The birthplace of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians of California is being threatened by a proposed gravel mine.

Chairman Mark Macarro asked the Local Agency Formation Commission to allow the city of Temecula to annex over 5,000 acres. He said the move will prevent the destruction of an important sacred site.

"This is our Eden," said Macarro, The Los Angeles Times reported. "We cannot re-create where the world was created. There is only one Eden."

The tribe's efforts are supported by the city and area residents. But after 10 hours of debate, the commission voted 5-2 against the annexation.

The proposed Liberty Quarry mine still needs approval from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, where opponents will take their case.

Get the Story:
Temecula's annexation of area around proposed quarry site vetoed (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 6/5)
Temecula denied annexation of land intended for gravel quarry (The Los Angeles Times 6/5)