Rafael Arce is a mortgage broker with California Home Path and has been a member of the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce for about a year and a half and currently serves on its Board of Directors. Established in 2020, California Home Path is a community-focused mortgage brokerage dedicated to helping people move forward with confidence through clear guidance and trusted local relationships.

“My focus is on education, clarity, and helping clients make confident, informed decisions throughout the home-buying process,” Arce said. “We help individuals and families navigate home financing through purchase loans, refinances, and FHA programs.”

Attending his first Holiday Mixer presented by Soboba, Arce was impressed by the turnout and positive energy.

“It felt well organized and genuinely focused on bringing the local business community together in a meaningful way,” he said. “A highlight for me was seeing so many local business owners come together in one space to connect, support one another, and celebrate the season. The setting at Soboba Casino Resort’s Event Center made it a welcoming and memorable event.”

Arce said being part of the Chamber helps build trust, visibility, and strong local relationships.

“It creates opportunities to collaborate with other business owners and stay connected to what’s happening in our community,” he said. “Being a Chamber member allows us to build strong local relationships, stay connected to the business community, support local initiatives, and contribute to the overall growth of the Hemet–San Jacinto area.”

Although Toyota of Hemet has been a valley icon for decades, new ownership was assumed in May 2024. Manager Huy Nguyen said Its membership in the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce is new, and they look forward to becoming an active and engaged member of the local business community.

“We are excited to begin building relationships and contributing to the local business network,” Chamber Board member Nguyen said. “This was our first Chamber event, and our impression was very positive. The welcoming atmosphere and genuine connections made it a great introduction to the Chamber community. I enjoyed meeting local business owners and community leaders and getting a firsthand feel for the collaboration and positive energy within the Chamber.”

Toyota of Hemet is a community-focused dealership committed to service, integrity, and building long term relationships.

“Being a Chamber member allows us to build strong local relationships, stay connected to the business community, support local initiatives, and contribute to the overall growth of the Hemet–San Jacinto area,” Nguyen said.

Carlos Michel is a CEO, entrepreneur and proud Veteran. A four-year member of the Hemet/San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce, he serves on its Board of Directors.

“As a multi-business owner and entrepreneur, my active involvement allows me to contribute directly to the Chamber’s mission and to the continued growth and strengthening of our local business community,” he said. “Drawing on my background as a former elementary school teacher in the valley, I am committed to educating Chamber members on the benefits available to them, helping them navigate resources, and serving as a knowledgeable, approachable advocate for their long-term success.”

Michel owns and operates several veteran-owned, locally owned businesses. Carlitos Frozen Yogurt is a family-friendly frozen yogurt shop proudly serving East Hemet and providing a welcoming space for local families. Shooters Sports Bar & Grill is a community-centered venue offering food, entertainment, and a gathering place that supports local pool and dart leagues and events. Essential Blasting Inc. is a Valley-based industrial services company specializing in sandblasting, pressure washing, and surface restoration while creating skilled local jobs. Finally, Colt Boots Western & Work Wear is a locally rooted retailer supplying quality western and work apparel, shoe repair services and custom hat shaping and cleaning services in support of the Valley’s workforce.

“My businesses are built on serving the community, creating local jobs, and strengthening the valley by keeping commerce, connection, and growth rooted right here at home. Together, these businesses serve diverse needs across the community while sharing a unified commitment to veteran leadership, local ownership, job creation, and sustainable growth throughout the Valley,” Michel said. “Colt Boots, established in 2022, was the first of my businesses and laid the foundation for expanding into other industries. Each company was started with the intention of meeting a local need, creating jobs, and giving back to the Valley.”

After attending multiple Chamber events over the years, Michel said this year’s Holiday Mixer stood out because of the strong turnout and sense of collaboration.

“Events like this reinforce how connected and supportive our business community is,” he said. “The event itself was exceptionally well executed. Andrew Vallejos was an outstanding host—

professional, welcoming, and generous throughout the evening. His attention to detail, the thoughtful gifts provided, and the overall level of hospitality set a high standard. The entertainment exceeded expectations and was nothing short of spectacular, reflecting Soboba’s commitment to hosting events that are both memorable and meaningful.”

He added that one of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, community leaders, and members of the Soboba Tribal Council.

“The positive energy and genuine support among those in attendance were truly evident,” he said. “As always, the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians continues to demonstrate its commitment and dedication to what they have described as their inherent duty—to support local small businesses throughout the valley and to create meaningful connections between small businesses and larger enterprises.”

Michel said being a Chamber member provides valuable networking opportunities, increased visibility, and access to relationships that help local businesses grow together rather than in isolation. It fosters collaboration, trust, and long-term partnerships within the community. Serving on the Board has also given him a deeper appreciation for the work being done behind the scenes to support local businesses.

“I take pride in being involved in the Chamber and supporting events that bring the community together,” Michel said. “Building relationships and working alongside other local business owners is something I value greatly.”

Several games were held throughout the three-hour event that brought laughter and frivolity to the crowd. A few rounds of musical chairs were followed by a dance contest where judges selected first, second and third place winners based on crowd reaction, creativity, confidence, personality, and staying on beat through many song/genre changes produced by DJ Mike Nevarez.

Contest winners were not the only ones who received prizes as there was a “raffle hour” that gave all guests an excellent opportunity of going home with an early Christmas gift.

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(HSJ Chamber of Commerce)

The Hemet-San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce Charity Golf Tournament swung into success on November 15^th, 2019.  Several prizes were on the line including a 2019 Mini Cooper and a cash prize of $100,000 for a hole-in-one.

Golfers were treated to beautiful weather and great prizes all for a great cause.

Among those in attendance was 1968 Olympic boxing team member and former NABF Welterweight Champion Armando “The Man” Muniz, who also took part in the charitable event, signing autographs and sharing the story of his amazing career which included 44 wins with 30 knockouts.

“It was a pleasure having everybody out on the golf course.  I see so many people enjoying the unique views,” said HSJ Chronicle’s Richard “The car guy” Perry of VIP Autos, adding, “This event was formed to help small businesses and non-profits which face financial challenges every day.  I’d like to thank the sponsors, advertisers, volunteers and the HSJ Chronicle for taking the opportunity and time to be a part of this event.”

Some of the local businesses that made this event such a success included; Cops4kids and Community, Mount San Jacinto College, VIP Autos (and our contributor Richard “The car guy” Perry, of VIP Autos), Vitality Group, SJ Medical, Quinn’s Automotive and many many more. Citrus Wealth Management participated with 50 golfers to even out the competition. Portions of the proceeds will go to three Non-Profit organizations in the community: which include American Cancer Society-Relay for Life, Veterans Paying It Forward and 102.5 “The Vine” radio. Cyndi Lemke Executive Director of the Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce credits the Soboba Foundation for being the main source making this event happen.

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Hemet Valvoline joins Chamber of Commerce, holds Ribbon-Cutting

Approximately 50 people showed up at noon, Tuesday, October 29 to welcome Valvoline Instant Oil Change 532 W. Florida Avenue in Hemet, into the Hemet Chamber of Commerce family of businesses.

“Though we’ve been here for about a decade, we feel that our joining the Chamber of Commerce is an excellent opportunity for us to grow our customer base in the community of Hemet and allow the public to see all that Valvoline has to offer, the see what Valvoline does for our customers and also for them to find out how we’re giving back to the community,” says manager Sam Ciurar.

Visiting customers were interested to hear about the 15-minute race-car pit-stop-like oil change offered at Valvoline.. “It only takes about 15-minutes, and the customers can literally just sit in their car. They can hold a meeting or do whatever they want. It’s also a great way for busy parents to entertain the kids while taking care of a vital car-care function. They can see everything we do. It’s revolutionary.”

“This Valovoline compliments our other location at the Target Plaza at 3527 W. Florida Avenue,” said Rich Berling, area manager, adding, “All our Certified Technicians have more than 270 hours of professional training. You stay in your car, so you can see the job done right, right before your eyes.”

The facility is clean, bright and inviting. 

As manager Sam Ciurar got in place to cut the Ribbon, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cyndi Lemke said, “We are so grateful for a business like Valvoline. We’d like to welcome you to the Chamber of Commerce family and we want you to consider us a resource. We want to give you the opportunity to share your services with the public.  The public at large doesn’t realize how many services the Chamber has to offer: we offer a monthly mixer and our monthly magazine called, “CHAT,” as well. We offer our members a chance to get together at our “First Friday” event where they can discuss the products and services they bring to the community, and we help them forward their message and their mission statement here in the community. We are here to help you grow your business and become a part of Hemet itself.”

Those interested in pricing or stopping in may reach Valvoline at (951) 766-1996.

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Mrs. Hemet, Valerie Vandeveer, and Jodie True, Center Director of Sylvan Learning, John Peterson, Certified Insurance Counselor for DFI Insurance and Richard “The Hemet car guy,” Perry, Chairman of the Board of the Coz and owner of VIP Auto, were all in attendance. “The business community is what helps fuel our wider community. I would just like to offer congratulations to Laurel Netherton of Aflac and the Destinations Coffeehouse. AFLAC is a great organization,” said Peterson.

CoC board member Patricia Scott explained how the Chamber of Commerce is vital for local businesses. “I own Virtue Services Consulting, which is a bookkeeping organization. Laurel had a client that needed bookkeeping services, so she referred that client to me. To help Laurel in her business, we nominated her to cut the ribbon at today’s ceremony. The Chamber of Commerce is all about businesses helping businesses. I’m so excited for Laurel; she’s a very active person in the community. She’s a real asset. And the Destination Coffeehouse is a beautiful setting.”

Lakshman Koka, immediate past President of the Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Koka and Associates, was glad to have Laurel Netherton from AFLAC as new members. “The grand opening is always a great opportunity to network with other businesses and to share information with other business members. For example, I am the CEO of Dr. Koka and Associates, along with my wife, Dr. Vidhya Koka. Well, our employees are covered by Workmen’s Compensation, but we are not. When Laura explained that to us, we were grateful that AFLAC was there.”

Destination Coffeehouse co-owners Patricia Yepremian, and son Nick couldn’t have been more pleased with the turnout. “Last week we held a women’s empowerment conference here, and this week we have our ribbon-cutting ceremony. We’re here for the community just as the Chamber of Commerce is here for us,” said Nick Yepremian.

Laurel Netherton of AFLAC couldn’t have been happier. “I’m overwhelmed by the care and concern of the Chamber of Commerce members. To put me in charge of the ribbon-cutting ceremony to promote AFLAC and my business and the wonderful Destination Coffeehouse is just amazing. The food and drinks here are fantastic,” said Netherton.

“One of the many ways we maximize our membership is by offering a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It is really important that businesses find a platform to tell the public who they are, what they do, and why people should come to them. The Chamber of Commerce loves to give that platform to our members.,” said Cindy Lemke, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, adding, “I…we, want members who are going to be engaged and involved in our community, just as you see Laurel here from AFLAC and this wonderful crowd enjoying the food and drinks and ambiance at the destination coffee house.”
The beautiful afternoon was yet another success for the Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce.

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