In his executive position, Vranek will oversee daily winery operations and help manage construction projects. Janko states that "Gregg's experiences and knowledge in business, finance and sales are much like mine. Not only is he a great friend, he is someone that I trust will make the right decisions for the growth of Bel Vino."

Born and raised in the Midwest, Vranek grew up near Chicago in Oakbrook, IL. His background in real estate, mortgage and finance, have led him to Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and now, California. He looks forward to learning all about the wine industry and serving his local community. Vranek will continue to participate in organizations including The Muscular Dystrophy Association and Angel Benefit for Children's Last Wishes.

Over the next eighteen months, and depending upon regulatory timetables, Bel Vino's exterior will transform into a structure much like an Italian villa. A large outdoor patio will be a welcome addition, and extensive changes to the landscaping will lend more space for weddings and special events. Known for their breathtaking view of Temecula wine country, Bel Vino will continue to exist as a quaint getaway for local residents, tourists and event-goers alike. A house situated next to the winery will be renovated as a rental for everything from one day affairs, to extended stays for out-of-town guests. Finally, the existing wedding venues on the property will be extensively upgraded.

Bel Vino will remain open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Southworth will open Temecula Live!, Southern California's only country music review show. His performance will kick off the first of three shows on Friday, January 27 at 7 p.m. at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. Immediately after his performance, he also will host a private concert in the Merc. Tickets to the private concert are $15 and will benefit the West Coast Country Music Association, the agency responsible for Scott's appearances.

Songwriters will enjoy an intimate workshop that will serve as a forum for questions and demonstrations by Southworth on Saturday, January 28 at 10 a.m., also at the Merc. Tickets to the songwriter's workshop are $20. A discount is offered for members of the West Coast Country Music Association.

"We are so blessed to have Scott and his in-depth knowledge of country music and songwriting at this event," boasts Gwyn Sanborn, President of the West Coast Country Music Association and Co-Producer of Temecula Live! "Scott has a wealth of knowledge that young songwriters will find helpful in their quest for stardom."

Southworth's biography really does say he likes pie, twice. It also includes a weekly radio talk show wherein he and his partner, Heino, interview and showcase industry professionals who have made a successful career in music, either on the business or creative side. He has also written several Indie songs for performers like Emma Jacobs, Stephanie Layne, Bob Karwin, Becky Blackaby, Tom Templeman and Damian Follet. Far before his Nashville days, Scott lived in Southern California and played with the award-winning Ranch Rockers, the Temecula Live! house band.

The Temecula Live! line-up includes local favorites like Taylor Tickner, Chris Reed, Tara Honda, Kaitlyn Weathers, the Oak Grove Center Performance Team and The Brewer Boys.

Temecula Live! show times are Friday, January 27 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, January 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets for Temecula Live! are $22 per show ($20 for seniors and military) and are available at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. Oak Grove Center is also collecting donations for Send A Youth to Temecula Live! For $20, one student will get to attend of the three live shows. Donations can be made by visiting OakGroveCenter.org.

"Continuing with the concepts introduced at the 2011 pageant, the MISS CALIFORNIA USA pageant in 2012 will emphasize individuality and push the envelope even further, distancing ourselves from most traditional pageants," according to Keith Lewis, Co- Executive Director of MISS CALIFORNIA USA and MISS CALIFORNIA TEEN USA. "This year's event will be bigger and reflect the progressive attitudes of the contestants as well as our forward-looking and thinking state," added Lewis. "We have changed the essence of MISS CALIFORNIA USA from a bathing-suit beauty contest to the style of a sexy runway show during fashion week."

The MISS CALIFORNIA USA and MISS CALIFORNIA TEEN USA pageants are judged by well-known celebrities and respected industry professionals on three main categories: interview, swimsuit and evening gown. All contestants are also reviewed on vital judging criteria including: character, poise, confidence and personality. The winner of the MISS CALIFORNIA USApageant will go on to compete in the MISS USApageant, the precursor to the MISS UNIVERSE pageant.

This year's judges include Joey Maalouf ("The Rachel Zoe Project"), Dulce Candy (YouTube Fashion & Beauty Guru/ Social Media Icon), Christie Bear (former TMZ producer), Christopher Mannor (Style Director at Beauty Entertainment Magazine), Elizabeth Rusnak Arizmendi (V.P. Rusnak Auto Group), Annie Roberts (Casting Director for E! Entertainment), Brehan Fitgerald (Executive Director of Feature Talent at 20th Century Fox Filmed Entertainment), Brian Worley (Co-Owner of YourBASH! Event Production), Justin Killion (V.P. Development with Original Productions), Lori Montoya (Owner & Co-Founder of Rain Cosmetics), Mark Harris (Co-Founder, WOW! Creations Media), Meg Day (Director of Women's Division for Vision Los Angeles), Ric Enriquez (Head of Casting for CONAN on TBS), Rich Orosco (General Manager, LA Matadors), Ronald Jason Palmieri (Celebrity & Entertainment Attorney), Stewart Goldman (Executive V.P. of Chinese Laundry Shoes and Accessories), Ty Griffin (Producer, "The Celebrity Apprentice", "The Glee Project", "Fashion Star"). The 2012 pageant will also feature an individual "Style Award" presented by world-renowned fashion designer Tony Bowls.

Last year, the state of California was fortunate enough to see its reigning MISS CALIFORNIA USA winner, Alyssa Campanella, move on to win the MISS USA crown and to be a top 16 semifinalist at the MISS UNIVERSE2011 pageant. In lieu of such victories, the MISS CALIFORNIA USA pageant is a highly anticipated event; its contestants and winners have impressive pageant histories and have become very successful in the entertainment, movie, television and modeling industries.

To purchase tickets to the MISS CALIFORNIA USA® pageant please visit www.MissCaliforniaUSA.com or www.MCCallumTheatre.com/singletickets.php. Tickets range from $55-115 dependent on seat location and day/round of the competition.

About MISS CALIFORNIA USA® and MISS CALIFORNIA TEEN USA®

There really is no better opportunity for today's ambitious young women. The MISS CALIFORNIA USA® and MISS CALIFORNIA TEEN USA® Pageants bring beautiful young women from throughout the state to compete for this title and the chance to be crowned MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA®. Stepping up the excitement for 2012, the pageant will increase the number of contestants, feature top designer clothes and incorporate more up-to-date music and programming.

The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA and MISS TEEN USA Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. If you are interested in information on the upcoming 2012 MISS CALIFORNIA USA and MISS CALIFORNIA TEEN USA events, you can call the state offices at K2 Productions at (310) 275-4339 or you may log onto www.MissCaliforniaUSA.com.

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About McCallum Theatre

The McCallum Theatre is a historic, nationally renowned, state-of-the art theatre and concert venue located on the southern edge of Palm Desert, California. The venue, named after the Coachella Valley family, first opened in January 1988, the culmination of a ten year and $22M project; since opening, it has been home to nationally televised events and sold-out concerts.

The theatre itself is a breath-taking sight every step of the way, from the front doors to seating inside the concert hall. Upon entry, event and concert goers are greeted by neatly arranged palm trees, lit up majestically from the base, lining a perfectly paved driveway adjacent to the off-white, modern architecture that is McCallum Theatre. While the exterior of the building appears modern and chic, the inside reflects a much different feel, resembling the glamour and luxury of Old Hollywood. The pinkish-purple plush seats of the hall sit facing a classical image of rich, burgundy, velvet curtains draped across the vast stage, with all 1,127 seats, spread across three massive level, stretching remarkably into the sky.

For McMurrey this was an especially grand prize. Her family suffered significant financial hardship in recent years during the economic downturn. According to McMurrey, she entered the contest in hopes to surprise her husband who was forced to sell his own prized car when the family hit some hard times. "He doesn't even know I was selected as a semi-finalist," commented McMurrey. "It's been my plan to surprise him with the car on Christmas Day if I win."

As she stepped up to the car, Terry Gilmore of Paradise Chevrolet advised her, "don't even think about the win yet. Get comfortable in the car, check your mirrors…" As she turned her key, and the engine started, her face froze in shock and surprise! The crowd cheered and her eyes welled with tears as she struggled to compose herself and accept the reality that she would be driving the car home for Christmas.

The car give-away was a promotion sponsored by Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac and Promenade Temecula during the holiday season. The give-away was launched at the center's Santa's Arrival event in November and continued through December 21. Each week a semi finalist was selected at random from entries registered on line.

The remaining six semi-finalists were also each awarded with $500 Promenade Temecula Gift Cards at the event. "No one goes home a loser here at Promenade Temecula. We want to make sure that are delivering a first-class shopping experience to all our guests, 365 days a year," said Jeff Kurtz, General Manager at Promenade Temecula.

Terry Gilmore of Paradise Chevrolet acted as host to the day's events and was the driving force behind the whole event. "At Paradise Chevrolet, we're happy to be a part of the region and believe in giving back." Paradise Chevrolet's continued generosity within the Temecula Valley is well known and the dealer continues to be recognized as a cornerstone community leader.

Award-winning musical band, The Ranch Rockers will serve as the event's house band. Most notable among the talented performers are The Brewer Boys - hot off their national television debut, Taylor Tickner, Chris Reed, Tara Honda, Kaitlyn Weathers and the Oak Grove Center Performance Team.

• The Brewer Boys recently performed on America's favorite television singing competition making it to the final 17 out of thousands of talented musicians. They brought down the house at the 2010 Wagon Wheel Festival in Lake Elsinore, CA. The brothers have appeared in Country Weekly Magazine and performed the National Anthem at the Final Rodeo Championship in 2008. Returning to Temecula Live!, the Brewer Boys bring with them fans from as far away as Germany.

• Taylor Tickner is a 16 year old singer/musician/actor who lives in Temecula and attends Great Oak High School. Taylor began singing at the age of 8, learned to play piano at the age of 9 and perfected her guitar playing skills by 14. She currently belongs to a teen-band called "Sabrina and Minor Aftershock." Taylor has appeared on the Country at the Merc stage in Old Town Temecula and recently sang the National Anthem at the Storm Baseball Stadium in Lake Elsinore.

• Chris Reed learned about Oak Grove Center and Temecula Live! through his delivery route as a FedEx delivery representative. Chris has a son with Asperger's syndrome and values the programs and dedication of the staff at Oak Grove Center. Originally from Los Angeles, Chris spent 14 years in Houston, where his love for country music was born. He has performed internationally as a military band member during a deployment to Africa and sings locally at Country at the Merc in Old Town Temecula.

• Tara Honda is a solo artist from Southern California who developed a love of music at a young age. She has had the opportunity to perform a wide variety of music including country, jazz/blues, theater, folk, choral/classical, pop and rock/alternative. Though she is a new, up-and-coming artist, performing is an old territory that she has loved for the past 15 years, including performances at the San Diego County Fair, Orange County Fair, Temecula Valley International Jazz Festival, Chain Reaction, Natural Products Expo in Anaheim, and several performances at the acclaimed NAMM show. Tara is releasing her demo entitled "To See the Light" in early 2012.

• Kaitlyn Weathers is 20 years old and has been performing since the age of 2. Growing up, dancing was her passion. She discovered singing at the age of 17. This past summer she had her very first showcase performing songs written by Billy Alexander, a talented musician, songwriter and producer. Most recently she has added playing guitar to her list of talents. She is happy to be here for her fourth Temecula Live! performance and is looking forward to what the future holds for her.

New to Temecula Live! is the Songwriter's Showcase. Local singer/songwriters including Haley Stayner, Alaina Blair, Jim VanNewKirk, and more will perform original songs at The Merc in Old Town Temecula on Saturday, January 28 at 7pm.

Temecula Live! was created by Gwyn Sanborn and Sandi Capel of GaS Productions. Gwyn is lead vocalist for The Ranch Rockers, co-founder and producer of Country at the Merc, full time SoCal Voice Coach, wife and mom of four. Gwyn is a previous winner of the CCMA Entertainer and Vocalist of the year for the State of California. Sandi is also lead vocalist for The Ranch Rockers and co-founder of Country at the Merc. She is also a mom and a grandma! The longtime friends produce Temecula Live! in order to raise money for children and military charities in the community. Both ladies perform with their band, The Ranch Rockers every Saturday night at Country at the Merc offering two shows at 7pm and 9pm.

Temecula Live! show times are Friday, January 27 at 7pm and Saturday, January 28 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets for Temecula Live! are $22 per show($20 with military ID) and are available at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater and online at www.TemeculaLive.org. Proceeds from Temecula Live! 2011 will benefit the Arts and Autism programs at Oak Grove Center, an educational and treatment facility for at-risk youth located in Murrieta, California.

Oak Grove Center will also be accepting $20 donations to "Send a Child to Temecula Live." The donations will allow the residents at Oak Grove Center to attend the event. For more information about these special tickets, please call Cheryl Lievsay at (951) 677-5599.

The Brewer Boys are Justin (18) and Nathan (14), a brother's duo who sing a range of songs from new country to pop to classic rock and even bluegrass. Inspired by the music of the Everly Brothers, the boys pursue a genre of songs that cater to a wide age spectrum in music. Some of their cover songs include those of Johnny Cash, Crosby Stills & Nash, Big & Rich, Journey, Train and even Jason Mraz. They also write some of their own music. Through the years, the boys' music preference has evolved into more of a bluegrass/country sound with a touch of pop, to keep current. With Nathan's newfound love for mandolin and Justin's harmonica skills, the sound has more authenticity. Nathan started to dub it as "alternative bluegrass" or "newgrass". A refreshing sound from young teens in the music world who seem to enjoy a new blend of something old and classic with something new and upbeat!

Oak Grove center is a nonprofit 24-hour residential and educational treatment center located in Murrieta, CA. The facility works with children and adolescents who are experiencing behavioral, psychological and family dysfunction as well as children with autism. The new gym/multipurpose room will include a basketball court, a performing arts room and an occupational therapy-play room for children with special needs.

Murrieta Development Company, the company that is spearheading the construction project, has already started grading and working on the underground utilities. Funds are still needed to complete the project that is slated to be complete in spring 2012.

The Brewer Boys have a goal to raise $10,000 for the new gym/multi-purpose room at Oak Grove Center. The 'Dream Big' benefit concert will begin at 5:30pm on Sunday, December 18 at Monte de Oro Winery. Seats are limited and reservations are required. Tickets start at $18 and can be purchased at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=4cx85ogab&oeidk=a07e5cztytk606a88c1. The boys also set up a donation site for those wanting to help reach their fundraising goal. Please visit http://www.crowdrise.com/tdreambig-benefitconcertbb/fundraiser/tbbdreambigbenefitconcert.

Monte de Oro Winery is located in Temecula Wine Country at 35820 Rancho California Road.

For more information regarding The Brewer Boys 'Dream Big' benefit concert, contact Oak Grove Center at (951) 677-5599.

By registering at PromenadeTemecula.com, each registrant will be limited to one entry to insure that odds remain fair for all who enter. Each person who enters must be a California licensed driver, and be over the age of 18.

A semi-finalist will be drawn at random each week over the seven weeks of the holiday season. All seven semi-finalists will gather at a final Car Giveaway event on Thursday, December 22, where each will draw a key from Santa's magic bag. The semi-finalist with the key that starts the car will drive away in the sporty 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible that is currently on display at the mall next to Paradise Playland.

"Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac is a great partner," said Promenade Director of Marketing, Kym Espinosa. "They value the opportunity to build relationships with customers and are sensitive about holding information provided online private. Our shoppers can be sure that by registering online, they are in no way sharing their information with anyone other than Promenade Temecula and Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac for the holiday car giveaway."

With nearly a dozen new stores opening at Promenade Temecula, shoppers are sure to find gifts for their family and friends from popular brands including H&M, G by Guess, Charming Charlie, Aeropastle„¥, Cotton On, MAC Cosmetics and more. Holiday specialty favorites like Hickory Farms, Brookstone and Calendar Club are also slated to open by November 25, for the annual "Black Friday" sales surge.

Promenade Temecula currently anticipates as many as 30 stores and at least three department stores will open at midnight for an early jump on the "Black Friday" sales excitement. The mall will officially open all retailers at 5 a.m. and will stay open until

10 p.m. that evening.

The season will continue to bring special savings offers, promotions and giveaways on the Promenade Temecula website and Facebook page. Shoppers can find out how to enter to win a reserved parking space, get extra discounts and learn about special Grand Opening store sales.

For more information and a complete list of extended shopping hours and Holiday happenings at Promenade Temecula, contact Guest Services at (951) 296-0975.

Tammy Wilson, Chief Executive Officer for Oak Grove, was delighted with the turnout and the generosity of sponsors for both events. "While Chef Cusimano won the title at the Chef Open, all nine competing chefs deserve recognition for their generosity. They shared their culinary skills and compassion for our kids," she said. The funds raised at the golf tournament and Chef Open totaled $43,000 to benefit sports & recreation programs and the new gym/multipurpose room at Oak Grove Center's Murrieta campus.

Oak Grove Center celebrated the groundbreaking for the new gymnasium in mid-October. Murrieta Development Company is managing the construction project. The new recreation building is slated to be complete by summer 2012.

Moving outdoor elements into the house, trimming them with lights and placing lots of colorful packages underneath are a holiday custom for humans. For our furry family members, this ritual is a nightmare. As you celebrate this holiday season, be sure to steer your pet clear of unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations.

Lisa Haight, co-owner of Camp Bow Wow„¥ & Home Buddies Temecula suggests a few helpful tips to ensure a safe and jolly holiday season for the entire family:

1. Keep Those Paws out of the Candy Dish - Chocolate can be irresistible, but can make your pooch very sick. Make sure all chocolate is stored away and out of reach of your pets.

2. Not All Guests are Welcome - The holidays are often filled with family and friends visiting your house at all hours of the day. Pets have a tendency to get very excited and stressed with constant crowds of people. Have a quiet room where your pet can relax and unwind. Place blankets, food, water and toys in the room and remember to check on your furry friends regularly.

3. Hide All Extension Cords - Christmas lights are the official signal that the holidays have arrived. Extra cords and plugs can look like chew toys in the eyes of your pet. To play it safe, tape down or cover all cords in and around the house. Unplug all lights when you are not at home.

4. Candles in the Wind - Keep all candles out of reach and placed on high shelves. If you plan on using your fireplace, always ensure you are using a screen.

5. Tinsel Town - This festive decoration can really brighten up a room, but can be very dangerous for your pet. Hang and secure tinsel high and out of reach of pets and kids.

6. Pet Vacation - If you are traveling for the holidays or have plans for a house full of people, consider hiring a pet sitter or secure boarding accommodations to make for a happy holiday season for all.

For information regarding Camp Bow Wow Temecula, visit www.CampBowWow.com/Temecula.

Professional designer, Jill Christen, from Christen Custom Designs, will decorate the majority of the trees, all of which have different themes and are sponsored by area businesses. Local artist Gabriele Baber has been working for months with other artists in creating a specially themed tree, decorated with over 60 pieces of art from local artists. Tree sponsors include Tri-Lakes Sportswear, Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac, Van Avery Prep, Kids World, Pacific Western Bank, California Bank & Trust and Brighton Collectibles.

Chairperson Christine McCusker says, "To me this event represents the magic of Christmas and the importance of community. Every year literally thousands of people of all walks of life come out to support us knowing their contributions will support those who need us the most! Plus, they each have a chance at winning one of these amazing trees. If nothing else, come down and see it for yourself - kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by the fun and festivity of each unique creation!"

More information can be obtained by calling Elizabeth Hamerschlag at Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley at (951) 296-3362.

The Home for the Holidays Tree Extravaganza benefits Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley. For over 20 years, the nonprofit organization has been working in the community and around the world to provide safe, affordable housing and improving living conditions for thousands of families.

For more information regarding the Home for the Holidays Tree Extravaganza or Opportunity Drawing, visit www.Habitat4InlandValley.org or call (951) 296-3362.