• Pie Nation Victim of Smash and Grab

One of Wildomar's favorite pizzarias was the unwelcoming recipient of a smash and grab in the early hours of May 16th.

Not a sight that any business owner wants to be greeted with.

The alarm company called the owner at 1:37am. RSO Investigator, Matt Posson, happened to be exiting Clinton Keith as he got the call and was on scene within two minutes of hearing it (which could have been five to ten minutes between the alarm sounding, the alarm company informing the police, and the dispatcher sending out the call).

A closer look at the damaged front door.

I saw the videos, and they showed three criminals in hoodies, one with what appeared to be a Sawzall, entering the broken front door, crawling around and then exiting about a minute later. Counting the driver, it appears to be a crew of four.

The odd part was that after criminal number one broke the glass in the front door, he then returned to the car for about 15 seconds, before the three entered the business.

A look from the inside.

Investigator Posson said that last night there were several other similar burglaries in Lake Elsinore, Juice It Up was specifically mentioned. 

There's no telling at this point if it was a local crew, or one from out of the area, but two of the videos were very clear and helpful to the officers dealing with this case.

The burglars were in such a hurry that they left cash all over the place.

Pie Nation has been a great asset to the community since they opened. Not only do they make great tasting pizzas, but they also help out many non-profits with their fundraising efforts. 

Below are several screenshots from the security cams. 

You can see the getaway car circled in red.
The officers suggested it could be a Toyota Camry.

Just after the front door glass was broken.

All three of the criminals that entered Pie Nation were well covered by drawn hoodies.

The tool in the burglar's hand sort of looks like a gun, but was thought to be a Sawzall.

The criminals were crouching low as they were going throughout the establishment.

Thankfully, all they took was the petty cash that was in the cash registers.

Please consider making a special trip to visit them, and let them know you support them. Though I make my own pizza, I'll be making a dinner date for this Friday at Pie Nation, and leave the baking to them. Hope to see you there. ☺

If you have any information that could help the investigators, please email Investigator Matt Posson at mposson@riversidesheriff.org. 

• 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.

• Two Ribbon Cuttings in Two Hours

Wildomar officially welcomes two new businesses with ribbon cutting ceremonies. First was over at the new pet grooming place called Natalie's Rascals (which is right next to Barons Market). 

Natalie cuts the ribbon signifying she's open for business.

I'm hoping to do a more in depth "Better Know a Local Business" blog with Natalie's Rascals in the near future... I'm just waiting until our dog is shaggy enough to need some expert grooming. ☺

It's a great shop that has all the modern devices to make your Fido's experience a pleasant one.

Click to visit Natalie's FaceBook page.

The second ribbon cutting was at Pie Nation. They opened their doors a couple of months ago and today they had an open house. They blocked off part of the parking lot, put up some tables and chairs and also had some live music to celebrate the day. Check out the pictures below. 

The only picture I got of the ribbon cutting before my camera went AWOL.

It was a madhouse inside the restaurant.

It was not quite a madhouse outside, but it was still a busy place with live music, free samples of pizza, bottles of water
(or Barq's Root Beer), and activities for the kids. Including crafts, bubbles and face painting.

We had intended to BUY some lunch there, but Pie Nation's big grand opening generosity made that impossible. 

Sample sizes that would make Costco blush of some of their specialties like Pesto Chicken Pizza, Margarita Pizza (not like the drink in anyway ☺), Chicken Alfredo Pizza, Barbecue Chicken Pizza, Nation Sticks (a combination of ranch dressing, parmesan cheese, mozzarella and garlic seasoning) on a pizza crust cut into strips.

We'll have to stop in again soon so we can actually support this fine local business.

A young man is eagerly awaiting his turn at a design for his face.

Dulaney and Co singing at Pie Nation's Pizza-Fest.

Westerly panoramic.

Easterly panoramic.

Click to visit their FaceBook page.

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There's no better feeling in the world than a warm 

pizza box on your lap.  —  Kevin James

You better cut the pizza into four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six.  —  Yogi Berra

Wildomar Rap still would like to find a way to have pizza taste challenge with the four major pizza places in town... ideas anyone?

• New Council Chambers, Another Look

Last night was the maiden voyage for the new City Council Chambers and tonight was the first community event in there. Luckily the entire chamber was opened so I was able to take some pictures to give you a better I idea of how it looks.

This is what you see as you look towards the dais from the entry doors.

I'm standing behind the lectern for this shot.

The event was Wildomar Chamber of Commerce hosting a mixer. The room was full as Pie Nation pizza was being enjoyed by the attendees. Thanks Pie Nation!

This shot was taken from the back of the room looking towards the dais.

What  a great new asset for Wildomar. I was asking Mayor Ben Benoit if the room could be rented out for things like Senior Art Classes as an example, and he responded with a resounding yes. He did mention that the rates are different in the day time hours versus the night time hours. Primarily because a city staffer would have to stay overtime so that they could lock up.

The panoramic doesn't give the room it's due.

For those that may be new to the area, City Hall and the New Council Chambers are in the south end of the Albertson's shopping center off of Clinton Keith. If you'd like to stay up on city events be sure to sign up for the city's Stay Connected option.

Reminder that this Saturday is a city party. Be sure to come out for the car show that starts at 5:00pm, followed by live music that begins at 6:00pm, and then the movie Grease that starts at 8:30pm. Don't be fooled by the posted start time, it's about 8:15pm on a cloudy evening as I'm typing and it's still not dark enough for an outdoor movie. ☺ Be sure to bring blankets and chairs.

Also there is supposed to be prizes for best '50s costumes. So guys that means you're supposed to come dressed as either James Dean, Arthur Fonzerelli, Richie Cunningham or Ward Cleaver. The ladies are supposed to dress in poodle skirts, as Marilyn Monroe, young Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis or Sandy Dumbrowski (look it up).

Come out and have some fun!

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Backward, turn backward, O time, in thy flight; Make me a child again, just for tonight. ― Elizabeth Chase Allen

Wildomar Rap is not a city service. It's just one guy that is fueled by curiosity and creativity, and his lovely wife telling him what to do. 

• Camp Out Night In The Park 2015

A great turn out for the 2015 Camp Out in the Park at Marna O'Brien Park.

The community enjoying a balmy Summer's evening before the show.  Photo courtesy of  Bridgette Moore. 

105 campers checked in, and it was estimated that 200 were in attendance for the movie, which was Penguins of Madagascar.

You can see the camper's tents in the background. Photo courtesy of  Bridgette Moore. 

Before the movie, the kids were entertained with various games by The Game Master, a popular part of many Wildomar events. Among the favorite games is the egg toss and the tug of war.

Can you see the egg that is midair in the picture above? 

The snack bar had two special treats.

In the evening, slices of Pie Nation's Pepperoni and BBQ Chicken pizza were being sold for $2 each (and they were pretty good size too).

The next morning, breakfast burritos from El Comal were had for $5 apiece. We got one of each, an egg and chorizo and an egg and potato. Both were great, especially with the salsa!

Mrs. Wildomar Rap, Grace Morabito, chowing down on an El Comal BB (Breakfast Burrito).

The snack bar was run by Wildomar Chamber of Commerce.

Our city officials were out in force as usual for this event. For the movie I saw City Council Member Tim Walker, Mayor Pro-Tem Bridgette Moore, and Mayor Ben Benoit. Also Planning Commissioners Bobby Swann and Stan Smith. Also there was EVMWD board member George Cambero, City Manager Gary Nordquist, City Analyst (I think that's her title) Janet Morales and parks man extraordinaire Daniel Torres.

Of those, Bridgette Moore, Janet Morales and Gary Nordquist all slept at the park... in separate tents of course. ☺

Thanks again to all those that made this event a success. The people of Wildomar appreciate your valiant efforts.

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Camping is nature's way of promoting the motel business.
― Dave Barry

Wildomar Rap was the master at building forts from couch cushions, pillows, blankets and end tables.