~ They Call the Wind Mariah ~
She may not have been on the program at yesterday's ~ Sunset Grade Separation Ceremony ~ but the winds, sometimes gusty showed up anyway, along with local residents, and dignitaries. We were comfortably seated under a white spacious tent, and refreshments were served. We were home celebrating an occasion that many have waited years, what I had heard ~ overheard 13 years in the making. Time, much time invested by our community, community leaders, and our political leaders. So it was a grand day for all, including Mariah.
Program of events, brief and to the point: it began with Mr. Juan Perez, Director of Transportation, County of Riverside Transportation Department. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Art Welch. The National Anthem was beautifully sung by: Liz De La Cruz Saenz
Hon. Marion Ashley, Supervisor, County of Riverside, District 5; Ms. Ruthanne Taylor Berger, Deputy Executive Director, Western Riverside Council of Governments; Mr. John Standiford, Deputy Executive Director, Riverside County Transportation Commission; and closing remarks: Hon. Deborah Franklin, our Mayor, City of Banning.
The speeches addressed, we head out from underneath the protection of the white tent to the gusty winds, time to turn the ground on the construction project. The City Council Members and our Mayor turn the ceremonial shovel, turn the ground for the Ground Breaking ~ Ground is Broken ~ I Leave ~ Refreshments Plenty ~ Construction Begins ~ Mariah ?
