Pechanga Indian Reservation, CA, March 21, 2019 – The Pechanga Tribal Council today announced a grant of up to $100,000 to the City of Lake Elsinore to support the City’s efforts to aid with traffic control surrounding the “super bloom.”

Just last weekend, more than 150,000 people were estimated to have visited the hillsides off of Interstate 15 in Lake Elsinore. On Sunday, March 17, local officials were forced to cut off access and stopped courtesy shuttles running to the flower-covered hills, calling the crowding “unbearable.”

“This natural wonder is a treasure to be enjoyed by Californians, but we need to be responsible about it,” said Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro. “Elsinore is part of our ancestral territory, and we even have reservation lands there. We are pleased to support the city and our local partners to help better manage traffic control and public safety for the thousands of visitors enjoying the super bloom, as well as the local residents and commuters impacted by traffic conditions. Conservation and protection of our natural resources are important values to our Tribe.”

The City of Lake Elsinore will be able to use the Pechanga grant funds for additional resources including law enforcement, traffic control, shuttles, public safety personnel, and super bloom area protection.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous contribution from Pechanga,” said Mayor Steve Manos. “This will ensure we can continue to fund the resources and support needed to provide for the safety of our residents and visitors.”