News Briefs

Newborn baby death still under investigation

The mother of a newborn body that was found in the trash on Jan. 22 is still at large, according to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson who said there was nothing new to report on the incident.

The newborn infant’s body was found at the CR&R Perris Transfer & Recovery Facility on Goetz Road on Jan. 22 amongst trash that had been delivered there for processing. Canyon Lake trash is taken to the facility, hence, those in the community are among those being asked for help in identifying the mother of the baby.

This backpack was found with the remains of a newborn baby’s body at the CR&R Perris Transfer & Recovery Facility. The police are asking for help in finding the mother of the baby. If anyone recognizes this backpack, contact the Sheriff’s Department.

An autopsy conducted last week determined the baby was born alive and thus the Sheriff’s Department’s Central Homicide Unit is in charge of the investigation. The investigation has now turned to attempting to find the birth mother for questioning and possible arrest.

Trash services in Canyon Lake are contracted to CR&R and dump trucks coming from Canyon Lake transfer their trash at the Perris facility. The trash in which the baby’s body was found may have originated from Canyon Lake or any other municipality that utilizes CR&R for its refuse collection and takes its trash to the Perris transfer station.

Canyon Lakers, then, are among those who are being asked to help identify the mother of the infant.

“If you know someone who was due to give birth, is no longer pregnant and you believe there is cause for concern, please contact Investigator Magana at (951) 955-2777,” the Homicide Unit said. The Sheriff’s Department released a photo of a backpack that is presumably connected to the body disposal. Authorities are asking anyone who recognizes the backpack to contact Magana.

Until the mother of the newborn is found, the Sheriff’s Department is staying quiet about any details.

“Unfortunately, not a lot of information is available for release at this time until verified,” Sergeant Lionel Murphy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, said.

There is a no-questions-asked Safely Surrender program in place for those mothers who wish to give up their child after birth.

The Safely Surrendered Baby Law (also known as the Safe Haven Law or Newborn Abandonment Law) allows a mother to “safely surrender” her unwanted newborn within three days of birth to an employee at any hospital emergency department, most fire stations or other designated “safe havens” in California, without the fear of arrest or prosecution, as long as the baby has not been abused or neglected.

Chamber of Commerce seeking Director of Volunteers

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce is reaching out to its membership in hopes of finding a Director of Volunteers. The person would be in charge of finding volunteers for upcoming events hosted by the chamber and would serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

The chamber is looking for a friendly and upbeat applicant who will be instrumental in driving success for the chamber and local businesses.

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce is tasked with creating a bridge between businesses and the community. The chamber holds monthly networking events, advertising through social media platforms and has meetings designed to create a thriving local business culture.

The chamber also advocates for pro-business policies to ensure a booming local economy. For more information about the position, email CanyonLakeChamber@outlook.com

POA Intent to Run forms available Monday

“Notice of Intent to Run” for the Canyon Lake POA Board of Directors forms will be made available for the first time on Monday and can be obtained at the Canyon Lake POA office. Notice of Intent to Run forms must be returned no later than March 11 before 3:00 p.m.

Three of the five seats on the Canyon Lake POA Board of Directors are up for election in May. The two-year terms of Tom Nathan, Chris Poland and Jeanne O’Dell are ending. Directors may serve a total of two terms. Tom is completing his second term. Chris and Jeanne are eligible to run again, as they both are nearing the end of just their first terms.

This year’s Annual Meeting and Election of the Directors Meeting is on May 13 at 8:00 a.m. in the Holiday Bay Room at the Lodge.

Significant property tax law change Feb. 16

A significant property tax law change for families transferring real property between parents and children, or between grandparents and grandchildren if the parents are deceased goes into effect Feb. 16.

California voters approved Proposition 19 in the General Election last year. This Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act becomes law on the 16th.

“We are a little less than two weeks away before the new law goes into effect,” California State Board of Equalization Chairman Antonio Vazquez said. “Families who planned to leave property to their children should immediately evaluate their options and make a decision that’s best for their own circumstances.”

Proposition 19 only allows for a parent’s primary residence to be transferred without a property tax increase if the child keeps the home as his or her primary residence.

In addition, Proposition 19 caps the transferable amount to the home’s taxable value at the time of transfer plus $1 million. The $1 million allowance will be adjusted annually beginning in 2023.

Family farms can also be eligible, but further clarification is expected from the California legislature.