HS Football: Exciting finishes and high-scoring showdowns highlight Week 9, A-10
Tributes honor longtime agriculture teacher, B-6
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SERVING TEMECULA , MURRIETA , L AKE E LSINORE , M ENIFEE , WILDOMAR , H EMET, SAN JACINTO AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES October 31 – November 6, 2025
Local News Murrieta Public Library announces temporary closure
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Volume 25, Issue 44
Temecula residents show off their spine-tingling Halloween spirit
MURRIETA — The Murrieta Public Library will be temporarily closed to the public, Monday, November 3, through Friday, November 7, in preparation for the Children’s Library Expansion Project. This closure is necessary to facilitate the safe relocation of collections, furnishings, and shelving. During this time, library staff and partners will be working diligently to complete all necessary site preparation work. see page A-2
Entertainment JDSCA’s Haunted Studio brings a creative, spinechilling event to Temecula TEMECULA — JDS Creative Academy’s annual Haunted Studio returned last weekend, transforming the Temecula-based studio into a spine-chilling showcase of art, storytelling, and creativity. The beloved Halloween fundraiser once again proved to be a community favorite, drawing families, thrill-seekers, and art enthusiasts alike for two nights of frightful fun. see page A-7
Two large skeletal figures appear to pull an even larger skeleton from the front yard of a Halloween home display in Temecula. See more spooky homes on page A-6. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo
Potter wins $100,000 Grand Prix at Galway Downs; Marx and Pellin round out podium Valley Editorial Staf f
INDEX Anza Valley Outlook ..........B-1 Business ............................B-8 Business Directory .............B-8 Calendar of Events .............A-8
Classifieds .........................B-8 Education ..........................B-7 Entertainment ...................A-7 Home & Garden ................B-6 Legal Notices ................... B-11 Local News ........................A-1 Regional News ................. B-10
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Sports .............................. A-10
Rider Keri Potter and horse Igor de Himbe win the $100,000 Fly Predators Grand Prix, an equestrian show jumping competition sponsored by the company Spalding Labs and hosted at Temecula’s Galway Downs Equestrian, on Saturday, Oct. 11. Valley News/Julia B photo
Keri Potter and Igor de Himbe claimed the top prize in the $100,000 Fly Predators Grand Prix at Galway Downs on Saturday during the TVN Fall 2 competition hosted by Nilforushan Equisport Events. Potter secured the win with a jump-off time of 39.684 seconds. Ariel Marx and Kandersteg W finished close behind in second place with a time of 42.173 seconds, and Patrick Pellin aboard Chac Balandro PS took third at 42.574 seconds. All three rider-and-horse combinations delivered double-clear rounds, marking the only fault-free performances through both phases of the class. The Grand Prix highlighted the week’s competition schedule, drawing a strong spectator turnout. The Sky Partners VIP seating sold out, and the Ringside see PRIX, page A-4
Mayor Valerie Vandever charts a bold future for San Jacinto
SAN JACINTO — In her 2025 State of the City address, Mayor Valerie Vandever delivered a confident and upbeat vision for San Jacinto’s future — one built on solid financial footing, economic growth, and a renewed sense of community pride. Speaking to a packed audience at the Soboba Country Club, Vandever, a lifelong San Jacinto resident and proud San Jacinto High School graduate, said the city’s progress reflects “a lifestyle worth living.” Her enthusiasm filled the room — an energy that has become her hallmark. “Her optimism is infectious,” one attendee remarked afterward. “You can’t help but believe the city’s best days are ahead.”
A financial turnaround and a new era of growth Just a few years ago, San Jacinto faced significant budget challenges. Today, the city’s financial picture has been completely transformed. Vandever credited City Manager Rob Johnson for his steady leadership and partnership with the City Council in restoring fiscal health. Together, they followed a 10-year financial plan and leveraged voter-approved Measure V to increase city reserves by more than $20 million in just three years. That financial stability is fueling bold investments, including the revitalization of Main Street see VANDEVER, page A-2
San Jacinto Mayor Valerie Vandever gave her State of the City address at the Soboba Country Club on Thursday, Oct. 16. Valley News/Courtesy photo