September 2021
This Saturday, September 4, from 2 to 9 p.m. at California Oaks Sports Park
MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
While summer may be coming to an end this month, in Murrieta, we are holding on to the summer spirit as long as possible. Our upcoming Birthday Bash is a great excuse to keep the fun summer feel going strong. Read on to find out all the details for our 30th birthday celebration.

On a more somber note, our 9/11 remembrance events, which will mark the 20th anniversary of that tragic day, will take place on Saturday, September 11. This year, we will have both morning and evening events to honor the lives impacted by September 11, 2001.

Earlier this week, the City of Murrieta held a remembrance ceremony for the 13 service members who lost their lives in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 26. Seeing so many from our community join together to honor these individuals and support the families who lost their loved ones once again reminded me that our community's spirit is what makes Murrieta the special place it is.

I also want to acknowledge the effort of our Murrieta Fire & Rescue (MFR) team. While the recent Chaparral Fire did not enter Murrieta city limits, MFR immediately began providing support to the CAL FIRE and U.S. Forest Service incident command and swiftly coordinated animal and residential evacuation sites, as well as dedicated the Los Alamos Hills Sports Park to the unified command center. With wildfire season upon us, this incident was an important reminder that we all need to be prepared. Read on to find out tips from MFR in case an emergency hits closer to home.

This edition of More Murrieta is packed with many other event updates, safety tips, exciting news on the City’s fiscal health, and more. With all we have going on, remember to slow down on the roads, say hi to your neighbor, and take some time to enjoy the beautiful place we call home as we enter the fall season. We truly are #connectedbycommunity.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy fall. I hope to see you at the Birthday Bash this Saturday!
Kim Summers, City Manager
SHOULDER PADS, BIG HAIR. B-DAY BASH TAKES A 90s TWIST
Get Ready for Our Birthday Bash Celebration: The Big 30!

The City will turn back the clock and celebrate its 30th anniversary of cityhood with food, 90s-themed music, entertainment, vendors, and fireworks! The Birthday Bash event takes place at California Oaks Sports Park on Saturday, September 4, 2021, from 2 p.m. until 9:15 p.m. Bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy the all-day festivities. The event is FREE to attend. Please contact staff at (951) 304-PARK (7275) with any questions or learn more at www.murrietaca.gov/events.
REMEMBERING A SOLEMN EVENT TOGETHER
Murrieta Hosts 9/11 Observance Ceremony

On Saturday, September 11, 2021, the nation will mark the 20th anniversary of the four coordinated terrorists’ attacks. The City of Murrieta will pay respects to those who perished on that fateful day in two observance ceremonies both at Town Square Park. The public is encouraged to attend and reflect on the occasion. The events are open to the public and free of charge.
 
At approximately 5:40 a.m., leading up to when the first plane struck the North Tower, the City will begin the solemn remembrance ceremony at the park’s 9/11 Memorial. A bell tolling will honor each of the lives lost in the air and on the ground on September 1, 2001, and remarks will be provided by dignitaries and City Council throughout the morning.

At 6 p.m. later that same day, please join us as we have a remembrance concert with the Temecula Valley Symphony at the Town Square Park Amphitheater.
 
Please contact the Community Services team at (951) 304-PARK (7275) with any questions or go to www.murrietaca.gov/events for more information.
MURRIETA FIRE & RESCUE SAFETY UPDATE
The Time to Prepare is Now

Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? Being prepared for an emergency is not just about staying safe during a storm or a disaster. It is also about how to stay comfortable, clean, fed, and healthy afterwards. Being prepared means having your own food, water, cash, and other supplies to last for at least three days, and possibly longer. Now is the perfect time to make sure you, your family and your pets are prepared for an emergency, storm, or disaster.

Check out these resources from Murrieta Fire & Rescue and make sure you are prepared:
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE UPDATE
Multiple Ballot Drop-off Locations Available in Murrieta

Now through Election Day, you can drop off your ballot for the Tuesday, November 14, 2021, California Gubernatorial Recall Election at City Hall during regular business hours and on Election Day from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

The following sites will accept secure ballot drop off from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. weekdays through September 13, and Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Fire Station No. 4
  • Murrieta Youth Center
  • Murrieta Public Library
  • Golf Knolls Recreation Center
  • French Valley Airport

CITY RECEIVES HIGH FISCAL HEALTH RANK IN STATEWIDE REPORT
Murrieta Embraces Transparency in Action

The City is proud to provide excellent service to the community while maintaining sensible spending and searching for efficiencies where possible. These efforts have not gone unnoticed.

The State Auditor recently released the annual ranking of California cities fiscal health. All cities are assigned a red, yellow or green light depending on their score. Murrieta did very well ranking green in almost all categories. You can view the full report here.
 
Transparency is foundational to the work we do in city government. That means our residents and businesses have a variety of opportunities to see their tax dollars in action. We encourage you to take a comprehensive look at what the City of Murrieta has been up to over the past 12 months by reading our Annual Accomplishments Report that was recently released. You will find this report and a wide range of data on City performance and finances on our Transparency in Action webpage.
YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER
Library Resumes In-House Programming for All Ages

Beginning in late September, the Library will once again offer in-house programming. The Children’s Department will have live storytimes on Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as virtual storytimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each Thursday’s virtual storytime will be in Spanish or Bilingual. Other Children’s programs for fall include an all-ages plant swap and several Steam-themed events. The Adult Services Department will have several arts and crafts events held in the Library, as well as take-home DIY kits.
 
The Children’s Department will be adding fun and educational storytime kits that will be available for check-out in the fall. Examples include Monsters, Things that Go and Mindfulness Kits. The Adult and Teen Departments have several Mental Health Kits available to check out, as well as many instruments.
 
The Library will be a Vote-by-Mail Ballot Drop Off location from August 16 - September 13, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and will be a Polling Place September 11 – 13, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and September 14, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
 
Library staff is available to answer questions via phone Monday through Saturday, during regular hours, by calling (951) 304-BOOK (2665). 
HELP SHAPE THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE FOR YOUTH
Youth Advisory Council Seeking Members

Do you know a young person wishing to serve in local government?

The Murrieta Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) represents the youth of Murrieta while gaining valuable leadership skills. YAC members 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 in order for the youth of Murrieta to have representation regarding the services the Community Services District offers. Please call (951) 461-6105 or go to www.MurrietaCA.gov/youth for more information on this great opportunity.
MURRIETA POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Safe Driving Starts with You

Now that the kids are back to school, the same old school traffic issues are starting to flare back up. Please be aware that Murrieta Police Department motor officers are out in force, managing traffic needs as best as they’re able. We can’t solve this problem ourselves; therefore, we are relying on the cooperation of our residents to make our schools a safe place for Murrieta youth.
 
Over the next few weeks, we will be paying specific attention to the neighborhoods surrounding Thompson Middle School and Murrieta Valley High School. Drivers are not paying attention to posted signs, which is causing problems on neighborhood side streets. Please be aware of these restrictions and follow them or you’ll likely end up with a lecture from one of our motor officers or worse, a citation.
 
The streets highlighted in red are designated as “NO stopping, standing, parking” zones during school hours and on school days. If you have a child at one of these schools, please be aware of these regulations and thank you for helping us out!
September 2021 Town Hall Flyer
COMMUNITY INVITED TO TOWN HALL EVENT
Join City of Murrieta for Upcoming Town Hall

Please join us at the Murrieta Community Center on Wednesday, September 15, at 6 p.m. for a Town Hall with the City of Murrieta. City staff will provide an overview of current projects and priorities, followed by time for questions and answers. Reservations are not required. The Murrieta Community Center is located at 41810 Juniper Street.
NEWS FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Downtown Murrieta Market Nights Take the Fun to the Street

Last month, Downtown Murrieta Market Nights launched their new open-street layout, with two blocks of Washington Avenue closed to vehicle traffic. It was a great success and visitors enjoyed shopping, music, food, and fun. Brought to you by the Downtown Murrieta Merchants Association and supported by the City of Murrieta, Market Nights are held on the first and third Thursday of the month. The next Market Night will be on September 2 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.downtownmurrieta395.com. We hope to see you there!
PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATE
Alternative Recreation Program Offers Bingo Night

The City’s Alternative Recreation Program 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. On Saturday, September 10, it will be Bingo Day! Easy for all levels. For more information, please contact staff at (951) 304-PARK (7275).
SUPPORT LOCAL ANIMALS THROUGH ANIMAL FRIENDS OF THE VALLEYS
Clear Shelters Event Takes Place this Month

On September 18, 2021, our partners, Animal Friends of the Valleys, will be hosting a Clear the Shelters™ adoption event at their Wildomar shelter (33751 Mission Trail in Wildomar) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will be providing adoption specials with approved applications. Adoptable animals will be available to meet and greet, along with vendors, raffles, giveaways, and more.
MURRIETA STUDENTS REPRESENT AT THE TOKYO OLYMPICS
Congratulations to Former Murrieta Students for Their Olympic Accomplishments

Did you watch any of this summer's Olympic games? If you did, you may have seen Vista Murrieta High School alum!

  • Taylor Edwards, Vista Murrieta High School class of 2010, participated as a replacement player on the U.S. softball team, which took home this year's silver medal in women's softball.
  • Michael Norman, Vista Murrieta High School class of 2016, competed for the U.S. Track and Field team and was a part of the gold-medal-winning 4x400m relay team.
  • Sydney Romero, Vista Murrieta High School class of 2015, was a part of Team Mexico's softball team, which received fourth place this year at their first Olympic appearance.

The City of Murrieta congratulates these extraordinary athletes and we wish you well in all your future endeavors!
Through December 31, 2021, we will be honoring 30 years of cityhood with weekly #throwbackthursday posts and a growing collection of photos and stories at www.MurrietaCA.gov/30th.

Check-in often for a trip down memory lane.
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