Looking Ahead with Optimism and Reflecting on the Year
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September has always been one of my favorite months: a transition from the more casual days of summer and an optimistic look forward at all we will accomplish. While 2020 differs in so many ways, the optimism of September still holds true.
I say this with deep recognition of the challenges and losses we have faced over the past six months and will continue to address for some time. Yet thanks to all of you, we are emerging. With COVID numbers dropping and safe re-openings increasing, there is plenty of room for optimism.
On September 17, 2020, at 6 p.m., we will share our Virtual State of the City address with all of you. Our theme: Strengthened by Community provides a nod to the connectivity of residents, businesses and the City, as we addressed challenges, continued to provide services, progressed on key projects, and moved together through a year like no other.
On a final note: I want to send a shout out to Cindy Warren from Creative Media Solutions and JAGS Gives Back. Cindy supports local veterans and has been sponsoring lunches for essential workers at City Hall during COVID. Just one more example of our amazing, connected community at work!
As always, stay safe and well.
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Kim Summers, City Manager
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State Unveils New Reopening Metrics
Effective Tuesday, September 1, 2020, barbershops, hair salons all retail, and malls may reopen indoors (with modifications) as part of the State's simplified, four-tiered system to guide reopening over the long-term.
A county's tier placement is determined by the number of cases and the positivity rate. While Riverside County remains on the watch list at the highest tier with an 8.6 positivity rate, our numbers continue to drop. When we stay below the tier's threshold for three weeks, Riverside County can move to the next, less restrictive tier and off the watch list.
The State website, www.covid19.ca.gov, has added an interactive tool where you can look up the status of business sector openings, view county numbers and link directly to safe reopening guidelines.
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Murrieta Counts! Have You Done Your Part?
September is the final month for Census 2020. Have you been counted? You see the City championing Census participation with signs, banners and messages like these. That's because this once-in-a-decade count defines our community for the next 10 years. It determines funding for community programs, streets and roads. It lays out our congressional representation, and even helps businesses choose if Murrieta is a good match. Please help us spread the word in this final stretch. It's quick, confidential, and essential for our community. Visit www.2020Census.gov to be counted.
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Last Wednesday, August 26, 2020, the Murrieta Planning Commission approved the long-anticipated Costco project off of Clinton Keith and Antelope near the 1-215. This is an important development for this growing part of Murrieta and will be a great addition to our community, employing an estimated 250 people.
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Where and How to Vote in the November 3 Election
Curious about how and where you can vote this November? To help slow the spread of COVID-19, the state has ordered that all counties use a Vote-By-Mail system for the November election. That means everyone, whether you have requested a Vote-By-Mail ballot or not, will receive one in the mail beginning the week of October 5, 2020.
To cast your ballot, you can either drop it in the mail in the posted-paid envelope that comes with your ballot, drop it in the ballot box here at City Hall up to Election Day, or stop by one of the six Voter Assistance Centers in Murrieta that will be open for four days prior to the election.
Voter Assistance Centers are in-person voting centers, where any resident in the County can cast their ballot, either by dropping off their Vote-By-Mail ballot, or voting on a machine. The Voter Assistance Centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Saturday, October 31, 2020, through Monday, November 2, 2020, and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
The locations of the VACs have been identified, and will be announced once the Registrar of Voters finalizes all of the site agreements. We can share with you that the City will be hosting VACs at the Library, Fire Station #4, and the Youth Center. The three remaining locations are being finalized for local elementary schools.
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Learn about the candidates and get the latest on our November 3, 2020 City Council elections.
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Murrieta's Deputy Fire Chief Mike Lopez has headed north to help lead the response to the Lightning Complex fires and an engine crew has been assigned to the Donal Fire in Monterey County. More than 14,000 lightning strikes over the past two weeks have resulted in 700+ wildfires across the state. While our region has been spared so far, it's an important reminder that fire season has arrived early. Locally our department is clearing brush in key areas to get a head start on fire prevention. Residents can help by ensuring a defensible zone around their home. Visit the CalFire Prepare for Wildfire site to learn more. (image: lightning strikes over the SF Bay Area, August 2020).
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Recognizing 9/11 Patriot's Day
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Library Learn Express Keeps You Connected
The Murrieta Public Library subscribes to a variety of online databases, one of which is Learning Express Library. Learning Express Library features nearly 1,000 online tutorials, practice tests, and eBooks to help patrons of all ages. It offers job search and workplace skills improvement, skill building in reading, writing, math, and basic science, career certification and licensure exam prep, college and grad school entrance test prep, GED® test prep, and more. Featured Learning Centers include:
Adult Core Skills
The Adult Core Skills center helps adults achieve their personal, education and career goals by offering resources to help them improve their basic skills in reading, writing, and math, and prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam.
School Center
The resources in the School Center provide skill-building for classroom and homework success. The School Center helps students in elementary, middle, and high school prepare for important tests, get extra help with assignments, and boost their skills in important subjects.
College Admissions Test Preparation
Getting into college is an important step to building a strong future. First, you must do well on your college admission tests and perhaps need to write a personal essay that highlights your special talents. Use this center to get the resources you need to achieve your college preparation goals.
College Students
The College Center provides valuable resources that help college students strengthen their academic skills, prepare for placement tests, and get ready for graduate school entrance exams.
Career Preparation Center
Are you preparing for a professional exam? Are you curious about a particular occupation or looking to improve your workplace skills? Choose the Career Preparation Center and begin your path to a bright future.
The Learning Express database can be found on the Library’s web page at murrietalibrary.info and by clicking on the E-Resources link, and then clicking on Free Tutorial Classes and Tests. Once you register you are ready to learn!
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