The local coffee brand confirmed it has officially taken possession of the depot space, marking a major step toward transforming the longtime landmark into a new gathering spot for the community.

Once open, Rendezvous Coffee plans to operate seven days a week, offering a full menu that will include specialty coffee drinks along with fresh breakfast and lunch options. The concept aims to blend the building’s historic character with a modern, comfortable café atmosphere.

The Hemet Train Depot, a well-known piece of the city’s history, is expected to provide a unique backdrop for the new business, appealing to both residents interested in local heritage and those simply looking for a place to enjoy a cup of coffee.

The company said its team is currently working to prepare the space, with a grand opening planned for later this year. An official opening date has not yet been announced.

Local supporters and community members are already expressing excitement about the project, which is expected to add a new destination in the heart of Hemet.

The post Rendezvous Coffee Set to Open at Historic Hemet Train Depot appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

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.

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The non-injury blaze was reported at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Fruitvale and Sanderson avenues, according to the Hemet Fire Department.

The agency said multiple engine crews from the city and Riverside County Fire Department were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a slow rate through a field bounded by roads.

No homes or other structures were threatened.

At 3:20 p.m., firefighters were making steady progress encircling the blaze, according to reports from the scene.

No Cal Fire aircraft from nearby Hemet-Ryan Airport were requested.

Full containment was expected by 4 p.m.

There was no word on what might have triggered the blaze.

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Emergency crews were alerted to the incident shortly after 6 p.m. in an unincorporated area southwest of Stoddard Wells Road and Ranch X Road. According to reports, a friend of the victim went searching after losing contact and discovered the crash scene.

Due to the rugged terrain, access to the area was limited, requiring specialized response efforts. First responders arrived and confirmed the individual had died at the scene.

Officials identified the victim as a 59-year-old man from Hemet.

Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash. No additional details regarding the cause have been released at this time.

Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information to contact the California Highway Patrol’s Victorville office.

The post Hemet Resident Dies in Off-Road Crash Near Apple Valley appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

On Wednesday, deputies and personnel from the Riverside County Post Release Accountability Compliance Team located 23-year-old Samuel Salazar at a home in the 700 block of E. Wright Street in Hemet and took him into custody without incident, according to a news release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. 

Salazar was identified as the suspect shortly after the shooting, which happened on May 7, 2023, but deputies were unable to locate him. Despite a warrant for his arrest, he continued to elude their efforts until this week. He was booked for murder at the Robert Presley Detention Center.

The 2023 incident left 18-year-old Lake Elsinore man Noah Ivancso dead in the 33100 block of Jamieson Street. He was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds when deputies arrived at the time and he was eventually pronounced dead at the scene. 

As their investigation into the incident continues, investigators said they would not be sharing further details. Anyone who may know more was asked to contact RSO’s Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777. 

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