Tag Archives: Temescal Valley

Renaissance Ranch

RENAISSANCE RANCH COMMERCE CENTER: Illustration shows how Horsethief Canyon Ranch homes would wrap around the industrial buildings on two sides.

(Published November 2023)

Fewer buildings, more open space for industrial park

By Kelli Noss
Horsethief Canyon Ranch resident

Lance Retuya, project manager with T&B Planning, in October presented the proposed changes to the Renaissance Ranch Commerce Center to the We Are Temescal Valley Development Committee in response to the community and county’s comments on the updated Environmental Impact Report.

The report, published in June 2022 and closed to public comments in August 2022, laid out the changes proposed to the Specific Plan to replace the 355-home development approved in 2005 with a mixed-use project featuring a business park, industrial complex, and conservation habitat. The project, owned by Richland Communities, is adjacent to the Horsethief Canyon Ranch community. 

The current updates to the project include a reduction in the industrial complex footprint and, instead, boosting conservation habitat space an additional 33 acres, from 25.3 acres to 58.6 acres. In doing so, the project will reduce the footprint of the light industrial complex from 97.2 acres to 65.6 acres.

The reduction also allows the project to drop the proposed outlet at Bolo Court — a cul-de-sac on the southern end of the community – which was hotly contested by residents. The second emergency exit would be a double-gated emergency access point only at the outlet on Calendula Street. The proposed business park off Horsethief Canyon Road will remain the same as proposed in the Environmental Impact Report. The proposed business park off Horsethief Canyon Road will remain the same as proposed in the Environmental Impact Report. 

According to Retuya, the current proposed Specific Plan Amendment boasts several benefits to the adjacent community. The proposal includes the installation of three traffic signals: one at Horsethief Canyon Road and Street “A” at the entrance to the project, Horsethief Canyon Road and De Palma Road, and at Horsethief Canyon Road and Temescal Canyon Road.

$383,000 in pre-paid Quimby development fees will be reallocated toward other public benefits in the area. Richland Communities also will pay about $428,000 toward the acquisition of a ladder truck to be used in the immediate area. Richland also contributed $5 million toward the upgrade of the Horsethief Canyon Water Reclamation facility and $4.75 million in Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees. 

The next step for the project’s application will be the Specific Plan Public Hearing for the draft report followed by the finalization of the Draft Environmental Impact Report, currently aimed for this month. A proposed Plot Plan is currently under county review. Once the Draft Final Environmental Report is complete, there will be several additional hearings through 2024 which will allow for additional community comments and input.  

(Published June 17, 2022)

Developer favors commerce center over 355 homes

A Draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed 157-acre Renaissance Ranch Commerce Center adjacent to Horsethief Canyon Ranch is ready for public review and comment.

There’s an Aug. 12 deadline for comments and they can be emailed to county Planner Russell Brady, rbrady@rivco.org

Plans for the project were presented at a Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council meeting in March 2021. Owned by Richland Communities, the center would replace the 355-home development approved for that acreage in 2005. Eighteen acres would be devoted to a business park and 97.2 acres to light industrial and the remaining 38.6 acres would be undeveloped and set aside as open space and conservation habitat. The concept would be similar to the Wildrose Business Park where Hunnys Café is located.

Next step in the process will be a public hearing at a county Planning Commission meeting and, if commissioners recommend approval, the final step will be a hearing at a Board of Supervisors’ meeting. The public will be able to make comments prior to both hearings, which are yet to be scheduled.

View the Draft Environmental Impact Report HERE

RENAISSANCE RANCH COMMERCE CENTER: The blue line is Horsethief Canyon Road.

(Published March 2021)

Complex near Horsethief Canyon would combine small businesses and light manufacturing

Joel Morse of T&B Planning presented plans at the March Zoom meeting of the Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council for a 157-acre commerce center adjacent to the Horsethief Canyon Ranch community. The property is owned by Richland Communities.

Morse told the audience the proposed plan for the Renaissance Ranch Commerce Center replaces the 355-home development approved for that acreage in 2005. “We could start building homes tomorrow,” Morse said, “but we think a more beneficial use of the property is a combination of business park and light industrial buildings.”

The concept is similar to the Wildrose Business Park at 22420 Temescal Canyon Road which was built in 1999 and is the location of small businesses such as Hunnys Café and Citrus Cyclery, and light manufacturing companies such as Spectra Color.

Eighteen acres would be devoted to the business park and 97.2 acres to light industrial. Morse said the remaining 38.6 acres would be undeveloped and set aside as open space conservation and conservation habitat.

The center would be bordered by the I-15 freeway on the north and adjacent to Horsethief Canyon Ranch homes on the south and the west. The land to the east is undeveloped.

Because the county requires two points of access for all developments, Morse said the one street planned for the center, “A Street,” would connect from Horsethief Canyon Road on the north, through the project to Bolo Court on the south.

According to Morse, truck access to the center will be restricted to the Horsethief Canyon Road entrance, while Bolo Court will be limited to automobile access only. A roundabout will be constructed at Bolo Court to further discourage truck traffic.

A 10-foot-wide community trail will be included along the street to accommodate the county’s Community Trail system.

Morse said privacy issues for residents in homes along Eagle Run Street and Palomino Creek Drive were a major consideration in the design of the center. Large industrial buildings will have a minimum 300-foot setback from residential property lines. The maximum height for a building will be 60 feet, and to protect current residential views, industrial buildings will be constructed from 30 feet to 90 feet lower than adjacent homes, preserving the privacy for residents.

Additionally, Morse said, the center’s lighting will be designed to minimize glare into surrounding neighborhoods. Noise impacts will be reduced by the buildings being situated lower than the residences, the construction of six-foot walls and landscaping between the center and homes. Trucks will be prohibited from using backup alarms.

Morse told the audience the benefits the commerce center brings to Temescal Valley far outweigh the approved residential development which would put further pressure on county services for 355 more homes.

The center would provide local job opportunities and bring additional small businesses to the area as well as increase Temescal Valley’s sales tax base. Morse said the development is required to contribute funds for local road improvement and $5 million to upgrade the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s Horsethief treatment plant. Compared to the homes, the center would place less demand on water and sewer services.

“An added benefit,” Morse said, “is that Bolo Court could serve as a shortcut to Horsethief Canyon Road for residents in that area.”

While the residential development received county approval in 2005, the commerce center has a long way to go. The project will require a Specific Plan which now is being prepared. It will require an Environmental Impact Report which, once drafted, will be available for public review and comments.

Next step in the entitlement process would be a public hearing at a county Planning Commission meeting and, if commissioners recommend approval, the final step will be a public hearing at a Board of Supervisors meeting where the five county supervisors will vote to either approve or deny the center.

Residents will be able to submit comments prior to or at the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings.

Supervisor Kevin Jeffries requires community outreach for all proposed projects in his district. Morse presented initial plans for the commerce center to the We Are Temescal Valley Development Committee in November 2019. He will be giving updates at future Municipal Advisory Council meetings and a special presentation for Horsethief Canyon Ranch residents also will be scheduled. The date for that presentation is yet to be established.







					

		
		
	


	

				

			
						

				Work begins on additional lane
			

								


				

			

map
RCTC completed engineering and environmental studies, as well as the project design, in early 2022. RCTC awarded a construction contract on March 9, 2022. Work began the week of May 23, and will be completed by late summer or early fall. The contract includes incentives for early completion.





Oversized shoulder creates lane between Weirick and Cajalco





Construction has begun for a new lane on southbound Interstate 15 in Corona and Temescal Valley.





Work started the second half of May on RCTC’s I-15 Interim Corridor Operations Project, which will add a non-tolled lane from the Cajalco Road on-ramp to the Weirick Road off-ramp, next to the outer shoulder.





The highway is wide enough to accommodate the new lane, and crews will strengthen the shoulder pavement to handle the weight of traveling vehicles and restripe the lanes. Once completed, southbound I-15 in this area will include four lanes.





RCTC approved a construction contract this spring. The new lane is anticipated to open in three to four months, with financial incentives for the contractor to complete work ahead of schedule.





Although the lane addition is less than one mile, it is expected to help relieve traffic congestion where the 15 Express Lanes end at Cajalco Road. It also will:





  • Add space for emergency vehicles along the inner shoulder
  • Add or upgrade guardrails
  • Improve drainage systems
  • Install new overhead signs





Drivers are seeing k-rail, reduced lane and shoulder widths, construction signs, and equipment. Please watch for nighttime lane and ramp closures and follow the 55 mile per hour speed limit in the project area.





Sign up for alerts or text 15iCOP to (844) 771-0995 for text message alerts. Make sure to follow RCTC at @theRCTC on social media for project updates too.

					

		
		
	


	

				

			
						

				Cannabis microbusiness planned in Temescal Valley
			

								


				

			

Location
23215 TEMESCAL CANYON ROAD:  River Releaf would operate from this building, the location of the former Top Notch Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning business.





(Published June 2020)





June 3 public hearing set for Planning Commission agenda





An application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), for a cannabis business in Temescal Valley is set for a public hearing at 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 3 before the Riverside County Planning Commission. If eventually approved by the county Board of Supervisors, the business would operate at 23215 Temescal Canyon Road.

River Releaf is the applicant seeking the permit for a “microbusiness” allowing not only retail sales but also indoor cultivation, manufacturing, and the distribution of cannabis.

The proposed location, an 8,565-square-foot, two-story building, is in a small business park where Dawson Canyon road dead-ends into Temescal Canyon Road. The building sits on 0.43 acres owned by Temescal Valley residents James and Christie Koontz and is the location of their former Top Notch Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning company.

In the building, 1,500 square feet would be devoted to retail, 4,500 square feet for cultivation, 1,580 square feet for distribution and 985 square feet for manufacturing. There also would be areas for storage, office, employee breakroom, lobby/reception and restrooms.

It’s unclear but the Koontz property might be in escrow and being sold to River Releaf. Unlike the applicants of all prospective development projects in Temescal Valley, River Releaf has demonstrated no community outreach to either the WeAreTV Development Committee or the Municipal Advisory Council.

The microbusiness would have three security guards and operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Business hours for retail sales would be from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the cultivation, distribution, and manufacturing components from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.





BACKGROUND

While California voters legalized marijuana use in 2016, the Prop 64 ballot measure gave local governments the authority to decide whether to allow cannabis commerce in their jurisdictions.

Illegal marijuana grows and dispensaries have plagued the unincorporated areas for many years, with residents living adjacent to the activity repeatedly seeking relief from the county. When Prop. 64 passed, county officials decided to legalize cannabis businesses in the unincorporated areas to better control the criminal activity.

Riverside County moved cautiously in deciding how to regulate such commerce, and spent months researching trial and error
experiences in other state, county and city jurisdictions further along in the process. The Board of Supervisors in October 2018 approved a hefty ordinance governing the permitting process and regulations for cannabis operations within the unincorporated areas.

At the same time, the board made the decision not to tax the enterprise but requires all businesses to have a Development Agreement whereby funds are paid to the county to cover the cost of enforcement efforts against illegal operators. The agreement also spells out a “public benefit” – funds for additional public safety services, infrastructure improvements or enhancement programs to be used or given only to the community in which the business is located.

WHY DECISION NOT TO TAX

The decision to not tax cannabis sales was made based on what could be a risky and costly gamble. Even though the businesses would be located only in unincorporated areas, the decision to tax would require a ballot measure for all registered voters in the county. Countywide elections are expensive and having no indication whether the vote would pass, the Board decided the cost of the election was not worth the risk.

Once the cannabis ordinance was approved and to prevent a rush by potential businesses seeking permits, the first year the county only allowed permitting for 69 businesses – 24 retail, 15 microbusinesses and 30 cultivation. Potential businesses were asked to submit a Request for Proposal that went through an extensive screening process and were ranked on a point system. 119 proposals were submitted; 69 were chosen to advance to the next step in the permitting process.

River Releaf was one of the 69 businesses, the only one in Temescal Valley, and now must gain county approval for a CUP and obtain a state cannabis license. Only one of the 69 potential businesses has applied for and obtained a county permit although there are five, including River Releaf, on the  June 3 agenda.

The Board recently voted to do away with the Request for Proposal process as the county moves into the second year of allowing cannabis commerce. Now potential businesses must only apply for a CUP with a Development Agreement.

The approval of the River Releaf Development Agreement also is on the June 3 agenda. The amount of the annual Public Base Benefit Payments is calculated by a dollar amount per square foot based on the type of usage: $16 a square foot for retail, $4.50 for indoor cultivation, $4 for manufacturing and $3 for distribution.

Using this formula, River Releaf would pay the county $52,930 annually with a 2 percent rate increase each year. Also paid to the county annually would be a Commercial Cannabis Activity Public Benefit of $66,162.50 with an annual increase of 5 percent. The Public Benefit funds can only be used here.

If the Planning Commission votes to recommend approval of the River Releaf application to the Board of Supervisors, the next step would be a public hearing before the Board. It is unknown when that would occur.

Because the June 3 meeting is a public hearing, comments on the project can be emailed, prior to the hearing date, to county planner Russell Brady – rbrady@rivco.org





(Published August 2020)





CANNABIS BUSINESS UPDATE





The county Planning Commission in June voted to recommend to the Board of Supervisors the approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a cannabis microbusiness at 23215 Temescal Canyon Road.





If approved, the permit would allow applicant River Releaf to sell, cultivate, manufacture and distribute cannabis in an existing 8,582- square-foot, two-story commercial building on the west side of Temescal Canyon Road at Dawson Canyon Road.





Next step is a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors at a yet-to-be-determined date.





(Published October 2020)





Business could be in operation by next summer if approved





It’s likely the approval of n application for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a cannabis business in Temescal Valley will be on the Board of Supervisors agenda for the Tuesday, Oct. 20 meeting. If approved the business would operate at 23215 Temescal Canyon Road.

River Releaf is the applicant seeking the permit for a “microbusiness” allowing not only retail sales but also indoor cultivation, manufacturing and the distribution of cannabis.





Inside decor
CULTURE CANNABIS CLUB:  Temescal Valley decor will be similar to the club in Jurupa Valley. 





The proposed location, an 8,565-square-foot, two-story building, is in a small business park where Dawson Canyon road dead-ends into Temescal Canyon Road. Planned building usage would devote 1,500 square feet to retail, 4,500 square feet for cultivation, 1,580 square feet for distribution and 985 square feet for manufacturing. There also would be areas for storage, office, employee breakroom, lobby/reception and restrooms.

The microbusiness would employee 20 to 25 people and operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Business hours for retail sales would be from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the cultivation, distribution and manufacturing components from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Included in the employee count would be three, 24/7, armed security guards, according to River Releaf representative Devon Julian who met with the We Are Temescal Valley Development Committee via Zoom in late August. He said security would be “bank level,” including video monitoring which can be accessed by law enforcement, limited access areas controlled by keycards, no product accessible to customers at any time, and burglar alarms in specific areas of the facility while not in use.

Concern by Development Committee members still remains over the parking situation. The building has 17 parking spaces for both employees and customers. Julian said a parking attendant would be onsite during retail business hours to help guide customers to the proper parking stalls, ensure no loitering or onsite consumption exists and help traffic flow more smoothly, and that the county Planning Commission review of the project in June required only 14 parking spaces.

Also on the agenda for the Oct. 20 board meeting would be the approval of a Development Agreement requiring River Releaf to pay the county $52,930 annually with a 2 percent rate increase each year. Also paid to the county annually would be a Commercial Cannabis Activity Public Benefit of $66,162 with an annual increase of 5 percent. The Public Benefit funds can only be used in Temescal Valley.

Additionally, Julian said River Releaf plans to find local community groups and causes to which it can contribute money and volunteer time once operations begin. If approved, the retail business could possibly open in six to eight months after receiving a state cannabis license.

According to Julian, River Releaf is owned by individuals with extensive cannabis experience. Chris Francy, the primary principal, has operated licensed cannabis facilities in California since 2015 and in that time has built and operated multiple cultivation and retail operations. Julian said Francy is an expert in retail licensing and operations with ownership in businesses located in Santa Ana, Moreno Valley, San Bernardino, Long Beach, Seaside and Desert Hot Springs. If approved, the Temescal Valley business would be known as Culture Cannabis Club.

Because the Oct. 20 meeting is a public hearing, citizens wishing to comment on the business can do so at the meeting (with masks and social distancing), or by email, prior to the hearing date, to county planner Russell Brady – rbrady@rivco.org and to Supervisor Kevin Jeffries’ 1st District staff — district1@rivco.org





(Published March 2021)





First-Ever Cannabis Dispensary Approved For Temescal Valley





(Published June 2021)





Could be another year before cannabis microbusiness opens





The county Board of Supervisors in March approved a Conditional Use Permit for a cannabis microbusiness at 23215 Temescal Canyon Road.





The approval allows Culture Cannabis Club to sell, cultivate, manufacture, and distribute cannabis in an existing 8,582- square-foot, two-story commercial building on the west side of Temescal Canyon Road at Dawson Canyon Road.





According to Devon Julian, who represented the applicant during the permitting process, “We expect to open in about nine to 12 months from now.” He said building plans are being drawn up and will still need county approval, and the business still needs to get license approval from the state.





“The state license is the biggest unknown variable as processing times are inconsistent and the process is constantly changing,” Julian said. “We are working diligently to get this project built and operational as soon as possible.”

					

		
		
	


	

				

			
						

				Corona council OKs 31 more acres for Arantine Hills
			

								


				

			
EXPANSION PLAN: The area outlined in red illustrates the 159-acre parcel that The New Home Company seeks to subdivide to add 31 acres to the already approved 276-acre Arantine Hills housing development. The developer is purchasing the 31 acres from the McMillan Trust. Plans by the developer and McMillian for the remaining 127 acres are unknown.


(Published Jan. 11. 2019)


The newly seated Corona City Council last month gave the go-ahead to The New Home Company to add 31 acres to its 276-acre housing development while adding no additional homes.


The number of residential units remains at 1,621 as specified in the original approval. That approval also includes the ability to construct an additional 185 units if designated “age-restricted” (55 and older), which would allow 1,806 homes to be built.


With the approval of the additional acreage, the City Council changed the definition of age-restricted to 62 and older, reasoning that if senior-housing is built, an age closer to retirement could reduce the number of daily car trips.


The 31 acres TNHC will add are located between the Eagle Glen Golf Club and the project’s southern boundary. The property is part of a 159-acre parcel, now zoned agriculture. Approval was given for a zone change to medium density residential and open space on the 31 acres. The agriculture zoning on the parcel’s remaining 127 acres will not change.


That acreage contains two plateaus that back up to The Retreat neighborhood in Temescal Valley. Fred Myers, a resident of The Retreat, and other Temescal Valley residents attending the meeting were told any plans to develop the remaining 127 acres would require an environmental impact report and an amendment to the Arantine Hills Specific Plan, as well as other approvals.


Councilman Wes Speake asked that focus not be lost on creating a viable trail system that would have a future connection point to both the Cleveland National Forest and Temescal Creek, and that a trailhead available to the public be established within the development.


Corona council to review Arantine Hills land expansion


(Published Dec. 14, 2018)

As suggested by the Corona Planning Commission, the developer of Arantine Hills modified the project’s zoning densities, and a request to increase the development’s acreage was approved at the Nov. 26 commission meeting.


The New Home Company (TNHC), is seeking city approval to amend the project’s already-amended specific plan by adding 31.18 acres to the approved 276-acre housing development.


Although TNHC wants to expand the development’s acreage, the number of residential units would remain at 1,621 as specified in the original approval. That approval also includes the construction of an additional 185 units if designated “age-restricted” (55 and older), which could bring the total number of homes to 1,806.


With the added acreage, TNHC also wants to redistribute the location of homes within the development’s approved planning areas and to increase the open space zoning from 56.8 acres to 77.4 acres.


But the Planning Commission, at an Oct. 22 public hearing, balked at TNHC’s plans to change the zoning densities within the planning areas. TNHC was asked to “re-think” the densities and present a new plan at a future commission meeting.


Currently, 387 units are zoned low density (3 to 6 dwelling units per acre). New Home wanted 234 LDR units, but at the Nov. 26 meeting changed that to 365 units. TNHC asked that medium density zoning (6 to 15 units per acre), be increased from 720 to 820 units, but now will settle for 725 units. High density zoning (15 to 36 units per acre), currently at 514 units would have increased to 567. TNHC changed the number to 531 units.


The medium density zoning for the planning area that is adjacent to Temescal Valley’s Weirick Road neighborhood surprisingly was reduced from 167 units to 147.


The 31 acres TNHC seeks to add to the development are located between the Eagle Glen Golf Club and the project’s southern boundary. The property is part of a 159.16-acre parcel, now zoned agriculture and owned by the McMillan Trust. TNHC is purchasing the 31 acres and is asking the city to change the zoning to medium density residential and open space. The agriculture zoning on the parcel’s remaining 127.35 would not change.


That acreage contains two plateaus that border closely on The Retreat neighborhood in the Temescal Valley. While John Sherwood, TNHC’s vice president of community development, has said the company has no plans to develop the plateaus, Fred Myers, a resident of The Retreat, isn’t so sure.


Myers produced escrow documentation at the Nov. 26 meeting showing that McMillan was selling land to TNHC. Sherwood countered that the documentation referred to an easement that was required because by purchasing the 31 acres, TNHC couldn’t leave the plateaus landlocked.


The next step in the approval process is a public hearing now scheduled for the Wednesday, Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. City Council meeting to be held at Corona City Hall, 400 S. Vicentia Ave.


Planners to revisit developer’s request on Nov. 26


(Published Nov. 21, 2018)

Temescal Valley residents are intently watching planning and zoning changes that could be made to the new Arantine Hills (Bedford), community now being constructed on the valley’s northern boundary.


The Corona Planning & Housing Commission on Nov. 26 will again consider a request by The New Home Company (TNHC), to amend the project’s already-amended specific plan by adding 31.18 acres to the approved 276-acre housing development.


Although TNHC wants to expand the development’s acreage, the number of residential units would remain at 1,621 as specified in the original approval. That approval also includes the construction of an additional 185 units if designated “age-restricted” (55 and older), which could bring the total number of homes to 1,806.


According to TNHC, the land expansion is necessary because a 9.5-acre planning area within the project approved for 130 homes had to be converted to a water basin.


With the request to add 31 more acres, TNHC also is seeking approval to redistribute the location of homes within the development’s approved planning areas and to increase the open space zoning from 56.8 acres to 77.4 acres.


ZONING DENSITY CHANGES


With the redistribution of homes, the developer also wants to redefine the zoning density within the planning areas.


Currently, 387 units are zoned low density (3 to 6 dwelling units per acre). New Home now wants 234 LDR units, a 40 percent decrease. Medium density zoning (6 to 15 units per acre), would change from 720 to 820 units, an increase of 14 percent. High density zoning (15 to 36 units per acre), currently at 514 units would increase to 567, up 10 percent.


The 31 acres TNHC wants to add to the development are located between the Eagle Glen Golf Club and the project’s southern boundary. The acreage is part of a 159.16-acre parcel, now zoned agriculture and owned by the McMillan Trust. TNHC is purchasing the 31 acres and is asking the city to change the zoning to medium density residential and open space. The agriculture zoning on the parcel’s remaining 127.35 would not change.


It’s the unknown plans for those 127 acres that have raised concerns for Temescal Valley residents.


That acreage contains two plateaus that border closely on The Retreat neighborhood. Past consensus on that parcel has been that the height of the plateaus would make it impossible to build the necessary infrastructure to allow for development. But mention of the plateaus in the request to amend the specific plan could be an indication of things to come, according to Fred Myers a resident of The Retreat.


That’s why Myers and six other Temescal Valley residents attended the Planning Commission’s Oct. 22 meeting when the TNHC’s request for changes first appeared on the agenda.


Following lengthy discussion and comments from the public, commissioners continued the item to the Nov. 13 meeting, instructing TNHC to rethink the zoning density changes it is seeking.


Commissioner Jeff Ruscigno questioned the decrease in low density zoning for planning areas adjacent to the Eagle Glen neighborhood and noted the importance of keeping the zoning consistent as TNHC stated it would when the amended specific plan was approved.


PLATEAUS WOULD BE CONSIDERED


When asked after the meeting by a Temescal Valley resident if the developer would pursue plans to develop the remaining acreage containing the plateaus, John Sherwood, TNHC’s vice president of community development, said “We have not been approached by McMillian to purchase the remaining acreage.” When questioned further, Sherwood said if approached by McMillan, they would consider developing the plateaus.


Temescal Valley residents are concerned because when the amended specific plan was approved in 2016, several valley residents asked that only low-density development be allowed in a 29.9-acre planning area directly adjacent to the Weirick Road Neighborhood. The request was ignored, and the city approved 167 medium-density homes to be built next to Weirick’s rural estate zoning that allows only one home per 5-acre parcel.


TNHC, prior to the Nov. 13 meeting, requested that the item be continued to the Monday, Nov. 26 agenda. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Corona City Hall council chambers, 400 S. Vicentia Ave.


Contract for Cajalco bridge awarded


(Published June 30, 2017)

Without much fanfare or discussion, the Corona City Council at a June 28 study session awarded a contract for improvements to the Cajalco Road interchange. The winning bid of $44.6 million was submitted by Riverside Construction Inc


The bridge will be widened from two to six lanes, a sidewalk is proposed along the south of Cajalco and a bike lane is proposed on both sides of the roadway. Public Works director Nelson Nelson told council members that work should begin in September/October and be completed by September 2019.


With the awarding of the contract for the improvement project, a lawsuit seeking a writ of mandate against the City of Corona and the New Home Co. has been dismissed.


While inactivity has been noted on the 1,800-home development being built west of the I-15, south of Cajalco Road and adjacent to Temescal Valley’s northern boundary, construction soon should begin on the property. The New Home Co. has recently advertised for bids for a traffic signal, and sewer, water and reclaimed water improvements.


Months ago the New Home Co. changed the name of the controversial development from Arantine Hills to Bedford South Corona. Here’s their new website: http://www.livebedford.com/


Court ruling due in Arantine Hills suit


(Published May 26, 2017)

Superior Court Judge Craig G. Reimer on April 27 heard attorneys’ arguments in the Arantine Hills writ of mandate suit filed by Citizens for Responsible, Economical and Environmental Development (CREED-21), against the city of Corona and developer New Home Company.


The judge had issued a partial tentative ruling favoring the city and developer prior to the April 27 hearing.


After hearing the arguments, Reimer indicated he’d issue a final decision by the end of May, according to Anthony Kim, an attorney with Briggs Law Corp. representing CREED-21.


If granted, the writ of mandate would not stop the project, but could force the city to correct what CREED-21 says were improper actions taken in the approval of the 1,800-home development. 


CREED-21 alleges the city should have had a new environmental impact report for the project instead of a supplemental EIR, and that the necessary infrastructure should be in place before the homes are constructed. 


READ THE COURT REPORTER TRANSCRIPT OF THE APRIL 27 HEARING


(Published April 17, 2017)

The Arantine Hills hearing set for Tuesday, April 18 in Department 5 of the Superior Court in Riverside has been taken off the calendar.


Information sought by the court was to be submitted in both hard-copy and digital format. The record of material in this case was either submitted in an erroneous manner or too late for review prior to the hearing date.


When both sides agree that all documentation is acceptable, a new hearing date will be set.


(Published March 29, 2017)

The March 30 court date has been continued, according to Anthony N. Kim, an attorney with Briggs Law Corporation representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed against the city of Corona and the Arantine Hills developers. The new date could be Tuesday, April 18, but as of now there is no official confirmation of that date.


(Published March 26, 2017)

A suit seeking a writ of mandate filed against the city of Corona and the developer of the Arantine Hills housing project will be heard by Judge Craig G. Reimer at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 30 in Dept. 05 of the Riverside County Superior Court, 4050 Main St., in downtown Riverside.


Citizens for Responsible, Economical and Environmental Development, a San Diego-based non-profit corporation known as CREED-21, in October filed suit against the city and New Home Company regarding the Arantine Hills project. www.wearetv.org/blog/arantine/lawsuit.pdf


The Corona City Council approved the 1,806-home development last May and grading has begun on the property located south of Eagle Glen and north of Temescal Valley’s Weirick Road neighborhood. The development agreement between the city and New Home Company allows homes to be built prior to improvements being made to the Cajalco interchange.


In seeking the writ of mandate, CREED-21 maintains that because the developer was requesting changes to the project’s original approval in July 2012, a new environmental impact report should have been prepared. Instead, the city allowed adjustments to be made to the original EIR, creating a supplemental EIR which was used in last year’s project approval.


CREED-21 states in the suit, “It is important to note that Petitioner is not anti-development and is not trying to shut this project down. Instead, Petitioner wants the City’s officials to fulfill their duty to be transparent about the true impacts of the project and to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place before the project moves forward.”


The city responded to the suit’s allegations in a brief filed in early December (www.wearetv.org/blog/arantine/city_brief.pdf), and CREED-21 responded to the city in a brief filed later in the month (www.wearetv.org/blog/arantine/reply_brief.pdf).


Two declarants are listed in the suit, Richard Lawrence who states he is president of CREED-21 and Mercedita Valdez who states she is a CREED-21 member and a Corona homeowner.


1,806 HOMES: This is the development plan for Arantine Hills. The property currently is being graded.


Corona City Council OKs Arantine Hills


(Published May 23, 2016)

The Corona City Council at its May 19 meeting approved the 1,800-home Arantine Hills project. The development agreement between the city and developer New Home Company allows homes to be built prior to improvements made to the Cajalco interchange. Grading for the housing project is expected to start immediately.


The first 308 homes could be ready for sale mid-2017 — the same time improvements to the bridge are expected to begin. The development agreement also allows the possibility of 1,300 homes being constructed before the interchange project is half finished.


MORE INFORMATION

View the meeting HERE


Related Press-Enterprise report:

Vote paves way for nearly 2,000-home Arantine Hills project


City Council to vote on Arantine Hills


(Published May 4, 2016)

The fate of the 1,800-home Arantine Hills project should be determined at a Corona City Council public hearing, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 19 at City Hall, 400 S. Vicentia Ave.


The public can comment on the project at the meeting, with statements not to exceed three minutes. Comments also can be emailed to City Clerk Lisa Mobley at lisa.mobley@ci.corona.ca.us  and must be received no later than Tuesday, May 17.


MORE INFORMATION

Public Hearing Notice


Commission says ‘yes’ to Arantine Hills


(Published April 26, 2016)

The Corona Planning Commission gave thumbs up to the 1,800-home Arantine Hills Development following a public hearing on April 25, and will recommend the project’s approval to the City Council.


Nineteen people spoke at the hearing — five people were in favor of the project and the remaining speakers opposed it.


Most of the opposition — primarily Temescal Valley and Eagle Glen residents, was against the plan’s proposal to allow 308 homes to be built before construction begins on improvements to the Cajalco interchange.


The Development Agreement between the city and New Home Company, the developer, outlined how building permits/certificates of occupancy will be issued. After the first 308 homes are built and bridge improvements begin, 600 more permits will be issued, 390 more permits will be issued when the bridge is 50 percent complete and the rest of the permits issued when the bridge construction is 95 percent complete.


Construction should start on the interchange in July 2017 and will take two years to complete.


Riverside County Transportation Department sent Patty Romo to address county concerns, primarily that traffic studies had under-estimated the number of vehicles that would be using Temescal Canyon Road and that funding should be made available for improvements to TCR.


Speakers for the project represented the Building Industry Association, The Crossings, The Shops at Dos Lagos and the Corona Chamber of Commerce, which favored homes and less commercial/retail.


City staff, in presenting the project to the planning commissioners, recommended approval based on the offer by the developer to pay not only its share for the bridge improvements, but to front the entire amount, including the city’s two-thirds share of the estimated $67 million costs.


Staff reasoned that the offer by the developer would enable the improvements to be made sooner, rather than later, because the city does not have the funding to make the improvements.


Staff also said by reducing the amount of commercial acreage from 38 to 10 acres, estimated daily trips would be reduced by 11,000. Staff said this reduction in daily trips would allow 308 homes to be built without impacting traffic.


Eleven people from Temescal Valley attended the hearing. Seven offered comments and voiced concerns about the proximity of the development to the valley’s Weirick Road neighborhood, where zoning allows only one home per five acres.


All opposing arguments addressed gridlock on the I-15 and surface streets, and some questioned the timing of the project with the 1-15 toll lanes construction set to begin in 2018. The resounding message voiced by the opponents was to “Build the bridge first.”


The Corona City Council will vote on the project following another public hearing, possibly scheduled at its Thursday, May 19 meeting.


MORE INFORMATION

DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

Video of Planing Commission Public Hearing


Related Press-Enterprise report:

Arantine Hills gets nod from Planning Commission




Arantine Hills hearing is April 25


(Published April 13, 2016)

A Planning Commission public hearing for the Arantine Hills development will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, April 25 at Corona City Hall, 400 S. Vicentia Ave. People who have opinions either for or against the changes and can’t make the April 25 hearing can email their comments prior to April 21 to city planner Terri Manuel at terrim@ci.corona.ca.us


The project is located west of the I-15 in the Bedford Wash between Eagle Glen and the northern boundary of Temescal Valley. The 1,806-home development was approved by the city in July 2012. New Home Company, which purchased the development from Bluestone Communities after the city’s approval, is asking for changes to what was originally approved, creating the need to amend the specific plan and modify the environmental impact report.


The amended specific plan and modified environmental impact report, as well as documents outlining the project’s 2012 approval can be found at http://discovercorona.com/City-Departments/Community-Development/Planning-Division/Arantine-Hills-Project.aspx After hearing comments from the public and city staff at the April 25 hearing, planning commissioners are expected to vote on the project as a recommendation to the City Council whether to approve or deny the changes. The City Council, at a future public hearing, will make the ultimate decision on changes to the project.


Comments sought on changes to Arantine Hills documents


(Published Feb. 13, 2016)

The city of Corona is accepting comments on the Arantine Hills amended specific plan and draft supplemental environmental impact report. The deadline to submit comments is Monday, Feb. 22.


The project is located west of the I-15 in the Bedford Wash between Eagle Glen and the northern boundary of Temescal Valley. The 1,806-home development was approved by the city in July 2012.


New Home Company, which purchased the development after the city’s approval, is asking for changes to what was originally approved, creating the need to amend the specific plan and modify the environmental impact report.


Notable changes include a reduction in general commercial acreage from 38 to 10 acres, increasing open space from 36.6 to 56.8 acres, reducing parkland from 15.2 to 8.7 acres and deleting from the plan a recreational trail and bikeway that would have been available for public use outside the gated community.


Additionally, the developer wants to construct 308 homes before construction starts on improvements to the Cajalco interchange, and once bridge construction begins, homes could continue to be built. The 2012 approval was conditioned on bridge improvements being completed prior to building permits being issued.


Total cost of the bridge improvement is about $62 million with New Home Company being responsible for one-third. If allowed to build homes prior to the improvements, New Home Company will advance the entire amount including the city’s share. While New Home Company can pay its share of about $21 million, the city says it has no funds available to pay for the remaining $41 million.


A development agreement between the city and New Home Company will outline how the city will repay the advanced funds for the improvement. City staff, in May, told the City Council the bridge was over capacity now, and the costs to make improvements would only increase the longer it takes to correct the problem. Staff also told the council no money in paybacks would come from the city’s general fund.


Temescal Valley residents, as well as Corona residents living in Eagle Glen, are citing concerns about school overcrowding and additional gridlock to the I-15 caused by homes being built prior to interchange improvements being made. Additional concerns are keeping open the access to the Bedford Wash hiking trails and the proximity of proposed medium density homes to the estate-zoned parcels (one home per five acres), in the Weirick Road neighborhood.


People are questioning why New Home Company would purchase the approved project knowing the conditions of the approval and the stipulation that no homes could be built prior to interchange improvements being completed.


Comments should be emailed prior to Feb. 22 to city planner Terri Manuel at terrim@ci.corona.ca.us. The dates for public hearings have yet to be determined.


MORE INFORMATION

Amended Specific Plan & Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report 

Project Fact Sheet

About the project 


Related Press-Enterprise reports:

June 19, 2015: Developer revises Arantine Hills plan 

Jan. 9, 2015: Huge proposed housing project faces obstacles 

Aug. 6, 2014: Corona housing develpment back on the drawing board 


Arantine Hills back on drawing board


(Published June 14, 2015)

The city of Corona held two meetings in May with New Home Company, the developer who wants to make changes to the plans for Arantine Hills, the 1,600-plus home development approved by the city in July 2012. The project is located west of the I-15 in the Bedford Wash between Cajalco Road and the northern boundary of Temescal Valley.


New Home company, which purchased the development after the city’s approval, is asking for considerably less commercial retail acreage and wants to start building the homes at the same time construction begins on improvements to the Cajalco interchange. The 2012 approval was conditioned on bridge improvements being completed prior to homes being built.


During the May meetings, New Home Company told City Council members they are willing to build a smaller retail center — 80,000 square feet, outside the community’s gates at Eagle Glen Parkway and Bedford Canyon Road. New Home said there would be no family apartments, but when questioned further, said there could be senior apartments which could bring the housing total up to 1,800-plus.


In the original agreement, the developer was responsible for funding one-third of the costs for the bridge improvement — the total cost today being about $62 million. New Home now has offered to advance the entire $62 million if the city will allow construction on the bridge and the homes to begin simultaneously. While New Home can pay its share of about $21 million, city staff said there were no funds available to pay for the remaining $41 million.


If the city accepts the offer, a development agreement between the city and New Home Company will outline how the advanced fees will be repaid. City staff said the bridge was over capacity now, and the costs to make improvements would only increase the longer it takes to correct the problem. Staff also told the council no money in paybacks would come from the city’s general fund.


Temescal Valley residents speaking at both meetings cited concerns about school overcrowding, gridlock, keeping access to the Bedford Wash hiking trails open and the proximity of proposed homes to the estate-zoned parcels (one home per five acres), in the Weirick Road neighborhood.


A Weirick Road resident, whose home would be adjacent to proposed homes in the project, said he owns many horses and doesn’t want complaints about noise, odors and flies from Arantine Hills residents.


The city made it clear to the developer that it must meet with area residents to discuss their concerns. An open meeting has been scheduled 6 to 8 p.m., Monday June 15 at the Eagle Glen Golf Club’s Monument Room, 1800 Eagle Glen Parkway. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT  

					

		
		
	


	

				

			
						

				What’s next for Alberhill?
			

								


				

			
The orange line depicts the path of the Valley-IvyGlen transmission lines. The lines will run above ground and cross the freeway north of Glen Eden, continue north to about Indian Truck Trail where they will be placed underground. The proposed 34-acre Alberhill substation is pictured on the right.


Here’s what next for SCE’s Alberhill substation project


(Published Dec. 14, 2018)

In its quest to prove to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the need for another substation in the area, Southern California Edison last month asked for public comments suggesting alternatives to the Alberhill substation it plans to build in Temescal Valley. A Nov. 30 deadline was set for receipt of comments.


The We Are Temescal Valley Development Committee has taken a stand against the 34-acre Alberhill substation and its two 500-kV transmission lines and towers being located here. The committee urged residents to suggest an alternative location in the vicinity of Walker Canyon Road and Hill Top Drive, north of the I-15 in an unincorporated county area. The committee also recommended the use of battery storage technology.


Many residents complied with the request and sent comments to Edison. So, what are the next steps?


    

  • January-February 2019: Public invited to participate in an online “webinar.”
    • 

  • March-June 2019: SCE will present its assessment of new alternatives at an open house.
    • 

  • June-September 2019: Another public webinar planned. SCE will present its final data items submitted to the CPUC.
    • 

  • Fourth quarter 2019: The public can participate in any California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), process led by the CPUC.
    • 



Alberhill alternative comments to Edison are due Nov. 30


(Published Nov. 21, 2018)

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has sent Southern California Edison back to the drawing board in the utility’s quest to get approval for its proposed Alberhill substation.


At the Aug. 23 CPUC meeting, SCE’s 115-kV Valley-IvyGlen subtransmission lines were approved, but no decision was rendered on the Alberhill substation proposal. Both projects are in Temescal Valley.


Commissioners left the Alberhill project open, instructing SCE to provide new evidence indicating a need for the substation based on more reliable projections of electrical demand.


SCE held two workshops earlier this month to update ratepayers in the affected communities. In the CPUC’s final decision, there are nine areas identified for additional analyses by the utility. One of the areas is a cost/benefit analysis of several alternatives and SCE is asking the public’s assistance in identifying alternatives.


At the workshops, SCE representatives said that system alternatives must enhance the reliability of the Valley South System that has no tie-in to another system for backup and provide additional capacity – both being the intent of the Alberhill project. Suggested alternatives should evaluate energy storage, distributed energy resources, demand response and smart grid solutions.


The We Are Temescal Valley Development Committee has taken a stand against the Alberhill substation and its 500-kV transmission lines and towers being located here. The committee is suggesting an alternative location in the vicinity of Walker Canyon Road and Hill Top Drive, north of the I-15 in an unincorporated county area. The committee also recommends the use of battery storage technology.


SCE has set a Friday, Nov. 30 deadline for suggested alternatives. It’s important that Temescal Valley residents respond. If you don’t want to compose an email in your own words, there’s a “cheat sheet” below. Just follow the instructions – copy and paste into an email program and send it to ASP@sce.com.


Here’s the CPUC Decision

Here’s the SCE Workshop Presentation


___________________________________________________________________________________________________


SUGGESTED PUBLIC COMMENT TO SEND TO SCE


COPY TEXT BELOW AND PASTE INTO AN EMAIL WINDOW

SUBJECT LINE: ALBERHILL SYSTEM PROJECT

DON’T FORGET TO ADD YOUR NAME AT THE BOTTOM


EMAIL TO ASP@sce.com

DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, NOV. 30


Re: New Alternatives to Alberhill System Project following public workshop


As a resident of the Temescal Valley, I support the need for a substation that would provide power resources for future development.  While the Alberhill Substation fell short of meeting the Temescal Valley needs, the following recommendations to the Alberhill System Project would be supported by many Temescal Valley residents.


The site for the formerly proposed Alberhill System Project substation should be relocated to a location at Walker Canyon Road and Hill Top Drive, north of the Interstate 15 Freeway in unincorporated Riverside County. The rationale for this location is as follows.


1.  This substation location would not negatively impact current and future residential and commercial property development and their property values.


2.  This substation location would be easily accessible by Southern California Edison during severe weather conditions.


3.  This substation location would allow for connection to the Valley-Serrano 500 kV transmission line.


4.  The design of the substation should incorporate maximum screening elements including an aesthetic building façade and landscaping to mitigate any negative aesthetic impacts to future residential, commercial and industrial development.


5.  The substation could be developed in two phases. In phase I the substation would be developed to meet peak energy needs with the installation of batteries. In phase II the substation would be fully developed per the original Alberhill Substation design to meet the needs of new residential, commercial and industrial development.


It is believed that locating the substation at Walker Canyon Road and Hill Top Drive, north of the Interstate 15 Freeway in unincorporated Riverside County would have community support. The community (residential, commercial & industrial) needs safe and reliable power resources to facilitate the future growth within the Valley South System.


It is imperative that the approval of new substation location identified above be fast-tracked and development undertaken to meet the increased power resource needs in the next five years.


Thank you, 


Temescal Valley, CA 92883

_________________________________________________________________________________________________


VALLEY-IVYGLEN 115-kV SUBTRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT: The route of the line is depicted in dark blue. It starts at the Valley substation in Menifee, runs through Perris and Lake Elsinore, and continues into Temescal Valley, ending at the IvyGlen substation on Temescal Canyon Road. The light blue outline depicts the area to be serviced by the subtransmission line.


CPUC rules on Edison projects


(Published Sept. 14, 2018)

After five postponements dating back to May, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), on Aug. 23 approved Southern California Edison’s 115-kV Valley-IvyGlen subtransmission lines but denied the utility’s Alberhill substation proposal.


The decision followed closely the recommendation of Hallie Yacknin, CPUC administrative law judge, who after reviewing the final environmental impact report for the two projects, issued a proposed decision to approve the Valley-IvyGlen lines and to deny the Alberhill substation.


Yacknin, in the 104-page decision released in April, ruled the need for the Valley-IvyGlen lines as a backup power source outweighed the environmental impacts on noise and air quality the project will have during construction, as well as “its significant and unavoidable cumulative impacts on air quality and biological resources.”


Yacknin’s decision for the Alberhill project was based on her belief that SCE had overstated the need for the substation based on the utility’s forecast of increased electric demand in the area. Yacknin reasoned that because it was unlikely the $464 million project will be needed, “at all or in any case by 2021, we do not find overriding considerations that merit approval.” The cost of the project would have been passed onto ratepayers.


In rendering the final decision, the CPUC ordered SCE to provide new evidence indicating a need for the substation based on more reliable projections of electrical demand. The project was left open so if new evidence is presented and found acceptable by the CPUC, the substation could be built.


Edison has spent 11 years working on the two projects – both located in Temescal Valley.


Valley-IvyGlen calls for 27 miles of single-circuit 115-kV subtransmission lines to run from the Valley substation in Menifee, through Perris and Lake Elsinore, and continue into Temescal Valley, running north along De Palma Road adjacent to Horsethief Canyon Ranch and Glen Eden Sun Club.


The above-ground lines will cross to the east side of the 1-15 north of Glen Eden and continue along Temescal Canyon Road. They will be placed underground at about Indian Truck Trail, where they will continue to the IvyGlen substation on Temescal Canyon Road near Maitri Road. Temescal Valley residents opposing the project wanted all the lines underground.


The 34-acre Alberhill substation would have been constructed on 124 acres of land owned by Edison at the corner of Temescal Canyon and Concordia Ranch roads east of the 1-15 and across the freeway from the 1,900-home Horsethief Canyon Ranch neighborhood.


Edison projects slated for Aug. 23 CPUC meeting




(Published Aug. 17, 2018)

The California Public Utilities Commission could render its final decision on the 115-kV Valley-IvyGlen subtransmission lines and the Alberhill substation at a 9:30 a.m. meeting, Thursday, Aug. 23 at CPUC headquarters in San Francisco.


The Edison projects appeared on CPUC agendas for meetings to be held May 10, and 31, June 21,  July 12 and Aug. 9 but were postponed for additional review.


CPUC judge says ‘yes’ to SCE line; ‘no’ to substation


(Published April 12, 2018 and updated May 5, 2018)

Hallie Yacknin, an administrative law judge with the California Public Utilities Commission, has reviewed the final environmental impact report for two Southern California Edison projects and issued a proposed decision to approve the 115-kV Valley-IvyGlen subtransmission lines and to deny the Alberhill substation.


With the proposed decision announced, the CPUC could render a final decision at a 9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 10 meeting to be held at Fontana City Hall, 8353 Sierra Ave. General comments from the public will be allowed during the meeting. Comments also can be emailed to: Public.Advisor@cpuc.ca.gov. Reference agenda item No. 14 and Proceeding 07-01-031.


Yacknin, in the 104-page decision dated April 4, ruled the need for the Valley-IvyGlen lines as a backup power source outweighs the environmental impacts on noise and air quality the project will have during construction, as well as “its significant and unavoidable cumulative impacts on air quality and biological resources.”


Yacknin’s decision regarding the Alberhill project was based on her belief that Edison had overstated the need for the substation based on the utility’s forecast of increased electric demand in the area. Yacknin reasoned that because it was unlikely the $464 million project will be needed, “at all or in any case by 2021, we do not find overriding considerations that merit approval.”


Edison is expected to appeal the decision’s Alberhill ruling.


The decision also noted the project would have “significant and unavoidable” impacts on aesthetics during and after construction because the structure and its transmission lines would be visible from the I-15, a scenic highway corridor, “substantially degrading the natural and rural visual character, vividness, intactness, and visual unity in the area.”


Edison has spent almost 11 years working on the two projects.


Valley-IvyGlen calls for 27 miles of single-circuit 115-kV subtransmission lines to run from the Valley substation in Menifee, through Perris and Lake Elsinore, and continue into Temescal Valley, running north along De Palma Road adjacent to Horsethief Canyon Ranch and Glen Eden Sun Club.


The lines would cross to the east side of the 1-15 north of Glen Eden and continue along Temescal Canyon Road. They would be placed underground at about Indian Truck Trail, where they will continue to the IvyGlen substation on Temescal Canyon Road near Maitri Road. Temescal Valley residents opposing the project want all the lines underground.


The proposed 34-acre Alberhill substation would be constructed on 124 acres of land owned by Edison at the corner of Temescal Canyon and Concordia Ranch roads east of the 1-15 and close to the 1,900-home Horsethief Canyon Ranch neighborhood.


The project calls for two 500-kV transmission lines to join the existing 500-kV Serrano-Valley line near the Lake Mathews-Estelle Mountain Reserve in Temescal Valley.


Read the decision:

https://www.wearetv.org/blog/docs/decision.pdf




Final EIR for Edison projects released


(Updated April 12, 2017)

The final environmental impact report for the proposed Edison powerlines and susbstation projects has been released by the California Public Utilities Commission.


It now is being reviewed or will be reviewed by an appointed Administrative Law Judge who will provide his/her proposed decision on the projects.


After the proposed decision is announced, a date and place will be set for a hearing to determine the final decision by the CPUC. This hearing will be the final opportunity for the public to offer comments on the projects.


Edison has spent more than 10 years working on the Valley-IvyGlen powerlines and the proposed Alberhill substation projects.


Valley-IvyGlen calls for 27 miles of single-circuit 115-kV subtransmission lines to run from the Valley substation in Menifee through Perris and Lake Elsinore, and continue into Temescal Valley, ending at the IvyGlen substation on Temescal Canyon Road. People protesting the project want all the lines underground.


The proposed 34-acre Alberhill substation would be constructed on 124 acres of land owned by Edison at the corner of Temescal Canyon and Concordia Ranch roads east of the 1-15 and close to the 1,900-home Horsethief Canyon Ranch neighborhood. HCR residents want the substation located elsewhere.


A significant finding in the final EIR was that none of the alternatives listed in the Draft EIR are considered environmentally superior to the proposed projects.


FINAL EIR: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/environment/info/ene/alberhill/Alberhill.html

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________


(Updated July 17, 2016)

Thank you to everyone who signed petitions and sent emails to the California Public Utilities Commission  regarding the draft environmental impact report for the Valley-IvyGlen subtransmission line  and the Alberhill substation.


Comments on the Draft EIR will be addressed in a Response to Comments document that, together with the Draft EIR, will constitute the Final EIR. The Final EIR will likely be completed by late September or early October. The CPUC will issue separate proposed decisions on SCE’s applications for the proposed Valley–Ivyglen Project and the proposed Alberhill Project.


(Updated July 10, 2016)

Send your email now to: VIG.ASP@ene.com

Deadline is Friday, July 15


(Suggested wording — include your name and address)


In regards to the Valley-IvyGlen 115-kV transmission line, I SUPPORT VIG Alternative M to underground the line along the entire proposed project alignment.


In regards to the location of a substation in Temescal Valley, I OPPOSE both the Serrano and Alberhill locations. Additional research must be undertaken to find a location suitable to the majority of Temescal Valley residents, land owners and businesses.


The orange line depicts the path of the Valley-IvyGlen transmission lines. The lines will run above ground and cross the freeway north of Glen Eden, continue north to about Indian Truck Trail where they will be placed underground. The proposed 34-acre Alberhill substation is pictured on the right.
The orange line depicts the path of the Valley-IvyGlen transmission lines. The lines will run above ground and cross the freeway north of Glen Eden, continue north to about Indian Truck Trail where they will be placed underground. The proposed 34-acre Alberhill substation is pictured on the right.


Public Utilities Commission extends deadline to July 15


(Updated May 31, 2016)

The California Public Utilities Commission has extended the deadline for the public comments period to July 15. Comments on the draft environmental impact report for Southern California Edison’s Valley-IvyGlen project and the proposed Alberhill substation can be emailed to:  VIG.ASP@ene.com 


Related Press-Enterprise report:

More time granted for power project comments


Draft EIR sets forth alternatives for the project


(Updated May, 11, 2016)

Alternative proposals in the draft environmental impact report were included based on public concerns during the scoping period last year. The CPUC then analyzed the alternatives to determine if they reduced at least one environmental impact of the proposed project.


For a better understanding of the alternatives, view the Draft Environmental Impact Report at:  http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/Environment/info/ene/ivyglen/ IvyglenDraftEIR.html


Click on 3.0 Description of Alternatives and 5.0 Comparison of Alternatives


Viable alternatives to the Valley-IvyGlen (VIG), transmission line include VIG Alternative M that would require the entire proposed project line to be undergrounded.


VIG alternative AVIG Alternative A would alleviate the necessity for the line to cross the I-15 by extending it north from Glen Eden for another 2,000 feet. The line would be undergrounded at the south end of the Vons Shopping Center, continue down Campbell Ranch Road to Temescal Canyon Road to the IvyGlen substation. Two other alternatives – B1 and B2, running above and below ground through Sycamore Creek along Santiago Canyon Road to Maitri Road, do not reduce the proposed project’s impacts.


VIG alternative CInstead of crossing to the west side of the I-15 from the proposed Alberhill substation, VIG Alternative C would keep the line on the east side of the freeway running underground along Temescal Canyon Road to Horsethief Canyon Road, turning west under the I-15 and rising above ground at De Palma Road.


SUBSTATION ALTERNATIVES


There are two alternatives for the proposed Alberhill substation. ASP Alternative B would add all gas-insulated switchgear at the substation reducing several environmental impacts.


ASP alternative DDASP Alternative DD relocates the substation to property within the Serrano Specific Plan. Approved by the county in 2010, the 489-acre Serrano Commerce Center is zoned for light industrial, commercial retail and open space. The property is on the east side of the I-15 and stretches from Temescal Canyon Road on the north to Temescal Canyon Road on the south adjacent to the freeway underpass. Development of the property never began and was further waylaid by the recession.


ASP Alternative DD would place the substation in the northern portion of the property adjacent to the former Rincor pipe plant.


The CPUC determined this alternative is aesthetically superior to the Alberhill proposal because it is not visible from the 1-15. It will be visible to Dawson Canyon, Spanish Hills and future Terramor residents. The CPUC notes that the substation’s location next to the Temescal Wash could be detrimental to this alternative, but views Serrano as being less impactful overall than Alberhill.


Unknown are the impacts the substation would have on requirements of the Serrano Specific Plan which call for hiking trails, a Temescal Valley Town Center in the plan’s commercial retail-zoned acreage and a secondary road to redirect truck traffic from the west side to the east side of the freeway.


SCE plans substation, power lines here


(Updated May 3, 2016)

The California Public Utilities Commission is now receiving comments on the final draft environmental impact report for Southern California Edison’s Valley-IvyGlen project and the proposed Alberhill substation.


The projects and their impacts will be explained at a meeting to be held in Lake Elsinore from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 11 at the city’s Cultural Arts Center, 183 N. Main St. People attending the meeting will be able to comment on the projects.


VIEW THE DRAFT EIR


A simulated view of the transmission lines looking north on Lake Street near Temescal Canyon Road.
A simulated view of the transmission lines looking north on Lake Street near Temescal Canyon Road.


Deadline for all comments is May 31.


Comments can be emailed to: VIG.ASP@ene.com 


Or mailed to:

California Public Utilities Commission

RE: VIG/ASP

c/o Ecology and Environment, Inc.

505 Sansome Street, Suite 300

San Francisco, CA 94111


Fax: (415) 398-5326


The Valley-IvyGlen project, which Edison began nine years ago, will span 27 miles and bring a backup power source to Temescal Valley – currently only one line serves local consumers. The project calls for above-ground, single-circuit 115-kV subtransmission lines to run from the Valley substation in Menifee through Perris and Lake Elsinore, and continue into Temescal Valley, running north along De Palma Road adjacent to Horsethief Canyon Ranch and Glen Eden Sun Club.


Current view from the northbound 1-15 looking toward Concordia Ranch Road.
Current view from the northbound 1-15 looking toward Concordia Ranch Road.


The lines will cross to the east side of the 1-15 north of Glen Eden and continue along Temescal Canyon Road. They will be placed underground at about Indian Truck Trail, where they will continue to the IvyGlen substation on Temescal Canyon Road near Maitri Road.


The current 30- to 80-foot tall wooden poles will be replaced with 115-foot steel poles, plus  additional steel poles will be added to the landscape.


Simulated view after construction of the Alberhill substation.
Simulated view after construction of the Alberhill substation.


The proposed 34-acre Alberhill substation will be constructed on 124 acres of land owned by Edison at the corner of Temescal Canyon and Concordia Ranch roads east of the 1-15.


The project calls for two 500-kV transmission lines to join the existing 500-kV Serrano-Valley transmission line near the Lake Mathews-Estelle Mountain Reserve in Temescal Valley.


Last May the CPUC held a scoping meeting to answer questions about the two projects and invite public comments for the draft EIR. There were a couple dozen people in attendance – 10 from Temescal Valley, the rest Lake Elsinore residents, and they voiced concerns about the projects’ significant impacts which had been noted by the CPUC. Most all said they wanted underground lines.


The draft EIR also includes possible alternatives to what is being proposed. The alternatives, in part, came from public comments the CPUC received last year during the scoping period. One alternative to the Valley-IvyGlen lines is VIG Alternative M that calls for the entire subtransmission line to be installed underground.

VIEW OTHER ALTERNATIVES  HERE


Here are the significant impacts addressed in the draft EIR:


Significant Effects of the Alberhill Project








Resource Area
Potential Effects




Aesthetics
A permanent effect on aesthetics along Interstate 15 (I-15), an eligible State Scenic Highway, could result from operation of the proposed Alberhill Project because the proposed Alberhill Substation, new 500-kV transmission lines, and new and upgraded 115-kV subtransmission lines (115-kV Segments ASP1, ASP3, ASP4, and ASP5) would be visible to motorists. Permanent effects may result because of visual contrast, alterations to existing scenic integrity, blocked or partially blocked views, and the introduction of industrial-like facilities to a relatively undeveloped rural area. The following components, among others, would be viewable from I-15:


    

  • Two 37-foot-tall transformers
    • 

  • 49-foot-tall steel-enclosed 500-kV gas-insulated switchrack
    • 

  • Control building (7,000 square feet)
    • 

  • Parking area (7,600 square feet) and driveways (156,000 square feet)
    • 

  • 8-foot-tall concrete or decorative-block substation perimeter wall
    • 

  • 500-kV transmission lines and lattice steel towers (95 to 190 feet tall)
    • 

  • 115-kV subtransmission lines (upgraded from 65–90 feet tall to 70–100 feet tall)
    • 







Permanent effects on the visual character or quality of a site or its surrounding area could result from operation of the proposed Alberhill Project at the proposed Alberhill Substation site, along the 500-kV transmission line routes, along 115-kV Segments ASP1 and ASP6, and along the northern section of the proposed 115-kV Segment ASP2 route near the proposed Alberhill Substation site that may reduce the intactness, unity, or vividness of existing views.




Air Quality
Temporary violations of maximum daily on-site emission levels of fugitive dust (particulate matter of 10 micrometers or less [PM10] and 2.5 micrometers or less [PM2.5]) would occur during construction of the proposed Alberhill Substation due to grading, excavation, and asphalting. Temporary violations for maximum daily on-site emission levels of PM10 would occur during construction of the proposed 115-kV subtransmission lines from roadwork, site preparation, structure installation, and wire stringing.




The temporary exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and fugitive dust (PM10 and PM2.5) would occur during construction of the proposed Alberhill Substation, 500-kV transmission lines, and 115-kV subtransmission lines.




Biological Resources
Temporary, permanent, direct, and indirect effects on Stephens’ kangaroo rat would likely result from the construction and operation of the proposed Alberhill Substation, 500-kV lines, and several of the 115-kV segments.




Temporary, permanent, direct, and indirect effects on riparian areas and federally protected wetlands (e.g., Temescal Wash or its tributaries) as defined by Clean Water Act Section 404 could result from construction and operation activities along the proposed 500-kV and 115-kV routes and at proposed Alberhill Substation site.




Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Each of the 560-MVA 500/115-kV transformers would contain approximately 33,550 gallons of transformer oil. In California, all used oil is managed as hazardous waste until tested to show it is not hazardous (Section 25250.4 of the California Health and Safety Code). Direct and indirect effects from the accidental release of hazardous materials could result during construction and operation of the proposed Alberhill Substation.




Temporary and permanent effects from fire could result from construction and operation of the proposed Alberhill Project along the proposed 500-kV and 115-kV lines and at the proposed Alberhill Substation site, which would be located within or adjacent to Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.




Hydrology and Water Quality
Temporary, direct, and indirect effects on water quality and existing drainage patterns could result from construction of the proposed Alberhill Substation, access road to 500-kV Tower SA-5, and along sections of the proposed 115-kV segments due to project-related activities such as the placement of fill, earth moving activities, and the potential for spill of hazardous materials near jurisdictional (e.g., Temescal Wash ) and potentially jurisdictional waterways/drainages.




Cumulative Effects 
Aesthetics. A permanent effect on aesthetics along an eligible State Scenic Highway (I-15) could result from operation of the proposed Alberhill Project in addition to the proposed Talega–Escondido/Valley–Serrano (TE/VS) Project, and proposed Valley–Ivyglen Project. The proposed Alberhill Substation, 500-kV transmission lines, and 115-kV Segments ASP1 through ASP5, as well as the proposed Valley–Ivyglen Project 115-kV Segments VIG3 through VIG7 and proposed TE/VS switchyard and associated 500-kV transmission lines, would be visible from I-15.




Air Quality. A temporary violation of maximum daily on-site emission levels of PM10 and PM2.5 (fugitive dust) would occur during the construction of the proposed Alberhill System Project, proposed Valley–Ivyglen Project, and proposed TE/VS Project. Construction activities that overlap (e.g., earth-moving activities) may result in cumulative effects on air quality.




Air Quality. Construction of the proposed Alberhill System Project, proposed Valley–Ivyglen Project, and proposed TE/VS Project could result in a temporary, cumulatively considerable net increase of VOC, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter of PM10, and PM2.5 due to diesel- and gasoline-fueled engine exhaust from vehicles and equipment.




Biological Resources. Construction of the proposed Alberhill System Project, proposed Valley–Ivyglen Project, and proposed TE/VS Project could result in cumulatively considerable effects on riparian areas and federally protected wetlands.






Potentially Significant Effects of the Valley–-Ivyglen Project






Resource Area
Potential Effects




Aesthetics
Temporary and permanent effects on aesthetic resources along Interstate 15 (I-15) and State Route 74 (SR-74), both eligible State Scenic Highways, could result from construction and operation of the proposed Valley–Ivyglen Project. Construction would occur over a 24-month period, and construction activities along 115-kV Segments VIG1 through 115-kV VIG8 would be noticeable to area residents and motorists along I-15 and SR-74. Construction activities that would temporarily affect scenic resources include:


    

  • Use of vehicles and equipment for excavation and grading activities, transporting and lifting, watering to control dust, transporting workers, and other construction activities;
    • 

  • Soil and vegetation removal;
    • 

  • Removal of existing power poles;
    • 

  • Temporary construction site fencing and signage;
    • 

  • Spraying of embankment slopes with an erosion control mixture, which may be vivid in color; and
    • 

  • Temporary outdoor storage of materials, stockpiling of spoils from excavation.
    • 



A permanent effect on aesthetics along I-15 and SR-74 could result from the replacement of existing wood distribution line poles (30 to 80 feet tall) with new steel poles (up to 115 feet tall) and the introduction of new steel poles. The new poles would result in permanent visual contrast, alterations to existing scenic integrity, blocked or partially blocked views, and the introduction of industrial-like facilities to a relatively undeveloped rural area. The new and upgraded 115-kV subtransmission structures along 115-kV Segments VIG1 through 115-kV VIG8 would be intermittently noticeable to area residents and motorists along I-15 and SR-74.





Air Quality
Temporary violations for maximum daily on-site emission levels of PM10 would occur during construction of the proposed 115-kV subtransmission lines from roadwork, site preparation, structure installation, and wire stringing.




The temporary exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and fugitive dust (particulate matter of 10 micrometers or less and particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers or less) would occur during construction of the proposed 115-kV subtransmission lines.




Biological Resources
Temporary, permanent, direct, and indirect effects on Stephens’ kangaroo rat would likely result from construction of several of the proposed 115-kV segments.




Temporary, permanent, direct, and indirect effects on riparian areas and federally protected wetlands (e.g., Temescal Wash or its tributaries or the San Jacinto River) as defined by Clean Water Act Section 404 could result from construction and operation of a number of the proposed 115-kV segments. Among the areas likely to be affected are the proposed access roads and new structures along 115-kV Segment VIG6, trenched areas to install 115-kV Segment VIG8 underground, and the area where two tubular steel poles (4765121E and 4765120E) would be installed along 115-kV Segment VIG1 adjacent to the San Jacinto River.




Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Temporary effects from the use of hazardous materials and petroleum products could result in upset or accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials and petroleum products during construction.




Temporary and permanent effects from wildfire could result during construction and operation of the proposed Valley–Ivyglen Project along proposed 115-kV segments that would be located within or adjacent to Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.




Hydrology and Water Quality
Temporary and long-term effects on water quality and existing drainage patterns could result from 1) foundation excavation for 115-kV structure installations; 2) vegetation removal and earthmoving activities at construction sites and for access roads; 3) culvert construction across aquatic features; and 4) blasting. Erosion or siltation on or off site could result from the grading and vegetation clearing along a number of the proposed 115-kV Segments including along 115-kV Segment 8 where trenching would be required to install the proposed 115-kV line underground near Temescal Wash, a jurisdictional waterway.




Land Use
Potential conflict with Riverside County and City of Lake Elsinore land use policies, zoning ordinances, and requirements within specific plan areas could result (e.g., Alberhill Ridge Specific Plan in Lake Elsinore) because of the installation of new structures within 50 feet of eligible State Scenic Highways (Riverside County General Plan Policy 13.4), installation of structures along visually significant ridgelines and hilltops (Riverside County General Plan Policy 11.1(d)), or within an adopted road realignment for Lake Street (City of Lake Elsinore Vesting Tentative Tract No. 35001).




Noise
Temporary effects on nearby sensitive receptors could result from construction equipment and activities, including helicopter use and blasting that would exceed local noise standards, substantially increase temporary ambient noise levels, and generate substantial ground-borne vibrations during construction.




Traffic
Temporary effects on air traffic patterns could result from the use of helicopters during construction that increase safety risks.




Cumulative Effects 
Cumulatively considerable effects may occur on aesthetics, air quality, and biological resources






 


 

					

		
		
	


	

				

			
						

				Forest Boundary to get 50 homes
			

								


				

			
TDAC plot plan


Pictured above is the plot plan for the 53-home community TDAC Development is seeking to build on Forest Boundary Road adjacent to the The Retreat and Wildrose Ranch communities. Pictured below is the placement of the development on the property.
Pictured above is the plot plan for the 53-home community TDAC Development is seeking to build on Forest Boundary Road adjacent to the The Retreat and Wildrose Ranch communities. Pictured below is the placement of the development on the property.


 


The Board of Supervisors on May 12 approved 50 homes to be built on Forest Boundary Road adjacent to The Retreat and Wildrose Ranch.


In granting the zone change, the county conditioned the developer to put in curbs and sidewalks on the Wildrose Ranch side of the street and to create an RV parking area for the development’s residents.


It’s unknow when construction will begin.


Supervisors delay decision on 51 homes


(Published May 7, 2015)


The Board of Supervisors at a public hearing on April 28 continued to its May 12 meeting the request from a developer for a zone change that would allow 51 houses to be built on Forest Boundary Road.


In all likelihood, the project will be approved, but with conditions including that the developer will construct sidewalks on the east side of Forest Boundary Road from the project north to the corner of Knabe Road. On-street parking also was a concern for Supervisor Kevin Jeffries, who asked the applicant to relinquish two of the 51 lots to create a storage area for vehicles. Hesitation to this request by the developer gave rise to the supervisor suggesting a continuance until May 12.


Jeffries made it clear that he felt residential usage was the best zoning for the two parcels. Jeffries wrote in a prepared statement he emailed to all constituents prior to the hearing who had sent him comments on the project:


“Thank you for your email regarding the proposed zone change and residential development on Forest Boundary Road. I’m sharing this same response to several residents who have contacted me in support or opposition.


“When I was elected to office a little over 2 years ago, I made it clear to the development community (residential, retail, industrial) that I would be requiring that new proposed projects look and feel like their neighbors (e.g. build homes next to homes and commercial next to commercial). This standard had not been followed in the past and homeowners found themselves with commercial projects in their backyards. This caused problems with heavy truck and car traffic, truck noise early in the mornings, light pollution into backyards and impacts to nearby land values.


“I have driven Forest Boundary Road and reviewed the aerial photos and found that the proposed development has single family housing on three of the four sides. At first blush, it seems that it would be much more intrusive and incompatible to the nearby homeowners and families to place commercial development adjacent to them.


“I will of course listen to all the concerned parties and attempt to find solutions that enhance the community, protect the adjacent families, and respect all of our private property rights.”


Twelve Temescal Valley residents attended the hearing — five spoke in opposition to the homes; only the property owner spoke in favor. Those opposing the project all said they were not against development but felt that commercial retail development was what the valley now needed. Other concerns were about traffic congestion, the size of the house lots, property values, use of Wildrose Ranch’s Evonvale Park and the safety of the development’s children when walking to school.


The county received correspondence from 24 residents opposing the project with emails received from two people favoring it. A petition signed by more than 300 residents opposing the homes was also presented to the supervisors.


April 28 hearing set for Forest Boundary homes


(Published April, 20 205)


A public hearing to determine whether or not a zone change will be granted to a developer seeking to build 51 homes on Forest Boundary Road has been scheduled before the Riverside County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 28.


The 10:30 a.m. hearing will be held at the county’s Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St., Riverside.


Many residents living in the nearby communities of The Retreat and Wildrose Ranch have voiced opposition to the project, primarily citing residential lots that are too small and the need to retain the Manufacturing – Service Commercial (M-SC), zoning in the area along Knabe and Forest Boundary roads. (Read earlier stories below.)


The public hearing will allow people to comment either in favor of or opposed to the zone change. Speakers will be allotted three minutes . If people cannot attend the meeting, comments can be emailed to the county’s Clerk of the Board, cob@rcbos.org. 


In the email, state your name and that you reside in the county’s First District community of Temescal Valley. State that you are opposed to (or in favor of), the proposed Forest Boundary Road home development that has been scheduled as a public hearing on the Tuesday, April 28  agenda. State the reasons for your position.


All comments received prior to the public hearing will be given to the Board of Supervisors.


51 homes conditionally OK’d


(Published March 4, 2015)


The Riverside County Planning Commission at its Feb. 18 meeting granted a zone change to allow a housing development to be built on about 12 acres of land on Forest Boundary Road  across the street from homes in Wildrose Ranch and below homes located in The Retreat. The 3-0 vote was unanimous; two planning commissioners were absent.


The project, although approved by the Planning Commission, now must go before the county’s Board of Supervisors for a public hearing which could happen as soon as this month. A date has not yet been determined.


Planning Commission approval was given based on two contingencies: 1. The developer would decrease the number of homes constructed from 53 to 51 to enlarge the size of the community’s park, and 2. Verification of a security gate easement through The Retreat in case of emergency evacuation.


In its recommendations to the Planning Commission, county staff had requested the easement because of the project’s location. If a natural disaster or other emergency shut down the intersection at Forest Boundary and Knabe roads, residents would only be able to evacuate the area southerly on Forest Boundary which is blocked by The Retreat’s electronic security gates.


Staff wrote in its recommendation that the applicant was required to provide “… a written agreement with The Retreat residential development which grants the project access to its gates and permission to utilize The Retreat Parkway in the event of an emergency evacuation in perpetuity.”


The recommendation continued, “It is staff’s understanding that the subject of the secure secondary access agreement will be considered with The Retreat Homeowners Association at their Feb. 12, 2015 meeting. According to the applicant there is a high level of certainty this agreement will be acceptable to the HOA.” County planner Paul Rull told commissioners he had received the easement agreement.


A Retreat resident, who spoke against the project, questioned how the easement was obtained because the issue had never appeared on the HOA agenda and was never voted on at the HOA board meeting, posing the question of a Davis-Stirling violation. The Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, adopted by the State of California in 1985, dictates how homeowners association must conduct business.


The county attorney attending the meeting said she wasn’t familiar with HOA law and suggested that the validity of the easement agreement be verified as a contingency of the Planning Commission approval.


Rull told commissioners that he had received communication from three residents in favor of the project and from three residents opposing it.


At the meeting the county was given petitions signed by 56 residents opposed to the project and comments were heard from six residents who also voiced opposition. No one spoke in favor.


Opponents cited the 4,000-square-foot lots as being too small, and traffic congestion on Knabe Road and at the Weirick Road freeway ramps. Others said the development’s residents and children would cross the street to use the private Wildrose Ranch Community Association park and dog park.  Other opposition noted that Temescal Valley residents needed commercial services, which the property is currently zoned for — not more homes.


The county’s current Manufacturing – Service Commercial (M-SC) zoning allows many service-oriented businesses such as a senior-care facility, day-care center, medical offices and restaurants.


Planning Commissioner Aaron Hake, who visted the site,  said he had concerns with vehicles driving too fast when exiting The Retreat and not being able to see children crossing the street because of a curve in the road. He said Forest Boundary has no sidewalks and questioned the safety of children when walking to school.


Commissioner Charissa Leach, who also visited the location, said she felt that the change to residential zoning would be the best use of the property. She asked how current residents would react if a high-use commercial business such as a fitness center were to be built there.


With approval by the Planning Commission, Temescal Valley residents Tracy Davis and Katherine Clingman are now walking door-to-door to get petitions signed opposing the project. They hope to show the Board of Supervisors that the majority of residents living adjacent to the proposed development do not want it in the neighborhood.


Zone change would allow 53 new homes


(Published Jan. 28, 2015)


At its February meeting the Riverside County Planning Commission will consider a zone change for property located on Forest Boundary Road across the street from homes in Wildrose Ranch and below homes located in The Retreat.


If approved, the zone change will allow TDAC Development to build 53 homes on about 12 acres of land currently zoned M-SC for manufacturing service commercial use. The zone change request is for medium density residential with a proposed density of 4.75 dwelling units per acre. Lot sizes will be about 4,000 square feet, and home sizes will range between 2,100 and 2,400 square feet.


Wildrose Ranch and Retreat residents living within 600 feet of the proposed project were last week mailed notification of the Planning Commission public meeting to be held 9 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Riverside County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St., Riverside.


Doug Woodward, president and owner of TDAC, months ago appeared at a meeting of the Wildrose Ranch Community Association to explain the project to the HOA board. Woodward said the residential community would be better for neighboring homeowners than the current vacant property zoned for manufacturing service commercial use. He also said the homes would provide an opportunity for young families and first-time home buyers to live in the Temescal Valley community. It is unknown what the sales price of the proposed homes will be. A TDAC representative made a similar presentation to The Retreat HOA board.


Retreat resident Rob Mucha disagrees. “There are several uses for the property within the current zoning that would be an acceptable use of the land and provide needed services to residents here.”


Mucha said his largest concern is that the density of the lots could decrease property values in The Retreat and Wildrose. He added, “There just isn’t enough park space and amenities planned to keep unsupervised children from wanting to wander up to our (The Retreat) park and surrounding areas.”


Members of the Wildrose Ranch HOA board also voiced concern that TDAC did not designate sufficient space for parks. The Wildrose HOA-owned Evonvale Park, also on Forest Boundary Road, contains a baseball field, walking paths, picnic areas and a dog park.


Tracy Davis, who lives in Wildrose, said, “Our HOA does not contract for security, so it would be next to impossible to keep the TDAC kids out of Evonvale Park. And it isn’t fair that outsiders use a park where the cost to maintain it is paid by Wildrose residents. And, I imagine there are liability insurance issues, as well.” Wildrose is not a gated community.


Davis also cited the increased traffic the TDAC community will create on Knabe Road and the Weirick Road on and off ramps to the I-15. “Corona is building so many apartments at Dos Lagos and those tenants will be using the same access to the freeway.”


Woodward, making the TDAC presentation at the June meeting of the Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council, said he had addressed concerns regarding park space. He said the original plan was to construct 56 homes on the property, but the number had been reduced to 53 to increase the size of the project’s parks, from 0.3 acre to 1 acre, and a half-court basketball pad had been added to the plan.


Residents attending the MAC meeting reiterated concerns over property values, traffic and drainage issues on the property.


The public hearing at the Planning Commission’s February meeting allows people to voice opinions either in favor of or opposed to the zone change. Speakers are allotted three minutes to comment. If people cannot attend the meeting, written comments can be submitted to Paul Rull, project planner, Riverside County Planning Department, P.O. Box 1409, Riverside, CA 92502-1409. All comments received prior to the public hearing will be given to the Planning Commission.


For information about this project, contact Rull at 951-955-0972 or prull@rctlma.org.


This photo was taken on the slope below The Retreat, looking east. Wildrose Ranch homes are shown in the background.
This photo was taken on the slope below The Retreat, looking east. Wildrose Ranch homes are shown in the background.

					

		
		
	


	

				

			
						

				Serrano tanning vats spruced up
			

								


				

			
Sixty-plus volunteers gather for a group photo at the start of the 7th Annual Temescal Valley Great American Cleanup.
Sixty-plus volunteers gather for a group photo at the start of the 7th Annual Temescal Valley Great American Cleanup.


It was a great day for a labor-intensive project — cool and overcast. The long-neglected Serrano tanning vats (a process used to turn animal hides into leather), were given a facelift as part of the Temescal Valley 7th Annual Great American Cleanup, held this year on April 25.


The historic landmark is located on Temescal Canyon Road, north of Tom’s Farms and across the street from the Shell Station.


Below, you’ll find a recap  of the event by Bob Hafner, chairman of the We Are Temescal Valley Beautification Committe that, with Waste Management Inc., sponsored the cleanup.


Leandro Serrano was the founding father of Temescal Valley dating back almost 200 years. You can learn more about his life  HERE  (spoiler alert — it’s a sad story.)


Here are links to the photo galleries shot at the event:


 PHOTOS 1          PHOTOS 2          PHOTOS 3


And, now a word from Bob Hafner…


I want to thank all the volunteers who showed up for the Temescal Valley Great American Cleanup on Saturday. This was one of the biggest turnouts I have seen in the seven-plus years we’ve been doing the cleanups. This really shows the community pride we have here in Temescal Valley.


I want to thank each and every one of you for all your hard work. We, as a team, cleaned up the Temescal Wash and filled a 40-yard roll off bin with illegally dumped junk and trash. The really cool part was “tricking out” the tanning vats and installing a beautiful Temescal Valley sign.


We placed several very large boulders around the tanning vats. The adults and children weeded the area, planted two palo verde trees and more than 60 succulents. Once this was completed, we spread over 25 tons of stone, courtesy of Werner Corporation. We also painted the remaining bollards.


I want to thank Don and Helen McGlaughlin (Hot Diggidy Dog), for providing beverages, doughnuts and a tasty barbecue. I really want to give a shout out to Miriam Cardenas and Waste Management Inc. for all their efforts in seeking the Keep America Beautiful grant to fund the project, providing the manpower and the huge boulders. 7Oaks Nursery did a great job of gathering the plants we wanted, as well as Master Stone in locating the specialty Arizona flagstone that was placed in front of the monuments.


I also want to thank Supervisor Kevin Jeffries for lending a hand. He commented how he loves to see all the involvement of businesses and residents coming together to give in any way they can for the overall improvement of our community. A thank you, too, to Al Lopez, Western Municipal Water District board member, who helped out all day.


A huge thank you to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Corona Stake. As it turned out, April 25th was the Mormon’s JustServe Day of Community Service. Many stake members live in Temescal Valley, and under the leadership of Justin Tucker, 40-plus church members worked on the project.


Bill Peck and his Boy Scout Troop 13, year in and year out, always help with the cleanups. The Girl Scouts, too.


If I’ve forgotten anyone, please forgive me. It isn’t intentional. What really shows the true impact of what we accomplished was, after the event was over, people lingered to take a second look at all the good work, photograph the vats and enjoy all their efforts of the day.


Again, thank you everyone, and be on the lookout. The Beautification Committee will have more projects in the future to keep Temescal Valley beautiful, and we’ll be needing volunteers. Please email if your interested in being involved in upcoming projects: bob.hafner@verizon.net.

					

		
		
	


	

				

			
						

				PHOTOS: Serrano would be proud
			

								


				

			
This was the 7th Annual Temescal Valley Great American Cleanup.
This was the 7th Annual Temescal Valley Great American Cleanup.


Members of The Church of Jesus christ of Latter-Day Saints Corona Stake, turned out 40-plus strong to help with the cleanup as a project of the Mormon's JustServe Day of Community Service.  Justin Tucker (white shirt), Sycamore Creek resident, coordinated the volunteer effort.
Members of The Church of Jesus christ of Latter-Day Saints Corona Stake, turned out 40-plus strong to help with the cleanup as a project of the Mormon’s JustServe Day of Community Service. Justin Tucker (white shirt), Sycamore Creek resident, coordinated the volunteer effort.


Helen McGlaughlin of Hot Diggidy Dog hands out doughnuts and beverages ant the beginning of the event.
Helen McGlaughlin of Hot Diggidy Dog hands out doughnuts and beverages ant the beginning of the event.


Early arriving volunteers register for the event. The boulders came from El Sobrante Landfill and were hauled and placed by Waste Mangement Inc. employees.
Early arriving volunteers register for the event. The boulders came from El Sobrante Landfill and were hauled and placed by Waste Mangement Inc. employees.


Bob Hafner (left, white cap and knee pads), speaks to volunteers about safety.
Bob Hafner (left, white cap and knee pads), speaks to volunteers about safety.


Showing up to lend a hand were Supervisor Kevin Jeffries and Al Lopez, Western Municipal Water District board member.
Showing up to lend a hand were Supervisor Kevin Jeffries and Al Lopez, Western Municipal Water District board member.


From left, Bill Peck, Boy Scout leader Troop 13; Lily Quiroa and Mariam Cardenas, Waste Management Inc., grab a photo op.
From left, Bill Peck, Boy Scout leader Troop 13; Lily Quiroa and Mariam Cardenas, Waste Management Inc., grab a photo op.


Two palo verde trees were planted.
Two palo verde trees were planted.

					

		
		
	


	

				

			
						

				PHOTOS 2: Serrano would be proud
			

								


				

			
We Are Temescal Valley Beautification Committee Chairman Bob Hafner is responsible for coordinating all the community signs popping up throughout Temescal Valley.
We Are Temescal Valley Beautification Committee Chairman Bob Hafner is responsible for coordinating all the community signs popping up throughout Temescal Valley.


Holes for the plants could only be dug with a jackhammer.
Holes for the plants could only be dug with a jackhammer.


Planting plants


Would you believe a cactus can be this pretty?
Would you believe a cactus can be this pretty?


Spanish Hills resident Martin Lange and his front loader move a pile of gravel closer to the vats.
Spanish Hills resident Martin Lange and his front loader move a pile of gravel closer to the vats.


After the gravel is dumped, it's then shoveled into wheelbarrows.
After the gravel is dumped, it’s then shoveled into wheelbarrows.


Wheelbarrows are moved from the gravel pile to the area around the vats where the rocks are placed a shovelful at a time.
Wheelbarrows are moved from the gravel pile to the area around the vats where the rocks are placed a shovelful at a time.


The newly planted succulents needed water, which was furnished by Dawson Canyon resident Michelle Randall.
The newly planted succulents needed water, which was furnished by Dawson Canyon resident Michelle Randall.


Plants were individually watered to give them a good start.
Plants were individually watered to give them a good start.


Melissa Deleo spent the morning painting the bollards in front of the vats. The concrete stanchions will prevent the heavy trucks that park nearby from running over the area. Reflectors will be added to the bollards.
Melissa Deleo spent the morning painting the bollards in front of the vats. The concrete stanchions will prevent the heavy trucks that park nearby from running over the area. Reflectors will be added to the bollards.

					

		
		
	


	

				

			
						

				PHOTOS 3: Serrano would be proud
			

								


				

			
Half the volunteers spent their time removing trash and illegally dumped discards from the Temescal Wash.
Half the volunteers spent their time removing trash and illegally dumped discards from the Temescal Wash.


Troop 13 Scouts help clean the junk and trash from the Temescal Wash.
Troop 13 Scouts help clean the junk and trash from the Temescal Wash.


The junk keeps coming


Ann Redding is often seen at Temescal Valley volunteer events. She is the Pay it Foward Club leader at Trilogy.
Ann Redding is often seen at Temescal Valley volunteer events. She is the Pay it Foward Club leader at Trilogy.


Finishing upSerrano's legacyAlmost 200 years old


Helen and Don McGlaughlin grill the hamburgers and hot dogs.
Helen and Don McGlaughlin grill the hamburgers and hot dogs.


Lunch is served


The work finished, a few of the volunteers mug for a picture. Everyone was feeling pretty good over the outcome of the project.
The work finished, a few of the volunteers mug for a picture. Everyone was feeling pretty good over the outcome of the project.