The religious center is embraced by the area's interfaith council but opposed by a group calling itself Concerned Community Citizens
By Phil Willon, Los Angeles Times
Muslims throughout Temecula and Murrieta have saved up for years to build a mosque to replace the plain white industrial building, tucked between a pipeline company and packaging warehouse, where they now gather to pray.
But as the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley moves ahead with plans to build on a four-acre plot of vacant land near Temecula's gentle hills and invading housing developments, plans for the new mosque have stirred hostility in this mostly conservative community in southwest Riverside County.
Along with increased traffic and noise, opponents fear the mosque would clash with Temecula's rural atmosphere and, they say, possibly turn the community of 105,000 into a haven for Islamic extremists.
Los Angeles Times
