Originally, today's column was to be given over to rescuing Temecula.

You are aware you need it, right? If not, you haven't noticed that the city is supposed to be coming apart at the seams because of the self-serving proclivities of those scoundrels who dare say they're working for you.

Near as can be told, we are told, we are going directly to an exceedingly warm place in the cart of our choice. Dibs on the one with mud flaps. Let me have one of those rootie-tootie horns, too.

The idea was to take a little closer look at the "group of citizens concerned about local government" that goes by the name Rescue Temecula.

Of particular interest to those citizens is all that occurs in Old Town.

Same here.

So, to spare us all -- just for today -- the noisome topic of people who tout transparency but don' t have a clue as to how to practice it, let's talk real Old Town news.

Old Town is a favorite walking place. For us, it generally has been Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons, events, such as that. That all changed in an instant this weekend, when we found ourselves in Old Town on a Saturday night.

Business was looking good from the start. There was not yet the line to get into the Stampede that would inevitably come later. But from Baily's on up to the north arch, there was not a parking spot to be found on Old Town Front Street.

As we cruised, we remarked on how good business was: families who shopped to the end carrying stuff to their cars; folks who were out for the evening; people doing stuff.

Dedicated Driver suggested a place, The Public House, that recently opened on Main Street just east of Old Town Front Street. We had noticed it on trips to the theater and, in fact, the restaurant that preceded it in that location cooked up a pretty good chile relleno.

Can't remember the name of the place with the relleno, but two things are sure: We won't soon be forgetting The Public House, and owner/chef Gerry Kent has kicked things up a serious notch in Old Town. There's some good food coming out of that kitchen.

And just last week, he unveiled a most agreeable outdoor garden marrying fountain and fire sculptures with dining and entertainment.

Anyhow, the gastropub, as he calls it, is his new "baby," and he's looking to have some fun with the menu and entertainment. He's off to an excellent start, and judging from Saturday's crowd, he's getting a good response.

So we were talking about downtowns and foot traffic and such when he observed what had gone unnoticed until that moment: As we arrived in Old Town, most of the shops had closed or were closing, the families heading home.

True, retail is tough, and it was early Saturday evening, but if you've got something to sell and people are strolling your street, you might want to be there for it.

Old Town is evolving quickly and has become a focal point for residents as well as visitors, day and evening. Is it done yet? Hardly.

Is it downtown yet? By my measure -- stuff to do, people out doing it -- yes.

True, it's a toddler, but it's a healthy, robust toddler that has the benefit of quality commerce for nourishment, thanks to business people such as Chef Gerry.

And see, we forgot all about the buncombe. For today.

Phil Strickland is a resident of Temecula and regular columnist for The Californian. E-mail: philipestrickland@yahoo.com