City of Hemet, City of San Jacinto, Aspire Community Day School, Robert Oliver, Sergio Gonzales, Idyllwild Magazine & Visitors Guide, Diamond Valley Lake, San Jacinto Museum,
PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY:
D&M Publications, a company of Atlantic West Publishers Inc. 800-510-3304
Proud to be a member of the Hemet/ San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce
Hayden M. Wilbur, CEO
Gretchen Lindberg, Director of Design & Production
Because of the unique location of the San Jacinto Valley, it is only a short drive to many entertainment choices including beaches, mountains, desert, shopping malls, theaters and sports activities. If you can’t find it in the Valley, you are not very far from it.
San Jacinto Valley residents enjoy an active, family-centered lifestyle with an unusually rich number of recreational, historical, cultural and educational attractions.
With affordable housing and idyllic surroundings as the attraction, the Valley’s population increased 62% since 1990. Most newcomers are professionals and young families in search of a good place to raise kids and enjoy life. While the national trend has been an aging population, the median age in Hemet dropped from 56.7 to 37.1 years. In neighboring San Jacinto, it remains steady at 31.6.
People here uphold a tradition of family values and helping your neighbor. The Valley is made a safer, healthier and better place to live through the generous contributions of volunteers, who donate their time and talents at libraries, service clubs, hospitals, schools, scouting and churches.
Favorite pastimes range from fishing and boating, bicycling and horseback riding, hiking to lawn bowling and hot air ballooning. Valley-Wide Parks & Recreation District, with administrative offices in San Jacinto, offers sports programs and recreational classes for all ages, such as yoga, dancing, quilt and woodcarving shows and arts and crafts. There are 22 area parks and recreation spots. They also have a program “Come Ride with Valley-Wide,” offering day trips to musicals, attractions, planned tours and day excursions.
The Valley has a growing number of major shopping venues and fine restaurants. Golf courses are plentiful and the Valley’s consistently pleasant climate makes them ideal for year-round play. We like to brag about the West’s best indoor shuffleboard courts, plenty of well-maintained parks and tranquil wildlife areas.
Nature lovers will appreciate the San Jacinto Wildlife Area located northwest of San Jacinto. It consists of over 4,500 acres and is managed by the California Department of Fish and Game.
All in all, the Valley has lots to offer everyone. While there is ongoing growth and change, residents and visitors alike enjoy a comfortable hometown feeling and an outstanding quality of life. Life here is good!
Points of Interest
RAMONA BOWL AMPHITHEATRE & MUSEUM: The Amphitheatre is a natural canyon, complete with rocks, trees, birds and blue sky situated in the foothills south of Hemet. In 2013, “Ramona” celebrated their 90th year as California’s official outdoor play. The play is America’s longest-running outdoor drama and is based on “Ramona,” Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel. The museum contains local Indian history as well as history of the Ramona Outdoor Play.
DIAMOND VALLEY LAKE: Referred often as “The Jewel of California Lakes,” Diamond Valley Lake is Southern California’s largest freshwater reservoir with 4,500 surface acres. This beautiful reservoir has become a recreation Mecca that draws thousands of people for boating, sailing, shore and boat fishing. Metropolitan Water District has established a substantial trail system that allows visitors to hike and ride along the hills surrounding the reservoir. The North Hills Trail, opened in 2004, is a six-mile hiking and equestrian trail with trailheads at the lake’s east and west ends. The Lakeview Trail, a 21.8 mile loop around the lake, opened in 2005 and offers hiking, bicycling and breathtaking vistas of the lake and up-close views of unique habitat. During late winter and early spring, a two-mile wildflower trail is open, offering hikers beautiful vistas of hillsides ablaze in blues, yellows, reds and oranges of various California wildflowers.
RAMONA HILLSIDE PLAYERS: Quality entertainment is promoted by offering creative live theater productions, providing a cradle for Community Theater in our valley. Offering opportunities for growth to actors and directors while presenting their dramatic and comedic
heritage and providing mutually satisfying theater experiences for our members and the audience.
ESTUDILLO HOUSE: Built in the 1880s by Francisco Estudillo, son of Jose Antonio Estudillo, who received the Rancho San Jacinto Viejo Land Grant from the Governor of Mexico in 1842, the Mansion is owned by the City of San Jacinto, which is developing Estudillo House into a cultural, recreational and historical point.
HEMET / RYAN FIELD & MUSEUM:
Location of one of the two Ryan Schools of Aeronautics, a civilian training school for over 10,000 Army pilot cadets from 1940-1944. It was named for aviation pioneer Claude Ryan. The airport remains in operation today by Riverside County.
IDYLLWILD: A short drive up the mountain from Palm Desert or Hemet, this charming alpine village is perfect for a weekend getaway or day trip. Activities in Idyllwild include boating and kayaking on the 1-1/2 mile lake. A playground, camping and picnic areas are also available. Mt. San Jacinto State Park has tent and RV sites available –with restrooms, showers, fire pits, half grills, and water hook ups. Idyllwild is always bustling with interesting activities for tourists and locals alike. For those more adventurous, preferring the splendor of the great outdoors, you can choose from backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing and boating –it is all available in Idyllwild. Parking a vehicle on Forest Service land requires the display of an Adventure or Recreation Pass. Passes may be purchased for a day, or annually, at the Forest Service office in town or at a number of local merchants.
Ramona Bowl Diamond Valley Lake
Estudillo Mansion
Idyllwild snow in the city
HEMET DEPOT: Located in downtown Hemet, this historic train depot closed its doors to passengers in 1968. W. F. Whittier, Hemet’s founder, constructed the depot in 1914. It was purchased by a non-profit organization in 1989 and was totally restored. Today it is home to the Hemet Area Museum.
RUSSIAN TRANSPOLAR RECORD
FLIGHT SITE: In a widely publicized feat in 1937, three Russians made a nonstop polar flight from Moscow to San Jacinto. The Soviet flyers covered 6,256.6 miles in 62 hours and 17 minutes. The site of the historical landing is marked with a bronze plaque by California State His-
torical Landmark Number 989. This journey, via the North Pole, covered 11,500 kilometers (7,100 mi) and ended in a dairy pasture outside of San Jacinto after they had encountered fog conditions in San Diego and as far inland as March Air Force base in Riverside.
SIMPSON PARK: Named for former Hemet Mayor James Simpson, this 483-acre wilderness park is located in the Santa Rosa Hills south of the city. The park features picnic facilities, restrooms, hiking trails and a spectacular view of the San Jacinto Valley, the citrus groves of Valle Vista, Mt. San Jacinto, Diamond Valley Lake, Mystic Lake and the entire San Jacinto Valley. To locate the park, take Stanford Avenue, south of Florida Avenue to Crest Drive; turn right to Vista Del Valle and left to the top of the hill.
HARVARD STREET: As the focal point of redevelopment activity, Harvard Street is the heart of commercial downtown Hemet. Most of the buildings were erected at the turn of the century while others were either rebuilt or repaired after the 1918 earthquake. Housed on the street are restaurants, thrift stores, music
store, salons, a book store and antique shops. A Farmers Market is held each Saturday morning at 8:00am in the summer and 9:00am in the winter months.
HEMET DAM AND LAKE HEMET: Completed in 1895, this dam was the largest and highest masonry dam in the U.S. at that time. The dam and lake are still a vital part of the Valley’s water system. The lake is in the mountains east of Hemet and features day use, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and overnight camping.
SAN JACINTO MUSEUM: Learn about local history and early California indigenous people at the San Jacinto Museum. The Museum, with an outpouring of community support, recently moved to larger facilities inside Francisco Estudillo Heritage Park, located along North Dillon Street. Nearby is the Estudillo Mansion. The Mansion and Heritage Park are on the National Register of Historic Places and on the California Register of Historic Resources. The Museum is open Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm and admission is free.
FARMER’S CORNER MALL: Located on the corner of San Jacinto Avenue and Menlo Avenue, this is the second largest wooden mall west of the Mississippi. It was built in 1980 and was the most admired place in the Valley. The mall today is just as lovely and welcoming as it was in 1980. Farmer’s Corner produces annual holiday events. Visit the mall for more information. A farmers market, held every Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm, offers fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, specialty food items and crafts.
VICTORIAN BRIDAL MUSEUM: The Victorian Bridal Museum and La Boutique Consignment &Bridal has relocated to the historic Old Hemet Opera House at 146 N. Harvard Street. They are available for on-site showings and talks to make any occasion special. Eve Faulkner, the Museum’s owner and creator, has spent the last 15 years sharing and teaching Victorian wedding traditions.
THE MAZE STONE: This prehistoric petroglyph – located just outside Hemet in Reinhardt Canyon, within the Lakeview Mountains in Riverside County –was donated to Riverside County along with 5.75 acres (23,300 m2) of land on April 16, 1956, by Mr. and Mrs. Rodger E. Miller. (California Historical Landmark No. 557). The government has installed two perimeter chain link fences around
the petroglyph landmark, making direct appreciation, study or an unobstructed picture difficult. The surrounding land has been set aside for the protection of native plants and animals, with a warning that the “natural features may be hazardous,” and is at the end of California Avenue to the north of Highway 74 and east of Highway 215, in Hemet. According to a sign where the road has been blocked off to prevent people from driving closer to the Maze Stone, people with questions can call the Riverside County Parks Open Space Office at 909-245-1212.
HEMET VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION,
INC.: Organized on December 16, 1963, with a Charter Membership including Donna Welch, President, the HVAA held its first General Meeting on January 30, 1964 with a balance in the treasury of $10. Through the patronage of Earl & Kathleen Gilman, a clubroom was made available at Gilman Hot Springs with no cost to the Art Association. Many outstanding members of the community, including the Ramona Pageant and the Chamber of Commerce, aided and promoted the progress and development of the Art Association. The purpose of the organization is to inspire and develop beginning and student artists and to provide opportunities for amateur artists to associate with the finest artists our society has to offer. Today the HVAA is a non-profit, taxexempt corporation with its own Art Gallery, professional instructors, monthly meetings with art demonstrations and several fundraising events each year that draw hundreds of people.
DIAMOND VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL:
Since its founding in 2004, “Advancing the Arts – Creating Community” has been the motto of The Diamond Valley Arts Council. With The DVAC’s move into a new facility at 123 N. Harvard St. in downtown Hemet, the implications of that ideal has taken on even greater significance for both the arts and for the community. As an organization dedicated to promoting awareness of, and greater participation in, the arts, locating in downtown Hemet opens the door for greater visibility of what The DVAC is, what we do and what is available to our community in term of arts and culture activities, events and venues. Stop by The Arts Center during their planned business hours of 11 am to 5 pm any Wednesday through Saturday.
Hemet Station
VALLEY ATTRACTIONS
WESTERN SCIENCE CENTER:
The story of the Western Center began over 230,000 years ago after the Pacific Ocean had receded and Southern California’s inland valleys were covered with lush vegetation. As the climate dramatically changed, the secrets of life in these valleys were buried in an arid landscape where they remained hidden until the digging began.
In 1995 Metropolitan Water District (MWD) began construction on the 4,500 acre Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet. At four and one half miles long by two miles wide, and costing over $1.5 billion, this reservoir was the largest civil engineering project in the United States and is the largest manmade freshwater lake in Southern California. Large-scale excavations for the massive project led to the discovery of some of the most significant Ice Age fossils and Native American artifacts in the Western United States.
Almost half of the Western Center’s building houses the research labs and curation facility that serve as a significant regional resource for research and advanced educational training. The facility is climate-controlled, equipped with security safeguards, and was designed as a repository for paleontological and archaeological materials.
Nearly 1,000,000 specimens, artifacts, and accompanying documentation are housed at the Western Science Center. The largest collections are the paleontology and archaeology collections, owned by MWD of Southern California, that resulted from the construction of Diamond Valley Lake.
Other MWD collections held in the repository include collections from the Inland Feeder Project, San Diego No. 6 Pipeline, and MWD Headquarters Project
Located off Domenigoni Parkway by Diamond Valley Lake, Western Science Center is home to a fascinating array of archaeological artifacts and Pleistocene Ice Age fossils that were unearthed at Diamond Valley Lake.
In the gallery you’ll meet “Max,” the largest mastodon found in the Western United States at the time of discovery, as well as “Xena,” a teenage Colombian mammoth. Let your imagination run wild as you walk on tempered glass, which houses “Little Stevie,” a large mastodon installed beneath the museum floor to re-create the actual dig site.
Scientists, researchers, students and the general public have an unparalleled opportunity to interact with and to understand the magnificent creatures and resourceful people who inhabited the Diamond and Domenigoni Valleys from the distant Ice Age past through today. There are plenty of hands on activities including a “make your own fossil” station.
Come early and take a walking tour through our native plant garden, and leave enough time to visit the museum store to pick up a unique item.
Programs for the community are held regularly at Western Science Center so make sure and check our website for special events, and visiting exhibits. If you become a member, you can get in free all year to a variety of exhibits, receptions, lectures, and events!
Whether it is dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, Pleistocene fossils, local family history, or archaeological artifacts, we have something for you!
You’ll find the Diamond Valley Lake Visitors Center next door to the Western Center. It has complete information about the giant reservoir and also tells the story of water in Southern California.
For information on any aspect of the Western Center and its programs, call 951-791-0033 or visit their website: www.westerncentermuseum.org. The hours for the museum are Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 2345 Searl Parkway, Hemet.
VALLEY-WIDE
RECREATIONAL AQUATIC
CENTER: The Aquatic Center has a beach-like, shallow entrance on one end and at the other is a 24-foot high water slide that delivers a fast, slippery 160-foot travel path. The huge, heated pool is also equipped for maximum fun with waterspouts, pipes and pint-size slides, water curtains and, of course, water guns. The Aquatic Center is well supervised to keep a close watch. Call for specific hours. 1801 Searl Parkway, Hemet; 951-929-0047.
DIAMOND VALLEY LAKE (WORLD
CLASS FISHING): Metropolitan maintains an active fish re-stocking program in conjunction with the California Department of Fish & Game. The reservoir’s deep depth makes it an ideal cold-water fish lake, perhaps the best in Southern California. Anglers find Black bass, a favorite quarry of local fisherman. There are also Northern and Southern Bluegill and Sunfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
and Rainbow trout that can reach sizes up to 11 pounds. Marina Office: 951-926-7201; 800-590-LAKE (5253)
HEMET MUSEUM: Housed in the historic Hemet Santa Fe Depot, the Hemet Museum’s exhibits showcase the area’s fascinating history. You’ll see agricultural displays, Native American artifacts, railroading relics, rate historical photographs from the Ramona Pageant and more. Florida Ave. & State St., Downtown Hemet. 951-929 4409.
SOBOBA CASINO: Nestled in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains, south of the 10 freeway, Soboba Casino is Southern California’s premier gaming and entertainment hot spot, open 24/7. The Casino features 2,008 varieties of slot machines with the highest and most frequent payout! 20 Table Games with a variety of games to offer, making every trip exciting! Soboba provides promotions every month that include Cash and Free Slot Play Prizes, Automobiles, Gift Packages, and chances to Swipe & Win for even more prizes and payouts. Play Smoke-Free! Soboba has the largest non-smoking game room in all of Southern California, complete with its own separate entrance. Soboba Café and Coffee Kiicha are open 24/7 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit the Willow Basket Soboba Gift Shop for souvenirs. There is a 3,500 seat entertainment pavilion and AC’s Lounge which is a spacious sports lounge featuring a cocktail bar and 3 giant flat screen high def flat screens with surround sound.
Casino employees are happy to provide any assistance or information you might need. 23333 Soboba Road, San Jacinto; www.soboba.net; (866) 476-2622.
PARKS & RECREATION
Recreational opportunities are everywhere in the Valley, including boating and fishing, cycling and hiking, horseback riding, lawn bowling, golf, tennis and exciting Indian gaming.
For family fun, the Valley’s many parks are well maintained, secure, and designed to provide a wonderful day.
VALLEY-WIDE RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
The heart of Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District, a separate entity from the cities, is located at the north end of the Valley in San Jacinto at 901 West Esplanade Ave.
Created in 1979, REGIONAL PARK covers 36 acres and is home to the park district’s administrative offices and the 22,000 square foot Sports Center.
This park serves many purposes, including being the headquarters for the Valley-Wide Regional Parks Department. Valley-Wide cares for some of the larger parks in and around San Jacinto Valley. It includes a gymnasium, many lighted baseball and soccer fields, outdoor basketball courts, six tennis courts, volleyball courts, batting cages, horseshoe pits, a fitness trail, picnic areas with restrooms, and several play-areas created for varying age groups. A number of fine community classes and clubs are offered for the community at this park.
The Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District has ambitious plans to add even more to the many parks it operates in the San Jacinto Valley, as well as to bring residents expanded organized recreational activities, such as swimming, tennis, baseball and basketball. 951-654-1505; www.valleywiderecreation.org.
CITY OF HEMET PARKS
The cities of Hemet and San Jacinto both have a great park system with a partnership with Valley-Wide
Recreation and Park District. San Jacinto has set a standard few other cities in the state can match; five acres of parks for every 1,000 people.
CONTACT:
City of Hemet, 951-765-3712; City of San Jacinto, 951-654-7337; and Valley-Wide, 951-654-1505 for information on their area’s specific parks.
BILL GRAY PARK: A five-acre park featuring picnic, playground equipment, ball diamond, and basketball courts. 25330 Lake St.
BRUBAKER PARK: A five-acre park planted with grass and trees, two basketball courts, a ball field, a playground and picnic tables.
3707 W. Mustang Way
DAVID R. OLTMAN PARK: This six-acre park has a tot lot, play areas, paths and tables, plus a fully enclosed dog park, and is located directly across from the new Tahquitz High School on Cawston
CAWSTON COMMUNITY PARK: This park has a playground and picnic tables and is located next to Fire Station #2 on the northeast corner of Devonshire and Cawston
COMMUNITY PARK AT DIAMOND
VALLEY LAKE: Next to Diamond Valley Lake is another “jewel” of the San Jacinto Valley. Valley-Wide has built an 85-acre, $12 million sports and recreation complex in south Hemet and it is BIG. Opened in the summer of 2009, there are five baseball diamonds and three soccer fields, with lighting
for night play. When complete, the complex will have six more soccer fields—for a total of nine, several courts for basketball, beach volleyball and tennis, a picnic area, snack bar, playground and tot lot. While some funding from the state, Community Park is only happening because of local fundraising and the participation of the City of Hemet.
Construction of the Diamond Valley Lake Aquatic Center, which opened in 2006, completed the first phase of Community Park. The Aquatic Center is one of the most unique public pools in California. The 25 yard pool, heated to 78 degrees, has a zero-depth “beach” entry at the children’s end and a 24-ft. high water slide at the other.
The Aquatic Center and Community Park is near Diamond Valley Lake’s east dam in south Hemet, just west of State St. off Domenigoni Parkway.
HEMET YOUTH BASEBALL: The Hemet Youth Baseball Fields, located next to West Valley High School and Brubaker Park, has more than a dozen baseball fields of various sizes. Mustang Way & So.Cawston Ave.
GIBBEL PARK & VETERAN’S MEMORIAL: Gibbel has a large playground area, two half basketball courts, a ball field, restrooms, two lighted tennis courts, lawn bowling green, horseshoe pits, picnic areas and a Veteran’s Memorial. 2500 W. Florida Ave. at Kirby.
MARY HENLEY PARK: A popular park with a large playground area, two half basketball courts, picnic tables, shade structures, horseshoe pits, and tot lot. A nice walking path surrounds the park. S. Kirby at Cypress St.
RODEGHIER GREEN PARK: Comfortable green space with turf, trees and a bench at the northwest corner of Acacia Ave. and Palm Ave.
SEARL SPORTS PARK: A ten-acre park featuring three ball diamonds, one soccer field, picnic area and restroom facilities. 1001 No. Buena Vista Ave.
SIMPSON PARK: Escape your cares at this 483-acre wilderness park in the Santa Rosa Hills southeast of Hemet featuring a sheltered picnic area, tables, seasonal barbecues and restrooms, plus over 15 trails for walking, biking and hiking with beautiful vistas of Diamond Valley Lake. Entrance at 28505 Rawlings Rd.
SPENCER PARK: Relax at this quiet green space with a large turf area and picnic facilities. Located behind Fire Station #2 at 895 W. Stetson Ave.
STONEY MOUNTAIN PARK: Sevenacre “pocket park” at Warren Rd. and Esplanade Ave . with a basketball court, tables, gazebo, tot lot and nature trail.
VALLE VISTA PARK: A four-acre park featuring picnic shelter, playground equipment, horseshoe pits, and restroom facilities. 25175 Fairview Ave. & Bethlam Ave
VALLE VISTA COMMUNITY CENTER: A 15,000 sq. ft. center with a kitchen, indoor basketball and racquetball court, meeting rooms and an office situated in a seven-acre park featuring three ball diamonds, playground equipment, and shaded picnic areas. 43935 E. Acacia Ave. & Fairview Ave.
WELCH GREEN PARK: Seating area and trees – a great place to sit down and people-watch. Located in downtown Hemet, across from City Hall at the northwest corner of Florida Ave. and Buena Vista St.
WESTON PARK: Hemet’s oldest park, established in 1921 and recently renovated, Weston Park has a shuffleboard court, restrooms, playground and
basketball courts. 700 E. Florida Ave., between Thompson and Taylor.
CITY OF SAN JACINTO PARKS
BOLANDER PARK: Includes one covered eating area, playground equipment, a basketball court, and a long field perfect for kite flying. Park Meadows Dr. & Meadow View Dr.
COL. LEWIS MILLET PARK: A fiveacre park featuring picnic areas, lighted ball field and playground. 2001 Ramona Blvd.
DRUDING PARK: Contains monuments to Veterans of each branch of service. Historic downtown at 208 S. Pico Ave.
DANIEL KURTIS NAJERA MEMORIAL PARK: Two half-basketball courts, large gazebo and tot lot. West 7th and So. Lyon.
DURANGO PARK: One-acre park with eight BBQ’s, a half-basketball court and tot lot. Main St. and Divine Way.
FRANCISCO ESTUDILLO HERITAGE
PARK: Located at 150-1/2 Dillon St.
GRANITE PARK: A single covered eating area, play equipment, and a basketball court. Wheelbarrow Way & Harvest Dr.
HAFLIGER PARK: Tot lot, gazebo, walking path. 630 E. Agape Ave., Park Ave.
HARVEST PARK: Nice grassy area located southwest of Skyview Park at 920 Skyview Ln.
HOFMANN PARK: Part of the San Jacinto Community Center; nice grassy area located at 650 San Jacinto Ave.
MEADOWBROOK PARK: One-half acre turf, tot lot, two half basketball courts, covered bench areas. Sanderson and 7th St.
MISTLETOE PARK: Two half-basketball courts, large gazebo, playground, BBQ’s, picnic tables, benches, restrooms. 421 S. Mistletoe Ave.
PARKSIDE PARK: Tot lot, gazebo located at Sanderson & Pelican.
POTTER RANCH PARK: Large grassy area, two half-basketball courts, tot lot. Ramona Blvd. and Ranch View Ln.
RANCHO PARK: Three gazebos, restrooms, tennis courts, a softball field, BBQ’s, tot lot. 975 E. Esplanade Ave.
SKYVIEW PARK: Tot lot, gazebo. 920 Skyview Ln.
SAGECREST PARK: Big grassy area, gazebo, playground, tot lot. 920 Skyview Ln.
SALLEE PARK & RECREATION POOL: Softball field, restrooms, two halfbasketball courts, Youth Center, pool, picnic benches, tot lot. 180 Idyllwild Dr.
VALENCIA PARK: Basketball court, tot lot. Mountain and Hemet.
WARD PARK: Opened in May 2008 on the southeast corner of Seventh St. and Sanderson Ave.
WARNEKE PARK: San Jacinto’s newest park, Warneke Park is in the new Coventry Acres subdivision at Sunnywide Blvd. and Milwaukee Park , between Lyon and Palm Avenues.
Golf Courses & RV Parks In the
PUBLIC GOLF
COURSES
DIAMOND VALLEY GOLF CLUB: 31220 Sage Rd., Hemet, CA 92543; 951-767-0828; www.diamondvalleygolfclub.com
HEMET GOLF CLUB: 7676 World Cup, Hemet, CA 92545; 951-926-4653; www.hemetgolfclub.com
SEVEN HILLS GOLF CLUB: 1537 S. Lyon Ave., Hemet, CA 92545; 951-925-4815; www.sevenhillsgolfclub.com
THE COUNTRY CLUB AT SOBOBA SPRINGS: 1020 Soboba Rd. San Jacinto, CA 92583; 951-654-9354; www.sobobaspringscc.com
CHAMPIONSHIP SHUFFLEBOARD & LAWN BOWLING
Hemet has produced several United States shuffleboard champions and hosts tournaments drawing hundreds of participants. Meet local folks and international visitors enjoying an afternoon game of lawn bowling.
LAWN BOWLING: Hemet/Joselyn Lawn Bowls. A complete lawn bowling facility is part of Gibbel Park at Devonshire Ave. and Kirby St., Hemet. 951-333-9898.
SHUFFLEBOARD: The city shuffleboard courts are at Weston Park, Florida Ave. and Santa Fe St. Shuffleboard members offer on-site lessons. 951-925-7856.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKS
The San Jacinto Valley is RV friendly and has several RV parks and two RV subdivisions: Casa del Sol RV Resort 951-925-6916
Diamond Valley RV Park............................................................................. 951-654-0670
El Rancho San Jacinto RV Park 951-654-4416
Golden Village Palms RV Resort 800-323-9610
Hemet Valley RV Park 951-658-0218
Mountain Lyon RV Park ............................................................................. 800-926-5593
Reflection Lake RV Park 951-654-7906
Tucalota Springs RV Park 951-767-0604
SUBDIVISIONS:
Heritage Ranch
951-654-3366
Mountain Shadows RV Resort 951-929-5106
PUBLIC INFO & DEMOGRAPHICS
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
EMERGENCY 9-1-1
24 Hr. Helpline - Crisis/Suicide 2-1-1
Animal Control
Better Business Bureau
951-765-2424
800-675-8118
Care-A-Van (Dial A Ride) 951-791-3572
Chamber of Commerce
951-658-3211
Diamond Valley Lake 800-590-LAKE
Hemet Ryan Airport 951-925-7618
Hemet Valley Medical Center 951-652-2811
Simpson Center 951-765-2390
Ramona Humane Society 951-654-8002
Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre 951-658-3111
San Jacinto Community Center 951-654-7212
Sheriff’s Station (Hemet) 951-791-3400
Sheriff’s Station (San Jacinto) 951-654-2702
Valley-Wide Recreation Center 951-654-1505
LIBRARIES
Hemet Public Library 951-765-2440
San Jacinto Public Library 951-654-8635
Valle Vista Library 951-927-2611
Post Office 800-275-8777
San Jacinto 315 E. Esplanade Ave 951-654-6172
Hemet 324 S. State St. 951-658-1323
UTILITIES
Time Warner Cable 888-892-2253
Eastern Municipal Water District 951-928-3777
Lake Hemet Municipal Water 951-658-3241
Southern California Edison 800-655-4555
The Gas Company 800-427-2200
Verizon Telephone Company 800-483-1000
COMMUNITY WEBSITES
Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce www.hsjvc.com
City of Hemet www.cityofhemet.org
City of San Jacinto www.ci.san-jacinto.ca.us
Riverside County www.countyofriverside.us
Riverside County Workforce Development www.rivcojobs.com
Riverside Transit Agency www.riversidetransit.com
Ramona Humane Society www.ramonahumansociety.org
Press Enterprise Newspaper www.pe.com
The Valley Chronicle Newspaper www.thevalleychronicle.com
HEMET CITY DEPARTMENTS AND SERVICES
445 E. Florida Ave., Hemet, CA 92543
Business Hours: M – Th 7:30 am–5:30 pm; Closed Fridays
Administration/City Hall 951-765-2300
Building & Safety 951-765-2475
Business License 951-765-2348
City Clerk 951-765-2307
City Council 951-765-2303
City Manager 951-765-2301
Disaster Preparedness 951-765-2451
Engineering 951-765-2360
Finance 951-765-2330
Fire Department 951-765-2450
Graffiti Hotline 951-765-2309
Housing Division 951-765-2380
Human Resources 951-765-2315
Parks 951-765-3712
Planning 951-765-2375
Police (Non Emergency) 951-765-2400
Public Works 951-765-3712
Recycling/Refuse 951-765-3777
Simpson Center 951-929-5607
Street Sweeping 951-765-3710
Water Department 951-765-2350
HEMET CITY COUNCIL
Bonnie Wright Mayor
Paul Raver Mayor Pro-Tem
Robert Youssef Councilman
Shellie Milne Councilwoman
Linda Krupa Councilwoman
Alexander Meyerhoff City Manager
HEMET CITY OFFICIALS
Chief of Police Dave Brown
City Attorney Eric Vail
City Clerk Sarah McComas
Deputy City Manager Jessica Hurst Fire Chief Scott Brown
City Treasurer Judith Oltman
SAN JACINTO CITY DEPARTMENTS & SERVICES
595 S. San Jacinto Ave., San Jacinto, CA 92583
Business Hours: M-Th 8am–11:45am; 1pm–4pm, Closed Fridays Administration/City Hall 951-487-7330 Building &
City Engineer 951-487-7330
City Manager 951-487-7342
SAN JACINTO CITY COUNCIL
Andrew Kotyuk Mayor Mark Bartel Vice Mayor
Crystal Ruiz Councilwoman Scott Miller Councilman
Alonzo Ledesma Councilman Tim Hults City Manager
SAN JACINTO CITY OFFICIALS
City Treasurer Kaleena Richards
There are several smaller communities that make up the San Jacinto Valley area. They are East Hemet, Homeland, Lakeview, Nuevo, Romoland, Sage, Valle Vista and Winchester. Including these communities, the estimated population of the valley is over 170,000.
Sources: Riverside County for Demographic Research
ATTRACTIONS
• Agri-Empire
• City of Hemet
• Eastern Municipal Water District
• Edelbrock Foundry
• Forest River RV
• Gosch Automotive Group
• Hemet Unified School District
• PHH Hemet Valley Medical Center
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s Home Improvement
• ManorCare Health Services
• McCrometer
• Mt. San Jacinto College
• Ramko Manufacturing Co.
• San Jacinto Unified School District
• Skyline Homes, Inc.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is a comprehensive community college that is one of California’s 113 community colleges. A single college District, MSJC serves a 1,700-square mile area from the San Gorgonio Pass to Temecula with two major campuses at San Jacinto and Menifee, and satellite locations in Banning, Temecula (Temecula Education Complex and Temecula Higher Education Center), and a number of local high schools. Today, Nearly 20,000 students a year district-wide are served on-site, as well as online.
MSJC offers courses and programs that satisfy requirements of four-year colleges and universities. There are a variety of vocational and technical programs that prepare students for rewarding careers.
Basic Skills and English as a Second Language (ESL) training programs are designed for students who want to build a strong foundation and ensure academic success. Distance Education allows students access to more than 140 online classes to help complete educational goals.
Faculty members are master instructors, all dedicated to student success, all experts in their fields and all enthusiastic about sharing knowledge. The college celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013 and in recent years, unprecedented growth has fostered the highest rate of enrollment increase at all 113 California community colleges.
MSJC provides enriching opportunities that contribute to a robust student life on campus and go beyond the typical two-year college experience. MSJC boasts intercollegiate teams in men’s football, basketball, tennis and golf; and women’s teams in soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis and softball. Student life is bustling with nearly 30 clubs and a host of activities. Students can get involved in the Student Government Association (SGA), Honors Enrichment Program, Phi Theta Kappa chapter, leadership classes, Puente Project, Honors convocation and more. The MSJC Foundation provides support through scholarships and faculty grants.
The college considers the future educational needs of its student body through its Facilities Master Plan, which has received a statewide architectural award, and projects the needs of a growing student population by the year 2050.
For more information, visit www.msjc.edu or call 800-452-3335.
WELCOME to the
MEMBER BENEFITS
As a member of the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce, you’ll receive more than just the satisfaction of knowing that you helped make your community a better place to work, live and play. Additional benefits include:
VISIBILITY AND CREDIBILITY: “Breakfast Professional Series;” Mixers; Business Expos; First Friday Coffee Hours; Chamber referrals; access to over 500 members; committee involvement; Ambassador assistance, etc.
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE: Business seminar / workshops, annual leadership class, partnering with SCORE (business counselors who assist small business owners/operators to achieve their business goals) and use of the Chamber conference room.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: First Friday / Power Lunches and Mixers, Chamber referrals, access to over 500 members, committee involvement, Ambassador assistance, etc.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Banner ads on the Chamber’s website, e-blasts to Chamber members, The CHAT magazine and member business information display in The CHAT. Website: Business Directory, Job Postings, Events Calendar and Discounts.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS
The Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce offers numerous networking opportunities for its members. Monthly events include “First Friday” Coffee on the first Friday of each month, mixers on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The Chamber is proud to sponsor major annual events that include our HARVEST FESTIVAL, REVERSE DRAWING, and the OLYMPUS AWARDS
REVERSE DRAWING: This themed event is traditionally held in March. The infamous Wilfred P. Ryan annual Reverse Drawing, one of our most popular Chamber events, is an exciting evening of food, fun, drinks and, of course, the opportunity to win $10,000.
THE OLYMPUS AWARDS: This elegant event is a prestigious salute recognizing the San Jacinto Valley’s most prominent and deserving businesses and individuals. In the same extraordinary approach as the Academy Awards, a nomination for an Olympus Awards category is an honor and tribute to the excellence of the nominee. The Olympus Awards provide the opportunity for Chamber members to recognize those who give so generously. The final award recipients are selected by a vote of the Chamber membership. Induction of the Chamber Board of Directors is also conducted at this event as well.
HARVEST FESTIVAL: Join us in October for this old-fashioned harvest celebration. Bring your family and friends and enjoy hours of homegrown fun with your San Jacinto Valley neighbors. The event takes place on Harvard Street in old downtown Hemet and runs from 9 am to 4 pm. Attractions include a kids-zone with plenty of carnival games, a Halloween costume parade, a pumpkin patch, a dunk tank, trick
or treat candy prizes. There will be live entertainment featuring music for everyone to enjoy. With their dynamic booth displays and samples, local Valley businesses display the goods and services they provide; a perfect opportunity to open new doors for increased business. Food vendors, special effects make-up show, live music, emergency service demonstrations and much more, make this a perfect harvest day of fun for the entire family. Admission and parking are free.
FIRST FRIDAYS AND MIXERS: These two monthly activities are prime networking and social opportunities for our business and community members. The Mixers are located at various partner sites each month and provide a casual environment for local business people to become acquainted, exchange ideas, and gather referrals. First Fridays also present an opportunity to hear from community leaders and elected officials regarding topics pertaining to local businesses.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH: The Student of the Month Program is a program that honors high school senior students in the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley by our community and school leaders, dignitaries and business owners. The mission of the Student of the Month is to bring the community together, praise our local seniors for demonstrating character, integrity, love of learning, involvement in school activities, athletics, and community service, and/ or the ability to overcome challenging life circumstances without compromising their education. The “heartbeat” of the Student of the Month is the student who makes a difference in their home, school and community with sincerity and passion. They must be college or trade school bound. Schools currently participating in the program are:
• HUSD Educational Options Schools
• Hamilton High School
• Hemet High School
• Mountain View High School/Mountain Heights Academy
• San Jacinto High School
• Tahquitz High School
• West Valley High School
NETWORKS OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
More than a business referral service and tourism center, the Chamber is comprised of a variety of committees that meet with fellow business leaders to improve economic development, monitor government at all levels, ensure quality education and promote community awareness. Participation in the following Chamber committees is not only welcomed, but is critical to the success of our valley. And to better serve our growing and diverse communities, the Hemet/ San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce has established various networks within the community to better reach varying demographics.
Ambassador effectively promotes Chamber membership to new and prospective members, while encouraging current members to maximize their member benefits. Ambassadors meet to discuss Chamber updates and news, and promote businesses through networking.
Women in Business Network provides a creative environment in which to develop your business and find solutions to problems. The Women in Business network promotes the business needs of women and recognizes that women face certain challenges in business. Members, who meet monthly, are from a wide range of businesses in the community.
Community Resource Network provides opportunities for non-profit and faith-based organizations to share resources, volunteers and contacts. Community Resource Network coordinates activities and calendars together and communicates ways they interact with businesses to benefit the community.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Michael Carle – CHAIR
Golden Village Palms
Becky Elam - TREASURER
MSJC
Dr. Roberto Guadamuz
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Guadamuz Chiropractic
Dee Cozart – SECRETARY
Cozart Management Services
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Claudette Anderson Bank of America
Joel Bergenfeld
Hemet Valley Medical Center
Phil Burch
ServiceMaster Restore
Bobbie Christie Individual
Karena Chum
Altura Credit Union
Steve Knauss
Gosch Auto Group
Lakshman Koka
SJ Medical Clinic
Pat McGivney
Pat McGivney CPA
Dr. Vince Record
San Jacinto Unified School District
Ray Shalizi, CHA
The Country Club at Soboba Springs
CHAMBER STAFF
Andy Anderson CEO
Kathy Jensen-Robinson
Office Assistant (Volunteer)
Linda Livesay
Office Assistant (Volunteer)
Tina Matar
Social Media Intern (Volunteer)
Felix Parker
Multimedia
Sonia Ramos
Office Assistant (Volunteer)
Yolanda Saenz
Business Development Coordinator
Jo Shaw
Staff Writer
Jeanine Woodford Accounting (Volunteer)
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE
HEMET
It is an honor to have been selected to serve as the City Manager of Hemet. I look forward to working with the community, the City Council and staff to enhance public safety and stimulate economic development. Despite the challenges of the recent past, the City of Hemet is moving forward. Our greatest days are yet to come! I look forward to meeting with you and getting to know the community.
Financial Position
In FY 14-15, the City of Hemet struggled to maintain a balanced budget. In fact, the City of Hemet had a projected deficit in excess of $5 million for FY 2015-16. The causes of this situation could mostly be attributed to the severe collapse of our primary revenue sources (property and sales taxes) that occurred post 2007, which saw precipitous drops in both categories, and was further exacerbated by the loss of redevelopment. Further compounding the structural deficit challenge was the fact that, had we persisted in going down this path, the city would have completely exhausted its reserves within the next 2-3 years, thereby forcing the city to once again make drastic cuts to staffing with even more dramatic cuts to service levels, or worse, face the specter of financial insolvency. It became crystal clear to me that something drastic needed to be done very quickly to bring the budget back into balance and stop the hemorrhaging.
Due to constraints over the City’s ability to change plans, the Mayor, City Council and key City staff began to reach out to the retirees and explain the City’s dire fiscal situation. It was made very clear to the retirees that, unless the City was able to gain their support to agree to a plan that cost the City substantially less money, not only would the City’s finances be at risk, but the retirees’ medical plans would likely be at risk. Fortunately, the retirees realized that it was in the best interests of both the City and the retirees to move to the less costly plan, and with the City Council’s approval, the City immediately began to move the majority of the retirees to an HMO plan. The impacts of the City Council’s actions were profound. The City will now realize a savings of over $13 million dollars over the next five years, which, along with some other cost saving measures, is projected to result in a balanced budget within the next five years. In addition, the city should be in a position of maintaining its current reserve policy of 20%, which is projected to be close to $12 million dollars.
I would also like to touch on a few other significant items that may be of interest to the community.
To this end, the Management Team determined that the single greatest long-term liability that the city had any fiscal control over was its retiree medical obligations. The major cost component of the plan was a PPO type plan that only covered a little over 60 employees, yet was costing the city over $2 million dollars per year. It is important for the public to understand that the retiree medical plan was approved back in the 1990s in lieu of salary increases and no one at the time really could have foreseen what would happen with the dramatic increases in medical costs over the intervening years. It became quite obvious that the city needed to move the retirees to a more cost effective plan or face the prospect of 30-40% annual cost increases per participant and be fined very onerous Affordable Health Care penalties (up to a million dollars per year), which would have resulted in costs of several millions of dollars more per year. The City Council has since discontinued lifetime retiree medical plans. No new employees enjoy this benefit.
In summary, the city is poised for positive economic growth and financial stability over the next five years. Development activity is up, Harvard Street is experiencing a renaissance, the city is working with a consultant group to develop a Specific Plan to guide future development in the downtown, property values are rising slowly but surely, sales taxes are nearly back to pre-recession levels, the Auto Mall is expanding, new businesses are going into vacant buildings in the downtown area, unemployment has dropped from a high of over 19% to below 9%, local industries are planning expansions, the city is hiring new police and firefighters, and there is a renewed sense of hope and optimism at city hall. I believe that we have gotten through the worst of the economic downturn and that the city has now positioned itself for a much brighter future, which will allow the city to better deal with such important issues as improving public safety, improving infrastructure, and making the city a better place to live, work, and play for residents and visitors alike.
Alexander Meyerhoff, City Manager – Hemet
SAN JACINTO
Following is a brief update on some the City’s accomplishments during the last fiscal year and highlight a few projects the City will be working on this fiscal year.
Fiscal Year 2014/15 Accomplishments
1
Prepared and adopted a budget for Fiscal Year 2015/16 that does not rely on the use of reserves to balance.
2Completed the Ramona Expressway Widening Project (Phase 2) –The project widened Ramona Expressway from Lake Park Drive to Eagle Drive from two lanes to four lanes. The project also included the installation of a bike lane from Lake Park Drive to San Jacinto Avenue.
3Completed agreements related to the $481,000 Indian Gaming Mitigation Grant for construction, landscape design and installation on Ramona Expressway as well as the purchase of Fire Department supplies and equipment.
4Solicited proposals for the preparation of the Downtown Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report as well as the preparation of the General Plan Health Element which is funded in part by a $491,000 California Department of Conservation Sustainable Communities grant. After the completion of the solicitation process, the City engaged the services of Kimley-Horn to prepare the Downtown Specific Plan, Environmental Impact Report and the General Plan Health Element.
Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Objectives
1
Complete turf removal projects at Hofmann Park, Mistletoe Park, Sallee Park and in four basins in Rancho San Jacinto to reduce water consumption and maintenance costs.
2Complete the renovation of the tot-lots at Sallee Park and Mistletoe Park. In addition, the City will work closely with Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District to identify and complete $250,000 in additional upgrades to both Sallee Park and Mistletoe Park. The funding source is a Community Development Block Grant due to the efforts of Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington.
3Install solar equipment at the Grand Avenue Well Site and the Artesia Avenue Well Site to reduce energy costs and stabilize water rates.
4Working closely with the San Jacinto Unified School District, implement the $989,000 Active Transportation Program grant to include design, engineering and construction of new sidewalk, curb and gutter, one mile of bike trails, restoration of deteriorated sidewalk and ADA ramps.
Tim Hults, City Manager, San Jacinto
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
As the new Supervisor for the Third District of Riverside County, it has been very exciting to visit all the communities within the third district. The Hemet/San Jacinto Valley is special and unique for several reasons. Its geographic location – including scenic vistas and sweeping landscapes that lend variety to the Valley’s attractiveness –provide for an esthetically pleasing community. Combined with a rich history of the Valley’s people who have long worked hard to create, preserve and improve the quality of life for its residents, it truly is a unique place to live.
With the recent and planned road infrastructure improvements and the planned San Jacinto levee project, the Valley is poised for sustained growth which will continue to attract good businesses and bring economic vitality. I am pleased to commit funding for several parks in the Valley to improve and upgrade them with new playground equipment, play surfaces and safety enhancements.
I look forward to strengthening a continued partnership between the county and both cities that will provide for sustained economic recovery and enhanced quality of life for all of us in the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley.
Chuck Washington, Riverside County Third District Supervisor
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
101.3 THE MIX ...........................................951-506-1222
Hemet, CA 92545 .........................951-623-7318
The Village Retirement Community
2200 W Acacia Ave
Hemet, CA 92545 951-658-3369
www thevillagehemet com
Jessica Dobis Community Relations Director jdobis@northstarsl com
161 N. Hemet Street Hemet, CA 92544
ROOFING
Weathertight Roofing Inc.
www.weathertightroofing.com
Trust your roofing repair needs to Weathertight Roofing Inc, your residential repair & roofing specialists We provide a complete selection of all roofing materials & roof-related products, & we specialize in re-roofing Ask about our free estimates! Tel: 951-929-0557 1100 N Buena Vista St , Hemet, CA 92543
Weathertight Roofing Inc.
1100 N Buena Vista St Hemet, CA 92543 951-929-0557
www weathertightroofing com
SALON/NAILS
Professio Nail & Spa
3523 W. Stetson Ave Ste B Hemet, CA 92545 951-929-6339
SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATIONS
Provident Savings Bank 1690 E Florida Ave Hemet, CA 92544 951-658-7224
www myprovident com
SCHOOLS, COLLEGES & EDUCATION
Dwelling Place Learning Academy, Inc. 27100 E Girard St Hemet, CA 92544.........................951-658-0711
www DPLAKids com
STORE DIRECTORY
AT&T 658-9774
BANK OF AMERICA 652-1022
BATH & BODYWORKS 658-8483
CLAIRES 652-4081
DOLLAR BOOK FAIR 392-8293
DANIEL’S JEWELERS 652-1200
FIESTA PARTY 437-7191
FOOTLOCKER 652-5517
GNC 929-1381
HOBBY LOBBY 766-1318
HOT TOPIC 652-4385
JCPENNEY 652-5054
LUXURY PERFUME 658-5252
MAGIC BROW 652-3549
RESTAURANTS
CHILI'S 652-2777
ORANGE JULIUS 652-3083
PANDA EXPRESS 765-0868
CARTS
MIMI'S CELL ZONE 714-876-8038 MIMI'S SILVER 714-876-8038
