Mold Remediation in Temecula, CA

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Some local cigarette and tobacco retailers — including in Riverside County — were recently targeted by state officials for unlawful sales of cannabis products.

On Monday, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration announced that the agency, along with the state's Department of Cannabis Control, seized more than 150 boxes of cannabis products during statewide stings.

On October 23, investigators from the agencies focused their efforts on Southern California. Six teams were deployed across Glendale, Fullerton and Riverside. The stings — dubbed "Operation Safe Limits" — targeted 18 locations. In total, 117 boxes of cannabis products were seized, while another 76 boxes of cigarette/tobacco products were also seized, according to the CDTFA. Three citations were issued.

Then, on October 30, investigators looked to Northern California — specifically, Sacramento, Bakersfield and Fresno. Thirty-three retail locations were targeted, resulting in the seizure of 34 boxes of cannabis products and 25 boxes of cigarette/tobacco products. Twelve citations were issued, CDTFA reported.

During one of the inspections, authorities discovered a loaded firearm, ammunition, and 40 grams of narcotics, and over $20,000 in cash, according to CDTFA.

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Department of Cannabis Control Director Nicole Elliott said that removing illegal products from the marketplace upholds "the integrity of California’s regulated cannabis industry."

She also cited safety concerns that illegal products can pose.

"These unregulated products lack basic and important protections for consumers and youth," Elliot said. "By ignoring state regulations, these retailers are putting public safety at risk and undermining the legitimate cannabis businesses that are operating within California’s laws."

Three days of equestrian competition, known in the horse community as the "triathlon," will conclude Sunday at Temecula's Galway Downs.

Patch Staff

TEMECULA, CA—The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs were set to conclude Sunday, spurred by news of the venue's ongoing bid for the LA28 Olympic equestrian competition. The Championships began Wednesday, Oct. 30, and conclude Sunday, Nov. 3, at the location just east of Temecula, at 38801 Los Corrallitos Road. The event is free to spectators, though there is a $15 parking fee.

During the three-day eventing championship, the equestrian sport included in the Olympics is the triathlon of equestrian sports, according to a Galway Downs spokesperson in a recent news release.

In the first phase, dressage, the horse and rider complete a prescribed dressage test, which is like a compulsory figure staking performance. This phase tests the effectiveness of silent, often invisible, communication between horse and rider. On Saturday, the international divisions of the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs conclude with the third component, show jumping in the Grand Prix Arena. Fitness, stamina, and responsiveness are the tests here.

On Sunday, watch the horses and riders galloping over open terrain and jumping natural obstacles, including large logs, water complexes, mounds, brush fences, and ditches.

"The goal is to complete without jumping faults and within a set time. This phase tests courage, fitness, and athleticism," they said.

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The Championships are the final major equestrian competition of the year, and the end goal of many of the sport’s top athletes. “This is really the highlight of our year,” notes professional equestrian and competitor Taren Hoffos of Ramona, California. “We put this on our calendar at the beginning of the year and always look forward to coming here.”

Having the chance to host events in LA28 puts Galway Downs in the public spotlight.

During Saturday's cross-country competition, spectators gathered for a “Bridle Brunch” on the banks of a challenging water complex as horses and riders splashed their way through.

Molly Duda, rider of Disco Traveler, a 15-year-old gelding, spoke on the energy.

“When everyone cheered for us, that gave us a little bit of extra energy,” said Duda. Duda is currently leading the highest division after safely navigating cross-country. “The horse and riders really feed off the energy the crowd provides.”

Galway Downs hosts equestrian competitions throughout the year. Spectators are welcome, and volunteer opportunities abound – even for those without equestrian experience.

For more information, please visit www.galwaydownsequestrian.com

The southbound SR-79 was closed for several hours Tuesday after a vehicle smashed through a bridge guardrail into the dry river below.

Patch Staff

|Updated Tue, Oct 8, 2024 at 1:38 pm PT

TEMECULA, CA — A woman careened her pickup truck over the edge of a state Route 79 South bridge east of Temecula Tuesday morning, leading to a several-hour closure between Los Caballos and Anza roads.

Caltrans engineers assessed the bridge for structural damage and said workers would return later Tuesday for guardrail repairs. The damaged bridge was built before World War II and is constructed of wood and concrete.

According to CHP Officer Mike Lassig, the section of the roadway was closed for approximately four hours from collision to vehicle recovery.

Shortly before 8:30 a.m., a 31-year-old Utah woman was driving a white Dodge 3500 Ram truck near the bridge at 79 South, just past Anza Road. "She told officers she briefly took her eyes off the road" and smashed through the guard rail into the dry riverbed below. "She felt herself go airborne," he said. The truck landed on its wheels and struck a tree in the riverbed below.

According to CHP dispatch, a good Samaritan who witnessed the crash called 911 and paused to help. He told officers, "wood debris was everywhere, and the vehicle was smoking."

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According to the CHP, the citizen assisted the woman in climbing back up the roadway and rescued her lap dog, who was with her in the vehicle.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department responded to the scene to find the woman with minor injuries from the crash, and the dog was uninjured, Cal Fire spokesperson Maggie De La Rosa said.

The woman declined transport for treatment.

Tow truck drivers ultimately worked out a solution for hauling the vehicle out of the riverbed, allowing the roadway to reopen to traffic.

"The woman admitted to being distracted from the road, which is a reminder to stay off your phone while driving," Lassig said. "There is a time and place to reach for your drink or change the radio station. While you are driving, isn't that time."

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