ADVISORY/Breaking Ground for Casa Romantica Gardens.

News Editors/Business Editors

ADVISORY...for Friday (Jan. 9)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT:     Groundbreaking Ceremony for Casa Romantica's California
          Native Demonstration Garden, which is funded by a $75,000
          Grant from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern
          California

WHEN:     1:00 p.m., Friday, January 9th

WHERE:    Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens, 415 Avenida
          Granada, San Clemente

WHO:      Internationally renowned Landscape Architect Isabelle
          Greene, Native Plant Expert Mike Evans, Metropolitan Water
          District V.P. of External Affairs Adan Ortega, MWD City
          Makeover Program Manager Lynn Lipinski, Casa Romantica
          Executive Director Gregory Smith, Casa Romantica Board of
          Directors, local elected officials

VISUALS:  Tree planting with Isabelle Greene, MWD representatives, and
          Casa Board of Directors

BACKGROUND: The Metropolitan Water District established the City
            Makeover Program in 2002 to inspire and educate the public
            on the beauty and usefulness of native and
            drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation techniques,
            and sustainable design. Cities and public agencies
            throughout the six counties in MWD's 5,200-square-mile
            area were eligible to apply for the $75,000 grants for a
            landscape makeover of highly visible community sites.
            Proposals had to incorporate native plant themes readily
            transferable to residential settings. In May 2003, MWD's
            City Makeover Program awarded the Casa Romantica $75,000
            for its plans to promote water conservation and encourage
            public use of drought-tolerant native plants.

            The Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens has just
            completed the renovation of the historic, bluff top,
            Spanish Colonial Revival-style home of San Clemente
            founder Ole Hanson.  The 2.4-acre site includes space for
            historical exhibitions, musical attractions, special
            events, and diverse educational and cultural opportunities
            encouraging visitors to explore the Romance and Reality of
            the Southern California experience. It will be a
            multi-dimensional public site expected to attract
            thousands of visitors each year.  Once the gardens are
            completed, the site will be open six days a week to the
            public, offering a complete roster of cultural,
            educational, and garden-related activities.