MORE MURRIETA · DECEMBER 2023 · UPDATES FROM THE CITY OF MURRIETA | |
Message from the City Manager
December 2023
December is here! Can you believe it? As I reflect on this past year, I’m grateful and proud of the work the City has accomplished for you.
Take a look at some of our achievements.
- Murrieta was voted Best City in the Inland Empire by readers of the Inland Empire Magazine.
- Murrieta Fire & Rescue (MFR) renewed its accredited agency status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).
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The Vietnam War Memorial was completed and unveiled.
- The City partnered with Care Solace to increase access to mental health services for residents and businesses.
We continue moving full steam ahead into the rest of the busy holiday season packed with fun activities for you and your family. Check out what's happening in Murrieta and read on to discover the latest events, programs, and news in this edition of More Murrieta:
- Don't miss Murrieta's Festival of Trees and Tree Lighting
- Learn how you can get paid to shop local
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Santa Stops is returning to a neighborhood near you
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Murrieta Fire & Rescue provide heating and candle safety tips
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Murrieta PD is warning about the dangers of electric bikes
- Check out all the fun activities happening at the Murrieta Public Library
I know I will be soaking in this time with my family and friends. I wish you happy holidays and hope you can spend time with the ones you love. It’s a joyous time to be Connected by Community.
Sincerely,
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Kim Summers
Murrieta City Manager
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Festival of Trees and Tree Lighting
🎵 'Tis the season to be jolly fa-la-la-la-la...
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It's also the season of giving! The City of Murrieta is excited to bring back the Festival of Trees. The City has purchased dozens of trees that will be decorated and judged. Come out to this fun and FREE event where you can spend time with family and friends. Town Square Park will transform into a bustling site with food vendors, beautiful tree displays, music, crafts, games, and activities. Plus, photo opportunities with Santa.
Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Town Square Park, 11 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
The City’s official holiday tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m.
The announcement for the best decorated trees will take place shortly after the tree lighting. All trees will be donated to families in need.
Please contact the Community Services Department with questions at (951) 304-PARK (7275).
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Santa Stops
Help the City spread holiday cheer!
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Keeping with the theme of giving, the City is helping collect new unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items during Santa Stops.
What is Santa Stops?
Santa and his crew will come to a Murrieta neighborhood near you spreading joy and cheer. He will stop and talk with your kiddos while his team picks up your donations for a family in need.
Date: December 4-7 and December 11-14
Time: 5 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
For route information or to track Santa, click here.
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Shop Local this Holiday Season
Find the perfect gifts in Murrieta
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You don't need to travel far to find the perfect gifts for your family and friends. Consider shopping right here in Murrieta.
Did you know you can get paid to shop local?
Murrieta Money Match allows shoppers to purchase a $50 gift card online and the City will match your purchase. This means you get a bonus online gift card for FREE.
To learn more about this program click here.
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Fall/Winter Murrieta Magazine and Recreation Guide
Discover Murrieta's vibrant community
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The Murrieta Magazine Fall/Winter edition is now available! This magazine is mailed directly to every resident and business in Murrieta and is packed with program updates from City departments and showcases upcoming events throughout the city. Published three times a year, it's a must-have to stay in the know. Access the digital magazine here: City of Murrieta Magazine digital edition. | |
Murrieta Market Nights
Visit the heart of Murrieta during our evening street markets
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Grab your jackets and get ready for cool evenings while you shop local this holiday season during Murrieta Market Nights! Head over to Washington Avenue to dive into an immersive experience, exploring local vendors, artisans, entertainment, and unique food options.
Dates: Thursday, December 7, and December 21
Time: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Downtown Murrieta
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Murrieta Fire & Rescue
Winter safety tips
Winter is a season characterized by warmth, gatherings, and festivities. Burning candles and using space heaters are great ways to add heat and light to your house, but they must be used carefully to prevent fires.
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Candle Safety:
- Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
- Place candles on stable surfaces and away from curtains, bedding, or combustible materials.
- Choose sturdy, heat-resistant candle holders that catch wax drippings and avoid tipping over.
- Trim candle wicks to 1/4 inch to control the flame and eliminate excessive smoke.
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Space Heater Safety:
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, and other flammable objects.
- Plug space heaters directly into outlets; avoid extension cords because these can cause overheating.
- Make sure your space heater has overheat protection, cool-touch housing, and a tip-over shut-down safety feature.
- Always turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.
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By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a warm and cozy winter without compromising the safety of your home.
For a more detailed list of safety tips click here.
Murrieta Fire & Rescue wishes everyone a safe and warm winter season.
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Murrieta Police Department
Dangers of electric bikes
Do you know someone with an electric bike on their Christmas wish list this year? If so, the Murrieta Police Department wants to ensure you are informed of the laws regarding e-bikes as well as the dangers.
According to the California Vehicle Code, E-Bikes are classified as standard bikes if they do not exceed 750 watts (battery power) and are required to stop providing motor assistance at a maximum of 28 miles per hour. Anyone under 18 riding an E-bike must wear a helmet. There are three different classes of E-bikes:
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Class 1: Low-speed pedal-assisted E-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when a rider is pedaling. Power maxes out at 20 MPH.
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Class 2: Low-speed throttle-assisted E-bike equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle. Power maxes out at 20 MPH.
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Class 3 - ages 16 and older: Speed pedal-assisted E-bike equipped with a motor and speedometer that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling. Power maxes out at 28 MPH.
Then there are off-road-only electric bikes, also known as off-highway vehicles, that are not allowed on the roadway, bike lanes, crosswalks, or sidewalks. They are for off-road use only. These types of E-bikes most closely resemble a motorcycle. They generally do not have pedals and are throttle-controlled. Depending on power usage, they can exceed 50 MPH and travel between 20 and 60 miles. These are not street-legal assisted bicycles. The illegal use of these E-bikes poses a danger to the rider(s) and pedestrians. They also present additional hazards to other motorists on the roadway.
If you want to learn more, check out Murrieta PD’s Facebook video here.
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Murrieta Public Library
Winter programming for all ages and expanded Seed Library events
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Children’s Events:
- Dog Tales: December 4 and December 11, Community Room
- Holiday-themed take-home kits: December 2, 9, and 16, pick-up at Youth Services Desk
- Game Night: December 1, at 6:00 p.m., Community Room
Teen Events:
- DIY Ornament take-home kits: December 9, pick-up at the Adult Reference Desk
Adult Events:
- Holiday Gift Wrapping take-home kits: December 2, pick-up at the Adult Reference Desk
- Beginning Pastels: December 6, at 2:00 p.m. (Free Tickets handed out at 1:30 p.m.), Community Room
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Library for All (Adults with Disabilities) Events:
- Movie Day: Friday, December 8, at 10 a.m., Community Room
- Holiday Party and Ornament Decorating: December 18, at 10 a.m., Community Room
Seed Library Events:
- Replace Your Lawn: Saturday, December 9, at 11 a.m., Community Room, for all ages.
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Nature Journaling: Wednesday, December 13, at 4 p.m., Community Room, for ages 5-12. Registration is required. Register here.
Keep in Touch
To stay current with what’s happening at the Murrieta Public Library follow them on social media!
Instagram: @MurrietaLibrary
Facebook: @MurrietaLibrary
In addition, staff are available to answer questions via phone Monday through Saturday during regular hours by calling
951-304-2665.
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The Library is excited to offer the Zip Book Program again! Funded through a California State Library Grant, Zip Books is a way for patrons to request books that the Murrieta Public Library does not own, the book is then shipped to the patron’s home and returned to the Library to be added to the collection. Customers can request one item per day up to five items per month.
You can now use a new database, Creativebug, using your Murrieta Public Library card! Unlimited access to more than a thousand online art and craft classes, including patterns, templates, and recipes. Topics include art, design, sewing, quilting, paper, knitting, crochet, food and home, jewelry, holiday parties, and classes for kids. Watch videos anytime, anywhere.
The Library will be closed on the following days: Monday, December 25, and January 1, in Observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day. For the rest of the holiday season, the Library will be open during its regularly scheduled hours.
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Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming special events and public meetings
December Public Meetings
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City Council Meetings | December 5 and December 19
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Planning Commission | December 13 and December 27
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Library Advisory Commission | December 18
December Special Events
Upcoming events in January
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Free Waste Drop-off and Shredding Event | January 27 | Event details
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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Join the Murrieta Team
Find your future career 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 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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City of Murrieta Legislative Updates
Advocating for the interests of residents and businesses
Throughout each year, the California State Legislature and the United States Congress propose and enact legislation, some of which affect local municipal government. The City of Murrieta recognizes the need for active legislative engagement at the local, state, and federal levels to enhance the interests of Murrieta’s residents and businesses.
At times, it is in the City's best interest to take a position on proposed legislation. To view this year's approved Legislative Platform and all submitted letters of opposition and support, visit the City's website. This page is updated throughout the year as the City takes positions on various pieces of legislation.
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