Calimesa mayor cites strong reserves, library use and major transportation design costs at State of the City

Mayor Linda Molina delivered the City of Calimesa’s State of the City address at a luncheon hosted by the Calimesa Chamber of Commerce, outlining completed projects, current initiatives and funding challenges while saying the “state of our city is one of strength and optimism.”

Molina said the city completed a second round of pavement management this year with “over $2,000,000” invested and that the work was funded using American Rescue Plan Act money, Measure A and the city’s general fund. She said the city has modernized permitting with an online portal and will be the first city in western Riverside County to receive a rebate through the Inland Regional Energy Network after making energy-efficiency upgrades to city hall and the senior center.

The mayor highlighted the new county-owned Calimesa library, calling it a “crown jewel” for the community: the facility is more than twice the size of the previous library, and Molina said it logged more than 6,000 material checkouts and more than 3,000 visitors in its first full month. She thanked Riverside County officials and local advocates for advancing the project.

Molina said the council approved a re-entitlement for the Summerlin Ranch project, a multi-year process tied to the Oak Valley Specific Plan; she said the action did not add homes but made the project “more efficient and implementable.” The city renewed economic-development work with Cosmont Companies and plans to represent Calimesa at the ICSC Western Conference in Palm Springs to meet developers and retailers.

On parks and recreation, Molina said construction continues on an expansion of Fourth Street Park (to be renamed Mountain View Park) and that the project will add four new pickleball courts, walking trails and open lawn space. She asked the community to watch for grand-opening details.

Molina said the Century Valley Boulevard/Cherry Valley Bridge interchange is nearing the end of its design phase and that the city expects full plans and cost estimates by year’s end, “about $70,000,000.” She said funding remains the principal challenge and that city officials have engaged federal representatives and a consultant to pursue grants and other sources.

The mayor described the city’s fiscal position as deliberate stewardship: staff expanded the reserve policy and Molina said reserves now “stand at more than 70% of annual general public operating expenses.” She framed that level as balancing long-term replacement needs with ongoing investments.

Public safety and operations updates in the address included ongoing partnership with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (Cabezon Station), continued direct fire services provided by the Calimesa Fire Department (formed in 2018), and a six-member public works team that maintains streets, storm drains and traffic signals.

Molina closed by announcing a strategic-plan update: the council received 14 proposals from consultant firms and will select one to lead an update of the community’s five-year roadmap adopted in 2020. She urged residents to participate in outreach opportunities when they are posted.

Senator Rosalie Ochoa, who introduced remarks earlier in the event, urged civility in public life and said “words matter,” a theme she tied to leaders’ responsibility when engaging the public.

Upcoming community events noted during the program included the City Hall tree-lighting on November 21 and the Calimesa Christmas parade on December 6.

Votes at a glance: none reported. No motions or formal council votes were recorded during the luncheon presentation.

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