News Briefs

DUI checkpoint tonight in Lake Elsinore

A Driving Under the Influence and Driver’s License Checkpoint will be set up tonight somewhere in Lake Elsinore from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. This Riverside County Sheriff’s Department checkpoint has been set up at times along Railroad Canyon Road, just west of Canyon Lake.

The Sheriff’s Department said the primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, deputies will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Sergeant Brad Foster of the Sheriff’s Department said. “Driving under the influence is dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving safely, as well.

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

POA Board candidate deadline approaching

Those intending to run for one of the three open seats on the Canyon Lake Property Owner’s Association’s Board of Directors, have until March 11 to submit their Intent to Run forms.

Three of the five seats on the board are up for election in May. The two-year terms of Tom Nathan, Chris Poland and Jeanne O’Dell are ending.

Intent to Run forms are available at the Canyon Lake POA Corporate office and must be returned no later than March 11 before 3:00 p.m.

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.

TrueCare clinic offering members vaccine

TrueCare, a nonprofit health care provider in Perris, launched a new COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at its Perris health center on Tuesday.

After a successful series of vaccination clinics for TrueCare healthcare staff, resulting in over 370 staff on their way to being fully vaccinated, TrueCare received an allotment of vaccines to begin vaccinating its patients.

“We prioritized getting the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic ready for our patients to ensure we are providing the best possible care for them,” Michelle Gonzalez, president and CEO of TrueCare, said. “We are proud to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible TrueCare patients in order to do our part to fight the pandemic.”

TrueCare’s vaccinations are for its member patients only. The Perris COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic is open Tuesdays only from 8:00 a.m. to noon at 1675 N Perris Blvd, Suite G1, Perris.

To schedule an appointment at a TrueCare Health Center, call or text (760) 736-6767. Their bilingual staff speak English and Spanish, and also offers translation services for more than a dozen languages.

County Superintendent launches initiatives

Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez has launched four initiatives to support student success including a focus on mental health, financial literacy, literacy by fifth grade and anti-racism.

These initiatives are aimed at addressing key issues facing Canyon Lake and other Riverside County students and schools. From reading and vocabulary curriculum to internships and civic engagement, the initiatives seek to engage schools, community members, businesses, faith-based and service organizations, law enforcement and other local agencies to work together for the success of the 430,000 students attending public schools throughout our county.

Mental Health. During the pandemic, students have experienced higher rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. It is critical that every child in Riverside County has access to mental health services that are effective and expedient to obtain. Mental health is an equity issue due to the disproportionate impact on students of color and students in poverty. In order to ensure the mental well-being of our students, RCOE is seeking to collaborate with stakeholders across the county.

Financial Literacy. Financial literacy can be the great equalizer in our society because many young adults get into debt immediately after high school. Students in poor communities with Payday Loans and Cash in Advance institutions are particularly vulnerable. They often use these services to pay basic bills and their college tuition. We must work towards creating the next generation of students that can live within their means and gain the knowledge to become financially prosperous.

Literacy by Fifth Grade. Educators are familiar with the adage, “Students should learn to read by third grade, and after third grade, read to learn.” However, many students are not reading at high levels of proficiency by third grade and the numbers are growing due to the inability to have in-person instruction. RCOE must focus on providing educators with the appropriate professional development to teach reading during this time of distance learning.

Anti-Racism. Students are aware of the racial injustice protests throughout the nation and processing what they have seen, heard, or read in the media. Educators play a critical role in assisting students in understanding these issues and promoting anti-racism policies and practices. Ethnic studies can be a powerful way for educators to address anti-racism practices. However, rather than starting at the high school level, it is important our young learners are exposed to other cultures, languages, and appropriate curriculum examining racism and its origins.

New watershed GM announced

The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority Commission, which oversees the water quality of Canyon Lake has announced the appointment of Jeff Mosher as its new General Manager. The authority supports a broad range of water resource issues including water supply reliability, water quality improvement, recycled water, wastewater treatment, groundwater management and integrated regional planning.

It is this watershed authority that oversees the alum treatments of Canyon Lake to help maintain the lake’s water quality. Since 2000, the organization has been working to identify the source of nutrients impairing the lake, and evaluate the impacts to water quality and beneficial uses incurred from nutrient sources.

Jeff brings to the new job more than 30 years of knowledge and experience in water resources planning and the implementation of water and wastewater projects. He will oversee the authority’s efforts to develop regional plans, programs and projects that protect the Santa Ana River basin water resources to maximize beneficial uses within the watershed in an economically and environmentally responsible manner.

“The SAWPA Commissioners are excited that someone of Jeff’s stature will be leading this Agency,” Jasmin A. Hall, chair of the SAWPA Commission, said. “His widespread knowledge of integrated water resource management, sustainability and the Inland Empire region will be invaluable as we address the many opportunities and challenges ahead.”