Image Up Advertising & Design

SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | MAY 2026 9 By Mary McKernan, Resident Solera Diamond Valley residents and e View reader have all seen our wonderful free lending library in the Lodge hallway. People ask which books and DVDs are available, and how the library is managed. The inventory of your library comes from donated books and tapes from you, the residents. When you donate a book or replace a book you have currently read, simply replace it on the cart in the hallway. The library volunteers take turns re-shelving books, placing author and genre labels on newly donated items. I'm often asked what donations are acceptable, and what happens to the books that are not accepted or are duplicates. Acceptable donations are fictional and non-fictional books in the categories of memoir, biography, and history. We do not accept books that are in disrepair, yellowed, damaged, dusty and all around "yucky." We do not take in how-to books such as cookbooks or other instructional books. We do not accept personal growth, philosophical or spiritual books. Duplicate books are donated to our local library, donation center such as Angel View, or other donation center serving children and adults with disabilities. If you'd like to become a volunteer with our group, please contact me, Mary McKernan at 310-795-9443 or Vivian Bellini at 951-383-5322 for further details. Library Donations and Volunteers By Tina Pauro, Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee Could you take care of yourself — and possibly a neighbor — if an emergency happened tomorrow? While we all hope emergencies never occur, the reality is that events such as earthquakes, power outages, wildfires, and severe weather can happen with little warning. Taking a few simple steps ahead of time can make a tremendous difference in your safety, comfort, and peace of mind during an unexpected situation. The Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee (EPAC) invites all Solera Diamond Valley residents to attend our upcoming "Are You Ready?" Emergency Preparedness Event on Thursday, May 14 at 1 pm in our Mountain View Lodge. Guest Speakers will include: Riverside County Emergency Management Department (EMD) Southern California Edison Hemet Fire Department Many people are surprised to learn how simple preparedness can be. Small actions — such as assembling basic supplies, storing adequate water, and knowing how to shut off utilities — can make a major difference during an emergency. During this event, EMD staff will discuss a variety of important preparedness topics, including: • What to include in an emergency "Go Bag" • Food and drinking water storage • First aid supplies • Alternate lighting, heating, and cooling options • Emergency communication methods • Protecting important documents • Preparing medications for emergencies • Waste disposal during outages • Caring for pets during emergencies • Protecting your property • How and when to safely turn off gas and water • Generator options and safety • Refrigerator and food safety during power outages The goal of this event is to provide practical information that residents can easily apply in their own homes. Whether you are just beginning to think about emergency preparedness or already have supplies in place, you will likely learn new ideas and helpful tips. Preparedness is especially important in communities like ours. In a 55+ neighborhood, being prepared not only protects your own household, but also helps ensure that neighbors can support one another when help may not immediately be available. Something as simple as knowing who lives nearby and checking on each other during an emergency can make a significant difference. The EPAC team will also be available to answer questions and share additional preparedness resources available to Solera Diamond Valley residents. We encourage everyone in the community to attend this informative event. A little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow. Join us on Thursday, May 14 at 1 pm in the Mountain View Lodge and take an important step toward being ready. "Are You Ready?" Emergency Preparedness Event

• Cover