Home Care In Lake Elsinore, CA

"Firefighters continue to work diligently to strengthen containment lines," fire officials said.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — All evacuation warnings were lifted Tuesday near the 755-acre Juniper Fire burn area in Mead Valley, as containment of the blaze reached 60%.

The Juniper Fire was reported at 11:20 a.m. Monday south of Ann Way and Juniper Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said numerous engine and hand crews from the county, U.S. Bureau of Land Management and other agencies were sent to the location, encountering flames moving at a moderate rate in light brush to the southeast. Crews managed to stop the fire's forward progress and begin establishing containment lines.

The fire was listed as 30% contained as of Tuesday morning, but by early afternoon that figure jumped to 60%.

"Firefighters continue to work diligently to strengthen containment lines," fire officials said.

There were 165 people battling the fire, including six hand crews, 15 engines, four water tenders and two bulldozers.

Mandatory evacuations were declared north of Rocky Hills Road, south of Orange Avenue, west of Forrest Road and east of El Nido Road before they were lifted later Monday.

Evacuation warnings were posted for surrounding locations south of Idaleona Road and north of Santa Rosa Mine Road. A care and reception center was established at Citrus Hill High School, 18150 Wood Road in Perris. All those warnings were lifted Tuesday afternoon.

Two outbuildings were reportedly consumed by the flames, but no houses. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and was taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley for treatment.

Shortly after 2 p.m. Monday, the fire split in two, with both heads pushing to the southeast, crossing into Good Hope, amid winds blowing 10 to 15 mph, gusting to 20 mph, according to officials.

However, by 4 p.m., the entire blaze's forward rate of spread had been stopped.

All five Cal Fire air tankers departed the area by 4:30 p.m. Two water- dropping helicopters remained overhead, making targeted drops, mostly on minor spot fires that were cropping up outside the primary blaze.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

—City News Service

Thousands are expected to attend the family-friendly event through the long weekend.

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The Riverside County Carnival will bring gourmet food, rides, games, live wrestling, music and more activities for the whole family this Memorial Day weekend.

The carnival opens Friday afternoon in Lake Elsinore and will run through June 1. Tickets are $10 per day if purchased ahead of time and $15 at the box office.

Organizers are calling the 2025 carnival "the most memorable yet."

Friday night will kick off the seven-day festival with "Swift Night", headlined by The New Romantics, a high-energy Taylor Swift tribute band. The first 1,000 guests will receive free friendship bracelets, so we encourage you to bring your best friends.

Saturday night will celebrate hits from the 80s, 90s and today with headlining band 90s Nation. The first 1,000 guests to this event will get their own Tamagotchi pet.

"So you can relive the digital pet craze while dancing to the soundtrack of your youth," organizers said. "It’s a multigenerational party where retro meets right now — don’t miss it!"

Sunday night is college night, which will honor students and alumni. Monday will celebrate the holiday with Patriotic Night, featuring a flyover and The Springsteen Experience.

To see the themes for the rest of the days, check the carnival's schedule here.

"This event was created by the community, for the community," founder Alex Kowalkoski said. "We're proud to offer something fun and affordable, especially in an economic climate where family outings are becoming more difficult."

Kowalkoski said that an estimated 15,000 people visited the carnival last year.

The carnival will run May 23-26 and May 30-June 1 at the Lake Elsinore Outlets Mall, 17600 Collier Ave., just off of Interstate 15. Access on Fridays will be available beginning at 4 p.m., while on the other days, the gates will open at 1 p.m., closing between 10 and 11 p.m.

City News Service contributed to this report.

As crowds flock to lakes and rivers, they also face the hidden shock while swimming in some of California's most popular destinations.

Ashley Ludwig, Patch Staff

|Updated Fri, May 23, 2025 at 6:48 pm PT

BIG BEAR, CA — As Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer, officials at last located the body of a missing 20-year-old swimmer in Lake Perris, a Bay Area family is mourning the drowning death of their 18-year-old son in Lake Havasu, and the family of a 22-year-old UC Santa Barbara student is mourning his drowning death in Big Bear Lake.

The tragedies underscore the little-understood truth lurking beneath the surface: California's lakes can be deadly for even the healthiest of people and strongest of swimmers. Some of the Golden State's deadliest lakes simply draw larger crowds, more boats, more alcohol and more accidents. Others, however, are, by nature, cold killers.

Many of California's most popular lakes are also the coldest, fed by rivers and creeks from the melting snowpack. On a warm day, many swimmers often aren't prepared for the cold shock when they jump from the back of a pontoon into the likes of Big Bear Lake, Lake Tahoe, or Lake Piru.

Many California lakes have average temperatures below 70 degrees. That's cold enough to trigger cold water shock, which can literally take your breath away. Humans have a cold water gasp reflex, an involuntary gasp triggered when someone is suddenly immersed in cold water. Many cold lake drowning victims die within a minute of jumping into the water because the gasp underwater causes them to aspirate. The reflexive gasping and hyperventilating can last for several minutes.

“Roughly 20 percent of cold water shock victims die in the first minute, due to a 'gasp reflex,' when a sharp intake of breath introduces water into the lungs," A NOAA spokesperson said.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

This "uncontrolled rapid breathing" can quickly create a drowning emergency if you inhale water and cannot stay afloat, according to NOAA. “Wearing a life jacket significantly increases the chances of being located and saved."

When a person's core temperature suddenly drops they can lose feeling within their extremities in just 10 minutes. They may experience cramps and loss of muscle control.

Big Bear resident Kerensa Krininger knows what that can feel like.

A longtime Big Bear resident, Krininger remembers a moment when she became immersed in the icy cold lake water, unable to breathe, and the sudden fear of potentially drowning that followed.

“Three of us girls jumped into the water off a boat, and the water was freezing cold,” she said. “Immediately, I got a charley horse in my chest and my legs and couldn’t move anything but my arms to stay afloat, let alone scream for help. It was a very eye-opening experience for me.”

“I don’t care how old you are, how experienced a swimmer you are, you always wear a life jacket in that lake,” Krininger added. “We have drownings every single year because somebody either gets tired, gets stuck in the weeds and can’t move, or hits a cold spot of water and their muscles cramp.”

Last year, she was paddle boarding on Big Bear Lake with her young daughter when the pair helped save two teen boys in danger of drowning.

“You would never know, because they were swimming out farther, and looked okay,” Kerensa Krininger, a Big Bear resident, told Patch. “It looked to me like they turned around and waved at their mother, letting her know they were alright.”

Read also: 12 Dreamy CA Lakes To Fish, Swim, Boat, And Float In This Summer

Instead, they were slipping below the surface.

"These boys were just exhausted and the current was working against them," she told Patch.

Photo Credit: Kerensa Krininger, after the paddleboard incident in 2024.

“Everyone was screaming at him to float on his back, hold his breath, but he was obviously panicking and struggling, or never learned how to float,” she said. A second paddleboarder arrived seconds before she did. “He grabbed the kid before he completely went under. My mom instincts kicked in, and I told the kids never to swim in that lake without a life jacket.”

According to a report by the California State Park Boating and Waterway's, some of the Golden State's deadliest waterways — Lake Tahoe, Lake Shasta, Lake Berryessa, Millerton Lake — can draw large crowds while remaining quite cold.

On a May afternoon in 2020, two simmers went into the water in Big Bear Lake. Within minutes both were pulled out of the water and hospitalized. One suffered hypothermia and recovered. The other, a man in his 20s, died despite CPR and other life-saving efforts.

A spokesperson for Big Bear Lake writes that the lake water, fed by rain and snowmelt and only recently free from snow flurries and freezing temperatures, “is colder than you realize. Rarely does the lake rise above 70 degrees," they say, "and constant cold water reduces body heat up to 25 times faster than cold air.”

Life jackets are not only advised when boating or lake swimming; they are a state requirement for those under 13 and on moving vessels of a certain length. Due to the risk of cold water at Big Bear Lake, they are also recommended for all swimmers.

Still, aside from the dangers, lake swimming offers beauty and peace. According to Lake.com, along with the tranquility, swimming in lakes requires an understanding and respect of swimming in nature.

“There’s a lot to consider before jumping in,” David Ciccarcelli writes. “It is important to consider factors such as water quality, the presence of underwater obstacles, and weather conditions. Make sure to swim only in designated swimming areas and obey posted signs and warnings. Swim in lakes that have clearly marked swim zones, like a public beach.” There are state-regulated rules on how far you can swim offshore, and those are best followed, he advises.

Wherever swimming in a lake, beach or pool, water watchers and following swimming safety guidelines are necessary, especially during the summer months.

Riverside University Health System’s Public Health spokesperson, Erin Monroe, spoke with Patch about the sheer number of drowning victims in her county, alone. Even someone who survives a drowning is considered to have drowned, she said.

“There are about 100 of these non-fatal drowning reports a year. Many near-fatal events go unreported,” she told Patch.”The numbers don’t tell the whole story, the near misses where 911 is not called.”

In 2024, Riverside County experienced 30 fatal drownings, only three of which were children, according to a recent report shared by Riverside University Health System’. Multiple fatal drownings occurred in Lake Perris, including a June incident when a 51-year-old man who "jumped off a boat into open waters on the west end of the lake and never resurfaced." His body was recovered 92 days later.

He is one of many, according to Monroe.

“From 2018 to 2022, there were an average of 44 total fatal drownings a year, and 72.3 percent were male victims,” the report reads. Statistics show that nearly 20 percent of Riverside County’s 220 fatal drownings studied occurred in a natural body of water. Moreover, the vast majority of non-fatal and fatal drownings during that timeframe, 56.6 percent, were males over 5 years old.

According to Riverside University Health System, between 2018 and 2022, most drownings occured from May through August. Monroe said that trend is holding true so far in 2025.

Although drowning can occur at any age, Riverside County had higher death rates in the younger and older age spectrum, suggesting the need for increased awareness and prevention services for these two populations. There were an average of 20 deaths a year from these two age groups combined, according to the report.

“When swimmers go to a pool, lake, or other body of water, one person in the group should be designated to watch the water," according to Monroe.

A designated water watcher, especially at a lake or backyard pool without lifeguards, is essential to maintaining swimmers' safety. She suggested a few responsible adults take the job and take turns with the task. Notify swimmers who are watching, and don’t take your eyes off the swimmers until your “shift” is done.

Wearable Water Watcher Tags are downloadable, courtesy of the American Red Cross.

“No phones, no magazines or chatting while water-watching,” Monroe suggested. “Aside from that, absolutely no one should ever swim alone. Even for older adult swimmers, who may suffer a medical emergency.”

Monroe suggests that the ABCs of water safety apply no matter where you and your family go to swim this Memorial Day holiday weekend.

A - Active adult supervision.B - Barriers should be in place, creating a safety net between pools and the very young, or older people with dementia. C - Classes. Take CPR, first aid, and swim lessons. Make sure adults learn how to swim, as well.

Monroe stated that one of the most important things you can do for yourself or your family is to make sure everyone knows how to swim, no matter your age.

She added, “You’re never too old to learn how to swim."

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Annex Brands, Inc. Supports Local Entrepreneurs in Sustaining Essential Shipping and Office Services

SAN DIEGO, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Annex Brands, Inc., a leading franchisor in the packing, shipping, and office services industries, is pleased to announce the successful transfer of ownership of an existing PostalAnnex location in Lake Elsinore, CA to her long-time friend, and now new owner, Quinn Qi. This transition to new ownership ensures that the community will continue to benefit from the essential shipping and office services.

Located at 29991 Canyon Hills Rd. Ste. 1709 in Lake Elsinore, CA, this PostalAnnex remains committed to offering a comprehensive array of services, including shipping options with UPS, FedEx, and USPS, and DHL, expert packing services, private mailbox rentals, notary public services, and office solutions such as printing and packaging supplies.

"I purchased the location from my friend after years of learning about the business and helping her out with the store. I told her if she ever wanted to sell, I would buy it from her. Now my time for store ownership is here and I'm very excited," said Quinn, the new owner.

Annex Brands, the franchisor of PostalAnnex, has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the franchising industry.

"It's great to see the entrepreneurial spirit shared amongst friends. Quinn has observed our franchise model from the previous owner and has the knowledge to succeed," said Patrick Edd, Chief Executive Officer and President of Annex Brands. "Franchise ownership transfers like this reinforce our mission of adding lasting value to the communities we serve."

Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Annex Brands has been providing business ownership opportunities since 1985 and now licenses and franchises over 850 locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Their brands, including PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers, Parcel Plus, Sunshine Pack & Ship, Navis Pack & Ship, and Handle With Care Packaging Store, are synonymous with reliable and professional service.

For more information about the Lake Elsinore, CA PostalAnnex location, and the services offered, please visit www.postalannex.com/9005.

ABOUT COMPANY:

Annex Brands, Inc. licenses and franchises over 850 locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico under the brands PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers, Parcel Plus, Sunshine Pack & Ship, Navis Pack & Ship and Handle With Care Packaging Store. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Annex Brands has been providing business ownership opportunities since 1985. Locations offer a range of shipping options from multiple carriers such as UPS, FedEx and USPS, as well as freight shipping for large, awkward, high-value, or fragile items. Additional offerings include packaging supplies and custom packing solutions for parcels and wooden crates, as well as mailbox services and other office services such as notary public services, copy and print services, and more. For more information, visit www.annexbrands.com.

Contact: Michelle McKee

Phone: (619) 563-4800

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Annex Brands, Inc.

The Golden State is seeing a post-COVID-era rise in population. Here's how your city grew in 2024.

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Communities across the Golden State and nationwide are growing once again.

The U.S. Census Bureau's Vintage 2024 shows population gains across every corner of the U.S., with the Southern and Western reaches leading the charge.

While New York City saw the largest numeric population increase from July 2023 to July 2024, Los Angeles recorded the third-highest gain and reclaimed a spot on the list of top-growing cities for the first time since 2016. California cities, large and small, followed the national trend, according to the report.

In Lake Elsinore, the population increased from 73,179 to 73,595 in 2024, representing a 0.57 percent uptick. Meanwhile, across Riverside County, other cities saw notable shifts. Menifee’s population grew nearly 3 percent last year, Beaumont’s by 2.5 percent, and Perris saw just over 2 percent growth.

“Many population growth rates reversed or saw major changes between 2023 and 2024,” said Crystal Delbé, a statistician in the Census Bureau’s Population Division.

In total, 12 of the 15 cities with the highest numeric gains were in the South or West, reflecting broader migratory shifts and economic development in those regions.

Smaller cities in California weren’t left behind either.

Tracy, in San Joaquin County, crossed the 100,000-resident mark this year, alongside Federal Way in Washington and five Southern cities. California now has 13 cities with more than 100,000 residents.

The state also retained its title as the nation's housing heavyweight, with nearly 14.9 million housing units — more than any other state. Los Angeles County alone added 32,000 units, second only to Maricopa County, Arizona.

“Cities in the Northeast that had experienced population declines in 2023 are now experiencing significant population growth, on average," Delbé said."In fact, cities of all sizes, in all regions, showed faster growth and larger gains than in 2023, except for small cities in the South, whose average population growth rate remained the same."

Last year, California's population climbed over 39.5 million, marking a second year of growth after a few years of COVID-era declines.

In 2021, the state lost more than 117,000 people. It was the second consecutive year the population declined.

The population of California, the nation's most populous state, was likely shrinking amid an aging population of Baby Boomers and a decline in younger Californians having children, according to state demographers.

The state's population began its decline before the pandemic, but COVID-19-related deaths, federal policies restricting immigration and an increase in residents moving out of state during the pandemic contributed to the dip.

Through it all, California remained the nation's most populous state. Today, about one in nine people living in the United States reside in California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom touted the state's continued growth earlier this year.

"People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream, where rights are protected and people are respected. As the fourth largest economy in the world — from the Inland Empire to the Bay Area," he said.

Here are some national highlights from the report: