MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
October Brings Voting, Grants and Openings
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Fall has arrived, and brings some variations on what we have come to expect. Temperatures will soon begin to drop out of the triple digits, voting season has begun, and we share optimism as we move toward returning to some version of normal.
As we continue to see a gradual decline in COVID deaths and cases, Murrieta’s numbers have placed us in the less restrictive Red Tier, which allows limited indoor activity to resume in many sectors. Whatever your politics: If you are wearing a mask in public places, keeping your distance and washing your hands often, we thank you. You are helping to keep our businesses open and residents safe. We are moving in the right direction, together; and I am confident that our connected community will keep that momentum going so that we can move through the additional tiers.
As our businesses safely reopen, we are proud to offer small businesses and non-profits a boost with two new opportunities launching this month: Round 2 of our Back to Business grants, and our bigger-and-better Community Development Block Grant program. You can read more about both opportunities in this newsletter. You can also help our businesses by shopping local.
Stay safe, stay connected and make sure you vote between now and November 3! More information on how to vote by mail and in person is available below.
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Kim Summers, City Manager |
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OPTIONS FOR EVERY CA REGISTERED VOTER
Murrieta Welcomes Voting Season
Vote by Mail or Drop-Off Beginning This Month
Mail-in ballots will begin to arrive the the week of October 5, 2020. Every registered voter will receive one. Just fill it out, drop it in the mail, or bring it to any secure Ballot Drop Box (City Hall and Senior Center) or to a Voter Assistance Center after October 31.. Submit your mail-in ballot early for the best chance to be counted in election night results.
Vote in Person October 31 Through November 3
Every registered voter also has the option to vote in-person starting October 31, 2020 through Election Day, November 3, 2020, at any Riverside County Voter Assistance Center. In Murrieta there will be seven Voter Assistance Centers, including the Public Library, the Youth Center and Fire Station #4. Your mail-in ballot is not required to vote in-person (staff will look you up online). Voter Assistances Centers require masks and will have modifications in place for safer voting.
Want to Keep Track of Your Ballot?
This year's process is different, and many of us want to make extra sure our vote is counted. Track My Ballot is a comprehensive site that lets you know where you ballot is in the process, when it is counted, and notifies you if there are any issues. It provides a little extra peace of mind.
No matter how you do it. Please make sure to vote. There are many important races to consider, including two new Murrieta City Council members. Support our democracy by making your voice heard.
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Murrieta, Temecula, Join for Halloween Home Contest
Calling all lovers of creepy crawlers, masterfully carved pumpkins, and frightening front yards, the City of Murrieta and the City of Temecula will join this year for a Halloween Home Decorating Contest. Residents enter the contest in their own city, and homes will be judged based on pre-determined categories they select. At the conclusion of the local contest, the residents of both cities will choose a single overall winner.
Registration opens on October 1, 2020 at www.tinyurl.com/halloweencontest2020. The last day to enter is October 26, 2020, with judging by photos done that same day. Maps for the winners will be posted on social media with an overall event winner announced on October 30. Please contact (951) 304-7275 for more information.
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MASKS, DISTANCING REMAIN ESSENTIAL
Local Numbers Drop, Openings Increase
Riverside County is reducing its COVID positivity rate and case numbers, which places the County into the less restrictive Red Tier. This allows indoor dining, churches, salons, gyms, malls and more to operate with reduced capacity and safety modifications.
Masks are still required in shared indoor spaces by those serving the public, and outdoors if you cannot distance. Playgrounds have also opened with special guidelines. We are getting safely back-to-business.
Our testing numbers, however, remain low; and public health encourages more residents to get regular, free testing so the County can understand local transmission, identify asymptomatic cases, and keep positivity rates low.
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Meet at a Few of our New Businesses!
Even with the challenges brought by 2020, many exciting businesses continue to make Murrieta their home. Meet a few newcomers and see some old friends in this one-minute slideshow excerpt from our 2020 State of the City. You can view the full video and virtual studio event, with Murrieta Mayor Gene Wunderlich and Chamber President Patrick Ellis, at www.MurrietaCA.gov/stateofthecity
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City Opens Business and Non-Profit Grants
New Round of Back-to-Business Grants for Small Business
On Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 9 a.m., eligible small businesses impacted by COVID can request up to $10k on a first-come, first-served basis as the City of Murrieta kicks off Round 2 of its Back-to-Business Grant program. As with the first round of grants, businesses must have 15 or fewer employees, excluding the owner, and show a need for funding. More than half of the employees must have incomes at or below 80% of the local median. Currently that is $40,250 for an individual, $57,450 for a family of four. Visit www.MurrietaCA.gov/businessgrants for additional information.
Community Development Block Grants for Non-Profits, Public Agencies
The City is accepting applications for its next Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards to support local non-profits and public agencies. Programs must benefit low-to-moderate income individuals, seniors, adults with disabilities, those experiencing homeless, or victims of domestic abuse. More information and applications are available at www.MurrietaCA.gov/cdbg. Submission deadline is October 30, 2020.
Pictured above: Ann's Classic Affairs staff and friends accept their Round 1 Back-to-Business grant award, supported by Mayor Gene Wunderlich and Council Member Christi White..
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On the Go? Murrieta Library Has You Covered
eAudioBooks and eMagazines are available at the Murrieta Public Library! rb digital is your home for over 11,000 eAudioBooks and 3,700 eMagazines. No more waiting for your turn. All books are available to every patron who wants to listen. Magazines such as Good Housekeeping, Forbes, Car and Driver, Newsweek, and Food Network are also available and can be read on your computer, smartphone or tablet. Access rb digital here, or download the rb digital app from your smartphone or tablet. You’ll need to register using your library card.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, City Hall will glow pink each night in October to highlight the importance of awareness, education and research into this disease that strikes one out of every eight women. Visit www.BreastCancer.org to learn more. While the Susan G. Komen walk is cancelled this year, the group will be hosting a Car Parade at Murrieta BMW on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at 8:30 a.m.
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Shortcuts to Stay Connected with the City of Murrieta
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