Ramona Bowl Archives - The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Padua Hills and Ramona Bowl linked through shared cultural legacy

HSJC Newsroom — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:56:40 +0000

Just before taking the stage as keynote speaker at the third Inland Empire People’s History Conference, historian Matt Garcia shared an update on a project that continues to evolve. Although his research focuses on the past, the story he’s uncovering keeps expanding.
Garcia, a Dartmouth College professor who grew up in Upland, has spent years studying the Padua Hills Theatre in the foothills of Claremont. The venue was home to the Mexican Players, a troupe that performed from the 1930s through the 1970s, introducing largely White audiences to traditional Mexican music, dance and culture. The theater became one of Southern California’s most popular tourist attractions during its heyday.
Now Garcia’s attention has broadened beyond Padua Hills. He is incorporating the Ramona Bowl, located between Hemet and San Jacinto, into his research. The historic amphitheater has been the home of the “Ramona” pageant for more than a century.
According to Garcia, the connection between the two institutions runs deeper than many people realize.
Speaking during the June 6 conference at Pomona College, Garcia explained that many performers from Padua Hills sought opportunities in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s. While a few landed small roles, most found themselves limited to stereotypical characters and struggled to advance their careers.
Some eventually left the entertainment industry altogether. Others found a new creative home in Hemet, where they became involved with the “Ramona” pageant, a production centered on Native American and Mexican American life in 19th-century California.
One of those performers was Mauricio “Maurice” Jara. A former member of the Mexican Players, Jara appeared in the 1956 film “Giant,” starring James Dean and Rock Hudson. Despite that notable credit, he was often cast in minor roles that reflected Hollywood’s limited opportunities for Latino actors at the time.
In 1952, Jara made history when he became the first non-White actor to portray Alessandro, the Native American lead in “Ramona.”
“Before, every actor who played Alessandro was White,” Garcia noted.
Jara later brought his wife, Hilda Ramirez Jara, another Padua Hills veteran, to Hemet. Beginning in the 1960s, the couple helped direct the pageant and remained involved for decades.
“They brought that Padua spirit to Hemet,” Garcia said.
Garcia contrasted their contributions with the earlier “Mission Play,” staged at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse until the Great Depression. In that production, White actors frequently portrayed Mexican American characters using brownface makeup.
The historian is currently researching a book that explores these interconnected stories. Its working title is “So Close to Hollywood: Reimagining Latino and Indigenous Performance in the Entertainment Capital of the World.”
Readers may remember Garcia from his earlier book, “A World of Its Own,” which examined Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley history through the experiences of Latino communities. His conference presentation marked the 25th anniversary of that publication.
His latest project extends beyond writing.
Garcia is helping arrange for decades of Ramona Bowl records, photographs and historical materials to be scanned and digitized through the Honnold Library at the Claremont Colleges. The effort will preserve the collection while making it more accessible to researchers and pageant organizers.
“I got money from Dartmouth to digitize the archives of Ramona Bowl,” Garcia said. “It’s sat there for 100 years in a non-climate-controlled space.”
Another project is also taking shape. Garcia revealed that filmmaker Tatti Ribeiro has agreed to direct a short documentary about the Mexican Players, drawing from his research and newly discovered film footage. The production is receiving assistance from the company founded by Garcia’s cousin, actress Jessica Alba.
Garcia hopes to complete his research in 2027 and publish the book the following year.
For Inland Empire history enthusiasts, the pairing of Claremont’s Padua Hills Theatre and Hemet’s Ramona Bowl offers a fascinating look at how two seemingly distant landmarks helped shape the cultural experiences of generations of performers.
A Fair Shake
A recent column about the Inland Empire’s shortage of frozen custard sparked a friendly debate.
When I suggested that Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers might rival Shake Shack, I suspected Rancho Cucamonga City Council member Kristine Scott would disagree. As it turns out, she definitely did.
Scott played a key role in helping bring the first Inland Empire Shake Shack to Victoria Gardens in 2023 and has visited locations on both coasts.
When she saw herself mentioned in the column, her response was immediate.
“Oh, it’s on,” Scott joked. “Them’s fighting words.”
The two of us met last week at Freddy’s in Norco, chosen as neutral territory. While I entered with an open mind, Scott made it clear she remained firmly on Team Shake Shack.
Still, after trying Freddy’s signature cheeseburger, she offered praise for the restaurant’s thin-patty approach and admitted she wished she had ordered the double.
“The burger is good, I’ll give you credit,” she said. “But not better than Shake Shack.”
She also gave favorable marks to Freddy’s shoestring fries, saying they ranked above In-N-Out’s offering, though still behind Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut version.
The frozen custard was another story.
Scott ordered a chocolate shake topped with whipped cream and a cherry but found the flavor underwhelming.
“It doesn’t even taste like chocolate,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, I was perfectly content with a simple vanilla custard mixed with Butterfinger pieces.
The discussion eventually shifted beyond burgers and custard.
Scott said she would like to see Rancho Cucamonga land two additional restaurant chains: Peet’s Coffee and Miguel’s Jr.
The latter seems particularly surprising given Miguel’s Inland Empire roots and its existing presence throughout Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties.
As for the burger debate, the verdict remains unsettled.
“I appreciate you opening my eyes to Freddy’s,” Scott said. “Now I’ll have to go to Shake Shack to make sure I made the right choice.”

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6 RivCo Hiking Trail Closures Expected, $100 Fine During Fire Season

Contributed — Sun, 26 May 2024 20:00:00 +0000

These hiking trails will likely be closed through the end of 2024.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Board of Supervisors is expected to authorize Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department Chief Bill Weiser to close access to multiple outdoor recreational locations for the duration of the Southern California Wildfire Season to minimize public safety risks.

The closure was slated to begin Tuesday through the fire season.

Cal Fire regularly closes designated grounds in the central and southwest portions of the county — typically from June to November.

The 2024 closures would take effect on June 1, according to preliminary statements by Cal Fire officials.

“Due to the potential for large damaging human-caused fires, the county fire chief has determined these areas should be closed, except on public roadways and on inhabited areas of private property within the closure areas,” the statement said. “The potential for large damaging fires … this year may be enhanced by the extreme vegetation growth experienced throughout Riverside County.”

Since the rainy season, wildflower overgrowth and blooms have covered previously open trails, especially in the western half of the county.

According to Cal Fire, wildfires in any of the proposed closure locations would be “difficult to manage, given their terrain and remoteness, “officials said.

The following sites would 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;
the Ramona Bowl, south of Hemet;
Steel Peek, northwest of Meadowbrook, due west of Good Hope and south of Gavilan Hills; and
Whitewater Canyon, near Cabazon.

The Ramona Bowl would remain accessible between sunrise and noon daily, with the area off limits any other time of day, according to officials.

Cal Fire regularly closes designated grounds in the central and southwest portions of the county — typically from June to November. (Chris Lindahl/Patch)

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

Hikers will be able to see easily marked closure signs at trail entry points to warn potential violators of fines and other penalties.

First offenses usually result in a minimum $100 ticket.

Residents who live in the area of a closure would be 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.

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Ramona Bowl Announces 2020 Cast

Rusty Strait — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 16:10:00 +0000

(Ramona Bowl)

Gala at Golden Era announces cast, and some welcomed additions and improvements to beloved Ramona Bowl

In a ceremony which has become one of the most highly-anticipated events of the season, the board of the Ramona Bowl announced Friday night, the cast for the upcoming historic outdoor play “Ramona” for 2020. While there are some perennial favorites returning once again to play their parts, there are some wonderful newcomers. The well-known Cherland family acting “dynasty” here in Hemet is well-represented in the newcomers group with High School teacher Bret, Grade-School teacher Laura and their daughter Julianne starring in the production along with the wonderful Debradawn Shockey, also a newcomer.

The gala evening was capped-off with announcement of the entire cast (below). Toward the end of the evening came a very welcomed announcement that the estate of the late Latham couple (no known relation to the street name here in Hemet) has chosen the Ramona Bowl for a massive donation which will be used in part to recondition and refurbish a world-class fresco created by the celebrated “California Scene” artist Milford Zornes.

Golden Era’s Linda Greilich-La Espanola singer, and Randy Dawkins-Padre Gaspara
Betty Jo Dunham-55 year Hemet Museum Volunteer with Theresa Seaton Ancient Mara who will turn 90 this year

Zornes’ work hangs in galleries all across the country and the well-known artist actually had his work hanging in the Franklin Roosevelt White House as he was a favorite of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The Milford Zornes fresco at the Ramona Bowl is considered a National Treasure to experts in the world of art.

The funds from the donations will also be used to create a new gift shop, renovation of the courtyard, and a new parking lot handicapped repavement which is sorely needed. Many more exciting projects are proposed after the run of this year’s Ramona play. and in the coming weeks, the HSJ Chronicle will bring you exclusive articles on these new and ground-breaking renovations to one of our valley’s most treasured venues, The Ramona Bowl.

L to R Gregg Bruce-cavalry, Cwboy, Eric Cervantes-Captain Merrill, Dan Ferguson-Jim Farrar, Steve Silkotch-Curly, Dennis Anderson, Director, Sal Banuelos-Captain Hernandez, Cowboy, Si Rnagel-_C
Marilyn Bedor, Lori VanArsdale, Assembly District 42 Candidate Deni Mazingo, and Mark Bedor of Today’s Wild West

RAMONA CAST 2020

Narrator Monica Reichl*

Ramona Kayla Contreras

Alessandro Eli Santana

Juan Daniel Martinez

Senora Kathi Anderson

Felipe Bret Cherland*

Marda Debradawn Shockey*

Padre Salvedierra Robert Leibovich

Margarita Jesse Bouchard*

Luigo Matthew Clark*

Dolores Julianne Cherland*

Padre Gaspara Randy Dawkins

Ysidro Rafael Ojeda

Aunt Ri Laura Cherland*

Mara Teresa Seaton

Joe Ray Henderson*

Jefferson Hyer Jim Bouchard

Jim Farrar Dan Ferguson

Kit Carson/Jake Mike Thomas

Captain Merrill Eric Cervantes

Curly Steve Silkotch, Jr.

Hayton ~

Jose Jesse Nechochea

Yank Greg Bruce

Captain Hernandez Sal Baneulos

Lt. Sandoval David Sandoval

Cowboy Mark Smith

Cowboy Cy Ringel

Cowboy ~

Fiesta Soloist Linda Greilich

Debradawn Shockey-Marta, Dan Ferguson-Jim Ferrar and Chuck Robinson, volunteer
Debradawn Shockey-Marta
Dennis Anderson, Director and Jim WOrley-Cowboy

Joel Vig, Tony Award-winner and advoacate to get Helen Hunt Jackson (author of the book _Ramona) considered a Literary Landmark
Kathi Houson Andrson-Senora and Kayla Contreras-Ramona
Kayla Contreras, Ramona

Greg Worley, Cowboy
2020-01-20
TJ Hepburn and David Hockenberry

*New for 2020 ~Still to be cast

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One final farewell to a beloved Hemet son

Mark Lentine — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 20:00:05 +0000

(One final farewell)

Ramona Bowl holds a fitting tribute to Steve Covington

Scores of mourners met to memorialize the life and legacy of Steve Covington, owner of The Downtown Deli, and visionary who helped revitalize Harvard Street.

An amazing tribute was held at and presented by The Ramona Bowl. How the Bowl was able to put on such a presentation, complete with video, a half-dozen speakers (among them Michael Fishman, star of “The Conners” and a personal friend of Steve’s) amazed all who attended the service.

As someone who was larger-than-life, those who knew Steve Covington knew that he would been proud of the stadium-sized screen that held his headshot, as speaker after speaker took the podium to reminisce and tell personal stories.

“We must continue to carry out his vision, and do the things that he (Steve Covington) was doing that blessed us all,” said Pastor Troy Vanderwende, adding, “For you will carry on his legacy today. And that is the word from Steven to you…I believe he would want you to do that today.”

The weather cooperated to give the mourners a somber, peaceful, and lastly, celebratory feeling to the memorial service, as Pastor Vanderwende welcomed the crowd which numbered in the hundreds. Pastor Venderwende noted the many renderings which Covington had offered as his vision to “make the town a more beautiful place.”

Next Lori VanArsdale, past Ramona Bowl President and friend of Covington’s took the podium and made a very personal speech about, “…a man so young, a man so creative, a man so enthused, not only about what he did, but most of all, what he helped us to visualize: the way things could be…what the Downtown could become, what the Ramona bowl can become. He helped us with those incredible things he drew. Each one of us would wait with bated breath to see what was coming next on any project that Steve was working on.” VanArsdale noted that, while Covington had just joined the Ramona Bowl Board last year, he was so extremely excited about upcoming projects. “He went at this with such enthusiasm, he really, really cared as to how we went forward. We have been fortunate here at the Ramona Bowl to have some funds that have become available through an estate. And we have been able to plan some new things that haven’t happened here since we began.” Van Arsdale ended by saying, “Steve was a man with a vision, and he dared to share it,” imploring listeners, “…to reach back and grab Steve’s enthusiasm and take it forward. Take it forward for The Ramona Bowl, take it forward for the Downtown, and know that the best thing we can do for Steve’s legacy is to make those renderings and those visions happen.”

Mayor Russ Brown spoke of Covington’s vision for the future and how, though he didn’t know Covington personally, it was still an honor to address the celebrants, and to help celebrate Steve Covington’s life. The mayor then spoke of Covington’s excellent work at The Historic Hemet Theater and the restorative work done there. The Mayor then turned the podium over to Mayor Pro-Team Linda Krupa.

Mayor Pro-Tem gives heartflet reminiscences of Steve Covington

“There are many words to describe Steve: friend, husband, son, grandson…entrepreneur, community activist, volunteer: big-hearted, generous. Definitely generous,” Krupa said. Krupa noted that Covington was, “…generous with his time, his energy, his creativity, his talent, his vision…for downtown.” Krupa then went on to note how Covington was instrumental in helping to bring into reality the “Downtown Specific Plan” for the future of the downtown. Krupa ended her reminiscences with a simple but poignant, “Bless you Steve. You are missed and deeply loved by your city and by your community. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us.”

Former Mayor Bonnie Wright noted that, while this was…”a heart-breaking day for many, we must put those feelings aside while we celebrate the life of Steve Covington. Most know Steve as the owner of the Downtown Deli. However, he was much more than that. In his short life, he was anxious to share his passions and visions for making Hemet a better place to live. I know of no one who could have made things to come to fruition as quickly as he could. We are extremely grateful for his ability to get things done. He made the Downtown Deli a landmark on Harvard Street. There is no doubt that he has left his footprints in this valley. And now it’s up to us to keep those prints moving. Thank you Steve for all you’ve done, and we’ll make you proud.”

A surprise speaker then took the podium: Michael Fishman, “DJ Conner” of “The Conners,” was a friend of Covington’s. Fishman spoke directly to Covington’s mother, Diana Covington Hruska, and said simply, “You really know the impact you make on the world, when you watch your children and the impact they make on others….so you did a great job. I am forever grateful and thankful for getting to know Steve.” Fishman recalled that Covington was a, “…big, vibrant, strong guy who came with a lot of energy, and at first you’re a little thrown back. But he came with such passion. And I think we know that his passion is what fueled him and what affected all of us. And I hope that’s what you leave here with: that his passion fueled him in many ways, like it has fueled me…” Fishman ended by saying, “…I only got to know Steve for a very short period of time, but he was profoundly impactful. May you take the joy that he brought you…and whatever pain you feel, and may you shower his family with the memories: not just today or in the coming weeks, but in the coming years. May you stop in and remind them that he was bigger than any one moment or any one act.”

A very personal eulogy was given by Covington’s close friends Emily Quest McDonough and TJ Hepburn. Hepburn reminded mourners that a proposal for a “Steve Covington Memorial Fountain,” to be placed in the Ramona Bowl Courtyard, in Covington’s honor, is currently in the works. No formal board meeting to discuss and vote on this issue has been yet held, but those who would like to support or inquire about this project may do so by contacting the Bowl at http://ramonabowl.com or by calling 800 645-4465 or 951 658-3111

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A “BOWLED-OVER” BREAKFAST

Contributed — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 20:08:01 +0000

(Ramona Bowl Kicks off)

RAMONA BOWL KICKS OFF RAMONA BOWL PAGEANT FUNDRAISING BREAKFAST

Within the confines of the beautiful Golden Era Golf Course Clubhouse, with Nat King Cole‘s version of the “Christmas Song” soothing diners in the background and Santa and Mrs. Clause (Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Robinson) sitting there with a beautiful tree ringed with Christmas presents, the Ramona Bowl kicked off its fundraising and unofficial “Ramona bowl season” with its annual fundraising pancake breakfast.

“This is our way of getting started, not only with Christmas season, but with “Ramona” season, because this gets us all back together. We all start thinking “Ramona.” This kicks off our getting together, then in January we have sign-ups, and that’s quickly followed by the “President’s dinner“ where we announce our cast for the Ramona pageant, so this just gets us going,” said Past Ramona Bowl President Lori Van Arsdale.

The setting could not have been more picturesque nor the weather more compliant. There was just enough of a chill in the air to remind you that Christmas was not far away. Chestnuts roasted on an open fire, thanks to Nat King Cole as Downtown Deli owner Steve Covington flipped pancakes and fried up sausage. Century 21 realtor Norm Kyriss served up plate after plate of delicious breakfasts to crowds which came and went many times over. “This is our favorite time of year,” said Kyriss.

The Ramona Bowl pancake breakfast is now in its 11th year and its originator and former San Jacinto City Council member Steve DiMemmo recalled how it all started. “I was sitting on the San Jacinto Council and also sitting on the Ramona Bowl Board and we were having some…financial issues, and so I just suggested that we try a pancake breakfast to see if we could possibly raise some money for the Bowl. It was an outstanding success and it’s been going since, I believe, 2008.”

DiMemmo notes that the success of the breakfast is its ability to raise not just dollars, but awareness.

“I agree with Lori. Now is the time that we start to focus on the bowl itself: we have the Hemet Christmas Parade the day before, then comes our pancake breakfast, usually the next day. It’s at this time that members of the committee start contributing to the bowl…members realize that it’s that time of year. In years past, we’ve had members who donated bicycles for the kids, Christmas presents etcetera. The Soboba has always been very very good to us, as has been Agri-Empire and other businesses. It’s a good thing. We just want people to come in, meet-and-greet and get to know our activities. The people who are new to the community come in… and they learn about the Bowl from this event,” said DiMemmo.

The breakfast, and the Ramona Bowl and pageant reach far beyond our valley as DiMemmo, other board members and others associated with the bowl, fully realize. “For this valley, this is very historic. It’s very important and it needs to continue. It’s been here since 1923! Ultimately this is a boon for the entire valley and even beyond. This was the “go to “place for everybody. Even the Redlands Bowl used ours as the kick off. This was the mother of all Bowls. It’s historic and the acoustics at the Bowl are fabulous.” And Board Members love the Golden Era facility said DiMemmo. “Golden Era is a huge contributor to this valley. This is a beautiful venue. They help many many people: they have a golf program and many other programs they offer.

They donate their facilities all the time to all non-profits. And they are a very good partner for this community,” said DiMemmo.

It’s historic and the acoustics at the Bowl are fabulous.” And Board Members love the Golden Era facility said DiMemmo. “Golden Era is a huge contributor to this valley. This is a beautiful venue. They help many many people: they have a golf program and many other programs they offer. They donate their facilities all the time to all non-profits. And they are a very good partner for this community,” said DiMemmo.

For those who would like to donate or who are interested in the Ramona bowl or it’s historic pageant, please list the bowl online at https://ramonabowl.com/amphitheatre/

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Hemet Elks Lodge hosts Ramona Bowl Casino Night Fundraiser Aug. 3rd

Contributed — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 00:50:45 +0000

The Hemet Elks Lodge #1740 is hosting a Casino Night Event FUNdraiser and Steak Dinner for the Ramona Bowl on August 3rd at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious steak dinner and play the night away for some great prizes, plus every ticket holder gets a $20 gift card good for events at the Ramona Bowl.

The Ramona Bowl is very excited to partner and have the help of the Hemet Elks Lodge and its members for this FUNdraising Casino Night event. The Ramona Bowl is a non-profit organization whose funding only comes from event ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships. It sits on 168 acres, and all the maintenance and upkeep must come from these sources.

So come on out to Casino Night, have a great meal and a lot of fun and help a very good cause. Tickets are $50 and include a steak dinner, $250 in Casino Play Money, a $20 Gift Card good for Ramona Bowl Events and a chance to win some great prizes. Saturday, August 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Hemet Elks Lodge, 1305 West Florida Avenue, Hemet 92543. For tickets and information call 951-658-3111 or 951-925-1740.

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Disney’s Mulan on Ramona Bowl Stage

Mark Lentine — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 23:30:25 +0000

Amidst a balmy, breezy backdrop, under a sinking sun that had lost just enough of strength, the Ramona Bowl Summer Youth Theater presented Disney’s Mulan on its expansive open-air stage on Tuesday, July 2.

THE COUPLE: Adon Nunez (Captain Shang) and Starr Loza (Mulan) | Photo courtesy of the Ramona Bowl

The sprawling outdoor presentation of an unwieldy story of the Huns invading Han-Dynasty China by breaching the “Great Wall” would have seemed daunting enough under ideal conditions, but when you add in the wind, a slightly problematic outdoor speaker, and most importantly, 100 children, ranging in ages from 5 to 17, the task makes Sisyphus look like somebody who was just playing marbles.
“A lot of these children have never been on the stage before,” says Ramona Bowl Board President and “Mulan” producer Stacey West Bailey, adding, “but I’ve been doing this a lot of years, and you get a knack for knowing who will fit perfectly in each part.” And for perfectly, they all did.

Director/Choreographer Janet Martin is not only a Ramona Bowl grad, having starred in their first summer production 17 years ago, she is also a UCLA-credentialed teacher, and it shows. Martin was able to take newcomers, from seven-year-old Andy Ballard, who played the emperor of Japan, to Devon Young, who played Shan Yu and extract surprisingly deft performances. The cast was amazingly prepared, brilliantly inspired, and joyful, despite the heat and vibrant costumes.

Auditions were held in early May, and rehearsals-which sometimes had to be held at West Valley High School due to the heat-lasted almost a month. The result was worth all the effort.
Dara Bailey, portraying Mushu and wearing a fiery orange-red costume, would have stood out had she dressed in black and stood behind a brick wall: she sang, she danced…she threw out one-liners like a seasoned pro…and just for good measure, she tossed in some acrobatics. And as if there were enough action and acrobatics, Priscilla Hernandez flitted across the stage doing somersaults and handstands that delighted the crowd.

CAST: James Serna, Drake Rogers, Devon Young, (in blue stripe), Deja Carillo, Ellie Ballard, Chamisa Inoway-Mann, Adon Nunez, Nick Jones, Starr Loza, Andy Ballard, Olivia Pena, Cosette Cardenas, Nadaici Davis, Mya Votaw, Ivanna Mauzyuk. | Photo courtesy of the Ramona Bowl

Amidst all this action, and a wonderful score, soared two voices and talents: Starr Loza who portrayed Mulan, and Adon Nunez portraying Captain Shang. Loza has a thin, breathy voice that threatens to falter, but never does. Instead, Loza is capable of bending the finer notes, imparting feeling in every needed corner of a song, and when she weaved her way to the final notes of “Reflection”…the audience of almost 500 was moved to tears.

In a production that never lacks for action, Adon Nunez is a stand out: he fights, he dances, he wields a fine sword, he woos the young Mulan…and he whips his young charges into shape. Nunez has a talent that craves the spotlight, and, for a young performer, he is perfectly self-possessed.
If this production is any indication of what’s to come, next year’s presentation of “Frozen” is something the summer theater-going public doesn’t want to miss.

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Park Closure

Contributed — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 21:45:56 +0000

HEMET (CNS) – A park on the south edge of Hemet will be closed to public access for the duration of wildfire season to minimize brush fire risks, city officials said today.

Fire Chief Scott Brown said Simpson Park, just east of Diamond Valley Lake, will be closed Monday and will not re-open until fire threats are minimal. “The Fire Department remains committed to keeping the community safe from the threat of wildfire”, Brown said.

The chief said his closure move dovetails with Riverside County Fire Chief Shawn Newman’s decision to declare seven recreational locations off limits to hikers, off-roading enthusiasts and others starting Monday and continuing until wildfire season ends, which is generally November.

Newman received authorization from the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to close the grounds, which has occurred yearly since 2007. The following locations fall under the county’s closure order:

— Avery Canyon, along Gibbel Road, east of State Street in southeast Hemet;
— Indian Canyon and North Mountain in San Jacinto;
— Minto Way in Sage, north of Aguanga;
— Nuevo, east of Menifee Road and San Jacinto Avenue;
— Ramona Bowl and Bautista Canyon, southeast of Hemet;
— Reinhardt Canyon, north of state Route 74 and California Avenue in Hemet;
— Whitewater Canyon, near Cabazon.

The Ramona Bowl is just over a mile north of Simpson Park. Each spot is surrounded by rugged, inhospitable terrain. Closure signs will be posted at entry points to warn potential violators of fines and other penalties.

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