My Hometown

Recently, I drove through the streets of my hometown, the town of my youth. With the loss of the main industry of the city in the early 80's, the city has been in a slow decline ever since. Housing prices plummeted, and it has become evident that the once bustling little city, my hometown that I knew, loved and revered, was now gone. In its place stood poverty, depression, and dismay. The pretty mid-century modern homes that filled the neighborhoods of my childhood now stood faded and forgotten. The sight broke my heart.

I realized then that I had not been "home" for over 25 years. In fact, I have been a happy resident of Menifee for nearly 20 years now. I have seen great change in this little town; growth, prosperity and promise. I have been pleased to call Menifee my home, and the hometown of my children.

I encourage you to take a drive through our fair city today, or someday soon. Drive down roads you know and don't know. Take in all of the beauty this town has to offer, from the golf courses to the parks, admiring the well-appointed homes, and the smiling faces of the residents. Watch the kids play ball at the park, enjoy some coffee at the Marketplace, take a walk along a tree-lined street. Drink in all that Menifee has to offer. For someday, this will all change. Perhaps, and hopefully, for the better. But life makes no guarantees. We, the residents, make up this fine city, and it is up to us to make it a place we want to live.

I now consider Menifee my "new hometown", and I couldn't be happier with my choice.