Temecula News & Updates

A Message from the City Manager

Greetings –

Among my favorite responsibilities as City Manager is implementing our City Council's commitment to prudent financial decision-making and ensuring strategic budget policies are in place for the well-being of the City of Temecula.

Did you know the City of Temecula has established a budget policy that requires 20% of Operating Expenditures be set aside into “reserves” for economic uncertainty, with an additional 5% of Operating Expenditures appropriated into a Secondary Reserve?

Overall this Reserve fund shall be utilized under specific circumstances such as a major disaster, a significant loss in revenue, or for large and unexpected expenditures. Due to careful planning from the City’s budget team, the reserve fund has remained untouched -- even during the COVID pandemic -- due to the resilience of our local economy and fiscally conservative nature of the City of Temecula. By 2024, Temecula’s reserve balance will reach nearly $24 Million. Residents of the City of Temecula can be certain they have invested in a City that plans for today, tomorrow and well into the future.

Starting in July, which is also the start of our adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24, I plan to share monthly behind-the-scenes budget news on the City’s social media platforms, and I hope you follow along @CityofTemecula.

-Aaron Adams, City Manager

2023 Temecula State of the City Presented by Mayor Zak Schwank

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Temecula is hosting the 2023 Temecula State of the City Address at Pechanga Resort Casino. The event includes a buffet breakfast and a Nonprofit Expo beginning at 7am. The Mayor's Presentation then begins at 8am.

Reserve your seat here

Thursday, August 10, 2023, 7-10am

Pechanga Resort Casino

Just the Facts with Zak

Introducing ‘Just the Facts with Zak'; a new series where Mayor Zak Schwank discusses all things Temecula in relation to our Quality of Life Master Plan (QLMP).

In this episode, Mayor Schwank takes a look at the annual Temecula CultureFest and the Equity Core Value found in our QLMP. Tune in @CityofTemecula

Old Town Sound System

The City of Temecula upgraded its Old Town outdoor sound system to allow pre-recorded information to be played reminding the public of upcoming City events and/or road closures that impact Old Town. If you are strolling through Old Town now, you will hear a reminder that the 4th of July parade will begin at 10am. Check it out here.

This Old Town sound system is another way the City of Temecula is committed to providing continuous public communication.

I-15/French Valley Parkway Project (I-15/FVP)

Phase 1 (Red) is done.

Phase 2 (Blue) is under construction.

I-15/FVP Phase 2 improvements (shown in blue above) will reduce daily northbound traffic congestion by eliminating merging/weaving upon construction of collector/distributor lanes along northbound Interstate-15, separating streams of traffic between Winchester Road and the I-15/215 junction. The major project components include:

•Construction of two Northbound I-15 collector/distributor lanes spanning over two miles along Interstate-15 between Winchester Road and the I-15/215 Junction.

•Construction of a concrete barrier along I-15 to separate freeway traffic from vehicles entering Northbound I-15 from Winchester Road.

•Flyover bridge at the I-15/215 Junction.

•Construction of 10 retaining walls.

•Anticipated construction completion: Winter/Spring '25

Visit the City's I-15/FVP Improvements webpage to stay informed.

Ynez Road (Rancho Vista to Tierra Vista)

Ynez Road between Rancho Vista Road and Tierra Vista will be widened to two lanes in each direction, with construction of a new sidewalk along the east side. This project is currently in the design phase, and is anticipated to be completed in 2024.

New Splash Pad at the Community Recreation Center

30875 Rancho Vista Road

A new splash pad is planned to be constructed at the Temecula Community Recreation Center. Shade structures will also be installed throughout the area. Construction is planned to start in September 2023, and anticipated to be completed in time for Summer 2024.

4th of July Parade & Extravaganza

Tuesday, July 4th

Happy 4th of July!

Start off the fun-filled Holiday tomorrow at the Parade! It will begin on the south end of Old Town and continue north up Old Town Front Street from arch to arch.

The patriotic day continues at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park with Family Fun, a Kids Zone, live music, food vendors and an evening fireworks show that starts at 9pm.

10am - Star Spangled Parade

Old Town Front Street

2-10pm - Park Family Fun

Ronald Reagan Sports Park

30875 Rancho Vista Road

9pm - Fireworks Show

Ronald Reagan Sports Park

30875 Rancho Vista Road

REMINDER: Report Illegal Fireworks in Riverside County at 800-950-2444

Please remember that all fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Riverside County. The vegetation is dry and fireworks can easily start a brush fire. Individuals who cause fires by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs. These costs can run into tens of millions of dollars.

More info here: fireworks are illegal in Riverside County.

American Flag Retirement Sites

at Temecula Fire Stations

Do you have a worn or tattered American Flag? American Flag retirement bins are located at all five Fire Stations in Temecula. Drop them off and they will be picked up by our local VFW and/or Boy Scouts for a proper and respectful flag retirement.

Summer Food Service Program

Mondays & Fridays 11am - 12pm

June 26 - August 11, 2023

Rotary Park

28816 Pujol Street

This program provides free lunches along with children and teen enrichment activities from 11am-12pm or until meals are gone. Any child 18 years old and younger or adult with disabilities may come to eat. There are no income requirements or registration needed.

• Meals are served on a first come, first serve basis.

• Meals are not intended for organized programs or private organizations.

•Parental supervision is required.

For more information, please contact the Human Services Division at 951-694-6464.

Inclusive Social Skills Program

July 6 - August 10, 9-11am

Eagle Soar Playground & Splash Pad Mike Naggar Community Park

29119 Margarita Road

Join us for social skills fun provided by the disABILITY Sports Foundation.

Parent or caregiver participation is required. Therapists are welcome.

Registration will be on-site the day of the event.

For more information, call 951-694-6464.

For more information, call 951-694-6450 or visit the TemeculaValleyMuseum.org.

Emerging Artist - Marine Day

On Display Until End of August

Temecula Valley Museum

28314 Mercedes Street

This beautiful mural depicts the beauty of Japan's islands and ocean. The project was a joint effort between students at Temecula Preparatory School, James L. Day Middle School, and Murrieta Valley High School under the direction of Clarissa Lee.

The Emerging Artist Mural Project seeks to support local artists by providing a space to showcase their craft. Every other month either emerging or student artists are given the opportunity to paint a mural on varying topics. Visit the Art & Education Room inside the Temecula Valley Museum for information and crafts.

Click here to register for the conference.

At Rancho California Water District, there’s no better time than summer to be an everyday water hero!

Earn your cape with these easy tips for long-term water conservation:

• Watch your water budget with MyWaterTracker (It’s free!)

• Check for leaks around your house & yard

• Only run full loads of dishes & laundry

• Plant California-native gardens

Visit RanchoWater.com for more ways to save.

Summer Sunset Taste of Old Town

Tuesday, July 25, 5-8:30pm

Two check-in locations:

• Citrus and Moss 28459 Old Town Front St (next to Starbucks)

• Oak Grove Culinary Creations 41923 2nd St. #104 (across from the Civic Center Parking Garage)

Tickets sold online here.

Temecula Sunset Market

2nd & 4th Wednesday of the Month, 5-9pm

Town Square Park in Old Town Temecula

41902 Main Street

This twice monthly market features a gourmet food court, entertainment, and arts & crafts:

• July 12 & 26

• August 9 & 23

• September 13 & 27

• November 8 & 22

For vendors and a map, visit TemeculaSunsetMarket.com.

These e-blasts are provided by the Temecula City Manager’s Department to share current news and information from Temecula City Hall. We encourage you to forward these to your Temecula friends and neighbors. They can sign-up at TemeculaCA.gov/SignUp to receive City e-blasts directly.