Community honors hero boy for life-saving act

The Menifee City Council convened on July 17, 2024, for its regular meeting, which featured a series of significant presentations and recognitions. Mayor Zimmerman opened the session by thanking attendees and confirming no reportable actions from the closed session.

The meeting began with a prayer led by Pastor Bob Warning, emphasizing unity and community welfare. Following the invocation, the council recognized Sam Hanley as the Citizen of the Month for his impactful work at the Menifee Boys and Girls Club. Mayor Zimmerman praised Hanley for his dedication to youth development, highlighting his role in teaching responsibility and teamwork to children. Council members expressed their gratitude, acknowledging Hanley's 40 years of service and his commitment to fostering a positive environment for local youth.

In another highlight, six-year-old Tanner O'Dell was honored as a \"hometown hero\" for rescuing his two-year-old brother from drowning in their family pool. Council member Sobeck shared the harrowing details of the incident, commending Tanner's bravery and quick action. The council presented Tanner with a certificate recognizing his heroic act, reinforcing the importance of water safety in the community.

The council also celebrated July as \"Parks Make Life Better Month,\" with community services manager Mariana Mitchell leading a proclamation recognizing the contributions of the parks commission and staff. The council acknowledged the vital role parks play in enhancing community life and promoting family engagement.

The meeting concluded with updates on community services, including upcoming events such as a movie night in the park and a Shakespeare play, as well as ongoing programs aimed at fostering community involvement and safety.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city council's commitment to recognizing community contributions and promoting youth engagement and safety initiatives in Menifee.