VBJ May 22

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 5 MAY 2022 

TEMECULA CHAMBER ANNOUNCES THE 

WINNERS OF THE 56TH ANNUAL AWARDS GALA 

TEMECULA’S PREMIER 

GOLF TOURNAMENT IS BACK 

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce is 

proud to announce that the Annual Wine County Classic, 

named Temecula’s Premier Golf Tournament, will be 

held on June 10, 2022, at Temecula Creek Inn. Golfers 

will experience 18 holes of the championship golf course 

surrounded by over 300 acres of rustic beauty, dramatic 

elevation changes, and sweeping mountain views. 

This tournament makes for an unforgettable round 

for any golfer at any level! 

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Wine 

Country Classic Golf Tournament combines business 

networking with a healthy dose of competition. 

SEE PAGE 20 

SEE PAGE 23 

CITY OF MURRIETA 

BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER 

FOR MULTIPLE EVENTS 

PARADISE CHEVROLET 

CADILLAC 

TO HOST BLOOD DRIVE 

SUPPORTING 

CHILDHOOD CANCER 

PATIENTS 

SEE PAGE 14 

Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac will 

be hosting a blood drive in support 

of Cole Haar. 10-year-old Cole Haar 

was diagnosed with leukemia two 

years ago. Now, he and other children 

fighting for their lives at local hospitals 

desperately need blood and platelet 

donations. 

Due to the ongoing critical blood 

shortage, sometimes childhood cancer 

patients must wait days for transfusions 

- but they can’t wait. 

SEE PAGE 3 

LEGAL 

ALL ABOUT APPOINT- 

ING GUARDIANSHIP 

IN ESTATE PLANS 

8 

FINANCIAL 

TOASTMASTERS 

DISTRICT 12 ANNUAL 

SPRING CONFERENCE 

FEATURING KEYNOTE 

SPEAKER 

11 

EXECUTIVE PROFILE 

BRIAN CONNORS 

19 

AND... 

MAKING EVERY DROP 

COUNT MATTERS MORE 

NOW 

ANNUAL RESTAURANT 

WEEK FESTIVITIES

2 

THE VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL 

www.TheValleyBusinessJournal.com 

CAL TRUE VALUE HONORED AS 

THE CITY OF MENIFEE’S 

APRIL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 

Cal True Value provides outstanding 

customer service to all who 

enter their establishment while being 

stewards of generosity for various 

community events, programs, and 

organizations. 

The City of Menifee is pleased to 

announce “Cal True Value - Menifee” 

as the April 2022 Business Spotlight, 

a program that is a part of the Office of 

Economic Development’s B3 (Building 

Better Businesses) program. 

Cal True Value is located at one of 

the city’s long-standing and popular 

commercial centers, Sun City Plaza, 

at the corner of Newport and Murrieta 

Roads (26100 Newport Rd A-134). The 

team at Cal True Value is extremely 

dedicated to assisting all who enter their 

store. From the experienced craftsman 

to the new DIY-er, their knowledgeable 

team members pride themselves 

on their customer service and treating 

customers like family. Cal True Value 

offers expert advice, tools, equipment, 

and the products you need to get your 

next project done. 

Independently owned and operated, 

Cal True Value owner Greg Morrison has 

made it his mission to be involved in the 

Menifee community. Cal True Value is 

regularly involved in local events such 

as the City’s Fall Festival, Tree Lighting 

Ceremony, and Park Ranger Campfire 

Program. Additionally, they support 

local school district activities along 

with Santa Rosa Academy, the Boys and 

Girls Club, MilVet, Boy Scouts, and Girl 

Scouts. Cal True Value also provides 

teacher, first responder, military, and 

veteran discounts. 

“Businesses like Cal True Value are 

an embodiment of generosity in our community, 

providing donations and sponsoring 

a variety of community events 

and organizations,” said Councilmember 

Matt Liesemeyer. “From the moment 

you walk in, you are greeted by friendly 

familiar faces ready to answer any questions 

and point you in the right direction. 

We are thankful for businesses who not 

only invest locally, but also invest their 

time, talent, and products in Menifee.” 

For more information about Cal True 

Value, please visit Cal True Value or call 

(951) 301-9968. 

The City of Menifee Business Spotlight 

is part of the Economic Development 

Department’s B3 (Building Better 

Businesses) program, which aims to 

showcase local businesses that go above 

and beyond the call of business, foster 

pride in Menifee’s thriving business 

community, and promote diversity in 

Menifee’s local economy. The “Business 

Spotlight” is a free business recognition 

program to create awareness for the variety 

of local businesses and their contributions 

to the Menifee community. Chosen 

applicants, who are nominated by the 

community, are honored during a special 

presentation at a City Council Meeting 

and receive a free 30-second professional 

video developed by the Department of 

Economic Development and their team 

that is showcased on the city’s business 

website - www.menifeebusiness.com. 

City of Menifee | 29844 Haun Road | 

Menifee, California 92586 | cityofmenifee.us 

Nominations are encouraged to recognize 

businesses in Menifee that contribute 

to the betterment of the Menifee 

community. Please visit the link below to 

apply: https://www.cityofmenifee.us/499/ 

Menifee-Business-Spotlight-Program. 

For more information on the Business 

Spotlight program, or other resources 

available to Menifee businesses, please 

contact the Economic Development Department 

at econdev@cityofmenifee.us. 

ABOUT MENIFEE: Situated in the 

heart of southern Riverside County along 

Interstate 215, Menifee is a vibrant, new 

city of more than 100,000 residents who 

enjoy a pleasant year-round climate, abundant 

recreational offerings, reasonably 

priced housing, and convenient proximity 

to some of Southern California’s premier 

attractions and employment centers. 

Within its 50 square miles, Menifee’s 

business, retail, and entertainment outlets 

are starting to shape the community’s 

character and this growing economic base 

is also contributing favorably to the city’s 

strong financial position. Menifee’s growing 

family-oriented population values the 

city’s ongoing commitment to public safety, 

community events, and smart growth 

for the future. All of these elements are 

working together to support the city’s 

strategic vision to make Menifee one of 

the state’s most promising new cities.



3 

Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac to Host Blood Drive Supporting Childhood Cancer Patients 

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 

Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac will be 

hosting a blood drive in support of Cole 

Haar. 10-year-old Cole Haar was diagnosed 

with leukemia two years ago. 

Now, he and other children fighting for 

their lives at local hospitals desperately 

need blood and platelet donations. Due 

to the ongoing critical blood shortage, 

sometimes childhood cancer patients 

must wait days for transfusions - but 

they can’t wait. 

These children need multiple 

transfusions weekly during their chemo 

treatment. Cole has a personal goal of 

collecting at least 100 pints of blood 

during his blood drives, so kids like 

him are not waiting in pain for blood. 

Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac is calling 

on the community to help Cole reach 

his goal and save lives. 

Terry Gilmore, President of Paradise 

Chevrolet Cadillac, has an 

important motto, “If you see a need, 

do the deed.” By hosting this blood 

drive, it allows the community to 

get involved in an actionable way 

and make a life-saving difference for 

these children and their families. For 

30 years, Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac 

has positively impacted the valley by 

supporting wherever there is a need. 

The Life Stream blood drive will take 

place on Monday, May 23 from Noon to 

5:00pm at Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac, 

27360 Ynez Road, Temecula. To schedule 

your appointment call 1-800-879- 

4484 or visit lsblooddrive.org/char and 

use replenishment code REPLCHAR at 

registration.

4 



In this issue: 

Temecula Chamber Announces Winners Of The Awards Gala 1 

Temecula’s Premier Golf Tournament Is Back 1 

City of Murrieta Brings Community Together for Multiple Events 1 

Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac to Host Blood Drive Supporting 1 

Cal True Value Honored as Menifee’s April Business Spotlight 2 

U.S. Dept. of Commerce Invests $2.4 Million In Murrieta Innovation Center 5 

Ruth Atkins 67th District Woman of the Year 5 

City of Murrieta City Seeks Input on ADA Efforts 6 

Making Every Drop Count Matters More Now 7 

All About Appointing Guardianship in Estate Plans 8 

Employers Be Aware: Surplus of Employment-Based Visas Available 10 

Toastmasters Dist. 12 Annual Spring Conference 11 

Menifee Annual Restaurant Week Festivities 16 

Online Eye “Exams” 17 

Executive Profile | Brian Connors 19 

Executive Profile | Brian Connors 21 

Welcome to the REALTOR® Report 23 

Chamber Events 24 

EDITOR/PUBLISHER/CEO 

Linda Wunderlich 

Email: publishertvbj@verizon.net 

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(951) 461-0400 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Helen M. Ryan 

VP OF DISTRIBUTION 

Dane Wunderlich 


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5. Send completed articles by e-mail to: publishertvbj@verizon.net 

6. Article and advertising deadlines are the 15th of each month for the next issue. 

STAFF WRITERS/ 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Gene Wunderlich 

Ted Saul 

Craig Davis 

Stefani Laszko 

James Laszko 

Nicole Albrecht 

Julie Ngo 

Tom Plant 

Esther Phahla 

Steve Amante 

Monique deGroot 

Andrea Shoup 

Gloria Wolnick 

Dr. Drake Levasheff, PhD 

Mort J. Grabel, Esq. 

John & Christine Hamby 

Brian Connors 

Tristin Collopy 

Dr. Pat Utnehmer 

Bonnie Woodrome 

Haley Munson 

Don Hitzeman 

Dione Moser 

The Valley Business Journal is a California Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, 

without the written permission of the Publisher is prohibited. The publication is published monthly. The opinions and 

views expressed in these pages are those of the writer or person interviewed and not necessarily those of The Valley 

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errors and/or inaccuracies any advertisement or editorial may contain, to the credit of the specific advertising payment 

and/or the running of a corrected advertisement or editorial correction notice.



5 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE INVESTS 

$2.4 MILLION 

IN THE 

MURRIETA INNOVATION CENTER 

TO SUPPORT LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY 

The City of Murrieta and Impact 

Southwest Riverside County (Impact 

SWRC) are proud to announce the U.S. 

Department of Commerce’s Economic 

Development Agency (EDA) is awarding 

a $2.4 million grant to the City of 

Murrieta to support extensive improvements 

to the Murrieta Innovation Center 

(MIC), creating a hub for science and 

innovation in the region. The funds will 

support a new wet lab, a cleanroom, 

a new dry lab, and the renovation of 

existing office and conference spaces 

to the MIC, shared U.S. Secretary of 

Commerce Gina M. Raimondo in a 

statement released on Tuesday. 

California’s thriving life sciences 

industry is a source of pride and an 

important economic driver in hubs 

throughout the state,” said Governor 

Gavin Newsom. “This grant for Murrieta 

will support pioneering startups and 

entrepreneurs in the region, fostering 

innovation and propelling job growth 

well into the future. 

This investment will strengthen 

business growth and create high-paying 

jobs in the region through supporting 

entrepreneurs in the life sciences, 

specifically biotech, medtech, and 

healthtech. The City of Murrieta and 

Impact SWRC will support the EDA investment 

with $607,478 in local funds. 

Receiving this grant from the EDA 

means that more than $3 million will 

be invested right here in the Murrieta 

community. It will support high-paying 

jobs and will help carve the path for 

life-changing medical advancements 

solidifies Murrieta as the home of innovation 

in the region. The Murrieta 

City Council is incredibly proud of 

our team for securing these funds and 

is proud to support this grant with a 

local match,” shared Murrieta mayor, 

Jonathan Ingram. 

The funding this grant brings will 

allow the construction of only the second 

wet lab in all of Riverside County 

and the first in the Southwest Riverside 

County area. City of Murrieta’s Director 

of Economic Development, Scott Agajanian, 

stated “The Murrieta Innovation 

Center has been successful in showing 

that Southwest Riverside County is 

home to many high concept, investable 

startups with an entrepreneurial culture 

and capable innovators. These life science 

companies will immensely benefit 

from the new resources that will be made 

available by this grant.” 

Patrick Ellis, President/CEO of 

Impact Southwest Riverside County, 

added “This investment in the Murrieta 

Innovation Center is a game-changer 

for so many startups and entrepreneurs. 

The addition of the wet lab, dry lab, and 

cleanroom will create a space for them 

to truly innovate and alleviates precious 

time and energy it takes to commute to 

San Diego, Irvine, or Los Angeles.” 

Murrieta city manager, Kim Summers, 

expressed thanks to the EDA for 

their foresight and support of Murrieta’s 

vision. “Our City Council and staff have 

worked diligently over the past decade to 

ensure that Murrieta is seen as the hub of 

innovation in this region. Receiving this 

grant will allow us to further expand the 

services and opportunities we can offer in 

the life science field, which means more 

innovation is to come from our community, 

and we couldn’t be more proud,” 

shared Summers. 

The next step will be a request for 

proposals (RFP) for the design of the 

new wet lab, clean room, creative office 

space, and MIC renovations. Sign up to 

receive RFP updates at murrietaca.gov/ 

Bids.aspx. To see the full press release 

from the Economic Development Agency 

of the U.S. Department of Commerce, 

please visit their website. 

About Murrieta 

(www.murrietaca.gov) 

Murrieta’s more than 115,000 residents 

live in one of the safest cities in the 

U.S., with top-ranked schools, 52 parks, 

and a dynamic business environment. 

Central to all of Southern California, 

Murrieta is truly the gem of the valley. 

With a median age of 36 and an average 

household income of $122,207, Murrieta 

boasts a well-educated population 

and a strong labor force. Ranked the 

fiscally healthiest full-service city in 

Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, 

and Los Angeles counties, Murrieta’s 

future is undoubtedly bright. 

About Impact Southwest Riverside 

County 

(www.impactswrc.org) 

The mission of Impact Southwest 

Riverside County (Impact SWRC) is to 

positively impact Southwest Riverside 

County through education, resources 

and programs that elevate all businesses 

and residents. Impact SWRC 

is focused on building a vibrant and 

inclusive Southwest region built by education, 

collaboration, and innovation. 

Impact SWRC is a 501(c)3 organization 

founded in 2015 by the Murrieta/ 

Wildomar Chamber of Commerce. 

About the Murrieta Innovation 

Center 

(www.innovatemurrieta.org) 

The Murrieta Innovation Center 

(the MIC) is Southwest Riverside 

County’s leading incubator focused 

on life science startups. The MIC is a 

dedicated building established by the 

City of Murrieta in 2012 to better serve 

the entrepreneurial and start up community 

in the region. In 2020 the City 

of Murrieta contracted local 501(c)3 

Impact Southwest Riverside County 

to manage the MIC. To date the MIC 

has nine biotech startups operating out 

of the center.

6 



City of Murrieta City Seeks Input on ADA Efforts 

In keeping with its ongoing efforts to 

serve all members of the public, the City 

of Murrieta is updating its Americans 

with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation 

and Transition Plan. The accessibility 

plan provides a comprehensive 

guide for those with disabilities to City 

facilities, programs, services, activities, 

and events. 

The City recently launched surveys 

to receive input from both the community 

and organizations assisting persons with 

disabilities. This feedback will assist in 

addressing and prioritizing current and 

future accessibility needs. Residents and 

visitors are encouraged to share their 

experiences so the City can learn what 

is currently meeting constituent needs 

and what additional improvements might 

need to be considered. These comments 

and opinions are important to the City 

of Murrieta and will provide valuable 

information regarding how the City can 

better serve the community. 

Surveys for the public and for organizations 

serving those with disabilities 

are open until Monday, May 23rd, 2022 

at 5:30 p.m. They are available from the 

City’s ADA Coordinator (details below) 

and at the following websites: 

Public survey - Survey for organizations 

assisting those with disabilities 

Individuals can also send an email or call 

the ADA Coordinator with comments and 

suggestions without completing a survey. 

The City of Murrieta’s ADA Coordinator 

is Human Resources Manager Mike 

McGhee. Please contact the ADA Coordinator 

with questions, comments, or to 

request a survey in an alternate format. 

ADA Coordinator Contact: 

Mike McGhee 

1 Town Square 

Murrieta, CA 92562 

Email: ada@murrietaca.gov 

Phone: (951) 461-6432 

TTY through California Relay at: 7-1-1 

Information regarding the Americans 

with Disabilities Act can be obtained 

from the ADA Coordinator and additional 

details about City of Murrieta’s ADA 

efforts and resources for those with 

disabilities can be found at www. 

murrietaca.gov/ada. 

Murrieta’s more than 115,000 

residents live in one of the safest 

cities in the U.S., with top-ranked 

schools, 52 parks, and a dynamic 

business environment. Central to 

all of Southern California, Murrieta 

is truly the gem of the valley. With 

a median age of 36 and an average 

household income of $122,207, 

Murrieta boasts a well-educated 

population and a strong labor force. 

Ranked the fiscally healthiest 

full-service city in Riverside, San 

Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles 

counties, Murrieta’s future is undoubtedly 

bright.



7 

Making Every Drop Count Matters More Now 

Like most Elsinore Valley Municipal 

Water District (EVMWD) customers, 

you recognize that conservation is 

a way of life in California. We greatly 

appreciate everything you are doing 

to reduce water use. However, as the 

drought continues and we face the 

warmer months of our third dry year, 

now is the time to re-examine how we 

can work together to save even more 

water during these unprecedented times. 

Gov. Newsom’s approach to limiting 

summertime water use requires 

all Californians to do their part to use 

water wisely while also giving local 

water managers discretion based on 

local supply conditions. To meet the 

call to action, EVMWD is asking its 

customers to voluntarily reduce their 

water use by the state guideline of 20 

percent. These actions underscore the 

serious challenges faced by California 

in maintaining a reliable supply of water 

during a drought. This year’s January 

to March period is the driest on record 

and as of April 1, the state’s snowpack 

plummeted to just 38 percent of average. 

A good place to start is by evaluating 

what you’re already doing to reduce 

water use and finding new ways to save. 

There are many water saving tips on 

sites such as www.saveourwater.com. 

You can also find information on how 

to save more water and on rebates for a 

variety of indoor and outdoor products 

for your business at www.evmwd.com/ 

conservation. 

A simple strategy to reduce unnecessary 

water use comes from outdoor uses, 

such as landscaping, cleaning sidewalks 

and driveways. Reducing landscape watering 

times, watering only after 6 p.m. 

and before 6 a.m., replacing lawns with 

drought-tolerant landscaping, and using 

brooms instead of hoses to clean off 

driveways are some ways that residents 

can help save water. 

In addition, through EVM- 

WD’s advanced meter technology, 

customers can take control of their 

water use and monitor their water 

consumption online. Our high-tech 

AquaHawk system helps customers 

leverage the multiple benefits of 

having an advanced meter, including 

identifying ways to increase 

water use efficiency and save money 

in the process. Customers can 

also sign up for water leak and water 

use alerts through AquaHawk. 

For more tips and incentives, 

visit www.evmwd.com/ 

conservation.

8 



All About Appointing Guardianship in Estate Plans 

You may find it challenging to talk 

about what would happen to your children 

if you and your spouse were to pass 

away. No one wants to imagine such a 

tragic, unexpected accident. But part of 

taking care of your children is preparing 

for the unimaginable. 

When you sit down with a sensitive, 

experienced lawyer to appoint guardianship 

in your estate plan, consider a 

few things. 

Four things to Consider Before 

Appointing Guardianship 

One important thing to remember 

when choosing who will have stewardship 

over your children if you were to 

pass away is that there isn’t a perfect fit. 

No one can replace what you and your 

partner provide for your children. The 

goal is to choose someone who is the 

next best thing. 

1. Focus on Who You Can Trust with 

Your Children: Start by making a list 

of family members or friends that you 

would leave your children with during 

a weekend get-away. Who would 

gladly take on the extra children with 

minimal issues? Who would you worry 

the least about while taking care of 

your children? 

2. Do Not Worry About Money or Size 

of Home: Do not eliminate a potential 

guardian from consideration because 

you think they do not have the financial 

wherewithal to take care of your children. 

You can provide for your children 

with what you leave them, as well as 

adequate life insurance, if necessary. 

3. Choose Someone with Similar Values 

and Beliefs: Consider all belief 

systems, such as parenting styles, 

financial practices, religious beliefs, 

educational values, and ethics. Who 

would best fit your belief system and 

seamlessly take on extra children? 

4. Think About Their Place in Life: 

Maybe you are considering grandparents 

for guardianship. Consider how 

well they would be able to parent as 

they continue to age. Perhaps a family 

friend who has children 10 years older 

than yours would have a challenge 

balancing two generations of kids. 

Or a cross-country move may uproot 

your children more than you’d like 

during a sensitive time. 

As you work through this important 

decision, let our team advise you along 

the way. Then you can sit down with the 

people you choose and have a thoughtful 

conversation about what would happen 

if you and your co-parent were to pass 

away. 

While it may be difficult to make 

plans for the unexpected, it is necessary. 

Shoup Legal is here to help. Contact us 

at (951) 455-4114 or email us at info@ 

shouplegal.com to learn more about how 

we can help you plan today for peace of 

mind tomorrow. 

“ 

You may find it challenging 

to talk about 

what would happen 

to your children if you 

and your spouse were 

to pass away. No one 

wants to imagine such 

a tragic, unexpected 

accident. But part of 

taking care of your 

children is preparing for 

the unimaginable. 

SHOUPLEGAL.COM 

LEGAL 

by by 

Andrea Steve Fillingim Shoup



9

10 



Employers Be Aware: Surplus of Employment-Based Visas Available for 

Fiscal Year 2022 to Fill Highly Skilled Labor Pool 

By Kiki Manti Engel 

Approximately 140,000 employment-based 

immigrant visas are made 

available every fiscal year under United 

States immigration laws to qualified applicants 

with a job offer from a U.S. employer. 

However, due to the restrictions 

and staffing shortages during the recent 

COVID-19 pandemic, many family and 

employment-based visas were not used 

during fiscal year 2021. As a result, United 

States Immigration and Citizenship 

Services announced that there is a surplus 

of employment-based visas for first and 

second employment-based preference 

categories for fiscal year 2022. 

Based on this surplus, USCIS urges 

employers and eligible immigrant workers 

to seek an employment-based visa in 

the first or second preference category, 

which has the potential to significantly 

impact an employer’s labor force positively 

by expediting the processing of 

these employment visas. 

Employment-based immigrant visas 

are divided into five preference categories. 

The first, known as an EB-1 visa, 

is reserved for priority workers such as: 

aliens with extraordinary ability in the 

sciences, arts, education, business or 

athletics; outstanding professors or researchers; 

and multinational executives. 

The second preference category (EB- 

2) is reserved for persons who are members 

of professions holding advanced 

degrees or for persons with exceptional 

ability in the arts, sciences, or business. 

The third category (EB-3) is for 

skilled workers who have at least two 

years of experience, training or education 

and professionals with bachelor’s 

degrees that do not qualify for the second 

category. 

The fourth category (EB-4) is for 

special immigrant applicants, which 

includes religious workers, employees 

of U.S. foreign service posts and retired 

employees of international organizations, 

among others. 

The fifth preference category (EB-5) 

is for capital investors in new U.S. commercial 

enterprises providing domestic 

job creation. 

These five visa categories and their 

limited availability under U.S. immigration 

law are crucial for an employer 

seeking immigrant employees, as immigrant 

employees will ordinarily not 

be permitted to enter the country until 

a visa is available to them. Historically, 

employment-based visas in these preference 

categories are exhausted every 

fiscal year, leaving many employers and 

potential immigrant employees waiting 

years for action on their application. 

Employer seeking to employ an 

immigrant worker must fulfill several 

steps. Once an employer identifies and 

makes a job offer to a potential immigrant 

employee, the employer must obtain a 

labor certification approval from the U.S. 

Department of Labor, unless the potential 

immigrant employee falls within the first 

preference category. 

As part of the labor certification 

approval process, the DOL verifies that 

there are insufficient available, qualified 

and willing U.S. workers to fill the position 

being offered at the prevailing wage 

and that hiring a foreign worker will not 

adversely affect the wages and working 

conditions of similarly employed U.S. 

workers. 

Following the approval of the labor 

certification, the employer must then file 

an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, 

Form I-140, with USCIS. Only those 

immigrant workers in the first preference 

category who possess extraordinary abilities 

in the sciences, arts, education, business 

or athletics can file the Immigrant 

Petition for Alien Worker on their own 

behalf, while all others in that category 

and those in the second preference category 

must have their prospective U.S. 

employer file the Petition on their behalf. 

After USCIS approves the Petition, 

it is sent to the National Visa Center for 

further processing and scheduling of the 

immigrant visa interview. Once the immigrant 

visa is approved, the immigrant 

worker can enter the U.S. 

USCIS has also urged those immigrant 

workers currently in the U.S. in 

EB-3 category with a pending application 

for permanent residence, also known 

as adjustment of status, to consider a 

transfer to the first or second preference 

categories, if eligible, due to the current 

surplus of visas in the EB-1 and EB-2 

categories. 

A transfer to either of these categories 

would mean that the immigrant 

worker would be immediately eligible 

for permanent residence, as there is a 

visa available through which to obtain 

permanent residence. 

Both employers and employees who 

are navigating the employment-based 

visa application process through the 

USCIS and Department of Labor could 

benefit from a skilled and experienced 

immigration attorney. 

Ednna Meraz Ibarra is an immigration 

law attorney with Reid & Hellyer, 

APC, in its Murrieta office, where she 

practices business law and immigration 

law. She may be reached through our 

website at https://rhlaw.com/attorneys/ 

ednna-meraz-ibarra/ or at (951)695- 

8700. 

“ 

Employer seeking to 

employ an immigrant 

worker must fulfill 

several steps. Once 

an employer identifies 

and makes a job 

offer to a potential 

immigrant employee, 

the employer must obtain 

a labor 

certification approval 

from the U.S.



11 

Toastmasters District 12 Annual Spring Conference Featuring Keynote Speaker, 

Author and Freedom Writer Teacher Erin Gruwell 

Virtual Conference Inland Empire May 7th, 2022 

Toastmasters District 12 is hosting 

their Annual Spring Conference, an 

event you do not want to miss! 

Our compelling keynote speaker is 

non other than the beloved teacher and 

author Erin Gruwell, the inspiration 

of the 2007 movie Freedom Writers 

featuring Hilary Swank. Erin Gruwell 

is also the 2017 Toastmasters International 

Golden Gavel recipient. 

We will hear from the top five 

International Division Contest Speech 

winners, and five Humorous Contest 

Speech winners, delivering inspiring 

and entertaining speeches from a diverse 

group of speakers. Join us for a 

free day of inspiration, entertainment, 

and networking. 

Are you ready to take your communication 

and leadership goals to 

the next level? Whether you have 

professional goals within your career 

path or personal goals with your 

family and community, learn how the 

Toastmasters Program can help you in 

a community-driven, self-paced, hands 

on environment. Discover local chapters 

within your city and learn how to get 

started. 

For more information about this 

event please email Conference Chair, 

Esther Phahla at ToastmasterEsther@ 

gmail.com 

Event Date: May 7, 2022 

Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm PST 

(Registration, login and networking 

starts 8am PST) 

To register please visit: http://www. 

toastmastersd12.org/events 

About Toastmasters District 12 

District 12 serves approximately 100 

Clubs and 1700 members in the large 

Southern California region East of highway 

57, South of Barstow, West of the 

Arizona border, and North of Temecula. 

District 12 includes two of California’s 

largest counties (by square miles) – Riverside 

and San Bernardino. To learn more 

about District 12, please visit http://www. 

toastmastersd12.org. 

About Toastmasters International 

Toastmasters International is a 

worldwide nonprofit educational organization 

that empowers individuals to become 

more effective communicators and 

leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, 

Colo., the organization’s membership 

exceeds 364,000 in more than 16,200 

clubs in 145 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters 

International has helped people 

from diverse backgrounds become more 

confident speakers, communicators and 

leaders. For information about local 

Toastmasters clubs, please visit www. 

toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters 

on Twitter. 

“ We’ll hear from 

the top five International 

Division Contest 

Speech winners, 

and five Humorous 

Contest Speech 

winners. 

FINANCIAL 

Esther Phahla, 

CPA, CTS, MST

12 



YOUR LOCAL CHAMBERS 

Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce 

www.temecula.org 

Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce 

www.MWCoC.org 

Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce 

www.menifeevalleychamber.com 

Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber 

www.lakeelsinorechamber.com 

Hemet/San Jacinto Valley 

Chamber of Commerce 

www.hsjvc.com



13

14 



CITY OF MURRIETA BRINGS 

COMMUNITY 

FOR MULTIPLE EVENTS 

Murrieta is known as the place for community, and this spring and summer the City has 

plenty of opportunities to connect, learn, remember, and celebrate. Mark your calendars 

and invite friends and family to join in at one of the City of Murrieta’s upcoming events. 

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY 

May 30, 8 a.m. | Veterans Memorial 

11 Town Square Park, Murrieta, CA 92562 

Please join the city and esteemed speakers and guests as we remember lives lost while serving our nation. 

FATHER’S DAY CAR SHOW 

June 18, 4-8:30 p.m. | California Oaks Sports Park 

40600 California Oaks Rd, Murrieta, CA 92562 

The classic Father’s Day Car Show is back. With vendors and a car competition, you don’t want to miss the fun! 

31ST BIRTHDAY BASH 

June 25, 2-9 p.m. | California Oaks Sports Park 

40600 California Oaks Rd, Murrieta, CA 92562 

Join us for a day of fun celebrating the City of Murrieta’s 31st birthday. There will be live music, a firefighter’s 

hose down, vendors, and fireworks! 

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK 

Saturdays in July, 6-8 p.m. | Murrieta Town Square Park & Amphitheater 


Free admission to weekly concerts in the park in a great setting. Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy a variety of 

music with friends and family. Check the events website for the band lineup. 

SUMMER MOVIES IN THE PARK 

Saturday evenings in August, movies start at dusk | Murrieta Town Square Park & Amphitheater 


Free admission to weekly movies in the park in a fun, family-friendly setting. Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy 

a new movie each Saturday night. Check the events website for the movie lineup.



15 

Don’t Miss a Thing in Murrieta 

Residents and visitors should sign up for Murrieta’s monthly e-newsletter and 

email/text updates. Check out the City’s outreach webpage for more information 

on how to do both. For additional information on staying connected to the latest 

City news, email Connect@MurrietaCA.gov or call (951) 461-6009. 

For more information about City of Murrieta events taking place throughout the 

year, visit www.MurrietaCA.gov/events. 

Murrieta’s more than 115,000 residents live in one of the safest cities in the U.S., with topranked 

schools, 52 parks, and a dynamic business environment. Central to all of Southern 

California, Murrieta is truly the gem of the valley. With a median age of 36 and an average 

household income of $122,207, Murrieta boasts a well-educated population and a strong labor 

force. Ranked the fiscally healthiest full-service city in Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, 

and Los Angeles counties, Murrieta’s future is undoubtedly bright.

16 



Menifee to Showcase Local Flavors with 

Annual Restaurant Week Festivities 

Residents and visitors are invited 

to experience a culinary adventure of 

Menifee’s cuisine scene during the City 

of Menifee’s annual Restaurant Week. 

The promotion takes place Monday, 

May 2 through Friday, May 6, with 

five themed events in partnership with 

local businesses, non-profits, and community 

groups. Menifee’s Restaurant 

Week aims to raise local and regional 

awareness about Menifee’s BEST 

dishes, menus, and local gems while 

promoting shopping locally. The City 

of Menifee invites foodies to explore all 

the homegrown flavors Menifee has to 

offer. Events include: 

Monday, May 2 – Inland Empire 

Small Business Development Center 

hosts “Restaurant Start-Up & Financing 

Seminar.” Are you looking to open 

a unique restaurant concept in Menifee? 

This seminar will teach aspiring Chefs, 

start-ups, and restaurateurs the ins and 

outs of restaurant start-up, financing, 

and everything in between from an 

experienced team of speakers to grow 

your concept in Menifee. 

This event is hosted at Menifee City 

Hall (29844 Haun Rd.) at 9 a.m. To 

register, visit the link here. This seminar 

is hosted in conjunction with the 

City’s B3 program (Building Better 

Businesses). 

Tuesday, May 3 – It’s Taco Tuesday! 

Join us to kick off Menifee’s newest 

adventure – the Menifee Taco Trail. 

Eat your way through the best tacos in 

Menifee while earning prizes such as 

themed decals, t-shirts, and hats! The 

Taco Trail is free to participants and is 

a year-round campaign! Click here to 

register (the registration page will be 

live starting May 2). 

Wednesday, May 4 – Wake up, 

Menifee! Join the Menifee Valley 

Chamber of Commerce for their 

monthly Wake Up Menifee program 

hosted at the Breakfast Club of Menifee 

(30076 Haun Rd.) from 8:30 a.m. 

to 10 a.m. Stay up to date on the latest 

industry trends and enjoy informative 

presentations on city updates from 

featured guest speakers. 

Thursday, May 5 – Join Mt. San 

Jacinto College (MSJC) and the City 

of Menifee for a Cinco De Mayo Tacos 

and Tee-quila Golf Tournament, 

benefiting the Mt. San Jacinto College 

Foundation. Enjoy premium drink 

tastings and delicious eats served by 

various local restaurants at Cherry Hills 

Golf Course, with a shotgun start at 9 

a.m. Interested in participating? Click 

here to register. Visit www.msjc.edu/ 

foundation for more information. 

Friday, May 6 – Calling all foodies! 

Menifee’s newest cuisine-centric event, 

Foodie Fridays, will occur the first Friday 

of each month (May – October) at 

Central Park (30268 Civic Plaza Dr.) 

from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Savor the flavor 

from various food trucks and vendors, 

shop local with unique craft, artisan, 

and boutique vendors, and enjoy family-friendly 

entertainment. Interested 

vendors should contact Simply Made 

Local at events@simplymadelocal. 

com. 

For more information about 

Restaurant Week, or to participate in 

any of the activities, please visit http:// 

www.MenifeeRestaurantWeek.com 

or email EconDev@cityofmenifee. 

us. Follow along on Menifee’s Social 

Media platforms for featured “Best 

Dishes” throughout the week.

Online Eye “Exams” 

by Pat Utnehmer 



17 

The convenience of online shopping 

is a big-time saver for many people this 

time of year. Online technology has literally 

changed the world and how people 

do business. Why not get an eye exam online? 

What is an online eye “exam”? Are 

you really obtaining an “exam” online? 

A refraction determines the lens 

power you need to compensate for 

any refractive error (nearsightedness, 

farsightedness or astigmatism), as well 

as the curvature of the eye to prescribe 

glasses or contact lenses. Online eye 

tests attempt to replace one element of 

an eye examination, the refraction, in 

order to yield a prescription for glasses 

or contacts. It is not unlike taking a blood 

pressure reading at a kiosk and expecting 

a prescription; the reading does not provide 

sufficient information to determine 

a patient’s needed course of therapy. 

The refraction performed by online eye 

tests is only one of many tests performed 

during an eye examination, and taken 

by itself, does not provide sufficient 

information regarding the treatment of 

a patient, including the prescription of 

glasses or contact lenses. 

Are online eye tests accurate? - Online 

vision tests often give inaccurate or 

misleading information, and can misinform 

consumers that can delay essential, 

sight-saving treatment. Comprehensive 

eye exams with your doctor of optometry 

are one of the most important, preventive 

ways to preserve vision, and the only way 

to accurately assess eye health, diagnose 

an eye disorder or disease, and determine 

the need for corrective lenses. 

Why should you have a comprehensive 

eye examination by a doctor 

of optometry? Personalized comprehensive 

eye examinations by a doctor of 

optometry are an important part of general 

preventive health care. In addition, 

changes in refractive status can be an 

underlying symptom of a number of eye 

or systemic conditions. Systemic diseases 

can also be detected through comprehensive 

eye exams. In fact, 240,000 cases 

of diabetes were first detected by an eye 

doctor in 2014. 

What tests are performed during 

an in-person comprehensive eye 

exam? - If serious conditions are left 

undiagnosed for long periods of time and 

a patient skips office visits with an eye 

care professional, the chance for identifying 

an effective treatment lessens and 

could lead to irreversible vision loss or 

worsening of a systemic disease. That 

is why a comprehensive adult eye and 

vision examination may include, but is 

not limited to, the following tests: 

Patient and family health history, 

visual acuity measurement, preliminary 

tests, refractive status, eye health examination 

and dilation and additional tests 

as needed that may include digital retinal 

imaging tests, ultrasounds of the eye 

and automated visual field technology 

may also be used to detect and diagnose 

serious eye and health problems. Click 

here for more information about comprehensive 

eye exams. 

Does the American Optometric 

Association (AOA) recommend the use 

of online vision testing apps? - Medical 

technology can be a powerful tool when 

used properly by a licensed professional. 

The AOA and doctors of optometry are 

supportive of technology that helps patients, 

but there stands a growing concern 

over the claims that a vision screening 

conducted through an app can replace 

an in-person, comprehensive eye exam. 

Eye exams uncover vision issues as well 

as a multitude of health problems like 

diabetes. Telemedicine cannot be held to 

the same standards as an in-person visit. 

“The AOA’s primary concern is that 

patient health and safety is at risk due to 

lack of understanding as to what services 

an online vision test company actually 

offers and can deliver to consumers,” said 

Steven A. Loomis, O.D., AOA past president. 

“When a patient comes in to the 

office for an examination we do so much 

more than just update a prescription for 

glasses or contacts. Our tests are specialized 

for the needs of each individual 

and allow us to check the overall health 

of our patients. By analyzing images of 

the back of the eye, for example, we can 

see how a patient’s blood vessels are 

functioning which can signify serious 

conditions like hypertension that often 

go undetected. The eyes are the window 

to your well-being and their care cannot 

be left to a computer and a smart phone.” 

The AOA has voiced its health and 

safety concerns to the Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) requesting legal 

action against an online vision test being 

marketed by Opternative, Inc. without the 

type of testing and pre-market approvals 

frequently required of new medical device 

technology. In a detailed complaint 

submitted to the FDA in April, the AOA 

challenges claims made by Opternative 

about its product’s capabilities, and calls 

for enforcement action to remove it from 

the market until it can be shown to meet 

all appropriate Federal requirements 

for medical devices under the Food, 

Drug and Cosmetic Act, including those 

for safety and effectiveness, as determined 

by Federal officials. 

Are online vision screening test 

available in all states? - Ten states 

including South Carolina, Alabama, 

Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, 

Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio and West 

Virginia have enacted critical patient 

protection safeguards that reinforce the 

benefits of in-person, comprehensive eye 

examinations. 

Patients who’ve been harmed or 

received erroneous prescriptions from 

an online vision test are urged to file a 

claim/report with FDA Med Watch at 

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch. 

For a real world comparison of an online 

“exam” (Opternative) verses the results 

the patient received at an in-person exam 

at an eye doctor’s office see this article: 

https://www.wzzm13.com/article/life/ 

wellness/healthy-you/a-closer-look-atonline-eye-exams-questions-of-legality/69-201516298 

Visit us on Facebook: 

@ thevalleybusinessjournal

18 



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19 

EXECUTIVE PROFILE | BRIAN CONNORS 

Brian Connors has lived in Murrieta for more than 30 years. 

As a kid in the 70’s, he and his family would drive the old 395 

from Escondido to visit Vail Lake and enjoy the water slides. 

Ownership of a new home for 

my wife (Marleen) and I became 

a dream of ours in 1990. We had 

been married for four years and 

wanted to start a family. 

We thought that this valley provided 

the right atmosphere and 

affordable housing for which we 

desired. We thought we would buy 

a small home, then turn around 

and sell it and then move back 

down to the North County area. 

Little did we realize that our hearts 

would be firmly planted here 

just after the first year. We never 

looked back. 

AFFILIATIONS 

I served on the Temecula Valley 

Chamber of Commerce Board of 

Directors three years as Chairman 

and the previous year as 

Past Chairman of the Board representing 

Southwest Healthcare 

System which operates Inland 

Valley Medical Center and Rancho 

Springs Medical Center. 

BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY 

I remember long ago my dad 

had on his desk a plaque that 

said, “There’s no such word as 

CAN’T.” I believe in hard work 

and giving it all you’ve got with 

a positive attitude by serving others 

and never expecting anything 

in return. When I’ve done this, 

I’ve discovered great things can 

happen. 

FAVORITE SPORT 

It would have to be a toss-up 

between baseball and football. 

I love following the San Diego 

Padres, Aztec Football & Basketball 

and Charger (San Diego for life!) 

football. On an individual basis, I 

love to play golf, racquetball, ski 

and pickleball. My favorite ski destination 

is Kirkwood, CA near Lake 

Tahoe. 

GOALS 

To live my life to the fullest with a 

positive attitude while serving others 

each and every day. When I focus 

on daily personal development and 

living with daily discipline, my personal 

and professional goals always 

seem to fall in place. 

MENTORS 

After graduating from SDSU, my 

dad took me under his wing. He 

offered me a chance in his ad agency 

but had me earn my keep by working 

my way up the ladder. His passion 

for his faith, family and his career 

helped make me who I am today. 

FAVORITE READING 

I enjoy faith-based, historical and 

empowering books. My favorite 

authors are Jeffrey R. Holland, D. 

Todd Christofferson, and David 

McCullough. Hal Elrod’s “Miracle 

Morning” is an excellent source for 

empowerment. 

RESUME 

For more than 20 years I ran full 

service advertising agencies which 

serviced local and regional clients 

throughout the United States. I now 

serve as the Director of Marketing 

for Southwest Healthcare System 

which operates Rancho Springs and 

Inland Valley Medical Centers. 

BIRTHPLACE 

La Jolla, CA

20 



TEMECULA CHAMBER ANNOUNCES AWARDS GALA WINNERS 


On Saturday, April 2, 2022, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce held its 

Annual Awards Gala at Pechanga Resort Casino. This premier event was a memorable 

night of elegance and excitement, with over 800 attendees. The evening included 

dinner, an extravagant silent auction, live theater entertainment, and an outstanding 

awards presentation. The event was sponsored by Abbott, Noon & Associates CPAs, 

Inc. as well as Pechanga Resort Casino. 

The Temecula Chamber proudly awarded the following businesses, 

organizations, and citizens: 

Bronze Business of the Year - A-Bell Alarms Company 

A-Bell Alarms has been "Protecting Lives and Securing Valuables" for Temecula 

Valley families and businesses since 1985. Family-owned and operated since 1972, 

our mission at A-Bell Alarms Company is to provide our home and small business 

customers with professional, highly effective alarm systems and 24/7 alarm monitoring 

and emergency dispatch at a reasonable cost. Trustworthy, Reliable, Dependable 

alarm systems and service is what our clients can expect. 

Sterling Business of the Year - KHASHAN Law Firm, APC 

Lewis Khashan Esq. left a very successful law firm in 2012 to open the KHA- 

SHAN Law Firm. He is an attorney who cares about his clients and the community 

he serves. His courtroom presence has been described by colleagues as intimidating 

and his results are substantial. Lewis is passionate about saving people from injustice 

everywhere. From the beginning of the case, clients recognize that he takes their 

cases as personally as they do. 

Gold Business of the Year - Ruff and Ready Moving & Storage 

Family-owned and operated moving company founded by John Ruff in 2011 due 

to unfavorable experiences in the industry with other companies. John had a passion 

to start a moving company that would do the right thing for not only the clients but 

especially the employees. 10 years later John still maintains the same values that he 

started with and has grown the business exponentially because of good ethics and 

generous community involvement. 

Platinum Business of the Year - The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company 

Scotts Temecula is a world-class facility offering injection molding, assembly, 

packaging, and distribution services. With a 412,000 sq. ft. facility in Temecula for 

21 years, we are proud to be manufacturers of “Made in the USA” products. We 

have Engineering Design, Simulation, Tooling, and Automation Capabilities, Injection 

Molding, and In-Mold Labeling Capabilities over 58 machines ranging from 

70 to 1,400 tons. Our technical and optimization experience ensures we are more 

competitive than traditional contract manufacturers. 

Ruby Organization of the Year - The Shella Foundation 

The Shella Foundation non-profit 501 (c) (3) was formed in 2004 in response 

to one family’s struggle with disabilities. “Shella” was named for Shelton and Della 

Foster, who spent their lives assisting their daughter (Debbie) through multiple 

disabilities. Having firsthand experience of caring for individuals with functional 

needs, inspired Michael Foster to form this organization as a tribute to his parents. 

The Foundation provides support to the under-served populations and partners with 

local community organizations. 

Emerald Organization of the Year - JDS Creative Academy 

JDS Creative Academy is a nonprofit that inspires and enhances education and 

training skills in visual performing and digital arts. Providing classes, programs, and 

events that help participants from mainstream to special needs reach for their dreams 

and break down workforce barriers in a career of choice and passion. Our unique 

programs benefit those that are directly involved and the community at large that 

experiences the output of our TV Shows, Live Events, and Performances. 

Valley Young Professional of the Year - Barbie Ray, Barbie Ray Designs 

Barbie Ray is the CEO and Creative Director of Barbie Ray Designs, Inc., an 

award-winning graphic design company empowering small businesses to attract their 

ideal client through strategic design. Since joining Valley Young Professionals (VYP) 

in 2017, Barbie truly understands the value of relationships and the positive impact 

it has on her professional and personal life. She has developed lasting friendships 

that have inspired her to continue giving back to the local community. Barbie serves 

as the Events Chair for VYP, as an ambassador for Mt. San Jacinto College Foundation, 

and as Vice President of her local P.E.O. chapter – a philanthropic organization 

committed to helping women pursue higher education through scholarships, grants, 

and awards. When she is not volunteering her time and talents, Barbie loves baking 

with her toddler son, Benjamin, and exploring new foods at local restaurants with 

her husband, Michael. 

Ambassador of the Year - Kathy Sizemore, A-Bell Alarms Company 

Ambassadors are a treasured group of members of the Chamber of Commerce. 

They work diligently to facilitate positive member relationships and join the Chamber 

in celebrating our members’ success. Serving as an Ambassador is a serious commitment 

requiring the allocation of time and participation in various activities to which 

the Chamber appreciates immensely. Kathy Sizemore has served as an Ambassador 

with the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce since 2020. 

Chairman's Choice - Esther Phahla, Esther N. Phahla, CPA, APC 

The Chairman's Choice award is a special recognition for one member of the 

Board of Directors whose commitment and leadership have demonstrated the objectives 

and mission of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce. Our award winner 

runs a business, has a busy family life, and is deeply involved with a couple of other 

local non-profits. In addition to being a long-time chamber member, they also serve 

on our Executive Board. Esther Phahla has given her time as an encourager, teacher, 

expert in her field, friend, provider of perspective, and wise counsel, all with a kind 

and sincere smile. 

Citizen of the Year - Tena Caracciolo, Insurance All Stars Agency 

Tena has lived in the Temecula Valley since 1993 and has played a role in helping 

Temecula become a thriving Southwest Riverside community. Tena is married 

to Bob Caracciolo and has 3 children, Anthony, Lauren, and Marissa Caracciolo. 

Insurance All Stars Agency is family-owned and operated. Tena has been a Rotarian 

for 14 years, currently serves as Membership Chair, and is President-Elect. Tena is 

the current Chamber Brief Chair for 2021 and 2022, she was nominated for Citizen 

of the Year in 2015 and 2017. She received Riverside County Board of Supervisors 

Thriving Business for 2016, Bronze Business of the year in 2019, and Ambassador 

of the year for 2016. 

Tena donates her time and money to Rotary International, The Temecula Valley 

Chamber of Commerce, BNI International as Visitor Host, Dive Guardians, Teen 

Panel Event, and SMART MOMS, and is excited about focusing her attention as 

Temecula Old Town Rotary Club President on July 1, 2022, to 2023. 

Lifetime Achievement - John & Christine McCusker 

John and Christine McCusker have been exemplary citizens of Temecula since 

moving here in 1974. They opened their first school two short years later pursuing 

their passion to educate the youth of Temecula Valley. Aside from an outstanding 

education, their mission was to mold students into independent thinkers and instill in 

them core values like the importance of community involvement and the pursuit of 

philanthropic efforts. John and Christine have each received recognition and numerous 

honors over the years. As Riverside County ROP Principal of the year, Christine 

was proud of her efforts in helping H.E.A.R.T. bring the Latchkey programs to the 

T.V.U.S.D. and as co-chairs enacting the CCD program for St. Catherine's - Temecula. 

Together they founded and chartered the first girl scout troop in the Temecula 

Valley. John and Christine were honored and graciously accepted the Elks Club 

Distinguished Citizen of the year Award. As active members of the Elks Club, they 

continue to bring awareness to education and promote the Elks Club Drug Awareness 

program among middle school-aged students. 

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of the 

attendees, nominees, candidates, sponsors, and special contributors for their commitment 

to the Chamber and their community. We thank you for your support and 

look forward to celebrating the citizens, non-profits and businesses in the Temecula 

Valley for years to come. 

About Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce: 

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization based 

in Temecula, CA. The Mission of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce is to 

promote positive economic growth while protecting the environment for all business 

and by doing so, support the programs which preserve and improve the quality of 

life for the entire community. To learn more about the Temecula Valley Chamber 

of Commerce, please click here. For more information regarding upcoming events, 

please click here to view the events calendar or contact the Temecula Valley Chamber 

of Commerce at 951-676-5090 or email info@temecula.org. 

Follow the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce on 

social media: 

Facebook: 

www.facebook.com/temeculacc 

Instagram: 

www.instagram.com/temeculachamber 

Twitter: 

https - twitter.com/temvalchamber 

LinkedIn: 

www.linkedin.com/company/ 

temecula-valley-chamber-of-commerce



21 

EXECUTIVE PROFILE | 

DARLENE WETTON 

Growing up in the local mountains of Lake Arrowhead provided me with a 

wonderful appreciation of community engagement. When you live in a small 

community, your extended family is your church, school, firehouse and hospital. 

Although much larger, the City of Temecula has this same sense of community. 

When my husband and I moved here in 2012, we were so impressed with the 

kindness and generosity of everyone we met. Before moving to this beautiful 

region, we were warned that it can get ‘warm’ in the summers. No one mentioned 

it would reach over 110 in October that first year...and every year since! 

As the CEO of Temecula Valley Hospital, it is 

very important that I am integrated into the community 

that the hospital is privileged to serve. 

I need to understand the community’s quality 

of life, health risks, economic viability, overall 

demographics, and community resources. 

The level of community engagement with the 

hospital has always impressed me in this region. 

We have a large group of very dedicated 

Volunteers, a Community Advisory Group that 

are hospital advocates, and a strong Board of 

Governors of Temecula Valley Hospital. This 

important group of community business leaders 

and physicians ensures that we provide the 

highest quality of care to our patients. Under the 

leadership of Board Chairman, Major General 

Ret. Claude Reinke, this amazing Board provides 

me with their sound wisdom and advice. 

AFFILIATIONS 

I was recently honored to serve as the chair for 

the 2019-2020 Executive Leadership Team for 

the American Heart and Stroke Association in 

South Riverside County. This years event was 

held virtually and we successfully raised funds 

to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular 

disease and stroke. 

I am a strong advocate for health and wellness. 

Over the past several months, I have actively 

participated on various advisory councils during 

the Coronavirus pandemic. One of my important 

roles, through public speaking and social media, 

has been to help educate the community on safe 

practices to prevent the spread of the disease 

including wearing masks and hand hygiene. 

Keeping our patients, employees, providers and 

visitors safe has been my highest priority. 

BUSINESS PHILOSOPHIES 

Providing a clearly defined framework and 

developing an intentional culture that promotes 

the values of the organization are paramount 

to business success. Our framework 

is focuesed on the delivery of patient 

centered, family sensitive care to the 

community that we serve. Our most 

important value is compassion and this 

drives the culture of the hospital. 

My priority as the leader of the organization 

is to drive rapid quality improvement 

and provide for patient safety. 

This is accomplished by choosing, 

developing and aligning a leadership 

team capable of transformational tasks, 

and holding this team accountable for 

exceptional performance. 

FAVORITE SPORT 

I love any sports involving water, although my 

kids will tell you that this is limited to sports 

where I don’t get my hair wet. I enjoy house 

boating, waterskiing and have recently taken up 

stand-up paddle boarding. I’m the proud owner 

of my own pink stand up paddleboard now. 

GOALS 

To continue to follow the Lord’s path for my 

life and to enjoy as much time as I possibly 

can with my beautiful husband, children and 

grandchildren. 

MENTORS 

My parents have been wonderful mentors for me 

my entire life. Their passion for adventure, love 

for one another, and focus on faith has served as 

guiding principles. Throughout the many challenges 

in their lives, they have shared through 

example that life is not waiting for the storm to 

pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain. 

FAVORITE READING 

I enjoy legal intrigue by John Grisham, 

heart-wrenching love stories by Nicholas Sparks 

and Southern fiction by Pat Conroy. “Prince of 

Tides” by Pat Conroy is a great summer read. 

RESUME 

I attained a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from 

Cal State Dominguez Hills and enjoyed working 

as a Registered Nurse in the specialty field of 

Oncology. 

I went back to school while raising my family 

and attained my MBA from Webster University 

where I was recognized as valedictorian in my 

graduating class. I progressed through my health 

care career to executive level positions including 

Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer. 

I now serve as the Chief Executive Officer 

for Temecula Valley Hospital. 

BIRTHPLACE 

I’m a native Californian and was born at Hemet 

hospital.

22 


www.TheValleyBusinessJournal.com



23 

Welcome to the 

REALTOR® Report 

by 

Steve Fillingim 

As I ran the numbers for this month’s report, all I could think was WOW; March was a 

busy month! 

You’ll see the details on the following 

slides, but I will highlight that 

the transaction value of sales in our 

region increased by over $220 million 

from the previous month! That’s the 

largest increase since I took over this 

report just over a year ago. 

The median home price in Southwest 

Riverside County had a slight 

increase of 2% from a month ago 

($593,378/$584,200), was up 19% 

from a year ago ($500,000), and up 

an impressive 46.5% from 2 years 

ago ($405,000). Unsold inventory is 

still hovering just over 2 months (6 

months is considered a healthy market), 

and days on market decreased 

from last month to 8 days, up from 

5 days last year but still significantly 

lower compared to 20 days 2 years 

ago. Unit sales are up a remarkable 

36% from the previous month and 3% 

from last year. Inventory saw a minor 

increase of 2% from last month and is 

up an incredible 49% from last year. 

Median prices are up in all of our 

local cities, ranging in an increase of 

12.7%-29.2% Year-Over-Year. 

Next month’s numbers may paint 

a different picture. Over the past few 

weeks, there have been drastic changes 

in interest rates, specifically a sharp increase 

in 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. 

In March, the Federal Reserve increased 

the Fed Rate for the first time in the past 

few years by 0.25%. This rate is different 

from the mortgage rate consumers 

pay, which has jumped to over 5%. 

The market is anticipating multiple rate 

increases throughout the year (possibly 

7-10) and has priced mortgage rates in 

anticipation of those increases to help 

control inflation. 

So while this is a significant change 

now, it’s unlikely that we will see these 

changes again in the next 12 months. 

The rate increase has a significant impact 

on affordability and will surely slim out 

the buyer’s pool as those buyers either 

have to consider a smaller purchase or 

find themselves unable to purchase here 

altogether. 

On the Legislative Front, there is a 

housing bill that has been drawing a lot of 

media attention. AB 1771 (Ward) would 

result in homeowners who, at the time 

they sell their property, are not owner 

occupying the property and do not qualify 

for the homeowner’s exemption to 

pay up to a 25% tax on the gain from the 

sale of a home in the first three years of 

homeownership. A lower but significant 

amount of tax would also be owed until 

year 7. We are strongly OPPOSED to 

this bill and have been fighting against 

it while working with a large coalition 

of real estate and lending interest groups 

who also oppose this bill. 

I knew 2022 would be busy, and 

we’re only getting started. If you’d like 

a copy of my entire report including 

the mentioned slides, or to be added to 

the distribution list, please email me at 

Adam@srcar.org. 

As always, I am available if you have 

any questions about the report. Until next 

month… 

REAL ESTATE 

by Adam A. Ruiz 

This rate is different 

from the mortgage 

rate consumers pay, 

which has jumped to 

over 5%. The market 

is anticipating 

multiple rate 

increases throughout 

the year... 

TEMECULA’S PREMIER GOLF TOURNAMENT IS BACK JUNE 


So come on out, play a round of 

golf, network with others, advertise your 

company, generate business, and most 

importantly, have fun! We would like to 

thank and recognize, The Law Offices 

of Rosenstein & Associates, for their 

support as the Title Sponsor for the fifth 

year in a row. 

Reservations to play can be made 

by visiting www.temecula.org. Individual, 

as well as foursome reservations, 

are available. Individual golfers will be 

assigned to a team of four. Every two 

golfers will have a dedicated golf cart 

reserved for their gameplay. Each player 

will receive a golfer goodie bag full of 

fun promotional items donated by local 

businesses and is invited to the banquet 

dinner provided by Temecula Creek Inn. 

About Temecula Valley Chamber 

of Commerce: 

The Temecula Valley Chamber of 

Commerce is a non-profit organization 

based in Temecula, CA. The Mission of 

the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce 

is to promote positive economic 

growth while protecting the environment 

for all business and by doing so, support 

the programs which preserve and 

improve the quality of life for the entire 

community. To learn more about the Temecula 

Valley Chamber of Commerce, 

please click here. For more information 

regarding upcoming events, please click 

here to view the events calendar or 

contact the Temecula Valley Chamber 

of Commerce at 951-676-5090 or email 

info@temecula.org. 

Follow the Temecula Valley Chamber of 

Commerce on social media: 

Facebook: 

www.facebook.com/temeculacc 

Instagram: 

www.instagram.com/temeculachamber 

Twitter: 

www.twitter.com/temvalchamber 

LinkedIn: 

www.linkedin.com/company/ 

temecula-valley-chamber-of-commerce 

Special Early Bird Pricing 

(Purchase before April 30, 2022): 

Single Reservation: $175 

Regular Pricing (Starts May 1, 

2022): Single Reservation: $200, 

Foursome $800 

Please contact Amber Poncy at 

Amber@temecula.org or call 

(951) 676-5090.

24 



May Events 

May 1 - VYP May Leadership Committee Meeting 

May 5 - Reality Rally Fundraiser at Wilson Creek Winery 

May 6 - May Coffee Connection 

May 6 - Reality Rally Lip Sync Showdown 

May 6 - Ribbon Cutting - Papa Feta 

May 7 - Reality Rally Amazing Race all over Old Town Temecula 

May 8 - Community Food Giveaway 

May 10 - May Educational Workshop 

May 11 - May Chamber Brief 

May Events 

May 3 - Right Care Pharmacy Ribbon Cutting 

May 4 - Chamber Business Briefing 

May 5 - May Mixer @ Village Walk 

May 6 - Ribbon Cutting for Carrico Pediatric Therapy Inc. 

May 10 - Wildomar Coffee With the City 

May 12 - Networking Breakfast 

May 12 - Thirsty Thursday Multi Chamber Mixer 

May 16 - Southwest California Legislative Council 

May 18 - Small Business Roundtable 

May 24 - Murrieta Coffee With the City 

May 11 - Ribbon Cutting - Off The Rails Winery 

May 12 - 2022 State of the City Address 

May 13 - UNICEF Fundraiser Dinner 

https://business.murrietachamber.org/events 

May 13 - Valley Young Professionals’ May Leaders Who Lunch 

May 13 - Ribbon Cutting - Giordano’s ATA Martial Arts 

May 13-14 - TVCC - Free Electronic Waste Drop Off Event 

May 17 - Ambassador Committee Training (Virtual) 

May 17 - 2022 May So. California Manufacturing Council Meeting 

May 18 - May Evening Mixer 

May 19 - Women’s Professional Collective 

May 24 - Ambassador Committee Meeting 

May 25 - May Morning Mixer 

May 26 - Valley Young Professionals’ May Evening Mixer 

May 6 - Felicity’s Collection Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting 

May 7 - Twenty22 Petwalk 

May 11 - Hump Day Morning Mixer 

May 12 - Ranch RV & Self Storage Ribbon Cutting 

May 14 - 2022 Installation Dinner 

https://members.temecula.org/events 

May 24 - Bring Your Own Breakfast (BYOB) with the Mayor 

https://lakeelsinorechamber.com/events-calendar/



25

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