Democrats, Republicans Act in Solidarity Against Vandalism of Ronald Reagan Statue

The following is a joint news release issued by Friends of Ronald Reagan Sports Park and Democratic Club of Southwest Riverside County:

While this year will be remembered for increasing political polarization and acrimony, two local groups have shown a spirit of bipartisanship that Washington could learn from. 

In a demonstration of community solidarity, the Democratic Club of Southwest Riverside County and the Murrieta Temecula Republican Assembly each has given a check to Friends of Ronald Reagan Sports Park to assist in the restoration efforts to repair the Reagan monument that was vandalized in an arson attack at the end of summer. 

The life size bronze statue, erected to commemorate the former president’s recognition of Temecula’s ‘Can Do’ Spirit and individual initiative in constructing the park without government assistance, was torched in the early morning hours Sept. 20. Tiles on the monument wall fell off and ground illuminating lights were scorched and had to be replaced.  

Temecula City Council responded promptly to restore the monument.  

No one has yet been apprehended for the attack. 

Democratic Club President, Suji Fox, presented the check to Perry Peters, President of Friends of Ronald Reagan Sports Park, at the monument on Tuesday.  

“Such senseless acts serve no purpose and further no cause," said Fox. "The Democratic Club unreservedly condemns this wanton act of vandalism on the monument to former President Reagan. This park, serving so many people in such diverse ways, is a perfect example of how working together with common purpose and cooperation revitalizes our communities."

The check will go toward the funds already raised to reimburse the City Council at a special ceremony being held at the Monument at 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25.

Reflecting on the community support, Peters said: "I am delighted to see an affirmation of this statement by a donation from the Democratic Club of Southwest Riverside County. We also received a donation from the Murrieta Temecula Republican Assembly. The proliferation of individual initiative in our young people is not a political objective -- it is all-American.”