Menifee, California
{{short description|City in California, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Menifee, California
| official_name = City of Menifee
| settlement_type = City
| image_skyline = Menifee, California City Hall.jpg
| image_caption = Menifee City Hall
| image_flag =
| image_seal = City of Menifee Seal.png
| image_map = Riverside County California Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Menifee Highlighted 0646842.svg
| map_caption = Location in Riverside County and the state of California
| pushpin_map = USA California Southern#California#USA
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the United States
| pushpin_relief =
| pushpin_label = Menifee
| coordinates = {{coord|33|41|27|N|117|11|06|W|region:US-CA|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{Flagu|United States}}
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_name1 = {{flag|California}}
| subdivision_type2 = County
| subdivision_name2 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Riverside County, California.png}} Riverside
| subdivision_type3 = Region
| subdivision_name3 = Southern California
| established_title =
| established_date =
| established_title2 = Incorporated
| established_date2 = October 1, 2008{{Cite web
|url=http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc
|title=California Cities by Incorporation Date
|format=Word
|publisher=California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions
|access-date=August 25, 2014
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017052413/http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc
|archive-date=October 17, 2013
}}
| government_type = Council-Manager
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name = Ricky Estrada
| leader_title1 = Mayor Pro Tem
| leader_name1 = Bob Karwin
| leader_title2 = City Council
| leader_name2 = Dean Deines
Ben Diederich
Daniel Temple
| leader_title3 = City Manager
| leader_name3 = Armando G. Villa
| unit_pref = Imperial
| area_total_sq_mi = 46.62
| area_total_km2 = 120.75
| area_land_sq_mi = 46.48
| area_land_km2 = 120.37
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.15
| area_water_km2 = 0.38
| area_water_percent = 0.30
| area_metro_sq_mi =
| elevation_footnotes = {{Cite GNIS|2497157|City of Menifee|access-date=May 22, 2015}}
| elevation_ft = 1424
| elevation_m = 434
| population_as_of = 2020
| population_footnotes = {{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US0646842|website=United States Census Bureau|title=Menifee city, California|access-date=November 13, 2021}}
| population_total = 102527
| population_est = 109399
| pop_est_as_of = 2022
| population_rank = 6th in Riverside County
57th in California
288th in the United States
| population_density_sq_mi = 2353.68
| timezone = Pacific
| utc_offset = −8
| timezone_DST = PDT
| utc_offset_DST = −7
| postal_code_type = ZIP codes
| postal_code = 92584{{ndash}}92587, 92596
| area_code_type = Area code
| area_code = 951
| blank_name = FIPS code
| blank_info = {{FIPS|06|46842}}
| blank1_name = GNIS feature IDs
| blank1_info = {{GNIS 4|252936}}, {{GNIS 4|2497157}}
| website = {{URL|www.cityofmenifee.us}}
}}
Menifee is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, and is part of the Inland Empire.{{cite news|title=How the Inland Empire Cities Got Their Names|url=https://www.californiacitynews.org/2022/01/how-inland-empire-cities-got-their-names.html|work=Californiacitynews|date=January 6, 2022}} Named after a local miner, Luther Menifee Wilson, it was settled in the 19th century, and incorporated as a city in 2008. Since then, Menifee has become one of the fastest growing cities in California and the United States.{{cite news|last=Palm|first=Iman|title=Despite economic uncertainty, several California cities ranked among America's top 'boomtowns'|url=https://ktla.com/news/california/despite-economic-uncertainty-several-california-cities-ranked-among-americas-top-boomtowns/|work=KTLA|date=December 7, 2022}}{{cite news|author=CBSLA Staff|title=Menifee, Chino among top 10 "boomtowns" in America|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/menifee-chino-among-top-10-boomtowns-in-america/|work=CBS News|date=December 2, 2022}}
The city is centrally located in Southern California in the Menifee Valley. It is almost {{convert|15|mi|km|}} north of Temecula and just north of Murrieta. Menifee is roughly {{convert|46|sqmi|km2|sigfig=1}} in size and has an elevation of {{convert|1424|ft|m}}. The incorporated City of Menifee includes the communities of Sun City, Quail Valley, and Romoland.
History
File:Luther Menifee Wilson.jpg
The area are the traditional lands of the Luiseño people, specifically the Pechanga band. In the 18th century, the area fell under Spanish rule and was ceded by Mexico to the United States in 1848 as a result of the Mexican–American War.
Farming, which began in the mid-19th century, was concentrated in the Menifee area. Mining began in the early 1880s with the discovery of a significant quartz lode by miner Luther Menifee Wilson, from whom Menifee derived its name.{{cite news|last=Love|first=Carl|title=Preserving memories of Menifee's past |url=https://www.pressenterprise.com/2012/01/07/preserving-memories-of-menifee8217s-past/|work=Press Enterprise|date=January 7, 2012}}{{cite news|last=Hunneman|first=John|title=Roots, mines ran deep in Menifee |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-roots-mines-ran-deep-in-menifee-2007dec17-story.html|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=December 17, 2007}} Wilson discovered a gold-bearing quartz ledge near present day Holland and Murrieta roads in 1883, and filed a claim with the San Diego County Recorder’s office for this new “Menifee” mine. At the time, the area was referred to as the Menifee Valley.{{cite news|author=Menifee History Museum|title=They Made Their Way to Menifee: Luther Menifee Wilson Came Seeking Gold|url=https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/cbb5e4bc-e2ba-46ab-aa40-e02ac47c3c2d/downloads/Made%20Their%20Way%20-%20Luther%20Menifee%20Wilson.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723222453/https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/cbb5e4bc-e2ba-46ab-aa40-e02ac47c3c2d/downloads/Made%20Their%20Way%20-%20Luther%20Menifee%20Wilson.pdf|archive-date=July 23, 2022}}
Early development of the Menifee area began with Sun City in the early 1960s, conceptualized as an active retirement community by Del Webb, a building contractor from Phoenix, Arizona. Webb also developed Sun City, Arizona, under the same concept. Sun City is located in the northwestern part of Menifee and features a mix of residential and commercial activity.
The Menifee area later grew during the late 1980s and early 1990s as a master-planned community. However, a lack of resources such as industry-oriented occupations and high-density retail and commercial businesses caused many residents to drive to cities such as Temecula or Murrieta to shop, dine, or work. In recent years, however, there has been substantial growth in Menifee, attracting many new residents from all areas of Southern California such as San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles, as well as other parts of the Inland Empire.
On June 3, 2008, the residents of the communities encompassing the Menifee area voted to incorporate together to form Riverside County's 26th city. The City of Menifee was officially established on October 1, 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofmenifee.us/index.aspx?nid=85|title=History - Menifee, CA - Official Website|website=www.cityofmenifee.us|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113045539/https://www.cityofmenifee.us/85/History|archive-date=January 13, 2022}}
Geography
The city of Menifee is bordered on the north, west, south and east by the cities of Perris, Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Murrieta, and the community of Winchester. The city center of Menifee lies at the intersection of Newport Road and Interstate 215.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city covers an area of 46.6 square miles (120.7 km2), 99.70% of it land, and 0.30% of it water.
The Menifee Hills are a ridge approximately 2 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, with a high point of 2,141 ft.{{cite web|url=https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/media/files/DNC%20853_Apr13%202023_Minutes.pdf|title=U.S. BOARD ON GEOGRAPHIC NAMES DOMESTIC NAMES COMMITTEE Eight Hundred and Fifty-third Meeting}} Bell Mountain is a 1,848 ft mountain located in Menifee.
=Climate=
{{climate chart
|Menifee
|39|68|1.78
|40|67|2.30
|44|72|0.74
|48|76|0.55
|54|83|0.19
|58|89|0.00
|65|97|0.16
|64|98|0.12
|60|94|0.09
|52|82|0.60
|44|75|0.86
|38|66|2.08
|source=weathercurrents.com/menifee
|float=right
|clear=right
|units=imperial
}}
Menifee has mild winters and hot dry summers.
- On average, the warmest month is August with an average high temperature of 99.1°, which ranks it as one of the hottest places in California.{{cite web|url=https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/ca/menifee|title=Menifee CA Climate|access-date=January 8, 2024}}
- The highest recorded temperature was {{convert|117|°F}} on June 20, 2016.
- On average, the coldest month is December.
- The lowest recorded temperature was {{convert|18|°F}} on January 1, 1976.{{cite web|url=http://weathercurrents.com/menifee/Archive.do|title=Archive Overview - Menifee, California Weather Summary|last=WeatherCurrents|website=weathercurrents.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}}
- The maximum average precipitation occurs in February.[http://www.weather.com Menifee, CA: Weather Facts] Retrieved April 20, 2009
Menifee has a Mediterranean climate or Dry-Summer Subtropical (Köppen climate classification Csa). Menifee enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 263 sunshine days and only 35 days with measurable precipitation annually of 12.51 inches of rainfall.{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=159227&refer= |title=Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Los Angeles, California, United States of America |publisher=Weatherbase.com |access-date=January 8, 2009}}
The period of April through October is hot and dry with average high temperatures of {{convert|83|to|101|F|C}} and lows of {{convert|42|to|66|F|C}}, though in the summer, temperatures can easily exceed 105 °F. The period of November through March is somewhat rainy, as shown in the adjacent table. At times, during the winter, large dust storms may form due to the large mass of humidity and low, flat land.{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com|title=National and Local Weather Radar, Daily Forecast, Hurricane and information from The Weather Channel and weather.com|access-date=August 31, 2017}}
Demographics
{{US Census population
|2010= 77519
|2020= 102527
|estyear= 2022
|estimate= 109399
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=November 13, 2021}}
}}
=2020 census=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Menifee city, California – Racial and ethnic composition !Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) !Pop 2010{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Menifee city, California|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US0646842&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=United States Census Bureau}} !{{partial|Pop 2020}}{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Menifee city, California|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US0646842&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=United States Census Bureau}} !% 2010 !{{partial|% 2020}} |
| White alone (NH)
|41,988 |style='background: #ffffe6; |44,973 |54.16% |style='background: #ffffe6; |43.86% |
| Black or African American alone (NH)
|3,630 |style='background: #ffffe6; |6,482 |4.68% |style='background: #ffffe6; |6.32% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)
|314 |style='background: #ffffe6; |390 |0.41% |style='background: #ffffe6; |0.38% |
| Asian alone (NH)
|3,597 |style='background: #ffffe6; |6,292 |4.64% |style='background: #ffffe6; |6.14% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH)
|262 |style='background: #ffffe6; |438 |0.34% |style='background: #ffffe6; |0.43% |
| Other race alone (NH)
|124 |style='background: #ffffe6; |548 |0.16% |style='background: #ffffe6; |0.53% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)
|2,053 |style='background: #ffffe6; |4,655 |2.65% |style='background: #ffffe6; |4.54% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race)
|25,551 |style='background: #ffffe6; |38,749 |32.96% |style='background: #ffffe6; |37.79% |
| Total
|77,519 |style='background: #ffffe6; |102,527 |100.00% |style='background: #ffffe6; |100.00% |
The 2010 United States Census{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0646842|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715031451/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0646842|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Menifee city|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}} reported that Menifee had a population of 77,519. The population density was {{convert|1,663.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of Menifee was 55,444 (71.5%) White (54.2% Non-Hispanic White), 3,858 (5.0%) African American, 655 (0.8%) Native American, 3,788 (4.9%) Asian, 296 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 9,642 (12.4%) from other races, and 3,837 (4.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 25,551 persons (33.0%).
The 2010 Census reported that 77,331 people (99.8% of the population) lived in households, 81 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 107 (0.1%) were institutionalized.
There were 27,461 households, out of which 9,729 (35.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 15,405 (56.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 2,743 (10.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,324 (4.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,348 (4.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 184 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 6,591 households (24.0%) were made up of individuals, and 4,153 (15.1%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82. There were 19,472 families (70.9% of all households); the average family size was 3.35.
The population was spread out, with 20,067 people (25.9%) under the age of 18, 6,460 people (8.3%) aged 18 to 24, 18,771 people (24.2%) aged 25 to 44, 17,571 people (22.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 14,650 people (18.9%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.9 males.
There were 30,269 housing units at an average density of {{convert|649.5|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}, of which 21,104 (76.9%) were owner-occupied, and 6,357 (23.1%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.1%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.8%. 58,330 people (75.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 19,001 people (24.5%) lived in rental housing units.
During 2009{{ndash}}2013, Menifee had a median household income of $54,903, with 10.3% of the population living below the federal poverty line.{{cite web|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0646842.html|title=Menifee (city) QuickFacts|access-date=January 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030071210/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0646842.html|archive-date=October 30, 2013|url-status=dead}}
Economy
=Top employers=
According to the city's 2024 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the ten largest employers in the city are:{{cite web|title=Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024|url=https://www.cityofmenifee.us/DocumentCenter/View/22187/2024-ACFR|website=City of Menifee|date=June 30, 2024|page=107}}
| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" |
| #
! Employer ! # of Employees |
|---|
| 1
|Mt. San Jacinto College District |1,604 |
| 2
|Menifee Union School District |1,505 |
| 3
|Romoland Elementary School District |793 |
| 4
|Menifee Global Medical Center |362 |
| 5
|348 |
| 6
| City of Menifee | 345 |
| 7
|United Parcel Service (UPS) |232 |
| 8
|189 |
| 9
|188 |
| 10
|140 |
Parks and recreation
File:Menifee Hills - May 2024.jpg
As of 2025, Menifee has 48 public parks, of which 22 are city-owned and 26 are Valley-wide owned parks.{{cite web|title=City of Menifee - Parks|url=https://www.cityofmenifee.us/285/Parks|access-date=16 February 2025}}
The {{convert|6|acre|ha|abbr=on|adj=on}} Action Sports Park in Menifee is the largest extreme bike park in Southern California.{{cite news|last=Vergara|first=Allyson|title=Extreme bike park now open in Menifee|url=https://www.pressenterprise.com/2022/11/21/extreme-bike-park-now-open-in-menifee/|work=The Press-Enterprise|date=November 21, 2022}}
As of February 2025, an amphitheater is being constructed in Menifee's Central Park.{{cite news|last=Spoon|first=Doug|title=Resident input sought on Menifee amphitheater|url=http://www.menifee247.com/2025/02/resident-input-sought-on-menifee-amphitheater.html|work=Menifee 24/7|date=13 February 2024}} It will serve as an entertainment venue for performers; the project will cost the city an estimated $6.1 million.{{cite news|last=Spoon|first=Doug|title=City breaks ground on $6.1 million amphitheater project|url=http://www.menifee247.com/2024/02/city-breaks-ground-on-6.1-million-amphitheater-project.html|work=Menifee 24/7|date=16 February 2024}}
Government and politics
| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:1em; font-size:95%;"
|+ Menifee presidential election results{{cite web|url=https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/prior-elections/statewide-election-results/|title=Statewide Election Results: California Secretary of State|website=sos.ca.gov}} |
| style="background:lightgrey;"
! Year |
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|2024{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/us/elections/2024-election-map-precinct-results.html|title=An Extremely Detailed Map of the 2024 Election|work=New York Times|access-date=16 February 2025}}
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|TBA |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|TBA |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|N/A |
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|2020{{cite web|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2020-general/ssov/pres-by-political-districts.pdf |title=Results |publisher=elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov |date=2020 |access-date=August 23, 2022}}
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|43.57% |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|54.71% |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.72% |
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|2016{{cite web|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2016-general/ssov/pres-by-political-districts.pdf |title=Results |publisher=elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov |date=2016 |access-date=August 23, 2022}}
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.55% |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|56.52% |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|4.93% |
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|2012{{cite web|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2012-general/ssov/pres-by-political-districts.pdf |title=Results |publisher=elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov |date=2012 |access-date=August 23, 2022}}
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|40.21% |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|58.04% |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.75% |
As of 2025, Menifee is a part of California's 41st congressional district, with Republican Ken Calvert serving as its representative.{{cite news|last=Wasserman|first=David|title=House Rating Changes: Calvert, Boebert Move from Lean Republican to Toss Up|url=https://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/house/house-overview/house-rating-changes-calvert-boebert-move-lean-republican-toss|work=Cook Political Report|date=20 July 2023}} In the California State Assembly, Menifee lies within the 63rd district and is represented by Republican Bill Essayli.{{cite news|title=Assemblyman Bill Essayli Ahead In 63rd District: Election Results|url=https://patch.com/california/lakeelsinore-wildomar/assemblyman-bill-essayli-ahead-63rd-district-election-results|work=Patch|date=November 2024}} In the California State Senate, it is part of the 32nd district and represented by Republican Kelly Seyarto.
Politically, Menifee is a Republican-leaning city.{{cite news|last=Yarbrough|first=Beau|title=Here are the new maps for Inland Empire legislators' districts |url=https://www.sbsun.com/2021/12/20/here-are-the-new-maps-for-inland-empire-legislators-districts/|work=San Bernardino Sun|date=20 December 2021}} It has voted Republican in the past four presidential elections (Romney in 2012 and Trump in 2016, 2020, & 2024).
=City government=
On June 3, 2008, voters elected to incorporate Menifee as a general law city. The new City of Menifee was officially established on October 1, 2008, and is the 26th city located within Riverside County. It was first governed by a five-member city council, with Wallace Edgerton as the mayor.{{cite web|title=Menifee has a history|url=http://www.menifeebuzz.com/news/item/1035-menifee-has-a-history|work=Menifeebuzz|date=May 13, 2014}} Edgerton was re-appointed mayor for a second term in 2009,{{cite news|last=Kabbany|first=Jennifer|title=MENIFEE: Edgerton named mayor for second year|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-menifee-edgerton-named-mayor-for-second-year-2009nov18-story.html|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=November 18, 2009}} and for a third term in 2010. {{Cite web |date=2010-12-07 |title=City of Menifee City Council Meeting Minutes |url=https://cityofmenifee.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/579 |website=cityofmenifee.us}}
In 2011, John Denver was appointed mayor by city council, after the city's people requested a change in leadership at city council meetings.{{cite news|title=John Denver Elected as the City's New Mayor|url=http://www.menifee247.com/2011/12/john-denver-elected-as-citys-new-mayor.html|work=Menifee247|date=December 7, 2011}}
In November 2012, Scott Mann was elected mayor;{{cite news|last=Surowski|first=Peter|title=MENIFEE: New mayor aims to change culture|url=https://www.pe.com/2012/11/23/menifee-new-mayor-aims-to-change-culture/|work=The Press Enterprise|date=November 23, 2012}} he was re-elected in November 2014. {{Cite web |title=Scott Mann, Scott Mann for Menifee Mayor 2014, Scott Mann for Menifee Mayor 2012, and Scott A. Mann – Campaign for City Council |url=https://www.fppc.ca.gov/enforcement/EnfDivCaseResults/stipulated-agreements/2016-sdo/december-sdo/scott-man-for-menifee-mayor-2014-scott-mann-for-menifee-mayor-2012-scott-a-mann.html |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=www.fppc.ca.gov}}
In 2016, Neil Winter was elected mayor, defeating Mann, who unsuccessfully ran for a third term.{{cite news|title=How Menifee is entering a new political era |url=https://www.pe.com/2016/12/08/how-menifee-is-entering-a-new-political-era/|work=The Press Enterprise|date=December 8, 2016}} Mann's FPPC violation of using campaign funding for personal funding was believed to have helped Winter to win the election.{{cite news|title=How Menifee mayor quit post in advance of handoff|url=https://www.pe.com/2016/11/22/how-menifee-mayor-quit-post-in-advance-of-handoff/|work=The Press Enterprise|date=November 22, 2016}} Mann resigned office early after being formally censured by city council, and Greg August served as acting mayor for 20 days until Winter was sworn in.{{cite news|title=Why the Menifee council censured mayor |url=https://www.pe.com/2016/11/03/why-the-menifee-council-censured-mayor/|work=The Press Enterprise|date=November 3, 2016}} During the 2016 election, voters also approved a measure to increase mayoral terms from two to four years.{{cite web|title=2016 General Municipal Election Results - Menifee|url=https://cityofmenifee.us/DocumentCenter/View/7842/2016-General-Municipal-Election-Results|work=City of Menifee|date=2016|page=2}}
On May 19, 2018, Mayor Winter unexpectedly died in office, due to an apparent heart attack.{{cite web|url=http://abc7.com/politics/menifee-mayor-dies-at-age-65/3499261|title=Menifee Mayor Neil Winter dies at age 65, city says|website=ABC7.com|date=May 20, 2018|access-date=October 26, 2022}} Councilwoman Lesa Sobek took up mayoral responsibilities as mayor pro tempore following Winter's death.{{cite news|author=City News Service|title=Menifee Mayor Neil Winter Dies at 65|url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/menifee-mayor-neil-winter-dies-at-65/47630/|work=NBC Los Angeles|date=May 20, 2018}} After 60 days, Bill Zimmerman was elected Mayor of Menifee in a 3-1 decision by the city council, on July 18, 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.pe.com/2018/07/19/bill-zimmerman-is-picked-as-menifees-new-mayor/|title=Bill Zimmerman picked as Menifee's new mayor|date=July 19, 2018|work=Press Enterprise|access-date=September 15, 2018|language=en-US}} In November 2020, Zimmerman was re-elected to serve a four-year term as Mayor.{{cite web|url=https://voteinfo.net/Elections/20201103/docs/ElectionSummaryReportRPT_mhtml.htm|title=Official Semi-Final Election Results Consolidated General Election County of Riverside|date=November 6, 2020|work=Voteinfo.net|access-date=November 7, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Mayor Bill Zimmerman - City of Menifee|url=https://www.cityofmenifee.us/681/Mayor-Bill-Zimmerman|work=City of Menifee|access-date=July 23, 2022}} In November 2024, Ricky Estrada was elected mayor;{{cite news|last=Spoon|first=Doug|title=Registrar certifies election; Estrada wins by 368 votes|url=http://www.menifee247.com/2024/12/registrar-certifies-election-estrada-wins-by-368-votes.html|work=Menifee247|date=3 December 2024}} and was sworn in on December 17.{{cite news|last=Spoon|first=Doug|title=Estrada becomes Menifee Mayor; Temple, Karwin also sworn in|url=http://www.menifee247.com/2024/12/estrada-becomes-menifee-mayor-temple-karwin-also-sworn-in.html|work=Menifee 24/7|date=17 December 2024}}
Public Safety
In 2024, Menifee was ranked among the 20 safest cities in California.{{cite news|last=Edwards|first=Rebecca|title=California’s Safest Cities of 2024|url=https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-california/#list|work=Safewise|date=8 April 2024}} For 2024, Menifee's violent crime rate averaged 2.4 per 1,000 people (compared to 4.2 state average and a 4.0 national average); while it's property crime rate averaged 14.0 per 1,000 people (25.3 state average and 20.7 national average).
In June 2019, the City of Menifee voted to end its contract with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and create its own police department.{{cite news|title=Menifee City Council Officially Establishes the Menifee Police Department|url=https://www.cityofmenifee.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2626|work=City of Menifee|date=21 June 2019}} The Menifee Police Department officially launched in July 2020.{{cite web|title=HISTORY OF MENIFEE PD|url=https://menifeepolice.org/history-of-menifeepd/|work=Menifee PD|access-date=16 February 2025}} In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Menifee Police Department accounted for 23.3% of the city's budget ($27.5 million).{{cite news|title=Menifee Has One of California's Youngest Police Departments|url=https://www.kvcrnews.org/news/2023-05-17/menifee-has-one-of-californias-youngest-police-departments|work=KVCR|date=17 May 2023}}
The City of Menifee contracts for fire and paramedic services with the Riverside County Fire Department through a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE.{{cite web|url=http://rvcfire.org/about-us/service-area|title=Service Area|website=rvcfire.org|access-date=August 31, 2017}} There are four fire stations in Menifee and each station has a paramedic engine company, and there is one medic patrol unit out of Fire Station #7 to assist with call volumes, as Station #7 is the 10th-busiest station in the nation. The Menifee Lakes station also has a truck company located there with specialized equipment for large structural fires.
Paramedic services are provided by American Medical Response, whose South Riverside Headquarters are located in Menifee.
Education
Elementary and middle school level education in Menifee is provided by the Menifee Union School District and Romoland School District in separate sections; the former serves much of Menifee as well as parts of Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and Murrieta, and the unincorporated community of French Valley. High school students attend school in the Perris Union High School District for grades 9-12,{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st06_ca/schooldistrict_maps/c06065_riverside/DC20SD_C06065.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Riverside County, CA|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|page=2 (PDF p. 3/6)|access-date=2024-10-04}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st06_ca/schooldistrict_maps/c06065_riverside/DC20SD_C06065_SD2MS.txt Text list] which includes Paloma Valley High School, Heritage High School, and Liberty High School.
Menifee is also home to the Menifee Valley Campus of Mt. San Jacinto College, which serves the Temecula, Murrieta and Menifee areas and is known as the fastest-growing community college in California. There, students can take the classes necessary in order to transfer to four-year college institutions. The community college also has an award-winning nursing program for those wanting to become Registered Nurses. {{Cite web |title=Menifee Valley Campus {{!}} Mt. San Jacinto College |url=https://www.msjc.edu/locations/Menifee-Valley-Campus.html |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=www.msjc.edu}} The MSJC Nursing Department has pathways from MSJC directly to Loma Linda Medical Center, Menifee Valley Medical Center, Temecula Valley Hospital, and Inland Valley Medical Center. University of Massachusetts Global has opened on the MSJC campus to offer Menifee its first four-year college.{{cite web|title=Higher Education in Menifee|url=https://www.umassglobal.edu/about-umassglobal/campus/menifee|work=umassglobal.edu|access-date=August 10, 2022}}
=K-12 schools=
{{colbegin|colwidth=22em}}
- Boulder Ridge Elementary{{cite web|title=Romoland School District - Schools Directory|url=https://www.romoland.net/Page/35|work=Romoland.net|access-date=July 23, 2022}}
- Callie Kirkpatrick Elementary School
- Chester W. Morrison Elementary School
- Evans Ranch Elementary School
- Freedom Crest Elementary School
- Harvest Hill STEAM Academy
- Harvest Valley Elementary
- Herk Bouris Elementary School
- Mesa View Elementary
- Oak Meadows Elementary School
- Quail Valley Elementary School
- Ridgemoor Elementary School
- Romoland Elementary
- Southshore Elementary School
- Táawila Elementary School
- Bell Mountain Middle School
- Ethan A. Chase Middle School
- Hans Middle School
- Kathryn Newport Middle School
- Menifee Valley Middle School
- Paloma Valley High School
- Heritage High School
- Liberty High School
- Santa Rosa Academy
- Bear River Student Center
{{colend}}
=Universities and colleges=
Infrastructure
=Transportation=
==Roads and highways==
The primary routes in Menifee are Interstate 215 and Newport Road/Dominegoni Parkway. Scott Road, McCall Boulevard and Ethanac Road are also primary east–west travel streets in addition to State Route 74, which runs through the northern part of the city; Murrieta, Bradley, Haun, Antelope, and Menifee Roads are the main north–south thoroughfares. Improvements to the interchange at I-215 and Scott Road were completed in 2020.{{cite web |title=Scott Road/Interstate 215 Interchange Project - FAQs |url=https://cityofmenifee.us/DocumentCenter/View/6882/FAQS |publisher=City of Menifee |access-date=October 26, 2019}} Other road improvements, such as a new interchange at Garbani Road and an overpass at Holland Road, are anticipated in the coming years.{{cite web |title=Long Term Planning / Upcoming Projects & Capital Improvement Program |url=https://cityofmenifee.us/248/Long-Term-Planning-Upcoming-Projects |website=City of Menifee Official Website |publisher=City of Menifee |access-date=October 26, 2019}}
==Public transportation==
Menifee has bus routes and Dial-A-Ride stops throughout the city to enhance mobility. RTA Routes 27, 40, 61, and 74 directly serve the Menifee area, linking it to other nearby cities including Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, and San Jacinto. Metrolink serves the area via the 91/Perris Valley Line, which ends at the South Perris Station, just north of the Menifee city limits.{{Cite web |url=http://www.perrisvalleyline.info/ |title=Perris Valley Line | Home |access-date=December 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616053957/http://perrisvalleyline.info/ |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Metrolink has proposed an extension along existing railroad tracks through the northeastern corner of the city to Hemet,{{cite news |last1=Descant |first1=Skip |title=Metrolink extends to Moreno Valley |url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/money/business/tourism/2016/05/13/metrolink-extends-moreno-valley/84347242/ |access-date=December 20, 2018 |work=The Desert Sun |date=May 13, 2016}} though it is unknown whether there will be a station in Menifee.
=Health care=
Emergency medical services in Menifee are provided by the 84-bed Menifee Global Medical Center, which is a licensed acute care hospital. It opened in 1989 and is located on McCall Boulevard in the northeastern part of the city.{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://kpchealth.com/menifee-global/ |website=Menifee Global Medical Center |publisher=KPC Health |access-date=September 9, 2022}}
=Water=
The city is provided water by the Eastern Municipal Water District. A desalination plant in the city treats underground water to produce drinking water.{{Cite news |last=McMillan |first=Rob |date=June 29, 2022 |title=New water desalination plant in Menifee will provide 15,000 homes with clean groundwater |url=https://abc7.com/amp/menifee-desalination-plant-water-conversation-groundwater-sun-city/12004715/ |access-date=June 30, 2022 |work=ABC7}}
Notable people
- Tony Burton - Actor{{cite news |date=February 29, 2016 |title=Obituary: Tony Burton, film actor |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/obituary-tony-burton-film-actor-1481787 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419191901/https://www.scotsman.com/news/obituary-tony-burton-film-actor-1481787 |archive-date=April 19, 2022 |work=The Scotsman}}
- Larry Fortensky - Construction worker and seventh husband of Elizabeth Taylor{{cite news|last=Dixon|first=Cyril|title=Family squabble over £360m legacy from Liz Taylor|url=https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/245911/Family-squabble-over-360m-legacy-from-Liz-Taylor|work=Express.co.uk|date=May 11, 2011}}
- Fernando Gonzalez - MMA fighter
- Steve Lamson - Motocross racer{{cite news|last=McCabe|first=Nick|title=Where Are They Now - Steve Lamson|url=https://racerxonline.com/2014/06/30/where-are-they-now-steve-lamson|work=RacerXOnline|date=June 30, 2014}}
- Phyllis Love - Actress
- Benny Mardones - Singer{{cite magazine|last=Unterberger|first=Andrew|title=Benny Mardones, 'Into the Night' Singer-Songwriter, Dead at 73|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/benny-mardones-into-the-night-dead-73-9402923/|magazine=Billboard|date=June 29, 2020}}
- Mike Metzger - Motocross rider{{cite web|title=ESPN X GAMES VIII MEDAL WINNERS Philadelphia, 2002|url=http://www.espneventmedia.com/uploads/application/XGAMESVIIIMEDALWINNERS.pdf|access-date=October 29, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425092553/http://www.espneventmedia.com/uploads/application/XGAMESVIIIMEDALWINNERS.pdf|archive-date=April 25, 2012}}
- Jamal Morrow - Football player
- Audie Murphy - Soldier, actor, and songwriter{{cite news|title=Audie Murphy- a man of great accomplishment, part of our Menifee History.|url=http://www.menifeebuzz.com/item/856-audie-murphy-a-man-of-great-accomplishment-part-of-our-menifee-history|work=Menifee Buzz|date=December 14, 2013}}
- Matthew Orzech - Football player{{cite news|last=Klein|first=Gary|title=Matt Orzech makes big hike from Azusa Pacific to Super Bowl with Rams|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2022-02-07/rams-long-snapper-matt-orzech-first-azusa-pacific-player-super-bowl|work=Los Angeles Times|date=February 7, 2022}}
- Nia Sanchez - Model and Miss USA 2014{{cite news|author=The Press-Enterprise|title=MENIFEE: Miss USA goes back to school|url=https://www.pe.com/2016/04/27/menifee-miss-usa-goes-back-to-school/|work=The Press Enterprise|date=April 27, 2016}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category|Menifee, California}}
- {{Official website|www.cityofmenifee.us}}
{{Geographic location|Centre = Menifee
|North = Perris
|Northeast = Nuevo
|East = Winchester
Homeland
|Southeast = French Valley
|South = Murrieta
|Southwest = Wildomar
|West = Lake Elsinore
Canyon Lake
|Northwest = Perris
}}
{{Riverside County, California}}
{{Inland Empire}}
{{Greater Los Angeles Area}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Menifree, California}}
Category:Cities in Riverside County, California
Category:Populated places established in 2008