Council debate: What's Christmas without the right tree?

City Council members seem to favor a more traditional look (right) to the current Menifee Christmas tree (left).

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Figuring it’s never too early to plan ahead, Menifee City Council members this week discussed options for expanding the City’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting event.

While acknowledging that the event has increased in popularity in the four years it has been held in the parking lot at Mt. San Jacinto College, council members seemed to agree on one improvement:

Get a bigger, better tree.

At this point, there is no tree that can be identified as the “Menifee Christmas Tree”, which is understandable. Menifee is only 14 years old, with only a few sets of City Council members who have been around to work with City staff in shaping this event. Since the first event in 2011, Menifee has used a pine tree outside the old City Hall (now Police Department headquarters); an oak tree in Menifee Town Center, which isn’t built out yet; and a pine tree on the MSJC grounds that many would prefer to be taller, fuller, and easier to decorate.

The Menifee Town Center roundabout or Central Park amphitheater site might become suitable sites, but not in time for this December. For the time being, MSJC appears to be the best location. So while other City matters deserve much more attention, council members took a few minutes at the end of Wednesday’s meeting to talk holiday cheer.

“I think it’s time to expand the decorations,” said council member Lesa Sobek. “The tree could be fuller and fancier. There are artificial trees we could consider.”

After showing photos of the Menifee tree and a more elaborate Christmas tree display in Temecula, Sobek said she also believes other lighted decorations in Menifee’s business district could help promote holiday cheer.

“What I heard from residents was, ‘We’re coming out of COVID; we need light, we need hope. What happened to the Christmas spirit?’”

Council member Matt Liesemeyer agreed, saying, “It would be nice to get a tree that would stand the test of time, one we could move around. And giant snowflakes, lights, things like that adds character.”

Mayor Pro Tem Dean Deines said he believes the snow that is brought in for a kids’ winter play area could be expanded and could be a signature part of the event as well. He even mentioned the possibility of a skating rink as part of the festival.

Jonathan Nicks, community services director, said staff would research the suggested improvements and report back to council. Last year’s event, which included musical performances, a walking parade, vendors and the appearance of Santa, drew an estimated 5,000 people. Current budget for the event is $45,000.