Murrieta, California

Murrieta, California
City
Murrieta skyline, toward Palomar Mountain
Seal
Motto(s):  "The Future of Southern California"
Location in Riverside County and the State of California
Murrieta, California Location in the contiguous United States
Coordinates: 33°34′10″N 117°12′09″W / 33.56944°N 117.20250°W / 33.56944; -117.20250Coordinates: 33°34′10″N 117°12′09″W / 33.56944°N 117.20250°W / 33.56944; -117.20250
Country	United States
State	California
County	Riverside
Incorporated	July 1, 1991[1]
Named for	Juan Murrieta
Government
• Type	Council–manager[2]
• City council[3]	Gene Wunderlich Scott Vinton Christi White Jonathan Ingram Kelly Seyarto
• City manager	Kim Summers[2]
• Mayor	Gene Wunderlich[3]
Area [4]
• Total	33.65 sq mi (87.15 km2)
• Land	33.61 sq mi (87.06 km2)
• Water	0.04 sq mi (0.09 km2)  0.11%
Elevation [5]	1,175 ft (334 m)
Population  (2010)[6]
• Total	103,466
• Estimate  (2019)[7]	116,223
• Rank	4th in Riverside County 53rd in California
• Density	3,457.78/sq mi (1,335.05/km2)
Time zone	UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP codes	92562–92564
Area code	951
FIPS code	06-50076
GNIS feature IDs	1667919, 2411199
Website	www.murrietaca.gov

Murrieta /mʊəriˈɛtə/ is a city in southwestern Riverside County, California, United States. The population of Murrieta was 103,466 in 2010. 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. Largely residential in character, Murrieta is typically characterized as a bedroom community. Murrieta is bordered by the city of Temecula to the south, the cities of Menifee and Wildomar to the north, and the unincorporated community of French Valley to the east. Murrieta is located in the center of the Los Angeles-San Diego mega-region. Murrieta is named for Juan Murrieta, a Californio ranchero who founded the town.^[8]

History[]

For most of its history, Murrieta was not heavily populated. On July 17, 1873,^[9] Domingo Pujol, Francisco Sanjurjo, and Juan and Ezequiel Murrieta purchased the Rancho Pauba and Rancho Temecula Mexican land grants, comprising 52,000 acres (210 km²) in the area. Ezequiel returned to Spain and turned the land over to his younger brother, Juan Murrieta (1844–1936), who brought 7,000 sheep^[10] to the valley in 1873, using the meadows to feed his sheep. The partnership dissolved in 1876 and Ezequiel and Juan Murrieta retained 15,000 acres of the northern half of the Temecula Rancho.^[11] Ezequiel and Juan Murrieta granted a right-of-way, one-hundred-feet wide to the California Southern Railroad through the Temecula Rancho on April 28, 1882 so that the railroad could be constructed through the valley.^[12]

In 1884, the Temecula Land and Water Company purchased about 14,500 acres from Juan Murrieta and mapped a townsite along the California Southern Railroad.^[13] Others discovered the valley after the construction of a depot in 1887^[14] that connected Murrieta to the Southern California Railroad's transcontinental route. By 1890, some 800 people lived in Murrieta.^[15] 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.^[16] 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.^[17]

Although US Route 395 passed through Murrieta, it was not 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 and Orange Counties, as well as other parts of Riverside County, as the population grew rapidly.^[18]

In 1990, residents began a campaign for city status which resulted in the incorporation of the City of Murrieta on July 1, 1991. By then the population was 24,000, a major increase from 2,200 in 1980. 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 southwestern Riverside County at that time.^[15]

In July 2014, Murrieta garnered national attention following days of citizen protests of detained immigrants.^[19] Murrieta residents successfully blocked busloads of illegal immigrant detainees.^[20] They were en route to a temporary relocation and detention facility, which the federal government had planned to establish in the town.^[21] Protestors had learned about the presence of the buses and their destination from several union officials for U.S. Customs and Border Control employees union, as part of a civic effort by Department of Homeland Security employees to cooperate with anti-illegal immigration activists.^{[citation needed]}

Geography[]

Murrieta is located at

33°34′10″N 117°12′9″W / 33.56944°N 117.20250°W / 33.56944; -117.20250 (33.569566, -117.202453).^[22] 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 covered by water. Murrieta Creek runs southeasterly through the Murrieta Valley.

Climate[]

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.^[24] April through November is warm to hot and dry with average high temperatures of 77–91 °F (25–33 °C) and lows of 44–60 °F (7–16 °C). The period of November through March is somewhat rainy. 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 over 1 °F per mile (0.3 °C/km) from the coast inland. Murrieta gets on average 31 days a year of some type of precipitation. Murrieta averages 15 inches (380 millimetres) 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.^{[citation needed]}

Demographics[]

Historical population
Census	Pop.		%±
1990	1,628		—
2000	44,282		2,620.0%
2010	103,466		133.7%
2019 (est.)	116,223	[7]	12.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[25][26]

2010[]

The 2010 United States Census^[27] 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),^[28] 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. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 26,792 persons (25.9%). The census reported 103,037 people (99.6% of the population) lived in households, 291 people (0.3%) lived in noninstitutionalized group quarters, and 138 people (0.1%) were institutionalized.

Of the 32,749 households, 48.4% had children under the age of 18 living in them, 62.8% were opposite-sex married couples living together, 3,814 (11.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, and 1,642 (5.0%) had a male householder with no wife present, with 1,626 (5.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships and 192 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. About 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 distributed as 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.

The 35,294 housing units averaged 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.

2000[]

As of the census^[29] of 2000, 44,282 people, 14,320 households, and 11,699 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,560.0 people per square mile (602.2/km²). The 14,921 housing units averaged 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, 6.0% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 17.5% of the population.

Of the 14,320 households, 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 not families. About 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% were from 18 to 24, 30.8% were from 25 to 44, 17.6% were from 45 to 64, and 11.4% 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.^[30][31] Men had a median income of $49,107 versus $32,468 for women. 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[]

Federal:

• In the United States House of Representatives, Murrieta is in California's 42nd congressional district, represented by Republican Ken Calvert.^[32]
• In the United States Senate, California is represented by Democrats Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla.

State:

• In the California State Legislature, Murrieta is in the 28th Senate District, represented by Republican Melissa Melendez, and in the 67th Assembly District, represented by Republican Kelly Seyarto.^[33]

Local:

• In the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Murrieta is in the Third District, represented by Chuck Washington.^[34]

Economy[]

Top employers[]

According to the city's 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,^[35] the top non-military employers in the city are:

#	Employer	# of Employees
1	Murrieta Valley Unified School District	2,315
2	Southwest Healthcare System	1,481
3	Loma Linda University Medical Center	1,037
4	County of Riverside	895
5	Target	341
6	Oak Grove Center	335
7	City of Murrieta	333
8	Walmart	320
9	Murrieta Health & Rehab Center	248
10	Sam's Club	212

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 part. Historic U.S. Route 395 passes through the city's downtown and State Route 79 (Winchester Road) defines much of the city's eastern border. The Riverside Transit Agency provides bus routes connecting in several areas of the city.^[36] Proposals currently exist that may position the city to play host to the high-speed rail (HSR) that voters approved in 2008 with Prop 1A.^[37] 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.^[38]

The French Valley Airport, located just east of the city limits, is the largest general aviation airport in southwest Riverside County.^[39]

Public safety[]

Murrieta had an all-volunteer fire department for almost 39 years. In 1987, it became a full-fledged municipal fire protection 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 southwestern Riverside County. As of 2011, the department had about 100 officers, headed by Chief of Police Sean Hadden.

Crime[]

Murrieta is the safest city in Riverside County,^[40] 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 University Medical Center and Rancho Springs Medical Center. Kaiser Permanente, which is planning to open a hospital, has offices in the northeastern part of the city.^[41]

Education[]

The city of Murrieta is served by the Murrieta Valley Unified School District (MVUSD). The district contains eleven elementary (K-5) schools, four 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.^[42]

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.^[43][44]

Cemetery[]

Laurel Cemetery (also known as Murrieta Cemetery) is located near the southwest city limits.^[45] Notable interments at the cemetery include actor Douglas Fowley.^[46]

Veterans Memorial[]

The Town Square is home to the Murrieta Police Department, Murrieta Public Library, City Hall, and a senior center. The Town Square 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.^[47]

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. The Golf Club at Rancho California is an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and is located on the east side of the city.^[48]

Television station[]

The area of southwest Riverside County is served by station Channel 27.^[49]

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, softball, street hockey, and cheerleading.^[50] Southern California Golf Schools offer the Southern California Junior Golfers Players' Club.

Other attractions[]

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 opened a comedy club, Aces, and 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 also features several sports parks.

Outside of the city limits 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 the county and state governments, a private conservation group, and the local water district, is just outside the city to the west.^[51] 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 over 40 wineries, several of which include restaurants and lodging amenities. Lake Skinner offers sailing, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and developed campsites.

Notable people[]

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

• Barry Bonds, formerly of the San Francisco Giants, is a former resident of Bear Creek.^[52]
• Ambyr Childers, actress, was raised in Murrieta.
• Charlotte Rose Craig, Taekwondo Olympic Medalist in 2008.
• Lindsay Davenport, professional tennis player and Olympic gold medalist, graduated from Murrieta Valley High School in 1994.^[53]
• Rickie Fowler, professional golfer^[54]
• Ben Jackson, professional Major League Gaming player, originally from Murrieta^[55]
• Floyd Landis, disgraced cyclist, disqualified participant of the 2006 Tour de France, lives in Murrieta with his family when not racing or training.^[56]
• Ryan Navarro, American football player, raised in Murrieta and played football at Vista Murrieta High School
• Inbee Park, professional golfer. Winner of five LPGA major championships.
• Tom Pernice, Jr., professional golfer and two-time winner on the PGA Tour, lives in Murrieta.^[57]
• Olivia Rodrigo, singer-songwriter and actress.
• Kelly Seyarto, Firefighter and politician. Former mayor of Murrieta. Member of the California State Assembly from the District 67.^[58]
• Tyree Washington, track athlete, world record holder in the 4 × 400 m relay and five-event IAAF World Championship gold medalist (1997, 2003 world; 2006 – world indoor)
• Tyler Wade, Major League Baseball player
• Tyler Glenn and Christopher Allen of Neon Trees^[59]

See also[]

• Largest cities in Southern California
• List of cities and towns in California

Bibliography[]

• Boyce, Mary Alice Rail (1995). Murrieta Old Town, New Town: A Community History (illustrated ed.). Rosemar Pub. ISBN 978-0-96486-340-8.

References[]

External links[]

• Official website
• Murrieta Police Department
• Murrieta Chamber of Commerce
• Murrieta Unified School District
• Murrieta at Curlie
• Murrieta Valley Historical Society