The controversy began in late April, when members of the Temecula Valley High School water polo team attended a baseball game between swim meets.

While cheering on their classmates, the boys, who had painted the letters B-E-A-R-S on their chests, dropped their pants to reveal school-colored brown and yellow swimwear.

A photo of the moment was posted on the baseball team’s Instagram account with the caption “Our fans > better than yours. GO BEARS,” The Press-Enterprise reported.

The post caught the attention of Temecula Valley Unified School District Board President Dr. Joseph Komrosky and board member Jennifer Wiersma, both part of the board’s conservative majority elected in late 2022.

“Speaking of dress code…are our teams now an ‘OnlyFans’ crew? Hats off to the kids that kept their pants on,” Wiersma wrote in an Instagram story that reposted the image, though with black covering the boys’ swimsuits.

Wiersma later apologized, saying that she hadn’t understood the circumstances of the swimsuit display.

Komrosky took to his own Instagram account, writing that if the water polo players wanted to support the baseball team, they should do so while looking like professionals.

“My concern is that I do not want them to look like they’re in a sexually provocative strip tease, looking like they’re one step close to the Chippendales,” he wrote. “We don’t need that in our school district, in our community.”

While some comments on his post agreed with the sentiment, Instagram user Stephanie Berry pushed back, writing, “If this is the jump, you shouldn’t be around kids. As a parent, it looks like swim boys being silly and supporting friends. I’ll pray for your deviant minds,” the Los Angeles Times reported.

Sharon Sardina, whose 17-year-old son was in the photo, said she was furious when she learned about the school board members’ comments. She and her husband, Brian Sardina, are now calling for the two board members to resign.

“It’s flat out sexual harassment no matter how you look at it,” Brian told KTLA’s Chris Wolfe. “What if those were females? This would be a totally different subject as well.”

Sharon said that if a teacher was to talk about a student in the way the board members did, they would be placed on a leave of absence until everything was investigated.

“I think sexualizing these minors is wrong in so many ways,” she told KTLA.

At a May 12 school board meeting, Sharon submitted a public comment calling for the resignations of Wiersma and Komrosky. She urged board members to recognize the seriousness of their remarks and said the incident underscored why many parents in the district feel they cannot trust the board’s leadership.

“For the last two weeks, I have watched son carry the weight of comments made by adults,” she told board members.

In a statement to KTLA about the incident, Komrosky said:

“A few young men from our TVHS Water Polo team were supporting their fellow baseball team and posed in a picture on a parent-sponsored page associated with TVHS. I thought it was inappropriate and that their attire didn’t align with the district’s dress code administrative regulation.  As a result, the site admin spoke with the students, removed the post, and reminded them of our current dress code. That said, in showing their team spirit to other students, I’m sure these are amazing kids and that they didn’t intend to cause harm with this post.  In the end, I would encourage them to “dress for success,” as they will be our future leaders when they leave TVUSD.”

Wiersma also provided KTLA with a statement, saying:

“I support the administration’s decision to remove the photo in question and stand behind our ongoing efforts to ensure all district-affiliated social media platforms remain aligned with TVUSD’s established policies and community standards.”

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    The lawsuit was announced Tuesday as Renteria faces multiple felony charges tied to separate alleged assaults involving three women. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Renteria was rearrested Friday and is now facing 12 felony counts that include kidnapping, forcible rape and assault.

    Investigators allege the incidents occurred during 2025 while Renteria was employed as a firefighter with CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department. Authorities said the criminal investigation remains active and additional victims may still come forward.

    According to the civil complaint, one alleged victim claims she was assaulted over a period of roughly six hours beginning the night of Nov. 6 and continuing into the early morning hours of Nov. 7, 2025. The lawsuit alleges the woman was brought to Fire Station 96 on Glen Oaks Road in Temecula, where the attacks allegedly took place.

    Court filings state the woman was allegedly taken to a shed located behind the station and repeatedly assaulted. The complaint further alleges she was later brought inside the station, photographed while unclothed and threatened when she asked to return home to her children.

    According to the lawsuit, the woman was ultimately released around 5 a.m. on Nov. 7 after several hours of alleged abuse.

    The complaint states the woman reported the alleged incident shortly afterward to a retired firefighter friend, who then contacted law enforcement authorities. An official investigation involving the sheriff’s department reportedly began in January 2026.

    Renteria was placed on leave by CAL FIRE after the agency became aware of the allegations, according to previous statements released by the department. He was later arrested in April on multiple felony charges connected to sexual assault allegations before being released on bond. Authorities said Friday’s rearrest involved additional accusations tied to other victims.

    Attorney David Ring, who represents one of the accusers, criticized the alleged conduct and questioned how the incidents were allowed to occur.

    “This is shocking behavior, particularly from a firefighter on duty — someone who is hired to protect our communities,” Ring said in a statement. “Renteria must be held accountable, and CAL FIRE must answer for how this was allowed to happen.”

    The lawsuit claims CAL FIRE and the State of California were negligent in hiring, supervising and retaining Renteria as an employee. Attorneys representing the plaintiff argue the agency failed to act quickly enough after allegations were first reported.

    In an earlier statement, CAL FIRE said Renteria had been served with administrative leave paperwork and had not returned to work after the department learned of the allegations on Jan. 4, 2026.

    “CAL FIRE demands its employees uphold standards of professional conduct both on- and off-duty,” the agency previously stated.

    Another attorney representing the plaintiff, Neil Gehlawat, said the allegations outlined in the lawsuit suggest the possibility of additional victims.

    “The severity and what appear to be deliberate preparations for our client’s horrific assault lead us to believe this is not an isolated incident,” Gehlawat said. “If there are additional victims or witnesses, we encourage them to contact our office so these actions can be fully investigated.”

    The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has also indicated there may be additional victims connected to the investigation. Officials are encouraging anyone with information involving Renteria or possible related incidents to contact Investigator Joe Riddle at 951-955-1700 or through the department’s tip lines.

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The search is being conducted with assistance from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). A committee representing faculty, classified staff, administrators, the student body, trustees, and community members reviewed applications and conducted initial interviews.

On April 7, the committee completed semifinalist interviews and forwarded four candidates to the MSJC Board of Trustees for further consideration.

The finalists, listed alphabetically, are:

Dr. Lonita Cordova: Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services at San Joaquin Delta College and U.S. Navy veteran, Cordova has more than 20 years of experience in California’s community college system. Her background includes leadership roles at Modesto Junior College and Merced Community College District, with a focus on aligning institutional operations with student access and success initiatives.

Dr. Tawny Dotson: President of Yuba College, Dotson oversees institutional operations, including instruction, student services, and fiscal management. Her career includes leadership roles across multiple states and service as a U.S. Air Force officer. She is active in statewide and national higher education leadership initiatives.

Dr. Jeannie G. Kim: President of Santiago Canyon College, Kim has more than 35 years of experience across the University of California, California State University, and community college systems. Her work has focused on strategic planning, institutional change, and the integration of technology in education.

Dr. Daniel López: President of Harold Washington College in Chicago, López has more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership. His work has centered on student success, academic programs, and equity initiatives. He is involved in several national higher education organizations.

Public forums for the finalists are scheduled for April 21, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the college district’s Temecula Valley Campus boardroom (TA-301). The sessions will be open to the public and livestreamed.

A link to the livestream and a form for submitting questions and feedback will be made available on the college’s presidential search website.

The Board of Trustees is expected to select the next superintendent/president in May.

More information about the search and finalists’ bios are available at: https://msjc.edu/presidentialsearch/

The post Mt. San Jacinto College names four finalists in search for next superintendent/president appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Beginning this fall, eligible MSJC students and graduates can save 22% on tuition when they transfer to ASU Online through the California Community College Achievement Plan. This special tuition is available to California community college students — with no income requirements — and offers a flexible, high- quality option for those seeking to continue their education from anywhere.

“ASU offers our students access to a wide variety of high-quality programs, which is especially valuable for those with limited transfer options in our region,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, MSJC Superintendent/President. “Thanks to the generosity of this plan, this new partnership makes earning a degree from a top-ranked university more affordable than ever. Many MSJC students already transfer to ASU to complete their

bachelor’s degrees, and we look forward to seeing that number grow with this exciting opportunity.”

“Our university is committed to enhancing access to high-quality education for all students capable of college-level work,” ASU President Michael M. Crow said. “Providing top online learning opportunities and making ASU’s world-class faculty available to the enthusiastic learners in our neighboring state will prepare more skilled graduates, strengthen our shared region, and support a better future.”

Students can choose from more than 180 undergraduate degrees taught by the same faculty and using the same curriculum as ASU’s on-campus programs. Popular fields of study include business, psychology, communication, nursing, sustainability, graphic design, biological sciences, computer science, forensic science, medical studies, and kinesiology.

This new partnership gives students access to top-tier university resources and personalized support from enrollment to graduation, providing an excellent option for those who want to remain in their home community when nearby universities aren’t available.

To learn more about the program and how to enroll, visit californiacc.asu.edu.

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Life Line Screening, dubbed a “peace of mind” and life-saving service, will pop up at Grace Presbyterian Church in Temecula on May 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The service will offer five different test packages, starting at $150, according to the organization. Consultants for LLS will be on site to work with attendees to create a package based on age and risk factors.

Pre-registration is required and those who book ahead can get a $10 discount on their package.

Here are several ways to register:

• Book on Facebook
• Call 1-844-591-7170
• Text the word circle to 797979
• Visit this link to register online with Life Line Screening.

The post ‘Life Line Screening’ Comes To Temecula In May: What To Know appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

At 10 p.m., each Friday through the end of May, Pechanga Resort Casino will select a contestant to receive a Grand Finale Lucky Key. On May 30, twenty finalists will compete for a chance to turn the final key to the dream home’s front door so they can win, and move in, resort spokesperson Ciara Green told Patch.

“That’s their ticket back to the final drawing, hosted by TV personality Ty Pennington, for the four-bedroom, three-bath, gated community house in the beautiful Temecula Valley,” she said. And, the prize package is just getting more valuable.”The home sits on a sizable corner lot, surrounded by the amenities of the Prado community,” a resort spokesperson explained. The detached, single-family home offers a spacious, open-concept floor plan, chef-inspired kitchen, energy-efficient features, all appliances, window coverings, and ample outdoor space. The community features a pool, clubhouse, BBQs, picnic shelters and parks. The Prado Community is located off Ynez Road near the Harveston community, across from the Promenade Temecula Mall.

According to Rocket.com, home prices in Temecula have gone up since March of 2024 by 6.2 percent.

In April 2024, Temecula made Money magazine’s list of “50 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” That list pointed to cities with thriving local economies that were affordable, diverse, and had a rich quality of life. For Temecula, it was “the perfect place to raise a glass (and a family),” according to the article. Redfin has named the Southwest Riverside County city “a hot home market,” adding that 26 percent of homes accept an offer within one week.

Pechanga guests say they are enthusiastic about the Home Sweet Home giveaway and are pleased with the casino/resort’s contribution to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles alongside the promotion, according ot Sean Vasquez, President of the Pechanga Development Corporation.

“We’re very excited about our upcoming giveaway with the house, but in light of everything that’s happened to our friends and family in Los Angeles in the wildfires, we’d be remiss if we didn’t help by giving back in another way,” he said. “So we’re giving $50,000 to help our friends at Habitat LA enrich and help strengthen our communities so we can build back better.”

Vasquez said Pechanga also gave $500,000 to four charities to assist fire victims shortly after the January fires broke out.

“I’ve known for a long time about Pechanga’s generosity and their partnership with Habitat for Humanity in their local community,” said Erin Rank, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater LA. “When I was contacted by my friend who works closely with Pechanga every year, she told me the company was interested in supporting Habitat LA after these wildfires raged through our community. I was very touched because I know there’s a lot of support for Pechanga from the Los Angeles community and to feel that coming back from Pechanga to the residents of Los Angeles was really meaningful.”

“They’re also giving back to the community that supports them and I think that’s the way it should always be,” said Ty Pennington, television personality and host of Pechanga’s Home Sweet Win house giveaway. “If they win, we win. You help your neighbor and Pechanga is exactly that kind of family to work with.”

Pennington will take the stage at Pechanga Resort Casino for the Home Sweet Win Grand Finale on Friday, May 30. Known for his roles on many television home improvement shows, including a new show debuting on April 14, and for his charitable work with Habitat for Humanity, Pechanga recognized him as an ideal spokesperson for the three-month promotion.

Guests can enter and have a chance to win the new up through Friday, May 30.

Entrants must be 21 or older and must be a Pechanga Club member. Signing up for The Club is free and easy. Simply stop by the Club desk inside Pechanga, and one is on his or her way to earning valuable perks.

Every time a Pechanga guest plays with the Club card inserted into a slot machine or at a table game, they automatically earn entries. To win, guests must come into Pechanga on Fridays to activate their entries by inserting the Club card into a slot machine, Green said. The weekly hosts announce one finalist, chosen at random, each week. There will even be finalists selected on the Grand Finale day.

For more information, visit Pechanga.com/homegiveaway or call 888-PECHANGA.

The post Pechanga House Giveaway Update: Who Will Win A Temecula Dream Home? appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

“This is an ambitious journey to shape the future of higher education in our region,” said Dr. Lisa DeForest, Chairman of the Southwest Higher Education Coalition. “With only 21% of our population over 25 years old holding a bachelor’s degree, compared to a national average of 54%, our greatest export cannot be our talent, skill, and future. By expanding California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) offerings at the University Center, we aim to create a magnet for talent that will attract and retain skilled individuals in Southwest Riverside County.”

MSJC serves over 30,000 students annually, yet less than 30% of its graduates pursue a four-year degree due to the distance to existing universities. This initiative seeks to bridge that gap by offering expanded four-year degree opportunities locally.

“The expansion of CSUSM’s programs will help us develop a comprehensive curriculum in fields such as nursing, business, education, and STEM,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, Superintendent/President of MSJC. “This is about more than growing a campus; it’s about investing in our community’s future, keeping talent here, and fueling economic vitality in one of California’s fastest-growing areas.”

Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President of CSUSM, emphasized the impact of education on social mobility. “CSUSM is nationally recognized for fostering social mobility. Expanding our presence here aligns with our mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through higher education.”

The Temecula campus has been life-changing for students like Alyssa Clerihan, a participant in the 2+2 Business Pathway Program. “The convenient location, small class sizes, and supportive environment have allowed me to achieve my education and dream job without leaving my family and friends. It’s been a game changer for me in so many ways,” she shared.

A recent program graduate, Jack Norwood, reflected on the importance of staying close to home while pursuing his degree. “Caring for my mother and grandmother meant I couldn’t relocate or afford long commutes. This program allowed me to achieve my goals while staying rooted in my community—it was the start of the best story of my life.”

The coalition has raised over $6.5 million toward the $18 million needed for improvements, thanks to contributions from 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington, the City of Temecula, and local service groups.

“We invite everyone to join this effort—whether through funding, partnerships, or spreading awareness,” said Dr. DeForest. “Together, we can build a brighter future for Southwest Riverside County.”

The coalition’s next meeting will be held on January 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Murrieta Library.

For more information on how to get involved, visit MSJC.edu/UniversityCenter.

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TEMECULA, CA — A motorcyclist was injured Tuesday in a three-vehicle collision on Interstate 15 just south of Temecula, where the bike slid underneath a tractor-trailer exiting the freeway.

The crash was reported at 4:45 p.m. on northbound I-15 at the exit for Temecula Parkway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

According to the agency, the motorcyclist was crossing lanes, possibly to exit the freeway, when he hit the big rig, going beneath it. A GMC pickup truck also collided with the semi, according to the CHP.

Good Samaritans stopped to assist the motorcyclist, who was briefly pinned under the 18-wheeler, the CHP said.

Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the location about 20 minutes later and found the motorcyclist suffering from minor injuries. The victim, whose name was not released, declined to be taken to a hospital for treatment.

The trucker and pickup driver were not hurt.

CHP officers shut down the northbound slow lane while a preliminary investigation was conducted and the motorcycle was dislodged from beneath the tractor-trailer.

The post Motorcyclist Narrowly Escapes Serious Injury In Temecula I-15 Crash appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The largest was reported late Thursday night near Aguanga, just east of Temecula. The magnitude 3.1 quake was reported at 11:45 p.m.

Then at 8:18 a.m. Friday, a magnitude 2.5 temblor was reported about 65 miles to the north near the San Bernardino County city of Loma Linda.

The larger jolt was felt across Southern California, according to reporting into the USGS.

The quakes follow two that struck the Lake Elsinore area Thursday morning. The first temblor was reported at 9:39 a.m. about 3.7 miles west of Lake Elsinore, according to the USGS. It was initially reported by the agency as a magnitude 4.0, then 3.9 before being confirmed as 3.6.

A magnitude 3.0 quake followed in the same area one minute later.

Both temblors were felt across Southern California, according to the USGS.

The two quakes occurred near the Elsinore Fault Zone, though it’s unclear what caused the activity. The fault is part of the trilateral split of the San Andreas fault system and is one of the largest in Southern California.

On Tuesday and Wednesday quakes rattled the desert area, with the largest registering a magnitude 3.4.

The Inland Empire quakes follow a magnitude 4.4 temblor that hit at 12:20 p.m. Monday near Highland Park in Los Angeles.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from any of the earthquakes.

The post Earthquakes Continue Rattling Riverside County, Inland Empire appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

TEMECULA, CA— Riverside County residents who happened to be in the right place at the right time this week caught sight of a SpaceX launch in the dusk sky.

SpaceX announced in a recent news release that on Tuesday at 8:40 p.m., it launched 20 Starlink satellites into orbit on Falcon9. Those included 13 with Direct To Cell capabilities, which were launched into “low-Earth orbit” from the Vandenberg Space Force Station in California.

Indeed, the rocket trail was low in the western sky, but the launch was visible from parts of Arizona, according to numerous social media reports.

Readers in Banning shared their views of the northwestern sky, and we captured some photos and a video in Temecula.

Did you see it?

According to this Patch editor’s video, the video shows the first-stage boosters separating from the rocket in what looked like “sparkles of light.”

SpaceX said, “This was the fifth flight for the first-stage booster supporting the mission, which previously launched USSF-62 and now four Starlink missions.”

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