“When I saw what these young men had done to bring the community together, I wanted to be part of it to make it an annual event,” Boxing for Christ Founder Sonia Ramos said. She and Vincent Arres, SBC Vice President, collaborated to create a free event for the whole community to come together.

“The event is mostly a bike meet-up centered around good food, music, and good vibes,” Arres said. “It is really about bringing people together. We are grateful to everyone who has stepped up to support, donate, and help make the event possible.”

Riders and others were greeted at the park with donuts, Danishes and orange juice at 10:30. Volunteers were on hand to do some serious cooking to treat riders to a filling lunch of tacos, chicken, carne asada and fish with rice and beans after their return. Each rider was awarded a medal for participating. Sonia Lamas with LAMAS Housing Project, a Hemet-based nonprofit, served snow cones and Cynthia Rodriguez brought some delicious cookies from Cynthia’s Sweet Treats.

“Our goal is to bring the community together in a healthy way,” Ramos said. “We want the community to come together and meet people and have a good time. It takes a village to raise these youth and the community and business leaders have shown that they care about the youth in the community.”

She said many of the kids from Boxing for Christ participated this year, some on bikes and some on scooters. “That is why we try every year to give away more bikes,” Ramos said. “There are a lot of kids that don’t have bikes, so they use their scooters, but when they win a bike the next year, they are happy and ready to go on the new bike.”

Arres said e-bikes are allowed as well. “We do encourage our more experienced riders to keep an eye out for fellow riders and help make sure everyone stays safe and together,” he said.

The Ride the Valley Together pedaled off from Sallee Park in San Jacinto, rode out past the Hemet Public Library near Latham Ave. and State St. and then to the Gibbel Park Skate Park on Devonshire Ave. in Hemet before riding back to Sallee Park, where Boxing for Christ is headquartered.

“What I enjoyed most was seeing the community really show up for each other,” Arres said. “Seeing the lowriders, families, kids, businesses (big and small), and riders from different areas all in one place. We had a few small tire issues, but overall, it was a smooth ride. We were getting honks from drivers all through the city showing love—good vibes—and it felt good seeing people get out of the house in a healthy way and just be together.”

Arres gave a big shoutout to San Jacinto Mayor Crystal Ruiz, Mayor Pro Tem Clarisa Sanchez, and Councilmember Valerie Vandever. “They rode the entire ride like champs, and it meant a lot to have leadership out there riding with the community,” he said. “Huge thank you to the San Jacinto City Council as a whole, and to everyone who came out and took the time to spend the day with us.”

Other riders included Wolf Jones, who participated last year as well. He said it’s always been an amazing time for him and his family, who joined him riding last year. “Although this year I was riding on my own, my family followed behind in our car but still enjoy the festivities and the family-friendly environment.” After attending local school with some Soboba Tribal members, he said it was like a full-circle moment to be riding with them as adults now.

Kenny Gonzalez is involved with the Soboba Bike Crew and was glad to be part of the ride for the third time. “They are my good friends,” he said. “We met about four years ago riding bikes and our friendship grew from there. This year’s highlight was seeing the kids riding their bikes with mom or dad or other family members. “It was awesome; it brings the community together,” Gonzalez said.

The Soboba Bike Crew is active all year long, usually meeting two or three times a week. The club started with about nine members and has grown to 20-plus when everyone is out riding together. Charles Resvaloso serves as SBC President, but Arres pointed out that if the leaders aren’t available, other ResLyfrz will step up and run it so everything keeps moving and the group continues riding. Arres said the growth has been amazing to see. He also has seen many families on and off the Soboba Reservation buying more bikes and getting involved. Co-hosting the annual Ride the Valley Together is such a great extension of what the club does.

“We never thought that this event would grow the way it has,” Ramos said. “Now it’s up to Vincent and me to keep this event going every year.” Arres said they are proud of what they are building.

“The kids had a great time receiving medals and prizes and I loved seeing the smiles on everybody’s faces,” Ramos said. “And having city council members involved in the run and the mayor helping was great.”

San Jacinto Councilmember Valerie Vandever has participated in this event since its inception and loves the community outreach and seeing young and old riders come together. She said a highlight was seeing the kids’ faces when they won raffle prizes, including brand new bikes.

“It just gets bigger and bigger every year,” Vandever said. “I am able to ride my heart out and hang out with my community and enjoy the event. The mayor and mayor pro tem also showed up this year, so it was the first time I didn’t ride alone.”

The city advertised the event on social media and through word of mouth.

“It means a lot to see the growth and support around something that started small and continues to bring people and families together in a good way,” Arres said. “Support has continued to grow from the community since the very first ride. It started with the support of our families and Sonia’s family’s support, and from there more people continued to step in. People have been offering to be part of it because they share the same vision and goals of growing something healthy and positive for the community.”

Arres and Ramos are grateful for the businesses, individuals and groups that stepped up to donate and/or participate in this year’s event. They were SEDC/Roadrunner Express, San Jacinto Unified School District and the SJUSD Parent Center, San Jacinto City Council , Hemet Elks Lodge, Soboba Casino Resort, Valeous Law, Familia Car Club, HCSB, LAMAS Housing Project, Native Avenue, Fina Blend, Sevilla Portrait Studios, Chef Anita Morillo from Soboba Kitchen, Ladies are Optimists of Hemet, Orozco’s Taco Man (food vendor), Mike Saenz, Mia Basquez and Bianca Machado.

“We also want to shout out to the other bike crews/teams that came out and showed love, including Cruisin’ & Brew, Block Heads, and Los Frijoleros BMX, along with other local riders,” Arres said. “Some even donated merch and shirts for the raffles for the kids, which was really thoughtful.”

More information can be found on Instagram at res_lyfrz and on TikTok under SBC@reslyfrz. For information on Boxing for Christ, please visit https://boxingforchrist.com.

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The nonprofit service club solicits donated decorated trees to be raffled off at their event, with all proceeds going to fund the many projects and programs that serve its mission of supporting women and girls furthering their education for economic empowerment.

Darlene Woodcock has lent her creativity to local Soroptimists chapter for many years and joined the HVAA this year. As Ornament Project Chair, she proposed the idea of decorating a tree to fellow artists and they were all in to help this worthy cause. On Nov. 13, 20 artists each completed a blank 4-inch ball in the media of their choice.

Artists enjoyed the opportunity to share their talents with those who will be attending the popular Jingle-Mingle. Woodcock joined HVAA because she was looking for an organization that consists of like-minded people from the art world. She herself creates one-of-a-kind “Framed Junk Jewelry.” She said she enjoys communicating with the other artists and seeing their wonderful creations; they inspire her.

The art nonprofit is just one of the 30-plus organizations or businesses that are donating a tree to the annual Soroptimist event that includes a raffle for the trees and other holiday décor as well as a silent auction of all sorts of donated items. Along with the trees, which range in size from 2-4 feet tall, Jingle-Mingle organizers are expecting 10 wreaths and numerous table-top decorations. The silent auction is expected to include wine, gift certificates, personal care items, collectibles and much more.

The two-hour party will provide an evening with red and white wine for sale by the glass and chocolate-dipped strawberries provided by gourmet bakery chef and Soroptimist club member Cynthia Rodriguez of Cynthia’s Sweet Treats among other delights. The group is expecting 180-plus attendees this year.

“I like the very friendly atmosphere with different personalities and community members coming together,” Woodcock said of the annual Jingle-Mingle. “It’s a great way to start the month of December for holiday celebrations.”

Until it is transported to the San Jacinto event, the HVAA decorated tree can be seen from the front window of its gallery at 144 N. Harvard St. in Hemet. For more information, www.HemetValleyArt.com.

This year’s Jingle-Mingle will be on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Golden Era Golf Clubhouse, 19871 Gilman Springs Road, San Jacinto. The cost to attend is $25 per person, which includes five raffle tickets and light refreshments. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.sisjhv.org.

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Roberto Tapia, born in San Diego and raised in Culiacán, Sinaloa, has emerged as one of the most influential voices in Regional Mexican music. Since launching his career in the early 2000s, he has released a series of successful albums, including eight that reached the top 10. His 2012 album El Muchacho climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, showcasing a blend of banda, norteño, and mariachi traditions with a contemporary style.

A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Tapia began studying clarinet, guitar, and percussion at just nine years old at the Difocur School of Music in Culiacán. Over the years, he has performed on major stages and television appearances, including the Latin Billboard Awards, LATV, and Universal Music Latino.

Expanding his impact beyond performing, Tapia served as a coach and advisor for three seasons on Telemundo’s La Voz Kids (The Voice Kids), mentoring young Spanish-speaking singers between the ages of 7 and 15. His guidance and encouragement on the show highlighted not only his musical expertise but also his dedication to inspiring the next generation of talent.

For tickets: visit soboba.com/entertainment or call (866) 476-2622. Show is 21 & over.

About Soboba Casino Resort:
The all-new Soboba Casino Resort property, opened in 2019, is nestled against the stunning backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, and is a premier gaming, hospitality, and entertainment destination located near San Jacinto and Hemet, California. Spanning 474,000 square feet across more than 200 acres, the resort features over 2,000 slot machines, a wide variety of table games, and a six-story hotel with 200 upscale rooms and suites. Guests enjoy multiple dining and bar options, live music, nightlife, and year-round entertainment featuring top national acts. Beyond the casino, amenities include the PGA-rated Soboba Springs Golf Course, 21 pickleball courts, and a robust calendar of concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events.

Owned and operated by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Soboba Casino Resort blends cultural tradition with modern luxury, serving as both a community landmark and the Valley’s leading destination for gaming, relaxation, and world-class entertainment.

For more information, visit www.soboba.com.

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These aren’t one-time events — they’re part of a continuing commitment to the community. Every week, golfers can tee off knowing that 100% of the proceeds go directly to the cause at hand. Golden Era Golf Course provides the venue at no cost to the nonprofits, ensuring that every dollar raised stays with the organization to help support their mission.

Wednesdays: Chamber of Commerce Golf Fundraiser
Enjoy a morning on the green with fellow community members while helping to strengthen the local economy. All proceeds from this fundraiser go to the Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce, which champions small businesses, fosters economic development, and drives local growth.

Fridays: Valley Community Pantry Golf Fundraiser
Start your Friday with purpose. This weekly event supports the Valley Community Pantry, which provides food and essential services to families facing hardship. Every swing helps put food on the table for those who need it most.

“These golf fundraisers are a perfect example of how community, fun, and philanthropy can come together,” said Kevin Saunders, Executive Director of the Hemet San Jacinto Chamber.

“Driving out hunger, one round at a time,” added Jim Lineberger, past CEO of the Valley Community Pantry.

Set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto foothills, the regulation 9-hole Golden Era Golf Course is proud to support nonprofits in their mission to serve the community. In fact, any nonprofit group is welcome to host a golf fundraiser at the course — entirely free of charge — and keep 100% of what they raise.

Come out, play a round, and make a difference — because at Golden Era Golf Course, every hole helps the whole community.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to book your tee time:

Wednesdays (Hemet San Jacinto Chamber): 951-658-3211
Fridays (Valley Community Pantry): 951-392-8287
To schedule a nonprofit fundraiser: 951-654-0130

Where:
Golden Era Golf Course
19871 Gilman Springs Rd
San Jacinto, CA 92583

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Vincent Arres, Vice President and co-founder of the Soboba Bike Crew also served as Event Coordinator alongside Sonia Ramos of Boxing for Christ. He said both groups share a mission to uplift youth and promote healthy lifestyles. The collaboration came from shared values and a commitment to community outreach.

“The ride is about unity, health, and visibility — celebrating Native pride while promoting fitness and youth empowerment,” Arres said. “It also builds bridges with the broader community. This is not a fundraiser, but an awareness and connection ride.”

Ramos said the annual event began last year when a parent from Boxing for Christ, her coach and the Soboba Bike Crew put it together and had a great turnout. “I got together with Vincent to start planning this year’s bike ride and make it bigger,” she said “We started getting sponsors because we feed everyone breakfast burritos, hamburgers, hotdogs, cookies, and snow cones. We raffle off bikes and other great gifts. We would like to continue this event every year and make it bigger every year.”

Everything was free for the community and the City of San Jacinto supported it wholeheartedly. They worked to make sure the streets were clearly marked so everyone could ride safely.

Ramos said San Jacinto Mayor Valerie Vandever did the bike run and Councilmember Crystal Ruiz and her children helped serve food at the event. “They showed the community that they were for the community,” she said.

Arres said this year was definitely bigger and better than last year and he hopes to keep the momentum going for the next one. “We had more riders, more sponsors, and more energy,” he said. “We had greater community involvement, upgraded prizes, food, and even support from the San Jacinto City Council and mayor.”

It was definitely a family affair as his mother, Arlene Arres, also helped out, supporting her son’s endeavors. “This year I sponsored and cooked lunch for 100 riders/community,” she said. “My favorite part of the event was seeing the smiles of joy on the riders’ faces after a filling lunch and raffles and seeing the community coming together and having a good time.”

Vincent Arres’ aunt Bianca Machado also lent a hand with cooking for everyone. “I was happy to see the diversity with the bikers and how this little event has grown within the two years. Something positive that involves different types of people is much needed in this climate that we have nowadays,” she said.

Despite the heat, Machado enjoyed preparing the food for the riders who seemed very appreciative, and hungry. “It was really nice to see the mayor and some of the City Council come out to the event and hang out. Even the mayor rode with the bikers, which I thought was really cool. You really don’t see that a lot from politicians. And the City Council members that did attend stayed to the very end which was really great to see,” Machado said. “I like how this event pulled different people from different areas together to share one fun activity. It was great to see people talking to one another, sharing information about their bikes and making new friends. Like I said, it was really nice to see the mayor and the other members of City Council to really be involved and talk to everyone that was there and even help serve the food when the bikers returned. Things like that bring a sense of community among all of us.”

Soboba Parks and Recreation Director Andy Silvas was one of the riders on Saturday, attending for the first time. “My favorite part was seeing everyone come together, enjoying themselves, and just having a great time as a community,” he said. “What I enjoy most about these rides is seeing the kids involved—it’s a fun and healthy way to get everyone out of the house, exercising, and spending quality time together.”

Soboba Tribal member Damon Miranda was also attending the event for the first time. “The best part was being with my son, riding with the entire community and seeing the youth, adults, and elders out there riding and supporting each other,” he said. “Riding is Important, it can release stress; no worries about anything, just getting out and enjoying life.”

All the children received participation medals for completing the ride. Vincent Arres shared, “The kids were proud — some had never received a medal before. That moment of recognition lit them up and meant a lot.”

The ride began at Sallee Park, heading out along Idyllwild Drive to North San Jacinto Avenue. Riders continued south to the first stop at the corner of East Oakland Avenue and North San Jacinto Avenue, where a water station was available. The group then continued along East Latham Avenue and turned onto North Inez Street, which marked the halfway point of the ride.

On the return leg, participants took a straight shot back—stopping only at traffic lights and signs as needed—following Inez to Latham, then turning onto North Buena Vista Street, East Fruitvale Avenue, South Santa Fe Avenue, and North Ramona Boulevard. The final stretch led down Tahquitz Street and ended back at Sallee Park, where Boxing for Christ has its gym.

Reserve Deputy Leonard Purvis, former Riverside County Sheriff’s Captain, was present throughout the route, ensuring the riders’ safety and helping manage traffic so that drivers respected and shared the road with cyclists.

Arres gave a shout-out to all the raffle prize donors, food sponsors and vendors who made the event shine. “A huge thanks goes to Soboba Casino, Soboba Motorcycle Club, San Jacinto City Council’s Mayor Valerie Vandever and Councilmembers Crystal Ruiz and Clarisa Sanchez, Soroptimist of San Jacinto and Hemet, Roadrunner Express, Sonia Lamas with Lamas Housing Project, Tina from Menifee Bike Shop Est. 1982, Cynthia’s Treats, Discount Battery Center, Prime Battery Solutions, Gabriel Herrera II, Linda Resvaloso, Domingo Resvaloso, Little Pantry Kitchen, Bianca Machado, Romell Mojado, Arlene Arres, Vanessa Rangel, Rudy Arrietta, Dreena Arrietta, Mia Basquez, the Razon family, Kenny Gonzalez with the Los Frijoles Bike Crew, Sonia Ramos and family, and Leonard Purvis,” he said.

Arres’ role with the club includes coordinating events, building community partnerships, and helping bring youth and families together through biking.

“The Soboba Bike Crew started in 2021 as a grassroots effort to bring together riders of all ages from our tribal communities,” he said. Currently, there are approximately 13 active members and it’s growing steadily.

Charles Resvaloso serves as president and his role includes networking with surrounding teams and serving as the glue that holds SBC together. “He sets the tone for the crew by keeping us consistent and also manages our marketing, social media, and design work,” Arres said. “That said, SBC runs as a true team — we all have an equal say and make sure everyone is on board, whether it’s a ride, T-shirt, or new design. Team first — always.”

Linda Resvaloso said, “My sons are members of the bike club, and it all started with my son Charles riding and then he brought his cousins into it and then all the children.” She said that when they were riding around town, they met someone from Boxing for Christ, which led to last year’s inaugural City Bike Ride.

She said her favorite part of the event was seeing the community getting involved, especially the mayor. “I am most impressed with the fact her heart is in the right place; she really cares about her city,” she said. “It was an awesome ride. I usually follow in my truck in case someone gets a flat tire or needs extra water.”

Resvaloso, who is with H.A.L.O., which stands for Helping and Loving Others, enjoys doing what she can to help others in need. She donated one of the bikes that was raffled off this year. One young rider had been using his sister’s bike to participate in the event. Another had recently had his own bike stolen. Thanks to the generosity of the community, both went home with brand-new bikes.

“It was powerful to see them win — these weren’t just prizes, they were reminders that people care,” Arres said. “One kid couldn’t take his eyes off the Naruto themed bike and manifested the win and got the bike he wanted.”

Arres said the love, support and presence of his Soboba family made all the difference and he could not have done this without them.

“To the SBC crew — my cousins and core team — thank you for your unwavering support, for pushing me, and for boosting my confidence to be able to put this together,” he said. “To the city council and mayor — your kindness, approachability, and genuine presence proved you’re not just holding seats, you’re holding up the community. Much love and respect. And to the entire valley, your helping hands, open hearts, and willingness to show up made this all possible. Like the saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise these kids.’ Words can’t describe the gratitude I feel. Just know that I see you, I appreciate you, and this event was only possible because of you. We rode together. We rose together. I’m just honored to be part of something bigger than myself — this is about all of us riding together for a stronger, healthier future.”

The Soboba Bike Crew participates in monthly events in surrounding cities and weekly throughout San Jacinto and Hemet. Rides are scheduled based on the weather. All riders are welcome, regardless of experience or equipment; even e-bikes are allowed.

“We host community rides, youth bike days, and partner events with local groups throughout the year,” Arres said. “Special focus goes toward family-friendly rides and youth fitness as well as more intense rides for adults.”

For more information on the Soboba Bike Crew, please visit @res_lyfrz on Instagram. To learn more about Boxing for Christ, please visit them on Instagram and Facebook.

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