Congratulations to the Sweethearts and Singles Winners!

Valentine's Day is almost upon us, and it's obvious Menifee has a lot of Sweethearts and Singles ready to have a fun night out on Friday!

Thanks to all who entered our contest. Here are the winners:

Jeff Barba wins dinner for two at Giovanni's Pizza and Pasta restaurant, where he and his wife Kirsten will be serenaded by singing host Tom Powers and will enjoy a great Valentine's Day dinner. Here is the love letter Jeff submitted for the winning entry:



To my love:

We have been celebrating our love for each other since we were high school sweethearts. In the beginning, I was drawn to your beauty: Your strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes, full lips, and sharp wit drove me crazy. Beauty aside, it was the confidence that you had in yourself that made me want to know you on a personal level.

You have been an important part of my life for over 23 years. Ten years of marriage and three children later, your beauty is more enchanting than ever. We are blessed with children who have love in their hearts and passion for life; I am utterly amazed.

As I watch you helping them with homework or reading them bedtime stories (in full character, no less), I am still under your spell. Even though our "date nights" consist of having coffee together after the kids go to sleep, I wouldn't ever change a thing. To my wife and my three angels on this Valentine's Day, I want you all to know you are the loves of my life. I've never had it so good.

Love Always,
Jeffery Barba


In addition, Shianne May and Dennis Young each win dinner at Pitstop Pub for its Valentine's Day singles party Friday night. Here are their winning entries about prior dating experiences:

Nothing can be more embarrassing than falling flat on your back on a first date. And that's exactly what I did. A couple of years ago, I went on a date with a friend of a friend where we went bowling (one of my favorite things) with a few others. I didn't know anyone we were with, so when it came to my first turn, I wanted to impress everyone with my mad bowling skills. That's not what happened.

I went over the line a little and slipped, falling flat on my back. I didn't even know it was possible to fall that flat. No one made a sound as I let myself lay on the ground for a minute. I didn't hurt; I was just embarrassed. I mean, my date must have thought I was an idiot. But I owned it and got up laughing. Everyone laughed with me, but now I had to prove that I wasn't a clumsy bowler. After all, I had talked up my bowling skills quite a bit to my date. We even made a bet I would beat him.

I came back and rolled a spare, and every turn after, I bowled a strike or a spare until the last frame. I bowled the best game of my life, kicked everyone's ass, and impressed my date. We're still friends, and everyone still talks about the day I made a fool of myself and came back with a vengeance on the lanes. It goes down as the funniest date I ever had.

Shianne May


It’s been a few years since my all-time worst date, but it still stings when I think of it. I’d love to win this contest and have a fun night out without worrying about my date making a fool out of me.

I thought it was a dream when this cute little blonde agreed to go out with me. She turned heads when we were out in public. When we decided to spend a day at Magic Mountain, I couldn’t wait. I mean, spending the day with this beautiful girl and roller coasters too – what could be better?

About an hour after we got there, I excused myself to go to the restroom. She was sitting on a bench, waiting for me. When I got back, she wasn’t there. I heard some loud music and looked over into this dance area. There she was, dancing with some dude and all but making out on the dance floor!

I stormed over there and told her I was leaving, with or without her. She came along with me and told me she didn’t see what the big deal was. On the ride home, she asked if I could give her a ride to the auto dealership the next day to pick up her car, which was in the shop. Turns out she had been without a car for a month – the exact time we had been going out.

I can laugh about it now, but at the time, it was no fun being an unwitting chauffeur.

Dennis Young

Thanks again to all who entered and we wish everyone a wonderful Valentine's Day!