Soboba Foundation President Andy Silvas said the annual turkey distribution is one of those events that truly captures what the Soboba Foundation is all about—giving back, supporting families, and strengthening the community.

“I love seeing our team, volunteers, and partners come together to make sure every family can enjoy a warm meal during the holidays,” Silvas said. “It’s more than just turkeys; it’s about connection, gratitude, and caring for one another. The Foundation is proud to continue this tradition of generosity and unity that our Tribe and community has built over the years.”

The Hemet Unified district office parking lot was the site for distribution of 1,000 turkeys on Nov. 19. About 70 volunteers were on hand to welcome recipients, direct traffic and place 20-pound turkeys into vehicles. A combination of HUSD staff, Hemet Police Department members, officers from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and several Soboba Foundation members helped make the afternoon event run smoothly.

 “So many people play a key role here,” Coordinator of School, Family and Community Partnerships Miriam Ortiz said. “Our Family & Community Outreach Liaisons, Nutrition Services team, Security team, and several other departments who show up on the day of the event are all essential to making this happen.”

San Jacinto Unified set up its drive-through program for its 800 recipients and plenty of volunteers to interact just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday break. A steady stream of vehicles was guided through the San Jacinto High School stadium parking lot from 3-5 p.m. on Nov. 21. Selected families received a letter informing them that they had been chosen to receive a free frozen turkey thanks to the generosity of the Soboba Foundation.

SJUSD School, Family & Community Liaison Sheila Blythe said site liaisons at the district’s 16 schools were told how many families they could give vouchers to for planning purposes.

An additional 200 turkeys were provided to various nonprofit organizations and food pantries.

Joseph Placencia, a Soboba Tribal member who has volunteered at these events for several years, was elected to the Foundation board earlier this year and serves as secretary. “This time around as an actual board member made things all that more special,” he said. “We have a good group, a good board, we do our duty with some laughs, and great company.” Placencia added that a highlight was seeing the look on people’s faces as they picked up their turkeys, smiling because they have one less worry for the holiday.

Ortiz, who has been at HUSD for nine years, said site liaisons don’t base their choices on income alone. “Site staff are often aware of circumstantial challenges that create hardship,” she said.

“For me, the highlight is seeing how the holiday season brings out the best in our community,” Ortiz said. The volunteers not only shared their time but served with so much joy. Even a few of our former liaisons, who have since transitioned into new roles, came back to help. That kind of continued support is truly special and speaks to their heart for serving families.”

HUSD staff members commented that the event gets more and more organized each year and that plenty of the parents said the line ran very smoothly and it was a quick in-and-out process.

Families who responded to a survey about the event commented, “The coordination was amazing,” “Everything was well organized with everyone kind and in great spirit,” and “I wouldn’t change anything; the staff outside were very pleasant. Thank you for the turkey!”

Another parent appreciated the helpful traffic guards who kept all lanes of traffic orderly and safe. “The inflatable turkey costume was a nice touch, too,” they said, referring to the HUSD staff member who wore an inflatable turkey costume throughout the afternoon.

SJUSD Superintendent David Pyle, who was working the distribution line said, “We are so thankful to the Soboba Foundation for their continued generosity and support of our families.”

Mountain View High School and Mountain Heights Academy Principal Ken Swanson typically volunteers his time directing drivers through the lines. He arrived a little later than usual this year because he was busy delivering a handful of turkeys to families that did not have any transportation to pick up their turkeys.

“I enjoy doing this every year,” Swanson said.

Tribal Council Sergeant-at-Arms and Soboba Foundation Board member Daniel Valdez said, “Volunteering for the turkey distribution each year is something I genuinely look forward to. It’s a chance to connect with our community in a meaningful way and be part of an effort that brings real comfort to families during the holiday season. I believe it’s important for the Soboba Foundation to participate because it reflects our commitment to giving back and supporting families. Highlights for me this year were seeing the excitement on faces; moments like that remind us of why this work matters.”

The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians allocates funding to the Soboba Foundation for charitable giving purposes that are distributed to various organizations or nonprofit groups. The efforts to achieve the mission and vision of the Soboba Foundation are driven by the commitment and dedication of the Soboba Foundation Board of Directors and staff.

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The Spotlight program is part of the Department’s Building Better Businesses (B3) program in partnership with the Lake Elsinore Chamber of Commerce. A recent news release showcased the family’s path, feeding Southwest Riverside County families for many years.

“The pair began in a small carnicería in Lake Elsinore, before moving to Lake Elsinore’s Historic Downtown Main Street at 111 North Main Street during the pandemic. Known for their mouthwatering quesa birria tacos and inviting atmosphere, Michi Tacos has become a community favorite.

“The restaurant has earned numerous accolades, including HomeBase’s Top Local Workplace of the Year, Yelp’s Top 15 birria taco spots, Assemblyman Bill Essayli’s office’s small business of the month award, and recognition as “Best Restaurant” of the year by the Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce, according to the release.

“Now, the Hererra family of restaurants is expanding across Southwest Riverside County.

“They opened a second location at Diamond Stadium in 2022 and a third in Menifee, with plans to debut Quiero Brunch in Temecula soon.

“The Herreras’ dedication to community is evident in their partnerships. They support organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Oak Grove Center, the Boys and Girls Club and the Ronald McDonald House.

“Their initiatives include school backpack drives, Thanksgiving Turkey Drives, Meals from the Heart, Taco Tuesdays for kids, and their annual Michi Tacos’ Christmas program, always bringing joy to needy families,” Gonzalez wrote.

They remain committed to quality food and a positive team culture.

“Michi Tacos has become a cherished local treasure and a symbol of resilience and giving in Lake Elsinore and beyond. Their commitment to the Lake Elsinore community and giving back is truly inspiring and there is no doubt why Michi Tacos was selected as this month’s spotlight.”

For more information about Michi Tacos, located at 111 N Main Street in Lake Elsinore, CA please visit www.michitacos.com. To view their Business in Action Spotlight video, please visit: lakeelsinorebusiness.com.

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   Patton first saw combat and gained fame chasing Poncho Villa in 1916. He earned a Purple Heart in 1918 for combat wounds while under German machine-gun fire. And interestingly, his grandfather – Benjamin Davis Wilson – was the second elected major of Los Angeles (1851) – Mt. Wilson is named after him.  

   Gen. Dwight Eisenhower was aware of Patton’s fighting style and aggressive tactics, but also considered him “indispensable to the war effort.” A situation arose in 1945, around taking the city of Trier. Here is how the dialogue went between these two generals: Gen. Eisenhower: “You are to bypass the city of Trier, as it will take four divisions to capture it.” Gen. Patton’s reply: “Have taken Trier with two divisions. What do you want me to do? Give it back?” Classic George!

   Taking territory is an interesting endeavor and even more so when considering exactly what type of territory we’re talking about. Let’s understand that God’s territory and economy doesn’t operate by the same principles that the world runs on! 

   There was once a king in the Bible – Jabez – who prayed this prayer: “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil.” God granted him what he requested. But notice what Jabez didn’t pray for – he didn’t ask for more power, more wealth, or more troops. He asked that the Lord would enlarge his territory. So what is that exactly?

   As it pertains to us, I would venture to say part of gaining territory is winning the lost to Jesus Christ. But gaining territory also means asking for more opportunities to share our good news. Romans 10 asks: “But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” Hint: The simple rule of evangelism = Those who know, tell those who don’t.

   The story is told of a famous evangelist who was preparing for a meeting in a large city. He wrote a letter to the major asking for names of individuals who had a spiritual problem and needed help or prayer. The major responded with a copy of the city directory. 

   Lord – enlarge our territory – take us out of our comfort zones as we shop for groceries, stand in line at the post office, or go to the gym. The next time you wait in your car at a red light, watch the pedestrians as they cross in front of you and pray for them. It’s not that difficult. Enlarge your territory! Ask God for courage like Moses, a fervor like the believers in the early church, an obsession for showing Christ to others like the Apostle Paul, and a radical desire to spread the faith like Peter! 

   Once, while waiting in a cemetery for a funeral service, evangelist Charles Simeon (1759-1836) walked among the graves, reading the markers. He found one that especially caught his eye: “When from the dust of death I rise, To claim my mansion in the skies, E’en then shall this be all my plea- “Jesus hath lived and died for me.” 

   Simeon was so impacted with this gospel message that he looked for someone to share it with. He saw a young woman, obviously distressed, and shared it with her. He visited her the next day and found poverty & squalor. Her aged mother was dying and her two small children were dirty and trying to warm themselves by a small fire.

   Simeon visited again the next day, this time bringing assistance. Later, the young woman told him that she had been in the cemetery for five hours, trying to work up the nerve to take her life. Needless to say – Simeon’s interaction with her not only saved her life but I suspect her soul as well. It doesn’t get much better than that!

   Please – never forget – you may well be the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read!

Bob and Susan Becket pastor The Dwelling Place City Church at 27100 Girard Street in Hemet, CA. For more information, you may contact them at DPCitychurch.org

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“Our main goal is to keep preventing childhood drowning,” said Tenaya Goldsmith, founder/CEO and president of Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation. “There are a lot of children who don’t have access to swim lessons, get turned away from swim lessons, and children with disabilities who are also in those groups — students in wheelchairs who don’t have the same access as other children.”

“I just firmly believe that no matter what the child’s circumstances, learning how to swim and learning how to save your life from drowning is a life skill that everyone should have,” she said.

Founded in 2015, first as Big Kahuna Swim Academy, the organization has morphed into a vigorous nonprofit eager to thwart childhood drowning through stellar community outreach and education, and water safety and swim lesson scholarships.

One of its signature beliefs is that every child should be water-safe.

“It’s amazing to be able to help a community that normally doesn’t get that these kinds of opportunities,” Goldsmith said.

Recently, the Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation received a James Bernard and Mildred Jordan Tucker Fund grant via the Inland Empire Community Foundation. The grant was designated for the nonprofit’s Swim Lesson Scholarship Program.

While many things stand out about the organization, Goldsmith points out several initiatives drawing positive feedback. One of them is the Drowning Prevention Heroes program, a monthly initiative that launches Dec. 6.

“It’s an opportunity for our community and anyone who wants to to get involved with the organization and donate on a monthly basis,” Goldsmith said. “The program will fund our scholarships that will be given to children from low-income families.”

Low-income families, she said, are one of the group’s within the community the organization strives to serve.

“Those children, through no fault of their own, can’t go learn how to swim because their families can’t afford it,” Goldsmith said. “All somebody has to do is donate $5 a month and that’s like a Starbucks drink, right? Not even — Starbucks is like $8 now. So, for $5 a month, people can help save kids’ lives right?

“That’s the equivalent to five minutes in the water every single month that they’d be giving the child to learn how to swim,” she said.  “For every dollar someone donates every single month, that’s one minute in the water that they’re giving the child to learn how to swim. This is going to be a great program.”

Goldsmith’s passion for the work clearly shines through. After launching Big Kahuna Swim Academy as its sole proprietor seven years ago, by 2020, she saw a great need to create a nonprofit and reach more people. Preventing drowning incidents and promoting safe swimming practices became key initiatives.

In addition to its swim lesson and scholarship programs, the Norco-based organization’s volunteer program is extensive, ranging from event, administration, special projects, and marketing volunteers to viable swim instructors.

With the nonprofit’s visibility and popularity on the rise, Goldsmith notes that prior to receiving the Inland Empire Community Foundation grant, there had been longer waiting lists for families who desired swim lessons scholarships.

“The grant helped us tremendously,” she said. “And like I said, the skills we teach are life-or-death skills. Something can happen in a second. A lot of people don’t stop to think about how fast drowning can happen.”

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Hamilton High School’s Angie Delgado says, “I am devoted to my chosen field of study.  I have always found an interest in Kinesiology and am fascinated by the idea of helping athletes with their athletic journey.”  Angie will be the first in her family to attend college, a point of immense pride for her and her family.  Angie is hoping to attend Cal State San Marcos or Mt. San Antonio College, focusing on movement anatomy or exercise physiology.

Kayla Benson from Hemet High School says that after she acquires her college degree in Civil Engineering, “I want to serve my community and help those who struggle.  I’ve been inspired by the needs of the people I see every day who are less fortunate and need somewhere to call their own.  Education is power, and the more I know the more I can do good for others.”   Kayla plans to attend either Brigham Young University Provo or BYU Idaho in the fall.

Although mathematics isn’t every student’s favorite subject, Ubaldo Puente of Tahquitz High School plans to further his education at the University of Utah where he will work towards a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and eventually earn his teaching credential.  “I want my future students to view the subject in a new light, the way my third grade teacher showed my peers and me a new perspective on the misunderstood subject.”  Dr. Emily Shaw, Hemet Unified School District’s Director of Wellness and Community Outreach, says, “Ubaldo is the all-around package: brains, character, high morals and strong leadership.”

Western Center Academy graduating senior Logan Fogle says, “For as long as I can remember, I have had a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for the natural world’s complexity and simplicity.  I find a peace and relaxation in nature.  I want to pursue a career in nature, working for the US Forest Service as a Forester.  My office will be among the trees, my water cooler will be a cool mountain stream.”  Logan plans to attend Cal Poly Humboldt University and major in Forestry.  Western Center AP English teacher Tonya Brady says that Logan will bring “a focused dedication to college where no class will intimidate him.  He is a quality person.” 

Sports Medicine has become a profound part of Nathalie Garcia’s life. She has a passion for helping athletes and making a meaningful impact.  She developed that passion at West Valley High School, “working at my school’s clinic with 8 other selected peers and working and interacting with individuals outside of school.  Sports medicine is more than a career to me, it’s an emotional and heartwarming journey that stirs my soul.” Her two years in West Valley’s CTC Sports Medicine class has had quite an impact on this young lady.  Nathalie has her eyes set on attending Cal State San Marcos with a major in Kinesiology and the ultimate goal of becoming a physical therapist. 

“Whether grappling with the complexities of mathematics or immersing myself in literature, my thirst for understanding remains insatiable, propelling me towards continual growth.”  These are the words of Eugene Hernandez, HEF scholarship award winner from The Academy of Innovation.  Eugene says that with a “deep-seated passion for education and a genuine desire to inspire and empower others, I aspire to pursue a career in teaching.”  His plans are to first acquire an AA degree from MSJC then transfer to a university to earn his bachelor’s degree and eventually his teaching credential. 

Since 1978, the Hemet Education Foundation has been supporting schools sites and students in the Hemet Unified School District with financial donations and academic scholarships.  Over the past 15 years, the Foundation has donated over $104,000 to the District’s schools for much-needed supplies and resources.  Additionally, since 2014, the Hemet Education Foundation has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors in the district — $500 to qualifying seniors at both of our alternative high schools, and $5000 to qualifying seniors at each of our five comprehensive high schools.  For more information about the Hemet Education Foundation, you can access their website at hemeteducationfoundation.com.

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