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'History of Sun City' presentation May 19 at Rural Center
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Car over side closes portion of Railroad Canyon Road
A stretch of Railroad Canyon Road in Lake Elsinore is scheduled to be closed for several hours Monday night after a traffic accident involving a vehicle over the side of the road.
Traffic was being diverted from the road, which is a major traffic route between Menifee and Lake Elsinore. Motorists reported a traffic jam on Bundy Canyon Road as drivers tried to find another east-west route.
The accident was reported at 3:41 p.m. at Railroad Canyon Road and Church Street, according to a Riverside County Fire Department news release. Firefighters located a vehicle about 75 feet over the side of the road and set up a rope system to gain access to the vehicle. A patient was extricated from the vehicle and transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.
The Sheriff's Department advised motorists that Railroad Canyon Road would be closed from Canyon Hills Road to Grape Street for several hours. There has been no report of additional vehicles involved or other injuries.
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Shooting victim dies after car goes off Railroad Canyon Road
A man who police said was the victim of a shooting Monday afternoon crashed over the side of Railroad Canyon Road and later died from injuries sustained in the shooting.
Henry Shannon, 35, left the scene of the shooting near Railroad Canyon Road and Grape Street in Lake Elsinore about 3:30 p.m., according to a Sheriff's Department news release. A short distance to the east on a hilly stretch of Railroad Canyon Road near Church Street, Shannon's vehicle went over the side in a single-vehicle accident and ended up about 75 feet below the roadway.
First responders set up a rope system to gain access to the vehicle, according to a Fire Department report. The victim was extricated from the vehicle and transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information about the shooting or the accident will be released at this time, according to authorities. There were no reports of arrests and Shannon's hometown was not released. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to call Detective Stoyer with the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777 or Detective Kelleher with the Lake Elsinore Police Department at 951-245-3300.
Railroad Canyon Road was closed for several hours Monday night from Grape Street to Canyon Hills Road. Traffic was diverted from the road, which is a major traffic route between Menifee and Lake Elsinore. Motorists reported a traffic jam on Bundy Canyon Road as drivers tried to find another east-west route. As of 10:30 p.m., there had been no information about when the road would re-open.
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Brush fire in Winchester burns more than 1,200 acres
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| Smoke from the Patterson Fire could be seen from miles, including this spot at Scott Road and Lindenberger Road. Menifee 24/7 photo |
Firefighters had 40 percent containment by 10 p.m. Thursday and had stopped the forward progress of a brush fire that had covered 1,200 acres in the hills of Winchester near Diamond Valley Lake, officials said.
The fire was reported at 2:19 p.m. near the 34000 block of Rawson Road. Six homes on Hidden Falls and Vista Road were evacuated and one unoccupied structure was destroyed, but no injuries were reported.
More than 100 firefighters were on scene at the height of the fire. By mid-evening, all evacuation orders had been lifted.
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May 15, 2018 Menifee 24/7 print edition
May 15, 2018 Menifee 24/7 Print Edition
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Subscribe to Menifee 24/7 newspaper for $25 per year
You may subscribe to home delivery of the Menifee 24/7 newspaper at an annual cost of $25. Save yourself the trouble of going out to pick up a copy around town. We'll deliver it to you!The Menifee 24/7 newspaper, which is published twice per month, covers all aspects of Menifee news -- city government, crime, school news, club news, sports and more. Coverage is led by Menifee 24/7 Editor Doug Spoon, who has 40 years experience as a professional journalist. Setting up your paid annual subscription is easy. Just click on the link below to pay the $25 subscription rate through our secure Pay Pal site. We will email you a receipt and deliver the paper to your home twice each month. Make sure that the address listed with your payment is the address where you want your paper delivered.
You may also mail a check for $25 to 28313 Parkdale Lane, Menifee CA 92584.
Menifee 24/7 newspaper subscription
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Eighth annual Menifee Arts Showcase is well-attended
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| Kat and Steve Sanders provide musical entertainment during Saturday's Menifee Arts Showcase. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon |
One of the largest crowds in the eight years of the Menifee Arts Showcase attended Saturday's event in Countryside Marketplace, with local residents displaying works of art, singing, dancing and entertaining the crowd.
With the expanding opportunities and public presence of Arts Council Menifee, interest in participating in and appreciating the arts is growing. Artists performed music on three separate stages in the northwest corner of the Marketplace, while guests strolled through rows of booths featuring paintings, photos, jewelry and other handmade items.
According to Linda Denver, one of the Arts Council Menifee board members, the organization will continue to make plans to expand the annual showcase and perhaps feature performances at other local sites.
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Menifee Mayor Neil Winter passes away
Menifee Police Chief Greg Fellows of the Sheriff's Department confirmed Winter's death to Menifee 24/7 about 11:20 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Lesa Sobek said Winter was pronounced dead at Menifee Valley Medical Center. A news release is being prepared.
Winter was discovered unconscious at his home some time this evening, the friend of a person who found him told Menifee 24/7. Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez posted the following in her Facebook page tonight:
"It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I must report the passing of Mayor Neil Winter of the City of Menifee. Cal Fire/RVCFD personnel responded to Mayor Winter's home and found him in full arrest. Prayers for his family during this time of tremendous loss."
This story will be updated as soon as details become available.
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Neil Winter, Menifee Mayor since 2016, dies suddenly
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| Neil Winter is sworn in as mayor of Menifee by city clerk Sarah Manwaring on Dec. 7, 2016. Menifee 24/7 file photo |
Story updated at 2 a.m. Sunday:
Menifee Mayor Neil Winter, whose grass roots campaign resulted in a victory for the city’s highest political post in 2016, died Saturday night of an apparent heart attack.
Menifee Police Chief Greg Fellows of the Sheriff's Department confirmed Winter's death to Menifee 24/7 about 11:20 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Lesa Sobek said Winter was pronounced dead at Menifee Valley Medical Center.
Winter was discovered unconscious at his home sometime Saturday evening, a friend of the person who found him told Menifee 24/7. Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez posted the following on her Facebook page late Saturday night:
"It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I must report the passing of Mayor Neil Winter of the City of Menifee. Cal Fire/RVCFD personnel responded to Mayor Winter's home and found him in full arrest. Prayers for his family during this time of tremendous loss."
A brief statement released shortly after midnight by the City of Menifee reads as follows:
“The City of Menifee is mourning the passing of beloved and respected Honorable Mayor Neil
Winter, 65, who passed away late Saturday evening. In respect of the family, and as more
details are released, the City of Menifee will be releasing a full statement in the coming days.”
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| Neil Winter first gained attention by campaigning for mayor on city street corners. Menifee 24/7 file photo |
Winter, who had never before held political office, was elected mayor of Menifee in November 2016, defeating incumbent Scott Mann. A longtime businessman, Winter established himself as a public figure through a grass roots mayoral campaign in which he spent hours each day standing on busy street corners with campaign signs, waving to and speaking to residents.
One of Winter’s campaign promises was to make use of his time as a retiree to make the mayor’s position a more visible one to the public. He kept that promise, appearing at virtually any business ribbon cutting, major club activity, awards ceremony and other special events. Many residents had just seen him at the Menifee Arts Showcase Saturday afternoon at Countryside Marketplace.
"Over the last two or three weeks, I've gotten so much positive energy from people coming up to me, I felt I had a lot of the grassroots votes,” Winter said upon learning about his election to office. “I think there were a lot of people who voted this time that probably hadn't voted in the past.
“By me being out there ... it's amazing how many people came up to me in the last week and said, 'I already voted for you. You got this, man.' It has a lot to do with being on the street. Social media played a huge role in it, too."
Winter was very active on Facebook and other social media platforms, often answering residents’ questions on Facebook about local issues. He also held “Meet the Mayor” events around town. During his time as mayor, The City of Menifee sought and approved multiple major housing and commercial developments and provided oversight of tax revenue funds received through Measure DD.
Winter is the third member of the City Council to die while in office in Menifee’s nearly 10 years as an incorporated city. Vice Mayor Fred Twyman died in June 2011 of a heart attack at age 46. Wallace Edgerton, Menifee’s first mayor and a longtime City Council member, died in May 2015 at the age of 81 after a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Feeling comfortable with his reputation as the “people’s mayor”, Winter said he never had any aspirations of a political position other than one that could help his own city.
"I said I would never stand on the shoulders of the voters to go somewhere else," Winter told Menifee 24/7 in January. "I have no other plan but to be the mayor here every day, and every day is different."
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| Winter admitted having a learning curve at first, but he quickly adapted to the mayor's position. Menifee 24/7 file photo |
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| Winter joined local veterans in paying tribute to 96-year-old resident Don Reed in December 2016. Menifee 24/7 file photo |
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| On Opening Day for Menifee Valley Little League in March 2017, Winter threw out the first pitch. Menifee 24/7 file photo |
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| On short notice, Winter dropped in on a birthday party for 105-year-old Marcella Rusch, Menifee's oldest resident, in 2017. Menifee 24/7 file photo |
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| Winter was front and center at the ribbon cutting for the new Sheriff's substation in March. Menifee 24/7 file photo |
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Neil Winter's motto: Serve others because you truly care
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| Menifee Mayor Neil Winter joins his City Council colleagues in waving to the crowd during the 2017 Christmas celebration. Menifee 24/7 file photo |
Commentary by Doug Spoon, Editor
He cared.
Neil Winter cared about the City of Menifee. He cared about the people who live here. He celebrated their accomplishments along with them. He shared in their frustrations. He was determined to seek solutions to the city’s problems.
Winter, who died of an apparent heart attack Saturday night at age 65, was more than the Mayor of Menifee. He was someone with a blank political slate who ran for and was elected to office because he wanted to make a difference in the right way. As he stated from the very beginning, he wanted to be there for the people.
And boy, was he ever.
I can’t recall the last major event in Menifee that Winter didn’t attend. He was there at most minor events, too. As a retired businessman, he had the time to devote to his duties. If you divided his monthly stipend by the hours he put in, Winter probably made less than $1 an hour.
By his own admission, Winter didn’t know what he was doing when he took over the mayor's role after defeating incumbent Scott Mann in November 2016. “There will be a learning curve,” he said. Other City Council members would sometimes correct him in the administration of city business during council meetings. With a smile, Winter would correct himself and continue.
Some said Winter didn’t win the 2016 mayoral election as much as Mann lost it. Reports of the latest in a series of controversies involving Mann – a $60,000 fine by the Fair Political Practices Commission for misuse of campaign funds – surely had an effect on the outcome.
"I'm not going to be naive," Winter told Menifee 24/7 after the election. "I'm going to attribute a lot of it to the controversy with the mayor. I think it's good that I ran. I think if he would've run unopposed, we probably never would've found all this out. That stuff would've kept going on."
Winter soon learned that his wealth of compassion for the people of Menifee, his business background and his communication skills appealed to the masses in a leadership role. Simply put, Winter asked the questions the average Joe would ask, then tried his best to address troublesome answers. Sometimes, that got him in trouble with his own colleagues.
Indeed, Winter sometimes charged ahead when protocol dictated he should follow the slow pace of public administration. He was so sensitive to the needs of his constituents, Winter would write things on social media or say things in face-to-face meetings with residents that made his fellow City Council members nervous.
Few people know how involved Winter was in addressing the issue of homelessness in Menifee. Many times, without police protection, he would approach homeless individuals in the dark corners of the city. If drugs were present, he demanded they leave and called for “backup.” If it appeared they simply needed some help, he would suggest ways they could get it. Menifee formed a Homeless Task Force during this time, but the wheels weren’t turning fast enough for the mayor.
Winter also found himself right in the middle of the debate over Measure DD – a 1 percent sales tax increase passed by the voters in the same election that placed him in office. A strong believer in the need for Measure DD regardless of other sources of revenue, Winter had to check his anger this year in response to a petition designed to remove it. It was a petition co-authored by his former opponent Mann, and one Winter believed was promoted as a form of blackmail by petition co-author John Smelser to enforce a unification of postal designations in the city.
"I am highly passionate about protecting our city and making sure we can provide the level of service in all areas that our residents and visitors deserve,” Winter said during the City Council meeting of Jan. 17. “I will be on constant watch to ensure lies and personal agendas don’t harm our city."
Sadly, that watch has ended. The people’s mayor has left us too soon. His loss was put into words by a Menifee resident in a comment on Menifee 24/7’s Facebook page:
"My prayers are with his family, absolutely. But just as Menifee was realizing some real change, this has to happen. I am so sad for all of us."
Our thoughts and prayers are with Winter’s family. On a larger scale, our thoughts and prayers should be with those who will try to fill the void and carry on without him. Neil Winter was a man who truly cared about his city and its residents. We must hope his legacy is honored by those who are left behind.
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Public officials react to the death of Mayor Neil Winter
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| Mayor Neil Winter was present at last year's community Thanksgiving meal with (from left) Rosa Falco, Tony Falco, Gloria Sanchez and City Council members Lesa Sobek and Greg August. Menifee 24/7 file photo |
Public officials from Menifee and surrounding areas reacted with shock, sorrow and great respect for Menifee Mayor Neil Winter, who died Saturday night at the age of 65. Here is a sampling of the responses:
Lesa Sobek, Menifee Mayor Pro Tem:
"I’m still in shock. It’s hard to believe that Mayor Neil Winter is no longer with us. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Deb, their children and grandchildren. May they be blessed with comfort at this time and the weeks ahead.
"Mayor Winter will truly be missed. He loved serving the residents of Menifee. It was important to him to make himself available to the public, especially staying connected on social media. As the new elected mayor in 2016, Neil came in and went right to work, using skills from his business background.
"Council member [Greg] August and I were just with him at an event Friday evening. He enjoyed making his rounds, talking to everyone in the room. It amazed me how he had gotten to know so many residents in just 18 short months. I’m deeply touched by all the kind and loving messages I and the other council members have received since late last night. Thank you, Menifee family."
Greg August, Menifee City Council member:
"A tireless campaigner and advocate for the city who more than lived up to his pledge of being an everyday mayor. I greatly respected and appreciated his willingness to learn and grow into the office and work with his peers. It's a loss that will be hard to overcome. My deepest condolences to family and friends."
Matt Liesemeyer, Menifee City Council member:
"Along with his family and everyone else in the City of Menifee, I am in disbelief over what has happened last night.
"I first met Neil on his campaign trail while he was looking to serve at a time when the city was recovering from a huge black eye. After he won, he quickly immersed himself in everything the city had going on. He was a sponge for information and he quickly became a rock on the city council, helping to create stability that everyone needed. As the months went on, he continued to learn more and quickly became engaged in regional legislative efforts as well as local issues.
"Neil was always so responsive and genuinely tried hard to connect to all the groups in town, wanting to make a difference. Behind the scenes, he was always cracking jokes, and his sense of humor brought levity to some of our most challenging discussions. Neil was a great man and I will miss him."
Jonathan Ingram, Murrieta Mayor:
"It was with great sadness that I received the shocking news of the passing of a friend and leader, Mayor Neil Winter. All who knew Mayor Winter understood him as a true gentleman of great warmth and kindness. His passing is a tragic loss for the City of Menifee and profound personal loss for all who were fortunate enough to have worked with him. During this time of sorrow, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and his family."
Randon Lane, Murrieta City Council member:
"I am saddened by the loss of a good man and a good public servant. May God be with Menifee Mayor Neil Winter and his family. May he Rest In Peace."
Vicki Carpenter, Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce:
"On behalf of the Menifee Chamber Board and members, Anthony J. LoPiccolo Jr. and I are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Mayor Neil Winter. Neil truly cared about the community and wanted businesses to come and flourish in Menifee. We at the Chamber enjoyed working with him and the city on projects. He was passionate, respectful and caring."
Jerry Bowman, Menifee Union School District Board:
"This is such tragic news. I just talked to Neil at the Menifee Arts Showcase. Neil changed the culture of the city and worked tirelessly to connect with the residents. RIP Neil. Menifee has lost a good man way too soon."
Bob O'Donnell, Menifee Union School District Board:
"He was a wonderful ambassador for our new city. I will miss him. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. God bless you at this time."
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Young singers win trophies in Menifee's 'The One' contest
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| "The One" winners (from left): Anahi Garcia-Rodriguez, Marah Alley and Camden Brown. Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon |
Eight young singers between the ages of 6 and 18 competed in three age categories Saturday in the finals of "The One" singing competition, sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club of Menifee Valley.
The event completed several rounds of competition in which the field was narrowed heading into the finals. A crowd of proud parents and other guests enjoyed the performances, held at Impact Church in Menifee.
The youngest winner was Camden Brown, age 6, who entertained the crowd in full Michael Jackson costume while singing and dancing to "Beat It." The winner in the 10-13 age group was 13-year-old Marah Alley, who performed "Hero" by Mariah Carey and "The Champion" by Carrie Underwood.
The winner in the 14-18 age category was 16-year-old Anahi Garcia-Rodriguez, who sang "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey and "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" by Selena.
Click on the link below for video highlights:
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Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez will fight for your rights
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Pick up mid-May Menifee 24/7 newspaper at local businesses
If you haven't already picked up your copy of the May 15 Menifee 24/7 newspaper, you can find it free at local businesses across town.The May 15 edition includes, among other things:
-- A look at the legal actions filed by the City of Menifee and Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District in their ongoing battle over parks and recreation on the east side of Menifee.
-- Details on the location city officials have identified as the potential new home for City Hall.
-- A tribute to our latest Hometown Hero, Heritage High School senior Dayra Leal Sanchez.
-- Scholarship winners and an honored science teacher at Santa Rosa Academy.
-- An honor for Navy veteran and local resident Darci Castillejos.
-- Rosalia Ulibarri's latest fashion column.
-- More Sun City memories from the archives.
The Menifee 24/7 newspaper is now published twice per month. To become a subscriber, mail a check for $25 for an annual subscription to Menifee 24/7, 28313 Parkdale Lane, Menifee CA 92584 or click on the Print Edition tab on our website. To view a .pdf version of the newspaper online, click here.
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League champion Patriots charge into second round
Having won the Sunbelt League championship for the first time ever, the Heritage High School baseball team will continue its postseason run Tuesday with a second-round game at Grand Terrace.
The Division 4 game will begin at 3:15 p.m. Grand Terrace is seeded No. 2 in the division and improved its record to 27-2 overall with a 1-0 win over Los Altos High of Hacienda Heights in the first round.
Heritage, now 19-7 overall, scored a 15-2 win over Alta Loma in the first round on Friday.
It has been a memorable season for the Patriots, who were 12-3 in league play en route to the championship.
"I want to say how proud I am of the boys for what they have been able to accomplish this season," said coach Scott Montgomery. "The road to this point has not been an easy one for them, and there have been many ups and downs along the way.
"As a coaching staff, we made sure they were challenged, not only physically but mentally and even spiritually at times where they had to learn to have faith and to trust in themselves and each other. The strength of our team lies in the brotherhood that they created during this journey.
"As a coach, it makes me proud to see the transformation of young men who are learning to put the team first above themselves and in doing so having a very successful season."
A solid pitching staff includes James Duran (5-3, 4.23 ERA), Jose Lopez (3-0, 1.80), Matthew Horton (2-3, 2.85), Brody Derrick (3-1, 1.83), Christopher Reyes (3-0, 1.85) and Guillermo Landeros (2-0, 5.14).
Leading hitters include Thomas Parker (.500, 29 RBIs), Lopez (.447, 27), Kenny Teter (.384, 12) and Bubba Baker (.376, 18).
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Menifee 24/7 offers jobs for newspaper delivery
Applicants must be 18 or over, have a valid drivers license and insurance, and provide their own transportation. You will be reimbursed mileage in addition to the delivery payment. This is a great option with flexible schedules for students and others seeking part-time income.
To apply, call Kristen at 951-729-9875.
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Revival Christian to hold Vacation Bible School June 25-29
Message from the staff of Revival Christian Fellowship:
"Parents, this summer at Vacation Bible School we want your kids to grab their megaphones, lace up their cleats, and tune up their instruments. As they fill up the offensive line, sideline, and drum line, your players will realize God has given them His ultimate playbook. He wants them to join His team, train hard, celebrate salvation, and encourage one another. Vacation Bible School is the week of June 25-29 and is for kids currently in kindergarten through 6th grade. Your kids won’t want to miss out on the fun in store for them at this year’s Revival Kids VBS!
For more information or to register, visit: www.revival.tv/kids
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Fitness 19 Menifee is now open 24/7!
Enjoy the benefits of Fitness 19 seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Fitness 19 Menifee
26100 Newport Road
951-679-0019
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Vote Jaime Hurtado for Riverside County Supervisor
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