Menifee officials celebrate in annual State of City event

Volunteers spread out a giant flag at the start of Menifee's State of the City Address. (Staff photos)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Celebrating the City of Menifee’s 2024 theme of “Hometown of Heroes”, city officials recognized the work of local volunteers in addition to city staff members in recapping accomplishments during the annual State of the City address Thursday night.

The event, held in the football stadium at Mt. San Jacinto College, began with the playing of the national anthem by the Heritage High School band. At that time, a large flag was unfurled on the football field. Later, residents watched huge video boards and speakers from the podium.

Mayor Pro Tem Dean Deines, who came up with the theme “Hometown of Heroes”, and Mayor Bill Zimmerman introduced a video presentation honoring the many groups and individuals who contribute to the success of the city. Tributes were paid to local veterans groups, Menifee police and fire departments, health care workers, city Public Works Department employees, and local educators.

“There are many ways to be a hero,” Deines said. “We also want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of local volunteers, nonprofit organizations and community leaders. These leaders work relentlessly to uplift our city, provide support to those in need, and foster a sense of belonging among residents. Their commitment to service exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a Menifee resident.”

Local groups mentioned included the Rotary Club of Menifee, Women’s Club of Menifee, Menifee Valley Community Cupboard, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce.

In recapping the year’s accomplishments, Zimmerman told residents that the Menifee Police Department was involved in more than 80 outreach events this year, including events such as National Night Out and Coffee with a Cop. The department welcomed a new K9 officer, Nala. K9 units in the department were deployed 365 times this year. Code Enforcement officials made over 3,000 inspections in enforcing city codes.

As part of the city’s 5-year, $700 million capital improvement plan, several projects were completed this year or will soon be finished. These include the $35 million Holland Road Overpass; a new Fire Station 5 in Quail Valley; improvements to Fire Station 68; enhancements to La Ladera Sports Park; pedestrian improvements on Normandy Road; and pedestrian improvements on La Piedra Road at Bell Mountain Middle School.

Zimmerman also talked about what city officials call “social infrastructure”. These include projects designed to enhance the social well being of residents, such as the four arts showcases held this year, the opening of three new parks, and the aquatics program at the new swimming pool at Paloma Valley High School. Projects scheduled for completion next year include the Central Park amphitheater and the pedestrian bridge over Paloma Wash.

The city’s total operating budget was reported as $130,782,481. In addition to having a balanced budget, city officials this year increased the reserve fund balance from 35 percent to 40 percent.

“Our operating budget and CIP budget reflects purposeful planning and ensures that the city maintains a balanced budget but also provides the necessary funding for our daily operations, plus projecting that long-term capital improvements and facilities are completed,” Zimmerman said.

“Each and every year we continue to see Menifee add the critical pieces that make for a well-rounded community. The contributions of our hometown heroes further build on Menifee’s national reputation as one of the best cities to live and work in California.

“While tonight’s event might be my last State of the City as mayor, I have full confidence our city’s going to continue to soar, thanks to the hometown heroes we have celebrated tonight. It truly takes teamwork to make a city great and I am proud to be part of this community."

You can watch the entire State of the City Address program at this link.

The State of the City address was shown on giant video boards in the MSJC stadium.

 Mayor Bill Zimmerman was the primary speaker during Thursday's event.