Carly Crofts, 29, of Hemet and Miguel Angel Armenta, 49, of Murrieta were taken into custody Friday and booked into the Murrieta jail on suspicion of narcotics trafficking via USPS.

Crofts posted an undisclosed bond hours later and was released from custody. Armenta remained behind bars on unspecified bail.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the suspects were allegedly smuggling drugs to different inmates — 42-year-old Saul Arevalo of Bloomington and 32-year-old Daniel Morales Jr. of Cathedral City.

Details on the two detainees and the reasons for their detention were unavailable.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Wedel said the agency’s Corrections Investigation Bureau, in coordination with the Gang Intelligence Unit, initiated a probe in November 2024 after uncovering evidence narcotics were reaching the Murrieta jail by way of the Postal Service.

In the ensuing months, sufficient evidence was gathered that pointed to the alleged suppliers and recipients, culminating in search warrants being obtained and served at Crofts’ and Armenta’s respective residences Friday morning, Wedel said.

“Investigators seized evidence related to the jail narcotics smuggling investigation,” he said.

Arevalo and Morales were notified that they had been named in the investigation. Their custody status did not change.

Jail records indicated that Arevalo has been at the county lock-up since 2017. Morales has been there since 2022.

“This investigation was part of the sheriff’s office’s ongoing mission to prevent narcotics from entering our correctional facilities,” according to Wedel.

The case was expected to be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

The post Man, Woman Accused Of Smuggling Drugs Into Murrieta Jail By Mail appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

An investigation remains ongoing into Joshua Alan Richie, 37, who was released from custody on Oct. 10 after posting a $5,000 bond, according to the Murrieta Police Department.

Officers received reports on Oct. 8 that the suspect had possibly made sexual advances and intimately touched a teenage minor. The victim’s identity wasn’t released and specific details were not available.

Richie was arrested on the following charges: One count of annoying or molesting a child under the age of 18, and one count of sexual battery.

Police believe there may be more victims. Anyone who has information, may be a victim is urged to contact Detective Nathaniel Campbell at 951-461-6307 or by email at ncampbell@murrietaca.gov.

The post Murrieta Man Suspected Of Molesting Minor appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The operation began Sunday when law enforcement personnel from Riverside and San Diego counties received notification of a body found near the 17000 block of Calle Delina, near Tenaja Road, along the Riverside County/San Diego County border, according to Chuck Westerheide, San Diego County Public Safety Group communications officer.

Fallbrook Sheriff’s Substation deputies led the investigation, working in tandem with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Murrieta Police Department, to find the exact location of the body, according to Westerheide.

Monday night, the remains were recovered by a San Diego County sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Murrieta Police Department also assisted in the recovery.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the cause, manner and date/time of death of the victim, whose identity was not released.

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Jairo Diaz, who just two months ago was eagerly anticipating his graduation from Murrieta Mesa High School, and planning his future in the military, is determined to regain his ability to walk, according to The Press-Enterprise in a recent report.

Diaz was driving home around 8:30 p.m. on the evening of Jan. 16 when he lost control of his vehicle after trying to brake at an intersection that was set to flashing red lights when he was involved in what police described as “a major traffic collision,” the Menifee Police Department told the Press-Enterprise.

The crash left him with horrific injuries.

He was rushed by ambulance to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar before being airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center for specialized care, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized by his girlfriend.

Diaz suffered extensive injuries, including a bruised artery near his heart, a ruptured kidney, and a fractured pelvis, Athena Tovar said. “Doctors inserted a stent in his aorta to repair the artery, and he now relies on a nephrostomy bag due to kidney damage.

“His fractured pelvis required a complex surgical procedure involving multiple metal screws and chains for reinforcement. Before surgery, his femur had to be carefully realigned using a metal rod and clamp system. The six-hour operation required multiple blood transfusions due to significant blood loss.”

In addition to internal injuries, Diaz’s face was severely wounded by shattered glass, requiring over 30 stitches across his forehead, eyes, nose, and mouth. As he recovered from multiple surgeries, further complications arose — one of his lungs collapsed, forcing doctors to place him on a breathing machine. After several days, he could at last breathe on his own again.

Now, his girlfriend is working to raise $15,000 toward his long journey of recovery.

Diaz will be unable to bear weight on his legs for the next several weeks, after which he will begin three to nine months of physical therapy, his girlfriend wrote. “That’s where the fundraiser will come in handy.

Tovar says his recovery will require extensive medical care and ongoing therapy.

“We are hopeful that during his rehabilitation and recovery, he will regain the ability to walk again,” Tovar wrote. “With your help, we can make that possible. Please help with any amount.“

The campaign had raised $5,235 as of Friday morning.

“We ask that you please find it in your heart to help this young man move forward after enduring so much,” she said.

Find Diaz’s “Road to Recovery” GoFundMe here.

The post Murrieta Teen Determined To Walk Again After January Car Crash appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

MURRIETA, CA — A convicted felon accused of trying to arrange a sexual encounter with an underage girl — who was actually an undercover law enforcement officer involved in an online predator sting — was charged Thursday with multiple misdemeanor and felony offenses.

Laith Fathi Sikta, 44, of Sacramento was arrested Saturday following a monthlong law enforcement operation that included Riverside County sheriff’s deputies from the Southwest Station in French Valley.

Sikta is charged with two counts each of distributing harmful material to a minor and identity theft, as well as one count each of contacting a minor with intent to perpetrate a sexual offense, arranging a meeting with a minor for illicit purposes, possession of child pornography, attempting to furnish marijuana to a child under 14 years old and possession of controlled substances.

Sikta, who is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail at the Byrd Detention Center, was slated to make his initial court appearance Thursday afternoon at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta.

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Narciso, the investigation into Sikta’s online activity began toward the end of July when the internet predator sting was initiated.

“Sikta communicated his intent to have sex and arranged to meet for sex someone whom he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but was actually an online undercover officer,” Narciso said.

He alleged that on Friday, the defendant drove from his Sacramento residence to Murrieta “with the plan to pick up the minor in the middle of the night.”

He was instead confronted by deputies, who took him into custody without incident on Winchester Road.

“Cannabis was located in Sikta’s vehicle,” the sheriff’s spokesman said.

According to court records, the defendant has a prior conviction for robbery.

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MURRIETA, CA — The Murrieta City Council Tuesday will consider an ordinance identical to one passed nearly a year ago by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors intended to crack down on catalytic converter thieves by establishing specific regulations and penalties lacking under state law.

“The theft of catalytic converters has been an increasing problem throughout Southern California in recent years, with the city of Murrieta experiencing at least six thefts per month,” according to a statement posted to the council agenda for Tuesday. “The purpose and intent of this ordinance is to curb the theft of converters throughout the city.”

Council members are slated to conduct an initial hearing on the proposal, Ordinance No. 606-24, and if approved, it would return for a second reading and final approval next month.

The measure is identical to one approved by the county Board of Supervisors for application throughout unincorporated communities in September 2023.

The principal proponents of the county ordinance, Supervisors Kevin Jeffries and Yxstian Gutierrez, noted that catalytic converter theft was among “the fastest growing crimes in the country.”

There were nearly 400 converter thefts countywide in 2023, roughly double the number in 2022, according to public safety officials.

Catalytic converters are used to filter emissions to cut down on the volume of pollutants discharged by cars and trucks. They’re located within a vehicle’s exhaust system and average about $1,200 apiece. Components include metals like palladium, platinum and rhodium, which command per-ounce prices ranging from $1,000 to $14,000. Thieves take the converters to scrap metal dealers and sell them.

The Murrieta ordinance would make it a misdemeanor offense to unlawfully possess a catalytic converter detached from a vehicle. A person caught with one would have to provide “verifiable valid proof of ownership,” or risk facing criminal charges.

Bills of sale, auto body shop documents indicating that the converter was removed by owner consent, email messages between the possessor and previous owner showing there was an agreement to relinquish the device, pictures of the vehicle from which the converter was removed and other evidence would be required to establish appropriate possession under the ordinance.

Without that paper trail, a person caught with a converter may be charged, slapped with fines between $1,000 and $5,000, as well as possibly do time in county jail.

Similar measures are in effect in San Bernardino County and municipalities in the region, including Eastvale and Upland.

Local law enforcement officials have supported specific regulatory action aimed at converter thefts because of what they’ve described as an absence of clear state provisions that address the activity.

The post Murrieta Considering Harsher Catalytic Converter Theft Crackdowns appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

A Thompson Middle School teacher was arrested by Murrieta police Wednesday on suspicion of child sexual assault.

Wayne Kenneth Conklin, 50, was taken into custody at 7:45 a.m. near Madison Avenue and Kalmia Street and was booked into Southwest Detention Center, jail records show. He is being held on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14, sexual abuse of multiple victims, and dissuading a witness — all felonies.

According to an announcement Wednesday from the Murrieta Police Department, allegations against Conklin surfaced July 16 and stemmed back to 2016.

Officers “became aware of an alleged sexual abuse against minor children that was reported to have occurred in 2016 at a residence in the City of Murrieta,” according to the MPD announcement.

The case was assigned to the police department’s Detective Bureau, which determined that Conklin sexually abused two children in 2016. Information about the alleged victims was not available.

According to his bio on the Murrieta Valley Unified School District website, Conklin graduated from Cal State University San Marcos in 1999 and got an internship at the district. He later earned his teaching credential and has worked at Thompson Middle School for 23 years.

With his arrest, the MVUSD placed Conklin on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of his case. According to an MVSUD statement, he is not allowed on any school district property.

The statement said the district is working cooperatively with Murrieta police.

“The district takes every reported act of misconduct seriously,” according to the MVUSD statement. “The top priority of the district is the safety of all students and staff. We hold this responsibility at the highest level and are grateful for our partnership with the Murrieta Police Department.”

Conklin has no felony convictions in Riverside County. In 2009, he was convicted of misdemeanor disturbing the peace, court records show.

Anyone with additional information pertaining to the case can contact Murrieta Police Detective Eric Velazquez at 951-461-6340 or evelazquez@murrietaca.gov.

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MURRIETA, CA — More than $11,000 has been raised for a Southern California family hit last week by a terrible accident in Murrieta.

“On May 10, Jimmy and some friends went mountain biking in Murrieta. It was a trail they had been on before, and despite being an avid mountain biker, Jimmy took a fall that ended up being catastrophic,” reads a GoFundMe page established for the family of Jimmy Francis. “He was airlifted to the closest hospital with a trauma center. He is currently in the ICU and is expected to have a recovery that will prohibit his movement for quite a while. Jimmy is a veteran, a Cub Scout leader and a local chef, on top of being a dedicated husband and father. He has two beautiful children and is very involved in their daily lives.”

As a chef at his San Diego-based company, Flights by Jimmy, Francis offers his cooking services for dinner parties and brunches.

Just after 12 p.m. Friday, multiple agencies helped rescue the injured mountain biker from a remote Murrieta trail in the hills abutted by Keller Road and Scenic View Drive, just west of Interstate 215. The area is near the Greer Ranch Trailhead, a popular destination for mountain bikers and hikers.

According to Murrieta Fire & Rescue, the injured rider had to be hoisted from the area by a Riverside County Sheriff’s helicopter. The rider was then transferred to an awaiting AMR ambulance and driven to a nearby hospital. The patient was in stable condition, MF&R spokesperson Dawn Morrison said.

In addition to Murrieta Fire & Rescue and the sheriff’s department, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department was also called to the incident.

According to the GoFundMe page, the money raised for the Francis family will help pay for assistance during Jimmy’s recovery period.

The post SoCal Rallies For Mountain Biker Seriously Injured In Murrieta Crash appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Every part of California offers something unique and memorable. Some places are great for the outdoorsy among us, others for the lavish spenders, and of course, there are places for the diehard surfers. But what about those who are ready to settle down? Those with families and toddlers.

Located in the renowned Riverside County, Murrieta, California, is flourishing with fun family things to do in town and all around. Engulfed in relaxing hot springs, remarkable sycamore trees, an abundance of vibrant green fields, and a stunning view of the Santa Ana Mountains, it is an underrated pearl of California. This relaxing valley town is the perfect restful getaway that the whole family will love. With all the unexpected fun you are about to encounter, you may even want to call this place home afterward.

WHAT IS MURRIETA CA KNOWN FOR?

Aside from its charm, someone who can attest to its beauty is Esequial Murrieta, the man who bought Murrieta in the 1800s. Reminding him of his hometown in Spain, he found irresistible beauty in the valley that led him to purchase 52,000 acres. Since becoming a city in 1991, Murrieta has become the jewel of Southern California. It is renowned for its tight-knit community, location to festivals, affordable housing, and low crime rate.

Whether coming as a guest or a potential new resident, here are some fun things to do in Murrieta that will make you succumb to the same love for the town as Esequial.

FEEL THE SPLASH OF A 150-FOOT WATERFALL AT TENAJA FALLS

The first stop on the list of fun things to do in Murrieta is a towering 150-foot waterfall. Lined by massive boulders and lush brush, this magnificent cascading fall is one of the must-see hiking trails in Murrieta. This hike is perfect for any skill level, with two different pathways to access the view. A short 1.5-mile out-and-back trail can get you to the falls in less than 30 minutes. The shorter route is popular, and parking spots are known to fill up, so make sure you go early. This is also one of the hiking trails in Murrieta where dogs are welcome on leashes.

A less popular but more scenic option is a 7.5-mile trail through Fisherman’s Camp and along San Mateo Creek. It offers some of Murrieta’s best views and is a relatively easy hike. No matter which option you take, Tenaja Falls is guaranteed to provide captivating natural beauty and a great photo opp.

Feeling inspired by the view? Tenaja Falls is just one of the many mesmerizing hiking spots In California.

EXPERIENCE NATURE ON HORSEBACK AT SUSIE Q RANCH

Is hiking not your cup of tea? Susie Q Ranch offers an alternative way to see rolling hills, endless meadows, and vast wildflowers. It is a favorite Murrieta, California, tourism attraction. Horses colored with deep chestnut, sleek black, and stunning white coats are calling you to visit this breathtaking ranch and see the sunset upon their back.

Susie Q Ranch provides horses for kids as young as 4, making it a great family destination. 60-minute rides are available for kids 4 and up, 75-minute rides for kids 8 and up, and 90-minute rides for kids 10 and up. All rides can be booked as private rides for ultimate family bonding.

SEE ENDANGERED SPECIES AT SANTA ROSA PLATEAU ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE

Whether you seek a perfect place to go bird watching, want to embark on a casual stroll, are pining to see rare species, or just looking for another of the fun things to do in Murrieta, Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve is the spot.

Boasting 9000 acres, you can spend the entire day exploring the preserve. It has multiple trails, including the well-liked Moreno and Machado Adobes. On this hike, you will come across the two oldest standing structures in Riverside County. These structures were once used as bunkhouses for cowboys and date back to 1846, making them a significant part of history. You can also find picnic tables to enjoy a nice lunch or evening snack.

The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve is home to more than 200 species of native birds and 49 endangered or rare animal and plant species. It even houses a species of fairy shrimp found nowhere else on Earth. Not only is this preserve a great spot to experience history, but it is prime for observing wildlife that you may have yet to experience at any of the parks.

SURPRISE THE KIDS AT MULLIGAN FAMILY FUN CENTER

Mulligan Family Fun Center is a one-stop shop for all-day fun. Attractions such as laser tag, mini golf, go-karts, kiddie rides, an arcade, water slides, and batting cages make it a wonderland for kids and one of the prime fun family things to do in Murrieta, CA. Each attraction is individually priced but check their website for great deals and coupons.

Split the day’s play with tasty cuisine on sight. Mulligan Family Fun Center has pizza, wraps, chicken strips, wings, salads, snacks, and desserts for purchase inside. Enjoy Dippin’ Dots as you strategize with your family on how to win the next laser tag battle.

PARTAKE IN A FAMOUS FESTIVAL

Enjoy music, dancing, and community at one of the many festivals located in Riverside County. Riverside County is acclaimed for its lively festivals, including the prominent Coachella and Stagecoach.

Offering a superior location, it is less than 2 hours from Coachella and Stagecoach. While there is an abundance of alluring festivals to choose from, they can come at a price. Luckily, there are just as many free and kid-friendly festival options in Riverside County.

In a short hour’s drive, you can find yourself at Mission Hotel and Spa. Voted “Best Public Lights Display” by USA Today, immerse yourself in millions of twinkling lights, life-size nutcrackers, and palm trees decked in green, red, and white. It is accessible to the public and is open from November to January free of charge. With Riverside County brimming with year-round festivals, Murrieta offers the perfect location for a day trip to a Riverside County festival, no matter what time of year it is.

PLAY LIKE NINJAS AT UPTOWN JUNGLE FUN PARK

Step into a land of bright colors, ball pits, obstacle courses, and trampolines at Uptown Jungle Fun Park. This place has all the stops to wear the kiddos out, including climbing walls, super slides, obstacle courses, trampolines, and ball pits. It even has a mini zip line and ball blaster arena for memorable fun. Grip socks are required and available for purchase at the location.

Is your kid a fan of American Ninja Warrior or just a monkey bar enthusiast? Uptown Jungle Fun Park has a ninja course and a spider wall. It is one of the most fun things to do in Murrieta, California. The best part? Uptown Jungle Fun Park values the adults’ time just as much as the kids’ fun. It provides free Wi-Fi and an adult lounge to hang out.

SHOP, DINE, AND PLAY AT OLD TOWN TEMECULA

After exploring downtown Murrieta, California head to Old Town Temecula for another great experience. A haven for history, Old Town Temecula is just a short drive from Murrieta. Blooming with rustic buildings and storefronts reminiscent of the historic golden west in the 1880s, Old Town Temecula houses artisan crafts, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and mouth-watering eateries. Be sure to check out the events calendar so that you don’t miss out on a special experience.

Celebrating an occasion? Temecula is known for its hot air balloon rides. Enjoy a panoramic view of Southern California and solidify your love for the state. Rides are offered year-round and at sunrise.

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

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“We made sure we had a variety of food trucks offering various selections to please every palate,” SCR Chief Marketing Officer Martin Moore said. They ran the gamut from main dishes to dessert, giving visitors a reason to stay for several hours and/or attend both days. “We were very pleased to see over 3,000 people for the weekend.”

On Sunday, on-air personalities from FM radio station KOLA 99.9, were on hand to interact with guests and host several games such as a take on “Family Feud” with contestants given the opportunity to win Renaissance Pleasure Faire admission tickets or Starbucks gift cards. Jesse Duran In the Morning host also recruited several guests to compete in an axe-throwing contest, using plastic weapons. He was assisted at the music booth by Richie Ortega who is a producer, DJ and on-air sidekick. The previous day, KOLA’s sister station, KCAL 96.7 supplied fun activities and music.

Duran said he was looking forward to sampling food from many of the vendors, especially Angelenos’ Wood Fired Pizza. “All pizza is good but when it’s wood fired, it can’t be beat,” he said. Carmen Samaniego is a French trained chef who started making pizza as a hobby a number of years ago. Coming from a family of bakers, making wood fired Neapolitan style pizzas was exciting to her and she spent a lot of time during the pandemic to perfect the pizza dough, which recently won Hulu’s newest pizza competition show #BestInDough. To learn more, visit www.angelenoswfp.com or @AngelenosPizza.

Roxanne D. Santos and her team had a constant stream of customers at MK’s Kitchen which specializes in favorite Filipino foods. Based in Murrieta, owner/operator Santos said the company was launched during the pandemic. They started attending farmer’s markets, offering homemade kits that were an instant hit. For more information, 619-952-7342, mkskitchen_ on Instagram or mkskitchens619.951 on Facebook.

Moore said, “The weather was much better this year, and we did not charge admission which provided people the opportunity to experience more food trucks than in previous years.”

Chef Dijon Burns with California Street Food truck agreed. “Guests being able to enter for free this year made for a better interaction/environment between food truckers and potential buyers,” he said. “During this year’s event, the Soboba staff was very helpful during, before and after the event. I could really feel their level of commitment.”

Burns, who started his truck business in August of 2021, said the biggest seller at the Soboba event were his Cali fries with red or green sauce and his bone-in chicken wings that came with a choice of eight different sauces. For more information, 714-852-8847 or www.Californiastreetfood.net.

“I only put food on my menu that is special to me. From our fried chicken wings (my dad’s gift to me) to our homemade mac and cheese baked fresh every time (my mother’s and grandma’s recipe) and the fried rice that is rich in tradition, the thing that ties my whole menu together is the sauce,” Hemet-based Burns said. “We have a flavor just right for each person’s taste buds.”

Frybread Kitchen is a family-owned business that began at the Soboba Indian Reservation and has been at the Food Truck Fiesta all three years. “We kept to one item this weekend. We always base our menu off the year before and what sold the most,” Antonia Briones-Venegas said. The delicious frybread could be purchased as an Indian taco with all the fixings of meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and a side of salsa or as a sweet treat topped with fresh-glazed strawberries and whipped cream or honey and powdered sugar. “Some like it plain, though,” she said.

She said this year’s free admission made things a lot easier to manage. Frybread Kitchen stays busy trying to attend every event hosted by Soboba. They also continue to do fundraisers for the Soboba Tribal Preschool and Noli Indian School on the reservation.

“Aurelia Mendoza is my business partner, and we have our children (Ciara Ramos, Jesse Venegas and Kevin Venegas) working for us who on their own got their food handler cards,” Briones-Venegas said. “Also, my 10-year-old is our drink supplier with lemonade and street tea. Follow him on Instagram @flavored.rez.water.”

Paula Huntsman and Barbara Brenner with Scooter’s Sweet Shack also returned for their third year. Prepared to celebrate their ninth anniversary in June, they said the biggest seller at Soboba is always their authentic Italian ice, which is vegan and gluten free. Also popular were their freshly-baked mini donuts, sweet and spicy mangonadas and Italian ice lemonades.

“These events are extremely well organized by Soboba personnel and they always draw a great crowd,” Huntsman said. “It really is a fun community event for all ages.”

She said their two trucks serve at several hundred events each year that include corporate caterings, graduations, sports and school events and summer park events in any of Southern California’s four counties. To learn more, 855-337-2668 or www.scooteritalianice.com.

Catherine and Richard Quitain started Bruno’s Barbeque last November, with the help of their children Patricia, Matthew and Terry and attend many events around Menifee, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore and Temecula. Their most popular items are the brisket plates, brisket sandwich and beef ribs with sides of macaroni and cheese and seasoned fries. More details can be found at www.brunosbarbeque.com.

Moore said the biggest challenge for staff is coordinating all the food trucks and marshalling their arrivals, placement of the trucks and keeping them supplied with various commodities. Their efforts did not go unnoticed.

“This was our first time to join the food truck fiesta and we had so much fun,” Catherine, with Bruno’s, said. “I can say it’s well organized – from exchanging emails, requirements, sending info for the events and the day of the event itself.” She added that the SCR events specialists were very welcoming, especially Rochelle Torres and Mario Ramos. “They made sure all the vendors were being well taken care of from wi-fi, electricity, ice and trash bins to the extremely clean portable restrooms,” Catherine said. “And not just us vendors were happy, but the customers were being taken care of, too.”

She added, “We thank Soboba and all of the staff who put in the effort to make this event a success. We look forward to next year’s Fiesta.”

Armando Melendez founded his Salt N Pepper brand in 2017 and said the most popular item at this year’s Fiesta was his pastrami melt and pastrami fries. “I really liked the atmosphere there and thought it was a great venue setup,” he said. Spending five to six days a week at events, more information can be found at www.saltnpeppertruck.com or 949-324-2711.

José Ruesga, owner of Jose’s Churros & Mexican Food truck, has been in the food industry for 45 years. After doing his own catering business for 23 years, he decided to purchase a taco truck. “The best part of this event was that it was very well coordinated,” he said. “We had electricity and plenty of ice and lots of space next to each other. The ambiance was great with the music and decorations, and the entire staff was very helpful and responsible, staying on top of any need that we requested.” Serving traditional and gourmet churros alongside staples such as tacos and burritos, made his truck a one-stop shop for hungry foodies. To find out more, visit www.joses-churros.com.

Fresh Off the Hook, owned by Claudia Palma and Francisco Cruz, lived up to its tagline of “Not Your Ordinary Food Truck” with a steady stream of seafood lovers.  with its lobster roll sandwich being a best seller. The crew said the event was well-organized and that everyone was very friendly, with many Soboba team members ready to help throughout the event. The lobster roll sandwich was a best seller. More information, and the full menu that was available at the Fiesta, can be found at www.fruttidimareOC.com or 714-326-3946.

Joseph and Lorena Diaz were kept busy with their popular funnel cakes. Joe.Sweets.951 can be found on Facebook and Instagram or by calling 951-421-2766. The local business regularly parks at the San Jacinto Farmer’s Corner market and has participated in company picnics for Soboba Casino Resort employees. Lorena, who said she had never eaten a funnel cake before they started the business about two years ago, said the most requested item on their menu for the weekend was the Strawberry Supreme. “People say our funnel cakes are the best they’ve ever tasted; there’s just something different about ours,” she said.

Moore said the SCR team is always looking for ways to improve and will be meeting in the next few weeks to review this year’s event and see what can be done to make next year bigger and better.

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