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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | AUGUST 2021 7 By Vicki Moran, Resident The skies above SDV are a snapshot of what goes on at nearby Hemet-Ryan Airport. Here is an overview of what's happening there now and what's not going to happen there in the near future. Sailplanes, or gliders, have flown out of Hemet-Ryan since 1959. Cypress Soaring Glider Club operates at Hemet-Ryan today. For many years, Riverside County and the city of Hemet sponsored a biennial airshow. The bad news is that there are currently no plans to continue the airshow as it was a money loser and the funds are needed to upgrade the World War II-era buildings and infrastructure instead. The good news is that late morning on many Saturdays, SDV residents are treated to an aerobatic show staged by a professional company, Dawn Patrol Formation Flying Team. The six planes practice their stunts over the airport late morning before landing for lunch. Fans gather in the parking lot west of Hanger One Café to cheer the pilots after landing. Dawn Patrol is based at Chino Airport and perform at Airshows, Missing Man Flights, and Parade Flyovers throughout Southern California. According to one of the pilots, Dan Hall (call sign "Sunblock"), they carefully plan their maneuvers in advance and in the air they communicate with each other mostly through hand signals but also by radio. See more about the team, videos, and pictures at their website www.dawnpatrolairshows.com. Ryan Air Attack/Helitack Base is one of 19 tanker bases located throughout California and is located at Hemet-Ryan Airport. Opened in 1957, private and vintage aircraft from World War II were initially used for firefighting but were replaced with more modern aircraft and helicopters. Some of these vintage aircraft are on display at the Cal Fire facility. Cal Fire recently brought a new S-70i FIREHAWK to the Attack Base to replace their aging UH 1H Super Huey. The multi- mission helicopter can carry 1,000 gallons of water and will also be available for search and rescue. The Hemet-Ryan Airport is also home to Riverside County Sheriff 's Department aviation unit, and an emergency medical helicopter service, Mercy Air. A favorite Hemet restaurant is located at Hemet-Ryan. Bambi's Hanger One Café is open for breakfast and lunch — be sure to check out its display of World War II flying memorabilia. It's a great place to watch the planes land and pilots and passengers deplane for a quick meal before flying off again. A 2007 plan for the airport included extensions to the runways that would have rerouted Stetson and Warren roads. This grand plan also included a 22-room barracks, new buildings/storage, and additional parking lots. According to Riverside County Aviation, that plan is no longer a consideration and was never approved by the FAA. There are no current plans for commercial aircraft to operate out of Hemet-Ryan. It appears that SDV can assume that no big changes are coming soon to our quaint World War II-era neighbor, and it will remain business-as-usual. What's Happening - Hemet Ryan Airport By Dick Roppé, Resident Since the pandemic hit, the Hemet Police Department Volunteer Program has had to put its Volunteer Academy on hold. As things are gradually returning to "normal," residents Lynn Roppe, Dori Theel, Judy Triba, Millie Varia and Judy Cherpin are excited to get back serving as volunteers. The HPD is currently looking for new volunteers to apply for the upcoming September Academy. Volunteers are required to work 16 hours a month (four hours a week) in their assignments. Some assignment areas include: Alzheimer registration, crime scene call outs, fingerprinting (Livescan), parking enforcement, traffic control, vacation property checks, child/adult care and special events (such as parades and the Ramona Pageant.) To qualify as a volunteer, there is an interview process prior to the six-week Academy (one class per week), along with fingerprinting and a background check. Upon graduation, every effort will be made to place volunteers in their area of interest. If you would like to join this fun and mighty team, please submit a completed application and turn it in by August 10 at the main station. Applications are available for download on the City of Hemet website - under the Police Department's page. The download shows as a PDF file. However when it's downloaded you'll find it as a .docx file. You can also pick one up at either the Main Station, at 450 E Latham (next to the library) or the Hemet Valley Mall substation. You can also contact Lynn Roppé and she'll see that you get one. Please consider donating some of your time and talent to a very rewarding program. Oh, I almost forgot. You also get to wear a cool- looking uniform! *Cop talk for: All Points Bulletin & Be On the LookOut APB-BOLO*… Volunteers Needed

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