MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
February Brings Business Openings and New City Projects
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Welcome to February. I want to start with a thank you to the many residents that are helping us get back to business by continuing to wear a mask and social distancing. Due to our collective efforts, ICU availability is increasing and the State has lifted the regional stay-at-home order, allowing a return to modified outdoor dining and much more--just in time for Valentine's Day. Keep up the good work!
At City Hall, we are bringing staff back into the office with modifications and will be prepared to open to the public when it's safe. Behind the scenes, we have unveiled some exciting Development Services programs. You can read about the City's new online portal that brings transparency and efficiency to our short-term vacation rental ordinance and check out our online inspection request process that streamlines requests. Over the next few months, you will see even more improvements in this area, and we work to integrate state-of-the-art software that will help us serve you even better. We will keep you posted.
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Kim Summers, City Manager |
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Animal Friends to Host Spay-Day Voucher Event at City Hall
Murrieta pet owners will have a chance to pick-up spay, neuter, and microchip vouchers outside City Hall on Monday, February 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This pop-up event, hosted by Animal Friends of the Valleys and PetCo Foundation, provides vouchers good for $100 (dogs) and $50 (cats), which can be used for up to two personal household pets. $10 microchips vouchers are also available. The event will follow COVID-19 guidelines, so please wear a mask and socially distance. For more information, visit www.animalfriendsofthevalleys.com/spayday or contact Louie Lacasella at Murrieta City Hall.
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City Puts Short Term Vacation Rental Resources at Your Fingertips
The City has launched its Short Term Vacation Rental (STVR) web portal, providing streamlined, 24-hour access to a wide range of tools for STVR hosts and residents. By visiting www.MurrietaCA.gov/stvr community members and potential hosts can learn about the City ordinance, view zoning maps, apply for required permits, and much more. In addition, neighbors can submit concerns online through the STVR website, or via a 24-hour hotline.
Last October, City Council adopted STVR rules that balance the needs of neighborhoods, hosts, and visitors. It allows hosted rentals in all residential neighborhoods, and whole-house rentals only in certain rural and estate zones with 300-foot distancing requirements. The ordinance also establishes rules around parking, number of renters, noise, and more.
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Alternative Recreation Hosts Drive Through Valentine's Day Event
Murrieta Parks and Recreation and the Murrieta Rotary Club present, “Love Is in the Air” on Thursday, February 18, 2021, 2 - 4 p.m., at the Murrieta Community Center. This free, drive-through event is for the participants of the City’s Alternative Recreation Program, which serves adults with developmental limitations or disabilities and their caregivers. There will also be a Zoom event on the same day from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Register at www.MurrietaCA.gov/classes.
Alternative Recreation Program participants can also send a Candy Gram wish to a favorite friend. Just create the message and email it to Michelle Hamilton. Staff will prepare the note and add the candy. The Candy Grams will be handed out during the drive-through event. Questions? Call (951) 304-7275.
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Council Authorizes More Help for Struggling Small Businesses
Last month, City Council approved an additional $90k for our Back-to-Business grant program. That means nine eligible small businesses in Murrieta will each receive $10k to help deal with COVID impacts. We are going to start by looking at some of last year’s un-funded applicants and will re-open applications if needed. This authorization builds upon the $250k already distributed through this program and reflects on the City's commitment to supporting the local economy. Learn more at www.MurrietaCA.gov/grants.
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City Clerk, Cristal McDonald, joined the City in January and comes from the City of Carson where she was Chief Deputy City Clerk for the past five years. For the previous 10 years, Cristal was Deputy City Clerk for the City of Newport Beach. She is a Certified Municipal Clerk, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team. |
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Acting Police Chief Tony Conrad joined us 17 years ago from San Diego PD, and we are glad he did. He brings 26 years of law enforcement experience to the role and is truly connected to the local community. He holds a BA in Business Management and an MA in Leadership and Organizational Studies.
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Need an Inspection? New Online Process Makes it Easier
Inspection requests just got easier and quicker, with the City's new online process in place for inspection requests. As of January, you can visit us online at www.MurrietaCA.gov/inspections and complete a short online form. You will receive an auto-reply confirming your inspection request, which typically will occur the next business day and applies to all inspection requests except Fire. We are no longer taking phone requests.
This foreshadows the transition to a new city-wide software system that will streamline and simplify Development Services and Public Works functions. We plan to roll out the new system in spring and will keep you posted.
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The Latest on Vaccine, Testing, Reopening, and Staying Safe
Regional Stay at Home Order Lifted by State
Data shows that the post-holiday surge is leveling. A projected increase in ICU capacity lifted the Regional Stay at Home Order and allowed all counties to return to the tier system. That puts Riverside County back in the Purple Tier and opens outdoor dining, hair salons, and more. The tier system is based on actual, not projected numbers, so as we bring our positivity rate down, we will see more re-openings. You can see the data and what's open at the State of California COVID website: www.covid19.ca.gov.
Vaccination Efforts Continue Through County, Healthcare Providers, and Partners
More than 12ok doses have been administered in Riverside County. Healthcare providers, first responders, teachers, farm workers, and older adults are the first to receive the vaccine. As demand continues to exceed supply, clinics are filling quickly. Check first with your healthcare provider; if they are not offering vaccinations, visit the County Vaccine Website to see where the vaccine is offered and to make an appointment when your group is eligible.
Local Testing is Available on Fridays at the Murrieta Community Center
Testing remains important, even for those without symptoms as it helps protect vulnerable populations, identifies disease spread, and may lower our overall positivity rate. Free testing is available at the Murrieta Community Center from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays only, and at sites throughout the County. See where you can get tested and make an appointment here.
Masks, Social Distancing, and Hand-Washing Remain Essential
Public Health reminds us that we need to keep safe behaviors in place to keep moving in the right direction and continue the re-opening process. Keep wearing a mask outside of the home, socially distance, and wash your hands often.
Some City Events Consider Alternatives
With face masks and social distancing likely to continue for a while, the City is considering alternatives to the upcoming special events including Earth Day, Spring Eggstravaganza, Military Mom’s Bruncheon, and Memorial Day. The Tour de Murrieta has indicated that they will look to reschedule for June or beyond. We will bring you great events one way or another and look forward to the time very soon when we’re face-to-face.
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Library Hosts Black History Art Contest and More!
This February, the Murrieta Library is holding a virtual Black History Month Art Contest! Submissions can be visual art, music, or videos, and the contest is open to all ages. Registration begins February 1, 2021. Please visit www.bit.ly/muractivities for more information.
Do you have a question for the Library staff? Reach out Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 5:p.m., and Friday, 10:a.m.- 4 p.m.at (951) 304 - BOOK. Please email [email protected] for account questions and [email protected] for general questions.
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Back-to-Business Team Welcomes New Local Businesses
Sportsman’s Warehouse is coming to Madison Avenue in the former Staples location. Staples plans to move to another site within the City. Sportsman’s Warehouse is an outdoor sporting goods retailer specializing in hunting, fishing, camping, and boating supplies. We look forward to seeing them open soon.
Papa Bears Pizza will soon open in the former MVP Pizza location just north of City Hall. We are happy to see our restaurant spaces continue to stay filled during this difficult time.
And we are pleased to announce that Floor & Décor is now open in Murrieta Town Center! This is a 90k-sq-ft specialty retailer that brings high-quality flooring options to our community,
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