TEMECULA — A quietly brooding tension has turned into a citywide debate after Baily’s in Old Town Temecula, one of the area’s most iconic live music venues, announced the cancellation of all live band performance acts for the remainder of 2025. The decision, prompted by ongoing enforcement of a 2006 sound ordinance, has drawn in musicians, DJs, business owners, and city leaders, exposing a rift at the heart of Temecula’s growth.
It all began with an Instagram post.
On June 21, the band Those Guys took to social media to share frustration after losing their bookings through the end of 2025 at Baily’s Old Town due to the city’s strict decibel enforcement. The post ignited a wave of reaction from the local nightlife and creative community. At the core of the conflict is a sound ordinance that limits noise levels to 70 decibels at the property line—a volume equivalent to normal conversation.
“I am speaking louder than 70 decibels right now,” said Kyle Hudson, lead singer of Those Guys, during the July 8 Temecula City Council meeting. “This has immediately reduced my income by thousands of dollars, taking money directly out of my pocket and food off my plate.”
Hudson has performed in the Temecula Valley for over 12 years, and like many musicians, has relied on Old Town as a source of work and community. His sentiment echoes that of many creatives in the region who have seen performance opportunities dry up in the wake of stricter enforcement.
According to some sources, 2022 marked a rise in enforcement of the 2006 sound ordinance. In his statement to the city council, Hudson pointed to a 43-resident petition submitted nine months prior as a likely catalyst for stepped-up oversight, questioning the timing and consistency of the enforcement.
“Baily’s is located in the heart of Old Town Temecula, which is known to be an entertainment district,” he argued. When Hudson challenged Council on why the City of Temecula itself was exempt from the current sound ordinance while it hosts its own Summer Concert Series at City Hall, Council Member Stew commented, “The difference is that one is for public benefit and the other is for profit.” To which Hudson replied, “I’d argue that our concerts are also for public benefit.”
Growing city pains
Temecula has long been a city in transition. While many have moved to the region seeking a more peaceful lifestyle compared to coastal or urban parts of Southern California, others are investing in its transformation into a cultural and entertainment hub. This tension is captured in the city’s current General Plan / Noise Element document, which is accessible to the public on their website at https://temeculaca.gov. The opening paragraph reads:
“Temecula residents have come to the community for the peaceful lifestyle, that is less affected by many of the loud nuisances of other Southern California communities…Without City actions to protect residents, surrounding areas will become noisy, making it difficult to sleep, work, and learn, and gradually eroding the quality of our community.”
That vision has been challenged by the reality of nightlife economics and growing regional appeal.
DJ Alyfe, a veteran of Temecula’s nightlife scene, reflected on the shift:
“As a nightclub DJ in Old Town Temecula, I’ve seen firsthand how the sound ordinance has changed the nightlife landscape. A few years back, we had to close before midnight. That obviously impacted business.”
He noted that indoor venues like his have adapted better to the constraints, but highlighted how recent changes—like Baily’s outdoor remodel—brought challenges:
“Other spots, like Baily’s, have a longer history of outdoor entertainment, and their recent remodel really amplified that presence. While I appreciate the effort to bring more live music into the open, the reality is there are residents living just 15 feet away. That’s a tough dynamic to balance. My hope is that whatever decision is made, it supports a vibrant and sustainable entertainment scene in Old Town for years to come.”
Musicians and community voices rally
Joanna Pearl Hazelwood, a local artist, president of the nonprofit Make Music Temecula, and advocate for community arts, offered a solutions-first approach in her statement to city council:
“Live music drives foot traffic to local businesses, attracts tourism, and builds community,” she said. “I understand concerns about noise and agree that we should be respectful of our neighbors. I believe we can find reasonable solutions rather than shutting down live music entirely, such as sound mitigation options, clearer permitting systems, and taking a fresh look at zoning.”
A tipping point or turning point?
DJ Anthony Vincent, another professional within Temecula’s nightlife scene, expressed concerns about the larger implications: “It’s really sad that the city is making it harder for small businesses to thrive. It affects a lot of people. Not just the owners of these venues. Not just the people that work there. It affects DJs. It affects the bands.” Vincent said. “If you want to go out to some place, you want to feel the music. And if you can’t, it makes you go somewhere else. And a lot of that money is going to other places. Whether it’s Riverside, LA, San Diego.”
City leadership responds
Mayor Brenden Kalfus, in an exclusive Q&A with Valley News, acknowledged the ordinance’s outdated nature and emphasized the city’s ongoing efforts to modernize policy as part of a larger General Plan update:
“We are working on updating our General Plan now and the sound ordinance is included in that. We will be looking at the decibel limits and also will be working with local businesses in order to ensure the outdoor live music policies are beneficial for all involved.”
Kalfus urged musicians and residents alike to stay engaged:
“The best thing people can do is reach out with specific concerns. It’s important for everyone to stay engaged and stay involved. I always ask everyone to reach out to me via email for anything city related. He also thanked first responders, “Our metro team—part of the Riverside Sheriff’s Department—has done a great job keeping Old Town safe. We want the whole community to feel heard in this process.”
What comes next?
With Baily’s live band acts silenced for the time being, musicians in the area losing contracts due to other adjacent businesses following suit, and residents split on the topic, Temecula now faces a defining moment in how it will continue to balance growth, culture, and quality of life.
Pros of a sound ordinance in Temecula:
- Preserves peace and quiet for residents who moved to the area for a calmer lifestyle
- Reduces complaints and potential legal liabilities for the city
- Helps maintain zoning integrity between entertainment and residential areas
Cons and economic concerns:
- Limits revenue potential for local businesses dependent on nightlife
- Reduces performance opportunities for musicians, DJs, and event staff
- May shift tourism and entertainment spending to other nearby cities
As Temecula considers updates to its General Plan, one thing is clear: the city’s future identity— whether tranquil retreat, entertainment destination, or a thoughtful mix of both—hangs in the balance.
For now, the music may have stopped at Baily’s, but the conversation is only just beginning.
