English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Temecula, CA

What do you think of the new Riverside County-funded sign?

TEMECULA, CA — The new entry to wine country project is at last a reality. The archway sign, located just east of Butterfield Stage Road on Rancho California Road, is meant to serve as a welcome to the wine region, and has been a long time coming.

Temecula Mayor Brenden Kalfus shared on social media. The sign, in process for over a year, was funded by Riverside County and named "Temecula Valley Wine Country Archway."

"We’re excited to share that the new Temecula Valley Wine Country archway sign was successfully installed on Tuesday night, November 25—right on schedule and just in time for Thanksgiving," a spokesperson for Riverside County Transportation Department said. "We’re proud to help bring this beautiful new landmark to the community!"

The all-metal archway consists of steel pipe columns and reinforced concrete pile foundations, spans 75 feet, and displays a "welcome" sign with the words Temecula Valley Wine Country. The sign itself has been under discussion since 2022 and had an estimated budget expense of $623,000. But what is the branding of the entry to Temecula Valley Wine Country worth? A spokesperson from the Department of Transportation discussed the project during the board's meeting agenda item.

"The Temecula Valley Wine Country and its many award-winning wineries is a major tourism draw for the county," they wrote. "The installation of the archway monument across Rancho California Road will create an improved and inviting gateway to the Temecula Valley Wine Country."

Officials submitted final plans and specifications to the board for consideration in April of 2024.

Wine Country encompasses roughly 33,000 acres, though only about 9,000 acres are home to vintners, who number just over 50.

A special assessment district was established three years ago to support the Wine Country tourism district. However, funds for the monument's construction will be drawn from the Unincorporated Communities Initiative Fund and another county sub-account, separate from the General Fund.

The board set aside $10 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year budget for the Unincorporated Communities Fund, established in 2020 to provide revenue streams for projects specifically benefiting "disadvantaged unincorporated communities."

The fund's money is designated for equal distribution among the five supervisorial districts. Wine Country is in the third supervisorial district.

The archway sign previously established at Rancho California and Butterfield Stage roads was torn down during an infrastructure improvement project. The new monument sign will be set up a block away, at Rancho California and Avenida Biona.

A rendering presented by the county shows the completed sign will have stone pilasters on either side, and vines wrapping around the posts. It was not immediately clear when those finishing touches would be put into place.

Officials said the project included installing a new concrete dike, various curb-and-gutter improvements, and the monument.

"Temecula Valley Wine County is a beautiful destination and can be considered the heart of California's South Coast wine region," the statement from the Department of Transportation said. "The archway monument will welcome people entering the Region via Rancho California Road."

On social media, Temecula Mayor Brenden Kalfus shared the new archway, noting that this was a county-funded project.

Commenters weighed in.

One commenter suggested the vacant space on either side "makes her OCD kick in!"

"Love it- but by looking at the photo, wondering if it is tall enough for a Semi Truck or a large Fire Truck with ladders to drive under," a commenter said. "It's the main route to Lake Skinner Campground for RVs."

Another replied, "It looks a bit short but you would think they had to get permits and they would require it to be tall enough."

One Murrieta resident loved the design, saying: "That's a long time coming and looks great."

Don't want to cook on Thanksgiving? We have some ideas for you with reservations still available.

MURRIETA, CA — Not everyone wants to cook on Thanksgiving Day. Whether your choice is a traditional holiday meal with gourmet sides and an impressive wine list, a more casual atmosphere with a greater range of menu options, several restaurants near Temecula, Murrieta and Lake Elsinore will be open.

Reservations for Thanksgiving, which is on Nov. 27 this year, will fill up quickly. Some local RivCo favorites include:

Fine Dining And Upscale Casual Dining:

Multiple chain restaurants will also be open. Many fast-food restaurants and coffee shops are also open to serve those on the go. Hours may be limited, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or check online to confirm your location is open. Some chain eateries open on Thanksgiving Day include:

Casual Dining

Applebee’s: Select restaurants will be open; be sure to call ahead to confirm local hours.

Boston Market: Restaurants feature both regular menu items and seasonal dishes on Thanksgiving, but hours are specific to locations. Thanksgiving meals can be ordered and picked up ahead of time.

Denny’s: Most restaurants will be open, but there may be local exceptions and others operating limited hours.

Golden Corral: Thanksgiving meal specialties are found with the regular fare at the all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch or dinner buffets. The restaurant also offers full holiday meals to go.

IHOP: Restaurants will be open; however, hours may vary by location.

Ruby Tuesday: Restaurants are open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sizzler: Most locations will have a turkey dinner option in addition to the regular steak and seafood menu.

TGI Fridays: The chain will offer special holiday menu items, though it's best to confirm with your local restaurant for specific hours and offerings

Yard House: Restaurants will be open, but check for local hours.

Fine Dining And Upscale Casual Dining

Reservations are recommended or required at the following fine-dining and upscale casual establishments:

Brio Italian Grille: The restaurant will be serving Italian favorites along with a special Thanksgiving feast. The restaurant is also offering meals to go.

Capital Grille: Restaurants will be open; be sure to call ahead to confirm local hours.

Chart House: Diners choose from a specially crafted three-course menu or a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Del Frisco’s Grille: Most locations will offer a traditional Thanksgiving menu in addition to its usual offerings of steak, truffled mac and cheese with lobster, crab cakes and heritage pork chops

Eddie V’s: The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: A prix fixe menu will be available from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

McCormick & Schmick’s: The restaurant is offering a traditional Thanksgiving feast in addition to its regular menu.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse: Most restaurants open early at 11 a.m. with a prix fixe menu, though hours may vary by location.

STK Steakhouse: In addition to its regular menu of award-winning steaks, this restaurant, known for DJs, high-end service and curated experiences, will also offer a special Thanksgiving turkey dinner.

Seasons 52: The traditional Thanksgiving dinner includes all the sides; check for local hours.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Restaurants will be open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and will serve a three-course Thanksgiving meal, in addition to signature menu items.

Fast Food And Coffee

Arby’s: Moat stores are open, but may be operating at reduced hours.

Burger King: Hours will vary by location.

Domino’s: Most locations are open for carry-out and delivery.

Dunkin’: Most locations will be open, but hours may vary by location.

Krispy Kreme: Stores will be open for the morning rush but will close early at 2 p.m.

McDonald’s: Most restaurants will be open, but hours may vary by location.

Popeye’s: Restaurants will be open, but hours may vary by location.

Sonic: Most restaurants will be open, but some may operate for limited hours.

Starbucks: Store hours will vary by location.

Step inside one of the most unique locations Temecula has to offer — man-made salt caves, holistic therapies, sound baths and more.

TEMECULA, CA — 'Tis the season to stay on top of your health. This week, Temecula Salt Cave and Holistic Center invites all to an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their 30590 Rancho California Road, Suite C-302 location. During the open house, partake in mini-sessions for a mere $25 a guest, and see how this medical-grade salt therapy can change your life.

Advanced reservations are recommended.

From the moment you walk into the tastefully decorated, elegant lobby, guests can let mind, body and energy connect within the grounding glow of the man-made Himalayan Salt Cave.

Here, visitors can rejuvenate in the amber glow for health, healing, and relaxation with the latest in halotherapy, holistic treatments, light therapy, aura readings, yoga, massage, facials, sound baths, energy healing, transformative workshops and more. Want to learn about your past lives, have a Tarot reading, or soak in the new moon? You can do that here, too.

Owners Victoria Varon and her daughter and partner, Julia Serna, opened their healing business in May, she told Patch. A life coach and realtor by trade, she has lived in Temecula since 2000. "We decided this was something Temecula needs," she said.

Salt Therapy, also known as Halotherapy, involves breathing tiny, medical-grade salt particles in a controlled environment, like a salt cave or salt room, Varon says.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, halotherapy, as a complementary medicine, is gaining popularity as a natural wellness treatment. People go to salt caves for improved breathing, to fight infection and achieve healthier skin.

Dr. Norman Edelman, a scientific advisor to the American Lung Association suggests that it is possible that salt therapy offers true relief for people with obstructive lung disease, such as asthma or COPD. "When fine salt particles are inhaled, they will fall on the airway linings and draw water into the airway, thinning the mucus and making it easier to raise, thus making people feel better," said Dr. Edelman. "Also, these environments are allergen-free and thus good for people with allergies affecting their lungs."

Halotherapy reduces inflammation in your lungs and can reduce skin conditions, according to Varon.

"At our center, we offer active salt rooms equipped with halogenerators, which break down pure and sterile salt into microscopic particles. These tiny particles circulate through the air, offering therapeutic benefits for your respiratory system, skin, and overall well-being," according to their website. The therapy provides respiratory relief, skin rejuvenation, mental clarity and relaxation, and more.

What To Expect When You Go:

During the open house, you'll see little tastes of what this unique center has to offer, for mind, body and soul. Cool air, dimly lit rooms, with glowing, rose and amber lights, and in the air the whir of the Halogenerator creating breathable salt with an array of healing properties, Varon says.

"Inside the two manmade caves, there is loose pink Himalayan salt like sand on the floor, salt bricks and boulders line the walls, and illuminated salt bricks are the light source," she said. "When you arrive, you sit in a comfortable chair, the air is dry, cool, and filled with microscopic salt particles."

But the best way to understand is to experience it, she says. On Sunday, register for the open house to try mini-sessions.

"See what type of experience resonates with you," Varon said.

During the open house, visitors can try Qigong or breathwork, a sound bath, Kundalini energy healing, and even a 30-minute yoga class in the salt cave.

"A tarot reader will do one-card pulls and readings for the curious, and a psychic medium will do mini sessions," she said. Other experiences include chair massage, a meeting with the esthetician who will perform face mapping, give consultations on facial work, and use tuning fork healing to create balance and frequency.

For Black Friday, the Temecula Salt Cave is offering a special monthly program for $75. Enroll in one class a month, enjoy two salt sessions, and an upgrade.

To register for the Open House, visit www.temeculasaltcave.com or call 1-833-879-7258, and when you go, tell them Patch sent you!

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula Creek Inn is undergoing a multi-million-dollar rehab of all 123 of its guest rooms and suites.

The first phase of newly renovated accommodations is complete and welcoming guests, with the full transformation slated for completion by Spring 2026, according to a Nov. 13 news release.

The refreshed rooms feature new flooring, furnishings, lighting, bathrooms, art and décor.

“We have taken a thoughtful approach to this renovation, honoring our property’s storied past while elevating the experience for the next generation of guests,” said Stan Gershkovich, general manager, Temecula Creek Inn. “Every element, from the natural light to the materials and textures, was chosen to make our rooms feel both contemporary and timeless, while also respecting our connection to the surrounding landscape. We’re proud to usher in this new chapter for Temecula Creek Inn.”

Temecula Creek Inn is situated on 300 acres of rolling hills dotted with oak trees and tucked beneath the Santa Margarita Mountains. The property is known for its 27-hole championship golf course. The inn also serves as a sought-after venue for weddings, meetings, and events, with indoor and outdoor spaces — including the historic Stone House.

Alongside the renovation work, Temecula Creek Inn will introduce new seasonal programming and culinary experiences. Adjacent to the property’s farm-to-table restaurant Corkfire Kitchen, the Chef’s Garden will debut a new al fresco dining concept designed by Executive Chef Ben Diaz, featuring a 30-seat farm table and a new custom bar and grill. Guests can enjoy customizable multi-course meals crafted from ingredients grown in the garden, according to the news release.

Temecula Creek Inn is located at 44501 Rainbow Canyon Road, which is minutes from Old Town Temecula and close to more than 50 wineries throughout the Temecula Valley.

For room reservations or more information, visit temeculacreekinn.com.

The family of a Temecula teen is suing an off-duty border patrol agent neighbor, who they say "ordered him out of his vehicle at gunpoint."

TEMECULA, CA — A Temecula resident and border patrol agent was arrested after pulling a gun on a neighborhood teenager while he was not on duty, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies on Tuesday arrested Gerardo Uribe Rodriguez, 45, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, assault by a public officer, and child endangerment. As of Monday, he was out on $40,000 bond and was expected to return to court on Dec. 26 to answer to the felony charges.

Now, the boy's family is demanding justice for the incident, which is a blatant abuse of the agent's power, according to the civil rights law firm hired by the family.

According to the Kirakosian Law Group, which is representing the teen's family, this is the first known case in California of an ICE/Border Patrol agent arrested and criminally charged for detaining a U.S. citizen at gunpoint while acting under the color of law.

In the Nov. 10 security video below, timestamped at 10:15 p.m., released by attorney Greg Kirakosian, Rodriguez, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, is seen pacing on Daybrook Terrace in the Sommers Bend neighborhood.

At the 40-second mark, a man believed to be Rodriguez flagged down the teenage driver on the 3200 block of Daybrook Terrace. Armed with his gun and badge, according to authorities, he then ordered the teenager to stop and get out of his truck for speeding through the neighborhood.

The video lasts for 20 minutes and involves an altercation with neighbors and the boy's parents until Rodriguez ultimately releases the teen to his family.

“This is the first time an ICE agent crossed the line so blatantly that local law enforcement actually arrested him," Kirakosian said. "With such clear, unnecessary, and dangerous tactics, this is exactly what local agencies need to start doing.”

The Sheriff's Department was not called to the scene by Rodriguez, according to Sgt. Joe Narciso. It was the boy's parents who reported the incident to law enforcement. Deputies arrived at the scene shortly before 10:45 p.m.

"The Southwest Station’s Investigation Bureau responded and assumed the case. Rodriguez was contacted at his residence and taken into custody without incident. A search warrant was authored and served at Rodriguez’s residence, where evidence related to the investigation was collected," Narciso said.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Investigator Alyssa Morris at the Southwest Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 696-3000.