“We’ll stop during the holidays and then resume after winter break,” Activities Director Jennifer Garcia said. “We have a variety of activities to offer. Some like sports and everyone is into being crafty right now.”

This current interest in arts and crafts convinced the staff to offer a unique art activity for its first Youth Night of the school year, held Sept. 7. Participants were encouraged to come by anytime during the scheduled two-hour event that started at 5 p.m.

Offered an array of pre-printed pictures on black velvet backgrounds, ranging from nature and animals to space and fantasy figures, artists were given brightly colored markers to personalize their creations.

Several young people were joined by Parks and Recreation staff members to dialogue and create during the event. Light snacks and drinks were also provided.

“We wanted the kids to have something to do after tutoring or after school,” Garcia said.

Recreation Aide Michael Durrett said he enjoys overseeing some of the sports activities with the youths. “This gives them a reason to get out of the house and be with friends,” he said.

Nephreteri Salinas, 17, was using her own artist’s sketchbook to freehand some artwork. Sports Coordinator Steve Lopez said she has been one of the regulars since the program was launched last spring.

“I do enjoy being here,” she said. A senior at San Jacinto High School, she developed a strong interest in art during the summer and is enrolled in a draw and paint class at school this year.

The Youth Night also helps out families who can use the time to work on their own projects at home or run errands and more, knowing their children are in a safe and secure environment.

“I’m really enjoying myself,” Akwaalimay Resvaloso, 13, said, as she continued to color a jungle scene with a baby leopard.

Wayne Walker Calderon, 14, is a freshman at San Jacinto High and said he thinks the program is “kind of rad” and allows for interaction with others while doing fun activities.

“We really like that we can offer students a place to go after school instead of having nothing to do,” Parks and Recreation Director Andy Silvas said. “This gives them an outlet where they can meet, relax and have some fun.”

Collaborating with Soboba Tribal TANF for a few upcoming events, as well as other Soboba departments, there is a huge selection for participants to choose from in the coming months. Youth Nights in September will offer a bingo night, pool days, sports such as volleyball and basketball and gourd decorating with TANF.

Scheduled for October is a board game night, canvas painting and pumpkin carving with TANF. There will be no Youth Night on Monday, Oct. 31 due to the Halloween holiday but staff will be handing out candy so kids are being encouraged to stop by.

Garcia said there is a movie night planned for November where they will utilize their popcorn machine, which is always a favorite with the kids. Fall harvest arts and crafts with TANF will be offered toward the end of the current session.

“We always get at least a handful of kids, but we’ve had up to 18 to 20 before so we know it can grow,” Garcia said.

The post Soboba Parks and Recreation Offers Youth Night Fun appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Temecula: Celebrate in wine country at the Restaurant at Leoness Cellars, rated the top winery restaurant by USA Today’s readers. The 100% from scratch menu items are designed specifically to pair with the winery’s top bottles. Gourmands should book a table at the new Small Barn in Old Town Temecula, which showcase ingredients from the region, or Cork/Fire Kitchen with farm-to-table sharable plates. Enjoy working off the food on the miles of hiking trails, or soar over vineyards in a hot air balloon. Safe lodging options include Carter Estate and the Temecula Creek Inn.

Murrieta: Food and good times go hand-in-hand in Murrieta. Listen to live music or catch a game in the trendy DownTown Public House gastropub or in the traditional Shamrock Irish Pub or The Mill. Escape into nature at the 9,000-acre Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve featuring 50 different plants and animals and a network of family-friendly trails. The local Marriott and Hampton Inn offer COVID safe accommodations.

Lake Elsinore: The city is home to the largest natural freshwater lake in California. The 3,000-acre lake gives outdoors lovers the chance to sail, fish, jet ski, water ski, paddle board, kayak or simply swim and sunbathe. When you’re done playing, dine at local haunts like Jack’s BBQ or lakeside at the casual The Bobber restaurant. Safe lodging can be found at the Holiday Inn Express.

San Jacinto: Work up an appetite on the Deer Springs Trail, which runs along the famous Pacific Crest Trail for a stretch, before heading for a hearty breakfast at The Good Egg Restaurant. Located in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains, the Soboba Springs Golf Course offers great golf with jaw-dropping views. After hitting the links visit the Canyons Steakhouse to relax before spending the night at the Soboba Casino Resort.

Idyllwild: Idylwild is quietly becoming an epicurean hotspot in Riverside County with something for everyone. Take your taste buds to Italy at Ferro, dine creekside at Idyology, sip your favorite local brew at Idylwild Brewpub or enjoy classic gourmet fare at The Gastrognome. When you’re not eating your way through town, enjoy the San Jacinto Mountains and Idyllwild Regional Park. Spend the night in the mountains at the Grand Idyllwild Lodge, featuring 10 suites and one villa.

Hemet: Stop by Hemet’s Downtown Deli, rated the best sandwich shop in the Inland Empire by the Press Enterprise to pick up the perfect picnic fare to enjoy during a day at Diamond Valley Lake or Lake Hemet. Spend the night at the Quality Inn and start the following day with fresh baked pastries from the Harvard Street Bakery.

Canyon Lake: While Canyon Lake is a private gated community, foodies can enjoy the setting at one of several local restaurants open to the public. Practice your game at the public driving range before enjoying lunch or dinner at the Country Club Bar & Grill overlooking the course. If lake views are more to your liking head for the Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. In downtown, The Canyon Cowboy and The Urban Craft Eatery are local favorites.

Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors. The Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula. For visitor information and assistance, please call (888) 363-2852 or go to VisitTemeculaValley.com. Visit Temecula Valley is a contracted partner with Riverside County for the implantation of the Riverside County Tourism Recovery Campaign for the Third and First District.

Media Contact Michelle Rodriguez, 360viewPR, 213-320-7704, info@360viewpr.com

Riverside County • Contributed

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

The post Unique Safe Escapes for Foodies in the Charming Towns of Riverside County appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

McSweeny Farms in Hemet, introduced a new neighborhood with three model homes on Jan. 16. Richmond American’s popular Seasons collection with one single story and two two-story floor plans, are available at the southwest Riverside master plan.

The three floor plans range in size from approximately 2,080 to 2,660 square feet with up to five available bedrooms and up to three baths. Prices start in the $300s. All of the homes are offered with two-car garages. The spacious single-story Agate plan includes a covered porch and formal entry, mud room, flex room and open concept kitchen with an oversized island that overlooks the Great Room and Dining Room. The 2,660 square foot Tourmaline plan is a two-story home with a flex room or fifth bedroom on the main floor. The home’s second level includes a large owner’s suite with oversized walk-in closet as well as an oversized loft.

“We are thrilled to welcome one of the country’s top homebuilders to this special community,” said Patrick Parker, president of Raintree Investment Corp. which is developing McSweeny Farms with Cross Lake Partners. “Richmond American is also selling its Seasons collection at our Green Valley master plan in Hemet and homebuyers have responded favorably to these homes.”

McSweeny Farms is located in the heart of Inland Empire near Diamond Valley Lake and the San Jacinto mountains. The community offers residents abundant amenities including walking trails and private and public parks and which all complement an 18,000 square foot farmhouse-style recreation center with a fitness center, outdoor amphitheater and resort-style pool and spa. “McSweeny Farms gives you the small-town atmosphere with many local conveniences,” said Parker. “It’s nearby every shopping and dining option you could want, and within a short drive from employment centers, an airport and many beautiful natural resources.”

The community with lush landscaping, parks, paseos and other outdoor amenities is planned to have approximately 1,600 homes upon completion. “It is surrounded by mountains and hills, which creates spectacular views from the homes and the clubhouse,” said Parker.

McSweeny Farms is also nearby several top-tier educational options. The community is located in the Hemet Unified School District and nearby charter schools including Quest Student Center with K-5 curriculums and Western Center Academy with STEM and honors programs for grades 6-12.

Seasons’ sales center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sales center is located at 3041 Homeward St. in Hemet. Virtual appointments are available online or by calling 951-846-3554. Visit richmondamerican.com.

PalmSprings Life • Contributed

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

The post McSweeny Farms in Hemet offers a small-town atmosphere with big-city amenities within easy driving distance. appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.