Landmark M Shines for the Holidays by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

SEPTEMBER
S M T W T F S
30 31 01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Landmark M Shines for the Holidays

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
January 7, 2014 at 09:12am. Views: 46

Over the Christmas and New Years holidays, Moreno Valley was lit up. A group of volunteers headed by Parks and Recreation Commissioner James C. Baker III, worked to completely light up the newly refurbished landmark M on the side of Box Springs Mountain on Christmas Eve. The landmark's total Christmas lighting — which stayed lit through the new year — was a first for the city. "The lights were last lit in 2009 with a florescent light outline using a generator, and then only for four days," Baker said. This time around, the Christmas lights were lit with the help of direct power from the nearby Ham Antenna Station, which allowed the group to use 38 floodlights and a timer to outline the shape of the landmark. Security cameras and signs were also used to deter vandalism and theft. The lights were installed by a group of five men — three Quality Electric Company employees and the Riverside County Regional Park caretaker who joined Baker — over six hours on Christmas Eve. "After the job was complete, [I] went to the nearby Target and listened and saw the shoppers come out with their treasures, look up, smile and point at the M," Baker said. "Because the mountain is so dark and blends in with the skyline, it appeared that the M was floating in space." A few months prior to the landmark lighting, Baker and nearly 20 volunteers worked to improve the landmark, sweeping off debris, pulling weeds and repainting. That group of volunteers are set to be recognized for their efforts during the Jan. 14 city council meeting at 5:30 p.m. "This is Moreno Valley's way of saying to the world, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year," Baker said. "We are the city of Moreno Valley. We are still standing: strong, proud and solid." The lights were scheduled to be lit through Jan. 3 from just before 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. each night.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: Families in Grand Terrace will have a chance to make reading a little wilder this September when the San Bernardino County Libra

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

September 10, 2026 at 06:44pm. Views: 747

Children gather for an up-close wildlife education experience featuring a great horned owl, representing the excitement of wildlife-themed learning and reading activities for local families.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated image by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

September 10, 2026 at 06:45pm. Views: 822

Loma Linda residents participate in the local government process as city leaders conduct business during a City Council

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

September 10, 2026 at 06:44pm. Views: 775

Join us for a relaxed morning walk through Hidden Springs. This easy, mostly flat route is great for all fitness levels and a nice way to enjoy the fall air.
Bring water, a snack, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

September 10, 2026 at 06:44pm. Views: 806

Grand Terrace High School Junior Joy Cortez, this week’s Athlete of the Week, continues to excel both on the volleyball court and in the classroom while maintaining a 3.8 GPA.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

September 10, 2026 at 06:44pm. Views: 791

Vendors Wanted!
Be part of this year’s El Grito celebration, a vibrant tribute to Mexican Independence Day happening on Tuesday, September 15.

Photo Courtesy of: Metrolink

By William Cortez, Community Writer

September 10, 2026 at 06:44pm. Views: 1026

Metrolink passengers paying for their round trip at one of the many payment stations.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated image by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

September 10, 2026 at 06:44pm. Views: 1047

Inland Empire residents prepare their home for the rainy season by clearing gutters, placing sandbags and organizing emergency supplies ahead of potentially severe El Niño weather.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated image by ChatGPT.

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

September 10, 2026 at 06:44pm. Views: 744

Community members explore health and wellness resources, connect with local providers, and learn about preventive care during a commu

Photo Courtesy of: AI Generated Image by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

September 10, 2026 at 06:44pm. Views: 744

residents and families volunteering at Veterans Park, with adults and teenagers picking up litter, sweeping pathways and tending landscaped areas.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

September 10, 2026 at 06:45pm. Views: 828

A modern accessory dwelling unit provides additional living space in the backyard of a Southern California home. Grand Terrace's Permit-Ready ADU Program is designed to help homeowners explore options for adding secondary housing on their property.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated image by ChatGPT.

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

September 10, 2026 at 06:45pm. Views: 965

A blood donor gives blood during a community drive as healthcare staff provide assistance. Blood donations help hospitals maintain lifesaving supplies for patients facing emergencies, surgeries and ongoing medical treatments.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated image by ChatGPT.

By WIlliam Cortez, Community Writer

September 8, 2026 at 08:44am. Views: 963

Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, is becoming increasingly common. Health experts encourage people to recognize potential warning signs and seek medical evaluation to help reduce the risk of serious complications.

--> -->