Earle Stanley Gardner, Jerry Yang, Balloon Flights and more ....

Did you know that Temecula has two sister cities? Yes, it maintains connections with Leidschendam-Voorburg in the Netherlands and Daisen, Tottori in Japan. Still to find out: what joint endeavors do these cities take part in? Did you know that Jerry Yang, the winner of the World Series of Poker in 2007, lives in Temecula? How about the fact that Earle Stanley Gardner wrote 100 of his Perry Mason novels from his ranch in Temecula? Yep.This from Wikipedia: "He died on March 11, 1970 in Temecula, California. ^[3]Gardner's ranch was known as Rancho del Paisano at the time. It was variously described as being 700 acres (2.8 km²), 1,000 acres (4.0 km²), or 3,000 acres (12 km²) and was sold after his death to a Newport Beach couple. In 2001, the ranch was resold to the Pechanga Band of Indians, renamed into Great Oak Ranch and eventually adjoined to the Pechanga reservation.In 2003, Temecula Valley Unified School District named a newly opened middle school after Gardner."

Earle Stanley Gardner (photo, circa 1966)

 A comic strip artist, Tim Barela, lives in Temecula as well.
There is much to attract people to Temecula: the Mediterranean climate, the beautiful view, the wineries, and in recent years, many fine restaurants and shops. Some years ago, the Temecula International Film Festival was initated and there are Bluegrass and Jazz Festivals as well. Just hop online and find these. For those of you who have not yet discovered the French Valley Airport, you can go up for a demo flying lesson for about $100; the flight instructor will actually let you take the wheel ( I did it, so I know). There is also early morning champagne hot air balloon flights. This is a phenomenal date activity: I did that also, on a date with an industrial psychologist. The memories of the view from the balloon and the panorama photos I took of the scenery below are still around. The psychologist? Well, he is ancient history. There is an abundance of lower hills for taking long hikes, even enjoying a picnic. Take the family or a date and savor Temecula.


Jerry Yang, 2007 Winner, World Series of Poker