Murrieta, California

City of Murrieta
City

Murrieta skyline
Motto: "The Future Of Southern California"[1]

Location in Riverside County and the state of California
Coordinates: 33°34′10″N 117°12′9″W / 33.56944°N 117.20250°WCoordinates: 33°34′10″N 117°12′9″W / 33.56944°N 117.20250°W
Country United States
State California
County Riverside
Incorporated July 1, 1991[2]
Government
 • Type Council–manager[3]
 • City council[4] Mayor Harry Ramos
Randon Lane
Rick Gibbs
Jonathan Ingram
Alan Long
 • City manager Rick Dudley[3]
Area[5]
 • Total 33.613 sq mi (87.058 km2)
 • Land 33.577 sq mi (86.964 km2)
 • Water 0.036 sq mi (0.094 km2)  0.11%
Elevation[6] 1,096 ft (334 m)
Population (April 1, 2010)[7]
 • Total 103,466
 • Estimate (2013)[7] 107,479
 • Rank 4th in Riverside County
62nd in California
 • Density 3,100/sq mi (1,200/km2)
Time zone Pacific (UTC-8)
 • Summer (DST) PDT (UTC-7)
ZIP codes 92562–92564
Area code 951
FIPS code 06-50076
GNIS feature IDs 1667919, 2411199
Website www.murrieta.org
Westward view of Murrieta/Temecula.

Murrieta is a city in southwestern Riverside County, California, United States. The population of Murrieta was 103,466 at the 2010 census. Murrieta experienced a 133.7% population increase between 2000 and 2010, according to the most recent census, making Murrieta one of the fastest growing cities in the state. This population boom in 2010 surpassed the population of the historically larger and more commercial city of Temecula to the south for the first time since the incorporation of either city. Temecula and Murrieta together form the southwestern anchor of the Inland Empire region. The Murrieta-Temecula-Menifee Urban Area had a population of 441,546 at the 2010 Census. Largely residential in character, Murrieta is typically characterized as a commuter town, with many of its residents commuting to jobs in San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, Temecula, and Camp Pendleton.

Murrieta is bordered by Temecula to the south and the newly incorporated cities of Menifee and Wildomar to the north.

History

For most of its history Murrieta was not heavily populated. A Basque, Esequial Murrieta, purchased the Rancho Pauba and Rancho Temecula Mexican land grants, comprising 52,000 acres (210 km2) in the area, intending to bring his sheep-raising business to California. He returned to Spain, however, and turned the land over to his younger brother, Juan (1844–1936), who brought 100,000 sheep to the valley in 1873, using the meadows to feed his sheep. Others discovered the valley after the construction of a depot in 1882 that connected Murrieta to the Southern California Railroad's transcontinental route. By 1890 some 800 people lived in Murrieta.[8] Today much of the site (about 50 acres) is home to a Bible college and conference center, owned by Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, which has invested millions of dollars into restoring and rebuilding the old resort rooms.[9] When the trains stopped in 1935, tourists – the lifeblood of the town – were much harder to come by. The boom that Murrieta had experienced due to the train and the hot springs gradually died, leaving Murrieta as a small country town.[10]

Although US Route 395 did pass through Murrieta, it wasn't until Interstate 15 was built in the early 1980s that another boom began to take hold. By the late 1980s suburban neighborhoods were being constructed, and people began moving to the Murrieta area from cities and towns in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Counties as the population grew rapidly.[11]

In 1990, residents began a campaign for city status which resulted in the establishment of the City of Murrieta on July 1, 1991. By then the population had increased from 2,200 in 1980 to 24,000. Between 1991 and 2007 the city's population further increased to an estimated 97,257 residents, and at the 2010 United States Census was 103,466, making it the largest city in Southwest Riverside County.[8]

Geography

Murrieta is located at 33°34′10″N 117°12′9″W / 33.56944°N 117.20250°W (33.569566, -117.202453).[12] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 33.6 sq mi (87.1 km2), of which, 99.89% of it is land and 0.11% is water.

Climate

Climate data for Murrieta, California
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °F (°C) 67
(19)		 66
(19)		 72
(22)		 73
(23)		 78
(26)		 83
(28)		 91
(33)		 91
(33)		 89
(32)		 79
(26)		 74
(23)		 66
(19)		 77.4
(25.2)
Average low °F (°C) 41
(5)		 41
(5)		 45
(7)		 48
(9)		 52
(11)		 55
(13)		 62
(17)		 61
(16)		 57
(14)		 52
(11)		 46
(8)		 40
(4)		 50
(10)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.22
(81.8)		 4.16
(105.7)		 .94
(23.9)		 .73
(18.5)		 .24
(6.1)		 .01
(0.3)		 .07
(1.8)		 .01
(0.3)		 .14
(3.6)		 1.32
(33.5)		 1.18
(30)		 3.54
(89.9)		 15.56
(395.2)
Source: weaathercurrents.com[13]

Murrieta has a Mediterranean climate or Dry-Summer Subtropical (Köppen climate classification Csa). Murrieta has an average of 263 sunshine days and 35 days with measurable precipitation annually.[14] April through November is warm to hot and dry with average high temperatures of 77–91 °F and lows of 44–60 °F. The period of November through March is somewhat rainy, as shown in the table to left. The city is also subject to the phenomenon typical of a microclimate: temperatures can vary as much as 18 °F (10 °C) between inland areas and the coast, with a temperature gradient of over one degree per mile (1.6 km) from the coast inland. Murrieta averages 15 inches (385 mm) of precipitation annually, which mainly occurs during the winter and spring (November through April) with generally light rain showers, but sometimes heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Snowfall is rare in the city basin, but nearby mountains slopes typically receive snowfall each winter.

Demographics

2010

The 2010 United States Census[15] reported that Murrieta had a population of 103,466. The population density was 3,078.1 people per square mile (1,188.5/km²). The racial makeup of Murrieta was 72,137 (69.7%) White (55.7% Non-Hispanic White),[16] 5,601 (5.4%) African American, 741 (0.7%) Native American, 9,556 (9.2%) Asian, 391 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 8,695 (8.4%) from other races, and 6,345 (6.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 26,792 persons (25.9%). The census reported 103,037 people (99.6% of the population) lived in households; that 291 people (0.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and that 138 people (0.1%) were institutionalized.

There were 32,749 households, out of which 15,863 (48.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 20,577 (62.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 3,814 (11.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,642 (5.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,626 (5.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 192 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 5,208 households (15.9%) were made up of individuals and 2,248 (6.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15. There were 26,033 families (79.5% of all households); the average family size was 3.51.

The population was spread out with 31,471 people (30.4%) under the age of 18, 9,891 people (9.6%) aged 18 to 24, 28,144 people (27.2%) aged 25 to 44, 23,555 people (22.8%) aged 45 to 64, and 10,405 people (10.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.4 years. For every 100 females there were 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.2 males.

There were 35,294 housing units at an average density of 1,050.0 per square mile (405.4/km²), of which 23,110 (70.6%) were owner-occupied, and 9,639 (29.4%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.1%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.8%. 73,518 people (71.1% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 29,519 people (28.5%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Murrieta had a median household income of $75,485, with 7.0% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[17]

2000

As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 44,282 people, 14,320 households, and 11,699 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,560.0 people per square mile (602.2/km²). There were 14,921 housing units at an average density of 525.6 per square mile (202.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 81.6% White, 3.4% African American, 0.7% Native American, 4.0% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 5.8% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.5% of the population.

There were 14,320 households out of which 47.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.2% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.3% were non-families. 14.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.1 and the average family size was 3.4. 33.7% of the population of the city was under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $78,883, and the median income for a family was $90,930.[19][20] Males had a median income of $49,107 versus $32,468 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,290. About 3.0% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

Government

In the California State Legislature, Murrieta is in the 28th Senate District, represented by Republican Jeff Stone, and in the 67th Assembly District, represented by Republican Melissa Melendez.[21]

In the United States House of Representatives, Murrieta is in California's 42nd congressional district, represented by Republican Ken Calvert.[22]

Mayoral resignation

On October 20, 2014, the mayor of Murrieta, Alan Long, resigned after being arrested on October 16, 2014 on suspicion of seriously injuring four high school students while drunk driving. He posted a $50,000 bond the following day and was released.

In a statement, Long said staying on as mayor “would only distract from the very important discussions we must all have on the future of our city, which would not be fair to any of us.” Long is seeking re-election once his current term expires. He also said “I want to make it very clear that while I am resigning my positions as Mayor and as a member of the City Council, I am not withdrawing from the current election. Once the legal process is complete, I feel I will be exonerated, and therefore see no reason why I should not seek re-election.” [23]

Immigration protest

In July 2014, Murrieta garnered national attention following days of immigration protests.[24] Some Murrieta residents blocked busloads of immigrant detainees en route to a temporary relocation and detention facility, which the federal government had planned to establish in the town.[25]

Economy

Top employers

According to the city's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[26] the top non-military employers in the city are:

# Employer # of Employees
1 Murrieta Valley Unified School District 1,900
2 Southwest Healthcare System 1,500
3 Target 500
4 City of Murrieta 401
5 Wal-Mart 340
6 The Home Depot 295
7 Oak Grove Center 245
8 County of Riverside 220
9 Sam's Club 220
10 Lowe's 200

Public services

Transportation

Murrieta is served by two major interstate freeways. I-215 runs through the eastern portion of the city, and I-15 runs through the western portion of the city. Historic U.S. Route 395 passes through the city and California State Route 79 defines much of the city's eastern border. The Riverside Transit Agency provides limited public transportation options with routes connecting in several areas of the city.[27] Proposals currently exist which may position the city to play host to the high-speed rail that voters approved in 2008 with Prop 1A.[28] This active HSR station is projected to handle 8,000 daily riders. The program-level HSR route alignment has placed this station between Murrieta and Temecula near the I-15 and I-215 freeway interchange.[29]

The neighboring unincorporated community of French Valley hosts the largest general aviation airport in southwest Riverside County.[30]

Public safety

Murrieta had an all-volunteer fire department for almost 39 years. In 1987 it became a fully-fledged municipal fire prevention district, the only one in southwestern Riverside County.

The Murrieta Fire Department also has been the primary paramedic service provider for the city since 2000.

The Murrieta Police Department was created in 1992, with the encouragement of Riverside County Sheriff Cois Byrd; it is the only municipal police department in Southwest Riverside County. As of 2011 the department had about 100 officers, headed by Chief of Police Mark Wright.

Crime

Murrieta is the safest city in Riverside County,[31] and in 2009 Murrieta was listed as the second safest city (over 100,000 in population) in the United States, behind Irvine, California.

Health

Murrieta is served by two hospitals: Loma Linda Medical Center and Rancho Springs Medical Center.

Education

The city of Murrieta is served by the Murrieta Valley Unified School District (MVUSD). The district contains eleven elementary (K-5) schools, three middle (6-8) schools, three comprehensive high (9-12) schools (Murrieta Valley High School, Vista Murrieta High School, Murrieta Mesa High School), one continuation school (Creekside High School), and one independent study school. Because of the explosive growth in the area, an additional elementary school, middle school, and high school have been proposed. Murrieta Mesa High School opened its doors in the 2009-2010 school year to its first classes of freshmen and sophomores.[32]

Calvary Chapel Bible College, built upon the old Murrieta Hot Springs resort, and its affiliated private comprehensive (K-12) school Calvary Chapel Murrieta also serve the Murrieta community. The Menifee campus of Mt. San Jacinto College is the nearest community college and the University of California, Riverside (UCR) is the nearest public university. The city is also the location of a University of Phoenix learning center, as well as an Azusa Pacific University satellite campus.

Cemetery

Laurel Cemetery (also known as Murrieta Cemetery) is located near the southwest city limits.[33][34] Notable interments at the cemetery include actor Douglas Fowley.[35]

Veterans Memorial

The Town Square, which is still under development and is home to the Murrieta Police Department, Murrieta Public Library, City Hall, and a senior center, is also home to a new memorial for military veterans. At a cost of $2 million, with the city providing $500,000 in start up fees, the memorial features an honor garden, memorial obelisk, and a World War II memorial wall.[36]

Entertainment

Golf

Murrieta has three golf courses within the city limits. Bear Creek Golf & Country Club is located within the gated residential community of Bear Creek. It is a private 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus at which Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford have played. The California Oaks Golf Course is located within The Colony, a gated senior residential community and is a public 18-hole course. SCGA Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course on the east side of the city.

Television station

The area of southwest Riverside County is served by station Channel 27.[37]

Youth sports

Murrieta has several youth sports programs, affording area children extra-curricular sports options such as football (flag, AAU/USA Football, AYF, Jr. All-American, and Pop Warner), basketball, baseball, soccer, (street hockey, and cheerleading.[38] Southern California Golf Schools offer the Southern California Junior Golfers Players' Club.

Other diversions

Murrieta has a Mulligan Family Fun Center, with miniature golf, go kart racing, laser tag, and an arcade. A movie theater and additional go kart track, Pole Position, are additional entertainment options. As of 2012 Murrieta also gained a comedy club, Aces, as well as a trampoline park. In late 2013, a roller rink, EPIC Rollertainment, was opened. Annually, both Murrieta and neighboring Temecula share the Rod Run, a classic car event where classic car owners and enthusiasts can showcase and enjoy hundreds of classic cars. Murrieta has several sport parks. The city also boasts a comedy club which operates from Thursday to Sunday every week, and offers a bit of a night life for the valley.

Outside the city limits there are the Santa Rosa Plateau, the Temecula Valley Wine Country, and Lake Skinner. The Santa Rosa Plateau, an ecological reserve which is jointly owned by county and state governments, a private conservation group, and the local water district, is just outside the city to the west.[39] Visitors can observe endangered wildlife, both flora and fauna (including the threatened Engelmann oak). The Temecula Valley Wine Country is approximately 7.5 miles southeast of Murrieta, and includes approximately 40 wineries. Lake Skinner offers sailing, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and developed campsites.

Notable people

References

  1. ↑ "City of Murrieta California Website". City of Murrieta California Website. Retrieved September 14, 2012.
  2. ↑ "California Cities by Incorporation Date" (WORD). California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "City Manager's Office". City of Murrieta. Retrieved January 4, 2015.
  4. ↑ "City Council". City of Murrieta. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  5. ↑ "2010 Census U.S. Gazetteer Files – Places – California". United States Census Bureau.
  6. ↑ "Murrieta". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Murrieta (city) QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Murrieta History
  9. ↑ Murrieta, California (Images of America Series); ISBN 0-7385-4669-0
  10. ↑ History of Murrieta, California
  11. ↑ California Highways (www.cahighways.org): Routes 9 through 16
  12. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  13. ↑ Murrieta California Climate Summary Weather Currents Retrieved 2009-06-03
  14. ↑ "Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Los Angeles, California, United States of America". Weatherbase.com. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  15. ↑ "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Murrieta city". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  16. ↑ Murrieta Non-Hispanic White population in 2010, quickfacts.census.gov; accessed July 8, 2014.
  17. ↑ http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0650076.html. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  18. ↑ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  19. ↑ factfinder.census.gov: Murrieta median income for household; accessed July 8, 2014.
  20. ↑ factfinder.census.gov: Murrieta median income for a family; accessed July 8, 2014.
  21. ↑ "Statewide Database". UC Regents. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  22. ↑ "California's 42nd Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.
  23. ↑ Murrieta Mayor Resigns After Arrest In Crash, But May Seek Re-Election CBS Los Angeles. October 20, 2014. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  24. ↑
  25. ↑ Murphy, Kathy (2014-09-30). "UC Berkeley celebrates free speech movement's 50th anniversary". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  26. ↑ http://www.murrieta.org/uploads/forms/finance/City%20of%20Murrieta%20CAFR%20for%20FYE%20June%2030th-2009_2.pdf
  27. ↑ Riverside Transit Authority
  28. ↑ High Speed Rail
  29. ↑ HSR Station Concepts through the Inland Empire
  30. ↑ French Valley Airport
  31. ↑ Police: FBI Report Shows Murrieta Among Safest Cities - Government - Murrieta, CA Patch
  32. ↑ Murrieta Unified School District
  33. ↑ 33°32′32″N 117°13′19″W / 33.5422479°N 117.2219790°W USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)
  34. ↑ Laurel Cemetery Find A Grave
  35. ↑ Douglas Fowley at Find a Grave
  36. ↑ Murrieta Veterans Memorial website
  37. ↑ "Channel 27 TV station cuts back"
  38. ↑ Murrieta Community Services
  39. ↑ Santa Rosa Plateau
  40. ↑ Barry Bonds profile
  41. ↑ "Lindsay Davenport". CNN. 1993-09-13.
  42. ↑ "Rickie Fowler". PGA Tour. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  43. ↑ Ben Jackson profile
  44. ↑ Floyd Landis profile, nctimes.com; accessed July 8, 2014.
  45. ↑ "Tom Pernice Jr.". PGA Tour. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  46. ↑ Tyree Washington profile, usatf.org; accessed July 8, 2014.

External links

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