Valley News - May 22, 2026

Supervisors approve Automated Weather Observation Systems

Joe Naiman Special to the Valley News

The Aviation Department of the County of Riverside’s Transportation Land Management Agency will be replacing the Automated Weather Observation Systems at French Valley Airport and Hemet-Ryan Airport.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on May 12 to approve an agreement with Mesotech International, Inc., for the purchase of Automated Weather Observation Systems at the two airports. The $362,738 purchase order will cover $131,877.66 for the system at French Valley Airport, $127,500.04 for the system at Hemet-Ryan Airport, and a service agreement which will cover fiscal years 2027-28 through 2030-31 as well as the period through June 30, 2027.

An Automated Weather Observation System is a computerized system that automatically measures one or more weather parameters, analyzes the data, prepares a weather observation consisting of the measured parameters, and broadcasts the observation to pilots in the vicinity of the airport. The AWOS frequency for Hemet-Ryan Airport is 118.375, and from the ground, the AWOS may be accessed by telephone at (951) 925-6886. The frequency at French Valley Airport is 119.025, and the telephone access number is (951) 696-1018.

The AWOS continually operates and provides frequent updates of meteorological information for pilots to make

see WEATHER, page A-7

Murrieta hosts annual March of Remembrance honoring holocaust survivors and supporting Israel

MURRIETA — Community members, faith leaders, elected officials, and Holocaust survivors gathered April 26, 2026, for the 13th annual March of Remembrance in Murrieta, an event dedicated to honoring Holocaust survivors, remembering the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, and expressing solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people. Organizers said this year’s event carried added significance amid a rise in antisemitic incidents and violence both nationally and internationally. Approximately 300 people attended the gathering, including rabbis, pastors, local political leaders, and residents from across the region. The program featured firsthand testimony from Holocaust survivors, exhibits of Holocaust-era artifacts and photographs, inspirational music and dance presentation intended

see ISRAEL, page A-4

Soboba Tribal Preschool teaches generations of the Salgado family

Since the mid-1970s, the preschool on the Soboba Reservation has educated members of the Ernest Salgado Sr. family. Ernest Sr. was a strong advocate for education throughout his lifetime and was a charter member of Ahmium Education Inc., which evolved into the current Soboba Tribal Preschool in 2001. At present, it serves children in preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten classes, and its Director is Soboba Tribal Member Lenora “Ponie” Mojado. The original preschool was organized and founded by Ahmium Education Inc., a nonprofit organization started by Soboba Tribal Members, including Ernie Salgado Jr., who served as Executive Director. The name means “children” in the Luiseño language. Frank “Poncho” Maciel Sr. (husband of Ernest Sr.’s daughter Raina Salgado) served as the preschool’s director for 28 years. Early classes were held at the Soboba Tribal Hall. Later, Raina and Poncho transformed their first home into the Ahmium preschool. For many years, people

see SALGADO, page A-7

Pala Casino Spa Golf Resort celebrates 25 years of welcoming guests and strengthening community

Anniversary marks a legacy of growth, self-reliance, and continued investment in guest and team member experiences

PALA INDIAN RESERVA-

TION - Pala Casino Spa Golf Resort is marking its 25th anniversary this year, reflecting on a quarter century of growth, resilience, and deep-rooted connection to the region it has proudly called home since opening in 2001.

Originally built from the ground up on the Pala Indian Reservation, the casino opened as part of a broader movement toward tribal self-reliance in California, creating long-term economic opportunity while laying the foundation for continued investment in the Tribe and surrounding community.

“Twenty-five years ago, we made a commitment to build something meaningful, not just for today, but for generations,”

see CASINO, page A-8

Aiyara Showcases Elegant Thai Dining in Temecula

By Tony Reverditto

Since opening its doors in 2006, Aiyara Thai Cuisine has become one of Temecula’s most refined and authentic Thai dining destinations, blending traditional flavors with upscale presentation and warm hospitality. Five years ago, Executive Chef Waratch “Chef PM” Polsingkhorn became the restaurant’s third owner, building on the established foundation while helping elevate Aiyara’s profile in the region’s evolving culinary scene. Nearly two decades later, the restaurant remains a polished dining experience that feels elevated without losing its warmth or authenticity.

The name “Aiyara” itself carries deep cultural significance. In Thai, “Aiyara” translates to elephant, a revered symbol often associated with power, wisdom, prosperity, dignity, and good fortune. That symbolism is reflected throughout the restaurant’s branding and décor, where elephant imagery, a soothing fountain, warm lighting, dark woods, and contemporary Thai accents create an atmosphere that feels sophisticated yet welcoming. Located along Temecula’s busy retail corridor near the Promenade Mall, the restaurant has carved out a niche as a destination for date nights, celebrations, business dinners, and upscale casual dining.

What also distinguishes Aiyara is its ability to balance familiar Thai comfort dishes with more theatrical chef-driven specialties. Traditional favorites such as Pad Thai, drunken noodles, Panang curry, basil dishes, Tom Kha soup, duck curry, and yellow curry remain menu staples, while signature presentations help elevate the experience. One of the restaurant’s most talked-about dishes is the dramatic Volcano Chicken, a crispy Cornish hen flambéed tableside for both visual flair and smoky flavor. Other standout menu items frequently praised include Khao Soi, crab meat fried rice, seafood specialties, mango sticky rice, and a variety of wok-fired entrées layered with bold Thai spices and fresh herbs. The menu is expansive, offering appetizers, soups, curries, noodles, seafood, rice dishes, desserts, cocktails, beer, and wine, allowing guests to enjoy anything from a relaxed lunch to a full multi-course dining experience.

Owner and Executive Chef Waratch “Chef PM” Polsingkhorn was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, where his passion for food and hospitality began early through his family’s deep roots in the restaurant industry. Inspired by his grandfather’s restaurant business, he developed a lifelong appreciation for culinary artistry and guest experience. His hospitality journey later expanded internationally while studying in Perth, Australia, where he began working part-time at one of the city’s respected fine dining restaurants. What started as a student job quickly evolved into a true calling as he advanced through dedication, discipline, and a growing passion for elevated dining and service.

Chef PM later continued his education in both Thailand and Los Angeles, broadening his perspective on global culinary traditions and hospitality culture. With more than two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, he has developed extensive knowledge not only in authentic Thai flavors but also in Chinese and Italian culinary traditions.

Chef PM continues to build upon Aiyara’s longstanding reputation through authentic flavors, refined presentation, warm hospitality, and a modern dining atmosphere designed to create memorable experiences for every guest.

Restaurant Operations and Marketing Coordinator Aimee Sitthiruangchai also plays an important role in the restaurant’s continued success. My interactions with her while preparing this article were fantastic. She wears many hats within the organization, went above and beyond to accommodate us, and represents the kind of professionalism that helps elevate the entire dining experience.

Aimee informed me that on April 26, 2026, Aiyara Thai Cui-

sine earned international recognition after being selected as one of the first 25 restaurants invited to participate in a Guinness World Record event celebrating Thailand’s most iconic dish, Pad Thai. By the conclusion of the event, 40 Thai restaurants had joined together in the record-setting culinary showcase, collectively preparing an astonishing 1,337 plates of Pad Thai within a single hour. For Aiyara, the invitation represented both an honor and a proud moment for the Temecula community, while showcasing the restaurant on an international platform.

After hearing about that special accolade, we were eager to experience the food firsthand. I have eaten at well over 100 Thai restaurants throughout Southern California since the 1980s and have traveled to Thailand, which has given me a strong appreciation for authentic Thai flavors. We were fortunate to have Aimee as our server during the evening, which added another dimension to the experience as she guided us through the menu while sharing the restaurant’s story and culinary background.

Aimee has also helped create a specialty cocktail program and suggested the Sriracha Margarita, a refreshing blend of Casamigos Blanco tequila, lime juice, organic blue agave, triple sec, and a splash of sriracha for a subtle kick. My guest John ordered a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and part of the wine program which includes a partnership with Ultimate Wines @ Maurice Car’rie, offering guests a thoughtful selection of blends including a hard-to-find Fumé Blanc.

One of the appetizer highlights was the Chicken Satay, grilled chicken skewers marinated in

to honor Jewish heritage and resilience, and a commemorative walk within the city. Holocaust survivors Eveline Hoffman and Eva Schneider shared powerful accounts of survival during World War II. Mrs. Hoffman described the perilous journey she and her sisters endured as they fled Nazi persecution, crossing mountains from France into Spain. Mrs. Schneider reflected on “miracles” that helped her survive the Auschwitz and Mauthausen death camps during the Holocaust.

Attendees also heard the story of Irene Perbal, who as a young girl in Amsterdam, helped her family hide Jewish people from Nazi terror. In a video presentation shown during the event, Ms. Perbal spoke about the ongoing dangers of antisemitism and the importance of remaining vigilant today. Before the formal presentations, the survivors spent time meeting one-on-one with attendees, including many young people eager to hear firsthand accounts of Holocaust history.

A special address was delivered by Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov, Israel’s deputy consul general in Los Angeles, who described Israel as a refuge founded in the aftermath of the Holocaust that will “never again” allow the destruction of the Jewish people.

Murrieta Mayor John Levell welcomed participants and addressed the crowd, and Temecula Mayor Jessica Alexander reaffirmed that the city would not tolerate antisemitism and would continue standing with the Jewish community.

One of the highlights of the program was the Walk of Remembrance, during which participants marched publicly in solidarity and reflection. Local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts led the walk, while the Murrieta Police Department provided security throughout the event. The ceremony concluded with a traditional candle-lighting observance honoring Holocaust survivors in the community, accompanied by prayers and moments of reflection.

Organizers emphasized the importance of preserving survivors’ testimonies as the number of Holocaust survivors worldwide continues to decline. According to the Claims Conference (2026), fewer than 200,000 Holocaust survivors remain worldwide, including approximately 31,000 living in the United States. Survivors today range in age from 79 to more than 100 years old. Hearing directly from those who witnessed the atrocities firsthand is essential to ensuring that the reality of the Holocaust is never forgotten.

Plans are already underway for next year’s March of Remembrance as organizers encourage community members to take part in an event focused on education, remembrance, and standing against antisemitism.

coconut milk and curry powder, served with peanut and cucumber sauces. Aimee also recommended the Crispy Wrapped Shrimp, delicately wrapped in rice paper and gently fried, served with Thai sweet chili sauce. It was unique, flavorful, and one of the evening’s unique surprises.

The Siam Lychee Martini immediately caught my attention and quickly became one of the best martinis I have enjoyed in quite some time. Made with lychee-infused vodka, elderflower, lemon juice, triple sec, and fresh lychee, it was balanced, refreshing, and beautifully presented. The restaurant also offers a couple of unique beer selections including a Tom Yum-inspired draft beer and a canned beer infused with coconut and lemongrass, both of which I look forward to trying on a future visit.

from page A-2 with the flavor profile and preparation. Another standout was the Red Curry with Shrimp, prepared with coconut milk, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and sweet basil. The balance of richness, spice, and texture was deeply satisfying. Our final entrée was the Pacific Chilean Seabass, a grilled wildcaught fillet served with a spicy homemade lime sauce, steamed rice, and mixed vegetables. The seabass was moist, delicate, and easily one of the most memorable dishes of the evening.

For entrées, we ordered my personal benchmark dish whenever evaluating Thai restaurants: Pad Thai with crab, featuring pan-fried rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, green onion, cilantro, and ground peanut. I have never had a crab Pad Thai and was quite pleased

For dessert, we enjoyed the signature Mango with Sweet Sticky Rice. The mango was sliced into the shape of a heart, surrounding warm coconut sticky rice and accompanied by green tea ice cream. The dessert provided a perfect sweet finish to an exceptional dining experience. Aiyara has also recently expanded its presence beyond the restaurant by introducing a food truck that will be available for catering and special events throughout the region.

Aiyara Thai Cuisine 40365 Winchester Road, Suite C, Temecula Reservations: 951.296.9020 or Aiyara Thai Cuisine⁠

Tricor to provide new hypochlorite storage tanks at Skinner treatment plant

Joe Naiman for the Valley News

Tricor Industrial, Inc., will be providing two tanks to replace the sodium hypochlorite storage tanks at the Robert A. Skinner Water Treatment Plant.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California board approved the contract with Tricor during the May 12 board meeting. The procurement contract the MWD board approved is for $511,294.

The Robert A. Skinner Water Treatment Plant treats both the Colorado River Aqueduct and State Water Project supply and delivers that treated water to the Eastern Municipal Water District, the Western Municipal Water District, and the San Diego County Water Authority. When the plant began service in 1976 its treatment capacity was 150 million gallons per day (mgd),

and subsequent expansion of the plant now allows for a capacity of 350 mgd.

The Skinner treatment plant uses two cross-linked high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tanks for the storage of sodium hypochlorite, which serves as initial backup disinfection to ozone treatment and ensures that the primary disinfection requirements are continuously met during unexpected events such as power outages. The tanks are ten feet in diameter and 12 feet tall with a storage capacity of 6,250 gallons apiece. The tanks have a recommended service life of 15 years and have been in service since 2007.

Inspections conducted in 2022 and 2023 discovered leakage from a growing crack in one of the two tanks. The tank’s leak was repaired on a temporary basis, but MWD staff recommended that both tanks be replaced

at the earliest possible time. The MWD board authorized the replacement of the tanks in June 2023.

The design phase activities included the preparation of drawings and specifications for the procurement and installation of two sodium hypochlorite storage tanks. MWD staff evaluated the merits of using different types of tank materials to increase chemical storage reliability and reduce lifecycle costs. The evaluation revealed that titanium has a significantly increased corrosion resistance compared to that of traditional HDPE or fiberglass when used to store a highly oxidizing agent such as sodium hypochlorite. Although the use of titanium will increase upfront capital costs the longterm reliability concerns specific to sodium hypochlorite storage led to the decision to use titanium, which will signifi cantly

reduce the risk of cracking and other common modes of failure and thus reduce maintenance costs, along with extending tank lifespan and enhancing the reliability of long-term operations.

Tricor will furnish two 6,950-gallon titanium tanks to replace the existing sodium hypochlorite storage tanks at the Skinner plant. The tanks are designed to store 12.5 percent sodium hypochlorite solution, and the procurement includes spare parts, maintenance materials, special tools and devices, and operation and maintenance manuals. MWD staff will perform submittal review, fabrication inspection, and contract administration while also receiving, offloading, and storing the tanks at the project site. MWD staff will install the tanks following their fabrication and delivery to the project site. A proposal for the two tita-

Collie presents at AWWA conference

Joe Naiman Special to the Valley News

Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District water operations manager Tim Collie was a presenter at the April 6-9 American Water Works Association section conference in San Diego.

Collie’s April 9 presentation was titled Leveraging AMI Data to Develop District Metered Areas (DMA). AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure. District Metered Areas allow a water agency to narrow down the area of water revenue loss, which may be due to a leak, faulty metering, or theft.

“There was a lot of interest, which was nice,” Collie said of the presentation.

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District encompasses approximately 97 square miles and has approximately 50,000 meters. “Trying to audit all 97 square miles and 50,000 meters all at once is virtually impossible,” Collie said.

The EVMWD infrastructure includes two import connections, two dams, four drinking

water treatment plants, 55 pump stations, 69 storage plants, and 761 miles of pipe. The infrastructure also includes 8,408 hydrants. The district has 70 pressure zones. The approximately 50,000 accounts consist of more than 48,000 domestic connections, 1,375 irrigation service accounts, and 170 recycled water service accounts. More than 90 percent of the district’s meters are 3/4-inch residential meters.

The American Water Works Association standard lifecycle for meters is 15 to 20 years. The Automatic Meter Reading meters the district acquired in 2002 were nearing the end of their expected service life by 2015, and between 2015 and 2017 those were replaced with Advanced Metering Infrastructure meters. Approximately 45,000 AMI radios were installed by a third-party vendor, and the district purchased 69 AMI data collection units. The district now collects approximately 1.2 million records each day, or 400 million records annually.

A free customer portal provides

information about usage and potential leaks.

A District Metered Area is a hydraulically isolated or discrete zone consisting of known points of inflows and outflows.

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District has 23 DMAs. “We can monitor each of these zones separately,” Collie said. Water entering and exiting an isolated zone is metered. The amount of water billed is compared to the amount of water entering the zone. “We came up with a procedure for how tight that zone is,” Collie said.

The American Water Works Association has water audit software. The audit compares the quantity of water purchased with the quantity sold through customer meters to determine the amount of water purchased but not sold. (That process also accounts for water placed in or withdrawn from district reservoirs.) “Anything below 95 percent says it needs some attention,” Collie said.

The raw percentage number doesn’t identify whether the loss is due to faulty meter readings,

leaks, or theft, but the cause is within the DMA zone. Weekly and monthly audits of DMA zones can detect usage changes. “It tells us where to look,” Collie said. “It’s a good way to find leaks quicker and get leaks repaired quicker.”

Since EVMWD staff is aware of the age of the district’s meters, the accuracy of aging meters will be tested before the district pursues potential leaks. All district infrastructure meters between three inches and 12 inches are tested annually by a third-party vendor. The AWWA guidelines suggest surveying the entire pipeline system twice each year.

“It’s really kind of one of those things that we’re learning,” Collie said. EVMWD staff integrated the AMI system with pump station meters which totalize flow pumped into discrete zones to create DMA zones. The program was developed entirely in-house by field staff, information technology staff, and management. “We’ve created this program which we think is pretty revo-

nium tanks was advertised on February 26. Bids were opened on March 25, and two bids were submitted. The estimate based on vendor surveys was between $500,000 and $600,000. Tricor, whose headquarters office is in Ohio, had the low bid of $511,294. Tex-Tanks, LLC, of Austin submitted a bid of $549,960. The bid amounts do not include sales and use taxes, which will be paid directly to the State of California by MWD.

The $740,000 budget also includes $67,000 for fabrication inspection, $62,000 for submittals review and responding to manufacturer requests for information, $44,000 for contract administration and project management; $33,348 for the taxes, and a $22,358 contingency. MWD expects to receive the tanks in February 2027 and expects the installation to be complete by fall 2027.

lutionary,” Collie said. “Ours is based on true data, so it’s not subject to an algorithm.”

EVMWD field services superintendent Ryan Johnson helped prepare the presentation but did not join Collie in the April 9 presentation. “He’s helped kind of get this stuff to speed on the meter side of it,” Collie said.

“I think it’s a fascinating tool,” Collie said. “It really opened up our eyes on how our system operates.”

Collie has been with the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District for 16 years. He was previously with the Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, which provides service to unincorporated Escondido, for 18 years. Collie moved from central Illinois to San Diego during his childhood and attended Mount Carmel High School. He married the daughter of Sue Collins, who at the time was the general manager of the Yuima Municipal Water District in Pauma Valley, and Collins encouraged Collie to pursue a career in the water industry.

EMWD speakers address efficiency programs at AWWA conference

Joe Naiman for the Valley News

Two Eastern Municipal Water District staff members gave a presentation on the district’s water efficiency programs during the American Water Works Association section conference April 6-9 in San Diego.

Jenna Shimmin is Eastern’s director of water use efficiency, and Jason Lucas is the district’s water efficiency supervisor. Shimmin and Lucas gave the April 9 presentation, Driving Water Efficiency: Innovative Programs for Homes and Businesses.

“I felt it went pretty well. It was a good number of attendees,” Lucas said.

“That to me is always good when we can help others to do better things,” Shimmin said.

Shimmin, who is also the treasurer of the California-Nevada section of AWWA, was also part of the April 8 Mentor Meetup session. The Mentor Meetup

was held in the exhibit hall and was a 25-minute session. “They could give each other advice from different perspectives, so that was nice to see,” Shimmin said. Shimmin has been with Eastern for the past 3 1/2 years. She was previously with the Coachella Valley Water District and graduated from La Quinta High School in the Coachella Valley. Including wholesale water delivery to the Fallbrook Public Utility District and the Rainbow Municipal Water District the Eastern Municipal Water District service area of 682 square miles has a population of approximately 1,000,000 residents and extends from Moreno Valley to northern San Diego County. It is the sixth-largest public water utility and the seventh-largest wastewater utility in California. Although the district’s population has increased significantly since 2020 per capita water usage is currently approximately half of the 2020 per capita average. The

average household in the EMWD retail service area has between three and four residents, and the average residential monthly water bill (not including sewer charges) is $43.60. Eastern uses a tiered rate structure based on usage with a billing unit of 100 cubic feet (approximately 748 gallons). The district assigns a water budget for each account based on factors such as household size, landscaped area of the property, and evapotranspiration factors (which are adjusted during the year based on temperature). The first 20 percent of the water budget is billed at the Tier 1 rate, usage between 21 and 100 percent of the water budget is billed at Tier 2, Tier 3 billing for excessive usage is for 101 percent to 150 percent of the baseline, and Tier 4 is designated as wasteful usage and is for over 150 percent.

The district’s outreach programs include the Landscapes for Living residential outdoor water use efficiency program.

Landscapes for Living is open to all EMWD residential customers with irrigated landscapes in their front, side, or back yards. The program offers detailed instructions, customer support by EMWD staff, and landscape design plans. The free services include one-hour consultations at the customer’s residence. Eastern provides free installation of weather-based irrigation controllers and drip irrigation equipment. Weather-based irrigation controllers automatically adjust irrigation schedules based on changes to yard and weather conditions. Drip irrigation systems save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to plant roots. Customers can contact Eastern for assistance with rebate applications, and the district will also provide information about licensed landscape contractors who have completed the required training for the program. Information for contractors is also part of the Landscapes for Living program. In 2025, Eastern launched its Landscapes for Business program, which expands the

Landscapes for Living program to commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. The program includes assistance on regulatory compliance.

Eastern and the Southern California Golf Association partnered to create a Golf and Water Task Force to address irrigation at golf courses. The first task force meeting was December 4 and the second meeting was on April 1.

“The purpose of this is to bring golf courses together,” Lucas said.

A luncheon rather than another set of sessions followed the EMWD presentation, so attendees had more time to ask questions and talk with Shimmin and Lucas. “It (the room) was mostly full and lots of questions afterwards,” Shimmin said. “We did our job.”

“I thought that there was a lot of engagement from the attendees afterwards,” Lucas said.

“It’s always good to learn from other agencies of their experiences,” Lucas said. “It felt good to actually be able to provide some assistance to other agencies.”

SALGADO from page A-1

on the Reservation referred to it as “the old preschool house,” which still stands today as their grandson Shawn Masiel’s renovated residence.

The Ahmium preschool ultimately had to close because increases in family income meant that many students no longer met the eligibility requirements set by the grant program. Once students were no longer eligible under those guidelines, the school could not continue to operate under that funding structure.

When the Ahmium preschool closed, no one was sure which direction the Tribe was going to go. Members of the Salgado family are glad they continued with the preschool and are happy with what it has grown into.

The Maciels’ children, Eustacia and Frank Jr., attended the preschool as well as all five of their grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, including great-grandsons Mav Vega and Malakai Masiel, who are currently in kindergarten there.

Michael Diaz is the son of Frances Diaz, who is another one of Ernest Sr.’s daughters. He attended the preschool, as did her granddaughter, Nicole Diaz. Now Frances’ great-grandson, Noah Mendoza, is in pre-kindergarten.

Ernie Salgado Jr.’s granddaughter, Ashley, was a preschool student. Another granddaughter, Corryn Lee Salgado-Flores, sent her children there. Corryn’s son Ace Covington attended pre-K and kindergarten, and her daughter (Ernie Jr.’s great-granddaughter), Love Lee Salgado-Flores, is

WEATHER from page A-1

decisions. The French Valley Airport and Hemet-Ryan Airport systems are no longer functional at full capacity and are routinely out of service.

In April 2025, the ceilometer at Hemet-Ryan Airport failed and could not be repaired until mid-May, and no weather

a kindergartner this year. She was a student last year as well.

Baseemah Arlene Salgado, daughter of the late Robert Salgado Sr., was a student there, as was her daughter Shakoora Kabeer. Now her granddaughters are attending with Sumaya Muhammad in pre-K and Daiya Muhammad in the preschool class. Baseemah’s oldest granddaughter, Aisha Kabeer, was a student there as well and was a member of the first kindergarten class that graduated from the new building, which was opened in 2014.

That makes six great-great-grandchildren of Ernest Salgado Sr. and Fidelia Juarez Salgado, who are currently at the Soboba Tribal Preschool.

Ernest Sr.’s third daughter, the late Rose Salgado, also saw family members attend the preschool, beginning with her daughter Desiree Salgado. And Desiree’s children, Avellaka, Ataax, Ayalkawut, and Tuupash Arviso, were all students there.

The attendance of so many children through the generations shows how deep and long-lasting the family’s roots are.

Parents expressed that they value the school’s curriculum because it effectively prepares students for first-grade placement or transition. They also appreciate the emphasis on their Indian cultural learning and the opportunity for their children to attend school with many of their relatives.

Aside from the great education received by young members of Ernest Sr.’s family, there are many other notable and fond memories that connect them to

information was transmitted for incoming or departing aircraft during that time. In May 2025, the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) data radio failed and could not be repaired by the manufacturer. The UHF radio requires a full replacement. In July 2025, the ceilometer again failed and required replacement.

the school. The first job Ernie Jr.’s daughter, Becky Salgado-Flores, held was at the preschool in 1984. Her boss was Yvonne Silvas. Becky’s daughter, Cynthia, also held her first job at the Soboba

Three AWOS manufacturers are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, but Mesotech is the only one that includes comprehensive inspection and system maintenance training with the purchase of their AWOS. The administration of that training will allow county staff to complete and expedite repairs instead of relying on third-party scheduled

Tribal Preschool in 2006. From founders to students and beyond, the preschool at Soboba has been part of Ernest Salgado Sr.’s family story across five generations. The family has always

repairs. Mesotech, which is headquartered in Rancho Cordova, also offers a spare parts loaner program, RapidShip, which provides immediate access to replacement parts when needed. The combination of inhouse repair capabilities and the RapidShip parts exchange program will significantly reduce downtime associated with parts

encouraged and valued education and are very grateful to be part of the preschool’s heritage with the Soboba Tribe. Submitted by Soboba

repair or replacement. The Board of Supervisors thus approved a sole-source contract rather than undertaking the competitive bid process. The customer support, access to Mesotech’s parts replacement program, and comprehensive training to county staff are included in the total purchase price.

Flood control district sets June 9 hearing for Azusa Channel, Morgan Valley Wash projects

Joe Naiman for the Valley News

A June 9 hearing will determine whether the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District will undertake six proposed projects including Azusa Channel in Menifee Valley and Stage 3 of the Morgan Valley Wash in Temecula Creek.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors members are also the board members of the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.

The county supervisors voted 5-0 May 12 to set the June 9 hearing date for the six projects. The action also included adopting a resolution of intent which provides procedures for public review and input.

The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Act requires the county supervisors acting as the district board to adopt a resolution specifying the district’s intent to undertake new projects and to notice and conduct a public hearing to consider any public objections regarding the pro -

posed projects. The Resolution of Intent identifies how objections can be filed and where copies of the relevant files can be reviewed. The information currently available about each project shows general location for construction, a project description, and a preliminary cost estimate. Each proposed project will require additional detailed engineering, environmental studies, California Environmental Quality Act compliance determinations, and property acquisitions. The necessary actions including appropriations

for each project will return to the flood control district board for subsequent approval prior to construction.

The Azusa Channel project is on the east side of the Menifee campus of Mt. San Jacinto College. The project would reduce street and community flooding by collecting flows from two channels into a large inlet structure. The flows would be conveyed north in 1,400 feet of open channel and then discharged into the La Piedra Road Culvert which is owned by the City of Menifee and which

outlets to Menifee Lakes. The flood control district would be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Azusa Channel once it is constructed. The current estimated construction cost including pre-construction phases is $5,100,000. Stage 3 of the Morgan Valley Wash project would install toe and sideslope protection to stabilize and restore the stream function of the portion of Morgan Valley Wash between Woolpert Lane and Via Pascal. The estimated total cost is $3,700,000.

Heed Engineering to provide Holland Road storm drainage

improvements by Diamond Valley Lake

Joe Naiman Special to the Valley News

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will be contracting with Heed Engineering for storm drainage improvements along Holland Road at Diamond Valley Lake.

The MWD board approved a $1,072,500 contract with Heed Engineering, which is based in Foothill Ranch, on May 12. Heed Engineering will install storm drain pipe, maintenance holes, and a confluence structure along Holland Road.

Diamond Valley Lake was completed in 2000 and has a maximum storage capacity of 810,000 acre-feet. The inlet/outlet tower is east of Owen Dam and is 266 feet high. The tower has nine tiers with twin ports seven feet in diameter, which are spaced 25 feet apart and allow water to enter or exit at different lake elevations.

CASINO from page A-1

said Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. “Pala Casino has helped create opportunity for our people while allowing us to invest in our community and preserve what matters most to us as a Tribe.”

Today, the Pala Band of Mission Indians - comprised of the Cupeño and Luiseño peoplecontinues to support its community while expanding economic opportunity beyond gaming.

Over the past 25 years, Pala Casino Spa Golf Resort has grown into a premier destination for gaming, hospitality, dining, and entertainment in Southern California, earning consistent recognition for quality and guest experience, including an AAA Four Diamond distinction for its hotel and top ratings for its RV Resort.

That growth is reflected not only in the property, but in the people behind it. “I started working here in March of 2001 for training, and we opened April 3, 2001,” said Gwendean Johnson, Cage Cashier, 25 years with Pala. “It was incredible; there were so many people that the fire marshals had to stop people from coming in because we were packed.”

“It’s been 25 years, and I’m very proud that I’m still a team member with Pala,” Johnson added. “Pala is my second family.”

For others, the memories begin even before opening day.

“My very first day, there was still construction,” said Ibana Peña, Lead Slot Floor Person, 25 years with Pala. “We were told, ‘Remember the look and the sound; you will never see this casino this empty and this quiet ever again.’ And it never has been.”

“There’s not just one favorite memory,” she added. “There are so many - working with people you grow to think of as family.”

That commitment to team has been central to Pala’s long-term success.

“Our success over the past 25 years starts with our team,” said Fred Buro, CEO/CMO of Pala Casino Spa Golf Resort. “We’ve always believed that when you take care of your team, they take care of your guests, and that’s what creates lasting experiences.” Looking ahead, Pala is con-

A hydraulically operated butterfly valve controls the flow through each port. The water which passes through the tower can be diverted to the Hiram W. Wadsworth Pumping Plant, to a pressure control structure adjacent to the pumping plant, or to the Eastside pipeline, which conveys water north to the Lakeview Pipeline or to the Colorado River Aqueduct.

The rock-filled west dam is 284 feet high and 8,300 feet long. The west dam was constructed with filter and drainage zones to convey the anticipated seepage safely and maintain the structural integrity of the dam. Storm runoff from the Wadsworth plant and discharge from the west dam’s seepage collection system flow through storm drain pipes into an unlined earthen drainage channel, which is 2,500 feet long, 30 feet wide, and five feet deep. The channel runs parallel to Holland Road within MWD property

tinuing to invest significantly across the property to elevate the guest experience and position the resort for the future. These efforts include a comprehensive casino refresh, new slot product and gaming enhancements, upgraded air filtration systems, and new dining concepts such as Chi and Kunlun, bringing both vibrant and elevated Asian culinary experiences to the property.

“Our mission remains the same: to create unparalleled guest and team member experiences through sincere and proactive engagement,” Buro added. “As we look ahead, we’re continuing to invest in ways that elevate both the guest experience and the environment we create for our team.”

As Pala Casino Spa Golf Resort marks 25 years, the focus remains on continued evolution - building on a legacy of consistency, community, and commitment that has defined its first quarter century.

About the Pala Band of Mission Indians

The Pala Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized Tribe located in northern San Diego County. The Tribe’s 15,000acre reservation, home to over 900 Tribal members, lies along the Palomar Mountain range. The reservation was established for the Cupeño and Luiseño peoples, who together form the Pala Tribe.

About Pala Casino Spa Resort

Pala Casino Spa Resort is Southern California’s Entertainment Capital, featuring a Las Vegas-style casino with over 2,000 slot and video machines, 78 table games, nine restaurants, two lounges, and live entertainment at both its indoor 2,000seat Pala Events Center and outdoor Starlight Theater. The resort also boasts a luxury hotel, five pools, two hot tubs, and 14 cabanas. Recognized with the AAA Four-Diamond Award for 15 consecutive years, Pala Casino is conveniently accessible via I-5, I-15, and Highway 76.

For more information, visit www.palacasino.com, facebook. com/palacasino, or x.com/palacasino.

and is commonly known as the Holland Road drainage channel. The drainage channel ends near Winchester Road, which is part of State Route 79 at that point. Culverts then carry the drainage beneath Highway 79 and southwest towards Warm Springs Creek.

Continuous discharge from the dam’s seepage collection system flowing into the drainage channel has resulted in dense vegetation growth, sediment accumulation, and the creation of 0.7 acres of riparian habitat in the eastern portion of the channel. The vegetation overgrowth results in overflows that spill onto and across Holland Road and adjacent properties from flows in the drainage channel during periods of heavy rainfall.

Installing storm drainage improvements will allow seepage and surface runoff to flow uninterrupted to the end of the drainage channel. The project will

install a 24-inch diameter storm drain, which will intercept storm runoff from the Wadsworth plant at the head of the Holland Road drainage channel. The new storm drain will run parallel to the existing drainage channel, extending approximately 2,500 feet west and tying into an existing culvert. Multiple maintenance holes will also be installed.

The construction activity will avoid work in the Holland Road drainage channel itself, which is a jurisdictional waterway due to the riparian habitat that supports nesting birds, so the bypass of the jurisdictional waterway eliminates the need to obtain regulatory agency approval to clear the vegetation. The drainage channel will continue to receive west dam seepage flows. The project budget includes $135,000 for an environmental consultant to monitor sensitive species in habitat adjacent to the Holland Road

storm drain during construction. The budget also covers $161,000 for construction management and inspection, $121,000 for responding to requests for information, submittals review, and preparation of record drawings, $118,000 for contract administration, environmental monitoring support, community outreach, and project management, $36,000 for field surveying and concrete testing, and a $96,500 contingency. The project was advertised for bid on February 25. Five bids were submitted by the April 7 deadline. The Heed Engineering proposal with the $1,072,500 low bid met all requirements of the proposal specifications. MMC, Inc., of La Palma, submitted the second-lowest bid at $1,354,000. The installation of the storm drainage improvements is expected to be complete in February 2027.

Supporting and protecting seniors during Older Americans Month

Anita Lightfoot

County of San Diego Communications Office

May is Older Americans Month, a time to promote healthy aging, highlight the challenges older adults face and celebrate efforts to enhance their quality of life. This year’s theme, “Championing Your Health,” encourages conversations and actions that support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing at every age.

Residents 85 years and older are the fastest-growing age group in San Diego County and protecting all older adults from fraud remains a top priority.

The San Diego Elder Justice Task Force reports that in 2025, the region saw about 1,800 victims of senior fraud, with losses exceeding $140 million. That figure does not include cases that went unreported because of fear, shame and embarrassment.

“Fraud targeting older adults can be financially devastating, but there also are long-term consequences to their mental and physical health like severe depression, anxiety, insomnia and intense feelings of shame or self-blame,” said Allison Boyer, Director of County Aging & Independence Services. “Victims may suffer from higher blood pressure, accelerated cognitive decline, and even the inability to afford housing or medication.”

Fraud prevention and the San Diego Scam Jam Tour

The San Diego Scam Jam Tour is a series of free fraud-prevention events taking place in 12 cities across the county starting Thursday, May 7. Hosted by AARP and supported by the County of San Diego’s Scam and Fraud Education Support Team (SAFEST), the three-month tour offers interactive learning sessions led by fraud experts.

Participants will learn about common tactics used by scammers and practical steps older adults can take to avoid becoming victims.

The County urges older adults and family members to download the Don’t Get Hooked

Toolkit available in multiple languages. The toolkit includes tips for identifying scams, instructions on how and where to report fraud, and steps to protect yourself and loved ones. Go to https://www.sandiegocounty. gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/ ais.html and click on Adult Protective Services.

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office also offers resources, including its “Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone.” campaign and detailed information on the most common types of scams targeting older adults.

County programs supporting older adults

In 2019, County Aging & Independence Services launched the Aging Roadmap, a regional guide designed to support older adults through personal care, affordable and age-friendly housing, accessible transportation and opportunities for social connection. For more information, visit https://www. sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/ hhsa/programs/ais/About.html

Key County programs include: Meals and Senior Dining: Hot, nutritious meals for adults 60+ at nearly 30 locations, many with transportation options. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Household and personal care assistance for eligible older

adults and individuals with disabilities.

Feeling Fit Club/Tai Chi: Inclusive fitness programs that support physical health, connection and independence.

AIS Call Center: A central resource for information on AIS services, community programs and assistance for older adults, caregivers, and people living with disabilities. Specialists also take reports of suspected elder and dependent adult abuse. Volunteer opportunities: Older adults can participate in the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) or serve in the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents in long-term care facilities.

Aging & Independence Services supports older adults, people with disabilities and the caregivers who help them. AIS offers nutrition programs, inhome support, fitness and social activities, protective services and long-term care advocacy. AIS connects people with resources that help them stay safe, independent and engaged in their communities.

More information about these and other AIS programs is available through the County Aging & Independence Services Call Center at 800-339-4661 or by visiting its website, https:// www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/ais.html.

Soboba hosts its 20th Earth Day event

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Soboba’s 20th Earth Day Celebration on April 23 was officially its largest. Christian Aceves, who serves as Environmental Director for the Soboba Tribal Environmental Department, said that after comparing notes with Environmental Administrative Assistant Naomi Silvas, they finalized the count at 62 vendors and roughly 740 attendees, making it their most successful event to date.

“For the 20th anniversary, our goal was to make the event feel truly rooted in the community,” Aceves said. “We focused on bringing in as many local vendors as possible to showcase the talent, culture, and spirit we have right here at home. More than anything, we wanted people to come together, enjoy a beautiful day, and celebrate what Earth Day is all about. In the end, we really did love the Earth together—and that sense of unity made the milestone feel extra special.”

Birdsingers from Torres Martinez started off the morning in traditional fashion while students from the Soboba Tribal Preschool performed “We Love the Earth” a little later to a very enthusiastic audience.

“We were thrilled to welcome community favorites like Gil’s Critters and the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, who always draw big smiles while teaching families about our native wildlife,” Aceves said. “Our food vendors included Native-owned gems like Frybread Kitchen and Papa Langos, who kept everyone happy with delicious handmade tortillas and Indian tacos.” The Soboba Youth Council provided root beer floats throughout the day.

The Green Coalition’s Wiggs and Ginger Mendoza were making their 20th appearance at the Earth Day event, providing free take-home succulents such as aloe vera to help promote the growth of native and sustainable plants.

“Giving away plants is part of our mission and part of what this day should be about,” Wiggs said. He explained to those at their stand that the aloe plant can be used as a moisturizer or hair treatment and explained how it can have medicinal properties for cuts and burns.

“The Green Coalition has been our longest-standing partner, and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued presence and support at Soboba Earth Day,” Aceves said. “Their commitment has really helped shape the event into what it is today.” For more information, https://greensanjacinto.org.

EMWD Public Affairs Specialist Allan Freetage shared the importance of not letting certain items go down household drains and offered sink strainers to visitors to help with that. “Our Hydration Station van is a great educational tool to show that tap water can be good,” he said as he offered free cups for guests to fill with cold water.

Climate Science Alliance made a strong showing with informative handouts for adults and fun activities for children at their booth. The organization’s goal is to work with communities to help Native lands survive. “We have trainings with different community partners to help share knowledge,” Grants and Partnership Manager Edgar Carrillo said. Education Program Manager Sarah Morgan said the most important thing is to stay connected as community-based solutions are best.

“There was also strong representation from neighboring Tribal Environmental Departments of Santa Rosa, Morongo, Pechanga, Augustine, and 29 Palms, highlighting the unity and collaboration across our Tribes,” Aceves said.

Pechanga’s Director of Environmental Helen Waguiu was passionate about explaining the damage being incurred to local oak trees due to the invasive Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB). She shared details of how to look for them so they can be reported and dealt with before causing further harm. She readily explained how the impact of this pest is far-reaching. A reduction in oak tree population threatens cultural practices; Coast Live Oak, which is one the GSOB targets, is known as a keystone species and plays a vital role in the local ecosystem; oaks provide food and habitat to thousands of species; and dead

and dying oak trees contribute to dangerous levels of wildfire fuel.

Local universities such as CSUSB, UCR, and the University of Redlands showcased their environmental programs, inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.

“Alongside them were essential partnerships with local utilities, nonprofits, and agencies,” Aceves said. “It truly was a vibrant mix of organizations, creating a space where our community could learn, connect, and get inspired. Having such a wide variety of vendors made the day feel full, energized, and incredibly meaningful.”

Soboba Cultural Resource Department representatives Renee Rhodes, Jessica Valdez, and Lily Brandt shared how their Cultural Garden at The Oaks is rooted in tradition and why it’s important to protect the earth.

“Tribal culture is land-based,” Valdez said. “Once depleted, we cannot practice our traditional way of life.”

Aceves spent much of his time at the STED check-in area to greet guests and make sure they got their tickets for a free meal, a chance at a raffle prize, and a vote for the best student poster. He also visited each vendor to personally thank them for their participation.

Silvas interacted with guests, vendors, and others throughout the four-hour event. She said she received a lot of positive feedback about the food, the 39 raffle prizes, and all of the different activities for children to do, especially the bird walk that was provided by Robin Roberts. She enjoyed seeing community members interact with all the different vendors and seeing how large the event has grown.

“Another highlight for me was all of the community members, employees, and different departments that volunteered to help us put this all together,” Silvas said. “I’m very appreciative to have their support and we couldn’t have done it without them.”

The standout moment for Aceves was the sheer number of people who showed up.

“Every year our event grows, and with it, Soboba’s commitment to environmental stewardship shines even brighter,” he said.

“Seeing the community arrive in droves—families, students, elders, everyone—really exemplifies their dedication to learning, caring for the land, and celebrating the earth together. That kind of turnout is the best reminder of why we put so much heart into this event.”

Activities leading up to the celebration included the invitation to have Soboba departments design creative displays using all recyclable materials and Noli Indian School science students collaborating on posters that depicted the theme of this year’s event.

One of Sabrina Smith’s classes won first place, scoring a fun pizza party, while all other classes were treated to an ice cream party.

The winner is chosen by attendees who each receive a ticket to be placed in the bucket set up next to their favorite poster.

Soboba Housekeeping won first place once again this year with their “McLovin’ the Earth” McDonald’s restaurant theme.

Aceves said that as the event has grown, so has the planning timeline.

“These days, we’re preparing earlier and earlier to make sure everything comes together seamlessly,” he said. “For this year’s celebration, we started more than six months in advance. At this point, half of our department’s calendar revolves around Earth Day, but we love it. It’s a huge lift, but seeing the community show up the way they did makes every bit of preparation worth it.”

He said the most important thing people can do to make every day Earth Day is to love it.

“This year I selected the theme ‘Love the Earth’ (‘Éxla ‘Omá’ma) so that people could reflect on why they love the earth,” Aceves said. “In the opening remarks, I asked participants to reflect on why they love the earth, be it the mountains that ground you, the rivers that bring life, or just the feeling of fresh air after a long day. Whatever it is, hold onto it because what we love is what we protect.”

For information on upcoming STED events, please visit https:// epa.soboba-nsn.gov.

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026 10:00 AM

EDUCATION

Two MSJC Students Selected for FIFA Club World Cup 2026™ Los Angeles Dream Team

Menifee — Two students from Mt. San Jacinto College have been selected for the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup 2026™ Los Angeles Dream Team, earning a rare opportunity to work alongside technology professionals supporting one of the world’s largest international sporting events.

James Suzuki and Nathaniel Doromal, both students in MSJC’s Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) pathway within the Computer Information Systems networking program, were selected through a competitive process coordinated by Cisco and FIFA.

This year, Cisco Networking Academy and FIFA selected only three qualified Cisco Networking Academy students to participate in the Los Angeles Dream Team experience connected to the FIFA Club World Cup 2026™. MSJC students earned two of those highly competitive spots.

According to Cisco Networking Academy, the Dream Team initiative allows students to work directly with industry professionals supporting large-scale international events while gaining hands-on networking and infrastructure experience in a live production environment.

As part of the Dream Team, students may assist with a variety of critical IT and networking operations supporting the event, including:

Labeling and testing CAT5e cabling Veri fying network labeling, functionality, and connections

Deploying and testing wireless access points and switches

Testing Wi-Fi connectivity and roaming performance

Monitoring wireless network performance during live events

Collaborating with professional network teams to troubleshoot and resolve connectivity issues

The experience provides students with exposure to enterprise-level networking systems and event technology infrastructure while strengthening their technical and professional skills.

“This is an excellent opportunity for students to expand their IT knowledge while learning directly from professionals who support some of the largest major events in the country,” said MSJC instructor Richard Glauser, who nominated the students through the Cisco Networking Academy program.

“It is also a valuable resume-building experience that allows students to showcase their skills as Cisco Networking Academy students.”

James Suzuki, 29, of Romoland, has attended both the Menifee Valley and San Jacinto campuses while pursuing a networking certification through MSJC’s Computer Information Systems program.

Suzuki said MSJC has helped him build technical knowledge while providing valuable handson experience in networking and server environments.

“MSJC has given me the opportunity to learn a lot about technology and get hands-on experience

with professional-grade equipment in the server lab,” Suzuki said. As a returning college student, Suzuki said his experience at MSJC has renewed his motivation and focus.

“This is not my first time as a college student, but as a returning student, I have been much more motivated about my education,” he said. “I have taken every opportunity to learn as much as I can. I’m usually the last student to leave the classroom.”

Suzuki plans to complete his certification in 2026 and hopes to pursue a career in low-voltage technology work before eventually moving into network engineering.

Nathaniel Doromal, 28, of Temecula, attends the Menifee Valley Campus and is majoring in Computer/Information Systems – Networking, with plans to graduate in 2027.

Doromal said MSJC helped him gain confidence and clarity about his future career path in information technology.

“Before attending MSJC, I was still trying to figure out my direction,” Doromal said. “Since then, I’ve gained a lot more confidence in my abilities, especially when it comes to troubleshooting and problem-solving in IT. I feel more focused and prepared for my career path now.”

He credited the college’s handson labs, collaborative learning environment, and supportive faculty with helping him grow both personally and professionally.

“This experience has given me the opportunity to really focus on

learning and building my skills in IT,” he said. “The hands-on labs and supportive environment have helped me gain practical experience, and I’m especially grateful for my instructors and classmates who have supported my growth along the way.”

Doromal plans to earn his CCNA and CompTIA A+ certifications and hopes to secure an entry-level IT or networking position after graduation.

The selection of two MSJC students for the FIFA Club World Cup 2026™ Los Angeles Dream Team highlights the strength of the college’s career education and

technology programs in preparing students for workforce opportunities in rapidly growing industries. Through hands-on instruction, industry-aligned curriculum, and mentorship from faculty, Mt. San Jacinto College continues to provide students with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and into real-world professional environments.

For Suzuki and Doromal, the experience will provide an opportunity to apply their technical skills on a global stage while representing both their communities and MSJC at one of the world’s premier sporting events.

Student of the Year scholarships awarded in the San Jacinto Valley

Diane A. Rhodes Writer

The Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month program held its recognition breakfasts from September 2025 through March 2026. Each school’s honoree was eligible to apply for a Student of the Year scholarship for their site. All recognized students were invited to a Night of the Stars awards dinner at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center on May 7.

Nearly 400 guests filled the room as students and their families, sponsors, educators and many supporters anxiously awaited the announcement of the eight Student of the Year winners who each received a $2,000 scholarship and certificates of recognition. Additionally, eight individual

scholarships of $1,000 each and one for $2,000 were presented by various community members and businesses. All students who completed an application received a $750 scholarship and all prior Student of the Month winners who didn’t fill out an application but were present at the event got a $100 gift card. All received a bag filled with many other gifts, courtesy of the sponsors. Program founder and event hostess Karena Zermeno joined co-host Lakshman Koka in welcoming everyone to the event that is about honoring the remarkable young leaders in the local community and the bright future ahead of them.

They acknowledged the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and Soboba Foundation for being among the program’s strongest supporters and

major contributors since day one. Zermeno said that Soboba’s generosity allowed them to award every student who submitted an application with a scholarship. Chairman Isaiah Vivanco was invited to the stage to say a few words.

“On behalf of the Tribe, I’d like to welcome you to our homeland,” he said. “We are proud to be sponsors of this program and to celebrate the accomplishments of all these great students. We can’t wait to see where their dreams take them.”

After the final breakfast in March, each Student of the Month was encouraged to complete an application to be considered as the Class of 2026 Student of the Year for their school site, resulting in eight honorees. Both districts have schools of choice that take turns

attending the monthly celebrations throughout the school year and one student from each district’s rotating schools is chosen to be Student of the Year.

“Tonight we come together to recognize an incredible group of students whose resilience, character, and determination continue to inspire all of us,” Zermeno said.

“Each student being honored this evening has faced challenges with courage, shown strength in their difficult moments, and continues to move forward with purpose and heart. Their stories remind us that true success is not only measured by achievements, but by perseverance, kindness, and the ability to rise above adversity.”

Guests were treated to a gourmet buffet before awards were given.

The evening mirrored well-known awards ceremonies such as the Oscars and the Grammys since the results were not revealed in advance. A short video clip of each student’s speech from when they were honored during their month was played before announcing the winner for each school, after an anticipatory drum roll.

Students of the Year

Hemet Unified School District’s Student of the Year honorees are Aidan DeSanto, Nevaeh Gray, Celeste Lopez, Samantha Calvillo Navarro, and Eddie Villa. Those honored from San Jacinto Unified School District are Karen Alvarenga Quiroz, Elizabeth Schmitz, and Christian “CJ” Viramontes. Each accepted their award with gratitude to the sponsors, school personnel, friends, and family members who supported them throughout their high school journey.

As Student of the Month in February for Tahquitz High School, Aidan DeSanto will be attending Cal State, San Marcos on his path to becoming a history teacher. Nevaeh Gray was September’s Student of the Month from Hamilton High School. She is going to be studying nursing at Cal State, San Marcos in the fall. The Western Center Academy honored Celeste Lopez as Student of the Month in February. She will be studying nursing at California Baptist University. Samantha Calvillo Navarro was West Valley High School’s choice in March. She will be completing her core classes at Mt. San Jacinto College before transferring to Loma Linda on her way to becoming a sonographer. Eddie Villa was singled out in March by Hemet High School. He will attend MIT to major in nuclear science and engineering.

November’s Student of the Month for Mountain Heights Academy was Karen Alvarenga Quiroz. She will attend Cal State, San Marcos and plans to be a lawyer,

medical assistant, and an actor “because I can do everything” she said. San Jacinto High School chose Elizabeth Schmitz in January. She will study business and business analytics at UC, Davis. Christian “CJ” Viramontes was honored as Student of the Month in October for San Jacinto Leadership Academy. He will begin his college education at Mt. San Jacinto College where he will major in journalism, hoping to become a sportswriter.

Additional scholarships

Individual scholarships were presented to students who were chosen for their ability to meet the criteria set by the community members or businesses who sponsored the awards.

The Adanesne Carrasco Soto Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Justin Valladares, San Jacinto Leadership Academy’s March SOM. He will attend MSJC to study to become an EMT before joining the fire department “to help this community.” Adanesne had been honored as SOM for San Jacinto High School in December of 2021. She passed away from cancer the following June, shortly after graduation.

Terry Cobb presented the Mike Christie Memorial Scholarship to Lola Elzy, Hemet High School’s SOM for December. Lola will attend San Diego State University as a biology major on a pre-med track. Terry said she and her late husband, Mike, met at Hemet High School. Zermeno said Mike Christie created the Student of the Month website in 2012 at the beginning of the program and that losing him was a great loss to the community.

The $2,000 Hemet Teachers’ Association Scholarship went to Jaysen Arreola, who earned Hemet High School’s SOM recognition in September. He will be studying geology at UC, Berkeley with the intention of becoming a paleontologist. The award was presented by Hemet High School teacher James Walsh.

The Dr. Koka & Family Medical Scholarship was awarded to Erendira Soria, Hemet High School’s January SOM. She plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College as she pursues her goal to become a nurse. Dr. Vidhya Koka said her family has had the privilege of being in this community for 22 years and this award is to congratulate and encourage people going into the healthcare field so they can come back and serve this community.

Jackie Sanchez Ibarra, Mountain Heights Academy’s SOM in March, was presented with the Daniel Lopez Jr. Memorial Scholarship. She wants to take EMT courses to become a paramedic.

see STUDENTS, page A-11

Noli seniors complete year-long projects

Soboba Band of Luiseño

Indians

For seniors at Noli Indian School on the Soboba Reservation, graduation isn’t just dependent on final exam scores. Every student is required to complete a senior project with multiple steps that begin in August and culminate with an in-person presentation to a judging panel in April.

English teacher Jacquelin Phillips oversees the process with a strict timeline that starts with them submitting their topic, outline, and five research sources when the school year kicks off in August. They must write an essay of at least eight pages that includes a minimum of five reputable sources, two from tangible sources and three from the Internet.

Throughout September and October, they needed to provide an introduction and detailed information about the sources they were citing. November was a light month with only the title page and references in MLA format required. By December, students had to submit their first rough draft, with the second draft due at the end of January and a final draft in February.

Based on their topic, students created a 10-20 slide PowerPoint slideshow that had to include pictures and animations, at least three different transitions, and one video or audio component. March 12 was the due date for their completed slideshow.

They had two days and 2.5 hours to practice their presentations. They were given as many opportunities as they wanted to present in front of other classes and teachers, or even after school.

Presentations had to be a minimum of 30 minutes and include at least three physical objects to enhance the effectiveness of their slideshow’s topic. Students were rated on their ability to answer questions from the audience and dress professionally and/or appropriately to their topic.

“Each component is worth 100 points, graded individually,” Phillips said. “Students must pass each component. Students are docked points for components not turned in by the due date or turned in late.”

Along with teachers and staff members attending the two days of public presentations on April 21 and 22, there were 4-5 panel members using a rubric to score each one. From knowledge of their subject to engagement with the audience, they were rated from 1 to 4 on various criteria.

Panelists included Brian Eddy of Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District; Michelle Steffani, who works in the field of renewable energy; Angel Bill with the Brown Descents Car Club Association nonprofit; and Camilo DeLaCueva of Bostik Inc.

“This is something I put on my calendar every year because I like to support the students and their

STUDENTS from page A-10

Daniel was named SOM in the 2015-2016 school year and died in a tragic traffic accident a few days before graduation. His parents set up the scholarship to honor students that best represent their son who always gave back to his family and community.

The Dr. Kari McGowan Memorial Scholarship was presented to Savannah Garcia, Tahquitz High School’s December SOM. Savannah is headed to Riverside Community College in the fall to study performing arts and pursue a career in the music industry. Current principal Andrew Holmes said the scholarship is designed to support a student who embodies the same qualities former principal McGowan held dear—a heart for service, a resilient work ethic, and a fierce belief in the power that education has to change lives.

Katelyn Cerpas Fuentes, January SOM for Tahquitz High School, received the Marie Quandt Memorial Scholarship. She will be attending Grossmont College in San Diego to prepare for a career as a laboratory scientist. John Norman presented the scholarship after explaining that Quandt had been a very active woman in the community who showed up for kids. He said, “The support that she provided is like the support that I see a lot of the teachers and administrators giving.” Shannon Murdaugh presented the Sizzler/BMW Management Inc. Scholarship to Diego Gomez, Western Center Academy’s SOM for November on behalf of Sally Myers. Diego will be studying

teacher,” Eddy said. “It provides life skills they will always need by starting something and seeing it all the way through. Kudos to every one of them.”

Steffani said she looks forward to seeing the array of topics that the students choose and how much research is put into their projects. “I always keep their essays; they leave an impact on me,” she said.

“I’m also a business owner, and I come out to give back to the youth,” Bill said. “This helps them prepare for life, and I get something out of it every year in ways I don’t expect.”

DeLaCueva, a Marine Corps veteran, said this event provides valuable practice for youth to learn how to speak in front of strangers because they will have to do this for future job interviews and other experiences. “I love hearing young adults speak about what they learn; it’s important to be a lifelong learner,” he said.

Seniors and their topics who presented on the first day were Selaya Snow Helms, Northern California Tribal Ceremonies; Shawna Rivera, Gun Violence in Native Communities; Francisco Lemus Jr., Creative Expression: Native American Expression; and Ronald Morillo III, Land Back: Soboba Water Rights. Day two was dedicated to Leland Razon, Billy Corgan, Sophia Resvaloso, Climate Change; Serena Hawk, The History of Rodeo; and Edgar Gladin Jr., The Game of Football.

Selaya shared that Tribal ceremonies have been crucial to Native American communities since time immemorial. She explored the significance of cultural ceremonies amongst the Hupa, Yurok, and Karuk Tribes of Northern California. She detailed the dances, gender roles, ecological significance, and the meaning behind the regalia that is worn. Animals and feathers play a huge role in regalia; plants and shell materials are important, too. “Every piece has a purpose and carries meaning that goes far beyond what is seen on the surface,” Selaya shared. She brought examples of some of the items used in cultural ceremonies, as well as photos of herself taken with family members after participation, since photos are not allowed to be taken during the ceremony itself.

Shawna said her topic choice was based on the fact that her own family became part of the tragic narrative when her uncle became a victim of gun violence two years ago. In the 1600s, firearms were initially introduced to Indians as a tool for survival, conflict, or political power among other Native communities and colonists. In modern times, guns continue to shape the way communities interact and are used for safety, and to fuel conflicts and power struggles. Native youth struggle with suicide at twice the national average among youth ages 10-24, and firearms play a big role in these tragedies. “Raising

engineering at California Baptist University before pursuing his career as a civil engineer in the water industry. The local SOM program is based on the one started by Myers of Sizzler/BMW Management Inc. more than 30 years ago. Her programs have since spawned more than 20 variations in San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties, including several in the Inland Empire overseen by Zermeno.

The Cassi Tichy Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Lily Snow, who was SOM in September from the Academy of Innovation. Lily has not yet decided on her future plans. Cassi was Hemet High School’s Student of the Year for 2016-2017. She had been chosen as SOM while battling a rare form of cancer. The award was presented by Hemet Unified School District Superintendent Christi Barrett.

Closing Remarks “Students, this is not just an award; this is a testament to all of the challenges that you have overcome and are currently overcoming,” Zermeno said. “But you are ready to face the world because you have shown that you can overcome anything. You have shown that you have built your character and your strength and you use those strengths to help others. Your kindness has carried you through and we hear the stories of your perseverance and helping others. Congratulations again to our students of 2025-26.”

To learn more about the program and to view monthly videos, please visit www.studentofthemonth.net.

awareness about gun violence is a way to protect more lives, preserve more culture, and support the future of Native communities,” Shawna explained.

Francisco shared that creative expression is woven into our daily actions and choices and is not reserved to the arts, which is what most people think of when they hear the word creativity. “It’s what makes you unique and who you are,” he said. “There is no correct or wrong way to express yourself.” Because imagination fuels creativity, it can take many forms. Francisco discussed the work by Matika Wilber, a Native American photographer, whose Project 562 has become an unprecedented repository of imagery and oral histories from 562 federally recognized Tribes. Francisco wore a shirt that contained a specific, colorful design that he created, and a friend helped him make. Each color has a specific meaning, with a rainbow on the back to represent his family members.

Ronald explained that the term “Land Back” means to restore land and resources to their original intent. It is a movement to decolonize Indigenous people, which is not done without restoring the land itself; returning control to the Native people and allowing them to start restoring their connection with the land. Through his research, Ronald found that the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians fought from the 1930s to 2008 to regain water rights that were taken from them. Soboba’s story reflects the core message of the Land Back movement, and “their journey from dispossession to restoration stands as a powerful reminder that Indigenous resilience is ongoing, and respecting Native sovereignty is essential for a just

and sustainable future.”

Leland is a music fan who shared the background of singer, songwriter, and The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. He explained that the influential musician blended his deeply personal lyricism and real-life pain into something meaningful, creating a unique and dynamic atmosphere. Behind all his success in the 1990s, Corgan was “just a kid from Chicago using music as an escape from the abuse and trauma of his childhood.” On December 2, 2000, The Smashing Pumpkins played their final show, a four-hour concert at the Cabaret Metro, the same place where the band played their first show 12 years earlier. Corgan branched out into writing a poetry book, launched the Madame ZuZu’s tea company, and continues to sell his band’s merchandise sporting his alter ego of “Zero.”

Sophia has a very personal reason for exploring climate change. She has fond memories of spending time with family and friends at the creek that runs through The Oaks and has been dubbed “Soboba Beach.” It is fed by a river that flows from the San Bernardino Mountains to the edge of the Soboba Reservation. In the past three years, she has noticed a decrease in water due to less rainfall and other factors. “Climate change doesn’t just affect people, but also impacts animals, plants, and resources, leading to food scarcity,” Sophia shared. She also outlined steps to combat climate change and provided a link to a carbon footprint calculator for more information.

Serena explained the origin of rodeos from cowboys working in the cattle industry, saying the word comes from the Spanish word “rodear,” which generally means “to

round up” cattle. Her grandfather was a cowboy. She said evidence suggests the first official rodeo was created in Colorado in 1869. Serena shared some photos and information about the first ladies of rodeo, including Lucille Mulhall, whose skills at roping and riding gave her the very first title of “cowgirl.” Serena said those who have never been exposed to animals through ranch life or farming think that roping competitions are a form of animal cruelty. However, experienced ranchers and farmers deal with these animals daily and know just how tough and resilient they can be. Edgar, who has played 8-man football for the Noli Braves, said the game has taught him many important life lessons and skills. One is to be kind to teammates since it’s a team sport. “At the end of the day, it’s a game, so you want to have fun,” he said. Playing the game takes commitment to strict schedules, healthy eating habits, and good sleep routines. Edgar shared the early beginnings of the game, the birth of professional football, and the rules and varieties of the sport. He also delved into the life of Lamar Jackson, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in league history. He is a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and the NFL’s all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards. The seniors did very well with their presentations and were comfortable and knowledgeable when answering questions that were posed to them. Noli Indian School’s graduation ceremony is scheduled for June 4 at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center.

Submitted by Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Child Predator cults tied to 450 people in growing FBI crackdown

Hudson Crozier

DCNF Crime and Extremism Reporter

FBI investigations of a heinous online child predator network have expanded to target more than 450 people, the bureau said on Tuesday, May 12.

Officials continue to crack down on groups going by names such as “764” that lure children into violent online communities and induce them toward selfharm or sexual acts, FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joe Rothrock said in a statement warning parents and schoolteachers.

Authorities have traced similar groups’ beginnings to at least 2019, announcing more than 350 subjects of investigations by late last year.

“Their members often connect with minors on popular online gaming and social media platforms, build their trust by posing as friends, and then coerce them into harming themselves or others,” Rothrock said of the predators.

The growing federal crackdown on 764-style networks spans multiple presidencies and now involves all 56 FBI field offices, according to authorities.

The Trump administration has increasingly described them with the new label “Nihilistic Violent Extremists,” criminals who seek to cause harm “primarily from a hatred of society at large and a desire to bring about its collapse by sowing indiscriminate chaos, destruction, and social instability.”

Groups fitting that description also promote violence beyond sexual exploitation, including school shootings and political assassinations, and embrace Satanic or Nazi symbolism, Daily Caller News Foundation reporting shows.

“Some are driven by hatred,

sexual gratification, or a desire for chaos. Regardless of their motivation, they have a common target: children and other at-risk individuals,” Rothrock said.

Rothrock highlighted his office’s ongoing manhunt for Austin Jan Sy Yatco, a Filipino man with Texas ties who “is accused of exploiting minors into creating child pornography of themselves, which he then distributed among a violent online network similar to 764.” Yatco’s alleged

accomplices found their victims on gaming and social media platforms, according to the FBI. The bureau is offering $25,000 for incriminating information on Yatco, whom officials believe is hiding in the Philippines.

“We have worked with federal prosecutors who successfully prosecuted these predators and are tirelessly working to investigate others,” Rothrock said.

U.S. senators also unveiled bipartisan legislation in Decem-

ber — now sitting in the Senate Judiciary Committee — that would specifically criminalize “coercion of children to commit harm” separately from child exploitation offenses already on the books.

Rothrock warned parents to “monitor your children’s online activities” to prevent victimization and avoid posting “personal information or family videos or photos online, which could be exploited.”

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

Senior Spring BBQ celebrates food and friendship in Anza

Michael Lewis.”

Diane

Sieker Staff Writer

In recognition of Older Americans Month, Riverside-San Bernardino Indian Health, Inc. welcomed local seniors for its annual Senior Nutrition Program Spring BBQ on Friday, May 15, at the Anza Community Hall, serving up an afternoon filled with food, fellowship, and community connection.

The festive luncheon brought together 27 older adults who enjoyed grilled hamburgers, pasta

salad, fruit and dessert beneath sunny skies in the Community Hall parking lot.

“Today we had a special senior Spring BBQ at the Hall parking lot,” said Anza Community Hall board director Dennis Whitfield.

“It was a beautiful day for the Senior Nutrition Program staff to serve up a wholesome lunch to local seniors. Congratulations to a very well-organized event by Indian Health, the County of Riverside, and Anza Community Hall members, Pebbles Lewis, Tammy Ferris, and

Riverside-San Bernardino Indian Health, Inc. provides free congregate meals and nutrition services for older adults at the Anza Community Hall every Tuesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The dine-in meals are designed to offer more than nourishment, encouraging seniors to gather, socialize, and enjoy companionship in a welcoming setting. Services include hot meals, nutrition and health education, nutrition screenings, and opportunities for

Valley News Staff

A commitment to leadership, continuing education and community service recently earned recognition for a board director with the Anza Electric Cooperative.

The organization congratulated board treasurer Pebbles Lewis, who earned her Board Leadership Certification. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association offers step-by-step professional certifications through continuing education programs.

“The BLC is a significant professional milestone, recognizing directors who have completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director program and pursue additional

education,” said Member Services Supervisor Kathie Beale. This certification reflects an ongoing commitment by Cooperative board members to strengthen governance skills, industry knowledge, and service to the membership.

The Anza Electric Cooperative is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric and broadband utility serving the Anza Valley and surrounding areas since 1951. The Co-op places a strong emphasis on education, leadership development, and community-focused service–values reflected in this recent national recognition. For more information, please visit www.anzaelectric.org or call (951)763-4333.

The Anza Electric Cooperative Mother’s Day coloring contest winners have been announced.

Hank Bialecki, 5; Analia Nevills, 8; Thomas Nevills, 6; and Eliana Nevills, 10, all submitted colorful entries for the special holiday activity.

“These contestants poured their hearts into making the perfect pictures for Mom’s special day,” said Member Services Supervisor Kathie Beale. “Every page is full of color, imagination, and pure kid-made magic.”

Each of the young people took home a special prize they chose from a gift basket overflowing with goodies.

The Co-op’s holiday-themed coloring contests have proven very popular in the Anza Valley community. These activities help the Anza Electric Cooperative educate, connect, and build trust–all while celebrating local youth and reinforcing the cooperative’s community-first mission.

The AEC is member-owned–not an investor-owned utility. Coloring contests create positive, family-friendly interaction with members outside of billing or outages and reinforce the cooperative principle of Concern for Community.

For more information, please visit www.anzaelectric.org or call (951)763-4333.

Submitted by Anza Electric

positive social interaction. Indian Health officials said the program’s mission is to ensure no senior goes without food and companionship, while promoting health, wellness, and social recreation in the community.

Reservations for meals are required the day before each lunch service to ensure enough meals are prepared. Reservations may be made by calling (909)2555195.

Transportation assistance is also available for eligible seniors by calling Betsy Hansen with the Anza Electric Cooperative at (951)763-4333. Riverside-San Bernardino Indian Health, Inc. is located at 11580 Potrero Rd., Banning, CA 92220. They may be reached by phone at (800)732-8805 x1999 and on the web at www.rsbcihi. org. The Anza Community Hall is located at 56630

Sheriff’s Blotter

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Anza Valley Outlook Sheriff’s Blotter is a list of calls that allows residents to see what law enforcement activity is occurring in their communities.

The Sheriff’s Blotter data is obtained from the official calls for service records kept by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. However, calls where the release of the information could cause harm to an individual or jeopardize the investigation of a criminal case are excluded.

All calls listed are for service within the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction in the unincorporated areas of Anza, Lake Riverside Estates, Cahuilla and Aguanga from May 9 through May 15.

May 9

Harrassing phone calls–11:57 p.m., address withheld, Anza

Suspicious vehicle–05:34 p.m., address undefined, Anza

Vandalism–12:29 p.m., 5800 *** block Wellman Rd., Cahuilla

Suspicious circumstance–11:46 a.m., address undefined, Anza

Assist other department–10:46 a.m., 4100 *** block Saddleback Dr., Lake Riverside

May 10

Public disturbance–07:38 p.m., address undefined, Anza

Unattended death–03:13 p.m., address withheld, Lake Riverside, report taken Vandalism–09:25 a.m., 5800 *** block Wellman Rd., Cahuilla, report taken

Harrassing phone calls–08:28 a.m., address withheld, Anza

May 11

Assist other department–08:26 p.m., 4100 *** block Terwilliger Rd., Anza Public assist–07:00 p.m., 5200 *** block Cahuilla Rd., Cahuilla

Suspicious vehicle–01:53 p.m., 5700 *** block Mitchell Rd., Anza Arson–10:25 a.m., 5400 *** block Bautista Canyon Rd., Anza, unfounded Public disturbance–08:25 a.m.,

5600 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Anza

• Suicide threat–07:28 a.m., address withheld, Anza

• Petty theft–12:44 a.m., 5100 *** block Kearsarge Rd., Anza

May 13

• Suspicious vehicle–08:59 p.m., 5700 *** block Mitchell Rd., Anza

• Accidental shooting–03:59 p.m., address withheld, Anza, report taken

• Lost property–03:53 p.m., 3900 *** block El Toro Rd., Anza, report taken

• Batt ery–03:30 p.m., address undefined, Anza

• Assist other department–10:55 a.m., 4100 *** block Lakefront Dr., Lake Riverside

May 14

• Public disturbance–06:07 p.m., 4100 *** block Terwilliger Rd., Anza

• Suspicious vehicle–01:06 p.m., 5700 *** block Mitchell Rd., Anza

• Trespassing–12:37 p.m., 4100 *** block Terwilliger Rd., Anza

• Battery–12:29 p.m., 4100 *** block Terwilliger Rd., Anza, report taken

• Alarm call–12:26 p.m., 3900 *** block Contreras Rd., Anza Harrassing phone calls–11:04 a.m., address withheld, Anza

May 15

• Assist other department–10:24 p.m., 5200 *** block Cahuilla Rd., Cahuilla

• Alarm call–03:46 p.m., 5100 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Cahuilla

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 WeTip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909)987-5005 or https://wetip. com.

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

Double Feature – “Mortal Kombat II” and “Obsession”

By Bob Garver

With “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Michael” still ruling the domestic box office, I thought I’d give this week’s review spot to a couple of also-rans from the past two weeks.

“Mortal Kombat II”

The 2021 “Mortal Kombat” movie was a disaster that left fans disappointed for many reasons, not least of which was that it didn’t feature any fights from the muchhyped tournament for universal supremacy. At least in “Mortal Kombat II,” we finally get the tournament. Only the first round is done somewhat properly before the thing breaks down into cheating, sneak-attack shenanigans, but it can’t be said that we are denied the tournament entirely.

A new character, outstandingfighter-turned-action-movie-starturned-washout-at-both Johnny Cage (Karl Urban), is the audience surrogate into the five-on-five fighting series on a distant planet that will determine the fate of our world. Cage fights alongside Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), Jax (Mehcad Brooks), Cole Young, (Leweis Tan), and Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) under the mentorship of Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) against the forces of the evil Shao Khan (Martyn Ford), such as his queen Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen), stepdaughter Kitana (Adeline Rudolph), her bodyguard Jade (Tati Gabrielle), and resurrected minions Kung Lao (Max Huang) and Kano (Josh Lawson). The first movie made another mistake, killing off humoristic highlight Kano; fortunately, this movie brings him back so he can steal the movie all over again.

“Mortal Kombat II” is good at the things that fans want most from a “Mortal Kombat” movie: it’s creative with its fighting sequences and the jokes usually hit. But it’s bad at the things that audiences want from movies of any genre: it’s hard to care about many of these characters and the story is an overcomplicated mess that can’t even stick to its own ridiculous rules.

Like “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” I admire the way this sequel steps up its game from an original that I didn’t enjoy, but unlike that film, I can’t say I’m now “won over” by this franchise.

Grade: C

“Mortal Kombat II” is rated R for strong bloody violence and gore, and language. Its running time is 116 minutes.

“Obsession”

In 1992’s “Aladdin,” one of the Genie’s few rules with wishes was that he couldn’t make people fall in love. “Obsession” is a movie about what happens when a wish for love is granted. It’s a horror movie, and a nasty one. The Genie was right to have that rule. Awkward dork Bear (Michael Johnston) wishes for the romantic love of his longtime friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette) on a novelty willow stick. The wish comes true, Nikki is immediately smitten with him, and Bear reaps the rewards of her vehement affection. The woman Bear loves may not have any agency in the matter, and that’s problematic if he thinks about it, so he decides not to think about it. But of course, things go south for Bear once Nikki starts inserting herself into every corner of his life and finding creepier and creepier ways to express her devotion. Her love becomes… wait for it… obsession. This movie gamely features

some of the sickest scenes from a stalker thriller ever put to film, even if they borrow heavily from other stalker thrillers like “Fatal Attraction.” And Navarrette puts in a horror performance for the ages, both when her character is and isn’t under the magic spell. But the movie falters when the story has to give us something other than Nikki spinning further and further out of control. The ending (not Navarette’s contribution to the ending, which is excellent, but the ideas that go into the ending) is a lazy letdown and ends what had previously been an engaging horror film on such a down note that I can’t bring myself to recommend it as a whole. “Obsession” doesn’t lose my recommendation because of anything it “does,” but because of how much potential it leaves on the table.

Grade: C

“Obsession” is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, sexual content, pervasive language, and brief graphic nudity. Its running time is 108 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@ nyu.edu.

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 lis ted events for the latest updates. Please also email us if any of these listings have new or updated information. Thank you!

Regular Happenings

Anza Farmers’ Market

Located at 56333 CA-371, Anza farmers’ market hours are every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. through October. Various farmers, musicians, artisans and food vendors set up weekly. Ample parking in the field and lot to the west and east of the field. The market is operated by the High Country Conservancy, a 501(c) (3), and is a California certified farmers market. Market Manager

DIANE SIEKER,

JOE NAIMAN, Ind. Contractor

ROGER BODDAERT, Ind. Contractor

Advertising

JOSEPHINE MACKENZIE

CINDY DAVIS

Production FOREST RHODES,

ANZA EVENTS

Annika Knoppel can be reached at 951-234-1314 or email anzafarmersmarket@gmail.com

Anza Community Hall Swap Meet–Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. $15 for a spot with membership. $18 for a spot without membership. Vendors wanted. The hall is located at 56630 CA-371 in Anza. See membership information under “Organizations.”

Mobile Food Pantry – Anza Electric Cooperative and F.I.N.D. Food Bank offers a free mobile food pantry the second Saturday of every month at the AEC office, 58470 CA-371, from 8 to 10 a.m. All are welcome. Cal-Fresh application assistance and free community health services are also available. Bring your own reusable bags to take food home. Volunteers welcome. For more information, contact the AEC office at 951-763-4333.

Friends of Anza Valley Community Library – Anza Valley Community Library is located at Hamilton High School, 57430 Mitchell Road. The library is open to the public, but not during school hours. Hours are 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Monday through Wednesday.

Hamilton High School – Find out what is happening using Hamilton’s online calendar at www.hamiltonbobcats.net/apps/ events/calendar.

Hamilton Museum – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays at 39991 Contreras Road in Anza. For more information, call 951-763-1350 or visit www.hamiltonmuseum.org. Find them on Facebook at “Hamilton-Museum-and-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 951751-1462 for more information.

Veterans’ Gathering Mondays – 9-11 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 39075 Contreras Road in Anza. Men and women veterans come to share and help each other deal with post-traumatic stress disorder and other difficulties. Call John Sheehan at 951-923-6153. 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 CA-371.

Alcoholics Anonymous – 8 p.m. Wednesday and Friday evenings at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, please email Barbara at chicasita55@gmail.com.

Bereaved Parents of the USA – The Aguanga-Anza Chapter of BPUSA will hold its meetings at 6 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 49109 Lakeshore Blvd. in Aguanga. For more information, contact chapter leader Linda Hardee at 951-551-2826.

Free Mobile Health Clinic

Open every third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is needed. Uninsured may only be seen in the Anza Community Hall’s parking lot or inside the hall.

Medication Assistance and Treatment for Opioid Dependence – Get treatment for heroin addiction. Transportation to the clinic is provided. For more information, contact Borrego Health’s Anza Community Health Center, 58581 CA-371, Anza. For more information, 951-763-4759.

Narcotics Anonymous –Tuesday meetings, 8 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Church, Anza, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. For more information, please email Barbara at chicasita55@gmail. com.

Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous –Thursdays at 12 noon. Meetings at Shepherd of the Valley Church, 56095 Pena Road in Anza. For more information, please email Barbara at chicasita55@gmail.com.

Food ministries

Food for the Faithful – 8 a.m.

The food bank hands out food the last Thursday of the month until the food is gone. Emergency food handed out as needed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. FFF is a nondenominational nonprofit. All in need are welcome; call Esther Barragan at 951-763-5636.

Bible studies

Living Hope Thursday Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study – 8 a.m. at 58050 CA-371 in Anza. All are welcome.

Living Hope Christian Fellowship Sunday Service – 10 a.m. at the Anza Community Hall, 56630 CA-371 in Anza.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anza’s Sunday Sacrament is at 10 a.m.; Sunday School is 11 a.m. Priesthood/Relief Society meets at noon; Wednesday, Boy Scouts gathers 6 p.m. and Youth Night is

7 p.m. For more information, call Ruiz at 951-445-7180 or Nathan at 760-399-0727. The Wednesday Genealogy/Family History Class, 5-8 p.m., is open to the public at 39075 Contreras Road in Anza.

Native Lighthouse Fellowship – 10 a.m. The group meets the first Saturday of the month, and breakfast is served. All are welcome to fellowship together at the “Tribal Hall” below the casino in Anza. For more information, call Nella Heredia at 951-763-0856.

Monthly Christian Men’s Breakfast – 9 a.m. Breakfast takes place the 4th Saturday of each month and rotates to different locations. Contact Jeff Crawley at 951-763-1257 for more information.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church – 10 a.m. Weekly Wednesday Bible study takes place at 56095 Pena Road in Anza. Call 951-763-4226 for more information.

Valley Gospel Chapel – 7 a.m. Saturday Men’s Study meets weekly with breakfast usually served at 43275 Chapman Road in the Terwilliger area of Anza. For more information, call 951763-4622.

Anza Baptist Church–Begin your week with Sunday School for adults at 9 a.m. followed by Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. We have an optional Children’s Church service during the main service. On Sunday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. we have a rotating schedule of Bible Studies, fellowship, and prayer. We also have a prayer circle which meets on Wednesday mornings at 11 a.m. The church office is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Road, just off Burnt Valley Road, in Anza. For more information, please contact the church at 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 951-928-1248. Find helpful art tips at www.facebook.com/AnzaValleyArtists.

Anza Quilter’s Club – Meetings are held at 9:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran

Church, 56095 Pena Road, Anza. For more information see our Facebook page or contact Pat Sprint at jpsprint@gmail.com or Ellen Elmore at luvtoquilt2@ gmail.com.

Anza Valley Lions Club The Anza Valley Lions Club has been reinstated and is open to all men and women who want to work together for the betterment of the community. The group is working on securing a new venue for meetings. Meetings and events are posted on the Anza Lions Club of Anza Valley Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LionsofAnzaValley. For more information, email president Greg Sandling at President.AnzaLions@gmail.com or Chris Skinner at Secretary. AnzaLions@gmail.com.

Fire Explorer Program – 6 p.m. The program meets every second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at Fire Station 29 on CA-371 in Anza. Call 951-7635611 for information.

Anza Thimble Club – The club meets the 1st Thursday of the month at the Anza Community Hall, 56630 CA-371, Anza, CA 92539. The social hour is 11:30 a.m., and lunch is served at noon. Contact Carol Wright at 951-7632884 for more information.

Organizations

Terwilliger Community Association – 6 p.m. Second Monday of the month at VFW Post 1873, 59011 Bailey Road, in Anza. Potluck dinner open to all. For more information, call Tonie Ford at 951-763-4560.

Civil Air Patrol – Squadron 59 is looking for new members of all ages. For more information, call squadron commander Maj. Dennis Sheehan from the Anza area at 951-403-4940. To learn more and see the club’s meeting schedule, visit www.squadron59.org.

Anza Community Hall –7 p.m. General membership meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month. Single memberships are $30 and include discounts to events for one person and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Family memberships are $50 and include discounts for a family up to 5 members and 1 vote in elections and meetings. Business memberships are $50 and allows an employer to receive discounts for up to 5 people, including themselves, and includes 1 vote on elections and meetings. No government funds are allocated for the Hall, which pays its bills through memberships and swap meets. Mail membership to: Anza Community Building Inc. at P.O. Box 390091, Anza, CA 92539. The hall is located at 56630 CA-371 in Anza. For more information, call 951-282-4267 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.

Temecula Valley Hospital earns an ‘A’ hospital safety grade from The Leapfrog Group

TEMECULA – Southwest

Healthcare – Temecula Valley Hospital (TVH) earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country using evidence-based measures of patient safety focused exclusively on errors, accidents, injuries and infections.

“We are incredibly proud to earn our 12th ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a milestone that underscores Temecula Valley Hospital’s long-standing commitment to patient safety and quality,” said Hong Min, CEO of Southwest Healthcare. “This achievement is a reflection of our culture of safety and the unwavering dedication of our physicians, nurses, and staff who work tirelessly every day to protect our patients from harm.”

“Patient safety begins at the bedside, and this ‘A’ Grade is a testament to the exceptional care our nursing and clinical teams

provide,” said Angie Camacho, Chief Nursing Officer at Temecula Valley Hospital. “Our caregivers are deeply committed to evidence-based practices, clear communication, and continuous improvement to ensure the safest possible environment for our patients and their families.”

“An ‘A’ Grade is a strong sign that Temecula Valley Hospital is deeply committed to protecting patients from harm,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We commend the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers for the role each played in earning this distinction.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To explore Temecula Valley Hospital’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying

www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/.

OPINION

The realignment the establishment refuses to see

Julie Reeder Publisher

Something significant is happening in the world right now, and I don’t believe much of the media even understands it. Or they refuse to see it or intentionally frame it through an outdated narrative. Especially if everything is framed through “Orange man bad” glasses.

President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Beijing was not simply about trade agreements or photo opportunities. It seemed to represent something much larger, a strategic realignment that could reshape global economics, energy and geopolitical power for decades. Much like the agreements and alignments Trump made with the middle eastern countries before he went after Iran. And the way he is organizing countries surrounding Gaza to go in and build it back. What stood out most was not the headlines about tariffs or negotiations. It was the relationship itself. Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly gave Trump access to areas previously reserved only for Russian President Vladimir Putin. That matters. Whether people like Trump or not, he operates heavily through personal relationships and direct diplomacy. He has done it with world leaders repeatedly, and it appears China recognizes that. Then Xi Jinping called Iran and encouraged them to end the war and he himself committed to Trump that he would do what he could to help. Trump could go in and blow up infrastructure, but he wants to build lasting peaceful relationships, even with Russia, which has been off limits. The West needs a boogie man and Russia has been it for decades, even though the Second World War was won with their help.

The reality is the United States and China are in a race — economically, technologically and strategically. Both countries know it. The difference is that Trump appears to believe competition does not automatically require endless hostility or permanent instability. The effort now seems focused on creating guardrails while both nations

pursue their own interests.

At the same time, the old global financial establishment centered in London and tied to institutions like Davos appears increasingly nervous. Figures like former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney spent years promoting a globalized financial system built around green finance initiatives, international banking structures and efforts to weaken the dominance of the U.S. dollar. Much of that agenda is now colliding directly with Trump’s America-first economic policies.

For years, Americans were told the future belonged to managed decline, (this was actually documented) outsourcing manufacturing, dependence on foreign energy, endless debt and surrendering national leverage to international institutions. Trump rejected that model outright. Instead, he has focused on energy production, strategic trade negotiations and rebuilding American economic influence. Whether people agree with every tactic or not, it is difficult to deny that the conversation has fundamentally changed.

What is also becoming increasingly clear is that many ordinary people across Western nations no longer trust the political and financial elites who have dominated policy for decades. Massive protests in London, unrest throughout Europe and growing frustration here in the United States reflect populations that feel ignored, economically squeezed and culturally disconnected from those governing them.

Artificial intelligence, independent media and decentralized communication are accelerating this shift. Traditional gatekeepers no longer control information the way they once did. Political outsiders, independent creators and alternative media platforms now reach millions of people directly without permission from legacy institutions.

Meanwhile, investigations surrounding election integrity, government misconduct and political weaponization continue fueling distrust in federal institutions. Many Americans believe there has never been full accountability for what occurred during Trump’s first term or the years that followed, as far as Russiagate, which has been proven started with President Obama. Others strongly reject those claims. But regardless of where someone stands politically, the level of distrust itself should concern everyone.

This moment is bigger than partisan politics. It is not simply Republicans versus Democrats anymore. The deeper conflict is between two competing visions for the future: centralized

global systems versus national sovereignty, managed decline versus economic rebuilding, and political control versus decentralized influence. Trump is not automatically following the old rules based order formed after WWII. He is looking at each alliance and seeing if it is good for America or not. He is following the American System of Government that primarily relies on being independent and strong as far as economics, industry, military and it includes tariffs to

protect American industry. Policies like population control, green policies, global governance and global financial controls and regimes like Opec to control oil prices, narco terrorism to raise money for governments, purposeful trade deficits for the west and open borders are all being questioned and realigned. But I just don’t think a lot of people are interested in geo-politics to even have the discussion. The world order that dominated the last several decades

is clearly being challenged. The question now is not whether change is coming. It is whether Western nations are prepared for how profound that change may actually be. It looks like Trump is building up America first but also bringing our “enemies” alongside so we can work together. Xi Jinping said he believed both our countries could do more if they worked together rather than as enemies. It starts with conversations and relationship building.

MONDAY, MAY 25 10 AM - 12 PM