Four seats are up for election in the TVUSD. A Christian conservative political action committee has backed two candidates in the hope of resetting a controversial agenda. The Inland Empire Family PAC has put forward candidates Jon Cobb in Trustee Area 5 and the familiar face of Dr. Joseph Komrosky in TA 4.

Komrosky previously served on the TVUSD board representing TA 4 after being elected to the seat in November 2022. He was appointed board president by his like-minded colleagues Danny Gonzalez and Jennifer Wiersma, who were also elected to the board in 2022. The three trustees were backed by the Inland Empire Family PAC. Pastor Tim Thompson of 412 Church Temecula Valley has been the PAC’s spokesperson.

However, ongoing concerns over the trio’s controversial decisions prompted a June 4 Special Recall Election that targeted Komrosky.

Critics, including national organizations, blasted Komrosky, Gonzalez and Wiersma over their critical race theory ban; their controversial critical race theory “panel” that many TVUSD teachers dubbed “indoctrination camp”; their censoring of instruction about California’s gay rights movement; their attempted defiance of state education code; their firing of the district superintendent; the hiring of their team of attorneys at taxpayers’ expense to defend against ongoing lawsuits over their actions; their ban on pride and other flags; and their mandate that educators report to parents about transgender students.

Ultimately, TA 4 voters gave Komrosky the boot and the seat has remained open. Gonzalez had already resigned his TA 2 seat one year into his four-year term; the vacancy has continued.

Wiersma’s TA 3 seat is not up for reelection until 2026. She has remained on the dais as the sole far-right voice. With Cobb and Komrosky on the ballot, the Inland Empire Family PAC is attempting to reclaim a majority on the TVUSD governing board.

The PAC’s website continues to make statements that align with politicians who support Christian Nationalism. For example, the site claims that “public schools across the nation have become a place of indoctrination into a woke ideology. … Conservative school board members who hold to a Judeo-Christian set of principles is this nation’s ticket back to American academic superiority on the world scene.”

This year’s races for the TVUSD board are well-watched. In TA 4, Komrosky faces David Sola. Despite being recalled, Komrosky successfully filed paperwork to run in the November election.

In TA 5, Cobb vies against incumbent Steven Schwartz.

Schwartz, along with Trustee Area 1’s Allison Barclay, frequently criticized Gonzalez, Komrosky and Wiersma for their policies. Barclay is up for reelection and is facing off against Melinda Anderson.

Also running in the TVUSD board races are three candidates looking to fill the TA 2 seat vacated by Gonzalez. Emil Roger Barham, Gary Oddi and Angela Talarzyk are vying for the open spot.

In addition to the TVUSD races, the Inland Empire Family PAC is attempting to influence other school districts across the IE. The PAC is backing candidates in the Redlands Unified School District and the Riverside Unified School District.

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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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Temecula shines all year long, but especially during the holiday season. Here are 31 days of spectacular activities and events for all ages.

Visit Temecula Valley | Contributed

That crisp chill in the air can mean only one thing: the holidays are right around the corner! It is almost time for Temecula Chilled, a magical winter festival that captures the warmth, beauty, and festive spirit of the Temecula Valley during the holiday season. Guests are invited to celebrate Temecula Style with a fantastic line-up of activities and events for all ages: wine tasting, dining, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, hiking, shopping, golfing, or just plain chilling!

Beginning in Old Town with Santa’s Electric Light Parade and ending at City Hall with a New Year’s Eve Grape Drop, visitors will discover delightful and festive carolers, twinkling holiday lights, horse-drawn carriages, outdoor ice rinks, festive food and drinks, and brilliant holiday decorations.

An easy drive from most major Southern California cities, there is something to do every day in December. To find the best options for lodging and accommodations, visit http://www.visittemeculavalley.com.

Thursday, Dec. 1 – Holiday Market, Europa Village. Discover an enchanting holiday wonderland at this European-inspired market, for beautiful seasonal gifts and decorations highlighting European craftsmanship.

Friday, Dec. 2 – Santa’s Electric Light Parade, Old Town Temecula. Join Santa on his first big night of the season! The parade will begin at 7:00 PM sharp at the intersection of Jefferson Ave & Del Rio Rd. and will travel south into Old Town. Guests should bring blankets and chairs.

Saturday, Dec. 3 – Europa Village, The Nutcracker. The Ballet Studio & Norris Performing Arts Center brings its version of the most-performed ballet in the world to the outdoor Piazza at Europa Village for the third year in the heart of the Temecula Wine Country. If you prefer an outdoor holiday adventure, visit the Temecula Chilled Holiday Market at Vail Headquarters. Snap a photo with Mr. & Mrs. Claus! Vail Headquarters has been the heart of Temecula since 1867. Thanks to decades of preservation and restoration efforts, it is now a living historic park that brings the community together and introduces visitors to Temecula’s local heritage. It is also a fun destination for specialty restaurants, boutique shopping, and special events.

Sunday, Dec. 4 – Santa at Lorimar Winery. Join us for Dinner with Santa! Event ticket includes… Cookie decorating & Santa goodie bags for the kids, Santa reading “Twas the Night before Christmas,” an opportunity for a photo with Santa, and more! If you enjoy holiday music, don’t miss the Christmas in the Air concert at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. The Southwest Women’s Chorus is thrilled to return to the stage after a two-year hiatus. This concert features holiday carols, seasonal classics, and sing-alongs for the whole family to enjoy.

Monday, Dec. 5 – Take pictures with Santa, indulge in seasonal favorites, and enjoy beautiful holiday trees and decorations while finding the perfect gifts at the Temecula Promenade

Tuesday, Dec. 6 – Evening out at Big Horse Feed from 5-7 p.m. Guests are welcome to register in-store for their Holiday Wish Lists. In addition to feed for a variety of animals, Big Horse houses up to 8,000 square feet of fun and unique items including Western style clothing and accessories, home décor and furnishings, bath and bedding, kitchen and dining, as well as horse-related necessities.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 – Holiday Taste of Old Town will feature restaurant samples, wine tasting discounts, and goodie bags. Visit https://oldtowntemecula.org/ for updated information.

Thursday, Dec. 8 – Marvel at Pechanga Resort & Casino’s dazzling display of holiday decorations including a not-to-be-missed assortment of holiday gingerbread houses. Eat, drink and be merry at one of Pechanga’s many on-site restaurants and indulge in specialty holiday cocktails and bite-sized Christmas desserts.

Friday, Dec. 9 – A Christmas Carol at Old Town Temecula Community Theater. It is Christmas Eve in 1850 London. See Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a miserly, greedy, and lonely man into an empathetic and kind individual.

Saturday, Dec. 10 – Christmas Speakeasy at the Merc The Second Hand Jazz Band will be performing a Christmas concert at the Merc, featuring Kristina Rasband. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Sunday, Dec. 11 – Visit Santa in his comfy, cozy cottage in the Pennypickle’s Workshop’s outside area from 1-4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday afternoons through Dec. 18

Monday, Dec. 12 – GrapeSeed Spa, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. After all the holiday hustle & bustle, take time to relax and renew at this beautiful luxury spa overlooking wine country. Spa day passes are available Monday – Thursday.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 – Holiday Shopping, Old Town. Visit Temecula Olive Oil Company for beautiful gift sets featuring hand-blended, artisanal Temecula olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Walk over to Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants for an amazing selection of herbs, spices, salts, blends, and loose teas. Try hot or iced holiday iced teas like Figgie Pudding, Snow Berry, Cinnamon Spice, and Winter Wonderland.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 – Old Town Blues Club, Motown Christmas Party It’s a Holiday Motown Celebration! A superb 8-piece, horn blowin’ tribute to Motown with holiday flair.

Thursday, Dec. 15 – Wine & Cookie Pairing, Grazing Theory. Life is short. Eat the cookies. Drink the wine. Join us for an exclusive Wine + Cookie Pairing with our guests The Cookie Crew. Includes five cookies and five 2-ounce perfectly paired wine pours.

Friday, Dec. 16 – Santa’s Workshop, Temecula Carriage Company. Enjoy a lovely, holiday-themed horse-drawn carriage ride and a visit with Santa at his wine country workshop

Saturday, Dec. 17 – Temecula On Ice returns to Old Town for another exciting holiday season with a state-of-the-art ice rink, rental skates, and its own radio station playing the best ice-skating music. Sunday, Dec. 18 – Celebrate Chanukah at Lorimar Winery with a Menorah Lighting, Latkes, and more. Visit the Craft Fair at Maurice Car’rie Winery and mingle with craft vendors offering handmade jewelry, paintings, and ceramics along with fun items like great handbags and accessories.

Monday, Dec. 19 – Bolero lobby, Europa Village. Experience a sweet and dazzling gingerbread village created by Executive Chef Hany Ali and his culinary team. This elaborately decorated village is covered with individual gingerbread bricks, colorful candy, sweet treats, baked goods, and other delectable confections.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 – Gather with friends for a festive holiday dinner at Small Barn, located in a historic building in Old Town that has been transformed into a modern bistro.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 – Last-minute shopping at Farmer’s Market, Promenade Temecula. Find local, fresh, artisan foods and goods, fresh flowers, produce and hand-crafted pieces for everyone.

Thursday, Dec. 22 – Visit Temecula Lavender Company in Old Town for beautiful last-minute gifts for bath, body, and home. All products are hand crafted in small batches on a lavender farm located in Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Friday, Dec. 23 – Uncorked with Michael LeClerc at Wiens Family Cellars. Relax before the big weekend with live music by Michael LeClerc, a popular Canadian singer/songwriter with a style reminiscent of Van Morrison, Dave Matthews, or Jack Johnson.

Saturday, Dec. 24 – Have a rustic yet elegant Christmas Eve dinner at The Gambling Cowboy, Old Town. Enjoy a holiday meal with loved ones at this fabulous steakhouse featuring filet mignon, lobster mac ‘n cheese & Maine lobster tail, and other cowboy classics. Visit http://www.visittemeculavalley.com for additional restaurants serving holiday dinners.

Sunday, Dec. 25 – Europa, Christmas Dinner at Bolero Restaurante taking you on a culinary journey throughout Spain with a menu that celebrates the centuries-old tradition of dining and drinking together in Tapas style.

Monday, Dec. 26 – Give back by donating blood at the Promenade Temecula, in the Plaza in front of the theater

Tuesday, Dec. 27 – Visit Peltzer Winery’s Ice Rink which features 8,400 square feet of skating space, complimentary gliders, picnic benches, hot cocoa, snacks, local food truck eats, and a bar serving Peltzer Wine.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 – Stock up on champagne for New Year’s by visiting Thornton Winery and dine in its award-winning Café Champagne Restaurant

Thursday, Dec. 29 – Visit Vail Lake Village and have an unforgettable camping adventure during the Winter Wonderland Weekend

Friday, Dec. 30 – Wine tour, Southern California Wine Country. Take a nice holiday break, let someone else do the driving, and enjoy a lovely wine tour! Grapeline Wine Tours offers an all-inclusive Classic Wine Tour with four hours of wine tasting, a select cheese and fruit board, and deluxe transportation hosted by a 5-star wine country insider. Temecula Cable Car Wine Tours transport guests through wine country in a historic, 1914 fully restored, open air cable car originally from San Francisco, for unobstructed views of the beautiful landscape.

Saturday, Dec. 31 – This year visitors have many choices in Temecula when it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve: Ring in the new year Temecula style with the infamous Grape Drop at Civic Center in Old Town where you can celebrate 2023 twice with an East Coast (9pm) and West Coast (midnight) countdown. Other options include Wilson Creek Winery’s black tie event or dinner and live music at Fazeli Cellars New Year’s Eve party. Visit http://www.visittemeculavalley.com for continuous updates.

For a full list of continuously updated events and activities as well as lodging and hotel accommodation options, go to http://www.visittemeculavalley.com.

Media Contact

Norma Marlowe, Visit Temecula Valley, 9512522139, norma@visittemeculavalley.com

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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The search warrant stemmed from credit cards which were reported stolen from a patient who was hospitalized at the Temecula Valley Hospital in August of this year.

The suspect, identified in police reports as Isabel Valdez, a registered nurse for the Temecula Valley Hospital was arrested for theft by credit card, financial elder abuse, and identity theft.

Isabel Valdez was subsequently booked into the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center in Murietta.

The Sheriff’s department conducted their investigation and determined Isabel Valdez acted alone and that the hospital was not aware of her actions.

Isabel Valdez is described as a 33-year-old Hispanic female, with brown hair and brown eyes, standing approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, and weighing 120 lbs.

The JIMS inmate locator system indicates Isabel Valdez was charged with theft, embezzlement, second degree burglary, and theft by forgery.

Valdez was booked and released the same day on $14,000 bail. She is expected to appear in court at the Murrieta Southwest Justice Center, 01/31/2022, at 07:30 in the morning.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Sergeant Frank Tiburzio or Sergeant Deirdre Vickers at (951)-696-3169. Anyone who believes they were a victim of credit card or identity theft at Temecula Valley Hospital is encouraged to contact us.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department | Contributed

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San Jacinto High Was Too Much To Handle For Temecula Valley

This was it, the final game before it really starts to matter. Temecula Valley came into San Jacinto last Thursday to play the Tigers. This was the last game before Senior Receiver Antoine Sullivan transfer suspension is over, which should help San Jacinto’s offense dramatically. Antoine was Tahquitz’s leading receiver last year as a Junior and will add some more firepower to San Jacinto’s offense. Antoine will give Kajiya another reliable receiver and an every-down deep threat to compliment Damonce Williams and Kameron Rocha through the air, while Juan Denny, Kelvin Davis, and Kajiya Hollawayne continue to be threats on the ground.

But they still had to finish this game before they get to see how the offense works with him in there. San Jacinto was coming off a loss against Eastlake, so they had to bounce back and build momentum before League play starts. San Jacinto came out of the gates firing on all cylinders putting up points fast and often. Everyone was getting in on the fun. Kajiya Hollawayne looked dominate with 283 yards three touchdowns and no interceptions. Juan Denny ran hard all night and banked in 103 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and 60 receiving yards. 

The Defense looked great, San Jacinto’s Defensive Coordinator Ryan Cogdill was relieved to get his two big guys back Sheldon Newton & Mahe Hamala on the line. Together they dominated Temecula Valley’s offensive line even though they had players who on paper were bigger than them; they couldn’t match Sheldon’s & Mahe’s aggression and pressure. Keith Hunter came down with an interception in the opening drive. Elijah Torres and Roman Garcia made huge tackles all game long, both of them got huge sacks on Temecula Valley’s Quarterback.

Player of the game goes to Kameron Rocha who made two huge touchdown catches, 80 receiving yards, punished Temecula Valley’s running backs with big hits, and caught a great interception in the third quarter that he returned for 44 yards. San Jacinto finished the game on top 41-3. San Jacinto had a lot to prove in this matchup and took it as an opportunity to make a statement to the rest of the league. The time to prepare is over, now you have to show up and play real football, or you will be sitting at home in November. San Jacinto will be on a bye this week, which couldn’t have happened at a better time so they can rest up and recover. Their next game will be against Beaumont in Beaumont and this should be the first game of the season that they have a completely healthy roster.

For more images of the game Ffllow Author Kyle Rae Headlee on Facebook and The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle on Youtube.

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Search: Tigers Prey On Golden Bears

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