Menifee council meeting: teen awards, new committee appointee sworn in, public comments and holiday events

The Menifee City Council opened its meeting with community recognitions and announcements before turning to business. Michael Reinhart, community services supervisor, presented fall teen-award winners: Miley Lundstrom (All-Star Athlete), Malaya Hermosillo (Inspiring Academic) and Tori Winchester (Outstanding Citizen). The awards are sponsored by the Lake Menifee Women's Club, which provided $100 gift cards and a chance at a $500 'teen of the year' prize.

Gloria Sanchez, representing the interfaith and community service council, reported that the city's annual Thanksgiving meal program served more than 300 residents and included home-delivered meals, praising volunteers and sponsors. Jesse Sims, chair of the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce, thanked the city and invited council and staff to the chamber's awards gala, noting growth of "over 100 new businesses" in the chamber.

During public comment Moises Covarrubias raised concerns about "electronic harassment and government weaponization," describing alleged placement of Americans on watchlists and recommending outreach to elected officials and a website resource. Evelyn Richard thanked the city and volunteers for the Thanksgiving program and said she appreciated the organization and hospitality.

Council Member Temple introduced Yolanda Tanner to the Veterans and Military Families Committee, highlighted her 17 years in the Marine Corps and subsequent civil-service experience, and the council administered an oath and welcomed her to the committee.

City Manager Via asked to continue a separate item (Item 12.1) for 60 days to coordinate with Cal Fire, Riverside County Fire and the city of Paris; council set a date-certain return of Feb. 18, 2026. The council closed the meeting after reminding residents about the Menifee tree-lighting and parade scheduled for the weekend.

The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.