Residents press Hemet council for transparency as annexation petition sparks protests and questions

A contentious string of public comments at the Hemet City Council meeting on Aug. 12 focused on a petition-driven effort to annex surrounding county territory to the city—use of the names Hemet Rising and Hemet United appeared in multiple public remarks.

Dozens of residents asked the council for clearer public outreach, a formal information program and a pause on any annexation steps while the city addresses internal operational issues first. Speakers repeatedly said they had not received direct notice from the city and expressed concern that campaign‑style materials and meetings hosted by annexation proponents had created confusion.

“Is Hemet Rising part of the city? Do I live in the county or the city?” asked Jenny Hess, who described extensive street‑corner outreach in East Hemet and listed a long set of practical questions she said remain unanswered, including effects on rent rules, library services and road maintenance. “All these questions could be resolved by the city,” Hess said.

Safety, policing and process concerns

Several speakers raised public‑safety matters and accused the city and police of insufficient communication. Anthony Noriega, who identified himself as district…