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Temeculas Ready Commission holds final meeting as city proclaims November Native American Heritage Month
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Summary
At its last scheduled meeting, Temeculas Ready (REDI) Commission was honored by public comments and city leaders, students from Great Oak High School accepted a proclamation recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month, and commissioners recapped five years of work that the city says will continue in other forms.
The Ready Commissions final meeting in Temecula on Nov. 7 featured a proclamation declaring November National Native American Heritage Month, student presentations and a series of thank-you remarks from county and city officials and the commissioners themselves.
The commissions work was lauded in public comments and by officials in attendance. Arch Etchison said, "I'm saddened that this is the last time this commission is going to be meeting," and student leaders from Great Oak High School accepted the proclamation on behalf of indigenous students and peers.
Why it matters: The Ready Commission (often called REDI in earlier materials) was created in 2020 to advise on diversity, equity and inclusion within city events, services, programs and policies. Commissioners and staff used the meeting to catalog the commissions accomplishments over five years and to note that some of its work—such as including equity in the citys Quality of Life master plan and the citywide proclamation process—will continue through other channels, including the newly formed GPAC.
The meeting opened with a short video about Native American Heritage Month that traced the months history and noted national milestones, and included local context about the Pechanga Band of Indians. Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington praised government-to-government partnerships with local tribes and said he had delivered certificates of recognition for the commissioners.
Mayor Bridal Kalfas read remarks recognizing the Pechanga tribe and said Temecula observes Pechanga Puesca Mountain Day on Nov. 15. Great Oak High School students who accepted the proclamation described the month as "a bridge of understanding" and urged the community to keep educating residents about indigenous histories and cultures.
Commissioners reflected on the commissions five-year record. The executive director reviewed accomplishments including a resolution supporting unity and racial equity, law-enforcement community engagement work, media-relations training, the addition of an equity core value to the 20-year Quality of Life master plan, CultureFest involvement, outreach to schools, and a youth housing project. Commissioners repeatedly urged continued community engagement even as the formal commission ends.
Votes and formal actions at the meeting included approval of the consent calendar minutes and the ceremonial proclamation. A motion to approve the minutes was made and seconded; a roll-call vote recorded all five commissioners present voting yes. Mayor Kalfas read and issued a proclamation designating November as National Native American Heritage Month in Temecula.
Quotes from the meeting included student Emery Schaffer: "This proclamation helps create a bridge of understanding and strengthens the relationships among Temecula residents regardless of cultural backgrounds," and Supervisor Chuck Washington: "It is my honor to present each of you with a certificate of recognition."
The meeting concluded with staff acknowledgments, a final executive directors report summarizing the commissions work and an adjournment note inviting attendees to a reception with cupcakes in the lobby.
