Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1546239
10 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2026 By Karen Range, Resident The Hemet-Ryan Airport did not start out as a public-use airport. It began operations as a military facility and played a significant role during World War II. The airfield served as a primary pilot training facility for the U.S. Army Air Corps and trained approximately 14,000 military cadets. The facility was called Ryan Field then, named after aviation pioneer, Claude T. Ryan. Mr. Ryan has an interesting story as a pilot and entrepreneur (perhaps there could be a future article for e View?). He was a pilot. He trained with the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1919 at Marsh Field, California. He constructed airplanes and designed the plane from which Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis was built. He formed Ryan Airlines and flew passengers between San Diego and Los Angeles in the 1920s. Back to the airport… When the war ended, there was a diminished need for military pilots. The U.S. Army Air Corps inactivated the airfield in December 1944. The name change to Hemet-Ryan Airport occurred in the 1940s after the field transitioned into a public-use general aviation airport owned and operated by Riverside County. In the latter half of the 20th century, the airport became a premier destination for glider operations and sailplane training. A company called Sailplane Enterprises operated a commercial glider flight school at the airport. The facility was known as a major glider base and hosted numerous soaring events. Today, approximately 150 aircraft are housed at the airport, the majority of which are single-engine, piston-powered airplanes. This type of airplane can typically seat between two to six people in a cabin which is about the size of a small car. In addition to serving as a general aviation facility, Hemet- Ryan Airport is a critical wildfire defense asset and a multi- agency emergency operations base. It is one of California's most important wildfire response hubs. It is a permanent CAL FIRE air attack base which protects over 17,000 square miles of public and private land across Southern California. The fleet housed there includes air tankers and Black Hawk helicopters. Civil and Emergency Services also operate from the airport. The airport is home to the Riverside County Sheriff 's Office aviation unit for law enforcement and search and rescue, the Mercy Air ambulance for medical evacuations, and Civil Air Patrol training and operations. And just in case the talk of aircraft and flying has piqued your interest, I'll let you know about one more thing our airport offers. Yes, there is also a flight school that operates at the Hemet-Ryan Airport. Hemet-Ryan Airport By Clare Mendez, Resident From friendly card tables to spirited athletic contests, the Oldlympics invite seniors to compete, connect, and celebrate community. It's time once again to sign up for the Valley-Wide Recreation and Parks Oldlympics, a much-loved tradition that brings friendly competition, community spirit, and plenty of fun to seniors across the region. Now celebrating its 41st annual competition, Oldlympics 2026 offers 20 events and is open to all seniors aged 50 and older — not just Solera Diamond Valley residents. That means participants can expect to meet new competitors, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy the excitement of a community-wide event. This year's lineup offers something for nearly every interest and ability. Competitors may choose from Bench Press, Billiards, Bingo, Bowling, Chair Volleyball, Cribbage, Golf, Hand and Foot, Horseshoes, Pickleball, Pinochle, Scrabble, Shuffleboard, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Texas Hold'em, Tournament Blackjack, Track and Field, and the always-entertaining "Fun- Tathlon." While some events highlight athletic skill, others celebrate strategy, focus, and good old-fashioned fun. Athletic competitions are divided by age group to keep the games fair and enjoyable for everyone. Participants will also receive a free T-shirt, courtesy of local sponsors, and medal winners will be honored at an awards banquet where gold, silver, and bronze medals will be presented. Pre-registration is required for the banquet, so anyone planning to attend should be sure to sign up in advance. Many Solera residents already know the Oldlympics well and take part in one or more events each year, so ask around — you may find a teammate, a practice partner, or someone happy to share tips. And if competing is not for you, spectators are warmly welcome. Check the schedule and locations, then come out to cheer on friends and neighbors. For more information, call Valley- Wide Recreation and Parks District at (951) 927-6673 or stop by 901 W. Esplanade Ave., San Jacinto. Oldlympics 2026: Let the Games Begin