And, the ribbon is cut! From left, Jeffrey Van Wagenen, EDA managing director; Eric Werner, TV Municipal Advisory Council chairman; Sandy Isom; Deni Horne, representing Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez, and Supervisor Kevin Jeffries. Photo by Rob Mucha.

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held Feb. 5 for the long-planned and even longer-anticipated I-15 freeway monument, alerting motorists driving south that they’ve crossed the northern boundary of Temescal Valley.

Sandy Isom, a long-time Temescal Valley resident.

About 40 people attended the event with ceremonies being handled by the county’s Economic Development Agency, which contracted for and had the monument built based on a concept in the county’s 2007 Temescal Valley Design Guidelines.

The work to begin the planning process for the monuments began years ago under the leadership of then-Supervisor Bob Buster and Sandy Isom, his local legislative assistant. The drive to make the monuments a reality was continued by Supervisor Kevin Jeffries, who was elected in 2012, and his legislative assistant Kristen Huyck.

Jeffrey Van Wagenen, EDA managing director, welcomed attendees to the event and introduced dignitaries. He was followed by Eric Werner, Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council chairman, whose remarks included a thank you to Isom for working with the MAC on the monuments for so many years. Isom, a long-time Temescal Valley resident, was honored with a proclamation from Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez that was presented by Deni Horne, Melendez’s field representative. 

Candy and Manny Sousa, the Weirick Road community residents who gave permission to the county to place the monument on their property.

Also recognized were Manny and Candy Sousa, who live in the Weirick Road community and gave permission to the county to place the monument on their property.

Vincent Coffeen, EDA assistant director of facilities management, said work has begun on the northbound I-15 monument at Indian Truck Trail on property donated by Speedway Development. 

Learn how the monuments are funded  HERE

After opening remarks and introductions, the group of 35 to 40 folks attending head up the hill to the monument to cut the ribbon. Photo by Rob Mucha.

Jeffrey Van Wagenen, Riverside County EDA managing director. Photo by Rob Mucha.

Eric Werner, Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council chairman. Photo by Rob Mucha.