Message from the City Manager

July 2022

Welcome July! The summer season is off to a great start after last month's Father's Day Car Show and 31^st Birthday Bash. The fun continues in July at Town Square Park and Amphitheater as the City of Murrieta hosts weekly live concerts the whole family can enjoy. I hope you take advantage of the great community events and programming we have in Murrieta. They are one of the many reasons that here in Murrieta, we are Connected by Community.

And while we are now halfway through the calendar year, June 30 marked the close of the City's fiscal year. Looking back on what staff has accomplished over the past 12 months is impressive and I am excited to share our Annual Accomplishments report with you in next month's More Murrieta.

In this edition, read on to learn about the following stories and more:

• Murrieta PD and Murrieta Fire & Rescue ready for Fourth of July with extra units
• Summer is in full swing with live concert series at Town Square Park and Amphitheater
• Murrieta Money Match matches your money at Murrieta businesses
• Murrieta Library hosts family fun event with famous juggler Michael Rayner
• Mark your calendar for upcoming events and meetings

As we go into the holiday weekend, I wish you are a happy, festive, and safe Fourth of July.

Kim Summers

Murrieta City Manager

Murrieta Fire & Rescue and Murrieta PD Join Forces to Address Illegal Fireworks

Additional units will be responding throughout city over holiday weekend

All Fireworks are Illegal in Riverside County

This holiday weekend, the City of Murrieta is sending out more additional Murrieta Police Department and Murrieta Fire & Rescue units than ever before. They will be doing extra patrol specifically to respond to calls regarding fireworks. ALL fireworks will be confiscated and those in possession may be cited up to $50,000 for illegal fireworks use. 

Even with this increased response, we need community members to care about their safety, their neighbors' and pets' well-being, and the serious wildfire risk more than a little bit of fun.

Local Fireworks Shows to Enjoy

Nationwide last year, at least 9 people died and an estimated 11,500 were injured in incidents involving fireworks. Fireworks are dangerous to people and pets and triggering to those impacted by loud noises, such as veterans and those with PTSD. Using them puts your property and the community at risk.

While the City held its fireworks show last weekend at the annual Birthday Bash, please leave the lighting to the professionals this weekend by enjoying these local fireworks shows:

• Lake Elsinore: July 4 Party in the Park at Summerly Park at 18505 Malaga Road
• Temecula: Family Fest and Fireworks at Ronald Reagan Sports Park at 30875 Rancho Vista Road
• Temecula: Pechanga Resort and Casino at 45000 Pechanga Parkway
• Corona: Santana Regional Park at 598 Santana Way

City Launches Online Fireworks Reporting Form

We love Murrieta's engaged community, but receiving thousands of calls reporting illegal fireworks throughout Fourth of July weekend means that the City's 911 dispatch center can be overwhelmed with requests. This slows down public safety's ability to respond to critical life and safety calls.

That's where the City's online firework reporting portal comes in. If you want to report fireworks throughout the Fourth of July holiday weekend, go to www.MurrietaCA.gov/Fireworks.

Keep yourself, your neighbors, and your community safe and remember, ALL fireworks are illegal in Riverside County. 

Economic Development Updates

Murrieta Money Match supports local businesses with gift card match program

It's easy to get paid to shop local with the Murrieta Money Match program. Double your money, support the Murrieta community, and help local businesses overcome some of the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's a triple win! With your purchase of a $50, $100, or $250 gift card, you will receive a matching gift card from the City of Murrieta to spend at participating local businesses! Purchase gift cards on our special Murrieta Money Match Website.

Participating in the Murrieta Money Match program means supporting the heart of what makes our community unique. The purchase of a Murrieta eGift card creates a pool of cash that local businesses in Murrieta can rely on.

The program launched with participating restaurants and will soon open to all business sectors who qualify. 

Have a Murrieta business and would like to participate in the Murrieta Money Match program? Email Donovan Miller at DMiller@MurrietaCA.gov to be added to the business interest list.

Murrieta Police Department

Murrieta PD prepares to celebrate 30 years of service to the community

Murrieta PD will Celebrate 30^th Anniversary with Community Open House 

The Murrieta Police Department was established in 1992 when it took over police services for the City of Murrieta on August 1, 1992. The department will celebrate its 30^th anniversary as a municipal police department on August 1. Much has changed since the initial 25 officers and 9 civilian employees began operations 30 years ago. However, the department’s culture remains rooted in excellent service delivery and a strong partnership with the community. The department works very hard to hire only the best law enforcement officers available, to include its own explorers when ready. The partnership built between the police department and the community is the personification of community policing and is the primary reason the city remains such a safe place for its residents to live, work, and enjoy.

Among cities with a population of over 100,000, Murrieta is consistently ranked one of the safest cities in the United States.

The Murrieta Police Department will be hosting a community open house event at police headquarters and Town Square Park and Amphitheater on Monday, August 1, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Refreshments, photo opportunities, and tours of the police station will be available. This event is free and open to the public. Visit the Murrieta Police Department website for more Murrieta PD news, as well as additional information about attending the open house. 

Celebrating 30 Years with 30 Days of Highlights

Follow Murrieta PD as they commemorate 30 years with 30 days of highlights on social media. Follow @MurrietaPD on Twitter, Instagram, NextDoor, LinkedIn, and TikTok. 

Summer Concert Series

Enjoy the sounds of summer at Town Square Park and Amphitheater

Summer Concerts in the Park

The City's summer concert series is back with the first Concert in the Park on Saturday, July 2. Admission is free! Come enjoy your Saturday nights at Town Square Park and Amphitheater every week throughout July at 6 p.m. listening to amazing live performances. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets. Well behaved, leashed, friendly dogs are welcome to attend. Check the events website for the band lineup. A big shout out to the event sponsors for making this popular summer series possible: Ennoble Realty, Temecula Valley Toyota, Raising Canes, and Temecula Valley Lexus. 

For more information about City of Murrieta events taking place throughout the year, visit www.MurrietaCA.gov/events.

Summer Movie Series

Movies in the Park is back in August

Summer Movies in the Park   

The City will host its summer Movies in the Park event series on Saturday evenings throughout the month of August. Movies start at dusk and will be held at Murrieta Town Square Park and Amphitheater. These events are all free to attend and family friendly. Remember to bring chairs or a blanket and movie snacks. Well behaved, leashed, friendly dogs are welcome to attend.

Movie Schedule:

• 8/6 – Encanto
• 8/13 – Sing 2
• 8/20 – Jungle Cruise
• 8/27 – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

For more information, please visit the Community Services Department's special events page or contact staff at (951) 304-PARK (7275).

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming special events and public meetings

Special Events

• Concerts in the Park | July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Event Details
• Juggler Michael Rayner | July 6 | Event Details
• Do Good Blood Drive | July 26 | Event Details
• Murrieta PD Anniversary Open House| August 1 | Event Details
• Summer Movie Series | August 6, 13, 20, 27 | Event Details

July Public Meetings

• Parks and Recreation Commission | July 7
• Planning Commission | July 13 and July 27

Meeting times and dates are subject to change. Please visit the City's agenda webpage for meeting details and full agendas.

Murrieta City News

City's election website launches, and hosts blood drive 

Election Update

The City Clerk’s Department is excited to debut its new Election Central webpage. Residents can visit www.MurrietaCA.gov/Elections to get the latest information and resources on the upcoming November election.

Blood Drive Announcement

On Tuesday, July 26, show your support for your friends and neighbors in need by donating blood with the American Red Cross. The blood drive will take place at the Murrieta Public Library in the Community Room from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to schedule your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: MURRIETACA

Stay in the Know: Clinton Keith Extension Project

As part of the Clinton Keith Road Extension project, Briggs Road will be realigned along the new Clinton Keith Road. The realignment is underway and requires a permanent partial closure of Briggs Road between Leon and Los Alamos roads. 

All traffic will be detoured to use Menifee Road to access Los Alamos Road and Liberty Road. Local access will be open for residents on Porth Road. It is recommended that residents use Menifee Road. Emergency services will have access at all times. Posted signs will be placed to direct traffic through the detour. It is recommended that you allow extra time to reach your destination. For more information on this County of Riverside project, please visit their informational website.

Community Services Department Updates

Creating community through people, parks, and programs

National Parks and Recreation Month is here

July is Parks and Recreation Month. It’s time to explore everything your local parks and recreation has to offer from playgrounds to rec centers, sports leagues, summer camps, and more!! But, parks and recreation is so much more than those things…During Parks and Recreation Month, the City challenges you to explore the “undiscovered” aspects of local parks and recreation like trails, senior programs, innovative health and wellness opportunities, community celebrations, outdoor recreation, habitat conservation, maintenance, and more! Redefine how you think about your local parks and rec, and uncover a lifetime of discovery! To celebrate Parks and Recreation Month, look for special activities and giveaways during the Concert in the Park series at Town Square Park and Amphitheater. 

Summer Swim Hours at Cal Oaks Sports Park Extended

Pool hours are extended from July 1 - August 9! Beat the heat this summer at the California Oaks Sports Park aquatic facility. Opportunities include public swim, lap swim, and water exercise classes. For all information regarding pool hours and offerings, please visit the City's aquatics webpage or call 951-304-PARK (7275). Safe swimming!

Reminder to Beat the Heat

The Community Action Partnership of Riverside County (CAP) has partnered 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. Notices will be posted on the Community Services District’s Facebook page (@MurrietaCSD) and the City’s website.

Alternative Recreation Program

Murrieta’s Alternative Recreation Program (ARP) is a social program for adults, 18 years and older, with intellectual and developmental challenges. Come check out our July events! On July 8 join us for a summer Beach Party to enjoy some tasty snacks and music. It’ll shore be a great time! July 22, get ready for a fun night of Bingo. Who will be our big winner? For registration and additional information please refer to our recreation program listing here. For more information call 951-304-PARK (7275).

Public Library Activities

Famous juggler visits Murrieta and Summer Reading Challenge continues

Famous Juggler Juggles His Way to Murrieta

Michael Rayner will be performing for the Murrieta Public Library on Wednesday, July 6, at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to watch his FREE performance at the Town Square Park and Amphitheater (11 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562)! This show is for all ages. Feel free to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and umbrellas (even snacks if you wish!) and settle in for this family-friendly show. Come early!

Michael Rayner is a comedian, juggler, and actor and has been described as “preposterous brilliance” and “wacky jugglement." His signature trick is spinning a Burger King cheeseburger on a parasol which garnered him multiple TV appearances on shows including American’s Got Talent, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and has past clients such as Netflix, Comic Con, Paramount, and Disney.

Summer Reading Challenge

Signups for the summer Reading Challenge are still open! Join the fun until Saturday, July 16. It's free and open to all ages. ⁠Read five books and come in to the Library to claim your prize - it's that simple. 

Sign Up for the Library Newsletter to Stay Up-to-Date

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 are available to answer questions Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and via phone at (951) 304-BOOK. Please email circ@murrietaca.gov for account questions and reference@murrieta.gov for general questions.

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:

• Accounting Specialist
• Audio Visual Technician
• Building Inspector I/II/III
• Civil Engineering Assistant New
• Executive Assistant (Economic Development)
• Executive Assistant (Finance)
• Management Analyst (Administrative Services Department)
• Management Analyst (Finance)
• Office Assistant I/II
• Recreation Leader
• Senior Civil Engineer

Visit Murrieta's Jobs website today!