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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.

Volunteers clean roadway

Beautification Chairman Bob Hafner (center) gives instructions to some of the volunteers before the cleanup begins.

Beautification Chairman Bob Hafner (center) gives instructions to some of the volunteers before the cleanup begins.

De Palma Road between the Von’s shopping center and Horsethief Canyon Road was targeted by a crew of community volunteers who, manned with bags and “pickers,” donned safety vests as they collected trash along the busy street.

About 20 residents participated in the cleanup sponsored by the We Are Temescal Valley Beautification Committee. According to committee Chairman Bob Hafner, an estimated 1,000 pounds of trash and garbage was collected and hauled to El Sobrante Landfill during the two-and-a-half-hour event.

Hafner furnished bagels, coffee and water for the volunteers, and Toscana’s Adam Eventov brought doughnuts. The trash pickers, bags and vests were donated by the landfill.

Shirkman The Shirkman Family — Jay, Layla and Keegan of Sycamore Creek. tireDavid Rayner displays a tire, one of several found in the gullies along De Palma.
commodeTracy Davis and David Rayner struggle to retrieve a commode from a gully.
golf ballBrien Clingman, Dianne Sincich, Dan Chavez, Jerry Sincich (displaying a golf ball he found), and Carmen Reed.truckBob Hafner makes a truck stop to collect filled bags and loose items.

jerryVehicles whizzing by on the I-15 don’t deter Jerry Sincich.
CoyoteTracks in the muddy shoulder — are they canine or coyote? Hint: There were no human tracks next to them.

glen edenTracy Davis, Sandy Bilodeau (of Glen Eden), David Rayner and Barbara Paul.
trashBarbara Paul and Rob Mucha help load the trucks.

refreshments
Enjoying doughnuts and bagels after the event — Rob Mucha (The Retreat), Bob Hafner (Horsethief Canyon Ranch), Barbara Paul (Glen Eden), Dan Chavez (Glen Eden), David Rayner (Glen Eden), Tracy Davis (Wildrose Ranch), Jerry and Dianne Sincich (Sycamore Creek), Adam Eventov (Toscana) and Brien Clingman (Weirick Road neighborhood).

Community signs soon to placed

RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES CAN ORDER THESE SIGNS FROM THE WE ARE TEMESCAL VALLEY BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE.

RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES CAN ORDER THESE SIGNS FROM THE WE ARE TEMESCAL VALLEY BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE.

Placement soon will begin for community signs identifying each of the neighborhoods within Temescal Valley. Additionally, orders are now being taken for smaller signs that can be hung on homes and businesses.

The signs were suggested by members of the We Are Temescal valley Beautification committee, who approached Supervisor Kevin Jeffries with the idea. The Board of Supervisors in October approved the expenditure of $26,250 from the Temescal Valley Community Fund for  the purchase of 23 free-standing signs to be placed in neighborhoods throughout the valley.

THESE SIGNS, IDENTIFYING EACH OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS WITHIN TEMESCAL VALLEY, WILL SOON BE PLACED THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.
THESE SIGNS, IDENTIFYING EACH OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS WITHIN TEMESCAL VALLEY, WILL SOON BE PLACED THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.

The wood grain-textured signs are 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and are connected to 6-foot frames – hunter-green painted 2 by 4s. They list the name of the community (park, fire station), above the Temescal Valley logo and the words “Temescal Valley” under it.

 

Each of the neighborhoods and HOAs were approached by Beautification Committee Chairman Bob Hafner and offered the free sign. The only stipulation was that the sign would be placed in a visible location within the neighborhood. HOAs were given the opportunity to purchase additional signs.

According to Bob, only Glen Ivy RV Park and Creekside mobile home park refused the offer of a free sign. The free-standing signs also can be purchased by businesses and can be made to order size-wise.

The smaller sign — 18 inches by 9 inches, costs $200 and includes a wrought-iron hanging brackett. If you would like more information or want to order a small sign, contact Bob at bob.hafner@verizon.net or 951-258-6404.

The committee continues to work on beautification plans for the historic Serrano tanning vats located across the street from the Shell station on Temescal Canyon Road. A work party is tentatively planned later this month. (Read a related story  HERE)

Committee members are Gena Osborne, Miriam Cardenas, Melissa Deleo, Tracy Davis, Karla Cortez, Adam Eventov, and John and Jannlee Watson. Contact Bob if you’re interested in helping out.

ABOUT THE TEMESCAL VALLEY COMMUNITY FUND

The Temescal Valley Community fund was established years ago by former 1st District county Supervisor Bob Buster, and does not contain taxpayers’ monies.

It was created through litigation between the county and Synagro, a Temescal Valley business that manufactured fertilizer made from human waste. It was decided that during Synagro’s five-year phase out the company would pay the county for response to complaints of odor pollution. Additionally, Synagro paid the county for each ton of human sludge it received.

The supervisor set up the Temescal Community Fund account with the Environmental Health Department, which was collecting the money, thus assuring the funds would be designated to the community and not be rolled into the county general fund.

SNOW? It sure did!

Driving down Horsethief Canyon Road toward Temescal Mountains on east side of I-15. (WeAreTV.org photo)

Driving down Horsethief Canyon Road toward Temescal Mountains on east side of I-15. (WeAreTV.org photo)

It was predicted for more than a week, but when Temescal Valley residents awoke New Year’s Eve morning, we were not sufficiently prepared for the amazing sight that greeted us. The hillsides and mountains on both sides of the valley were cloaked in white, with a whole bunch of the wet, wonderful stuff deposited in the Horsethief Canyon Ranch community.

Here are few photos and if you’d like to add yours to this slide show, email them to WeAreTV.org@gmail.com. Please include your name and where the photo was taken.

Here’s where to see holiday lights

WILDROSE RANCH PHOTO BY GLEN & KELLY NELSON

WILDROSE RANCH PHOTO BY GLEN & KELLY NELSON

While this certainly is not a complete list of all the Temescal Valley homes aglow — dazzling and twinkling with holiday lights, it’s a good place to start. If you want to add your home to this list, email us at WeAreTV.org@gmail.com. Please include the address and the community. (Horsethief Canyon Ranch will be added soon!)

WILDROSE RANCH

CONTEST WINNERS
23235 Crocus Court — First Place Grand Prize
9123 Blue Flag St. — Second Place Grand Prize
23326 Tulip Court — First Place Lighting
23329 Tulip Court — Second Place Lighting
8871 Crest View Drive — First Place Animation
9128 Plume Grass Street — Second Place Animation

WILDROSE RANCH

WILDROSE RANCH

OTHERS
23341 Tulip Court
23315 Daisy Drive
8774 Daffodil Drive8774 Daffodil Drive
22776 Canyon View Drive
22895 Canyon View Drive
22609 White Sage Street
9075 Blue Flag Street
8834 Lemonwood Drive

SYCAMORE CREEK

NOBLE CANYON STREET, SYCAMORE CREEK

NOBLE CANYON STREET, SYCAMORE CREEK

WINNERS
24983 Cliffrose St.
11030 Clover Circle
25486 Foxglove Lane
25298 Noble Canyon St.
25718 Woods Court

OTHERS
11178 Evergreen Loop
25207 Forest St.
25377 Grandfir Court
25542 Hyacinth St.
11336 Magnolia St.
25362 Noble Canyon St.
25121 Pacific Crest St.
25063 Pine Mountain Terrace
1213 Riveroak St.
11763 Silver Birch Road
11079 Sweetgum St.
25713 Sunflower Lane

MONTECITO RANCH

2331 Camino Terraza Road
8619 Camino Zapote Road
8649 Calle Canon Road

CALIFORNIA MEADOWS

CALIFORNIA MEADOWS

CALIFORNIA MEADOWS

9055 Fallbrook Canyon Drive
9480 Stone Canyon Drive
9343 Stone Canyon Drive

HORSETHIEF CANYON RANCH

(Note: Homeowner’s association  chose not to give addresses of winners, but instead provided names of winning streets)

Basswood Drive
Rapid Falls Court
Palomino Creek Drive
MysticaSprings Drive
Crystal Springs Drive 

TOM’S FARMS
Over 1 million lights on 200 displays!tf pre christmas web graphic 2014

 

Sheriff offers holiday safety tips

holidays02Deputies at the  Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station would like to remind community members to stay alert during this holiday season.  During this time of year, many people become preoccupied with holiday planning, shopping and family events.  These distractions often cause folks to become rushed, careless, and vulnerable to driving related accidents, theft and other holiday crimes.

The following tips and reminders were compiled to help residents navigate the holiday season safely.  People can never be too careful, too prepared, or too alert.  The Sheriff asks that you please share the following information with your family, friends and neighbors.

General Safety:

  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.  Criminals often target people who are distracted.
  • Whether driving, walking or taking public transportation, plan the trip in advance.  Know how to get to your destination using the most direct and safest route.
  • When walking, travel on populated, well-lit streets.  If possible, travel with a friend.
    Always lock your car.
  • Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.

Shopping:

  • Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with another person.
  • Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
  • Plan your purchases in advance and carry only the amount of cash, or number of credit cards, necessary to make the purchase.  If you must carry a large sum of money, divide the cash between your purse, pockets and wallet.
  • Keep cash, wallet and mobile devices in your front pocket or purse.
  • Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
  • Be extra careful if you carry a wallet or purse.  They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus/shuttle stops, and public transportation.
  • Avoid overloading yourself with packages.  It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
  • Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.   At this time of year, thieves may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
  • As a consumer, you should avoid illegal vendors selling goods on the street.  Purchase merchandise only from licensed vendors or reputable stores.  Follow your instincts. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Parking/Driving:

  • Avoid driving alone, or at night.
  • Keep all your car doors locked, and windows closed while in or out of your car.  Set your alarm and use an anti-theft device.
  • If you shop at night, park in a well-lit area.
    Park as close as you can to your destination, and take notice of where you parked.
  • Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running, or with children inside.
  • Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.  This creates a temptation for thieves.  If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
  • Be sure to locate your keys and have them in your hand, prior to going to your car.
  • Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and packages.  Do not put them down, or on top of the car in order to open the door.
  • If you are concerned, ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
  • Make sure your gas tank is full.  Maintain your car in good working order to avoid breakdowns.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM):

  • If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a business, or well-lit location.
  • Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
  • Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
  • Do not throw away your ATM receipt at the ATM you just used.

Cyber Fraud:

  • Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) email.
  • Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited email.
  • Be cautious of email claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders. Always run a virus scan on attachment before opening.
  • Avoid filling out forms contained in email messages that ask for personal information.
  • Always compare the link in the email to the web address link you are directed to and determine if they match.
  • Log on directly to the official Web site for the business identified in the email, instead of “linking” to it from an unsolicited email. If the email appears to be from your bank, credit card issuer, or other company you deal with frequently, your statements or official correspondence from the business will provide the proper contact information.
  • Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the email to verify that the email is genuine.
  • If you are requested to act quickly or there is an emergency, it may be a scam. Fraudsters create a sense of urgency to get you to act impulsively.

What is the Shop Local Challenge?

Glen IvyThe We Are Temescal Valley Business Committee has launched a campaign to encourage residents to “shop Temescal Valley first” this holiday season. The reasons?

1.  A percentage of sales tax revenue is returned to the local governing agency where the purchase was made. Shop at Tom’s Farms – the revenue is returned to Riverside County to be used in providing services to Temescal Valley. Shop at The Crossings or Dos Lagos – the revenue is returned to the city of Corona to be used in providing services to Corona residents.

2.  Many Temescal Valley business owners and managers live in Temescal Valley. They are our friends and neighbors – our kids go to school together, we belong to the same valley organizations, we attend the same church. We should support each other.

3.  Local nonprofit groups — PTAs, churches, youth groups — expect donations from Temescal Valley businesses when doorprizes are needed. The best way to show appreciation for such donations is to support that merchant.

4.  No crowds, no long lines, no traffic jams (unless there’s an accident on the I-15 and everyone is using Temescal Canyon Road!)

THE SHOP LOCAL CHALLENGE
The business committee, led by Chairman Dan Smith, has put together a list of gift and stocking-stuffer ideas — the Temescal Valley Holiday Gift Guide. VIEW IT HERE.

Once residents make a local purchase, the committee asks that they take a photo of themselves holding the store’s gift bag, post it in on their Facebook page and the We Are Temescal Valley Facebook page issuing a challenge to two Temescal Valley friends to “Shop Local” and do the same. Yes, the committee is blatantly copying the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!

If you’d like more information on the Shop Local challenge, the Business Committee or how to be included in the Gift Guide, direct your questions to WeAreTV.org@gmail.com

Other committee members are Miriam Cardenas, Glen and Kelly Nelson, Cathie Smith, Michelle Capodanno, Rob Mucha, Tracy Davis, Pam Garcia and John Watson.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

TOM’S FARMS | 23900 Temescal Canyon Road | 951-277-4422

We often take for granted great shopping opportunities located right in our back yards. This long-time Temescal Valley tourist attraction can be difficult to maneuver on the weekends – but it’s a quick, not crowded in-and-out on other days of the week.

Chocolates
CHOCOLATES

THE SWEET SHOP
Suggestions:

  • A wide array of candy – fudge, chocolates, gummies, brittles, licorice, taffy, jellies, gumballs – to name a few.
  • Candy and nut gift baskets – premade or made to order.

    SUGAR-FREE SWEETS

    SUGAR-FREE SWEETS

  • Gourmet jams and jellies, plus soup mixes.
  • Gourmet popcorn.
  • Large selection of sugar-free candies.
Fruit basket

FRUIT BASKETS

PRODUCE STAND
Suggestions:

  • Fresh fruit baskets and boxes, and dried fruit gifts – premade or made to order.

FURNITURE STORE and elsewhere on the Farm
Suggestions:

Gift card

GIFT CARDS

  • Gift store has large assortment of unique items hard to find elsewhere.
  • Tom Farm’s gift cards.
  • Santa visits 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
  • Festival of lights – 200 displays; over 1 million lights.
  • Fresh Christmas trees.

CHEESE & WINE SHOPPE  |At Tom’s Farms | 951-277-9463

Chardonnay gift basket

GIFT BASKETS

While located at Tom’s Farms, the Cheese and Wine Shoppe has been family owned and operated by Temescal Valley residents for over 30 years. The holiday season specialty is gift baskets and boxes — whether just one for your neighbor or 300 for your corporate family. The Shoppe will ship the baskets and boxes for you. And when shopping takes the place of dinner, stop in at the Deli for fresh pizza and sandwiches.

 Suggestions:
  • 600 varieties of wine in all price ranges. The award-winning wine selection voted Best Wine Shoppe in the Inland Empire for the past four years.

    Cheese and meat gift box

    GIFT BOXES

  • 200 varieties of import and craft beers, many unique and hard-to-find.
  • Wide range of champagnes, including Cristal and Dom Perignon.
  • Gourmet foods, including cheese, meats, olives, sauces, salsa and seasonings.
  • Delicious homemade breads baked daily at the Shoppe, plus cookies and pies.
  • Wine and beer tastings.

GLEN IVY HOT SPRINGS | 25000 Glen Ivy Road |  1-888-453-6489

GIFT OF LUXURY

GIFT OF LUXURY

Whether “Taking the Waters” in the spa’s hot springs, frolicking in Club Mud or luxuriating in The Grotto, a Glen Ivy Hot Springs gift card is a welcomed, appreciated gift. Services include massage, facials, manicures and pedicures. Founded in 1860, Glen Ivy Hot Springs is Temescal Valley’s oldest business.

Suggestions:

  • Now through Dec. 21, purchase a $100 Glen Ivy gift card for $85
  • Gift cards in other price ranges also available.

VONS | 11800 De Palma Road |  951-603-0809 

Yummy!

YUMMY CAKES!

A supermarket for holiday shopping? It’s a quick stop to pick up a last minute hostess gift, baked goods for the kids’ holiday party at school or a prepared item for a holiday potluck or party.

Suggestions:

  • Festive and tasty holiday baked goods either pre-made or made to order. Cakes for every occasion. Wide selection of Danish pastries, gourmet muffins and bagels, and Mexican sweet breads.

    Roses

    HOLIDAY FLORAL

  • Check out the gorgeous holiday centerpieces and bouquets in the Floral Department. Floral desigers will help you with your choice or create something special. Wide selection of cute and cuddly stuffed Santas and snowmen.
  • From the deli, let Vons help you cater holiday parties – whether an intimate gathering or a big bash. Choose from meat, seafood and sushi trays, specialty sandwich trays and salads, as well as a wide array of appetizers, fresh fruit and veggies, cheeses and dips.

CVS PHARMACY | 11950 De Palma Road | 951-603-0855

GIFT SETS

GIFT SETS

Make CVS your one-stop-shop for stocking stuffers – from kids to adults. Aisle upon aisle of small, inexpensive items – plus candies – that Santa will find just perfect when stuffing the stockings. But wait – there’s more.

Suggestions:

  • CVS carries designer fragrances for men and women. Why pay department store prices when you can buy one and get another at 50 percent off?

    TOYS

    TOYS

  • Check out the cosmetic gift sets – many from which to choose.
  • Wide selection of children’s toys – almost all are on sale.
  • Greeting cards for all holiday occasions
  • Get your flu shot – you don’t want to be ill over the holidays!

SHELL STATION | 23255 Temescal Canyon Road |  951-277-4898

Suggestions:

  • Give your vehicle a holiday present! Have the oil changed and receive a free carwash.

7OAKS NURSERY | 21501 Temescal Canyon Road | 951-277-2927

GIVE A LIVING GIFT
GIVE A LIVING GIFT

Suggestions:

  • Plants and trees make wonderful gifts that far outlive the holidays. Check out the selection of natives, drought-resistant and succulents to encourage water-friendly landscaping.

SKULL CANYON ZIPLINE | 13540 Temescal Canyon Road |  951-471-0999

ZIPLINING
ZIPLINING

Suggestions:

  • Give the thrill of a lifetime — a Skull Canyon Zipline gift certificate for the adventurous types on your holiday list.

Calendar contest winners announced

1st Place Quinn Anderson, Luiseno School, 7th grade. To view all winners, see the gallery below.

1st Place Quinn Anderson, Luiseno School, 7th grade. To view all winners, see the gallery below.

El Sobrante Landfill has announced the names of the 12 Temescal Valley students who are winners in the America Recycles Day calendar art contest.

The contest challenged students to depict the theme “Together we can keep Temescal Valley Clean and Green” and incorporate proactive ways to protect the environment, including proper waste disposal, recycling, clean technology and habitat conservation.

El Sobrante received 132 entries from children attending Todd Elementary, Luiseno and El Cerrito Middle schools. The contest was organized by the Temescal Heritage Foundation and the landfill.

Staff from Riverside County First District Supervisor Kevin Jeffries’ office and local community volunteers chose the 12 winners whose artwork will create the 2015 community calendar. The judges selected the winners based on interpretation of theme, creativity, originality and age appropriateness.

Here are the winners:

1st Place:  Quinn Anderson, Luiseno School, 7th grade ($800 will be given to Luiseno)
2nd Place:  Clarence Okonkwo, Todd Elementary School, 1st grade ($600 will be given to Todd)
3rd Place:  Melissa Albis, El Cerrito Middle School, 8th grade ($400 will be given to El Cerrito)

Additionally the top three winners won ice cream for their homeroom classrooms.

The runners-up, in first-name alphabetical order, are:

Isabella Russo, Todd Elementary School, 2nd grade
Jenna Mahoney, Todd Elementary School, 2nd grade
Justin Dizon, Luiseno School, 7th grade
Kaia Boone, Todd Elementary School, 3rd grade
Kaitlyn Currier, Todd Elementary School, 4th grade
Kiera Allende, Luiseno School, 1st grade
Lia Starks, Todd Elementary School, 3rd grade
Madison Talley, Todd Elementary School, 5th grade
Maggie Gibbs, Luiseno School, 4th grade 

All 12 winners will receive gift baskets with art supplies and eco-friendly merchandise,

Here are the other winning entries:

Bus service coming to Temescal Valley

Temescal Valley is getting bus service, according to Rohan Kuruppu, Riverside Transit Agency director of planning, speaking at the October Municipal Advisory Council meeting.

Bus service for Valley residents has been discussed for years and will become reality in January with an additional stop planned at Tom’s Farm for the CommuterLink Express Route 206, Kuruppu said.

The route now operates between Lake Elsinore and Corona, stopping at the Outlet Mall in Lake Elsinore to pick up park-and-ride patrons and then continuing to the Metrolink station in Corona.

The stop at Tom’s Farms will be park-and-ride, but when the bus reaches the Metrolink station, transfers can be made to routes in Corona with connections to other areas.  RTA also is working on providing a Route 206  stop at Dos Lagos.

He added, “Riverside county is the fastest growing county in California and RTA is setting new ridership records every month.”

When RTA rolls out the new service in January, Kuruppu said Valley residents will be informed through mailers to all homes and RTA emailed newsletters. (Sign up for email  HERE)

There are many proposed changes planned in January for transit service throughout the county. People can comment on the changes at a RTA Board of Directors public hearing, 2 p.m., Thursday Nov. 13 in the first floor Board of Supervisors Chambers at the County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside. (Learn more about the proposed changes  HERE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Landfill oversight committee to meet

The El Sobrante Landfill Citizen Oversight Committee (COC), will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8 in the Lee Lake Water District board room, 22646 Temescal Canyon Road.

Discussion items include updates on the Clean Money Program and acceptance of incinerator ash at the landfill. Groundwater wells in Dawson Canyon will be discussed, and a legal opinion on the definition of “peak hour traffic” on SR-91 will be presented.

Updates on the landfill will include construction of the new Phase 11, the permitting process for two basins that have already been constructed, the five-year permit review, and the manner in which disposal of nonhazardous, nondesignated contaminated soils is handled.

COC members will review and provide comment on the landfill’s 2013 annual report submitted by Waste Mangement and vetted by the county’s Administrative Review Committee (ARC). The committee also will review the ARC’s Mitigation Monitoring Report and conditions of approval for the annual report.

The purpose of the five-member Citizen Oversight Committee appointed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors is to review the annual report and provide comment to the supervisors regarding the report, including issues or concerns. The committee must meet at least once a year but can meet more often. It has no authoritative powers and acts solely in an advisory capacity.

COC members current concerns are about the landfill’s appearance, acceptance of incinerator ash, truck traffic on the 91 during peak hours and landfill expansion that, committee members claim, was not authorized.

Current COC members are Chairman Rob Mucha, Vice Chairman Amie Kinne, Paul Rodriguez, Jana Walchle and Jack Wyatt. Walchle lives in El Cerrito; the other four are Temescal Valley residents.

  • Read the Oct. 8 agenda and minutes of the July 16 meeting  HERE
  • Read a related story  HERE