22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
41 Table 9
General Plan Implementation Program: Completed, In-Progress, On-going April 2012 through December 2025
conversion from age-restricted
housing to non-age-restricted
housing to undergo a public review
process and pay their full fair share
of impact fees for infrastructure and
public services in addition to the
requirement that all applicable
development standards such as
parking be met.
Open Space
OS-P-2
Resource Preservation. Evaluate
and pursue the preservation of areas
with high biological resource
significance. Methods may include
dedication of conservation, open
space, and scenic easements;
transfer of development rights; and
impact fees/mitigation banking.
On-going
Implemented through the project
review process.
Open Space
OS-P-3
Vernal Pools. Protect Hemet’s
vernal pool riparian habitat by
ensuring appropriate criteria cell
refinement and the management of
natural water courses that feed
native plants and wildlife.
On-going Implemented through the project
review process.
Open Space
OS-P-10
View Corridors. During project
review, analyze the project’s impact
on view corridors of the mountains,
slopes, significant rock
outcroppings, historic and landmark
trees, and other natural features for
both the project location and
neighboring properties.
On-going
Implemented through the project
review process.
Open Space
OS-P-16
Conservation Planning and
Agency Coordination. Continue
to participate and represent the City
of Hemet in multi-species habitat
conservation planning, watershed
management planning, and water
resource management planning
efforts.
On-going Both the City Council and the staff
participate in regional conservation
boards such as RCA and RCHCA
and the Water master plan.
Resolution 2022-090: On June 14,
2022 the City ratified the Emergency
Implementation of Level 2 of the
Water Conservation Plan in response
to Executive Order N-7-22 Effective
June 10, 2022
Open Space
OS-P-17
MSHCP Compliance.
Development in the City shall be
required to comply with the
applicable terms of the MSHCP.
On-going Implemented through the project
review process.
Open Space
OS-P-23
Energy Efficient Appliances.
Promote the use of fuel-efficient
On-going
Implemented through the project
review process.
22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
42 Table 9
General Plan Implementation Program: Completed, In-Progress, On-going April 2012 through December 2025
heating and cooling equipment and
other appliances.
Open Space
OS-P-31
Fugitive Dust Control. Cooperate
with federal, state, regional and
local jurisdictions to control fugitive
dust from stationary, mobile, and
area sources.
On-going
Implemented through the project
review process.
Public Safety
PS-1
Seismic. Reduce risks to the
community from seismic activity
and geologic conditions, including
ground shaking, fault rupture,
liquefaction and landslides
On-going Seismic Standards enforced during
building plan check and
development review process.
Require all new developments to
comply with the Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Act.
Public Safety
PS-2
Flood Hazards. Reduce risk of
damage and human injury from
flood hazards.
On-going New Development-Minimize floor
risk exposure in developing areas.
Ensure evacuation routes account
for flood risk.
100-Year Flood Zone. – All new
construction within the 100-year
flood zone must meet National
Flood Insurance Program standards.
The City of Hemet has instituted an
improved notification system that
will be used by emergency response
personnel to notify homes and
businesses with information on
emergency events and/or actions
(such as evacuation) by way of voice
message, text or e-mail.
https://www.smart911.com/smart9
11/ref/reg.action?pa=hemetca
Public Safety
PS-3
Ground Transportation. Protect
lives and property form the
potential dangers associated with
ground transportation.
On-going Enhance pedestrian safety through
the inclusion of well-designed
streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic
control devices, and school routes
throughout the City.
Minimize the potential for accidents
involving railways, automobiles,
22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
43 Table 9
General Plan Implementation Program: Completed, In-Progress, On-going April 2012 through December 2025
pedestrians, and bicyclists by
implementing roadway
improvements identified in the
Circulation Element, working closely
with the Hemet Police Department,
and encouraging proactive programs
aimed at improving drivers’
behavior.
Public Safety
PS-4
Hemet-Ryan Airport. Protect lives
and property from the potential
dangers associated with the use of
Hemet-Ryan Airport while
recognizing and maintaining its
function as a part of Hemet’s
transportation
On-going Project Compatibility Review of the
Hemet-Ryan Land Use
Compatibility Plan review is required
for all new developments near
Airport Safety zones.
Avigation easements shall be
required for all land uses in Safety
Areas I, II, and III as part of the
development review process.
Consult with Riverside County to
ensure that any update to the Airport
Master Plan, including proposed
expansion of the airport land uses or
runways, will not create noise and
safety improves to surrounding land
uses or disrupt the existing and
planned circulation system
surrounding the airport.
Public Safety
PS-5
Hazardous Materials. Protect
lives and property from dangers
associated with the storage, use and
transportation of hazardous
materials.
On-going Enforce Regulations, Maintain
Response Programs, and Interagency
Cooperation in coordination of
hazardous material control, cleanup,
disposal and emergency response.
Implement goals of Multi-
Jurisdictional Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan.
https://www.hemetca.gov/Docume
ntCenter/View/9666
Survey sites for contamination with
new development.
Public Safety
PS-7
Fire Protection. Ensure that an
adequate service level of fire
protection is provided for all
residents, visits, and businesses
throughout the City of Hemet.
On-going Fire Service Response
Fire Strategic Plan
Development Impact Fees
22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
44 Table 9
General Plan Implementation Program: Completed, In-Progress, On-going April 2012 through December 2025
Emergency Access
Fire Protection Adequacy
Protect Insurance Services Office
Rating
Mutual Aid Agreements.
https://www.hemetca.gov/1288/E
mergency-Operations-Plan-2013
https://www.hemetca.gov/1286/E
mergency-Preparedness-Links
Ordinance No. 2003: On November
8, 2022 the City adopted the 2022
Edition of the California Building
Standards (California code of
Regulations, Title 24), and 2022
California Fire Code.
Public Safety
PS-8
Crime. Ensure a secure
environment with minimize risk of
crime for residents, visitors, and
businesses throughout the City of
Hemet
On-going https://hemetpd.com/
Final Report 2025
Public Safety
PS-9
Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design. Improve
community safety and reduce
opportunities for criminal activity
through appropriate physical
design.
On-going Defensible Space Inspections,
Adequate Project Lighting, Safety
and Land Use and Design, and
Rental Property Repair Programs.
Public Safety
PS-P-10
Emergency Preparedness.
Reduce impacts related to safety
hazards through a high level of
emergency preparedness.
Pending &
Ongoing
Outreach Programs, Disaster
Vulnerability Review, Disaster Plans,
Mutual Aide Agreements, Protect
Critical Facilities, Retrofit Existing
Building and Related Infrastructure.
Public Safety
PS-11
Noise. Manage noise levels
through land use planning and
development review.
On-going When proposed projects include
potentially significant noise
generators, require acoustical studies
to be prepared by an expert,
including specific recommendations
for mitigation when (1) the project is
located near noise sensitive land uses
or land that is planned for noise
22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
45 Table 9
General Plan Implementation Program: Completed, In-Progress, On-going April 2012 through December 2025
sensitive land uses or (2) the
proposed noise source would violate
provisions of the General Plan or
City noise ordinance.
Promote the use of berms,
landscaping, setbacks, or
architectural design for noise
abatement, in addition to
conventional wall barriers, to
enhance aesthetics and minimize
barriers to pedestrian travel.
Environmental
Justice
EJ-1
Pollution Exposure. Enhance air
quality and reduce emissions of
GHG’s and other regulated air
pollutants.
Pending Tree Surveys. Encourage selection of
trees with an emphasis on improving
air quality.
Housing Hazards -Raise awareness
about the risk associated with lead-
based paint and other indoor air
quality hazards, including
distribution of information about
remediation of lead and best
practices.
Environmental
Justice
EJ-2
Public Facilities Access. Create
equitable access to public facilities
and services.
Ongoing Transit Routes. Encourage transit
providers to establish and maintain
routes to jobs, shopping, schools,
parks, and healthcare facilities that
are convenient to disadvantaged
communities.
Library Services. Consider expansion
of services offered at the Hemet
Library such as increasing the
provision of free internet service,
educational resources, and safe quiet
zones for residents.
Senior Housing. Encourage the
development of senior housing in
neighborhoods that are accessible to
public transit, commercial services,
health care, and community facilities.
Environmental
Justice
EJ-3
Food Access. Improve access to
health and nutritional food and
education and outreach of health
improvement information and
nutrition.
On-going Neighborhood Markets, Local
Markets, Partnerships, Nutritional
Education, and Community
Gardens.
The City is partnership with the
Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Green
Coalition in the development of a
22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
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General Plan Implementation Program: Completed, In-Progress, On-going April 2012 through December 2025
Community Garden in the
Downtown.
Environmental
Justice
EJ-4
Safe and Sanitary Homes. Ensure
health structures and living
conditions are available to all
community members.
On-going Waste Disposal. Reduce illegal
dumping of trash & other items.
Neighborhood Programs. Encourage
strategy focused on addressing
specific neighborhood quality of life
services, including but not limited to
building code violations, vacant
buildings, disorder and drug calls for
Police service and drug arrests, as
well as incidence of graffiti, junk
autos, litter, and weeds.
Health & Safety Public Outreach.
Health & Safety Education. Age-
appropriate education for school-
aged kids on the importance of “safe
and sanitary home”.
Older Housing Stock. Educate
property owners about potential
problems related to older housing
stock, including, but not limited to,
poor ventilation and overcrowding.
The City of Hemet hosts Hemet
Beautiful, an annual city-wide
cleanup event, reinforcing its
commitment to maintaining a clean
and vibrant community. This
recurring initiative unites residents,
local businesses, and organizations in
a collective effort to pick up litter,
remove graffiti, beautify spaces, and
enhance the city’s overall
appearance.
Environmental
Justice
EJ-5
Equity in Housing Access.
Address root-cause issues of
inequitable housing access.
On-going Homeownership. Support programs
to provide rental and
homeownership assistance to lower-
income persons.
Responsible Property Ownership.
Explore incentives and regulations
that encourage active engagement in
22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
47 Table 9
General Plan Implementation Program: Completed, In-Progress, On-going April 2012 through December 2025
property maintenance and
community improvement.
Environmental
Justice
EJ-6
Promote Physical Activity.
Improve physical activity and health
through urban design.
On-going Physical health. Promote physical
activity and active transportation to
address negative health outcomes of
sedentary lifestyle, with an emphasis
on disadvantaged communities.
Environmental
Justice
EJ-7
Civic Engagement. Expand
inclusive opportunities to engage in
the decision-making process.
On-going Open Meetings. Promote
community trust through conducting
open meetings available to any
community member to attend and
participate.
Communication. Encourage
communication methods that
convey complex or technical
information in an easily
understandable manner.
Educate decision makers and the
general public on the principles of
environmental justice.
Environmental
Justice
EJ-8
Educational Opportunities.
Expand flexible education
opportunities available to
community members.
On-going Educational Facilities Encourage
flexible education opportunities for
the citizens of Hemet. Address
hurdles to accessing different levels
and types of education locally and
outside the City, including
colleges/universities with an
emphasis on Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),
community colleges, and vocational
programs. Support and enhance
mentor opportunities,
apprenticeship pathways, volunteer
opportunities, cadet programs, and
resources for
job training.
Environmental
Justice
EJ-9
Economic Growth. Foster
sustainable economic growth and
opportunities.
On-going Access to Facilities. Increase access
to shopping, jobs, and healthcare
facilities in disadvantaged
communities.
Childcare Services. Encourage locate
safe, high quality, and affordable
childcare services for residents and
workers in or near housing
transportation, and employment
centers.
22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
48 Table 9
General Plan Implementation Program: Completed, In-Progress, On-going April 2012 through December 2025
Environmental
Justice
EJ-10
Preservation of Culture. Preserve
and celebrate the cultures of the
region.
On-going Historic & Cultural Resources,
Cultural Celebration, and Historical
Education.
VI. PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS FOR 2025
One of the main purposes of this progress report is to receive direction from the City Council on its priorities for the upcoming one to three-year period, based upon available funding or staff capacity to complete the task.
Listed in Table 11 are recommended implementation priorities for 2025.
Table 10
General Plan Implementation Programs: Proposed for Initiation in 2025-2027 Element
Program Number
Description Comments
Program H-1a Implement Fair Housing Laws Work with Riverside County Housing Authority to provide
information on the First
Time Homebuyer Program
(FTHB) through workshop
or Webinar. Reach at least
100 residents.
Program H-1b Shelters and Homeless Facilities Continue to actively participate in the County of Riverside
Continuum of Care (CoC) to
assess homeless needs and
implement strategies to address
those needs both locally and
regionally.
Program H-2h Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Adopt Inclusionary Housing Ordinance FY 25/26.Funding
required to hire consultant to
prepare nexus study and
ordinance.
• Explore and evaluate
inclusionary options
• Conduct an economic study
to examine market rate
household spending
• Conduct
commercial/housing nexus
study
• Adopt an inclusionary
ordinance.
22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
49 Table 10
General Plan Implementation Programs: Proposed for Initiation in 2025-2027 Element
Program Number
Description Comments
Circulation
C-P-1
Roadway Systems Evaluation. Perform an evaluation of
the existing roadway system to address local access issues such as inadequate rights-of-way, safety and congestion issues resulting from delays at commercial driveways, and parking demand. This evaluation will be used to guide
decisions regarding the allocation of funds for roadway improvements such as right-of-way acquisition, roadway
realignments and restriping, and commercial driveway
improvements. This evaluation should also assess
circulation issues on rural roadways and determine if
systemwide improvements such as designated urban and
commercial corridors could redirect traffic away from rural roads that are not designed for higher volume traffic.
Ongoing: Recommended as
funding is available.
Circulation
C-P-2
Capital Improvement Program. Prepare an annual
update to the capital improvement program (CIP) in
conjunction with the budget process to prioritize, finance, and complete circulation improvements identified in the CIP and to update available funding sources. Continue to implement and update the CIP to:
x fund right-of-way acquisition to improve local
circulation and congestion issues.
x acquire and expend funds from available
transportation financing and other programs to
assist in financing new roadways and pedestrian
and bicycle trails; and
x monitor the performance of critical intersections
and roadways identified in the City of Hemet
Circulation Master Plan. Ensure that critical
intersections approaching Level of Service (LOS)
E and roadways approaching (LOS) D are
prioritized for improvement within the City’s
CIP.
Ongoing: Recommended as
funding is available.
Community Design
CD-P-13
Downtown Infill Development (Revitalization). The
City shall encourage attractive new development and
redevelopment projects within downtown to revitalize
current residential areas. Through implementation of the downtown specific plan (see also Program CD-P-13), the
City shall work with property owners and developers to
convert vacant downtown lots into attractive, viable, high- quality, and context-sensitive infill uses. Expand new
development upward by selectively increasing appropriate building heights, and encouraging a vertical mix of uses, with residential and office uses located above retail.
Ongoing-Economic
Development Department
Land Use
LU-P-8
Sustainable Tourism. The City shall identify key sites, locations, and activities which draw tourists for natural pursuits, and develop a plan to protect, promote, and
market these resources.
Recommended as funding is
available.
22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
50 Table 10
General Plan Implementation Programs: Proposed for Initiation in 2025-2027 Element
Program Number
Description Comments
Recreation
RC-P-8
Recreational Tourism Programs. Partner with other
organizations to provide recreational programs that bring people into the City. Such programs could include a “Pines to Vines” cycling event from the Idyllwild mountain
community to the Temecula wineries, bike races and tours, wine tasting, and rail travel adventures.
Recommend as funding is
available.
Recreation
RC-P-9
Recreational Marketing. Promote recreational facilities as tourist destinations. These include Diamond Valley
Lake, Diamond Valley Lake Recreation Center, local
museums, the Ramona Bowl, Simpson Park, Maze Stone
Park, and other historic and cultural destinations.
High priority identified by the
Planning Commission.
Land Use
LU-P-9
Economic Development Strategic Plan. The City
shall prepare an Economic Development Strategic Plan,
including an analysis of the City’s per capita sales by market category and targeted industries for job growth.
Identify underserved employment and retail categories
and conduct a supply and demand analysis on the
targeted niche. Provide a strategy to retain existing
business and explore economic development
opportunities to meet the city's needs for the future.
Capitalize on economic development efforts already
occurring in the region and form partnerships with
adjacent cities, the County of Riverside, and other local organizations to enhance economic programs and
funding opportunities.
In the City Council adopted
Fiscal Year 2023-24 Strategic
Plan, policy direction was
provided to create a
comprehensive Economic
Strategy to further accelerate
local business investment as
the community enters a new
phase of growth opportunity.
On August 2024 the City
Council adopted a Resolution
to approve the Hemet RISES
(Resurgent Investment
Strategy for Economic
Success).
Ongoing: Implement Hemet
RISES Programs.
Land Use
LU-P-10
Business Assistance & Retention Program. The City
shall create a streamlined process to improve and clarify government requirements and the development process
to provide business assistance, retention and attraction.
The City shall develop programs and procedures to
implement City Council Resolution No. 10-049
adopting the Business-Friendly Principles of SCAG's
Southern California Economic Growth Strategy and
conduct citywide staff training on customer service and economic development goals. The City will coordinate
with the Chamber of Commerce, real estate
professionals, and industry organizations to understand and address the business needs in the community and
support entrepreneurial efforts that expand the wealth
and job opportunities within the community.
In Progress: The Economic
Development Department
has launched the Commercial
Façade Improvement
Program, Downtown
Kitchen Grant, Automobile
& Vehicle Dealership Tax
Sharing & Economic
Program, Business Connect,
Entrepreneur & Small
Business.
22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
51 Table 10
General Plan Implementation Programs: Proposed for Initiation in 2025-2027 Element
Program Number
Description Comments
Land Use
LU-P-13
Marketing Plan. Develop a marketing plan and
Economic Development Profile to promote the
advantages of new business and industry locating in
Hemet. Develop and implement a branding campaign to
promote a new identity and image for the City, including the potential for an updated city logo.
Branding Campaign in
Progress FY 26/27.
Community Design
CD-P-6
Landscape Guidelines and Standards. The City shall
create Landscape Design Guidelines and update the
zoning code to provide landscaping requirements for
new and existing development, public parkways,
drainage basins, and other public use areas. Minimum
required landscaping and property maintenance
requirements shall also be included.
Update to the Landscape
Design Standards & Zoning
Code.
Circulation
C-P-3
Development Impact Fees. Update Development
Impact Fees to include full costs of improvements related to circulation, bike paths, and signalization.
DIF Study in Progress.
Circulation
C-P-12
Bikeway Funding. Solicit all possible sources of funding to plan, acquire, and construct bikeways. Sources can
include, but are not limited to, development mitigation fees, private foundation grants, and /or funds from federal, state, regional, and local government entities and
partnering with community organizations.
Recommended as funding is
available.
Circulation
C-P-13
Bike Paths Required. Require the provision of bike paths and trail systems in conjunction with new development. In established neighborhoods, program bike paths as part of the annual CIP process and include with associated street projects. Design bike trails and routes in accordance with the guidelines contained in the Circulation Element and Recreation and Trails Element, and the WRCOG Non-
Motorized Transportation Plan
Resolution No. 2023-159.
The City approved Bicycle
and Pedestrian Facilities
Program provided by the
Transportation Development
Act funded by the Local
Transportation Fund (LTF)
and the State Transit
Assistance (STA).
Ongoing. Stay notified on the
development of the Salt
Creek Trail Hemet Segment.
Reach out and partner with
our stakeholders, such as
Metropolitan Water District
and Diamond Valley east
recreational area working
group for opportunities.
On August 23, 2024 the City
received a conditional award
commitment letter for the
Affordable Housing and
Sustainable Communities
(AHSC) Round 8 Palm
Communities, City of Hemet,
22.D.
G ENERAL P LAN PROGRESS R EPORT
52 Table 10
General Plan Implementation Programs: Proposed for Initiation in 2025-2027 Element
Program Number
Description Comments
and Kingdom Development,
Inc.-Palm Villas at State from
the California Department of
Housing and Community
Development (HCD).
The Sustainable
Transportation
Improvements include Bike
and Pedestrian Paths, and
Sidewalk Improvements.
Recreation and Trails
RC-P-2
Quimby Fees. Review Quimby Act fees on an annual
basis to ensure that the in-lieu fees are appropriately determined and applied.
In Progress: Review of Parks
Fee through DIF study, and
Adoption of Quimby Fee.
Recreation and Trails
RC-P-6
Off-road Trails. Identify unpaved trails in Simpson Park for use by mountain bikers and hikers. Work with
residents, biking and hiking groups, service organizations, and environmentalists to encourage a maintenance
schedule for these trails.
Recommended as funding is
available.
Continue to explore
opportunities.
Environmental
Justice
EJ-10
Preservation of Culture. Preserve and celebrate the
cultures of the region.
Historic & Cultural
Resources, Cultural
Celebration, and Historical
Education.
Environmental
Justice
EJ-3
Food Access. Improve access to health and nutritional
food and education and outreach of health
improvement information and nutrition.
Neighborhood Markets,
Local Markets, Partnerships,
Nutritional Education, and
Community Gardens.
The City is partnership with
the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley
Green Coalition in the
development of a
Community Garden in the
Downtown.
22.D.
City of Hemet
City Council Meeting
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council Meeting - Mar 24 2026
Department: City Attorney
Submitted by: Mark Prestwich, City Manager
Steven Graham, City Attorney;
Receive and File Consent Calendar Business Item Public Hearing TITLE:
Consideration of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Extending the Terms of the Mobile Home Rent Review Commission Members RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is respectfully recommended that the City Council:
Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, extending the terms of the five (5) current members of the Mobile Home Rent Review Commission for a period not to exceed one year, or until their successors are duly appointed and qualified, whichever occurs first.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Hemet Mobile Home Rent Review Commission was established to oversee and adjudicate matters related to mobile home park rent stabilization as outlined in the Hemet Municipal Code. The Commission plays a vital role in balancing the interests of mobile home park residents and park owners within the City.
Currently, the terms of all Commission members have recently expired as of March 18, 2026. To maintain a functional Commission capable of meeting quorum requirements and hearing active cases, the City Council must either appoint new members or extend the service of existing Commissioners.
ANALYSIS:
The City is currently reviewing its internal processes for the recruitment and appointment of various boards and commissions. During this interim period, it is necessary to ensure that the Mobile Home Rent Review Commission remains operational to prevent any disruption in the services provided to the community.
The proposed Resolution extends the terms of the following current members:
22.E.
Jerrianne Franklin
Rodney Setterstrom
Wil Ochoa
Joanne Dieleman
Terry Larned
This extension is a temporary measure, limited to a maximum of one year. If the City Council completes the formal recruitment and appointment process sooner, the extended terms will conclude upon the qualification of their successors. This approach ensures continuity of governance and allows the Commission to continue its duties without a lapse in oversight.
STRATEGIC PLAN INTEGRATION:
GOAL THREE: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
To connect and participate in a constant dialogue between members of the community, City staff, and elected officials to promote togetherness and positivity.
Objective 1: Deliver messaging to the Community that connects, is consistent, and relevant.
Objective 2: Increase transparency for the public.
Objective 3: Increase the community's pride within the City.
GOAL FOUR: PARTNERSHIP & COLLABORATION
To pursue partnerships that will increase the opportunities available to the community, including our businesses, unemployed, and youth populations.
Objective 2: Develop concepts and programs to enhance the quality of life services.
Objective 3: Develop programs to offer support to the community's businesses GOAL FIVE: ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
To identify the work needed inside the City organization to effectively provide services to the community and ensure financial stability.
Objective 2: Evaluate existing practices to ensure continuity with industry best practices.
Objective 3: Provide Council with policies that are consistent while lessening liabilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the adoption of this resolution. The Commission members serve as volunteers, and the administrative costs associated with the Commission are already included in the City’s operating budget.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment 1: MHRC Resolution Extending Terms
22.E.
CITY OF HEMET RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX 1
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CITY OF HEMET
HEMET, CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-xxx
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF HEMET, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING THE TERMS OF
THE CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE MOBILE HOME RENT
REVIEW COMMISSION FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED
ONE YEAR
The City Council of the City of Hemet, California (hereafter referred to as the “City Council”) does resolve as follows:
WHEREAS, the City of Hemet has established a Mobile Home Rent Review Commission (“Commission”) to oversee matters related to mobile home park rent stabilization as set forth in the Hemet Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the terms of all current members of the Commission have recently expired as of March 18, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is currently in the process of completing the recruitment and reviewing potential appointments to the Commission; and WHEREAS, it is essential to ensure the Commission maintains a quorum and continues its functions without interruption to serve the residents and park owners of the City of Hemet; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to extend the terms of the current Commission members to ensure continuity of operations until the formal appointment process is completed.
22.E.
CITY OF HEMET RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX 2
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NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEMET FINDS, DETERMINES, ORDERS, AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby finds and determines that the recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated herein.
SECTION 2. The terms of the following current members of the Mobile Home Rent Review Commission are hereby extended:
Jerrianne Franklin
Rodney Setterstrom
Wil Ochoa
Joanne Dieleman
Terry Larned
SECTION 3. The extension of said terms shall be for a period not to exceed one (1) year from the date of the adoption of this Resolution, or until their successors are duly appointed and qualified, whichever occurs first.
SECTION 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
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CITY OF HEMET RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX 3
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PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 24th day of March, 2026. ____________________________
Linda Krupa, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Elodie Klug, Deputy City Clerk
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CITY OF HEMET RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX 4
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State of California )
County of Riverside )
City of Hemet )
I, Elodie Klug, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Hemet, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the Hemet City Council on the 24th day of March, 2026, and was passed by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
_____________________________
Elodie Klug, Deputy City Clerk
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City of Hemet
City Council Meeting
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council Meeting - Mar 24 2026
Department: City Council
Submitted by: Mark Prestwich, City Manager
Benigno Sandoval, Economic Development Director;
Receive and File Consent Calendar Business Item Public Hearing TITLE:
Consider Approval of the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program City Council Business Ad-Hoc Committee Recommendations for the MACRO Grant Applications RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is respectfully recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive a Report regarding the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program Application and City Council Business Ad-Hoc Recommendations; and
2. Approve the City of Hemet Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program City Council Business Ad-Hoc Recommendations for the MACRO Grant Applications.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council's adopted Strategic Plan and Safe and Clean Streets Initiative included a Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Action Item to create a two-year Commercial Facade Improvement Pilot Program.
Subsequently, the Council adopted the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program (CFIGP), which is a City of Hemet business incentive program to enhance the physical appearance and attract new visitors to the City’s major commercial corridors.
The Program offered two types of facade improvement grants:
Small Business Grant (Micro)
The Small Business Grant provides reimbursement of up to Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) for commercial building facade improvements with a minimum 5% matching requirement. Projects must be completed within six months of the grant approval or building permit issuance. The City has appropriated a total of $240,000. $120,000 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and $120,000 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 = Total $240,000. The Planning Commission awarded Macro Business Grant
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The Macro Business Center Grant provides a reimbursable matching grant of up to 80% of eligible project costs. Matching grant recipients are required to contribute a minimum of 20% of the total facade improvement costs. Projects must be completed within 18 months of building permit issuance.
The City has appropriated a total of $660,000. $330,000 for fiscal year 2023-2024 and an additional $330,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025 = Total $660,000
Eligible Property Improvements
All improvements are required to conform to City Building Codes, the City’s Zoning Ordinance, and applicable Design Guidelines. Properties or businesses with active Zoning or Code Enforcement cases are not eligible for this program. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to:
Historic Building Restoration (removal of non-historic materials or additions such as stucco and exposing original masonry/brick)
Exterior Facade Treatments (stucco, brick veneer, paint removal, etc.) Replacement of Signage
New Awnings
Parking Lots
Exterior Painting visible from right-of-way
Exterior Lighting
New Windows/Window Frames
New Exterior Doors
Structure Components such as Foundation, Wall, Beams, Floor, Slab, Columns, Stairs, and Frames (Only Macro Business-Center Grant qualifies).
Construction of New Facade Elements
Anti-graffiti Treatment to Existing Windows
Installation of Permanent Landscaping
Construction of Outdoor Dining or Gathering Spaces
Murals, if they are professionally done and receive Planning Commission approval, provide an important aesthetic improvement and/or improve an expanse of wall or surface prone to graffiti. Additional improvements that are deemed to be consistent with the intent of the program will be Community the by basis case-by-case on approved/disapproved and reviewed a Development Department and City Manager.
ANALYSIS:
1. Committee Formation and Governance
The approved grant program delegated application review and approval to the Hemet Planning Commission. The Commission established an Ad Hoc Committee to review the six applications received under the MACRO version of the grant program.
2. Review Process and Meetings
A total of three Ad-Hoc Committee meetings were conducted:
Initial Review: Staff and the Ad-Hoc Planning Commission Committee performed a preliminary sweep of all applications to ensure basic eligibility and compliance with city codes.
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Deep Dive Analysis: Each application was scored based on architectural merit, the scope of work, and the projected improvement to the surrounding streetscape. Final Deliberation: After gathering all technical data, the committee narrowed the field to the most viable candidates.
3. Field Evaluation: The In-Person Walkthrough
To move beyond paper applications, the Ad-Hoc Committee and Staff conducted an in-person walkthrough for the potential short-listed applications. This allowed the team to:
Verify the current condition of the facades.
Discuss specific project elements (signage, paint, lighting) directly on-site. Assess the feasibility of the proposed timelines and budgets
4. Recap and Categorization
Decision-making on the selection of applicants was elevated to the City Council Business Ad-Hoc Committee to avoid a conflict of interest (one of the businesses at a project site was later acquired by a Planning Commissioner after the original application was submitted). Macro Grants: Reserved for comprehensive structural or aesthetic overhauls that significantly transform the building’s footprint.
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5. Final Review by the City Council Business Ad-Hoc Committee:
The Hemet City Council Business Ad-Hoc Committee consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Males and Council Member Peterson and Staff met on March 18, 2026, to review the applications previously reviewed by the Planning Commission Ad-Hoc Committee.
City Council Business Ad-Hoc Committee Macro Award Recommendations:
1. DD's Discount, Just Bargain, Citi Bank, Harbor Freight, Super Dollar laundromat, Asian market, Clothing store, Barber - 1709 W Florida Avenue:
Amount Recommended: $203,000 (Parking lot lights, Pylon sign, landscaping) Total Project Cost = $317,221.88
2. Harwin-Parkersburg LTD The Mattress Shop, Hair Paradise Beauty Supplies, M-A-S Hair & Beauty, Valley Wide Hearing Aid, Vonne Welch Insurance Company - 2101-2145 W. Florida Avenue
Amount Recommended: $300,000 (Landscaping, Paint, Lighting, Pylon Sign, Windows, Parking Lot)
Total project cost = $468,392.46
3. Wishney/Wishney Stetson Plaza - 475 W Stetson Avenue:
Amount Recommended: $157,000 (Paint, Sign, Lighting, and Landscaping) Total Project Cost = $275,678.00
Total = $660,000
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Total Project Costs = $1,061,292.34
STRATEGIC PLAN INTEGRATION:
GOAL ONE: QUALITY OF LIFE:
To ensure that Hemet is safe, clean, attractive and comfortable for all who live, work, and visit.
Objective 1: Enhance the visual appearance of the community to make it attractive and reduce blight.
Objective 2: Explore and implement homelessness solutions for the City of Hemet.
Objective 3: Increase Public Safety visibility and response.
GOAL TWO: ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
To ensure that Hemet is a hub, with access to quality jobs, shopping options, and a varied and sustained tax base.
Objective 1: Develop business practices that welcome new development by streamlining processes.
Objective 2: Provide resources for new businesses to enhance the customer service experience.
GOAL THREE: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
To connect and participate in a constant dialogue between members of the community, City staff, and elected officials to promote togetherness and positivity.
Objective 1: Deliver messaging to the Community that connects, is consistent, and relevant.
Objective 2: Increase transparency for the public.
Objective 3: Increase the community's pride within the City.
GOAL FOUR: PARTNERSHIP & COLLABORATION
To pursue partnerships that will increase the opportunities available to the community, including our businesses, unemployed, and youth populations.
Objective 1: Develop concepts and programs to increase opportunities for youth recreation.
Objective 2: Develop concepts and programs to enhance the quality of life services.
Objective 3: Develop programs to offer support to the community's businesses FISCAL IMPACT:
Grant funds have already been appropriated by City Council in Fiscal Years 2023-2024 and 2024- 2025.
ALTERNATIVE(S):
1) Reopen the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program - MACRO Applications 2) Provide alternative direction to the City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment 1: Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program Letter mp edits v2 Attachment 2: City of Hemet - Commercial Facade Improvement Program Guidelines - Official Version
Attachment 3: 475 W Stetson Avenue Hemet CA 92543
Attachment 4: Harwin-Parkersburg LTD 2101 2145 W Florida Ave Hemet CA 92545 Attachment 5: 1709 W Florida Ave Hemet CA 92543
Attachment 6: Hemet Automotive Groupe
Attachment 7: Car Wash Depot
Attachment 8: Sri Sai Ram
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August 20, 2024
RE: New Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program!
Dear Hemet Businesses,
The City of Hemet is excited to announce a new Commercial Facade Improvement Program competitive grant program! This initiative is designed to support the enhancement of our City's commercial areas by providing financial assistance to businesses for exterior improvements. The grant application window opens on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 and runs for 60 days to allow you time to consider various external improvements for your business.
The Program aims to revitalize our City's commercial districts, making them more attractive and inviting for residents and visitors alike. Improving the exterior appearance of your Hemet business will improve the overall aesthetic appeal of our community, be more inviting to shoppers, and enhance the value of your property.
Small-Business Grants (Up to $30,000) – The Small Business Program is limited to the Downtown Specific Plan Area with a preference for improvements on Florida Avenue between San Jacinto Street and State Street (see attached map for eligible locations). This grant provides reimbursement of up to $30,000 for commercial building façade improvements and requires only a 5% matching requirement.
Updating exterior signs, adding lighting, painting, new awnings, and other improvements are eligible under this program. Projects must be completed within six months of the grant approval or building permit issuance. Museums and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply as well.
Macro-Business Center Grant (Up to $660,000) – The Macro-Business Center Grant is intended to incentivize an investment in a distressed large shopping center. Grant recipients are required to contribute a minimum of 20% of the total facade improvement costs. Projects must be completed within 18 months of building permit issuance. The total cost of the improvement work must exceed $350,000.
We encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity and to prepare and apply. All applications will be reviewed by City staff for eligibility and presented to the Planning Commission for review and potential award. Investing in your business's exterior not only benefits your business but also contributes to the broader goal of making the City of Hemet a more beautiful and thriving community.
The City of Hemet looks forward to seeing the exciting improvements that will come from this grant program and to working together to enhance the beauty and vitality of Hemet's commercial districts.
Best regards,
Ben Sandoval
Economic Development Manager
City of Hemet
(951) 669-0265
[email protected]
https://www.hemetca.gov/econdev
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Commercial Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program Guidelines
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City of Hemet
Commercial Facade Improvement Grant
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June 2024
City of Hemet
https://www.hemetca.gov
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program (CFIGP) is a new City of Hemet business incentive program to enhance the physical appearance and attract new visitors to the City’s major commercial corridors. The Program offers two types of facade improvement grants, as well as up ten (10) hours of architectural fees and five (5) hours of design assistance to alleviate up-front design costs. The City Council has appropriated $450,000 in Fiscal Year 2023-24 and the draft Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget includes an additional $450,000 toward this program.
Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. The long-term objective is to upgrade and improve the physical appearance of businesses, encouraging retention of existing businesses, increasing property values, and improved business vitality.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Commercial Façade Improvement Grants
Small-Business Grant – Provides reimbursement of up to Thirty Thousand dollars ($30,000) for commercial building façade improvements with a 5% matching requirement. Projects must be completed within six (6) months of the grant approval or building permit issuance. The Small-Business Grant program is limited to the Downtown Specific Plan area with a preference for improvements on Florida Avenue. Museums and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply as well. The City has allocated $120,000 for Small-Business Grants which will fund improvements at a minimum of Four (4) businesses.
Macro-Business Center Grant – Provides a reimbursable matching grant of 80% of eligible project costs. The total cost of the improvement work must be more than Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000). Matching grant recipients are required to contribute a minimum of 20% of the total facade improvement costs. Projects must be completed within eighteen (18) months of building permit issuance. The City has allocated $330,000 for one Macro-Business Center Grant in Fiscal Year 2023-24 that requires a minimum private investment of $66,000. The City intends to allocate an additional $330,000 toward a Macro-Business Center Grant in Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Applicants for the Macro-Business Center Grant with projects in excess of $396,000 may consolidate funding from Fiscal Year 2023-24 and 2024-25 appropriations toward their project so long as a match of 20% is provided. Planning Commission approval required for all Macro-Business Center Grants.
Grant funding is to be used for labor and materials directly related to the commercial facade construction only. Program funds are to be used for exterior building improvements and revitalization rather than a simple routine maintenance or equipment (e.g. tools).
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The City of Hemet will provide reimbursement of expenses after it deems the project is completed, and upon the submission of invoices, and proof of payment. If the project is anticipated to extend beyond the required completion date, prior written City Manager approval is required to extend the performance period.
Architectural Design or Design Assistance
The City of Hemet will provide reimburse a maximum of ten (10) hours of Architectural Design Assistance for Exterior Commercial Facade Improvements to approved applicants.
The City will also reimburse up to five (5) hours of professional designer services (e.g. paint, signage, awnings, windows, etc.).
Fee Exemption
Applicants for the Commercial Facade Improvement Program are exempt from Planning and Building permit fees. Note, fee exemption does not apply to any mandated fees by the State of California or fees required by other public agencies.
Figure 1:
Hemet Downtown District Map
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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND PRIORITIES
Program Priority
Applications for property improvements will be prioritized according to the following criteria:
1. Projects that involve a historical restoration/renovation of a building.
2. Projects that provided significant value to the Harvard District or Florida Avenue.
3. Properties or areas that historically have been targeted for graffiti and/or are prone to blight.
4. Properties or areas adjacent to historic facilities such as the Hemet Depot/Museum.
Eligible Applicants
Owners or long-term tenants of commercially zoned property located within one of the following areas are eligible to apply for the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant:
1. Hemet Downtown Specific Plan on Florida Avenue between State Street and San Jacinto Avenue
2. Retail Shopping Centers located in the City of Hemet Note, tenants must have the property owner’s written consent before any facade improvements are made. In addition, the grant application must be signed by the property owner.
Eligible Property Improvements
All improvements shall conform to City Building Codes, the City’s Zoning Ordinance, and applicable Design Guidelines. Properties or businesses with active Zoning or Code Enforcement cases are not eligible for this program. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to:
• Historic Building Restoration (removal of non-historic materials or additions such as stucco and exposing original masonry/brick)
• Exterior Facade Treatments (stucco, brick veneer, paint removal, etc.) • Replacement of Signage
• New Awnings
• Parking Lots
• Exterior Painting visible from right-of-way
• Exterior Lighting
• New Windows/Window Frames
• New Exterior Doors
• Structure Components such as Foundation, Wall, Beams, Floor, Slab, Columns, Stairs, and Frames (Only Macro Business-Center Grant qualify).
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• Construction of New Facade Elements
• Anti-graffiti Treatment to Existing Windows
• Installation of Permanent Landscaping
• Construction of Outdoor Dining or Gathering Spaces
• Murals, if they are professionally done and receive Planning Commission approval, provide an important aesthetic improvement and/or improve an expanse of wall or surface prone to graffiti.
• Additional improvements that are deemed to be consistent with the intent of the program will be reviewed and approved/disapproved on a case-by-case basis by the Community Development Department and City Manager.
PROGRAM PROCEDURES
Applicant Intake and Eligibility
1. Application and Required Documents. Applications are available at Hemet City Hall or online at www.hemetca.gov. Each application must be completed in its entirety, signed and submitted with all required documents as listed in the application, signed proof of ownership or lease agreement, and submit a Certificate of Good Business Standing (https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov). Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they were received. The City will maintain a waiting list for all prospective participants. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
2. Review of application. All complete applications will be date stamped when received and processed in that order. Application may be subject to additional review by the Planning Commission, when applicable.
Incomplete applications will not be processed until all requested information is submitted. A notification letter will be sent to applicants concerning the approval or denial of the Application. Eligible applicants will be contacted to enter into an agreement with the City and schedule a property inspection.
Property Inspection
1. Initial Inspection. A site visit will be arranged between the Community Department staff and the property owner and/or business owner to undertake an inspection of the building and to develop specifications for the Program. Staff will inspect the property to ensure that the building meets code requirements for the exterior of the building.
2. Follow-Up Inspection. If City Staff finds code violations during the initial inspection, the property owner and/or applicant will be required to correct those violations
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before continuing in the Program process. A follow-up inspection will be arranged between City Staff and the property owner and/or business owner to ensure the property is up to code.
Contractor Selection
1. Procurement. Applicants are free to select their contractor and submit at least one quote to the City of Hemet. The chosen contract must comply with the City’s requirements for contractors. The City reserves the right to require or obtain additional bids/estimates to determine the validity of the proposed project.
2. Contractor Requirements. The City shall maintain a file for each contractor performing work pursuant to the terms and conditions of this program. The file shall include the following information:
a. Copies of the contractor's current liability and worker’s compensation insurance policies;
b. Copies of the contractor's current California Contractor's License; c. Copy of contractor’s City Business License; and City Business License d. Provide a subcontractor list as applicable.
Any contractor with an expired General Liability and/or Workers Compensation insurance or a valid state contractor's license shall be removed from the job until he/she is able to provide proof of current insurance and/or license. All contractors shall be required to obtain a City Business License prior to the issuance of a building permit.
3. Ineligible Contractors
a. The City and the applicant(s) shall agree not to award any contract for rehabilitation work, to be paid for in whole or impart with proceeds from the Program, to any contractor who does not have a valid state contractor’s license, who cannot produce sufficient evidence of current Worker’s Compensation and Liability Insurance coverage, or who is on the federal Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Debarred Contractor list.
b. All owner/builders, or any member of the applicant's family or extended family, are considered ineligible, regardless of credentials or license. Any ineligible contractor found working at the job site will be removed immediately, without compensation.
Award of Grant
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1. Notification. The City shall notify the selected contractor of the award of the grant award and shall establish date, time and place for the pre-construction conference.
The pre-construction conference will include City Staff, property/business owner(s) and contractor.
2. Agreement. The agreement for the approved facade improvements shall be prepared by the City Attorney’s Office and shall be entered between the property/business owner(s) and the City.
3. Private Arrangements. The City cautions the property/business owner and the contractor not to enter “side deals" for additional work or deviations from the approved scope of work.
4. Pre -Construction. Prior to construction, the City will arrange a pre-construction meeting which shall be attended by the contractor, the property/business owner(s), and representative City staff. The purpose of this meeting is to explain all Program requirements and procedures, coordinate and schedule the work start date, and answer questions related to contract documents.
5. Start of Construction. No work shall commence until a “Notice to Proceed” has been issued to the contractor, signed by the property/business owner(s) and the City. In addition, no work shall commence until all required permits have been issued by the City’s Building Division.
a. The contractor shall contact the Community Development Department to obtain all requirements for plan submittal to obtain building permits. Plans will be reviewed by the City’s Building and Planning divisions.
b. Applicants for this program are exempt from City Planning and Building permit fees. This fee exemption does not apply to fees mandated by the State of California including, but not limited to, the California Green Building Standards fees.
Reimbursement Process
1. Upon approval, the City of Hemet will enter into agreement with the applicant and approved work may begin immediately after the agreement is fully executed.
2. Applicants are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits (including building permits) and authorities from the City.
3. Staff will inspect the project to ensure compliance with grant.
4. Work must be completed within six (6) months of grant award.
5. All work must comply with approved plans.
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6. Grant funds will only be disseminated to the contractor not the applicant, once the construction of the City approved improvements has been completed and has been inspected by City Staff.
7. Grant funds will be disseminated upon the issuance of a Notice of Completion has been issued by City Staff.
Applicant Responsibilities:
1. Property Maintenance. The property/business owner(s) is/are responsible for property maintenance during the rehabilitation work (contractor is responsible for keeping the property clean of all construction material). The property/business owner(s) is/are responsible for insuring that the rehabilitation work is not impeded because of their actions or the actions of their tenant(s). The City shall encourage the contractor and his/her employees to provide adequate pedestrian and property protection at the construction site.
2. Property Tax Bills . Current property tax bills for the subject property must be current.
The property owner(s) is/are responsible for insuring that the property taxes are current. The City will verify that the property taxes for the property are current. If the property’s tax statement indicates a delinquency, at the time of the Program application, the City shall not proceed with grant processing until it is supplied with a Certificate of Redemption or other appropriate documentation of proof of payment.
3. Notice of Completion. The property/business owner(s) is/are responsible for scheduling a final job completed inspection with the City’s Building, Life and Safety Department.
The City will verify that the project received a passing final inspection. After all requirements have been met, the City will issue a Notice of Completion to the property/business owner(s).
FUNDING
Funding for the Commercial Facade Improvement Program is allocated by the City of Hemet City Council, and the amount of funds available each year is not guaranteed. The grant funds are distributed on a first come, first served basis. If grant funds are depleted at the time of application submission, City Staff will keep your application on file. However, if additional funds become available, City Staff will contact the applicant in the order in which the applications were received.
The City of Hemet reserves the right to cancel or modify this Program at any time prior to grant approval, with notice to the applicant by the Economic Development Manager. Continuation of the Program is subject to sufficient funding as appropriated by the Hemet City Council.
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APPLICANT CERTIFICATION
Please read the statements below and initial and sign certify that you understand:
____I/we certify that the building owner is the owner of the property. ____I/we certify that there are no current code enforcement actions pending against this property*.
____I/we have attached a copy of all current leases.
____I/we have attached relevant photos of the building facade(s) to be included in this program.
____I/we have reviewed the program overview and guidelines, have familiarity with responsibilities of each party and understand that:
____All services to be performed by contractors shall be the subject of agreement between applicant and contractor(s).
____The Agency shall not assume any liability for such agreements, except as specifically authorized by the program.
____I/we have read and understand the City of Hemet program guidelines, accept the qualifications and conditions and through signature(s) below, certify that I/we are qualified and will abide by such conditions set forth in this application and all reasonable conditions which may be issued by the City of Hemet in the implementation of this program. I understand that this is a voluntary program, under which the City of Hemet has the right to approve or deny any project or proposal or portions thereof.
Signature: _________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Property Owner Signature ____________________________ Date: ___________________ (If Tenant is Applying)
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Commercial Facade Improvement
Grant Program Application
___________________________________________________________________________ Please fill out the application completely and submit to [email protected] or send to:
City of Hemet
Attention: Economic Development Department
445 E. Florida Ave
Hemet, CA 92543
(951) 669 – 0265
* SECTION 1 - APPLICANT INFORMATION:
Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Circle All That Apply: Property Owner Business Owner/Tenant Business Name: _____________________________________________________________ Property Address: ____________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________ Phone Number: _____________________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________________________ Total Number of Businesses in Building: _________________________________________ Name(s) of Other Businesses:
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ * SECTION 2 - PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION (Complete even if the current tenant is the applicant):
Property Owner Name: _______________________________________________________ Property Owner Mailing Address: _______________________________________________
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Property Owner Daytime Phone Number: ________________________________________ As the legal owner of the above property, I hereby grant authorization to complete the façade improvements indicated on this application.
Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: __________ * SECTION 3 - FUNDING:
Grants (Please Check One):
Small-Business Grant (Reimbursement of up to $30,000)
Macro-Business Center Grant ($330,000 for one Macro-Business Center Grant in Fiscal Year 2023-24 that requires a minimum private investment of $66,000. The City intends to allocate an additional $330,000 toward a Macro-Business Center Grant in Fiscal Year 2024- 25)
Grant Amount Requested: $__________________
Estimated Total Project Cost: $_______________
SECTION 4) SCOPE OF WORK:
General Description of Work:
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ * SECTION 5 - ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
We certify that the owner is the property owner of record and that there are no current zoning code enforcement actions pending against the property. I have read and understand the Program Guidelines and accept them. I certify that I am qualified and will abide by such conditions set forth in this application and all reasonable conditions which may be issued by the City of Hemet in the implementation of this project.
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Property Owner(s) Signature: __________________________________ Date: ___________ Business Owner(s) Signature: __________________________________ Date: ___________
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City of Hemet
City Council Meeting
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council Meeting - Mar 24 2026
Department: Administration
Submitted by: Mark Prestwich, City Manager
Mark Prestwich, City Manager;
Receive and File Consent Calendar Business Item Public Hearing TITLE:
Report Back on Funding Alternatives for Future Hemet Fire Stations and City Street Rehabilitation RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is respectfully recommended that the City Council:
Receive, discuss, and provide direction related to potential feasibility research on community support related to funding options for future fire stations and City street rehabilitation.
BACKGROUND:
Fire Station Analysis
On April 3, 2024, the Hemet City Council held a Priority Setting Workshop to establish Fiscal Year 2024-25 Action Items in support of the City's Strategic Plan. Action Items represent Council-directed priority tasks and initiatives over the next 12 months that support Strategic Plan goals.
FY 2024-25 Strategic Plan Action Items were reviewed and approved by the City Council on May 28, 2024 which included evaluation of the current location of fire stations for effectiveness and to determine, based on current and future needs, where fire stations should be located for maximum effectiveness. This task was identified as a priority given the Fire Department's rising call volume and need to maintain/improve service levels.
On March 20, 2025, after analyzing a 2024 GIS study conducted by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) for the Hemet Fire Department, station call volume and trends, and analyzing City-owned properties, Fire Department staff met with a Council appointed ad-hoc committee consisting of then Council Member Krupa and then Mayor Pro Tem Kendrick to review preliminary the results of this analysis.
On February 10, 2026, the Hemet City Council held a Work Study Session to discuss locations, sequencing, and land acquisition related to the location of future fire stations six, seven, and eight.
23.B.
Hemet Fire Department currently operates out of five fire stations. Each of these stations is described below:
Station Address Year Built Sq. Ft.
Fire Station 1 220 N. Juanita St. 1960 7,500
Fire Station 2 895 W. Stetson Ave. 1968 5,000
Fire Station 3 4110 W. Devonshire
Ave. 1963 6,500
Fire Station 4 1035 S. Cawston Ave. 2005 10,000
Fire Station 5 120 N. Hemet St. 2008 2,600
Stations 1 and 4 currently operate a two-person Squad to balance call volume. Key factors to consider when determining station locations are response times, call volume, call concentration, concurrent calls, and future growth.
Response Time
Comprised of Dispatch Time + Turnout Time + Travel Time National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 states that the first unit shall be on scene within 6 minutes and 30 seconds to 90% of incidents. The 90th percentile time to all incidents for HFD in 2024 was 7 minutes and 23 seconds.
There are two areas with consistently long average response times due to their location: Four Seasons (10 minutes, 12 seconds) and McSweeney Farms (7 minutes 36 seconds).
Call Volume/Concentration . City of Hemet continues to experience increasing call volume which reached approximately 20,000 calls in calendar year 2025. The chart below shows actual calls for service between 2018 and 2025, an increase of approximately 17%. 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
17,017 18,0111 17,585 17,959 18,436 18,719 19,957 19,997 Since the City's February 10, 2026 workshop, staff has explored an alternative to traditional fire station construction used by California's Rancho Mission Viejo community served by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). While considered an "interim" station, their Station 67 utilizes prefabricated off-site steel modules with fireproof cladding. The estimated cost of this type of station is estimated to be $10 million, substantially lower than traditional construction.
Road Rehabilitation Analysis
Concurrently, the Hemet City Council established a Highest Priority Strategic Plan task in Fiscal Year 2024-25 to develop a 20-year road rehabilitation and funding strategy.
A study of the pavement condition of Hemet streets was initiated in summer 2022. The results of the study, presented to the City staff in mid-2023, concluded the City's overall network Pavement Condition Index (PCI) was 52. The PCI is a numerical rating from 0 to 100 that indicates the structural integrity and surface condition of a pavement. It is a standardized metric based on visual inspections
23.B.
of distresses like cracking, rutting, and potholes, with 100 representing a new road and 0 representing a failed one.
0–24 (Very Poor)
25–49 (Poor)
50–69 (At-risk)
70–84 (Good)
85–100 (Excellent).
Understanding a City's network PCI helps municipalities and engineers prioritize maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction projects. As a result of this information, the City targeted 37% of the City's street infrastructure characterized in the study as "poor" to repair the streets before a substantially more expensive complete rebuild of the street base was necessary. By "unsticking" projects, incrementally increasing annual pavement budgets, and securing new grants, the City completed approximately $30 million of road rehabilitation projects over the past three years.
A subsequent PCI study was initiated in summer 2025 to understand the current citywide street condition and impacts of recent investments. Results were recently shared with City staff and the above referenced pavement investments have improved the City's PCI score to 63, an 11 point improvement. However, in order to reduce the cost of future maintenance, it is important for the City to raise the network PCI score to a range of 70 to 75. Current projections indicate that the cost of reaching a network PCI score of 70 will require approximately $46 million in present dollars, almost all of the City's undesignated General Fund surplus. To achieve a network PCI score of 75, a net present investment of $77 million is required, well beyond the financial capacity of today's General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
Given the scale of investments needed to fund the relocation and construction of future fire station assets and the City's street maintenance needs, common municipal financing strategies such as pay- as-you-go financing and borrowing options against General Fund assets will not alone support the scale of investment needed.
The following options are presented for consideration as one or more strategies to accelerate revenue investment in the City's assets.
1. Consider a General Obligation (GO) Bond . Local governments are required to seek 2/3 voter approval before issuing GO bonds. A GO bond pledges a city's General Funds and "full faith and credit" (i.e., the property taxing power) as security for payment of principal and interest to bond holders. GO Bonds are the most secure type of municipal security available and the issuer is authorized by the voters to levy an ad valorem tax on all taxable property located within its jurisdiction, at any rate necessary to collect enough money each year to pay for principal and interest coming due on the outstanding bonds. The amount collected through an ad valorem property tax based on property valuation.
California cities have relied on GO bonds as a financing tool to construct, acquire, and make improvements to real property such as public buildings, park improvements, and public works projects, including street and road improvements. With interest rates declining, now may be an opportune time to consider this approach, particularly because this option is flexible in terms of amount and presents a near-term opportunity to address the City's infrastructure challenges.
23.B.
Preliminary financial analysis indicates that a $20 per $100,000 of assessed value property tax would yield approximately $70 million.
2. Consider increasing local sales tax. The City’s Measure U general sales tax, approved in November 2016, provides approximately $16 million annually to the City's General Fund. Per City Council resolution, Measure U revenue is distributed 2/3 to Police Department needs and 1/3 to Fire Department needs. However, due in large part to decisions by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to reduce their "Discount Rate" from 7.5% to 6.8% since voter adoption of Measure U, the City of Hemet is required to allocate an estimated additional $8 million annually (today vs. 2016) to the increase in CalPERS employer rates thereby limiting the ability of Measure U revenues to meet original anticipated Police Staffing ratios.
If there is Council interest in considering any potential revenue measure, it is recommended the City Council provide direction to the City Manager to utilize professional opinion research services as an initial next step in developing a community supported funding strategy or other alternatives that can be deployed to address the City's long-term infrastructure challenges. The estimated cost of this research is $35,000 to $40,000.
STRATEGIC PLAN INTEGRATION:
GOAL FIVE: ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
To identify the work needed inside the City organization to effectively provide services to the community and ensure financial stability.
Objective 1: Operate in a financially sustainable manner.
Objective 2: Evaluate existing practices to ensure continuity with industry best practices.
Objective 3: Provide Council with policies that are consistent while lessening liabilities.
Objective 4: Increase employee retention by training and creating a positive workplace.
Objective 5: Streamline fire prevention coordination efforts.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Discussed in report.
23.B.
The California Municipal Financial Health Diagnostic
March 24, 2026
Background
The Diagnostic is a tool developed by Michael Coleman, the principal fiscal policy advisor to the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSFMO).
A report card to validate areas in which the City is fiscally healthy, identify programs and areas to improve, help management and elected officials identify and act to remedy problems and address them before they become unmanageable, avoid being blind-sided by problems, and help others understand the City's financial position.
This tool was initiated by the League of California Cities and has been endorsed by the Government Finance Officers Associa tion (GFOA) and used by numerous cities throughout California.
2 Highlights – Financial Distress Checklist
¾Failure to pay an undisputed claim from a creditor within 90 days past claim date- NO
¾Failure to forward income taxes withheld for over 30 days past due date- NO
¾Failure to make required pension fund contributions on time- NO
¾Missing a payroll for 7 days- NO
¾Available unrestricted balance for General Fund at the current fiscal year will be negative- CAUTION
4 Thank you!
FY 2026-27 Budget Workshop #1
March 24, 2026
Purpose
•Review Financial Trend History
•Discuss Key Cost Drivers Affecting the FY 2026-27
Budget
•Next Steps
2 Upcoming Budget Workshops & Meetings
Council Workshops:
• March 24th – Council Budget Workshop #1
• April 10th – Strategic Planning Workshop
• April 21st – Council Budget Workshop #2
• June 9th – Tentative Council Adoption
Measure U Oversight Committee Meetings:
• April 16th – Measure U Citizen Oversight Committee Meeting • May 28th – Measure U Citizen Oversight Committee Meeting 3 FY2026-27 Budget Focus
•Adjust workforce and service levels over the next two
fiscal years to reflect current budget realities
¾Slow expenditure growth
¾Pursue revenue solutions
¾Protect General Fund Reserve
18 Active Cost Containment Strategies
19 •De facto hiring freeze
•City Manager or Administrative Services Director
approval required for expenditures above $1,000
•Limit overtime for emergencies only
Data Points to Refine
20 •Determine if SAFER Grant will be extended
•Cannabis tax estimate
•Monitor sales tax performance
•Monitor permit revenue
Active Revenue Strategies
21 •LAMAR billboards
•Short-term rentals
•Sale of land at Stetson and Sanderson
•“Shop Local” campaign
Next Steps
22 •Develop 24-month strategy to adjust workforce and
service levels to reflect current budget realities
•Continue refining data points
•Communicate with labor
•Explore alternative insurance options
•Advance revenue strategies
Questions?
PProject Summary
O n N o v e m b e r 7 , 2 0 2 5 , t h e C a l i f o r n i a D e p a r t m e n t o f H o u s i n g a n d C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t ( H C D ) inquired about the City’s implementation of General Plan Housing Element Program H-3i, addressing compliance with California Government Code section 65583.2(c). This program states:
Any non-vacant sites identified in the prior 5th Cycle or vacant sites identified two or more consecutive planning periods, shall be approved by-right when at least 20% of the units in the proposed development are affordable to lower-income households.
To comply with State law, the City will permit re sidential uses by-right for housing developments projects in which an applicant provides at least 20-percent of the units affordable to lower-income households for sites that:
• Are non-vacant and identified in the prior planning period; and • Vacant sites included in two or more consecutive planning periods (e.g., Housing Element Cycles 5 and 6)
PProject Summary (Cont.)
To demonstrate to HCD that the City can meet the 5 th and 6 th Housing Element Cycles RHNA, and implement General Plan Housing Element Program H-3i, the City of Hemet must amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow affordable housing (minimum 20%) by-right on 21 parcels identified in Table H-39 of the City of Hemet 5th Cycle Housing Element.
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, staff offered the following implementation schedule to HCD:
• Planning Commission – February 17, 2026
• Introduction and 1st Reading at City Council – March 24, 2026 (due to warehouse hearing on March 10) • 2nd Reading at City Council – April 14, 2026
• Effective Date (if approved by CC) – May 14, 2026
HCD agreed to the proposed schedule. Failure to amend the HMC and come into compliance could result in potentially severe sanctions by HCD, up to and including decertification of the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element.
The following 7 slides show the locations of the parcels subject to affordable housing “By Right” on 21 parcels identified in the Housing Element, totaling 110.4 acres, with a maximum potential unit count of 4,968 multi-family residential units, of which a total of 994 must be “affordable” units.
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Jamaar M. Boyd-Weatherby, Hearing Officer
JONES MAYER
3777 N. Harbor Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92835
Telephone: (714) 446-1400
BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING OFFICER
FOR THE CITY OF HEMET
IN RE:
102 E. FLORIDA AVENUE,
SUBJECT PROPERTY,
APPEAL OF ORDER TO DEMOLISH
UNDER HEMET MUNICIPAL CODE.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND STATEMENT OF
DECISION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE
HEARING OFFICER
Hearing Officer: Jamaar M. Boyd-Weatherby
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.
1. This matter involves an Order to Demolish 102 E. Florida Avenue (“Subject Property”) in the City of Hemet under Section 14-40 of the Hemet Municipal Code (a locally adopted version of the California Building Code). Jamaar M. Boyd-Weatherby (“Hearing Officer”), sitting as the Hearing Officer, heard this matter on August 1, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. (the “Hearing”). The Hearing Officer is a licensed attorney in the State of California and serves as Hearing Officer under contract with the City of Hemet. Pursuant to Hemet Municipal Code, the Hearing Officer shall uphold or deny the City’s Demolition Order.
2. City is a municipal corporation existing under the laws of the State of California. The City was represented at the Hearing by Javiar Nolasco, Chief Building Official (“City Representative”), Monique Alaniz-Flejter, Community Development Director, and Sarah Kelly, Code Enforcement Manager.
3. Jason Strain, Michael Song, and Simon Chu appeared in opposition to the Notice of Demolition.
4. There were verbal and written submissions for public comment from members of the public both in support and in opposition of the Application.
5. The Hearing Officer considered the testimony of all witnesses at the hearing and all documents made part of the administrative record. The mere fact that a witness’s testimony or
document may not be specifically referred to below does not and shall not be construed to mean that said testimony or document was not considered.
6. Pursuant to the Administrative Procedures and practices for the City of Hemet, the hearing was digitally recorded.
7. The documents presented to the Hearing Officer during the hearing are the administrative record of the hearing.
ISSUES
8. Pursuant to Section 116.3 of the California Building Code, as adopted by the Hemet Municipal Code, and the Hemet Municipal Code section 1-102, the issue to be determined by the Hearing Officer is whether to abate/demolish 102 E. Florida Avenue pursuant to the May 27, 2025 Notice of Violation.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
9. This matter is before the Hearing Officer consistent with Section 116.3 of the CBC and the Hemet Municipal Code section 1-102.
10. The City of Hemet adopted the 2022 California Building Code under Hemet Municipal Code Section 14-40, which reads in part, “The 2022 California Building Code, codified in Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including Appendices C, F, G, I, and J, as such code may be amended from time to time, except as hereinafter amended by this division, is adopted by reference as the building code of the city.”
11. The City of Hemet adopted certain additions, amendments, and deletions to the 2022 California Building Code as reflected in Hemet Municipal Code section 14-41.
12. Pursuant to Section 116.3 of the California Building Code, as adopted by the Hemet Municipal Code, and the Hemet Municipal Code section 1-102, the issue to be determined by the Hearing Officer is whether to abate/demolish 102 E. Florida Avenue pursuant to the May 27, 2025 Notice of Violation.
13. The Applicant filed a request to appeal the decision to abate/demolish his Property within 10 days of the May 27, 2025 Notice of Violation.
14. The City Representative, Javier Nolasco, testified on behalf of the City. He testified that he issued a Notice to Demolish Simon Chu’s property at 102 E. Florida. Nolasco testified that the property was in disrepair and that the property did not have a roof. He indicated that there were no active permits to complete the work. He noted that there were previous permits that were obtained but the permits expired without action. He also testified that the roof had been removed ([KLELW
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Jamaar M. Boyd-Weatherby, Hearing Officer
JONES MAYER
3777 N. Harbor Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92835
Telephone: (714) 446-1400
BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING OFFICER
FOR THE CITY OF HEMET
IN RE:
118, 122, 124 and 126 HARVARD
STREET
,
SUBJECT PROPERTY,
APPEAL OF ORDER TO DEMOLISH
UNDER
HEMET MUNICIPAL CODE.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND STATEMENT OF
DECISION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE
HEARING OFFICER
Hearing Officer:
Jamaar M. Boyd-Weatherby
Date: September 3, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.
1. This matter involves an Order to Demolish the structure behind 118, 122, 124 and 126 Harvard Street (“Subject Property”) in the City of Hemet under Section 14-40 of the Hemet Municipal Code (a locally adopted version of the California Building Code). Jamaar M. Boyd- Weatherby (“Hearing Officer”), sitting as the Hearing Officer, heard this matter on September 3, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. (the “Hearing”). The Hearing Officer is a licensed attorney in the State of California and serves as Hearing Officer under contract with the City of Hemet. Pursuant to Hemet Municipal Code, the Hearing Officer shall uphold or deny the City’s Demolition Order.
2. City is a municipal corporation existing under the laws of the State of California. The City was represented at the Hearing by Javiar Nolasco, Chief Building Official (“City Representative”), and Che Tang, Structural Engineer.
3. Jason Strain, Richard Thompson, and Michael Song appeared in opposition to the Notice of Demolition.
4. There were verbal and written submissions for public comment from members of the public both in support and in opposition of the Application.
5. The Hearing Officer considered the testimony of all witnesses at the hearing and all documents made part of the administrative record. The mere fact that a witness’s testimony or
document may not be specifically referred to below does not and shall not be construed to mean that said testimony or document was not considered.
6. Pursuant to the Administrative Procedures and practices for the City of Hemet, the hearing was digitally recorded.
7. The documents presented to the Hearing Officer during the hearing are the administrative record of the hearing.
ISSUES
8. Pursuant to Section 116.3 of the California Building Code, as adopted by the Hemet Municipal Code, and the Hemet Municipal Code section 1-102, the issue to be determined by the Hearing Officer is whether to abate/demolish the structure at the Property pursuant to the May 27, 2025 Notice of Violation.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
9. This matter is before the Hearing Officer consistent with Section 116.3 of the CBC and the Hemet Municipal Code section 1-102.
10. The City of Hemet adopted the 2022 California Building Code under Hemet Municipal Code Section 14-40, which reads in part, “The 2022 California Building Code, codified in Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including Appendices C, F, G, I, and J, as such code may be amended from time to time, except as hereinafter amended by this division, is adopted by reference as the building code of the city.”
11. The City of Hemet adopted certain additions, amendments, and deletions to the 2022 California Building Code as reflected in Hemet Municipal Code section 14-411.
12. Pursuant to Section 116.3 of the California Building Code, as adopted by the Hemet Municipal Code, and the Hemet Municipal Code section 1-102, the issue to be determined by the Hearing Officer is whether to abate/demolish structure at the rear of the Property pursuant to the May 27, 2025 Notice of Violation.
13. The Applicant filed a request to appeal the decision to abate/demolish his Property within 10 days of the May 27, 2025 Notice of Violation.
1 The Notice to Abate was based, in part, on violations of the Hemet Municipal Code Chapter 14 regarding Building and Building Regulations. However, the Notice does not specify the exact violation of Chapter 14. Due process requires “notice “of what is alleged to be deficient. The broad reference to chapter without clarification on the specific violations is insufficient to provide notice. As such, this alleged basis for demolition will not be considered while making this decision.
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SIMON CHU PROPERTIES
Memorandum
For: Record
From: Jason Strain
CC: Simon Chu,
January 13, 2025
For Record: Updates on projects
1022 EE Floridaa Ave. - We have been communicating with the City, sending plans and corrections only to be met with new issues brought by planning that were never a part of this issue to include the facade permit that was 10 years ago as well as 15 year old certificates of occupancy. Not to mention the insistence from the planning department that there be a use declared and stated for the building prior to any remediation being done and now a Site development review accomplished. In speaking directly with the building official, he did not have a problem removing the red tag as long as "upstairs" supported his decision.
Clearly that is not the case.
We cannot fix windows or repair the facade as the building is currently red tagged and now Monique is claiming, despite our engineer's report, that the structural aspects of the facade are "Failing" and require a complete new submittal to be included with the structural and shell renovation that was previously approved.
Let me remind you that there WAS an active permit and plans for the building and Simon allowed it to expire because of Covid and running out of funds at the time. We know that Simon should not have let the permit expire and own that.
118/124/1266 NN Harvard – This is at a standstill until the lot line adjustment is completed. Once completed, we will add that to the Major SDR package to begin the review process as the City’s stance is that the Minor SDR and changes to it that were previously approved are outside the approval scope of the previous Community Development Director’s and a complete Major SDR would need to brought before the planning commission
1188 NN Harvardd St – Restaurant Ti is almost complete. We are still working with Edison to re-energize the building and So Cal Gas to provide service. Once the utilities are in place we will be ready for final inspections.
1300 EE Kimball – Restaurant TI is almost complete. So Cal Gas should provide service by the first part of February. We have minor inspections to complete and the majority of work now is cosmetic. We estimate once So Cal Gas installs our meter we will be ready for final.
Jason Strain
Assistant to Mr. Chu
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Simon Chu Properties
June 23, 2025
Mr. Javier Nolasco
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Re: Southern California Gas Company Service Discontinuation – 118 N. Harvard Street, Hemet, CA
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Attn: Honorable Mayor and City Council
445 E. Florida Avenue
Hemet, CA 92543
10/01/25
Re: Request for Exemption – Downtown Kitchen Grant (Kimball’s Bistro, 130 E. Kimball Ave.)
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council,
On behalf of Simon Chu and Kimball’s Bistro, I respectfully request the Council’s consideration of a limited exemption to the reimbursement provisions outlined in the Downtown Kitchen Grant Agreement executed on August 20, 2025 First, we wish to express our sincere gratitude for the award of $150,000 through the "ĺſIJťĺſIJϙXĖťèēôIJϙ@ŘÍIJťϙŘĺČŘÍıϟϙēĖŜϙČŘÍIJťϙŘôƲôèťŜϙťēôϙ ĖťƅЍŜϙèĺııĖťıôIJťϙťĺϙŘôŽĖťÍīĖƏĖIJČϙ
Downtown Hemet, and we deeply appreciate being entrusted as a partner in that vision.
At the same time, the current stipulation that expenses incurred prior to the signing of the contract and issuance of the Notice to Proceed are not reimbursable greatly limits the scope of qualifying expenditures. In our case, the Kimball’s Bistro project was already underway prior to the City’s adoption of the grant program, and substantial investments in eligible equipment—such as commercial-grade ranges, refrigeration, and ventilation systems—had already been made in good faith to advance the project. These expenses directly align with the program’s intent, yet under the current language they are excluded from reimbursement.
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for eligible expenses incurred prior to the grant’s execution, provided that:
1. The restaurant has not previously opened to the public;
2. The expenditures fall within the program’s eligible equipment and improvement categories; and
3. ĺıŕīôťôϙĖIJŽĺĖèôŜϙÍIJîϙŕŘĺĺċϙĺċϙŕÍƅıôIJťϙÍŘôϙŜŪæıĖťťôîϙċĺŘϙ ĖťƅϙŽôŘĖƱèÍťĖĺIJϟ
ôèĺČIJĖƏĖIJČϙťēôŜôϙôÍŘīƅϙĖIJŽôŜťıôIJťŜϙſĺŪīîϙôIJŜŪŘôϙťēÍťϙťēôϙ"ĺſIJťĺſIJϙXĖťèēôIJϙ@ŘÍIJťϙċŪīīƅϙ achieves its purpose: supporting serious operators who have committed to downtown ŘôŽĖťÍīĖƏÍťĖĺIJϠϙŘôČÍŘîīôŜŜϙĺċϙſēôťēôŘϙťēôĖŘϙĖIJŽôŜťıôIJťϙŕŘôèôîôîϙťēôϙŕŘĺČŘÍıЍŜϙŘĺīīĺŪťϟϙ Without such an exemption, businesses like Kimball’s—who took initiative and acted early—are inadvertently disadvantaged.
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City of Hemet
City Council Meeting
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council Meeting - Jan 13 2026
Department: Administration
Submitted by: Mark Prestwich, City Manager
Benigno Sandoval, Economic Development Director;
Receive and File Consent Calendar Business Item Public Hearing TITLE:
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Amending the Downtown Kitchen Grant Program, Authorizing Waiver of Planning and Building Permit Fees for Program Participants, and Establishing an Additional General Fund Appropriations in the Amount of $500,000; Consideration of Request by Kimball's Bistro for an Exemption to their $150,000 Grant Award; Consideration of Request by Carlton's Steakhouse to Move their $300,000 Grant Award to 123 N.
Harvard Street; Consideration of Initiating a Second Kitchen Grant Application Period RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is respectfully recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Amending the City's Downtown Kitchen Grant Program; Authorizing a Waiver of Planning and Building Permit Fees for Program Participants; and Appropriating an Additional $500,000 in General Fund Reserves to the Kitchen Grant Program;
2. Deny a Request by Kimball's Bistro for an Exemption to their $150,000 Grant Award;
3. Approve a Request by Carlton's Steakhouse to move their $300,000 Grant Award to 123 N.
Harvard Street; and
4. Authorize Initiating a Second Kitchen Grant Application Period BACKGROUND:
On August 13, 2024, the City Council adopted the Hemet RISES Economic Strategy, which included a strategic initiative to incentivize restaurant investment in the City's Downtown. The City desires to support business creation and restore the vibrancy of Downtown as a place to visit, shop, and dine.
The City Council appropriated $300,000 in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget and an additional $200,000 in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to supplement the existing funding for a total available allocation of $500,000. The program provides funding to offset the start-up costs of opening a restaurant(s), including kitchen equipment, renovations, and other related expenses.
When approved, the Hemet Downtown Kitchen Grant Program was designed to revitalize the heart of Hemet by fostering a thriving culinary scene. Recognizing the profound impact of a vibrant food scene on a community's economic vitality, social fabric, job creation, and overall quality of life, this program supports the establishment and expansion of high-quality restaurants within a designated Downtown Hemet district.
The program envisions a transformed downtown, a culinary destination that attracts both residents and visitors alike. It seeks to create a dynamic and diverse food scene that not only enhances the dining experience but also contributes significantly to the economic and social well-being of the community. Applicants must demonstrate a 20% financial commitment as a matching contribution toward their project.
The Downtown Kitchen Grant Program was presented to the Planning Commission on April 15, 2025, and was met with a supportive response. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the program but provided feedback that $300,000 might not be enough to support potential projects and encouraged the City Council to consider adding more funding if available to attract higher-quality investment.
ANALYSIS:
The City of Hemet advertised and opened the Downtown Kitchen Grant for 30 days from May 6, 2025, to June 5, 2025. A total of four applications were received in the 30-day application period.
The City Council's Business Ad-Hoc Committee, consisting of Mayor Jackie Peterson and Council Member Joe Males, reviewed and considered the four applications received. After discussing options, the Business Ad Hoc Committee recommended, and the Council approved, a total of $450,000 be awarded to three applicants as follows:
Business Location Amount
Kimball's Bistro Kimball & Harvard $150,000
Carlton's Steakhouse Florida & Harvard $300,000
Samurai Sam's Sandwiches Florida & Inez Waiver of City/Permit Fees Monetary grant recipients were required to sign an agreement that authorizes reimbursement of eligible expenses up to the award amount.
On October 1, 2025, Kimball's Bistro submitted a letter to the City requesting an exemption from the reimbursement provisions outlined in the Downtown Grant Agreement executed on August 20, 2025, to reimburse them for expenses incurred before the contract's execution (see attached letter below).
Because the City's grant requires the use of prevailing wage, and no documentation of prevailing wage was utilized, the City Attorney had significant reservations about the legality of this proposal. It is recommended, however, that Kimball's Bistro receive the benefit of retroactive fee waivers and building permit waivers previously granted to them. Therefore, $200,000 remains available in unused grant funds ($50,000 not awarded initially and $150,000 from the unused Kimball's Bistro grant).
On December 10, 2025, Carlton's Steakhouse submitted a request to move their $300,000 Kitchen Grant award from the corner of Harvard Street and Florida Avenue to 123 N. Harvard Street.
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From: Eric Smith
To: Javier Nolasco;
Cc: Wilmar Lopez; Jordan Walton
Subject: RE: Cancelled Inspection for today 2/11
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026 1:56:10 PM
Attachments: image007.png
image008.png
image009.png
image010.png
image011.png
image012.png
image013.png
image014.png
Jordan in planning has corrections before I can do a plan review Thank you,
Eric SmithSenior Building Inspector
CITY OF HEMET FIRE & LIFE SAFETY AGENCY
510 E. Florida Avenue Hemet, CA 92543
[email protected]
Direct Line: 951-765-2489
Our office is open Monday- Friday 730-530. For project status, inspection results, or to file code enforcement/fire life safety complaints online please visit our website HEMET FIRE/ DEPARTMENT Of life safety | Hemet, CA - Official Website (hemetca.gov)
From: Javier Nolasco <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 4:17 PM
To:
Cc: Eric Smith <[email protected]>; Wilmar Lopez <[email protected]>; Jordan Walton <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Cancelled Inspection for today 2/11
Jason,
When ready, please upload your plans to permit #B2212-199 www.hemetca.gov
Javier Nolasco | Chief Building Official
Community Development | Building & Safety Division
445 E. Florida Avenue | Hemet, CA 92543
Division: 951-765-2475 | Direct: 951-765-2480
City Hall is open Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
My office hours are Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm From: Javier Nolasco
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 4:04 PM
To: j
Cc: Eric Smith <[email protected]>; Wilmar Lopez <[email protected]>; Jordan Walton <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Cancelled Inspection for today 2/11
Sent invoice
www.hemetca.gov
Javier Nolasco | Chief Building Official
Community Development | Building & Safety Division
445 E. Florida Avenue | Hemet, CA 92543
Division: 951-765-2475 | Direct: 951-765-2480
City Hall is open Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
My office hours are Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm From:
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 11:35 AM
To: Javier Nolasco <[email protected]>
Cc: Eric Smith <[email protected]>; Wilmar Lopez <[email protected]>; Jordan Walton <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Cancelled Inspection for today 2/11
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Hemet. Think before you click! Javier,
Here is the adjusted plan as requested.
Jason A. Strain
Assistant to Mr. Chu
https://downtownhemetproperties.com/
From: Javier Nolasco <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 10:47 AM
To:
Cc: Eric Smith <[email protected]>; Wilmar Lopez <[email protected]>; Jordan Walton <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Cancelled Inspection for today 2/11
Per our conversation, correct the plans and upload them in TRAKIT or send them to me. Please show how many inches the windows encroach into the right of way. Even better— please provide a new window rendering so planning can understand the new design.
Thank you,
Javier Nolasco | Chief Building Official
www.hemetca.gov
Community Development | Building & Safety Division
445 E. Florida Avenue | Hemet, CA 92543
Division: 951-765-2475 | Direct: 951-765-2480
City Hall is open Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
My office hours are Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm From:
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 10:24 AM
To: Javier Nolasco <[email protected]>
Cc: Eric Smith <[email protected]>; Wilmar Lopez <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Cancelled Inspection for today 2/11
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Hemet. Think before you click! Attached are the revised plan set for B2212-199. I will also upload them to E Trakit.
The notes on E Trakit were for #B2109-278 and reviewed during the final building inspection on 1/21/26 and was signed off on the job card.
Thank you,
Jason A. Strain
Assistant to Mr. Chu
https://downtownhemetproperties.com/
From: Javier Nolasco <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 9:46 AM
To:
Cc: Eric Smith <[email protected]>; Wilmar Lopez <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Cancelled Inspection for today 2/11
Jason, per our conversation, please provide a revised plan showing the as-built-conditions for the façade.
Please note that to obtain the C of O, you need to complete the Certificate of Occupancy pocket, pay the fee, provided regulatory ADA parking stalls among other requirements.
Please confirm the corrections below have been completed: Notes from TRAKIT (1/12/2026 5:17 PM WL)
-REPLACE OUTLETS ON ROOF WITH GFCI PROTECTED PLUGS.
-INSTALL COVER PLATES ON OUTLETS BEHIND FRYERS.
-ELECTRICAL CONDUIT ON ROOF MUST BE SUPPORTED AND STRAPPED, IT MAY NOT BE SUPPORTED BY GAS PIPPING.
-PROTECT FREEZERS AND COOLER CONDENSER.
***JASON NEEDS TO RESUBMIT A REVISED BUILDING APPLICATION AND MAKE SURE THAT
ANY CHANGES TO THE EXTERIOR COME WITH UPDATED EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS DRAWINGS. ONCE THEY'VE DONE THAT, THEN THE PERMIT CAN GET FINALIZED. PLANNING
PLAN CHECK REQUIRED
Thank you,
www.hemetca.gov
Javier Nolasco | Chief Building Official
Community Development | Building & Safety Division
445 E. Florida Avenue | Hemet, CA 92543
Division: 951-765-2475 | Direct: 951-765-2480
City Hall is open Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
My office hours are Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm From:
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 9:17 AM
To: Eric Smith <[email protected]>; Jordan Walton <[email protected]>; Wilmar Lopez <[email protected]>; William Myers <[email protected]> Cc: Javier Nolasco <[email protected]>; Emery Papp <[email protected]>; Monique Alaniz-Flejter <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Cancelled Inspection for today 2/11
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Hemet. Think before you click! Hi Eric,
Thank you for the update. I apologize for the delayed response as I have been out of the office for a week with an illness.
Regarding the façade elements:
The originally approved color scheme reflected an earlier “Post Office/Speakeasy” concept and included a battleship grey exterior. As the project evolved into a California Bistro concept, the design palette was adjusted accordingly. Care was taken to ensure that all selected colors remain consistent with and within the City’s approved color chart.
With respect to the windows, the original design included roll-up garage-style doors. During construction, we identified a more cost-effective accordion-style system that opens fully to the edges of the window opening.
These window panels do not extend past the window sill and do not intrude into the public sidewalk area. We certainly understand and appreciate any safety concerns and are happy to coordinate with Planning to review and confirm compliance.
Regarding the canopy, the decision was made to retain the existing structure rather than remove and replace it with a modern glass system. This approach preserved historical character more consistent with the building’s origins as Hemet’s former post office, reduced unnecessary demolition, and allowed existing electrical infrastructure to remain in place while being upgraded to current code requirements.
This project has always aimed to respect both the historic significance of the building and the broader character of downtown Hemet, and we hope to incorporate many homages to the building’s history once open.
Please let me know the best point of contact in Planning so we can coordinate promptly and keep the project moving forward.
Thank you,
Jason
Jason A. Strain
Assistant to Mr. Chu
https://downtownhemetproperties.com/
From: Eric Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 9:31 AM
To: Jason Strain Jordan Walton <[email protected]>; Wilmar Lopez <[email protected]>; William Myers <[email protected]> Cc: Javier Nolasco <[email protected]>; Emery Papp <[email protected]>; Monique Alaniz-Flejter <[email protected]>
Subject: Cancelled Inspection for today 2/11
Hi Jason, I cancelled your Façade inspection today because I was looking at the elevations that were approved when the building was to be a grey color and the windows and canopy’s do not look anything like the approved elevation drawings, your building is missing the top part of the canopy and the drawings show windows rolling up and what is installed are windows that swing out, I will be forwarding this to Planning due to safety concerns that I have on Windows opening out onto a public sidewalk, Please talk to planning to get this corrected to move forward with this project
Thank you,
Eric SmithSenior Building Inspector
CITY OF HEMET FIRE & LIFE SAFETY AGENCY
510 E. Florida Avenue Hemet, CA 92543
Esmith
@Hemetca.gov
Direct Line: 951-765-2489
Our office is open Monday- Friday 730-530. For project status, inspection results, or to file code enforcement/fire life safety complaints online please visit our website HEMET FIRE/ DEPARTMENT Of life safety | Hemet, CA - Official Website (hemetca.gov)
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1. Signed a lease 10/25/23 - $2350/mo
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Commerce member.
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e. 12/29/23 – ŕŕôÍīϙīôťťôŘϙŜôIJťϙťĺϙ
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Jason Strain
Assistant to Mr. Chu
Simon Chu Properties
June 18, 2025
Mr. Javier Nolasco
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Covell Building
͔͐͏ϙ(ϙ>īĺŘĖîÍϙŽôIJŪô
Hemet, CA 92543
(951) 765-2480
CC: aÍŘħϙŘôŜťſĖèēϠϙťôŽôIJϙ@ŘÍēÍıϠϙôIJĖČIJĺϙÍIJîĺŽÍī
Re: Recent Visit and Code Complaint Investigation – 118, 124, and 126 N. Harvard Street
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SIMON CHU PROPERTIES
Memorandum
For: Record
From: Jason Strain
CC: Simon Chu,
February 10, 2025
For Record: Eagle Brew Coffee Tenant – Occupancy Sign-Off I recently spoke with our tenant for 201B, Kyle with Eagle Brew Coffee Crew. He visited the City to obtain his Certificate of Occupancy but was informed by technician Kim Mags that she could not assist him. He was further told that all matters related to this project—due to its location in one of Simon’s buildings—must be approved directly by the City Manager or Javier. Since it was Friday, she stated that no action could be taken at that time.
Additionally, it was communicated that only Monique has the authority to sign off on the planning portion for properties associated with Simon’s buildings.
This ongoing pattern of additional scrutiny toward Simon’s projects and tenants continues to create unnecessary obstacles, discouraging potential renters. Kyle expressed frustration, stating that had he known about these challenges, he would not have chosen to lease from us. To assist him, I provided Javier’s contact information in hopes of resolving the issue. However, this should not be the standard process for conducting business.
Update::
Kyle was able to reach Javier, who clarified that his team has the authority to sign documents and make decisions, emphasizing that "this is what they get paid to do." Although Javier was not in the office on Friday, he coordinated with staff on duty, enabling Kyle to obtain his certificate. I will follow up with Kyle in the coming days for additional details.
Keyy Takeaway::
There appears to be a systemic disconnect between frontline staff communication and the guidance provided by leadership. This misalignment creates unnecessary delays and financial strain for tenants and property owners.
Addressing this issue would improve efficiency and foster a more business-friendly environment.
J
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Assistant to Mr. Chu
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Executive Summary
The uploaded record reflects a multi-year pattern in which downtown projects associated with Simon Chu were repeatedly pushed backward into new review cycles rather than being helped across the finish line. The materials show prior approvals, active compliance efforts, repeated requests for City guidance and intervention, later enforcement escalation, demolition efforts that were rejected by hearing officers, and continued post-hearing barriers into March 2026.
For Sorriso at 118 N. Harvard, the key current explanation is th at a project described internally as nearly complete by January 2025 was delayed by utility-restoration problems, the gas-disconnect and meter-delay sequence, financing pressure from pendency notices, and then a permit-expiration reset that pushed the project back into planning and building review.
For Kimball's at 130 E. Kimball, the record shows a project near completion that later lost intended kitchen-grant funding, was pushed back into facade and Planning review after a canceled inspection, and then faced additional Certificate of Occupancy and ADA parking/path-of-travel demands instead of a close-out path.
The broader record also shows repeated requests for meetings, clarification, and relief; repeated allegations and complaints by the McPhersons that staff then acted upon; and a management culture that, in the documents, appears more adversarial and reactive than practical and solution-oriented.
Bottom line: the record does not suggest that every City concern was illegitimate. Rather, it shows that management decisions, complaint-driven enforcement, and interdepartmental resets repeatedly converted near-complete projects into prolonged disputes.
Visual Overview
Figure 1. Major chronology from prior approvals to current enforcement.
1. Background and Scope
This report is based on the uploaded file set assembled across the current project record. The materials include permits, planning approvals, internal memos, emails, hearing packets, hearing orders, City staff reports, grant-program materials, violation notices, and supplemental packets concerning Eagle Brew and the Harvard Spa tenant.
The report focuses on five core threads: (1) prior approvals and reliance; (2) requests for City guidance, intervention, and relief; (3) complaint-driven enforcement and repeated McPherson allegations; (4) the project-specific histories of Sorriso, Kimball's, 102 E. Florida, 201 E. Florida/Eagle Brew, and the Harvard Spa tenant; and (5) the post-hearing status of the disputes through March 2026.
2. Prior Approvals, Reliance, and Early Project History The record shows that the Harvard project did not begin as an unpermitted free-for-all. The City approved SDR 21-010 in June 2021, and the approval materials and related planning correspondence treated the 118 addition and the 124- 126 patio cover as a valid Minor SDR path at that time. Building permits were issued and inspections were performed.
This matters because later disputes often reframed the same work as if it had never been legitimately in process. The timeline materials repeatedly show project teams responding to corrections, providing engineered fixes, pursuing lot- line adjustments, paying review costs, and seeking direction rather than ignoring City requirements.
3. Requests for City Intervention and Relief
One recurring theme is that Simon’s team repeatedly requested meetings, clarifications, and direct intervention from City staff and leadership. The record reflects repeated attempts to meet after walkthroughs and inspections, requests to sit down with Planning and Building, outreach to the City Attorney, direct letters to Chief Sell and City leadership, and follow-ups asking how previously approved projects could be moved forward.
These requests matter because they undercut any simple narrative of owner inaction. The file set instead shows the owner side asking for clarity and relief, while management response often came late, after enforcement steps had already been taken, or in the form of new submittal requirements rather than practical close-out guidance.
4. Complaint-Driven Allegations and McPherson Activity
The report should not claim that every complaint was false or that every City response was wrongful. However, the uploaded materials do show a repeated pattern in which complaints or allegations attributed to Matthew and Judith McPherson were followed by City staff time, inspections, holds, inquiries, or enforcement action.
Examples include the gas-line allegations at 118 N. Harvard, ongoing complaint pressure referenced in the 201 E.
Florida / Eagle Brew and 120 S. Harvard materials, Jason’s March 17, 2026 memorandum about the SCF2603 A/C issue, and Jason’s July 30, 2024 memo recording that Javier expressed frustration with repeated McPherson complaints and referenced their perceived influence with management.
The Harvard Spa matter also appears, in context, to have been triggered or amplified by complaint activity, even though the business was a tenant operation rather than Simon’s own business. The record ultimately shows the City revoking the business license on the theory that the operation was a prohibited massage business rather than a permitted spa use, while the tenant appealed based on the Downtown Spec ific Plan and the sequence of approvals already obtained.
5. March 6, 2024 as the Central Escalation Point
The most important sequence in the record remains March 6, 2024. The uploaded materials state that 118 N. Harvard had passed the Edison release inspection that morning. The same day, the City Attorney’s office delivered the Consent Order, and red tags were placed on 118 N. Harvard and 102 E. Florida.
That is a central turning point because it captures the larger theme of the report: progress on one side of the City at the same moment that a broader enforcement escalation was being imposed on the owner side.
6. Sorriso / 118 N. Harvard Narrative
The Sorriso record shows a restaurant project that was repeatedly described internally as nearly complete. By January 2025, the remaining issues were framed primarily as utility restoration and final close-out items. Javier’s March 4, 2025 memo is important because it records that progress on the Edison release moved after direct conversation and intervention.
The project was then damaged by the gas-disconnect sequence. Jason’s later March 17, 2026 memorandum states that the City-issued disconnect action caused substantial confusion, delayed meter installation, and consumed enough time that the TI permit expired, forcing the project back into plan re-accomplishment and resubmittal through Planning and Building. Pendency notices also interfered with refinancing, which compounded the project’s inability to move cleanly to opening.
The report should therefore state that Sorriso is not closed because it was abandoned. It is closed because utility restoration, financing pressure, and permit close-out were repeatedly interrupted or reset.
7. Kimball's / 130 E. Kimball Narrative
The Kimball's record also reflects a project approaching completion. Internal status materials say drywall passed, windows were installed, and facade/TI progress was steady while utility coordination continued. Later, however, Kimball's lost the use of its intended $150,000 kitchen grant even though the City later broadened the grant language to support establishment and expansion of restaurants more generally.
By November 2025, the City's own minutes show the facade permit expired and the interior revision set stuck in a fees- due posture. Then, on February 11, 2026, Eric Smith canceled the facade inspection and sent the issue back to Planning. Javier's later email required revised as-built facade plans, revised applications, updated exterior elevations, planning plan check, and ADA parking / C of O items before finaling. Eric then wrote that Jordan in Planning still had corrections before review could proceed.
The report should therefore state that Kimball's is not closed because work stopped. It is closed because a project near final approval was repeatedly pushed backward into new planning, facade, parking, and C of O review while its intended funding was simultaneously removed.
8. 102 E. Florida Narrative
The 102 E. Florida matter moved from the March 2024 red tag and Consent Order into a full demolition-track conflict.
Simon appealed, and the hearing officer later denied the demolition request. That ruling should have been a turning point toward practical compliance. Instead, the City continued to layer in engineering and planning hurdles, including certificate-of-compliance style requirements and expanded planning review positions.
The newly uploaded March 13, 2026 notice shows that 102 E. Florida remained under active post-hearing enforcement pressure months after the hearing officer had rejected demolition. That strengthens the report’s conclusion that hearing wins did not meaningfully end the operational pressure on the properties.
9. 201 E. Florida / Eagle Brew Narrative
The 201 E. Florida file set shows a project described as effectively finaled except for Planning sign-off. Yet the Eagle Brew tenant-improvement path still suffered from routing lag and tenant risk. Jason’s internal notes and the related email chain state that he had to follow up repeatedly and personally go to the counter to ensure that the plans were routed for review.
The Eagle Brew / Kimberly–Javier conversation materials are especially significant because they suggest staff hesitation around issuance and movement of the permit / COO process until Javier directly intervened. That incident is stronger than a generic delay because it suggests internal uncertainty or fear within staff rather than a straightforward technical review issue.
10. 106 S. Harvard / Harvard Spa Narrative
The Harvard Spa package is important because it shows another example of a tenant operation becoming a City controversy after approvals had already been issued. The record shows a lease, business-license process, City approvals, a certificate of occupancy, a soft opening, and then a December 28, 2023 revocation letter signed by Mark Prestwich. The tenant appealed on the ground that “spa” was expressly permitted under the Downtown Specific Plan and that the business was not the kind of prohibited massage operation the City claimed.
Regardless of the underlying land-use merits, the Harvard Spa file is important to the report because it shows the City shutting down a tenant operation and then failing to communicate a timely post-hearing result cleanly. It also reinforces the larger point that properties associated with Simon Chu were repeatedly becoming the focus of adversarial administrative action rather than practical resolution.
11. Post-Hearing and Current Status Through March 2026
The report should emphasize that the disputes did not end when hearing officers denied demolition. Instead, the City continued to press enforcement. The March 13, 2026 notices for 118 N. Harvard, 122/124/126 N. Harvard, and 102 E.
Florida are key because they show the City still asserting noncompliance months after the earlier hearing orders and demanding corrective action by April 10, 2026.
The SCF2603 A/C memo adds to this current-status picture by showing that new complaint-driven enforcement matters were still being launched at other Simon properties even as the earlier disputes remained unresolved.
12. Management Themes and Requested Reforms
The central management theme in the record is not simply strict enforcement. It is the repeated inability or unwillingness of departments to move nearly complete projects to close-out. The file set shows resets, routing problems, system holds, file-availability issues, changing interpretations, unanswered meeting requests, and direct managerial barriers to moving applications or permits forward.
For council purposes, the report supports asking for: a management-level review of Planning / Building / Code practices; a single point of contact for near-complete downtown projects; a written close-out protocol; written explanations when projects are pushed backward into new review cycles; and clearer boundaries around complaint- driven enforcement so that serious administrative tools are not used reflexively in response to unverified allegations.
x Why did demolition hearing wins not lead to a clear close-out path, but instead continued post-hearing enforcement?
x What management changes will be made so near-comple te projects are not repeatedly pushed backward into new review cycles?
City Council Meeting March 24, 2026
From: Jason A. Strain, Simon Chu Properties
Good evening, Honorable Mayor and Council.
I want to begin by saying I am not here tonight to simply add to the criticism this Council already receives. You have been the recipients of a great deal of frustration and vitriol, often from people who do not fully understand what it takes, day to day and behind the scenes, to make real change happen in a city like Hemet.
And I do want to acknowledge the meaningful steps this Council has ŜŪŕŕĺŘťôîϡϙťēôϙ"ĺſIJťĺſIJϙŕôèĖƱèϙīÍIJϠϙťēôϙ@ôIJôŘÍīϙīÍIJϙſĖťēϙÍϙ renewed arts element, kitchen grants, façade grants, attempted ťŘÍŜēϙôIJèīĺŜŪŘôϙČŘÍIJťŜϠϙôIJťŘôŕŘôIJôŪŘϙČŘÍIJťŜϠϙÍIJîϙťēôϙŜĖČIJĖƱèÍIJt investment in creating the Economic Development Manager position. Those are real steps forward, and they matter. aŘϟϙĖıĺIJϙ
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he has invested heavily in this community and continues to do so.
He currently has 40 tenants, with more to come. That is real investment, real momentum, and real belief in Hemet.
That is why it is so frustrating that City departments have too often failed to act as partners in progress. And to be clear, when departments are not acting as partners, that comes from leadershipϟϙIťϙŘôƲôèťŜϙťĺIJôϠϙŕŘĖĺŘĖťĖôŜϠϙÍIJîϙîĖŘôèťĖĺIJϙfrom the top.
I also believe a false narrative has been created by certain members of the community, then internalized and repeated by city īôÍîôŘŜēĖŕϠϙèŘôÍťĖIJČϙÍIJĖıĺŜĖťƅϠϙîĖŜťŘŪŜťϠϙÍIJîϙŪIJIJôèôŜŜÍŘƅϙèĺIJƲĖèťϙ around these projects.
My concern is that the Council has not always been given complete, honest, and unbiased information. And without good information, it ĖŜϙŽôŘƅϙîĖƯĖèŪīťϙťĺϙıÍħôϙŜĺŪIJîϙîôèĖŜĖĺIJŜϟϙ®ēôIJϙċÍèťŜϙÍŘôϙƱīťôŘôîϙ ťēŘĺŪČēϙIJÍŘŘÍťĖŽôϠϙťēôϙŕŪæīĖèϙŕŘĺèôŜŜϙŜŪƯôŘŜϙÍIJîϙŕŘĺČŘess stalls.
That is why I am providing a report on Simon Chu’s projects backed by receipts and exhibits. Not rumor. Not spin.
Documentation.
Mr. Chu shares in your frustration because he has experienced ƱŘŜťēÍIJîϙēĺſϙĖČIJĺŘÍIJèôϙÍIJîϙıĖŜĖIJċĺŘıÍťĖĺIJϙèÍIJϙĖIJťôŘċôŘôϙſĖťēϙ plans, investment, and progress. Yet he has continued to invest, improve properties, attract businesses, and build momentum in downtown Hemet.
That is why we want to personally invite each Council member to join us for a town hall-style gathering ON APRIL 11th, with community members, leaders, property owners, business owners, ÍIJîϙŜôīôèťϙıôıæôŘŜϙĺċϙťēôϙŕŪæīĖèϠϙŜĺϙƅĺŪϙèÍIJϙēôÍŘϙƱŘŜťēÍIJîϙaŘϟϙ Chu’s vision, see the real progress, and better understand the true status of these projects.
This community deserves facts. This Council deserves honest information. And Hemet deserves progress.
Thank you.
Jason A. Strain, ĖıĺIJϙ
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