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About admin

My husband and I have resided in the Temescal Valley for more than 18 years. We purchased our home "brand new" and chose to live here because we could afford it and because it wasn't the city of Corona. We commuted to our Orange County jobs for 15 years. The commute wasn't all that bad because each day we returned home to our wonderful rural neighborhood. Corona never controlled its growth. Why must we suffer because the city ran out of "developable land." Shame on you Corona. Let the Temescal Valley alone.

TV resident Jack Wyatt honored

Jack Wyatt, first row second from left, is flanked by representatives from the offices of state Sen. Richard Roth, U.S. Congressman Ken Calvert and Assememblyman Eric Linder, who also honored him with proclamations. Second row, from left, Riverside County Supervisors Kevin Jeffries, John Benoit, John Tavaglione, Jeff Stone and Marion Ashley.

Jack Wyatt, first row second from left, is flanked by representatives from the offices of state Sen. Richard Roth, U.S. Congressman Ken Calvert and Assememblyman Eric Linder, who also honored him with proclamations. Second row, from left, Riverside County Supervisors Kevin Jeffries, John Benoit, John Tavaglione, Jeff Stone and Marion Ashley.

BY JANNLEE WATSON
WeAreTV.org Webmaster

“Humble” and “gracious” usually are not words associated with a corporate executive, a military leader or your next-door-neighbor. How fortunate we are in Temescal Valley that our friend Jack Wyatt is “A man for all seasons.”

About 60 of us gathered in Riverside on Feb. 4 — not all from Temescal Valley, but those who know Jack, respect Jack, and wanted to be there when the Riverside County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation to recognize his 30 years of service to the county and to the Greater Inland Empire.

Jack and Irene — who live in Trilogy — have been married for 38 years, (and always behind a successful man there is a more successful woman)!  Jack is the first to say that Irene has been an inspiration in all facets of his professional and personal life.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jack for the past year. We united to fend off Corona’s attempt to annex a portion of our beloved Temescal Valley. And, with Jack’s expert guidance, knowlege and persistency — we were successful.

Here are a few things you may not know about Jack:

  • He served in the U.S. Navy and was shot down and rescued in Vietnam. Staying in the Navy Reserve, he turned down the rank of Rear Admiral.
  • With Southern California Edison for 28 years,  Jack retired in 1998 as Region Director for the Inland Empire, where he was responsible for three counties, 56 cities and an annual revenue base of $3.5 billion.
  • Jack is the Trustee Chair for the only remaining all boys military high school on the west coast – Army & Navy Academy in Carlsbad — it’s where he graduated high school. (Learn more about the academy and read a message from Jack HERE.)
  • Jack serves on the Board of Premier Service Bank in Riverside/Corona.
  • Jack was president of Residents for Temescal Valley, leading the effort that ultimately defeated Corona’s annexation attempt.
  • Jack stopped Corona from an ill-conceived plan to provide electric service to its residents.
  • Jack is Secretary for his church board – New Hope Family Worship Center in Corona.

And, appropriately, it was New Hope pastor Dave Tanner who provided the invocation at the supervisor’s meeting. I have always been impressed with Jack’s belief in God — a true believer, he lives his life accordingly and doesn’t preach. Although he and Irene do instruct classes at the church.

Jack also exemplifies “love of family” and “family comes first.” It’s amazing how much he has accomplished for all of us living in Riverside County while putting his family first. A man of prominence, importance, expertise and ability chooses to include in his personal resume:

“Irene Wyatt is Jack’s wife of 38 years, and provides the humor and patience in his
life…his son Mike and daughter Shauna provide the rest of the excitement. Mike
is the Marketing Director for a security firm and has three magnificent kids
that look more like his beautiful wife (thank goodness); and Shauna works for Johnson
& Johnson pharmaceuticals and keeps her 6 foot 8 husband from challenging
Jack on the golf course…Shauna is only 5 foot 8, but has her dad wrapped around
her finger.”

And, that’s what Jack is about. He is himself, he is his family and he is his community.

Maybe I have an affinity with Jack. My dad — a 30-year Marine Corps officer — always preached to me , “Lead by example.” Jack Wyatt does this — and much more.
Read proclamation HERE

 

 

Beautification group to meet

Bob Hafner
Bob Hafner

BY BOB HAFNER
Beautification Committee Chairman

 I, like you, are a proud member of the community we know and love — Temescal Valley. This is the 20-plus square miles that run from Weirick Road down the I-15 to Lake Street. We consist of several planned communities, private residences, mines, light industry, local and county parks, national forest land, and a rich, historical past involving Temescal Canyon Road and the citrus industry.

 One common thread among all of this is the pride we have in our community. This was clearly shown when we received the vote of six of the seven LAFCO board members to stop the annexation process by the city of Corona. After working with the community in defeating the annexation process, the core group of individuals who helped spearhead this action had learned what a wonderful cross-functional group of residents we had from all walks of life. This diversity demonstrated that when we put our minds to it and use the political and legal systems we have available, we can create a better good for all.

 Even though we won on the annexation issue, our group did hear some major concerns from the residents of Temescal Valley. When we ended our “no annexation” efforts, we felt as a group we had a lot of wonderful resources here. Why not use them to further improve the community we all fought hard for, embrace and love? Several committees were formed. The group I selected to lead is the Beautification Committee.

 The goal of the committee is to unite the community with some common components. Some of the ideas are around signage, plants and design criteria. Our goal is to put the “Wow” factor in the Valley and to make this a very desirable place in which to live and conduct business.

 Our first success we can share with you is getting the trash cleaned up along the I-15. We worked with Caltrans and Waste Management – and within a week results started to happen. We hope you have noticed how clean and weeded all the exits are, as well as our stretch of I-15 on both sides. We have found when areas are kept clean it is less likely that people will litter.

 We have much to do and lots of ideas. However, the current team members and I don’t know everything and can’t do everything. We would like to get as much representation from all areas of the Valley to create the most unifying efforts and theme for this community.

Our next meeting is 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6 at Senor Tom’s restaurant at Tom’s Farms. If you can make this meeting, feel free to contact me at Bob.hafner@verizon.net. If you can’t make the meeting and have some ideas, please drop me an e-mail and I’ll share them with the committee. We look forward to seeing you.

TV resident is in Civil War re-enactment

(We asked Temescal Valley resident Rob Mucha to share his experience posing as a Union soldier during the Civil War re-enactment staged at Tom’s Farms in October. He shares his story here. Rob, since October, has appeared in other re-enactments.)

VIEW PHOTO GALLERY  HERE

Temescal Valley resident Rob Mucha carries the company flag.

Temescal Valley resident Rob Mucha carries the company flag.

By ROB MUCHA

When I heard that there was going to be a civil war re-enactment in my own valley I got a strong urge to enlist in the cause.

I’ve always been interested in the civil war since I was a kid, have visited several of the battlefields including Gettysburg, and have a couple friends around the country who participate in them, but I’ve never had the opportunity to participate on such a personal level. Plus, we had just finished our own not so civil war just weeks before (Corona annexation defense), and the timing seemed rather fitting.

Volunteering was easier than I thought it would be. I showed up the day before as the camps were setting up and the first person I talked to just happened to be the head of one of the Union divisions and had an opening and some loaner gear. He told me to come back the next day a couple hours early and they’d get me all set up. The best part is that he ran an artillery group so I’d be able to shoot cannons all day … there aren’t very many opportunities in my normal life to shoot cannons so I didn’t get much sleep the night before.

The uniform fit great and I was given some basic training about how to look and act in camp. The troops spend a lot of time, effort and money in making it look as real as possible, and there were justifiable expectations about how to act in uniform.

I found it interesting that both sides saluted the other side’s top leaders out of respect. The various troops come from all around the state/country and are very tight within their own group and promotions are earned over time. They take all aspects very seriously and people are addressed if they fall out of line.

Of course I fell out of line. I did a lot of things right and thought I blended in pretty well, but there are so many moving parts that it is pretty inevitable for a newbie. My troop was real patient, but when you get around the higher leaders they expect you to know your duties. That seriousness added a lot to the overall experience.

My first role was to carry and store all the black-powder charges for one Union cannon, a parrott cannon which is one of the larger ones and accurate up to a mile I’m told. I didn’t really fully understand how dangerous the role was until several people mentioned to me not to let any smokers around me, and to keep gloves on when handing a charge to the cannon loader. Good tips, considering I was holding 10 or so charges! That role stands back by the leaders until an individual cannon charge is requested. It was great listening to the upper leaders discussing the order of the blasts and watching the battle unfold from that perspective. I was supposed to remain pretty serious but I saw a picture where I had a huge smile on my face after a barrage of cannon blasts fired. Couldn’t help it!

It was also neat just walking through the camps in uniform. I even had the opportunity to carry our flag out to the battlefield which was also pretty special, especially considering what that meant historically. It would have been neat anyway, but running into people who I actually knew from the area added another level to it.

For the second battle my role changed to inserting and pulling the cord that actually fires the cannon. This is a lot more complicated and dangerous than it sounds, but it is absolutely thrilling and addictive! My troop held a little ceremony for firing my first cannon which was pretty cool. At the end of two days and four battles I really felt like part of the troop and was invited to participate in future events at other locations. Will I go dress up and fire cannons another day? No doubt!

Photo Gallery: Civil War re-enacted here

City says it’s done; RFTV stays organized

As reported in The Press-Enterprise on Sunday, Corona city officials say they won’t try again for annexation. According to City Manager Brad Robbins, the LAFCO vote on Sept. 26 to deny Corona’s annexation application was the end of the line for the city’s efforts.
Read The Press-Enterprise story HERE

Since the LAFCO 6-1 vote to deny the application, Residents for Temescal Valley has met and its members have decided to stay organized. RFTV was responsible for collecting more than 4,300 letters from Valley folks who opposed the annexation. According to the PE news story, “LAFCO members cited the vocal opposition by many Temescal Valley residents in voting down the request. Some said the proposal was one of the most hotly debated they had seen.”

RFTV has identified areas in which it will stay active and make recommendations to the Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council.  Those areas are:

  • Public Safety: Sheriff, fire and code enforcement issues.
  • Legislative: Dealing with LAFCO, elected officials and establishing a good neighbor relationship with Corona.
  • Development: Adherence to the Temescal Valley Design Guidelines, proposed development for the Valley, zoning issues.
  • Transportation: Dealing with RCTC for freeway matters and RTA to bring bus servie to the Valley
  • Identity: Reinforcing who we are — US Postal Service designation, and working with the press and local Realtors for Temescal Valley identity. Assisting the Temescal Heritage Foundation in its goal to preserve the Valley’s history.
  • Communications: Revamping the website, working with the press and developing social media contacts.

Anyone interested in working within a specific area should contact Jannlee Watson, RFTV secretary, at jannlee.watson@ca.rr.com

Photo gallery: More signings

Letters signings a labor of love

Barbara Paul and Jannlee Watson at a letter signing. There are 10 photos of other Residents for Temescal Valley members hidden in this picture. Can you find them?

Barbara Paul and Jannlee Watson at a letter signing. There are 10 photos of other Residents for Temescal Valley members hidden in this picture. Can you find them?

PHOTO GALLERIES: See them HERE and HERE

Over the past year, you’ve seen them on street corners, at shopping centers, community parks and local businesses. They are a cadre of about 20 Temescal Valley residents who oppose Corona’s annexation attempt. They range in age from 23 to 71 and reside in various Valley communities – but share the common goal to get as many letters signed as possible by Temescal Valley residents who oppose the city’s attempted takeover.

The letters, which now number over 4,300, will be presented to the county’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), at a Sept. 26 public hearing. The purpose of the letters is to show the seven LAFCO commissioners that annexation is opposed by many Valley residents.

Some members of the group decided to stage a marathon letter-signing event on each of the three days of the Labor Day holiday weekend at the corner of Knabe and Weirick roads, where they collected more than 200 letters.

Here are the reasons they gave when asked, “Why would you give up your time with friends and family over a three-day holiday weekend to stand on a corner in almost 100-degree heat to get opposition letters signed?”

From a Montecito Ranch resident:
“There are so many people who haven’t signed – and they deserve an opportunity – to make an informed choice. Once people hear the facts, they want to sign. I want to reach all the registered voters in Temescal Valley prior to the LAFCO meeting.”

From a Wildrose Ranch resident:
 “Action speaks louder than words. My dedication to stop Corona from annexing Temescal Valley doesn’t change with the weather — I also participated in opposition signings back in December in the cold! I have read financial reports and attended most meetings that Corona presented, but still find no advantage to being part of the city.

“Most people don’t take the time to review all the information, but I’ve had several neighbors tell me they trust my opposition then ask where to sign. I try hard to inform them of my reasons why I oppose, while asking them what they want in the Valley. No. 1 is the wildland fire potential in our hills, including the possible closure of Station 64 — Cal Fire response is the best. No. 2 is the loss of Riverside County MARS recreation program, which I utilize for the events in Wildrose and the Temescal Valley Faire. No. 3 is the loss of Deleo Park to Corona sports teams that will squeeze out our Temescal Valley teams. Also our Horsethief Canyon Ranch neighbors are still paying the bond to build the park but will lose it because they are not included within the annexation area. Giving people these three reasons is all it takes to make their decision to oppose.”

From a Retreat resident:
“The LAFCO process is flawed in that there is not an automatic vote. We need to show strong opposition to force a vote otherwise annexation could possibly get rubber-stamped.

“Because, based on my personal history, I know that Riverside County representatives listen to us and Corona representatives do not. We absolutely need input into our services and future planning.

“I know good people who would rather move than be controlled by Corona (based on their history with Corona).

“Because the newspapers haven’t done a good job of pointing out the flaws in the Corona services plan, and those flaws are potentially life-threatening (slower EMS response, Corona Cal Fire history, etc.). These differences were validated by County external consultants.

“People are genuinely thankful for us being there and providing updated information.

“I have amazing role models who are less physically capable (though they don’t seem to realize it). If they are going to be standing there in the humid 100-plus degree temperature for four hours, for multiple days, then you bet your business I will be there by their side.

“As a knowledgeable person recently told me, ‘If you stand for nothing, then you’ll fall for anything.’ We will not fall for this unwanted land grab if I have anything to say about it.

“Because shame on you Corona!”

From a Spanish Hills resident:
“Why do I stand on a street corner, for hours at a time, in a fireman’s costume, in the summer, in 100 degree heat?

It’s a no-brainer. I feel the proposed annexation is one of, if not THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE facing Temescal Valley in a long time.

“I made a commitment when all this started, to do all I could to fight the annexation, and I’m not a quitter.

“Our safety and quality of life is at stake. If Fire Station 64 were to close, our families and homes would be put at greater risk. We don’t want to have to rely on a fire station which is a greater distance away. Eighty percent of 911 calls are for medical aid.

“In summary, it’s simple – you do EVERYTHING you need to do, to fight something you’re whole-heartedly against. Apathy = Annexation.”

From a Wildrose Ranch resident:
“You win by working or lose by doing nothing.”

From a California Meadows resident:
“Usually Labor Day weekend is a time to spend with family and friends, having barbecues and lounging by the pool. I, however, spent it outside persuading people to sign opposition letters. Even though it was a holiday weekend and extremely hot, I don’t feel that it was a nuisance to do so. I feel that it is necessary to do whatever possible in order to prove how important it is to save Temescal Valley. I can handle extreme heat and even not spending quality time with friends because I feel that in the long run, it will benefit my loved ones the most. “

From a Weirick Road resident:
“I dunno, just call me crazy I guess. Crazy to think you can fight City Hall. Crazy to think the political process still works, (at least at the local level). Crazy to think I can work all of my life and have something left to hand down to my grandchildren. Crazy to think I could develop my property and simply be left alone to enjoy it. Just crazy I guess.

“I like to believe we still have a say in what happens to us. If Corona takes us over we will have no say. If Corona takes over we will be fair game for the developers and my chances of handing anything down to my grandchildren will be slim to none.

“But worse than that would be proof that our political process does not work, and that would be the worst possible thing I could leave for my grandchildren to deal with.”

From a Spanish Hills resident:
“First and foremost, the loss of Fire Station 64. On three occasions, I have personally witnessed timely response in the aid of a life- threatening condition of a dear friend where a quick response was crucial. A close second is the ability of Station 64 to quickly and effectively respond to range fires of which our home was endangered and Station 64 was effective in protecting our home on three specific incidences.

“Concern that Corona Police will provide less service than current county service.

“Concern that the Valley will be used as a “cash cow” to prop up a financially weak Corona. Funds from the valley will come from nuisance fees (garage sales), increased business taxes, targeted driving infractions, and allowing the building of many more structures for improving the tax base.

“Concern that the 15 Freeway will become even more congested.

“And, I do not trust Corona.”

From a Retreat resident:
 “It is just so nice to be part of a group that is so passionate about their community.”

From a Wildrose Ranch resident:
“I was with family and friends over the holiday. My husband helped at the letter signing, as did my grandson. And the nine or so other people there number among my closest friends. They, with many, many other Valley residents I also consider friends, have stood honorably and staunchly over the past 22 months in their resolve not to let this land grab happen.

“Corona’s way of governing is not what I want for Temescal Valley. Ask city employees who live in the Valley why they signed an opposition letter. Ask residents living in areas annexed by Corona if the city kept its promises. Ask Cal Fire if Corona honors its contracts. Ask city planners how many homes and apartments Corona has approved in the past 22 months. Ask LAFCO if Corona legally has to deliver on its Plan of Services for the Valley and ask how soon the city can change all the Valley’s zoning.

“And after you hear the answers – I have a letter you might want to sign.”

LAFCO staff seeks continuation

While we were disappointed with the LAFCO staff report for the Sept. 26 public hearing, which was posted Sept. 19 on the LAFCO website, we were not surprised. (Read the report HERE)

The staff is recommending continuance of the public hearing in order to give Corona and the county more time to negotiate over the fate of County Fire Station 64. Neither the city nor the county requested the continuance. It appears LAFCO staff believes if both agencies negotiate long enough, an agreement will be eventually reached. It’s the fire services the county must still deliver to unincorporated communities not included in the proposed annexation area that will cost the county big bucks if the city’s takeover is successful. The county’s initial projection was a loss of about a $3 million per year and longterm up to $5.5 million annually. (Read the story HERE)

So, what’s wrong with continuing negotiations and maybe wiping out this deficit for the county? There’s nothing wrong with it if you want the lead fire agency within the annexed area to be city fire instead of Cal Fire.

The continuance suggested by staff most-likely will not be approved by the seven LAFCO commissioners. (We could be wrong!) It is still immensely important that we have a good turnout for the public hearing. WEAR RED! If the continuance is not granted by LAFCO commissioners, the public hearing proceeds. (Read the story HERE)

What follows is the contents of an email Residents for Temescal Valley sent to LAFCO commissioners outlining why we think a continuance of the hearing is not acceptable:

  • We have reviewed the staff report and, speaking for the 4,269 residents who signed letters opposing this annexation, we reiterate why we find a continuance unacceptable.
  • Corona filed the application in March of this year. Six months should have been sufficient time for the city and county to have reached accord in their negotiations. Since neither city nor county requested this continuance, what does staff think will be gained by allowing discussions to continue? Isn’t it possible city and county are at impasse?
  •  It is still questionable whether LAFCO should have accepted the city’s annexation application based on requirements of SB 244 – Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities, as well as the creation of unincorporated islands and fringe communities. The financial ramifications of the annexation will limit the county’s ability to provide the same level of service to residents living in these neighboring unincorporated areas.
  • In correspondence dated 08-06-13, the county encouraged LAFCO to withhold the certificate of filing for this annexation and to deny the application because of “missing information and because the application does not meet the requirements of the law and LAFCO policies.” What more is there to negotiate/discuss?
  •  Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Section 56658 (i) states, “The date of the public hearing shall not be more than 90 days after issuance of the certificate of filing or after the application is deemed to have been accepted, whichever is earlier.” The scheduling of the public hearing for Sept. 26 did not adhere to CKH; it should have been scheduled for an earlier date. Continuing the hearing only exacerbates this violation of CKH.
  •  California Government Code Section 56666 (a) states “The hearing shall be held by the commission upon the date and at the time and place specified. The hearing may be continued from time to time but not to exceed 70 days from the date specified in the original notice.” A continuance until Dec. 19 does not fall within the 70-day period.
  • It is a great disservice to Temescal Valley residents who have revised work schedules, vacation schedules or taken time off work with no pay to attend the Sept. 26 public hearing. One Valley community has chartered a bus. Residents will again be inconvenienced in both time and expense if they wish to attend the continued meeting.
  • Staff recommends continuing the hearing until LAFCO’s Dec. 19 meeting – one week prior to Christmas. This is not acceptable. And, isn’t that meeting scheduled to be held at Eastern Municipal Water District headquarters in Perris? We fear continuance to that date and venue can be viewed by the public as a ruse to gain a predetermined outcome by minimizing the transparency of the annexation proceedings, as well as eliminating Temescal Valley residents’ participation in the process.
  • Residents for Temescal Valley again asks you not to continue the Sept. 26 public hearing. If you choose to accept staff recommendation, we seek a continuance date within the 70-day period or in January to avoid the December holidays.
  • Finally, many Temescal Valley residents have been involved in this annexation for 20 months now and want to move forward with the process. As scheduled by LAFCO staff, the next step was to be the Sept. 26 public hearing. We are asking that you conduct the hearing on this date.

Slideshow: Honoring Old Temescal Road

Old Temescal Road rededicated

marker

The new marker replaces the bronze marker that was dedicated in 1959 and was stolen several years ago. The new marker is granite.

About 75 people attended the Glen Ivy Hot Springs dedication ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 7 to re-establish the marker designating Old Temescal Road as a California historical landmark.

VIEW SLIDESHOW HERE

First dedicated in 1959 as California historical landmark No. 638, the bronze marker was stolen several years ago, and was replaced with a new marker unveiled at the ceremony. The marker is on Temescal Canyon Road, about 200 feet south of Glen Ivy Road.

Old Temescal Road played a major role in southern California history. It was the route used by the Luiseno and Gabrieleno Indians to reach their nearby villages. Leandro Serrano, the first non-native settler in Riverside County, built a home in the area in 1820. Gold seekers, including John Fremont, used the road from 1849 to 1851, and it was the route for the Butterfield Overland Mail coaches from 1858 to 1861.

The Corona Historic Preservation Society, Chandler Aggregates and the Temescal Heritage Foundation assisted Glen Ivy Hot Springs with the dedication.