Mayor Gives State of the City Address by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Mayor Gives State of the City Address

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
August 28, 2013 at 04:57pm. Views: 51

Moreno Valley is establishing itself as an Inland Empire leader, living up to its rank as the second largest city in Riverside County, said Mayor Tom Owings last Thursday. In the midst of protests last week staged outside the Moreno Valley City Hall and the recent resignation of Council Member Marcelo Co, Mayor Tom Owings led the State of the City, hosted by the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce, at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center last Thursday, Aug. 22. Captain Julius Murphy of the Salvation Army Moreno Valley Corps referenced the Bible, quoting from it, “… every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” Outside the center, opponents of the proposed World Logistics Center (WLC) handed out pamphlets just across the way from a parked truck decorated in posters imploring residents not to sign recall petitions. Captain Murphy went on, “Moreno Valley is a blessed city, but it’s also a hurting city,” he said. “We ask that through the City government, local churches, community organizations and agencies that you [God] bring healing, comfort, restoration, resources, and most of all, hope.” The audience watched a film about the City before Mayor Owings addressed the crowd. He did not discuss the recent calls for City Council recall or various claims of political corruption but instead discussed the strides he feels the City has made. “Our progress is real,” he said, “and the state of our city is striking, sound and strong. Moreno Valley is claiming its leadership role as the second largest city in Riverside County.” Owings said the city’s objectives included a balanced budget without using reserves, an increase of economic development, enhanced essential services and to move the city’s 11.8 percent unemployment rate to 0 percent. To help with these objectives, the City offers tiered utility rates, and a proposed Walmart Supercenter north of the Home Depot near Perris Boulevard and a Stater Bros. market in the northwest part of the city are helping to bring both jobs and revenue into the community, Owings said. “Moreno Valley’s revenue growth depends on sales tax, not on property tax,” he said. “High-volume, high-grossing facilities are vital.” “We won’t be satisfied until every one of those 10,600 unemployed residents has a job,” Owings told the group of hundreds. Other forces of change to improve the city include public safety costs, critical infrastructure, an increase in general fund revenue, higher graduation rates and business incentives, said Mayor Owings.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 432

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 484

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 402

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 269

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 431

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 584

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 563

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 600

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 415

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 355

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 610

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 298

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->