone deserves access to high quality, affordable health care, regardless of their circumstances,” said Sandra E. Silva, senior director of Community Health, Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Through charitable health coverage programs like CHCP, we’re working to break down barriers and support the health of individuals and families across the diverse communities we serve.”
“As physicians, we see the impact that consistent health care access to care has on patients’ health and overall well-being,” said Dr. Fady Mikhael, pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente in the Inland Empire. “This program helps bridge a critical gap for those who might otherwise go without care due to lack of quality coverage.”
Important dates
Keep in mind the following timeline as you prepare to apply:
• August 1 – October 1, 2025: Current CHCP members can re-apply during this period.
• November 1, 2025 – January 30, 2026: Open Enrollment for all new applicants on a first-come, first-served basis; early application is strongly encouraged due to limited availability.
For more details about CHCP, eligibility and how to apply, visit https://charitablehealth. kaiserpermanente.org/california To avoid delays or errors, many applicants find it helpful to contact a trusted community partner for assistance with the application process. Click on “Get Help” to find the nearest contact for guidance on the phone or in person.
Submitted by Kaiser Permanente Southern California.
