Community Mission of Hope farm project

This is an amazing local project that I was fortunate enough to become involved with through the new Temecula Valley Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. Working the farm is not only fulfilling, but it is fun. (It's a great workout, too!) Juliet

JDS Creative Academy Launch: A Walk Down the Red Carpet

JDS Creative Academy will be celebrating its grand opening on Friday, August 8^th  from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 28069 Diaz Rd., Suite D & E, in Temecula. A Ribbon Cutting is scheduled for 4:30 pm with the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce. The public is welcome to come celebrate while they learn more about the class offerings, mingle with invited guests and even a celebrity or two. Corinne Massiah, “Lucy” from ABC's Mistresses, will be in attendance. Massiah got her start in the industry through JDS Actors Studio and still takes private coaching through the studio when not busy on the set.

California State University, San Marcos-Temecula and Mount San Jacinto College are strong supporters of JDSCA and are two of the many sponsors for this free event. Entertainment will be provided by the creative arts community, and a variety of restaurants and businesses will donate refreshments and raffle items.

At 5:00 pm attendees will be treated to a presentation by the Academy’s founders and teachers, featuring music, one-act plays, and dramatic readings.

"We're opening this non-profit Academy because we felt there was a real need for an arts training venue in the Temecula Valley," says Diane Strand, Founder of JDSCA. "Our goal is to provide education, hands-on training, and skill development that meet visual and performing arts requirements. We want to help our students advance into higher education and to be trained in a trade where they can prosper in a competitive marketplace." 

 “We’ve recruited a talented group of instructors who will initially be teaching classes in instrumental and vocal music, acting and theater, and practical creative writing,” adds Scott Strand, Co-Founder. “In the future, we’ll be offering more training that will include video production, digital arts, technical staging, and classes in the business of the entertainment industry.”

Due to the connections the Strands have in the entertainment industry and in the local community, they are expecting a large turnout. This event is sure to bring out the stars, entertainment industry professionals, and Southwest California business and government leaders. Anyone who is interested in learning about the education, training and apprenticeship programs being launched through JDS Creative Academy is invited to attend.

ABOUT JDS CREATIVE ACADEMY

In 2010, Scott and Diane Strand, the owners of JDS Video & Media Productions, Inc. started a Drama Club program which launched in the Temecula Unified School District. There was such a huge response that they decided to create an Actors Studio for all ages to learn the technique and craft of Acting, which is now known as JDS Actors Studio.

The Strands felt that the Temecula Valley area would benefit from advanced education in all the Arts. In addition, they want to help home schooled and online students fulfill the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) requirement per the California Education Core Standard, and assist those looking for a career in the arts. To that end, they created the non-profit JDSCA and recruited a group of talented industry professionals working in the arts to make up the Board of Directors. The Academy’s goal is to help anyone who wants an education, hands on training and or an apprenticeship in the Creative Arts field. Students will be provided instruction in a safe collaborative enriching environment where they will learn how to succeed through hardwork, dedication, training, and competition.

Bill Wilson's of Wilson Creek Winery's "Love Letter to Temecula"

This "love letter" ran in the Huffington Post today.  I could not agree more with Bill Wilson's sentiments about our beautiful Temecula Valley!

Did They Just Say "Temecula"?! Nice Shout-Out in Competitor Magazine

Temecula got some positive ink in the March 2014 issue of Competitor (a freebie magazine devoted to running races and triathlons.)

They named our new (and fast-growing!) regional race The St Patrick's Day 15K as one of their Must-Do Races.

I love how they describe our town:

"Temecula, which is about one hour northeast of San Diego, is quickly becoming a favorite spot for Southern California  residents, largely because of its bucolic setting and growing wine industry.  If wine and country living are your thing, consider signing up for the second annual Temecula St. Patrick's Day 15K, which offers participants a hilly, challenging course and a glass of green champagne at the finish line.  Participants also get post-race deals and specials at the Cougar Vineyard and Winery.  If you decide to make a weekend out of your stay in Temecula, check out the available horseback riding in the area; the scallops served at Ponte Winery's restaurant are also a must."

Yes, please, to wine and country living!

The Habit Now Open!

My husband tried to take the kiddos for a quick lunch this afternoon at Temecula's own location of burger-and-fries cult favorite The Habit, but the line was so long they gave up. Great to see this chain off to a good start.

The Habit
Temecula Parkway (79S) in the Home Depot shopping center

Open/Shut

Spotted today while at the office plaza/shopping center on the northwest corner of Ynez and Rancho California:  signs up for a new tenant (finally!) in the long-vacant space that was previously Ben & Jerry's.  What's going in? WestMar Commercial RE says a Mexican bakery called El Limoncito.  Welcome!

Little Gems Hiding in Plain Sight

I go to the Target shopping center all the time, so why have I never noticed this intriguing time capsule before?