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Hemet Heritage Foundation / Hemet Museum presents “Hemet Economic Development Through the Decades”
By Benigno Sandoval | City of Hemet Economic Development Director
Monday, January 12, 2026
6:30 to 8:00 pm Doors Open at 6:00 pm
Hemet Historic Theatre
216 E. Florida Ave.
Drop off Guests in front of theatre
Parking on Florida, Harvard & Carmalita
The economic development of the City of Hemet, California, has transformed significantly since its founding, pivoting from an agricultural heartland to a diverse suburban center. Hemet's initial prosperity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was entirely driven by water and agriculture, particularly after the completion of Lake Hemet Dam in 1895, which allowed the cultivation of valuable crops like citrus, apricots, and later, potatoes. The mid-20th century saw a major shift as the city gained a reputation as an affordable retirement community, leading to the rise of mobile home parks and large-scale residential development through the 1960s and 1980s. In recent decades, Hemet has evolved into a more family-oriented working-class community, with its economic base shifting to sectors that support its growing population, such as Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Construction. Today, the city is actively pursuing strategies like the "Hemet RISES" initiative to revitalize its downtown, attract strategic investments like automobile dealerships, and diversify employment opportunities beyond its service-oriented base.
Benigno (Ben) Sandoval boasts a career spanning over 20+ years in Business, Economic Development, Marketing, Economics, Public Relations, and Workforce development. His academic journey led him to California State University, Domínguez Hills, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Public Relations. He also received a Certified Economic Developer from Fresno State University. This solid educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping his professional path. Throughout his extensive career, Ben has worked with thousands of businesses, offering business solutions that have significantly contributed to their growth and success. His expertise in identifying and implementing effective business strategies has made him an asset in the industry. His ability to understand the unique needs of each business, market trends, Labor Market Information and provide tailored solutions has earned him a stellar reputation. Currently, Benigno serves as the Economic Development Director for the City of Hemet. In this role, he continues to leverage his vast experience and knowledge to foster economic growth and development within the community.
* FREE EVENT - COMPLIMENTARY REFRESHMENTS
* DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM * HEMET MUSEUM UPDATE
* OPPORTUNITY DRAWING FOR GREAT RAFFLE PRIZES
* NEXT MEETING – FEBRUARY 9
* BECOME A HEMET MUSEUM MEMBER - JOIN OR RENEW $15
Sponsored by Hemet Heritage Foundation
Visit us on our website:
thehemetmuseum.org and Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thehistoricalhemetdepot
Hemet Museum is now open Fri, Sat & Sun 11 am to 3 pm
Historical Santa Fe Depot, 100 W. Florida Ave. or P.O. 334 92546 (951) 929.4409
The Hemet Heritage Foundation/Hemet Museum Board of Directors is grateful to the Board of Directors of the Historic Hemet Theatre
for graciously offering their beautiful building to hold our monthly meetings on the second Monday of each
month at 6:30 pm.
Visit their website at www.hemettheatre.org
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Historic Hemet Theatre, 216 E Florida Ave,Hemet, California, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
