Hemet · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hemet public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.