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.”

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.

“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.

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

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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.

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.

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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.

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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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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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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“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, 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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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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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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Gosch Auto Group, Empire Mobility of San Jacinto, “Apawsibility for veterans” organization and The Cloverlane Foundation all team up to get veteran Johnny Sandoval a new, motorized scooter

“I’m thrilled,” said veteran Johnny Sandoval. “I never expected this,” said Sandoval before choking up. A group of caring organizations, lead by the Gosch Auto Group teamed up and made sure that veteran Sandoval had the mobility he needed to live a full life. 

Kory Foster, Service Director for Gosch Auto Group said, “Today’s event went very well. I was really pleased at all the people that were here, and at all the organizations that came together. And we are proud that we could be the host of this great event. We’re going to put a case with a wheelchair out on the floor, to make sure that the veterans know that there are services out there to help them. And they don’t necessarily have to come out and say, “Hey I need help: others can recognize that…and that’s what it’s all about: recognizing a need and meeting that need.”

Mike Wofford, owner of Empire Mobility couldn’t have been happier that another veteran was cared for. “It was a wonderful event today at Gosch Ford. We certainly appreciate our new project partners here at Gosch. I know we’re going to have a great relationship with the whole Gosch Auto group: they’ve been very giving and helpful. Of course Sandy Dee did a wonderful job.” 

And organizations weren’t the only ones pleased with the day’s events: those who served in the military, veterans such as William Hendrickson, Sandoval’s friend, and also a member of the Veteran Warriors Wheelchair Power Soccer Team (along with Sandoval) said, “Johnny and I have known each other for fourteen years. This was a great event. It’s a great partnership with Gosch Ford, and we appreciate everything they have done and are doing. The more we can get out in the community and let the community know what we’re doing, the better we can make things.”

It’s always a powerful, positive and emotionally uplifting time whenever we can help our veterans. “What an incredible thing happened today: Gosch Ford is actually going to put a showcase here for Veterans to see that they shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for a scooter if it’s needed, just like we have at the Hospital. Not only did Gosch help us with this scooter, but they’re going to allow the Hemet Hospital to build a showcase and place it here. Amazing,” said Sandy Dee, a veteran and columnist for the HSJ Chronicle, adding, “Veterans don’t like to ask for things, so when they see this military shrine, they’ll also see the case with a scooter and they won’t be ashamed to ask about a scooter, if needed.”

Myrna Rohr, Solera Diamond Valley Veterans and Friends said, “This is great. Sandy (Dee, HSJ Chronicle columnist-“A voice for vets”, and founder of apawsibility4veterans.org), and I are in other organizations together, among them, The Soroptimists. We wanted to do something for veterans. Our quilters create 13 to 14 quilts for veterans every year. From this, we teamed up with Sandy and Mike (Wofford, of Empire Mobility, empiremobility.com), and Gerry Chase (Cloverlane Foundation, cloverlanefoundatin.org), and we realized we all had the same intention: that we should all come together to do the very best for these veterans: they’re homeless, and some are living in substandard conditions…and that’s unacceptable.”

See columnist Sandy Dee’s next, “A voice for vets” article, next week, for more on this wonderful, heartwarming Christmas story.

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At VFW post 53, Santa was early this year…but right on time

December 7th at American Legion Post 53 124 N. Ramona St. Santa Clause came to town early. The place was packed when I got there at noon: you felt the Christmas spirit as the kids sat and waiting breathlessly, anticipating Santa Clause coming to town.

A full house probably 250 Veterans, their spouses, children and grandchild of were welcomed with open arms. Every seat was filled. All sat at their tables ready to eat food which was blessed by and served in coordination and sponsored by The Lord’s Ministry: turkey, ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce and a roll plus drinks.

All got served by the scouts: what great team work. All went without a hitch. Our veterans even got a slice of pumpkin pie, the perfect ending to a perfect holiday meal.

Santa Clause was at the top of the stairs with his, “Ho Ho Ho,” as young and old alike cheered. Little kids rushed in to give Santa Clause a high five. The Commander, Joe Males introduced Santa Clause, and the children came up by their age group to receive their prized Christmas gift. From dolls, skateboards, bikes, soccer balls, there were gifts for all ages and all the children were so happy with the gifts they received.

I came to the noon event and left about 2:00 p.m. One little boy really wanted a red soccer ball and Santa Clause gave it to him: he was so excited! Then a gentleman asked the boy, “Would you like a bike instead?” The little boy said, “No thank you,” he liked his red soccer ball just fine! That just brought such joy to my heart.

Everything went so smoothly: Santa and his Elfs did a great job. They got everyone taken care of and sent them home happy…ready for Santa to come back and do it all over again at 4:00p.m. I called a fellow veteran and asked about the 4:p.m event: he said dinner was awesome, the place was packed and his son got a really cool bike. This was a single dad with a very happy boy. We really do have a great American Legion Post 53 and community. This is what Christmas Spirit is all about.

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