November 1, 2019
A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
We're Connecting to Honor Veterans
When I think of what defines our community, a deep respect for veterans is front and center. From the Veterans Memorial at Town Square Park to the faces of local military men and women on Washington Street banners , we're collectively proud to honor veterans and the sacrifices they make protecting our freedom.

Veterans Day is November 11. And for the City of Murrieta it marks two of the year's major events, our Veterans Day parade and the Rotary Club's Field of Honor. 

The parade on Monday, November 11, is a longstanding local favorite that brings more than 10,000 people to the downtown's Washington Street for hometown floats, marching bands, equestrians and family-oriented fun--the  largest Veterans Day parade in Riverside County. 

It begins at 10 a.m. with the National Anthem and a flyover and concludes at Town Square park with the Rotary Field of Honor, where the park is breathtakingly transformed with a display of more than 2,000 American Flags surrounded by a series of memorials honoring veterans through time.  

The full size flags are placed on November 9, and on display all week with a variety of related activities that you can read about in this newsletter. Citizens are encouraged to adopt a flag in the name of their favorite veteran or simply a friend or relative. Watching a sea of American flags wave as the sun sets is an image that will stay with you forever. 

Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the community, you don't want to miss Murrieta's Veterans Day events. I encourage all of you to join us as we celebrate, reflect and come together in community.

Kim Summers, City Manager
TOWN SQUARE PARK PHASE 3 IMPROVEMENTS
City Prepares for Park Enhancements, Amphitheater
Join us on Wednesday, November 6, at 9:30 a.m. when we break ground on Phase 3 of Town Square Park. Mayor Kelly Seyarto will provide an overview of the upgrades, which include an outdoor amphitheater, integrated seating, improved lighting, WiFi and security cameras. 

Since the park's construction in 2007, the City has added the Veterans Memorial, the Veterans Honor Garden, the Fallen Warriors Memorial, and the 9/11 Memorial to the park.  Phase 3 will bring the first fully equipped outdoor amphitheater to the City and will provide opportunities for music, theater, storytelling and a wide range of performances.

Construction will begin early next year and will be completed in 9-12 months. The stage and the side landscaped areas will be closed during construction, but the park will remain otherwise open to the public.
WEBSITE OFFERS TIPS FOR EMERGENCIES
Preparing for Public Safety Power Shutoffs
While the City of Murrieta has yet to be impacted by a public safety power outage, we should all be prepared for the real possibility of a power interruption.  The website
www.prepareforpowerdown.com is a great place to start.  It provides a wide range of information and resources that apply to any situation where there is a loss of power.

The Southern California Edison (SCE) website lists current and potential public safety shut-off circuits by county. We encourage residents to check the SCE site regularly. If a planned or potential public safety shutoff will impact the city, we will also post an alert at: www.MurrietaCA.gov. 

Riverside County has posted an interactive map that outlines SCE public safety shutoff circuits. It's important to remember that there are many other reasons that power may be shut off, such as construction or line repair and these will not be included in public safety shutoff notices.
SLURRY SEAL AND CALIFORNIA OAKS WORK UNDERWAY
Temporary Pains to Bring Major Road Improvements
If you have driven on  California Oaks Road this week, it was hard to miss the 200-foot pavement recycling train at work. It's impressive, cost-effective and efficient. The related traffic slowdowns. . .not so much. While we will keep one lane open during this work, taking another route is the best option. We've linked to maps showing when work is scheduled for each section of the road so you can plan your travels.

The residential  slurry seal project is now underway, with prep work starting this week. We will post s igns and door-hangers 48 hours prior to street closures and appreciate your cooperation. The attached Slurry Seal Information Sheet addresses some common questions about this project. You will find maps and street listings at www.MurrietaCA.Gov/streets .
MURRIETA MICROSCOPE LOOKS INSIDE LOCAL BUSINESS
Racing & Car Enthusiast Creates Unique Dealership

Watch the latest episode of Murrieta Microscrope when we talk with with Eric Curran, owner of West Coast Exotic Cars, an auto enthusiast who brought 20 years of professional race car experience to a new role in high end auto sales. 

You can receive more economic development news, including the latest information on new businesses in town,  by signing up for our Economic Development newsletter.
RECOGNIZING THOSE WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY
Field of Honor Links Past and Present
We invite you to stop by the Field of Honor to view 2,019 American flags on display from November 9 to 16, 2019.  These flags honor veterans, including active-duty military personnel, first responders, and others who protect our freedoms. Visit www.MurrietaFieldofHonor.com for additional information on the week's events or purchasing a flag.

FIELD OF HONOR ACTIVITIES
Saturday, November 9   
  • Field installation from 7 to 10 a.m.
  • Chalk art painting from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
  • Military Families Resources Fair from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
  • Opening Ceremonies at 9:45 a.m. 
    • Sunday, November 10        
  • Marine Corps Birthday Celebration at 1 p.m.
    • Tuesday-Friday, November 12-15   
  • 5th grade field trip visit to the Field of Honor
    • Wednesday, November 13         
  • Candlelight Concert at 6 p.m 
    • Friday, November 15         
  • Boy Scout Flag Retiring Ceremony begins at 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 17         
  • Field of Honor closes, striking of field
    •   
    EXPLORE YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY!
    Digital Books Are at Your Fingertips
    audio books
    Check out the huge selection of eAudioBooks and eMagazines through the Murrieta Public Library from the comfort of your home or office.

    RB Digital has over 11,000 eAudioBooks and 130 eMagazines.  Magazines such as Better Homes  and Gardens, Bicycling, Car and Driver and Food Network can be read on your computer, smartphone or tablet.

    To access RB Digital, click here and click on the RB Digital link, or download  the RB digital app from your smartphone or tablet.
    Sponsor a Tree for a Family in Need
    Make this holiday season incredible for a less fortunate family and explore your creative side by sponsoring and decorating a tree for the Festival of Trees.
    • Step 1: PURCHASE 
      Pay $25 at the Murrieta Senior Center or online by November 29, 2019. Pick a theme then start purchasing decorations and lights.
    • Step 2: DECORATE 
      Grab friends and family and head to Town Square Park to decorate the tree any time after 9 a.m. on December 7, 2019. Have the tree ready for viewing and judging by 5 p.m.
    • Step 3: DONATE
      We will announce the winners the same evening at around 6:15 p.m.
    Award categories include Best Theme, Most Unique, Best Use of Lights, and Best Holiday Spirit. The tree, with lights and decorations, will be donated in your name to a family in need this year. More information is available online.
    Join the Hometown Holiday Children's Parade!
    What's more fun than watching a parade? Being in one! We're accepting applications for the Hometown Holiday Children's Parade slated for Saturday, December 7, 2019.  

    Should your family, business or organization like to be a part of this classic event, please visit our events page.
    Share the Warmth with the City Coat Drive
    We invite you to donate your  gently used or new coats, scarves, or beanies between now and November 8, 2019, at the Murrieta Senior Center. Stop by Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and we will make sure your donation goes to a person in need.
    Murrieta All-Star: Tamie Smith
    Murrieta resident, Tamie Smith, is an international horse rider and three-day eventing super star! Tamie has been riding and training horses competitively for over 25 years and is known for developing difficult horses in the industry. Tamie recently represented the United States in the 2019 Pan American Games  in Lima, Peru. Following her success in Lima, she won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place at a competition in  Paso Robles, CA on three different horses. Tamie's  dream is to represent the United States at an Olympic Games!

    Tamie's daughter, Kaylawna (Vista Murrieta High School Alumni), is also a successful three-day event rider competing on the international stage. Make sure you watch for this mother-daughter duo! The City of Murrieta wishes you both luck this competition season. Way to represent Murrieta!    
    Visit the City Calendar for all City Events & Activities