Food + Beverage

Dealer’s Choice

Inside Temecula’s Favorite Speakeasy Article by Desiree Allen | Photography by Chelsea Cantwell Tucked away in Old Town Temecula, behind rustic wood-planked walls and a soft glow of lamplight, Thompson & Twain Prospecting Co. feels like stepping into another era. Since opening in 2017, this intimate speakeasy has become a favorite among cocktail lovers and in-the-know locals. Designed by renowned tiki architect Notch Gonzalez (known for Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco and False Idol in San...

Life + Culture

Zarka Cigar Lounge

Where bold flavors, great conversation, and the perfect cigar come standard. Article by Desiree Allen | Photography by Chelsea Cantwell In a world that rarely stops spinning, Zarka Cigar Lounge offers a rare and refined reprieve—a classic gentlemen's escape. Local entrepreneur Zack Abou envisioned something different—something slower, richer, and steeped in connection. Where seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers could share stories, relax deeply, and enjoy life’s finer things side by...

Life + Culture

Temecula's Courageous Heroes

Respecting the gentlemen who combat destructive fires Article by Ava Sarnowski | Photography by Shawna Sarnowski When the Eaton Fire broke out, it moved fast—driven by high winds and dry vegetation—threatening homes near the north end of Pasadena and parts of Altadena. The terrain was difficult to access, and a dwindling water supply put homes at even greater risk. But the fire met a stronger force: the resilience and resolve of the Riverside County Fire Department, including heroes from right...

Local Services

The People's Mayor

Exploring Mayor Brenden Kalfus’ favorite locations within Temecula Article by Ava Sarnowski | Photography by Shawna Sarnowski Born and raised in Temecula, Mayor Kalfus wishes to be a relatable and approachable mayor, someone who makes good change by putting his best foot forward. A former fireman and devoted family man, he’s determined to stay connected to the community he serves. “Being visible and engaged with the community is one of the most important parts of my role,” Kalfus says. One of...

Entertainment

Vince Mendoza

Temecula's Resident Musician Article by Helena Lambert | Photography by Shawna Sarnowski While visiting Temecula Wine Country, you can’t have wine without live entertainment–and no one does it better than Vince Mendoza. A professional solo guitarist and vocalist, Vince has become a household name in the valley for over a decade, entertaining locals and visitors.  He performs rock, pop, and jazz covers spanning over 30 decades of music. From classic 80’s hits by Hall and Oats to Santana’s...

Entertainment

A Legacy of Passion and Purpose

New Gym Concept with Indoor Pickleball, State-of-the-Art Equipment, and Community Article by Helena Lambert | Photography by N/A For Franco Giordanengo, excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life. Raised in Córdoba, Argentina, by an Italian-Argentinian family that valued movement and discipline, Franco’s journey began with a soccer ball at his feet and evolved into a career in professional rugby. But when a career-ending injury shifted his path, a new dream was born. In 2015, Franco...

Arts + Culture

The Man Behind the Magazine

Temecula City Lifestyle Publisher Sean shares what it means to show up, build something meaningful, and leave a lasting mark. Article by Desiree Allen | Photography by Ada Rey You’ve probably seen him around town—maybe shaking hands at a networking event, chatting with a small business owner over coffee, or being stopped mid-walk because someone just had to tell him how much they love the magazine. That’s Sean. He’s the guy behind the scenes, the voice in the room that says, “Let’s make...

Auto + Marine

Polestar 3

Redefining Luxury Electric SUVs with Scandinavian Innovation Article by Travis Hager In the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles, the Polestar 3 emerges as a benchmark in performance, design, and sustainability. As the first SUV from Polestar—Volvo’s electrified offshoot—this luxury electric vehicle seamlessly blends Scandinavian elegance with cutting-edge technology, redefining what a high-end EV can be. Striking Design Meets Sustainable Luxury At first glance, the Polestar 3...

Food + Beverage

Let Loose River Cruise

Hello, May—and Hello, Temecula City Lifestyle Readers! Article by Christina Verhagen As a local travel advisor serving the Temecula community, I have come to appreciate the incredible wine country right in our backyard. When I first moved here, I had no idea how many wineries were hidden among these rolling hills. Sitting with a glass of wine, feeling the cool breeze, I was transported—almost as if I had stepped into a vineyard in Europe. Somerset Winery quickly became my favorite, especially...

Auto + Marine

What to Expect When Inspecting

An Automotive Workshop to Empower Women Article by Seth Haden | Photography by Shawna Sarnowski Navigating the male-dominated automotive industry can be daunting—especially when it comes to finding a safe, trustworthy repair shop. Jamica Brazell, owner of Agape Auto Repair, is on a mission to change that. Through her hands-on workshop, she empowers women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their vehicle’s care. Designed to demystify the auto repair process, the...