Temecula, California

{{Original research section|date=November 2008}}

The area was inhabited by the Temecula Indians for hundreds of years before their contact with the Spanish missionaries (the people are now generally known as the Luiseños, after the nearby Mission San Luis Rey de Francia).{{cite web|url=http://www.fourdir.com/luiseno.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020415115900/http://www.fourdir.com/luiseno.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 15, 2002|title=FDI - Luiseno|website=Fourdir.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}} Seven bands of Luiseño Indians inhabited the Temecula valley pre-contact: the Pechanga, La Jolla, Soboba, Pala, Rincon, Pauma, and San Luis Rey bands (presently, all of the bands except the San Luis Rey are federally recognized tribes).{{Cite web|title=List of Federal and State Recognized Tribes|url=https://www.ncsl.org/legislators-staff/legislators/quad-caucus/list-of-federal-and-state-recognized-tribes.aspx#ca|access-date=December 9, 2021|website=www.ncsl.org}} The Pechanga Band of Luiseño believe their ancestors have lived in the Temecula area for more than 10,000 years, though ethnologists think they arrived at a more recent date. In Pechanga history, life on Earth began in the Temecula Valley. They call it "'Éxva Temeéku", the place of the union of Sky-father, and Earth-mother ("Tuukumit'pi Tamaayowit").{{Cite web|title=Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians - HISTORY|url=https://www.pechanga-nsn.gov/index.php/history|access-date=December 9, 2021|website=www.pechanga-nsn.gov}} The Temecula Indians ("Temeekuyam") lived at "Temeekunga", or "the place of the sun".{{cite web|url=http://www.pechanga-nsn.gov/page?pageId=6|title=Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians|access-date=August 31, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708141247/http://www.pechanga-nsn.gov/page?pageId=6|archive-date=July 8, 2007}} Other popular interpretations of the name include "The sun that shines through the mist"{{cite web|url=http://www.temeculainformation.com/oldtown/history.htm|title=Old Town Temecula, History, Event Information, Antique Shops and Temecula Homes For Sale|website=Temeculainformation.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}} or "Where the sun breaks through the mist".{{cite web|url=http://www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/Visitors/About/History/|title=Temecula history|website=Cityoftemecula.org|access-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320073127/http://www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/Visitors/About/History/|archive-date=March 20, 2008|url-status=dead}}

The first recorded Spanish visit occurred in October 1797, with a Franciscan padre, Father Juan Norberto de Santiago, and Captain Pedro Lisalde.{{cite web|url=http://www.oldtemecula.com/history/history1.htm|title=Temecula History 1797—1969 |website=OldTemecula.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}} Father Santiago kept a journal in which he noted seeing "Temecula ... an Indian village".{{cite web|url=http://www.vailranch.org/history/village.htm|title=Village|website=Vailranch.org|access-date=August 31, 2017|archive-date=February 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202065603/http://www.vailranch.org/history/village.htm|url-status=dead}} The trip included the Lake Elsinore area and the Temecula Valley.

Little is known about the early 1800s because Temecula records were destroyed in the fire that followed the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.{{cite web |title=History of Temecula |url=https://www.temeculaca.gov/150/History-of-Temecula |website=The City of Temecula |publisher=Temecula.gov |access-date=December 12, 2021}}

In 1798, Spanish missionaries established the Mission of San Luis Rey de Francia and designated the Indians living in the region as "Sanluiseños", shortened to "Luiseños".{{cite web|url=http://www.pechanga-nsn.gov/page?pageId=6|title=The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians|website=Pechanga-nsn.gov|access-date=August 31, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708141247/http://www.pechanga-nsn.gov/page?pageId=6|archive-date=July 8, 2007}} In the 1820s, the nearby Mission San Antonio de Pala was built.

The Mexican land grants made in the Temecula area were Rancho Temecula, granted to Felix Valdez, and to the east Rancho Pauba, granted to Vicente Moraga in 1844. Rancho Little Temecula was made in 1845 to Luiseño Pablo Apis, one of the few former mission converts to be given a land grant. It was fertile well watered land at the southern end of the valley, which included the village of Temecula.{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/91fall/images/p260.gif|title=Map of the Apis Grant|website=Sandiegohistory.org|access-date=August 31, 2017}}[https://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/91fall/temecula.htm Leland E. Bibb, "Pablo Apis and Temecula", The Journal of San Diego History, Fall 1991, Volume 37, Number 4, p.260] Temecula and vicinity, showing the relationship of the Apis Adobe to modern highways and downtown Temecula{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/91fall/images/p264.gif|title=Map of the village of Temecula and vicinity, showing the several historical sites which clustered around the mission-era pond.|website=Sandiegohistory.org|access-date=August 31, 2017}}Bibb, "Pablo Apis and Temecula", The Journal of San Diego History, p. 264 A fourth grant, known as Rancho Santa Rosa, was made to Juan Moreno in 1846, and was in the hills to the west of Temecula.

On December 6, 1846, at the Battle of San Pasqual, Andrés Pico led Californios to kill over twenty of U.S. General Stephen W. Kearny's men. Subsequently, in January 1847, José Lugo with Cahuilla Indians came to the Temecula Valley in pursuit of the Luiseño Indians and killed an unknown number, about 40-100 of them, reportedly, in the canyon just west of the current Vail Lake Dam.{{cite web |title=Temecula Massacre |url=https://www.temeculaca.gov/155/Temecula-Massacre |website=The City of Temecula |publisher=Temecula.gov |access-date=December 12, 2021}}

As American settlers moved into the area after the war, conflict with the native tribes increased. A treaty was signed in the Magee Store in Temecula in 1852, but was never ratified by the United States Senate.{{cite web|url=http://digital.library.okstate.edu/kappler/Vol4/html_files/v4p1124.html|title=INDIAN AFFAIRS: LAWS AND TREATIES. Vol. IV, Laws|first=Oklahoma State University|last=Library|website=Digital.library.okstate.edu|access-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024194614/http://digital.library.okstate.edu/kappler/Vol4/html_files/v4p1124.html|archive-date=October 24, 2010|url-status=dead}} In addition, the Luiseños challenged the Mexican land grant claims, as, under Mexican law, the land was held in trust to be distributed to the local Indian tribes after becoming subjects.Beebe, 2001, page 71Fink, 1972, pages 63–64. They challenged the Apis claim to the Little Temecula Rancho by taking the case to the 1851 California Land Commission. On November 15, 1853, the commission rejected the Luiseño claim; an appeal in 1856 to the district court was found to be in favor of the heirs of Pablo Apis (he had died in late 1853 or early 1854). The Luiseño of Temecula village remained on the south side of Temecula Creek when the Apis grant was acquired by Louis Wolf in 1872; they were evicted in 1875.[https://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/74winter/temecula.htm Kurt Van Horn, Tempting Temecula, The Making and Unmaking of a Southern California Community, The Journal of San Diego History, Winter 1974, Volume 20, Number 1.]

A stagecoach line started a local route from Warner Ranch to Colton in 1857 that passed through the Temecula Valley. Within a year, the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line, with a route between St. Louis, Missouri, and San Francisco, stopped at Temecula's Magee Store.{{Cite book|last=Barnett|first=Loretta, and Rebecca Farnbach.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N3YdIVn87xgC&dq=overland+trail+Temecula%27s+Magee+Store&pg=PA6|title=Temecula|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|year=2006|isbn=0738530956|location=San Francisco|pages=18}} On April 22, 1859, the first inland Southern California post office was established in Temecula in the Magee Store. This was the second post office in the state, the first being located in San Francisco. The Temecula post office was moved in the ensuing years; its present locations are the seventh and eighth sites occupied. The American Civil War put an end to the Butterfield Overland Stage Service, but stage service continued on the route under other stage companies until the railroad reached Fort Yuma in 1877.[http://www.temeculahistoricalsociety.org/temeculahistory.html "Temecula History" A Short History of Temecula, California] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514230400/http://www.temeculahistoricalsociety.org/temeculahistory.html |date=May 14, 2011 }}, Courtesy of the Temecula Valley Museum

In 1862, Louis Wolf, a Temecula merchant and postmaster, married Ramona Place, who was mixed-race and half Indian. Author Helen Hunt Jackson spent time with Louis and Ramona Wolf in 1882 and again in 1883. Wolf's store became an inspiration for Jackson's fictional "Hartsel's store" in her 1884 novel, Ramona.{{cite web|author = Jackson, Helen Hunt|url= http://www.scvhistory.com/scvhistory/ramona-text.htm|title=Ramona|publisher=Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society|access-date=July 4, 2004}}

In 1882, the United States government established the Pechanga Indian Reservation of approximately {{convert|4000|acre|km2|0}} some {{convert|6|mi}} from downtown Temecula. Also in 1882, the California Southern Railroad, a subsidiary of the Santa Fe Railroad, completed construction of the section from National City to Temecula. In 1883, the line was extended to San Bernardino. In the late 1880s, a series of floods washed out the tracks and the section of the railroad through the canyon was finally abandoned. The old Temecula station was used as a barn and later demolished.

In the 1890s, with the operation of granite stone quarries, Temecula granite was shaped into fence and hitching posts, curbstones, courthouse steps, and building blocks. At the turn of the 20th century, Temecula became an important shipping point for grain and cattle.

File:Temecula-1909.jpg

In 1904, Walter Vail, who had come to the United States with his parents from Nova Scotia, migrated to California. Along with various partners, he began buying land in Southern California. Vail bought ranchland in the Temecula Valley, buying {{convert|38000|acre|km2|0}} of Rancho Temecula and Rancho Pauba, along with the northern half of Rancho Little Temecula. Vail was killed by a streetcar in Los Angeles in 1906; his son, Mahlon Vail, took over the family ranch. In 1914, financed by Mahlon Vail and local ranchers, the First National Bank of Temecula opened on Front Street. In 1915, the first paved, two-lane county road was built through Temecula.

By 1947, the Vail Ranch contained over {{convert|87500|acre|km2|0}}. In 1948, the Vail family built a dam to catch the Temecula Creek water and created Vail Lake. Through the mid-1960s, the economy of the Temecula Valley centered around the Vail Ranch; the cattle business and agriculture were the stimuli for most business ventures.

In 1964, the Vail Ranch was sold to the Kaiser—Aetna partnership. A later purchase by the group brought the total area to {{convert|97500|acre|km2|0}}, and the area became known as Rancho California.

In the 1970 census, the United States Census Bureau enumerated the population of the entire Murrieta-Rancho California-Temecula area at 2,769.

In 1970, the Temecula Town Association, a non-profit, charitable organization, incorporated.{{cite web |last1=Gerstbacher |first1=Emily |title=Temecula Valley History 1970-1993 |url=http://www.oldtemecula.com/history/history2.htm |website=OldTemecula.com |access-date=December 13, 2021}} In 1977, the present-day Rancho California Water District was formed.{{cite web |title=History |url=https://www.ranchowater.com/96/History |website=Rancho California Water District |publisher=CivicPlus |access-date=September 21, 2022}} On November 5, 1979, KRTM 88.9 FM went on the air in Temecula.{{cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=52141&Callsign=KRTM |title=KRTM Call Sign History |work=United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division }}

In the 1980 census, 10,215 people were enumerated in the area, a 269 percent increase from the prior census.{{cite news |last1=Hunneman |first1=John |title=The top stories from Temecula's first 25 years |url=https://www.pe.com/2014/11/23/hunneman-the-top-stories-from-temeculas-first-25-years/ |access-date=December 12, 2021 |work=Press-Enterprise |date=November 23, 2014}}

In 1984, the Temecula American Viticultural Area (AVA), the official designation for the local wine country (renamed the Temecula Valley AVA in 2004), was established.{{cite web |title=50 Years |url=https://www.temeculawines.org/50-years/ |website=Temecula Valley Winegrowers |publisher=Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association |access-date=September 21, 2022}} In 1985, the completion of Interstate 15 between the Greater Los Angeles area and San Diego began a subdivision land boom, making it possible to own a new home in Temecula and have a manageable work commute to San Diego County.

On December 1, 1989, Temecula incorporated as a city, with Ron Parks as the first mayor.{{cite web |title=First City Council |url=https://temeculaca.gov/1447/First-City-Council |website=City of Temecula |access-date=September 21, 2022}}

In 1990, the first United States Census Bureau count of Temecula as a city enumerated 27,099 people. The 1990s brought rapid growth to the Temecula Valley. Many families began moving to the area from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County, drawn by the affordable housing prices and the popular wine country.

In 1995, the Pechanga Pow Wow began.{{cite news |title=Annual powwow comes to Pechanga |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-annual-powwow-comes-to-pechanga-2001jun29-story.html |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=June 29, 2001}}{{cite news |title=TEMECULA: Pow wow celebrates, honors Native American culture |url=https://www.pe.com/2013/06/29/temecula-pow-wow-celebrates-honors-native-american-culture/ |access-date=December 13, 2021 |work=Press-Enterprise |date=June 29, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Pow Wow |url=http://www.oldtemecula.com/pechanga/index.htm |website=oldtemecula.com |access-date=December 13, 2021}}

On October 27, 1999, the Promenade Mall opened in Temecula.{{cite news |last1=Hunneman |first1=John |title=The Promenade mall marks 10th anniversary |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-temecula-the-promenade-mall-marks-10th-anniversary-2009oct24-story.html |access-date=December 22, 2018 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |date=October 24, 2009}}

In 2005, Temecula annexed the master-planned community of Redhawk, bringing the population to 90,000. After a period of rapid population growth and home construction, the 2007 subprime mortgage financial crisis and the resultant United States housing market correction caused a sharp rise in home foreclosures in the Temecula-Murrieta region.

In 2012, the city and the Pechanga tribe successfully blocked a proposal by Granite Construction to construct a rock quarry south of the city. The Pechanga tribe purchased the {{Convert|365|acre|km2|adj=on}} site for $3 million, now known as Pu'eska Mountain.{{cite web |last1=McAllister |first1=Toni |title=$20M and 7 Years Later, The Fight Over Liberty Quarry Ends |url=https://patch.com/california/temecula/20-million-and-seven-years-later-the-fight-over-liberabc83c1fcd |website=Temecula Patch |date=November 16, 2012 |publisher=Patch Media |access-date=September 2, 2022}}

In 2013, the 140-bed Temecula Valley Hospital opened, providing the city with a full range of hospital services.{{cite web |last1=Avants |first1=Maggie |title=Temecula Valley Hospital to Open Monday |url=https://patch.com/california/temecula/temecula-valley-hospital-to-open-monday |website=Temecula Patch |date=October 11, 2013 |publisher=Patch Media |access-date=September 2, 2022}}

In 2016, the Vail Headquarters historic district opened in the Redhawk Towne Center shopping center, repurposing several historic buildings such as the Wolf Store for retail, dining, and entertainment uses.{{cite web |title=Temecula: Hundreds attend 'unveiling' of Vail Headquarters shopping center |url=https://www.pe.com/2016/07/18/temecula-hundreds-attend-unveiling-of-vail-headquarters-shopping-center/ |website=The Press-Enterprise |access-date=September 2, 2022}}{{cite web |title=History |url=https://www.vailhq.com/history |website=Vail Headquarters |access-date=September 2, 2022}}

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|37.19|sqmi|km2|1}}, of which {{convert|37.18|sqmi|km2|1}} of it is land and {{convert|0.012|sqmi|km2|3}} of it, or 0.03%, is water. South of the city, Murrieta Creek and Temecula Creek join to form the Santa Margarita River.

Temecula has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csa).{{cite web|url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/Southern_California_Köppen.png|title=Southern California Köppen-Geiger Climate Classification Map|website=commons.wikimedia.org|access-date=May 7, 2019}} August is typically the hottest month of the year with December being the coldest month. Most precipitation occurs from November to March with February being the wettest month. Winter storms generally bring moderate precipitation, but strong winter storms are not uncommon especially during "El Niño" years. The driest month is June. Annual precipitation is {{convert|14.14|in|mm}}. Morning marine layer is common during May and June. From July to September, Temecula experiences hot, dry weather with the occasional North American monsoonal flow that increases the humidity and brings isolated thunderstorms. Most of the storms tend to be short-lived with little rainfall. During late fall into winter, Temecula experiences strong, dry northeastern Santa Ana winds. Snowfall is rare, but Temecula has experienced traces of snowfall on occasion,{{cite web|url=http://weathercurrents.com/temecula/21Nov2004.jsp|title=2004 Snowfall in the Temecula Valley|website=Weathercurrents.com|access-date=September 6, 2012}} some as recently as December 2014.{{cite web|url=http://weathercurrents.com/temecula/NewsItemDisplay.do?Id=1132|title=2014 Snow blankets Inland valleys, foothills Wednesday morning|website=Weathercurrents.com|access-date=January 7, 2015}} A rare F1 tornado touched down in a Temecula neighborhood on February 19, 2005.{{cite web|url=https://weathercurrents.com/temecula/19Feb2005.jsp|title=Tornados Tear Through Fallbrook, Rainbow and Temecula|website=Weathercurrents.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}}

{{Weather box|location = Temecula, California

|single line = Y

|Jan record high F = 91

|Feb record high F = 95

|Mar record high F = 103

|Apr record high F = 109

|May record high F = 109

|Jun record high F = 114

|Jul record high F = 117

|Aug record high F = 118

|Sep record high F = 117

|Oct record high F = 110

|Nov record high F = 98

|Dec record high F = 90

| Jan avg record high F = 79.8

| Feb avg record high F = 81.9

| Mar avg record high F = 86.4

| Apr avg record high F = 92.8

| May avg record high F = 97.8

| Jun avg record high F = 104.8

| Jul avg record high F = 108.0

| Aug avg record high F = 108.2

| Sep avg record high F = 106.0

| Oct avg record high F = 98.4

| Nov avg record high F = 88.7

| Dec avg record high F = 80.9

|year avg record high F = 110.9

|Jan high F = 65.3

|Feb high F = 66.3

|Mar high F = 69.5

|Apr high F = 74.1

|May high F = 81.0

|Jun high F = 90.0

|Jul high F = 96.7

|Aug high F = 97.6

|Sep high F = 92.2

|Oct high F = 82.5

|Nov high F = 73.2

|Dec high F = 65.0

|year high F=

|Jan mean F = 52.8

|Feb mean F = 54.0

|Mar mean F = 57.7

|Apr mean F = 61.6

|May mean F = 67.8

|Jun mean F = 74.3

|Jul mean F = 80.3

|Aug mean F = 81.3

|Sep mean F = 77.2

|Oct mean F = 68.1

|Nov mean F = 59.0

|Dec mean F = 52.6

|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 40.9

|Feb low F = 42.2

|Mar low F = 44.4

|Apr low F = 47.7

|May low F = 52.8

|Jun low F = 58.3

|Jul low F = 64.1

|Aug low F = 64.8

|Sep low F = 61.2

|Oct low F = 52.9

|Nov low F = 43.9

|Dec low F = 40.5

|year low F= 51.8

| Jan avg record low F = 27.5

| Feb avg record low F = 29.4

| Mar avg record low F = 32.7

| Apr avg record low F = 37.2

| May avg record low F = 43.8

| Jun avg record low F = 48.3

| Jul avg record low F = 53.8

| Aug avg record low F = 55.2

| Sep avg record low F = 50.8

| Oct avg record low F = 41.4

| Nov avg record low F = 34.7

| Dec avg record low F = 27.8

|year avg record low F = 26.2

|Jan record low F = 15

|Feb record low F = 19

|Mar record low F = 24

|Apr record low F = 24

|May record low F = 31

|Jun record low F = 35

|Jul record low F = 41

|Aug record low F = 40

|Sep record low F = 35

|Oct record low F = 25

|Nov record low F = 20

|Dec record low F = 17

|precipitation color = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 3.22

|Feb precipitation inch = 3.74

|Mar precipitation inch = 2.29

|Apr precipitation inch = .95

|May precipitation inch = .35

|Jun precipitation inch = .07

|Jul precipitation inch = .09

|Aug precipitation inch = .05

|Sep precipitation inch = .14

|Oct precipitation inch = .58

|Nov precipitation inch = .96

|Dec precipitation inch = 2.10

|year precipitation inch=13.05

|Jan snow inch = 0.2

|Feb snow inch = 0.0

|Mar snow inch = 0.0

|Apr snow inch = 0.0

|May snow inch = 0.0

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.0

|Oct snow inch = 0.0

|Nov snow inch = 0.0

|Dec snow inch = 0.3

|year snow inch =

|source 1 = wrcc.dri.edu[https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca2805] WRCC Retrieved June 6, 2011

|date=August 2010

}}

{{US Census population

|1980= 1783

|1990= 27099

|2000= 57716

|2010= 100097

|2020= 110003

|estyear= 2022

|estimate= 111752

|estref=

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|website=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}

}}

As of the 2020 United States census, Temecula had a population of 110,003. The city's racial makeup was 55.6% (61,192) white (49.3% non-Hispanic white), 11.3% (12,458) Asian American, 4.7% (5,171) black or African American, 0.4% (472) Pacific Islander, 1.5% (1,643) Native American, 10.2% (11,179) of other races, and 16.3% (17,888) from two or more races. 27.6% (30,366) of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=redistricting&g=1600000US0678120&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P1|access-date=September 22, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}

As of 2010 Temecula had a population of 100,097.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0678120|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715094117/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0678120|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Temecula city|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}} The population density was {{convert|3318|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of Temecula was 70,880 (70.8%) White (57.2% Non-Hispanic White),{{Cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0678120.html |title=Temecula (City) QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau |access-date=January 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701092800/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0678120.html |archive-date=July 1, 2012 |url-status=dead }} 4,132 (4.1%) African American, 1,079 (1.1%) Native American, 9,765 (9.8%) Asian, 368 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 7,928 (7.9%) from other races, and 5,945 (5.9%) from two or more races. There were 24,727 people of Hispanic or Latino origin, of any race (24.7%).

The Census reported that 99,968 people (99.9% of the population) lived in households, 121 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and eight (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 31,781 households, out of which 15,958 (50.2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 20,483 (64.5%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 3,763 (11.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,580 (5.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,463 (4.6%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 186 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 4,400 households (13.8%) were made up of individuals, and 1,387 (4.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15. There were 25,826 families (81.3% of all households); the average family size was 3.46.

The population was spread out, with 30,690 people (30.7%) under the age of 18, 9,317 people (9.3%) aged 18 to 24, 27,869 people (27.8%) aged 25 to 44, 24,416 people (24.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 7,805 people (7.8%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

There were 34,004 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1127.2|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units |units|}}, of which 21,984 (69.2%) were owner-occupied, and 9,797 (30.8%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.1%. 69,929 people (69.9% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 30,039 people (30.0%) lived in rental housing units.

The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey reported an estimated 1.5% of the population of Temecula's working force, or 1,085 individuals, were involved with the U.S. Armed Forces as of 2011. This figure is slightly higher than the 2011 estimated national average of 0.5%.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|title=U.S. Census website|publisher=United States Census Bureau|website=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 31, 2017}}

During 2013–2017, Temecula had a median household income of $87,115, with 6.8% of the population living below the federal poverty line.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/temeculacitycalifornia|title=United States Census Bureau QuickFacts, Temecula, CA |access-date=May 7, 2019}} In 2017, Temecula had an estimated average household income of $97,573.{{cite web|url=https://temeculaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5010/Pop-Facts-Demographics-2018|title=City of Temecula Pop-Facts Demographics|access-date=May 10, 2019|archive-date=May 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526003702/https://temeculaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5010/Pop-Facts-Demographics-2018|url-status=dead}} According to the Temecula Office of Economic Development, the city has an actual average household income of $103,945 in 2019.{{cite web|url=https://temeculaca.gov/586/Office-of-Economic-Development|title=Office of Economic Development | Temecula CA}}

According to the United States Census Bureau, the percentage of city residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher during 2013-2017 was 32.1%.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/temeculacitycalifornia|title=United States Census Bureau QuickFacts, Temecula, CA |access-date=May 10, 2019}}

In 2000 the population was 57,716, with 18,293 households and 15,164 families.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}} The population density was {{convert|2198.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|adj=off}}. There were 19,099 housing units at an average density of {{convert|727.4|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units |units|}}. The racial makeup of the city was 78.9% White, 3.4% African American, 0.9% Native American, 4.7% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 7.4% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.0% of the population.

There were 18,293 households, out of which 52.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.8% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.1% were non-families. 12.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.2 and the average family size was 3.5.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 34.7% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 17.2% from 45 to 64, and 7.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. The above-average number of young people in Temecula was attributed to an influx of middle-class families came to buy homes in the 1990s real estate boom. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.2 males.

According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $75,335, and the median income for a family was $80,836.[http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ACSSAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=16000US0659451&_geoContext=01000US|04000US06|16000US0659451&_street=&_county=temecula&_cityTown=temecula&_state=04000US06&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=geoSelect&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=160&_submenuId=factsheet_1&ds_name=ACS_2006_SAFF&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null®=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry= Temecula city, California] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200216060839/http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ACSSAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=16000US0659451&_geoContext=01000US%7C04000US06%7C16000US0659451&_street=&_county=temecula&_cityTown=temecula&_state=04000US06&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=geoSelect&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=160&_submenuId=factsheet_1&ds_name=ACS_2006_SAFF&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null®=null:null&_keyword=&_industry= |date=February 16, 2020 }} factfinder.census.gov Males had a median income of $47,113 (2000) versus $31,608 (2000) for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,312 (2003). About 5.6% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.1% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

Supported by high median and mean income levels,{{Cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0678120lk.html |title=Temecula city, California QuickLinks from the US Census Bureau |access-date=July 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708105332/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0678120lk.html |archive-date=July 8, 2013 |url-status=dead }} the city is a prominent tourist destination,{{Cite web |url=http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/temecula/temecula-headlines-index/20130720-temecula-huge-uptick-for-local-tourism-industry.ece |title=TEMECULA: Huge uptick for local tourism industry | Temecula News | PE.com - Press-Enterprise |access-date=September 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926142326/http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/temecula/temecula-headlines-index/20130720-temecula-huge-uptick-for-local-tourism-industry.ece |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/Visitors/|title=Things To Do, Lodging & Transportation - Temecula CA|website=Cityoftemecula.org|access-date=November 3, 2018|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817211108/http://www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/Visitors/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/stay-and-play-in-temeculas-wine-country.html|title=Stay and Play in Temecula's Wine Country |access-date=May 7, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.winemag.com/top-10-wine-travel-destinations-2019/temecula-valley-california/|title=10 Best Wine Travel Destinations of 2019, Temecula Valley, CA |access-date=May 7, 2019}} with the Temecula Valley Wine Country, Old Town Temecula, the Temecula Valley Polo Club, the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival, the Temecula Valley International Film Festival, championship golf courses, and resorts. Other key economic sectors are education, professional, finance, and retail.{{cite web|url=http://www.scag.ca.gov/resources/pdfs/2013LP/Temecula.pdf|title=Pages : Document Libraries|website=Scag.ca.gov|access-date=November 3, 2018}}

{{As of|2023|6}}, the top ten employers in Temecula were:{{Cite web|url=https://temeculaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16087/ACFR---Fiscal-Year-Ending-2023-PDF|title=Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023|website=City of Temecula|page=169|access-date=April 20, 2024}}

File:Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.jpg

The Temecula Valley Wine Country, whose first commercial winegrapes were planted in 1967, features nearly 50 wineries,{{cite web |title=Wineries |url=https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/wine/wineries/ |website=Visit Temecula Valley |access-date=April 20, 2024}} many tasting rooms,{{cite web|url=http://www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/History/ForgottenVineyard.htm|title=The Forgotten Vineyard - Temecula CA|website=Cityoftemecula.org|access-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531112555/http://www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/History/ForgottenVineyard.htm|archive-date=May 31, 2016|url-status=dead}} and more than {{convert|3500|acre|km2}} of producing vineyards. The wine country is located east of the Temecula city limits. The annual Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival, held at nearby Lake Skinner, offers live entertainment, hot air balloon rides, and wine tasting.

There are several local golf courses, including Pechanga's Journey, Redhawk, Temecula Creek Inn, The Legends Golf Club at Temeku Hills, CrossCreek, Pala Mesa Resort (near Fallbrook) and The Golf Club at Rancho California (in nearby Murrieta).

File:Old Town Temecula Entrance.jpg

Old Town Temecula, the city's downtown district, is a collection of historic buildings, hotels, museums, event centers, specialty food stores, restaurants, boutiques, gift and collectible stores, and antique dealers. On Saturdays, Old Town has an outdoor farmers' market featuring approximately 70 to 80 local vendors.{{cite web|url=https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/event/temecula-farmers-market/12/|title=Temecula Farmers Market|website=Visittemeculavalley.com|access-date=November 3, 2018}} Old Town is also home to special events including the Rod Run car show, Art and Street Painting Festival, Santa's Electric Parade Show, western days, and summer entertainment. Old Town also hosts a growing nightlife.

Old Town is also home to the Temecula Valley Museum, which features exhibits about the local band of Native Americans and the local natural history and city development.{{cite web|url=http://www.temeculavalleymuseum.org/|title=Temecula Valley Museum|website=Temecula Valley Museum|access-date=November 3, 2018}} The City Hall is located in the center of Old Town.

Old Town has the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, a 354-seat proscenium theater{{Cite web|url=https://temeculaca.gov/521/About-Us|title=About Us {{!}} Temecula CA|website=temeculaca.gov|access-date=December 20, 2018}} as well as The Merc, a 48-seat blackbox performance venue adjacent to the main theater.

File:35853-The-Cove-1140x642.jpg]]

In 2002, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians opened the $262 million Pechanga Resort & Casino outside city limits. It employs 5,000 people and is Temecula Valley's largest employer.{{cite web | url=https://www.pechanga-nsn.gov/index.php/tribal-economy/pechanga-resort-casino | title=Pechanga Band of Indians - Pechanga Resort & Casino }}

• Temecula Bluegrass Festival{{cite web|url=http://www.temeculabluegrass.org/html/about_us.html|title=Temecula Bluegrass Festival|website=Temeculabluegrass.org|access-date=August 31, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718033642/http://www.temeculabluegrass.org/html/about_us.html|archive-date=July 18, 2007}}
• Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival{{cite web|url=http://www.tvbwf.com/|title=Home - Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival|website=Tvbwf.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}}
• Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival{{cite web|url=http://temeculavalley.bside.com/2009/|title=Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival|website=Temeculavalley.bside.com|access-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419215700/http://temeculavalley.bside.com/2009/|archive-date=April 19, 2010|url-status=dead}}
• Temecula Valley International Jazz Festival{{Cite web |url=http://www.temeculajazzfest.com/ |title=Temeculajazzfest.com |access-date=December 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805150735/http://temeculajazzfest.com/ |archive-date=August 5, 2018 |url-status=dead }}
• Temecula Street Painting Festival{{cite web|url=http://www.temeculacalifornia.com/Street_Painting_Festival/street_painting_festival.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020408232740/http://www.temeculacalifornia.com/Street_Painting_Festival/street_painting_festival.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 8, 2002|title=Temecula Street Painting Festival|first=Melody|last=Brunsting|website=Temeculacalifornia.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}}
• Temecula Greek Festival{{cite web|url=http://www.temeculagreekfest.com/|title=Temecula Greek Festival|website=Temeculagreekfest.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}}
• Taste of Temecula Valley{{cite web|url=https://temeculaeducationfoundation.org/taste-of-temecula-valley/|title=Taste of Temecula Valley|website=temeculaeducationfoundation.org|access-date=May 17, 2019}}

Temecula is home to the Temecula Valley Inline Hockey Association (TVIHA), a local inline hockey organization that provides school and recreational programs.{{cite web |title=Temecula Valley Inline Hockey Association |url=https://www.tviha.com/home |publisher=SportsEngine, Inc. |access-date=March 12, 2020}}

Temecula is also known as the home for the Freestyle Motocross group Metal Mulisha with members such as Brian Deegan, Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg, and Ronnie Faisst living in or near Temecula.

Since 2012, Temecula has also been home to the Wine Town Rollers (WTR) roller derby league.

Temecula is home to a semi-pro soccer team, Temecula FC (also known as the Quails). The area used to have another semi-pro soccer team, the Murrieta Bandits, in the 2000s.

Boxing and Mixed martial arts fight cards are held at Pechanga Resort & Casino.{{cite web|url=http://www.iesportsnet.com/cbs-sports-pro-boxing-at-pechanga/|title=CBS Sports pro boxing puts championships on the line at Pechanga Resort & Casino|website=Iesportsnet.com|access-date=July 18, 2018|date=July 6, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pe.com/2018/01/25/bellator-mma-returns-to-pechanga-resort-casino/|title=Bellator MMA returns to Pechanga Resort & Casino|website=Pe.com|access-date=July 18, 2018|date=January 25, 2018}}

Temecula has 41 parks, {{Convert|22|mi|km}} of trails, and 14 major community facilities.{{cite book |title=2020 City of Temecula Community Services Master Plan |publisher=City of Temecula |location=Temecula, CA |page=3 |url=https://temeculaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11006/Temecula-Community-Services-Master-Plan |access-date=September 13, 2022}} In 2013, it was named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community and it was named a Playful City USA.{{cite web|url=http://www.sddt.com/News/article.cfm?SourceCode=20130510cwd#.Uju8_MZ6bNk|title=KaBOOM! names Temecula among 217 'Playful City USA' communities|first=San Diego|last=Source|date=May 10, 2013|website=Sddt.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://temeculaoutreach.org/press-releases/city-of-temecula-named-a-bronze-level-bicycle-friendly-community|title=City of Temecula Named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community|website=Temeculaoutreach.org|access-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901031003/http://temeculaoutreach.org/press-releases/city-of-temecula-named-a-bronze-level-bicycle-friendly-community|archive-date=September 1, 2017|url-status=dead}} Temecula's Pennypickle's Workshop was a winner of Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Award for "Best Museum" and "Best Kids' Party Place".{{cite web|url=http://www.pennypickles.org/|title=Home - Pennypickle's Workshop|website=Pennypickle's Workshop, the Temecula Children's Museum|access-date=August 31, 2017}}

Temecula's sports parks include the Ronald Reagan Sports Park (formerly the Rancho California Sports Park)In one of Ronald Reagan's presidential speeches, Temecula was mentioned by President Reagan, where he said: "There are similar stories right here in California, the folks in a rather small town, Temecula. They got together and built themselves a sports park, held fundraising barbecues and dinners. And those that didn't have money, volunteered the time and energy. And now the young people of that community have baseball diamonds for Little League and other sports events, just due to what's traditional Americanism." – at a luncheon meeting of the United States Olympic Committee in Los Angeles, California March 3, 1983. See [http://www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/Residents/ParksFacilities/Parks/RonaldReaganSportsPark.htm City of Temecula: Ronald Reagan Sports Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055024/http://www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/Residents/ParksFacilities/Parks/RonaldReaganSportsPark.htm |date=September 21, 2013 }} and the Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park.

Temecula offers various sport options as youth extracurricular activities, such as football (both flag and Pop Warner), cheerleading, roller hockey, wrestling, basketball, baseball, soccer, and lacrosse. In 2010, the Temecula Mountain Lions Rugby Club was started. The club offers men's, women's, and youth teams. In their first season, the Temecula Mountain Lions Rugby Club's men's team won the SCRFU Open Division Championship.

File:Temecula City Hall (9671262878).jpg style]]

Federal:

• In the United States House of Representatives, Temecula is in {{Representative|cacd|48|fmt=district}}.{{Cite web

|url = http://wedrawthelines.ca.gov/downloads/meeting_handouts_072011/handouts_20110729_q2_cd_finaldraft_splits.zip

|title = Communities of Interest – City

|publisher = California Citizens Redistricting Commission

|access-date = September 27, 2014

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130930184128/http://wedrawthelines.ca.gov/downloads/meeting_handouts_072011/handouts_20110729_q2_cd_finaldraft_splits.zip

|archive-date = September 30, 2013

|url-status = dead

|df = mdy-all

}}

State:

• In the California State Legislature, Temecula is in {{Representative|casd|32|fmt=sdistrict}}, and in {{Representative|caad|71|fmt=adistrict}}.{{Cite web

| url = http://statewidedatabase.org/gis/gis2011/index_2011.html

| title = Statewide Database

| publisher = UC Regents

| access-date = November 20, 2014

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150201113744/http://statewidedatabase.org/gis/gis2011/index_2011.html

| archive-date = February 1, 2015

| url-status = dead

}}

Local:

• In the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Temecula is in the Third District, represented by Chuck Washington.{{Cite web|url=http://supervisorchuckwashington.com/our-district/|title = Our District}}

Public schools in Temecula are operated by the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD), whose schools are consistently ranked as having the highest Academic Performance Indices within Riverside County.{{cite web|url=https://livingintemeculaca.com/temecula-schools/|title=Temecula Schools - California Distinguished Schools - Temecula CA|website=LivinginTemeculaCa|access-date=September 6, 2020}} Great Oak, Chaparral, and Temecula Valley high schools have all received silver medals in the U.S. News Best High Schools rankings awarded by U.S. News & World Report.{{Cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/california/districts/temecula-valley-unified-school-district |title=Temecula Valley Unified School District | California | Best High Schools | US News |access-date=December 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814072333/http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/california/districts/temecula-valley-unified-school-district |archive-date=August 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}

The district's general boundaries extend north to French Valley, south to the Riverside/San Diego county line, east to Vail Lake, and west to the Temecula city limit. The district covers approximately {{convert|148|sqmi|km2|0}}, with an enrollment of over 28,000 students.{{cite web|url=https://temeculaca.gov/723/School-District|title=Temecula Unified School District - Temecula CA|website=Temeculaca.gov|access-date=November 3, 2018}}

• Concord Lutheran Academy
• Linfield Christian School
• Rancho Christian School
• Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School
• Van Avery Prep

• Julian Charter School of Temecula
• River Springs Charter School
• Temecula International Academy
• Temecula Preparatory School
• Temecula Valley Charter School

Temecula is home to Mt. San Jacinto College, a public community college. Mt. San Jacinto College relocated from a smaller site west of Interstate 15 after purchasing two 5-story buildings from Abbott Laboratories in 2018.{{cite web |last1=Newell |first1=Shane |title=Mt. San Jacinto College buys two Temecula buildings for $56 million |url=https://www.pe.com/2018/03/20/mt-san-jacinto-college-buys-two-temecula-buildings-for-56-million/ |website=The Press-Enterprise |date=March 21, 2018 |publisher=MediaNews Group |access-date=March 16, 2022}} The first phase of the nearly {{Convert|350000|sqft|adj=on}} campus opened in August 2021.{{cite web |last1=Escobar |first1=Allyson |title=Mt. San Jacinto College opens new Temecula Valley campus |url=https://www.pe.com/2021/08/17/mt-san-jacinto-college-opens-new-temecula-valley-campus/ |website=The Press-Enterprise |date=August 17, 2021 |publisher=MediaNews Group |access-date=March 16, 2022}}{{cite web |title=Temecula Valley Campus |url=https://www.msjc.edu/locations/Temecula-Valley-Campus.html |website=Mt. San Jacinto College |access-date=March 16, 2022}}

Temecula is also home to a satellite campus for California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), which offers several online and certificate programs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.csusm.edu/temecula/index.html|title=California State University San Marcos at Temecula {{!}} CSUSM|website=www.csusm.edu|access-date=April 7, 2019}} National University, University of Redlands, Concordia University, and San Joaquin Valley College also have education centers in Temecula.{{Cite web|url=https://temeculaca.gov/739/Nearby-Educational-Facilities|title=Nearby Educational Facilities {{!}} Temecula CA|website=temeculaca.gov|access-date=April 7, 2019}} Temecula is also home to Professional Golfers Career College, a vocational school for those wishing to enter the golf industry.{{Cite web|url=http://golfcollege.edu/|title=Professional Golfers Career College}}

The Temecula area is served by two major highways: Interstate 15 and State Route 79.

Interstate 15 has three full interchanges in Temecula, and a fourth, French Valley Parkway, is partially constructed, with only the southbound off-ramp completed. Construction has begun on a set of additional northbound lanes that would eliminate weaving near the planned interchange between Winchester Road and the I-15/I-215 split, but completion of the interchange itself, and the collector-distributor lane system that accompanies it, is not anticipated for several more years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pe.com/2016/02/21/temecula-city-working-on-winchester-roadi-215-shortcut/|title=TEMECULA: City working on Winchester Road/I-215 shortcut|date=February 21, 2016|website=Press Enterprise|language=en-US|access-date=July 8, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.pe.com/temecula-seeking-50-million-to-unlock-15-215-freeway-bottleneck|title=Temecula seeking $50 million to unlock 15-215 Freeway bottleneck|date=February 22, 2019|website=Press Enterprise|language=en-US|access-date=July 8, 2019}}

State Route 79 enters the Temecula area after passing Vail Lake, paralleling Temecula Creek for several miles, and it becomes a six-lane, city-maintained thoroughfare known as Temecula Parkway before it overlaps with Interstate 15. It leaves the freeway {{Convert|3|mi|4=0|spell=in}} later as Winchester Road (which is maintained by the city until it reaches the northern city limits) and continues north toward the cities of Hemet, San Jacinto, and Beaumont.

Major west-east thoroughfares in the city include Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Nicholas Road, Rancho California Road, Pauba Road, and Temecula Parkway. Major north-south thoroughfares include Jefferson Avenue, Ynez Road, Margarita Road, Meadows Parkway, and Butterfield Stage Road. Pechanga Parkway, which runs through the southwest portion of the city, carries the routing of County Route S16, although it is not signed as such within the city limits.

The Riverside Transit Agency bus system serves the Temecula area with Routes 23, 24, 55, 61, 79, 202, 205, 206, 208, and 217, as well as connections to Greyhound Lines.{{Cite web|url=https://www.riversidetransit.com/index.php/maps-schedules|title=Maps & Schedules|website=www.riversidetransit.com|access-date=August 1, 2019}}

The possibility of extending Metrolink's 91/Perris Valley Line from South Perris to Temecula was considered in a 2005 feasibility study, which would have the extension run along either Winchester Road or Interstate 215, though this extension was never created.[http://rctcdev.info/uploads/media_items/railfeasibilitystudy-2005.original.pdf RCTC Commuter Rail Feasibility Study]

The French Valley Airport is located in the Temecula Valley. Temecula is also located within {{convert|60|mi}} of both the Ontario International Airport and San Diego International Airport.{{Cite web|url=https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/about/map-and-directions/nearby-airports/|title=Nearby & Closest Airports to Temecula California|website=Visit Temecula Valley|language=en-US|access-date=January 9, 2020}}

The Temecula Cemetery is operated by the Temecula Public Cemetery District.{{cite web|url=http://capc.info/members.html|title=California Association of Public Cemeteries|website=Capc.info|access-date=August 31, 2017}} Land for the cemetery was originally donated by Mercedes Pujol in 1884 from the estate of her husband, Domingo Pujol.{{cite web|url=http://www.temeculapubliccemeterydistrict.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=124|title=History of the Temecula Public Cemetery District|website=Temeculapubliccemeterydistrict.org|access-date=November 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209144821/http://temeculapubliccemeterydistrict.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=124|archive-date=December 9, 2013|url-status=dead}}

Temecula is home to Temecula Valley Hospital, a five-story, 140-bed hospital that opened in October 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/07/13/news/californian/8_22_547_12_07.txt|title=North County News - San Diego Union Tribune|website=Nctimes.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.temeculavalleyhospital.com/about|title=About the Hospital|website=Temecula Valley Hospital|date=April 28, 2016|language=en-US|access-date=January 9, 2020}} Temecula Valley Hospital is a member of Universal Health Services.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uhsinc.com/our-communities/|title=UHS Healthcare Facility Locations|website=Universal Health Services, Inc.|language=en-US|access-date=January 9, 2020}}

Kaiser Permanente and UC San Diego Health both offer services in Temecula.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/lightbay-backs-rancho-family-medical-in-southern-california-11611057600?st=39ho1taf2cqjnpm&reflink=article_copyURL_share|title=LightBack Backs Rancho Family Medical In Southern California|newspaper=WSJ|access-date=October 11, 2023 |last1=Taylor |first1=Isaac }}{{Cite web|url=https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/southern-california/facilities/Temecula-Medical-Offices-300020|title=Temecula Medical Offices|website=Kaiser Permanente|access-date=May 17, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://health.ucsd.edu/locations/Pages/Temecula.aspx|title=Clinic Location: Temecula {{!}} UC San Diego Health|website=UC Health - UC San Diego|language=en-US|access-date=May 18, 2019}}

• Grace Mellman Community Library
• Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library

Police service in Temecula is provided in cooperation with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department via a contract with the department fulfilled through its Southwest Sheriff's Station, located in the unincorporated community of French Valley, just north of the city of Temecula, east of State Route 79 (Winchester Road). The station is adjacent to the Riverside County Superior Court's Southwest Regional Judicial District Courthouse and Southwest Detention Center, one of the five regional jails in Riverside County. The sheriff's station is currently commanded by Captain Lisa McConnell,{{cite web|url=http://www.riversidesheriff.org/stations/southwest.asp|title=Sheriff-Coroner : Riverside County, California|website=Riversidesheriff.org|access-date=August 31, 2017}} who also serves as Temecula's Chief of Police.

The city of Temecula contracts for fire and paramedic services with the Riverside County Fire Department through a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE. Temecula currently has five fire stations with five paramedic engine companies, one truck company and two CAL FIRE wildland fire engines.{{cite web|url=http://rvcfire.org/about-us/service-area|title=Service Area|website=rvcfire.org|access-date=August 31, 2017}}

American Medical Response provides paramedic ambulance transport to an emergency department.

The Temecula area is home to dozens of places of worship and various religious denominations, including:

• Calvary Chapel Bible Church, a {{Convert|35,000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} church and cultural center located in the Temecula Valley Wine Country.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbctemecula.org/|title=Calvary Baptist Church - Temecula, CA|website=Calvary Baptist Church - Temecula, CA|access-date=August 31, 2017}}
• Chabad of Temecula, a Jewish synagog and community center serving all Jews regardless of affiliation.{{cite web|url=http://JEWISHTEMECULA.COM|title=Chabad of Temecula|website=Jewishtemecula.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}}
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, representing what is thought to be the largest Mormon percentage community in California, the legacy of the San Bernardino LDS (Mormon) colony{{cite web|url=http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/score_lessons/willis/|title=Mormon Colony San Bernardino: Home|website=Score.rims.k12.ca.us|access-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029023351/http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/score_lessons/willis/|archive-date=October 29, 2017|url-status=dead}} and settlement of the San Diego Mountain Empire as a part of the proposed State of Deseret in the second half of the 19th century.{{cite web|url=http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/history/gathering/California_EOM.htm|title=Pioneer Settlements in California|website=Lightplanet.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}}
• The Islamic Center of Temecula Valley, which is located in the northeastern part of the city.{{cite web|url=http://www.icotv.org/|title=Welcome to ICTV – The Islamic Center of Temecula Valley • 31061 Nicolas Road, Temecula, CA 92591|website=Icotv.org|access-date=August 31, 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/01/temecula-approves-mosque-after-contentious-8-hour-hearing.html|date=January 26, 2011|title=Temecula approves mosque after contentious 8-hour hearing|newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}, Retrieved June 4, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.icotv.org/new-masjid-project/|title=New Masjid Project – Welcome to ICTV|website=Icotv.org|access-date=November 3, 2018}}
• Reliance Church, located on Santiago Road east of Old Town Temecula. The church is built on the site of Temecula's first schoolhouse, which was built in 1889. The schoolhouse was converted into a chapel in 1915 and is still in use as part of the church.{{cite web |title=Building a Legacy |date=August 5, 2015 |url=https://www.reliancechurch.org/building-a-legacy/|publisher=Reliance Church |access-date=October 5, 2022}}
• St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Parish, which was established in 1910 with a chapel built in Old Town Temecula in 1917. To make space for its growing congregation, the parish relocated and sold its former chapel (now known as the Chapel of Memories) to the Old Town Museum for a dollar.{{Cite web |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2010/Nov/05/temecula-parish-to-mark-100-years/#article-copy |title=Temecula parish to mark 100 years |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714171725/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2010/Nov/05/temecula-parish-to-mark-100-years/#article-copy |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=dead |date=November 5, 2010 }}

• {{flagdeco|JPN}} Nakayama-Daisen (Japan; since 1994)
• {{flagdeco|NED}} Leidschendam-Voorburg (Netherlands; 1993–2019)

Temecula maintains international relations with Daisen, Tottori in Japan. Until 2019, the city also maintained international relations with Leidschendam-Voorburg in the Netherlands.{{cite web |title=Sister Cities |url=https://temeculaca.gov/743/Sister-Cities |website=City of Temecula |access-date=March 8, 2020}}

The city dedicated a Japanese Garden at the Temecula Duck Pond to honor the 10th anniversary of their relationship with sister city Daisen.

The Temecula Duck Pond is also home to an art piece entitled "Singing in the Rain". It was commissioned by the city of Leidschendam-Voorburg as a gift to the city to commemorate the resilient American spirit in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. The piece depicts a mother and her children bravely pedaling a bicycle into the strong headwinds of a storm.{{cite web|url=https://www.pe.com/2013/09/11/temecula-candles-tulips-mark-somber-ceremonies/|title=Temecula: Candles, tulips mark somber ceremonies|date=September 11, 2013|first=Aaron |last=Claverie | newspaper=The Press-Enterprise|access-date=November 3, 2018}}

{{More citations needed section|date=March 2015}}

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• Nate Adams, freestyle motocross rider
• Tim Barela, author of the comic strip Leonard & Larry{{cite web|last=Suresha |first=Ron |author-link=Ron Suresha |title=Portrait of the Cartoonist as a Middle-Aged Bear: An Interview with Tim Barela |url=http://www.leonardandlarry.com/interview1.htm |access-date=February 3, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070801020818/http://www.leonardandlarry.com/interview1.htm |archive-date=August 1, 2007 }}
• Maurice Benard, actor
• Rob Brantly, Major League Baseball catcher, attended Chaparral High School{{Cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brantro01.shtml |title=Rob Brantly Statistics and History |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |access-date=March 26, 2015}}
• Allen Craig, former Major League Baseball first baseman and outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox, caught last out of the 2011 World Series{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/allen-craig-501800|title=Allen Craig Stats, Fantasy & News|website=Major League Baseball|language=en-US|access-date=January 13, 2018}}
• Timmy Curran, professional surfer
• Terrell Davis, retired Denver Broncos Pro Bowl running back
• Brian Deegan, freestyle motocross rider and founder of Metal Mulisha, had an estate in Temecula; he put it up for sale in 2020{{Cite web|last=White|first=Randy|date=October 2, 2020|title=Motocross Rider Brian Deegan Selling $5.9M Estate in SoCal Wine Country|url=https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/brian-deegan-selling-estate-in-socal-wine-country/|access-date=September 18, 2021|website=realtor.com|language=en-US}}
• Hailie Deegan, NASCAR driver and daughter of Brian Deegan
• Ronnie Faisst, professional freestyle motocross and snow bikecross rider
• Larry Fortensky, last husband of Elizabeth Taylor{{cite web|url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/elizabeth-taylors-eighth-husband-faces-eviction-20110317-020000-102.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321045734/http://in.news.yahoo.com/elizabeth-taylors-eighth-husband-faces-eviction-20110317-020000-102.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 21, 2011|title=Elizabeth Taylor''s eighth husband faces eviction - Yahoo! News|date=March 21, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2018}}
• Andy Fraser, songwriter and musician{{cite web|url=https://jammerzine.com/cause-of-death-determined-for-all-right-now-songwriter-andy-fraser/ |title=Cause of Death Determined for "All Right Now" Songwriter Andy Fraser |publisher=Jammerzine |date=June 1, 2015}}
• Erle Stanley Gardner, author, wrote over 100 of the Perry Mason novels at his Temecula ranch, "Rancho del Paisano" between 1931 and his death in 1970
• Sarah Hammer, professional racing cyclist and two-time Olympic silver medalist
• Christy Hemme, professional wrestler and manager
• Dan Henderson, mixed martial artist and Greco-Roman wrestling Olympian
• Reed Johnson, Major League Baseball outfielder
• Tori Kelly, singer and songwriter
• Troy Lyndon, CEO of Inspired Media Entertainment and developer of the first 3D Madden NFL game
• Alex Mahan, creator of the video game Yandere Simulator{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/xygzd7/what-the-hell-is-up-with-this-homicidal-japanese-schoolgirl-simulator |title=What the Hell Is Up with This Homicidal Japanese Schoolgirl Simulator? |first=Emanuel |last=Maiberg |date=December 14, 2015 |magazine=Vice Magazine |access-date=May 5, 2020 |archive-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210225825/https://www.vice.com/en/article/xygzd7/what-the-hell-is-up-with-this-homicidal-japanese-schoolgirl-simulator |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-22-what-is-yandere-simulator-and-why-has-twitch-banned-it |title=What is Yandere Simulator, and why has Twitch banned it? |first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |date=January 22, 2016 |website=Eurogamer |access-date=May 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615033609/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-22-what-is-yandere-simulator-and-why-has-twitch-banned-it |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |url-status=live }}
• Cindy Marina, model who was crowned Miss Universe Albania 2019{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGkL4cjbizw|title=Miss Universe Albania 2019 is Cindy Marina|website=YouTube |date=June 7, 2019|language=Albanian}}{{cite web|url=https://beautypageants.indiatimes.com/Cindy-Marina-crowned-Miss-Universe-Albania-2019/Cindy-Marina-crowned-Miss-Universe-Albania-2019/eventshow/69701434.cms|title=Cindy Marina crowned Miss Universe Albania 2019|date=June 8, 2019|publisher=Femina Miss India}}
• Margaret Martin, professional bodybuilder
• Julie Masi, member of the Parachute Club music group, resided in Temecula 1990–2005
• Sydnee Michaels, LPGA Tour golfer
• Trevi Moran, YouTuber and X-Factor contestant 2012
• Dean Norris, actor, best known for his role in Breaking Bad{{Cite web|title='Breaking Bad' actor, wife open Murrieta arts center for youths|author=Newell, Shane|work=Press-Enterprise|date=January 8, 2018|url=https://www.pe.com/2018/01/07/breaking-bad-alum-wife-open-murrieta-arts-center-for-youths/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207063222/https://www.pe.com/2018/01/07/breaking-bad-alum-wife-open-murrieta-arts-center-for-youths/|archive-date=February 7, 2018}}
• Antonio Pontarelli, rock violinist, and grand champion of PAX TV's America's Most Talented Kids
• Brooks Pounders, Major League Baseball pitcher
• Olivia Rodrigo, actress and singer-songwriter{{cite web | url=https://www.pressenterprise.com/2024/01/03/olivia-rodrigo-has-deep-roots-in-temecula-murrieta/ | title=Olivia Rodrigo has deep roots in Temecula, Murrieta | date=January 3, 2024 }}
• Stan Sakai, creator of Usagi Yojimbo{{cite news |last=Barrera |first=Sandra |date=January 6, 2018 |title=Meet 'Usagi Yojimbo' creator – and Temecula resident – Stan Sakai at the Japanese American National Museum |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2018/01/06/meet-usagi-yojimbo-creator-and-temecula-resident-stan-sakai-at-the-japanese-american-national-museum/ |work=Orange County Register |access-date=January 7, 2018 }}
• Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg, professional freestyle motocross rider and professional off-road truck racer
• Justin Simon (born 1996), basketball player for Bnei Herzliya of the Israeli Basketball Premier League until November 2023{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/168079/justin-simon |title=Justin Simon |website=espn.com}}{{cite web |title=Bnei Herzliya signs Adonis Thomas, parts ways with Justin Simon |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/bnei-herzliya-signs-adonis-thomas-parts-ways-with-justin-simon/ |website=Sportando |access-date=December 8, 2023 |date=November 19, 2023}}
• Taylor Tomlinson, stand-up comedian and podcaster{{cite web|url=https://www.pe.com/2016/09/08/how-temecula-comedian-22-went-from-church-functions-to-hosting-foxs-laughs/|work=The Press-Enterprise|location=Temecula, California|date=September 8, 2016|title=How Temecula comedian, 22, went from church functions to hosting Fox's 'Laughs'|last=Schulte|first=Stephanie|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200402054334/https://www.pe.com/2016/09/08/how-temecula-comedian-22-went-from-church-functions-to-hosting-foxs-laughs/|archive-date=April 2, 2020}}
• Mark Towle, automobile customizer
• Kelsie Whitmore, professional baseball player{{cite web|url=https://www.ocregister.com/articles/whitmore-722953-baseball-team.html|title=CSF softball recruit Kelsie Whitmore eyes a baseball career|date=July 20, 2016}}
• Cassidy Wolf, model who was crowned Miss California Teen USA 2013 and Miss Teen USA 2013
• Xenia, singer, appeared on Season 1 of The Voice{{cite web|title=TEMECULA: Xenia performance kicks off film and music festival|url=http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/temecula/article_e9f69a36-b39c-5296-8dc1-58b384a4f6d4.html|publisher=NC Times|access-date=May 5, 2012}}
• Jerry Yang, 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event winner{{Cite web |title=Jerry Yang |url=https://www.wsop.com/players/profile/?playerid=13044 |access-date=October 26, 2011 |website=WSOP.com}}

{{div col end}}

{{portal|California}}

• Temecula Creek
• Temecula Valley
• Temecula Valley AVA

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |last=Hudson |first=Tom |title=A Thousand Years in Temecula Valley|year=1981 |publisher=Old Town Temecula Museum |location=Temecula, California |oclc=8262626 |isbn=978-0931700064 |lccn=81053017}} {{LCC|F868.R6 H83 1981}}.

{{commons category}}

{{Wikivoyage|Temecula}}

• {{Official website|https://www.temeculaca.gov/}}

{{Geographic location|Centre = Temecula

|North = Murrieta

|Northeast = French Valley
Lake Skinner

|East = Aguanga

|Southeast = Pechanga Indian Reservation
Rainbow

|South = North San Diego County
Rainbow

|Southwest = Unincorporated Riverside County
North San Diego County
Fallbrook

|West = Unincorporated Riverside County

|Northwest = Murrieta}}

{{Riverside County, California}}

{{Inland Empire}}

{{Greater Los Angeles Area}}

{{authority control}}

Category:1859 establishments in California

Category:1989 establishments in California

Category:Cities in Riverside County, California

Category:Incorporated cities and towns in California

Category:Populated places established in 1859

Category:Populated places established in 1989