Hemet · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hemet public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Youth Council bylaws and e-bike safety
The Youth Council adopted strict new bylaws — attendance rules and a no-drinking/smoking/vaping standard — and is drafting e-bike safety ordinances after recent local incidents.
2025 Building and Fire Code Adoption
Council members raised fire dangers from e-commerce robotics lithium batteries and cold storage buildings, citing fires in Escondido, Ontario, and Redlands. The council asked the fire department for a briefing on capabilities and possible code changes before Tuesday's vote.
Unfreezing frozen police positions with Measure U funds
Hemet's police and fire numbers look better than last year — homicides down 40%, robberies down 26%, and response times improved — thanks to Measure U staffing and new fire apparatus. A cold case unit and drone-as-first-responder program were also launched.
Domestic violence housing — Navarre Group
The Navarre Group, the first domestic violence housing and restoration organization in the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley, invited the council to its November 20 opening event at Golden Era Golf Course.
Alcohol sales at gas stations — consistency and fairness
The city's 2013 rules allow three Type 20 alcohol licenses per C-2 census tract, but five exist in this one — and commissioners say most tracts citywide are over the limit. They want the City Council to revisit the standard before every new application turns into a fight.
Blighted roofless building on Florida Avenue
A committee member raised a longstanding complaint about a dangerous, roofless building on Florida Avenue near State Street, warning of homeless encampments and liability. Staff said the matter is in litigation and promised a follow-up.
Homelessness and quality-of-life enforcement (Aero team)
The seven-member Aero team clears encampments daily, enforces trespass laws, and connects people to rehab and housing resources. Commissioners discussed tying Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design standards into future development approvals.
Real Time Information Center and police camera network
The police department's ARIC uses 68 license plate readers, surveillance trailers, and business partnership cameras to help catch suspects in real time. Businesses can join free while grant-funded slots remain.
Weekly street sweeping transition
A goal born at last year's workshop — weekly street sweeping instead of monthly — has grown into contract amendments with CR&R, new signage, AI-assisted code enforcement photography, and a new parking enforcement hire, spilling into a second year.
Emergency preparedness and community resource center
Council member Howard-Clark pitched a community resource center for PSP outages and public safety events, noting Southern California Edison can pay up to $1,500 a day for indoor facilities. Others added an emergency OES group so residents know where to go in a disaster.
Weed abatement and wildfire risk
About 400 overgrown parcels get abatement notices starting April 15, with a May 31 deadline. Council wants to explore a height-based rule so enforcement isn't stuck waiting for calendar cycles amid growing wildfire danger.
Fire Department Misconduct
A former Hemet Fire Department investigator is blowing the whistle on alleged misconduct. This could mean big changes and tough questions for the city's fire department.
Fire Chief Resignation
Hemet's Fire Chief, Eddie Sell, has resigned. This leaves a leadership void, and the city is now looking for a new chief to guide its emergency services.