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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With Christmas music played by DJ Mike Nevarez, festive décor throughout the room and gifts via hundreds of raffle prizes, everyone was in a joyful mood throughout the evening. Soboba tribal employee Andrew Vallejos emceed the event and will serve as the Chamber’s incoming chairman in 2022. He said he feels the volunteer position will help bring the community together as Soboba continues to work closely with so many local nonprofits and businesses. Vallejos introduced members of the Soboba Tribal Council and Soboba Foundation who were on hand to help hand out raffle gift baskets.

Cyndi Lemke, who has served as the Chamber’s executive director for the past three years said there are more than 350 businesses and about 150 nonprofits that are active members. She said the primary purpose of the Chamber is to let every member know that they are supported.

“We are behind you!” she said. “People join a Chamber of Commerce for different reasons. Some people want the chance to network with other business and community leaders. Some welcome the publicity that active involvement in Chamber activities can generate for their business. Some people want the opportunity to have a role in community affairs or obtain tools to support their success.”

Lemke assures that the Hemet San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce works hard to help its members achieve all these objectives. The Chamber has a core of active volunteers and staff who are committed to fulfilling the mission of the Chamber and help other members achieve their specific goals.

“These volunteers lead and serve on the key committees and task forces,” she said. “The Chamber’s programs are divided into five major categories: Economic Development, Membership Development, Community Services, Business Training Resources and Events.”

Specific to the recent mixer, Lemke said she loves the joy of the holiday season and the nature of this particular event. “We are there to appreciate each other,” she said. Networking opportunities were abundant as Chamber members interacted with attendees and she assisted Vallejos with hosting.

Sonia Ramos, Founder and CEO of Boxing for Christ, said her nonprofit has been a Chamber member for eight years and she has been an active volunteer during that time. Her program offers professional training for community youth to participate in boxing tournaments, most recently in Arizona, Nevada and Texas. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in January, the organization has helped more than 3,000 youth reach their dreams of becoming successful boxers. “Being part of the Chamber has given us the connections we need for our program,” Ramos said.

Kathy and Vince Conway serve on the board of directors for Carol’s Kitchen, a nonprofit that offers hot dine-in lunches for the community free of charge. It has been serving residents in Beaumont, Banning and Cabazon for 24 years and in April a kitchen was opened in San Jacinto. “Our guests also leave with a bag of extra groceries and can select a few items from some slightly used clothes; all for free,” Kathy Conway said.

The Conways were recently named Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year. They joined the Hemet San Jacinto Valley Chamber in 2021 and said it has helped them get to know the community.

“We have attended their Network for Businesses meetings where we have made connections. Also, they did a big announcement in the CHAT for our big fundraiser last October as well as an article about who Carol’s Kitchen is and where we are serving our free hot dine-in meals,” Kathy Conway said. “We are looking forward to next year of more events and working with the Chamber to increase our attendance of guests and raising money to be able to keep feeding the hungry.”

She found the Holiday Chamber Mixer to be a beautiful and fun event. “The food and desserts were fabulous,” Conway said. “It was even better because all four of us that attended went home with a gift. It was great to be back out mingling with and chatting with people in a fun and safe environment.”

Photographer Sara Pastrano has been in business for about eight years and found great support from the Chamber since joining about three years ago. “It has been an overall important business move and investment,” said the Hemet resident. “I was very excited to attend this year’s mixer and see old and new faces but my favorite part was seeing everyone cheering for others during the raffles.”

Lemke said the relationships and connections that the Chamber builds with its members is her favorite part. “I love to see our members reach their goals,” she said. “Their goals are our goals because their success is our success.”

After Vallejos wished everyone at the 2021 Holiday Chamber Mixer a safe and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year, Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas gave closing remarks. “We really appreciate the partnerships we have with all of you. Many of you volunteered with our turkey dinner giveaway and Unstuff the Bus toy drive events and we thank you for that,” she said. “Happy Holidays and we look forward to seeing you all again in the new year.”

Hemet San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Business Expo at the Hemet Valley Mall on Jan. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. Please contact Sonia@hsjvc.com for details. For more information about HSJVC, please visit www.hemetsanjacintochamber.com or call 951-658-3211.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians | Contibuted

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