City of Menifee Veterans and Military Families Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2025 Page 1
City of Menifee Veterans and Military Families Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, September 15, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Ed Samuelson called the meeting to order at 3:02 PM.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Al Maybeno, Ed Samuelson, Linda Blanche, Darci Castillejos
Absent: Camilo Gutierrez
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Ed Samuelson led the flag salute.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.1 Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce: Veterans Business Resources Katie Luna, President/CEO
Katie Luna, President/CEO of Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce highlighted Veterans business resources and the Small Business Development Center offered through the Chamber.
Committee member Al Maybeno inquired about the number of Veterans that have gone to the Chamber for assistance in starting a business; Ms. Luna responded that she has not had any Veterans come in for resources to start a business since she started in November 2024.
Committee member Darci Castillejos inquired about financing options offered through the Chamber. Ms. Luna responded that they do have resources available for different financing models.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5.1. Minutes from the August 18, 2025, Meeting
A motion to approve August 18, 2025, minutes was made by Chair Ed Samuelson.
Vice Chair Linda Blanche seconded.
Motion unanimously approved.
6. AGENDA APPROVAL OR MODIFICATIONS
City of Menifee Veterans and Military Families Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2025 Page 2
A motion to approve the September 15, 2025, agenda was made by Vice Chair Linda Blanche.
Committee member Al Maybeno seconded.
Motion unanimously approved.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Huao Divers requested information on grants and loans available for Veterans within the City of Menifee.
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
8.1 Property Tax Exemption (Rebate) for Disabled Veterans Margarita Cornejo, Deputy Finance Director, provided an overview of the request by City Council to explore a City-level property tax benefit program for disabled Veterans. Ms.
Cornejo summarized the components that comprise Property Taxes. Ms. Cornejo reviewed the State Law that prohibits the City from creating an exemption and noted a Rebate Program is the only legal option. Ms. Cornejo reviewed the responsibilities of City staff, should this program be implemented, including verifying eligibility, confirming tax payments, and the issuing of rebate checks. Ms. Cornejo reviewed the reduction in funding for public safety, parks and recreation, and infrastructure if a rebate program were to be approved.
David Cross, a member of the public, addressed the Committee regarding the presentation by Ms. Cornejo, asking that any rebate program be fair and available to other groups and to ensure that there is no major impact to non-Veterans or a loss of current benefits due to the decrease in funding.
Committee member Castillejos expressed she would not be in favor of the tax rebate because the cost does not outweigh the benefit for the disabled Veterans.
Committee member Maybeno encouraged additional discussion regarding the topic and its benefit.
Chair Samuelson expressed he doesn’t feel the rebate would benefit the majority and was concerned with the impact on funding for other city services.
A motion to not recommend the Rebate program to City Council was made by Committee member Darci Castillejos.
Chair Ed Samuelson seconded.
Motion unanimously approved.
City of Menifee Veterans and Military Families Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2025 Page 3
9. COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT COMMENTS
Aisha Wilson, Community Services Coordinator, provided an overview of the upcoming Veterans services and special events being offered.
10. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS ON COMMITTEE ACTIVITES
Committee member Al Maybeno reported on the meetings and events he attended:
Veterans meeting at Sun City Family Restaurant
Vice Chair Linda Blanche reported on the meetings and events she attended:
City Council meeting, Community Partners, Veterans meeting at Sun City Family Restaurant, Interfaith Meeting, Planning Commission, and Operation Gratitude at Miller Jones Mortuary.
Committee member Darci Castillejos had no items to report on but highlighted the VFW Post in Perris is having a Colon Cancer Screening in October.
Chair Ed Samuelson reported on the meetings and events he attended:
City Council meeting and Veterans Day Planning Committee representing VFW Post 1956.
11. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS
No future agenda requests.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Ed Samuelson adjourned the meeting at 3:49 PM.
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Jasmine Monroe, Meeting Clerk