Amazed wrote on May 4, 2008 11:58 PM:Casey Evans is an embarrassment to our community. No on the quarry!!!!

rumblfish wrote on May 5, 2008 3:04 AM:I wonder who pays the scientists to do their studies?

NO QUARRY wrote on May 5, 2008 6:50 AM:Is there a lawsuit against Granite? And if not, why not? I think when we start taking this matter to courts, as high as it can go, then we can have real geologists and environmentalist verify that this quarry is not safe for the residents of two counties.

Ann wrote on May 5, 2008 7:15 AM:I wonder how many of the protesters have granite countertops?

To Ann wrote on May 5, 2008 7:45 AM:. . . or drive on roads or live in houses, all of which come from this material.

Yeh wrote on May 5, 2008 8:10 AM:Or breath

skallop wrote on May 5, 2008 8:11 AM:Regardless of whether people have granite countertops or other granite fixtures, doesn't prove any point. I do not want to live near the quarry. There are other areas, not near cities where granite can be mined. I am not against mining. I am against it being in an area that negatively impacts me and others, and the environment. I will not be convinced this is a good thing for this area simply because it's convenient to mine and transport here. I was out of town and unfortunately didn't get to participate in the Living Sign as I did last year. I will continue to give my full support to SOS-Hills and to this City to stop the quarry!

NO QUARRY wrote on May 5, 2008 8:31 AM:If you live in Temecula, you can see the wonderful smog we get all the way from Los Angeles sitting on top of Temecula every summer. That is the air we breath because the smog gets collected here. Now if we add the dust from the quarry, pretty soon people will begin to leave this area due to pollution. I guess having granite countertops for the hundreds of empty houses that are in foreclosure are more important than children being able to play in a park outdoors and not getting covered by silica. This is the mentality of a bunch of people who care more about money than the future.

Embarrassed for SOS wrote on May 5, 2008 8:35 AM:I think it's wonderful when people want to join together and make a stand for what they believe in, but this is embarrassing.

The traffic issue is a state issue, and should be protested at the state level. It's a state issue, because it effects the state Freeway. If the state says it's not an issue...then it's not an issue.

Air quality is a federal and state issue, and if it's not a problem with the Air Quality Control Board, it's not an issue.

SOS-Hills was formed as a "VIEW" issue, just like those who want to perserve the view the ocean from their property. If the quarry, doesn't effect the view, then they don't have a case that would stand up in court. It's just that simple.

If these protesters really want to make a difference then they need to find a way to be effective. Rallys need to be based, and formed by effective organizations that don't use a platform that doesn't have a leg to stand on.

It's a waist...mental garbage...causing a bio-hazard of anger and stress to a comfortable community, of which SOS-Hills, by promoting it should be ashamed.

If they really believe they have a need to not allow the quarry...get the state and feds to back them up.

This is not to say, they couldn't find someone to back them up...they are just going about it in the wrong way, and looking foolish in the process.

Pechanga Tribal Member wrote on May 5, 2008 8:46 AM:This is a very important health issue for Pechanga tribal members living on the rez. Hopefully we can get the tribal council involved in stopping the quarry.

Embarrassed for Granite wrote on May 5, 2008 9:25 AM:Having been at last year's "NO QUARRY" sign event, I was thrilled to see the greatly increased attendance. Great job SOS Hills. We are so grateful for your continued efforts. People are finding out about Granite's greed- inspired plans and they don't like it. Knowledge is power and Granite is not going to sneak this under the noses of Temeculans. I have watched Granite change their marketing tactics repeatedly, as approach after approach doesn't work to convince the people of Temecula. Now, they apparently have decided to send their goons to our event and try to intimidate us with signs and internet postings telling us change is coming whether we want it or not. They are also trying to create a perception that Temecula is just stuck in the past and doesn't want change. Anyone who lived in Temecula 5 or more years ago can attest that Temecula has not been resistant to growth and change. It's just that Temecula doesn't want REALLY BAD CHANGE. Granite, which brilliant marketing mind came up with green shirts for your rude guys to wear? Yeah, we get it, green implies environmentally friendly. Again, we’re not buying it. Your company really should stop spending so much money on marketing to us and use it to find a better location that is not so close to homes, schools, families and the soon to be built hospital. Where is your sense of decency? I continue to be amazed at how ugly greed can be and the blatant disregard to the residents of Rainbow, Temecula and Fallbrook, especially toward the children and elderly. You should be embarrassed, Granite Construction, not SOS Hills.

Politicians Take Note wrote on May 5, 2008 9:41 AM:In these times, it is uplifting to see that people will stand up against "big money" and corrupt politicians to protect the quality of life for us and for all future generations. It is hard to discredit the opinions of over 60 local doctors who oppose Liberty Quarry. We should all applaud these 2,500 people, who probably each represent another 100 people who either did not know of this event or were unable to attend. Our elected officials know which companies financially support them, but "we, the people" can vote them out of office.

Keep Out The Quarry wrote on May 5, 2008 10:13 AM:I was at the 'living sign' this weekend and was very proud to done my orange hat & t-shirt and be a part of something that is very important. It's always about money, bottom line. I don't care what kind of lies are fed to us here in the immediate area about no threat to our community, no worries of health issues, no threats to the ecology...they are just that...lies. Any time you use huge machines to pound into the ground you're going to get earth moving noises that WILL disturb the ecology, dust particles that WILL float up into the air & be whisked away by our constant winds we have here and right into our homes and into our lungs. It's always years down the road that we hear of harm done and by then, it's too late. Look at asbestos. We had that in our homes for years in our ceilings. People, wake up! If you don't think this quarry being so close to us is going to cause problems, you are sadly mistaken! Even if they somehow miraculously keep dust from coming over the hills, what about the hundreds more diesel-fueled trucks that will be in the area? Don't you think that will impact our traffic further and lead to more pollution??! Come on folks! Please...PLEASE say "NO" to the quarry. Get letters to your local politicians!

Facts not Fear wrote on May 5, 2008 10:43 AM:Granite continues to release studies from the most reputable firms in the industry and relies on facts to make their points. See yesterday's column in the Californian:

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/05/03/opinion/commentary/nct31bf30776cf44a918825743c0071d.txt#blogcomments

The opposition continues to make things up and rely on ad hominem arguments and scare tactics. Everyone is entitled to your own opinion, but there is only one set of facts.

Where are your facts, SOS?

Buy It wrote on May 5, 2008 11:48 AM:I can't understand why these 2,500 people who strongly oppose the quarry won't pool their money, buy this land, and do with it what they will. I takes some kind of special arrogance to assume you should have the right to control someone else's right to lawfully use their own property.

Every Picture Tells A Story wrote on May 5, 2008 12:00 PM:The photo of the big guy wearing the orange hat and T-shirt aggressively pointing his finger says it all.

To all the Quarry Worries... wrote on May 5, 2008 12:32 PM:I am amazed how people come out and protest anything! We don't want a Walmart in "OUR" area, it would cause too much traffic, we don't want a new building there because it will block "OUR" view, we don't want a new park there because it will bring homeless to "OUR" area, and on and on and on...We don't want it in our area, but we do want the services they provide so put it in "SOMEONE" elses area and it will be OK...that way I can get Granite tops when I want to and roads repaired, etc. Let's put it in someones elses backyard so I won't be inconvenienced. The State and Federal government regulate businesses in relation to pollution and dangers there of...what make YOU more qualified than them? Oh yeah, because it is in "YOUR" area...progress happens and if a new business has to go through this kind of B.S. every time it trys to build then the costs go up (because of court and time delays, etc.). Let the zoning laws and the State and Federal government handle this and quit crying! I live in the area as well and am not affliliated to the quarry in any way. I don't care if it comes or not, but I sure don't feel "HIGHER and MIGHTIER" than them. It's all about the money, I see this written in several comments above, OK, what is business about? Of course it is about the money, so what?!?!?! And the more we stand in businesses way the more it ends up costing us at the registers...Oh and I know everyone of you are EXPERTS on cause and effect of this type of thing...Move on with your lives and let everyone else move on too...Oh and by the way, those FOR the quarry had every right to be there just as you did...You just got nastier than they did...

Kathy wrote on May 5, 2008 1:11 PM:We are not against granite Ann, ( duhh)
but there has to be someplace else for their quarry , and if our city is so against it and anyone with half a brain should be- unless they love unhealthy air, and maybe htey do- then they need to find someplace where there is not as much oppostion, Palmdale didnt oppose so much, find someplace like that, where people do not care about their community, we in Temecula /Rainbow and surronding cities do.
If you like it fine, sit back and breath in the air and noise, if you are against it, say so! and we are!!

Don wrote on May 5, 2008 1:11 PM:If the dust from the quarry will do no harm, then why is Granite Const: spending millions of dollars on equipment to try to contain it

Billy wrote on May 5, 2008 1:14 PM:For those who do not know, granite counter tops will not be made from this type of granite

Roberto wrote on May 5, 2008 1:33 PM:Once they finish another environmental Impact Report (EIR) The quarry will make less noise, increase a pristine wildlife and clean the air! Now all of you calm down and go back to work so we can build out quarry.

sillness wrote on May 5, 2008 3:06 PM:The sillness of all these blogs is that no one can EVER be FOR a quarry. You don'r wake up one day and say "honey, you kno what we need in this town...a quarry" yah, thats it. Thats all we need. I have an idea. Why don't all the pro quarry folks get together and have a "Yes Quarry" aerial phot taken? In fact consider it a challenge! If you can get 2500 people out to support a Quarry with a "Yes Quarry" sign we'll belive you.

Pechanga wrote on May 5, 2008 3:17 PM:I guess the smoke inside the Pechanga casino is healthy?

Yes Quarry Photo wrote on May 5, 2008 3:32 PM:The biggest obstacle to the Yes Quarry photo is that Yes Quarry folks have jobs and are busy.

Just think if this wrote on May 5, 2008 3:44 PM:was done in the stoneage Fred Flintstone wouldn't of had a job!

As said earlier... wrote on May 5, 2008 3:45 PM:If you're not opposed to having a 1000 foot deep quarry one mile across located on our beautiful rocky hill to Temecula's south, then you actively WANT a quarry in your backyard - and a HUGE one at that - for the next 75 years! Why would ANYONE consciously WANT a quarry in their backyard? Jobs? Nope, only 100 trucking/laborer jobs are touted. Less traffic? Nope, more trucks will exit/enter the freeway at Rainbow and cut back and forth across the face of our rocky hill to get over the top (goodby rocky hill!). This is the only location possible? Nope, there's a new mine just south of Fallbrook and there are thousands of places to put this mine between here and Blythe. Besides San Diego should bear the impacts for THEIR gravel and concrete, not Temecula. Revenue? Nope, Temecula gets ZERO but gets all the negative impacts. Improved air quality? HA! Yeah, right. Sooooooooo, why would ANYBODY want the largest open pit mine in the United States right in their backyard? They must be getting paid by Granite Construction, or have the promise of a contract with Granite Construction, or be completely naive and trusting in Granite Construction's ability to stop dust, light, noise, and traffic. I have no doubt Granite Construction is a good company, but there's no way they can mitigate all the negative impacts from a HUGE open pit strip gravel mine. Take the quarry someplace else

to buy it wrote on May 5, 2008 4:45 PM:Your right. I should be able to purchase the land, not live anywhere nearby and put whatever I want on it. How about toxic waste. Bet I could make money storing that. Better yet, nuclear waste! I am sure San Onofre would give me a great deal to store their waste. Clearly this is an absurd idea and that is why people do not have an absolute right to do whatever they want with their property. Things like an OPEN PIT QUARRY have a huge impact upon the surrounding area and it's inhabitents. PERIOD! Thankfully we have governmental oversite to scrutinize a project of this type before it can be completed. Also "buy it" what is the sale price for the property. Maybe we can make a deal!

Ridiculous wrote on May 5, 2008 4:45 PM:If you're not opposed to having a 1000 foot deep quarry one mile across located on our beautiful rocky hill to Temecula's south, then you actively WANT a quarry in your backyard - and a HUGE one at that - for the next 75 years! Why would ANYONE consciously WANT a quarry in their backyard? Jobs? Nope, only 100 trucking/laborer jobs are touted. Less traffic? Nope, more trucks will exit/enter the freeway at Rainbow and cut back and forth across the face of our rocky hill to get over the top (goodby rocky hill!). This is the only location possible? Nope, there's a new mine just south of Fallbrook and there are thousands of places to put this mine between here and Blythe. Besides San Diego should bear the impacts for THEIR gravel and concrete, not Temecula. Revenue? Nope, Temecula gets ZERO but gets all the negative impacts. Improved air quality? HA! Yeah, right. Sooooooooo, why would ANYBODY want the largest open pit mine in the United States right in their backyard? They must be getting paid by Granite Construction, or have the promise of a contract with Granite Construction, or be completely naive and trusting in Granite Construction's ability to stop dust, light, noise, and traffic. I have no doubt Granite Construction is a good company, but there's no way they can mitigate all the negative impacts from a HUGE open pit strip gravel mine. Take the quarry someplace else!

Blah Blah Blah Blah wrote on May 5, 2008 6:01 PM:They say thier scientists say there is no air quality threat!!! WTFreak! Come on now NCT just ran a story about a week ago, claiming California is one of the top states for Air Quality. The Quarry Owners will say anything and have all the experts to speak in favor of this plant. Believe me they are Lies. It not Rock Science here! The Site will Create Some of the most deadly Air Pollutants, ESPECIALLY for those living in and around the Area!!! If I lived in that area I would have Looked at public records of other sites they own, and get records of the health quality in that area.... the truth will show...

Alex wrote on May 5, 2008 6:14 PM:Change is good! That is, only positive change and the quarry is BAD for the Valley. I'm very surprised the Pechanga Tribe hasn't made a peep about the proposed quarry. It will definitely be detrimental to their casino since gamblers will not want to visit an area filled with dust particles. Pala & Morongo casino's are nearby. Granite is simply looking for the least-cost site to make their millions in profit at the expense of the 200k living in our valley. Mr Slate at Granite needs to break rock somewhere else!

Warden wrote on May 5, 2008 8:02 PM:The "studies" produced by Granite construction are a joke. You can pay anyone to produce a document supporting your views. It's all part of the business. The quarry will be just West of Temecula which is an extremely bad for the residents. Granite, on the hand, we'll make lots of money for many years to come. It all seems pretty obvious to me.

To Buy It wrote on May 5, 2008 9:51 PM:Yes, people have a right to do what they wish with their property..but NOT when it affects thousands of others. Do you feel it appropriate for six property owners to get millions of dollars at the expense of the thousands of property owners whose land will be unsaleable due to being near a hard-rock open pit strip mine blasting and shaking their homes? Come on now...you must be one of the six owners druelling over Granite Construction's option to purchase IF a quarry is approved.

NO Quarry - Granite wrote on May 5, 2008 10:52 PM:Granite.... get a clue. Go somewhere else. Temecula citizens do not want their children breathing your dust!!!!

The longer you push this, the more people are going to be aware of what it will cost them. Cut your losses and move on down the road now.

Pechanga wrote on May 6, 2008 2:57 AM:Hey Alex, how absurd, people will avoid going into a smokey casino because of dust outside?

Justice wrote on May 6, 2008 5:21 AM:Follow the money...nuf said...

Just How Much wrote on May 6, 2008 5:48 AM:Just how much does Granite spend advertising in your newspaper? I DARE you to get transparent and right a story about that!!!! Until there is REAL TRUTH in journalism, you will have little credibility.

Injustice wrote on May 6, 2008 7:42 AM:There's LOTS of $$$$ to follow in this deal!!!!

Bring in the Quarry wrote on May 6, 2008 10:32 AM:Have any of you seen what they do once a quarry has been depleted of its resource? They usually turn the area into a park, or natural reserve, making the pit into a pond for all you to go to later in life... Suck it up Temecula! You'll get something far better in return!

to Bring In The Quarry wrote on May 6, 2008 11:58 AM:no, that's NOT what they usually do to a pit mine once it's depleted. It's usually destined to become a LANDFILL. Another wonderful aspect Temecula will have to add to it's community. And at THIS site, that won't even be a POSSIBILITY for another 75 years!! YOU suck it up... in fact, we'll all have to suck up their pollutants, which is all we'll be "getting in return". What a ludicrous thing to say! IT'S ALREADY A NATURAL RESERVE!!!!!!!!!

Wonder if.. wrote on May 6, 2008 12:22 PM:They will need equipment managers and mechanics at the new quarry?... maybe I can get a good job close to home and not have to drive 60 miles one way for it.... Bet they will... Go Granite build the quarry!!!!... I'll come looking for a job... The foreclosure rate is real high in Temecula, maybe with new jobs people can keep their houses....

Bud wrote on May 6, 2008 12:44 PM:I know Temecula has a lot of wine, but I didn't realize just how much whinning goes on here in Temecula.All of you living here are in homes that used materials like this and it had to come from someplace. Now it's time you people pitched in,"BUILD THIS QUARRY". You can't just build a quarry anyplace, there has to be material to be had and it is in the hills of Temecula. What a bunch of selfish NIMBY'S we have here in Temecula.

Tom wrote on May 6, 2008 2:00 PM:If Granite Construction will promise to place a million bucks into a fund for people in the community, for every truck that passes thru Temecula, then they may get no opposition. Yeah, sure they won't have any more trucks coming thru Temecula.

Jamoy wrote on May 6, 2008 2:41 PM:We used to live in Point Loma San Diego,we thought that place is awesome ,clean air,nice neighborhood.The only reason we moved up here was because we couldn't afford to buy a home in SD.We didn't like in here until we realized Temecula has a beautiful scenery,clean air and environment. And I thought this is perfect for my son that has a health problem .If construction company will be built in Temecula area there is no reason for us to stay,we are going to leave Temecula . We say "NO" Quarry

Nonsense wrote on May 6, 2008 2:50 PM:These No Quarry people are just NIMBY's, they have no scientifically founded facts. They support their positions through the promotion of mass hysteria!

Steelhead wrote on May 6, 2008 3:19 PM:I love my granite counters and I love to use granite fixtures throughout my house to add some extra beauty. I have never suffered any harmful odor or shavings fron the granite dust in my home so I doubt that it would affect me outside. I breathe granite all day long and I do NOT experience shortness of breath, asthma, or other lung conditions. In fact, my times for bicycle racing have improved dramaticly since I started installing granite products in my home. I am beginning to think that granite may actually enhance our lung capacity but I have no studies to confrim that! No, I am not on steroids--the only performance enhancer I take is granite dust! So let the quarry live--it has many wondrous components to not only beautify our homes but to embellish athletic performance. Build it and he will come!

Quarry Ralley wrote on May 6, 2008 4:52 PM:All Quarry supporters. Join me in a ralley at Birdsall Park. We will be spelling out the words "Yes Quarry" on the football field. We will then take a photo from the air. We can do this! Lets not let these anti quarry folks get there way! Whos in?

keep Temecula beautiful wrote on May 6, 2008 7:45 PM:I was at the rally and only saw one Liberty Quarry supporter. I wonder who was paying him to sit there? I also wonder where he lives-probably not Temecula, Rainbow, Fallbrook or Murrieta.

Bob wrote on May 6, 2008 7:57 PM:Rally is spelled r-a-l-l-y.
Learn to spell before trying to organize an event.

Jared wrote on May 6, 2008 10:45 PM:I was at the rally I am the supporter in the photo being pointed at. I want the facts to be heard. I have been to SOS meeting and listened to the information that they are giving out as facts. Some may be facts but some are not. I challange are community to get out and get involved. This is are future. Secondly to defend my self I was not sent to the rally as a "Goon" from Granite. I went on my own free will I support this company and what they can bring to our community. And in closing I must point out that I did talk with alot of rude people that day, I even had water thrown at me. But they lady in the picture talking with me was very nice and that really ment alot to me. We do not have to agree but to be nice to each other says a whole lot.

Julie wrote on May 7, 2008 6:10 AM:That silica stuff causes cancer. If they build this quarry here, you can bet that our already polluted air will become deadly! We will pack up and move faster than you can say lung cancer and the smart ones will follow.

Outlaw the desert wrote on May 7, 2008 8:08 AM:Its full of silica sand.... Sand is now illegal to blow around Temecula... I'd be more worried about the carbon dioxide comming from all those nimby's mouths.....

M wrote on May 7, 2008 8:45 AM:To be honest, I would be for the quarry if it was bringing 1,000+ high-paying jobs (>$50K). But the positives do not outweigh the negatives, plain and simple.

The Facts wrote on May 7, 2008 10:08 AM:I think it is interesting that the posts supporting Granite have turned to insulting the residents of Temecula, Fallbrook, Rainbow and Murrieta. When there is a discussion of fact, they seem to get frustrated and rude, as much as they love to say the facts support their view. Everyone involved knows that this quarry would not be environmentally beneficial by any stretch of the imagination. It's like saying, "Drink this poison. Our studies show that it will not hurt you. In fact, it will help you."

Curious... wrote on May 7, 2008 5:05 PM:I live just a couple blocks down the road from where the quarry is going to be built. I've been keeping up on news related to this whole... Well it's a bunch of crap to be honest. I don't understand how anyone, other than ignorant backwards thinking fools would support a thing like this.

1 - The quarry WILL be polluting the air, in more than just Temecula. The wind that blows through the valley that the quarry would be located shifts back and forth. The valley is like a nice tunnel for that wonderful dust to be carried right through town.

2 - Granite is obviously paying lots of people to make this easy to achieve. It's not hard at all to see, unless you're just blatantly naive. Those that aren't on payroll, are sharing findings (FACTS) that the quarry is definitely not going to be a health benefit.

3 - The area is indeed a bountiful nature reserve. I hike among those hills, and the mountain behind my house all the time. We have coyotes, bob cats, raccoons, and many other animals that call this area home. There is a college around here that actually has an on-going study in this area. The quarry would actually stop this research, as well drive out a lot of the local wildlife.

4 - There has been some investigations into other areas that a quarry of this size could go, and there are plenty- ones that won't cause damage to the wild or citizens of Temecula. The bottom line is, this area is ideal for the shipping process, and would save a certain amount of money in that area. So it's not even about making a buck, as it is about saving one...

I'm all about enterprise... Business isn't a bad thing. But at our core, sometimes I think we should step back and think about past events that are similar to the current situation. It always seems to stop at that point, with everyone conveniently steering around something that gets in their way. Then when the subject comes up, you have Side A and Side B, bickering and not accomplishing anything.

This is what I see happening here. Those of you not for the quarry will keep yelling, but the truth is, it's out of your hands at the rate things are going. You definitely need to kick it up a notch and get smarter. The age old tactics of complaining are going to end just like they did in the old age- not in your favor. You need more power. Go above the heads you've been screaming at.

Those of you for the quarry... I just don't get it. You say that the quarry isn't bad, but come to the table with accusations of ignorance, and fallacies. When indeed, it's you who are completely ignorant to the facts. Um, you think they'll turn the pit into a park? Yeah, we'll see. A pond? That would be a man-made lake actually, if they were to do this. Not going to pollute the air? What?! If you live in the area, find a hard bit of ground, the clay colored stuff. That will contain a lot less silica per volume, than the stuff coming from the pit. Now grab a handful of this dirt, and let it sift from your fingers in the wind, so that you can take a breath of the dust. Now do that for the next month, and see how you feel after that. Imagine around 75 years of that, being pulled into town by the local winds.

Anyone who supports this loses my respect for many reasons, aside from the human natural reactions to the fact that your views oppose mine. You would strike me as ignorant for one. The type of person who would dump trash in a stream and laugh about it secondly. The list could go on, but please... Don't be so thick and immediate to just say "Quit whining you big babies", without thinking about why people are whining.

Why wrote on May 8, 2008 9:07 AM:did you post my comment that the first post on this blog was name calling by the nimby's... calling someone an embarassment.. is name calling... and they did it first...

You Oxymorons you wrote on May 8, 2008 8:53 PM:Ok...how many of you anti-quarry people drive big gas guzzling SUVs? Drink fatty drinks at Starbucks? Stuff your faces with greasy burgers and booze? Feed your kids processed fatty chicken nuggets and fries and not properly recycle? And your worried about your precious little lungs and air quality??? Please....good luck fighting Big Business and your local politicians padding there wallets with granite dollars.

to You Oxymorons you wrote on May 10, 2008 11:01 AM:I for one do NOT drive an SUV, I don't drink fatty drinks or feed my family junk food or fast food. We are non-smokers also. So since I make the choice to be healthy and keep my family as healthy as possible, I have every right to whine and complain about the air my children are going to be FORCED to breathe. Maybe they'll provide us with gas masks in all their profit!

Again with the insults wrote on May 10, 2008 12:46 PM:Yes, clearly fighting big business is a disgusting process and let's hope the county politicians are not padding their wallets with Granite dollars, but why do you find it necessary to hurl acid comments at people for caring about their community. If all of us had chosen to move to a place with an existing quarry, then shame on us, but this is not the case with Temecula, Fallbrook, Rainbow, De Luz and surrounding areas. When my family and I decided to move to California from out of state, we went through great lengths to research air quality, crime rate and schools. We chose and love Temecula. Now, Granite comes along and tells us they want to operate a deep pit mine within three miles of where our kids go to school and within five miles of our home, directly in the path of the very consistent wind pattern. You better believe we’re upset about it and tired of exceptionally rude people insulting us for being intelligent and caring about what happens to Temecula and, yes, to our lungs! Your sarcasm about our “precious little lungs and air quality” shows a total lack of regard and it is disgraceful. Do you have a child with asthma? Have you ever seen a child gasping for air during an asthma attack? How dare you?!

To Oxymoron Name Caller wrote on May 10, 2008 12:50 PM:How about you? Apparently, you are above all of those things, but support a polluting quarry. Hmmmm.

Long time resident wrote on May 14, 2008 11:01 PM:As a member of this community since 1979 and having family in this valley since 1909 I have something to say about Liberty Quarry. Yes I am in the industry; no I am not a paid consultant. The cost too transport aggregate has risen $3-$4 per ton since 2000. What used to cost $5 to haul now costs $8-$9. The fact is simple, if it does not grow, it must be mined. I wonder how many people that are against Liberty lived here 3, 5, 10, 20 years ago. I would bet less than 25%. YOUR houses, roads, schools, bridges, and shopping centers had to be built on something. Each house requires 100 cubic yards of material to construct. 30 yards for the slab, 10 yards for the plaster, 10 yards for the backfill of sewer and water, 50 yards for the asphalt, sidewalks, & road base. I remember when Temecula was called “Rancho California” and less then 10,000 people lived here. Homes in Starlight Ridge sold new for $84,500 in 1984. It is 24 years later, houses that sold for $500,000 18 months ago, are now lucky to sell for $350,000. And yet the cost for building materials has only increased. Diesel 8 years ago was $1.50 per gallon, 5 years ago $2.00 per gallon, last year $3.00 per gallon, and today is $4.90 per gallon. Do the math. If you don’t like development, then how could YOUR house have been built? If you don’t like traffic, then where did YOU drive her from? Give Granite a chance. Rosemary’s Mountain in San Diego begins the permitting process in 1984, and still has not shipped 1 pound of rock. If I was a NIMBY like everyone who is against Liberty, YOUR would not have been built!

Why wrote on May 18, 2008 5:54 PM:Temecula managed to build a city without a local source of aggregate and is built out for the most part. Now Granite Construction has begun blasting Rosemary's Mountain for aggregate not far south of Temecula. Why on earth would anyone think that a need for a second local source of aggregate is a valid argument? It has nothing to do with Temecula's building needs. It has everything to do with Granite's money making desires. They continue to try to override the will of the residents of Temecula and surrounding areas because the site provides easy freeway access for them and a lovely little monopoly of aggregate mines in the area for 75 years. ... It really makes me sick to my stomach.

Long Time Resident wrote on May 27, 2008 5:21 PM:Temecula did not "Build out" without a local source. Sand came from Aguanga on Temecula Creek, Rock came from Corona, Temescal Valley & Juniper Flats. DG came from Sedco Hills in Elisnore. With the exception of Corona, all other sources are less then 15 miles away. Aguanga, Juniper Flats, & Sedco Hills are mined out and closed. Temescal Valley will be mined out by 2035 and Corona by 2050. What then? The fact remains the same. More sources are being closed or mined out than are replacing them. Repair work will still need to be done. What then? Bill Harker had it right last year when he said "give Granite a chance" We have not seen anything except mis-information.

Not a NIMBY wrote on Jun 7, 2008 3:17 PM:The quarry is miles from our home so I am NOT a NIMBY.... however, I will have to breathe the silica laden air that will pollute our valley so I really think that building a quarry in the Rainbow Gap is NOT a bad location.