HEMET — Hemet’s adopted 2026-27 budget is not a secret. Combined General Fund and Measure U spending is $96,123,000. Combined revenue is $86,535,000. The city plans to spend $9,588,000 more than it takes in.

The city’s own explanation is in the same book. Revenues have begun to flatten. Costs keep rising. The document cites inflation, personnel costs, insurance, and contracts. Liability premiums are about $7.0 million, plus a $2.0 million self-insured retention. Measure U is budgeted at $16,985,000 in and $21,406,000 out, including $1.5 million for retiring police payouts and $1.5 million toward the insurance premium.

The city also lists cost-containment: a hiring freeze on vacant posts, new hires limited to mission-critical and revenue-generating jobs, a 10 percent cut in department maintenance and operations, and 17 frozen positions, including six police officers and a deputy fire chief. Reserves are reported at about $28.9 million as of June 30, 2025, against a 40 percent policy.

That is the city’s case, at its strongest. It is not enough to justify another tax.

Measure Q would add 1 cent on each dollar of taxable purchases. The city estimates about $16 million a year. It is a general tax. Proceeds go to the General Fund for any lawful city purpose. The ordinance does not require a spending cut, a headcount cap, or an efficiency audit as a condition of collecting the money. Groceries and medicine are exempt. Oversight language is in the city’s materials. None of that changes the structure: more tax revenue, same open-ended spending.

Public-employee costs and insurance keep climbing. The pattern on offer is higher taxes and thinner services. Frozen officers and a new sales tax in the same year is not a reform. It is a request for residents to pay more while the city spends more than it collects.

The solution is not to raise taxes. The solution is to cut government spending. It is never enough for the public-service payroll. Voters should not be told the only choices are a higher tax rate or fewer services. Efficiency is the third choice, and it is not on the November ballot.

The news account of these figures is here.

The post Editorial: Cut spending. Don’t raise taxes. appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-27 operating budget on June 23 by Resolution 2026-105. Combined General Fund and Measure U revenues are budgeted at $86,535,000. Combined expenditures are budgeted at $96,123,000. The difference is $9,588,000, a $9.6 million use of fund balance.

Those figures come from the adopted budget tables. They are the city’s official plan for the year ending June 30, 2027.

Across all city funds, the adopted budget lists $150,757,303 in revenue and $154,184,303 in expenditures.

The combined General Fund is two pots. Fund 110 is the city’s main operating fund. It is budgeted at $69,550,000 in revenue and $74,717,000 in spending. That is a $5,167,000 gap.

Fund 115 is Measure U. Voters approved that 1 percent transactions and use tax in 2016. The adopted budget describes it as a general sales tax restricted solely to public safety by resolution. Measure U is budgeted at $16,985,000 in revenue and $21,406,000 in spending.

The Measure U gap is $4,421,000. The adopted budget says Measure U fund balance is being used to buy equipment such as radios, cameras, hoses and vehicles, to rehabilitate fire stations, and to help pay liability insurance for police and fire.

One-time Measure U uses listed in the budget total $4,537,000. The largest items are $1.5 million for retiring police personnel payouts and $1.5 million toward the liability insurance premium. Other listed items include four police interceptors, 50 radios, two traffic motorcycles, cameras, Fire Station 5 work, and fire hose replacements.

One-time General Fund uses listed in the budget total $1,233,000. They include downtown parking lot repavement, a truck routing ordinance, radios, storage work, branding, Christmas decorations, and other one-time purchases.

The budget says revenues have begun to flatten while costs keep rising. It cites inflation, personnel costs, insurance, and contracts. Cost-containment steps in the document include a hiring freeze on vacant posts, limiting new hires to mission-critical and revenue-generating jobs, and a 10 percent cut in department maintenance and operations spending.

Citywide positions are down 8.5 full-time equivalents from the prior adopted budget. The document lists 17 frozen positions, including six police officers, a deputy fire chief, and other public safety and civilian posts.

Liability insurance is called out as a major pressure. For fiscal 2026-27, the budget puts liability premiums at about $7.0 million, plus a $2.0 million self-insured retention for claims. That is about 4.9 percent higher than the prior year, the document says.

Hemet’s written reserve policy requires spendable, unrestricted General Fund reserves equal to at least 40 percent of current expenditures. The City Council raised that target from 20 percent to 40 percent beginning in fiscal 2023-24. The adopted budget says the reserve totaled about $28.9 million as of June 30, 2025.

The city’s latest posted Annual Comprehensive Financial Report remains the report for the year ended June 30, 2024. That is the newest ACFR on the Finance Department’s financial information page.

The operating budget is separate from the capital program. The city’s five-year Capital Improvement Program for fiscal 2026-27 through 2030-31 lists a grand total of $159,501,108. The fiscal 2026-27 column is $21,736,408. Those totals are in the CIP project summary, not the operating-budget tables.

On the November 3, 2026, ballot, Hemet voters will decide Measure Q. It is a separate 1-cent transactions and use tax. The City Council placed it on the ballot on July 14. The city’s Measure Q FAQ and the city attorney’s impartial analysis both say the tax is estimated to generate about $16 million a year.

Measure Q would be a general tax. Proceeds would go to the General Fund and could be used for any lawful city purpose, according to the proposed ordinance and the impartial analysis. The tax would last until ended by voters. The city says groceries, prescription medicine, diapers, and feminine hygiene products are exempt. The city also says the money would stay in Hemet, with public disclosure, independent citizens’ oversight, and audits.

Hemet’s current sales tax rate is 8.75 percent, the city’s FAQ states. Measure Q would add 1 cent on each dollar of taxable purchases.

The city has scheduled three Measure Q open houses at the Hemet Public Library, 300 E. Latham Ave.: Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, and Oct. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The adopted operating budget does not include Measure Q revenue. The November vote is a separate question from the books the council already adopted for this fiscal year.

The post Hemet budget spends $9.6 million more than it takes in appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The Republican Party of Riverside County calendar lists an Ed Delgado meet-and-greet tonight, Friday, Aug. 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Perris. The address is not posted. The listing says to call for details.

Canvassing follows Saturday, Aug. 29, at 9 a.m. Volunteers are to meet at Box Springs Elementary School, 11900 Athens Drive, Moreno Valley. The calendar also lists postcard writing and phone banking. The contact is Christine Fontes, 951-640-5597.

Those events sit just outside the San Jacinto Valley. They are the county party’s posted work this week for the Assembly District 60 nominee. Delgado is the Republican in that race. The county party has endorsed him.

The June HSJCR newsletter is the latest issue posted for the local club. It asked members to volunteer for two campaigns tied to the valley. It described Delgado as “an excellent candidate” and said Republicans have “an opportunity to take AD60.” It listed Fontes as the volunteer contact for that race.

The same newsletter asked members to help Males. Males is Hemet’s mayor pro tem. He is the Republican nominee in Congressional District 25 against incumbent Democrat Raul Ruiz. The county party has endorsed him. The newsletter identified Males as an HSJCR member and “an excellent candidate challenging Raul Ruiz.” It listed Michael Curry, 707-548-1007, as the volunteer contact for that campaign.

HSJCR is the valley’s grassroots Republican club. It is chartered as an affiliate of the California Congress of Republicans. Its public site is hemetrepublicans.com. Mail goes to P.O. Box 304, San Jacinto. Officers named in the June newsletter include President Tom Wilson and Immediate Past President Norm Kyriss. The club’s meetings page says dinners are usually held on the fourth Monday of the month at the Hemet Elks Lodge, 1305 W. Florida Ave.

Kyriss is now a candidate himself. City of Hemet Clerk records show Norman W. Kyriss III pulled papers July 27 and filed Aug. 7 for City Council District 1. The November 3 municipal election lists that seat as a two-year term. He faces Constance Howard-Clark, who filed Aug. 4, and Carlos Michel, who filed Aug. 6. All three names are posted on the city’s official election page.

The county party’s posted 2026 endorsement list includes Males in CD-25, Jeff Gonzalez in Assembly District 36, Delgado in AD-60, and other federal, state, and county races. City council names on that page are in Riverside. Hemet Districts 1, 2, and 5 are not listed. San Jacinto City Council is not listed. Measure Q is not listed. Those local contests simply do not appear on the posted endorsement page.

Hemet/San Jacinto Republican Women Federated is not currently meeting, according to the club’s meetings page. The page says the group “may be back soon.”

No Hemet or San Jacinto campaign headquarters is listed for this cycle. The club’s headquarters page says the valley maintains an office during presidential general elections. It lists local contacts for signs and voter registration. The county party lists its office at 41923 2nd St., Suite 404, Temecula.

Looking ahead on the county calendar, a Guns, Faith and Freedom Rally is set for Saturday, Sept. 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Monteleone Meadows, 35245 Briggs Road, Murrieta. Vendor and candidate participation applications are posted with the event.

Valley residents looking for this month’s posted work are pointed to the county calendar and to the contacts already in the June HSJCR newsletter. Fontes is listed for Delgado. Curry is listed for Males. The Perris meet-and-greet is tonight. The Moreno Valley canvass is Saturday morning.

The post Valley GOP organizes for Delgado and Males as Kyriss files in Hemet appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

   Hemet voters will decide this November whether to approve a proposed 1% sales tax increase that city leaders say is necessary to address the city’s long-term financial challenges and preserve essential public services. The Hemet City Council voted unanimously last week to place the measure on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot, giving residents the final say on whether to raise the city’s sales tax to what would become the highest rate in Riverside County. If approved, the increase would surpass the sales tax rates in neighboring communities, including Palm Springs and La Quinta.

    City officials estimate the measure would generate approximately $16 million in additional revenue each year, although residents would not see the financial impact immediately. According to City Attorney Steven Pacifico, the city would not begin receiving the new revenue until approximately August 2027. Pacifico acknowledged the increase would place Hemet at the top of Riverside County’s sales tax rankings but noted that other cities facing similar financial pressures may also pursue tax increases in the future.

    The proposal comes as Hemet continues to confront rising costs, aging infrastructure and increasing demands for police, fire and emergency services. City officials say the additional funding would help address a structural budget deficit that has persisted despite recent cost-cutting measures. Interim City Manager Noah Rau told council members that while the city has significantly reduced what was once a $13.3 million budget deficit, Hemet’s underlying financial issues remain unresolved and require a long-term solution rather than temporary reductions in spending.

    “This represents an important step in the council’s ongoing efforts to address the city’s long-term financial sustainability while maintaining the essential services our residents rely on every day,” Rau said. He added that several of the reductions implemented during the current budget year are not sustainable over the long term and warned that the city’s reserve funds are projected to decline to approximately 32%, well below the city’s policy goal of maintaining a 40% reserve.

    Before placing the measure before voters, the city commissioned a feasibility study to determine public sentiment. According to the results presented to the council, at least 59% of respondents in every council district expressed support for the proposed sales tax increase. Mayor Linda Krupa, who served on the city’s ad hoc committee reviewing the proposal, said the findings surprised city officials and demonstrated that many residents recognize the financial challenges facing the community.

    “Every one of us in that room were absolutely shocked at the results that came back, and that our citizens understand the need that we have at this point,” Krupa said during the council meeting.

    Not everyone shares that view. Several residents spoke during the public hearing, voicing frustration over deteriorating roads, crime and what they described as inadequate public services. Some questioned whether taxpayers should be asked to contribute more before seeing improvements in the city’s existing services.

    Resident Judith McPherson told council members she has been assaulted multiple times in private parking lots and expressed concern about what she described as worsening crime throughout Hemet. She urged city leaders to focus on improving public safety before asking residents to approve another tax increase.

    Resident Charles Vineyard also criticized the city’s priorities, pointing to deteriorating streets across Hemet. “Our streets are devastated,” Vineyard told the council. “If you’re going to do it, designate all the money for those. Then, after the streets are done, it goes to whatever. Quit putting in little loopholes.”

    Several council members acknowledged they were hesitant to support placing another tax measure before voters but said the decision ultimately belongs to the community. Mayor Pro Tem Joe Males said he generally opposes tax increases but believes residents should determine whether additional funding is necessary.

    “I’m not one for raising taxes, but this is not me raising taxes,” Males said. “This is the people making the decision whether they want to raise the tax. So, I’m going to vote yes to give them the decision on what they want to do.”

    Hemet voters previously approved Measure U in 2016, which increased the city’s sales tax by 1% to its current rate of 8.75%. Like Measure U, the proposed increase would direct revenue into the city’s general fund, allowing city leaders to allocate the money toward a variety of municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure and other operational needs.

    The outcome of the November election will determine whether Hemet receives the additional revenue city officials say is needed to strengthen long-term financial stability or whether residents choose to reject the proposal and require the city to pursue other options to address its ongoing budget challenges.

The post Hemet Voters to Decide on Proposed Sales Tax Increase appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The ribbon cutting and unveiling of the mural on July 15 was the culmination of this community journey. From the initial brainstorming sessions and online surveys to the organized paint days and the final artwork, residents have been involved every step of the way. The celebration honored that collective effort and allowed the community to experience the completed mural together for the first time.

The event, as well as the work itself, highlighted a diverse slice of community involvement. Healthy Valley Foundation served as the backbone organization and project coordinator, the City of Hemet provided leadership and support for public art and downtown revitalization, Altura Credit Union was a premier sponsor and storytelling partner, Riverside Arts Council provided technical assistance and public art expertise, lead muralist Rosy Cortez served as mentor and artistic genius, members of the Hemet Valley Art Association continually supported artist engagement and community connections, Elite Customs Construction donated a portion of needed wall repairs, and dozens of residents, artists, volunteers, and local businesses helped bring the mural to life.

There were more than 100 guests on hand for the reveal at the corner of Carmalita St. and Florida Ave.at 5:30 p.m. Emcee Jennifer Cortes, Communications and Events Coordinator for the City of Hemet, was joined by Mayor Linda Krupa, Altura Credit Union President and CEO Jennifer Binkley, and Healthy Valley Foundation President and CEO Jennifer O’Farrell. They shared how this effort took public, private, nonprofit, education, community and artists to complete. Included were positive comments on the importance of art and revitalizing communities, and art as a vehicle for well-being.

“For Healthy Valley Foundation art is not a luxury to us—it is a vital condition for connection and community well-being through neighborhood pride, revitalizing areas and increasing walkability,” O’Farrell said. “Our goal is to fund and coordinate the partners and secure the resources to make it possible.”

She said the Foundation’s work is centered on integrated collaboration—uniting government, institutions, business, nonprofits, residents, and youth—around a shared vision, or “North Star” as she calls it.

“We are dedicated to advancing equitable health, well-being, and resiliency of people in the San Jacinto Valley,” O’Farrell said.

She said the mural project also serves as a workforce and creative economy initiative as part of the Foundation’s Upward Social Mobility pillar.

“Through an open call for artists, we received the largest response we have seen for a local public art opportunity, resulting in the selection of 11 Emerging Artists ranging from youth to experienced creatives,” O’Farrell said. “These artists worked alongside lead muralist Rosy Cortez, brought to us by Riverside Arts Council, who provided the emerging artists mentorship, hands-on training, and real-world experience in public art, helping to cultivate the next generation of local muralists and creative leaders for our valley.”

The unveiling was a culmination of 40-plus residents who shared their vision to craft the mural, 28 residents who attended the Community Paint Day, nearly 60 hours of planning and meetings and 261 hours of artistic work provided by the Emerging Artists. O’Farrell summarized the 11 talented individuals.

Agustin Rosas: A Hemet resident, local tattoo artist, and community volunteer, Agustin brought previous mural experience and a passion for giving back through art. His commitment to providing free art classes for local youth reflects his belief that creativity can strengthen community connections.

Alex Aguirre: With more than 20 years of mural experience, Alex contributed both artistic expertise and mentorship to the project. Having called Hemet home for nearly two decades, he was excited to help create a mural that celebrates the community he proudly represents.

Artemis Jahansooz: Artemis is an interdisciplinary artist and designer whose work blends illustration, photography, graphic design, and storytelling.  Inspired by the Inland Empire, Artemis views public art as a way to transform spaces into places where communities feel connected, welcomed, and represented.

Avel Walker: Avel is a multidisciplinary artist whose work centers on storytelling, community, and personal growth. Living in San Jacinto and actively serving the Hemet community through his church, he believes art has the power to challenge perceptions and inspire hope.

Carla Perez: A self-taught artist with mural experience in Tijuana, Mexico, Carla brings a strong foundation in acrylic and oil painting along with experience completing commissioned murals. Her participation reflects a desire to expand opportunities for public art throughout the region.

Eileen Lee: As a Mt. San Jacinto College student studying mural arts, Eileen brought fresh creative energy and a collaborative spirit. Her recent coursework and experience developing mural concepts made this project an opportunity to apply her education while contributing to her local community.

Eric Urena: Eric is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores identity, narrative, and personal experience. Raised in Hemet and educated at UCLA, he returned to contribute to the community that shaped his artistic journey, bringing both technical skill and a thoughtful creative perspective.

Esmeralda Garcia: Esmeralda is a Southern California artist whose vibrant acrylic and pastel works are influenced by her Mexican heritage. Her colorful artistic style and appreciation for the Inland Empire’s landscapes contributed to the mural’s celebration of community, culture, and resilience.

Nancy Martin: Nancy is an accomplished visual artist with more than 20 years of experience creating murals and large-scale public artwork. Having made Hemet her home, she brought professional expertise and a deep appreciation for the Valley’s people, landscapes, and sense of belonging.

Sidonia Carrillo: Born and raised in Hemet, Sidonia has become an emerging leader within the Inland Empire arts community. Her connection to the valley is deeply personal, and she viewed the mural as an opportunity to celebrate the memories, relationships, and hometown pride that have shaped her life.

Zallah Hobson: Just turning 18 years old, Zallah represents the next generation of local artists. A lifelong Hemet resident, she has already exhibited work through the Hemet Valley Art Association and local youth entrepreneur events. The mural provided an opportunity to further develop her artistic skills while contributing to a project that reflects her hometown.

Visit Rosy Cortez’ website to learn more about her and to see the mural’s progress in action, www.paintedrosy.com/rosymurals/hemet-mural.

Healthy Valley Foundation, established in 2013, was named California Nonprofit of the Year in 2025 by Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson. The organization focuses on advancing health equity, expanding access to care, and promoting upward social mobility. Through strategic partnerships and community-centered initiatives, the Foundation works to build a thriving, resilient valley—planting the seeds of well-being for generations to come.

For more information, www.healthyvalleyfoundation.org.

The post Community-led public mural debuts in Hemet appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

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.

The post CHP Investigates Claims Hemet Unified Bus Drivers Worked Excessive Hours appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The post Padua Hills and Ramona Bowl linked through shared cultural legacy appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

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.

The post Rites of Passage ceremony for seniors held in Hemet appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

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.

The post Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club Brings Families Together for Memorable Memorial Day Campout appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

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.

The post Hemet’s Western Center Academy wins 2024 National Blue Ribbon School award appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.