Gardner mystery weekend lurking around the corner

The Californian

TEMECULA -- Super sleuths and mystery writers will converge on the streets of Old Town Temecula for the annual Erle Stanley Gardner Mystery weekend Nov. 7 and 8.

During the event, which is designed to celebrate one of Temecula's most famous residents, visitors will try to solve a Perry Mason crime by interacting with costumed characters. The mystery is solved and murderer will be revealed at 5 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. Those who guess correctly will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

Gardner wrote many of his mysteries from the Rancho del Paisano. Of his more than 700 fictional works, 80 books feature the crime-solving attorney Mason.

Writing seminars will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Mary Phillips Senior Center. One speaker will be Michael Mehas, an author and attorney, who helped Nick Cassavetes write the screenplay "Alpha Dog." His most recent novel, "Stolen Boy," is based on a true life crime and a death penalty trial in Santa Barbara.

Other speakers will be mystery writer and instructor Marilyn Meredith, Sunny Frazier and agents and publishers.

A speed-sale book fair will be held in the multipurpose room, with authors getting a 1-minute chance to talk about their books to potential readers. It is open to local mystery and romance writers. Authors wishing to participate should call Melody at 678-1456. A $5 donation to the Temecula Valley Museum is suggested to reserve space.

The Temecula Valley Museum, in conjunction with the city and the Temecula Valley Players, will host the murder mystery weekend. Volunteers are needed to perform the roles of the mystery and youths can participate as part of their community service hours. To participate, call 693-3952.

For information on the weekend, call 678-1456 or visit www.esgmysteryweekend.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs plan annual fundraiser

TEMECULA -- The annual "Our Kids Rock!" auction and dinner to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County will be held at 5 p.m. Nov. 8 in Pechanga Resort & Casino's Grand Ballroom. This year's theme is "Our Kids Rock to Country."

The 16th annual event will feature entertainment and auctions to raise money in support of the youth of the Temecula Valley who use the Boys & Girls Clubs for a safe, fun and educational environment after school.

The event supports youth development programs, such as Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Health and Life Skills, The Arts and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

Tickets cost $150 each. For information or tickets, call 676-6800 or visit www.ourkidsrock.net.

Entertainment workshop set

TEMECULA -- A workshop on breaking into the entertainment industry will be held Oct. 25 at the Temecula Valley Cultural Arts and Music Center.

The workshop will have separate sessions for parents and children. Adults will learn what is involved and what to avoid when getting into the entertainment business. Children will learn the terminology and the skills they will need to have a successful audition.

The parent's workshop, presented by Kelly Day, will include topics such as headshot suggestions, structuring a resume, managers and agents, helpful Web sites, what you can do before your child has an agent, acting styles and differences and do's and don'ts as a parent.

The child actor workshop, led by actor, singer and songwriter Skyler Day, star of the film "Adventures of Ociee Nash," will include auditioning, proper slating, scene study, preparing for audition, acting styles for TV, stage and film and scene video critiquing.

The cost is $100, which includes two parents and one child. It's $50 additional for a second child and $40 more for a third.

Advanced registration is requested by Wednesday. Register online at www.MusiciansWorkshop.org or by calling 678-2517.

The workshop is presented by Day, through Musicians Workshop. It will be at 27455 Tierra Alta Way, Suite F.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Dances move to new location

LAKE ELSINORE -- The Elks Ladies have moved their monthly dances to the Corona Elks Lodge. The next dance will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday featuring Stan Blout.

The event will feature Halloween costume and ethnic dress contests.

Tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds benefit the charities of the Elks Ladies.

Another dance will feature Roger & The Villagers on Nov. 30.

The lodge is at 912 E. Sixth St. For information, call Sharon at 245-2948.

School to host field show

MURRIETA -- Five schools will compete when Murrieta Valley High School's Crimson Cadets marching band and pageantry hosts its Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association field show tournament starting at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The schedule for the tournament, titled "Hot Nights and Bright Lights," is: 6:15 p.m. --Temescal Canyon; 6:30 -- Lakeside; 6:45 -- La Costa Canyon; 7 -- Rancho Verde; 7:15 -- Murrieta Valley (exhibition); and 7:30 -- Vista Murrieta. Awards will be announced at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $5 or $2 for those 6 and younger.

The school is at 42200 Nighthawk Way. For information, call 696-1408.

Sierra Club to host candidates

TEMECULA -- The Santa Margarita Sierra Club will host a candidate town hall meeting when it meets at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Rancho California Water District headquarters.

Invitations were sent to Darrel Issa and Bob Hamilton, candidates for the 49th U.S. Congressional District and Kevin Jeffries and Grey Frandsen, candidates for the state Assembly. Also invited are candidates running for city council seats in Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake and those running for the Temecula Valley School District board.

There will also be a segment devoted to the statewide propositions of interest to the Sierra Club.

Rancho California Water District is at 42135 Winchester Road. For information, call Jim Mitchell at 764-1290.

Experts to address financial crisis

RIVERSIDE -- As global financial markets tumble and American voters worry about the state of the economy, UC Riverside scholars will address the causes of the current crisis and prospects for recovery in a panel discussion from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday in University Theatre.

Panelists will include: Marcelle Chauvet, associate professor of economics; Anil Deolalikar, professor of economics and associate dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; Sattar Mansi, associate professor of finance and management science; Richard Smith, Philip L. Boyd Chair and professor of finance; David Stewart, dean of the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management; and Richard Sutch, distinguished professor of economics.

The event is presented by UCR's College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management and the Public Policy Initiative.

The event is free, but reservations are requested by e-mailing susan.beals@ucr.edu.

Winchester VFW to hold marathon

WINCHESTER -- The Winchester Valley VFW post will hold a symbolic marathon to benefit Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors on Oct. 26.

Besides the .26 and 2.6-mile walk/run, the event will include entertainment and a barbecue.

TAPS offers free services to military families who have lost someone in war or to an accident, illness or suicide.

The Winchester event will coincide with the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.

Costs start at $20, which include the walk/run and food. The cost for the event and two meals is $30 and, for $50, a T-shirt is included. Those who do not wish to run, may sponsor a runner or walker.

For information, call 926-3237 or 259-9796.

Komen mobile coming to MSJC

MENIFEE -- The Komen On the Go mobile will visit Mt. San Jacinto College's Menifee campus Oct. 28 on its tour to raise awareness of breast health.

It is the first time the Komen On the Go mobile will visit the Inland Empire area, and MSJC will be the only community college in the state it visits.

The Komen mobile travels around the country in pink vehicles to educate communities about breast cancer, according to the Komen web site.

The visit will be open to the public at the campus at Antelope and La Piedra roads. For information, call Camille Kraft, dean of student services, at 487-3202.

Hospital group plans bazaar

SUN CITY -- The Menifee Valley Medical Center Auxiliary will have its annual Fall Bazaar on Oct. 30 and 31 in the education center at the hospital.

Baked goods, jewelry, books, jams and jellies will be among the items for sale.

The bazaar will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 30 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 31. A portion of the proceeds goes to the auxiliary for hospital projects.

The hospital is at 28400 McCall Blvd. For information, call 679-8888, Ext. 7254.

Store supports cancer research

TEMECULA -- Brighton, an accessories company with a store in The Promenade, is continuing a tradition of designing jewelry to raise awareness and donate funds to tackle issues that are important to women by selling the 2008 breast cancer awareness bracelet.

The Power of Pink bracelets are available for $60 at Brighton Collectibles stores and participating retailers until Oct. 31.

For each bracelet sold, Brighton will donate $5 to Michelle's Place, the women's cancer resource center in Murrieta.

For information, call 296-3311 or visit brighton.com.

Applications available for parade

MURRIETA --- Applications are available for Murrieta's Veteran's Day parade, which will begin at 10 a.m. Nov. 11.

The parade is open to bands, floats and groups with a patriotic theme.

For further information or an application, visit www.murrieta.org or call 304-7275.

Vendor space offered

MURRIETA -- Vendor spaces are available for two events in Murrieta.

A Holiday Gift Boutique will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 14 at the Murrieta Senior Center and the Festival Under the Stars Craft Fair will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 at Town Square Park.

Both events will include vendors selling homemade goods and direct sale company items.

Booth space for the Holiday Gift Boutique costs $7. Space for Festival Under the Stars is $30.

Applications for either are available at the Murrieta Senior Center, 41717 Juniper St., or online at www.murrieta.org. For information, call 304-7275, Ext. 6652.

Buying a computer to be discussed

MURRIETA -- A workshop titled "How to buy a PC" will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Murrieta Senior Center.

Topics include learning terminology in simple terms, gaining an understanding of computer advertisements and learning to compare equipment from many manufacturers. The class is open to anyone 18 or older.

The cost of the workshop is $15 per person, which includes a handout of the materials discussed. Reservations are required.

The Murrieta Senior Center is at 41717 Juniper St. For information, call 304-7275.

Groups meet to study Buddhism

Two groups meet regularly to practice Nichiren Buddhism in Southwest County, emphasizing study and dialogue as they learn how to apply Buddhist principles to daily life.

For information about Murrieta meetings, call Sheri at 551-8779.

For meetings in Temecula, call Christine at (760) 802-9229.

Bingo offered every Saturday

WINCHESTER -- Bingo is played every Saturday at the Winchester Community Center.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and games start at noon. They are sponsored by Harvest Valley Citizens Patrol.

The center is at 32665 Haddock St. For information, call 928-5775.

Volunteers needed at Family Service Association

Family Service Association is seeking volunteers and community service workers.

The association working throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties with child development centers, senior nutrition, mental health clinics and community centers.

Volunteers can serve in a variety of jobs. For information, call 686-1096.

Softball volunteers sought

LAKE ELSINORE -- The Department of Parks and Recreation is looking for volunteer for the adult softball program on Thursday nights.

Volunteers are needed for field preparation and scorekeeping.

To volunteer, call 245-0442.

Realtors holding food drive

The Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors are collecting nonperishable food for the Community Pantry.

Donations of canned and packaged food items are being accepted at the following Southwest County locations:

- Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors, 41831 McAlby Court, Suite C, Murrieta.

- Century 21 Wright, 27525 Jefferson Ave., Temecula.

- Prudential California Realty, 31093 Temecula Parkway, Suite B, Temecula.

- Rancon Real Estate, 27740 Jefferson Ave., Suite 100, Temecula; 41391 Kalmia St., Suite 100, Murrieta; 29950 Haun Road, Menifee.

- Tarbell Realtors, 33449 Temecula Parkway, Temecula; 41463 Margarita Road, Suite 101, Temecula.

For information, e-mail sylvia@srcar.org.

SERVING THE FLAG

Georgina B. Smith has graduated from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Leader's Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky.

The four-week course is an internship for cadets that can lead to the goal of becoming an Army officer.

College students experience and examine the Army without incurring an obligation to serve, and are eligible to receive two-year college scholarship offers and attend the Advanced ROTC Course at their college.

Cadets are observed and evaluated during classroom and field training exercises to determine their officer potential in leadership abilities and skills. The cadets receive training in fundamental military skills, Army values, ethics, rifle marksmanship, small arms tactics, weapons training, drill and ceremony, communications, combat water survival training, rappelling, land navigation and squad-level operations field training.

Smith is a student at the University of Southern California. She is the daughter of Christopher C. Smith of Temecula.

Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew D. Onstad recently reported for duty with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron One, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan.

Onstad, a 2003 graduate of Temecula Valley High School, joined the Marine Corps in February 2006.

A number of people with ties to Southwest County recently graduated from U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

Training included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

Graduates are:

- Navy Airman Apprentice Laurie M. Rinker, daughter of Gina P. and Larry G. Rinker of Temecula, a 2007 graduate of Great Oak High School.

- Navy Seaman Recruit Jasmine A. Cardona, daughter of Ranphy Cardona of Murrieta and Denise Banchs of Sahuarita, Ariz.

- Navy Seaman Recruit Jarren M. Enriquez, a 2001 graduate of Murrieta Valley High School.

- Navy Seaman Recruit Crystal R. Fury, niece of Judy L. and Christina L. Knisley of Murrieta.

- Navy Seaman Recruit Raegan N. Finnie, daughter of Meladee S. Stone of Temecula and Mark E. Finnie of Riverside.

- Navy Seaman Jhirmack Gem E. Besarra, daughter of Lucila E. and Emmanuel C. Besarra of Murrieta, a 2008 graduate of Murrieta Valley High School.

- Navy Seaman Recruit Ashley V. Andrews, daughter of Brenda L. and stepdaughter of Russell G. Moffitt of Winchester, a 2008 graduate of Temecula Valley High School.

- Navy Seaman Apprentice Melissa S. Martinez, daughter of Joann L. Hall of Lake Elsinore.

- Navy Seaman Recruit Brad M. Porter, son of Michelle Vorhesse and Michael G. Porter of Canyon Lake, a 2006 graduate of Temescal Canyon High School.

- Navy Seaman Recruit Adam P. Steigler, son of Allan P. Steigler of Lake Elsinore.

- Navy Seaman Recruit Chloe I. Licon, daughter of Mark M. Licon of Temecula and Tina Marie Tavares of Palm Desert.

- Navy Seaman Recruit Jose A. Naranjo, son of Lucy L. Delgado and Jose R. Naranjo, both of Murrieta.

- Navy Seaman Apprentice Amber A. White, daughter of Justin W. White of Murrieta and Johanna L. Kavel of Texarkana, Ark.

- Navy Seaman Recruit Christopher L. Williams, a 2005 graduate of Temescal Canyon High School.

MEETINGS

Lake Elsinore

Planning Commission -- 6 p.m. Tuesday, Cultural Center, 183 N. Main St.

Menifee

Menifee City Council -- 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mt. San Jacinto College, former Azusa Pacific building, 28237 La Piedra Road.

Murrieta

City Council -- 6 p.m. Tuesday, City Hall, 24601 Jefferson Ave.

Planning Commission -- 6 p.m., Wednesday, City Hall, 24601 Jefferson Ave.

Murrieta Community Services Commission -- 7 p.m. Thursday, City Hall, 24601 Jefferson Ave.

Murrieta Valley Unified School Board -- 4 p.m. Thursday, district support center, 41870 McAlby Court.

Riverside

County Board of Supervisors -- 9:30 a.m. Monday, County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St.

County Board of Supervisors -- 9 a.m. Tuesday, County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St.

Local Agency Formation Commission -- 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Board of Supervisors meeting room, 4080 Lemon St.

Temecula

Temecula Valley Unified School Board -- 6 p.m. Tuesday, board meeting rooms, 31350 Rancho Vista Road.

Public Traffic and Safety Commission --- 6 p.m. Thursday, City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive.

Wildomar

Wildomar City Council -- 7 p.m. Wednesday, temporary council chambers, 23873 Clinton Keith Road.