New Book on County Parks

Local historian and author Steve Lech has come out with his latest book. Its title is “More Than a Place to Pitch a Tent: The Stories Behind Riverside County’s Regional Parks.” Steve works for Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District and though that connection he became interested in the stories behind the thirteen parks, six interpretive centers, and the park district headquarters.

After several years of research his new book is ready for reading! It is 150 pages and includes both historic and contemporary photos.  It is a hardback book and will retail for $28.

This book includes the stories behind the Louis Robidoux Nature Center, Rancho Jurupa Park, and Jensen-Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum. Here is hoping that one of our local libraries will arrange a book signing for Steve in our local area.

If you are interested in purchasing a book directly from Steve (for less than the retail price) or having him come to talk to your group or do a book signing, you can reach him at rivcokid@gmail.com or at (951)990-0269.

Do You Remember A&W Root Beer?

At the corner of Mission Boulevard and Opal Street is a little fast food place called "Joyce Burger." When my kids were in high school they loved to go with their friends to Joyce Burger when school got out early. In fifty years, they will be saying "Remember Joyce Burger?" That little building has an older history, however. When I was a kid it was A&W Root Beer! We didn't eat out a lot but occasionally my mother would get a break from the kitchen and we would pick up dinner from the A&W. I always got a kick out of the fact that it had Papa burgers, Mama burgers, Teen burgers, and Baby burgers. Usually my Dad got a Papa burger, my mother got a Mama burger and I got a Baby burger. I don't remember what my brother got, but since he was a teen age boy I doubt he got the Teen burger, he probably wanted the Papa burger like my dad! I will have to ask him....

Making Jurupa History, Part II

Yeah, we officially became a city as of 12:01 a.m., July 1st! What a great feeling knowing Jurupa Valley controls its own destiny now! All kinds of activities have been happening, the most important being the swearing in of our city council at their very first official city council meeting which was held on July 1st in the Patriot High School auditorium. Laura Roughton, Verne Lauritzen, Mike Goodland, Frank Johnston, and Brad Hancock will go down in history as our very first city council. They are all very nice people and I look forward to good things with them at the helm!

Yesterday my husband and I braved the heat and enjoyed the parade. I always get a lump in my throat when I see something so typical of small town America happening right before my very eyes! I really enjoyed the cheer leaders, the band, the horses, the cars, and even the dump truck and the sewer pumper! It has been a great weekend to begin this new chapter in the history of Jurupa Valley.