Valley News, May 8, 2026

CID funding allocated from Supervisors to local groups, resource centers, and conservancies

Joe Naiman for the Valley News

The April 28 meeting of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors included the allocation of Community Improvement Designation funds for Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center, Community Youth Athletic Program, the High Country Conservancy, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Temecula Valley Conservatory of the Arts, the Nighthawk Marching Band Boosters, and the Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors.

The funding was approved on a 5-0 vote. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center and Community Youth Athletic Program were each allocated $20,000, the High Country Conservancy received $5,000, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce was given a $2,800 grant, Temecula Valley Conservatory of the Arts was provided with $2,000, Nighthawk Marching Band Boosters obtained $1,500, and the Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors will spend $1,000 of CID money.

Community Improvement Designation grants can be allocated to non-profit organizations, public agencies, county departments, or other organizations with programs that serve the social needs of the county’s population. Each county supervisor recommends the allocation of CID funding from his or her district budget, although a majority of the Board of Supervisors vote is needed to approve that recommendation. County Supervisor Chuck Washington recommended the allocations from his Third District budget. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center is located in Temecula and is a resource center that provides no-cost services and other resources to individuals dealing with cancer and their families. The activities include counseling, support groups, art programs, wellness and other educational classes, and wigs and prostheses. Michelle’s Place provides 150 cancer patients and their families with behavioral health counseling sessions, and

see CID, page A-4

Temecula Rod Run draws crowds, classic cars to Old Town

TEMECULA — Tens of thousands of spectators and car enthusiasts filled Old Town Temecula over the weekend as the city hosted its annual Temecula Rod Run, a two-day event that showcased more than 500 classic and custom vehicles.

The longtime community event began Friday evening, May 1, with the popular “Friday Night Cruise,” as vintage cars and hot rods rolled along Old Town Front Street drawing large crowds along the sidewalks.

Festivities continued Saturday, May 2, with the “Show & Shine” featuring rows of polished classics and in-progress builds displayed throughout Old Town. Visitors strolled between vehicles, spoke with owners and explored vendor booths offering food, merchandise and automotive-related goods.

Vehicles on display included Model A’s, T-Buckets, roadsters and other restored and customized classics, stretching “from arch to arch” through the downtown corridor.

City officials describe the Rod

Former boxer returns to historic Gilman Hot Springs Resort, once a hub for 1960-70s boxing training camps

Site near San Jacinto—now home to Golden Era Productions—once drew world-class fighters and rising talent

SAN JACINTO— Golden Era

Productions, the sound and film studio of the Church of Scientology International, is located on the historic property formerly known as the Gilman Hot Springs Resort in Riverside County. Acquired in the late 1970s, the site carries a rich history dating back to the late 1800s.

Originally established as a mineral hot springs destination in the early 1900s, the resort— also known as Massacre Canyon Inn (MCI)—was part of what was once referred to as Southern California’s “health belt,” drawing visitors from across the region to experience the reputed healing properties of the springs.

In the 1920s, the Gilman family expanded the property into a prominent resort featuring a 27hole golf course, horse stables, tennis courts and a range of recreational am enities.

By the late 1960s, the resort started a boxing training camp that attracted both rising talent and some of the most recognized names in the sport.

This past week, Golden Era Productions welcomed back

Julie Reeder Publisher

Authorities have identified a man found dead after a vehicle went off Ortega Highway and tumbled down a steep embankment west of Lake Elsinore.

The victim, Isaac Barboza, 23, of Menifee, was discovered in a ravine on April 29, according to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Bureau.

The crash occurred along westbound Ortega Highway near Main Divide Truck Trail, officials with the California Highway Patrol said. Investigators believe Barboza was driving a Honda Civic that lost control, left the roadway and plunged down a hillside.

The vehicle rolled multiple times before coming to rest at the bottom of the slope, authorities said.

While the coroner indicated the crash took place sometime

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Oral History Project makes a stop at Soboba

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) is traveling around the country to gather boarding school survivors’ stories. This historic project aims to create a permanent oral history collection that will be housed in the Library of Congress.

Survivors have been given the opportunity to share their experiences to help others understand the true history of the boarding school experience. Through a cooperative agreement with the Department of the Interior, this unprecedented effort is a crucial part of the DOI’s Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative.

From March 30-April 3, Oral History Project Co-Directors Charlee Brissette (Sault Ste. Marie Ojibwe) and Lacey Kinnart (Sault Ste. Marie Ojibwe) were part of a 15-member team at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center. There were also three oral historians, three mental health supporters, three supporters, three videographers, and one portrait photographer.

As Co-Directors of the Oral History Project, Kinnart and Brissette lead the strategic direction, implementation, and oversight of a national initiative to document the histories of Indian boarding school survivors. They manage monthly, week-long site visits across the country, each including an Opening Ceremony, an average of 24 survivor interviews, and a Closing Ceremony.

Their responsibilities include national outreach and partnership development, coordination with Tribal Nations and federal partners, staff, and logistics management, and ensuring all work is conducted in a culturally grounded, healing-informed, and survivor-centered manner. They also oversee interview protocols, consent processes, and post-production efforts, including transcript review, video editing, and archival preparation for per-

manent collections.

“All interviews we received were a gift - Indian boarding school survivors and alumni do not owe their stories to anyone; however, our Oral History Project team provides a safe and sacred space to share their stories,” Brissette said. “We hear from relatives who have dealt with extreme trauma, and we hear stories of profound resilience and hope. We know and honor that ALL stories deserve to be heard. All our elders have stories to share.”

Soboba Housing Specialist

Dondi Silvas attended as a board member of the Soboba Foundation since they sponsored food for the week-long event. She believes it is always important to hear both sides of the story and what better way to do it than to interview actual Native Americans who lived it. She said the Coalition did a great job with their process of bringing healing to those who shared. She added that it was a great honor and a privilege to host this healing event at Soboba.

“There were counselors on hand to debrief, crafts, a quiet room and finished up with a glamor photo shoot for the participants to cherish,” Silvas said. “They took what might have been a tragic situation and gave them hope for healing. Seeing pictures on a slideshow and hearing actual stories through the eyes of those that attended these boarding schools was very heartfelt. I pray these families can start to heal.”

Silvas said her grandmother, Frances Grace Linton from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians attended the Sherman Institute in Riverside.

“Although she didn’t share many stories with us about her time there, she did tell us that her roommate was Sophie ‘Cuca’ Salazar of Soboba,” she said. Mike Madrigal from the Cahuilla Band of Indians provided the opening and closing prayers for the week-long project. He

thought it was nice that the opportunity was offered to those who wanted to share so they could process their experiences.

“Because of our Native ways, we know that gathering has a spiritual impact for everybody. It’s up to the Creator to give people insight into whether they were going to participate and find a healing journey,” he said. “It’s about both healing and celebrating positive experiences; they can share all sides.”

Soboba Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado said that although both of her parents attended boarding school at Sherman Indian School, her mother was too young to give testimony and her father did not want to participate.

“Both had good experiences though; they have built relationships with other Natives across the United States,” she said. “It’s important to tell the true history of what occurred at boarding schools. Sometimes sharing helps with the trauma. It’s time we tell our own stories and not let Hollywood or anyone for that matter, speak on our behalf.”

Mojado said the project representatives shared a map of all the boarding schools in California, and she was shocked by how many there were. NABS created a first-of-its-kind interactive digital map that shows all the Indian boarding schools in the United States as well as all the residential schools in Canada. This major project took many years and was in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

“The work they are doing is really leading the movement for truth, justice and healing!” she said. “THE NABS crew mentioned that Soboba was one of the best hosts; Soboba Casino Resort staff and the facility were top notch.”

Each team member at the Coalition is connected to Indi-

an boarding schools. Charlee Brissette’s mother, uncles, and cousins attended the boarding school in Harbor Springs, Michigan, known as Holy Childhood of Jesus School. That school ran until it was finally closed in 1983. Charlee, who started working with NABS as an Oral Historian, was fortunate enough to interview her mother for the Oral History Project.

Lacey Kinnart’s grandmother, great aunts and uncles, and cousins attended Indian boarding schools, including Holy Childhood of Jesus School, Mt. Pleasant Industrial School, Flandreau Indian School, and Carlisle Industrial School.

The Oral History Project began site visits a little over two years ago - in March of 2024. The recording of oral histories is set to be completed at the end of June, at which point the team will transition to post-production to finalize and deliver all the interviews.

By its conclusion, NABS will have visited 22 sites across 19 states, with nearly 400 survivors sharing their stories. The time when all interviews will be made available to the public through the

L.C. Paving awarded contract to resurface Contreras

Joe Naiman Staff Writer

L.C. Paving and Sealing, Inc., was awarded the County of Riverside contract to resurface two Anza roads.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on April 28 to award the construction contract for the Escondido company’s bid of $1,039,211.25. The board action also approved an addendum which was issued between the January 13 bid advertisement and the February 11 bid opening. The supervisors also approved a total budget of $1,522,000 which covers past design and environmental expenses, subsequent costs for construction inspection and engineering and for surveying, and a $103,921 contingency which will allow for change orders without subsequent Board of Supervisors approval.

The project will resurface 0.7 miles of Contreras Road from Johnson Road to one-quarter of a mile north of State Route 371 and 0.5 miles of Johnson

Road and Johnson Road

Road from Contreras Road to half a mile east of Contreras Road. Both roads have two travel lanes. Contreras Road is a north-south street with a road width varying between 24 and 57 feet. Johnson Road is an eastwest street with a width between 16 and 23 feet. Resurfacing is needed on both streets due to deteriorated pavement conditions. The existing asphalt concrete paving will be pulverized or ground in place. Grindings with native soil will be mixed and compacted to provide a base that will be overlaid with hot mix asphalt. Excess pulverized material at the end of the new resurfaced road segments will be removed and the remaining base material will be graded, compacted, and overlaid with hot mix asphalt for a smooth transition to the existing pavement. The improvements will also reconstruct the asphalt concrete dike, reconstruct concrete and asphalt concrete driveway approaches, construct asphalt concrete overside drainage, place safety edge and shoulder

backing to protect the outside edge of the pavement, and provide traffic stripes, thermoplastic pavement marking, and roadside signs.

A 5-0 Board of Supervisors vote on January 13 authorized the advertisement for bids of a construction contract to resurface Contreras Road and Johnson Road. The action also approved the plans and specifications for the project, set a February 4 bid opening date, and found that the resurfacing project which does not create additional traffic lanes and involves negligible or no expansion of the existing roadway and associated facilities, is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review. The addendum was issued to clarify and modify the approved contract documents; the bid deadline was extended to February 11 although the modifications made did not increase the project’s estimated cost. The bid package was structured with a base bid for the resurfacing and associated im-

provements and an alternate bid which covered Frontier Communications facilities adjustments and would have become part of the contract if Frontier approved that section of the low responsible bid. Frontier opted not to accept the alternative bid price and will use their own staff for the adjustments. The estimated cost for the base bid was $993,936.00.

L.C. Paving and Sealing submitted an alternative bid price of $11,600.00 along with the $1,039,211.25 base bid which was the lowest among the 11 proposals received. Calmex Engineering, Inc., of Bloomington had the second-lowest base bid at $1,070,659.70.

The county will use gas tax revenue for the cost of the resurfacing. The work is expected to begin in spring 2026 and take approximately two months to complete. The activity will be phased so that the road will be kept open during construction as much as possible.

Library of Congress has yet to be determined.

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) was officially incorporated in 2012 and was created to address the impacts of the U.S. Indian boarding school system.

“Our Education and Research Department has a project creating Volume 2 curriculum for elementary, middle, and high schools,” Brissette said. “The high school curriculum that matches education standards for Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington was recently released. Grade school and middle school are coming soon.”

The National Indian Boarding School Digital Archive (NIBSDA) is a large ongoing living being as the digital archive team continues to travel to archives across the U.S. to find and scan/digitize boarding school records, documents, photographs, and reports. More information on this project can be found at https://nibsda.elevator.umn.edu.

To learn more about the Oral History Project, please visit boardingschoolhealing.org/ oral-history-project.

Supervisors extend flight school lease at French Valley Airport

Joe Naiman Staff Writer

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors extended the lease of a flight instruction school which operates at French Valley Airport. The supervisors’ 5-0 vote April 28 approved an extension of the lease through September 30, 2031. The lease is for 2,813 square feet of office space located within the Terminal Building at French Valley Airport. Executive Flight Institute, LLC, operates EFI Flight School at French Valley Airport. In 2017 the Board of Supervisors approved a lease of office space to EFI Flight School. Amendments to the lease were approved in 2021 and 2023, and the lease would have expired on September 30, 2026, had it not been extended. The lease covers four suites in the Terminal Building which is in the 37600 block of Sky Canyon Drive. The extension does not change the other terms and conditions of the lease.

BOXER from page A-1

former boxer Lester Smith, who trained at the Gilman Resort from 1968 to 1970 during the early years of his middleweight career. Introduced to boxing by his stepfather, Stan Russell, Smith began his journey at the Gilman training camp, which featured extensive facilities including a boxing ring, steam baths, exercise equipment, running trails through the foothills, guest cottages and a full-service dining room complete with a bar and coffee shop.

Smith recalled the demanding daily routine of the fighters: rising at daybreak for a sixmile run, followed by intensive training in the ring throughout the day. He also remembered the presence of notable figures in the sport, including Ken Norton, George Foreman, Sonny Liston, and brothers Mike Quarry and Jerry Quarry. Smith noted that he narrowly missed meeting Muhammad Ali, who visited the camp while Smith was away in Las Vegas.

Weekend visitors included renowned sports broadcaster Howard Cosell, who interviewed fighters ahead of major bouts. Smith also recalled that the masseuse for boxing legend Joe Louis was available at the steam baths following rigorous training sessions.

Motivated by a desire to revisit the place where his boxing

career began, Smith returned to the property—now extensively renovated and transformed into a modern, international production facility where audiovisual content is created for the Churches of Scientology. His visit highlights the continuity of the site, which has evolved from a destination for health and athletic training into a center for creative production.

During his tour, Smith was shown the location of the original boxing ring, now repurposed as a Foreign Recording Studio in the Audio Building. He immediately recognized the area, recalling its proximity to the foothills. He also revisited the former MCI dining room, expressing admiration for its updated design and décor.

The visit concluded with lunch at the property’s historic Tavern, which retains its original name. Reflecting on the experience, Smith remarked, “How fortunate the staff are to live and work at Golden Era.”

A representative of Golden Era Productions said visits such as Smith’s serve as a meaningful reminder of the property’s legacy.

“It is always special to welcome back individuals who were part of this location’s history and to share how the site has been preserved and repurposed for a new era,” the representative said.

Both Smith and his guest expressed appreciation not only for the beauty of the facilities, but also for the warmth and hospitality extended by the staff.

CID from page A-1

the CID funding will be used to support the behavioral health program.

Community Youth Athletic Program is in Temecula and was established in 2004. The non-profit entity focuses on youth development through athletic programs. Community Youth Athletic Program also has a Temecula Valley Fine Art Museum and Gallery Program which provides educational resources to youth and seniors through its rotating exhibits and workshops, and the CID grant will be used for that.

The High Country Conservancy is in Anza and focuses on land resources conservation. The entity will be having a presence

at the Anza farmers’ market, and the CID allocation will be used to purchase a movable stage and tent.

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1966 to promote business development. An annual awards gala honors local business owners, charitable organizations, and individuals for their exceptional contributions to the community. The CID money will support that annual awards gala.

The mission of the Temecula Valley Conservatory of the Arts is to enrich the lives of students and the community through performances, education, and community partnerships and to engage the broader community through meaningful arts outreach. The Temecula Jazz 2026 Community

Access and Education Initiative is a multi-day cultural program intended to remove financial barriers and to provide residents with access to high-caliber live music experiences, and the CID award will support that activity.

The CID grant to the Nighthawk Marching Band Boosters will support the Murrieta Valley High School band program by purchasing supplies needed to transport and store band equipment properly. The Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors has a City Managers Breakfast which brings together public-sector and private-sector stakeholders to discuss issues impacting housing, economic development, and community growth, and the CID award will help fund that.

Murrieta Valley students honored in April

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

The Murrieta/Wildomar

Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program held final recognition breakfast of the 2025-2026 school year at the Murrieta Valley USD Early Learning Center on April 16. Emcee Mary Walters welcomed everyone to the breakfast and explained that the long-standing program, founded by Sally Myers of BMW Management/Sizzler restaurants, celebrates and honors outstanding students who make significant differences in their schools and community.

The organization’s mission is to acknowledge college and trade school-bound seniors for their character, their love of learning and their commitment to academics in addition to their participation in athletics, school activities, community service and/or their ability to persevere and overcome difficult life circumstances in a setting that honors God, country, family, community and free enterprise.

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

April’s students of the month are Murrieta Canyon Academy’s Jayleen Gonzalez, Murrieta Mesa High School’s Madison Bishop, Murrieta Valley High School’s Ryan Hanson, Oak Grove Center Jack Weaver School’s Joshua Bateman, Springs Charter Schools’ Madison Jones, and Vista Murrieta High School’s Ava Arreola.

Jayleen Gonzalez Murrieta Canyon Academy Principal Matt Bean said, “Since transferring to Murrieta Canyon Academy at the start of this school year, Jayleen has used her time on campus as an opportunity to improve academically, but to also redefine her personal story.” Jayleen admits to making poor choices that led to her placement in foster care, where the negative behavior continued. A visit with her family made her want to change her ways and enrolling at MCA felt like a good fit to get back on track academically.

“Change is scary, but not changing is what I fear most,” Jayleen said. “I now believe in myself in a way I didn’t before.” She plans to attend Paul Mitchell cosmetology school and become a nail technician. “It makes me happy to help others feel more confident in themselves,” Jayleen said. “And one day, I hope to own my own salon.”

Madison Bishop Murrieta Mesa High School

Principal Scott Richards introduced Madison as a scholar athlete who has competed in volleyball, softball, and flag football. Her softball team is currently ranked number one in the state and number five in the nation. “Madison has been class president for two years and currently represents our entire student body as a student representative to the board of education,” he said. “She’s also involved in NHS, CSF, leadership, principal advisory, and superintendent advisory.” In September, Madison will begin serving an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil and will be learning to speak Portuguese. Upon her return she plans to attend Brigham Young University to study nursing and pursue her interest in becoming a nurse anesthetist. Her teacher Amy Vollmar said, “Maddie finds her greatest happiness in the success and celebration of others.”

Ryan Hanson Murrieta Valley High School

Principal Stephen Diephouse shared that Ryan “is the very definition of a well-rounded scholar and leader as a full International Baccalaureate diploma candidate, maintaining an impressive 4.6 GPA.” Ryan is also a three-year varsity wrestler. Being diagnosed with epilepsy in his sophomore year completely and unexpectedly changed his life. “But it caused me to learn a very important lesson, which is how to be flexible with your circumstances,” he said. “You never know what’s going to happen to you in life so it’s always important to be prepared for anything.” Ryan plans to attend Westmont College in Santa

Barbara to study data analytics with mechanical engineering. “I’m interested in understanding patterns and solving problems through data and refining data while also applying that thinking to creating real-world systems that help solve problems,” he said.

Joshua Bateman Oak Grove Center’s Jack Weaver School Principal Athene Banche said when Joshua first came to the school it was a wake-up call for him and he immediately focused on doing whatever needed to be done to go back home as quickly as possible.

“He put a lot of work into making changes because he wanted to be better and to do better,” she said.

“My greatest contribution to my community is the consistency and accountability I show in the dorm and classroom,” Joshua said. “In the dorm, I interact well with my peers and maintain positive relationships. Academically, I remain focused and have achieved all

As.” The most significant life lesson he will take with him after he

graduates is the ability to accept different points of view and adjust his thinking when he learns new information. He is interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts field.

Madison Jones Springs Charter Schools’ Principal Valerie Walker described Madison’s plans to attend a community college after graduation to complete her general education requirements and then transfer to a university to pursue nursing and become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. “It’s clear that her desire to help others isn’t just something she talks about, it’s a path she’s committed to,” Walker said. Madison said one of the most important things that she has been taught throughout life is how to keep pushing forward and not give up and stay grateful for what she has. “I know that nobody reaches their goals by giving up,” she said. Her teacher Kristina Valencia said, “Madison is the definition of perseverance. She has faced challenges, navigated hardships, and encountered obstacles that many people never see. Yet through it all, she continues to rise.”

Ava Arreola Vista Murrieta High School Principal Celeste Scallion said that whether Ava is mentoring freshmen as a Link Crew captain, supporting her peers, or contributing to the school culture, she leads by example. Ava said she has learned to live by the words her teacher, Markela Parsons always says which are, “Who you are and what you do matters.” Ava said those words taught her so much. “Whether I’m on campus serving as leader, at work, or at home, I always carry these words with me,” she said. Parsons said, “From the soccer field to flag football to Link Crew, Ava is willing to jump in whenever needed.” After high school the outstanding senior plans to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara, to major in pre-biology with hopes of becoming a physical therapist to continue her passion for helping others. For more information or to participate in the program, please contact Rhonda LaVigne at 951696-1600, ext. 1026 or rlavigne@ murrieta.k12.ca.us.

Temecula Valley powers to Southwestern League crown as playoff picture comes into focus

JP Raineri Sports Editor

The Temecula Valley Golden Bears closed the Southwestern League baseball race with no drama and plenty of force. They clinched their first league title since 2018 on April 28 by rolling past Vista Murrieta, 16-0, behind a seven-inning no-hitter from Taden Krogsgaard. The senior right-hander struck out 10 and needed only 77 pitches to finish one of the sharpest outings of the league season.

Temecula Valley also took control at the plate early, batting around in each of the first three innings to turn the title clincher into a runaway. The Golden Bears finished first in league play at 15-0 and ended the regular season 23-4 overall, standing alone at the top of a strong six-team league.

The race behind Temecula Valley was tight. Great Oak and Vista Murrieta tied for second at 9-5-1 in league. Chaparral finished 7-8. Murrieta Mesa and Murrieta Valley both ended at 2-13. Krogsgaard’s no-hitter gave Temecula Valley a headline moment, but the Golden Bears’ run to the title was built on steady production across the lineup. Will Bandel led the Southwestern League with 29 RBIs, a key number for a team that scored 129 runs in league games and 195 overall.

Vista Murrieta, which finished 16-8-3 overall, also had one of the league’s top table-setters in Zachary Aleman, who led the Southwestern in on-base percentage at .568. Great Oak, 16-10-1 overall, leaned on Sam Pink, who topped the league with five home runs. Chaparral’s Dean Mariani finished as the league leader in slugging percentage at .764 and scored 32 runs, both league-best marks. Murrieta Mesa’s Brett Rawls posted a .446 batting average, the best in the league. Those numbers help explain why the Southwestern League

remained one of the area’s tougher baseball leagues deep into the spring, even as Temecula Valley separated itself in the standings.

The title was especially meaningful for the Golden Bears after several near misses. Temecula Valley had finished second four straight years before breaking through this season. This time, the Bears left no opening. They paired top-end pitching with a lineup that kept pressure on defenses and turned key league games into lopsided wins.

The clincher against Vista Murrieta captured that formula. Krogsgaard controlled the game from the mound, and the offense kept adding traffic from the first inning on. By the time the final outs were recorded, Temecula Valley had locked up the league championship in emphatic fashion.

Now the focus shifts to the postseason.

The CIF Southern Section baseball playoff brackets will be

released live May 9 at 1 p.m. at cifss.org, giving Temecula Valley and the rest of the Southwestern League their next path. Based on records and league finishes, several teams from the league will have a case for postseason spots, with the Bears expected to enter as one of the area’s hottest teams.

Temecula Valley’s unbeaten league record and strong overall mark make it one of the more interesting teams to watch as the bracket is unveiled. Great Oak and Vista Murrieta also built enough quality wins to stay in the playoff conversation, while Chaparral’s finish and top-end offensive production could help its case.

For now, though, the league title belongs to Temecula Valley. The Golden Bears waited eight years to win it again, and they did it with a no-hitter, a 16-run outburst and a perfect run through Southwestern play. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Murrieta’s Fay Jia heads to Mizuho Americas Open after breakout run on California golf scene

JP Raineri Sports Editor

Murrieta golfer Fay Jia is taking her game to one of junior golf’s biggest stages this week, as the Vista Murrieta standout joins the field for the Mizuho Americas Open at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, New Jersey, May 4-10.

Jia, ranked No. 20 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings, is part of the event’s unique junior component that places 24 of the American Junior Golf Association’s top girls players alongside LPGA Tour pros. For local golf fans, it is another major step for a player whose rise has been hard to miss over the past year.

The Mizuho Americas Open has built its identity around that connection between today’s stars and the next wave of talent. While the LPGA field competes in the main tournament, the AJGA players take part in their own competition using the Stableford format. The result is a rare setting where top juniors share the week with some of the best players in women’s golf.

For Jia, the invitation follows a run that already made her one of the Inland area’s top stories. Earlier this year, she was named the 2025 IE Varsity Girls Golfer of the Year after a sophomore season that rewrote parts of Vista Murrieta’s record book.

She won the Gary Christman Fall Classic with the day’s only under-par round, repeated as Southwestern League champion by eight strokes and added the CIF-Southern Section Central Region title four days later. Across postseason play, she covered 72 holes at 10-under par. She also tied Vista Murrieta’s program record for nine-hole score in relation to par with a 6-under 30 and set school marks for single-season tournament wins and career victories in 18- or 36-hole events. That local success has carried into 2026 on the national junior circuit.

Jia won the Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship in March, finished tied for fifth at the AJGA Lake Charles Junior Championship in April and tied for 16th at The Fortinet Stanford Invitational hosted by Rose Zhang in February. Her World Amateur Golf Ranking profile also reflects steady production over the previous 104 weeks, with two wins and eight top-10 finishes.

That body of work helped earn Jia a place in one of the strongest junior fields in the country.

Defending champion Aphrodite Deng of Short Hills, New Jersey, returns as the headliner among the AJGA players. Deng is ranked No. 2 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings and was the 2025 AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year.

Also in the field are No. 9 Vidhi Lakhawala of Kendall Park, New Jersey, and No. 15 Rayee Feng of Short Hills, giving the junior competition both national depth and a strong home-state angle.

Jia’s presence gives the tournament a Southern California thread as well. She is one of several California players in the AJGA group, but her local profile stands out because of how quickly she has advanced from Inland Empire star to national contender. Still only in the Class of 2028, Jia now heads east to test her game against elite junior competition while sharing tournament week with LPGA veterans and rising professionals.

The LPGA field includes several former AJGA Rolex Junior Players of the Year, including Rose Zhang, Yealimi Noh, Patty Tavatanakit, Andrea Lee and Alison Lee. LPGA rookie Yana Wilson, the 2023 AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year and that year’s Mizuho junior winner, is another example of the path the event is built to support.

That development angle is central to the tournament. Hosted with Michelle Wie West as celebrity host, the Mizuho Americas Open combines a standard LPGA stop with a direct platform for junior golfers trying to reach the professional level. For a player like Jia, it offers both high-level competition and a close look at what the next stage demands.

Mountain Ridge Country Club adds another layer to the week.

The historic Donald Ross design in West Caldwell has hosted major events before and is known for its challenging greens and demanding layout. It will give Jia and the rest of the AJGA field a stern test in a week that is built around precision, patience and scoring opportunities when they appear.

Fans who want to follow Jia’s run will have multiple ways to do it. The first three rounds of the Mizuho Americas Open will air on Golf Channel, and the final round will be televised on CBS. Tickets are available online for those finding themselves in the area.

For Murrieta and Vista Murrieta golf, Jia’s trip to New Jersey is another sign of how far her game has traveled in a short time. She already has the Inland honors, the school records and a growing list of strong junior finishes. Now she gets a national stage, one of the deepest AJGA fields of the season and a chance to measure herself in an event built to connect junior golf with the LPGA.

What comes next will unfold hole by hole, but the local angle is already clear: Murrieta’s top young golfer is playing in a week that few juniors ever get to experience. Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Anza Farmers Market celebrates community, local crafts and healthy food

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Anza Farmers Market welcomed the community back for a late afternoon of fresh food, local goods and community connections Thursday, April 30.

Food and beverage vendors offered their wares alongside booths loaded with hand-crafted bird houses, potted plants and trees, soaps, jewelry, baked goods and more. Balloon artist GeriLyn Blanton Mellin entertained the little ones, while hands-on arts and crafts were offered to keep tiny hands busy. Local musician Tim Lehner provided a constant flow of favorite and familiar tunes. Market manager Annika Knöppel mingled with guests and vendors, providing information and insights into the popular outdoor event.

“What a great start to our new season,” said Knöppel. “It was wonderful to see all the smiling faces again this year.”

The market is held every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through October, offering residents and visitors a consistent weekly gathering space to support local agriculture, artisans and small businesses. Attendees can expect a vibrant mix of farmfresh produce, handmade goods, prepared foods and a welcoming rural atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Anza.

The Anza Farmers Market continues to serve as a hub for community engagement, providing opportunities for families, neighbors and visitors to come together, enjoy seasonal offerings and support the local economy. For more information, updates, and vendor inquiries, please contact:

anzafarmersmarket@gmail. com or call Annika Knöppel at (951)234-1314. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.

Mountain Farm offers a variety of organic meats, eggs and

If you have an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@reedermedia. com , put “attention events” in the subject line. Readers should call ahead on some listed events for the latest updates. Please also email us if any of these listings have new or updated information. Thank you!

Regular Happenings

Anza Farmers’ Market

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

J.P.

JOE

Advertising

Production

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

Board of Director Petitions

are now available

Candidate Packets are available at www.anzaelectric.org or at the AEC office.

Three individuals will be elected to fill three positions on the Board of Directors at the annual membership meeting this July.

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.

Anza Baptist Church to present Dr. Enoch Fernando in concert on Mother’s Day

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Anza Baptist Church will offer a special free concert by renowned worship musician Dr. Enoch Fernando on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, beginning at 10.30 a.m..

“Give Mom a unique Mother’s Day to remember,” said organizer Julie Nevills. “Join us at Anza Baptist Church as we welcome our friend Enoch in concert.”

Born in Chennai, India, Fernando–known simply as Enoch–is a brilliant contemporary keyboard artist. He has performed in over 4,000 concerts worldwide, fashioning a unique worship experience that helps the needy of India and the children of the world, according to his website.

Enoch’s concerts are full of musical virtuosity, inspirational spiritual zeal, enjoyable lightness and flair. His music ministry has lifted people–bringing encouragement and healing to wounded hearts.

This remarkable virtuoso

doesn’t just give a concert–each of his performances has a purpose. He wants to draw people closer to God in worship, and also help support Christ For India, a great outreach ministry of which Enoch is president.

He last performed in Anza in 2008.

Accompanied by rich orchestrations and exciting video, Enoch’s music is full of virtuosity, enjoyable lightness, and flair which will touch hearts and move souls.

“Admission is free–so bring Mom and the rest of the family for this unforgettable musical worship experience,” said Nevills.

For more information about Dr. Enoch Fernando, please call (951)763-4937 or visit https:// enochconcerts.online/.

Anza Baptist Church is located at 39200 Rolling Hills Rd. in Anza.

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

The Anza Baptist Church will offer a special free concert by renowned worship musician Dr. Enoch Fernando on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo

SHERIFF'S LOG

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Anza Valley Outlook Sher-

iff’s Blotter is a list of calls that allows residents to see what law enforcement activity is occurring in their communities.

More than just deals: Anza swap meet serves up flavor and fun

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 April 25 through May 1.

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.

April 25

Fraud–04:11 p.m., 5400 *** block Scouts Ln., Anza, report taken

Public disturbance–03:54 p.m., 5600 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Anza

April 26

Vicious dog–08:01 p.m., address undefined, Anza

Vandalism–03:57 p.m., 5600 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Anza, report taken Shots fired–01:45 p.m., address undefined, Anza

Vandalism–11:06 a.m., 5200 *** block Wheeler Rd., Anza, report taken

Civil dispute–09:47 a.m., 5800 *** block Granite Gulley Rd., Anza Public disturbance–01:21 a.m., 4100 *** block Terwilliger Rd., Anza

April 27

Public disturbance–08:45 p.m., 4100 *** block Terwilliger Rd., Anza Resist arrest–12:52 p.m., 5800 *** block Granite Gulley Rd., Anza, report taken

April 29

Vicious dog–06:55 p.m., 4100 *** block Terwilliger Rd., Anza

Petty theft–06:24 p.m., 3700 *** block Regal Blue Trl., Anza, report taken Harassing phone calls–03:21 p.m., address withheld, Anza, unfounded Brandishing/weapon—past–01:55 p.m., address undefined, Anza Abandoned vehicle–09:20 a.m., 5100 *** block Hernley Rd., Anza

Danger to self/other–12:28 a.m., 4100 *** block Heller Springs Rd., Anza, report taken April 30

Area check–07:10 p.m., address undefined, Anza 911 call from business–10:42 a.m., 5700 *** block Mitchell Rd., Anza May 1

Public disturbance–09:44 p.m., 5200 *** block Cahuilla Rd., Cahuilla Noise complaint–06:04 p.m., 3800 *** block Howard Rd. Trl., Anza Suspicious circumstance–03:45 p.m., 5100 *** block St. Hwy. 371, Cahuilla 911 hangup from cellphone–02:22 p.m., 4100 *** block Terwilliger Rd., Anza Area check–11:26 a.m., address undefined, Anza Civil dispute–10:07 a.m., address undefined, Anza Suspicious person–06:00 a.m., 5800 *** block Wellman Rd., 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.

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The scent of sizzling burgers and the promise of a good find are drawing neighbors together once again at the Anza Community Hall’s popular swap meet–and lately, there’s even more reason to come hungry.

Held on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Anza swap meet has long been a place where one person’s clutter becomes another’s treasure. But inside the hall, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., a newer addition is quickly becoming a favorite attraction: a menu filled with classic, crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Visitors can now take a break from browsing to enjoy hamburgers and cheeseburgers hot off the grill, along with all-American staples like hot dogs. For those with a sweet tooth, ice cream floats and sundaes offer a nostalgic finish–or a refreshing start–to a morning spent wandering the vendor booths.

The swap meet itself remains true to its roots. Sellers set up shop with everything from household goods, clothes, collectibles and tools to unexpected treasures, creating a rotating marketplace where no two visits are quite the same. Vendors use the opportunity to earn a little extra cash or simply clear out items that deserve a second life.

Seller spaces are an affordable $21, with members of the Anza Community Hall receiving a $3 discount. Proceeds from booth rentals help keep the Hall operating and to continue its role as a hub for local gatherings and events.

To keep things safe and community-friendly, certain guidelines remain in place: firearms, animals and non-factory packaged or canned foods are not permitted for sale or giveaway. Whether arriving with a table to set up or simply a curiosity for what might be found, visitors

to the Anza swap meet can now count on more than just a good deal. Between the friendly faces, the ever-changing selection of goods and the aroma of burgers in the air, it’s a place where community spirit–and appetites–are well served. For questions, please contact Barbara Ann Keller at (951)2824267 or visit the Anza Community Hall Facebook page online at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/337754646415866/. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.

A taste of tradition at Tacos & Tequila

By Tony Reverditto

Since its grand opening on September 24, 2022, Tacos & Tequila Grill and Cantina has rapidly grown into one of Menifee’s most vibrant dining destinations, blending authentic Mexican cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and an energetic atmosphere that continues to attract locals and visitors alike.

As a member of the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, I attended the original ribbon cutting when the restaurant first opened, and from that day forward it felt destined for success. The excitement was immediate, the concept stood out, and within a year the restaurant expanded in 2023 to meet growing demand, taking over the adjacent space and creating more elbow room for dining, celebrations, and

gatherings.

What makes Tacos & Tequila especially compelling is that its story does not begin with one person or one location, but with generations of perseverance, sacrifice, and a deep-rooted commitment to hospitality.

The Diaz family legacy traces back more than a century, when Vinnie Diaz’s grandfather, Don Pancho, journeyed from Michoacán to Southern California and opened his first business in San Diego, laying the foundation for a multigenerational tradition in the restaurant industry.

Years later, Don Vicente carried that legacy forward, working alongside his brothers in the agricultural fields after arriving in the United States, pooling their earnings with a shared dream of opening a taco shop of their own. That spirit of unity, discipline, and determination became

the cornerstone of a family philosophy centered on hard work, quality, and community.

As the family grew, so did its presence throughout Southern California, with recipes, knowledge, and operational expertise passed from one generation to the next. Vinnie Diaz was raised within that environment, learning the fundamentals of cooking and hospitality firsthand from his father and grandfather, men whose passion for authentic Mexican cuisine and respect for tradition helped shape his path. Today, that legacy representing decades of experience, rooted not only in food, but in culture, family, and the enduring belief that great hospitality brings people together. Inspired by that legacy, Vinnie set out to create something unique: a restaurant with its own identity—a place where traditional Mexican fla-

vors meet innovation and every dish honors the past while embracing creativity. Before launching Menifee’s Tacos & Tequila, owner and executive chef Vinnie opened a successful restaurant in Lake Elsinore, then chose Menifee for this concept because of the city’s rapid growth and strong sense of community. The Menifee location was designed as a renewed vision of Mexican dining, pairing traditional flavors with modern presentation, handcrafted cocktails, and elevated service. Bringing that vision to life was a collaborative effort among Vinnie, Vinny, and Gustavo (Gus), who combined their experience, passion, and culinary knowledge to create a restaurant centered on quality and hospitality. Gus also played a key role in developing the mixology program and cocktail

FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4697 PUBLISHED: May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars (1,000). Registrant: Sabrina Lamprecht Statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 04/20/2026 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. PETER ALDANA RIVERSIDE COUNTY CLERK. LEGAL: 4698 PUBLISHED: May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026

offerings that complement the concept.

Another important part of the story is General Manager Gustavo Valenzuela, who has been with Tacos & Tequila since opening day and has become the welcoming face of the restaurant. His connection to the family dates back roughly seventeen years, when he worked as a manager at family-owned restaurants, where he gained a strong foundation in upscale Mexican dining, service standards, and restaurant operations. He later continued building his career in high-end Mexican restaurants, learning from respected mentors he describes as “godfathers” of Mexican cuisine, before reuniting with Vinnie to help bring this Menifee vision to life. His leadership, consistency, and hospitality remain an important reason guests continue to return.

I have dined at Tacos & Tequila multiple times, but this visit was as a food and lifestyle reporter. The energy is always high, even when arriving at 4 p.m. on a Wednesday. We were greeted by our server, Mckenah, and I immediately heated things up by ordering a spicy margarita, while my guest enjoyed a refreshing glass of Chardonnay.

Guests enjoy dishes inspired by the regional flavors of Baja, Jalisco, and Michoacán, crafted with fresh ingredients and attention to detail. The depth of the menu makes arriving hungry a wise decision, with everything from bold appetizers such as ribeye aguachile, guacamole, queso fundido, and rolled taquitos to fresh ceviches, shrimp specialties, crafted tacos, hearty burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and signature entrées including Tampiqueña and carnitas Michoacanas.

The bar program is equally popular, featuring handcrafted cocktails and tequilas sourced from small-batch farms in Mexico, creating a lively cantina atmosphere that perfectly complements the food. They recently debuted a fresh fruit margarita menu, and throughout the meal I enjoyed the Aloha Margarita, made with 1800 co-

ENTERTAINMENT

conut tequila, pineapple, chamoy, and a Tajín rim, finished with a subtle smoked touch. The 18 Diamond Sandía Cadillac Margarita was another standout, featuring Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila, fresh watermelon, lime, mint, and agave, finished with a Grand Marnier side pour.

For our appetizer, we selected the Torre de Tuna, a fresh combination of tuna, crab, and habanero linguine mixed with pico de gallo, cucumber, and mango, topped with avocado and serrano pepper and served with soy sauce. It was ultra-fresh and a true land-and-sea delicacy.

We ordered several entrées to fully capture the experience, starting with the Molcajete Tradicional, a classic Mexican specialty served in a heated volcanic stone bowl. Featuring grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, chorizo, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese, all brought together with house hot sauce, it is accompanied by rice, beans, and warm tortillas. This impressive dish could easily feed two. My guest enjoyed the Enchiladas Verdes, filled with melted Jack cheese and smothered in green sauce, topped with crema fresca, lettuce, sour cream, and cotija, served with rice and beans. I opted for my go-to, the wet Surf and Turf Burrito, packed with grilled steak, shrimp, Monterey Jack cheese, pico de gallo, and chipotle cream sauce, though I swapped in their sweet and spicy mole sauce, which elevated the dish even further for my palate.

I also discovered a new favorite, the Camarones A La Diabla—large shrimp in a bold, spicy red sauce served with rice, beans, and tortillas. Having ordered this dish throughout Southern California over the years, this version now stands as my personal favorite.

Tacos & Tequila Grill and Cantina 27301 Newport Road, Suite 250, Menifee Reservations: 951.679.9550 or tacosandtequilamenifee.com

Monday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m.

– 10:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday: until 11:00 p.m. Sunday: until 9:00 p.m.

OPINION

The switch from taxing income to taxing wealth will affect average Californians

California is about to turn normal homeowners and workers into its next tax target!

California is broken for anyone who works. In many areas, a simple starter home now costs around 800,000 dollars. If you earn about 200,000 a year and

are trying to pay for that home, a huge share of your income is already taken by federal and state income taxes, property taxes, local bonds, special measures, and all the hidden fees on gas, food, utilities, car costs and services you use every day. You do not

feel rich. You feel squeezed. Now Sacramento wants to change the rules so it can tax wealth itself and not just income. The ultrarich are already leaving, and when those billionaires are gone, there is only one group left to go after us. Once this system is in place,

it is only a matter of time before regular homeowners, savers, and future retirees are the ones paying the price. This is taxation without real representation, and it should scare every normal Californian who is just trying to own a home and build a secure future

Join us for a memorable evening while investing in your community and local lives Four acts. One unforgettable evening of live music in the heart of Fallbrook.

Julie Reeder Publisher

Each week, our newsroom produces well over 100 stories connecting our community. But much of the work we do happens behind the scenes—work that may be even more important in the long run.

One of those efforts is our investment in people.

Our internship program is a vital part of our organization. We mentor young people, as well as adults changing careers,

veterans transitioning to civilian life, and retirees who want to give back. Some of these individuals stay with us for years. Others go on to college or pursue opportunities with higher pay and broader reach. In every case, the experience they gain here matters. We have seen interns go on to work for national newspapers, magazines and television outlets, launch their own businesses, build successful online platforms and even pursue professional sports careers. What

Business lessons from Steve Goodman

by Joe Naiman

Steve Goodman was a folk singer and songwriter rather than an economist or business advisor. However, many business lessons can be learned from Steve Goodman.

Although Steve Goodman originally recorded City of New Orleans and You Never Even Call Me By My Name other artists are better known for those songs. Both of those songs were on his 1971 album he released when he was 23. The following year Arlo Guthrie recorded City of New Orleans. The royalties from Guthrie’s version allowed Goodman to pursue music on a full-time basis.

The additional recognition by the public might have been nice for Steve Goodman. His will-

ingness to let others record the songs he wrote while collecting the royalties was more profitable. Recognition by those who will promote one’s work is sometimes more important than recognition by the general public.

David Allan Coe would later have a hit with his version of You Never Even Call Me By My Name. In the David Allan Coe version he notes that Goodman originally wrote the song. Coe claims, which may or may not be true, that Goodman told Coe the song was the perfect country and western song. Coe responded that it wasn’t the perfect country and western song because there was no reference to mama, trains, trucks, prison, or getting drunk. Either Goodman or Coe wrote a supplemental verse which caused

they leave with—confidence, real-world experience and a strong portfolio—often becomes the foundation for those opportunities.

That commitment has grown into a nonprofit, Mentoring for Purpose, a 501(c)(3) that works alongside Village News and Valley News to provide hands-on training for people of all ages who are ready to grow their skills and step into something new.

To support this work, we are hosting a special community

Coe to acknowledge that it was the perfect country and western song.

Goodman had actually addressed all five of those subjects in previous songs. In addition to his nationally-known songs he wrote and recorded songs focusing on the Chicago area. His 1972 album included Lincoln Park Pirates, about an actual Chicago towing company with a reputation for harsh treatment of impounded vehicles.

City of New Orleans is about a train. A tow truck is a modified version of a pickup truck. City of New Orleans includes the lines “Pass the paper bag that holds the bottle” and “Mothers with their babes asleep”. Lincoln Park Pirates includes a portion about the drivers being “recent graduates of

event, Fallbrook Has Talent. This one-of-a-kind evening will feature exclusively local, highly accomplished performers and will be held at White Horse Ranch, a beautiful 10-acre private estate in Fallbrook, generously donated for the event. Guests will enjoy food by Firehouse Que & Brew, drinks, live entertainment, including a barbershop quartet featuring Don Fouts, and a silent auction. VIP guests will receive table seating under a tent, dinner, charcuterie boards and hosted bar service.

the charm school in Joliet”, which refers to the state prison. Goodman did in fact include the missing elements of the perfect country and western song in two of his other songs. A single product doesn’t necessarily meet everybody’s needs. Different products may be more suitable to meet the needs of more people.

Lincoln Towing Service was an actual company. The company was accused of intimidating the owners of the vehicles it impounded. The extortion activity may or may not have been true. What was true is that Lincoln Towing Service only towed vehicles for impoundment or repossession and did not offer roadside assistance.

The actual customers of Lincoln Towing Service thus weren’t

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I am personally inviting you to join us.

Your ticket does more than secure a memorable evening—it directly supports local journalism, mentorship opportunities for people in our community, and animal rescue eff orts through Whiskers and Tails.

The event takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. and promises to be a meaningful and memorable night.

To learn more or reserve your seat, visit FallbrookHasTalent. org.

the vehicle owners who had to redeem their impounded cars but the businesses who contracted with the towing company to keep their parking spaces and non-parking areas from being occupied by cars whose owners weren’t customers or tenants. The reputation Lincoln Towing Service had for intimidation thus actually benefited the businesses since that would deter motorists from parking on the business property without implied permission. Customer service reflects helping the actual customers. Steve Goodman’s interest was creating music, not economics or business administration. However, his songs provide numerous business lessons.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

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

COMMUNITY EVENTS

May 9 – 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May the 4th at the Menifee Police Department, 29714 Haun Rd., Menifee. Free event with the MARS Planetarium, an immersive and informative astronomy experience (preregistration recommended.) Costumed appearances and photo opportunities. Come dressed as your favorite character. Preregister at https:// www.rec.us/sections/74d0040dc276-4ed7-a677-4e106b6983e8.

May 12 – 11 a.m. Lake Elsinore Storm Menifee Senior Day at the Lake Elsinore Diamond, 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore. Get $8 tickets at https://www.gofevo.com/event/ menifeesenior26. Your purchase includes a game ticket and free parking in Lot G. Gates open at 10 a.m., game at 11 a.m.

May 16 – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fallbrook Garden Club to hold a Botanical Treasures Plant Sale with California natives, flowers, unique planted containers and more. At the Fallbrook Historical Society, 1730 S. Hill Ave., Fallbrook.; funds raised go toward scholarships, community projects, and club activities. For more info, go to www.fallbrookgardenclub.org.

May 17 – 4 p.m. Temecula Valley Symphony announces Season Finale at Temecula Valley High School Golden Bears Theater, 31555 Rancho Vista

Rd., Temecula. Performance to feature a curated selection of classical powerhouses including Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”); Guida’s Cello Concerto, featuring the symphony’s own principal cellist, Ruslan Biryukov, and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Tickets available online at https://temeculavalleysymphony.org.

May 22 – 6:30 a.m. Patriots Cup Golf Tournament at Menifee Lakes Country Club, 29875 Menifee Lakes Dr., Menifee.

The Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the SCPGA Foundation and PGA HOPE launch the Patriots Cup Golf Tournament. Come out to join us in remembering and celebrating Veterans through the game of golf. A portion of the proceeds goes to PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program that introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical and emotional well-being. More info at https://app.eventcaddy.com/ events/patriots-cup-13.

May 25 – 8 a.m. Memorial Day Ceremony at Town Square Park & Amphitheater, 11 Town Square, Murrieta. Join the City of Murrieta, at the Murrieta Veterans Memorial as the city and guests honor and remember the brave men and women of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.

ONGOING – Wednesdays, 7 a.m. Grandfathers for Golf is holding weekly fundraiser golf outings at Golden Era Golf Course in San Jacinto (19871 Gilman Springs Road). Cost to play is $25, which includes 18 holes of golf and a golf cart, and supports the Grandfathers for Golf nonprofit that teaches area children golf for free. NOTE:

Golden Era will be closed the month of October for reseeding, but Wednesday golf outings will resume in November and run indefinitely.) Book a tee time at 951-604-1312.

ONGOING – Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. The Sun City Farmers Market meets every Saturday at the Sun City Civic Association at 26850 Sun City Blvd., in Sun City, with local vendors and crafts.

ONGOING – Riverside Transportation Commission is offering Park and Ride lots to connect with carpools, vanpools, and transit systems in Beaumont at 600 E. Sixth Street; in San Jacinto at 501 S. San Jacinto Avenue, and in Temecula at Grace Presbyterian Church, 31143 Nicolas Road, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but not on weekends.

ONGOING – Line dancing classes are held on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Lake Elsinore/Wildomar Elks Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail, in Wildomar, across from the Animal Friends of the Valleys. Classes have a DJ with learning levels beginning to intermediate. $5 per lesson. Contact Joyce Hohenadl at 951-674-2159.

ONGOING – Sun City Civic Association Monthly Square Dance sessions are held on Sundays from 1:30-5 p.m. at 26850 Sun City Boulevard.

ONGOING – If you know a homebound older adult, resources in Menifee are available, including grab-and-go, cooked, and frozen food for pickup. Courtesy pantry items and meals delivered with no contact. Three days of emergency food can be delivered immediately, or restaurant meal delivery for those who don’t qualify for food assistance programs. Call the California Department of Aging at 800510-2020 for help.

ONGOING – Saturdays and

Sundays only, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Winchester Swap Meet continues at 33280 Newport Road in Winchester. The small local swap meet is only 50 cents for entry, and anyone under the age of 10 has free admission. No dogs allowed.

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every Sunday, the Murrieta Village Walk Farmers Market is at Village Walk Place in Murrieta. The Sunday morning farmers’ market at Village Walk Plaza is a place to buy fruits and veggies, gourmet food, and crafts. Come to the center in the northwest corner of Kalmia/Cal Oaks at the Interstate 215 exit in Murrieta.

ONGOING – Temecula’s Farmers Markets are offered in Old Town Temecula on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, 4100 Main Street in Temecula; at Promenade Temecula, 40640 Winchester Road, outside JCPenney every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Riverside County Public Health orders, the farmers’ markets will be restricted to agricultural products only. Follow the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market on Facebook to stay updated. No pets allowed.

WORKSHOPS & MEETINGS

June 10 – Deadline to turn in the interest form for the 2026 Menifee Independence Celebration Parade, which takes place Saturday, June 27 at 5 p.m. Please visit https://shorturl.at/ iHfDc to fill out the form. Any questions, please reach out to specialevents@cityofmenifee. us.

ONGOING – 10 a.m. The Temecula Valley Republican Women meet each month at the

Wilson Creek Winery, 33960 Rancho California Road, Temecula. For questions, please contact info@tvrwomen.org.

ONGOING – Temecula Valley Genealogical Society hosts the Family History Research Assistance Program for those interested in learning more about their family roots. The society offers free research assistance through this volunteer program. Appointments are available in person or via Zoom. Contact the TVGS Family Research Coordinator at tvgs.research.assist@gmail.com.

ONGOING – Temecula’s Path of Honor at the Temecula Duck Pond, 28250 Ynez Road. A program to give a place to remember and honor veterans from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the World War II Merchant Marines with a permanent paver. The pavers cost $185. Orders may be placed year-round and are consolidated, engraved, and placed on the path annually each November. For more information, visit http:// TemeculaCA.gov/Veterans or contact the Temecula Community Services Department at 951-694-6480.

ONGOING – Want to help deployed American troops remotely? Help shop for the most needed items without leaving home, as an easy way to help support deployed men and women by purchasing items remotely and having them delivered to MilVet at designated drop-off locations for packing. All items on the list are special requests from deployed military men and women. MilVet is a nonprofi t organization that holds monthly packaging events at different community locations in the area. For drop-off locations and packaging locations, visit www.milvet.org/military-care-packages. ONGOING – Assistance League of Temecula Valley