The Partners in Peace initiative challenges honors students from across the United States to examine the work and strategies of Nobel Peace Prize laureates and to develop projects that promote peace, understanding, and conflict resolution in their own communities. Guided by the philosophy of “think globally, act locally,” participants engage in meaningful dialogue, leadership development, and community-based action throughout the program.

Young and Salazar were selected through a competitive application process that recognizes academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive change.

“Being accepted into the Partners in Peace program means a great deal to me,” said Young. “My journey has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of building bridges between people from different backgrounds. I am grateful for this opportunity to grow as a leader and contribute to creating positive change in my community.”

Salazar expressed her excitement about joining students from across the nation in the program.

“I am truly honored to have been selected for the Partners in Peace program and to represent Mt. San Jacinto College in this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Salazar. “I am especially excited to learn from Dr. Henrik Syse and collaborate with students across the nation who share a similar commitment to creating positive change. Overall, I am eager to continue expanding my knowledge of the mechanisms by which peace is created and sustained through this collaboration and thoughtful dialogue. I hope to share what I learn throughout the upcoming semester with my college and community, especially through local advocacy that supports and uplifts marginalized communities. Meaningful change may begin with one person, but it ripples out further as each action inspires another, creating a cascade of positive change that can reach far beyond the individual.”

MSJC Superintendent/President Roger W. Schultz congratulated the students on their achievement and recognized the faculty mentors who helped prepare them for this opportunity.

“Danela and Marisa exemplify the curiosity, compassion, and leadership that define our Honors students at MSJC,” said Schultz. “Their selection to the Partners in Peace program is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to their commitment to making a positive impact in the world. We are incredibly proud of them and excited to see how they apply what they learn to strengthen our communities. I would also like to thank Christina Yamanaka-Vu and Erik Ozolins for their outstanding leadership of the Honors Enrichment Program. Their dedication to student success continues to create transformative opportunities that empower our students to thrive both academically and as engaged global citizens.”

The students were nominated and supported through MSJC’s Honors Enrichment Program, led by Christina Yamanaka-Vu and Erik Ozolins. The program provides academically motivated students with opportunities for advanced scholarship, leadership development, undergraduate research, and participation in national and international educational experiences.

The selection of two MSJC students for the Partners in Peace program reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to developing informed, engaged, and socially responsible leaders who are prepared to address the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.

The post Two Mt. San Jacinto College Honors Students Selected for Prestigious National Partners in Peace Program in Oslo, Norway appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The Soboba Tribal TANF Program hosted its annual Honoring Ceremony and Traditional Family Gathering at the Soboba Springs Golf Course on Dec. 15. A welcome and blessing was followed by a buffet dinner featuring many delicious options such as braised short ribs, roasted turkey and dressing and winter salad.

The Inter-Tribal Bird Singers performed a few well-received songs before keynote speaker Judge Sunshine Sykes addressed the audience with her inspiring and heartfelt words. With miniature Christmas trees as centerpieces, families from all TANF sites gathered at dinner tables to enjoy good food and great company. Along with members from the Soboba site, others from the Riverside, Cahuilla and Santa Rosa TANF sites were in attendance. Emcee William Ramirez introduced guests and oversaw the many raffle prizes available.

The youngest children were given an opportunity to spend time in an arts and crafts room during Sykes’ speech. They made last-minute gifts for their friends and family such as decorative frames to be used for holiday photos and more. TANF staff supervised while Christmas music played, and kids got to use all the glitter and stickers they wanted to create their crafts. Sykes, who is a United States District Court judge appointed by President Biden in 2022, is a member of the Navajo Nation and serves in Riverside. Prior to being a federal judge, she was a State Court judge, also in Riverside.

Between law school and becoming a judge, she worked with Tribes and Tribal Members on issues affecting Indian people and Natives. “It’s been great being here with you today and seeing all the happiness, love and joy that is within this room and all the successes from all of you here,” Sykes said. “As many of you know, California has the largest Native population in the country and a number of these Tribes are found right here in Riverside County, yet it took until 2013 to have a Native American judge on the State Court bench. It took until 2022 for the Federal Court to have a Native American judge in the entire state of California.

My appointments to both the state and the federal court were historic. I was the first in each of those spaces. The first Native seated at a table that had historically never welcomed nor invited a Native to sit. And I mention this to demonstrate how much further we need to go to have equal representation in these spaces. There are many of these spaces across the country in many careers and we can only achieve a seat at these tables through education, determination and resilience. All of these have been a large part of my journey to be able to stand here before you all.”

She shared that her maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather grew up on the Navajo reservation, each being the first in their family to speak English and attend any type of school. “My great-grandmother spoke no English and herded sheep, living in a small hogan with no electricity and no running water,” Sykes said. “They lived their lives traditionally until they were forced to attend Sherman Indian Institute which ironically was just a few miles away from my courthouse in Riverside.”

Her grandfather had told her how he was taken from his home, forced to cut his hair, forced to not speak his native language and forced to march to and from classes. But despite such trauma, she said her grandparents were able to make a life for themselves and for her mother. “My mother and father also grew up on the Navajo reservation and although they had me at quite a young age, they were both 17, they were still able to graduate high school and go onto college and get their bachelor’s and master’s degrees,” she said. “So it is possible to go to college and have children and make it through.”

Sykes had her first of four daughters while she was attending law school and admits it was a lot of work but doable. “Unfortunately, my parents divorced when I was six and my mother traveled with me to Washington, DC to begin a career at the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” she said. Her mother was relocated to Gallup, New Mexico, and Sykes said growing up there caused her to see many injustices. “Gallup is a border town to the Navajo reservation, which like many other reservations, does not allow alcohol,” she said. “Due to this, Gallup has a lot of bars, alcoholism, poverty and racism.” Sykes said it was those injustices that she saw and experienced that really drew her to the law and wanting to make a difference in the world, in her life and that of her family. “So I decided to dedicate myself to my schooling to do the best that I could to get good grades,” she said.

She worked hard and was able to attend Stanford University law school. She gave back to her community by working for legal services agencies before, during and after law school. “I wanted to help Native families and children, so I focused on the Indian Child Welfare Act and developed that expertise that I was then able to share with members of the legal community, not only in the Inland Empire but across the state, training social workers and judges to make sure they understood the importance of the Act and that they were following the law,” she said. It was all those experiences that led her to be appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the State bench in 2013 and then last year to her appointment by Biden. Of the more than 800 federal judges in this country, Sykes is one of only five that are Native American. “During these experiences, I’ve always tried to stay grounded and remember who I am and where I come from,” she said. “I tell you my story so that you can hopefully see the ways in which your choices in life can have a direct impact on your family and all those around you.

By choosing to further your education, you will be bettering the lives of your family, your community, your Tribe and most importantly, yourself.” She told the parents to encourage their children to be the best that they can be and told all the students that just by being in school, many have overcome tremendous odds. She said there are many barriers in today’s society that Native people still face in pursuing education. “But those barriers can be broken,” Sykes said. “We see that all around us as Tribes and Tribal communities are controlling their own destinies through economic development, self-determination, traditions, ceremonies, language.

As I look around this space and I see all your faces, I see hope for our future. Through hard work, dedication and courage, I know we all can attain whatever goals that we set our sights on today.” She quoted Wilma Mankiller, the first woman elected to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, who was a community activist and organizer that helped establish education programs throughout Indian Country. Mankiller said the secret of the success of Native people is that “we never, never give up.” Sykes said, “Each of us carries strength, courage, determination, resilience and the power to adapt.

These are only some of the gifts given to us from our ancestors. The ability to rise above and never forget the sacrifices of our ancestors and all they had to endure for us to be here today. Remember that each and every one of us has power within us; don’t be afraid to stand in it.” The heart of the event was recognizing the accomplishments of those program participants who have worked hard toward reaching their goals in 2023. Several agencies and companies that partner with TANF gave out specific awards to deserving individuals. One of those was Sylvan Learning, which offers tutoring.

They gave out certificates of achievement to eight students that the tutors felt did an outstanding job this year with setting and meeting goals. Regional TANF Manager Angela Diaz and Case Worker Neysa Malvaez recognized adults from the Riverside, Cahuilla and Santa Rosa sites who have shown significant progress. From single mothers who are full time students to veterans and single fathers, all have shown great effort this past year. Others, who have chosen to return to school to further their education, were also singled out for their hard work and dedication. Regional Prevention Manager Harold Arres and Senior Program Specialist Annalisa Tucker from Soboba Tribal TANF presented Youth Leadership awards to Zachary Guacheno and Abigail Arres. Tucker said, “I’ve had the privilege of watching them both grow and mature during the years they’ve been with the program. I’ve been able to rely on them to help with younger members on trips and help bring up the younger generation.

They are so helpful to us and we are so grateful to have them in our program.” Advance Technical Institute, another service provider for TANF programs, acknowledged nearly 20 students who have excelled this past year. ATI Founder and Director George Cajas said, “We gather here tonight to celebrate your journey and to applaud you on this wonderful accomplishment you have done, not just for yourself but for your family. Embarking on the pursuit of education, particularly as adult learners, is a commendable and great choice. It’s a testament of your commitment to self-improvement and a clear indication of your belief and affirmation of the power of knowledge. Self-sufficiency, which is one of the TANF goals, is a quality you have developed and honed throughout your academic journey.

It’s not just about standing on your own two feet but about processing and possessing the strength and wisdom to navigate through life’s challenges with confidence and grace. You have demonstrated that learning knows no boundaries and that there’s always time to invest in yourself. Your family’s values have played a critical role. Your family’s support, love and encouragement have been your backbone, giving you the strength to persevere when times are tough.

Take the time to express your gratitude to those who have stood by you and are here with you tonight.” Cajas then introduced the 2023 TANF participants being recognized and receiving a $50 check “symbolizing our institute’s investment in your future success.” From those, three were chosen to receive the prestigious 2023 Student of the Year award. “This award is a testament to the institute’s commitment to recognizing and encouraging academic excellence and leadership qualities,” Cajas said. “This recognition not only serves to commend the current successes of these outstanding students but also aims to inspire and motivate all participants that are here tonight at this honoring event to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits and careers.

The Student of the Year awards are a foundation of our institute’s tradition, symbolizing its core values and commitment to fostering an environment where exceptional talent, hard work and ambition are recognized and celebrated.” The Student of the Year award is more than just a title. Each honoree received a check for $250 and a framed certificate to serve as a reminder of their hard work and dedication in making significant contributions to their communities. This year’s recipients included Chris Jorge and Marggie Vargas.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post Soboba Tribal TANF honors achievements and families appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month program held its recognition breakfasts from September through March. Each school’s honoree was eligible to apply for Student of the Year for their site. All recognized students were invited to a Night of the Stars scholarship award dinner at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center on May 17.

Nearly 400 guests filled the room as students and their families, teachers, sponsors, educators and many supporters anxiously awaited the announcement of the seven Student of the Year winners who each received a $2,000 scholarship. Additionally, seven individual scholarships of $500 each were presented by various community members, nonprofit organizations and businesses. All students received a $100 gift card.

Program founder and event hostess Karena Zermeno also represents one of the sponsors, Altura Credit Union. She welcomed everyone to the event and said as the program concludes its tenth year, she wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Soboba Trial Council and Soboba Foundation “for supporting us from day one; they have been our biggest supporters.” She said that many of the schools, businesses and nonprofits represented at the event have also benefited from their support. “We know that the pillar of our community is Soboba,” Zermeno said.

She reminded those in attendance that the Student of the Month program honors local high school seniors for demonstrating character, integrity, love of learning and involvement in school activities, athletics and community service. “We recognize students who have overcome challenging life circumstances without compromising their education. These are students who makes a difference in their home, school and community with sincerity and passion,” Zermeno said. “There is no greater example of overcoming challenging life circumstances than the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and yet they selflessly give to this entire valley and are so passionate about it; it truly comes from the heart.”

She addressed the Soboba Tribal Council and Soboba Foundation members who were present by saying, “Because of your generosity of not only the financial support but the appointment of our Student of the Month Committee member Andrew Vallejos (who is the Foundation’s sponsorship and higher education program coordinator), we were able to start this program and build upon it each year.”

After the final breakfast in March, each Student of the Month was encouraged to complete an application to be considered as the Class of 2023 Student of the Year for their school site, resulting in seven honorees. The Academy of Innovation, Alessandro High School and Western Center Academy are under the umbrella of Hemet Options schools and attend twice per year each. One student out of all three schools is chosen for Student of the Year.

The evening was reminiscent of awards ceremonies such as the Oscars and the Grammys since the results were not revealed in advance. A short video clip of each student’s speech from when they were honored during their month was played before announcing the winner for each school.

Hemet Unified School District’s Student of the Year honorees are Issabella Castaneda, Valerie Flores, Enrique Martinez, Alexander Nahsohn and Eliana Parts Fragata. Those honored from San Jacinto Unified School District are Desiree Herrera and Christina Mehlman.

Issabella Castaneda

As Student of the Month in December for Tahquitz High School, Issabella will pursue a career as an MRI technician. She said the most significant life lesson she will take with her to college is to “cherish everyone around me and love them as if it’s the last day on earth because tomorrow is never promised. Show your love and be the light in someone’s life. Let there be more love than pain and hurt. Count your blessings and be grateful for everything.”

Valerie Flores

Academy of Innovation’s January Student of the Month Valerie plans to attend California State University, Channel Islands in Camarillo. She is interested in art and sees herself likely being associated with it in some way in the future. “A significant life lesson I’ve learned is to rely on myself and trust myself,” Valerie said. “I want to be a highlight in the life of people, leaving a positive impression and fond memory for them to carry through their day.”

Desiree Herrera

Mountain View High School/Mountain Heights Academy singled out Desiree in March. She has chosen to attend Mt. San Jacinto College for a year and then transfer to La Sierra University, which is her dream college. There she hopes to study criminal justice to become a special victims unit detective. A life lesson she will carry with her to college is believing that she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to and just believing in herself.

Enrique Martinez

November’s Student of the Month at Hemet High School was Enrique. He plans to pursue his passion for computer science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and hopefully secure a career at a top tech company in the future. “Your experiences make you who you are,” Enrique said, adding that his personal experiences have taught him that life isn’t promised to anyone.

Christina Mehlman

San Jacinto High School honored Christina in February. She plans to attend California Baptist University to study psychology. Acknowledged for her courage and willingness to make it her mission to provide hope for others, she has been described as being generous, patient, kind, faithful and committed.

Alexander Nahsohn

Alexander was November’s choice from Hamilton High School. He plans to pursue a career in psychology or as a therapist to help others get past a traumatic experience. As a 10-year member of Boy Scouts of America, Alexander said he learned life skills such as patience, persistence and confidence and has been able to teach those skills to younger Scouts.

Eliana Parts Fragata

West Valley High School selected Eliana in December. She plans to attend UC, San Diego where she will double major in biomedical engineering and mathematics. “From a young age, I’ve always known that I wanted to change the world,” Eliana said. “My childhood was rocky at times, and I’ve had my fair share of challenges but I’m not going to focus on them.”

Individual scholarships were presented to students who were chosen for their ability to meet the criteria set by the community members, organizations or businesses who sponsored the awards. The name of each scholarship is followed by the name of the student, their school and the month they were selected as Student of the Month. Adanesne Carrasco Soto Memorial Scholarship: Kylie Wallace, Hemet High School, September; Dr. Koka & Family Medical Scholarship: Michelle Rodriguez, Mountain View/Mountain Heights, February; Daniel Lopez Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Blade Davalos, Alessandro High, October; M.A.L.H.Y. Alessandra “Ale” Ruotolo Memorial Scholarship: Kaitlyn Turner, West Valley High, March; Marie Quandt Memorial Scholarship: Troy Oloa, San Jacinto High, October; Sizzler/BMW Management Scholarship: Isabelle Lee, Hamilton High, January; and the Cassi Tichy Memorial Scholarship: Sierra Evans Hamilton, Tahquitz High, November.

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post San Jacinto Valley students receive Student of the Year honors appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Assemblymember Marie Waldron is proud to honor Cynthia Elizondo of Poway as the 2023 Woman of the Year for the 75th Assembly District.

Cynthia, a self-proclaimed ‘volunteer-a-holic’ is heavily involved in service to her community. She currently serves on the Senior Volunteer Patrol with the Poway Sheriff’s office. She is an active member of the Poway Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the Chamber’s Non-Profit Consortium. She serves on the Board of Directors for Soroptimist International of Poway and with Poway Real Estate Professionals. She’s active in her parish, St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, where her husband serves as Deacon, but it is her membership and involvement with Friends of Poway Seniors (formerly the Poway Senior Center), that brings her the most joy. The program provides seniors with monetary and material resources, along with activities and volunteer opportunities.

“Cynthia Elizondo exemplifies community service, involvement and dedication. She serves as an outstanding example for all of us. I am proud to represent strong women like Cynthia in the State Legislature,” said Waldron.

Assemblymember Marie Waldron, R-Valley Center, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes much of rural San Diego County

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post Assemblymember Waldron honors Cynthia Elizondo as Woman of the Year appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Bob Dole’s casket will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday as congressional leaders honor the former Republican presidential candidate and World War II veteran who served in Congress for 36 years.

Dole died Sunday at the age of 98. He was a leader known for his caustic wit, which he often turned on himself but didn’t hesitate to turn on others, too. He shaped tax and foreign policy and worked vigorously to help the disabled, enshrining protections against discrimination in employment, education and public services in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The U.S. Capitol has been considered the most suitable place for the nation to pay final tribute to its most eminent citizens by having their remains lie in state. The commemoration will include a formal arrival and departure ceremony.

“Senator Dole was an extraordinary patriot, who devoted his entire life to serving our nation with dignity and integrity,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Dole, representing Kansas, served four terms in the House and more than four terms in the Senate. He won the Republican nomination in 1996, but was defeated when President Bill Clinton won a second term. He was also 1976 GOP vice presidential candidate on the losing ticket with President Gerald Ford.

“Those of us who were lucky to know Bob well ourselves admired him even more,” said Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate. “A bright light of patriotic good cheer burned all the way from Bob’s teenage combat heroics through his whole career in Washington and through the years since. We look forward to honoring his life and legacy at the Capitol.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he didn’t get to serve with Dole, but “his reputation and his achievements, and most of all his character preceded him.”

Dole received two Purple Hearts for his valor in World War II. Throughout his political career, he carried the mark of war. Charging a German position in northern Italy in 1945, Dole was hit by a shell fragment that crushed two vertebrae and paralyzed his arms and legs. The young Army platoon leader spent three years recovering in a hospital and never regained use of his right hand.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post Bob Dole to lie in state at Capitol as nation honors senator appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Occasionally a journalist stumbles onto something important that he never knew of previously. That happened to me when a member of the San Jacinto Lions Club (Also Alumni representative of the San Jacinto Educational Organization, phoned me and asked would if I be interested in doing a story on the Edward Hyatt Hall of Fame presentations for this past year.

Of course I said give it to me and off to the races, so to speak, we sped full speed ahead.
The San Jacinto Educational Organization was founded in 2004 and in 2007 they decided that they wanted to recognize outstanding athletes in all San Jacinto High School sports. According to Reed the event will take place at a banquet held on January 25th in the Douglas A. Brown Memorial Gymnasium at San Jacinto High School.

Seven outstanding athletes were chosen for awards this year. From the Class of 1973, Hansel Conrad Marruffo (Hansel) – football and baseball; Rodger Martin (Marty) Marsh , baseball, wrestling and track and field; Class of 1995, Christina Lee “Divine” Adams – track and basketball; Class of 2002, Gregory S. Davis-football, basketball and track and field; Class of 2008, Rene Marmolejo – football and wrestling. Ryan Dannewitz – football; Class of 2009 – Melisa “ Escamilla” Roberts – soccer.

Reed continues, “In the beginning we selected twelve athletes but after a couple of years we cut it down to 7 which continues.”
Who was Edward Hyatt?
The San Jacinto Education Foundation/Alumni Association Athletic Hall of Frame bears his name. He first brought education and athletics to San Jacinto in 1884.

He was the first te4acher and principal in San Jacinto and was insistent upon a well-rounded curriculum. Hyatt included physical education as part of the course of studies and fielded a championship football team. He also brought tennis to San Jacinto after seeing it played in San Diego.

The rivalry with Hemet traces its roots to the year Hemet became a town in 1920. Ata that time San Jacinto students were required to attend Hemet High School but refused. Hyatt taught them in his home and his students excelled academically and surpassed Hemet apathetically. Several of his students attended Stanford University as did his children, both boys and girls.

Hyatt was a member of the San Diego County Board of Education; and,, after Riverside became a county, became Superintendent of Schools for Riverside County. Edward Hyatt went on to become California Superintendent of outposts of California. His impact on education in the State is still felt today.
It is a well known fact that one doesn’t excel at universities simply because their parents have money – although it was seen as to help until the recent Hollywood Educational Scandals.

As for the San Jacinto Education Foundation, it was founded in the early 2000s to enhance the educational experience of students in our community.
More information regarding the upcoming banquet and awards ceremony can be obtained by calling 951-929-7700 ext. 4530 or 951-927–7142
Bet you didn’t know all of this, did you? I now am well-informed and hope you are, too.
Just sayin.’

rustystrait@gmail.com

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Foundation honors 7 athletes

The post SAN JACINTO EDUCATION FOUNDATION HONORS 7 ATHLETES appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

REMEMBERING RICK TRUSKOWSKI AT THE DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS TREE

On Saturday December 15^th, the City of Hemet honored the memory Rick Truskowski, by dedicating a plaque in his name beneath a Christmas Tree he helped donate to the community. Mayor pro-tem Linda Krupa and friends of Rick’s were laudatory in their comments regarding the kind of man Rick was, and how dedicated he always was he was to family and children and love his adopted city.  Yours truly spoke as well.

The plaque was donated by attorney Dave Angeloff and Marcus Menjivar to honor Bob Consultation, a rase horse they owned together with Rick who was an avid fan of horse racing.

In December 2014, Patricia Yepremian (a lady who is forever involved in half dozen community projects) decided it would be nice to celebrate Christmas with a Christmas tree in front of the Harvard Street parking lot. She began to scrounge around, with the City Council’s permission, to find a tree.

That took her to True Valley Hardware and Rick Truskowski.  Rick was also known as a civic minded citizen. He listened and promised to get back to her. A few days later she received a call from Rick.

He said, “I’ve got a tree and lights for your project, and they are already paid for.” At the first tree lighting it was real community event with bands, vendors and dedication in which the Hemet City Council participated.

Adding to Rick’s generosity to this community, a truck loaded down with boxes and boxes of Teddy Bears arrived for the big event. True Value Hardware provided those Teddy Bears to be distributed to the children of needy families..

That wasn’t all: soon loads of Christmas Trees arrived and were stored in empty stores on Harvard Street to be given out to families.

The tree has been celebrated every year since. However, a couple of years later when Rick was invited down to see the tree lighting, he was horrified to find that the city had “pruned” tree. According to Rick’s widow, Carolyn, Rick was horrified when he saw the results of such case of mismanaged barbering of the tree, suggesting that it looked more like a lollipop than a Christmas Tree. Needless to say there has been no more “pruning” of Rick’s tree.

For those who knew him, Rick Truskowski was always at the ready when it came to community needs. I remember one time when I happened to be in his store. He had driven down Florida Avenue and discovered that the American Flag flying high above the Hemet Museum in the Destination Coffee House and Bistro was becoming somewhat frayed from the elements.

He said, “That flag needs to be replaced. It doesn’t look good. I’m going to give them another one.”

That was Rick, a true friend and he is sorely missed. Such a tribute is well deserved.

Just sayin’.

rustystrait@gmail.com

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Remembering Rick Truskowski

The post HEMET HONORS THE LATE RICK TRUSKOWSKI appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.