“This award has never been given by our organization before and will not be given again,” said Cyndi Lemke, the Chamber’s executive director. The award decided on by the board of directors, acknowledges the Tribe’s long-term active engagement in the community and its positive economic influence.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Chamber for not only our charitable contributions but also the impact we are making in the valley by way of business development and job sustainability,” Vivanco said.

The philanthropic endeavors made possible by the Soboba Foundation have improved the quality of life for many through its support of many local nonprofits. The organizations are diverse in those they serve but include a focus on education, youth, sports, and health issues.

“We are proud to be acknowledged by the Chamber in this special way,” Mojado said. “While giving is, of course, its reward, it is nice to hear how our mission is being realized within our community and beyond.”

The Tribe has provided decades of tireless devotion and dedication to enhance the San Jacinto Valley, and its civic legacy will stand the test of time. Its lasting contributions and achievements will impact the community forever.

“The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians was nominated in several categories, and it was about time to thank them for all of the wonderful things they contribute to our community,” Lemke said. “It was time that our Chamber recognized the Tribe for their continued endeavors in giving back.”

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Backyard Paintball Park will offer several mesh-netted themed courses inside the 10-acre complex which will include competitive military and bunker style courses. Rental marker packages, a pro-shop, snack bar, and other amenities will also be on site. Tournament and league play, private parties, and corporate team building events where your employees learn that “winning is a team sport” are also available.

San Jacinto Mayor Russ Utz said, “I am having a hard time containing my enthusiasm for the opening of the Backyard Paintball Park, located next to the Soboba Flight Park. It is going to be yet another amazing amenity adding to our impressive portfolio of outdoor activities available in the San Jacinto Valley. The placement near the all-new Soboba Casino Resort Complex is a perfect fit, coupling lodging, entertainment, and a world-class 18 hole golf course.” #GoSanJacinto

The Backyard Paintball Team is comprised of longtime Valley residents; the Hall Family. Park management includes Connie Hall, principal, son David Hall, operations manager, and daughter in law, Kayla Hall, finance manager. The Hall’s have an extensive history of community service and event production in the San Jacinto Valley. David Hall, the course designer, and operations manager have over 20 years of paintball experience. This 2006 West Valley High School graduate spent his youth paintballing and working at Bryson Paintball in Downtown Hemet.

Ron Bryson, the owner of Bryson Paintball, remembers David’s love for the sport by stating,
“David will no doubt be successful in this new endeavor. He has excellent people skills and an eye for quality paintballing”.

The grand opening will be announced in the coming weeks. Additional information can be found at www.BackyardPaintBallPark.Com, and, Facebook at www.facebook.com/1backyardpaintball.

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The parade featured dozens of local townspeople who consistently help our community in positive ways. Also there, to celebrate at the festival, was the famous band Midnight Ride, as well as the Watchmen Drum and Bugle Corps, from Riverside.

The parade began at 9:00 a.m. and the street festival followed at 10:30 a.m. However, the citizens wasted no time in enjoying the festivities. Food vendors kept the crowds satisfied with delicious food. Children had lots to do, as there was a bounce house, an easy-going mechanical bull, bubbles flying in the air, and even a stand where they could paint on canvas.

The performance began before we knew it, as the Watchmen Drum and Bugle Corps took their places. They are from Riverside, currently in the middle of the competitive season. They stopped by to perform for us, before continuing on their tour, to compete.

The non-profit organization was established in 2013 by Raymond Moreno, one of the founding members and first executive director of the corps. “His vision was to establish an environment for local high school and college musicians that would provide an opportunity to compete during the summer at a low cost. Also, learn from seasoned educators in the activity, and still earn a taste of the entire drum corps experience.” According to Moreno’s intentions described on their website.

Having an elite group like Watchmen perform and celebrate with us, who also stand for such a positive cause, was truly an honor. The crowds gathered all around them as their performance began. Many people recorded on their phones the captivating experience. Finding a good view was difficult, as more and more people continuously joined to watch and listen.

Additionally, among the vendors and activities, were people in the community who were offering tips and advice for personal and home betterment. The Eastern Municipal Water District was there, giving tips on how to save water with the extreme heat quickly approaching. Also in attendance, was Muriel Dufresne, who is the Director of Community Affairs at Golden Era Productions. She was doing good for our community by educating the citizens on the dangers of alcohol and drugs, while also providing more information on the new marijuana dispensary in San Jacinto. People doing things like Muriel, and the EMWD, are what we need more of, and always appreciate, in our valley!

All in all, the celebration was phenomenal. As people walked down Main Street, the sound and sight of laughter was a joy to experience. The drums sounding in the background, as the Watchmen warmed up before their performance, perfectly complemented the vibe of the whole event. The smell of tacos was in the air, as street vendors cooked the popular Mexican dish for the valley residents. Friends and family gathered for our national holiday, making the Independence Day Celebration, one to remember.

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However, right before the show began, the audience was on the edge of their seats when we gave the announcement for the new season of concerts that will begin in late August.

Season Three of the TRIBUTE MANIA Concert Series will include:
 

• Saturday, August 31st – Tribute to Madonna, featuring Blonde Ambition
• Saturday, September 14th – Tribute to The Beach Boys, featuring Surf’s Up
• Saturday, September 28th – Tribute to The Eagles, featuring Desperado
• Saturday, October 12th – Tribute to The Beatles, featuring Hard Day’s Night
• Saturday, October 26th – Tribute to Buddy Holly & the Legends of Rock & Roll, with Not Fade Away
• Saturday, November 23rd – Tribute to Huey Lewis & the News, with Heart of Rock & Roll
• Saturday, November 2nd – Tribute to The Blues Brothers, featuring Fairchild Blues Tribute
• Saturday, December 7th – Tribute to Styx, featuring Rockin’ The Paradise

Each concert in the series will have a limited number of VIP Season Tickets available. Patrons can purchase tickets for four (or more) of the concerts in the series for just $20 per ticket and receive exclusive early seating 15 minutes prior to general admission seating. Season Tickets are only available at the Theatre Box Office. These select tickets are available while supplies last.

Usually, we sell them all within three weeks of the announcement of the season.
The remaining concert in Season Two are tributes to Aerosmith (7/20) and REO Speedwagon (8/3). We replaced The Tribute to Tom Petty scheduled for August, 17 with a Tribute to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. Patrons holding tickets for the canceled show must contact the Ticket Office to arrange for an exchange or refund.

The country music Friday Nite Live Series continues with:
A Tribute to Tim McGraw, featuring Vegas McGraw (July, 12).
Young Guns of Country – Tribute to the Superstars of Country Music (August, 23)
Tribute to Brooks & Dunn featuring Neon Circus (September, 20)
Tribute to Roy Orbison with Neil Marrow (October, 4)
Tribute to Reba McEntire featuring Corrie Sachs (November, 8)
Tribute to Keith Urban by Urban Skies (December, 13).

Tickets for Tribute Mania and Friday Nite Live shows are $22 presale / $25 day of show.
Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm. Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950.

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From the best-selling “Carne en-su-jugo,” a soup made with carne asada, beans and bacon, to the menudo and birria…all cuisine is hand-made from scratch by three different Mexican chefs, each specializing in one or more delicacies.

“While we have always offered daily specials, we’ve now added a free beer and a free shot of agave wine with every dinner purchase.  Our patrons have given us nothing but very positive feedback,” says Villasenor.

The taqueria has added a daily happy hour from 5 pm to 8 pm to complement the free offerings.  “Kids also eat free from 4 pm to 7 pm Monday through Thursday,” adds Villasenor. Don Chava’s has also expanded hours of operation: Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 9 pm, Fridays till 12, and Sundays from 8 am to 5 pm.  A clean, bright, colorful ambiance rounds out an excellent dining experience…and the incredible burritos don’t hurt either. Don Chava’s is located at 475 W. Stetson Avenue.

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The new Friday night concerts are:

• Friday, July 12th – Tribute to Tim McGraw, featuring Vegas McGraw
• Friday August 23rd – Young Guns of Country (Tribute to the Superstars of
  Country Music), including Charlie Daniels Band, Rascal Flatts, Garth Brooks,
  George Strait, Florida Georgia Line and many more.
• Friday, September 20th – Tribute to Brooks & Dunn, featuring Neon Circus
• Friday, October 4th – Tribute to Roy Orbison, with Neil Marrow
• Friday, November 8th – Tribute to Reba McEntire – Corrie Sachs

MEANWHILE…

The Mighty Cash Cats made us remember Johnny Cash

The latest concert in the Friday Nite Live Series took the stage on Friday, June 14th. The Mighty Cash Cats performed their nostalgic Tribute to Johnny Cash. This was the group’s first time playing Hemet’s downtown art center, discovering for themselves what other bands have been saying for years… little old Hemet has the best concert venue in Southern California.

For this show, the crowd was small, but enthusiastic, clapping and cheering every classic hit. Many songs drew dancers to the foot of the stage, rocking to that iconic Johnny Cash beat. Michael J. Smith as Johnny Cash was impressive, but Leticia Blumette as June Carter Cash stole the show with a voice that gripped the room with emotion. Afterward, the audience proclaimed the show another hit performance and the band told the fans that Hemet is now their favorite place to play.

Later this month, Season Two of the Tribute Mania Concert Series continues with tributes to Santana (6/22), Led Zeppelin (7/6), Aerosmith (7/20), REO Speedwagon (8/3), and Tom Petty (8/17).

Tickets for Tribute Mania and Friday Nite Live shows are $22 presale / $25 day of show. Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm. Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office: (951) 658-5950.

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