The loud booms will be audible from northern San Diego, southern Orange County and southwest Riverside County cities of Temecula, Murrieta and Lake Elsinore.

The military base issued a noise advisory ahead of live-fire training with high explosive munitions starting Friday and running through Sunday, July 20. Troops will conduct training exercises from midnight to 11:59 p.m. each day.

On Sunday, July 20, live mortar fire and high explosive munitions were expected between 6 a.m. and midnight, they said.

During the activities, residents in the affected area could hear “high explosive munitions. “Noise from the training may be heard anytime throughout the day or night,” according to base officials.

Fallbrook is 5 miles from the Zulu and 7.3 miles from the Whiskey impact areas, while Oceanside is 6.6 miles from the Zulu and 9.9 miles from the Whiskey impact areas.

Depending on atmospheric conditions, communities as far as 50 miles away from the impact areas may be able to hear the sound of explosions, according to base officials.

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CAMP PENDLETON, CA—Already smokey skies were getting even hazier Thursday in Southwest Riverside County as a vegetation fire burned at Camp Pendleton.

Details about the blaze were not immediately available but fire departments in the region reported no threat to structures.

On Thursday, base officials announced on social media that a “600-acre prescribed burn was underway” but said the exercise was scheduled Friday and Saturday.

Patch reached out to the base for clarification. This story will be updated when more information is available.

Meanwhile, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an Ozone Advisory effective June 21 across the region, including Southwest Riverside County. While drift smoke from nearby fires has plagued local air quality, the Ozone Advisory was instead issued ahead of extreme heat expected to bear down on the region.

“A multi-day extreme ozone (smog) event is expected due to the heat wave affecting the region,” according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “Air Quality Index (AQI) will likely reach Unhealthy or higher levels in inland areas of the South Coast Air Basin and in the Coachella Valley at times Friday through Tuesday and possibly beyond.”

The SCAQMD advises the following during periods of poor air quality due to ozone pollution:

• Check air quality levels and limit outdoor activities as necessary. See health recommendations for each AQI level.
• Limit the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours.
• Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
• Try to delay trips to the gas station and the use of household chemicals until the evening.

To view current air quality in your neighborhood, download the South Coast AQMD app or visit www.aqmd.gov/AQImap.

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LAKE ELSINORE, CA — With May Gray at the coast, now is the perfect time of year to explore and visit Southwest Riverside County. Visit Temecula Valley has launched its newest campaign, “10Lake Valley,” a campaign focusing on eight communities and 214 square miles of lakes, rivers, cities, mountain peaks, and fertile valleys of Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Visit Temecula Valley CEO Scott Wilson discussed the push to showcase the SoCal wildlands.

“To me, the 10 Lake Valley idea is that this is the ultimate outdoor playground in our area. You get out there in your own backyard,” Wilson said. “My favorite is hiking around Lake Skinner, and Diamond Valley Lake is massive. It’s beautiful and picturesque for fishing and boating. More, to create core memories with your family.”

Area residents regularly hike, bike, fish, boat, or hot-air balloon over much of our slice of Riverside County.

Jogging trails around Diamond Valley Lake, hiking trails along the Santa Rosa Plateau, and camping at Lake Hemet are only some of the area’s hidden gems.

“For the people who play on the edges and carve their own paths, who never leave a scenic route untaken, or a vista unviewed, the combined efforts of the initiative shows the varied regions that Southwest Riverside County has for residents and visitors to enjoy.

One of the top and most recognizable destinations is Temecula Valley Wine Country, spanning over 2,460 acres of vineyards with nearly 50 wineries. But there is much more to the area than that.

Where are the 10 Lakes Of Southwest Riverside County?

Within Southwest Riverside County, there are ten lakes, all distinct for their beauty, water sports, and fishing. They mirror the surrounding communities of Canyon Lake, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, San Jacinto, Temecula, and Wildomar:

“These enchanting waters nourish our spirits, flourish our lands, and cultivate a refreshing sense of serenity and connection. So whether you’re here for thrills and watersports or chilling out on the water in the sun, these 10 lakes will stir your soul,” according to the website.

1. Canyon Lake: Welcome to the paradise of this close-knit lakeside community. When you visit,enjoy the hiking, pubs, and clubs and the sprawl of lakes and beaches.
2. Diamond Valley Lake: Surrounded by mountains, come to enjoy the stunning vistas. Home of “monster-sized” fish, you can rent boats or e-bikes at the marina, or walk the 22.7 mile trails around the lake.
3. Heritage Lake: A 1.3 mile walking trail surrounds this 25-acre lake. Come to use outdoor exercise equipment, sports equipment and children’s play areas.
4. Lake Elsinore: Ideal for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, skydiving, hang-glide, wingsuit or boat, jet ski, and windsurfing.
5. Lake Hemet: Fishing and camping lovers, the mountain lake of Lake Hemet offers glamping and lakefront cabins, boat rentals and a swim zone. Seasonally stocked with rainbow and lightning trout, and fish year-round for blue gill, crappie, bass and catfish.
6. Lake Perris: Birdwatchers paradise, this lake is ideal for hiking, biking, scuba diving, water sports, nature walks, horseback riding and fishing.
7. Lake Skinner: Camping, picnicking, splash pad, hiking, horseback, riding, sailing, fishing and non-body contact boating. Day use available. The location of the annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.
8. Menifee Lakes: Surrounded by two 18-hole golf courses, this lake stretches over 36 acres of waterways this lake is an idyllic backdrop of golfers, casual walkers and hikers.
9. Mystic Lake: Another birdwatcher’s paradise, Mystic lake sees 200 identified species of birds annually and sits adjacent to a 9,000 San Jacinto Wildlife area.
10. Vail Lake: Visit the KOA campground and check out the lake for bass fishing, bike park, a world-class bike park with 25-miles of trails, obstacles, flow track and races for mountain biking and BMX.

While Lake Skinner is a reservoir, with no body contact but fishing and boating allowed, lakes like Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Hemet, and Lake Elsinore attract visitors interested in water sports like fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, boating, water skiing, and jet skiing.

The project was in keeping with the statewide initiative to get tourism on track. To do that, extensive research was conducted, deciding on the locally known but not often shared outdoor activities around our many lakes. The result was the 10Lake Valley website and ad campaign, built to educate those who wish to come, stay, and play here. Financing for the project was bolstered by 2022 ARPA funds, according to Wilson.

Chuck Washington, Riverside County’s Third District Supervisor, discussed the project to expand local tourism beyond the valley.

“What many people don’t know about Southwest Riverside County is that there are many unique areas waiting to be discovered, and that’s what 10Lake Valley is all about,” Washington said. “I am immensely proud of this initiative, which showcases the incredible beauty of our region and creates new opportunities for exploration and adventure for our visitors.”

Learn more by exploring online at 10lakevalley.com.

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Fireworks shows and Independence Day celebrations in and around Southwest Riverside County will kick off on Saturday, June 24, with the City of Menifee Independence Day Celebration, followed by the City of Perris Fireworks Celebration on Saturday, July 1, and celebrations in the Cities of Canyon Lake, Corona, Lake Elsinore, and Temecula on Tuesday, July 4.

The City of Menifee Independence Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 4 p.m. at Wheatfield Park, 30627 Menifee Rd., and will include a parade, fireworks show, food, vendors, and activities for all ages. The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.

The City of Perris Fireworks Celebration will be held on Saturday, July 1, at 6 p.m. at Morgan Park, 600 E. Morgan St., and will include arts and crafts, food vendors, a movie, and a fireworks show. The movie starts at dusk. The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.

On Tuesday, July 4, the following cities will be hosting Fourth of July events:

The Canyon Lake Property Owners Association fireworks show will launch at 9 p.m. from Skipper’s Island. Canyon Lake is a gated community, guests must be called in.

The City of Corona Independence Day Celebration starts with the Main Street USA Independence Day Parade at 9 a.m., followed by a fireworks show, entertainment, food, and vendors at 5 p.m. at Santana Park, 598 Santana Way. The fireworks show starts at sundown.

The City of Lake Elsinore Party in the Park features a bike parade for kids, play zones, carnival-style games, inflatables, and crafts from 9 to 11 a.m. at Summerly Park, 18505 Malaga Rd., followed by a fireworks show over the lake at 9 p.m. Lakepoint Park, Swick and Matich Park, Elm Grove Beach, and Whiskers Beach have been designated as prime spots to watch the show.

The City of Temecula 4th of July Extravaganza starts with a parade at 10 a.m. in Old Town, followed by activities, a fireworks show, entertainment, vendors, and a fun zone for kids starting at 2 p.m. at Ronald Reagan Sports Park, 30875 Rancho Vista Rd. The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.

To prevent wildfires and injuries resulting from Fourth of July celebrations, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors is continuing the “If You Light it, We’ll Write it” illegal fireworks enforcement activity and education campaign. Enforcement activity targets the sale, transportation, and use of illegal fireworks – with fines ranging up to $5,000.

By local ordinance, California-approved “safe and sane” fireworks are only permitted within the city limits of Indio, Coachella, Blythe, and Desert Hot Springs.

Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery will again host a July 4 fundraiser that will bring guests close to the fireworks at nearby Mount Rubidoux. The 12th annual Front Row Fireworks event is set for Tuesday, July 4, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event will support the “mission of preserving Evergreen Cemetery,” a news release states. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 3 and above. Active military personnel and those 2 and younger are free. Guests may bring coolers, picnic baskets, blankets, lawn chairs and wagons. Food and drinks can be purchased from vendors. Ransom Rock will play hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. A free Kid Zone will have inflatable jumpers, face painting, a magician/balloon artist, games and arts and crafts. A scavenger hunt also will be staged. Evergreen docents will give tours of the downtown cemetery, where many of historic Riverside figures are buried. The cemetery is at 4414 14th St.

Residents can report illegal fireworks by downloading the Riverside County Sheriff’s app or by calling 800-950-2444.

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The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) this week expanded drop offs of immigrants seeking asylum to southwest Riverside County. Since March 3, CBP has been regularly dropping off families in the Blythe area of Riverside County. Between the southwest and east county drop-offs, the county team has picked up 257 immigrants seeking asylum from CBP this month.

While immigration policies and practices are matters for the federal government, local counties have been dealing with CBP drop offs for the last month. CBP informs the county about the timing of the drop-offs. The timing, number of drop-offs, and number of families and individuals dropped off is entirely dependent upon CBP.

County officials Wednesday met with state and federal representatives to discuss the impact these drop offs are having on the county and to request support.

“This is a federal issue, yet the county is providing safety net services with very limited resources to these individuals and families,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor. “We need support and intervention from the state and federal government before our local resources are overwhelmed.”

After picking up the immigrants seeking asylum from CBP, a county team administers rapid COVID-19 testing for everyone and practices strict COVID-19 safeguards to reduce and stop potential disease transmission. These safeguards include ensuring all staff and immigrants are wearing personal protective equipment.

If someone tests positive, the individual and any others exposed are provided private accommodations for isolation at local motels throughout Riverside County. However, available motel space is extremely limited and this practice will not be sustainable without immediate intervention from the state and federal governments.

Individuals and families who are not exposed to COVID-19, are provided shelter, meals and clothing from local nonprofit organizations.

“We are extremely appreciative of the hard work done by nonprofits and County staff to secure temporary shelter for these people in need, but we expect our federal counterparts to step up and address this pressing problem,” said Supervisor Chuck Washington, whose Third District includes Murrieta. “Riverside County cannot shoulder this responsibility alone, especially as the numbers are expected to grow.”

The county provides humane, short-term services based on the immediate needs of each family. Without any clear funding path from the state or federal government, these services are funded by the county, including the motel room stays for those requiring isolation and quarantine. The average length of time each family spends in Riverside County is a few days.

These drop-offs are expected to occur regularly in the southwest area of Riverside County and the Blythe area. In 2019, more than 1,000 families (totaling more than 2,800 people) were dropped off in Riverside County and stayed in Riverside County for one to three days before traveling to their asylum sponsors in other parts of the United States. The current immigration surge is anticipated to be far greater in numbers than the 2019 surge, as well as an additional complicating factor of COVID-19 disease control.

Riverside County • Contributed

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