Ribbon cutting celebrates the completed restoration of historic Prado

Dam bicentennial mural

for the new, non-toxic paint.

Key agencies also included the Riverside County Regional Park & Open-Space District, Bicentennial Freedom Mural Conservancy, Friends of the Prado Dam Mural, United States Army Corps of Engineers and substantial support from U.S. Representative Ken Calvert.

Inland Empire residents, visitors and commuters can now spot the newly painted Prado Dam Bicentennial Mural while traveling along the 91 and 71 freeways.

“The Prado Dam Bicentennial Mural symbolizes our region’s history and resilience,” Second District Supervisor Karen Spiegel said. “The restoration project, which perfectly captures the original red, white and blues, is a testament to our commitment to preserving our heritage and ensuring that future generations can appreciate the beauty and significance of this landmark. We are grateful to the talented painters and look forward to celebrating this important endeavor.” securing the funding that allowed the Army Corps of Engineers to remove the original lead-based paint mural safely.

With the land leases arranged and lead-based paint removed, the Bicentennial Freedom Mural Conservancy raised $150,000 in donations to contract One Way Painting to execute the restoration. The mural design was held to the original “200 Years of Freedom,” originally painted in 1976.

“This project would not have been possible without the generosity of our community, and we are thankful for every donor as well as the various government agencies and officials for their contributions,” Jackie Cherrington-Pierson, Treasurer of the Bicentennial Freedom Mural Conservancy, said. “We are proud of the effort invested in restoring this beloved mural and hope it brings great joy again to the region and others who can view it.”

Elected and public officials who instrumental in obtaining commitments and funding as well as the original designer of the

Dam

Mural cut the ribbon.

Corona

– After years of weathered decay, several months of multiple agencies coming together and 500 gallons of paint, the vibrant red, white and blue hues of the Prado Dam Bicentennial Mural are restored. Supporters celebrated the completed mural with a ribbon cutting event on June 2.

The ground-breaking event for the mural restoration was held Sept. 8, 2022. Friday, June 2 marked the completion of the project.

To bring the project to fruition, several government agencies and community organizations came together to return the iconic

Inland Empire landmark to a better state. Led by Supervisor Karen Spiegel and the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, months of planning among key partners resulted in a plan for the removal of the lead-based paint from 1976 and a game plan to pave the way

To resolve a leasing limitation that prevented the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from working directly with the Bicentennial Freedom Mural Conservancy, Spiegel supported the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District’s effort to act as an intermediary. Congressman Calvert supported the effort by advocating for the partnership and

The original mural was completed on June 17, 1976, by 20 girls and 10 boys from Corona High School to celebrate our nation’s bicentennial. The mural spans 76,800 square feet and is roughly six times the size of Mount Rushmore.

To learn more about the Prado Dam bicentennial mural restoration, visit: http:// friendsofthepradodammural. com/ or contact Peter Usle at peterusle@aol.com

Dr. Ruiz delivers $2.8 million infrastructure award to improve pass area railway safety, prevent congestion caused by train tra c

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On

Monday, June 5, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) announced $2.8 million in federal funding from the Federal Railroad Administration under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund the Hargrave Grade Separation Planning Project in Banning.

Last year, a stopped Union Pacific train blocked three intersections in Beaumont for more than six hours, resulting in severe traffic congestion and hazardous conditions for Pass Area drivers. Following the incident, Ruiz wrote to Department of Transportation

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

Riverside County Fire Department Chief Bill Weiser officially closed access to multiple outdoor recreational locations

Thursday, June 1, for the duration of Southern California wildfire season to minimize public safety risks.

The chief received authorization from the county Board of Supervisors the week of May 22 to implement the closures, a practice that began in 2007. The designated grounds are located mainly in the central and southwest portions of the county, and they’re expected to remain off-limits until at least November.

“Riverside County experienced heavier rain than usual this year, which has led to a larger grass crop,” Weiser said. “This creates a greater chance of large, damaging wildfires. I urge all residents and visitors to be fire smart and use caution when enjoying our beautiful outdoor recreation areas. Your diligence and vigilance helps keep our communities and firefighters safe.”

Wildflower and other blooms have literally saturated and covered previously open trails, especially in the western half of the county.

Secretary Pete Buttigieg advocating for the Department to invest in the Hargrave Grade Separation Planning Project to lay the groundwork for a significant transportation infrastructure project that will separate motor vehicle traffic from railroad crossings at a critical interchange. Today’s announcement will go toward development activities that will improve safety for motorists and pedestrians and address congestion caused by train traffic along Hargrave Street, which crosses under the elevated I-10 corridor along Union Pacific

Railroad tracks.

“The safety of my constituents is my top priority,” Ruiz said.

“Last year’s Union Pacific train stoppage in Beaumont caused severe delays for commuters and first responders and demonstrated a serious need for upgrades to Pass Area infrastructure. I am excited to help deliver this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Banning that will make our roads safer for local families, reduce congestion for commuters and prevent massive traffic blockages caused by train traffic in the Pass Area.”

“The Hargrave Grade Separation project is a critical piece of the City’s infrastructure needs,” Banning City Manager Doug

Schulze said. “Completion of this project will not only improve traffic congestion and emergency response in Banning but throughout the Pass Area. We are grateful for Congressman Ruiz’s continued support and advocacy for our community public safety needs.”

Background

The funding announcement is part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America initiative.

In total, the FRA announced over $570 million in funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for 63 projects in 32 states to improve highway-rail and pathway-rail safety. This announcement included seven projects in the State of California.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure

Law is the largest investment in the nation’s infrastructure in generations. To date, the law has invested in over 32,000 projects nationwide, ranging from repaving roads and water system upgrades. Last Congress, Ruiz voted for the legislation and advocated in support of the bill in his capacity as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Since the Union Pacific train incident last year, Ruiz has worked to prevent such a crisis from occurring again. After demanding answers from Union Pacific, the Congressman has routinely met with railroad company officials and local leaders to discuss prevention measures and infrastructure improvements.

Wildfires in any of the locations that have been closed would be difficult to manage, given their terrain and remoteness, officials said.

The following sites fall under the county’s closure order: Bautista Canyon, southeast of Hemet; Eagle Canyon, between Lake Mathews and the county landfill, just north of Cajalco Road; Indian Canyon and North Mountain, around San Jacinto; Ramona Bowl, south of Hemet; Steele Peak, west of Meadowbrook and north of Highway 74; and Whitewater Canyon, near Cabazon.

Officials said that the Ramona Bowl will remain accessible between sunrise and noon daily, with the area prohibited to visitors any other time of day.

By reducing foot and off-road vehicle traffic in each space, the chances of a wildfire starting are slimmer, according to the fire department.

Closure signs have been posted at entry points to warn potential violators of fines and other penalties. First offenses usually result in a minimum $100 ticket.

Residents are permitted to come and go as they please.

The closures are usually lifted at year’s end but can be rescinded before then by the chief, depending on the timing of winter rains.