Visit www.MurrietaCA.gov/coronavirus for the latest information on COVID-19.
Please share this newsletter with friends and family, and follow us on social media.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
How We're Continuing to Serve
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First and foremost, I want to thank all of you for following the stay-at-home orders. The numbers tells us that we are doing relatively well in Murrieta. Our County is one of a handful of communities with free testing available to all residents and local hospitals are operating well within capacity, both positive markers.
Still, we recognize that this pandemic has hit us hard in other ways. From the tragic loss of lives, to record unemployment and business closures, not to mention the challenges of homeschooling, isolation and conflict. Time will tell us the degree of these impacts. We know this is historic and life-changing. Many of you have stepped up to help others meet these challenges. As we see on signs in yards across the city, we are
"Murrieta Strong."
From day one, we have seen tremendous outpouring of community support and cooperation. You will see some of these stories in today's newsletter. I am confident that we have what it takes to move forward with grace and emerge with the strength, cooperation and resilience that defines Murrieta.
At City Hall, we too are looking forward to address the impacts of Coronavirus. Cities are facing significant financial losses, and we are no exception. While these impacts could disable other municipalities, prudent budgeting and voter approval of Measure T have allowed us to establish reserves to help us through times like this. We will be tightening our belts, with a goal of minimizing impacts to services. I talk more about this in my video report to the community below. I hope it proves valuable, and encourages you to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
We're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and will remain guided by our partners at Riverside County Public Health and the State of California. The next few week
s
will be key as we continue safe practices that drive our numbers down and look forward to a gradual softening of stay-at-home orders
by the State of California who is the ultimate authority on this issue
.
In Good Health,
Kim Summers, City Manager
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Connecting with our Community
City Launches Website Chat Platform
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We may not be able to connect face to face, but now we can chat.
Today, May 1, 2020, we began testing a new feature on the City website. At the bottom of each web page, you will see a chat option. Select a category, type in your question and a designated City employee will respond if he or she is available. Chat is most appropriate for quick questions that require a brief, immediate response and is not meant to replace phone or email inquiries. It provides an additional option for residents and stakeholders to connect with us when we cannot be face-to-face. Over the next few weeks we will be assessing demand and resident satisfaction to determine if this is a helpful tool for the long term. As this program was implemented quickly to address the health crisis, please have patience as we make improvements and work out the kinks.
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Don't Let Staying at Home Keep You from a Great Read!
Got Books? The Murrieta Library Can Help
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 Zip Books are available at the Murrieta Public Library. What is it? Zip Books are an alternative way to request books that the Library doesn't own. The item is shipped directly using Amazon Prime.
Library patrons may request a book (regular print or large print) or a book on CD that is available for $50 or less by visiting our Zip Book link. Library staff will place the order and the item is mailed directly to the patron. When the Library reopens, bring the item(s) to a staff member at one of the Library's Information Desks. Do not return the item in the book drops.
You must have a valid library card to participate and can request three Zip Book items at a time. The request may be for children, teen, or adult books written in English and other languages.
Zip Books is a partnership between the California State Library and the NorthNet Library System. It is supported with California Library Services Act funds. More information on the program can be found at
www.murrietalibrary.info
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Update from the Youth Center
Youth Arts Showcase Goes Online
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 While COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions are in place, staff and students involved with the Youth Advisory Committee have devised a unique way to still host its annual Youth Art Showcase. Just like the many museums that are offering virtual tours, the Murrieta Community Services Department is going virtual as well! Artists need to be students between the ages of 10 and 18.
- Groups or individuals can register
- The showcase is open to any type of visual art
- Amateurs only may register to participate
- Deadline to submit art is Monday, May 4, 2020, via direct message on Instagram to @MurrietaYouthCenter
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Rotary, School District, Library Join Together
Coming Together to Support the Community
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Responding to COVID-19
Cities Collaborate to Support Business
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Stay Informed and Connected on COVID-19 Issues
Food Resource Map, Emotional Support and More
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General Coronavirus Information
- The latest Coronavirus Information from the City can be found at www.MurrietaCA.gov/coronavirus. This site links to County and State resources and includes regular updates from the City, how to connect with virtual resources, and more.
- On the County's Public Health site you will find daily Coronavirus statistics, resources, Public Health orders, media announcements and more at www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus
Food Support
- To link residents to food pantries, senior meal programs and school lunch sites, Riverside County has produced an interactive Food Access Map at bit.ly/RvcoFoodAccess. Just enter your address, select the radius and see what's available in your neighborhood.
- To sign up for the Senior Meal Program, which distributes a weeks worth of frozen meals each Friday to residents over 60, please call (951) 461-6109.
Addressing Isolation and Emotional Health
- Friendship Line California is toll-free and available to provide emotional support to older Californians facing loneliness, isolation, and anxiety. 1-888-670-1360
- Take My Hand Peer Chat Site is a Public Health tool that provides one on one online chats for those feeling isolated. More at TakeMyHand.co
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