Soboba’s Cultural Resource Department revitalized the Fiesta in 2008 after a long hiatus. Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Joseph Ontiveros said the event gets bigger every year. The Fiesta Committee began planning for this year’s event in November. Members Harold Arres, Steven Lopez, Joseph Ontiveros, Renee Rhodes, Andy Silvas, Annalisa Tucker, and Jessica Valdez worked in collaboration to make sure everything was ready to greet visitors from all over.

The $ovóova Po’$wáamay (Daughter of Soboba) committee is overseeing three candidates vying for this year’s title. They are Se’ish Morillo, So’a Nelson, and Raya Salgado. Carrie Garcia, one of the board members, said the current program was formed a few years ago and the group spent a couple of years figuring out exactly what they wanted to do. Soboba used to host a Fiesta Maiden Contest but that ended in 1970.

“We wanted to bring back our cultural traditions and be able to represent our Tribe and people in a more positive manner, so we created this program and we’ve been taking the girls out to do things,” Garcia said. On May 30 the girls will join committee members in the mountains to teach them how to identify plants and talk about their uses. They also plan to pick soaproot bulbs from which they will learn how to make soaproot brushes that are used in the making of wewish, a traditional staple made from acorns.

The current $ovóova Po’$wáamay, Su’la Arviso, is looking forward to helping guide these young women through various activities leading up to the crowning ceremony in October. She introduced each one to say a few words.

“I would like to be the 2026-2027 Daughter of Soboba because I want to represent Soboba with pride, strength, and authenticity,” Se’ish said.

So’a said she grew up around the culture and it’s important to her to pass it down to the next generation. Raya, who competed against Su’la last year, said she really wants to give back to her community.

The Soboba Elders hosted bingo games inside the gymnasium and graciously supplied all the baked goods available for kids to win during the cakewalk. A horseshoe tournament, one-pitch softball games, a three-legged race, tug of war, and a watermelon-eating contest were spread throughout the day. Peon games began at dusk and continued into the night. Birdsingers and dancers from all over were invited to the microphones at the center of the handmade ramada arena to share their songs.

Students from the Soboba Tribal Preschool and kindergarten sang three songs in Luiseño, each introduced by teacher Julissa Garcia who thanked Soboba Tribal Council Secretary Monica Herrera and Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Principal Andrew Masiel for sharing their knowledge with the teachers so the songs could be taught to the children.

After a song about working together to clean up, they sang “noyo nopush nonaq” which translates to “my head, my eyes, my ears.” “Our third and final song we call ‘Hethi Nakki’ or ‘open shut’ where students sing while following along with their hands,” Garcia said.

The annual salsa and tortilla contests were popular again this year with tasters voting on 11 unique salsas and seven tortilla entries. Cultural Resource Specialist Jessica Valdez was helping at the booth and said there were no restrictions as to what type of salsa the contestants could enter. New this year was the awarding of trophies as well as $250 to the winners in each category. Ruby Arrietta received the most votes for her salsa and Rose Vera was the top vote getter for her fresh tortillas.

Darius Cabudol chose a salsa he said had a lot of flavor but wasn’t too hot while Ashwet Arellano, 6, liked one that was more saucy than chunky. Clyde Wilcox cast his vote for one of the spicier salsas while Deanne Wilcox cast her vote for what turned out to be the winner.

“I liked the citrus taste, and it didn’t have cilantro,” she said. She chose a tortilla that was not too thin or thick and said the one she liked best had the perfect tortilla taste. “I was looking around for some refried beans to put on it,” she said with a smile.

Several Soboba departments and partners were represented at information booths, with many offering fun freebies and some games for the youngest visitors.

The post Soboba Fiesta combines culture and competitions appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

“For the 20th anniversary, our goal was to make the event feel truly rooted in the community,” Aceves said. “We focused on bringing in as many local vendors as possible to showcase the talent, culture, and spirit we have right here at home. More than anything, we wanted people to come together, enjoy a beautiful day, and celebrate what Earth Day is all about. In the end, we really did love the Earth together—and that sense of unity made the milestone feel extra special.”

Birdsingers from Torres Martinez started off the morning in traditional fashion while students from the Soboba Tribal Preschool performed “We Love the Earth” a little later to a very enthusiastic audience.

“We were thrilled to welcome community favorites like Gil’s Critters and the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, who always draw big smiles while teaching families about our native wildlife,” Aceves said. “Our food vendors included Native-owned gems like Frybread Kitchen and Papa Langos, who kept everyone happy with delicious handmade tortillas and Indian tacos.” The Soboba Youth Council provided root beer floats throughout the day.

The Green Coalition’s Wiggs and Ginger Mendoza were making their 20th appearance at the Earth Day event, providing free take-home succulents such as aloe vera to help promote the growth of native and sustainable plants.

“Giving away plants is part of our mission and part of what this day should be about,” Wiggs said. He explained to those at their stand that the aloe plant can be used as a moisturizer or hair treatment and explained how it can have medicinal properties for cuts and burns.

“The Green Coalition has been our longest-standing partner, and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued presence and support at Soboba Earth Day,” Aceves said. “Their commitment has really helped shape the event into what it is today.” For more information, https://greensanjacinto.org.

EMWD Public Affairs Specialist Allan Freetage shared the importance of not letting certain items go down household drains and offered sink strainers to visitors to help with that. “Our Hydration Station van is a great educational tool to show that tap water can be good,” he said as he offered free cups for guests to fill with cold water.

Climate Science Alliance made a strong showing with informative handouts for adults and fun activities for children at their booth. The organization’s goal is to work with communities to help Native lands survive. “We have trainings with different community partners to help share knowledge,” Grants and Partnership Manager Edgar Carrillo said. Education Program Manager Sarah Morgan said the most important thing is to stay connected as community-based solutions are best.

“There was also strong representation from neighboring Tribal Environmental Departments of Santa Rosa, Morongo, Pechanga, Augustine, and 29 Palms, highlighting the unity and collaboration across our Tribes,” Aceves said.

 Pechanga’s Director of Environmental Helen Waguiu was passionate about explaining the damage being incurred to local oak trees due to the invasive Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB). She shared details of how to look for them so they can be reported and dealt with before causing further harm. She readily explained how the impact of this pest is far reaching. A reduction in oak tree population threatens cultural practices; Coast Live Oak, which is one the GSOB targets, is known as a keystone species and plays a vital role in the local ecosystem; oaks provide food and habitat to thousands of species; and dead and dying oak trees contribute to dangerous levels of wildfire fuel.

Local universities such as CSUSB, UCR, and University of Redlands showcased their environmental programs, inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.

“Alongside them were essential partnerships with local utilities, nonprofits, and agencies,” Aceves said. “It truly was a vibrant mix of organizations, creating a space where our community could learn, connect, and get inspired. Having such a wide variety of vendors made the day feel full, energized, and incredibly meaningful.”

Soboba Cultural Resource Department representatives Renee Rhodes, Jessica Valdez, and Lily Brandt shared how their Cultural Garden at The Oaks is rooted in tradition and why it’s important to protect the earth.

“Tribal culture is land based,” Valdez said. “Once depleted, we cannot practice our traditional way of life.”

Aceves spent much of his time at the STED check-in area to greet guests and make sure they got their tickets for a free meal, a raffle prize chance and a vote for the best student poster. He also visited each vendor to personally thank them for their participation.

Silvas interacted with guests, vendors and others throughout the four-hour event. She said she received a lot of positive feedback about the food, the 39 raffle prizes and all of the different activities for children to do, especially the bird walk that was provided by Robin Roberts. She enjoyed seeing community members interact with all the different vendors and seeing how large the event has grown.

“Another highlight for me was all of the community members, employees, and different departments that volunteered to help us put this all together,” Silvas said. “I’m very appreciative to have their support and we couldn’t have done it without them.”

The standout moment for Aceves was the sheer number of people who showed up.

“Every year our event grows, and with it, Soboba’s commitment to environmental stewardship shines even brighter,” he said. “Seeing the community arrive in droves—families, students, elders, everyone—really exemplifies their dedication to learning, caring for the land, and celebrating the earth together. That kind of turnout is the best reminder of why we put so much heart into this event.”

Activities leading up to the celebration included the invitation to have Soboba departments design creative displays using all recyclable materials and Noli Indian School science students collaborating on posters that depicted the theme of this year’s event.

One of Sabrina Smith’s classes won first place scoring a fun pizza party while all other classes were treated to an ice cream party. The winner is chosen by attendees who each receive a ticket to be placed in the bucket set up next to their favorite poster.

Soboba Housekeeping won first place once again this year with their “McLovin’ the Earth” McDonald’s restaurant theme.

Aceves said that as the event has grown, so has the planning timeline.

“These days, we’re preparing earlier and earlier to make sure everything comes together seamlessly,” he said. “For this year’s celebration, we started more than six months in advance. At this point, half of our department’s calendar revolves around Earth Day, but we love it. It’s a huge lift but seeing the community show up the way they did makes every bit of preparation worth it.”

He said the most important thing people can do to make every day Earth Day is to love it.

“This year I selected the theme ‘Love the Earth’ (‘Éxla ‘Omá’ma) so that people could reflect on why they love the earth,” Aceves said. “In the opening remarks I asked participants to reflect on why they love the earth, be it the mountains that ground you, the rivers that bring life, or just the feeling of fresh air after a long day. Whatever it is, hold onto it because what we love is what we protect.”

For information on upcoming STED events, please visit https://epa.soboba-nsn.gov.

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For the thirteen graduating seniors in the ensemble, the achievement represents years of dedication, perseverance, and growth together. Many of the students began playing music in middle school and have spent the past four years developing not only their musical abilities, but also friendships, discipline, teamwork, and confidence through the SJHS band program.

When the final ratings were announced, seniors described the moment as “Finally,” “Emotional,” “Bittersweet,” and “Our hard work paid off.”

The accomplishment is especially meaningful for Band Director Mr. Patrick Harris, who joined San Jacinto High School four years ago with a vision of elevating the program.

“I knew I had my work cut out for me,” Harris said. “But I pushed them, believed in them, and knew they could do it. All the hard work was worth it.”

Students performed some of the most challenging high school band literature possible, including Grade 5.5 music, demonstrating exceptional musicality, precision, and commitment. Their performance qualified the Tiger Symphonic Band for the California State Band & Orchestra Festival at Sonoma State University in 2027, one of the state’s most prestigious music performance events.

Beyond the awards and recognition, students shared that band provided unforgettable memories through performances, competitions, and travel opportunities. Several seniors hope to continue their musical journeys after graduation by performing in college or professional bands, symphonies, or wind ensembles. As they move forward, Mr. Harris hopes they carry one lesson with them: “Believe in yourself regardless of the naysayers.”

The Tiger Symphonic Band’s achievement reflects the continued growth and excellence of music education throughout San Jacinto Unified School District and the dedication of students committed to reaching their highest potential.

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Originally established as a mineral hot springs destination in the early 1900s, the resort—also known as Massacre Canyon Inn (MCI)—was part of what was once referred to as Southern California’s “health belt,” drawing visitors from across the region to experience the reputed healing properties of the springs. In the 1920s, the Gilman family expanded the property into a prominent resort featuring a 27-hole golf course, horse stables, tennis courts and a range of recreational amenities.

By the late 1960s, the resort started a boxing training camp that attracted both rising talent and some of the most recognized names in the sport.

This past week, Golden Era Productions welcomed back former boxer Lester Smith, who trained at the Gilman Resort from 1968 to 1970 during the early years of his middleweight career. Introduced to boxing by his stepfather, Stan Russell, Smith began his journey at the Gilman training camp, which featured extensive facilities including a boxing ring, steam baths, exercise equipment, running trails through the foothills, guest cottages and a full-service dining room complete with a bar and coffee shop.

Smith recalled the demanding daily routine of the fighters: rising at daybreak for a six-mile run, followed by intensive training in the ring throughout the day. He also remembered the presence of notable figures in the sport, including Ken Norton, George Foreman, Sonny Liston, and brothers Mike Quarry and Jerry Quarry. Smith noted that he narrowly missed meeting Muhammad Ali, who visited the camp while Smith was away in Las Vegas.

Weekend visitors included renowned sports broadcaster Howard Cosell, who interviewed fighters ahead of major bouts. Smith also recalled that the masseuse for boxing legend Joe Louis was available at the steam baths following rigorous training sessions.

Motivated by a desire to revisit the place where his boxing career began, Smith returned to the property—now extensively renovated and transformed into a modern, international production facility where audiovisual content is created for the Churches of Scientology. His visit highlights the continuity of the site, which has evolved from a destination for health and athletic training into a center for creative production.

During his tour, Smith was shown the location of the original boxing ring, now repurposed as a Foreign Recording Studio in the Audio Building. He immediately recognized the area, recalling its proximity to the foothills. He also revisited the former MCI dining room, expressing admiration for its updated design and décor.

The visit concluded with lunch at the property’s historic Tavern, which retains its original name. Reflecting on the experience, Smith remarked, “How fortunate the staff are to live and work at Golden Era.”

A representative of Golden Era Productions said visits such as Smith’s serve as a meaningful reminder of the property’s legacy. “It is always special to welcome back individuals who were part of this location’s history and to share how the site has been preserved and repurposed for a new era,” the representative said.

Both Smith and his guest expressed appreciation not only for the beauty of the facilities, but also for the warmth and hospitality extended by the staff.

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A two-night campout turned into an unforgettable outdoor adventure for Boy Scout Troop 520 of Moreno Valley, where Scouts combined fishing, golf, and hands-on learning at a the Golden Era golf course.

Six Scouts, along with their Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmaster, set up camp near Lake No. 3, creating a traditional campsite complete with tents and a cooking station.

The trip, designed to help Scouts earn their Fishing Merit Badge and Golf Merit Badge, delivered standout results. Collectively, the group caught more than 75 fish, with every Scout successfully landing at least one. Dylan Black led the effort with approximately 40 catches, including a largemouth bass weighing more than four pounds.

The campout also marked a special milestone for the daughter of Scout Leader Jared Salas, the only Girl Scout present, who caught her first fish during the trip and went on to land four in total.

Beyond the shoreline, the Scouts took to the course, completing approximately 16 holes of golf—many for the first time. In a relaxed, low-pressure setting, they were able to learn the fundamentals of the game, including rules and etiquette, while playing at a comfortable, beginner-friendly pace.

“This was a great environment for the Scouts to learn,” the Scoutmaster said. “There was no pressure, and they were able to really focus on the fundamentals and enjoy the experience.”

Looking ahead, troop leadership is exploring opportunities to expand future outings to include both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. With the Scoutmaster’s wife serving as a Girl Scout leader, plans are being considered for a family-oriented campout that would bring both groups together for shared outdoor activities.

The experience reflects the core mission of Scouting—building skills, confidence, and character through real-world experiences—while creating lasting memories along the way.

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Before driving out, Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco welcomed all attendees. There were 42 foursomes on the first day, 50 on day two and 36 on the final day.

“We can’t be more grateful for your support; we couldn’t do this without our sister Tribes as well as our corporate partners,” he said. “On behalf of the Tribe and Foundation, we thank you.”

Soboba Foundation President Andy Silvas said he knows how much goes into organizing this event and thanked all those who made it happen.

Soboba Casino Resort General Manager and Tournament Director Jason Cozart reminded players of the rules and told them to have fun. He said, “The success of this annual event is evident by its growth over the past 14 years and that would not have been possible without you. Your generosity has allowed us to help local nonprofi­ts meet their goals and fulfill their missions.”

More than 40 nonprofits submitted a qualified written application as well as a 30-second video detailing why they should be considered as a beneficiary by the Soboba Foundation Board of Directors. Since each selected group had the potential of receiving $10,000, they also were asked to describe how the funding would be utilized.

“The videos were an important part of the process, as they helped put a face to the name and gave the Board a more personal connection to each applicant,” Sponsorship Coordinator Andrew Vallejos said.

All chosen organizations were required to promote the tournament in addition to providing 10 volunteers for the tournament on a designated day. Tara and Joey Placencia were co-coordinators for the volunteers once again this year. They were joined by six immediate family members who also donated their time for the event and helped with pre-tournament duties such as preparing gift packages for the players.

Arriving each morning before 6 a.m., Tara and Joey made sure everyone knew their station and what they needed to do for the day. Some were assigned to the beverage station while others were set up at different holes around the course for golfers to have fun with other games such as football pass or cornhole craze. Scoring high in these contests gave players an opportunity to win fabulous prizes at the evening’s banquet at the SCR Event Center.

“The new beverage station at golf check-in worked very well, and it was very well received by everyone,” Vallejos said. “Guests really enjoyed it, and it helped create a welcoming experience at the start of each day. We liked it very much and would definitely consider using it again in the future, while continuing to look for ways to improve efficiency.”

Tara Placencia agreed and welcomed the opportunity to assign required volunteers to the beverage station. This ensured it was fully staffed throughout the check-in process and gave volunteers the opportunity to connect with the players on their assigned day.

“We ask the organizations to provide 10 volunteers so we had some who could help when different casino resort departments requested extra help,” said Tara, who has been part of the charity golf tournament for the past 10 years.

Everyone in attendance was given the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for some amazing prizes housed in a room adjacent to the banquet room. There was also a grand prize winner of $14,000 in cash each night for those who purchased $50 or more in raffle tickets.

This year’s deserving nonprofits were 7G Foundation, Care-A-Van Transit Systems, Daughter of Soboba, Dream the Impossible, EXCEED, Hemet Youth Wrestling, Lifeworks ATP, Native American Land Conservancy, Oak Grove Center, and San Jacinto Lions Club.

The 7G Foundation is a collection of entrepreneurs, coaches and Tribal leaders building on the strength of their ancestors to mold the next seven generations of Native leaders through education, athletics, culture, and real-world support. Funding will support their annual Indigenous Bowl.

Care-A-Van offers free transportation for elderly and disabled individuals to access critical services and resources. Volunteers from the transit systems’ partner agencies included Teresa Suarez and her daughter Angelica. “Everything ran smoothly,” said Teresa, who helped make sure all coolers were filled throughout the day. Czaia Velazquez and Jessica Lacayo worked the Dartboard Chip game at Hole 1. Their enthusiasm got players off to a good start. “I love it, I’m having a good time,” Care-A-Van dispatcher Velazquez said.

The Daughter of Soboba ($ovóova Po’$wáamay) seeks to strengthen the cultural connections between elders, young women, and girls in order to create a cycle of learning, connecting, and sharing with one another. Dream the Impossible encourages Native youth to dream big and engage in new experiences and provides Native youth exposure to college campuses.

EXCEED provides services and supports that empower individuals with disabilities to explore opportunities, make informed choices, and achieve greater independence. Funds from the charity golf tournament will support its year-round Art in the Park community-based creative arts program. “Everyone is so nice and the players are respectful and having fun,” said volunteer Jennifer Herrera.

Hemet Youth Wrestling introduces San Jacinto Valley area youth to the sport of wrestling within a safe, fun and challenging environment. Lifeworks ATP is a Hemet Unified School District transition program for special education students ages 18-22 that strives to equip every adult student with skills towards independence. Teachers Abby Smith, Kazryn Gess and Sharyl Adams Williams were among the 10 volunteers who spent day two on the course on behalf of the Lifeworks program. Several of the volunteers began their shift at 6 a.m., helping with check-in. Funding the organization received will help with field trips to museums and local workplaces, along with overall program operations.

Native American Land Conservancy is an intertribal nonprofit founded in 1998 to acquire, preserve, and protect sacred lands. Funds from their participation in this year’s event will support the Land Back Initiative project to return state school lands to Tribal communities.

Oak Grove Center rebuilds the lives of at-risk children and their families through education, healing, restoring relationships, building character, and instilling hope. Being a recipient this year will help them expand their mental health treatment services. Development Director Romy Fazeli spent the first day at Hole 12 with colleague Erick Montejo cheering on those taking part in the Football Pass game. “Everyone has been great; we’re excited to be here,” Fazeli said. Jean Bacher has been a youth support worker at Oak Grove for 10 years but was at the charity golf tournament for the first time. “I love it,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to engage with the community and see everyone supporting nonprofits.”

The San Jacinto Lions Club has a long-standing commitment to community service, with a strong focus on supporting the blind and visually impaired. Past District Governor Ken Reed said being one of the lucky recipients from this year’s event will be a big help to the club whose services are provided to those less fortunate in the community. Funds will be used to support the “Dance for Fun” program that offers a free social and inclusive event for individuals with disabilities.

The energy was at an all-time high level out on the golf course and at the Event Center, thanks in part to the upbeat tunes spun by DJ Mike Nevarez aka Da Chef who also kept things on schedule by making important announcements at both locations.

Vendors dotted the course with a huge variety of food and drinks. Roadrunner Express store manager Tony Brimer and Assistant Manager Ruby Arrietta were set up at Hole 4 with a snack station. Offering plant-based Yerba Mate drinks with organic caffeine and grab and go snacks, visitors were also treated to a lip balm delivered in the shape of a golf ball. Soboba Tribal member Arrietta said she was happy to be part of the tournament. “I like to represent and do for my people,” she said. Sergio Ramon, founder of Grips on the Go, replaced club grips for those who asked. He offered all colors and designs, including one that was customized for the tournament.

Charles Berglund is SCR’s Executive Director of Facilities and Public Works. He said the event is always a highlight for him because it brings together so many people they don’t get to see often. “Our vendors, sponsors, along with the Soboba Foundation and the Soboba Casino Resort team, join forces to create an event that’s top tier in every way,” Berglund said. “It’s always rewarding to hear positive feedback about the event and our course, and it reinforces why it’s so special to be a part of it.”

Another attraction was the opportunity for players to interact with one of Soboba’s newest employees, Pond Manager Hitch. Already a social media star, the border collie from North Carolina has found a beautiful home at Soboba Springs Golf Course. Handler Aaron Kelsey is the superintendent of the golf course and said Hitch traverses water features three times a day to chase away waterfowl such as ducks and geese. “He has become a little rock star,” Kelsey said. See Hitch in action on Instagram at www.instagram.com/reel/DUouFlVj7jn.

SCR Promotions Manager Corryn Salgado Flores said the tournament went very smoothly for the team this year. “The vibes on the course were calm all around and it really did make for a great experience. The highlight for me was seeing my team work in sync with all the other departments, vendors, volunteers, and golfers,” she said. “Hearing all of our vendors and guests say, ‘Everyone is so friendly and nice here,’ multiple times lets us know we’re doing something right. There is a lot of prep for this event and as long as the guest experience is amazing, all of the hard work is worth it.”

Soboba continues to strengthen the community, one swing at a time. Always rooted in the tradition of giving back, this signature event has everyone playing for purpose year after year.

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This year’s theme, “Rodeo of Resilience,” honored individuals and students who have demonstrated determination, leadership, and commitment to uplifting the community. The keynote address was delivered by Cherina Betters, the Chief of Equity and Access for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and a Board Trustee for the San Bernardino Community College District. She was introduced by emcee Lester Fountain.

Betters spoke about the increasing role of artificial/ancestral intelligence and technology in shaping opportunities for the African American community, encouraging students to pursue education and innovation as pathways to equity and advancement.

A highlight of the annual event is the awarding of scholarships to outstanding students. Presented by Nalaisha Burnett, the following received $1,000 Academic Excellence Scholarships: Jordyn Crawford, San Jacinto Leadership Academy; Daijon Gilliam, San Jacinto High School; Shamyah Jones, Hemet High School; and Blessing Sele, West Valley High School.

Additional student recognitions included $500 Stellar Awards presented to Yasel Pleasant of San Jacinto High School and Kha’Maiah Wright of Tahquitz High School. The $500 Phoenix Award, which honors resilience and determination in overcoming adversity, was presented to Joshua McClure of West Valley High School.

This year also marked the introduction of the Dr. Patricia Scott Award, named in honor of the Black Voices of the Valley board treasurer who has played a key role in strengthening the organization’s financial infrastructure and expanding donor engagement efforts to support student scholarships. The inaugural recipients of the $750 award were Kamiah Dease of West Valley High School and Cannon McIntosh of Tahquitz High School.

During the program, Scott shared a personal story about the financial challenges she faced while supporting her daughter through college, particularly the costs associated with books and daily living expenses. Her message underscored the importance of community support for students pursuing higher education. To assist this organization with its ongoing scholarship goals, please visit www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/bvov-scholarship-donors-circle.

“We have brilliant students in our community,” Scott said. “Sometimes what they need most is the reassurance that a village stands behind them, encouraging them all the way to graduation.”

To amplify that message, BVOV presented its annual “It Takes a Village” community awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a meaningful impact throughout the region. This year’s deserving honorees, who contribute to the betterment of the community, are Love Right UNTD, Inc.’s Founder and CEO Gary Jake and Executive Director Leniece Williams; Trish McClure from All Persons Housed; Sharon Jackson with The Rose of Sharon 7, Inc.; Sheila Diggs, CEO of SKD Artz (abstract art); and Dr. Vidhya Koka of SJ Medical Group and the Resilience Center for Mental Wellness.

Love Right UNTD exists to make a measurable, life-changing impact on the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities across Southern California. Jake and his team believe transformation happens when people are given access to stability, support, and human connection. The nonprofit’s purpose is to unite, uplift, and empower underserved populations by integrating the power of social services, arts, music, culture, and community engagement. For more information, www.loverightuntd.org.

All Persons Housed (APH) transitional housing program is designed to successfully transition homeless families with children off the streets and into safe, permanent housing. Its mission is to advocate for the rights and well-being of underserved populations, creating programs that address their diverse needs. They believe that through collective effort and compassionate action, they can transform communities and foster genuine connections among people. For more information, www.allpersonshoused.org.

The Rose of Sharon 7, Inc.’s mission is to provide the best intensive substance abuse treatment for all adult women seeking recovery. The success of an addict’s treatment requires the support of the family. The organization understands the heartache and pains of addiction, the strength that can be gained from a successful treatment, and the ability to make better choices after treatment. For more information, https://theroseofsharon7.org/.

The mission at SJ Medical Group is to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and patient-centered healthcare to individuals and families in the Hemet and San Jacinto area. Dr. Koka and her team are committed to promoting wellness, preventing illness, and delivering exceptional medical services across a spectrum of specialties. With a focus on personalized care and evidence-based practices, they strive to improve the overall health and quality of life for all their patients. The mission of the Resilience Center for Mental Wellness is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. The group is committed to empowering individuals on their journey towards mental well-being, fostering resilience, and promoting holistic healing. For more information, www.sjmedicalgroup.com, www.resiliencecenterformentalwellness.com.

“Receiving the ‘It Takes a Village’ award is deeply meaningful to me because it reminds me that no one serves a community alone,” Koka said. “Every day in medicine, I am supported by a village — my dedicated staff, fellow healthcare professionals, community leaders, families, and the patients themselves. This award is not just a recognition of one person’s work; it represents the collective effort of many people who care deeply about the health and wellbeing of our community. For over two decades of practicing medicine here, I have had the privilege of walking alongside patients and families through their challenges and triumphs. In doing so, I have seen firsthand how strong this village truly is.”

She said that when a patient finds the strength to fight through illness, when a family supports a loved one through recovery, when a community comes together to uplift one another — that is resilience. That is the true spirit of a village. Koka accepted the award with gratitude and humility and said she was sharing it with every member of the community who continues to “show up, support one another, and make our valley stronger.”

Koka said the most meaningful highlight of the event for her was being recognized for the dedication and passion she has always had for serving this community.

“Medicine has never been just a profession for me — it has always been a calling,” she said. “To have that commitment acknowledged by the very community I have had the privilege to care for over the years is truly humbling and deeply rewarding.”

BVOV Executive Director Stephanie Bruce thanked all the guests for coming and offered a special thank you to Simon Chu, who sponsored the venue and has long supported community initiatives. Black Voices of the Valley also recognized Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez for grant funding that helps support the organization’s youth and scholarship programs and he has committed to continuing the support. A shoutout was also given to Andrews Catering and DJ Chosen for their contributions to the highly successful event.

For more information on Black Voices of the Valley, please visit www.blackvoicesofthevalley.org.

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Though the MSJC-CDEC has served the community for over 30 years, this was the first time the center formally recognized its youngest learners in a graduation ceremony, making it a truly historic moment in the program’s legacy.

“We are so proud to celebrate the incredible progress these students have made,” said Kendra Woodcock, Interim Director of the Child Development & Education Center. “This graduation not only marks the beginning of their academic journeys but also highlights the collaborative support of our teachers, staff, and families. Watching these children grow into confident, curious learners has been an inspiring experience.”

Throughout the year, students engaged in hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery, building a strong foundation for future academic success. The ceremony included cheerful performances, proud smiles, and heartfelt applause as each child walked onto the stage to receive recognition for their accomplishments.

The graduation honored not just the students, but the entire MSJC-CDEC community, whose dedication helped make this moment possible. It was a celebration of potential, partnership, and the promise of what lies ahead. Congratulations to the inaugural MSJC-CDEC graduates and their families. This is only the beginning!

For more information about MSJC Child Development and Education Center, please visit https://msjc.edu/childdevelopmenteducationcenter.

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Among the attendees was Sheila Hunt, who was the school’s principal when the time capsule was sealed. Ms. Hunt made a special effort to attend, adjusting her travel plans from Arkansas—where she had flown in for another event—so she could witness the opening alongside former colleagues and students.

Former De Anza student, Abraham, who came to the event dressed in a retro De Anza “Where the Cool Go To School” t-shirt, found the paper he had placed into safekeeping 25 years ago.

The capsule had been opened a few weeks prior in preparation for the event, only to be found filled with water. However, thanks to the diligent work of current staff, many documents and mementos were carefully dried and salvaged. Items recovered included student essays, class schedules, school memorabilia, and heartfelt letters addressed to the future.

Two classes joined the celebration in person as their teachers, Mrs. Walker and Miss Woodman were also part of the De Anza staff in 2000. The remaining classes were able to watch a livestream of the event thanks to the San Jacinto High School Tiger Media Network students. Current students and staff have come together to create another box of mementos and pages filled with their dreams for the future which will be tightly sealed and preserved – until the next time capsule “reveal” in 2050.

“It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come and how much has changed—yet how connected we still are as a school community,” said one attendee. “This time capsule reveal was about so much more than preserved mementos, it is like a family reunion, which speaks so well to the caring culture within SJUSD,” commented another.

The event offered time for reflection, laughter, and even a few tears, as alumni and former staff shared stories, reconnected, and honored the legacy of Juan Bautista De Anza Elementary School.

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Kids ages 6 to 15 are invited to participate in this free, catch-and-release tournament. Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m., with the tournament kicking off promptly at 8:30 a.m. at Golden Era Golf Course, 19871 Gilman Springs Road. Although entry is free, pre-registration is required at www.gsjvchamber.com.

All registered kids will receive a free event T-shirt, a snack bag and lunch is provided for all attendees.

Medals and prizes will be awarded to the top 10 anglers in each age group. The grand prize—four tickets to SeaWorld, generously sponsored by Steve and Dr. Christie Dimemmo—goes to the young angler who lands the biggest fish of the day.

Don’t have fishing gear? No problem! The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be on-site to loan fishing poles with valid ID.

Last year’s event saw 276 young anglers reel in a total of 178 fish, making it a memorable experience for kids and families alike.

Special thanks to the long list of generous sponsors who are making this unforgettable day possible for our community’s youth:

Soboba Foundation

Shamrock Foods

SCOC Services

Michelle Meade Realtor

Golden Era Productions

Greater San Jacinto Valley Chamber Of Commerce

Steve Dimemmo and Dr. Kristi Dimemmo

Agri Empire

Sysco

Micromobile Tire

Abid Hussain M.D.

Arnold’s Rentals

Raising Cane’s

California Department of Fish and Game

DPR Construction

Brubaker & Culton Real Estate and Development

Toliver Tax Service

Andy Dominigoni Farms

Last Chance Bait & Tackle

Valley Community Pantry

CR&R

Join us for a day of family-friendly fun, fresh air, and fishing—and inspiring the next generation of anglers.

To register and for more information go to The Greater San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce website at www.gsjvchamber.com

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