Message from the City Manager

February 2022

2022 is in full swing and while we were having a bit of déjà vu in January, we are glad to be back seeing you in person again and healthy.

We are ready to take on the new month and have plenty to share in this edition of More Murrieta. Read on to learn more about the following stories and more!

• City mourns the loss of dedicated employee, Ami Hicks
• Traffic enforcement takes a front seat for Murrieta PD
• The library welcomes new manager, offers free programs, and e-resources
• Have you downloaded the City's new Murrieta Fix It app?
• The Public Works team wraps up 2021-2022 slurry seal project
• Mark your calendar for upcoming events and meetings

It's February, so let's show our neighbors (and ourselves) some love and make it a great month. We certainly love serving this community and are here for you when you need us. Reach out any time, because, as always, we are Connected by Community.

Kim Summers

Murrieta City Manager

City Mourns Loss of Longtime Police Department Employee

Ami Hicks remembered as wonderful wife, mother, and friend

With great sadness and a heavy heart, the Murrieta Police Department announced the passing of Senior Crime Analyst Ami Hicks at the age of 46. Ami left us on Wednesday, January 26, after a hard fought battle that started on December 23, 2021. 

While Ami Hicks’ title was that of “Senior Crime Analyst,” in reality she was much more to the City of Murrieta organization. She was a multi-tasker, had a work ethic that was second to none, and was extremely driven.

Ami’s sense of duty and dedication was reflected in everything she touched and her relationships. Ami always put the needs of others ahead of her own and took personal satisfaction from doing a good job and helping other people. She had a reputation of reliability and was always willing to help someone in need.

Ami was one of the most valuable members of this organization; she made this community safer and upheld the mission of the police department every day. Most importantly, she was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend.

Please join the City of Murrieta and Murrieta Police Department in sending positive thoughts and prayers to her family and friends as they struggle to cope with this tragic loss.

Murrieta Police Department

Traffic enforcement takes a front seat for Murrieta PD and partner agencies

On January 12, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Murrieta Police Department Traffic Division collaborated with 21 motor officers from the Murrieta, Menifee, and Hemet Police Departments and motor officers with the California Highway Patrol in a collective enforcement effort on the Clinton Keith corridor and strategic locations along Whitewood Road, Winchester Road, and Murrieta Hot Springs Road.

The purpose of this enforcement was to help reduce traffic collisions in the City of Murrieta by educating the public and enforcing the city’s top collision factors: speeding, lane violations, turn violations, and stop violations like stop signs and red lights infractions.

This successful operation produced a total 137 traffic stops, with 108 citations issued for both moving and equipment violations, 29 verbal traffic warnings, and one vehicle impound. Additionally, of the citations issued to motorists, 94 citations addressed the primary collision factors of speeding, stop sign violations, and inattentive driving. The remaining 14 citations were issued for equipment violations.

The Murrieta Police Department will continue to collaborate with Southwest Riverside County agencies to support the effort to reduce traffic collisions throughout Riverside County.

Visit the Murrieta Police Department website for more information about the City's traffic enforcement program.

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming special events and public meetings

Spring Special Events

• Tour De Murrieta | April 2-3 | Tour De Murrieta Details
• Spring EGGstravaganza | April 16 |EGGstravaganza Details
• Memorial Day Observance Ceremony | May 30 | Event Details

February Public Meetings

• City Council - February 1 and 15
• Parks and Recreation Commission - February 3
• Library Advisory Commission - February 14
• Measure T Oversight Committee - February 18
• Planning Commission - February 23

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

Economic Development Updates

New businesses and restaurants join Murrieta community

Murrieta’s unemployment rate has dropped to 3.8%!

The unemployment rate in the region was 5.1% in December 2021, and below last year's estimate of 8.7%. Murrieta's low unemployment rate compares with an unadjusted rate of 5.0% statewide. The unemployment rate was 5.1% in Riverside County and 5.2% in San Bernardino County.

Howard's Appliances is coming to Murrieta Town Center! Stay tuned for more announcements about this new store joining the Murrieta community.

Finally, the City extends a big thanks for supporting Murrieta restaurants during Restaurant Week 2022! The City continues to encourage everyone to get out and visit a new restaurant or revisit a favorite and support the important and flavorful role restaurants play in Murrieta.

Make sure to check out these newly-opened Murrieta restaurants!

• Murrieta Roadhouse is now open and ready to serve a good time and a great meal.
• Toast Murrieta serves up breakfast and lunch seven days a week.

Public Library Activities

The Library welcomes new manager, offers free programs and e-resources

The Murrieta Public Library is excited to announce the arrival of the new Library Manager, Melvin Racelis! Melvin comes to Murrieta with almost 15 years of library experience. Most recently, he was a branch manager with the Pasadena Public Library system. The City is proud to have him as part of the Murrieta Team. Say hello the next time you stop by the Murrieta Public Library!

The Children’s Services Department will host a 3D Create & Print event on February 8 at 4:30 p.m. Reservations are required to attend this free program. Children storytimes are set to resume in the Library on February 16.

The Adult Services Department will be offering a Gift of Love Necklace Craft Kit the week of February 7. Each kit includes a chain necklace along with several crystals and charms. One of the charms has a message of love, ideal to give to a loved one! They will be handed out at the Adult Reference Desk, while supplies last.

A Murrieta Public Library card doesn’t just give you access to books. It also provides free access to variety of e-resources and online databases that support workforce development including Coursera, GetSetUp, Learning Express, LinkedIn Learning, Northstar, Skillshare and more. Learn new marketable skills or simply expand your knowledge for fun. For access and more information, visit the Virtual Resources webpage.

Parks & Recreation News

Classes, park updates, and events

The City's Community Services Department loves providing safe, clean, beautiful, and accessible facilities, parks and open spaces, as well as a variety of leisure activities for all people in the areas of recreation, education, and culture. Check out what's new:

The Pioneer Park project on Second Avenue includes the installation of a train-themed tot lot, shelter, picnic tables, and small parking lot in the area next to the remains of Murrieta’s old schoolhouse on Second Avenue. This project is currently out to bid and the City will update the community once construction begins.

The Community Center roof is currently being replaced, which will ensure safe, dry conditions in the facility even during inclement weather.

The Vietnam Memorial Wall reached another milestone, as the architect has submitted the structural and landscape plans. Once staff review the plans, the project will continue through the plan check process.

Alternative Recreation Program

The City’s Alternative Recreation Program offers activities for special needs adults 18 years and older, the purpose of which is to promote social skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, creative expression, and special friendships. Love is in the air for February with a Valentine’s Day Social on Friday, February 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost for participants is $2 with guardians and caregivers free. This program takes place in the multipurpose room at the Community Center (41810 Juniper Street). Find out more on the class website or by calling (951) 304-PARK (7275).

City Wraps Up Successful 2021-2022 Slurry Seal Project

Citywide project nears completion

Thank you Murrieta residents! The City is nearly done with this year's street slurry seal project, with more than 80% of scheduled streets completed. The majority of the work should be completed, excluding pavement markings and striping, by the first week of March. The project covers 10 million square feet of residential roads. Check out more information on the Slurry Seal Project on the City's Streets website.

City News

Check out various City updates

City Adopts Legislative Platform

This month, the City of Murrieta adopted its 2022 Legislative Platform. The Murrieta City Council adopts an annual Legislative Platform, which serves as the foundation for the City’s advocacy strategy. Please check out the City of Murrieta’s Legislative Affairs webpage, which contains the following:

• City Council Legislative Policy
• Adopted Legislative Platform
• Position Letters
• Legislative Directory
• City Council Legislative Workgroup

Active Duty Military Banner Program

The Active Duty Military Banner Program honors residents of Murrieta who are current, active duty military personnel. This is a free program offered by the City of Murrieta. The deadline for the May 2022 installation is March 18, 2022. More information and the application can be found at the City’s website or by speaking with staff at (951) 304-PARK (7275).

Have you downloaded the City's new app yet?

App is convenient way for residents to report issues

In January, the City of Murrieta launched a new app to make it quick and convenient to report issues throughout the city: Murrieta Fix It. The Murrieta Fix It app makes connecting with the City of Murrieta simple. This is your tool to help improve Murrieta by reporting local issues like potholes and graffiti or damaged trees, playground equipment, street signs, and sidewalks.

The process to report an issue is handled quickly and easily by opening the app and submitting a service request. You can then track the City’s response. The app harnesses the power of GPS to provide a precise location for staff so that they can begin fixing the problem quickly. You can also include a photo with your report to help the City easily identify the problem. Downloading and using Murrieta Fix It is free and helps you proactively help create the best Murrieta, where we are Connected by Technology.

Visit MurrietaCA.gov/fixit to learn more or download the app on Google Play or the Apple Store on mobile devices.

Join us!

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.

Murrieta's Jobs Website