Quarry gone, but area challenges remain

An abrupt demise of plans to open a granite mine between Temecula and Rainbow has left the area confronting several lingering issues. Those remaining challenges include the fragile economy and a need to provide more hospital beds and medical services in the region.

A seven-year battle over Liberty Quarry ended Nov. 15 when the Pechanga Indian tribe announced a $20.35 million deal that snuffed a company’s plan to open and operate a granite mine in the hills south of Temecula.

That deal prompted many area residents to celebrate, catch their breath, and then consider what controversies or issues await them in the coming year. The lingering issues won’t vanish as suddenly as the quarry plan, but local experts see signs of improvement on the economic and health care fronts as they peer into the new year.

Business owners and real estate agents are optimistic, and officials point to a flurry of hospital construction and new medical offerings, according to recent interviews and reports.