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My husband and I have resided in the Temescal Valley for more than 18 years. We purchased our home "brand new" and chose to live here because we could afford it and because it wasn't the city of Corona. We commuted to our Orange County jobs for 15 years. The commute wasn't all that bad because each day we returned home to our wonderful rural neighborhood. Corona never controlled its growth. Why must we suffer because the city ran out of "developable land." Shame on you Corona. Let the Temescal Valley alone.

El Sobrante will not get diverted trash

RESIDENTS PROTEST ODORS: Granada Hills residents last year staged a protest at the Sunshine Canyon Landfill in Sylmar. Photo: Los Angeles Daily News.

RESIDENTS PROTEST ODORS: Granada Hills residents last year staged a protest at the Sunshine Canyon Landfill in Sylmar. Photo: Los Angeles Daily News.

UPDATE: Feb. 8, 2017

Following months of South Coast Air Quality Management District public hearings, a possible solution to the methane odors emanating from the Sunshine Canyon Landfill in Sylmar will not impact Temescal Valley’s El Sobrante Landfill.

If you recall, we reported in November that there was a possibility of 3,000 tons of a trash a day being diverted from Sunshine Canyon to El Sobrante.

The SCAQMD has now issued an order of abatement that limits the morning hours that Sunshine Canyon can receive trash, and has directed the landfill to divert tons of organic food waste and create better trash cover to control methane gas. The organic food waste would be recycled at a Gardena transfer station before heading to a Carson wastewater treatment plant and a Chino composting plant, according to the L.A. Daily News.

(Published Nov. 28, 2016)

LA County landfill could be ordered to ship trash elsewhere

What does a stinky Los Angeles County landfill have in common with Temescal Valley?

Residents of Granada Hills for many years have filed complaints with the South Coast Air Quality Management District about the methane odors emanating from the Sunshine Canyon Landfill in neighboring Sylmar.

EL SOBRANTE RESPONDS

“We do not have a position on the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) petition for an Order of Abatement against Republic’s Sunshine Canyon Landfill facility. El Sobrante is a regional landfill that serves multiple counties such as Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Orange. Regardless of SCAQMD’s decisions at Sunshine Canyon, it will be business as usual at El Sobrante. We will continue to provide critical waste disposal services while operating in accordance with our permit and complying with our approved tonnage and truck limits.”

MORE AQMD HEARINGS

The Hearing Board will hold further hearings at SCAQMD, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, on the following days:

– Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 9 a.m.
– Wednesday, Nov, 30, at 9 a.m.
– Thursday, Dec. 1, at 9 a.m.

The AQMD board soon could be placing an Order of Abatement on the landfill that would limit its hours of operation and reduce its intake of garbage by 3,000 tons a day. Options for where those 3,000 tons of trash will be sent are limited, and Temescal Valley’s El Sobrante Landfill could be a possible recipient. El Sobrante is not at capacity on the daily amount it can receive and could accept 3,000 more tons which equates to about 175 more truckloads a day.

Also involved in the Sunshine Canyon fray are the county and city of Los Angeles. At the urging of county Supervisor Michael Antonovich, last month the county Department of Public Health announced it had served a notice of violation to the landfill, stating it is a “nuisance affecting the health and well-being of residents.”

Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander earlier this month introduced a motion that the city identify another facility to accept the trash, the LA Daily News reported. Englander was quoted as saying, “It’s the first step in shutting it down. I want to stop the odors.”

Representatives of Sunshine Canyon, operated by Republic Services, say they have spent $27 million since 2009 in trying to remedy landfill odors. They also have stated that of the 9,000 complaints received by the AQMD since 2009, 70 percent over a five-year period came from only 20 addresses. They argue that it makes no sense for the AQMD to divert the waste because of additional emissions that would be generated by trucks used to haul it elsewhere.

Sunshine Canyon hired a consultant who has reached out to residents of communities where landfills are located to “warn” them of the possibility of more trash and more trucks.

An Oct. 20 meeting coordinated by the consultant at the Marie Callender’s in Corona was attended by about 20 Temescal Valley residents. Also attending were Waste Management employees Miriam Cardenas and Lily Quiroa, and Jeff Greene, chief of staff for 1st District Supervisor Kevin Jeffries.

El Sobrante art contest winners honored

CALENDAR ART CONTEST WINNERS: Students were honored at the January MAC meeting by teachers, principals and elected officials, including Supervisor Kevin Jeffries, far right, back row.

CALENDAR ART CONTEST WINNERS: Students were honored at the January MAC meeting by teachers, principals and elected officials, including Supervisor Kevin Jeffries, far right, back row.

During the January Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council meeting, residents and local elected officials joined the Waste Management El Sobrante Landfill to congratulate the 12 winners of the 4th Annual Temescal Valley America Recycles Day Calendar Art Contest.

Sponsored by a Waste Management Think Green Grant, the contest challenged children who live in the Temescal Valley area to illustrate the theme “Temescal Valley Recycles Right to Make Our Environment Bright!” and to depict the positive effects recycling has on the community.

During the contest awards ceremony, Riverside County First District Supervisor Kevin Jeffries and the offices of Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez and Senator Jeff Stone presented personalized certificates to the winners and congratulated them for their environmental stewardship.  Waste Management also gave the children prize bags and awarded a combined total of $2,000 in school donations to the top four winners.

Art Contest Winners were …
1st place:  Riley Hall, El Cerrito Middle School, awarded an $800 school donation
2nd place: Holland McKinsey, Temescal Valley Elementary, awarded a $600 school donation
3rd place: Savannah Hoang, Todd Academy, awarded a $400 school donation
4th place: Sharelle Barrientos, Luiseno School, awarded a $200 school donation.

Runner-Ups were …
Taylor Haering, Temescal Valley Elementary
Emily Lewis, Todd Academy
Noah Travers, Temescal Valley Elementary
Abryana Nicotera, Todd Academy
Gabriela Penaloza, El Cerrito Middle School
Autumn Della Croce, Temescal Valley Elementary
Scarlett Smetana, El Cerrito Middle School
Karla Aguirre, El Cerrito Middle School

A judging panel, which included Temescal Valley residents, Supervisor Kevin Jeffries and El Sobrante Landfill staff, selected the winners based on interpretation of theme, originality, creativity and the student’s handwritten calls to action.

The contest is organized each year through a joint effort between the Temescal Heritage Foundation, community leaders and the Waste Management El Sobrante Landfill.  To date, the unincorporated community of Temescal Valley has received $40,000 in annual Waste Management Think Green Grants to organize cleanup events and environmental learning programs.

Here is the winning artwork:

1st place winnerFIRST PLACE JANUARY: RILEY HALL, 8th Grade El Cerrito Middle School

2nd place winnerSECOND PLACE FEBRUARY: HOLLAND McKINSEY, 5th Grade, Temescal Valley Elementary School

3rd Place winnerTHIRD PLACE MARCH: SAVANNAH HOANG, 2nd Grade, Todd Academy

4th place winnerFOURTH PLACE APRIL: SHARELLE BARRIENTOS, 8th Grade, Luiseno School

Taylor Haering- MayMAY: TAYLOR HAERING, 3rd Grade, Temescal Valley Elementary School

Emily LewisJUNE: EMILY LEWIS, 2nd Grade, Todd Academy

NoahJULY: NOAH TRAVERS, 1st Grade, Temescal Valley Elementary School

Abryana NicoteraAUGUST: ABRYANA NICOTERA, 2nd Grade, Todd Academy

Gabriela Penaloza- SeptSEPTEMBER: GABRIELA PENALOZA, 8th Grade, El Cerrito Middle School

Autumn Della Croce 4- OctoberOCTOBER: AUTUMN DELLA CROCE, 2nd Grade, Temescal Valley Elementary School

Scarlett Smetana- Runner UpNOVEMBER: SCARLETT SMETANA, 8th Grade, El Cerrito Middle School

Karla Aguirre

DECEMBER: KARLA AGUIRRE, 8th Grade, El Cerrito Middle School

 

Land-use changes pave way for Lakeside community

SITE OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENT: Lakeside Temescal Valley, if approved, would be a 370-home housing development built on 67 acres between Lee Lake and Temescal Canyon Road. Photo: John Lewison

Action taken by the county’s Board of Supervisors at the Jan. 31 meeting could allow a housing development to built next to Lee Lake on Temescal Canyon Road, south of Indian Truck Trail.

The 548-acre, 13-parcel property that surrounds the lake and extends into the Temescal Mountains, was owned for three decades by a business that specializes in recreational fishing. The company stocked the lake with trout and catfish, and charged a fee to allow fishing there. The property was a sold a few years ago to Summit Land Partners. Lee Lake, called “Corona Lake” by the fishing concessionaire, is owned by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.

Summit wants to build a gated HOA community – Lakeside Temescal Valley — on property located between the lake and Temescal Canyon Road. The about 370 homes would be clustered on land already disturbed by the fishing concession. Summit would purchase reclaimed water from EVMWD to keep the lake filled, which would be for the private use of Lakeside residents.

The general plan foundation and land-use changes approved by the supervisors would allow the homes to be built, but would permanently conserve the mountains above the lake against future development. Of the 548 acres, 12.3 percent or about 67 acres would be developed.

While the land-use changes were approved, the development plans must still be reviewed by the county Planning Commission and then approved by the Board of Supervisors at a date yet-to-be determined. Both meetings would involve public hearings, giving people the opportunity to comment either for against the project.

Tom’s Farms could be sold

Toms

Offers are being accepted on the 46-year-old landmark

Tom’s Farms, the iconic landmark that has defined Temescal Valley for decades, is for sale.

Braun International Real Estate has issued a call for offers for the 46-acre tourist attraction that includes 16 buildings and structures, and two adjacent undeveloped parcels.

While no sales price is listed in the memorandum, it’s noted that financial information will be provided upon receipt of an executed confidentiality agreement and that offers are being considered on a first-come-first-offer basis. The business and property are owned by the family of Thomas H. Barnes Sr., who died of cancer in July 2001 at the age of 55.

The Tom Barnes story is a familiar one in Temescal Valley. Tom grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and began his career selling his father’s strawberries door-to-door. He moved west in the early ‘70s and leased land in Lake Elsinore where he opened a produce stand that did so well the landowner decided he wanted it and evicted Tom.

According to the Tom’s Farms’ website, “Driving home to Anaheim, slightly brokenhearted, but with his boundless energy, strong work ethic and unwavering integrity still intact, he found an idyllic spot in Temescal Canyon, right below the Cleveland National Forest. He named his place Tom’s Farms.”

Barnes eventually purchased the land and in 1974 built the 3,500-square-foot produce stand followed by the hamburger restaurant in 1977. The construction of the Interstate 15 in 1978 provided easy access for freeway motorists. Tom’s Farms continued to grow and through the years additional shops, restaurants and attractions were added.

While all assets, inventory and restaurants are included in the sale, Tom’s Farms does not own the Cheese & Wine Shoppe business. The building is leased by the Frank Hetland Sr. family that owns the business. Barnes and Hetland were close friends for many years.

According to Robert Lizano, Tom’s Farms’ general manager, “The family has made this difficult decision to sell the property and is in hopes of finding another family or group of investors willing to continue the Tom’s Farms legacy.”

Lizano added, “The siblings have chosen to sell because they believe a new set of owners would have the necessary long-term financial commitment to truly take the complex to new competitive levels.”

Lizano acknowledged that if a sale occurs there is no guarantee that the buyer will retain the Tom’s Farms operation. “But it will be a major goal of the sale objective to find someone who will retain the Tom’s Farms business concept and make it grow to an even more beautiful complex,” he said.

The 20-page Call for Offers brochure can be viewed at http://www.braunco.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/TomsFarms_OM.pdf

Riverside Medical Clinic coming to Temescal Valley

A MUCH-NEEDED FACILITY: An artist’s rendering of the three-story ‘Riverside Medical Clinic Temescal Valley’ to be constructed at the southwest corner of Knabe Road and Retreat Parkway.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 12 gave fast track approval to Riverside Medical Clinic to construct a multi-million-dollar health care facility at the southwest corner of Knabe Road and Retreat Parkway.

Construction should begin in early 2018.

Medical clinic hearing is Sept. 12; comments due now

(Published Sept. 1, 2017

A public hearing before the Riverside County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Sept. 12 is expected to result in the approval of a multi-million-dollar health care facility to be constructed at the southwest corner of Knabe Road and Retreat Parkway.

Riverside Medical Clinic, with seven offices in Riverside County, plans to build a three-story, 96,352-square-foot building with 484 parking spaces.

The county has fast-tracked the project which streamlines land-use approvals and the permit process, and allows it to bypass a Planning Commission public hearing. To qualify for fast track consideration, a project must meet one of the following:

  • Create a minimum of 40 permanent, full-time jobs
  • Invest a total of at least $5 million in land, buildings and/or equipment
  • Produce $12.5 million in taxable annual sales

The public can comment on the project at the Sept. 12  hearing or email comments to:
Project Planner Dave Alvarez, dalvarez@rivco.org

Comments should be sent no later than Monday, Sept. 11. Alvarez also can be reached at 951-955-3728.

Health care facility could be built here

(Published Dec. 14, 2016)

Riverside Medical Clinic, with seven offices in Riverside County, plans to build a multi-million-dollar health care facility at the southwest corner of Knabe Road and Retreat Parkway.

The three-story, 97,000-square-foot building will have 486 parking spaces, and entrances and exits from both streets. Full access is planned from Retreat Parkway. Knabe Road will have a right and left turn into the parking lot and a right turn from the parking lot, but left turns on to Knabe will not be allowed. Neither roadway will have a traffic signal.

Forty physicians are planned to staff the facility and services offered will include internal medicine/family practice, cardiology, pulmonology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, general surgery, neurology, OB/gyn, ophthamology, optometry, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, audiology, pediatrics, plastic surgery, podiatry, rheumatology, urgent care/occupational medicine and urology.

Diagnostic and patient support services planned are out-patient surgery, cardiac and pulmonology testing, radiology/imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, health education, a cafeteria and clinical trials/research. Clinic hours will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Riverside Medical Clinic Temescal Valley will replace the current facility on Magnolia Avenue in Corona. It’s expected to open in summer 2018.

Congratulations to Jerry Sincich and the We Are Temescal Valley Development Committee members who, in meeting with developers over the past three years, have stressed the need for medical services in Temescal Valley.

Pollock will represent valley on CNUSD board

cnusd126In a very close race, Bill Pollock has been declared the winner for the Corona-Norco Unified School District Trustee Area 5 seat.

After the Nov. 8 election, Pollock led candidate Jami Merchant by 230 votes with 261,500 ballots yet to be counted. The vote tally was updated nine times and at one point Pollock only led Merchant by 34 votes. The final certified vote was released by the county Registrar’s Office Dec. 6 showing Pollock the winner by 53 votes.

This was the first election that board members were chosen by district instead of at-large. Trustee Area 5 includes all of Temescal Valley within the CNUSD boundaries and a portion of Corona. Both Pollock and Merchant reside in Corona. Chad Morgan and Larissa Adrian are Temescal Valley residents. Chances of having a Temescal Valley representative elected to the board were lessened with two valley residents on the ballot.

Pollock said he’s looking forward to working with Temescal Valley residents – many who have been outspoken about the need for a high school here, the traffic situation in getting their students to school and the alleged lack of representation for Temescal Valley by the district.

BILL POLLOCK CNUSD CANDIDATE

THE POLLOCK FAMILY

THE POLLOCK FAMILY

pollockName:  Bill Pollock 

Age:  52 

Resides:  Corona  

Family:  Wife — Christina Pollock, teacher, Garretson Elementary School; two sons, ages 17 and 22

Occupation:  Physician Assistant, Citrus Valley Family Practice, since 1999 

Education:  Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology, UCLA; Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, UCLA; Master of Science, Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University; Physician Assistant Degree, Wake Forest University School of Medicine 

Community Involvement:

  • Team Physician Assistant, Centennial High School, since 2003 (provide medical coverage to student-athletes). I also provide injury care and Concussion Management to student-athletes at Santiago, Roosevelt and Corona high schools on an on-call basis
  • School Site Council, Centennial, since 2008
  • WATCHD.O.G.S. Dads Club
  • Computer Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Board, CNUSD/Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)
  • High School Sports Physical Organizer (organizes sports physicals at the CNUSD high schools and donates the money received back to the participating schools)
  • PTSA member, since 1999
  • Student Interview/Health Panel, Career Expo, CNUSD/Corona Chamber of Commerce
  • Worship Team/Music Ministry, (percussionist), Northpoint Church
  • Medical Response Team, Northpoint Church
  • Classroom volunteer, multiple CNUSD schools
  • Health Education Presenter, various CNUSD schools. (Topics include: heart health; cancer prevention; dangers of drugs/alcohol; skin health/skin cancer prevention; concussions)
  • Participant, WASC Accreditation Visits, parent/community representative, Centennial High
  • Advisory Board, Corona Life Services
  • Annual participant, American Cancer Society, Relay for Life
  • Friends of Corona Public Library, member

Learn More About Me:  Website: www.voteforbillpollock.com  Facebook: Elect Bill Pollock for School Board; Email: bcjcpoll@sbcglobal.net

Why are you seeking election?
I love our community, and I’m passionate about doing all I can to help our students and schools be safe and successful. Living and working in Corona for almost 50 years, I’ve learned three important things:

  • OUR COMMUNITY IS INCOMPARABLE
  • AN EDUCATION IS INVALUABLE
  • OUR KIDS ARE INCREDIBLE

I believe that education is the cornerstone of our lives, and that everyone should have the opportunity to obtain a quality education. By striving to learn, we continue to grow as individuals, and as a community. That’s why I place such a high priority in our educational system and schools.

What are the predominant issues facing the Corona-Norco Unified School District and how would you address them?
We need safe and healthy schools. This entails physical safety and emotional safety. I want to create programs that help identify and address mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. I want to eliminate the stigma of mental health issues, so we can avoid the detrimental consequences seen from these issues (such as bullying, suicides, school shootings). More psychologists should be available at our schools, including at the elementary level. I want more programs to prevent bullying and suicides, including educational programs, assemblies, and online resources for students and parents to promote safety.

  • We need smaller class sizes. Research shows smaller classes allow teachers and students to be better engaged in learning, which leads to improved student success, earlier identification of learning/behavioral issues and improved teacher morale.
  • I believe in educating the whole child. Thus, programs in music and the arts, performing arts and clubs/activities should be expanded instead of eliminated.
  • Computer Technical Education (CTE) programs and vocational training programs need to be provided for students wanting to pursue career opportunities. As much as we would want every student to attend a four-year university, some students are geared towards a trade or vocation, so these programs are essential for their success.
  • We need to continue preparing our students for the 21st Century. Continuing to provide programs such as GATE, STEM, Dual Immersion, IB and AVID are essential, with the goal to expand these programs to other school sites.
  • We need to provide additional Special Education resources. More one-on-one help in the classroom benefits both student and teacher.
  • We need to equip our teachers and staff with the necessary resources to effectively do their jobs. State-of-the-art technology, mentoring programs and Program Development opportunities help our educators do their jobs, thus helping students be successful.

What are the predominant school issues facing Temescal Valley and how would you address them?
Temescal Valley is a wonderful community with unique issues, as it encompasses two school districts, requires different agencies for police, fire, and utilities, and has to deal with laborious transportation/traffic problems. With more housing planned, some of these issues are going to worsen. In relation to schools:

  • I believe in neighborhood schools. Driving 30 minutes to get to your high school is unacceptable. I want to see both a middle school and high school in the Temescal Valley. While transforming Todd and TVES into academies are short-term solutions, these sites aren’t conducive for TK-8th grades for the long-term. Finding adequate sites for secondary schools and procuring funding, is a priority. This would benefit the community, reduce traffic woes for the TV (and surrounding areas), and provide safer schools. Until secondary schools are a reality, developing programs at Todd Academy and TVES can help with some issues. For example, using older students for Student Valet programs and for Mentoring/Tutoring opportunities can improve safety and student performance.
  • Expand programs to TV schools. For example, implementing a comprehensive GATE program, and a Dual Immersion Program at TV schools would allow students to remain at their home schools and will facilitate the neighborhood school philosophy.
  • Increase community and business involvement in the schools (such as adopt-a-school programs), to further enhance the community relationship, and off-set some funding issues.
  • Maximize communication with county and surrounding city representatives, so our children are safe at school, and while traveling to and from campuses.
  • The CNUSD Trustee Area 5 board member should be involved with the TV Education Committee to allow continued communication and cooperation. Other board members should be encouraged to attend committee meetings, for enhanced involvement and communication.

CHAD MORGAN CNUSD CANDIDATE

THE MORGAN FAMILY

THE MORGAN FAMILY

morganName: Chad Morgan

Age: 37

Resides: Sycamore Creek, Temescal Valley

Family: Married; two daughters, ages 8 and 10 and two nieces, 13 and 14, who are very close to us.

Occupation: Attorney

Education: BA, Business Administration, CSU Fullerton; JD Western State University College of Law

 Community Involvement:

  • Corona-Norco AYSO Board Member
  • Temescal Valley Little League Coach
  • Riverside County Bar Association

Learn More About Me:  Website: www.ChadMorganForSchoolBoard.com; Email: morganchad@gmail.com; Telephone: 951-667-1927

Why are you seeking election?
I’m running for school board because I think the district needs a better long-term vision. We have great schools, and I want to make sure they continue be great for many, many years.

I am an attorney and focus primarily on government law and am a member of the State Bar’s Public Law section. I’ve worked with and advised government officials and agencies for most of my professional career. I understand the regulatory environment the district operates in and have the experience and relationships needed to make sure CNUSD parents get the new high school we need.

What are the predominant issues facing the Corona-Norco Unified School District and how would you address them?
CNUSD has great teachers and schools. We could (and should) be better, but when I look at schools around the state, I’m very happy that my kids attend schools here.

At the school board level, the predominate issue I see is that we need a better long-term vision.

In 2008, the district cancelled plans to build a southern high school even though there were 920 high school-age students living south of Cajalco. CNUSD said at the time that Sycamore Creek was “built out” and growth had stopped. Of course, Sycamore Creek was not built out and development had only paused. It’s started again with renewed vigor, and today, everyone in the district is suffering the consequences of that decision. A new school would not only be convenient for Temescal Valley residents, but would also ease traffic and crowding at every other CNUSD high school.

Long term budgeting is another issue. In 2006, CNUSD passed Measure U, a $250 million bond measure. In 2016, Measure GG authorized another $396 million of bonds. Over 10 years, this is nearly 2/3 of a billion dollars. A lot of these borrowed funds will be used to pay for maintenance that CNUSD should have been saving for over the last 10-20 years. Saving is hard and might not be popular when every stakeholder wants money now, but it is the responsible thing to do.

As a school board member, I will look at decisions with a long-term perspective. What will the effect of our actions be in 5, 10, or years into the future? We’re doing pretty good in the present, but I want to make sure we do great tomorrow.

What are the predominant school issues facing Temescal Valley and how would you address them?
The issues facing Temescal Valley schools aren’t that much different from the rest of the district with one exception: Temescal Valley residents have the longest commutes to middle and high schools.

The addition of 7th and 8th grades at the “new” Todd Academy has given many Temescal Valley residents the option of staying closer to home for middle school rather than commuting to El Cerrito. I’ve heard mostly positive feedback about the change and we should look at expanding this program. Of course, anyone who prefers a more traditional middle school experience should not face any obstacles to an intra-district transfer to El Cerrito (or other middle school) if that is their desire.

While adding middle and high school capacity to Temescal Valley will have an immediate impact on local families, this is not a Temescal Valley issue. Adding capacity here helps everyone. It would be a positive change for the entire district.

Another predominate issue for Temescal Valley schools is the day-to-day challenges of operating in a district with 50 other schools and 55,000 students. CNUSD is huge, and virtually every Inland teacher I talk to wants to become a teacher here. CNUSD hires the best and should trust our teachers to do what is best for their students, their schools and the communities they serve. While this is true district-wide, Temescal Valley’s remoteness compared to the rest of the district makes it doubly true here. As a school board member, I will work to implement policies that will give more local control to our teachers. The district should oversee, not manage, our schools.

 

JAMI MERCHANT CNUSD CANDIDATE

THE MERCHANT FAMILY

THE MERCHANT FAMILY

merchantName: Jami Merchant

Age: 35

Resides: Dos Lagos, Corona 

Family:  Husband — Ryan; Daniel, 5 in December; Connor,18 months 

Occupation: Education Outreach Coordinator for Optimum Seismic 

Education: CNUSD from K-12, RCC, Licensed EMT

Community Involvement: 

  • Greater Corona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, treasurer
  • Citrus Springs Home Owners Association, vice president
  • Circle City Kiwanis, board member
  • Corona Chamber Foundation, board member
  • Riverside Community College District, Friends of Forensics, Board of Governors member
  • Corona History Association, secretary
  • Avidly volunteers in the classroom
  • Awanas Sparks Leader 

Learn More About Me: Website: www.jamimerchant.com  Facebook: Elect Jami Merchant for CNUSD School Board 

My endorsements include: Corona-Norco Teachers Association, California School Employee Association, CalFire Local 2881, Riverside County Sheriffs’ Association, S.R. “Al” Lopez, Western Municipal Water District board president; Virginia Blumenthal, RCCD board president

Why are you seeking election?
My love for education and appreciation for the education process began at an early age since many of my family members were educators. I understand the important balance of maintaining a great working environment for the teachers and support staff while making sure the district has a rigorous academic program that gives students all the tools they need to have a great and successful education. All of this with the understanding that Kids Are Always First.

I am committed to representing the parents, students, employees and all stakeholders in the most honest and energetic manner possible.

What are the predominant issues facing the Corona-Norco Unified School District and how would you address them?
The district has a geography problem. The district resources to new outlying communities, especially at the high school level, is lacking. I will work with the district to:

  • Continue conservative fiscal management and to assure bond money is being used as intended. I will dig deep to see where and how money is being spent. It is important we use the money the most efficient way we can. We need to make it priority to expand programs for our students and assuring teachers have the necessary tools and equipment in the classroom.
  • Put more emphasis on class size reduction. I will work side-by-side with the CNTA and the district to assure they continue on the path to reduce class size.
  • Work with the district to increase school safety and ensure schools are seen as a family-friendly, community resource that strengthen neighborhoods.
  • Broaden programs for special needs children. When a child has special needs or a learning disability parents should not have to fight to get their children in the proper programs or services. As a district, we need to make it more accessible for our students to be in the programs and have the resources to ensure they are in the best learning environment for their learning style and or disability.
  • Expand the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) and Career Technical Education (CTE) emphasizing workforce preparedness programs. It is not practical to think all students are going to go to college after high school. We need to give them the tools and training while in high school so when they graduate they are able to find a job and make a median income.
  • Focus on making sure teachers are equipped with all the necessary technology and tools in the classroom

What are the predominant school issues facing Temescal Valley and how would you address them?
Issues facing Temescal Valley are:

We do not have a voice or someone representing us at the district level. When I am elected I am committed to be that voice and will be active within the community, and accessible for all parents, students, teachers and support staff. My neighborhood sits at the gateway to Temescal Valley and I consider this the bridge between Corona and Temescal Valley. Our home is within the boundary for Temescal Valley Elementary; we have sports, we shop, we play in Temescal Valley.

Long commute times for our TV student to get to middle and high school. They aren’t projected to lessen anytime soon with continued construction of new housing in the area.

I would like to see a high school be built in our area. I do not see it being feasible to build a large comprehensive high school due to limited money. What I would like to see is a smaller high school that offers different programs for students that are studying Arts, STEM, Middle College, and a hybrid on-line school. I feel that something this size is very achievable and would help loosen the load of students at the other high schools as well.

I will also work with the district to help push the process along to have Temescal Valley Elementary become a K-8 academy as well.

I feel all of these solutions will help traffic some by having different drop off and pick up times because of the before and after school care, parents will not all be dropping off and picking up at the same time. As well as not having to drive your children across town to middle school.

LARISSA ADRIAN CNUSD CANDIDATE

THE ADRIAN FAMILY

THE ADRIAN FAMILY

adrianName: Larissa N. Adrian

Age: 36

Resides: 12-year resident of Temescal Valley

Family: Husband — Matt (police officer); son Chris, 20; daughter Aliyah, 16; daughter Keira, 10; daughter Madison, 9; daughter Isabell, almost 7

Occupation: Before I chose to become a full-time Mom, I was the Business Risk Manager for Ameriquest, overseeing the Audits, Customer Complaints and Fraud Investigation departments. I loved the challenge that type of work provided me; however, having four daughters has definitely upped my negotiating skills!

Education: High school; some college

Community Involvement:

  • Sycamore Creek Homeowners Association board member and a member of the Design Review and Social committees
  • Todd Academy PTA parliamentarian and member of Todd’s School Site Council
  • We Are Temescal Valley citizens’ group, chairman of the Education Committee and a member of the Development Committee
  • My kids’ “volunteer” chauffeur to and from games and practices for Horsethief Canyon Soccer Association, Corona Girls Softball Association, Mavericks Volleyball Club, CHAWP Water Polo Club 

Learn More About Me: Facebook: ADRIAN4CNUSD; Email: adrian4cnusd@gmail.com

Why are you seeking election?
I have been a Temescal Valley resident since 2004 and have seen how severely the community has been underrepresented by CNUSD. Watching my five children attend district schools, it has become evident that issues regarding traffic, class sizes, school boundaries and services have been pushed off year after year. I have endeavored to find out why we are not being given the same considerations as our neighboring areas. I am running for election to address concerns like these and other relevant issues such as “When and where will our high school be built?”

What are the predominant issues facing the Corona-Norco Unified School District and how would you address them?
One of the district’s most pressing issues is the lack of schools for middle and high school students. CNUSD has taken a “Wait and See” approach that has left parents and students stuck in traffic and, at times, driving over an hour to get to assigned high schools, often arriving late due to freeway and surface road gridlock. CNUSD must take a stronger position on community growth and development. Currently, the board waits to hear from the community before issues are addressed. I believe this is backwards. There needs to be a proactive approach to this situation and the community needs to know there is transparency across the district on how issues are handled. I will continue to attend county and city council meetings to learn firsthand about new development proposals to ensure that CNUSD has the information it needs to plan for and manage the educational needs of current and future students. 

Our district is the eighth largest in California. Another problem facing such a large district is student achievement. Our students need a balanced curriculum. We need to provide quality educational opportunities for students that are not only college-bound, but for those who might prefer vocational training or preparation for a technology career. We should be offering advanced learning opportunities at every school and at every grade level. 

Using my background in audit and fraud investigations, I believe this can be accomplished by closely monitoring the expenditures of the school bond funds to assure they are spent on projects as promised in a fiscally responsible manner. I would make sure we maximize our tax dollars by developing partnerships with businesses, government and educational entities to avoid a duplication of services. 

What are the predominant school issues facing Temescal Valley and how would you address them?
If I’m elected to the board, Temescal Valley will finally have a voice in addressing issues that impact our community now and in the future. For well over a year, I am the only candidate that has consistently attended board meetings, asking questions and speaking out on issues that affect us. I have a vested interest in my community and my kids’ future and have identified several issues that need to be corrected.

Our high schools and middle schools are at capacity and this is affecting the education our children receive. If a new high school was built in Temescal Valley, it would provide a more even distribution of students within the district, giving all students a better education based on a lower population within our schools.

Additionally, traffic is a major stress factor in many families’ lives and the overall well-being of our community. It will not get better anytime soon and regardless of the district providing transportation for our students, it does not change the commute time or alleviate traffic.

Students who pay for district transportation also arrive late to school, but kids who are driven by parents and arrive late, or at the same time as a late bus, receive a detention. We need a consistent means to handle this situation regardless of how our students are transported to school. 

Temescal Valley continues to grow and with the possible influx of thousands of more homes and apartments, and the lack of planning for our students, this will only make life more stressful and hectic for our community. I will make our voice heard and work diligently to ensure we are not forgotten and are provided with the best possible solutions as are other families and students throughout the Corona-Norco Unified School District.