• Press Release: State Senator Jeff Stone Resigns Seat

Press Release

Senator Jeff Stone Accepts Trump Administration Appointment -Will resign his seat in the State Senate effective November 1, 2019

Temecula, CA - - State Senator Jeff Stone has accepted an appointment to serve as the Western Regional Director of the United States Department of Labor. Stone will resign from the State Senate on November 1 and begin work in his new position on the same day. The Western Region of the Department of Labor includes the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. "I am deeply honored to be appointed by the President and look forward to continuing my public service in this new and exciting position," said Senator Stone. "The nation under President Trump is experiencing unprecedented economic growth that requires a highly trained and skilled workforce. I look forward to supporting Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia to advance the Department's mission of fostering the training of America's workforce and protecting the interests of America's wage earners, job seekers, and retirees. "I will always be grateful to the people of Riverside County for having granted me the opportunity to represent them and be a voice for our shared values," Stone concluded. Senator Jeff Stone was elected to the State Senate in 2014 and reelected in 2018. As a State Senator, Stone has championed policies that promote economic growth and protect taxpayers. Stone began his public service in 1992 with his election to the Temecula City Council. In 2004 Stone was elected to serve on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.  In addition to his public service, Stone owns his local business, Innovative Compounding Pharmacy. Senator Stone is a graduate of USC, where he earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 30, 2019 Contact: Dave Gilliard Phone: 916-626-6804 UPDATE Senator Jeff Stone Endorses Councilman Matt Rahn in 28th District Special Election Senate GOP Leader Shannon Grove Joins In Endorsing Temecula, CA - - Today, State Senator Jeff Stone endorsed Temecula City Councilman Matt Rahn to fill out his term in the 28th Senate District. Stone is resigning from the Senate on November 1 in order to accept a Presidential appointment. Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove joined Senator Stone in endorsing Matt Rahn. A Special Election is expected to be called in conjunction with the March 2020 Primary.  "One of my major considerations when deciding to accept this appointment from the President was to make sure our district continues to be represented by someone who shares our values and commitment to protect taxpayers, expand Riverside County's economy and be a strong advocate for public safety," said Senator Stone. "Councilman Matt Rahn checks all those boxes and more. He is a dedicated public servant with an impressive background and I am very happy to endorse Matt." Matt Rahn has over twenty years of experience as a university educator and researcher, and land use and policy expert. Throughout his career he has tackled some of the most fundamental issues facing our region, including water quality, water management, public safety, wildfires, transportation, renewable energy, and open space, all while being a steadfast voice for taxpayers and for common sense government. Matt received his Bachelor's and Master's Degree from the University of Nevada Reno, his PhD from UC Davis and San Diego State University, and his law degree from the University of San Diego.  Matt and his wife Kelcey and daughter Delilah have lived in Temecula since 2010.

• RivCo DA Speaks in Wildomar

Riverside DA, Mike Hestrin spoke for about 40 minutes at the Wildomar Rotary Club. He took a dozen or so questions and then stayed after for anyone on one that people wanted to engage in. 

Riverside County DA Mike Hestrin at the July 26th Wildomar Rotary Club meeting.

The DA spoke about a couple of task forces he's put into operation, Gang Impact Team and the Cannabis Regulation Task Force. 

There have been a couple high profile raids in the county using the Gang Impact Team. One out in Coachella and the other in Hemet (from the powerpoint, there seemed to be a lot of arrests and a lot of confiscated guns... enough to help a small country overthrow their leader). 

RSO Press Release detailing the raid

He was telling us that another one was in the works, but he couldn't elaborate... I guess he thinks the bad guys read Wildomar Rap or something. ☺

The Cannabis Regulation Task Force deals with more technical aspects of the law when it comes to cannabis. Now that it's legal in the state, there are laws that have to be followed. Including environmental laws that are often ignored by illegal growers, where they use and then dump pesticides, often stealing water or electricity. Then there are the illegal pot shops that show up out of nowhere.

Quote of the day

"You wanted it legal, congratulations, it's legal. Now you have to follow the law."

— RivCo DA Mike Hestrin

I asked about a new law that I'd recently heard about, but didn't think it could possibly be real... but it is real!

It's known as AB 1810, which has been labeled by some as a rush job bill backed by the governor (according to many sources, including the San Diego Union-Tribune). 

"Now, in the worst example of rushed reform yet, Gov. Jerry Brown this week signed into law Assembly Bill 1810 — a budget “trailer bill” with no credited author that takes effect immediately. It includes a provision that appears to allow defendants charged with any crime to get the charges put on hold and perhaps eventually dismissed if they can persuade a judge that the offense resulted from a mental disorder that a mental health expert says is treatable."

Please follow the link above to read the entire Op-Ed.

The idea that any criminal, much less a serious offender such as a murderer or a rapist, could claim their actions were due to a mental disorder, which could include something as common as depression, and then avoid the judicial system, is appalling. Let's hope this one gets overturned before any lasting damage can be done.

Use this link to visit the Wildomar Rap facebook page.

The added bonus was the last minute change to the DA's plans... he landed babysitting duties as his wife was needed elsewhere. His two-year-old son didn't make a peep, as he was content to wear his fireman's helmet, play with dinosaur toys and draw with crayons. Kudos to this little tykes parents, they're doing something right.☺

Last week's guest speaker was State Senator Jeff Stone, and in the past six months, Sheriff Stan Sniff and Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez have spoken to the club too.

State Senator Jeff Stone addressing the Wildomar Rotary Club, July 2018.

Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff, April 2018.

State Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez, November 2017.

I didn't really plan on this being a free advert for the Wildomar Rotary Club, but as long as I'm this far into it... the club meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, at noon, at the Elks Lodge on Mission Trail. 

For those that can't meet in the day, there is one evening meeting per month. The location is Pie Nation, and it's held on the third Thursday, meeting starts at 6:30, but it's suggested that you get their earlier than that if you're going to be ordering food. (If you haven't been into Pie Nation recently, they've expanded the restaurant into the adjoining unit, there's plenty of seating.)

There is no charge to attend, and there are no obligations to join. The Club's website can be found at this link, where you'll find write-ups of recent meetings.

There is also a club facebook page. You can check it out to see who the coming speaker(s) will be, and other updates around town: LINK

For those that don't know what the Rotary Club is about, we're a service organization with over 1.2 million members worldwide. Rotary International was established in 1905 and the Wildomar club was established in 2009. For more information about Rotary's mission, visit the Rotary International website: LINK

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"You can pretend to be serious; you can't pretend to be witty."
– Sacha Guitry

Wildomar Rap once pretended to speak Italian and is now married to a Sicilian. Caveat Emptor ☺

This blog was produced for viewing on a desktop or a laptop. Though it's been optimized for smartphones, the formatting can look odd on a smartphone or if you get this delivered through email (such as missing video links). Link to proper format.

• 2017 Veterans Service Awards

The Corporate Room in Wildomar was the site of State Senator Jeff Stone's, 2017 Veterans Service Awards. 

Senator Stone speaking to local veterans.

A nice breakfast followed the Star Spangled Banner, flag salute, and opening prayer before the Senator said a few words honoring the six veterans. Not just for serving our country in uniform, but also for their service to the communities their part of.

"The reason why we started this, when I got elected, was because I think that Memorial Day has been too commercialized. People think it's time to go the malls, to the sales, and I want young people to know that the freedoms and liberties that we all cherish came at a great price, and still continues to be at a great price. 

This is what I think is a microcosm of what we should be doing throughout not only California but throughout the United States. Taking the time to thank those veterans and also to recognize those that have given the ultimate sacrifice, so that we can stand here and be here today, and for that, I am grateful."

Senator Jeff Stone

Each honoree was brought up to the stage to receive an award, say a few words and get a picture taken... other than Harold Herron of Murrieta that is. He's 90 years old, and Senator Stone went down to his table to present the award. There was a lot of applause at this event, and a standing ovation or two, too.

Senator Stone (in the American Flag shirt) is surrounded by the six honored veterans.

In order of recognition were

• Master Sgt. Robert Blanton, USMC
• Capt. Bradley S. Burris, US Navy
• Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Dodson, USAF
• Seaman First Class Harold Herren, US Navy
• Lt. Col. Kenneth (Paul) LeGrice, US Army
• LCpl. David Poplin, USMC 

Also in attendance were Lake Elsinore city council member Brian Tisdale, Murrieta Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan Ingram, and Wildomar's own Bridgette Moore. They all spoke for a few moments, giving honor to the veterans and active servicemen that were in the room.

A patriotically decked out Senator Jeff Stone watches as Bridgette Moore says a few words.

Being at such an event really gives one pause to reflect. Especially those of us that didn't serve, and really didn't appreciate the significance when we younger.

Wildomar's VFW post 1508, was well represented.

Which leads me to remind you of the annual Memorial Day event at the Wildomar Cemetery. It begins at 10:00am, and it will last about an hour. If you're in town on Monday, be sure to come by to pay your respects to those that risked it all so that we could be (and remain) a free nation.

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A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.
– George William Curtis (1824-1892)

Wildomar Rap is awed to be among so many patriotic Americans.