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Fire captain announces 1% sales-tax citizen initiative for public safety; local nonprofit shares stem-cell assistance stories
Summary
A Canyon Lake fire captain announced a citizen-led 1% sales-tax measure to create a dedicated public safety fund; separately, a local nonprofit described funding families to access stem-cell treatments abroad for children with autism and requested volunteers and donations.
Two community items drew attention during public comment at the May 20, 2026 council meeting.
Tim Omero, a Canyon Lake fire captain and vice president of the Canyon Lake Firefighters Association, announced a citizen initiative seeking a 1% sales tax dedicated to public safety (fire, law and EMS). Omero said the measure could raise roughly $1 million annually and estimated the per‑resident cost at about $90 per year based on the city’s population of approximately 11,000. He said the association will collect signatures and distribute informational materials to place the measure on the upcoming ballot.
In a separate nonprofit spotlight, Mike and Robin Zing of Options for Autism described a foundation that helps families pay for stem‑cell treatments in Panama. They said the typical program cost is about $18,000 and that the foundation has helped 12 children so far. Presenters shared anecdotal improvements in individual cases—"day three of the stem cell injections, Tyler said to me, ‘I love you too, Grandma,’" a presenter said—but also cautioned that outcomes vary and urged families to vet providers carefully.
Both speakers asked the community for support: Omero to sign petitions and the Zings for donations and volunteers to expand sponsorships for families seeking treatment.
Provenance: Public-comment segments show both the citizen initiative announcement and the Options for Autism presentation and requests for volunteers and funding.
