Valley News - January 16, 2026

RFK Jr. upends decades of federal nutrition advice, flips food pyramid

Julie Reeder Publisher

In a move his allies describe as the most dramatic shift in U.S. nutrition policy in more than a generation, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has unveiled new federal dietary guidelines that turn the long-standing food pyramid on its head — literally and philosophically.

Santa Ana wind events explained

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Southern California is battered annually by Santa Ana wind events, during which powerful, dry winds sweep across the region, affecting land and sea alike.

The National Weather Service defines Santa Ana winds as strong downslope winds that funnel through mountain passes. These winds can easily exceed 40 mph, with isolated gusts reaching 70 mph or more in narrow canyons. Typically warm and extremely dry, Santa Ana winds can dramatically worsen brush and forest fires, particularly during drought conditions.

Education

Michelle’s Place opens applications for cancer-impact scholarships for students

TEMECULA – Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center is proud to announce the opening of its 2026 Educational Scholarship Program, offering eight scholarships to individuals whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Applications will be accepted beginning January 15, 2026, with a submission deadline of March 15, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be announced on June 15, 2026.

see page B-6

From Storm Stadium to Center Ice: How Kaz found

Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day through Temecula’s Week of Service

give back. Monday, Jan. 19: Community Clean-Up Day Visit a local park or stroll through your neighborhood and pick up trash to help create a

and more welcoming

for

Tuesday, Jan. 20-27: Homeless Outreach Donation Drive Our Homeless Outreach Team supports individuals and families in our community facing or experiencing homelessness. To continue this work, we are kindly asking for donations of essential

items such as new socks, underwear, and sweats for adult and child sizes. Items can be donated at City Hall, 41000 Main Street, from Jan. 20-27 during regular business hours (Mon. through Fri., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Wednesday, Jan. 21: Blood Drive & Emergency Training Day

One small act, like donating blood, can make a big impact. Register to donate at the Red Cross Blood Drive by visiting TemeculaCA.gov/BloodDrive Learn a life-saving skill by signing

Historical Society to host public presentation on De Anza expeditions

The Temecula Valley Historical Society will welcome the community to a free presentation on Monday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m. at the Little Temecula History Museum in south Temecula.

Riverside County historian and author Steve Lech will lead an exploration of the famed Juan Bautista de Anza expeditions of 1774 and 1775–76, detailing the journeys that charted an overland route from Sonora, Mexico, to Mission San Gabriel.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be available. The museum is the red barn next to Kohl’s and regularly hosts programs that support the Historical Society’s mission of research, preservation, and sharing the region’s past with the public.

Additional information is available by contacting Rebecca Farnbach at info@temeculahistory.org

Lech, widely regarded for his extensive knowledge of Riverside County history, will guide attendees through the inland path taken by De Anza’s group of soldiers and explorers, with a particular focus on the segments that lie within the county’s present-day boundaries. His presentation will highlight the challenges, discoveries, and significance of these mid-18th-century treks that helped shape early California development.

Office of Traffic Safety awards grant to the Menifee Police for traffic enforcement program to increase safety

MENIFEE – The Menifee Police Department has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads. The grant program runs through September 2026.

“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” Police Chief Chris Karrer said.

“Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone.”

The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:

• DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.

• High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law

• Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.

• Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.

• Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and bicycle and pedestrian safety.

• Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.

• Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

“Through focused traffic enforcement and education, we’re working toward a future where everyone will be safe on California roads,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “By encouraging people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together.”

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Submitted by Menifee Police Department.

Murrieta schedules hearing on proposed Sparkman Drive name change

The Murrieta City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 1, Town Square, Murrieta, to consider renaming Sparkman Drive. The proposal would change the existing stretch of Sparkman Drive, between Murrieta Hot Springs Road and Walsh Center Drive, to Monroe Avenue. It would also officially designate the new northerly segment of roadway under construction as Monroe Avenue, extending to its planned terminus near Vista Murrieta Road. According to the city, the street naming proposal is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act because the change poses no potential environmental impact. Supporting documents and environmental findings are available for public review at

KING from page A-1

local organizations such as Salvation Army, Goodwill, Savers, and Angel View to help those in need throughout the community. Friday, Jan. 23: Volunteer & Give Back Day Even as the week comes to an end, let the spirit of the Week of Service continue! Review the list of local non-profits and plan to volunteer and support the causes that matter most to you. Visit TemeculaCA.gov/Volunteer for the complete list of non-profit

the Planning Division counter, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents may submit written comments to the City Clerk at 1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562 or by email at CityClerk@ MurrietaCA.gov , ahead of the hearing or speak during the meeting. The city advises that any court challenges to the project may be limited to issues raised during the hearing or in written correspondence submitted beforehand. The city also notes that accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities who wish to attend the meeting. Those needing assistance are encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s office at least 48 hours in advance at 951-461-6030.

organizations. The City of Temecula invites the community to honor Dr. King’s vision by transforming service into action and making a lasting difference together. Keep up to date with all Temecula Community Services Offerings by following @TemeculaParkandRec on Instagram and Facebook. Want to receive electronic newsletters to stay informed about events, programs, and offerings? Visit TemeculaCA.gov/TCSDNews to sign up.

Kaz says, a statement that feels almost impossible to believe once you’ve heard his booming, broadcast-ready voice. “I’d rather stay home. But when I’m working, it’s like me turned up to eleven.”

That “eleven” has become his full-time career.

Today, Kaz works with four major organizations: the Lake Elsinore Storm, the San Diego Gulls (the Anaheim Ducks’ AHL affiliate), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and Invicta FC, the world’s premier all-female professional MMA organization. Between them, his calendar fills with flights to Dallas, Albuquerque, Colorado, Seattle, and beyond—sometimes week to week—balanced by home games that keep him rooted in Southern California.

It wasn’t always so clear where his voice would take him.

Born and raised in Fallbrook, Kaz attended Zion Lutheran School and graduated from Fallbrook High School. He attended Palomar College’s digital broadcasting arts program with dreamed of becoming a news anchor or reporter. Like many graduates, he quickly learned the reality of the industry: start small, move far away, and work your way up.

“I remember a job opening in Nebraska,” he laughs. “And I just thought, I was born and raised here. I don’t want to move there.”

He tried a different path, enrolling in the San Diego Police Department Academy after nearly a year of testing. One month into the six-month program, he realized it wasn’t the life he wanted. He walked away—and

found himself back at home, searching for a backup plan to his backup plan.

That’s when a friend sent him a post: the Lake Elsinore Storm were hiring an on-field MC.

“I’d never done sports announcing. Never hyped a crowd. Nothing like that,” Kaz says. “But I auditioned, and somehow I got the job.”

That first season, in 2019, changed everything. He discovered that hosting live events combined performance, improvisation, and connection in a

way that felt natural—almost instinctive. The Storm brought him on full time. Then COVID shut baseball down.

Instead of waiting it out, Kaz asked himself a question that would define his career: What else can I do with my voice?

A lifelong fan of wrestling and monster trucks, he reached out to Monster Jam—and landed a job. He spent four years working those high-energy shows, building confidence, timing, and crowd awareness. When sports returned, opportunities

multiplied. The San Diego Gulls brought him on. TNA Wrestling followed. Invicta FC came next. What started as a single baseball audition snowballed into a career that now forces him to turn down work.

“There’s actually a lot of demand,” he says. “It’s a small world, and not a lot of people do this.”

What sets Kaz apart isn’t just his voice—it’s his approach. At wrestling events, he often has 20 minutes to “just go.” No script. No safety net. Like a comedy opener, his job is to warm up the crowd before the main event.

So he builds his own show.

He pulls fans onto the floor for improvised games. He splits arenas into singing sections for lyrical face-offs. He sends contestants sprinting into the stands to retrieve belts from strangers. And when he needs a surprise, he calls for “the three biggest, baddest dudes in the building”—only to reveal they’ve volunteered for a Dad Bod Dance-Off.

“When thousands of people are cheering for you,” he says, grinning, “you can’t back out. You’ve got to commit.”

That philosophy—commit fully, entertain generously—reached its peak two months ago in Seattle, when Kaz stepped in to help the Savannah Bananas. Over two sold-out nights, he performed in front of 47,000 fans each evening.

“I don’t really get nervous anymore,” he admits. “But that?

I was freaking out.”

The Bananas, an independent baseball team turned global phenomenon, have sold out major league stadiums worldwide with their fast-paced, fan-first version of the game. For Kaz, the experience was both surreal and affirming. The Bananas recently announced a massive 2026 tour, and he’s hopeful it won’t be his last time with them.

Back home, Kaz still runs through the dugouts at Lake Elsinore and skates the aisles at Gulls games, where crowds can reach 12,000 on a big night. He’s not the mascot—“Absolutely not,” he laughs, recalling 105-degree summer games—but he’s everywhere else: field, suites, stands, and sidelines.

At heart, though, he’s still a local kid.

Born at Fallbrook Hospital, Kaz jokes about growing up in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” He’s the fun uncle now, watching his younger sister raise two kids. He still runs into former classmates and teachers.

For Kaz, success isn’t about being the show. It’s about making the show belong to everyone else.

“These people come to an event with a lot going on in their lives,” he says. “For two hours, I get to help them forget about all that. I’m just the fun starter.” And if his career so far is any indication, he’s only getting started.

City of Lake Elsinore releases public draft of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan for community review

LAKE ELSINORE — The City of Lake Elsinore has released the public draft of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) and invites community members to review the document and provide feedback.

The CAAP serves as a longterm roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the City’s resilience to climate-related impacts. The plan outlines strategies to reduce emissions from key sources such as buildings, transportation, and waste, while also preparing the community for challenges including extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and severe weather.

In addition to addressing climate risks, the CAAP supports local benefits that enhance quality of life for residents, including cleaner air, improved public health, lower energy costs, expanded tree canopy, and more

walkable neighborhoods—particularly for communities most affected by environmental and economic challenges.

Community members are encouraged to review the draft CAAP and share comments or questions. The plan is available online at http://www.lake-elsinore.org/caap, where residents can learn more and review the full document.

Public comments will be accepted from Monday, January 12, through Friday, January 23, 2026.

Feedback may be submitted via email to dabraham@lake-elsinore.org

Lake Elsinore’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is supported by the Adaptation Planning Grant Program, implemented by the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.

Submitted by the City of Lake Elsinore.

City of Temecula invites community to start the new year strong

with Thrive Temecula wellness workshops

TEMECULA – The City of Temecula invites residents to embrace a healthier and more connected new year through Thrive Temecula, a free community wellness initiative designed to encourage active living, learning, and positive well-being for all ages. Thrive Temecula offers a series of complimentary workshops to help individuals and families start the year refreshed, informed, and empowered. Save the dates for the below workshops in the next month:

• Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 at 6 a.m. – Community Yoga

Class (ages 12+)

• Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. – Homeschooling Informational Workshop

Our goal is to provide opportunities that enhance and inspire the well-being and quality of life of our residents. Join us as we strive to Thrive! Workshops for all ages unless otherwise noted. Prizes will be awarded at each event. There is no cost to attend; pre-registration is required to secure space. For more details on each workshop and to register online, please visit TemeculaCA. gov/Thrive.

U.S. to withdraw from 66 organizations, ‘contrary to the interests of the United States’

Julie Reeder Publisher

The United States will withdraw from 66 international organizations that it says are “contrary to the interests of the United States,” President Donald Trump announced in a presidential memorandum Thursday, marking a significant shift in U.S. engagement with multilateral institutions.

In the memorandum, Trump directed executive departments and agencies to begin the process of withdrawing from 31 United Nations–affiliated entities and 35 non-U.N. organizations whose work the administration says conflicts with U.S. national interests, sovereignty or economic priorities.

The White House and Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the move as part of an effort to prioritize American interests and end participation in bodies deemed wasteful or harmful. According to the White House fact sheet, the review that produced the list was ordered under Executive Order 14199 and concluded that these organizations no longer serve U.S. goals or make effective use of taxpayer dollars.

The affected entities span a range of global issues, includ-

CalFresh households in Riverside County eligible for replacement benefits after winter storms

Impacted residents have until Jan. 22 to report food loss

RIVERSIDE — Riverside

County residents who lost food during recent winter storms and used CalFresh benefits to purchase that food have until Jan. 22 to report losses and request replacement benefits.

The state extended the standard food-loss reporting period from 10 days to 30 days, giving affected households in several counties, including Riverside, additional time to assess damage and recover losses.

State officials estimate 1.7 million CalFresh households statewide were affected, at a cost of about $580.6 million in benefits. Some benefits were used to purchase food later destroyed by

storms that began Dec. 23, bringing blizzards, heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, mudslides and power outages across California.

The storms prompted evacuations, damaged homes and infrastructure, closed roads and left many residents without electricity, heat or the ability to prepare meals.

“We want to help our impacted customers recover as quickly as possible,” said Allison Gonzalez, assistant director of the Self-Sufficiency Division at the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, which includes CalFresh. “Residents should be sure to request replacement benefits before the Jan. 22 deadline.”

Residents can request replacement benefits for food lost by calling 1-877-410-8827, reporting online at BenefitsCal.com, or visiting a Self-Sufficiency office. Requests must include contact information, a brief description of how the food was lost, and the date the loss occurred.

CalFresh provides monthly food benefits that can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets and select online retailers. Residents not currently receiving CalFresh may apply online at BenefitsCal.com, call 1-877410-8827 or visit a nearby office. Office locations are available at rivcodpss.org/office-locations Submitted by Riverside County.

High school students travel back a century for student competition theme

The 43rd Riverside County Academic Decathlon will explore ‘The Roaring Twenties’

RIVERSIDE – The 1920s

America featured a booming economy, a stock market craze, speakeasies fueled by Prohibition, and women seeking equal rights. A century later, this vital time period of history is the basis for the 43rd Annual Riverside County Academic Decathlon, which began with a virtual competition on Jan. 14, and culminates with the in-person Super Quiz and awards ceremony on Jan. 31.

“Critical thinking, public speaking, writing skills, and learning from history are among the many valuable skills strengthened within every student who participates in Academic Decathlon,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Collective commitment and collaboration on shared goals not only represent essential college and career readiness traits, but offer lifelong benefits for every future endeavor.”

ing climate cooperation, gender equality, migration, security, and cultural exchange. Among those the United States plans to leave are the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and the Global Counterterrorism Forum, organizations involved in international climate policy and multilateral cooperation.

Supporters of the decision within the administration argue that these organizations promote agendas at odds with U.S. interests. Critics, including diplomats and policy analysts, warn that the withdrawal could erode U.S. influence on global challenges and weaken cooperation on issues such as climate change and human rights.

The U.N. Secretary-General expressed regret over Washington’s decision, emphasizing the continued work of many of the organizations and the importance of global cooperation despite the United States’ planned exit. The announcement follows earlier U.S. withdrawals from major international frameworks, including moves to leave the World Health Organization and the U.N. Human Rights Council during Trump’s second term.

www.berry-bellandhall.com

Riverside County students from 9 high schools are set to compete in the multi-day event organized by the Riverside County Office of Education. Academic Decathlon, like its ancient Greek counterpart, is a 10-event contest. Participants demonstrate their academic strength by completing seven written tests, writing an essay, delivering a prepared and

an impromptu speech, and participating in an interview. The Super Quiz is a team event held before a live audience. Each team is composed of nine students, three from each grade point category, and includes three Honor (GPA 3.804.00), three Scholastic (GPA 3.20 - 3.799), and three Varsity (GPA 0.00 - 3.199) students. On the first day of this year’s competition, Wednesday, Jan. 14, students participated in essay writing. On Saturday, Jan. 17, students will compete via object tests. Both the essays and objective tests will take place virtually. On Saturday, Jan. 31, teams will participate in the speech and interview portion of the competition, followed by the popular Super Quiz—the only event open to the public (other than the awards ceremony). The Super Quiz will start at 1 p.m., and the awards ceremony will follow at 4 p.m. Both events will be held at the Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center, located at 4280 Brockton Ave., in Riverside.

The awards ceremony will feature individual accolades and the announcement of the team that will represent Riverside County at the California Academic Decathlon on March 20-22, in Santa Clara. The California state champion advances to the United

States Academic Decathlon from April 23-25, in Garden Grove. In the 2025 Riverside County Academic Decathlon, Western Center Academy from the Hemet Unified School District was named the champion for the third consecutive year. Finishing second was Beaumont High School’s Team A, while its Team B finished third. Great Oak High School finished fourth, and Valley View High School was fifth overall.

For 2026, the 9 Riverside County high school teams competing include: Beaumont High School (two teams) - Beaumont USD Corona High School – Corona-Norco USD Western Center Academy (two teams) - Hemet USD Elsinore High School - Lake Elsinore USD Canyon Springs High SchoolMoreno Valley USD Valley View High SchoolMoreno Valley USD Vista del Lago High SchoolMoreno Valley USD Heritage High School - Perris Union High SD Great Oak High School - Temecula Valley USD Submitted by Riverside County Board of Education.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

To submit an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia.com, and put “attention events” in the subject line.

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

ONGOING – MilVet Jr. is a MilVet program for our youngest heroes in training. Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of the month. Locations will vary between the MilVet office and local venues. Activities that focus on learning teamwork, leadership, and community are geared for ages 5-11, but all children are welcome to join. Limited spots available, so sign up at milvet. org/milvetjr.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Jan. 17 – 9:30 a.m. Free history presentation, “Audie Murphy: Military Hero, Hollywood Star, and his Menifee Ranch” led by historian David Foust at the Antelope-Menifee Rural Center, 31850 Haun Rd., Menifee. Hosted by the Menifee History Museum. Open to the public. Jan. 26 – 5:30 p.m. A history presentation called “The Expeditions of Juan Bautista De Anza - 1774, 1775-76” to be given by Riverside County historian Steve Lech at the Temecula Valley Historical Society, the red barn next to Kohl’s in south Temecula. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Rebecca Farnbach at info@temeculahistory.org

Jan. 31 – 6-8 p.m. Arts Council Menifee 16th Year Celebration of Creativity and Community at Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Rd., Menifee. Enjoy a lively reception showcasing local artists, talented entertainers, a Carol South silent auction, and complimentary dishes from our wonderful local restaurants. Admission is free.

Feb. 6 – 6-10 p.m. Arts Council Menifee Spring Music & Art Showcase at MSJC Menifee, 27587 La Piedra Rd., Menifee. Santa Rosa Academy Middle & High School choirs will perform surrounded by student art displays. Admission is free.

Feb. 21 – 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Free

Bulky Item Drop-Off Event for Menifee residents, at MSJC Menifee Campus, 28237 La Piedra Blvd., Menifee. Must show proof of residency. Open until the bins are full. Accepted items include appliances (limit 3 per vehicle), air conditioners, barbecue grills, bundled branches, bagged green waste, chairs, couches, furniture, mattresses (limit 3 per vehicle), microwaves, patio furniture, used tires (no rims, 4 ft. diameter ONLY, limit 9 per vehicle), and e-waste. Please be prepared to off-load your own items. For more information, visit www.cityofmenifee.us/ menifeerecycles.

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.

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 800-5102020 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

Jan. 22 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Vet-

erans Expo at French Valley Library, 31526 Skyview Rd., Winchester. Sponsored by Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington and Riverside County Veterans Services, this event offers veterans free support and community resources, such as benefit assistance, housing support and disability services. Visit with over 20 area nonprofits. Learn more at https://rivcoveterans.org/events/ veterans-expo.

Feb. 28 – 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Master Composter Training Program at Wildomar City Hall, 23873 Clinton Keith Rd., Wildomar. Trainees will explore various home composting methods and acquire the skills to troubleshoot issues and effectively utilize finished compost. Students must attend all 4 Saturday class sessions (Feb. 28, March 14, 21, and 28), read the course material, and submit online quizzes. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of completion. Register at https:// rcwaste.org/MCT.

ONGOING – 10 a.m. The Temecula Valley Republican Women meet 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 951-6946480.

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 dropoff 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 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 writing-craft discussions; attendees may read up to a five-minute excerpt from their work for feedback/critique. RSVP at www.dorlandartscolony.com/ sunday-scribblers.html.

ENTERTAINMENT

Holiday Mixer at Soboba is a joint celebration

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Special to Valley News

Each year, the Soboba Casino Resort and the Soboba Foundation present a Holiday Mixer at the SCR Event Center for members of the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce. This year was different in that members of the Greater San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce were also invited to the Dec. 18 event. This symbol of unity was not lost on the attendees who were not charged to attend and completely filled the center. Chamber members strive to bring the community together throughout the year so to have that message celebrated at this year’s mixer was especially meaningful.

Rafael Arce is a mortgage broker with California Home Path and has been a member of the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce for about a year and a half and currently serves on its Board of Directors. Established in 2020, California Home Path is a community-focused mortgage brokerage dedicated to helping people move forward with confidence through clear guidance and trusted local relationships.

“My focus is on education, clarity, and helping clients make confident, informed decisions throughout the home-buying process,” Arce said. “We help individuals and families navigate home financing through purchase loans, refinances, and FHA programs.”

Attending his first Holiday Mixer presented by Soboba, Arce was impressed by the turnout and positive energy.

“It felt well organized and genuinely focused on bringing the local business community together in a meaningful way,” he said. “A highlight for me was seeing so many local business owners come together in one space to connect, support one another, and celebrate the season. The setting at Soboba Casino Resort’s Event Center made it a welcoming and memorable event.”

Arce said being part of the Chamber helps build trust, visibility, and strong local relationships.

“It creates opportunities to collaborate with other business owners and stay connected to what’s happening in our community,” he said. “Being a Chamber member allows us to build strong local relationships, stay connected to the business community, support local initiatives, and contribute to the overall growth of the Hemet–San Jacinto area.”

Although Toyota of Hemet has been a valley icon for decades, new ownership was assumed in May 2024. Manager Huy Nguyen said Its membership in the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce is new, and they look forward to becoming an active and engaged member of the local business community.

“We are excited to begin building relationships and contributing to the local business network,”

Chamber Board member Nguyen said. “This was our first Chamber event, and our impression was very positive. The welcoming atmosphere and genuine connections made it a great introduction to the Chamber community. I enjoyed meeting local business owners and community leaders and getting a firsthand feel for the collaboration and positive energy within the Chamber.”

Toyota of Hemet is a community-focused dealership committed to service, integrity, and building long term relationships.

“Being a Chamber member allows us to build strong local relationships, stay connected to the business community, support local initiatives, and contribute to the overall growth of the Hemet–San Jacinto area,” Nguyen said.

Carlos Michel is a CEO, entrepreneur and proud Veteran. A four-year member of the Hemet/ San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce, he serves on its Board of Directors.

“As a multi-business owner and entrepreneur, my active involvement allows me to contribute directly to the Chamber’s mission and to the continued growth and strengthening of our local business community,” he said.

“Drawing on my background as a former elementary school teacher in the valley, I am committed to educating Chamber members on the benefits available to them,

Movie review: ‘Primate’

Bob Garver Contributor

It’s time once again for that magical set of releases on the cinematic calendar: January Horror! Unable to get a Halloween release, unable to compete in blockbuster season, and unable to dominate a random weekend anywhere else on the calendar, January Horror movies are released at a time when their biggest competition is leftover holiday blockbusters and awards-season darlings. Studios are banking on audiences not wanting movies that are popular and… good, so maybe they’ll settle for some cheap thrills. In other words, the month is a dumping ground for bad horror movies. “Primate” is indeed bad enough to belong in January, though I’ll at least allow it the faint compliment that it’s pretty decent “for” January.

The film takes place at a cliffside (meaning somebody is definitely going over that cliff) mansion in Hawaii. College stu-

dent Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah) is coming home to visit her father Adam (Troy Kotsur) and sister Erin (Gia Hunter). Along for the trip are her good friend Kate (Victoria Wyant) and lousy friend Hannah (Jessica Alexander), as well as Kate’s brother Nick (Benjamin Cheng). Lucy isn’t just happy to see the humans in her family, she’s also happy to see Ben, a chimpanzee adopted by her late linguistics-expert mother, who communicates with both sign language (with the deaf Adam) and an electronic pad with an artificial voice.

Adam has to go out of town and Ben has been behaving strangely, so veterinarian Dr. Lambert (Rob Delaney) will have to swing by the house, but other than that, the kids have run of the place for a few days. Hannah might even invite over some party bros (Charlie Mann and Tienne Simon) she met on the plane. There’s just one problem: Ben has been infected with rabies. Everyone in the house is now in danger from

helping them navigate resources, and serving as a knowledgeable, approachable advocate for their long-term success.”

Michel owns and operates several veteran-owned, locally owned businesses. Carlitos Frozen Yogurt is a family-friendly frozen yogurt shop proudly serving East Hemet and providing a welcoming space for local families. Shooters Sports Bar & Grill is a community-centered venue offering food, entertainment, and a gathering place that supports local pool and dart leagues and events. Essential Blasting Inc. is a Valley-based industrial services company specializing in sandblasting, pressure washing, and surface restoration while creating skilled local jobs. Finally, Colt Boots Western & Work Wear is a locally rooted retailer supplying quality western and work apparel, shoe repair services and custom hat shaping and cleaning services in support of the Valley’s workforce.

“My businesses are built on serving the community, creating local jobs, and strengthening the valley by keeping commerce, connection, and growth rooted right here at home. Together, these businesses serve diverse needs across the community while sharing a unified commitment to veteran leadership, local ownership, job creation, and sustainable growth throughout

the Valley,” Michel said. “Colt Boots, established in 2022, was the first of my businesses and laid the foundation for expanding into other industries. Each company was started with the intention of meeting a local need, creating jobs, and giving back to the Valley.”

After attending multiple Chamber events over the years, Michel said this year’s Holiday Mixer stood out because of the strong turnout and sense of collaboration.

“Events like this reinforce how connected and supportive our business community is,” he said. “The event itself was exceptionally well executed. Andrew Vallejos was an outstanding host—professional, welcoming, and generous throughout the evening. His attention to detail, the thoughtful gifts provided, and the overall level of hospitality set a high standard. The entertainment exceeded expectations and was nothing short of spectacular, reflecting Soboba’s commitment to hosting events that are both memorable and meaningful.”

He added that one of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, community leaders, and members of the Soboba Tribal Council.

“The positive energy and genuine support among those in attendance were truly evident,” he said. “As always, the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians continues to demonstrate its commitment and dedication to what they

have described as their inherent duty—to support local small businesses throughout the valley and to create meaningful connections between small businesses and larger enterprises.”

Michel said being a Chamber member provides valuable networking opportunities, increased visibility, and access to relationships that help local businesses grow together rather than in isolation. It fosters collaboration, trust, and long-term partnerships within the community. Serving on the Board has also given him a deeper appreciation for the work being done behind the scenes to support local businesses.

“I take pride in being involved in the Chamber and supporting events that bring the community together,” Michel said. “Building relationships and working alongside other local business owners is something I value greatly.”

Several games were held throughout the three-hour event that brought laughter and frivolity to the crowd. A few rounds of musical chairs were followed by a dance contest where judges selected first, second and third place winners based on crowd reaction, creativity, confidence, personality, and staying on beat through many song/genre changes produced by DJ Mike Nevarez. Contest winners were not the only ones who received prizes as there was a “raffle hour” that gave all guests an excellent opportunity of going home with an early Christmas gift.

the increasingly-unstable chimp. And as we learn from the opening sequence (because of course this is a movie that starts with a horrific scene and then flashes back to “36 Hours Earlier”), it’s mortal danger. The appeal of the movie lies in its chimpanzee antagonist, and to that end, the film actually fares quite well. Effects that go into Ben reportedly include puppetry, animatronics, motion capture, and a physical performance by actor Miguel Torres Umba. It’s more complex than a Halloween costume, but doesn’t take the shortcut of computer-generated artificiality. I never had any problems with visual phoniness or the uncanny valley, at least no more than with any real-life primate. I really was all set for Ben to be a memorable slasher villain. And then the movie did something with Ben that greatly detracted from all that hard work: it made the character unnaturally smart. I’m not talking about the early scenes of the chimp

Valley News/Courtesy photo

functioning in the household.

I’m talking about how, if the character’s homicidal tendencies are driven by rabies, then he’s a crazed, full-steam-ahead killing machine, and I’m afraid of that. But the film gives Ben the presence of mind to taunt his victims and get creative in his attacks, and it’s just not “rabid” behavior.

It’s the behavior of a standard movie slasher, and by the end of the movie, I couldn’t see Ben as anything more than that. I don’t want to dismiss the idea of a killer primate movie entirely, with the threat of an unfamiliar species posing unique dangers. But the movie doesn’t capitalize on that potential, instead offering up dull January Horror fare with a killer that happens to be a chimp and kills that are only impressive when they can only be committed by a chimp. And the lazily-written human characters certainly can’t carry this movie. If the makers of “Primate” liked fleshing out their characters as much as they liked the chimp ripping flesh off of them, there might have been a recommendable movie here.

Grade: C

“Primate” is rated R for strong bloody violent content, gore, language, and some drug use. Its running time is 89 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

RFK Jr. upends decades of federal nutrition advice, flips food pyramid to put real food first

Julie Reeder Publisher

In a move his allies describe as the most dramatic shift in U.S. nutrition policy in more than a generation, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has unveiled new federal dietary guidelines that turn the long-standing food pyramid on its head — literally and philosophically.

Under the new framework, protein, full-fat dairy, healthy fats, vegetables and fruit occupy the top of the pyramid, while grains — once the foundation of federal dietary advice — are pushed to the bottom. Kennedy announced the changes at a White House press briefing, calling them “the most significant reset of federal

nutrition policy in history.”

The updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, released jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will guide everything from public school lunches and military meals to food served in veterans’ hospitals and nutrition programs such as WIC, Head Start, and SNAP.

“These guidelines replace corporate-driven assumptions with common sense and scientific integrity,” Kennedy said. “For decades, Americans have grown sicker while health care costs exploded. Federal policy promoted highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates while discouraging nutrient-dense foods. That era is over.”

Reversing a 40-year experiment

For more than four decades, federal guidance emphasized low-fat diets and heavy consumption of grains and carbohydrates — advice that critics say coincided with rising obesity, diabetes and metabolic disease. Kennedy argued the old pyramid was never right to begin with.

JULIE REEDER, Publisher

MALINA GUGEL, Ind. Contractor

JENNA ORTIZ, Office Manager

Editorial

J.P. RAINERI, Sports Editor

SHANE GIBSON, Staff Photographer

DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer

JOE NAIMAN, Ind. Contractor

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CINDY DAVIS ANDREW REEDER

Production KARINA YOUNG, Art Director FOREST RHODES, Production Assistant, IT SAMANTHA GORMAN, Graphic Artist

“People think this pyramid is upside down,” he said. “But it was upside down before. We just righted it.”

Administration officials said the new model restores protein and fats to a central role in daily nutrition, reversing what Kennedy described as a misguided “war on saturated fats.” While the guidelines still recommend limiting saturated fat to roughly 10% of daily calories, they now encourage healthy fats from whole foods such as eggs, meat, seafood, full-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, olives and avocados.

Protein recommendations have also increased, with guidance suggesting 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day — levels higher than previous federal advice, particularly for children, older adults and people with chronic disease.

Ultraprocessed foods squarely in the spotlight

Perhaps the most consequential

change is the guidelines’ explicit warning against ultraprocessed foods and added sugars. For the first time, the federal government states that no amount of added sugar is recommended as part of a healthy diet, especially for young children.

Added sugars do not appear on the new pyramid at all.

At the same briefing, Marty Makary, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, cited recent research showing that Americans — including children — now get more than half their daily calories from ultraprocessed foods.

“We’ve created a generation addicted to refined carbohydrates and low in protein,” Makary said.

Kennedy went further, framing diet as a national security issue.

“If a foreign adversary wanted to weaken our economy, our military readiness and our children’s health, there would be no better strategy than addicting us to ultraprocessed food,” he said.

“It’s shocking that our own government helped drive this.”

Implications for schools, SNAP, and federal spending

Because the dietary guidelines

underpin all federal food procurement, the shift is expected to ripple quickly across public institutions. School meals alone serve roughly 45 million children each day.

The changes are also poised to reshape the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which supports more than 40 million Americans. Administration officials noted that sugary drinks, candy and chips are currently among the most common SNAP purchases.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the department is finalizing new “stocking standards” that will require the nearly 250,000 retailers participating in SNAP to significantly expand their offerings of staple, nutrient-dense real foods.

“That means healthier options will be within reach for all American families,” Rollins said. Health officials also tied the dietary overhaul to rising public costs. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said a modest reduction in obesity rates could save tens of billions of dollars annually in Medicare and Med-

icaid spending.

A broader health reset

The guidelines arrive amid sobering statistics cited by administration officials: more than 70% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese; nearly one-third of adolescents have prediabetes; and diet-related conditions now disqualify 77% of military-aged Americans from service.

Officials described the new food pyramid as a pivot away from treating chronic disease after it develops and toward prevention grounded in nutrition and lifestyle.

“This is not a tweak or a rebranding,” one senior official said. “It’s a fundamental shift — putting food, not pharmaceuticals, back at the center of health.”

Whether the reset will deliver the promised improvements remains to be seen. But with federal programs, schools and institutions now set to follow the inverted pyramid, Kennedy has ensured that the debate over what Americans should eat — and who decides — is far from over.

Feeling low in the winter? You’re not alone

Dr. Evita Limon-Rocha, psychiatrist Kaiser Permanente Riverside County

The winter season with its shorter days, less sunlight and colder weather, can impact mood for many people. This is commonly known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. It’s a type of depression linked to seasonal changes that usually appears in the fall and lasts through the winter months. People struggling with SAD may experience low energy, sadness or irritability. These symptoms commonly resolve during spring and summer, but until then, the impact on health and daily life is important to consider.

Recognizing the Symptoms SAD often starts mild but can get worse as the season progresses. According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms can include:

• Feeling down or sad most of the day, nearly every day

• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

• Low energy and sluggishness

Sleeping changes, including too much sleep or not being able to sleep

Craving carbohydrates, overeating, and impacting weight or loss of appetite

Trouble concentrating Experiencing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt

These signs should not be brushed off as just “winter blues.”

It’s important to pay attention and talk to your primary doctor or seek a mental health professional if symptoms persist. What You Can Do

If you suspect SAD is affecting you or a loved one, there are steps you can take to ease its impact: Get moving: Exercise regularly and spend time outdoors, even if it’s chilly. Early morning sunlight can be especially helpful. If that’s not feasible, open curtains and

People struggling with seasonal affective disorder may experience low energy, sadness or irritability. blinds and bring in natural light indoors. Stay connected: Human connection always matters, especially during winter when we risk feeling isolated. Join a book club, attend community events or make plans with friends. Going out or inviting loved ones to visit you can make a big difference. Keep active: Find ways to stay physically and socially engaged despite the shorter days. I also always emphasize to my patients that maintaining a healthy routine by monitoring sleep habits and movement including exercise year-round is key to navigating seasonal mood changes.

Valley News/Felipe Santt photo (pexels.com)

When to Seek Help

Sometimes, self-care isn’t enough. Seek professional help if SAD symptoms persist or interfere with daily life — whether that’s work, school, relationships or hobbies you once enjoyed. Working with a mental health professional is an investment in yourself and an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with yourself and others.

Bottom line: Winter can be tough but recognizing SAD and taking steps to manage it can make a big difference. If it feels overwhelming, reaching out for professional support isn’t just okay — it’s essential.

SPORTS

Rancho Christian dominates Canyon Springs in 112-24 victory

JP Raineri Sports Editor

TEMECULA – The Rancho Christian women’s basketball team secured a decisive 112-24 win over the Canyon Springs Cougars on Friday, marking a season-high point total for the Eagles. This victory improves their overall record to 13-3 and continues a trend of commanding performances, representing their ninth win this season by a margin of 23 points or more.

The Eagles’ offense was driven by exceptional individual efforts. Freshman Addison Archer delivered a remarkable performance, leading all scorers with 36 points on an impressive 17-of-21 shooting from the field. Archer also contributed five assists and three steals. This game marks the tenth consecutive contest in which she has scored at least 16 points.

Senior guard Ebony Taylor-Smith also had a significant impact, scoring 33 points, which included nine three-pointers. She nearly achieved a triple-double, finishing the game with nine assists and nine steals. Alyson Boyd provided strong support, adding 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting and contributing five steals.

A key factor in the team’s success was its cohesive and unselfish play. Rancho Christian finished the game with a season-high 28 assists, demonstrating strong ball movement and teamwork. This collaborative effort on offense allowed the Eagles to create and capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities throughout the game.

This win is the latest in a successful stretch for Rancho Christian, which has now won eight of its last nine games. During this period, the team has averaged 96.4 points per contest, underscoring the strength of its offensive unit. Their consistent high-level performance has been a defining characteristic of their season.

For Canyon Springs, the loss ended their five-game winning streak and moved their record to 11-6. The Cougars struggled to generate offense against a persistent Rancho Christian defense.

Looking ahead, Rancho Christian aims to continue its positive momentum. The team, which holds a perfect 2-0 record in league play, is scheduled for two games this week. They will travel to face Moreno Valley on Jan. 14, followed by a home game against Hemet on Jan. 16.

With their offense performing at a high level and a solid record backing them, the Eagles are well-positioned as they move forward in the season. The team will look to build on its recent success in the upcoming league matchups. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Herbert shoulders blame after Chargers’ offense stalls in playoff exit

JP

Raineri Sports Editor

Justin Herbert refused to look for an escape hatch following the Los Angeles Chargers’ season-ending 16-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. Despite battling a broken left hand and facing relentless pressure throughout the game, the quarterback squarely placed the burden of the team’s offensive struggles on his own shoulders. The Chargers managed only

207 total yards in a game that never seemed to find its rhythm. Herbert completed 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards, numbers that fell far short of the high-octane production fans have come to expect. The Patriots’ defense proved stifling, sacking Herbert six times and forcing two fumbles, one of which resulted in a turnover. Herbert described the offensive output as abysmal and made it clear that he expects more from himself. While observers noted the obvious limitations present-

ed by his injury, the 27-year-old quarterback downplayed the physical discomfort. He declined to use the broken hand as a justification for the loss, insisting that execution remains his responsibility regardless of physical circumstances.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh offered a candid perspective on the injury, acknowledging that the broken hand was indeed an issue. Harbaugh noted that Herbert did not flinch, comparing his quarterback’s attitude to that of

a warrior. However, toughness alone could not overcome the schematic and physical challenges the Chargers faced. The offensive line struggled to contain New England’s pass rush, leaving Herbert running for safety or driven into the turf for much of the night. Additionally, receivers found it difficult to create separation against the Patriots’ tight secondary.

The loss drops Herbert’s playoff record to 0-3, a statistic that has begun to form a narrative around his young career. Herbert acknowledged this reality, un-

derstanding that playoff success is the ultimate measure of a quarterback’s success in the NFL. While the disappointment is fresh, Herbert remains a central figure for the franchise’s future. At 27, he has ample time to rewrite the script on his postseason performance. For now, however, the focus remains on a Sunday night performance that both the quarterback and the organization will be eager to learn from and eventually leave behind. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Great Oak rallies late to tie Vista Murrieta in Southwestern League thriller

JP Raineri Sports Editor

TEMECULA — Their Southwestern League opener delivered high drama last Tuesday night as Great Oak fought back from a significant deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Vista Murrieta. What began as a dominant performance by the visiting Broncos shifted into a battle of will, with the Wolfpack erasing a two-goal deficit by the final whistle. Vista Murrieta wasted no time establishing control on the pitch. The Broncos’ offense pressed hard early, drawing first blood and keeping the pressure on the home defense. By the midway point of the first half, Vista Murrieta had capitalized on their opportunities to build a commanding 2-0 lead. Their attack appeared sharp and organized, leaving Great Oak searching for answers before the break.

The momentum shifted in the second half as Great Oak adjusted its strategy. Coach Ralph Taylor’s squad emerged from halftime with renewed energy, chipping away at the Broncos’ advantage. Senior Nicholas Powell, wearing number 10, was instrumental in shifting the field, consistently driving the ball deep into Bronco territory.

Great Oak found the back of the net three times to level the score. Powell, Drew Pablos, and Riley Stein each tallied a goal for

the Wolfpack, dismantling the comfortable lead Vista Murrieta enjoyed earlier in the contest. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Julian Lagman worked to keep his team in contention, recording five saves against a potent Vista Murrieta attack. Number 5 Camden Movell also played a critical role in the midfield, battling for possession and disrupting the Broncos’ rhythm.

The draw leaves both teams looking up at the league leaders in the early Southwestern League standings. Temecula Valley currently sits atop the table with a 2-0-1 record, holding a clear points advantage. Murrieta Valley follows in second at 1-0-2.

Vista Murrieta holds the third spot with a 1-0-2 league record and a 7-4-3 overall mark. The Broncos have shown they can score, with seven goals in league play so far, but will look to close out games more effectively moving forward.

Great Oak sits in fifth place with a 0-0-2 league record. While they are still searching for their first league victory, the Wolfpack remains undefeated in league play, having tied both of their opening matches. Their ability to battle back on Tuesday suggests they will be a difficult out for any opponent in the Southwestern League this season.

Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Santa Ana wind events explained

Diane

Sieker Staff Writer

Southern California is battered annually by Santa Ana wind events, during which powerful,

dry winds sweep across the region, affecting land and sea alike.

The National Weather Service defines Santa Ana winds as strong downslope winds that funnel through mountain passes. These

winds can easily exceed 40 mph, with isolated gusts reaching 70 mph or more in narrow canyons.

Typically warm and extremely dry, Santa Ana winds can dramatically worsen brush and forest

fires, particularly during drought conditions.

Meteorologists with the NWS explain that Santa Ana winds develop when high pressure builds over the dry desert regions of the

Animal Services encourages residents to report animal neglect or abuse

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Residents who suspect animal neglect or encounter animals in distress are encouraged to contact Riverside County Animal Services rather than attempting to intervene on their own.

Animal Services officials stress that members of the public should not try to resolve perceived animal welfare issues themselves, as situations may be more complex or dangerous than they appear. Trained officers are equipped to assess conditions, ensure public safety and provide assistance to animals and owners who may be in need.

Concerns about animal neglect, abuse or unsafe conditions can be reported by calling Riverside County Animal Services at (888) 636-7387 or by submitting a report online through the department’s website. Those who need to speak with an officer immediately may call (951) 358-7387.

Calls received during evening hours, weekends or county holidays are handled by an operator or dispatcher from a private agency that assists the department with emergency response outside of normal business hours. Emergency situations include injured animals, aggressive animals, immediate cruelty incidents that have just been witnessed, or animals posing a threat to public

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

JULIE

MALINA GUGEL,

JENNA ORTIZ,

Editorial

J.P. RAINERI, Sports Editor

SHANE GIBSON, Staff Photographer

DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer

JOE NAIMAN, Ind. Contractor

ROGER BODDAERT, Ind. Contractor

Advertising Sales

JOSEPHINE MACKENZIE

ANNA MULLEN

CINDY DAVIS

ANDREW REEDER

Production

KARINA YOUNG, Art Director FOREST RHODES, Production Assistant, IT

SAMANTHA GORMAN, Graphic Artist

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 951-763-4333.

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.

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 “Hamilton-Museum-and-RanchFoundation.”

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 post-traumatic stress disorder and other difficulties. Call John Sheehan at 951-9236153. 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,

ANIMALS from page B-1

safety, such as loose livestock or a dog in a busy roadway.

When making a report, callers are asked to provide as much detail as possible, including the city and specific location of the incident, such as an address or nearby cross streets. Helpful information also includes a description of the animal, including breed, size, color, identifying markings and whether the animal is wearing a collar or leash.

Officials note that Riverside County Animal Services has a limited number of officers available during nights and weekends, with each officer assigned to a specific area. As a result, response times may vary depending on the number and severity of emergencies already received. By reporting concerns through proper channels, residents can help ensure animals receive appropriate care while keeping themselves and others safe.

Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.

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 951-763-0856.

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 951763-4937 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 951-2824267 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.

CDFW offers auto-renewal pilot program for 2026 fishing licenses

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Residents wishing to renew their California fishing licenses will find the process easier than ever in 2026. By enrolling in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s auto-renewal program, fishing enthusiasts will never have to worry about forgetting to renew their annual license - ensuring uninterrupted access to their favorite fisheries.

To activate auto-renewal, anglers can visit the CDFW licens-

ing website, create or log into their account, add a payment method and select the items they want automatically renewed, including annual sport fishing licenses, report cards and validations. The CDFW will issue the new items before the current ones expire and send an email reminder before the payment method is charged. It’s convenient, secure and helps anglers stay ready for every fishing opportunity without the last-minute scramble.

Because auto-renewal is a pilot program, it’s limited to sport

fishing items. Hunting licenses, commercial fishing licenses, falconry licenses etc., are not yet included.

All the information needed on this option is available un

der the auto-renewal section of the Online License Sales Frequently Asked Questions web page: https://wildlife. ca.gov/Licensing/Online-Sales/ Frequently-Asked-Questions#219782761-sport-fishing Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.

AEC congratulates 2026 Washington Youth Tour Trip contest winners

Anza Electric Cooperative, Inc., is happy to announce the winners of the Washington Youth Tour contest. Hamilton High School students Katie Oudinarath, Hailey Olivier, John Schmid, Uriah Mendez, Laura Palma Vega and Amayah Ambriz will be voyaging to Washington, D.C. in June.

The Washington Youth Tour brings together 1,800 talented and ambitious high school juniors

from across the country to experience our nation’s capital and further develop their leadership skills.

Each fall Anza Electric Cooperative sponsors a contest for high school juniors to travel to our nation’s capital the following June and represent AEC in the Washington Youth Tour.

This year, students were asked to write an essay on an idea that would improve our town

from east to west, accelerating through mountain passes and canyons as it descends toward the coast.

Although often associated with heat, Santa Ana winds are most common during the cooler months, generally from September through May. They feel warm - or even hot - because as the cooler desert air sinks down mountain slopes, it is compressed, causing temperatures to rise. At the same time, relative humidity drops sharply, frequently reaching the lowest levels of the year. The combination of warm, compression-heated air, extremely low humidity and strong winds creates critical fire weather conditions.

The winds are named after Southern California’s Santa Ana Canyon and have long been part of the region’s folklore and literature. In Raymond Chandler’s short story Red Wind - one of the offshore winds’ many nicknames - Santa Anas are described as “those hot dry winds that come down through the mountain passes and curl your hair and make your nerves jump. Besides the lower humidi -

ties and winds fanning wildfire flames, Santa Anas often cause a great deal of other damage, including turbulence and vertical wind shear in which winds exhibit substantial change in speed or direction with height, both posing aviation hazards. They can cause massive dust storms, impeding traffic both in the air and on the ground. Not only can they blow trampolines away and topple trees, they can also pose a threat to high-profile vehicles traveling on the roads. Residents can prepare for Santa Ana wind events by securing loose outdoor items such as patio furniture and garbage cans, park automobiles away from trees and power lines, and make sure trees are trimmed, healthy and away from any structures or power lines. Have emergency kits ready, with enough food and water for each person in the home in case the power goes out for an extended period of time.

While considered a nuisance, the Santa Ana winds are a fact of life in the Anza Valley and residents must do what they can to weather these winds of change. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.

or bring more jobs to the area. Eleven students took us up on the challenge. The AEC board of directors also interviewed the students, asking questions about themselves, their future plans and electric cooperatives. Once the scores were tallied, the winners were announced.

Submitted by Anza Electric Cooperative, Inc.

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

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 Jan. 4 through Jan. 10.

Jan. 4

E mbezzlement - 08:24 p.m., 5900 block Burnt Valley Rd., Anza

Vandalism - 07:27 p.m., 5600

block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, report taken

Attempt warrant service - 05:59 p.m., address withheld, Anza, warrant

Civil dispute - 10:58 a.m., 4000 block Lakeshore Bl., Lake Riverside

Suspicious circumstance07:31 a.m., address undefined, Anza

Jan. 5

Suspicious person - 09:42 p.m., 4100 block Terwilliger Rd., Anza

Civil dispute - 02:36 p.m., 3800

block Bahrman Rd., Anza

Alarm call - 01:39 p.m., 5600

block Dickson Wy., Anza

Public assist - 11:36 a.m., 4100

block Terwilliger Rd., Anza

Found property - 09:57 a.m., 3800 block Fisher Rd., Anza, report taken

Assist other department - 07:31 a.m., 5000 block St. Hwy. 371, Cahuilla

Battery - 04:03 a.m., 3800

block Fisher Rd., Anza, arrest made

Jan. 6

Public disturbance - 02:53 p.m., address undefined, Anza

Suspicious circumstance01:06 p.m., 3900 block Homestead Hills Rd., Anza

Public assist - 11:24 a.m., 4800

block St. Hwy. 371, Anza

Battery - 10:30 a.m., 3600

block Old Cary Rd., Anza

Jan. 7

Brandishing a weapon - 05:56 p.m., 5600 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, report taken

Suspicious circumstance -

03:15 p.m., 4800 block St. Hwy. 371, Anza

Danger to self/other - 08:28 a.m., 5900 block Reynolds Wy., Anza

Jan. 8

Suspect info - 07:38 p.m., address withheld, Anza

Petty theft - 10:41 a.m., 3800

block Fisher Rd., Anza, unfounded

Unlawful entry - 09:16 a.m., 5600 block Engstrom Rd./Contreras Rd., Anza

Criminal threats - 08:19 a.m., 5700 block Mitchell Rd., Anza, arrest made

Alarm call - 07:11 a.m., 3900

block Terwilliger Rd., Anza

Jan. 9

Unknown trouble - 05:36 p.m., 3900 block Anza Rd., Anza

Assist other department - 02:06 p.m., address undefined, Anza

Assist other department - 12:12 p.m., address undefined, Anza

911 hangup from cellphone12:12 p.m., 5900 block Rim Rock Rd., Anza

Incorrigible minor - 11:21 a.m., address withheld, Anza

Petty theft - 08:35 a.m., 4200 block El Campo Rd., Anza, report taken

The Sheriff’s Blotter enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities.

Unlawful entry - 07:24 a.m., 5600 block Engstrom Rd./Contreras Rd., Anza Jan. 10

Trespassing - 03:59 p.m., 3800

block Contreras Rd., Anza

Trespassing - 02:30 p.m., 4100 block Terwilliger Rd., Anza

Suicide threat - 12:42 p.m., address withheld, Lake Riverside

911 hangup from cellphone09:35 a.m., 3800 block Fisher Rd., Anza

Vicious dog - 08:35 a.m., address undefined, Anza Assist other department - 12:06

HOME & GARDEN

Don’t move firewood

Roger Boddaert

Special to the Valley News

The moving of firewood has the potential of transporting tree-killing insects and diseases from one area to another.

Our forests high in the mountains are dying from various borers and beetles. When these forests die, the risk of wildfires is compounded.

While visiting the mountains, you might see signs of “Firewood For Sale.” Be aware that exotic bugs might be living inside the firewood. Forest insects kill thousands of native trees every day.

The Six Spotted Gold Oak Borer is attacking our native oaks, specifically the California live oak from the Mexican border to Oregon.

Once these infected trees die –if cut down and sold for firewood, they can potentially still spread

diseases.

When pests kill trees, homeowners and local municipalities shoulder the expense of removal.

The loss of tree species can negatively affect crucial ecosystems from the water we drink to the air we breathe.

Foreign bugs enter our country every day – both by land and by cargo ships, on wooden pallets that may contain hidden larvae. Should any insects remain alive, they could emerge and spread to surrounding regions. Several agricultural agencies are working together at our borders to curtail various bugs from entering the country.

The Southern California Mediterranean climate is perfectly suitable for nonnative insects to enter and thrive.

Firewood is not the only way these insects spread; fruits, vegetables and other agricultural

products should be considered as potential carriers.

We can also all help our environment by being eco-conscious citizens and do our part – reuse, repurpose, recycle. Let’s make

local trees.

Payment Assistance Programs

a.m., 3900 block Anza 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.

is our

“To

what remains of the earth and to foster its

can be reached at 760-728-4297.

EMWD board ratifies emergency contract for TVRWRF pipeline replacement

A pipeline failure at the Eastern Municipal Water District’s Temecula Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility failed in October, necessitating the authority of EMWD general manager Joe Mouawad to issue an emergency repair contract. The emergency contract needed board ratification, although that concurrence can happen after the repair project is complete and a 5-0 vote January 7 approved the $305,608 contract with Pacific Hydrotech Corporation as well as other expenses for the project. The Temecula Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility is in the 42500 block of Avenida Alvarado. The reclamation facility provides sewage collection and treatment services to the Temecula, French Valley, and Murrieta areas. The facility can process up to 23 million gallons

per day (mgd). The wastewater is pumped from three regional lift stations into the regional reclamation facility, where it flows by gravity through the headworks structure and then to three parallel treatment trains. The flow is conveyed from the preliminary treatment structure to the next process through below-grade pipelines. On October 4 the pipeline that conveys wastewater by gravity to the Plant 2 treatment process failed, which caused a release of raw wastewater within the facility site that Saturday. EMWD operations staff members observed water emanating from under the pavement near the headworks, and the leak was determined to be from the 36-inch influent pipeline at Plant 2. The pipeline was isolated, which stopped the release of raw wastewater. Operators erected dirt berms to see CONTRACT, page B-5

Western MWD nominated for ACWA Excellence in Communications award

Joe Naiman Special to Valley News

The Association of California Water Agencies has a Huell Howser Excellence in Communications Award which is presented annually at the ACWA fall conference, and the Western Municipal Water District received a nomination for the 2025 award which was presented December 4 at the ACWA conference in San Diego.

The annual award honors exceptional communications and outreach programs developed and implemented by water agencies. Western was one of four agencies receiving a nomination, which it obtained for its rate adjustment campaign which utilized messages about the value of water to obtain acceptance of a rate increase.

“We’re proud at Western Water to be nominated for this award,” said Western Water manager of strategic communications Grace Cardenas.

“Winning an award is certainly validating for the work that we’ve done,” Cardenas said. “It’s nice to be recognized by the other agencies in all of California.”

The Western Municipal Water District has a service area of 527 square miles and is a wholesale agency as well as a retail agency. In addition to providing water directly to retail accounts, Western also uses its MWD membership to provide imported water to the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, the Rancho California Water District, the Temescal Valley Water District, the cities of Corona, Norco, and Riverside, the Jurupa Community Services District, and the Eagle Valley and Box Springs mutual water companies. Western serves customers directly in Eagle Valley, El Sobrante, Lake Mathews, Mission Grove, Orangecrest, Temescal Canyon, and Woodcrest, and portions of Mead Valley and Perris. Western also provides water to the March Air Reserve Base. For wholesale and retail combined the district provides water to approximately one million people, and Western has approximately 25,000 meter connections.

Water, which is not generated from the local supply, is pur-

CONTRACT from page B-4

contain water, and flows were initially diverted to Plant 1 and Plant 3. Vactor crews arrived to begin cleaning up the wastewater.

The entire capacity of Plant 2 is necessary to treat all incoming flows and meet permit requirements, so temporary bypass pumping was put into place to maintain Plant 2 operations while repairs could be made. Charles King Company, Inc., which is based in Signal Hill, responded immediately and provided three diesel bypass pumps which allowed for pumping 7 mgd to Plant 2. The bypass pumps prevented overloading of Plant 1, ineffective treatment, downstream process upsets, and possible permit violations.

Eastern operates four regional water reclamation facilities, and in 2019 a detailed approach was developed for sidestream treatment at each reclamation facility to reduce nitrogen levels. On August 26 the EMWD board voted

chased from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. MWD obtains water from the Colorado River Aqueduct, which transports water from Parker to Lake Mathews, and from the State Water Project, which brings water from Oroville to Lake Skinner. Customers who receive Western Municipal Water District bills thus pay for the cost of obtaining water as well as local distribution and other operations expenses. Western distributes approximately 25 billion gallons annually, with approximately 60 percent of that being imported and 40 percent obtained from local supply.

“They definitely don’t realize all that’s involved in delivering water to them, especially in our region. It’s a lot more of a complex process,” Cardenas said. “We’re trying to make the connection.”

In November 1996, the state’s voters passed Proposition 218, which requires a public vote on benefit assessments but exempts water and sewer rate increases if a cost-of-service study shows a relationship between the rates and the agency’s cost to provide water or sewer service. A rate-setting policy can be in effect for up to five years and must include a rate design and public review. The rate increases do not include any increases in the cost of water purchased from a wholesale agency, and a water agency may raise rates due to that increased cost of water without a Proposition 218 hearing.

“The campaign kind of came first,” Cardenas said.

Western worked with chambers of commerce, community groups, community leaders, elected officials, and agricultural organizations. The district’s community engagement includes a biannual open house along with a presence at the March Air Show and the Riverside Citrus festival, and informational sessions were also held at library branches throughout the district. More than 40 one-on-one partner meetings were conducted. Four board workshops and three community sessions preceded the Proposition 218 hearing.

The campaign emphasized the

5-0 to award Pacific Hydrotech Corporation, which is based in Perris, a $19,020,463.41 contract to build the sidestream treatment facility which will include two moving bed biofilm reactors and two sidestream equalization tanks along with a concrete masonry unit sidestream service building which will have aeration air blowers, an electrical room, and a chemical room. The construction of the sidestream treatment facility is expected to be complete by February 2028. The bypass pumping required to keep the reclamation facility operating has impeded the progress on the air header replacement on the sidestream treatment facility, but because Pacific Hydrotech is already mobilized at the facility the emergency contract was offered to that company. The scope of work included excavation and removal of the failed pipe, installation of the new pipe provided by Eastern, installation of a cured in place lining inside the new pipe, wrapping the exterior

addition to the Jurupa Community Services District and Eagle

and other surrounding communities.

clarity of plain language and tools that make rates understandable, the consistency of one message carried across every channel, transparency providing full access to the ‘why,’ not just the ‘what, and humanity utilizing actual employees, voices, and stories.

“We’re trying to focus on how to make this more easy to digest,” Cardenas said.

The elements of the campaign were based in part upon customer feedback. Western staff utilized the insights collected from that feedback to refine the messages and community engagement strategies.

Western used both digital and print outreach. Eleven different tailored notices about the Proposition 218 hearing were mailed to the owners of 31,181 parcels. A campaign video obtained 80,950 views and 82,504 engagements while a rate webpage resulted in 1,505 visits and 1,057 clicks. Nine electronic newsletters reached 17,809 recipients and had a 55.7 percent open rate.

The Proposition 218 exemption process requires mailed notice of the new rates and includes a protest provision; if more than half of the district’s property owners or account holders submit a protest letter the planned rate increase is rescinded. Only seven protest letters were received, and in June 2025 the WMWD board approved a four-year rate plan.

Some customers responded with questions or general comments rather than protest letters. The comments and questions, and the resulting interaction, included

of the new pipe, backfill and compacting, and replacement of the asphalt and curb. Pacific Hydrotech’s proposed price of $305,608 to complete the work within 30 days was commensurate with the necessary level of effort.

Eastern’s Administrative Code allows the general manager to approve emergency expenditures, and the general manager must report the actions taken and the reasons justifying the emergency determination to the EMWD board at the next regular board meeting. The general manager also has the authority to approve purchases with annual costs of less than $100,000 for the acquisition of supplies, equipment, and services including professional services and construction work contracts under $35,000. Charles King Company, Inc., was paid $43,573 while a $26,406 cost for miscellaneous labor and materials brought the total emergency expense amount to $375,587.

Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.

all

Text (619) 665-3999 for more information or email magerkurths@yahoo.com

the subjects of inflation and rising cost of living, the necessity and impact of the rate increase proposal, support for customers with financial hardships, the use of reserves, employee salaries, Western’s rates compared to other agencies, and concerns about government spending.

“The campaign served its purpose,” Cardenas said.

“It showed us that planning ahead and helping customers understand the service that goes on behind the scenes helps them understand what they’re paying for,” Cardenas said. “Our goal really is to keep it going.”

Cardenas was raised in San Jacinto and attended San Jacinto High School before attending California State University, Monterey Bay. Her father had worked in the water industry with the City of Riverside’s public utilities department. “I never thought it was such a fascinating world until I started working in it, too,” she said.

She began her water industry career with the Vallecitos Water District in San Marcos. After five years with Vallecitos she spent three years with the Rancho California Water District before joining the Western staff. Cardenas has been with Western for two years.

Huell Howser hosted the Public Broadcasting Service’s “California Gold” series and first became acquainted with California water issues during his “California Gold” series when he was invited to visit the California River Aqueduct tunnel through Mount San Jacinto while the aqueduct

was closed for maintenance. He partnered with ACWA for a PBS series on California water which presented various water issues of the state in a non-political style intended to entertain as well as educate Californians. Howser passed away in January 2013.

The East Bay Municipal Utility District, whose service area is in Alameda County and Contra Costa County, received the 2025 Huell Howser Excellence in Communications Award for that district’s program which focused on educating young people about water quality and sustainability and highlighted the importance of water in the community by partnering with schools, community groups, and the Oakland-based children’s music hip-hop group Alphabet Rockers. The Santa Clara Valley Water District was nominated for its conservation campaign which used multilingual, targeted digital outreach to promote water-saving programs. The Placer County Water Agency, the City of Roseville, and the City of Lincoln collaborated for a campaign to inform residents that water reliability isn’t left to chance but built, and that project also received a nomination.

The ACWA conference took place December 2-4. Cardenas was also part of a December 3 Excellence in Communication Case Studies session in which she and representatives from the other three nominated agencies spoke about their programs.

Joe Naiman can be reached at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.

Menifee Union School

District teacher Victoria Simpson named 2025 CLMS Educator of the Year finalist

MENIFEE – The Menifee Union School District (MUSD) proudly celebrates Victoria Simpson, a 6th-grade mathematics teacher at Bell Mountain Middle School (BMMS), who was named a finalist for the prestigious 2025 California League of Middle Schools (CLMS) Educator of the Year award. Mrs. Simpson is one of only 14 educators recognized across Region 10, which encompasses Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono Counties, for her dedication to excellence in middle-level education.

Having taught at BMMS for over two decades, Mrs. Simpson is a beloved pillar in the community and a driving force behind innovative math instruction. Her nomination was championed by Principal Dr. Patrice Harris, who praised her ability to connect with

students during a pivotal stage of their development.

“Victoria is the type of educator who transforms the middle school experience,” said Dr. Harris. “I nominated her because she embodies the heart of middle school education. She consistently uses creative and engaging strategies to make challenging mathematical concepts accessible and fun. Beyond her instructional brilliance, she acts as a key part of our school culture, ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success. Her dedication goes far beyond the classroom walls, building confidence and futures for her students.”

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root expressed the district’s pride in the recognition. “Mrs. Simpson’s recognition as a CLMS Finalist is a well-deserved honor

that reflects her commitment to our students,” Dr. Root said. “For over 20 years, she has made Bell Mountain her home, fostering a love for math in countless young learners. Her consistent excellence exemplifies the quality of teaching MUSD strives for every day.”

For Mrs. Simpson, the honor reflects a collective effort. “I am incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition,” commented the 6th-grade teacher. “Teaching at Bell Mountain has been the joy of my career, and the students here inspire me daily. This award is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the entire BMMS staff and the supportive Menifee community.”

Submitted by Menifee Union School District.

Bell Mountain Middle School 6th-grade math teacher Victoria Simpson (center) is recognized as a 2025 California League of Middle Schools (CLMS) Educator of the Year Finalist. Pictured (L-R): Dr. Patrice Harris, Nominator; Victoria

Michelle’s Place opens applications for 2026 cancer-impact scholarships for students

TEMECULA – Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center is proud to announce the opening of its 2026 Educational Scholarship Program, offering eight scholarships to individuals whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Applications will be accepted beginning January 15, 2026, with a submission deadline of March 15, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be announced on June 15, 2026. The scholarship program supports students living in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and North San Diego County who

are pursuing higher education while navigating the personal or family impact of cancer. Each scholarship carries its own eligibility requirements, which are outlined on the Michelle’s Place website.

Applications are reviewed by a dedicated committee of community volunteers who thoughtfully evaluate each submission in alignment with the mission of Michelle’s Place, ensuring that no one faces cancer alone.

The eight scholarships are available for 2026 are the fol-

lowing:

• Barbara Bryan Matzkin Scholarship, $1,000

• Bill Cathey Scholarship, $1,000

• Michelle’s Place Scholarships, two awards of $1,000 each

• Nimmo-Duncan-Bennett Scholarship, $1,000

• Patricia Deroeux Scholarship, $2,000

• Shanen Skinner-Pearson Spirit of Life Scholarship, $1,000

• Team Charlotte Ovarian Cancer Awareness Scholarship, $2,000

For full eligibility details and to apply, visit https://michellesplace.org/education/ Michelle’s Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the only all-cancer resource center serving Riverside County, San Bernardino County, North San Diego County, and surrounding communities. Founded in 2001 as a breast cancer resource center, Michelle’s Place expanded in 2018 to support individuals and families impacted by all types of cancer.

Each year, Michelle’s Place

serves approximately 4,000 cancer patients and provides more than 14,000 no-cost programs and resources. These include education, emotional support, wellness services, and practical assistance designed to improve quality of life and provide comfort during the cancer journey. All programs and services are offered at no cost, ensuring access and support for those who need it most throughout Southern California.

Local students earn degrees and President’s list achievements at universities for Fall 2025

Various universities announced Fall 2025 graduates that include students from the local area. Angelo State University conferred 652 undergraduate and graduate degrees on 644 graduates, including Caroline Ramon of Lake Elsinore, during the 2025 fall commencement exercises on Dec. 12, 2025, at the ASU

Junell Center/Stephens Arena in San Angelo, Texas. Ramon earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Trine University in Angola,

Indiana, graduated two local students for the Fall 2025 semester. Qing Gao of Lake Elsinore graduated with a Master of Science in Business Analytics, and Megan

Nelson of Temecula graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Trine University also named two area students, Brandie Brueggeman and Jamie Dornberg, to their President’s List honors, where students must complete a minimum of 12 hours and have a grade point average of 3.75 to 4.0. Brandie Brueggeman of Wildomar is majoring in Psychology and Jamie Dornberg of Murrieta is majoring in Human Resource Management.

The University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky, named Melissa Gargalis of Murrieta to the President’s List for Fall 2025. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 4.0 for the semester, receive an “A” grade in UC Engage, and be in good academic standing. Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, announced local students who qualified for the President’s List for the Fall 2025 semester. Students had to attain a semester grade point average of 3.9 or higher and complete at least 15 credits. Students from Temecula include Anthony Curatolo, Brenna Kelleher, Richard Strobel, and Sydnie Pritchard. Students from Murrieta include Conner Rodriguez, Riley Demary, Seryn Stites, and Taylor Orellano. Students from Wildomar include Katelyn Colley and Maddie Brotemarkle. And a student from Lake Elsinore, Christian Pierce, also achieved the honor.

Finally, Athena Carlisle of Murrieta was named to the President’s List of Texas State University, located in San Marcos, Texas. TSU President’s List students earned a grade point average of 4.0 while enrolled in 12 or more hours during the semester.

Temecula Valley students honored in December

Diane A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program, recognizing and inspiring academic excellence since the 1992-1993 school year, held its awards breakfast on Dec. 11 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd.

Holly Wilson, Director of Admissions at Linfield Christian School, emceed the event for Sally Myers who founded the nonprofit program that partners with the Chamber. Wilson welcomed everyone and shared the mission of the local high school recognition program, which sets the criteria for the students who are chosen.

Supported by the community, college or vocational/trade school-bound seniors are acknowledged and honored for their character, their love of learning, and their willingness to participate in numerous activities such as campus events, athletics and community service or the ability to persevere and overcome difficult life circumstances. They accomplish all this in a setting that honors God, country, community, family, and free enterprise.

Backpacks filled with gifts, certificates of recognition and much more were donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

December’s students of the month are Chaparral High School’s Sophia Lopez, Great Oak’s Abigail Huth, Linfield Christian’s Crystal Augustine, Rancho Vista’s Tony Joel Merida Figueroa, Susan H. Nelson High School’s Emilyn Mayares Mora, and Temecula Valley’s Kaitlyn R. McGuire.

Sophia Lopez Chaparral High School Assistant Principal Ingrid Taylor introduced Sophia as a “dedicated four-year AVID student and proud member of our girls’ basketball team.” Sophia serves as a peer leader and is active in the Hispanic National Honor Society and founded a craft club on campus. She spearheaded the launch of Temecula Valley Unified School District’s DECA program for a new business CTE pathway and created the CHS Business Club. Sophia said a lesson she has learned from all her teachers, coaches and friends who have supported her throughout high school is to take a step back and breathe. “This is a lesson I’m taking with me to college and beyond,” she said. “These are simple words that changed me for the better. High school has been filled with pressure due to grades, responsibilities, expectations, and the fear of making a mistake.” She said she has learned the importance of patience, resilience and has come to trust herself because she took the time to slow down. AVID teacher Joseph Gilleland said, “Sophia

of

demonstrates empathy far beyond her years. She manages to find time for everyone else and is still prepared to move forward for her own success. Her tenacity is admirable.”

Abigail “Abby” Huth Great Oak High School Assistant Principal Alicia Brennan said Abby is an incredible student and athlete who leads with kindness, lifts others up and includes everyone. “She’s the first to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves, and she makes our school a better place simply by being in it.” Abby said she never imagined the impact of having a sister with Down Syndrome would have on her life. “I watched her face adversity and prove to others how capable she is,” Abby said. “Imparting key lessons like the importance of inclusion, the value of empowering others through lifting up other people’s voices and the meaning of resilience, Jocelyn has been the most impactful and inspiring teacher.” Using all the lessons she learned from her sister about the positive impact of inclusion, Abby became coach for the Great Oak Unified track and field team and quickly learned that participation in sports wasn’t just about medals, about the little breakthroughs and moments of connection and sense of belonging that matter most. Abby will be attending the University of San Diego where she will be running cross country and track and hopes to continue onto medical school in the future.

Crystal Augustine

Linfield Christian High School

Principal Ty Nichols said Crystal excels academically, captained the debate team, served as a stu-

dent ambassador and is a leader in campus activities such as ASB, Chapel Band and yearbook. “Her deep commitment led her to found the Be the Change Club and serve with a humble heart on the Costa Rica mission trip,” Nichols said. “Through her integrity and leadership, she makes Linfield a better place.” Crystal said a significant life lesson she has learned is the power of speech. “Being part of the debate team and as captain, I have learned how to articulately defend my beliefs in front of a judge and how to change my tone based on who I was talking to. But it all boils down to just how powerful and how immensely weighted our words actually are. As it even says in the Bible, words can either bring a person up or it can tear them down and quite frankly I believe our words should be used to bring people up.” English teacher Melissa Blades said, “Crystal is brilliant, perceptive and internally motivated to pursue excellence in everything she does. She’s someone who walks in integrity and serves others selflessly.”

Tony Joel Merida Figueroa Rancho Vista High School

Principal David Schlottman introduced Tony as a member of the school’s Newcomer Academy, which is for junior and senior students who are new to the United States and are just starting to learn English. “Many of the new students who arrive in this country have limited or interrupted formal education so they not only learn English, but they have to pick up on the learning where they left off in their home country,” Schlottman said. “Tony is making a lot of progress.” In Guatemala, he left school after sixth grade to work

ful l time on the farm with his parents. “I am grateful for this educational opportunity,” Tony said. “This recognition will help me to keep going and give my best.” He continued his speech in Spanish and said it was good that he has many relatives in Temecula and their love and care for him helps him feel better about his life. “I believe that all that happened in Guatemala has made me stronger and my family here more united,” Tony said. His goal is to become a medical assistant, and he will begin his higher education at Mt. San Jacinto College. Emilyn Mayares Mora Susan H. Nelson High School

Principal David Schlottman introduced Emilyn as someone who has big dreams and lots of determination to make them happen. About herself, she says she is independent, focused and faithful to herself. A quote that she said would describe herself is, “Guard your heart above all else for everything you do flows from it.” She told Principal Schlottman that to her it means she has to protect her beliefs, her goals and her ideas and that doing so makes her genuine and helps her to stay on track. “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that strength doesn’t come from having an easy path; it comes from choosing to keep going even when things get difficult,” Emilyn said. “These past few years have brought challenges that have pushed me academically, emotionally and personally. I had moments where balancing school, work, family responsibilities and my future felt really overwhelming but every obstacle taught me that discipline and perseverance are choices I have to make daily. I

REGIONAL NEWS

learned that success isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being consistent.” She plans to study nursing and become a registered anesthesiologist. “Thank you Sally Myers and the sponsors for creating opportunities like this that remind students like me that our hard work matters and our future is worth investing in,” Emilyn said.

Kaitlyn R. McGuire

Temecula Valley High School

Principal Donna Lione introduced Kaitlyn as someone who is heavily involved in music and is a member of the San Diego Junior Symphony. She plans to enlist in the U.S. Army upon high school graduation and become a combat medic. “They are there to take care of their fellow man and this is something Kaitlyn has been doing in her work in nursing homes where she got her CAN license and found her passion for this.” After serving in the military, she wants to attend NYU to earn her degree in nursing. “The lesson I learned is that you really have to have your heart in something,” said Kaitlyn, who spent the summer working at a nursing home. “This facility did not have a lot of staff or a lot of money, but they had a lot of residents,” she said. “I thought us students would be shadowing a CNA taking vitals and stuff, but they gave us our own patients, and I spent a lot of time with hospice patients. It’s so important that you don’t just care for them physically, but you care about them and who they are,” Kaitlyn said.

For more information, please contact Program Chair Liz Schuch at 951-676-5090 or liz@ temecula.org

County launches annual community budget priorities survey

The County of Riverside wants to hear from residents on what they want to see in the county’s budget. The county launched its annual budget priorities survey to gauge residents’ priorities, needs and requests. Residents are invited to provide input into how county taxpayer dollars are spent across county departments and services for the upcoming fiscal year. The survey is available online in both English ( https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/Rivconeeds) and Spanish ( https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/Rivcospanish) and will run until February 28, 2026. Last year, more than 24,000 residents participated in the survey, which was reviewed before the current budget was presented to the Board of Supervisors. This year, our goal is to exceed last year’s turnout.

The survey is part of an expanded effort to give Riverside County residents more opportunities to voice their opinions early and often during the budget development process.

“I am glad to see us continue our outreach to community members to participate during the budget process,” said Fourth District Supervisor and Board Chair V. Manuel Perez. “We want to hear what is most important to you in your county government.”

Participants can identify services of greater need in their areas, as well as indicate categories of spending to receive more or less funding. The County encourages all to participate.

To further enhance public engagement, the County will also host five budget workshops throughout the county in April, with details to be announced

soon. This ensures accessibility for residents across the vast geographic area of Riverside County. These workshops will provide an opportunity for residents to learn about the budget process, share their perspectives, and offer input ahead of the annual budget hearings on June 8 and 9.

“This questionnaire is a simple

way for residents to weigh in on what matters most to them,” said Vice Chair and Second District Supervisor Karen Spiegel. “The budget affects our daily lives, and hearing directly from the people who live here helps guide those decisions. I encourage residents to take a few minutes to share their input.”

The results of the annual budget priorities survey will be shared at an upcoming board of supervisors meeting in May. For more information about the budget priorities survey, please visit rivco.org/budget. Submitted by the County of Riverside.

OPINION

Editorial: How ‘Big Food’ helped make America the sickest well-fed nation in history

Julie Reeder Publisher

America has never been more fed, more medicated, or more surrounded by health care — and yet Americans are sicker than ever.

This was the problem Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was tasked with addressing when he was chosen as Secretary of Health and Human Services. As a longtime environmental attorney, he understood the political pressure and entrenched interests he would face.

Our chronic disease crisis in the face of abundance is not a mystery. It is the predictable result of decades of public policy shaped less by public health than by the quiet, persistent influence of “Big Food” lobbying — much like the influence long exerted by

Big Pharma. For more than 40 years, federal nutrition policy — from the food pyramid to school lunches to SNAP eligibility — prioritized cheap calories over human health. The result was a government-endorsed diet heavy in refined grains, added sugars, industrial seed oils and ultraprocessed foods, while protein, natural fats, fruits and vegetables were sidelined or actively discouraged. That framework did not emerge from unbiased science. It was shaped in conference rooms, trade associations and regulatory agencies where industry voices carried disproportionate weight. When the federal food pyramid told Americans to base their diet on grains, it wasn’t because Americans were deficient in grains. It was because grain commodities were abundant, subsidized and politically powerful. When fat was demonized and sugar quietly spared, it wasn’t because sugar was harmless — it was because food and beverage industries learned how to steer research, influence advisory committees and shape the narrative. This influence extended far beyond diagrams and pamphlets.

Big Food lobbying shaped labeling laws that obscured sugar

A message from Yxstian

Gutierrez, District 5

County Supervisor

Dear Residents of District 5, Happy New Year D5!

Now that we’ve started the new year, I’ve been reflecting on the momentum we built last year. We had plenty of milestones for our community, and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished.

So, I would like to highlight a few key wins we had last year as we gear up for this year.

First, we’ve made significant progress in ensuring the safety of our homes from fires. We’ve successfully completed four operational Heli-Hydrants in the

San Gorgonio Pass Area, with three more on the way. This $2.1 million investment ensures our firefighters have a reliable water supply ready at a moment’s notice, reducing response times in the Pass.

Second, through the D5 Furry Pets Foster Care Program we launched last year, we managed to save over 570 at-risk animals, reducing the population at the San Jacinto Animal Campus and giving these pets a second chance.

Finally, we continued our support for local partners by providing over $125,000 in Community Improvement Designation funds to local nonprofits and government organizations. From community events to essential social services, these funds empower the organizations that help our residents thrive every day.

I’m looking forward to everything we will achieve together in the coming year!

Sincerely,

Yxstian Gutierrez County Supervisor

content, regulations that allowed thousands of additives with limited safety data, and school meal standards that prioritized shelf life and cost over nutrition. SNAP policies made soda cheaper than milk, chips easier to buy than meat, and ultraprocessed foods the default for low-income families.

The consequences are now undeniable.

More than 70% of American adults are overweight or obese. Nearly one in three adolescents has prediabetes. Diet-driven chronic disease consumes the bulk of U.S. health care spending.

Conditions once rare in children — fatty liver disease, insulin resistance and hypertension — are now common. Military leaders warn that diet-related illness disqualifies 77% of young Americans from service.

All of this is happening in a nation with unprecedented access to food and advanced medical care.

That contradiction — abundance paired with illness — is the clearest indictment of policy failure. We did not accidentally eat our way into this crisis. We were guided there.

Big Food lobbying did more than promote products; it shaped assumptions. It normalized the

idea that food could be engineered, stripped of nutrients, rebuilt with additives and marketed as healthy. It reframed metabolic disease as a personal failure rather than a predictable response to an industrial diet — and ensured that when Americans got sick, the answer was treatment, not prevention.

Corporations exist to make money. The failure lies with regulators and lawmakers who allowed profit-driven priorities to masquerade as public health. Government agencies accepted industry-funded studies as neutral science, invited corporate representatives onto advisory panels, and treated conflicts of interest as a technicality rather than a systemic flaw.

The result was a system that fed Americans constantly but nourished them poorly.

Children were taught to fear fat but not sugar. Parents were told cereal was healthier than eggs.

School cafeterias served pizza as a vegetable and chocolate milk as a staple. Meanwhile, rates of obesity, diabetes, infertility, heart disease and autoimmune illness climbed — and the response was more medication, not better food.

When chronic disease rates rose, responsibility was shifted

to individual choice, despite policies that made the least healthy options the cheapest, most accessible and most aggressively marketed. When communities pushed back with soda taxes or labeling reforms, industry money flooded statehouses to stop them.

Americans paid the price — in declining health, soaring medical costs and shortened lifespans. We became the most fed nation in history and, at the same time, one of the sickest in the developed world. What makes this moment different is that the evidence can no longer be ignored. Independent research overwhelmingly links ultraprocessed foods and excess added sugars to metabolic disease. The old assurances have collapsed.

Reforming nutrition policy will not be easy. Big Food remains powerful and deeply embedded in Washington. But acknowledging its role is the first step. Public health guidance must serve people, not products. Science must be insulated from profit. Chronic disease cannot remain collateral damage of an industrial food system.

America does not need more calories. It needs honesty — and the discipline to eat real food.

Libertarianism and the drug trade

Joe Naiman Special to Valley News

After the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, United States President Donald Trump indicated that other nations fostering drug cartels might be next.

The offending nations do not include Argentina, even though Argentina’s President Javier Milei is considered more libertarian than conservative. The opposition to government intervention on drugs doesn’t mean a relationship between the government and drug traffickers.

Milei himself reacted to Maduro’s capture on social media with the comment: “Freedom advances. Long live freedom, damn it.” He is not afraid of his libertarianism making Argentina a future target for America’s defense against the deadly aspects of the drug trade.

Libertarians have a reputation of being in favor of drugs. Most libertarians don’t specifically want to legalize drugs but rather believe that freedom from government intervention doesn’t apply only to their own activities. Additionally, the support of the rights of others to engage

in drugs, prostitution, MS-Windows, or other activities includes the right to engage in free-market deterrence activities.

In the United States the Libertarian Party is the largest political party in favor of drug legalization. While individual Libertarian Party candidates may address taxation or regulations, the Libertarian Party itself often delegates the lead on such issues to specialty organizations. The Libertarians oppose taxation but delegate the lead on taxation opposition to the likes of California’s Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association or the Massachusetts group Citizens for Limited Taxation. The Libertarians oppose gun control but delegate leadership of firearms ownership to the likes of the National Rifle Association. The Libertarians oppose motorcycle helmet laws but delegate leadership of that personal freedom issue to ABATE. The Libertarian Party only takes the lead on unpopular issues such as drugs and prostitution or on esoteric issues such as ferret ownership.

The Libertarian Party lead on the advocacy for legalized drugs doesn’t necessarily equate to a top priority for that govern-

mental reform let alone a desire solely to exclude drug users from government intervention.

Even if Javier Milei would like to legalize drugs he has higher priorities for Argentina. And if drugs are legalized they would be subject to the free market.

The claim that drug-related crime would be eliminated if drugs themselves are legalized is countered by the right-ofcenter belief that big pharma is killing Americans who could benefit from alternative medical treatments. Crime against competitors will likely still exist even if drugs are legalized and governments would be subject to bribes from legal drug industries as they now are from the cartels. Ironically, principled libertarians aren’t the type of politicians who can be bought by drug businesses. Principled libertarians also believe in the free market, so any drug business would be subject to competition and would not be given government bailouts if it is not profitable.

It is in the best financial interests of Big Pharma to keep patients reliant on medication rather than to cure them. While it may be in the best interests of health insurance companies for patients to die as early as possible so that treatment costs can be avoided, it is not in the best interests of free-market drug growers or sellers to kill off their clientele. Any libertarian-based drug legalization policy should ensure that recreational drugs will not include fentanyl.

The libertarian aspects of drug legalization also include controls to prevent narcoterrorism.