PHOTO GALLERIES: See them HERE and HERE

Over the past year, you’ve seen them on street corners, at shopping centers, community parks and local businesses. They are a cadre of about 20 Temescal Valley residents who oppose Corona’s annexation attempt. They range in age from 23 to 71 and reside in various Valley communities – but share the common goal to get as many letters signed as possible by Temescal Valley residents who oppose the city’s attempted takeover.

The letters, which now number over 4,300, will be presented to the county’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), at a Sept. 26 public hearing. The purpose of the letters is to show the seven LAFCO commissioners that annexation is opposed by many Valley residents.

Some members of the group decided to stage a marathon letter-signing event on each of the three days of the Labor Day holiday weekend at the corner of Knabe and Weirick roads, where they collected more than 200 letters.

Here are the reasons they gave when asked, “Why would you give up your time with friends and family over a three-day holiday weekend to stand on a corner in almost 100-degree heat to get opposition letters signed?”

From a Montecito Ranch resident:
“There are so many people who haven’t signed – and they deserve an opportunity – to make an informed choice. Once people hear the facts, they want to sign. I want to reach all the registered voters in Temescal Valley prior to the LAFCO meeting.”

From a Wildrose Ranch resident:
“Action speaks louder than words. My dedication to stop Corona from annexing Temescal Valley doesn’t change with the weather — I also participated in opposition signings back in December in the cold! I have read financial reports and attended most meetings that Corona presented, but still find no advantage to being part of the city.

“Most people don’t take the time to review all the information, but I’ve had several neighbors tell me they trust my opposition then ask where to sign. I try hard to inform them of my reasons why I oppose, while asking them what they want in the Valley. No. 1 is the wildland fire potential in our hills, including the possible closure of Station 64 — Cal Fire response is the best. No. 2 is the loss of Riverside County MARS recreation program, which I utilize for the events in Wildrose and the Temescal Valley Faire. No. 3 is the loss of Deleo Park to Corona sports teams that will squeeze out our Temescal Valley teams. Also our Horsethief Canyon Ranch neighbors are still paying the bond to build the park but will lose it because they are not included within the annexation area. Giving people these three reasons is all it takes to make their decision to oppose.”

From a Retreat resident:
“The LAFCO process is flawed in that there is not an automatic vote. We need to show strong opposition to force a vote otherwise annexation could possibly get rubber-stamped.

“Because, based on my personal history, I know that Riverside County representatives listen to us and Corona representatives do not. We absolutely need input into our services and future planning.

“I know good people who would rather move than be controlled by Corona (based on their history with Corona).

“Because the newspapers haven’t done a good job of pointing out the flaws in the Corona services plan, and those flaws are potentially life-threatening (slower EMS response, Corona Cal Fire history, etc.). These differences were validated by County external consultants.

“People are genuinely thankful for us being there and providing updated information.

“I have amazing role models who are less physically capable (though they don’t seem to realize it). If they are going to be standing there in the humid 100-plus degree temperature for four hours, for multiple days, then you bet your business I will be there by their side.

“As a knowledgeable person recently told me, ‘If you stand for nothing, then you’ll fall for anything.’ We will not fall for this unwanted land grab if I have anything to say about it.

“Because shame on you Corona!”

From a Spanish Hills resident:
“Why do I stand on a street corner, for hours at a time, in a fireman’s costume, in the summer, in 100 degree heat?

It’s a no-brainer. I feel the proposed annexation is one of, if not THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE facing Temescal Valley in a long time.

“I made a commitment when all this started, to do all I could to fight the annexation, and I’m not a quitter.

“Our safety and quality of life is at stake. If Fire Station 64 were to close, our families and homes would be put at greater risk. We don’t want to have to rely on a fire station which is a greater distance away. Eighty percent of 911 calls are for medical aid.

“In summary, it’s simple – you do EVERYTHING you need to do, to fight something you’re whole-heartedly against. Apathy = Annexation.”

From a Wildrose Ranch resident:
“You win by working or lose by doing nothing.”

From a California Meadows resident:
“Usually Labor Day weekend is a time to spend with family and friends, having barbecues and lounging by the pool. I, however, spent it outside persuading people to sign opposition letters. Even though it was a holiday weekend and extremely hot, I don’t feel that it was a nuisance to do so. I feel that it is necessary to do whatever possible in order to prove how important it is to save Temescal Valley. I can handle extreme heat and even not spending quality time with friends because I feel that in the long run, it will benefit my loved ones the most. “

From a Weirick Road resident:
“I dunno, just call me crazy I guess. Crazy to think you can fight City Hall. Crazy to think the political process still works, (at least at the local level). Crazy to think I can work all of my life and have something left to hand down to my grandchildren. Crazy to think I could develop my property and simply be left alone to enjoy it. Just crazy I guess.

“I like to believe we still have a say in what happens to us. If Corona takes us over we will have no say. If Corona takes over we will be fair game for the developers and my chances of handing anything down to my grandchildren will be slim to none.

“But worse than that would be proof that our political process does not work, and that would be the worst possible thing I could leave for my grandchildren to deal with.”

From a Spanish Hills resident:
“First and foremost, the loss of Fire Station 64. On three occasions, I have personally witnessed timely response in the aid of a life- threatening condition of a dear friend where a quick response was crucial. A close second is the ability of Station 64 to quickly and effectively respond to range fires of which our home was endangered and Station 64 was effective in protecting our home on three specific incidences.

“Concern that Corona Police will provide less service than current county service.

“Concern that the Valley will be used as a “cash cow” to prop up a financially weak Corona. Funds from the valley will come from nuisance fees (garage sales), increased business taxes, targeted driving infractions, and allowing the building of many more structures for improving the tax base.

“Concern that the 15 Freeway will become even more congested.

“And, I do not trust Corona.”

From a Retreat resident:
“It is just so nice to be part of a group that is so passionate about their community.”

From a Wildrose Ranch resident:
“I was with family and friends over the holiday. My husband helped at the letter signing, as did my grandson. And the nine or so other people there number among my closest friends. They, with many, many other Valley residents I also consider friends, have stood honorably and staunchly over the past 22 months in their resolve not to let this land grab happen.

“Corona’s way of governing is not what I want for Temescal Valley. Ask city employees who live in the Valley why they signed an opposition letter. Ask residents living in areas annexed by Corona if the city kept its promises. Ask Cal Fire if Corona honors its contracts. Ask city planners how many homes and apartments Corona has approved in the past 22 months. Ask LAFCO if Corona legally has to deliver on its Plan of Services for the Valley and ask how soon the city can change all the Valley’s zoning.

“And after you hear the answers – I have a letter you might want to sign.”