I have lived in the unincorporated area of Hemet for years, and my experience has been that the county takes excellent care of our community. Our streets are newly paved every three years, and I feel safe knowing that our law enforcement is under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff, whom we trust and respect. The unincorporated side is well maintained, encouraging a sense of pride and community among residents.

In stark contrast, the city-managed streets in Hemet show significant signs of neglect. Streets are riddled with potholes and wear so severe that they cause steering wheels to shake. This lack of basic maintenance raises a critical question: if Hemet struggles with the upkeep of city streets, what assurance do we have that they can manage more extensive responsibilities in our area?

Hemet's proposal to annex our unincorporated area is a disservice to residents who currently enjoy well-managed infrastructure and reliable law enforcement under the county. The allure of better services and community care simply doesn't exist based on the city's track record.

Moreover, the thought of transitioning to Hemet's police department from the Sheriff's jurisdiction worries many of us. We feel more secure and supported with the Sheriff serving our area, providing not only reliable law enforcement but also a crucial community relationship we've built over the years.

Annexation might increase the city's revenue, but at what cost to the residents' quality of life? We've chosen to live in our area because of the specific benefits and lifestyle it offers. We must protect our community from changes that provide no tangible benefits to us.

We call upon Hemet officials to reconsider the annexation plans and focus on addressing the existing city's shortcomings before expanding their responsibilities. Join us in standing up for our community's interests. Please sign this petition to stop the annexation of our unincorporated area in Hemet. Together, we can make a difference.