Historic Hemet Theatre welcomes new leadership, A-7
A-1
CIF-SS Baseball Playoffs, local first round recap, A-10
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SERVING TEMECULA , MURRIETA , L AKE E LSINOR E , M ENIFEE , WILDOMAR , H EMET, SAN JACINTO AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES May 23 – 29, 2025
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Volume 25, Issue 21
SoCal Jazz & Blues Festival returns Man caught selling pot vapes to Murrieta with star-studded lineup to children in
Local News
multi-city police sting
A months-long investigation has led to the arrest of a man accused of selling marijuana vape pens to children in Murrieta and Menifee, and the stash police say they found is raising serious concerns. see page A-2
Education San Jacinto Leadership Academy student Turner Daudert named 2025 Bezos Scholar SAN JACINTO – The Bezos Scholars Program announces San Jacinto Leadership Academy student Turner Daudert and educator Priscilla Grijalva, School Counselor, are part of the 2025 Scholars cohort. The Bezos Scholars Program inspires and challenges young people and educators from their schools to address issues they are passionate about in their communities. see page B-8
INDEX Anza Valley Outlook ..........B-1 Business ............................B-5
15-year-old left handed guitarist Joel Soto gives a dynamic performance during day 1 of the SoCal Jazz & Blues Festival at the Murrieta Town Square Park Amphitheater on May 16. Valley News/David Canales photo MURRIETA – The SoCal Jazz & Blues Festival returned to the Murrieta Town Square Park Amphitheater over the weekend,
drawing music enthusiasts for three days of soulful performances from May 16 to 18. The festival kicked off Friday
evening with a performance by Grammy-winning jazz-rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & Tears, known for their fusion of brass
and rock instrumentation. Saturday’s headliner was Los Lobos, see JAZZ, page A-4
Temecula wine pioneer Carl MilVet Honors outstanding L. Key turns 100, celebrated Military Veterans and community service supporters at for a century of innovation
fundraiser and gala honors event
Business Directory .............B-5 Calendar of Events .............A-8
Classifieds ....................... B-10 Education ..........................B-7 Entertainment ...................A-7 Health ...............................B-6 Home & Garden ................A-7 Legal Notices .......... B-11, B-12 Local ................................A-1 National News ................. B-10 Opinion........................... B-11
Regional News ...................B-9
VALLEY NEWS
Sports .............................. A-10
Carl L. Key recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
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Julie Reeder Publisher Carl L. Key, a World War II veteran, aviation enthusiast, serial entrepreneur, and visionary founder of one of Temecula Valley’s earliest wineries, celebrated his 100th birthday this week surrounded by loved ones and admirers. Born in Summerville, Pennsylvania, Key was educated in a two-room schoolhouse until the sixth grade. During World War II, it was such a depressing time, young Carl left school to help support his family, taking several jobs, including working at a machine
Valley News/Courtesy photo
shop, before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. Key served four years between 1943 and 1947 and became a medical technician, demonstrating the same adaptability and compassion that would later define his business life. After the war, he continued flying by purchasing several aircraft of his own and remained active in aviation for years. His entrepreneurial journey was as diverse as it was bold. Key worked as a bank teller, sold Volkswagens and Westsail boats, and purchased a few to enjoy himself. see KEY, page A-4
The Sea Cadets post the Colors while Marine Corporal Elliott McKenzie sings the national anthem at the annual MilVet Fundraiser and Gala Military Honors event. Valley News/Tony Ault photo Tony Ault Staf f Writer U.S. Military veterans were honored for their outstanding military and continuing community service at the annual MilVet Fundraiser and Gala Military Honors event held at the March Field Air Museum, Friday, May 16. Eleven outstanding Military Service Veterans were awarded certificates of appreciation and medals by a host of county and state elected officials at the event, following a meal in their honor.
On hand to present the honors were 32nd Assembly District’s Kelly Seyarto; Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, 71st Assembly District; Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, 36th Assembly District; 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington and 2nd District Supervisor Karen Spiegel. The honorees learned there is a certificate from the Presidential Office of the United States, and a Flag in recognition, being flown over the Nation’s Capital. Honored Veterans see MILVET, page A-5