Message from the City Manager

October 2023

Fall has arrived, and the City team is working hard to bring our community an exciting lineup of programs and events for the very busy season ahead. From a Halloween home decorating contest to a community clean-up, this month is packed with ways to get out and enjoy the new season.

Check out what's happening in Murrieta and read on to discover the latest events, programs, and news in this edition of More Murrieta:

• Make a positive impact on your city! Sign up for the upcoming Community Clean Up Event taking place on October 21
• Explore a career close to home at the upcoming regional job fair
• Cal Oaks Sports Park Pool Community Meeting: Share your input on the design and reconstruction of a new community aquatics facility in October
• Participate in the More Than Pink Walk and feel the unity of community
• Don't miss the Murrieta Rod Run with two full days of cars, vendors, food, and fun!
• Convenient passport assistance now available at the Murrieta Public Library
• Murrieta Fire & Rescue celebrates recent promotions
• Murrieta PD hosts 3^rd annual Dark in the Park trunk or treat Halloween event

With three months left in 2023, let's make the most of the time we have and enjoy the many opportunities to gather together as friends and neighbors. It's always wonderful to be connected by community this time of year.

Sincerely,

Kim Summers

Murrieta City Manager

Citywide Community Clean Up Event

Partnering to make a difference in our community 

Get involved in something special on Saturday, October 21, as the City partners with the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) for a Citywide Community Clean Up! It's a day to beautify Murrieta, connect with our wonderful community, and make a lasting impact. Sign up to volunteer at one of five designated locations, but please remember that advance registration is required. Let's work together to make our city shine brighter than ever before. Your participation matters, and together, we can make a difference!

How to sign up?

Volunteers wanting to sign up can do so using the City's online signup program here.

What to bring and wear?

Please wear comfortable closed-toed shoes or boots, and other appropriate attire. Litter pickers, bags, safety vests, and refreshments will be provided on the day of the event at each location. Water will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring their own.

Questions?

If you have any further questions please contact Isaac Bravo, Management Analyst, at IBravo@MurrietaCA.gov or 951-461-6449.

Date: Saturday, October 21

Time: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Location: Sign up to volunteer at one of five Murrieta locations

Halloween Home Decorating Contest

Showcase your scariest, silliest, and most original decorations

Is your front yard filled with scary tombstones, spooky spiders, or cackling witch décor? If so, it's time to unleash your Halloween spirit by entering Murrieta's FREE Halloween Home Decorating Contest! Starting on October 2, residents within Murrieta's city limits can register for the contest as an individual residence or as part of a neighborhood. Categories include Scariest, Silliest, Most Original, and Best Theme. Important dates to remember:

• Registration for Murrieta's FREE Halloween Home Decorating Contest opens on October 2. 🎃
• Residents within Murrieta's city limits can enter as individuals or as part of a neighborhood. 🏡
• Categories for the contest include Scariest, Silliest, Most Original, and Best Theme. 🧟‍♂️
• Register: https://tinyurl.com/halloweendecoratingcontest by the deadline on Friday, October 13. 📆
• Submit photos of your spooky home decorations for judging by Monday, October 16. 📸
• A map featuring all the contest entries will be available on Thursday, October 19. 🗺️
• Cast your votes for your favorite Halloween homes from October 21 to 28. 👻

For more details, please reach out to the Murrieta Community Services Department at 951-304-7272. Let's make this Halloween unforgettable with our spooktacular decorations!

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming special events and public meetings

October Public Meetings

• City Council Meetings | October 3 and October 17
• Planning Commission | October 11 and October 25
• Library Advisory Commission | October 16

October Special Events

• Murrieta Market Nights | October 5 and October 19 | Event details
• Used Oil and Filter Collection Event | October 7 | Event details
• Susan G Komen More Than Pink Walk | October 8 | Event details
• Murrieta Rod Run | October 13 and 14 | Event details
• Regional Job Fair | October 23 | Event details
• Dark in the Park | October 28 | Event details

Save the Date

• Veterans Day Parade | November 11
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Unveiling | November 11

Meeting times and dates are subject to change. Please visit the City's agenda webpage for meeting details and full agendas.

Passport Services

Schedule your appointment for passport assistance through the Murrieta Public Library

Murrieta is excited to reintroduce passport assistance at the Murrieta Public Library! Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first international journey, this new offering will simplify the passport application process. Appointments will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Visit MurrietaCA.gov/Library for fee details and to sign up for an appointment.

Murrieta Innovation Center Welcomes New Tenant

The MIC welcomes its newest virtual international tenant NeuroReality!

The City's Economic Development team is thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking addition to the Murrieta Innovation Center's tenant roster! Founded in 2017, NeuroReality, a pioneering Dutch company, is changing the game in cognitive rehabilitation after brain injuries.

Their innovative product, Koji's Quest, uses cutting-edge virtual reality technology to provide engaging and immersive cognitive therapy.

Kudos to the MIC and City Economic Development Department for creating an innovation hub that receives recognition worldwide as a thriving business incubator!

Murrieta Market Nights

Visit the heart of Murrieta during our evening street markets

On the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., head over to Washington Avenue for an event brought to you by the City of Murrieta and the Murrieta Market Nights nonprofit. Get ready to dive into an immersive experience, exploring local vendors, artisans, entertainment, and unique food options.

September's Dates: Thursday, October 5 and October 19

Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Downtown Murrieta

Cal Oaks Sports Park Pool Workshop

Join us on October 5 at Alderwood Clubhouse to share your ideas for a redesigned community pool

We want your input! Please help us make the Cal Oaks Sports Park Pool a great community resource for future generations.

The City of Murrieta, in collaboration with RJM Design Group, is preparing for the California Oaks Sports Park Pool reconstruction project. Get involved by...

💦Exploring the project website: www.CalOaksPool.com This site will be updated regularly as the project progresses, so check back frequently to stay updated with the latest news and conceptual design development of the Cal Oaks Sports Park Pool.

💦Marking your calendar for the community workshop about the pool. It will be held at Alderwood Clubhouse from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 5.

We can't wait to hear from residents about the future of the Cal Oaks Sports Park Pool!

Santa Helpers Needed

Santa Stops return, and help is needed

Murrieta Santa Stops are returning! The community volunteer coordinators are looking for dedicated individuals to help bring Santa and his magic to Murrieta! Positions needed include Santa, Christmas costumed characters, food/toy collectors, route managers, and more. Volunteers are essential to make this event a success. Please email Murrietasantastops@gmail.com to receive more information about volunteering. Volunteers must be of high school age and up and must undergo a live scan at no cost to them.

Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making memories that will last a lifetime! 🎅

Coffee with the City

Connecting over coffee with the City of Murrieta team

Every fourth Tuesday of the month, the City of Murrieta and the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce host "Coffee with the City," a free community event that brings residents together over a cup of Dunkin' coffee to connect with local leadership. Through these meaningful conversations, the community actively contributes to shaping Murrieta's future and strengthening the sense of community. The next Coffee with the City will be:

Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Location: Murrieta Innovation Center, 26442 Beckman Court, Murrieta, CA 92562

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:

• Fire Inspector
• Plans Examiner
• Public Safety Dispatcher I/II
• Recreation Leader (Part-time)

Visit Murrieta's jobs website today!

Murrieta Police Department

Partners with our community

Murrieta PD is excited to once again partner with a variety of City of Murrieta departments to host the best Halloween event around! Join us at this free, family-friendly trunk-or-treat style event on Saturday, October 28, from 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Making this year's event more spooktacular, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. "Pulp Vixen" will be performing on the amphitheater stage!

Costumes are encouraged but not required. Check out additional details below.

• Dark in the Park
• Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
• Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Location: Murrieta Town Square Park and Amphitheater

Murrieta Fire & Rescue

Neighbors helping neighbors

Exciting News from Murrieta Fire & Rescue! Murrieta Fire & Rescue is pleased to announce three promotions:

• Battalion Chief David Perez has been promoted to the position of Division Chief.
• Captain Eric Ackerman has been promoted to the position of Battalion Chief.
• Engineer Andrew Hamilton has been promoted to the position of Fire Captain.

All of them transitioned into their new positions as of September 10, 2023. The organization extends its heartfelt congratulations to Chief Perez, Chief Ackerman, and Captain Hamilton as they embark on these new challenges.

Preparing for Santa Ana Winds

The time of year is approaching when the danger of Santa Ana wind-driven wildfires will become more widespread. Being ready is important for both residential and commercial property owners. Establishing sufficient defensible space on properties plays a critical role in aiding firefighters' efforts to control fires. Although it was a very wet rainy season, the vegetation has since dried completely, warranting its prompt removal. Individuals seeking further information about removing vegetation on their property should visit the fire prevention bureau's website or call 951-304-3473.

Responding to Fires and Rescues: Northern California

MFR continues to support fires in Northern California. They currently have one Fire Engine with a crew of three, a Strike Team Leader, and a Strike Team Leader Trainee assigned to fires burning in the Smith River Complex in the Shasta Trinity Forest.

Murrieta Public Library

Fall programming for all ages and expanded Seed Library events

Children’s Events:

The Children’s Department is set to have four recurring events for fall:

• Dog Tales, Mondays at 4:30 p.m.
• Family Storytime, Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
• Independent Storytime, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
• Steam Studio, second and fourth Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. 

Children's Fall Programming:

• Parasol Painting, Thursday, October 5, at 4 p.m., Carol Carson Garden of Verses
• STEAM Studio, Thursdays, October 12 and 26, at 4 p.m., Community Room
• 3D Pumpkin Take Home Kit, Saturday, October 21, pick up at the Youth Services Desk
• Spooky Game Night, Friday, October 27, at 6 p.m., Community Room

Teen Events:

• Teen Arcade Community Room, Thursday, October 19, at 4 p.m., Community Room

Adult Events:

• Bonsai Tree Starter Take Home Kit, Saturday, October 7, pick up at the Adult Reference Desk
• Planning & Benefits for Families with Disabilities or Addiction, October 18, 4 p.m., Community Room
• Business Workshop five-Part Series Presented by Chase Bank, Tuesdays at 4 p.m., October 3, 10, 17, and 24, also Wednesday, November 1 at 4 p.m., Community Room

Library for All (Adults with Disabilities) Events:

• Halloween Bingo Party, Monday, October 23, at 10 a.m., Community Room

Seed Library Events:

• Murrieta Grows, Murrieta Library Garden Club Meetup, all ages, Monday, October 2, 9 a.m., Lab
• Bug Party, ages 5 - 12, Wednesday, October 11, at 4 p.m., Community Room, registration required, murappointments.as.me/bugparty 
• Gardening for Monarchs, all ages, Saturday, October 14, at 10 a.m., Lab

The Murrieta Public Library will be closed Saturday, October 28, due to the trunk or treat event located in the Town Square Park and Amphitheater.

Keep in Touch

To stay current with what’s happening at the Murrieta Public Library, sign up for the Library’s Newsletter. Please go to bit.ly/murlib to sign up. As always, staff are available to answer questions via phone Monday through Saturday during regular hours by calling 951-304-2665.

Veterans Day Parade

Join us for Murrieta's 21^st Veterans Day Parade on November 11, at 10 a.m.

Registration is now open for organizations, teams, and groups eager to be a part of this special event honoring our veterans. Visit www.tinyurl.com/veteransdayparade23 to secure your spot today. The registration fee is just $25 per entry (not per person). Register today and don't miss this chance to be a part of a heartwarming celebration of our veterans' service and sacrifice. The parade begins at Washington Avenue and Ivy Street and ends at Town Square Park with the Field of Honor.

Please contact the Murrieta Community Services Department with questions at 951-304-727.

City of Murrieta Legislative Updates

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.

At times, it is in the City's best interest to take a position on proposed legislation. Recently, the City issued four letters regarding positions on key legislative matters that impact Murrieta:

1. AB 791: Post Conviction Bail – Support

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.