SEPTEMBER 2022 · UPDATES FROM THE CITY OF MURRIETA · MORE MURRIETA | |
Message from the City Manager
September 2022
This week we celebrated the 2022 State of the City, held in partnership with the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce and presented by our Mayor, Jonathan Ingram. The entire community was invited behind the gates of the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort for the event, which had been closed to the public for nearly 30 years. It was an honor to highlight the work that our City Council and staff are doing to make Murrieta the special place it is, but also the many exciting things to come. The entire presentation will be available on the City's YouTube channel and government access channel in the coming weeks.
Want to learn more about what is going on in Murrieta this month? Read on for information about the following stories and more:
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City opens Cooling Centers during heat wave
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Community invited to attend Murrieta 9/11 Tribute Ceremony
- The DISHcover Murrieta Boutique Dining Guide is now available online
- Spaces for fall 2022 Citizens Police Academy are filling fast
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Mark your calendar for upcoming events and meetings
It might not feel like fall yet, but the season change will be here soon, and I am looking forward to this new time of year. September through December in Murrieta are filled with a number of community events reminding us that we are connected by community.
Thanks for reading,
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Kim Summers
Murrieta City Manager
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Murrieta City News
City Council election update and City cooling centers now open
City Council District 1 Election Update
On August 24, 2022, the Murrieta City Council appointed Jon Levell to serve as the City of Murrieta City Council District 1 (see district map here) representative for a full term of four years. The decision comes after receiving only one qualified nomination for District 1 during the nomination period, which was open from July 18 to August 12. A total of three individuals formally inquired about the nomination process, but at the close of the period, only Mr. Levell filed and qualified. By appointing the District 1 seat, the City has canceled its City Council election for District 1, saving Murrieta approximately $44,000. Mr. Levell will be sworn into his City Council position in December along with the seating of the other City Council Members based on the November election. The election for City Council Districts 2 and 5 will continue as scheduled on November 8, 2022. For more information on the 2022 municipal election, visit Murrieta’s election central website.
Stay Hydrated, Stay Cool, Stay Safe
The beginning of September is going to be hot. Because of this, the City of Murrieta has opened cooling centers available to the community during peak heat. The Community Services Department has a schedule for cooling centers in a variety of City facilities. Water, snacks, games, and wi-fi will be available at all locations. To avoid heat illness, remember tips like wearing light clothing, staying out of the sun during the height of the day, and staying well hydrated. Even a short break in an air conditioned space can help prevent heat-related issues. Know someone who may need this assistance? Please share this information with them so we can all keep the community safe and healthy. View schedule and locations here.
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Murrieta Police Department
Murrieta PD invites you to join their next Citizens Police Academy and celebrates Officer Bock
Fall 2022 Murrieta PD Citizens Police Academy
The fall 2022 Citizens Police Academy begins on September 28. The Citizens Police Academy allows Murrieta residents and those who work in Murrieta to get an up-close look at police department operations, training, and personnel. For more information on the Citizen’s Police Academy and to sign up, visit Murrieta Police Department website.
Officer Bock Recognized by Inland Empire Blue Belles
The City is proud to recognize Murrieta Police Department Officer Bock for another award from our great community. Recently, the Inland Empire Blue Belles hosted their annual Blue Ribbon Breakfast where they honored the 2021 Inland Empire Officers and Deputies of the year. Officer Bock was honored to be named as their 2021 Officer of the Year for the Murrieta Police Department.
Visit the Murrieta Police Department website for more Murrieta PD news.
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Economic Development Updates
Check out Murrieta's digital dinning guide!
Digital Dinning Guide
Murrieta is the place to DISHcover unique dining options in Southwest Riverside County. From family-run restaurants to boutique dining establishments, you can dine out or take away meals from a wide variety of cuisines. This is what makes Murrieta special. We are the comforting home of foodies and those who seek options when they choose where to dine. Check out our newly published DISHcover Murrieta Boutique Dining Guide to find your next unique Murrieta dining spot!
Murrieta Money Match
The City of Murrieta just replenished its Money Match program funds! The community has already purchased more than $200,000 worth of Murrieta Money Match gift cards. Those funds have all been matched by the City of Murrieta, meaning there is double the money to spend locally. Use your Murrieta Money at 56 unique local merchants and growing. Purchase your gift card and learn more about the program on the Murrieta Money Match Website.
Market Nights
Looking for things to do in Murrieta? Join us for Market Nights hosted in Downtown Murrieta every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month to enjoy live music, food, street vendors, and more. While you are there, come visit the City of Murrieta booth on the corner of Washington Avenue and Juniper Street for information and fun giveaways. See you September 1 and 15 from 5 - 9 p.m. in Downtown Murrieta! For more information please visit the Downtown 395 website.
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Murrieta Fire & Rescue
Murrieta Fire & Rescue provides mutual aid in recent wildfires
Murrieta Fire & Rescue (MFR) has been actively involved on a State level throughout the summer helping to suppress wildfires in Northern California. MFR has sent several engine companies and chief officers in recent months, ensuring crews continue to get training and experience they can bring back home to help protect Murrieta. MFR remains at full staffing during this process and the services to the community are not reduced while crews assist with State missions.
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Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming special events and public meetings
Special Events
September Public Meetings & Closures
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Labor Day Holiday | September 5 | City facilities closed
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City Council Meeting | September 6 and September 20
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Parks and Recreation Commission | September 1
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Planning Commission | September 14 and September 28
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Library Advisory Commission | October 17
Meeting times and dates are subject to change. Please visit the City's agenda webpage for meeting details and full agendas.
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Community Services Department Updates
Creating community through people, parks, and programs
9/11 Observance Ceremony
On Sunday, September 11, 2022 the nation will mark the 21st anniversary of the four coordinated terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda. The City of Murrieta will pay respects to those who perished that day with an observance ceremony at Town Square Park beginning at approximately 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and reflect on the occasion.
Alternative Recreation Program
The City’s Alternative Recreation Program (“ARP”) offers activities for special needs adults 18 years and older at least once each month. Program activities include dances, potlucks, movies, field trips, and pool parties. Most activities take place at the Community Center on Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. There is a nominal fee of $2 per participant, but guardians or caregivers are free except for field trip admissions where prices are to be determined. The theme on September 9 will be “Masquerade! Paper faces on parade!” Then a second event will take place on September 23 with a evening revolving around a candle making activity.
Youth Advisory Committee - Members Needed
The Murrieta Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is proud to represent the youth of Murrieta. YAC members are required to attend monthly meetings that include leadership skills training, social gatherings, and youth event planning. The YAC is responsible for offering numerous events throughout the year geared to their peers. One YAC representative also serves on the Parks and Recreation Commission ensuring the youth of Murrieta have representation regarding the services the Community Services District offers. Interested teens can call (951) 461-6105 or go to www.MurrietaCA.gov/youth for more information.
Reminder to Beat the Heat
In addition to the expanded cooling center hours the City has coordinated for the current heat wave, the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County (CAP) partners with senior and community centers, including the Murrieta Senior Center, to provide cool centers as a way for vulnerable individuals to beat the heat. The Murrieta Senior Center acts a “cool center” for anyone age 50 and older when temps increase up to the 100s. Senior Center is located at 5 Town Square. The cool center will provide bottled water and light snacks, resource information, and games/activities for participants. View the schedule and locations here.
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Public Library Activities
Library begins new fall programming, promotes banned books week, and library card sign-up month
Fun Fall Programming Highlights
The Library will be offering new programming for all age groups beginning in September! The Children’s Department will offer “Family Date Night” featuring games, crafts and music on Friday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the Garden of Verses. Teens will have the chance to win a $25 savings bond at our Financial Literacy program on September 13 at 4:00 p.m., and can take an ACT Practice Test on Saturday, September 17, at 9:00 a.m. For the latter program, they must register online. Additionally, teens are invited to join a four-week genealogy workshop, Teen-Ealogy, starting Wednesday, September 14, at 4:30 p.m., in the Library’s Lab. Adults will have the chance to participate in our Watercolor Painting class on September 14 at 3:00 p.m. On September 10 at 1:00 p.m., there will be a special program open to all ages called Permaculture: Growing without Chemicals. All programs are held in the Library’s Community Room unless otherwise noted.
Banned Books Week
The week of September 18 – 24 is Banned Books Week – a special week that celebrates the freedom to read. Banned Books Week has highlighted the value of free and open access to information. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the annual event that brings together the entire book community to share support of the freedom to seek and express all ideas. The Library will have a special display honoring the week.
Library Card Sign-Up
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Libraries nationwide promote the many benefits of having a library card. This year the Murrieta Public Library will be holding a drawing for new and returning users (those who have not used their card in three months) who will have a chance to win a prize pack. All library card holders can also participate in the nationwide #GetLibraryCarded, a contest sponsored by the American Library Association. Please visit the American Library Association’s website for details.
Stay Current With What's Happening
To stay current with what’s happening at the Murrieta Public Library, sign up for the Library’s Newsletter at bit.ly/murlib. As always, staff is available to answer questions by phone Monday through Saturday during regular hours by calling (951) 304-BOOK. Please email circ@murrietaca.gov for account questions and reference@murrieta.gov for general questions.
Follow Murrieta Public Library: @Murrietalibrary on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
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Development Services Updates
Development updates, Code Enforcement addresses temporary signage
Local Development Updates
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Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is now under new ownership and has submitted applications for the first set of tenant improvements to the property. The City will keep the community informed as the property makes progress toward opening as a world-class destination health and wellness resort. Want to get to know more about plans for the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort? A video featuring the property and some of the vision for the resort was shared at Murrieta's State of the City address.
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Nittobo America on Brown Street and Jefferson is nearing completion on their 45,000 square foot construction project.
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Home Depot is finalizing site planning details for a new store at The Orchard Shopping Center, off of Clinton Keith Road and the 215 freeway. This will be the second Home Depot location in Murrieta.
Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement has started to visit commercial shopping centers in Murrieta to address excessive temporary signage. While the City understands that businesses came to rely on these types of signs during the pandemic, they will work with businesses to bring them into code compliance. To learn more and apply for a temporary signage permit, please visit the City's website.
Stay Up-to-Date
Visit the Development Services Department website for more information on Planning, Building & Safety, and Code Enforcement at the City of Murrieta.
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Join the Murrieta team!
Check out Jobs at the City of Murrieta
The City of Murrieta is consistently ranked one of the best places to work in the Inland Empire and has a strong organizational culture and dedicated workforce.
Have you considered looking for the next step in your career by serving your community? Check out the City's jobs website and learn more about current openings. Make sure to check back often, as new positions are listed frequently. The following positions are currently posted on the City site:
Visit Murrieta's Jobs website today!
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