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AUGUST 2022 · UPDATES FROM THE CITY OF MURRIETA · MORE MURRIETA

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Message from the City Manager

August 2022

While for some, this month marks the end of summer break, there is still plenty of summer fun to enjoy in Murrieta. From our Murrieta Police Department Community Open House to weekly movies in the park, and ending our month on a high note with the Murrieta State of the City event, August looks to be filled with exciting and engaging ways to connect.

Want to learn more about the many ways we are connected by community in Murrieta? Read on for information about the following stories and more:

Murrieta PD celebrates 30^th anniversary with free food and fun for the whole family on August 1
Save the date for the Murrieta State of the City happening this month
The DISHcover Murrieta Boutique Dining Guide is now available
Summer Movie Series every Saturday in August at dusk

Mark your calendar for upcoming events and meetings

Let's soak up this summer season, and as we transition to the new school year, remember to drive safely, stay curious, and stay connected.

Kim Summers

Murrieta City Manager

Murrieta Police Department

Murrieta PD celebrates 30 years of service to the community and invites you to join the next Citizens Police Academy

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

There’s no better way to honor 30 years of service to the community than inviting the community to celebrate with you! On Monday, August 1, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Murrieta Police Department is hosting a free community open house event at the Murrieta Police Station and Town Square Park. An engaging, educational, and fun event for the entire family, there will be food, treats, a photo booth, and displays from SWAT, Traffic, K9, Off-Road Detail, Explorers, and Volunteers. There will be multiple opportunities to meet Murrieta PD officers and to get up close and personal with the equipment they use on a day-to-day basis and equipment used in emergency situations. The Murrieta Police Department Command Center will be on site, as well as the SWAT Team’s Bearcat. In addition to the displays and great food, the police department “Pink Patch Project” will be selling Murrieta PD pink patches to the public to raise breast cancer awareness. Special 30^th Anniversary memorabilia will also be handed out by officers and staff. This open house is free and open to the public. Opening ceremonies for the event will begin at 5 p.m.

Fall 2022 Murrieta PD Citizens Police Academy

If you missed the August 1 open house, the community will have another opportunity to go behind the walls of the Murrieta Police Department. The fall 2022 Citizens Police Academy begins on September 28. The Citizen’s Police Academy allows Murrieta residents and those who work in Murrieta to get an up-close look at police department operations, training, and personnel. For more information on the Citizen’s Police Academy and to sign up, visit www.murrietaca.gov/364/Citizens-Police-Academy .

Visit the Murrieta Police Department website for more Murrieta PD news.

Murrieta State of the City

Connected by Safety, Health, and Innovation

Murrieta Mayor Jonathan Ingram to deliver State of the City Address at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

The City of Murrieta is proud to present the 31^st Annual State of the City on Wednesday, August 31, at the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort (located at Murrieta Hot Springs Road and Margarita Road). The resort will be under new ownership and this event is a unique opportunity to welcome guests behind the gates of the historic property. Mayor Jonathan Ingram will deliver the address inspired by Murrieta’s high quality of life thanks to recent developments, safety, health, and innovation. The State of the City address will take place at 7 p.m., in what will be the first large-scale public event at the Murrieta Hot Springs in over 26 years. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Preceding the event, the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce will host a reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m. A $35 ticket is required for the VIP reception and will feature a variety of food and drinks from local businesses.

State of the City Sponsors

Thank you to event sponsors: Loma Linda University Medical Center, SRCAR, Abbott, Catalyst Retail, EMWD, Kaiser Permanente, Rady Children's Health Services, Raising Canes, SoCalGas, Temecula Valley Hospital, Western Municipal Water District, Altura Credit Union, and Southern California Edison.

Find additional State of the City information here.

Economic Development Updates

Murrieta's digital dining guide, Costco opening, Home Depot updates and more!

Digital Dining Guide

Murrieta is the place to discover unique dining options in Southwest Riverside County. From family-run restaurants to boutique dining establishments, you can dine out or take away meals from a wide variety of cuisines. This is what makes Murrieta special. We are the comforting home of foodies and those who seek options when they choose where to dine. Check out our newly published DISHcover Murrieta Boutique Dining Guide to find your next unique Murrieta dining spot!

Costco Update

It’s happening! Costco's 32-pump gas station is now open for business. The Costco store opening will be Friday, August 5, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. and official opening at 8 a.m. Costco is located at Warm Springs Parkway and Costco Way, near Clinton Keith Road and the 215 freeway.

Not a Costco member? Costco has membership pop ups around town where new members can sign up and receive a special gift card to celebrate their Murrieta opening. You can also become a member on site.

Murrieta Home Depot Update

Plans for a second Home Depot Murrieta location is in the works at the Orchard shopping center on the corner of Clinton Keith and the 215 freeway. The City will share more updates as they are available.

Murrieta Money Match

Thank you, Murrieta! Murrieta Money Match e-gift cards SOLD OUT in record time. Missed out on this round of bonus money? The City of Murrieta is replenishing the bonus fund in time for the holidays, so check back after November 15, to purchase a Murrieta Money Match e-gift card. Already have your Murrieta money? Spend it at 56 unique merchants, and growing. Visit the Murrieta Money Match website here for more information and the full list of participating businesses.

Market Nights

Looking for things to do in Murrieta? Join us for Market Nights hosted in downtown Murrieta every 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of the month. Come visit the City of Murrieta booth on the corner of Washington Avenue and Juniper Street for City information and fun giveaways, and to enjoy live music, food trucks, street vendors, and more. See you August 4 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. for the next Downtown Market Night!

Murrieta Fire & Rescue

Remembering fallen heroes, routine inspections being performed, and Fire Academy graduation

Remembering California’s, and Murrieta’s, fallen heroes

On the grounds of the State Capitol stands the California Firefighters Memorial, a lasting tribute to those who gave their lives to protect their fellow Californians. The memorial bears the names of men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice due to the nature of fire service.

On July 30, 2022, California Firefighters Memorial Day, hundreds gathered to honor 82 additions to the list of those honored on the memorial. This was the first time in nearly three years they could do so. This year marked the 20^th anniversary of the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento’s Capital Park. Etched into the limestone wall are the names of more than 1,400 firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty since California became a state.

Murrieta Fire & Rescue (MFR) Firefighter/Paramedic Dean Hale was honored at the July 30 memorial ceremony. In addition, MFR fleet mechanic Noah Praytor’s father was recognized among the 82 fallen firefighters.

Deputy Chief Mike Lopez, Fire Captain Dan Grassmier, Engineer Mike Howley, and Firefighter/Paramedic Reggie Todd represented Murrieta Fire & Rescue at the ceremony and flag presentation.

The City of Murrieta honors the service, dedication, and sacrifice made by those included in the California Firefighters Memorial and their families. Learn more about the California Firefighters Memorial here.

Routine Inspections

Fire season is year round. Murrieta Fire & Rescue (MFR) is doing routine inspections, both on defensible space and state mandated inspections.

State mandates require annual inspections of all apartment buildings, hotels, motels, schools, and any other multi-family lodging houses. Look out for Murrieta Fire & Rescue teams in the community completing these inspections.

MFR will also be in areas of the city classified by the state as being in the "high and very-high fire severity zones" completing defensible space inspections and issuing clearing notices to those who need to come into compliance.

Murrieta Fire Explorer Academy

This year, Murrieta Fire Explorers Post 630 is celebrating its 30^th anniversary. On July 11, Fire Chief Bernie Molloy and Deputy Fire Chief Mike Lopez welcomed all the young men and women participating in this year's Fire Explorer Academy. The Murrieta Valley High School, Fire Science Technology program hosted the academy and facilitated the in-classroom learning opportunities for the first time. Murrieta Fire & Rescue also donated two fire engines utilized throughout the week. The Explorer Academy cadre consists of Firefighter/Paramedics Trent Moore and Ben Urista, Fire Science Instructor Dru Snider, and Fire Engineer Travis Anderson. Throughout the week, the explorers learn about the foundations of fire service, respect, honor, responsibility, and integrity. Additional skills included physical fitness, basic first-aid, CPR, hose-lay evolutions, ladders, and basic ropes and knots.

The academy graduation had traditional pipes, a multi-company demonstration, a highlight video of the academy, multiple awards, and a guest speaker Battalion Chief Dave Perez. Now that the academy is over, the explorers will participate in monthly meetings, ride alongs, and volunteering at several City and department events throughout the year. The Fire Explorer program would not be possible if it weren't for the tremendous support from Murrieta Fire & Rescue! Find more information here.

Summer Movie Series

Movies in the Park happening every Saturday 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 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

Murrieta PD Anniversary Open House| August 1 | Event Details
Summer Movie Series | August 6, 13, 20, 27 | Event Details
Household Hazardous Waste Collection | August 27
State of the City | August 27 | Event Details

August Public Meetings

City Council Meeting | August 2 and August 16
Parks and Recreation Commission | August 4
Planning Commission | August 10 and August 24
Library Advisory Commission | August 15

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, blood drive opportunity and Clinton Keith extension update

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

Don't miss the opportunity to show your support for your friends and neighbors in need by donating blood. The City is hosting a community blood drive Friday, August 5, with LifeStream Blood Bank at the Community Center from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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

Connected by Parks and Recreation

National Park and Recreation Month may have taken place in July, but we still want to highlight all our incredible Parks and Recreation team offers the community. Murrieta has 52 parks and dozens of recreation opportunities throughout the year. We love our parks and recreation team so here are some fun facts about the important role they play in our community:

Parks and recreation is an integral part of the Murrieta community.
Parks promote health and wellness, encourages physical activity by providing space for sports, hiking trails, swimming, and many other activities.
The parks and recreation team also provides meals, educational activities, and engaging programming for all ages.
Parks and recreation increases a community’s economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction.

Our parks and natural recreation areas enhance the beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. In Murrieta, we are #ConnectedByCommunity thanks to our incredible parks and recreation offerings!

Summer Swim Hours at Cal Oaks Sports Park Extended

Pool hours are extended until August 9! 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 Department's Facebook page (@MurrietaCSD) and the City’s website.

Attention all Parents of Incoming 6^th Graders

When registering your 6^th grader for middle school, don’t forget to also stop by and complete an application for membership at the Murrieta Youth Center. The facility is the first of its kind in southwest Riverside County. Solely focused on serving as a positive, alternate space for the youth of Murrieta to socialize, educate, and develop as productive members of the community. This focus is achieved primarily through peer-to-peer mentoring, responsible empowerment, educational programming, and through strong positive supervision.

The large outdoor space allows members to play basketball, football, other sports, or members can use the NEOS system – an outdoor, multiplayer electronic game that promotes active play. It also provides an opportunity to host special events and day camp programming and allows for café-style conversations in the outdoor seating area. In addition, the inside lounge area is equipped with a 65” flat screen TV, PS4, ping pong table, table-top shuffleboard, air hockey, lounge chairs, couches, and belly-high tables.

The computer lab is equipped with the latest touch screen PC’s, iMacs, and iPads. With 12 computer stations and Wi-Fi throughout the building, there is plenty of connectivity for the tech-savvy youth of today.

There is also a 1,000 square foot multipurpose room used for educational programming, movie screenings, youth summits, and guest speakers.

Please stop by during operating hours to request a tour from our friendly, knowledgeable staff. The Youth Center is located behind Cal Oaks Sports Park at the intersection of California Oaks Road and Jackson Avenue.

Visit the Murrieta Youth Center homepage by clicking www.murrietaca.gov/youth or contact staff at (951) 304-PARK (7275) for additional information.

Alternative Recreation Program

The City’s Alternative Recreation Program (ARP) 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 p.m. 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. The August event takes place on Friday August 12 and will include a paint party with friends. For more information, please contact staff at (951) 304-PARK (7275).

Public Library Activities

Library finishes very successful Summer Reading Challenge, begins new fall programming, and promotes Seed Catalog

Summer Reading a Success

The Murrieta Public Library has just finished a very successful Summer Reading Challenge! We had over 2,200 reading program participants, over 5,300 books read, and almost 3,300 attendees at our 21 programs! The Library wants to thank all of its patrons and members of the community for making this year’s Summer Reading Challenge so successful!

Fun Fall Programming Highlights

Storytime's and preschool craft mornings will resume the last week in August and Love on a Leash: Dog Tales continues on Mondays at 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Department. All other fall programming and take-home kits begin in September. Some highlights: There will be a watercolor workshop for adults and a financial literacy program for teens in September. The Children’s Department will present “Family Date Nights” in September and October.

Seed Catalog Continues

Our Seed Library continues to be very popular! Patrons can now apply for the seed library online at: https://bit.ly/murseedlibrary. The Library continually adds new seeds!

Staying Current With What's Happening

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, the staff is available to answer questions via phone Monday through Saturday, during regular hours, by calling (951) 304-BOOK. Please email circ@murrietaca.gov for account questions and reference@murrieta.gov for general questions.

Follow Murrieta Public Library @Murrietalibrary on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Development Services Updates

Preserving the environment and providing enhanced service one plan check at a time

Going Paperless Saves Time and Money

Better for the environment and better for customers is the goal of the Building & Safety Division with the upcoming launch of paperless Electronic Plan Check (EPC). The City recently made investments in new software, hardware, staff training, and created innovative new processes that take advantage of current software technology that modernizes the City’s building plan review process. With this exciting new process, EPC will allow the City to provide an eco-friendly review process allowing residents and business owners, or their contractors to upload plans in PDF format anytime from home, office, or in the field through the City’s web portal.

Some of the advantages of Electronic Plan Check include:

Convenient streamlined processes to meet the needs of customers 24-hours a day.
Less fuel consumption, less time spent at City Hall, and less vehicle emissions by eliminating travel to City Hall.
Allows for easier retrieval of archived plans.
Extends the useful life of City offices by greatly reducing the need to store paper plans.
Reduced business costs for printing, travel, and fuel expenses.

The Building & Safety Division currently conducts electronic plan check for minor projects. The full launch of Electronic Plan Check for all building projects began August 1. For more information on EPC, please visit the Building & Safety website.

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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 jobs website:

Visit Murrieta's jobs website today!

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