The Californian Weighs in on Menifee Cityhood

The editor of The Californian newspaper throws support for Menifee cityhood... As we have noted before, counties in general were never inten...

The editor of The Californian newspaper throws support for Menifee cityhood...
As we have noted before, counties in general were never intended to be the ultimate government for urbanized areas. It was always the plan that as areas grew, they would become cities and govern themselves. That's why it's important that on June 3 voters in Menifee, Sun City, Quail Valley and a sliver of Romoland vote to turn their communities into a city.
http://www.nctimes.com/..../ze1064b59f65e31b58825745100789ed4.txt

The editorial also goes on to support the name "Menifee" instead of "Menifee Valley", claiming it will make more sense in the long run.

Interestingly, it also supports electing city council members by district, instead of at large. It does so for the same reason that I cited in my article last week. The communities of Sun City, Quail Valley, Menifee Lakes, Romoland, rural Menifee, are all unique, with differing attitudes and priorities. It needs representatives that come from those areas, to make sure the voices of their constituents are heard in all decisions.

Another factor The Californian mentioned, that I didn't mention, is that Menifee is very large in acreage. At 48 square miles, it dwarfs Temecula or Murrieta, at 26 and 28 square miles respectively. Menifee will be the fourth largest city by area, with only Palm Springs, Riverside, and Moreno Valley being larger. Such a large area is destined to create diversity, and needs representation by district, in my opinion.

For the people who argue that we can always change it over to district at any time, I just don't think so. I think what will happen if we end choosing "at large" representation, is that city council members from a specific area, like Menifee Lakes for example, will amass such a large power-base, that districting will cause them to lose that power.

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  1. I oppose that named of "Menifee Valley" is UGLY name so keep of "Menifee" is pretty name. Please vote for "Menifee" only on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 if change name of "Menifee Valley" that will cost you more!!! PLEASE KEEP "MENIFEE" to vote!!!

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  2. Whether or not to elect by district raises very interesting questions.

    What developments are going to be included with the rural areas? To ensure that every district has an equal number of residents, roughly 12,000, there will need to be some “non-rural” developments combined with the larger rural properties. Obviously these two distinct communities will have different wants and needs.

    Sun City is now surrounded by “non 55+” communities on all sides. Will one of the districts be drawn to only include the “core” area, leaving out all of the newer developments? If that is the case, will another district be shaped like a mote around the “core”?

    These questions can also be asked of Quail Valley. What areas are going to be included in Quail Valley?

    Because each area of the city, 55+, Quail Valley, Rural, etc. will not have enough population to sustain its own district, each district will be a combination. Will there be true representation by electing by district?

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  3. I agree to elect by districts. People within a district have greater opportunity to know or find out about individuals running for office from within their area. I also hope and pray that we vote for ones we have checked out for validity of their claims of experience and accomplishments. Just having a friendly face does not get the job done! Sun City "Core" has reason to be concerned...are the rundown storefronts in the strips around the core going to pot or what?? SPEAK UP SENIORS! When you encounter trash and rundown near where you shop, let the shopkeepers know it will keep you from spending your dollars there! That's a small and powerful thing you can do - complain aloud!!

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  4. I love the name Menifee VALLEY. Not only has a ring to it, but easier to tell someone you live in the Sun City part of Menifee Valley VS. living in Sun City part of Menifee. Including "Valley" makes it inclusive overall. I'd be proud to say I live in the Romoland part of the "valley". Menifee in itself is no valley, including these other areas makes it a Valley.

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  5. Agree. Naming it Menifee Valley denotes beauty and enrichment. After all, where do the flowers grow and flourish? In the Valleys! Then I propose naming and promoting "Lilies" as our new flower and logo: "Menifee Valley - Where the Lilies Grow". Certainly get rid of the TIRED and worn out phrase "town of a lifetime". We're going to be fresh and new!!

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  6. Love the lilies idea! Hopefully, we could expand on that and put their plantings alongn the freeway ramps into our area, along Newport Road, start wild lilies of all colors along all the other roads! What an idea - beautiful lilies growing and flourishing everywhere - we are excitingly creating a new experience out here the 'forsaken' country! We will no longer be forsaken! Can't wait to explore all our new stores! Also look forward to seeing our teens stocking shelves and taking pride in working within the community! Can't help but think it will create and encourage a friendly, growing place to be proud of!

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  7. I support the idea of the Council being elected at large. Do not like the idea that a District Plan only allows for me to choose only one council member instead of five.

    I like the name of Menifee Valley because I feel that its names is more harmonious instead of Menifee. Additionally, the name of Menifee Valley is more inclusive to include the distinct communities in the 48.5 square mile city.

    I also will Vote Yes. As the Californian stated, the time has come to be a city. Back away the "No for Cityhood" group because your message is lousy!

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  8. Menifee Valley sounds too close to Quail Valley and Moreno Valley - both which dont have the best reputations. Do we get to vote on the name as well? I dont know where I stand on it all - but I know that its going to be a tight vote. Seems the area is more divided than I thought

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  9. To name our area "Menifee Valley" would only associate our fair city with communities that have a far less stellar reputation- those of Moreno Valley and Morongo Valley. We would also have the same initials---MV.

    Lets keep ourselves distinct from those other "Valley" cities and keep it "Menifee". It will cost businesses and individuals money to change letterhead, business cards etc. already in existence.

    There is history behind this name, going all the way back to Kentucy, and a famous race horse also named Menifee.

    VOTE FOR MENIFEE!

    Bill Lussenheide, Candidate US Congress District 45 American Independent Party for 2010

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  10. Still voting for "Menifee" not "Menifee Valley".

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  11. Simply "Menifee" not "Menifee Valley".

    Menifee Valley = Moreno Valley in many uninformed minds.

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  12. My family and I have lived in Menifee for 17 years now...and it will always be Menifee to us...not Menifee Valley. Making it Menifee Valley sounds a bit like calling Temecula "Rancho California." It sort of happened, but isn't going on anymore, so stick to the basics and have our city named "Menifee."

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  13. In response to the previous blogger, I'm sure MANY people have called Sun City home for many years and feel the same way about having to say they now live in Menifee OR Menifee Valley! Suppose they will always still feel they are in sun City?? Get a conscience from what you said...selfish are you?? Yes, we have to keep some shred of common sense in all this... Naming us menifee Valley has absolutely NO bearing on likening us to Moreno or any other Valley name. And what a putdown to the others...there are GOOD people in all of them...and BAD people just like there is here in our precious pompous minded people such as we are reading. It angers me to see what obviously pious people jump in and say. Get a life in where you are.

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  14. Wow, it is amazing how angry people can be when they are writing anonymously. Just like I tell my children, that when you speak in anger no one will listen or be swayed to your side, ever. And by the way, Menifee should be called just Menifee.

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  15. Unbelievable!

    That's the first word that comes to mind regarding the debate over a name for the city.

    My family has also lived in Menifee for 16 years. When my parents started looking for a home, they came to a little known area called "Menifee Valley". The name isn't new. That's what the area was known as back then. And when their house was built, we were proud to be living in "Menifee Valley".

    Over the years people have just started referring to the area as "Menifee". The USPS refers to the 92584 zip code as "Menifee". It also says lists Sun City as an acceptable name for the zip code. And I'm just as proud to be living in "Menifee".

    I hadn't given any thought to the fact that some people might associate Menifee Valley with Moreno Valley. I always presumed it was the citizens of a city that gave a city a good or bad reputation, not the name of a city.

    I have my preference on the name, but I'm not going to complain if my preference isn't what wins on June 3rd.

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  16. My mind is comically wondering how "anonymous" can criticize anyone else writing a comment as "anonymous"...are blind to ourselves or what? Give us readers a break...

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  17. here we go again....good for a chuckle...my neighbor anonymous has the same name as most of my other neighbors: anonymous! Steve was wise to give the option of remaining anonymous when submitting...certainly more truths will come out that way...with less repercussions from the rogues waiting to pounce! Thank you Steve; let truth be revealed by any source.

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  18. I think we may be getting ahead of ourselves. We need to seriously remember to get out and vote next week. We need to make sure our neighbors and friends get out and vote next week. Those against cityhood will definetly vote, so those of us who want a bright future for our community must get out and vote. Do not assume we will win. If too many people fail to vote we could lose and that would be a tragic blow for our cities futures. Most of those against cityhood have no vested interest in our cities future, so they have nothing to lose. Those of us who plan on making lives here have everything to lose. Please vote. It is the most important decision you willmake for our communities future. Vote yes for cityhood. Vote.

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  19. WHEW...reading all these takes me back to a good many years ago when we bought our house in Menifee Lakes, the realtor (who also still lives in Men Lakes) told us we should "give everyone our new address as Menifee Lakes, not just Menifee". Being from out of the area, I just accepted that but have often wondered what the difference was. We didn't do that by the way, we just show our address as Menifee; now wishing we were somewhere else because of the HOA dirty politics for Menifee Lakes, ruled by men only interested in settling their personal vendettas and agendas....ALAS!...I find it revealing now that the realtor was, and still is, with RANCON.

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  20. Please, lets replace the 'stellar' with something of real value; ethical, honest, integrity, moral, upright, etc. NO one we know around here is of star (stellar) quality ! However, maybe to save us, a stellar beam is shining down brightly enough to uncover some much needed revealing!

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  21. me thinks me needs more thought in deciding on menifee or menifee valley...seems if we are menifee valley we will be conjoined with the bad boys in moreno valley and quail valley so if we just go menifee we can become some sort of saints. then me wonders what will happen to all the nasty bad guys already in menifee will they leave and move to quail or moreno valleys so we good guys can become saints i wanna be a saint

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  22. It was Sun City Chamber of Commerce for long time which recent changed to Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce in few years ago WITHOUT Menifee Residents vote for new City (Chamber of Commerce) in first place. I oppose that named of "Menifee Valley" Chamber of Commerce even wood stand sign "Menifee Valley" set up earlier WITHOUT authorization before vote by June 3rd, 2008. Menifee Valley is not official both!!! What's going on with Riverside County? Sun City residents and Quail Valley residents and Romoland residents cannot vote new cityhood because Sun City & Quail Valley and Romoland is not part of Menifee residents. Sun City never improve in poor development and low property tax for many years even Quail Valley & Romoland, too. in Menifee is too high property tax so if new cityhood to become new city then possbile to pay improvement development for Sun City & Quail Valley and Romoland from Menifee residents's property tax. So Sun City and Quail Valley and Romoland get advantage of Menifee to become new cityhood and Menifee's money to spend development for them. Menifee residents to vote for them for new cityhood for what!!! Menifee residents have right to vote first. Please vote for "Menifee" on Tuesday, June 2008.

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  23. The last poster seems to be confused. Maybe the confusion resulted from the writer posting in the middle of night. Anyhow, the post only rambles and doesn't say anythimg.

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  24. In all due respect the author sounds like a stroke survivor or, pre-lingual deaf, or ESL adult. I think most would understand the point and the passion of his post.

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  25. Like most things getting this much attention, the tendency to criticize and condescend rears its ugly head. Let's just BE SURE to know the names we're selecting before just voting because their names are plastered everywhere...so are taggers....I really pray that we don't wind up
    neighbor,the Murrieta Council...steadily plagued with dishonest and self-driven tactics over and over. I'm certain the incoming council for our new city knows going-in that they will be scrutinized for every move; so moving prudently and with the best interest of the community, staying independent of ones out to buy them will keep them above board. Once their integrity and honest-reputation is tainted, its next to impossible to retrieve it or build it back. Ones not ready for this would be better off to hire them a publicity agent for their egotistical desire to have their face out there. AGAIN...if you haven't bothered to check out the person behid the name...skip that name !

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  26. I'm tired of all this "valley" stuff, i.e., moreno valley, mead valley, quail valley... Just keep it a strong and simple "Menifee." No more valley girls please!!!!

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  27. Congratulatins to the people of MENIFEE! You have finally decided to cntrol your own destiny instead of being dictated to. We are no longer a child holding on to an apron string. We have grown up and on our own. NOW,THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR THE NEW COULCIL IS TO ABOLISH THE MENIFEE MASTER ASSOCIATION! You cannot serve two masters. All it takes is a simple majority vote by homeowners in the association. Quickdeed association owned property to the new city and turn over association funds now controled by the management company to the city coffers. The newly elected coulcil members MUST sell that property on the lake that Emmons used to occupy and turn that into a tax ratable property and return the proceeds from that sale to the association homeowners who paid for it or convert that cash for police and fire protection. Individual HOA's of certain enclaves will remain in place. Only the "MASTER ASSOCIATION" needs to be abolished.

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  28. After reading all these comments which were all good simply because it's clear that we can be proud that we live in a City of actively concerned citizens. Let's keep the dialog going about all issues. It's time to unite as Citizens of Menifee and make our city the best we can! On a negative note... the advertisement at the bottom of this web page while I was reading these comments was about Lesbian Dating. I understand that these blogging services are free because of these ads, but do you think we can find a better website for this blog where we control the type of advertising that shows up? I'm fairly confident that the majority of Menifee Citizens do not approve of this type of advertising on a websie that represents our city... Am I wrong here?

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  29. Why not call it Dirt Valley? Or Meth Valley, or I couldnt afford to buy in a nicer place Valley.

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Readers are invited to leave a comment to contribute to public dialogue. Comments will be reviewed by a moderator and will not be approved if they include profanity, defamatory or libelous comments, or may otherwise be considered objectionable by Menifee 24/7 editors.

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