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Since its inception, the Tahquitz Chapter has easily been the largest chapter in Cahuilla Lodge. Born out of the Tri-Lakes/Three Peaks district merge, members changed their name from Puyumak to the current name in September of 1994. The other chapter in the district was Yamiwa until it was absorbed a year later.

At the time, the story was told that there existed a legend where the brother of Yamiwa was "Tahquitz," though I have failed to find that documented yet. The name, Yamiwa, is Luiseno Indian in origin, which is alleged to have been one of the many names for Tahquitz Peak (External link, courtesy of sierraclub.com). Read About It.

Tahquitz is the name of the original OA Lodge in the area, and the legend of Tahquitz is important to Cahuilla Indian lore.

Ironically, the name also replaced one of the most inactive chapters. As growth in the Murrietta/Temecula area exploded, so did the population of the chapter, from less than 30 members in the early 1990s to the largest chapter in Cahuilla Lodge today. The growth spurred a huge infusion of youth into Cahuilla, supplying the youth with an ample base of talent to draw from.