Approximately 50 children, ages 2 and up, participated in the event, eagerly searching for Easter eggs that had been thoughtfully hidden earlier that morning by the Boy Scouts of Troop 46. A special grassy area was designated for younger children, ensuring that even the smallest participants had a safe and enjoyable experience hunting for their own treasured eggs. Families gathered with excitement as the children were given the signal to begin the hunt, creating a joyful and memorable moment for all in attendance.

Following the egg hunt, attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared and served by the Hemet Kiwanis Club. Afterward, the eggs were counted, and the child who collected the most eggs was awarded the opportunity to choose a special Easter basket and toy to take home.

The spirit of the day was captured in the words of participating families. One parent shared, “Thank you all who helped and donated,” while another expressed, “Thank you! My kids had a blast. Everything was great—from the food to the Easter baskets. God continue to bless you.” Another attendee added, “Thanks for inviting us! The kids had a really good time. Everything was perfect!”

This successful event was made possible through the generous support of community partners who share a passion for helping children and families. Sponsors included the Hemet Kiwanis Club, Kids Free Fishing Tournament Inc., Golden Era Productions, Community Pantry, Beaumont Lions Club, Harvest Church, Boy Scout Troop 46, Hoofbeats for Hope, Harvest Church, Riverside County Faith in Motion, Rancho church Men’s Group, Sturgeon Electric and Rose Again Foundation.

The Rancho Replanted Group serves foster and adoptive families throughout the Temecula Valley and surrounding areas, as well as community members who are passionate about supporting these families. The organization is dedicated to fostering connection, building relationships, and providing resources and support—regardless of background, lifestyle, or faith journey.

Weekly meetups are held at Rancho Community Church on Wednesday evenings, offering ongoing opportunities for encouragement and community building.

Those interested in learning more about Rancho Replanted Group or exploring foster or adoptive parenting are encouraged to reach out for more information.

The post Rancho Replanted Group Hosts Joyful Easter Egg Hunt for Foster and Adoptive Families appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The one-day event will feature a variety of activities designed for all ages, including fresh produce tastings, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and interactive experiences that highlight the region’s farming heritage.

Attendees can explore booths hosted by local growers, where they can sample seasonal fruits, learn about sustainable farming practices, and purchase farm-fresh goods directly from producers. Organizers say the festival is an opportunity to connect residents with the agricultural roots of the valley.

Families will find plenty to enjoy in a designated kids’ area, which will include games, craft stations, face painting, and educational exhibits focused on nature and food production. A small petting zoo is also expected to be part of the lineup.

Live music will be featured throughout the day, with local bands performing a mix of country, folk, and classic hits. Food vendors will offer a range of options, from barbecue and street tacos to fresh-baked desserts and specialty beverages.

In addition to entertainment, the festival will include live cooking demonstrations led by local chefs, showcasing recipes that incorporate locally grown ingredients. Visitors will have the chance to watch, learn, and sample dishes prepared on-site.

Parking will be available at nearby designated lots, with shuttle service provided to help ease traffic flow. Event organizers recommend arriving early to take full advantage of the day’s activities.

The Spring Harvest Festival is organized by a coalition of local businesses and community groups aiming to promote regional agriculture while creating a fun, family-friendly environment.

Organizers encourage residents and visitors alike to attend and support local farmers, artisans, and small businesses that contribute to the area’s vibrant economy.

Additional details and updates about the event are expected to be shared in the coming weeks.

The post Spring Harvest Festival Brings Family Fun to Temecula Valley appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The summit focused on expanding dual-enrollment opportunities and strengthening pathways to help high school students successfully transition to higher education. The event highlighted the collective impact of partnerships between MSJC and K–12 institutions in increasing college access, reducing costs, and empowering students to envision and pursue their futures.

“Our focus is on removing friction for students and the educators who support them,” said Jenny Hughes, Director of Enrollment Services & K–12 Partnerships at MSJC, and lead of the annual summit planning committee. “From simplifying dual enrollment processes to aligning timelines, expectations, and communication across systems, our goal is to make college access more intuitive, more coordinated, and easier to navigate, so students can take advantage of opportunities earlier and with greater confidence.”

The event opened with remarks from Rebecca Teague, MSJC Vice President of Student Services, who reflected on the evolution of community college access and the essential role K–12 educators play in shaping student success.

“Because of your work, our students have pathways that didn’t exist before,” Teague said.

“You are helping reduce college costs, expand access, and show students that there is a way forward. You are the ones holding up the sign that says: Adventure Awaits.”

In his written message, MSJC Superintendent/President, Dr. Roger Schultz, reinforced the importance of alignment between educational systems: “For high school students, graduation is not an ending; it is a trailhead. When we align our efforts, we create a seamless bridge that transforms uncertainty into confidence and aspiration into achievement.”

The summit also welcomed MSJC Board Trustee Jhalister Corona, a high school teacher who brings a unique dual perspective to the work.

“As both a high school teacher and trustee, I see firsthand how powerful these partnerships are,” said Corona. “When we align what happens in the classroom with the opportunities available at MSJC, we are not just preparing students for college, we are expanding what they believe is possible for their lives.”

The keynote address was delivered by Leslie Valmonte, President of Bridge5D Consulting, whose presentation, “A Whole New World… of Work: The AI Adventure Edition,” challenged attendees to rethink artificial intelligence not as a disruption, but as an opportunity. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in education, Valmonte provided practical strategies for equipping students with the skills needed to navigate an evolving workforce shaped by AI.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in sessions covering topics such as early college credit implementation, supporting high school seniors in postsecondary planning, transfer pathways from MSJC to four-year institutions, allied health programs, financial aid navigation, and career education opportunities. The summit also provided valuable time for networking and collaboration in a setting designed to foster meaningful dialogue and partnership.

The annual K–12 Summit reflects MSJC’s ongoing commitment to student-centered pathways and regional collaboration, ensuring that more students can access, navigate, and succeed in higher education.

The post Mt. San Jacinto College Hosts Annual K–12 Summit, “Adventure Awaits,” Strengthening Pathways from High School to College appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Whether you have a new young e-bike rider, or are a seasoned adult rider, be sure to join the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Southwest Sheriff’s Station for an informational event about roadway safety, proper gear and helmets, riding hazards, and more.

The meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, at the Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend with their children and teenagers for an open conversation with police.

In March, a group of e-bike and motorcyclists drew a strong police presence on area streets when they blocked traffic and refused to move. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said one teenager was arrested after a large group of motorcyclists and e-bike riders blocked a Temecula roadway.

At that time, deputies encountered approximately 20 juveniles riding recklessly and blocking traffic by riding across the entire width of the street. A Southwest Station Deputy attempted to stop one rider on an unregistered motorcycle, but that motorcyclist refused to comply. The suspect reportedly sped off, running stop signs and posing a serious risk to public safety, deputies said. One teenager, believed to be that rider, was later taken into custody and booked on suspicion of felony evading authorities, and his motorcycle was seized.

In Temecula, E-bike safety has been a topic of conversation on social media and among city council members, including Mayor Brenden Kalfus.

“The truth is: E-Bikes can be awesome… when used legally and appropriately,” he said in the below post.

The post Got E-Bike Safety Concerns? Here’s What Temecula Is Doing About It appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.