Members of the Old Town Temecula Gunfighters take Old Town visitors back to the wild west through the good guy vs. bad guy gun fights, showdown and bank robbery performances during the May 18-19, Western Days event.

Before the Great Recession of 2008 overturned many long-held financial beliefs, it wasnt uncommon for people to differentiate between good debt and bad debt. The thinking was that certain kinds of debt were worth taking on because you come out ahead in the long run. Buying a home and financing a college education were two notable examples. But when home values plummeted and the cost of a bachelors degree soared into five or six digits, those once-safe investments in your future suddenly seemed risky or unattainable. Nows a good time to step back and examine the concept of good debt vs. bad debt and why, in certain cases, acquiring debt may still make sense provided you plan carefully and dont exceed what you can reasonably expect to repay.This simple distinction still applies: Taking on so-called good debt can help boost your credit rating or allow you to buy something that will increase in value over time, whereas bad debt often fuels the purchase of items that are disposable, unnecessary or rapidly depreciable.One of the best ways to build strong credit history is to show lenders you can pay off debt responsibly. Youre more apt to qualify for a mortgage, car loan, or other large debt if youve demonstrated sound repayment behavior. Just remember, carrying multiple loans or high-limit credit cards could harm your rating, since lenders might worry youre taking on more debt than you can repay.Student loans. The average college graduate earns $47,422 a year, compared to $26,349 for high school graduates a difference of $21,073. Using simple math, some calculate the difference in total earnings over a 40-year work life as more than $800,000. However, such estimates dont factor in the crippling student loan debt many graduates face or their inability to find work in a chosen field during difficult times. But still, the unemployment rate among college grads is roughly half that of high school grads 4.5 percent vs. 8.4 percent. College is still a worthwhile investment for many people if they dont go overboard on loans and choose a degree with good earnings and employment potential. Mortgages. Before the real estate crash, homeownership was considered good debt because historically, when someone finally paid off their mortgage, their home was usually worth much more than the purchase price. For many, this probably still will be true, unless they bought during the market upswing or are forced to sell before prices can recover. After all, mortgage interest rates are historically low and interest and mortgage points are still tax-deductible. Just dont buy more house than you can afford. Factor in expenses like property tax, primary mortgage insurance, homeowners dues, utilities and repairs and if you get an adjustable rate mortgage, calculate how high rates could climb. Bad debt. What qualifies as bad debt hasnt changed since the recession, but budget-conscious consumers are paying more attention now. Meals out, excessive vacations, and unnecessary clothing or electronics wants vs. needs all qualify if youre spending beyond your means. Basically, if you cant pay the bill in full within a month or two, reexamine whether its a worthwhile expense; particularly if you dont have at least six to nine months pay stashed in an emergency fund or youre trying to save for a car or home. Jason Alderman directs Visas financial education programs.

LAKE ELSINORE High school juniors from around California gathered to embark on a weekend experience called Rotary Youth Leadership Awards recently. The students boarded buses and headed for the mountain top community of Crestline, ready to spend three days at the Thousand Pines Conference Center and learn something about leadership. Mike Norkin, Vice President of the Rotary Club of Lake Elsinore, coordinates RYLA each year. This year, Norkin notes that 60 of the 372 participating are students from the Southwest Riverside County area. The students are sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs, and go through an application and interview process to be part of the weekend.Once the students arrived at the camp, they began an intensive and enlightening weekend of learning that leadership starts with believing in themselves. On the first day of the experience, the close to four hundred students gathered to share as part of the Culture Walk. Here, students felt safe to share about their own personal challenges topics from gender bias to bullying, drug abuse to peer acceptance. The Walk broke down barriers for the students and provided a safe and accepting environment where the students could share and support. Suddenly groups of students, who had never before met, now shared a closeness brought together by comparable challenges they had faced and bonded over emotional similarities.Over the course of the weekend, the students participated in trust building activities, leadership workshops and motivational seminars. There was even time for a club scene of sorts, where the students had a few hours to break free of the intense emotional work and let loose on the dance floor.Bonds and memories that were created were not forgotten when the students ventured back to their home towns. Each had something to share and had mutual feelings about the experience.The RYLA experience was a light for those who are struggling, said Jocelyn Basham of Temescal Canyon High School. It is where strangers become best friends.The students who attended described the experience as eye opening a place where they all could shed the fear of judgment and felt that pain and sorrow were lifted.My uncle, who is a Rotarian in Sacramento, told me I had to do this, that it would change my life, said Brienne Finch of Temescal Canyon High School. I thought, how could a camp change my life in three days? He was right - everything changed.Dr. Doug Kimberly, superintendent of the Lake Elsinore Unified School District joined the experience that weekend. I am proud to participate in such a valuable experience for young people, to help them develop and grow a personal commitment to service and leadership. I am very proud of our students and what theyve achieved at RYLA, said Kimberly.Norkin acknowledged the growth of the students over the course of the weekend and knows that they are taking back some significant lessons. It is important that the students can come and have an experience and learn that you can still have a lot of fun with no victims.Video footage of the weekend and more information about RYLA are available at www.lakeelsinorerotary.org. The Rotary Club of Lake Elsinore meets on Wednesday mornings at 7 a.m. at the Ortega High School Conference Center at 520 Chaney St., Lake Elsinore. An evening extension club meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at Lone Star Steakhouse in Lake Elsinore. For information about Rotary programs, visit www.lakeelsinorerotary.org.

The Citrus Belt Area Athletic Directors Association (CBAADA) honored 166 male and female athletes from its 84 member schools and fourteen member leagues this past Monday, May 13th, at an awards breakfast held at Cal Baptist University in Riverside. Each school selected their Athlete of the Year on the basis of athletic achievement, academic excellence, school and community service, and character. Each Athlete of the Year received a certificate and a patch.In addition to the 24 athletes named from the Southwestern and Sunbelt Leagues, Dakota Wilson from Lakeside High School was one of only ten recipients of a $500 scholarship awarded by the CBAADA.SOUTHWESTERN LEAGUEChaparral Kate SantilenaSwimMichael GleasonWater Polo, Swim, GolfGreat Oak Brienna DiazSoccerAriel LassiterSoccerMurrieta Mesa Kim DargelSoccer, TrackShane StatonBasketball, TrackMurrieta Valley Karen WolfeBasketballNick JohnsonWrestlingTemecula Valley Kiki Rehn Tennis, Basketball, trackAndre ArmstrongFootball, TrackVista Murrieta Emily Ayer Cheer, TrackDonnell ToliverFootball, TrackSUNBELT LEAGUEElsinore Katie RodriguezSoccer, TrackAllan StubbsFootball, Basketball, TrackHeritage Briana ContrerasTennis, SoftballJamal Morrow Football, TrackLakeside Austen UrnessSoftballDakota WilsonFootball, Basketball, BaseballPaloma Valley Kiara McIntoshCross Country, TrackJose EspinozaWrestlingPerris Jennifer GarciaSoccer, SoftballJose VelasquezCross Country, BaseballTemescal Canyon Melissa WoodyWater Polo, SwimmingJacob BeasWrestling

Is it a fruit or a vegetable? According to the US Supreme Court and tariff laws, tomatoes are a vegetable. Regardless of its title, however, tomatoes are rich in flavor and color and abundant in health benefits. They are widely popular and versatile and come in different varieties of shape, size, and color. From cherry tomatoes to Italian pear-shaped tomatoes, incorporate this vegetable into your diet for color, texture, flavor, and nutritional value. History: Tomatoes are originally native to the western side of South America in the regions of Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and the western half of Bolivia. The first type of tomato grown is thought to have more resembled the cherry tomato and those smaller in size rather than the larger varieties we are commonly associated with today. The spread of tomatoes occurred during the 1500s throughout Europe but the vegetable was not accepted as it was regarded as being poisonous due to its shade. Today, tomatoes are eaten worldwide at approximately 130 million tons per year. The largest tomato-producing country is China, followed by the United States, Turkey, India, and Italy. In cooking: Before serving, wash tomatoes under cool, running water and pat them dry. Some ways to enjoy tomatoes include:Slice onions and tomatoes and combine them with mozzarella cheese and olive oil for a traditional Italian salad.Combine chopped onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers for a quick salsa dip.Add tomatoes to bean and vegetable soups for added flavor and texture. Benefits: Tomatoes have been linked to multiple health benefits. Fresh tomatoes and tomato extracts have been shown to help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. They have also been shown to prevent the clumping of platelet cells in the blood, according to whfoods.com. When it comes to antioxidants, tomatoes provide a large amounts of vitamin C, beta-carotene, manganese, and vitamin E.Tomatoes have been shown to aid in a reduced risk of heart disease as well as improve the condition of bone health. According to the site, the vegetable has also been shown to provide multiple anti-cancer benefits especially in the areas of prostate cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer. Diets that include tomatoes have been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimers disease as well as the reduced risk of obesity.Storage: When purchasing tomatoes, they should be well-shaped and have smooth skin. Avoid those with wrinkles, cracks, bruises, or soft spots. Ripe tomatoes will yield to slight pressure and will have a slight sweet fragrance. When buying canned tomatoes, it is often better to purchase those that are produced in the Unites States since many foreign countries often do not have the same standards for lead content in containers as the US does. Since tomatoes are sensitive to cold, store them at room temperature and out of direct exposure to sunlight. Depending on how ripe they are, they will keep for up to a week. If the tomatoes begin to overripe but you are not ready to eat them place them in the refrigerator where they will keep for one to two more days. Sun-dried tomatoes should be stored in an air-tight container and in a cool, dry, place. Fun Fact: Tomato juice is the official state beverage of Ohio.

TEMECULA On May 22, Theatre Arts West will produce Love Letters by A. R. Gurney. What makes this production unique is the cast and where art and life merge. Theatre Arts Wests (TAW) Founding Artistic Director Gailee Walker Wells and company member Jeff Jones will take on the roles of Andrew Makepeace Ladd, the third and Melissa Gardner who begin a correspondence when they are just seven. Their correspondence and love spans 50 years. Walker and Jones met in Los Angeles in 2002 when she was writing film scripts and he was editing films. Their initial meeting was a date. They both immediately realized that they were in different places in their lives for anything romantic. Instead, a friendship began which has led to the two becoming partners on a film project. Wells pitched the idea to Jones early in their friendship. Jones believes that getting this film made is why he was put on earth.Over the course of the past 13 years, Wells and Jones have disappeared from one anothers lives as did Andrew and Melissa but they continued to re-connect. Now they find themselves in Temecula (Walker Wells) and La Quinta (Jones) which is near enough for them both to work on the film project and for them to explore new avenues of creative collaboration like Love Letters.Come see if life is imitating art or if art is imitating life in Theatre Arts Wests production of Love Letters. The show will take place on Wednesday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at the Merc Theater in Old Town, 42051 Main Street. Tickets are $10 and proceeds go to the theater. For ticket information, call (866) -653-8696 or visit www.TemeculaTheater.org. To learn more about Theatre Arts West, go to www.theatreartswest.org.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY Monitoring glucose levels in the blood to ensure they are at an acceptable level is a vital task in a diabetics life. Unstable levels can mean the difference between living a healthy life or illness and even death. Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated with plenty ofwaterand possibly using medication or insulin injections are a few of the ways to maintain ones glucose levels.When a diabetic eats, the sugar in his or her food is digested into glucose. Sugar is normally used by cells for energy. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas and helps to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats while removing excess glucose from the blood, which could prove toxic. Individuals who have no insulin production (type 1 diabetes) and those whose insulin is inefficient at moving sugar out of the bloodstream (type 2 diabetes) may have to take insulin and regulate their sugar intake to keep the body in balance.Although having diabetes means a lifelong regimen of watching what you eat, it does not mean you cant enjoy your diet. Thanks to a wide variety of sugar substitutes, most diabetics can indulge in desserts and other foods in moderation.For those ready to satisfy their sweet tooth, here are some sweeteners that are approved by the American Diabetes Association.Sucralose: This sweetener, which often goes by the brand name Splenda(R), is one of the more popular supplements. The body does not recognize sucralose as a carbohydrate or a sugar, which means it will not be metabolized as such. Sucralose is heat-resistant, which means it can be used for cooking and baking.Stevia: Relatively new to the commercial market, stevia is an all-natural sweetener, unlike many of the other sugar substitutes. It comes from a South American plant of the same name and has a strong track record of safety. The sweetener has zero calories and no glycemic index.Saccharine: Saccharine is also safe, but diabetics must only consume it in small amounts. It also can be mixed with hot or cold food.Aspartame: This sweetener also has zero calories and is found in many foods and beverages. However, aspartame is best avoided when baking because it loses sweetness when heated.Acesulfame potassium: A little goes a long way with this product because it is much sweeter than sugar. It is also usually combined with other sweeteners because it can have a bitter aftertaste.Not all sugar substitutes are good for diabetics, however. The Mayo Clinic warns that sugar alcohols, particularly mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol, can increase blood sugar levels. These products also may cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea.Before trying sugar substitutes, diabetics should consult with their physicians to see if it is safe and discuss potential side effects or usage restrictions, as some artificial sweeteners can cause allergic reactions in some people.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga68ScQK6Go[/youtube]TEMECULA - A Temecula man was suspected of fatally shooting his girlfriend and then turning the gun on himself, inflicting a non-fatal wound, authorities said today.The shootings occurred shortly before 6 a.m. Thursday in the 30000 block of Del Rey Road, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.Dana Houston, 51, died after being shot multiple times, sheriff's officials said.Deputies called to investigate reports of an assault discovered the victim's body inside a residence. A man was lying nearby, "suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound," sheriff's Lt. Joe Borja said.He said the man, whose identity was not released, was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in critical but stable condition.The deadly assault was believed to be "domestic in nature," but no other details were available, Borja said.

TEMECULA The Wine Town Rollers (WTR), Temeculas first and only roller derby league, recently announced the creation of three home teams. The three home teams will be the Winchester Rivals, Margarita Hot Sprints and The Hit Bosses. The Temecula league devoted to the hard-hitting world of womens flat-track roller derby is continuing to expand and currently fields a travel team, The Whine Makers, that have played in Ventura, CA and Yuma, AZ.Founded in July 2012, the skaters of WTR come from a variety of backgrounds of all body-types, sharing the same determination and passion for the sport of roller derby. The league has a 10-week Raisinette program that helps new skaters learn more about roller derby and become eligible for a WTR team by passing their minimum skills test, which is required for every skater to bout. Currently, the league practices Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Margarita Community Park in Temecula. In addition to travel bouts, the league currently is expanding to accommodate for home bouts in the Temecula area.WTR strives to inspire girls and women, promote athleticism and give back to the community. The league is recruiting new skaters that are women over the age of 18 and also for those not ready for the hard hits, but would like to volunteer; WTR encourages volunteers to become a referee or non-skating official.

Annually, California Associations of Realtors (CAR) heads up to Sacramento. This past week nearly 2,300 realtors ascended onto the capital to meet with respected area legislators and their staff. I was part of a group representing Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors (SRCAR). Over 50 Board of Realtors from across the state were represented. Governor Jerry Brown came and spoke to us that morning. He delivered a very charismatic speech telling us how important housing plays in our state economy. We could all tell he knew he was talking to a room full of realtors. He, too, could relate how home prices have hurt our economy in recent years. However, he is optimistic and seems to appreciate the tax revenue and job creation a healthy housing market brings to his bottom line. He also went on to say that he has made a couple of good real estate investments himself; despite the fact he, too, has a home in Sacramento that is still underwater. Upon his conclusion we then, as a collected body, marched on to the capitol about two blocks from the convention center for a photo opportunity in front of the capitol building. It was a very patriotic moment for many. Thank God the weather was in our favor. From there, we broke up to meet with our local representatives to voice our concerns regarding some pending issues many were being asked to vote on. Two of the issues are Senate Bill 30 and Assembly Bill 42. Both bills will keep California in conformity with federal law regarding taxes due on the phantom income generated by the forgiven debt from a short sale. Since 2007, a short seller would not have to pay the IRS on this debt. That has also been true in California until 2013. Currently, these bills are in suspense and will languish until a state budget has been pasted. Meaning thousands of Californians are thus being held in suspense. Short sales remain an important alternative to foreclosure for distressed homeowners. We respectfully urged our representatives that these realtor sponsored bills should be activated and passed as urgent matters for the benefit of homeowners throughout the state. This was my third year attending Legislative Day 2013 as part the Realtor Party, as we like to call ourselves. Our purpose is to be a collective voice for the homeowner and their property rights and to tell our elected representatives that homeownership matters. I feel we accomplished that again this year and look forward to going next year.If you have questions regarding available inventory to purchase or the current bank servicers short sale incentives to sellers, contact Mike Mason, Broker/Owner of Mason Real Estate DRE: 01483044, Board of Director of your Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors (SRCAR), Short Sale (NAR) at Mike@GoTakeAction.com or (951) 296-8887.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY From $20,000 to $65,000 a year thats the tuition cost for one year of college, says John McDonough, a money expert who helps retirees and parents plan for their families futures.For the 20122013 academic year, the average cost for an in-state public college is $22,261. A moderate budget for a private college averaged $43,289, says McDonough, CEO of Studemont Group College Funding Solutions. But for elite schools, were talking about three times the cost of your local state school. Either way, your kids higher education can easily shoot into six figures after four years.Along with worrying about rising tuition prices, parents also fear for their own futures if their retirement savings are drained by childrens college costs, McDonough says. Only 14 percent, for example, are very confident theyll have the money to live comfortably in retirement, he says, citing a 2012 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Families feel theyre faced with conflicting goals, but there are numerous ways to pay for college while investing in your future retirement, says McDonough, who offers insights for parents to keep in mind while planning for their childs education.The ROI of a college education.At a time when so many American families are financially strapped, college is an especially stressful topic because parents know higher learning will help their kids succeed. College graduates earn 84 percent than those with only a high school diploma, according to Georgetowns Center on Education and the Workforce. Here is how earning breaks down over ones life time, based on education: a doctoral degree-holder will earn $3.3 million over a lifetime; $2.3 million is estimated for a college graduate; those with only a high school diploma can expect $1.3 million.Move retirement assets to qualify for grants.Most parents know about the 529 savings account, but thats not necessarily the best or only option. Reallocating your retirement assets, such as 401(k)s, can better position a child to qualify for grants and scholarships. This legal and ethical maneuvering may be the single most important factor when considering how to pay for college.Know your students strengths and weaknesses.Consider independent and objective analysis of your future college student. Assessment might include a personality profile and a detailed search for a future career. Also think about a more nuts-and-bolts approach, including scholarship eligibility, SAT and ACT prep courses, review of admissions essays and an in-depth analysis of chances for enrollment in a students top four choices of colleges.Make a checklist of financial aid forms.In order to maximize a fair price of higher education, remember there is plenty of data to review. McDonough recommends a checklist with a timeline and notable deadlines. Be ready to troubleshoot the alphabet soup of data forms: FAFSA Free Application For Federal Student Aid; CSS profile College Scholarship Service; SAR Student Aid Report; and more. Think about this process as a second job, or find professional help you can trust.

When attending a football game, one typically pictures the boys on the field and the girls cheerleading on the sidelines, but every year, Temecula Valley High School breaks the tradition with a highly anticipated annual powder puff game and the seniors versus junior girls rivalry never disappoints. The annual game was held at Temecula Valley High School on May 10 at 7 p.m. Wearing cleats, jerseys, and with flags around their waists, 70 senior and 30 junior girls stepped out on the field ready to put their athleticism to the test, andin a very close game, the juniors fell to the seniors in a 42-36.The juniors took the lead for a long period of time during the game, but Andre Sarmientos, a senior coach, says that he owes the turn around to the change in defensive pressure. Once we put more pressure on the juniors, we started to keep them from scoring. Meanwhile, 11 senior boys stood on the sidelines cheering on the girls, in short gold shorts and cheer tops, hoping to really make the game memorable.Both teams, coached by 10 football players, practiced three days a week for three weeks in order to prepare for the big game. Our coaches made practices so fun, we didnt even realize how much we were learning, said Brooke Campbell, junior on the offensive and defensive line.The coaches felt the same way about the girls.Nathan Chupp, a junior coach reminisces, I couldnt have been more proud of our girls. They went 100 percent and were so fun to coach! He added that he cant wait for next years game. The TVHS seniors go on to play against the Chaparral seniors and Great Oak seniors in the annual Sugar Bowl on Friday, May 17. The game will be played at Great Oak High School at 6 p.m.Ultimately, its a great way for the high school to get more students involved in something fun, whether to play in the game, coach it, or watch it, and TVHS plans to continue this powder puff tradition for years to come.

In Division 1 first round games on Thursday, May 16, Southwestern League Champion Murrieta Valley (21-9) played the winner of Upland vs. Canyon Springs. Etiwanda played at Great Oak (17-3) and Vista Murrieta (17-10) played at Riverside Poly. Murrieta Valleys 5-1 win over Temecula Valley ensured them the League Championship; two of Great Oaks only three losses this entire season were at the hands of Murrieta Valley, back-to-back losses early in league play. In Division 4 first round games on Thursday, Paloma Valley (18-7) hosted La Sierra, Sunbelt League Champion Heritage (19-8) played the winner of the wild card game between Westminster vs Whittier Christian.In Division 5, Calvary Murrieta (10-4, #3 Ambassador League) hosted Estancia on Tuesday in a wild-card game.In Division 7, Temecula Prep (15-4), who rolled through the Majestic League undefeated, hosted the winner of Baptist Christian and Nuview Bridge.

TEMECULA The West Coast Lightning (2-2) bounced back from the previous weeks 6-0 loss to the Pacific Warriors and defeated the San Diego Sting (1-3) by a score of 13-0. QB Jane Red Brinkman went 7-for-8 passing and scored on a QB keeper in the second quarter. Ashley Melvin kicked the extra point. Running back Kesia Williams scored the other touchdown on a run around the left end in the fourth quarter. Williams led all rushers with 71 yards on 19 carries. The team rushed for 179 yards. Williams also caught four passes for 22 yards.The defense was dominant, recording 15 tackles for loss. They also had eight sacks on the night: two each by DreShawna Hearod and Joniece Benjamin; and one each by Nicole Estrada, Misty Rye, Nicole Harris, and Williams. Estrada had seven tackles; three for loss. Hearod also had seven tackles; four for loss. Dominique Manning and Harris each had six tackles; two of Harris were for a loss. The Lightning lost at home last weekend to the WFA defending National Champions, San Diego Surge, 63-0. This was their last home game for the season. They travel this week to face the Arizona Assassins, followed by a bye week to close out the month of May. The Lightning need to win out their remaining three games to be eligible for playoffs.

Temecula Valley Golden Bears baseball team (19-5) won the Southwestern League and earned a #2-seed in the CIFSouthern Section Division 2 baseball playoffs. They will host a first-round game on Friday against the winner of the Norwalk vs. Kennedy (La Palma) wild card game. Also in Division 2, Great Oak Wolfpack plays Yucaipa in a wild-card game on Tuesday. Vista Murrieta Broncos will host the winner of the Beckman vs. Yorba Linda wild card game. Both teams had been ranked in the CIF-SS top ten during part of the early season.In Division 3, Temescal Canyon hosts Hawthorne in a wild card-game on Tuesday. In first-round match-ups on Thursday, Elsinore hosts Culver City and Paloma Valley plays the winner of Segerstrom vs. Redondo Union.In Division 6, Joshua Springs plays a wild card game on Tuesday at Cal Lutheran.In Division 7, Calvary Murrieta travels to California Military Institute for a wild-card game on Tuesday. On Thursday, Temecula Prep hosts the winner of the Trona vs. Helendale Academy of Careers and Exploration.

Over 750 athletes showed up on a Saturday morning, May 11, at Chaparral High School for their pre-participation physicals. All high school students are required to have a physical exam before they can participate in sports or co-curricular activities during the school year. Dr. Jerry Hizon, sports medicine and family medicine specialist, has been volunteering his time to do these physicals as well as being the team doctor for Temecula Valley High School for almost 30 years. This is all about making sure the kids are safe to play, said Hizon, and providing resources for local athletic training departments. Hizon is also the team physician for the San Diego Chargers and did the rookie physicals (including Manti Teo) on Thursday prior to the weekends high school physicals. Hizon was formerly with the Ouch Clinic in Temecula and is opening up a new state-of-the-art sports medicine practice in Murrieta called Motion Sports MD.He has been partnering with The San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation (SDSMF) for the past three years to provide pre-participation physicals for the Temecula schools. SDSMF was established in 2001 to provide a medical safety net for disadvantaged youth and to ensure healthy participation in sports. SDSMF has performed over $2 million of free medical and surgical care for over 5000 student-athletes. They have seen over 2000 students at free injury clinics and screened thousands of athletes in pre-participation physicals. Over 1000 physicians, fellows, athletic trainers, and physical therapists have attended SDSMF educational symposiums.Also volunteering their time and expertise were Dr. Paul Reiman, Dr. Chris Alexander and Dr. Andrew Nguyen (orthopedic surgeons), Dr. Sylvia Gisi (family medicine), A+ Urgent Care, Temecula Urgent Care, Rancho Physical Therapy staff, and Western University students (coordinated by Tina Escobedo, Assistant Director of the MSN/FNP Program, Clinical Education Coordinator and Asst Professor). Over 100 different physicians and medical professionals have volunteered to assist the Foundation.Ninety per cent of the fees for the physicals are donated back to athletic training budgets at each of the participating schools. The funds must be used for medical-related purposes (training room supplies, safety equipment, medical needs). Last year the SDSMF donated almost $25,000 to Temecula schools. Chaparral High School is located at 27215 Nicholas Road in Temecula, on Winchester between Margarita Road and Murrieta Hot Springs Road. Motion Sports MD is located at 25150 Hancock Avenue, Suite 200, Murrieta.

Hundreds attended Rancho Palooza last week the Grand Opening of the Rancho Christian School athletic field that is adjacent to Temecula Parkway. It was also an end of year celebration for the K-12 school. There were carnival rides, a dunk tank, a kick-a-thon, food, prizes and more. Professional soccer player Josh Barton challenged kids of all ages to score a goal on him; he autographed numerous soccer balls. Teachers and administrators volunteered for the dunk tank; Athletic Director Ryan Wikert was dunked 23 times. This is the fourth year Toyota of Temecula has donated a car for Rancho Community Churchs fund-raising efforts. This years 2013 red Toyota Corolla S was won by Leo Fitzgerald who purchased the winning $20 ticket. The field has been a part of the churchs master plan for the 55-acre site on Temecula Parkway since it moved there in October 2005. Economic challenges put the field and some building expansion projects on temporary hold, said Senior Pastor and Rancho Community Church President, Scott Treadway, Fund-raising and refinancing of the church loans made this project possible. The growth of the Rancho Christian Schools and its sports programs accelerated the need for their own facilities. The school will finally be able to host home games.Having a brand new football and soccer field will create an immediate boost in school spirit and morale, said second-year Athletic Director Wikert. It has been a unique experience for our students to be able to watch the field take formation from a gigantic dirt lot to the amazing turf field that it has become. Our next phase includes lighting and fencing which will all be completed prior to our first home football game on August 30th against Tri-City Christian. Rancho Palooza is a chance for our church, school and local community to celebrate this accomplishment as well as look forward to future development.With everything weve been through, there is a lot of excitement, said Head Football Coach Jimmy Kemmis. This is our first week of spring ball. We currently have just 25-30 players coming out, but were going to be talented. In a departure from their freelance status of the last two years and a schedule featuring some of the top powerhouse teams in the area, the Rancho Christian Eagles will be part of the Ambassador League this year, playing similar-sized teams: Riverside Christian, Hamilton, Sherman Indian, California School for the Deaf, and California Military Institute. The goal is still to be a top notch program, said Kemmis, who coached Linfield Christian to a 14-0 season and a CIF Championship in 2009. Its just a different way of getting there. Rancho Christian School currently competes in seven different sports in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), including baseball, boys and girls basketball, cross-country, football, softball, and volleyball. Rancho Christian School offers Christ-centered, quality preschool through high school education. The preschool has served the community since 1981. The K-12 curriculum includes emphasis on academic achievement, artistic expression, and athletic excellence. The high schools motto is University Ready, Life Ready. Self-guided tours of the school are available online at www.YourSchoolYourChoice.org.

Ryan Smith, the 611 tall center from California Lutheran High School in Wildomar, has signed for a full ride basketball scholarship to Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Smith is the first Cal Lutheran athlete in the schools history to sign with a Division 1 school for basketball. He is also the only senior basketball player in the area to sign with a D-1 school. Smith had been considering Colorado State, North Carolina State, UTEP, Cal State Fullerton, San Diego, Santa Clara and Davidson among other schools. The Cal Lutheran C-hawks went 9-3 in league this year and were the #4 seed going into Division 6 CIF playoffs. Unfortunately, a late-season knee injury put Big Country out for the remainder of the season and the C-hawks were knocked out in the quarterfinals round, losing to Desert Chapel 60-55. Smith had been averaging 16.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 5.3 blocked shots per game.For every Ryan Smith, said Cal Lutheran Head Coach Dave Peter, theres a Robert Riesenberg, Phillip Harrison, Noah Schriefer, Matt Correia, Joseph Shiery, Ben Schober, Drew Dryssen, and Luke Rosenbaum feeding the post in practice and in games. Despite a distinct height advantage, Smith did not make the varsity team at Cal Lutheran until his sophomore year. Ryan is proof that hard work pays off, said Peter. Smith recovered from his knee injury quickly and played in travel ball tournaments this spring with Murrieta-based Icemen, coached by 20-year veteran Todd Malecki. The upside on this young man is incredible. I have never had a kid improve as fast; he is a hard worker, said Malecki. According to Coach Tim Floyd from UTEP, Smith was the best rebounder in the Vegas tournament two years in a row. Maleckis advice to high school coaches is not to give up on the big players even if their development takes longer. The rewards are there, if you are willing to invest. They dont get better on the bench! Smiths high school coach, Peter, and his travel ball coach, Malecki, worked together during the latter part of Smiths high school career to develop him as a player and to provide him the exposure to coaches at the next level. Amazing how much can get done when no one takes the credit, said Malecki. No one had an ego, no one worried about anything but the player. Malekci and his Icemen travel ball club have helped over 70 athletes secure college scholarships.Ultimately, Smith chose the Green Wave over Colorado State following an official visit to Tulane. Smith was impressed with Coach Ed Conroy who went to all his games in the Las Vegas tournament as well as with the campus environment. Tulane is in rebuilding mode after losing six transfers, three of whom were post players. He will be joining 6-10 prospect Ray Barreno from El Paso, Texas. Congratulations to Ryan Smith and Cal Lutheran, Todd Malecki and Icemen!

By mid-May you should be enjoying the first bloom cycle of your roses. We all anticipate that first bloom as they are usually the best and they are the result of your exercise of the best practices of horticulture, pruning, soil preparation, fertilizing, and irrigating. Also, were more attentive in observing our gardens during this period. As this cycle fades and the flowers age, it is best to at the very least remove the petals before they fall to the ground. If you miss this opportunity, attempt to remove them from the soil surface as soon as you can to prevent or reduce plant diseases. The cool, moist nights and overcast mornings are big contributors to fungi including powdery mildew and rust. Both require humidity, dust, and poor air circulation. (People commonly believe that moisture on rose leaves cause fungi, but thats only true if the dust remains. A good rinsing every week or so can actually help prevent infection.) Now is also a good time to prune and shape the bush for the next bloom cycles. Cut the cane that just bloomed using the same principles you applied for your spring pruning: Look down the stem to an outward-facing bud at a point on the stem that is at least as thick as a pencil. Make the cut at an angle (with the high side above the bud) about inch above the area where the leaf meets the cane.With higher temperatures expected, increase the amount of water to each bush. When temperatures hit high in the 80s and 90s, the average hybrid tea will require 9 to 12 gallons of water each week or more depending on the soil structure. The typical miniature requires about 1/3 that amount. I hope you are taking my advice from the April column and swearing off chemical fertilizers and using organics. Organics are safer for the environment above and below the soil surface, contributing little to ground water contamination and, if you believe that global climate change is happening, you should know that the manufacture of organic fertilizers requires less energy and produces less carbon dioxide. Using organics also allows you to safely use any plant part for crafts, cooking, and eating.Visit Rose Haven at 30592 Jedediah Smith Road in Temecula or go to www.TemeculaValleyRoseSociety.org. Now, lets get out there and spread the word and the joy of roses!

TEMECULA Students from the Chaparral High School Advanced Drama Class participated in theApril 12-13 TheatreFest held annually oncampus of Cal State University Long Beach. Students can compete in the following categories:comedic monologues, dramatic monologues, comedic scenes, dramatic scenes, musical theatre solo, musical theatre scene, musical theatre ensemble, improvisation (IMPROV), and technical theatre.Representing Chaparral and winning honors were: Musical Scene,1stPlace:Book Report(fromYoure a Good Man Charlie Brown) James Bowen, Avalon Penrose, Sean Bendon, Grant ReynoldsMusical Scene,2ndPlace:Confrontation(fromJekyll & Hyde)Arthur Sauls & Mikal DavisGraphic Design,1stPlace:Grant Reynolds forEnter LaughingposterIMPROV,2ndPlace:Kali Strawn, Sean Bendon, James Bowen, Avalon Penrose, Savannah GhazarianDesigned to cultivate self-confidence and lifelong passion for the theatre, approximately 25-30 schools compete each year, with students participating in professionally-adjudicated competitions, showcase performances, and team-building exercises.The CHS Advanced Drama Class is under the direction of Video Media Arts/Drama/Musical Theatre Teacher Chris Irvin.

Atrocities in life were not few for Holocaust survivor Leopold Engleitner of Austria. However, one of the happiest moments of his life was when he was presented with the Best Documentary Short award for a film made about his life and shown at the 2013 Fallbrook International Film Festival in April. Unfortunately, on April 21, one week after saying the honor was the first and only award he had received in the 107 years of his life, Engleitner passed away of natural causes. In hearing the news, film festival founder Ronald Shattuck said, Getting to know Leopold through Bernhards [Rammerstorfers] stories and film, Ladder in the Lions Den, had a profound effect on those of us involved in this festival; little did we realize how we could affect this man, Leopold, who endured and lived through mankinds worst nightmare. Rammerstorfer, who was a close friend and caretaker of Engleitner, had written a book titled Unbroken Will and produced several documentary films about Engleitners life and experiences during World War II in three different Nazi concentration camps. The Fallbrook International Film Festival award was bestowed upon Rammerstorfer at the film festival gala on April 7, and he presented it to Engleitner on April 14 upon his return to Austria. When I gave Leopold the award, he was eager to hold it and stared at it a long time; he told me it was the first and only award he had received in his whole life, said Rammerstorfer. Cast in pewter, the attractive award was conceived by film festival supporters Heidi and Rich Minga and made by CR Studio 4 in Fallbrook, owned by Robin and Cy Vojak.Engleitner, a Jehovahs Witness, was born July 23, 1905 in Aigen-Voglhub, Austria, a short distance from where Adolf Hitler was raised. He grew up in the so-called Emperors Town of Bad Ischl. Engleitner, who grew up in dire poverty and suffered from the devastating effects of the Spanish Flu as a boy, told European journalists that he was horrified by the atrocities of World War I. After doing an intensive study of the Bible, he courageously changed his religion in 1932 when he was baptized as a Jehovahs Witness. As a result, he suffered from the religious intolerance of his neighbors and of the authorities during the Austrofascism period from 1934 to 1938, explained Rammerstorfer. He was incarcerated many times because of his beliefs during that period. Jehovahs Witnesses were gathered together when Austria became part of the German Reich in 1938. Engleitner and others sharing the same religion were given a directive to sign a paper renouncing their faith and join the Nazi regime, or be sent to a concentration camp, where death prevailed. Reflective of the title of the documentary film, Rammerstorfer said, Essentially, Leopold was offered a ladder whereby he could renounce his faith and walk out of the camps. Engleitner refused to compromise his religious beliefs and succumb to Hitler.He was arrested in Bad Ischl by the Gestapo and held in custody in Linz and Wels, said Rammerstorfer. Engleitner was imprisoned from October 9, 1939 to July 15, 1943 in a succession of three Nazi concentration camps/prisons Buchenwald, Niederhagen and Ravensbrueck. Many that refused to join Hitler were killed immediately.Ladder in the Lions Den details (in 40 minutes) Engleitners horrific ordeal, part of which prevented him from having children. Reported to be the oldest male survivor of Nazi concentration camps before his death, Engleitner, who measured 5 3 in height, weighed a skeletal 62 pounds after his release from Ravensbrueck in 1943. To gain release at that time, he agreed to work as farm slave laborer. When he was later ordered to report to Hitlers army, he hid in the Tyrolean countryside until after the war ended.After the survivor returned home, he worked on a farm in St. Walfgang until another life-threatening directive came forward. Three weeks before the end of the war, on April 17, 1945, he received call-up papers ordering him to join the German Wehrmacht, immediately, said Rammerstorfer. He refused to comply and fled into the mountains of the Salzkammergut. There he hid in a Meistereben alpine hut and a cave.He was hunted like an animal by the Nazis for weeks, but they could not find him, Rammerstorfer said. On May 5, 1945, Engleitner was able to return home once again.After he suffered unimaginable horrors at the hands of the Nazis, Engleitner insisted, My personal experience has left me absolutely convinced that the Bible is still the best guide for a happy and full life. The balance of Engleitners work life consisted of doing farm work, working as a night watchman in a soap factory, and performing general labor as a road maintenance worker. The films narrator and script editor, Frederic Fuss, said what amazed him was the strength of Leopolds unbroken will and determination never diminished his positive outlook, and the intensity of his trial never made him bitter. Up until July, 2012, this Holocaust survivor spoke at schools throughout Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and the United States, and encouraged students to stick by their own beliefs and not succumb to peer pressure. More than 50,000 students heard his lecture.Engleitner spent the last two years of his life living with Rammerstorfer and his family, as an adopted, beloved grandparent. According to Rammerstorfer, he was surprised at Engleitners death because he was doing well and even spent time out in our garden. He was eager to start school visits again, said Rammerstorfer. What does make me feel good is that we all were with him and held him when it happened. My wife, Beate, hummed a song to him while touching his nose with her cheek.For organizers of the Fallbrook International Film Festival, Engleitner left an indelible impression. We have, in a small way, become a part of history... the history of a remarkable person and the man and his family that adopted him, said Shattuck. Leopold wanted very much to attend our festival since this was the first film fest his film had been submitted to. Engleitner was advised not to make the trip as the time neared, but he sent a memento in his stead. Prior to the festival, Engleitner inscribed a copy of Unbroken Will for film submittal coordinator Shirley Duke. This was to be the last time he would write his name, said Shattuck.Rammerstorfer, who continues to miss his best friend, said more than 500 reports have been made in newspapers around the world on Engleitners experiences. Leopold was not only a treasure of history, but also a treasure of character, he said, citing one of Engleitners quotes. I never got angry or worried, because I entrusted everything to God, he said. What I couldnt alter, I accepted. I was grateful for every day I was allowed to live.

Over 624 participants ran in the Temecula Valley Sunrise Rotarys 26th Annual 5K/10K race on Saturday, May 4, at Maurice Carrie Winery. Runners came from around the country which included Georgia, Texas, New York, New Mexico, California, Washington, Vermont, and Illinois. Competitors ages ranged from six to 78 and the event brought in the largest amount of runners in the 26-year history of the race. Top winners of the 10K were: 1st place 25-year-old James Johnstone from Blue Jay who clocked in at 35.18, 2nd place 43-year-old Gray Mavhera from Moreno Valley who clocked in at 36.55, 3rd place 18-year-old Travis Robey from Escondido who clocked in at 37.56, and 30-year-old John Ross from Pasadena came in 4th clocking in at 39.52. Amongst the winners was 11-year-old Cameron Hylton, from Temecula, who ran the 10K and was number 1 in his age group clocking in at 43.50. The Temecula Valley Sunrise Rotary is involved with community service projects, academic scholarships, leadership training camps for students in middle school through high school. The club also sponsors a reading contest for third graders enrolled at Temecula and Vail Elementary School, an annual speech competition, and has an interactive service club at Chaparral High School amongst other community events. For more information about the Rotary and its events, go to www.temeculavalleysunriserotary.com.

History has knocked on the door of the Interstate 15 corridor and paleontology specialists are working diligently to interpret the message.Caltrans and the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM) announced May 10 that fossilized remains of an Ice Age bison were found April 10 during grading work conducted as part of the construction of the new Interstate 15/ State Route 76 interchange in the Pala/Fallbrook area. The museums curator of paleontology, Tom Demere, PhD, compared the paleontological site to a CSI crime scene, The spine bones were found in one spot and the skull in another. He surmised that the bison was scavenged after death. The bones not found (those from the rump, fore limbs and lower jaw) were the fleshy or meatiest areas of the body. Although the complete skull was not found, the find is exciting in that it is the most complete set of bones of a bison found in this region.Paleontologist Brad Riney noticed the fossilized bones in the area being cleared for the new northbound onramp to Interstate 15 at State Route 76. The fossils consist of a series of upper back, lower back, and sacral vertebrae articulated with the pelvic bones. The skull of the bison was discovered buried about eight feet away. Two days after the find and having been encased with their immediate surrounding sediment in plaster jackets, the fossils were transported to the museum where they are currently being cleaned and readied for study and display.According to Demere, The area where the bison was found is part of the ancestral San Luis Rey River Valley, which was heavily forested at that time. The bison would have measured about 15 feet from snout to rump besides being about 8 feet tall at the shoulders. It was most likely a female due to its size. Bison were sexually dimorphic: the males were larger than the females.Demere also said the bison lived about the same time as the saber tooth cats, dire wolf, sloth, etc., during the Pleistocene Epoch approximately 200,000 years ago and went extinct about 20,000 years ago. A sample of the fossil will be sent to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in Denver for radiocarbon dating to pinpoint its precise age.The details for displaying the bison fossils are still being worked out, experts said. They may be placed in the lobby temporarily but most likely will be available for viewing in the family demo lab, third floor of the museum in approximately a month and a half. Demere said, From the find we can learn about the past. It gives a direct window into evolution to help us understand diversity in ecosystems. Organisms reflect the environment in which they live.Experts at the museum said, These are the most complete bison fossils ever recovered from San Diego County and represent a new record for the region. The discovery serves to expand our knowledge of the overall distribution of these animals in western North America and provides insight into the ancient ecosystems that characterized our area during the Ice Ages. Cal Trans District 11 Director Laurie Berman spoke about Cal Trans partnership with the SDNHM and said over 1,000 important fossils have been found during roadwork in the county.When asked if the discovery delayed work on the highway, Berman said the two days (of recovering the fossils) was not a long interruption and the new interchange is on schedule to open in late summer.Suzanne Moramarco, collections technician at the San Diego Archaeological Center, contributed to this article.

The Temecula Valley Heart and Stroke Walk took place on Saturday, April 27, at Lake Skinner. Hundreds of participants came out to show their support by walking and collecting donations for the American Heart Association. The total amount collected was $77,834. Liberte Chan news anchor from KTLA Channel 5 was on hand to show her support as well as perform a live broadcast from Temecula. The American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization working to prevent, treat and defeat heart disease and stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. These diseases are the nations number 1 and number 3 killers and claim more than 865,000 American lives each year. For more information on the American Heart Association, visit www.heart.org.

BONSALL This years Wine, Brews and Blues Festival is almost here! On May 18, every Bonsall Rotarian will be extremely busy starting at 8 a.m. to set up the Wine, Brews and Blues event that will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Center for the Performing Arts in Escondido.Certainly fun, celebration and camaraderie are a main factor for all of this work but there is another reason. Bonsall Rotary members put on this event every year to help their Charity Partners raise money for their own endeavors. Through the Charity Partner program, organizations join Bonsall Rotary in the fundraiser to sell tickets. Charity Partners are rewarded with the majority of ticket sales money going to their organizations. Current Charity Partners which were involved in last years event have been able to utilize these funds to help their groups include: Fallbrook Land Conservancy, which sold the most tickets for last years event, and used those funds to help support several of their projects including management of their preserves. According to Jennifer Anderson, "Fallbrook Land Conservancy will use money raised at this years event to help spearhead efforts to create a 'Walkabout Web,' a system of trails throughout Fallbrook and neighboring communities to provide access to park, preserves and downtown shopping areas.Likewise, Bonsall Education Foundation also benefits as a Charity Partner. "The funds raised in this years event will help us fund our music and visual arts program in the Bonsall School District" said Desiree Burkhart. The Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary which is also a Charity Partner looks forward to the funds simply providing day-to-day support of its organizations ongoing demands for supplies, food, medication, etc. According to Bonsall Rotary president Cassandra Costa, "We are very proud of the assistance we are providing the organizations in our community and, of course, we appreciate the help they provide us in selling tickets and supporting us. It truly is a win-win situation. To purchase tickets to the event and select a Charity Partner, go to www.bonsallrotary.com.