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...

Life + Culture

Ada’s Favorite Asian Eats

Celebrating Asian American Heritage Month Article by Desiree A | Photography by Ada Rey Food is more than sustenance—it’s memory, culture, and connection. For Ada, a photographer and self-proclaimed foodie, finding great Asian cuisine in the Inland Empire is a mission she takes seriously. In honor of Asian American Heritage Month, she shares her go-to spots for flavors that remind her of home. JJ Sushi & Chinese Cuisine Ada’s first stop is always JJ Sushi & Chinese Cuisine in Menifee...

Event Planning + Services

Matcha Made in Temecula

A mother-daughter owned matcha shop bringing the benefits of matcha to Old Town Temecula in style Article by Melissa Colombo | Photography by Shawna Sarnowski Courtney Ziani set three main goals for her business—creating exceptional customer service, a high-quality product, and a beautiful aesthetic. It’s clear from the moment you step into Our Matcha Place in Old Town that the third is instantly true—the shop is an influencer’s dream, with gorgeous pink walls accented with lush green...