MORE MURRIETA · JUNE 2023 · UPDATES FROM THE CITY OF MURRIETA | |
Message from the City Manager
June 2023
Welcome, June! It's a month brimming with excitement in Murrieta as we kick off the summer season with a lineup of special events and noteworthy milestones. Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated State of the City address on June 15, where we'll gather to reflect on our community's progress and envision an even brighter future. The presentation takes place at our soon-to-open Murrieta Hot Springs Resort and is free to attend. An exciting addition to this year’s event is a special area highlighting the many services offered by the City. It will be full of information, interaction, and fun giveaways. We hope to see many community members there!
Read on to learn more about the following stories and more in this edition of More Murrieta:
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City Finance Department presents proposed budget for the upcoming two fiscal years before City Council on June 6
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The 2023 Murrieta State of the City is on June 15
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The Father's Day Car Show promises to be a treat for automotive enthusiasts of all ages
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Don't miss the 32nd Annual Murrieta Birthday Bash, a festive event bringing family and friends together to celebrate the Murrieta community with music and fireworks
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Learn more about Murrieta Market Nights where the community comes together to enjoy local vendors, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere in Downtown Murrieta
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Murrieta Aldi now open on Clinton Keith Road
Our strong sense of community is what keeps us connected, so make sure to be a part of one or all of our upcoming events. From the State of the City and Father’s Day Car Show to the annual Birthday Bash and Friday night fun at the Murrieta Public Library, this summer promises to be connected by community!
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Kim Summers
Murrieta City Manager
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Murrieta State of the City 2023 | |
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Join us! Murrieta State of the City at the new Murrieta Hot Springs Resort on June 15 is free to attend
The City of Murrieta, in collaboration with the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce, is excited to present the 32nd Annual Murrieta State of the City Address on June 15, 2023, at the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort Conference Center. Mayor Dr. Lisa DeForest will deliver the address at 7 p.m., focusing on the thriving ecosystem in Murrieta, where safety, innovation, activity, and quality of life connect residents. The event is free and open to the public, with a VIP reception featuring local refreshments from 5:30-6:30 p.m. preceding the address. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with various City departments and learn about the valuable services they provide.
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Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming special events and public meetings
June Public Meetings
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City Council Meetings |June 6 and June 20
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Planning Commission | June 14 and June 28
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Library Advisory Commission | June 19
June Special Events
July Special Events
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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City News
City presents two-year budget to City Council at June 6 meeting
As it does every odd-numbered year, the City of Murrieta will bring its biennial (two-year) budget before City Council this month. On June 6, City Council will review and consider the adoption of the budget for Fiscal Years 2023/24 and 2024/25. The City’s budget is a spending plan for essential City services, including public safety, public works, community development, library, parks and recreation, economic development, animal control, street maintenance, and more.
The proposed overall Operating Expenditure Budget is more than $170 million for Fiscal Year 2023/24 and more than $180 million for Fiscal Year 2024/25. The proposed biennial budget is the largest in City history and would also increase the operating reserve balance to 30% of budgeted expenditures.
As presented, the budget reflects the City Council’s stated priorities: enhance current services and programs, increase staffing levels, and maintain fiscal stability. Find out more about the City of Murrieta’s budget on our website.
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City of Murrieta Birthday Bash
Join the City of Murrieta for a celebration to remember
The upcoming Birthday Bash in Murrieta on Saturday, June 24, promises to be a fun-filled event for everyone. The headlining band, K-TEL Allstars, will take the stage and transport the audience back to the groovy 70s with their soulful music. While food vendor applications for the event are now closed, there are still opportunities for local businesses and non-profit organizations to participate as vendors. This is an excellent chance for businesses to showcase their products and services to a diverse crowd. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to celebrate Murrieta's 32nd birthday and enjoy great music, food, and fun!
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Share Your Input on Building Design
Take the City's short survey on Objective Design Standards
The City of Murrieta Development Services team is wrapping up their public review of the Objective Design Standards, and they are seeking additional community input on preferences for architectural styles and project amenities in Murrieta.
You can find the survey on the City's main project main page or directly online here. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and is very helpful in shaping the future look of the city.
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Murrieta Police Department
Partners With our Community
The Murrieta Police Department is being recognized for Excellence in Law Enforcement Training Management! Lexipol, a comprehensive nationwide public safety and local government consulting firm, recently recognized the Murrieta Police Department for excellence in training management for law enforcement personnel. The Lexipol Connect program tracks performance on five metrics that measure success in training management. The Murrieta Police Department earned the Gold recognition for consistent and effective online training management, which includes training hours assigned and completions tracked, personnel engagement, and external training activities logged. Continual training ensures the safety of law enforcement personnel and the community, and it minimizes risk exposure for the City. Murrieta Police Chief Tony Conrad has made training and risk management a high priority at Murrieta PD. The “Gold” recognition highlights that these efforts are paying off and highlights the work of officers and staff.
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City of Murrieta Car Show
Rev up your engines for Father's Day fun for all ages
Get ready to rev up your engines and head to Murrieta's Father's Day Car Show on Saturday, June 17! This exciting event will feature a live band, Candy-O, performing a tribute to the iconic American rock band, The Cars. With nearly 100 vehicles already registered for the show, attendees can expect to see an impressive collection of classic and modern automobiles. Although food vendor applications for the car show are now closed, there are still opportunities for local businesses and non-profit organizations to participate as vendors. Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of this community event and celebrate Father's Day with some fantastic cars, music, and local vendors. Register now at www.tinyurl.com/fathersdaycarshow23.
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Murrieta Market Nights
Shop, dine, and explore downtown
Join the fun at Murrieta Market Nights this month on June 1 and June 15. Murrieta Market Nights is a bi-weekly event held in the heart of Downtown Murrieta on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. street closures are in place for vendors and entertainment along Washington Avenue and Juniper Street, attracting hundreds of shoppers to downtown. The night offers diverse vendors, music, food, and activities, with local businesses, artisans, crafters, musicians, and artists bringing creative energy to the event.
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Murrieta Fire & Rescue
Business inspections, fire safety requests, and annual report
Murrieta Fire & Rescue Releases First Annual Report
Murrieta Fire & Rescue has released its first-ever Annual Report, highlighting the work done for the citizens throughout the year. The department aims to continue highlighting its achievements annually. The report is available to view and download online for interested individuals.
Department Urges Property Clearing to Prevent the Spread of Wildfires
Murrieta Fire & Rescue sent requests to community members to ensure their homes are fire-safe and meet municipal fire code requirements to prevent wildfires. The State-mandated defensible space inspections will be conducted in Murrieta's high fire severity zones in the coming months. Detailed information on property clearing can be found on the City's website.
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Economic Development Updates
Exciting new developments coming to Murrieta
Aldi Celebrates Grand Opening of New Murrieta Location
Aldi proudly opened in Murrieta, drawing a stellar turnout of enthusiastic residents. The new location (28230 Clinton Keith Road) is in the Vineyard Shopping Center. Customers eagerly delved into Aldi's signature mix of affordable, high-quality groceries, including fresh produce, meats, and a variety of pantry staples. With this new addition, Murrieta residents will have even more options for their grocery shopping needs.
West Coast Dental Office
Exciting news! West Coast Dental Office is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new location. Murrieta's newest dental care provider is eager to bring exceptional services to the heart of the community.
Save the date for the ribbon cutting ceremony on July 20, 2023, at noon, in collaboration with the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce.
Premier Destination for Relaxation and Wellness Coming to Murrieta
The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is currently under construction and set to reopen later this year. The resort will span 46 acres and feature natural mineral springs, making it a premier destination in the region. The new owners of the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort also operate The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, which recently won USA Today's Readers Choice Awards as the #1 Best Spa Resort in the US. The Murrieta resort promises to provide top-notch relaxation, wellness, and entertainment with 202 rooms, 35+ pools and spa tubs, yoga studios, massage spas, mud baths, and all major spa amenities.
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News from the Murrieta Public Library
Help The Library kicks off Summer Reading Challenge and new programming
2023 Summer Reading Challenge
Beginning June 5, the Library will officially kick off its 2023 Summer Reading Challenge and this year, instead of the regular six weeks, the program is extended to eight fun-filled weeks! The Library will offer a variety of engaging programs and take-home kits for all ages. Activities include a magic show and line dancing for children, and family date nights. Teens will have the opportunity to enter an art contest and scavenger hunt, as well as enjoy arcade and board games. Adults can have fun doing projects, such as the take-home candle making kit as well as participating in the in-house art classes - Chinese Brush Art and Water and Ink. Adults will also have the opportunity to win prizes in weekly drawings. Patrons of all ages may sign up online at bit.ly/mplsrc23. The Summer Reading Challenge runs from Monday, June 5, through Saturday, July 29. For a list of all programming, including date and time details, please check the Library’s website at murrietalibrary.info.
Through a grant from the California State Library, the Murrieta Public Library unveiled its beautiful new seed cabinet, with more varieties of botanical goodies for the Seed Library! The grant even included funding for seed-themed books and objects such as a succulent gardening kit and seed-spacer, as well as many other new items. Seed Library programming for June is “Elfin Forest Dwellers: Southern California Pollinators,” presented by Miranda Kennedy, on Friday, June 16, at 10 a.m..
Children Programs
Are you looking for fun and engaging activities for your children? Look no further than the City's children's programs! The Dog Tales program on Mondays at 4:30 p.m. is perfect for young animal lovers. Come and listen to stories read by our trained therapy dogs. Kids Creative writing on June 9 at 11 a.m. A special Kids Imagination program on June 9 at 7 p.m. at Town Square Park and Amphitheater.
Teen Programs
- Teen Mini Art Contest - Starting Monday, June 5, teens can pick up a mini art kit to create artwork that will be displayed and reviewed by judges throughout the month of July. The first place winner receives a $50 gift card.
- Teenealogy Summer Camp - June 6-9 at 3 p.m.
- Scavenger Hunt - June 10 at 10 a.m.
- Wood Take-Home Kit - June 10 at 10 a.m.
- Arcade & Board Games - June 15 at 3:30 p.m.
Adult Programs
- Terrarium Take-Home Kit - June 3 at 12 p.m.
- Library for All Movie Day - June 9 at 10 a.m.
- Local History Scavenger Hunt - June 12 through June 26
To stay current with what’s happening at the Murrieta Public Library, sign up for the Library’s Newsletter at bit.ly/murlib. As always, staff is available to answer questions Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., in person or by phone at (951) 304-BOOK. Please email circ@murrietaca.gov for account questions and reference@murrieta.gov for general questions.
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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 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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New Organics Recycling
Residential service updates
This spring, the City of Murrieta introduced a new organics recycling program for residents. Residents can now put all organic materials—examples include food scraps, produce, and yard waste—in their green waste bin. Waste Management is turning leftover food and yard trimmings into materials that positively impact the environment. This program aims to divert organic waste such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and other compostable materials from landfills and create high-quality compost and soil amendment products. The City's new organics recycling program is required by the State to comply with Assembly Bill 1383. For more information from the State, please visit this website. The City and Waste Management are committed partners, eager to work with residents to support this new service. Please watch for more resources and tips in the upcoming months. Waste Management will also be present at many upcoming community events, where you can ask questions in person.
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Updates from City Hall
New services offered online make doing business with the City convenient
The City of Murrieta is always looking for ways to enhance customer service. Earlier this spring, the City launched new online services 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. Check it out on the City's website.
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City of Murrieta Legislative Updates
Updates on laws and regulations
Advocating for the Interests of Residents and Businesses
Throughout each year, the 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. City officials maintain close relationships with Murrieta’s state and federal representatives.
At times, it is in the interest of the City to take a position on proposed legislation. To view this year's approved Legislative Platform, visit our website here. This page will be updated throughout the year as the City takes positions on various pieces of legislation.
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