In the mid-1840s, it became clear that Mexico had control over California. Among the group of settlers who arrived in the area were Ewing Young, Isaac Galbraith and John Turner. Sal Muñoz, a civil lawyer who moved from Rancho Cucamonga to Temecula in 1989 and was elected a member of its first city council that year, said the city has been paying too little attention to preserving the life of a small town. Today, Temecula Valley is an important tourist destination.
The Temecula Valley wine region, the old town of Temecula, the Temecula Valley polo club, the Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival, the Temecula Valley International Film Festival, championship golf courses and tourist accommodations attract a significant number of visitors each year. Pennypickle's Workshop, in Temecula, won Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks award for “Best Museum” and “Best Place for Children's Parties”. The Visitor Center is located in the old town of Temecula (Third Street & Mercedes), next to the parking lot in the old town of Temecula. The city's sports parks include Ronald Reagan Sports Park (formerly Rancho California Sports Park) and Patricia H.
Novotney Sports Park. Many of the buildings were built around 1883, when the Southern California railroad brought travelers and commerce to the Temecula Valley. One of those structures, the Temecula Hotel, had to be rebuilt in 1891, but that structure still stands (and you can stay there). Patricia Novotney was the principal of a school in Irvine six years ago when she was transferred to Temecula to work as superintendent of a single elementary school and a high school that served 1,200 students.
Geographically located in the southwestern corner of Riverside County, Temecula Valley is viewed as a San Diego dorm community, drawing more residents from San Diego County than anywhere else. The Visit Temecula Valley (VTV) cold decorating contest organizes annual holiday decorating contests to encourage local tourism businesses to create a festive atmosphere for travelers and employees this season. Visitors to the region can visit any of the six courses, although three notable ones, the Temecula Creek Golf Club, the CrossCreek Golf Club and Journey at Pechanga, offer the most spectacular views. Although it is not within the city limits, it is the largest employer in the Temecula Valley, with approximately 5,000 people employed. Temecula Valley's annual Balloon & Wine Festival is held at nearby Skinner Lake and offers live entertainment, hot air balloon rides and wine tasting.
A celebration of holiday magic with Temecula Chilled, Chilled Eats & Treats, outdoor ice skating and holiday shopping are some of its main attractions.
