Galway Downs announces full slate of events for 2026 season, A-7
Santa’s high-flying arrival delights families at Lake Riverside Estates, B-1
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$2.00 Peace and Joy this Holiday Season from Valley News
SERVING TEMECULA , MURRIETA , L AKE E LSINORE , M ENIFEE , WILDOMAR , H EMET, SAN JACINTO AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES December 26, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Home & Garden Insurance Commissioner alerts consumers about insurance coverage ahead of winter storms SACRAMENTO – As severe winter storms are predicted to pelt the state with extreme wind, rain, and snow, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is working to help Californians understand their insurance coverage and how they can recover from storm damage. The length and nature of the storm is predicted to bring the type, intensity, and duration of rainfall that can lead to significant flooding in many areas, including those areas where communities may be less aware of flood risks. see page A-11
Sports 4-1 win over Problems FC gives Temecula FC sweep of Raul Briones Cup group matches Joe Naiman Special to Valley News Temecula FC completed a sweep of the 2025-26 Raul Briones Cup group stage matches December 20 with a 4-1 victory over Problems FC in Long Beach. see page A-12
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VALLEY NEWS
Anza Valley Outlook ..........B-1 Business ............................B-6 Business Directory .............B-6 Calendar of Events .............A-6 Classifieds .........................B-9 Education ..........................A-9 Entertainment ...................A-7 Faith..................................B-9 Health ...............................A-8 Home & Garden .............. A-10 Legal Notices ................... B-10 Local News ........................A-1 National News ...................B-8 Opinion.............................B-9 Sports .............................. A-12
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Volume 25, Issue 52
GoFundMe organized for family who lost two daughters in home fire
Twelve-year-old Emma Keenan tragically died during an early morning fire in her Murrieta mobile home on Dec. 20, 2025. Julie Reeder Publisher A Murrieta family is facing profound loss after two young girls were killed in an early morning mobile home fire Saturday, Dec. 20, while their parents remain hospitalized with serious injuries, according to relatives. The victims were identified by family members as 12-year-old Emma Keenan and 11-yearold Abigail Keenan. Emma’s twin sister, 12-year-old Ashley Keenan, was transported to a hospital and later released. She is now staying with a family member.
Jessica Hales, the sister-in-law of Stacey Hales, the mother who suffered burns and the loss of her daughters, said both parents are still hospitalized. She said the mother was transported to a burn center and has reportedly lost her eyesight. The father, Adam Keenan, remains hospitalized with conditions not publicly known. According to Murrieta Fire & Rescue, crews were dispatched at 4:42 a.m. to the 41000 block of Knight Drive following a 911 call reporting a residential structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find see FIRE, page A-2
Eleven-year-old Abigail Keenan tragically died during an early morning fire in her Murrieta home on Dec. 20, 2025. Valley News/Courtesy photos
Stacey Hales, the mother of two daughters who died in a mobile home fire is currently in the hospital after a fire engulfed the mobile home they were renting. A GoFundMe has been organized.
Holidays for Heroes brings cheer to local veteran families Hundreds of community members gathered to spread holiday joy at MilVet’s annual Holidays for Heroes event at Awakening Event Venue in Murrieta, creating a festive experience for children from local veteran families across Riverside County on Saturday, Dec. 20. The celebration drew more than 900 attendees and featured a wide range of activities, including professional photos with Santa, the Grinch, Mrs. Claus and Disney princesses, along with crafts, a photo booth, temporary tattoos, live singers, performance groups, and even a wrestling arena. Families also enjoyed a car show, food, snacks, and entertainment throughout the day. In addition to the festivities, every participating family received a live Christmas tree delivered directly to their home, along with stockings and large bags of toys filled from children’s wish lists. see FAMILIES, page A-4
Children had the chance to take photos with Disney princesses, Mrs. Claus, and other holiday characters at MilVet’s Holidays for Heroes event. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Soboba Gives Back with tons of toys
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Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News
A group photo shows all the volunteers who lent a hand during the 12th annual Soboba Gives Back toy distribution event at San Jacinto Unified School District. StylePhotography by Alex Tapia courtesy photo
The Soboba Gives Back program had a busy holiday season, distributing approximately 5,000 toys to children and families throughout the San Jacinto Valley. The San Jacinto and Hemet unified school districts benefited from Unstuff the Bus events presented by the Soboba Foundation, while numerous local nonprofits, Tribal organizations and neighboring Tribes also received toys for holiday celebrations. The effort began Dec. 8 at the Soboba Springs Golf Course, where more than 20 volunteers unpacked a truckload of toys see TOYS, page A-5