Hemet · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hemet public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Planning Commission appointment and structure
Crystal Doyle Michel fills the Seat 3 vacancy. Council members raised questions about district representation and whether the two at-large seats should be reduced.
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.
Naming the community garden for Mayor Krupa
The city wants to name its new CDBG-funded community garden at 143 South Juanita Street after Mayor Linda Krupa, who has served since 2010 and championed the project. Several local organizations sent letters of support; one resident questioned why another long-serving community figure wasn't considered. The council makes the final call on October 27.
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.
Proposition 45 and CEQA streamlining
The November ballot measure would let eligible projects — housing, water, clean energy, and more — use a faster environmental review track with firm deadlines and shorter public comment periods. The city keeps final approval authority but would need to update procedures if it passes.
Public computer time limits
With only 12 public computers, staff worry that giving college students extra time would create lines. The current limit is 90 minutes a day for everyone, plus free all-day Wi-Fi. A revised policy will come back later.
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.
Wells 15/16 water treatment and TCP contamination
Two wells offline since 2018 for TCP contamination are getting a $7.5 million treatment plant, now with $1.8 million more for pre-filtration and well rehabilitation. Funded by ratepayers and a contamination settlement — no general fund hit.
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.
Children's program capacity at the library
About 570 people joined summer reading and 93 finished, despite heat-related closures. The library also reached roughly 100 kids through off-site lunch programs and wants to become a meal site next summer.
No-fines library policy
The library is now officially a no-fines library — overdue books won't rack up late fees. This removes a barrier for families and encourages more people to use the library.
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.
Rising animal control costs and possible regional joint venture
Mayor Pro Tem Males proposed Hemet create its own animal control and partner with Beaumont and neighboring cities through a JPA, potentially cutting the roughly $1.5 million the city pays the county to under $1 million.
SAFER grant extension saves general fund $1.2 million
The federal SAFER grant funding fire positions was extended through February 28, 2027, lifting about $1.2 million off the general fund deficit; the general fund will cover those positions from March through June 2027.
Motel transient occupancy tax audits
A new state law lets the city get Airbnb/VRBO data directly — staff estimate roughly a hotel's worth of short-term rentals operate in Hemet — so operators can be forced to get permits and pay the same lodging taxes as hotels.
New Tyler permitting software launch
The city is replacing its 20-year-old permit system with Tyler software going live July 27, 2026, enabling online applications for the first time. Commissioners worried about the 10-year, $2.6 million contract and cybersecurity at launch.
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.
Sheriff's Department Contract Rate Increase
Get ready for your city to potentially shell out more cash for sheriff's deputies. The county just greenlit a nearly 9% price bump for police services, and it's hitting your wallet retroactively from last July.
Trash Collection Fee Increases
Get ready for a slight bump in your trash bill. The county's looking at a small increase to cover rising costs, so if you use services like Burrtec or Waste Management, expect to pay a little more.
Senior center
Council members again raised bringing back a senior center, estimated at $500,000 a year to operate. Staff suggested a hybrid model using volunteers and possibly one staff person to cut costs.
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.
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.
Charter city / prevailing wage
Mayor Pro Tem Males wants to tackle prevailing wage costs, which he says nearly quadrupled street costs per mile. The city attorney explained the only path is becoming a charter city, which requires a voter-approved charter and public outreach.
Road Closure
Big news for Hemet drivers: that Warren Road and Mustang Way closure is over! It was shut down briefly due to a hazard, but thankfully, it's all clear now. Just a little reminder to keep your eyes peeled out there.
CDBG funding for housing and homelessness services
Hemet's $924,303 federal community development grant for 2026-27 was approved, funding nonprofits like High Expectations Development Corporation that house homeless families.
TUMF transportation fee inflation adjustment
New development fees for regional roads will rise with construction costs each year, capped at 5%. Critics note fees get passed to homebuyers, but staff countered Hemet is receiving TUMF-backed funding for Esplanade, Warren Road and the Highway 79 realignment.
Bridge Replacement
Get ready for a long haul, Hemet! The Mission Boulevard Bridge is getting a massive $91 million facelift, but it's going to take three years and cause major traffic jams. Think slower commutes and lane closures as they build a new, safer bridge.
City Manager Retirement
Hemet's City Manager is hanging up their hat, which means the city's top job is up for grabs. Get ready for a leadership shake-up as they search for a replacement to steer the ship.
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.
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.
Median Maintenance
Ever drive around Hemet and notice the sad state of the medians? This article is calling out the City Council, saying they're dropping the ball on keeping them looking decent. Basically, if they look bad, it's on them.
Citizen Complaints
Hemet residents are fed up and letting the City Council hear all about it. Expect a lot of noise at the next council meeting as citizens air their grievances.