Volume 127 | July 8-12, 2019
Sister City Visit Strengthens Bonds
The first visit to Moreno Valley by a delegation from our sister city, San Juan de los Lagos , included a good old-fashioned 4 th of July celebration and informative tours of our City. 

San Juan de los Lagos is a city of about 65,000 in the Mexican state of Jalisco that dates back to Spanish colonial times. It’s famous for a small image of the Virgin Mary housed in the beautiful Basilica of San Juan de los Lagos, built in 1732.  The shrine attracts as many as nine-million visitors each year. 

Led by Mayor Jesús Ubaldo Medina Briseño , our friends received a warm welcome at a special luncheon from Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, Mayor of Moreno Valley, Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Baca, City Council members and senior City administrators. Here, Mayor Gutierrez presents his counterpart with a key to our City.
More Big Quakes Coming? Be a CERT Hero!
The massive 7.1 shaker on July 5 was the biggest in Southern California in 20 years, and geologists can’t say if it was an aftershock of the 6.4 the day before or the foreshock of an even bigger quake that’s coming. Either way, it’s best to prepare your household to survive for up to seven days in case a big earthquake causes severe damage citywide. (And remember to prepare for your pets, too!) 

A great way to prepare is to enroll in MoVal’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. This free course, offered by the City’s Office of Emergency Management, will teach you how to take care of yourself and your neighbors in time of need. Be a hero!  Go here to sign up for CERT classes in English and Spanish.
MoVal Rocks!/MoVal Movies Series
Starts Tonight, July 12
This summer’s edition of MoVal Rocks!/MoVal Movies at the Conference & Recreation Center kicks off tonight (Friday, July 12) with a bluesy concert by Motown band Stone Soul and a showing of the fun Pixar film, Incredibles 2 . This FREE family-friendly event will continue each Friday night through August 9.  Concerts start at 6:45 and movies at 8:30 .

Here’s the rest of this summer’s line-up:

  • July 19: Groove Kitty (Classic Pop/Rock) and The Hidden World
  • July 26: Wild Fire (Dance) and Food Truck Fest and Avengers: Infinity War
  • August 2: Hollywood Blonde (Classic Rock) and Ralph Breaks the Internet
  • August 9: Special ArtFest begins at 6 p.m., then Nueva Era (Latin/Top 40) and The Lego Movie 2 - The Second Part

You can learn about all the many recreation opportunities the City provides under Parks & Community Services on the City website .
Picture of the Week: Why Our Buildings Don't
Collapse in Earthquakes  
Even during severe earthquakes like our recent 7.1, Southern California is usually spared the kinds of tragic building collapses seen so often around the world. Why? It's thanks to modern building codes that require most structures to be able to stand a certain amount and intensity of shaking.

And it's also thanks to people like Reggie Plowman , seen here. Reggie is a Moreno Valley Building & Safety Inspector who makes sure those building codes are followed. His job, ultimately, is to keep people and property safe.

In case you ever find yourself wondering, "What has my City government ever done for me?", well, here's just one very good answer.
Stayin' Alive: CPR Training at FunFest
Anyone can be a life-saver. That was the message from Moreno Valley Fire Explorers who provided basic CPR training at the 4 th of July FunFest.  Since almost none of us have ever had to try to keep someone’s blood circulating in a real emergency, having the chance to practice on dummies was especially valuable. 

CPR today is focused mostly on chest compressions.  And here’s an easy way to remember the proper pace of compressions: It’s done at the same rhythm as the Bee Gees hit song, “ Stayin’ Alive ." Really!
Pet of the Week Video: Tuxedo-Dog Russell
Each week the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter highlights a pet available for adoption in the hopes of finding them a "forever home."

Meet Russell (#A497716) . He's a black-and-white Parson Russell Terrier mix. The Russell Terrier part of him dates back to the 1700s, but little Russell doesn't. He's only one-year old! And like every baby, he's a real cutie. Will your home be his, too? He's waiting for you now...

Please visit the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter located at 14041 Elsworth St. to inquire about adopting sweet little Russell or other cats and dogs searching for life companions. Animal Services is also online, and can be reached at 951-413-3790 .