One way to have a positive attitude during these trying times is to be thankful for what you have and show gratitude. I practice a gratitude exercise every morning before getting out of bed. I typically list three things that I’m thankful for, like my grandchildren, my lovely wife, and great kids among other things; like having a job that allows me to work from home and living in this crazy and great country of ours. As I was practicing my daily ritual I listed living in Temecula as one of the things I’m grateful for this morning. After a bit of time, I listed ten reasons I’m thankful for living in Temecula. 

Ten Reasons I’m Thankful for Living in Temecula

1. Family-friendly Atmosphere: City of Temecula elected officials pride themselves on making their community ideal for families and our excellent law enforcement helps in making us feel safe and secure. Within the city of Temecula, there are 43 acres of playgrounds and school sports fields, as well as 116,500 square feet of recreational facilities and 40 parks. We currently have approximately 97 miles of bike lanes throughout the City, and close to 22 miles of trails.
2. Temecula Valley Unified School District: With consistently high test scores and many honors and awards, it’s the phenomenal teachers and staff of the Temecula schools that make them some of the best in the state.
3. Temecula’s Rich History: Temecula residents go out of their way to preserve the historical significance of the city, which is clear by many plaques, preserved buildings, and museums celebrating the city’s past. Visit the Temecula Valley Museum, Vail Headquarters, or the Little Temecula History Center for a chance to experience how Temecula came to be.
4. Wineries: Temecula’s thriving travel and tourism industry owes wine country a debt of thanks, as it was our award-winning wineries that truly put this city on the map. What can be better than spending an afternoon sipping Wilson Creek red blends or savoring Maurice Carrie’s famous sourdough bread?
5. City-sponsored Events and Activities: There are a number of fantastic events and activities for the whole family including classes like cooking, dance, and portrait painting, business and legal seminars, holiday events like egg hunts, Halloween carnivals, tree lightings, and much, much more. Also, I couldn’t be more thankful for the excellent Community Services Department who makes all these things possible.
6. Local Festivals: You will find a variety of annual festivals, including street painting, the Temecula Wine & Music Festival, the Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival, and the Temecula Wine and Balloon Festival.
7. Old Town: With dozens of unique shops, restaurants, bars, and more, Old Town Temecula has become a fun and trendy, an entertainment district that is the envy of surrounding areas. Side Note: I’m extremely thankful for the unbelievably good Korean burrito at Old Town Pub and Grub.
8. Old Town Temecula Community Theater: Speaking of Old Town, if you have not been to the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, you have not experienced a true gem in the city’s crown. The theater’s 2019-2020 season includes Broadway-style musicals, concerts, dance, and more. For the full lineup, visit the new and improved OTTCT website at temeculatheater.org.
9. Breweries”: While wine country tends to be Temecula’s bread and butter, the burgeoning brewery scene has made the area a true player in the micro-brew community; keeping us on the cutting edge of culinary trends.
10. Central location: Temecula is centrally located to all the fun spots in SoCal. We are one hour from the beaches, mountains, and deserts. We also get an hour head start going to or coming home to/from Las Vegas.

Some would say that I’m bias after living in Temecula for 28 years, but I’m thankful to be able live in a city that has so much to offer it’s residents. Although it’s not perfect it’s home to me and I love living in Temecula.