One month later, the three-day Grand Opening took place with even more fun to offer. Each day had a special theme with July 23 being a true celebration, July 24 offering Awareness Day to highlight important nonprofits such as FFA and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which help support families staying close to their children while they receive medical care. July 25 was dubbed Hero Day that put the spotlight on first responders and public safety in general.

Familiar characters were present at both events. The Hamburglar, Birdie the Early Bird, and Grimace posed for photos with youngsters and made their way through the long line of hungry diners to bring smiles to their faces before the doors were opened for ordering.

The newest location is at the Crossroads business area, which is owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians. For the first day launch, the restaurant reached out to Soboba to request bird singers, a blessing and Tribal Council remarks. They worked closely with Joe Ontiveros and Jessica Valdez from Soboba’s Cultural Resource Department. The Andreas family offered some Cahuilla bird songs and was joined by several dancers. A blessing was given by Soboba’s Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada.

Estrada then welcomed everyone and Tribal Council members Daniel Valdez, Monica Herrera and Adona Salgado were introduced. Estrada said it is nice to have a major brand operation be the first to move into the Crossroads space.

“It’s good to see long lines because it just shows the need and use for the community overall,” Estrada said. “Tribal Council had some input on the design so it complimented Crossroads overall.”

He said the June 23 event was not just a ribbon-cutting ceremony but evidence of the Tribe’s resiliency, self-determination, and economic growth. Several years ago, Soboba purchased the off-reservation property, master planned it and put in all the infrastructure.

“We are here today welcoming a new business within the valley and into the community,” Estrada said. “They are not just providing economic support for the Tribe but economic support for the community as well by way of job opportunities, all contributing to the local economy so thank you to all who came out today.”

June’s opening found many attendees of the ribbon-cutting ceremony and introductions using umbrellas to shade themselves from the heat. But inside, the griddles stayed hot all day long as eager guests ordered their famous cheeseburgers at the special price of 80 cents each. It’s no surprise that they sold nearly 2,000 of them, while serving more than 1,200 customers on that first day.

Franchise owners/operators Randell Baremor and Ramin Ghaffari were recognized and applauded by Hemet/San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce and Greater San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce representatives for their investment in the local community.

Robert Graves, Director of Operations for a franchise group, spoke on behalf of business partners Baremor and Ghaffari.

“We are truly honored to be part of the San Jacinto community,” he said. “From the beginning, our goal has been to be more than just a place where families can come together and share a meal. We strive to be a trusted neighbor, a dependable employer, and a positive force that continues to grow. We believe that a strong business helps build strong communities; that means creating meaningful jobs, providing opportunities for personal and professional development, and supporting our communities.”

San Jacinto City Council members Alonso Ledezma, Valerie Vandever and Mayor Pro Tem Clarisa Sanchez were introduced by Mayor Crystal Ruiz, who presented the franchisees with a certificate of recognition. It read, in part, “The City of San Jacinto welcomes you and recognizes the positive contributions your business will bring to our community. We look forward to your ongoing partnership in serving the residents of San Jacinto for years to come.”

Ruiz said, “One of my first jobs was at McDonald’s; they’re like our family. We welcome the partnership between McDonald’s and Soboba, who are the cornerstone of our city.”

Hemet Mayor Linda Krupa presented a certificate on behalf of the Hemet City Council to recognize their investment in the valley and wished them “continued prosperity and success in serving the residents and visitors of the valley.”

The office of 5^th District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez recognized McDonald’s commitment and contribution to economic growth in Riverside County.

“We are grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received and look forward to serving our community with our delicious food for many years to come,” ARCS Training/HR Manager Elaine Contreras said.

Leon Clausen of San Jacinto arrived at midnight on June 23 driving his 1964 Malibu SS.

“I had this wild idea to do something spectacular like I was 17 again,” said the 42-year-old classic car enthusiast. I wanted to be the first person in the drive-thru of the new McDonald’s.”

Clausen thought driving his classic car to this classic restaurant would be very fitting. He added that security did a great job throughout the night as others arrived to be near the front of the line when the great deals started being served at noon.

For his efforts, Clausen was presented with a McDonald’s merchandise gift basket by San Jacinto Mayor Crystal Ruiz at the drive-thru window.

On July 23–25 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, there were prizes, games and special offers to celebrate the official grand opening. All those involved looked forward to sharing great food and great memories with the community.

“On behalf of McDonald’s, ARCS Restaurant Management, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Team. It truly takes a village, and their dedication, hard work, and passion made our Soft Grand Opening a tremendous success,” Contreras said. “Most of all we would like to say thank you to the mayors, City Council members, Chambers of Commerce, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and Soboba Tribal Council, and the entire community for their support.”

Franchisee Baremor said things are going smoothly and they have been busier than expected. Currently, there are about 55 employees working at the 24/7 site. No stranger to McDonald’s, Baremor has been involved with the fast-food chain since high school and worked for another franchisee in Orange County for 30 years. He partnered with Ghaffari 15 years ago and they now operate 18 stores.

“It’s important to us to fit in with the community,” he said. “We don’t want this to be just another McDonald’s. Wherever we go, we have to connect to the community and that includes Soboba. We have been so happy with the way things have been going because we want this to be a destination McDonald’s.”

Baremor said that everything the store does as far as special events is up to the franchisees with the only thing controlled by McDonald’s being the menu. But they don’t work alone, they have an extensive team of about 20 that helps with everything from training to technology and marketing.

“We don’t just hire workers for the restaurant, but we hire those that are skilled in other areas, too,” he said. “It’s about giving employees the opportunity to grow with us.”

It’s not all about revenue to Baremor either. He said he would consider success to be accepted by the community who allow his restaurant to become part of their day.

Looking to be a hub where community members can connect, celebrate and enjoy, the newest San Jacinto McDonald’s is at 528 W. Ramona Expressway. For details, www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/location/ca/san-jacinto/528-w-ramona-expressway/41045.html.

For more information about all local McDonald’s special events and promotions, please visit #arcsmcds on Instagram.

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District officials announced that all students enrolled in San Jacinto Unified schools will receive both breakfast and lunch at no cost through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The initiative is designed to ensure students have access to nutritious meals that support learning, health, and academic success.

The free meal program will be available to students attending the district’s elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as select preschool and academy programs. Participating campuses include:

• Megan Cope Elementary School
• Juan Bautista De Anza Elementary School
• Jose Antonio Estudillo Elementary School
• Edward Hyatt World Language Academy
• Park Hill Elementary School
• Clayton A. Record Elementary School
• Rose Salgado Elementary School
• San Jacinto Elementary School
• Head Start Preschool
• San Jacinto Leadership Academy
• Monte Vista Middle School
• North Mountain Middle School
• Mountain View High School
• San Jacinto High School

The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs provide federally supported meals to eligible schools across the country, helping ensure students have reliable access to healthy food throughout the school day.

District officials encourage families with questions about the meal program to contact the San Jacinto Unified School District Nutrition Services Department at (951) 654-9371.

The free breakfast and lunch program will be available throughout the 2026-2027 school year for all enrolled SJUSD students attending participating schools.

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Attendees gathered with lawn chairs and blankets for the family-friendly event, which also encouraged donations of plastic and paper bags for a local community pantry.

The program, emceed by Brian Dunn, focused on themes of hope and unity. Jeremiah Herterich opened the evening with prayer.

Performers represented several local faith communities, including Light of Hope Community Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Church of Scientology and area school programs, reflecting the Interfaith Council’s mission to build connections across religious traditions.

Highlights included performances by singer-songwriter Kathryn D’Costa, the San Jacinto Valley Academy’s Valley Singers—recent first-place winners at a national competition in New York City—and vocalist Sheila Diggs of Light of Hope Community Church. Additional performances featured Nathan Pacheco of Lake Elsinore and an interfaith collaboration by Linda Greilich and Chris Formica performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

The evening concluded with a group rendition of “Amazing Grace,” bringing performers and audience members together.

The Interfaith Council said the event is part of its ongoing effort to promote understanding among diverse faith groups and support the broader community. For more information, contact hsjinterfaith@gmail.com.

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Centered around the theme, “One Flag, One Nation, One Community,” the event brought together local residents, businesses, and city representatives to honor those who demonstrate exceptional respect and pride in displaying the American flag.

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress approved the design of a national flag. The observance was officially established in 1916 and later recognized by Congress in 1949 as a day to celebrate the history and symbolism of the flag as a representation of freedom, unity, and national identity.

A highlight of the ceremony was a formal 13-fold Flag Recital, a time-honored tradition that reflects the symbolic meaning behind each fold of the United States flag. The recital served as a powerful reminder of the values, sacrifices, and unity the flag represents.

Awards were presented to businesses, community members, and cities that have shown outstanding dedication in their display of the U.S. flag, helping to foster a sense of patriotism throughout the San Jacinto Valley and surrounding communities.

The event was led by Post Commander Lester Fountain, with significant support from 1st Vice Commander Joel Ortiz, who helped organize the program. 3rd Vice Commander Jamie Swan added to the celebratory atmosphere by serving as the event’s DJ.

The gathering was made possible in part through the support of the Lamas Housing Project, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defined the day.

Attendees enjoyed a meaningful and uplifting ceremony that not only honored the nation’s flag but also strengthened community bonds. Events like this continue to highlight the important role local organizations play in preserving traditions and bringing people together.

For many in attendance, the message of the day was clear: the American flag remains a powerful symbol of unity, pride, and shared identity.

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Family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to honor the graduates and celebrate an important milestone in their educational journeys. The annual ceremony recognizes the accomplishments of students and the support systems that help them succeed, including families, educators, and the broader community.

The Child Development & Education Center serves as both a high-quality early childhood education program and a laboratory school supporting MSJC’s Teacher Education and Developmental Studies (TEDS) program. Through observation, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities, the Center helps prepare future educators while providing exceptional care and education for local children.

The Center offers full-day toddler and preschool programs for children ages 18 months to 5 years in a nurturing environment built around play-based learning, creativity, exploration, and hands-on discovery. Educators focus on supporting each child’s unique interests, strengths, and emerging abilities while fostering social-emotional development, communication skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

This year’s graduation ceremony included translation services to help ensure that all families could fully participate in the celebration, reflecting the Center’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and family engagement.

“Watching our students cross the stage and celebrate their achievements with family and friends is one of the most rewarding moments of the year,” said Kendra Woodcock, Director of the Child Development & Education Center. “We were especially proud to offer translation services during the ceremony, helping ensure that every family could fully participate in this important milestone. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where all students and their loved ones feel welcomed, connected, and celebrated. Seeing our graduates reach this accomplishment reminds us of the incredible opportunities that education can create and the bright futures that lie ahead for each of them.”

The Center’s staff recognizes the trust parents place in the program each day and remains committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching educational experience for every child. Early childhood education plays a critical role in laying the foundation for future learning, behavior, and overall well-being, and the CDEC strives to create an environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

For the graduates, the ceremony represented more than the completion of a program—it marked the beginning of new opportunities. Their hard work, perseverance, and commitment have prepared them to pursue future educational goals, meaningful careers, and personal aspirations with confidence.

The graduates demonstrated remarkable determination throughout their educational journey. Their success reflects not only their resilience and dedication but also the encouragement of their families and the support of the faculty and staff who guided them every step of the way.

As MSJC concludes its 2026 graduation season, the Child Development & Education Center ceremony serves as a reminder that educational success begins early and that every milestone deserves celebration.

The Child Development & Education Center currently has 15 openings available in its preschool program for the 2026-27 academic year. Families interested in learning more about the program, scheduling a visit, or enrolling a child are encouraged to contact Director Kendra Woodcock at kwoodcock@msjc.edu. Space is limited.

About Mt. San Jacinto College 

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is a comprehensive community college serving a diverse student population of approximately 30,000 annually across a 1,700-square-mile area. With campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee Valley, Temecula Valley, and San Gorgonio Pass, MSJC provides accessible, equitable, and innovative educational programs. The college offers a wide range of courses and programs designed to meet the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities, supporting students in achieving their academic and career goals. 

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    The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Bureau confirmed Monday that the victims were 43-year-old Arthur Fernandez Jr. and his 10-year-old son, Arthur Fernandez, both residents of San Jacinto.

    The fatal crash occurred shortly after noon Friday at the intersection of Domenigoni Parkway and State Street.

    According to Cal Fire Capt. John Clingingsmith, a county fire crew was responding to a vegetation fire along Highway 74 near the western boundary of the San Bernardino National Forest when the collision happened.

    Investigators said the fire engine was traveling north on State Street with its emergency lights and siren activated. At the same time, Fernandez was driving a Mini Cooper westbound on Gibbel Road, which transitions into Domenigoni Parkway at the intersection. Two children were riding in the vehicle with him.

    Fernandez was pronounced dead at the scene. Both children were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities later confirmed that the 10-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries. Information regarding the condition of the second juvenile passenger has not been released.

    A fundraising campaign established for the family indicated that Fernandez was also the father of a 5-year-old son. It has not been confirmed whether that child was the other passenger involved in the crash.

    “Arthur was an extraordinary father,” organizers wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Everything he did, every single day, was for his children. He poured his heart and soul into being the best dad possible, leaving behind a beautiful five-year-old son who will now grow up without his father and big brother.”

    The fundraiser also described the family’s grief following the sudden loss and noted that loved ones are facing unexpected funeral and burial expenses.

    By Monday afternoon, donations had climbed to nearly $9,000.

    Three firefighters who were aboard the county engine also suffered injuries in the crash. Officials said their injuries were not considered life-threatening. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar for evaluation and treatment and were later released.

    Emergency personnel from the Hemet Fire Department, Hemet Police Department, California Highway Patrol and additional Riverside County fire units responded to the scene. The busy intersection remained closed for several hours as investigators worked to document evidence and clear the roadway.

    Authorities said there is currently no indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision.

    The California Highway Patrol’s San Gorgonio Pass Area office is leading the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information related to the incident is encouraged to contact CHP investigators at 951-846-5300.

    Source: City News Service

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Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office responded around 10:23 p.m. to the 1300 block of Heron Way after receiving reports of an assault with a deadly weapon.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered evidence of a shooting and located a man suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to investigators, the homeowner had been visiting a nearby residence when he heard screams and gunshots coming from his own home. He immediately returned and encountered an unknown man inside the residence who was armed with a shotgun.

Sheriff’s officials said the homeowner armed himself and confronted the intruder. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly fired several rounds at the homeowner, who returned fire, striking the intruder.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said no other injuries were reported.

As part of the investigation, the homeowner was transported to the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station for questioning. No arrests have been made.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of family members.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. Once completed, the case will be forwarded to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Central Homicide Investigator Cook at 951-955-2777 or San Jacinto Station Investigator Ghiliotty at 951-654-2702.

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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.

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“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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