Family, Friends Remember, Celebrate Life of Clayton Record at Dedication of Lake's Viewpoint.

News Editors

DIAMOND VALLEY LAKE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 2002

About 500 People Attend Event, Which Also Marks the

Reopening of Metropolitan's Popular Viewpoint to Public

It was well known to Clayton A. Record, Jr.'s family and friends that the vista from the hills of Southern California's largest drinking water lake held a special place with the legendary Riverside County community leader.

From his favorite bench at the lake's viewpoint, Record spent many early mornings gazing out at the majestic panorama offered of the clear but then trickling waters of the lake near Hemet and Southern California's tallest mountain peaks, Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. San Gorgonio.

Today, in a poignant and fitting tribute, more than 300 people gathered near that same bench to honor and recognize his achievements and legacy, as the Metropolitan Water District dedicated the Clayton A. Record, Jr. Viewpoint at the lake's west end.

"When we dedicated Diamond Valley Lake two years ago on a warm, beautiful Saturday, Clayton came to this very spot early that morning to reflect on what was happening to his beloved valley," said Metropolitan Chairman Phillip J. Pace, who joined Record's family members, friends and local dignitaries in remembering Record, who passed away in February 2001.

"As I stand here today, I can see Clayton sitting on the bench, looking upon us -- a view of his loved ones and those of us he worked with to compliment the spectacular scenery," said Pace, who served with Record on the MWD board during his 1999-2000 tenure.

The dedication highlighted a series of weekend events celebrating the reopening of the popular viewpoint, which was closed to the public after Sept. 11. Earlier in the day, about 200 people and their horses participated in a trail ride, sponsored by Metropolitan and the Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District, through the lake's north hills.

Following the ceremony, public hikes of the reservoir's high-water road, ending at the lake's saddle dam, and exhibits were offered. The hike and the exhibits, which include models and plans of the proposed Southern California Water Education Center and the Western Center for Archaeology and Paleontology, to be built at the lake's east end, continue Sunday.

A fourth generation San Jacinto native, Record was a dairy farmer, successful businessman and distinguished elected official and community leader, who helped develop regional water policy as Eastern Municipal Water District's representative on Metropolitan's board, where he also served as vice chairman. He also served on Eastern's board from 1995 to 2001.

Record helped shape Riverside County development as a county supervisor from 1972 to 1980, during which time he chaired the county's growth management element policy advisory committee.

Randy Record, Clayton's son, acknowledged that the viewpoint naming would have made his father proud.

"It's easy to see and understand why he liked Diamond Valley Lake so much," said Record, who himself now serves on EMWD's board. "He loved the outdoors and nature."

Marion V. Ashley, who succeeded Record as Eastern's representative on Metropolitan's board, recalled Record's influence in the local community and in water matters.

"Clayton's legacy is all around us, everywhere in Riverside County. From the infrastructure improvements and additional schools he championed to the development of Diamond Valley Lake, which he enthusiastically supported, his influence is evident everywhere," Ashley said.

"Clayton and his extended family contributed in so many ways to the betterment of our community that it would be almost impossible for us to list those accomplishments here today," said Riverside County Supervisor Jim Venable.

"Most important of all to me, however, is the fact that Clayton was my friend, a true and loyal man, who often was a mentor to me as I moved into public office," Venable said.

John Brudin, a Record friend since childhood and retired EMWD general manager, called the viewpoint "a great legacy for him to leave for all of us.

"He used to quite frequently say, `I always want to know that I tried rather than say I wish I had,'" Brudin said. "Looking out from Diamond Valley Lake and around San Jacinto Valley, it's obvious that he tried and succeeded in helping make the region what it is today."

Hemet Vice Mayor Robin Resser Lowe called Record a visionary. "He held a sense of compassion for family and tradition, yet he possessed a desire to prepare our valley for the future," Lowe recalled.

Ronald R. Gastelum, Metropolitan's president and chief executive officer, said Record left a lasting impression. "He was a quiet man whose integrity and dignity compelled you to take notice of his every word," Gastelum said. "His poise and understated grace permitted all of us to see the best in ourselves and in others."

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, the public hikes, a scenic round-trip of about 3.5 miles, will be offered and the exhibits will be available. In addition to the museum models, exhibit hosts include Metropolitan, the California Department of Fish and Game, Valley Wide Recreation District, and Eastern and Western municipal water districts of Riverside County.

After this weekend, the viewpoint will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It will be closed Monday through Thursday.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 17 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other water-management programs.