Volume 177 | June 22 - 26, 2020
MoVal Creates "WiFi Gardens" to Provide
Free Internet at City Facilities
Free WiFi areas, called WiFi Gardens, are now available at City Hall, the Main and Mall Library branches, and the Employment Resource Center, and will be expanded to include Cottonwood Golf Center, the Senior Center, and the Community Garden area at the Conference & Recreation Center (CRC). Users can freely log on to the new "ILoveMoVal" network without a password, and signage will identify the new WiFi Gardens.
Skateparks, All Parking Lots, Some Restrooms Re-opened at MoVal Parks
Adhering to state public health guidelines , Moreno Valley has re-opened the skateparks at Community and March Field parks, parking lots at all City parks, and restrooms at selected parks.
 
"We're trying to be as flexible as possible within the limits the state has set for us, and open our beautiful City parks to our residents as safely as we can," said Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, Mayor of Moreno Valley. "People need to be able to get outside and enjoy themselves again."
 
Restrooms are now open on a limited schedule at the following parks:
 
  • Cottonwood Golf Center, 13671 Frederick St. (previously opened)
  • Community Park, 13380 Frederick St.
  • TownGate Memorial Park, 13051 Elsworth St.
  • Equestrian Park/Hound Town, 11150 Redlands Blvd. (previously opened)
  • Shadow Mountain Park, 23239 Presidio Hills Dr.
  • Weston Park, 13170 Lasselle St.
  • Celebration Park, 14965 Morgan Ave.
  • Lasselle Sports Park, 17155 Lasselle St.
  • March Field Park & Valley Skate, 15415 6th St.
 
As part of the phased-in re-opening of City facilities, these park restrooms were chosen because the parks they serve get the most use. Parks are open until 10 p.m., though restrooms close at 8 p.m.

Due to state guidelines , playgrounds and basketball courts remain closed for now, and the state prohibition of gatherings of more than 10 people, and the statewide requirement of wearing face coverings in most public settings, remain in effect. Team sports are not yet allowed, but trails and bike paths are open.

Park users are reminded of state guidelines to respect others' safety by maintaining a six-foot physical distance and wearing face coverings in most public settings. For information about state orders and safety requirements regarding coronavirus transmission, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/ .
Census Caravan Takes to the Streets of Edgemont to Encourage Participation
MVUSD staff and City officials joined in a Census Caravan through the Edgemont neighborhood to raise awareness of the ongoing 2020 Census and urge residents to take part in the big count.

The federal Census, which takes place every 10 years, is used to determine how federal funds are allocated for important services such as public schools, public safety, hospitals, social services, roads and more, so an accurate count is needed to make sure Moreno Valley gets its fair share.

Important note: The Census DOES NOT include any question about citizenship or immigration status. And by federal law, the Census Bureau is not allowed to share personal data with any other government agency, law enforcement, immigration officials or landlords.

Moreno Valley Now Has Three
Coronavirus Testing Sites
Moreno Valley residents now have three FREE local options for getting tested for coronavirus (not antibodies), appointments required:

  • Cottonwood Golf Center, 13671 Frederick St., Friday, June 26 - Saturday, June 27, and then Monday - Friday beginning Monday, June 29. Hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Appointments scheduled by phone at 888-634-1123 or online at https://lhi.care/covidtesting. Must meet eligibility requirements.

  • CrossWord Christian Church, 21401 Box Springs Road, open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call to make an appointment: 1-800-945-6171. Open to all, regardless of symptoms.

Report Fireworks Users Online at www.moval.org/fireworks
Fireworks are a nationwide problem this year, including here in Moreno Valley. The City's Fireworks Task Force has made several arrests and confiscated thousands of dollars' worth of fireworks, all of which are illegal in Moreno Valley . Fines range up to $3,500, and fireworks enforcement is Moreno Valley Police's top non-emergency priority through July 4.

Due to the volume of calls being made to MVPD, a new online fireworks reporting option is now available at www.moval.org/fireworks . Fireworks reports can also still be made by phone to MVPD non-emergency dispatch at 951-247-8700, option 5 . But you can avoid the wait by reporting online.

Applications Being Accepted for New
Citizens Public Safety Committee
The City is now accepting applications for service on the new Citizens Public Safety Committee . “The City Council and I see this as a way of working with community members to identify and respond to issues before they become problems, and improving everyone’s safety and quality of life,” explained Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez.
 
The 11-member committee, appointed by Mayor Gutierrez, will act in an advisory role to the City Council. It will include Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Baca as chair and Councilwoman Dr. Carla J. Thornton as vice chair; five community members; two non-profits that are faith-community representatives from places of worship in Moreno Valley; and two representatives of businesses located in Moreno Valley. The committee will also include three non-voting members representing the City Manager’s Office and the Police and Fire departments.
 
Information about the committee and a link to the application are at www.moval.org/psc .