Pechanga Pu’éska Mountain Day Celebration on November

This Friday, November 15, 2024 is the 12th Anniversary of Pechanga Pu'éska Mountain Day. Pechanga Pu'éska Mountain Day was 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 together with the community.

Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro states, "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."

Join us for Pechanga Pu'éska Mountain Day: Temecula City Hall Town Square, 41000 Main Street Friday, November 15, 2024, 4:30pm (We encourage early arrival for seating.) •Proclamation Recital •Great Oak Press - Books Available (Authors of The Temecula Massacre will be present for book-signing) •Appetizers/Dessert •Bring your blankets for The Mountain that Weeps Award-Winning Documentary Film

The story behind Pechanga Pu'éska Mountain Day 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. It documents the 7+ year monumental people's movement and its momentous culmination in the protection of Pu'éska Mountain, and the quality of life for the people in Temecula. A proposed mine, "Liberty Quarry," planned to be among the largest gravel pits in the United States would have excavated Pu'éska Mountain. "More than just a development vs. environment story, The Mountain that Weeps explores which force is stronger, the power of community, the corruption of politics, or reverence for the sacred," as stated on the website www.mountainthatweeps.com. The City encourages every Temecula resident to view this documentary, and Pechanga Pu'éska Mountain Day is the perfect opportunity to watch it as a community.

Temecula Mayor James "Stew" Stewart states, "This local holiday provides the City a formal opportunity to thank the Pechanga Tribe for saving Pu'éska Mountain and, in doing so, protecting the quality of life in Temecula. We are forever grateful."

This year, the authors of The Temecula Massacre: A Forgotten Battlefield Landscape of the Mexican-American War will be available at the Great Oak Press table, for a book-signing opportunity. Pechanga established the Great Oak Press in order to provide an avenue by which Native voices and topics of significance and importance to Native Americans could find their way into the contemporary discourse and become both a growing and permanent part of recorded knowledge. Many other history books, as well as children's storybooks will be available as well.

Mayor Stewart adds, "This evening is a remarkable occasion where the Tribal and City governments unite with residents of Temecula; a time where we can learn from the Pechanga Tribe about the culture and heritage of Temecula since time immemorial."