English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Temecula, CA

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Hundreds of properties in Riverside County are set to hit the auction block next month.

The Office of the Treasurer-Tax Collector is partnering with hosting site Bid4Assets.com to conduct the internet-based auction of 826 tax-defaulted homes and vacant parcels.

The sale begins April 23 and concludes April 28. See a map of available properties here or visit www.countytreasurer.org/tc-223 and click on Parcel List-PDF.

To view more details about each available property, use the Riverside County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder's search tool here. The search tool requires a property address or a nine-digit property ID number (PIN).

Registration and a deposit (plus a $35 non-refundable processing fee) are required to participate in the sale. Deposits must be received by Bid4Assets no later than 4 p.m. April 20. All deposits to non-winning bidders will be refunded via eCheck within 10 business days after the close of this auction, according to Bid4Assets.

To encourage participation in the auction, 25 parcels will have a minimum bid of $100, and four will have a minimum bid of $500.

For bidders without internet access, contact Bid4Assets at 877-427-7387 to obtain an offline bidding form.

"The purpose of offering tax-defaulted properties is to collect unpaid taxes and return the property to a revenue-generating status by conveying the property to another owner, or motivating the (assessed party) to redeem," according to the county.

Under state law, before a property under lien can be sold off, it must be held in abeyance for at least five years.

This will mark the 14th year that the county has turned to internet-based auctioning for its entire portfolio of assets with liens.

"Our office is committed to delivering a tax sale process that is transparent, secure, and efficient," said Matthew Jennings, Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector. "The online auction format modernizes the experience, increases participation, and makes bidding more accessible than ever."

Longtime public servant Kevin Hawkins will retire May 1 after a 35-year career.

TEMECULA, CA — Assistant City Manager Kevin Hawkins will retire May 1, concluding his 35-year career in public service, Temecula city officials announced Friday.

Deputy City Manager Luke Watson will succeed Hawkins as assistant city manager, effective March 7, 2026.

During his more than three-decade-long career, Hawkins held positions in Inglewood and San Bernardino before joining the City of Temecula in 2013 as director of Community Services. Most recently, he has served the city as Assistant City Manager. During his tenure in Temeucla, he worked on community-building initiatives, executive management and employee development and retention efforts. He also cherishes his role as a husband, father, son and friend above all others.

Temecula's City Manager, Aaron Adams, spoke on Hawkins in a recent news release, saying he had "made a lasting impact on the city."

“Kevin’s impact on Temecula is immeasurable,” Adams said. “His passion to serve not just the community, but his community of co-workers, is what will be his enduring legacy.”

The city will host a public recognition ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, in honor of Hawkins’ decades of service.

The new Assistant City Manager, Luke Watson, will move up from his current role as deputy city manager. Watson began his career with the city more than 20 years ago as an intern and later worked in the Planning and Community Development Department.

He later served as Community Development director and joined the city’s executive staff. In 2021, he was appointed deputy city manager.

Adams said of Watson, "Luke has earned the respect of this organization through consistent performance, sound judgment, and a clear understanding of Citywide priorities."

Of Hawkins, Adams said, "He will be deeply missed."

Meanwhile, Hawkins reflected on his time in Temecula, saying: "I am truly thankful to have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the Team Temecula Family, where we not only find a way to Yes, but along the way we find a way to Grace."

Saturday, families of special needs athletes and students will spend a "truly inspirational day that brings out the very best in Temecula."

TEMECULA, CA — On Saturday in Temecula, the field of Great Oak High School will fill with the sounds of laughter and friendly competition as the 18th Annual Temecula Special Games returns.

The event, an annual partnership between the City of Temecula and the Temecula Valley Unified School District, will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Great Oak football field.

Each year, this event brings together local special-needs children of all ages for a morning of noncompetitive games, activities and a community celebration. A student from area schools will act as a peer, lending fun and support during gameplay. Special characters from

"Temecula Special Games pairs each participating athlete with a high school volunteer who serves as a buddy during the event, helping guide them through activities and providing encouragement," according to the city. "Adult volunteers will also assist at activity stations throughout the morning."

Temecula Mayor Jessica Alexander spoke on the event that highlights the strength of the community and the spirit of inclusion.

“The Temecula Special Games are a powerful reminder of how meaningful community can be,” Alexander said. “From the athletes and their families to the students and volunteers who give their time, this event is filled with joy, encouragement, and connection. It is an uplifting and truly inspirational day that brings out the very best in Temecula.”

This year, activities will include a 2K walk-a-thon, sports games, an obstacle course, team activities, music and live performances.

Families can also connect with local organizations that support individuals with disabilities, including disABILITY Sports Foundation, Skyrocket Pediatric Therapy, Homies and Special Olympics.

All athletes will receive participation medals, and volunteers will earn community service hours.

Registration is open for athletes and volunteers. The city is seeking high school volunteers to serve as athlete buddies and adult volunteers to assist with activity stations.

Event sponsors include Soccer Shots Temecula Valley, Starbucks Disability Advocacy Network, St. Catherine of Alexandria, Kids Can Cosplay and Littlefield Physical Therapy.

Patch is highlighting young people who are excelling in sports. Meet Landon.

TEMECULA, CA — Behind every standout student-athlete is a story worth sharing. Through Patch’s Local Athlete of the Week, we’re highlighting young people who are excelling in sports while also showing up for their communities.

This submission comes from Collin Foss, who nominated Landon, a student-athlete from Temecula whom he coaches.

What is the athlete's name?

Landon

What grade is the athlete in?

9th

What sport does the athlete play?

Soccer

How has the athlete excelled in their sport?

He has a great attitude every time he plays, which not only makes him a better player, but also makes the players around him better as well.

Also, the effort he always puts in is contagious, and rubs off on the rest of the players in the team in a positive way.

Lastly, he missed part of the season in the beginning due to injury, but when we came back, he played very well overall.

Why do you think the athlete should be recognized?

Attitude, effort, and representation of the school across the board in football and soccer. He has good leadership skills, good grades, and the talent for a bright future.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about this person?

The effort that he puts in. Whether it’s soccer, football, or in the classroom, he always puts in maximum effort which should be applauded.

Keep up the great work, Landon!

If you know a local athlete who deserves the spotlight, we’d love to hear about them. Click here to nominate someone for a chance to be featured as Patch’s Local Athlete of the Week.

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TEMECULA, CA — When Valentine's Day falls on a holiday weekend, there are endless ideas to plan to celebrate. But what if you're not that much of a planner? With Valentine's Day now upon us, we looked to some of our favorite love experts to find unique ways to show the one you love how much they mean to you.

"Temecula Valley Southern California beckons lovers with romantic hilltops, vibrant colors and breathtaking sunsets," a spokesperson for Visit Temecula Valley shared. "It's the ideal setting to create beautiful memories with the one you love." Valentine's Day goes beyond just the day, they say, offering a unique list of ideas.Some of those experiences could break the bank, while others are more of a labor of love.

Here are some of our favorites.

We love a good Speakeasy, and Temecula Valley has more than a few. Book your reservation before the end of March at the Vienza Cave Speakeasy at Europa Village will be "Gatsby" themed, as "The Gilded Veil," with the perfect pairing of food, drinks and ambiance. This Speakeasy is open Thursdays through Sundays, 2 p.m. - 9 p.m., serving cocktails such as The Gilded Hour, Velvet Espresso, and Silk & Smoke, alongside refined bites like Whipped Ricotta with lavender honey and Fig & Apple Bruschetta. Also, be sure to try Thompson and Twain Prospecting Co. in Old Town, and Portal 19 at Portal's Entertainment.

Head to one of the many wineries in Temecula Valley Wine Country this weekend and sample the amazing wines in our area. Join the winery for special discounts, quarterly wine club pickups. We suggest you try Europa Village for the wine, the food, and the special events, Peltzer Winery for the wine, concerts, and the festivities, and Alex by Poggio Leano Winery, which even sponsors a trip to Italy!

The sky is the limit for hot air balloon rides over Temecula Valley. Might we suggest a flight with Magical Adventure Balloon Rides, where "what happens in the balloon, stays in the balloon."

How long has it been since you've visited Pechanga Resort Casino? This paradise with palm trees is ideal for fine dining at one of the many restaurants, purchasing tickets to a star-studded lineup of concerts, or trying your luck while celebrating the Lunar New Year! We suggest a booking visit to the Spa Pechanga for a lovely lavender massage, or a daypass to the Pechanga 'The Cove' Pool. You can thank us later.

If your true love likes the simpler things, we suggest a weekend visit, rain or shine, to Temecula's Old Town Front Street. When you visit Old Town on a Saturday, start at the Crafted Scone in the Chapparal Shopping Center for coffee and a delicious pastry. Browse the many shops of Old Town, making sure to visit Citrus and Moss, The Katwalk, and of course, 4th Street Antique Mall. Then, stroll through the farmer's market for a bunch of fresh flowers, vegetables, or handmade arts and crafts.

While in Old Town, head to the love experts themselves at In Bloom Bookery, Temecula's Romance Book Store. It's been nearly a year since this bookstore opened, and aside from the packed shelves lined with pretty paperbacks, this shop offers a book-lover's dream of trinkets, T-shirts and book bags. From romance to suspense, young adult to sweet and spicy, In Bloom Bookery has something for the romance reader you love this Valentine's Day. Pro Tip: Sign her up for one of the many book-themed events they host each month while you're there!

There is no shortage of amazing restaurants to visit when you head to Old Town, and planning ahead for dinner and a show will delight your special someone. If you're looking for unique, delicious fare, look no further than Small Barn, with intimate indoor/outdoor seating, farm-to-table dining in the heart of Old Town. Or, for a never-fail wine and dine experience, hit Two Traveler's Wine Bar + Merchant, the sister restaurant of area favorite, Goat and Vine. If casual barbecue is more your style, look for Swing Inn, and a chance to see local celebrity and owner Dean Norris.

When it comes to surprising your special someone, tickets to enjoy the many talented acts performing in the Temecula Valley. We suggest intimate shows at Temecula Presents, such as Jazz at the Merc, which takes place every Thursday and features an acoustic set for $20 per person. There are still a few tickets available for Elton Jones & The Jets, an Elton John Tribute Band, on Feb. 14 at 4 p.m., as well as a plethora of shows coming soon.

From the big stage at Pechanga Resort Casino's event center, with uber celebrities likeJerry Seinfeldcoming to town, to a new live comedy show, "Live at the Loft," we found a funny idea for your Valentine. Make a reservation for Dinner and a Laugh packages, available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, with a full-course meal and complimentary admission to a Loft comedy show-- upstairs at The Loft, Kelsy's second-floor venue. Show times are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We wish you the happiest of Valentine's Days this weekend and if we missed a great idea for that special someone, let us know!

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