2025 at 4:50 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Wildomar City Manager Dan York Wildomar City Manager Dan York has been placed on paid administrative leave and a search for his permanent replacement will begin The city's announcement followed a hastily called Wildomar City Council closed-session meeting on Friday night In three unanimous votes by the council that took place during the closed-door meeting York was 1) placed on leave effective immediately 2) the city attorney was authorized to draft a mutual separation agreement that could include early retirement for York and 3) City Clerk Janet Morales was appointed interim city manager In a late-night follow-up news release announcing York's leave the city stated that its City Council "will move quickly" to find a permanent city manager According to an email from York to City Council that was sent the morning of the closed-door meeting "I understand the decision you are about to take this evening," York began in the email, which was made public by Third District Wildomar City Councilmember Joseph Morabito "I am very appreciative and honored to have served the city faithfully the last dozen years I recall 4 years ago talking to many that there is a season for everything Thank you for allowing me to exercise my strengths of fiscal and operational management during my term as your City Manager." We achieved financial health and have built a cohesive city team I feel you and the community are well poised to define and execute the next season I look forward to reminiscing our past victories and celebrating the completion of your goals." "I am confident that Tom and I will easily navigate the completion of the Separation Agreement next week There was nothing in York's email message that alluded to why City Council was voting on his leave Morabito said the public "'why' will never be gotten into detail; legally and the rules most certainly apply to me and my big mouth as much as anyone else." Morabito said Friday night's closed session meeting was two hours long York began serving as city manager for Wildomar on Feb following the planned retirement of City Manager Gary Nordquist York served as Wildomar Assistant City Manager York was still listed as city manager on the city's website According to city documents dated January 2025 City managers take on the role of chief executive officers of city government but serve at the pleasure of City Councils More details about the search for York's replacement are expected at the upcoming May 14 Wildomar City Council meeting Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 2025 at 6:24 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}About 70 Black Series trailers are sitting at a property in the 20700 block of Palomar Street in Wildomar CA — Dozens of travel trailers — many in ramshackle condition — are parked in a rural-residential Wildomar neighborhood Now the owner of the vehicles has been notified that he has 48 hours to remove them or the city will do it and charge him About 70 Black Series trailers are sitting at a property in the 20700 block of Palomar Street Most are in a vacant lot; some are parked at an adjacent residence Wheels have been removed from the majority of the trailers A less-than-secure chainlink fence surrounds the vehicles two identical letters from the city were posted on a dilapidated entrance gate The letters warned that the trailers "constitute a public nuisance and pose an imminent hazard to public health and safety" and must be removed within 48 hours the city said it will remove them at a cost to Qiu and Feng Patch contacted Qiu's Black Series RV manufacturing facility in Upland A company spokesperson told Patch that "Jack is aware of the situation in Wildomar." It was unclear whether the company would move the trailers by the city's deadline Patch reached out to the city for more information so we really cannot comment on the details what we can say is that City staff is actively investigating the situation and taking appropriate steps to ensure compliance with local zoning and safety regulations Code Enforcement is coordinating with the property owner and other relevant agencies to diligently resolve the matter in accordance with the law." A neighbor who spoke to Patch was not optimistic that Qiu would move the trailers in a timely manner Qiu has done nothing to show good faith despite the city's repeated efforts During a recent Wildomar City Council meeting Code Enforcement Manager Raul Berroteran told councilmembers that the owner of the Palomar Street property where the trailers are parked was trying to evict Qiu one of the recipients of the abatement notice is believed to be part of the family that owns the property The Black Series saga extends beyond Wildomar crews supervised by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department descended onto a property in the City of Industry where approximately 80 Black Series trailers were parked The teams were called to clear out homeless residents who were living in some of the trailers and there were media reports of trailer fires many of which appear to now be housed in Wildomar Some Black Series trailers actually began arriving at the Wildomar property in December but by the time of the City of Industry encampment clearout dozens more had landed at the Palomar Street address Qiu told reporters he expected to transport more trailers to the Wildomar property The city appears to have run out of patience In the April 15 abatement notices signed by Berroteran "The continued presence of these trailers violates the Wildomar Municipal Code and creates unacceptable risk to surrounding properties and residents 2025 at 4:07 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Wildomar has long waited through multiple time extension requests from Walmart (Photo Credit: Walmart /Wildomar Planning Commission )WILDOMAR CA —Wildomar's Planning Commission was expected to grant a final one-year extension for the Walmart Retail Project at this week's meeting according to the agenda's consent calendar The project to build the 185,682-square-foot Walmart store has been in the works since January 2015 when the City of Wildomar's City Council first approved the project Extensive site plans and building schematics have been created according to a Planning Department report offered by Matthew Bassi Walmart has yet to pull grading and building permits toward building out the 22-acre site at Bundy Canyon Road and Monte Vista The final year's extension would give them time to do that the Planning Department recommended that the third extension for the Walmart project be approved asking that the commission adopt a resolution saying the site at Bundy Canyon Road and Monte Vista does not require any additional environmental review This would extend the third and final extension until March 22 In correspondence to the city, Walmart said it is "constantly reevaluating existing project sites, and after a preliminary assessment, there is a possibility that this project could become active again." A similar letter was received at the 2023 extension. The retailer said it was too early "to definitively state what will happen" at the Wildomar site but an extension would allow time to reevaluate the project the retailer will sell the property without the extension period Little has changed since the project's original city council approval the proceeding steps would be straightforward the Supreme Court of California dismissed a lawsuit alleging violations of the California Environmental Quality Act Wednesday's extension would indicate that an additional environmental review is not required for the project Walmart submitted its third extension request on Dec The retail giant's justification letter states that without an extension it was "highly unlikely they would go through the time and expense to entitle the site Their only options would be to hold onto the property for the foreseeable future Walmart has asked for this final time extension to pull permits and is now asking for a second grace period that could push the project start date until March 22 City staff believes the one-year extension is a reasonable Since the city's initial 2015 project approval Walmart opened a Lake Elsinore Supercenter at 29260 Central Avenue in 2021 and shuttered its 31700 Grape Street location Walmart has stores in Murrieta and Temecula Wednesday night's Wildomar Planning Commission begins at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, 23873 Clinton Keith Road, Suite 106. See the full meeting agenda here Cal Consulting is proud to celebrate the City of Wildomar for its tremendous success in securing over $4.7 million in grant funding Wildomar continues to deliver impactful projects  that enhance public spaces California Consulting Senior Project Manager Karen Simpson and Wildomar's administration make a wonderful team to secure the funding We are honored to be a partner in this incredible journey and to share in the celebration of these achievements The City’s largest award to date is an impressive $2,837,500 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund These funds will support Phase 1 development of Wildomar’s 27-Acre  Park bringing expansive new recreational facilities and community  amenities that will serve residents for generations to come Wildomar also secured $1,048,920 through Caltrans’ Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 12 This funding will support three critical projects: Pedestrian Crosswalk Enhancements These initiatives will significantly improve roadway safety and accessibility throughout the city In alignment with its commitment to sustainability Wildomar received $250,000 from the CalRecycle Rubberized Pavement Grant Program This project focuses on RAC Hot Mix pavement improvements utilizing recycled materials to create durable Through the California State Parks Per Capita Grant Program the City was awarded $199,995 to enhance local park and recreational spaces This funding will provide the  community with upgraded outdoor areas Wildomar was also awarded $158,490 through Caltrans’ Highway Safety Improvement  Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 These funds will fund the installation of pedestrian countdown heads increasing crosswalk safety and improving pedestrian mobility in key areas Furthering its efforts in sustainable practices the City secured $102,186 through the CalRecycle SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program This award will fund the launch of a compost and mulching program supporting California’s climate goals and advancing Wildomar’s zero-waste initiatives Wildomar received $76,180 from the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program These funds will go toward HVAC upgrades in city facilities reducing energy consumption and lowering operational costs while supporting a greener future these awards represent a remarkable milestone in Wildomar’s commitment to public service and community enhancement totaling more than $4.7 million in grant  funding Each grant directly supports the City’s vision of a safer "These grants are a game-changer for Wildomar allowing us to invest in vital  infrastructure and sustainability projects that directly benefit our residents,”  said Mayor Ashlee DePhillippo "Securing over $4.7 million in grant funding is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and partners.”  "Securing funding for Wildomar has been an incredibly rewarding experience Each grant  represents a step forward in making the city an even better place to live I’m proud to have collaborated with the city’s dedicated leadership to achieve these  successes." California Consulting Senior Project Manager Congratulations once again to the City of Wildomar on these outstanding accomplishments Cal Consulting is proud to stand alongside Wildomar in its continued  pursuit of excellence and looks forward to achieving even greater milestones together Contact Job Board Terms of Use 2025 at 2:31 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}University of Missouri senior Amari Celestine has completed the best season in the Mizzou program's history CA — University of Missouri senior Amari Celestine has completed the best season in Mizzou program history according to the school in a recent news release The Mizzou team finished third at the NCAA Championship Final on Saturday securing the best finish and best postseason finish in school history "Amari Celestine of Wildomar scored 39.5375 in the all-around her fifth time this year to reach 39.5000 and the fourth-best all-around score on the day," they said Celestine is majoring in Sport Management and is a graduate of Vista Murrieta High School Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab) Leave empty if the image is purely decorative 2025 at 3:32 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Nature Education Foundation a Murrieta non-profit organization providing youth nature education programs in Southwest Riverside County servicing students (Photo Credit: Kid's Ride Into Nature )WILDOMAR CA -- There's a unique way to support the kids and nature in May with the Nature and Education Foundation's fundraiser all are invited to Marna O'Brien Park in Wildomar to support kids' "riding into nature and check out some cool antique and classic cars!" Spectators will have pedestrian access Carriages & Buggies – 1800s to 1941 and Classic Cars – 1942 to 1975 Period dress to match your vehicle is suggested and encouraged Over 150 vehicles are planned for review at this free event attendees are invited to come in period dress (1800s—1975) to match their cars or pose at the photo booth Car awards will be given at 2 p.m.Register your vehicle and become a vendor or sponsor at www.the-nef.org The event benefits The Nature Education Foundation's (TNEF) youth nature education programs which serve students in grades 3-12 from ten local school districts in Southwest Riverside County Where does the money from this event go?100% of the proceeds go to The Nature Education Foundation a Murrieta non-profit organization that provides youth nature education programs in Southwest Riverside County The Nature Education Foundation handles all checks and cash Where is this event?The Kids’ Ride Into Nature Antique and Classic Car Show will be held at Marna O’Brien Park, a 9-acre, grassy community and family park. Location Map age-graded programs with a mission to educate and empower youth to appreciate the Foundation envisions a new generation of bold explorers and stewards who have deep connections to nature Its office is at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve Learn more about TNEF's programs and services at www.the-nef.org Wildomar City Manager Dan York’s days are numbered York was placed on paid administrative leave Friday night with City Clerk Janet Morales appointed to replace him temporarily The city council also directed the city attorney to draft a mutual separation agreement with York Third District Councilmember Joseph Morabito released an email that the city manager sent on the day of the closed session vote "I understand the decision you are about to take this evening," York said “I am very appreciative and honored to have served the city faithfully the last dozen years York praised the city’s fiscal health and the “cohesive city team” he had helped to build “I feel you and the community are well poised to define and execute the next season,” he added completion of the separation agreement is expected this week One question the letter did not address is why York is being forced out of the job Morabito said the public will never get an explanation in detail because it’s against the law and the rules most certainly apply to me and my big mouth as much as anyone else,” Morabito wrote in an online post York has served as the city’s top administrator since Feb He was previously the Assistant City Manager under Gary Nordquist before Nordquist retired This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page 2025 at 7:24 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}With few exceptions e-bikes would be prohibited on sidewalks and trails CA — The Board of Supervisors Tuesday tentatively approved an ordinance restricting where electric bicycles can be operated generally prohibiting them from being driven on pedestrian walkways along sidewalks or on nature and equestrian trails in unincorporated communities throughout Riverside County The E-Bike Safety Ordinance was drafted at the request of Supervisor Chuck Washington who first raised the issue of potential conflicts with e-bikes back in September "I've personally witnessed instances of unsafe behavior by riders and those around them," Washington said ahead of the 5-0 vote Tuesday riders have a responsibility to ensure the bikes are used safely and responsibly." which is slated to be formally approved after a second reading on May 6 replicates similar ordinances passed in municipalities and other counties statewide It classifies e-bikes as pedal-driven motorized two-wheelers that generally rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for power which kicks in when riders have reached speeds of at least 20 mph aiding the bicyclists in gaining and maintaining momentum along with Supervisors Manuel Perez and Karen Spiegel all observed that the bikes are becoming more and more popular "I see them coming up and down Highway 74," Perez said Washington's initial concern was over the bikes' growing presence on Temecula Valley Wine Country trails as well as outdoor recreational sites favored by horse enthusiasts the ordinance would apply to unincorporated areas countywide signage must be posted on sidewalks and trails notifying entrants of the county prohibition Some usage would be allowed on sidewalks where there are no designated bicycle paths along roadways The only requirement would be that e-bikers obey all traffic laws and ensure safe passage to avoid conflicts with pedestrians Similar restrictions already apply to mopeds and other motor-driven cycles Violators could be issued citations carrying fines of $100 to $500 depending on the number of infractions that occur in a year's time 2025 at 8:59 am PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}On April 23 patrol deputies were called to the victim's residence in the 33000 block of Breckenridge Trail CA — A man who fatally stabbed his 64-year-old mother at her Wildomar home pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree murder and other charges admitted the murder count and a sentence- enhancing allegation of using a deadly weapon during a felony just as his case was called for a preliminary hearing at the Southwest Justice Center Riverside County Superior Court Judge John Monterosso scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 2 at the Murrieta courthouse who is being held without bail at the Byrd Detention Center is expected to receive 15 years to life in state prison patrol deputies were called to the victim's residence in the 33000 block of Breckenridge Trail The victim was taken to nearby Inland Valley Medical Center Zavala was taken into custody without incident at the property A possible motive for the attack wasn't provided at the time and there was no mention of it in court filings afterward The preliminary hearing may have shed some light on specifically what transpired in the home Zavala had no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County 2024 at 7:29 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The 17,004-square-foot Stable Lanes Retail Center is planned at the southwest corner of Clinton Keith and Stable Lanes roads in Wildomar CA — A new strip mall is proposed near the Murrieta-Wildomar boundary on Clinton Keith Road that could add to retail buildings clustered near Interstate 15 The 17,004-square-foot Stable Lanes Retail Center is planned at the southwest corner of Clinton Keith and Stable Lanes roads in Wildomar The non-signalized intersection is situated between the Renaissance Plaza shopping mall and the busy Hidden Springs Road intersection just west of I-15 The 4.61-acre property site is vacant and includes two land parcels zoned general commercial During Wednesday's regular Wildomar Planning Commission meeting commissioners will consider whether to give a green light to subdivide the two parcels into four and whether to OK a plot plan for the proposed retail center the subdivision could "accommodate the future sale of individual lots." the Stable Lanes Retail Center is proposed as three buildings Tommy's Car Wash is expected to lease one single-story 5,724-square-foot building that would also feature multiple vacuum stations The second building planned at the site is also one story with 3,900 square feet and three proposed tenant spaces The project applicant for the Stable Lanes Retail Center does not have a lease with a specific user but is in discussions with a regional coffee shop chain — Better Buzz — for one of the spaces Possible tenants for the third building — a 7,380-square-foot The building is planned to include two tenant spaces and one drive-thru lane Vehicle access to the planned retail center would be off Stable Lanes Road it was not feasible to provide direct access to Clinton Keith Road," according to city documents Reciprocal access to Renaissance Plaza is planned The retail center's architectural theme would be "Farm Chic," described by the city as "a contemporary interpretation of traditional rural forms adapted to acommercial setting." The project applicant is listed as Stable Lanes Village Wildomar City Hall is located at 23873 Clinton Keith Road, Suite 201. Click here to see the full agenda for Wednesday's Planning Commission meeting 2024 at 1:18 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A free turkey giveaway is planned in Wildomar for Lake Elsinore and Wildomar families in need CA — The Wildomar City Council and Holt Ministries are expected to partner in the 2024 Turkey Giveaway project This year's giveaway was slated to take place from 10 a.m "The event will facilitate 1,000 families with the Elsinore and Wildomar communities," according to a discussion on the Turkey Giveaway event Wildomar's community services department will also assist with the giveaway Organizers say approximately 14 vehicles will be served at a time during the four-hour event participants will be directed to reach the Elks Lodge by starting at the back parking lot of St participants will be directed to drive west on Waite Street and enter the Elks Lodge parking lot the ministry will pay for the temporary permit while the city will assist with providing signboards and delineators and designate the route for turkey recipients The proposal is a consent calendar item expected to pass without comment Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab). Leave empty if the image is purely decorative. Print Several dozen empty trailers that drew squatters and sparked a legal battle in Los Angeles County are now creating a major headache for neighbors and officials in Riverside County The roughly 70 trailers being stored in a vacant lot in the city of Wildomar were removed earlier this year from another empty vacant lot in the City of Industry while Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies supervised the eviction. The trailers attracted squatters who converted the lot into a makeshift homeless encampment While the Black Series trailers are no longer a problem for City of Industry and Los Angeles County authorities Wildomar officials say the trailers are now a nuisance for them Wildomar authorities say the owner of the trailers did not obtain the necessary city approvals to place them on an empty lot that sits near several homes The city of Wildomar is in the process of obtaining a warrant to remove the trailers after trying to work with the owner, Wildomar Mayor Ashlee DePhillippo said in a statement. The trailers violate the city’s zoning and fire code, she said, adding that the matter is an ongoing code enforcement case. Housing & Homelessness Los Angeles County Superior Court judges in recent weeks have ordered three activists who seized vacant Wildomar officials notified the trailer owner Tuesday that the trailers must be moved within 48 hours or the city would do it and charge the owner for the costs DePhillippo said while the city put the trailer’s owner on notice and is seeking a warrant the trailers may not be removed before the end of the week the issuance of the warrant may not line up with a 48-hour notice and we must wait for the proper warrant to be in place before we can enter the property,” she said two letters were posted on a chain link fence surrounding the trailers in the 20700 block of Palomar Street Notices dated April 15 from the city of Wildomar give the owner of the dozens of Black Series RV’s 48 hours to remove them (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) The letters were addressed to Hongwei Qiu and Zihan Feng according to copies of the letters shared online did not respond to requests for comment about the trailers after the city issued its order for removal The trailers parked in disrepair on the Wildomar property are listed on the Black Series website from $44,000 to $50,000 each In an interview with CBS News, Qiu apologized to residents and the city. He said that he wasn’t aware that the trailers were violating the city’s code and understands residents are worried that the empty trailers might attract squatters. “We are sorry ... for the feeling, because they read the news. Of course they are concerned that the same safety issue may happen to their neighborhood,” he said. California Los Angeles County has opened its first safe parking location for recreational vehicles. The pilot has spaces for 14 RVs that can stay for up to six months while their owners seek permanent housing. Wildomar resident Jessica Hume began to notice the Black Series trailers being brought to the property at the end of 2024. The trailers from the City of Industry may have begun arriving to Wildomar near the start of 2025. Hume confronted a man who was dropping off a trailer. She said he handed her his phone and Qiu tried to explain that he was not aware of the city’s zoning codes. His recent apology to the community feels hollow, she said. Residents walk past dozens of Black RV’s. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) “He apologized and then brought in more trailers,” she said. “That’s manipulation.” On Thursday, Hume watched as a person attempted to rip down a chain link fence and try to access the trailers. She told them not to do that because it would be illegal. “I’m a little Irish woman and I feel like I’m out there policing the property,” Hume said. Wildomar Code Enforcement Manager Raul Berroteran updated the city council on April 9 that the property owner where the trailers are located is attempting to evict Qiu. Just two days before the meeting, Berroteran said he witnessed a Black Series employee park another trailer on the property. He notified a company representative about the zoning violations and the company then followed up to ask for an extension on the timeline to remove the trailers. Nathan Solis reports on breaking news with the Fast Break team at the Los Angeles Times. Climate & Environment World & Nation Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map 2025 at 4:08 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Through March 31 participants will be able to earn points to win prizes as they explore different establishments in the dining scene of Southwest Riverside County offering deals and opportunities to experience a variety of local cuisine at more than 25 restaurants Locals participating can upload photos of the meals they try — "foodie photos" — to the restaurant week's map, Proxi to earn extra points in the challenge by using the #DineLocalSWRC "From hidden gems and family-owned eateries to gourmet dining and trendy hotspots special menus and exciting promotions while making unforgettable memories," according to the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Register for the 2025 Restaurant Month Challenge here to start earning points Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. CA — An old code of conduct is returning to Starbucks: If you want to hang out at one of the company's stores for internet use On Monday, Starbucks announced it was reversing a policy that invited everyone into its stores A new "Coffeehouse Code of Conduct" being posted in all company-owned North American stores states that Starbucks spaces (cafes patios and restrooms) are for use by customers and the company's partners The updated code of conduct also bans discrimination or harassment "We want to ensure our spaces are prioritized for use by our customers Our Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers have and is designed to provide clarity that our spaces — including our cafes patios and restrooms — are for use by customers and partners "The code of conduct is displayed in our stores to remind customers of the role they play in creating a community coffeehouse that is inviting and welcoming," the code reads The new policy reverses a 2018 Starbucks announcement that allowed anyone to sit in its cafes or use its restrooms Starbucks told employees to consider anyone who walked into its stores a customer "regardless of whether they make a purchase." "We are committed to creating a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome," Starbucks said in a statement at the time That 2018 open-door policy came five weeks after two Black men who hadn’t bought anything were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks The two men were awaiting a third person for a meeting One of them was denied use of a restroom because he hadn’t bought anything The Associated Press reported the men spent hours in jail before they were released 2025 at 3:13 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for an underage person The penalty is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service CA — Four people were cited during a law enforcement sting over the weekend in Lake Elsinore and Wildomar that targeted people who buy booze for minors The Riverside County Sheriff's Department and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control conducted the March 15 operation using "a decoy" who was under age 21 Standing outside of a liquor or convenience store the decoy asked patrons to buy alcohol as undercover law enforcement watched The minor told the patrons they were underage and could not purchase the alcohol Four people fell for the trap during the sting that law enforcement calls a "shoulder tap" operation Preventing the sale of alcohol to minors will help to increase public safety and make our roads safer,” said sheriff's Capt If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for an underage person Saturday's operation was funded by ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership program and the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration 2025 at 4:20 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Where to watch the Chiefs take on the Eagles on Feb CA — The Kansas City Chiefs will take to the gridiron vs the Philidelphia Eagles in New Orleans on Sunday and it’s time to scout the best places to watch here in Lake Elsinore If you want someone else to make the snacks or serve the beer several sports bars in Lake Elsinore are primed for the handoff but you’ll want to get to your favorite spot earlier to choose your best seat Here are some area sports bars with enough screens that you won’t miss a play Some are family-friendly if you plan on taking the kiddos This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile 2024 at 1:56 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Find out where to ring in 2025 locally this New Year's Eve Lake Elsinore is gearing up for several vibrant celebrations to ring in the New Year Whether you're drawn to a lively countdown or a more relaxed toast in a romantic setting Riverside County is setting the stage for a memorable transition into 2025 Here is a look at some additional events happening in and around town: If you're looking to make reservations for dinner the following restaurants near Lake Elsinore will be open on New Year's Eve The following bars will also be open on New Year's Eve: The transition from one year to the next is often marked by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scottish folk song whose title roughly translates to “days gone by,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica and History.com The tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates back 8,000 years to ancient Babylonians who made promises to return borrowed items and repay debts at the beginning of the new year which was in mid-March when they planted their crops the pagan gods would grant them favor in the coming year Many secular New Year’s resolutions focus on imagining new The failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is about 80 percent but a big one is they’re made out of remorse — for gaining weight for example — and aren’t accompanied by a shift in attitude or a plan for coping with the stress and discomfort that comes with changing a habit or condition 2024 at 12:10 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Christmas toy donations are needed at fire stations across Riverside County for the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive (Photo Credit: Ashley Ludwig/Patch)WILDOMAR CA—Cal Fire and Riverside County Fire stations are collecting toys for the 2024 Spark of Love Toy Drive The Spark of Love is considered the largest toy drive in the nation According to organizers and Cal Fire spokesperson Karina Espinoza this is the 32nd year firefighters will collect toys and sporting equipment to distribute to charities across the county and the country Drop off a new or unused toy at your local fire station," Espinoza told Patch "Each station will work with charities in their community to distribute the toys." The last day to drop off toys is Christmas Eve but Riverside County fire stations request you deliver them by Dec You can help brighten the holidays for underprivileged children by donating a new or other sports equipment in the Spark of Love container at your local Fire Station These locations will be accepting toys until December 23rd NOTE: The Spark of Love toy drive DOES NOT fill the following requests: 2025 at 4:17 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Animal control officers were called to the scene of a Lakeland Village barn fire CA — Two horses died after a fire ignited inside a Lakeland Village barn Wednesday afternoon according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department firefighters were called to the Brechtel Street and Grand Avenue area in Lakeland Village where witnesses reported a barn was fully aflame Arriving firefighters were unable to save two horses from the burning structure Numerous other horses were at that location Cal Fire spokesperson Karina Espinoza told Patch and there was no extension into the surrounding vegetation," Espinoza said ensuring flames did not extend into the surrounding brush Animal control officers were called to the scene and there were no known human injuries in this event The cause of the fire remained under investigation CA — Lake Elsinore and Wildomar area teachers with innovative ideas for class projects are encouraged to apply for grants through the North Island Credit Union Foundation's spring Teacher Grant program Ten grants of $500 each will be awarded to area teachers in April, and applications can be filled out online at www.ccu.com The grant program is available to full-time teachers in Riverside and San Diego counties or credit union members teaching in California who want to fund special learning opportunities for their students Projects must have clearly defined learning objectives tied to students' academic needs and benefit a significant number of students "Providing resources to help teachers and schools thrive and support students is an important aspect of the Foundation's work," North Island Credit Union Foundation President Marvel Ford said "Our long-time teacher grant program provides those extra funds that enable our dedicated educators to bring creative new projects to their students We encourage all our teachers to submit their ideas so we can support their great work." The application is available at www.ccu.com/teachergrant. According to the non-profit charitable corporation $205,000 in teacher grants have been awarded to benefit students across Southern California since the program's creation in 2012 including starting an after-school computer science club conducting plastic decomposition experiments 2025 at 11:38 am PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Talia Kitchen's house-made Ronnie’s focaccia and whipped fresh ricotta is 20 percent off through March which opened last summer within the storied Murrieta Hot Springs is offering discounts this month as part of Murrieta and Wildomar's Restaurant Month is offering a burger and beer combo for $25 Vegetarians and those who eat a mostly plant-based diet will also be pleased to find that most of the shareable bites menu doesn't include meat Talia is a Hebrew and Australian that means "by the water" and "dew from heaven." "Nestled among Murrieta’s historic hot springs Talia pays homage to the healing waters that surround us and the rejuvenating experience we aim to provide through our cuisine," according to the restaurant The eatery was born from a collaboration between Chef Matt Steffen and Director of Nutrition Sarah Goudie “The partnership between Chef Matt Steffen and myself seamlessly fuses flavor with nutritional wisdom redefining what it means to dine well," Goudie said "Every meal is crafted to foster a functional and balanced approach that supports the body’s natural rest-and-digest process." offering deals and opportunities to experience a variety of local cuisine at dozens of restaurants RELATED: What To Try At Toast During Murrieta, Wildomar Restaurant Month 2025 at 3:53 am PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}No injuries were reported CA — The forward rate of spread of a vegetation fire burning in Riverside was stopped Sunday Light smoke and flames were reported around 4:50 p.m Sunday in the 48000 block of Crestmore Road in Jurupa Valley according to the Riverside County Fire Department the department stated the forward rate of spread had been stopped Firefighters were expected to remain on the scene for an additional two hours to perform mop up operations 2024 at 4:58 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the CHP Temecula Area office Witnesses are urged to contact the office at 951-466-4300 CA — Minutes before a Lake Elsinore motorist was killed Thursday afternoon on Lemon Street in Wildomar drove at about 85 mph on the freeway's dirt shoulder and then launched off an embankment before getting trapped in his wrecked minivan according to a preliminary report released Friday by the California Highway Patrol was heading southbound on the freeway in a 2017 Dodge Caravan Vann drifted into the #2 lane and crashed into the rear of a 2023 Dodge Charger and finally went off the freeway onto the right dirt shoulder where his speed got up to approximately 85 miles per hour his vehicle launched from a dirt embankment and smashed into another embankment on the other side of the road The Caravan landed on its wheels and rolled backward down the embankment before stopping on the south dirt shoulder of Lemon Street Vann was trapped inside his vehicle and was later pronounced dead at the scene by first responders The coroner reported the location as Lemon Street The 31-year-old Lake Elsinore woman driving the Charger escaped injury The cause of the apparent erratic driving and fatal crash remain under investigation by the CHP Temecula Area office 2025 at 7:11 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Massage sessions will range from 30 to 120 minutes with customers having the option to schedule appointments in advance or visit as walk-ins CA — A new massage business is moving through the approval process this week in Lake Elsinore City Council is expected to greenlight a conditional use permit for Natural Foot Spa at 31736 Mission Trail The location is an existing strip mall just off Diamond Drive The previous tenant at the site was a pawn shop that has since relocated in the city Natural Foot Spa is proposing a range of therapeutic services Session durations will range from 30 to 120 minutes The location will feature five massage rooms — including three single massage rooms The Lake Elsinore Planning Commission voted 4-0 to approve the project at its regular meeting on March 18 No written public comments were received or made during the meeting The Planning Commission’s decision was final and no action by the City Council is required on Tuesday unless there are concerns with the project Tuesday's 7 p.m. Lake Elsinore City Council meeting takes place at the Cultural Center, 183 N. Main Street. View the full meeting agenda here 2024 at 3:02 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Parts of Wildomar Lake Elsinore and Murrieta may be affected CA—Southern California Edison may implement emergency public safety power shutoffs into Saturday 1,150 homes and businesses had lost power due to increased fire risk amid the growing Santa Ana winds Of SoCal Edison's 5 million California customers another 28,944 customers across Riverside County and 48,964 more in San Bernardino County were threatened by a PSPS An increased risk of fire conditions from Friday through noon Saturday led to the warnings and Murrieta during this National Weather Service High Wind warning The City of Wildomar shared the warning with its residents over social media and Murrieta may be affected until the high winds lessen there is a lessened risk of wildfire ignition 2025 at 12:09 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Michael Erickson was last seen in Lake Elsinore Thursday morning (Riverside County Sheriff's Department)LAKE ELSINORE CA — Riverside County Sheriff's Department Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station deputies are seeking an at-risk missing person Thursday on the 15000 block of Zieglinde Drive in Lake Elsinore and a navy blue baseball cap," deputies said please get in touch with the Sheriff's Department dispatch at 800-950-2444 No other information was immediately available 2025 at 1:06 pm PT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A Riverside County home erupted in flames Thursday afternoon (Renee Schiavone/Patch File Photo)HOME GARDENS and the family dog died in a two-alarm blaze Thursday The house fire broke out shortly before 11:30 a.m at a home in the 3400 block of Meadow View Drive near Indiana Avenue according to the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department Firefighters arrived at the scene to find a fully involved garage fire in the attic and roof "The single-story family home was 50 percent involved at the time of their arrival," she said "The fire moved into the living quarters and a second engine arrived to assist Two homeowners were evaluated for minor injuries at the scene and medics took one of them by ambulance to a nearby hospital for further treatment Animal control operators arrived to assist with the deceased dog and the Red Cross was notified to assist the displaced residents CA — Police will ramp up patrols to search for impaired drivers in Eastvale at an undisclosed location on Friday night into early Saturday morning The Riverside County Sheriff's Department said the patrol period will take place from 8 p.m “Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Deputy Anthony Armenta said “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.” DUI surveillance locations are determined based on data showing where accidents fueled by alcohol and other substances have taken place Police hope to improve public safety through this effort by removing those who may be drunk or high behind the wheel from the road Police warn that it isn't just alcohol that can impair driving Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving Drivers charged with a first-time DUI can face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and have their license suspended Funding for this checkpoint comes from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration