Menifee Junior All American Football Divsion 1 Micros

Menifee's Division 1 Micro team is heading for the Conference Championship Game, Sunday, November 30th at 9am. We invite residents of Menifee to come out to Vista Murrieta High School to show your support. They played a tough game against Palm Desert/La Quinta on Saturday coming away with the 7 to 6 win. Ryan Kay ended the game by intercepting the ball at the Wildcats 20 yard line with 32 seconds left in the game. Congratulations to all the players and coaching staff for an awesome year. GO WILDCATS!

Procinctu, North of Menifee, Combat Company?

There's an interesting comment published in The Californian today about a company called Procinctu, located in Romoland, just north-east of the Menifee boundary...

Ray Lutz helped oust Blackwater-West from Potrero in San Diego. At the Citizens for Democracy meeting, he will address the private military companies and explain his established citizens oversight panels program that encourages residents to oversee their governing boards, thus creating a more open, transparent government.

The comment is from Ann Weston, who compares Procinctu with Blackwater USA, arguing that private companies have no business in cashing in on war.

Procinctu trains people for combat, which may include soldiers, but also law enforcement and security personnel. The feeling I'm getting from Weston's comment is that companies like Procinctu are bad.

Privatization of war has been around for centuries. Most of the soldiers that George Washington commanded under the American Revolution were mercenaries and private militias, that fought for money. All the ships, tanks, guns, airplanes, bombs, and what have you, that our military uses, was all manufactured by private companies. It stands to make sense, that private companies would also provide specialized training.

It was also war that brought the USA out of the Great Depression.

And it's also war companies that created much of technologies we have today.

You can read Weston's comment here...

http://www.nctimes.com/..../3646c2ccb882574ff006c07a3.txt

The Press Enterprise published a background on Procinctu here...

http://www.pe.com/..../Local_D_center20.4051129.html

Though I think for Weston, the situation may resolve itself with Obama pledging to pull troops out of Iraq, or at least that's what he said during the campaign. Procinctu may also find itself out of business anyways, with governments finding themselves with revenue shortages.

Sport Chalet is Giving Away Free Gift Cards

The Sport Chalet in the Countryside Marketplace, is scheduled to have its grand opening on Friday, November 21st. There's going to be a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Bell Mountain Middle School band is supposed to be performing there too.

According to their press release, they'll giving away free gift cards, valued anywhere from $10.00 to $200.00 to the first 200 customers, on each day, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday...

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, the first 200 customers who are in line before the store opens and who sign up for Action Pass (our free customer rewards program), will receive a Sport Chalet gift card valued anywhere from $10 to $200. Customers may also enter to win $10,000 worth of prizes and gift cards from many of our well known brands including Callaway, Coleman, Diamondback, Electra, Garmin, Magellan, Proform and The North Face all weekend long.

On Saturday, November 22nd at 1:00pm, Craig Cruz, a radio jock on KATY-FM, will be live on site for a radio remote. Also on Saturday and Sunday, there will be a free rock climbing wall and bungee jump all day long. The Gale Webb Extreme Sports & Air Show will be featured at noon and 3:00pm.

Free introductory SCUBA lessons will be available at their on-site SCUBA training pool on Saturday and Sunday.

Interestingly, just yesterday, Sport Chalet released dismal financial numbers for the 2nd Quarter of 2009, which ended on September 28. Sales were down 1.2% compared to the same quarter of 2008, resulting in a net loss of $4.2 million.

In the same report, the CEO of Sport Chalet described their strategy to become king of the sports retail world, which included their opening of the Menifee store...

"... In addition to preparing for the holiday selling season, in the current quarter we expect to accomplish four significant initiatives including, 1) continuing our store opening plan with the grand openings of our Concord and Menifee stores in California, 2) launching our co-branded Visa credit card to better serve our customers, 3) focusing on being first to market with performance, technical and lifestyle merchandise with the best brands and 4) introducing our new online strategy with enhancements to our website..."

City Manager Has Surgery

Here's an announcement coming from City Hall, regarding our City Manager...

City of Menifee, CA... The Mayor and City Council of the City of Menifee wish to update the community regarding City Manager George Wentz. On Monday, November 10, George underwent a scheduled surgical procedure. The surgery was successful, he is recuperating very well, and is anticipated to return to work in the next few weeks.

As provided by the Menifee City Code, George designated Gary Thompson as the Acting City Manager during his absence. The business of Menifee continues without interruption. Please contact Mr. Thompson or other staff as necessary. Mr. Wentz and his wife, Christine, thank everyone who expressed good wishes. Please respect George’s recovery time at home. Cards or messages may be left with the City Clerk, Kathy Bennett, at City Hall and they will be sent to them.

I don't know what procedure Wentz had done, I didn't ask, though I imagine that's personal information anyways. I wish him a quick and speedy recovery!

Holiday Hiring Fair at MSJC

Mt San Jacinto College's Menifee campus has students in need of hire. Here's the announcement from Dominique S. Coumparoules, the campus' Career/Transfer Technician...

If you need part-time or full-time seasonal employees, this is a great opportunity for you. Mount San Jacinto College would like to support your business and our students at MSJC by providing the opportunity to have your business information and application forms at our "Holiday Hiring Fair" on Tuesday, November 25th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Set-up will start at 8:00 am on Tuesday. Menifee campus will provide tables and chairs upon request. If you would like to be apart of our Fair, please call the Menifee Campus. The cost to have a table is free; however, any supplies or gift certificates donations would be appreciated.

For more information please give call: 951/ 639-5285 or email: dstasiewicz@msjc.edu Dominique.

Freedom Crest Elementary Salutes Veterans Day

Penny, a Menifee 24/7 reader, submitted the following description of Freedom Crest Elementary's salute to Veterans Days, along with the photograph...

I was proud to attend the Freedom Crest Elementary Salute to Veterans today. A number of the elementary classes gave presentations showing their appreciation for veterans for serving their country and helping to keep America a Free Country.

Mr. Chet Johnston, a 5th grade teacher at Freedom Crest, was the MC for the day and between his direction and the wonderful presentation by the students it was a fantastic day. The school was joined not only by veterans from various branches of the service, but also from members of the Menifee City Council and the Menifee Union School District. The finale was Mr. Johnston’s 5th grade class doing a medley of the anthems for each service ~ Air Force, Navy, Army and Marines. A majority of the students were dressed in Red, White, Blue and/or fatigues in honor of the veterans. In addition, they had issued an open invitation for local veterans and those currently serving in the military to come for the presentation. As you can see from the attached picture, they had representatives from World War II, Vietnam, the Gulf Wars and active members serving today.

I wish more positive news like this could be shared with everyone, instead of always having reports of all the negative things happening. These young people truly understand that we live in a great country and that our day to day freedoms are defended by our Armed Services.

Menifee Community Barn Dance, Friday, November 14

On Friday, November 14, 2008, Valley-Wide Recreation & Park District is sponsoring a Menifee Community Barn Dance (without the barn) from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Wheatfield Park Community Center (not the gym at Bell Mt Middle School).

The public is welcome to come out for a fun and free evening of dancing while helping to support the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard. Folks with two-left feet are welcome too. Bill & Colleen Ackerman will be teaching a variety of dances including line dance, folk dance, circle mixers, partner dance, social dance, swing dance, and so on.

Help support the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard this holiday season by bringing a non perishable food donation and/or cash to the dance. Call the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard at (951) 301-4414 for suggested donations.

Used Clothes Needed for Local Kids

The 3rd Grade students at Evans Ranch and Freedom Crest Elementary Schools are collecting gently-worn clothing for the children in our community. Collection continues now until December 5th.

Drop-Off Locations:

Evans Ranch Elementary: Room 23
Freedom Crest Elementary: Office

How to Deliver the Clothing:

Clean and folded in bags
Labeled by gender and size

The clothes will be distributed from Evans Ranch Elementary

(distribution date and time to be announced).

Contact: Noreen McBride 246-7690

Chancellor Tiscareno Takes Third Place

From our performance karting bureau comes news that our City of Menifee was represented at the World Karting West Coast Nationals last week by none other than 11 year old Chancellor Tiscareno and his "Pride of Menifee" race kart...


Here's the press release...

On Nov. 1st 2008 in Riverside, California - World Karting - West Coast Nationals were held at the famous Adams Motorsports Park. The Cadet Junior Sportsman - Junior 1, 80cc class kart race featured, Five "Stars of Karting" drivers - Jake Craig, Riley Reyes, Zane Smith, Wyatt May and Kyle Blum in this 25 lap main event.

In celebration of the new city of Menifee, CA, Chancellor Tiscareno with the support of Menifee NJB entered his "Pride of Menifee" race kart in the most important junior karting race in the country with an injured right foot (from playing Tailback for Menifee Pop Warner football's Peewee Team).

Chancellor Tiscareno, an 11-year-old, who has only been racing since early January 2008, coached by Troy Adams, crew chief - Frank Tiscareno and engine builder - MCR Engines, qualified fifth with a time of 50.809 seconds and started on the inside of row three behind Reyes and Smith in the pre-main race.

From his fifth place starting position, Chancellor launched into the third position in the first turn passing Smith and May to push the leaders Craig and Reyes. Tiscareno settled into third position for a good starting point behind Reyes (first) and Craig (second) in the featured Main race.

Twelve of the world elite Karting drivers took the starting grid with Tiscareno starting on the inside of row two. From the beginning of the main race, Chancellor ran in third position into the first turn with the leaders Craig and Reyes away form the pack. On lap nine, Tiscareno passed Reyes for second position and focused on taking Craig on lap eleven and moving into first place with the fastest lap of 50.147 seconds of the race.

The race continued to heat up as the three leaders moved further and further away from the pack. It was a touch and go battle for the top three positions, then Craig and Reyes teamed up drafting to catch up to the run away leader Tiscareno.

Tiscareno racing alone couldn't hold off the duo, nor draft with any other teammates. Soon after that, Craig and Reyes passed him on lap eighteen. Tiscareno made a few other bold attempts to pass the duo, but fell short by five feet at the finish line. Hundreds of fans gave him a standing ovation, including WKA Vice President, Kevin Williams for his efforts. Tiscareno said after the race, "I almost won and that would have shocked the world of Karting", but Craig and Reyes came over and shook my hand... wow what a day our proud Menifee resident had.

To obtain more contact regarding Chancellor Tiscareno please call Frank Tiscareno at 951.797.9124 or email: eleadmail@yahoo.com.

You can see all the photos here...

www.TeamBossMotorsports.com

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - Dec 7

Still another month away, but the gals at Lake Menifee Womens Club want to get out an early message that they are again sponsoring an afternoon for the children of Menifee to come and visit Santa at Wheatfield Park Gymnasium, Sunday, December 7, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

Wheatfield Park Gynasium
28545 La Piedra Rd
(located next door to the Bell Mtn Middle School)

Games - Activities - Door Prizes - Refreshments - ALL FREE !
This event is geared for children in grades K -thru- 3rd grades

For further information: Contact Gloria Hetland @ 951/672-7277

Christmas in Menifee - Saturday, November 15

The Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce sends out another reminder that Christmas in Menifee is scheduled for Saturday, November 15...

Alcohol at Wheatfield Park

A reader submitted this videotape still of folks drinking beer at Wheatfield Park...


Here's what the reader wrote...

I observed a group of about 8 men after a softball game on Tuesday the 28th of October at about 9pm or so sitting on and along the parking lot sidewalk with beer cans strewn all over the place. I photographed the cans, and the group.

The point is they were unashamedly getting drunk. If you divide the empties by the number of men, it wound up being about 5 beers per man at the time I showed up.

They got rowdy, pushed and shoved me a little, but mostly verbal harrassment.

I called the sheriff, but the men left of course before he arrived.

The Deputy said that consuming alcoholic beverages in a public park is illegal and that offenders would be cited.

However last night I was informed by Menifee Master Association Board members that it was 'legal' to drink alcoholic beverages at ValleyWide Parks.

I did a little research and found that in the Fall 2006 ValleyWide brochure it reminds folks that neither smoking nor alcohol are permitted in their parks.

I haven't looked it up specifically in Riverside County or California, but I believe that consuming alcohol outside of private confines is already illegal; it's pretty much that way across the USA.

Where's the MSJC Police when you need them?

It Is So - Saturday, November 8

The Drama department at Heritage High School is presenting a parable in three acts entitled, "It Is So", tomorrow evening at Heritage High School, 7:30pm.

Tickets cost $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for students and seniors.

The show actually started this evening, but has another showing tomorrow night.

Click on the flyer below...

Menifee School Board - Election Results

The tally as of 3:18pm this afternoon...

RANDALL T. FREEMAN 5,905 20.12%
RON ULIBARRI 5,621 19.16%
JERRY BOWMAN 5,339 18.19%
VICTOR GIARDINELLI 5,276 17.98%
PHOEBA A. IREY 5,068 17.27%
MANOLITO V. VITUG 2,135 7.28%

That's with 76 out of 76 precints reporting.

Considering the registrar of voters likely has more mail-in ballots and provisional ballots to count, it may take another month to count everything, considering Riverside County had a 50% voter turn out.

But I think it's safe to say that Freeman and Ulibarri have cemented their victories. It's still reasonable that Giardinelli could overcome Bowman depending on what the other ballots come up with. However, after monitoring the updates throughout the day, I've noticed Bowman extending his lead over Giardinelli little-by-little.

And based on your comments below, it sounds like Giardinelli and Irey lost their seats due to their incumbency. The budget problems we've had at Menifee Union was largely the fault of Sacramento, and even of Washington DC with the foreclosure mess. You could also say that Barack Obama's theme of "change" drew out voters that would have otherwise stayed home, and those people could have very well extended that theme against incumbents on the school board.

For those of you who voted for school board, I'd love to hear from you on what motivated you to vote for candidates you chose.

Our New Elected Officials

Today, I am not a Republican, not a Democrat, but an American. Today, it is time to put the negativity of politics aside, and come together as a nation, the greatest nation on the face of the earth, and work together to heal the wounds of this country. Let us all put aside the painful words and gestures of partisanship and trust our leaders who have all been put in place by our fair democratic system. Let us all forgive our neighbors, our friends, and ourselves for the hurtful things we said, and move forward to work from here on this, our country, our state and our hometown.

What I am asking is for us to forget the campaign and remember, we are all Americans.

God Bless America, God Bless California and God Bless Menifee!

It's Monday Morning - Will You Vote Tomorrow?

I am just as tired as the rest of you of the political ads that never seem to say anything. I will be so relieved when the election is over, and we don't have to hear "the other guy's" rhetoric any longer. But truly, don't let that discourage you from voting.

What a great privilage it is to vote! Do you know all that our ancestors went through for this right? I won't bore you with a history lesson, but just keep this in mind. There was a time when a black man and a woman couldn't vote in this country. Now, we have an opportunity to vote FOR either a black man or a woman. Now that's progress!

Try to educate yourselves before heading to the polls. Don't think of this as "voting for a woman for woman-kind" or "voting for a minority for the sake of all the other repressed minorities." Try to look at what they stand for, what they profess, what they want to do with this great country, and make your decision from there.

I don't believe anything that one person says about another, without hearing what each individual has to say for themselves. Try to hear what the candidates say about themselves, not about one another. Try to see the good in all things, and good will follow.

Please, whoever your choice, don't let this election pass by without your vote!! Go out tomorrow and make a difference in this world; for yourself, your children, and for the sake of this great nation. Remember that many of our troops have given their lives over the years to protect this right that too many of us take so lightly.

Make the time, and VOTE!