Home Care in Temecula, CA

Friday, a column of smoke erupted south of Temecula, choking much of the valley on Saturday. Here's how things stand after the weekend.

TEMECULA, CA — A wildfire that scorched 256 acres near the Pala Casino is 80% contained, all evacuation warnings have been lifted in Riverside and San Diego counties as of Monday morning, Cal Fire announced.

Authorities lifted most evacuation warnings for the Henderson Fire on Sunday morning and the remainder on Monday, according to Cal Fire.

Monday morning, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department thanked the Cal Fire San Diego County, the California Highway Patrol, and law enforcement, firefighting, and first responder partners for their assistance and support during this incident.

"A reminder: fire season is year-round in Southern California. We urge everyone to have their evacuation plans in place and to communicate with their families and neighbors. Sign up for emergency alerts at protect.genasys.com to receive up-to-date information regarding evacuations," they said.

The blaze started shortly after 5:30 p.m. Friday off Henderson Road, north of state Route 76 and east of Interstate 15 in San Diego County, Cal Fire reported.

Find out what's happening in Temeculafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Residents in Temecula watched warily as the smoke rose from the pass, and the fire doubled in size in a matter of 30 minutes.

Cal Fire Capt. Mike Cornette said that, along with firefighters putting in a lot of work, "the weather has helped us out a lot." He said officials were removing some hoses from the fire line.

"We have control line all the way around the fire, which is not expected to grow any more, but we are mitigating any hazards and extinguishing hot spots," Cornette told media outlets.

During the incident, care and reception center was established for Riverside County residents impacted by the fire at Temecula Valley High School, 31555 Rancho Vista Road.

The fire consumed an unoccupied recreational vehicle parked on the 37300 block of Magee Road in Pala, said Cornette, who added that Red Cross assistance has been offered to the owners.

"The aggressive aerial support from fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft has helped slow the fire activity," according to Cal Fire. "Firefighter hand crews and bulldozers are actively constructing control lines around the fire's perimeter to aid in mop-up operations.

"All evacuation orders have been downgraded to warnings, and the zones in Riverside County have returned to normal status."

The northwest-spreading fire grew to 30 acres by 6:59 p.m. Friday as ground crews and personnel aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters worked to subdue the blaze, the state agency said.

The fire grew to 200 acres by 9:57 p.m. Friday. It was 15% contained as of Saturday afternoon, and mandatory evacuation orders in San Diego County areas were downgraded to evacuation warnings.

The U.S. Census Bureau's Vintage 2024 shows population gains across every corner of the U.S., with the Southern and Western reaches leading the charge.

While New York City saw the largest numeric population increase from July 2023 to July 2024, Los Angeles recorded the third-highest gain and reclaimed a spot on the list of top-growing cities for the first time since 2016. California cities, large and small, followed the national trend, according to the report.

In Temecula, the population rose from 111,413 in 2023 to 112,431 in 2024 — a near 1 percent increase.

Across Riverside County, other cities saw notable shifts. Menifee’s population grew nearly 3 percent last year, Beaumont’s by 2.5 percent, and Perris saw just over 2 percent growth.

Find out what's happening in Temeculafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“Many population growth rates reversed or saw major changes between 2023 and 2024,” said Crystal Delbé, a statistician in the Census Bureau’s Population Division.

In total, 12 of the 15 cities with the highest numeric gains were in the South or West, reflecting broader migratory shifts and economic development in those regions.

Smaller cities in California weren’t left behind either.

Tracy, in San Joaquin County, crossed the 100,000-resident mark this year, alongside Federal Way in Washington and five Southern cities. California now has 13 cities with more than 100,000 residents.

The state also retained its title as the nation's housing heavyweight, with nearly 14.9 million housing units — more than any other state. Los Angeles County alone added 32,000 units, second only to Maricopa County, Arizona.

“Cities in the Northeast that had experienced population declines in 2023 are now experiencing significant population growth, on average," Delbé said."In fact, cities of all sizes, in all regions, showed faster growth and larger gains than in 2023, except for small cities in the South, whose average population growth rate remained the same."

Last year, California's population climbed over 39.5 million, marking a second year of growth after a few years of COVID-era declines.

In 2021, the state lost more than 117,000 people. It was the second consecutive year the population declined.

The population of California, the nation's most populous state, was likely shrinking amid an aging population of Baby Boomers and a decline in younger Californians having children, according to state demographers.

The state's population began its decline before the pandemic, but COVID-19-related deaths, federal policies restricting immigration and an increase in residents moving out of state during the pandemic contributed to the dip.

Despite it all, California remains the most populous U.S. state, now home to roughly 1 in every 9 Americans.

Gov. Gavin Newsom touted the state's continued growth earlier this month.

"People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream, where rights are protected and people are respected. As the fourth largest economy in the world — from the Inland Empire to the Bay Area," he said.

Here are some national highlights from the report:

This gas station opened to the public in Temecula, and it offers lower prices due to shopping rewards, even as gas prices fall across RivCo.

TEMECULA, CA—The little gas station behind a local grocery store is drawing driver traffic this week. According to the chain, the Ralphs Grocery Store Gas Station has opened at 33395 Wolf Store Road, near Butterfield Stage Parkway. It will offer lower gas prices based on customer rewards from Ralphs and Kroger.

According to the corporate website, this is the 12th Ralphs fueling station to open in California and the sixth in the Inland Empire.

Now, current Ralphs grocery customers registered for the program can earn fuel points for reduced-price gasoline at the facility by using the loyalty program when purchasing food, sundry items, and pharmacy prescriptions.

Ralphs also 11 gas stations in 11 California cities, including Bermuda Dunes, Cypress, Eastvale, Fullerton, Indio, Los Angeles, Murrieta, Rancho Cucamonga, San Diego, Van Nuys, and Woodland Hills.

Meanwhile, across Riverside County, the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline dropped Thursday for the fifth time in six days, decreasing four-tenths of a cent to $4.67.

Find out what's happening in Temeculafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The average price has dropped 3.2 cents over the past six days, including six-tenths of a cent Wednesday, according to figures from the AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. The dropping prices follow a nine-day streak of increases totaling 11.4 cents.

The average price is 2.7 cents less than one week ago, 3.1 cents lower than one month ago and 38 cents below what it was one year ago. It has dropped $1.707 since rising to a record $6.373 on Oct. 5, 2022.

The national average price rose 1.3 cents to $3.195, one day after a run of three decreases in four days totaling 1.5 cents ended with an increase of a half-cent. It is three-tenths of a cent more than one week ago and 2.9 cents higher than one month ago, but 41.5 cents less than one year ago.

The national average price has dropped $1.821 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.

In a few short weeks, the road out to Lake Skinner will be lined with cars journeying for a weekend of country concerts, camping and more.

Updated Fri, Jun 6, 2025 at 6:23 am PT

TEMECULA, CA — The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival returns the weekend of June 20, bringing with it a legendary country band lineup, barbecues, carnival fare at the Lake Skinner Recreation Area in Temecula Valley Wine Country.

The event will look a little different in 2025, Patch has learned, as it is under new ownership. The folks at Events.com say they have plans to make it one of the best years yet.

The long-running event was first held in 1983 on a strip of land near the intersection of Rancho Vista and Margarita Roads. That event featured hot air balloons, wine and cheese as well as minimal stage performances to entertain the crowds. Since then, it has grown into a massive event, and has drawn up to 30,000 people annually to Lake Skinner Recreation Area in Winchester. In 2025, the event is opening later in the year than ever before.

Events.com took over the annual festival, which was announced in March, and they have introduced some changes as they put their stamp on the event. Events.com President, Stephen Partridge, discussed the upcoming festival with Patch.

"The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is one of the region's longest-running festivals and has been a longstanding cornerstone of Southern California's vibrant cultural landscape," he said. "We couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of its continued growth."

Find out what's happening in Temeculafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Festival Layout, Set List And Times For Performances:

When at the festival, you may find the arrangement of venues has shifted.

Maps of the event grounds have yet to be released. Other aspects of the event have changed, including the length of camp stays and a purely country take on the musical lineup, which was not disclosed until mid-May. The full lineup has not yet been revealed as of June 5.

The events.com show is leaning into country music, unlike year's past, with acts including Alabama, Big & Rich, Kylie Morgan, Cody Jinks, Moonlight, The Steeldivers and Western Medicine and others still to be announced.

On social media, fans of the festival have questioned the typical 80s rock now missing from the weekend.

Information on where the artists will be perform — on the festival's main stage or on multiple stages — as well as specific set times have not yet been released.

"Set times are coming out very soon," a spokesperson wrote on Facebook.

No Hot Air Balloon Flights From Festival Grounds During Event:

Another change with the festival is the absence of hot air balloons from the festival grounds in the mornings, Patch has learned. There will be balloon glows in the evening, according to the event staff.

Guests who wish to fly high over Temecula Valley Wine Country will need to make separate arrangements through a local balloon company. They have partnered with one of Temecula’s largest, A Grape Escape, and flight reservations are still available.

Hot air balloon rides typically last about an hour as you rise hundreds of feet in the air, providing guests with scenic vistas of the valley, Cleveland National Forest to the west and mountains to the north and east. Perhaps, a glimpse of the glistening Pacific Ocean, if you're lucky.

"Hot air balloon rides are offered at sunrise, weather permitting, over the Temecula Valley wine country by A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure and can be reserved online."

However, those flights will not launch from the festival at Lake Skinner.

“When you book your hot air balloon ride, you'll be told where to meet up with your flight,” owner Charise Manning told Patch.

Reservations for balloon rides are required.

Please note that there are no scheduled tethered hot air balloon flights planned at the main venue, according to a spokesperson.

Still, in the evenings at the festival grounds, "Hot Air Balloon Glows" will take place on both Friday and Saturday night, weather permitting.

What we know about food and camping at the festival:

On the ground, during the festival, “dozens of vendors will be on hand, including wineries that will provide samples of local wine,” an Events.com news release said.

Patch has requested a full list of wineries, breweries, and food items available during the festival, which will be added to this report when they are received, so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, full-hookup camp sites are sold out, although dry camping spots remain available. Some attendees may set up tents or bring trailers at a location within the Lake Skinner fairgrounds. Check-in for the camp sites is as follows, per the website:

There will be carnival rides, dancing and an array of adult beverages to enjoy throughout the weekend.

General Admission for a one-day ticket starts at $99, while a three-day pass starts at $289. VIP tickets for one day cost $350, while a three-day pass starts at $750.

Those with a military ID can get 10 percent off on any ticket level.

Learn more and purchase tickets here. Parking fees are in addition to the admission price. More information, including concert times, can be found at temeculavalleyfestival.com.

The Non-Profit History Of The Festival Will Continue:

The TVBWF has generated "millions of dollars for the local economy, with festival proceeds benefiting community organizations, including school programs, military groups, and Dollars for Scholars," according to a statement released by Events.com.

Under new ownership, a spokesperson says the festival will "continue to honor its longstanding commitment to the Temecula Valley community by expanding support for local programs and initiatives that bring value to the area."

Meet the SoCal mother and grandmother who won a house in the Pechanga Resort Casino Home Sweet Win slot contest this weekend.

Posted Mon, Jun 2, 2025 at 11:50 am PT

TEMECULA, CA — She found a penny, had a dream, and the next thing she knew, she was turning the front door key to open her brand new Temecula house.

Pechanga Resort Casino's Home Sweet Win winner, a Long Beach resident whose name was released as Mayra V. for privacy reasons, accepted her prize Friday, amid fanfare, confetti, and shrieks of joy.

The Home Sweet Win contest has been going on since March, Pechanga tells Patch, and the winners took the stage in front of three doors. Mayra V. turned the key on her stage "front door," and walked right through, signaling she won the brand new, 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in a premier gated Temecula community, courtesy of Pechanga Resort Casino.

Before the night, host Ty Pennington spoke with Patch about the event that was sure to change someone's life.

"Winning is great, but there's something substantial about winning a house," Pennington said. "It's something you can pass down to generations. This is a big win. It all comes down to the luck of the draw. Whoever wins this house is getting not only a lucky home, but they're getting a lucky place to live in Temecula."

Find out what's happening in Temeculafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Twenty finalists were selected to participate in the May 30th Home Sweet Win! finale at the casino. Host Ty Pennington, of Extreme Home Makeover fame, called Mayra’s name as the second-to-last person to enter the final drawing.

"Mayra stayed hopeful she would be the Pechanga grand finale winner to win and move into her new home, something she’s never been able to do before," Pechanga spokesperson Ciara Green told Patch. "Mayra is a single mom with three adult daughters and several grandchildren. She’s always given so much to everyone else. She says this is a dream come true."

She explained that she had found a penny outside her neighborhood church two weeks ago and brought the coin with her to the casino. She plans to move from Long Beach to her new house in Temecula as soon as possible and can’t wait to start making carne asada for her family and create memories in the house she won from Pechanga.

The two runners-up in the Home Sweet Win! promotion at Pechanga Resort Casino each received $25,000.00 in cash.

"Mayra’s family told Pechanga staff she always supported them with everything she has," Green said. "They expressed they are who they are because of Mayra, and to see her finally receive something of this magnitude, a house, for herself feels like an incredible blessing."

Was it fated that she win? Mayra V. thinks so.

She held on to a lucky penny she found last week on the ground outside of her neighborhood church, as she waited for her number to be called, and then clung tightly to that penny until she was able to turn the key and step through into homeownership.

"She said she brought the penny back into the church and prayed," Gren said.

Several weeks before finding the church penny and becoming a finalist in Pechanga’s Home Sweet Win!, Mayra said she had a dream of a big house with white floors and white cabinets. She wrote down the memory of her dream when she awoke, Green told Patch. "She began wondering if her dream carried significance after she qualified as a finalist for the home giveaway."

Host Ty Pennington met Mayra and her family at the new home the following day.

After entering, she guided her family into the kitchen, with its quartz countertops and stainless appliances.

“I’m happiest when I’m with my family. That’s where I get my strength,” she told the TV and casino promotion host, her joy visibly overflowing with her family looking on. Mayra said during the home reveal that she would be moving in as soon as possible.

“It’s a matter of a short time. I’ll be cooking carne asada for my family in here and making so many memories. It’s a dream come true.”

About Mayra V.

Although she had a psychology degree in Mexico, she moved to the United States from Mexico many years ago in search of a better life for her daughters. She recalls all the struggles she and her family worked through in those early years - dropping the kids off at school, then heading to class herself to learn English well. She worked in the Los Angeles area as a custodian for a trade union office. Now, she is a trade union representative for medical professionals caring for the elderly in California.

About Home Sweet Win!

Between March and May 2025, Pechanga Resort Casino gave its Rewards Club members the chance to win and move into the brand new home by Meritage Homes in a new Temecula subdivision.

The home they gave away sits on a sizable corner lot, surrounded by the resort-style amenities within the Prado community.

The detached, single-family home offers a spacious, open concept floor plan, chef-inspired kitchen, energy efficiency features, all Whirlpool appliances, window coverings and ample outdoor space.

The community features a pool, clubhouse, BBQs, picnic shelters and parks.

Alongside the home giveaway, Pechanga also gave $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles. The funds supported the organization’s efforts in rebuilding and repairing homes following the devastating wildfires that hit Los Angeles in January.

Pechanga representatives announced that Home Sweet Win! will return in 2026, with Ty Pennington set to host. For more information, visit Pechanga.com.