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Health & Fitness

My Town

Murrieta – Grow, Encourage, Create and Attract Talent

“Fostering and Promoting a Caring and Connected Community”

What’s a momma to do on a Thursday Night in the heart of Murrieta?  Well, Murrieta State of the City Address of course!

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The Performing Arts Center at Murrieta Valley High School looked beautiful, the stage, welcoming.  The evening began with the Presentation of Colors by the Murrieta Valley High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard and the Pledge by wounded veteran, Cpl Jon Schumacher and a beautiful song sung by Murrieta’s own, Alexis Umathum.

Mayor Alan Long made it to the stage and spoke from the heart about his city, the city of his youth, his present and his future.  He commended the city staff and introduced Kim Summers who has replaced Assistant City Manager, Jim Holston who is retiring after 20 years with Murrieta.  He talked about his relationship with the Council and the Chamber and working together even when they constructively disagree.  His candidness about the issues in the past with the council were refreshing and hopeful.

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The last state of the city address I personally attended was the, “Yes, Murrieta” campaign of 2012, given former mayor Doug McAllister.  This address is titled, “Why Murrieta”? Why should people choose Murrieta?  Mayor Long had some answers.

He talked about the small town feel of Murrieta and despite the huge growth in population between 2000 and 2014 (went from 44,000 to 106,000) we still have that hometown feel.  It’s so true, it does still feel like a small town even if with all the amenities of a larger city.  Win, win I say!  He talked about Murrieta’s safety, affordable housing and top notch education and a place where you aren’t considered a number.

He asked the question, “Can we grow and keep the small town feel?”  Yes!  Murrieta is all about community, and continues to have community events like the Birthday Bash, Holiday Magic with the Santa tours, Push Cart Christmas, Father’s Day Car Show and the Rod Run, just to name a few.

A beautifully crafted video highlighted some of Murrieta’s finest talents, and each of those interviewed was asked, “What does living in Murrieta means to you?” The answer?  It is the place I call home.

Mayor Long talked about the many accolades that the city has received and his wish to represent a city that is attractive to others, as the city looks forward to growth.  For the third year in a row the city has had a positive increase in revenue overall – up 5.8%,  that library users are up (certainly due to the wonderful programming they have), road improvements continue to take place (whoo hoo) and we have a new EMS System (responsive time improved response time by 2 min!)

He also gave us little glimpses of what to look for in the future . . . and  once again I remember why I love Murrieta so very much.  We are about a caring community, we are a group of people who come together to make our world a little brighter, stronger and safer.  I am just so glad I call Murrieta home.

Re Posted from:  http://murrietamommas.com/murrieta/my-town/

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