Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hemet public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues with medium priority
Cannabis dispensary permit renewal fix (Ordinance 2083)
All five dispensaries missed the renewal deadline, and the old rules would have shut most of them down for a year. The new ordinance gives them a one-time extension and lets the city accept late filings for good cause — protecting sales tax and cannabis tax revenue.
Alcohol sales at gas stations — consistency and fairness
Whether a busy 24-hour gas station can sell hard liquor sparked debate over crime data and overconcentration, but commissioners sided with fairness to an existing business facing new competition. Sales are limited to 7 a.m.–11 p.m. with hard liquor sold only through the service window overnight.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.