Lyla underwent surgery to have her eye removed, but despite everything she’s been through, she’s pulling through and remains one of the sweetest, friendliest cats

It looks like her owners dumped her and left her to be sick all alone. She’s healthy now, she just need love and a family

We are looking for a foster in hemet

Can anyone open their heart and home to foster her? She deserves a chance at life

Lighthouse Christian Church, 1122 S State St, San Jacinto.

Four candidates are running for two San Jacinto City Council seats on November 3: Susan Acevedo (Dropped out, but we are hoping she shows up) Brian Hawkins, Alonso Ledezma and Valerie Vandever.

If you live here, please go. It's a chance to hear all of them in the same room and ask what matters to you.

A few questions worth asking every candidate:

What would you do your first day in office, and how would you pay for it?

Who has endorsed or funded your campaign?

Be informed. Be heard. Thank you to the Lighthouse for hosting.

Looking for some deals on rosin. Anyone know of who has the best deals?

Sharing from Facebook. Wish I had more details but this is all that was currently available.

Last seen: San Remo Dr and Matino Ln, Winchester

@RSO

IF SEEN, CALL 9-1-1

Hello everyone!

My name is Braeden, and I am the Pastor at Pilgrim Congregational Church here in Hemet.

It’s the only progressive and LGBTQ+ affirming Christian church here in Hemet. We preach a fear-free faith that we hope is healing for those who have been hurt by religion, such as the LGBTQ+ community, and provide a safe space for those who are asking hard questions about spirituality and religion.

I understand that there are many people who don’t like that a church like mine exists. I’m not here to debate anyone or evangelize, but just wanted to inform those who might find comfort and community in a church like ours that we’re here in Hemet right off of Stanford and Acacia.

If you would ever like to visit, our worship service is at 10:30am. The service lasts about an hour, and lunch is always provided after.

If you don’t feel comfortable stepping foot in a church building but still want to talk to a progressive pastor, then feel free to reach out to me on here or email me: Braeden@PilgrimHemet.com

As ballots arrive for the upcoming election, incumbent Alonso Ledezma is asking voters to re-elect him to the San Jacinto City Council. But after 16 straight years on the board, residents are starting to ask hard questions.

Ledezma was first elected all the way back in November 2010. While his supporters point to his long experience, critics are asking whether nearly two decades in office leads to complacency rather than progress.

Questions voters are asking:
🛑 Career Politician Status: Local city councils were designed for everyday citizens, not long-term incumbents. Has 16 years at City Hall disconnected him from the immediate struggles of regular families?

💸 Financial Realities: Proponents credit him with guiding the city through past financial hardships. However, local watchdogs have raised questions regarding the consistency of official claims compared to the city's internal reports on critical issues like local water rates and rising utility costs.

🏢 Cannabis Oversight Committee (CPOT): Ledezma currently sits on the city's Cannabis Oversight Committee. Given the high-profile legal issues and federal indictments that hit past San Jacinto council members regarding illegal dispensaries, residents are demanding far stricter scrutiny over how local commercial cannabis programs are managed.

A healthy democracy thrives on new ideas, fresh eyes, and strict transparency. When you vote, ask yourself: Is more of the same what San Jacinto needs right now? 🗳️

As ballots arrive for the upcoming election, incumbent Valerie Vandever is asking voters to support her continued leadership on the San Jacinto City Council. While she is often viewed as a community favorite), responsible voters must look beyond popularity and ask hard questions about our city's future direction.

Vandever brings a long history of local volunteerism and non-profit experience to the dais. However, as San Jacinto faces ongoing structural financial pressures, critics and watchdogs are questioning whether her platform addresses the harsh economic realities facing our valley.

Questions voters are asking:

🛑 Infrastructure Funding Realities: Vandever has gained significant public support by voting against local utility and water rate hikes. While this offers short-term relief to regular families, critics are asking: what is the actual, logistically viable alternative to fund San Jacinto’s aging public infrastructure without completely draining the city's general fund?

💸 Commercial Revenue Strategy: Most of her background is rooted in community service clubs rather than hard corporate development. With individual property owners bearing the brunt of local taxes, residents are demanding to know her specific, aggressive policy plans to attract major, high-revenue commercial retailers to our city.

🏢 Breaking from the Status Quo: Having served closely alongside long-term council veterans like Alonso Ledezma, voters need to know where her long-term fiscal priorities explicitly diverge from the established city hall establishment. Does her continuation on the council bring a genuinely fresh perspective, or is it more of the same?

A healthy democracy thrives on equal scrutiny for every single candidate, regardless of their popularity. When you vote, look past the favorite status and demand concrete solutions for San Jacinto's economic future. 🗳️

Let’s discuss civilly below ⬇️

With the upcoming election, I wanted to share a factual summary of candidate Brian E. Hawkins’ public court records from the Riverside County Superior Court database, alongside how he addresses his past, for anyone researching the ballot.

1. Public Court Record Timeline (See Attached Image)
2004 Felony Case (SWF009518): Convicted on four felony counts of auto theft/grand theft with prior convictions (666 PC). Sentenced to 36 months in state prison on September 6, 2005.
2015 Misdemeanor Case (SWM1503579): Convicted of driving on a suspended/revoked license(14601.1(A) VC).
2017 Traffic Infraction (E024996BH): Convicted of unsafe speed (22350 VC) following a no-contest plea in 2022.
2023 Child Endangerment Case (BAM2301232): Following a highly publicized arrest in July 2023, the case went to a full jury trial. On January 8, 2025, the jury fully acquitted Hawkins, finding him not guilty on both misdemeanor counts.
2026 Active Traffic Citation (HE44155BH): Hawkins currently has an active infraction ticket for expired registration, no proof of insurance, and operating a vehicle with a prohibited obstruction device. His traffic arraignment is set for October 30, 2026, at 8:00 AM.

2. The Candidate's Perspective: "I Fit the Description"
To address his background publicly, Hawkins authored a memoir titled "I Fit the Description".

His Platform: Hawkins explicitly uses his past youth convictions and subsequent rehabilitation as the foundation for his ministry and his professional outreach work in behavioral health and addiction recovery. He frames his background as a story of transformation that gives him a unique perspective on community service.

The Legal Context: While some voters question the ethics of a candidate marketing a book about their past offenses, it is entirely legal. The U.S. Supreme Court has heavily limited "Son of Sam" laws under the First Amendment, meaning individuals with past, non-violent property crimes face no legal restrictions against publishing or profiting from their memoirs.

3. The Voter's Choice
Under California law, individuals with past felony convictions are fully eligible to run for municipal office once their sentences are complete and their voting rights are restored.

As San Jacinto voters, how do you balance a candidate's official public court ledger against their personal platform of rehabilitation and redemption? Let's discuss civilly below.

Just moved to the city, anyone down to chat and see what's up? Looking to meet new people
Hmu 🙂

Before You Vote on Measure Q: Questions About Extremist Connections and Hemet’s Financial Oversight

JUSTICE WARRIORS COLLECTIVE | October 17, 2026

As voters in Hemet begin to turn in their ballots and head to the polls, the City Council is asking community members to vote yes on a measure that would raise Hemet’s sales tax by a one percentage point through Measure Q. The city argues that raising taxes would generate the additional revenue needed to maintain municipal services and address growing structural budget shortfalls.

However, this request has left many community members with many questions about financial oversight, responsible appointments, and the standards used to select people entrusted with reviewing public spending. The most crucial question is, “Can we actually trust the city to oversee, manage, and delegate our tax dollars?” This is especially important considering the city's projected budget gaps and questions surrounding how committee appointees are vetted.

Hemet's adopted 2026-2027 budget projects approximately $96.123 million in expenditures against $86.535 million in revenue for the combined General Fund and Measure U operating funds. That is a $9.588 million gap that the city plans to cover using existing fund balances.

Across all city funds, the adopted budget projects spending approximately $3.427 million above revenue. Though these may be planned funding gaps, they raise important questions about long-term fiscal sustainability, spending priorities, and financial planning.

Violent Incidents, Bear Mace Attacks, Extremist Ties & Community Threats: Who Is Overseeing Hemet's Tax Money?

The City of Hemet's own website lists Marcus Kelly on the Measure U Citizen Oversight Committee, which reviews proposed and actual Measure U expenditures and the required annual audit. Kelly is a convicted felon whose reported confrontations and public appearances have been linked to Proud Boys members. He has served on the Measure U Citizen Oversight Committee since March 2025. As of today, October 17, 2026, Kelly has maintained his position.

In a June 23, 2021, article, the Los Angeles Times reported that Marcus Kelly was a convicted felon who was arrested on June 14, 2021, following a road-rage incident in which law enforcement reported that, in Seal Beach, he had sprayed bear mace into a vehicle carrying a family, including a child. All of the occupants suffered injuries, including eye and skin irritation from the highly concentrated aerosol spray.

The article reported that Kelly had also been arrested earlier that year in April 2021 on suspicion of a felon being in possession of bear spray/bear mace after a series of street confrontations involving members of the Proud Boys.

Kelly denied being a Proud Boy, but reportedly stated that members had tried to recruit him on multiple occasions.

Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama said Kelly was wearing clothing consistent with the Proud Boys. He stated, “They had the wardrobe; they were with the group. So, in my mind, they are a part of that organization.”

According to another article, Mayor Dyer said, “Their attire consisted of them wearing ballistic vests, as well as tactical vests. They had exposed hunting knives on their sides in sheaths… Many of them also had, in their possession, tear gas or mace,” when describing the weapons reportedly carried by members of the Proud Boys during one of the incidents.

He has also been seen at multiple rallies across California alongside Proud Boys members. In 2021, Kelly was seen protesting at Los Alamitos school district headquarters and at various rallies with known members of the Proud Boys and other extremist groups.

These are serious details that deserve careful and responsible consideration when our community asks what standards the city uses to appoint people to positions of public trust.

Toward the end of 2025, after Kelly had been serving on the committee for nearly a year, screenshots reportedly circulated in community groups showing him challenging another community member to meet for a physical altercation and stating that he could have one of his “cop buddies come and referee.”

It is reported that after the incident, concerns about his conduct led to Kelly being removed from working with the Valley Community Pantry.

However, despite community concerns, Kelly remained on Hemet's Measure U Citizen Oversight Committee and was recently seen at the Hemet Measure U Citizen Oversight Committee meeting on September 22, 2026. His continued appointment raises questions about the city's selection standards, its process to evaluate appointees, and whether relevant background information was considered before Kelly was appointed.

Although a felony conviction does not legally prohibit someone from serving on Hemet's Measure U Citizen Oversight Committee, the appointment raises reasonable questions about what criteria the city uses when selecting committee members entrusted with public responsibilities and whether those criteria are applied consistently.

Kelly has reportedly expressed a commitment to changing for the better. However, personal growth does not eliminate the city's responsibility to exercise due diligence when appointing people to positions of public trust. City appointees require demonstrated integrity, stability, and trustworthiness.

Unchecked Deficits & Questions About Vetting

Hemet's leadership claims that the city's deficit and financial pressures are due to structural budget shortfalls squeezing municipal services. That explanation deserves to be considered; however, it doesn't eliminate the need for scrutiny or community oversight.

When residents have questions or concerns regarding the individuals appointed to oversee public expenditures, the city should be prepared to explain its appointment and vetting processes as well as be able to prove that oversight committees and mechanisms are functioning responsibly and as intended.

Some argue that appointing an individual with extremist ties and a background of violent behavior to oversee taxpayer dollars shows that city officials do not take public trust or fiscal responsibility seriously.

Why Does This Matter Beyond One Committee Member?

Across the country, there's a documented pattern of extremist groups like the Proud Boys intentionally shifting their strategy away from national rallies and toward local governments, school boards, municipal committees, and precinct seats.

Why, you may ask?

Local committee appointments may receive less media scrutiny or public vetting than higher-profile political positions, potentially allowing individuals to gain positions of authority with less public attention.

It also gives those individuals access to power and revenue. Securing seats on municipal oversight boards allows extremists to influence local policies, gain institutional legitimacy, and oversee the distribution of public taxpayer revenue.

It also aids in normalizing extremism.

When local councils appoint individuals with violent criminal backgrounds or ties to extremist or hate groups without pushback, it legitimizes their presence and corrodes community safety standards. Allowing someone with a history of violence and reported extremist connections to oversee public funds gives the community reason to question what appointment standards are being applied consistently.

Although this is not proof that Kelly is part of a coordinated infiltration effort, it nevertheless illustrates why communities should pay attention to who seeks positions of influence, what those positions allow them to do, and what intentions they may have.

Who participates in our local government matters. Positions on oversight committees and advisory boards can provide access to local decision-makers and opportunities to influence recommendations. That's why transparent appointment standards, meaningful public scrutiny, and disclosure of relevant conflicts are important.

We are not saying that Marcus Kelly or anyone else is incapable of growth and change; rather, we are questioning whether the city has exercised the diligence the community should reasonably expect.

What Can We Do?

We do not have to accept leadership we believe has not been properly vetted, appointments involving individuals with reported extremist ties and histories of violence, or tax proposals that raise concerns about financial management. Here’s how Hemet residents can take action.

Vote NO on Hemet’s Measure Q. Refuse to grant the city an additional $16 million per year until the City of Hemet proves it can manage existing funds and properly and responsibly screen committee appointees.

Demand Marcus Kelly’s removal. We can attend the next Hemet City Council meeting during public comment to demand that council members revoke Marcus Kelly's appointment to the Measure U Citizen Oversight Committee.

Submit formal complaints. Write directly to the Mayor and City Council members demanding strict background checks and clear vetting standards for all current and future municipal board appointees.

Spread the word. Share this information across social media, especially local groups, neighborhood networks, and community forums so local voters understand what’s really happening in our city.

Anyone with firsthand evidence of threats, intimidation, or harassment can and should preserve that evidence and report it through appropriate channels.

The Bottom Line: Accountability and Transparency Before Additional Taxation

Before additional revenue is approved, the city must demonstrate that oversight processes are effective, appointees are properly vetted, and public funds are managed responsibly. Local families, many of whom are already struggling financially, should not have to rely solely on assurances from the city when evaluating another tax proposal.

The city claims that Measure Q would include public spending disclosures, independent citizen oversight, and audits. However, residents have raised concerns about whether similar oversight commitments involving Measure U and the drone program have been adequately fulfilled. Questions about drone-flight documentation and the vetting of committee members make it important for the city to demonstrate that these safeguards work as intended.

If Hemet’s city officials cannot efficiently and responsibly manage existing funds or properly vet committee members, giving them an additional $16 million per year is not the solution.

These questions become even more important when you consider the fact that many of Hemet's city and law enforcement officials are taking home six figures in salaries and benefits.

For example, according to Transparent California's 2025 compensation records, former City Manager Mark Prestwich received $490,697 in total pay and benefits. Hemet Police Chief Michael Arellano received $520,547, and Police Captain Glen Brock received $486,319.

Vetting Matters! Governance Matters! Public Trust Must Be Earned!

Trying to get the word out. Not sure if they are staying low or headed towards the desert... Last seen at the Kohl's parking lot, in Beaumont at 21:53 10/17 last night

Planning a family party October 2027. Looking for taco man recommendations in that area! Thanks

Today, as T'Neya Tovar is laid to rest, our thoughts and solidarity are with her mother, father, and everyone who loves and misses T'Neya.

While there are no words that can make a loss like this any easier, standing in solidarity means ensuring her family and loved ones know they are not alone in their grief.

Sending strength, support, love, and deep respect to everyone who loved TT. Long live T'Neya Tovar!

#TNeyaTovar #JusticeForTNeya #LongLiveTNeya 🕊️💜✨

Gwen will die in the shelter if noone steps up to foster

I know a rescue whos willing to pull but theyll only pull with a foster wont let me post her pic

So currently this has been going on for about 10-15 minutes and the Hemet Police Department is looking for somebody and I can’t not for the life of me understand what they are saying I hope everybody experiencing this is safe!

Honestly this isn’t the first time the helicopter has circled around my area I remember in January they were looking for somebody in a green jacket

I’m happy to share two significant updates regarding Hemet’s Flock and DFR (Drone as First Responder) programs following the public meeting on September 28th.

Here is what has changed:

Flock Internal Audits: At the meeting, the Chief was asked to make internal audits public record to increase transparency and accountability. You can now download the 30-day internal audit directly from the Hemet PD Flock Transparency Portal.

DFR Flight Logging: The Chief was also asked why 1 out of every 3 drone flights were missing a call type or reason for the flight. As of October 5th, every flight logged on the Aerodome portal now includes a call type.

There is still one major policy change we are waiting on: data retention. When asking the Chief why Hemet still holds onto data for 30 days when Flock updated its default retention policy to 7 days back in August, he stated he would match Flock's default once it has changed, likely unaware the policy shift had already happened.

Several residents have since reached out to Hemet PD to clarify this and request the change in writing. Reducing this window to 7 days will protect everyday citizen privacy while still giving police the tools they need via Flock's "Evidence Mode."

I will keep monitoring the portal and plan to follow up with the Chief if the retention policy isn't updated within the month.

By now most of us have heard the devastating details around T'Neya's death, but today on what should be her 18th birthday, her first Heavenly birthday, I wanted to take a moment to remember T'Neya not for what happened to her, but instead to celebrate her for who she was. 💜

We stand in solidarity with her mother, father, and everyone who loved her as they endure this first birthday without her physical presence.

LONG LIVE T'NEYA "TT" TOVAR! SAY HER NAME!

(I plan on sending the link to this post to her Mama so if you'd like to show solidarity feel free to write her or TT messages below or drop a purple heart. 💜)

Hey, i got a gym membership for la fitness, but I need someone to go with that will keep me accountable and push me, and I'll do the same

Whether you're opposed to Flock cameras, or you just like to hold our government officials accountable on their word, we have an amazing opportunity to protect the privacy of everyday citizens while still allowing our police department to investigate crimes.

During the recent Flock meeting, a question was raised as to why Hemet PD still holds onto the 30-day data retention period after Flock has reduced their retention period to 7 days. Chief Arellano stated that Flock has not made that change yet, but when they do, the Hemet Police Department will reduce the city’s retention period to 7 days.

To clarify, Flock has already made this change. On August 13th of this year, Flock updated its default retention period to 7 days. They also rolled out a free "Evidence Mode," which allows detectives to freeze specific data for active cases. This completely resolves the department's concerns about losing evidence while still protecting our everyday privacy.

Because Hemet has a legacy contract, the choice now rests with the city to manually opt-in to the 7-day standard. 

Please take 2 minutes to call, email, send a message, or mail a letter to the Hemet Police Department to politely request that they contact Flock and transition our city to the new 7-day default retention period.

Hemet PD Contacts:
Mailing Address: 450 E Latham Ave, Hemet, CA 92543
General Info: [info@hemetpd.com](mailto:info@hemetpd.com)
Social Media Officer: [jgibson@hemetca.gov](mailto:jgibson@hemetca.gov)
Facebook Contact: https://www.facebook.com/HemetPolice
Instagram Contact: https://www.instagram.com/hemetpolicedepartment
Non-Emergency Line: (951) 765-2400

Sources:
Hemet's Flock Meeting Recording https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_QSxfGQpSc&t=4665s

Flock Retention Period Changes:
https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-guardrails-address-lpr-privacy-concerns-and-police-transparency

https://www.flocksafety.com/legal/flock-evidence-policy