Valley News - July 31, 2026

Billionaire tax, affordable housing:

See the measures on California’s November ballot

On Nov. 3, Californians will vote on 14 statewide ballot measures on environment, taxation, election, housing and healthcare.

For months, interest groups sponsoring ballot initiatives spent heavily on ad blitzes and signature gathering to get on the ballot, but some agreed to withdraw high-profile proposals after striking deals with state leaders or other interest groups this week, ahead of Thursday’s deadline to finalize the November ballot.

Rideshare giant Uber and the state’s trial lawyers pulled rival measures in a deal with state lawmakers and healthcare labor unions and the California Hospital Association agreed to pull...

Maybe

President Trump knows things that we don’t

Julie Reeder Publisher

History teaches that presidents routinely possess intelligence that cannot be shared publicly for months or even years. Diplomacy is often conducted while investigations continue behind closed doors. Public statements rarely reveal the full picture.

President Trump announced that documents had been declassified that pointed to election interference by China, and yet he still invited Xi Jinping to the White House. Many people are furious about this. How could he do that? Well, some of the...

Community rallies around family of Murrieta father killed in suspected DUI crash

Julie Reeder Publisher

MURRIETA — Friends, family and members of the community are raising money to support the wife and two young children of a Murrieta man who was killed last week in a suspected drunk driving crash in Temecula. An online fundraiser has been launched for the family of 39-year-old David Heard, who was killed Friday, July 24, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. As of Mon-

see DUI, page A-7

Fed’s Warsh Tells Congress Inflation Will Be ‘Thing of the Past’

The new Federal Reserve chairman also touted the artificial intelligence boom in the U.S. economy.

Andrew Moran

Federal Reserve Chairman

Kevin Warsh said on July 14 that inflation over the past five years “will be a thing of the past.”

Warsh appeared on Capitol Hill for the first time since his confirmation hearing in April. The new central bank leader appeared before the House Financial Services Committee for his semi-annual monetary policy report to Congress.

In his opening statement to lawmakers, Warsh reaffirmed his commitment to vanquishing

see WARSH, page A-7

David Benoit and Eric Marienthal to Headline Rhythm on the Vine Concert

TEMECULA — Dellaria

Events & Entertainment is proud to present an unforgettable evening of world-class contemporary jazz as legendary pianist David Benoit returns to the stage with special guest, acclaimed saxophonist Eric Marienthal, for the Rhythm on the Vine concert series at Danza del Sol Winery in Temecula Wine Country.

Set against the scenic backdrop of one of Southern California’s premier wineries, the perfor-

mance promises an intimate concert experience featuring two of the most celebrated names in contemporary jazz.

David Benoit is recognized as one of the founding fathers of contemporary jazz, with a distinguished career spanning more than four decades as a pianist, composer, arranger, conductor, and educator. A multiple GRAMMY® nominee, Benoit has become synonymous with the contemporary jazz movement

through landmark recordings including Freedom at Midnight, Every Step of the Way, and Letter to Evan.

Beyond his acclaimed recording career, Benoit has performed with leading symphony orchestras around the world and collaborated with an extraordinary list of artists including Dave Koz, Faith Hill, David Sanborn, and Brian McKnight. His most

Judge orders singer D4vd to stand trial in death of 14-year-old girl

Julie Reeder Publisher

A Los Angeles County judge ruled Monday that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence to move forward with a murder trial against singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, in the killing of 14-year-old Lake Elsinore resident Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Following a five-day preliminary hearing, Judge Charlaine Olmedo found probable cause to hold Burke, 21, to answer on charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

The hearing included testimony, forensic evidence and graphic autopsy photographs, along with text messages exchanged between Burke and Hernandez shortly before her death. Prosecutors contend the teenager threatened to expose their relationship, which they allege gave Burke a motive to kill her days before the scheduled release of his debut album.

According to evidence presented in court, Hernandez sent Burke a text message the night before she died stating, “I will end ur career and ur life.”

Authorities allege Hernandez’s dismembered remains were later discovered in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla in the Hollywood Hills in September while the singer was away on tour. The case has drawn widespread attention because of the nature of the allegations and Burke’s rising profile in the music industry.

Burke appeared in court wearing jail-issued clothing and glasses and showed little visible reaction as the judge announced her ruling.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Defense attorneys argued prosecutors failed to establish sufficient evidence to support the murder charge, although they did not contest the evidence supporting the remaining charges during the preliminary hearing. They declined to comment after the hearing.

TANF youth spend their summer working and learning

All year long, the Soboba Tribal TANF program offers Native youth opportunities to participate in exciting activities and workshops that focus on culture, education, teamwork, and more. The year-round prevention program provides Leadership through Education, Acquirement, Desire (LEAD) and during the summer months, a work experience component is added to become WE LEAD.

A record number of 31 youth aged 14-21 were eligible to work at one of 20 worksites that stepped up to be part of this important program. The TANF program provides these career exploration opportunities with the support of departments and businesses within the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians’ reach as well as some at the Santa Rosa and Cahuilla reservations and in the city of Riverside where other TANF program offices are located.

All potential youth workers are required to complete the same job application process as any Soboba employee would. This gives them first-hand experience and insight into the work world and what they can expect in the future. Once accepted into the work program, they spend a full week of pre-employment training.

Soboba TANF Senior Program Specialist Annalisa Tucker said during this time, youth completed several foundational certifications and workforcereadiness activities. Each participant earned their CPR & First Aid certification, obtained a food handler’s card, and finished their newhire orientation with Human Resources. They also engaged in mock interviews, learned practical skills on how to be a successful employee, and took the COPS (Career Occupational Preference System) career assessment to identify potential career paths and college majors that aligned with their strengths. In addition, youth participated in leadership development activities designed to build confidence, communication, and teamwork. Employers are asked to complete performance evaluations that rate the quality of work, quantity of work, job knowledge and work habits displayed by the young workers under their supervision throughout their employment.

Even though some of the workers were returning to a job site they had been at in previous years, a Managers Meet-andGreet luncheon on June 18 was a welcome kick-off before they were set to start their assigned jobs on June 22. The youth were able to discuss scheduling with their new bosses. Many of them have high school sports practices and other obligations to be considered while managers discussed some of the projects that needed to be completed and explained how they could help their departments during the sixweek program. Regional TANF Manager Harold Arres welcomed everyone to the event and told the youth to be proud of themselves for taking the initiative to apply. He introduced Soboba’s Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada to say a few words to the youth

after providing a blessing.

“You should congratulate yourselves on the dedication that you’re showing,” Estrada said.

“It’s nice to earn a little bit of income over the summer but this is really an extra slice of Trial sovereignty. Tribal programs are an extension of Tribal government and shows what Tribes have the authority to do. We have 19 different departments within the Soboba Tribal administration, employing over 300 individuals who make this their career.”

Estrada shared that he got his start in Tribal programs as a teenager when he volunteered at the Santa Rosa Tribal office during the summer. He began working in cultural monitoring and got a job at Soboba doing monitoring which rolled into the Environmental Department.

“I continued to dedicate myself to Tribal government, working in these Tribal programs and now I am overseeing the whole administration, reporting to Tribal Council,” he said. “You can’t do it alone. You really need to maintain these relationships and carry yourselves professionally. I have an amazing team of dedicated leaders within their departments. So remember that this is not just a job; it’s a career you can grow into. You guys are making Tribal government work so give yourselves a round of applause.”

A special guest speaker at the event was Soboba’s oldest living Tribal member, Teresa Silvas Seaton, who was born on April 21, 1930. She shared her lifetime of work experience and what advantages it provided.

“When I was born at Soboba Hospital, there weren’t many opportunities for Native Americans, especially the women,” she said. She felt fortunate to be able to work with her mother at a young age and helping with the apricot harvest and as a teenager at the cannery in Hemet. After graduating from high school in 1948, Seaton joined the Army Air Force.

“All this led to me being responsible, reliable, and resourceful,” Seaton said. She said if she could accomplish all that she did when there were limited opportunities available, she encouraged the youth to take advantage of all that is offered to them these days.

Allynn Silvas was excited to be

assigned to work with the Soboba Sports Complex ground crew. His supervisors are Alex Alvarado, who is the Maintenance Lead at the Sports Complex and Fabian Correa, who is also in charge of maintenance for the crew that also takes care of the grounds at The Oaks.

“I’ve lived on the rez since I was five and my dad took me to work with him, so I grew up watching the way things work around here,” said Allynn, 16, whose father is Parks and Recreation Director Andy Silvas. “I always watched these guys work, day in and day out, and I know they do a lot. I’m just looking forward to being helpful.”

Jerimyah Saenz is working with Tribal chef Anita Morillo and her team at the kitchen for the second year in a row. The sixteen-year-old has already chosen to attend culinary school after he finishes high school and this program gives him an insider’s view to all aspects of kitchen operations. Not only is he learning about menu planning and how to operate different types of equipment, but he is also building life skills. The Tribal kitchen is responsible for preparing food for Tribal meetings, weekend events, program lunches and more.

Soboba’s Roadrunner Express has been a popular worksite and has welcomed WE LEAD participants since the store opened

in 2023. Store Managers Linda Whitener and Tony Brimer will oversee four youth workers this year who will learn about the daily operations of the 24/7 store and service station.

“Customer service is always number one on our list of what is most important for them to learn,” Brimer said. From checking in deliveries to stocking shelves and cashiering, there is always something to be done at the busy store. He said following the schematics throughout the store helps them stock the shelves and that in turn teaches them where items are located so they can guide customers in the right direction. Brimer said it is this type of helpfulness that brings customers back. Whitener said two of the workers, Bentley Resvaloso and Ete’tish Arviso are new to the worksite, but Domingo Resvaloso and Ginger Velazquez are returnees. Supervisors enjoy the program because the youth come in wanting to learn. The managers said they are full of energy and willing to do whatever is asked of them.

Danny Placencia is a recent graduate of San Jacinto Valley Academy and already has decided he wants to become a mechanic and/or a welder. Fortunately, Soboba Public Works is part of the WE LEAD program and offers him a chance to get

his hands dirty working with the mechanics.

The department is responsible for anything Soboba-related and that includes 225 vehicles, 25 generators, seven fire trucks and a number of Noli school buses. The work they do is about 50 percent routine maintenance and 50 percent repair work.

Mechanic Alex Gutierrez and Head Mechanic Russ Hanson said Danny shadows them as they talk him through whatever they are working on. They explain each step as well as tools they are using and why. Danny helped them pull a motor out of one of the Kubota utility vehicles that is used by the Sports Complex maintenance crew. They replaced a rear bumper and some truck motor mounts on Public Safety vehicles. He has also been able to do some welding while also helping them reorganize the garage.

This is Danny’s first time in the program because in prior years his school sports obligations prevented him from participating.

“I’ve been around mechanics my whole life because of my uncles and cousins,” Danny said. He credits Michael “Bud” Ward, Michael Placencia, and his grandfather Glen Placencia for being a great influence on him. “They’ve all been great role models,” he said. see TANF, page B-8

Live Music Under the Stars David Benoit with Special Guest ERIC MARIENTHAL

at Danza del Sol Winery in Temecula Wine Country

An unforgettable night Saturday, August 8, 2026

Doors Open at 5:00pm Wine & Cheese Served 5:00pm-7:30pm Performer Meet & Greet 6:45pm-7:15pm Concert Begins at 7:45pm Winery Store is Open until 10:30pm

David Benoit is one of the founding fathers of contemporary jazz, with a celebrated career spanning more than four decades as a pianist, composer, arranger, conductor, and educator. A GRAMMY® nominee multiple times throughout his career, Benoit is known for influential recordings including Freedom at Midnight, Every Step of the Way, and Letter to Evan.

In addition to his acclaimed recording career, Benoit has performed and conducted with leading symphonies around the world while collaborating with artists including Dave Koz, Faith Hill, David Sanborn, and Brian McKnight. His latest release, Timeless (2024), showcases his continued artistry and innovation within contemporary jazz.

He also has composed for film and television, including multiple theme songs, and co-wrote a Broadway musical.

Eric Marienthal is a two-time GRAMMY Award-winning saxophonist and a 10-time GRAMMY nominee. His career has taken him to stages in more than 75 countries. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Marienthal first gained international recognition as a member of Chick Corea’s Elektric Band, where he recorded six albums and earned two GRAMMY Awards.

Marienthal has performed and recorded with an extraordinary range of artists including Elton John, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, David Benoit, The Rippingtons, Patti Austin, B.B. King, and George Duke. His latest release, Double Dealin’, with trumpeter Randy Brecker, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

Dellaria Events & Entertainment is honored to welcome David Benoit as the lead-off artist and Eric Marienthal as special guest for the Rhythm on the Vine concert series at Danza del Sol Winery in Temecula, California.

HOME & GARDEN

Rose Care FUNdamentals for August 2026

Taking care of roses in the heat of summer

Frank Brines ARS Master Rosarian

Summer is certainly upon us! Experience tells us that it’s only going to get hotter before it gets cooler. (I don’t need to tell you that at the beginning of August, do I?) Since high summer temperatures and lessthan-ideal conditions for roses are inevitable for the next couple of months, let’s get ready! Stroll through your gardens in the AM, look for leaf wilt, drying or discoloring of leaves and the general leaf reflectance (surface luster). If it appears dull, investigate the plant for disease, drought or pests.

Like most living things, your roses are continually perspiring, although in their case we call it “transpiring.” This draws water from the roots into the leaves, helping them keep cool. When temperatures range in the 90o range, insufficient moisture in the root zone results in browning of the leaves, usually starting at the leaf margins, sometimes on their convex surfaces. This heat stress also limits bloom size, fades color, and crinkles petals. This is why in summer a rose can need as much as 12 gallons of water per week just to survive.

That’s why I strongly recommend letting your roses rest and go into a faux dormancy until about mid-September. (You don’t really want to be out there sweating and suffering either, do you??) For now, just remove and discard the withered petals and let the hips develop, keep the bed clean of debris, and DON’T fertilize. You may also remove the lower 8” to 10” of leaves to discourage spider mites (more about that later). Be sure your irrigation system is in good condition and delivers the necessary water. If foliage becomes gets sunburned, you can remove some of it, but don’t remove so much that the cane becomes exposed to the sun and gets sunburned—that can kill the whole plant. Here are a couple of pictures That I took in my garden on a summer morning. I now live in an area that isn’t quite as warm as the Temecula Valley so I’m sure you’ve seen something like this in your garden with the recent temperature records. The heat has also stunted the size of the blossom and faded its color.

The Saw Fly is active now. It is usually a minor character but can create havoc if left alone and becomes prolific. On new growth it can kill the new vegetation. It’s also called the “cane borer” because (not surprisingly) it bores into a cane and lays eggs. Here is one such hole in my own garden – this happened today! Note the sawdust on the cane!

Chilli Thrips are a year-round pest, but they love hot summer days best. They are almost microscopic, measuring 0.016 - 0.024 inch long, one fourth the size of the Western Flower Thrip. You’ll know Chilli Thrips are present only when new foliage, buds, and blooms come out deformed, distorted, and discolored with a “bronze” tint.

Chilli Thrips love ALL new foliage and bloom colors, unlike Western Flower Thrips who prefer light colors. It’s astounding the amount of damage they can do in a very short time. Control is easiest in the earliest stages since a severe infestation can rapidly defoliate a rose bush AND your other plants too. During hot weather the life cycle for Chilli Thrips is 11 days. It spends part of that time in soil or debris under the plants. The larvae stage molts into a pupal stage and usually enters the soil or debris to eventually appear as adults. Only the larvae and adults are feeding stages. Adults disperse by wind over long distances.

Integrated pest management stresses the importance of cultural, mechanical and biological controls before resorting to the least toxic chemical control. Since Chilli Thrips have a short life cycle you must act at once: Cut out damaged buds, blooms and leaves, and remove fallen leaves and petals from garden, and put them in your trash bin.

Wash your hands and clean your pruner. A natural hero in the fight is the minute pirate bug which feasts on all stages of this pest, as well as on spider mites, insect eggs, aphids, and small caterpillars. You can buy them on the internet!

If mechanical and biological control fail, and you must move on to chemicals, choose the least toxic spray and follow label directions. During infestation spray all new growth weekly. Conserve or Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew concentrate are two organic sprays with active ingredient Spinosad. Spinosad will not harm ladybugs, green lacewings, pirate bugs or predatory mites. Spray early in morning or in evening after bees are less likely to be active and before temperatures reach the 80*s.

During your daily tour of your garden examine lower leaves for signs of another hot weather pest, the spider mite. Lower leaves will be yellow or brown, with fine webbing and/or a dirty appearance. They’re found on the undersides of those leaves. Make quick check by lightly running your fingers across the underside of the leaf. If it has a small grainy feel, it is likely the spider mites.

A strong spray of water from below followed by an overhead shower should take care of the problem or, at least, hold it in check. Give the shower early in the day so the plant has time to dry before the sun becomes hot. Do this every 3 days for 10-14 days and inspect daily. It may be necessary to repeat after a few days if the infestation is heavy.

Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew is a good product to use in this case. As I said earlier, removing the bottom leaves approximately 8” to 10” from soil level can help in reduce (or even prevent) a spider mite infestation.

The world is dangerous enough for plants, but we gardeners face risks. One is a dangerous fungus with the scientific name Sporothrix schenckii. It afflicts humans with the fungus infection sporotrichosis, often called “Rose Thorn Disease.” This fungus lives on hay, sphagnum moss, the tips of rose thorns and in soil. It can cause infection, redness, swelling and open ulcers at the puncture site. The fungus can also spread to the lymphatic system and move on to the joints and bones where it ends up attacking the central nervous system and lungs especially if the thorn is deeply embedded. An uncommon condition, diagnosis can be complicated. Physicians often mistake it as Staph or Strep infection. Be sure to inform your physician that you are a gardener to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. I recommend that whenever you work with soils—especially native soils that develop in your garden—that you wear a face mask that can screen out potentially harmful particles; I favor an N95 rated mask (which we’re all familiar with from the Covid-19 pandemic). These are commonly available at big box stores and online.

We all enjoy the fragrance and beauty of roses and have often had our skin pierced by thorns (“prickles” is the correct anatomical name). Good protective measures include wearing proper clothing (gloves, long sleeves, or gauntlets) when working among roses and thoroughly cleansing even minor scratches and punctures with an anti-bacterial soap. Apply rubbing alcohol (which you should already have handy to clean your pruners) as an immediate wash until you can use anti-bacterial soap. Be vigilant for any sign of infection in anything more than a minor puncture and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you show any of the signs described above. Even simple things in life have risk, so take precautions so you can stop and smell the roses. And when you’ve got a moment to spare, go visit Rose Haven, located at 30592 Jedediah Smith Road (the cross street is Cabrillo Avenue) in Temecula. Also, visit our web site, www. TemeculaValleyRoseSociety. org.

Hemet allocates $100,000 to RV towing program

Joe Naiman Valley News Reporter

The Hemet City Council approved an increase in funding for the city’s Abandoned Recreational Vehicle and Motorhome Tow Rotation Program.

A 4-1 vote July 14, with Tom Lodge opposed, authorized the allocation of $100,000 from the city’s Measure U sales tax revenue to fund the program. Although the program includes a rotation among towing companies, Valley Auto Salvage is currently the only company participating and the city council action also approved an amendment to the agreement with the company which increases the maximum compensation from $50,000 to $100,000.

The city has experienced an increase in abandoned, dismantled, and inoperable recreational vehicles and motorhomes on public streets and private property. Those vehicles create numerous problems including degrading neighborhood appearance, obstructing the right-of-way, fire and public safety risks, complication of stormwater compliance, and hazardous waste concerns when fluids, batteries, and appliances are not managed.

The California Vehicle Code authorizes local governments to remove and dispose of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles. Many jurisdictions address the unique scale, weight, and environmental requirements of RVs with specialized towing and dismantling

programs. On November 12 the city council adopted an ordinance establishing the Abandoned Recreational Vehicle and Motorhome Tow Rotation Program. The ordinance declares abandoned RVs and motorhomes a public nuisance, which ensures that removals, storage, lien processing, dismantling, and ultimate disposition are performed under recognized statutory frameworks. The program created a stand-alone tow rotation list for abandoned RVs and motorhomes, separate from other city towing programs, so that dispatchers and officers can call qualified providers in a fair rotation while ensuring that the provider has the appropriate equipment, experience, and adequate yard capacity available on

demand. The city’s police chief was directed to solicit and qualify providers through a request for qualifications which verifies key competencies including Department of Motor Vehicles dismantler licensing and motor carrier permits, demonstrated experience with oversized tows, secure local storage capacity, environmental compliance for fluids and appliances, response time commitments, and appropriate insurance including garage keeper’s and environmental liability. Fees and charges are addressed through a fee schedule adopted by the city council, which promotes rate transparency and prevents add-ons or unauthorized billing to owners or lienholders.

The initial agreement with Valley Auto Salvage established

a maximum annual compensation amount of $50,000. However, the specialized nature of abandoned RV removals often results in costs which cannot be fully recovered since expenses associated with heavy-duty towing, secure storage, dismantling, environmental compliance, hazardous material handling, and disposal often exceed the proceeds generated through lien sales or owner reimbursement. Based on program activity and projected service demands during Fiscal Year 2026-27 city staff believes that the initial annual compensation limit of $50,000 would have been insufficient to maintain program operations.

Hemet approves five-year Capital Improvement Program

Joe Naiman Valley News Reporter

The Hemet City Council approved a five-year Capital Improvement Program for the city.

A 4-1 vote July 14, with Joe Males opposed, approved the Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 through Fiscal Year 2030-2031.

The five-year CIP has an estimated total cost of $159,501,108, including $21,736,408 during Fiscal Year 2026-27. The CIP will be used as a long-range planning document to identify, prioritize, and fund major capital projects.

The 2026-27 planned expenditures include $6,291,533 for pavement rehabilitation, $6,250,000 for Cactus Valley Channel improvements, $3,264,000 for sewer main replacements, $1,653,750 for the design of a 2 million gallon water tank for the Echo Hills area along with constructing a new 24-inch line from the water tanks to the existing 24-inch main on State Street, $1,653,750 for granular activated carbon treatment at Well No. 15 and Well No. 16, $716,625 to upgrade four-inch waterlines on Apricot Lane, Harvard Street, and Taylor Street to eight-inch pipeline, $330,750 for backup generators at water wells, $300,000 to install trash capture devices on stormwater catch basins, $240,000 for fire station backup generators, $200,000 to replace the street lights in Sierra Dawn Estates, $200,000 for McSweeney Parkway lighting, $200,000 for traffic signal coordination, $100,000 for pavement striping maintenance, and $100,000 for pumping improvements to the Seattle Basin.

EMWD authorizes purchase of Lake Elsinore property for communications tower

Joe Naiman Valley News Reporter

If no obstacles occur, the Eastern Municipal Water District will be acquiring a parcel in unincorporated Lake Elsinore the district will use for a communications tower.

A 5-0 EMWD board vote July 15 authorized the fee title acquisition of the five-acre La Cresta property for $250,000. The Purchase and Sale Agreement includes a 120-day due diligence period to ensure La Cresta Property Owners Association support and an 18-month escrow period to address environmental and design analyses and mitigate environmental risks.

Eastern’s radio telecommunications network allows staff to monitor and operate facilities remotely. One of the sites the district utilizes is a leased tower space near the City of Lake Elsinore. That site houses communications equipment including a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) network, an enterprise network, a voice radio system network, and an automated metering infrastructure (AMI) system.

The district has leased the Elsinore Peak site through agreements with the County of Riverside and American Tower since 2013. The lease amounts now exceed $6,000 per month and are subject to compounding annual escalators. The County has also indicated that no space is available for expansion and American Tower has very limited, if any, space available that would meet long-term EMWD needs. The lack of available space would significantly hinder Eastern’s ability to expand infrastructure as

operational demands grow.

EMWD staff conducted a multi-year search for properties which would allow for a communications tower on district-owned land. A vacant site owned by Gail Farber which meets EMWD needs was publicly listed for sale for $250,000. Eastern’s consultant appraiser also valued the property at $250,000. District staff evaluated the parcel, and it meets all of Eastern’s operational communications needs.

The tower will provide communications coverage for EMWD facilities throughout the Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and unincorporated Riverside County areas and will specifically replace the county and American Tower sites once the new tower is fully operational. The site will also support the consolidation of services required for upcoming planned upgrades including an effort over the next few years to replace more than 300 remote terminal units at various booster, well, lift station, and storage sites.

The property the district plans to purchase is within the La Cresta Property Owners Association boundaries. All properties within that association must comply with its Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R), but as a public utility provider, Eastern is exempt from CC&R requirements. The district still desires to maintain positive community relations, so EMWD staff will make efforts to obtain association and community support for the acquisition and eventual tower project.

During the 120-day due diligence period, Eastern will facilitate formal presentations to the association and the community

to assess support for the project and make a subsequent decision to proceed with the acquisition or terminate the Purchase and Sale Agreement. If Eastern terminates the agreement prior to the due diligence expiration date, the $35,000 escrow deposit will be fully refunded. The 18-month escrow period will accommodate the California Environmental Quality Act process. Eastern will perform the necessary environmental and design analyses, including an alternative site evaluation and will mitigate environmental risk before formally acquiring the property. If Eastern decides not to purchase the property between the end of the 120-day due diligence period and the end of the escrow process, the $35,000 deposit would be forfeited. The estimated construction cost, including the property acquisition, is currently $2.9 million. The costs include engineering, grading and access, construction of the tower, telecommunications equipment, Southern California Edison power, fencing, and a

B USINESS D IRECTORY

to our

We are looking for new members all the

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

from page A-1

recent album, Timeless (2024), continues to showcase his signature blend of lyrical melodies, sophisticated arrangements, and innovative artistry. Benoit’s career also includes composing for film and television, writing multiple television theme songs, and co-writing a Broadway musical.

Joining Benoit as special guest is internationally renowned saxophonist Eric Marienthal, a twotime GRAMMY Award winner and 10-time GRAMMY nominee.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Marienthal first gained worldwide recognition as a member of Chick Corea’s legendary Elektric Band, recording six albums and earning two GRAMMY Awards.

Throughout his remarkable career, Marienthal has performed in more than 75 countries and col-

D4VD from page A-1

Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman told the court the prosecution had presented overwhelming evidence meeting the legal standard required to proceed to trial.

Outside the courthouse, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors introduced only a portion of the evidence they intend to present at trial.

Judge Olmedo also found probable cause supporting special-circumstance allegations that prosecutors say could make Burke eligible for the death penalty if convicted. Those allegations include murder by lying in wait, murder for financial gain and killing a potential witness.

The district attorney’s office

WARSH from page A-1

inflation that has plagued the Fed since 2021, taking a hardline stance on the price stability side of the institution’s dual mandate.

“Today, we are at a hinge point in history. It’s up to all of us to meet this moment,” Warsh said.

“The Fed’s number one objective is to get monetary policy right—or as near to it as we possibly can. That is our clear and constant aim, the star we steer by.

“And if we get policy right— and we will—the inflation surge of the last five years will be a thing of the past.”

Like other advanced central banks worldwide, the Federal Reserve maintains a 2 percent inflation target. Since early 2021, the Fed has been unable to meet this goal, with the annual rate remaining consistently above that threshold.

Warsh, at last month’s policy meeting, unveiled five monetary task forces as part of efforts to introduce reforms to the century-old institution.

One of these panels is tasked with revisiting how the Fed understands and responds to drivers of inflation. It will be headed by Greg Mankiw, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers; Thomas Sargent, professor of economics at New York University; and William White, former economic adviser at the Bank for International Settlements.

Echoing his colleagues, Warsh recognized the “undue burden” elevated inflation has

laborated with a diverse roster of legendary artists including Elton John, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, David Benoit, The Rippingtons, Patti Austin, B.B. King, George Duke, and many others. His latest recording, Double Dealin’ with trumpeter Randy Brecker, received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

“Dellaria Events & Entertainment is honored to welcome David Benoit as the lead-off artist for the Rhythm on the Vine concert series, with Eric Marienthal joining as special guest,” organizers said. “This performance brings together two icons of contemporary jazz for an extraordinary evening in the heart of Temecula Wine Country.”

The Rhythm on the Vine series combines award-winning music

with the relaxed elegance of vineyard concerts, offering guests an opportunity to experience internationally acclaimed performers in an intimate outdoor setting.

David Benoit with Special Guest Eric Marienthal

Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

7 p.m.

Danza del Sol Winery

39050 De Portola Road

Temecula, CA 92592

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy award-winning wines and the beautiful winery setting before the performance begins.

Legendary artists. Intimate performances. Unforgettable nights in wine country.

For tickets and additional event information, visit CEGseats.com.

day afternoon, the campaign had raised more than $21,000 of a $50K goal with 240 donations to help with funeral expenses and provide financial support for Heard’s wife, Elsie, and the couple’s two children. https:// gofund.me/71fba12e8

The fundraiser describes Heard as a devoted husband and father who was known for putting others before himself. Organizers say he was helping others at the scene when he lost his life.

“David was the heart of their family, always putting others before himself and showing up for those in need,” the fundraiser states.

According to organizers, the donations will help cover funeral costs and assist the family as they adjust to the sudden loss of their husband and father.

The fatal collision occurred about 6:51 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Rancho California Road and Riesling Court, east of Interstate 15.

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Southwest Station responded to

reports of a multi-vehicle collision and found three heavily damaged vehicles and Heard, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said 38-year-old Jonathan Ruiz of Bellflower was one of the drivers involved in the crash and was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Ruiz was arrested and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on suspicion of murder and driving under the influence causing injury.

Two passengers from one of the involved vehicles were transported to a local hospital with injuries described as stable.

The collision remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Deputy Samuel Strizver at the Southwest Sheriff’s Station at 951-696-3000 or the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office at 951776-1099.

The fundraiser remains active for those wishing to support the Heard family as they face the emotional and financial challenges left in the wake of the tragedy.

you realize knowledge makes you an in uencer?

on U.S. households and businesses.

“While monthly price fluctuations are inevitable—especially in an unsettled world—underlying inflation over longer time horizons is determined largely by monetary policy,” he said.

June’s Consumer Price Index report showed the monthly inflation rate falling 0.4 percent, fueled by a sharp drop in energy costs. The 12-month annual inflation rate slowed to 3.5 percent, from 4.2 percent in May.

Both readings came in better than economists’ expectations.

He did not provide a signal as to the Fed’s next policy decision.

Investors widely anticipate the central bank will raise interest rates at least once this year. Futures market data suggest September could be the earliest date for a quarter-point hike.

‘Solid Pace’

The U.S. economy continues to expand at a “solid pace” and is defying recent headwinds, Warsh told lawmakers. Consumer spending growth is moderate, and manufacturing output has “moved up steadily” in 2026.

Warsh also gave top marks to the U.S. labor market, pointing to robust job creation, low unemployment, and few layoffs.

A key part of his opening statement reflected his optimism about the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, noting that business investment is “the most striking feature” of current economic conditions.

“The rapid pace—which

appears to be accelerating— reflects, in large part, the construction of data centers and the immense demand for the AI-related equipment and software that fill them,” Warsh said.

Recent gross domestic product (GDP) data highlight the extent to which the capital expenditure boom is contributing to growth prospects.

The AI hyperscalers—Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, SpaceX, and others—plan to spend up to $1 trillion on the AI infrastructure buildout. Market watchers expect these companies to spend another trillion dollars in 2027 and 2028.

“We don’t know the extent to which the economy will benefit from the AI buildout,” Warsh said. “Yet it seems inevitable that what is now called ‘AI investment’ will soon be called just ‘investment.’”

But new technologies do present new challenges for policymakers, Warsh added.

One of the chairman’s task forces will concentrate on the economic impact of AI and other general-purpose technologies. It will be led by Marc Andreessen, venture capitalist and co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz; Charles Jones, professor of economics at Stanford University; and Asha Sharma, Xbox CEO.

Copyright The Epoch Times 2026. Reprinted with permission

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Julie Reeder Publisher

History teaches that presidents routinely possess intelligence that cannot be shared publicly for months or even years. Diplomacy is often conducted while investigations continue behind closed doors. Public statements rarely reveal the full picture.

President Trump announced that documents had been declassified that pointed to election interference by China, and yet he still invited Xi Jinping to the White House. Many people are furious about this. How could he do that? Well, some of the declassified documents point to

whistleblowers in the Chinese government that we’re providing evidence to the U.S. regarding Chinese interference. Xi Jinping has had challenges with the leadership of the People’s Republic of China. Maybe things are a bit more complicated than we know. If there are individuals within China who have provided information to the United States, it would remind us that governments are not monolithic and that information can emerge from unexpected sources. Also, there are global leaders with interests other than ours in America, who are likely using the ability to do criminal behavior freely in China. So, while we know more

OPINION

Maybe President Trump knows things that we don’t Conglomerates

by Joe Naiman

Conglomerates whose holdings include restaurant chains must balance their policies between those who are religious and those who aren’t. They also must balance their policies to prevent religious-owned restaurants from dominating the industry.

Hardy Elementary School was kindergarten through sixth grade when I was a student there, so our 50-year class reunion would be this year. Edward L. Hardy was the president of what was San Diego State College when the campus moved from Normal Street to its current Montezuma Mesa site, and Hardy Elementary School is adjacent to San Diego State. Since there are too few 1976 Hardy graduates to justify the fixed costs of a hotel banquet room, restaurants within a few miles of the San Diego-La Mesa border are the best options

for a reunion gathering.

A La Mesa restaurant which was part of a chain closed at the end of March, but it was already eliminated from consideration.

Last year I attended a birthday party there. The restaurant had a surcharge for credit card payments, so I paid cash.

I don’t have a problem with family-owned restaurants implementing a surcharge for credit card payments, since they have to pay the credit card companies a processing fee. Even if the family-owned restaurants don’t have a surcharge, I try to pay cash so they don’t have to absorb the processing fee, although I make an exception if the restaurant has a rewards program tied to a credit card account. While it might be reasonable for a chain restaurant to have a credit card surcharge, other chain restaurants don’t, so a chain restaurant with a credit card surcharge is at a disadvantage.

since the declassification, we still don’t know everything. It doesn’t mean Xi Jinping is secretly helping America.

It doesn’t mean China has suddenly become our ally.

And it certainly doesn’t excuse any proven acts of espionage or interference.

It simply means we should resist the temptation to believe we already know the entire story.

Perhaps President Trump is engaging Xi from a position of strength.

Perhaps he intends to confront him directly.

Perhaps there are ongoing negotiations that the public will learn about months from now.

Although I paid cash, my amount was rounded up, so I didn’t receive the full amount of change to which I was entitled. Normally I make such adjustments in the tip; if the change is more than what I should have received, I provide an additional tip while if the change is less than what I was due the tip is reduced. This restaurant, however, had a mandatory 18 percent gratuity for large parties so I couldn’t adjust the rounding up of my bill by reducing the tip.

A tip isn’t automatic. There are times I will pay the standard 15 percent, and if I receive good enough service I will pay 18 percent or more. A mandatory gratuity for large parties eliminates the option of adjusting the tip based on the service.

The restaurant that fell out of favor had the mandatory gratuity even when separate checks are involved. Whether a single bill is split among the members of

Or perhaps there are internal dynamics within the Chinese government that outsiders simply cannot see. We don’t know. What concerns me more than any of those possibilities is how quickly we’ve become convinced that we already have all the answers. We’ve created a culture where every headline demands an immediate verdict. Every diplomatic meeting becomes either betrayal or triumph before anyone knows what was actually discussed. Sometimes wisdom means waiting.

Sometimes it means recogniz-

a large party or separate checks are provided, there is no need for a mandatory gratuity. One of the restaurants with the credit card reward program doesn’t charge for large parties and actually encourages sharing of tables on busy nights. The only problem I’ve ever noticed with separate checks was when two of a set of triplets were there and the waitress – who herself is an identical twin – gave the bill to the wrong sister. Sharing a table is actually a benefit to a restaurant, and diners shouldn’t be penalized by a mandatory gratuity.

Parties of at least six or eight people may be a group. They may also be a large Catholic or Mormon family. Since we’re trying to avoid a mandatory gratuity, I called a Mormon woman with six children to ask if she knew of any Mormon-owned restaurants in the area, since they wouldn’t be charging a mandatory gratuity for parties of eight

ing that the people sitting at the negotiating table have information the rest of us do not.

That doesn’t require blind trust. It requires intellectual humility.

Whether we’re talking about President Trump, President Biden, or any future president, Americans should certainly ask tough questions. But asking questions is different from assuming motives.

Perhaps the biggest lesson is this: our greatest weakness isn’t simply that foreign governments try to influence us. It’s that we so often allow ourselves to be divided before we even know the facts.

or more.

Hardy Elementary School is a public school. It is not a Catholic or Mormon school. A reunion site selection shouldn’t be a favor to a Catholic or Mormon restaurant owner, but mandatory gratuity policies could lead to a venue with a religious owner by default. Restaurants with a mandatory gratuity policy will cause non-religious activities to gravitate towards restaurants with religious owners. Eliminating mandatory gratuities for large parties could make chain restaurants more competitive with religious-owned restaurants, but it would not be a measure religious groups would oppose, nor would it constitute capitulation to religious groups and generate opposition from secular customers. The conglomerates with chain restaurants don’t have to offend anybody to protect their market share from religious owners.

ENTERTAINMENT

“Evil Dead Burn” and “The Invite”

By Bob Garver

Quite understandably, major studios didn’t want to schedule any new releases for the weekend between “The Odyssey” and

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” I had to go down past fifth place at the domestic box office to find some also-rans that I hadn’t reviewed yet.

“Evil Dead Burn”

“Evil Dead” is a horror franchise that started out low-budget and shlocky in the 80’s, and has grown to be trusted with more resources as its films take themselves more seriously. It sounds like a welcome form of maturity, but it isn’t. The films aren’t fun anymore, and “Evil Dead Burn,” which insists on wedging a domestic violence storyline into its gross-out horror narrative, is the least fun yet.

Alice (Souheila Yacoub) was married to the abusive William Price (George Pullar) until he was killed by a Deadite, an evil entity that sometimes kills people, and sometimes turns them into zombies. Now she has to survive William’s funeral and a dinner with the dysfunctional Price family at their dilapidated lake house. The definition of “survive” goes from figurative to literal when the Deadite starts infecting various family members, forcing Alice

“The Invite”

“The Invite” is one of those movies that is basically just a filmed stage play. An unnecessary prologue aside, the whole thing takes place in a single apartment with four actors doing things that don’t require movie magic. For a movie like this to work, it needs to be really funny or powerful. It… comes close.

Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Olivia Wilde, also the film’s director) are an unhappily-married couple. Their interactions with one another range from “snippy” to “hostile.” They don’t get a divorce ostensibly for the sake of their daughter, but it’s really more about complacency and laziness. And their sex life has been nonexistant for years.

They invite their upstairs neighbors, Piña (Penelope Cruz) and Hawk (Edward Norton) over for dinner to thank them for putting up with some recent renovations, and to maybe have a word with them about the noise from their very active sex life. The new friends are willing to keep

to turn violent against the people that arguably made William violent long before the Deadite.

“Evil Dead Burn” is just ugly, with washed-out browns and grays everywhere. The special effects are shoddy, but not in an endearing practical way like the “Evil Dead” of the 80’s. The violence is occasionally inventive, but more often just pointlessly excessive. And the domestic violence angle just comes off as an attempt to give the film substance as a requirement, as opposed to a necessary part of the creative vision. At this point, I’m ready to just let “Evil Dead” as a franchise burn.

Grade: C-

“Evil Dead Burn” is rated R for strong bloody horror violence and gore, and language. Its running time is 110 minutes.

the noise down, but also willing to let Joe and Angela get in on the fun. The titular invite is to swing. Shenanigans, arguments, and all manner of awkwardness ensue.

Almost all of the pieces are in place for “The Invite” to work as a viewing experience. The cast is certainly funny, talented, and most of all, game. But there’s one hurdle that the movie can never quite overcome, and that’s that it isn’t very cinematic. It’s not that I’m incapable of recommending a movie like this, but I need everything verbal to practically set my soul on fire. Sadly, like Joe and Angela, this movie is missing a certain spark.

Grade: C

“The Invite” is rated R for sexual material, language throughout, and drug use. Its running time is 107 minutes.

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Dellinger closes out entertainment at 2026 San Diego County Fair

Joe Naiman Valley News Reporter

Temecula disc jockey Mikie Dellinger was the final entertainment act of the 2026 San Diego County Fair.

This year’s fair began June 10 and concluded July 5. Dellinger performed on the O’Brien Stage by the fair’s entrance and exit July 5 from 10:00 p.m. to just before the fair’s 11:00 p.m. closing time.

“I closed out the entertainment,” Dellinger said. “It was cool because you get to hang out with everybody for the last moment.”

Dellinger has lived in Temecula since 2011. He was born in Miami, Florida, and attended five different high schools: three in northern San Diego County, one in Miami, and Centennial High School in Corona. Dellinger graduated from Centennial High School.

In 2002 Dellinger began his radio career at KGGI in Riverside. “Art Laboe kind of gave me my first shot,” Dellinger said. Dellinger was primarily a board operator with some onair activity. He then worked for KATY in Temecula for approximately 2 1/2 years. In 2005 he became the program director for

iHeartRadio’s Temecula stations KTMQ (Q103) and KMYT. The two stations had played classic rock. “I turned it into more of a mainstream rock,” Dellinger said.

Dellinger was also a radio personality on Q103, and his station branding activity was responsible for the slogan: “Rockin the Temecula Valley, Everything that Rocks”. In the late 2010s he also filled in at Rock 105.3 in San Diego.

“I love radio. It was a lot of fun,” Dellinger said.

Delllinger Entertainment has existed since 2014. “I had the DJing on the side,” he said.

That would be to his advantage after the iHeart downsizing in 2020. “I made all my contacts,” Dellinger said.

Dellinger and his wife, Amber, were married in 2012. She is actually the manager of Dellinger Entertainment. In 2021 she recommended that her husband become a mobile disc jockey.

They purchased a 1980 Chevrolet Step-Van and installed a public address system and additional stereo equipment. The Rock Box was taken to weddings, parties, high school reunions, and other events.

see FAIR, page A-9

Strident Miss edges Less Please on Opening Day at Del Mar

Joe Naiman Valley News Reporter

Two-year-old fillies Strident Miss and Less Please were both sired by Pavel, and they were both foaled at Ocean Breeze Ranch in Bonsall, and they both train at the San Luis Rey Training Center. They also both made their racing debuts July 17, which was Opening Day for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club summer meet, and were both in the fifth race, which was for California-bred two-year-old fillies who had not previously won a race.

Strident Miss won that five-furlong dirt race by a nose over Less Please, who finished 1 1/2 lengths ahead of third-place Sauced Up.

“It was so close. Both horses ran really well,” said Paula Capestro, who owns and bred as well as trains Strident Miss.

Strident Miss was foaled on March 7, 2024. Her dam, Sugaratsundown, was also trained by Capestro and won four races. More Complexity, whose four

career victories included the 2014

Betty Grable Stakes at Del Mar’s fall meet, is the dam of Less Please, foaled April 6, 2024.

Capestro sent Strident Miss to trainer Luis Mendez for breaking.

“She went to Utah to be broke and she was not particularly easy to break,” Capestro said. For three months, a Western saddle was used to break Strident Miss. “We needed a lot of time,” Capestro said.

Mendez returned Strident Miss to Capestro after the filly was ready for a rider. “He basically got her ready to go,” Capestro said. “He got her going as a twoyear-old early.” All six timed workouts for Strident Miss were before Mendez returned the filly to Capestro. Less Please, who is trained by Edward Freeman and owned by Reddam Racing, also had six timed workouts prior to her racing debut.

In the fourth race July 17, seven-year-old gelding Nasty Habit, who is trained by Peter Miller, became the first San Luis Rey

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club: History at a Glance

“Where the Turf Meets the Surf”

1937: The Hollywood Origin Singer and actor Bing Crosby, along with actor Pat O’Brien and a consortium of Hollywood stars, founded the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. On Opening Day (July 3, 1937), Bing Crosby personally greeted fans at the turnstiles.

1938: The Famous Seabiscuit Match Race

Del Mar gained national prominence on August 12, 1938, hosting a legendary $25,000 winner-take-all match race between Seabiscuit and Ligaroti. Broadcast live nationwide on NBC radio, Seabiscuit won by a nose in front of a record crowd.

1942–1944: World War II Closure Racing was suspended during WWII. The facility served as an assembly center and military training ground, as well as a manufacturing plant for military aircraft components.

1945–1960s: The Golden Age of Hollywood Playboys Post-war Del Mar became the ultimate summer playground for stars like Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Jimmy Durante, W.C. Fields, and Frank Sinatra, cementing its reputation as a casual, glamorous seaside escape.

1991–1993: Modern Revamp & The Pacific Classic

In 1991, Del Mar introduced its flagship $1,000,000 race, the Pacific Classic. In 1993, the original 1930s grandstand was demolished and rebuilt into a state-of-the-art Spanish-colonial facility.

2017–Present: Host of the Breeders’ Cup

Del Mar entered elite international territory when it was selected to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for the first time in 2017 (and subsequently in 2021 and 2024), bringing global spotlight and record wagering handles to the track.

Fun Fact: Bing Crosby recorded a song specifically to promote the track titled “Where the Turf Meets the Surf”, which is still played every day before the first race and right after the final race during the summer meet.

horse to win a race at the 2026 Del Mar summer meet. Miller also had a horse in the fifth race; Tijuana Money finished fourth 2 1/4 lengths behind Sauced Up. On Broadway, who finished fifth three-quarters of a length of Tijuana Money and half a length ahead of sixth-place Lihue Princess, is trained by George Papaprodromou and began her training career at San Luis Rey. The race had ten horses. Less Please and jockey Armando Aguilar had the first post position. Strident Miss, who was ridden by Antonio Fresu, was in the tenth gate. Manny and rider Tyler Baze broke first out of the gate. Strident Miss and Fresu were the second entry out of the gate. On Broadway and Umberto Rispoli were the third combination to begin the course. Less Please and Aguilar broke eighth.

With no room on the left due to the rail, Aguilar needed to prevent being stuck behind other horses. “We didn’t have any choice. We just had to go,” Freeman said. “The fact that we were on the outside was lucky for us,” Capestro said.

Less Please and Aguilar went to the lead early. After 3/16 of a mile, Less Please was a head in front of On Broadway. Strident Miss was in third, half a length behind On Broadway and a length in front of fourth-place Looks Like N Angel. Tijuana Money and jockey Kazushi Kimura were fifth, trailing Looks Like N Angel by a head while leading sixth-place Lihue Princess by one length.

With 3/8 of a mile elapsed Less Please was still in the lead a head in front of On Broadway. Tijuana Money had moved into third, a length behind On Broadway and half a length in front of Strident Miss, who was 1 1/2 lengths ahead of fifth-place Looks Like N Angel. The order of the first four horses was unchanged when they entered the stretch. Less Please was a length in front of On Broadway, who led Tijuana Money by a head. Strident Miss was half a length in back of Tijuana Money and led Sauced Up, who had moved into fifth, by 1 1/2 lengths.

Strident Miss overtook Less Please just before the finish. “She ran hard and got there just in time,” Capestro said. “They were both running hard at the wire, and she just got the head bob.” The winning time for Strident Miss was 59.57 seconds. Freeman is not disappointed with second.

“When they run that well you have to be happy,” he said.

“We won by a nostril against another Pavel,” Capestro said. “Two Pavels were at the stretch at the wire.” Pavel, who stands at Ocean Breeze Ranch, won two

Maiden Special Weight (Cal-Bred)

What is a “Maiden” Race?

A maiden race is strictly for horses that have never won a race in their career. Once a horse crosses the wire first, it “breaks its maiden” and can never compete in this category again.

Maiden Special Weight vs. Claiming Unlike “maiden claiming” races—where any horse can be purchased (“claimed”) before the gate opens—a Maiden Special Weight race features higher-quality prospects whose owners are not willing to put them up for sale. These races carry much larger purses.

Restricted to “Cal-Breds” State-restricted races require all entries to be foaled in California. Programs like this incentivize local breeding by keeping purses within the state’s racing network.

Key Rules & Parameters of This Race:

• Age & Gender: Restricted to 2-year-old fillies (female horses under 5 years old). At this age, 5 furlongs is a standard sprint distance designed to introduce young thoroughbreds to racing.

• Distance: 5 Furlongs = 5/8 of a mile (1,100 yards). A fast sprint usually completed in roughly 58 to 60 seconds.

• The Start: Horses are randomly assigned or drawn into post positions inside a starting gate (Post 1 sits on the inside rail, Post 10 on the far outside).

• Photo Finish: When horses finish within fractions of a second (like a “nose” or “nostril”), high-speed camera equipment at the finish line determines the exact winner by pinpointing whose nose breaks the plane first.

graded stakes races including the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs prior to his stud career. His offspring have combined earnings of more than $2 million, including the $48,000 Strident Miss earned for winning the July 17 race and the $16,000 share of the purse to Less Please.

“It was a 1-2 for Pavel,” Freeman said.

“Pavels seem to be winning a lot of races right now,” said Capestro, who also owns and trains the three-year-old Pavel foal Running Iron. Capestro won her seventh race of 2026. She also won her previous start June 15 when Chromeflash finished first at Santa Anita Park.

“If I’m going to get beaten, it’s nice to get beaten by Paula,” Freeman said. “He’s a really good sport,” Capestro said. “Edward

does a very good job breaking these horses for Reddam. He’s a good trainer,” Capestro said. “That’s a really nice filly that he had, and I wasn’t sure we even beat him at first.”

A photo finish gave Strident Miss the victory. “They were both running hard,” Capestro said. “He had more to overcome because she was on the rail.” Capestro won on Opening Day of the 2025 Del Mar fall meet with Another Bulleit, so the July 17 win was the second consecutive Opening Day at Del Mar that included Capestro in the winner’s circle. Strident Miss gave Capestro her first-ever victory on Opening Day at the Del Mar summer meet. “It was a great Opening Day,” Capestro said. “It’s always a real treat, but any time you win feels good.”

It may be painful to think about your funeral, but it doesn’t have to be painful to pay for

Finger follows Summer Shootout main event win with heat

race win, second place in main

Joe Naiman Valley News Reporter

Barona Speedway’s two-day Summer Shootout took place July 17 and July 18. Murrieta driver Edward Finger won the July 17 Hobby Stocks main event, and on July 18 he won his heat race while finishing second in the main event.

Finger began the July 18 heat race on the pole. Heat races at Barona Speedway are eight laps on the quarter-mile dirt oval not including any laps run under a yellow fl ag caution. “It was a pretty rough race,” Finger said.

Finishing rather than winning was a higher priority for Finger. “The big focus was just making sure I fi nished so I could make the redraw for the main event,” he said. “Was kind of just taking my time.”

The redraw determines the starting positions for the main event. Drivers who do not finish their heat race may still compete in the feature but start behind the drivers participating in the redraw. A driver who causes a yellow fl ag in the heat race must leave the track. A driver who spins due to the actions of another driver is not subject to that penalty.

“I kind of had a little early spin going into the corner,” Finger said. “I got tapped in the rear and got spun out.”

Finger was given the third position following the restart.

“Was passing for the lead and had a little bit of contact in the right front, but was able to hold on,” he said.

Lakeside’s Quentin Sprecco fi nished second in the heat race with Brawley’s Thomas Daffern taking third.

The redraw gave Finger a start on the inside of the fi fth row for the 20-lap main event. Daff ern, who won the feature, began on the outside of the third row.

“When you race against the Daff ern boys you always want to try to get the fi rst ones in and start in front of them,” Finger said.

Finger was able to start ahead of Daffern’s brother, Cody, who began on the inside of the sixth row and fi nished third in the main event. Finger had moved into seventh by the end of the second lap and was in sixth after three laps.

The drivers ahead of Finger included Arizona’s Nick Biggs before the Mesa driver spun to cause a yellow flag and a restart. Finger was able to move into third on the restarted lap with Thomas Daffern in second and Phoenix driver Drew Madrid in the lead. After the next yellow flag and restart Daffern and Finger both passed Madrid.

“It was my fi rst main event where the dominant line was on the top of the track,” Finger said. “I wasn’t able to perform the best at the top to be able to pass Tommy clean for the lead.”

Inexperience wasn’t the only

from page A-7

The San Diego County Fair

has a Media Sneak Peak preview. In 2024 the fair’s theme was “Let’s Go Retro”. Dellinger was invited to bring the Rock Box to the fair preview, and he entertained the general fair audience on the fi rst day of the 2024 fair.

“They’re always looking for diff erent entertainment,” Dellinger said. Dellinger still fills in at KATY when needed, and DJ Danny Loveless is the Dellinger Entertainment disc jockey when Dellinger himself is unavailable. The 2025 San Diego County Fair included 20 days. “We were booked every night,” Dellinger said. Some of those bookings were on the O’Brien Stage while others were on the Paddock Stage. “They kind of rotated us around,” Dellinger said.

This year Dellinger Entertainment also performed during all 20 days of the fair. Dellinger was there for 13 of those days and Loveless handled the music on seven days.

Dellinger Entertainment utilizes various types of music. “I play everything. I play to the

Barona Speedway is a semi-banked, 1/4-mile clay oval dirt track located on the Barona Indian Reservation in Lakeside, California (San Diego County). It serves as one of Southern California’s primary hubs for grassroots, shorttrack dirt racing.

Track Specs & Details

• Location: 1754 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Lakeside, CA (just down the road from the Barona Resort & Casino).

• Surface: Clay / Dirt.

• Layout: 1/4-mile semi-banked oval.

• Schedule: Races generally run on alternating Saturdays throughout spring, summer, and autumn.

Featured Racing Classes

Barona hosts sanctioned racing under the IMCA (International Motor Contest Association) umbrella alongside several local division classes:

• IMCA Divisions: Modifieds, Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, and Sport Compacts.

• Open Wheel & Dwarf Divisions: Dwarf Cars, Sprint Cars, and So-Cal Lightning Sprints.

• Grassroots & Stock Divisions: Pure Stocks and Pony Stocks.

• Youth Divisions: Junior Sprints and Mini Dwarfs (Masters & Sportsman) designed to groom young drivers starting as early as age 5.

reason Finger wasn’t able to excel in the higher groove. “I had a bit of damage on the right front suspension from contact earlier in the race,” he said.

An examination the following day revealed a bent ball joint and a bent upper control arm.

Thomas Daffern had fi nished second in the July 17 main event

Finger won. Second place in the July 18 main event was still good enough for Finger to have the most points across the two nights. JE Pistons designated him as the overall points champion for the Hobby Stocks, and in addition to a hat and shirt

Finger also received a certificate for a free set of JE shelf pistons and rings.

“I think I fi nally fi gured out the car and fi gured out how I like to drive the car and should be really competitive for the rest of the year,” Finger said.

crowd,” he said.

That includes the San Diego County Fair. “It’s more of a Latin mood,” he said. “I’m Cuban, so I love playing the Latin stuff .”

Dellinger’s biological father was born in Cuba, although he didn’t meet his father until he was in high school. His mother was born in Honduras.

“If they crowd changes, they want something different, go for it,” Dellinger said.

The Latino fairgoers have been supportive of Dellinger’s willingness to play Latin music. “They react to the music better,” he said. “They’ll stick around a lot longer.”

Earlier in the evening July 5 many Latino fairgoers were utilizing video screens to watch the World Cup soccer match between Mexico and England, which ended as a 3-2 loss for El Tri. “It was a sad day down there,” Dellinger said. Dellinger and his wife have two daughters, who are now 18 and 13. “I’m just honestly thankful that we’re able to keep going and doing this,” he said.

The Rise of the Middle-Aged Skateboarder

They might fall harder and heal more slowly, but older riders are carving bowls, rebuilding confidence, and rediscovering the thrills.

By Allan Stein

PEORIA, Ariz.—The Old Dude Skater Crew is back on the ramps at Rio Vista Community Park, carving bowls, landing tricks, and proving that skateboarding doesn’t come with an expiration date.

Steve Scales, 50, believes you’re never too old to throw down. He kicks off and launches into a difficult aerial that many skateboarders half his age would hesitate to attempt.

The public skateboard park in Peoria, Arizona, offers the ideal setting to refine his “steeze,” skateboard slang for a smooth blend of style and control in motion.

The price of staying on a skateboard has included broken ribs, rolled ankles, and bruised knees and elbows. But Scales said the rewards far outweigh the risks.

The Phoenix chapter of the Old Dude Skater Crew has become as much a myth-buster as a skateboarding club, challenging assumptions about what growing older looks like.

“I actually think I’m a better skater now than when I was a kid,” Scales said. “This is my longest stint of active skateboarding.”

It’s How They Roll Old Dude Skater Crew started in Corpus Christi, Texas, with its real growth happening in Denver several years ago, according to Irving Savage, of the Portland, Oregon, skater crew.

“We have a godfather. Arnold Mendiola coined the name ‘Old Dude Skater Crew.’ He contacted me about making some shirts for their crew in Texas. I fell in love with the idea and he let me run with it,” Savage said.

“I started the original group [on] Instagram with an idea provided by Arnold Mendiola,” Savage said.

The organization agreed to always remain non-profit and donate all proceeds from merchandise to charitable causes, he said.

The goal was simple: bring together like-minded older skaters to reconnect with friends, relive the glory days, and spread the “stoke”—the joy, camaraderie, and excitement that have long defined skateboarding culture.

Today, the group has grown into a nationwide community of older skateboarders promoting fitness, friendship, and the thrill of riding.

The most active chapters are in Denver, Phoenix, and Portland.

Some members are returning to the sport after decades away, while others are stepping onto a skateboard for the first time.

Ryan Jones, 44, of Surprise, Arizona, is one of the newest members of the Phoenix chapter, having skated for about a month.

“I’ve always been fascinated by skate culture since I was a kid—just too chicken to do it,” Jones said.

At 6 feet 5 inches and 300 pounds, Jones is learning in small steps: staying on the board, maintaining balance, and building toward basic tricks over time.

“You’re never too old to learn,” he said. “My first day out, I took the board, thought I could just push off, and landed on my [buttocks]. My elbow’s a little tender still.”

Life, Scales said, rolls at the speed of a skateboard. Age is no barrier—only determination and the urge to ride the concrete waves.

“It’s really like an accessible roller coaster. You choose your own adventure based on your skill level,” Scales said.

“I started the Phoenix-based ODSC group because I saw there are a bunch of older people out there skating.”

Damon Motts, 52, had skateboarded through his 20s and 30s before stepping away from the sport for nearly two decades.

In 2018, he noticed his skateboard sitting in the garage, untouched for years.

He decided to take it for a spin to the mailbox, throwing an “ollie” along the way—a trick in which rider and board leap into the air without using the hands.

One of his young daughters saw him and became inspired to try skateboarding herself. Her

enthusiasm rekindled his own, and Motts found himself back where he left off.

He soon gravitated toward the Old Dude Skater Crew in Phoenix to hone his skills and make new friends.

“Best thing I ever did—for my body, for meeting people,” Motts said. “When you’re in your 40s, it’s a little harder to make friends.”

His wife worries about injuries, so Motts makes sure he’s always “all padded up.”

“Everybody’s a big family. Most of us are just getting up to speed and having a blast,” he said. “We’re not competing for anything. We’re out here just to push ourselves.”

He’s endured broken ankles, sprains, and wrist injuries, but says his love of skateboarding beats the setbacks.

“I learned the hard way to be fully padded. I wear a helmet no matter what, whether I have pads on or not,” he said.

Now in middle age, he says recovery takes longer, but the urge to skate hasn’t faded.

“I’ve got knees that need to be replaced,” Motts told The Epoch Times. “I’m just trying to keep going as long as I can, until I can’t take it anymore.”

Learning Curve Ezra and Bonnie Wierda believe there is no age limit when it comes to skateboarding—or any other sport.

“You’re supposed to grow up,” Ezra Wierda, 52, said, “which is

a myth.”

He works as an auto body shop manager in his adult life, but still rolls as a skilled skateboarder— something he was before life’s responsibilities came calling.

“My son pointed out a skateboard in a shop and said I should start again. So I did. I brought it home, and Bonnie said, ‘What is that?’ And I said, ‘That’s my skateboard.’”

A week later, Bonnie, a 54-year-old accountant, was learning to carve bowls, pushing around the skate park, “and that was it,” her husband said.

“It’s challenging,” Bonnie Wierda said, “pushing the limit, going higher, dropping, doing tighter kicks and turns, trying [aerials].”

Carving bowls is her favorite, she said, describing the smooth flow of moving up and down the skatepark walls.

“I won’t do any of that street stuff because it’s high risk and this is a lot lower risk,” Wierda told The Epoch Times.

“You can’t be a skateboarder without having injuries. Plenty of slams, plenty of cuts or bruises and scrapes, but they are all worth it.”

Ezra Wierda said skateboarding has a strange way of shaving years off your age. It’s a mindset.

“Once you take it on, it’s going to actually pull you back in age. You feel younger, you feel revitalized. With me, it’s a core part of me that I hadn’t done for years. When I started doing it again, I felt alive,” he said.

Young at Heart Scales, an engineering director in a technology department, said the Phoenix chapter has hundreds of members and a solid core group of active participants.

“I got back into it for a little while in my 20s, and then life happened. I had kids and stuff. And then my daughter kind of was interested in it,” he said.

He painted his skateboard, as did the Wierdas—Dr. Doom on Ezra’s board, a cobra and mongoose on Bonnie’s.

“I kind of rediscovered the joy of it,” Scales said. “Something I really enjoyed as a kid. We all have this common ground.”

Matt Davis, 44, of Peoria, has been with the group for the past three years.

“We’re just like kids. There’s no logic here” other than skateboarding, he said.

Scales said the Phoenix ODSC group maintains a presence on Instagram and typically meets on weekends in small “ramp sessions” of five to 10 people around the valley.

One of the biggest apprehensions, he said, is facing the stereotype of being an older skater and the fear of being judged or laughed at.

“What you’ll actually find in reality is the opposite is true,” Scales said. “The community is very welcoming to those wanting to learn skateboarding. But a lot of new adult skaters are very hesitant to be seen practicing.”

Scales found himself back on

a skateboard in his mid-40s. He says one of the best parts is being accepted by younger skaters, speaking their slang, and throwing down with the best of them.

“You’re in that zone, learning new tricks,” he said. “The biggest issue is just your ability to be resilient and fail 500 times before you get it right. There’s a lot of falling involved.”

He wears elbow pads, knee pads, hip pads—“the whole nine yards, just in case.”

“As long as I can, as long as my body holds up,” he said, he’ll keep skateboarding.

Savage said he’s still learning tricks at age 52.

“Skating is a reason to crosstrain and eat right. Some of the guys in the crew can throw down,” he said.

Some hardcore members couldn’t imagine a life without skateboarding, Savage told The Epoch Times.

“Sit still, and you corrode and rust out,” he said.

“It’s life. Things just don’t feel right without it. All my friends skate, and without that one thing we wouldn’t know each other.”

He skated on and off through his 20s and late 30s. At 39, when life grew hectic, skateboarding became his outlet. He’s been skating consistently since 2012.

“I like to laugh about how some injuries don’t heal. They just become a new limp,” Savage said.

Copyright 2026 The Epoch Times. Reprinted with permission. To subscribe, go to Subscribe.TheEpochTimes.com.

Air tankers, dozers and ground crews hold Kirby Fire to 46.1 acres

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Fire resources responded to a reported vegetation fire at 10:07 a.m. Thursday, July 23, just east of Kirby Rd. in Anza.

Dubbed the Kirby Fire, the blaze quickly grew to an estimated 3 to 5 acres, burning on both sides of Burnt Valley Rd. with a moderate rate of spread to the north while threatening nearby structures, according to radio traffic.

By 10:29 a.m., CAL FIRE Incident Command revised the estimate to 5 acres, with the fire continuing to spread at a moderate rate.

The California Highway Patrol was requested to close St. Hwy. 371 between Burnt Valley Rd. and Hwy. 74 as firefighting operations intensified. An additional five engines were ordered for immediate need.

Air Attack requested both a Type 1 and a Type 3 air tanker, which made retardant drops to slow the fire’s advance.

At 10:59 a.m., radio traffic indicated the fire had crossed St. Hwy. 371 to the north, prompting requests for 10 more engines and two water tenders.

By 12:02 p.m., CAL FIRE reported the fire had grown to 20 acres. Radio traffic indicated retardant lines had been established around most of the fire, with dozer and retardant lines constructed across St. Hwy. 371. All air tankers were subsequently released.

Firefighters stopped the forward rate of spread at 12:51 p.m., according to CAL FIRE/ Riverside County Fire Department, and remained on scene for several hours conducting mop-up operations. The estimated size of the fire was later updated to 43 acres.

CAL FIRE reported the fire reached 100% containment at 6:44 p.m. Saturday, July 25. The final acreage was updated to 46.1 acres.

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

AYSO kids hold bake sale at Dollar General

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

Moms, players and coaches set up a bake sale and raffle booth outside of the Anza Dollar General Saturday, July 18, to benefit the local American Youth Soccer Organization 1641.

Baked goods were offered for sale and an enormous gift basket was on display for raffle. The soccer-themed basket was loaded with a Region 1641 coffee cup, freeze dried candy, custom hat, soccer light, custom tumbler and soccer fidget clickers.

All proceeds from sales and raffle tickets will go to this soccer season and scholarships, said organizers.

“We really want to thank Felix and Dollar General for letting us host our bake sale in front of the store,” said AYSO Regional Commissioner, Region 1641 Rebecca Huhs. “We appreciate you so very much and cannot thank you enough for your support.”

Huhs also thanked supporters that bought goodies and raffle tickets, donated, received soccer information and gave encouragement throughout the afternoon.

AYSO teams are divided into age groups to ensure fair play. Player development is one of AYSO’s core philosophies, and that means that coaches take the talents that the young players bring to the field and teach them how to use them to the team’s advantage in order to score goals.

Soccer registration is currently open until August 31.

To learn more about the AYSO program, please visit http://www. ayso1641.org/ and https://www. facebook.com/aysoregion1641/.

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

Anza Sheriff’s Blotter

The Sheriff’s Blotter enables residents to know what criminal activity is occurring in their communities. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo July 18

Unknown trouble–10:52 a.m., 3900 *** block Rolling Hills Rd., Anza

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 July 18 through July 24.

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.

Assist other department–03:18 p.m., address undefined, Aguanga

Battery–11:37 a.m., 5100 *** block Tule Peak Rd., Anza

Area check–06:51 a.m., 5800 *** block Burnt Valley Rd., Anza

July 19

Public disturbance–05:04 p.m., 3800 *** block Garner Rd., Anza

Burglary–04:17 p.m., 4100 *** block Terwilliger Rd., Anza, report taken

Alarm call–08:58 a.m., 5600 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Anza

July 20

Area check–11:36 p.m., 5000 *** block Bradford Rd., Anza

Alarm call–06:04 p.m., 5900 *** block Everett Rd., Anza

Area check–01:13 p.m., address undefined, Anza

Suspicious vehicle–08:46 a.m., 6100 *** block Indian Paint Brush Rd., Anza

July 21

Area check–09:55 p.m., 5600 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Anza

Assist other department–09:03 p.m., 5400 *** block Pablo Rd./Howard Rd., Anza

Unattended death–07:26 p.m., address withheld, Anza, report taken

Emergency notification–06:30 p.m., address withheld, Anza

Fraud–02:41 p.m., 5800 *** block Granite Gulley Rd., Anza

Public disturbance–12:22 p.m., 5800 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, unfounded

Unknown trouble–10:34 a.m., 5000 *** block Bradford Rd., Anza

July 22

Suspicious person–09:46 p.m., 5900 *** block Burnt Valley Rd., Anza

Suspicious person–08:04 p.m., 3800 *** block Fawn Dr., Anza

Suspicious person–12:52 a.m., 4100 *** block Terwilliger Rd., Anza

July 23

Emergency notification–09:11 p.m., address withheld, Lake Riverside Off road vehicle–08:36 p.m., address undefined, Anza

Assist other department–08:25 p.m., 3600 *** block Bautista Rd., Anza

Suspect info–06:46 p.m., address withheld, Anza

Attempt warrant service–03:08 p.m., address withheld, Anza, warrant

Public disturbance–02:24 p.m., address undefined, Anza

Assist other department–10:15 a.m., address undefined, Anza

Public assist–05:58 a.m., 5900 *** block Roger Ln., Anza

Trespassing–05:45 a.m., 5200 *** block Cahuilla Rd., Cahuilla

Suspicious circumstance–05:25 p.m., 5200 ***

block St. Hwy. 371, Cahuilla

Trespassing–12:30 p.m., 3800 *** block Contreras Rd., Anza, report taken

911 hangup from cellphone–02:23 a.m., 5800 *** block De Silva Rd., Anza

July 24

Shots fired–08:48 p.m., 5900 *** block Burnt Valley Rd., Anza

Runaway child–08:25 p.m., 3900 *** block Arista Dr., Anza

Suspicious person–08:10 p.m., address undefined, Anza

Battery–06:37 p.m., 000 *** block Homestead Rd., Cahuilla

Runaway child–06:04 p.m., 3900 *** block Arista Dr., Anza, report taken

Petty theft–05:51 p.m., 000 *** block Homestead Rd., Cahuilla

Public disturbance–05:25 p.m., 3800 *** block Whitmore Rd., Anza

Vandalism–03:04 p.m., address undefined,

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

J.P. RAINERI, Sports Editor

DIANE SIEKER, Staff Writer

JOE NAIMAN, Ind. Contractor

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Advertising Sales

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Production FOREST RHODES, Production Layout, IT

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ANZA VALLEY OUTLOOK MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 391353, Anza,

ANZA EVENTS

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 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. CalFresh 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 951763-1350 or visit www.hamiltonmuseum.org. Find them on Facebook at “Hamilton-Museum-and-Ranch-Foundation.”

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 951-751-1462 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 951-923-6153. 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 Mixed Open Discussion Meeting – 6 p.m. Meeting based on AA literature. Thursdays at the Rancho California RV Resort small clubhouse. 45525 CA-79, Aguanga, CA 92536. Make a right turn before the security gate. The small clubhouse is on the right. No need to pass through the security gate.

AA Men’s Meeting – 7 p.m. Meetings take place Thursdays at 39551 Kirby Road in Anza, south of CA371.

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, 951763-4759.

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 951763-5636.

Bible studies

Living Hope Thursday Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study – 8 a.m. at 58050 CA371 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 951-763-4937 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 951-9281248. 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 951-763-5611 for information.

Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the 1st Thursday of the month at the Anza Community Hall, 56630 CA371, 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 951282-4267 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.

REGIONAL / STATE

Billionaire tax, affordable housing: See the measures on California’s November ballot

by Yue Stella Yu and Kristen Hwang

Protect Huntington Beach volunteers hand out campaign materials in Huntington Beach on Nov. 11, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters

On Nov. 3, Californians will vote on 14 statewide ballot measures on environment, taxation, election, housing and healthcare. For months, interest groups sponsoring ballot initiatives spent heavily on ad blitzes and signature gathering to get on the ballot, but some agreed to withdraw high-profile proposals after striking deals with state leaders or other interest groups this week, ahead of Thursday’s deadline to finalize the November ballot.

Rideshare giant Uber and the state’s trial lawyers pulled rival measures in a deal with state lawmakers and healthcare labor unions and the California Hospital Association agreed to pull two measures that would have capped hospital executive pay and restricted spending by healthcare unions.

Here’s what’s on your November ballot:

Proposition 40: Billionaire tax

What it does: This high-profile measure would apply a one-time 5% wealth tax on the assets of roughly 200 California billionaires, to be paid over five years. Ninety percent of the revenue would go to pay for healthcare for low-income Californians and 10% toward education and food

ORDINANCES

assistance programs.

Supporters: Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers West, independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Teamsters California and AFSCME California

Opponents: Gov. Gavin Newsom, prominent billionaires including Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Ripple Labs co-founder Chris Larsen, the California Teachers Association, California Primary Care Association and California Medical Association

Proposition 41: Audit new tax spending

What it does: This measure in response to the billionaire tax proposal would require state audits of programs funded by new taxes. It would also apply revenue from new taxes to the state’s spending cap, which requires that spiking revenue go back to taxpayers or toward education. That would effectively cancel out the wealth tax proposal. If voters approve both measures, the one with more votes will prevail.

Supporters: Building a Better California, primarily funded by Brin and venture capitalists John Doerr and Michael Moritz, Reform California and California Chamber of Commerce

Opponents: Proponents of the billionaire tax initiative

Proposition 42: Prohibit new personal property tax and retroactive taxes

What it does: This measure is also aimed at undercutting the wealth tax proposal. It would prevent new taxes on personal property, which would offset the wealth tax. If both pass, the one with more votes prevails.

Supporters: Building a Better California, Reform California, the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California and California Chamber of Commerce

Opponents: Proponents of the billionaire tax initiative

Proposition 3: Make high-earner income tax permanent

What it does: The measure seeks to make permanent a temporary income tax — up to 12% — on high earners that voters approved in 2012. The tax applies to household income over $721,000 for couples and over $360,000 for individuals. The tax generates between $5-15 billion each year for K-12 schools and community colleges. It is set to

expire in 2031.

Supporters: California Teachers Association, California Federation of Teachers and California School Employees Association

Opponents: California Taxpayers Association

Proposition 43: Higher threshold for local special taxes

What it does: This would raise the threshold for citizen-driven special tax ballot initiatives to pass from a simple majority to two-thirds, making it harder to impose or increase taxes. The measure, placed on the ballot at the last minute by state lawmakers, reflects a deal state leaders struck with Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Supporters: Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

Proposition 1: Affordable housing bond

What it does: This would allow the state to borrow a record $11.25 billion for affordable housing, with $10 billion to buy, build, rehabilitate and preserve affordable homes and $1.25 billion to help veterans buy homes.

Supporters: Newsom, Democratic state lawmakers, the California Apartment Association and AFL-CIO California

Opponents: Republican state lawmakers

Proposition 37: $25 billion homebuying loan

What it does: This would create a $25 billion mortgage loan program for home buyers who make less than 200% of the area median income. The measure would offer fixed-rate mortgages for up to 17% of the purchase price on homes priced under $1.5 million. Home buyers must pay at least 3% of their down payment.

Supporters: Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg, Building a Better California, the California Association of Realtors, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and Western States Regional Council of Carpenters

Proposition 2: Rainy day fund

What it does: This constitutional amendment from top Democratic leaders would allow the state to deposit up to 20% of its general fund tax revenue into its rainy day fund each year, instead of the current 10%. The state could also spend some tax revenue to pay down its $20 billion federal unemployment insurance debt.

Supporters: Newsom and leg-

islative Democrats

Opponents: Legislative Republicans

Proposition 45: Expedited environmental review

What it does: This would amend the state’s landmark California Environmental Quality Act to create deadlines for environmental reviews of most housing, transportation, water, health and clean energy projects to speed up permitting and limit the court’s ability to stop or delay developments.

Supporters: California Chamber of Commerce, Building a Better California, the California Building Industry Association, PG&E and Edison

Opponents: Clean and Healthy California, a coalition of environmental advocates and the California State Building and Construction Trades Council

Proposition 39: Voter ID

What it does: This constitutional amendment would require voters to present government-issued ID when voting in person or the last four digits of their ID number when voting by mail.

Supporters: Reform California, Californians for Voter ID and Republican U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert

Opponents: League of Women Voters of California, ACLU California Action and California Donor Table

Proposition 4: Public campaign financing

What it does: This measure would give California governments the authority to set up public financing systems for state and local political candidates. Public campaign financing has been banned in California since 1988. State lawmakers approved the measure last year to send it to voters this November.

Supporters: California Common Cause, California Clean Money Campaign, League of Women Voters and ACLU California Action

Opponents: California Taxpayers Association

Proposition 5: Recall election reform

What it does: After a recall, this constitutional amendment would eliminate the election to pick a successor immediately, such as when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger replaced the recalled Gov. Gray Davis, instead leaving the post vacant until it’s filled in a separate election. It would also allow the recalled official to run

for the office again.

Supporters: League of Women Voters, California Common Cause and Secretary of State Shirley Weber

Opponents: Election Integrity

Project California

Proposition 44: Clinic funding

What it does: This measure would require federally qualified health centers to spend 90% of revenue on direct patient care and services that aid in providing care to low-income and underserved people. Clinics that don’t comply would be fined; the money would go into a state-operated account for worker training and staffing.

Supporters: Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West Opponents: The California Primary Care Association, which represents clinics, the California Medical Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and the California Teachers Association

Proposition 38: Immunology research bond

What it does: This would allow the state to borrow $8.4 billion in debt to research immune system-based technologies for treating conditions including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. The money would be divided between a University of California-affiliated nonprofit and a grant for public or nonprofit institutions. Any resulting technology and drugs from the research would be sold at 20% below the national average.

Supporters: Gary Michelson, philanthropist and funder of the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Meyer Luskin, philanthropist and institute board member, The ALS Association, The Alzheimer’s Association and Blood Cancer United

Opponents: Robert Kaplan, former associate director of the National Institutes of Health

For the record: This story was updated to add the proposition numbers assigned to each measure. Also, Democratic legislators and Newsom were removed as supporters of Proposition 43, after they brokered the deal to put it on the ballot. Many have not taken a position yet.

CalMatters’ Ben Christopher contributed reporting.

Copyright 2026. Relprinted with permission. CalMatters.org

Nominate Farmer Phil Noble of Sage Mountain Farm

Special to the Anza Valley Outlook

If you’ve ever been nourished by Sage Mountain Farm, learned from one of Phil’s workshops, or simply felt grateful knowing a farmer like him is out there doing the work with integrity, now is the moment to lift him up.

The For Farmers Movement is inviting people to nominate farmers who make a real impact - and Phil Noble is one of those rare farmers whose work ripples far beyond his fields.

Noble farms with a level of devotion that’s hard to put into words. His regenerative practices rebuild soil, protect wildlife corridors, support pollinators, and produce nutrient-dense food for our rural community. He grows with intention - cover crops, composting, rotational grazing, water-wise stewardship - all tailored to the unique challenges of Anza’s high-desert climate.

His fields aren’t just productive; they’re alive, healthy and healing.

But Noble’s impact isn’t only in the food he grows. It’s in the people he grows. Through free community classes, farmers market conversations, Community Supported Agriculture education

Grant

and one-on-one guidance, he empowers homesteaders, gardeners and new farmers to succeed. He shares knowledge freely, generously and without ego. He shows up for this community again and again, helping families reconnect with their food, their land and each other.

If you’ve ever felt inspired by Sage Mountain Farm, this is your chance to give back in a meaningful way.

A nomination unlocks opportunities for grants, workshops, support and connection - resources that help farmers continue doing the work that sustains us all.

To nominate Phil Noble click https://www.forfarmersmovement.com/nominate-a-farmer.

When nominating Noble, use: Phil Noble (Sage Mountain Farm) phil@sagemountainfarm. com, PO BOX 391790, Anza, CA 92539.

Let’s surround Phil with the gratitude he deserves. Let’s show the For Farmers Movement what a truly transformational farmer looks like. Your nomination matters - and together, we can help strengthen the future of local, regenerative farming.

Phil Noble, his wife and children work together at a local Farmers Market. Anza Valley Outlook/ Courtesy photo

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Secret Service Probes Iran-Linked Video Calling for Melania Trump’s Assassination

The video offers tips to would-be attackers and ends with a direct threat against Barron Trump.

Tom Ozimek Epoch Times Reporter

A video calling for the assassination of First Lady Melania Trump has been published by a media outlet linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with the U.S. Secret Service saying it is aware of the material and investigating anything perceived as a threat.

Tasnim, an IRGC-affiliated news outlet, released the video on its Telegram channel on July 28. The video offered specific suggestions for carrying out an attack against the first lady.

The video, titled “Where to Kill Melania?!,” claims to have information about how her security detail operates and points to possible vulnerabilities and locations where she might be found by would-be assassins.

The Epoch Times has reviewed the video but is not reproducing it or detailing its instructions.

Besides encouraging lethal “operations by global freedom fighters” targeting the first lady, the video contains a direct threat against President Donald Trump’s youngest son.

“This is just the beginning,” a voice says near the end of the video. “Barron Trump, wait for us.”

Secret Service Responds

The Secret Service told The Epoch Times that it is aware of the video and reviews material that could pose a threat.

“The Secret Service is aware of the video and investigates anything that can be perceived as a threat toward our protectees,”

Nate Herring, a lead public affairs specialist with the agency’s Communications and Media Relations office, said in an emailed statement.

“Out of concern for operational security, we do not discuss matters of protective intelligence.”

While Herring confirmed that the video was being examined, he did not indicate whether the

agency had identified a specific or credible threat.

Calls for

Trump’s Death

The video is the latest Iranlinked material to target the president and his family as military tensions between Washington and Tehran continue.

Billboards have appeared in the Iranian capital in recent weeks calling for Trump’s death.

During the funeral procession for slain leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier this month, mourners also carried banners calling for the president’s assassination.

As crowds jostled in Mashhad awaiting Khamenei’s funeral cortege, mourners chanted slogans demanding revenge.

“I swear by the blood of the supreme leader, Trump, we will kill you!” they shouted, while some women held placards reading “Kill Trump.”

Trump has said he has long been at the top of Iran’s target list.

“I’ve been on their list for a long time. That’s what we’re dealing with,” Trump told The New York Post on July 10. “The only thing is, I’ve left instructions—if anything happens, to just literally bomb them at levels that they’ve never seen before.”

A day later, Trump said 1,000 U.S. missiles were “locked and loaded” and aimed at Iran, with thousands more ready to follow if the regime assassinated him.

“Orders have already been given, and the U.S. Military is ready, willing, and able,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

History of Iranian Plots Threats against Trump from Iran predate the latest conflict.

Iranian officials have repeatedly vowed to avenge the January 2020 killing of IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani, who died in a Trump-ordered U.S. drone strike in Baghdad.

In November 2024, federal prosecutors charged Iranian national Farhad Shakeri over what

TANF from page A-2

Soboba Preschool Director

Lenora “Ponie” Mojado appreciated the extra hands as staff and teachers prepare for the new school year, which begins Aug. 4. Liberty High School

junior Carolyn Hurtado, 16, and San Jacinto High School senior Kimani Resvaloso-Sanchez, 17, were happy to help during the final days of summer school and a special family-oriented event on July 9. Carolyn’s future career goal is to be an attorney for Native Americans and Kimani has her sights set on being a teacher now that she has been able to learn more about it during this experience. Both enjoyed working with the children and engaging

they described as an IRGC-directed murder-for-hire network targeting people in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Shakeri told in-

vestigators that an IRGC official had instructed him to submit a plan to surveil and kill Trump. Shakeri, who immigrated to the United States as a child and was deported around 2008 after

serving 14 years in prison for a robbery conviction, was also accused of using criminal associates to support Iranian surveillance and assassination operations.

with their families. Decorating the kindergarten classroom was a special treat for Kimani who was a member of the first graduating class at the new preschool building.

“I was surprised at seeing what it is like on the teachers’ level which was so much different from what I saw when I was here just helping out,” Kimani said. She plans to use her earnings to purchase some school clothes and items needed as a member of her high school’s cheerleading team for the third year. She attends cheer practice from 6 to 8 a.m. followed by summer school classes before reporting for work at 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. She said the busy

schedule has helped her learn important time management skills.

“This (WE LEAD) program gives young kids a chance to see what to expect after school ends and they can learn all kinds of life skills in the process,” Kimani said.

Carolyn said the program is amazing because it gives youth the opportunity to experience working in different departments and with a variety of projects. She also said the budget information that was provided during the orientation week was very helpful.

“I plan to save for a vehicle or just to get financially stable,” Carolyn said. This summer’s income will contribute greatly to her goal.