Hemet Rising Community Meeting on City Annexation: What Residents Need to Know

Posted: Saturday, July 26, 2025 — Meeting in Just Days

Hemet United (also known as Hemet Rising) has finally announced the long-awaited community meeting—but not without raising eyebrows. After being first mentioned in a Press-Enterprise article weeks ago, no details had surfaced… until now.

So what’s the problem?

📣 Late & Limited Notice

• The meeting announcement was posted Saturday, July 26 at 12:30 PM.
• The actual meeting is scheduled just 3 to 5 days from now, leaving families little time to:
  • Arrange childcare
  • Secure transportation
  • Adjust work schedules

For a “community” meeting, the outreach has been minimal at best.

💬 Where Was This Announced?

• Only posted on Hemet Rising’s Facebook page — a page with just 52 followers.
• A member of Hemet United/Hemet Rising shared it on a personal Facebook, but not publicly — meaning only friends can see it.
• Other key figures have not shared the announcement at all.

If this is meant to be inclusive and informative, why isn’t the event publicized across more platforms like:

• Instagram
• Nextdoor
• Reddit
• Community newsletters
• their website: hemet-rising.com
• Or even posted on the Hemet Theater’s social media, where a Hemet United/Hemet Rising member serves as a board member?

• Registration is required for the event. This is understandable to maintain capacity compliance. The form for registration raises privacy and bias concerns. The form requires ALL questions must be answered to register for the event. The red * means the question must be answered. If you don’t answer a question, you cannot submit, therefore not attend.

🔴 Here’s what you’re required to answer: (see below for the screenshots of the questions)

• Name & Email — Reasonable. Except for people who do not have email (Seniors).
• Phone Number & Address — Why? Many residents are concerned about unexpected calls or visits. This feels intrusive.
• Leading Questions — The form asks for comparisons between the surrounding cities and does not include Hemet as a choice. We all make typos, but Murrieta, not “Murietta”. Why are we being asked to rate our area’s image? Is this about community needs—or keeping up appearances?
• Bundled Issues — Questions leave no room to express nuanced concerns.
• Demographics — Age and “underserved” status are requested without a clear explanation of purpose. How are these questions being used?
• Limited Input — Attendees can only choose from pre-set options and must pick only one date to attend.
• Final Comments Box — This is the only relevant field for resident concerns.

🤔 Why This Matters

Hemet United/Hemet Rising is actively pursuing annexation of the surrounding unincorporated areas. This decision will impact thousands of residents. It will affect infrastructure, police, fire, garbage, Measure U and A, taxes, and representation.

If this is truly a community movement, why the lack of transparency and accessibility? Why gate-keep access through selective publicity and invasive forms?

🗂️ Want More Info?

Visit the blog archives for:

• Details on the annexation petition
• Public city documents
• Videos of the City Council presentation

Stay informed. Speak up. Your voice matters.

Sincerely,

Seeking Information