MORE MURRIETA · MARCH 2023 · UPDATES FROM THE CITY OF MURRIETA | |
Message from the City Manager
March 2023
We started 2023 by sharing that this year was all about customer service for the City of Murrieta. This month, I am excited about launching multiple new initiatives that highlight our dedication to making working with the City as convenient as possible.
The City of Murrieta can now process permit requests and payments online! This project is years in the making, and residents and developers can submit and track their projects on their own time. The Murrieta Public Library also announced that it is extending the checkout time for all its items. You can now check out books, instruments, audiobooks, museum passes, and more for at least three weeks. If you do stop by City Hall, it will look a bit different this month as we remodel/refresh the space to better serve residents. During the renovation, we are still operating all our regular services and have set up a one-stop shop in the City Hall lobby to serve you.
We have many more exciting updates to share this month. In this edition, you’ll find information about the following and more:
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The City’s online permitting/tracking/payment software, Energov, is now LIVE!
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Murrieta Public Library has extended checkout times to three weeks
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Murrieta PD spotlights its new communication tower
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The Howard’s Furniture, TV & Appliances Experience Store is now open in Murrieta
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We are hiring! There are a variety of excellent employment opportunities with the City. Check out our jobs website today and join the Murrieta team!
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All this and much, much MORE!
I truly hope these new programs and projects make working with the City more convenient. Our residents and businesses are a priority for the entire City team. We are here to ensure Murrieta is the best city it can be: a safe community filled with enriching activities, quality infrastructure, business opportunities, and a true sense of community.
In service,
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Kim Summers
Murrieta City Manager
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Save the Date: Murrieta State of the City 2023 | |
Connected by Community...and MORE! | |
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Restaurant Month is happening March 1-31, and foodies will be celebrating all month!
From Wednesday, March 1 to Friday, March 31, Explore Murrieta, the City of Murrieta, the City of Wildomar, and the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce are partnering to bring you Restaurant Month 2023. Instead of one week of deliciousness, this partnership is proud to celebrate its restaurants all month long. With various prizes at different levels being given away at the end of the month, this is the perfect time to explore new dining spots and support your favorite staples, and feel the reward of supporting such an important industry! We encourage diners to discover new restaurants & revisit favorites.
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Updates from City Hall
City Hall improvements, water district partnership, new online services!
Update on City Hall Improvements
Visiting City Hall will look slightly different for the next few weeks as the space is renovated to better serve the community. City staff appreciates the community's flexibility during this time. City Hall will remain fully functional and open for its regular schedule during this time.
Plus, many services can be done from the convenience of your home or office through the City of Murrieta website: MurrietaCA.gov. Ultimately, this will create a better functioning City Hall and a more welcoming space for residents and those doing business with the City.
Water Service Agreement Approved by City Council
Have you ever driven down Jefferson Avenue heading toward the business district and wondered why so much land is left vacant? It is likely because those open areas have no water or sewer service. In a significant milestone for the community, City Council recently approved an agreement with Western Municipal Water District to provide water and sewer service along the Jefferson corridor. A map of the area is included, and the City will continue to share updates about this space as progress is made on this project.
New Services Offered Online
The City of Murrieta is always looking for ways to enhance customer service. At the end of February, new online services launched that make doing business with the City easier than ever. The permit software will include a Customer Self Service (CSS) portal allowing the public to interact with the EnerGov permit tracking and land management system. Users can look up permit details, pay fees, and schedule building inspections through CSS. The systems also allow licensed contractors to apply for specific construction permits.
This new software will mean 24/7 accessibility and no trip to City Hall required, saving gas, time, and money.
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Murrieta Police Department
Murrieta PD enhances communication coverage in our city
Murrieta Partners to Enhance Public Safety Communication with Hollingsworth PSEC Tower
The Murrieta Police Department is very excited to share the news about the successful installation of the new Hollingsworth Public Safety Enterprise Communication (PSEC) Tower. This means areas in Southwest Riverside County, including Murrieta, that previously lacked radio service for first responders now have 100% communication coverage, supporting the safety of both law enforcement personnel and residents. While getting to this point took many years, the importance of having timely, reliable countywide interoperable communications for all Riverside County public safety agencies and emergency management partners throughout Murrieta remained a priority. In particular, this tower addresses issues in radio coverage in the Copper Canyon and Bear Creek area of Murrieta. After years of effort, first responders and residents are now safer.
Visit the City's website to read the full press release on this important update.
Visit the Murrieta Police Department website for more Murrieta PD news.
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Murrieta Fire & Rescue Department
Save the date for the 76th Annual Firefighters BBQ, stair climb event fundraising results, and fire season preparation
76th Annual Firefighters BBQ at Town Square Park
Murrieta Fire & Rescue (MFR) is hosting its annual Firefighter’s BBQ on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Murrieta’s Town Square Park. In celebration of MFR’s 76th anniversary, this year’s event will be bigger than ever, with live music at Murrieta’s Town Square Park Amphitheater and various activities throughout the day. The Murrieta Firefighter’s BBQ is one of Riverside County’s longest-running events, with the first barbecue held in 1948. As is the tradition, barbecue guests will enjoy a smoked tri-tip lunch, music, a beer and wine garden, a bag-toss tournament, and a vendors’ market. Attendees will also get to cheer on fire explorers from throughout Southern California in the annual Fire Explorers “Muster” Competition.
The day will be filled with fun, food, and entertainment, allowing the community to show their support for the dedicated public safety personnel serving at MFR. It is also a way for MFR to show appreciation for the community it has served for the past 76 years. In addition to the traditional barbecue fare, this year’s event will feature additional food options and general vendors, live music, and a DJ. Fun for all ages, this is an event the Murrieta community won’t want to miss.
Attending the event is free and open to the public with a nominal fee for the barbecue lunch. Lunch ticket prices and vendor applications will be announced soon.
Be sure to follow @murrietafire on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for timely updates about the event. If you have questions, call 951-304-FIRE (3473) and check out MFRBBQ.com for more information.
Firefighters Stair Climb
The Murrieta Firefighters Association recently conducted their annual Stairclimb Fundraiser that raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Stairs were ascended continuously throughout the event by firefighters donning full structure turnout gear, including breathing apparatus. Meanwhile, the citizens of Murrieta showed their support and generosity by donating to a great cause. In a single day of fundraising, Murrieta Firefighters raised approximately $20,500. Murrieta Fire is proud to share that since 2013, when Murrieta Firefighters first became affiliated with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, they have raised over $100,000. This money goes directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and people suffering from blood cancer.
If you would like to support Murrieta Fire’s fight against blood cancers, you can still donate online: LLS Firefighter Stair Climb.
Wildfire Fuel Growth
The rain has been great to help get water stores back up, but this much rain means there is a tremendous amount of foliage growth in the community. When these gorgeous green hills turn brown, the space is left with very light flashy fuels that fires travel through quickly. Murrieta Fire & Rescue is asking the community to do their part in helping prevent the spread of wildfires and their damaging effects on homes by having appropriate clearing on their property. For details on how to properly prepare your property, please follow Murrieta Fire on social media, where they will highlight ways homeowners can help, or visit their website for Defensible Space Inspections.
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Murrieta Community Services
Parks and recreation updates
Tax Appointments for Seniors
Until April 17, AARP is sponsoring tax form filing appointments for seniors and the Murrieta community at the Senior Center on Mondays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Appointment booking has now begun. AARP is taking 25 appointments per day for a total of 250 openings, plus an additional 30-50 total walk-in appointments.
Adult Recreation Program
Did you know that the City of Murrieta has an Alternative Recreation Program (ARP)? ARP offers activities for special needs and differently-abled adults 18 years and older at least once each month. Program activities include dances, potlucks, movies, field trips, and pool parties. The next scheduled activity will be Crazy Hair Day, Friday, March 10, and Friday March 24, come and enjoy a Fun Science Party at the Community Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is a small fee of $2 per participant, and guardians or caregivers are free except for field trip admissions where prices are to be determined.
Upcoming Teen Programs
- Study Hours in The Lab - Tuesdays and Wednesdays 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., through May 31
- College Prep Class - March 4 at 9 a.m.
- Arcade Day – March 16 at 4 p.m.
Upcoming Adult Programs
- Library for All Craft - March 6 at 10 a.m.
- Registration for adult sports closes on March 3, 2023. Register online today!
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Updates from the Murrieta Public Library
Library trees to kids program, extended checkout times, Zip Books, State Park passes, and new eBook app
Trees to Kids
The Library's Tree project is a partnership with the Neighborhood Forest organization. https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/
This is our third year partnering to provide free trees to kids on Earth Day. The trees will to be distributed at the Library’s Earth Day Celebration event on Saturday, April 22, 2023. We need a total of $2500 to cover trees for 500 children, which is $5 per tree. Help us meet our goal of reaching 500 families.
Library Programming Update
The Murrieta Public Library is excited to announce that they are extending the materials checkout time to three weeks! This change will be ongoing for items checked out now and in the future. Library patrons can check out up to 30 items, including books, instruments, museum passes, and more.
Zip Books
The Library team is very excited to once again offer Zip Books, a program in which patrons can request books not found in the Library’s collection, which will be purchased on Amazon, shipped directly to the patron, and then added to the Library’s collection when returned to the library. Patrons can request one book per day and up to five books per month. The link to request books is https://bit.ly/murzipbooks.
State Park Passes and Kits
The Murrieta Public Library has received eighteen more State Park Passes for patrons to reserve and use at more than 200 California parks. Children’s Department staff also put together Park Pass Library of Things Kits. Some of the kits available include Road Trip Fun, Water Play, Hiking, Picnic, and Birdwatching.
Palace Project App
The Library has launched The Palace Project App, an eReader app available through the California State Library’s eBooks for All program. The app can be downloaded via the Apple App store or through Google Play for Android. This allows patrons to access various eBooks and audiobooks via their mobile devices.
Stay Current with the Library
To stay current with what is happening at the Murrieta Public Library, sign up for the Library’s Newsletter at bit.ly/murlib. As always, staff are available to answer questions by phone Monday through Saturday during regular hours by calling (951) 304-BOOK.
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Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming special events and public meetings
March Public Meetings & Closures
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City Council Meeting | March 7 and March 21
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Parks and Recreation Commission | March 2
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Planning Commission | March 8 and March 22
March Special Events
April Special Events | Save the Date
Meeting times and dates are subject to change. Please visit the City's agenda webpage for meeting details and full agendas.
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Economic Development Updates
Check out new Murrieta businesses and restaurants, make your dollars go further with Murrieta Money Match
Howard's Appliances, TV & More Now Open in Murrieta
The grand opening of the Murrieta Howard's Experience Store took place in February. Howard's is unique because customers don’t just select items for their homes; they can experience them. Not familiar with Howard’s? They pride themselves on their excellent customer service, and their experience stores give customers the opportunity to test products right there in the store. They want customers to feel confident in these purchases for their homes.
They are located in the Murrieta Town Center Shopping Center off of Alta Murrieta Drive at 39837 Alta Murrieta Drive. Visit their website or call (951-583-4742) to learn more.
The City of Murrieta is proud to have this innovative addition to our business community!
El Patron Restaurant Coming to Murrieta
El Patron Restaurant (with its original location in Downtown Riverside) is coming to the former Murrieta Roadhouse Grill location. This will bring a new Mexican restaurant/cantina to Murrieta! They plan to open on Cinco de Mayo!
Aerostat Creamery Now Open
Aerostat Creamery makes all its ice cream in-house with locally sourced dairy products, fruit, and real ingredients. Enjoy traditional milkshakes, banana splits, root beer floats, and seasonal treats at 28210 Clinton Keith Suite 500 (The Vineyard Shopping Center).
Nonno's Ranked #46 on Yelp's Top 100 Restaurants in America
We are thrilled to share that Nonno's Ristorante has been selected as one of Yelp's Top 100 restaurants in the nation! Nonno's is proud to offer a wide array of authentic Italian dishes and desserts made from the finest ingredients available, including natural meat sources and organic produce.
Want even better news?! Nonno's participates in Murrieta Money Match, meaning you can purchase a gift card for $50 and $100, and the City will MATCH the money you can spend on a nice meal supporting a local Murrieta business. You can buy yours online.
Visit Nonno's at 40711 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Murrieta, CA 92563, Tuesday - Saturday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m., or call them to learn more: (951) 461-7998.
Murrieta Money Match Program Going Strong
Your shopping can support local businesses and save money using our Murrieta Money Match program. Buy a gift card accepted at nearly 80 Murrieta businesses, and the City of Murrieta will match your dollars with a bonus card of equal value! Check out the Murrieta Money Match webpage to purchase the special gift card and view the list of participating businesses. Nearly $600,000 has already been purchased by community members and matched by the City. If your business would like to be included, please reach out to our Economic Development team: MurrietaCA.gov/EconDev.
We love supporting our community, and thank you for supporting local businesses!
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Join the Murrieta team!
Check out Jobs at the City of Murrieta
The City of Murrieta is consistently ranked one of the best places to work in the region 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's website:
Visit Murrieta's Jobs website today!
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Lawnmower Rebate Offer
Check out this offer from our partners at the South Coast Air Quality Management District
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