Theater/Classical Music

A stainless steel time capsule has been forged that will hold pictures, documents and other items relevant to Hemet in 2010 and that will be buried beneath a bandstand at Weston Park for 100 years.

All that's needed are the contents -- and the bandstand.

Both projects are under way.

The Hemet-San Jacinto chapter of Habitat for Humanity is organizing the time capsule effort.

"Habitat wants to show its values that were in 2010," said Habitat Vice President Wiggs Mendoza. "Help your neighbors who are in need, especially those who need shelter. In Hemet, we take care of our own."

He hopes Hemetites of 2110 will compare their values to those of today's residents, whom Mendoza credited with respect, hard work and perseverance.

Story continues below

Brian Rokos / The Press-Enterprise

Time capsule builder Joel Ortiz, left, and Habitat for Humanity's Wiggs Mendoza are seeking donations and items to place in the capsule and hope to bury it at Weston Park by June 1.

Various businesses and individuals have donated about $1,000 worth of materials or work for the time capsule, Mendoza said. Joel Ortiz, of Valle Vista, welded the 1 ½-foot green cube in his garage.

Mendoza said he wants to collect pictures and documents on DVDs and music on MP3s. He figures that the technology will be far advanced in 2110, but just as we can still play vinyl records, Mendoza also believes the current devices will be playable in 100 years. Paper will need to be sealed in a plastic bag.

His wife, Ginger Stack, a computer science professor, is asking her Mt. San Jacinto College students write letters about their plans and community involvement to their 2110 counterparts.

Businesses, nonprofit organizations and Hemet residents may submit items. The capsule already has one: a metal cylinder containing the proclamation that was read at the Hemet centennial celebration Saturday.

Don Neal, owner of Strawberry Bicycle Shop, proposed the bandstand after seeing them in other cities. He remembers band concerts in Hemet parks when he came to town in 1970.

He plans to circulate a letter soon soliciting donations. The city has signed off on the idea, Neal said. His citizens committee needs about $70,000 for construction and materials. He has received pledges of 10 percent of that amount.

Mendoza hopes to bury the time capsule by June 1. If the bandstand isn't ready, he said, the Hemet Public Library has offered a spot.

"Everybody has one," Mendoza said. "It's the most appropriate and smartest thing to do."

Reach Brian Rokos at 951-763-3464 or brokos@PE.com