If you have driven up and down the hills of Grand Terrace, you might have seen two cows grazing at the top of Barton Rd. These cows belong to Lily Rivera. Although they aren’t real, they have become a staple of the community.
Over the years, the cows have adorned the City of Grand Terrace and the locals have been enamored with them. So much so that when Pete Light, and his daughter Emery, passed by every day they could not accept letting them wither away. As the paint grew fader they knew something had to be done. So Pete and Emery offered to help Rivera repaint the cows at no expense to her.
Lily was overwhelmed with joy and awe-struck by their kindness.
When I asked why it was so important, Pete said “I was so moved by Lily's story and I know how much they mean to my daughter.” Lily, unfortunately, lost her husband, Dr. Tom Rivera, in March this year. Her husband had urged her to repaint the cows. But time didn’t allow it.
Pete and Emery passed by the cows every day when he drops off Emery at Cooley Elementary. “Those cows are legends,” Emery said, “everyone at school knows it.”
Now, because of the graciousness of Emery, the cows are revamped and can continue to carry their legendary status.
So, the next time you’re coming up or down the hills of Grand Terrace and you see the two cows grazing over you, you might want to join in on their tradition and give out a little “Moo!”