Cahuilla Band of Indians donates $14,000 to Little Red Schoolhouse roof repair project

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Cahuilla Band of Indians presented the Anza Civic Improvement League with a check for $14,000 for the Little Red Schoolhouse roof replacement project Saturday, Feb. 4.

Cahuilla Tribal Council Member BobbyRay Esparza and Tribal Council Secretary Steven Leash Jr. pledged $14,000 from the Tribe to ACIL board members. The generous gift will be used to replace the aging roof on the historic Little Red Schoolhouse in Minor Park.

According to ACIL, research showed that replacement of the building’s roof could be accomplished at a cost of $14,000.

The Cahuilla Band of Indians came through with the entire amount required.

“Although I cannot thank the Cahuilla Tribe enough for their generous donation, I would like to give Mr. Steven Leash a special thank you for the inspiration and guidance that made this all happen,” ACIL director Charles Cadwell Sr. said.

The historic Little Red Schoolhouse, located in the heart of Anza, is more than 100 years old and still serving the residents of the rural mountain community.

“What most people don’t know is that Minor Park is a privately owned piece of land and it doesn’t receive any funds from any government type of entity,” ACIL director Tabitha Dawes said. “All of the funds come from community members.”

The original Hamilton School, now referred to as the Little Red Schoolhouse, was built in 1914 as a one-room school. Located on the southwest corner of State Highway 371 and Contreras Road, the small wooden building is the centerpiece of Minor Park and managed by the Anza Civic Improvement League, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation.

The school was constructed on land donated by George Turner