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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.

Folks tour landfill

About 50-plus people braved triple-digit temperatures Saturday to visit the El Sobrante Landfill Open House.

Three bus tours scheduled during the 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. event provided a narrated program of how the landfill operates, including a sneak peak at a new phase now under construction. (Learn more about the design and environmental safety factors  HERE  and  HERE)

It also was explained how methane gas produced by the landfill is converted into power to run the operation, producing enough electricity to supply 6,000 home for one year. (Learn how gas is extracted from the landfill  HERE)

Much emphasis was placed on saving the natural habitat surrounding the landfill, as well as taking steps today to assure the property will be returned to an environment as a protected habitat for endangered animals and plants when the landfill closes. (Learn what plants and animals are endangered   HERE)

A big hit of the tour was visiting the falconer and his birds that keep seagulls away from the trash. (Read more about the falcons  HERE)

Personal tours of the landfill can be arranged by contacting Miriam Cardenas, mcarden4@wm.com or 951-277-5112.

 

Should I-15 toll lanes end at Cajalco?

Folks attending the Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council in June 2014 heard a county representative discuss plans for expansion of lanes on the I-15. (Learn more HERE)

She said as soon as construction on SR-91 is complete, work will begin on the 1-15 to add toll lanes in each direction between SR-60 and Cajalco Road. The project is in the planning stages — construction is scheduled to begin in 2018.

After the meeting, Craig Deleo, chairman of the We Are Temescal Valley Transportation Committee, posed this question:

“Does anybody have an opinion of the future I-15 toll lanes beginning and ending at the northern tip of Temescal Valley? Would continuing the lanes to Indian Truck Trail be of greater benefit as the toll lanes would be accessible for all TV residents prior to the possible bottleneck formed with the merging? The lanes would basically go through Temescal Valley. Food for thought?”

Here are a few of the responses Craig received: (If you have an opinion, please add it as a comment at the end of this story.)

From a Sycamore Creek resident: “I think that we could make a good argument that bringing them to Indian truck trail is a good idea, given the number of new houses going up in the next few years. They may only be thinking about the new homes at Cajalco and forgetting about our planned developments. South of us, there isn’t much going up, but I may be wrong.

“If they designed the toll lanes like the ones on the 110 or in San Diego, you can slip in and out of them at multiple locations. Some good logical locations would be at Indian Truck Trail, Cajalco and Ontario. They would fit with existing traffic patterns and be reasonably well spaced.

“I like the idea and we have nothing to lose in asking for it.”

From a Wildrose Ranch resident: “I agree with this thought. Especially with the future commuter bus routes posed in the area to stop at Indian Truck Trail. The bus could get off, pick up and get back on while everyone merges to enter the toll lanes. Makes more sense. Mediate the Toscana traffic some as well, which will be in full swing when the 15 project begins. Could also bring more people to Von’s center to shop.”

From a Trilogy resident: “WOW! … Extending the toll lanes to Indian Truck Trail would be an outstanding benefit to so many more TV Residents. I also believe we must try while the opportunity is available. Please advise if there is anything I can do to support this effort.”

From a Horsethief Canyon Ranch resident:“ I agree with Craig’s idea to extend the toll lanes.”

From a Spanish Hills resident: “I think this would be of great benefit. I think if the county was thinking it would put them all the way through, (or at least have a plan) to connect with the toll lanes in San Diego County. Seems as soon as construction is finished, it is obsolete.”

From a Trilogy resident: “I think it is important to try to obtain the extension, but we shouldn’t be surprised that the consideration may not be “in the cards” at this date. We should for sure explain the reasoning behind the request for consideration.”

From a Weirick Road resident: “I agree with Craig that there will be a huge bottleneck if the lanes end near El Cerrito/Caljaco where we already have a bottleneck. Extending the lanes to the other end of the valley is a good idea.”

From a Wildrose Ranch resident: “I think extending to Indian Truck Trail is a good idea.”

From a Sycamore Creek resident: “Agree!”

Landfill meeting answers questions; raises others

Concerns raised by the El Sobrante Landfill Citizens’ Oversight Committee were discussed July 16 during a marathon three-hour-plus meeting at the Lee Lake Water District office.

The purpose of the five-member committee appointed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors is to review the El Sobrante Annual Monitoring Report and provide comment to the supervisors on the report, including issues or concerns.

Committee members at a meeting held in April questioned the landfill’s appearance, acceptance of incinerator ash, truck traffic on the freeways during peak hours and expansion.

Addressing those concerns at Wednesday’s meeting were General Manager Hans Kernkamp and Principal Planner Ryan Ross – both with the Riverside County Waste Management Department, and Greg Reyes, with the county’s Local Enforcement Agency. The LEA is certified by the California Integrated Waste Management Board to enforce state laws and regulations at solid waste facilities. The landfill, owned by Waste Management, Inc. (WMI), was represented by Mike Williams, district manager.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION

Rob Mucha, chairman of the Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC), said when the landfill’s hours of operation were expanded in 2009, Waste Management indicated it would ensure that peak hour traffic on SR 91 would not be impacted. He said Temescal Valley residents were told that congestion on local roads would decrease.

Mucha presented a report he compiled based on the county’s traffic numbers that he said shows truck traffic during peak hours is increasing. He said of the 737 weekly trips transfer trucks made to the landfill using the 91 freeway in 2011, 120 trips were between the hours of 6 to 8 a.m. In 2012, 131 of the 706 weekly trips were made between those hours.

Williams said a letter was sent in January to all trash haulers asking that trips not be made during peak traffic hours. Additionally, 60 percent of the trucks using the landfill are Waste Management haulers and those trucks have been equipped with GPS which can be monitored. WMI drivers caught on the 91 during peak times will be warned, fined and could be terminated, Williams said.

COC member Paul Rodriguez suggested that the county determine how “peak hour” was defined in the environmental impact report (EIR), required by the California Environmental Quality Agency (CEQA), when the landfill’s hours of operation were expanded in 2009.

Rodriguez also noted that the statement from WMI to Temescal Valley residents implying traffic congestion on local streets would be reduced was correct. “It was the same number of trucks over a longer period of time, thus reducing congestion,” Rodriguez said.

County representatives responded their attorneys are already attempting to ascertain how CEQA defined “peak hour” in the EIR and that the results would be shared with the COC.

Increasing the price per ton for haulers who continually travel on the 91 during peak hours was suggested by Mucha.

INCINERATOR ASH

Mucha said that when El Sobrante was originally permitted, incinerator ash appeared on a list of excluded items not to be accepted at the landfill, but now is being accepted. He presented a 2012 document from the city of Long Beach Gas & Oil Department to its City Council recommending adoption of a resolution allowing the department to haul incinerator ash to El Sobrante. The ash was being taken to Puente Hills, but with that landfill’s closure in 2013, a new disposal source was being sought. The department also noted El Sobrante was willing to charge the city a negotiated rate below its usual rate for non-county waste.

Williams responded that El Sobrante had been receiving “treated” incinerator ash from Long Beach since November 2013 at a rate of about 450-500 tons a day, and that permits were received a year earlier. He said the city pays the same tonnage rate as other non-county haulers do. He said state law is very strict regarding the acceptance of incinerator ash, requiring that it be treated by a process that renders the toxins inert. An acceptable method is the “wet treatment,” which mixes the ash with cement. Ash treated in this manner is still required to be tested, Williams said, noting that Puente Hills accepted treated incinerator ash for 20 years, using it as a base for roads. “We’re using it as a trash cover, Williams said.

When questioned by COC members why the ash was excluded in earlier permitting, county representatives said that years ago the popular consensus was “to stay away from incinerator ash.”

Kinne asked if incinerator ash was going to county-owned landfills. Both Kernkamp and Ross said treated incinerator ash would be accepted at the county-owned landfills, is not harmful and does not create a hazardous waste stream.

The county is asking the Environmental Health Department to “weigh in” on the issue and asking the county legal department to determine, because incinerated ash in original permits was excluded, is this inconsistency a minor infraction. It was noted that the county could issue a cease and desist order to El Sobrante or update the contract to allow treated incinerator ash at the landfill.

Rodriguez said the county’s report on the issue should contain suggested remedial actions.

LANDFILL APPEARANCE

Mucha questioned whether more could be done to “green up” the front-facing landfill berms which have been hydroseeded but not watered based on the opinion of a WMI biologist that irrigation would produce shallow-rooted, weak plants. Mucha pointed out that the area has been in drought for several years, and a little water to promote growth wouldn’t hurt.

Williams said 3,000 cactuses have been planted and the area flagged for “significant” placement of boulders within the next 30 days pending the approval of the biologist. He said the hydroseed has been checked for viability – it’s good and rain will bring growth.

Mucha presented an opinion he sought from a county ecological specialist that advocated watering because of the drought. Mucha said non-potable water was available for irrigation.

Williams said watering would not only promote the hydroseed’s native plant growth, but weeds as well. He said the problem with the front of the landfill is that it faces south. The north face that was hydroseeded at the same time is green and growing.

Amie Kinne, COC vice chairman, said the former Synagro property that sits at the base of the landfill and currently is owned by WMI, also needs landscape attention.

EXPANSION

Kinne questioned how El Sobrante could build two stormwater retention basins outside the landfill’s footprint. “Dawson Canyon resident Regina Cook’s kitchen window looks out over one of those ponds,” she said.

COC members claim the basins did not receive the necessary permits when El Sobrante relocated them from within the landfill’s footprint to outside of it.

Williams has said the ponds are on property that allows for that type of usage outside the footprint. He was quoted in a story which was published April 17 on The Press-Enterprise website, that the ponds were approved by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control board. That agency told The Press-Enterprise reporter only the ponds’ designs, not location, were approved. (Read the PE story HERE)

The issue now is being investigated by county, state and federal agencies including the county’s Department of Environmental Heath, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and both California and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Kinne questioned if permitting was necessary, would the public have the opportunity to comment. “Who looks after the residents,” she asked.

Cook, who attended the meeting, said she feels “pushed aside” and asked the landfill to “buy my property.” She said she lived in Dawson Canyon years before the landfill was approved, having paid $145,000 for her home. “What’s it worth now — $45,000?” She said the least El Sobrante should do is pay to have her well water tested now that the basin is adjacent to her property. She also asked about vermin control, saying she found a “really big thing” in her back yard – gesturing with her hands, “a rat the size of a raccoon.”

Committee members were concerned that the county, as the lead agency, has no process in place to notify Dawson Canyon residents of changes being made at the landfill.

Kinne, who lives in Dawson Canyon, said she had requested updates from the county but was told she couldn’t have them because she was a COC member. Kernkamp said that would be corrected.

It also was noted that while the regulatory agencies could do a better job communicating with the residents, the agencies needed better communication with each other.

ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE

Ross explained the county’s process in preparing El Sobrante’s Annual Monitoring Report. After WMI prepares the report, it’s given to the county’s Waste Management Department for review and comments, and then passed on to the county’s Administrative Review Committee (ARC). That committee includes Ross, who represents the Waste Management Department, and a representative from the county’s Executive Office and Planning Department. The report goes back and forth between WMI, county waste management and ARC, where comments are added, and then eventually is given to the COC. At this point, the COC receives the Annual Monitoring Report which also includes a status report on mitigation monitoring and a conditions of approval compliance report. (View the 2012 report HERE)

COC members wanted to know when they will receive the 2013 report. Earlier in the meeting, Ross mentioned the county is investigating a possible violation of the Brown Act, the state’s open-meeting law. No one elaborated on the possible violation, but Ross said the 2013 report has been delayed because of the investigation.

Ross was asked when the ARC meets to provide its input for the report. Ross said ARC members do not meet face-to-face but email each other instead.

LOCAL ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

Reyes said the LEA works with the state’s water and air boards to enforce laws governing landfills. He said unannounced inspections are held at El Sobrante at least once a month. “We get very few complaints about El Sobrante and it is one of the better landfills,” Reyes said.

When asked about specific complaints, he said they are usually about the trash trucks littering the I-15. “We call El Sobrante and they respond immediately.”

In her closing comments Kinne said, “We must realize this landfill isn’t for 15, 20 or 30 years. It will exist forever.”

The COC will next meet in October to begin review of the 2013 report.

Committee cleans up tanning vats

Helping out at the cleanup were, from left, John Watson, Karla Cortez, Tracy Davis, Bob Hafner, Martin Lange, Barbara Paul, Dave Davis, Ken Brooks and Rob Mucha. Not pictured are Melissa Deleo, Jannlee Watson and Adam Eventov.

Helping out at the cleanup were, from left, John Watson, Karla Cortez, Tracy Davis, Bob Hafner, Martin Lange, Barbara Paul, Dave Davis, Ken Brooks and Rob Mucha. Not pictured are Melissa Deleo, Jannlee Watson and Adam Eventov.

Twelve people turned out early Saturday morning to assist the Beautification Committee in a mini-cleanup of the area surrounding the historic tanning vats, said to be the last visible remains of the Serrano legacy in Temescal Valley.

But first – a little history lesson.

Bob Hafner and his committee begin work clearing the weeds.
Bob Hafner and his committee begin work clearing the weeds.

Almost 200 years ago, a priest at the San Luis Rey Mission sent a soldier north to an area largely populated by Native Americans and grizzly bears. A first-generation Californian, Leandro Serrano was told to befriend the native tribesmen, who favored the area’s natural hot springs, and to eliminate the bears. He was given a “paper” – a permit or license to graze cattle on about five leagues of land – roughly 34 square miles.

Serrano found the area abundant with flowing water and lush vegetation that attracted bees which produced honey (that likely attracted the bears). He built an adobe in the early 1820s and called his home Temescal Rancho. That adobe was the first home built by a non-Native American in what would later become Riverside County.

A marker denotes the vats as being built in 1819 and as a restored site.

A marker denotes the vats as being built in 1819 and as a restored site.

Through the years, Serrano raised livestock, planted orchards and vineyards, married twice and fathered 13 children. As the family grew, Serrano built other adobes, as did his sons and sons-in-law.

Serrano died in the early 1850s and more than a decade after his death and many legal attempts to prove ownership, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the family’s claim to the land. The court ruled that Leandro had been given permission to graze cattle, not a land grant. The family was given 160 acres surrounding the current adobe in which they lived. The court decision paved the way for others to claim mining and water rights in the valley.

This plaque notes the third adobe built by the Serrano family in about 1867 as being "nearby." Leandro Serrano died in the 1850s. It says Leandro's widow Josefa's ownership of the land was denied by the U.S. Supreme Court.

This plaque notes the third adobe built by the Serrano family in about 1867 as being “nearby.” Leandro Serrano died in the 1850s. It says Leandro’s widow Josefa’s ownership of the land was denied by the U.S. Supreme Court.

This story of the Serrano family is based on historians’ accounts of early Temescal Valley. They say Serrano’s second wife died penniless in the 1890s. The last of the Serrano family – two sisters, had to mortgage the family home to pay the burial costs, and the two left the valley in the 1898 to live in Los Angeles. Through the years, very little of the Serrano legacy has been preserved. What can be seen are the two tanning vats situated east of the I-15 and Temescal Canyon Road intersection, across the street from the Shell Station. This isn’t the original location of the vats, which were moved and reconstructed at this site years ago.

The vats and two historical markers have been neglected. Yellow cement stanchions surrounding the area keep truckers, who park there, from running over the vats. Weeds flourish; trash accumulates. A sand berm has been placed to deter the illegal dumping that occurs.

One of two Serrano tanning vats located east of the I-15 and Temescal Canyon Road intersection, across the street from the Shell Station.

One of two Serrano tanning vats located east of the I-15 and Temescal Canyon Road intersection, across the street from the Shell Station.

Saturday’s work party cleared the weeds and used pick axes to remove roots. Trash was collected and the bags hauled away by Waste Management, which also lent tools for the cleanup. Adam Eventov, with Toscana, couldn’t work because of recent hip surgery but brought sunscreen, hand sanitizer, insect repellant and doughnuts! Wielding picks and rakes were Barbara Paul, Karla Cortez, Melissa Deleo, Tracy Davis, Rob Mucha, Martin Lange, Dave Davis, Ken Brooks, Bob Hafner, and John and Jannlee Watson.

According to Hafner, Beautification Committee chairman, the cleanup was the first phase of a project that will eventually spruce up the area with landscaping and appropriate signage. The next committee meeting is 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7 at Senor Tom’s restaurant. Anyone who wants to get involved or would like notification of upcoming projects should contact Hafner: bob.hafner@verizon.net

Read a related story HERE

View more photos below.

 

Key points from MAC meeting

Here are a few key points from last week’s Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council meeting:

County fire has found four possible sites in the vicinity of Weirick Road for the relocation of Station 15 when it is reopened. Fire is now working with county real estate office.

The Sheriff had 407 Temescal Valley calls for service during May. Twenty-two were Part 1 crimes. There were eight larcenies, three burglaries, four aggressive assaults, one robbery and six vehicle thefts. Several of these calls were at Glen Ivy RV Park. False alarms comprised the majority of all calls.

Freeway monuments identifying Temescal Valley are behind schedule. Monuments should be approved by the Board of Supervisors at either the June 17 or July 1 meeting. Southbound monument should be constructed by the end of August; northbound monument by October. See related story HERE

Waste Management is beginning a new phase at the landfill – this only happens every two to three years. Public tours of the construction are available: call 951-277-5112. A $4,000 grant has been received from Keep America Beautiful to continue cleanup in Temescal Valley. $20,000 in grants has been received to date. The annual summer day camp program at the landfill will be held at the end of July.

The El Sobrante Oversight Committee will have a public meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16 at the Lee Lake Water District office, 22646 Temescal Canyon Road. The county is expected to address the recent concerns raised by the committee. Committee minutes and agendas can be found HERE

Local Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez has three bills that passed the Assembly and have moved to the Senate. AB 2065 provides whistleblower protection for legislative employees; AB 2192 would streamline the building permit process for businesses, and AB 2217 would protect school districts and personnel from civil damages when using a defibrillator in emergency medical situations. Learn more HERE

The updated General Plan (Amendment No. 960) is available for public review. Community meetings, to be held later this year, will be announced as soon as they are scheduled. View the plan HERE. View the Temescal Canyon Area Plan HERE.

Landfill COC gets county website link

A news report appearing in The Press-Enterprise on April 19, “Residents question landfill expansion, practices,” quoted members of the El Sobrante Landfill Citizen Oversight Committee and concerns they have with landfill operations.

Many Temescal Valley residents didn’t know an oversight committee existed and what its role is in dealing with the landfill. The Riverside County Waste Management Department last month added a link on its website, “COC Corner,” that lists meeting agendas and minutes, and committee members.

The committee was formed in 1998 and is comprised of five members appointed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Its purpose is to review the El Sobrante Annual Monitoring Report and provide comment to the supervisors on the report, including issues or concerns. The annual report is required to ensure the landfill is operating in conformance with the county’s monitoring program. All committee members must live in proximity to the landfill.

The committee must meet at least once a year but can meet more often. It has no authoritative powers and acts solely in an advisory capacity.

Current committee members are Chairman Rob Mucha, Vice Chairman Amie Kinne, Paul Rodriguez, Jana Walchle and Jack Wyatt.

The next committee meeting is 10 a.m., July 16 at the Lee Lake Water District office, 22646 Temescal Canyon Road. The county is expected to address the recent concerns raised by the committee. The meeting is open to the public.

FIRE GALLERY: Canyon gets wake up call

Wildfire in Dawson Canyon

VIEW PHOTO GALLERY  HERE

Dawson Canyon and Spanish Hills residents received a scare this morning when a wildfire burned in neighboring hills along Dawson Canyon Road, just south of the El Sobrante Landfill.

Sixty-eight firefighters from seven engine companies, plus air support, quickly contained the four-acre blaze that was reported at 10:01 a.m. today. Although close by, no structures were damaged and no injuries were reported as firefighters contained the blaze at 10:44 a.m.

Air support included two water-dropping helicopters, which refilled at Lake Mathews, and two fixed-wing tankers that dropped fire retardant.

Firefighters were assisted by the slow rate of burn and mild shifting winds that blew the fire  back over area already burned.

While contained at 10:44 a.m., firefighters were still in the area at 12:30 p.m. dousing hot spots. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Responding engine companies included Sycamore Creek Station 64, Home Gardens Station 13, French Valley Station 83, Cal Fire Riverside and Corona Station 7.

 

 

Mini-cleanup held

Ready to clean

Nine people turned out early on an April Saturday morning to spend a couple of hours picking up trash along Temescal Canyon Road. Pictured above, from left, are Martin Lange, Spanish Hills; Tracy Davis, Wildrose Ranch; Bob Hafner, Horsethief Canyon Ranch; Rob Mucha, The Retreat; John Watson, Wildrose Ranch; Jack Wyatt, Trilogy; Jerry Sincich, Sycamore Creek, and Dave Davies, Spanish Hills.

Hafner, chairman of the We Are Temescal Valley Beautification Committee, said many more mini-cleanups will be held in the future. The area cleaned was along Temescal Canyon Road, from the I-15 south to Trilogy Parkway. Hafner said the effort netted two truckloads of rubbish estimated at 400 pounds.

The Beautification Committee meets at 7 p.m. on the Thursday prior to the second Wednesday of each month at Senor Tom’s Restaurant at Tom’s Farms.

Shopping cart fullPictured at right, Bob, Tracy and Rob display some of the trash they found, plus a shopping cart and a couple of tires.

If you’d like to learn more about the committee, contact Bob at Bob.hafner@verizon.net. (Read related story HERE)

Flood control budget workshop set

Temescal Canyon Road becomes a muddy, flooded and dangerous roadway after a heavy rain.

Temescal Canyon Road becomes a muddy, flooded and dangerous roadway after a heavy rain.

Area residents who have lived here for any length of time know Temescal Valley is subject to flooding during particularly heavy rains. (Need a reminder? HERE is a photo gallery of runoff and flooding during the storm early last month.)

The Valley is located within Zone 2 of the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the agency responsible for deciding how flood control funds will be used. Also included in Zone 2 are the cities of Corona, Norco and Eastvale.

Zone 2 commissioners will hold a work session at 2 p.m. Monday, April 14 to discuss the budgeting of projects for the 2014-15 fiscal year.

The workshop will be at 5464 West Homecoming Circle in Eastvale and is open to the public.