Temecula

Temecula
Temecula is a city situated in southwestern Riverside County, California, United States. The population was 57,716 at the 2000 census. The current population as of January 2007 has increased to 97,935. The city was incorporated on December 1, 1989.

Temecula today is the site of one of California's oldest wineries, and the Temecula Valley serves as one of the state's relatively small but significant wine producing regions.

Temecula is surrounded by Murrieta on the northwest and the Pechanga Indian Reservation on the south, with areas of Riverside County on all of its other borders.

The city is almost halfway to San Diego and Orange County, California. Majority of residents consider themselves as living in a suburb of one of the two. Temecula is also home to many military families from nearby MCB Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar, March Air Reserve Base and the Navy bases in San Diego.

History
The name Temecula is derived from an alternative spelling of the Luise?o Indian word Temecunga, which stands for Where the sun breaks through the mist. Early settlement in the area was increase by the 1859 establishment of the first inland Southern California post office in Temecula.

Rail service arrived in the late 19th century, and by the turn of the century Temecula had gained distinction for being the delivery point for grain and cattle. The community's growth continued through the 20th century, with dramatic changes taking place in the 1970s. In 1989, Temecula became incorporated as a city.

Arts and Entertainment in Temecula
Temecula's Old Town district contains a combination of old historic buildings, antique stores, shops and restaurants. The Temecula Valley Museum archives life in the Temecula Valley through different periods of time and different cultures. It displays exhibits such as the handcrafted artifacts, cultural items, ranching and farming equipment, documents, and photographs.

Also part of the district is the Imagination Workshop Children's Museum. This award-winning site features interactive displays and hands-on inventions and gadgets. The 358-seat Old Town Temecula Community Theater is a high-tech facility located in the heart of Old Town Temecula. The historic 1890 Mercantile Building houses the ticket office, a visual art gallery, and an intimate performance space.

The Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival is an annual September event which draws filmmakers and musicians from across the nation and around the globe. Nearby Winchester is the site of the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival, a July event which offers top-name entertainment, wine tasting, arts and crafts, and a food court.

Just south of Temecula is the Pechanga Resort and Casino complex, owned and operated by the Pechanga Tribe of Luise?o Indians. The resort, Temecula Valley's number one employer, includes a large casino, bingo hall, hotel, convention center, showroom, cabaret lounge, and seven restaurants.

Activities & Attractions in Temecula
GolfAlthough the area is not as well known as Palm Springs, the warm desert climate attracts tourists year-round, especially golfers who can use one of the nine local golf courses including Redhawk, Temecula Creek Inn, Temeku Hills, CrossCreek, Pala Mesa and the SCGA Member's Course.

Old Town Temecula
This is a collection of historic 1890s buildings, antique stores, shopping and restaurants. The Old Town Temecula is also home to such events as car shows, western days and summer entertainment. Specialty food stores, unique boutiques, dozens of gift and collectible stores and 7 large antique dealers do business in the district.

Old Town is also home to the Temecula Museum which features exhibits about the local band of Native Americans and the local natural history and city development.

Pechanga Resort and Casino
In 2001, the Pechanga Band of Luise?o Indians built the $262 million Pechanga Resort & Casino complex. This resort has a unique architectural design that highlights the tribe's Luise?o culture.

The resort includes an 85,000-square-foot casino, 1,200-seat bingo hall, 522-room hotel and 38,800-square-foot convention center, 1,200-seat showroom, 200-seat cabaret lounge, and seven restaurants. The new casino also features 2,000 slot machines, 60 card tables and 15 poker tables. The resort attracts gamblers and tourists from all over California and the U.S.

Ballooning
Temecula is well known for its hot air balloon rides and tours, floating over wineries and desert terrain. The image of colorful hot air balloons is used throughout the Temecula Valley as a quickly recognizable symbol of the city.

Wine Tasting
The Temecula valley has more than 30 wineries with tasting rooms, including Calloway, Thornton, Stuart, Mount Palomar and Falkner.

Conclusion
Temecula has become a popular destination for its wineries and the Californias largest casino, Pechanga. People come here on vacations and business meetings to enjoy the recreation spots.