Pu’éska​ Mountain Day, The Day Pechanga Saved Temecula From The Granite Quarry, Remembrance Planned

TEMECULA, CA — Go outside and take a deep breath of fresh air, Temecula. We have the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians to thank for that.

It's been 13 years since the tribe protected the Temecula Valley and Pu’éska Mountain from desecration by the proposed "Liberty Quarry” – a mine slated to become one of the largest gravel pits in the United States. On Saturday, November 15, the tribe and city will celebrate the anniversary of Pechanga Pu’éska Mountain Day at 4 p.m. at Temecula City Hall Town Square, located at 41000 Main Street.

On Nov. 15, 2012, in front of more than 100 people, Pechanga Tribal Chairman Marc Macarro officially announced during an impromptu news conference that the tribe had closed escrow on 365 acres of land that was the site of the much-contested Liberty Quarry, owned by Watsonville, Calif.-based Granite Construction. After years of concern and worry, it was like a movie scene, as the crowd shared hugs and smiles—with Pu’éska Mountain as a backdrop.

“The story of this mountain is not over,” Macarro told the crowd as he looked over to Pu`eska, the site of the proposed quarry. He said the nearly seven-year fight over the quarry should serve as a reminder of what it means to be good stewards of land.

Macaro and the city proclaimed a City holiday to commemorate the native culture and heritage of the Pechanga Band of Indians, and the profound ways in which the Pechanga Tribe, Temecula’s first peoples, has shaped the community’s character and heritage.

The City of Temecula, in partnership with the Pechanga Tribe, proudly celebrates “Pechanga Pu’éska Mountain Day” each year on November 15th, alongside the community.

Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro discussed the annual event.

“Pu'éska is a natural monument that reflects Temecula's tribal history and heritage. Thanks to the efforts of many, future generations of Temecula Valley residents will continue to enjoy our valley's beautiful landscape and fresh air. With the integrity of Pu'éska Mountain remaining intact, future generations of Pechanga and Payómkawish peoples will be able to honor their heritage.”

• Proclamation Recital
• Great Oak Press - Books Available (Authors of The Temecula Massacre will be present for book-signing)
• Appetizers/Dessert
• Bring your blankets for a double feature of The Temecula Massacre and the award-winning documentary film, "The Mountain that Weeps."

The film recounts the true story that led up to the Pechanga Pu’éska Mountain Day Holiday, which was created into a powerful, award-winning film in 2019 by Brad Munoa, a member of the Pechanga Band of Indians and a Writer, Director, and Producer for Pechanga Creative Studios.

Mayor Brenden Kalfus issued a statement on the local holiday, saying:

“It is my sincere hope that this local holiday honors the Tribe by fostering educational awareness about the significance of the cultural heritage of the Pechanga People who, together with other Sovereign Tribal Nations across the country, have long fought to protect their sacred history and religious sites from destruction,” he said. “As a lifelong Temecula resident now serving as the next generation of City leadership, this annual holiday and accompanying 'The Mountain That Weeps' documentary is, in part, a strong reminder today and into the future to respect and honor the Tribe’s facts of what is and what is not culturally significant and sacred – only the Tribe possesses this knowledge.”

As stated on the website www.mountainthatweeps.com:

"Wexéwxi Pu’éska is more well known today as Pu’éska Mountain. It is one of the most sacred
places in the Luiseño or Payómkawichum religion. At Pu’éska, many significant events took place
during the Creation of the World. In its silhouette, we see Tamáayawut, Earth Mother, as she lay
down to await the birth of the Káamalam, the first people. Some rock formations, found on and
around Pu’éska, show evidence that the Káamalam once lived at that place.

"Its name, Wexéwxi Pu’éska, translates to “Where the Rocks cry” because it was there that the
rocks wept after Wuyoót, the Káamalam’s first leader, died, and the first funeral in history was held.
The knowledge of Pu’éska’s important places, such as Éxva Teméeku and Naxa’chish has and
will be passed on from elder to child for generations. The title of the documentary “The Mountain
That Weeps” acknowledges the historical and sacred nature of this place and a possible new
reason the mountain weeps today.”

The five Riverside County Supervisors, including three of the five who appeared ready to approve the mine that would have excavated Pu’éska Mountain, no longer serve on the County Board of Supervisors.

In contrast, the Pechanga Tribe remains vibrant and resilient for time immemorial.

Pechanga established the Great Oak Press to provide an avenue for Native voices and topics of significance and importance to Native Americans to enter the contemporary discourse and become both a growing and permanent part of recorded knowledge.

Many history books, as well as children’s storybooks, will be available as well.

Is the area safe from future mining? With Pechanga as stewards of the land, the area remains hopeful.

The Liberty Quarry project would have encompassed 90 square miles, and was bitterly challenged by many Temeculans, who argued the mining operation would have blighted nearby hillsides, caused increased pollution and traffic, and was not a great job creator or a necessary service.

As part of the settlement, Granite agreed that through 2035, it will not own or operate a quarry within a six-mile radius to the north of the property along the Riverside-San Diego County border and three miles to the south.

Related:

$20M And 7 Years Later, The Fight Over Liberty Quarry Ends