Spring 2014 Temecula Rod Run to Be Organized by City-Led Committee

Fret not, a popular Temecula event known to draw thousands of visitors is set to roar back into town.

Temecula City Council on Tuesday voted 4-0—with Mayor Pro Tem Maryann Edwards absent—to grant oversight of the spring 2014 Temecula Rod Run to a committee comprised of city event staff and a select few stakeholders.

The last Rod Run was held in March, when city officials also learned that long-time organizer P & R Foundation would no longer be able to plan and implement the event that at one point in its 25-year history was held biannually—in the spring and in the fall.

The City Council’s Economic Development Subcommittee, made up of Council members Ron Roberts and Chuck Washington, then discussed continuance of the car show as well as how to make it a boon for businesses.

“...One of our primary concerns was supporting economic development and supporting Old Town,” Washington said after Tuesday’s vote. “...And I think this gives us the pathway to do that.”

Before that, the city had opened up an application period for organizations who sought to take over the Rod Run. It received four applications which were reviewed by Washington, Roberts and staff.

Community Services Director Kevin Hawkins said Tuesday, however, that after reviewing the proposals as well considering public feedback, city staff and the subcommittee lent their support to a city-organized event.

In addition, Hawkins said because the Rod Run has operated as a nonprofit foundation that gave its proceeds to local charitable organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest County, the city will not take any profits.

He expects the event to cost the city $63,000—dependent on sponsorships—with net proceeds of approximately $35,000. Those proceeds will be added to the city’s Community Services Funding account to be disbursed to four local non-profit organizations. The benefactors were not identified in Tuesday’s meeting, as Hawkins said that aspect would come back before Council.

As for whom the outside Rod Run committee members will be, Hawkins identified one as Craig Puma, president of the Old Town Temecula Association and owner of The Bank Mexican Restaurant.

Puma said he has noticed an uptick in the amount of customers he has been seeing, and attributes that to the many special events the city puts on. To add to that, he said he has seen the Rod Run grow from 48,000 attendees to more than 100,000.

“I’m confident this city can bring us the best Rod Run ever...” Puma said. “...I believe it is the best way to go and I am in full support of it.”

Other committee members will include the former vice president of P & R Foundation as well as a co-chairman of The Drifters Car Club of Temecula Valley.

Preliminarily, there are plans for a cross section of 700 cars, including classics, special interest vehicles, hot rods and custom cars on display. The event will begin Friday, March 8, 2014 with an evening car cruise on Old Town Front Street. On Saturday, March 9, an all-day “Show and Shine” car show will take place.

Council members made it clear that Tuesday’s vote was for the committee to run this year’s event only.

“Eventually it is probably best in a nonprofit’s hands but for now, we need to put on a Rod Run,” said Councilman Jeff Comerchero.