Save the Temecula Equestrian District (TED)

Protect the future of our community!

Take action now by expressing your opposition to these drastic changes to the Wine Country Community Plan that will have a detrimental impact on our quality of life and public safety.

Take Action

About the Proposals

Two proposals have been submitted that will have an impact on the future of the Temecula Equestrian District. We are deeply concerned and oppose these proposals. The unique and cherished character of our community is at risk if these land changes are approved.

General Plan Amendment (GPA 240039)
The amendment proposes to take 6 parcels on opposite corners of Los Caballos Road and Highway 79 S, more than 170 acres, and remove them from the equestrian district. Three parcels on the northeast corner will change the zoning to commercial retail for a gas station, food mart and car wash. The other three parcels on the southwest corner would be removed from the equestrian district to construct a winery resort.

A general plan amendment can only be proposed every 8 years. If this were to pass, the community would not be able to propose a different amendment until 2033!

Galway Downs – Multi-use Recreational/ Sports Facility with some Equestrian Uses
Galway Downs is currently allowed certain activities that need to be approved by issuance of a CUP. The new proposal seeks approval for additional activities, a zone change (CZ 20000010) and an exception to the Riverside County’s Noise Ordinance (847) to allow concerts and other events with amplified sound. The proposal aims to transform the property into an events center featuring various recreational amenities, including a horse racetrack and equestrian facilities.

We strongly oppose these proposed changes that will significantly alter the character of rural
Riverside County, place a strain on county resources, including first responders, and diminish
the quality of life we all cherish in our community. It is crucial that we work together to put an
end to these harmful efforts immediately.

Voice your opposition in the County of Riverside Planning Commission Meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in the Riverside County Administrative Center (4080 Lemon St.). 

Learn more about the current Wine Country Community Plan

Why Oppose?

These proposals put the quality of life of our beloved community at risk

  • These proposed changes would significantly increase traffic.
  • Such developments will put a strain on county resources, such as first responders.
  • Land uses are not appropriate in either the equestrian district or the wine country.
  • The surrounding residential area is significantly impacted, as the roads and utilities were designed for low-density use and cannot accommodate the increased traffic from the proposed developments.
  • We want to protect our special ambience and sense of character!
  • Our community is unique! Even tourists are looking for large and quiet spaces with equestrian lifestyles.
  • Careful oversight of land use changes requires ensuring safety and sustainability of our communities, especially with the current wildfires in Southern California.
  • The current Wine Country Community Plan does not need to be changed nor it has any implications that it will damage the future of your businesses.
  • The proposals will change land use policies to more disturbing commercial uses that will make the raising and boarding of horses far more difficult.
  • Since the Equestrian District was defined in the Wine Country Community Plan in 2014, new equestrian investment has come into the area because it is a protected area. Horse owners who have been pushed out of other areas because of invading commercial usages have elected to come here after doing extensive research.
  • We want to continue the legacy of the Temecula Equestrian District, not allow it to be paved over for development!

Take Action

Use Your Voice!

Here are some effective ways you can get involved and help oppose the proposal:

 
 
  • Your presence matters! Attending these meetings isn’t just about speaking up – it’s also about showing County leaders that you care about your community! Here are a few ways you can make your voice heard and speak on the proposed projects:
    • In person: Attend the meeting and complete a Speaker Identification Form upon arrival.
    • Remote: To speak remotely, register with the Planning Commission at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at https://rivco.org/constituent-speaking-request and select Planning Commission. Once you provide the necessary information, you will receive (either by phone or email) confirmation of receipt of your request with the necessary meeting information to join.
    • Written: Submit comments in writing by mail or email, or by phone before March 19 at 9 AM, to Russell Brady at rbrady@rivco.org or call(951)955-0972.  
 
  • Send a letter in opposition to the project manager, Russell Brady, at rbrady@rivco.org. Address your letter to the Planning Commission and County Supervisor, Chuck Washington. You may also contact Supervisor Washington at D3email@rivco.org or by calling 951-955-1030.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Take action now by expressing your opposition to these drastic changes to the Wine Country Community Plan that will have a detrimental impact on our quality of life and public safety.
1. What are the proposed changes to the Temecula Equestrian District (TED)?
  • There are two proposals that seek to change land uses in the equestrian district.
  • First, General Plan Amendment (GPA) 240039 proposes to change part of the Temecula Equestrian District to allow a gas station, food mart, car wash and a major winery resort. This proposal would take six parcels on opposite corners of Los Caballos Road and Highway 79 S (more than 170 acres) OUT of the equestrian district: three parcels for commercial/retail use (gas station/food mart/car wash) and three parcels to put into the winery district (which would allow concerts, big resorts, etc.).
  • Second, a new proposal seeks approval for additional activities at Galway Downs, a zone change and an exception to the Riverside County’s Noise Ordinance (847) to allow concerts and other events with amplified sound. The proposal aims to transform the property into an events center featuring various recreational amenities, including a horse racetrack and equestrian facilities. Currently, Galway Downs is limited to certain activities due to a current conditional use permit (CUP).
  • We are deeply concerned about preserving the unique and cherished character of our community. The proposed land use changes are completely inappropriate for the equestrian district and would harm everything that makes this area special. Increased traffic, already unbearable for some of us, would worsen. This land change would also put a strain on the county’s first responders. This isn’t just another suburb — it’s a unique area that requires thoughtful oversight and protection, especially with the growing threat of wildfires in Southern California. This is just the beginning of proposed land changes. If passed, it will set the stage for even more development that could completely transform our community in ways that we don’t want.
  • This type of development will put a strain on all types of county services, including first responders, water, wastewater and roadways. All of these services and associated infrastructure will need to be upgraded and expanded, requiring increased taxes and fees and creating even more disruptions for our community.
  • Yes! The proposals request boundary changes that would move properties out of the wine country-equestrian district. The developers are trying to confuse property owners into believing these changes are necessary for the continuation of existing, equestrian-related uses. However, this simply is not true. Residents and business owners do not believe these proposed changes will enhance and grow the Equestrian District. They will change its land use policies to more disturbing commercial uses that will make the raising and boarding of horses far more difficult. The current Wine Country Community Plan does NOT need to be changed.
  • Three parcels on the northeast corner will change the zoning to commercial retail for a gas station, food mart and car wash. The other three parcels on the southwest corner would be removed from the equestrian district to construct a winery resort. In total, They represent more than 170 acres. But this is just the beginning of a broader effort by developers to undermine the Wine Country Community Plan. The CUP and zone change requests pertain to Galway Downs.
  • Many of our community members have moved to this area because of the wide, quiet space and safety. Tourists also enjoy the unique character of the area and the equestrian lifestyle. All these factors are at risk if the designation of this area is changed for commercial development. We are deeply concerned that these zoning changes will lead to large resorts taking over the area, causing more traffic and construction and disrupting the quality of life in our community. The county has already cited some of these developers for multiple violations, making it harder to trust that these proposed changes will truly benefit our community.
  • We want to continue the legacy of the Temecula Equestrian District, not allow it to be paved over for development!
  • You can voice your opposition in the following ways:
  • Your presence matters! Attending these meetings isn’t just about speaking up – it’s also about showing County leaders that you care about your community! Here are a few ways you can make your voice heard and speak on the proposed projects:
    • In person: Attend the meeting and complete a Speaker Identification Form upon arrival.
    • Remote: To speak remotely, register with the Planning Commission at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at https://rivco.org/constituent-speaking-request and select Planning Commission. Once you provide the necessary information, you will receive (either by phone or email) confirmation of receipt of your request with the necessary meeting information to join.
    • Written: Submit comments in writing by mail or email, or by phone before March 19 at 9 AM, to Russell Brady at rbrady@rivco.org or call (951)955-0972.  
  • Send a letter in opposition to the project manager, Russell Brady, at rbrady@rivco.org. Address your letter to the Planning Commission and County Supervisor, Chuck Washington. You may also contact Supervisor Washington at D3email@rivco.org or by calling 951-955-1030.
Take action now by expressing your opposition to these drastic changes to the Wine Country Community Plan that will have a detrimental impact on our quality of life and public safety.

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