Menifee Little League Honors Valdez With Special Award

From left: Vince Valdez, Danielle Zingg (Jessie's sister), Amy Ross Frahn (Menifee Valley Little League Vice President), John Dreher (former league President).

Longtime Valley-Wide Recreation and Parks Department employee and area youth sports coach Vince Valdez was honored for his years of service during the Closing Ceremonies for Menifee Valley Little League on June 4.

Valdez is a familiar face around Wheatfield Park, where he directs recreational activities. In addition to coordinating Valley-Wide recreational projects at the park and elsewhere in the city, he has worked with MVLL for 25 years. During Closing Ceremonies, he was presented the third annual Jessie Zingg "Making a Difference" Award.

Jessie Zingg played for MVLL for many years and his mother, Shanna, was an active volunteer and league board member. Jessie died May 12, 2014 at the age of 21. He saved the lives of five people by donating his organs.

The Jessie Zingg Award was established in 2014 to honor those in the community who give to others. Valdez has been a big supporter of youth programs and has coached baseball, basketball, football and soccer. He also organizes the Soap Box Derby each year and volunteers at the Menifee Christmas Dinner.