The artists are adults with developmental disabilities from various programs offered by the nonprofit EXCEED, which provides advocacy, educational, vocational, job placement services and life skills training. The Art in the Park project began in 2021 through a City of Hemet Community Development Block Grant.

Title Sponsors for the fourth year were the City of Hemet and the Soboba Foundation. Representatives from both groups were treated to a pre-show guided tour by Sandra Aldridge, who oversees Marketing & Resource Development for EXCEED. Several of the artists shared their works with the group as they made their way around the impressive display at the library’s upstairs area. From sculptures and paintings to drawings and handiworks, the colorful collection reflected the creativity and individuality of the artists through more than 35 projects.

Art facilitator Nancy Espensen finds new ways to allow clients to express themselves each year. She also mixes a little art history into her lessons to give more meaning to the artists’ work they are emulating. This year’s inspirations included Emmi Whitehorse, Ines Alvidres, Sandra Silberzweig, James Rizzi, Dean Russo, and Ugo Rondinone.

Artist Jon B. said Espensen is a tremendous art teacher. “I have a lot of respect for her,” he said. “I love being in her class and creating new art.”

Occasionally, lessons cannot be held outdoors at Mary Henley Park in Hemet due to inclement weather and Espensen seizes the opportunity to share a video about a famous artist that showcases their work. One of those was Rondinone, who inspired two different lessons. “Our artists studied the creation of the Seven Magic Mountains, his iconic installation outside of Las Vegas,” Espensen said. “This project focused on exploring scale, color, and composition in a playful, large-scale project.”

Speaking of large scale, guests to the art show were greeted by long tables at the entrance filled with sculptures inspired by Ugo Rondinone’s “Human Nature” installation at Rockefeller Center. “Using large pieces of floral foam, they sculpted the human figures starting with the legs, ensuring each was of the same height,” Espensen said. As they completed the sculpture, they needed to make sure the piece was balanced and able to stand independently. The sculptures were then covered with masking tape and layered with plaster cloth strips dipped in water. Once dry, the artists carefully assembled the figures, checking stability with each addition. After applying a gray paint base and a layer of metallic paints, they were able to blend highlights that mimicked the natural veining of boulders, which was Rondinone’s medium of choice.

“The results were striking, sculptural figures that combined careful engineering with artistic expression,” Espensen said. “It was a great lesson in balance and self-correction. I loved watching them concentrate as they built.” Artist Michael Bussell liked all the art sessions, especially those involving sculpting. His “Human Nature” form was front and center at the show and he said he really enjoyed creating it. “I like big projects,” he said. “I love the challenges.”

Soboba Foundation president Andy Silvas said it was a wonderful experience to tour the EXCEED Art Show.

“The talent, creativity, and individuality of the artists were truly inspiring,” he said. “What I enjoyed most was seeing how meaningful this program is for the individuals involved and having the chance to meet some of the artists whose lives are being positively impacted through their work. EXCEED is clearly a program that fosters creativity, confidence, and community.”

Soboba Foundation secretary Joseph Placencia said he enjoyed the Foundation board being treated to a walk through prior to the public opening at 3 p.m. “It was great getting to see all of the beautiful artwork done by these amazing artists; a hands-on chance to learn about their processes, and influences,” he said. “The tour was full of all the insights and accompanied by a few of the featured artists themselves. A good time was had.”

Dondi Silvas, Soboba Foundation treasurer, enjoyed seeing the creativity and teamwork behind the many projects. “The event gives artists a meaningful space to share their talents with the community, and you can feel their pride in every piece,” she said. “Hearing the artists talk about their process, emotions, and inspiration added so much depth to the experience. Their openness reminded us why this show matters: it celebrates expression, connection, and the incredible work happening within the EXCEED community.”

Among those sharing their work was Michael Arellanes. Despite his visual impairment, his creations are thought provoking and deeply meaningful to him. One of his favorite projects was his “Mini Me” sculpture inspired by Dale Chihuly. The artists traced their hands onto shrink film and decorated their handprints with marking pens, adding patterns and colors. The film pieces were baked to reduce their size. They also painted plastic cups, bowls, and plates with black and white paint, then used a heat gun to melt and mold the pieces. Finally, they assembled the components into a three-dimensional structure, securing everything with hot glue to create a dynamic, mixed-media sculpture.

Espensen said this project was also about building trust through the process. Working one-on-one with Arellanes, she watched him fall in love with the process after being hesitant to use a heat gun. “Watching him navigate through the process was pretty special,” she said. “One of the pieces felt like a heart so he wanted that placed in the center and another piece felt like a crown to him and he wanted that put at the top, saying that’s how he pictures his crown when he gets to heaven. And then he began to sing Holy, Holy, Holy. I enjoy it when I get to have those moments with the clients.”

Aldridge and Espensen curated the exhibition, figuring out how many frames and tables were going to be needed and what the feature should be. It took about one and one-half days to set up with the help of about 30 volunteers, staff and clients. Refreshments were available at a sitting area where everyone could relax and visit with friends, family members and all visitors to the show.

Espensen facilitates four different classes each week. She explores lesson plans through an online community of art teachers for projects that seem best suited for her clients. She then makes some adjustments to ensure all levels of students can benefit from the lesson. “I love certain techniques,” she said. “Some resonate and some don’t, but I always like to challenge the artists in new ways.”

Although some projects are completed in steps over the period of a few weeks, the “Snowmen” took about five weeks to finish. A mix of painted and scrapbooking papers, along with water-soluble oil pastels, were used to create a vibrant collage. After the snowmen were drawn and whitewash was applied to bring them to life, artists were provided with scarf and hat cutouts, which they traced onto textured paper of their choice, adding a personal touch. They added buttons, a nose and carefully drew their eyes and mouth. They added glitter, sticks and other three-dimensional elements, giving each piece a playful, dynamic charm. “It was a fun project that turned out incredible,” Espensen said. “They were used on our Christmas cards this year.”

A popular project was creating “Pop Art Animals.” Several artists cited this as their favorite lesson. They were given the option of a guided drawing with step-by-step instructions of an elephant or lion. They then traced their final drawing with black marking pen to create bold outlines and definition. Using white and fluorescent oil pastels and a watercolor wash, they added vibrant patterns and shapes inspired by Dean Russo, resulting in expressive, colorful animal portraits that combine structure with creativity. The layering of bright oil pastels against the strong black lines enhances contrast and brings energy and movement to the finished work.

“I chose the lion; I love big creatures,” artist Nicole Yoder said. “I like learning new things. I love a good adventure.” She recalled decorating a jewelry box when she was younger and said she has always been a creative person.

City of Hemet Council Member Jackie Peterson found the talent of the group to be amazing. She said Aldridge and Espensen gave a wonderful tour of the clients’ artwork and explained the process for each outing. “The clients are very imaginative and are taught so many skills along the way,” Peterson said. “We had the privilege of talking with three of them on the tour, and their enthusiasm is infectious. They love this program and enjoy the camaraderie and experience. I’ve seen this art show several years now, and it never disappoints.”

State Farm Insurance agent Valerie Tichy-Drummer was visiting for the first time, and she was proud to be a sponsor. “It’s a great organization and I was very impressed with the event,” she said. “I love celebrating artistic talent and I will be supporting it in the future, for sure.”

Kyocera Account Executive Lorenzo Mejia said his company was honored to have served as a sponsor for the exceptionally well attended event. He said it showcased an impressive range of artistic works, highlighting the depth of talent within the community. “Kyocera proudly supports initiatives that celebrate creativity and innovation,” he said. “We look forward to participating again next year.”

For more information, www.weexceed.org and #EXCEEDARTSHOW2026.

The post Artists share their talent at annual show appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

    In San Bernardino, the campus formerly known as Cesar E. Chavez Middle School has already begun removing visible references to its namesake. The school’s signage has been covered, and its website now temporarily identifies it as “Middle School #318” while officials review next steps.

    Elsewhere, several events that traditionally honored Chavez have either been postponed, renamed or canceled. In Riverside, where a bronze statue of Chavez stands along the downtown Main Street pedestrian mall and a community center bears his name, some local leaders are now calling for changes.

    The reaction comes in a region deeply connected to Chavez’s legacy. In 1970, he signed the United Farm Workers’ first contract with a table-grape grower in the Riverside County desert—an early milestone in the labor movement he helped build.

    The San Bernardino City Unified School District announced Thursday, March 19, that it would temporarily remove Chavez’s name from the middle school “to allow time for thoughtful review” before the school board makes a final decision.

    In Riverside, public response has been mixed. Some residents passing the downtown statue declined to comment, while others questioned whether it should remain. Alanis Lopez, 22, said the situation highlights the risks of tying movements too closely to individuals.

    “I think that’s why we shouldn’t center movements around people,” Lopez said. “Maybe it’s better to recognize the farmworkers themselves rather than one person.”

    Gracie Torres, a Western Municipal Water District board member who is running for Riverside City Council’s Ward 2 seat, said the allegations were difficult to process and called for reconsidering how Chavez is publicly honored.

    “It hits close to home,” Torres said. “As a Latina, losing figures you grew up looking up to is painful. But it also gives us an opportunity to refocus on the people whose sacrifices made the movement possible.”

    Torres suggested that March 31, widely observed as Cesar Chavez Day, could instead be reframed as a day of service dedicated to farmworkers and immigrant communities.

    Several organizations have already begun making that shift. The Riverside Latino Network announced it would postpone its annual Chavez commemorative breakfast, originally scheduled for March 30.

    In a statement, the group’s president, Alex Cortez, acknowledged the broader labor movement Chavez helped inspire while emphasizing the need for reflection.

    “We are asking how to move forward in a way that honors the spirit of the movement while also acknowledging difficult truths,” Cortez said. “Our community still faces challenges, and focusing on education and future generations is one way we can continue that work.”

    The city of Riverside also pulled a planned proclamation recognizing Cesar Chavez Day from its March 24 City Council agenda. Instead, officials said the city will recognize United Farmworkers Day while gathering public input on whether to rename buildings or reconsider monuments tied to Chavez.

    At Moreno Valley College, a scholarship ceremony connected to Chavez’s name has been canceled, though recipients will still receive their awards, according to college officials.

    Cal Poly Pomona is also reviewing the future of its César E. Chávez Center for Higher Education. In a message to campus, university leaders said they plan to consult students, faculty and staff before making any decisions.

    In Pomona, longtime community organizers have already begun adjusting plans. The Latino and Latina Roundtable has renamed its annual breakfast event and removed Chavez’s name from the program.

    Organizer Jose Calderon said the moment should be used to confront broader issues while continuing the work of the labor movement.

    “We stand in solidarity with survivors and remain committed to the values of justice, dignity and respect,” Calderon said. “This is not about one individual—it’s about the resilience of the community.”

    Additional events planned for April in Pomona will now focus on healing, education and cultural traditions, with proceeds supporting student scholarships.

    At Cal State San Bernardino, organizers confirmed that the university’s annual Cesar Chavez Memorial Breakfast has been canceled for 2026. Professor Enrique Murillo Jr. said the decision was made after learning of the allegations.

    “The movement has never been about one person,” Murillo said in a joint statement with community partners. “It’s about the collective struggle and dignity of the people. We have to be willing to face difficult truths and center those who have been harmed.”

    As institutions across the region weigh next steps, many leaders say the focus is shifting toward honoring farmworkers broadly—rather than a single figure—while addressing the concerns raised in recent days.

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Among the many families who’ve made this event a cherished tradition are Albert Kissinger and Michael Church, two dedicated members of the Kids Fishing Tournament Committee, whose stories span multiple generations of fishing memories at the Golden Era lakes.

Albert Kissinger, the Committee President, brought his son Shane to the very first tournament held at the site in 1999. Shane not only caught his first fish that day, but proudly took home a trophy he still has to this day. Fast forward to 2024—Albert’s grandson, Biagio Simioli, also caught his very first fish during this spring’s tournament.

“My favorite part is watching a kid catch their first fish—it never gets old,” said Kissinger. “I’m probably just as excited as they are!”

A proud member of the Point Seekers Bass Club, Albert organizes these events to share his love for fishing and give back to the community.

“I like to spread enjoyment and let kids experience the outdoors and the excitement fishing brings.”

Albert encourages anyone interested in volunteering—whether it’s helping at weigh stations or supporting kids at the lakeside—to contact him at N2bass1960@yahoo.com.

Another committee member, Michael Church, shares a similar legacy. Church brought his then-6-year-old son, Joshua, to fish in the tournament 25 years ago to one of the Golden Era lakes. That day, young Joshua snagged second place. Now, Church’s grandson—also named Joshua—has followed in their footsteps, continuing the family’s fishing tradition at Golden Era.

“I started fishing when I was six, thanks to my uncle,” Church shared. “Now I’m passing that on. Fishing keeps my kids away from drugs and gangs—and they love it!”

A proud father of five and grandfather to twelve, Church’s entire family enjoys fishing. Three of his grandkids, along with his daughter, brother, and wife, all joined him at this May’s event.

“I think it’s awesome that you open up your lakes for the community,” said Church, a San Jacinto native.

The next Annual Kids Fishing Tournament is already on the horizon—mark your calendars for Saturday, March 28, 2026—and get ready to cast a line and make new memories with your family.

The post Beloved Kids Fishing Tournament Reels in a Heartwarming Family Success appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Girl Scout cookie season kicked off on Saturday, Jan. 25, as more than 500 volunteers across the Inland Empire helped distribute 1.2 million boxes of cookies.

The “mega drop” of cookies for the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio were distributed in preparation for the annual sale — “the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world,” according to a Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio news release.

Volunteers distributed 100,000 cases of cookies in Riverside, Palm Desert, Apple Valley and Lake Elsinore. More than 500 council staff and volunteers loaded orders into vehicles at each site.

Thousands of girls in Riverside and San Bernardino counties aim to sell the 1.2 million boxes of cookies starting Sunday, Jan. 26, in a program that “helps girls acquire invaluable entrepreneurial skills,” according to the organization.

Cookie season runs from January to April. Nearly more than 10,000 girls in the two-county region are served by the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio, according to the group’s website.

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TEMECULA, CA — Goodwill is opening a new retail store in Temecula next month and shoppers can win prizes and enjoy limited offers, the company said on social media.

The new store will be the non-profit chain’s second retail location in Temecula. Goodwill also operates a store and donation center located at 41125 Winchester Rd. in Temecula.

From Feb. 7 to 9, the store will give the first 50 people in line $10 in shopping vouchers. There will also be drawings for a flat-screen television and gift cards to the store. Those who sign up here will get 20% off a purchase of $30 or more and shoppers will get a free gift when they spend $20 or more.

The store will also offer the following tag deals:

• Friday – 2/7 – $2.49 All Red Tags
• Saturday – 2/8 – $1.99 All Red Tags
• Sunday – 2/9 – 50% Off All Gray Tags

“We are excited to open our second store in Temecula,” said Patrick McClenahan, Goodwill Southern California’s President and CEO. “Goodwill SoCal stores help fund our non-profit’s mission to transform lives through the power of work, helping people in our community who experience barriers to employment find jobs.”

The store is located at 41501 Margarita Rd. in Temecula.

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The children had surprise gifts for their moms, too. They decorated canvas tote bags and filled out questionnaires “All About Mom.” Preschooler Nadia said her mom’s name is “Mommy” and that she is really good at “everything.” A classmate of hers said their favorite thing about their mom is “when she gives me cookies.”

Pre-K students used colorful handprints in a circle to resemble a flower to which green stems were painted on. Inside was a jar candle decorated with a mosaic made from colorful tissue paper. Kindergartners colored flower pots that were printed on the totes and decorated plates that were put inside each one. Grandmothers received keychains with mini handprints on them.

Glori Lindsey said her daughter Avareign, 6, did a “berry good job” with all the gifts she made. “I love everything so much,” she said. Glori was able to spend some valuable time with her family, which also includes two sons, on the official Mother’s Day of May 12 at a resort in Palm Springs.

Celena Morillo and her daughter, Menyil Tohee, 5, enjoy everything the preschool has to offer. “I like all the different things they ask them to make; they are very creative,” Celena said. On Mother’s Day her family cooked her breakfast and then all her sisters came over for lunch and to spend time together outside.

Rosemary Morillo is great-grandmother to Avareign and grandmother to Menyil and shared the time with fellow grandmother Nancy Beltran. Another great-granddaughter of Morillo’s is Nehsoon Salas, 5, who filled in the blanks “All About My Mom” by saying if she could tell her mom one thing, it would be, “You are gorgeous.” The kindergartner’s mother Avelaka Gonzales said this is the first year her daughter has attended the preschool.

“She has learned so much about animals and plants and she’s having fun while she’s doing it so that’s the best part,” Gonzales said. On Mother’s Day she was treated to a spa day while Nehsoon and other family members cleaned the house for her.

Morillo, who offered a blessing before the brunch was served, said, “It’s always an honor to get together with all the mothers,” she said. She asked the Creator to bless all family members in attendance and reminded everyone to “cherish these moments with your young ones, as time goes by so fast.”

Preschool teachers and staff served up mini cold cut sandwiches, two kinds of salad, chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and pasta salad. There were also bags of chips and other crunchy snacks, a huge bowl of fresh berries and strawberry topped cupcakes and Rice Krispie treats. All of this was washed down with lemonade, bottled water or a refreshing strawberry drink.

Corryn Salgado-Flores enjoyed the morning with her daughter Love Salgado-Flores, 3, and son Ace Covington, 5, along with their grandmother Becky Flores. Corryn said she likes that the preschool offers her children a chance to learn their Native language. “They also get to go to school with a few of their cousins,” she said.

The event provided an opportunity for all siblings and relatives who are in different classrooms to be together to celebrate as a family.

Tribal Council Secretary Monica Herrera has two grandchildren who are students there; Pre-K student Palki and kindergartner Gabe who were with their mom, Alyssa Salgado.

“I like the themes they do every year; it’s always super cute,” Herrera said. “I love that the school does this to bring the community together.”

Cyndi Lemke, whose grandson Iggy Alcala is in the kindergarten class, had a great personal Mother’s Day. “All the moms came to my house,” she said. “All us ladies had snacks and watched movies while the guys made and served breakfast. It was also my birthday, so I got extra flowers.”

Soboba Tribal Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado said, “I came to celebrate with all these special moms.” Mother of two, she enjoyed her own Mother’s Day on May 12. “We had Sunday brunch at the casino, which was amazing.”

One of the newest moms in attendance was Daise Burton with her five-week-old son, Jobi, who has an older brother Joseph, 8, and an older sister, Loovi, 4, who is in Ana Garcia’s Pre-K class. The kids were joined by their “glamma” Dondi Silvas, who serves as Soboba Foundation President and Housing Specialist for Soboba Housing.

Sierra Mendez had a second son six weeks ago and was at the event with her four-year-old son, Kuyvaxish Mendez, who is in Lenora “Ponie” Mojado’s class. Sierra also has a stepdaughter, who is 10. She was pleased to be one of the lucky raffle prize recipients and chose a satin sleep mask and pillowcase set, sure to be well used in the future. Other choices were handbags and cast-iron pans.

Preschool teacher Mojado has two sons; Mac is 10 and Eli is 8. She had spent Sunday with family at the Soboba Casino Resort’s brunch. “It was amazing; they had a buffet with different items,” she said. “Then I went shopping at Bath and Body Works and later I went to my sister’s house for family dinner. It was the perfect Mother’s Day of relaxing and shopping.”

She enjoyed giving out prizes at the raffle and said the mothers in attendance seemed to feel really appreciated and enjoyed the food they were served.

“My favorite part about working with children is they make me laugh and smile,” Mojado said. “We always joke around in my preschool class. I always make the children laugh and carry on a conversation. It’s always a fun time in the preschool room with all my little friends.”

Julissa Garcia is an Instructional Aide in the pre-kindergarten classroom. Celebrating Mother’s Day with her almost one-year-old son included going to dinner with her mother and aunt.

“My son and his dad also shared gifts and gave me a couple extra hours of sleep,” she said.

She enjoyed the feeling of togetherness at the preschool’s brunch.

“I liked seeing all of our children’s families show up for them and their reactions to the handcrafted gifts they made in class,” Garcia said. Her favorite part of working with the young children is “seeing them grow and progress each day and being given the opportunity to help foster lifelong learning.”

Preschool staff have already begun preparations for a Father’s Day luncheon on May 31.

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LAKE ELSINORE, CA — With May Gray at the coast, now is the perfect time of year to explore and visit Southwest Riverside County. Visit Temecula Valley has launched its newest campaign, “10Lake Valley,” a campaign focusing on eight communities and 214 square miles of lakes, rivers, cities, mountain peaks, and fertile valleys of Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Visit Temecula Valley CEO Scott Wilson discussed the push to showcase the SoCal wildlands.

“To me, the 10 Lake Valley idea is that this is the ultimate outdoor playground in our area. You get out there in your own backyard,” Wilson said. “My favorite is hiking around Lake Skinner, and Diamond Valley Lake is massive. It’s beautiful and picturesque for fishing and boating. More, to create core memories with your family.”

Area residents regularly hike, bike, fish, boat, or hot-air balloon over much of our slice of Riverside County.

Jogging trails around Diamond Valley Lake, hiking trails along the Santa Rosa Plateau, and camping at Lake Hemet are only some of the area’s hidden gems.

“For the people who play on the edges and carve their own paths, who never leave a scenic route untaken, or a vista unviewed, the combined efforts of the initiative shows the varied regions that Southwest Riverside County has for residents and visitors to enjoy.

One of the top and most recognizable destinations is Temecula Valley Wine Country, spanning over 2,460 acres of vineyards with nearly 50 wineries. But there is much more to the area than that.

Where are the 10 Lakes Of Southwest Riverside County?

Within Southwest Riverside County, there are ten lakes, all distinct for their beauty, water sports, and fishing. They mirror the surrounding communities of Canyon Lake, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, San Jacinto, Temecula, and Wildomar:

“These enchanting waters nourish our spirits, flourish our lands, and cultivate a refreshing sense of serenity and connection. So whether you’re here for thrills and watersports or chilling out on the water in the sun, these 10 lakes will stir your soul,” according to the website.

1. Canyon Lake: Welcome to the paradise of this close-knit lakeside community. When you visit,enjoy the hiking, pubs, and clubs and the sprawl of lakes and beaches.
2. Diamond Valley Lake: Surrounded by mountains, come to enjoy the stunning vistas. Home of “monster-sized” fish, you can rent boats or e-bikes at the marina, or walk the 22.7 mile trails around the lake.
3. Heritage Lake: A 1.3 mile walking trail surrounds this 25-acre lake. Come to use outdoor exercise equipment, sports equipment and children’s play areas.
4. Lake Elsinore: Ideal for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, skydiving, hang-glide, wingsuit or boat, jet ski, and windsurfing.
5. Lake Hemet: Fishing and camping lovers, the mountain lake of Lake Hemet offers glamping and lakefront cabins, boat rentals and a swim zone. Seasonally stocked with rainbow and lightning trout, and fish year-round for blue gill, crappie, bass and catfish.
6. Lake Perris: Birdwatchers paradise, this lake is ideal for hiking, biking, scuba diving, water sports, nature walks, horseback riding and fishing.
7. Lake Skinner: Camping, picnicking, splash pad, hiking, horseback, riding, sailing, fishing and non-body contact boating. Day use available. The location of the annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.
8. Menifee Lakes: Surrounded by two 18-hole golf courses, this lake stretches over 36 acres of waterways this lake is an idyllic backdrop of golfers, casual walkers and hikers.
9. Mystic Lake: Another birdwatcher’s paradise, Mystic lake sees 200 identified species of birds annually and sits adjacent to a 9,000 San Jacinto Wildlife area.
10. Vail Lake: Visit the KOA campground and check out the lake for bass fishing, bike park, a world-class bike park with 25-miles of trails, obstacles, flow track and races for mountain biking and BMX.

While Lake Skinner is a reservoir, with no body contact but fishing and boating allowed, lakes like Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Hemet, and Lake Elsinore attract visitors interested in water sports like fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, boating, water skiing, and jet skiing.

The project was in keeping with the statewide initiative to get tourism on track. To do that, extensive research was conducted, deciding on the locally known but not often shared outdoor activities around our many lakes. The result was the 10Lake Valley website and ad campaign, built to educate those who wish to come, stay, and play here. Financing for the project was bolstered by 2022 ARPA funds, according to Wilson.

Chuck Washington, Riverside County’s Third District Supervisor, discussed the project to expand local tourism beyond the valley.

“What many people don’t know about Southwest Riverside County is that there are many unique areas waiting to be discovered, and that’s what 10Lake Valley is all about,” Washington said. “I am immensely proud of this initiative, which showcases the incredible beauty of our region and creates new opportunities for exploration and adventure for our visitors.”

Learn more by exploring online at 10lakevalley.com.

The post 10 Lake Valley: A New Way To Play In Southwest Riverside County appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

“We’re not using only the consumer price index model,” agency Director Jeff Johnson told the board. “We’re looking at the costs and assignments on our end … (which are) variable across different aspects of what we regulate.”

Johnson emphasized the department did not seek any fee adjustments for the current fiscal year and is now seeking to offset expenses that have grown beyond what the agency can absorb and stay within budget.

“We go back and analyze what we do. We ask if we can do some things better, create efficiencies,” he said. “That’s why I didn’t come here last year and ask for a CPI adjustment. We’ve had to absorb costs internally, but we’re a lean machine.”

Supervisor Kevin Jeffries applauded the efficiency goal, saying he has never liked going along with other board members in applying a “rubber stamp and not ask what’s driving increases.”

“Anything that leads us to a process where we can see where the revenue challenges and the shortfalls are … is a benefit,” Jeffries said.

The permit and inspection fees the department is seeking to increase cover a broad regulatory scheme, from food facilities to farm stands, and swimming pools to septic tanks.

Among the higher fees slated for an increase is the permit for a community temporary event. The greater the number of vendors, the bigger the cost for a Department of Environmental Health review. A permit for an event featuring 26 to 30 vendors would go from $3,644 to $3,863, while an event with 56 to 60 vendors would rise from $7,202 to $7,634.

A catering permit would go from $527 to $563, while a produce stand permit would only rise $9 to $398.

The cost of a permit to sell unpackaged edibles from a mobile food facility would increase from $589 to $624, and to host a certified farmers market, a $543 fee would be required for a permit, compared to $522 currently.

The cost of a permit for installation of an underground storage tank would jump from $1,328 to $1,380, and the fee for closing an underground system would go from $944 to $962.

Among the smallest increases was for food handler certification, which is a $27 fee. It would bump up to $28 under the proposed amendments.

A few fees would be left unchanged, including the $140 inspection fee for a mobile home park and the 10-cent per page cost of clerical records supplied by the department.

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