WILDOMAR: Bell heralds incorporation
Historical item links new city to storied past
By AARON CLAVERIE - Staff Writer | ∞
Wildomar's first day as a city Tuesday was commemorated with the ringing of the old schoolhouse bell at Wildomar Elementary School. City Councilwomen Marsha Swanson, left and Bridgette Moore take their turn ringing the bell with Mayor Bob Cashman watching. (Photo by Steve Thornton - Staff Photographer) 
The first day of cityhood for Wildomar is celebrated early Tuesday morning with the ringing of the old schoolhouse bell at Wildomar Elementary School by Mayor Bob Cashman. (Photo by Steve Thornton - Staff Photographer) WILDOMAR ---- The bell at Palomar and Central streets in Wildomar was sounded when World War II ended.
It was used to mark the passing of President Franklin Roosevelt.
On Tuesday morning, the bell tolled to mark another significant moment: the incorporation of Wildomar, the 25th city in Riverside County.
The city's first mayor, Bob Cashman, did the honors, pulling on the rope that made the 640-pound bell swing back and forth and produce a vibrant sound that shoved aside the hum of traffic at the intersection.
Cashman called the bell's clash and clang the "chimes of freedom," the title of a 1964 Bob Dylan song that has been used as a rallying cry for the downtrodden peoples of the world.
The reference was appropriate because the lyrics talk of the bells tolling for underdogs and rebels.
Those labels could be applied to the residents who worked for decades to form the city. The group faced opposition from other residents who didn't think the area was ready for cityhood and others who feared higher taxes and more bureaucracy.
Cashman, a longtime member of that group, was named mayor Tuesday night during a special incorporation meeting at Elsinore High School.
Cityhood was approved in February by voters who shrugged off concerns about a slumping economy in favor of having more of a say in how the area, which includes plenty of undeveloped land, evolves.
Before ringing the bell Tuesday morning, Cashman told the residents who gathered at the corner how the bell was saved from the elementary school's old tower, was rehabilitated and then commemorated in a ceremony in 2006.
After Cashman had a turn ringing the bell, two of his colleagues on the five-member City Council-elect, Bridgette Moore and Marsha Swanson, teamed up and gave the rope a pull.
The pair, smiling the entire time, rocked back and forth in time with the bell and it tolled once more.
The ceremony was held at 8 a.m., which meant that many in the audience had to leave quickly to get to work.
Before heading to the real estate office she manages, Swanson said volunteers were getting everything ready for Tuesday night's meeting, post-incorporation party and fireworks show.
Swanson credited Paula Willette, a community leader, and Moore for tackling most of the behind-the-scenes work that went into organizing the party.
Talking about how it felt to be on the cusp of cityhood, Swanson said, "I couldn't sleep all night."
Gary Andre, one of the 14 candidates who ran for a council seat in February's election, was standing in the crowd during the bell-ringing ceremony, watching and soaking in the experience.
Andre was one of the residents who worked for years to help the area get ready for cityhood. He drew up maps of Wildomar, designed trail routes and worked to honor military servicemen and -women from the area.
Andre hopes to continue contributing to the city. He was the first person to publically lobby for a slot on the Planning Commission, which will help determine what sort of housing is built in Wildomar and what sort of business development is permitted.
"It's nice to be a city, man. It's a dream come true," he said.
Contact staff writer Aaron Claverie at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2624, or aclaverie@californian.com.
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kenny wrote on Jul 1, 2008 10:59 PM:How quickly they forget. The bell at Wildomar Elementary School was rung last when the Olympic Torch passed thru Wildomar in July 1984. The plaque commemorating this event used to be over the door of the Round-Up liquor store.
WILDOMARTIAN wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:49 AM:Kenny, great question. Another question. Why was the plaque placed at the Round-Up Liquor Store, a mile away for Wildomar Elementary, instead of at the school's bell tower??
To: Gary Andre
Mr. Andre, you had my vote last, you'll have next time!!!
kenny wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:59 PM:Wildomartian
I did not ask a question. My comments were statements of fact. The sign was placed over the door of the Round-Up because the bell sits on property controlled by the Lake Elsinore School District and therefore the sign was not welcome. A former resident and business owner offered to place the sign at what was one of the most recognized retail establishments in the community at the time.
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