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CHP Investigates Claims Hemet Unified Bus Drivers Worked Excessive Hours

HSJC Newsroom — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 06:38:37 +0000

The California Highway Patrol is reviewing complaints that Hemet Unified School District allowed school bus drivers to work beyond state safety limits, allegations whistleblowers say could put students and drivers at risk.

Two complaints sent to the CHP’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit on March 28 and April 18 accuse the district’s transportation department of repeated violations of California rules governing how long school bus drivers may remain on duty. The complaints allege that fatigued drivers were assigned to transport children despite exceeding hourly limits.

The April 18 complaint, an 18-page document, argues that the number of alleged violations points to a broader operational problem rather than isolated mistakes. Both complaints cite information that whistleblowers say came from the district’s digital timekeeping system.

The March 28 complaint alleges that more than 40 drivers exceeded state safety limits hundreds of times between July 2025 and March 2026. According to the complaint, employees identified 247 primary violations, including 227 instances in which drivers worked 80 to 85 hours during an eight-day period, exceeding the state’s 80-hour cap. The complaint also cited 19 cases in which drivers worked more than 90 hours over eight days and 20 instances in which drivers surpassed the 16-hour daily on-duty limit.

The April 18 complaint alleges that from January through April, at least 16 drivers worked more than 16 hours in a single day. It also documented more than 100 cases between Jan. 5 and April 17 in which drivers exceeded 80 hours during a rolling eight-day period, including nine employees who worked more than 90 hours, according to the complaint.

The complaint warns that driver fatigue is a major factor in commercial vehicle crashes and says state limits for pupil transportation exist to prevent serious incidents. It further alleges that, if the district’s timekeeping data is accurate, Hemet Unified may have operated in a way that violated the law and endangered students.

CHP Sgt. Omar Morales of the agency’s Border Division said Thursday that the investigation began in mid-April and is being conducted jointly by the motor carrier safety units in the Border and Inland divisions. Morales declined to discuss details of the inquiry but said it is expected to be completed within the next couple of months.

One district transportation employee, who requested anonymity, said more than six employees contacted the CHP and the media after they believed their concerns were not addressed by the district’s transportation manager and a district administrator.

The employee said the alleged violations are considered serious in the commercial driving industry, where drivers are routinely trained not to exceed legal limits. The employee pointed to California Vehicle Code Section 21702 and Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations Section 1212.

Together, those rules generally limit school bus drivers to 10 hours of driving in one day, prohibit them from remaining on duty more than 16 hours after reporting to work and bar them from driving after reaching 80 on-duty hours in any consecutive eight-day period.

District spokesperson Brenda Aguirre-Hassan said the assertion that employees had previously raised the issue with district officials has not been substantiated. She said Hemet Unified has not received formal complaints directly related to the allegations.

Aguirre-Hassan said the district is reviewing personnel matters connected to the CHP investigation. She also said Hemet Unified follows extensive safety protocols designed to comply with laws and regulations governing student transportation.

The district provides ongoing training focused on regulatory compliance and safe operations, Aguirre-Hassan said. She said Hemet Unified uses both digital timekeeping and manual logs, as required by law, to verify drivers’ hours of service. Those records are reviewed internally by the transportation department and are available to the CHP during regular and unannounced terminal inspections, she said.

Aguirre-Hassan said the district is considering upgrades to its auditing software that would provide real-time alerts when drivers approach legal limits.

Before the current CHP review, Hemet Unified had a long record of receiving “satisfactory” ratings, the highest available, during CHP inspections, Aguirre-Hassan said. She said the district’s priority remains student safety and that Hemet Unified is committed to transparency, accountability and continued compliance with safety rules.

Hemet Unified’s transportation department has become a regional busing provider for the San Jacinto Valley and nearby Inland Empire districts. Under former transportation manager Michael Fogerty, the district expanded in 2014 into a transportation hub serving students from other districts and agencies. With one of Southern California’s larger school bus fleets, the district generated outside revenue through those agreements.

District officials have said those contracts help cover operating costs, pay for fleet improvements and support a self-sustaining transportation program.

Hemet Unified did not provide a complete list of school districts and agencies for which it provides busing services. The April 18 complaint, however, says the district serves Perris Union High School District, Perris Elementary, Nuview Union Elementary, Romoland, San Jacinto Unified and Val Verde Unified, among others.

The complaint alleges that the outside transportation workload brings in millions of dollars and that some employees believe the district is prioritizing contract volume and revenue over safety. Aguirre-Hassan said Hemet Unified currently employs 239 professional school drivers.

The April 18 complaint also cites turnover in the transportation department, alleging that two executive directors have resigned in the past three years, along with three transportation managers and one coordinator. The complaint claims some newer managers lack sufficient knowledge of pupil transportation law and have given improper operational guidance.

The employee who spoke anonymously said the transportation department has struggled since Fogerty retired about five years ago, with staff frustrations focused on management, communication and understanding of legal requirements.

The complaint specifically notes the district’s appointment of Jeff Keeney, former principal of Valle Vista Elementary School, as executive director of transportation. It alleges district officials emphasized his leadership and morale-building abilities while overlooking the technical and regulatory experience required to oversee transportation operations. The complaint also says several managers remain new to their positions and appear unfamiliar with applicable transportation laws and regulations.

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Padua Hills and Ramona Bowl linked through shared cultural legacy

HSJC Newsroom — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:56:40 +0000

Just before taking the stage as keynote speaker at the third Inland Empire People’s History Conference, historian Matt Garcia shared an update on a project that continues to evolve. Although his research focuses on the past, the story he’s uncovering keeps expanding.
Garcia, a Dartmouth College professor who grew up in Upland, has spent years studying the Padua Hills Theatre in the foothills of Claremont. The venue was home to the Mexican Players, a troupe that performed from the 1930s through the 1970s, introducing largely White audiences to traditional Mexican music, dance and culture. The theater became one of Southern California’s most popular tourist attractions during its heyday.
Now Garcia’s attention has broadened beyond Padua Hills. He is incorporating the Ramona Bowl, located between Hemet and San Jacinto, into his research. The historic amphitheater has been the home of the “Ramona” pageant for more than a century.
According to Garcia, the connection between the two institutions runs deeper than many people realize.
Speaking during the June 6 conference at Pomona College, Garcia explained that many performers from Padua Hills sought opportunities in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s. While a few landed small roles, most found themselves limited to stereotypical characters and struggled to advance their careers.
Some eventually left the entertainment industry altogether. Others found a new creative home in Hemet, where they became involved with the “Ramona” pageant, a production centered on Native American and Mexican American life in 19th-century California.
One of those performers was Mauricio “Maurice” Jara. A former member of the Mexican Players, Jara appeared in the 1956 film “Giant,” starring James Dean and Rock Hudson. Despite that notable credit, he was often cast in minor roles that reflected Hollywood’s limited opportunities for Latino actors at the time.
In 1952, Jara made history when he became the first non-White actor to portray Alessandro, the Native American lead in “Ramona.”
“Before, every actor who played Alessandro was White,” Garcia noted.
Jara later brought his wife, Hilda Ramirez Jara, another Padua Hills veteran, to Hemet. Beginning in the 1960s, the couple helped direct the pageant and remained involved for decades.
“They brought that Padua spirit to Hemet,” Garcia said.
Garcia contrasted their contributions with the earlier “Mission Play,” staged at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse until the Great Depression. In that production, White actors frequently portrayed Mexican American characters using brownface makeup.
The historian is currently researching a book that explores these interconnected stories. Its working title is “So Close to Hollywood: Reimagining Latino and Indigenous Performance in the Entertainment Capital of the World.”
Readers may remember Garcia from his earlier book, “A World of Its Own,” which examined Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley history through the experiences of Latino communities. His conference presentation marked the 25th anniversary of that publication.
His latest project extends beyond writing.
Garcia is helping arrange for decades of Ramona Bowl records, photographs and historical materials to be scanned and digitized through the Honnold Library at the Claremont Colleges. The effort will preserve the collection while making it more accessible to researchers and pageant organizers.
“I got money from Dartmouth to digitize the archives of Ramona Bowl,” Garcia said. “It’s sat there for 100 years in a non-climate-controlled space.”
Another project is also taking shape. Garcia revealed that filmmaker Tatti Ribeiro has agreed to direct a short documentary about the Mexican Players, drawing from his research and newly discovered film footage. The production is receiving assistance from the company founded by Garcia’s cousin, actress Jessica Alba.
Garcia hopes to complete his research in 2027 and publish the book the following year.
For Inland Empire history enthusiasts, the pairing of Claremont’s Padua Hills Theatre and Hemet’s Ramona Bowl offers a fascinating look at how two seemingly distant landmarks helped shape the cultural experiences of generations of performers.
A Fair Shake
A recent column about the Inland Empire’s shortage of frozen custard sparked a friendly debate.
When I suggested that Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers might rival Shake Shack, I suspected Rancho Cucamonga City Council member Kristine Scott would disagree. As it turns out, she definitely did.
Scott played a key role in helping bring the first Inland Empire Shake Shack to Victoria Gardens in 2023 and has visited locations on both coasts.
When she saw herself mentioned in the column, her response was immediate.
“Oh, it’s on,” Scott joked. “Them’s fighting words.”
The two of us met last week at Freddy’s in Norco, chosen as neutral territory. While I entered with an open mind, Scott made it clear she remained firmly on Team Shake Shack.
Still, after trying Freddy’s signature cheeseburger, she offered praise for the restaurant’s thin-patty approach and admitted she wished she had ordered the double.
“The burger is good, I’ll give you credit,” she said. “But not better than Shake Shack.”
She also gave favorable marks to Freddy’s shoestring fries, saying they ranked above In-N-Out’s offering, though still behind Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut version.
The frozen custard was another story.
Scott ordered a chocolate shake topped with whipped cream and a cherry but found the flavor underwhelming.
“It doesn’t even taste like chocolate,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, I was perfectly content with a simple vanilla custard mixed with Butterfinger pieces.
The discussion eventually shifted beyond burgers and custard.
Scott said she would like to see Rancho Cucamonga land two additional restaurant chains: Peet’s Coffee and Miguel’s Jr.
The latter seems particularly surprising given Miguel’s Inland Empire roots and its existing presence throughout Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties.
As for the burger debate, the verdict remains unsettled.
“I appreciate you opening my eyes to Freddy’s,” Scott said. “Now I’ll have to go to Shake Shack to make sure I made the right choice.”

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Rites of Passage ceremony for seniors held in Hemet

Diane Rhodes — Sun, 31 May 2026 03:30:00 +0000

The Class of 2026 Rites of Passage third annual community celebration for local high school graduates was presented by the Southwest Riverside County-Inland Empire Juneteenth Committee at the Ramona Bowl in Hemet, May 17. The theme of this year’s event was “Rooted in Legacy, Rising in Purpose.”

The evening began with a procession of 74 students who made their way into the amphitheater where family members, friends and community supporters were seated. Seniors represented Beaumont Unified School District, Hemet Unified, Lake Elsinore Unified, Murrieta Valley Unified, Nuview Union School District, Perris Union High School District, San Jacinto Unified, Temecula Valley Unified, and Val Verde Unified.

After an opening prayer and the Black National Anthem was sung, Lowona Crawford, founder and CEO of SWRC-IEJC, thanked the young scholars and their families for attending this year’s Rites of Passage Ceremony honoring the graduating Class of 2026. “This moment is bigger than a ceremony, it’s legacy in motion,” she said. “Every step across that stage carries years of sacrifice, growth, and determination. Families, your love and support made the journey possible. Students, keep walking in purpose. The world is waiting on what you bring next.”

Delivering the message of the Significance of the Village Rites of Passage was Angela McClaron who explained that the Rites of Passage tradition honors the transition from adolescence into adulthood by intentionally surrounding youth with wisdom, accountability, cultural affirmation, leadership, and love. The presentation reinforced that a rite of passage is more than a ceremony — it is a declaration from the community to its youth saying: “We see you. We believe in you. We are invested in your future.”

Promoting higher education through the Rites of Passage ceremony are, standing from left, Angela McClaron, Chavada Adams, Dianne Cox, and Eric J. Chambers; and seated from left, Lowona Crawford, Stephanie Bruce, and Laverne Williams. Courtesy photo

The “village” was described as everyone who pours into the lives of young people, including parents, grandparents, educators, mentors, counselors, faith leaders, community members, and peers. Graduates were recognized as emerging leaders, scholars, creators, advocates, and changemakers whose journeys reflect perseverance, growth, identity, and purpose.

Keynote speaker Eric J. Chambers is a nine-time Emmy and Golden Mike Award winning journalist, documentary filmmaker, author, cultural visionary, and radio and television host. He hosts The Jazzspel on KCAA radio (1050 AM and 106.5 FM) in San Bernardino, where it currently airs Saturdays from 5-7 p.m. This groundbreaking show has aired more than 1,300 episodes and has become a beloved blend of jazz, interviews, and community empowerment. The Jazzspel will celebrate 32 years on the air on July 10, 2026.

Stephanie Bruce, Black Voices of the Valley Executive Director who collaborated with SWRC-IEJC for this event, said Chambers’ message focused on empowerment, perseverance, cultural identity, leadership, and the importance of investing in the next generation. “Through his remarks, he emphasized the power of purpose, resilience, and the responsibility of the village in helping young people successfully transition into adulthood,” she said.

Chambers said his first job in journalism was when he became a sportswriter for his hometown newspaper at the age of 13, reporting on Little League baseball and earning $3 per article.

“I didn’t care about the money. I was in it for the purpose,” he said. “How did I get to this point? By doing what you are going to have to do: Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. Believe in each other’s dreams. Work hard. Keeping your eyes on the prize. Staying motivated. Don’t get distracted. Limit your scrolling so that in the future you will be strolling in your divine destiny.”

He told the young men and women to think about all the hopes and dreams that weren’t fulfilled. All the books that were never written, songs that were never sung, and inventions that were never shared all because someone was too scared to take the first step or worried about what others would say.

Several of the 74 seniors wait to be called to the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre stage during the SWRC-IEJC Rites of Passage community celebration, May 17. Courtesy photo

“Don’t let that be your story,” Chambers said. “Class of 2026, we are traveling spirits in this journey. I implore you to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead. And if you run into a roadblock or a dead end, it’s okay. Do as I did, make a U-turn and blaze your own trail. If I, a little kid from the projects of New Orleans, can be the producer of multiple radio and TV shows over the past 35 years, and the recipient of three doctoral degrees, so can you. You just have to believe that your time will come.”

The Presentation of Graduates included the formal reading of each student’s name as they walked across the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre stage. Graduate presentations were organized by school district region and announced by the following: Dianne Cox represented Temecula, Murrieta, Nuview, Val Verde, and Beaumont; Chavada Adams represented Lake Elsinore and Perris; Stephanie Bruce represented Hemet; and Angela McClaron represented San Jacinto.

Guests enjoyed the Lighthouse Christian Church youth praise dancers, who ministered through dance as part of the program. A reception with light refreshments at the Ramona Bowl courtyard followed the ceremony, offering families, graduates, and community supporters an opportunity for fellowship and photos.

SWRC-IEJC was founded in March 2022 with a mission to elevate and showcase Black heritage through a variety of impactful and engaging activities, including professional entertainment, educational workshops, and ceremonial events. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to enhancing Black awareness and celebrating Black culture within Southwest Riverside County and the surrounding Inland Empire region. SWRC-IEJC has successfully hosted two previous Rites of Passage ceremonies in Temecula.

Bruce said Black Voices of the Valley was honored to assist in securing the Ramona Bowl for this meaningful event as the new venue for this celebration and looks forward to supporting many more ceremonies in the future. SWRC-IEJC also extended sincere gratitude to everyone who supported the event, as well as to the parents and students whose participation made the ceremony such a memorable and impactful experience.

They extended special appreciation to Charles Ford Champion II, member of the Ramona Bowl Board of Directors and interim CEO, and the Ramona Bowl staff for their partnership and all the support they provided in helping make the ceremony possible.

Local high school seniors participate in the third annual SWRC-IEJC Rites of Passage community celebration at the Ramona Bowl in Hemet, May 17. Courtesy photo

For more information, www.swrc-iejc.org, www.EricJChambers.com, and www.blackvoicesofthevalley.org.

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Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club Brings Families Together for Memorable Memorial Day Campout

Contributed — Sat, 30 May 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Free, family-friendly outdoor events hosted by Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club are helping San Jacinto Valley residents unplug, connect, and create lasting memories in nature.

Residents from across the San Jacinto Valley gathered over Memorial Day weekend for a unique outdoor experience hosted by Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club (HMA), a growing local nonprofit dedicated to connecting families through nature-based activities.

The group organized a family-friendly campout at Golden Era Golf Course, where dozens of families came together for a weekend centered on community, outdoor fun, and shared experiences. Unlike traditional clubs, HMA operates without membership fees, offering free or low-cost events that are open to families from Hemet, San Jacinto, and surrounding areas.

Children and families gather around a campfire during Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club’s Memorial Day campout at Golden Era Golf Course in San Jacinto Valley.

While its Facebook group is reserved for female caregivers, HMA’s in-person events are designed for the entire family. The Memorial Day gathering reflected the group’s inclusive spirit, with attendees enjoying camping, socializing, and outdoor recreation in an environment defined by generosity and connection.

Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club focuses on encouraging children and families to embrace the outdoors. Through activities such as fishing trips, campfires, trail exploration, Jeep rides, and river outings, the organization promotes values like curiosity, resilience, and confidence while strengthening family bonds.

The nonprofit operates under the sponsorship of the San Jacinto Lions Club and has become a valued community resource. Organizers emphasize their mission to “trade screens for sunrises” and create meaningful, lasting memories through shared outdoor experiences.

Golden Era Golf Course has served as a long-time partner, helping make events like the recent campout possible. Organizers say the collaboration allows more local families to access safe, welcoming outdoor spaces.

Participants described the weekend as a standout experience, with some noting it rivaled even major theme park outings in terms of enjoyment. For many families, the event offered a rare opportunity to unplug, connect, and create lasting memories close to home.

One mother had the following to say, “My grandkids and I had a blast. We felt so safe and comfortable surrounded by friends. We had a great adventure and appreciate Golden Era letting us share your beautiful space.”

Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club continues to host events throughout the year and welcomes new participants. Those interested in joining or learning more can find the group on Facebook by searching “Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club” or contact organizers directly at

hemetmomsadventureclub@gmail.com.

A child proudly displays a fish caught during the Memorial Day weekend outdoor campout organized by Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club.

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Hemet’s Western Center Academy wins 2024 National Blue Ribbon School award

Contributed — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:50:00 +0000

STEM-focused charter school is only Inland Empire campus to earn this year’s recognition

The Western Center Academy in Hemet has nabbed the nation’s top award for schools.

It is one of 33 campuses in California — and the only one in the Inland Empire — to be named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School.

The honor marks the second National Blue Ribbon for the charter school, which also won in 2017. It has been recognized as a California Distinguished School several times, including 2013, 2018, 2021 and 2024.

Students are seen in March 2014 at Hemet’s Western Center Academy, which has been recognized as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. (File photo by Frank Bellino, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

The national award went to 356 schools, the U.S. Department of Education announced Monday, Sept. 23. It “highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups,” a department news release states.Part of the Hemet Unified School District, the school is adjacent to the Western Science Center, a natural history museum, at the entrance to Diamond Valley Lake.

Among other feats, the school won the championship in 2024 and 2023 at the Riverside County Academic Decathlon. The academy has a STEM focus, with labs that delve into paleontology, archaeology, robotics, forensics, coding, aquatic biology and geology, according to its website.The school, which has grades six through 12, will receive a National Blue Ribbon School award flag.

Blue Ribbon winners “serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation,” the release states.

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American Legion Post 53 in Hemet’s monthly meetings:

Rusty Strait — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 23:00:00 +0000

VETERANS CORNER

Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter

American Legion Post 53 in Hemet’s monthly meetings:

February 12 at 2:00 PM Super Bowl Sunday. Potluck – open bar. Big Screen TV.

Dinner every Friday Night from 5 to 7 PM. All are welcome.

Boys State

The American Legion Post 53 has been in recruitment mode for our Boys State. Robert Farris, our Second Vice Commander, has been in contact with our local schools recruiting both boys and girls.

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U. S. High School Students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state governments, Boys State was founded in 1935 to counter the socialism-inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

In 2022 new legislation for Boys State came down from National to include girls into Boys State, so now it is also open to girls.

Increased Number of Suicides Among Deployed Soldiers

Studies indicate that combat-deployed soldiers who were bullied or hazed are more likely to have thoughts of suicide or suffer from mental health problems.

A survey of more than 1400 soldiers, according to JAMA Psychiatry, found that one in eight soldiers reported that they were bullied or hazed during their deployments. Official sources report that few previous studies have examined such harassment among military personnel. Bullying and hazing, unlike other stressful combat experiences, can be minimized by commanders and non-commissioned officers.

“Unit cohesion appears to mitigate the effects of deployment stressors; however this may be compromised for soldiers who are targets of malicious behavior perpetrated by fellow unit members,” one study shows.

Respondents who reported bullying or hazing during deployment were younger, (a higher rate among females)), and more likely to have reported previous PTSD and suicidal ideation….and also more likely to have reported several other deployment and non-deployment stressors.”

All too often, the problems of combat veterans are overlooked by the civilian population as they praise the military heroics of our veterans but neglect to consider the emotional stresses that a combat veteran suffers. Just sayin’

rustystrait@gmail.com

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In High Spirits

Contributed — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 15:00:00 +0000

(In High Spirits)

City Council decision waives costly liquor license fees for veterans’ organizations

On Tuesday, at Hemet City Council Chambers, council members approved to waive conditional use permitting (CUP) process fees, simplifying the process for bonafide, nationally recognized Veterans organizations in obtaining a liquor license for on-site sales.

For the past two years, Joe Males, Commander for the American Legion Post 53, in Hemet, has been an active voice at city council meetings on behalf of the Legion. He and other members seek to meet Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) requirements that will enable the Post to sell beer, wine and liquor on site, but processing fees run skywards from $5,200, a bill the non-profit simply cannot flip.

Post 53 has been requesting to have a licensed bar within their building to facilitate in fund raising event opportunities and provide service to generate more revenue for their operations and veteran services.

ABC requires the city to approve what is called a type 52 license – a liquor license pertaining to Veterans groups recognized by congress – that of which the American Legion falls under. The application for such license requires a CUP and its costly fees.

“It’s too expensive when you’re struggling,” says Males, regarding the fees. “During the Summer our electricity bill is over $1,000 . . . to keep the doors open and to help our veterans as needed, we have to have some type of income – our bingo game, hall rentals and Friday night dinners are great, but we still struggle.”

(In High Spirits)

City Council voted unanimously in favor of waiving fees. This action will pertain to all nationally recognized veterans’ organizations who seek a type 52 ABC license. Though fees are waived, the organizations are not exempt from the process of obtaining the CUP and must have said permits attached to the operation of their licensed bar, giving the city the enforcement to deal with potential violations.

The American Legion Post 53, until recent years, was only open once a month for meetings. Their doors are now open daily, which creates the need for generating more revenue – something a liquor license would help with. The process takes time and the organization looks to be serving up drinks within the next 3 to 4 months.

“We’d like to thank City Council for voting yes on it,” says Male. “We appreciate their willingness to help us . . . we’re really happy . . . our whole outlook towards what we do is even better knowing the city is there to back us.”

For upcoming events at the American Legion Post 53, visit www.alpost53.com

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Heart-felt messages mean more than words

Contributed — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 17:00:00 +0000

(Heart-felt messages)

“Valentines for Vets” is part of the many things our community loves to do for those who’ve sacrificed so much for our way of life. And it’s our community members who are keeping the tradition alive.

Residents throughout the valley are putting pen to paper with heart-felt thoughts, appreciation, and lots of love for those who’ve served our country, and the tradition stands strong today.

Newspaper columnist, Ann Landers, is credited with the genesis of Valentines for Vets in the late 80’s when she invited her readers to take part in hand-making Valentine cards and sending to veterans in hospitals around the country.

In 1993, Dianne Berdugo, a library advocate and retired special education aide at Acacia Middle School, encouraged her students, church members, and the general public to take part in the program. She saw it as an opportunity to honor and recognize our veterans while also getting people to visit libraries. She’d collect the heart-shaped messages in boxes at Valle Vista Library, then deliver them, often in person, to Loma Linda Veterans Hospital.

“One little Valentine can mean so much to them. You never know what their situation is . . . it’s rewarding, and they really appreciate it. They always say thank you for acknowledging their service . . . I think every day should be Veteran’s Day,” says Berdugo.

Berdugo and fellow community members have generated thousands of valentines over the decades.

Lynn Peterson (left) with Valle Vista Library employee, Deana Elliot, collect valentines for vets

Lynn Peterson, of San Jacinto Community Builders, has graciously taken lead of promoting participation in the Valentines for Vets tradition. Over the past few years she’s continued the generation of meaningful messages, and simply loves being able to connect with vets, saying, “Though they may be strangers, their service to our country makes them our family.”

Between now and February 15th, the public is invited to take part in sending some love to our veterans. Valentines cards can be made and dropped off at multiple locations throughout Hemet. Drop locations are setup at Hemet Public Library, Valle Vista Library, and My City Youth Center.

The cards that are collected will be delivered to Loma Linda Veterans Hospital, keeping the tradition alive, and showing our veterans some much needed love.

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“Help Heal Veterans” coming to Hemet Elks Lodge

Contributed — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 14:50:00 +0000

(Help Heal Veterans)

On Saturday, February 1, The Hemet Elks Lodge (located at 1305 W. Florida Ave), will host a “Help Heal Veterans” event starting at 11am. Therapeutic craft kits will be distributed and assembled in a group setting. The free event is open to the public and free of charge.

Chip Perky, Plant Manager of the non-profit organization, Help Heal Veterans, will be present to distribute a variety of craft kits ranging from woodworking and needlecrafts, to models and leatherworks. Some of the kits render functionable items, for example: leather pouches and wheelchair gloves, while others are more artistic in nature.

Perky will be present to assist participants in assembling kits as he has helped design them and knows how they piece together.

The event will be a part of fulfilling Help Heal Veterans mission, which Perky says, “…is to distribute therapeutic arts and crafts to help veterans through the healing process; to introduce them, their families, and the public to the benefits of craft therapy and its rehabilitative properties through the creative process, – all while being surrounded by a supportive network of individuals.”

Many veterans are dealing with the mental and physical scars of service and find the craft kits to be a valuable escape and aide for coping with symptoms of PTSD and grief, as well as improving motor skills. The kits are designed to get their minds off the past and the worries of the future, and to focus on the task at hand while crafting a functional item or art piece.

Help Heal Veterans has been providing the free arts and crafts kits to homebound and hospitalized veterans for decades. Rather than ending up in landfills, the materials for these kits are donated by supporters such as Southwest Airlines and American Woodmark, who supply tons of leather, wood, and foam to be reused through the program’s mission in helping those who serve our country.

Veterans and the general public are encouraged to attend this event and see what is being done to support the Veterans, and to learn more about the program.

For more information on Help Heal Veterans, please visit https://www.healvets.org/

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PATSY CLINE TRIBUTE WOWS LEGIONARIES

American Legion Post 53 — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 17:50:06 +0000

(Pasty Cline Tribute)

American Legion Post 53

Bonnie Kilroe, the ultimate Patsy Cline tribute girl brought something new and well-received at American Legion Post 53 dinner this past week. Not only was she articulate, she sporting a genuine Cline voice, but she opened her show with a sense of humor that kept the house in stitches. The dance floor was overrun with dancers, both country and urbanites.

The event started out at 7 a.m. when breakfast was served. That was followed by watching the Army/Navy’s annual battle for bragging rights. Navy won in a landslide. At 5:30 PM the doors were opened for the big event. Dinner was served at 6 and trust me, it was delicious.

At 7 PM Bonnie came bouncing out in cowboy Christmas garb. From the moment she hit the stage until two hours later, the joint was jumping. I think there were a few teardrops when she ended the show with Patsy’s signature song, “Crazy,” written by Willie Nelson. In between, she ran a songbook of Patsy’s recordings, several of which were new to me and probably a lot of others as well.

During the show she had folks in the audience join her on stage for some skits, truly incorporating the audience into the show. At the end she posed for pictures. She’s a real trooper and negotiations are now on for a return visit in March of next year.

There was an added attraction to the show: the new full liquor bar was now open. It was new to me, although veterans who are not members of the Post have suggested to me that Post 53 would garner a lot more activity from young veterans if there was a bar. Now they have no excuses.

I also learned from conversations with the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, that young veterans respect their comrades from past conflicts. However, sitting around recalling battles long gone, doesn’t necessarily enthuse some of the young veterans: they are interested in having a comradeship that lives in the future, such as what they are all doing now in civilian life.

I can echo those concerns. As a veteran of World War II, I have heard every story from Omaha Beach to the peace treaty signed between Japan and the United States on deck of the battleship Missouri. As a new generation becomes veterans, times have changed.

American Legion Post 53 is very involved in our community and is an excellent source of information needed by our veterans. Health, pensions and anything else that enhances the health and welfare of Valley veterans and their families is paramount. So, now you have it young vets: the legion is there for you too. So why not join up? Next year you’ll get to see Bonnie Kilroe…and that’s worth the price of admission!

Just sayin’.

rustystrait@gmail.com

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