San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
GETTING A CLOSE LOOK
An educator from Wild Wonders holds an alligator while giving a presentation to a group during Family Wildlife Day at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve on Nov. 4. 1 p.m. Tuesdays at 32115 Temecula Parkway. Vendors offer fresh produce, cut flowers, local honey, specialty foods and more, and there are activities for children. For information, visit https://www.vailhq.com/ farmers-market.
Nov. 27 TEMECULA Tree lighting
The city of Temecula will hold its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, at the Temecula Duck Pond & Veterans Memorial, 28250 Ynez Road. There will be festive music, treats and a visit from Santa.
Nov. 28 MURRIETA Coffee talks
The Coffee with the City of Murrieta series continues at 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Murrieta Innovation Center, 26442 Beckman Court. The free events hosted by the city and the Murrieta/wildomar Chamber of Commerce provide an opportunity for residents to connect with city officials. For more information, visit www.murrietachamber.org.
Dec. 1 TEMECULA Holiday parade
The city of Temecula will hold its annual Santa’s Electric Light Parade at 7 p.m. Dec. 1. The route will begin at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Del Rio Road and travel south into Old Town. Bring chairs and blankets to watch the parade.
Dec. 1 TEMECULA Coffee Connection
The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce holds its next Coffee Connection networking event from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at The Coffee Shop at the chamber, 26790 Ynez Court, Suite A. Registration is encouraged at https://members.temecula.org/events.
Dec. 2 LAKE ELSINORE Waste collection
The city of Lake Elsinore will hold a household hazardous waste drop-off event for city residents from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at 512 N. Langstaff St., next to the Public Works Yard. Items accepted include automotive chemicals, batteries, electronics, household chemicals and cleaners and paint. For more information, visit https:// tinyurl.com/le-waste-collection-2023.
Dec. 2 LAKE ELSINORE Winterfest
The city of Lake Elsinore will kick off the holiday season with Winterfest — an afternoon and evening of fun including entertainment, amusements for all ages and a vendors marketplace, culminating with the Night of Lights Parade — from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Festivities will take place on Main Street downtown, with the parade starting at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Langstaff and Graham and winding its way down Main Street to Sumner. Admission is free. Visit https:// www.lake-elsinore.org/calendar.aspx?eid=770 for more information.
Dec. 2 MENIFEE Tree lighting and bazaar
Menifee’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Mt. San Jacinto College, 28237 La Piedra Road. There will be food and gift vendors, and family-friendly activities, including pictures with Santa and playing in snow in the fun zone.
Dec. 2 MURRIETA Donuts with Santa
The city of Murrieta will host a Donuts with Santa event for up to 400 children from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Town Square Park, 11 Town Square. Admission is one non-perishable food item per child, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Information: (951) 304-7275.
Dec. 2 MURRIETA Tree lighting
The city of Murrieta will hold its Festival of Trees & Tree Lighting ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Town Square Park & Amphitheater, 11 Town Square. The event, open to the public, will include entertainment and vendors. The tree lighting will happen around 6 p.m.
Ongoing VALLEYWIDE Blood donations
Donations of blood and plasma are needed for patients throughout the region. Lifestream hosts mobile blood drives at various locations as well as collections at its regular locations. The Murrieta donation center is at 40365 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, and is open seven days a week; hours vary. Information: www.lstream.org.
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