If you grew up in one of the trio towns of the East Inland Empire known as Banning, Beaumont or Cherry Valley, you probably know what it's like when you try and explain to someone where you are from. The majority of my life has revolved around these three cities. From growing up on the town line of Banning and Beaumont, and going to school in Cherry Valley for six years, these are some things I've found.
1. You end up having to resort to either saying you live close to Los Angeles or Palm Springs. You’re in luck if they know where Palm Springs is. At least that’s an hour closer than L.A.
2. We didn't have to break our bank going to the movies because the Fox only cost $3. Now it costs $6, but I am not complaining.
3. The grand opening of the Super Walmart was one of the greatest things these trio towns had ever seen! More shopping options than just Kmart and Big Lots.
4. Everyone knows what the Bad Lands are (is that technically Beaumont?). It’s what separates us from the rest of the world unless you take the 10, but honestly, when trying to get to Riverside and beyond, those God-forsaken hills are the way to go.
5. The wind. Oh my goodness, the wind. It should probably be a law to have to tie stuff down.
6. Once a year everything catches on fire and almost burns our lives to the ground.
7. We live an hour and a half from every major attraction. Big Bear Mountains? Yep. Beach? Yep. Desert? Yep, that's actually like 30-minutes. Disneyland? Yep. Everything.
8. You aren’t really sure what terrain you live in. Kind of the mountains, but also right next to the desert. Life’s complicated.
9. We complain there is nothing to eat, so we go out of town. But let’s be honest. We have every fast food restaurant on Ramsey Street your heart could desire. That’s what being a pass-through town looks like. Oh! You’re talking about nice food? Yeah, besides Guy’s Italian Food, you’re right. Carry on.
10. You didn’t appreciate where you grew up until you left. It wasn’t until I moved away to college and didn’t come home for about six-months that I realized what a beautiful place I had lived in. We may not have major places to shop or super popular things to do, but it’s simple and it’s home.
