City of Menifee celebrates 15th birthday

Menifee City Council members join the crowd in singing happy birthday to Menifee. (Staff photos)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Taking advantage of the new MSJC football stadium and listing advancements in keeping with its theme of “innovation”, City of Menifee officials on Thursday celebrated the city’s 15th birthday with an outdoor party and State of the City address.

A large crowd seated in the stands of HCN Bank Stadium were treated to an event unlike past State of the City events, which were held in a conference room attended primarily by sponsors. This time, the whole city was invited to a free event that included personal and videotaped messages and a post-address venue with food and craft vendors and a live band.

“We’re 15 years old!” exclaimed Mayor Bill Zimmerman. “I think of it like a lanky 15-year-old who has growing pains. Menifee’s got growing pains too, but we’re going to mature and be a great city in the future. I’m confident of that.

“I love seeing this great crowd of friendly faces and people we know. You’re all here because you love this community. It’s a special celebration.”

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin, who selected the theme of “innovation”, addressed the importance of using technology to best serve the community. Examples of innovation include a Smart City master technology plan; high-technology software used by the Police Department in maintaining data; a streetlight data program; business attraction software; even the presence of toothpaste factory and 3D digital dental design business among the innovative businesses coming to the town.

“At 15 years old, Menifee is still a relatively new city,” Karwin said. “We’re the third newest city in California. While being new includes some challenges, one of the greatest things is to have the innovation to bring in new technology into everything moving forward with fortitude, vision and purpose.

“Menifee is the fourth fastest growing city in California. The best way we can continue to grow is to continue to look at new and better ways of doing things.”

Infrastructure improvements listed included the ongoing project to build the Holland Road Overpass and future projects to build a Bradley Road bridge over Salt Creek; widen Scott Road and Bundy Canyon Road; and expand the McCall Boulevard freeway interchange. All these are possible through the City’s $700 million Capital Improvement Program.

The outdoor celebration began with the singing of the national anthem.

 A large crowd gathered in the MSJC stadium to hear the State of the City address.

 The "after party" included a live band and vendor booths.