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On February 7th, the nationally recognized law firm Baron & Budd filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles County Superior Court on behalf of the City of Hemet against Southern California Edison for damages resulting from the 2022 Fairview Fire. The lawsuit alleges that Edison’s equipment was the cause and origin of the Fairview Fire, which caused significant damages to public and natural resources in the City of Hemet.

“The deadly Fairview Fire was devastating to the City of Hemet,” said Baron & Budd Shareholder, John Fiske. “This lawsuit seeks damages to aid the city in rebuilding after the destruction of this wildfire ravaged their community.”

The Fairview Fire started on September 5, 2022, and burned through 28,307 acres causing at least 1,500 homes to be evacuated while more than 2,200 firefighting personnel responded to the fire. By September 6, 2022, FEMA authorized Federal Management Assistance Grants, and by September 8, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency.

The City of Hemet is represented by outside counsel John Fiske and Torri Sherlin of Baron & Budd, and Ed Diab of Dixon Diab & Chambers.

For more information, please contact John Fiske at JFiske@baronbudd.com.

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Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter

Following a report from a closed session in which the City Attorney announced a litigation settlement, the council went into the regular session with an invocation and pledge of allegiance.

Into Public discussions, Matt McPherson delineated the many sites downtown owned by Simon Chu that have no permits or incompleted repairs and that are violating several regulations and requirements. No one seemed to catch it when he said the proposed hotel for the mentally ill homeless had jumped from 100 to 400 rooms. Was that for real? Does Matt know something most of us missed?

Ed Bush, an operator of a local mortuary, countered with how much cooperation he had from the planning commission and how smooth his application for local licensing went while praising the City for all they did to help it along.

Mayor Lilienthal led off the regular presentations. The City made the following Presentations and declarations:

A. There was a mix-up. The Mayor and County Supervisor, Jeff Hewitt presented proclamations for National Stepfamily Day. Only problem? They had separate dates. Alls well. Everyone was smiling for the cameras.

B. The Hemet Public Library received a Proclamation declaring September as monthly Library Sign-up Month. The Hemet library director gave a sizzling defense for libraries, stating, “The Public Library is not just for books anymore.”

C. The Proclamations from City and County for National Suicide Prevention Month were accepted by Clarence Browser who was given a standing ovation when he recited a Poem about his lifetime battle with suicide temptations. Councilman Russ Brown praised him for exposing his personal experience. It was praise well deserved.

13.A – Approved City Warrants Registers Dated July 28, 2022, in the amount of $953,103.42, August 11, 2022, in the amount of $985,401.58, and August 25, 2022, in the amount of $1,632,981.80. The Payroll Periods of July 11, 2022 – July 24, 2022, in the amount of $847,259.63, July 25, 2022 – August 27, 2022 in the amount of $815,445.24, and August 8, 2022-August 21, 2022, in the amount of $833,200.92.

14.A – Approved the City of Council Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2022, and the City Council Meeting Minutes of June 28, 2022.

14.B – Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2022 of the city council for Hemet, California, acting in the capacity as the Legislative Body of City of Hemet Community Facilities District No. 2022-01 (Tres Cerritos), Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax therein.

14.C – Approved a letter of opposition to Senator Robert Hertzberg’s Senate Bill 262.

14.D – Adopted a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, approving an amendment to the City’s Classification and Compensation Plan to include the revised position, GIS Specialist.

14.E – Adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, approving an amendment to the City’s Classification and Compensation Plan to include the revised position, of Administrative Assistant.

14.F – Adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, approving an Amendment to the City’s Classification and Compensation Plan to include the new position, Program Coordinator – Office of Violence Intervention.

14.G – Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Approving the City’s Classification and Compensation Plan for Compensation Plan for employee salary ranges.

14.H – Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, approving a Grant of Easement and Right-of-way to Southern California Edison Company for underground electrical supply systems and communications systems.

14.I – Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California to Approve the Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Hemet CARES Business Support Grant Funding Recommendations for Round Three.

14.J – Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Approving a Service Agreement by and Between the County of Riverside and the City of Hemet for Stetson Avenue Roadway improvements; and Authorize the Finance Director to Deposit with the County of Riverside $212,500 (Including Contingencies) for the Administration, Engineering Design, Construction of Improvements and Inspection, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute all Contract Documents in the final form and format as approved by the City Attorney.

14.K – Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California Approving a Subdivision Improvement Agreement, Improvement Security, and Final Parcel Map 37779, Located at Southeast Corner of Stetson Avenue and Sanderson street (Ranch McHolland, LLC).

14.L – Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, awarding unleaded and diesel fueling services to Merrimac Petroleum DBA Merrimac Energy Group for a Term of Three (3) Years, With an option for two (2) One Year extensions for an Amount Defined by the Markup Above or Below the Oil Price Information Service Rack Price for Unbranded Low in the Inland Empire Region and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement for Unleaded and Diesel Fueling Services and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Purchase Order in Support of the Award.

14.M – Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, approving a first amendment to the Agreement for Professional Engineering Services for the Preparation of the City’s West Side Master Drainage Plan by and between the City of Hemet and Michael Baker International, Direct the Finance Director to appropriate $218,216.43 of unencumbered flood control development impact fees, and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute all contract documents in the final form.

15.A1 – Adopt Resolution No. 2022-XXX, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Calling a Special Election to Fill the vacancy in the City Treasurer seat; Adopt Resolution No.2022-XXX, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Calling for the holding of a special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, for the Election of the Office of City Treasurer As Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California Relating to General Law Cities Adopt Resolution No 2022-XXX, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Adopting Regulations for Candidates for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidates Statements Submitted to the Voters at the Special Municipal Election to be held on March 7, 2023;

15.A2 – Nominate and appoint a qualified individual to fill the vacancy for the City Treasurer seat; or 15.A3. – Discuss and take such other action as the City Council deems appropriate and consistent with state and local requirements. (Keep listening to this one).

15.C – Consider the requested waiver for undergrounding utility lines related to the proposed Holiday Inn project at 3850 West Florida Avenue submitted by Ace Design LLC. Mayor pro-tem made a comment that should resonate with all those who remember the Salvation Army debacle when they put in their new quarters at Acacia and Palm. Quote the Mayor pro-tem “Why do we keep granting waivers for laws? Why do we have laws if we will just move around and make exceptions.”

15.D – Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, to Establish City Council of the City of Hemet, California, to Establish Hemet Community Facilities District No. 2022-02 (Saddle Point II), generally located east of Warren Road, West of Fisher Street, South of Mustang way and North of Poplar Street (Lennar).

Just saying.

rustystrait@gmail.com

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HEMET FIRE DEPARTMENT PROPOSED BUDGET FY22/23

FUNDING SOURCES:

• General Fund $11,606,400

• Measure “U” $ 4,989,900

• Measure “U” Fund Balance $ 400,000

• CFD $ 329,100

• ARPA $ 2,000,000

• AMR Penalty Fees $ 70,000

TOTAL $19,395,400

Improve Fire’s 3 Bureaus and Administrative Support

• Fire Administration

• Operations/Emergency Medical Services

• Fire Prevention & All Hazards Services

• Support Services

• INNOVATIVE REVENUE

• STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT (SHSGP)

• COUNTY HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS GROUP (CHOG) $67,000

• CERT $ 9,801

• PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEER

• ASSISTS WITH COST RECOVERY AND FIRE PREVENTION

SWORN STAFF

Positions FY/19/20 FY/29.21 FY21/22 FY/22/23 (Proposed)

• Fire Chief: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1

• Deputy Chief: 0 – 0 – 0 – 1 Proposed

• Fire Battalion Chief: 3 – 3 – 3 – 3

• Fire Captain: 15/14 – 12 – 15 – 15

• Fire Engineer: 15 – 12 – 15 – 15

• Fire Fighter (PM): 21/18 – 17 – 15 – 18 Proposed

• Fire Prevention Officer: 0 – 1 – 1 – 2 (Proposed

TOTAL 55/51 46 50 55

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Positions FY19/20 FY 20/21 FY21/22 FY/22/23 Proposed

• Emergency Services Coordinator: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1

• EMS Coordinator: 0.5 – 0.5 – 0.5 – 0.5

• Administrative Assistant: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1

• Office Specialist: 0.5 – 0.5 – 0.5 – 1 Proposed

• Managerial Analyst: 0 – 0 – 0 – 1 Proposed

TOTAL: 3 – 3 – 3 – 4.5

SUMMARY OF FY 22/23 PERSONNEL REQUESTS

‘GENERAL FUND’

• (1) FIRE DEPUTY CHIEF $ 348,300

• (1) MANAGEMENT ANALYST $ 137,600

• (5) INCREASE PART TIME FULL OFFICE 45,500 SPECIALIST

• (3) FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDICS $ 492,600

• (1) FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER $ 141,000

• PEAK DEMAND OT $ 245,000

TOTAL $1,410,000

FY/22/23 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE REQUESTS

ARPA

• FIRE STATION UPGRADES

• ADDRESS CRITICAL ISSUES

• REPLACE ANTIQUATED STATION ALERTING SUBTOTAL $2,000,000 AMR Penalty Fees

• Tablet Command Incident Software $ 70,000 Internal Services Savings

• Mobile Radio Upgrade Program $ 247,000

TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURES $2,317,100

MEASURE U EXPENDITURE HISTORY

Personnel

• Captains (3)

• Firefighter Paramedics (8)

• Battalion Chiefs (3)

• Squad Staffing to support rising

• EMS responses (OT)

• Funded (2) Public Safety

• Dispatchers and (1) Call Taker

• Increased Support personnel hours

• Emergency Services Coordinator to Full-Time (1)

• Increased hours of Emergency Medical Services Nurse

• Coordinator (96/m0)

• Part-Time Office Specialist (0.5)

Capital Equipment

• Replace aging fire apparatus (3)

• Upgrade VHF radio system

• Establish back up system

• Utility Vehicles (3)

• Personal Protective Equipment

• Add 6th Dispatch Console

Live Fire Training Facility

MEASURE “U” ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Personnel

• Captains (3)

• Firefighter Paramedics (8)

• Accomplished: Reopening of Fire Station 5

• Staffing of Squad I

• 100% ALS Paramedic Service

• Battalion Chiefs (3)

• Accomplished:

Formal Command Staff increased operational capacity.

• Funded (2) Public Safety Dispatchers and (1) Call Takers.

• Handle rising requests for service over 18,000 in the past Fiscal Year.

Increased support personnel hours

• Emergency Services Coordinator to Full-time (1)

• Planning and preparation of city wide emergencies

• Training of local residents and establishing CERT

• Increased hours of Emergency Medical Services Nurse Coordinator (96/mo)

• Continuing Education to paramedics

• Liaison with local hospitals

• Improved quality of care

• Part-Time Office Specialist (0.5)

• Weed abatement Program

• Cost Recovery Program

Capital Equipment

• Replace aging fire apparatus (3)

• Over 2.4 million

• Upgrade VHF radio system

• Establish back up system

• Over 2 million (combined police & fire)

• Fire Training Center Construction $600,000+

• Provide a dedicated training ground for new hires and current employees

• Live Fire Training

• Utility vehicles (3)

• Off-road capable

• Training/out-of-county responses

• Squad response vehicle

• Personal Protective Equipment (over 100 sets of gear)

• Add 6th Dispatch Console

• Increased capacity to handle calls for service

Future Plans

• All Hazards Incident Response Vehicles Medic Patrol concept that allows for quick medical response and small fire suppression

• Ability to patrol neighborhoods during wildfires

• Off-road capable for access to technical rescues

Communication Upgrades

• Expand current communications capabilities

• PSEC capable mobile radios in all fire apparatus

• Emergency Medical Services Technology

• Leverage the latest technology to deliver optimum patient care

• Apparatus Replacement

• Truck Company (Approaching 15 years in age)

• Engine Companies (2016 apparatus)

• Hazardous Materials Response Trailer

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CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLAN

1. To ensure that Hemet is safe, clean, attractive, and comfortable for all that live, work and visit.

2. To ensure Hemet is a hub, with access to quality jobs, shopping options, and a varied and sustained tax base.

3. To connect and ;participate in a constant dialogue between members of the community, City staff, and elected officials to promote togetherness and positivity.

4. To pursue partnership that will increase the opportunities available to the community, including our businesses, unemployed, and youth population.

5. To identify the work needed inside the City organization to effectively provide services to the community and ensue financial stability.

POLICE DEPARTMENT PROPOSED BUDGET FY 22/23

• Funding Sources: General Fund $28,312,500

• Measure “U” $9,993,000

• Measure “U” Fund Balance $1,800,000

• CFD $600,000

• ARPA $ 340,000

TOTAL: $41,645,500

MEASURE “U” FUNDED POSITIONS

• 1 Police Captain

• 1 Police Lieutenant

• 3 Police Sergeants

• 19 Police Officers

• 1 Public Media Officer

• 1 Support Service Manager

• 5 Community Service Officers

• 1 Property and Evidence Tech

• 1 Public Safety Dispatcher

• 3 Records Specialists

• 1 Public Safety Operator

PROGRAM FY 20/21 FY 21/22 ADD OBJECTIVE

1. Administration 1-PISMO Increase community engagement, social media platforms highlight Measure U

2. Patrol 4-CSO’s 4CSOs Retired officers in priority and in- progress calls.

3. Reduce response times.

4. ROCS 1-Sgt 1-Cpl Engagement with businesses, 5 Offc 1-Offc reduce blight, homelessness, 1-CSO CPTED, 7-Days.

5. Traffic 1-Sgt 2-Motors, 1-CSO High visibility traffic enforcement, 7-Days

PROJECTED FY 22/23 SWORN STAFF

POSITIONS FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY/21/22 FY/22/23 (Proposed)

• Chief of Police 1 – 1 – 1 – 1

• Police Captain 2 – 2 – 2 – 2

• Police Lieutenant 3 – 3 – 3 – 2

• Police Sergeant 12 – 12 – 11 – 11

• Police Corporal 6 – 5 – 6 – 7 (Proposed)

• Police Investigator 5 – 1 – 1 – 3 (Proposed)

• Police Officer 63 – 52 – 54 – 55 (Proposed)

TOTAL 92 – 76 – 78 – 81

PROJECTED FY22/23 PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Positions FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22 FY 22/23 (Proposed)

• Management Assistant: 1 – 1 – 1 – 0 (Proposed)

• Management Analyst: 0 – 0 – 0 – 1 (Proposed)

• Administrative Assistant: 1 – 1 – 0 – 0 (Proposed)

• Executive Assistant: 0 – 0 – 1 – 1

• Personal Training Cord: 0 – 0 – 1 – 1

• PISMO: 0 – 0 – 1 – 1

• Support Service Manager: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1

• Media/Intel Analyst: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1

• Crime Scene Tech: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1

• Property/Evid Tech: 1.5 – 1.5 – 2 – 2 (Proposed)

• Comm. Service officer: 11 – 6 – 11 – 11

• Dispatch Supervisor: 0 – 0 – 0 – 2 (Proposed)

• Dispatcher: 14 – 12 – 12 – 12

• Operator: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1

• On-Call Dispatcher: 0.7 – 0.1 – 0.3 – 0.3

• Public Safety Officer: 6 – 6 – 6 – 8 (Proposed)

• Specialist Investigator TPT: 0 – 0 – 0 – 1

TOTAL: 39.2 – 31.6 – 39.3 – 44.3

FY22/23 ARPA STAFF

POSITION FY/21/22 FY/22/23

Maintenance Aide TPT: 20 – 10

Police Cadet TPT: 0 – 10

TOTAL: 20 – 20

MEASURE U MAJOR PROJECTS AND TECH UPGRADES

Completed Projects & Technology Upgrades

• June 2020 – Entered into a service contract with FLOCK

• March 2021 – Completed Phase I, Microwave Project

• June 2021 – Completed New Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System

• June 2021 – Live w/Axon BWC’s & Taser 7’s

• July 2021 – Computer Phase II, encrypted radio System, PSEC

Trauma Intervention Program (TIP)

Future Projects & Technology Upgrades

• Expand ROCS

• Expand Traffic

• Extend Community Engagement

• Expand FLOCK – Community Cameras

• Business Crime Prevention Program

MEASURE U

(2) PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER SPECIALISTS $165,000

TOTAL $165,000

GENERAL FUND

• RECLASS MNGT ASSISTANT TO MNGT ANALYST $6,000

• (1) POLICE OFFICER $170,000

• (2) POLICE INVESTIGATORS $160,000

• (2) DISPATCHER SUPERVISORS $280,000

• (1) INVESTIGATOR TPT $83,600

TOTAL $699,600

CFD

• (1) POLICE CORPORAL $235,000

TOTAL $235,000

ARPA

• (10) POLICE CADETS No additional cost

MEASURE U

• RANGE/TRAINING FACILITY REVITALIZATION $150,000

• (2) INVESTIGATIVE VEHICLES $160,000

• (1) CRTF VEHICLE $ 80,000

TOTAL $390,000

MEASURE U (Fund Balance)

• PD//FD PARKING LOT REHABILITATION $750,000

• PD/ADMINISTRATION STRATEGIC PLANNING CTR $750,000

• PUBLIC SAFETY SERVER ROOM FIRE SUPPRESSION $300,000

TOTAL $1,800,000

GENERAL FUND

• (1) PRISONER TRANSPORT VAN $90,000

• (6) PATROL VEHICLES $480,000

• (1) BMW MOTORCYCLE $45,000

TOTAL $615,000

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Not only is this a farmer’s market, it is a variety of other activities, including hand-crafts of jewelry, sports logos, etc. However, the car show became of interest to this writer because of the vast variety of vehicles, from a 1932 Ford roadster to custom vehicles designed to catch the eye of anyone who appreciates classic cars. It was judged that the following were outstanding in their category:

Original 1949 Mercury (see photo) – Larry Candelaria of Axle Draggers car club

Style – 1940 Pontiac Woody (see photo) – Larry Shaw – also Axle Draggers car club

Engine Design – 1969 Chevy Z-29 Camaro( see photo) – Mike Landin with 5150 car club

Oldest vehicle – 1932 Ford Roadster – Roger Ashford

Most fun – 1968 Corvette – Walt Healy – Valley Cruisers

In addition, a wide variety of custom and classic cars were on display beneath the swaying palms hovering high in the sky above. The aroma from the grilled cheese food truck tickled the hunger genes while D.J. Bryan Powell’s speakers belted forth music of the classic rock era.

There were prizes and edible treats from the market, which soon disappeared as hunger pangs took over like lightning.

Not to worry if you missed this one because Shooter’s Bar and Grill be hosting another car at the same location – Harvard & Florida Avenue in downtown Hemet on Sunday, May 30, 2021.

As an added attraction, more commonly known as an inducement, there will be an old-fashioned pin-up girl contest. There hasn’t been one in Hemet in my memory but I do remember them and anybody past 50 should have no problem recalling them. Naturally, all the young guys will be on site for that. Some things never change.

With the State of California finally opening up from the long nightmare of COVID-19, this town will be rocking with entertainment from one end of Florida Avenue to the other, including all stops in between. I suspect the Destination Smokehouse probably has something coming up and your reporter will be on the scene to cover it if you can’t.

Our goal is to provide our readers with the best of everything in town from City Hall to the Diamond Valley Lake and beyond. So keep tuned as they used to say in the golden days of radio. Just sayin’ rustystrait@gmail.com

Rusty Strait • Senior Reporter

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The CNG Dump Truck, assigned to the Street Division, has significantly contributed to efficiency due to its larger capacity for loads, allowing the Hemet Streets team to make fewer trips back and forth to the Riverside County dump site. Additionally, two new Nissan Leaf electric vehicles were assigned to the Police Records Division and the Public Works Administration. The Police Department uses their vehicle for the daily transport of documents for criminal cases that will be filed with the DA and the Public Works Department utilizes their vehicle to visit job sites, meet contractors, and perform inspections. Each electric vehicle can travel up to 226 miles on a full charge and has a lower cost of maintenance compared to the vehicles they replaced.

The grant funds also allowed the City to install four new electric vehicle charging stations, two for public use and two for City use. The public charging stations are located in the parking lot on the north side of the City of Hemet Library. The City of Hemet is amidst a comprehensive effort toward improving energy and more consciously using our resources and encourage our community to consider adopting energy efficient practices.

City of Hemet • Contributed

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The City invites residents, property owners, housing developers, realtors, business owners, and community organizations to participate in a discussion about what type of design is appropriate for Hemet and how new development that meets these design standards can benefit from a streamlined project review process to provide new housing quickly and affordably. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute their ideas for attractive buildings, well-designed streetscapes, and sufficient parking to streamline the development review process.

The City of Hemet is undertaking multiple projects funded through a grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development under the SB 2 Planning Grant Program. The key goals of this program are:

• Developing an attractive downtown

• Enhancing economic development to fund City services

• Meeting diverse housing needs in the community

• Improving the permitting process and updating land use regulations

City of Hemet SB 2-Funded Projects

1. Objective Design and Development Standards. These standards aim to preserve Hemet’s character while identifying clear design standards to facilitate by-right approvals of mixed-use and multi-family housing.

2. General Plan Updates. The City will update the General Plan Circulation Element to consider new standards for analyzing traffic impacts and update the Housing Element to address regional housing needs over the next eight years.

3. North Hemet and Downtown TOD Zoning Overlays. New zoning approaches are planned to facilitate development two sites: one in downtown and one in north Hemet.

• Downtown. Collaboration with the Riverside Transit Agency for transit connectivity of City-owned parcels in downtown.

• North Hemet. Collaboration with the Housing Authority of Riverside County for workforce housing adjacent to the Workforce Development Center office.

Save The Date

Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Please RSVP for the Workshop with Corina Hernandez chernandez@cityofhemet.org

Contact: City of Hemet Community Development Department, H.P. Kang: hkang@cityofhemet.org for any questions.

–hemetca.gov

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“I encourage everyone who can, to utilize this tool as a way of improving our community. We can all be a part of the solution by reporting, following, and getting an overall better understanding of the good work Hemet employees are doing to resolve the requests and concerns of our residents,” said Mayor Brown.

Using the SeeClickFix mobile app or web tools, residents can send pictures, videos, specific descriptions, and more valuable information needed to get jobs done efficiently. Hemet staff will leverage powerful dashboards and reporting tools to identify hot spots, increase productivity, prioritize projects, and better leverage tax dollars.

This partnership not only allows citizens to report problems, but also to view, comment on, and vote to fix problems submitted by their neighbors. Citizens can even create their own “watch areas” to receive notifications about issues reported in their community, enabling them to follow the progress of all service requests—not just the ones they report.

SeeClickFix is another tool the City is using to create a network of strategies to better engage and serve our community. With this tool, and the soon to be announced Atlas 1 app, our community has instant access to location-based information and the ability to communicate directly with City staff. It is our hope that these tools will eliminate barriers to service and make our processes more efficient.

To download the free app, visit the App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone and type in “SeeClickFix.” You can also access the tool by visiting the City’s website. Click https://www.hemetca.gov/ then scroll down to Report a Problem or visit seeclickfix.com.

Tutorials on using the app are available on the City’s social media pages @Hemetgov.

-City of Hemet

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1. Bonnie Wright listed her house for sale 5/28/2020

2. She sold her house 6/12/2020

3. Escrow closed 7/10/2020

4. There is no evidence of where Ms. Wright was living at the time she voted for the (3-2) to pass the budget, violating the Measure U ordinance.

5. She should have resigned 7/10/2020 and did not

6. She waited until 7/28/2020 to resign (19 days after her house closed escrow)

Is that vote even valid? Eric Vail (city attorney), are you listening?

There would have been enough time for a special election if she had paid attention to the city code (city ordinance 2104), which she violated, by not resigning on 7/10/2020.

The city was in a position where they had 60 days to appoint someone to the vacant seat (it was 60 days from 7/28/20). As of this writing, there are four city councilmembers. An appointment of a councilmember would require a 3-4 vote and that wasn’t likely. After speaking with several sources, there does not appear to be a way to break any tie that takes place. We would have to wait until the November election to fill the seat vacated by Wright. The council voted to let the general election of November resolve the issue. In other words, there will be no special election and no appointment. That’s all legal and will likely eliminate chaos and confusion.

Back to Ms. Wright. According to the electronic communication read at the council meeting, Wright violated the trust of the citizens of Hemet, who elected her. It’s difficult to believe that someone in the city council wasn’t aware of what she was planning. All the above facts are public knowledge. Talk to any realtor and they will confirm the listings. The “fluff” pieces put out by various sources state Ms. Wright stepped down for health reasons. This paper incorrectly stated she “retired.” This will set the record straight. She resigned and her timing is highly suspect.

I used to think this was a quaint and lovely little town. In many ways, it still is. The corruption in Hemet runs deep, from the inside out. One way to fix that (and it will take forever if it’s ever completely done) is to change things from the outside in. I am not alone in this conviction. There are others who are just as frustrated and angry at the way decisions are made in this city.

This is in no way a reflection on other employees of the city. There are a number of hardworking, underpaid employees that give it their all. Ask them how many raises they’ve received lately? Take a good hard look at the latest budget (CAFR) Comprehensive Annual Financial Report dated 6/30/2021. If you know how to read a financial statement, your eyes will literally bug out of your head when you look at the numbers. We should all be paying attention to the Measure U funds. That is another story for another time.

The council voted on several key items. They passed the June 30, 2020 budget, but not quite unanimously. Karlee Meyer unequivocally voted no while the other 3 members opted to pass the budget. You can go online to access the CAFR report, at the City of Hemet website.

In reviewing all the 2020, 2019 and many 2018 council minutes, it appears there were and are an awful lot of lawsuits against the city. Someone may want to have a conversation with the labor union regarding lawsuits. Because conversations of a legal nature are held in closed session, there is no way to get information, unless the council releases the information and or the results to the public.

As regards the current Treasurer, who will not be running for re-election, hopefully someone with extensive investing and fund accounting experience will run for this office. One of the discussions that took place at the end of the council meeting of 08/11 was doing an audit before a new treasurer takes office. That makes perfect sense. Currently, there are two candidates, Howard Feigenbaum, who has approximately 40 years of experience in the finance industry and Sue Savage. There doesn’t appear to be a current resume detailing his experience. Sue Savage has taken steps to run for the election and has a website up. She’s rearing to go and has contributed many comments to the council at various times over the last six years. Sue has held the council’s feet to the fire on some key issues. It’s apparent there is just a handful of Hemet residents that are willing to take the time to attend the meeting and become vested in the process. It truly is incumbent on residents of Hemet to vest themselves in the solutions by sitting in meetings; live streaming is a convenient way to do that.

One of the more interesting conversations that took place was in regards to a software application called SeeClickFix, which is due to launch by the city on August 31, 2020. This is a special application that will allow citizens to notify the city of ongoing problems or to give them a high five. You will be able to use this app from your smartphone. It would likely shorten the time for the city to respond to problems and enable them to take quicker action. One of the problems addressed by Mayor Russ Brown was how to handle properties that don’t have specific addresses. There is considerable illegal dumping of trash on empty lots. There will be an ability to take a cell phone photo to send that to the city and they will be able to determine the location and address the problem. That has exciting potential.

An overview of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (known as CAFR). was given by the City of Hemet Financial Director, Lorena Rocha. Unfortunately, there were errors in the report that Ms. Rocha explained as the result of short staffing. She assured the council that those errors would not take place again. She felt sure that the COVID catastrophe had an impact on the way things at the city took place. None of the councilmembers seemed to take issue with that. Equally unfortunate was the fact that the General Fund was perilously low until Measure U funds were shifted around. There has definitely been an uptick in public safety costs to the city just prior to the utilization of Measure U funds. That made sense since the city had to prepare for the additional monies that would permit funding for the police and fire departments. The vote was taken to approve this budget but it wasn’t quite unanimous. The vote was 3 in favor of receiving and filing and one no by Karlee Meyers. The appearance of a new Treasurer to the city may help to clarify some of the persistent financial reporting problems this city has.

Hemet is going to receive some funding from a program known as the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Agreement? It’s a subsidy designed to help out with the housing crises Hemet faces. The county will administer the program and as often the case with new programs; this one will likely take a little time to move forward. It will primarily benefit low-income families. Look for more information on this approximate 2.4 million dollar program as it comes along. The council approved the agreement between the county and Hemet unanimously. This will help Hemet.

Concluding a major portion of the meeting was a somewhat heated discussion of future agenda items. The council has this habit of “kicking the can down the road” when it comes to new items. In a way, it can’t be helped. There are an array of operational items that must be dealt with before new items can come to the floor. Sometimes, there is not enough time or labor to handle new items. In an attempt to shorten a long list of future agenda items, there was some contention by one member stating that is was the council that makes the decision about agenda items, not the city manager. She was quite right in stating that. City Manager Lopez appeared to try to mollify the situation, as well as Mayor Russ Brown. Ultimately there was a consensus.

One of the items on the agenda was Vagrancy and Pan Handling Laws as they pertain to Hemet. District 1 councilmember Karlee Meyers expressed concern for her constituents and the need to do what they are all voted in to do, take care of the residents of Hemet. Meyers wants to be able to assure those that live in her district that they will be safe from vagrants and panhandlers. There are other communities that have faced this problem and some of them have arrived at solutions. Further action will take place so that citizens can be assured they are being heard. Happily, all councilmembers were in agreement on this vitally important issue. We can thank Karlee Meyers for insisting on action on this issue. Many of the items on the current agenda have been sitting there for at least a year. It boils down to being able to time manage the essential and basic operational items that must be addressed by the council regularly and being able to add more to the workload so that it all happens in a timely manner.

Another item long on this agenda list concerned housing investment opportunities on city-owned properties. A list of properties owned by the city will be developed and the city will move forward in putting them on the market, allowing investors to develop the properties. The reason many of the properties are currently unused is determined by state law, limiting the use of the land.

Last but not least, there has to be a discussion about having an in-house attorney as opposed to the astronomical costs of utilizing an outside law firm. That has been a contentious item for a long time and is ready for resolution.

On a happier note, several weeks ago, Matt McPherson suggested an alternate way of having a Christmas Parade this year. A lot of that will depend on state and county restrictions. That will definitely come up for discussion in the next month or so.

The city has made it pretty easy to participate in solving some of the problems it faces by having their meetings live-streamed on YouTube. You can sit in the comfort of your own air-conditioned home, happily munching away on goodies. Honestly, there are times during the meeting when you wonder what in the world this group of elected people are doing. If you have ever participated in a board meeting for an extended period of time, you get to see some of the same antics. One of the benefits of an election is seeing a rotation of city councilmembers. Be sure to vote this November.

-Ann Smith

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The City of Hemet Police Department has been inundated with information requests related to the number of eligible inmates being released into the City of Hemet. This has been a concern from many citizens after hearing about the 8,000 prisoners being released into counties throughout California. The City of Hemet Police Department requested additional information from the Riverside County Probation Department related to the number of offenders being released under Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS). City of Hemet Police specifically inquired about the number of pending PRCS parolee releases for City of Hemet zip codes – 92543, 92544, and 92545. Additionally, the zip code of 92544 is shared with City of Hemet residents and Hemet county residents, so City of Hemet addresses which have a 3 or 4 digit address were deciphered.

As of July 17, 2020, it was reported that 22 PRCS parolees are scheduled to be released to the City of Hemet from July 17, 2020 through December 24, 2020. It was also reported that 16 PRCS parolees that are categorized as homeless will be released to the Hemet area but it is unknown where specifically they will end up. The City of Hemet Police was told that Riverside County Probation Department Homeless Officer is tasked to work with Behavioral Health outreach programs, to find suitable housing to secure spots for the homeless offenders before they are released.

These numbers provided were projected numbers based on several factors to include the reported future address or community of the person being released. Again, the projected numbers are only for the City of Hemet – not the county area of Hemet nor other areas of the Hemet San Jacinto Valley.

Communities throughout California were told that decompression measures are taken place in the California prison system to provide health and safety to the incarcerated population. This is after many changes have been made in the past few years in the California’s criminal justice system, where thousands of offenders where released whose crimes were considered non-violent. Now the more serious offenders are being released due to the health and safety of the current prison population. The impacts to the communities and the public will change significantly and California communities will see a significant increase in crime.

The City of Hemet Police Department will continue to partner with allied agencies and resources regarding matters that may negatively impact our community.

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