Beer Hunter Express Lunch

The food you love, at a convenient location, on your schedule, in the city where you live! How could it get better than this? Stop in and try Beer Hunter's Express Lunch today!

Yummy Grub Ping Pong Tourney and Ice Cream Contest

For those of you looking for something family friendly and fun to do this weekend, visiting Yummy Grub this Saturday should be on your list of things to do. Yummy Grub is a sandwich, salad and ice cream shop located at 29800 Bradley Road, Suite 120, in the same center as Quantum Fitness. The owner Jeff makes homemade ice cream that, once you try it, you will want it everyday!

On April 2nd, starting at 1:00 pm, Yummy Grub will be hosting a Ping Pong Tournament and Ice Cream Eating Contest. Stop in and register before 1:00 pm for the Ping Pong Tounament, and anytime before 4:00 pm for the Ice Cream Eating Contest.

So you must ask yourself, how fast can I eat ice cream with no hands? Good ice cream? Really good ice cream?? If you have young kids that eat like vacuums, then maybe this is right up their alley! Stop in and join the fun on Saturday. You'll be glad you did!

Visit Jeff Monday through Saturday 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, for terrific sandwiches, salads, shakes and ice cream at Yummy Grub, where you will get personal service with a friendly smile!

http://www.eatyummygrub.com/

Get $5.00 in Beer Hunter Bucks For Watching the NCAA Championship Game

Come to The Beer Hunter in Menifee to watch the 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball championship game, and receive $5.00 in Beer Hunter Bucks towards food and drink during the first round of the NBA playoffs...

"Scene In Menifee" Contest

Name this "Scene In Menifee" on our Facebook Page and win 2 free tickets to The Lake Elsinore Storm!

Do Not Post Your Guess Here in our Comments Section. Visit our Facebook Page at:

http://www.facebook.com/menifee247

find the post for the "Scene In Menifee" and post your guess there. Please be specific. This is a Facebook Contest, so all answers must be posted on our Facebook Page.

We will be checking answers periodically and announce the winner as soon as we see the post.

Good Luck!

Carlos Lopez - Delivered in Menifee

Drive down most any street in Menifee, and you will see row after row of pretty, well-kept homes. Green, manicured yards, rose gardens, children playing basketball and riding bikes, Dads washing cars and Moms watching children play. In our vibrant Senior Community, we see active Seniors playing golf, shopping and socializing. Many of us only see the color coordinated shutters and trim on homes where families gather for holiday meals, evenings of television, and the fulfillment of the American Dream. Most Menifee residents believe that everyone in our city lives just as they do, working hard for their dream of a home and family.

Carlos Lopez has been a Menifee resident for 11 years, and for 10 of those years, he lived on the streets, right here in Menifee.

Homelessness does not only occur in large cities, and the homeless faces we drive by daily are not just those of transients, people from some other city who are just passing through. Carlos Lopez came to Menifee to live with his mother when she moved here in 2000. Shortly thereafter, he was homeless.

Carlos is a Peruvian immigrant, migrating to the United States in 1975 with his family. His father was an alcoholic, and once in school in the United States, Carlos was introduced to drugs and alcohol. "I wanted to fit in. I wanted to hang out with the guys. Being new, it seemed like the only way." Growing up with the influence of an alcoholic environment, Carlos did as many young people do and gravitated towards a lifestyle with which they were accustomed. It didn't take long for the grip of addiction to take hold of the young man. He graduated from high school, was married for a time, and held positions of responsibility in his employment over the years, all while addiction tore away at the fiber of his being. Eventually he lost everything when his only focus became his next drink.

"I was sober for 3 months at the longest, since I started drinking. Nothing could keep me from drinking. Even the fear of the streets couldn't keep me sober. Nothing could keep me sober. I just had to drink."

Carlos disliked panhandling so he did odd jobs to earn the money while homeless to support his habit. Sleeping under trees, under bridges, on the sidewalk, behind restaurants, and for many years, behind the Veterans Hall, Carlos and other homeless individuals became a community of their own. They all did their best to take care of each other, but time and time again, Carlos watched his friends die around him. "They all died, one after another. Anthony fell when he was drunk, hit his head on the sidewalk, and died. I remember Nancy, flying her sign, and then one day, she was dead too. And then Jerry. Jerry was my friend. . ." Carlos trailed off, unable to speak of how Jerry died. "When Jerry died, it really hurt. We were so close, so close. . . "

"We are regular people; we are all the same. Whether we live in a house, or on the streets, we are all people. But no one wants to see the homeless as people. Except Phil."

Phil is Philip Hatcher, another Menifee resident. Philip and his friend Andrea Bonnici have been going into the streets of Menifee and Temecula feeding and ministering to the homeless and those with addiction. Their mission is to assist these individuals into programs that will treat their addiction, help them find purpose, and lead productive lives. Five of the people they have helped, out of the countless others who were successful, died as a result of the cold turkey method of detoxification. Detoxing alcoholics and drug addicts without the aid of medication can be gravely dangerous, often resulting in death. Many of the rehabilitation facilities are not equipped to deal with an addict who is right off the streets, and the results are death.

In light of this realization, Philip and Andrea started Jericho House. Jericho House is a non-profit organization that feeds, ministers and assists the homeless locally. At this time, Philip and Andrea are seeking consideration for licensing to facilitate a residential detoxification program. They are also seeking donations of food and money, to assist them in their ultimate goal, which is to provide a place for the homeless to get the help they need to go from the streets to rehab, in a safe manner.

"Phil was in the streets everyday, sometimes twice a day, feeding me, ministering to me and praying with me. Then one night I had a dream. I dreamed of Jesus. He was walking down the road and there were so many people following Him. I tried to run after Him, to reach out and touch Him. I knew if I could just touch His robe, His clean, white, spotless robe, I would be healed. I wanted Him, I wanted Him. I finally made my way through the crowd, reached to touch Him, and then I woke up. I was so sad, because I didn't get to touch his robe. And when I woke up, I was lying on the ground, outside, and realized I who I was."

A week later Carlos was sober, and he has been ever since. For the last year, Carlos has been putting his life back together. He lives with his Mother and Stepfather now in Menifee, and they are so very proud of him. Carlos has a job as a caregiver and is a student at Mt. San Jacinto College, in his second semester. "I prayed to be delivered from this disease, and I was. I am delivered."

For more information on how you can help Philip and Andrea in their mission to help the homeless contact Jericho House at jerichohouse@ymail.com or call 951.219.2573.

Painted Earth Celebrates Anniversary

Bring in two items for the Food Drive to benefit Menifee Vally Community Cupboard and receive 4" Tile to paint for FREE!!!

Meet The Ladies of Menifee Valley Athletic Club Day Spa

Menifee Valley Athletic Club and Day Spa is home to some of the best Spa personnel in Southwest Riverside County. Why travel out of the area for the pampering you deserve when you can get it close to home? Meet the Ladies and read about them here:

Lisa Woods, Michelle Wylie, Veronica Vasquez, Gina Kraut, Alena Butler, Michelle Langley, Jenna Hickok, Christine David, Robin Jones, Bryn Berg







JENNA HICKOK, Spa Concierge

Qualifications: Certified Medical Assistant

Passionate About: Helping others, my family

Favorite Eminence Product: Stone Crop Gel Wash. I like it because it evens out my skin tone and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed.

Surprising fact about me: I love to cook!



GINA KRAUT, Massage Therapist

Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Reflexologist, Reiki Master and Yoga Instructor

Passionate About: Taking care of the Earth. It's ME recycling the beverage containers, junk mail and cardboard we generate at the Club. I love to help people set-up home recycling systems, and share alternatives to chemical household cleaners.

I tend toward a very dry face. I LOVE Linden Calendula Treatment. Just the right weight, feel and aroma!

You might be surprised to know ... in my world, chocolate is it's own food group. I have it EVERY DAY.



ROBIN JONES, Massage Therapist

I carry a massage license in two states.

Certified in Neuromuscular Therapy and Oncology Massage Nationally Certified Massage Therapist

Passionate About: All things equine; the art of massage, books and my family

My Favorite Eminence - Stonecrop Face wash It would surprise most people to find out I have a rock fetish. (I have rocks tucked away almost everywhere!)



ALENA BUTLER, Esthetician

8 years experience and continued education at the Dermal Institute and multiple certificates in Eminence product knowledge and skin care procedures.

Passionate About: The belief of change. I love to treat and make a difference in my clients skin.

My favorite eminence product is the pear and poppyseed polisher. I can't live without it . . . and I have seen clean and clear results with my clients who use it regularly. It transforms pores and softens skin.

I am a natural blonde. And my nickname from my mom is "clown."



MICHELLE WYLIE, Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist

Graduated from Tri-State Business Institute in 2006 where she won the Entrepreneur Award in 2007. Later went back to Tri-State to teach Anatomy and Physiology and Massage.

Certified in Advanced Myofacial Release Therapy Massage and Precision Neuromuscular Therapy for Spine and Thorax.

California State Certified in Massage Therapy and has been a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Lived all my life in Erie, Pennsylvania before moving out to Menifee in 2010.

Passionate About: What life takes out and massage puts back.

I love to listen to my twins play live shows in their bands. Also I love making people laugh everyone says I should do stand up.



LISA MAUREEN WOODS, Esthetician, Licensed Esthetician

Graduate of The Cosmetology Institute-A Paul Mitchell Partner school, Temecula CA Certificate in Professional Make-Up Training from TNT Agency Certificate in Therapy For Aging Skin-Working With Acids from The American Institute of Esthetics Certificate of Completion for The Eminence Skin Care Training Program.

Passionate About: My family, friends and my work. I enjoy books , music, and shopping! I feel so blessed to be working in the health and beauty industry. It makes my heart happy to have a client come in feeling not so great and leaving feeling fabulous!

It gives me pride that we at MenifeeValley Day Spa use the best skincare Eminence! All the smells and textures are heavenly! The ingredients are all organic and the results on the skin are amazing! I have so many favorite Eminence products but I love the Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream SPF 32. Not only is it a great sunscreen but it's an awesome moisturizer that makes a great make-up base.

I have a small Wizard of Oz collection from friends over the years because that is my favorite movie.



CHRISTINE DAVID, Spa Director

Graduate of the Dale Carnegie Sales Training

I am passionate about healthful skin and body care and how this can be achieved thru Eminence products and Spa treatments. I truly believe Spa is not only a luxury but a necessity. It's a place where one can feel safe enough to let go of what ails us emotionally, financially, and physically.

Spa is truly a healing environment.

My favorite Eminence product is the entire Stone Crop line and Sun Defense minerals. I've been using it for 18 months and because of Stone Crop, I have evened out my skin tone so much that I've eliminated any liquid makeup or foundations. I can now use the Peaches and Cream Sun Defense minerals as my only cover and it is truly enough coverage. In addition I get full SPF 32 protection when combined with my Stone Crop Hydrating Mist to set my minerals for the day! Eminence has transformed my skin and my life! I can truly say I like my skin more in my 40's!

Fun fact about me? I am a HUGE fan of Bill Cosby!



MICHELLE LANGLEY, Spa Concierge

I am enjoying my position at the Menifee Valley Athletic Club and Day Spa.

I work both the front desk of the Athletic Club and the Spa Desk.

My passion is being healthy and happy and helping others do the same!

My favorite Eminence product? Definitely the Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel!



BRYN BERG, Spa Concierge

I am so passionate about what our club and spa can do for everyone. We can get people fit, and coach them into a healthy lifestyle. Our spa can make a huge change for anyone's physical and well being.

I love Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream because I know I pretty much have force field level sun screen protection on my face, and my skin always feels rejuvintated and completely hydrated once I put it on.

I love anything and everything to do with acting.



VERONICA VASQUEZ, Massage Therapist

I graduated from Byrman college of San Bernadino for massage therapy and am a state certified. I specialize in deep tissue sports massage and trigger point therapy. I am very passionate about help people with their pain and making them feel better so they can continue to do they things they love. It makes me feel amazing when someone comes in miserable because of chronic pain and they leave me feeling so much better and happy.

One thing that might suprise everyone might be that my biggest dream and goal is to move to Costa Rica. I have researched it and met people from the country and I'm absolutely in love with it.

For more information visit: http://www.mvacelite.com/dayspa/

MSJC Multicultural Festival 2011

Make plans now to attend this enlightening and fun festival! Vendors are welcome to call the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce for booth information at 951.672.1991.

Second Strawberry Stand Coming to Menifee

Residents living on the east side of the I-215 will no longer have to travel to the west side to buy fresh strawberries this season.

The Planning Commission this evening approved a proposal allowing for a strawberry stand on the corner of Newport Rd and Menifee Rd, at the southwest corner adjacent to Menifee Union School District offices.

Earlier this month, the commission had voted to delay approval to give city staff time to conduct a traffic study after the school district argued that vehicle traffic in and out of the strawberry stand would pose a risk to students. The sheriff had also written a letter in opposition arguing that vehicle traffic along Newport Rd and Menifee Rd would create traffic hazards, pointing out that these roads are not designed to accommodate cars slowing down to turn into the strawberry stand.


City staff had actually recommended the commission to move the stand to the northeast corner, adjacent to the fire station. However, existing driveways along that corner are such that it would require drivers to travel beyond the strawberry stand, thus impacting business.

But after hearing testimony from the prospective strawberry stand owners this evening, who promised to buy $3 million in insurance to indemnify the city against incidents, the Planning Commission approved the permit for the southwest side.

The approval limits the strawberry stand to operating between the hours of 8:30am to dusk, seven days a week. It also restricts entrance and exit only from Newport Rd. Presently, there is a driveway along Menifee Rd that the strawberry stand owners will be required to block off to prevent additional U-turns.

Also, the existing driveway on Newport Rd is not large enough to allow cars to enter and exit simultaneously. The strawberry stand owners will be permitted this season to utilize the existing driveway as it is, but will likely be required to widen it in subsequent seasons.

Melanie Schneider - Freed By Speed

For Menifee resident and business owner Melanie Schneider, the devastating news coming from her doctor that she could no longer compete in the sport she loved, brought her to weep in her hospital bed. She wasn’t sobbing out of fear of the impending surgery, or for her two beautiful sons, Austin and Waren, or her devoted husband Ron, or even for her poor little broken body that she had forsaken for her sport. She cried out of the fear of losing the identity she had worked so hard to build. Forced by God’s hand, Melanie had to retire from her career as Spotter from Team Purple, an Extreme Rock Crawling team.

Melanie was the first and only female who had done what many of the men said she couldn’t do in this sport. Extreme Rock Crawling is an extreme form of off road driving using vehicles anywhere from stock to highly modified to overcome obstacles. In rock crawling, drivers take highly modified four-wheel-drive vehicles over very harsh terrain. Driving locations include boulders, mountain foothills, rock piles, mountain trails, etc. Rock crawling is about slow-speed, careful and precision driving, and high torque generated through large gear reductions in the vehicles drivetrain. Rock crawling competitions range from local events to national series. As a Spotter, Melanie moved boulders in a quick and precision manner to help make the impassable terrain passable. Since 1999, Melanie and her husband Ron had made this more than a sport, but a lifestyle. Shortly after her career-ending surgery in 2007, Ron came to Melanie with a ray of hope.

Ron suggested trading their Rock Crawler for a dragster. After discussing all of their options, Ron began to search Craigslist until their first dragster was found. They drove to Texas to swap cars, even before Melanie had ever sat in any dragster’s driver seat. She needed to learn everything about drag racing, but was convinced that nothing would deter her. Since Melanie had been 12-years-old and watched NASCAR with her Stepfather, Melanie wanted to race cars. She was met with an emphatic “No” by her conservative parents. She always knew she loved anything with a big motor, went fast, and was hot looking. A dragster seemed to fit the bill. Because of her prior reputation as a competitor, she had 10 sponsors before she ever hit the NHRA track.

Her first launch in the dragster was as miraculous to Melanie as giving birth. “I had a smile from ear-to-ear, and was absolutely filled from head to toe with joy and excitement! Having my babies were my greatest joy in life, but racing is nearly that good!” She spent months learning to launch, do burn-outs, watch the tree, drive, prepare for her drivers license, and getting her safety passes. Now she drives her dragster up to 183 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds, feeling the force of 1G at launch and 2 reverse G’s when the parachutes deploy past the finish line. She can feel her entire body, including her internal organs, compress at that moment of impact. “It is so much fun,” Melanie giggled, with an incredible sparkle in her eyes. “There is such freedom on that feeling when that motor goes and exhilaration when I feel that car fly down the track. There is so much to do in such a short time, but I truly feel I’m flying. The tires compress and flatten, all of the components are firing just as they should, and I can feel the flex in the chassis and hear the sound of the motor, blowing alcohol in the air, when I am floating over the finish line.”

“It takes an incredible team of people to make this all happen and help me to perform this miracle every trip down the track. I have an incredible crew, and they all deserve the credit for getting me through this experience safely. My husband Ron is my Crew Chief, my son Austin, who is now 18 changes my oil, and my son Waren, 11 ½ is my videographer and photographer and along with them are Dick and Lee Schneider. I pray for their safety, the safety of everyone at the track, including the spectators and myself, before every run. ‘Racing for Jesus’ is not just on my car for looks. I believe my angel is with me every run.”

These days, you will find Melanie happily conducting business during the week around Menifee with her business, Creative Concepts, a dynamic marketing business whose motto is “Your Imagination is Our ONLY Limitation!” Melanie spends her time helping other business owners increase their visibility and market their businesses. But on the weekends you will find her at the track, flexing her NHRA muscles, flying down the strip in her dragster. Wife and mother, concerned Menifee resident and business owner, drag racer and poet, yes poet, Melanie is a shining example of the many facets that women possess. “Racing has solidified my ability to do what I believed I could do. When I race, I am free.”

For more information about Melanie's Race Team visit www.TeamPurple.net. For information about Creative Concepts, visit www.cconcepts.biz or call Melanie at 951.526.2647.

Waste Management to Host a Series of Trash Collection Workshops

The City of Menifee and Waste Management, Inc. will be hosting a series of workshops regarding a major re-route of trash collection services. Three events are planned in each of the following areas of Menifee:

• Tuesday, March 22, 10:30 – 11:30 AM, Sun City Civic Association, Civic Room;


• Wednesday, March 23, 6 – 7 PM, Quail Valley Volunteer Fire Station;


• Thursday, March 24, 6 – 7 PM, Menifee City Hall

The workshop will be an open house style which will allow guests to view the new route days, areas of change and ask any questions related to the new route. City Staff and Waste Management personnel will be on-hand to answer any questions and provide more information.

The route change will begin the week of April 4, 2011 and will allow Waste Management to offer weekly recycling collection citywide at no additional charge. The current routes need to be adjusted to reduce traffic congestion over the McCall, Newport and Scott Road overpasses, allow for even growth in each area throughout the City, and provide an avenue for Waste Management to offer weekly recycling collection for no additional cost. The re-route will confine each collection day to one area of the City and reduce the City’s collection days from five to four.

For more information simply contact Waste Management at 800-423-9986 and ask for information on the City of Menifee re-route, or visit the Waste Management website www.keepinginlandempireclean.com and click on the City of Menifee tab. The City of Menifee website (www.cityofmenifee.us) will also have information available.
For questions and information, contact Steve Glynn, Waste Management Community Relations Manager, sglynn@wm.com, or Rob Johnson, City of Menifee Senior Management Analyst, rjohnson@cityofmenifee.us.

Lake Elsinore Storm Sip N' Swing Announced for March 26, 2011

The Lake Elsinore Storm announces their annual Sip N’ Swing Pre-season Party will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 5:00 – 9:00pm at The Diamond. Admission and parking is free for all guests.

Baseball fans of all ages can take batting practice under the lights and be the first to step foot on the newly installed playing surface. In addition, guests can enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the ballpark, take pictures with Storm mascot Thunder and savor food and drink specials. New this year, fans can take the stage and sing-a-long with Cover Me Badd, a live karaoke band performing in the Diamond Club Restaurant from 7:00 – 9:00pm. For the young ones, the FREE Kids Fun Zone will feature bounce houses, inflatables and carnival style games.

Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase the best seats for the best nights. The Storm offer single-game tickets, seven-game mini-plans, 10-game undated flex books, season tickets, group tickets and even suite night rentals to highlight a special night at The Diamond.


Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 26 from 5:00 – 9:00pm at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore.

For more information call (951) 245-4487 or visit stormbaseball.com.

Rainbow Over Menifee

There is nothing more refreshing after a fantastic storm then the sight of a beautiful rainbow. It isn't often you see one as close and intact as this one. Truly an amazing sight!

"Scene In Menifee" Contest

Name this "Scene In Menifee" on our Facebook Page and win 2 free tickets to The Lake Elsinore Storm!

Do Not Post Your Guess Here in our Comments Section. Visit our Facebook Page at:

http://www.facebook.com/menifee247

find the post for the "Scene In Menifee" and post your guess there. Please be specific. This is a Facebook Contest, so all answers must be posted on our Facebook Page.

We will be checking answers periodically and announce the winner as soon as we see the post.

Good Luck!

Newport Commons Professional Center Has Office Space for Lease

Click flyer to see full size.

Contact Trevor Sudweeks at 951-259-8383 to inquire on office space.

Core Conditioning Classes Now Offered at Menifee Valley Athletic Club

Beginning in March, Menifee Valley Athletic Club will be offering a FREE Monthly Nutrition & Fitness Seminar...

Ralph Stevens to Play At Sun City Library This Month

Jazz guitarist, Ralph Stevens, a Menifee resident, will be gracing audiences with his talents at the Sun City Library on Wednesday, March 23rd at 5:00pm. Enjoy local community musicians along with coffee and pastries provided by the Friends of the Sun City Library.

Event is open to the public. The Sun City Library is located at 26982 Cherry Hills Blvd. (cross street is Bradley). For more information, call 951-679-3534 or visit online at www.rivlib.net

Book Warehouse Invites Menifee Teachers to Discounts

Book Warehouse is located in the Lake Elsinore Outlets in Lake Elsinore. They are extending this offer to all teachers in the area, including Menifee teachers. Encourage your children's teachers to take full advantage of this generous offer. Visit their website at www.book-warehouse.com.

Peace, Love & Trevor Foundation Fundraiser

Click on the flyer to open into a larger image.

Rotary Helps Japan with Japan Disaster Relief

On behalf of Rotary International, we have received a request from our local Rotary to post this message.

We have all been watching the horrific news coming from Japan. The 8.9 earthquake and tsunami has most impacted the Fukushima area of Northern Japan and District 2530 with which we exchanged GSE teams. Our exchange team, which I led, spent 4 weeks in Japanese homes and developed friendships that are still ongoing. I have spoken with our Rotary friends in Japan and the immediate needs of food, medical supplies and shelter will be addressed by their government, US and foreign aid and the Red Cross. However, they will need assistance in the coming weeks and months to help rebuild the infrastructure and their lives.

Rotary International has started a relief fund for Japan. But because we have a friendship, through our Group Study Exchange, specifically with District 2530, the District has established a Rotary District 2530 Japan Disaster Relief Fund. District 5330 is asking interested Rotarians to make voluntary contributions in any amount to this fund. The monies will be escrowed within the District 5330 Foundation and will be tax deductible. Please make checks payable to Rotary District 5330 Foundation, with "Japan Disaster Relief" in the memo line and mail to: Milt Levinson, PDG Rotary District 5330 P.O.Box 1505 Palm Springs, CA. 92263 You will feel good that you helped and remember PRIP Rick King's motto, "Mankind is Our Business"

With my best regards,

Milt Levinson

mlevinson001@dc.rr.com

Beer Hunter St. Patrick's Day Celebration

The hottest place to be on St. Patrick's Day! And yes, they will have green beer!

(Click on the image to enlarge, and read easier.)

Self-Defense Classes for Women Offered at Menifee Valley Athletic Club

West Coast Self Defense will be at Menifee Valley Athletic Club to teach a course on self-defense for women, on March 17th, and March 19th...

The Beer Hunter Charity Golf Classic to Benefit Menifee Valley Community Cupboard

The Beer Hunter Charity Golf Classic is set for Monday, April 18th, 2011 at the Menifee Lakes Country Club. Your entry fee benefits Menifee Valley Community Cupboard...

Click flyer to print full size

Go Pass Helps MSJC Students Save Money on Gas

Gas prices are rising, once again. Gas has gone from $3.12 a gallon to now almost $4.00 a gallon! With the economy the way it is today, my job has put me on call...with a college student budget, gas cuts my paycheck almost under half—when I have work that is. Not only that, but my boyfriend also uses my car because it takes less in gas than his does, so we try to save our money when we can. However, with gas prices rising, it makes managing money a lot worse. So what is a college student to do with this crisis?

The answer is the Go Pass. Mt. San Jacinto College has incorporated a new way for students to get to and from their many campuses! The Go Pass is free, but it is per semester only. Therefore, every new semester you will have to go to the enrollment services office to pick up another one. The good thing about Go Pass is that not only do you not spend money on gas, but also the RTA will take you anywhere free of charge, for example, to work, the mall, or school—as long as you have the Go Pass on your current Student I.D. card.


This has to be one of the best ideas I have ever heard of. Hassle free parking; count me in! Parking is awful on the campus! The RTA will alleviate all students from having to wait for a parking spot. I know it takes me 20 minutes sometimes! Not sure, which bus stops to go too? If you type in www.MSJC.edu/GoPass, it has the routes right on the page! Route 61 is the bus I would take. In addition, if you are not sure of the pickup or drop-off times, the RTA transit website http://www.riversidetransit.com/home/index.htm will tell you what bus route you need, the pickup times and the drop off times. This website also will inform you of any delays or cancellation in bus routes.

The Go Pass is a great idea. I received mine a few weeks ago. Do your wallet a favor, save the money for other things. Who knows, from using the bus you could save yourself a ton of money each month.

Miss Menifee & Ms. Menifee Valley Chamber Pageant

For more information, visit www.swcpageants.org. Pageant entry deadline is fast approaching, so visit soon.

Rummage Sale Planned at Wheatfield Park

Sunday ~ April 17th 2011 from 9:00 am -til- 1:00pm at Wheatfield Park's parking lot, will be presenting a rummage sale, organized by the Lake Menifee Women's Club.

An enormous multitude of items will be on display for sale by the club, to raise money for charitable organizations. Any questions regarding this event, please ctc: Gloria Hetland~ President of LMWC @ 951-672-7277.

Margarita Castillo – Serving Beautifully

The “Mrs. Menifee Valley Chamber” sash draped around her body, with the sparkling crown accompanying the title, pales in comparison to the beauty that exudes from Margarita Castillo’s shining smile. The beauty, coming from the joy within, lights up the room and warms the hearts of all who meet her. Her kindness and charm are evident the moment her eyes lock into those of a stranger, and pull them into her benevolent presence. Serving as the reigning Queen for 2010, Margarita has served her public well, representing Menifee at countless events with an extended hand and open heart.

Service should be Margarita’s middle name. Married to Art Castillo for 26 years, and Vice President of their business, Castillo Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. for 23 of those years, she has been devoted to service within her own world. Mother of 7 children, Margarita knows what devotion means. “All of my children are good students, and our family is so close. My children, Angela, age 24, Amanda, age 23, Anna, age 21, Andrea, age 18, Adriana, age 15, Arturo Jr., age 11 and Antonio, age 8, all live at home and two of my daughters work for the business. We spend Sundays together as Family Days. We have a good time just hanging out!”

But devotion to family is only the beginning of the responsibilities Margarita has assumed. Along with being Mrs. Menifee Valley Chamber 2010, she is also the Menifee Valley Chamber Ambassador Chairperson, The Chamber Ribbon Cutting Event Chairperson, and Cursillo and Chairperson of the Ultreya with Blessed Theresa of Calcutta. Her duties with the Chamber require her to attend multiple Chamber events, which she doesn’t see as a requirement, but as an honor to serve. She and the other Ambassadors greet members, introduce members to one another, help members network and facilitate business connections. “We are the face of the Chamber, and we take that very seriously.” She is also a licensed cosmetologist and an Arbonne Representative. Working as Vice President for Castillo Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., is a full-time position, so when asked, “Where do you find the time,” she just smiled that warm, joyful smile.

“I lived and died by the calendar, up until I had my fourth child. At that point, I just couldn’t keep it all straight! Now, I just do the important things first, and if I have time, I do the rest. Life is too short! I don’t want my kids to remember me only barking orders at them. Enjoying life is important to me and I want it to be important to my children too. Now, with all 7 children at home, Art and I are so happy! Now, we truly enjoy the laughter in our home.”

Serving her family, her community and her friends with joy and beauty are the very hallmarks of Margarita’s life. With a genuine happiness in her heart, her love of life fills everyone whom she touches. A true Queen, serving beautifully.

Marc Piekaar Playing Live at The Beer Hunter This Month

Friday and Saturday nights in March finds The Beer Hunter in Menifee filling the ambiance with live acoustic music from Marc Piekaar.

To set the mood in the late night hours from 9:00pm to 12:30am, Menifee's premier restaurant and sports bar has brought in long time musician and songwriter from San Diego, offering up versions of 60s, 70s, and 80s soft rock in a mellow tenor voice with folk overtones.

"I started playing in 1972, singing at Brigantine in San Diego while I was in college", says Piekaar. "I used to commute down from Riverside."

When asked how he got the gig here at The Beer Hunter, he mentioned an old friend. "I knew Dan (Held) since back in the 1970s, when I used to play at Sunshine Meat Fish & Liquor Company" in Palm Desert. Dan was a waiter back then. So, he asked if I could entertain the nightlife here at Beer Hunter."

Much of Piekaar's influence are 70s rock artists, namely The Eagles, Don Henley, Cat Stevens, Kenny Loggins, etc. Listening to his voice, he does evoke Don Henley in his soulful renditions of easy listening classics, having the same register and coloring the same Americana sound.

You can hear Marc play tonight at The Beer Hunter, as well as Friday and Saturday evenings through this month of March, from 9:00pm to 12:30am.

The Beer Hunter
30080 Haun Rd (inside Countryside Marketplace)
Menifee, CA 92584
(951) 301-4700
http://www.thebeerhunter.net/

Hospice of the Valleys Volunteer Training

Volunteers are a vital part of the fabric of Hospice of the Valleys and they are now accepting applications in advance of their upcoming volunteer training in April, 2011. Gain an in-depth knowledge of how hospice care is delivered and discover how you can make a significant impact in the lives of patients and families as they cope with terminal illness.

Hospice of the Valleys always has the need for volunteers in the areas of patient care, clerical duties, community speaking, fundraising, sewing projects, helping with data entry, and performing a multitude of other tasks to support the agency. If you have a desire to give back, to make a difference in your community, please consider attending this important training.

To register or for more information, please call (951)200-7800 or visit us at www.hospiceofthevalleys.org.

Parrot Adoption Event in Menifee, Sunday, March 20th

The Beak Squad Parrot Club is sponsoring an adoption event for homeless, fostered, neglected and unwanted parrots at La Paloma Park in Menifee, Sunday, March 20th from 1-5 pm. Fostered parrots and parrots from some of the club's local rescues will be there to meet the public.

Raffles at 2pm, 3pm & 4 pm

La Paloma Park
3000 Menifee Road (Menifee Rd & Bayport Ln)
Menifee CA 92584

Contact: TheBeakSquad@aol.com

The Beak Squad is a parrot club based in Menifee focused on providing parrot owners with tips on how to keep companion parrots healthy, happy and safe! For more information about the club visit: http://www.thebeaksquad.com

Operation Silver Star Prime Rib Dinner Offered

Operation Silver Star, a Menifee-based charity that supports wounded military personnel and their families is hosting a prime rib dinner fundraiser, this Saturday, March 12, 2011, 7:00pm, at The Links @ Summerly in Lake Elsinore.

For reservations contact Delia @ 951 813-5362 or 951-588-3586.

Donation may be sent to
Operation Silver Star
30739 Tierra Linda Ct
Menifee, Ca 92584

Read our previous article about Operation Silver Star...
http://www.menifee247.com/2011/02/local-organization-helps-veterans.html

Menifee Community Barn Dance, Saturday, April 2, 2011

Green Ball Challenge at Diamond Valley Golf Club

Date: Friday, March 11, 2011
Time: 9:00am
Where: Diamond Valley Golf Club, 31220 Sage Rd, Hemet.
For more info: Contact Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce (951) 672-1991.

Hailey Adamson - Missing Girl

If you have any information, please call 911.

ZumbAtomic - Exercise for Kids

Teach your kids the importance of exercise, and make it fun too....



For more information, visit Menifee Valley Athletic Club online at: http://www.mvacelite.com

Yummy Grub Gets Even More Yummy!

One of our favorite destinations for quick and delicious lunch in Menifee has to be Yummy Grub. Located in the Bradley Business Park, on the corner of Bradley Road and Park Avenue, near Quantam Fitness, Yummy Grub is an absolute gem tucked away in Menifee. With enormous, juicy and delectable sandwiches, fresh, crisp salads, and homemade ice cream like my Grandmother made, Yummy Grub is out to satisfy all of their customers!

With the weather about to warm up, Jeff, the proud owner, has decided to welcome summer with an event for locals. On April 2, 2011, Yummy Grub hosts it's First Annual Ice Cream, Ping Pong and Bikini Contest! The day begins around 2pm with an Ice Cream Eating Contest, in which contestants will be served fantastic homemade ice cream and the first one finished wins. Did we mention the "No Hands" rule? Over the course of the afternoon contestants in the Ping Pong Contest will vie for Menifee's Best Ping Pong Player title. Sign up by Thursday, March 31st, if you would like to compete. If you think you have skills, come and show them off to the crowd! But you had better beware. . . Jeff has a Ping Pong Master who lurks in the shadows of Yummy Grub!

"Actually, there is no formal bikini contest, but bikinis are always welcome!" joked Jeff! For more information, details and to sign up, visit Jeff at Yummy Grub at:

Yummy Grub

29800 Bradley Rd, Ste 120
Menifee, CA 92586
(951) 672-6700

Mon-Sat: 8:30am - 8:30pm
Sun: 9:00am - 6:00pm

http://www.eatyummygrub.com

Trash Pickup Will Soon Be Changing Its Schedule

The City of Menifee and Waste Management have agreed to change the trash collection schedule in an effort to cut down on traffic and noise, cut back expenses for Waste Management, and even increase recycling pickup to once a week.

Currently, Waste Management runs their trucks throughout Menifee five days a week. Under the new schedule, they'll only run their trucks four days a week under a much more organized route map.

As a result of the reorganization, they'll save enough time and expense to pick up recycling every week, at no additional cost, instead of every other week as is the case now.

Current Trash Pick Up Map

New Trash Pick Up Map

Blue = Monday pickup
Red = Tuesday pickup
Yellow = Wednesday pickup
Green = Thursday pickup
Orange = Friday pickup

Discussions over rerouting took place last year during negotiations over the new Waste Management contract. Had the city not rerouted the pickup schedule it could have lead to higher costs in the near future.

The new pickup route and schedule will begin April 4, 2011.

Waste Management will be sending out notices to everyone, and will also host a series of town hall meetings soon to explain the changes.

They will also run a two-week grace period where trucks will come through your neighborhood twice a week, once on the old schedule, and again on the new schedule, just to help you adjust, at no additional cost.

If you happen to put your trashbins on the curb on the old schedule, during the two-week grace period, Waste Management will place a tag on your trashbin just to remind you of the new pickup schedule.

March Madness Bracket Contest at The Beer Hunter!

The Beer Hunter in Menifee is running a March Madness Bracket Contest.

Teen Tech Week Coming to Sun City Library

Sun City Library will be hosting Teen Tech Week next week. Local teenagers can learn to use Scratch, a programming language, to create their own interactive media, and Google Sketch-Up, to create their own computer generated 3D models.

Space is limited for both programs; teens are urged to sign-up at the library soon.

• Scratch Tuesday, March 8th at 5pm


• Google Sketch-Up Thursday March 10th at 5pm

Events are open to the public. The Sun City Library is located at 26982 Cherry Hills Blvd. (cross street is Bradley). For more information, call 951-679-3534 or visit online at www.rivlib.net

Wal-Mart Goes to Public Ballot

It's going to require a public vote to decide if Wal-Mart comes to Menifee or not.

That was the decision by Menifee City Council this evening before a packed City Hall. Perhaps as many as a few hundred showed up to voice their opinions either in favor of, or opposed to, the retail giant coming to Menifee.

Last month, the city council decided it needed more information on the project after Wal-Mart modified its plans from the one it had originally submitted the city's Planning Commission. Tonight, the city council reviewed the additional information.

However, the council was prevented from voting against Wal-Mart. Because the retailer had gathered enough signatures last year to force a public ballot, the council could only choose between approving Wal-Mart up front, or allowing the question to go to ballot.

Several residents stepped up to the podium to voice their support of Wal-Mart, while several others voiced their opposition. There was no clear concensus from residents on how Wal-Mart might fare at the ballot.

But in the end, the city council voted to let the measure go to ballot instead of granting Wal-Mart an approval up front. Council members Fuhrman, Twyman, and Edgerton voted to go to ballot, while Denver and Kuenzi opposed, preferring to approve Wal-Mart up front.

The ballot will take place on Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Because that date is also the date of a Statewide general election, costs for running the Wal-Mart ballot measure may be as low as $30,000.00 instead of the $113,000.00 for a special election.

"Even if it costs $30,000, the odds are that it's going to win", said council member Denver. "Where is the leadership? We are wasting money. This is $30,000 that we could use elsewhere!"

Mayor Edgerton responded, "When you talk about leadership, I don't think the democratic process is a waste of money."

Menifee Valley Athletic Club Releases Its March 2011 Calendar

Menifee Valley Athletic Club has just released their March Group Exercise Schedule. NEW – CORE Class with TRX at 4pm on Wednesdays.

Click calendar to see the full size.

PJ's Toy Box - What You'll Find Inside

PJ’s Toy Box is a consignment boutique specializing in children’s clothing, toys, strollers, and so much more. You never know what treasure you will find, at up to 70% off retail prices.

Parents know children outgrow clothing after minimal wear. Toys become boring and relegated to the closet, then the garage, and finally take over the whole house. The answer to this dilemma is to take these treasures to PJ’s Toy Box. PJ’s offers an opportunity for folks to get more from their child’s gently used items, and a place to pick up nearly-new inexpensive treasures.

Grandparents and Great Grandparents also enjoy shopping at PJ’s. They often have multiple grandchildren and enjoy the guilty-free shopping experience because they can afford to buy toys and clothes for all their little grandkids without breaking the budget.

The most often asked question is, “How does this work?”

PJ’s offers store credit as payment for most items, such as clothing and toys. Larger value items such as designer bags or strollers are made available on a consignment basis; in this case the person will get their portion of the sale in cash - after the item sells.

PJ's check and clean everything before making it available for sale. However, clean and freshly laundered items will garner a higher return on your money. Lastly, and most important, they check for manufacturer recalls, and suggest you do the same before bringing your treasures into the store.

“I’ve considered opening a store for a long time. However, it wasn’t until the opportunity, presented as unemployment, pushed me to the final step in realizing this dream,” said local businesswoman, Patricia Sims. “As a resident of Menifee I know first-hand the great people we have in this city; so when it came time to look for a location for the store Menifee was the only place I would consider. The people that come into PJ’s Toy Box are wonderful, we talk and joke; my only regret is that I did not open the store years ago.”

PJ’s Toy Box is located at 26900 Newport Rd, #106, Menifee. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the phone number is #951-679-4999. Check us out on Facebook, we post pictures of new items almost daily. What a fun way to save money.

Note: Be sure to use the 10% off coupon featured on Menifee Deals (good until March 15, 2011): http://deals.menifee247.com/2011/02/10-off-at-pjs-toy-box.html