A-1
Wildlife Art Show and junior ballet opens summer concert and art series at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, B-3
Murrieta’s Padlo called up by the Angels, C-1
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Local News Councilwoman Jessica Alexander sparks controversy over Pride Month Proclamation
Volume 23, Issue 26
Murrieta Birthday Bash celebrates 32 years of cityhood
Valley News Staf f
Temecula City Councilwoman Jessica Alexander caused a commotion during a council meeting on June 13 when she walked away from her seat in protest of Mayor Zak Schwank reading the Pride Month Proclamation from the dais. see page A-3
Home & Garden Officials: Take precautions against mosquitoes to prevent risks of West Nile virus Cit y News Service Special to the Valley News
With summer officially here, Riverside County officials are recommending that residents take precautions to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes that may be carrying West Nile virus. see page B-6
INDEX
People of all ages enjoy the water sprayed from fire hoses by Murrieta Fire & Rescue during the Murrieta Birthday Bash at Cal Oaks Sports Park on June 24. See more photos on page A-6. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo
Vail Dam replacement inches ahead as its price tag rises to $95 million Tim O’Leary Special to Valley News
A last remnant of the region’s pioneer past, Vail Dam, is prepping for a $95 million facelift. The project, which has been in the works for ages, is needed to protect the Temecula area from a sudden, catastrophic flood that could be triggered by a shift in the known Elsinore fault. “It has to be replaced,” Jake Wiley, a Fallbrook resident who serves as the assistant general manager in charge of engineering for the Rancho California Water District, said. “It has been deemed a potential hazard.” Rancho serves a 100,000-acre area that is home to more than 150,000 people and encompasses Temecula and parts of Murrieta, French Valley, the Santa Rosa Plateau and the wine country. Chunks of Rancho’s jurisdiction were last flooded 30 years ago, when
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A rendering of the planned Vail Dam rehabilitation project that will protect the Temecula area from potential flooding. Valley News/Courtesy photo
see VAIL, page A-3
Saloon Squeeze set to benefit local nonprofit
Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News
When Heather Rickman started The Steer Saloon full-service mobile beverage catering company in 2019, she was open to providing whatever the customer wanted. “We have been used for prop rentals, coffee carts and even a display for jewelry and sweets,” she said. Spending more than 20 years in the service industry at ice cream shops, restaurants and bars, Rickman began bartending in 2007 at the Bum Steer in Winchester. “When I needed a shift from the neon lights, I decided to saddle up and head out on my own,” she said. “The events industry is a huge market and I capitalized on all that it had to offer. Weddings, retirements, graduations, showers, private parties, corporate events, concerts, see SALOON, page A-4
The Steer Saloon will host its fifth annual Saloon Squeeze Lemonade Stand fundraiser in Winchester, Aug. 12. Valley News/Jenee Spencer Photography