Children seek a bite on their lines at the Just 4 Kids Fishing Derby, B-1
A-1
Local talent shines in 2024 NCAA Division 1 Baseball Tournament, C-1
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SERVING TEMECULA , MURRIETA , L AKE E LSINOR E , M ENIFEE , WILDOMAR , H EMET, SAN JACINTO AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES June 7 – 13, 2024
VISI T myvalleynews.com
Volume 24, Issue 23
Temecula Mayor Stewart presents JDS announces upcoming camps, the 2024 State of the City Address classes and
Entertainment
programs
Karlee Skipper Special to Valley News JDS Creative Academy is preparing for a new season of innovation and learning. With its unique summer camp experience, 10th Anniversary celebration, and the commencement of fall classes, the studio will be jam-packed with creative programs for everyone to enjoy. see page B-3
Sports Hemet Sportsman’s Club honors high school athletes Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News The Hemet Sportsman’s Club is a nonprofit organization that works year-round to promote and salute youth sports in the San Jacinto Valley and Anza. On May 23, the club presented the 2024 Bill Gray and Spring Sports Awards Banquet honoring local outstanding high school athletes. Area coaches nominated their students who were all recognized as team MVPs. see page C-4
Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Kim Kelliher, Chairman of the Board, introduces the 2024 Temecula State of the City Address by Mayor James “Stew” Stewart at the Pechanga Resort and Casino on May 30. Valley News/Tony Ault photo Tony Ault Staf f Writer Temecula Mayor James “Stew” Stewart gave a very personal and informative speech flanked by
two giant video screens during the 2024 State of the City address at Pechanga Resort and Casino, Thursday, May 30. Nearly 1,000 people including residents, press, city officials, fire
and police chiefs, school board members, state and county dignitaries, and business owners enjoyed Stewart’s annual address lauding the accomplishments and amenities found in “One of the safest cities
in California,” where he leads the Temecula City Council. He praised the city’s public safety departments in which the see CITY, page A-4
Soboba Fiesta mixes culture and fun for all
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News
Anza Valley Outlook Back to back brush fires alarm Anza residents Diane Sieker Staf f Writer Two brush fires scorched over 35 acres just a day apart and in the same Anza neighborhood last week, causing alarm and speculation among high country residents. see page D-1
Michael Mirelez and the Desert Cahuilla Bird Singers from Torres Martinez are the first of many bird singers to present social songs and dances at the Soboba Fiesta, May 18. Valley News/Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians photo
INDEX Anza Valley Outlook ......... D-1 Business ............................B-8 Business Directory .............B-8 Calendar of Events .............B-2 Classifieds .........................C-5 Courts & Crimes .............. D-6 Education ..........................C-5 Entertainment ...................B-1 Health ...............................B-6 Home & Garden ................B-7 Legal Notices .................... D-7 Local ................................A-1 Regional News ...................C-6 Sports ................................C-1
The annual Soboba Fiesta treated guests to a full day of cultural experiences and fun and games when it was held at the Soboba Sports Complex on Saturday, May 18. Through a collaborative effort between several departments and includes the Soboba Foundation and Tribal Administration, the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians also welcomed singers and cultural presenters to interact with those who attended the Tribal community event through their social songs and dances. Several food vendors were set up behind the shady ramadas that were built to encircle the grassy area where bird singers and dancers were well-received throughout the day. Michael Mirelez, who led the Desert Cahuilla Bird Singers from Torres Martinez, has been teaching a class through Soboba TANF and Cultural Resources for see FIESTA, page A-6
Women Veterans honored in special ceremonies in San Jacinto
Tony Ault Staf f Writer
Adding to the more recent Memorial Day events in the San Jacinto Valley was the recent special event to honor veteran women and the women championing veterans in ceremonies at Golden Era Productions in San Jacinto. The special event May 19 was sponsored by Veterans Circle of Friends and the Rotary Club of Hemet. The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Virginia Blumenthal, a strong supporter of veterans and an advocate for women veterans. Co-emcee was the Honorable Col. Mark Johnson (ret) from the United States Army see VETERANS, page A-6
Stephanie Bruce, front, holds a bouquet of flowers and numerous certificates she received in honor of her service in the U.S. Army. Valley News/Courtesy photo