Message from the City Manager

A new year is here. Last year at this time we were filled with many hopes for 2021. And while this past year may not have been all we had wished for, as a community we didn't falter. Because that is what we do: we continue to push forward and don't give up hope.

Throughout the last year, we came together to creatively host incredible community events, opened the City's new amphitheater, received a prestigious finance award, shepherded a number of key projects through the development process including the much anticipated Belching Beaver in Downtown Murrieta, and welcomed our newly appointed council member, Cindy Warren.

With a fresh look to kick off the new year, check out this edition of More Murrieta. It's packed with community updates:

• Meet the City Council
• The City's new Murrieta Fix It app
• Blood drive at Murrieta Public Library
• Operation Clean Sweep encourages residents to clear the streets on street sweeping days
• Notary services now offered at City Hall
• And more!

As we move into 2022, I look back with pride and look forward with anticipation. This new year will be filled with highs and lows (hopefully many more highs) and through it all, we will remain Connected by Community.

Here's to a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!

Kim Summers

Murrieta City Manager

Meet the Murrieta City Council

During the December 21, 2021 City Council Meeting, a variety of changes took place for the Murrieta City Council. The community honored outgoing mayor, Scott Vinton, and swore in new Murrieta City Council Member Cindy Warren (featured in photo). Also during the meeting, the City Council selected Council Member Jonathan Ingram to serve as mayor of Murrieta and Council Member Dr. Lisa DeForest to serve as mayor pro tempore.

In August of this year, former Mayor Vinton submitted his Murrieta City Council resignation effective at the end of his mayoral term due to an upcoming out-of-state move. With his resignation, the City of Murrieta and Murrieta City Council went through an extensive application and interview process to fill the announced vacancy. During a November 8, 2021 Special City Council Meeting, Cindy Warren was selected to fill Mr. Vinton’s role representing Murrieta’s 5^th District upon his departure. 

The Murrieta City Council goes through a reorganization process to select the upcoming year’s mayor and mayor pro tempore annually during the second City Council meeting in December. Murrieta City Council has five council member positions, voted on by district, and then rotates the mayor and mayor pro tempore each year.

Mayor Ingram, who represents Murrieta’s 1^st District, first joined Murrieta City Council seven years ago and previously served as Murrieta Mayor in 2018. After his appointment, Mayor Ingram shared, “I am humbled to be your mayor. I am deeply invested in the long-term successes of our community. I plan to continue to bring my longstanding traditions of communication, cohesion, and transparency to my role and ensure that all those who live, work, and visit our city feel they are an essential part of our community.”

Mayor Pro Tempore DeForest, who represents Murrieta’s 3^rd District, will assume mayoral duties in the event of Mayor Ingram’s absence. Often referred to as mayor pro tem, the selection of this role is done annually in a similar manner to that of the mayor. “I am honored and excited to serve as mayor pro tem. I will strive with my fellow colleagues to continue to support our innovative public safety teams, fiscal responsibility and transparency, and accountability. I promise to always be available to my community and constituents to help further our goal of being connected by community,” shared Mayor Pro Tem DeForest.

Visit the City's website to learn more about each of Murrieta's City Council members.

City Launches New App

The City of Murrieta is launching a new app to make it quick and convenient to report issues throughout the city! The Murrieta Fix It app makes connecting with the City of Murrieta simple. This is your tool to help improve Murrieta by reporting local issues like potholes and graffiti or damaged trees, playground equipment, street signs, and sidewalks.

The process to report an issue is handled quickly and easily by opening the app and submitting a service request. You can then track the City’s response. The app harnesses the power of GPS to provide a precise location for staff so that they can begin fixing the problem quickly. You can also include a photo with your report to help the City easily identify the problem. Downloading and using Murrieta Fix It is free and helps you proactively help create the best Murrieta, where we are Connected by Technology.

Visit MurrietaCA.gov/fixit to learn more or download the app on Google Play or the Apple Store on mobile devices.

Murrieta Fire & Rescue Celebrates 75 Years of Service

Murrieta Fire & Rescue (MFR) celebrates its 75^th anniversary this year. On April 16, 1947, the citizens of Murrieta voted to form the Murrieta Fire Protection District. With $1,400 donated by the community, the Fire District purchased a 1941 International 4X4 crash truck. At the toll of a bell atop the Methodist Church, the 10 Fire District volunteers responded to six calls that first year.

Murrieta Fire & Rescue has come a long way over the past 75 years. The City of Murrieta is excited to commemorate and share MFR's story throughout the coming year. There will be a variety of opportunities to celebrate this milestone, so stay tuned.

Visit MurrietaFire.org to learn more about MFR's impressive history.

Save Lives - Donate Blood

Start the new year by saving a life. Join the City of Murrieta and LifeStream Blood Bank on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, for a blood drive at the Murrieta Public Library. With your donation, you could win a trip to Super Bowl LVI!

Date: Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Murrieta Public Library Community Room

8 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562

Why: Save up to three lives with your donation!

For more details and to sign up to donate, visit:

lsblooddrive.org/GMPL

Economic Development Updates

New, highly desired businesses keep joining the Murrieta community! Here are few updates you'll want to know about:

• Crumbl Cookies has signed a lease to join the offerings in Cal Oaks Plaza.
• Nyam Juice Bar and Toast Murrieta are now open on Madison Avenue. Make sure to check them out!
• Belching Beaver recently closed escrow on the former Joannie's Cantina property in Downtown Murrieta. Stay tuned for more updates as they create a restaurant and brewery in the heart of downtown, while maintaining a piece of the spirit of Joannie's.

Finally, be on the lookout for fun ways to get involved in supporting Murrieta restaurants during this year's Restaurant Week. Happening from January 23 - January 30, Restaurant Week is a way for the community to support the important and flavorful role restaurants play in Murrieta. Make sure to follow the City on social media for a variety of ways you can win big while supporting local eateries!

Public Library Activities

Murrieta Library Launches New Databases

The Murrieta Public Library has launched six new databases on their website. The new databases include: Coursera, GetSetUp, Learning Express, LinkedIn Learning, Northstar, and Skillshare. The databases focus on learning opportunities and job skills. Be sure to check them out – they’re free!

3D Create & Print

The Children’s Services Department will host a 3D Create & Print event on January 11 at 4:30 p.m. Reservations are required to participate in this free program.

Winter Family Movie Night Kits

The week of January 10, the Adult Services Department will offer a Winter Family Movie Night Holiday Kit. The kit is created to bring the whole family together. Included is a family movie DVD, popcorn, and several packets of hot chocolate. They will be handed out at the Adult Reference Desk, while supplies last, one per adult.

To stay current with what’s happening at the Murrieta Public Library and have a chance to win a prize each month, receive the Library’s monthly newsletter. Visit bit.ly/murlib to sign up. As always, Library staff are available to answer questions via phone Monday through Saturday during regular hours by calling (951) 304-BOOK (2665).

Parks & Recreation News

Murrieta's Adult Sports Program

Get in the game by “kicking” off or “swinging” into the New Year and participate in the City’s adult sports program!

Sports available and start dates:

• Coed Kickball - January 21
• Coed and Men's Softball - January 25-27
• Coed and Women's Soccer - January 23

No team? No problem! Give staff a call to be placed on the free agent list. For more information, call (951) 304-PARK (7275) or visit www.MurrietaCA.gov/adultsports.

Alternative Recreation Program

The City’s Alternative Recreation Program (ARP) offers activities for special needs adults 18 years and older, with the goal of promoting social skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, creative expression, and special friendships. The theme for January’s event is Gold and Black, A New Year’s Celebration and will take place on Friday, January 14, 2022, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. As a bonus, ARP will also host a movie night on January 28. The cost for participants is $2 per event and guardians and caregivers are free. This program takes place in the multipurpose room at the Community Center located at 41810 Juniper Street. Find out more at www.MurrietaCA.gov/classes or by calling (951) 304-PARK (7275). 

Operation Clean Sweep

Help the City of Murrieta keep your streets clean. The City of Murrieta provides twice-monthly street sweeping service for over 520 linear miles of City-maintained streets to prevent debris and pollutants from entering the storm drain system, which eventually flows to local waterways and the ocean. But we need the help of every Murrieta resident to make this program a success.

Operation Clean Street is an initiative that encourages residents to keep their vehicles off the street on scheduled sweeping days, so that all the debris that collects underneath cars and along the gutter/curb can be swept up. One car left parked on the street results in three car lengths of curb not being swept.

Ways you can help:

• Visit MurrietaCA.gov/Sweep for schedules and information for your area
• Set reminders for your street sweeping days
• Share the street sweeping schedule with neighbors on social media, by email, and HOA newsletters
• Remove your vehicle from street on sweeping day

Thank you for helping to keep Murrieta clean!

City News

Christmas Tree Recycling

Have a Christmas tree to recycle? Waste Management will pick up trees placed next to waste bins on normal pick-up days through January 7, 2022. Make sure trees over 5 feet in length are cut in half and all decorations are removed.

City Hall Notary Services

Did you know that notary services are now available at Murrieta's City Hall? Murrieta residents and businesses are able to have their items notarized conveniently at City Hall (1 Town Square). The cost is $10 per signature.

Call (951) 384-2489 to make an appointment for notary services.

Active Duty Military Banner Program

The Active Duty Military Banner Program honors residents of Murrieta who are current, active duty military personnel. This is a free program offered by the City of Murrieta. The deadline for the May 2022 installation is March 18, 2022. More information and the application can be found at the City’s website or by speaking with staff at (951) 304-PARK (7275).

Now Hiring

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 consistently listed.

Murrieta's Jobs Website